Caleb Chen

With the popularity of deer hunting at all-time highs; restrictions on baiting getting stronger and stronger; and, with the lack of access to prime hunting land, lots of deer hunters are trying to draw deer into their areas by building food plots.Some things to consider in building food plots include where should the food plot … Read more

One hundred and thirty five deer ago, on a very cold November morning in 1969 I woke up before daylight, too early because the light of the moon was in my eyes. I couldn’t sleep very well as most of the fitful night had been spent in a cave about half way up Mt Magazine … Read more

n these daunting economic times, every one of us “normal folks” are looking to save money on whatever we do. This is particularly true when it comes to leisure activities, which include those of us who love the outdoors and relax by hunting or fishing. Indeed, these activities have become emotional imperatives for us. We … Read more

It was one of those mornings you can envision ducks falling from the sky. The old ten horse motor sputtered into a secluded backwater off the Chippewa River in Northern Wisconsin. Dense snow clouds prevented the stars from peeking through. The backwater is known as Five Fingers and for good reason. There are five fingers … Read more

I may be biased, but box calls are my favorite turkey calls. Maybe it’s because a box call was my first “real” turkey call. When I graduated from my push button, which I still use, the box call made my transition to the big time smooth. Box calls are easy to use and can make … Read more

If you’re a wild turkey hunter, you may want to forego hunting public- or permitted-private land like a farm, and create your own turkey habitat on land that you own. Many hunters simply tire of having to get the yearly permission to hunt private land and want to insure their own year-in-year-out ability to get … Read more

We have all seen it. Just about everyone has one. The photo of a dead turkey laying in the back of a truck. After all the time, money, and effort that goes into getting a turkey that is how you’re going to commemorate the event? Some people say they don’t care about the photo. If … Read more

Early Season Thoughts..You have worked all spring and summer keeping your feeders filled, building new deer stands or fixing old ones, planting food plots and planning hunting strategies for your first fall hunt. Each time you checked your feeders, food plots or game trails, you were encouraged by new deer sign, fresh tracks, rubs, scrapes … Read more

Here are some tips that the more successful small game hunter uses, and which can make the not-quite-as successful hunter a little better. I’m not talking about the hunter who has a pack of trained dogs and radio location equipment that bring the game right in to where they’re waiting. This is just for the … Read more

Shooting turkeys during midday isn’t impossible, but there is no doubt the vast majority of gobblers are shot within the first hour of hunting. The best way to take advantage of the first light bird bonanza is to scout well. Most of the time that means roosting birds. A lot of hunters call roosting turkeys “putting them to … Read more

Mention the words “the rut” to any deer hunter and visions of big antlers dance through their heads. While it is true that testosterone fueled decisions do account for a greater amount of bucks hitting the ground than normal, we’re still talking about deer. They spend their entire lives eluding danger and they are very … Read more

Hunting and other outdoor activities such as trapping and fishing all have regulations in place, not only to protect the environment, and protect wildlife from over-harvesting, but to insure the safety of those who participate in these activities. Enter the game warden. While I have not personally interfaced with game wardens on too many occasions, outside … Read more

Like it or not, social media is growing.  My parents are nearing their 60s and have Facebook accounts.  People are increasingly going online and sharing their story with other people.  One trend that I’m seeing is the growth of hunters using social media.  In fact, many organizations are hiring people to enhance their social media … Read more

Compound Bow ATA Standard draw length- A method of measurement has been established to provide an industry standard of draw length and eliminate the variances in the original method caused by different thicknesses of bow risers. The ATA Standard Draw Length is arrived at by measuring the “Draw Length to Pivot Point” which is the distance … Read more

I got everyone on their stands just before daylight, with no intentions of seriously hunting myself. The last hunter on the stand was Dave Miller and I had taken him to a good spot for wild Hogs  . But no sooner had I left him, I was looking at two large wild boars at point … Read more

After years of courtroom disputes, Wisconsin & Minnesota are set for a wolf hunt for the first time since recovery of the Great Lakes grey wolf. Opponents of wolf hunting seem to believe it is a slam dunk slaughter. But wolf hunting in Canada and recently in the Rocky Mountain states have proved that wolf … Read more

Waterfowling is tough business. We hunt in swamps, rivers, lakes, and farm fields. The conditions wreak havoc on guns, boats, equipment, and hunters. If everything goes right, we might be lucky enough to shoot a duck or two. Getting those ducks from the water to our game strap is the last step in the process. … Read more

Lou taught me the basics and said I’d figure out the rest in a few years….Uncle JohnMany of our readers have asked me to gather a list of the way the old timers use to calculate different things in nature without the use of modern devices. To tell you the truth I like my modern … Read more

Sitting for days without seeing deer is incredibly frustrating. But as a bowhunter, seeing deer but not getting them to close the distance to within range is even more frustrating. Moving the stand is probably the best way to go if it happens often. Decoys and calling can also be effective. However, one of my favorite … Read more

I’ve used guides most of my adult life, but mainly for fishing. Having said that, I know a number of hunting guides, ranging from super qualified to near-incompetent and most everything in between. This article will focus on Wisconsin – -because that’s what I’m most familiar with. Each state has its own set of regulations … Read more

Turkey hunting carries it’s share of mystique. Veteran turkey hunters speak of wily toms as if they were ghosts; beings put on the planet only to rattle the psyche of those they haunt. Non-hunters think of wild turkeys as the “Bubba” of the woods. For generations, the word “turkey” was used as an insult. No one … Read more

“Shotgun knowledge can be a rule of thumb or very scientific, all there to make you a better wing shot.” The kid argued with me that all the hunters he knew used #6 shot on gray squirrels. “Not a good idea but go ahead.  I have some #4, 20 gauge high brass for you here after … Read more

About ten years ago I considered opening day a dress rehearsal for the “real” duck season. Opening day was for working the kinks out so that you were a well oiled hunting machine by the time the red legged northern mallards arrived. With family and work commitments encroaching on the hunting schedule these days, opening … Read more

Checking game cameras is like opening presents on Christmas morning for most hunters. The anticipation you feel as you approach that blinking light on the cover is enough to make you feel downright giddy. You read the screen and discover you have 231 new pictures. That’s like having 231 Christmas presents under the tree! Now, just … Read more