turkey hunting

How to Choose the Perfect Gun for Turkey Shooting

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Now that the spring turkey-hunting season is nearly upon us, you should find the right shotgun. As turkey hunting has become increasingly popular, more and more manufacturers have developed shotguns that have more features. There are a few things you need to keep in mind as you search for the perfect shotgun.   
 
You need to buy a shotgun that fits you. The only sure way to find a shotgun that properly fits you is to make an appointment with a firearms expert. Pull the gun to your shoulder. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. See if the gun swings into place without extra effort. Pay attention to the weight of the gun – is it comfortable? Next, adjust the placement of your forward hand. Check to see if you are able to hold the shotgun steady for a set amount of time. Also, see if you are able to comfortably carry the shotgun for long distances. If you answer “yes” to each of these questions, you may have found the right shotgun.
 
Remember that when it comes to turkey hunting, a bigger shotgun is not always better. 20-gauge shotguns are growing in popularity, mainly due to their high-powered turkey loads and available chokes. You are better off buying a shotgun that perfectly fits you than you are choosing one that has the largest gauge or load size.
 
Give yourself an opportunity to see how your shotgun performs under different circumstances. Shoot it with different loads and shot sizes whenever possible. Most shotguns offer several choke options. A shotgun that shows success in increasing pattern performance is your ideal gun. As with all of your hunting equipment, you want to use only the highest quality gear that performs well when you need it most.   
 
You must take the time necessary to discover the limitations of your firearm. You can do several things to find out how well your gun will work at the moment when you need it to perform. Pattern, experiment with different loads and chokes, and practice real hunting situations on the range. These actions will help you learn when to shoot and when to hold back. Certain shots are risky, and you are better off holding your fire.
 
If you are using a 20-gauge shotgun, you must be within 25 yards of your target for your ideal shot. Very young hunters, or those hunters who lack experience, should follow the same distance. Knowing your limitations as a hunter is as important as knowing how well your shotgun will perform. This knowledge is the difference between success and disappointment.
 
Finding the right shotgun for your spring turkey hunting will take a fair amount of experimentation and practice. Your goal will be to determine the best choke constriction, load, shot size, and distance. You want a gun that is comfortable. You want a gun that fits your body size. Do not always go for the largest gun, as a bigger shotgun does not always equal a better shotgun. The best way to discover the shotgun that best fits you is to practice with different ones. There is a perfect shotgun out there with your name on it. Simply take the time to find it. Once you have discovered your ideal shotgun, you will be able to kick off a safe and rewarding turkey season.

elk hunting

Elk Hunting: In Colorado

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Colorado is the place that holds the record of providing natural habitat to the highest number of elk population.

This large population of elk makes Colorado as one of the most admired places for elk hunting. The place has been successful in attracting a number of hunters every year to enjoy the adventurous sport.

The nature has provided Colorado with beautiful scenes that have led to the existence of a number of hunting grounds. These hunting sites are either publicly open for all, or are privately owned by the rich residents of the region. However, these private owners also provide the facilities for the hunters to experience the elk hunting in a better way.

The natural terrain is of different nature at different places. If there are green fields at some places, you may find forest areas at other locations. Yet, you can also find huge mountains in some areas.

Whatever may be the terrain, there is high probability of finding the elf, especially the female elk, which is hunted for the motive of food.

The hunters are provided with many services and thus, they have to carry very little stuff of their own that includes bedroll, clothes and food material. You can avail the services of experienced guides, who are there to assist you in hunting.

These guides also provide the accommodation to the hunters. It is recommended to book these services in advance to avoid rush. You may also be provided with information before hand about the things to be carried along with you.

Support For The Economical Development
This is just not an adventurous sport, but it also supports the economy of Colorado. Thus, the government has taken steps to conserve the species of elk in the region.

These efforts have shown some significant results, as there is an increase in the number of elks having good health.

The Colorado elk hunting has much more to offer to the hunters from various countries. It is not only a wonderful trip, but it also provides the chance to catch the wonderful landscapes of the region. And above all, you have the chance to hunt the animals from one of the most admired species.

The services offered are very easy on your pocket, as are offered at very little rate. Moreover, you may reduce the price of the overall package by avoiding the services of an experiences guide, however, it is advised to take the services of a guide.

