Double Bull Blinds

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Double Bull Blinds

Double Bull Blinds have been the quality standard in ground blinds for years and they continually push new innovation across their product lineup. Whether brushing one in for a ground set for a big mature whitetail or toting one out in the spring, Double Bull Blinds will keep you concealed and comfortable no matter the season, quarry or weather condition.

onX Elite Members Receive Exclusive Discounts With Double Bull Blinds:

25% Off Double Bull’s blind selection.

Lake Pickle – onX Hunt Employee

“I’ll never forget the big Mississippi River mainframe 8 point I shot from a SurroundView with my buddy Jordan Blissett. We knew where we needed to be setup for this hunt but there was no spot for a tree stand there. The surround view blind was the best option. We brushed in the blind, slipped in the next day and came home with a buck we called Devil Anse. A good ground blind can come in handy on so many occasions and you absolutely can’t go wrong with a Double Bull.”

Vortex Optics

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Ol’ Tom

Ol’ Tom stands alone in the turkey category as the trusted gear for serious turkey hunters. Save 25% with your onX Elite membership and benefits.

WoodHaven Custom Calls

15% off on select custom calls

Rob Roberts Gun Works

10% off on all services and 10% off choke tubes

Mossy Oak

20% Off Storewide + Free Gamekeeper E-mag Offer

LaCrosse

30% off on the Grange Boot and 20% off other styles

The post Double Bull Blinds appeared first on onX Hunt.

Get the Most From Your Trail Cams: onX Hunt Ambassadors Share Their Knowledge

With the introduction of onX Hunt’s new Trail Camera Integration feature, we figured we’d catch up with some of the best hunters and most experienced trail camera users we know to pick their brains on the best ways to utilize these powerful tools. Give it a read, then combine the knowledge of these folks with the powerful capabilities of Trail Cam Integration to scout and hunt your way to your best whitetail season yet. 

The post onX Hunt Ambassador Trail Cam Tips and Tricks appeared first on onX Hunt.

The Purpose of a Hunting Backpack for Big Game

There are several different kinds of hunting backpacks on the market. Some are more suited for big game hunting and some are a better fit for small game hunting. There are packs made from the standpoint of a turkey hunter and others made more for the upland bird hunter. Whatever the hunting task is in the field, there is a backpack that reflects it. Of those categories, big game hunting backpacks seem to have the most questions surrounding them and their use.  Not to mention, the demands they need to meet are much greater than others.

Big game hunting backpacks are not only meant to carry what you need for the time you’ll be in the field; they are also meant to carry out what is hopefully the big game animal you’ll be wrapping your tag on. These backpacks are made with comfort and organization in mind. Most big game hunting backpacks feature an internal frame capable of hauling very heavy loads—a far stretch in ability from your standard backpacking type of pack.

Most of these big game packs are also backcountry capable, meaning that you can backpack hunt with them. This is more of a size thing than anything, but it’s worth mentioning as big game hunters tend to be the ones venturing into the backcountry.

What to Look for in a Big Game Hunting Backpack

There are a few key things you’ll want to note when looking for a big game hunting backpack. Some of them are non-negotiable while others will more be a reflection of your personal preferences.

The size of your backpack is going to be something that reflects the purpose of that backpack to you, the hunter. If you’re planning on day-hunting from the truck, then something with a smaller cubic inch count will be sufficient. However, if you’re looking to backpack hunt for big game, you’ll want a much larger backpack. 

A good rule of thumb to stick by is 1000 ci per day. So, if you’re looking to do mostly 3-day type trips, have at least a 3000 ci backpack. For 5-day trips, have at least a 5000 ci backpack. Throughout this, keep in mind that rules are made to be broken and this is just a guideline. I’ve personally gotten away with 9 days out of a 3600 ci backpack. It matters how you pack and what you pack.

Something else to note is proper sizing. Most big game hunting backpacks have different sized waist belts and some have different frame heights. It is vital to get properly sized for your backpack in order for that backpack to work properly for you. Your torso length and waist size are the big ones to know and most backpack companies will help you pick the right size based on your measurements.

Functionality

Functionality equals efficiency. The more functional your backpack is for you and your style of hunting, the more efficient you’ll be in the field. Consider things like horseshoe zippers vs. top entry. Having a lid vs. not having a lid. Is the backpack hydration capable? If you’re a person who enjoys organization, then a backpack with more pockets will suit you better. Think about whether you’re planning to carry your weapon on your backpack. Some backpacks are better suited for this than others. Furthermore, if you carry a sidearm with you, the waist belt will need to have some sort of attachment point for the holster of your pistol.  

Load Lifter and Suspension Systems

A backpack is a chain of things that all work together to make hauling heavy loads more comfortable. This chain consists of your waist belt and lumbar pad, shoulder straps and sternum strap, and then frame and load lifters. These things, when used properly, will help evenly distribute weight, to make your day better.

In general, you want most of the weight on your waist. The shoulder straps will carry a small amount of weight, and the sternum strap will simply keep the width of the shoulder straps in place. Finally, the load lifters will help to “lift the load” even more off of your shoulders. They will also help pull the load in tighter to your back.

All of these things work together, and it’s incredibly important that you actually learn the proper way to put on a backpack for them to hit their full potential. You can have the best backpack in the world, but if you don’t know how to put it on right, you’re missing the mark.

Load Hauling

Lastly, a big game hunting backpack needs to have the ability to haul both your meat and your gear, which equals a very heavy load. The most common way backpacks achieve this is by the bag detaching from the frame and strapping the meat down in between the two. This puts the heaviest weight closest to your back, which is what you want. It also allows you to carry your gear, whether it’s backpacking or day gear, in the actual bag portion of your backpack. Personally, I’ve also used this feature to cram food in between the bag and frame to get more backcountry nights out of a smaller bag.

There are also packs that don’t detach from the frame, and these will absolutely work, but keep a couple of things in mind.  One, if you’re backpacking, you literally might not have room in the bag for meat. Two, whatever other gear is inside of the bag will likely get bloody when hauling meat.

No matter which way the pack hauls meat, it needs to not only possess the ability to do so, but keep it properly contained throughout the process.  Buckles need to remain locked, straps need to remain tight, and the overall structural integrity needs to remain solid.

onX Favorite Hunting Backpacks for Big Game

There are quite a few companies that make big game hunting backpacks. The ones that we’ve enjoyed the most here at onX come from Exo Mountain Gear. The new K4 2200, 3600, 5000, and 7200 cover the gamut in size, functionality, suspension, and load-hauling abilities. These hit all of the marks, and then some, of what makes a good big game hunting backpack. The K4 frame is interchangeable between all of the sizes as well. You can take the frame on the 3600 and put it right onto a 7200 if you’re planning a longer duration in the field. To contrast that, you could also slap a 2200 on the K4 frame for day-hunting purposes. It’s about as solid of a system as they come. 

Whether you’re day hunting from the truck or hiking 15 miles deep into the backcountry for 10+ days, these packs will do it in stride. We’ve got the miles under them and the full freezers to prove it, too.

The post Picking the Right Big Game Hunting Backpack appeared first on onX Hunt.

What Is an Electric Hunting Bike?

E-bikes are bicycles that use rechargeable battery power to assist the rider with pedaling, or in some cases, to help propel the bicycle with a throttle control. “Pedal assist” e-bikes use a small motor that runs when a rider begins pedaling. “Throttle control” e-bikes can be powered by pressing or twisting a control, with no pedaling required. 

The speed each e-bike is capable of reaching defines the class in which it belongs, but more on e-bike classifications to follow. Generally, e-bikes can reach speeds up to 20 MPH. E-bikes in a higher class can reach speeds of 28+ MPH. 

There are some qualities of hunting e-bikes that set them apart from typical e-bikes. One of the most notable differences is tire size. Consider QuietKat’s Apex Pro, pictured below, as this e-bike is designed for hunting and features tires that are 26” x 4.5”. Additional features of hunting e-bikes are their rugged frame construction and suspension. This allows these bikes to haul gear and game and traverse a variety of terrain. They are also designed to rig with accessories like trailers, extra lighting, weapon racks, and storage solutions. 

What Are E-Bike Classifications?

In 2020, e-bike regulations began getting established in about half of the U.S. Now accepted in over 40 states, these regulations were meant to help define what e-bikes were. Were they motor vehicles? Were they bicycles? Where did they belong: in bike lanes, on trails, on roads? While not all those questions are yet perfectly defined, and it’s always best to check with your local government or land agencies to confirm legality, there has been a generally-accepted classification system put on e-bikes. Here’s what that looks like: 

Class 1 E-Bikes

E-bikes designated as Class 1 have a maximum speed of 20 MPH and their motors only engage as “pedal assist,” meaning they typically have no throttle control to operate by hand. 

