The Halloween Post

Well, since everyone is doing it I suppose I should post an obligatory Halloween post. I think I'll put the old Hunting twist to it though.

I know in the midwest guys can't wait till Halloween because it means the rut is in full swing and guys are popping big deer left and right. Not here in the south. Bucks are just now trailing off from the dudes and some little guys are being the pesky annoyance to the ladies.

So how does a guys shoot a deer in the south on Halloween? It's simple, throw a party and play Buck Hunter and you should score on some pretty nice animals. All kidding aside, with temps in the mid 80s during the day and a full rutting moon in the sky, bucks aren't out for very long in the mornings and evenings.

As a hunter utilize the food to bed hunting technique. Sit in an area where there is food on one side and bedding cover on the other side. In the mornings sit closer to the cover and in the evenings sit closer to the food. Make sure you aren't sitting on the food because bucks are coming out with very little light left so getting a shot on a food source is unlikely.

Halloween to some hunters is a day that is a can't miss hunting opportunity, but down south I'll take this moment to walk around the neighborhood with my family, know there are simply better days ahead to be in the stand.

And here is a spooky picture for all to enjoy.

Facial Hair Friday - V4

I am officially over this thing on my face. It has to end this weekend. The growth has gotten to a fevered pitch, and if this continues I might go insane.

Under Armour Ridge Reaper Camo

I've worn a bunch of camouflage over the past 20+ years of hunting, and some have been better than others. I started out my young hunting career wearing the old tree bark camo coveralls. These were a thin garment with little protection from wind.

Luckily, Under Armour has figured out a way to take care of all my needs. The Under Armour Ridge Reaper Jacket and Pant have really streamlined my hunting clothing. It kind of reminds me of the days when I work the tree bark coveralls except far more benefits.

One of the most important benefits of the system is the UA Scent Control. Sure, you should hunt the wind, but that doesn't always work. Especially if you are on an elk hunt in the mountains and you suddenly feel the wind glance across your neck. Never a good feeling, but if properly taken care of the UA Ridge Reaper system can take care of odors that collect on the body.

The Ridge Reaper get up is wind- and water-resistant, which means it keeps you a bit warmer and more dry than other suits in the line. last year I walked through a thunderstorm with a different scent-control system and was drenched within seconds. The UA Ridge Reaper gear really stands above the rest.

Under Armour has a storied history of slimming clothes down and wicking away moisture from the body. This camouflaged clothing does just that. I am able to wear less clothes, yet remain comfortable and still draw a bow silently in any season.

Overall, this is by far one of the top systems on the market. Really rate this one high because of its function and durability in the field. If you have an opportunity to try this one out do it. You won't be disappointed.

Scent Saving Tip - Hunter Specialties Earth Scent Wafers are the perfect way to hide odors. I put three wafers in my truck a week before season and replace them midway through. This is to eliminate and mask odors that are normally residing in my truck. I can get dressed at the camp site and get in my truck, knowing it smells just like it has just taken a dirt bath.



If you are further north you may want to try the cedar wafers.

Frankenbuck

Choose your taxidermist wisely or you'll end up with something straight out of a horror movie.

Facial Hair Friday - V3

Well, again another week passes without any deer. I haven't even seen a deer while on stand. Therefor, the beard keeps on growing.

It will have another week for growth because I won't be headed out to the stand. The weather seems to mirror what I've been experiencing all year - hot and windy.

I think the upcoming weeks should be cooling down, but if it doesn't I may end up looking like one of the Duck Commanders.

Choose your Stuffer

I've been fortunate to harvest a few different trophies, and I'd like to preserve those as best I can. The only problem that I ever have is which taxidermist to I go through? Choosing a taxidermist, to most people comes down to two things - cost and time. It doesn't sound too difficult to select a taxidermist, but you are really selecting someone to preserve memories.

I've had great experiences where the taxidermist really takes his time ensuring I have the best quality specimen. On the other hand, I've been presented with mounts that look more like frankenbuck than anything else. That taxidermist hit on two key components of the selection process, which are of course cost and time. I payed a little over $150 and received the mount back in four to five weeks. On the outside this seems like a no brainer, but to the sportsman that really want a representative sample it wasn't the best.

So how do you come out good on both ends? Here are five easy steps you can take to make sure you are getting the best deals on any given taxidermy work.

SW Oklahoma deer any hunter would be proud of.

1) Check their current inventory - Any taxidermist worth his weight in furs will be working on some projects and will more than likely have some models that are finished. Simply ask to see their work and their workplace.

If you are on the road hunting out of state or in another country do your research before you go. You may want to have a taxidermist in that area ship to your selected local taxidermist.

2) Get a sampling of past clients from the taxidermist - These guys have a clientele list that aren't good buddies of his. Ask for at least 5 references before committing to the harvester-taxidermist relationship.

3) Look through his taxidermy books and commit together on the mold that will house your trophy. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys disappointed with their mounts because they didn't really know what to expect. You have options. Many times the taxidermist, if he's a pro, will know how to best display the animal. I am all for giving creative license to these guys once I've trusted him with the job, but have an idea of what you envision before diving in.

4) Stay in Contact - Don't loose contact with your taxidermist once you've got him. Finding a good one is sometimes difficult and keeping them seems even more difficult. Deer season he is slammed and spring he slows down.

I'm not talking about harassment here. It is important to keep an open line of communication between the guy you are trusting with your animal and your money. Plus, if you keep that constant contact it will keep you top-of-mind when working. Shoot, bring the guy a cup of coffee and chat about future hunts you have coming up. That way he knows there is potential for more work that is coming his way. He will appreciate it, and you get to see how everything is going.

5) Be up front - There isn't one person in this world that enjoys the run around. If you have a timeline you want your trophy back tell him. Honesty truly is the best policy when it comes to expectations and timeliness.

I've had an elk and bear being mounted for over two years now. That was only supposed to take 18 months due to his popularity and work load. I bit the bullet and let him have my business and my mounts with the expectation that it will take a while. This is fine, but if the three year anniversary come up and I don't have my mounts we may have trouble.

These are just a few ways you can save time and money finding a quality taxidermist. If you have any additional tips feel free to list them. In the upcoming post I will take some pictures of a few more quality mounts and frankenbuck.

Night, Night Boys

Well, the picture below says it all. This is exactly what the hunting was like. Although I am sure I've experienced it before, the hunting has been unusually slow this time of the year. Most of the bucks have been holding steadily on the night moves.

Most of the time they are moving pretty good throughout the day this time of the year. It is pretty stunning when I flip through the trail cam pics and only see night movement.

I've been using the Hunter Safety System Pro Series for about three years. Let me just say, it has been a lifesaver. There aren't many products that I can really promote for the benefit for the whole family, but this is it. My wife loves the fact that every time I am climbing up in a tree I have mine clung tight to the tree.

It has seat belt - like straps that attaches to your legs and one, single strap in the front. Another great feature of the Pro Series is its two front chest pockets and binocular straps that keeps binos nearby.

I can't promote this product enough. Keep yourself safe when climbing trees and shooting big critters. One helpful hint that can really help with your climbing efforts is equipping the Pro Series with heavier duty carabiner clips.