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It’s Almost Shed Antler Time: Here Are Some Tips to Track Them Down

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In late winter, it is time to start keeping your eyes on the ground when out in the wild (and even your own backyard), as deer will begin to shed their antlers after the rut season is over.

Whitetail deer, since they are most prominent, get the larger share of shed hunting attention, but elk antlers can be found as well, and actually earn quite a bit of money if sold to the right person.

Location, location, location

In different locations, the dates at which the deer will shed their antlers varies. Here in Ohio, whitetail deer begin to shed their antlers after December, and will continue to all the way into early May in some areas.

Where do you start looking? In essence, everywhere the bucks have been in the last month is a good start. If you hunted the area, did you place bait or scent lures out to attract them? What deer trails were extremely active? Where were their bedding areas when the cold winds of winter were whipping around? What ridge lines did the deer travel in search of food and to watch out for predators? Put yourself in the buck’s place.

Shed hunting technique

How do you spot them? It does take practice but soon you will be able to see them pretty easily.

Look for anything out of place in the woods; more often than not the bleach white of bones can stand out in a grassy or brushy area. The glint of a wet antler in the sunlight is a give away, and so is a white-colored antler shed on the dark forest floor.

Binoculars are an immense help. Take your time and scan every inch you can.

Canine help

Some deer shed hunters have employed man’s best friend to help them in their search for antlers. Some dogs pick this up quickly, but some do not. I have yet to use a dog, but many swear by them and if you already have a dog that brings home bones, you are ahead of the game.

Double up

Deer will drop their antlers next to each other, or miles apart. It’s hit or miss. Finding two from the same deer is akin to finding two needles in a haystack. Okay, maybe not that difficult, but you get the idea. It’s rare, but it can happen.

When you find one, make slow circles around that area to see if you can find the second matching one.

Reap the rewards

What do you do with them after you find them? You can sell them, use them in craft ideas or set them around the home for some rustic decoration. Another good use is a rattling antler set. Calling in bucks next season with the real thing is a great way to use a mimicked sound to increase your chances of hunting success.

Get out there now and start hunting for those deer shed antlers before some one else finds them or the mice and squirrels eat them for the calcium content. It is great exercise and great fun!

NEXT: HERE’S HOW THERAPY WOLVES ARE HELPING VETS WITH PTSD

Stock Up And Stay Prepared With The Best Emergency Food Supplies

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Whether we’re ready to admit it or not, the number of natural disasters that occur each year has steadily increased over time. From flash floods and wildfires to heat waves and hurricanes, major events are plaguing the planet more consistently, which puts us at risk when help is hours, days or even weeks away. To prepare for such events, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends we put together an emergency supply kit that contains batteries, first aid supplies, water and food. But a kit filled with perishable foods won’t do you good—any kit worth its salt should contain the best emergency food supplies.

The best emergency food supplies provide long-lasting nourishment for days or weeks at a time.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

Thanks to their astoundingly long shelf life—up to 30 years in some cases—emergency food supplies are perfectly suited for your preparedness kit. They’re typically offered in larger quantities with individually packaged meals that take minutes to prepare. And while some kits require hot water (in which case, you’ll need to add a camp stove to your kit), others can be rehydrated with nothing more than cold, bottled water (though you should still have a water filter handy just in case).

Non-perishable food kits have long been associated with campers and travelers, but for many of us, keeping long-lasting food on hand just makes good sense. These emergency food supplies tend to be affordable, convenient, easy to use and they last forever, which is why you should keep some in your pantry, garage or basement should you need it.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the best emergency food supplies for your basement stockpile, backcountry survival kit or dedicated bug out bag. This list includes options for people with dietary restrictions or specific preferences, and it includes kits that actually taste good, which makes it easier to literally weather the storm.

  • Best Emergency Food Supplies For Families: ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply
  • Best Emergency Food Supplies For Vegetarians: Survive2Thrive Vegetarian Preparedness Pail
  • Best Gluten-Free Emergency Food Supplies: Mountain House Essential Bucket
  • Best Emergency Food Supplies For Appetizing Fare: Good To-Go Emergency Food Kit
  • Best For Variety: Augason Farms Emergency Supply Food Kit
  • Best Emergency Food Bars: S.O.S. Rations Emergency Food Bars
  • Best Splurge-Worthy Emergency Food Supplies: Momofuku Noodle Variety Pack
  • Best Emergency Canned Food Supplies: Scout Smoked Wild Pink Salmon
  • Best emergency Hydration Supplements: Protekt Hydration Supplements

How We Chose The Best Emergency Food Supplies

As backpackers, homeowners and family members, we understand the unique challenges that come with sourcing food in the midst of unpredictable circumstances. We’ve camped in the backcountry for weeks at a time, just as we’ve endured long-term periods without power, and were it not for emergency survival foods and other dehydrated meal kits, we likely would have found ourselves in tough situations. As such, we know what to look for when testing, reviewing and researching emergency food supply options, and we know how to source credible options that speak to quality and extended shelf life.

When assembling this review, we considered each meal kit’s serving size, shelf life, total weight and nutritional value before weighing these factors against their respective reviews. We scoured the web for options, spoke with experts, poured over hundreds of reviews and tested many of these products ourselves. Only the best survived our rigorous testing.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we know how frustrating and time consuming it can be to spend hours sifting through a seemingly endless list of survival products and online reviews. That’s why we took the headache out of the process by testing and reviewing many of these products ourselves. And because the emergency food landscape is changing in accordance with the times, we update this list regularly to reflect the best options and up-to-date information. This list was last updated September 2024.

What To Consider When Shopping For Emergency Food Supplies

Investing in emergency food supplies is a crucial step in ensuring you and your family are prepared for unexpected scenarios. To find the right emergency food for your needs, consider these essential variables:

Nutritional Content

Look for foods that offer a balanced nutritional profile, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, and check for allergen information, especially if anyone in your household has dietary restrictions.

Shelf Life

Longer shelf life ensures that your supplies remain edible for an extended period, so be sure to evaluate both freeze-dried and canned options, as they often have different shelf lives.

Storage Requirements

Determine whether the food requires special storage conditions, such as cool, dry places, and consider space limitations when storing bulk supplies. If live in a home with a garage or basement, storage won’t likely be an issue, but if you live in a smaller apartment you may need to take kit size into consideration.

Caloric Value

Calculate the daily caloric needs of your household members to ensure you have enough food to sustain everyone—some emergency food supply kits are designed to provide a specific number of calories per day.

Food Variety

Aim for variety to prevent flavor fatigue during extended emergencies, and to do this, look for kits that offer a mix of entrees, sides, snacks and beverages.

Special Dietary Needs

Consider any dietary restrictions, allergies or preferences within your household when selecting supplies. Be sure to seek out options that cater to specific diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or kosher, as these dietary restrictions will limit which foods you can store.

Ease Of Preparation

Examine the simplicity of cooking or rehydrating the food, especially if you don’t have access to elaborate cooking equipment. Some emergency meals only require hot water, while others may need additional ingredients or equipment.

Taste And Quality

Emergency food supplies don’t generally taste all that good, but you can still read reviews (or sample products if possible) to assess the taste and quality of the emergency food supplies. If it tastes good, there’s a better chance you’ll be willing to eat it, even in the midst of an emergency.

Are Survival Food Kits Worth It?

Survival food kits represent a low-cost, risk-free means of preparing for the unpredictable, which makes them a worthwhile investment. While we can’t recommend replacing your normal diet with survival food options (these kits don’t offer a number of essential nutrients, despite claims that suggest otherwise), we can recommend keeping a kit in your basement on the off-chance that you need it.

Should I Stock Up On Emergency Food?

According to the FEMA, your emergency kit should contain at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. The agency also recommends choosing foods your family will eat and paying attention to special dietary needs. Common non-perishable foods include protein or fruit bars, dry cereal, ready-to-eat canned options and high-energy foods.

What Is The Best Survival Food Supply?

The answer to this question depends on your personal situation and what sort of emergency, natural disaster or food shortage you’re preparing for. If you live in a part of the country that isn’t prone to natural disasters, you may be able to get by with a stockpile of peanut butter, granola bars, water and canned beans and vegetables. But if you live in an area that tends to experience hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes or wildfires, you may need to invest in larger quantities of emergency foods that can be prepared with only water and are highly portable should you have to leave your home.

14 Best Hunting Books for Your 2022 Reading List

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The hunting story follows human language back to the very beginning. And luckily for us bibliophiles, there are now hunting books, apps like Audible, and a Kindle to tell it.

Hunters know that stories abound the world over — and most spin plenty of their own tall tales. It’s easy to search the web and find a whole swath of hunting books sitting atop the charts. And those books about hunting are often entertaining, educational, and important.

But it turns out there are plenty of books that tell hunting stories without entirely branding them as such. Perhaps it’s a lauded gourmand recapping his life with bird dogs and expensive bottles of wine. Or perhaps it’s a series of outdoorsmen and women telling near-death stories that will both shock and educate you as you head afield.

It could also be a 1984 expedition into the Arctic, where a writer walks among natives — both wildlife and human — to learn the ways of their northern world. Or it could simply just be a collection of classic tried-and-true hunting stories, collected into one place for all to enjoy.

I gathered up a few of my favorites that walk the line and tell the tales. Among these best hunting books, I hope you find a few new favorites.

Best Hunting Books

‘Campfire Stories: Close Calls‘ by Steven Rinella & Contributors

Campfire stories meateater

My favorite hunting book of 2021 wasn’t a hunting book per se, but a hunting-adjacent audiobook experience put out by the MeatEater team in tandem with Audible. Inspired by a brown bear attack while filming a MeatEater episode, Rinella invites contributors with near-death stories that chill and entertain.

Stories range from bear attacks to backcountry falls to one particular harrowing escape from hypothermia. The quality of this audiobook experience is akin to listening to a really highly produced podcast in chunks from different folks on different topics. It’s a fun listen.

And I seriously doubt you’ll be able to drop one of these stories in the middle to listen to later. Once you’re in it, you’re in it.