Class 1 e-bikes are commonly allowed on bike paths and in bike lanes that are shared with traditional, non-motorized bicycles.

Class 2 E-Bikes

E-bikes designated as Class 2 have the same 20 MPH max speed, but they include a throttle control that can propel the bike without pedaling. However, Class 2 e-bikes typically have “pedal assist” as well. 

Like Class 1 e-bikes, these can be ridden on bike paths and in bike lanes.

Class 3 E-Bikes

The main difference with Class 3 e-bikes is that they have a top speed of 28 MPH, but they must also have a speedometer. They may or may not have throttle control. In fact, currently in California Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed without throttle controls, must be “pedal assist” only, and the rider must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet. 

When Class 3 e-bikes do include a throttle, they are often limited to 20 MPH max speed by the throttle alone, even though the bike can go faster when the rider is pedaling.

Most states allow Class 3 e-bikes in road lanes and in bike lanes on the shoulder of the road, but they are typically restricted from bike paths that occur off roadways or on multi-use trails shared with pedestrians. 

So what do you do if you’re traveling with your e-bike to hunt in another state where e-bike regulations differ from your home state? Some e-bike manufacturers offer modes on their bikes that limit speeds. QuietKat e-bikes, for instance, have ​​Variable Power Output (VPO) technology that lets riders adjust output parameters to match where they ride. These bikes can be toggled between Class 1, 2, 3, or unlimited. 

E-Bike Regulations and Trail Usage

With the understanding of how e-bikes work and how they are classified, it’s time to layer on a deeper level of e-bike regulations, especially for taking them to the places people hunt—in the woods, mountains, and on public lands. 

The BLM has one of the most clear stances on e-bikes. The BLM states simply: “BLM-managed public lands offer many opportunities for riding e-bikes, including any Open OHV area or motorized trail.” There are 215 OHV areas on BLM’s website. These areas can also be found in the onX Offroad App.

As for riding an e-bike on other federal public lands, like national forests and national parks, the same general guidelines apply: stick to roads and trails where you’ll also find cars, camper vans, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles. The USDA Forest Service considers e-bikes as motorized vehicles and as such does not allow their use on non-motorized National Forest System roads and trails.

Interestingly, throttle controls on Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are also not allowed to be used when on a trail in a national park; a rider must pedal as if riding a Class 1 e-bike. 

Wilderness areas, of course, are off-limits to all bicycles, motorized or not. 

When it comes to lands managed by local or state governments, e-bike regulations vary widely, so it’s always important to check before you ride. In many state parks e-bikes are allowed on the same trails as standard bicycles are allowed. 

These regulations are changing constantly, so what is closed this year may be open the next, and vice versa. 

Some Considerations for First-Timers

Riding a bike is like…well, riding a bike. But even accomplished bicycle riders should spend time getting used to the nuances of e-bikes. Here are a few considerations to help you be a better rider and for mitigating risk when you might be many miles away from your truck. 

E-bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles. Where a typical mountain bike might weigh around 30 pounds, hunting e-bikes are about 70 pounds. Of course, that’s lighter than the 100-200 pounds most dirt bikes weigh, but if you have to pedal an e-bike without any powered assistance, especially up a hill to get back to your rig, then 70 pounds might as well feel like 200. 

Hunting e-bikes are like beefed up mountain bikes, and they are engineered to be all-season machines capable of traversing through mud, snow, and over rocky terrain. The rider should be capable of handling the same conditions. While we already know that, at least on most public lands, e-bikes aren’t allowed on technical, single-track mountain bike trails, there may be technical trails on private lands. Heavy bikes require more stopping distance, and they carry more momentum downhill. Adjust your speed according to your ability and the conditions.

One of the first things new e-bike riders notice is that “pedal assist” is always there for you, even if you don’t expect it. It’ll kick in even when pedaling to keep your balance while you’re making a turn, so it can be surprising to have a sudden increase in speed while navigating a tight turning radius sitting atop a heavier-than-normal bicycle. Practice these turns, a lot. 

E-bikes have different effective ranges for a single charge. QuietKat’s Apex Pro has a range of 25-52 miles using a 1000-watt motor powered by a 17.25AH/48V battery with 828 watt hours. 

Like all electric vehicles, range is affected by a huge assortment of variables (hence the 25-52–mile spread in the QuietKat). Headwinds? Additional weight? Lots of hills? These can all have significant impacts on range, as will the level of assist the rider chooses. Another consideration particularly for hunters is cold. Batteries don’t like cold temperatures and if you’re out for the night you could wake up to considerably less range than when you hit the sack. If you’re planning a multi-day hunting trip, it’s pretty simple to remove the battery from the bike so you can keep it a little warmer in the tent or sleeping bag. If weight is less of a concern, you could always pick up a spare battery and bring it along too.

Battery- and motor-maker Bosch has a nifty little range calculator to help visualize how various terrain and other considerations affect range. Even if your bike doesn’t feature a Bosch drive, it’s an illustrative tool to help you think ahead to what you might encounter in the field and plan accordingly.

What Hunters Say About E-Bikes

When it comes to taking e-bikes into the field for hunting, Jeff Althoff of Love The Grind TV knows just how to make the most of them. Here we ask Jeff about his experience with e-bikes for hunting:

How have you been using e-bikes for Love The Grind TV and Homegrown Outfitters?

We’ve got a fleet of QuietKat Apex Pros in Wisconsin, Kansas, and some in Iowa, and we use them in many different ways. We use them throughout the course of the year. Starting in late winter and early spring, we’re using them for shed hunting. We found that we can cover a lot more ground a lot more effectively with e-bikes. You know, searching a five, 10, or 15-acre food plot may take a couple of hours by foot but with an e-bike we can zig-zag over the ground, tracking ourselves with onX Hunt, to make sure we’ve covered every part of the field. 

After shed hunting, where do you take your e-bikes? 

We’ve started turkey hunting with them this year in Iowa and Wisconsin. I can tell you it’s helped drastically. Not only did it put less wear and tear on the body, but it was so much more time efficient and you could get closer to where turkeys were roosting than you could by foot. We could easily take our gun and decoys, load them up on the e-bike, and drive from the truck straight to our hunting spot pretty quick. 

Then guess what, when it gets light out and you think you know what the birds are going to do they do something different and you have to make a move. Nine times out of 10 turkeys do something different than they did the day before and you have to adjust. It’s a lot easier to do it on an e-bike. You might see a bird 600 yards away go into a draw and you can hop on the e-bike and cut him off in no time. Those e-bikes this spring gave us opportunities to harvest turkeys where we might not have gotten those same opportunities had we been on foot. 

How have you used your e-bikes for non-hunting purposes?

We’ve definitely used them on some of our properties to help design them. In the early summer we’ll load up our e-bikes with stakes or ribbon and go mark our food plots. It’s so much easier to do with an e-bike. Sure, you can use an ATV, but if that ground’s wet and you don’t want to rip it up then an e-bike can be the way to go. 

We’ve even put food plots in places where we’d never dare put them in the past because now we can access them to hunt those plots with an e-bike. We can get back to them more efficiently.

Then we shift ahead to trail camera deployment season. And whether we’re running a couple cameras or a whole network of cameras, we use those e-bikes quite a bit to haul our gear and be more efficient in placing our trail cams. 

What is deer hunting like with an e-bike?

With deer hunting, access is everything. You can have the best hunting strategy, the biggest deer, and the best design, but if you screw up your access all that goes out the window. I can’t tell you the number of people whose hunts end before it even starts and they don’t even realize it because of access. If you’re hunting a specific deer and you blow that deer out on your way in, it could be days or weeks before you have an opportunity at that deer again.

Mature bucks are not forgiving. Two- and three-year old bucks can be forgiving, but if you want to have opportunities at mature deer you have to be really smart with how you access a property. 

I firmly believe that if a mature deer sees that e-bike they’re not going to get up and run. They’ll be a little forgetful, and I don’t think anything changes with what they do that morning or that evening. But if they see someone walking and hear that “crunch, crunch” that’s drastically different. We’ve seen this happen over many years on many of our properties, mature deer treat seeing someone walk differently than someone riding a bike or a tractor, let’s say. 

Now you can ride through a valley or to a spot and if a mature deer lays eyes on you, from a distance of course, they will treat that situation way differently, especially when you take the noise out of the equation that you might have with an ATV or a tractor. E-bikes are pretty bulletproof from an access point of view. 

What advice do you have for those who are new to e-bikes or considering getting one?

They’re definitely a lot of fun. I think the first thing you’re going to realize is that the learning curve on an electric bike is so small. It’s so easy to get on an e-bike and start using it. It doesn’t really matter your age or background or experience level. You’re going to be able to get on it and learn pretty quickly. 

