The deer rut, or breeding season, is triggered by the changing photoperiod, or length of daylight, in the fall. As the days become shorter, does are influenced by the decreasing light, which triggers the release of hormones that signal the onset of estrus. This is the period when does are receptive to breeding and bucks become more active in their pursuit.
Read MoreUpdating gear is an exciting part of the hunting offseason - the summer. Whether it's for mule deer, elk hunting, or other big game, we hunters are continuously searching for that edge that can make a difference in the field. Gear can play an important role in your success this fall, whether it be things like bows or boots. However, there is one often underestimated item that deserves your attention: a top-quality pair of glassing binoculars.
Read MoreNo matter if you're navigating the rugged mountains of Montana or perched high in a tree stand in Michigan, one thing is sure - the type of clothing you wear, particularly your base layers, can significantly impact your comfort, efficiency, and overall performance during your hunting expedition.
One topic that stirs spirited debates among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike is the crucial decision between choosing merino wool vs. synthetic base layers
Read MoreIf you're as serious about bowhunting as we you, you probably understand the vital role physical fitness plays in hunting. Obviously this is critical for the guys and gals out in the backcountry but it's often even a critical element in a successful hunt in the big woods back east.
Staying fit enhances your ability to get into your stand, control your heartbeat, and prolong your hunting season (and seasons). While there are a plethora of fantastic workout programs out there, we want to share a workout routine that we've found to be a great addition to anyone's regimen. It's simple, it's fun and it'll get you sweating.
Read MoreWe absolutely love the challenge that comes with hunting big mature bucks on public land. It's not easy, but it's addictive. We think about it all year round, but as the summer months roll in and fall is around the corner, we really start dreaming about finding that monster public land buck. In fact, now is a critical time for many hunters.
But, as most experienced deer hunters will tell you, a successful hunt isn't just about showing up on opening day in the early fall and hoping for the best, especially when it comes to deer hunting on public land.
The yelp is a fundamental turkey communication call utilized by both hens and gobblers, making it an essential skill for hunters to master. This vocalization typically consists of a series of short, rhythmic notes that can convey various messages, such as a hen indicating her location to a potential mate or a gobbler asserting his dominance within the flock.
As a hunter, understanding the nuances of the yelp and effectively mimicking it can significantly improve your chances of attracting and calling turkeys, and eliciting a response. To achieve a realistic yelp, practice using different types of calls, such as box calls, pot calls, or diaphragm calls, and pay close attention to the pitch, cadence, and volume of the natural yelps you hear in the field.
Read MoreDetermining the proper draw length for your bow is crucial for achieving accuracy and efficiency in your shots. In order to find the correct draw length, you must first understand what it is and how to measure it.
Draw length is the total length, in inches, that a bow is set to be drawn. It runs from the nock point to the frontmost part of the grip. To measure your draw length, there are a few different methods that can be used. One popular method is to visit an archery shop and have a specially marked arrow shot to determine your exact draw length. Another method is to measure your wingspan at home and divide it by 2.5.
Read MoreAre you looking to switch up your hunting game and try something new? Saddle hunting might be just what you're looking for. Saddle hunting involves hunting out of a tree saddle, which is a specialized seat that allows you to hunt from the trunk of a tree rather than a tree stand.
If you're used to hunting out of a tree stand, the transition to being a saddle hunter may take some getting used to. But with a little practice and the right gear, you'll be a pro in no time.
Here are the biggest differences between of saddle hunting vs hunting out of a deer stand
Read MoreMost bowhunters are often looking for ways to improve their physical fitness and maintain a strong upper body to carry their equipment, stay longer in the field, and ultimately be a more accurate shot.
One great way to do this is through strength training via archery exercises, which are specifically designed to target the muscles used in bowhunting. These workouts and exercise can be done at home or at the gym and can help bowhunters improve their accuracy and endurance.
Read MoreWhen most hunters think of the perfect conditions for whitetail deer hunting, they imagine a calm, cool day with little to no wind.
But what about when mother nature doesn't cooperate and it rains during deer season?
Should you pack up and head back to deer camp? Can you still be successful in pursing whitetail bucks? The answer is yes!
With a few adjustments to your normal hunting routine, you can make the most of a rainy day and find yourself in the middle of a few big bucks.
Read MoreOctober is an exciting month for deer hunters looking for a mature buck moving during daylight hours. You've put the late summer and early fall behind you and all that goes with it - sweat, heat, bugs, etc. By this point, the leaves are changing, the cool air is invigorating and deer season is well underway. For the average whitetail hunter in the midwest, deer movement tends to change in a magical way as you get closer to the rut.
Read MoreStart it out by smoking the shoulder at low temperature (225F) for a few hours, then transfer it over to a large aluminum pan, add onions, peppers, spices, and a beer (or broth) for a bit of moisture, then seal it all up with foil and continue cooking until the meat falls from the bone. All that connective tissue in the shoulder melts into the meat for a wonderful flavor.
Read MoreIn recent years the demand for highly mobile elevated whitetail deer hunting equipment has exploded. Hunters want to go deeper into the woods, but not be burdened by the weight and noise associated with hang-on and climber tree stands. Enter the hunting saddle. Three seasons ago I picked up my first saddle and have been through an entirely new iteration of my setup each year based on changing personal preferences and advancements in the equipment coming to market. Where I have landed today is what I would consider my “ultimate mobile hunting setup for whitetail”. Here’s a quick overview:
Read MoreMany hunters believe that summer scouting is the best way to find where the deer will be during hunting season. While summer scouting certainly has its advantages, fall scouting can be even better in many ways. Here are a few reasons why in-field fall scouting can give you an edge come hunting season.
Read MoreOver the past few seasons, the saddle hunting craze has swept the hunting world. Initially tree saddles were only used by a small group of dedicated hunters. Now, tons of people looking for a viable mobile solution had flocked to saddle hunting, finding it easy, safe and comfortable.
I first heard of saddle hunting in college. From what I could tell at the time, saddle hunting didn’t make any sense. Straps hung everywhere, one wrong move and you’d fall out of the tree and there was no way hanging in what looked to be a tree diaper could be comfortable at all. I decided to stick with my 20lb steel climber. Sure I couldn’t use it on a ton of trees and yes it was loud. But it was safe.
Read MoreBefore ever stepping into the field every bowhunter must be sure that their bow is as accurate as possible for a couple of reasons. First, having the trust and confidence in your equipment is paramount as the mind can have a huge effect on your overall accuracy. Secondly, it’s our responsibility to swiftly, effectively, and humanly kill the animals we hunt.
Read MoreThere are tons of recipes on the internet offering great ways to cook that gobbler you shot this spring. As for us, here at Bowga Hunting, we believe the best way to cook a wild turkey is simple… and it involves your smoker.
Read MoreThere are many different shotgun loads for turkey hunting and there’s more to turkey hunting than just shooting a bird with a shotgun. To be the best turkey hunter you can be, it starts with knowing the capabilities of your gun, the pattern of your gun, and knowing the different turkey shell loads and their effective ranges.
Read MoreChoosing a shotgun for turkey hunting can be a decision that most people have never made before. They may have been handed down a relative’s shotgun, or have just gone out and bought one. If you are in the boat I am in, then you’ll want some guidance in the process before you make the big purchase. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting turkeys.
Read MoreFor those of you who were unable to harvest a deer this year or who need some supplemental meat for their freezer, roadkill might be solution you didn’t know you needed. The thought of eating an animal you find on the side of the road might make you squeamish, but it can be perfectly safe and legal if done right.
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