Todd Kuhn

Bow Test 2009

KristenKeys — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:26:08 -0400

The most comprehensive evaluation of new compound bows anywhere.

Second Rut Secrets

outdoorlife-editor — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:00:00 -0400

From the timberlands of Maine to the mountains of northern Georgia to the river valleys of the West, a big opportunity is being squandered. The bucks that survived November in the Northern and Central states are about to lose their cool again, but many hunters think the second rut-a time when does that weren't impregnated in the first go-round come into estrus again-is a mild affair. Not so, says Dr. Steve Demarais, the biologist who oversees Mississippi State University's whitetail research program. There are fewer bucks running rampant, but deer are concentrated on a much smaller percentage of available land and bucks are still searching for estrous does. Here's how to pinpoint second-rut action.

Closing In on Second-Rut Action
According to Dr. Demarais, areas with far more does than bucks (read: public land) have some of the best second-rut action. This is because there are too few bucks in these areas to breed all of the does during the major estrus cycle in November. So, 28 days after the peak of the rut, does that were missed in November and the yearlings that weren't ready to come into estrus then give bucks one more chance. A similar situation occurs in big timberlands: Bucks are often unable to cover all of the real estate that separates doe groups in these areas in time to breed all of the does in November.

Mature bucks can still be had. In fact, Dr. Demarais notes that studies have found that most of the breeding during the second rut is done by bucks that are at least 2½ years old. At the end of deer season, most young bucks are either in cold storage or too worn out to continue searching for estrous does. "The older bucks are worn out too," says Demarais, "but they've learned to pace themselves a little better than the juveniles. They also know from experience that some does will come into estrus one more time."

Here's another clue to help you find the hottest second-rut action: Research by Dr. Demarais has shown that orphaned yearling does enter estrus in significantly higher percentages than non-orphaned yearlings. By concentrating on areas with high doe harvests, hunters can put themselves in places where a lot of yearling does will come into estrus. And when yearling does are pursued by amorous bucks, they are much more likely than older does to run into areas that offer little or no protective cover. Because bucks will follow estrous does wherever they go, they become more vulnerable during this period.

These encouraging facts aside, after locating an area that probably has a good number of does that haven't been bred, you have to pinpoint the right cover within the terrain to find the most intense second-rut activity. After months of pressure, whitetails spend their days on a smaller percentage of available land than at any other time of the year; as a result, deer are actually easier to locate now than they were last month.

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Late-Season Concentrations
Hank Hearn, a veteran of 40 deer seasons, has a method for locating pockets of whitetails in December. Hearn received his formal deer-hunting education in the black-water swamps and hardwood bottoms of the Mississippi River delta. As a guide, he's helped hunters take more than 400 Pope and Young-class bucks. He boils down his late-season strategy thus: "Most hunters are still thinking about buck sign and travel corridors when they should be thinking about protective cover.

After being pushed hard by hunters during the first breeding cycle, does hide out in their bedding areas. To find estrous does during the second rut, bucks focus on these areas. You either find these hideouts or you'll never see bucks during the second rut."

But, says Hearn, just finding a low-pressure hideaway isn't enough. "You also have to look for core areas within escape cover that have a late-season food source nearby," he explains. "As winter begins, deer need all the protein-rich food they can cconsume. They don't have the strength to travel long distances to feed."

Hearn concentrates on thick areas that have fertile soils, such as river bottoms, saddles and agricultural run-offs. During wet years, Hearn looks for food sources on hills, slopes and benches. During droughts, he focuses on bottoms that have retained some moisture. If Hearn finds a water source within protective cover, he knows he's found a midday hot spot.George Mayfield, owner of The Roost, a commercial whitetail-hunting lodge, has something to add to this strategy. Born and raised in a clapboard house on the far end of a short dirt road in rural Alabama, Mayfield left the farm to earn a master's degree in wildlife management. He explains, "Our harvest data shows that if you're going to be successful, you have to do more than locate cover near a quality food source. Our hunters are most successful when they take a stand in a bedding area that also blocks the wind, such as evergreens or cedar. You have to be careful, however. If enough light can't penetrate the canopy there won't be any browse underneath. You're better off hunting over a partially closed canopy of pines that has open spaces within the bedding area. The pines keep the wind out, which prevents the browse from freezing, and open areas provide places for deer to feed in the middle of the day. When deer meander around browsing, your chances of getting a shot are much higher."