The biggest “ah ha” moment my team and I had when we started using e-bikes is the time they save. Like before when it took us 20 minutes to get back to that ladder stand on the ridge and now it takes us two minutes, we were saying, “Holy cow, that’s quick.” 

My biggest tip is to just have fun with them. Don’t get an e-bike and make your hunt the first time you use it though. Ride it in the off-season and get to know it. 

Author’s Thoughts

There’s an allure to hunting with an e-bike I could not resist. I have hunted in the hills of western Montana for over 20 years now and covered many miles in boots. Once or twice I’ve tried riding a mountain bike for a hunt, pulling a trailer, but the snow was unforgiving. The e-bike, in my mind, would allow me to invest more of my energy into the stalk and laborious task of field dressing (should I be so lucky) and pack out back to the bike. It was time to ride, assisted. 

I would consider myself having above-average familiarity with bicycles and bicycling. I’ve done some multi-day, self-supported touring. I’ve trained for and completed a handful of century rides and, at times, been a committed bicycle commuter. I spent a summer as a “Bicycle Ambassador” and worked for a renowned outdoor retailer for five years fitting people for and selling bikes. Heck, my partner even has a Peloton bike I hop on every once in a while. 

I also own and ride a dual-sport motorcycle, having completed Basic and Advanced Riding courses. 

Adding a hunting e-bike to the wheeled arsenal this year has been in one word…fun! 

Out-of-the-box assembly of the Apex Pro was straightforward and simple, thanks to the video series easily accessible via included QR codes, though I did own and use a home bike repair stand. All the needed tools were supplied, except for bike grease. I was able to do everything by myself, but it would have been fun to have a buddy around. 

Standing about one centimeter short of six-foot, I went with a medium frame size. As noted above, e-bikes are heavier than standard bikes so it’s easier to wield a slightly smaller frame than a slightly larger frame. I’ve been happy with that choice. 

On my first long ride I whipped out 15+ miles and it felt like five. I covered everything from pavement to muddy trails and it felt stable even at higher speeds. For transport to/from trailheads, I got the Fat Bike Kit for my Yakima bike rack, as well as the RampUP ramp (though there’s a nifty way to get e-bikes onto racks without the ramp). FYI, now’s a good time to check your bike rack’s maximum weight limit. 

I’m excited to explore even further this scouting season and next hunting season than I have before, backed by the confidence of covering more miles more efficiently and quietly. If you’ve recently purchased a hunting e-bike, drop me a note and let me know how it’s going for you.

Shopping for an E-Bike

Convinced that an e-bike is right for you? A quality electric bike isn’t cheap—and it’s still a bike—so there are some considerations any buyer (especially someone who hasn’t purchased a bicycle in a while) should keep in mind before dropping a few thousand dollars on their new hunting companion.

Buying Direct vs. Local Bike Shop

Consumer-direct e-bike brands will almost certainly offer cheaper options, and plenty of quality bikes can be shipped to your door. But before you click, make sure you’re confident in your fit (see more below) and your ability to not just assemble the bike, but perform basic maintenance. Local shops will usually work on direct-mail bikes if you have an issue, but don’t expect a red carpet experience for a bike bought elsewhere. 

Local shops can help you ensure a good fit, provide maintenance and ongoing support, and offer the chance to test-ride, but it won’t come free. You can expect to pay a little more via a shop and depending on their inventory, might have to wait a bit for a special order if you need a different size or specification.

Some brands split the difference and you can order online and have the bike delivered and built by a local shop (or powersports dealer, some of which carry e-bikes). As a general rule, if you’re confident in exactly what you want and what size you want it in, the web is a great option. If you’re on the fence or don’t know where to start for a high-dollar purchase, head into your local shop and leverage their expertise.

Sizing and Fit

An e-bike is still a bike, and you’re gonna have to pedal it. That means you need one that fits. And fit is about more than just your height—if you plan to spend some long miles in the saddle, you’ll want to be in a comfortable and efficient position so you don’t arrive at camp or a boundary gate only to find you’re so sore and tweaked that your hunt is compromised.

At their simplest, bike sizes mimic t-shirt sizing: small, medium, large, etc. And often that’s enough to get close, though if you have particularly long legs or a very short torso relative to your height, you might consider sizing up or down accordingly. Other considerations for a good fit are cockpit parts like the saddle, stem, and handlebar, which can drastically change your position on the bike from upright (easier on the back, harder on the backside) to stretched out (you’ll need to be limber and your hands will take more weight). A good local shop can help get you set up on the bike, ensure your seat height is keeping your pedal stroke efficient, and swap out parts to change a fit as needed.

Specifications

Like any piece of gear, you get what you pay for. And you can get a lot more value for your money if you know what you’re going to be using it for. Bigger batteries and more powerful motors can provide more range and oomph, but come at a cost to your wallet and often in weight. A fat-tired off-road model might not be necessary if your planned access route is smooth doubletrack, likewise if you’re planning to haul out an elk you’re going to want to think through how much power you want (and maybe shop for trailers).

In general, one of the biggest differences between premium and budget options is weight: you’re spending more to save more. It’s easy to fixate on weight—and certainly it affects not only range and maneuverability, but also basic logistics like hoisting onto a car rack or squeezing through a packed garage—but for plenty of hunting applications a heavier e-bike won’t make much of a difference. Consider your planned usage and be honest about what you really need.

Beyond the Bike

You don’t have to dress up like a Tour de France racer to be comfortable on a bike, but making a few concessions to cycling-specific clothing could make a big difference when it comes to comfort. Consider buying a chamois to wear under your camo. Sure, they can feel like an adult diaper, but plenty of science goes into the padding (and wicking), and a number of very affordable versions are sold as “liners” designed to be worn under other shorts or pants. They’re mesh, breathable, and your backside will thank you.

Along those lines, consider some cycling gloves to keep your hunting gloves dry and maintain better feel on the controls. If you’re headed to the high country or into cold temps, equip your grips with “pogies” that you slip your hands into. Trying to operate brakes, shifters, and e-bike screens with bulky gloves isn’t just annoying, it can be unsafe.

Finally, wear a helmet. In many states and jurisdictions you’re legally required to, but it’s always a good idea. Especially on an e-bike—20+ MPH is fast enough to do serious damage. All cycling helmets in the U.S. are certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but you should look for helmets highly rated by Virginia Tech’s helmet lab, which often feature additional technologies that can help protect against shearing impacts (like MIPS, which you can find on a huge range of helmets at varied price points) or offer better impact absorption materials. Find one that fits well and wear it!

FAQ

The post Guide to Electric Bikes for Hunting appeared first on onX Hunt.

What I quickly learned, however, was while a recurve bow may be simple, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. For a guy who had spent over 30 years packing a compound bow around the woods, the traditional archery learning curve was a little steeper than I expected.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the differences between hunting with a recurve and compound bow, the pros and cons of using a recurve, choosing your first recurve bow, and a few tips to help shorten the learning curve.

Recurve Bow vs. Compound Bow

If you’re new to bowhunting, then learning to shoot a recurve bow will be pretty straightforward. If you’re a compound shooter making the switch, however, be prepared to relearn some things. Let’s take a look at some of the main differences that set these two bows apart.

Size and Portability

Besides the much simpler design of the recurve bow, one of the first differences you’ll notice when handling each is that recurve bows are typically longer, but lighter than their wheeled counterpart.

While bow lengths vary by brand and model, most recurves typically run in the 52- to 66-inch range while many modern compound bows are half that length.

The longer length can create challenges shooting from treestands or ground blinds. I learned the hard way the first time I hunted with my recurve from my Summit climbing stand. I couldn’t get the bow drawn back to shoot below me due to the wrap-around bar on the seat portion of my stand. I ended up having to lower my seat all the way down to my platform and stand the whole time so I’d be able to shoot if the opportunity arose.

Draw Weight and Let-off

Another major difference between recurve and compound bows is in draw weight and let-off. Since there is no let off on a recurve bow, it’s much harder to draw back and hold at anchor than a compound of the same peak draw weight. So don’t think just because you shoot a 60- or 70-pound compound bow, that you should buy the same poundage recurve. If you do, you’re going to struggle to shoot it effectively.

The only way to truly know what draw weight recurve bow you need is to try some different ones, but I can assure you it will be considerably lower than the compound bow you’re currently shooting. My Mathews VXR is set on 65 pounds, but I shoot a 40-pound recurve. Because of my long draw length, I’m actually holding around 45 pounds at full draw, but it’s still considerably less than my compound.

For a new traditional archer, you’re much better off starting at a lower poundage and working your way up than buying a bow that’s too heavy for you. An overly heavy bow will lead to bad habits in your form. 

