Bald eagles are apex predators in North America and have been known to attack and eat small animals, including cats. While eagles typically go after prey that is sick or wounded, they have been known to attack healthy animals if they are hungry enough. If you have a cat that spends time outdoors, it is important to be aware of the risk of an eagle attack. There are steps you can take to protect your cat, including keeping it indoors or supervising it when it is outside.

Because the Bald Eagle has powerful hooked beaks and large claws, cats can be killed by one of its large claws or beaks. In general, bald eagles will not target cats. When the bird catches fish out of the water with its talons, it will use its prey to pull it from the water. Despite their lack of aggression, bald eagles are not considered dangerous to humans. Preyers can kill bald eagles, but they are more likely to kill their eaglets or eggs. Bald eagles have been killed when they perch on power lines in the past. Although the Bald Eagle is not endangered, it is protected by a variety of federal laws and regulations.

Bald eagles were granted protection by the Continental Congress in 1777. If old forests where Bald eagles can often live are removed, they will most likely no longer be able to find a home and will die. It is illegal under the 1972 amendment to the United States Constitution to kill a Bald Eagle. It is possible to be fined $5,000 or imprisoned for up to one year for the same offense. If you are caught twice, you will face a $10,000 fine and two years in prison.

How Heavy Of An Animal Can A Bald Eagle Pick Up?

What are the Heaviest Eagle Hunting Calls? A bald eagle can travel up to 7 pounds if it is in good health. Even with larger eagles, they can only carry 12 to 13 pounds at a time, making them nearly impossible for larger eagles to lift.

How much weight can an adult bald eagle carry? A bald eagle carries a large stick, as seen by photographer Alex Lamine on November 4th, 2015 at Berry College. Mr. North dropped an unknown object of unknown weight from the ground on November 6, 2019, despite the fact that it appeared to be more than he could lift from the ground. As the air pressure rises and the wind picks up, the ability to take off and stay airborne increases, all of which affects the ability to fly and then stay airborne at the same time. The FAA points out that center of gravity deviations of less than three inches can have a significant impact on handling characteristics of fully loaded aircraft. A few of Neil Rettig’s observations from filming bald eagles along the Mississippi river were shared. According to Jim, eagles can lift even more in high winds.

Bald eagles are commonly thought to weigh less than 50-60% of their body weight. A bald eagle should have a body weight of 10%. If the incentives and flying conditions were optimal, the aircraft may have a greater capacity. With a weight of 108%, eagles can carry or glide. Among birds with males, the American kestrel has 145%, the Pallas’ Fish Eagle has 160%, and the tiny Calliope Hummingbird has 116%. DM2 took the fight to the Berry College girl after Mr. North and the Berry College male both failed. After he dropped the stick, it was much easier for him to lift from the ground. DM2 appeared to glide down rather than lift up, carrying him right into the nest, and his giant stick appeared to carry him all the way.

The worst nightmare for birds is when they come into contact with dogs. According to the National Wildlife Federation, eagles are not afraid to lift a dog up to 15 pounds, and they frequently do so. They are known for their incredible hunting ability, which is attributed to their strength and agility. Hawks, including eagles, eat dogs the most. The dogs, as small and weak as they are, are easy prey for predators. Birds of prey have become more common in urban and suburban areas, posing a threat to humans and their pets. They are magnificent birds capable of catching a lot of food, and they are powerful and powerful birds. The eagle is a predator, capable of catching and carrying small animals in addition to catching and carrying small prey. Make sure your dog is kept indoors and kept in close observation if you are concerned that he or she will be snatched by an eagle.

What Bird Can Pick Up A Cat?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the size and strength of the bird in question. Generally speaking, however, most birds would not be able to pick up a cat due to the size difference between the two animals. There have been isolated incidents of birds carrying off small kittens or cats, but this is rare and would likely require an exceptionally large and strong bird.

When a cat is looking for something, it is referred to as an opportunistic hunter. Birds, mice, rats, and other small vertebrates will all be consumed by these creatures. It is critical that a cat bite into an animal’s neck as soon as possible in order to kill it. The bite will break the spine, crush the trachea, or sever the carotid artery, all while snapping your neck. The cat will begin its hunt by stalking its prey. It will keep an eye on the bird while lowering itself to the ground. The cat usually advances quickly on the bird. When the cat reaches its range, it will leap at the bird, aiming its palm at it as it pounces.

Large owls are thought to have carried away cats in the past. Because cats and owls are nocturnal creatures, they are more active at night. Although it is extremely unlikely and very rare, large owl species are said to have carried away cats. It is common for owls and cats to spend the majority of their time in the dark at night. In general, owls are the primary prey for small dogs and cats under the age of 20 pounds. Despite the anecdotal evidence, it is not something that should be taken lightly, despite the fact that this is a highly unlikely occurrence. The owl and cat should not be treated lightly and should not be overlooked as predators capable of causing significant harm.

Cats Are Safe From Being Picked Up By Hawks, Bald Eagles, And Ravens

Cats cannot be picked up by a raven, hawk, or bald eagle because they are too small. In general, crows can catch and pick up a small cat, but this is unlikely because after catching the cat, the crow can move on to another prey.

Do Bald Eagles Attack Pets?

Small dogs and puppies, particularly toy or miniature breeds, are especially vulnerable to being attacked by birds of prey, according to The Spruce Pets. Large raptors are known to prey on animals weighing up to 20 pounds as part of a hunt.

Experts tell me that an eagle almost never attacks your dog. Bald eagles can carry up to three pounds in weight, with one to two pounds per animal. Eagle attacks on dogs weighing less than three pounds are not as common as they are on cats. Goldfinches, tree sparrows, and snow buntings are the most common birds to be seen on the roadside. Birds are typically in a body temperature range of 105 degrees F to 105 degrees F, and the more fluff they generate, the more air they expel. Are freeze-dried mealworms of the same type as live mealworms? In the winter months, there are fewer migrating birds and a few remaining in Duluth.

Birds consume fat on a daily basis in the winter to help protect themselves from cold weather. Because raw suet is available during the winter months, the plant is similar to what Mother Nature provides for mammals. You can also make homemade fatty treats and suet cakes, both of which are excellent.

What are some things that eat the bald eagle? Bald eagles, which are carnivorous animals, are not preyed upon in the wild. bobcats, wolverines, black bears, foxes, raccoons, and large birds are all common prey species for these young. Farmers, hunters, and ranchers have all tried various methods of removing these predators, but they remain a problem. Scarecrows are said to deter eagles from using an area for a short period of time, typically three weeks. If dogs are aggressive toward predators, they may repel eagles. Hazing with aircraft has a limited economic value and must be approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Despite its status as the national bird of the United States, the bald eagle is vulnerable. We must all work together as a nation to make certain that these birds are protected, which is why the US Fish and Wildlife Service is working to protect them.

Bald Eagles: Don’t Let Your Pets Become A Meal

Birds, according to Gail Buhl, education manager at the Raptor Center, are typically fed fish or other birds, but puppies and kittens can also be fed to eagles. Despite the fact that bald eagles can pick up small puppies, they are not capable of carrying them very far and may sustain injuries if they fall. It is unacceptable to leave your pets outside without your supervision.

Do Eagles Attack Pets

Do eagles attack pets? It is possible for an eagle to attack a pet if the animal is small enough and the eagle is feeling particularly threatened or hungry. However, attacks on pets are not common and typically only occur if the eagle is unable to find other food sources.

Birds, unlike venomous reptiles and spiders, can be just as dangerous for small pets. A razor-sharp eagle‘s nacelle is capable of impaleing prey at a rate of 400 pounds per square inch. When diving, a bald eagle can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. An eagle can attack a dog weighing less than ten pounds at the most dangerous time. If an eagle attack is severe enough, the treatment and prognosis will be determined. In most cases, the dog will not survive unless it has only suffered minor puncture wounds. If your dog is struck by an eagle, there is a chance he will be injured, most likely by breaking bones, concussions, or organ damage.

Cover your dog’s outdoor enclosure if it is located near an eagle or other predatory bird. Small dogs may benefit from wearing protective gear like the puncture-resistant Raptor Shield in order to avoid being attacked by eagles. A short, non-retractable leash is best for playing outside and potty breaks.

The Beagle, on the other hand, may act on its own in response to perceived threats to its safety or to the Beagles’ perceptions of cats as prey. Even if the Beagles are unfamiliar with cats, they may still attack if they are cornered or threatened. Beagles have been accused of attacking cats out of instinct, despite the fact that they have never met cats before. As a result, both the cat and the Beagle may be harmed or even killed. It is critical to remember that even if your Beagle is friendly with cats, it will occasionally attack if threatened or cornered. If you are concerned about your cat’s safety, it is best to keep them separate from the Beagles.

