Category Archives: hunting

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Basic Firearm Safety For Hunters

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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.

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A History of Hunting

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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”.

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First Aid For Hunting Safety

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Hunting can provide opportunities for many types of injuries. Being prepared is your best defense against disabling injuries or even life-threatening accidents. Knowing some basic first aid and using common sense when in the wild can save both life and limb.

CPR

If you don’t know CPR, learn it. Call your local hospital, EMS, or fire department to find out when and where you can attend a community CPR class. You never know when you may need to perform CPR on a friend, family member, or even a stranger. A few hours of your time could save a life someday.

Many CPR classes offer basic first aid classes as well. Check with your local provider to see if this option is available before registering for a class.

Safety Rules during A Crisis

The first rule of safety during a crisis may sound selfish but it is important. Take care of yourself first. Check the scene of an accident for unsafe conditions. Make the area safe for yourself and bystanders before beginning first aid. The reasoning behind this rule is that if you become injured or incapacitated, you can’t help anyone else. If you become injured, rescue workers arriving on the scene will then have you as an added victim to care for. Seconds make a difference in a crisis, but take a few beforehand to ensure that you will be able to provide the help that is needed.

Basic First Aid

Healthcare personnel are taught the ABC’s of first aid: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Your first concern is whether the accident victim has a clear airway. If the mouth or throat is blocked by blood, water, or objects, tend to this matter first. Next, see if the victim is breathing or is in danger of ceasing to breathe. The brain and vital organs cannot last long without oxygen. Provide rescue breathing if necessary.

Then, check for a heart beat and any injuries that may be seeping blood. Apply pressure to any areas that are bleeding with a clean cloth if possible. Don’t be afraid to press hard! If there are others present who are able to assist you, ask for their help in applying pressure to a wound. If the bleeding is profuse and the wound in located on an arm or leg, you can use your belt or a section of rope to wrap around the limb and secure tightly to restrict blood flow to the injured area and slow the bleeding. This is called a tourniquet.

Call for help! After you have controlled breathing and provided an initial round of CPR, call for help and then continue CPR until rescue workers arrive. Performing CPR can be exhausting. If others are available to help, perform two-person CPR or trade off tasks frequently to prevent rescuer exhaustion.

If you or another hunter falls from a tree stand or other elevated area, do NOT move until you are sure there have been no spinal injuries. Moving a person who has spinal injuries can cause shattered bone to cut through the spinal cord and result in paralysis. Ask the fall victim to move their fingers and toes only. If they are unable to, they have injured their spinal column and need special care in moving. If they are breathing and not bleeding profusely, leave them in the position they are in and get help.

If they are able to move fingers and toes, gently turn them over onto their back if they are not already positioned so. Try to turn them as if they were a log; keep the head, legs and torso aligned and stiff as you roll them. This will prevent any compression on the spinal cord should the vertebra protecting the cord be compromised.

Some falls and spinal injuries that affect the neck area can result in a person not being able to breathe on their own. If this happens, you must provide rescue breathing for them until help arrives.

Using firearm safety and common sense like avoiding aggressive animals can go a long way to prevent hunting accidents. Educate yourself, hunt with others, and always tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return. Keeping safe in the woods is everyone’s responsibility. Be sure to do your part.

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Surgeons Have Scalpels, Hunters Have Hunting Knives

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Ask any outdoor enthusiast what tools are necessary for a successful hunt and hunting knives will always make the top of the list. While some hunting knives are great for the heavy cutting that comes with cleaning a kill, there are times when a small compact knife is best for performing the little, menial tasks while out in the field. There are a number of options to consider when it comes to choosing a hunting knife that is right for the job. Contrary to popular opinion, a larger knife is not always the best bet for a hunt. It can be awkward to handle, require more time to care for and, seeing as most seasoned hunters prefer smaller blades, can say much about a hunter’s level of practical experience out in the field.

Hunting knives are often made of carbon or stainless steel. While they both have their benefits, stainless steel blades are the most common. Those who prefer to have a knife that is easy to keep sharp are likely to choose the carbon blade. However, it should be noted that a carbon blade is more likely to rust than a stainless steel blade. When out in the field, it is not uncommon for knives to come in contact with moisture. This is why many hunters opt for the stainless steel blade. Even though stainless steel is better at resisting moisture, it is also harder to keep sharp.

