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Hunting & Fishing

What to Focus on When Buying Binoculars

Hunting & Fishing

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What to Focus on When Buying Binoculars

Binoculars should be as common as milk and cookies. That’s right. Every household should have a stylish pair or two dangling from racks. These beauties should be taken to vineyards and fisheries and parks and swooped around the necks of tourists. Binoculars—simply two telescopes mounted side by side—are amazing.

Firstly, they’re great for scouting. Yes. Scouting out locations—for new adventures, for fashion shoots, for house hunting, for whatever—is a fabulous use for binoculars. Finding out where you’re going and how you’re going to get close to your subject is essential. Whether you’re looking at the land or watching the stars, you’ll need to focus, and you’ll need a close-up.

Secondly, if you’re working in the field and waiting on location to snap pictures, you’ll want to whip out your binoculars and catch the unexpected. Just imagine it. If you can pick off your subject when it’s 100 meters away and watch it come closer, you’ll be ready to nail the shot at the moment. The scene will be picture-perfect, and that’s important when you’re working out in the field.

And while you’re at it, watch some blue jays or gannets or magpies. Yes. Binoculars are brilliant for that, too. You now have a great pair of binoculars that allow you to see the subtle details of wildlife. There are feather patterns and gorgeous wingspans and all that wonderful stuff. Yes. Sometimes, you just want to head down to your local nature reserve, sit back, relax, grab a coffee and just enjoy watching some wildlife.

As someone who’s very much a wildlife enthusiast, my binoculars are always the first thing I reach for in my kit. But when comes to buying a good pair of binoculars, where do you start? Well, the choices are endless but here are a few tried-and-true tips.

Compact

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Binoculars should be compact. They should be small enough for you to handle with ease. They should have excellent optics and be sturdy enough for rugged use in the field. You’ll find that these three things are super important. Big binoculars, as much as their larger lenses allow for better optics, are a bit heavy and cumbersome to lug around. When you’re already carrying a load of gear, a smaller set is what you’ll be after. So, whether testing in-store or in the comfort of your homes, take a moment to handle the product. See how it feels. Ask yourself: Do they tick all the boxes?

Simple

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Before making a final purchase, look at the outside of the binoculars. Are they suave and slender? Sleek and beautiful? Rad and rustic? You’ll want to consider the aesthetics—how the binoculars look. Personally, I think binoculars should a really simple design. I like ones that feel smooth and have a lovely rubberized outside. If the backside has little thumb indents, that’s a bonus because it’ll provide a comfortable hold. A single hinge design is something I tend to recommend as well. Nowadays, a lot of compact binoculars have a double hinge, which tends to be floppy—and that can be annoying.

Ideally, you’ll want binoculars that hold a really good shape. When you wrap your hands around them, they should have a comfortable grip. My hands are medium-sized, and for the pair, I have here at home, my finger rests straight over the focus ring—and that’s exactly where I want it to be. It should be nice to hold in the hand. Mine is waterproof, which makes them dependable for working long hours outdoors.

Well-organized

Every pair of binoculars has at least three parts: the objective lens, the eyepieces, and the strap. There are additional parts, but here’s a quick rundown to give you a more solid grip.

Each objective lens has a certain amount of power—a strength of magnification. The knob that controls this power is called the diopter adjustment. Yes. Diopters are magnifiers. And you’ll want to check out the location of the diopter on your binoculars. Is it along the right-hand side of the upper eyepiece? If so, it’s a typical place for it. But I’m not thrilled about it because you’re holding your binoculars—your finger knocks it, and then suddenly they’re off-kilter and aren’t in focus. The more expensive binoculars tend to place the diopter in the inner center as a kind of focus knob. This way you’ll not easily knock it. You can set it once, and then you’re ready to go.

And if you’re unused to setting up binoculars, don’t fret. Basically, what you’re going to do is pull the caps down and look through them. You’re going to close your right eye, focusing everything up until your left eye sees something super sharp in focus. Next, close your left eye, look from your right eye and then using the wheel—the focus ring—you’re going to push in and turn until you get a pin-sharp view. Then, when you look back through it, they’ll be crystal-clear, ideally with phenomenal optics.