Aiming

Aiming is another area that separates recurve bows from compounds. Most compound shooters have sights on their bow and a peep sight in their string that makes aiming and shooting at various yardages a breeze. 

Recurve shooters, on the other hand, typically do not use sights. They either aim using the point of their arrow as a reference, or they shoot instinctively. Both techniques take much more consistent practice to master than using the sights on a compound.

Performance

Recurve bows perform much differently than modern compound bows. Recurves are much slower shooting, which requires some adaptations to how you hunt.

In particular, new traditional bowhunters will want to keep shots close. For my first season of hunting with a recurve, I limited myself to shots inside 15 yards. Anything beyond that, and I just wasn’t confident in my consistency. Even today, I limit myself to 20 yard shots. That’s not to say you won’t be able to kill a deer beyond 20 yards with a recurve, but it’s going to take a lot of consistent, repetitive practice to get there.

Pros and Cons of a Recurve Bow

Pros

Simplicity: Recurve bows have a simple and straightforward design with fewer moving parts, so there is less to go wrong and they are easier to maintain.

Quietness: Due to their design, recurve bows tend to be quieter when shooting.

Portability: Recurve bows are generally lighter than compound bows, making them easier to carry in the field.

Versatility: Some recurve bows feature a takedown design, allowing the limbs to be replaced with higher or lower draw weights as the hunter’s skill and strength improve.

Cons

More difficult to master: The lack of letoff and sights make recurves more challenging to shoot consistently and accurately compared to compound bows.

More awkward to handle: The longer length of a recurve bow makes them more difficult to handle in a treestand or ground blind.

Lower arrow speed and power: Recurve bows generally produce lower arrow speeds, which can result in a more pronounced trajectory and less power on impact.

Learning to Hunt with a Recurve Bow

Thanks to modern technology, there’s no shortage of resources to learn how to hunt with a recurve bow. YouTube can be a great starting point for learning the basics. Just be sure the person you’re watching has actual hunting experience and knows what they’re talking about. 

Another resource that I found helpful when learning the ropes was traditional archery Facebook groups. If you’re not a Facebook user, then try some of the traditional archery website forums. The great thing about traditional archery is the tight-knit community feel. Most traditional archers are more than willing to help someone new to the sport, so don’t be afraid to jump in and ask questions.

You can even take this a step further and look for local or state traditional archery groups that you can plug into. Here in Georgia, there is a great community of traditional bowhunters who get together on a regular basis and are happy to welcome a new shooter into the group. This can be a great resource to shorten the learning curve.

One word of advice when learning to shoot your recurve: find a style you’re most comfortable with and stick with it. There are differences in the way each traditional archer draws their bow, the way they aim, how long they stay anchored before the shot, and much more. 

Every archer has their own style, and there is no “right way” that’s best for everyone. Try some different techniques when you first get started shooting, decide which feels most comfortable to you, and stick with it!

Choosing the Right Recurve Bow for You 

Finding the right recurve bow for a first-time hunter can be a daunting task. There are countless options on the market at all sizes, styles, and price ranges. It would be impossible to cover every aspect of the decision and make a suggestion for each reader in the scope of this article. What I can do is make a recommendation that should work for most first-time traditional archers.

My suggestion is to start with a nice, budget-friendly option like the Samick Sage recurve. This is a decent quality bow at a very inexpensive price point. That way, if you eventually decide traditional archery isn’t for you, you won’t be out too much money.

Another great feature of the Samick Sage is that it’s a takedown bow, meaning the limbs unscrew from the riser for easy packing. So, if you stick with it, as you build up your archery muscles and get comfortable shooting the bow, you can replace the limbs inexpensively with higher poundage ones.

Final Thoughts

Hunting with a recurve bow is the ultimate challenge. It takes a lot of practice, and the learning curve can be steep for someone who’s used to the modern conveniences of a compound bow. But when it all comes together, and you’re able to take your first deer or big game animal using traditional archery, there is a huge sense of accomplishment and pride. In the end, you’re only left wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. 

FAQ

The post Hunting With a Recurve Bow: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on onX Hunt.

With the Hunt App you can find public and private land information, detailed maps in 2D and 3D that work offline, saved Waypoints and Tracks, crop data, weather and wind forecasts, and even access to draw odds for hard-to-get tags. onX Hunt is essential to every hunt. 

Navigation, Maps, and Hunting GPS 

Every hunter plans for success, but if that plan doesn’t include navigating where to hunt, mapping out the area in which they’ll hunt, or having a way to track back to the truck, then it’s hardly a detailed plan. That’s where the navigational and mapping tools with onX Hunt come in handy. With these features and tools in the palm of their hand, every hunter can have the confidence to have a great hunt and get home safely.

Check out what goes into the Hunt App:

• Map your hunt your way using Topo, Satellite, or Hybrid basemaps.
• Scout, navigate, and understand terrain better with our 3D maps.
• Not having cell service is not a problem with Offline Maps. Download your maps, Layers, and saved content and have GPS navigation even if you don’t have a cell signal.
• Get accurate landowner information and boundaries so you know areas to avoid or people you can ask for permission to access new properties.
• Customizable Waypoints for keeping track of whatever your needs are in the field. 
• Pick the best treestand or approach based on current or projected wind conditions. You’ll always be in the right place in the right conditions with this tool.
• Scope out shooting lanes or effective ranges with the Line Distance tool or Range Radius.
• Improve your odds of getting coveted tags by understanding draw odds through TopRut, a service available for Elite members.

Turn your Phone into the Best Hunting GPS 

If you’re on the grid and own a phone, here’s how you can turn your phone into the best hunting gear. Global Positioning System (GPS) signals from satellites that orbit the Earth and are received by nearly all smartphones. The Hunt App uses these signals to find your position and displays it on our mapping platform as a familiar blue dot. Since these signals are coming from satellites and not nearby cell towers, you can use your phone as a hunting GPS without an active or strong cell tower signal. 

This means you don’t have to carry a separate GPS unit because when your phone can calculate its distance from four or more GPS satellites, it can figure out where you are within 7.8 meters 95% of the time.

Your phone then becomes valued hunting gear because of the different Basemaps, Layers, and Tools that can be used in conjunction with your GPS position. This makes scouting, tracking, and finding your way back to the truck easier and safer. 

Essential Hunting Gear at a Discount

The onX Hunt App puts the right information in your hand and your head, but there’s plenty more gear to consider whether you’re outfitting for the first time or just updating a worn-out old favorite. The experts at onX Elite have hand-picked a range of brands we’ve grown to trust and opened exclusive discounts and promotions available only with Elite. Plus, Elite members have access to education and other expert resources, Elite-only map tools, and nationwide (and Canada) coverage so you can put your new gear to use knowing you’ve got the right tools in any landscape for whatever you’re after.

Hunting Boots 

Schnee’s

We’ve teamed up with Schnee’s Mountain Boots to offer onX Hunt Elite Members an exclusive discount on the best mountain boots out there. And to keep your new boots in top condition, Schnee’s will include a free tube of high-performance waterproofing treatment from Nikwax with every purchase. 

Elite membership discount: 20% off Mountain Boots + Free Tube of Waterproofing Nikwax With Every Purchase

LaCrosse

Do one thing and do it right. For over a century, that’s what LaCrosse has been doing—making the best rubber boots. Boots that won’t let you down. Boots that know a thing or two about toughness, durability, and comfort. Whether for hunting, working, or tending the land upon which they tread, LaCrosse boots give you the freedom to focus on what matters most to you. Because that’s what matters most to them.

Elite membership discount: 20% off Select Styles 

Hunting Apparel

First Lite

We trust First Lite’s camo and gear for our own hunts, which is why we’re pleased to partner with them to offer unique benefits to onX Elite Members. Our exclusive partnership gives you personalized, prioritized service from First Lite, helping take the guesswork out of your gear so you can focus on the hunt. 

Elite membership discount: Personalized camo consultations and worry-free returns and exchanges

Mossy Oak 

We’ve teamed up with Mossy Oak to help you achieve both your short- and long-term goals of managing your property. With the guidance of Toxey Haas, along with the wealth of experience and knowledge he and his team have honed for nearly four decades, we aim to bring that information to you to help you achieve your hunting and land management dreams.

Elite membership discount: 20% off the Mossy Oak Store and a free digital subscription to the Gamekeeper magazine

Hunting Backpacks 

Exo Mountain Gear

Designed by hunters, proven in the backcountry, and built in the US. At its core, Exo only cares about two things—building the best pack system possible, and offering the best service to fellow hunters.

Elite membership discount: 10% off 

Hunting Saddles and Treestands 

Lone Wolf Custom Gear

We’ve teamed up with Lone Wolf Custom Gear to help you hunt more effectively when targeting mature whitetails by ensuring you have early access to innovative new products, Elite-only inventory, free shipping, and worry-free returns and exchanges.

