The Fine Art of Bow Hunting

Bow hunting is often seen as one of those “manly” sports, but there is a small contingent of women that partake in bow hunting and take the sport to new levels. With bow hunting, people are getting in touch with the control of the hunt and are learning all sorts of new things about getting in tune with themselves and using their own bodily power to get in touch with the hunting aspect. Without the use of a firearm, people find that there is less to hide behind with a bow and find that the psychological aspect of bow hunting can be somewhat intimidating.

With bow hunting quickly becoming a new favorite in those seeking old-fashioned adventure, there are many new additions to the sport that people interested in it should get to know. One important aspect about bow hunting is the breaking of the “safety zone”. This must be done to get a clean shot at the prey. While traditional firearms hunters can stay at a relatively safe distance from their prey, a bow hunter must creep up on the prey and get inside a danger zone with the animal. This means that the animal could charge or attack at any moment within the danger zone. The hunter should be aware at all times because of this.

With some of the new additions in bow hunting, however, some of the guesswork from the hunt is being removed. While many bow hunting traditionalists may be against such new additions as GPS sensors and nigh-vision, others welcome any ally that they can muster in this fight for survival and adventure. There tends to be two different schools of hunters, but all hunters have the same goal in mind whether they are traditionalists or “new school” hunters. The ultimate goal of bow hunting is, of course, to bring down the ultimate prey.

There are several types of hunts that people go on. Big game hunts are popular and include elk, wolves, mountain goats, caribou and mountain lions. Other more dangerous hunters tend to go bow hunting after bears. There is a lot of demand for bear hunting these days, especially archery related hunts. This is because the danger involved with bear hunting delivers more of a rush than elk or caribou hunting. Like running with the bulls, bear hunting brings a sort of insane glee to the hunter and delivers certain thrills that they are not likely to get anywhere else.

Many people book bow hunting trips or excursions with a variety of trip-leading companies. These companies typically take a group of hunters into a particular area that is noted for having a great deal of the animals they are seeking. The hunting company trips come equipped with a guide that monitors the action from a position of expertise and offers tips to the hunters in the party. Hunting trips are often very reliant on the seasonal aspect of hunting, so those seeking a bow hunting excursion should make sure they are paying attention to the top seasons of hunting.

Much of bow hunting is reliant on the baiting or trapping aspect. The aforementioned hunting trips typically supply bait to the hunting party. This includes a knowledge from the hunting guide of placing the bait and finding a spot to wait for the prey. As hunting guides are professionals, their advice should always be heeded. 

Typically, a hunting guide will take his or her party to a location in which the density of the hunted animal is known to be highest. They will then set up a camp or “base” and begin to look for baiting locations. Once the bait has been placed in a variety of locations, a hunting area will be designated for the bow hunters. As the hunters set up shop, the guide will typically go through a few of the ground rules and safety techniques. After a short period of time, the animals tend to appear and the hunt is on.

bowhunting

There are thousands of reasons why hunters indulge in bowhunting. Many hunters prefer using bows due to their stealthier quality. Additionally, many consider it a way to connect to a more primal form of hunting that modern guns simply can't provide. Others consider bowhunting when hunting with dogs, children, or fellow hunters who, for one reason or another, dislike the sound of gunfire. Some hunters simply consider it a more humane method of hunting. Regardless of the reason, hunting with bows is considered a satisfying form of hunting for thousands across the country. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing bowhunting supplies.

Ideally, your bowhunting equipment should be sturdy, reliable, and most importantly: quiet. Fortunately, there are thousands of different bows and crossbows to choose from. As the rules and regulations for bows vary according to the state you live in, it's also important to research these matters thoroughly before making any decisions. Various types of bows include long bows, recurve bows, and compound bows. These vary in shape, size, and design as well as the number of strings. As your arms grow stronger, you may wish to switch to a more advanced bow over time.

Choosing the right arrows is another important part of hunting with bows. Whether you're hunting deer, squirrel, wild hogs, varmints, or other species, the weight and length of your arrow can drastically affect your accuracy. Furthermore, using the wrong weight can even damage your bow over time.

Arrows also come in a wide variety of materials to consider. Hunters who use long bows tend to prefer arrows made from sturdy woods such as cedar or pine, while those who use automatic bows tend to prefer fiberglass, carbon fiber, or aluminum bows. Finally, the feathered area of the arrow, known as the fletching, should be bright and distinctive enough to be able to identify easily. The nock, which is located at the very back of the arrow, should be easy to grip in a hurry.

If you're concerned about sharing hunting space with rifle hunters, you can relax in the knowledge that most bowhunting seasons occur separately from rifle hunting seasons. Additionally, you can also attain a more private hunting setting by attaining private hunting leases with landowners or farmers. Another advantage to private hunting leases is that you aren't necessarily always limited to hunting only one species, allowing you to bag rabbits, squirrels, deer, and other species in one session. Learn more today about how bowhunting can benefit you!

