Walleye fishing is a popular sport among anglers and enthusiasts, and having the right equipment is essential for success. A good walleye rod and reel combo is a must-have, as it can make a significant difference in your fishing experience.

With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we have put together this guide to recommend the best walleye rod and reel combos available online.

We’ll also provide you with some tips on what to consider when selecting the perfect combo for your fishing style and preferences.

So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking to get started, keep reading to discover the best walleye rod and reel combos that will help you land that prized catch.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Walleye Rod and Reel Combo

When choosing a walleye rod and reel combo, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best equipment for your fishing style and preferences. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Length and Power of the Rod: The length and power of the rod determine its sensitivity and strength. Longer rods provide greater casting distance and better line control, while shorter rods offer more precision and control. Power refers to the rod’s stiffness, with heavier power providing more strength and lighter power being more sensitive. Consider the type of water you’ll be fishing in and your preferred casting distance when choosing the length and power of the rod.
2. Type of Action: Rod action refers to how much the rod bends when pressure is applied to it. Fast-action rods bend only at the tip, while moderate-action rods bend more in the middle. Fast-action rods provide more power for hook sets and long casts, while moderate-action rods are better for casting accuracy and playing fish.
3. Reel Size and Gear Ratio: The size of the reel should match the size of the rod, with larger reels being better for longer casts and heavier lines. Gear ratio refers to the number of times the spool rotates with one turn of the handle. Higher gear ratios provide faster retrieval, while lower gear ratios offer more power. Consider the type of lure you’ll be using and the depth of the water when choosing the reel size and gear ratio.
4. Type of Line: The type of line you use depends on the water conditions and the size of the fish you’re targeting. Monofilament lines are versatile and work well for most situations, while braided lines provide greater strength and sensitivity for heavy cover and deep water.
5. Personal Preferences and Budget: Finally, consider your personal preferences and budget when choosing a walleye rod and reel combo. Some anglers prefer specific brands or styles of equipment, while others prioritize affordability. Determine what features are most important to you and how much you’re willing to spend before making your final decision.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose a walleye rod and reel combo that matches your fishing style and preferences and helps you catch more walleye.

Penn Battle III Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The Penn Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is a top-rated choice for walleye fishing online. This combo features a high-quality spinning reel and a durable rod that can handle a variety of fishing conditions.

The Penn Battle III Spinning Reel has a full-metal body and side plate that provides excellent durability and strength. It also has a CNC Gear technology system that ensures smooth and precise gear alignment, allowing for longer casts and more accurate retrieves. This reel also features a 5+1 stainless steel bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear on the internal components.

The rod included in this combo is made from graphite composite blanks that provide excellent sensitivity and strength. It has stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts that help prevent line wear and provide smooth line flow. The rod also features EVA handles that provide a comfortable grip even when wet.

The Penn Battle III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo comes in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. This combo is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for its quality and performance.

Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is another excellent option for walleye fishing online. These combos offer high-quality spinning reels and rods that provide excellent sensitivity and strength.

The Abu Garcia Pro Max Spinning Reel has a lightweight graphite body and rotor that provides excellent balance and performance. It features an Everlast bail system that provides durability and a slow oscillation design that ensures even line lay. The reel also has a 7+1 stainless steel bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear.

The Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Reel is a step up from the Pro Max, providing even better performance and features. It has a lightweight aluminum body and rotor that provide excellent durability and balance. The reel features an AMGearing system that provides precision-machined gears for smooth and accurate operation. It also has a Rocket Line Management System that provides better line control and longer casting distances.

Both the Pro Max and Max Pro spinning reels are paired with high-quality fishing rods that provide excellent sensitivity and strength. The rods are made from 24-ton graphite blanks that provide excellent balance and sensitivity. They also feature stainless steel guides with Zirconium inserts that help prevent line wear and provide smooth line flow. The rods have EVA handles that provide a comfortable grip even when wet.

The Abu Garcia Pro Max & Max Pro Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combos come in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. These combos are also reasonably priced, making them an excellent value for their quality and performance.

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Combo is a great choice for walleye fishing online. This combo features a high-quality spinning reel and a durable rod that can handle a variety of fishing conditions.

The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is made from Ugly Tech™ graphite and fiberglass construction, providing excellent strength and sensitivity. It has stainless steel guides with Ugly Tuff™ one-piece stamped stainless steel guides that provide maximum durability and eliminate insert pop-outs. The rod also has Ugly Stik® Clear Tip® design that provides excellent sensitivity and strength, allowing you to detect even the slightest bite.

The spinning reel included in this combo is also of high quality, featuring a 4+1 ball bearing system that provides smooth operation and reduces wear and tear. It has a machined aluminum spool that provides excellent line management, allowing for longer casts and better line control. The reel also features a durable graphite body and rotor that provide excellent balance and performance.

The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Combo comes in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. This combo is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for its quality and performance.

Quantum Reliance Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The Quantum Reliance Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is a highly-rated option for walleye fishing online. This combo features a durable and high-performing spinning reel and rod that can handle a variety of fishing conditions.

The Quantum Reliance Spinning Reel has a solid aluminum body and rotor that provides excellent durability and strength. It also features a ceramic carbon drag system that delivers smooth and consistent drag pressure, allowing you to fight and land bigger fish. The reel also has a 5+1 stainless steel bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear.

The rod included in this combo is made from a high-quality graphite blank that provides excellent sensitivity and strength. It has stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts that help prevent line wear and provide smooth line flow. The rod also features a split-grip cork handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.

The Quantum Reliance Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo comes in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. This combo is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for its quality and performance.

Pflueger President Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

Lastly, the Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is a top-rated choice for walleye fishing online. This combo features a high-quality spinning reel and a durable rod that can handle a variety of fishing conditions.

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel has a lightweight graphite body and rotor that provide excellent balance and performance. It features a sealed drag system that delivers smooth and consistent drag pressure, allowing you to fight and land bigger fish. The reel also has a 10-bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear.

The rod included in this combo is made from a high-quality graphite blank that provides excellent sensitivity and strength. It has stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts that help prevent line wear and provide smooth line flow. The rod also features a cork handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo comes in a variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose the one that best matches your fishing needs. This combo is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for its quality and performance.

The Benefits Of Buying A Walleye Rod And Reel Combo

Buying a rod and reel combo is an excellent option for anglers who want to save time and money while ensuring that their equipment is well-matched and ready to use. Here are some benefits of buying a rod and reel combo:

1. Convenience: Buying a rod and reel combo saves you the time and effort of having to search for and buy separate rod and reel components. With a combo, you get everything you need in one purchase, saving you time and hassle.
2. Cost-Effective: Buying a combo is often more cost-effective than buying a rod and reel separately. Combos typically offer a discount over buying the components separately, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality.
3. Well-Matched Components: Rod and reel combos are designed to be well-matched, ensuring that the rod and reel are compatible in terms of length, power, and other specifications. This ensures that you get the best performance out of your equipment and allows you to focus on catching fish instead of worrying about whether your equipment is compatible.
4. Improved Performance: With a well-matched combo, you can expect improved performance and ease of use. Combos are designed to work together, ensuring that you get the best possible performance out of your equipment.
5. Variety: Rod and reel combos come in a variety of lengths, powers, and styles, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your fishing needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there is a combo available that will work for you.

