Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Trail shoes offer the support and protection your feet need when your travel route veers off grid. (Run 4 FFWPU/Pexels/)

There are many different ways to get in shape for hunting season or improve your fitness at any time of year. Few training methods can approximate the terrain encountered in the outdoors as well as trail running. But this specialized activity requires unique footwear. You wouldn’t want standard waffle trainers for trail work anymore than you’d lace on a pair of hiking boots for the weekend 10K race. If you are considering taking up trail running to boost your stamina in the field, consider these traits of a bona fide trail-running shoe.

Stride Support

The thing that sets a trail shoe apart from a regular shoe is its ability to prevent rolled ankles and bruises. (Adidas/)

Uneven, rocky terrain is the home turf of a committed trail runner. That comes with hazards such rolled ankles and stone bruises. A dedicated trail shoe should have more beef to it than a regular road shoe. Just be sure that the shoe platform conforms to the pronation of your gait (over-, under- or neutral) to enhance stability and reduce the likelihood of a turned ankle.

Durable Construction

The thing that sets a trail shoe apart from a regular shoe is its ability to prevent rolled ankles and bruises. (Salomon/)

While there are a number of minimalist trail-running shoes on the market, athletes new to the activity are better off with a stout shoe that will not only offer the support they need but also will stand up against the demands of the trail.

Chainsaws are amazing tools but can cause serious injuries if someone doesn’t take safety precautions. (Jimmy Chan/Pexels/)

Anyone who lives the outdoor lifestyle will likely at some point end up with a chainsaw in their hands. That may include regular chores around the home or being pressed into service with someone else’s saw when shorthanded at camp. Either way, safety is paramount, and the less experienced one is with a chainsaw, the higher the risk of injury from kickback, flying wood chips, and other hazards. Other than a pair of cut-proof chaps, the best protection you can own is a helmet with a full-face shield. To ensure your safety when felling trees or processing firewood, look for these features in chainsaw helmet.

Protect Your Ears

Any chainsaw operator should use a helmet that protect the head, ears, eyes, and face. (TR Industrial/)

Protecting vision and hearing at the same time is easy with a forestry helmet that includes integrated earmuffs. An interchangeable mesh visor will keep you cool on late summer days, and the more comfortable the helmet is the more likely you are to wear it.

Protect Your Eyes

If possible, wear a facemask that keeps out dust and other flying debris while you’re cutting with a chainsaw. (Honeywell/)

An anti-fog coating on the surface of a full-frame face shield will make the helmet as useful for indoor work as it is for chainsaw duty outdoors. Woodworking with power tools, using a metal grinder or lathe, and other construction tasks all come with the risk of eye injury. The lower the face shield, the better the protection for the entire face, chin, and throat.

Even if you’re not running out of storage space in your garage, a small shed is great for housing garden tools or other things you use outside.

Adequate storage is an issue in most homes of average size. Space becomes even more of a premium for sportsmen trying to warehouse all of the toys, tools, and gadgets of the modern outdoor lifestyle. Short of offloading some inventory (never!), the only option is to add storage. For those lacking the time or experience to frame up a shed of their own, a prefabricated building is likely the best solution. Here are a few ways to think about using a mail-order storage building.

Small (4’x6’)

If you have just a few things to store, a small shed is easy to set up and not as much of an eyesore for your neighbors. (Keter/)

Sheds in the 4-foot by 6-foot range are perfect for hanging rakes, shovels, and other handled lawn equipment. They can serve as a kid’s playroom, a potting shed, or even a coop for laying hens. A small resin-fabricated shed is a simple way to add just a small amount of covered storage where lawn space is at an absolute premium.

Medium (8’x10’)

Even a moderately-sized shed can go a long way when it comes to storage space. (Keter/)

For storing power tools, lawn equipment, fertilizers, feed, and other bulky items, look for a shed in the 8-foot by 10-foot range. That’s the size at which you’ll have room to begin thinking about the structure as a shop as much as a shed.

This isn’t your grandad’s underwear. (Adidas/)

The hunting and fishing world may not be the first place one looks for fashion advice, but the oldest question in men’s apparel is just as relevant in the outdoors as it is on the job or in school. Are you a boxers or briefs kind of guy? Like Ford versus Chevy, or DeWalt versus Makita, the answer basically comes down to personal preference. But regardless of style, your most intimate apparel should have the same properties as any other base layer. So, ditch the “tighty-whities” and cotton boxers and complete your layering system with underwear worthy of the world-class athlete that you are. Here’s what to look for in a quality sport brief.

