Grow the Hunt

Suburban Bucks

In his June 20, 2008 Blog entry Mike Hanback writes about an article in Quality Whitetails magazine that listed the Top 10 Zones for Record-Book Bucks. Ranking number 10 on the list is East Coast Suburbia (places around Washington D.C, New York, and Philadelphia). Here at Moultrie we believe it. We have heard countless stories and seen hundreds of photos from people that have bought game cameras with the intent to use them on their hunting property only to set them up in their own backyard. How many of you have a game camera set up in your backyard? Has anyone captured a photo of a trophy class deer behind your house? Leave a comment telling us about the huge buck that stops to visit your camera, leaving you in fits because you cannot hunt him.

As Mike mentions in his Blog, now is a good time to gain permission to hunt these small pockets of woods that provide cover to many huge bucks. Check out Moultrie’s blog posting from last week for tips on how to gain permission and get a shot at that backyard buck.

The Video Camera, Friend Or Enemy?

-By Brandon Wikman

A wicked Boone & Crocket posturing toward your decoy, bracing himself to obliterate it would make great video footage, but come on now… what are the odds?

There are hundreds of savvy hunter and cameraman teams across the continent that strategize a full-blown, blitz assault on giant whitetails in hope of capturing the best outdoor footage of the year. It not only takes a lot of scouting, preparation, and tree stand hours, but also a whole bunch of luck. Something some have more of than others.

The majority of viewers who watch hunting shows demand trophy whitetail kills, which is a lot to ask for when hunting fair-chase deer. A slick-head getting whacked just doesn’t give us that excitement surge that mature bruisers leave us with. The only way to satisfy the urge is to roll film on deer that some hunters only dream about.

The reality and probability of putting an arrow through a record whitetail year after year is difficult enough, and once there’s a camera involved your odds become even slimmer. I was only introduced to the ‘filming side’ of hunting a few years ago, but I’ve learned more about hunting in those three years than I have in the previous six! Through the means of the television show I’m blessed to host, I now understand and am fully aware of the forgotten details a hunter and cameraman face.

Triple Threat

Scent - We as hunters take every step imaginable to eliminate any variables to improve our odds versus a whitetail’s keen senses. Whether it’s lathering in scent free soap, chewing odor free gum, or tossing that charcoal-lined apparel in the dryer in desperation to beat a buck’s nose; hunting scent free is darn near impossible. And that is just pertaining to one foul smelling human body in the woods. Add a cameraman and you’ve got yourself some serious scent control problems.

Sight - Movement is just as critical in the deer woods as in the turkey woods. A slight motion of trying to point a cameraman to an oncoming deer can trigger a disaster. Selecting a tree that hides two hunks of aluminum along with 400-lbs of pure human outline is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Good luck.

Sound - Noise pollution is a factor in any scenario, whether having a cameraman or not. When hunting wise bucks that have heard a bow hit the side of the stand or tree stand creak, there’s nothing left to chance. I was bow hunting in Buffalo County, WI two years ago and had a killer setup hung in an acorn garden! It was a sweet and tasty treat for an early season archery hunting location. I caught a glimpse of a solid 140-inch bruiser slipping through the tangles en route to the oaks. As he stepped within 25 yards, my cameraman had to adjust the tree-arm that held the camera steady. As he swung the arm around the other side of the tree, he stepped on the edge of his hang-on stand to grab a firm balance. A shrieking screech echoed from his stand and flagged the trophy buck back into his cave. That sound still gives me goose bumps today, but it’s something that you must respect when trying to make solid video kills. There’s no reason to cast blame or get furious at one another, it’s simply the name of the game.

When you watch your next hunting show, stop and think about all the variables that came into play for the hunter and cameraman. As a hunter, you should already realize the blunders and flaws that occur when an eye-popping buck slumbers his way in, a dose of buck fever will send him to the next property. I’ve been there and done that… I should know!

I am so fortunate to be a part of the ‘behind the scenes’ look at the production side of hunting. It is something I’ve grown to appreciate and I will always count my blessings when everything goes right and a buck is grounded on video.

Fawn Facts

Thanks Jeff for sending in this great shot of a Doe with her newborn fawn. It was captured in Minnesota by a Moultrie Game Spy I-40 digital trail camera.

Here are some facts that you might find interesting:

• A deer’s gestation period is between 200-205 days.
• Most fawns are born in late May or early June.
• Usually a doe will give birth to a single fawn the first time she gives birth, but after that, twins are often likely.
• Baby deer usually weigh between 4 ½ pounds -5 ½ pounds at the time of birth.
• Fawns can usually walk 20 minutes after birth.
• A doe will lead her fawns away from where they were born to a place that will provide some cover. The spotted fawns are nearly odorless and almost impossible to see when they are hidden in cover. The doe will then leave the fawns alone in the cover to draw predators away from them. She will return five to eight times a day to nurse then leave again.
• In a period of two to three weeks, the fawns are able to follow their mother while she feeds. The fawns self wean as they begin to feed on various vegetation.
• Young does may stay grouped together throughout the year but young bucks will leave the group in the fall.

