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Monday, January 23, 2012

Steelhead Fishing Tips

By Trevor Kugler

As the fall of the year swings into high gear, and the winter is quickly approaching, it means that crappy cold weather is on its way, or already here in some cases. And when the crappy weather starts, that can only mean one thing. It's time for steelhead fishing! And with steelhead fishing, comes steelhead fishing tips. For the steelhead angler, steelhead fishing tips are always welcomed, and with any luck, these steelhead tips will help you catch a few more of these bruising beauties?
Steelhead fishing is probably as much of a "lifestyle" as any other type of angling. Anglers who consistently catch steelhead, have secrets and tips that other anglers don't realize, in many cases. Maybe one of these steel head fishing tips will help you out. Some might seem amazingly sophomoric, but what the hey? Many times it the simple things in life that are the most important and steelhead fishing is no different. In any case, here are a few steelhead fishing tips to make you a more successful steelhead angler:
  • When In Doubt, SET THE HOOK! - If you feel anything unnatural in your drift, it's a good idea to set the hook. Does this mean that you'll set the hook into a log or bottom from time to time? Of course, but many times it's also a steel head. Steelhead rest on the bottom of rivers and therefore your bait or lure needs to be presented very near the bottom, and this means that snags will occur. Getting snagged is simply part of steelhead fishing, and I'm sure that any veteran Steelhead angler would concur. The bottom line is that if anything unnatural occurs in your drift or retrieve, set the hook!
  • Fish At The Proper Times - This can be an incredible advantage to the steel header, and is a great steelhead fishing tip. We want to be on the water when the fish are the most active, whenever possible. This means having some knowledge about the weather and moon and how they both relate to the behavior of fish. There are no two factors that effect steelhead fishing like the weather and moon, so take a few minutes and learn how these two natural occurrences effect the feeding activity of fish (steelhead).
  • Get To Know Your River - As a steel head angler, it's very important that you get to know the water conditions of the river you fish intimately. You see, steelhead will only hold (rest) in about 5% of any particular river, and you need to know where these areas are. And these areas change as water conditions change. This is why some study of hydrology and know your particular river well is so important. Get to know your river, and know it well.
  • Double Your Pleasure - If you like to use bait or egg sacks for steelhead, a great steelhead fishing tip is to use gang hooks instead of single hooks. Gang hooks arte simply a pair of hooks tied in tandem, that enable you to present double the bait. A set of pre-tied #6 gang hooks, is perfect for steelhead fishing. Don't you think that two egg sacks or shrimp drifting by, would be more enticing to a steelhead than just one? I'll tell you from experience, it is. When using bait such as egg sacks or shrimp, always use gang hooks.

These simple steelhead fishing tips will help you catch more steelhead. How am I so sure of this? Because they all wok for me, and I know they will work for anyone. Now bundle up, put on your rain gear, and get out there and catch some steelhead. And never forget what Steven Wright said of all of us anglers; "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore, looking like an idiot". I don't think any truer words have ever been spoken.
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana!
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Friday, January 20, 2012

Preparation For Turkey Hunting Trip With Turkey Scouting Tips to Help You Bag Your Birds Easily

By Bill M Murphy

                                    Custom Turkey Calls!

Scouting, in my outlook, is the number one reason in support of accomplishment in turkey hunting. Scout and study the behavior of the wild turkey as much as achievable. If you know where a gobbler roosts, where he struts and his favorite Areas to feed, calling him in can be very effortless. Just remember it is continuously easier to call a turkey to a place he already wants to move out.

Turkeys reach elsewhere into various areas in the spring. Don't expect the place you Notice a vast group of wintering birds to contain those same birds in the spring. It's preeminent to step away from home and scout the previous few weeks previous to the season starts to find out wherever the birds have proceeded. Some areas merely embrace birds in the spring while others could merely control them in the winter.

When it comes to turkey scouting, there two parts to the process. The primary part is the real scouting, which involves familiarizing physically with the hunting ground, and the following part is observing the turkeys in the natural environment to understand to know the behavior of the birds you'll be considering whilst the season kicks off. For both parts of the scouting, you must arm physically with a journal, a ballpoint and a map of the area if feasible, so you can pick up all of your information.