Breathability

Synthetic material blends will do a better job keeping you comfortable than organic materials like cotton. (ExOfficio/)

Just like “there ain’t no good chain gangs,” there aren’t any easy elk or pushover 10-pointers, either. Hunting is hard, physical labor, and your undergarments need to breathe just as well as any other layer. Fortunately, breathability and moisture wicking are usually found in the same, uh, package. Underwear made from blends of polyester, Spandex, and Lycra will do the best job of keeping you cool and dry.

Four-Way Stretch

If you plan to hike and hunt, materials that don’t restrict movements are a must. (New Balance/)

Hiking the backcountry or climbing into tree stands requires maximum mobility. Look for a brief with four-way stretch to keep vital components in place while also allowing you the range of motion needed to get wherever the trail leads.

A temporary shed can keep things like boats, vehicles, and other large equipment protected from damaging elements like UV rays or hail. (ShelterLogic/)

In an age where we can receive virtually anything in a box by mail, why should an extra garage be any different? That’s right, if you are short on storage space but don’t want to build a framed shed to protect a recreational vehicle, truck, lawn equipment, ATV, or other vulnerable gear, a mail-order canvas shed may be just the right solution. They can be used for anything from a pavilion for outdoor gatherings to a temporary livestock shelter and are more affordable and easier to erect than a hard-walled or Quonset hut. Here are a few features to consider.

Fabric Quality

If you need an easy to set up, temporary shelter, a polyethylene canopy is likely the most economical way to go. (ShelterLogic/)

The most economical shed covers are made of polyethylene, which is basically utility tarp material. That means it is not puncture proof or invulnerable to deterioration from the sun’s UV rays. But a polyethylene material with rip-stop construction and some sort of UV-protective coating will ensure you get the longest life possible out of the shelter.

Frame Construction

When it comes to the shed frame, aluminum is lightweight, but steel is stronger. (Quictent/)

Aluminum is inherently strong for its weight and mass, making it ideal for structures such as tents and outdoor storage. But a canvas shed with powder coated steel members will be stronger and last longer. Be sure you have a quality cordless drill and metal bits on hand during the set-up.

A reciprocating saw can take the place of several specialized saws used to cut wood and metal. (Dewalt/)

Of all the tools we consider essential to the sporting experience, a cordless reciprocating saw probably isn’t one of them. But the same versatility that makes the “sawzall” ubiquitous in construction trades makes it just as useful to the outdoorsman. Here are a few reasons to keep this do-all tool handy around camp or in the field.

Game Processing

A reciprocating saw can help you save time and energy if you’re processing a lot of meat. (Dewalt/)

Breaking down big game from deer to elk is easier with a meat saw, and it’s even simpler with a cordless reciprocating saw. Remove shanks, separate halves, and even cross-cut bone for fast and efficient processing. Blades are generally cheap, so keep a few different styles (metal, wood, multi-purpose) on hand and experiment to determine what works best for your processing needs.

Pruning

A cordless, electric saw is a huge asset if you’re clearing limbs or brush. (Milwaukee/)

When hand sawing thick limbs and branches takes too long and a chainsaw is overkill or too noisy, a cordless reciprocating saw may offer just the right blend of power and quiet efficiency to get stands raised, brush in blinds, or complete any number of other pruning tasks that are necessary before the hunt.

A bivy tent provides full protection while you sleep, which is a comfort quality you won’t find sleeping under the stars or a tarp. (Snugpak/)

If there is any outdoor pursuit more challenging and rewarding than heading into the backcountry for an extended wilderness adventure, it’s taking on that same challenge alone. Solo hunting, fishing, and camping require a higher level of woodsmanship compared to going with a group. Self-reliance is inherent, and proper gear essential. Unless you plan to sleep under the stars, shelter is about the most important equipment decision to make. A lightweight, one-person tent is a great all-around option. It may weigh more than a tarp but sets up in a snap and offers 360-degree protection from the elements rather than just a rain fly. Here are a few features to consider before heading down that lonesome trail.

Weight

If you’re traveling solo, pack weight is an important consideration, so get the lightest, most durable tent you can afford. (ALPS Mountaineering/)

The general rule of backpacking is that each person should carry about 2½ to 3 pounds of tent gear. But when solo trekking, it’s hard to get that shelter weight down without limiting yourself to a tarp or bivy bag or paying top dollar for a truly ultralight tent. Mid-priced solo tents generally weigh in the range of 3½ to 4½ pounds.