Boar hunting

Whether you're an experienced professional hunter who is looking for something new or you're simply enthralled by the idea of hunting hogs, boar hunting is rapidly becoming one of the more popular methods today. Unlike many other types of hunting, which involve lying in wait and stalking your prey, boar hunting is different in that you approach the hog head on, resulting in a truly exhilarating hunt.

There are a variety of reasons boar hunting is so popular. Many engage in hunting for the meat. However, as pork spoils very quickly, it's typically a good idea to harvest and freeze your meat as soon as you possibly can. However, with multiple hunts, you will be able to stock up on enough pork to last you considerably. 

The only downside to boar hunting is that they are susceptible to disease. This is why you should always inspect the look of the animal before you hunt it. If your hog shows signs of disorientation, labored breathing, or slowness, it's a good idea to leave it alone. Similarly, look for signs of discoloration or parasites in the meat before deciding whether it's adequate to eat. Additionally, harvesting and drying the ears and hooves are also ideal as chew treats for your dogs.

Of course, there are more reasons to engage in boar hunting than just for their meat. Many hunters, particularly those who collect trophies or taxidermied animals, enjoy hunting them for their prized tusks. In cases such as these, many hunters may base their decision on the size and shape of the tusks as well as the overall appearance of the animal's hooves, coat, ears face shape, and more. Again, the health, intelligence, and age of the animal also play a significant role in choosing which boar to hunt. Some hunters who prefer a more long term satisfaction will actually watch herds over long periods of time, monitoring different litters of piglets to ensure they have desirable traits.

The most common form of boar hunting involves the use of dogs. Many purebred and mixed breed canines are prime for hunting hogs, including some of the larger, stronger animals such as mastiffs, pit bulls, and boxers. Sleeker, faster dogs such as foxhounds or blackmouth curs are used to distract and harass the hog, while the bigger animals latch on and hold the hog down, allowing you to shoot it cleanly. Learn more today about how boar hunting can benefit you!

Big Game Hunting

Big game hunting is one of the many variants of hunting (e.g. duck hunting, rabbit hunting). Big game hunting’s major objective (which is the game) can bring harm to the big game hunter. Big game hunting has lot of game types; a good example of big game hunting is bear hunting.

Bear hunting is very dangerous of the size and characteristic of the game (which of course is the bear). Bears have excellent hearing and smelling senses. Not to mention its five long, sharp, non retractable claws which can rip big game hunters flesh apart. An average sized bear can run up to fifty miles per hour. You can only imagine what it feels like when you suddenly see a bear charging towards you. However, like other types of big game hunting, bear hunting is strictly regulated and maintained by some State Law.

Another type of big game hunting is the big cat hunting. Big cat hunting refers to the hunting of large wild members of the Felidae family or the wild felines. Big cat hunting’s main targets are large felids, which can weigh up to several hundred pounds. Panthers, lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars are examples of big cats for hunting.

Another type of big game hunting is the elephant hunting. This kind of hunting is prohibited in almost all parts of the globe that have elephants. The elephant is now one of the endangered species because of the ivory trade. The tusks of the elephant are made up of hard, white, opaque substance known as ivory. Ivory is used as ornamentals or sometimes for medicine purposes.

The most popular of all big game hunting is moose hunting (in North America) or elk hunting (in Europe). Moose hunting is very popular not only for its meat, but for its antlers as well. Moose hunting season usually begins during the fall season because it is the mating season for moose. Most moose hunters prefer to hunt male moose for their antlers. And also, male moose (or bulls) get easily swayed by moose calls made by moose hunters.

Big game hunting is very popular all over the world. From the rugged mountain ranges of North America to the jungles of Africa, there is always a game for big game hunters. The main aspects of big game hunting are its games, which usually are the large, big and dangerous kinds of animals in the wild. Some big game hunters prefer to hunt their game from a distance to reduce the risk of injuries and harm.

Becoming An Efficient Wild Duck Caller

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.

Exploring the Dangers of Bear Hunting

For some reason, people seem interested in the notion of tracking down a bear through the wilderness and killing it. While it may seem strange, there is a small cult of people that follow bear hunting considerably and make it an active part of their lives. These people tend to find generalized hunting a little too “tame” for their tastes and instead lurk after the lumbering bears of the forest. Often seen as an attempt to prove their manhood, bear hunting is a dangerous and largely unnecessary sport that typically challenges all notions of natural balance and order. Instead, most bear hunting aspects lead to dangerous outcomes or to the possibility of extinction.

Bear hunting, while seemingly unnecessary to the average person, is actually a legal and monitored part of the hunting regulations in North America. Alaska is one of the largest places for hunting bears. Several times a year, Alaska can be found swarming with hunters trying to bag the big one and those just curious to watch the bear hunts. The danger and general excitement of the hunt is enough to draw on the very basic components of human nature and create a buzz around bear hunting. Unfortunately for the bears and for some innocent bystanders, bear hunting creates a chaotic and unfortunate scene.

