Today’s modern hunter is more equipped than ever to handle the great outdoors and we all know there’s a lot more to hunting than just going out to the wilderness with a gun and some bullets. Especially if the sportsman is going for a number of days, he’ll need to carry food, water, additional ammunition, compass, etc. This is where the hunters backpack comes into play, specifically the Badlands 2200. You’d be surprised how many hunters there are in the world that go out in the field with nothing but a flimsy nylon backpack with shoulder straps that would barely fit and they only hold enough space for a canteen and some TP! At the end of a hunt it would feel like your arms were going to fall off because the straps had cut off most of the blood going to your extremities, NO MORE. Because there are so many reviews out there for hunting backpacks, which one do you pick? I am not necessarily trying to promote a particular brand, but the Badlands 2200 is a damn good pack! And oh man how a good quality pack makes a huge difference in your day in the field. When looking at the Badlands 2200, these were of course some main factors that I kept in mind when considering the ‘utmost’ in hunting backpacks and gear.

1. Comfortable shoulder straps, a chest strap, and hip belt: I can’t say enough about having these components on your backpack. With these elements in line, the sportsman can pretty much wear their pack all day – especially when you’re up and down and walking most of the day, you still feel fresh.

2. Lots of exterior pockets: I literally cannot vouch for anyone else, but the consensus is that their needs to be a place of easy access to put all of your extra ammunition, food, knives, and of course the necessary important TP.

3. Durability: Able to carry a huge load of meat out of the back country. Load bearing has much importance to hunters when looking at backpacks. Especially, if I am a few miles deep in the wilderness. With that said – I need a backpack that has durability when hauling a huge carcass back to camp.

4. A pack that is 2200 cubic inches. Since the majority of hunters are big guys – now I’m not trying to stereo type here, but there was a study that found that the average hunter is male, usually on average a height of 6ft and 260 lbs. With that being said, the backpack has to have the size that can be worn over a fleece or sweater.

After so much research within the marketplace, the Badlands 2200 is the best option that I have seen and it meets the majority of my criteria. It is 2200 cubic inches, the hip belt and shoulder straps are molded to fit the contour of the hunter’s body. The pack has exterior pockets and you can carry this backpack for miles without any problems and this pack is great for both the beginning hunter and the experienced sportsman. I know that there are several other great brands out there such as Eberstock and Kifaru to name a couple, however the Badlands 2200 backpack is a really great product and an integral piece of hunting gear for the successful sportsman.

By: Bill, Randle

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For most of us, bowhunting is much more than harvesting an animal. Many of us started out as rifle hunters; and while we still anticipate and enjoy our rifle hunts, it is bowhunting that captures our greatest emotions. Why do we bowhunt? Why do we get so much out of our sport when the success rate is far below that of rifle hunting?

Why do we plan, prepare, and purchase for our bowhunts with such enthusiasm? For this hunter it is the whole experience that provides such anticipation prior to the hunt and the warmest emotions following it. Why bowhunting; because it provides us a chance to enjoy our friends and family away from civilization. The camp becomes the center of the hunt. It is our opportunity to create our own space in the wild and return to some ancestral existence. The camp is our home in the field. In this modern society filled with external electronic stimulation, our camp provides us the internal stimulation we require to stay human. We all look forward to the sharing of stories from the day’s hunt.

We are allowed into, and get to share in the powerful experience of our hunt partners. Those shared experiences become etched in our emotions and increase our anticipation for the next hunt. It is as much a part of the hunt as the actual hunting. I am still amazed how my heart leaps at the sight of the camp at the end of a long day’s hunt. No matter how crude, it still feels as inviting as any home I’ve owned. I know I’ll feel safety, warmth and fellowship; it is why we bowhunt. Bowhunting, more than any other outdoor experience, offers us the opportunity to become a part of the wild region that we temporarily inhabit. Be it a tree stand, blind or some naturally occurring vantage point, our goal is to become a part of the surroundings. We camouflage our bodies and mask our scent in order to become an indistinguishable part of the native flora and fauna. We test our ability to sit totally silent for long periods of time or stalk with stealth like silence.