Eagle Attacks: How To Keep Your Pets Safe

As a result, if eagles are in the area, keep your cat indoors during times when it is safe to do so. If you see an eagle in the area, keep your dog on a leash and keep your children away from it.

Do Bald Eagles Eat Rabbits

Some Bald Eagles eat primarily fish; others consume other birds such as gulls and geese, depending on their environment. Some mammals, like rabbits, lambs, and, yes, even adorable kittens, are more common than others on the menu.

Small animals and birds, such as rabbits, hares, grouses, and ptarmigans, are frequently eaten by eagles. A bald eagle can eat both fish and birds, such as ducks, geese, and puffins. Birds such as Golden eagles are common preyers of ducks, but adult owls are rarely targeted in hunting. Birds such as hawks, eagles, and other owls have been observed preying on owls. Birds are naturally enemies of one another, as is the case with eagles and hawks. Birds, like owls, will hunt hawks in order to find nesting sites, and eagles will hunt hawks as well. Bald eagles are capable of preying on cats, whereas most bald eagles are carnivores who primarily consume fish.

Young foxes, as well as full-grown foxes, are also preyed upon by eagles. It is a carnivore that eats rodents, other birds, and snakes. Bald eagles can weigh up to 7 or 8 pounds when they are at their best. Even the world’s largest eagles cannot carry more than 10 or 12 pounds at a time, but a small eagle can carry more than that.

Bald eagles are preyed upon by anglers, and they can be found in high numbers when there are a lot of fish. In addition to seabirds and ducks, small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, prairie dogs, and muskrats can be found on grasslands and marshes. Even though Tuesday’s feline feast may have been shocking or disturbing to some viewers, there are many good reasons to keep your cats indoors, such as “they might get slaughtered and eaten by eagles.”

Do Eagles Eat Rabbits?

Can eagles eat carrot? They consume rabbits. Adult rabbits, even those with small screech owls, can quickly be overwhelmed by the large barn owls, barred owls, hawk owls, or great horned owls that live nearby, even if they are not hunting. What types of rabbits do eagles eat? Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.; hereafter, cottontails) are among the most commonly identified prey items in the diets of golden eagle breeding in the western United States (U.S.). What does a hawk eat besides spiders? Other birds are primarily eaten by Cooper’s Hawks, but if prey appears, they will consume squirrels, rabbits, and rodents. A Cooper’s hawk, unlike other raptors, kills by repeatedly squeezing its prey with its powerful talons, unlike other raptors that kill by grabbing their prey and biting the heads off.

Do Bald Eagles Eat Chickens

When the eagle is gliding down, it unfurls its hand-like claws, scoops up a chicken, and then circles up a branch to eat, with the larger bird laying the smaller bird on the branch for easy eating. The eagle’s beak is quite effective at removing the meat of other birds, but it is unknown when the chicken dies.

Bald eagles are on the loose at White Oak Farm in rural Georgia every winter. With little time and resources, the farmers are racing to adapt. One of the largest pasture flocks can be found here in White Oak. Approximately 60,000 birds wander the land on a regular basis, as long as the land is pasture-raised. Gary Harris sought assistance from the National Audubon Society in dealing with the birds. White Oak Pastures, a 2,500-acre farm in Georgia, raises pigs, chickens, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and many other animals. Because the animals move across the land and their droppings help fertilize it, this arrangement benefits both birds and ruminants.

The chickens also consume bugs found in cow dung, reducing the number of pests that can affect the cattle. We sell our products in Whole Foods in major cities throughout the southeastern United States, including Miami, Florida, and Princeton, New Jersey. It also owns an organic produce farm, small eggs, honey, and pet treats. Harris opened two abattoirs in 2007 and 2011 for a total cost of $7.5 million. However, Harris claims that the eagles are good for business, despite their irrationality. Visitors to the farm’s cabins were drawn in by a Facebook photo of the birds. A Bald Eagle can land in the middle of dozens of chickens and continue to pecking as if nothing had happened.

Daniel Coady claims that the chicken mortality rate at the farm is excessive. When chicks are scared, they flock into a corner of their house, all of which are huddled together in a panic. A $5,000 investment has been made by the farm to purchase noisemakers that must be manually set off between dawn and dusk. The eagles, on the other hand, may provide some financial relief as a result of their financial strain. In Bluffton, Georgia, White Oak Farms is one of the country’s largest privately owned poultry operations. According to Harris, if everyone farmed his land in the same manner that he does, eagles would likely go extinct and be replaced by more healthy populations. Nature’s rejection of monocultures explains why Harris transformed White Oak, according to his account.

How To Protect Your Chickens From Raptors

Birds are more likely to survive if they are kept in a wooded area with hawks and eagles hunting nearby. Using a mesh or solid roof to cover your run will also help keep the birds safe. If you have chickens that are free range, keep them in a secure location when needed.

Do Golden Eagles Eat Cats

Birds frequently eat cats, but rarely. Despite the fact that eagles are meat eaters, they also consume carrion. Fish is the most popular dish, followed by other birds and wildfowl.

Cats are occasionally eaten by eagles, though this is usually by females. Their preferred cuisine is fish, in addition to other birds and wild fowl. Flying an eagle can take it to heights of up to 15,000 feet. It takes about 35-40 miles per hour to cruise. Birds are aerial pirates in the wild, forcing other prey birds to give up their prey. Their greatest threat is man, and eagles nest and hunt far from human habitation. Except for some vultures, the size of an eagle is significantly greater than that of any other raptor.

A bird that swoops and carries its prey is the most common method of bird watching. The only hope for survival for an eagle after it has its talons drawn into its prey is to fall to the ground. An eagle can lift and fly away with an average weight of 4 pounds. The eagles have been observed preying on cats in the past, but this behavior is uncommon among this type of raptor. Birds are not a threat to cats living in urban or suburban areas.

Small dogs, particularly Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, are prone to being killed by predatory birds. The majority of predatory birds seek out wild mammals for food, but small dogs may also be targeted. Despite the fact that a golden eagle can kill a man, it has never preyed on an adult human. Small dogs, particularly those that are small, such as Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, are particularly vulnerable to predators. Adult humans are the only ones who have ever been preyed upon by golden eagles, despite their lethal strength.

How to make a trotline. Trotlines are one of the old time-tested methods when you want to catch a lot of catfish in a hurry. When you need to make a “meat haul” or just want to fish around the clock while spending your vacation time doing other things, set out a trotline or two and you will always come home with fish! Here are some simple instructions on how to rig up and set out a trotline.

A lot of folks ask me how to make a trotline. I have tried various methods and styles but I always come back to the simplest version and it just plain works. A trotline is nothing more than a long piece of heavy main line that has short lines or drops tied to it at regular spacing intervals. These drops have one hook each. State rules vary, but in my state (Texas) you can have a maximum of 25 hooks per trotline. Other methods to catch catfish include jug fishing which is very similar to trotlines, but more mobile so to speak. You can read about how to jug fish here.

How you set out the trotline in the water depends on where you are fishing. In a creek or small river you simply tie each end of the mainline to each bank via a stake or a tree limb. The line spans the creek or river and is submerged with small weights along the length to take it underwater. In open water such as a lake you have to tie empty jugs to each end and then anchor each end with heavy weights. then you have the smaller weights in the middle to take the mainline under the surface. The floating jugs help keep the mainline accessible when you get ready to run the line for fish. Trotlines can be dangerous if you are careless. They can drag you out of the boat and underwater in a heartbeat. I recommend always fishing with a partner when fishing trotlines.

To make the trotline I use just a few simple supplies. For the mainline I like to use a heavy 700 lb. test, tarred, braided or twisted nylon line. The heavier the better in my opinion. This line is relatively cheap and strong as well. Texas regulations state that the drop hooks must be a minimum of 3 feet apart. So a 25 hook mainline will need to be at least 100 feet long. I usually just use a standard 120 ft. long mainline to account for tying each end and also to account for the spacing knots to be discussed later.

For convenience I like to remove my drop hooks from the mainline for storage. That way I can ball up the mainline and not have to fight sharp hooks for safety. To keep your drops evenly spaced along the mainline I simply tie two knots about an inch apart at three foot intervals. This is simple and does not require clips and other extra parts.

The drops are simply constructed of a piece of 100 lb. test tarred twisted nylon line cut in 3 ft. lengths and the ends tied together to form a loop. I always cut lines with a good pair of sharp scissors and the burn the ends with a flame to prevent unraveling. I then loop a snap swivel on one end and a trotline clip on the other

.