Elite membership discount: Exclusive discounts and early access to Lone Wolf Custom Gear treestands and hunting accessories.

Upland Hunting Gear

Final Rise

There are certain pieces of gear where you don’t cut corners, and for serious upland hunters, a vest that doesn’t compromise in comfort, quality, or function is at the top of the list. The Final Rise Summit is the workhorse upland hunting vest everyone has been searching for: a fully modular system created to excel in any upland hunting situation. From the grouse woods to the chukar hills, the Summit has no rival.

Elite membership discount: Access to an exclusive vest bundle, opportunities to test unreleased gear, and first crack at select new product launches.

Waterfowl Hunting Gear 

Dakota Decoys

Decoys are a waterfowler’s bread and butter. They need to be durable enough to endure countless years of banging around in a decoy trailer, yet need to be realistic enough to fool the wariest fowl. We’ve teamed up with Dakota Decoys to offer onX Hunt Elite Members an exclusive discount on the best-in-class Dakota Decoys. 

Elite membership discount: Access to free shipping on all orders, plus 50% off a decoy bag with purchase of two boxes of decoys

Turkey Calls  

Wood Haven

“20 plus years ago, the first line in my business plan was ‘to build the very best turkey calls, period.’ I wanted top-of-the-line in every facet of the company. I knew I could build great products and put them into a nice package and deliver them to you, our great customers, with superior customer service. Superior products and great customer service is what has become known as the ‘Woodhaven way!’” – Mike Pentecost, WoodHaven Custom Calls Owner/President

Elite membership discount: Two Mouth Calls with purchase of select Pot Call

Meal Kits 

Peak Refuel 

Peak Refuel meals boast high-quality, non-GMO ingredients, including 100% USDA-inspected meat with no TVP or any other fillers. Their intensive screening process results in a meal that packs a punch with an average of 29.4 grams of protein in a lightweight package. With their heaviest meal weighing just 6.35 ounces, Peak Refuel is ideal for all outdoor adventures. We’ve worked hard to bring Elite Members savings for every hunt—from small meal kits and quick trips to multi-day pack hunts, you can save up to $70 off your bundle.

Elite membership discount: 25% off Peak Refuel Meal Bundles

Meat Processing and Cooking Systems

MEAT! 

We’ve teamed up with Meat! to offer an exclusive discount on premium game prep and processing equipment to onX Hunt Elite Members. We love to bring a do-it-yourself attitude to all elements of hunting and we’re excited to partner with our friends at Meat! to bring world-class processing equipment to hunters looking to process game themselves at home.

Meat! was founded with the goal of enhancing hunters’ field-to-table experience from start to finish. All of their commercial-grade equipment is built on the feedback of hunters and professional butchers alike to ensure you can get the best quality meat out of your harvest.

Elite membership discount: Up to 25% Off And Elite-Exclusive Processing Bundles

Hearing Protection 

SoundGear

Hearing protection is essential for those looking to spend a lifetime in the field. General health and safety are good enough reasons to protect your hearing, but we all want to be capable of hearing flushes, gobbles, bugles, and our hunting partners for years to come. That’s why we’ve partnered with SoundGear, the industry leader in digital hearing protection and enhancement.

Elite membership discount: $200 off Phantom & $150 off Instant Fit Hearpro

Trail Cameras

Bushnell

As an industry leader in the trail camera space, Bushnell delivers best-in-class cameras for every style of hunter. Whether you’re looking for next-level image quality or exploring your first cell camera without breaking the bank, Bushnell has a camera for you. Additionally, the Bushnell Trail Cameras app delivers a seamless, intuitive, and well-supported cellular camera experience to help you find your next target buck.

Elite membership discount: 25% off Cell Cams

Hunting Optics 

Vortex

Since opening their doors as Vortex Optics in 2002, they’ve offered customers a lifetime commitment, because being American-owned, veteran-owned, and family-owned means something more. It means your satisfaction is at the heart of everything they do. It means the no-questions-asked dedication to stand behind the products and services you’ll trust with your hunt, your range time, and your life.

Elite membership discount: 10% off 

The post Why onX Hunt Should Be Part of Your Hunting Gear  appeared first on onX Hunt.

How GPS Works

GPS technology was developed by the military in the early 1970s as a means of navigation that would not be limited by weather patterns. It is a system of 30+ satellites orbiting Earth. A GPS unit (or your phone) listens to the signals from these satellites. Once your receiver can calculate its distance from four or more GPS satellites, it can figure out where you are within 7.8 meters 95% of the time. Ground stations work in tandem with the navigation satellites and use radar to make sure they are actually where our units think they are.

Top-Rated Handheld GPS for 2023

Generally speaking, there are no new handheld units debuting in 2023. Most GPS manufacturers are hyper-focused on wearable units and vehicle navigation units. However, some of the most recent versions of units discussed below are standing out among all handheld GPS in 2023. Those include:

• Garmin Montana 700i / 750i
• Garmin inReach Explorer+
• Garmin inReach Mini 2
• Garmin GPSMAP 66sr

Hunting GPS – Garmin GPSMAP Series

The GPSMAP series is one of the easiest hunting GPS units to use because of its simple menu and the fact it doesn’t have a touchscreen so you can use it with gloves on. Its large 3” screen makes reading color-coded public land maps an ease.

Hunters can access multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) with this unit, which improves tracking in the most challenging environments and works better than GPS alone.

The potential downside for this unit, however, is that the GPSMAP series is one of the heavier GPS units to carry hunting.

Hunting GPS – Oregon Series

The Oregon series is rugged and has a sunlight-readable touchscreen with dual orientation (landscape and portrait). With a redesigned antenna, it now has better GPS and GLONASS reception. The Oregon 750t has built-in Wi-Fi and a camera. If you save your photos to your computer, you can add them to your Waypoints on the onX for Desktop.

The average battery life for the Oregon series is about 16 hours and its water rating is IPX7, which means it withstands incidental exposure to water of up to one meter for up to 30 minutes.

Hunting GPS – Rino Series

The Rino series is where hunting GPS meets walkie-talkie. With a range of 20 miles, the Rino 755t can communicate by voice or unit-to-unit text messaging. It also features a dual battery system, allowing 14 hours of use between charges on its lithium-ion pack or up to 18 hours with AA batteries.

Another fine feature of the Rino series is the ability to send your exact location to other Rino users so they can see it on their map displays.

The cons for the Rino are its high price point and that it’s heavier than most other hunting GPS units.

Hunting GPS – eTrex Series

A first-time hunting GPS for many hunters, the eTrex series are typically the least expensive units. They are lightweight and have a respectable battery life. On the flip side, however, is its small 2.6-inch screen and limited menu. If you’re looking for a stripped-down hunting GPS, the eTrex is it, but with several different models from which to choose in the series.

Hunting GPS – Montana Series

With one of the largest display screens (4-inch) on the market and an 8-megapixel autofocus camera that automatically geotags photos, the Montana Series is the upper echelon of hunting GPS units from Garmin.

The Montana series can also be mounted virtually anywhere with a variety of compatible mounts, making these GPS units designed for use on ATVs, boats, RV, or in your off-road vehicle.

onX Hunt App

Maybe the best hunting GPS is actually the best hunting app? In fact, we now believe you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a GPS to have one with you on your 2023 hunting trip. With your iPhone or Android and the onX Hunt App, you’ll have all the detailed topographic maps, recreation points, land ownership maps, and the ability to save and share waypoints without needing to carry a separate device.

With our team of engineers updating information frequently, the Hunt App is the future of hunting GPS. The App allows for dynamic aerial imagery, more up-to-date landowner data, and so many more features than a handheld GPS could ever dream of offering. 

With our Map Layers and Tools, you can bring a lot more information to the field this hunting season. All these features come with Premium, Premium Two-State, or Elite Memberships:

• Over 400 map overlays, including Current and Historic Wildfire Layers, Roadless Areas, and Hunting Districts/GMUs.
• 400,000+ miles of trails.
• 985 million acres of color-coded public land.
• 121 million private properties with up-to-date landowner names and property boundaries.
• Current weather conditions, including temperature and wind direction. Also has an extended 7-day forecast.
• Lines and Distance Measuring. Draw straight lines and measure the distance between points.
• Area Shape Tool. Draw a polygon and measure the length of its sides and the area.

And with our Offline Maps, you’ll be able to navigate and use all maps and map layers without the need for cellular service – working with the same GPS capabilities as the units above.

Note for 2023: The onX Hunt Chip for GPS has served us well over the years, but since we released the Hunt App our primary goal has been to build the best hunting GPS app on the market. This led to onX deciding to deprecate the Hunt Chip, especially given that fewer and fewer units are compatible with it, and no longer update maps for the Chip. Now every Basemap, Layer, and feature we offer can be found on the Hunt App and in the palm of your hand on whichever Android or iOS device you carry with you every day. Try the App free for 7 days and see for yourself.