And when the moment comes that we happen to find ourselves at full draw with our prey in our sights, it tests our ability to control our emotions in order to complete the shot. Bowhunting provides us the greatest natural “rush” possible. To be within yards of wild animals of all types makes our hearts leap. To be that close and have them not know we are there doubles the excitement. Even when we head back to our daily lives empty handed we are still filled with an abundance of emotionally charged experiences that continually nurture us. We are forced to live our lives in the civilized world to support our families and lifestyles but bowhunting provides us the opportunity to escape the “real” world and nourish our mental and emotional lives! Although the bow and arrow have become more technologically advanced, it is still an archaic method of hunting; flinging a projectile whose speed and accuracy are reliant upon the strength and steadiness of the archer.

By its very nature, bowhunting allows the hunter the opportunity to step back in time and forces him to rely on his hunter/gatherer nature. As a bowhunter I feel a little more vulnerable than I do when I rifle hunt. I am far more dependent upon my skills for my success and safety. That vulnerability is what makes the bowhunter appreciate the vastness and power of the natural world. The bowhunter, in the field, gets a sense of how small, yet connected, he is to his surroundings. In much the same way a surfer feels about the ocean waves, or a mountain climber about his ascent, the bowhunter respects his surroundings, and cannot wait until the next time he’s allowed the opportunity to revive his spirit and refresh his soul; this is why we bowhunt.

By: Paul Keegan

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Quail hunting is a unique sport. Due to the distinctive intelligence of quails, it takes a technique that isn’t usually seen in other types of hunting. If you are fond of hunting that involves an extraordinary amount of stealth and cunning, quail hunting may be perfect for you.

Quail is considered a delicacy across the country. Their eggs are also used in high cuisine. Quail are particularly unique in that, unlike ducks, geese, or chicken, you don’t need to remove or eat around the bones; they are small and soft enough that you can swallow them without harm. However, due to their small size, you typically need several to make a meal.

Others engage in quail hunting for the trophies. Quails of all species are known for their petite sizes and gorgeous array of colorful feathers, from dappled browns to flashes of muted blues and grays. For this reason, many choose to have their quails stuffed and put on display.

Quail hunting can be enjoyed alone or with a partner. While not necessary, most hunters also include a quality bird dog on their excursions. Not only do these dogs quietly point, signaling ahead of time where a covey is hiding, but they can also be useful for flushing birds into flight and retrieving any kills. Ideally, a retrieving dog should handle the bird gently and allow you to take it from them without resistance. Sometimes it’s possible to rent good birding dogs if you don’t have the time to train your own.

However, when it comes to quail hunting, it’s important to keep in practice. Tension runs high during this type of hunting, requiring an innate knowledge of your gun, your fellow hunters, and your birding dog. To avoid friendly fire, shooting skeet is a good way to grow accustomed to the unique style of waiting and shooting. Learning basic gun safety, such as how to position yourselves throughout a hunting session to avoid accidental shooting, is also a must for beginning hunters.

If you’d rather enjoy a bit of luxury with your quail hunting, guided hunting tours are available across the country. Guided hunting is a great way to spend a three day weekend or short vacation. Essentially, trained experts hunt with you in designated areas. Once you’re through with your fun, you get to return to a private cabin or camping areas to enjoy meals, talks, and more.

By: Tom McFay

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Ghillie suits are useful items of clothing for those who enjoy hunting or paintball as well as those who take part in army type exercises or wildlife photography. Basically these suits are useful for anyone who needs to be able to hide him or herself during activities in nature. The ghillie sniper suit can be purchased online or made yourself using ghillie kits. But, if you manage to gather a few simple items and if you are willing tom spend some time working on it you can make your very own ghillie suit yourself.

What do you need?

