Monthly Archives: January 2011

bird hunting

Ways of Training Bird Hunting Dog

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There are several ways that you can own your own hunting dog. The most popular way to do this is to go to a qualified breeder. These breeders will usually have already trained their dogs to become great bird hunters. If you get a dog from a breeder, you don’t usually need to worry about getting any further training for the dog. Getting dogs from breeders isn’t the only way to get a hunting dog, though. If you find a dog that you like from a kennel or for sale by the owner of the dog, it won’t normally be trained at hunting or any other type of helpful service. If this is the case, you may have to get the dog trained before using it while hunting for birds. There are many ways for training bird hunting dog. Each way fits a different kind of person and different price range.

Training bird hunting dog isn’t easy. That’s why most people choose to have professionals do the job. There are two different kinds of professionals that are good at training bird hunting dog; ones that specialize in hunting and ones that do general obedience training. Most people prefer to have a trainer who teaches their dog specific bird hunting traits. This is the best move because they are learning things that are immediately beneficial to your hunting. The downside to this is that specialized trainers such as this are much more expensive than regular dog trainers. They see how much hunters want their services, so they raise their prices. If you can’t afford this, you can always get your dog trained by a general dog trainer. These people aren’t adept at training bird hunting dog, but instead are great at getting your dog to obey you in general. This is good because a well trained dog will usually be able to handle hunting with you. Although they don’t have specific experience in hunting, they are still much better off then they were.

The cheapest method of training bird hunting dog is to do it yourself. This can actually be a free way to do it by getting information from the internet and using books from the library to help you train your dog. If you have your dog trained by a stranger, they will be less likely to follow your own commands and instead will be trained to follow the trainer’s commands. If you teach the dog yourself, it will always be used to following its master’s commands. Do research before choosing which method you choose to train your dog; whether it’s with a specialist, general trainer, or by yourself.

bear hunting

The Ins and Outs of Bear Hunting

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If you are looking for the hunting experience of your life, bear hunting is the thrill for you. Whether it is brown bear, grizzly bear, or black bear, bear hunting is a dangerous yet thrilling experience that excites most hunters.

If grizzly bear hunting is what tickles your fancy, travel to Alaska and hunt in the Management Unit 9. Grizzly bears dominate Unit 9. They dominate Unit 21 in Alaska, too. Grizzly bears are considered one of the most dangerous, unpredictable bears in the world, so considerable care is required when hunting these types of bears.

It has been noted that Grizzly bears and brown bears are interchangeable. Outfitters and guides will dispute this belief as they encounter bears – both grizzly and brown – in their day-to-day life. Those that travel on the shore line while bear hunting will experience more brown bears. Those bear hunting more in the interior will come across more grizzlies. Grizzlies are also smaller than brown bears, but genetically, they are the same.

Brown bear hunting is as dangerous as hunting grizzlies. Brown bears are physically larger because they live in a more temperate climate and their diet is high protein, high fat salmon. They are also distinguished by their coloring, which can be anywhere from blonde to brown, and even black.

Black bears, smaller than other bears, are not in any danger of becoming extinct. Their only major threat is poaching. Legal hunting – that is hunting with a licence – regulates the number of bears able to be harvested, which is extremely important to preserve the number of bears in the wild.

Before you go bear hunting, make sure you have the proper equipment to make your hunt successful. Your hunting rifle must be a 30 calibre or higher and the barrel must be channel glass bedded. The best rifle to use is one that shoots consistently in all types of weather. Outfitters will also tell you that you are responsible for your own gear – the ammo, sleeping bags, personal items, and your firearms permit. Make sure you carry that permit with you at all times when hunting. Alcohol is permitted in camp, but only in moderation. Excessive drinking and firearms are a dangerous combination.

Food banks are the recipients of harvested game animals. As a bear is a huge animal, you would not be able to go through that much meat on your own, so outfitters, who are required by law to salvage the meat, donate it. You can take some bear meat home, if you wish.

