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NRA Launches Experienced Hunter Education

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 01:45:25 +0000

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has launched a new online training course for experienced hunters who need a refresher. This course is specifically designed for individuals who have not hunted in the past year or more and are looking for a safety refresher before they head back out in the field. In this course, hunters will have the opportunity to refresh their skills by taking a look at safe hunting practices and firearms safety. Once completed, you will be a safer hunter to yourself and those around you.

Keeping current as hunter is just as important as keeping proficient with your firearm. The NRA has a number of online education courses for both the outdoorsman and firearms enthusiast alike.

Happy Hunting!

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Hunter Education

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Hunting - General

10 Deer Hunting Mistakes Every Mature Hunter Knows Not to Make

admin — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 20:12:16 +0000

You're going on a hunting excursion out in the woods. This is your first hunt, but you researched various hunting skills. You want to become a big deer hunter one day.

On your first day, you found a deer, but you scared it away. While camping, you cooked steak and onions for dinner.

You're concerned that your dinner may give away your presence and attract the wrong kind of animal. You want to be a serious hunter, but you don't know why you haven't landed a successful kill.

What are you doing wrong?

To hunt like a mature hunter, you must hunt downwind to mask your scent. Moreover, strong odors such as meat or onions will linger in the air and give away your presence.

Serious hunting also requires the right clothing, proper scouting, and steadfast shooting practice. This article will show you the ins and outs of efficient deer hunting. Let's explore.

1. Start Early

Many novice hunters make the mistake of hunting deer that are in rut status. However, you end up entangled in the chaos instead of getting ahead of it.

Chasing a buck in rut may seem like a smart move, but you should start a few weeks before the peak breeding season. During this time, you'll find deer laying down and off-guard.

2. Not Practicing

Another mishap that hunters make is a lack of shooting practice during the season. A hunter may practice during pre-season and stop during the season.

As new hunters learn how to hunt, they forget to about bow or rifle practice. Bowhunters, in particular, must practice harder to maintain adequate form.

For bowhunters, you can enhance practice by:

Shooting from elevated positions
Shooting from multiple angles and distances
Shotting at full draw before taking the shot

Rifle-hunting practice may call for:

Taking freehand shots from multiple positions, such as sitting or kneeling
Practicing from long and short distances
Shooting on rests in the form of sticks or bipods

Regardless of the method, practice enhances your reflexes and accuracy. Additionally, practice confirms if you're using the right weapon and ammo.

3. Not Calling Enough

Surprisingly, many hunters fail to use grunt calls when necessary. Deer such as whitetails are looking for social interaction, allowing you to lure a deer to your location with a simple grunt call. If you have trouble finding deer, you may not be calling enough.

4. Stay Downwind

You may encounter products that claim to make you scent-free. But there is no such thing a being entirely free of your scent. Even though certain products can reduce your scent presence, deer can always detect trace amounts of your scent. Therefore, the best way to get out of their scent line is to remain downwind.

To do so, you must know where the deer are coming from. You can use a wind checker or natural methods, such as a milkweed pod.

If the wind goes in the wrong direction, move to another locale or go down. And, don't be afraid to call it a day if the wind keeps working against you.

5. Planning Enter/Exit Routes

Poor entrance and exit routes can expose your presence in the wild. As a result, deer will change their behavior patterns accordingly.

To plan a proper route, you must know the location of the deer when traversing to and from your route. Therefore, avoid walking upwind or through the area. Instead, you can take a longer route to avoid giving away your presence.

Even though longer routes may be time-consuming, you can increase your chance of bagging a deer in the woods.

6. Poor Scouting

Poor scouting entails a week or month of assessment before the season starts.Instead, you should be scouting all throughout the season.

And, the best scouting occurs weeks after the season ends. After the season ends, you can learn more about buck activity when you were hunting them.

For instance, you can determine their hiding spots and establish the best travel routes. You can also combine your hunting and scouting early in the fall by looking for the following clues:

New creeks or crossings
New rubs
New scrapes

Moreover, look for any food sources that may attract game. Further, you can search for routes that lead to agricultural areas.

7. Overreliance on Equipment

Many newbie hunters rely heavily on technology to give them an advantage. However, there is no substitute for natural hunting acumen, which can only develop through practice and skill. If you rely on spray cans to mask your scent instead of using the wind to your advantage, you will most likely fail during the hunt.

With that, the latest products are not counterproductive entirely. Rather, you should use them in conjunction with natural hunting skills.

8. Inadequate Clothing

Choosing the wrong clothing can increase your scent presence and scare away deer. For instance, blue jeans are a natural draw in the woods. And, deer are sensitive to UV light and may see your blue jeans from long distances.

Cotton underwear is another inappropriate clothing choice because it won't evaporate your perspiration. Overall, the best forms of clothing to wear on the hunt include:

Wool
Quiet fleece
Synthetic fabric

When choosing wool, choose camouflaged colors that will blend you into your surroundings.

9. Attracting Smells

After choosing the right clothing, avoid engaging in activities that will attract unwanted smells. For instance, smells can cling to your close if you change oil or use leaf blower.

