5 Small Tips From a Big Game Hunter

5 Small Tips From a Big Game Hunter

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

You have probably come across numerous different articles online that provide tips that separate new hunters from experienced ones. The internet is swarming with tips that are not always relevant for you to actually become better hunters. We have asked big game hunters for simple tips they can give to other hunters and the following six tips were common in all their answer.

1. Be stealthy

This is probably a hunting 101 tip, you need to be quiet and in stealth mode at all time during the hunt. Animals tend to have exceptional sensory and most can detect the slightest bit of sound. You want to make sure you are as quiet as possible and if you must move, do so slowly and as gently as possible. You also want to make sure you set up camp a few days before you plan on hunting, this allows you to settle down and also allows the wildlife to settle. After all, most animals will detect your presence and keep their distance from your camp.

2. Cover your scent

Whether you are hunting a deer or an elk, how well you cover your scent will determine how successful your hunt will be. Deers and other animals have a high sense of smell and can easily sniff out humans, which of course drives them away. So be sure to carry a scent eliminator with you on your hunt and spray your boots and equipment with the eliminator before you head off on the hunt. You can also take scent-free soap with you so when you bathe you don’t add scent to your skin.

3. Attract your hunt

Most hunters, before they set out on the hunt, do research on their hunt. One thing you should pay attention to is how you can attract the animal you plan on hunting. You will need to bait them with techniques and items which will make your hunt more successful.

4. Know when to hunt

During your research process, you should also pay close attention to which season you should hunt in. For example, for bird hunting, you want to hunt in hot and dry weather when they will be more flocks of birds present. You need to pay close attention to the season and make sure that whatever you are hunting is in season.

5. Scout the area before the hunt

You can’t just go out in the wildlife and expect to get kills. After setting your camp, you need to scout the area, probably for a few days to get an understanding of the terrain and also paying close attention to areas where deer and other animals you want to hunt are present. You can study their routine which will aid in you getting more kills.

Pheasant Hunting 101

Pheasant Hunting 101

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced hunter, hunting pheasants can be a challenge. However, there are some measures you can take that will aid you in your hunt, making it slightly easier. From using the weather to your advantage to understanding where to hunt, we have the tips that will make your pheasant hunt much more efficient.

Get a bird dog

Most hunters step out on their hunt without a dog and they yield great results. However, having a good bird dog accompany you on the hunt can make it more efficient. You will notice that most of the successful pheasant hunters will have a bird dog with them. Dogs are amazing at tracking birds and will help you identify and track pheasants much faster. You need to understand that in hunting season there will be a lot of hunters out there so having a bird dog will give you an advantage over others. If you don’t have a dog, some hunting clubs do rent them out and those are well-trained dogs for hunts.

Drive birds to you

Most successful hunters will tell you that learning how to drive birds can truly lead to a more successful hunt. You don’t necessarily need a dog to drive birds but they can help. To drive birds, you need to make sure you are out during the early season when the weather is hot and dry. You need to identify a hill or ridge where you can hunt from. Then go through the field in a zigzag manner, slowly. This will make patterns through the brush. Once pheasants see this, they will generally retreat uphill. Which allows you to hunt them easily.

Hunt near water

Like most animals, when the weather gets hot and dry water banks are an amazing hunting ground. Hunting pheasants isn’t different, it is recommended that since hot and dry weather is the best time to hunt pheasants you can hunt near a stream of water. You will be able to spot a lot more pheasants here.

Select the right weapon

Pheasants are fairly strong birds. You want to make sure you have the right amount of gauge in your weapon to take them down. You don’t want to hit it and still be able to fly off. You want to have either a 12 or 16 gauge to ensure you get the kill. Some hunters even prefer the 20 gauge and that does work well as long as you know how to handle the weapon properly. It may be harder for a beginner to use a 20 gauge shotgun.

Go at the right time

There are normally two times during the day that is suitable for hunting birds, early morning or evening. We recommend morning over evening because you have lighter and birds are usually on the ground hunting for food. Chances are when the birds sense you they will retreat but come back down again to continue their hunt for food making them easy targets.

