Gear

Elk hunting requires a specific set of gear designed for weather changes, rugged mountain terrain, and the physical demands of packing out a large animal after a successful hunt. Essential items include appropriate clothing and boots, a reliable weapon system, a robust backpack, and crucial optics and survival equipment.

Use a hunting app (like HuntWise) to find public land by turning on Government Lands or Public Hunting map layers. Zoom out to see regional tracts (e.g., WMAs or National Forests), zoom in to check boundaries, and download offline maps before you hike.

The best hunting binoculars for 2026 offer clear optics, durable construction, and performance in low-light conditions. Top models balance magnification, field of view, and portability, helping hunters spot game more effectively in various environments.

To call turkeys effectively, use basic sounds like yelps, clucks, and purrs to mimic hen behavior, and adjust your calling based on turkey response and hunting pressure. Start with soft, realistic calls, then increase intensity only if needed, as overcalling can reduce your chances of success.

While the older hunter in your life probably tossed a handful of shells into their pocket and set out into the field, modern equipment such as turkey vests have become an invaluable tool for organization, comfort, and storage. 

With Spring just around the corner, it's time for a complete kit review of all your turkey hunting gear. Whether you're looking to upgrade your kit or determined to make 2026 the year of more turkey hunts, you'll need the right equipment to get in the field and harvest big birds.

I always write a list the night before a hunting or fishing trip. No matter how many times I've made the same trip, methodically crossing off my essential items with a hot coffee in the morning helps calm the nerves and provide the kind of reassurance I need.

Decoys play a pivotal role in turkey hunting. The key to their effective use lies in realism, strategic placement, and using the right amount. Various factors, including the season and flock sizes, can influence their success. 

Every year, after my deer tags are filled and duck season comes to a close, I shift my attention to predator control. Coyotes can be hunted year-round in nearly every state, but the late winter and early spring is a great time to focus on hunting coyotes. 

Bunny hunting is always a great time. Whether you're showing a new hunter the ropes or heading out with a few pals, the fast action and sometimes challenging shooting of rabbit hunting make for an unforgettable day in the field. 

All year long, we wait for hunting season to arrive, only for it to seemingly end as soon as it's getting started. Our offseasons were full of scouting and preparation. In season, we're constantly learning and adjusting to chase our quarry, looking for fresh signs and recent patterns that will help us be successful in the pursuit of game.

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about gifts for the hunter in your life (or for yourself). Whether you're hoping for a Black Friday sale on firearms or you're prepping your Christmas list of hunting "wants" for your family to purchase for you, a good rifle should be on your list.