Listen to ‘Campfire Stories: Close Calls’

‘The Hunter’s Game: Poachers and Conservationists in Twentieth-Century America‘ by Louis S. Warren

the hunters game

If you enjoy nerding out on conservation history like I do, “The Hunter’s Game” will take your understanding of American hunting culture to a new level. Historian Louis S. Warren weaves narratives that, though dense at times, are unlike any I’ve heard in the usual storytelling of American conservation lore.

The struggles of socioeconomic factors against a rising tide of sport hunters changed not only the face of wildlife management but also how Americans view wildlife in the broader scheme of things. And the stories he focuses on in Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Montana shed a more complicated light on what it means to be a conservationist in modern-day America.

In my opinion, this is a must-read for all hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Read ‘The Hunter’s Game’

‘The Last Wild Road: Adventures and Essays from a Sporting Life‘ by T. Edward Nickens

best hunting books

T. Edward Nickens is one of the most prolific hunting writers among us, and his longtime effort as a journalist and editor-at-large at Field & Stream is reflected in this 2021 collection of stories.

Funny, poignant, and occasionally heartbreaking, Nickens’ stories run the gamut. But they always meet on the side of human connection in hunting, where consciousness meets the outdoors in fresh and sometimes surprising ways.

A personal favorite involves a trip to Pennsylvania, where Nickens meets and communes with a pair of brothers who lost their father in a hunting accident many years prior. What happens? You’ll have to read to find out.

Read ‘The Last Wild Road’

‘Traplines: Coming Home to Sawtooth Valley‘ by John Rember

I picked up “Traplines” off a bookshelf in the back of the Polebridge Mercantile outside of Glacier National Park. That weekend, it became a fast favorite.

Author John Rember tells the tale of his life spent in Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley. And he masterfully (and hilariously) weaves in the history of Sawtooth Valley, the plight of the salmon, learning to hunt with his father, and more.

I love this book. I reread it every year at least once, and it deserves a place on that coveted bookshelf.

Read ‘Traplines’

‘American Serengeti: The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains‘ by Dan Flores

If you’ve ever flown over middle America and stared down at the neverending grid of corn and suburbia, wondering what this place looked like before we plastered “for sale” signs and white picket fences all over it, this is the book to pick up.

Flores is a masterful writer and storyteller, and he delves into the wild history of the great plains. And, more specifically, he parcels out how the wildlife that makes its home there has fared through the colonization of the plains.

If hunting a bison or a pronghorn is on your list, get this book in your hands to better understand their plight.

Read ‘American Serengeti’

‘That Wild Country: An Epic Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands‘ by Mark Kenyon

That Wild Country: An Epic Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of America

The latest literary installment from the MeatEater crew is Mark Kenyon’s “That Wild Country.” Kenyon is a renowned figure in the current landscape of whitetail hunting, and he’s one of the most successful podcasters in the outdoor genre with his podcast Wired To Hunt. But aside from his regular gig in the hunting media world, he’s also an outdoor writer.

He enters the literary game with a book that celebrates his experiences on public lands while also delving into the history, politics, and possible future of our natural resources. The book is present, personal, and educational, and the reader will find it to be quite apt for the current moment whether they’re a hunter or an angler.

It’s also a great buy if you own a Kindle, offering free access with Kindle Unlimited or a $2 fee without.

Read ‘That Wild Country’

‘Great American Hunting Stories,’ Edited by Lamar Underwood

I like essay collections, and this one is particularly cool. It includes a lot of writing by big names in history like Theodore Roosevelt, Zane Grey, and William T. Hornaday.

This collection spans the globe, from getting charged by lions in the African bush to bird hunting in the American South. This collection is ready for readin’ by a roaring fireplace.

Read ‘Great American Hunting Stories’

‘Beyond Fair Chase: The Ethic and Tradition of Hunting‘ by Jim Posewitz

beyond fair chase best hunting books

This small but mighty book is a beginner’s foray into the ethics of hunting. Often given out as part of course material for hunter education courses, “Beyond Fair Chase” opens the reader up to the basic foundation of what it means to be an ethical hunter.

And the book has now been in circulation for 27 years, with more than 2 million copies sold. At just $6, it’s affordable and makes for a great gift for the new or coming-of-age hunter. It’s not just a dry read on ethics, either. Posewitz fits in hunting stories and anecdotes throughout as examples of how to be a fair-chase hunter.

It’s also a great book for longtime hunters to revisit, offering a platform to expand on one’s own personal notions of fair chase while contemplating the reasons we all head out in the field in the first place.

Read ‘Beyond Fair Chase’

‘H Is for Hawk‘ by Helen McDonald

This is a beautiful book about an interspecies relationship with a primordial hunter. McDonald weaves her way through mortality and relationships while training and hunting with a goshawk.

The writing within this book is both stunning and crisp, and it won, oh, about a billion awards. If you haven’t read it, it’s a killer read, and both the paperback and Kindle versions are under $6 each.

Read ‘H Is for Hawk’

‘Off to the Side: A Memoir‘ by Jim Harrison

If you haven’t read Harrison by this point in your life, shame on you. And if I’d left him out of this list, the shame would be on me.

Harrison is a personal favorite writer of mine for both prose and poetry. And his memoir is fun, elegant, and delightfully twisted in a way that leaves you wishing you were tableside, stories rolling, a fire roaring, a glass of good wine in hand, with bird dogs sleeping at your feet.

He takes on a variety of his personal obsessions throughout. And, to be frank, I’d give this an R-rated review if it was a movie. He does dedicate an entire section to strippers. But he also dedicates an entire portion of the book to his own sporting tradition. And it’s pretty darn spectacular.

Read ‘Off to the Side’

‘Under the Biggest Sky of All: 75 Years on the Rocky Mountain Front‘ by Ron Mills

This book is a bit of an underdog, and you likely haven’t heard of it. But I love it.

Ron Mills is the old West as it lives in this moment, and this book is a gift from that tradition. His life on Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front is full of “campfire and horse sweat,” as the lauded writer Hal Herring puts it in the foreword. And Mills is certainly and definitively not a writer.

But that’s what makes this book so charming and deliriously fun. These are campfire stories, written down. They’re colloquial and cozy, and they’re full of grizzlies, floods, hypothermia, hunting, and much more. He covers the gamut of his life, and it’s just a kick in the Wranglers. Promise.

Read ‘Under the Biggest Sky of All’

‘Arctic Dreams‘ by Barry Lopez

I’ve loved this book for years. My copy is old, it’s ragged, and the edges of the pages are in that tired state of use that shows a certain kind of love for the writing.

“Arctic Dreams” hit the shelves in 1984, yet the book feels crisp, new, and prescient when it comes to the climate issues the Arctic faces today. Lopez digs deep — 496 pages deep — into the life, wildlife, hunting traditions, and cultural world of the Arctic Circle.

Frankly, it’s a spectacular, deliberate, and stunning literary opus that — in my very important opinion — is a perfect example of the highest echelon of writing. Can’t say much more. And y’all, it’s free to read on your Kindle if you have an Amazon Prime membership.

Read ‘Arctic Dreams’

‘A Hunter’s Heart: Honest Essays on Blood Sport,’ Edited by David Petersen

I list this book almost entirely because of the inclusion of my all-time favorite hunting essay “The Heart of the Game” by Tom McGuane. But, of course, it holds a swath of other great writers including President Jimmy Carter, Rick Bass, Terry Tempest Williams, and Ed Abbey.

I’d be doing it an injustice if I didn’t mention that the collection itself is impressive. But McGaune’s essay is particularly perfect. I found it over a decade ago in the collection “The Best of Outside: The First 20 Years.” It categorically changed my former non-hunter views on what hunting could be. And, really, it was the lead-in to my own journey as a sportswoman today.

You can read McGuane’s full essay here, but it’s worth putting it on your shelf. And if you’re putting it there, you’re certainly not making a mistake by having it live in this particular collection of hunting writing.

Read ‘A Hunter’s Heart’

‘The Mindful Carnivore: A Vegetarian’s Hunt for Sustenance‘ by Tovar Cerulli

I love this book for one primary reason: It’s a clear-cut outlier in the world of the traditional hunting story.

Cerulli documents his life as both a vegetarian and an eventual vegan. This book goes through the ins and outs of how our food relates back to the life cycle. It takes the reader through Cerulli’s deeply personal journey of deciding to put his own meat on the table through hunting.

This is the kind of book anyone and everyone can read and understand from an eating perspective. And voices like this have the power to change the public’s relationship with hunting.

Read ‘The Mindful Carnivore’

Complete Guide to Sharp-tailed Grouse Hunting

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Discover the intricacies of sharptail grouse habitat, effective hunting techniques, and optimizing dog performance for a successful hunt.

Sharp-tailed grouse, often known as sharpies, sharptails, or sharp-tails, are iconic birds of North America’s prairie landscape. Their spring mating ritual takes place on breeding sites called leks. At these sites, sharpies put on an amazing display of calling and dancing called booming. Those same general areas are where broods are raised, and early fall activities occur.

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Their survival requires large tracts of unfragmented, treeless landscapes. This is a trait carried into modern times; these birds evolved in what once was millions of acres of ideal grassland habitat that existed before European settlement. Hunting sharp-tails can take hunters to some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent. Here is a guide to help you get started on a new adventure.

Where to Find Sharp-tailed Grouse

Sharpies dot the prairie landscapes across several north-central and western states, Alaska, and many Canadian territories. Western Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana harbor the highest populations in the lower 48 states. Smaller, localized, but huntable populations can be found in a few other states, including Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho.

Vast treeless grassland landscapes provide these amazing birds with ideal nesting and brood rearing habitat. Native grasses provide the perfect substrate for building a nest bowl. The native forbs (broadleaf weeds) attract insects that are necessary for chick growth. Those same insects are also a preferred food for adult birds well into the fall until freezing temperatures arrive. There are a few states listed above where sharp-tails reside in a different type of habitat called barrens. This is a grassland-centered cover type mixed with scattered brush or small trees. Although open grasslands are the breeding grounds for these prairie grouse, there are plenty of opportunities to hunt them in cropland as well. More to come on hunting strategies later.