There is provision of one guide for every two hunting groups. The guides are recommended for the hunters, who are the first time visitors to these beautiful hunting grounds. The other prices included are that of the license for hunting and also, other basic requirements.

hunting

Disease and Hunters

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There are many possibilities for hunters to get sick. Many critics consider these aspects to be nature’s defense mechanisms towards human interference. Whatever the case may be, care must be taken when outdoors at all times to avoid these diseases and these problems. There are many precautions one can take to avoid getting sick in the great outdoors, so attention must be paid at all times to the surroundings and to the natural habitat in which the hunt is taking place. Without proper due care and attention, there is no telling as to what type of affliction can set upon a camp.

There are many diseases that are spread by mosquito. These are called “arboviral” because they are spread by arthropods. Arboviral diseases are known to produce clinical illnesses in humans that require the attention of a medical professional. Arboviral diseases transmit what are called “alphaviruses” to the patient, causing typically mild symptoms but sometimes releases harmful after-effects. Another arboviral disease that is getting a lot of air time lately is the West Nile virus. This is also spread by mosquitoes, but originates in birds. Mosquitoes feed on the birds and then spread the virus to humans by feeding on the humans, mixing the blood types. For this reason, always bring bug spray and always ensure that mosquitoes are instantly swatted or squashed as they appear.

A bacterial infection that hunters can find themselves with is brucella. Brucella is a bacterial infection that is typically spread from animal to animal as they feed on one another. As hunters kill and eat animals, there is a potential for brucella to be present. Brucella are actually bacterial organisms that are highly infectious. The food is typically the highest source of infection and the most likely area of capturing brucella infection. Fortunately, there are very few incidents of person-to-person brucella transmission but it still is possible. Standard precautions should be taken at all times in dealing with hunted meat. The kill must be cleaned and cooked properly to professional specifications. Hand washing is also a must.

Lyme disease is a common disease for outdoors-people. This is an illness that may affect joints and bones, creating a possibility of skin and nervous system problems as well. Lyme disease can affect people of all ages and is considered to be the most frequently diagnosed of the outdoor afflictions, making precautionary measures especially important. This affliction is actually caused be a bacteria that looks like a corkscrew and is transmitted by the bite of a tick. Persons with Lyme disease will likely start feeling the symptoms around seven to fourteen days after the tick bite, starting with chills and joint pain. Precautions should be taken to keep ticks off of the skin at all times.

There are many other bacterial infections that can be caught in the great outdoors. With taking the proper precautions, however, most hunters can avoid having serious incidents and can simply concentrate on the hunt. Clothing should be kept relatively light but tight fitting, making it hard for bugs to get on the skin and easy to spot the bugs. Of course, the problem with light clothing on the hunt is that it also makes the hunter more visible to the animals. Compromises can be reached, however, and there are those that suggest the risk of disease is far too great to take a chance on not being prepared.

Regardless of the point of view, there are numerous afflictions in nature that should be avoided and considered when hunting. It may well be nature’s way of protecting itself, but these afflictions and diseases can spread from the hunter to the family members, making for a dangerous situation. When planning any kind of trip to the outdoors, research the area of travel and find out all there is to know about the possibilities for diseases and afflictions in that area.

bow hunting

Bow Hunting Basics

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Bow hunting is the ancient practice of hunting by the use of bows and arrows. Whereas it was once considered as a primary means of hunting, bow hunting today is reserved for hobbyists and hunters who still enjoy hunting as a sport more than as a way of life. There are quite a lot of people who are attracted to this ancient method of hunting.

Although there might be many who see bow hunting as just a cruel way to hunt down and kill animals, there are certain reasons why it might be necessary. Many hunters believe that bow hunting may be a more humane way of trying to control animal population to a healthier level. This would help maintain their habitat by helping control over population. Not only that, bow hunting may be considered as a means to keep the people closer and better understand the natural world.

Bow hunting, even though it may be considered as an ancient art of hunting, have benefited from new technology. Modern bow hunters do not just use the usual bow and arrow most people are usually familiar with. There are newer versions of hunting bows that many hunters now use that are far different and more advanced than ordinary bows and arrows. Such modern bows enjoy giving users better accuracy and range when they use it for hunting.