Number of Poles

Pay close attention to tents with additional features as this can often mean more added pack weight. (Kelty/)

A one-person tent typically has two poles. They will either cross at the apex of the tent dome or form arches over the torso and foot bed. A tent with any more poles than that, such as for a gear vestibule, should be carefully evaluated for the benefits of having extra room and stability versus the cost of added weight and set-up complexity.

New deer hunting opportunities on three Sundays is great, but the state should look to expand all hunting opportunities on Sunday. (John Hafner /)

Pennsylvania deer hunters have reason to celebrate after lawmakers have done away with a “blue law,” which prohibited hunting on Sundays in the Keystone State for more than 100 years.

Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to sign the law, which will allow hunters to hunt one Sunday during rifle season, one Sunday during archery season, and one Sunday to be determined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The law also requires hunters to have written permission to hunt private land on Sunday (oral permission is fine on the other six days of the week.)

Of course, it’s still up to private landowners to decide whether to allow hunting on their property.

Sunday deer hunting has been illegal in Pennsylvania since the 1800s, although there are exceptions for coyotes, foxes, crows and non-commercial game preserves. Blue laws date back to a time when lawmakers thought it was appropriate to encourage people to attend church on Sunday instead of partaking in outdoor activities. In modern times, the law makes it pretty tough on deer hunters who work during the week, essentially giving them only one day to hunt. It also makes it more challenging to get kids into hunting, who often have organized sports on Saturdays. Pennsylvania gun deer license sales decreased by 6 percent from 2012 to 2016, according to a report by [American Hunter.](https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2019/5/25/western-and-southeastern-states-defy-hunting-s-national-decline/)

Change often comes slowly in the political process and rolling back Pennsylvania’s blue law was no exception. Some of the opposition came from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, which said Sunday hunting should be banned to prevent trespassing:

Traction mats prevent vehicle tires from spinning in snow, mud, or wet sand. (Maxsa Innovations/)

It doesn’t matter whether you drive a high-clearance pickup or an electric golf-cart—if it has four wheels and a motor, it can get stuck. One of the easiest ways to prevent bogging down is to always carry a pair of traction mats. These handy, nestable pads provide a layer of extra-rugged tread between the ground and the tire to give you just enough traction to pull out of the stickiest spots. They are lightweight and easily store in the trunk of any car or behind the seat of a truck. Here are a few situations where they are indispensable.

Off-Road

Traction mats can help you get unstuck if there’s nobody around with a tow strap or winch. (Maxsa Innovations/)

Off-road and overland enthusiasts have long known the value of packing traction mats on every excursion. From the desert to the deer woods, they are an ace in the hole for getting unstuck when there is no one else around to assist with a tow strap or winch.

Beach Driving

Partially deflate your tires before using a traction mat for the best results. (Maxtrax/)

There are two rules for beach driving. The first is to partially deflate your tires to prevent spinning in soft sand. The second is to carry traction mats. When you are spinning in sand up to your lug nuts with no driftwood, rocks, or other solid material around, a pair of traction mats are worth their weight in gold.

A solid pair of kitchen shears can help you get through tough-to-cut materials like cardboard or even bird bones. (KitchenAid/)

A pair of kitchen shears is the multi-tool of any kitchen, serving a wide variety of tasks from cutting butcher’s string for binding a roast to spatchcocking a whole chicken or grouse. They are also useful in the field for processing tasks, such as de-winging a game bird (think pheasant) or breaking down tough critters like squirrels. Consider these features when looking to add an indispensable item to your culinary and wild-game utensil drawer.

Wide-handle Grip

Kitchen shears are built stronger than traditional scissors for tackling tough cutting jobs. (KitchenAid/)

From the blade to the handle, a pair of kitchen shears is stouter than regular household scissors. The blades can withstand more pressure for cutting through cartilage and even small bones, therefore the handle should be wide and sturdy enough to apply that force without hand fatigue or bruising.

Spring Loaded

A pair of spring-loaded scissors means easier work for your hands. (OXO/)

On a heavy pair of shears, spring-loaded handles make it easier to manage the tool without fumbling. Because kitchen shears are prone to gathering more food particles and grime, look for blades than can be separated and tossed into the dishwasher individually.