Colorado Hunting What You Need to Know Before Heading Out

Colorado Hunting: What You Need to Know Before Heading Out

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

Colorado is a gold mine if you enjoy hunting. The state has 23 million acres of land filled with pines and meadows. Which is one reason why it also hosts a lot of wildlife, specifically elk herds. Elks are considered to be one of the most majestic animals in the wild, making Colorado the ideal hunting ground. However, you can’t just go out blindly into the field and expect to come out with a trophy. We have some tips that will get you ready for your hunt.

The season to go

The fall and winter are probably the best seasons to go for hunting in Colorado. While the early season may seem more enticing, since it does snow a lot in Colorado and temperatures drop, the weather actually helps in making the hunt a success. We recommend going to hunt anytime between August and January.

Choice of weapon for the hunt

Colorado is a great hunting ground for any type of weapon of choice. Whether you take a longbow or rifle. You will have a wonderful experience in Colorado. The environment is fairly stable so you can go with either choice of weapon.

Scout location

To get the real experience, you may need to head out to Colorado in the pre-hunting season and scout location. Setting up a base camp can help you get a better understanding of the landscape and an insight into the wilderness present in the state. The state is also known for its rivers so don’t forget your fishing rods.

Visit Colorado’s parks and wildlife

Most parks and wildlife centers in Colorado have informational centers in which they provide instructional videos and other material that will help you hunt the wildlife. Hunting Elks isn’t easy so visiting these centers will certainly help you get all the information you need to enhance your experience.

Colorado has 41 state parks along with over 300 state wildlife areas. So if you are still on the fence regarding where to go hunting, it is definitely a location you should consider. We are certain you will go back home with a trophy for you man cave. After all, what is hunting without a trophy.

Hunting Regulations on Coyote Hunting

Wisconsin Hunting Regulations on Coyote Hunting

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, coyotes are reserved but opportunistic creatures that will scavenge for food in almost every area in the state. They are omnivores, meaning that they will virtually eat anything they find. You might find them going through your trash bins or looking for prey in either day or night. They feed on small rodents and rabbits and are a significant part of the Wisconsin ecosystem due to their being one of the top hunters in the food chain. Because of this, they will eat practically anything and will go into residential areas to feed or hunt.

Because they’re curious and take few precautions when wandering into populated areas, they can cause problems. Farmers have reported losing livestock, such as chickens and cattle, as well as pet dogs to coyotes. Essentially, coyotes are a nuisance to both people and animals alike, and it is apparent that the heightened birthrate of the wild coyote in Wisconsin has very little chance of declining in the near future.

As a means to control their population and the havoc they create, the state of Wisconsin has called for year-long hunting seasons for coyotes with certain restrictions in effect. These restrictions include:

license of hunting

Local residents of Wisconsin are required to have a small game hunting license in order to legally hunt coyotes in non-residential and wooded areas. However, a landowner has the right to shoot or trap coyotes and other furbearing animals within the boundaries of their land. This exception to the small game hunting license is also applicable to family members of the landowner. In addition, the landowner is allowed to skin the carcass and sell the pelt.

Non-Wisconsin residents are required to have a furbearer license in order to legally hunt and trap coyotes within Wisconsin state boundaries. This license also grants them the privilege of hunting all other furbearing animals, such as raccoons, foxes, bobcats, opossums, and weasels.

  • Allowed hunting hours

Hunting coyotes on any day of the year is legal, but there are certain restrictions during hunting hours. Regular hunting times apply except for species which are legal to hunt or trap during the nighttime, coyotes included. Hunting on state park and trail property territories begins one hour before sunrise and ends at 11 PM. An exception to this rule applies for the 9-day November deer season which extends daily hunting hours to 23 hours.

There are certain restrictions regarding legal hunting hours of coyote, including:

  • Using electronic game calls

Unlike certain other states in the United States, Wisconsin allows for the use of electronic game calls to attract and kill coyotes. The only exception to this rule applies for when hunting migratory birds and wild turkeys. For coyotes, foxes, and unprotected species during hunting season, the use of a game caller is completely legal.

  • Using decoys

Using decoys such as plastic statures and stuffed animals to attract coyotes is perfectly legal.

  • Using appropriate firearms or missile launchers

The only firearms that can legally be used against coyotes and other hunted animals are all legal firearms in accordance with state law. In no way is it legal to hunt coyotes, or any animals for that matter, with an automatic firearm. Other weapons such as air guns, bows, and crossbows are also legal in catching and killing wild animals.

