http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap T-Bone Blog en http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/new-nikon-aculon-rangefinder Among my favorite new products from yesterday's stroll around the SHOT Show floor is Nikon's new Aculon rangefinder. Aculon is Nikon's newest entry-level lineup of optics, and it includes rifle scopes, binoculars and this rangefinder. The fact that you're getting a Nikon rangefinder for $189 (for the camo version; the black version costs a bit less) is impressive enough. But this unit has features beyond the price tag that make it stand out even more. Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 16 Jan 2014 15:18:35 +0000 will 45479 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/new-handgun-hunting-round-federals-trophy-bonded-10mm We don't talk handgun hunting much in this blog, but that's not because we don't enjoy it. I love going to the woods with an open-sighted revolver, and have spent considerable time hunting with both a .357 and .44 Magnum. Some say the .357 is marginal for deer hunting. In my experience, though, it works just fine so long as you use it as you'd use your bow. Keep the ranges short and the angles correct, and the .357 will drop a whitetail like a sack of taters. Whitetail Deer Hand Gun Entertainment Wed, 15 Jan 2014 01:55:31 +0000 will 45410 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-at-ata-grizzly-coolers-in-max-5 Have you seen the newest Realtree pattern? Max-5 is the latest addition to the Realtree family and it's a waterfowler's dream. It also happens to look pretty cool on just about anything -- including the Grizzly cooler that Brantley was ogling at the ATA Show.Brantley knows a thing or two about coolers. Living in the south, he's used a cooler for everything from stashing a freshly-killed whitetail to doubling as a backyard swimming hole.  Big Game Entertainment Sun, 12 Jan 2014 02:47:14 +0000 thansen 45355 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-at-ata-tenpoint-crossbows I will readily admit that I'm not much of a crossbow guy. I've shot a few here and there but have never hunted seriously with one. I think I may have to change that this spring during turkey season.I do know that crossbows provide a different type of hunting experience. The fact you don't have to draw the bow when a turkey is in range seems plently appealing, particularly given my previous efforts at killing turkeys with a bow without using a blind. I'm a run-and-gun type of turkey hunter and sitting in a blind on a spring day just ain't my idea of fun. Bowhunting Entertainment Sun, 12 Jan 2014 02:23:11 +0000 thansen 45354 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/new-single-pin-sight-from-trophy-ridge-worth-a-look Brantely is not the only guy I know who shoots a single-pin sight. But he is the one who heckles me the most about all things accuracy-related.I don't have a particular aversion to single-pin sights but I do prefer fixed-pin models because I have found them to be simpler to set up and use. Well, much to Brantley's delight, I may have to stop using that as an excuse. The new Trophy Ridge React-One takes the company's Smart Pin technology found on the React multi-pin sight and applies it to a single-pin setup. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 09 Jan 2014 22:27:41 +0000 thansen 45322 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-at-ata-cajun-sucker-punch-review I love to bowhunt about everything. Deer. Turkeys. And fish. Love to bowfish. So one of my favorite new products from this year's ATA Show is the Cajun Sucker Punch bow paired with the Hybrid reel. The Sucker Punch is a cool enough little bowfishing bow. It sports a 35.25-inch axle-to-axle length, and is available with two draw modules. One is a constant draw module (no let-off) that’s perfect for snap-shooting. The other is a 60 percent let-off module. These can be changed in minutes without a press. Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 09 Jan 2014 00:14:37 +0000 will 45226 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-at-ata-prime-alloy-review Prime’s new-for-2014 bow is called the Alloy. Featuring the unique Parallel PCX Cam system introduced on last year’s Prime Impact, the Alloy is a much better balanced, handier package in our opinion. It sports a 33.25 axle-to-axle length, 6.75-inch brace height, and a reduced weight of 4.2 pounds. IBO speeds are 335 fps. We shot it on the range and noticed especially good balance, paired with a smooth draw cycle and a solid back wall. Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 08 Jan 2014 00:12:31 +0000 will 45225 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-at-ata-bear-agenda-6-review One of the first bows we shot during day one of the ATA Show in Nashville was Bear's all-new Agenda. Available in both 6- and 7-inch brace height versions, this 32-inch bow is smoking fast (350 fps on the Agenda 6), but plenty smooth on the range. It features a hybrid cam system that can be adjusted for draw lengths ranging from 25 1/2 inches to 30 inches on the Agenda 6 (add another inch to the Agenda 7) without putting the bow in a press. Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 08 Jan 2014 00:06:54 +0000 will 45223 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-at-ata-hoyt-carbon-spyder Hoyt is riding the carbon train again in 2014, and that's a good thing. Hoyt's carbon-risered bows have gained a steady following because of their durability and performanceWhat's interesting here is that Hoyt has already found a way to modify the carbon tube process. Previously only round tubes were used. On the 2014 Carbon Spyder, however, the tubes are taking shape -- literally. The riser now features oval and square tubes. Why? Because the Hoyt engineers like to tinker. And becauase the different tube configurations allow for specific riser characteristics in specific areas. United States Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 07 Jan 2014 15:06:36 +0000 thansen 45256 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-at-ata-strother-archery-vital-review Bows are cool. Always have been and likely always will be. Each year, the Archery Trade Association show provides bow manufacturers with a chance to showcase their wares and tout their latest, greatest technology.It never ceases to amaze me how these companies continue to come up with new ways to make fantastic equipment even better. And it's also pretty cool to see how each company takes its own approach to product  development. Entertainment Tue, 07 Jan 2014 14:50:04 +0000 thansen 45255 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-at-ata-elite-energy-review The two flagship bows in Elite’s 2014 lineup include the Energy 32 and Energy 35. The 32- and 35-inch bows, respectively, sport Elite’s new riser design that includes the unmistakable “riser cage,” which Elite claims increases the riser’s strength by 30 percent and rigidity by 19 percent. Paired with Elite’s signature smooth draw cycle and rock-solid back wall, both bows are incredibly sweet shooters. The bows both sport 7-inch brace heights and have IBO speeds of 330 to 337 fps. The 32-incher weighs 4.3 pounds, while the Energy 35 weighs 4.5 pounds. Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 07 Jan 2014 00:09:48 +0000 will 45224 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/tips-for-bowhunting-from-box-blinds Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 19 Dec 2013 17:08:37 +0000 will 44915 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/coming-soon-last-chance-bucks A couple of days ago, Michigan's gun season came to a close. I won't lie. I'm not going to miss it one bit. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 04 Dec 2013 10:29:32 +0000 thansen 44666 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/lighted-nocks-lessons-learned-from-a-bad-shot After killing the biggest buck I've ever hunted in my home state of Michigan, I had a lot of conflicting emotions. United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 26 Nov 2013 10:24:40 +0000 thansen 44543 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/is-the-rut-really-ready-to-rock Has it finally arrived? Is the rut finally starting to crank?Honest answer: I have no idea.I'm not one who puts a whole lot of faith in the moon phase predictions and all that. I have felt for a long time that the second week of November is usually "the" time to be in the woods. But this season has me wondering if maybe there isn't something to this whole moon thing. Entertainment Tue, 19 Nov 2013 00:48:02 +0000 thansen 44421 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-kill-a-good-buck-on-a-small-farm It’s easy to get frustrated with articles and outdoor television shows preaching the importance of having various stand setups and food plots and sanctuaries on your hunting property if you want to kill a big deer. We posted an article this week where three experts with multiple Booners under their belts weighed in with their advice for bagging that coveted trophy. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 13 Nov 2013 16:54:23 +0000 will 44306 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/in-the-thick-of-things This is going to be a brief entry. Why? Because it's the rut. And I've got hunting to do. As do you.But, seriously, there just isn't much to be said here. The rut is on and it's time to get in the thick of it. Hunting areas of thick cover is my top tactic this time of year. The reason is pretty simple: That's where big bucks live. And travel. North America United States Fall Winter Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 05 Nov 2013 21:52:44 +0000 thansen 44162 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/tis-the-season-for-sexy-witches-first-dates-and-doe-in-heat-pee I mostly just seized up, a trickle of dark, pungent deer urine rolling off my knuckle. The Sexy Witch was blowing her nose right there onto the parking lot and gagging in a decidedly un-sexy fashion. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 31 Oct 2013 20:53:49 +0000 will 44044 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/want-to-improve-your-hunting-land-ask-this-guy I'm not one to normally gush. I don't have a whole lot of hero worship in me. What little I have is reserved for Earl Dibbles, Jr.But I'm about to stretch both standards a bit. North America Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:31:46 +0000 thansen 44017 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/yep-i-shot-my-wifes-buck I’ve written a many-a big-buck success story in my day, and asked many of the same questions. What was the weather like? Tell me about your stand. What kind of bow or rifle were you shooting? Did you have history with this deer? How far did he go after the shot?A question I’ve never thought to ask, though, is, “Did you steal this buck from your wife?”Maybe I should start asking it. Because by George, it’s one effective hunting strategy. You can look at my buck in this photo and video here for proof. Fall Whitetail Deer Muzzleloader Entertainment Tue, 22 Oct 2013 18:12:15 +0000 will 43890 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/season-of-hope With just a few days before November's arrival, my mind is where it usually is.But sometimes it's not.As a diehard deer hunter, I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking, dreaming, scheming. All in the name of big-antlered bucks.Deer hunting is not a hobby to me. It's neither pastime nor sport. It's me. Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 22 Oct 2013 13:32:10 +0000 thansen 43878 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/guest-post-how-could-anyone-hate-a-youth-hunt Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 18 Oct 2013 14:07:17 +0000 will 43804 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/story-of-a-buck-named-wapiti Brad Shelton spends much of his hunting season sitting with his two boys, Tyler, 13, and Clay, 11. All three of these guys are whitetail-obsessed, to say the least. Fall Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:03:18 +0000 will 43755 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/what-happens-when-you-challenge-a-man-on-a-unicycle Meet Realtree marketing guru Dodwell Clifton.Most folks call him "Dodd." Brantley and I call him "boss."Dodd is one of the more unique characters you'll likely ever meet. He's a key member of the Realtree marketing team and does a whole lot of the behind-the-scenes work that's seldom truly noticed but makes all the difference in the world.Dodd is one of those guys who offers up a surprise at just about every turn, such as his ability to ride a unicycle. And shoot a recurve. At the same time. North America Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 09 Oct 2013 13:09:47 +0000 thansen 43663 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/are-you-a-youth-hunt-hater There are plenty of perils facing deer hunting today from disease to habitat degradation to the anti-hunting freaks. But there are a faction of hunters who think they have singled out the most evil and damaging issue facing whitetails : Youth hunters.I'm serious. There are an alarming number of folks who firmly believe that deer populations, our hunting heritage and the balance of world order are in grave danger because of youth hunting seasons. Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 04 Oct 2013 07:11:14 +0000 thansen 43564 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/did-the-tsa-steal-my-deer-meat I think TSA agents at the Denver International Airport pilfered through my cooler and stole the meat from my first-ever mule deer last weekend. Let me tell you the story. North America Fall Mule Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 30 Sep 2013 16:34:04 +0000 will 43502 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/five-tips-for-killing-a-good-eating-deer A hunter truly interested in meat quality is selective because, when it comes to table fare, not all deer are created equal. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 23 Sep 2013 07:12:56 +0000 will 42942 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/where-are-the-deer Entertainment Wed, 18 Sep 2013 19:11:51 +0000 thansen 42944 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-buy-hunting-land A couple of weeks ago, I posted an entry about "The Land No One Wanted."I still have a hard time believing that I'm actually a landowner -- a dream I've had for a long time but, honestly, never thought I'd achieve. Land is expensive. There's just no other way to state it. Entertainment Tue, 10 Sep 2013 13:55:39 +0000 thansen 42823 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-hunt-the-wind You can't ignore the wind. Period. You can often away with a little noise. A deer might even stick around if it catches you moving. But if it smells you, the game is over, every time. Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 04 Sep 2013 20:44:33 +0000 will 42673 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/why-i-like-the-g5-montec My buddy likes to sharpen things, and he also likes to drink beer. Is this a dangerous blend of hobbies? Perhaps. Regardless, he says sharpening a pack of Montecs is about a “four-beer job.” Summer Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 23 Aug 2013 20:45:38 +0000 will 42424 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-land-no-one-wanted I'm a landowner. Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 20 Aug 2013 02:02:28 +0000 thansen 41204 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-hang-a-lock-on-deer-stand I watch this video of Whitetail Properties’ Nick Skinner teaching us how to hang a lock-on deer stand, and a few things strike me. United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 05 Aug 2013 14:41:53 +0000 will 42171 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-use-a-trail-camera Sometimes, it's easy to forget that it wasn't so long ago that I had no idea what a trail camera was.Whenever I need a little reminder of what it was like when all things were new, I need to do nothing more than hang out with my son in the woods for a bit. United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:18:18 +0000 thansen 42084 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-make-a-homemade-deer-feeder Your views on baiting deer are really none of my business. If you don't like it, don't do it. United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 30 Jul 2013 21:49:48 +0000 will 41981 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/man-fires-shotgun-into-the-air-pleads-joe-biden-defense Most gun owners remember Joe Biden’s infamous self-defense advice during the heat of last winter’s gun control debate. In essence, Joe advised his wife, Jill, and all of America, that if you’re scared, you should simply walk outside and fire two blasts from your double-barreled shotgun. Entertainment Mon, 22 Jul 2013 19:38:04 +0000 will 41897 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/protect-your-food-plots A few days ago, I wrote a piece about food plots and shared my thoughts on the matter of using them in areas of the country where security cover trumps food.That piece generated some interesting comments and, despite the notion offered by one reader that I'm living in a fantasy world where I have my pick of prime hunting areas and giant bucks routinely seek me out to be slain, the facts of the matter paint a picture that's a bit different. Entertainment Sun, 21 Jul 2013 17:19:42 +0000 thansen 41882 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-hang-a-ladder-stand-quickly-safely-and-easily United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:38:56 +0000 will 41754 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/ohio-deer-season-changes-stir-controversy North America Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 08 Jul 2013 13:05:29 +0000 thansen 41611 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/hoyt-spyder-turbo-review Hoyt unveiled three models in their 2013 Spyder line: the Spyder 30, Spyder 34 and Spyder Turbo. I shot all three of them extensively this spring. We reviewed the Spyder 30 back in December, and even killed a few turkeys with it. The Spyder 34 is virtually identical to the 30 in performance, but longer and heavier. Summer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 02 Jul 2013 16:44:16 +0000 will 41617 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/trophy-hunter-meat-hunter-or-just-plain-deer-hunter Some antler restriction proposals are on the table right now in Michigan, where Hansen lives, and last week he had the gall to suggest that both of the two archetypal sides of the debate -- the trophy hunters and the meat hunters -- aren't always completely honest when arguing their stance.The meat hunters use their stance as a cop-out to oppose any rule that might prevent them from legally killing a small buck. Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:54:17 +0000 will 41544 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/antler-point-restrictions-are-we-being-honest Let's cut to the quick here.If you are interested enough in hunting deer to buy a license and head to the woods with any level of excitement or anticipation, you are not just a "meat" hunter. So stop saying that you are. North America Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:01:14 +0000 thansen 41483 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bear-motive-6-review The new Bear Motive 6 is a smooth-shooting speed bow Summer Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 20 Jun 2013 17:57:04 +0000 will 41477 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-choose-a-bowfishing-arrow North America Summer Freshwater Fish Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 20 Jun 2013 10:46:38 +0000 patrickmeitin 41287 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-full-draw-film-tour-experience North America Summer Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:35:12 +0000 patrickmeitin 41371 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/2013-elite-hunter-review Anthony Dixon gave us an overview of the 2013 Elite Hunter at the ATA Show last January, and our test panel of female archers reviewed a 40-pound, 24-inch version back in March. But I’ve been shooting a 60-pound, 28-inch Hunter for a while now, and figure it’s time to wring it out in a bit more detail. Summer Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:07:08 +0000 will 41343 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/high-tech-bowfishing-gear Things have sure changed in bowfishing since I shot my first handful of carp with a 30-pound fiberglass longbow, homemade tape-on reel and makeshift fish arrows while still a gawky and inquisitive pre-teen. Even though it was the 1970s, our bowfishing gear differed very little from what our hero Fred Bear displayed in the iconic 1940s photos which had initially inspired our own equipment building and bowfishing curiosity. North America Summer Freshwater Fish Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:24:06 +0000 41155 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-all-merican-camping-experience I have little use for tent camping. United States Summer Entertainment Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:41:57 +0000 will 41307 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/budget-bow-review-cabelas-regulator-by-bowtech Thumb through the archery section of a Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops catalog and you’ll see several fully rigged bowhunting packages. These compounds are typically sold ready to go with a sight, rest, quiver and other accessories. A new, and much talked about, entry into this category is the Cabela’s Regulator, a single-cam made by BowTech. Like some other package bows, this one has a wide range of adjustment, capable of draw weights ranging from 50 to 70 pounds and draw lengths of 26 to 30 inches. It has a 6 1/2-inch brace height and 32-inch axle-to-axle length. United States Summer Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 31 May 2013 17:15:00 +0000 will 41292 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/choosing-bowfishing-points Bowfishing points are fairly simple. They include barbs to keep speared fish from sliding off the arrow during retrieval. North America Summer Freshwater Fish Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 30 May 2013 18:46:38 +0000 patrickmeitin 41154 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/hunting-access-is-leasing-killing-deer-hunting As a guy who hunts public land a fair amount of time, I pay attention to issues that impact hunting access. Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 29 May 2013 21:24:47 +0000 thansen 41276 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/wade-in-bowfishing-opportunities-abound North America Summer Freshwater Fish Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 22 May 2013 18:31:31 +0000 41149 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-from-ladder-stands I like a climbing stand best. United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 21 May 2013 15:35:07 +0000 will 41200 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/best-bow-for-bowfishing Compound or recurve? What's the best bow for bowfishing? North America Summer Freshwater Fish Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 17 May 2013 07:16:43 +0000 patrickmeitin 41148 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shoot-for-quarters-beat-buck-fever It's a wholesome thing, seeing a grown man take a week’s worth of hard-earned money from a 12-year-old kid and then laugh aloud at the youngster's frustration. Summer Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 16 May 2013 16:32:39 +0000 will 41138 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/michigan-tells-hsus-to-get-out This is a tale that began in 1996. That was the year when a fairly unknown organization called the Humane Society of the United States came into my home state of Michigan. Their intentions were simple: Eliminate bear hunting. North America Entertainment Fri, 10 May 2013 14:51:58 +0000 thansen 41096 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/spring-bear-hunting-a-canadian-affair Opportunities to hunt spring bears in the United States have become increasingly rare. Currently, only a handful of western states host spring dates. Canada Spring Bear Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 03 May 2013 15:44:47 +0000 41021 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/gary-smoot-wins-caption-contest Remember that crazy picture of Stephanie I posted last week? The one where she’s attacking with the deer femur? No? Well, I posted it again below, just to remind you. Now, when you have nightmares about a crazy blond soccer mom jumping out of her mini-van and attacking you with a primitive, cave-woman-like weapon, you can thank me.  Spring Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:26:23 +0000 will 40983 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/where-to-shoot-a-turkey-with-a-bow-mystery-solved Wondering where to shoot a turkey with a bow? Check out the video and the mystery is solved. United States Turkey Entertainment Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:51:54 +0000 40849 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/caption-this-photo-win-a-trophy-ridge-bow-sight Maybe you haven’t picked this up about Realtree.com, but we’ve got a bunch of camo-clad women on staff. And a couple weeks ago, several of them converged in western Kentucky for the second-annual Realtree Ladies Bow Test. To my knowledge, the test is the only one of its kind. It’s a pretty grueling review. Our panel of female shooters takes a selection of brand new women's bows and sends hundreds of arrows through them over the course of a couple days. Spring Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:09:46 +0000 will 40662 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/georgia-deer-season-shortened-not-exactly United States Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:20:17 +0000 thansen 40788 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/crossbows-in-bow-season Whitetail Deer Crossbow Entertainment Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:44:42 +0000 40796 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/king-buck-named-new-world-record Entertainment Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:22:58 +0000 thansen 40794 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/are-license-fees-out-of-control With turkey season starting to fire up, I'm doing what I always do this time of year: Figuring out where I'll hunt deer this fall. Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 10 Apr 2013 06:57:33 +0000 thansen 40324 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/mike-strandlund-one-of-the-good-ones Mike Strandlund, editor of Bowhunting World and Grand View Media's Editorial Director, Will Be Missed By All Bowhunters. North America Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 10 Apr 2013 06:21:17 +0000 40596 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/colorado-hunting-boycott-whos-it-really-hurting Generations of American hunters have dreamed of big game in Colorado. Few other states offer such readily accessible opportunities at thriving, and varied, big game populations. To countless rural Colorado communities, traveling hunters are the economic lifeblood.  United States Spring Big Game Entertainment Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:32:36 +0000 will 40646 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-best-setup-for-bowhunting-turkeys "How should I set up for bowhunting turkeys?" North America Spring Turkey Bowhunting Entertainment Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:02:37 +0000 40329 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/do-you-hunt-the-smartest-deer My Deer Are Smarter Than Yours. North America Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:28:09 +0000 patrickmeitin 40410 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/is-using-deer-mineral-worth-the-effort-and-cost Should You Use Deer Mineral This Spring? North America Spring Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:02:31 +0000 patrickmeitin 40409 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/survey-whats-the-best-arrow-for-bowhunting What's the best arrow for bowhunting? Spring Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:56:24 +0000 40263 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/crossbows-to-solve-yankee-deer-tick-problem They have a problem up in Massachusetts: too many ticks are biting too many Yankees, which is causing too many cases of Lyme disease. As a result, the state commissioned a 21-member special panel to study the problem. The panel released its report at the end of February. Whitetail Deer Crossbow Entertainment Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:18:00 +0000 will 40226 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/tune-your-own-bow-how-to-install-a-peep-sight Learing how to intall a peep sight isn't difficult. It can be done in just a few steps. North America Spring Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:39:21 +0000 39505 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/dear-joe-biden-meet-barbara-baird I tease Barbara Baird on occasion. When I'm not calling her PITA Girl (that stands for Pain In The ... you know), I call her “Mall Ninja.” Entertainment Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:34:06 +0000 will 40048 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-tune-a-bow-tie-your-own-string-loop Tying your own string loop isn't difficult. It can be tied in just seven steps. Spring Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:09:33 +0000 patrickmeitin 39503 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/a-redneck-kids-homework-assignment Check out this note and photo, sent in by my buddy Mike Pendley. There is hope for the future, it seems.My 8-year-old son Nathaniel, nicknamed Potroast, eats, breathes and dreams hunting.  As we headed home from the last deer hunt of the season, he was silent most of the trip. Finally he asked, “Dad, is it OK to be a little sad when deer season is over?”  Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:38:03 +0000 will 39935 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-tune-a-bow-nocks-and-rests In the first installment of our How To Tune A Bow series, we look at installing rests and nock points. Spring Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:29:54 +0000 patrickmeitin 39500 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/ohio-proposes-changes-to-2013-deer-season Whitetail Deer Entertainment Sun, 10 Feb 2013 01:43:05 +0000 thansen 39841 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/measuring-on-google-maps-for-free Ah, Google. What wonderful tools you have. Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:54:31 +0000 thansen 39810 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/there-is-life-after-deer-season Is there life after deer season? Absolutely. North America Winter Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:17 +0000 patrickmeitin 38566 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/orphaned-deer-and-harsh-reality I do feel sorry for Jeff and Jennifer Counceller, the Indiana couple who took in an injured fawn, nursed it back to health, and are now facing legal recourse from the Indiana DNR. Their intentions were good. And in a video interview, Jeff is sporting a Realtree t-shirt. The Councellers seem to be “good folks like us.” United States Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:15:48 +0000 will 39706 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/its-here-the-2013-qdma-whitetail-report So maybe I am a bit odd. But I get a little giddy whenever the Quality Deer Managament Association releases its annual Whitetail Report. But the thing is some good reading for deer hunters. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:26:22 +0000 thansen 39693 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/thoughts-on-the-tracking-point-rifle Few product debuts in the shooting world have been any more impressive, from a technology standpoint, than the Tracking-Point rifle, unveiled at the 2013 SHOT Show. The initial press attention for the system, in fact, wasn’t from outdoor and gun writers, but from tech bloggers. Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:39:09 +0000 will 39594 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/100-percent-success-or-100-percent-disappointment My whitetail season's officially finished. I wrapped it up with a "management buck" with poor long-term trophy potential to fill my Idaho tag. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:33:37 +0000 patrickmeitin 38553 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/camo-its-not-a-fashion-statement I always have mixed feelings about the SHOT Show. On one hand, it's in Las Vegas. Which means I will endure a week of crowded, smoke-filled, noisy hotels and casinos. I'll share elevators with people wearing boots that cost more than my truck. Big Game Entertainment Tue, 22 Jan 2013 22:55:32 +0000 thansen 39463 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/buying-a-new-hunting-bow-is-it-necessary Do I Really Need A New Bow? Spring Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:34:59 +0000 patrickmeitin 39499 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/ameristep-razor-ground-blind The 8-pound Ameristep Razor ground blind is touted as the most packable, portable ground blind ever invented. But it wasn't the light weight and portability that impressed us the most. It was the incredibly fast set-up time. Eight seconds might seem like an eternity when you're on a bull's back. But it's a reasonable amount of time to set up a ground blind when a gobbling turkey is closing fast. The Razor MSRPs for $149. It sports a new Realtree Xtra camo pattern, too. Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:21:48 +0000 will 39273 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/video-review-trophy-ridge-react-bow-sight Check this deal out. It's called the Trophy Ridge React bow sight, and it's about the neatest gadget I've seen here on the first day of the 2013 Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show in Louisville, Kentucky. This sight addresses the issue of fixed pins and bows of varying speed. Let's say you have a short draw length, light draw weight bow set up for your son, for example. It launches arrows at 240 feet per second, but in order to dial in the third, fourth and fifth pins out to 40, 50 and 60 yards, you have to adjust each of them individually. Winter Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:51:27 +0000 will 39235 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/thieves-among-us-trail-camera-theft-is-common Trail Camera theft is unfortunately a common practice for some. North America Winter Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:10:08 +0000 38554 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/last-chance-late-season This is it.In 24 hours, the 2012 deer season will be all but over for me. I'll miss it. And I'll be glad to see it end. All at the same time. North America Fall Entertainment Sun, 30 Dec 2012 17:34:29 +0000 thansen 39055 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-small-game-the-ultimate-learning-experience Bowhunting for small game can teach big game skills. North America Winter Predators & Small Game Bowhunting Entertainment Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:18:35 +0000 38578 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/blond-chick-kills-wild-hog-with-spear Michelle and I bailed on yet another round of family Christmas parties and Dirty Santa games. Dirty Santa, if you don’t know, is the $10 gift exchange game, where I usually end up going home with a deck of “Bulging Beauty” playing cards. Those are, of course, playing cards adorned with obese, naked women. United States Winter Hog Entertainment Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:04:20 +0000 will 39015 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/hoyt-spyder-30-review The Hoyt Spyder 30 is Hoyt’s flagship bow for 2013. It’s equipped with the RKT cam from last year and, at 30 inches axle to axle, is Hoyt’s most compact bow yet. It’s light, too, with an overall weight of just 3.8 pounds. A pocket bow, if you will, obviously aimed at a chunk of that Mathews Heli-M and Z7 market share. I can sit flat on my rear, turkey-hunting style, and shoot with clearance to spare between the bottom cam and the ground. The grip is a pretty laminated hardwood grip and a wonderful improvement over last year’s rubber grip. Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:13:54 +0000 will 38902 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/dress-for-success-for-cold-weather-bowhunting A systematic approach for cold-weather hunting clothing. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:55:17 +0000 38062 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/guest-blog-nate-hosies-perfect-season Nate Hosie is pretty much an opposite version of me. He's outgoing, charismatic and kills a whole lot of big critters. I like the dude a lot. North America Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:54:40 +0000 thansen 38873 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/tag-soup-what-went-wrong Unpunched Whitetail Tag?  Here's Why You Failed. North America Winter Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Sun, 09 Dec 2012 19:08:33 +0000 38563 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/whitetail-tactics-that-can-actually-work Whitetail tactics that might actually work in your area. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:37:48 +0000 37716 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/deer-hunters-we-re-killing-ourselves You know what’s going to kill deer hunting? It’s not the animal rights crowd. Human beings are hard-wired to eat meat, and most of us do. If you enjoy a hamburger on occasion but oppose hunting you’re, well, a hypocritical moron. That’s about all the sugar-coating I can manage. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:46:43 +0000 will 38560 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/curses-do-you-believe Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:49:44 +0000 thansen 38588 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-big-kansas-failure Big Expectations Turn To Big Disappointment. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:37:19 +0000 38383 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/reader-buck-roundup Deer season’s cranking, and judging by the e-mails we’re receiving from Realtree.com readers, it's been a good one. Here’s a round-up of reader-submitted deer hunting photos and stories. Be sure to e-mail your own stories to rackreport [at] realtree [dot] com.Bowhunter Casey Warren took this awesome palmated-antler buck, nicknamed "Crown," in Oklahoma. In her words:  Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:17:02 +0000 will 38406 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/when-bucks-attack Here’s a challenge for you. Grab the main beam of a 3 ½-year-old buck’s antler and break it over your knee. Go ahead. Can’t even crack it? Try harder, Nancy Boy. Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:30:56 +0000 will 38178 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/worthless-advice-on-bowhunting-whitetails Enough with the whitetail gurus. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:07:03 +0000 patrickmeitin 37714 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/confessions-of-the-rut-deprived I suppose I shouldn't have read Brantley's gloating blog about his latest success. I was irritable enough as it is.I'm sitting here trying to work through a day's worth of tasks in the two hours I'll be able to keep my eyes open until yet another 4 a.m. wakeup call arrives. It's early November and the bow season is slipping away. I've scarcely hunted, and I'm trying to make up for lost time. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Sat, 10 Nov 2012 03:23:56 +0000 thansen 38052 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/lesson-from-the-rut-hunt-when-you-can Sometimes it seems an outdoor writer's main goal in life is to make deer hunters second-guess themselves. Set up close to the bedding area today. But not too close. And don’t go in there tomorrow. Always sneak into your stand from downwind. Plan to hunt today because the moon’s good. Get there early. Stay all day. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:43:32 +0000 will 37993 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/sleep-deprivation-bowhunting Sleep Deprivation and Deer Hunters. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:46:13 +0000 patrickmeitin 37446 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/safety-on-stand-again A safety harness is not optional gear. It's a necessity on every hunt. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:59:18 +0000 thansen 37641 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/have-bow-will-travel Taking your bow on a plane? It's not as easy as it used to be. North America Fall Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:23:45 +0000 patrickmeitin 37445 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shooting-arrows-in-the-wind Shooting In The Wind North America Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:11:58 +0000 patrickmeitin 37255 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-bait-debate The Bait Debate: Is Hunting Deer Over Bait Unethical? North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:55:31 +0000 patrickmeitin 37426 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shot-angles-shoulder-blades-arrows Is an intentional shoulder shot unethical? North America Fall Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:48:39 +0000 37142 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-best-part-of-deer-hunting-anticipation This is the time of year, of deer season, that I love the most.It's not because the bucks are on their feet and each day brings crazy good action. In fact, I've hardly hunted at all thus far and, when I have, I've not seen much at all. United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:22:02 +0000 thansen 37339 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-oklahomas-early-season-whitetail Patrick Meitin returns from another visit to Oklahoma for October whitetails. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:02:27 +0000 patrickmeitin 37239 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/should-you-hunt-over-scrapes North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:20:30 +0000 patrickmeitin 37060 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-october-lull-is-not-real Is the October lull real or imagined? North America Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:43:29 +0000 thansen 37231 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/ever-torn-up-a-bow-share-the-story-win-some-arrows United States Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:53:44 +0000 will 37208 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/deer-thrashes-obama-sign Much has been written about the use of deer decoys. Where to set them. How to face them. The best practices for adding scent. How to add real deer tails and antlers for enhanced realism. How to combine them with deer calling. This is all in the name of angering a whitetail buck and hoping he'll attack. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:10:42 +0000 will 37062 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/back-to-oklahoma-for-an-october-whitetail-bowhunt Oklahoma Whitetails In October North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:39:22 +0000 patrickmeitin 37149 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/trail-cam-review-moultrie-m-80xt Tony Hansen reviews the Moultrie M-80 XT trail camera. Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:04:02 +0000 thansen 37162 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-elk-when-its-hot-dry Idaho's archery elk season was a scorcher, and spooky dry. The air was filled with an ominous haze from distant forest fires most mornings, making glassing fruitless. By 8:30 soaring heat sent elk into cover and silence. It proved the most challenging elk hunting I've faced since moving to Idaho. North America Fall Elk Bowhunting Entertainment Sat, 29 Sep 2012 19:08:29 +0000 patrickmeitin 37141 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bear-unveils-new-bows Bow season is upon us. If you couldn't tell that by the hint of crisp air and autumnal colors, the release of new bows from Bear Archery should solidify things.Bear unveiled its Anarchy bow about this time last year and I have a feeling more than a few bowhunters made some last-minute gear changes after its release. It's a sweet rig for sure.Today, they announced the release of five new models. United States Fall Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:54:45 +0000 thansen 37098 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/playing-treestand-musical-chairs-based-on-wind-and-trail-camera-evidenc Trail Cams and Wind North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:19:55 +0000 patrickmeitin 36953 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/trail-cam-review-moultrie-m-100-mini-cam In this trail camera review, Will Brantley tests the Moultrie M-100 Mini-Cam United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:09:29 +0000 will 37049 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-post-velvet-whitetail-lull Do you believe in the October Lull? And does it really begin in September? North America Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:03:51 +0000 patrickmeitin 37016 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/tyler-jordan-early-season-update-from-team-realtree The 2012 hunting season has already kicked off in a big way. Several members of the Team Realtree crew have already had successful hunts for whitetails and elk. Here's the rundown of September highlights so far: Fall Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:06:21 +0000 will 37048 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/trail-cam-review-moultrie-m-80-black Image Resolution: 5 MPPower Source: AA batteries (4 or 8 will power the camera)Advertised Nighttime Range (no flash): 50 FeetMSRP: $204.99 Entertainment Thu, 13 Sep 2012 17:42:05 +0000 will 36996 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/meitins-favorite-bows-for-2012 My Current FavoritesBeing a long-time hanger-on in the archery industry I get to play with lots of gear. From bows to arrows I take advantage of this privilege, making an attempt to test as wide a variety of gear as possible so I can speak authoritatively on any equipment subject.  