Now additionally, you’ll look for binoculars with great eyepieces. On some of the sleeker designs, the eyepieces just pull up and click into place—and they don’t go down. With so many cheaper binoculars, they’ll just sink. They’ll kind of go down halfway; you’ll you get one up and one half down. But you’ll want eyepieces that not only look nice but also stay in position. The whole construction should feel superb.

And what about the strap? Does it have little lugs on the side? Binoculars with a smooth detachable strap are cool. I really like this type of design because it’s easy to pull off and easy to maneuver and handle. On my pair, I simply push it down, get it into position, and then just turn it to the side—then it’s locked in place. Super easy system. And it makes the product look more elegant, taking up less space on the side. “Holy Mackerel,” you’ll say.

All these little improvements might not seem like much but when you use your binoculars for hours and hours at a time, they really do make some big differences. In terms of what you’ll get with any purchase of binoculars, you can buy them in a variety of magnifications—but I’ll narrow them down here. Consider the 10 by 40s, which I have, or the 8 by 30s.

Crystal-clear

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Personally, I would probably recommend the 8 by 40s. The 10 by 40s are great—if you want to pick out details and you’re more of a birdwatcher. But for me, the 8 by 30s have all the benefits of enjoyment. You’ll get a much more stable view with eight times because you’ve got less magnification. Plus, you’ll get better low-light performance and, because you’ve got that reduced magnification, I just find that this strength level gets me a little bit closer in terms of what I might get from my camera—and I find that handy. And so as much as 10 by 40s are wonderful, I will go for the 8 by 30s when I buy binoculars.

Now in terms of the optics, you want pristine quality. You’ll want to take them out early in the morning and late at night and see if they wow you. Test them in different settings. Though I’m used to using a pair of 42 mL binoculars with highly superior image quality, the 30 mL objective lens blew me away—because it typically doesn’t produce a great low-light performance. Yet on my pair, the clarity was excellent. Yes. You’ll want to look for optical quality and ask yourself: Is the sharpness brilliant? Is the clarity brilliant?

Lightweight

Weight matters. Not only are we looking for binoculars that are smaller and more compact, we’re looking binoculars that are lighter in weight. My pair only weighs about 14 ounces. And when the heft of your overall field gear is packed, having binoculars that are smaller and lighter is a really welcomed treat. They’re a better investment and offer stunning value.

Binoculars rock. Never again will you say, “Oh, binoculars are just too bulky for me, they’re just way too heavy.” Never again will you reserve them simply for the birds. You’ve got so much to see up-close: fireworks, skyscrapers, roller-coasters, the high wire act at the circus! Yes.

Happy Focusing!

 

Best Southern States for Whitetails

Hunting & Fishing

America is one of the best places in the world to go hunting for whitetails. Successful deer hunting requires a considerable amount of preparation.

Hunters have long debated which states are the best for hunting this popular game animal. Record books offer an insight into hunting success rates, but they do not paint the full picture. Factors like acres of accessible land, hunting pressure, affordability, total harvest number, the average age of bucks harvested, and typical weather conditions must also be considered.

Many of these factors remain constant from year to year, but variables like weather, wildfires or other natural disasters, or even diseased populations will change a state’s ranking. Based on this criteria and records from Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett, these are the best southern states to go hunting for whitetails.

Texas

Texas is home to one of the best whitetail hunting experiences in the nation. More hunts for bucks have taken place in Texas than any other state, and it has consistently ranked in the top ten states for whitetails over the last decade.

Texas has nearly two million acres of public hunting land. Ox Ranch in Texas is considered one of the best hunting spots in the nation. It has more than 18,000 acres of free-range hunting.

Georgia

While Georgia is usually better known for its southern charm and peaches, it holds some serious weight when it comes to quality whitetail hunting. Georgia’s deer harvest stats are very high, and it has even ranked number one in this category in the past.

Additionally, there is ample acreage of public hunting grounds and license fees are very affordable—starting at about $20 for residents. It also has continually produced a hunting success rate of about 55%, and it has a good age structure and population density.

Georgia has also seen the most significant year-to-year rise in harvest rates, increasing from 30 to 45%. All these factors make it a prime location in the southern United States for whitetail hunting.

South Carolina

South Carolina boasts an impressive, record-breaking hunting success rate of about 70%. It also has ranked number one multiple times for having the highest number of bucks harvested per square mile.