And, certain foods can stick to your clothing, such as garlic or onions. The best foods to consume with your hunting clothing include:

Nuts
Raisins
Peanut butter
Fruit
Jelly

If you drink coffee, drink it from a thermostat to conceal the odor.

10. Learn Deer Behavior

If you want to tag a deer, you must understand how it thinks and reacts. For instance, deer tend to rotate their ears to listen from the front and behind. When this happens, cease all movements before it detects your presence. Understanding how deer reacts will help you plan ahead and conceal your location.

How Can I Hunt Like a Mature Hunter Sooner Rather than Later?

Hunting like a mature hunter will require patience and practice. However, one of the best ways to get a deer in your sights sooner is to master the wind.

Further, avoid an over-reliance on the latest gear and equipment. Rather, focus your efforts studying the terrain to learn where the deer would normally flock.

And, establish proper entrance and exit trails to avoid detection. Most importantly, always practice with your bow or rifle to land the perfect shot.

Interested in learning more about deer hunting locations? Click here to about specific hunting areas in Texas.

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Hunting - Deer

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Hunting: 7 Best Animals for Your First Hunt in Texas

admin — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 18:45:07 +0000

Texas is a thriving region with lots of animals to hunt all year round. It’s also the ideal place for first-time hunters because the place is bursting with animals.

Some animal species are off-limits to all hunters in certain seasons.

In doing so, the state maintains an ideal population of certain game animals.

When looking for animals to hunt in Texas, you have many to choose from. In this piece, we’ll look at 7 of the best animals to hunt in Texas. These animals can be great for fireplace trophies or for making sizzling deer burgers.

Hunting Requirements in Texas

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, you are fit to hunt if you meet the following requirements.

A valid hunting license is mandatory before you hunt any animals. These animals include birds, deer, and even frogs. The only exception is furbearers, but you must have an authentic trapper’s license.

You are allowed to hunt and kill depredating animals like hogs and coyotes. Individuals below the age of 17 can apply for a Youth Hunting License.

It is illegal to hunt on public roads or public pathways. It is also unlawful to possess deer that have been hit by a vehicle.

Hunter orange is not mandatory when hunting on private property. Hunting orange is, however, a must for public hunting. The department stipulates at least 400 square inches of fluorescent orange with 144 square inches visible on the chest and the back. You must also wear daylight fluorescent orange headwear when hunting in public regions.
You may possess and sell off the following animal parts: the skull, antlers, hooves, bones, and the animal hide from a hunt. Feathers, feet, and bones from migratory birds are prohibited from selling for ornamental purposes like making hats.
You cannot hunt during the closed season. The only allowed time for hunting is denoted as the open season where all hunting is legal but for certain animals only.

If you follow all these regulations, then you can freely do your hunting without any disruption from the state or any penalties for unlawful hunting.

7 Animals to Hunt in Texas

Texas is world-renowned for its incredible hunting experience. The State harvest about 430,000 to 500,00 whitetails every year. No wonder hunters from in and out the state flock Texas to get some game for sport or business.

If it’s your first time hunting in Texas, you can always settle for a guided hunt. Guided hunts take two or three days, and you’ll make your hunts successful and memorable.

When in Texas, here are 7 fantastic animals to look out for during your hunts. These animals can be excellent additions to your trophy collection.

1. The White-Tailed Deer

The white-tailed is the most commonly hunted animal in Texas. Its distinctive white tail makes it easier to spot. It is the most populous animal species in Texas and is found in all parts of the state.

When these deer perceive danger, they raise their tails as they evade. This action is what animal experts call ‘flagging’. It signals that the deer is about to take flight, so you should act accordingly.

For every white deer you hunt, ensure you fill the log at the back of your license. Doing so helps the state keep tabs on the number of deer harvested. It’s also nice proof of your hunting prowess.

2. The Mule Deer

The mule deer is a relative of the white-tailed deer. Even though the white-tailed deer has prestige, the mule deer is also a great harvest.

Texas has about 250,000 mules you could harvest. They don’t have the white tail like the white-tailed deer. They, however, have an excellent pair of antlers that you could sell or use as a trophy.

The mule deer will look great above your fireplace.

3. The Alligator

The American Alligator is the only Native American species of alligator. If you don’t mind a little water, the American alligator is always a great harvest.

Eastern Texas is brimming with these fine reptile species. However, hunting alligators takes some great skill. Alligators are open for hunting in September and April to June during the fall hunting season.

You can hunt alligators with a simple hook that you leave overnight. This method is just like fishing, but there’s no guarantee of harvest. The more refined hunters use bang sticks, which are long rods with powerheads attached at one end.

These powerheads have a single-round mechanism, hence the name bang stick.

4. Elk

Some folks consider elk an exotic species. However, some might argue that the elk are in fact, native to Texas. Pointing at some now extinct native Texas elk subspecies.

Elks are common in private ranches, but if you snag yourself an elk in public, then you’re in luck.