A limit of sharptail grouse shot in North Dakota

Seasons and Bag Limits for Sharp-tailed Grouse

Season timing and bag limits are important considerations when planning a sharp-tail hunting adventure. Many states have seasons that open in early September. Early season outings can provide bird contacts with smaller family groups and uneducated birds, resulting in a wonderful opportunity for quality hunting dog work. On the flip side, these early outings often have excessively warm temperatures, making a full-day hunt unlikely. Most sharptail seasons extend well into the winter. Late-season hunters often make contact with larger groups of birds. These large groups have a lot of watchful eyes in the flock, making getting within gun range much more difficult.

Bag limits and possession limits can’t be overlooked. A bag limit represents the number of birds a hunter can harvest during a single day. Bag limits vary across states, but most are between two to four birds. Most hunters know the bag limit where they are hunting, but the possession limit is also important to know. The possession limit is the maximum number of birds you can have from all the days you have hunted, including the current day of your hunt. Most states have a possession limit that is three or four times the daily bag limit. During a long trip or a successful hunt, reaching the state’s possession limit is possible. If this happens, you have a couple of options. You can eat some birds to reduce the number of birds in your possession or donate some birds to another person. Most states require the hunter’s name, license number, date, species, and number of birds being donated.

Keeping birds labeled and identifiable during the remainder of the hunt is something else to consider. Most states require keeping at least one wing attached to the dressed bird so wildlife officers can properly identify the bird species. Additionally, bags of birds should always include the hunter’s name, license number, and harvest date. Keep the birds bagged separately for all the hunters in the party so officers know how many birds each hunter has toward their possession limit.

Some states have various units with different seasons, bag limits, and possession limits. Regardless of your destination, it is important to always check the specific regulations, as seasons and limits can change annually.

Shotguns, Chokes, and Shot Size Selection Recommendations for Sharp-tailed Grouse Hunting

Twenty- and twelve-gauge shotguns are by far the most preferred tool when traveling to sharp-tail habitat. However, a proficient shooter can find success even with a 28-gauge. Sharp-tail hunts can result in 10+ miles of boot leather on the ground in a single day. Whatever firearm you prefer, carrying something on the lighter side, preferably less than seven pounds, can make those long days more tolerable.

As previously mentioned, early season outings often yield juvenile or unpressured birds, resulting in closer shots. Due to this, improved cylinder or modified shotgun chokes are an ideal choice. Any quality pheasant load will suffice, with preferred shot sizes of 4, 5, or 6s. I tend to select 6s for sharptails because they are not a tough bird to bring down, and #6 shot has a higher pellet count than 4s or 5s. As the season progresses, birds become more wary and form larger groups, making them more likely to flush at longer ranges. Using a modified or even a full choke isn’t out of the question during the late season.

A successful sharptail grouse hunt

Sharptail Grouse Hunting Strategies

Although most states have one continuous sharptail season, it starts early enough in the fall that the birds often behave completely differently in the early season versus the late season. Likewise, they will also shift their preferred habitat location as the season progresses, depending on available food resources and weather conditions.

In the early season, birds are typically still in smaller family groups. They tend to stay near areas where they were raised, which means out in the grasslands. In early fall, sharpies eat insects, particularly grasshoppers, various berries, and green vegetation. Insects and grasshoppers utilize forbs, so finding areas with a diverse array of plants usually harbors the most sharp-tail food and, thus, the most birds.

Vegetation height is also critical to finding birds. Sharp-tails, like other prairie grouse, want to see danger approaching. They prefer vegetation 12-18 inches tall. This provides enough height to conceal them if an aerial predator flies over but is short enough to see long distances. When hunting vast expanses of rolling hills, ridge tops tend to have shorter vegetation, so focus efforts along the tops and sides of ridges.

Additionally, the landscapes these birds utilize are often comprised of low-quality, sandy soil. This soil type lends itself to centuries of wind erosion, which has resulted in bowls and blowouts on some of the side hills. These blowouts usually have a high diversity of forbs and occasional brush pockets. This makes the ideal location for birds to loaf and feed. When hunting ridges, try to avoid silhouetting yourself. Walk just off one side of the ridge and wrap the tops of hills to approach blowouts in a stealthy fashion.

Tall, dense vegetation often found in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields is typically not the ticket, especially during the early season. Unless you’re hunting the more sparse stands in Montana or CRP fields planted with smooth brome, which are often found in portions of the Dakotas, you probably won’t find birds there. Likewise, cattail sloughs and other dense pheasant habitat is not worth hunting. However, the shin-high grasslands become unusable for sharp-tails after the snow flies. They are forced to transition into CRP fields and other similar cover types, so late-season birds will often be found in these taller, denser habitats.

When cropland is near grasslands, birds often shift from their breeding and brooding habitat and move into the crop fields, even during the early season. Birds can be found along the edges but will even occupy the interior of a crop field, especially in unharvested fields. Sunflower fields are highly attractive as they usually have a robust population of grasshoppers and sunflower seeds, providing excellent food options. Corn fields will also hold their fair share of sharpies throughout the season.

Getting within gun range of birds hanging out in the center of crop fields is nearly impossible. However, hunting the margins of those fields can produce some shot opportunities. The edges frequently have grass or weeds that will serve as loafing cover between feeding sessions. Check the waterways or sloughs that meander through crop fields, too. I stand behind my previous statement about not hunting cattail sloughs during the early season, but the edges of those sloughs, if they cut through a crop field, are a different story. There is always a transition zone between the cattails and crops with diverse vegetation. This is where the birds will be found. Waterways that have the proper vegetation height can also provide an ideal opportunity. If birds utilize the interior of crop fields, they typically roost in some type of herbaceous vegetation nearby. If the roost location can be identified, there is an opportunity to walk up some birds at first light before they head out to the crop field for the day.

Although treeless grasslands are the iconic image of sharp-tail habitat most hunters envision, they will sometimes occupy fields dominated by herbaceous vegetation bisected with young conifer tree rows or shrub rows. They will utilize the woody cover as overhead protection from aerial predators, often loafing all afternoon in these locations. Thickets of snowberry, whether part of a planted shrub row or naturally occurring within a grassland, should never be overlooked. These areas are a favorite midday loafing spot. Sharpies will also use rows of conifers during snow events. I have experienced some stellar hunts in these types of locations in North Dakota. Birds tend to hold tighter when hunkered down in woody cover, allowing solid points and close flushes.

A pointing dog works sharp-tailed grouse on the prairie

Dogs, Sharp-tailed Grouse Behavior, and the Flush

As with any upland bird hunting, keeping the dogs working into the wind, or, at a minimum, a crosswind, is ideal. Both flushers and pointing dogs can effectively corral these skittish prairie birds. Young birds or the occasional single will sometimes allow a pointing dog to pin them down within a few feet. However, sharpies usually will not hold for a dog that crowds too tight. High-headed points are ideal, signifying birds are well out front, sometimes over 30 yards away. These types of points can also indicate the presence of a larger group of birds putting off a wide scent cone.

The wind speed can play a critical role in bird behavior. During windy conditions, sharp-tails lose the ability to hear approaching danger, so they become more wary. Long flushes are the norm. These windy days are the ideal situation to wrap around the peak of a hill and catch birds on the lee side, loafing in a blowout. Wind also reduces a hunter’s ability to hear birds flush, so it’s important to constantly scan left and right as you stroll through the grasslands.

I have always considered a sharptail flush to be quite unique. They seem to leap into flight silently. But, once they are in flight, a very distinct “giggle” can be heard. Another common characteristic is that sharpies are “popcorn” flushers. If some birds start flushing out of gun range, hustling toward the flush site will often result in a shot opportunity of a late flusher or two.

Sharp-tails offer hunters the opportunity to explore some of the most desolate, wide-open spaces in the uplands. Long seasons give hunters the option to hunt smaller family groups during the early season or chase large flocks during the winter. If you have never pursued these regal birds, do some research and plan a trip this season. You won’t regret your time in sharp-tail country.

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Finding Sharptails with Changing Conditions

Turkeys Are What They Eat: Weird and Adaptable

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As many of us in the United States prepare to eat turkey, let’s take a look at what wild turkeys eat. The list might surprise you, and their dietary choices may help us figure out what the future holds for wild turkeys.

Like that certain uncle at your holiday dinner, wild turkeys will eat just about anything that fits into their mouths. They are the quintessential omnivores.

Acorns and azalea galls, bluegills and blueberries, crabgrass and caterpillars … they all go right in.

Prickly pear and panic grass, toothwort and tadpoles, grasshoppers and grapes, pecans and paw paws, sedges and snakes … and the list goes on.

Depending on the plants species and time of year, turkeys will eat roots, bulbs, stems, buds, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds.

In search of protein, they move about the woods like a pack of velociraptors, thrashing up the leaf litter and eating anything that moves.

Their quarry includes all manner of insects as well as salamanders, lizards and frogs.

From the treetops, to the ground and across forests, fields and suburban yards, turkeys make use of every inch of habitat available to them.

They are even known to venture into the water to eat aquatic plants, fish and crayfish.

Peak Turkey?

The return of the wild turkey is a triumph of wildlife management. Careful regulation of hunting combined with reintroductions has produced a thriving turkey flock that nearly matches the population that existed before North America was colonized. But credit must also be given to the turkey itself.

Thanks to their dietary versatility, turkeys can thrive almost anywhere. Wet or dry, high or low, hot or cold, turkeys can make any habitat work. They only require some trees for roosting at night.

Wild turkey populations continue to grow. Across the U.S., the population is increasing by an average of 9 percent each year, according to the Breeding Bird Survey.

Turkey population trend map from the Breeding Bird Survey. Image © USGS
Turkey population trend map from the Breeding Bird Survey. Image © USGS

But how long can the population recovery continue? When do we reach “Peak Turkey”?

All animal populations have limits to growth. Food, disease, predation and environmental conditions each play a role.

But for turkeys, we can rule out food as a limiting factor. Given this bird’s extreme omnivory, other factors would likely come into to play before turkeys begin starving to death.

For example, even in the depths of winter when snow cover blocks access to the ground, turkeys can make do. Until thaw comes, they subsist on white pine and hemlock needles, mosses, lichen and the buds and stems of beech, sugar maple and hop hornbeam trees.

