Choose Your Destination 

The first thing you’ll need to do when you’re planning the perfect hunting trip is to choose your destination, otherwise you’re not going to be able to put anything else in place, including knowing how much you have to spend and what clothes to pack, as well as plenty more. 

To choose the right destination for your hunting trip, you’ll need to think about what it is you want to hunt and research the right locations. Then you’ll need to think about your budget, how long you have for your trip (the longer you can spend away from home, the further afield you can go), and you’ll need to learn about the hunting regulations for your chosen destination – you don’t want to get there and realize you can’t do what you wanted to do. 

Get The Right Equipment 

Before you go, you’ll have to have all the right equipment to ensure you can enjoy your hunting trip fully and be completely safe while you’re away, so make a thorough checklist of what you’ll need and go through it one item at a time to make sure you have everything before you go. 

Some of the things you’ll need include clothing for the climate and weather, boots, binoculars, GPS, a hunting knife, and a first-aid kit. Plus, you’ll need the right kind of gun. If you’re not sure what to get, speak to the experts in the store you’re buying from, and they’ll be able to answer all your questions. Plus, remember that credit card processing companies don’t track firearm purchases, so if being tracked is something that makes you uncomfortable, this could be a good option when it comes to payment. 

Get The Permits And Licenses You’ll Need

Once you know where you want to go and what you want to hunt, you’ll have to get all the licenses and permits in place before you set off on your trip. Some areas might have limited numbers of permits they can give out, so it’s best to secure these as far in advance as you can, and definitely don’t wait until you arrive to sort them out, as you might end up disappointed if the allocation has already been used up. 

If the worst happens and you can’t get the permits, remember that you mustn’t still go ahead with your trip – you could get into some serious legal trouble if you do. 

The post How To Plan The Perfect Hunting Trip appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Be In Nature

When you look around you in most cases, you’ll see lots of buildings, lots of concrete, lots of people. What you won’t see is lots of nature – unless you happen to live on a farm, of course. For most people, however, the urban world is all around them. It’s become so bad that spending time in nature is something that’s seen as a luxury rather than something we just get to do on a regular basis. 

When you go hunting, you’ll automatically be out in nature – it’s where you have to be, after all. That means you’ll get to enjoy the fresh air (which is good for your health) and take in the beauty of the world around you. It might seem strange, but just a few hours, or even minutes, out in nature can really make a difference when it comes to your mental wellbeing and physical health, so when you have a good excuse to do it and book your next hunting trip at https://sandforktexashoghunting.com, it makes sense to make the most of it. 

Physical Fitness 

Hunting isn’t about taking a leisurely stroll through the woods, and although that certainly has its place, when you go hunting, you’ll be doing a lot more than that. Hunting is actually a surprisingly active sport that takes a lot of physical endurance, agility, and strength. Tracking prey, making your way through rough terrain, and carrying all the equipment you need to have with you takes a certain amount of physical fitness, but it can also improve your fitness levels, making you stronger and healthier. 

Regular hunting trips can help to make your heart health stronger, build your muscles, and boost your overall physical endurance levels, so you get a full and complete workout while you’re also doing something you enjoy – you might not even realise you’re exercising at all. 

Develop Skills 

Hunting is a skill that needs a good eye, lots of precision, and plenty of strategic planning. There are so many things you’ll need to learn that it will probably surprise you, but it’s well worth taking the time and effort to develop these skills, as they might be useful in other walks of life, not to mention the fact that they’ll make you a better hunter and give you an enjoyable hobby to learn more about. 

From understanding animal behaviour to becoming ever better at their shooting technique, hunters have to keep working on their skills so they don’t fall behind and they become better all the time. This is not a sport you can just learn once and be done with – you always have to keep going and moving forward, especially as there are always new ideas, rules, and pieces of equipment being created to help you make the most of your hunting trips. 

Mindfulness 

Mindfulness means living in the moment and not worrying about the problems of the past or the fear of the future. It’s about just doing what you’re doing and letting your mind forget about everything else. If you can do this – and it does take some practice – you’ll feel happier, be less stressed, and your mental health might benefit too. 

Hunting can be a wonderful way to be more mindful, as strange as it might seem at first. However, when you think about it more closely, you’ll see we’re right. After all, when you’re hunting, you need to be fully focused on what you’re doing and only on what you’re doing – that’s the perfect way to be more mindful and de-stress. 

Disconnecting From Technology 

Something that goes hand in hand with mindfulness is the fact that when you’re hunting, you can completely disconnect from technology. Modern life is full of tech, and there are screens everywhere. In fact, much of what we do is linked to technology in some way, whether it’s work or leisure. 

Hunting isn’t like that, and it’s the ideal way to disconnect from technology, even if it’s only for a little while. It might be enough to let you recharge and realise that tech isn’t needed to make you happy. 

The post What Are The Benefits Of A Hunting Trip? appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

How to Improve Marksmanship for Hunting: A Guide 

A hunter must be one with their weapon like it is an extension of their bodies.They must be able to use it with skill and precision if they wish to hit their target. This requires putting in time, effort, and practice to see things through.

To help hunters like you become better shooters, here are some tips to improve your rifle marksmanship and aid you in nailing your prey, no matter how elusive they may be.

The 10 Best Tips for Hunters Looking to Improve Their Marksmanship

These will allow you to make the most out of your weapons and equipment, and have you hunting all kinds of prey with ease.

Here are some tips that won’t just make you a better game hunter, but a better shooter overall: 

Invest in a Higher-Quality Scope

While most marksmen start their shooting journey using the venerable iron sights, a hunter dedicated to their craft should invest in a scope that matches their devotion.

This means choosing a scope that provides a clear sight picture, uses distance measurements you can calculate, and even works in low or no visibility if needed.

While you won’t need to buy the most expensive scope on the market, it’s wise to spend a bit more money to ensure your scope is durable, reliable, and deadly accurate.

