Buck Caught In a Combine

Just wanted to share this with everyone.

Looking for a long shot?

I was sent this amazing video showing off the range of a .338 Edge Rifle. I don’t know what kind of game they were shooting exactly, but when the camera man zooms out to show the distance between the hunter and his kill I was blown away … no pun intended. After I saw this video, I had to see what a .338 Edge looks like so I decided to include a photo of the rifle as well. These rifles have been known to shoot targets up to 1600+ yards away!

Quick Deer Hunting Tip: Tree Stand Hunting

This latest quick tip is for those that haven’t, but want to or are thinking about hunting from a tree stand. More specifically, I want to talk about handling your weapon while climbing or sitting in a tree stand. Don’t try climbing into your stand with your gun or bow in hand. First, climb into your tree stand, then hoist your weapon up to where you’re sitting with a rope – a good rope, not one that’s frayed or old.

If your in a fixed stand like a ladder stand, have your rope hang down to where it ends at chest level standing on the ground. This way your weapon won’t set down in the dirt or snow. Tie off the elevated (higher) end of the rope somewhere up where you’ll be sitting. On the end that hangs at the ground, tie a carabiner for quick latching and unlatching of your weapon. And I can’t scream this loud enough … MAKE SURE YOUR WEAPON IS NOT LOADED WHEN HOISTING IT UP TO WHERE YOUR SITTING!

If your using a climber tree stand, have your weapon leaning against a tree or on the ground where there are no obstacles that it can get hung up on as you start to pull it up toward you. Then tie the rope to a secure portion of your bow or gun. When tying the rope to your gun, tie it in a secure area where the barrel of the gun won’t swing down in the dirt or snow. You want to keep the barrel free from collecting debris. I usually place a glove over the barrel end to insure that dirt, bark or any thing else doesn’t get down into the barrel potentially causing a danger to myself when I fire the weapon.

One last thing to remember to do before hoisting up your weapon is clear away any branches that the weapon might get hung up on during its ascent. Use a small hand saw to quickly clear branches as you climb up the tree. When I’m up in a tree stand I like to have a way to either hang my weapon by a hook or in some type of holster so that my hands are free for holding binoculars, snacking or using deer calls. Always keep your weapon within arms reach for quick access. You never know when the big one will come strolling in.

Hunters Make Mistakes During the Rut (5 of 8)

Mistake: Not Using Calls During Peak Rut 

I can relate to this one, because for many years I avoided using deer calls for two reasons. The first reason is because I didn’t know how and when to use them and secondly, I was afraid I’d do nothing but just scare the deer off when I did use them. I did eventually bite the bullet and took a chance – well, more like a calculated risk.

The first call I bought was a grunt call. I learned how to use it by reading, listening to videos and using it on actual deer. One year after I bought my grunt call, I started using a set of real buck horns to rattle with and add to the effect. Today, I use the “tending” grunt call, a doe bleat call and rattling technique in a combination that makes it very difficult for any buck to ignore. If a buck is passing by and hears this he thinks that there is another buck in his territory and worse yet, chasing one of his does.

Bring this excitement to your next hunt by learning how and when to use these deer calls and I will absolutely guarantee that you will see more action coming your way.

Minnesota Hunter bags 27-point Buck

I’m saddened to report that this is just one more beautiful buck that I won’t be able to shoot. And guys, you’d better step up your game or it’s going to be you staying home with the kids while the women go out hunting. Kelly Gustafson of Welch, Minnesota got this awesome looking 27-point whitetail buck during the state’s 2008 firearms season. Congratulations Kelly!

“The buck’s many tines look like a small oak tree on it’s head. The base of the rack is so thick Gustafson can’t reach her hand around it.” – Chris Niskanen, St. Paul Pioneer Press