The hook is a matter of personal choice depending on your bait, but big is always better in my opinion. The trotline clips make it easy and safe to assemble or disassemble the trotline while out on the water. I use them all the time and have never had one come apart yet.

I like to store my trotlines in a 5 gallon bucket. I store the mainline balled up in the bottom of the bucket along with the weights and then hang 25 drops and hooks around the top edge. Everything stays untangled and easy to use in a boat. I always store just one complete trotline in a bucket so I know that I have everything in one place per bucket.

To set out the line just use my diagrams below and bait her up and then sit back and relax. I usually run my lines every 4 or 5 hours apart. I also bait the lines just a dusk and go back at dawn to load my boat up (usually) with a good haul of cats.

You now know how to make a trotline. One thing I would strongly suggest is stopping by our fishing discussion board at TexasRiverData.com and ask any questions you may have and get more trotline instructions and tips. You can read and discuss the latest information there.

Try this method for yourself and stay safe and watch those hooks!

This article appears in the East edition of the November Game & Fish Magazine, now on sale. Learn how to subscribe

If you’re reading this, you are witnessing the power of attraction, and the next few moments will determine whether you read this article in its entirety or move on to something else.

The same concept applies to calling deer during the various phases of the rut. Even if you get a buck’s attention with a call, a number of variables ultimately affect whether it brings him in for a closer look.

While November can be an incredibly unpredictable month in the whitetail woods, the use of calls can be effective during the pre-, peak- and post-rut stages. But you need to understand what the deer are doing during each of these phases and offer up the right auditory lure.

PRE-RUT (Oct. 26 to Nov. 7)

Most deer have transitioned from their summer food source to their fall and winter food sources by now. Wooded areas that have good, healthy oak stands will become highly sought out by does and bucks alike. Knowing the locations of these areas can really help you home in on where to call, especially since does will often be on their feet in these areas.

Get your rattling antlers out because we are about to stir some things up. The bucks are now at an all-time high in testosterone levels and looking for that first doe in heat. Tensions are on the rise, and as daylight movement increases, bucks often move into territories where they really don’t belong. Get the biggest set of rattling antlers you have, smash them together every 30 minutes and be ready.

• BINGE WATCH all 6 episodes of Rut Crash Course

In areas with low deer densities or where there may not be many mature bucks, however, this may not be the best tactic. If this is the case where you hunt, keep things social through contact grunts and doe bleats. Continue to be mindful of wind direction and watch carefully—these bucks will work their way to your call from the downwind side.

Adding a buck decoy and facing the head in the direction from which you expect a buck to approach can really help close the distance. Try to be as scent-free as possible, and if you plan to use a deer scent, I suggest using buck urine rather than estrous. The key to this phase is imitating a buck on the move, working to be the first to breed.

Rut Crash Course: Rattle in Big Bucks

PEAK RUT (Nov. 8 to Nov. 20)

It’s time to put the grunt tube to work. The does are in estrus and the bucks are begging them to stop and let them breed. My go-to sequence for the peak rut is a trailing grunt. I do 8 to 15 short grunts followed by a long grunt every 15 to 20 minutes and remain vigilant. A buck passing by will often hear this and come in to try to get in on the action. Unlike in the other phases, I have found during the peak of the rut that bucks will come from all different directions regardless of the wind direction. They will often come into this grunting sequence almost immediately, rather than take a prolonged, cautious approach.

Very seldom do I use a bleat call, but have found during this phase that a bleat is sometimes the tool that brings a buck in close. Occasionally I will use a bleat call in a soft manner, but mostly only if I see a buck that is hung up and won’t commit. The best luck I’ve had is with grunting. When that doesn’t work, wait 20 minutes and grunt again.

Snort wheezes can be highly effective in this phase. Seldom have I called in a buck with a blind snort wheeze, but several times I’ve stopped bucks in their tracks. If you have a decoy, pairing it with the snort wheeze can be a deadly combo. A buck that hears the call will want to know what he’s getting himself into, so having something visual highly increases your odds of drawing him in, especially if he’s cruising or hung up outside of shooting range.

Rut Crash Course: 3 Deer Calling Strategies

POST-RUT (Nov. 21 to Dec. 12)

In areas where the deer herd is balanced, I’ll treat the post-rut like the pre-rut. The use of rattling antlers and soft grunts can really get a buck moving during this time. A few of my biggest and most mature bucks have been killed in late November and early December with calling. In 2017 I was able to lightly rattle in three separate bucks, which enticed two of them to fight under my stand. I eventually took the more mature of the two.

Although this isn’t common and was a unique experience, it led me to believe that just because the peak of the rut is over, breeding is not. Some does have gone unbred, bucks still have high levels of testosterone and deer are still communicating often.

In areas with lower deer densities or where the balance is heavily in favor of the does, I don’t do as much aggressive calling during this phase. Instead, I’ll opt for lighter contact grunts and bleats. Deer are still very vocal regardless of densities or sex ratios, but in areas where there are fewer bucks, fighting for does often isn’t necessary, so I tend to withhold the aggressive tactics.

The key to successful calling is to understand how and why deer communicate, create curiosity during certain times, and stay vigilant. Keep your focus, spot them before they see you and be ready, because calling deer during the rut can be both exciting and rewarding for those who are patient and persistent.

Choosing the best HF Ham Radio for off-grid or grid-down survival communications is challenging. In this blog, we go through key features every HF survival radio should have. We also take a look at 5 of the best low-power, and energy efficient QRP portable ham radios, for off-grid and grid-down preparedness communications.

If you have not already seen my video entitled Grid Down Comms, I would highly recommend it. If you have seen it, consider sharing it to those just getting started in ham radio for preparedness.

Hello Operators. After the devastating earthquake and mobile phone grid failure in Turkey and Syria, an Operator reached out on Twitter, asking about the best HF radio for grid down or off grid survival. In this video and associated blog post, I do my best to highlight the pros and cons of my top HF radio picks, seen on the channel.

Why an HF Survival Strategy?

The preparedness community has been fixated on a single type of survival communications (tactical comms). We can call it tactical comms, fire team comms, squad level communications, … This type of communications is usually done over VHF or UHF on FM or encrypted digital voice, using various types of handheld portable radios.That type of communication is great once your group is all in sync. That is to say, tactical communications with short-range handheld radios only functions, once your crew has rallied. Without that initial mobilization, there is no way to coordinate short-range comms. Before the group musters, a wider coverage area of communications is required, to coordinate the rallying point. That wider range coverage is provided by HF NVIS!

The following video goes through key features every survival radio should have. It also summarizes the pros and cons of each of these radios for grid-down or off-grid survival. For a full review of each radio, check the videos posted later in this blog.

Requirements

Asking “Which is the best radio for survival?” can often leaad to many wrong answers to the question. A better question might be, “Which radio best fits our survival radio requirements?”. If nothing else, this question might lead us to much better answers. The reason is, in a disaster, grid down scenario, operating off grid, resources are not easy to come by. A radio well suited to a POTA activation might be the “worst-case scenario” for a grid-down disaster. Consider this, charging a radio on a normal day is easy and uneventful. Charging or powering a radio in a grid-down scenario, while only carrying what you have on your back, makes things much more difficult. For this reason, we have a set of important requirements, any radio chosen as our HF Survival Radio should have. Let’s go through them.

The following list includes the most important features, any HF Survival Radio should have:

• Low current consumption on RX & efficient TX consumption
• Minimum of 10 watts output, 5 watts is ok
• Band coverage
  • Best case band coverage 160M – 70cm
  • Acceptable band coverage 80M – 10M
  • Bare bones band coverage 80M – 20M
• Built-in audio interface for data comms
• Internal battery & fast charging
• Ability to charge the internal battery, while using and powering the radio
• Daylight readable display.

We can also expand the list to include these key yet often overlooked features.

• Built-in adjustable filters
• DSP, noise reduction, notch filter, …
• Standby mode for display
• Speech compressor built-in
• Easily accessible data port

Rigs mentioned in the video

The following radios are not an exhaustive list. I do not have a (tr)uSDX or Elecraft radios for demonstration. The (tr)uSDX is on the way! I do have the radios which have been demonstrated and reviewed on the channel over the years. This list includes Xiegu, Yaesu, Icom, and Lab599.

XIegu G90

The G90 is the our budget HF radio. Ultimately, the only things missing are the audio interface and external battery. At 20 watts output in a package similar to the Yaesu FT-818, this is an attractive option for someone able to live with the limited band coverage.