It is argued by hunters that the bear population is quickly recharging and regenerating itself, leading to the moral validity of bear hunting. In other words, there are enough bears in the world and, furthermore, without bear hunting the population of bears in certain areas would be overwrought. While this notion may be partially true, it is also important to consider that bear hunters typically are not properly educated in the matter. Some bear hunters are not hunting for purposes of thinning out a particular species to maintain some sense of animal control in the area. This leads to many bear hunters callously shooting at anything that moves and taking down anything that looks like a bear, paying no mind to the species or importance of the bear.

For this reason, bear hunting is best left to the professionals. There are many within the wildlife community that are given the task of taking down the bear population by statistically represented and supported numerical values. These wildlife officials know what bears to look for and have identified the bears that are older and weaker, leaving the decision of hunting bears down to an actual representation of the bear community in a particular area and to actual natural law.

In that respect, bear hunting appears to be the domain of the testosterone-driven hunters. The hunters looking for the best possible kill are typically adrenaline junkies that are looking for danger and excitement. As many examples over time have proven, bear hunting can provide that danger and excitement in more than ample amounts. This leads to fatalities or injuries that are often results of people getting too close to bears or people getting too involved in the bear's natural habitat. In short, people simply do not know when to leave well enough alone.

With all of this rhetoric around bear hunting, one would think that the very notion of how dangerous the sport is would be enough of a repellent. However, every season more hunters are flocking to alleged hunting sites and every season more needless waste is being done to the beautiful natural backdrop that bears and other animals call home. The amount of human-led damage to the forests and natural setting of Alaska because of bear hunting is staggering. 

Regardless of any moral convictions, it is important to maintain a factual focus when discussing hunting of any kind. Whether we live in an age in which hunting is a necessity at all anymore is certainly up for dispute. Many argue for the sport aspect of it, but a more logical approach might suggest that the arguments for the sporting aspect of bear hunting are better left behind.

Black Bear Hunting

Summary: Black bear hunting is a favorite game for hunters especially on areas that swell with their numberslike New Jersey and Canada

Long considered a predator, black bears were shot sporadically as vermin, for food, and for trophies. In some areas black bears are being seen as either a vicious beast or an endless commodity. This was because their behavior has been little understood until recently.

Today, the specie is fast becoming a favorite game for most hunters especially on areas that swell with their numbers like New Jersey and Canada, especially when it comes to the fact that the emerging breed of black bears are adapting to the life in the suburbs. Consequence is that the households sometimes awaken to the sound of rummaging bears in their property (black bears are strongly attracted to the scent of decay). Worst cases these black bears invade homes and proceed to rummage around in search for food and attacks could happen if humans are in the way.

Because of their swift growth especially on areas that are populated by humans, the ban on black bear hunting had been lifted. Since black bears reproduces slowly so black bear hunting should be carefully controlled. Several states allowing bear hunting have guidelines to follow. Carefully study hunting regulations and know the things you can and can’t do. Baiting the Black Bear

The most common method for black bear hunting is baiting. Baiting is basic. It is placing bait on a location and waiting for the black bear to show. Though it sounds easy on pen and paper, the actual process is rather difficult; often it is frustrating. Black bears have relatively poor eyesight, but outstanding olfactory and auditory senses. When they get a whiff on a scent of your boot or sweat, no matter the stink of your bait may be enticing to him, he would usually run away.

While some would argue that baiting is the worst form of black bear hunting, it is the safest and it allows you to check your game if it isn’t a sow. And it is far from easy too, because bears have outstanding sense of smell and the slightest hint of your smell will make the bear disappear.

Getting the Black Bear to Settle

Bait should be placed attentively. It should be along the bear’s movement path; proper anticipation should be made. Bears frequent those areas where he always likely to spot a meal. Some hunters prepare before the season by regularly putting baits in a location until a bear marks the spot.

While hunting for these spot, look for telltale signs of black bear activity, like claw marks and bear droppings. Also, disturbed vegetation always signifies presence, bear or not. Check beneath brushes and foliage for signs of feeding activity, as black bears tend to feed underneath brushes. 

Last piece of advice: remember these animals are dangerous, especially when provoked. So don’t ignore your safety while black bear hunting just because you’re carrying a gun. These creatures are considerably strong and can take a few hits while closing in on you.

Bear Hunting in Canada

Summary: Canada has the densest population of bears throughout America that most outdoor sports that happen there is bear hunting

Canada has the densest population of bears throughout America. The most common species is the black bear, though Grizzlies are also widespread. These bears are so common throughout the continent, Canada and Alaska, that most outdoor sports that happen there is bear hunting.

