Author: Perry Coty
For hunters and wildlife managers, understanding the antler growth process provides valuable insights into deer health, population dynamics, and habitat quality. Antlers serve as both weapons and status indicators in the deer world, with impressive racks often determining which bucks get breeding opportunities. From a biological perspective, the fact that whitetail deer can grow these massive bone structures in a matter of months and then shed them annually makes for a fascinating study in rapid tissue development. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about whitetail deer antler growth—from the biological process and timeline to the factors affecting…
The wind can be your greatest ally or your biggest enemy. That gust that just cooled your face on a warm October morning? It’s carrying your scent somewhere, and whether a buck catches it could make or break your hunt. You hear the ol’ timers say: “Deer don’t move on windy days.” It’s conventional wisdom many hunters swear by. But what if that’s completely wrong? Penn State University researchers conducted a study that surprised almost everyone. When they surveyed 1,600 hunters, approximately 90% believed deer always move less on windy days. The study’s actual findings? Both bucks and does move…
Evening turkey hunting wasn’t always an option for hunters. Years ago, many states limited hunting hours to mornings only, ending at noon and this included my home state of Pennsylvania. Today, many states allow hunting until sunset, opening up new opportunities for those who can’t make early morning hunts or want to maximize their time in the field. You might wonder if evening hunting is worth your time compared to the morning hours. The answer is a resounding yes. Evening hunts offer unique advantages, including less hunting pressure and different turkey behavior patterns that can work in your favor. Let’s…
You’re perched 15 feet up in your treestand on a crisp November morning. The woods are quiet except for the occasional rustle of leaves. You reach for your rattling antlers, bang them together a few times, and suddenly—a mature buck comes charging in, ears pinned back and looking for a fight. That’s the magic of rattling for bucks, one of deer hunting’s most exciting and effective tactics when done correctly. Rattling mimics the sound of two bucks fighting, which can trigger curiosity or aggression in nearby deer. But there’s more to it than just banging antlers together randomly. You need…
I remember my first truck bed camping trip like it was yesterday – a total disaster. My gear was everywhere, I got soaked in an unexpected downpour, and I woke up with a backache that stuck around for days. Fast forward a few years and dozens of trips later, and I’ve learned what makes camping in your truck bed not just bearable, but downright awesome. Whether you’re chasing deer in the backcountry or just escaping the daily grind for a weekend, a solid truck bed camping setup can be a game-changer. Let me show you what I’ve figured out along…
After spending the past hunting season with the Moultrie Edge 2 Pro, I’m ready to share my honest assessment of this cellular trail camera. As someone who’s used various trail cameras over the years, I was eager to see if this latest offering from Moultrie Mobile lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it mostly does, with a few minor issues worth noting. How We Test The Moultrie Edge 2 Pro I believe in thorough testing before giving recommendations. For this Moultrie Edge 2 Pro review, I’ve combined my personal field experience with detailed research and comparative analysis. I set…