Overall, buying a rod and reel combo is a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient way to ensure that your equipment is well-matched and ready to use. With a well-matched combo, you can expect improved performance and ease of use, allowing you to focus on catching more fish.

Guided Walleye Fishing With Captain Lonney

For 25 years Green Bay Trophy Fishing has guided and provided helpful information to anglers in and around Door County. We are some of the most experienced fishing guides in Green Bay and pride ourselves on being experts on everything related to fishing in the area.

If you are interested in booking a walleye fishing charter, you can view our rates or contact us here.

How Does the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Perform When Used in Practice? (Experiences)

To deliver a trustworthy Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Review, we gave the fish finder a test ourselves. It took us about an hour to install the device. If this is your first fish finder, you’ll find the manual easy to follow.

What also caught our attention was the TripleShot sonar which can locate fish at 150 feet around the boat and 300 feet below the surface. Navigating during our kayak fishing was also easier with this fish finder compared to other models out there. One final great thing about Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 is that you can use it in direct sunlight and rain since it’s waterproof.

Display

Hook Reveal 7 display is on a whole other level. It offers a Splitscreen option where you can customize the screen to your preferences.

If you opted for the SplitShot or TrippleShot Sonars, you can include mapping, SideScan imaging, Chirp Sonar, and DownScan imaging – all at once.

The display also introduces a new color specter in the Hook Reveal 7 series, which easily distinguishes underwater structures and provides better target separation. You can customize the colors of your sonar charts and StructureScan to suit your needs.

The 7-inch display comes at the perfect size for a solo fishing trip but also a group one. Up to 5 people can catch a good angle of the screen with this one.

Interface

The interface aspect of this Hook Reveal 7 review is not the shiniest. The Hook Reveal 7 has a basic touchpad with a few buttons to help you navigate the device and adjust the settings easily.

The interface is not complicated nor time-consuming and menu options are well-organized. What you get from this interface is as follows:

• Home Key. It takes to you to a homepage.
• Exit Key. You need this key to exit a page.
• Select Key. This key has the same purpose as an “OK” button.
• Arrows. Use them to navigate in all directions.
• Waypoints Keys. These mark a waypoint.
• Zoom Keys: Two keys for zooming in and out.

As you can tell, it’s a self-explanatory interface, and you won’t need too much time to get used to the device.

But, we do realize that some anglers are either used to touch screens or would prefer a similar interface over a touchpad. If that’s the case, then this Hook Reveal 7 fish finder might not be the best option for you.

Mapping

The mapping features of Hook Reveal 7 outdo any fish finders for the price it comes at. Initially, you can use the C-MAP Countour+ option to navigate through 24,000 US and Canadian lakes using a foot contour. So, you have pre-loaded maps to get you started and you can navigate freely in many US and Canadian waters.

However, if you need this fish finder for a local lake where you have a fruitful route you want to save, you can do it on Hook Reveal 7. The mapping features allow you to create a custom map. Here, you can mark waypoints and fish arches, or learn which places to avoid. But, the best custom maps option is Genesis Live, a feature that allows you to make contour maps – and chart them while at it.

The Sonar

All Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 models employ the CHIRP technology and support it with a DownScan. However, not all models are capable of side scanning. The HDI transducer’s capacity is caped on 83/200/455/800 kHz, meaning it’s far from enough for side scanning. The hook transducer offers a temperature sensor, transom mount, and 20-foot power cord.

Otherwise, the CHIRP sonar picks up various information from below the lake surface. Such include objects, fish, vegetation, and aspects of the underwater structure. You have an entire scope of the lake, with readable visuals for both beginner and advanced anglers.

Not to forget, the sonar features of Lowrance Hook 7 include an advanced signal processing Split Flasher that allows you a superb ice fishing experience and Fish ID. You don’t need to be an expert sonar reader to navigate toward the more prolific fish spots. With this feature, the fish finder will detect any fish-dense area and show you the way there.

Networking

Inspecting the networking features as part of our Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 review was a must. And, as it turns out, a network connection is a deal breaker for some anglers. Sadly, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 comes without Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet sharing option.

Essentially, if you want to share data on your Hook Reveal, you have to it old-school. That is, by removing the Micro SD card and transferring it to the desired device.

Who is Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 for?

Lowrance Hook 7 offers a series of products for both recreational and serious anglers. If you have a particular feature in mind, like side imaging or contour, preselect your preferences before you order a product.

The Verdict on this Premium Fish Finder

All things considered, what makes the Hook Reveal 7 a premium fish finder is the C Map contour. Many anglers enjoy creating their own contour maps because it’s adventurous. Plus, there’s the neat option to save the sonar logs, and share them with other devices.

The final say is yours – we hope our Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Review satisfied your curiosity.

FAQ

Does Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 have maps?

Yes. All Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 products offer map options that include 4,000 US lakes, C-Map countour+, GPS only, or preloaded maps.

Does Lowrance Hook reveal 7 have a side scan?

Yes. Lowrance Hook 7 TripleShot, for instance, comes in 2D and down imaging.

Making your own gaff is a fun and relatively inexpensive project that almost anyone can do with basic tools and components. It allows for personal customization, and the satisfaction of sticking a fish with a gaff that you made is second to none!

Materials

• 

  Handle

• Gaff hook
• Paracord, hockey tape, or heat shrink for grip
• Electrical tape
• Wire (Like the type to hang pictures)
• Two-part epoxy
• Drill and various drill bits
• Spray paint

First thing is to choose what size gaff hook would be best suited for the type of fishing. For smaller fish like bluefish, mahi, false albacore, or bonito, a 2- to 3-inch hook would be more than adequate. If you’re building something bigger strictly for tuna, shark, and other large offshore species, a 3- to 4-inch hook might be better. That said, a good all-around size is 3 inches which can be purchased at most tackle shops for between $5 and $10. Choosing the best material for the gaff handle is also important. Some people prefer bamboo since it is flexible and strong. Others like rigid handles like broomsticks; hockey sticks, broken rods, or almost anything else can be used as a handle, as long it is durable. The length can be customized, anywhere from a 1-foot lip gaff to an 8-foot reacher is possible. I believe 3- to 5-foot is a good multi-purpose length handle.