When it comes to hunting knives, one will find there is a choice between a foldable blade and a fixed blade. A fixed blade will be sturdier and a more reliable choice for larger projects. These types of blades require a sheath and will need to be worn on a belt or carried in the hunter’s pack. While a foldable blade can be quite sturdy, it is not commonly used a primary hunting knife. A foldable blade, or pocket knife, is likely to have other handy tools that also fold out. Many hunters prefer to keep this type of compact knife with them at all times, whether out in the field or out at the grocery store.

Some other aspects to consider when looking at hunting knives might be the shape of the blade, the handle or grip, the butt, thumb spurs or locking liners. One of the most recommended methods for picking out a good knife is how it feels in one’s hand. A knife that is awkward and unwieldy is of no use out in the field. One should also consider the maintenance and care that will be required. There are some knives that come with free conditioning oil or sharpening tools upon purchase. On average, a guide for proper knife care is also included, showing essential care and sharpening procedures.

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Gearing Up for Hunting Equipment

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When taking up the sport of hunting it doesn’t take long for one to become well versed in the necessary and required hunting equipment. Depending on the type of hunt clothing, decoys, calls and ammunition can all vary. Aside from the basics, there are times when some will swear that a certain piece of equipment is vital to a hunt while others find it is something they very rarely use. It is not uncommon for a hunter to make adjustments and formulate his or her own personalized required hunting equipment over a period of time. This allows a person to hunt with not only confidence but a feeling of stability and security.

When it comes to hunting equipment, the debate between buying gear at a department store versus a sporting goods store is the center of great debate. In a store that specializes in outdoor sporting goods, one can find a greater variety and quality of items not found anywhere else. The sporting good section of a department store offers a general selection of items but does so in a much more affordable fashion. For those who hunt on a budget, department store prices can be a good option, especially when the same item found in the specialty store can be found for less at the department store. However, for more specialized or high quality equipment, it is often necessary to make the purchase from a specialty store.

While some companies stick to only making one type of hunting equipment item, there are those who create numerous lines of gear, from clothing to tree stands. At times, choosing a piece of equipment can be like choosing a new TV or coffeemaker. There are so many different types and brands, it can sometimes be confusing as to which one will be the right choice. Luckily, one of the most trusted tools available for hunters are hunting equipment reviews. Websites dedicated to hunting often have sections where one can get the opinion of other hunters who have used a certain product or piece of equipment. The honest and open opinions of others can help to at least narrow down the available choices.

Hunting equipment is not just for the hunters anymore. There is also equipment made just for hunting dogs. A blaze orange hunting vest can keep Fido safe when flushing pheasants in the field and dog booties can help keep the pads of his feet from getting frostbite on those cold wintry hunts. One important piece of gear for a hunter to have is a canine first aid kit. Any number of accidents can happen for a dog during hunting just as it can for a hunter. There can be nothing worse than having one’s best hunting buddy injured with no way to help. Many of these kits come complete with not only first aid items but booklets that show how to effectively deal with different types of injuries.

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Hunting Safely

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The thrill of chasing down a twelve-point buck or bagging a prize-winning turkey sends millions of hunters into the woods every year in search of that prize kill. Hunting is exciting, but it can also be dangerous and even deadly if hunters are not educated and religiously exercise good hunting safety techniques.

The Basics

Before leaving on your hunting trip, prepare yourself well. Never go to an unplanned location or take off on a spontaneous hunting trip. Let others know where you are planning to hunt and when you will be returning. If necessary, leave detailed directions to your hunting grounds with friends or family that will be staying home in case an emergency arises and they need to direct medical personnel to your location. Try to return home as close to your planned time as possible. If you are late checking in, your contact person can then know to set out using your directions to see if you need assistance.

