What Are The Electric Trolling Motor Brands? (2024 List)

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August 20, 2025

Spinnerbait Walleyes — Photo Jeff Simpson

Photo Jeff Simpson

Before his untimely death, Gregg Meyer was a cagey multispecies angler who often used spinnerbaits to catch walleyes. “Once the spawn is over, walleyes are all about feeding,” he noted. “They move shallow into warm water where the food chain is in high gear. Banks and shallow flats are loaded with minnows, small panfish — all sorts of prey. Anglers usually use crankbaits and jigs tipped with bait or artificials to work that zone, but at times a spinnerbait can be more effective.

“Since spinnerbaits are snag-resistant, they work better than just about anything else around standing timber, flooded bushes, and brush,” he said. “Walleyes use that cover when feeding on panfish, shad, and minnows. Rocky shores can be good, too, especially when a modest wind is blowing in. I also fish the tops of shallow flats and along drop-offs where the flats breaks into deeper water. Preyfish must be present to get walleyes hunting shallow. In spring and early summer, some days they’re shallow and some days they’re not. You need to experiment, have faith, and not give up on this technique. Like anything else, it doesn’t work all the time.”

Spinnerbait Selection: > For walleyes, select small to medium-size spinnerbaits with ball- bearing swivels, tapered wire, and high-quality hooks and skirts.

Rigging

Meyer uses his bass tackle for spinnerbaiting — a medium-heavy baitcasting outfit 6 ½ feet long and a reel spooled with 10- or 12-pound mono or braid of similar diameter. “If you don’t have baitcasters, your kid’s spincast reel will do,” he says. “You’re fishing shallow, but you still need to be aware of structural elements, so you need sonar, unless you’re familiar with the lake’s layout. The unit also helps pinpoint baitfish when you’re deeper than 5 feet or so.”

Meyer uses spinnerbaits from 1/8- to 3/8-ounce. He wants a true-running bait with good components and uses various models from Stanley Jigs of Huntington, Texas. A tapered-wire shaft enhances vibration that may be a key component of the spinnerbait’s attraction. The Stanley Salty Boss is hard to beat.

“Some days, blade color matters,” he reported. “I switch among silver, gold, white, chartreuse, and key-lime-green blades. For the skirt, baitfish colors work fine in clearer water — silvers, golds, smoke-sparkle, and so on. In murkier water, chartreuse and white do well.”

Meyer says that top-quality polarized sunglasses are vital, as you often are sight-fishing. He favors those that block out light from the sides, such as the Wiley X models with a foam insert that seals the glasses around your face “Look carefully and you can spot walleyes in water as shallow as 6 inches,” he says. “Keep your distance, approach cautiously, and you can catch those fish.

Presentation

Meyer uses a variety of retrieves to trigger walleyes. “When they’re holding shallow and tight to the bank, cast right onto the edge of the shore. It’s common to have fish bite in the first five feet of the retrieve. In deeper water, make the retrieve smooth and slow, so the spinnerbait moves along near bottom. If you’re fishing a sloping area, slow down as the water deepens, to keep the spinnerbait down — what the bass guys call ‘slow-rolling.'”

Meyer uses the lure’s snag resistance to saturate shallow cover, easing it among boulders, weed clumps, brush, and stumps. Make it bump the cover on occasion, as that momentary change in direction can trigger bites from less active fish. He’s also found that a spinnerbait works well when retrieved parallel to a rocky bluff or the riprap face of a dam or causeway. Once you figure the prime depth, you repeat the presentation.

At times it pays to experiment with more erratic action. “Pause the bait and let it flutter,” he recommended. “The blade on a good spinnerbait lets it helicopter down, and that can be deadly on walleyes.”

Bead teaser: Greg Meyer sometimes would string beads and a tiny spinner ahead of his spinnerbait, simulating a fish in pursuit.

Tips for Success

A spinnerbait is essentially a simple lure and at times there’s no wrong way to work it. Like other lures, it doesn’t always work, but when it’s on, it can load the boat with big walleyes. Meyer has a few more tips to help get you started.

Bait: “At times, it pays to tip the spinnerbait with a nightcrawler or minnow. There’s something about the look, smell, and taste of real food. Make sure the lure continues to run perfectly straight when bait is attached. Critters often turn on the hook and ruin the presentation. So I don’t use bait unless it seems necessary.”

Short strikes: “If you get bumped and don’t hook up, try a trailer or stinger hook to nail short strikers. Some days, the stinger gets most of the fish. But it can be a pain around brush and grass, so I don’t use one until I start missing fish.”

Other species: “It’s common to catch both bass and walleyes as you move along a bank — pike as well. But if you start catching nothing but bass, it’s time to move, unless you’re just fishing for fun. I love bass, too, and it’s hard to abandon a fast bite on anything.”

Tackle care: “You’re working through cover, and the line takes a beating, even heavy mono or braid. Moreover, walleyes really slam these things. Check the line and retie to keep from eventually breaking off a lunker. After catching some fish, the lure may get out of balance. Bend the overheard wire back into shape so it runs true. Sharpen the hook, too, and replace skirts when they get threadbare.”

Blinking blade: Customize blades with a magic marker to create an erratic flicker.

Deep Tactics

Spinnerbaits are at their finest around shallow cover and on shallow banks in spring and early summer, but they can also be used deep. Again, the presence of cover often is the key. Across much of the West, when reservoirs rise they flood deeper trees and walleyes often suspend in the tops of those trees. Slow-trolling one-ounce spinnerbaits on a long line through the tops of the trees can be deadly. Anglers also use leadcore line to get spinnerbaits down.

Meyer has also had success with a teaser ahead of a trolled spinnerbait. “Before you tie on, string on a couple beads — -my favorite color, key lime — then a clevis with a tiny Colorado blade, then four more beads. It looks like multiple baitfish being chased by a smaller predatory fish,” he says.

Spinnerbaits use flash and vibration to sell the image of vulnerable prey to a predator. Meyer: “As a spinner turns, it produces a steady flash, since both sides are gold or silver or whatever. But when you watch a school of baitfish, they don’t produce a regular flash; it’s far more random. At times an intermittent flash or flicker is a better trigger than a constant flash. To produce intermittent flash, use a magic marker to blacken the concave side of the blade.”

Some anglers in the West have been using spinnerbaits for many years, but it generally hasn’t caught on elsewhere. Don’t let tradition stand in the way of success. In the right situations, walleyes eat spinnerbaits just as well as they do crankbaits and jigs.

*The late Gregg Meyer, Wilsonville, Nebraska, had a career in law enforcement, in addition to being an avid and innovative angler. This was his last of several contributions to In-Fisherman.

Airsoft Guns Vs Airguns – What Is the Difference?

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August 20, 2025

(For more on the best air rifle for hunting medium games, see this post)

When you think of airsoft guns, the first thing that may come to mind is the movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” where Chevy Chase and his family are terrorized by a group of thugs armed with airsoft guns. Airsoft guns have certainly come a long way since then and are now used for recreational activities by many people. But what exactly is the difference between an airsoft gun and an airgun? Let’s take a closer look.

