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.

hunting land

Choosing the Hunting Land That’s Right For Your Trip

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When you’re ready to plan that special hunting trip for the year, it’s important that you find the right hunting land. Where you do your hunting is probably the most important aspect of the trip, particularly if your goal is a good catch. There are many different types of hunting land to choose from; each with advantages and disadvantages.

The most commonly used hunting land is public hunting land. It’s used most commonly because there’s usually no fee for hunting there and because, in many states, it’s plentiful. Hunting on public hunting lands is fairly simple, as well. When you obtain your hunting license for the season, you can usually pick up a map of the lands and a list of any restrictions at the same time. Public hunting lands may be maintained by the state, county or federal government. Some lands will have restrictions on catch; others will not. The main two disadvantages of using public hunting land are that they are often very crowded during hunting season and that stock is often low because so much hunting has taken place on these lands.

Private hunting lands come in several forms. First are land owned by individuals. These lands are often not designed specifically for hunting, but the landowner may allow hunting on his land with permission. Often the best way to learn about such lands is through word of mouth. You may find that your hunting friends know several people who allow hunting on their property. Some land owners will charge a fee, but most will allow you to hunt for free so long as populations are good. Be certain to respect any restrictions they put on you, in order to keep your hunting privilege. In many cases, if you can find a private land owner who will allow you to hunt on his land, but who does not allow an abundance of hunters, you’ll have the best chances at a good catch.

Some private hunting lands are owned by businesses such as hunting lodges or guide companies. These lands are managed solely as hunting sites, and will charge a fee for you to hunt. Depending upon the services offered, the fee may be larger or smaller. For example, some private hunting land businesses simply charge a small fee for you to have access to their land for camping and hunting. They may supply you a map of the land, but typically offer little else in the way of services. Other companies, however, may offer full serving hunting facilities, including lodging, guides and food. Their fees, of course, will be much larger. Most businesses of this nature limit the number of hunters or the total amount of catch on their lands in a season. This helps to ensure that the stock is plentiful. If you’re considering a trip on this type of private land, be certain to ensure that they do impose yearly limits of some sort.

hunting dogs

Looking for Good Hunting Dogs

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How does one choose good hunting dogs without getting stung? Many dog breeders are like horse traders—you get what you get, and that isn’t what was listed. So a dog breeder’s reputation, letters of reputation or phone calls, and looking at siblings or mother and father of the dog means a lot when looking for good hunting dogs. Make sure they have some form of guarantee and for how long they guarantee the puppy or dog.

But what is good for one hunter may not mean the same for another, so make sure you know what you want before going out and looking. Do you want versatile good hunting dogs for all-purpose hunting, or one that is excellent at squirrel hunting or coon hunting? Look at where they will be living the remaining time—will it it he be a family member? Make sure the breed you want is one you have information on and have done your homework on. Just because grandpa had one doesn’t mean you know what you need to know regarding the purchase of good hunting dogs.

Good hunting dogs need to be disease from and have clean genetic lines, regardless the breed. Make sure routine worming has been done as a puppy—which has usually been done from two weeks. Also, look at their shot records—did they receive a two-week puppy shot series with only two weeks between them, beginning around five or six weeks? Once the puppy is weaned from its mother, its immune system becomes compromised, and it is up to the breeder to maintain that system up to eight weeks of age when it leaves the next. A breeder who sells before then is not worth his/her weight in salt. Good hunting dogs mean that—a good hunting dog, not one that is haphazardly bred to make a quick buck. Georgia is famous for good hunting dogs, as most Georgia hunters think more of their dogs than anywhere else, but make sure you don’t get a bad breeder anyway.

Different breeds have different health risks—with the popular German Short

deer hunting

Deer Hunting Texas Regulations

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When you decide to go deer hunting, Texas has regulations just like all other areas of the country. Before you strike out on the path to bag a buck or two, you should be familiar with the regulations for deer hunting. Texas is quite strict, and though hunting is a popular sport and a way of life in the state, violation of laws can really put you in a fix.

Firearms: In deer hunting, there are a few regulations as to what firearms you can use. Rimfire ammunition of any caliber is not allowed in hunting whitetail, mule deer, or antelope of any kind. Pellet guns, air guns, fully automatic firearms, and silencers are illegal in Texas for deer hunting.

Hunting Hours: During open season shooting hours for all game begins half an hour before sunrise and ends half an hour after sunset. For more exact information on these time periods for deer hunting, Texas has its published sunrise/sunset times on the internet.

Hunting Season: For various types of deer hunting, Texas has separate seasons. For example, pronghorn antelope may be hunted (by permit only) for one week, usually the first of October (in the 2006-2007 season this was between September 30 and October 8). Whitetail deer ranged, depending upon location in Texas, between the end of October and the middle to end of January. Mule deer season was also varied by region, with archery allowed from the end of September to the end of October, and open season lasting between the middle of November and the first part of December.

County Restrictions: Because there are areas in which it is illegal to discharge a firearm or even shoot an arrow, even when deer hunting, Texas counties should be researched for distinct restrictions. For example, you cannot possess, shoot or hunt with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow in land or water in the Aransas and Poesta Rivers in Bee County or in the state-owned riverbeds of McMullen and La Salle counties. These are just a few locations that are restricted; you should research further for a full list.

Public Areas: When deer hunting, Texas has regulations regarding certain public areas. In designated Public Hunting Areas, all hunters must have a permit. Hunting is also illegal in any wildlife sanctuary, national, state, or Federal Park or refuge, discharge a firearm or hunt on a public road, or any area designated as a propagation or nesting area.

