Back Pack Essentials

Infographic from the Backpacker Checklist on OutdoorPros.com

The Swedish Log Candle

The Swedish Log Candle

Waterfowler's Notebook: Off-Season Scouting

Waterfowler's Notebook: Off-Season Scouting

Meat For The Freezer

We haven't done a lot of hunting this year but we finally got to go and my son got a doe which will help stock the freezer. He made a very clean shot and I was glad because it was getting a little frosty. He was very excited and to make the day even better we had bought his first pistol earlier in the day so it was a very good day. I haven't shot at anything for several years and in fact I don't even carry a rifle but seeing the excitement he gets from hunting is better than killing a big buck.

First Buck

My son has been hunting with me for several years and we have had a great time and he has killed two does, but wasn't able to see a buck. It finally happened, he killed his first buck! He was a very excited little boy and it was a great day. He had never even seen a buck in the woods and he took advantage of the opportunity with a single shot.

The buck was a big bodied dear but the antlers were stunted; however it was a buck and made a little boy very happy. The shot was a little off from where he was aiming, but it dropped in its tracks to it was effective. Everything came together perfectly for the first hunt of the year. We have meat in the refrigerator and the pressure is off to kill a buck.

Getting Ready for Hunting Season

Cool weather means hunting season is just around the corner. It is important to check out all your equipment to ensure a safe hunting season. One of the most important things to check is your tree stand. Cord and ropes can rot and chains can rust. It may also be time to move a stand based upon the new travel patterns of the deer. There are many more things to check but many hunting injuries occur because of tree stand incidents therefore checking tree stands is crucial.

It is also a good idea to make sure the guns are in good working order and of course make sure those scopes are set correctly. You certainly don't want to miss a shot due to the scope being off. A little target practice can be a good idea as well. Due to the high price of shells, some general shooting with a 22 can help hone your skills but some shots with your hunting rifle is also important.  Taking shots from different positions is important because deer don't always show up at just the right spot for an easy shot.

Many more things need to be done and future articles will mention these things but it is never too early to prepare. Of course fish are also biting so windy, rainy days are good times to prepare for the upcoming hunting season.

Following a Blood Trail

If you have ever deer hunted you have probably tracked a wounded deer. Here is a good article to help you. Click here for the article.