Xiegu X6100

The X6100 is portable portable, full featured radio. 10 watts output, built-in audio interface, filters and DSP built-in, … It suffers from slow firmware development from Xiegu, but open-source firmware has recently become available. Internal battery life is good, It can also be charged and powered externally while the radio is in use.

Yaesu FT-818

The Yaesu FT-81x is a 160M – 70cm all-mode portable HF radio, with a small form factor. It is the oldest but best-supported QRP radio by the aftermarket. Discontinued in 2024, but is still available on the used market. Definitely needs the filter fitted (if you can find one). I would suggest an external battery for the 81x. The internal Ni-MH battery pack is heavy and lacks energy density. The Windcamp Li-Ion battery pack with higher energy density than the AA Ni-MH, would be an excellent upgrade. For data it requires a Digirig, and works well with it. If you have the 817nd model, fit the RTC for more reliable data.

Lab599 TX500

The Lab599 TX-500 is the only “rugged” radio available from ham radio manufacturers. Milled from a single block of aluminum for strength and durability. The TX-500 is also comfortable in the rain, snow, and below-freezing operations. Its small modular form factor and ergonomic design are greatly appreciated. It lacks an audio interface but a Digirig can be easily fitted. Battery packs from both Lab599 and DIY599 are incoming and worth-while.The TX-500 is the only solution for those wanting a green radio option, in a pocket portable package.

Icom IC-705

The Icom IC-705 is the only FT-818 alternative with 160M – 70cm band coverage. It also has filters, DSP, notch, .. already fitted making it a full featured radio. The internal GPS is a nice touch, but can only be accessed by USB cable. Still, it allows us to leave a pocket GPS at home. The large screen is easy to read, but precautions must be taken to protect it during transport. Although larger than the other rigs in this post, all of its features means less to buy and carry as added features. This is the best equipped but least rugged out of the radio mentioned in this post. For difficult field work, I would recomment the Peovi full cage wrap and polycarbonate display protector. Having dropped my IC-705 twice without incident, the Peovi cage was an excellent inestment.

Based on many of the comments coming in, many operators still don’t understand my “Survival Radio” philosophy. Asynchronous messaging is at the core of my group’s communications strategy. A radio, tablet, and wire antenna make up the core of this all-mode, data station. Reducing capabilities eg a CW-only station, would reduce size and weight, but also irreconcilably reduce operational capability. Therefore, my station is made up of:

• HF Radio
• Microsoft Surface Tablet
• Wire multi-band antenna

Microsoft Surface

My primary computer for data mode communications is the Microsoft Surface Go 2. Despite its Windows operating system, the Surface Go 2 has performed flawlessly since taking it into use. Much easier to deploy and support than a Raspberry Pi, the Surface Go 2 is the best portable data mode comms investment, made in a very long time.

Digirig Mobile audio interface

For any radio used other than the Icom IC-705 or the Xiegu x6100, I use the Digirig Mobile. There is no point buying any other audio interface for man-portable ops! It is small, lightweight, has audio and cat control, has cross-platform compatibility, and excellent customer support. Our audio interface should not be as large as our radio. for man-portable ops, anything larger than a DigiRig is ridiculous!

Antennas strategy

I recently published a post and video entitled, Portable HF Antenna Strategy for off grid comms”. That video and blog correctly point out how NVIS for regional communication is ignored by most ham radio manufacturers. In fact, NVIS is more of an afterthought, as the majority of ham radio operators spend most of their time on the DX bands. Sadly, the emcomm and preparedness communities are definitely “niche” markets. I was able to find excellent options from Tim Ortiz N9SAB, who makes lightweight multiband antennas for man-portable ops.

Looking for other ways to support the channel?

Support the channel by shopping on ebay, at Battery Hookups or GigaParts.For GigaParts and Battery Hookup, use my callsign for a small discount.Alternatively, drop a little something in the TipJar. It really makes a difference.

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Do you have an open area on your hunting property you wish you could screen off in order to get to or from your stand without bumping deer? Or maybe you’ve got a crop field or food plot you wish you could block from the road or section off from a larger field. Or perhaps you just want to break up a monotonous landscape to make it hunt bigger. If any of these thoughts have crossed your mind, chances are you googled something like ‘screen trees for hunting property’ or ‘best tree/shrub/plant to create a screen’ or ‘fast growing screen trees’.

That last one is especially relevant because in today’s world, we want everything NOW!

Well . . . not gonna lie, we are in the same boat for our hunting property. We have a low-lying swamp just off the road, which sits a good 4 feet higher than the swamp, so spotting deer from a vehicle is a breeze. Also, the swamp is not your typical cattail and dogwood type swamp, it’s mostly medium height grasses with a few willow clumps scattered throughout – so you can see deer when they are up and walking. During hunting season, we’d constantly see vehicles slowing and stopping to observe deer from the quiet country road, eventually they’d run off and seek better cover – obviously, this wasn’t a positive thing. Not to mention, the increased possibility of poaching, especially with us being absentee landowners. Thus, I began my search for a fast-growing screening tree or shrub that was water tolerant (because we’d have to plant them along the edge of the swamp).

A general planting map showing our line of trees to obstruct view into the swamp. The separate clumps are to break up the openness and hopefully act as buck bedding areas.

I started to research screen tree varieties and species online. I came across several sites that offered what I was looking for, but ultimately the price was more than we were willing to pay. Keep in mind, we were looking to screen off approximately 425 yards of road frontage, which with one tree every five feet (1 tree/5 ft.) we needed approximately 300 trees to create a thick enough screen to create a visual barrier into the swamp – multiply that by $6-$10 per tree and it adds up really quick. Nonetheless, most of these sites were offering similar varieties of trees, so I had a good starting point. Now it was time to search deeper into the interwebs to find a tree farm or nursery with an affordable price.

If you’re after a fast-growing screen tree, you’ll likely have two options to choose from – a hybrid poplar or a hybrid willow of some sort. Long story short, we finally stumbled across Kelly Tree Farms, based out of Clarence, Iowa and they offered the details, photographs, pricing, and fast growing screen trees we were looking for. We opted for 300 of what they call the Austree Hybrid Willow. At a $1 per tree (or cutting) it seemed reasonable.

Before showing you pictures of our plantings, I wanted to mention that we intend to plant another row of these Austree willows staggered behind the first row using clippings from this year’s willows (free). Also, we plan on planting some type or variety of coniferous trees (likely spruce) behind the willows to provide a long-term, year-round screen for the deer in the swamp.

We will be updating this blog throughout the year to track the progress of the living and supposedly fast growing whitetail screen. But first, here are a few things I learned along the way when trying to purchase the perfect screen tree for deer online.

1. It’s hard to find a website with good images of what the screen tree will look like down the road (we plan on changing that with this blog). Kelly Tree farms showed nice examples as well.
2. There’s no “perfect” screen tree out there.
3. Don’t expect a screen the very first year.
4. Think about future plantings and a more permanent screen.
5. Get creative. Along with planting the line of screen trees we planted several clumps of seven willows to break up the openness and create more preferred bedding areas.

The hybrid willow screen trees came packaged in bundles of 100 cuttings. After a week of soaking in a bucket of water, roots were nearly two inches long and buds were sprouting from the tops.

We used an auger planting bit ($10 from hardware store) to drill the pilot holes for the cuttings. One thing to note, site preparation is key and they recommend a weed/grass free planting environment. A healthy dose of RoundUp (glyphosate) should take care of any competing vegetation.

Planting instructions said to leave 2-5” of the top unburied. Fill in around the roots to provide good soil contact.

Just a stick in the mud… hopefully it’s a couple feet tall the next time we see it. And that’s it, with four guys we had 300 trees planted in 3 hours.

Check back often as we will be updating the blog monthly with progress photos.

June 9th update. Growth after 2 weeks.

July 20th update. About 3 feet tall.

July 20th update. Multiple stems about 3 feet tall.March 21, 2018 update: They survived the first WI winter and starting to bud. Most of them have multiple stems and stand about 4 feet tall. We planted the hybrid willows on the outer edge of the screen to create a fast and more immediate screen, while the spruce trees grow up and create an evergreen screen for the future. Tallest tree is about 6 feet tall.

NEXT UPDATE WILL BE IN MAY AFTER LEAFE OUT.

Learn the basics of consistently finding and catching perch an exciting opportunity for angling on lake Erie.

I think it’s fair to say that perch often get a bad rap. For a fish that is often plentiful in numbers, relatively easy to catch and amazing table fair, it is an unwarranted depiction to those in the know. You don’t need to be a decorated angler to have success when perch fishing and they are much less fussy than their cousin, the walleye.

