Hunting Tours

Hunting: Be Sure to Get the Trophy You're Looking For

2008-04-18T01:18:00.000-07:00

There are few things more disappointing than for a hunter to wait all year for an expensive hunt, spot his game, estimate it as a prize, shoot it, and then come up to find that he has downed a scrawny trophy.

Game Size and Hunting Area

Perhaps the biggest difficulty in assessing the size of big-game animals has to do with the area which produces the game. A game animal is largely a product of what it eats. With many species, the ranting of the young produces later adult animals of small size. This is especially true of deer. Antler development is determined by the incidence of certain minerals found in the game area. Deer need forage from a region high in limestone deposits if the antlers are to reach prodigious size.

Methods of Judging Game

Despite the difficulties, there are ways of appraising game before it is shot. With observation and practice, these ways will pay off, and any hunter can become reasonably adept in using them.

Two of the best tools for estimating game are binoculars and a spotting scope. With them solidly set up, the hunter or guide can often make a fair judgment of the size and desirability of game at great distances. This not only saves time spent in wasted stalking, but prevents disappointment after the kill.

Such pre-assessment should, if possible, be done in advance of the stalk. Game will be farther away, it is true, but will often be standing or slowly moving. It is hard to estimate game breaking cover at close range. Under such a situation, the hunter has to make up his mind awfully fast.

Antelope

Antelope are among the smallest of North American big game. There is a basic rule in antelope estimation - horns always measure less than they appear. This illusion is augmented by the habitual appearance of mirages in antelope country. Mirages, by their very nature, tend to extend any standing animal's height.

The basic method for appraising any big game's headgear is to compare the antlers or horns with the beast's body size. The antelope hunter who does this, and knows in advance the dimensions of an adult antelope, will come fairly close in his estimation of horn length - as long as he doesn't let the factor of desire affect his judgment.

Adult male antelope average 34 inches long and stand 36 inches high. Hog-dressed bucks will lose an average of twenty-seven per cent in weight. As an example, two of the biggest bucks checked at a nearby station for a 1960 Idaho special antelope hunt weighed 90 and 95 pounds respectively. That meant a live weight of 123 and 130 pounds.

In today's hunting, a 15-inch antelope is considered mighty good. Most good trophies will be in the 13-inch class. A 13-inch buck should have horns which appear to be at least one-third the animal's body length.

Mule Deer

Because of their variation in size between areas, deer are hard to estimate as to antler dimensions. First, the hunter should predetermine if the general run of animals in the region he wishes to hunt is large or small for the species. Then, as with other game, a comparison of the headgear may be made with the beast's body size.

One thing I've come to look for when sizing-up trophy mule-deer bucks is the amount of width between the antler and the body, as seen when the beast faces either away or towards me. Big muleys in many western areas will have a rump width of around 18 inches, hair and all. If, as the animal faces away, there appears to be half that much width between antler-and-body on the outside, then it is in the 30-inch class. This trick is most useful when hunting in snow, as such a space shows up well.

Sizing the game you are hunting should be made a lot easier with these tips. Good hunting!

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Hunting--Be-Sure-to-Get-the-Trophy-You-re-Looking-For/154242

Put Down the Rifle - Pick up a Compound Bow

2008-04-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Compound bow hunting can provide a new challenge to the avid hunter who is looking for something a little different. The hunter who has mastered the art of using a rifle will love the thrill of learning to hunt in an exciting new way.

The bow has long been used to hunt game all the way back to the Indians. It has been used successfully for hundreds of years, maybe even longer. But it has changed drastically over time as Man has discovered ways to make the bow stronger and more accurate, it's design sprouting in many different ways.

The modern compound bow has evolved to make the use of the weapon easier for the hunter. Engineering has advanced over the past few decades to make bows as functional as ergonomic as possible. They are easier to carry into the woods, and in many cases lighter than most rifles used today. Bow hunting brings back some of thrill that is lost after years of rifle hunting. A hunter must use skills that may not be necessary for hunting with rifle. You must be closer to your prey and probably use some of those stalking skills that you know. It gives some of the advantage back to the animal.

Think of the adrenaline rush you'll get! Slowly pulling back on that bow string, (which is much quieter than releasing the safety on a gun) tracking your prey, holding your breath, waiting for just the right moment, than whoosh! You got him! And with a compound bow!

Not a rifle.

Not everyone can hone the skill needed to use a compound bow right away. That's the challenge. Remember the fun you had when your were learning to hunt with your rifle? All that practicing. The excitement even when you didn't bring down your prey at first? The determination that you had when target shooting? Well, take a stab at hunting with a compound bow and you'll get all that back. Hunt the way they did in the past and you'll fall in love with hunting all over again!

Compound bows have their competitions too, with tradition ranging back all the way to the Middle Ages. Target contests are huge event around the country that are great places to meet new people and learn. Many bowhunters participate so they can place their man-made trophies (some very impressive looking) next to their animal trophies, giving an impressive environment to any hunter's home.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Put-Down-the-Rifle---Pick-up-a-Compound-Bow/149842

How To Locate and Track Game

2008-04-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Finding where the game is located in hunting country is far more dependent upon an understanding of its basic characteristics and traits than upon an ability to follow each consecutive hoof mark in a trail.

An experienced hunter in strange country can often take one good look around and estimate fairly well just where any game is apt to be. And by climbing the first big ridge in that area he can also tell what species is there and its approximate abundance. Such skill is not based on magic or exceptional vision but on past experience and close observation.

PATTERNS OF MOVEMENT

Here are generalizations which will help the beginner:
Generally game is found higher in summer than in late fall and winter. Game goes high in hot weather to escape heat and insect pests. Also, summer feed is more abundant higher up than in the parched regions below.

An early fall brings game down sooner than a late fall. A sudden violent storm also tends to move most game downward, just as clearing weather tends to move it upward.

The largest males of most species are found at the upper peripheries of their range. When traveling in a band, the biggest males ordinarily come last, with the females and small animals ahead. This applies to elk, deer, antelope, caribou, and moose.

Most game feeds in the early morning hours and again at dusk, either bedding down, shading up, or moving to slightly higher elevations during midday. Feeding game will normally be more in the open than will resting game. All game common to wooded country likes "edge" country - that is, areas where foliage meets meadows and similar clearings. Browsing and grazing feed grows better where there is more sunlight, and the edge country offers immediate cover for concealment if enemies appear.

Detecting Spoor

In order to survive, game animals must continue to do fundamental things. They must eat, excrete, rest, reproduce, dodge enemies, and remain within a habitat suitable for their species.

Any time game moves it leaves certain evidences which inform its enemies of its whereabouts. It must do so for its own survival and reproduction. As an example, the minute traces of scent which deer leave upon brush from the metatarsal musk glands during the fall rut tell passing bucks where the does are.

The "flashing" of an antelope, caused by raising its white rump hairs, can be seen with the naked eye for two miles or more in bright sunlight. It tells the hunter and predatory coyote where the antelope band is located, but it also alerts other antelope of the danger.

Tracks

In any tracking, the first necessity is to identify the spoor. The novice looking at the hoofs of such medium game as antelope, sheep, goats, and deer, is apt to say that they all look the same. There are, however, detectable differences; and these differences are not so much in the shape of the hoofs, as in the way the different animals strike the earth when walking or running.

The resulting imprint, with its often minute differences in shape and contour, gives the observing hunter his cue to the animal's identity. Often the type of country helps to corroborate this. Tracks that only looked like deer tracks, in flat desert country might well be antelope tracks. And those big blunt "buck" tracks, far up in the crags and intervening alps, might prove to be a ram's tracks. The terrain does help to identify the spoor.

Excreta

The dung of game animals is another fine way of identifying a species. Briefly, the kernels of deer dung are dark brown, almost black, are usually individually separated, and are about the size of a little fingertip. They are blunt on one end, sharp on the other, like a filbert.

Antelope dung is similar but smaller.
Elk dung is also dark brown with individual kernels which are almond shaped and elliptical, about the length of the first section of an index finger and about s inch in diameter.

With time and experience, these aspects of hunting will become second nature to you.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/How-To-Locate-and-Track-Game/151964

Should You Go On A Hunting Safari In Africa?

2008-03-28T13:32:00.001-07:00

Some people go on safaris in order to enjoy the sights of nature, others to enjoy the outdoors in exotic locations. Still, others like to combine the two with their love of hunting. Traditionally, hunting safaris in Africa was the main draw and the source for the traditional look you'd expect from these, with khaki clothes, pith helmets, and all. For those who are looking for a new experience while hunting, a safari in Africa may be just what you need, though there are many things to consider.

The Animals

Years ago, you might go on a hunting safari in Africa expecting to bag a lion, or perhaps an elephant with some huge tusks. But due to the endangered status of many African animals, those sorts of safaris are merely a thing of the past. Still, you can expect to hunt exotic creatures like the kudu and the impala while on a hunting safari in Africa. And while you won't be allowed to shoot at any lions, for those looking to hunt tougher game, you can shoot a cheetah or leopard for your trophy.

The Guides

Most packages for hunting safaris in Africa include a personal guide, which can be a valuable asset for hunters. African game animals have plenty of natural predators to watch out for, so an experienced hunter can make the difference between a trophy and a miss when you're going after one of these highly-aware animals. Many companies that offer hunting safaris in Africa also give a guarantee that you'll get a trophy, since they're so confident in their guides. And best of all, even if you don't bag any game while out hunting, you'll still basically have your own personal guide; most hunting safaris in Africa consist of one or two guides and one or two customers.

The Cost

One thing that you do need to keep in mind while planning a hunting safari in Africa is that they do cost a lot of money. In order to prepare for such a trip, you would need to get a passport, immunize yourself against local diseases in some cases, and ship appropriate clothing and equipment to your destination country. And then, once you've bagged an animal, you often have to pay trophy fees; most hunting packages include a few in the cost, but only for specific animals. If you bag a leopard, for instance, you'll have to pay a hefty fee on top of what you've already spent. This can rapidly add to the cost of your trip. However, if you're willing to pay the cost, then a hunting safari in Africa might provide the unique hunting experience that you've been looking for.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Should-You-Go-On-A-Hunting-Safari-In-Africa-/148502

The Best Hunting Knife for You

2008-03-28T12:08:00.001-07:00

Before you head out to hunt your deer or wild turkey or whatever is in season, you need to decide on a hunting knife. Which knife is best for you? That depends on if you want something lightweight such as a folding knife or something sturdy and robust like the fixed-blade knife. Being prepared is what hunting is all about and having the right hunting knife is part of being prepared.

Folding Knives

Folding knives are more compact and easier to carry with you as you go along through the woods. Fixed-blade knives are sturdier and larger which adds to the safety of the overall knife. You must figure in their weight when calculating your packing and hiking materials. Do you want to carry something that heavy?

If you decide on a folding hunting knife, there are two options here. You can have a dedicated folding hunting knife, which means you only use this knife for hunting. It's best for butchering and field dressing. If you butcher your own animal then you need a knife that easily allows you to remove the hide. If you are only concerned with dressing the animal and allowing someone else to butcher it, then you don't need such a big hunting knife.

Fixed Blades

If you've decided on a fixed-blade knife, the same two options apply. Are you going to get a dedicated fixed-blade knife and only use it for butchering and field dressing or are you going to get a multipurpose knife that you can use for other things while you are camping and fishing? Let's say you only do the field dressing and let someone else do the butchering. You would choose a hunting knife that is more of a general purpose hunting knife and can multi task instead of only being used on the animal.

Hunting Knife Uses

If you are going camping and fishing and a multitude of other things you will need to do with your hunting knife, then we recommend an all-purpose hunting knife. This will allow you to field dress you animal, cut the line on a tangled fishing wire, cut the rope of the tent if needed and a host of other things. Whereas if you were just going hunting and field dressing and butchering your animal, you would want to go with a straight hunting knife.

Choosing the Best Hunting Knife for You

Two important things to remember when choosing your hunting knife and that are the handle length and the blade length. When you grip the handle, you should have approximately one-quarter inch on each side of your hand. This space allows for maximum comfort, especially when using the knife for extended periods of time. The length of the blade is usually preferred to be no longer than 4 inches long.

Blade Material

You might want to consider the blade material when choosing your hunting knife. Many blades are made of stainless steel to help prevent rust. Others are made with carbon steel because it makes sharpening the blade easier. Then there is the titanium nitrate coated on the blade to make it harder and sharpening easier. However, this requires a lot more care on your part.

Handle materials are also important when choosing your hunting knife. Traditional wood handles provide grip and is pleasing to the eye, other manufacturers wrap their handles with a tape to give you a better grip. There is now the rubber handle with texture that adds to your grip and the folded hunting knives are usually plastic and have a molded grip that comes with texture for a more durable handle and gripping comfort.

Hunting knives can have straight edges, serrated or hooked edges. It depends on what you are hunting and what your taste in knives is before you can clearly choose which knife you want. There are many places to shop for hunting knifes, on-line, the big sports super store or the department stores. Take your time and make sure you get the hunting knife that you are comfortable with and are going to be able to use. You don't want to get out in the woods and be stuck with a knife you can't use.

Last, but not least, make sure to check the tang before purchasing hunting or any knife. The tang is where the blade of the knife goes all the way into the handles of the knife and goes to the bottom. This gives the knife more stability and helps prevent breaking of the knife when you are using it constantly and heavily for something.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/The-Best-Hunting-Knife-for-You/148497

Rifle Shooting Tip: Sighting In Your Rifle

2008-03-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Zeroing your sight on your rifle should be something you do during regular maintenance of your rifle. You'd be surprised how it drifts from zero, especially if you are transporting your rifle or if it gets bumped around. Take the time to zero your sight whenever you go to the practice range or arrive at your hunting site.

If you are on an extended hunting trip, you may want to recheck your sight every few days, as trudging through the wilderness can also affect your sight. If you are on horseback, this is more important, and if your rifle is tossed among your gear in the back of a pickup, it is even more important to recheck your rifle occasionally. If you're out hunting and you miss a shot that you think you should have gotten, that is another clue that you may need to adjust your sight.

What is zeroing your sight? You are aligning the crosshairs in your sight so they point where your gun barrel points. If you notice that you've got your target lined up just right in the crosshairs and your shot still misses its mark, your sight is off. With practice you'll be able to zero out your sight easily.
Choose a practice target about 25 yards away. Fire two or three shots, then examine where they hit. Are they close together? If they are within two or three inches, you are ready to adjust your sight. Adjust your rear sight in the direction you want to shoot. So, if you are shooting high, lower it. If you are shooting to the right of the target, move the rear sight to the left.

If you have a scope, adjust your crosshairs in the direction the scope tells you. For example, if you are shooting high and to the right, turn the screws "down" and "left" the correct amount of clicks. Now aim and shoot another two or three shots. Continue to repeat this process until your sight is aligned properly with your shot. To fine tune your rifle sight, once you may want to try again at 100 yards. Once you get the hang of this, you'll be able to do a really fast check to see if you're zeroed out properly, and you'll be able to align it quickly and easily.

If you just want to make sure before you take your shot, it is worth the cartridge to check it out at some point along the trail. Knowing that your sight is accurate will give you more confidence when your target comes into view.

Like anything else you are learning with your rifle, practice makes perfect. Spending the time to learn the ins and outs of using your rifle will make you a better hunter, and make your hunting trips more enjoyable, since you are more likely to return home with a good catch. Practice on your own and with other hunters. You can also learn tips from seasoned hunters that will help you be more efficient when it comes to adjustments and maintenance required on your rifle.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Rifle-Shooting-Tip--Sighting-In-Your-Rifle/139859

Rifle Shooting Tips: 3 Tricks to Better Marksmanship

2008-03-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

You can sum up in a single word what you need to become a successful rifle hunter: practice. From learning to track an animal to making an accurate shot, practice is the key to everything.

If you're new to rifles and hunting, start with the basics. Learn how to clean your weapon and how to keep it in optimal condition. Practice this so your rifle is ready when you are. Learn how to use your rifle. Learn how to load the ammunition, aim, and prepare for the kill. Practice. Take instruction from a marksmanship instructor if possible. You will learn many tips this way to use your rifle, and the regular practice will make it second nature to you. Learn how to deal with the recoil and the noise of the rifle. Work with it enough that you won't flinch when it happens.

Practice your shooting. You want to be confident in your ability to handle the gun, and in your ability to hit what you're aiming at. Shooting ranges are perfect for this. Practice shooting until you are confident in your abilities.

Practice trigger control. You can set up your body and your rifle for the perfect shot, and it will all be for naught if you don't have trigger control. Jerking or anticipating at the last minute will ruin it every time. Practice until you have developed the right technique for your rifle, because every one is a little different. Go to a shooting range or set up a private range of your own if you have an empty field.

Practice your shooting positions. What will happen if the only way you can get that elk is by lying down on the ground and you've never done it before? Most likely, the elk will get to live another day and you'll go home disappointed. Practice, practice, practice. You can practice positioning yourself quickly anywhere... even your living room. Just make sure if you are practicing with your rifle to make sure it is unloaded. Accidents happen, and thinking you'll be safe just this once won't make it so.

Practice your breathing and relaxation when you set up for a shot. If you can't get to a shooting range, visualize every step you take to aim and get ready to shoot, and practice the breathing and relaxation needed for a steady shot.

Practice setting your scope and checking it for accuracy. If you rely on your scope and it has gotten out of whack, you won't hit your target. Practice this skill until you do it automatically.

Practice your kill shot. Don't wing an animal so it is injured but able to lose you in the forest. Know the best spots to aim for, and be able to set up the shot in moments. Your first shot should either be fatal, or close enough that your second shot is all that is needed to finish the job.

