Archive for the ‘Game Calls and Locators’ Category
The Smart Hunt!
Best time of year to go Turkey hunting is in the spring. This is the mating season and one when the big birds display the most curiosity and territorial dominance.
As most hunters will tell you, this prey is one of the more challenging. Turkeys, not only have good hearing but over perfect eyesight. Even though curious, they are methodical and scare very easily. To be successful, your techniques/toolbox must include: 1. Area to hunt (Recon it); 2. Personal concealment (camouflage); 3. Determine stationary hunting site (let-em come to you); 4. Develop/practice calling techniques; 5. Be patient.
It is extremely important that you maintain a hunting awareness. Your turkey calls will attract both prey and other hunters. Each shot must have 100% identification. Your stationary position should provide back-side protection (a big tree). What worked last year might not work this year – do not be afraid to experiment with calls (if one doesn’t work, try another). HAVE FUN!
Being Seen Less Not More!
Turkey Hunter's Dream!
This last fall was my first exposure to turkey hunting. Even though my hunting group gave me a token turkey, the experience was less than satisfying. However, the group told me that most newbies don’t do well the first year, it normally takes a season just to figure-out what to wear.
Camouflage is almost a must to avoid being seen. Wild turkeys seem to have such a keen eyesight. My group was decked-out from head-to-foot in camouflage, including face-mask and gloves. A mistake that I made was not to wear dark colored socks; the orange in my pro-socks stood out like a sore thumb when sitting down.
Hunting apparel is important but regardless of how well you’re camouflaged, you are still an unnatural object in a natural wood’s setting and thus not totally invisible. Your movement is so extremely important and should be kept to a minimum. Turkeys can and will detect the slightest hunter miscue. But, I’ll be ready for-em next year!
Art of Deception!
Duck Calling at Its Best!
The best waterfowl hunter I ever knew told me, in a moment of vanity, that Duck calling was 90% art, half of which could be called science. The science part of duck calling is learned; but, the true artistic ability comes only with practice time, great devotion, and patience as-well-as a measure of simple natural talent.
As Ducks Unlimited indicates and further states/explains: there are eight basic calls that every duck hunter should have in their repertoire/tool box: 1. Basic Quack; 2. Greeting; 3. Feeding; 4. Hail; 5. Come Back; 6. Lonesome Hen; 7. Pleading; 8. Whistling.
Regardless of the device used to make your duck calls, take the time/energy needed and have the perseverance necessary to become proficient. If successful, your duck hunts will become less frustrating and more enjoyable. As they say, “your kit bag will over-floweth”!
Turning the Tables on Nature’s Predators!
A Different Mind-set?
Whenever my friends brag about bagging white-tail deer, turkey and various small game, I can’t help but chuckle under my breath. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy stalking those woodland animals just as much as the next guy.
It’s just that over the years the challenge has begun to fade. I’m so experienced and adept at hunting those creatures that I know them like the back of my hand. A few years ago, I took things to the next level.
Predators such as bobcats and coyotes are much more difficult to outsmart; in order to get the best of them, you have to turn their own wily ways against them. I’ve started practicing my predator calls, always calling with the wind in my face. That way my scent doesn’t travel downwind and tip the coyote off about my presence. You really have to employ a whole other mindset to bring a predator trophy home.