Hold the hook up against the handle and determine where the barb is going to be stuck into the handle. Mark it on the handle; then drill a hole in the handle so the barb fits in there and then outline the shank of the hook on the handle. Remove the hook; then, while holding a drill bit or routing bit on top of the handle lengthwise (parallel to the handle), burr out the outline of the hook shank so that way there is a channel where the shank will sit. Be careful if using bamboo or a somewhat hollow material not to go all the way through; just a little indentation will work fine. Mix some two-part epoxy and put some in the hole for the barb and channel for the shank. Lay the gaff hook in its place and wrap tightly with wire. Epoxy should also be added on top of the wire and hook for extra durability. Let the epoxy cure and harden fully. Once the epoxy is fully dried, it is time to wrap the shank and wire. Before doing this, it might be a good idea to hit the area with a quick coat of spray paint to seal up any exposed wire or hook shank that is showing. This will help prevent corrosion to those areas. The color doesn’t matter since it will be covered up anyway. Depending on the handle material, that could also be painted; it is good to paint wooden handles in particular as a sealant and to prevent the wood from getting waterlogged.

After the paint dries, it’s time to wrap the epoxy, wire, and hook shank. For this, electrical tape, heat shrink, or even paracord/string works fine. This is mainly for aesthetic purposes and doesn’t add too much support. The epoxy, wire, and barb are what mainly holds the gaff hook. Having some type of grip on the handle is important, especially if the wood is painted or the material is slippery. Remember, the user’s hands will most likely be wet. Figure out where the gaff handle is naturally gripped when you’re about to stick a fish and add the grips there. The grip can be anything from paracord wrapped around, hockey tape, or heat shrink rod grips; all work great! If using paracord or some sort of rope/string to make a grip, it is important to wrap it tight and finish off the ends with epoxy, so they don’t come undone. What’s nice about this gaff is that it’s something you made and is completely tailored to your liking. Next time NOAA’s offshore forecast leaves you stuck at home, give it a shot!

Before the season begins, and once the scouting is over, sometimes you realize that you might need a little extra help when it comes to attracting those deer. Why waste your time with a simple corn pile? Why not go out and get the best deer attractant to guarantee success?

While searching for the top options, it’s important to remember that there are several kinds out there – Spread, Spray, Plot, Mineral, etc. Each type provides its own pros and cons, as well as the best picks within each category.

This blog focuses on the four major types of deer attractants and calls out the attractant we think is best for its intended purpose. Enjoy the comparison chart below and some top questions we decided to answer before choosing a deer attractant.

Full Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you follow an affiliate link and end up making a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Overall Deer Attractant

Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage

While it might not be the newest item on the list, it sure has been time-tested – and the results speak for themselves. The Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage deer attractant is our top pick for 2024 because it’s the most popular and highly reviewed option on the market.

The Acorn Rage pretty much guarantees deer will come to your stand, and it’s something I can personally attest to. I’ve not only used this attractant for the past several hunting seasons, but I’ve noticed that deer are more likely to return to areas where this used.

It’s widely known that acorns are at the top of the list when it comes to prized deer food, and what’s more convenient than having it an easy to disperse pack?

Pro Tip: Deer attractant minerals release slowly over time, and can create an active mineral site for up to a year, improving your deer feeder location over time.

Other Top Technological Features include the following:

This blend is made out of 100% real acorns and roasted soybeans to create a nutritional snack with jam-packed scent. It’s also combined with Wildgame’s Airborne Technology which disperse 600% more scent particles than standard feed – WOW! You can mark this down as a solid long-range buck attractant too.

As far as actual specifications, the mix is 17% fat and 28% protein, with 11% fiber. It’s also high in rack nutrition and can be used year around (similar to other deer protein feeds). Because of this, man hunters say this is the best deer attractant for summer.

Best Deer Attractant Spray

Nationwide Scents Scrape Lure Deer Attractant Urine

Nationwide Scents has been producing authentic, field tested scents for nearly 20 years, and they continue to be a reliable tool for many deer hunters. Their Scrape Lure Deer Attractant Urine is our top deer attractant spray for 2024 because of the authentic urine collected from Nationwide.

The Pure Active deer attractant spray is a great option for year around use, but does exceptionally well in early to late rut. The performance is all in the recipe, which is above industry standard. Check this out:

Fun Fact: Nationwide Scents is the largest deer urine collection company in the world.

Other top technological features include the following:

Nationwide Scents facility holds over 600 live whitetail deer and collects all urine in their state-of-the-art stainless-steel facility. Additionally, it’s all collected fresh that season for best results.

As far as quality, the company is a certified member of the RHSA and all of their scents are CWD certified free. If you don’t like it, Nationwide Scents guarantees all of their products and will make the purchase right!

Of course, from personal experience, I’m not that big of a fan of liquid lures just because they are so messy. I always

Best Deer Attractant To Plant

Antler King No Sweat, No-Till Plot Mix

All whitetail deer hunters would love to create their own multi-acre food plot, ensuring they have a solid setup for the season. However, not everyone has the land or the equipment to get it done. The Antler King No Sweat, No-Till is the best deer attract to plant because it requires minimal tools and effort to reach its full potential.

The No Sweat, No-Till deer attractant mix is great for those with limited space, or if you’ve found a nice pocket but can’t get equipment to it. If you’re asking, “Is it really no till?” then the answer is – YES! Antler King has created a shade tolerant mix that will grow almost anywhere with minimal preparation.

This attractant is a mix of perennial and annual seeds that can be planted in either Spring of Fall. Additionally, it also contains varieties of oats, rye, clover, canola and more.

One final note, Antler King has provided a handy food plot mix chart for all their products!

Best Mineral Deer Attractant

Big & J Headrush

Big & J is best known for taking salt based supplements (which deer love) and using added technology to advance their performance. This is best established in the strongest mineral deer attractant we could find – the Big & J Headrush.

The Headrush deer attractant is a perfect combination of pure supplement and attractant for whitetail deer hunters across the nation. The added Calcium is key to antler growth, while the product’s Bioavaible Trace Minerals contribute to overall herd health.

The attractant’s greatest feature is their BB2 Aroma, which creates a strong scent that will pull in deer from long ranges. This concoction, which contributes to a deer’s energy level, is a property blend that drives deer wild!

Honestly, the science in this product is just too much to summarize. For a full story about all its benefits, check out the link below to be amazed even more.

FAQs When Buying Deer Attractant

1. What Is The Best Deer Attractant To Mix With Corn?

Overall, the best deer attractant to mix with corn is going to be the GYT 90 liquid mix.

This particular nutritional supplement combination is great during the summer months as deer are more accustomed to consuming corn with agricultural fields being so prevalent.

This mix also provides great benefits during the winter months. The high fat crude soybean oil serves as a strong attractant, helps them gain weight, and provides many essential minerals for antler growth.

2. What’s The Best Deer Attractant For Late Season?

Attracting deer during late season can be difficult as traveling patterns are quickly becoming more disrupted. Priorities obviously change for both younger and older bucks, while does split and go beyond their normal feeding trails.

