Progress is going nicely on our new private ranch and just wanted to remind everyone that we have guaranteed or over the counter tags for archery mule deer here in Idaho. Our archery season takes place in September, most hunting taking place between production fields where the deer feed and brushy draws they seek for security. Our rifle tags are still on a draw system, but a new initiative to double the amount of tags in our area is underway and if this goes through it will be twice as easy … [Read more...]
How to ship caribou or moose antlers back from Alaska
How to ship your caribou or moose antlers back from Alaska is a common question I get. Obviously you can box them up and send them freight, but the easiest way I've found to get your caribou or moose horns back home is take them right on the plane with you. Alaska airlines is very good about letting hunters take their game on the plane. They know who pays their bills. Simply go down to the ups store and buy a large piece of cardboard, some tape and bubble wrap. Around each point your have … [Read more...]
Alaska unguided DIY archery black bear hunt
Alaska is well known for it's sheep, moose and grizzly, but one of the funnest and most economical species to hunt is the black bear. In Alaska you can hunt black bears unguided or DIY and for the archery hunter on a budget it's an excellent choice. There are two main options that are reasonably priced for the prospective bear hunter. You can either stay at a lodge, hunting the coastal regions of southeast Alaska or you can choose a more formidable option, a drop hunt in the vast interior. … [Read more...]
Alaska unguided archery moose hunt
An unguided archery moose hunt in Alaska is an excellent choice for a bowman for one simple reason. Moose are fairly easy to sneak on or call in as compared to other animals in Alaska. You're going to have to brush up on your moose calling tactics, but they are a big noisy animal. As long as the wind is in your favor you can sneak on most moose and don't even have to be that quiet. As long as they think it's a moose coming through the brush you're ok! A heavier arrow and broadhead … [Read more...]
Alaska Unguided Archery Caribou Hunt
An unguided archery caribou hunt in Alaska is a great option for an bowman looking to experience the adventure of the north country. As long as you are a competent outdoorsman in good shape, caribou don't require a guide. Typically you see a few hundred to several thousand animals on your hunt depending on how you hit the migration. This lends itself to plenty of shot opportunities which is always nice for the archer. I would recommend no less than 7 days in the field for a DIY … [Read more...]
Best trail camera for whitetail deer or mule deer hunting
The debate rages when it comes to what is the best trail camera for whitetail deer or mule deer hunting. You'll hear plenty of folks talk about Primos, Bushnell or Reconyx, but for my money the best trail cameras on the market are made by Browning. Browning makes several models that are top of the line. The Strike Force and Spec Ops are two of my favorites. Both bost 10 mp picture taking quality as well as under 1 second trigger time and under 3 second recovery time. Recovery time … [Read more...]
When Is The Best Time To Hunt Mountain Lion
I'm frequently asked when is the best time to hunt mountain lion here in Idaho. More specifically what is the best month. It can be a complicated answer, but typically the middle of December through the end of January are very reliable when it comes to having snow. Good conditions are key to a successful cougar hunt. That being said, we've caught some whopper lions in February and March over the years. Probably the best plan of action, if you plan on venturing to Idaho to mountain lion … [Read more...]
Spot and Stalk Archery Mule Deer Hunting
Picking up where we left off in our previous post, lets discuss spot and stalk archery mule deer hunting. As we talked about earlier stand placement is key when it comes to patterning a big buck, but what happens when you just can't put your thumb on where and when a big muley buck is going to show? That's when you have to go after him. With a bow this is no small feat. 9 times out of ten 10 when you are archery mule deer hunting in idaho, you're going to have to wait until a buck … [Read more...]
Archery mule deer hunting tree stands and ground blinds
Out scouting the new private ranch yesterday for potential archery mule deer hunt stands here in Idaho and found this little shed. Takes little ones to make big ones right! Archery mule deer hunting is a little trickier than rifle mule deer hunting when it comes to picking stands. In rifle season you find the does and you find a good muley buck. It's that simple. In archery season, however, you have to pin point daily movements between feed, water and security of a big buck. Not … [Read more...]
Mountain Lion Hunting With Hounds
Mountain lion hunting with hounds is a subject that leans itself toward polarity. People in the big city don't understand it. Folks from the country who grew up chasing the tail of their favorite hound, who in turn was chasing the tail of a lion, love it. I made my first mountain lion tree in Idaho almost 30 years ago now and have a healthy respect for it as a sport and an important management tool. Cougars are notoriously sly and are rarely seen by hunters in the field thus making … [Read more...]