Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
After several days of challenging hunting conditions because of wind, rain and warm temperatures, 63 percent of elk hunters filled their tags during the December hunting season.
There were 160 elk licenses issued for this hunt period, 110 antlerless licenses and 50 any-elk licenses. State hunters harvested 41 bulls, 51 cows and five calves during the nine-day season.
“This second hunt period definitely had atypical weather conditions. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
Small game hunters finally have some snow to celebrate. While the white stuff makes for a stark contrast between cover and wildlife, it also poses distinct challenges afield. Obviously, hunters need to balance the need to stay warm, while being able to traverse the land without getting over-heated from bulky clothes. Gloved hands may mean fingers remain limber but the added bulk could mean they don’t fit into the firearm’s trigger guard. Here are a few more considerations to deal with the cold elements upon us.
Squirrels Taken With Vintage Mossberg Rimfire Rifle
Frigid air adds a vigorous test of one’s dedication to hunt, but it can also affect the performance of any firearm. As an example, a friend had prepared to hunt deer with his inline muzzleloader by giving the rifle a “good” cleaning after a successful sight-in session. When the moment of truth had arrived afield, he pulled the trigger and the gun did not go boom like it did each time at the range.
It was soon discovered that the hapless hunter had applied too much oil and grease to the moving parts, which in turn had made the lubricants more viscous. Simply stated, the firing pin met too much resistance from the excessive lubricants and failed to strike the primer properly in the freezing air.
During cold weather, firing pins can be the source of common problems, as cold makes springs harder to compress and function properly. Cold grease can actually slow the travel of the firing pin to the point of failure.
The winter hunter should remove the firearm’s bolt and remove all the grease and oil with a firearm-friendly solvent such as alcohol. Semi-auto actions can also suffer from over-lubrication and may not function in cold conditions, as a result.
Trigger mechanisms are also susceptible to the same issues for the same reasons. My favorite means to clean triggers and other moving parts is to blast them with a product such as Birchwood Casey’s Gun Scrubber aerosol.
Muzzle covers are also a good idea to keep snow and mud from plugging up the bore after a slip and fall incident. This dangerous condition can be avoided by simply placing a piece of tape over the muzzle or by the use of commercially available protectors. An ounce of prevention can eliminate the possibility of a burst or bulged barrel that’ll cost more than a missed opportunity at a rabbit.
Another source of malfunctions can arise from magazines that are not scrupulously cleaned, as well. Aerosol cleaners are a good choice, especially if disassembly of magazines is to be avoided.
If your chosen firearm is scoped, don’t forget to install some scope covers to protect the lenses. They come in various forms, but this bit of insurance protects expensive glass, and with a quick flip of the finger, the hunter will have a clear and instantaneous view of the target.
If you want to clean your gun, do so after the hunt. However, if you’ve left any type of oil within the bore, make a written note and attach it to the firearm so that it can be removed before use again. The bore should be squeaky clean and dry before use.
When it comes to rimfire rifles, I tend to use different ammo depending on the gun and game being pursued. If I’ve sighted in a firearm with specific ammo, I’ll also add a note to the tag indicating what ammo was used, so that the same ammo is loaded for hunting.
With some preventive maintenance, one can reasonably assume that firearms will perform as designed no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for 2024 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn and elk.
To apply, visit https://draw.azgfd.com/. The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Read more
Industry-first technology utilizes machine learning to forecast local deer movement
Moultrie Mobile, a leader in cellular trail cameras and all-in-one remote monitoring systems, has released multiple new app features to improve hunt planning. Utilizing new and proprietary technology, GAME PLAN helps hunters plan when to hunt based on local deer movement forecasts. Additionally, new mapping tools bring property and topo lines to the Moultrie Mobile App, and Moultrie Mobile’s camera sharing feature makes it easier than ever to share the hunt with friends. Read more
Introducing the ultimate treestand, the Dual Threat™ PRO SD, a revolutionary climber designed to redefine the hunting experience. With its multi-tasking, adjustable Dual Threat front bar, this groundbreaking design offers unmatched versatility for both rifle hunters and bow hunters, setting it apart from other treestands on the market.