As compared to rifle hunting, bow hunting may have its limitations. The use of rifles can extend the shooting range of hunters for prey up to 200 yards or around 180 miles away. Hunters using bow and arrow can only limit their accuracy and effectiveness within 20 to 30 yards away. Most bow hunters usually look for a different kind of excitement using compound bows for hunter. In effect, bow hunting may require a higher level of skill than rifle hunting which hunters need to develop over time in order to be effective.

Just like rifle or firearm hunting, bow hunting is subject to certain legal and well as cultural considerations. Hunting follows certain regulations that may concern both hunting seasons and other related restrictions. Different states, provinces or even countries will have different regulations regarding bow hunting. It is always best to know what those regulations are before one tries to engage in bow hunting in a certain area or territory that they might be new in.

deer hunting

Successful Deer Hunting: Tracking Down Your Prey

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When hunting, there are two kinds of hunters: One, a hunter that waits; and two, the hunter that tracks. The difference of two is the complexity of their hunting techniques though both aim for the same thing; bagging their prized bucks.

Tracking down your prey involves a more detailed approach in deer hunting. It involves knowing the specific differences between a buck and a doe, their patterns and behaviors. Unlike hunters who track their prey, hunters who prefer to wait for the buck on top of a tree or in a well-concealed shrub, they utilize deer calls or rattles to lure their prey into range. While the tracker will go to the prey, no matter where it goes; this proves to be more challenging than the latter.

Knowing the habits of bucks and does

Before you track your prey, you need to know the difference between the two. Since bucks are the normal target during hunting, does can only be a target when you have a special license for it, or during a specific season.

Tracking involves being aware of what’s on the ground rather than what’s in front of you. You first need to find a decent trail to determine if the deer is a buck or a doe. Buck trails have a much wider stance than that of a doe, and he has a swaggering gait that no doe can imitate.

The buck also has a tendency to drag his feet and leave a very good impression of his trail. The female deer, or does, on the other hand tend to pick up their feet, thus leaving a more ordered trail. Hunting a buck in the snow is much easier than hunting them in summer. Since snow leaves a very discernable trail, you can easily distinguish a buck from a doe.

If a buck and a doe are traveling together, one perfect place to determine the sexes of the trail is on a low lying tree. A doe tends duck under low branches and continues on its desired trail, while a buck needs to walk around the tree since his antlers might get tangled in the branch.

Urine trails can also help you in discerning your prey. Bucks tends to urinate while they walk, while does squat. When you see 3-feet long urine trail in the snow, then it is a buck you are trailing.

Preparation before tracking your prey

Before tracking down you prey, you need to first pay attention to your smell. As part of their defense mechanism, bucks tend to have a keener sense of smell and can detect you from a distance. Your smell can alert the buck of your presence and you might end up chasing it.

If you have a natural stink that can’t be removed by any non-smelling solvent, then you better pay attention to the direction of the wind. Make sure that you are on the downwind side so that your smell won’t reach your prey. Knowing the direction of wind will allow you to position yourself so the buck will be unsuspecting of your presence.

Make sure that your clothes aren’t washed with fragrant solutions like perfumes, colognes or branded detergents since the buck will instantly pick up these scents thus alerting him of your presence. You can purchase solutions that are perfect for deer hunters that can eliminate the smell from their clothes. These are quite expensive but a very useful tool if you plan on tracking.

Knowing the difference between a buck and a doe, as well as paying attention to the wind pattern and smell is a very complicated way in bagging your prey; the complexity level of tracking is definitely high but this is how experts do it.

hunting supplies

Outfitter hunting – advantages

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Particularly when you’re going after big game, like elk or caribou, booking your hunt with an outfitter can be easier than going it alone. There are a number of things to consider – from the equipment and physical effort required to understanding the lay of the land and knowing where the beasties like to hide.

An outfitter can provide a solid alternative to spending thousands on gear you’re unlikely to use for any other purpose or hunt in your lifetime. That isn’t to say hunting with an outfitter is cheap – it isn’t, but you’ve got to weigh the investment up against the savings. Additionally, an outfitter can provide you with some essential services once you’ve made that golden shot and bagged your trophy. Bear in mind an elk weighs at least four times what you do, and consider how readily you can pack that animal out of the hunt zone – with an outfitter, a lot of that hassle simply disappears.