When you've found the ideal feeding and bedding areas, you still have to choose the right stand. Hunting over an opening in a bedding area is one good location, but if you're looking for a trophy buck, there's an even better spot.

Breeding Funnels
Illinois native Dan Perez, national spokesperson for Mossy Horn Hunting Seminars, has tagged more than 20 P&Y whitetails. Perez feels that once you've located the food source that's being used and bedding areas nearby that have good thermal cover and browse, you have to look for second-rut "breeding funnels": trails bottlenecked by a terrain feature that link these doe bedding areas.

"Late in the season you might as well forget about corridors that lead from bedding areas to food sources-the deer just aren't there during the day," says Perez. "Now that you've gotten this far, it's time to get in a second-rut breeding funnel. Sneak between the bedding areas and find a place where these hidden trails are forced together by the terrain."

Joe Gizdic, owner and head guide of Tall Tine Outfitters in Illinois, describes breeding funnels as benches, terraces and any other geographic feature that force trails that link bedding areas together. He says bucks use such routes to conserve energy as they search for estrous does. These trails also allow bucks to avoid the open areas that saw heavy hunting pressure last month. Gizdic advises, "Look for scrapes along these breeding funnels. The older bucks are still rutting."

Bobby Culberson concurs. Culberson is the head guide for Mississippi's Tara Wildlife, one of America's top whitetail destinations. Late in the post-rut and into the second rut, he says, "Bucks are susceptible because you can catch them traveling between hideouts as they scent-check for estrous does. But keep in mind that you're not going to see bunches of animals when watching breeding funnels. You might sit for days waiting for a mature buck to finish with one doe before the buck begins to search for another. But when you do catch a buck in search mode, he'll definitely be a shooter."

Consider the facts: 1. Public land has some of the hottest second-rut action. 2. Mature bucks are still rutting. 3. It's very easy to pinpoint the doe concentrations. Any way you add it up, you have an opportunity to tag out late that shouldn't be squandered.

Master the Stalk

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:37 -0400

My binocular brought into focus a quality buck taking advantage of a well-shaded mesquite tree. He wasn't coming any closer, but fortunately, I wasn't confined to a stand, either. If I wanted this trophy, I'd have to stalk it down. After a long, quiet slip, I closed the gap from 128 yards to 17 yards for the broadside shot.

Spot-and-stalk is the most overlooked tactic in a bowhunter's quiver. When the conditions are right, it can make for the most extreme bow action in the wild.

Ground Rules

Stalking has a couple of advantages. First, unlike when you're hunting in a blind or tree stand, you can cover ground, so your chance of seeing deer increases. Second, it enables you to hunt animals that are inactive.

As with any advanced technique, the time and conditions must be right. Typically, spot-and-stalk is best suited for early and late-season engagements, when whitetails concentrate on feeding and are most patternable.

While the approach is known as spot-and-stalk, spot-and-then-stalk is more like it. Successful bowhunters often do much more spotting than stalking. High-quality optics are a must, along with lots of patience.
Use a matrix method for glassing. Divide the terrain into a grid, then methodically dissect it with your optics. Never look for a whole deer; look for an ear, an eye, a patch of hair, a beam or a tine. Be prepared to stay in one spot for 30 minutes or more.

Slip Tips

Successful stalking means being woods-savvy. There are several things you can do to minimize the chances of being detected. For instance, geographical features such as deadfalls, brush piles, trees, ravines, coulees, fence lines and ditches can conceal your moves. Shadows can also help mask your movement. In fact, staying in the shadows is probably the best camouflage there is.