Take the time to prepare your weapon. If using a rifle or shotgun, clean and inspect the weapon after every use and after any time the weapon has spent in storage. Prepare a small first aid kit to carry with you while you are hunting. Consider bringing your cell phone. You can always keep it turned off while you are hunting, and a phone can be the difference between life and death in a medical emergency. Always be prepared to give detailed directions to your exact location as you move through the woods.

In The Woods

Once arriving at your chosen hunting spot, be sure to don your safety gear along with orange-colored clothing on your head and/or chest to help other hunters in the area determine you from the game. While camouflaged gear is great to help you remain undetected by the animals, it can also confuse other hunters if they see movement from a distance without recognizing the orange color. If you are hunting in a group, try to keep the location of those around you in your mind as you change positions to help avoid accidents.

If you are using a decoy such as a doe decoy, be sure to use orange safety tape around the perimeter of the area you will be in, to help other hunters recognize your decoy. You can also observe the area from an elevated position to further protect yourself from any stray shots directed at your decoy.

During The Hunt

If you are hunting deer and find yourself tracking a wounded animal, always use extreme caution. Other animals in the area may become panicked at the smell of one of their own running wounded near them. An injured animal is very unpredictable and may likely be desperate to get away if it senses that you are pursuing. Never approach a wounded animal head-on. Never allow yourself to be corned between a solid object and a wounded animal. Always have a way of escape in mind should the animal attack. If attacked, try to protect your head and chest as much as possible to limit damage to your vital organs and increase your chance of survival.

It is also important to be aware of and on the lookout for other animals like bears and snakes that may be encountered while hunting. Being aware of your surroundings is an important step in staying safe while hunting. Use some caution and common sense to ensure many more years of happy hunting yet to come.

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Quail Hunting

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Quail hunting is one of the top sports for those on the upper crust of society. It is considered the top game or hunt of the aristocracy and is practiced by vice presidents and world leaders to this day. Quail hunting is typically considered this way because it demands a lot less of the hunter in comparison to other hunts. It does not take place in the morning, for example, or in the shivering cold. Instead, quail hunting can be done in relative comfort and can actually be quite stylish. For this reason, many people in the upper class of society try quail hunting.

Quail hunting typically involves two hunters and a pair of dogs, typically called bird dogs. These dogs chase down the quail and retrieve the bird after the kill has been made. Often times, quail hunts are attended by spectators and watchers. There can be large crowds at quail hunts, gathering to watch the majesty of the sport unfold before their very eyes. There is something surreal and beautiful about quail hunting and watching the bird dogs do their work, making it one of the most interesting human experiences to be had.

Proper gear is recommended when quail hunting. This includes having the proper boots for the fields and the marshlands. The right pants are also required, preferably pants that are called “brush pants” because they are of a color that matches the color of the brush. These pants also work to prevent thorns and briars from penetrating the pants, which is a common downfall to hunting quail in the brushes of North America. It is also recommended that the hunter wears a proper vest or a coat so that ammunition and other immediate supplies can be stored in it. The best option is something of a bright color so that the hunters will be obvious in the field and not confused with the quail.

There is a certain formation and strategy to quail hunting that is very important. First, the dogs are sent to flush out the birds. As this is happening, the hunters are preparing their guns to be mounted on their shoulders. The safety of the gun should be kept on at all times until the gun is ready to be fired and mounted on the shoulder of the hunter. The gun barrels should be pointed to the sky, towards the prey, and away from any other hunter or from the ground. The two hunters should then follow the line of the dogs and maintain a straight line themselves, one hunter after the other. This formation is very important because of safety issues. The reasoning behind the straight line formation is to keep the hunters away from firing unpredictably upon one another’s personal space.

Each hunter should have a mental note of where the other hunter is. The dogs should also be noted. This is to identify locations as to where the hunter should not point or swing his or her firearm. This should be also a way to divide the field up into sides. One side belongs to one hunter and so on. Once the sides are determined, the dogs will flush the quail into the air and the shooting begins. Hunters should stick to firing on their side of the range, so as to avoid danger and poor form.

It should also be noted that low flying quail should be avoided at all costs. This is not only dangerous, but it has led to the unfortunate demise of many bird dogs because of the low shots. Keeping the guns high during a quail hunt is of vital importance so as to protect all of those involved in the hunt.