And to locate the feeding trails, try to pay attention to deer poop and what it means. If you find an a large amount of deer pellets in one location, that look to be evenly spread out, this is a great indicator of a feeding location. Deer typically defecate frequently while grazing.

You might be able to attract deer with a stronger acorn or apple scent mix, or by using active scape scents like those provided by Nationwide Scents. However, it’s going to be somewhat difficult with a standard spread mix or simple corn pile.

Keep in mind that as it gets colder air odor molecules move more slowly through the air, making it tougher to pick up scent. As a result, using long range mineral scent attractants can combat this if combined with beneficial wind conditions.

3. Can You Make Homemade Deer Attractant?

Yes, you can make homemade deer attract very easily. For the best homemade DIY deer attractant recipes check out the links below:

Animals Mom

Gone Outdoors

Feather Net Outdoors

4. Does Molasses Attract Deer?

Yes, molasses can be used to attract deer due to its strong and sweet aroma. Most standard attractant blocks use molasses as a bonding agent to hold everything together while enhancing the scent.

A spear shaft needs the right wood. The wood can depend if you use the shaft to decorate or for combat training. But, this can get tricky for reasons like durability, strength, and more.

So naturally, you must be wondering, what’s the best wood for spear shaft?

Hickory, ash, red oak, and acacia are great options for spear shafts. Hickory is a very reliable option whereas Ash provides a traditional feel. Red oak is a great option for decorative purposes while acacia is widely available.

To know more about these woods, keep reading our article. We have elaborated on their features and differences below just for you.

Let’s begin!

Which Wood To Pick For A Spear Shaft?

With the variety of options available, choosing wood for a spear shaft can be puzzling. However, we have four recommendations: Hickory, Ash, Red oak, and Acacia.

To help you understand these variations, we’ve put together a table.

Type of woodAdvantages Disadvantages HickoryAccessible Strong Durable Not as traditional as Ash Is heavier than other woods Rigid Ash Traditional Lightweight Flexible Prone to rot Not very durable Red oakDurable Great for decorative purposes Splinters easily Heavy to carry and use Difficult to cut and size Acacia Widely available Durable Expensive Temperature-sensitive

We understand that this isn’t sufficient information for you to make a final decision. This is why we’ll go over the differences in more detail below.

1. Hickory

This is the most common hardwood out there. If you’re making a spear for combat and throwing purposes, this is a great option. In terms of cost, hickory is really affordable.

This is because hickory is very strong and durable. So no matter how you throw or use it, your spear shaft will remain intact. There will be little to no splintering of the wood on heavy impact.

On top of that, hickory is widely available. You can easily get it from hardware stores or dealers. This wood is easy to maintain and only needs the occasional wipe down with a damp cloth.

However, this is very heavy wood, roughly weighing 2 pounds. So while yielding the shaft, you may think it’s too stiff and rigid. Also, you might want a spear shaft similar to those used in older civilizations. In that case, hickory isn’t the right choice.

2. Ash

Many spear shafts in history were made from ash. Similar to hickory, this is also a widely available hardwood for spear shafts. Ash is on par with hickory when it comes to cost.

The unique quality of this hardwood is that it’s light and flexible. This makes it easy to yield and maneuver in close range, up to 80 meters. Since it’s light, it’s also a great option for newbies learning to wield and use spears.

However, unlike hickory, ash isn’t very durable. If it bends too much, it’s tough to restore the original shape.

On top of that, ash is prone to rotting. This makes it tough to maintain. Chances are, your spear shaft won’t last longer than a year.

3. Red Oak

This is the most beautiful hardwood of the bunch. This brown wood with red undertones makes a very aesthetically pleasing spear shaft. It tends to be slightly more expensive than Ash and Hickory.

Red oak is also the toughest hardwood out there. So it’s on par with hickory in terms of durability.

However, since the wood is tough, it’s very difficult to cut and size it. If you’re new to spears, this will be very heavy to use.

Lastly, the wood is brittle and splinters easily. Consequently, it can’t take high-impact blows. So it’s best for decorative purposes only. It just needs regular cleaning with a rag.

4. Acacia

If you’re living somewhere where the aforementioned woods aren’t available, use acacia. This is a hardwood that’s available all across the world. It’s highly durable and resists splintering upon impact.

However, acacia is more expensive both in terms of price and maintenance costs.

The natural properties of the wood make it tarnish quickly. So it requires yearly maintenance in the form of polishing.

If you’re unsure about the type of polish to get, check the ones below. Any one of these will make your spear shaft shine.

Now that’s covered, let’s proceed.

Final Decision: What Is the Best Wood for A Spear Shaft?

Don’t have a preference for one over the other? We can assist you.

If you want to make a spear shaft for combat or throwing purposes, opt for hickory. It will give you the strength and longevity you need.

If you want a traditional or low-scale spear shaft, go for ash wood. However, for simply decorative purposes, stick to red oak.

Lastly, if you can’t find the other woods, go for acacia. Simply store the shaft in a cool place, below 86℉ to keep the wood from tarnishing.

We hope these let you decide the best wood for your spear shaft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How thick should a spear shaft be?

Answer: Ideally, the diameter should be 1 to 1.5 inches. This is a good range of thickness that’ll let you handle the spear well. Anywhere in this range should allow you to handle the spear with one or two hands.

Question: How long should a throwing spear shaft be?

Answer: Depending on your height, it can range from 5.5 feet to 8 feet long. If the wood is light, then opt for 6 to 7 feet. This is the optimal length for single and double-handed throwing. If the wood is heavy, and you’re 6 feet or taller, go for 8 feet.

Question: How to take care of the spear?

Answer: After each use, wipe it down with a damp rag. Wait for it to dry completely. Opt for storing the spear in a cool and dry room. Once every 6 months, polish the spear to keep it looking brand new.

Final Words

With everything covered, now you should know the best wood for spear shaft. Make sure you pick the wood for the task it needs to do.

Good luck with the project and we hope the wood you pick serves you well.

If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below!

Minnesota Deer Season runs from September 16, 2024 – December 31, 2024. Whether you are a seasoned hunter, or this is your first time, it’s always smart to make sure you have a plan and understand the hunting regulations for the year. This blog will provide you with several resources so that you have all the information you need!

Archery Deer Season: September 16, 2024 – December 31, 2024

Youth Deer Season: October 19, 2024 – October 23, 2024

Early Antlerless Season: October 19, 2024 – October 22, 2024

Firearms (Season A) 100 Series permit areas: November 4th-19th, 2024

Firearms (Season A) 200 & 300 Series permit areas: November 4th-12th, 2024

Firearms (Season B) 300 Series permit areas: November 18th-26th, 2024

Deer Season Muzzleloader: November 25th, 2024 – December 10th, 2024

Crossbow regulations for MN Archery Season have changed.

