TheHuntin'Stand

How and Where to Scout For Elk

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Advice for Elk Hunters
Photography by Bill Kinney

Elk are one of those trophy hunts that I would recommend not missing out on! An elk tag can sometimes be a little tricky to draw, but if you are lucky enough to have one start preparing now for one of the greatest North American hunts of your life!

Assuming you have an idea of the area in which you are hunting, begin scouting as soon as possible. Hunting begins around September time, but scouting can start as early as you want it too, and we recommend EARLY. Early August is a good time to begin because the thing about elk, and most animals for that matter, is that they are a creatures of habit. They get used to using the same path, traveling to the same grazing area, and even the time of day and year that they do it. So, start early so that you can begin to understand what it is you are hunting, that way by the time hunting season comes around you will know exactly what it is you are attempting to do and what you are looking for.

The first thing to realize is that elk have different grounds for feeding, breeding, the seasons, etc. In summer the elk will be on high, open, grazing fields because they are cooler, but still a good source of grazing. In the fall season, rut, they tend to move around for breeding purposes and to find food. When searching for these "Elk Parks" look for a high elevation meadow on the mountainside. This open field will be green and surrounded by trees. (Think of them in the sense of cattle and their grazing and migrating habits, it may help you to better understand their movements.) The reason you will want to be looking for elk in the late summer months is because they will soon be travelling down from the mountains and you need to make sure there are elk in the area to be travelling to find. If you aren't able to find them in the summer there is a good chance they aren't going to be there in the fall either. Another advantage of scouting is that you can also get a good idea of the number of elk in the area and the count of bucks and does.

As the time draws nearer to the hunt and the elk start to move down from their "parks" begin glassing and looking for sign. Start by searching for water sources. Every animal needs water and elk are no exception. If you begin finding rubs or wallows around the area you are headed in the right direction! Rubs can be anywhere along the paths and are a definite sign of bulls. Wallows will be dust and mud pits and mean that the elk use that area often enough to leave some sign. Scouting elk involves a lot of foot work, so be sure that you are prepared to go hiking through the mountains. it is recommended that you train for elk hunting because it is a very strenuous activity and requires you to be in shape. If you are travelling to the mountains to hunt, but live in a lower elevation, work out by running hills and give yourself a couple days to become acclimated to the mountain air. Elevation sickness is real and can be serious if not handled correctly.

When glassing and scouting a very important thing to do is simply sit and listen. Many you just want to run around like crazy until you spot something, but although this covers a lot of ground, you can also lose some vital information if you do it too quickly. Find an open area where you are able to observe a large area of land. Survey with your binoculars searching for clearings, potential paths, water sources, and elk. Most importantly as you sit take the time to listen. Elk will bugle in communication with other elk and this is important to hear so that you know there are elk in the area and that they are active. You can bugle on your own as well and listen closely to see if they answer, but DO NOT overdo it. This is probably one of the biggest mistakes people make. An elk does not continuously bugle and will not answer if you do. Keep bugling to a minimum and be sure to listen for any faint noises you may hear. Also be aware that if you know there are wolves in the area the elk tend to bugle less so don't be discouraged if you aren't hearing anything.

When out scouting remember to be aware of the wind. Take the wind into account, because it is one of the most important factors when out hunting. Screwing up the wind can ruin your chances, so don't forget about it! Regularly use a wind tester to determine direction. Wind tends to swirl through the mountains and frequently changes direction making it difficult to follow, but try and stay down wind of any elk you may find. Upwind from them will immediately alert them to your presence.

Another important thing to remember when out hunting is to reference a map of the area. It can give you a good idea of where they may be and what areas to look. You can also utilize it to highlight their paths and where you found sign. Make two copies, one kept as reference and the other to be drawn on and marked. Also remember a compass and to pack an emergency pack. This is essential and part of the being prepared stage of hunting. Never leave for a hunt with out first knowing what you are expecting and having a plan. The most enjoyable and successful hunt is one where you simply hunt, not worry about all the problems you just encountered. Do research and know what you are getting into...(Of course you are already reading this so it is assumed you know this! Best of luck to you!)