The best snow ration of all. Photo © Laura Pontiggia / Flickr through a Creative Commons license
The best snow ration of all. Photo © Laura Pontiggia / Flickr through a Creative Commons license

Predation, on the other hand, may play a central role in turkey population regulation. As most of us know, turkey is delicious!

Surprisingly, the usual suspects – coyote, bobcat and raccoon – do not commonly prey on adult turkeys. These carnivores instead focus on less formidable and wary prey such as rabbits and rodents.

Hunters kill turkeys, but regulations are set to manage for population growth. They allow hunters to take a limited number of mostly male birds.

It is nesting time that brings the most risk to a turkey. The above predators and many more seek out turkey eggs and chicks. And a hen turkey’s risk of being killed by a predator is also highest when she is sitting on the ground incubating her eggs.

Raccoon in Florida. Photo © The Nature Conservancy (John C. Winfree)
Raccoon in Florida. Photo © The Nature Conservancy (John C. Winfree)

A recent analysis of data from 15 Southern and Midwestern states shows that continued growth of turkey populations is limited by nest predation, combined with the limited availability of high quality nesting habitat.

In parts of this study area, peak turkey has arrived: the turkey population has begun to level off.

The research reveals that in places with the largest turkey populations, hen turkeys are less likely to have a successful brood of turkey poults.

According to the authors, this may be because all the best nesting sites tend to be occupied when populations are high. Many turkeys are then forced to choose nest sites that expose them to a higher chance of predation.

Overall the production of young turkeys tapers off while adult turkey survival remains high, resulting in a stable population.

turkey on ground
Photo © John Loo / Flickr

Living with Abundant Velociraptors?

Another factor to consider as we approach peak turkey is how higher turkey populations affect the ecosystems around them.

Consider white-tailed deer. This is a classic example of a wildlife management success gone wild.

Deer populations in the absence of large predators such as wolves can easily exceed the ecological carrying capacity of their habitat. When this happens, understory plants disappear and tree seedlings are eaten before they can grow. Such dramatic changes to the understory begin to affect other animals that depend on these habitats.

Few researchers have given attention to any potential effects of expanding turkey populations on the abundance and distribution of the things they eat.

Diet is a product of preference and availability. We know that turkeys eat almost anything, but we know little about what they prefer. Their preferences are important to know because preferred items will be the first thing to disappear from the pantry as turkeys become more abundant.

If these preferred items are plants or animals of conservation concern that aren’t able to thrive while being hunted by packs of modern-day velociraptors, then we might have a problem. To put it another way, are turkeys themselves a limiting factor for other organisms?

For example, turkeys like to scratch up spring ephemeral wildflowers and eat their roots. Although deer eat such plants too, how culpable are turkeys in the decline of these flowers that crop up in early spring woodlands before trees leaf out?

One study did focus on turkey impacts by excluding them from patches of forest. The results showed that turkeys hindered the regeneration of oak trees by scratching up leaf litter in search of food. Deer cause the similar problems with reduced tree seedling regeneration.

It may be a while yet before researchers, wildlife managers and hunters come to terms with the success of wild turkey management and the possibility that we are at or near the ecological carrying capacity for wild turkey in many places. The focus of wildlife managers remains on propelling population growth.

We still have much to learn about how turkeys influence the ecosystems around them.

Filling our knowledge gaps may be important as we make decisions about managing for wild turkey population stability or growth into the future.

Only then can we be sure whether gaultheria and gartersnakes, spring beauty and skinks can still thrive in a post-peak turkey world.

.30-30 Winchester vs .308 Winchester Ammo Comparison – Ballistics Info & Chart Caliber Ballistics Comparison 07 Dec, 2018 Posted By: Foundry Outdoors The following ammunition cartridge ballistics information and chart can be used to approximately compare .30-30 Winchester vs .308 Winchester ammo rounds. Please note, the following information reflects the estimated average ballistics for each caliber and does not pertain to a particular manufacturer, bullet weight, or jacketing type. As such, the following is for comparative information purposes only and should not be used to make precise predictions of the trajectory, performance, or true ballistics of any particular .30-30 Winchester or .308 Winchester rounds for hunting, target shooting, plinking, or any other usage. The decision for which round is better for a given application should be made with complete information, and this article simply serves as a comparative guide, not the final say. For more detailed ballistics information please refer to the exact round in question or contact the manufacturer for the pertinent information. True .30-30 Winchester and .308 Winchester ballistics information can vary widely from the displayed information, and it is important to understand that the particular characteristics of a given round can make a substantive difference in its true performance. Caliber Type Velocity (fps) Energy (ft-lb) .30-30 Winchester Rifle 2370 1890 .308 Winchester Rifle 2680 2620 [Click Here to Shop .30-30 Winchester Ammo] [Click Here to Shop .308 Winchester Ammo] Velocity As illustrated in the chart, .30-30 Winchester rounds – on average – achieve a velocity of about 2370 feet per second (fps) while .308 Winchester rounds travel at a velocity of 2680 fps. To put this into perspective, a Boeing 737 commercial airliner travels at a cruising speed of 600 mph, or 880 fps. That is to say, .30-30 Winchester bullets travel 2.7 times the speed of a 737 airplane at cruising speed, while .308 Winchester bullets travel 3 times that same speed. Various calibers Energy Furthermore, the muzzle energy of a .30-30 Winchester round averages out to 1890 ft-lb, while a .308 Winchester round averages out to about 2620 ft-lb. One way to think about this is as such: a foot-pound is a unit of energy equal to the amount of energy required to raise a weight of one pound a distance of one foot. So a .30-30 Winchester round exits the barrel with kinetic energy equal to the energy required for linear vertical displacement of 1890 pounds through a one foot distance, while a .308 Winchester round exiting the barrel has energy equal to the amount required to displace 2620 pounds over the same one foot distance. As a rule of thumb, when it comes to hunting, muzzle energy is what many hunters look at when deciding on what caliber of firearm / ammunition to select. Generally speaking, the higher the muzzle energy, the higher the stopping power. Again, the above is for comparative information purposes only, and you should consult the exact ballistics for the particular .30-30 Winchester or .308 Winchester cartridge you’re looking at purchasing. [Buy .30-30 Winchester Ammo] [Buy .308 Winchester Ammo] Please click the above links to take a look at all of the .30-30 Winchester and .308 Winchester ammo we have in stock and ready to ship, and let us know any parting thoughts in the comment section below. Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online. We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo. We offer a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on all products sold on our website. Please email us if you have questions about any of our product listings. 4 Comments Robert Kieltyka – Oct 19, 2021 I’m going hog hunting for the first time. Would you recommend a bolt action 308 or a lever action 30-30? Fred – Nov 23, 2021 Hi, Robert. Personally, I’d go with the lever action .30-30. Assuming you have a relatively accurate one, decent ammunition, and know how to (and do!) clean the rifle, of course. As a class, (IMHO) they are considered to be somewhat less accurate – but not inaccurate – than bolt action rifles, and cleaning them tends to be a more involved process. However, if that doesn’t put you off (and it shouldn’t), go for it. They’ve been getting the job done for well over a century. Mark Taylor – Dec 13, 2021 .308 is a better round. A sapling won’t veer it Jesus Hernandez – Aug 10, 2024 Mark I’d disagree with the 308 primarily using spritzer type bullets it is more likely to be veered by a sapling that the primary flat or round 30-30 but with neither is particularly vulnerable to it Leave a comment Comments have to be approved before showing up Your Name * Your Email * Your Comment * Post Comment

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The following ammunition cartridge ballistics information and chart can be used to approximately compare .30-30 Winchester vs .308 Winchester ammo rounds. Please note, the following information reflects the estimated average ballistics for each caliber and does not pertain to a particular manufacturer, bullet weight, or jacketing type. As such, the following is for comparative information purposes only and should not be used to make precise predictions of the trajectory, performance, or true ballistics of any particular .30-30 Winchester or .308 Winchester rounds for hunting, target shooting, plinking, or any other usage. The decision for which round is better for a given application should be made with complete information, and this article simply serves as a comparative guide, not the final say. For more detailed ballistics information please refer to the exact round in question or contact the manufacturer for the pertinent information. True .30-30 Winchester and .308 Winchester ballistics information can vary widely from the displayed information, and it is important to understand that the particular characteristics of a given round can make a substantive difference in its true performance.

Caliber Type Velocity (fps) Energy (ft-lb) .30-30 Winchester Rifle 2370 1890 .308 Winchester Rifle 2680 2620

Velocity

As illustrated in the chart, .30-30 Winchester rounds – on average – achieve a velocity of about 2370 feet per second (fps) while .308 Winchester rounds travel at a velocity of 2680 fps. To put this into perspective, a Boeing 737 commercial airliner travels at a cruising speed of 600 mph, or 880 fps. That is to say, .30-30 Winchester bullets travel 2.7 times the speed of a 737 airplane at cruising speed, while .308 Winchester bullets travel 3 times that same speed.

Various calibers

Energy

Furthermore, the muzzle energy of a .30-30 Winchester round averages out to 1890 ft-lb, while a .308 Winchester round averages out to about 2620 ft-lb. One way to think about this is as such: a foot-pound is a unit of energy equal to the amount of energy required to raise a weight of one pound a distance of one foot. So a .30-30 Winchester round exits the barrel with kinetic energy equal to the energy required for linear vertical displacement of 1890 pounds through a one foot distance, while a .308 Winchester round exiting the barrel has energy equal to the amount required to displace 2620 pounds over the same one foot distance. As a rule of thumb, when it comes to hunting, muzzle energy is what many hunters look at when deciding on what caliber of firearm / ammunition to select. Generally speaking, the higher the muzzle energy, the higher the stopping power. Again, the above is for comparative information purposes only, and you should consult the exact ballistics for the particular .30-30 Winchester or .308 Winchester cartridge you’re looking at purchasing.

Please click the above links to take a look at all of the .30-30 Winchester and .308 Winchester ammo we have in stock and ready to ship, and let us know any parting thoughts in the comment section below.

Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online.

We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo.

We offer a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on all products sold on our website. Please email us if you have questions about any of our product listings.