FIGURING OUT YOUR PERMIT AREA

The first step to buying your hunting license is figuring out the permit area you will be hunting in. A person with an archery license can hunt within any permit area except for 287 (Itasca State Park). It is important to understand that different permit areas also have different bag limits. Click here to view the Minnesota 2024 Deer Season Area Map. (WILL BE UPDATED ONCE 2024 MAP IS RELEASED)

***2024 BAG LIMITS***

BUY $2000+ of hunting blinds and get FREE delivery within 40 miles of any Archery Country Location!

BUYING YOUR LICENSE

Now that you’ve figured out what permit area you are hunting in, it’s time to buy your license. You can purchase a license online, via phone or in-person at an approved location.

PURCHASE A HUNTING LICENSE ONLINE

Click here to purchase a hunting license online. When purchasing a hunting license online, it is important to make sure that you only purchase from the DNR website. Make sure to allow 5-10 business days for license tags, permits and passes to arrive via U.S. postal mail.

PURCHASE A HUNTING LICENSE BY PHONE

You can purchase licenses by phone at 1-888-665-4236. This toll-free line is open 24/7 and provides immediate licensing. At the end of the call, you will receive your license number, which will be valid until you receive an actual license via mail.

PURCHASE A HUNTING LICENSE IN-PERSON

Click here to view approved locations to buy your license in-person.

ARCHERY EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS

Bows and arrows for big game in Minnesota must meet the following criteria:

• Bows must have a pull of no less than 30 pounds at or before full draw. (Bows with low draw weight may not effectively kill big game.)
• Arrowheads used for taking big game must have a minimum of two metal cutting edges, be of barbless broadhead design, with a diameter of at least 7/8 inch.
• “expandable” broadheads may be used to take big game if they meet requirements above and 1) are at least 7/8 inch in width and no more than 2 inches in width at or after impact; and 2) are of a barbless design and function in a barbless manner.
• A hand-held mechanical release attached to the bowstring may be used if the person’s own strength draws and holds the bowstring.

Click here to download the 2024 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Thinking about trying archery hunting this year? Read this blog: 5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Bow

Hope you’ve got your hunting cap on — it’s time for a trivia quiz about all things hunting! How much do you know about this subject? Take a shot at these 25 trivia questions and find out!

1. Which state has the largest deer population?

A. Texas

B. Wisconsin

C. Pennsylvania

D. Michigan

2. In what year was the first recorded fee for a hunting license?

A. 1783

B. 1864

C. 1889

D. 1905

3. What is the biggest animal that can be legally hunted in North America?

A. Bison

B. Moose

C. Elk

D. Grizzly bear

4. Which of the following is NOT a method of hunting?

A. Baiting

B. Bowhunting

C. Hunting with dogs

D. Shooting from a vehicle

5. Which president was an avid hunter?

A. Teddy Roosevelt

B. Abraham Lincoln

C. James Buchanan

D. John F Kennedy

6. Which animal is NOT hunted for its fur?

A. Beaver

B. Raccoon

C. Bobcat

D. Squirrel

7. Which of the following is NOT a type of hunting dog?

A. Beagle

B. Boxer

C. Setter

D. Pointer

8. What is the most popular game bird in North America?

A. Turkey

B. Grouse

C. Pheasant

D. Duck

9. In what year did the United States ban whale hunting?

A. 1820

B. 1920

C. 1940

D. 1971

10. Which state has the longest hunting season?

A. Alaska

B. Louisiana

C. Maine

D. Virginia

11. Which of the following animals can be hunted at night?

A. Raccoon

B. Opossum

C. Coyote

D. All of the above

12. For what animal is the term “trophy hunting” most often used?

A. Whitetail deer

B. Moose

C. Bighorn sheep

D. Buffalo

13. How many antler points does a bull need to have before he can be legally hunted?

A. 4

B. 6

C. 8

D. 10

14. Which of the following is not an endangered species?

A. American bison

B. Peregrine falcon

C. Whooping crane

D. Black-footed Ferret

15. Which state has the highest percentage of hunting license holders?

A. South Dakota

B. Texas

C. Vermont

D. Louisiana

16. Which organization was founded in 1961 to protect wildlife and their habitats?

A. The Nature Conservancy

B. National Wildlife Federation

C. World Wildlife Fund

D. Sierra Club

17. Which of the following animals is NOT a game animal?

A. Raccoon

B. Gray squirrel

C. Red fox

D. Striped skunk

18. What is the minimum caliber rifle that can be used to hunt deer in most states?

A. .22

B. .24

C. .26

D. .28

19. Which state has the most deer per square mile?

A. Mississippi

B. Wisconsin

C. Pennsylvania

D. Michigan

20. Which of the following animals can be hunted with a crossbow?

A. Deer

B. Turkey

C. Bear

D. All of the above

21. Which country has the most hunters per capita?

A. United States

B. Canada

C. Ireland

D. Russia

22. In what year was the first issue of Field & Stream magazine published?

A. 1895

B. 1905

C. 1915

D. 1925

23. What are the two most popular types of rifles used for deer hunting?

A. Lever-action and pump-action

B. Bolt-action and lever-action

C. Semi-automatic and bolt-action

D. Pump-action and semi-automatic

24. What does “bag limit” refer to?

A. The maximum number of animals that can be killed in one day

B. The size of the animal that can be legally killed

C. The minimum caliber rifle that can be used to hunt deer

D. The amount of time a hunter can spend hunting in one day

25. What does “Skunked” mean?

A. When a deer smells a hunter and runs away

B. When a hunter is unable to kill an animal

C. When a hunter shoots an animal and only wounds it

D. When two hunters shoot the same animal

There you have it. I hope none of these questions were a complete “miss” for you. Did you get skunked? Let me know how you did in the comments below. And if hunting isn’t really your thing, check out my other trivia quizzes. There’s bound to be one that’s more your speed. Thanks for playing!

What does rabbit taste like? Some people say that rabbit tastes like chicken, while others say that it has a unique flavor all its own. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different opinions on rabbit flavor and give you our thoughts on this delicate topic. Whether you’re considering getting a pet rabbit or are simply curious about what these animals taste like, read on for more information.

What Is Rabbit & Rabbit Meat?

Rabbit is a type of game meat that comes from the hare family. These animals are farmed for their meat, fur, and even their pelts, which are used to make clothing and other items. Rabbit meat is considered to be a healthy option since it’s lean and low in calories, fat, and cholesterol. It’s also a good source of protein, vitamin B12, niacin, and phosphorus.

What Does Rabbit Taste Like? Does Rabbit Taste Good (Like Chicken)?

Rabbit meat tastes a lot like chicken due to the fact that both are white meat. The biggest difference between the two is the texture. Rabbits have less fat compared to chickens, so they’re drier.

