As a former whitetails columnist for both Outdoor Life and Petersen’s Hunting it was incumbent upon me each year to interview some of the top hunters in the nation to try to determine the six or seven best days to be in the deer woods…a challenging task of prognostication for sure given the many variables that affect deer movement from place to place.

Dove hunting in Texas is a time-honored tradition that captures the essence of the Lone Star State’s outdoor culture. As the crisp autumn air settles in, hunters eagerly anticipate the start of dove season, typically commencing in early September. With its expansive fields and diverse landscapes, Texas provides an ideal habitat for mourning doves, creating a haven for enthusiasts. While the fall season may have just ended, the winter season is just around the corner — read below for dove hunting dates Texas, bag limits and more.

Without a doubt, thunderstorms are the most dangerous. Most injuries and deaths caused by weather in the United States are thunderstorm related. The sun’s heat energy is a major factor in the generation of thunderstorms which is one reason why our spring and summer months can be the most volatile. In most cases winter sunshine does not provide enough warmth for thunderstorms to develop.

Morel mushroom hunting is a beloved pastime. With their distinctive honeycomb appearance and rich, earthy flavor, morel mushrooms are hot commodities; however, morel hunting isn’t just about stumbling upon these elusive fungi — it requires knowledge, patience, and a keen eye. In this guide, we’ll look back through our existing morel hunting articles to give you the best chance possible at success.

When it comes to springtime pursuits among sportsmen, no one can argue, the wild turkey reigns supreme. The thrill of calling in a gobbling tom makes turkeys the whitetail deer of the spring. But for those sportsmen who desire something a little more western, a little more wild and much larger game, the black bears of the American West and on up to Canada is where the real action is found.

Canoeing is a great outdoor adventure that is well-suited to families, anglers or anyone who just wants to get a little bit off the beaten path. However, there are a few skills and planning tips that will make the day much better.

Last week I wrote about the amazing sense of smell and taste catfish possess. Salmon swimming the open ocean follow the subtle scent trail of the river in which they were born to home in on the exact location of their birth when they mature and make their own spawning run. Catfish possess a sense of smell as much as 100 times greater than salmon. 

There is some debate about the best time to go shed hunting. Some diehard shed hunters say to start early in the year for the most impressive finds, while others wait until the warmer days of March or April to begin their search. However, conservationists weigh-in that early spring is the best time. Not only do you as a hunter gain the benefit of nice weather and still open woods, but the deer at this point also have had the chance to recuperate from the harsh winter without the stress of being pushed and frightened by roaming humans. This means additional healthy bucks for next fall.

Archery season is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to start preparing for the fall.  Shooting as much and as often as possible will help hone the skills necessary to succeed with stick and string.  The best way I know how to practice and simulate hunting situations is to shoot at local 3D archery courses and competitions.

Coyote hunting offers near year-round opportunity in virtually every state. And coyote resilience is well documented, with packs thriving even in urban areas. Their hardiness and adaptability means populations need to be monitored and managed. During hunting doldrums, calling coyotes can lead to frenetic and chaotic nights. The skills necessary to hunt coyotes are simple which makes it easy to pick up no matter your experience level.   

The basic floater, or “cork” as they are often called, is an intricate part of the catfish catching puzzle. Regardless of whether the floater is simply clamped onto the fishing line above a hook, rigged as a slip cork to facilitate easy casting, or part of a Carolina rig, those of us that enjoy catching and eating catfish are intimately familiar with our corks. There are many ways a cork rig is used to present bait to catfish: let’s look at a few of most popular methods. 

You can watch a buck all year, pattern his movements, know which field he will eat in every morning, and where he beds after that.  There is a whole trail cam folder on your computer to prove it.  You have the perfect stand placement to intercept him.  Finally the wind is blowing perfectly in your favor.  You have waited all year for this.  You step out of your truck into the cool crisp morning air, gather your gear, and start your hike in.  Your phone vibrates.  You ignore it and keep walking.  Five minutes later it starts ringing.  Frantically now you reach into your pocket to stop the noise! Pulling it out you fumble it onto the ground.

For a western big game hunter, walking up to a moose is how whitetail hunters from the east feel as they approach their downed elk. You need to see and touch a moose’s imposing hulk of body and antlers to really appreciate the creature. Few hunters will experience the feeling, but those that do go moose hunting can have an unparalleled adventure with North America’s largest deer species.  

The history of elk hunting in Pennsylvania is a story of renewed opportunities. Elk were once hunted to extinction in Pennsylvania. The forests where native elk once lived are now providing habitat for descendants of Rocky Mountain elk. Over a century has passed since the first Yellowstone elk were transplanted into the north central region of the state and conservation efforts have caused significant annual herd growth in the last few decades. This elk population increase has led the Pennsylvania Game Commission to conduct annual elk hunts in Pennsylvania. In 2001, 30 licensed elk hunters harvested 27 elk. These were the first elk taken during a Pennsylvania elk hunting season in over 70 years.