5. The Mountain Lion

Texas boasts a thriving mountain lion population. These fine creatures, though elusive, really make for a great hunt.

The state doesn’t protect mountain lions, and thus, you can hunt them at whatever time.

6. The Pronghorn

Texas doesn’t have as many pronghorns as it did a while back. However, the dwindling numbers don’t mean you can't land yourself a fine pronghorn.

You can find pronghorns in Panhandle with excellent trophy quality.

7. Exotics

Texas also has some great exotic species that aren’t native to Texas. These species include the nilgai antelope, the blackbuck deer, and the aoudad sheep.

It’s Always a Great Hunt in Texas

Texas is brimming with incredible animals to hunt in Texas that makes for a great hunt.

If it’s your first time hunting in Texas, you won’t be disappointed. Remember to have all the requirements on lock before planning your hunting expedition.

Hopefully, you’ll have a fun and successful hunt in Texas. Contact us today to lease hunting ranches for an even better hunting experience.

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Hunting - Laws & Enforcement

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10 Duck Hunting Tips for Beginners

admin — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 22:47:31 +0000

When it gets cold outside, that's the time of year when sportsmen around the world break out their hunting gear.

Duck season is one of the most popular ways to pursue waterfowl, making it a special period of weeks on the sportsman's calendar. Hunting ducks presents special challenges that require a particular set of skills.

Fortunately, this article takes a look duck hunting tips that will help you make the most of this season so that every outing on the water will be a success. Keep reading for the inside scoop on duck hunting for beginners.

1. Outfit Yourself With All the Right Gear

Duck hunting requires more than just a gun.

If you're hunting on a river or lake, you'll need a boat and probably a blind. Keep in mind that ducks have amazing eyesight. So you really can't sit or stand out in the open and expect to have any success.

The best boats for duck season are aluminum and flat-bottom and will provide enough space for everyone in your hunting party, dog, and decoys.

A duck blind helps you hide from view while also offering a bit of shelter from the elements such as wind and rain.

2. Choose the Right Gun for the Job

Not every gun is right for every type of hunting. For example, taking a rifle on a duck hunt will not provide optimal results. You're going to need a shotgun.

The type of shotgun you choose is largely a matter of preference and the amount of power you want.

Most duck hunters typically opt for either a 12 gauge or a 20 gauge. The 12 gauge is the more powerful of the two, providing the hunter with a better reach than a 20 gauge. This is important for those moments when the waterfowl are out beyond your decoys and you need the most accuracy and power possible.

Keep in mind that a 12 gauge shotgun has more "kick", thus your going to feel it in your shoulder every time you pull the trigger.

3. Choose the Right Camo

Another thing to remember about outfitting yourself hunting is that not every type of camo is the same.

Woodland camo is best for the woods, and wetland camo for hunting on or near the water. Wetland camo typically features straw and reeds rather than tree bark or leaves.

Choosing the right camo pattern for duck hunting is crucial for blending into the natural environment, which will help keep the waterfowl from spotting you as they approach your decoys.

4. Use the Right Decoys

Choosing the right decoys will make all the difference. After all, you wouldn't want to use geese decoys for hunting mallards or wood ducks.

The purpose of decoys is to attract the specific species of ducks you are hunting. You want ducks in flight to recognize their own kind lurking in the water and to feel safe to land among them.

Thus you need to match the species of decoy to the specific you're hoping to attract. For example, when hunting mallards, you'll want a variety of mallard drakes and hens. The same goes for wood ducks or any other duck species.

5. You'll Need Waders

Waders are extremely important to the sport of duck hunting. After all, you'll be in and around bodies of water during the coldest period of the years.

You can choose between hip waders or chest waders, which enable you to wade into the water for placing decoys or to retrieve fallen ducks.

Waders help keep you warm and dry because there's nothing worse than getting wet when the temperature is below freezing and you are a long way from shelter or a dry change of clothes. This brings up another important tip: always bring along a dry change of clothes in case of an emergency.

6. You'll Need a Hunting License and Duck Stamp

Don't forget that each state requires a duck license, even if you're hunting on private land. In addition, you'll also need a duck stamp.

Hunting without both of these legal documents is against the law and will result in prosecuting, which could include both fines and even time in jail.

Fortunately, both a hunting license and duck stamp can be obtained and minimal expense at any local sporting goods store and many supermarkets

7. Hone Your Marksmanship Skills

Having a successful hunting season requires months of preparation. This includes practicing with your weapon of choice.

Most duck hunters spend weeks ahead of time brushing up their marksmanship skills by shooting clay pigeons. These are clay disks that can be flung by hand or with a springloaded trap thrower that will fling the clay "bird" into the air, representing the speed and trajectory of a waterfowl in flight.

Shooting clay pigeons or "skeet" is incredibly challenging, and will quickly elevate your skills to the next level. The more time you are able to spend practicing aiming at a moving target, the better prepared you'll be for aiming at the real thing out in the wild on a frigid day.

8. Choose a Good Hunting Spot

Once you have all your gear and have brushed up on your shooting skills, you'll need to find a good hunting spot.