Practice shooting until you can call your shots. If it went off to the left, you should be able to tell. If it went too low, you should know that too. By practicing enough year round, you will ensure your success in hunting season.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Rifle-Shooting-Tips--3-Tricks-to-Better-Marksmanship/139662

Becoming An Efficient Wild Duck Caller

2008-03-26T04:33:00.001-07:00

There is no such thing as a born wild duck caller because it takes lots of practice in order to become an efficient caller. Fortunately, anybody from any location can become a good wild duck caller with the proper training and patience. Calling wild duck is a very important aspect for wild duck hunting because if properly done, it can greatly improve the overall hunting efficiency of the hunter. Of course, in order to become a good wild duck caller, every hunter needs to follow some basic wild duck hunting tips:

Purchasing a high quality call - it doesn't matter how well prepared is the hunter or how skillful he is regarding the procedure of calling wild ducks, without using a good call all the efforts are useless and the wild duck hunting experience won't be fruitful at all. As far as wild duck calls is concerned the expression : " you get what you pay for " is entirely true. A high quality wild duck call will allow the hunter to produce the entire range of sounds that a hen mallard produces. These calls will also allow the hunter to make these sounds time after time and also year after year that is why experienced hunter recommend future wild duck hunters not to get cheap when it comes down to purchasing a call.

Imitating the wild duck sound ( duck call operation ) - the next order of business is about the ability of the hunter to sound just like the wild duck which means that the hunter needs to learn how exactly he can operate a wild duck call so that he will sound just like one. The key elements in this step are practice and patience because without these two parts, nothing noticeable will be accomplished. The very first thing to do is to start with the basics and get the hang of them before moving to more complex operations. Speaking of the basics, the first things to learn are the quack and the feeder chuckle and these two are considered the foundation for the rest of the calls done with the wild duck caller. A very important advice that is brought by experienced hunters and wild duck callers is to practice the entire year, not just before the wild duck hunting season starts.

Observing the birds and adapting the calling style - the last important step to becoming an efficient wild duck caller is to learn how to read the birds. The hunter will be chasing these animals in many different conditions which means that the hunting style needs to adapt to the hunting environment. After learning all the basics, what the hunter needs to do is to master call cadences and tempos. This will help the hunter to sound more like a wild duck ( instead of sounding like a person that is using a wild duck call ). Due to the fact that not all wild ducks sound exactly the same and they also don't have the same tempo or volume, the goal is to sound like a lot of different wild ducks. This is possible only if the hunter masters cadence, volume variations and the tempo.

All things considered, learning how to be an efficient wild duck caller isn't a very hard thing to do but it requires a lot of practice, patience and a good call. Besides all these, searching for some wild duck hunting tips will surely increase the chances of becoming an efficient wild duck hunter/caller.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Becoming-An-Efficient-Wild-Duck-Caller/140039

Rifle Shooting Tips: Choosing the Right Time to Fire

2008-03-24T09:35:00.001-07:00

You should choose your shot carefully. Ideally, you want to drop your target with the first shot. But you also need to decide when a shot is good enough you may wait for the perfect shot that never comes and you'll miss out entirely.

Of course, everyone would love to get that perfect broadside shot, where the deer stands perfectly still, giving you a lot of time to set up your shot before squeezing the trigger and downing the deer with a perfect shot through the lungs and heart. Unfortunately for hunters, this situation is extremely rare, if it happens at all.

If you can get a quartering angle, where the deer is at a three-quarters angle, still giving you a decent shot, go for it. As long as you have a good shot of hitting the target in the heart/lung area, the shot is good enough. Don't aim for the head, it moves with no warning, and more often than not results in an escaped animal or an injured animal that you will lose. The same goes for neck and spine shots. These areas are small, and the chances of hitting them just right are too small to gamble on the majority of the time. A good heart/lung shot will take the animal down quickly. If your animal is only giving you a quarter view this type of shot will still accomplish your goal.

When you are practicing, visualize the animal from different angles and line up your shot accordingly. Study the anatomy of the animals you'll be hunting, and you'll soon be able to know at a glance whether you can make a good shot or not. The ability to make the decision to shoot is important to your success in the field. Animals certainly aren't going to wait for you to feel comfortable. Knowing when a shot is good enough to risk it will enable you to bring home more venison than if you hesitate too long or shoot without assessing your shot.

Avoid going-away shots on an unwounded animal, chances are if you do hit it, the animal will just run off and you'll never find it. Straight-on shots are similar, though you have a better chance with this angle than you do on a target that is moving away from you.
Another obstacle to the perfect shot may be your surroundings. While it is preferable not to shoot through brush, sometimes it is unavoidable. Line up your shot as best you can. If possible, practice shooting through brush, twigs, foliage, anything you would encounter while you are hunting. This will make you comfortable with these difficult shots. Practice shooting from a blind, up in a tree, or anywhere else you may decide to hide. This will make you a confident hunter that will be more successful in the long run.

Now you know what you need to do to improve your judgment on when to shoot at your target. As with everything else in life, practice makes perfect. The more comfortable you are with your abilities, the better off you'll be in the woods.

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Rifle-Shooting-Tips--Choosing-the-Right-Time-to-Fire/142946

LED Ultraviolet Lights And How They Serve Us

2008-03-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

Ultraviolet flashlights are useful tools that are being utilized by law enforcement authorities and the military all over the world to aid in the uncovering of counterfeit materials, for detecting blood and other evidence, to help find hidden explosives so they can be destroyed, for intelligence gathering, in the capturing of criminals, and much more. Many policing and military professionals report that the ultraviolet flashlight is a critical tool to have in their arsenals for fighting the criminal element and for providing security here at home and abroad.

What is ultraviolet light? The sun produces infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light rays and each has different wavelengths. It is the length of these wavelengths that makes some light easy for us to see, and other light that is mostly undetectable to us unless we are using special equipment to view it. The light you see from the sun during the day has a longer wavelength and is therefore more visible than say ultraviolet light, which has a shorter wavelength. Ultraviolet light produces minimal visible light rays and is instead characterized by a deep blue or purple light ray that is most visible at night or when other light sources are blocked.

LED and ultraviolet flashlights incorporate the use of different lighting components to produce light beams for use in a variety of settings. The technological lighting components in ultraviolet flashlights use the shorter and concentrated wavelength of ultraviolet lighting to illuminate small particles that are rendered nearly or completely invisible by the intensity of longer wavelengths of lighting. A police flashlight with ultraviolet light technology is useful in the detecting of blood evidence, fibers, minerals and substances and other evidence that cannot be seen with the naked eye, and when other light sources are serving as the backdrop.

An ultraviolet flashlight can be used to detect counterfeit money and for finding traces of drugs like cocaine on money. This is useful in tracking down those criminals that manufacture and distribute counterfeit money and also many of the criminals that engage in drug trafficking. Money is not the only item counterfeiter's target. Art, clothing, jewelry, passports, social security cards, and other things can also be counterfeited. Detecting counterfeit items with the use of ultraviolet flashlights gets more of them off the streets before innocent people are victimized by the purchasing of fake items.

The military has also found the versatility of LED and ultraviolet flashlights helpful in their fight against terrorism as well as in previous covert military operations. Our military forces are stationed throughout the world on peace keeping and anti-terrorism missions, including the war in Iraq. The ultraviolet flashlight plays an important role in military maneuvers, surveillance, detection, and in a variety of other military activities.

Protecting our communities means equipping our police officers, investigators, and other members of the policing team with the versatility and advantages of LED flashlights. If you are in charge of procuring equipment for your military squad or regiment, make sure ultraviolet flashlights are on your purchasing list. The ultraviolet flashlight is a powerful tool for enhancing your arsenal of weapons against criminals and for defending the innocent.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/LED-Ultraviolet-Lights-And-How-They-Serve-Us/144732

Strobing LED Flashlights: Police and Military Uses

2008-03-24T02:34:00.001-07:00

Law enforcement, government agencies and independent developers have all been searching for non-lethal and less forceful methods of subduing criminals and enemies. The use of tasers, rubber bullets and various gases and sprays have all been, and are all being, studied to find out how much damage, both short term and long term, they do. Some of the newest and most promising devices are being developed using an existing flashlight feature - strobing LED light.

While it may seem a little silly to think that a pulsing light can stop a criminal intent on breaking the law or committing violence, it is actually very effective. Just think about how disorienting it can be when a bright light is suddenly turned on in a dark room. Most people will squint or turn their head when light is suddenly introduced. In a lot of cases, that is all an officer needs to get the upper hand.

The light emitting diode, or LED, bulb is well suited for this type of application. We most often come into contact with these lights in our electronic devices. They are the kind of bulb used to let you know that the power is on. Over the last ten years they have started to play a bigger role in everyday lighting. They are prominent fixtures in the world of outdoor lighting equipment (think flashlights, lanterns and headlamps). There are many towns that are starting to replace their standard traffic lights with ones made with LEDs. These lights are also being used as home lighting replacement bulbs and around the landscaping. LED bulbs burn much brighter on less energy, are very durable, last for longer spans of time and can come in a variety of colors.

Strobing lights have the effect of disorienting the communication between our eyes and our brains. This forces someone looking at them to have to look away or flee from the pulsing of the light. Police officers have been using strobe flashlights for several years as a means to stop fleeing suspects by stunning and confusing them. This non-violent means of incapacitating a criminal is being looked at for wider use.

CBS News ran a story recently on what is being called the LED Incapacitator. This LED light takes this strobing concept to the next level without losing the inherent benefits of an LED bulb. It uses some specific light frequencies that affect the brain and then cycles through those frequencies too fast for the brain to adjust. The light also shifts through various colors to cause additional confusion. This new police tactical light is bright enough to be used in both brightly lit environments as well as the dark.

Not only are these tactical flashlights helpful for law enforcement officers and the military, they are also considered beneficial for personal defense. Strobing LED flashlights are available to the public for use in their own safety. With a push of the button, a general LED flashlight can turn into a strobing light in the event of an attack while in a parking garage or walking home at night. This pulsing light can provide a few extra seconds to get away or call out for help. Some who do not wish to carry pepper spray will find this an excellent alternative.

Strobing flashlights and torches are innovative and potentially life saving. As new devices are being created for our uniformed professionals, we may see more and more derivatives of those products available to the public.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Strobing-LED-Flashlights--Police-and-Military-Uses/144784

LED Flashlights: Getting the Most From Color Bulbs

2008-03-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

Colored LED lights have many uses from professional to recreational. Green, red, blue, and ultraviolet lights have all found their way into the realm of LED flashlights. The uses are varied and each color has particular uses that they are best suited for. All of the colored lights are great for night vision applications because they do not bleach out the chemicals that allow for the human eye to see at night.

The red LED bulb has been added to flashlights to enhance night vision. It provides great contrast and is not visible to the human eye over long distances. It also works well with night vision scopes and goggles. Photographers use the red colored light when doing night-time photography because it provides contrast while preserving the natural shadows developed by darkness. It cuts through smoke better than white light and, with the exception of red lines and marks on maps and charts, it makes reading in low, or no, light possible. Police and military units like the red LED for night operations because it will not interfere with night vision technology and can't easily be picked up by other people.

The green LED light is preferred by hunters and fishermen because it is a very soft light that will not spook their prey. Green also does not attract insects like white or yellow light does. It is not easily picked up, unless looking directly at it, so it is useful in covert operations. It is another color that is useful in smoke filled environments.

The blue LED hand-held light is good for map or chart reading in situations where night vision, and avoiding detection, are important. Blue light is also helpful in locating blood and other bodily fluids at crime scenes or during search and rescue operations. Hunters also find the blue light helpful in following blood trails of injured animals. Blue lights are often used in small keychain lights because they are a soft light that works well to illuminate locks, keys, and small items. It does not have the same harsh glare as the bright, white LED. These lights are also good for cutting through fog.

Ultraviolet LED lights have found many uses in the professional world. They are used to detect counterfeit money, art, and antiques. They are also used to detect trace blood proteins and chemicals in soils from crime scenes. Just like blue light, this one will pick out blood and other bodily fluids that might be missed by the naked eye. Ultraviolet light acts like a black light in entertainment uses. It can bring out hidden messages and enhances neon and fluorescent colors. Ultraviolet lights can be used to recharge luminescent objects like fishing lures, watch faces, compass needles, SAR signals, etc. It is important not to shine ultraviolet LED lights directly into the eyes, as it can cause injury.

Whether looking to preserve night vision for hunting applications or to cut through smoke in a burning building colored LED lights are great for many applications. Their multitude of uses make them a must have for everyone. Flashlights are offered in single color lighting or with multiple bulbs for a choice of lighting options. This means that the right light is always available when it is needed. So, whether looking for a single light color for a specific application or multiple choices for whatever comes up, colored LED flashlights are a great choice.

~ Ben Anton, 2008

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/LED-Flashlights--Getting-the-Most-From-Color-Bulbs/144832

Choosing the Right Archery Bow

2008-03-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Choosing the right archery bow is a very personal choice, but a very important one. Many factors come into play, and fortunately there are many different bows available on the market for you to choose from. Choosing the correct bow will greatly increase your comfort while shooting, and will increase your accuracy.

The correct bow for you should have the proper draw weight and draw length. This means that it will draw back far enough (but not too far!) and with the proper amount of tension. Many archery shops will be able to measure you, to determine your ideal draw length. An ideal draw weight should be one that you can comfortably draw back and hold for at least 60 seconds.

Another factor to consider is the axle-to-axle length (ATA) of the bow. This is the distance between the points where the two respective cams are attached. Bows with longer ATA's are generally considered more forgiving and easier to draw back, but remember that if you are hunting you may not always have a lot of space available!

Whether you choose a single cam, dual cam, or hybrid cam style bow will depend on your style of shooting. Single cams tend to draw smoother, while dual cams are generally faster. Hybrid cams offer a mix of the two, and are relatively new to the market.

These aren't all of the factors to consider when choosing the right archery bow, but it should be enough to get you started on the right track. The best thing to do it to shop around! Try to shoot several bows by several manufacturers and see which one suits you best. Choosing the correct bow will prove to be a wise decision for many years to come.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Choosing-the-Right-Archery-Bow/4933

Choosing the Right Weapon for Elk and Deer Hunting

2008-03-21T01:36:00.000-07:00

As with any sport, your choice of equipment will determine your degree of success when hunting deer and elk. When choosing a rifle, you should consider how it feels in your hands, how it fits to your shoulder, the weight, the sights, and its action and caliber. A gun of the right weight, with a good fit, will help you shoot more accurately.

Take time to carefully consider the length of the stock when shopping for hunting rifles. Stock lengths vary among different rifle manufacturers and models, and a stock that's too long can be a problem - and if the stock is too short, the scope can strike your eyebrow. If needed, a gunsmith can change the length of the stock. Another problem with an improper fit, especially for larger men, is the "drop" - the distance between your cheek and the stock. When you press your cheek against the stock of the rifle, your shooting eye should line up with the sites. Too much drop will prevent you from placing your cheek against the stock, and the recoil could cause the stock to smack you in the face.

The weight of the rifle is another consideration. Most hunting rifles weigh between six and nine pounds. Lighter guns are much more comfortable to carry, but heavier rifles have less kick when fired. It may seem antithetical to buy a heavier rifle if you're going to be carrying it around with you all day, but heavy rifles are easier to hold steady, and they're more accurate when stand hunting or shooting long range. In densely populated areas where rifle hunting isn't allowed, Shotguns and slugs are commonly used, and some states permit the use of shotguns with buckshot. The ideal shotgun for deer hunting is one with a rifled barrel and special sights, or a scope. Rifled barrels shoot slugs more accurately than smoothbore shotguns - rifling makes the slugs to spin and stabilize, allowing shots at deer up to 100 yards away. You shouldn't use anything smaller than a 20 gauge shotgun for deer hunting - 12 gauge is the most popular.

Bowhunting offers a higher level of difficulty and a number of unique challenges, but also offers a longer hunting season when hunting deer and elk. Most bowhunters use a compound bow - a bigger, heavier bow that uses cams and pulleys for additional power and speed. Each state has a legal minimum for draw weight for hunting bows, usually between 35 and 45 pounds. Despite its increased difficulty - or perhaps because of it - some hunters choose to use a traditional bow and arrow for deer hunting. There are hunters who also use crossbows for hunting, as well.

A good sporting goods store or gun shop will have staff who can help you find the right weapon, no matter what your level of expertise. Having the right weapon is only half the key to successful deer and elk hunting, though - the rest is skill, patience and just plain luck.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Choosing-the-Right-Weapon-for-Elk-and-Deer-Hunting/9173

Giving an Airsoft Gun as a Gift? 4 Tips to help You Shop Smart

2008-03-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

"You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" is the infamous catchphrase from the holiday classic, "A Christmas Story". You know the one. Ralphie wants nothing more for Christmas than a Red Rider BB gun. But every person he tells about his wish tells him the catchphrase. Alas, the happy ending includes Ralphie getting his wish, and of course, shooting his "eye out". This section of the movie has played over and over again in the minds of gift-givers across the country, as well as any part of the world that has been lucky enough to see this flick.

If you have a gift recipient who has a BB or paint gun on their list, and you just don't feel safe with BB's flying around, nor are you thrilled about having tiny splotches of soap/paint all over potentially missed targets, then an airsoft gun is the perfect gift. The BB's used are made of plastic, are significantly larger than traditional metal BB's, and are not designed to harm anyone or anything. These traits are helping to make airsoft guns a favorite of gun enthusiasts around the globe.

To help you pick out the perfect airsoft gun for your recipient, we've come up with the top 4 tips to help you shop smart for your purchase. They are:

1.) Find a real company with a business address, not just a post office box. There are a lot of scam artists out there on the World Wide Web preying on unknowing, trusting customers, so making your purchase from such a company will help to ease your mind and protect your payment information. A secure site, like one with the Verisign or other type of security logo will help to keep your payment information protected.