Spring Food Plots | What, When, and How

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spring food plots

We can’t think of a better form of social distancing than spending time farming for wildlife. A goal for all GamKeepers and hunters is having a healthy deer herd. Spring and summer are critical months in a whitetail’s life; bucks are rebuilding their bodies from a rigorous winter and starting the amazing antler genesis process. Does have the task of eating for two or three as most of them are carrying fawns to be born later in summer. Consistent, protein-rich food sources are key to helping your deer reach their potential. Mossy Oak BioLogic has a wide variety of spring/summer plantings to fit every wildlife manager’s needs. Invest in the best warm season food plots now, and make sure to give your wildlife the nutrition they need during the critical growing months.

Wildlife Sweet Corn

BioLogic Sweet Corn

BioLogic’s Wildlife Sweet Corn is a blend of 3 varieties of conventional, open-pollinated (think heirloom) corn that have over a century of proven reliability. BioLogic’s Wildlife Sweet Corn has a sugar content higher than that of new hybrids, and is generally consumed earlier in the fall/winter especially when planted in areas with surrounding agricultural corn. The higher protein and nutrient content of this “sweet” corn is a major bonus for your wildlife. These proven, open-pollinated varieties of corn are non-GMO, and are not glyphosate resistant, but can be paired with conventional corn herbicides.

When to Plant Wildlife Sweet Corn

Wildlife Sweet Corn needs 90-100 days of warm growing to reach maturity and maximum yield. Plant late April to early June for the South, early May to early June for the North.

How to Plant Wildlife Sweet Corn

Corn should be planted at 1.5-2 inches soil depth. Planters and no-till drills are ideal for planting if available. Corn can also be broadcast planted into a well prepared seed bed. Corn seed should be covered to the suggested depth by using a drag harrow or by lightly disking in. Ideally the field can also then be cultipacked or rolled for increased seedling survival. As a bonus, this sweet corn is awesome to take home a few ears and feed your family with!

Clover Plus

BioLogic Clover Plus

Few plants are more effective at attracting whitetail and turkey than clover. BioLogic’s Clover Plus is a perennial blend of our New Zealand Red and White clovers and extremely successful varieties of chicory. Developed specifically for a whitetails stomach, Clover Plus produces larger, more succulent leaves and thinner stems for higher nutritional value and improved digestibility. Both clover and chicory are extremely hardy and drought-resistant, yielding consistent production through the hot months of summer. It’s a combination of high nutrition, great attraction and consistent growth that deer can’t resist.

When to Plant Clover Plus

In the south, plant Clover Plus in early fall, as soon as soil moisture is sufficient for seed germination. Spring planting isn’t recommended; frequent summer drought conditions could limit root growth. In the north, plant Clover Plus in the spring when soil temperature is 50 degrees or higher and soil moisture is sufficient. Fall planting isn’t recommended; frost may occur before root systems are established. This blend can also be frost-seeded in the spring.

How to Plant Clover Plus

Clover Plus is best planted by spreading on a well-prepared seedbed at 9 pounds per acre, then using a cultipacker or light drag to cover the seed. Grasses can be controlled in Clover Plus using a grass specific herbicide such as clethodim.

Spring Protein Peas

BioLogic Spring Protein Peas

BioLogic Spring Protein Pea is an annual warm season planting that is designed to provide maximum nutrition for your deer herd through the critical growing months. Protein Peas is a very drought and browse tolerant planting that grows in a wide variety of soil types and is great for hot climates. In areas of high deer density, Protein Peas may need protection with BioLogic’s P2 Plot Protector so plants can get established.

When to Plant Spring Protein Peas

Spring Protein Peas can be planted anytime in the spring or summer months. For maximum forage output, plant in spring 2-3 weeks after the last frost for your region when soil temperatures reach 55-60 degrees.

How to Plant Spring Protein Peas

Spring Protein Peas can be broadcast onto a well prepared seed bed and covered to 1 inch of soil depth. Seeds left on the soil surface may have poor germination and be eaten by pests. Without a current soil test to go by, fertilize with 200-300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20 or a comparable low or no nitrogen fertilizer. This blend can also be planted with a no-till drill or similar planters, use the setting for small peas at 30-35 pounds per acre. Set planting depth to 1 inch. Spring Protein Peas can be sprayed with grass specific herbicides to kill any grass competition in the plot.

WhistleBack

BioLogic Whistleback

This same principal of proper timing and planning applies for other plantings for doves, ducks, pheasants, etc. Planting areas specifically for birds is beneficial for a property not just from a hunting standpoint. Often times these plantings are used in strips or transition zones adjacent to food plots for deer. The step down effect from timber to grassy seed producing plants to lower growing green groceries creates diversity and makes for awesome wildlife habitat including a lot of small mammals, song birds, and insects. BioLogic’s WhistleBack is a warm season blend of sorghum, millets, and sunflowers. This mix is designed to produce massive amounts of seed, and at the same time offer cover for many species of upland birds. This blend contains varieties that all grow and mature at different heights, offering food to birds as small as quail and doves on up to pheasants or turkeys.

When to Plant WhistleBack

Ideally plant late spring and early summer. The plants in WhistleBack are designed to grow and mature by the end of the summer. The seeds will shatter and naturally distribute on the ground, being consumed by birds in the fall and winter.

How to Plant WhistleBack

Sorghums, millets, and sunflowers all require the same basic planting depth and ground preparation should be as follows. No-till drills work great for these seeds, and most drills have a setting for planting all of these seed producing plants. If using traditional planting methods, I would suggest spraying the area to be planted a week to ten days ahead of planting with a non-selective herbicide, such as glyphosate, to kill all existing vegetation. Ground to be planted can then be disked or tilled and then cultipacked or rolled to create a firm seed bed. Seed can then be broadcast and dragged in with a chain harrow or cultipacked again. Ideal planting depth is about 1 inch. Obviously, seed left on the surface of the soil is easy picking for all types of birds and insects.

Turkey Gold Chufa

BioLogic NWTF Turkey Gold Chufa

Another very popular planting for turkey and waterfowl is chufa. BioLogic Turkey Gold Chufa is without a doubt the most attractive planting for turkeys. Chufa needs to be planted in the late spring/early summer when there is at least 90+ days of growing season left before any threat of frost would arrive. This gives the chufa time to establish, build a root structure and begin to develop the tubers that turkey are so crazy about. Chufa is also pretty easy to manage weeds in since it is in the sedge family of plants. This allows you to use a grass specific herbicide to kill any invasive grasses or a broadleaf herbicide such as 2,4D. As the chufa matures in the early fall it can begin to provide food all the way into the next spring and ideally keeping your turkeys at home right up till the season.

When to Plant Chufa

Planting times for BioLogic Chufa are late April to early June for the South, early May to early June for the North.

How to Plant Chufa

Chufa should be planted at 1.5-2 inches soil depth. Planters and no-till drills are ideal for planting if available. Chufa can also be broadcast planted into a well-prepared seed bed. Chufa seed should be covered to the suggested depth by using a drag harrow or by lightly disking in. Ideally the field can also then be cultipacked or rolled for increased seedling survival.

Cellular Trail Camera Plans — How Much Is a Cellular Trail Camera Plan?

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Whether you’re a first-time hunter or have years of hunting experience under your belt, you know the importance of scouting the area beforehand. Getting a feel for the surrounding wildlife and lay of the land gives you an advantage when you set out on your next trip.

Trail cameras are the perfect solution to giving you the upper hand. With coverage of your entire property, you can have a clear view of many outdoor angles to better strategize your next hunting venture. Many of these cameras work on cellular plans to give you real-time visibility regarding what’s happening around your property.

On average, trail camera plans can range anywhere from free to costing $60 or so each month, often paid upfront for a year. Some plans run about $1,000 annually. Others cost more or less depending on the number of cameras on your data plan and whether that company charges for data usage or on a picture-by-picture basis.

Incorporating a cellular trail camera into your hunting and scouting process, security or wildlife photography hobby can enhance your experience. Learn the benefits of choosing Moultrie Mobile as your cellular trail camera provider by reading below.

Benefits of Choosing Reliable Trail Cameras

Integrating a cellular trail camera with a data plan is one of the best ways to ensure your trail cam photos are easily accessible and stored somewhere safe. With the proper connection, you can check up on areas of your property any time you desire without worrying about a choppy feed, disconnected coverage or lagging.

Some benefits of choosing trail cameras that send pictures to your phone include:

  • Access to your photos from anywhere you have a cellular signal — regardless of your proximity to your trail camera. You can also view pictures via your log-in credentials on the mobile website.
  • The option to store your photos in cloud-based storage, keeping them safe and secure if anything happens to your phone.
  • The ability to customize your data plan to match how many cameras you have and how often you plan to use them.
  • Additional perks and features, like built-in AI capabilities, the ability to change camera settings remotely, image filtering and sorting options and push alerts when photos are taken or delivered.

You can enjoy the views of the great outdoors right from your fingertips with reliable coverage sent to your phone. If you’re scouting out your next hunt, choosing the right trail cameras offers you all the above benefits as you explore the great outdoors.

Now that you know more about the benefits of cellular trail camera data plans, you might be wondering how much you can expect to pay for the costs of these connectivity packages. The answer depends on several factors, including:

  • Whether you are paying monthly or for an entire year upfront.
  • The brand, model and type of trail camera you are using.
  • How much data and photos you anticipate using each month.
  • Whether you opt for thumbnail-size or full-resolution images.
  • Any add-ons or bonus features, like access to cloud storage, may cost additional fees, depending on the manufacturer.

Exploring your options for the best trail camera manufacturer plans can give you a better idea of which choice gives you more bang for your buck. Comparing the quality and costs of each one can make your decision easier.

The-Best-Cellular-Trail-Camera-Plans-With-Moultrie-Mobile

The Best Cellular Trail Camera Plans With Moultrie Mobile

Every game camera manufacturer provides different services from others. Prices vary across the industry, and the value of any 4G wireless trail camera plan depends on how well that manufacturer meets your specific needs. Some of your needs may include the following:

  • Compatibility with a cellular service provider that has extensive coverage in your area.
  • Whether the data plan includes the cost of photo transmissions or total data usage.
  • High-quality products that are suitable for your intended use.
  • Availability of multi-camera packages and other add-on options.
  • Your budget for both the initial camera purchase and monthly fees.
  • The ability to pay monthly, quarterly or annually.
  • The overall quality of the product, service and ongoing care.