While your success rate is likely to be high, it is unlikely you will rack in a monster-sized buck like you can in Texas.

South Carolinians are some of the most engaged hunters. It leads the nation in the number of enrolled members of the Quality Deer Management Association, an organization promoting ethical deer hunting standards.

The city of Orangeburg is one of the best areas for whitetail hunting in the state. It has widespread public hunting lands and many deer hunting clubs.

Mississippi

Mississippi has about two million acres of public hunting ground and regularly scores an A in ranking lists. The deer-to-hunter ratio is very favorable, and it also continually gains the number-one spot for harvest age. Over 77% of deer harvested in this state were 3.5 years of age or older.

The Magnolia State also has some of the lowest and most affordable hunting rates in the nation. It ranked number five in the nation for deer harvested per square mile, which is attributed to its high hunting success rates.

The high percentage of older deer combined with its acreage and population rates makes Mississippi an excellent state for whitetails.

It has even produced some trophy bucks. Boone & Crockett’s 7th non-typical of all time was hunted here in 1995.

Arizona

When thinking of Arizona, most have visions of desert land and do not consider this state a prime hunting ground. In fact, there is a large number of hunting areas and varied game beyond whitetails.

Arizona is also home to the prized, rare Coues deer. It is the only place you can find them beyond New Mexico and the Mexican border. This rare deer is best known for its diminutive stature, and they are one of the most sought-after deer breeds in the game.

Coues deer are notoriously challenging to hunt, and they make Arizona one of the most exciting and exotic hunting areas in the nation. Stick to the southern parts of the state because that is where public hunting land is most abundant.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers a consistent hunting experience with large populations, a ton of acreage, and very low hunting fees. It is often underrated, being left off Helmer’s lists, but it provides a favorable hunt for those in the know.

It is a beautiful state to include in your hunting planning, and it is particularly favorable for bow hunters. With 12.45 acres of hunting land per licensed hunter and high deer-to-hunter ratios, this is a quality hunting stop.

Caddo County is one of the best areas to hunt in the state. It consistently ranks as one of the highest whitetail producing counties, in terms of number and quality harvested.

Hunting gear on wooden background

Hunting Gear

No matter which of these fine southern states you choose to visit on your next hunting trip, make sure you are prepared.

Ensure you pack the essentials: water, a map, a compass, a lighter, a flashlight, ammo, a parachute cord, camouflage gear, your preferred hunting rifle or bow, and a fixed blade knife like the Borka Blades SBK-L.

Conclusion

The United States’ massive public hunting land combined with millions of deer makes it an ideal country for hunting whitetail. Even the best hunter with a great skillset isn’t going to succeed if deer populations are low or there is inclement weather. It is always important for a hunter to investigate the area beforehand and research the best hunting spots.

To recap, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Arizona, and Oklahoma are the best southern states for whitetail hunting in the United States. These states are ranked by acreage, harvest age, deer-to-hunter ratios, and more, and they continue to top the charts every year. They also offer a diverse hunting experience, one that is most likely to lead to a successful hunting trip.

Best Early Season Tactics for Preparing for the Rut

Hunting & Fishing

The rut is the period every fall when breeding occurs and, by far, the most anticipated hunting period is the whitetail deer rut. The phases of the rut are predictable; therefore, they can be used to tailor your tactics to each hunting trip. There is an increase in buck activity and, while small geographical variations have been noted, the rut phases occur at roughly the same time throughout North America.

Phases of the Rut

Efforts to maximize your success of taking down that monster buck during the rut should begin as early as possible in the season. The rut is broken down into several phases, and it is critical to understand the importance of each and the tactics, equipment, and calls best suited to the phase.

Pre-rut

In preparation for the upcoming rut, a biological need centers the focus of deer on feeding. The does group into families for the pre-rut while preparing for breeding. The bucks form into groups of bachelors but they mingle along with the does at feeding spots and are spotted feeding together late in summer evenings. As this phase nears its end, rutting behavior is noticeable as the level of testosterone rises in the bucks.

Early rut

The first of the dogs begin their estrus cycle at the beginning of the early rut. Bucks grow territorial and leave their bachelor groups, and their behavior becomes reckless. As the full rut grows closer, it is common to see bucks increase their movement during the day. During this time, bucks carefully monitor the does, looking for signs of breeding readiness.