Invariably, as the season developes and I begin shooting in earnest, favorites emerge.  Here are my pets from the current batch (all but the recurve available in Realtree camouflage). Fall Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:32:30 +0000 patrickmeitin 36956 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/making-the-best-of-pronghorn-bowhunts-after-heavy-rains Rained-Out Pronghorn North America Summer Antelope Bowhunting Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:19:45 +0000 patrickmeitin 36649 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/trail-camera-review-stealthcam-unit-ops In the first of several upcoming trail camera reviews, Tony Hansen tests the StealthCam Unit OPS Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:21:31 +0000 thansen 36932 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/blond-chick-shoots-velvet-buck An early season bowhunting success story, velvet antlers included United States Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 05 Sep 2012 18:31:51 +0000 will 36942 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/is-hunting-over-acorns-overrated When it comes to finding a prime spot to hunt, a lot of hunters look for falling acorns. But should they? Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:13:30 +0000 thansen 36741 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-ideal-bow-and-arrow-setup-for-elk Gearing Up For Elk North America Fall Elk Bowhunting Tue, 04 Sep 2012 21:20:49 +0000 patrickmeitin 36704 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/king-buck-justice-to-be-served The King Buck will get its day after all.The crew at Deer and Deer Hunting Magazine have done a superb job of covering the saga of a potential new World Record typical taken in Wisconsin by Johny King. D&DH first brought the story to the public spotlight and have been all over it since, breaking story after story about the controversy surrounding the buck. Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:43:08 +0000 thansen 36909 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-hss-hybrid-vest-and-lifeline A few winters ago, one of my best hunting buddies nearly got killed while pig hunting in Florida. He wasn’t charged by a raging wild boar. He fell head-first out of a lock-on stand and broke his neck. Since the stand was no more than 12 feet off the ground, he didn’t figure he needed a safety belt. He recovered and can walk today, but I don’t have to tell how just how lucky he was. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:00:42 +0000 will 36886 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-finer-points-of-calling-elk-during-archery-seasons Calling All ElkCalling snot-slinging, wild-eyed bulls into archery range is the stuff of bowhunting dreams. Unfortunately, this seldom comes off as depicted in heavily-edited hunting videos starring major game-call icons. I've been in this dodge long enough to understand these moneyed captains of industry don't bowhunt the same places you and I do, haunting instead properties we'll never afford, or wait decades to win a lottery tag for. North America Fall Elk Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:19:32 +0000 patrickmeitin 36790 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-perils-of-deer-population-estimates How many deer live in your state? North America Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:35:34 +0000 thansen 36779 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/guest-blog-tyler-jordan I think part of having a good blog is having some good guest writers to give a different perspective from time to time. That's especially true for Hansen and me. Both of us lean to the side of grumpy and cynical anyhow, but particularly right now, since we still have two weeks' worth of Antler Nation work to finish. United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:14:38 +0000 will 36659 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-early-season-high-country-mule-deer Meitin talks glassing and stalking tactics for early season mule deer in the high mountains North America Summer Mule Deer Bowhunting Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:34:40 +0000 patrickmeitin 35369 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/trailcam-photos-in-your-inbox Trail camera season is underway. For some with serious whitetail afflictions, the trailcam season never closes. But for most, the season kicks off in early summer and reaches fever pitch sometime this month. Entertainment Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:52:06 +0000 thansen 36431 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/michael-waddell-s-radio-collared-buck One of the things we hunters appreciate about whitetails is their elusiveness. Even in this day of intense trail camera scrutiny and unprecedented knowledge of deer behavior and management by even casual hunters, a mature buck is a downright mysterious creature. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:21:07 +0000 will 35394 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-perfect-pronghorn-bow Meitin explains the ins and outs of putting together the perfect bowhunting outfit for pronghorns North America Summer Antelope Bowhunting Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:23:12 +0000 patrickmeitin 35301 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-legal-buck-of-2012 No need to wait for deer season. It's already here...at least in South Florida. Summer Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:17:43 +0000 will 35345 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-and-lucky-charms What more scientific proof do you need? Season going badly; nothing but bad luck. Find four-leaf clover. Kill bear nearly immediately. North America Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:57:27 +0000 patrickmeitin 35145 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/missing-is-part-of-bowhunting  I just read "Fred Bear's Field Notes," again. It occurs to me anew how archers of old weren't afraid to miss like we are today. North America Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:43:08 +0000 patrickmeitin 35146 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/learning-from-western-bowhunters United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:40:04 +0000 will 35306 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-score-a-pronghorn-over-water Water Hole Pronghorn 101 North America Summer Antelope Bowhunting Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:10:41 +0000 patrickmeitin 35302 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/why-permanent-stands-on-public-land-should-be-illegal Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in your own little hunting world and forget that folks in other states may do things differently than you. United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 10 Jul 2012 20:00:14 +0000 will 35219 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shooting-practices-that-help-cure-buck-fever Beating Buck Fever Summer Big Game Bowhunting Sun, 08 Jul 2012 15:16:51 +0000 patrickmeitin 35074 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/beating-target-panic-this-summer-for-better-shooting-this-fall Beat Target Panic NowIf you've been shooting a bow more than 10 years you have target panic. Yes you do. On a scale from 1 to 100 you may show symptoms on a level 25, but it's there I assure you. When target-panic affliction reaches levels higher than, say 50, it's absolutely affecting your ability to shoot at your full potential. In a strictly bowhunting context this means missing easy shots at game for no apparent reason, taking more time to aim than you should while also making shots more "forced" than necessary. Summer Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Sun, 08 Jul 2012 00:21:48 +0000 patrickmeitin 35201 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/broadheads-assuring-accuracy-from-the-fastest-bows Fast Broadheads North America Summer Big Game Bowhunting Sat, 07 Jul 2012 23:46:54 +0000 patrickmeitin 35200 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bear-anarchy-review I’ve been shooting the Bear Anarchy the past couple weeks. This single-cam model is Bear’s flagship bow for 2012, and though the design is thoroughly modern, it has something of a “retro” feel to it. By retro, I’m referring to the straight riser and 35.25-inch axle-to-axle length. This bow bucks the trend of radically curved risers seen in many of today’s 30-inch-range hunting bows. Bear claims this long axle-to-axle configuration was born from user requests for a longer, more forgiving bow. In that regard, they succeeded. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:41:45 +0000 will 35189 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowfishing-is-hot-summertime-fun Bowfishing -- Hot Summertime Fun North America Spring Freshwater Fish Bowhunting Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:08:20 +0000 patrickmeitin 34911 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/antler-nation-a-project-revealed   United States Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:20:06 +0000 thansen 35140 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-kelsey-bloom This week’s installment of First Buck Friday was sent in by Wisconsin hunter Kelsey Bloom. It’s a great story, and a heck of a nice first buck. And you've got to check out that pink skull mount!Submit your first buck stories and photos to us by e-mailing them to rackreport [at] realtree [dot] com.  Here’s Kelsey’s story, in her words: United States Summer Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:04:47 +0000 will 35118 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/is-this-deer-video-real This video of Ohio turkey hunters Steve Hunt and Rick Lehman feeding a doe Pringles is making the rounds on the outdoor blog circuit. It is a neat video (credit goes to WCPO in Cincinnati), and most of the posts I’ve seen have focused on the novelty of it. Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:10:00 +0000 will 35107 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/food-plots-its-decision-time I have never claimed to be a farmer. Or a gardener. Or really much of a food plotter. But I do put in a few plots each year, and the learning curve has started to become less steep. United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:11:33 +0000 thansen 35099 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-illinois-10-pointer United States Summer Whitetail Deer Shotgun Entertainment Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:20:45 +0000 will 35093 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/choosing-the-best-broadhead-and-arrow-to-make-your-bow-an-all-game-rig Match The Rig To The Gig North America Big Game Bowhunting Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:25:20 +0000 patrickmeitin 34794 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/want-to-kill-more-game-with-a-bow-shoot-more-foam 3-D For Better Bowhunting North America Summer Big Game Bowhunting Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:40:55 +0000 patrickmeitin 35076 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/hiring-a-shooting-coach-this-summer-for-better-shooting-come-fall After you've been shooting awhile the mechanics of drawing, anchoring and releasing a bowstring become essentially automatic. Summer Big Game Bowhunting Gear Mon, 11 Jun 2012 20:25:21 +0000 patrickmeitin 34971 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/on-hipsters-and-hunting The Trendy Urbanite. He often refers to himself as a "hipster," and is as foreign to our camo-wearing crowd as we are to his skinny jean crowd. Take Matt Stopera, for example. He works as an editor for BuzzFeed.com, a popular and innovative site with such ground-breaking features as the “WTF” button. Stopera, noted for his witty commentary, fits the hipster mold quite well. Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:44:46 +0000 will 35062 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/qdma-fights-captive-deer-breeding Efforts to legalize captive deer breeding were stopped in three southern states—Mississippi, Georgia and Tennessee—during the 2012 legislative session. The QDMA reported in a press release this morning that additional legislative victories (at least in QDMA’s eyes) regarding captive deer breeding were had in Indiana, Missouri and West Virginia. United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:03:02 +0000 will 35022 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/dr-deer-public-land-hunting-is-communism What happens when you mix passionate deer hunters, deer management and politics? Headlines like these:Walker to Deer Hunters: Pay Up or Get Lost North America Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:50:50 +0000 thansen 35017 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/dryer-n-a-popcorn-fart-in-these-deer-woods This morning, I had to step away from my desk and stare outside. It was finally raining, if only for 10 minutes. It’s dry around here—western Kentucky was in moderate to severe drought conditions as of May 22, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. United States Summer Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 29 May 2012 20:41:46 +0000 will 34980 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/drop-away-arrow-rest   Summer Bowhunting Tue, 29 May 2012 17:56:30 +0000 patrickmeitin 34950 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/hot-button-topic-of-bear-baiting Bear-Baiting Controversy North America Spring Bear Bowhunting Fri, 25 May 2012 17:50:26 +0000 patrickmeitin 34909 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/johnny-king-buck-video-implies-deer-should-be-new-world-record In 2006, Wisconsin hunter Johnny King killed a huge 6X6 buck that could have challenged Milo Hanson's all-time typical record. But the buck has never been officially entered into the Boone and Crockett records because of controversy over how the buck should be scored. A point on the buck's right antler was determined by a Boone and Crockett official as being non-typical, dropping the buck's final net score from potentially eclipsing Milo Hanson's mark of 213 5/8 to somewhere in the mid-180s. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 25 May 2012 15:59:18 +0000 thansen 34972 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/making-your-bowhunting-outfit-deadly-silent Silence of the Limbs Summer Big Game Bowhunting Gear Thu, 24 May 2012 18:57:24 +0000 patrickmeitin 34970 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowfishing-what-to-do-with-fish It's not uncommon during an average day of bowfishing to accumulate a barrel full of carp. While bowfishing will never eliminate carp from local waters, thinning the highly invasive species remains a guilt-free enterprise. Still, waste has always bothered me. In remote areas, I normally toss dead carp on shore for raccoons and coyotes, or even birds of prey, to pick at. Of course this is a bad idea (and often illegal) in heavily used public areas. North America Summer Freshwater Fish Bowhunting Mon, 21 May 2012 18:30:44 +0000 patrickmeitin 34952 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-one-for-the-wall For this week's First Buck Friday story, we're going to break the rules just a bit. That's always fun. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 18 May 2012 14:41:42 +0000 thansen 34962 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-lindsey-kemnitz-of-wisconsin This week's First Buck Friday entry comes from the great state of Wisconsin. Home of cheese curds, The Pack and Milwaukee's Best. And some darned fine deer hunting. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Shotgun Entertainment Fri, 11 May 2012 15:32:01 +0000 thansen 34941 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-best-turkey-you-will-ever-eat By now many of you have tagged your spring gobbler -- maybe more than one. Looking for something scrumptious to do with it? I asked professional wild-game cookbook authors Tiffany and Scott Haugen for their favorite way to eat a turkey, and they graciously shared this deep fried turkey recipe from their new book "Cooking Game Birds." Deep-Fried Turkey by Tiffany Haugen   North America Spring Turkey Bowhunting Thu, 10 May 2012 16:02:42 +0000 patrickmeitin 34906 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/climbing-stand-or-hang-on My climbing stand has been an integral part of my bowhunting since my first season in the woods. And if you think we outdoor writers always have fancy new gear on hand, you need to take a close look at my stand (pictured below). It’s an old Summit, likely older than I am, that was bought at a yard sale. United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 08 May 2012 18:09:03 +0000 will 34917 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/wild-hogsfavorite-summertime-game Hog-Wild Summertime Fun! United States Spring Hog Bowhunting Mon, 07 May 2012 20:34:57 +0000 patrickmeitin 34912 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-yooper-broken-gun-buck North America Fall Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 04 May 2012 23:56:15 +0000 thansen 34876 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/removing-your-bow-quiver-will-make-you-a-better-shot The Case Against Bow Quivers United States Big Game Bowhunting Thu, 03 May 2012 16:02:52 +0000 patrickmeitin 34795 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/hoyt-vector-turbo-review You may not realize you want a new bow until you shoot one. I’ve never been a new-bow-a-year kind of guy—far from it, actually. I hunted with the same Mathews MQ1 I’d had since college up until a few seasons ago. But I’ve been playing with a Hoyt Vector Turbo the last few days, the speed bow in Hoyt’s 2012 lineup, and so far I like it—more than I like my “old” (2011) bow. United States Spring Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 01 May 2012 13:33:10 +0000 will 34857 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/learning-traditional-archery Some bowhunters choose traditional archery to emulate icons like Fred Bear, while others might just be looking for something simpler. Some in the archery industry see this as a threat somehow. I guess the assumption is an onslaught of single-string shooters will result in fewer purchases of expensive gizmos. Traditional archery is pretty basic. North America Big Game Whitetail Deer Turkey Bowhunting Traditional Bow Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:47:45 +0000 patrickmeitin 34613 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-travis-mills First off, I want to apologize for missing last week’s installment of First Buck Friday. Both Hansen and I were out of town conducting some turkey hunting field research in the Oklahoma Panhandle. But we’re back in the saddle this week, and after looking through the inbox, I decided to share a story from Scott Mills of Saskatchewan about his son, Travis, and Travis’ last-minute 10-pointer (or 5x5, in western Canada speak). Canada Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:32:14 +0000 will 34842 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/best-broadheads-for-turkeys  Bowhunting turkeys, as I've discussed previously, depends on having the right gear. This is especially true when it comes to choosing broadheads. Choosing the best broadheads for turkeys is all about punching a big hole, to a lesser extent knocking the bird for a loop. Oddly enough, in regard to turkeys you want broadheads that are, well, inefficient (for lack of a better term). Inefficient in this context means heads that shed arrow energy on impact. They fill the prescription of less penetration and more imparted shock. North America Spring Turkey Bowhunting Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:14:37 +0000 patrickmeitin 34770 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-shot-placement-on-turkeys Bowhunting Shot Placement on Turkeys North America Spring Turkey Bowhunting Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:45:57 +0000 patrickmeitin 34771 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/a-trail-camera-forgotten The turkeys were gobbling when I get out of the truck. Of course they were. The Michigan season was set to open in just a couple of days and I have a feeling those birds knew exactly what day it was. The season was close -- but not there yet. North America Spring Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:43:56 +0000 thansen 34823 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/foc-and-bowhunting-arrow-accuracy F.O.C. and Bowhunting Big Game Bowhunting Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:05:46 +0000 patrickmeitin 34789 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-geoff-hanrahan This week’s first buck story, sent in by Missouri hunter Geoff Hanrahan, is another tale of small-property success. Geoff killed his buck on a 6-acre piece of ground that adjoined a park in St. Louis. It’s a really cool story. You’re probably used to seeing squirrels, and maybe a few turkeys while you’re on stand. But mountain bikers? That’s not something many of us encounter in the deer woods. Check out Geoff’s story below, and email your own first buck stories and photos to us at rackreport [at] realtree [dot] com.  United States Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:28:58 +0000 will 34755 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/the-ashby-thing-part-ii-regarding-compounds The Ashby Thing Part II North America Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:58:32 +0000 jwilkins 34749 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/turkey-hunting-vs-deer-hunting  A gobbling longbeard or a big old buck—which is more difficult to kill? It’s an age-old debate between turkey hunters and deer hunters. Significant amounts of chest-pumping, anecdotal evidence and name-calling are usually involved in these debates. Some examples: United States Spring Whitetail Deer Turkey Bowhunting Rifle Shotgun Entertainment Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:44:20 +0000 will 34747 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/ed-ashby-traditional-archery The Ashby Thing, Part I North America Big Game Bowhunting Traditional Bow Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:25:50 +0000 patrickmeitin 34713 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-lily-gregory-ohio It's Friday and time for another First Buck Friday entry. As a dad, I really enjoyed this week's entry. Maybe it's because I just received my 8-year-old daughter's first hunting licenses in the mail. Maybe this fall, we'll get to experience a moment like the one relayed here. If you've got a first buck story to share, shoot it to us at rackreport [at] realtree [dot] com.My name is Phillip Gegory and I'm from Conneaut, Ohio. My daughter's name is Lily. She is 9 years old and this past hunting season was her first time hunting. Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:16:20 +0000 thansen 34690 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/evan-lammies-record-typical-ontario-bow-buck I just had the pleasure of interviewing Evan Lammie, president of the QDMA’s Broken Arrow Branch in Ontario, Canada. Canada Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:14:47 +0000 will 34677 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-tyler-franks I really enjoyed Tyler Franks’ submission for First Buck Friday. It reminded me of my days in college, when hunting was nearly as important as going to class. We ate a lot of squirrels and fish and fried backstrap, cooked in the dormitory kitchen, in those days. United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:43:48 +0000 will 34652 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/is-a-speed-bow-for-you   North America Bowhunting Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:11:08 +0000 patrickmeitin 34646 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-turkeys-isnt-as-difficult-as-you-think   North America Spring Turkey Bowhunting Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:35:52 +0000 patrickmeitin 34614 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/a-first-deer-story I have always been my harshest critic. In some ways, I suppose, that's a good thing because it means I'm never satisfied.On the other hand, well, I'm never satisfied.Lately, though, I've been especially dissatisfied. Why? No idea. It just seems the words won't come. Or aren't right.  Not good enough. North America Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:25:53 +0000 thansen 34610 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-joshua-martin With an e-mail inbox literally stacked with great first buck stories, sometimes it’s hard to pick just one of them for First Buck Friday. But the story sent in to us by Josh Martin is special. The nice buck was Josh’s first with a bow—special enough in itself—but what’s truly amazing is that Josh is totally blind as a result of a turkey hunting accident. He hunts with both bow and gun with the help of his dad. Take a look at his story below. United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:25:08 +0000 will 34583 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/dropped-project-alaska-finale We’ll stray a bit from whitetails here to ask this question: how cool would it be to set out in the Alaskan back country for a month, sustaining yourself with nothing more than the fish you could catch and the caribou and such you could kill? North America Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:16:51 +0000 will 34578 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/jeremy-farinas-piebald-buck Ever seen a piebald deer? I have. It was a piebald doe that I saw from a truck window, feeding in a bean field several summers ago. But that’s it. Realtree.com reader Jeremy Farina has a much cooler piebald deer story than mine. Jeremy sent this story in a while back, and I’m just now getting around to posting it. It’s in his words, condensed just a bit for the blog. Enjoy. United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:48:15 +0000 will 34558 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/fair-chase-or-fake I wish I could predict the NCAA tournament brackets with as much accuracy as I can predict comments about big deer on Facebook. Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:52:23 +0000 thansen 34537 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-pennsylvanias-becky-hoffm There are few words more satisfying than "I Told You So." In this First Buck Friday tale, Becky Hoffman gets to utter those sweet syllables. Got a good story behind your first buck? Share it with us by e-mail at rackreport [at] realtree [dot] com. United States Spring Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:26:52 +0000 thansen 34527 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/favorite-release-aid-styles United States Big Game Bowhunting Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:13:30 +0000 patrickmeitin 34517 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/finger-shooting-compounds Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:29:20 +0000 patrickmeitin 34514 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/blood-trail-info-a-side-benefit-of-filming- Watch this video. It’s enough to make any editor cringe. The end of it is shaky, and with the rain, the audio is ruined to the point of being annoying. But I’m posting it anyway because, despite its problems, it’s a particularly good lesson on why filming your own hunts can make you a more effective hunter. Let me explain.  United States Spring Big Game Whitetail Deer Hog Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:06:02 +0000 will 34506 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-jamie-norris-weatherford- The first buck Jamie Norris ever shot was not only a heavy, mature 8-pointer, but it was with a bow. That’s impressive in my book. Take a look at the story below in Jamie’s words, and be sure to e-mail your first-buck tales to rackreport [at] realtree [dot] com! United States Spring Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:42:12 +0000 will 34482 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/perspectives-on-growing-and-maturing-as-a-hunter United States Big Game Whitetail Deer Hog Bowhunting Traditional Bow Entertainment Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:02:13 +0000 patrickmeitin 34470 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shooting-form-the-perfect-release At its base, how you approach the aiming process, in direct relation to the release, makes or breaks every shot with the bow and arrow. Proper execution also heads off bad habits affecting your shooting down the road. United States Spring Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:55:17 +0000 34441 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/scent-control-worth-the-effort I need new rubber boots. Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:44:43 +0000 thansen 34436 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/fawns-in-february For the past six years, I’ve been making a late winter trip south to bowhunt pigs in Florida with my dad. It’s one of my favorite hunting trips of the year (more to come on it in a future post), not only because I love to hunt pigs, but because South Florida is a very cool place—bikinis and beaches aside. Spend a little time hunting inland Florida and you’ll likely see a spectacle of wildlife you can’t find anywhere else in the United States. United States Spring Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:29:56 +0000 will 34407 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/first-buck-friday-tom-pearl-rome-maine Once again, Hansen and I had a swarm of great first buck stories land in our e-mail inboxes this week. Chances are good we’ll be sharing quite a few of them here on the Browtines and Backstrap blog. Today, we picked a story from another Maine hunter, Tom Pearl. Tom is from Rome, Maine, and he sent in the tale of his first buck, taken from a stand he and his family have dubbed “The Killin’ Tree.” We hope you enjoy it. United States Spring Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:27:25 +0000 will 34397 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/qdma-whitetail-report There are a lot of things that I enjoy. But I probably enjoy two things more than others: Big deer and being right. North America Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:14:40 +0000 thansen 34389 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/finally-friday-time-for-another-first-buck- My calendar tells me that, miracle of miracles, it's Friday again. That means it's time for another reader-submitted first-buck story. This one was sent to us by Celia Broomhall of Gilead, Maine. We enjoyed reading it. Hope you do, too.Send us your first-buck stories and photos by e-mailing them to rackreport [at] realtree [dot] com. We'll pick our favorites and post them right here on the Browtines and Backstrap blog. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:47:05 +0000 will 34371 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shooting-form-the-perfect-bow-grip Torque is archery accuracy’s worst enemy. You can line up everything precisely while aiming, but twist the shot off axis at the moment of release and everything turns to garbage. Seventy-five percent of torque is created by the bow hand, the only point of contact with the bow following release. United States Spring Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:43:43 +0000 34369 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shed-hunting-hard-core-or-casual Much as I like to deer hunt, I’ve never been a dedicated shed hunter. Sure, I’ll pick them up as I see them when I’m out and about in the spring, but I don’t know that I’ve ever left the house and said, “Going shed hunting. United States Spring Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:03:11 +0000 will 34366 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shooting-form-the-stance During the last four installments, I discussed purchasing the basic equipment needed to begin your bowhunting passion. Before you’ll achieve the best results possible, you’ll need to instill basic shooting-form fundamentals. United States Winter Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:02:46 +0000 34359 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/kansas-record-buck-poached  There are few things I can think of that disgust me more than a poacher. A repeat poaching offender, however, is the lowest of low. United States Whitetail Deer Entertainment Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:34:58 +0000 thansen 34355 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/its-friday-time-for-a-first-buck-story  In a Browtines and Backstrap post earlier this week, we asked for first buck stories and photos—and man, did you guys and gals ever respond. Every Friday, beginning today, we’re going to pick a first buck story and post it, right here. Thing is, you’ve got to keep sending them to us for us to keep it going. E-mail Tony and me at rackreport [at] realtree [dot] com! United States Winter Whitetail Deer Muzzleloader Entertainment Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:29:46 +0000 will 34350 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/wanted-first-buck-stories-and-photos See that strapping, bare-chested lad in this photo? That’s me, some years ago, with my first buck, a 7-pointer that I shot during a youth hunt in Ballard County, Kentucky. That’s my older cousin, Casey, on the right. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Muzzleloader Rifle Entertainment Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:09:11 +0000 will 34322 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-basics-iv-rangefinders Previously we discussed the basic gear you’ll need to start shooting and enjoying all archery has to offer. But before you get really serious about bowhunting live game you’ll need a quality laser rangefinder. United States Winter Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:44:54 +0000 34320 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/defining-trophy-deer How do you define the words “trophy deer”? Inches of antler? Age of the buck? Or is it something deeper? Perhaps the experience of a successful hunt, taken as a whole, regardless of what the animal looks like? United States Winter Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Muzzleloader Rifle Entertainment Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:19:03 +0000 will 34291 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-basics-iii-modern-bowhunting-accessories While modern compound bows, with their silky-smooth draw cycles, high let-off, and efficient energy transfer, and straighter, more durable carbon arrows and broadheads, are huge factors in making archery success easier, modern bowhunting accessories also contribute largely to shooting ease. North America Winter Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:02:53 +0000 34248 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/gps-unit-for-hunting-where-to-start It’s early February. The Super Bowl is on. And what am I doing?I’m searching around the Internet for a new GPS unit for hunting and a mapping solution that will provide some sort of overlay data for public lands. Can this be considered obsessive behavior? I sure hope so. North America Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:26:19 +0000 thansen 34246 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/is-the-world-record-typical-whitetail-in-hi The new World Record typical whitetail is dead.I don't know what it scores. I don't know where it was killed. Truth be told, I don't know for a fact that one was even shot. But I'd bet that it was.Alright, I'll explain.I make part of my living tracking down and writing about big bucks. Yes, it's fun. And, yes, it's a giant pain in the arse a lot of the time. There are usually two types of hunters who kill giant bucks: Those that want you to talk about them and those that will cut out your tongue if you do. North America Winter Whitetail Deer Entertainment Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:07:46 +0000 thansen 34236 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/super-bowl-recipe-italian-deer-sandwiches The degree of which I’m uninterested in the Super Bowl is almost frightening. Before sitting down to write this, I had to do a Google search to see which teams are even playing. Long and short, I just don’t care. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Entertainment Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:58:12 +0000 will 34226 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-basics-ii-terminal-tackle In the first installment of Bowhunting Basics, I discussed choosing a bow. With that part of the journey behind you, you’ll obviously need additional gear to make your bowhunting ambitions more streamlined and successful. United States Winter Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:28:56 +0000 34225 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-men-wear-sweater-vests The ATA and SHOT shows are finally over for 2012. We’ve spent so much time pointing out cool gear and favorite products from the shows this year that I think it’s only fair to point out my least-favorite aspect of the shows—the Realtree Sweater Vests. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Entertainment Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:22:21 +0000 will 34215 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/t2012-shot-show-affordable-optics The Realtree.com editorial crew gets the enviable task of checking out as many new products as possible during the SHOT Show each year. And we certainly found some cool stuff. At the end of the show, we choose one that stood out. To me, the choice was pretty easy -- the new optics lineup from Nikon. No, they're not noteworthy because of some special new technology. They caught my attention because of their pricetags. Entertainment Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:24:07 +0000 thansen 34213 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/texting-gloves-next-must-have-deer-product Just over two months ago, my phone buzzed, and when I picked it up, it said, “1 New Message from Dad.” I opened it up, and there was a picture of a dead buck with a text that said, “Will, thought u would want 2 C this.” I replied: “Who the hell is this? Why do you have Dad’s phone?” Thing is, it was my dad on his new iPhone. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:32:36 +0000 will 34191 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/zeolite-new-scent-control-magic There are few things in the woods that have saved more whitetails than last night’s camp chili. Let's not go into details and just state simple facts: Deer can smell really, really well. Deer hunters are fond of chili. You can see where this is going . . . Deer hunters worry an awful lot about odor. They also happen to produce a lot of it. North America Whitetail Deer Entertainment Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:25:49 +0000 thansen 34190 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/brantleys-shot-pick-benjamin-air-gun Most of my work on Realtree.com is done from my home office in Kentucky. Yep, I'm usually wearing pajamas (or long underwear during hunting season). Matches right up with the image you had, right? Anyway, pajamas aside, one of the biggest advantages of my home office is the opportunity for frequent fall target practice. It just so happens that my yard has a couple huge oak trees, and man do they ever load up with squirrels when the acorns are ripe. From time to time (OK, every half hour), I step away from the computer, grab my pellet gun, crack open the door and try to get a shot. North America Fall Whitetail Deer Squirrel Predators & Small Game Entertainment Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:46:38 +0000 will 34189 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/new-breed-ar-15s-for-deer-hunting Walk around the floor of the SHOT Show for a while—and spend much time discussing it with folks on the hunting side of the business—and one theme becomes starkly clear: the “black guns” are taking over. People love their AR-15s, and there’s no doubt the AR-15 craze is the fastest-growing aspect of the shooting industry. I have an AR myself, and have owned some others in the past. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Rifle Entertainment Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:28:07 +0000 will 34146 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/bowhunting-basics-part-1 Have you never been bowhunting? Getting started is easier than you think. United States Winter Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:47:22 +0000 34142 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/brantleys-ata-pick-easton-injexion-arrow-sh We saw a ton of great new stuff at the 2012 ATA Show in Columbus, Ohio, but I'd have to say my favorite was this new A/C Injexion arrow shaft from Easton. I'm already hearing great things from pro-staffers who've had a chance to shoot it, both on the range and in the woods. Long and short, it allows you to use a heavy arrow with an ultra-small diameter. United States Fall Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:58:14 +0000 thansen 34135 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/meet-patrick-meitin I’ve been in the outdoor-writing dodge a while, selling my first magazine articles to mainstream archery publications in 1988. Ironically enough, my first published article was a technical piece, detailing a simplified method of aiming a bow and arrow using a single pin. It’s ironic only because I wasn’t what you’d have called a tech-head back then, preferring recurve bows for the most part, or shooting compound bows without benefit of sights, directing my shots through pure instinct. Bow sights were for target heads; “disco freaks” we called them. United States Winter Big Game Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Traditional Bow Entertainment Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:40:29 +0000 admin 34094 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/meet-brantley I wasn’t into team sports as a kid, and to this day, don’t care much about watching them on TV. I had good buddies, but whether or not I hung out with them after school was of no real consequence to me. Hunting, for whatever was in season, was the driving force behind my daily agenda when I was young. It still is today. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:37:32 +0000 admin 34092 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/meet-hansen I hate New Year’s Day.Come to think of it, I hate New Year’s Eve as well. And the rest of January for that matter.I live in Michigan. The deer season ends here on January 1. Thus, as I write this, I am about 120 minutes removed from the end of the 2011 season. And I’m pretty peeved about it to be honest. Mad. Sad. Disappointed, deflated, defeated.Depressed. United States Winter Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:36:31 +0000 thansen 34091 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/how-to-win-1000-worth-of-hunting-clothing There’s a rummage store not far from the house that’s run by a group of grizzled old veterans. They’ve had a “going out of business” sign on their window for the better part of two years now, and they’re usually sitting around some antique table, playing poker at the height of the business day. Entertainment Thu, 05 Sep 2013 13:47:49 +0000 will 42695 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/realtree-presents-full-draw-film-tour If you are a serious bowhunter and are lucky enough to live in the Northwest portion of the country you're in for a real treat. The Full Draw Film Tour is coming to a historic theater near you this summer. You'll have the opportunity to watch exciting, never-before-seen bowhunting films in a classic big-screen setting. North America Summer Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:36:46 +0000 patrickmeitin 40910 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/testing Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus porttitor iaculis sapien, eu condimentum elit commodo id. Donec vel nisi a nulla suscipit consectetur nec at sapien. Aenean a rutrum velit. Vestibulum dictum consequat ullamcorper. Nam in tristique justo. Aliquam interdum accumsan lectus, ut tristique enim fringilla sit amet. Nulla erat libero, laoreet eget lobortis et, ultricies id lacus. Entertainment Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:14:06 +0000 admin 34838 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/test Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aliquam in dolor pharetra turpis eleifend suscipit. Aliquam quis lorem feugiat est viverra imperdiet. Quisque nec odio nisi, sed vestibulum lorem. Cras ultricies volutpat ipsum, a consectetur tellus sodales ac. Entertainment Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:26:29 +0000 admin 34828 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/spring-stump-shooting-tune-up Stump-Shooting Fun Spring Bowhunting Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:23:38 +0000 patrickmeitin 34788 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/thoughts-on-long-range-bowhunting-shots Long Shots North America Bowhunting Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:46:52 +0000 patrickmeitin 34647 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/thoughts-on-solo-hunting-and-the-ideal-hunting-partn Love The One You're With United States Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:01:45 +0000 patrickmeitin 34473 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/shooting-form-the-anchor In archery the anchor is really one part noun (as in anchor point), and one part verb (pulling the string to the anchor point). Without a consistent anchor point, no degree of accuracy is possible. Fall Winter Big Game Bowhunting Entertainment Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:24:16 +0000 stephanie 34380 at http://www.realtree.com http://www.realtree.com/hunting/realtree-hunting-blogs/brow-tines-and-back-strap/hansens-ata-pick-the-x-stand I love new treestands. Just got back from the ATA show and there were plenty of interesting things to see. But one item in particular really stood out - the x-stand treestand - and I thought I'd share it. Check out the video. United States Whitetail Deer Bowhunting Entertainment Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:07:50 +0000 thansen 34134 at http://www.realtree.com