The key is to choose a location along a winter migration route, where ducks are moving toward warmer climates for the season. Once you've found the ideal location for your blind, position it facing a spot on the water where the ducks can easily land among your decoys.

9. Be Patient

No matter what type of game you're pursuing, patience is key to a successful hunt. Ducks are not going to cooperate with your schedule, and will often arrive at unexpected moments. So you need to be willing to just chill out and wait as long as it takes.

10. Be Willing to Stay Late

Yes, you're going to get tired. And it will be cold out on the water. But you need to be willing to wait. Keep in mind that ducks tend to be very active at both sunrise and sunset.

Important Duck Hunting Tips

When it comes to having the best duck season possible, you need to be as prepared as possible. The duck hunting tips contained here will help give you the edge you've been looking for.

Click here to see a list of hunting dates for the 2019-2020 season.

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Hunting - Ducks

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8 of the Best States for Hunting in the US: Find Your New Lease (2020)

admin — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 21:28:26 +0000

Hunting, fishing, and interacting with wildlife is a national past time. Did you know that over 101 million Americans each year hunt, fish, or otherwise engage with wildlife, in activities such as bird or animal watching?

If you're a hunter and are looking for new hunting grounds to enjoy, you're in the right place. Here are seven of the best states for hunting in 2020.

1. New Mexico

The terrain of New Mexico is diverse, offering hunters options ranging from mountains to forests, like the Gila National Forest. Not only does the terrain offer something for everyone, but the wildlife you can hunt is also diverse.

From coyote to feral hogs to bison to quail and grouse, there are hunting opportunities big and small. New Mexico also offers the ability to hunt for some animals year-round and also offers hunting of animals you can't find anywhere else in the US.

You can hunt feral hogs, cougars, bison, oryx, and coyotes year-round. Some require a license, but some do not, so be sure to check current regulations. If you want to hunt unique animals, New Mexico also allows hunters to hunt for Persian ibex, oryx, and Barbary sheep.

2. Arkansas

Arkansas offers a variety of hunting. Alligators or frogs anyone? From small game to big game, Arkansas has it. If you want year-round hunting like New Mexico, you can hunt feral hogs anytime during the year. It has to occur on privately-owned land (that you own or that you have permission to be on).

If you want to hunt feral hogs on public land, you'll have to wait until deer, bear, and elk season. Those seasons vary. If you want to hunt or trap something more unique, Arkansas permits alligator hunting in certain areas of the state to hunters chosen through a lottery. They also allow you to trap and kill up to 18 bullfrogs a day during frog season.

3. Texas

Did you know that hunters in Texas kill more deer than any other state? They're number two in the number of does killed as well. Everything is bigger in Texas, after all.

Texas offers over 1 million acres of public land for hunting animals like whitetail deer, alligators, ducks, goose, squirrel, and snipe. You do need to have a license to hunt anything in Texas, and part of the requirements include passing a hunter safety course.

4. Missouri

Missouri has a ton of public land available for hunting. Since there's not a ton of hunters, you get more square miles per hunter there. Aside from the traditional deer, you can also hunt bobcat, badgers, and foxes in Missouri.

If you're a resident who owns 5+ acres of land, you and anyone in your immediate household can hunt, fish, and trap on your land (except turkey and deer). If you're over the age of 65, you can fish and hunt (except for deer and turkey) without a permit.

If you're under the age of 15, you can also fish and hunt without a permit. If you're under 15 and you aren't hunter certified, you have to hunt in the presence of a licensed adult hunter who has a valid hunter-education card.

5. Indiana

Like Missouri, Indiana is a state that hasn't always been a hunter's paradise, but it's on the uptick! Indiana offers the highest chance in the country that you'll take home a record-breaking whitetail deer.

Hunters in Indiana have a decent success rate, there's a lot of public land available, and there aren't a ton of hunters, making this a great hidden gem for hunters in the Midwest.

6. Kentucky

Kentucky is another hidden gem for hunting! They have long seasons, hunter-friendly regulations, a large herd, and plenty of public lands available for hunters. Your likelihood of bagging a Booner buck in Kentucky is second only to your chances in Indiana (for the novice hunters, a Booner is a buck that exceeds the minimum Boone and Crockett score).

You can even bag multiple deer in many areas of the state. In some zones, there's no limit on antlerless deer, but most places only allow you to kill one antlered deer. You'll need to make sure you complete a harvest log and keep that on your person whenever you are hunting.

7. Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers a wide variety of hunting, including deer, turkey, bear, elk, waterfowl, doves and other migratory birds, feral hogs, quail, antelope, and pheasant. Whatever it is that you want to hunt, chances are Oklahoma has it!

Oklahoma tends to have fewer deer die-offs and is less drought-prone than neighboring Texas, making the turkey and deer hunting much more reliable.

8. Pennsylvania

You can't deny how hunter-friendly Pennsylvania is. For decades, the Monday after Thanksgiving was an informal holiday, with most schools across the state closed for the first day of buck season. That only changed this year when the legislature voted to move the first day of hunting season to a Saturday, giving hunters one extra day to hunt.

