Early November – it is arguably the best time of year to hunt whitetails in Pennsylvania. The start of the rut is in full swing this week – a phase many call the chase phase. It’s a time of year where it’s not uncommon for archery hunters to see bucks, especially young bucks, cruise through […]
When the deer antler restrictions went into effect in Pennsylvania in 2002, I didn’t know how to feel about it. I was a fan of the possibility of shooting larger-racked deer, but could it really happen? I think it’s safe to say that the biologists were right, and that antler restrictions have worked quite well. […]
One of the best pieces of advice was given to me years ago: Never let the deer know you are hunting them. It seems so simple, but yet the concept rings so true. It’s also easier said than done. I am guilty of educating more than one deer in my lifetime. I’ve also learned some […]
About this time every year I make a checklist. If you’re a hunter, you’ve been there. You go through all of your gear — ropes, lights, batteries, broadheads, clothing, boots and the list goes on and on. In fact, making the list can be quite maddening. The one item that can be easily overlooked is […]
About 10 years ago, I had a chance at a tremendous buck. I remember like it was yesterday. It was a big deer, big body, tall, white rack. He ran at me so fast I barely had time to blink, yet alone hook my release to my string, aim and shoot. And just like that […]
You’ve felt a different feel in the air recently. The mornings are crisp. It’s nearly that time of year – hunting season. You’ve shot your bow a few times by now, or have taken the shotgun out of the safe for a cleaning. Whether you are an archery hunter, muzzleloader, or small game hunter, you’ve […]
My energy level has a tendency to hit rock bottom at this time of year. It’s cold outside. The days are short. And let’s face it, many of us have been hunting since early October. Throw in trail camera season, summer scouting and hanging stands, and it’s a six-month hunting season. So, by time Christmas […]
Every time I go hunting I can’t help but look. On the side of my backpack is my untouched tag. Multiple tags actually. Buck tag. Doe tag. Bear tag. All untouched and perfectly folded in my license holder. It’s like an ugly zit that won’t go away. In the early archery season, I had some […]
Some days I feel like I should have my head examined. If you’re a hunter, or a fisherman for that matter, we’ve all asked ourselves, “why did I do that?.” There’s days where you drag yourself out of bed, or rush home from work early to get a few hours in the woods before dark. […]
It was Monday morning and I hopped out of bed with a little enthusiasm. OK, it was 4:20 am, so hopped may be a stretch. Needless to say, I was anxious to hit the woods. It’s Nov. 7 and my trail cameras are showing some daytime movement for the last week. My wife and I […]