  • Using suppressors/silencers

Unless you hold a federal license to possess and utilize a suppressor/silencer, it is illegal to use when hunting coyotes.

  • Using appropriate ammunition

While hunting, it is illegal to possess and/or use any tracer bullets, incendiary shells in either cartridges or ammunition. Shot-shells loaded with a single slug are perfectly legal to use during any season when hunting small game, including coyote.

  • Possessing and transporting carcasses and pelts

Any carcasses and pelts obtained in a lawful manner may be sold at any time.

  • Using lights

Only a flashlight may be used in finding your way around designated areas and up to the point of hunting and killing coyotes and other furbearing animals. A flashlight is defined as a handheld, battery-operated source of light.

Shining in illegal in cases of:

  • Intending to use a light source, including car headlights or laser sights on firearms and missile projectors, to blind or stun an animal when hunting with a legal firearm, bow or crossbow. There is an exception for Class C Disabled Permit hunters, allowing them the use of laser sights for hunting.
  • Intending to use a light source, including car headlights or laser sights on firearms and missile projectors, to blind or stun an animal between the hours of 10 PM and 7 AM from September 15 through December 31, regardless of whether a person is in possession of a legal firearm, bow or crossbow.
  • Using vehicles

Hunting any animal with the aid of aircrafts – unmanned or otherwise – and drones is strictly prohibited when hunting coyotes.

  • Using bait

Planting bait with the intention of drawing in game animals is strictly prohibited. However, hunting in or around crops and wildlife food plots is legal. In addition, hunting over seeds that were dispersed due to natural occurrences or normal farming operations, including during harvesting and post-harvest, is not considered as a form of baiting. However, manipulating crops or natural-forming vegetation before harvesting through methods of mowing, shredding, rolling, chopping, and flattening is considered a form of baiting and, thus, illegal.

  • Having assistance from dogs

Being accompanied by dogs when hunting small game mammals, including coyotes, is legal. Hunters are required to keep dogs leashed at all times when hunting for coyotes and other small game mammals.

How to Find Good Public Hunting Land

How to Find Good Public Hunting Land

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

North America remains the top residential real estate to whitetail deer. There are more of this species of deer than most people could ever imagine. It is true that the deer population has since dropped in recent years compared to the pre-1990s era, but it is unrealistic to think that all types of habitats could house a record-number of deer for long. There is also considerably less competition for the deer species in several parts of the United States. The population of hunters in the country has also declined with hardly any of the later generations to fill the gaps.

The hunters out there reading this are probably smiling at the thought of there being more deer than shooters to handle, but you must also realize that good, wooded areas where deer frequent are shrinking in size and number. The building of malls, suburban residences, industrial parks, and roads force its way across the landscape. Introducing new residential areas into former deer territory increases the land value, inviting further infrastructure development projects. As a result, the deer and other game species have to find new homes and usually set up camp in public land spaces.

How to Find Good Public Hunting Land

Most hunters out there don’t have the luxury of owning a million-dollar plot of land to serve as home to game animals. Instead, they’re left out in the freezing cold, left to find their own paths into public pieces of land across the country. This might sound like an adventure, but it poses its own challenges. One of them being all of the good spots are already taken. If you’re having trouble looking for good public land to hunt on, then perhaps these following tips can help you during your next hunting trip.

Check out roadside hotspots

If you were a deer, where would you be? The most popular answer is hidden somewhere in the woods and out of sight. Hunters who attempt to think like deer will venture into wooded areas and come out empty handed and disappointed. The problem is that 90% of deer live in the woods and almost 100% of the hunters visit those woods. There’s not enough deer to go around, so the next thing to do is think where the 10% of the rest of the deer go?

Big bucks don’t grow up big and strong by following the herd and getting shot by two-legged monkey-men with guns. If you’re having trouble finding the 90% of the deer population in your area, then check out the more untraditional spots where deer are likely to pass through. A great place to begin your hunt is checking out roadside areas. Deer need to crossroads in order to find sustenance and safety. You just need bedding cover and you’re ready to go.

Look for oxbow lakes and rivers

An oxbow is a bend in a river, creek, or lake that forms a bowl-shaped loop, virtually turning the land within into a mini peninsula. In oxbow lakes and rivers, the wind blows in from dry land, and deer face the water source when drinking and as a way to make a quick escape. However, waiting in oxbow bends only works if there are not any annoying canoes or kayakers. You can most likely find a good place for cover around the river edges. Wait for deer to pass by, take a sip of water, or just wander aimlessly around the area.