Table of Contents

Overview of Airsoft Guns:
Overview of Airguns:
Airsoft Guns Vs Air Guns – Differences Between These Two Guns
- Materials and Barrels:
Power Sources:

Overview of Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns are types of simulated firearms that are powered by batteries or compressed air. They fire spherical plastic BBs using a spring-fed mechanism called the “blowback” system.

Unlike actual guns, they have been designed specifically for use as target practice and simulation training tools, especially for law enforcement officers and military personnel.

Airsoft guns come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors to suit the needs of different users. Many models also feature tactical upgrades such as scopes, lasers, lights, grenade launchers, adjustable stocks, rails for mounting accessories like flashlights or bipods, etc.

Overview of Airguns:

Airguns are a type of shooting equipment that uses compressed air or spring pistons to propel projectiles. Unlike conventional firearms, which typically rely on combustible propellants such as gunpowder for their power source, airguns use pressurized air or springs instead.

There are several different types of airguns, ranging from small handguns and rifles to powerful pellet guns and BB guns. Some models feature single-shot mechanisms while others have magazines capable of holding multiple rounds. Most airgun designs also feature mechanisms such as break barrels or underlever cocking systems that make them easier to reload and shoot.

Airsoft Guns Vs Air Guns – Differences Between These Two Guns

Materials and Barrels:

– Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns are made of tough, lightweight plastic materials that can withstand high impact and provide good resistance to scratches and dings. They also feature precision barrels made from metal alloys such as steel or aluminum for enhanced accuracy and range.

– Air Guns:

Air guns are typically made of wood, metal, or other durable materials that can withstand repeated use. The stock can be made of wood or synthetic materials. The barrels may be constructed from steel, aluminum, or other robust materials to ensure precision performance at a range of distances.

Power Sources:

– Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns typically rely on gas pressure or spring-powered mechanisms to propel the projectiles they fire, although some models may incorporate electric motors instead. These power sources allow airsoft guns to deliver consistent muzzle velocities across different shooting conditions.

– Air Guns:

Air guns are typically powered by compressed air or springs, although some models may also incorporate gas piston systems or precharged pneumatics (PCPs) instead. This allows users to precisely adjust the firing velocity of their airgun based on shooting conditions, target type, and range.

Power and Range

– Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns are commonly designed to deliver muzzle velocities of between 300 and 600 feet per second, which is sufficient for short-range target practice and simulation training. Some models can reach much higher velocities, up to 800 or even 1000 FPS.

– Air Guns:

Air guns typically have a muzzle velocity ranging from 500 to 900 FPS, which is enough for both hunting and recreational shooting at targets or small game animals. Some .177 pellet guns can reach velocities of over 1200 FPS, the Gamo Magnum. Air guns have multiple calibers to choose from: .177, .22, .25, .30, .357, all the way up to .50. The bigger the caliber, the more powerful an air gun is, some can take down large games like deers or elks.

Accuracy:

– Airsoft Guns:

Airsoft guns are typically designed to provide good accuracy at close to medium ranges, with some models also capable of hitting targets at longer distances. Their barrels and sights are often precisely calibrated to ensure accurate shooting results.

– Air Guns:

Air guns can also deliver excellent accuracy over both short and long ranges, due to the precision construction of their barrels and sighting systems. These guns may be equipped with scopes or other types of optical sights that enhance the shooter’s ability to zero in on targets from a distance.

Ammunition:

– Airsoft Guns: use BBs as their primary ammunition type, although some models may also use metal or plastic pellets. These projectiles are typically small in size and lightweight, allowing airsoft guns to deliver large volumes of fire for short periods of time.

– Air Guns:

Air guns rely on a variety of different types of ammunition that can range from wooden pellets to lead airgun bullets or arrows. Most air gun cartridges are sized to fit into the chamber of the gun without modification, while others require specific chambering adapters. The choice of the projectile will determine how powerful an air gun is, with heavier ammo delivering more recoil and greater impact force on targets.

Purpose:

– Airsoft Guns: for sport and target practice, airsoft guns are used by recreational shooters and enthusiasts to practice shooting skills. They can also be used in military and law enforcement training simulations as well.

– Air Guns:

Air guns are commonly used for hunting small/medium/large game animals, pest control, target practice, or competitive shooting. Many air gun enthusiasts also enjoy participating in air gun competitions such as field target shooting, bullseye target shooting, or plinking.

Best AR-15 Rifle Twist Rate: Does It Really Matter?

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August 20, 2025

1:9, 1:8, or a 1:7?

When it comes to AR-15 barrels…you may be noticing different rifle twists in their specs.

Does it really matter that much?

Will the wrong weight bullet for your twist rate make it fly off into the sunset?

Ken Collection of AR-15s — Author’s Collection of AR-15s

It does matter, but I’m here to make your decision easy and help you understand what it all means.

Table of Contents

Bullet Weight Does Not Dictate Barrel Twist
A Cliff Notes History Lesson
Capitalism at Its Finest
A Lot of Bad Info
Shoot, Switch Ammo, Repeat
Moment of Truth
Decisions, decisions…

Bullet Weight Does Not Dictate Barrel Twist

The first thing that needs to be understood is that bullet weight does not directly have anything to do with what rifle twist you should be using in your AR15 barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO or .223 Wylde.

Now before some people start pounding their table, and grabbing pitchforks, let me explain.

Bullet length is what ultimately dictates your barrel rifling twist. If you do a quick google image search, you will find a few different charts or graphs that specifically show bullet weight and which rifle twist you “need”.

While it is a general rule of thumb with weight, in reality, the longer a bullet is, the heavier it becomes.

With newer types of bullets on the market and lead-free designs, some bullets made of copper and zinc are very light but require extra length to achieve the same weight compared to a lead core projectile.

So, the longer the bullet you shoot, generally speaking, the faster the rifling twist needs to be to properly stabilize the bullet in flight. With great stability comes great accuracy. But what does the barrel twist mean?

A Cliff Notes History Lesson

In the early years of the AR15’s development, the rifling twist that was adopted was a 1:14 rifle twist.

The easiest way to explain what that means is that the rifling makes a complete twist 1 time every 14″. Most loads shot through these barrels were a very short, lightweight bullet in the 40-55 grain category.

You can read a more complete history of the M16, but for now, let’s fast forward to the present.

The early M16A1 utilized a rifle twist rate of 1:12 to stabilize the 55 grain M193.

After the adoption of the M16A2, the military started using a 1:7 rifle twist, which was faster. The rifling made a complete revolution within 7″ now instead of 14.” We are talking twice as fast.

The military also adopted a longer, heavier projectile with the SS109 steel core projectiles loaded in the M855 cartridge.

The current example of an M4 carbine with a twist rate of 1:7 to stabilize the 62 grain M855.

Capitalism at Its Finest

So why are there multiple rifle twists on the civilian market with the 1:9, 1:8, and the 1:7 as stated before?

Short answer: Capitalism.

Taste Of Freedom

If you are a red-blooded American, you enjoy the perks of capitalism.