Having a paddle that’s meant for your kayak, experience level, and the conditions can make all the difference in the world. (Overmont/)

Kayaking is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the outdoors. The feeling of independence and intimacy with a lake, river, or bay is something not found in a power boat or even paddling tandem in a canoe. Choosing a paddle that matches your boat, experience level, and budget can be confusing. Pay attention to these three criteria when shopping for some waterborne self-propulsion.

Shaft Material

An aluminum paddle is lightweight, but not as light as paddles with carbon shafts. (Bending Branches/)

Aluminum paddles are economical, durable, and usually two-piece construction. That makes them easy to stow in a hatch-back or kayak hull during transport. An aluminum paddle is perfect for entry level or flatwater paddling on lakes and rivers. Just make sure the grip section is coated so that the aluminum doesn’t stain your hands. If you are looking to reduce weight, a carbon fiber paddle is the lightest option. They are more expensive, but for those who rack up a lot of nautical miles, the reduced weight is worth the added cost.

Paddle Length

If you paddle a wide kayak, a long paddle is better, but if your vessel is narrow, a paddle with a short shaft is what you want. (Best Marine and Outdoors/)

Choosing the right paddle length is generally a function of two things: your kayak’s beam, or width, and your height. Broader boats, such as those preferred by kayak anglers, require a longer paddle, while the narrow beam found in a touring or sea kayak calls for a shorter length. Secondly, paddle length increases with an individual’s height and reach. Beyond that, the vessel’s seat height and a kayaker’s personal paddling style (flatter versus more vertical strokes) influence paddle length. The flatter the stroke angle relative to the surface, the longer the paddle required to make solid contact with the water.

Stakes are inexpensive but invaluable in the field, so carry a few extras if you can and use them for other tasks besides locking your tent in place. (Eurmax/)

Most tents come with a set of stakes. But they are easily lost, bent, or fouled in some way that makes owning a few replacements a good idea. However, not all stakes are equally suited to the same scenarios. A backpacking stake isn’t going to do much to keep that canvas canopy from blowing away at the family picnic, just like a steel tent “nail” isn’t the best choice for a one-man bivy in the backcountry. The following stakes are affordable and versatile enough to cover a wide range of camping and shelter scenarios.

All-Around

Simple aluminum stakes are inexpensive and are able to hold a tent down in the strongest winds. (Eurmax/)

Round aluminum stakes are a good choice for multi-purpose stakes. They offer most of the strength of a solid tent stake or nail at a fraction of the weight.

Heavy-Duty

If you’re worried about bending a stake while pounding it through especially (Eurmax/)

There’s nothing more frustrating when setting up camp than driving a tent stake only to have it bend under the blow a hatchet butt or rock. While not a good choice for backcountry travel, a solid steel tent nail will handle anything you can throw at it while car camping or setting up large canopies, tarps, and other shelters that need a solid ground anchor.

A youngster with a coyote he took with a .17 HMR. (Ron Spomer/)

The lowly .22 rimfire is the world’s oldest, most popular, and least expensive rifle cartridge. But it’s not very fast, flat shooting, or powerful. Three other rimfires are: the .17 HMR, .17 WSM, and .22 WMR. But which of the three wins the ballistic battle? Which shoots faster, flatter, harder, and deflects less in the wind?

(From left) .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, and .17 WSM (Ron Spomer/)

Here are typical measurements for each. They don’t tell the whole story, but get us in the ball park:

.22 LR, High Velocity, 40-grain bullet: 1,250 fps, 139 ft-lbs muzzle energy.22 WMR, 40-grain JHP, 1,910 fps, 324 ft-lbs ME.17 HMR, 17-grain V-MAX, 2,550 fps, 245 ft-lbs ME.17 WSM, 20-grain, 3,000 fps, 400 ft-lbs ME

As most students of ballistics know, initial bullet velocity and energy dwindle downrange. Some faster than others. And downrange is where performance matters. So let’s examine these three magnum rimfires in detail. Then you can decide which might be right for your needs. Let’s start with an interesting bit of history…

.22 rimfire ammunition is now readily available—and inexpensive. (Ron Spomer/)

In The Beginning…

The .22 rimfire cartridge was born around 1845 when a Frenchman, Flobert, stuck a BB atop a then-new percussion cap and fired it. Yes, the primer alone provided the power, which wasn’t much, but adequate for indoor target shooting.