The taste of rabbit meat will depend on the age of the rabbit. The general consensus is that the younger the rabbit, the better it tastes. Older rabbits, especially wild rabbits, tend to develop a strong smell, making them hard to eat if cooked wrong.

Rabbit meat is comparable to chicken and would take on whatever spices you put on it (spicy, curry, savory, etc.).

Nutritional Benefits of Rabbit Meat:

Rabbit meat is an excellent source of animal protein and essential nutrients. It’s low in calories and fat but high in healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Rabbit meat is also a good source of B vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium.

If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to red meat, rabbit is a great option.

What is the History of Rabbit Meat?

Rabbit has been eaten as a food source for centuries. The first recorded instance of rabbit consumption dates back to the 4th century BC in Greece. Rabbit was a popular dish among the wealthy since it was considered luxurious meat.

Today, you can find rabbit meat at some specialty butcher shops and online retailers. You can also purchase whole rabbits or live rabbits for slaughtering.

Besides, if you want to eat rabbit meat, you might have to hunt for the wild ones.

(For more on the best air rifle for rabbits, see this post)

What is Rabbit Meat Called?

The term for Rabbit meat is ‘Coniglio’ in Italian, ‘Lapin’ in French, ‘Conejo’ in Spanish, and ‘Hasenfleisch’ in German. In Chinese, it is called ‘tuzhu yanzhi’. In English, it does not have a special name like pork, beef, veal, or venison. It is just called rabbit meat.

How To Cook Rabbit?

Rabbit is a very versatile meat, so there are many different ways to cook it. Rabbit can be roasted, grilled, stewed, stir-fried, or even made into sausage. The key to cooking a rabbit is not to overcook it, as this will make the meat tough.

Here are some tips on how to cook rabbit:

-If you’re roasting a rabbit, make sure to stuff the cavity with herbs and vegetables to keep the meat moist.

-To grill a rabbit, marinate it in your favorite sauce for at least an hour before cooking.

-For stewed rabbit, brown the meat in a pan before adding it to the stew pot.

-If you’re stir-frying rabbit, cut the meat into small pieces so it cooks evenly.

Regardless of how you cook rabbit, it’s important to remember not to overcook it. Rabbit is best cooked until it’s slightly pink in the middle.

(How To Get Rid Of Iguanas? See this post for more)

Easy Rabbit Recipe:

Grilled Rabbit with Spicy Sauce

Ingredients:

-1 rabbit, cut into pieces

-1 bottle of your favorite hot sauce

-1/4 cup olive oil

-2 tablespoons vinegar

-1 tablespoon paprika

-1 teaspoon garlic powder

-1/4 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. In a large resealable bag, combine the rabbit pieces, hot sauce, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the rabbit.

2. Let the rabbit marinate in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is even better).

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

4. Grill the rabbit pieces for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve immediately.

FAQs

How do you cook rabbit so it doesn’t taste gamey?

The key to cooking rabbit so it doesn’t taste gamey is to not overcook it. Rabbit is best cooked until it’s slightly pink in the middle. This will ensure that the meat is moist and tender. Another tip is to marinate the rabbit in your favorite sauce for at least an hour before cooking. This will help to tenderize the meat and give it flavor.

What does wild rabbit meat taste like?

Wild rabbit meat tends to have a strong smell, making it hard to eat if cooked wrong. The best way to cook wild rabbit is to marinate it in your favorite sauce for at least an hour before cooking. This will help to tenderize the meat and give it flavor. Another tip is to not overcook the rabbit, as this will make the meat tough. Wild rabbit is best cooked until it’s slightly pink in the middle.

Is wild rabbit meat better than domestic rabbit meat?

The taste of wild rabbit meat will depend on the age of the rabbit. The general consensus is that the younger the rabbit, the better it tastes. Older rabbits, especially wild rabbits, tend to develop a strong smell, making them hard to eat if cooked wrong. Wild rabbit is best cooked until it’s slightly pink in the middle.

How do you make rabbit sausage?

Rabbit sausage can be made by grinding up raw rabbit meat and mixing it with spices and herbs. The sausage can then be formed into patties or links and grilled, roasted, or fried. Rabbit sausage is best cooked until it’s slightly pink in the middle.

Why is Rabbit Meat Not Popular? 

There are a few reasons why rabbit meat is not as popular as other meats. One reason is that rabbits are often considered to be pets, so people may not want to eat them. Another reason is that rabbit meat can be difficult to cook if you don’t know how to do it correctly. Rabbit meat is best cooked until it’s slightly pink in the middle. If it’s overcooked, the meat can be tough and have a strong taste.

Do Different Cuts of Rabbit Taste Different? 

Different cuts of rabbits can taste different depending on how they’re cooked. For example, the loin is a leaner cut of meat that is best cooked quickly so it doesn’t dry out. The leg is a tougher cut of meat that benefits from being cooked slowly so it becomes tender. Rabbit meat is best cooked until it’s slightly pink in the middle.

How Should I Store Rabbit Meat?

Rabbit meat should be stored in the fridge and used within 2-3 days. If you’re not going to use the rabbit meat within that time frame, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When storing rabbit meat, make sure to wrap it tightly so air doesn’t get to it. Rabbit meat is best cooked until it’s slightly pink in the middle.

What Flavors Go Well with Rabbit? 

Rabbit goes well with a variety of flavors, such as spicy, curry, savory, and sweet. Rabbit can be cooked in many different ways, such as roasting, grilling, stewing, stir-frying, or even made into sausage. The key to cooking a rabbit is not to overcook it, as this will make the meat tough.

Conclusion

Whether you’re considering getting a pet rabbit or are simply curious about what these animals taste like, we hope this blog post has been helpful. Rabbit meat is healthy and tastes similar to chicken, making it a great option for those looking for a leaner protein source. When cooking rabbit, be sure not to overcook it as this will make the meat tough. There are many different ways to cook rabbits, so experiment with different methods and find the one that you like best. 

Gerald Almy

Food plots are for many of us the most fun and dramatically rewarding part of being a gamekeeper. But as you delve deeper into habitat and wildlife management, it becomes clear that there are plenty of other improvements that need to be made to the habitat if your goal is to attract and hold mature bucks on your property.

IT’S ABOUT CREATING A LEGACY FOR ALL FUTURE GENERATIONS. SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

Attending to these “extra” things besides food plots becomes especially important for those who, like me, only have a hundred or few hundred acres. If you have thousands of acres of mixed habitat and let young bucks walk, chances are you already have some older bucks present. For those of us with less acreage, packing the maximum amount of things that will attract and hold older bucks in a small area and managing it extra carefully are especially important. Here are 12 projects and management principles that will help make your land attractive to older-age-class deer. There are certainly other steps you can take, but these are good ones to start with. If you don’t give the deer these things, chances are your neighbors will, and that’s where they’ll go.

