Big Game Hunts and The Scenario Worldwide

Posted on December 1, 2011 by admin

Big game hunting normally refers to hunting of large and wild animals and these animals are hunted for sports. In addition; the location of hunting is also important in determining whether it is big game hunt or not.

Big Game in US

So far as United States is concerned; big game could be any of the followings.

  • Moose;
  • Mountain goats;
  • Bears;
  • Peccaries;
  • Deer;
  • Elks;
  • Reindeer;
  • Musk oxen,
  • Bighorn sheep;
  • Pronghorn; and
  • Many other big animals.

Variations from State to State

However, the states also have the rights to classify animals as big games depending on the animal species within their geographical boundaries. As the habitats vary from state to state, there is also a lot of difference in the type of big games and naturally; in big game hunts from state to state.

  • Coues deer, buffalo, Arizona turkeys, and mule deer are considered as big games in the state of Arizona;
  • In West Virginia, black bears, deer, boar, and wild turkeys are considered as big games; and
  • In some states alligators are classified as big games.

Scenario Outside US

But the scenario is completely different in countries outside United States. One of the places that are the favorite of most of the hunters of big games is Africa. It offers a long list of big games. They include species and names that might seem unfamiliar to average Americans. However, hunting big games are not like duck hunting that is similar everywhere across the globe and naturally the names and types both vary quite widely with geographical variations.

African Big Five

Some African big game species are lions, elephants, leopards, café buffalo, and rhinoceros constituting the big five there. Big game in Africa is different and apart from the big five it also includes tigers, wildebeest, cheetah, giraffe, kudu, zebras, impala, and warthogs.

Big Business

Besides others, big game hunts are also big business.

  • According to the report furnished by United States Fish and Wildlife Services, there are around 12.5 millions hunters in the age group of 16 and above in United States alone;
  • Approximately 10.7 million out of these people are engaged in hunting big games only and the comparative numerical strength of hunters engaged in bird and duck hunting are much smaller.

It is not only in United States, but in South Africa also the trade is booming with around $280 million generated on annual basis from such hunts.

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Hog Hunts Constitute Exciting Hunting Trip

Posted on November 22, 2011 by admin

Hunting is one of the favored adventure sports and a favorite pastime for many people across the world. Even with the general consensus about preservation of valuable animal lives necessary for ecological balance, hunting trip takes place in many countries, especially in the continents of America, Africa, and Australia and to some extent in Europe and Asia. Hog hunts are one of the highly exciting hunting sports for many.

Hog Hunt Challenges

Major challenges for the hunter in search of hogs are as follows.

  • It is very difficult keeping the hogs for a long time in a particular location;
  • To achieve this objective, one has to learn about the basic requirements of the hogs that includes food, water, and shelter;
  • Big dependency of hogs on water is a major factor in targeting them; and
  • Once these basic needs are fulfilled, the hunter may focus on the special extra requirements.

Special Requirements

Some of the special requirements for hog hunts that could render the hunter’s hunting trip exotic are as follows.

  • A hog post that emits smell of creosote post;
  • These posts are available in most local lumber yards and should be five or six feet long;
  • Posts with railroad ties are better because of heavy amount of creosote applied on them by the Lumbers;  and
  • While setting up; around 3-4 feet of the post should be left protruding out of the ground.

Enhancing the Lure

While the scent of the posts can travel quite a good distance drawing hogs to the spot, a good step would be applying rubbing the post with old axle grease or a thin coating of used motor oil. Such applications will substantially add to the attraction of the posts for the hogs and they would be arriving on the site pretty regularly. Such coats at periodic intervals will also recharge the post since the coatings may come off due to rubbing and scratching of the posts by the hogs. Even the creosote power poles for providing power supply lines can be used as the hog posts.

Other Attractions

That is not all. For effective hog hunts and for making the hunting trip successful, the prospective hunter can also use anchor logs in the area in the form of Roll Barrel. Hogs love corn as their snacks. A roll barrel can be constructed using a 33-35 gallon plastic drum and cutting a hole on top of it. Also drilling ½ inch holes on its side, the prospective hunter may hang the barrel on a tree with corns pouring out through the holes at the side.