The majority of good outfitters won’t guarantee you a kill- this is because to do so is impossible unless you’re hunting on a ranch or farm that breeds the animals for this purpose. However, an outfitter worth his salt will usually give you a fifty per cent chance of bagging a good mark. So do your homework and check the outfitters‘ references from the outset to avoid disappointment.

duck hunting

The Joy of Duck Hunting

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Duck hunting is one of the most popular hunting sports in the world. It is as much a social calling as it is a hunt, in fact, representing a whole set of cultural standards and etiquette rules that many people do not even consider. It has a whole culture all its own, from a proper dress code to duck hunting dogs and assistants. The world of duck hunting is ripe with cultural significance, but is also has a dark side and represents a less than desirable aspect of human nature. Regardless of the point of view, there is something to be learned about duck hunting that may shed some light on either side of the ethical quandary.

Duck hunting is mainly a sporting activity around the world now, as commercial duck hunting has since been banned in most of the developed countries. Duck hunting is, in fact, as old as time itself. There are early indications that ducks and geese were somehow hunted during the Ice Age. Cave drawings indicate that duck hunting was a sound practice early on in human existence, giving way to ducks and swans appearing on cave paintings in Ice Age Europe. There is also evidence of duck hunting in Egypt, as a mural on the tomb of Khum-Hotpe displays a man capturing ducks in a stream. Ducks were also likely hunted by early man in the Americas, as early Peruvian art indicates.

With this international history, duck hunting enjoys a popularity that spreads around the world. It is especially popular in North America, where the largest number of localized ducks can be located. Most ducks use the Mississippi River as a migratory guide, so many duck hunts take place along the river to use it as a guide for finding ducks. Arkansas is a major hotbed of duck hunting, with Stuttgart being considered the “duck hunting capital of the world”.

Duck hunting is often considered popular because of its simplicity. The tools of the trade are simplistic enough, from a decoy set to a shotgun and duck call. The essence of duck hunting is based around the trickery of using the decoy and the duck call in tandem to lure the ducks out and into the air towards the decoy. After this takes place, the ducks are in open range for the hunt and the firing begins. These hunts take place around rivers, streams, lakes and any other bodies of water where ducks can be found.

There are many aspects that stand in contrast to duck hunting, of course. Most waterfowl conservation experts agree that the hunting of any type of waterfowl does little to help any situation. In fact, most marsh and wetland areas are shrinking at tremendous rates, giving rise the the criticism that duck hunting effectively diminishes an already diminishing habitat. There are several organizations that constantly spar with duck hunters over this reality.

One organization is the popular Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited is an international organization that stands as the leader in non-profit marshland protection and the protection of waterfowl. Ducks Unlimited sometimes works with hunters to protect the marshlands and protect the hunter’s way of life. The main goal of Ducks Unlimited is the conservation of localized habitats where ducks can be found, enabling hunters to continue protected and logical hunts of ducks and enabling the survival of more ducks by creating better places for them to live.

Still, some hunters ignore this philosophy and have no interest in any protection of habitats. They, instead, pillage the duck areas and hunt ducks that should not be hunted. Duck hunting remains a controversial sport because of this aspect, unfortunately, and will continue to have a dark side as long as hunters remain blissfully ignorant as to the realities of organizations such as Ducks Unlimited. Without the cooperation of hunters and marshland protectors, duck hunts may be a thing of the past.

deer hunting

Hunting Strategies and Myths

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While experienced hunters will offer lots of information and know-how for those who wish to start deer hunting, there are varied and a million of them. It’s hard to tell whether the tactic is classified as proven, but given time and patience the beginner hunter will learn the necessary skills as well as a few tricks of their own.

To start of, deer can be cautions creatures, and there’s nothing more frightening for them than the smell of humans. Though it may sound like deer are a different alien life form that hate humans, it can’t be helped. But just because they can be smart creatures doesn’t mean they can’t be fooled.