Zero Your Rifle to 200 Yards

If you’re focused on hunting bigger game, such as deer with higher calibers, it’s essential to zero your rifle for longer engagement distances that account for bullet drop.

After all, stopping power is nothing if you can’t hit your target. Seeing as you may not be able to get close to deer without scaring them off, you’ll need to get comfortable engaging them from a bit further away.

Understand Your Equipment

Whether you use a rifle or a compound bow for hunting, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your equipment, from the types of optics you’ll be using to the arrowhead that will humanely dispatch your target.

If you’re a rifle shooter, this means training to treat your weapon like an extension of yourself. You’ll need to understand how it works, how it feels on your body, and how to maximize its use.

Keeping your rifle well-maintained and training constantly with your chosen platform will allow you to stay on top of your game and make you a more proficient hunter.

Bore-Sight Your Rifle

Bore-sighting entails mounting a laser that runs through your barrel and using that laser point as a reference when zeroing your scope. It’s essential for ensuring your optic and barrel are on the same page.

The bore-sight method allows you to accurately zero your rifle scope without wasting ammunition and ensures that where your crosshairs are centered is precisely where your bullets will travel.

Create a Drop Chart

Drop charts, or cheat sheets with the scope adjustment calculations needed to engage at certain distances, are a staple for military snipers looking to nail moving targets that are incredibly far away. 

While you may not be aiming at targets several football fields away, you may still be able to mount a drop chart on your rifle, especially if you have set distances for specific game types.

Find the Right Caliber For You

The size of your prey will determine the caliber of rounds you’ll need to take them down. This means understanding what prey you’ll be targeting and what cartridge you’ll use on them.

The right caliber is vital because the size of the bullet, plus its speed and penetrating power, determine how clean and humane your kill will be.

Here are the standard bullet calibers to use depending on your game type:

Deer and smaller animals: .243 to 30-06

Elk and similar-sized animals: .260-300 Magnum

Bears, moose, and larger animals: 7 mm Magnum to .338 Magnum 

Make Longer Shots in the Off-Season

“The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle.”

While you may not be going to war on your next hunting trip, this adage still applies, as training for more challenging conditions will allow you to easily hit targets when conditions are right.

This means heading to a rifle range and practicing at distances over 200 yards in the off-season. This allows you to hone your skills and enhance your understanding of the fundamentals of marksmanship.

Work on the Right Body Positions

While we’d want to set up a fixed position that allows us to fire comfortably while lying prone, that may not always be the case, especially when you’re tracking down an elusive game.

You’ll need to practice shooting and hitting targets from uncomfortable positions, like kneeling, squatting, or lying on your side, which will allow you to make those impossible shots.

Control Your Breathing

An under-appreciated part of marksmanship is how your body’s natural motion can help or hinder your bullet’s trajectory. This is why practicing breath control and trigger squeeze is so vital.

See how much movement your breathing generates next time you dry fire, and practice controlling your inhales, exhales, and timing before putting a bullet in the chamber.

Practice, Practice, Practice

In the end, the best way to get better at a particular skill is to train it and commit it to memory until you can do it with confidence… and then practice it again.

There’s no substitute for hard work. Shooting is a perishable skill, so you’ll need to practice constantly to stay sharp and find techniques that work best, given your needs and experience.

FAQs

Still not convinced about the importance of rifle marksmanship for hunters? The answers to these questions may convince you.

Why is it Important for Hunters to Have the Right Marksmanship Skills?

Quite simply, a hunter who doesn’t understand marksmanship will simply be wasting ammo. The fundamentals of marksmanship are vital for hitting a target with accuracy and precision.

What are Some Factors that Affect Marksmanship?

Here are a few of the factors that make all the difference when it comes to hitting your target or missing them entirely:

• Sight alignment and sight picture

• Trigger pull and follow-through

• Breathing

• Body position

• Scope zeroing

• Target range

• Lighting

• Clear line of sight

Conclusion

Overall, the most essential things to remember to become a better shooter are to familiarize yourself with your equipment, develop better control over your body, and practice as often as possible.

If you follow these principles, you’re sure to become a more accurate and precise shooter in no time. 

The post How to Improve Marksmanship for Hunting appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

You’ll need to stock up on your gear, and make sure you have enough food and water for your trip and enough space to bring home your kills if your hunt proves successful. If you’re planning to spend the weekend hunting, you’ll also need somewhere to sleep and enough space to store your equipment. 

If you excelled at Tetris as a child, you might be able to squeeze everything you need into your daily driver, but it won’t be nearly as comfortable as an RV. If you’re planning an RV hunting trip, here are some tips and tricks to help make your journey better. 

1. Don’t Go Too Big

RVs come in all shapes and sizes, from small conversions designs you can tow with your vehicle to massive models larger than a rock and roll tour bus. More space might seem like the best option, but bigger isn’t always better if you’ve never driven an RV before. RVs come in four classifications, depending on their size and weight. 

Class A: 21-45ft, and 13,000 to 30,000 lbs

Class B: 17-19ft and 4,000 to 9,000 lbs

Class B+: 20-30ft and 7,000 to 12,000 lbs

Class C: 20-31ft and 10,000 to 13,000 lbs. 

In most cases, you don’t need a commercial driving license (CDL) to operate an RV. The exception is for large Class A RVs that exceed 26,000 pounds. 

In this case, you’ll want to check with your local DMV. If you’re planning on financing and buying your RV, talk to your sales representative. They’ll have a better idea of the kind of driver’s license you need for the size RV you hope to bring home.

2. Look for Campgrounds Close to Hunting Grounds

One option for RV hunting is to look for an RV-friendly campsite near your hunting ground. If you’re towing your car behind the RV or bringing another driver along, this campground can become your base of operations for the whole trip. Look for full hookup options so you can enjoy water and power between hunting sessions. 

