ThinkingAfield.org

A hunter booking through the LandTrust platform successfully harvested a 305-inch bull elk at Danielski Farms in Kilgore, Nebraska. Outdoorsman Joe Spooner and his hunting partners set up on one of the farm’s pivots, guided by the land manager’s intimate knowledge of the elk herd’s movement. Through several days of scouting, the hunters had knowledge of elk activity and recent movement, and following a morning of high winds, their luck changed that afternoon.

“We had been hunting close by and knew there were good numbers of elk, including up to 12 different bulls around,” said Spooner. “With the less than ideal weather that morning, we set up for the afternoon overlooking a big cornfield hoping they may come our way. With the wind dying before dark, everything fell into place.” Read more

Evolving from a treestand sitter to a saddle hunter is easier than you might think.

How many times have you been sitting and wished your location was 50- or even 20-yards closer to what turned out to be the travel corridor? Unfortunately, moving a semi-permanent treestand during the season is a big risk, and while not impossible, odds are any mature bucks in the area will know something is up.

On the other hand, saddle hunting makes it easy to move. Saddles are lightweight and mobile so when the right spot is located and the saddle system deployed, the hunter can move up the tree quickly and remain in a stable, comfortable position. The versatility and mobility is unmatched when it comes to a height advantage over vegetation and game.

At first glance, saddle setups may seem complicated, but with a little practice and careful attention to organization, it’s actually very easy to use a saddle. Just ask the increasing number of very successful hunters who have ditched other tree suspension options in favor of saddles. Read more

New report details fiscal impact of sportsmen at the national, state and local levels

A new report released by the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation provides the most detailed and up-to-date data concerning the economic impact and importance of America’s hunters and sport shooters to national and state economies. The report delves into the economic significance of these sportsmen in every state and every legislative district.

“It’s important that people – the general public, and state and federal legislators – understand that America’s hunters and sport shooters are an incredibly important force when it comes to our national, state and local economies, as well as providing an outsized share of conservation funding at both the state and federal levels,” said Evan Heusinkveld, President and CEO of the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. “With this information, sportsmen can educate friends, family and their representatives at every level by clearly illustrating in dollars and cents what they bring to the table and mean to the bottom line.” Read more