Success depends on favorable conditions as well. A soft snow, recent rain or strong wind swings the odds in your favor. Snow is like a highlighter for tracks and trails. Rain quiets undergrowth, helping you to move with stealth.

Swirling wind does several things. Most important, it keeps deer bedded longer, which makes the spot-and-stalk technique all the more deadly. Rustling leaves and swaying limbs disguise your approach, helping you to stalk within bow range. A swirling wind also makes it tough for deer to locate you by your scent.
Spot-and-stalk requires very slow, deliberate movement, with a plan and path in mind before you start. When moving toward an animal, never move laterally. Deer possess an uncanny
ability to pick up this movement. If
you move directly toward your target,
you'll reduce your chances of being busted and cover ground more quickly. Remember to stagger your steps, too. Animals don't walk with a rhythmic step, and you shouldn't, either.

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Drop your favorite turkey call into your fanny pack. When you're conducting a stalk, a gentle yelp or purr settles deer. In most cases they're fooled into thinking you're a turkey out for a stroll. It's an unbeatable cover technique.

Game On

Once you've located an animal, there are two typical stalk scenarios. You'll find deer either bedded or on the move. Each situation calls for a different tactic.

Bedded animals present no reason to hurry. Plan for slipping in on a bedded animal. This includes determining a shooting area. Keep in mind that this is a thinking game. It's better to have a deer walk away than spook and run.

When you spot a moving deer, remember that bucks act differently from does. Typically does follow trails or wander, whereas bucks tend to travel in straight lines.

Once you've spotted a buck, determine an intersection somewhere along his travel path. You'll need to be in a position favorable for a shot. Notice the direction and speed of the deer and mentally project an interception point. (Be flexible;; predicting a deer's path is next to impossible.)

When you move to intercept an animal, keep wind direction in mind. Never let an animal get downwind of you. A piece of fine cotton twine tied to your bow limb is a quick and convenient wind check. With everything in your favor-wind, position and terrain-make the stalk, and then make the shot.

Difficult Shots

Most of us practice standing shots. If you're going to stalk, you must be capable of making awkward shots from sitting or kneeling positions. When you execute these shots remember to keep your torso square to your hips and your head in line with the bow.

To keep your head square, use a kisser button and a peep sight and lay the string across your nose. This three-point anchor system ensures that your head remains square, keeping the shot true. You can quickly check a sight level as well, to make sure your bow is square.

Target Acquisition

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:37 -0400

All season you've waited for a shot at a trophy. When the opportunity presents itself, you fumble and put the arrow 5 feet over the deer's rack. Missing a buck in a critical situation is part of the game. We've all done it. The reason is simple: We're overlooking a few bowhunting fundamentals. Study these basic solutions and you'll be hauling headgear to the taxidermist instead of cursing another miss.

Maintain bow Comfort Scenario:

Nocturnal Bucks

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

When the hunting pressure's on, big bucks go nocturnal. Problem is, it's illegal to hunt by moonlight. Careless hunters will force deer deep into the woods, causing them to move almost exclusively under the protection of darkness. Such bucks can be tagged, although it's never easy. Four of the nation's top guides are paid to find these reclusive monsters and consistently put them in their clients' peeps...when the sun's still up. (Talk about stressful.) Here, they reveal their tactics.

Find the Food

Dale Carter targets feeding areas when bucks are bulking up for the rut.

Dale Carter brings some 30 years of experience to guiding clients in Pike County, Ill., and has had
a lot of experience pursuing older deer. "When bucks hit four years old, they become very difficult to harvest. By then they've become quite savvy," he says. Carter believes older bucks travel mostly at night, with a couple of exceptions: "At the first of October and during the rut, these guys will show during daylight hours."

Carter has had success by putting clients on clover or alfalfa fields early in October, when the big boys are bulking up for the impending rut and winter.