3. Consider Boondocking

If your ideal hunting grounds are too far from a campsite, consider boondocking — camping outside designated campsites. The rules will vary from state to state, but as long as you can find a place to park your RV safely, you can set it up as your base of operations. 

If you’re not on a campsite, make sure you have an alternative power source, such as a generator or solar panels, to keep your freezer running since you won’t have the option to plug in.

4. Make The Most of Your Available Storage

You already know the equipment you’ll need for a successful hunt. The amount of gear you’ll haul will depend on the number of people participating in the hunt. Take the time to make the most of your available storage. Space is limited, especially if you have a bunch of people crammed into an RV like fish in a can. 

5. Be Ready For Meat Storage

The end goal of most hunts is to bring home meat or trophies from the animals you kill. For the former, you’ll want plenty of space to store it. Consider adding an extra freezer to your RV as a place to store everything you catch. 

The size of this appliance will vary depending on power availability and the amount of meat you’re planning to bring home. Still, something as simple as a deep freeze can make your life infinitely easier.

Stay Safe Out There

Whether you need somewhere to warm up while hunting deer in the winter or a place to shower and dry off after a rainy summer hunt, bringing an RV can make your life easier and more comfortable. Make sure you know how to drive your RV. 

You can drive most classes of RV without a CDL, so don’t opt for the biggest one on the market unless you’re planning on taking the time for a commercial driving class. Setting up your base of operations in an RV can be a more cost-effective way to make the most of your hunting trips. 

The post Planning an RV Hunting Trip: 5 Tips appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Plan ahead and choose wisely

Being safe in the wild is about good planning and wise choices. You must know where and when to hunt in the first place. Choose a permitted hunting area and step out only in the middle of the season. Also, research the hunting laws in the area because the trouble with the authorities is the last thing you want to encounter. Find a group you are comfortable with because solo trips aren’t great from a safety perspective. Make sure you have a license before planning your excursion. 

Follow the firearm safety rules

Whether you are a newbie or a pro hunter, firearm safety should be your top priority at all times. Most hunting mishaps occur due to carelessness when handling firearms, but following the rules can prevent them. Remember to handle guns as if they are always loaded and keep the safety setting until you are ready to fire. Ensure checking your target and the surroundings before firing. Also, keep the muzzle in a safe direction away from people. 

Carry your essentials

Hunting safety is also about gearing up properly for the trip. You must only carry a firearm you know well enough. The last thing you should do on a hunting trip is practice with a new gun. Also, have enough ammunition to last through the trip. Remember to wear a tactical vest as it can save you from stray bullets in the wild. Follow the essentials checklist to make sure you do not miss out on small yet crucial stuff like knives, ropes, water, flashlights, and matchboxes.

Practice navigation

Losing your way in the wild is another concern when it comes to hunting safety. Practice navigation techniques to get out of trouble in such situations. While a GPS makes you confident, you cannot rely on it to work in the middle of nowhere. Get back to the basics and learn to read maps and use a compass. Staying close to your group can prevent the problem in the first place. 

Prioritize fitness and endurance

Nothing gets you in a better place than fitness and endurance in the wild. If you are physically fit and mentally strong, staying safe gets easy. Prepare with regular workout sessions that build your stamina, strength, and endurance. Mental strength comes with the right attitude, meditation, and breathing exercises. A little work on these aspects takes you a long way.

Safety is the last thing you should leave to chance on a hunting trip. These foolproof tips can protect you from the perils of the wild, so you must follow them every time you are out there. 

The post Foolproof Safety Tips For Your Next Hunting Adventure appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Here are some exercises to add to your workout regimen that will help improve your hunting skills.

• Rucking

Rucking is simple: Fill a backpack with weights and go for a hike. This exercise boosts your stamina and endurance while improving your strength and increasing the amount of weight you can carry over long distances. 

Start small with 20-30 pounds on your back and a 60-minute hike. You can add more weight and take longer trips as you increase your strength.

• Yoga

Flexibility and agility can be incredibly helpful while out in the wilderness. Sitting for long periods while waiting for your quarry to cross your path can leave you stiff and aching. Keeping your body stretched and limber reduces the chances of finding yourself in pain while on a hunt.

• Mindfulness

The brain needs exercise as much as the body. Mindfulness means being in the moment rather than focusing on the past or dreading the future, and it can be a valuable tool for hunters. It can help keep you grounded while hunting, especially when paired with breathing exercises. 

There’s a lot of waiting in the average hunt, especially if you’re setting up in a blind and waiting for your prey. Mindfulness can keep your mind from wandering, anchoring you in the present moment, so you’re ready to pull the trigger as soon as you spot your target.

• Strength Training

A person cannot thrive on cardio alone. Shooting a big buck is amazing until you find that you can’t carry it home. Strength training can increase the amount of weight you can lift. It can also help you burn more fat, alter your body composition and make you a more efficient hunter overall. Strength training should be part of your workout regimen if you’re active.

• Shooting Drills

They say practice makes perfect. You may not be a competition-level marksman, but practicing with your weapon of choice will help you hit what you’re aiming at when you’re out in the woods. Head to the range and work your way through some shooting drills. 

You’re building muscle memory in addition to honing your skills, so when you need to aim and fire quickly, your body knows what to do before your brain catches up.

• Planks

If you’re sitting in a tree for hours on end, you need a strong core to help you maintain good posture so you’re not hurting your back. Skip the crunches and situps, which can cause back if you’re not careful. 

Planks are a fantastic full-body exercise that increases your core strength. Work on keeping your core engaged and lenthening the time you can spend on each plank. The world record for holding a plank is nine hours and 30 minutes if you need a goal to work toward. 

• Pushups and Rows

Working on your upper-body strength is essential even if you’re not bow hunting. Alternating between pushups and rows can help work all the muscles in your arms, shoulders and chest to ensure you’ve got the power to draw a bow, pull yourself up into your blind or lift your quarry once you bring it down. 