While you won't find any feral hogs to hunt in Pennsylvania, you will find plenty of deer, pheasant, ruffed grouse, rabbits, and there's even a short trapping season for river otters that you can take advantage of.

The Best States for Hunting: Where Will You Hunt Next?

As you start thinking about your late fall and early 2020 hunting destinations, this list of the best states for hunting will give you a good starting point to start planning your next trip. Whether you want to head out west, down south, or explore the middle of the country, excellent hunting is to be had all over the US.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay and hunt, take a look at our hunting leases. Many of our leases offer lodging, stands, feeders, and feed. We've got all of your hunting needs covered!

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Hunting - General

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9 Traditional Deer Hunting Tips for the Modern Hunter in 2020

admin — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 21:24:42 +0000

Fall is here and temperatures are dropping, that means it's time to put away your fishing gear and get ready for hunting season.

This is the time of year when outdoorsmen everywhere prepare to pursue a variety of big game and water fowl. It's no secret that hunting can be an exhilarating experience, and yet it can also be one of the most challenging pursuits you can undertake.

The key to a successful hunt is to learn as many great hunting tips as possible. Fortunately, this article takes a look at some of the top deer hunting tips and tricks developed over many decades. Keep reading to see how to increase your odds of bagging a big buck this season.

1. Always Stay Down Wind

Any outdoorsman who has spend time in the woods should understand that deer have an incredible sense of smell. That's why it's crucial to always approach your hunting spot from down wind.

Hiking through the woods from upwind is the basic equivalent of announcing your arrival with a trumpet. Any deer in the area will be able to smell you before you even get close to them, and they'll likely make a quick exit.

Always keep a compass in your pocket, as well as a map of the area so that you can determine the best direction to approach without risk of spooking any deer in the area.

2. Cover Your Scent

Again, deer have an amazing sense of smell. Even if you stay downwind from them, you'll still need to cover your scent. After all, there's nothing deer dislike more than the scent of humans.

There's a variety of great artificial scents designed to mask your smell. Keep in mind that most of these artificial products won't be particularly pleasant to your nose, so keep them in a bag in the garage when not in use.

You should also pay attention to the types of materials your clothes are made of. Many materials have an especially strong odor that will carry on the wind, thus alerting wildlife to your presence.

Smart hunters also understand the importance of covering their scent on the trail with dirt or leaves. You might think this is a minor detail, yet ignoring this advice could cost you that trophy buck you've been dreaming about all summer.

3. Be in the Woods Early

Get up early. In fact, the earlier you can be out in the woods the better.

Deer prefer to move about right at dawn, while it's still cool, dark, and quiet. That means that you need to be in position even earlier so that you're ready when they pass beneath your tree stand on the trail.

Experienced hunters are familiar with deer habits, and thus understand that they are most active right at dawn and dusk. This means that sleeping in isn't an option.

So if you plan to sleep past sunrise, you might as well find another hobby to enjoy.

4. Scout the Area

When it comes to deer hunting, preparation is everything. The less you leave to chance, the better.

You need to become as familiar with the woods where you'll be hunting as possible. That means plenty of hours spent scouting on foot during the spring and summer.

You need to know the woods like the back of your hand. Track deer movements in the area, and get an idea of the perfect placement for your tree stand.

Always be aware that the more time you spend scouting in the pre-season, the more likely you'll be to put yourself in a position for success once the start of the season rolls around.

5. Take Lunch with You

During hunting season, every hour is precious. After all, the season is short, so you don't want to waste time hiking back and forth to the truck to munch on sandwiches.

Get in the habit of bringing a small daypack to your tree stand. Pack along sandwiches, energy bars, and whatever snacks you need to keep up your energy during long hours in the field.

Yes, you're going to get hungry, but there's no reason to waste time climbing down from your stand and risking missing that trophy you scouted during the off-season. So do yourself a favor and bring lunch with you.

6. Use a Range Finder

A successful hunt requires plenty of planning, and if all of your work pays off, you'll hopefully get a shot at a trophy buck. When that moment arrives, you'd better have an accurate idea of how far the shot is.

Using a ranger finder will help maximize accuracy when it comes time to pull the trigger or release your arrow.

7. Rattle Antlers to Attract Bucks

Skilled hunters also understand the value of using a pair of rattling antlers to attract other bucks. After all, bucks are very competitive, and thus love the notion of a good fight. They will then creep up looking for battle, eventually stepping into range so that you can take a shot.

8. Stay Late

Don't turn in too early. Remember, deer are very active right at dusk, so the last thing you want to do is miss out on one of the prime times for spotting a big buck as it searches for a place to bed down.

Keep in mind that a successful hunt often boils down to patience and perseverance. Bagging a buck isn't easy, and wouldn't be nearly as satisfying if it was.

9. Wear Camouflage

This might seem like a no-brainer, and yet you'd be surprised by the number of hunters who don't wear adequate camouflage in the field.

Remember, deer have an amazing sense of smell, and their vision might be even better, so dress accordingly.