The one drawback of capitalism though is that the market breeds more choices and more decisions. A lot of barrel manufacturers sell all of the top three rifle twists in their barrels, and it can be a little daunting when you are trying to figure out which one to get.

We covered the fact that you need to properly stabilize a bullet, and we have covered a quick history of different rifle twists. Stick with me here, because I am going to make this a very easy decision for you.

A Lot of Bad Info

Out in the unnatural world of the interwebs, you can run into a lot of bad information regarding practically anything. Rifle twist and bullet choice are no different.

When it comes to slower rifle twist, i.e. 1:14, 1:12, 1:9, you really shouldn’t be shooting bullet weights over 65 grains or the equivalent length for a 65-grain bullet. It won’t damage your rifle, but you will have very poor accuracy.

Are bad twist rates why Stormtroopers can’t hit anything?

It is absolutely true that heavier, longer bullets in the 69-85 grain flavors like faster rifle twists of 1:8, or 1:7. When someone tells you, “if you want to shoot some operator level Mk262 77 grain OTM ammo, you need a 1:7 twist”, believe that they have your best interest at heart.

But what about an all-purpose twist you may ask?

Maybe you are just like me, and you want a barrel twist that can excel with the heavier 77 grain or 85-grain loads, BUT at the same time you want to get out and smoke some woodchucks or prairie dogs, and you would like a 40-grain bullet to shoot accurately?

Can you “over-stabilize” a lighter bullet with too fast of a rifling twist?

Ammo for days! A sampling of the different loads shot for the experiment

Shoot, Switch Ammo, Repeat

I decided to run through a little experiment with multiple loads of .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO. Ten different loads to be exact. And to make this even more scientific, I did it with two different rifles that both have a 1:7 rifle twist.

The first rifle that I tested is a home-rolled rifle that utilizes a Radical Barrels, LLC 20″ 416R stainless barrel. Rick Hoffmeyer of Radical Barrels, LLC made it for me, and it’s a fantastic barrel.

The optic on this rifle is an ACME Machine 6-24x50mm FFP TR-MOA. For the price, it is hard to beat for a first-focal-plane optic.

Author’s two rifles used for the accuracy test of a 1:7 rifle twist

The second rifle is a factory Bushmaster Minimalist that Remington had me use on a hog hunt down in Texas at the Spike Box Ranch. (If you ever get offered a chance to go there, don’t think about it. DO IT.) The only thing I added to this rifle was an ACME Machine 1-8x28mm FFP low-powered variable optic.

Glass clarity on this scope is impressive, to say the least. Both rifles used scope mounts from Green Blob Outdoors, and for the price, are exceptionally solid scope mounts that lock down tight.

From the lightest grain bullet to heaviest shot was:

Hornady 40 Grain V-Max
Winchester 45 Grain JHP
Federal 50 Grain JHP (Varming & Predator)
Remington UMC 50 Grain JHP
Tul-Ammo 55 grain FMJ (Just for the hell of it.)
Barnes 55 Grain TSX
Remington 55 Grain PSP
Barnes 62 Grain TSX
IMI 77 Grain OTM Razorcore
Barnes 85 Grain OTM

Moment of Truth

With ten different loads, all varying from the lightest/shortest to the heaviest/longest projectile that will fit inside the mag well of an AR15, I went about firing 3 round groups with each load at 100 yards to test how well each bullet would do.

I fully understand that some purists may be wringing their hands in the air because I did not do 5 shot groups. I get it. When I really test accuracy for a specific load, I fire 5-10 round groups to really see its potential.

The reality of the situation is that I have kids to feed, and a wife that will literally stab me to death in my sleep if I drain my bank account for ammo. She showed me the knife…

While this isn’t a comprehensive accuracy test for each load, this test shows a good representation of the accuracy potential for each load out of a 1:7 rifle twist barrel.

As you can see from the included photos, there was absolutely no loss of accuracy from an “over-stabilized” lighter/shorter bullet.

Both rifles tend to shoot roughly the same point of impact, varying across the whole spectrum of bullet lengths and weights at 100 yards.

Some conventional “wisdom” would dictate that my accuracy should have suffered greatly with the shorter/lighter bullets with a faster 1:7 rifle twist or worst case scenario tumble through the air and keyhole the target. This just isn’t the case.

Within the normal ranges that most shooters fire their rifles, bullet length and twist should not be a concern if you have a faster 1:7 rifle twist.

Targets for the 10 different loads tested out of a 20” Radical Barrel

What should be a concern though, is feeding your rifle quality ammunition, and making sure your barrel is of good quality if you are striving for accuracy. Ultimately, that is the deciding factor of accuracy when using a 1:7 rifle twist.

Targets for the 10 different loads tested out of a 16” Bushmaster barrel

Decisions, decisions…

So its time to pay the piper, and make a decision on the rifling twist that will best suit your needs as a shooter. My vote is a 1:7, hands down. With a 1:7 rifle twist, shooting quality ammo, you can go as light as you would like with commercially available ammunition.

A case could be made that “over-stabilization” can bring about issues at extended ranges, but why would you honestly shoot a 40-grain projectile past 300 yards? If you are actually trying for accuracy at extended ranges of 300-700 yards, a 69-85 grain bullet is much better suited for the task at hand.

For up-close shooting drills, or within 300 yards, bulk 55 grain M193 will do just fine as well out of a quality barrel when you are on a budget.

Obviously, your mileage may vary, but generally speaking, if a load shoots like a dumpster fire, more than likely, your barrel just doesn’t like that specific mixture of powder weight and bullet style.

In my opinion, it just makes sense to stick with a 1:7 rifle twist! And now that you know how twist rates affect you, you’ll want to know what the Best AR-15 Ammo: Home Defense & Range is for you and your rifle.

What twist rate is your barrel in? What is your favorite ammo? Let us know in the comments!

Ultra-Wide Whitetail Arrowed in Ohio Amish Country

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August 20, 2025

Ultra-Wide Whitetail Arrowed in Ohio Amish Country — There’s a buggyload of buck! The dark, sweeping rack of this Amish country legend is a true show-stopper. Photo courtesy of Isaac Yoder

Isaac Yoder keeps busy. The 26-year-old is Amish, so he isn’t programmed to sit idly by. In fact, it’s his work ethic that eventually started him on the quest to kill an unbelievably wide-racked Ohio whitetail in 2018.

When his brother bought some land near their family farm in Belmont Co., Isaac began spending a lot of time there. He’s a farrier, a job that keeps him quite busy shoeing horses in the community. Isaac’s job actually played a part in how he was able to start hunting a truly superb buck.

Sitting on the porch after work on a hot July day back in ’17, Isaac let his mind drift to deer hunting. It was the time of year when he typically tries to find a buck to go after during hunting season. Without a target buck for the upcoming season picked out, Isaac decided to take a stroll to glass a nearby soybean field.

Right off the bat, he saw some bucks feeding on the tender summer crop. And then, a short distance from the bachelor group, Isaac saw another deer feeding in the field. This one’s head was down, and thus concealed by the beans. But when the deer raised his head, Isaac immediately knew he’d found a buck to go after.