The rut is the best time for any hunter to collect all the necessary equipment to attract or arouse the trophy buck he wishes to mount on his wall. Given the number of bucks available in a particular State, playing with their natural instinct can fool them to the closest trap. Grunt calls for a doe can stir them into a breeding frenzy, thus getting them close enough for a clean kill and applying some synthetic buck or doe urine will make it even more effective. Though decoying can be risky at times, it’s suggested that having a dummy buck in place for the real bucks to search would deviate them from the hunter. Being gouged isn’t a pleasant thing.

As for preparation, they will likely think that showering with mild fruity scented soap would allow blending with the woods. This is entirely wrong. Animals have a keen sense of smell that may detect chemicals that aren’t natural to them. It would be best to use some scent free soap like Neutrogena, though it doesn’t eliminate the smell, the hunter won’t give his position either due to the fragrance.

Perfumes, colognes and deodorants are an absolute no-no. Some scent eliminators work pretty well to hide that human smell most deer would run away from. It may cost a bit more for the top brands, but the payoff is more than enough for the money well spent.

There are thousands more stories, tips and even legends to go through but it would be too much. If the hunter happens to live in a hunting State, joining a local hunting club will give them the necessary tips to ensure a successful hunting drive and the next trophy buck.

hunting supplies

Using scents wisely, part two

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In addition to using scent to hide yourself while you’re hunting, you can use scent as a tool to attract the sort of prey you’re stalking. There are a number of products on the market to help you cover your tracks – and just as many to help you gain a few extra seconds to line up that perfect shot.

Consider using scents to lure animals such as deer. You’ll have to carefully consider the wind when choosing where to place a scented lure, as you want the animals to smell the lure well before they could possibly catch a whiff of you. Ideally, apply the lure upwind of a trail you’ve noticed the animals using during a scouting jaunt. Locate your stand downwind of the trail and simply wait.

Scents are available in considerable variety – some designed to attract male and others to attract female animals. Consider which is most appropriate with care, for example, using skunk musk to cover your tracks might warn a deer off if you’ve used too much and the deer thinks a skunk is frightened or alarmed nearby. Using a “doe in heat” scent, on the other hand, can attract both males looking to increase their harem and females looking for company.

Bear in mind that you’ll need to watch any scented lures closely – letting the curious animal get too close will give the game away and cost you that perfect shot.

elk hunting

Elk Hunting: On Private Ranches

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If you want to learn the art of hunting elk, you must make arrangements for carrying out the procedure of elk hunting on the private ranches. The two significant places where you will find the availability of these ranches include the regions of U.S. and Canada.

These ranches are the most preferred places, as they provide a number of facilities like lodging facilities, good quality food and also, the expert guides. The most desirable feature of these hunting sites is that there is surety of getting the elk.

The rooms available for the accommodation of the guests are big and full of facilities like personal kitchens to cook and also, the hot tubs for bath. Moreover, you are also provided with meals while on the ranch for hunting.

The experience of hunting on these ranches is out of the world. There are a number of expert guides that assist you in finding the target. There are usually two hunters accompanied by one professional guide.

The authorities also provide the transportation facility to help you in the hunting. These transportation facilities include four-wheelers, ATV and horse rides.

The best part of hunting on these ranches is that it has a wide variety of these animals that include antelope, mule deer amongst the top species. Thus, you have the high probability of finding the elk with ease for hunting.

The kind of natural terrain of these ranches is the ideal place for hunting elk. There are some special features like rolling hills, forests with the web of oak trees along with the large number of pine trees and aspen trees.

The land that surrounds these ranches is full of wild terrain and thus, helps the hunter to easily put pressure upon the target animals.

Reasonable Rates Offered
Talking about the fees for hunting elk on these ranches, it is really wonderful to know that these ranches provide a number of facilities like lodging and meals at an unbeatable price.

There is no competition in the prices and the services offered by these ranches. The people who own these ranches have great flair for this adventurous sport.

The guides employed for helping the hunters also share the spirit of hunting with the hunters. Moreover, this hunting activity also provides assistance to the local owners in managing the crowds of animals.

The overall package that includes rooms for staying, three meals, expert guides and transportation facilities costs around $1500 that is quite reasonable.

The information about these ranches is available on Internet and travel magazines. Moreover, a local traveling company may also assist in finding the privately owned ranches for elk hunting. The ranches are indeed the great places for great sport.

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