Position the front bar straight down, allowing it to support your weight so you can comfortably climb up the tree. Once settled at hunting height, lock the front bar in the upright position, converting it into a sturdy and reliable gun rest, providing rifle hunters with the stability they need to achieve a precise shot. Transform into bow hunting mode by simply adjusting the front bar to rest under the seat, allowing for an unobstructed open shot, maintaining stealth and precision while elevated. Lighten the load by removing the front bar altogether, converting the stand into a hand climber, achieving the same open front hunting configuration at a lighter weight. Read more
Millennium Treestands® proudly unveils its latest breakthrough – the Buck Hut Magnum. This water-resistant soft shell hut, designed for the modern hunter, is a testament to the unparalleled durability, versatility, and comfort in the field.
Incorporating tough, water-resistant soft shell material and durable powder-coated steel design, the Buck Hut Magnum is constructed to tackle the roughest hunting conditions – season after season. The blind is designed not to spook game animals, featuring 14 black windows and a black interior. Suitable for rifles and crossbows, each window utilizes an adjustable height shooting rest for rock-solid shots. Additionally, it boasts a roomy interior and 7-foot height, making it ideal for standing shots with a bow.
Its sturdy tower features two adjustable legs to guarantee stability on any terrain. Lastly, the Buck Hut Magnum has a removable platform pad that can be removed during hot weather or added to provide extra warmth for those cold winter hunts.
Features Read more
Millennium Treestands® announces the launch of the Q180 Buck Hut, a game-changing solution for deer hunters seeking a hassle-free and high-quality elevated shooting house. This ready-to-deploy hunting blind combines innovative features, top-notch quality, and exceptional value.
The Q180 Buck Hut boasts six full-view mesh panels, providing hunters an impressive 180º panoramic view. Each window incorporates an adjustable shooting rail to help hunters stay on target. Its generous platform and roomy interior offer ample headroom for standing and sitting shots.
The shooting house framework, platform, and ladder are expertly crafted using heavy-duty, powder-coated steel. Additionally, the tower features two adjustable legs for leveling on uneven ground. The Q180 Buck Hut also features a robust exterior shell made of heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric that protects hunters from the elements and ensures a long-lasting hunting experience. Read more
IRVING, TX –– Stealth Cam, the leader in trail camera technology research, development and evolution for more than two decades, takes pride in evolving their products to provide what today’s hunters need more of; better of; the best of. With their all-new Revolver™ trail camera, Stealth Cam does just that—improving upon their already best-in-class lineup to deliver a revolutionary, 360-degree cellular model capable of so much more.
Most notably, the Revolver™ covers six zones to deliver a complete panorama of its surroundings. This means users get a full 360 degrees of visibility, day and night, to ensure they never miss a thing—even deer passing behind where the lens is positioned. In other words, they can now enjoy the equivalent of six cameras worth of coverage in a single device. Talk about a game changer. Read more
Hunters still seeking to take deer this season can plan to archery hunt in southeastern Michigan through the end of the month. Archery deer hunting in the urban deer management zone of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties is extended through Jan. 31.
The extended hunt is both a chance for hunters to pursue high-quality deer and an opportunity for local officials to manage urban deer conflicts in their communities. Hunting is one option that can be used to decrease human-deer conflicts by controlling deer population numbers in affected areas.
Licenses for this season include a deer license, a deer combo license or an antlerless deer license. All rules and regulations for the archery season apply.
Hunters should check local ordinances in the communities where they are interested in hunting to make sure hunting is allowed and to see whether only specific areas are open for the extended season. Read more
“In the small game woods, the most basic yet most important hunting skills are honed; skills like hunter safety, attention to detail, strategy, stealth, proper firearms handling and marksmanship. These are the building blocks of an effective, enjoyable hunting career that will pay dividends over time. And we’re inviting hunters to (re)discover the benefits that small game hunting can bring to the outdoor experience.” – Excerpt from the Wildlife Department’s “Small Game: A Guide for Hunters” blog on the Outdoor Oklahoma Journal
It’s January, and some may have already turned their attention from hunting as they start a new year. But make no mistake! Hunting for small game like squirrels and rabbits should not be an afterthought.
We’ve compiled a small game guide on our blog, the “Outdoor Oklahoma Journal” to help you learn a little more about squirrel and rabbit hunting.