“I’m telling you, when he lifted his head up, I started shaking,” Isaac claims. “The buck’s rack was so wide it seemed to go on forever.”

In fact, Isaac was so taken aback by the animal that he says, “I had the worst case of buck fever right then that I have ever had — more so than on any buck I have ever killed.”

That should tell you something about how wide this buck’s rack really is. It was wide enough, in fact, for Isaac to give the deer the apt nickname “747” in honor of the popular wide-body aircraft model by Boeing.

After spotting the huge whitetail, Isaac spent the rest of the night trying to convince himself that what he’d seen was actually real. The property on which he’d seen the buck butts up to his brother’s, and Isaac and his family had permission to ride their horses on it. But a conversation with the landowner, and an offer to shoe his horses, now meant that Isaac also could hunt the deer there.

Table of Contents

Determined from the Start
Restarting the Chase
In Conclusion

Determined from the Start

Isaac doesn’t own any trail cameras, but a friend of his put some out. Soon they began getting the deer on camera. However, so were some hunters with permission to access neighboring properties. Isaac was determined to act quickly to harvest the magnificent buck before anyone else did.

If you want an example of how dedicated Isaac was to this buck, perhaps the hunter’s first trip to the stand says it all. Trail cameras had shown the buck was showing up around Isaac’s stand around 4:00 a.m. and hanging out until daylight. So, what did Isaac do? On opening morning of archery season, Isaac got into his stand at 1:00 a.m. The determined hunter sat there all day until shooting light had ended. In total, that was 18 hours on stand.

“I had every buck I knew of on the property walk by me at 25 yards and offer me a shot — every buck but him,” Isaac recalls.

He didn’t hunt the next day, and you guessed it: The buck showed up on camera in shooting light! And that’s how things would go between the two of them for the rest of the season. The game of cat-and-mouse dragged on for months, leaving Isaac frazzled.

The bowhunter saw 747 one time during the ’17 season, and he thought for a minute he was going to get a shot. But it didn’t work out that way.

trail cam photo of 747 buck — Trail camera photos of this Ohio bruiser were enough to convince Amish hunter Isaac Yoder that he was after the buck of a lifetime. Amazingly, the buck’s outside spread measures 35 1/8 inches. Photo courtesy of Isaac Yoder

Isaac was hunting a wooded area off a food plot, not far from a set of scrapes. The hunter wanted to be closer to the scrapes, as he felt that’s where 747 might show up. But Isaac was using a climbing tree stand, and there just weren’t any good trees to get in. He ended up being about 60 yards away from the scrapes. Sure enough, his only glimpse of the deer came as the buck worked the scrapes out of bow range.

The thought of letting an arrow loose did cross Isaac’s mind, but he wasn’t about to risk wounding the deer. He didn’t want it to go down like that. In fact, rather than take a shot he wasn’t 100 percent confident in, the gracious hunter would rather someone else make a good, clean shot on 747. That’s true hunter ethics.

On New Year’s Day ’18, 747 rang in the holiday by shedding his antlers. At that point, Isaac was done hunting him. Their chess match would have to wait until the coming fall to resume.

Restarting the Chase

When the time finally came to hunt 747 again, Isaac put together another piece of the puzzle. And he knew it could be the ticket for grounding the extra-wide buck.

The hunter worked out a deal with a neighboring landowner to be able to hunt a property that lies adjacent to the one where Isaac had first spotted the buck The landowner lives out of town and hunts the property himself, along with his children. Still, he gave Isaac the go-ahead. In exchange for hunting rights to the property, Isaac agreed to plant and maintain all the food plots on the property. He also vowed to hang and maintain the landowner’s tree stands and box blinds.

Isaac earned his keep around the farm, planting over seven acres of food plots, building and placing two box blinds and hanging and trimming tree stands for the owner, along with placing his own stands.

When September came around, Isaac began seeing 747 in the beans and corn he’d planted at the far end of the farm. Interestingly, though baiting is legal in Ohio, Isaac made the decision that he wasn’t going to hunt this buck over bait. Simply put, the hunter wanted to use another strategy to harvest the special whitetail.

As the season drew on, Isaac explains, the monster buck was showing up on camera nearly every day, either at one of the locations that Isaac wasn’t hunting or at a time when he wasn’t in the stand.

The labor of two hunting seasons was starting to wear on Isaac. He admits that by that time, he was physically and mentally drained. He just wanted the saga to end, one way or another.

Eerily, in mid-October, 747 vanished. Photos and all signs of him were gone. Hoping to find an answer to the buck’s disappearance, Isaac traveled to a nearby restaurant to see if he could chat with the father of one of the hunters on a neighboring property. The man frequented the joint, and Isaac had spoken to him of the buck before.

Luckily, Isaac connected with the man there. As the two discussed the deer and his behavior, the man mentioned that his son had gotten a photo of 747 at 4:00 a.m. that morning.

Leaving the restaurant, Isaac said to himself: Huh, typical for that deer to be so unpredictable.

Around the first of November, 747 showed up again around Isaac’s stands — and in daylight. Trail cameras showed him working scrapes at 9:00 a.m. on a regular basis. That’s all Isaac needed to know. The hunt was back on.

One of Isaac’s tree stands was ideal; it was situated in the woods about 80 yards from a food plot in a funnel area where deer travel around a ravine. For the next six days, Isaac hunted that stand. The wind was right, and he took advantage of it. While those six days passed without his seeing the deer, Isaac stayed determined.

The next day, on Nov. 8, Isaac was on stand again. At about 8:00 a.m., he stood up to stretch and looked into the food plot he’d checked just before standing up — and there was the buck. For the first time all season, Isaac was looking at 747 in the flesh.

The bowhunter already knew from the way the deer was walking that he would soon be standing just 18 yards in front of the tree stand. Sure enough, within a few minutes, 747 was working the scrape only steps in front of Isaac’s stand. “It felt like forever before he stopped working that scrape and turned to move so I could get a shot,” he remembers.

When the buck did move, Isaac couldn’t shoot; limbs protected the deer’s vitals. Then, when 747 started walking again, he wasn’t broadside as he’d been before. Instead, the huge buck turned and started walking head-on toward Isaac!

When the behemoth whitetail did finally turn broadside, Isaac drew his Mathews Halon and found a spot behind the buck’s shoulder to settle his pin. Isaac then waited for the buck to stop, but he didn’t. Then Isaac felt his bow arm come up against a tree limb. It was either shoot then or let the bow down.

Isaac shot.

Immediately 747 crashed away, bulldozing everything in his path.

“He even caught a decent-sized tree in his rack and actually ripped it out of the ground,” Isaac remembers. He was fearful the deer would break off part of his rack in the commotion.

After running 80 yards or so, the giant buck faded out of sight. Isaac decided to play it safe and back out of the area. He took the long way out, hoping his caution would prevent him from bumping the wounded buck.

Upon taking up the blood trail, Isaac found what appeared to be an area where the deer had bedded for a period of time. After first backing out to allow time for the buck to expire, Isaac returned to find 747 bedded and still alive. The hunter stalked to within 20 yards of him and landed a lethal follow-up shot.