At Moultrie Mobile, we take all of these crucial factors into consideration when helping you find quality coverage that fits your budget.

As a long-time leader in the trail camera industry, we designed the Moultrie Mobile cellular trail camera plans to integrate seamlessly into your lifestyle and offer convenient features that enable you to get the most out of your camera footage. All plans below include unlimited cloud storage, HD versions of images available for on-demand download and advanced image recognition — all with no contract required.

Our plans are compatible with Verizon- and AT&T-connected cellular trail cameras, offering maximum coverage. Additionally, our Moultrie Mobile App is also easy to use, allowing you to access and monitor your camera’s status and settings when you’re away.

Choose from one of these flexible, cost-efficient Moultrie cellular train camera plans:

  • Standard: The Standard plan includes 1,000 images and 10 videos each month. It costs $8.99 per month if you pay annually and $9.99 if you pay each month.
  • Unlimited: The Unlimited plan includes a limitless number of images and 50 videos each month, which costs $12.99 per month when paid annually and $16.99 when paid monthly.
  • Pro Series Unlimited: The Pro Series Unlimited plan includes unlimited images and 50 videos each month, and you save more when you have four or more cameras on this plan. Your first camera is $34.99 per month, and additional cameras are $7.99 per camera each month.

Every Moultrie Mobile plan offers competitive pricing and includes convenient features and anytime-access to our helpful team of customer service representatives.

Do you need a few more pictures for one month than you do in another? Moultrie has you covered. Our plans are flexible and adaptable to your lifestyle. For the Standard plans, you can easily add 500 more images to your plan for an additional $4.99, or add 50 videos for $1.

With every Moultrie Mobile monthly plan, you also have the option to pay annually rather than monthly, saving up to 40% on total monthly costs. Plus, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan anytime and there is never an activation or cancellation fee. Regardless of the Moultrie Mobile plan you choose, you’ll have access to valuable features that will enhance your hunting and scouting experience.

Cellular Service Providers for Trail Cameras

Some cellular game data plans are compatible with only one cellular service provider, while others are compatible with two or more. Always consider the service provider when choosing your trail camera plan and check that their high-speed coverage extends to the areas where you install your cameras.

The two most popular service providers compatible with 4G cellular trail camera plans are Verizon and AT&T:

  • Verizon: You need a connected device plan to access Verizon cellular game camera plans. Verizon’s connected device plans can work through your account’s unlimited or shared data plan, or you can opt for a single-device plan instead. Single-device data plans range from 500MB to 1GB, while shared data plans can reach 10GB. You can also use add-on data boosts for your Verizon cellular trail camera plans for an additional fee. Verizon covers more than 99% of the U.S. population, so you likely won’t have trouble picking up a strong signal where you need it most.
  • AT&T: With wireless coverage in every state, AT&T has both prepaid and standard contract data plans. AT&T game trail camera service prepaid data options include an 8GB high-speed data plan, an unlimited data plan and an unlimited plus data plan that includes a 10GB mobile hotspot. Standard contract AT&T trail camera plans include unlimited and mobile share options, so you can adapt them to fit multiple cameras if necessary.

Why Moultrie Mobile Offers the Best Cellular Trail Camera Plan

With adaptable, cost-efficient plans, flexible coverage options and world-class customer support, Moultrie Mobile is the best cellular trail camera plan for anyone who wants reliable quality and convenient built-in features. Here’s what you get when you choose Moultrie Mobile:

  • Multiple coverage options: With the ability to choose between Verizon, AT&T and other major cellular networks as your service provider, you can select the one with the best coverage in your area. You are not bound to whichever company currently services your cellphone — our plans are their own entity and can exist on a different network from your cell phone.
  • Flexible plan options: We offer several different plan options to suit various needs and lifestyles, all with no required contracts and no fine print. You have the opportunity to pay either monthly or upfront for the year, which saves you money. As your needs and lifestyle change, you can easily adjust your plan to a lower or higher tier, or add 500 photos to your current month for an extra charge.
  • Unlimited cloud storage: Every plan has free unlimited cloud storage, so your photos are easily accessible and safely stored. Even if your phone breaks, you can access your images without issue.
  • Advanced image recognition: Our advanced image recognition system helps you get the most value for your money, sifting through your game cam photos to identify and tag ones with deer, buck, turkey, people and vehicles in them.
  • Trained customer support: Our highly trained support team is based in the U.S. and is always available to help if you have questions or require assistance — even on nights and weekends. Enjoy further peace of mind with our three-year hassle-free warranty program.
  • Easy setup: It only requires three simple steps to set up and you’re ready to receive photos and improve your hunting.
  • More than a trail camera: The Moultrie Mobile app includes quality features and technology that is sure to impress. You’ll have everything you need with one innovative app.
  • High resolution: You’ll receive HDR images and HD videos with sound directly to your phone. You’ll have the ability to scout from virtually anywhere.
  • Free two-year warranty: You’ll be backed with our industry-leading warranty for up to two years after the purchase date. Remember to register your camera to ensure the two-year warranty covers you.

Learn-More-About-Moultrie-Mobile

Remi Warren: The Binoculars Expert – Finding The Right Pair For Every Outdoor Activity

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Remi Warren is an outdoor enthusiast who is renowned for his knowledge and use of binoculars. He understands the importance of having the right pair of binoculars for the job and has an impressive collection to choose from. Binoculars are essential for any outdoor activity, and Remi Warren has used them for hunting, bird watching, and astronomy. His binoculars range from small, lightweight models, to large, powerful binoculars for long-range observation. He also has a range of specialized binoculars for different applications, such as night vision binoculars for low light use and water-resistant binoculars for marine use. Remi Warren is an expert in the field of binoculars and has shared his knowledge and experience with the world in his book “The Ultimate Guide to Binoculars”. He is a passionate binoculars user and has helped countless people find the right pair of binoculars for their needs.

What Binoculars Does Meat Eater Use?

Binoculars are a necessary tool for any meat-eater, whether you’re a hunter or an outdoor enthusiast. Binoculars allow you to better observe and identify potential game, and can be used to look for signs of wildlife such as tracks, scat, and antler rubs. They also provide a great way to scan the landscape and help you spot animals from a distance. Binoculars come in a variety of sizes and magnifications, so you can choose the right model for your needs. Many binoculars also feature special coatings, such as anti-reflection and water-repellent, which can be great for outdoor use. With a good pair of binoculars, any meat-eater can enjoy the outdoors and find their game with ease.

Is there any magnification power that meat eaters use? With a magnification of 10×50, you can see details in the sage brush that you couldn’t see with a macro lens. A six-power binoculars is typically lighter and less expensive, and they provide a more dramatic improvement in contrast to your normal binoculars. When we reach 100 yards for small game and 300 yards for big game, we are no longer in the 10-power zone. When the browtine is 300 to 500 yards away, a 1042 binocular should be sufficient magnification to see it. A good glass, in addition to calming your eyes, can also help you relax.

Steve Rinella’s Top Pick: Vortex Razor Uhd Binoculars For Hunters

Steve Rinella, host of MeatEater on the Sportsman Channel, recommends the Razor UHD binocular lineup as one of his favorite all-around binoculars for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Steve, who has extensive experience hunting and watching in the great outdoors, is confident that these binoculars will be a great addition to any hunting or viewing outfit. The 10×42 or 12×50 binoculars are lightweight and powerful enough to allow users to see animals in action without being detected, as well as spots where rubbings and game trails are obscured by the naked eye. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, binoculars can help you improve your hunting skills. When using binoculars for scouting and hunting, they not only make the hunt easier but also make it easier to locate animals in the field. When mounting binoculars on a tripod, a hunter can gain a better view of his surroundings and identify nuances in the terrain that would otherwise be impossible to see with the naked eye. It is not a decision to make lightly; binoculars are an important tool for any hunter, and selecting the right pair can be difficult. However, if you want an all-around binocular that’s lightweight and powerful, Steve Rinella’s Razor UHD binoculars are a great choice.

What Binoculars For Elk Hunting?

When it comes to hunting elk, having the right binoculars is essential. Binoculars for elk hunting should have a wide field of view, a magnification of at least 8x, and a light weight design. Look for binoculars with a wide field of view to ensure you can spot your prey from a comfortable distance. Higher magnifications may also help you to spot elk more easily, but they also make the binoculars heavier and more difficult to carry. Choose a pair of binoculars with an ergonomic design and a light weight frame to make transporting them on your hunting trips easier. Investing in quality binoculars will ensure you have the tools you need to spot and track elk on your next hunting expedition.

Hunting requires the use of the proper binoculars. Western hunters should aim with the most magnification they can afford, whereas the majority of deer hunters should aim with 8x and 10x magnification. The M22 binocular is the Army’s and Marine Corps’ primary field binocular, and it has a magnification of 7x and a magnification of 50mm. This item is approximately 7 inches long by 7.2 inches wide by 7.4 inches high and weighs approximately 28 pounds, making it an excellent choice for both hunters and trappers in both regions. M22 binoculars have a much broader field of vision and are extremely useful for spotting prey from long distances. They can be used in any type of weather because they are waterproof and fog-proof. Hunting with the M22 binocular is as simple as saying it is a successful hunt.

What Binocular Magnification Is Best For Deer Hunting?

When it comes to deer hunting, binocular magnification is an important factor in helping to spot and identify your target. The best magnification for deer hunting is typically 8x or 10x. This provides enough power to be able to see the animal from a distance, while also providing a wide field of view that allows you to scan and pick up movement in the brush. The 8x or 10x magnification also helps to reduce the amount of shake that can occur when trying to focus on a target at a distance.

At the magnification level, the closer objects appear at a greater rate. With a 10x magnification, you can see a deer that is 200 yards away as if it were 20 yards away. Buying a pair of binoculars of high quality is an investment, but if you find one that meets all of your criteria, it will be worthwhile. Deer are more likely to be discovered in open areas, but elk are more common as well. If you want to see more sights in the Western United States, you should invest in a good pair of 10x binos. You can use a tripod with a magnification of 10x or higher with binoculars. A high-powered bino can cause your hands to shake while you’re taking long observation sessions.

