A turkey box call is a handheld friction call used to imitate wild turkey vocalizations. It normally consists of a hollow box and a hinged paddle, or lid. When the paddle is moved across the raised edge of the box, friction and the hollow chamber create turkey-like sounds such as yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutting. … Read more
If you are learning to scout deer or other game, you may hear hunters talk about a “travel route,” “travel corridor,” “game trail,” or “runway.” In most hunting conversations, a travel route means a path or general corridor that an animal regularly uses to move between places it needs, such as bedding cover, feeding habitat, … Read more
A trail camera is a remote camera designed to automatically capture photos or videos of wildlife, people, or outdoor activity when movement is detected. In hunting, a trail camera is mainly used as a scouting tool to help hunters understand animal behavior, identify movement patterns, monitor habitat use, and make better-informed decisions before entering the … Read more
A tracking dog is a specially trained dog that uses its powerful sense of smell to follow the scent trail left by a person, animal, or object. In hunting, tracking dogs are commonly used to help locate and recover wounded game animals by following scent evidence after a shot. For hunters, a tracking dog can … Read more
A tower blind is an elevated hunting blind built above ground level to give hunters a higher observation point while waiting for game animals. Unlike ground blinds that sit at natural terrain level, tower blinds use a raised platform, legs, or a supporting structure to lift the blind several feet above the ground. Tower blinds … Read more
Understanding what is a topo map is an essential skill for hunters, hikers, and anyone traveling through unfamiliar terrain. Unlike a standard road map that mainly shows roads and locations, a topographic map shows the shape of the land, including mountains, valleys, ridges, elevation changes, and natural features. For hunters, a topo map can provide … Read more
For many backcountry hunters, especially those pursuing elk, mule deer, sheep, mountain goats, or other remote-country game, understanding what is a spike camp can make the difference between a difficult hunt and a more efficient adventure. A spike camp allows hunters to move closer to productive hunting areas instead of returning to a distant base … Read more
A slate turkey call is a traditional hunting tool that lets you imitate wild turkey vocalizations by moving a striker across a slate surface. It is compact, versatile, and capable of producing everything from soft feeding sounds to louder hen yelps. For a beginner, the appeal is that the motion is visible and easy to … Read more
A shoulder mount is one of the most recognizable ways to display a hunting trophy. When people imagine a mounted deer head hanging on a wall, they are usually thinking of this type of taxidermy. However, a shoulder mount involves much more than attaching antlers to a plaque. It combines a preserved animal hide with … Read more
A saddle on a topo map is a low place along a ridge between two higher areas, with lower ground falling away on the other two sides. Its contour pattern often resembles a pinched hourglass between neighboring hills or ridge shoulders. From the saddle, you can generally go uphill in two opposite directions and downhill … Read more