My First Bear Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Great bear hunt!
From Bill Kinney Photography

It began when we got there and the guide started briefing us on where we'd be hunting, how the movement was, all the important stuff that just gets you jittery and wanting to just get out there already! Alas, by the time I did get to sit in the stand, it was a little different than I had imagined...

So it was the 2007 Minnesota bear season when I took my first bear, and let me admit something to you... It was the hottest, most miserable hunt of my whole life! Not to say it wasn't worth it, but it was hot! I sat out on a red flag warning day in 96 degree heat, drank through the 64 ounces of gatorade I had brought with me, and I was still thirsty. Had I not come that far just to bear hunt, I would've stayed at home. But I'm a good sport, and whose to say I'd ever have a chance to bear hunt again? One more check off that bucket list!

The guide has told us he'd been baiting for about the last three weeks and they were hitting several of the baits, but there had also been a problem with wolves coming and running the bears off. So, what do you know, when Bill was out there he saw not one bear, but four wolves. I saw wolves as well, but at eleven o'clock I got a different visitor.

The bear walked straight down the line, straight at me and I waited for him to turn so I could get a shot. I was excited, but also a little unnerved. The bear had stared straight at me from the second he appeared, he knew I was there. Although black bear are typically not aggressive, I wasn't used to being pinned like that. At twenty-nine yards I was ready for that perfect moment, he was so close, and then he turned right back around and walked away...No shot for me! So I decided that I'd tie myself to the tree for the rest of the afternoon and take a nap because the heat was so exhausting.

I was woken up later at 5:30 when a bear came running across the trail in front on me. Once again I had that uncanny feeling he knew I was there because he glanced directly at me as he ran towards the bait. However, he didn't plan on sticking around long. He ran straight for the bait, grabbed some, and ran off. My shot was blown again!

As I began growing even more frustrated I spotted movement out of the corner of my right eye. Only about six yards from me was a bear! He was standing perfectly, surveying the area, and paying me no mind. I drew back and slowly took aim with my heart pounding...Then I took my shot.

A bear actually makes a death moan. Did you know that? I do, because I heard it as he ran only twenty yards into the brush. My first bear hunt was something I'll never forget, and at that moment all the heat and exhaustion were forgotten. I hadn't shot the biggest one out there, but it was my first with a bow, and I thought it was amazing!

After all was said and done the bear turned out to be a year and a half old brute and was 152 lbs dressed. I'd shot him with my 1972 Bear Grizzly with a Zwickey Broadhead and Cedar Shaft Arrows that my kids had made for me. What a hunt!

The Advantages of Planting Food Plots

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Why it is advantageous to plant food plots.Photo by Bill Kinney Photography

Why would you want a food plot?

Great question! We were hoping you'd ask, because a food plot has many, many advantages. They are also a lot simpler than you'd think, plus they can be a ton of fun!

To start out we'll give you some insight on why you would want a food plot. Food plots are made specifically for attracting wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and pheasants. They are advantageous to the hunter, because they can be planted in accordance with his hunting plans and can be utilized to attract animals, as well as create an awesome hunting spot.

The idea behind a food plot is that your crop will be more favorable to the animals than other food sources. If this is the case then the animals will come to that area to feed, continue to return to that area, and ultimately stay there. For hunters this can turn into a paradise. Not only can you build your food plot around a hunting area, but also create one. Food plots should be planted in a strategic location such as along the woods edge, or by a popular ravine or bedding area. They create something of a safe haven for the animals and will be very popular with the critters.

Food plots can also help you to play the wind. If you found the perfect spot for a hunting stand or blind the food plots can be placed upwind of you, or strategically so that the animals are forced to come at you from a certain direction or an area of site disadvantage.