Hunting for Land Owners

How many times have you driven by a piece of property that looks like it is perfect habitat for hunting? Chances are it has happened many times. All too often hunters will never pursue gaining permission to hunt these areas simply because they do not know how to go about finding who owns the property. A simple phone call to the county Tax Assessor’s office is a great place to start.

In the past, to find out who owned a piece of property required going down to the county Tax Assessor’s office and digging through books of maps. Many counties now have tax maps online that are easily accessible. These maps are a great place to look for information about who owns the property. Many times they list the owner’s name, address and phone number. It may take a little digging, and a little begging, to be granted permission to hunt a piece of property. But it will be worth it when you can hunt the area you have dreamed of for years.

Alligator Hunting, Anyone?

This huge gator was captured visiting Grady’s digital trail camera in South Texas. Needless to say, he was quite surprised when he downloaded the pictures from his Game Spy camera. Have you been shocked by any pictures from your Moultrie trail camera? Submit them today at http://www.moultriefeeders.com/trophyroom.

Food Plots Hollywood Style

-By Brandon Wikman

Creating that idyllic ‘Hollywood’ style food plot that you’ve seen on TV and magazines seems nearly impossible. Leafy greens stretching hip high, weed-less and lush doesn’t have to be a dream, it can be a reality. With enough planning, hard work and luck from Mother Nature, you too may grow your own hot-spot-plot.

Taking it step-by-step:

1. Location is critical. Considering the hot summer months ahead may wither your power-packed plot, be sure to use shade to your advantage. A plot only needs, on average, four hours of sunlight to flourish. Too much sunlight absorbs moisture within the soil, which steals the necessary water requirements for your plants. Use trees or hedgerows to your advantage in maximizing the most shade and sun combination for your plots’ growth.


2. The PH level of your soil will either make you or break you. Many companies have PH level soil kits, which you can use to determine the amount of lime and fertilizer to lay. Or else, you can always send a sample of soil to a lab to have it tested. I always use ammoniated lime, which breaks down and activates much quicker. Bumping your PH level to 6.5-7 will result in maximum development.


3. Look for thriving weeds and grasses. Planting your plot in an area that’s bare of vegetation is absurd. Although it may seem simple to plant, considering you don't need to mow or spray herbicide, there’s a reason no plant life existed. Extremely poor soil! Find a piece of ground that has an abundance of thick undergrowth and displays potential of actually growing something!


4. Giving a buzz cut. Snipping your future plot will be essential in preparation for spraying herbicide. Mow the area, rake the debris off the plot and wait a week or two for the grass to regenerate. Then attack! Hacking the weeds and grasses down to a few inches assures that the chemicals will reach the root systems quicker and be deadlier. It’s important to spray Round-Up on the weak up-and-coming grasses. This will guarantee a successful kill.
   
   Always wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves for your own safety when dealing with chemicals.


5. Seed to soil contact. Once the ground is ready for planting, there are many options to use, depending on what machinery you have access to. If you are planting a small plot and don’t have a disk, plow, or roto-tiller, you can use a garden rake to scuff the topsoil and make enough room for your seeds to drop and grow. As long as the seeds have contact with the soil and enough gaps to germinate, it will grow! It may take a lot of elbow grease, but will still work. Otherwise, using heavier equipment is faster, and easier. After you lay down seed, be sure to use some sort of a cultipacker to compress the seed into the dirt and eliminate any air pockets within the soil. When a seed germinates and the taproot begins tunneling into the ground, it has to redirect itself if it hits an air pocket. It only takes a couple air pocket detours to stress a young seed into withering.

It’s exciting to watch your hours of tending ground evolve into that dream plot you’ve always wanted. Remember, you can only control the planning, preparation, and planting stages of creating your food plot. After that, it’s left to nature to care for. Rain will be critical to spurt your new seedlings and supply enough food for growing.

Enough devotion and land labor supplies sufficient groceries for your deer herd to thrive. This will keep deer on your property and supplement them with an antler boosting, high-quality diet and health plan for seasons to come.

Power of Planting

-By Brandon Wikman

Watching a tiny seed transform into a full-fledged, antler-blooming plant has always amazed me. The essence of understanding what it takes to be a farmer, wildlife manager and patron of the forest is what I consider to be a true hunter.

Planting food plots is a critical step in response to a whitetails desire for taste variety, and nutrition. Implementing a seasonal mix of early and late season plots insures not only a healthy deer herd, but also a herd that will stay on your property, for good. Whether it’s opening weekend or the final weeks of the deer season, taking the ‘food buffet’ approach to your land will keep you and your freezer stuffed.

A few weeks ago I met with my uncle, who owns a dairy farm and the woods I grew up hunting. I simply asked what he planted and where. It is important to know what crops are going to grow, where it will be planted, and how much of it. I can take this information and relate it to what I will plant and how I can make the most out of my food plots.

Many people complain that food plots are worthless; because deer stomp right through that lush green acre of clover you busted your butt growing all summer en route to the farmer’s crops. Well, they’re right... but only to a point.