Full rut

Not all of the does come into estrus at the same time, but most of them are in sync. During all hours of the day, there is movement from both the bucks and the does. The bucks extend home range boundaries as they search out receptive does, frequenting areas where scrapings were left and following rub lines.

Post-rut

Most of the breeding activity has reached a conclusion when the full rut transitions into the post-rut phrase. The bucks widely seen during the daylight hours have vanished into obscurity, but it is often possible to view the dominant buck as twilight is setting.

Second rut

Twenty-six days after the first rut, the second rut occurs. Does who remained unbred come into estrus again during this phase. There is an increase in visible buck activity, once again, as they seek out receptive does.

Late season

Breeding activity slowly stops again after the second rut. Bucks have worked hard during these phases, and now they seek dense cover in which to rest.

Preparing for the Rut

Find where they eat.

The life cycle of whitetail deer is simple: feed, breed, feed. During the latter part of the summer, deer eat as much as they can of the most nutritious foods in preparation for the rut. Home ranges are set up by whitetails near their food sources and bedding areas to avoid unnecessary movement detrimental to weight gain.

Genetic programming imprints the need to gain weight during the early part of the season. Between August 15th and October 15th, 20% of their weight gain occurs. This makes them easy to pattern.

During the latter part of the summer, generally around September, the availability of hard and soft mast causes a shift in feeding patterns. Soft-mast crops like berries rich in sugar, apples, persimmons, and pears make an appearance first. Body reserves for the rut and winter come from the hard-mast crops such as beechnuts and acorns, which are rich in fats and carbohydrates and come later.


Learn the patterns.

Successful hunters understand the importance of food sources in their target hunting area, and when they will be available to whitetails. Scouting these sources of food can make the difference between bagging the buck you want and missing out entirely.

Scouting on private land is far easier than the challenges faced on public land. If you own the land yourself, you have the advantage of knowledge from previous hunts. You also do not have to worry about other hunters finding your sweet spots.

Private land allows the opportunity to spend day after day glassing the fields and other areas near food sources and bedding areas. There is also the freedom to scout out potential spots for tree stands once movement patterns are reliably established.

Public land sees an influx of hunters throughout the season, starting with early scouting and finishing when hunting season ends for the year. Patterns may be harder to discern since too many humans in their vicinity easily spook deer. Numerous bucks have been known to go nocturnal after a day or two of disturbances.

This does not mean you will be unable to find prime feeding locations and bedding areas. Look for abandoned fruit orchards, thick cover sections, and white oaks dropping acorns. Another good spot to seek out the mature bucks are areas isolated by swamps and other water bodies, especially when they are near steep slopes and deep gulches.
The trick is to discover the area’s other hunters have not found and start your patterning from there.

Use the element of surprise.

Sweeping an area just before the season opens runs you the risk of breaking links in the more leisurely summertime patterns. Maintain the lowest profile possible. Use distance when glassing timber stands and crop fields, paying special attention to the entrance and exit routes from bedding areas to the feeding grounds.


Mapping

Keep careful notes of potential areas for tree stand locations. During scouting sessions, note any predictable wind patterns, paying the most attention to areas of low and high elevations. Being able to predict wind conditions on a given day will give you an advantage over many other hunters.
Being aware of the wind patterns will also allow you to choose a stand location position that will cover wind conditions from every direction. Focus on more than one food source location. Large groups may feed together in obvious spots, but undertake scouting missions to find other excellent areas that may have huge mature bucks hiding nearby.

Final Thoughts

Every hunter dreams of the monster buck that will give them that ultimate sense of satisfaction. The excitement of the rut, when whitetails fight to prove their dominance, will be more thoroughly enjoyed when you have done your research.
Trail areas are often great spots to keep a lookout, but, when it is done correctly, identifying the premium feeding locations can give you the ultimate reward—a record buck.

6 Best Whitetail Hunting Locations in the United States

Hunting & Fishing

Taking a trip to discover new locations for hunting whitetail deer is the dream of every hunter. After all, that monster buck could be just over the state line!