While they can be found in decent numbers in a number of Ohio inland waterways, Lake Erie is still the king of perch waters. Here are few things to consider next time you desire some angling fun or just some amazing eating fish fillets.

Where to Find Perch on Lake Erie

One of the best things about perch season is it tends to startup in the early summer when the walleye bite begins to slow, lasting well into the fall. From year to year the larger schools can seem to vary from the Western Basin all the way east to the Ohio boarder. Local bait shops that sell minnows are your best option to get you in the ballpark with which areas have been fishing well closest to you.

Perch are very similar to many species on large bodies of water, they tend to move as their food does and water conditions change. Using 2D sonar and even more modern down imaging sonar is an efficient way to stay on these moving pods of fish. Look for a lot of clutter generally from the bottom and up to four feet off of it. Empty screen means a tough day so spend some time driving around to locate these pods on your sonar before fishing.

Positioning Your Boat for Perch Fishing

Once you locate a school of perch far and away the best method is to hold directly over them vertically. On larger boats this means using a good ole fashion anchor. Smaller trailer boats that are able to be outfitted with a bow mount trolling motor have a big advantage however for their ability to “digitally anchor”. Modern day trolling motors offer an option called “spot lock” which basically allows you to hover in place without doing any more than touching a button. This hands-free option keeps you from having to hoist a heavy anchor up and down. If we are honest, it keeps us from getting lazy and encourages moving to new spots as well.

Choosing Lure for Perch Fishing on Lake Erie

When fishing for many species such as bass the lure options and what anglers carry can be extremely diverse, but that really isn’t the case with perch. Instead, several different variations of a minnow harness are used to fish on bottom with two to three single hooks. Years ago, a traditional spreader wire with two short snelled hook leaders were the overwhelming favorite, but in recent years other rigs that more resemble a crappie rig have dramatically increased in popularity. A crappie or drop shot style rig allows anglers to fish several hooks at different depths above the bottom to cover the water column more easily. Truth is both styles have there day and as compact and inexpensive as they are it is worth having both on hand.

Choosing Live Bait for Perch Fishing

Rather you prefer a spreader or a crappie style rig chances are you are going to bait it with a shiner. Small sized emerald shiners are the most desired bait, but they can be tough to come by at times and difficult to keep alive. Bait shops are often out of emerald shiners and it forces anglers to use the more readily available golden shiners. While not as preferred, they will catch perch but due to their larger size it is often wise to cut them in two, using either the head or tail section on a hook. Pay attention to if the head or tail sections get more bites and make adjustments from day to day and seemingly from hour to hour at times. Another good trick is to salt and freeze leftover shiners for future trips. It’s a good way to make sure you aren’t without bait and can save you some money in the process.

Proper Rod and Reel Setup for Perch Fishing Lake Erie

I think it fair to say you don’t need a high dollar setup for perch fishing, but you do need just the right action. Perch are magicians at striping your hook and you need a rod that has enough power to get them up off the bottom and work a weight heavy enough to keep you down on the bottom. The trick being it needs to also be light enough to feel the slightest tick. For most this means looking at a light power fast action spinning rod spooled with braided line in the 6’ to 7’ range. Braided line has low stretch and makes feeling the slightest tap much easier. A high visibility braided line is also preferred so you can see where your line is and the instant it touches bottom or moves to the side from a lite bite.

Fishing Techniques for Catching Perch on Lake Erie

Perch attitude can go from biting at will to not being able to do anything right at the flip of a switch. Switch weights as conditions change and only use a weight heavy enough to constantly maintain bottom contact and stay vertical. Some days you need to keep the rig right on the bottom, while others you need to keep it off and often just start slowly lifting it to get bites. Some days it needs to be almost motionless and others they seem to want it jigged or moved a little bit. Reality is there is no technique that always works so keep an open mind and pay attention to whatever the person is doing that is getting the most bites in your boat.

The more you perch fish the more nuances you will discover, but you can make it as simple or as complicated as you want. While we can argue that walleye is better than perch or which type of rig to use, we can’t argue that perch are simple, inexpensive to fish for and make amazing table fair. I think this is enough to warrant giving perch a shot this fishing season.

This article was featured in the November issue of Game & Fish Magazine (South edition). Click to subscribe

With temperatures reaching 93 degrees, conditions inside the ground blind were sauna-like. Despite the heat, my guide assured me that it’d be a great evening. So, as sweat beads trickled down my back and forehead, I monitored the wide-open food plot in front of me, hoping one of the surrounding draws would manufacture a mature buck.

As darkness slowly swallowed the daylight, I knew I’d be picked up soon and my evening hunt would be over. Suddenly, a big, mature 8-pointer and another buck appeared on the skyline 150 yards away. I felt a wash of adrenaline coarse through my veins as they beelined for the feeder. Suddenly, there he stood, quartering toward me at just 30 paces.

Two minutes of legal shooting light remained when he finally turned. In that instant I released my arrow, sure it would be a winner. To this day I’m not sure what went wrong. When we found the arrow there was next to no blood on it and no blood trail to be found. We spent hours looking everywhere for that deer to no avail. Needless to say, I was sick. Since I’d made contact, my hunt was over. But I’d be back in Oklahoma in November for another chance.

For the next month, I researched Oklahoma wildlife management areas for my next Sooner State hunt. The one I chose was some 200 miles from where my October hunt had unfolded. Three days in, I arrowed my then-best whitetail, a 150-inch-plus beauty. He is a tremendous trophy, especially since I took him the first time I hunted that particular WMA.

Oklahoma’s geographic location—sandwiched between whitetail meccas Kansas and Texas—is well-appointed to offer excellent deer hunting. According to QDMA’s 2020 Annual Report, 66 percent of bucks harvested in Oklahoma in 2017 and 2018 were 3 1/2 years old or older. This means that many bucks reach the age class that sees peak antler potential.

Some 4.6 percent of Oklahoma is public land. While that may not sound like a lot, in addition to sprawling national forests and grasslands, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages more than 80 WMAs across the state. So, when visiting Oklahoma, you won’t struggle to find places to hunt. And, if a do-it-yourself hunt isn’t your thing, the Sooner State has many outfitters who offer a quality hunting experience.

From mountains to prairies, Oklahoma is a venerable ecological cornucopia with enormous biodiversity. Here are six of the best ecoregions in Oklahoma to hunt.

CENTRAL/SOUTHERN SHORTGRASS PRAIRIE

In Oklahoma’s Panhandle lies a sea of prairie habitat surrounded by an agricultural checkerboard. Far from population centers, hunting pressure during archery season is minimal, and a bit busier during firearms season. Folks from the eastern part of the South will find the Panhandle completely different from the deer habitat back home. If you’re a treestand hunter, most of the scouting is already done—just find some trees in the wide-open habitat and park your backside there daily.

Public-hunting options in the Panhandle include the Rita Blanca National Grasslands, Optima WMA and Beaver River WMA. Native forages include ragweed and sunflower; additionally, the state cultivates small food plots on these areas. Windmills and guzzlers have also been installed to provide hydration for wildlife in this arid habitat.

Lodging options can be found in Guymon, Boise City and Beaver. Primitive camping is available at Optima WMA and Beaver River WMA, and RV hookups can be had at Beaver Dunes State Park.

MIXED-GRASS PRAIRIE

Just east of the Panhandle is a large area that stretches more than 100 miles wide (east to west) and from the northcentral border with Kansas to the southwest border with Texas. Due to size and scope, it offers great habitat diversity and varying whitetail genetics.

The 30,710-acre Black Kettle National Grasslands in Roger Mills County offers ample opportunities to stretch your legs and find your own slice of whitetail heaven. Like the panhandle, native forages are ragweed and sunflower. While the Black Kettle is scattered into nearly 100 units, wildlife plantings and water are available on most units. Primitive camping is allowed on the entire area, and three developed camping facilities exist.

If you’re looking for a large, contiguous tract, the nearby Packsaddle WMA in Ellis County encompasses 19,659 acres of rolling upland habitat consisting of buffalo grass, sagebrush, sand plum, shinnery oak and occasional mesquite. Cottonwood, elm and hackberry line the Canadian River bottoms on the Packsaddle’s southern fringe. Vehicle access is minimal to limit impact on wildlife and improve hunting.

SOUTHERN TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

Split into two sectors, the tallgrass prairie includes Kay, Osage, Pawnee, Wagoner, Mayes and Rogers counties, among others in Oklahoma’s northern and northeastern sections. Expect an ideal mixture of prairies, agriculture, brushy thickets and riparian habitat. In this region, WMAs like the 16,254-acre Kaw and 21,798-acre Fort Gibson offer solid hunting opportunities with rich soils teeming with wheat, milo, corn and soybeans, to name a few of the plantings the state implements on these WMAs.