Hunting binoculars should be no more powerful than 6-12x magnification, and they should not be necessary if you plan on using them for short distances. When observing at high magnification, a tripod will ensure steady views. All of these factors contribute to how a binocular is perceived as a tool.

When it comes to hunting optics, it is now common practice for hunters to use 3-9x variable scopes. This scope has the advantage of being versatile, allowing it to provide a wide field of view at close range while also providing magnification for long-distance shots. For some experienced shooting enthusiasts, 6x magnification may be sufficient. Those who want to get the best out of their shots in the field may prefer a magnification of 10x or more. If you combine high quality and magnification, a 10-x variable scope will perform well and be more accurate. When you want the best optics and performance out of a scope, a 3-9x variable scope is an excellent choice for any hunter, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran.

Remi Warren Watch

Remi Warren watch is a luxury watch brand that is known for its classic style, quality materials and craftsmanship. The watches are designed to embody the spirit of adventure and exploration, making them perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. The watches are crafted with Swiss movement and come in a range of styles and colors, from sports watches to dress watches. They also feature a variety of features such as water resistance, luminous hands and date displays. Whether you are looking for a sophisticated timepiece for a special occasion, or an everyday watch for the outdoors, Remi Warren has the perfect watch for you.

Remi Warren’s Hunting Setup: Pro Tips For The Aspiring Hunte

Remi Warren is no stranger to the spotlight; he is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost hunters, and his weapon of choice is of extreme importance. It is powered by a strong set of HD275 Day Six gear arrows, combined with two Evo broadheads, which weigh a total of 585 grams. Remi is shooting at the @mathewsinc. V3X 33 75# should be used to make it even hotter. The heavier arrow is accelerated by his 30 draw length. Remi Warren’s hunting show, Solo Hunter TV, is available on Prime Video. Remi’s adventures in this series include a wide range of hunting adventures around the world as well as his impressive skills. We’ll show you how to live a hunting lifestyle by interviewing one of the best hunters around.

Remi Warren Rifle

The Remi Warren Rifle is an iconic firearm known for its quality and accuracy. It is a limited-edition hunting rifle that is highly sought after by hunters, collectors, and gun enthusiasts alike. The Remi Warren Rifle was designed by legendary gunsmith Remi Warren and is a classic bolt-action rifle with a high-quality walnut stock and a 22-inch barrel. It is popular for its precision and accuracy, making it a great choice for both hunting and target shooting. The Remi Warren Rifle is a great gun for both experienced and novice shooters, and can provide years of reliable use.

Sako S20 rifles have been around for quite some time and offer some excellent features. The S20, with its highly modular system, maintains excellent accuracy. M-Lok attachment points are required to attach additional accessories such as a barricade stop or a monopod to precision rifle stocks. This bolt action rifle has a classic European appearance. You can expect years of accurate shooting with the S20, which is a highly adaptable option. Sub-moa accuracy is assured by the guns of Christensen Arms, with more expensive models having half-moa accuracy. threaded barrels for controlling recoil when using a lightweight rifle.

The Tika T3x comes in a variety of calibers as well as 19 different base configurations. The Tika is a very popular rifle among hunters and anglers at 749.99 dollars, making it one of the most affordable and well-known firearms. If Remi used this rifle in the past, it would be a great buy for someone on a tight budget who is looking for a fine rifle.

Remi Warren Gear List

Remi Warren is an avid outdoorsman and hunter, and his gear list is an impressive testament to his lifestyle. He carries a variety of essential items such as a headlamp, knife, and fire starter, along with more specialized tools such as a game-calling system, rangefinder, and GPS device. He also carries an extensive first aid kit, as well as food, water, and shelter for any unexpected situations. All of these items are essential for any serious hunter, and Remi’s gear list is a great example of the thought and preparation that goes into the sport.

A few of the most useful items in your hunting pack may not actually be hunting items at all. If you want to save time and money, I’ve compiled a list of my top five most underrated pieces of kit and what you can do with them on a regular basis. Every hunter should have new things in their pack that should be MagGyver-ing. Fill a bottle halfway with hot water and tightly seal it to keep it warm at night. The cold isn’t keeping us from doing this, so it’s a great way to get the most out of your day and sleep well at night. One of the strangest bottle uses I have come across was from a friend who told me he kept one in the tent to pee in while camping. While it is true that the size of a deer ear varies from area to area, you can measure a few from where you intend to hunt.

Deer eyes can be used to measure the circumference of their antlers. The ear span in the natural alert position is approximately 20 to 22 inches wide. In the hunt, there should be some type of cord in each hunter’s pack, such as P-cord or utility cord. Cord is something I bring on every trip because it can be used in a variety of ways. A phone can act as a signal mirror. You can still survive even if your phone dies in the worst-case scenario. Garbage bags are one of the most useful and underrated items in my hunting gear.

When high-country snow falls, it’s a great way to get plenty of camp water out of the sun and into a bottle catch below. To cross a river quickly and completely, you can use makeshift waders. Hunting poles are becoming increasingly popular as hunters become more daring. These travel pants remove a lot of the felt weight from your pack, help you stabilize in rough terrain, and make your journey more efficient. Poles can be used for both shooting and glassing because they add stability to the shot. Trekking poles, for example, can be used as poles for lightweight tents. What is a rifle sling shoulder holder?

Are they designed for use in rough terrain? Place your extra pole on the side of your pack and slightly extend it above the pack bag. How do trekking poles become spear machines? Although the outcome could have been much different, it did work that way once.

Remi Warren’s Gear For Outdoor Adventures

Remi Warren is a hunter, field editor, and host who has been hunting for many years. His adventure stories have been documented in Western Hunter Magazine, Solo Hunter TV, and The Cutting the Distance podcast. To survive in an outdoor lifestyle, Remi relies on Schnee’s Granite Boots and the Sako S20 rifle, both of which he owns. With the Schnee’s Granite boots, Remi can travel 465,000 vertical feet in a single season without fail thanks to their dependability. These boots have a lightweight design and a superior grip, making them an easy choice for Remi when he needs to get to the point he wants to go. Remi also trusts the Sako S20 Rifle with his hunting activities. He can rely on this rifle for accuracy and reliability when he goes on outdoor adventures. Remi recently got his hands on the Sako S20 for the first time and is excited to share his experience with his followers. Remi Warren’s next adventure will be easier now that he has his trusted gear. Through his passion for the outdoors, he continues to inspire others to pursue their own interests and share his knowledge and enthusiasm.

Remi Warren Shop

Remi Warren Shop is an incredible online shop that specializes in quality outdoor gear. From backpacking and camping to survival, the shop has a wide variety of products from trusted brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and MSR. Whether you need a new tent, sleeping bag, or some camping cookware, Remi Warren Shop has it all. With free shipping on orders over $50, you can get all the gear you need without breaking the bank. With unbeatable customer service and a wide selection of products, Remi Warren Shop is the perfect place to gear up and hit the trails.

Remi Warren Takes His Hunting To The Next Level With Sako S20

Remi Warren’s latest adventure, the Sako S20, has quickly become a favorite of the world’s hunters and anglers. Warren is an avid hunter who is sponsored by Under Armour and specializes in hunting on public land, and the S20 is an excellent fit for him. Warren’s hunting operations have also expanded to include hunts in New Zealand and Africa in recent months. With its innovative design, the Sako S20 is an excellent firearm for hunters, allowing them to achieve perfect balance of accuracy, accuracy, and portability, making it an excellent weapon for a seasoned outdoorer such as Warren. He began sharing his enthusiasm for the firearm on social media, praising its features and stating that it is his go-to gun for any hunting situation. Warren’s Sako S20 is an ideal hunting companion that will last a lifetime.

Remi Warren Height

Remi Warren is an American outdoorsman and hunter, who is known for his work with the National Geographic channel. He stands at 6 feet tall and has a muscular frame. His height helps him when it comes to hunting, as he can more easily traverse difficult terrain and take longer shots. He is also known for his strength, which is an important tool when it comes to packing out big game.

Remi Warren is one of the few brave souls who has self-shot a flawless mule deer hunt with a conventional bow for television. Ryan Warren and Jason Warren, his brothers, were born and raised in New Zealand. According to reports, Remi’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million. Remi Warren married Danielle Warren in a symbolic stone chapel on April 4, 2018, in New Zealand. They met on the night of the event before breaking up due to the pressures of careers. Remi and Danielle both enjoy hunting, and they have both taken part in hunting expeditions in the past. The earnings from Montana Outwest Outfitters are obviously what contribute to Remi Warren’s net worth.

He enjoys sharing his experiences as a hunter and traveler in order to inform the general public. His podcast, Cutting The Distance, has over 100 episodes. He has a large fan base on YouTube, with over 34K subscribers.

Remi Warren: Outdoor Pro, Tv Personality And Podcast Host

Remi Warren is a hunter and outdoor enthusiast who has given others his knowledge and experience through his work as a hunting guide, outfitter, outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and television personality. He is the creator of the Live Wild podcast network and co-host of Solo Hunter TV, as well as the Cutting the Distance podcast and the Cutting the Distance podcast. He opened Montana OutWest Outfitter in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana at the age of 22 after specializing in elk and deer hunting on public land, and he soon expanded his hunting operations to include hunts in New Zealand and Africa. Warren enjoys the Mathews V3X 33 75# bow, which has an extra twist in the string and a 30″ draw that propels heavier arrows. He is the field editor for Western Hunter Magazine, where he provides readers with the most recent information on hunting and outdoor activities. Remi Warren is not only a well-known outdoor figure; he also hosts the Live Wild podcast Network, which features interviews with other outdoor professionals discussing their hunting experiences. Throughout his life, Warren has found fulfillment in doing what he loves while sharing his knowledge and experiences with others, and he has made a living doing what he loves.

Remi Warren Boots

Remi Warren Boots are the perfect choice for any stylish man looking for a classic look. These timeless leather boots are crafted with an antique-style distressed leather and feature a classic round toe. They feature a cushioned insole and sturdy block heel for all-day comfort and easy walking. With a distressed look, they offer a vintage touch to any look. Whether you are heading to the office, a night out, or a day in the wilderness, these boots will keep your feet feeling great and looking great.

