Most Recent Posts

Swab-Its Bore-whip in the chamber of an AR-15

Gear, Parts and Accessories

Swab-Its — Simple, Cool, Reusable, and Durable

I first saw the Swab-Its at the 2015 SHOT Show and simply didn’t get the concept of them—hmm… disposable foam bore cleaners. Yeah, the concept was cool. However, I wondered why anyone would buy such an expensive single-use product. Like many times in life, I was wrong. I learned my lesson, even though it took me a full year. My mistake was thinking, “Swab-Its are a one trick pony.” In actuality, Swab-Its are a well made, non-damaging, bore cleaner that can be cleaned and continually reused many, many times.

Avian-X AXP Lesser goose decoys

Gear, Parts and Accessories

Now is the Time to Up Your Goose Game — Decoys

Most goose hunters are never truly satisfied with their decoy inventory. Thankfully, a new era of decoys is upon us. It’s never been easier to deploy astonishingly realistic decoys quicker, more affordably, and with less concern for major maintenance issues. Whether new to the game or simply upgrading, investing in some really good decoys is economically doable for just about any goose hunter. However, there are several important things to take into account when building a goose spread.

Bowhunter dragging whitetail deer through cornfield

General

8 Things Your Taxidermist Will Love You For

Anyone who plops their money down at the taxidermy shop wants and expects a great looking mount. Hunters expect a lot from their taxidermist and that’s reasonable. But remember: the taxidermist can only work with what they’re brought. Your actions in the field impact the quality (or lack thereof) of the finished mount, so following these eight tips will thrill your taxidermist, maximize your own gratification when the time to pick up your completed trophy arrives, and save you some money in the process.

Coyote standing in front of a rock pile

Hunting and Outdoors

What the Uninitiated Need to Know About Predator Hunting

Coyotes, foxes, and bobcats are North America’s most abundant terrestrial predators. These species play key roles in the ecosystem, helping to manage rodent populations, scavenging carrion, and preying on larger animals that may be sick or weak. Predators are cunning and adaptable as well. Going head to head with another predator is also one of the most rewarding and challenging hunting experiences you’ll ever experience.

Hunter carrying an armful of duck decoys through the shallows

How-To

Waterfowl Vision: Beating the Odds

When it comes to decoys, carving detail and realistic paint schemes are critical in putting incoming ducks and geese at ease, but incorporating a variety of natural and welcoming poses like feeders, sleepers and preeners will also help your decoy spread pass the eye test.

A hunter blowing a duck call

General

Live Ducks: The Only Judges That Matter

Practical ways to consistently call ducks are increasingly becoming lost in our modern teachings. As ducks in the wild never perform machine-gun feed chatter or ear-piercing hail calls, it stands to reason that our calling shouldn’t either. To consistently be successful in the field, hunters should first master the basics of calling, and then learn when to further expand their auditory offerings.

Hunter sitting on Plano 1812 Hunting Stool shooting a shotgun

General

Dove hunting isn’t complicated, so don’t make it that way!

Those who enjoy a hunting lifestyle are fortunate. Because hunting isn’t always easy—especially for the millions of Americans looking to get into the sport. Competition for hunting ground, a significant financial investment in gear, and time spent on hunter education, scouting and shooting practice are just a few of the barriers to hunting participation. Thankfully, some types of hunting (Doves) are simpler than others.

boy washing waterfowl decoys

General

Waterfowl Decoy Maintenance

It could be a broken decoy line, a missing head or busted keel that’s keeping that pile of decoys in the corner of the garage unaddressed—just high enough to constantly remind you that something needs to be done with them.

waterfowlers in a corn field with goose decoys

General

Early Season Waterfowl — Decoy Tricks

September is right around the corner, and the skies are filling with waterfowl. And, although early season hunts occasionally involve uneducated birds willing to commit to any spread, rarely are things that easy. however, with liberal limits and plentiful birds, early season hunts can be memorable. Once hunting pressure takes hold, top waterfowlers stay ahead of the game by employing numerous decoy tricks. If you are ready for early season success, read on.

Man oneone knees shooting an arrow from a Survival Slingshot

Camping & Survival

Slingshots for Survival

When I venture into the backcountry, I almost always carry a folded slingshot. I do this for several reasons. First, it is a source of entertainment around an evening campfire or after game has been harvested (in the summertime or non-hunting situations, perhaps just for fun.) I also carry it because it does not weigh much, and I now realize it gives me a more effective tool for use in a survival situation then simply throwing rocks.