"These deer can be pursued only when the wind is perfect for the hunter. In addition to perfect conditions, it takes a very skilled and patient bowhunter to draw on one of these old bruisers," says Carter. "I keep my hunters concealed in the thickest cover I can find-remember, the deer they're after are extremely wary and any sign of a human will send them packing into the woods."

Contact: Carter's Hunting Lodge (217-723-4522; carteroutdoors.com)

Set With Care

Joe Gizdic limits his clients to stands where the wind is ideal.

Greene County, Ill., outfitter Joe Gizdic has built a solid reputation for putting clients on some of the state's largest whitetails. Gizdic says the best way to tag a massive buck is to keep it from becoming nocturnal. "I think older bucks go nocturnal only because of hunting pressure. The best way to hunt them is to keep the pressure off." To that end, Gizdic never sends a client to a stand unless the wind
is blowing from a direction that makes it virtually scentproof.

Gizdic also never lets hunters approach their sites carelessly. "At times it may seem like an inconvenience, but you've got to take the path of least exposure when heading to stands," he says. "This can mean walking several hundred yards out of the way, but it keeps pressure low and deer in their natural patterns."

Gizdic agrees with Carter's strategy of hunting green fields early and adds this advice: "Early-season food plots are gold mines, but never hunt them in the morning. You might push a buck off the food he's browsing at night and inadvertently create the pressure that will make him nocturnal."

Contact: Illinois Recreational Resource Org. (217-299-0332; irro.net)

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Seek Leftovers

Mike Valliere hunts leftover food sources during the late season.

Michigan native Mike Valliere guides for Gizdic at Tall Tine Outfitters. He favors the late season. "It's the best time to see a buck that's gone nocturnal," he says. "After the rut, bucks need to replenish fat reserves they lost."

Valliere knows big bucks go unnoticed during late season simply because bowhunters aren't willing to endure the elements. "By late in the year, most bowhunters have hung it up for the season because of the cold, but you've got to be out there to get a big one," he explains. Late-season food is scarce, however, because of the cold, the crop harvest and heavy deer browsing. "Hunger and the need to survive override the need for seclusion; nocturnal bucks will abandon their cover and feed during daylight."

Locate standing corn, soybeans, turnips, wheat, rye or anything else ffrom the early season and you'll find bucks. Valliere hangs stands on the outside of food sources or slowly moves toward bedding areas.

Contact: Tall Tine Outfitters (217-589-6990; talltineoutfitters.net)

Work the Weather

Dennis Floyd believes the best days for nocturnal bucks are the ones with the worst forecast.

Florida's Dennis Floyd believes that to tag reclusive bucks a hunter has to resort to radical tactics, which includes sitting in the stand in unfavorable conditions. "Rainy, foggy or snowy days are good times to be out. Bad weather intensifies and concentrates deer movement."

Floyd likes bad weather during the pre-rut. "Inclement weather causes bucks to skirt the edge of food sources looking for receptive does. Those edges are great for a bow stand. Also, scrape lines are usually hit hard after a storm. Bucks rush to freshen them because their scent will have been washed away by the downpour."

Floyd also believes that all nocturnal bucks move during daylight hours; you've just got to be in the right place to see them. "Even the most nocturnal of bucks will get up to stretch and walk to a nearby water hole at midday," he says. "Find a remote water hole and you'll catch a big buck quenching his thirst. It takes an enormous amount of patience to get into position, but it's a great way to arrow a trophy deer."

Contact: Dennis Floyd Wildlife Services (407-928-4035)

Scout Smart

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

To be successful you've got to scout. Simple enough. But squeezing it in between work, honey-dos and sundry other chores can be difficult. Don't let a lack of time for serious scouting keep you out of the woods before the bow opener, however. Instead, adjust your methods and plan recon missions to focus on a few key areas where deer sign is more likely to give you the best payoff.

