Category: Before the hunt
All posts that fit into this category
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Hunt Smarter, Not Louder: Is a Suppressor Your Next Deer Season Must-Have?
For years, the image of a hunter has been tied to the loud crack of a rifle, the recoil against the shoulder, and the need for bulky hearing protection. But what if there was a way to improve your hunting experience, make it safer, and even increase your chances of success, all while reducing the Read more
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The simulated hunt
Going for the first time can be a challenging experience. Not long ago, I was there too: I had far too much stuff with me, hanging from the worst places, more limiting my actions than helping me get into position. I measured, so I know: the first time was on the bow season opening day, Read more
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Growing More Than Trees: Restoring Wildlife Habitat with Purpose
In the fall line near Lillington, North Carolina, a dedicated landowner teamed up with hunting conservationists. Their goal: give local wildlife a better home and connect new hunters to the outdoors. The landowner had tried planting before. Seedling survival was poor. This time, the team took a fresh approach. They chose mast-producing oaks. These trees Read more
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The first results of our off-season work
As the chill of late January and early February settles in, the thought of venturing out into the wild might not seem appealing. After all, who wants to trade the cozy warmth of home for the great outdoors? But let me tell you, those who brave the elements during this time often strike gold! We’ve Read more
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The fawns arrived!
The fawns are out there, and it’s that time of year again when we need to roll up our sleeves and continue to the summer section of habitat management. Knowing your deer population—age, mix, and movement patterns—is crucial, and that’s where our trusty trail cameras come into play. I recently got my hands on some Read more
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Your Tree Stand – The Importance of Regular Maintenance
For hunters, a reliable tree stand is an indispensable tool. It provides a strategic advantage, offering a safe and elevated vantage point to observe the game, putting you above their line of sight and helping prevent your scent from being detected. However, neglecting routine tree stand maintenance can turn this valuable asset into a potentially Read more
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Bind and Conquer: Valuable Knots Used Outdoors
Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or setting up a quick blind near your truck, knowing the right knot can save time, secure your gear, and even keep you safe. Here are 8 practical knots every hunter should master before heading out into the field. 1. Clove Hitch Use: Quick and adjustable way to tie Read more
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Guardians of the Wild: The Vital Role of Wildlife Enforcement Officers and Wildlife Biologists
NCWRC Enforcement and Biologists safeguard lives in the outdoors, shape responsible stewardship, help to ensure that public land access remains accessible to all, and work with private landowners, building partnerships for conservation. Read more
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Ouch, That Hurts! Understanding Firearm Recoil
Firearm recoil—often called “kickback or kick”—is a fundamental force experienced when firing a gun. This backward thrust occurs due to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a bullet is propelled forward out of the barrel, an opposing force pushes the firearm backward. Understanding recoil is Read more
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Women in Deer Hunting: Breaking Barriers and Embracing the Outdoors
For generations, deer hunting has been widely regarded as a male-dominated sport. Stories of fathers and sons bonding in the woods, of men gathering in camps to share tales and traditions, have shaped perceptions of hunting culture. But times have changed. Women are not just stepping into the world of hunting—they are thriving in it. Read more