Beast Broadheads | Hunting Velvet Bucks | Small Game Hunting | Crazy Boat Crash | Cigars for the Campfire
Hunting and Fishing News for the everyday sportsman!
Are the Bowmar Beast Broadheads Worth It?
Have you seen the new Beast Broadheads by Bowmar Archery?
Beast stands for “Bone Evading Advanced Sprint Technology.”
Sounds weird, but it looks like it could be the next big thing in archery hunting. Don’t take it from me, watch this breakdown from the creator, Josh Bowmar.
Best States to Harvest a Velvet Buck
This week, MeatEater published their top six states that afford deer hunters the opportunity to harvest a velvet buck.
At the top of the list was my home state of Kentucky. Here in the Bluegrass, the opening day of archery season is on September 7th, giving you a small window to get the job done.
Not to mention, Kentucky is a top five Boone and Crockett state, so it is definitely worth the trip.
Kentucky also had the world record for largest velvet buck killed at one time. This crazy looking buck was taken by Troy Wilson during Kentucky’s muzzle loader season.
Here is MeatEater’s list of the best states to kill a velvet buck -
Kentucky
Montana
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Carolina
Nebraska
Pack your warm weather gear and a bottle of Pemethrin, and head to one of these states next month!
Squirrel Hunting this Fall
We are hosting our third annual squirrel hunting tournament on the opening day of Kentucky’s squirrel season this weekend.
Here is a guide to help you help you get out and chase squirrels this fall.
Fall Squirrel Hunting
Sitting at the base of an old shagbark hickory tree waiting for the skies to gray. My grandpa’s single-shot .410 draped across my lap. A mosquito buzzes passed my ear, a not-so-pleasant reminder to fire up the thermacell. Every minute it seems the treetops become more visible.
A faint thrashing sound catches my attention, a limb bounces on the shag bark hickory rooted five yards in front of me. Pieces of a hickory nut begin to pitter-patter leaves on the way down. My eyes follow the trail of descending shavings to find a fox squirrel having breakfast in the fork of some branches. I stand up, pull back the hammer and take aim. BOOM!
Squirrel hunting is the perfect activity to kick off the fall hunting season. Here are some tips and tricks that can make or break your opening day hunt.
Preparation
It’s August and it’s hot, so you won’t need to worry about layers of clothes. You do have to worry about ticks, mosquitos and Ceratopogonidae, commonly known as no-see-ums. A few days before the hunt, spray your clothes with permethrin to help defend against ticks, mosquitos and chiggers. Pack a thermacell to use during the hunt. You don’t have to miss the hunt because of these pests.
Cover your skin as best as possible despite warm temperatures. Wear a light pair of gloves to combat the no-see-ums. Waterproof boots are important if you have to walk through long grass or weeds to get to your hunting area. The dew is heavy on the ground in the morning, you don’t want your feet getting wet. Wet feet and walking can lead to blisters and that will ruin your hunt.
A game vest is always handy to have on a squirrel hunt. You can store shotgun shells in pockets and store empties in another pocket after shots. After harvesting squirrels, you can slide them into the game bag and continue hunting. You will also be able to carry a water bottle somewhere in your vest. Make sure to take plenty of H2O.
Weapons and Calls
The woods are thick and wooly during this time of the year. It may be best to take a 12-gauge or 20-gauge with No. 5 or 6 shot. Squirrels can be way up in the treetops 40 to 50 yards off the ground. If you are a good shot and want a challenge, a .410 will do the trick. A .410 is quieter and could allow the area to settle down after shots a little faster than using louder guns.
Squirrel whistle calls can be fun and effective. The squirrel whistle mimics the sound of a young squirrel in distress. Squirrel whistles can make squirrels bark and bounce around giving away their location. In some cases, a squirrel just might come to you.
Believe it or not, take two newer quarters to the woods with you. That’s right 50 cents. A quarter has little grooves on its outer edge. If you are familiar with the sound of a squirrel cutting on a nut, you can reproduce that sound by rubbing or scraping the outer edges of two quarters together. It sounds exactly like a squirrel cutting. This fools squirrels into thinking there is another squirrel eating in the area and they will come in to investigate. This tactic has also worked to help calm squirrels down after a shot. If multiple squirrels are in the area and you shoot one, start scraping those quarters together. Other squirrels will hear it and relax. They will go back to eating, giving you a chance to reload.