Before getting started, realize that to get the maximum benefit from these projects, you need to carefully analyze your property using topos, aerial photographs, and your knowledge of the land to lay them out for maximum attractiveness to the deer and maximum enhancement of your hunting success. The latter aspect requires careful consideration of things such as best access to stand sites, prevailing wind direction, sun angle, approach cover, and other factors. But knowing where the different types of cover and food are that you have put in place will help you know how the deer will travel and where they will likely bed as they make use of the habitat enhancements you’ve made. 1. Create a transition corridor for mature bucks. Most land is to open for prime deer habitat and big bucks don’t get old by traveling where they can often be seen. Locate a natural potential travel route from bedding to feeding areas or between doe bedding areas and make it appealing to bucks by adding a variety of shrubs or tall annual grasses and partially felling a few low value trees. This serves two purposes. Besides offering cover, a lot of the species you plant will also offer food as will the hinge-cut trees. That will make the travel corridor even more appealing. Here’s an example. You have a small stream or drainage ditch flowing through an area that could be a big buck travel route between doe bedding areas, feed fields or blocks of timber, but it’s too open. Without brush and trees, only does and young bucks will likely use it during daylight. Put in a swath of shrubs that grow 5-8 feet tall or cover grasses such as Blind Spot along the creek, however, and mature bucks will start using it because they’ll feel secure there. A number of different shrubs will work well for this project. Some good ones to consider are: native American honeysuckle bushes, dogwood shrubs (graystem, silky, or red osier), lespedeza, crab apple, Chickasaw plum, chinquapin, viburnum and indigo bush. They’ll not only create security cover, deer will nibble on most of these plants, adding to the travel corridor’s attraction.

Plant two rows of these bushes on the side of the creek a buck would likely travel, 8-12 feet apart. For variety and winter cover, you can mix in a few pines or cedars.

2. Provide minerals. Maybe you’re fortunate enough to have a natural mineral site on your property. Most of us, though, are less fortunate and need to build one or more mineral licks to satisfy the deer’s need for macro and micro elements that they don’t get enough of from natural foods, crops and food plots.

BioRocks are good. I also like to dig up and mix in Full Potential into the top 8-12 inches of soil in several key sites for every 50 acres of land. Place them in or near cover, where a mature buck is more likely to make use of them. By putting that many sites out, you can monitor which ones are most attractive and keep those activated while eliminating the others. Refresh them as needed, but avoid checking the site too often.

3. Add water. This one is pretty obvious. If a deer doesn’t have a source for water that it feels comfortable using it will move off your land to find it. If you expect him to use it during daylight, it needs to be in or adjacent to cover, with a route leading to it that doesn’t make him expose himself. If the source you have is in the open, you should build a travel corridor to it (see step one) with cover.

Water sources don’t have to be big or elaborate. You can often use rocks and logs to dam a small wet-weather stream. Placing water troughs, kids pools, or pond liner plastic in dug out spots is another relatively easy project. If you want to tackle both mineral and water needs in one step, consider the Banks Outdoors Watering Systems with their H2O Wild Water Mineral Supplement added to the water.

IF YOU LOVE WILDLIFE AND WANT TO IMPROVE HABITAT SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

4. Create or enhance staging areas. Crop fields and food plots are attractive to deer, but if they appear abruptly at the edge of open woods, mature bucks might not move into them until after dark. By adding or enhancing a staging area between the field and woods, older bucks will feel comfortable hanging out in these areas and perhaps even approach the plots in daylight. Cut down some low-value trees along the border to create a thicket of brush. Leaving some of the tops partially attached makes even more valuable cover. Grape vines, greenbrier and honeysuckle will grow up the fallen trees and form thick shelter that big bucks crave as they approach an open feeding area. And those plants are also great foods for deer. Add a few bushes from a nursery to fill in spots that are still too open and you’ll soon have a staging area bucks feel comfortable using well before dark. The edge should be at least 75 feet deep, 100-150 feet is better still. Be careful not to make the area too thick, though. Deer also like to socialize and see each other in these areas. 5. Plant native warm season grasses. This not only keeps more mature bucks on your property, it also benefits species such as quail, pheasants, turkeys and song-birds. Switchgrass is one of the easiest to grow and my favorite warm season grass. If you are considering planting a wet area, it’s definitely the one to choose. It can survive up to 30 days in standing water. Other species should also be considered such as Indian grass and big and little bluestem. I like to mix several of these in my plantings. These grasses will grow from 5-7 feet tall, providing great cover for both mature bucks and does which will draw in those bucks. You can plant these by broadcasting the seed and covering it lightly, but drilling is preferable. Special drills for these seeds are often available from local conservation agencies or farm co-ops. Since this is a strong conservation step for the land, government programs can sometimes be used to help finance seed purchase and planting. It’s not important to have large warm season grass fields. The main thing is to locate the stands in good strategic spots where deer will use them to bed in or go to when there’s pressure in other areas. Putting in several small plantings in long narrow fields is an excellent strategy.

I prefer not to hunt these warm season grass fields. Their best use is to hold deer on your property. On the other hand, hunting near them is a good way to intercept a buck moving out of the stand to chase a hot doe. This tactic yielded a huge eight pointer for me recently with bases just shy of six inches.

6. Add shrubs and vines. Habitats that are mostly open crop fields and mature woods can benefit from releasing and enhancing any shrubs and vines present and planting others. If you have Japanese honeysuckle, fertilizing can double the forage production of this non-native, but still valuable plant for deer. Also nurture any raspberry, blackberry, greenbrier, and plum shrubs on the property. These offer both food and valuable cover.

Trim them back if they are growing too high for deer to reach or pull the vines down. Also daylight them if low-value trees are shading them by cutting back overhanging branches of those trees. Adding lime and a 10-10-10 type fertilizer can also help.

If you lack these shrubs, consider planting rows or clusters of them or other plants such as strawberry bush, American beautyberry, shrub dogwoods, crabapple, and mulberry.

7. Build big buck bedding cover. Mature deer might walk through your land or venture onto it looking for does as the rut swings in. They might visit food plots you’ve created for a bite to eat, but you’ll never have old bucks stay on your land without good bedding cover.

Fortunately, that’s easy to create if you don’t have it. The first step is to select a good location. I like to position it far from human activity, close to the center of the property. A good spot would be on a shelf or bench or just a slight rise if that’s all the elevation that’s available. The heads of hollows are also good.

Bucks like to bed high and move low in the afternoon to feed or chase does. They typically choose the leeward side of a ridge or hill based on prevailing winds. Put your beds in these spots for maximum use.