And just like that, Isaac’s 2-year quest for the mega-wide whitetail had ended. Next, the celebrations commenced. Soon, photos of Isaac’s trophy were circulating on social media throughout the country. As the bowhunter says: “It felt like the whole world knew about this buck.”

In Conclusion

Isaac notes that he couldn’t be more grateful to the landowners who have allowed him to hunt over the years and who played significant parts in his tagging 747. And what of the gracious landowner who allowed Isaac to hunt in exchange for food plot work and stand maintenance? That family couldn’t be happier. There were absolutely no hard feelings or bad thoughts on their part. That’s proof positive they’re stand-up folks.

After being officially scored by a Boone & Crockett measurer, Isaac’s spectacular buck boasted a gross score of 175 inches. The buck is a mainframe 8-pointer with seven addition points. But without a doubt, the most incredible aspect of 747’s unique rack is its incredible width. Officially, the inside spread is a whopping 32 7/8 inches, while the outside is 35 1/8!

Those are numbers virtually never seen on a whitetail rack, and it’s easy to see why 747 garnered so much attention from whitetail fanatics everywhere. Bucks with wingspans so wide they’re named for jetliners just don’t come along every day.

Forrest Fenn’s Treasure Was Discovered in This National Park, but Rangers Want to Keep Exact Location a Secret

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August 20, 2025

Forrest Fenn, treasure, map, wyoming, — Forrest Fenn’s map and treasure which was recently discovered in Wyoming.

It’s been almost two years since Forrest Fenn’s riddle was solved, and the $2 million worth of treasure he’d buried was found. Until recently, the only thing we knew about its location was that it was in Wyoming. Until now.

A recent article on Outside Online has revealed that the treasure was buried in ‘an iconic American landmark’ in Yellowstone National Park. Park Rangers are aware of the exact location but want to keep it a secret. They’re concerned that should the exact location be revealed, it would become swamped by tourists, damaging the fragile landscape. However, an ongoing lawsuit against Fenn (who passed away in September 2020) may result in that location being revealed.

Author Forrest Fenn confirmed in a blog post in July 2020 that his chest filled with $2 million worth of treasure was found in Wyoming.

Many of the searchers for my treasure had solves that seemed to neatly fit the clues in my poem. Then when the finder found and retrieved the treasure, other searchers wondered how close they had been to the right spot. Because I promised the finder I would not reveal who found it or where, I have remained mostly silent.

However, the finder understands how important some closure is for many searchers, so today he agreed that we should reveal that the treasure was found in Wyoming. Until he found the treasure, the treasure had not moved in the 10 years since I left it there on the ground, and walked away.

Perhaps today’s announcement will bring some closure to those whose solves were in New Mexico, Colorado, or Montana.

To all of those who did not find the treasure, we hope that you got some enjoyment from the chase. f

For a decade, the $2-million treasure chest sat undiscovered in the Rocky Mountains, with the only man who knew where it was leaving clues to its whereabouts, promising whoever found it could keep it. At least four died in its pursuit, and many sacrificed jobs and their livelihoods. Finally, some lucky sleuth found it. But that didn’t stop the disbelievers.

Forrest Fenn, treasure chest, — Forrest Fenn with his treasure chest that was found in Wyoming.

As is the case with many mysteries, there were plenty of people calling it a hoax, claiming conspiracy theories and disbelieving it even existed. But Forrest Fenn, the man behind the quest, put those theories to rest by releasing pictures of the discovered treasure.

Forrest Fenn, treasure, — Photos taken by the man who discovered it.

The 89-year-old art and antiquities collector posted three pictures of the treasure on dalneitzel.com, a fan blog dedicated to the treasure hunt. While some remained skeptical, most of the comments on the site congratulated the finder and thanked Fenn for the experience.

It all started when art dealer and former air force pilot, Forrest Fenn, revealed in his self-published 2010 novel, “The Thrill of the Chase”, that he had buried a lockbox full of about 2 million dollars worth of gold, gems, and artifacts. The clues to the treasure’s whereabouts were hidden in a 24 verse poem that is included in the memoir. Many people have quit their jobs and spent their life savings in the quest to find the buried treasure.

THE TREASURE HAS BEEN FOUND

It was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains, and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago. I do not know the person who found it, but the poem in my book led him to the precise spot.

I congratulate the thousands of people who participated in the search and hope they will continue to be drawn by the promise of other discoveries.

So the search is over. Look for more information and photos in the coming days.

– Forrest Fenn, June 6th 2020

Mr. Fenn stated that the Treasure was located in the 1,000-mile stretch of the Rocky Mountains from New Mexico to the Canadian border and at least 5,000 feet above sea level, in an area that an 80-year-old would not have trouble accessing. Fenn estimates that over 100,000 people have attempted the search for his treasure and originally said that he hoped the hunt would push more people outside to enjoy the wilderness. Asked how he felt now that the treasure has been found, Fenn said: “I don’t know, I feel halfway kind of glad, halfway kind of sad because the chase is over.”

Related: Police Warn of ‘Deadly Pursuit’ as 2 Have Died in 2 Years Searching for Buried Treasure in Rocky Mountains

Within days of the treasure being found, three separate lawsuits were filed by people claiming they solved the puzzle first, with one lady claiming that the man who got to it first “stole her solve”.

Related: Man Who Found Forrest Fenn’s Treasure May Have to Fight For it as 3 Others Claim They Solved Puzzle First

In March 2020, two Coloradan snowmobilers were searching for Forrest Fenn’s elusive treasure when they became stranded, and one died in a Utah park. In June 2017, New Mexico authorities found the body of Paris Wallace, a Colorado Pastor who had joined the hunt. A year before Randy Bilyeu disappeared while searching for the treasure, his remains were found in the Rio Grande seven months later.

treasure, Rocky Mountains, deadly, wyoming, — The map and clues left by Fenn. Credit: Instagram

Best Budget Muzzleloaders for 2024

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August 20, 2025

Over the last few years, prices on just about everything in the hunting industry have been gradually increasing, with muzzleloaders being no exception to this trend. With those price increases, we have seen many new and exciting products introduced, such as the Traditions NitroFire™ and the CVA™ Paramount.

However, the majority of hunters have a hard time justifying the purchase of a muzzleloader that is in the $600 to $2000 range, especially the hunters that live in regions with limited muzzleloading opportunities. Knowing this, we want to ensure that we offer highly effective muzzleloaders for a price that can be easily afforded by anyone who would like to give muzzleloader hunting a shot.

Our team set out to determine which muzzleloader is the best for hunters on a budget. Both of the muzzleloaders that were considered by our team are available with a scope for under $400. Below are our top two picks for the best budget muzzleloaders, with the winner listed at the end of this article.