Learn the tagging system of the area you plan on hunting in. Knowing this information will allow you to hunt other kinds of wild game – pending that you have the right permit to do so – while bear hunting.

turkey hunting

Tips For Hunting turkey

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Hunting turkey very well might be the most difficult of game hunting sports. These birds are keen at spotting hunters and they know how to get out of their own way when they need to. Between their eyesight and their hearing, it can be quite the challenge to actually bring one home.

Those who adore hunting turkey do so for a number of reasons. For many, it’s more of the thrill of the chase than it is actually landing a gobbler. Patience and skill are the names of the game, which is why so many flock to the sport of hunting turkey.

There are some tips for hunting turkey that can help even the odds. Many successful turkey hunters try:

• Scouting out locations. As it is with real estate, so too is it with hunting turkey. It often all comes down to location, location, location. When a hunter has staked out a good spot where the birds will wander by during the morning or afternoon half the battle might already be won. A good location is one that provides cover from behind for the hunter and also gives good visibility. Blinds can create ideal makeshift spots, but so can trees and even large stumps. Finding perfect locations might require some advanced reconnaissance, but it can pay off.
• Using calls. Turkey calls work very well for luring the birds to a hunter’s location. Using calls is an art form, however, and does take time to master. A variety of calls is often needed for the maximum effectiveness. Some hunters start out trying one. If it produces no results, they move on to another.
• Decoys can help. Decoys can help bring turkeys into a hunter’s location very well. These little guys can be tricky to use, however. It is important to understand turkey hunting safety when using decoys. Many a hunter has mistaken a decoy for an actual gobbler, so accidental firing is a real concern here.
• Camouflage is key. In order to hunt turkeys successfully, a hunter must be able to hide from the birds. The right kind of camouflage can make a very big difference in the field. It’s wise to camouflage any area of the body that is visible – from head to toe. Do not wear or use colors that match a gobbler’s head, however.

Hunting turkey is a challenging game sport that requires a lot more skill than many might realize. It is not uncommon to hear stories of hunters who have gone out season after season with nary a sighting. There are ways to get an edge on the birds. When good tactics are brought into play, a winning advantage can be gained.

bow hunting

Bow Hunting: A Natural Hunt

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Bow hunting is a popular sport, but there are many things to consider if you are a new bow hunter looking to get set up in the sport of bow hunting. Laws and hunting seasons differ from state to state, and to get state specific information, you should contact the game and fish commission or other regulatory agencies, to ascertain the accurate regulations, hunting seasons, and other state laws. Every state requires hunting licenses, with the possible exception being some privately owned hunting clubs designated for organized bow hunts.

The next thing is educating yourself concerning the different bows available. It’s true that the type, brand, and selection of bows will depend on individual tastes, but also on the season you are planning to hunt, the animal you plan to hunt, and state and federal regulations regarding that. There are four general types of hunting bows. Let me tell you about them.

• Stick bows
• Recurves
• Compound bows
• Cross bows

Stick bows are the most basic bows. An example of a stick bow is the English long bow. They are about as tall, or taller than an average person, ‘D’ shaped, and have little or no recurve.

If you look at a recurve bow from the side, the ends curve away from the archer at the tips. This gives a greater amount of cast to the arrow. Many people prefer recurve bows when bow hunting, especially when traveling in wooded areas or on horseback, because they are considerably shorter than a regular stick bow.

A compound bow is a more modern bow. It uses a standard bow construction in conjunction with a system of cams, pulleys, and cables, to make it easier to draw, creating a higher velocity arrow trajectory.
It’s important to consider the draw weight and draw length of the bow you choose, and it is best for the draw length to be determined by an experienced professional. Bows are not one size fits all.

Crossbows are used for target shooting and sport bow hunting. A crossbow consists of a stock, upon which a bow is mounted. The bow shoots arrow-like projectiles released when a trigger on the stock is activated.

Once you’re familiarized with hunting laws, fulfilled any obligations prerequisite to hunting legally, such as licenses and hunting safety courses, and chosen the proper bow for your needs, you should consider the type of arrows you’ll need for bow hunting.

