Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
HOUSTON, TEXAS—Primary Arms Optics is thrilled to announce the release of the much-anticipated 2nd generation SLx 3-18x50mm FFP Rifle Scopes. Priced at $499.99, this new iteration represents a comprehensive upgrade to one of Primary Arms Optics’ most popular long-range optics, offering enhanced clarity, precision, and durability for greater overall performance. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
Recently, a fellow archery-deer hunter explained how he was watching a mature buck from a distance of 70 yards but it wouldn’t come any closer. When I asked if he had ever used a deer decoy, he replied that he was thinking about it. If ever you’ve thought of using a decoy, the time is now.
Bucks big and small are roaming the landscape in search of female deer right now. The rut is on and if you’ve contemplated using a decoy, I can tell you to go beyond thinking about it. There are models that are relatively inexpensive to examples that exceed $200 for life-size, full-body decoys. Here are a few issues to consider to create some excitement in your time afield.
* High-tech decoys that come with mechanical or electronic features are prohibited by Michigan law.
* To save money, a full-body, archery deer target can be used, if you don’t mind the extra effort to tote it afield. If you decide to use this type of decoy, it’s best to remove it immediately after a hunting session. If you don’t want to carry it home, at least lay it down and cover it up, or it could be damaged by irate bucks while you are away.
* I like to use a cover scent applied to my rubber boots during setup. I prefer not to put any scents directly onto the decoy. If a buck becomes interested and approaches the decoy to the point it sniffs the decoy, what more can a hunter want?
* Placement of the decoy will be upwind of your position; however, the decoy should be set quartering toward you at a distance that will allow the deer to circle downwind, into your optimal gimmie range. Also, partially hiding the decoy at the edge of a field can spur inquisitive challengers to approach.
* Antlered decoys could confuse the trap, because lesser bucks may shy away from a big bruiser. On the other hand, a mature buck may get incensed at the intruder and the game will be on!
* Doe decoys will not typically scare other deer and are a good choice for most encounters. However, if you are targeting a specific older buck, antlered decoys could antagonize a buck to defend its territory.
* Silhouette decoys made of cloth are portable, but wind can totally make them appear unnatural in the wild. Leave them home during high winds.
* Antler rattling or use of other non-electronic calls such as grunts may turn a cruising buck to look your way for the visual.
Don’t concern yourself about simple two-sided, silhouetted decoys and their ability to fool deer. Even though a close-up inspection may not compute in their minds, they cannot rationalize that you are hiding nearby. If a deer approaches it and finds it lifeless, they may abruptly leave the scene. But, if and when they realize the decoy is fake, they’ll merely walk off.
Although there are no absolutes when employing decoys; sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. But, there’s only one way to find out.
The DNR Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake and Sharonville shooting ranges are open six days per week in October (closed Tuesday) and seven days per week Nov. 1-15 (including Veterans Day).
Weekday shooting hours:
In addition, we’re offering extended weekend shooting hours Oct. 28-29, Nov. 4-5 and Nov. 11-12:
Cleveland, TN – – NEXTORCH Industries, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of illumination tools and specialized equipment for law enforcement, first responder, tactical, and outdoor applications, is proud to announce the high-output rechargeable WL11 Rail Mounted Tactical light.
“The WL11 is a great addition to our weapon light offerings,” said Jordan Brothers, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, NEXTORCH. “It’s poised to become our #1 weapon light with our Law Enforcement partners thanks to its fantastic ergonomics, rock solid reliability, and unbeatable value.”
The WL11 Rail Mounted Tactical Light offers incredibly high performance at a great value. The WL11 features a toggle switch that is perfectly positioned just the right distance from the trigger for comfort. The 650-lumen beam casts the perfect amount of illumination in low light situations. The WL11 is a powerful weapon light that weighs only 2.6 oz and runs approximately 1.5 hours on a full charge. Its small and lightweight design and ambidextrous switches make it great for left or right-handed shooters. Read more
Bainbridge GA – What’s better than legendary, long lasting, and extremely popular Taurus 92? What about a compact version that holds 18 rounds? It’s back: the Taurus 917C is making its triumphant return to the US consumer market.
Previously available, the Taurus 917C was extremely popular with customers thanks to its compact size, easy shooting characteristics, and full length accessory rail. Unlike other compact double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistols the Taurus 917C is capable of mounting full size weapon mounted lights and other accessories. Additionally, the 917C is compatible with all Taurus 92 style magazines.
“I actually had one of the original 917C pistols all those years ago, and I regret selling it,” said Caleb Giddings, General Manager of Marketing for Taurus USA. “I’m a huge fan of traditional double-action semi-autos like the Taurus 92, so bringing back the 917C makes a ton of sense to me. I can’t wait to put some serious rounds downrange out of this.”
The new Taurus 917C is shipping now, and MSRP is set at $599.99. Read more
GW: This red squirrel had to go! It had built a nest in one of my favorite tree stands.
Red Squirrel Falls to Savage Bolt-Action .410 with 2 1/2-inch #8 Shot
No offense to the North Pole, but the best gifts actually come from our factories in Rice Lake, Wisconsin and Bayonne, New Jersey.Find the perfect Henry for everyone on your list (including yourself) with the Henry Gift Guide.
Affordable Classics
Made in America craftsmanship with unbeatable value.
For the Hunters
There’s only one thing that a dedicated hunter wants more than filling a tag, and that’s a new rifle or shotgun. Read more
“Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.”…Daniel Webster.
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Statesboro, GA – Academics Afield is a learn-to-hunt program led by Georgia Wildlife Federation, supported by the Georgia R3 Initiative and the Georgia Southern University Shooting Sports Education Center, aimed at engaging college students in hunting and the shooting sports. With the tagline “A collegiate hunting community,” the goal is not to take the students out once and be done, but to build a community of individuals that can continue to support each other along their hunting journey.
Who became part of this community for Georgia Southern students? The GA State Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation. NWTF GA made the 2023-2024 programming for Academics Afield possible for Georgia Southern University students by providing funding for program implementation. By receiving this funding, the program can strengthen the platform for recruiting college students to a beloved pastime and teach them the skills necessary to hunt safely and legally. Ogeechee Technical College students, also located in Statesboro, have also joined this Academics Afield hunting community as both participants and coaches. Read more
GENESEO, ILL. – Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the release of the SAINT® Victor 9mm Carbine California-compliant model, the newest pistol caliber carbine (PCC) addition to the Victor line of AR-pattern rifles.
The SAINT® Victor 9mm Carbine California-compliant model packs industry-leading features into a modern carbine available for sale in America’s more restrictive locales. This is accomplished through the use of a Magpul® fixed stock and a Strike Industries California-compliant pistol grip, combined with a Colt®-pattern, 10-round magazine. Read more