As the fall season approaches and you have made the decision head off into the wilderness, which direction should you be heading? With so many hunters out in the bush and the field, bagging that trophy whitetail is going to take some preparation and thought. You will need to do a thorough analysis of the area you are considering and get some verified numbers on the current deer population.

It is essential to remember that the plan for a successful whitetail deer hunt is a complicated recipe involving several ingredients, including quality equipment, marksmanship, and hunting techniques. Most hunters returning home with trophy whitetail bucks have two things in common. They spend significant amounts of time in their stand, and they hunt at every opportunity.

If the area you are planning to hunt in lacks a sufficient buck population, you will be disappointed with the results of your endeavors, regardless of how excellent your marksmanship skills are. The chase is on for this year’s record buck, no matter where you choose to hunt. To increase your chances, consider taking your hunting party to one of the states and locations listed below!

Iowa

Des Moines and its surrounding areas are well-known for having high populations of deer. However, there is tiny available public land (only 0.7%) for hunters. Out-of-state hopefuls need to complete an application and pray their name is among those drawn for hunting privileges, making it even sweeter for those who do get one.

Since Iowa is the land of the giant whitetail—the record buck being taken in Albia by a 15-year old who scored 307 5/8 inches!—it is well worth getting your name in for a chance to hunt the plentiful deer throughout the state.

Kentucky

Considered to be one of the greatest whitetail hunting location secrets, Kentucky always manages to make it onto any list of where to go for record bucks in the United States. There are numerous tracts of public land, friendly regulations for out-of-towners, and a well-balanced and healthy herd with a longer than average season.

There are some portions of the state where doe tags are limited only by what you are willing to pay for. Plan on parking your tree stands somewhere near Louisville for the best results. If you go to Kentucky for your hunt, plan on bringing home the venison—literally. The record buck for the state was taken on public land and scored 246 3/8 inches.

Georgia

Deer hunters lucky enough to make it to Georgia are truly blessed. There are almost 1,000,000 acres of wildlife management areas throughout the Peach State, and more than one million deer call it home. There is an annual kill rate of over 400,000 whitetails in Georgia with no “bad” area for hunting.

150-inch bucks are standard, and the Di-Land WMA—included on Field & Stream’s list of the 100 best hunts on public land in the United States—is one of the best areas in the country with the highest success rates. Statewide, the average annual hunter success rate is 55%.

It is a perfect country for deer—lots of grass, cover, and forage spots well-traveled during the fall. The record buck was taken just outside of the Atlanta area and scored 213 4/8.

Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, and whitetail deer hunting is no exception. By a large margin, there are more bucks killed in the Lone Star State than in any other. With more than 1.5 million acres of public land available for hunting, making the trek to the Dallas area should be on the bucket list of every hunter.

Not only is Dallas a preferred location because of the bucks in the immediate vicinity, but it’s also a short trip to Oklahoma, where increasing numbers of big bucks are being found. The record for kills in Texas came in 2008 when, on paper, almost 620,000 whitetails were taken.

According to the B&C, Texas ranked as one of the top five states for whitetail hunting and held the number-five spot from 1830 until 2001. The most massive buck on record in Texas was taken in Webb county in 2010, and it scored 307 1/8. Ironically, this is the second record-breaking buck to come off this privately-owned ranch land, making one wonder if hunting skills are an inherited family trait!

Colorado

Colorado’s essential characteristics are the diverse habitats for whitetail deer found in significant numbers from the mountains to the open grassland areas. The best hunting will be located throughout the eastern portion of the state, including Colorado Springs and, especially, along the Arkansas River between Pueblo and Las Animas.

Very few trophy bucks are taken from tree stands in the state. With so many miles of open crop areas to use as bedding areas, most big bucks brought down in Colorado come from patiently glassing the fields until you spot the one you want. If you choose to come here to hunt, expect to do plenty of stalk and spot hunting!

There is almost no hunting pressure since it is likely you will not cross the path of another hunter, but you need to be careful not to stray onto private land. The record buck earned the number-eight spot of glory on Pope and Young’s All-Time Young Typical Bucks and scored 195 7/8.

Kansas

Boone & Crockett, the nation’s oldest wildlife conservancy, ranked Kansas as eighth from 2005-2010 for whitetail hunting. Of all the states, Kansas also ranks number three when it comes to hunter success rates. The problem in Kansas is the same as in Iowa; there are plenty of huge bucks, but getting to them is where the difficulty lies.

