Hunting Gear
Pure Hunting | E-Scouting with On X Maps
Scout Your Hunt From Home Before Making the Trip
Live the Dream
For many hunters, pursuing game on a western hunt is a dream, aspiration, and lofty goal. Putting in the time and resources for a chance at a hunt on a western mountain range aloft a high peak, or deep into desert country can be taxing. Every year hunters filled with a passion for the outdoors, for wilderness, and for adventure set out to make their dreams a reality.
With limited resources and budgets, it’s easy to get discouraged when planning a western hunt. The cost of tags, time away from work and family, equipment, and travel can all add up. With so much investment and so many resources committed, you want to be as prepared as possible when your boots hit the ground in the unit you are hunting. There is no replacement for on the ground, real life experience for learning new country, scouting for a hunt, or locating animals; but with today’s technology it’s possible for hunters to develop a sophisticated plan of attack using e-scouting.
E-Scouting
Recent developments in GPS and mapping technology have opened up a whole new world to those who love to live outdoors. Satellite imaging, aerial photography, and highly developed mapping systems have come together to provide the western hunter with a level of convenience and security that is immeasurable. E-Scouting, or electronic scouting, provides hunters the opportunity to lay eyes across hunting areas from the comfort of your home or office, but most importantly well in advance of a hunting trip. The ability to identify areas of interest before arriving for a hunt, to study the area, and form plans based on the topography; well ahead of the trip is a game changer.
Filters
Integrated systems like On X Hunt have changed the way we plan for and scout for hunting trips, offering hunters a sharp turn to shorten the learning curve when learning a new area. On X Hunt uses key filters, built by hunters for hunters. Key information is filtered with a simple on and off interface to quickly identify things like unit boundaries, public and private lands, roads and trails. Aside for just mapping basic roads, trails, and topo lines; On X Hunt also filters things like water sources, current and previous forest fires, roadless areas, all over actual aerial photography.
Having the ability to quickly find roadless areas of your hunting unit, overlaid with a recent burn, and find a reliable water source all from miles away will put you leaps and bounds ahead when it comes time to scout, boots on the ground. By utilizing the On X Hunt system, identifying the areas you want to scout and hunt it’s easy to drop on waypoints, measure distance, and highlight areas you want to investigate.
E-scouting not only provides an in depth look at the territory, topography, and water sources; but it also provides an amazing resource for planning camps, finding trailheads, and identifying the best access to the areas you plan to hunt. On X Hunt not only identifies public lands, but popular public camping grounds, trail heads with mileage, and two track forest service roads. E-scouting is the perfect tool to develop a plan A, plan B, and even plan C to make the hunt happen. Know where you stand with On X Hunt by being able to identify public and private lands quickly, and without question.
Versatility
Not only is the On X Hunt system an amazing tool for e-scouting, it is also incredibly versatile. The platform works incredibly well across various technologies, and integrates across devices.
On Your Phone
On X Hunt runs as an application on your smartphone. Simply download the app from the app store, login and start scouting. The amazing thing about running On X Hunt on your smartphone is the ability to use the system off the cellular grid. On X Hunt uses your phone’s GPS and not cellular signal for real time location tracking to know where you stand.
If you are going to be hunting in area without cellular service, maps of your hunting area can easily be saved locally to your phone. Launch the app with a saved map with your waypoints, put your phone in airplane mode and save your battery.
On Your PC
The versatility of On X Hunt doesn’t end with your smartphone. On X Hunt runs incredibly well on your personal computer. Launch the website on your browser and view your hunt area on a large screen. Zoom in for details, identify elevations, glassing points, and pick out hunt locations for wind directions and thermals. With On X Hunt on your PC you can drop waypoints, mark areas to identify all sorts of things like areas of interest, spots to hike into, even places to avoid.