A good pair of hunting gloves should protect your hands from the elements without interfering when the moment of truth arrives. (Hot Shot/)

When the weather turns wet and cold, the three most important clothing accessories are a hat, dry socks, and warm gloves. Missing any one of them quickly makes a bad situation worse. When it comes to hunting big game, your decision on what glove type to wear is mostly determined by the expected air temperature and your style of hunting. Here are a few variations of hunting glove types that should cover most big-game hunting situations.

Mittens

Hand mittens retain the most heat around your hands compared to fingered gloves. (Hot Shot/)

For the ultimate in cold-weather protection, a mitten provides the most warmth but with the least dexterity. Keeping your fingers together inside mittens helps share body heat between digits, making this style of glove a great choice for long sits in a late-season blind or stand. Pro tip: wear a thin glove liner so that when you slip off the mitten to shoot or perform other dexterous tasks your fingers are still protected from bitter cold.

Full-Fingered

Some full fingered gloves come with textured fingers so you can still use touch screen GPS devices or smartphones without taking the gloves off. (Kryptek/)

A full-fingered glove is great for still hunting or when hiking, where you may make occasional stops to tighten a pack, check a GPS, unshoulder your rifle, or grab a snack on the go. Some full-fingered gloves are light and sensitive enough for trigger work; just be sure to practice while wearing them before hitting the woods.

Climbing sticks or steps make it easy to get in and out of a treestand, though you should always wear a safety system to prevent accidents from happening. (Lone Wolf/)

When it comes to bowhunting white-tailed deer, hang-on treestands are one of the best ways to stack the odds in your favor. They are lightweight, portable, and compact, and when hung in advance of a hunt make slipping in and out of your stand virtually noiseless. But hang-on stands have one disadvantage: They require a separate climbing system. Fortunately, there are a plethora of options for ascending safely and quietly, ranging from modern climbing sticks to traditional screw-in steps. Here’s how to know which system is right for you.

Climbing Sticks

Climbing sticks are often available as individual components so you can buy as many or as few as you need to set a treestand at a specific height. (Lone Wolf/)

Climbing sticks are state-of-the-art in hang-on stand technology. Sold as sections of three or four steps per stick, they allow hunters to ascend with a minimum of stick placements. With some systems, the bottom step can be dismounted at the end of every hunt if you are concerned about someone climbing into or stealing your stand. They are practically as stable as screw-in steps but bulkier, even though they will usually nest together for transport. Despite the expense, climbing sticks are probably the most popular system on the market today.

In addition to three-and four-piece hanging systems, climbing sticks are also sold as full-length sets meant to join together and lock onto the tree for rock-solid ascent. Full-length climbing sticks are less portable but a great option when your stand is, say, on the edge of a game trail or a field and may only need to be moved a short distance once or twice to zero in the hunting range.

Strap Steps

Even a small awning can provide enough protection from the sun, wind, and rain. (ARB/)

The experience of car camping, beach driving, and off-roading are all enhanced by extra shelter in the form of a vehicle awning. Similar to an RV or sun porch awning, the retractable fly furls or folds out of the way when not in use and deploys in minutes at your camp or picnic site. If you put a lot of miles on the road and break often to rest, cook, or just relax in the outdoors, a vehicle awning adds a whole new level of comfort, shelter, and privacy.

Coverage Area

A vehicle awning should be adjustable so you can angle it where you need the most protection. (Rhino Rack/)

Most vehicle awnings mount on the perimeter of a roof-rack system so that they remain aerodynamic during travel. But different models offer varying amounts of coverage ranging from 90 to 270 degrees. Some also have the option to attach one or more side shelters to partially or even fully enclose the awning against the elements.

Waterproofing

If you expect to encounter rain, make sure your vehicle awning is waterproof. (ARB/)

Some awning materials are marketed as waterproof, while others are not. If you live in an arid environment like the desert southwest, where shade is more important than protection from rain, having a waterproof fabric may not matter. In unexpected rainstorms, angle a non-waterproof awning downward to promote drainage and minimize leaking.