The Best Hunting Tips for Success in the Woods

Deer hunting is a true American tradition. Whether you hunt with a rifle, a bow, or simply your camera, there are few activities as thrilling as time spent in the woods in pursuit of one of these majestic creatures.

Click here to learn everything you need to know about hunting leases.

Category:

Hunting - Deer

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Hunting Land for Lease: Your Complete Guide to Hunting Leases

admin — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 01:31:25 +0000

Hunting is the backbone of the United States. Our forefathers struck up many deals while on the hunt for trophy game. Unfortunately, hunting land is not as abundant as it was in those times.

Today, there are more city skylines than mountain sunrises. That's why many hunters are looking for hunting land for lease. Owning land is a difficult commitment that some simply don't have the time for.

Let's talk about the benefits of both sides of the leasing process with this complete guide.

Hunting Land For Lease: Land Owner

Owning land anywhere in the United States is a huge commitment. As the owner, you have to manage and have some level of upkeep of the property. Depending on your career, you may not have the time needed to keep the land where you'd like it to be.

Pros

A huge benefit is having boots on the ground for inspection of the property. Whether your property is 100 acres or 1,000 acres, you probably don't regularly travel the whole plot. With having a lessee come in, they will notice the things that might need fixing.

A good thing to remember as the lessor; set up some guidelines. If you have fencing running the whole length of your property, ask the lessee to check for problem areas. They more than likely won't mind, and it gives you the reassurance that your land is in top shape.

The most obvious pro of leasing your land is the monetary benefit. Depending on your land size, you can make some serious cash by allowing a hunter to come out a few times a year. Take a look at some of the available leases on our website to get an idea on the dollar range, it's pretty incredible!

Things to Remember

Create a contract or lease agreement that is a legally binding document. This will help you make sure they are following the rules that have been mutually established. If they break these rules, you have a legal document that you can use as proof in case of an investigation.

Check into your possible lessee! Ask for references and a history of their hunting background. You want to make sure they will be a good fit for you and your lease, but also that they will take care of the land and animals as if they were their own.

Make sure to keep in contact with your lessee to know when they plan to be on your property. Surprises in the woods can be dangerous, it's always best to know ahead of time when someone may be visiting.

Hunting Land For Lease: Hunter

You have a great job in a big city, but you miss your roots of hunting wild game. There's no way you can find land near you for sale that's affordable, so what do you do? Lease hunting land!

Pros

Depending on where you live, multiple acres of land for sale can be quite expensive. Broken down by the contiguous 48 States, this list shows just how astronomical it can be per acre. If you live in Wyoming, the average cost per acre is $1,558.

Obviously, the more land you have, the greater the chance of wildlife coming through. Multiply $1,558 by 10 acres and you've got $15,580 worth of land that you now have to manage. Guaranteed somewhere on that 10 acres there's going to be grass that needs cut.

If you buy a small tractor, your land expense just doubled. So how is it beneficial to you to own land that you only get to use a few times a year? Your best bet is to lease land for hunting that you don't have to take care of the rest of the year.

On the flip side, however, if you do have the expenses and equipment to manage a piece of land, leasing is still a great option. You can have more leverage on the cost and time of your lease by being willing to help the landowner manage the property.

You can also look into planning a trip to a different state for hunting. Some of our leases offer hunting cabins to stay in for multiple days at a time. With our help, you can find exactly what you're looking for!

Things to Remember

The biggest thing to remember while using hunting land for lease is to respect the landowner's wishes. If they want you to only be on the property from 5 A.M. to 4 P.M., plan your hunt around that. They are graciously allowing you to roam their property, so it's best to keep a good relationship with them.

Make sure you understand the contract or lease agreement fully. It's not a bad idea to have a lawyer review it for legal advice, just to make sure you're on the same page as the landowner.

If you have a great relationship with a landowner, keep it! The value that relationship offers you may not come again often. Having the best relationship you can with the landowner truly can make the difference in how much fun you have on your hunting trips.

Try Out Leasing Hunting Land Today

We hope this guide helps clear up any questions you may have about hunting land for lease. There are many benefits for both parties associated with the lease, making it a no-brainer!

Make sure to check out our blog for all your hunting needs! We even have a Classifieds tab with hunting equipment for sale. If you're interested in more information about us, sign up for our newsletter and subscription to get all the extras!

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Calling the Hogs: 7 Essential Arkansas Hog Hunting Tips for Beginners

admin — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 01:13:41 +0000

Have you been contemplating a hog hunt in your near future? Whether you have pesky hogs invading your property or are looking for meat to store away, you'll need to be up to speed with the latest hog hunting tips. Why is knowing these tips so important?

Well, a hog hunt can be a bit of a challenge. These animals are smart creatures and you'd be surprised at how well they can scurry away from you, even after being hit! Having good hog hunting knowledge in your back pocket is the best way to ensure that you get the job done right the first time with as much ease as possible.

Are you up for the challenge? It's time to understand a couple of tips and tricks when it comes to hog hunting. Once you have these down pact, then you can begin your hunt!