Harvest Rules: In deer hunting, Texas hunters are required to immediately log in ink the kill of a whitetail on the back of the hunting license for purpose of report. However, completion of such paperwork is not required for mule deer or whitetail taken under special permits (such as MLD permits). Some counties require a specific sized antler in order to harvest a deer, and these regulations are firm regarding the distance between the points of the antlers. Check regulations in each county in which you will be participating in hunting season.

pheasant hunting

Pheasant Hunting Dog

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A good hunting dog is more than man’s best friend, especially if that good hunting dog hunts pheasants. And the quality of the pheasant hunting dog will make your pheasant hunting trip one of joy or misery, depending on the dog. But usually the pheasant hunting dog is invaluable for those who enjoy hunting pheasants and upland game birds, as compared to big game—wild boar, bear, or deer.

There are many types of bird hunting dogs, such as Labradors, German Short-Hairs, Retrievers, Spaniels, and many others. With a soft mouth and a strong desire to please, these dogs are capable of forming bonds that go beyond the dog-master relationship of most domesticated dogs. The pheasant hunting dog can be any of these breeds of hunting dogs, depending on what type of dog the hunter desires.

Any pheasant hunting dog also is capable of hunting ducks, turkeys, or dove. Choosing a trained hunting and gun dog is not a quickly-made decision, or rather, it should not be, unless it is something that a person grows up with and has some training in the field. Otherwise, it may be best to borrow the hunting dogs when hunting at a pheasant hunting lodge, which are already trained and will make your trip a success. Regardless if the dogs are yours or are borrowed, once the pheasants are close by the tension of the hunting dogs will begin to increase. The scent begins to be picked up by one dog and once the bird is located–the dog will lock firmly in place. If the mate is close by, she also will lock in position simply to honor her mate’s point, even if she has not been able to pick up on the scent herself. After that, the hunt is up to you.

The breed of a pheasant hunting dog is a personal preference, depending on what characteristics are important to you—but the basic commands should be taught to all dogs, especially all hunting dogs. Once that pheasant breaks away and takes off—a dog who takes off and does not understand what it means to stop or come back, may provide an interesting day of hunting, indeed. Teach your hunting dog obedience. Once that is done, teach it again and again. Make it second nature to you and the dog until they almost can read your mind and respond just as quick.

Once the obedience has become second nature, take the pheasant hunting dog to a pheasant reserve as compared to wild birds out in a field of waist high grass. There are several thoughts on this—with the main one being once that dog hunts in the same area, again and again, it will not be as apt to go off and explore new grounds and territory, instead of exploring on his own for pheasants.

hunting leases

Issues about Deer Hunting Leases

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The use of deer hunting leases has boomed around the United States. One of the reasons for this increase in popularity is that many landowners are now willing to share their property with hunters when they, the landowner, know that they can be protected against lawsuits.

In the past, landowners took a chance when they allowed strangers onto their property. If someone in the hunting party was injured or killed the landowner might be held responsible. Now, it is common practice for deer hunting leases to come with legal agreements that protect the landowner from these types of legal problems.

When you begin exploring the various deer hunting leases that are available in your area make sure that you read the contract carefully and that you understand all of the provisions and restrictions that are contained in it. Most of these documents will contain a set of “usual” requirements. These “usual” requirements might include such things as requiring you and your party to obey all local and state laws pertaining to the particular hunt that you are on. They may include a provision that leaves the landowners blameless if someone is injured or killed while on his or her property. And they may include provisions for compensation should any damages be done to any real property such as to fences, livestock, or out buildings.

For the most part landowners are honest people and they are not trying to pull a fast one on you with these agreements. They want to protect themselves and their assets. However, it is imperative that you read the deer hunting leases before you sign them.

If you find that you do not understand a particular section or requirement, ask the owner to explain it to you before you sign. It is always good to keep in mind that once you sign the agreement you are bound by the agreement. If anything should happen, you will be held responsible. In some cases that can mean heavy fines or charges against you and your party.

For many people, simply finding the best deer hunting leases in their area is the hardest part of the venture. You can do yourself a favor and save a lot of time by doing a simple online search. Many of the best areas are now posting their offerings online and they often upload important information that you can use to make your decision on the offering without having to call or visit the site.

In general, deer hunting leases are a great way to use lands that would otherwise be off limits to you. They offer fine hunting and are usually very affordable. If you read the fine print before signing and ask the questions that need to be asked, you will soon discover for yourself just how valuable deer hunting leases can be.

hunting

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.

bear hunting

Polar bear hunting

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It sounds strange, but it’s true – you can hunt for polar bears. The polar bear is a massive beast – reaching a weight of over 1320lbs, he’s on par with a Kodiak. And, given his propensity for withstanding the worst nature has to offer, he’s just as formidable as any of the other large bears out there.

Those who’ve done it, say the polar bear hunt is the toughest in the world. Generally, polar bear hunting expeditions are run from mid February to late April. With temperatures regularly bottoming out around -40¼F, it’s easy to see why. You’ll need to be at the absolute peak of fitness to stand up to the elements, and you’ll have to apply for some special permits before you go.

The good news is, there are scores of outfitters specializing in polar bear hunting trips. Some fly you near to the site you’ll hike toward, others lay on snowmobiles to get you to the right area – in either case, once you get to camp, you’ll have a tent and a pack stove and little else to protect yourself from the arctic air.

To avoid disappointment, look for outfitters who are open about the number of hunters they’ve led to success and brush up on the legalities of bringing your trophy home.

hunting

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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