Begin by narrowing the possibilities to two critical areas and the travel corridors between them. In the early season, deer are mostly limited to feeding and sleeping, so home in on areas where those activities take place. Start by walking field and food plot edges; then move into thicker cover and look for water sources, swamps and beds.

1. Narrow the Field

Look for areas where deer enter or exit fields. Irregularities such as inside corners; spots where brush forms a point into the field; funnels formed by thick cover, fences or ditches; islands of saplings and tall weeds; and drainages choked with brush are also great places to hang a stand.

2. Look for Rubs

In late summer, look for rubs on pines and small cedars around field edges and along logging roads between fields. When you find fresh sign, hang a stand that offers concealment and an open shooting lane.

3. Find a Crossing

Check wire fences bordering fields.
Hair on the wire indicates a well-
traveled crossing. Remember, deer
prefer not to jump fences. Look for low wires that provide an opening in the fence for deer to slip through or a depression under the bottom strand. Bucks and does will use these crossings early in the season, making them perfect for an ambush.

4. Get Your Feet Wet

Take an inventory of all the ditches, creeks, depressions, drainages, swamps and ponds in your area. Water provides both a safety barrier for bedding areas and an escape route for deer. Look along steep ditches where deer cross so often they've worn down the bank. Deer will use these routes often, so they're good for both morning and evening hunts.

Best Bows for Under $400

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

Shopping for a bow? Whether you're new to the sport or an arrow-flinging vet, some pros would have you think a good rig will run you a grand or more. Don't believe 'em. These bows and the accessories that follow (page BB8) will have you completely set up for much less.

1. Alpine
Impact X-treme
Cost: $339

Weight: 3.3 lb.

Axle-to-axle: 34 in.

Draw wt.: 50-70 lb.

Draw length: 26-30 in.

Brace height: 6½ in.

Color: Realtree Hardwoods Green HD

Let-off: 65-80%

IBO Speed Rating: 290 fps

Comments: Attention to detail and design innovation make this short bow a true
mid-range performer. (208-746-4717;
alpinearchery.com)

2. Diamond
Rapture

Cost: $399

Weight: 3.6 lb.

Axle-to-axle: 33 in.

Draw wt.: 50-70 lb.

Draw length: 26-31 in.

Brace height: 7½ in.

Color: Mossy Oak New Break-Up

Let-off: 65-80%

IBO Speed Rating: 300 fps

Comments: Impresses with speed, adjustability and quality of
construction at a
reasonable price. (877-269-2776;
diamondarchery.com)

3. Fred Bear
Realtree Vapor

Cost: $299

Weight: 4.4 lb.

Axle-to-axle: 34Â¼ in.

Draw wt.: 40-70 lb.

Draw length: 28-30 in.

Brace height: 7Â¼ in.

Color: Realtree Hardwoods HD

Let-off: 65-75%

IBO Speed Rating: 302 fps

Comments: A truly sweet shooter. The perimeter-weighted cam and finish add to this bow's unique appeal. (866-556-2754; fulldraw.net)

4. Martin
Jaguar Mag
Dyna Cam

Cost: $279

Weight: 3.9 lb.

Axle-to-axle: 32½ in.

Draw wt.: 40-70 lb.

Draw length: 25-30 in.

Brace height: 7 in.

Color: Mossy Oak Break-Up

Let-off: 65-75%

IBO Speed Rating: 300 fps

Comments: An aggressive cam system and 7-inch brace height make this bow both swift and accurate. (509-529-2554;
martinarchery.com)

5. Parker
Buckhunter

Cost: $269

Weight: 3.6 lb.

Axle-to-axle: 35½ in.

Draw wt.: 40-70 lb.

Draw length: 27-31 in.

Brace height: 7 in.

