General Hunting Tips (34)

Man sprays arm with bug spray, can deer smell bug spray concept.

Can Deer Smell Bug Spray?

Few things can ruin a whitetail or mule deer hunt faster than a swarm of mosquitoes or black flies. Every early-season hunter who’s sat in a ground blind or hunted from a tree stand knows that bugs can be brutal. While applying copious amounts of insect repellent…

Side view of a buck deer standing in the brush, broadside shot concept.

Understanding Shot Placement: Why a Broadside Shot is Best

Proper shot placement is critical for lethal and ethical kills on game. Understanding your quarry’s vital zones and selecting the right moment to take a shot can often be the difference between a clean, rapid harvest and an injured, suffering animal. Of all the shot placement…

Close-up of a hunting dog, how to train a dog to hunt pheasants concept.

Summer Dog Training for South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Season

South Dakota’s prairies are home to some of America’s finest upland bird hunting. There’s no better field partner than an enthusiastic and well-trained bird dog. However, if you want your four-legged companion ready for opening day, you must spend the summer preparing your dog for…

Two guys walk in a field carrying packs, hunting workout program concept.

Off-Season To-Dos: A Hunting Workout Program

As hunters, we tend to focus our off-season on repairing and upgrading our gear, spending time at the range, and scouting to find that next honey hole. However, many of us neglect one of the most critical components of hunting success: physical fitness. Hunting, particularly in…

Various turkey calls laid out in a truck bed, best way to call a turkey concept.

What's the Best Way to Call a Turkey? [A Hunter's Guide]

The ability to mimic and "talk" to a turkey is a fundamental and critical skill for any hunter hoping to harvest a spring gobbler. Turkeys communicate with each other through a wide range of vocalizations, which creates a unique opportunity for hunters to engage in…