2.) Check to make sure the company has a decent return policy. Too many times a company's lack of return policy is found out too late.

3.) My personal favorite- a troubleshooting area on their website. This is especially important for beginners that don't know all there is to know about these guns. Instead of spending hard-earned money shipping the product back for service (not to mention the time without the gun), a troubleshooting section will help you over the humps of the technological and basic aspects of the gun.

4.) A variety of guns for you to choose from, as well as every possible accessory (BB's, lubricants, batteries, chargers, tactical gear, etc.) Even if you're buying for a newbie to the industry and choose to start at the beginning with a small, basic gun, you'll be gaining a lot of know how from (not to mention the trust you'll get for) the company. The ability to add on and move up within the products in the same online store will yield many years of loyal service from both sides of the proverbial cash register.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Giving-an-Airsoft-Gun-as-a-Gift--4-Tips-to-help-You-Shop-Smart/10726

Geese Hunting: Helpful Tips and Tricks

2008-03-20T09:30:00.001-07:00

From a distance the Canada goose is easily identified. His body is brown, neck and head black, but his head wears a triangular white patch. He is the biggest of our geese, and is found either as a resident or a migrator over most of the United States.

In the spring and fall, he is seen flying very high in great long wedges to and from his wintering and summer breeding grounds, coming down into city parks, reservations and sanctuaries for a rest period and for food.

Their voices are strong as they are heard uttering a loud resonant "honk" in flight or on the water. While feeding, or together on a pond, they talk in little intimate cries and grunts.

This is the hunter's bird, being the most sought after of the geese. As a result "Canada" has become exceedingly wary, putting down only after having scanned and circled the area with much care. Their sharp eyes can quickly spot a hunter and the best of blinds can be discovered. Second only to the wild swans, the Canada is a big bird on the dinner table, weighing from seven to fourteen pounds, with a wing spread of between five and six feet.

This goose generally nests on the ground near the water. The type of nest depends on the locality. It is usually a slight depression in the ground lined with material from the vicinity such as sticks, flag grass and soft grey down from the goose's breast. At other times the nests are large bulky affairs. In some parts of the country when the terrain demands, the nests are in trees, but never far from the water and preferably right above it.

During the breeding season the gander, or male goose shows off his staunchness as the family guard and defender. If you approach the nest they will at first look at you with contempt. Come closer and they will become alarmed and hiss, wave their powerful wings and be ready to pick a fight.

The author has had many a battle with them without so much as provoking one, so true to their cause do they become when an intruder comes by. Don't underestimate their powerful wings; they can knock you down very easily and, even though they have no teeth in their bills, they are sharp, and if they bite you, the cut can be quite severe.

Unlike the ducks, both parents are quite taken up with caring for the young. When swimming on the water, the gander usually leads, the little ones follow and then mother takes up the tail of the parade.

Their food is largely vegetable matter. They love to graze in the stubble fields and the prairies. Pasture lands are their pleasure, particularly during the fall migration, for they burn up a great deal of energy during the flight, which must be replaced. Quite often, clouds of them will descend on a farmer's corn field, even though there is little or no water nearby. They have been known to be quite destructive in this habit.

The Canada is one of the earliest water birds to migrate northward in the spring. How it is they know that the ice is melted from the lakes, when they are wintering one or two thousand miles south, is a mystery, but they know it and proceed.

After the summer molt they become quite inactive. Then they begin to gain back their flight feathers, begin to assemble in flocks and become restless. On a cool night when the winds are right, they will take off on the first leg of a long journey, husbands and wives flying together.

They are masters at knowing flight patterns and wind resistance. Their flying wedge is so designed that the lead goose breaks the currents for the rest of the wedge. After a spell, the lead goose drops back to the end of the line and the succession continues so that no bird takes the brunt of the wind.

Now you know its habits, have fun stalking the Canada goose!

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Geese-Hunting--Helpful-Tips-and-Tricks/143735

The Anatomy of a Knife

2008-03-20T08:18:00.001-07:00

The knife is such a common object in our everyday lives that most of us fail to see what a complex tool it actually is. Most of us think that a knife has only two distinct parts: the handle and the blade. But, in truth, the knife is much more complex, comprising six separate parts.

When you try to visualize a knife, you will most likely think of the blade. The metallic part that extends away from the handle is officially termed the blade. A cutting edge is ground onto one side of the blade and the tasks a knife is suited for are determined essentially by the shape of its blade.

For instance, a knife can be used for skinning, filleting, chopping, and a number of other duties, depending on the shape of the blade. The strength and durability of the knife depends on the kind of steel it is made of. It is best to make blades out of stainless steel because it has a long life and is more hygienic. Stainless steel does not rust or corrode and it is germ resistant.

The point of the knife performs the task of piercing and stabbing things. We use the point to help gut and clean game as it can pierce through the membrane around the skin and help us get to the meat of the quarry.

The tip, according to many knife experts, is the top quarter of the knife blade. This is the part of the knife that is most used as it does the cutting and chopping. Some consider the point to be part of the tip, though they are actually separate parts of the knife.

The cutting edge is the part of the knife that is...well, designed to cut things. It is the part of the blade (facing away from you) that has been sharpened and honed so that it cuts through whatever needs cutting. While there are several types of edges available, the straight and serrated edges are most common. A serrated edge is good for cutting things like bread while the straight edge is better for trimming meat.

The handle is probably the other part of a knife, besides the blade, that people are most familiar with. Handles can be made using a variety of materials including wood, steel, plastic...basically, the sky is the limit.

The butt of the knife is much like the butt of a gun: it is located at the far end of the handle or the exact opposite of the tip. This is where some companies place a compass that can be pulled out to reveal storage space for things like matches and other survival essentials.

These days, there are hand guards that come with some knives, especially survival knives, which essentially protect your hands from accidentally slipping towards the blade. Hand guard or no hand guard, you should be familiar with the basic parts of a knife to reduce your chances of being injured while using one. You should also learn how to maintain and sharpen your knife to make it last as long as possible.

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/The-Anatomy-of-a-Knife/10763

Puma Hunting Knife Review; Putting the cutting edge under the scope

2008-03-19T11:41:00.001-07:00

When it comes to hunting knives, Puma is considered by most experts to be the elite, the cream of the crop, the absolute cutting edge in design, utility and pure class. Well-designed of the best quality materials, PUMA knives don't come cheap - but they're quality all the way. Each blade is hand-ground, and each knife is assembled by hand. The materials and workmanship have made PUMA knives more than the best quality knife to have in the field - they're collectors' items in their own right.

In 1953, the company changed its direction slightly to focus on manufacturing functional hunting, fishing, survival, sporting and outdoor knives. In 1956, PUMA designed what is probably its most famous knife ever, the PUMA White Hunter, for an East African hunting organization. For over 200 years, Solingen, Germany has been the source of the finest knives made anywhere in the world, and since 1920, the best of those knives have borne the name PUMA.

Why PUMA?
PUMA knives are made from premium DI.4 steel, each individually drop forged and hardened to hold the keenest possible edge. Each model has a number and a name engraved on the blade, along with the year of its manufacture - a bonus for collectors, who find it easy to date PUMA knives when assigning values. The handles are made of all natural materials, usually stag horn or bone, and every detail is made of the finest material available.

PUMA Knives for Hunting and Sporting
The most popular PUMAs are those that have stood the test of time. Among the most well-known and prized are:

PUMA Bowie Knife
Bowie is the ultimate name in hunting knives, with its wide fixed blade that makes it ideal for hunting, fishing, camping and self-defense. The PUMA Bowie is a full 11" long with a single-edged blade, a genuine stag handle, and a fully riveted tang. This is the knife that Jim Bowie dreamed of when he first commissioned the knife that bears his name.

PUMA Skinner Knife
Skinning knives are a must for hunters, and the PUMA is designed with a blade long enough to give you the option of using a straight, curved or pointed edge to simplify the tasks you need it to perform. It also has a 5 ½" stag handle that's carved to fit your hand comfortably, and a finger guard to keep your fingers out of harm's way when dealing with a wet, slippery knife.

PUMA White Hunter
Perhaps the most famous hunting knife ever designed, the White Hunter features a partially serrated blade that is shaped to make all the tasks you use a knife for easier. It's 11" long overall with a full, fully riveted tang, a built-in finger guard and a genuine stag horn handle. It was first released in 1956, and has grown more popular over the decades. The 50th Anniversary model is destined to be the ultimate gift for a collector of fine knives. It's a truly luxurious blade forged of Damascus stainless steel Rockwell tested to 55-60 hardness. The handle is of ebony with nickel silver bolsters, and the included black leather sheath is accented with nickel silver. To further increase its interest to collectors, PUMA is only manufacturing 50 of the 50th Anniversary edition worldwide. It's the gift of a lifetime for a serious knife collector.

-2006 Ben Anton

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Puma-Hunting-Knife-Review--Putting-the-cutting-edge-under-the-scope/11246

Never Be In The Woods While Hunting

2008-03-19T11:13:00.001-07:00

This article is for true hunters. I want to help all of you out there that have been hunting for years with little luck. This is not a fluffy article it is the truth and I will give you the facts. From years of hunting and thousands of dollars wasted I have found what works. I like to be comfortable while hunting and I don't like to come home empty handed. The number one thing for hunting success is not to be in the woods. How many times have you been in the woods and a deer finally stumbles upon you to look you in the eyes, snort and stomp, then split before you can shoot? If you were not in the woods that would never have happened. What about the time it was so cold so you bundled up walked a few miles climb up a tree and then spooked the buck of a life time because the wind changed? Again if you were not in the woods that would never have happened.

This is another way to explain this to you. While you go out shopping I get a hunting suite the same exact color and pattern of your wall and stand their motionless. What is the chance you will know something is not right? Now how about I go get a dog house popup blind and sit it in the corner of your house and it's the same color and patter of whatever the area is? I think there would be no fooling you at all! I know what if I got something that smelled familiar to you and poured it all over myself? Would any of these scenarios or and combination together fool you? Most likely not!

What I am getting at is when we are out hunting it's exactly like walking into someone's home. The ticket is not to be noticeable. That might sound "goofy" as this is what you already know this. The issue here is you and every other hunter has been conditioned to hunt a specific way! The wrong way!

If we setup a contest say an Indian that hunted for his survival and us that do it for sport who would kill the game first. It doesn't even come down to reasons for hunting but technique. Do not be in the woods while hunting! You must be part of the woods while hunting. Stand out as little as possible! The following are a few hunting techniques I use and that do work. I also suggest to limit your spending to a few hunting products that do work and then you will not have to buy anything but bullets and a license for years to come.

The best technique that you can possibly use that entails a little effort is digging a hole. If you can dig a hole you can kill deer! I have killed may deer while hole hunting. You dig a hole in the summer about 4' deep you can hunt from it. This is a great strategy for many reasons.

You can see under brush easily to see feet coming at you.
Your scent is greatly masked under ground
You will not get cold from breezes or wind
You can put a char inside that hole that is comfortable
You have the steadiest gun rest ever made (the ground)
If for some reason they see movement they usually think you are a small animal
Lastly it will keep you from getting shot while hunting!

I really only use 2 things while hunting like this a blanket or pull bag and a ground blind. The best portable ground blind I have found for this type of hunting is The Scope Blind. You can get it here. I like this blind best because it is light and is not fixed to the ground. I can turn in my hole or any cover to conceal myself regardless how the deer come to me. Remember stay away from cover scents, use small blinds and dig a hole. Remember your friends may laugh at you as mine did but they will also compliment you on the deer jerky!

Source: http://www.therealarticles.com/Article/Never-Be-In-The-Woods-While-Hunting/144304

Travel Tips; A checklist from the Outdoor Experts at DLK

2008-03-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

If you're planning a road trip, a little pre-planning goes a long way toward making your journey pleasant and safe. Before you head out on the road, take the time to go through this travel checklist to be sure you've covered all the bases.
A. Car Safety Checklist
a. Check the fluids.
- Check the oil, and top up if necessary. Better yet, have an oil change if you're traveling any long distances. When adding oil, always use the weight recommended for your vehicle.
b. Check all your belts for wear, cracking or tears. Have any that show signs of wear replaced.
c. Check the wiper blades. If it's been a year or more since they've been replaced, do it. Trying to peer through smeared raindrops is a recipe for disaster.
d. Check your tires. Make sure that they're inflated to recommended PSI, and that the tread isn't dangerously worn.
B. Emergency Kit
Being prepared in an emergency can spell the difference between inconvenience and tragedy. You can purchase a roadside emergency kit with most of these items in it then add to it, or put together one of your own from scratch. In either case, keep all the items together and easily accessible so that you'll be able to get to them if you need them.

- A flashlight is a must - most experts suggest two. Do yourself a favor and opt for the best LED flashlight you can find. LED lights tend to be far more durable and can take being knocked around in the boot of your car. They draw less power from the battery, so are less likely to run out of juice just when you need them most. A handheld torch and a lantern are both good ideas. Tossing a couple of inexpensive LED penlight flashlights in the glove can prove handy for map reading and lighting the way to the john if needed.
- A first aid kit is another must. A prepackaged one with bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic, antiseptic and other basic first aid necessities should be fine.
- Emergency roadside flares can save your life by making you easy to see from a distance. Standard roadside flares can fail to work if they're damp, and can be dangerous. A number of companies make LED safety lights and roadside LED safety flares that can mark your position on the road shoulder, or serve as an emergency beacon if you're lost.
- A multi-tool or utility knife will come in handy. A fixed blade hunting knife and pocket knife will give you all the cutting edges you need for most emergency situations.
- Aerosol tire sealant can get you to the next service station in the event of a tire puncture.
- A blanket to wrap up in if need be.
- Jumper cables
- Bottled water
- An extra gallon of engine coolant. While you're at it, tuck away an extra quart of oil and a pint of transmission fluid.

C. First Aid Kit
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin tablets
- Antihistamine
- Anti-nausea/motion sickness medication

D. Health and Comfort
a. Pack a cooler of healthy snacks, juices and water and keep it stocked.

-2006 Ben Anton

Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com/Article/Travel-Tips--A-checklist-from-the-Outdoor-Experts-at-DLK/18039

Shopping for Hunting Supplies and Equipment

2008-03-05T01:32:00.001-08:00

Hunting supplies have become more sophisticated and available over the years. With power house stores like Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops, the offerings go past the traditional brick and mortar store to their overwhelming online presence.

Looking for hunting supplies and equipment? The hunting stores of today carry all your traditional hunting supplies plus a wide offering of other outdoor products. You will find everything to support your next hunting expedition.

Before buying hunting supplies from a hunting store, you might want to use the following guidelines:

1. If you desire to shop for hunting supplies from home or just check out prices and product availability, make sure the hunting store has a web site.

2. Find out what the return policy is for each hunting supply store. Some have a strict 30-day money-back guarantee and others are more liberal.

3. Product quality is paramount when shopping for hunting supplies, especially if shopping online. Most of your top tier hunting stores, that are extremely customer focus will go out of their way to provide top quality products. But make sure you understand if they will stand behind every product or require you to contact the manufacturer.

4. Try to do one-stop shopping for your hunting supplies especially if you are shopping online. This will save you in added shipping and handling fees.

Customer initiatives are paramount for the success of any hunting supply store. If they aren't focused on you then there are many other hunting stores around. Finding a customer centered store will alleviate many headaches and frustrations in the long run.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Shopping-for-Hunting-Supplies-and-Equipment/46690

The Top 10 Ways to Hunt Successfully From a Tree Stand

2008-03-02T12:56:00.001-08:00

The vast majority of hunters wait for their game in tree stands.

That waiting might be for several hours, or even a whole day at a time.

It can be a very effective technique, especially for the whitetail deer which are the most hunted species in North America.

The key to success or failure lies in being in the right place at the right time.

Sounds easy!

But it's what separates the consistently successful hunters from the rest.

So how do you go about being in the right place at the right time?

When hunting deer, almost all activity revolves around:
* Food
* Cover
* Travel routes between food and cover

The following 10 steps should increase your success when hunting from a tree stand.

1) When looking at deer tracks, note the direction of the tracks. Trails or runways being used to reach the feeding areas are likely to be most productive during afternoon or evenings.

Those leaving the feeding areas often produce the best results in the morning.

Trails with tracks going in both directions should be good at any time

2) The wind direction. You should site your stand downwind from where you expect the deer to come from.

Alternative sites should be chosen to accommodate different wind directions, so that no matter which direction the wind is blowing, you have a location to hunt

3) If using a bow your stand should be sited within your accurate shooting range of where you expect to see the deer.
If using a rifle, you can be farther away to reduce detection

4) The route in to the site. Try to choose a site that allows you to reach it without getting busted by the deer on your way in

5) Location of other hunters. If you are close to other hunters your success rate drops due to more scent, noise, etc in the area

6) Availability of trees. Finding the right type of tree for your stand, and in the right location can be a challenge

7) The type of stand you hunt with. You may have to change your type of stand to suit the environment

8) The height you are confident shooting from. Its no good climbing to a height that puts you out of your confident bow range

9) The height you are comfortable climbing to and have the skills to shoot from

10) Choose several sites so that if the wind changes or deer movements change, you have an alternative site that meets the above criteria.

Your consistent success depends on the pre-season scouting you do to identify the highest success locations, and then following these 10 steps.

If you do that, you can expect consistent hunting success.

Please Rate this Article

Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/The-Top-10-Ways-to-Hunt-Successfully-From-a-Tree-Stand/92302

Learn How to Find the Best Site for Your Hunting Blind

2008-03-02T00:40:00.000-08:00
You can own the best quality blind, be an accurate shooter, and be in an area that is known to hold a lot of animals, but if you don't site your blind in a good spot, your chances of success are slim.

So what is involved in finding a good site for your blind?