Furthermore a food plot can provide a hunting environment for the hunter. If tall plots are planted they can be used to sneak unseen in and out of the area without the animals realizing you are there. They can also provide cover for a blind and the impatient, can't sit still, type of hunter.

Food plots are also invaluable to the environment. They are a food source for a variety of animals, but also provide a home environment for birds such as pheasant and quail where they can eat, produce, and thrive. Pheasants are particular to alfalfa and milo, making it perfect for providing cover. This is especially important in the winter months so that they have a sheltered area for them to hunker down in.

One really advantageous food plot we had was on the far south corner of our property along the fence line. It was very small, only about 30 by 60 yards, but it was placed right where the deer crossed the fence onto our property. It wasn't a hang out for the deer or anything, but caused them to pause just long enough to get a good shot from the stand we had set up directly over it.

Food plots truly are useful tools for the obsessed hunter, or even just someone who loves the wildlife and environment. The only disadvantage to be found is that they are addictivly fun and you may get a little carried away! Besides that they are a great way to rationalize buying cool equipment and having to go out and "use" it. The only problem I had was that my children made fun of me because I thought tool was spelled t-o-y...

Wildlife Photography by Bill Kinney

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:03:00 +0000

Art Prints by Bill Kinney

www.billkinney.com/

A Beautiful Picture

Taken at sunset as I was heading in after a long day of taking photos. A shot I waited years and thought I'd never get!

http://www.imagekind.com/D_art?IMID=9d3f41da-2104-4d01-a57f-9c4915e2bc65

Archery Shoots: A Great Weekend Getaway for Friends and Family

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:27:00 +0000

Bill Kinney Photography
Check us out for more great huntin' stories and inspirational deer photos! The Trophy Whitetail Deer Calendar is filled with unbelievable MONSTER BUCKS!

Are you interested in archery? Considering giving it a try? A favorite past time tradition of ours has been the annual bow shoot. Every year, since the kids were little, we'd pack up our tents, bows, arrows, and head to the range. It was a great way to getaway for the weekend, a time to meet up with old friends, take a break from work, and relax with the family.

An archery shoot can be the perfect opportunity for you to meet with other people who share similar interests and who can show and teach you new things. We can't tell you how many new things we've learned, or the number of friends we have made over the years. But if you want to learn a little more about archery or are just looking for a little bit of fun we highly recommend you pack up and go to a bow shoot!

We were first introduced to archery years ago by a friend. We'd always been into hunting and fishing and had dabbled in archery (who doesn't want to go fling sticks around?) but had never really gotten into it until the first shoot. A friend invited us to a weekend shoot at a local archery club set up by some archers with a passion for shooting. They had a range with about 50 targets where you could go and score yourself, participate in competitions, and receive prizes. Let us say, the first time we went, we we're hooked.

As the day progressed we learned a few things (mostly how to find lost arrows and to hit the stake) but also began to realize what fun this could be. Hanging out with friends and just spending a day outdoors was a fun way to get out! Our two kids both learned how to shoot a bow and pull out arrows, and we learned about traditional archery, hunting, and most importantly when the next shoot was!

After a long day on the course we all went and sat down around a campfire. The kids roasted marshmallows and the rest of the crew ate brats and hamburgers. Looking at the group we noticed that the people sitting around the fire were people of all ages. Young couples out with friends, grandparents who had brought their grand kids with them and us with our family. It couldn't have been a more diverse group, but the one thing that was completely mutual was the smiles and laughter. The evening was filled with jokes and stories, and everyone had something new to tell. What we were beginning to realize was that archery was much larger than just a hunting style, it was a community of people, young and old, wanting to share this lifestyle with everyone. Every person there wanted to tell you about the latest hunt and asked you about yourself and your family. All day long on the course they had stopped the kids when they made a bad shot and gave them a small bit of advice, and by the time the evening was over almost everyone there sincerely said,"See you next weekend!" It was a wonderful time and, needless to say, we were there that next week.

