The appropriate bear-hunting caliber depends first on the species. A cartridge that is entirely suitable for an average black bear may not be a sensible choice for a large coastal brown bear. Terrain, expected distance, bullet construction, rifle fit, recoil tolerance, and local law also affect the decision. For black bear hunting, moderate centerfire cartridges … Read more
For North American hunters, “antelope” usually means pronghorn. Pronghorn live primarily in open grassland, sagebrush, and high-desert country where wind and limited cover can make accurate shooting more challenging. However, their relatively light body construction means hunters do not need a heavy magnum rifle to harvest one responsibly. The best caliber is a legal centerfire … Read more
Choosing a firearm for alligator hunting is unusually dependent on local law. In many regulated hunts, the alligator must first be captured, attached to a restraining line, and brought beside the boat or bank. A firearm or bangstick is then used only for close-range dispatch—not for shooting at a free-swimming animal. The permitted firearm, caliber, … Read more
Choosing a muzzleloader projectile involves more than selecting a caliber or the heaviest bullet available. The right choice depends on the game animal, firearm design, barrel twist, expected distance, local regulations, bullet construction, and the load your rifle shoots accurately. This guide explains the main projectile types, sensible starting points for deer and larger game, … Read more
A hunting pant that feels comfortably warm at daybreak can become a sweat trap after a steep climb. Conversely, a light, flexible pant that works during an active stalk may leave you shivering once you stop moving. Choosing the best lightweight hunting insulated pants therefore depends on your activity level, expected precipitation, wind exposure, and … Read more
What broadheads for crossbow hunting should you use? Start with a razor-sharp, crossbow-rated broadhead that is approved for your exact crossbow, arrow system and shooting speed. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads can work, but the most suitable choice is the one that remains secure during launch, groups consistently from your setup and meets the hunting … Read more
What broadheads for deer hunting should you choose? A sharp, durable fixed-blade or mechanical broadhead can be suitable for whitetail, mule deer and blacktail deer when it is legal, correctly matched to the bow and arrow, and consistently accurate from your setup. A compact fixed-blade head is a strong starting choice for lower-energy bows, heavier … Read more
A steep approach can turn warm, fleece-lined pants into a sweat trap before the hunt begins. Thin summer trousers create the opposite problem when wind, wet brush or falling temperatures reach exposed ridgelines. The best lightweight hunting softshell pants balance stretch, breathability, quiet movement and limited weather resistance without becoming unnecessarily bulky. For most active … Read more
A lightweight pair of hunting overalls should keep brush, dirt and cool air away without making the walk to the stand feel like a winter endurance test. The most useful models are generally uninsulated bibs that allow hunters to add or remove separate layers as activity and temperature change. This comparison also includes several insulated … Read more
What backpack for deer hunting should you choose? For most all-day whitetail hunts near a vehicle, a quiet 20- to 35-liter daypack with a supportive hipbelt is a practical starting point. Hunters traveling farther from roads or expecting to carry quartered meat should consider a framed 30- to 45-liter hunting pack with a load shelf … Read more