To maximize your chances of success, you should start with pre-season scouting. The aim is to find out where the deer bedding areas are, their food sources, and their travel routes in-between the bedding and food sources, in the area you wish to hunt.

Once you have this information, you are in a great position to determine some sites for your blind.

A key point in hunting is that almost all animal activity revolves around food and water, so this is a great place to start.

Look for the food sources in the area you are going to hunt, with your focus on protein rich foods if you are hunting deer. This may include agricultural crops, fruits or stands of oak trees. In wooded areas it is more difficult to determine their food source but may include aspen, aster, red-osier dogwood, clover, and red and white cedar.

If it is difficult to determine what they are eating, focus on their travel movements.

Travel corridors are often located in low areas where they can move without being seen, such as creek bottoms and draws.

They can also include funnels, converging hub , brushy fencerow separating two fields or woodlots, a bench on a ridge, a strip of woods or thickets connecting two woodlots, the edge where two types of vegetation meet, a strip of trees alongside a creek which connects two lots of woods, inside corners or double inside corners, or timber between two clearcuts.

Bedding and hiding areas are often in dense areas or elevated so that it is hard to approach without alerting the animals.

Where you place your blind will be determined by whether you hunt with a bow or a rifle.

If you are using a bow, your shooting lanes will extend out to about 30 yards, so your blind will need to be placed downwind of where you expect to see the deer, but no further than 30 yards.

If you are using a rifle, your distance can be extended depending on the visibility and your accurate firing range. With clear cuts or clearings, you may extend up to 300 yards.

When you set up your blind close to heavily used trails, food sources or water, wherever you can, your chances of success increase if you can set your blind in position up to a week before you intend to use it.

The locations of blinds will not usually produce well right throughout the deer season as deer patterns usually change between pre-rut, peak and post-rut.

The greatest predictor of success will be the amount of information you have before siting your blind.

The more information you have from walking the area, studying aerial photos and topographical maps, and talking to locals and experts, the more knowledgeable you will be about the best sites for your blind.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Learn-How-to-Find-the-Best-Site-for-Your-Hunting-Blind/92650

How to be a Successful Still Hunter

2008-03-02T00:02:00.000-08:00
The term still hunting is a misnomer as the hunter is actually moving around trying to locate deer. It seems a simple way to hunt deer but is a lot harder than it sounds.

That is why most hunters use the 'stand' method where they are stationary in a stand or blind waiting for the deer to come close enough to them to take the shot.

So why is still hunting so difficult?

The hunter, while moving around, has to avoid being detected by:
* Scent
* Sound
* Sight

The deer's ability to utilize scent is legendry. Hunter's scent in some cases has been picked up by deer several hundred yards away.

Deer have excellent vision to pick up movement, so they can easily spot a moving hunter.

Their hearing is also superior with large ears and the ability to move their ears independently to pick up sound direction very well.

So the hunter is at a great disadvantage when moving around still hunting.

To be a successful still hunter, it's important to see the deer before it is aware of you. To do this, you need to avoid being scented, heard or seen.

When you are trying to avoid your scent being delivered to the deer's nose, the key is to use the wind to your advantage.

You should hunt upwind or across the wind. With the wind in your face or your side, it will minimize the chance of your scent alerting the deer to your presence.

Be aware that the surface winds are influenced by the terrain and so using a wind direction device regularly to test the wind direction such as powder or 'floaters' will help ensure wind changes don't catch you by surprise.

Minimizing your sound involves watching where you place your feet so you don't break sticks or make other noise. Wet ground is a great time to hunt as your noise is so much less.

Try to wear clothing such as wool that doesn't make a noise when brushing against vegetation.

To avoid the deer picking up your movement try walking slowing and stopping regularly to look and listen for deer. By stopping every few steps and checking for deer, you are more likely to be aware of the deer before it sees you.

You are less likely to be seen if you walk along edges or fringes rather than in the open. Staying just inside the edge of vegetation rather than in clearings will allow you to remain hidden but still look out into the clearing.

When crossing ridges try to do it using saddles and keep your profile low as you cross over the ridgeline as you stand out against the skyline.

When you are walking around looking for deer, as the vegetation grows upwards, look for any horizontal lines against a lot of vertical vegetation. Sometimes you can also see ears or parts of a deer because other parts are obscured by trees etc.

Deer use their sense of smell as the ultimate determinant of danger. They will usually wait or watch if they hear a noise they are not sure of until they can determine exactly what it is. This can present an opportunity for a shot.

So when still hunting, the most important consideration is to prevent your scent reaching the deer. Hunting upwind or crosswind and constantly re-checking the wind direction will give you an advantage.

Combining the wind direction with quiet, slow movement, and always being on the alert should increase your success when still hunting.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/How-to-be-a-Successful-Still-Hunter/93939

How to Hunt for a Trophy Buck

2008-03-01T23:44:00.001-08:00
To consistently shoot trophy bucks, you need to understand their habits.

This means knowing where he eats, drinks, beds, travels, scrapes and hides.

This may sound obvious, but you need to hunt in an area that holds a trophy buck! It doesn't matter how good a hunter you or how great your equipment is, if there isn't a trophy buck in the area you want to hunt, you're not going to shoot one!

So the first step is determining if there is a trophy in your area.

There are several ways of doing this:
* Scouting for sheds
* Setting up a trail cam
* Talking to locals, farmers, rural mail carriers etc
* Driving the roads at dawn and dusk and watching with binoculars
* Scouting for large rubs and large tracks

Your chances are higher of finding a trophy buck in an area if the area has:

* Light hunting pressure
* Low to moderate, rather than high deer numbers
* Buck to doe ratios of about 1:2

In areas where high numbers of antlered deer are taken each year, there are large numbers of does to bucks, and the bucks don't have to engage in competitive behavior and are therefore more difficult to attract with calling and rattling.

Once you have located an area with promise, the next step is working out his food, bedding and travel movements.

Trophy bucks have become the size they are because they have not behaved like younger and smaller bucks.

Their behavior is usually:

* More calm and reasoned
* Quieter and less energetic
* Travels less and usually moves at night
* Has some hiding spots where hunters overlook him

So he is different to most of the other bucks, but not impossible to catch out, especially during the rut. During this time he is still vulnerable to scents, calling and rattling.

He doesn't travel far when spooked, and lies low in places most hunters wouldn't look because the hollow, or thicket, or swampy patch doesn't look big enough.
Your pre-season scouting should have identified these hiding or loafing spots.

During the rut, he doesn't get too caught up in the hype with younger bucks and doesn't pursue the does with as much energy as the younger bucks.

This means when you see a buck pursuing a doe, there is a possibility the big bruiser is in tow but some distance back. Having the discipline to pass up the smaller buck and seeing what else is following can be rewarded with a trophy.

The work involved in patterning your buck may extend over a few seasons, but will be worth it when you admire the rack on the wall.

So the key to successful trophy hunting is preparation, knowledge of your buck, and discipline and patience.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/How-to-Hunt-for-a-Trophy-Buck/92656

Which is the Best Deer Hunting Rifle?

2008-03-01T12:48:00.001-08:00
Hunters have never had such a large selection of firearms and cartridges as they do today. For a deer hunter beginner starting out, the decision is a difficult one because there are so many firearms that will do the job.

So how do they go about choosing?

This article is designed to give the beginner some guidance about the most suitable rifles. Experienced hunters will already have made their choices and will probably have strong views about the 'best' rifle for them.

It is important to state that there is no 'perfect' or 'right' rifle for deer hunting. Many hunters swear by certain calibres, but equally there are others who will argue for differing calibres.

The debate will never reach agreement because in the end it comes down to personal preference.

However, to assist the beginner, this article will focus on rifles, and not cover muzzleloaders, handguns or shotguns.

Most decisions revolve around the action and the calibre.

The action is the mechanical means by which the cartridge is delivered from the magazine to the chamber. The simplest action is the single shot bolt action. This is a very popular action because of its accuracy and reliability.

A lever action has a lever next to the trigger that is moved forward and then moved backwards and this action removes the previous empty cartridge and replaces it with a new cartridge. It is a popular rifle from the western movies and is chosen for its speed.

Pump actions and semi-automatic actions are rapid firing mechanisms that can cause problems due to jamming or failing due to not being clean and maintained.

The next decision is to choose a calibre.

The most popular hunted animal in America is the whitetail deer which has a relatively light bone structure. Small calibre cartridges such as the .22 are unsuitable.

Low velocity, medium calibres like the 30.30 Winchester or .300 Savage were very popular and are suitable for accurate shots up to about 150 yards.

High velocity, smaller calibres such as .243 Winchester, .260 Remington and 6mm Remington increase the effective range out to about 250 yards, however the projectile weights tend to be light.

High velocity, medium weight calibres offer the best versatility and are good up to about 300 yards. The calibres include examples like the .308 Winchester, 30.06 Springfield, .270 Winchester and the .280 Remington.

The bullet weights usually range between 150-180 grains; however they can go as low as 130 and up to 220 grains.

They are ideal for the whitetail, including the larger bodied northern whitetail bucks, and even elk and caribou.

The short magnums are suited for long distance (greater than 300 yards) because of their flat trajectory.

The rifles can come with synthetic or wooden stocks, and stainless or blued actions and barrels. This is really a personal preference.

So for a deer hunter starting out who is confused by the large selection of rifles for deer hunting, the best versatility is offered by high velocity, medium calibres such as the .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 30.06 Springfield and the .280 Remington, with loads ranging between 150 and 180 grains.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Which-is-the-Best-Deer-Hunting-Rifle-/93971

Cabelas Sporting Goods Catalog Review

2008-02-29T10:09:00.001-08:00

Cabelas offers an extensive array of outdoor sporting goods to an eager customer base. The customers are extremely loyal to Cabelas because of their extensive outdoor product selection and great prices.

Have you ever walked into an outdoors store and thought you were a kid in a candy shop? That is exactly how you feel when you walk into a Cabelas store or shop online. Cabelas has the most extensive range of outdoor products around.

Cabelas has maintained its focus on the customer experience and service to the custoemer. Because of this type of thinking, Cabelas is now the premier outdoor sports store in the country.

Cabelas started out as a little Mom and Pop shop but exploded when they started their mail order business. Then along came the internet and Cabelas overwhelmed the competition with their strategic thinking and customer service.

Cabelas can meet any outdoorsmans needs. Just take a look at the various categories of product offerings Cabelas provides: Archery, ATV, Camping, Clothing, Fishing, Footwear, Home Furnishings, Hunting, Marine and Boating, and more!

Cabelas is known for their continuous offerings of discounts on many products. Discounts to outdoor products arent limited to out of season items at Cabelas.

A Cabelas store is an experience in itself. Everywhere you look and shop there is an outdoor theme that will surely get your interest.

Shopping a Cabelas sporting goods store is an outdoor experience in itself. You will find aquariums, animal habitat displays, an arcade, restaurant, and magnificent antique gun display. You cant go wrong shopping at a Cabelas store or online.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Cabelas-Sporting-Goods-Catalog-Review/46699

Finding Hunting Season Information

2008-02-29T00:46:00.001-08:00
Some people are not sure about when the hunting season starts where they live. They might rely on their friends to keep them updated on which specific hunting season is in force at any time of the year. Some people have no idea that there is a certain season for a variety of animals to be hunted and will usually get in trouble when they bring the wrong game in at the wrong time of the year.

Keeping things legal is one of the main reasons that there are hunting seasons established. Otherwise, animals will not have a chance to birth their offspring or raise them into animals that are old enough to fend for themselves in the wild. Hunting in the wrong season depletes the hunting at the source and many hunters are quire studious of making sure that they have the latest hunting chart to go by at all times on their person.

The hunting season charts will also give a hunter an exact figure to use in calculating the number of pheasant that can be killed during a hunting season. This rule is then combined with rules for the number of rabbit, quail, red fox, bullfrogs and a large assortment of other game that continually run throughout the forest at any time of the year.

People that walk the forest to enjoy its beauty will know right away if hunting season is underway in their part of the country. The hunters will all be wearing bright orange jackets and vests that provide them protection from other hunters who might not know that they are hunting in that portion of the forest. When nature enthusiasts see these glimmers of orange, they know to stay out of the way or to leave the area because it is a designated area for hunting.

Some people begin finding hunting season information because they are interested in hunting dove. They will generally go hunting equipped with a hunting license because that is one of the rules for hunting that all hunters must follow. They might find the information for gray squirrel hunting quite appealing because they noticed quite a few of them out in the forest but were not sure if they were allowed to shoot them.

New hunters might not be aware that there are different hunting seasons for different animals that live in different parts of the United States. Some feign ignorance when they are caught hunting the wrong animal at the wrong time. The Fish and Game wardens are up to speed on all tactics that are used by hunters when they get caught hunting in the off-season and they are fully prepared to issue stiff fines that could lead to the revocation of their hunting licenses.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Finding-Hunting-Season-Information/96169

Hunting Gear For A Trip To The Forest

2008-02-29T00:22:00.000-08:00
When people are preparing for a hunting trip, they try to think of everything that they will need to make things nice and cozy while they wait for deer to come out and eat. All of the hunting gear that they need for a trip to the forest will have to be carried by each person that is going, and if there is only two on a trip, then the trip planning will be more intensive.

Most hunters will use their vehicles to get as far into the forest as they can before they start unloading gear. Some of the gear will serve as shelter and provide them with something to eat. The time span of a hunting trip is going to have a big impact on how much gear is taken into the forest. Other gear that will be needed will be the things that entice the animal to come toward the hunter and the weapons that the hunter will need to kill it.

Some hunters prefer a shelter that is lightweight because at times they will find it necessary to rest in a tree. A camouflage tarp is rainproof and lightweight. Tarps and any type of parachute material makes it easy for a hunter to carry it up and down trees with ease and the handy tote bags that come equipped with a shoulder strap make toting these coverings from the car to the forest easy as well.

Many hunters will choose to eat small animals for their evening meal. The meat of squirrels, opossums and snake make great additions to a meals-ready-to-eat package that only needs water to cook it. An MRE is a favorite staple of any hunting lodge because these ready meals will keep for many years before they will need to be replaced. The variety of the ready meals is also good and hunters like variety in their dining no matter what location they are dining.

The tools hunters use will differ with the type of game that they are hunting. If they are hunting whitetail deer then they might choose to carry deer antlers with them. There are many calls that can be purchased to mimic the sound of ducks and geese and there is many types of grains that can be left in the woods to entice deer to eat in that specific hunting area.

Every hunter will have at least one good cutting knife. Other hunters prefer to bring an multiple tool kit that is very handy and attaches to their side and is made to hang on the belt. Every hunter tries to leave the forest as they find it, and many hunters will wait to skin deer but others will not. Whatever remains emit a human scent are sure to keep deer from coming to that area to eat so hunters check the site several times when they are ready to pack up and leave.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Hunting-Gear-For-A-Trip-To-The-Forest/97303

Migratory Birds: When Hunting For Them

2008-02-29T00:04:00.001-08:00
Some hunters have a urge to hunt that might be stronger than other hunters. This is because they choose to hunt migratory birds each season and must develop a great deal of patience waiting for that season to approach. They might occasionally venture out with a few hunting buddies and kill a deer or two, but their passion is hunting ducks and geese because they love the taste of their meat.

To fill in some time while they wait, many migratory bird hunters will spend a great deal of time perfecting the duck calls that will aid them when the migratory bird hunting season finally opens. They will use a variety of calls and produce a variety of sounds to make sure that they are ready when the first birds pass over their house.

When the first V formation is seen on the horizon, these hunters will know that the migratory bird hunting season is fast approaching and they can ready their weapons and prepare themselves for their favorite time of the year. Of course, the hunters will also take the time to review certain regulations that pertain to migratory birds to ensure that there is nothing that will interfere with their favorite sporting event of the year.

There is a lot of important information about migratory birds that a hunter should know about to ensure not only their safety but to know what is and what is not allowed to be shot during any waterfowl hunting season. They might find the updates on the regulations for hunting on shooting preserves quite enlightening and might also consider the Avian Influenza information quite frightening.

The migratory bird hunter might take great interest in the patterns of breeding for ducks for that year and will be able to get a good idea on what level of success the hunting season will bring from the data contained in that report. Some waterfowl is on the protection list and can never be killed and the wise hunter will ensure that they keep a copy of that list with them in the mush to ensure that they keep within all of the specified boundaries open to them that hunting season.

Some waterfowl hunting areas have been closed for a while because of treaties that were signed by neighboring counties and State officials. A hunter that violates these types of hunting regulations is liable to find themselves in trouble on a Federal level. Hunters of migratory birds use the off-season to get current on a variety of topics, and to learn techniques that will help them make their hunting experience more enjoyable for everyone.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Migratory-Birds--When-Hunting-For-Them/96581

Tips To Improve Your Archery

2008-02-28T05:39:00.000-08:00
Many outdoor activities involve some type of pain or discomfort. Perhaps a sunburn at the beach, mild frostbite when snow skiing or blisters while hiking. Naturally, these types of pain and discomfort are expected and usually the end result is worth all you had to endure. However, in the sport of bow hunting, archery, one may wonder if it is indeed worth it. Judge for yourself.

Most hunters start hunting with guns, until someone comes along and talks them into trying bow hunting. Many times deer season starts earlier than the more traditional method of using guns. That in itself is a big motivation for many hunters, as they will get more time to hunt!

Another advantage is that it is usually legal to take a doe during archery season. What hunter would not like getting to hunt the woods earlier and possibly take a trophy whitetail deer. They look at it as more time in the woods, more chances to get a deer. Simple really. Or is it?

In areas such as Florida, bow hunting season, for the archery pros, opens in late September, where 85 - 90 degree temperatures and 90% humidity are par for the course. Also in Florida that is the beginning of hurricane season which usually manages to dump additional rain on top of what is the norm. Throw in clouds of mosquitoes and you have an almost perfect description of Webster's definition of a masochist.

