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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

When you're learning to call turkeys, ducks, or elk, the animals themselves will practically give you lessons in calling. Those species are vocal, and you get tons of chances to mimic them. 

Whether you prefer a lighter kit or a heavier load for those just-in-case moments, choosing your gear for a deer hunt is an essential step that can make or break your hunt.

The nature of duck hunting means you'll need some specialized equipment, unless you want to sit around in soggy gear all day. The right gear can make or break a hunt.

Knowing how to pick the ideal spot for your bowhunting tree stand (or saddle) takes time and experience. But with the right insights, you can quickly analyze an area and get set up for the perfect shot.