The post Best Hunting GPS for 2023 appeared first on onX Hunt.

Hunters are often planners. We spend the months leading up to the season e-scouting, applying for tags in carefully chosen units, and formulating a plan for the day we put boots on the ground, bow or rifle in hand. Planning for the next hunting season begins as soon as the current season ends, and we daydream of what next year might throw our way. We obsess over gear, perfecting our kits until we’re satisfied the best of the best is ready to help us put meat in the fridge.

One thing, however, that’s easy to overlook is stocking our trucks (or whatever rig you favor) for the hunting season. Many hunters keep basic emergency supplies in their trucks year-round, but it’s worth taking inventory before hunting season. What did you use and need to replace? Did those energy bars expire (or, more likely, all get eaten)? What about the medicines in your first aid kit? Give your gear a look-through and see what needs to be refreshed or replaced.

In this article, we examine the 10 basics you should keep in your truck and we highlight 18 other “nice-to-haves” onX team members like to have handy.

Hunting Truck Essentials

1. Spare Water

Keep a few jugs filled with water in your truck. If you live in a cold climate, leave a few inches at the top so the water can expand if it freezes (and not break your container). From being able to rinse hands off after quartering meat to having water on hand in arid areas without natural water resources you can treat, extra water is a basic supply.

2. Energy Bars/High-Calorie Foods

Sometimes, plans change. It’s a lot easier to extend your hunt when you need to if you have food reserves in tow. Stock your rig with a handful of energy bars, nut butter packets, jerky, trail mix, and other high-calorie, shelf-stable hunting snacks. Dehydrated meals and a camp stove aren’t a bad combination to keep around, either. With extra food supplies, you’ll be prepared for any mishaps a hunt throws your way.

3. Charged Spare Headlamp and/or Flashlight

Many hunting seasons happen around the time the sun starts sinking into the horizon earlier in the day. When the lights go out around 5 p.m., it’s imperative to have a quality light source close at hand—as well as a backup. Cold temperatures sap batteries quite quickly, so pack an extra headlamp or flashlight, and ensure it’s charged and ready to go.

4. Vehicle Recovery Equipment

We hunt in the mud. We hunt in the rain. We hunt in the snow. Hunts often take us far from nice, flat pavement, and we travel in all kinds of weather. Pack vehicle maintenance basics in case you get stuck (or need to help a friend whose rig is stuck) or wind up with a dead battery. Rope or tow straps, tire chains, a shovel, and jumper cables (better yet, invest in a portable jump starter so you can jump your own battery) should find a home in your emergency car kit.

5. Spare Boots, Socks, or Clothes

Who’s made it back to the truck after a long, wet day in the woods and dreamed about pulling on something warm, fluffy, and dry? Pack spare socks, pants, and a warm top for the drive home. Consider throwing in a pair of sneakers or slip-ons so you can shed your wet, mud-caked boots before climbing into the truck. Keeping a spare pair of boots in the rig is also a good idea…you never know when you’ll need them.

6. Hand and Foot Warmers

Small but mighty. Anyone who hunts in cold climates can attest to the power of hand and foot warmers. Invest in some air-activated hand and toe warmers, and keep a few extras in your rig. They can be a day-saver during freezing days, whether you’re perched in a tree stand or a glassing knob.

7. Medical Kit

Keep a reasonably stocked medical kit in your vehicle year-round. You may never use it, but when you’re miles away from anywhere, it pays to cover your bases. Carry a small kit with you in the field, but also keep medical supplies in your truck. Read more about what to pack in a hunter’s first-aid kit, and brush up on Stop the Bleed basics.

8. Duct Tape, Zip Ties, and Bungee Cords

The magical do-all tools. Duct tape, zip ties, and bungee cords can be MacGyvered to fix anything from busted boots to broken packs, and are worth keeping in the rig year-round as part of your “fix-it” kit. Add in a spare knife and you’re ready for most gear patching.

9. Permanent Marker or Pen

Whether you’re filling out walk-in forms or manually taking notes on the back of that magazine in the back seat pocket, you’re going to need something to write with. Toss a few permanent markers or quality pens into the truck, and never again search for a writing tool.

10. Truck Binos and Spotter Window Mount

Keep an extra pair of binoculars and a spotter window mount handy. If you choose to keep a quality pair of binos in the car, consider bringing them inside after every hunt, as we discuss in the section below. A spare pair of binoculars never goes amiss, and a spotter window mount makes using your spotting scope from the truck that much easier.

Other Things To Keep in Your Truck

We asked onX team members what items they keep in their trucks during hunting season. Some confirmed items in our “top 10” list above, while several offered unexpected tips. See what our team brings along, and what you might consider adding to your own gear list this season.

Edwin T., Product Design: “I carry these: Truck Claws Emergency Traction Aid.”

Matt S., Product Marketing: “I bring spare cheap binos; good ones get stored in the house but it’s nice to have a pair in the truck at all times. They can be used to find game, but also in case of emergencies, it’s nice to have them to try and spot other people/trucks that you can have come help you. Also, ketchup packets.”

James L., Customer Success: “I carry a sleeping bag just in case I get stuck overnight.”

Christian F., Creative: “Flares, a few sizes of zip ties, a few sizes of hose clamps, headlamp, flashlight, batteries, lumber crayon (writes on glass and is easily seen), tree marking tape, and fuses of all sizes.”

Dylan D., Hunt Marketing: “I bought a Zeus charger this year that’s already saved me. It’s a mini battery pack that jumps your rig without having another rig there.”

Sean D., Product Manager: “Chains, shovel, toilet paper, and a fishing pole when hunting isn’t productive.”

Jared L., Hunt Marketing: “I always keep a portable air compressor that plugs right into a cigarette lighter. Also, tire patch kits, basic gun cleaning supplies, scent killer wipes, and AA and AAA batteries.”

Lance F., Engineering: “Ski goggles for windy, snowy retrievals.”

Eric S., Founder: “Pack along a tarp to keep the back of your truck blood-free, hand sanitizer, spare binoculars, and a cell signal enhancer (I use the weBoost Drive).”

Marie M., Engineering: “A standalone battery jump kit. You never know when your battery may decide it’s a great time to die.”

Nick K., Engineering: “An offroad jack is nice to have, electric air pump, tire pressure gauge, tire repair tool, recovery tow rope or chain, high-quality orange paracord, block and tackle, a long rope (used it to get a deer in my truck bed alone), and soft shackles.”

Lance F., Engineering: “I keep some MICROspikes in the truck.”

Jacob W., IT: “Snowshoes are always good to have.”

Jeremy D., Software Development: “Pack a cheap blanket for throwing chains or getting under your truck when it’s wet/snowy. Also bring snap lights for road flares or an additional light, an extra roll of toilet paper, an extra bow release during bow season, and half-gallon milk jugs filled with frozen water. They double as both ice for your cooler and extra water.”

Zach S., Hunt Marketing: “MAXTRAX recovery boards. I also pack an Army surplus wool blanket; when it’s not in use it’s a durable back seat cover, can provide extra cushion/insulation for sleeping, and—most importantly—it’s very warm, even when wet, if I need extra layers. I also bring contractor garbage bags; I’ve used them for keeping meat dust-free, for rain protection, or as a makeshift tarp. There are endless uses and you can never have too many of them.”

Chris F., Customer Success: “A folding saw has saved me from needing to turn around a few times.”

Zack D., Engineering: “I’d replace Matt’s ketchup with hot sauce. Also, pack an extra headlamp and batteries.”

And Remember: Gas Up

It seems obvious, but don’t forget to start the trip with a full tank of gas. Fuel up the night before those early morning starts so you’re ready to hit the road at zero-dark-thirty. We know more than one hunter who’s missed his shot at an animal because he got excited and forgot to fill up the truck before leaving home, leaving him short of his destination.

Keeping Your Gear Safe

Bear in mind that trucks can always be broken into, and trucks parked at access points are a prime target for thieves. Consider purchasing locked storage for your truck, or be okay with possibly losing whatever you leave behind while hunting. During the hunting season, consider keeping your “truck kit” in totes or tubs and bringing it inside the house after each hunt. A truck full of expensive outdoor gear is tempting even if it’s parked at the grocery store or in front of your house, and it’s worth the extra effort to shuffle gear back and forth. As a bonus, totes will help you stay organized.

The post 10 Things To Keep in Your Truck This Hunting Season appeared first on onX Hunt.

It takes just one instance on a single trip to drive home the importance of caring for one’s gear. When the sun is setting in the backcountry and an early-season snowstorm is moving in, it’s easy to appreciate the value of a sturdy tent and the warmth of a quality sleeping bag.

