Tag: CTD Dave

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General

Looking for a Coyote Calling Expert

I am far from a coyote-calling champion, and certainly do not get as much practice as I would prefer—too many hobbies and the boss still expects me to somehow get my work done. That’s why, when I headed out to do a little predator hunting the other day, I opted to use a digital call. I have a couple of dandies with a ton of different buttons and sounds. I wasn’t sure one would work best, but I was bound to try at least a handful and see what kind of results I could get.

Ammunition

The Birth of the .44 Mag. Cartridge

Ever heard of the Smith & Wesson NT-430? Maybe not by that name, but the easiest description would probably be to use a famous movie quote, “Go ahead, make my day.” Yep, the NT-430—later dubbed the Model 29—was famous long before Inspector Callahan wielded it in back in ’71. However, “Dirty Harry” ensured it would always have a place in firearm history, but he wasn’t the only champion of the Model 29 and the .44 Mag.

Archery

Crossbows — Crank it up!

If you already own a crossbow, but do not have a cocking device or crank system, you may have to do a little Internet research. While all crossbows have some type of draw-assist system, not all have a crank that makes it uber-easy. A little homework will ensure a better introduction and shooting experience.

Adventure Medical Kit

Camping & Survival

Got a Tourniquet?

In subsequent discussions with like-minded friends, most were under the impression—prior to the bombing—that tourniquets were taboo and had been for decades. A little research revealed the use of tourniquets traces back as far as the Roman Empire and were popular during most of the 1800s and 1900s. It wasn’t until Vietnam Era that doctors came out against their use and most of that was due to a perception that tourniquets were responsible for the amputations. It’s true, some were misused and attached too high unnecessarily sacrificing tissue and others were not tight enough, which can actually increase bleeding, but lives were, and are, being saved by the use of tourniquets.

How-To

Are Mineral Supplements Worth the Money and Effort for Whitetails?

After a through and exhaustive search, I am here to declare once and for all that hunting whitetails is hard. While that may be surprising to some—the ones lucky enough to walk out their first time with a bow or gun and a shiny new hunter education card and wallop a monster—to many it is knowledge earned after exhaustive hours in the field.

And would you really want it to be easy? If everyone went out and shot a Booner their first day, how much fun would it be? (Although after 20-plus years, I think I should have earned at least one gimme.) After all, it is the allure of harvesting something rare and unique, a trophy like no other, that keeps our blood boiling and separates the hunters from those who merely hike with weapons in the whitetail woods.

Arrow groups in 10 ring target

Archery

What is the Maximum Ethical Distance for a Shot When Bowhunting?

Not long after sunrise, a beautiful 10-point emerged from the treeline and began feeding along the narrow strip of the cut. He wandered between 50 and 55 yards from my hide. My heart was beating out of my chest and the adrenaline coursing my veins was off the charts. I was on the ground in a blind and had a firm footing for a shot. The laser rangefinder ensured the range, and I knew I could make the 55-yard shot all day long—so I drew and let one fly.

Traditional bow and custom arrows

Archery

Traditional or Compound — Which Bow is Right for You?

There are many factors to consider when making the choice between purchasing a traditional or compound bow. Traditional bows (longbows and recurves) offer a historic as well as a simplistic advantage. There is a certain mystique associated with shooting a stick and string. The bow’s physical weight is much lighter, and you will not get bogged down with technology and a bunch of accessories. There is certainly an argument to be made for keeping it simple.