From that first one we were hooked and have been going to archery shoots ever since. We learned more from those veteran archers than we ever have from a magazine or book. Since then we've learned how to make bows and knap flint, been invited to archery golf tournaments, pow wows, and the kids have even learned basket weaving. Half of this we would have never even known existed had we not first gone to that bow shoot. The friends and people we met over the years have come and gone, but their stories and skills will be kept with us forever, passed on to our children, and generations to come. We are thankful to every one of those people we met. Many believe archery to be a dying trade, but after discovering the archers community and all it has to offer, we know that it is still alive, if only among a select few.

Here are a couple links to finding shoots in your area:
http://www.3dshoots.com/ -find a 3D shoot in your area
http://dmtargets.com/archery-clubs -find a local archery club

Archery Night Shoots

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:17:00 +0000

Photo by Bill Kinney Photography
Alright so this may not be a night target... but a midnight ramble stumbled upon this guy and I couldn't resist.

Ever heard of an archery night shoot? If not, and you like bow shoots, your in for a treat. A night shoot is (as you may have guessed) conducted at night. The different times vary, some are from late afternoon till dusk, and others are done only after the sun goes down. But the real question is...What exactly is a night shoot?

As you may or may not know there are many different types of archery shoots. 3D, indoor, outdoor, target, aerial, but we've come across a few newer (and more creative) ones in our day. Night shoots are set up usually like a normal course except that archers are encouraged to bring flashlights. The fun of the night shoot is the extra added challenge and unknown of the dark. Perception changes a little and you never know when a real animal may pop up next to the target. Some shoots are set up where you have to put in a little effort to find your target which just adds an extra level of fun. Some big archery events also host a Raccoon Shoot. Here they set up Raccoon targets along the path and in trees and you have to go and spot them. Others will do arial shoots at night and will have everyone line up on a big field and spotlight the area as they throw a line of targets up in the air. Any of these can be quite fun and are something new to try!

If you are unable to find a shoot in your area or think it might be fun to have your own shoot, try setting one up!...

The one major concern with a night shoot is obviously safety. Because you cannot see beyond what you are shooting at, night shoots must be very well planned out. A solid backing should be behind the targets and the targets should be well spaced. When participating in a night shoot be prepared to lose your arrows, so don't bring your best ones. If you miss the target it is probably easiest to consider it lost. If you do decide to try and find it make sure you have at least one group member stand at the stake so that if anyone else comes along they know you are back there. Also remember to bring an extra set of batteries in case your flashlights goes out, being lost on an archery range at night could definitely be a problem.

Find a Shoot in Your Area

What is a 3D Bowshoot?

What is a 3D Bow Shoot?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:05:00 +0000

Great sized bow kill buck, this is what archery is all about!
Bill Kinney Photography

Have you ever heard of a 3D target shoot or heard it called a bowshoot perhaps? Maybe you've seen those life size animal targets at Cabela's and wondered..what would I use that for? Well besides pulling fun pranks on neighbors and putting an elk on their porch, they have a lot of uses!

When you think of archery you imagine the hunter with his recurve and quiver pointing his arrows at a red and white striped round target, right? One day, some genius thought, lets make this more fun, and add a new vantage point and came up with a new goal... hitting the life sized 3D target. And it is fun! Practice is everything in archery, especially if you are completely traditional. No sights, no wheels, just good aim is all you need. Practicing often is essential so why not spice it up with one of those 3D targets?

To start off with, you can get 3D targets in about any size, shape, color, material, form or whatever! They are also made very conveniently as practice and competition targets. By putting different sized rings around the different killl zones you can not only practice correct shooting techniques on different animals, but they can also be good for scoring in a competition! This is where 3D Bowshoots come in.