But what happens when that tent isn’t waterproof, or the loft of your sleeping bag has mysteriously vanished? 

A bit of preparation and gear care before you leave home can save you from a long night shivering in a damp tent—and possibly dangerous consequences. Taking a bit of time to unpack, clean, and stow your gear properly between weekend hunts can keep you safe and comfortable in the field. Here are a few things to put on your checklist this season:

Camping Gear, Clothing, and More 

One of the most important things you can do for your gear is also the most simple: let it dry in between uses. Putting away a damp tent, pair of boots, or set of waders is a sure recipe for mold and degradation of the material. (Not to mention, some serious funk.) Even if you were not out in the rain, morning dew can account for a surprising amount of dampness. Take the time to set your gear out and let it dry thoroughly before storing.

Sleeping Bag 101
A quality sleeping bag is an investment, and on a cold night following a long day, you’ll be glad you spent the money. Whether your bag is down or synthetic, how you store it will play a large factor in both the longevity and function of your bag. Flip the bag inside out and let it air out after every trip, then store it uncompressed—the worst thing you can do for your sleeping bag is to keep it compressed for a long period of time. The interior filling will compress, leading to a lack of loft and warmth. Store it loose; hang the bag in a dry location or store it in a large, loose breathable bag (many modern sleeping bags come with a storage sack expressly for this purpose). Loose storage will allow the bag to stay fluffy and warm.

Boot Care
Most hunters have a favorite pair of boots. We have a keen appreciation for the process of finding the right pair of boots and then investing the time to break them in. A quality pair of boots is expensive, but is also equipment that will be with us for many years to come. Basic boot care is fairly straightforward, but often overlooked aspect of seasonal prep.

Always ensure you let both the interior and the exterior of your boots dry out in between trips. Leather boots benefit from periodic treatment with a leather conditioner (be careful to not condition too frequently, as this will weaken the fibers of the leather). Cordura and synthetic boots can be scrubbed clean with a stiff brush. Boots without a waterproof GORE-TEX lining will benefit from a waterproofing spray at the beginning of every season. Dealing with a smell situation? Try sprinkling baking soda into the boot, let it sit overnight, and shake it out in the morning.

Weatherproofing Tents, Packs, and More
Modern waterproofing technology is a wonderful thing. Many tents, backpack rain covers, and more are crafted of waterproof materials (most often nylon or polyester, coated with silicone in the factory to make the fabric waterproof) and will continue shedding water for many years with little or no maintenance.

But once your waterproof gear has seen many seasons or a plethora of miles, it’s time to re-treat it. Many brands offer re-proofing solutions, which can be painted on, washed in, or even sprayed on. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations and re-proof accordingly at the first sign of seepage.

Carry a Field Repair Kit
Things break. It’s a fact of life. But broken gear in the backcountry can carry far more serious repercussions than it does back in town. Carry a few repair basics with you in the field; a mini-kit doesn’t need to make up much room, but will be important when you or your hunting buddies are dealing with broken tent poles, a ripped rain shell, and more.

Make sure you have a knife or a multitool in your pack. Wind a length of duct tape around a pencil so you don’t have to carry the entire roll. Add in a needle and waxed thread, along with a few zip-ties. The list of potential repair items should be tailored to each person and their individual kit, but a few items tossed in a baggie can save a trip when the time for field repairs comes.

Keep Your Medical Kit Up-to-Date
All too often a medical kit isn’t on the packing list. That’s a mistake.

A compact medical kit with basic supplies won’t take up much room, but should absolutely be in your pack. And while your kit can—and should—be tailored to individual skills, preferences, and activities, one universal truth is the need to ensure the kit is always updated before the season begins. Before the hunting season or your first trip of the year, unpack your medical kit. Take note of what’s missing and should be replaced, and what medications or ointments may have expired. Replace what you need to, and restore the kit to full capacity. When the time comes and you need something from it for yourself or your hunting buddies, you’ll be glad you invested the effort.

Hunt-Specific Gear

The most vital piece of hunt-specific gear is your weapon. No matter what your weapon of choice is, dirt and moisture will wreak havoc on it. But beyond a thorough wipe-down of your rifle, shotgun, or bow, there are a couple of essential tasks for maintaining your weapons.

 For firearms, clean your guns after you shoot them. Whether you spent a day on the range or took a single shot while hunting, break out the gun cleaning kit appropriate for your firearm and clean the bore, chamber, and wipe down the exterior with a rust-preventive solvent. Remember: there are different brushes for different calibers, so make sure you’re using the right size for your gun.

Rifle Care
Here are four quick tips to make sure you’re driving tacks:

• Be careful when transporting your gun, and use a hard case when possible. A little bump to the scope can mean the difference between a bullet hitting the sweet spot, or sailing three feet over your target.  
• It’s important to clean out the barrel of your gun. Carbon, lead, and debris can find a home in your grooves, eventually degrading the performance of your rifle.  
• Check your rings and bases. When setting up your rifle and optics, be sure to use blue Loctite and torque the screws to spec on your rings and bases. Rattling around in a truck or even just the normal jostling while walking to your stand can start backing out screws. This could mean a change in impact of a few inches to feet.  
• Many people never think to remove the barrel of their rifle. A lot of gunk can end up on the bottom side of the action and, by removing a bolt or two, you can easily clean and re-lubricate the area.

Shotgun Care
For waterfowl hunters, shotgun care is imperative. Waterfowlers are arguably the hardest on their gear, simply by the conditions. Wiping dry and then air-drying is the minimum you should do to keep your shotgun lasting for years. Wiping down with a rust-preventive solvent is always a good idea. 

Many people wipe down the outside of their shotgun, clean the barrel, and call it good. Whether you are shooting a gas, inertia, or pump-driven gun, there are a lot of moving parts underneath the surface that also need a little TLC. At least once a year (or if your workhorse gets a bath in the local slough) you will want to take out the trigger assembly, forend parts, and bolt assembly to wipe them down and add lubrication. A word of warning: a little lubrication goes a long way. While hosing down old reliable with a whole can of Hoppes might seem like a good idea, it can create a slurry of gunpowder of carbon, gunpowder, and dirt, making cycling shells more difficult.

Bow Care
For bows, use bowstring wax at least once a month when you’re not using the bow and after every shooting session pre-season and in-season. The wax protects the strings from fraying. Additionally, check for issues with delamination of bow limbs. Bows are under pressure all the time and leaving them in a hot car or in direct sunlight for long periods of time can cause the laminate to divide into layers. Checking for delamination is as simple as running a cotton ball up and down the limbs to see if it catches on very small snags.

Nothing is worse than staring down at your bow in utter shock, string loose and limbs far from parallel. Having your bow string come off the cams means an instant trip to the nearest bow shop. Essentially, your morning hunt is over. A small twig getting caught between your cam and string is all it takes to derail the string. Get in the habit of keeping an eye on your cams to make sure nothing is obstructing their path when practicing to ensure everything is on track.

Arrow Care
If you’ve ever seen gruesome pictures online of a splintered arrow impaled into a hunter’s hand, then you know arrow care is of utmost importance. A small nick on a carbon arrow can mean structural failure and, when put under the force of a bow, can spell disaster. After each shot, it’s a good idea to grab the arrow at each end and flex it at least four inches away from your body while visibly and audibly checking for splinters, cracks, or nicks. If you’ve missed the target and send an arrow sailing into the dirt, it’s a good idea to flex it four to five times, turning the shaft in between flexes, to ensure it’s still safe to shoot. It’s easy to get into a routine of flexing your arrows after each practice round while you’re walking back from the target.

Knife Care
One of the most dangerous (and frustrating) things on a hunt is a dull knife. It’s easy to throw a compact knife sharpener in your pack to ensure you’re always able to have a sharp blade. Replaceable razor blade type knives are becoming more popular for good reason. They are surgically sharp and when they start getting dull, you can switch out for another one.

After you’re done with the hunt and still in the field, try to get as much blood, fat, and meat off your knife as possible. After the remnants of your harvest dry on a knife, it makes getting it off much more difficult. By throwing a pack of wet wipes into a Ziploc bag, you can get a lot of the gunk off your knife. When you get home, wash knives in hot soapy water, air dry, and then run them on a good stone to get a sturdy and sharp edge. It’s also important to use a sheath, both to keep your blade sharp and to protect you from getting stabbed while in the field.

