“autumn”

With the year’s best waterfowling in full swing, here's what every shooter should do before heading out to the water.

Turn a late-winter walk through the woods into a meal-producing venture.

Deer populations are down by about 2.8 million since 2008. Some biologists are alarmed by this, while others believe it’s natural and healthy for the overall herd.

More is learned about what keeps hunters in the field every year thanks in part to license-sales data.

There are too many variables with wind and terrain to explore here, but if you apply these general rules to your woods you’ll see the places where, though they might have a lot of sign, the winds aren’t stable enough to hunt.

Even as turkey populations nationwide have declined, turkey hunters have remained optimistic. That attitude stands in contrast to hunters overall, particularly deer hunters, who seem grumpier all the time. Game agencies weigh these attitudes as they seek ways to reduce turkey harvests without reducing hunter satisfaction.

Want to ensure the next generation becomes productive members of society? Consider asking them to join the hunt, and start with waterfowl. Its mix of hard work and fast action is sure to keep ’em coming back—and on the right path.

Contributor Frank Melloni makes his first leap into bowhunting, with the TenPoint 505.

Despite the widespread availability of safety equipment, it happens every year: Hunters are severely injured—or worse—falling from treestands. Don’t become another statistic.