With these safety precautions and gun etiquette tips in mind, quail hunting should be a remarkable and fun sporting event to take in. Bring some friends and get set for a lovely day in a field with the dogs. Quail hunting can be a peaceful time as well, leading to plenty of reflection and quiet in the middle of America’s most beautiful marshlands.

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There’s Nothing Small About Big Game Hunting

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For the majority huntsmen and outdoor enthusiasts, big game hunting is not just a way to pass the time. Only a strong passion could prompt individuals to rise in the early predawn hours, during the coldest time of year, to go sit out in a field with no promise of even getting to shoot. For the true sportsman, the thrill of the hunt is more than enough. Just getting to catch a glimpse of big game animals in the wild can be a satisfying reward. Of course, there’s nothing better than bagging that trophy mule deer along the way, too. As long as there is a good story to tell at the end of the day, a hunting trip can be considered successful.

Whether hunting by rifle, bow or muzzleloader, there is always an opportunity for big game hunting. Outfitters will usually devise guided trips specifically for one’s chosen method of hunting. A guide will be able to show a hunter not only where the best hunting spots are but the best way to use his or her game call. Whether hunting elk, mule deer or other big game, a guided hunt allows all involved to work as a team to bring in the large animal. Once the animal is down, the guide can also skillfully help move the kill back to camp.

A number of states have found a great source of revenue in big game hunting. With good conservation methods, thriving herds of animals such as wild elk, deer and moose guarantee that hunters will be interested in obtaining a hunting license for the coming season. When these hunters come to certain areas of the state to take part in big game hunting, it then stimulates the local economies that provide food, lodging and hunting supplies to the visiting guests. For this reason alone, hunting season can become a very important time of year in some small communities close to major hunting areas.

From the passion of a hunter to the economy of a state, the subject of big game hunting combines a number of aspects making it more complex than many non hunters realize. The sight of a mature bull elk standing majestically in his habitat means many things to many different people. It can mean tradition, economics or the balance of man and nature. Those who hunt are likely following years of tradition set forth by previous family members. For these individuals, it is as simple as enjoying the hunt and appreciating the opportunity to get out and spend time in nature, even if it is only for an afternoon.

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Using a muzzleloader

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The first question a lot of people intrigued by the notion of muzzleloaders ask is: what’s a muzzleloader. In short, it’s any sort of weapon you load through the muzzle. Generally, you pack gunpowder, followed by wadding, a projectile and a bit more wadding into the muzzle of your weapon.

Muzzleloader hunting requires a special kind of dedication. You’ve got to be an ace shot because you’ll rarely have a chance to reload. You’ve got to enjoy maintaining your weapon because muzzleloaders provide the best results when they’re clean. And, you’ll have to be selective in terms of when you want to hunt and what you’d like to go after because muzzleloader seasons are different to the standard hunts in most states.

Safety, though important to all firearms handling, is exceptionally important in terms of muzzleloaders. It’s vital that you are familiar with the manual for your weapon, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and never overload your muzzleloader. Also, bear in mind that lead is poisonous – don’t eat while you’re handling it and keep it where children can’t possibly reach it.

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Keeping an eye on the border

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There’s plenty of planning that goes into any hunting trek – but if you’re going to hunt across the border, there are more and more regulations you’ll need to keep up-to-date with to avoid trouble. Be sure you apply for the permits you’ll need well in advance – experts recommend you start this process three months in advance.

Permits range from those you need to carry firearms across the border to those you’ll need to bring your trophies home – and that’s in addition to the tags you have to apply for to hunt in the first place. Thankfully, most of us don’t have much to worry about when it comes to actually crossing the border – you’ll do well to carry your passport and it’s imperative that you’ve applied for and received the requisite permits and tags before you travel.

Coming home, you’ll need to ensure you’ve followed the regulations for packing meat, trophies and other hunt proceeds or your hard-won goods may be confiscated by officials at the border. Bear in mind rules apply on both sides of the border, and it is important to understand them all. So do your research, apply for permits early and abide by the regulations – and enjoy your hunt!