You need an army suit also known as a “stalker suit”
You need a (new or old) pair of BDU’s (Battle Dress Uniforms)
You need a yard or more of brown canvas cloth
Roll of foam padding
You need at least 3 tubes of shoe goo
Netting
How to make the actual suit:

You will need to cut 30 squares of the netting to fit on to the rear end of the stalker trousers. Now you need to start at the bottom of the netting and count 14 squares after which you proceed to cut from the 15th square up to the 22nd square. You have to follow the same procedure for the other leg of the trousers to make your own ghillie trousers.

Now you will have to cut out pieces of canvas and foam padding. The canvas will hold the foam in place. First you will have to glue the foam padding on to the trouser legs. Now the messy bit starts. Use the shoe goo and smear it all over the foam padding that you have fixed to the trouser legs. This is best done by using your hands. The goo has to dry for at least 24 hours. This may take a little longer in damp surroundings.

Now it is important to cut squares the size of half the front to f the jacket if you have one. Prepare the netting in the same way as you did with the trousers and fix the netting to the front and the back of the jacket. If you want to cover the arms as well it is important to measure up the width and length of the sleeve to make a pattern for the netting. After this you need to glue the foam padding to the netting on the sleeves and front of the jacket. Use the shoe goo again to prepare the foam padding and let the jacket dry for at least 24 hours in a well-ventilated room. When the suit is completed, be sure to spray it with a quality fire retardant. Making your own ghillie suit takes work and patience but it’s worth it!

Another great option is to buy a custom ghillie kit. This saves you the aggravation of having to find all the pieces yourself but still allows you to personalize your suit.

By: Bryan Gillis

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If you want to improve your chances of going home with a trophy deer, you definitely want to hunt on leased land. Studies show that approximately 80% of hunters choose leased land, spending more than $600 million every year for the privilege. However, to hunt on private land, a legal contract must be established between the landowner and the hunter. That way, all the rules are laid out so there are no surprises or misunderstandings, this is where a deer hunting lease comes into play.

The truth is that finding good land on which to deer hunt has become more and more challenging over the past few years. When hunting on public land a number of problems could arise. For one thing, the land could be over hunted which means the number of deer is going to be low. Additionally, hunting on public land could present safety risks in that numerous groups of hunters would be sharing the land. Since these people do not know each other and there is no communication it increases the odds of accidental injury.

Therefore, leasing land is the best option which can be done in several ways. First, you could identify a private landowner and ask permission. Second, you might consider joining a local hunt club. Third, you could choose a self-guided hunt through a reputable outfitter. With each of these, you would have the opportunity to hunt for the species of deer wanted and choose between rifle and bow on private land.

It is imperative that the contract for hunting on leased land be written well so it ultimately benefits you as the hunter but also the landowner. Although the lease would contain various things, the three most important aspects of the hunt that need to be covered include the following.

1. Price – The first thing that should be outlined, understood and agreed on in the lease is the price for the hunt. Since contracts vary from one landowner to another and pricing is unique you need to know exactly what you will be paying. Again, the goal of the landowner is to provide hunters the chance to have a great hunt without spending a fortune. However, the landowner also wants to benefit since this is an excellent means of extra income.

2. Type and Quantity of Deer – It is also important that the species of deer you would be allowed to hunt on the land would be listed in the contract. The lease should not use a blanket statement such as “deer” but actually list whitetail, mule, buck, etc. Additionally, the number of deer that can be killed should also be listed in the contract so there is no confusion.

3. Scouting – Finally, it is important that the contract specifically state you have the opportunity to scout the land prior to the hunt. This would included a set time frame giving you the chance to walk the land looking for bedding spots, feeding areas, deer tracks and so on. This is important for a successful kill so you definitely want scouting to be included.

Often, a landowner will also include some type of clause that states he or she is not responsible for damaged gear or weaponry, injury or even death. If the people in your group are experienced hunters, risk of something bad happening would be low but a statement such as this in the lease merely provides protection for the landowner.

