“stalk”

On a West Texas hunt, where shots can go long, a capable rifle is only part of the equation. Success requires peak performance from the shooter, too.

Set up a hunting-themed target course and own next season.

The Carbon Ascent is accurate enough for target-style, ragged-hole groups, light enough to barely notice on a long hike and still packs enough punch to make the post-shot walk to your quarry very short, provided you do your job.

FACT: Coming home is more important than coming home with a gobbler.

When the birds clam up and refuse to come to calls, you need to go to them. Where safe and legal, stalking and fanning a tom works wonders. Read this then try low-crawling.

In November 2012, Blake Gettys was tending his trap line in Alaska when a grizzly attacked him. Now, the victim and his storyteller examine the event in detail to determine what, if anything, could have gone better.

A bowhunt with any bow is still a hunt, same as it was many years ago. An inability to pull back a vertical bow will teach you that.

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Daryl Benish of Berkley, Mich.

Sure, everyone wants a bull elk or a record-book whitetail, but these five hunts should also be on your bucket list.