“wildlife research center”

Using scent is common during the rut. Many of my buddies swear by various forms of doe-in-estrous scents and would probably be more comfortable on stand if they forgot their rangefinder than their favorite scent.

Being a dyed-in-the-wool bowhunter means I am always worried about something smelling me. This is not something that needs telling to serious predator guys, but just a way of explaining how, many moons ago I started using Wildlife Research Center’s Scent Killer scent-eliminating sprays, shower products and laundry soaps.

Gas prices are up and the stock market’s down. Most of us are on a tight budget, but want to find some good hunting close to home that won’t push the fuel tab into three digits and keep us away from family and other obligations for days on end.

While the NRA and like-minded organizations expose millions of kids to hunting and shooting sports each year, some special individuals have launched programs of their own to do their part for America’s youth. NRA Life member and avid bowhunter Ray Howell of La Crescent, Minn., and his Kicking Bear Ministry is doing just that.

You name it, they've got it here as day three kicks off at the ATA Show. Based on what I've seen over the first two days, the new year will be a promising one for us bowhunters!

The surge in popularity of bowhunting brought the use of deer based scents to the forefront. We now have a multi-million dollar industry based on deer pee. Over 60 companies produce and sell deer urine and gland based attractants in one form or another. Unfortunately, everything is not rosy in the world of cervid secretions.

Here's the gear you'll need before heading into the deer woods this season.