Bear hunting in Canada was an extensive activity even in the last century though the reason for most hunts did differ. Bear hunting in Canada were reasons of vermin cleaning as bears (especially the black bears) are rampant even in the suburbs. The black bears most especially are the specie types that do not shy away from humans. Cubs are often sighted playing with humans and human related objects like tires and cars. Black bear cubs are even known to beg for food on car doors, especially on stopped cars on a woodland freeway. Black bears are seen as harmless and cuddly, even the teddy bear existence was due to an alleged occasion when Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a young black bear because it was so cute and harmless.

Though naturally harmless, black bears are also far from the image it has portrayed for itself. Black bears are never cuddly. There have been thousands of mauling and deaths resulted by black bears, especially if the human is in between its intended food.

Grizzlies on the other hand are gigantic, often reaching the mass of 220 – 1500 lbs. In contradiction from the smaller black bears, grizzlies are timid creatures.

In general, bears are very adaptable and that’s what makes them dangerous. They have proved they can coexist with humans though peace is another story. Sometimes bears will find the human as food source which results to killings of human.

Bear hunting in Canada is the government’s move to curb the exploding numbers of bear populations. Several foreign hunters travel just to take part in the hunting, which is open in spring and fall. The government though has placed several restrictions for bear hunting in Canada, dictating when and how these bears can be hunted, on what regions and the candidates for hunting.

Bear hunting in Canada are now mostly for trophy reasons. With their thick coat maturing in winter, spring is the preferred choice for hunters. So how do you prepare for the bear hunting in Canada? Be sure to check each localities’ rules and regulations. Always come prepared, if bears won’t kill you in the wild, nature will. And remember, black bears are often cute and cuddly but dangerous. On the contrary, grizzlies are gentle and timid creatures. So choose your pick, black bears or grizzlies. Me, I’d go for the blacks.

Basic Turkey Hunting Tips

Turkey hunting is challenging, exciting and in some cases becomes addictive. Turkey’s senses are extremely keen - even your heart pounding can make the turkey vanish like a puff of smoke.

Basic help in turkey hunting

Before you can hunt a wild turkey, you have got to find them. The easiest way to do this is by locating the general areas of the turkey’s habitat.

- Get a good map of the area you plan to hunt.

- Wave or use a locator call like an owl hooter or crow call or even a turkey call to try to get a response. When you hear a gobbler, mark the locator map.

- Scout for the best location on foot. Check for signs of the bird’s scratches, droppings of feathers. This information can help you locate some areas. Check along mud holes, creek banks, pastures, log roads, fencerows etc. as many trips as possible.

- Never try to get too close to the turkey. A turkey’s eyes, ears and awareness are many times better than yours.

- Choose a tree that is wider than your shoulders. This will protect you from other hunters that might come behind you and mistakenly assume that you are a real turkey.

- Camouflage is almost a must to avoid being seen. Wild turkeys have such keen vision. Many turkey hunters usually wear camo suit, cap, facemask, gloves, vest with many pockets to carry calls and maybe a snack. 

Also do not forget to wear dark colored socks so that when you sit down, they would not show you. But the main thing to remember: your movement is more important; regardless of how well you are camouflage. It doesn’t make you completely visible. Even though you are camouflage, you are still an unnatural form in the woods. 

Movement is the greatest enemy of the turkey hunter. A turkey can detect you 10 times faster than you sense the turkey.

 The best shotgun and ammunition for turkey hunting is the combination that delivers a dense, hard-hitting pattern at 40-45 yards. Practice with a target that portrays a turkey’s vital head and neck area. 

These parts are the ones that you should be shooting. You should have at least 8-10 pellets in the vital area at 40 yards.

• Do not hide so well that you cannot see what is happening. Blinds are useful for the turkey hunter, but when constructed so well that vision is obstructed, it is no longer a blind, and it is a hiding place, as beneficial to the turkey as it is to you.

 Cease from using gobbler calls. 

Although this call can sometimes be productive, it is also very dangerous. In areas where many hunters are located,

Basic Turkey Hunting Information: Knowing Your Prey And Their Behavior

Fall was the preferred time to hunt wild turkeys by most of the famous old time turkey hunters and is still favored by many traditionalists. These turkey hunting experts liked it best because it was a lot more difficult and therefore more rewarding to call in an old turkey in the fall rather than the spring.

Gobblers in the late summer, fall and winter become very solitary animals with very little interest in females. They do, however, gobble in the fall and there have been a few mornings in October and November that you would think that it was spring with the huge number of gobblers around. 

On rare occasions, gobblers will even come in strutting and gobbling just like it was spring. More likely though, you won't even notice a fall turkey reacting to your calls. He will just appear silently, looking for companionship with another long beard but not really caring whether he finds it or not. This is a real fall gobbler.



The fall season has regained its popularity recently with the ever-increasing numbers of turkeys. Over 40 states now host fall turkey seasons and more and more hunters are discovering the excitement of hunting in the fall. Turkey hunting is a pleasurable and enjoyable sport people are starting to like.