When and Where to Hunt
Squirrels tend to be most active early in the morning in August. They are also active in the evening just before dark.
Find the hickory nuts, find the squirrels. If you’ve been able to scout before the season, hopefully you’ve looked under hickory nut trees to look for fresh shavings on the ground. If you found a spot like this, you know where to set up on opening morning. If you have not scouted, all is not lost. Get in the woods before daylight, when you’re able to start seeing details in the woods look for the shag bark. Chances are if you move slow a squirrel will lead you to the tree.
Walnuts are a secondary food source that bushytails might enjoying. Keep an eye out for walnut trees, observe if walnuts are present. Check under the tree for shell shavings.
Whether its under a hickory tree or walnut tree, if you find a slew of cutting sign just relax and wait. The squirrels will come to you.
Have Fun
Squirrel hunting is so much fun. Great opportunity to fine-tune your stalking skills. Take a kid hunting. Show them how to identify hickory trees, ask them to help listen for crashing in the trees and look for squirrels. Relieve beautiful memories from the past. Stand in awe of God’s creation. Get out and squirrel hunt this fall!
Crazy Boat Crash During Bassmaster’s Elite Series
Wes Logan is a blessed man.
While fishing in Bassmaster’s Elite Series Event on the St. Lawrence River, Logan hit an underwater dock that was not visible to him, while driving his boat at a high speed.
The motor broke away from the boat and Logan was catapulted out of his seat.
Thankfully, the professional angler had on his life vest and his kill switch was attached. He had a contusion to his head, and was left alone, bleeding in the middle of the lake for over an hour, but he was able to walk away.
Here is the video of the crash.
Take the water seriously. Follow all safety precautions when operating your boat.
Five Best Cigars for the Camp Fire This Fall
As the heat of summer continues to dissipate, and the change to fall takes place, we will find ourselves huddles around a fire at some point.
From deer camp to a backyard hangout with your family, a good cigar can really top off the night.
Here are Mike Collins’ five favorites.
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro
The Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro is a premium cigar that features a habano wrapper. This dark maduro cigar is made from four-year aged tobaccos from Nicaragua. This cigar has a complex flavor profile consisting of coffee bean, cocoa, earth, and hazelnut. The flawless construction and perfect draw make it a top choice for all cigar enthusiasts. An excellent choice of cigar for a relazing evening on the back patio by a bonfire.
Padron 3,000 Natural
Recommending another Padron. The Padron 3,000 Natural is made of Nicaraguan tobaccos that offers a rich smoke. This cigar is a full strength, natural robusto with a habano wrapper. Coffee, cocoa and spices are unmistakable to the palate with every draw. The perfect smoke for a gathering of family and friends. Sit back and enjoy this cigar, its only flaw is that it ends.
Rocky Patel A.L.R (Aged, Limited, Rare) 2nd Edition Toro
Rocky Patel blended this cigar that features a superb San Andres wrapper. The 6 ½ X 52 toro is the perfect size cigar when planning to hang with friends for a longer period. The wrapper is from Mexico and the tobacco is from Nicaragua. The medium to full stogie boasts a plethora of rich flavors such as chocolate, coconut and hay. The Rocky Patel A.L.R. is a luxurious smoke. You can’t go wrong with this cigar.
Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur
The Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur is a highly rated, premium cigar made from a blend of the finest Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers. Once lit, this medium cigar draws hints of chocolate, cocoa, spice and leather. The aroma is amazing. The Excalibur burns consistently and evenly, the 7.25 x 54 frame makes for a long-lasting smoke. Whether you are an everyday cigar aficionado, or you just enjoy the occasional cigar, the Hoyo De Monterrey Excalibur should be one of your go-tos from the humidifier.
Brick House Maduro Mighty Mighty 6.25 x 60
Brick House is a legendary brand of cigars. The Brick House Maduro Mighty Mighty is a darker, invigorating version of the original Brick House cigar. The cigar has a chewy Brazilian wrapper over a fine aged Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. The Brick House Maduro Mighty Mighty is a rich cigar that draws hints of earth, chocolate and caramel. Brick House never fails to deliver.