Oaks here are abundant. During a bumper acorn crop, focus on hunting the timber, as deer will move less since food is available in or near bedding areas. Many other hunters will hunt field edges, especially those planted in soybeans. While they may be full of deer sign, most activity in the fields will be at night, so getting deep into the timber puts you in the heart of deer activity and gets you away from pressure.

Primitive camping is available on the Kaw WMA at dedicated areas, while camping near the Fort Gibson WMA can be found on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. If motel lodging better suits you, check out Ponca City and Newkirk near the Kaw or Wagoner near Fort Gibson.

OZARKS

Next door to Arkansas is Oklahoma’s own small Ozark region, which covers Adair, Delaware and Cherokee counties. It also touches parts of a few other adjoining counties. Vastly different from the areas we’ve covered so far, expect heavily timbered habitat with oaks and hickory amidst rolling to rocky, steep terrain. Acorns are a primary food source, while native grasses provide valuable forage and thickets provide additional cover. The area sees 40-plus inches of rainfall annually, rendering it far more fertile than the ecoregions found in the western part of the state.

Worthwhile public hunting parcels are the Cherokee and Cookson WMAs. The Cherokee WMA encompasses 31,360 acres, 16,000 of which are open year-round to legal hunting with several controlled hunts made throughout the year. Between 200 and 300 acres are planted in food plots.

• SOONER STATE GIANT: 3-Year Quest Ends with Huge Typical Whitetail

The Cookson WMA has 14,725 acres, with more than 100 acres planted in food plots, providing vital and attractive forages. Both of these WMAs have ponds throughout, some stocked with fish like bass and catfish. Elk roam this country, too, so keep your eyes peeled.

Limited camping options are available in the two WMAs and on surrounding U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Modern accommodations are available in Tahlequah and Muskogee. If you like hunting in the timber, you’ll love this area.

CROSSTIMBERS

The Crosstimbers region cuts a narrow swath through the tallgrass prairie region up north, then widens out around Tulsa and runs south clear to the Red River on the Texas border. Essentially, it covers most of central Oklahoma. Plentiful stands of oaks and eastern red cedar cover this region’s rolling hills and draws. There are also numerous cattle ranches, farmlands and river bottoms throughout it.

At the Love Valley WMA in southcentral Oklahoma, you’ll find good deer numbers on 7,746 acres of mixed upland habitat, with post oak-blackjack timber and riparian habitat featuring hardwoods along the Red River. To the northeast, in Pittsburg and Latimer counties, sits the sprawling 21,353-acre James Collins WMA in the Sans Bois Mountains. It features diverse habitat, including pine forests, oak and hickory timber, not to mention uplands and native grasslands.

If hunting at Love Valley WMA, lodge in Ardmore or camp primitively at the WMA. If hunting at James Collins WMA, camp at the WMA entrance or lodge at McAlester.

OUACHITA MOUNTAINS/ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY

In southeastern Oklahoma you’ll find dense deer populations. Big pine forests intermixed with oaks in varied terrain ranging from gentle to rugged provide ample places for big bucks to hide and mature.

Want some room to roam? The gigantic 216,503-acre Three Rivers WMA in McCurtain and Pushmataha counties delivers. Nonresidents must purchase an $85 access permit, which reciprocates for access to the nearby 91,721-acre Honobia Creek WMA, too. Both WMAs features pine plantations and hardwoods. Terrain funnels are common, and if you’re willing to hike, hunting pressure can be evaded without much trouble.

• MUST READ: Hunter’s Red-Dirt Redemption in Pursuit of ‘Ghost’ Buck

While no designated camping areas exist on either of the aforementioned WMAs, primitive camping is acceptable anywhere on both. If hunting at Honobia Creek, consider modern lodging in the town of Clayton. If hunting at Three Rivers, lodge in Hochatown or in Broken Bow.

RED DIRT OUTFITTERS

These operations are ready, willing and able to provide an unforgettable whitetail adventure.

Mixed-Grass Prairie Region

Todd Rogers owns and operates Rut-N-Strut Guide Service in Elk City, offering hunts on approximately 31,000 acres of prime deer habitat with food plots, protein and mineral sites. Rolling red hills drop into creeks and river bottoms where clients hunt from ladder stands, pop-up ground blinds and box blinds. A quality mature buck at Rut-N-Strut typically measures 130 to 150 inches, with some considerably larger. Lodging is in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a kitchen, washer, dryer and satellite TV. (580-799-1920; rutnstrutguideservice.com)

Central/Southern Shortgrass Prairie Region

James Burnett owns and operates Cimarron Valley Outfitters, which is based in Elkhart, Kan., but runs whitetail hunts in the Sooner State. Cimarron Valley’s Oklahoma hunts occur from the Colorado border in the panhandle all the way to northcentral Oklahoma against the Kansas border. Quality bucks typically range from 125 to 170 inches. The muzzleloader season can be outstanding while deer are still on feeding patterns, with late muzzleloader having some good pre-rut action. (620-360-4735; cvohunts.com)

Southern Tallgrass Prairie Region

The Stuart Ranch has been family-owned and -operated since 1868, and it encompasses some 46,000 acres. Hunts take place on two ranch divisions, located in Waurika and Caddo, both in southern Oklahoma. Various types of terrain are hunted, including vast prairie grasses, rolling hills and dense woodlands. Package whitetail hunts include lodging, kitchen facilities and meals (as requested). Stuart Ranch provides transportation to and from the ranch, cleaning and cold storage of harvested deer. The ranch is set up to accommodate archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunters. (580-512-7004; stuartranchoutfitters.com)

Ouachita Mountains/Arkansas River Valley Region

The Choctaw Hunting Lodge is located in Pittsburg, Okla., and situated on 44,000 privately owned acres. The lodge is a full-service operation, offering both preserve (high fence) and native (free range) whitetail hunts. Choctaw Hunting Lodge offers four- and five-day hunts, which include a private room, meals, hors d’oeuvres, snacks and beverages, transportation to and from the field, and taxidermy prep. CHL can accommodate archery, muzzleloader and rifle hunters. (580-740-0040; choctawhuntinglodge.com)

If you’re looking for an adventure and a chance to hunt one of the largest land mammals in North America, then bison hunting in the United States is for you! In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about hunting these impressive creatures, including where to go and what you need to bring. We’ll also provide some tips on how to bag your bison buck. So if you’re ready for an unforgettable hunting experience, keep reading!

The American Bison, also called the buffalo, is one of the few legendary animals the great plains of North America. For a select few hunters, tagging one of these animals is a dream, and one of the ultimate tests of your hunting sportsmanship skills.

Once you’ve set your sights on adding one of these majestic creatures to your trophy collection, the question becomes where and how you’ll hunt it. We’ve scoured the country for the best ranches to give you the best experience, both hunting and relaxing.

Bison Hunting For Beginners

Most hunters are familiar with the basics of deer hunting before they even touch the trigger for the first time. Bison hunting though is a bit more exotic and so I want to start off with some quick bison hunting tips for beginners.

What To Expect On Your First Bison Hunt

Hunting American bison, also known as buffalo, is a significant undertaking that requires careful preparation and respect for the animal and its natural habitat itself. Here are some things a person should know before they begin:

1. Understand the Regulations: Hunting bison is regulated by state and federal laws. You should check with local wildlife agencies or hunting guides to understand the specific regulations in your area. This may include obtaining a hunting license and a specific bison tag.
2. Physical Fitness: Bison hunting can be physically demanding. Bison are large animals that often live in rugged terrain, so hunters should be in good physical condition.
3. Equipment: You will need a high-powered rifle, as bison are large and tough animals. A .30-06 caliber rifle or larger is often recommended. You’ll also need appropriate clothing for the weather and terrain, as well as camping gear if you plan to hunt for several days.
4. Hunting Skills: Bison are large, but they can be elusive. Understanding their behavior, knowing how to track them, and being patient are all important skills. Hiring a guide can be very helpful if you’re new to bison hunting.
5. Field Dressing and Transport: Bison are massive animals, often weighing over 1,000 pounds. You’ll need to know how to field dress the bison to preserve the meat, and have a plan for transporting it. This often involves having a vehicle capable of carrying the animal, or packing out the meat in multiple trips.
6. Respect for the Animal and Environment: Bison are a symbol of the American West and hold significant cultural value for many Native American tribes. It’s important to approach the hunt with respect for the animal and its environment.
7. Safety: Bison are large, powerful animals and can be dangerous if provoked or cornered. Always maintain a safe distance and never attempt to approach a bison too closely.