It’s overlooked in favor of squats or deadlifts, but there are so many applications for these exercises that it would be difficult to list them all here.

Exercises to Improve Hunting Skills

You can just grab your rifle and hunting license and head out into the woods on a whim. In most cases, you’ll be just fine. However, adding these exercises and practices to your daily routine can help improve your experience if you plan to hunt regularly. Hunting isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard with some good exercise.

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Planning your first overnight hunting trip might seem intimidating, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to help make your first one a success.

1. Watch the Weather

Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate, especially when we’re trying to spend some time in the wilderness. If you’re heading out overnight, the last thing you want is to get stranded in a blizzard or washed away by a torrential thunderstorm. 

Check the weather before you plan your trip. Meteorology reports aren’t 100% accurate, but they can help you make an informed decision. Regardless of what the weather report says, make sure you’re prepared for anything.

2. Get Your Licenses Together

No matter what you’re hunting, it would help if you had all your ducks in a row — and by ducks, we mean hunting licenses. Ensure you have all the necessary permits for the animals you’re hunting, as your state requires. Make sure you’re aware of any bag limits that might restrict the number of animals you’re allowed to take.

3. Practice Your Skills

You could stay out in the field for an afternoon, a weekend or an entire month, but no amount of time hunting will help if you don’t know how to aim your weapon. Make sure you practice your shooting skills before planning a hunting trip. Take the time to understand how your gun works and how to fix common problems while you’re out in the woods. Hitting what you’re aiming at could mean the difference between a successful hunt and coming back home empty-handed.

4. Choose Your Supplies Carefully

In addition to any guns and ammo you’ll need for your hunt, you’ll have to carry everything. This includes a tent and sleeping bag, supplies you’ll need to cook or keep yourself fed, and anything else you might need while in the field. 

Choose your supplies carefully. Opt for lightweight choices that don’t compromise functionality. A light tent should still protect you from the elements. You don’t want to choose a cheap option only to find out it will leak during the first rainstorm you encounter.

5. Let Someone Know Where You’ll Be

Solo hunting trips can be relaxing, but if you’re heading out in the woods by yourself, make sure someone knows where you’re going, where you’re going to be and when you expect to return. This tip is essential if you’re heading into an area with no cell signal. Your emergency contact can send help if you don’t check in on time, which could save your life if you end up lost or hurt while you’re hunting.

6. Have a Plan for Your Prey

Overnight hunting trips are great, but what are you planning to do with your quarry if you bring it down? If you’re by yourself and manage a large kill, such as a deer, are you prepared to field-dress the creature and carry it back to your car? Game bags can prevent you from throwing something over your shoulder and soaking through your clothes or supplies with animal blood. 

7. Don’t Overpack

You’ll have to carry everything you need from your car to your hunting spot and then back again at the end of the trip. Resist the temptation to overpack, especially if you’re hunting by yourself. Overloading yourself might seem OK on the way out, but if you’re exhausted once the trip ends, you might find it hard to make it back to civilization.

8. Get Some Rest

Being out in the wilderness isn’t an excuse to stay up all night. Make sure you’re getting plenty of good sleep. The longer you stay awake, the more sluggish your reaction times become. The CDC compares staying awake for 24 hours to operating with a blood alcohol content of 0.10%. If you were drinking, you’d be above the legal limit. 

You’re not going to be able to hit the broad side of a barn if you don’t get some sleep. You’re bringing a tent and a sleeping bag — make sure you use them.

Stay Safe Out There

Overnight hunting trips can be a fun experience if you’re prepared. Make sure you’re getting plenty of rest, choose your supplies carefully, and check in with your emergency contact when you arrive and leave your hunting grounds. Above all, stay safe.

The post 8 Tips for Your First Overnight Hunting Trip appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Here’s how you can create your own hunting trailer in six easy steps.

• Get the Right Cargo Trailer

First, you need to identify the right-sized trailer for your hunting needs. An enclosed cargo trailer is your best bet because of its sturdy frame and versatile capabilities. If you bring tree stands, blinds or an ATV, you’ll need more space and thus a bigger cargo trailer. If you’re looking to create something simple, a trailer in the 6×12 range will be sufficient (assuming you’re not abnormally tall).

The trailer should have two entrances for easy access: the side door and a drop-down ramp door. Floors and walls are also important factors. Most cargo trailers have strong plywood interiors, which will enable you to install a freezer, cabinets and other accessories. They can also handle any stains that might get inside the trailer, which is inevitable during hunting.

• Start With Utilities

Once you find your trailer, you should first take care of the utilities: electricity and heat. You could rely on portable lights and dress warmly to brave the elements, but your trailer will be much more comfortable with these features installed. Add LED overhead lights to the inside and on the back of your trailer so you can butcher the meat and enter/exit the trailer without issue.

Put a portable heater in a safe spot inside the trailer. It shouldn’t touch any object that might be a fire hazard. You might also want to bring a small fan in case things get too toasty or you need more airflow. Lastly, bring some portable chargers for your various electronic devices. You should never risk losing your sources of communication while hunting.

• Take Care of Your Kill

Next, install a freezer, table and safe storage space for your butchering tools. These items are essential for taking care of your kill and getting it home safely. Sanitation is priority one when preparing the meat, so make sure you include these supplies:

• Clean foldable table
• Game bags
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Bucket
• Multiple cutting boards
• Soap and hand sanitizer
• Cloths and paper towels
• Reusable plastic bags

This equipment should have a designated corner inside the trailer. This corner is your “work” area, while the rest of the trailer should be reserved for storage and relaxation.

• Make a Cozy Sleeping Spot

Your trailer should be plenty big enough for a cot. Find one that fits your body and set it in the corner opposite the freezer. A sleeping bag is a safe bet, but you should also bring sheets and blankets to make the arrangement as comfortable as possible. You don’t need us to tell you how important a good night’s sleep is before a big day of hunting.