Another important consideration is to make sure your gear is in tip top condition and make sure everything is as it should be. With bows, you need to check the string for wear and wax it while checking your nock points, etc.

Be sure to lube all moving parts, dry graphite lube works well for lubricating moving sights. If you use a bow quiver be sure to check its mount, making sure it is tight and won't vibrate or hum, when you shoot.

As an archery or bow hunter, what are you going to say the next time someone asks you if all of this preparation and pain is really worth the effort? Unless you want them questioning your sanity it would probably be a good thing to answer in the affirmative.

No one has to know that the main reason you are saying yes is that you just finished sitting in the freezing rain, fighting frostbite and can't wait for the sweaty bow-hunting season to start once again.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Tips-To-Improve-Your-Archery/97471

The Rules of Successful Deer Hunting

2008-02-28T00:48:00.000-08:00
Deer hunting is America's favorite pastime on the hunter's trail. To be a successful hunter, it's necessary to know that deer manage to stay alive by avoiding predators. They do this by using their sense of smell, hearing and their eyesight, to a lesser extent.

They are naturally accustomed to hearing two kinds of sounds: natural and unnatural. The natural sounds are those of birds, the wind blowing through the trees, squirrels chattering or the grunts of a buck. The sounds that alert them to danger are a cough, leaves crunching or the clank of metal brushing or banging against something.

If the season has arrived, then understanding the rules of engagement is imperative to successfully hunting your game. Mimicking that will attract deer, such as a fawn in distress, a fawn bleat, doe or buck grunt, are great ways of getting their attention and drawing them to your location. Additionally, making a rattling noise mimics the sound of two bucks locked in combat. Be sure to rattle with a bit of enthusiasm, and a few grunts will help to make it sound authentic.

Whitetail deer have a far better sense of smell than the hunter in pursuit. Not only can they smell your presence upwind, they smell where you've walked. If you have a good understanding of wind direction, you can use it to your advantage when deer hunting.

A common mistake that novice hunters make is washing their clothes and apparel with laundry scented detergents. It's recommended to use non-scented cleaning compounds and the allowing the clothes to dry in natural air elements outside. The hair and the body are often the biggest give away for deer whose survival depends on an acute sense of smell.

It's commonly thought that they have a poor sense of sight. While it's not their sharpest sense, many hunters give away their positions by allowing themselves to be seen.

If you can fool their sense of sight, smell and hearing, then you're well on you way to becoming a successful deer hunter. The key is to remain unseen and keep whatever you need within easy reach when hunting game.

When you find yourself in close proximity to your prey, it means you've done several things correctly to remain undetected by the animal. Hunting is a learned art and the skill requires practice before you can become a successful and seasoned hunter.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to perfect grunting and other realistic sounds that deer make. However, no matter how experienced or inexperienced you may be, there should always be a healthy reverence for wildlife and nature when you're out and about on a deer hunting adventure.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/The-Rules-of-Successful-Deer-Hunting/98438

Deer Hunting Is A Real Challenge

2008-02-28T00:27:00.001-08:00
While their populations are large, deer are still one of the most alternately frustrating and exhilarating game animals to hunt. One thing that makes this animal so difficult to get is twofold. Their sense of smell is so keen and their ability to communicate within the herd rapidly to warn them that danger is near, is razor sharp.

It's easy to tell when you've been sniffed out in the literal sense, as they will raise their heads and point their noses in your direction. Whitetail deer will begin flicking their tails to warn the heard, mule deer will toss their heads and the entire herd will jettison out of your range.

Experienced deer hunters will have their own tried and true methods for bagging a prized catch. From using sprays to mask their human scent, to rattling a pair of antlers to attract an elusive whitetail deer; there are a number of ways to lure these animals into firing range. It is just a matter of learning what methods will work best for your own hunting style.

Skill and understanding the psychology of this animal will go a long way towards making a legitimate kill. A mature buck will usually forage in the early morning and then bed down to snooze until the early evening hours when he will rise again.

If you can get downwind of a resting buck, when he rises from his bed, you will get a clear shot nearly every time. Another trick you can use when you're hunting is to use your turkey call. They feel comforted by the call of the turkey as the birds are silent when dangers such as hunters are around. A quick noise on your turkey call now and then will leave the herd that you are creeping up on very calm, so you can literally have your pick of among the herd.

Another trick you can use when you're hunting is to let other big game hunters do the work for you. Often hunters that flush out a herd will send them running and if you're across the way - the herd will be coming right at you. A good way to enable this situation to happen is to position yourself across from other hunters in high ground or thick cover. When deer are panicked they will look for an escape route and that is usually higher ground or a thickly overgrown area in which to hide.

Don't be afraid to try something new. If your last few deer hunting forays have turned up dry, consider using a turkey call to get closer to the herd or try using a spray to mask your scent. Get creative and find out what items may work the best and you'll get your dream shot on your next hunting trip.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Deer-Hunting-Is-A-Real-Challenge/97829

Ghillie Suits: How to Choose the Right One

2008-02-27T23:06:00.000-08:00

Ghillie suits, also called yowie suits, are a kind of camouflage clothing that will make you look like a part of the underbrush. They're usually made out of net or cloth, with bits of cloth or twine attached to look like leaves and twigs. They're the best item you can buy for blending into the background. Besides the military, ghillie suits are often used for paintball and hunting. If you've been considering buying a ghillie suit for either paintball or hunting, but aren't sure where to start, here are a few tips on getting the right one for you.

Ghillie suits are the best in blending in, but they can have a few problems if you are not careful. The wrong ghillie suit, could be extremely hot, heavy and hard to move in. This means that you need to be careful what kind of suit you buy, depending on the terrain and how you want to use it.

In general, hunters do not need to move around that much. They're often found sitting perfectly still for hours at a time until their prey appears. This means that bulk isn't much of a consideration, but good camouflage is. Although bulk may not me a major concern, hunters should still take into consideration the climate and the materials that the suit is made from. Fortunately some of the newer ghillie suits are made of fibers that are not only breathable, but are also smooth, odorless, and non-allergenic. If you are thinking of using your ghillie suit in inclement weather, consider a waterproof model, with mildew and rot resistance.

Those who play paintball usually need to have a better range of movement. Full ghillie suit may not be the ideal option for this sport. Smaller, lighter weight suits are more appropriate to the range of motion required when playing paintball, and you may wish to sacrifice some camouflage for this convenience. Again, be careful that you don't get too hot, as exertion can really cause one of these pieces of cover to heat up. Temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit have been reported. Paintballers are less likely to need waterproofing. Suits designed especially for paintball are available and may be a better choice.

Snipers, on the other hand, can use a more restricting model, but even there, you will sometimes need to run quickly. Of course there are special suits designed for snipers, which would make the choice a bit easier. There are sniper suits designed for light and heavy duty crawling. The best sniper suits take into consideration the crawling comfort and quality of fabric used. Overall there are several ghillie suits designs and variations based on the way it will be used. Choosing a suit that is that is designed for your need is essential to efficiency and comfort.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Ghillie-Suits--How-to-Choose-the-Right-One/46735

Returning To The Hunting Camp

2008-02-23T07:42:00.001-08:00
Hunters need a home base that they can return to after a day hunting deer in the woods. When returning the hunting camp, many hunters will keep a mental reminder of the area of land where they hunted the night before so that they can continue the quest for a trophy later that evening. If they were lucky enough to shoot a deer, they will naturally get a vehicle and return to pick the carcass up.

On return to the hunting camp, they will usually spend time writing in their hunting journal about the experiences of the kill. They will also document as much of the experience that they can remember so that when the hunting trip is over they will have something to talk about with other hunters in town. Many hunters are curious about the amount of game in an area, so they will write that in their journal too.

Before leaving the base camp, hunters will typically go about cleaning their weapons and ensuring that they have enough ammunition to carry them through another night in the wild. They will stock up on snacks that they can place in their pockets to find the hungry feeling that comes over a hunter in the early morning hours. Many hunters will feel rested from the recent repose and the thrill of the hunt will be in them.

As they leave the hunting camp, hunters will normally chose an alternate route out of the camp than the one they used the night before. They are familiar with the scents that animals leave behind and feel that the same policy applies to them. No hunter wants to establish a trail that animals will become familiar with so they alternate the way they come and go to give the scent time to weaken.

Many hunters have been surprised by animals entering the hunting site during the night. Many are in deep slumber when this occurs and will normally sleep through it. For the few hunters that are definitely devoted to burning the late night oil, the hunting opportunity that presents itself is too good to pass up. Firing a weapon in the perimeter of a hunting camp is risky business though, so the hunting skills will have to be keen to ensure that no human target wanders into their sights.

The journal entries of that hunter will be especially interesting and the other hunters when they return to the hunting camp will surely look forward to hearing that hunting tale. For this hunting trophy though, there will be no need to take a vehicle out to reclaim the carcass because the trophy has found the way to the hunting camp and certainly will not be going anywhere else.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Returning-To-The-Hunting-Camp/98850

Clothing Needed For Hunting Explained

2008-02-23T06:28:00.001-08:00
If every item a big-game hunter needs on a ten-day hunt were tabulated on a strip of paper, the list would look as long as a polygamist's clothesline. However, when properly packed, the total duffel need be neither heavy nor bulky - if sensible items are chosen.

Underwear, Pants, Shirts

For warm-weather hunting, cotton underwear of the union-suit type is fine. The standard cotton shorts worn at home had best be left there. The big-game hunter needs the extra length both for comfort in cool weather and high altitude and for leg protection against brush, sudden wettings, and the friction and galling of horseback riding.

Next in underwear warmth are the thermal knitted cotton garments, either in two-piece or union-suit style. This type of quilted knit provides an added measure of thickness, which gives absorbency to perspiration and added insulation. It is good for cool fall days and is easily laundered even at camp.

For cold weather, snow, and freezing nights, underwear of the laminated kind, which has an outer layer of wool and an inner layer of cotton (to prevent itching), is one of the most useful ever developed. These should be purchased in two-piece type so that one piece may be worn at a time, depending on the weather and the hunter's activity.

Footwear

Nylon and cotton socks are fine for mild-weather hunting. Light woolen socks are even better, and may be doubled as temperatures get colder.

Leather boots with high tops and non-slip soles are suitable for hunting in dry, cool weather.

Heavy woolen socks are best for use in uninsulated hunting packs and boots, or when walking in deep snow. Their bulky tops help keep the snow off the pants and legs.

Weight of the hunting boots is a vital consideration, and whenever possible it is wise to choose the lighter weight. Extra ounces of boots, multiplied by the number of steps a big-game hunter takes in ten miles of walking in mountainous country, add up to a prodigious tonnage.

Gloves

The hands and fingers are also critical areas in cold weather. Good hunting gloves should provide both protection and warmth.

In mild weather, authentic buckskin gloves (the short ones, not the fancy gauntlet type which habitually collect twigs and leaves on the sleeves) are the best possible hand covering for work around camp, handling horses, ropes, and saddles, and for hunting on horseback.

Next in warmth, most inexpensive, and one of the most usable gloves ever developed are the knitted brown jersey gloves, obtainable at most any store. Their one fault is that they are not waterproof. A pair of these jersey gloves worn inside a pair of leather mittens will keep the hands warm in very cold weather. Even better is a pair of rabbit-lined leather driving gloves.

Hunting Coats

Hooded parkas, down or woolen coats, and heavy woolen pants are necessary when hunting in cold, high country.

The choice of a hunting coat largely depends on the type of foliage encountered in the hunting country, the degree of cold and storm expected, and the wearer's physical conditioning.

The most useful mild-weather hunting coat is a denim jacket which matches the denim Levi riding pants. Such a coat is tough as boiled owl, resists snagging on limbs far better than most materials, is trim, light weight, inexpensive - and you seldom see a big-game hunter wearing one. The reason? The virtues of the denim jacket haven't been discovered by the average hunter.

Headgear

In cold weather, one fact should be kept in mind. The human brain is used more than the extremities; therefore more blood circulates through it. More body heat may be lost by having a cold head than by having cold hands. It is odd, but by keeping the head warm, the hands and feet are kept correspondingly warmer. In choosing headgear, this fact is worth remembering, especially for older, balding men whose heads have a tendency to grow up through their hair.

Fur-ruffed parkas, down-insulated clothing, and Eskimo mukluks combat extreme arctic cold.

Plan your hunting wardrobe well and you will enjoy your trip much more.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Clothing-Needed-For-Hunting-Explained/98883

Tactical LED Torches Suited For Home & Outdoor Use Posted By : Ben Anton

2008-02-23T00:35:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for a new flashlight for your home, for your car, or for anywhere else that you might need quality light in a hurry, you should consider a tactical flashlight or torch. A tactical torch is one that is designed to be a professional flashlight and to serve the police, military, fire services, industrial workers and other professionals. These tactical lights are available to the general public and are some of the highest quality lights around.

When looking for a tactical torch, consider one that utilizes LED light bulbs. An LED light will provide you with reliability that you just can't find in a standard flashlight. LED bulbs will outlast any traditional bulb - they have a bulb life of up to ten times longer or more, depending on the brand. An LED bulb also puts out a much more powerful beam of light. The technology used to create tactical flashlights enhances the light source so that it provides the highest lumens available when you need them.

LED flashlights also use fewer batteries over time than a traditional flashlight. This is because they draw much less power from the battery source, improving the energy efficiency of the overall flashlight. This is what ultimately makes them superior to standard handheld lights. By being more energy-efficient and consuming fewer batteries over time, an LED flashlight is the superior economic investment as well.

A tactical LED light utilizes the best features of an LED and improves upon them for maximum efficiency, brightness and durability. Tactical lights are professional flashlight quality, meaning that they are the same lights used by the law enforcement, by military professionals, and by fire fighters in some of the roughest conditions possible. That means they are much more durable devices. They can take a beating and can endure extreme conditions and situations. These torches are also developed to be easy-to-use and versatile. Many quality tactical flashlights will have focusing capabilities, allowing an officer or fireman to have both a spot light and a focused beam light at their disposal in one piece of equipment. Some lights also have strobing features and easy to use beam transitioning. These are features that are not only helpful for professionals but can be very helpful in survival situations while hunting or camping.

For the typical home owner, it may seem that a tactical flashlight would be excessive. However, knowing that no emergency is too great for your flashlight is a reassurance many families can appreciate. Having a light that can handle any kind of emergency from a tornado to a stalled car, offers you and your loved ones a special kind of peace of mind.

Tactical torches are used by many people who serve, protect and help our communities every single day. They are used because they have been proven to be reliable and easy to use even under pressure. Tactical LED lights can be used longer than standard flashlights, offer a brighter beam than even other LED lights because of the reflective technology in use with tactical lights, and are durable enough to last through almost anything.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Source: http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/Tactical-LED-Torches-Suited-For-Home---Outdoor-Use/157027

Hunting the Wild Turkey Explained

2008-02-23T00:31:00.001-08:00
The familiar barnyard gobbler is the same species as the wild turkey. It has merely adapted itself, with the aid of man, to live with the other fowl of the farm rather than stay in woods where it first came from.

Everybody knows what the barnyard turkey looks like, since he is the traditional bird of the Thanksgiving and Christmas table. The early explorers of our country depended upon him for many a main course at the family table.

Yet, this bird in the wild state is perhaps the most tricky and hardest to stalk of any of the game birds of America (due to its shy and alert nature) even though it is a large bird, our largest. He is a recluse of the dense forests, hardly ever ranging in the open country particularly when men with guns are abroad. In the early days the wild turkey roamed over almost all the land, but the inroads of civilization caused him to retreat until today he is found only in the remotest woods and swamps.

Conservation departments of the various states where he formerly lived in peace are trying to stage a comeback for him by restocking and protecting him from over hunting and predators. It is a long hard pull against heavy odds. In New York State, for instance, stocking the woods of the state forests has gradually re-established the bird in several very small areas.

Working from farmer stock bred with captured wild birds, a strain has been developed which seems to be holding on. The southland states of Florida, Georgia and their neighbors have many areas where the wild turkey is still found in great abundance.

This is the only game bird which can also be shot legally with a rifle as well as a shotgun. Dogs are no help in turkey hunting. The hunter uses a small call to attract the bird, or attempts to hold his attention until he can be seen or approached. The turkey will run every time rather than flush into the air. It is a rare and beautiful sight to see one streaking through the pines in full flight with its powerful wings biting the air and its magnificent tail spread.

The male grows to a length of forty-eight inches, the female, usually about thirty-seven inches. Both have a wing-spread of about five feet, and weigh between fifteen and twenty pounds.

Gobblers live where they can feed on acorns, nuts, berries, plants, seeds, and insects. They lay between nine and eighteen eggs each spring and grow to a ripe old age of twelve years.

Their tail feathers were used by the Indians for tribal costumes, especially when eagle feathers were not obtainable. Today their feathers are of value to trout fly tiers and are also for other decorative purposes. As for their use as food, they are much superior in flavor to their farm-raised brothers, but of course, the flabby farm stock is much more tender.

If you live in an area where the turkey was once a "native," try to get the local gun club boys to cooperate with the state conservation department to attempt reintroducing the turkey to your woodlands. You can probably enlist the help of an owner of private posted land, or use an Audubon sanctuary for your initial stocking.

Good luck with hunting the turkey!

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Hunting-the-Wild-Turkey-Explained/98666

Knowing Which Weapon To Use While Hunting

2008-02-22T23:44:00.000-08:00
Just about every hunter that is worth their salt knows that they have to wear hunter orange every time they head to the forest to hunt. That is part of the rules and regulations that apply to hunters in all parts of the world, and hunters do not mind this requirement at all because it is a good safety practice and it makes good sense to do it if they want to be safe while hunting.