There are only about 420,000 acres open to public hunting or 0.8%. Compared to Michigan with more than seven million public hunting acres, it’s hard not to notice the differences.

The deer tag lottery system does offer relatively high chances of you getting a tag, but the cost of private land or guided hunts is often astronomical and unfeasible for many hunters. However, if you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list state hunt, investing the money in trying your luck in Kansas may be all you ever dreamed and more.

One of the best counties in the entire state for large whitetail is Pottawatomie. This is also where the record buck scoring 264 1/8 was taken in 1998.

Final Thoughts

While some of the states listed above may not even have been on your radar, each one has a proven track record when it comes to monster trophy whitetails. Whether you are looking to travel across the country or just across the county line, the United States offers a varied selection of premium areas to hunt.

North, east, south, west—the next record buck is within your reach. Get ’em, and happy hunting!

7 essential gears for new firearm hunters

Hunting & Fishing

For hunters, the rifles and the rounds are the most important gears. But hunting isn’t an easy game. You need to spend hours in the wild before catching the target. So, you will need other items to survive in the solitude forest.

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  1. Water

It is not exactly a gear but because of its importance, I put it here as a top item. Without clean water, you can’t survive. Hunting is lurking around their feeding and bedding ground, then following them on the escaping way. The entire process costs a lot of time and energy. If you don’t supply enough essential nutrients and water, you will be exhausted. Getting down in a forest is the worst thing ever happen.

  1. Compass

A compass is indispensable for everyone who enters the wild. Sometimes you don’t need a map of the current area since you’ve already remembered. Or, there are signs in the forest. But without a compass, you will be indeed lost.

Without a compass, you need to navigate by the sun, stars, and other environmental factors. This ancient method is really hard and inaccurate. In a thick, dark forest like the Asia tropical rainforests, the sunshine will never reach you. Moreover, when spotting or tracing a damaged deer, you may lose the return way. If you don’t have a compass, chances are you will be caught in the forest labyrinth. Even if you remember where the ranger post is, you won’t come there. It’s because you go in a wrong direction.

  1. Parachute cord

No, you will not jump onto a forest from an airplane. A parachute cord is there to help you tackle other tasks. You can tie a 300kg elk to a wheelbarrow and take it home. You can use the chord to make the shelter – build the tent or hang the hammock up. You can knot your backpacks certainly and avoid dropping valuable items. In some severe conditions, a parachute cord can save a human life. You can pull someone in a hole up. Or you can tie the cord to your belly and a tree to help you get to lower places with safety.

  1. A tactical flashlight

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A good tactical flashlight is a key survival gear for every hunter. Out in the wild, visibility is the most priority. With a flashlight, you can easily detect threats and find a way out of them. The light can also help you work in dark conditions. For example: making the shelter or cooking a meal in the evening. It’s tough body allows you to use it for hammering and digging.

Another important use of the tactical flashlight is self-defense. Most of them have toothed or serrated bezels. These bezels are sharp and solid enough to be the effective weapons. The light is very tough and can replace a club to counterattack the threats. Moreover, you can point the light straight into the face of the attackers. This will disorient them, leaving you time and ways to escape.

  1. Fixed blade knife

A knife is another crucial gear in a hunter’s backpack. But unless you’re bringing a fixed blade knife, you’re unprepared. A good knife for hunters isn’t only for defense option. It needs to be able to help you tackle other tasks on the way. Carving wood, making tinder, build shelter, and preparing food, the knife need to complete them all. Therefore, you must choose a fixed blade knife, not an EDC or a Swiss army.

Fixed blade knives are more durable due to the consistent structure. You can feel safe to use it for heavy duties – most of the survival tasks are heavy. Fixed blade knives are also better in defending yourself. Choose a stainless carbon steel knife, it’s strong, reliable, and corrosion-resistant as well.

  1. Licenses & permits

It’s not actually a gear but it is an important item. It should always present in your backpack. Big game hunting is controlled by laws and there are danger species that you shouldn’t shoot. Hence, you need to apply for permits before point your gun at a wild animal. If you should without permission, you may face compensation or even court. So, be sure to submit your licenses and permits at the entrance of the hunting camp.

