All Posts by Brian Mark

How to Paint a Shotgun

If your shotgun is in top condition and you want to give it the camouflage look, spray paint may be enough. Depending on its manufacturer, roughening up its surface may help with adhesion; but this step is completely optional. Before beginning your multicam, woodland or digital project you will require a gun, masking tape and […]

What Part of the Crossbow is Used to Draw the Bow?

Crossbow rails support and tighten up cocked string. Also called rails, these long parts help facilitate bolt acceleration by supporting it at different angles while collecting speed. Most crossbows feature a finger saver (or cocking stirrup) on their rail to keep fingers from getting above it and onto the string path. The limbs Crossbow limbs […]

How to Make Mock Scrapes Effectively

Mock scrapes can be an effective way to lure bucks into your hunting area and distract him from trail cameras and Hoyt bows. They work best in areas with noticeable winter, from Canada through the northern Midwest and into the South. Here are a few points to keep in mind when creating mock scrapes: Location: […]

What Does It Mean When A Deer Wags Its Tail?

Deer tails provide hunters with important insights into their mood and future actions. When lifted halfway and raised straight out behind it, before flicking back up again it indicates alarm. Deer that are wagging their tail from side-to-side like dogs signal that all is well and that the coast is clear. When this occurs, remain […]

How Often Do Bucks Check Their Scrapes?

As the rut approaches and testosterone levels rise, bucks focus on scrapes as an excellent hunting spot. They become key locations where hunters can locate an advantaged target. Deer bucks leave scrapes to communicate with other deer and inform rivals of their territory, but how often do they actually check them? Here are a few […]

How Many ft lbs to Kill a Deer

As a rule of thumb, aim for a cartridge capable of producing at least 1,000 foot pounds of energy when shooting at deer-size targets. Attaining vital organs of deer will quickly bring death. Any gun with sufficient ammunition should do just that. As part of your tracking effort, use a Coleman lantern to illuminate the […]

What Kind of Trap is This?

Body grip traps (also known as Conibear traps) use crushing force to close on any animal who triggers them, potentially inflicting serious injuries and deaths to nontarget wildlife, including domestic pets. However, diagnosing trap-related injuries may be challenging without knowing all of the surrounding circumstances. One indicator may be jawbone fractures indicating body grip trap […]

How to Clean a 12 Gauge Shotgun

A shotgun is an effective tool, yet requires routine care to remain operational at its optimal levels. A few minutes spent cleaning and oiling will ensure it remains in top shape for years. Assemble the necessary supplies: gun cleaning solvent, gun oil, cotton swabs and an appropriate work surface (consider investing in a gun vise […]

What to Wear When Squirrel Hunting

Squirrel hunting is an accessible hobby that will hone your woodsmanship skills. It requires moving quietly while listening carefully for subtle flickers of movement that might indicate potential prey. At its heart lies hunting’s central purpose – training your eyes to see past the flashy leaves to spot things such as tree knots and hairy […]

How to Use a Squirrel Call to Lure Squirrels Closer

Squirrels produce a variety of sounds to communicate their messages to their surroundings: chattering, barking and, in emergencies, even shrieking out in distress. A squirrel call replicates these sounds to attract squirrels out from their leafy bowers and into view. Some models feature whistle designs which emit whistling sounds while others produce distress cries from […]