I know it's only July but, in my mind at least, we're on the downward slope towards autumn's hunting seasons. In my part of the world, a variety of small game, big game and waterfowl seasons open throughout September. That's just a little over two months away.
Hunting with a muzzleloader is one of the fastest growing segments of the hunting world. If you've been thinking about it for a while, here's why you need to make this the year you embrace this wonderful and challenging sport.
Scout back roads in late summer and early fall. Get reacquainted with favorite hunting areas and explore new roads and trails.
Nothing is as frustrating as finding the road to your favorite duck blind is no longer open to you because somebody else now owns the farm it runs through. Finding a new way to get there on opening day will cost valuable hunting time.
For many outdoor enthusiasts, the importance of dressing in layers is well known. This method of dressing allows you to regulate your temperature by peeling-off or putting-on clothing layers — clothes that together wick moisture, insulate and protect from wind and rain. Each year, outdoor clothing becomes more specialized and better designed to support a layered system. Let's review the art of layering for outdoor activities.
Looking to hunt big bull elk in one of the most overlooked areas of the animal's range, including the majestic Roosevelt elk subspecies? How about huge Canada and Shiras moose, caribou or grizzly bear? Interested in hunting black bears where their population is denser than anywhere else on Earth? Perhaps you like the mountain species, such as Dall's and Stone's sheep, bighorn sheep or mountain goats. Or maybe even mountain lion. Or deer could be more your speed, including mule deer, blacktail deer and whitetails in some of the best habitat anywhere.
I'm sure many guys wish that their "significant others" shared their passion for the outdoors. Let's face it, avid hunters spend a lot of time away from home, and many of us often hunt alone simply because we don't have anyone to hunt with. If your better half has expressed even a bit of an interest in joining you in the field, here are some ways to nurture that interest.
A few years ago while on a caribou hunt on the tundra of northern Quebec, I nearly had my hunt ruined by blisters on my feet.
I live in Ontario, Canada, but I do a fair bit of hunting in the U.S. Similarly, Canada is a very popular destination for many American hunters, along with Mexico. Over the years I've learned a few things about making these border crossings as quick and easy as possible, whether travelling by air or vehicle.