  1. Shooting accessories

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Either you are the bow or firearm hunter, having a couple of accessories is necessary. They increase your success rate, making the hunt more exciting and rewardable. A powerful sight can extend the effective range of your weapon and let you shoot from miles away. A larger caliber increases power and penetration to secure your targets.

Hunting with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle is trending. These guns are compact, lightweight, and versatile. They bring a lot of convenience and options for the hunt. But their downside is low power and accuracy than a standard hunting rifle.

To increase the power of an AR-15, you need a larger caliber size. 300 BLK is an ideal choice. About the accuracy, using a bipod will solve the problem. A good AR-15 bipod eliminates recoil and barrel hoops, retains the reticle at the same position for many shots. It also helps you shoot from rough and hard spots as easy as from the flat ground. If you need to spend hours to wait for the animals from a shooting blind, a bipod is definitely the best choice.

If you are a big game expert, you will not forget to carry water supply or leave your permits at home. They are things that newcomers often do. And they can get troubles, legal or survival, that affect the results. Therefore, if you are new to hunting, write down the 7 things above in your list to always be well-prepared.

How to spool a spincast reel in 8 simple ways

Hunting & Fishing

Fishing always sounds really fun, and you surely want to do it one of these days. Many find the idea of going on a fishing enjoyable, but do not really mind whether they have caught a fish or not. But, the happiness and fun in fishing springs from really catching a fish or two. It goes without saying that not catching any would mean not fishing at all or missing half of what the whole fishing experience can offer.

Being able to catch your desired number of fish, or at least, even just one entails mastery of fishing skills. This said, you really have to know how to fish, and knowing how to fish starts from knowing how to use the fishing rod.

So, how to spool a spincast reel?

I. Spooling a Spincast Reel

Spooling a Spincast Reel

  1. If the reel uses a screw as its cover, unscrew the cover and take it off from the reel. Some reels use a pin or a notch to hold them which needs to be removed first before you can remove the cover.
  2. Get rid of the old line in your reel. But, if you want to save money, just pull enough old line off and put enough new line on. You may use the old line as a back up.
  3. Run a new line from the rod end through the hole in the cover, and tie the line to the reel spool. Use either a nail or a clinch knot to tie the new with the old line.
  4. Place the cover back on the reel by holding the line tightly. Remember to pull the new line tightly after putting the cover on.
  5. Reel the new line onto the reel with enough tension to maintain its tightness on the spool. Loose lines could result to casting problems.
  6. Limit your line to ⅛ of an inch of the lip to fill the spool. Putting too much line on the reel is not advisable. When you spool, remove the cover so you can do it properly. Also, should you replace the line, make sure you don’t pinch it.
  7. Tie the line on the lure, and then, you are ready to go. Of course, you need to run the line through the line guides! Make sure you hold the reel when casting and pinch the line between your fingers to keep it tight. If your lure is light and does not put tension on the line, don’t worry, the caught fish will give tension on it as it pulls against the line.
  8. Should the line get twisted, remove the twist. When reeling the line back on the reel, there’s shouldn’t be anything at the end of the line. Reel the line in slowly but surely.

To know more about the details on how to spool a spincast reel, please watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKlsSejU4Tw
Apart from knowing the steps on how to spool your spincast reel, you have to know the proper way to execute these steps, of course. You may refer to Berkley Fishing for more strategic ways to spool your spincast reel.

II. Taking care of your spincast reel

Taking care of your spincast reel


Now that you know how to spool your spincast reel, what about taking care of it? Remember that keeping your reel in good condition is a must if you are to use it in a long term. So, here’s how;

  • Wash it with fresh water every after use
  • Avoid laying it in the sand when not in use
  • Store your reel properly in a safe place inside your house

III. Conclusion

If you are a seasoned fisher, spooling a spincast reel may just be a piece of cake. If you are a newbie, you’ll find that it isn’t as complicated as you thought it could be.

We have just listed eight ways on how to spool your spincast reel plus the simple ways on how to take care of it. But, bear in mind that not everything falls into place in every fishing. So, you’ve got to expect some glitches. It all depends on how you follow the steps we have just shared with you.

You may not have a perfect fishing spree by simply applying and following all of these steps, but, you will surely have fun. Enjoy fishing!