Someone, usually a group of someones, like a local archery club, will set up a course with 3D targets. These shoots can range anywhere from a few dozen to hundreds of targets. The small ones we've gone too are usually set up through the woods, you pay a small fee (some are free), and they have score cards for you to drop in the drop box at the end if you want to get a little bit of acknowledgement. The large shoots can be huge, involve thousands of archers, and prizes! We used to frequent the Coon Rapids Shoot every year and that had trail shoots, night shoots, aerials, indoor, and even a large pink elephant target. How can that not be fun?!

What is really great about archery shoots is their age friendliness. You can choose to either be extremely competitive and try and win prizes or just take the family and meander along the trails. They also have different age scoring groups and competitions, even cooler, every target has a stake set up so the little ones don't have to shoot from the same distance as the adults!

Another unique part of large bow shoots is that they also have vendors as well. Archery shoots aren't just something you go and do, they are an event! Many are hosted on holiday weekends and people come to camp, shoot, and meet up with friends. Vendors with everything from bows and guns, homemade archery quivers and supplies, and tipis can be found at different venues. There is something for everyone! It is great for the whole family because if you aren't an actual shooter you can hang out back at camp, meet new people, and wander the shops. And the kids are bound to find something of interest to them with all the new things to discover! (Can't complain if they don't!)

We've been to many different types of archery shoots and each one has something new and fun to offer. Archery is great fun for the whole family and a wonderful way to get out and have a good time in the outdoors. If your interested in finding an archery shoot in your area check out this site http://www.3dshoots.com/ for more information!

Wind as a Hunting Factor

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:17:00 +0000

Regardless of where or what you are hunting, the wind must ALWAYS be taken into account.
Photo by Bill Kinney Photography

Do you ever take wind into account when hunting? You may realize it's there, but what you may not realize is that it is extremely important to regularly take wind speed and direction into account whenever you go out to hunt. A small, but very vital task, could mean the difference between success or failure.

No matter what or where you are hunting, wind will always play a huge factor.
Know the animal you are hunting and be aware of the weather. Turkeys, for example, have a very acute sense of hearing and will spot you at the slightest movement. Deer on the other hand have a very acute sense of smell and anything weird smelling will tip them off that there is danger in the area. Don't take this to mean that you can smell however you want when out turkey hunting though. Going out smelling like that mornings bacon and egg breakfast won't help much of anything, and is bound to be noticed by someone.

Before going out always check the wind.
Wind direction will be in a daily weather report and should always be checked before going hunting. You want to be sure you have very little human smell on you anyways, but no scent at all is best. With the wind in your favor, this is easy to accomplish. Be aware though that wind is a tricky factor. It can change without warning and leave you doubting that mornings hunting position you've chosen. In many areas where hunters place their stands the wind can swirl or even be at a standstill. Because of the trees acting as a wind shield, the wind may change in that area and can easily throw off any hunter. That is why it is important to test the wind when you get to your stand as well.

To make sure your hunt isn't blown for the day set multiple stands.
Taking the wind into account, set stands for every possibility. Having more than one stand in the area ensures that you will always be able to hunt there no matter what direction the wind is blowing. It also saves you the headaches of walking out to your stand only to find the wind unfavorable at that time.

You always want your stand set up downwind of where the deer will be and it is important to know where the deer will be coming and going from to make this possible. Having scouted the area and taken note of the deer's morning and night trails will help you be able to place your hunting stand in accordance with the deer movement.

Check the wind, if coming from the north, go to the stand set up on the south side of where the deer will be coming from: the south side. If from the east, go to the western, downwind stand. Having multiple stands not only helps accomodate for the wind, but also gives you opportunities to hunt different areas if you feel one isn't so hot at that moment.

Photo by Bill Kinney Photography

When you get to the stand be sure to retest the wind and make sure it is still in your favor.
You can find wind testers sold online and at hunting stores. These are basically a bottle with talcum powder that you can use to determine the wind direction by observing which direction the talcum powder is blown. These are cheap and very helpful. To make it even cheaper you can make your own by going to a local store and buying a plastic bottle and cornstarch. Place the cornstarch in the bottle and observe it the same way you would the talcum powder. You may also use other substances such as baby powder, but be aware that it often comes strongly scented, so be sure to buy the unscented brand. When in doubt and without a tester, use a handful of weeds and let them blow away to determine wind direction.