• Add Plenty of Storage Areas

Along with your hunting gear, butchering supplies and mechanical tools, you will gather more stuff as you use the trailer more. Things like hand warmers, scent killer and extra food/clothes will take up space quickly. That’s why it’s important to add plenty of storage space now rather than later.

Mount a few cabinets and hooks to the wall and bring storage bins that fit under your cot. The more storage space you have, the better.

• Bring Some Entertainment

You’re going to kill a lot of time in your trailer on long hunting trips, so make sure you pack your trailer with some entertainment. Books, portable gaming devices and other such items will keep you occupied at night when you’re not on the hunt. Bring a TV, gaming console, and mobile power station if you want to be fancy. Just keep the noise levels low!

Personalize Your Hunting Experience

A trailer with the right layout and necessary supplies can make your hunting trips more enjoyable and successful than ever before. However, you don’t need to drop thousands of dollars on a fancy new trailer. This guide will help you create an inexpensive DIY trailer to your liking, making you a better hunter and craftsman in the process.

The post Creating Your Own Hunting Trailer in 6 Steps appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Here Are The Quick Essential Tips For Choosing Hunting Boots

One of the most important things to consider when shopping for hunting boots is the type of terrain you’ll be using them in. If you’re mostly hunting in open fields, you’ll need a different boot than someone who spends their time in the woods. Make sure to select a boot that’s designed for the type of terrain you’ll be using it in.

Another important consideration is the climate. If you’re hunting in a cold climate, you’ll need a boot that’s well insulated. On the other hand, if you’re hunting in a warmer climate, you’ll want a boot that’s breathable and won’t make your feet sweat. Be sure to select a boot that’s appropriate for the climate you’ll be using it in.

When it comes to price, you’ll get what you pay for with hunting boots. If you buy a cheap pair of boots, they’re not going to last very long and they won’t provide the same level of comfort and support as a more expensive pair. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune on hunting boots. And, you are in luck that Best Hunting Boots has reviewed some of the best hunting boots on market and shared a complete buying guide.

Is it necessary to know your foot size before hunting boots?

One of the most important factors in choosing the right hunting boot is to make sure you select the correct size. If the boot is too small, it will be uncomfortable and may cause blisters. If it’s too large, it will be difficult to walk in and could cause you to trip. You should always measure your foot size before buying the boots.

What is the difference between a men’s and a women’s hunting boot?

There are a few key differences between men’s and women’s hunting boots. First, women’s boots tend to be narrower in the heel and have a more tapered toe box. Second, women’s boots tend to be shorter in overall height than men’s boots. Third, women’s boots often have different insulation options to account for the fact that women tend to have colder feet than men.

Finally, women’s boots often have different color options to account for the fact that many women prefer not to wear camouflage. Ultimately, the best way to choose a hunting boot is to try on a variety of styles and see which one feels the most comfortable and supportive. However, keep in mind that men’s and women’s hunting boots are not interchangeable. Make sure to select the boot that’s designed specifically for your gender.

What are some of the best brands of hunting boots?

Some of the best brands of hunting boots include LaCrosse, Muck Boots, and Irish Setter. These brands offer a wide variety of styles and sizes to choose from, so you’re sure to find a boot that’s perfect for your needs. And, they’re all made from high-quality materials that will last for years.

What type of socks should I wear with my hunting boots?

The type of socks you wear with your hunting boots will depend on a few different factors. In general, wool or synthetic socks tend to be the best choice, as they wick away moisture and can be more durable than cotton. You should also make sure that your socks fit comfortably and provide ample support for your feet.

What type of lacing system should I use for my hunting boots?

The lacing system that you choose for your hunting boots will largely depend on the style and fit of your boots. In general, it’s a good idea to opt for a lace-up boot with durable laces that are easy to replace. There are also various lacing techniques that you can experiment with to find a system that works well for you and your particular needs.

How often should I clean my hunting boots?

The frequency with which you need to clean your hunting boots will depend on a number of different factors, including how often you use them and the conditions in which you use them. In general, it’s a good idea to clean them after every use and to store them in a cool, dry place when they’re not being used.

How can I prevent my hunting boots from smelling bad?

There are several steps that you can take to help prevent your hunting boots from smelling bad. For starters, you should keep them clean and store them in a cool, dry place when they’re not in use. You can also add an odor-controlling spray or powder to help keep the odor at bay. And finally, you may want to consider switching to synthetic socks or changing your socks more frequently.

Conclusion

By following these five quick essential tips, you should be able to find a great pair of hunting boots that meets your needs and fits your budget. We hope you enjoyed reading our blog post. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Thanks for reading!

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You don’t want to make this mistake and be forced to leave a kill behind. Here’s a full guide on how to prepare your car for your next hunting trip.

Vehicle Preparation

Wash and detail your vehicle to get it in prime condition. It will get dirty, but the clean-up process will be much easier afterward if you start the trip with a clean slate. Next, you should get some gear to protect your vehicle from off-road conditions:

• All-terrain tires: a durable set of all-terrain tires will help your car navigate rough environments and get you to hard-to-reach hunting areas.

• Interior liners: protect your car’s interior with heavy-duty rubber liners. Let them gather all the mud and other debris, then rinse them off when you get home.

• Utility Winch: just in case your car gets stuck, a strong utility winch will help pull you out of trouble.

• Retractable awning: if your hunting trip goes longer than anticipated and you need to spend the night outside, you want to camp next to your car for extra security. A retractable awning will prove incredibly useful in this situation.
• Tonneau cover (for trucks): a simple covering for your truck’s bed can keep all your equipment safe from the elements and ward off thieves.

If you want to explore more remote locations, you can also install various off-road modifications, such as grille guards, mudflaps and snorkels. These additions will help your vehicle dominate the terrain and find new roads. Just make sure the suspension can handle the extra weight to avoid overloading the car.