Harness Care
Your safety harness is a literal lifesaver. While they are built to be tough as nails, it’s still important to make sure the harness remains in working order. One of the most important things is to visually inspect the straps for fraying and discoloration. The area where the buckles meet the webbing is a more common area to spot frays, and if that’s the case, it’s time for a new one. Many hunters wash their clothes religiously in non-scented soap, spray their boots down with scent killer, and use expensive ozone generating units to gain even the slightest advantage against deer. What we often overlook is all the scent that’s absorbed into your safety harness. Read the washing instructions on your particular harness to see if it’s washer and dryer safe. Otherwise soaking it in a bucket of warm water with unscented soap and hang drying is an easy way to clean your harness.

Blind Care
Ground blinds take a lot of abuse. Many hunters leave their ground blinds up for the entire season, and months of rain, snow, wind, and UV rays from the sun can take a toll on your blind. All quality blinds come with stakes for each of the four corners as well as rope to anchor the hubs, so they don’t fold in. After the season, take down your blind, and spray it down with a garden hose, removing insects, and dirt. Always make sure your ground blind is dry before storing it over the off-season so it doesn’t mold or mildew.

Tree Stand Care
Tree stands are one of the most effective ways to hunt deer. It’s important to ensure the stand is safe before you trust it, considering you can be as high as 20 feet up a tree. When climbing into a stand, visually inspect the straps and the treestand itself, looking for wear, broken welds, or other oddities. After every season, check the straps for signs of wear. Rodents and squirrels love chewing on tree stand straps, and even routine exposure to the sun can weaken them. Taking stands and climbing sticks down after every season also prevents them from tightening up as the tree grows. It’s crucial to wear a safety harness while in the stand, and a lineman’s rope while climbing into it. 

Optics Care
Keeping your optics clean is vital to a successful hunt. By doing a few things, you can make sure there is nothing to stop you from getting your quarry into the crosshair. Using scope and bino caps is an easy way to prevent them from getting scratched while going to and from the stand or making a stalk. Attaching a microfiber cloth to your bino harness or pack makes it easy to quickly wipe dust or water off your glass. 

One mistake you hear year after year is a guy who goes from a warm truck or cabin right into the woods with their rifle. This spells trouble for your scope. Warm air is able to hold more moisture, and when you instantly go from warm to cold, your glass is going to fog up! No matter how much wiping you do, it will continue until the scope and air temperature reach equilibrium. To combat this problem, let your rifle temper to ambient conditions before you go out into the field.

Dog Care
Dogs are really man’s best friend when it comes to bird hunters and waterfowlers. It’s important to keep them in fighting shape so they can maintain peak performance. The first thing you need is a proper first-aid kit, equipped with a skin stapler, antibacterial ointment, gauze, eye wash, quick clot, and forceps, among other things. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of putting together a kit of your own, Gundog Supply has pre-built kits with everything you need to keep your dog in the game. 

One of the most common reasons your dog could end up on the injured reserve list is because it’s out of shape. You wouldn’t expect to go run a marathon after sitting around on the couch, drinking beer, and eating pizza all summer. The same goes for your dog, but thankfully dogs are able to be whipped into shape much faster than humans. 

Lastly, it’s always recommended to have a local vet’s phone number in case a serious accident occurs. In many of the areas hunters frequent, amenities are few and far between, and cell service can be spotty. So having the number ready to go in case of an emergency can save crucial minutes.

The post Topic Tactics: Gear Care appeared first on onX Hunt.

What You Can’t Hear Will Hurt You

If you’re planning a day at the shooting range you’re likely prepared with sufficient hearing protection. Either from bulky muffs or little orange foam earplugs, shooters are expecting frequent loud noises from their own guns and others’ and take the time to wear something. But that’s not always what follows in the field, and it’s certainly not what many adults do in their day-to-day lives. 

One study published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that only 66.7% of adults use any hearing protection around loud noises or music, and in another study, for those who do wear foam earplugs as hearing protection only one-half of them wear them correctly. The half that doesn’t gets half the amount of intended hearing protection. That means those foam earplugs, which only block 20-30 dB of sound when worn properly, might only be knocking off 10-15 dB of a gunshot that can be between 111-167 dB (the range from a .22 rifle to a .308 caliber). 

And if you’re thinking that you’ll take the time to double up and wear earplugs and earmuffs, you’ll only get an extra 10-15 dB of protection than if you wear either one alone. And honestly, who does that in the field at a moment’s notice?

All hearing studies have shown anything over 85 dB can permanently damage one’s hearing, but at this level hearing loss doesn’t happen at once. Repeated gunshots, season after season of sighting in and shooting at game, will take its toll on most hunters, putting them at risk of being the one in 10 Americans who have enough hearing loss that it affects their ability to hear normal speech. 

Now there are advanced solutions to protect your hearing from loud sounds while also enhancing the environment, or the conversations, around you. No longer is hearing protection an either-or proposition. 

Hearing Protection and Enhancement

“There’s hearing protection and there’s hearing enhancement, and some people are really chasing the enhancement,” says SoundGear Product Manager Luke Maresh. “Especially from big game hunters we see a lot of people that just want that edge to be able to hear better than they can with normal hearing but also to not have to fumble around with electronic muffs or non-electronic, passive hearing protection for a single shot in the field. And communication is key with these hunters, as well as with waterfowlers, upland bird hunters, and competitive shooters. They want to be able to have a conversation with their hunting partner while being able to leave in their hearing protection.” 

The solution from SoundGear to be able to accomplish that and much more is the Phantom. It’s the world’s first custom-fit, Bluetooth-compatible, rechargeable hearing enhancement, and protection device. It offers a 22 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), up to 30 dB of gain/amplification, up to 23 hours of battery life, and the ability to connect to Apple and Android devices via Bluetooth. With SoundGear being owned by Starkey, the largest hearing aid designer and manufacturer in the U.S. the quality and technology behind their products go beyond the hunting companies who try to be a hearing aid company. 

“Hunting, in general, is becoming more of an investment,” says Maresh. “Just to afford the ammo to go out and shoot or hunt is a bigger investment than it’s ever been. But a lot more people have been taking the time to learn about and use electronic hearing protection. Now with the Phantom it’s easier for them to justify the investment because they see they can wear them more than the handful of times they go hunting or to the shooting range. They can wear them to stream music or podcasts, or when running chainsaws or mowing the lawn.” 

As a custom-fit product, the risk of wearing the Phantom incorrectly is essentially zero, so users have the full 22 dB level of hearing protection. Plus it has four preprogrammed settings to switch between depending on your listening environment, from max protect to amplifying almost everything. 

With a network of about 3,000 audiologists around the country who take impressions of anyone ordering the Phantoms or other custom-fit products from SoundGear, it’s a fast and simple process to get a pair. The impression process is having a silicon solution pushed in the ear via a syringe, and this solution hardens to create a mold. Once SoundGear has the impression they ship the final product in about seven days. 

As an electronic hearing enhancement and protection device, the circuitry inside the unit is designed to instantly (within one millisecond) receive and process any loud sound over 90 dB and reduce that noise by 22 dB. Once that sound is gone it instantly kicks back on, meaning any conversation you’re having when the gunshot or loud noise happens won’t interrupt the other person’s voice. It’s something static hearing protection, such as with earmuffs or foam earplugs,  just can’t do because all sounds are suppressed and the only way to have a clear conversation is to remove the muffs or plugs. 

Why Hunters Need Them

“Hunting-wise, as far as amplification goes it’s being able to hear the little things that you wouldn’t normally be able to pick up on, especially ambient noises, whether that’s certain sounds a duck makes or their wings whistling through the air,” says onX Hunt and SoundGear Ambassador Wade Shoemaker. 

“I’m a photographer and I work with an outfitter for over 30 days a year,” he says, “and this might sound silly, but being able to hear a gun safety click off before it’s supposed to, that’s a big benefit if you’re hunting around a lot of people. So the real benefit of electronic amplification is hearing noises before you normally would and hearing noises you normally wouldn’t.”

“I have the Phantoms and I use them mostly for duck hunting,” Shoemaker says, “So whether it’s my shotgun blast or if I’m hunting with a lot of people and someone’s shotgun accidentally crosses over, you don’t have to worry about having your ears rung. You will still hear the shotgun blast, but it will just be suppressed. You’ll also hear your duck call, so it’s not like you’ll go to blow your call real hard and it’s shutting off and you’re not hearing anything. You’re still going to be able to hear it.”

With the availability of high-tech, comfortable hearing protection there’s little reason hunters should skip wearing it every time they carry or shoot their guns. The caveat with enhanced hearing devices, according to first-time wearers, is needing to adjust to them. Having them in when it’s windy, or while walking through crunchy dry grass, or hearing how the electronics may change the sound of the pitch of the calls one makes can be disorienting or cumbersome. But those reasons alone shouldn’t sway people away. 

Once hunters understand how amplification is an advantage they didn’t have before, it’s game on. If you’ve been thinking about your auditory health and doing the most to protect your hearing, hear this–check out what SoundGear has to offer. 

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