Table of Contents

CVA™ Wolf V2
Traditions™ Buckstalker XT
Conclusion

CVA™ Wolf V2

The CVA Wolf™ V2 has been one of the most popular muzzleloaders in the US for almost a decade. With the compact design and affordable price point, the Wolf V2 is an excellent choice for someone looking to get into muzzleloading at an affordable level. The ability to get this muzzleloader with open sights for around $300 and with a scope and case for under $400 makes the CVA Wolf V2 an extremely attractive gun for many hunters. With a weight of only 6.25 pounds, its compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for all hunting applications. It also features the CVA Quick Release Breech Plug, which allows for tool-free removal of the breech plug and a hassle-free cleaning process. When it comes to budget muzzleloaders, the CVA Wolf V2 is leading the pack as one of the best.

Traditions™ Buckstalker XT

The Traditions™ Buckstalker XT™ offers all of the same great features of the original Buckstalker design, yet for 2024, Traditions has added the Elite XT™ trigger. This is the same premium trigger that is offered in the Traditions Pursuit VAPR™ XT and it provides a crisp and clean trigger pull.

Traditions prides themselves on producing some of the safest muzzleloaders on the market and with its trigger safety and internal block safety, the Buckstalker XT is no exception. This rifle also features the Traditions Accelerator Breech Plug, which is removed in only three turns, making the cleaning and unloading process incredibly quick and easy.

The Buckstalker XT is available with a scope for under $400 and can be purchased with a CeraKote™ finish for a small increase in price. The Traditions Buckstalker XT is a feature-rich muzzleloader that is sure to be effective in the woods and on the range.

Conclusion

Both CVA™ Wolf and Traditions™ Buckstalker XT muzzleloaders are excellent choices for anyone on a budget and wanting to experience muzzleloading, however, our choice for the best budget muzzleloader goes to the Traditions Buckstalker XT.

Though it is not quite as affordable as the CVA Wolf, we believe that the additional safety features, the Elite XT trigger, and the ability to upgrade to a CeraKote finish, give this muzzleloader an edge over the CVA Wolf.

We hope that this makes your decision a little bit easier and if you have any questions then feel free to contact our knowledgeable customer service at sales@muzzle-loaders.com or 1-855-236-5000.

Tips and Tactics for Calling Late-Winter Coyotes

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August 20, 2025

By Valentine’s Day you’ve probably felt the pain: the agony of having coyotes shun your calls. It’s not out of the ordinary for coyote-calling success to dwindle as the days begin to grow longer with spring’s approach. Educated coyotes are top misery makers, and many of the less wary are MIA due to a date with fur-shed destiny. Dr. Phil consultation won’t help this pain, but tweaking your coyote strategy could assist you in landing one more fawn-eater in your truck bed. Here are late-winter tactics from four experts to help you close out the season.

Play Love SongsNineteen-year coyote-hunting veteran and Mossy Oak pro-staffer Heath Wood has hunted coyotes across the Great Plains, but he spends most of his time pursuing Show Me State ’yotes. He understands the tests late-season coyotes pose, but also knows coyotes have a weakness during this period: love.

“One of my favorite calling techniques for late season is adding estrus whimpers, whines and female howls,” says Wood. “I start off the setup with three to four subtle howls on a diaphragm call or an open-reed howler. After the howls I wait four to five minutes then continue with some type of distress sound. I add coyote vocals to the end of the sequence, usually doing this on the last stand of the day after the distress sounds have played for around 30 minutes.”

Wood believes this strategy delivers because instead of giving coyotes just one reason to visit his calls, he piques their interest in everything important to a coyote. However, he stresses it’s the ending vocals, female whimpers and submissive howls that play a major role in late-season success.

Feed Them CrowSteve Criner, host of “Dog Soldier TV” on the Sportsman Channel, realizes late-season coyotes pose a threat to his production schedule. When he hits a wall with other calls, Criner immediately switches to a standby he’s used for years: crows. Crows, magpies, jays and other scavengers of the air provide coyotes with information about kill sites, and they instill coyote confidence through their keen observations from above.

“Like most coyote hunters I hunt ranches that are beat up and shot up by me or other hunters,” admits Criner. “To call in educated coyotes I rely on crow mobs for late-season success.” Criner starts his set with a long, drawn-out, subtle howl. After watching for a few minutes, he introduces the sounds of a crow and hawk quarreling. A few minutes later he adds more crows fighting with a single hawk. As this all heats up he augments the disturbance with one more ingredient: the sound of a rabbit in distress. To mix the sounds he utilizes an electronic caller along with mouth calls.

“You usually call in crows, and they see everything, so you need to be well camouflaged to prevent them from sounding an alarm. If you create a crow mob you’ve created what I call the Dog Soldier smoke signal. It’s a confidence visual that coyotes run to as their territoriality, curiosity and hunger impulses kick in. It creates the perfect situation,” asserts Criner.

Mock the TalkLevi Johnson has 30 years of coyote hunting experience, including decoy-dog adventures that provide content for his popular online video series, “Doggin’ with Levi.” He hunts coyotes the entire year and understands the trials late in the fur season. To make wary coyotes show themselves, Johnson prefers to challenge them—or as he puts it, “irritate the living heck out of them.”

It’s easy to find a challenge howl recording on most electronic callers these days, but Johnson goes beyond that sound. In fact, he often shies from a true challenge howl since it can be too threatening to young or subordinate coyotes. He prefers to return the same message a coyote sends to him.

“I don’t use a lot of challenge howls, but I use a lot of lone howling,” shares Johnson. “During the breeding season and even later I make the howl long and draw it out. When I get a coyote to challenge or howl back I immediately respond with the same howling. I talk the same talk he’s talking to me. It’s the same as two adults talking and one mocking the other by repeating everything. It’s irritating and makes coyotes come in to look.”

In addition to repeating every sound a coyote yips back, Johnson sets up to make a coyote look for his calls. He places his FoxPro caller some distance away from his position and upwind, plus he hides it in brush tall enough to cloak a coyote. If a coyote arrives on scene and can’t see the responding “coyote” in the brush, the irritated canine is forced to come closer for a look.

Stage a FightPredator Quest pro-staff manager Matt Piippo specializes in coyote vocalizations, and few hunters can match the canine realism he produces with a mouth diaphragm. He refers to late-season coyotes as “fool me twice” coyotes and realizes they’ve heard it all. For him a new sound is in order, and his go-to is the ruckus of quarreling coyotes.

“I kick off 90 percent of my stands with a female howl. In the late season I make it pathetic to send a message of a female asking if anyone is out there,” explains Piippo. “If there isn’t a response I answer it with a more aggressive howl and then wrap it with a yip howl.”

All along, Piippo ramps up the aggressiveness of the message. A response from a distant coyote prompts him to possibly send a challenge howl back. Nevertheless, in the middle of his theatrics he initiates the growls of a fight, complete with coyote distress cries.

“These sounds tell coyotes within earshot that a fight has started in their territory,” he notes. “It could be over boundaries or it could be about breeding, but the fighting sounds are central to fooling coyotes late in the season. Stay on stand for up to an hour and be prepared for a coyote to show up anytime.”

Hot Times to HowlBrian R. Mitchell conducted a two-year coyote vocalization study at the Dye Creek Preserve in California for his doctorate degree. During the study Mitchell discovered coyotes have individual voices identified through spectrogram deciphering. He also noted that howls recorded from real coyotes and then played back made radio-collared subjects approach from at least a kilometer away.

