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Cutting Back
By David Hart
Hunters put a lot of money into food plots. According to a 2011 report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we spent an estimated $702 million on food plot seed and other expenses that fell under the Plantings category. No one knows for sure how many acres hunters put into food plots each year, but it’s likely well into the hundreds of thou... READ MORE
The Corn Conundrum
By Bob Humphrey
When you mention supplemental food for deer, the first thing most folks think of is corn. Where baiting is legal it’s sold by the bushel, and sometimes the ton. If not for corn, Texas’ deer herd might be a fraction of what it is. Furthermore, regions of the country with the most and biggest deer are primarily agricultural areas where th... READ MORE
Bluegrass Bruiser
By Darron McDougal
Tennesseean Kevin Clifton III was returning from a fishing outing with his brother, Gunter, and their two friends when an oncoming truck collided with his car. They had been sightseeing along a country road when a truck rounded a bend just ahead. It was traveling in the center of the road at approximately 65 mph, towing a trailer loaded with lawn m... READ MORE
Bobwhite Quail Management
By Mark Smith, Alabama Extension
The bobwhite quail was once the most popular game bird in the south. Learn about its decline and the management practices that can increase quail populations.
Once known as the prince of game birds, the bobwhite quail was the most popular game bird in the south when most agricultural crops were grown in small patches. Quail thrived throughout Al... READ MORE
Ensuring Hunter Safety: A Guide to Properly Inspecting Your Tree Harness
By Cody Hall
Hunting is a cherished outdoor activity for many, providing a unique connection to nature and a source of sustenance. However, safety should always be a top priority for hunters. One crucial aspect of hunting safety is the proper inspection of your tree harness before heading into the woods. Neglecting this step can lead to accidents and injuries. ... READ MORE
Pre-Season Bow Prep: Eliminate Problems Before You Head To a Stand
By Cody Hall
As the leaves turn and the crisp autumn air settles in, bowhunters across the country eagerly prepare for the upcoming bowhunting season. To maximize your chances of a successful hunt, it's crucial to dedicate time to preparing your bow well before you hit the woods. This process, known as pre-season bow prep, involves meticulously inspecting and t... READ MORE
Choose the Perfect Deer Stand
By Cody Hall
Not all deer stands are created equal, and if you choose the wrong stand for your given hunting conditions, your chances of filling your tag drop dramatically. There are at least five factors to consider when selecting the perfect deer stand for your hunting needs, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next excursion.
Location, Location, ... READ MORE
Choosing the Perfect Red Dot Scope for Your Pistol
By Cody Hall
The world of firearms optics has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with red dot scopes becoming increasingly popular among pistol owners. These compact and efficient sights offer rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy, making them an attractive choice for both professional shooters and firearms enthusiasts. However, wi... READ MORE
Perfect Pairings: Crispy Catfish with Homemade Tartar Sauce and Irresistible Beer Batter
By Cody Hall
When it comes to satisfying your fried fish cravings, catfish offers a delightful canvas for culinary exploration. Known for its firm texture and mild flavor, catfish can be transformed into a gourmet masterpiece with the right techniques and complementary flavors. In this article, we're diving into the world of catfish cuisine, showcasing a delect... READ MORE
Bow Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide to Gear, Tips and Practice for Beginners
By Cody Hall
Welcome to this week’s edition of “Outdoor Xtras!” In this article, we’re diving into the thrilling world of bow fishing, an exhilarating activity that combines the precision of archery with the excitement of fishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice, bow fishing offers a unique and rewarding experience.... READ MORE
After the Hunt
By Bence Carter, Alabama Cooperative Extension System
When deer and turkey seasons end, it is an ideal time to look at wildlife and forestry management techniques that can be completed in the summer months. Land used for hunting is often ignored from April until August, or until hunters begin planting cool season food plots. The summer is an ideal time to enhance a property to benefit wildlife through... READ MORE
Deer Hunting Hacks for Locating a Big Buck
By Buckmasters
When it comes to scouting for whitetails, good places to start include obvious trails, pinch points and heavy cover, but if you find these things around food and water sources, you’re golden. Food and water sources are the keys for locating whitetails. Just like humans, deer always need food and water. The hard part is determining which ... READ MORE
Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Available for Alabama Forest Landowners
By Alabama Cooperative Extension System
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Southern pine beetles (SBPs) have the potential to ravage pine forests and decimate the investments of timber owners. What seems to start with one infested tree can quickly multiply into a big problem. Education about this species and new relief funding are key to protecting vulnerable natural resources.
Biolo... READ MORE
Scraping the Surface
By David Hart
Forget everything you thought you knew about scrapes.
The bare spot on the old logging road wasn’t there yesterday. A closer look revealed a healthy track in the fresh dirt and a few shiny, dull-green pellets. The low-hanging branches above the clearing had been stripped bare, and the tips of the limbs had been whittled down to frayed nubs. ... READ MORE
Patterns for Success
By Tracy Breen
If you want to be like the best, act like the best.
We all know that hunter who always seems to fill his tag. It doesn’t matter if the rut is early, late or slow, some guys always manage to fill the freezer. Many such hunters seem to take bigger than average bucks, too. I’ve had the pleasure to interview many guys and gals who fall int... READ MORE
More on Movement
By Darren Warner
Bucks might move less during hunting season, but they’re still there.
My hunting setup was perfect. The wind was right, my hunting equipment was in perfect tune and my trail cameras told me I was in the right spot. It was shaping up to be my best deer season ever — until I didn’t see any bucks.
You’ve probably had similar ... READ MORE
Road Trip
By Ken Piper
Advice for getting the most from an outfitted hunt.
“Oh my God!” I had been in the stand just 15 minutes when I saw the buck. I actually said that out loud, but the stiff wind on that November afternoon covered the sound. The giant had its head down — it was probably cruising for does — and quickly closed the distance. I ha... READ MORE
Don’t Be Stubborn
By P.J. Reilly
Sometimes we’re our own worst enemy. We deer hunters sometimes get set in our ways. Year in and year out, we hunt the same areas, put our stands in the same trees, hunt the same times of day during the same periods of the season. We use the same gear and the same tactics. Often, we do this with good reason. It works, and we fill tags. But the... READ MORE
Designer Food Plots
By Steve Bartylla
A little extra thought and effort can make your food plot stand out. Just 20 years ago, leaving some standing farm crops or planting anything to attract deer was considered cutting edge. It was such a novelty that deer would come from miles to take advantage of the extra food. Ten years ago, planting one of the better food plot blends achieved equa... READ MORE
Kids and Magnums
By Ryan Noffsinger
How I built my child’s confidence in heavy calibers.
In 2015, my son Luke and I traveled from Alabama to hunt whitetails with an outfitter in western Kentucky.
It was opening morning of the youth firearm season, as we sat in a ground blind over-looking a long food plot.
Luke, 11, waited quietly with his .300 Win Mag — that’s r... READ MORE