Sprinkling some cherry or berry flavored instant powder on the barrel would be icing on the cake for luring the hogs to the hunting spot.

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The Resurgence of White Tail Hunts as an Outdoor Leisure Pursuit

Posted on November 14, 2011 by admin

Hunting sports have been making a comeback in recent times and most hunters are in agreement – it’s because of the economy.

In these worrying times, more and more people feel the need to relax and unwind in the great outdoors.  Escalating numbers wish to enjoy the open countryside and escape the pressures of daily life without spending a lot of money.  For an increasing number of people, the stress-relief they feel from firing a gun in a safe and controlled environment far outweighs the objections of the anti-hunting lobby.

As food prices continue to soar, a main benefit of going on one of many organized white tail hunts is that you get free meat to take home with you.  Venison meat has become increasingly popular of late and is seen as a gourmet alternative to ‘boring’ beef.  An organization called ‘Hunters for the Hungry’ distributes venison meat to needy groups of the homeless and impoverished. They have seen an increase in whitetail deer meat donations recently. There is mounting evidence to show that people are not simply hunting for the sport, but because of the food.

If venison is not for you and fowl is more your thing, a great alternative is an organized goose hunt.  Wild goose hunting has seen a similar resurgence in recent times as more and more stressed out Americans like to leave the stuffy office environment and reconnect with the countryside. Waterfowl hunting provides the opportunity to spend quality time near rivers, lakes and streams as well as letting off a few rounds.

So, how do you get started in this traditional outdoor pursuit?  The first thing you will need is a gun license, which can be obtained from your local sheriff’s office.   In most States to obtain a gun license you will need to complete an application form and undergo a police check to prove you are not convicted of a felony.  Once you have obtained this, you will then need to purchase a hunting rifle, ammunition and suitable outdoor clothing.  If you are a beginner in hunting sports, you may wish to join an organized hunting club who will help you get started in white tail hunts and other forms of hunting.

Americans from all walks of life increasingly see hunting as the ideal way to relax, enjoy the beauty of nature and even supplement the food on their table.  If the thought of hunting turns your stomach, you can do no better than shoot animals with a camera rather than a gun.

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Bird Hunting or Any Other Hunting, Choose the Right Hunter-Outfitter Platform

Posted on November 9, 2011 by admin

The problem is not that people aren’t ready to pay, it is that either there aren’t any platforms offering the right product or information or they aren’t aware of the right platform itself. Same is the case with hunting, both in terms of finding the perfect hunt and searching for the right outfitter, as in getting a comprehensive resource, providing the best of information, suggestions, reviews and other hunting related aspects.

When a hunter’s passion meets such a resourceful and informative platform, the thrill of a guided hunt is multiplied with pleasure and ecstasy.  Be it deer hunts, moose hunts, bear hunts, the good old bird hunting or for that matter hunts of any species, what makes a burning passion for hunting a real time delightful hunting experience is the right platform where hunters meet outfitters.

Choosing such a platform might just be the difference between a so-so hunting adventure and a satisfied hunting venture. Some factors which hunters need to consider while choosing the right informative platform are mentioned as follows:

  • Always zero-in on a portal which offers the best of sorting, filtering and even narrowing the search aspects.
  • Look for a hunter-outfitter website which offers the most significant, resourceful and practical information and feedback. More the specific information better would be your preparation for hunting. Hunting is not just about shooting the target; it has many more aspects like preparing, security aspects, the accommodation part etc. So, no information is a waste in this sense.
  • Look for platforms which offer multiple search criteria. Never go for websites which ask you to email them after which they will get back to you with the set of information you are looking for.
  • Look for portals which have blogs regularly updated so that you can benefit from other enthusiastic hunters and outfitters.
  • Look for an easy to use kind of a portal so that you have access to all the information, (nothing should be complicatedly hidden) a hunting related website could offer.
  • Hunting is not just about a single species, so there would be people passionate for hunting of different species, like say moose hunts, waterfowl hunts, pheasant hunts, bird hunting and so on. Hence go for a website which has the best information bifurcated in terms of species.

Lastly it is always better to go for a platform made, supported and updated by fellow hunters and not by some commercial facets waiting to exploit your vulnerability.