Search for areas isolated by water

For some reason, hunters have a natural fear of water. Perhaps it is because they do not want their clothes and boots to become waterlogged, slowing down their movement and making squishy sounds as they walk. However, water is deer’s dearest friend. Bucks thrive in wetlands, and it is extremely easy to find a hill or elevated piece of land around water sources. Make sure your rifle is next to you, since you will be needing it soon to shoot a thirsty deer.

Travel to swamp and marsh islands

Islands in marshes and swamps can be an incredible place to hunt for deer, especially if they are in remote, hard-to-access areas surrounded by shallow pools of water. Islands that can support large oak trees can be a great spot for early-season hunting due to the limited quantities of the trees in wetlands. These trees provide acorns which feed the deer, and fewer trees make the site more desirable for small herds.

Around these swamps and marshes, hunters can become easily concealed among the cattails and dogwood found in shallow waters. Basically, there are more places to hide in wet areas than there are on dry land.

Choose the best day(s) and time

If hunting season has begun, then most likely hunters will pack up and take a trip into the woods on Friday evening or the early hours on a Saturday. Basically, the weekend is the ideal time for people to begin hunting because of the two-day break they get from work, school, or whatever. If you have the time, try and plan a hunting trip during the week. On weekdays, public lands are more deserted than they are on the weekends.

However, hunting season is also a call for people to forget their work- and school-related fatigue and head out into the woods. This poses a problem since vehicles produce a lot of noise, and the noise can drive herds of deer away from optimal hunting spots. The best times to go out hunting is in the early hours of the morning – right before the sun rises – and late at night (if allowed, depending on the state).

There are just a few tips that hunters can take into consideration the next time the hunting season bells chime. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might not find the same exact terrain or locations mentioned in this article. The most important thing to take away from this article is that you should visit inland bodies of water. Deer, like every other creature on Earth, need to drink at some point. If you play it right, the deer will walk right into your waiting arms.

Best Hunting Simulator for Coyote Hunters

Beginners Guide to Kentucky Hunting Policies on Coyotes

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

Almost every state in the country has their own unique laws regarding hunting certain beasts. Some can only be hunted during certain months while others are game year-round, with certain restrictions in place, of course. However, most states have come to a consensus that coyotes – the four-legged beasts that prowl our farmlands and enter residential neighborhoods – are varmints and cause substantial amounts of damage. This is what gives them their unprotected status and makes them hunted all year long in Kentucky.

Choosing the right Coyote Bait

Coyotes are curious creatures, and it is that curiosity which causes them to take few precautions when venturing into populated counties and residencies. Farmers have also expressed their distaste of the omnivores whose diet consists of 90% meat and 10% fruits and vegetables. They are especially a threat towards livestock like chickens, turkeys, and cattle. They also like to stir trouble with pet dogs and are even known to attack humans. Basically, coyotes are too much trouble and cause too much damage to be ignored. Their accelerating birthrate makes it apparent that there will be no solution for handling the overgrown coyote population.

For the people of Kentucky, the best thing to do against coyotes is to shoot and kill. Although slaying a few coyotes won’t make a single dent in their overall population, it will at least deter some of their friends from entering our property, even if it’s just temporary. Kentucky residents and nonresidents can legally pick up arms and shoot coyotes, but there are certain state laws that we must abide by.

License and Permit

There are several laws about required licenses and permits and several more exceptions to those laws. Essentially, hunting coyotes on your own piece of land is legal, provided that the bullets used to kill the coyote do not exit the boundaries of your home. In addition, the immediate family members of a landowner (spouse and dependent children) are exempt from requiring a license to shoot and kill on the landowner’s property.

If you wish to hunt coyote on public land or on another person’s private property (with their consent), then you’ll need a license and/or permit to do so.

Status

Coyotes are considered a furbearing animal in Kentucky. Among the different furbearing beasts recognized by the state, coyotes are the only species where hunting season is open for the whole year. Trapping coyotes, however, is a different story, and it can only be done between November 13th and February 28th.