“Approaches were most common when playbacks were within the responding animal’s home range, during the first half of the year, and at or before sunrise,” Mitchell documented. “Territorial coyotes were twice as likely to respond as transients.” His study also noted that barks didn’t send the same, attractive information. As you can see from your own canine pal, barks oftentimes send an alarm message. Mitchell included human imitations of coyotes in his study. When compared to recordings of real coyotes, human calls “generated similar levels of approach responses.” This is great news for hunters who don’t rely on electronic callers.

Last March I had a free weekend to give the coyotes one more chance to ride in my truck. Instead of carrying on a lengthy message I simply howled several times and shut up to watch. Forty-five minutes later a coyote walked leisurely out of a brushy draw with a suspicious, yet brave approach. The slap of my Hornady V-Max signaled a successful ending to my coyote season with nothing more than a howl for attraction.

Why do deer dash in front of vehicles?

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August 20, 2025

“Why do deer risk their lives in front of speeding cars? Exploring the mysterious behavior that drives these majestic creatures into harm’s way, this headline delves into the intriguing reasons behind why deer have a tendency to dart across roads, posing a dangerous situation for both drivers and themselves. Uncover the factors at play and gain insights into this puzzling phenomenon.”

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Behavior: Why Do Deer Run in Front of Cars?
- Tips to Avoid Deer Collisions:
2. The Science Behind Deer Behavior: Explaining Their Tendency to Run in Front of Cars
3. Unveiling the Mystery: Reasons Behind Deer Running in Front of Cars
4. Decoding Deer Behavior: What Causes Them to Run in Front of Cars?
- Factors that cause deer to run in front of cars:
5. Deer and Car Collisions: Exploring the Factors that Lead to Run-Ins
6. Avoiding Car Accidents with Deer: Insights into Why They Run in Front of Vehicles

1. Understanding the Behavior: Why Do Deer Run in Front of Cars?

Deer running in front of cars is a common occurrence, and understanding their behavior can help drivers better anticipate and avoid collisions. Here are some reasons why deer may run in front of cars:

1. Sudden Movement: Deer are known for their quick and unpredictable movements. They may suddenly dart across the road without warning, making it difficult for drivers to react in time.

2. Territorial Instincts: During mating season, male deer become more aggressive and territorial. They may chase females or engage in fights with other males, leading them to cross roads in search of a mate or to defend their territory.

3. Foraging Patterns: Deer are herbivores and rely on vegetation for food. They often graze near roadsides where grass and plants are abundant. This puts them at risk of crossing roads while searching for food.

4. Habitat Fragmentation: As urban areas expand, natural habitats for deer are being fragmented by roads and development. This forces deer to navigate through unfamiliar territories, increasing the likelihood of encounters with vehicles.

To mitigate the risk of deer collisions, drivers should remain vigilant, especially during peak activity times such as dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. Additionally, using high beams when driving in low-light areas can improve visibility and allow drivers to spot deer from a greater distance.

Tips to Avoid Deer Collisions:

– Upgrade your headlights to LED or HID bulbs for improved visibility.
– Be cautious when driving on roads bordered by woods or vegetation.
– Slow down if you spot a deer as they often travel in groups.
– Look out for glowing yellow eyes that indicate the presence of a deer.
– Pay attention to road signs indicating high deer populations.
– Use high beams when driving in low-light areas but remember to dim them for approaching vehicles.
– Be alert for recently killed deer on the side of the road, as more may be nearby.

In the event of a deer running in front of your car, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and take necessary precautions. Stay in your lane and apply the brakes evenly until you come to a stop. Avoid swerving into oncoming traffic, as this can lead to more severe accidents.

If a collision with a deer does occur, pull over if possible and ensure everyone in your vehicle is safe. Refrain from approaching or touching the injured deer, as they may be disoriented and pose a risk. Instead, contact the police to report the incident.

It is also important for drivers to review their auto insurance policies, especially comprehensive coverage, which may provide coverage for damage caused by animal strikes. By having appropriate insurance coverage, drivers can protect themselves financially in case of such accidents.

To ensure you have the right coverage for your car, you can log in to your Progressive account or call 1-866-749-7436. Progressive offers online auto insurance quotes and personalized assistance to help drivers find suitable coverage options.

Overall, understanding deer behavior and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of collisions with these animals while driving. Stay alert, drive cautiously, and prioritize safety on the road.

2. The Science Behind Deer Behavior: Explaining Their Tendency to Run in Front of Cars

Deer are known for their tendency to run in front of cars, causing accidents and damage. Understanding the science behind their behavior can help shed light on why they behave this way.

One reason deer may run in front of cars is due to their natural instincts. When faced with a potential threat, deer have a flight response, meaning they instinctively try to escape by running away. This flight response is triggered when they perceive danger, such as the sound or sight of an approaching vehicle. Unfortunately, this often leads them to run directly into the path of oncoming cars.

Another factor that contributes to deer running in front of cars is their limited depth perception. Deer have eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, which gives them a wide field of view but reduces their ability to judge distances accurately. As a result, they may misjudge the speed and distance of an approaching car, leading them to make poor decisions when crossing roads.

Additionally, mating season plays a role in deer-related accidents. During the breeding season from October to January, male deer become more active and aggressive as they compete for mates. This increased activity puts them at higher risk of crossing roads and colliding with vehicles.

To mitigate the risk of deer accidents, it’s important for drivers to be aware of these behavioral patterns and take necessary precautions. Slowing down during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours can help reduce the likelihood of encountering deer on the road. Being vigilant and keeping an eye out for glowing eyes or recently killed deer can also provide valuable warning signs.

In conclusion, understanding the science behind deer behavior can help drivers anticipate their actions and take appropriate measures to avoid collisions. By being aware of when and where deer are most active and implementing safety measures like upgrading headlights and staying alert while driving at night, motorists can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of both themselves and these majestic creatures.

3. Unveiling the Mystery: Reasons Behind Deer Running in Front of Cars

Deer running in front of cars is a common occurrence that can result in accidents and damage to vehicles. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help drivers be more prepared and cautious on the road.

One reason why deer may run in front of cars is due to their natural instinct to flee from perceived threats. When startled or scared, deer will often run in a straight line, which can unfortunately lead them directly into the path of oncoming vehicles. This instinctive response is heightened during mating season when deer are more active and prone to sudden movements.

Another factor that contributes to deer running in front of cars is their habitat and environment. As human development expands into natural areas, deer populations are increasingly forced to navigate through unfamiliar territories, including roads and highways. This increased interaction with roadways puts them at a higher risk of colliding with vehicles.

Additionally, certain weather conditions can influence deer behavior and increase the likelihood of encounters with cars. For example, heavy rain or snowfall can disrupt their usual patterns and force them onto roadways in search of food or shelter.

To mitigate the risk of collisions with deer, it is important for drivers to remain vigilant, especially during peak activity times such as dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. Following the tips mentioned earlier, such as upgrading headlights and reducing speed when encountering wooded areas or deer crossing signs, can greatly reduce the chances of an accident.