Irving Torchinsky waited patiently in his hunting stand, enduring the Canadian cold for a chance at hunting the bear. He managed to get there despite being 100% disabled, with no feeling whatsoever in the bottom of his feet — he’s learned to walk okay while keeping balance but says, “standing still is the most difficult.” The 84-year-old hunter held his Henry lever action .308 wildlife edition (a suitable replacement for a lefty who finds it nearly impossible to find a proper bolt-action) while watching the beavers hanging from the trees, all serving as bait for the bears. While it wasn’t the exact situation he had dreamed about when it came to hunting a bear, it was still better than he could have hoped for at this point in his life.

So, you want to start duck hunting but you don’t know where to begin, or maybe you’re a seasoned hunter who just needs a little refresher course before heading back out into wilds. In either case, it’s vital to understand the importance of the duck call as they can easily be the difference between success and failure when out on the hunt. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dive into the world of duck hunting or a seasoned hunter, mastering the art of duck calls is crucial. In this iSportsman 101 guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of duck calling, covering everything from types of calls to when and how to use them effectively.

Rocky Mountain Elk, scientifically known as Cervus canadensis, are one of the most iconic animals of the American wilderness. These magnificent creatures, with their impressive antlers and impressive stature, captivate the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Elk are famous for their resilience, adaptability, and sheer beauty, making them a cherished species among hunters. In this article, we’ll cover general information about the species itself, basic tips and tricks, as well everything else you need to know about Nevada elk hunting.

A ballistic calculator enables hunters to calculate the trajectory of their ammunition, taking into account various factors such as bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and environmental conditions. In this article, we will delve into four prominent ballistics calculators specifically designed for hunters: the Hornady Ballistic Calculator, Shooters Calculator, Federal Premium Ballistic Calculator, and Winchester Ballistic Calculator.

Alaska’s vast wilderness offers a unique and thrilling experience for hunting enthusiasts, particularly those seeking the challenge of pursuing the majestic moose. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential aspects of Alaska moose hunting, from obtaining a hunting license to tracking draw winners and exploring additional moose-related opportunities in the state’s expansive landscapes.

Bluegills are a popular freshwater fish for many anglers across America. These fish are great for anglers of all skill levels, and their abundance makes them accessible to anyone with a rod and reel. Like with all fish though, it’s important to understand when, where, and how to fish for bluegill. Let’s dive into the world of bluegill fishing and learn how to have a successful day on the water.

Mountain lion hunts, a thrilling pursuit for many hunters, require not only skill and patience but also a deep understanding of the ecosystem and the habits of these elusive predators. As spring unfolds, it’s essential to shed light on critical aspects of mountain lion hunts, including the presence of spring cubs, safety precautions, and responsible hunting practices. Let’s delve into the world of mountain lion hunts, exploring the nuances of this exhilarating pursuit.

Morel hunting season is in full swing! These easy to identify and greatly sought-after mushrooms begin to pop up as the weather gets warmer. Morels are one of the most coveted mushrooms among enthusiasts for their out-of-this-world taste. With a little salt, pepper and butter, sauteing these beauties delivers a magical steak-like flavor. 

The forest is a dynamic place, changing from year to year. Recently cut areas with abundant sunlight grow thick, while established woodlands or pine plantations open as the perpetual shade suppresses the understory. Areas where deer bedded one year, may not hold them the next. It’s critical to identify these spots and understand their proximity to current food sources. Don’t just rely on the old, “deer are in there every year mentality.” Even if you’ve hunted a property for years, it pays to slip some boots on, spray down with insect repellant and take a hike through or near the key areas you’ll be hunting this fall.

Fort Stewart began their alligator season August 19th, and for the curious and able, hunting these massive prehistoric creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you’re planning an alligator hunting trip, you have probably already done your research on the best practices and regulations in your destined area. But before setting out, make sure you have the right gear and tools to increase your chances of success. This brief guide will direct you to everything you’ll need for an unforgettable alligator hunting experience. 

A staple in many American homes, most people agree lasagna is wholesome comfort food. As I tried to recreate a recipe for lasagna using venison, I had come to the realization that store-bought ingredients just won’t do for this. I took it a step further and decided to make the ingredients from scratch. The pasta, tomato sauce, and ricotta are all scratch-made in this dish. Making them from scratch not only makes the dish more memorable to you but shows more respect for the animal. This dish will not only create a memory for you, but also for those that eat it. Those memories help that animal be remembered forever.

If you’re looking for a fun new way to experience the outdoors during the offseason, try your hand at frog gigging. Frog gigging may sound like a bunch of frogs going on a concert tour if you’ve never heard of it before, but it’s just another way of saying “frog hunting.”

It seems like it was only a few days ago that we still had snow on the ground here in Western Pennsylvania. The summer has slipped by us and the time is getting closer to climb up a tree to wait for the majestic whitetail. I’ve shot in several 3D archery shoots this summer and hope to make it to at least one more, but there are a few other skills I like to focus on while practicing in my backyard to help me be as prepared as possible when I take to the woods this hunting season.

In the world of outdoor recreation, there exists a sweet and rewarding tradition: birch tree tapping. This age-old practice involves extracting sap from birch trees, a process rooted in both indigenous cultures and contemporary eco-conscious movements. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of birch tree tapping, exploring its history, methods, uses, and ecological significance; plus, we also highlight an Alaskan iSportsman location that’s great for tapping.