Remember, hunting should be done responsibly and ethically, with a focus on our conservation efforts and respect for wildlife.

How Much Does A Bison Weight?

The average bison bull will weigh between 1000-2000 pounds, with cows (females) and big bulls on the lower end of that spectrum and big bulls often weighing well over 2,500 pounds. A full-grown bull can stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder and twelve feet long from nose to tail. Their massive heads can account for one-third of their body weight.

What States Have The Best Bison Hunting?

There are several states with large bison populations and great hunting opportunities. These include Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas. Each state has different rules and regulations regarding bison hunting, so be sure to do your research before planning your trip and pick a professional bison hunting outfitter who can make sure everything goes smoothly.

Is A Buffalo The Same As An American Bison?

Most Americans use the term “buffalo” and “bison” interchangeably and this is a misnomer that historians believe began when the first European settlers began exploring the American west and thought these huge animals were the same as “Old World” buffalo herds such as Cape Buffalo and Water Buffalo that are native to Africa and Asia. American Bison however are not closely related.

Regardless though, in the context of big game hunting – buffalo and bison hunting methods are pretty much the same here in the United States. Though there are actually places where you can hunt Asian Water Buffalo in Florida though.

Are Bison Endangered?

The American bison was once on the brink of extinction, but thanks to conservation efforts, their populations have rebounded in recent years. There are now more than 450,000 bison in North America, with the majority of them (~400,000 bison) living on private ranches and farms for hunting and harvesting as livestock. The rest of the wild bison live in national parks and other protected areas such as zoos, wilderness preserves, and state or regional parks.

What Does Bison Meat Taste Like?

Bison tastes similar to beef, but their meat is leaner and has a slightly sweeter flavor. Like beef though, it depends highly on the type of food that the animal eats and you’ll notice regional variations, as well as large differences between farm-raised bison, fed a diet of hay and native grasses followed by grains to turn the natural yellow fat color into a milky white. In fact, wild buffalo meat is also a great source of essential fatty acids due to the natural grasses consumed.

Bison steaks are best when cooked medium-rare to rare, and the buffalo meat can be used in any recipe that calls for beef.

Best Time For Buffalo Hunting

The best time for hunting trophy bulls is between September and February. Winter hunts are the best time of year if you are looking for full robes. However, for those doing meat hunts, summer is a better choice since the weather can often be better and the meat bulls have been feasting so the meat will be a bit fattier and more flavorful. Ultimately it depends on what you want out of your own trophy bulls and buffalo hunts as to what time of year is best.

Best Weapon And Ammo For Buffalo Hunts

The best weapon for bison hunting is a rifle that can handle large and heavy bullets. A good choice would be a .300 Winchester Magnum or larger. As for ammunition, you’ll want to use bullets that are designed to penetrate deeply, such as the Nosler Partition or the Barnes TSX.

However, many people enjoy hunting buffalo with bow and arrow, while others like to add an additional level of challenge by hunting with muskets and historic weapons in the style of early pioneers.

Do I Need An Outfitter or Guide To Hunt Bison?

While you don’t technically need an outfitter or hunting guides to go bison hunting, it is highly recommended, especially if you’re a beginner. A good outfitter will not only help you with the logistics of your bison hunt, but they will also ensure that you are following all the rules and regulations.

Additionally, most outfitters and ranches offer hunting on their own private property. This means there is less risk of encountering other hunters as well. However, several states do offer public-land bison hunting opportunities. These include: Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. As with other large game, these tags are limited and awarded by lottery, often with preference to state residents.

Our Picks For The Best Bison Hunting Outfitters

Hunting the legendary American bison is an experience that is as achievable as it is exotic. While acquiring one of those public-land bison hunting tags is quite literally like winning the lottery, there are numerous options for those aspiring buffalo hunters who are looking to work with a bison hunting outfitter.

Having an expert hunting guide and a trained, experienced, and knowledgeable outfitter will make the difference between a mediocre hunting trip and a bucket-list-worthy adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life.

This list is not ranked. While there are certainly great buffalo hunting outfitters and some that fall short, we find that it is just as important to find a bison hunting outfitter that matches an individual’s personality and style. As such, we’ve chosen to organize our list of buffalo hunting ranches and lodges by state and encourage you to find one that matches your hunting style best.

Bison Hunting In Colorado

Colorado is one of the best places for bison hunting. With its diverse landscape of great plains and large herds of bison, Colorado is a mecca for hunters looking to add this impressive creature to their trophy deer collection.

Some of the best places to hunt bison in Colorado are on private ranches. These ranches offer experienced guides, comfortable lodges, many hunting grounds and access to some of the largest herds of bison in the state.

Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch

This working buffalo ranch offers a variety of activities orbiting around their private herd of bison roaming the Colorado prairie. From tours designed for families, cookouts, and of course buffalo hunts, Prarie Ridge Buffalo Ranch has something for everyone.

Cassidy Outfitters

Offering a wide variety of big game hunting options on this private ranch, this is almost like a free-range bison hunting experience since the fences are low and the bison are roaming free across thousands of acres of canyons packed with pinyon, rocks, and cedars as well as the flat grasslands of this private ranch.

Bison Hunting in North Dakota

Outside of Yellowstone National Park, one of the best places to see wild bison is at Teddy Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota. While that park is an amazing destination to hunt bison and explore for those packing a camera instead of hunting gear, the state is also home to private herds and some fantastic bison hunting outfitters as well.

The Bison Ranch Lodge & Outfitters

Get out of the south, and take your next bison hunt to the northern plains of North Dakota, where bison used to roam freely. Here you’ll find The Bison Ranch, about 2.5 hours west of Fargo, ND. The ranch has operated continuously since the 1920s, and has over 30 years of experience in the bison industry.

The hunt is unlike any other experience you’ll have anywhere else. The expert guides are dedicated to helping you harvest an incredible animal to fill your freezer, not to mention take a trophy. The focus is on hunting methods helping you take the best shot to humanely harvest your trophy, and preserve the most usable meat.

They even have a full state-approved butchering facility to prepare your harvest for an additional fee. Your lodge has a fully equipped kitchen so that you can prepare meals of your choosing.

Bison Hunting In Montana

Montana is one of the top states in the country when it comes to trophy bison hunts and exotic landscapes ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the wide-open prairie.

The state is home to several large bison herds, making it a great destination for hunters looking to add this impressive creature to their trophy collection.

Montana also offers some of the best opportunities for free-range bison hunting in the country. These hunts take place on public lands and require more planning and preparation than hunts on private ranches.

Bison Hunting In Tennessee

Tennessee might be one of the most surprising places to include on this list but don’t worry, you can go buffalo hunting here at one of the top exotic hunting lodges east of the Mississippi.

Caryonah Hunting Lodge

Forget having to head out west to get an opportunity to have a quality buffalo hunt. Caryonah Hunting Lodge is located about 75 miles west of Knoxville, TN. You’ll have the choice between the luxury cabin for groups of up to 22 people, or one of the 10 rooms in the hunting lodge. In either setting, your stay is comfortable, with high-speed Internet access, flat-screen TV with cable, comfy leather furniture, and Italian-tiles showers. You’ll also have an all-you-can-eat breakfast and lunch provided throughout your stay.

Most hunts at Caryonah are in close range due to thick brush and heavy cover. You’ll likely have your opportunity in under 100 yards, many within about 50 yards, making this one of the most exhilarating hunts you’ll experience. Your guide will even haul your harvest into the ranch’s walk-in cooler.

Bison Hunting In Texas

The folks in Texas will hunt pretty much anything and so it’s no surprise that the Lone Star State is also one of the top places for bison hunting too.

Texas is home to several large bison herds, making it a great destination for hunters looking to add this impressive creature to their trophy collection.

Bison hunting in Texas offers some of the best opportunities for free-range bison hunting in the country. These bison hunts take place on public lands and require more planning and preparation than bison hunts done on private ranches.

Ox Ranch

Ox Ranch is a step above the common hunting ranch for those who want more than simply a place to hunt bison. The accommodations are top-notch, with luxurious leather furniture and incredibly comfortable beds. You’ll also have some of the best food you’ve experienced while staying here, and have an assortment of other activities when you’re not hunting your bison, including night vision hog hunting.

The ranch boasts 18,000 acres, and has about 20 head of bison on the ranch’s property, including the more rare white buffalo. Your hunting package is all-inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about lodging, meals, or finding an experienced hunting guide. You can even use one of the ranch’s rifles if you prefer not to bring one of your own if you prefer.