There is cedar, aluminum, and carbon shafted arrows. Research to determine which arrow shaft will work best for you based on your bow, where you’ll be hunting, what you’ll be hunting, and any regulations by the government or hunt club. It is a good idea to check with a professional archery dealer, until you are comfortable you can choose the arrows best for your bow hunting experience.

elk hunting

The Pursuit of Hunting Elk

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Hunting elk is known to be one of the biggest challenges in the world of hunting. Not until they have had a chance to come upon this majestic creature in person do many hunters realize just how massive elk can be. Even fewer realize the wapiti’s ability for being elusive, until a puzzled hunter realizes all too late that their quarry has given them the slip for the second and third time. The elk’s ultra sensitive nature allows it to detect danger almost immediately. This is what makes hunting elk the ultimate challenge. The hunter who prefers bagging their quarry with little or no effort is not likely to enjoy hunting elk.

When it comes to hunting elk, nothing guarantees greater success than studying the behavior of both the male and female population. During fall, when the hunt is on and elk are into their mating season, or rut, certain behaviors are carried out that, when mimicked, can either lure or scare off the trophy bull a hunter has been waiting to bag. There are some behaviors that are only carried out during certain times of day. Even certain temperatures can have an effect on elk behavior. Aside from learning where principal food and water sources for elk are located, learning these differences can be one of the most crucial elements for a successful hunt.

There are several different methods for hunting elk. While rifle hunting is common, there are those who prefer muzzleloaders and bow hunting. Each of these hunting methods presents their own challenge for those that use them, requiring various levels of skill and marksmanship. Hunters in this category are those that prefer extra challenge when hunting elk. Each method of hunting is given its own time period during the elk hunting season and has its own requirements and restrictions. Many outfitters also tailor their hunting trips for these types of hunting methods, providing services muzzleloaders or bow hunters might need during their trip.

Providing areas where hunting elk is a welcome activity has proven to be a great boost to many a state’s economy. By applying effective conservation methods that ensure plentiful herds year after year, a number of states see a return of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts each season. This in turn stimulates local economies, especially in areas surrounding public and even private hunting grounds. While some hunters come for the opportunity to bag a trophy elk, others come for the mere challenge of the hunt in a beautiful setting. Either way, hunters are likely to have just the experience they have been dreaming of.

goose hunting

Canada Goose Hunting Tips and Strategies

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Understanding a bit about the many different habits and behaviors will help in Canada goose hunting. While geese will behave slightly different depending on where and when you are hunting, there are some general tips or strategies that will work no matter where or when you are hunting. To plan your next Canada goose hunting trip remember to keep the following in mind:

• Canada geese are large birds that need frequent food. They will usually stop and rest in their migrations near areas that both food and clean water is available. Canada goose hunting will always be best close to larger bodies of clean water. Geese will not stay in swampy or sludge filled water, rather they will travel further without stopping for food to find good water.

• Canada geese will usually always fly or be found in large groups, but occasionally the breeding pairs will split off. In the migration times the largest groups will be found, often flying in flocks of thousands. Canada goose hunting can be made challenging at this time due to the mixture of other waterfowl that may be present, so always be careful to know what you are shooting at and avoid shooting into large flocks of mixed birds.

• Canada goose hunting strategies can capitalize on the geese returning to the same spots to feed, especially in three to four day cycles. Usually they will feed one area until all the grain or cereal crop is gone before moving again. As they are hunted they will become more leery of decoy placements, calls and even blinds. Consider hunting from different locations and leaving one or two area undisturbed until later into the hunt in one particular area. This will ensure the Canada geese will feel safe in these areas and will often use them as a default location later in their stay.

• Use calls judiciously. Canada goose hunting guides are experts at knowing how and when to use calls. If you use the incorrect call you are likely to drive off the geese, rather than bring them in. There are different calls for feeding, returning to the water, and for alarm or distress.

• Scout the area in advance of Canada goose hunting. Look for natural areas that the geese will land to feed, return for the evening, and for signs that they have been present. A large flock of Canada’s will leave debris and waste behind both on the ground and on the water.