Coyotes may be hunted all year long at any time of the day. However, certain lands prohibit hunting coyotes during the nighttime. These areas are managed by Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Land between the Lake National Recreation Area, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, and Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge which includes Beaver Creek, Mill Creek, Cane Creek, Pioneer Weapons and Redbird Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

Bag Limit

Coyotes and certain other furbearing species do not have a bag limit. This means that hunters and trappers can expend an infinite amount of legal ammo or traps on an infinite amount of coyotes. The lack of a bag limit restriction is in place to encourage hunters and trappers to stalk, capture, and kill as many of coyotes as possible.

Weapons

Remington R-25

 

Within Kentucky boundaries, the choice of hunting coyotes are limited to centerfire or rimfire guns, muzzleloaders, handguns, breach-loading shotguns with less than or equal to 10 gauges. Breech-loading shotguns must contain a maximum of three shells: one in the chamber and two in the magazine. When it comes to shot size, there is no specific limitation.

Shotguns can only be fired from the shoulder, and single-projectile shot shells can only be used during the daytime. The only legal firearm that hunters can use for nighttime hunting of coyotes is shotguns. However, the shotgun shells used on the coyotes must not contain only a single projectile. Air guns that use bullets of at least .22 calibers can also be used, as well as bows and crossbows.

Calls

The use of hand calls, mouth calls, electronic calls which simulate the sound of vulnerable or wounded prey, and coyote calls are legal.

Baits

Baiting a coyote with a statue or plush doll is allowed in Kentucky. Even using an animal’s carcass to bait coyotes in the state is perfectly legal. However, hunters are prohibited from placing or scattering bait or attracting wildlife on all WMAs, Daniel Boone National Forest, Land between the Lakes, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Jefferson National Park, and other state parks open for hunting coyote.

Lighting

Lights or other means to make coyotes visible at night cannot be connected to or cast from a mechanized vehicle. However, they can be hunted using lights or night vision equipment after daylight hours from Feb. 1 – May 31 only.

Lights from cars or other mechanized vehicles used with the intent to see coyotes at night are strictly prohibited, but they can be used to navigate your way through the dark. An exception is made for after daylight hours starting from February 1st to May 31st where the use of lights and other night vision equipment can be used to hunt coyotes and other furbearers.

Trading Pelts

In Kentucky, trading the pelts of furbearing animals by trappers or hunters, even after the end of the furbearer hunting season, is allowed any time of the year. Raw furs can legally traded to professional taxidermists, licensed pelt buyers, or fur processors.

Permission from Landowners

Any person is prohibited from entering upon the lands owned by another person with the intent to shoot or capture coyotes and other game animals without a written or orally-expressed permission of that landowner or person who has the authority to grant and remove permission. Hunters who fail to abide by this law can be arrested and prosecuted.

Additionally, railroad tracks and right of way are considered private property, so hunters must get expressed consent from managers before entering that property. Landowners have no obligation to allow hunters entrance onto their land who want to either retrieve their game animal or their hunting dogs.

Bow Hunting Backpack

The Bow Hunting Backpack You Should Bring on Your Next Hunt

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

If you are planning on going on a hunting trip with a bow, then you should know that the backpack you take can make or break your trip. You want to take a bag that allows you to easily carry all your hunting gear and make your trip easier. We have picked out 3 bags for you to consider for your next hunting trip because they will make it a lot more convenient for you.

1. Badlands Superday

Badlands Superday

Our rating: 4.7 out of 5                            Price: $$$

Pros

  • Strong construction material
  • Exceptional space, 1950 cubic inches of storage
  • Padded back and shoulder strap

Cons

  • Adjusting the strap can be a task at times, not as smooth as we would have liked

If you are going on a short hunting trip and need a lot of room in your bag then the Badlands Superdry is the perfect choice. The bag allows for 1,950 cubic inches of storage which allows you to easily pack your hunting gear along with snack and a pair of extra clothing for your trip. It employs noiseless zipper which ensure you are in stealth mode throughout your hunt. As far as comfort goes, the material and padding on the bag ensure there is no strain on your back or shoulder while you carry this bag around.

The bag has extra pockets so you can easily carry additional things with you on your trip. It is constructed with durable material so you can expect it to last for years. Which makes this bag a smart investment for all those hunting trips to come.

2. Timber Hawk Killshot

Timber Hawk Killshot

Our rating: 4.6 out of 5                            Price: $$

Pros

  • Narrow bag with 2 side pockets that provide exceptional storage space
  • Great design, strong material employed for the build of the bag

Cons

  • The length of the bag is slightly more than we would have liked.