Posted in Hunting Guide | 5 Comments

Dove Bird Hunting Tips and Tricks

Posted on November 2, 2011 by admin
“Hunters across the country would move out for the Dove season from September onwards. Learning some tips and tricks for effective Dove hunting would be good for the prospective hunters helping them out in successful Dove bird hunting.”

From the month of September onwards, hunters across the United States would move out for the opening of the Dove season. Not only dove hunting is one of the most enjoyable and thrilling bird hunting games but it also allows one to revive and sharpen his or her shooting skills in a most convenient manner.

Learning about Dove Habits

It is however necessary for the prospective hunter to understand about the daily habit of Doves while going for the Dove hunting. It can help their hunting endeavor substantially. Location that the birds prefer normally, their habits while encountering prospective dangers and the normal direction of their flight when they take off on their wings are all vital for the hunter.

Conducting Research

Like any expedition, the process of dove hunting or hog hunts requires a bit of research and exploration of the available information on part of the prospective hunter. Taking the following steps could help.

  • Hunter may start his or her research at the local Fish & Wildlife offices and finding out the locations with good dove numbers during the year in question.
  • Contrary to the popular belief, the official sources these days are extremely helpful for the people in general that includes the prospective hunters, question of animal and bird protection and ecological balances notwithstanding.
  • Another very good way of finding out the dove locations would be watching them and observing for their food sources. Normally Doves will conglomerate around such food sources. Since the Doves are ground feeders, their diet is usually made up with seeds.
  • Therefore, fields where grains like barley, millet, and wheat has been recently harvested could be a very good source for their food and they will gather around such locations. In addition; it would be good asking the local farmers who are experienced in Dove habits, a few questions before embarking on the Dove hunting spree.

Remaining Concealed

Birds are suspicious and alert and therefore at the slightest glimpse of the hunter or knowledge about his or her presence they will fly on their wings away from the spot. Prospective hunter should consider very carefully the locations where to hide so that the hunter remains concealed at least until the birds are within the range of 30-40 yards at the most.

Ditches, shrubs, or the borders located between stubble fences could prove to be great locations for the hunter to hide and effective bird hunting.

Posted in Big Game Hunts, Hunting Guide | 4 Comments

How to Hunt- Get Started

Posted on October 14, 2011 by admin

Most of the newcomers and amateur hunters need proper guidelines to get started with most exciting sport in history of mankind called Beer Hunt. Starting a hunt isn’t a one day job and need a proper training and guidance and any loop in understanding may cost life to the hunter. Here are some points to start with when hunting deer.

• Start early- One should notice that the hunting seasons are not only limited by dates but also by daylight hours. Nothing should be targeted before sunrise or after sunset for the safety of all hunters involved. Still, the best tip you can follow is to be in your deer stand or hunting blind before sunrise. Doing this will diminish the possibility of being noticed by the deer and allow you to be in place when the first target comes out with the sunrise.

• Stay late- Knowledgeable and Experienced hunters suggest sunrise and sunset as best times to bag a deer. The intensity at these times of the day can actually confuse the sight of the deer, and they come out in groups filling their stomachs. So, they will be less likely to see you.

• Avoid scents- Deer has really excellent smelling sense so you should minimize the non natural scents to avoid their attention. Do not use perfume, fragrance, after shave, or even strongly scented deodorant.  Human smells spook these animals easily, and one of the best deer hunts tips to keep in mind is to let the wilderness cover your smell. This is one of the few times in life you may be better off showering later rather than in the morning before entering the woods.

• Stay Calm- Deer have an exceptional hearing quality so make sure even though you are on fun trip with your friends even whisper can be loud enough to make deer attentive and resulting in loss of your targets. So event in stands be quiet and minimize the chances to get noticed by your target.

So if you are a newcomer or amateur hunter better you choose a guided hunts rather trying your hand without proper guidelines and precautions.

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Contemplate upon your adventure before jumping onto the field

Posted on September 23, 2011 by admin
“Planning is important for every field and hunting is no special category. Hunting license, hunting guides, types of hunting etc are all very crucial factors which influence the success of your hunting trip. Don’t take a chance while you are all ready to head towards your next hunting trip. Read this and you will know a lot more than what you knew before reading this article.”