Put ON X SD Card in your GPS
Maybe you would rather run a traditional GPS unit rather than rely on your smartphone for mapping technology. On X has you covered, if your GPS unit accepts SD or mini SD cards, you are in luck. You can purchase SD cards from On X by state to run in your GPS unit. Those cards can be updated as maps, roads, and access change through the On X website.
It’s Seamless
The On X platform not only works across multiple technology platforms like smartphone, GPS unit, and PC; but it works across them all together. Use your PC and large screen for detail and waypoints, when you mark up the map and customize it, those changes and edits automatically move onto your smartphone, and vice versa. Maybe you are running your smartphone, but like the GPS as a backup? No big deal, update the SD card to your PC with changes you made on your smartphone, and you’re off and running!
No Excuses
Hunting season comes once a year, and for passionate outdoorsmen and women it is a fantastic time we all long for. Getting outdoors on that western hunt is more a reality than you know. With mapping technology like On x Hunt, you have the power to put in valuable scouting time from home. Take the opportunity to plan a hunt for this season, and get out there!
Source link: https://www.purehunting.com/pure-hunting-e-scouting-with-on-x-maps/ by Pure Hunting at www.purehunting.com
Hunting
Capturing the Hunt: Using Trail Cameras for Turkey Hunts
In the excitement of a successful hunt, it’s easy to forget to capture the moment with a photo. This can be a missed opportunity, especially for someone who always carries camera gear on hunts. But there’s a simple and effective way to ensure you get those memorable shots: using trail cameras.
The Role of Trail Cameras
Trail cameras have become essential tools for many hunters, not just for scouting but also for capturing the action during the hunt. Setting up a trail camera can provide you with extra memories and a unique perspective on your hunt. If you already own a camera, it’s a cost-effective way to enhance your hunting experience.
Choosing and Setting Up Your Camera
Whether you’re using traditional cameras or cell cameras, most can be set up to function like a traditional trail camera. This means you don’t need to activate your data plan if you’re using cell cameras. The key is in selecting the right settings.
Camera Settings
- Video Duration: Opt for the longest video clip your camera offers. This ensures that even if a hen arrives before the longbeard, you’ll still capture the entire sequence.
- Recovery Time: Set this to the shortest possible duration. You want the camera ready to record a new clip immediately.
- Resolution: Choose the highest video quality available. This will provide the best footage, assuming you use a large-capacity SD card.
- Trigger Sensitivity: Adjust based on your environment. In a windy field, use the lowest sensitivity to avoid endless clips of moving vegetation. On calm days or in confined spaces, increase the sensitivity to ensure the camera captures all movement.
Positioning Your Camera
One common mistake is placing cameras too close to the decoys. Turkeys tend to focus on the jake decoy, so your camera placement should account for this. Positioning the camera 10 to 20 feet away from the decoys is often ideal. This distance allows you to capture the entire bird as it approaches, rather than just its feet.
Consider the Approach Path
- Anticipate Entry Points: Aim your camera in the direction you expect the turkeys to approach from. This ensures a better overall shot.
- Mind the Sun: Position the camera to avoid sun flares on the lens, which can disrupt your footage.
- Camouflage: While turkeys don’t seem to mind trail cameras, it’s wise to reduce the chances of reflection or glare. Pile up some debris around the camera to help it blend in with the environment.
Benefits of Trail Camera Footage
Using a trail camera is a straightforward way to capture high-resolution video of your hunt without investing in additional gear. This method allows you to focus on the hunt itself while the camera takes care of recording the action.
Practical Tips for Use
- Quick Setup: Setting up a trail camera is quick and easy. Even when running and gunning and changing spots frequently, it takes only seconds to set up the camera from your pack.
- Capture Every Moment: The effort pays off when you get high-quality footage of a strutter attacking your decoys. These videos provide lasting memories and a unique view of the hunt.
Incorporating trail cameras into your turkey hunts can enhance your experience and provide invaluable memories. By choosing the right settings, positioning the camera thoughtfully, and blending it into the environment, you can capture the excitement of the hunt without missing a beat. This approach not only adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your hunting trips but also ensures you have a visual record of those special moments.