Color: TreBark Big Woods

Let-off: 65-80%

IBO Speed Rating: 286 fps

Comments: Distances itself from the field with quality construction and features found on high-end models. (540-337-5426; parkerbows.com)

Top Bowhunting Gear for '05: Part 2

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

Die-hard bowhunters are always searching for the gear that will give them the edge in the deer woods. But where do you start when there are so many products to choose from? Not to worry. We scoured the Archery Trade Manufacturer's show earlier this year and found 15 new items that are going to make filling your deer tag a lot easier this season.

1. Straight Shooters

Easton's A/C Super Slim arrow features carbon fiber bonded to a 7075 aluminum core tube for a super-small shaft that has all the spine of a larger arrow. Straightness is guaranteed to within .002 inches. The smaller shaft diameter is less affected by wind and offers quick vibration damping. ($129 per dozen; 801-539-1400; eastonarchery.com)

2. Good Vibrations

Doinker's
A-Bomb Shorty Hunter Plus gives you 4 inches of bolt-on shock absorption that uses an elasto-polymer to quickly snuff shot recoil. The Plus comes with three CamoSkins (Mossy Oak Break-Up, Realtree Hardwoods Green and Realtree HD), so you can customize it with your favorite camouflage pattern. ($36; 818-700-2899; doinker.com)

3. Out of Sight

The new Foxfire TP sight by Carolina Archery Products features white laser-etched radial lines around the circumference of the pin housing, so peep-to-sight alignment is a snap. Other features include three no-tool micro-adjustable and extremely bright 0.29-inch sight pins. ($52; 919-245-1400; carolina archeryprod.com)

4. To Scale

The Digital Pocket Scale from US Bowhunting is small enough to fit in your shirt pocket, scales in half grains, auto calibrates and has a backlit screen. Compared to similar models, which can cost up to $300, this 1,543-grain-capacity marvel is amazingly inexpensive. ($40; 270-369-7323; coffey
marketing.net)

5. The Peep Show

It's rare that you find a peep sight with any additional features. Enter Red Hawk Archery's Low-Light Peep Sight. Besides having a large aperture centered in
a high-contrast amber ophthalmic lens, it has 14 anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare and increase visibility. ($20; 800-689-7996; redhawk-archery.com)

Goats at the Top of the World

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

The harsh ring of the satellite phone shattered the silence. Chase Fulcher had been waiting patiently for hours. Elsie answered the call from her husband, nodded a couple of times, and with a shallow "ah-huh" hung up.

Top Gear for '05

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:36 -0400

1. 3-D Optics

Alpen's Apex 8.5x50mm binocular provides quality optics at an affordable price. Multi-coated lenses, extra-long eye relief and large (50mm) objectives offer great light-gathering capacity for low-light hunting conditions. Crystal-clear glass delivers excellent resolution of fine details for 3-D competitors. ($543; 909-987-8370; alpenoutdoor.com)

2. To the Point

The main blade of Crimson Talon's Crimson Croc is Teflon-coated and has four cutting
surfaces. Two airfoils spin-stabilize arrows, so heads twist through targets. Add serrations with bleeder blades and you've got a head that will stop a deer cold. Available in 100 and 125 grains. ($30 for three; 410-658-9660; spintite.com)

3. More to the Point

The Turbine Tip T2 by 2XJ Enterprises puts a new "twist" on conventional field point design with eight airfoils for pinpoint accuracy. Available in 100 and 125 grains. ($20 per dozen; 410-658-9660; spintite.com)

4. Take a Rest

Drop-aways improve accuracy by reducing contact with the arrow upon release, but none are what you'd call quiet. The Top Gun Phantom from Precision Shooting Equipment is an exception. Sealed roller bearings, unique capture arms and a simple design make this whisper-quiet rest worthy of a close look. ($80; 520-884-9065; pse-archery.com)

5. Tough Target

The Rinehart 18-1 3-D target is a real stopper. I shot the same spot repeatedly and didn't have a single pass-through. There are 18 surfaces, which adds even more life to this easy-to-carry target. ($130; 608-757-8153; rinehart3-d.com)