With as big space as 350,000,000 acres, Alaska is the ideal place for big game hunts. There are many challenges waiting for you like seasonal movement of game, distances of movement and lower game density. A focused attention should be placed on seasons and species. Planning is an important part of hunting as well as any other activity.

Look through the types of hunt before you plan your hunting trip accordingly:

Ø  General season hunts – it involves purchasing license, getting tags, harvesting tickets and lastly following the general season dates and bags limits

Ø  Permit hunts – Here, harvest is restricted by permit when hunter demand is more than hunting population. These are further divided into three categories as

a.       Drawing hunts

b.      Registration hunts

c.       Tier II hunts

All three mentioned above have their particular features. Let me start with the first one i.e. drawing hunts:

Ø  Demands an application fee

Ø  ADF &G publishes supplements defining hunting opportunities and boundaries every now and then

Ø  Available to both residents and non residents

Talking about registration hunts, let us say:

Ø  No limit to the number of registrations

Ø  Seasons are closed when harvest quota are met

Tier II hunts, the last of all, has subsistence hunts available only to residents. Next step is finding a guide service. A non resident must be accompanied by a licensed guide. Non resident aliens, on the other side, must have a guide for hunting all big game hunts.

You can find your personalised guide in the advertising sections at the back of outdoor magazines, websites, trade shows; guide outfitters etc. There are many sources available if you are out to find the guides in the authentic sense. Do cross check the references while choosing a guide for different kinds of hunts like waterfowl hunts, duck hunts etc.

You cannot afford to hunt anytime you want. There are hunting seasons defined in advance. The large area of Alaska is divided into 25 Game Management Units. Various species have their own seasons for the hunt. You can find the map and the concerned regulations on web. There are some particular months in which some species are best found to be hunted:

Ø  April- Open for spring bear

Ø  May- Close for spring bear

Ø  August- Open for Dall sheep, deer, moose, caribou

Ø  September- All open including moose

Ø  November- Winter moose hunts open

These things must be contemplated upon before going onto the field as such. Pre-planning is very important for the purposes of hunt. If you are looking for successful hunting trip, you must consider the above mentioned points.

Posted in Big Game Hunts, Waterfowl Hunts | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Factors that Could Turn Your Bear Hunts Successful

Posted on September 20, 2011 by admin

Bear hunting is a favorite game for hunters as it is exciting and challenging. Bears are shot for food, for trophies and also to keep their numbers in check. These vicious beasts could be a threat to the farming community as they invade and destroy crops. In worst instances bears even invade homes and rummage for food stuffs and when encountered they could launch deadly assaults on humans.

Bear hunts are strictly controlled as bears reproduce very slowly and many states have formulated strict guidelines for those who indulge in bear hunts. In case you are not very sure of the basics of bear hunting, it would be a good idea to engage a well experienced guide. Guided hunts are more successful and risk free as the guides thoroughly know the movement and feeding patterns of bear, which help you in making clean hits. But, remember that bears could be dangerous especially when provoked. So in case you are new to bear hunting, it is safer to opt for guided hunts as an assault from these sturdy creatures could even prove fatal.

However, on the flip side, hiring guides could be a costly affair and the worst thing is that it doesn’t usually cover air fare, licenses and tag costs. The more people on the bear trail less will be your success chances as the bear is likely to get the human scent easily compared to a solo attempt. However in difficult and desolate forest areas, it is recommended to opt for guided hunts.

The typical method of bear hunting is baiting, where food stuff is placed along their path and in those areas that are regularly foraged by the bears. Though bears have poor eye sight these have a strong sense of smell and in case they get a whiff of the smell of your boots or sweat they might scoot off in a flash, spoiling your chances. Though baiting is considered as a bad hunting tip, it is safe and would ensure a successful kill.

Bear hunts could be a time consuming process and in some cases you have to spend days’ together tracking the elusive creature. It would be a good idea to check into any hunting lodges where you can rest and relax before setting out on the pursuit. Many hunting lodges will also help you find a guide and will ensure a comfortable resting place for you and your companions and hunting dogs apart from offering a place to safe keep your hunting weapons and accessories.