1. Choose the Right Firearm

When deciding to go hog hunting, you'll need to ensure that you have the right type of firearm. Keep in mind that hog hunting isn't like deer hunting. It's a very different type of hunt and one single shot to the hog isn't going to bring it down in most cases.

The only reason why a single shot would bring the hog down is if the shot was taken perfectly and you hit the hog directly in the heart. Otherwise, you should prepare for the hog to fight back. Because the hogs can become so aggressive, you want to use a high-powered, multi-shot rifle.

You can also consider using a shotgun with a choke. This will provide you with a tight pattern, which will help you in taking the hog down.

2. Choose the Right Ammo

Your next step is to choose the right type of ammo. At this point, you're most likely well aware that taking down the hog isn't an easy thing to do. With that being said, high-velocity ammo is the best way to go.

Choose bullets that can really pack a punch and that are hard-cast and hollow-point.

3. Locate Their Trails

Fortunately for you, hog signs are unmistakable. And in most cases, hogs will use trails that are already heavily used. Be on the lookout for sandy trails with lots of hog tracks in them.

If you find one, you'll probably notice that there's a lot of tracks on one trail. Also, keep in mind that hogs will use their snouts to search for food. And because they drag their snouts on the ground, this will leave a trail as well.

4. Use Their Territorial Traits Against Them

Hogs in the wild are aggressive and enjoy getting into fights. This is one of the reasons why you have to be so cautious in the firearm and ammo that you choose when hunting these creatures. But, there's an upside to this aggressive nature as well.

You can use their territorial traits against them. A hog is so territorial that it'll respond better to a hog call better than any other wild animal. When hunting, if you see a hog hiding behind bushes, or if you think there's one nearby but can't spot it, use your hog call.

It'll come out faster than you think.

5. Use Hog Calls

As briefly stated above, using hog calls is a great way to get a hog out in the open. However, do keep in mind that because these animals are so aggressive, you'll want to keep a safe distance from it when deciding to make the call. Use predator sounds in short bursts to get the hog's attention.

Remember to send them from a downwind position. The hog will most likely remove itself from its cover and begin to charge. You can also have a recording of piglets in distress and play that to get the hog's attention.

The hog will become defensive, believing that offspring are in danger, and will ultimately out into the open.

6. Consider Hunting at Night

Over the years, hog hunting has become more and more popular. With this rise in popularity, the hogs have shifted their own behaviors to keep themselves from being hunted. One of the ways that hogs have changed their behaviors is by coming out during the nighttime.

Because of this, one of the best times to hunt hogs is at night while their feeding. Do keep in mind, however, that'll you'll need some good hog hunting equipment for nighttime hunting. An excellent light is a good starting place.

7. Have Good Shot Placement

Once you see a hog and are ready to shoot it, you'll need to have a good shot placement if you want to take it down on your first try. You don't want to shoot a wild hog as you would shoot a wild deer. The vitals on a hog are much lower than a deer's and more towards the front of their bodies.

For an effective shot, aim for behind the ears, through both front shoulders, and aim down low.

Keep These Hog Hunting Tips in Mind!

When you're planning on going on a wild hog chase, be sure to keep these hog hunting tips in mind. Hogs are smart and aggressive animals so you want to hunt with caution and skills on your side. Knowing these tips is a great start to doing just that!

And when you're ready to create a free lease to publish on our website, click here!

Category:

Hunting - Hog

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2020 - 2021 Hunting Season Dates

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 05:00:00 +0000

2020 – 2021 Hunting Season Dates

Game Animals

Javelina

Javelina season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
General	North	Oct. 1 - Feb. 28
General	South	Sep. 1 - Aug. 31

Mule Deer

Mule deer season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
General	Panhandle	Nov. 21 - Dec. 6
	SW Panhandle	Nov. 21 - Nov. 29
	Trans-Pecos	Nov. 27 - Dec. 13
Archery	59 of 254 counties	Oct. 3 - Nov. 6

Pronghorn

Pronghorn season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
General	41 of 254 counties	Oct. 3-11

Squirrel

Squirrel season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
General	East Texas	Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 & May 1-31
General	Other open counties	Sep. 1 - Aug. 31
Youth-only	East Texas	Sep. 26-27

White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
General	North	Nov. 7 - Jan 3.
General	South	Nov. 7 - Jan. 17
Special Late	North	Jan. 4-17
Special Late	South	Jan. 18 - Jan. 31
Archery	252 of 254 counties	Oct. 3 - Nov. 6
Muzzleloader	90 of 254 counties	Jan. 4-17

Upland Game Birds

Chachalaca

Chachalaca season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr & Willacy Counties	Oct. 31 - Feb. 28

Pheasant

Pheasant season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	Panhandle	Dec. 5 - Jan. 3

Quail

Quail season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	Statewide	Oct. 31 - Feb. 28