To scout the ground, you simply tolerate to pace it several period, from several diverse angles, making remarks of the special features of the area. Pay close attention to wherever all of the streams, ravines, fences and so on are located - these things behave as natural barriers and could end a turkey inactive in its tracks as soon as it is responding to your calls. Also take watchful annotation of where the high spot ground and low ground is located. Turkeys like to occur uphill to answer a call as a replacement for of down, so scope out a only some spaces on elevated ground Which might furthermore offer you useful cover. In general, look in support of spaces which you can straightforwardly sit out of sight which furthermore allow you to keep a useful eye on your surroundings.

Knowing the area of course is merely half the battle. You arrange to furthermore observe how the turkeys act together with the area. Where do they be inclined to congregate? Where is the roosting area? Where do they move out to feed? Having certain thought of these things earlier you head elsewhere in support of the hunt will present you a head start on the hunters who haven't done their work and are leaving into the circumstances blind. Also, get to know the birds in the area a little More. How many males and how many females do present seem to be? Are the birds social or skittish? Are there many fresh birds in the group or is a mature group? Simply observing the personality of the group will present you clues on how to cope with them.
If you would like more tips on turkey scouting and separate yourself from the usual results obtain by amateur turkey hunters, please visit http://www.howtohuntturkey.com
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Sunday, January 15, 2012

5 Trophy Mule Deer Hunting Tips

By Jason Wall

One of my friends once met the famous bow hunter Chuck Adams at a Cabelas book signing. And he asked him what he thought the most difficult big game animal to hunt on the planet was. Chuck said "trophy mule deer". Having hunted mule deer since I was 15 years old I can 100% agree with that statement. And Chuck Adams being famous for killing some of the biggest trophy animals on the planet is definitely an expert on hunting big game. Any tips that can be given on hunting trophy mule are always welcome. I always love to hear new tips from anyone who has hunted mule deer before.

1. Hike hard and high: If you live in the Rockies chances are the trophy mule deer you're hunting are going to be in the highest, nastiest places they can find. And that usually means having to hike hard and high. This also means being in good shape to get to those areas. If you're not in good shape then forget about finding a trophy mule deer, unless you happen to get lucky and stumble across one.

2. Get good with optics: Spotting trophy mule deer can be a challenge in itself. During the hunting season mule deer change color to a shade of gray which helps them blend in great with their environment. I know I've passed over plenty of big bucks because I wasn't patient and didn't glass thoroughly. When you're glassing for a bedded buck which is never easy anyway try looking for antlers or the outline of their bodies and this will help.

3. Learn their patterns: Mule deer, like elk and humans are habitual animals. They like the same canyons, watering holes, peaks, bedding areas and other places they generally hang out at. If you can find out where those trophy mule deer hang out at and their patterns then you'll definitely have an advantage over them.

4. Find the off beaten path areas: If there's a crowd of hunters and the mountain looks like there are a bunch of orange pumpkins running around on it then be rest assured that there won't be too many trophy bucks hanging around that area. It's best to try and find those spots that very few and if possible no one else hunts. Big bucks are reclusive and hang out where people aren't.

5. When in their area always be ready: When you're sneaking through their backyard you always have to be ready to take aim and fire in a split second. Trophy bucks never stick around to smell the roses. When they hear you or catch wind of you they're off like a race horse out of the gates. And seldom do they turn around and look to see what's chasing them unlike what the younger bucks are famous for.

I hope these tips help you with your mule deer hunt this year.
Be safe and good hunting my friends.
Rifle Scopes Pros.com is a professional online rifle scope dealer. We carry only the best rifle scopes - Leupold scopes and Nikon scopes. Click on the link below for more information and to view our products.

Thanks,
Jason Wall
RifleScopesPros
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Elk Hunting Tips

By John Eaglesmith

Despite being one of the largest game animals around, elk are rarely clumsy or careless, sometimes making them the complete opposite of the hunters that go after them. The most successful elk hunters have careful, planned hunts, aiming to take advantage of an elk's behaviors to take home an elk.

