Articles

Many times, I have been guilty of failing to properly appreciate the subtle changes and interactions between elevation and soil properties that give a piece of land its own unique character. When we look at potential hunting sites using online aerial imagery, we might forget to take into account topographic variation when planning habitat improvement activities. Perhaps this is no more apparent than when designing effective wildlife plantings for leveed sites. WHAT MAKES LEVEE SITES UNIQUE? When

HOW TO LEAD A DOVE I believe the most important factor in taking doves is determining lead. My philosophy is to start the lead at the head of the bird instead of behind the bird. Most people miss doves, because they shoot behind the birds. When the target (the dove) is presented to the hunter in a crossing fashion (flying from right to left or left to right), many hunters have heard that more lead is required to successfully down the bird and that the Butt, Belly, Beak System of Aiming to

WHEN THEIR FIRST FEATHERS FALL Sharing the knowledge of wingshooting with a young or new hunter begins with patience. Swinging the business end of a shotgun can’t begin until gun safety is addressed, and then the likely initial results will be lots of missed birds. The mentor’s role is to never let the student get demoralized, because of course, everyone starts out the same way. A passion for wingshooting may take one hunter on a lifetime odyssey of hunts, while another may not be as keen on

TOPWATER LURES FOR SEA TROUT Using topwater lures to fish for spotted seatrout is hands down one of the most exciting ways to target these speckled golden beauties. This one’s all about the bite, and they can be downright explosive. A bonus: Topwater fish tend to be on the larger size as well. Knowing the right conditions and having a selection of the right lures is key to success though. In topwater fishing, the early bird gets the worm but don’t feel bad if you’re not an early riser—the late

A veteran bow hunter and local archery pro shop owner once offered me advice I always remember. The archery pro told me that when practicing shooting, it is necessary to remember that when deer hunting, you will be nervous and cold. When your body is chilled, or the sudden adrenaline rush from a mature buck walking into range takes over, the struggle to draw a bow can be a difficult task. Many bowhunters spend time throughout the summer practicing with their bows for the upcoming season. Many of

Creating and maintaining an effective land management plan for wildlife should be more than a one-dimensional endeavor. For most, the thoughts of long-term land improvements go directly to the creation of lush food plots. While it’s common knowledge that a variety of food plots on your property will certainly give it instant appeal, there are also numerous projects that can have a lasting impact on both the quality of habitat and feeding options for wildlife in your area. Creating Water Sources

The sun has disappeared behind the western treetops, turning individual shadows into one that now covers a carpet of calf-high greenery. The air filled with the deafening hum of crickets and grasshoppers. Movement just inside the wood-line materializes into a doe, her tail spasmodically swishing insects as she stares intently into the pasture. Slowly and stiff-legged, she walks into the open, pausing to glare back into the forest. More movement reveals two tiny spotted fawns, and they rush

DIY CATFISH RIG ESSENTIALS + FISHING GEAR As most know, catfish are hard-fighting and delicious to eat. The equipment needed to catch catfish is inexpensive and everything you need for traditional pole fishing or any of the DIY methods listed below can be easily found at your local Walmart! In this article, we’ll cover the basics of catfishing and a few different fishing methods commonly used to put these delicious fish on your plate! One thing to remember about catfishing, particularly in the

Summer is a busy time for the gamekeeper. Turkey season and spring planting are complete, but there’s still plenty to do. Let’s face it…there’s always loads to do for a gamekeeper. Here are a few of the most important. Kill the Competition Keeping ahead of the summer weed cycle and controlling noxious or invasive weeds is a tedious, but essential task. This is especially important in dry or drought conditions since all those vile weeds are robbing moisture, along with sunlight and nutrients from

No matter if you call them redfish, red drum, channel bass or any one of a handful of local nicknames, Sciaenops ocellatus is a favorite gamefish for nearly all anglers fishing in the salty inshore waters of the South. They’re even the saltwater gamefish of North Carolina, thanks to their incredible popularity in the Old North State. Reds are usually aggressive and willing to attack a wide variety of artificial lures—including topwaters—as well as a slew of natural baits as well. They fight hard