Using a chain saw, cut some low value trees in the spot you’ve chosen. Don’t knock everything down, but enough to create a jungle-like rough and congested area that bucks will take to. Cut mostly low quality, bent, injured or diseased trees, and just hinge-cut some of them. Before starting, learn the safety rules for logging and always wear the proper protective gear. If you aren’t comfortable doing this work, hire a professional. He might cut the wood for firewood or pulp and take a few saw logs that you specify to make it worth his time coming in for the job. Besides creating a bedding area, this cutting also allows additional light to enter the woods by removing some of the overhead canopy that shades the forest floor. This lets new shrubs and forbs that offer valuable deer food emerge – species such as raspberry, blackberry, honeysuckle, greenbrier and grapes. That makes the jumble of fallen timber even more appealing as a buck hideout. Maple stumps from the cutting will also generate shoots that bucks snack on. Eventually saplings will spring up, adding even more cover.

Since you build this bedding area yourself, you’ll know exactly where it is and how it’s laid out. With trail cameras you’ll be able to quickly learn the routes bucks use as they head to it in the morning and leave in the afternoon—prime stand sites.

BECOMING A GAMEKEEPER IS NOT JUST THE BEST WAY TO PRODUCE GREAT HUNTING… IT’S THE BEST LIFE! SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

8. Create a thermal refuge. To keep deer on your land during inclement weather, you need a thermal refuge. These can be anywhere from a half to several acres, close to the center of your property when possible. A dense grove of pines, spruce, or cedars offers deer thermal cover and shields them from blustery winds, snow and sleet in winter. The conifers are also immensely valuable as psychological security cover, offering great escape areas. When hunting pressure mounts on nearby lands, there’s nothing a buck craves more than thick cover and seclusion. His life depends on it. A grove of dense young evergreens in a secluded spot is just what he’s looking for. Species may vary according to what will do well in your area. I particularly like white pines. Plant as large of an area as you can, anywhere from one-half to several acres. To add extra wind protection and bedding cover, also fell several low-value small to medium trees, cutting some through and hinge-cutting others. Intersperse these through the conifer plantings.

9. Plant oaks. Most properties managed for whitetails have some of these, but you can improve their output by thinning trees around them. If you have enough open land, by all means consider planting more oaks purchased from state forestry departments or sources such as nativnurseries.com. Try to put in some early maturing and some late-maturing nut varieties. Planting these in open areas rather than woods will make them magnets for old bucks with the heavy mast crops they’ll produce there.

10. Give them fruit. They may not be important in the overall nutrition of a picture of a mature buck, but trees of species like pear, apple, mulberry, peach, and persimmon offer treats that will hold and draw deer to your property. They also provide a vital energy boost just before the rigors of winter set in and are packed with phosphorous and vitamins. Plant them in areas receiving at least five hours of sunlight. Slight slopes are good, rather than bottoms. Put in at least six trees in each location so they will cross pollinate. If possible, put tree shelters around them so they don’t get damaged by deer and rabbits.

11. Delineate sanctuaries. No matter how small your property, it’s vital to have some part of it placed off limits to any human activity except entering to retrieve a hit deer. It should have some cover, perhaps including some of your bedding areas and thermal cover sites. The rougher, thicker, and steeper the terrain, the better. If it’s an ideal habitat, five or ten acres may suffice for a sanctuary. In most cases much larger areas are better, up to 25-50 percent of a property sometimes. Besides delineating sanctuaries, also keep pressure light on areas that are hunted. Don’t use a stand when the wind is wrong or where the deer will be spooked by your entrance or exit from the stand. It won’t take much of that before mature bucks either leave your property or become nocturnal. Also keep a lid on non-hunting access and activities. Mature bucks and human activity simply don’t mix.

12. Don’t just “scatter” these improvements throughout a property. Rather, integrate them so they mesh and complement each other, helping, instead of hindering, your hunting success. And don’t forget to ask for help and advice from other gamekeepers nearby with similar properties.

Often state wildlife biologists will visit your land and give recommendations for free. Institute as many of the habitat projects described here as you can and chances are any mature bucks in the area will make your land their home year-round.

The U.S. Army is on the verge of updating its howitzer fleet to double the shooting range. The M109A7 Paladin and M777 howitzers are likely to see a serious increase in the distance at which they can support friendly forces while staying out of the range fans of Russian and Chinese-made artillery.

One part of this upgrade: a gun barrel nearly as long as a telephone pole.

A Work of Art(illery)

Field artillery is back in vogue. The U.S, has spent the past two decade in infantry-intensive wars in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, but the shift back to big-power potential warfare against enemies like Russia and China has turned attention back to the artillery branch. Howitzers and rocket launchers are the primary means of fire support for ground forces in conventional battle and can strike targets miles behind enemy lines.

The U.S. Army has some very good artillery weapons, including the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzer (above) and the M777 towed howitzer. Long-distance shooting really isn’t their strong suit, though. Both guns can fire to a range of 14 miles with conventional shells and 18.6 miles with rocket-assisted shells, or RAPs, which give each shell some extra oomph but at a cost of less explosive filler and slightly less accuracy.

The problem is that Russian guns can shoot even farther. Russia’s older self-propelled howitzer, the Msta, can shoot to ranges of 24 miles while the new Koalitsiya howitzer has a range of 43 miles. That means that U.S. howitzers must operate within range of Russian guns, and the Koalitsiya could bombard U.S. artillery forces at maximum range without U.S. guns being able to shoot back.

Winning the Range Game

The Extended Range Cannon Artillery program is an attempt to buy more distance versus Russian artillery by improving existing American guns. In the short term, as Breaking Defense points out, that includes a new RAP round, the XM113, which will push existing guns to 24 miles. The XM113 will start hitting the field in 2 to 3 years. A combination of RAP shell, new propellants and a new, super-long howitzer barrel should push Army howitzers to 43 miles.

The new howitzer barrel, recently tested at Yuma Proving Ground and shown above, is 58 calibers long. In cannon and howitzer terminology, the caliber of the barrel is not the barrel diameter, but the length. In this case, the gun is 58 times the diameter of the barrel. To determine the length of a 155mm/58 caliber howitzer, multiply 155 by 58. That’s 8,990 millimeters long, or 29.49 feet. That’s six feet longer than the existing gun on the M109 howitzer.

Longer barrels allow the explosive gasses produced by burning propellant to act longer on the shell, so it gives the barrel at greater velocities. Greater velocity equals greater range. A short-barreled rifle, for example, will have a slower muzzle velocity and shorter range than a rifle with a longer barrel.

In addition to the ERCA upgrades, the Army could end up fielding the new Nammo ramjet artillery shell. Nammo, a Norwegian company and contractor in the XM113 program, claims its ramjet shell can reach ranges of 60 miles or more. Powered by a ramjet, the round uses the surrounding air as fuel, reducing the need for fuel on board the shell itself.

The Army’s new cannon tech should keep U.S. artillery competitive with Russian artillery, at least while the Army is busy buying a replacement for the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and M1 Abrams main battle tank. The long barrels make travel a bit awkward, especially through forests and urban areas, but the benefit to Army artillery will be significant and at minimal cost.