In addition talk to other hunters that are familiar with the area. The weather will also play an important role as geese are likely to stay closer to safe, large bodies of water in cloudy or overcast weather while they will fly farther away on clear, warmer days.

hunting supplies

Helpful Hunting Dog Supplies

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All hunters have supplies. They have guns, jackets, and waders that they use while they hunt. An often overlooked member of your hunting party needs supplies as well. The hunting dog, a great help to any hunt, will always benefit from certain helpful supplies. Whether they help you see or locate your dog, or whether it adds comfort to the experience for the dog, hunting dog supplies are very important. The next time you go to the outdoor recreation store, be sure to pick these items up.

When you are out in the woods, it can be fairly hard to see things that are brown or green. Because of this, you may have a hard time seeing your dog. Even more trouble, you could mistake your dog for the animal you’re hunting. To help you look for and identify your hunting pup, there are little jackets that they can wear to help them stand out. They are often bright orange, much like the jackets that human hunters wear. As far as hunting dog supplies go, this is one of the most important. Another important item in the realm of hunting dog supplies is the bell or beeper. If your dog runs off, you can use the beeper to locate him. Although bells are cheaper, they will always ring when your dog moves. This can scare prey. The beeper is more expensive but it beeps only when you want it to, making it much more useful. Although hunting dogs are trained to be helpful and obedient, they can still run off. You should use these two hunting dog supplies so that you can see and locate your dog.

Other hunting dog supplies are a little less obvious. When you as the hunter want something to drink, you can just swig out of a bottle or can. It’s not that easy for a dog. They need to drink water out of something shallow. At stores that sell hunting dog supplies, there is a collapsible bowl that is perfect for this kind of situation. Simply open up the bowl, place it on the ground, and pour water in it. This will let your dog drink during a hectic day of hunting. When he’s done, drain out the rest of the water and tuck it back away. When it’s folded, it takes up very little space.

With the help of these hunting dog supplies, you will be able to provide your dog with some great ways to be helpful to you. They’ll be able to be seen with their orange jacket and be heard with a bell or beeper. They also be kept hydrated with a collapsible bowl.

duck hunting

Duck Hunting Is All About Good Sportsmanship

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Duck hunting is an outdoor sporting activity for both sport and food. Many different types of geese and duck have identical or overlapping hunting seasons, share the same habitats, and people hunt them use the same basic methods. It is very common for men and women duck hunting, to hunt geese or other species of waterfowl at the same time if it is their hunting season. In the United States and most western countries, duck hunting is highly regulated. Not only do they require a duck hunting license but also have strict possession limits and bag limits. Bag limit means the number of ducks they allow a duck hunter to shoot in a day while possession limits refers to the total number of ducks a hunter possesses. The legal duck hunting season varies but is a set season or timeframe, which is usually when the ducks are migrating south. Duck hunting normally goes from fall to early winter. Most states and many Canadian provinces require duck hunters to complete safety courses in hunting before they are able to obtain a duck hunting license.

In the United States, duck hunters must buy a federal duck stamp and in some states, they require a state stamp. To keep duck hunting safe and sportsmanlike, it is against the law for duck hunters to shoot swimming ducks or sitting ducks. It is also illegal when duck hunting to shoot ducks from a moving boat or motor vehicle. They also prohibit guns that are over ten-gauge for duck hunting. In most places, hunters must modify their shotguns to reduce the size of the guns magazine, if the gun holds more than a couple of shells. Although duck hunters can use decoys, it is illegal for them to use live ducks as lures or put out corn or other items as baits. Duck hunting is about good sportsmanship so duck hunters should always try to retrieve any injured or dead ducks they shoot.

Waterfowl and duck hunting in central and the Midwest United States usually take place on rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes where many geese and ducks land when they are migrating. Another common hunting ground is farmer’s cornfields where, after harvest, there is often some grain left on the ground, which both ducks and geese love to feed on. In some places, farmers actually lease or rent duck hunting rights on their property to hunters. Duck hunting is a great sport or recreation but like any other sport, there are rules and regulations that hunters must follow.