What do you use to test the wind?

Following Blood Trails: A Few Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 03:05:00 +0000

Massive body on this buck! Taken in Wisconsin on a cold fall morning.
Bill Kinney Photography

Hunting is a multiple step process. You have to find the animal, stalk it, shoot it, track it, process it, then finally eat it. Shooting the animal is only part of it, and being able to actually get the animal once you've shot it is one of the most important parts in harvesting your kill.

When your first shoot the animal remember where you last saw it.

From your stand or blind make a mental note of which tree it disappeared behind, next to what bush, or fallen log. Oftentimes, once you actually get to the spot, it will look completely different from a close up perspective so you need to have some sort of marker. If you have a hunting buddy, have them stay in the stand and direct you to the area.

After shooting be sure to wait at least a half hour before starting out to find the animal.

Many times, if severely wounded, an animal will only go just out of eyesight and lay down. If you make your move too early, it may still use the last of its strength to run away, making it harder for you to track.

Once you get to the last place you saw it begin scanning the area for blood.

Once blood is found begin thinking like the animal you are tracking. Make note of where it was shot at and which direction it ran from there. Look forward in the direction it was headed and see if there is a specific opening in the brush or trees that the animal may have traveled through and try to determine which way it went from there.

Another amazing cover by Bill Kinney

Think of how the animal was shot.

Was it its right or left side? A gut wound or a lung shot? If you examine the blood you should be able to tell where it was hit.

Very dark red and thick blood will be a liver wound. The animal will die from this, but of internal bleeding, so it may be awhile before the animal is actually dead. You need to be very cautious when tracking to be sure you don't scare it if you find it and its still alive.

Dark red will be a normal muscle wound. Although you know its wounded you do not know how fatal.

Lighter red, almost pink, blood will be frothy and is from the lungs. A lung shot will kill them, but they can make it a good 100-150 yards before they actually go down.

On a side note...Determining what type of shot it is can be very difficult for those color blind hunters. If that is the case, examine the thickness of the blood, or take a buddy with you.

Once you've examined everything begin searching for more blood.

Take surveyors tape along with you and mark blood spots about every 5 yards, or as close together as possible. This way if you lose the trail you can look back and try to determine a line and direction the animal is going in, from there you can determine where to go next.

Once found, if the animal is still alive you will notice its heavy breathing. Most likely, if it is a good shot, it will be dead by this time. If not, be cautious and don't scare the animal away. This will ensure you don't have to go following another blood trail.

Do you have a special method for following blood trails?

Bear Hunting Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 01:19:00 +0000

TheHuntin'Stand

How and Where to Scout For Elk

My First Bear Hunt

The Advantages of Planting Food Plots

Wildlife Photography by Bill Kinney

Archery Shoots: A Great Weekend Getaway for Friends and Family

Archery Night Shoots

What is a 3D Bow Shoot?

Wind as a Hunting Factor

Following Blood Trails: A Few Tips

Bear Hunting Safety

How to Call in a Turkeys Using Their Vocalizations

Preventing Other Hunters from Taking Advantage of You

How to Interpret and use a Deer Grunt, Snort, or Wheeze

Understanding a Deer's Senses: How Well Can Deer See?

How to Decide Where to Place Your Tree Stand

Understanding a Deer's Senses: How Well Can Deer Hear?

Whether or Not to Use Scent Block

Hunting Tips: Reading Material

Hunting Tips: Hand Warmers

Hunting Tips: Layers

Horns, Thorns, and Fangs: Hunting Rattlers

Deer Hunting That Makes Deer Meat Taste Bad

Shed Antlers

Cleaning Snappers

Daughter's First Turkey