This sport requires seperate permits for hunters during the fall, along with the applications for spring hunting permits. Turkey hunters are allowed only to take only one wild turkey of either sex during that fall season each day.

Turkeys are usually found in open, mixed hardwood and pine 

Others are scattered in brush land. Others prefer to roost in trees larger than the surrounding vegetation and will often choose place to stay on sites facing slopes where they can shelter from the existing strong wind. They will use open fields and meadows as feeding and boasting sites and wooded areas are roosting sites. If few or no roosting sites are available, the turkey may leave the place and not use it.

Basic Turkey Characteristics

Turkeys’ ears are also placed on both sides of their heads. And because they have no outer ear to develop the sound in one direction, they hear sounds all the way around them. Sounds received by only one ear can help the turkey find out which direction the sound comes out but not any indication of distance. 

Turkeys turn around to be more alert.

With a highly developed sense of smell, they can determine the direction of danger by scent and wind direction. The clever beasts generally flee away from the danger, not toward it. Besides their sense of smell, they rely heavily on both their eyes and ears to determine the direction of danger before they run away from it.

Basic Firearm Safety For Hunters

Every year, hundreds of hunting accidents occur across America; just ask Vice President Cheyney.  Many of these accidents could have been avoided by practicing a few basic gun safety techniques.

Know your weapon

If your weapon came with an owner’s manual, read it from cover to cover.  Practice taking apart your weapon and inspecting it thoroughly.  If you know what your weapon looks like normally, you will be quick to recognize any abnormalities of the weapon in the field.  If you drop your weapon or fall while carrying it, take it apart and inspect it for damage.  Make sure that the slide operates smoothly.  If you are in doubt about the integrity of your rifle, don’t fire it.

Educate yourself about the ammunition that you choose to use.  A .22 caliber bullet fired from a rifle can travel over two and a half miles.  This knowledge is necessary to line up a safe shot.

Transporting the weapon

Always keep your weapon unloaded until you are ready to fire.  If you are going to hike to a new location, unload  before starting out.  Store the rifle and ammunition separately and, if possible, keep the storage container locked.  Never carry a loaded rifle in your vehicle or on an ATV.

Sighting your prey

When sighting up your intended shot, there are many things to consider before pulling the trigger.   Never shoot at a partially obscured target.  Identify your prey fully before even raising your weapon to take a shot.  If you are in doubt about what is moving, control your excitement and wait until the target can be fully visualized.  Never hunt after dusk or before daybreak. 

Know what is in front of and behind your target before shooting.  Do not shoot animals that appear on hilltops and near the tops of ridges as you cannot identify what may be behind your target. If your game is near water, rocks, or buildings, keep in mind that bullets can ricochet off hard surfaces.  Do not use the gun’s scope to sight your game. Use your binoculars first, and then if the shot is clear, switch to the scope.

Treat your weapon as if it is loaded at all times

Never look down the barrel of a weapon for any reason.  Keep your muzzle pointed away from yourself and others at all times.  Learn and use various safe carrying positions for transporting your rifle in the field.

Keep a clear head

Never go hunting or handle a weapon if you have had any alcohol or medication that may impair your judgment.  Even a sleeping pill the night before can affect your reflexes during the day.

Get plenty of rest the night before your trip and go home early if you find yourself becoming drowsy.

Sighting a big buck or a fat bird can be exciting.  It’s important to keep a level head at all times and not let your emotions cloud your judgment.  Don’t allow yourself to act without thinking through the action to determine if it’s safe first.

Wear your safety gear

Bring along hearing and eye protection and wear them before shooting.  Include safety orange in your choice of head gear and upper body clothing.  This helps other hunters in the area distinguish you from the prey.

The Archery hunting

Archery hunting is a fun and rewarding experience for hunters across the country. Some believe that once you've tried bow hunting, you'll never want to return to rifles again. There are some decided advantages to hunting with a bow that you won't find with rifle hunting. Here are a few tips to consider when planning your next hunt.

One decided advantage to archery hunting is that it allows you to truly hone your skills. Any avid bow hunter will tell you that the excitement of the hunt is greatly enhanced in that using a bow and arrow or crossbow allows you to be closer to the hunt. While this requires greater stealth and patience on your part, this also allows you to see some truly extraordinary sights as well as add a new dimension to your technique. In addition to this, hunting with brightly colored arrows allows you to identify your kills easily, which is especially useful if you're tracking a shot deer. They can also be useful for determining your kill from someone else's. 

Archery hunting is also fun for guided hunts. These hunts are ideal for those who are just easing into the sport or simply want to spend a leisurely weekend having a good time. They're also fun for hunting in areas or climates you've never hunted in before. Guided hunting involves an outfitter providing you with private land, guides, and even camp grounds and cabins to dwell in over a period of time. In many cases, you even have meals provided for you. While bagging game isn't guaranteed, at least you'll be able to rest assured in the knowledge that you'll be able to relax and have fun.