Champion Ranch

Champion Ranch brings an entire resort experience to your buffalo hunt. You’ll certainly enjoy your hunting experience with one of the Ranch’s professional guides, who are themselves lifelong hunters. You’ll aim to tag a trophy between 800-2,000 lbs, with an animal up to 25 years old.

While at the ranch, you’ll enjoy 5-star accommodations no matter what lodging option you choose. You’ll find ample opportunity to relax with the cigar lounge, one of the three unique bars, live music, and so much more. You’ll satisfy your craving for spectacular food with the game dishes prepared by Executive Chef Aaron Chavez.

Montgomery Properties Ranch

The Montgomery family has over 6 generations’ experience in ranching, including both habitat and wildlife management. The success of this program has resulted in the success our hunters have enjoyed during their trips.

Your bison hunting package is all-inclusive, providing your lodging, chef-prepared hunting trip favorites, a guide for your hunt, and a stocked bar for afterward. You’ll also have access to the on-site rifle and archery range and trophy bass fishing. You’ll wonder why you waited to visit Montgomery Properties Ranch.

Bison Hunting In Utah

Utah is one of the top states in the country when it comes to big game hunting and offers a wide variety of landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the sagebrush-covered desert.

The state is home to several large bison herds, making it a great destination for hunters looking to add this impressive creature to their trophy collection.

West Canyon Ranch

For a more mountainous experience, head over to the West Canyon Ranch, tucked away in the northern Wasatch Mountains in Utah. There are two cabins housing guests, both of which offer you the comfort you’re longing for while experiencing a hunt. The packages include lodging, meals, beverages, airport transportation and field care. You’ll even enjoy the signature 50oz tomahawk steak on your last night at the ranch.

Your trophy hunt will give you the opportunity to take a 6-10 year old bull. This will not only give you an incredible trophy of your choice, but will fill your freezer with some incredible meat. On West Canyon Ranch, you’re free to use your weapon of choice, including rifle, muzzle-loader, bow and arrow, or crossbow.

Bison Hunting In Wyoming

When it comes to Americans and their first experience seeing wild bison, Wyoming probably comes to mind first. While there is a huge herd of more than 4,600 bison that call Yellowstone National Park home – there are also plenty of bison outfitters here that are ready to guide you on an epic buffalo hunting experience.

Rockin’ 7 Ranch

Moving a little further west, you’ll find Rockin’ 7 Ranch about two hours north of Cheyenne, WY. Your stay at Rockin’ 7 is where rustic meets comfort, bringing the best of the old-fashioned wood lodge to the modern hunting experience.

For this hunt, you’ll have the pick of the herd, with about 140 total heads to choose from, both cow and bull. You pick the one you want, and your guide helps you stalk close enough to get a clean shot, usually within about 100 yards. Your package includes both lodging, all meals, and your guide fees. There are no hidden trophy fees while hunting on Rockin’ 7 Ranch. Meat processing and taxidermy are not included in these packages.

Bison hunting is a popular pastime in the United States, and for good reason – these massive creatures are impressive to see in the wild. If you’re interested in embarking on your own buffalo hunt, there are plenty of great destinations to choose from. Just remember to be smart, be safe, and enjoy the experience!

The freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) is a common fish found across much of the United States as well as parts of Canada and Central America. Also known as “sheephead,” this fish is unfortunately derided as a “rough” or even “trash fish” by some. Yet the freshwater drum is an eager biter that can put up a good fight when caught on rod and reel.

Drum get their name from the croaking or drumming sound they make. Drum species that dwell in saltwater like the red drum are very popular fish. Red drum are widely sought after for both sport and table fare. While those drum are popular game fish, the freshwater drum is mostly ignored. Since the fish are similar in so many ways, I don’t really have an explanation for that.

An average freshwater drum

In the early stages of life, immature freshwater drum are a food fish for many predators. As they grow they can take on enough size to put them out of range for all but the largest of predators. In most of their range freshwater drum commonly reach weights of 1 to 5 pounds (0.5-2.26kg). They can also get much larger than that. The world record freshwater drum weighing 54 pounds 8 ounces (24.7 kg) was caught in Tennessee’s Nickajack Lake back in 1972. Freshwater drum can live quite a while too. Some drum in the upper midwest have made it passed 70 years of age.

I’ve caught a lot of freshwater drum from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. Most were under five pounds, though a select few were much bigger than that. They were usually incidental catches that come when I am fishing for another species or no species in particular. I’m never disappointed to catch a freshwater drum in any case. Some of the larger drum I’ve hooked into were actually quite memorable.

How to find and identify the Freshwater Drum

Freshwater drum are deep bodied fish. They vary in color from a bright silver to a deep bronze reminiscent of smallmouth bass. They have a rounded snout and a long dorsal fin that stretches almost all the way back to the tail. The freshwater drum resembles the red drum in some ways, but the freshwater drum has a much deeper body and lacks spots.

The freshwater drum has a wide range that may not have been accurately defined yet. For example, the state record freshwater drum in Virginia was caught in Buggs Island Lake (also known as John H Kerr Reservoir) in 2018. That body of water down on the North Carolina border is well out of the range shown on most of the freshwater drum range maps I’ve been able to find.

Freshwater drum can be found from Canada down to Guatemala. The fish live at least as far east as Vermont and as far west as Montana. They’re common throughout much of the Mississippi River watershed and several great lakes including Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, and Lake Michigan. They’re abundant in rivers like the Green, Ohio, Monongahela and Wabash. They are also common in a lot of smaller streams like Redstone Creek, Ten Mile Creek, and Pike Run in Pennsylvania.

Sheepshead will often come in shallow to feed and reveal themselves. You can also see them in some slower moving clear rivers and streams. So freshwater drum are usually not difficult to locate; and you can even sight fish for them at times. Yet they can also be present yet out of view. It’s pretty common to catch these fish when going for other species like catfish in muddy waters.

How to catch Freshwater Drum

Before I tell you about catching these fish, I want to let you know that I may earn commission when you make purchases through links on this page. This commission helps support my website, but it does not influence what I write. I only recommend products that I have found to be effective.

Freshwater drum are opportunist feeders. They will eat everything from small aquatic nymphs to minnows and crayfish. They can be caught on everything from flies like the San Juan Worm to lures like the Original Floating Rapala.

This big drum took a nightcrawler

That said, live bait is undoubtedly the most effective if you are looking to catch freshwater drum specifically. Most of the freshwater drum I’ve caught over the years took red worms or nightcrawlers. The bait was either drifting naturally with the current or held on the bottom with a sinker. Based on my experience with these fish, I am doubtful that anything would work better. Minnows can work, but drum seem to key in more on easily available worms.

Of course other things do catch freshwater drum. When it comes to flies they seem to be especially partial to the Clouser Minnow which they likely mistake for a crayfish. I’ve also seen them go after small nymphs tied competition style on jig hooks.

Freshwater drum will also attack small jigs like Lindy Little Nippers and Road Runners fished on spinning gear. Especially if they are tipped with maggots or wax worms. As any carp angler can tell you, freshwater drum will also eat doughball too.

Lures that look like Freshwater Drum

As I mentioned above, a lot of fish dine on young freshwater drum. Some very large predators may even attack larger drum later in life. Where legal, some anglers cut freshwater drums into strips and fish the meat as cutbait. This can work well for blue catfish and large channel cats. For most other predator species a lure that looks like a freshwater drum would be more effective.

I don’t know of any lures that are made to look exactly like a young drum. Yet there are many lures available that resemble small freshwater drum in one way or another. Lures with deep bodies, silver or bronze colors, and rattles come close to the real thing. Those are the lures I would look to if I found predator fish keyed in on immature drum.

The Carp RT Jackall Gantarel Jr resembles a freshwater drum

Both the Silver Rapala Rap-V and Chartreuse Olive Spro Little John Crankbait look enough like young drum to fool predator fish. They both put off sounds too, which could resemble the croaking noises that freshwater drum actually make. In any case both of these lures catch fish. Of course there’s no way to be sure what the fish think these lures are when they grab them. It may very well be that they are simply acting out of predatory instinct, though some colors absolutely outfish others at times.

If you’re looking to really replicate a freshwater drum you might want to consider the Jackall Gantarel Jr swimbait in “Carp RT” color. I haven’t fished with this lure yet, but it looks more like a freshwater drum than any other I have ever seen. I don’t think they were meant to resemble drum at all, but in terms of overall shape and even shade these things are right on the money. I wouldn’t hesitate to try one out anywhere I knew that fish were feasting on young freshwater drum.