The Timber Hawk Killshot is another bag that provides users plenty of storage space and stealth. It has a narrow body which makes it easy to carry with two side pocket that provides additional storage space for those that need to carry more items. The bag comes with compression straps so if you are carrying a heavy load, they ensure stability. It also has a hydration bladder so if you get stuck in a tree stand that can prove to be helpful as it can hold up to 2 liters of water. The features of this bag make it a wonderful companion for avid hunters on their hunting trips.

3. Slumberjack Bounty 4500

Timber Hawk Killshot

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5                            Price: $$$$

The most expensive bag out of the three, the Lumberjack Bounty 4500 is the perfect bag if you hunt larger animals like bucks and elks. Designed specifically for those that hunt a larger animal, this bag is perfect for higher elevations due to its durability and sturdy design. The material used to construct the bag is durable enough so the bag won’t tear at any point of your trip, no matter how rough the terrain may be. While the bag is specifically designed for longer trips, it can be used for shorter ones also. It comes with exceptionally well padded back so you are comfortable when you carry it. We, however, did not like the padding on the shoulder and felt it was thinner than our liking.

Overall, if you enjoy longer hunting trips and hunt bigger animals then the Lumberjack Bounty 4500 is the perfect bag for you.

Archer

6 Best Women’s Hunting Bows

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

Archer

Bow hunting is gradually becoming common with women. In 2013, about one-third of the American bow hunting population was made up of women and those figures continue to grow. So it isn’t a surprise that many bow manufacturer’s have picked up on this trend and started to design bows specifically for women. When it comes to buying a bow, there are some factors that one must consider like:

  • Draw length
  • Draw weights
  • Quality of string and cams
  • Total bow weight
  • Adjustability of the bow

Keeping all these factors in mind we have selected the 8 best hunting bows for women.

Bear Archery Finesse RTH Bow Package

Bear Archery Finesse RTH Bow Package

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5                        Price: $$$$

Pros

  • Durable build
  • Adjustable draw
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • The bow string seems a little less durable than we would have liked

This bow is designed for women and also serves as a wonderful bow for the youth that are starting their journey in bow hunting. It is lightweight and offers precision shooting which is great for hunting purposes. It is adjustable also and allows you to adjust the draw length between 23-28 inches while offering speed and a smooth draw cycle. The bow works well for almost any type of situation from practice ranges to actual hunting trip. Since it is light and fairly easy to use, you won’t get too tired of using it making it the perfect bow for women.

Diamond Infinite Edge

Diamond Infinite Edge

Our rating: 4.75 out of 5                        Price: $$$$

Pros

  • Strong build, aluminium riser
  • Eccentric system that allows adjustability
  • Good size, nice size for women

Cons

  • String vibrates and makes noise once bow is fired, not very quiet

The Diamond Infinite Edge is another wonderful bow that allows users to adjust it to their liking, making it a good fit for all type of bow hunters. Made with aluminium riser, the bow has solid limbs and a strong build. It comes with an eccentric system which allows user to alter the draw weight and length. You can easily adjust it to your preference in a matter of minutes. It is however, slightly louder for hunting trips so you may want to invest in a silencing package if you decided to get this bow.

Cabela’s Fortitude L Bow Package

Cabela’s Fortitude L Bow Package

Our rating: 4.6 out of 5                        Price: $$$$

Pros

  • BOWTECH binary cam system, allows silent shot with consistent accuracy
  • Smooth draw and length

Cons

  • The build isn’t as strong as the first two bows

If you are looking for a smooth draw and length from a bow then look no further than Cabela’s Fortitude L Bow Package. The bow features the BOWTECH binary cam system which offers a silent shot and consistent accuracy. The rotating modules allows you to adjust the draw length to your liking and is built in. This makes the Cabela’s Fortitude L Bow Package a great bow for versatile situation and a wonderful companion on your hunt.

Bear Wild RTH Bow Package

Women’s Hunting Bowsjpg

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5                        Price: $$$

Pros

  • Good build and comes with a 3-pin sight
  • S7 single cam offers great draw

Cons

  • The overall action of the bow is slow

If you are looking for a good quality bow at affordable price then the Bear Wild RTH Bow Package is a good option. The bow isn’t the fastest you will find but gets the job done and offers great value. It has an S7 single cam which has an 80% let off but draws fairly well. This ensures that every time you draw the weight is balanced properly and the transition is smooth. You won’t wow yourself with this bow but for its price it offers exceptional performance.