Some hunters are unsure at times of the rules that pertain to which weapon that they can use to hunt because the hunting seasons change rapidly and differ from state to state. Hunters that are worth their weight in deer meat will certainly know that they should not shoot doe at any time because one day there might not be very many deer to hunt because of their dubious hunting abilities.

A good hunter gets very prepared with all types of useful information that pertains to all things about their hunting trips. They rely on the information of family and friends who hunt regularly in a certain part of the woods and they are certain that those friends will know which weapon they will be allowed to shoot an animal with that they are hunting.

Some hunters are very responsible with their methods of hunting and will take the time to review the stabilized hunting charts for the hunting season that they are about to enjoy. They want to ensure that they bring home a deer at the end of their hunting trip but will take the time to review the deer seasons in the state that they are in to ensure that the right weapon is used at any time of the year.

There is a certain amount of fun derived by hunters in keeping up with the weapons that they can use in the forests. On some months they believe that they will be able to use a shotgun and in the months that follow the weapon of choice could change to a handgun. The challenge of hunting can escalate quite quickly when the damage that the weapons cause changes so dramatically.

Some of the weapons that can be used during a hunting season might require a bit more time to load than other weapons that a hunter used on a previous hunting trip. With deer in their sites, a hunter might have to pause and make sure that their muzzleloader is filled up and ready to go. Then there are the hunters that have chosen the old reliable ways of hunting and can rear back with their bows and let their archery weapon take down the animal.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Knowing-Which-Weapon-To-Use-While-Hunting/99115

Tactical LED Torches Suited For Home & Outdoor Use Posted By : Ben Anton

2008-02-22T07:06:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a new flashlight for your home, for your car, or for anywhere else that you might need quality light in a hurry, you should consider a tactical flashlight or torch. A tactical torch is one that is designed to be a professional flashlight and to serve the police, military, fire services, industrial workers and other professionals. These tactical lights are available to the general public and are some of the highest quality lights around.

When looking for a tactical torch, consider one that utilizes LED light bulbs. An LED light will provide you with reliability that you just can't find in a standard flashlight. LED bulbs will outlast any traditional bulb - they have a bulb life of up to ten times longer or more, depending on the brand. An LED bulb also puts out a much more powerful beam of light. The technology used to create tactical flashlights enhances the light source so that it provides the highest lumens available when you need them.

LED flashlights also use fewer batteries over time than a traditional flashlight. This is because they draw much less power from the battery source, improving the energy efficiency of the overall flashlight. This is what ultimately makes them superior to standard handheld lights. By being more energy-efficient and consuming fewer batteries over time, an LED flashlight is the superior economic investment as well.

A tactical LED light utilizes the best features of an LED and improves upon them for maximum efficiency, brightness and durability. Tactical lights are professional flashlight quality, meaning that they are the same lights used by the law enforcement, by military professionals, and by fire fighters in some of the roughest conditions possible. That means they are much more durable devices. They can take a beating and can endure extreme conditions and situations. These torches are also developed to be easy-to-use and versatile. Many quality tactical flashlights will have focusing capabilities, allowing an officer or fireman to have both a spot light and a focused beam light at their disposal in one piece of equipment. Some lights also have strobing features and easy to use beam transitioning. These are features that are not only helpful for professionals but can be very helpful in survival situations while hunting or camping.

For the typical home owner, it may seem that a tactical flashlight would be excessive. However, knowing that no emergency is too great for your flashlight is a reassurance many families can appreciate. Having a light that can handle any kind of emergency from a tornado to a stalled car, offers you and your loved ones a special kind of peace of mind.

Tactical torches are used by many people who serve, protect and help our communities every single day. They are used because they have been proven to be reliable and easy to use even under pressure. Tactical LED lights can be used longer than standard flashlights, offer a brighter beam than even other LED lights because of the reflective technology in use with tactical lights, and are durable enough to last through almost anything.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Source: http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/Tactical-LED-Torches-Suited-For-Home---Outdoor-Use/157027

An Overview On Hunting Basics

2008-02-22T04:58:00.000-08:00
Some people will tell you that they have had a rifle in their hands and went on hunting trips with their Dad or Grandfather when they were still very young. Others will say that they didn't get into the sport until they were much older.

However, all will agree that it is both relaxing and the biggest adrenaline rush you can get. Since you don't need a large amount of equipment to go hunting, it also appeals to people on a budget. As well, the truly gadget happy will also be overjoyed to discover that there are gadgets, sprays and lures for nearly every game animal you can think of.

There are a number of types of hunts, just as there are numerous types of game to hunt. You can go for traditional game hunting such as quail, pheasant, duck or deer and you will be assured of having many enjoyable jaunts into the wilderness and marsh areas to hunt your game. Quail, turkey and duck are easily spooked and they have a keen sense of smell, so you need to stay upwind of them.

As well, many hunters invest in a dog. A hunting dog can be invaluable, as they can flush game out of the bushes, alert you to signs of game you may not have seen and can be trained to retrieve smaller game animals such as quail and bring them back after a successful shot. Not to mention, most dogs are great company to take along on the hunt.

Deer present a special challenge to hunters. While very common and plentiful, hunting both whitetail deer and mule deer will have special requirements. The biggest is to make sure that they cannot smell you. Humans put off a scent that deer can readily pick up and once they do, your chances for bagging a buck with a beautiful rack of horns will have vanished with him as he bounds into a heavily forested area.

This sport is a relatively inexpensive and relaxing pastime that millions of people enjoy. Whether you enjoy tracking whitetail deer, sneaking up on quail, bagging a bobcat or the adrenaline rush of aiming and getting a grizzly bear, the sport of the hunt has a little something for everyone.

Keep up with what season it is and take your favorite buddy, canine or otherwise, on a hunting trip and rediscover the thrill of tracking game through the great outdoors.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/An-Overview-On-Hunting-Basics/99791

Deer Park Hunting Basics

2008-02-22T04:28:00.001-08:00
Are you an avid deer hunter, but want a new challenge? Take a look at the possibilities of hunting in your local deer park. This kind of a park is simply a state or county managed forest land that allows hunting in order to help keep the animal populations in check.

There are predetermined areas where it is permissible to hunt and there are limits to how many of them you can take with you. This keeps the animal herds at healthy numbers and avoids overpopulation.

When hunting whitetail deer that reside in a park, you will find they are no more acclimated to being around humans than those that reside in more remote areas. As a matter of fact, most hunters report that trying to bag a mule one in a deer park is actually more difficult because the herds are used to keeping a low profile away from humans that visit the lands for camping, picnics and other outdoor recreation activities.

For hunts in a park, you will normally need to register with the park ranger's office and you may or may not have to pay an additional fee to hunt. It is wise to wear a bright orange vest so you may be clearly seen by other hunters. Also, ask if the park rangers have maps available, not only so you can see the lay of the land and the best places deer may be hiding, but also so you can see the permissible places to hunt whitetail or mule one.

Whether or not you're allowed to bring your dog when hunting will vary from park to park. The way to know without a shadow of a doubt is to ask the Ranger's office what the criteria for using a dog when hunting is. Also, get the full name of whoever gives you the go-ahead to bring your hunting dog so that way, in case you are in the wrong, you can go back to the person that gave you the erroneous information and avoid a ticket.

A deer park can be a great way to break up the monotony of hunting in the same old location. With no terrain to learn, you can use your skills to hunt. They will be even more adapt at avoiding hunters and the excitement that comes with bagging a big buck with be intensified. That being said, you can't go wrong with deer park hunting.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Deer-Park-Hunting-Basics/99828

Chronic Wasting Disease - What Hunters Need to Know

2008-02-21T10:03:00.000-08:00
Before heading for the woods to pursue a prize deer or elk, it is important to become familiar with a contagious neurological disease that may affect the animals you are tracking. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) attacks small portions of the deer and elk population found in various states within the U.S. Once an animal becomes infected with the disease, the brain suffers a distinctive spongy deterioration. As a result, infected animals suffer an assortment of symptoms, including the loss of their bodily functions.

Scientists and hunters have been aware of Chronic Wasting Disease for more than 30 years, as it has been known to strike free-ranging populations of mule deer in the past. Today, only four species belonging to the family Cervidae have shown a natural susceptibility to the disease. They are the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and moose (Alces alces). The exact origin of the disease is unknown and researchers may never learn how and when CWD first made its mark.

CWD-Infected Regions

It was a quite a long time before researchers learned that the disease stretched beyond their previous belief that CWD only affected wild animals in small locations about northeastern Colorado, southwestern Nebraska, and southeastern Wyoming. To date, Chronic Wasting Disease is now found in wild deer roaming about northern Illinois, central New Mexico, Kansas, Saskatchewan, southern Wisconsin, central New York, West Virginia, and Utah. Moose in Colorado have also tested positive for the disease.

Additionally, commercial gaming farms located in Colorado, New York, Kansas, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Montana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Minnesota, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have also produced CWD-infected animals.

How to Pinpoint Chronic Wasting Disease

One of the most glaring symptoms of deer and elk infected with the disease is the loss of body condition. Significant changes in behavior also arise. Infected animals may walk in a repetitive manner; display lowered head and ears; may illustrate a wide-based stance or showcase subtle ataxia (uncoordinated muscle movement); and exhibit slight head tremors. Infected deer usually dwell about water sources or riparian regions (wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands with surface water).

Despite their dwindling appearance, infected animals still continue to eat, but consume smaller amounts of food. As they near the terminal stage of the disease, they will drink a lot of water, frequently urinate, excessively drool, and salivate, which often causes the hairs located on their chin and neck to appear wet. Once clinical disease sets in, death is an inevitable outcome.

Tips for Hunters

Public health and wildlife officials do not discourage hunting in regions where deer and elk may have been exposed to CWD, yet stress the importance of exercising caution. This includes:

- Wearing latex or rubber gloves when field dressing a catch.

- Avoiding the shooting, handling, or consumption of any animal that looks sick or is acting out of the ordinary. For instance, a healthy elk will not come in close contact with a human.

- Do not saw through the bone of an elk or deer instead bone out the meat of the animal. Make sure to avoid cutting into the brain or backbone (spinal cord).

- Exercise minimal handling of the spinal tissues and brain.

- After completing the field dressing process, always wash your hands and equipment.

- To avoid consuming infected meat, make sure to stay away from the following parts of the animal: spleen, eyes, brain, spinal cord, tonsils, and lymph nodes. To remove remaining lymph nodes that may carry the disease, make sure to cut away all fatty tissue.

- If you rely on commercially processed deer or elk, make sure that your animal is processed on an individual basis to avoid the addition of contaminated meat from other animals.

- When an animal tests positive for CWD, properly discard the meat.

To make sure that an animal you have killed is not infected with Chronic Wasting Disease, testing of tissues is highly recommended. The initial step of testing involves screening (named ELISA), which quickly detects abnormal proteins in animal tissue that takes between four to six hours for results. If abnormal protein is detected, another test known as the immunohistochemistry (IHC) process is conducted, which usually analyzes tissue samples taken from the brain, tonsils, and lymph nodes of an animal.

Following the above tips are suggested in order to successfully avoid the rare possibility that a neurological disease may develop as a result. To date, not enough evidence has surfaced to prove that CWD-infected meat possesses fatal consequences.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Chronic-Wasting-Disease---What-Hunters-Need-to-Know/100070

Hunting Secrets for Whitetail Deer

2008-02-21T09:15:00.000-08:00
If you're ready to put all of your hunting skills to the test, go after a whitetail deer. These animals are a true challenge to hunt and have challenged many hunters. They can smell you, hear you and are constantly on the lookout for danger. Sneaking up on a buck is a real feat, but if you know a few tricks, it can be done.

Along with experience, you can use a good number of items and techniques on your hunts. First of all, a deer knows what you smell like. If they catch a whiff of what you've touched, where you've walked or where you are, well, game over! The entire herd will bolt with a warning flick of a white tail.

There are pros and cons to many techniques that hunters use during deer season to get close enough to the herds to bag a buck. One of the most common helper items used is the scent masking spray.

The pro side is that the spray will successfully hide your scent. The con side is that if too many hunters use one particular spray too often while hunting, the whitetail deer will quickly learn that the scent means danger.

Rattling antlers is another way to get close so you can get a good clean shot. If you have one or more sets of antlers, then once a year, oil them lightly with linseed oil. It will serve a two-fold purpose. The oil will keep the antlers from becoming brittle and it will also give them a solid and "real" sound.

The deer will hear you rattling the sets of antlers together and will assume it's a couple of bucks sparring. This technique will enable you to get a lot closer to the herd while masking your presence.

You may get some surprised looks when you say you like to take your turkey or duck call when you're hunting. You may even get asked if you're deer or waterfowl hunting; however it's a smart move. Deer are naturally soothed by the call of the turkey and ducks as the birds are absolutely silent when humans and other dangers are in the vicinity. A random turkey or duck call now and then will soothe the herd as you move in closer to take your shot for a trophy whitetail deer.

Another common mistake many hunters make is in how they proceed if they miss their shot. They move on. The herd may have been spooked by the shot and subsequently bolted from the area. However, in some instances they won't go too far. Stay absolutely still for ten to twenty minutes and you may be able to get another chance to bag your buck.

Use these tips to get the most out of your next whitetail deer hunting outing. Whether you enjoy hunting in an open range area or you prefer a deer park, you need more than skill to hunt deer, you need technique as well. Find the ones that work best on the deer in your area and you will raise your chances of bringing home a deer instead of a story about the one that got away.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Hunting-Secrets-for-Whitetail-Deer/101418

Washington State Elk Herd Management - The Mount St. Helens Elk Herd Plan

2008-02-21T03:07:00.000-08:00
The following was prepared by Patrick J. Miller and Scott M. McCorquodale, Ph.D. for the State of Washington:

The Mount St. Helens Elk Herd is one of ten herds identified in the state. It is one of the most important elk herds in the state as it provides significant recreational, aesthetic, and economic benefit to the citizens of Washington.

The purpose of this document is to provide direction for the management of the Mount St. Helens elk resource into the future. This is a 5-year plan subject to amendment. Before the fifth year this plan should be updated, re-evaluated, amended, and implemented for another 5-year period. The plan will serve as a valuable reference document and guideline for the Department, agency cooperators, landowners, tribes, and the general public. Priority management activities can be implemented as funding and other resources become available.

The three primary goals of the Mount St. Helens Elk Herd Plan are: (1) to preserve, protect, perpetuate, manage, and enhance elk habitat to ensure healthy productive populations; (2) to manage elk for a variety of recreational, educational, and aesthetic purposes, including hunting, scientific study, and photography; and (3) to manage harvest of the elk herd for a sustained yield.

Specific elk herd and habitat objectives, problems, and strategies are identified in the Plan. These are priority objectives identified to address specific problems in elk management. To accomplish each objective, a variety of strategies have been proposed. The following objectives have been identified:

1. Manage the Mount St. Helens Elk Herd using the best available science.

2. Manage all open-entry elk units for post-hunting season bull ratios consistent with the Game Management Plan (12 to 20 bulls per 100 cows) in conjunction with overall bull mortality rates less than 50%. Manage quality GMUs for minimum post-hunting season bull:cow ratios at approximately 20 bulls per 100 cows, in conjunction with overall bull mortality rates of less than 40%.

3. Manage the Mount Saint Helens elk population in balance with both the habitat and cultural carrying capacities of the region. The current population goal for achieving this balance is approximately 10,000 elk. Population adjustment will be made over the next 5-8 years, beginning in 2007.

4. Minimize human conflicts and property damage caused by elk.

5. Support public appreciation of the elk resource and non-consumptive values of elk including viewing and photographic opportunities.

6. Continue to monitor the health and winter survival of elk wintering in GMU 522 (LooWitt) and the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area.

7. Improve the quantity and quality of elk habitat on the Mount St. Helen Wildlife Area.

8. Maintain the current level of elk winter range along the Lewis River.

9. Work with other agencies and private landowners to improve habitats for elk.

Spending priorities have been identified for the next 5 years.

The recommended annual priority expenditures for the Mount St. Helens elk herd are as follows:

Priority Expenditure 1st Year 5 Years
Aerial elk surveys $25,000.00 $185,000.00
Habitat improvement $30,000.00 $125,000.00
Elk survival study N/A $200,000.00
Quantify elk forage condition $40,000.00 $120,000.00
Monitor elk body condition N/A $40,000.00
Monitor annual harvest $12,000.00 $60,000.00
TOTAL $147,000.00 $780,000.00

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Washington-State-Elk-Herd-Management---The-Mount-St--Helens-Elk-Herd-Plan/102178

Tactical LED Torches Suited For Home & Outdoor Use Posted By : Ben Anton

2008-02-21T00:37:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a new flashlight for your home, for your car, or for anywhere else that you might need quality light in a hurry, you should consider a tactical flashlight or torch. A tactical torch is one that is designed to be a professional flashlight and to serve the police, military, fire services, industrial workers and other professionals. These tactical lights are available to the general public and are some of the highest quality lights around.

When looking for a tactical torch, consider one that utilizes LED light bulbs. An LED light will provide you with reliability that you just can't find in a standard flashlight. LED bulbs will outlast any traditional bulb - they have a bulb life of up to ten times longer or more, depending on the brand. An LED bulb also puts out a much more powerful beam of light. The technology used to create tactical flashlights enhances the light source so that it provides the highest lumens available when you need them.

LED flashlights also use fewer batteries over time than a traditional flashlight. This is because they draw much less power from the battery source, improving the energy efficiency of the overall flashlight. This is what ultimately makes them superior to standard handheld lights. By being more energy-efficient and consuming fewer batteries over time, an LED flashlight is the superior economic investment as well.