Of course, archery hunting isn't suitable for all situations. While it's quite ideal for everything from varmint game to deer and wild boar, archery hunting isn't typically used for bigger game, such as moose or elk. While there are exceptions, in some cases it's simply wiser to use a rifle. This is because sometimes the sheer size of the animal may make it so only certain arrows are able to penetrate. In other cases, it may be extremely difficult to sneak up on the animal, especially a moose, which has an incredible sense of smell. While it's possible to do so with a bow and arrow, when it comes to bagging something as big and as rare as a moose, you're better off using a weapon you're certain can bring it down. Learn more about archery hunting today!

Archery Hunting

Bow hunting or usually called archery hunting is one of the regulated hunting methods in the United States. Archery hunting also has its own special season to minimize its interference with rifle hunters. The technical regulations of archery hunting are regulated by individual states and provinces in an effort to maximize the recovery of games and shot lethality. However, some countries in Europe consider archery hunting as unnecessarily cruel to animals, thus, making it illegal.

But if you are thinking of taking archery hunting next season, you need to prepare to be in a good condition. Preparing for archery hunting is not just about the equipments and gears, physical conditioning is also a factor. If you will go on bow hunting you must consider that bow hunters typically hike and climb about five to fifteen miles a day in a terrain that is more beautiful to look at rather that hiking on it. Most archery hunters condition themselves with cross-country training fitness programs. Most bow hunters undergo acclimatization training so that they will be in good shape when they go out to bow hunt.

Aside for physical training, most bow hunters make sure that they have all the proper supplies and equipments before going out to hunt. Here are some of the basic and essential supplies and equipment that a bow hunter must have when hunting.

* Headlamp ­or Flashlight – one of the essential equipment of the hunting gear because most hunting expeditions usually lasts a few days. Nobody wants to grope in the dark, especially in the wilderness.

* Sleeping Bags – not only does a sleeping bag keep you warm at night it also protects you from bugs and insect while sleeping.

* Knife – self explanatory. Even amateur hunters would acknowledge that the knife has many uses.

* First Aid Kit – don’t leave home without it. The basic first aid kit is sufficient enough.

* Nylon Rope or Cord – has many uses, especially when settling at night. You can also tie your game with this so that you will have less difficulty in carrying your game.

* Boots and Socks – don’t just settle for any type of boots. Settle for the type of boots that structure of your feet needs. If you wear mountaineering type of boots that are uncomfortable, you take the risks of having foot injury. Your boots should have enough support on your ankles and feet.

* Topography Maps – don’t be too sure of yourself even if you are familiar with the surroundings. Even experience bow hunters get lost if they don’t bring topography maps with them. 

Keep this in mind, if you can afford it, don’t sacrifice the quality of the equipment. If ever you can’t decide on particular equipment, always settle for quality, not the price.

An American Legend Dies - Winchester's Demise

On March 31, 2006, with very little notice, an American Legend died and a big piece of Americana quietly faded into the dustbin of history. On that day, U.S. Repeating Arms Co., maker of Winchester Rifles closed their New Haven, Connecticut plant for good, ending the life of a product so closely intertwined in the growth and history of our country that the two are almost inseparable. 

This involvement began in 1857 when Oliver Winchester acquired and restructured the failing Volcanic Repeating Firearms Co., subsequently changing the name to Winchester. During a large part of their 149 year existence, the name Winchester was synonymous with rifles, especially the lever action rifle, which began with the Henry Rifle, a lever action rifle that fired a metallic cased cartridge and held 16 rounds. 

It began appearing in the hands of Union Soldiers in 1862 and was quickly cursed by Confederate Troops as "that damn Yankee rifle they load on Sunday and shoot all week."

Next came the 1866 model, dubbed "Yellow Boy" by the Indians because of its bright brass frame, protected the pioneers on their trek during the Westward Migration after the Civil War. 

The Yellow Boy was followed by the Model 1873 known as "The Gun That Won The West" and was found over the fireplaces of settlers cabins and in the teepees of some Indians. It rode in the saddle scabbards of cowboys and armed lawmen and outlaws alike.

The culmination of all of this was the introduction of the model 1894, destined to be one of the few firearms to be in continuous production for over 100 years and the best selling center fire rifle Winchester ever made. More deer have been taken with the Winchester 1894 Rifle than any other rifle made.

In addition, Winchester made the Model 70 bolt-action rifle that became known as "the Rifleman's Rifle". 

Found in hunting camps the world over, it has taken every species of game animal on the planet. Winchester also worked 24/7 producing rifles for our Doughboys in World War I and for their sons, the GI's of World War II.

Please pardon my nostalgia, but it saddens me to think my grandsons and other boys will never know the thrill of opening a long narrow box and finding their first rifle therein with Winchester stamped on the barrel, as this writer did on his 15th birthday.

Thanks Winchester, not only for the memories, but also for playing such an important and integral part in this Nation's history. You will be sadly missed.