Turkey

Rio Grande Turkey

Rio Grande Turkey season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Fall	North	Nov. 7 - Jan. 3
	South	Nov. 7 - Jan. 17
	Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties	Nov. 7 - Feb. 28
	Archery-only	Oct. 3 - Nov. 6
Fall Youth-only	North	Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 & Jan. 4-17
Fall Youth-only	South	Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 & Jan. 18-31
Spring	North	April 3 - May 16
	South	Mar. 20 - May 2
	One-turkey counties	Apr. 1-30
Spring Youth-only	North	Mar. 27-28 & May 22-23
Spring Youth-only	South	Mar. 13-14 & May 8-9

Eastern Turkey

Eastern Turkey season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Spring	East Texas	Apr. 22 - May 14

Migratory Game Bird

Dove

Dove season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	North	Sep. 1 - Nov. 12 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 3
	Central	Sep. 1 - Nov. 1 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 14
	South	Sep. 14 - Nov. 1 & Dec. 18 - Jan. 23
Special White-winged Dove Days	South	Sep. 5, 6, 12, 13

Duck

Duck season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	High Plains Mallard Management Unit	Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 & Nov. 6 - Jan. 31
	North	Nov. 14-29 & Dec. 5 - Jan. 31
	South	Nov. 7-29 & Dec. 12 - Jan. 31
Youth-Only	High Plains Mallard Management Unit	Oct. 24-25
	North	Nov. 7-8
	South	Oct. 31 - Nov. 1

Goose

Goose season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Early Canada Goose	East	Sep. 12- 27
Light & Dark Geese	West	Nov. 14 - Feb. 14
Light & Dark Geese	East	Nov. 7- Jan. 31
Light Goose Conservation Order	West	Feb. 15 - Mar. 14
Light Goose Conservation Order	East	Feb. 1 - Mar. 14

Rails, Gallinules & Moorehens

Rails, Gallinules & Moorehens hunting seasons and dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	Statewide	Sep. 12-27 & Nov. 7 - Dec. 30

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes hunting seasons and dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	A	Oct. 31 - Jan. 31
	B	Nov. 27 - Jan. 31
	C	Dec. 19 - Jan. 24

Snipe

Common season dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	Statewide	Nov. 7 - Feb. 21

Teal

Teal hunting seasons and dates
Season	Zone	Dates
September Teal Only	Statewide	Sep. 12-27

Woodcock

Woodcock hunting seasons and dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	Statewide	Dec. 18 - Jan. 31

Other Animals

Alligator

Alligator hunting seasons and dates
Season	Zone	Dates
General	Core	Sep. 10-30
General	Non-core	Apr. 1-June 30

Rabbits and Hares

Rabbits and Hares hunting seasons and dates
Season	Zone	Dates
Regular	Statewide	No closed season

Tags:

Texas Hunting Season

Category:

Hunting - Laws & Enforcement

Sandhill Crane Recipe

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:15:37 +0000

If you ever are as fortunate as I was to shoot a Sandhill Crane while on a duck or goose hunt, you are in for a treat. Sandhills are fairly common in Texas during the winter migratory season. However, they are not prone to forage in the same exact habitat as most of their waterfowl brethren. Thus, getting one on your game strap is a rarity if not hunting for them on purpose.

Often referred to as the "rib-eyes of the skies", Sandhill cranes offer a very flavorful and thick breast for the table. Some just cook it like a rib-eye steak, but here is a recipe that everyone (even the kids) will enjoy. Its Sandhill K-bobs!

Ingredients: Sandhill Crane breasts 1 Can of ring pineapple 1 bottle of Worcestershire Sauce 2 Bell Pepper 1 Onion 1 Pack of whole mushrooms 1 Tbsp of minced garlic Salt, pepper & Tony Chachere's seasonings First, breast out the bird from the breast bone and thoroughly clean accordingly. Once washed, slice the breasts in 1", or slightly larger, pieces so that they will fit on a skewer. Place them in a container (that can be sealed). Open can of pineapple and pour the juice over the breast pieces. Save the pineapple rings in the refrigerator for grilling. In an approximately equal amount to the pineapple juice, pour in the Worcestershire Sauce. Add garlic (if desired). Place the sealed container in the refrigerator and let marinate for 12 or more hours. When ready to grill, cut up vegetables and skewer them k-bob style. I alternate each piece of breast meat with a different vegetable or pineapple piece. Grill until fully cooked with a warm red center. Lightly season with Tony Chacere's to taste. Enjoy!

Tags:

sandhill crane recipe

Category:

Hunting - Waterfowl

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Welcome to the Lease Hunter Blog!

admin — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:52:59 +0000

Hello! And welcome to Lease Hunter. We are glad to have you in camp. Lease Hunter is maintained by hunters, for hunters. And the addition of this blog is to provide our membership and guests with current hunting topics in and around the state of Texas and beyond. Each year, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children enjoy the Texas outdoors and all of the vast recreational opportunities it has to offer. Lease Hunter is proud to carry on the sporting tradition - Texas style! And we hope that you will come back regularly to share in this unique part of our cultuaral identity and pass it along to the next generation. Good Hunting and God Bless Texas!

Category:

Uncategorized