Quest Radical Bow Package

Quest Radical Right Hand Package

Our rating: 4.4 out of 5                        Price:$$$$$

Pros

  • Lightweight, funky design
  • Adjustable draw length from 17.5 and 30 inches

Cons

  • Expensive bow

While the Quest Radical Bow is marketing toward beginners and women, it is not solely used by them which shows how good the performance of the bow is. It offers an adjustable draw length from 17.5 and 30 inches which allows the user to adjust to the length of their comfort. It is a compact and lightweight bow with a funky design which is why it appeals to women. The smooth cam system on the bow has little pull, ramps up in the middle, and then drops down easily. The overall draw system is smooth which makes this a great hunting bow.

PSE Stinger X Stiletto Bow Package

PSE Stinger X Stiletto Bow Package

Our rating: 4.35 out of 5                        Price: $$$

Pros

  • Mini EVO Hybrid cam provides balanced draw
  • Great design and lightweight

Cons

  • Adjusting the draw length can be a bit complicated

The PSE Stinger X Stiletto Bow is another wonderful bow designed for women at a reasonable price. It offers hunters quality, speed and the innovative Mini EVO Hybrid cam. The cam offers generous valley, smooth transition, and solid draw stop. The draw weight builds up as you draw which makes it easier when you reach full draw. It is well balanced on full draw which ensure you get accuracy when you shoot. The bow is a great fit for women hunters as it is designed specifically for their height and offers great speed.

Maine Hunting

Maine Hunting 101

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

The state of Maine has some of the best hunting opportunities and spots in the United States. From big and small game to hunting foul, the diverse habitats in Maine are home to some of the most populated hunting zone. The North Woods of Maine are well-known for the efficient management of deer and bear numbers.

If you’re planning on hunting in Maine for black bears, deer, moose, coyotes, and several other game mammals, then you’ll need the latest information on how to prepare for your trip. First things first, we’ll need to register for all of the required licenses and permits. This guide will focus on the license(s) you need to hunt, and also talk about several spots for big game and small game hunting, as well as bow hunting.

Licenses

Anyone who plans on hunting wild birds or other animals within Maine’s state lines needs to obtain a hunting license. The type of license required depends on the age, residential status, and other factors of the hunter, but there are some exceptions to certain restrictions. In addition to the hunting license, depending on the individual species you wish to hunt, it is required that you have a permit.

Junior and Adult Hunters

Junior and Adult Hunters

Any person under the age of 16 years must be in possession of a junior license. Anybody ages 16 years or older must have an adult license. If a junior license holder is turning 16, then their junior license will still be valid for the remainder of that year.

Exceptions

Any person who is accompanying or assisting with a hunt and is not in possession of a license or permit is allowed to tag along for the activity, provided that they do not hold or carry hunting equipment (with the intention of shooting) or drive a vehicle with an animal carcass.

Landowner Privilege

Landowners in main and their immediate family members are legally allowed to hunt on any piece of land they own without a license. They can use any legal firearm, bow, crossbow, or muzzleloader (permits for carrying and operating a weapon are required). However, this privilege is only extended to landowners who own a piece of land which is at least 10 acres in size, and the land must be used exclusively for agricultural activities. Hunters who have previously had their licenses revoked or suspended are not eligible to exercise this privilege. In addition, landowner privilege excludes moose hunting for which the hunter must have the appropriate documentation.

How to Obtain a License

Resident and nonresident hunters can register for a license directly from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) or purchased from agents. As for trapping licenses, they are issued exclusively by the MDIFW office and unavailable for purchase via their website.

Both residents and nonresidents can apply for a hunting license from the MDIFW in Augusta, Maine. Registration can be done in person, via online at the MDIFW webpage, or through the mail (for nonresidents only). Licenses are also for sale by agents. These agents are found throughout the state in sporting good stores, town clerks, convenience stores, and turnpike service centers. When applying for a license through an agent, you may be charged a $2.00 processing fee. Note that not every agent can issue nonresidential licenses.