The Best Alaska Hunting

Summary: The best Alaska Hunting is on the northeast covering the ANWR which houses a variety of flora and fauna, a significant number of which are considered the best game.

If the Caribbean is considered the world’s vacation capital, Alaska is the world’s hunting capital. No other place can offer the most diverse game hunting than Alaska hunting. Be it tournament hunting, trophy or skill hunting, Alaska hunting caters to every need.

No wonder too, since Alaska is the largest state in the United States in terms of land mass. It has 570,374 square miles, easily twice as large as Texas but while Texas has the second most populated area, Alaska is one of the fewest populations in respect to its size. It would easily overlap Texas plus any 3 other states, yet has also the most coastlines than the rest of United States.

Most excellent Alaska Hunting is on the northeast corner which covers the Artic national Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) which covers 19,049,236 acres. This refuge supports a greater variety of flora and fauna, a significant number of whom are considered the best game.

Elk Hunting

Moose is referred as Elk in Europe. The Elk is the largest member of the deer family Cervidae and distinguishingly marked by palmate antlers. Though there are elks in other parts of the world, the north American elk has a more pronounced antlers than the others, thus an excellent game trophy for prize hunters. With the largest of the Alaskan elk, antlers can span at 6 ft of width.

Elk Alaska hunting was not a new concept. Cave paintings and prehistoric rock arts often depict elks being hunted for its hide and meat. Even in Scandinavia, there is one site that depicts ways to hunt an elk by means of pits. Trapping elk by pits have been an extremely effective method that the 16th century Norwegian regime restricted its use.

Grizzly Bear Hunting (including Black Bears)

The Grizzly bear is perhaps the most feared game in Alaska hunting. Though quite untrue too, grizzlies do fight, attack and even kill in case when it is very hungry or is protecting cubs. Grizzlies are the largest class of the bear family, often reaching 290 – 1550 pounds.

Until recently, Grizzlies are a threatened species but now are more widespread in areas including the Yukon territories. With the intrusion of bears (black bears and the grizzlies alike) into the human habitat, the Alaska government has lifted the ban once again and now bears are main attractions for any Alaska hunting trips.

Because Alaska has the largest untamed land in the United States, the most varied game species can be found there. Fowls, birds, ducks, and foxes abound there. So if you’re interested in hunting, be sure to make it an Alaska Hunting. No other place can be as rewarding.

A history of hunting

Hunting game for food, clothing and shelter is a big part of the story of the human race. It predates the human civilization we know today in many ways. There are many discoveries that are being made that confirm that notion. An Asian fossilized spearhead discovered recently was dated at over 16,000 years old, for example. There is also evidence that we used larger animals for food almost two million years ago.

The earliest form of hunting involved, as far as the experts can tell, involved weapons like spears or bow and arrows shot from a distance. Believe it or not, our ancestors caught their food using the same method we use to catch the bus to work when we’re late. We ran after it. Before he learned to use long range weapons, early man had no other way of catching his dinner than being persistent and wearing it down over a long trek, sometimes even in the oppressive midday heat. Some early hunters would chase antelope over 20 miles in heat over 100 degrees. Persistence hunting would be the order of the day. African hunters would chase a Kudu, which is an early version of the antelope, by startling the animal so it ran away. They would chase the beast at a fast pace, and, while the faster Kudu would always be further ahead, the hunters would catch up to it when it took time to rest in the shade. The hunter would eventually finish the animal off with a spear, but not until he was at close range. This type of hunting is still practised in Southern Africa.

 With changes in human society, hunting evolved. As we began to grow our own food and keep animals, hunting became a specialized task. Not just the traditional masculine endeavour anymore, hunting became a specific duty with tradesmen acquiring precise training. The other trend was hunting becoming the sport and leisure domain of the upper classes. It was here that the English word ‘game’ became common.

Hunting has had other effects on our modern society as well. Various animals have been used to aid the hunter, but none has become as important to us as the dog. The use of the ancestors of the wolf to retrieve prey and be our loyal companions has set the dog apart. Its domestication, which took thousands of years, is considered a remarkable accomplishment. The tie between hunting man and dog goes so far back that the very word for hunting in ancient Greek is derived from the word dog.

Perhaps the most famous type of hunting is the safari, which was popularized by the American author Ernest Hemingway. The word itself is from the Swahili, meaning long journey, and the most common type of safari occurs in Africa. It was frequently several days or weeks of camping while stalking or hunting big game, but in a more modern sense, it also encompassed trips through African national parks to hunt or watch the big game. Unlike their predecessors who ran their prey down years before, the modern African hunter often acquires a special licence and enlists the aid of local professionals. There is even a type of modern safari where no animals are killed. The photo-safari is exactly what its name implies and a Polish photographer first used the term “bloodless hunt”.