By: Keith Cantelmo

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Hunting in Canada is truly a national sport as there is almost no acre of land that isn’t inhabited by wild game. Moose are especially prevalent in the Canadian region roaming almost the entire country. They are large animals with males weighing between 850-1580 pounds and standing 6-7 feet tall at the shoulder. They are herbivores which mean they will eat most any type of plant or fruit. They actually need to consume 9,770 per day in order to maintain its body weight. That means it’s basically grazing all day.

Most of who hunt moose want to for their antlers. They have the largest antlers of any extant deer. Only the male moose have antlers and even they don’t have them year around. Their antlers grow as cylindrical beams projecting on each side of the head at right angles to the midline of the skull, and then fork. The lower prong of this fork may be either simple, or divided into two or three tines, with some flattening. The male will lose, or drop, their antlers after mating season to help conserve energy for the coming cold months. The antlers will then re-grow in the spring months, taking only about 3-5 months to fully develop making them one of the fastest growing animal organs.

An interesting fact about male moose and their antlers is that if they are castrated, for any reason and in any way, they will immediately drop their current set of antlers and begin to grow a new set of misshaped and deformed antlers he will never shed, he will wear them for the rest of his life. The distinctive looking appendages (often referred to as “devil’s antlers”) are not only the source of many Inuit myths, but also make these moose somewhat more appealing to hunters due to the irregularity.

Hunting a moose for his antlers is a common practice, particularly in Canada where they roam so prevalently. If you happen to be hunting in that region, be sure to look out for the elusive “devil’s antler” moose as he will be sure to make a very unique trophy to add to your collection.

By: Harold Sterling

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Every hunter in the world is looking for the best trophy, a “Big Buck”. Chances are, some of these enthusiastic hunters will actually have the opportunity to bring down a deer or two. Other hunters will spot these animals and make a shot but unfortunately miss, while others have no luck at all, they don’t detect any whitetail deer movement. Of course, it isn’t all about luck because meticulous preparation is required. Every whitetail deer hunter should comprehend five skills:

• Stalking – this method consists of following the natural signs and the movement trails of the whitetail deer. This requires the ability to be very quiet so that the deer won’t suspect anything and also it requires basic knowledge of their habits.

• Spot & stalk hunting – this is a variation of the stalking hunting technique but in this case the deer has been seen. The whitetail hunter uses his hunting skills in order to get close to the animal as much as he can so that he will have great chances for an efficient shot.

• Stand hunting – this technique can be used from a tree or even on the ground. Both techniques require a great deal of patience. The deer hunter sets up his tree stand or he finds a place where he can hide and wait for the animal. With some rigorously pre-season investigation, whitetail deer runs can be easily detected, greatly improving the chances for an efficient hunting season.

• Still hunting – with this method, the hunter walks silently then stops to listen and wait for the prey. This still hunting method is recommended when deer haven’t been seen but are known that they are in that area.

• Line hunting – this method is used by a group of hunters. The main idea of it is that the deer are flushed out towards a line of whitetail hunters. This cooperative technique can bring great results if done properly.

The choice of weapon for a whitetail deer hunting adventure greatly depends on the area where the hunter lives but basically these animals are hunted with a gun such as a rifle or a shotgun. In some legal circumstances, hunters have the possibility to use muzzleloaders and handguns. Some old-fashioned hunters still use their bows and crossbows for their deer hunting adventure, it can be a very exciting thing to do but at the same time it is way harder in comparison with using a rifle. The bow hunting season usually starts before the regular gun season and will start again after the gun season is over.

Don’t forget about dry clothing as well as waterproof boots because low temperatures and soggy clothes increase the chances of hypothermia. Layers work better to keep you warm rather than bulky items. This also gives you more freedom to move around. Camouflage is very important and it greatly depends on the hunting area. Luckily, camouflage clothing comes in all sizes and shapes you could think of.

All things considered, planning a whitetail deer hunting adventure isn’t as easy as you might have thought but taking things nice and slow you will be fully equipped for a rewarding hunting adventure that you will remember for a long time.

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