Vermont Hunting Articles
Big Game Rifle Selection from a Female Perspective
Many years ago when I said I would marry Dan, I had no idea that our life together would turn me into the passionate hunter and shooting enthusiast I have become. Hunting, while a central preoccupation to him, was something I had never done before or been exposed to. So he was surprised when I jokingly notified him one fall day I would accompany him and his friends on a deer hunt and required a rifle, gear, and some instruction.
Hunting Knife Basics
As an experienced hunter, it is always easy for me to spot the newest member of the hunting group who usually has very little experience in the woods. They almost always show up wearing a knife modeled after their favorite action movie star, and, unlike the movies, our new hunter has to live with his or her knife selection for the duration of the hunt.
An Introduction to Trail Cameras
You've seen his tracks and they're huge! Nearby scrapes and rubs suggest he could be a monster buck. Now it's decision time. Which stand do you sit? If only you could lay eyes on him, or better yet, figure out when he uses that particular trail . . . you'd have it made!
A Field Dressing Guide for Elk and Deer
Field dressing game is as much a part of the hunt as target practice and scouting. Unfortunately, correctly field dressing game can be challenging and awkward for the inexperienced. If you have never cleaned out game in the field or have had trouble in the past this feature article walks you through how to field dress, debone, and pack out your next deer or elk kill.
Black Bear Hunting Primer
Stalking trophy black bears is one of the most challenging and intimidating pursuits in North American hunting, especially with a primitive weapon. Doing this when the autumn landscape is shrouded under a bounty of radiant tincture – the air thick with fall’s aromatic pleasures – is the biggest kick of all.
Deer Hunting the Post-Rut
When discussing whitetail deer hunting tactics you would be hard pressed to find a hunter that would not recommend hunting the pre-rut and peak rutting times in your area. However, little is discussed about hunting the post-rut, that time frame after peak rutting activity. From rattling to cover scents, Steve Chorney looks at how you need to shift your deer hunting tactics if you find yourself hunting the post-rut.
Whitetail, Finesse 'em or Force 'em
When hunting whitetail afield a common strategy is to use noise to attract in a buck. Most hunters agree that anything from rattling antlers to grunting calls will work. However there is a considerable amount of debate on what intensity should be used when creating these sounds. Some have success with ear-splitting, aggressive bellows while others adamantly believe the only way to go is with gentle grunts. This month's article discusses how much noise you should make the next time you're closing the gap on a trophy buck.
Fall Black Bear Basics
Many big game hunters have hunted the cervids (deer and elk). However fewer have gone after another big game species that inhabits the same areas: black bear. Black bear hunting takes a different set of skills than elk or deer hunting and with many states banning the use of bait/hounds, the challenge of black bear has only grown. This feature article walks you through the basics of black bear hunting from "spot/stalk" to the use of predator calls. Safety is also covered, since precautions are necessary when hunting a predator!