Ghillie Suit; A Shooter's Most Essential Item

Everyone has heard of what camouflage is, but far fewer people have seen a ghillie suit. You might not see it at all unless you are  looking hard. The ghillie suit dates back to Scotland when barons would pay men to patrol their properties to repel illegal hunters. Ghillies, as they  came to be known, would get  in the bushes and wait  for poachers in outfits they would craft from  rags and frayed materials.

Nowadays ghillie suits are used for a number of activities from the deadly act of sharpshooting to the much less deadly game of paintball. The materials  used have changed but the concept behind the covering remains the same. Even when the enemy or mark comes within a really close range to them, the modern  ghillie suit wearer can remain unseen and look like a pile of sticks in the forest.

Ghillie suits have  been associated with sharpshooting because of their straightforward concept and high effectiveness. Around the time of the conclusion of the eighteenth century the art of sniping began. To destroy and break the spirits of the enemy, rebels would pick off targets from far-away areas. 

Snipers came about when weapons became more accurate and a shooter could be over one-hundred meters  from their mark.

The use of snipers in military combat changed the the technique in which wars were fought. Officers would stand with troops and give commands during battle before the deployment of snipers. Infantry warfare went from direct engagements to  covered, flanking techniques as more  commanders were killed.

Commanders had to try and mix in with the lower-ranking soldiers to avoid being shot. These tactics took engagements from an open field to locations that had more shelter for both forces such as forests or hills. As more ferocious and far-away techniques were implemented to fight, the code of conduct that military men in the past held onto was forgotten.

To kill high-ranking officers and to break the spirits of enemy armies during WWI, every side used ghillie suits and sniper techniques. The talent to stay unseen for sharpshooters lies within the ghillie suit; textiles hang down and give the sharpshooter unbelievable camouflage protection. 

No matter what climate they are in, there are so many styles of the suit that the wearer can blend in with their terrain everywhere. A desert ghillie suit, for example, would appear a lot different than a woodlands ghillie suit.

Modern day sharpshooters still continue to use the suit for protection and cover while on imperative missions. A sniper's talent to remain hidden is essential for their safety and life since most of the time a shooter works alone or with one other man as the spotter. A well-made suit to cover the shooter is the most essential asset besides the gun. 

A sharpshooter's safety would be extremely compromised if they didn't have the skill to stay unseen until it was time to take the shot. The getaway after a shot was taken is just as essential to a sharpshooter as the actual shot. Several times during the escape the shooter will use the camouflage of the ghillie suit to get him out without harm.

Ghillie Suit; A Sharpshooter's Most Critical Asset

Not many people who know about camouflage have heard of what a ghillie suit is. You might not see it at all unless you are really looking carefully. Landowners would pay men to go around their properties and catch poachers in the beginnings of the ghillie suit. Ghillies, as they eventually came to be known, would get themselves in the bushes and wait patiently for poachers in outfits they would craft from old rags and shredded materials.

Nowadays ghillie suits are implemented for a variety of activities from the deadly art of sharpshooting to the much less lethal game of paintball. The textiles   have changed but the technology behind the covering stays the same. 

Even when the enemy or target comes within a really close range to them, the modern  ghillie suit wearer can stay undetected and look like a pile of leaves in the woods.

Because of their simple concept and high effectiveness, ghillie suits have  been associated with sniping. Around the time of the end of the eighteenth century the art of sniping started. Guerillas would shoot at opposing armies from far-away locations to defeat and break the spirits of the opposition. 

Sharpshooters became popular when weapons became more accurate and sharpshooter could be more than one-hundred meters away from their target.

The use of sharpshooters in military engagements changed the the technique in which wars were fought. Officers would go with battalions and give commands during battle before the massive deployment of sharpshooters. Infantry warfare went from direct engagements to more covered, flanking techniques as more and more commanders were assassinated. 

Commanders had to attempt to blend in with the lower-ranking soldiers to avoid being killed. More covered areas such as woods and mountains became the choice terrain over open areas as sharpshooting techniques became more prevalent. As more ferocious and far-away techniques were used to fight, the code of conduct that troops in the past held onto was abandoned.

To pick off high-ranking officers and to demoralize enemy troops during WWI, all sides had ghillie suits and sharpshooter techniques. 

The skill to stay unseen for shooters lies within the suit; materials hang down and give the shooter incredible camouflage protection. There are several different styles of the suit so that the shooter can blend in with surroundings no matter what environment they are in. A woodlands ghillie suit, for example, would look much different than a ghillie suit for the desert.

Modern day sharpshooters still continue to use the suit for protection and security while on important operations. 

A sharpshooter's ability to remain hidden is imperative for their safety and life since the majority of the time a sniper works by himself or with one other person as the look-out. Besides the rifle, a well-crafted suit to cover the sharpshooter is a sniper's most essential asset. If the sharpshooter could not remain hidden until it was time to shoot, his security would be extremely compromised. Escape after a shot was taken is just as crucial to a sharpshooter as the actual shot. The suit adorned by the sniper is often used many times during a retreat.