Emergency Preparedness

Once you prepare your car for the trip, you need to account for risks that could harm yourself and your companions. Any of these emergencies might happen:

• Vehicle accident
• Firearm accident
• Fall from treestand
• Animal attack
• Venomous bite
• Allergic reaction
• Dehydration
• Breaks, sprains and other minor injuries

You need to bring the resources to contact emergency services from any location and address these issues – at least temporarily – before help arrives:

• All-purpose first aid kit
• Extra water bottles
• Bite-proof boots and pants
• Portable GPS
• Cell phone signal booster

On top of these items, remember to practice safe habits when handling firearms and traversing the environment. Treat every gun like it’s loaded and keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire. Take note of your surroundings and choose the safest path.

After the Shot

If you manage to kill the animal you’re hunting, you need some special gear to haul it out of the wilderness and store it in your vehicle. First, field dress the animal and get rid of the smelly organs. If you want to lighten the load, store the meat in breathable game bags. Once you get the dirty work out of the way, you have several options for getting the meat to your car:

• Drive the car to the kill spot.
• Cart the animal to your car with a smaller ATV.
• Drag or carry the animal.

Driving out to the kill spot is the most ideal method, but the terrain and property rules often make it impossible. Unless you brought along an ATV, you’ll need to drag or carry the animal to your car. These tools will make the task easier:

• Rope: you need a strong, thick rope to support the animal’s weight.

• Ski rope handle: this handle will give you extra grip when holding the rope.

• Safety harness: if you don’t have a rope, wrap a safety harness around the animal and strap the harness to your back. This method distributes the weight more evenly and frees up your hands.
• Sled: instead of dragging the animal through the mud, drag it on a sled for a smoother pull.

Once you return to your vehicle, lay out a tarp in your trunk or truck bed and secure the animal with ropes. You can also tie the animal to the roof of your car with ratchet straps. Some hunters even bring empty trailers so they don’t have to expose their cars to the dead animal. Whichever method you choose, make sure the animal is 100% secure before driving away.

Nail Your Next Hunting Trip

Hunting is the ultimate outdoor challenge, but finding and shooting the animal is only part of the battle. You need to have a reliable method for getting the animal out of the wilderness. These resources and strategies will help you prepare your car for your next hunting trip and bring a prized kill home for dinner.

The post How to Prepare Your Car for Your Next Hunting Trip appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Here are seven simple tips for photographing the hunts and getting the most out of your trip.

• Optimize Your Carrying Method

Hunting involves a lot of walking, so you need to have a flexible camera-carrying bag that won’t inhibit your movement. Plus, you never know when the opportunity for a good photo might emerge. Your camera needs to be ready at a moment’s notice to capture the scene before it disappears.

• Bring Cleaning Supplies

You need to bring some cleaning supplies – both for your camera and for the trophy photos. Pack a professional camera cleaning kit in a waterproof bag and keep it in an accessible backpack pocket. If/when you get a kill, wipe down the antlers and bloody spots with wet wipes or other disposable cleaning devices. Blood can add character to the setting, but a cleaner kill makes for a better photo, as a general rule.

Some hunters even bring an extra set of clothes just for their trophy photos. If you want to look sharp for the occasion, make sure your clothes fit well and match the scenery.

• Know When/Where to Find the Best Lighting

Lighting is one of the most critical elements of a great photo. With that in mind, look for pictures in the first hour of the morning and the hour before sunset. These “golden hours” provide warm, glowing light that complements skin tones and casts long shadows, creating a more exciting environment.

If you want to avoid shadows and take more consistently-illuminated images, focus your efforts on days with overcast weather. The clouds will eliminate sun glare, and they usually give you a longer timeframe to work with.

Use the environment to alter the lighting of your photos. For example, you might use a canopy of trees to filter sunlight or create a reflective effect with a body of water. Every setting allows you to be creative with lighting and capture unique photos.

• Turn on the Flash

If you need to take a picture under the full noon sun, turn on your camera’s flash to block out the glare and reduce unwanted shadows. Check your camera’s instruction manual and see if it has a pre-programmed flash mode for outdoor settings. Even if you have great natural lighting, the flash can help illuminate the subject and highlight noteworthy background details.

• Take Some Action Shots

Trophy photos are naturally the most coveted hunting pictures, but every stage of the journey has opportunities for great candid photos. Take some action shots of your companions, the wildlife and weather changes so you have lasting reminders of every moment. Simple nature shots should make up the bulk of your gallery. You’ll thank yourself for taking them later on.

Use slower shutter speeds to emulate movement and make your photos more active. Speeds like 1/50th and 1/30th seconds slightly blur the subject and put the background into focus, while motion techniques like panning sharpen the subject and blur the background. Mix up your photography methods to take a wider variety of action shots.

• Try Unorthodox Angles

Standard photography practices like the rule of thirds will help you capture basic photos, but you can get more creative than that. Try more unconventional angles below or above eye level to establish a new perspective. For example, a picture of a hunter from ground level creates the illusion that the photographer is a small, insignificant observer watching the hunter walk by. If you hunt from a treestand, you can get fantastic overhead shots from that angle.

You should also shoot both vertical and horizontal photos. Vertical photos are better for action shots with clear subjects, while horizontal photos capture vast landscapes. Turn your camera around and change things up.

• Move Up Close

This advice primarily applies to wildlife. If a plant or animal catches your attention, zoom in or try to move as close as possible for a more detailed shot. We can’t truly grasp the complexity of life until we get up close and personal. Allow your camera to capture those tiny details that make nature so beautiful.

Make sure you take plenty of close-up trophy shots as well. Get pictures of the animal’s fur, antlers/horns, hooves and the other features that make it unique. Honor your kill by giving it the attention and appreciation it deserves.