One of the most important aspects of any hunting expedition is scouting the area, and this applies as well when hunting elk. A hunter who comes to the hunting area without scouting the area first, or at least having some familiarity with the area, may as well resign himself to a sightseeing trip. Whenever possible, take some time before the hunting season starts to familiarize yourself with the area you will be hunting elk at, taking note of paths they take from their hiding spots to their grazing spots.



If scouting is not an option, and you can afford it, you may want to consider taking a guide to your elk hunt. Most guides are closely familiar with the territories of the elk you plan to hunt, and with the behaviors of elk as well, allowing you a chance at taking down an elk. A partner who does have the time to scout is another option; make sure you coordinate and plan with your partner before and throughout your hunt.
Another important aspect of the hunting trip involves scent management. If you have never heard that term before, it refers to taking care of how you smell during your hunt so that you do not spook the target animals. Elk have very sensitive olfactory organs, and will often flee once they catch even one whiff of a hunter on their trail. This means taking extensive steps to make sure that your scent is at least neutral, and also to take note of the wind at all times, specially when stalking an elk.

In regards to rifles and cartridges, you will want to take a heavier, more powerful tool to take down your elk. If you plan to hunt with a bow, this means a bow with a stronger pull. Elk are larger creatures with tougher hides, and you will need a lot of stopping power to take one down. In addition, simply getting the heavier weapon isn't the end-all. Take as much time as you can to practice with it, making sure to practice at different targets, at different ranges and angles. Some veteran hunters even advise practicing on your off hand, just in case.

Lastly, if you want to bag just any elk, all you need do is the minimum to hunt an elk. However, truly amazing trophies will only go to the hunter that is willing to go earlier, and farther into the areas where elk reside. A carefully planned, well-guided and executed hunt, performed with a commitment to find and take down a trophy elk, has the best chance of success.

When elk hunting, or hunting any other game, much of the hunter's success depends on his commitment to the hunt. It is that commitment that encourages an elk hunter to grow, learning more techniques, practicing his craft, becoming more focused yet relaxed. For all hunters who are looking to go on to the next level visit our elk hunting tips for great advice and secrets to help hunters of all kinds be successful.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Finding And Using Hunting Guides For A More Successful Hunting Trip By Matthew Wald

There's nothing worse than a bad hunting trip. Have you ever had high hopes of taking home a trophy, only to end up walking away empty-handed? That's where the role of hunting guides come in.

Hunting guides will find game for you on your hunt, but their responsibilities don't just end there; when you hire a hunting guide, you're paying for the full package: ground transportation, equipment, the scheduling of your hunt, meals and with some guides, lodging. Hunting guides also make certain that you're physically and legally protected during your hunt by informing you about the best safety practices and what the local hunting regulations are. In addition, most hunting guides have received basic first aid training and are prepared to assist in a medical emergency. They truly have all the bases covered. Hunting guides make your hunting trip more enjoyable by allowing you to take your mind off the details and just enjoy the thrill of your hunt.

Considering the points above, if hiring a guide interests you, you're going to need to ask a few good questions to find the guide that can provide the hunting trip that you want to experience. Start off by asking the guide how long he's been licensed and operating his guide service. Statistics show that guide businesses that have been around for several years are more reputable. Guides that treat their customers with indifference or don't perform for their customers tend to not last for more than a couple years. In addition to being in business for a while, make sure your guide has been hunting for several years. This is important because, in general, a seasoned guide is going to make better judgments than a guide that doesn't have the same amount of experience when a critical situation presents itself.