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Choose Big Game Hunting Outfitters for the Best Results

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

Hunting could be a hobby, a passion or a way of life for many. In case you are planning to set out on a big game hunts to track down animals like deer, buffalo or elk, it will be a good idea to employ hunting outfitters not only for the best results but also to ensure safety. Let’s admit it; hunting is a dangerous sport that demands ample caution to make sure that you remain safe. This has created a huge demand for well experienced hunting outfitters who offer quality hunting expeditions and vacations for those who are interested in hunting. No matter whether you are a seasoned hand or a fresh hand, it is safe to be under the guidance of a hunting outfitter to track down the trails of these elusive creatures and to launch the right combat method to ensure success.

Big game hunts like red stags could prove quite adventurous. Red stags are elusive and alert against any predators. The red stag is considered one of the priciest European big-game animals on earth. Its hunting needs meticulous planning and preparation. People usually hunt from tree stands and blinds by making use of equipments that are used for elk and deer hunting.

Buffalo Hunts also fall under the big game hunt category that requires proper planning and research. The hunters aim for 2 year bulls as these have premium quality hair and horns that would fetch handsome returns.

Elk hunting often involves 2-4-day stay, guided experience and lodging. No license is required and the hunting outfitters would lead you to tree stands from where you can aim for these swift animals, which have an uncanny knack to duck away from predators.

Whitetail Deer Schedules is another popular big game hunt option here the hunters can hunt in the sprawling habitat of the animals.

Choosing the right hunting outfitter would have a great bearing on the fun of your hunting trip. So make sure top consider some of the key points before choosing them.

Details of lodging, food and other facilities on offer should be discussed threadbare to make sure that you have a comfortable place to stay. Confirm the hunting bait sites that the hunting outfitters would be providing. Details like practice shooting ranges and weapon repair facilities would ensure a hassle free hunting expedition. Apart from helping you to zero in on some of the best targets, the hunting outfitters would make sure that you return home safe and sound after an enjoyable outdoor leisure activity, which makes the role of outfitters quite crucial in any hunting trip.

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Comprehend the Adventures of Guided Hunts

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

Finding the perfect hunt has been one of the most enduring ecstasy laded effects on a hunter’s mind. It is often said that people like hunting because it boosts our animal instincts which is, by far the truest instinct. Factors important in the adventure called hunting form a viscous cycle. With civilizations extending its wings to move in closer, hunting grounds have diminished to a large extent.

This has snowballed into a situation (in the context of hunting) where the sport has become somewhat blunt, like the notion – more searching and less hunting. The optimists may make a valid point that: harder the catch, more the passion and hence happiness but the requirement of a common platform for hunters and outfitters to meet is rued to a large extent.

Hunting can be a nice trip if a hunter has a proper hunting guide aka the services of an outfitter. For many, an outfitter is someone who schedules a hunt; true, but the role of an outfitter accommodates many other aspects of the hunting trip. An outfitter provides the following help to a hunter or a hunter group:

  • Organizing the hunt
  • Providing knowledge and guidance
  • Material for the hunt
  • Location for hunting
  • Availability of hunting lodges and food arrangements
  • Providing secure licences and permits
  • Safety and emergency arrangements
  • Other miscellaneous arrangements

There are many professional hunters who double up as outfitters and these PHs (professional hunters) are considered as the best outfitters for guided hunts especially. Many parts of Africa (mostly southern and central Africa) have outfitter agencies with all the necessary facilities. As hunting grounds are as diverse as barren lands to lush green forests, the best place to meet is: over the internet. Internet has 2 sides, the real one and the side which camouflages as real, hence choosing the best internet resource for outfitters, guided hunts etc. is a task.

Some factors to choose the best platform where hunters and outfitters can meet are as discussed as follows:

  • Going for the portal which has the maximum but genuine reviews, information and feedback via a comprehensive database is advisable.
  • Many hunter-outfitter platforms offer specific type of species’ hunts, so it is advisable to go for a portal which offers many different types of hunting (with respect to species).
  • Lastly, it is advisable to go with an internet platform run by lovers of hunting, instead of some commercial set-ups which often fail to live up to the expectations.
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