Immortalize Your Hunting Trips

Hunting takes humanity back to its roots. We scour our natural environments for food, and when we manage to track and kill an animal, the feeling of accomplishment is unmatched. Immortalize these moments with photographs from start to finish. Every movement and every landscape is an opportunity for a great picture. Remember these tips and you’ll capture all of them.

The post Photographing Your Hunts: 7 Simple Tips appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

This isn’t as much of an issue if you drive a truck, but it can get messy for those of us who prefer the sedan or SUV variety. If you manage to bag your quarry, what can you do to protect your car’s interior on the way home?

Scotchgard

If you’re out hunting, the potential of blood and offal from a deer carcass isn’t the only thing that could mess up your car’s interior.  All it takes is missing one splash of blood on your hunting gear or a pair of muddy boots to create a mess that will be expensive and time-consuming to clean up. 

Scotchgard or other waterproofing products make your upholstery hydrophobic so water and other liquids can’t sink into the padding beneath. It can also be a lifesaver if you have young kids prone to spilling their drinks in the back seat. 

Tarps

An oldie but a goodie.  Keep a few tarps stashed in with your hunting gear.  Ensure they’re free of holes and that whatever you’re covering is wholly enshrouded in plastic. It sounds simple, but if you’re not 100% sure of your wrap job, you could end up with a leaky deer in your back seat and no one wants to smell that after a few days in the sun. 

A thick tarp can also help you protect the exterior of your vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about stray horns or hooves scratching up the paint.

Seat Covers 

If you don’t already have seat covers in your car, now is the perfect time to make that investment.  These aren’t just useful for protecting your interior during hunting trips. A good set of seat covers will protect your upholstery from everyday wear and tear and harsh UV rays that could bleach the fabric and damage leather or vinyl. 

As a bonus, you can use seat covers to put your stamp on the car, giving the interior a bit of character that marks it as uniquely yours.  Find a pattern you like, rep your favorite sports team or opt for classic camo — the choice is yours.

Game Bags

If you’ve got some extra coins to spend during your hunt prep, consider investing in some game bags.  These are the perfect way to transport your quarry from the field to the butcher or the freezer if you’re butchering the beast yourself. 

Make sure you’re purchasing game bags for the correct animal — a bag for a rabbit or pheasant isn’t going to help much if you’re hunting deer or elk.  It is important to note that these bags come in standard sizes, so if you find a target that is significantly larger than the average, you’ll have to find a different way to haul them home without making a mess.

Cargo Racks and Storage

If you can install a cargo storage container on your luggage rack, this might be the best option for getting your quarry home. There are a few caveats to this option that you need to consider.  First, ensure that your car can support a lot of extra weight on the roof.  These installations are more manageable if you already have a luggage rack to work with. 

Second, consider the weather.  You’re not going to want to haul a deer home in a black plastic container if it’s 100 degrees out.  If you’re concerned with protecting your car’s interior, installing a cargo container is worth the expense. 

Keep it Clean

There’s no way to avoid it — hunting is a messy business.  Thankfully, that doesn’t mean that you’re condemned to drive a car or truck that reeks of deer offal or rotting hog blood. Inexpensive and straightforward steps, like installing seat covers or treating your upholstery with Scotchguard, can go a long way toward protecting the interior of your daily driver. 

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Quality Equipment

When you are out shopping for your hunting gear, it is best to consider whether you want to go on the cheap or if you are going to commit to your hunting trips by buying quality gear. There are plenty of cheap knives and rifles out on the market, but they will likely damage your experience if things do not go as expected. As with many things out there, if you are going to make hunting a regular occurrence then it is worth investing in quality equipment. 

Picking Your Prey

You need to do a little bit of research before committing to your hunting trip. Your choice of prey will determine the amount of equipment and the destination of your trip. It will also likely dictate the cost and length of your hunting trip. Some animals will require longer times to find and track whereas more common animals like deer should be quicker and quieter trips. As well as this, if you are hunting larger prey, then you should consider training your shooting skills so that you can improve your chances of being successful. 

Safety First

Hunting is not the safest recreation activity to take up. Making sure that you are safe is essential to not only have a good trip but also a more successful one. You should make sure that you follow and understand gun safety and the use of the safety settings on your weapons. Additionally, you should evaluate the safety of your camp if you are camping for a prolonged period of time. You should also be aware that many hunting weapons carry safety regulations so make sure to brush up on them before your trip. 

Hire a Guide

If you are hunting for the first time, then you should maybe consider hiring a guide to accompany you on your trip. You should pick someone who knows the area and who is trained in hunting. As well as this, they can help you navigate the wilderness and give advice on the best steps for your hunting trips in the future. This can help you learn the basics and still have a good time on your first hunting trip

First Hunting Trip

Going on your first hunting trip is an exciting time. You can get back to nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, it is not the easiest activity to take up, so it is worth researching common pitfalls and investing some time in really planning your trip away.  

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Wild game is a great way to supplement your diet, but if you’re concerned about calories or protein intake, it can be a challenge to keep track of what you’re eating. Which wild game is the most nutritious?

Getting the Nutrients You Need

Nutrition can be complicated, especially in a survival situation. It’s important to collect a basic working knowledge of these nutrients to help you make the most informed decision when it comes to choosing your meals. Modern nutrition is broken down into three primary macronutrients: fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The average adult needs: 

• Between 0.7 – 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight
• Between 0.25 and 0.4 grams of fat per pound of body weight

The rest of the calories you eat during the day should be allotted to carbohydrates. You can calculate these numbers starting with your body’s basal metabolic rate, or the number of calories that you burn while the body is at rest. 

Then, adjust for your activity level — because you will need to consume more calories during the day if you are more active — and then adjust again based on your weight goals if you have any. If sustaining your current weight is the goal, then don’t adjust the number of calories up or down.

Thanks to fast foods and other convenience foods, our diets tend to be higher in fat and carbohydrates than are typically considered healthy. Incorporating wild game can help balance those less healthy choices out.