Be sure the hunting guides you're interviewing are skilled in locating the specific species you want. There would be no sense in hiring a guide that specializes in hunting pheasant for your elk hunt. If you're pursuing big game, you'll want to know the size of the animals on their property; ask if they have current trail cam pics. Don't hesitate to request references; experienced hunting guides should have a reference for you to contact or a written testimonial for you to look at. Sometimes included with the written testimonial, is a picture of the customer's trophy. Also take into account the guide's knowledge of the location that you will be hunting. You want to be certain that your guide will be comfortable on that particular location. Hunting guides accustomed with the locale are probably going to know the best spots for the particular game that you want to hunt.
The success ratio of your guide is perhaps the most important quality in your search for a guide. Ask how successful (or unsuccessful) he has been at finding the species you want to hunt. Some of this information you can discover on your own by reading online reviews, but you may want to verify what you've read from the guide himself. Of course, the fee the guide charges will determine whether or not you can afford to book the trip. Though, in and of itself, the price shouldn't dictate whether you choose a specific guide; you'll want to choose the guide that you think you will deliver the best total value for your money. Lastly, find out if he has a maximum group size per outing. The less hunters on the ground, the more individual attention you will get.

Considering all that hunting guides do to ensure you have a betting hunting experience, they can be well worth the cost. They take the guesswork out of planning the trip, share their knowledge with you, and they can teach you to become a better hunter. Your guide may also furnish some of the equipment and gear on your trip, so you can save a bit of cash just from that. If you do your homework and choose your hunting guides carefully, you can truly have the best hunting trip of your life.

If you'd like to find hunting guides for your next trip, be sure to check out HuntAndFishGuides.com
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Hiring a Fishing Guide, to Get the Most Out of Your Fishing Trip By Todd Inman

Hiring a fishing guide can be a wonderful learning experience or a totally frustrating experience. So from my experiences this is what I recommend. First pick the location, type of fish, and method of fishing you would like to do. What you do is get online and do a search for guides in the area you will be fishing and put together the 5 that sound the best to you. You can also look up internet phone book listings. Then e-mail each and see who responds the quickest. Choose the first 3 and call those guides, and ask about who will be taking you fishing. Is it the guide that is the namesake of the outfit or a hired guide. Often times hired guides have only fished the area for a short time, if at all. What you want is a guide that knows the area and all the local tricks. Ask them for at least 3 references that are from out of state, (not his neighbor) a good guide will have no problem with the questions or the references. Always listen for demeanor too, you do not want to spend your money and your time with a grump. Unless of course you like grumpy people. I prefer fun energetic guides that not only teach about fishing techniques but offer knowledge about the local area.

The next question to ask the prospective guide would be what you get for your money, and what is required of you. Most Guides will supply all necessary gear, rods lures etc. Some also include lunch, so make sure you ask. I have a very nice collection of rods and I like to use my own equipment, but I always ask if the guide is ok with that. If they are not I will quiz them on their equipment, like rod and reel manufactures, line,etc. If they are not using quality equipment, go elsewhere! And always ask what you should be prepared for in regards to weather, its better to be prepared than miserable. Its better to take a little too many warm clothes, snacks, drinks than to be wet, cold hungry and thirsty. If you have any special needs always let your guide know before you book the trip to ensure they can accommodate your needs. This is your trip and your money after all.

So when you have talked to at least three fishing guide outfits, use your own intuition and who you feel the most comfortable with. I can usually tell who I will hire after the first phone conversation, but I still always check references unless recommended by a friend or another guide in the area. Call a couple weeks before your scheduled trip to make sure all is still well, and to confirm pick up time and meeting location. If they say they cannot make it but have lined up another guide, demand your deposit back! I have had that happen and got a guide that had no experience at all and it was a $400.00 boat ride in Alaska.

So if you follow my recommendations I can almost guarantee that you will have a good time, meet a new friend or two and have a great fish story to tell. A trick I learned in Alaska quite a few years ago was to hire a guide the first day I would be fishing an area learn all the tips tricks, baits, what rod to use etc and go back to the tackle store and get the right terminal tackle and go back to the same area and bank fish the next day. It works great caught almost as many fish without the guide but saved a bunch of money. Making hiring the guide very worth while and I always like to hire a guide first when fishing a new body of water, whether it be a river, or lake.

Tight Lines and good fishing. Todd Inman, Owner of Rogue Wood Works, Manufacturer and Retailer of High Quality solid Hardwood products for the hunter, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiast. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rogue-Outdoor-Products/100636903355202 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Todd_Inman Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3395902