Entries for July 2012

A horse can be an incredibly valuable vehicle for big game hunters. Horses allow you to get off the beaten path and reach honey-holes that other hunters might avoid. In today's video I'll share some essential advice to help you prepare for horseback hunting this fall.

It's Q&A Day on "My Take." Today's question: "Would you recommend using the mesh that comes in ground blind windows or should I take it out?"

Today we're checking out the brand-new Swarovski ATX/STX modular spotting scope that was just announced Friday. Now you can adapt to each and every hunting situation using one scope without having to compromise performance or features.

If an anticipated international arms trade treaty is ratified by the United Nations this week, what do you think the impact would be on the average American sportsman and gun owner?

There’s been a lot of writing and rhetoric regarding the negotiations that have taken place during the last three weeks, as world leaders attempt to craft international rules covering the worldwide weapons trade.

Details of the proposed treaty—and the weapons affected—have not yet been made public. In fact, it remains uncertain if the voting nations will ratify a final document at all.

This week's episode of Winchester's Deadly Passion is full of Alaskan action. I'm on my first-ever black bear hunt on Prince of Wales Island.

When you hit the field this fall it’s more important than ever to know your location, and that’s not always easy. Sure, some lands may be fenced, surveyed and marked with easy-to-read signage, but most are not. Cranky landowners and litigious attorneys create an environment that could be costly to your bank account if you accidentally trespass. Even if you don’t trespass, you don’t want to get lost. And what about your hunch that a parcel of public land might be larger than you first believed?

If there's one sound that's most difficult for turkey hunters—especially new turkey hunters—to recognize, it's the spit and drum of a strutting tom turkey. And I would argue that the spit-drum is an even more magical sound than a gobble. Your spine will tingle every time you hear the spitting and drumming of a gobbler, especially when there's a tag in your pocket.

It's been a great first month for "Inside the Box." The participation levels have been awesome. To everyone who has shared comments—thank you, and keep it coming! To those who haven't, you're missing out. Remember, I'll choose my favorite comment each month (positive feedback or constructive criticism) and award the winner with a hand-picked piece of gear that I've featured here.

You probably heard about the recent passing of Andy Griffith (1926-2012). I grew up watching his TV show, and in the last couple decades I’ve caught reruns of it whenever possible. One of my all-time favorite episodes was when Sheriff Andy Taylor took a woman crow shooting on their first date. Of course, nothing says “romance” like the smell of recently fired shotshells and a pile of dead crows. I wanted to share that clip with you, but unfortunately it was seized by "Big Brother" before I could publish this blog post.

TGIH! Thank God I'm Hunting! This week we head to New Mexico for exciting close encounters during an early season archery elk hunt. Do I score a big bull? Watch now to find out.