A tactical LED light utilizes the best features of an LED and improves upon them for maximum efficiency, brightness and durability. Tactical lights are professional flashlight quality, meaning that they are the same lights used by the law enforcement, by military professionals, and by fire fighters in some of the roughest conditions possible. That means they are much more durable devices. They can take a beating and can endure extreme conditions and situations. These torches are also developed to be easy-to-use and versatile. Many quality tactical flashlights will have focusing capabilities, allowing an officer or fireman to have both a spot light and a focused beam light at their disposal in one piece of equipment. Some lights also have strobing features and easy to use beam transitioning. These are features that are not only helpful for professionals but can be very helpful in survival situations while hunting or camping.

For the typical home owner, it may seem that a tactical flashlight would be excessive. However, knowing that no emergency is too great for your flashlight is a reassurance many families can appreciate. Having a light that can handle any kind of emergency from a tornado to a stalled car, offers you and your loved ones a special kind of peace of mind.

Tactical torches are used by many people who serve, protect and help our communities every single day. They are used because they have been proven to be reliable and easy to use even under pressure. Tactical LED lights can be used longer than standard flashlights, offer a brighter beam than even other LED lights because of the reflective technology in use with tactical lights, and are durable enough to last through almost anything.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Source: http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/Tactical-LED-Torches-Suited-For-Home---Outdoor-Use/157027

Hunting Knives: The Benefits of a Liner Lock Folding Knife Posted By : Ben Anton

2008-02-21T00:29:00.000-08:00

When knives first began to appear as pocket knives, they were developed so that they could virtually fold in half and be able to ride in a secure, hidden location. When the knives were opened, it was usually done with a thumb or another finger, which meant that a person would have to use two hands in order to open up his knife. This is something that worked for many people, but could also be dangerous in the long run.

This is part of why liner lock knives were developed. With the liner lock knife, it is possible to open and close the blade with only one hand in a safe manner. The knife was designed by Michael Walker who took what was at one time called the electrician's knife, and made some adjustments to it. The electrician's knife was a knife that had a button which you could press to open and close it. However, it did not lock. Knife maker Walker changed the older style so that it would lock, which meant a safer sturdier blade.

The liner lock knife that can be found in hunting and fishing equipment stores today are commonly referred to as folding knives. When the knife is unfolded, it is held open by a leaf spring or lockbar system. The lockbar presses against the bottom of the blade and does not allow it to close until the lockbar is pressed. Then, it closes by itself. It will stay closed until the lockbar is pressed one more time.

The liner lock knife is useful because it allows you to safely keep your knife closed when you do not want to be using it. It locks the blade closed so that it will not come open by accident. This mechanism creates a way to keep a knife in the house or in a tackle box without worrying about the safety of other people that may be digging in drawers or boxes to retrieve it. The liner lock knife also works to lock the knife open, so that you will not have to worry about the knife falling shut accidentally on unsuspecting fingers or constantly collapsing while you are trying to complete a task. The lockbar on the liner lock knife works in both ways.

The liner lock knife also allows you to open and close the blade with one hand. This makes the entire knife much easier and convenient to use. These blades are also made of strong materials, typically steel or titanium, to better withstand rigorous use and the constant movement of the internal mechanism. These materials can also withstand rust and tend to maintain their sharpness better than other metals. With this type of construction, it is reassuring to users that the knife will last.

Whether for outdoor use or for your home, having a solid folding knife at your disposal is important. If you do not have one, consider a liner lock knife for its safety, ease-of-use and durability.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Source: http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/Hunting-Knives--The-Benefits-of-a-Liner-Lock-Folding-Knife/150023

Hunting Fishing Is A Great Way To Get Healthy

2008-02-20T13:08:00.000-08:00
Ready to push yourself back from the desk and start enjoying the great outdoors again? Reclaim your former outdoor hobbies of hunting fishing and other outdoor interests that require physical activity. It's a great way to get yourself back into shape and get out of the house.

Also, you can use these activities as a way to be alone with your spouse or your children and rediscover the fine art of conversation and conservation, without the outside interruptions of television, video games or a new text message that just came in on your teen's cell phone.

One of the first things you need to address before you go trekking out into the bush, is whether or not you're physically up to the challenge of hunting fishing activities. You may have to spend hours in the forest or brush, in a boat or hiking to find those perfect hunting and fishing spots. Getting a physical regularly is a good idea anyway, but make sure that you tell your doctor the types of activities you plan on doing and get the green light on your health before you hit the great outdoors.

Along with getting your physical health checked, you need to make sure to remember the safety basics for hunting fishing outdoor recreational activities. First of all, if you're going to indulge in any of these pastimes, tell at least one other person where you are going and leave a map of the route you plan to take to your favorite fishing hole, place to hunt whitetail deer or hiking trail. It's important because if you encounter a difficult situation and you are unable to call for help, then others will know the routes to take to find you.

For your expedition, make sure that you are well-versed in the basics of gun safety. As well, it's imperative to wear an orange reflective vest during deer hunting season so that you will not be mistaken for big game. Using a turkey call is a good way to let other hunters know you're in the area too. Because the deer herd actually considers the call of a turkey to be calming, this won't give away your location or cause the deer to run. Just remember that when engaging in such a sport, being visible to other hunters will avoid a tragic accident.

Reconnecting with your family is a great aspect of enjoying outdoor recreational activities. Whether it's hunting fishing or taking the family for a hike through a "not often traveled" trail, it's great to get away from the stresses of life and enjoy the simple pleasures that don't involve cell phones, laptop computers or text messages, at least for a weekend.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/Hunting-Fishing-Is-A-Great-Way-To-Get-Healthy/102560

The Thrill Of Whitetail Deer Hunting

2008-02-20T12:56:00.000-08:00
One reason that whitetail deer hunting can prove to be so difficult is the fact that the does are extremely careful about keeping their offspring hidden from predators. This results in the deer, even in maturity, being quite shy, nervous and overly cautious.

Some hunters even claim that white tailed deer have ESP. As the story goes, the hunter was in the woods with the animal all around him. While some of the animal remained totally at ease and seemingly unaware of the hunter's presence, others started to get very nervous and left the area for no apparent reason.

The reasoning is that the deer were fine until the hunter started concentrating on killing. Some liken it to the feeling you sometimes get when you just know someone is watching you. Their advice pertaining is to try to stay relaxed so that the animal will not sense your excitement or presence.

Defining the whitetail deer's habitat is difficult because these animals are highly adaptable. This makes it possible for them to thrive everywhere from swamps, deserts and plains to mountain ranges. One of the reasons deer hunting has become more popular is that they have no problem living near towns and cities either, oftentimes becoming pests and hazards to their co-inhabitants, humans.

What would you consider successful whitetail deer hunting? Many say just getting out in the woods makes for a good hunt. Putting themselves amid many different types of animals, sort of acting out the man versus beast scenario. Of course, actually seeing the animal adds much to the experience and occasion. And, naturally, taking a deer is the peak moment of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Have you ever found yourself in the position of defending hunting? If you are like most hunters, that answer would have to be yes. It is a controversial topic and there is little you can do to sway the opinion of the non-hunter in your direction. When it comes to defending deer hunting, try to be sincere and actually put your heart into it just as you do during the actual hunts.

One thing that non-hunters have a hard time with is when the hunter kills for sport and get a thrill out of doing so. It is one thing to hunt for food, yet quite another to kill for a set of antlers. For example, some non-hunters have been told that "trophy hunters" do not use the meat from their kills, which you know to be untrue.

Perhaps educate them a little by showing them that wildlife populations have increased across the US, partly due to the fact that hunters are footing the bill through many different hunting funds. Try not to talk down to someone who has never experienced the thrill of finally seeing a big buck while whitetail deer hunting.

Maybe the most important thing is to know when to quit. Sometimes if dealing with tightly closed minds that can't or won't concede that they may have been wrong, you are better off agreeing to disagree.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/The-Thrill-Of-Whitetail-Deer-Hunting/102801

The Thrill Of Whitetail Deer Hunting

2008-02-20T12:48:00.000-08:00
One reason that whitetail deer hunting can prove to be so difficult is the fact that the does are extremely careful about keeping their offspring hidden from predators. This results in the deer, even in maturity, being quite shy, nervous and overly cautious.

Some hunters even claim that white tailed deer have ESP. As the story goes, the hunter was in the woods with the animal all around him. While some of the animal remained totally at ease and seemingly unaware of the hunter's presence, others started to get very nervous and left the area for no apparent reason.

The reasoning is that the deer were fine until the hunter started concentrating on killing. Some liken it to the feeling you sometimes get when you just know someone is watching you. Their advice pertaining is to try to stay relaxed so that the animal will not sense your excitement or presence.

Defining the whitetail deer's habitat is difficult because these animals are highly adaptable. This makes it possible for them to thrive everywhere from swamps, deserts and plains to mountain ranges. One of the reasons deer hunting has become more popular is that they have no problem living near towns and cities either, oftentimes becoming pests and hazards to their co-inhabitants, humans.

What would you consider successful whitetail deer hunting? Many say just getting out in the woods makes for a good hunt. Putting themselves amid many different types of animals, sort of acting out the man versus beast scenario. Of course, actually seeing the animal adds much to the experience and occasion. And, naturally, taking a deer is the peak moment of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Have you ever found yourself in the position of defending hunting? If you are like most hunters, that answer would have to be yes. It is a controversial topic and there is little you can do to sway the opinion of the non-hunter in your direction. When it comes to defending deer hunting, try to be sincere and actually put your heart into it just as you do during the actual hunts.

One thing that non-hunters have a hard time with is when the hunter kills for sport and get a thrill out of doing so. It is one thing to hunt for food, yet quite another to kill for a set of antlers. For example, some non-hunters have been told that "trophy hunters" do not use the meat from their kills, which you know to be untrue.

Perhaps educate them a little by showing them that wildlife populations have increased across the US, partly due to the fact that hunters are footing the bill through many different hunting funds. Try not to talk down to someone who has never experienced the thrill of finally seeing a big buck while whitetail deer hunting.

Maybe the most important thing is to know when to quit. Sometimes if dealing with tightly closed minds that can't or won't concede that they may have been wrong, you are better off agreeing to disagree.

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Source: http://www.pcwriters.com/Article/The-Thrill-Of-Whitetail-Deer-Hunting/102799

How to buy a rifle scope

2008-02-19T10:48:00.001-08:00

Here you will find useful information on the most important characteristics of a rifle scope and tips for buying the right model.

The rifle scope is an optical device designed to magnify the target and surrounding area, allowing for a hunter to make more accurate shots. The objective lens of the rifle scope is coated. The coating can be either fully coated, multi-coated or fully multicoated.

Other important characteristics include: eye relief, field of view, length, weight, light transmission. Eye relief can be defined as the distance that a scope can be held away from the eye and still give a full view. Larger field of view means you will be able to see a larger area (width). The light transmission determines how long you can hunt with the scope, in which time frames - dusk, dawn.

The quality of the rifle scope greatly influences the success or failure of a give hunter, considering the advantages it provides. First and foremost, it brings closer the distant targets and objects surrounding them. The next advantage is that due to the night-vision of certain models, it will increase the number of hours during which you can hunt.

When it comes to buying rifle scopes, you must be armed with the proper knowledge on their characteristics and also be aware of what will be its specific purpose. Let's start with an examination of a rifle scopes parameters. Magnification is the power of the scope, denoted by 4x, 6x, 4-16x, etc.

Most rifle scopes provide you with the option to adjust the level of magnification. That's the case with the variable rifle scopes, which are denoted with 3-9x40, for example. The number after the 'x', signifies the diameter of the objective lens, usually in millimeters. Larger lens mean that more light will enter the scope, thus the image will be brighter.

But as already mentioned, larger lens means heavier scope which becomes difficult to carry, therefore you must know what exactly you will be using it for. What's more is that image brightness and resolution are in proportional dependence. When the brightness is higher, the resolution will also be higher, which at the end means the image of you target will be of higher quality.

Some of the leading producers of rifle scopes are Leupold, Redfield,Burris, Simmons, Tasco, Zeiss, Weaver. All those brands have line of models with different cost-quality ratio. Hence, to make the best buying choice, read as much info and reviews as possible and be aware of your specific needs.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/How-to-buy-a-rifle-scope/51340

Stop Dreaming Of Hunting, Find The Solution Here

2008-02-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

It is my survival hunting tips that always made it easy for me to bring home my gain in top condition. Here are some tips you should know before your hunting trip.

If you plan to succeed, you're a step ahead of the other hunters any day. Part of a successful hunter's plan should include the basics of field dressing, as well as a hunt kit that includes the tools you'll need in the event of success.

One thing you should do first is to pack a good hunting knife. Make sure to bring along a knife your accustomed of, it can be a folding blade or fixed blade knife. you will need your stone to sharpen it. With any kill, you might need to skin the animal or make incisions for field dressing.

Cool your kill - in warm weather, it's exceptionally important that you get the carcass cooled as quickly as possible. Traditional field dressing is the best option, but if you've got access to a one-ton packed with ice, more power to you. Do bear in mind that meat spoils from the inside as well.

Avoid contamination - when dressing your carcass, take care not to puncture the innards as the contents of the animal's digestive tract can ruin all your hard work. Many hunters recommend tying off the rectum before you remove it to avoid accidental spills.

Make sure your always aiming at the right target, this protects bystanders and the other hunters. A bullet or arrow can cause sever damage to any one standing in another filed. So pay close attention to what your aiming at and what lies behind your target at all times.

When packing your bags, make sure you have adequate food and water for yourself and your dog. During the early summer days, you will have to make sure hydration for you and your dog is taken care of.

Hunting dogs are very expensive, especially a well trained pedigree dog. The training cost are very high and you will have to pay it if, you want to be a great hunter. but, it's worth every penny.

As you choose areas to hunt at particular times or under specific conditions, make time to practice your hunt skills before you intend to use them. And consider jotting down your successes, failures and things you might like to try in the field next year.

In addition to using scent to hide yourself while you're hunting, you can use scent as a tool to attract the sort of prey you're stalking.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Stop-Dreaming-Of-Hunting--Find-The-Solution-Here/49245

Labrador black bear hunting - hunting black bear in Labrador

2008-02-19T10:33:00.001-08:00

Labrador black bear hunting trips with Expeditions North offer hunters an unmatched opportunity to hunt Labrador black bears that remain virtually unhunted. This lack of hunting pressure, as well as, the ideal habitat in which they live, has resulted in a very healthy Labrador black bear population. The black bears in Labrador get enormous with bears in the 200 lb range being common and bears in the 500+lb range being a real possibility.

The ideal time to hunt Labrador black bears with Expeditions North is in the month of June. During this time, the Labrador black bear has emerged from his den and is spending a great deal of his time foraging for food. We allow hunters to optimize their hunting success by hunting over bait in strategically placed stands. We have a number of active stands that have consistently produced large Labrador black bear year in and year out. Many quality Labrador black bear are also taken every year on our early fall Caribou hunts as an add on. These Labrador black bear hunts with Expeditions North are not only challenging but extremely exciting as well. Hunters may choose to hunt our Labrador black bears with their choice of rifle, muzzle loader or bow and arrow. Numerous trophy size Labrador black bear are taken every year with both modern and primitive weapons.

The population of Labrador is only around 28,000 people and the province is about the size of New Zealand. The majority of Labrador is wilderness and is chock full of pristine lakes and rivers, surrounded by some of the most beautiful country one can imagine. Most of the Labrador black bear you will be hunting have never seen a human being before and have proven to come easily to active bait sites. We make sure all bait sites are active prior to placing hunters on their stands to ensure that your hunt will be successful. Labrador black bear hunting is as good as it gets and offers a very realistic opportunity to harvest a trophy Labrador black bear.

Our caribou hunting success rate has been at consistently high levels for ten consecutive years.To find out more about Black Bear hunting opportunities including our hunting lodges and packages click one of the following links

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Labrador-black-bear-hunting---hunting-black-bear-in-Labrador/47220

Basic Facts and History - Dressage

2008-02-08T11:34:00.001-08:00

Dressage, which comes from the French word meaning training, and is pronounced to rhyme with visage, trains horses to be active, obliging, flexible and receptive. Often described as "Horse Ballet" Perhaps, this is so because ballet asks the same, flexibility, smoothness and vitality of its performers as does dressage of its horse and riders.

Dressage at the highest level represents sport at its most graceful can only be produced when horse and rider are completely in sync. Both the horse and rider must be fully in touch with each other and as such it can be seen as the pinnacle of team sport. Dressage at all levels improves balance, suppleness, and obedience with the purpose of improving and facilitating the horse's performance of normal tasks.

The impact made by Xenophon on the equine skills of Ancient Greece show through in the present dressage. It was first recognized as an important equestrian pursuit during the Renaissance in Western Europe. The major European equestrian masters of the renaissance produced an ordered training plan that remains basically unchanged since and classical dressage is thought to be the fundamental of modern dressage.

With the degree of ritual black is the predominant colour for tack in dressage. An English-style saddle is required for riding dressage, specifically a "dressage saddle" which is modelled exclusively for the discipline. The saddle is tailored with a lengthy and straight flap, fitting the rider's leg, with a gentle curve in the knee, a low seat and usually a prominent knee block.

Dressage is practised in many countries and an element of competitiveness is satisfied with competitions being held in many of the countries. The biggest addition to dressage competitions was its entry into the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, this galvanised the levels of training and hence riding. Dressage now takes it place alongside the other two riding disciplines, jumping and eventing.

Dressage is performed in a 20 x 60 meter arena with a set of letters, A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F. Certain movements are to take place in the vicinity of specific letters. Dressage horses when they are at the top level of development can be endlessly adaptable to a rider's persuasion and accomplish whatever is required with a minimum of fuss or apparent effort.