Master Marksman Remi Warren: Making The Most Of Any Hunting Experience

Remi Warren is a highly regarded hunter and outfitter who has spent his entire life in rugged terrain and harsh environments. As a result, he has ascended 465,000 vertical feet in one season in Schnee’s Granite boots, demonstrating their durability and performance. Remi is a master marksman with a knack for accuracy, and his weapons are outfitted with precision. He enjoys hunting with the 7mm Rem Mag, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 300 WSM cartridges. Remi Warren began his hunting career in Montana with Montana OutWest Outfitter in the Bitterroot Valley, specializing in public land hunting for both elk and deer. Since then, he has expanded his hunting operations to include hunts in New Zealand and Africa, earning him the reputation as a leading authority on hunting in all climates and terrains. His dedication to the sport has earned him a loyal following among hunters, and his decision to wear Schnee’s Granite boots demonstrates his dedication to high-quality performance. Remi Warren can take advantage of any hunting experience when he has the proper equipment and a keen eye.

Elk Hunting Repertoire

Elk hunting is an exciting and challenging activity that requires a well-rounded repertoire of skills and equipment. Hunters must have an understanding of the terrain, know how to use a wide range of firearms, as well as have deep knowledge of the habits and behaviors of elk. Additionally, hunters must be outfitted with the proper clothing and gear to ensure safety and comfort while hunting in the wilderness. This includes items such as insulated boots and clothing, a rangefinder, a hunting knife, a backpack, and a bow or rifle. Finally, elk hunters must also be proficient in tracking and locating the animals, as well as have the patience and skill to make a successful shot. With the proper knowledge, equipment, and skills, elk hunters can have an exciting and rewarding experience.

Every year, we put Elks on public lands, and it works because we’ve done it so well that you can also do it. Learn how to use calling effectively to communicate with elk, and you will find that you are not required to hunt them the same way you would deer. Learning Curves exist. The situation is amusing, but it is a difficult one to resolve. If you bury your calls in the bottom of your pack or leave them at camp, you’ll be jeopardizing your hunting skills. Once you learn how to use mouth reeds and gain control of them, you can confidently use them on your elk. The elevation is not a joke.

I would suggest arriving at least four days before the hike to allow enough time to get used to the elevation. A challenge bugle, for example, simply removes them from view in that situation. When I was a boy, I’ve seen elk in areas with private owners. They just didn’t say anything public about it.

Elk Hunting In Wyoming & Colorado: Affordability And Abundance

Wyoming and Colorado are two excellent places to hunt elk. Wyoming has the cheapest Wyoming elk hunting tags, with bull tags starting at $600 and cow/calf tags starting at only $150. Furthermore, many hunting units in Wyoming are 100% successful with drawing. Colorado has the second largest elk population in the country, and it also has over-the-counter options, making it the most popular state for hunting. Wyoming is an ideal place to hunt elk for those looking for a low-cost experience due to its unbeatable combination of affordability, availability, and population. Colorado, on the other hand, is a great place for hunters looking for the best elk hunting in the country. The opportunities for elk hunting in both states are extremely appealing.

Bleats to Grunts – Deer Sounds and What They Mean

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Most of the time deer seem like ghosts walking through the woods. For the hunter it might sound like the forest is filled with everything but deer. In reality, though, deer are quite vocal animals, and they express themselves with a variety of noises that all mean different things, from warnings to sweet talk.

Knowing these sounds is essential to the effective hunter. Not only can they let him know where deer are and what they’re doing, but certain sounds may repel or attract certain types of deer at certain times. It might sound complicated, but there are definitely harder languages to learn.

In the end learning the vocabulary of deer speak is a lot of fun.

You might also like:

If you’re looking to imitate a deer you should checkout how that’s possible by reading our roundup of the best deer calls. Or maybe you’d like an article outlining the characteristics and locations of all the different types of deer that make up the deer family?

We’ve also another similar article that covers the sounds that Elk make.

What sounds does a deer make when scared or nervous?

One of the things that have helped deer survive for so long is their herd mentality. They take care of each other. One way they do that is by warning each other when there’s danger. Specifically, there a few sounds you should be aware of because if you hear them, it probably means a deer knows you’re around and has just alerted the rest of the herd.

Sniffs

If a deer begins to sense something is off, they may start making sniffing sounds. Not only are they trying to get a better smell, one of the easiest ways they can find you out, but they’re also putting the rest of the herd on edge. The sniff doesn’t sound much different than a human sniff, only stronger and deeper. Imagine air being sucked in through a deer’s large nose.

Deer sniffing at 1:05

Stomps

Along with sniffing, suspicious deer may begin lightly stomping their hooves. This happens when they first suspect danger but aren’t quite sure where or what it is yet.

The noise sounds just like a wood block striking the ground and is usually noticeable since the deer are otherwise as silent as mice. The stomping puts the rest of the herd on alert so that they can more easily pinpoint the threat.

Snorts

The snort happens when a deer is positive there’s danger around. It means whatever methods you’ve employed to camouflage your body, noises and scents haven’t been enough. The snort sounds similar to a human sneeze, and nothing is more disheartening than hearing it off in the distance just when you’ve given up for the day and decided to start making your way out of the woods. The deer will snort, raise its tail and run away. The sound will alert other deer, and they’ll all do the same.

Listen to both stomps and snorts in this video

What sounds does a deer make when angry?

When they’re in the rut, male deer shed some of their usual cautiousness in order to chase the does. This certainly applies to their sounds as well, and a buck in the rut will be a lot louder than usual. In fact, he’ll make a variety of sounds to intimidate other bucks or warn them of his presence, and he’ll respond to sounds that make him think there’s another male around. He’ll make sounds to try to seduce the does as well.

Buck Grunt

Bucks make a loud grunting sound to show their dominance. While all deer make soft, long grunts to call to one another, the deep, short grunt of the buck is the male claiming the territory and does in it as his own. He’ll usually make it when he’s decided on a specific doe to chase, and he’ll continue making the grunts as he chases her. The sounds are also attractive to the females.

A buck grunt is one of the sounds that can be mimicked to attract a deer. Some examples are listed here in our roundup of the best deer calls.

Listen to buck grunts at 2:40 into this one

Rattling Antlers / The Buck Rattle

The buck rattle isn’t a vocalization of the deer. It’s the sound of two bucks fighting. When they spar, they clang their antlers together making a rattling sound. Before the rut begins, this can be light sparring just to size each other up, but when the does are in estrus, this becomes serious fighting to determine dominance.

If other bucks hear the sounds of antlers rattling, they know two males are fighting and will usually come to watch, especially the dominant buck of the area because he’ll want to know who’s fighting in his territory. This is why imitating this sound can attract them.

Hunters or naturalists looking to lure deer often use man made materials to mimic these sounds, there are some great examples in this roundup of the best rattling antlers.

Snort-Wheeze

The snort-wheeze is an especially aggressive sound used to intimidate rivals. It sounds just like the name implies: a snort followed by a raspy wheeze. Two bucks vying for territory and does may make these sounds at each other to display their dominance. If one buck is smaller or more timid, the noise might send him running, but the more aggressive males usually make this sound just before they spar. This noise combined with the rattling antlers really gives the impression of a fight and will attract curious and dominant bucks to the area.

There are some example products that allow you to make rattling antler and snort wheeze sounds in our roundup of the best deer calls.

Snort-wheeze at 0:20

Other deer sounds

Being herd animals, deer need some way to communicate, and one of those ways is sound. They don’t just make noises to show fear or anger, but they also make different sounds when they’re excited, happy or even bored. Does especially have a wide range of vocalizations they use with each other and their fawns.

Doe Grunt

The grunt of a doe is much higher than that of a buck because the females have smaller bodies, and just like in humans, this results in a shorter airway. The does don’t grunt to show dominance, though. Basically, they just do it to talk to one another. Deer are highly social, and they try to gather together when they can, so a grunt is the deer’s way of telling others it’s around and ready to mingle, so to speak. The mothers also grunt to call the fawns if it’s feeding time or if they’re moving to a new location.

Listen to the due grunt at 1:14

Doe Bleat

Does also bleat in social situations. The bleat is a higher-pitched vibrating sound, similar to that of a goat. They mostly do it when they are gathered together or with their fawns, and it signals contentment.

Doe in Heat Call – Estrus Bleat

When the does go into heat and are ready to mate, they make their own sound to seduce the bucks. This is the estrus bleat and it’s higher than the bucks’ calls. It almost sounds like a kazoo. When a doe wants to mate, she’ll stop and make the bleat which lets the buck chasing her know she’s ready. This can be one of the loudest noises deer make and is very distinctive.

Listen to the doe bleat at 1:00

What sounds does a baby deer make?

Baby deer, or fawns, make a lot of different noises to communicate with their mothers. The does have strong maternal instincts and respond quickly to calls from their babies. Consequently, if you’re hunting a doe, the best way to attract her may be to mimic the sounds of a fawn.

Nursing Whine

When the fawns are nursing or trying to nurse, they whine. It’s a rising and falling pitch that actually sounds a lot like a rusty screen door blowing in the wind, but the fawns make it to bond with their mothers. Like most social communication between deer, it is not audible from much of a distance.

Fawn Distress Call

If a fawn is in danger, it will call for its mother’s help. The call sounds like a loud continuous cry that can sometimes be eerily human. If it’s enough to make you feel like you need to go see what’s wrong, just imagine how it sounds to a mother deer. Does will normally come fast to find the crying fawn, even if their own babies are safe by their side. As you can imagine, the noise increases in volume depending on how much the fawn feels in danger. It might be quiet and rhythmic if the fawn is merely lost and looking for the herd, or it could be loud and panicked if it’s being chased by a predator. You’re mostly likely to hear this sound at the beginning of the season when fawns are still small and dependent on their mothers, and that’s also when you’ll have the best luck imitating it, though it can be successful year-round.

Fawn Bleat

Fawns also make a goat-like bleating sound similar to the does when they are happy. Because of their small bodies, the pitch is higher than that of the adults, but it serves basically the same purpose. The fawns bleat when they’re playing with each other or socializing with their mothers, and it encourages social bonding within the herd. You’re likely to hear young deer playing around and bleating while their mothers feed.

Listen to a fawn bleat at 1:00
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