Grow The Hunt Articles

Hunting Tips

In most areas of the country, the rut is beginning or will be starting soon. This is the one time of the year when big bucks let their guards down briefly during their quest for hot does that are receptive to be bred. As predictable as bucks can be during the rut, they can be just as unpredictable. However, no need to fret there are tools you can utilize to help shift the odds in your favor.

Deer decoys have proven to be a valuable tool for deer hunters, provided they are used wisely.  Extreme caution must be used when transporting the decoy afield. Most decoys can be assembled afield, and are easily transported in a hunter’s orange bag.

Spring will soon be upon us (thank goodness!), and turkey season will be opening in some states as early as March 1. Other states open later, with some running through the end of May. Now is the time to get out your turkey gear and take inventory of your tomfoolery equipment.

Now that fall will soon be upon us, deer seasons will be opening in some parts of the United States later this month. I polled some of the nation’s top archers and got their ideas on what they do for early season success. Read on and maybe you can put venison in your freezer earlier.

Food Plots

Find out the keys to drawing in deer by planting successful fall food plots.

Certified wildlife biologist Kent Kammermeyer looks at ways to rid your food plots of weeds making them more productive.

The National Wild Turkey Federation covers the different types and benefits of planting clover in your food plots.

Here are some tips on using agricultural sprayers in food plot preperation.

Knowing the exact food-plot area, whether measured in square feet or acres, might be the most important, but most overlooked, component of a successful food-plot program.

Outdoor writer David Hart wrote an informative article featured in April's Whitetail Journal on everything you need to know about planting and maintaining food plots.

The National Wild Turkey Federation explores the creative idea of turning your property's firebreaks into food plots.

What types of plants should you use in your food plot? David Hart gives an important lesson on various food plot plants and their uses.

Wildlife biologists at the National Wild Turkey Federation help you get the most out of your food plot with tips on planting native grasses.

Mention planting food plots for turkeys and you'll hear chufa mentioned time and time again. Chufa is indeed one of the best crops for turkeys, and takes little effort to plant.

The National Wildlife Turkey Federation recently posted an informative article on effective ways to attract wildlife by establishing and maintaining food plots.

“I want to start a food plot on my lease property, but where do I start?” That’s a question I’m asked a lot. I like to give folks this simple formula for creating successful plots.

Success Stories

After purchasing a cattle ranch in North Central Texas Sherman Wyman new his property needed a whitetail makeover. Learn how Wyman's hard work and management paid off, resulting in 30-point trophy buck.

Read about Jason Boyett's record Oklahoma deer.

Toxey Haas, the creator of Mossy Oak camouflage, hates hogs but loves to hunt them.

It might take you two or three tries to get Jeff Banks on the phone these days, and when you do he’ll have you on one ear, someone else on the other ear, and he'll be walking to get somewhere.

James Stovall tells his story of the great hunt for a monster Kansas buck.

Cameras

Game cameras are an incredible tool for deer, turkey, hog hunters, and nature enthusiasts. Strategically placed, these surveillance units not only show you what animals are on your hunting lands, but when they come by, when they feed, the number of bucks and does in an area, and potential trophy bucks. Find out more about how to use game cameras to your advantage.

Brian Murphy explains how the Moultrie trail cameras such as the Game Spy cameras can help you manage deer herds effectively and efficiently.

Game cameras have become popular items among bears and thieves. Read first-hand accounts and learn about how to safeguard your trail camera.

Learn about tips and products that protect your trail cameras from theft and damage caused by animals.

Increase your success this hunting season by utilizing game cameras to plan your hunting strategy.

Want to maximize your game camera to capture the best images for the longest time? Read how you can make the most out of using your Moultrie Game Camera in the field.

Learn how to increase the value of your hunting property so that you can maximize the sale or lease value quickly and easily.

Many hunters are surprised when they view pictures from their digital cameras and see only raccoons. Deer, especially the big bucks, can be a bit camera shy. But with a little work from you, they'll be saying "cheese" in no time.

In the News

Mike Lambeth looks at the disturbing decline in participation in hunting and fishing. Lambeth also looks at some of the programs that are trying to turn this trend around.

Mike Lambeth discusses the devastating disease and the effect it had on deer herds during the 2007/2008 hunting season.

Learn how to last minute planning and scouting can help you find those big bucks.

Stay safe in the woods with tree stand safety tips that will allow you to keep coming back for that big buck time and time again.

No, this is not your wife speaking. But it's true that to have success in anything you do you need to learn how to successfully communicate - the same holds true in hunting.

Hunters dream about the perfect hunting property day and night. When you decide to make that dream a reality, you’ll want to know exactly what you will be getting from the land you purchase or lease.

I’ve gone over pages and pages of scientific research, magazine articles and deer hunting website forum messages from normal hunters like me, and I’m no closer to a final answer than when I started.

Feeders

Mike Lambeth takes a look into the benefits of supplemental feeding.

If you want to build a healthier deer herd with larger bodies and antlers, you should provide high-quality feeds when deer need them most—late winter, early spring, and summer.

I have been using deer feeders for over 20 years. Feeders are a great way to manage wildlife.

Fish Feeders

Find out how using fish feeders can benefit small lake and pond owners. Mike Lambeth takes us through how to select the right type of fish feeder, how to get started using it, and what type of feeds are most beneficial to your fish.

Auburn University Extension Specialist Rusty Wright explains the steps to repair drought damaged fish ponds.

Outdoor writer Mike Lambeth shares his experiences as he learned the benefits of using fish feeders and how to use them.

John Phillips wrote a great article in Woods and Water Wildlife magazine about a few simple steps hunters can take to make their hunting club year-round for the family and not just in the fall for hunting.

The sun was kissing the horizon as I made another cast from the gravel and earthen pond dam. The golden light illuminated the twitch in the line as another fat bass sucked in my Texas-rigged worm.

Outdoor Alabama recently posted tips on supplemental feeding of bream in ponds. Managing your pond properly can result in a larger, healthier fish population.

According to Dan Catchings' article from Outdoor Alabama, fish kills are a possible problem pond owner face. A basic knowledge of the causes and symptoms of fish kills can help save pond owners potential time and stress.