A resident is defined as a citizen of the United States or an alien who has resided in Maine for at least one year who fulfills the following points:

  • If the person is registered to vote, then they must be registered in to vote in Maine
  • If the person is licensed to drive a vehicle, then they must have applied for – or already be in the possession of – a driver’s license issued in Maine
  • If the person owns a vehicle within the state, then the vehicle must be registered in Maine
  • The person must abide by all state income tax laws
  • The person must either be a full-time student at a college or university in Maine or who has satisfied the previous requirements

A nonresident is defined as a citizen of the United States who does not meet the definition of a resident or alien. An alien refers to a person who is not a United States citizen.

Big Game Hunting in Maine

Big game mammals in Maine include, but are not limited to, black bears, whitetail deer, moose, coyotes, and bobcats. The state of Maine contains hunting spots in the country for shooting wild animals unlike any other place in the country. One of the best spots for hunting big game mammals is Northeast Whitewater Lodge & Guide Service.

Northeast Whitewater Lodge & Guide Service is a whitewater rafting company located nearest to Acadia National Park. They invite their guests to enjoy the scenery at Moosehead Lake – the largest lake in the state. It is found at the center of a wildlife-populated area considered one of the best hunting zones in the East.

Small Game Hunting

If you’re interested in taking rabbit, fox, grouse, duck, pheasant, or turkey carcasses home with you then you’ll need to visit small game mammal hunting zones in Maine. A well-known place for shooting small game mammals is Locke Mountain.

Locke Mountain Guide Service boasts their float fishing service at Upper Androscoggin River as well as rabbit hunting atop the snowy Grafton Notch. Their staff will happily and expertly guide you through a memorable outdoor experience, and hunters are pretty much guaranteed to bring a couple small game carcasses and pelts home as a hunting prize.

Bow Hunting

There is nothing that can match the energy of hunting with a bow or crossbow. If you enjoy this form of hunting, then you should know that Maine also has some bow hunting areas for hunters to enjoy. One of the most popular bow-hunting destinations is Maine Safari.

Main Safari is a registered guide for hunting whitetail deer and bears, as well as exotic species like bison, fallow and sika deer, and much more. They offer private lodgings with provided meals for the duration of your stay. Maine Safari can definitely be a reliable guide to take you on the bow or crossbow hunt of a lifetime.

Bow Hunting for Beginners

Bow Hunting for Beginners

Posted on by Stuart Spitz

Bow hunting may seem like an easy hobby to pick up, but if you have never used a bow before it can be quite complicated. It isn’t as easy as just picking a bow up, using an arrow, aiming at your target and shooting. If that is what you are expecting, we recommend you not pick up a bow at all. It is a lot more technical than that. We have some bow hunting tips that will help beginners on their route to bow hunting.

Bow Hunting for Beginners

Picking a bow

This is probably as important a step as any in bow hunting, picking the right bow for yourself. There are numerous different bows in the market and it can be overwhelming to pick the right one for yourself if you don’t know a thing or two about bows. Don’t get too caught up in brands, you are a beginner, so you need to select a bow you are comfortable with more than anything. You need to test drive the bow and pick one that is the easiest for you to manage and the quietest.

The size of the bow is also important, you want one that isn’t too big but goes slightly above your shoulder when you square up to fire it. This will ensure you can manage to hold the bow steady and shoot with precision. The weight of the bow is also important since you are starting off you want a bow you can easily manage and we recommend staying away from heavier options. You need to develop your archery muscles and if you get a bow that is too heavy chances are you will end up hurting yourself.

Which bow rest is better suited for you?

The bow rest you should get for yourself depends on which type of arrows you plan on using on your hunt. For beginners, carbon arrows are recommended because they are easier to hunt with so a drop-away rest is the right option for your rest. The reason for this is because carbon arrows have a small diameter and require this particular rest for stability and support.

Aid for sight

As a beginner, you want a simple sight aid for your bow. Chances are you won’t be hunting from too far with the possibility of shooting from about 40 yards at maximum. So you don’t need to go overboard with a fancy sight. You do, however, want one that is sturdy and fits well in your bow. A three pin sight should be more than enough to track down your hunt from 20-30 yards away.

Be patient and breath

Hunting with a bow takes a lot of work and is not easy. You need to practice your form and work that out before you hit the wild. Remember to breathe as you shoot, it will help you maintain focus and also aim. Get a sense of your bow and the arrows you use before your first hunt, it will help you.