In conclusion, understanding why deer run in front of cars can help drivers anticipate their behavior and take necessary precautions on the road. By being aware of their natural instincts, habitat encroachment, and how weather conditions may affect their movements, drivers can better protect themselves and avoid collisions with these unpredictable animals.

4. Decoding Deer Behavior: What Causes Them to Run in Front of Cars?

Deer are known for their unpredictable behavior, especially when it comes to running in front of cars. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help drivers take necessary precautions to avoid accidents.

Factors that cause deer to run in front of cars:

Territorial instinct: During mating season, male deer become more aggressive and territorial. They may chase other animals or vehicles, leading them to run across roads without warning.
Escape response: When startled or frightened, deer have a strong instinct to flee. If they perceive a car as a threat, they may panic and run directly into its path.
Poor depth perception: Deer have limited depth perception, which means they may misjudge the distance and speed of approaching vehicles. This can result in them running into the path of an oncoming car.
Habitat fragmentation: As urban areas expand and encroach upon natural habitats, deer are forced to navigate unfamiliar territory. This increases the likelihood of them crossing roads and encountering vehicles.

It’s important for drivers to be aware of these factors and adjust their driving habits accordingly. By understanding why deer behave the way they do, drivers can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of collisions with these animals.

5. Deer and Car Collisions: Exploring the Factors that Lead to Run-Ins

Deer and car collisions are a common occurrence, with over one million accidents involving deer each year. These accidents result in approximately $1 billion in damages. It is important to understand the factors that contribute to these run-ins in order to reduce the chances of hitting a deer while driving.

Factors Contributing to Deer and Car Collisions

1. Location: While it is commonly believed that deer accidents only happen in rural areas, they can occur anywhere, including suburban areas and highways. However, living in a rural area does increase the likelihood of encountering a deer on the road.

2. Time of Day: Deer are most active during dawn, dusk, and a few hours after sunset. These low-light conditions make it difficult for drivers to spot them on the road.

3. Mating Season: Deer mating season occurs from October to January, during which they are more prevalent on roads. Animal strike claims are more than twice as likely in November compared to other times of the year.

Tips for Avoiding Deer Accidents

To minimize the risk of hitting a deer while driving, consider following these tips:

1. Upgrade your headlights: LED or HID bulbs produce brighter lights than traditional halogen bulbs, making it easier to spot animals from a distance.

2. Be cautious near wooded areas: If you are driving on a road surrounded by woods, be aware that deer could be lurking just out of sight, ready to dash across the road.

3. Slow down: Since deer usually travel in groups, if you spot one on the road, there may be more nearby. Reduce your speed and be prepared for additional deer crossing.

4. Look for glowing eyes: Deer have yellow eyes that appear to glow in the dark. If you see glowing eyes, assume it is a deer and slow down.

5. Pay attention to road signs: Deer crossing signs indicate areas with a high deer population. Stay vigilant when driving through these areas.

6. Use high beams: In low-light areas with minimal or no streetlamps, use your high beams for better visibility. However, remember to switch them off when approaching other vehicles.

7. Watch out for recently killed deer: If you come across a recently hit deer on the side of the road, be aware that there may be others nearby.

Actions to Take if a Deer Runs in Front of Your Car

If a deer suddenly appears in front of your car, take the following steps:

1. Blow your horn: Honking your horn can startle the deer and potentially scare it away from the road.

2. Stay in your lane: Avoid swerving into oncoming traffic if you see a deer. Instead, stay in your lane and apply the brakes evenly until you come to a stop.

Dealing with an Accident

If despite your efforts, you end up hitting a deer, follow these actions:

1. Pull over safely: If possible, pull over to ensure the safety of yourself and others in the vehicle.

2. Seek medical attention if necessary: If anyone in the car requires medical assistance due to injuries sustained from the collision, seek immediate medical attention.

3. Do not touch the deer: Disoriented and injured animals can be dangerous. Avoid approaching or touching the deer and instead contact local authorities or animal control.

4. Check your auto policy: If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, you may be covered for damages caused by hitting an animal like a deer (minus your deductible).

By understanding when and where deer are most active and taking precautions while driving, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering a deer on the road and minimize the risk of a collision.

6. Avoiding Car Accidents with Deer: Insights into Why They Run in Front of Vehicles

Deer accidents are a common occurrence on the roads, causing significant damage and posing a risk to both drivers and the animals themselves. Understanding why deer run in front of vehicles can help drivers take necessary precautions to avoid such accidents.

One reason why deer may run in front of vehicles is their natural instinct to flee from perceived threats. When startled or scared, deer often react by running away, sometimes directly into the path of oncoming cars. This behavior is particularly common during mating season when deer are more active and prone to sudden movements.

Additionally, deer are attracted to certain areas that provide them with food and shelter. Roads that pass through wooded or rural areas are more likely to have higher deer populations, increasing the chances of encountering them while driving. It’s important for drivers in these areas to be extra vigilant and cautious.

To reduce the risk of hitting a deer, there are several steps drivers can take:

1. Be aware of the times when deer are most active: Dawn, dusk, and a few hours after sunset are peak times for deer activity. Drivers should exercise extra caution during these periods.

2. Upgrade headlights: Using LED or HID bulbs instead of traditional halogen lights can improve visibility on the road, making it easier to spot animals from a distance.

3. Slow down and stay alert: If one deer is spotted, there may be others nearby. Slowing down allows for better reaction time if additional deer suddenly appear.

4. Look for glowing eyes: Deer have yellow eyes that appear to glow in low light conditions. If you see glowing eyes along the roadside, assume it’s a deer and reduce your speed.

5. Pay attention to road signs: Areas with high deer populations often have warning signs indicating potential crossings. These signs serve as a reminder for drivers to be cautious and watch out for deer.

6. Use high beams in low-light areas: When driving in areas with limited lighting, using high beams can improve visibility. However, drivers should be mindful of turning them off when approaching other vehicles.

In the unfortunate event of a deer running in front of your car, it’s important to take certain steps to protect yourself and minimize damage:

1. Stay in your lane: Swerving to avoid a deer can lead to more dangerous situations, such as colliding with oncoming traffic. It’s best to stay in your lane and apply the brakes evenly until you come to a stop.

2. Pull over if possible: If it’s safe to do so, pull over after the incident to ensure everyone in the vehicle is okay and assess any damage.

3. Do not approach or touch the deer: Injured or disoriented deer can be unpredictable and may pose a danger if approached. Instead, contact local authorities or animal control to handle the situation.

4. Check your insurance coverage: If you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage, you may be protected against damage caused by animal strikes. Review your policy and contact your insurance provider for further information.

By understanding when and where deer are most active and taking necessary precautions while driving, drivers can reduce their chances of hitting a deer and keep themselves safe on the road.

In conclusion, the behavior of deer running in front of cars can be attributed to a combination of factors such as instinctual responses to perceived threats, lack of awareness of vehicles, and habitat encroachment. Understanding these reasons can help drivers anticipate deer crossings and take necessary precautions to minimize accidents.

Highest FPS Air Rifle Without Needing a License

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August 20, 2025