Learning how to hunt porcupines requires more caution than many beginners expect. Porcupines are slow-moving, mostly solitary animals with strong natural defenses, and they are not managed the same way in every state, province, or region. In some places, porcupines may be classified as nongame wildlife, nuisance wildlife, small game, unprotected wildlife, or a species … Read more
Learning how to hunt prairie dogs is different from learning how to hunt deer, turkey, ducks, or upland birds. Prairie dogs are small, social, burrowing rodents that live in open grassland colonies, often called prairie dog towns. In many areas, they are hunted as varmint, nongame, small-game, or nuisance wildlife, but the rules are not … Read more
Learning how to hunt quail is a practical way to enter upland bird hunting. Quail hunting usually involves walking grassland, brushy edges, field borders, pine savannas, desert washes, agricultural edges, hedgerows, old fields, or mixed cover while looking for coveys that may flush quickly from the ground.This guide is written for beginners who want a … Read more
Learning how to hunt rattlesnakes requires more caution than almost any other hunting topic. Rattlesnakes are venomous animals, and a bite can become a serious medical emergency. In many places, rattlesnakes are regulated as reptiles, nongame wildlife, protected species, nuisance wildlife, or animals that require special permits. In other places, certain rattlesnake species may not … Read more
Choosing the best hunting packs for elk hunting is one of the most important gear decisions you can make before heading into steep country. Elk hunting is demanding because it often involves long hikes, high elevation, changing weather, heavy optics, extra layers, water, food, calls, game bags, knives, safety gear, and the possibility of packing … Read more
Choosing the best hunting packs for packing out meat is one of the most important gear decisions for big-game hunters. A normal day pack may carry snacks, calls, gloves, and a rain jacket, but packing out meat requires a different level of support. A meat-hauling pack must stabilize heavy loads, keep weight close to your … Read more
Choosing the best hunting packs for saddle hunting is different from choosing a normal deer hunting backpack. Saddle hunters need a pack that carries climbing sticks, a saddle platform, ropes, knee pads, layers, water, snacks, calls, a headlamp, tags, a rangefinder, safety gear, and sometimes a bow or camera arm without becoming bulky, noisy, or … Read more
Choosing the best hunting packs for women is not just about buying a smaller camo backpack. A good women’s hunting pack should fit the torso correctly, ride comfortably on the hips, avoid shoulder pressure, organize gear well, stay quiet in the woods, and match the type of hunting you actually do. Women hunters may need … Read more
Finding the best hunting boots for wide feet can be frustrating because many hunting boots feel tight in the toe box, pinch the sides of the forefoot, or become uncomfortable once you add thick winter socks. A boot that feels acceptable in the house can turn into a serious problem after a long walk to … Read more
Learning how to hunt rats is different from learning how to hunt traditional game animals. Rats are usually handled as a pest-control or nuisance-wildlife issue, not as a normal food-game hunting opportunity. They may live around barns, farms, grain storage, livestock feed, sheds, chicken coops, gardens, alleys, warehouses, drains, compost areas, and buildings where careless … Read more