Don’t Forget the Micronutrients

While the three macronutrients are important, they aren’t the only things that you’re going to need to stay healthy. Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are also an essential part of a healthy diet. Without them, various health problems can occur. 

Too little iron in your diet can lead to anemia. Too little Vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a condition that used to plague sailors who would spend months at sea with little to no access to fresh fruit.

Studies have found that in addition to the problems that micronutrient deficiencies can cause directly, they can also contribute to the morbidity and mortality of various chronic and infectious diseases. Many wild game animals, in addition to containing protein, also offer a lot of micronutrients. 

Racoon, for example, is full of iron, thiamin and B12, while opossum is a great source of riboflavin. Fatty fish, like salmon, anchovies or sardines, provide high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Introducing different wild game animals into your regular rotation can be a great way to ensure that you’re getting as many micronutrients as possible in your diet.

Comparing Common Wild Game

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits offered by various wild game animals that you might encounter.

White Meat

Wild fowl are a great source of protein and are often easier to hunt than some of the larger creatures on this list — with a few exceptions: 

• Snow Goose — 121 calories per 100 grams, with 22.7g protein and 3.6g fat.
• Alligator — 143 calories per 100 grams, with 29g protein and 3g fat.
• Dove — 145 calories per 100 grams, with 22.9g protein and 1.8g fat.
• Wild Pheasant — 148 calories per 100 grams with 25.7g protein and 0.6g fat.
• Squirrel — 149 calories per 100 grams with 21.4g protein and 3.2g fat.
• Mallard — 152 calories per 100 grams, with 23.1g protein and 2.0g fat
• Jackrabbit — 153 calories per 100 grams, with 21.9g protein and 2.4g fat.
• Wild turkey — 163 calories per 100 grams, with 25.7g protein and 1.1g fat.

Now while these are listed in order of calories, some — such as the alligator (which is considered white meat) offer more protein with fewer calories than say, the mallard or the pheasant. Alligators are a bit more challenging to hunt, though, so make sure you keep that in mind.

Red Meat

Red meat is usually what we think of when we picture hunting, but as with most things, not all wild game is created equal. 

• Moose — 130 calories per 100 grams with 22.1g protein and 0.5g fat
• Elk — 137 calories per 100 grams with 22.8g protein and 0.9g fat.
• Bison — 138 calories per 100 grams with 21.7g protein and 1.9g fat.
• Antelope — 144 calories per 100 grams with 22.5g protein and 0.9g fat.
• Ostrich — 141 calories per 100 grams with 29g protein and 1.9g fat.
• White-tailed deer — 149 calories per 100 grams with 23.6g protein and 1.4g fat.
• Wild Boar — 160 calories per 100 grams with 28.3g protein and 4.38g fat.

Most of the large quadrupeds on this list are considered some of the best wild game in the world because they are high in protein while remaining low in fat. If you’re concerned about adding more fat to your diet, prey like the wild boar might be a great option. 

Which Wild Game is The Best for Nutrition?

This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the wild game that you might encounter during your hunts, but it should give you a good idea of where to start if you’re planning to start adding it to your diet. 

When it comes to the question of which wild game is the best for nutrition, the answer is that depends. It depends on what you’re hunting as well as your nutritional needs. The ones that we’ve listed above are a great place to start, but you don’t need to stop there.

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Bow Hunting

Bow hunting is similar to archery and uses the same skills. The only difference between both is the reasoning and target. While archery is used for leisure and entertainment, bow hunting is mainly for hunting animals. While people do not necessarily need to hunt to provide food for their families in today’s time, bow hunting is still in practice for various reasons. Now it mainly serves as a recreational activity 

Bow Hunting Gear & its Importance

As bow hunting requires the hunters to go out in the woods, it requires special gear, which may vary according to the seasons. Professional hunters carry a variety of boots, bows, dressings, and kits. One of the most important parts of the gear is the archery kit or the bows and arrows. The individuals need to carry a bow that is fitting and easy to carry and handle. It is also important to consider the hunting area and the target animal as it plays an important part in determining the tools. 

Bow Hunting Clothing

As the hunting area is most likely the woods, it is important to dress accordingly. In case of unexpected weather conditions, the dressing should protect a hunter while maintaining a level of comfort. The boots should not only provide comfort and warmth in cold weather but also have a certain level of friction and the ability to function well in a rocky or slippery area. Clothing plays a critical role in hunting as when the arrow is released from the string, baggy or improperly fitting clothes may ruin the shot. Camouflage also plays an important role during hunting as animals can easily detect danger or predators. In addition, camouflage helps the hunter blend in with their surroundings to help deliver an ethical shot. 

Rifle Hunting

Rifle Hunting, as the name suggests, uses rifles for hunting animals. Various hunters have a special hunting gun for this purpose. Like bow hunting, rifle hunting is also a form of outdoor activity, and it uses rifles to hunt the animals. For many individuals, it is a form of entertainment, activity, and sport. However, when compared to bow hunting, rifle hunting is less physically demanding and can kill the target more effectively.

Rifle Hunting Gear & Its Importance 

As rifle hunting requires the individuals to go into the woods or the natural habitat for their target, the clothing should accommodate the hunter. Uncomfortable clothes may take away the fun of hunting, as the individual’s primary focus would shift towards discomfort. One distinct thing to note about rifle hunting clothes is the elaborate orange band or piece of clothing. The hunters wear it to prevent any accidents related to the rifle by other hunters. The hunters can also use straps to hold the guns as it can get uncomfortable and tiring to hold a gun all day. 

While there are similarities between the clothing of bow hunting and rifle hunting due to the similar area of the hunt, there are also differences in the equipment used. Aside from protecting from bugs and providing warmth, hunting clothes are designed to protect your body from other natural elements as well, such as rain or wind. Bow hunting clothing focuses on the hunters’ environment and allows them to blend in by using camouflage while maintaining protection and movement. 

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