Competitive dressage focuses on movements such as the piaffe, half-pass, extended trot, pirouette, and tempi changes. The aires above ground are not undertaken in competitive dressage, unlike classic dressage, due to the physical problems horses have in completing them. The highpoint of any dressage competition is when the rider develops a routine to music that includes certain pre-determined movements and figures; this is called the Musical Freestyle. The tests within dressage are not composed of "tricks" to be learned automatically; the object of dressage training is to develop the horse physically and mentally, in harmony with his own natural ways of moving and thinking, and these tests are "checkpoints" to display the level of balance, strength and obedience he has reached in his training.

Dressage is a large subject, of which I have only been able to touch the surface.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Basic-Facts-and-History---Dressage/53933

The Best Hunting Rangefinders Review

2008-02-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

Many professional hunters know the value of a hunting rangefinder. If you don't have a hunting range finder, you may return empty handed and moody. The best hunting rangefinder helps you shoot perfectly by providing you the exact distance.

Yes, you can. There are such hunting rangefinders. They are Leupold Wind River RB800C Rangefinder, Bushnell Yardage Pro Sport Rangefinder and Nikon Pro Staff Laser 440 Rangefinder.

Nikon ProStaff Laser 440 Rangefinder:

The Nikon ProStaff Rangefinder provides you exact distance measure with an invisible FDA laser. It works well even the prey you are looking for hides in the bush.

Here are the excellent features of this hunting rangefinder:

* Original Digital Processor

* Excellent scanning ability

* Ranges distances from 11- 440 yards

* Focusing Diopter

Leupold Wind River RB800C Rangefinder:

This is a perfect binocular rangefinder for hunting. Its in-built compass directs you to your target. You'll get the precise distance measure even if a prey is far distant. You'll get the distance range though the prey is moving.

This hunting rangefinder has two buttons: one turns on the power and measures the distance. Another switches from yards to meters and vice versa.

Bushnell Yardage Pro Sport Rangefinder:

This is the most compact hunting laser range finder available on the market. It also uses highly advanced technology. The Bushnell hunting rangefinder gives you sharp calculation of the distance ranging from 10-1500 yards.

This Bushnell Yardage hunting range finder's features are 4x magnification, +/-1 yard accuracy and single button operation.

Finally, all these hunting Rangefinders are water proof and work under all weather conditions to give you the exact range to the prey you are looking for.

Hopefully this useful information helps you pick the best hunting range finder you like. You'll realize how important a hunting range finder When you shoot confidently. Enjoy the amazing results!

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/The-Best-Hunting-Rangefinders-Review/51762

Introduction to Concealed Carry Holsters

2008-02-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

Concealed carry holsters are designed to hide the weapon from the view of others, while allowing for quick access to the weapon when needed. As the number of concealed carry permits continues to grow, the need for information about concealed carry holsters will grow as well.

As concealed carry holsters have evolved over time, alternative holster styles like front pocket holsters and ankle holsters are now gaining a foothold amongst concealed carry permit holders.

When selecting a concealment holster, there are several elements that need to considered. These elements include the following:

Weapon size

Body type

Climate

Let's a take a second and talk about each variable individually, although they all somewhat tie together in the end.

Weapon size - At of all the variables that come into play when searching for a good concealed carry holster, this is one of the most important. Why? Because the smaller the overall size of the weapon, the easier it will be to conceal. Pure and simple. I'm not saying that larger framed handguns can't be concealed; I'm just saying that it becomes a more difficult task. We see this quite a bit in our retail store. A customer will come in on a search for a new concealed carry holster for a large frame handgun. After trying on several different IWB holsters (coupled with some subtle hints), most all of them, at some point, will come to the somber realization that they just can't properly and comfortably conceal their selected handgun. Notice that I also mentioned "comfortably" as comfort will play a huge role in how often you will carry the holster and, in many cases, the weapon itself. The most effective concealment holster in the world won't be worn if it's not at least somewhat comfortably. If not comfortable, at least the holster should be tolerable. If you've had the opportunity to read any of the other articles that we've posted, you may have already seen some of our other references to the importance of weapon selection. While we aren't trying to overemphasize this factor, it is very important.

Here are a few methods to help overcome the weapon size issue. For starters, if you haven't already decided on a specific handgun yet, or are considering a new purchase for concealed carry; try to match the weapon to the application. Which in this case, is concealed carry. Shop with this idea in mind and don't get sidetracked by other factors. Decide between revolver or semi-auto, and then narrow the selection down within each of those groups. Keep in mind as you evaluate these weapons that you'll be trying to conceal it either directly on your person or near your person in some form of off-body carry. Let me also point out that the size of the weapon will also play a role in the various types of possible concealed methods that you can use. Larger weapons will virtually eliminate the options of ankle carry or pocket carry.

Body Type - Here's a variable that no one likes to talk about, much less take into consideration when selecting a concealed carry holster. The bottom line here is that certain body types may not be able to comfortably (there's that word again) carry or adequately conceal using certain carry methods. No matter how much you dislike it, your body type may limit your concealed carry options. For example, If you have an expanding waistline (like most of the Gunner's Alley staff), inside the waistband (also called IWB) carry may not be for you. I make that statement as the weapon may be uncomfortable as well as visible inside the waistband. Likewise, people on the slender side may lack the girth or real estate to carry IWB. My best suggestion here is honestly evaluate yourself and then test fit a few different holster models. It won't take long to figure out of IWB carry is for you or not. If it's not the best carry method for you, then you'll need to look alternatives. Many people become discouraged when they figure out that IWB carry isn't for them, but there are other excellent concealed carry options besides IWB.

Climate - Although many people don't think that much about it, climate can and will play a major role in concealed carry. To a certain degree, climate will dictate the type of clothing that you wear, which in turn will play a part in your concealed carry. Hot or humid climates will usually require shorts and short sleeves, while cooler climates allow for more clothing, which translate to easier concealment. Warm climate locations can pose the biggest challenges to concealed carry as clothing is minimal. In this situation, weapon selection becomes paramount. Warmer climates also can eliminate some potential concealed carry methods. For example, if shorts is the preferred pants in that climate, ankle carry and ankle holsters won't be an option. Take climate into consideration when holster shopping.

In the end, you'll have to find the best handgun/holster combo that works for you. Hopefully the information provided here will be valuable and relevant for you. We'll be glad to try to help with your holster needs, just give us a call or an e-mail.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Introduction-to-Concealed-Carry-Holsters/59225

Review Of Hunting Rangefinder

2008-02-08T11:02:00.001-08:00

If you have been hunting and hardly 'getting' anything, it's time to think of a good hunting rangefinder. A hunting range finder helps you enjoy the challenge of hunting and makes you a winner.

Without having the exact distance measure of your prey, how is it possible for you to hunt it? That's why you need a Cabela's CLR800 hunting Range finder.

Indeed, Cabela's and Bushnell associated to make a top-performing rangefinder for affordable price and made the CLR800.

This range finder has 'advanced digital technology'. It can provide you readings from 5 to 800 yards on reflective items with 1-yd accuracy.

You can also get accurate distance measure of far away targets through foreground brush or tall weeds. And even in bad weather too.

Using the Cabela's CLR rangefinder is simple. The one-button operation saves your precious time and avoids confusion. And the fully coated optics deliver a bright, crisp field of view, even in dim light.

This excellent hunting rangefinder measures 1.9" x 4.2" x 4.1" only. And weighs just 8 oz. So isn't it easy to carry and handle?

If is still sounds incredible to you, read the reviews written on Epinions by Terry and Howard. They have been successfully using this Cabela's range finder since long.

James says, "It's a wonderful gadget. I found the distance measurements accurate and consistent. I give this unit a 'good' rating because it's well made (solid) and affordable to all."

Benjamin says, "What a compact and easy to use range finder! I love it. Especially, the single button operation. The build quality is apparent as you pick up and examine the unit. My buddy's rangefinder had the gray casing but you can have one in the Seclusion 3-D camouflage pattern if you what to be stealthy."

So, hopefully this information is good enough to consider the hunting range finder.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Review-Of-Hunting-Rangefinder/55579

How To Find The Right Hunting Dog

2008-02-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hunting with a skilled hunting dog is a thrilling experience and definitely worth looking into if you like hunting. Some of the greatest trips I have been on have been the ones when I have included my dogs. I learned early on that if trained well, the dog will stick by you and become part of your family. Hunting with a skilled hunting dog is a great benefit to any hunting trip and offers a unique experience like no other.

Purchasing the best hunting dog for you is an important decision and requires a lot of thought and preparation. Since being able to establish a working relationship is one of the most important aspects required when choosing a hunting dog, it is important to take a sufficient amount of time with each other before deciding. Having a dog that you are compatible with is very beneficial and often will make your hunt a success.

Finding the best hunting dog is necessary because you will be depending on his instinctive abilities to guide you while hunting. A well trained hunting dog works with the hunter in the field and learns to obey and read his masters signals. There are different places to buy quality hunting dogs, but I personally have had a better outcome when buying through a breeder to insure you get the right dog.

You will benefit greatly by buying through a breeder. You will be given purebred documentations, allowing you to make an informed decision about the dog you are considering for purchase. Choosing an honest breeder is necessary in deciding on the best dog. Always ask questions regarding their experience and look at the conditions of the kennel where the dog is kept. The best breeders care about their dogs and keep their kennels clean.

Another vital part of choosing hunting dogs is how they will be trained. This is a very important part to become knowledgeable about before making a purchase. Some hunters choose to train the dog themselves and although it is not impossible, it requires the correct knowledge in order to train the dog in the correct way. Personally, I have always thought that hiring a trainer has given me the best results and taught my dogs what they need to know for the hunt.

It often happens that a dog becomes not only an asset to the hunter, but also part of the family. When this takes place, it is easy for a dog to become confused by the mixed communication. Going through a professional trainer can make things easier and make sure the dog is ready to follow his owners commands. I also recommend putting a dog in school. This teaches them social skills and time to learn to work with others.

When searching for the best hunting dog, you will come across many types of dogs to choose from. You should choose the dog based on the area of hunting you do most. Every kind of dog has different characteristics making them a wonderful choice for certain areas of hunting. Retrievers are a wonderful dog for going after fallen ducks or geese from water areas, whereas a scent hound is better in tracking down game by smell.

Pointers and Terriers have other great qualities, making them suited for flushing out smaller animals. After hunting with a dog for awhile, you will see that the instinctive qualities of each of these types of dogs will be beneficial to your hunt and give you more successful results. Finding the right gun dog will take time, but the benefits are worth it when you have a correctly trained hunting dog.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/How-To-Find-The-Right-Hunting-Dog/54853

Dressage - A Brief Introduction

2008-02-08T10:57:00.001-08:00

Dressage, which comes from the French word meaning training, and is pronounced to rhyme with visage, trains horses to be active, obliging, flexible and receptive. Many people see dressage as like ballet for horses. This may be because in dressage both the horse and its rider demonstrate the power, suppleness and joy related to ballet.

At its best dressage is a sport of beauty and is only possible when there is a true partnership with the horse and rider. In fact dressage can be seen as the "ultimate team sport", with horse and rider competing together in harmony. Dressage at all levels improves balance, suppleness, and obedience with the purpose of improving and facilitating the horse's performance of normal tasks.

The impact made by Xenophon on the equine skills of Ancient Greece show through in the present dressage. Dressage became noticed in Western Europe as a very useful training of horses in the renaissance period. It was during the renaissance in Western Europe that the most important horse trainers implemented a training regime that moved from stage to stage for classical dressage that almost unchanged today is utilised for modern dressage training.

Dressage as a very formal event and normally this is recognised by tack being black or sometimes very dark brown. An English-style saddle is required for riding dressage, specifically a "dressage saddle" which is modelled exclusively for the discipline. It is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, mirroring the leg of the dressage rider, which is long with a slight bend in the knee, a deep seat and usually a pronounced knee block.

Dressage is practised in many countries and an element of competitiveness is satisfied with competitions being held in many of the countries. Once dressage was in the Olympics, at Stockholm in 1912, there was a sharp improvement in standards of all aspects of the event. Within the Olympics today dressage is included with eventing and jumping, all three going together for the three day event.

Letters, A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F, are used to specify points with the 20 meter by 60 meter dressage arena. When specific moves are required the position to complete the move can be shown by reference to the letters, riders can make use of the letters to help them when judging space or size. A horse at the height of their gymnastic capabilities can readily adapt to a rider's urging and complete required actions without seeming stressed.

Riders taking part in competitive dressage realise they need to concentrate on the piaffe, passage, half-pass, extended trot, and tempi changes. This differs from the movements completed in classic dressage, specifically with respect to the aires above ground that horses no matter how well trained struggle to perfect. For many the focus of any dressage competition is the Musical Freestyle, this is when the rider needs to build a routine taking into account certain required movements and figures; the routine must also be set to music. The requirements within dressage exclude "tricks" to be learned by rote; the point of training in dressage is for the horse to develop both in body and mind, at one with the natural development, and these tests are "pointers" to exhibit the achievement of stability, endurance and attentiveness his training has allowed him to reach.

This article is written to encourage further study on dressage and it is a wide and varied subject that can not be properly covered in such a short space.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Dressage---A-Brief-Introduction/53934

Hunting Tours -Black Bear Hunting In Russia

2008-02-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

Big game hunting is all about the trophy animal when a big game hunter is out looking for the record breaking trophy. The size, the length, the weight is all part of who bagged the biggest trophy. Big game hunting is all over the world, Africa for the large big game hunting, United States for the white tail deer, elk, bear, and other big game hunting. New Zealand for big game hunting birds and other animals, Asia and Russia for the black bear hunting. Hunting tours are set up in different countries to help the big game trophy hunter.

Russian big game hunting for black bear is an excitement any hunter would love to have, not only for the story however, the prize bear in their trophy room. With the population of black bear and brown bear in Russia over flowing, any hunter would have the opportunity to bag a black bear.

With nearly over 100,000 brown and black bears, the population of black bear in Russia stays constant. The bears in Russia are the largest population than any other country today. As a big game hunter, you can see why the hunting is excellent in Russia. With a large portion of black bear hunting concentrated in the Pacific coast and the European parts of the Russia hunting tours offer great packages for the prize trophy.

With the large concentration of black bear in Russia, Kamchatka is the largest habitat of the large bear perhaps in the world today. With plenty of salmon to feed on, the bears equal in size to the large population of bears in and Alaska and the Kodiak Island. As the smaller black bear having advantage over the other bears, they will climb trees to hide from view.

Russia offers the largest population of black bear in the world and most affordable hunting tours. With other places for black bear hunting being expense and the trophy hard to find, Russia black bear hunting is beyond doubt the perfect hunting spot for black bear.

Hunting tours guides have been taking black bear hunters to the wilderness in Russia for years, helping to bag the trophy record black bear. Black bear hunting season in Russia ranges from August to February, depending on the type of hunting a person would choose would be the time of year to go. Tours offer different types of bear hunting in oat fields, over bait, by stalking a large black bear, bear hunting with dogs or at a black bear den.

Hunting tours are set up for 2 to 6 persons to hunt with one guide. They offer lodging, meals, organization of the hunt, four by four vehicle, hunting guides, all licenses, primary processing of trophy and its conservation for transportation, trophy, veterinary examination of trophy, cites, and interpreters. Most hunting tours last up to seven days black bear hunting including some site seeing of Russia and outstanding well-known places.

Russia is the place to go for black bear hunting. With the over population of bear in Russia a big game hunter is sure to find the largest black bear for their trophy room.

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Hunting-Tours--Black-Bear-Hunting-In-Russia/65622

Big Game Hunting Network - Bears in Russia and United States: Will They Survive The Global Warming?

2008-02-08T10:46:00.001-08:00

Big game hunting networks and big game hunting clubs, work together to give a hunter a chance to find the best possible location for hunting, and tips on the area for hunting. Tips like what type of game hunting is the best and when. Lodging, meals, and tour guides. Sites can give weather reports and up to date news about hunting in their location.

Some of the hunting news been out has been the over population of black bear and brown bears in Russia. As the bears has become a nuisance to the conservation and to the people live in Russia. Bears are moving in to populated areas leaving havoc in small towns and cities. Due to global warming, climates are changing in seasons, bears being awaken by the warmer climate earlier each year to find no food, and heading to places, they have never been. This is causing the nuisance in Russia and around the world.

As they call global warming where the earth is heating up, not only are the brown bears in Russia finding it hard to abstain life. In addition, the popular polar bears in Russia and United States are also awakening sooner from hibernation finding nothing to eat and some are finding no outlets back to the feeding areas left to starve.
As the glaciers are starting to melt as faster rates this is causing polar bears stranded in location where they would hibernate, awaken to travel to open locations for feeding. With rivers and lakes becoming higher to the melting of the glaciers, the bears are now nothing getting over the land back to the feeding areas.

As our climate continues to warm will the polar bear survive and will the polar bear start moving south to areas where feeding is more abundant? If this happens, what happens to the people in isolated areas? Polar bears move in to their territory, now the concern arises.

For the last few years a very few selective big game hunters from Alaska have been able to obtain a license from the United States government to harvest a few polar bears a year. This is to help keep the population down and to help with the movement of polar bears due to global warming.

Russia is now considering in the upper most parts to allow only a selective few permits to big game hunter to harvest a few polar bears a year. Russia at this time is still undecided about the harvest.

With big game hunting networks and with big game hunting clubs all over the world a hunter will be able to keep up with the news and outlook for hunting in locations around the world.

Are you a hunter either big game or small game? Big game hunting network can help with tips about hunting, fishing and touring in Russia and other places in the world. Big game hunting club offers tour hunting guides in Russia for the big game hunt. Black bear hunting in Russia is undoubted the best with the over population of bear in Russia.Check out the tours and the Big game networking site for more information about bears and bears and hunting in Russia and around the world

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Source: http://www.rightarticle.com/Article/Big-Game-Hunting-Network---Bears-in-Russia-and-United-States--Will-They-Survive-The-Global-Warming-/65517