The great thing about cooking spices is they’re organic, inexpensive, and a great gift for anyone learning their way around the kitchen. (McCormick Gourmet/)

Participating in hunting and fishing is a personal evolution for any outdoorsman. But wherever one’s sporting motivation originates it eventually reaches the culinary stage, in which the “to the table” part of the process is equally or more important than the “from the field” part. Improving your skills in the kitchen is the best way to invite others into your personal sporting journey. For that, you need an array of basic spices and an understanding of how to pair it all with the most common game dishes. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Start with Salt and Pepper

Some spices work better when added in small quantities. (Spicewalla/)

No matter what herbs and spices you decide to add, salt and pepper are still the two main ingredients that draw out the inherent flavor of any dish. One of the best seasonings you can add to properly aged venison loin is nothing more than a light coat of extra-virgin olive oil followed by a liberal rubdown with Kosher salt and fresh-ground black pepper. Grill medium rare, let rest for five to ten minutes under loose foil, and you may never add another ingredient to your grilled backstrap again.

Play by Ear, Cook by Taste

The difference between a good cook and a great cook is one’s ability to improvise with ingredients. (Kamenstein/)

Recipes are essential for learning the basics of building flavors, but the best cooks are scratch cooks—those who possess that learned ability to grab just about anything from the fridge and spice rack and compose a delicious meal without relying on sheet music. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and improvise. Review a recipe (or several) and then improve on them at your pleasure.

Modern trolling motors are loaded with features, including the ability to motor along a route you plug into a computer.

Trolling motors have come a long way since the days of that old tiller-drive unit hanging off the transom of Grandpa’s leaky john boat. In addition to increased power and efficiency, many are now GPS-enabled, integrating state-of-the-art navigation technology into one of angling’s most essential tools. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your trolling motor, now is the time to consider what GPS adds to the equation.

Lock on Fishing Spots

The best feature of a GPS trolling motor is its ability to keep your boat in one spot where the fishing action is hot. (Minn Kota/)

Perhaps the most useful feature of a GPS-enabled trolling motor is its ability to hold you on a productive spot automatically. No more tapping foot pedals or constantly fiddling with the remote. Lock onto your spot, focus on the fishing, and let those eyes in the sky do the rest.

Record Paths

Because a GPS trolling motor can record routes, you can fish the same productive routine you fished yesterday, or the year before. (Motorguide/)

Whether pre-fishing for a tournament or just returning to a productive location, a GPS trolling motor can record a path across the water and then retrace it on a return trip. This allows you to duplicate the exact course taken on your most successful days on the water.

Insulated lunch-sized coolers are an inexpensive and ideal for keeping foodstuffs organized and cool (or warm). (Carhartt/)

Not every trip afield requires toting a full-size cooler into the woods. Sometimes you just need a few hours of refrigerated storage to keep a sandwich, beverage, or munchies from spoiling. A small “six-pack” cooler is the perfect solution, great for stashing in a canoe or in the bow of a kayak for a half day paddle or evening session after work. Here are a few styles to choose from.

Dual Compartment

A well-insulated lunchbox will keep cold meals cold and hot meals hot for extended periods of time. (MIER/)

Whether you are trying to keep beverages cold on a job site or meals hot in the ice-fishing shack, insulation is insulation. A lunch box with separate compartments can do both at the same time, keeping your drinks cool and your meals at serving temperature all in the same place.

Freezable

If you really want to keep your beverages or snacks cold, freeze the entire lunchbox the night before you pack it. (PackIt/)

Ice is the best cooling source, but it melts and gets sloppy. Freezer blocks are convenient, but they don’t stay cold as long as ice. So, how about freezing the entire cooler? Just fold it up and pop it in the freezer overnight, and the walls of the cooler itself will keep your food or drinks cool for hours.

Electronic clay throwers are easy to operate and a lot of fun if you’re shooting with friends. (Champion Traps and Targets/)

It’s not always convenient or economical to belong to a private sporting clays club. But electric target throwers allow you to set up a one-man range anywhere there is room to safely practice. They’re a great way to hone your shooting skills in the off season or get in a little tune-up work between waterfowl or upland hunts. Look for these features when considering an investment in your own home range.

Recycle Speed

If you prefer fast and furious shooting, make sure the thrower you buy has a fast recycle speed. (Do-All Outdoors/)

The rate at which a thrower can launch successive birds is important if you are trying to shoot doubles. Look for a recycle speed in the range of 1.75 to 2.5 seconds for all-purpose shooting.

Portability

Clay throwers with wheels are easy to transport. (Champion Traps and Targets/)

A clay thrower is a relatively heavy piece of equipment, ranging anywhere from about 45 to 125 pounds. Even on the low end, that’s a handful. Throwers with integrated wheels make it easier to move the machine from place to place on the range or in storage.