Timing is everything in the whitetail world. They’re stomach runs on a timed dinner bell, based on weather, time of year, and a list of other motives that are out of our control. Anytime we can control a variable in the deer woods, we must capitalize on it. When a farmer has grown a field covered in soybean plants during mid September, when the plant is most desired, your custom plot isn’t going to be on the top of a deer’s grocery list. Your mindset needs to be based off of what plant you can substitute after the soybean craze mellows.

In my case, all the fields planted near me are sprouting with mini-corn leaves, surfacing the soil, and supplying a tasty carbohydrate treat for deer mid-to-late season. My uncle said his crops would be harvested around November, so I will have a variety mix of chicory, and clover to supplement their diet after the corn is stripped.

For the time being, I planted a new product that is primarily comprised of soybeans, peas, and sunflowers. This will be a guaranteed hot spot for early season bow hunting. I planted several strips along my uncle’s cornfield. Not only is the soil already super charged with fertilizer, but also there’s enough light source and food availability for deer to browse. Deer will feed on the plot religiously until the corn or acorn frenzy begins. Although, once another crop competes with your own homemade honey hole, it’s still nice to have a variety of food for your herd to munch on.

We happen to forget deer eat what they want, when they crave it. And when they crave a particular plant, it is for a certain reason. Plant your plots during the time of year that deer will need it and benefit from it most!

Plotting Points

• Plant enough seed in a big enough area so deer won’t demolish it before it has a chance to even grow to its potential!
• Use a PH Soil testing kit to determine whether you need to put lime on your plot.
• Remember to fertilize your plot for maximum plant forage.
• Use a seed spreader to cast your seed to ensure proper coverage.
• Make sure there are enough light sources; don't be afraid to trim branches or clear away trees.
• Hang your scouting camera and let the scouting begin.

The Birthing Moon

-By Randy Cooper

June is the month of new birth in the woods. You see rare and precious things this time of year if you are patient and know what to look for. I have a Moultrie deer feeder at the end of a food plot in my back yard. When I first put it up over a year ago, I didn’t know what to expect. Finally, the deer found it and I began to get as many as 10 to 12 pictures of deer feeding under it every couple of days. I was so excited that it was getting a response. Today, things are a little bit different. Now I’m getting over 100 a night!!! My record for one night is 166. I have to admit, sometimes it’s almost boring to sit and go through all those pictures day after day. I do this each day because I know, like so many times before, that somewhere in those pictures there will be something truly rare and special.

Last November, I caught a buck fight on my camera. I’ve seen the aggression a buck has as he runs off rivals to protect his does and his food source. The other critters like raccoons, foxes, rabbits and even a ferret are comical to watch in their natural movements.

I have a mineral station on a local property with a Moultrie I-60 camera covering it. I’ve seen just about everything happen around the mineral site. Lately, the deer have been bedding down right beside the site. I literally have to stand in a deer bed to swap out my SD card each week. It’s so cool!!! I truly do love my Moultrie game cameras.

Through what I’ve seen in recent days, the does are so pregnant they are about to POP!! What blew me away was when I checked footage taken over the mineral site the other day. A doe I began calling “BIG MAMA” because of her tremendous size was standing in front of the camera about 20 yards away acting funny. This footage is rare to say the least. If you watch her mid section closely, you’ll see the fawn or fawns she’s carrying moving around so much its unbelievable! I’m sure I was seeing her RIGHT BEFORE SHE GAVE BIRTH!! She is twitching her tail like she is agitated and she also begins to lick at her tail. Run the footage back and forth and see this awesome sight. I’ve never seen anything like it before and feel so fortunate to have once again caught something so special on camera.

I’d like to know if anyone else has seen this rare event. Please comment on this post and let me know. I look forward to the does bringing their fawns to my feeder as I know they will later this month. Get yourself one of these great cameras and capture your own special pictures. They are priceless!!

Bill Dance Fishing Blooper

We know this video isn't hunting related, but everyone loves a blooper clip! Here is one of our favorites of Bill Dance getting hit by a jib arm.

Practice Makes Perfect

Air rifles are a perfect way to introduce someone to shooting sports. Although most people think of air rifles as being just for young shooters, both new and experienced shooters alike can benefit from the extra practice achieved through shooting an air rifle. Shooting air rifles reinforces the skills that hunters use when shooting big game animals. It allows you to practice sight picture, breathing control and trigger squeeze. All of these items are key components of successful shooting. Another benefit to shooting air rifles is that they have no recoil so shooters do not develop the bad habit of flinching in anticipation of pulling the trigger like they might when shooting a large caliber hunting rifle.

There are several different price levels on air guns. You can pick up an entry-level air rifle for around $20 or you can spend up to several hundred dollars for the higher end models. Most people can find an air gun within their budget.

An air gun range can be set up inexpensively anywhere that has a fair amount of open space. This allows you to practice right at home in most cases. A simple backstop can be created from a cardboard box stuffed with newspaper. Many companies offer portable metal pellet traps that will also stop pellets.

With the price of gas and ammunition going up and no end in sight, building your own home range and practicing with an air rifle only makes sense.