Do you have any tips for trail cameras? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Archery
Can You Hunt Enough To Feed Your Family For YEARS?
Survival Cave Food is here.
As masters of the hunt, you understand the thrill and satisfaction of providing for your family through your skills in the wilderness. However, relying solely on hunting and trapping may not be enough to ensure your family’s well-being in times of crisis. The stark reality is that whatever you’re able to hunt may not be sufficient to feed yourselves and your loved ones. At Survival Cave Food, we recognize the importance of having a reliable backup supply to augment your hunting efforts and provide peace of mind during emergencies.
Why Survival Cave Food?
Our commitment to providing the best survival foods is driven by a deep understanding of the challenges hunters face. While your hunting skills are impressive, unpredictable circumstances such as extreme weather, dwindling game populations, or even natural disasters can significantly impact your ability to procure food. Survival Cave Food offers a range of premium emergency food solutions meticulously crafted to augment your hunting efforts and provide long-term sustenance for you and your famil
A Reliable Backup for Your Hunting Success
Survival Cave Food stands as your dependable backup supply for the best survival foods. Our freeze-dried meals and high-quality canned meats are carefully crafted to provide essential nutrients and support your family’s well-being, complementing your hunting skills. Don’t let uncertainties in the wilderness leave you and your loved ones hungry – our products offer a reliable solution to ensure your family’s needs are met, no matter the circumstances.
Supporting Your Hunting Lifestyle
As skilled hunters, you’ve honed your craft and pride yourselves on providing for your family. Survival Cave Food aligns with these values, empowering you to maintain your independence and self-sufficiency while also being prepared for the unexpected. Our products not only offer sustenance but also peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared to support your family’s needs through any challenge.
Made with Care, Trusted by Hunters
At Survival Cave Food, we take pride in our products, which are made with care and integrity. Our canned meats and freeze-dried meals are not just provisions; they’re essential components of your hunting lifestyle. Whether you’re stocking up for emergencies, planning hunting trips, or simply seeking convenient, nutritious options for your family, our products deliver on quality and reliability.
Join Us in Securing Your Family's Future
Join countless skilled hunters like yourself who prioritize preparedness and self-sufficiency. With Survival Cave Food, you’re not just purchasing survival foods – you’re investing in the security and well-being of your loved ones. Take the first step towards a more secure future by exploring our selection today.
Order Now and Augment Your Hunting Success
Don’t let uncertainties in the wilderness leave you vulnerable. Take proactive measures to ensure your family’s well-being with Survival Cave Food. Explore our range of premium survival foods and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared to provide for your family, no matter what lies ahead.
Hunting
Rangefinders: Advanced Techniques for Enhanced Hunting Success
The utility of rangefinders in hunting extends far beyond their fundamental purpose of determining accurate distances for shooting. While commonly associated with aiding marksmanship, rangefinders can be leveraged in innovative ways to optimize hunting strategies and increase efficiency in the field. For both novice and seasoned hunters alike, mastering advanced techniques with rangefinders can significantly enhance the overall hunting experience. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into two distinct but invaluable techniques for utilizing rangefinders to their fullest potential.
Strategic Stalking: Planning with Precision
One of the most profound realizations among hunters is the strategic value of rangefinders in planning stalks. Beyond mere navigation toward the prey, identifying optimal shooting positions can be a game-changer in hunting success.
Consider a scenario where a hunter spots a deer bedded downhill, with a prominent boulder positioned behind it. Traditional wisdom dictates estimating the distance to the deer and planning a route accordingly. However, the innovative use of a rangefinder elevates this approach to a new level of precision.
By ranging both the deer and the boulder, the hunter gains critical insight into the landscape’s geometry. Suppose the deer is determined to be 500 yards away, while the boulder registers at 547 yards. This data reveals that reaching the boulder would position the hunter approximately 47 yards from the deer. Armed with this knowledge, the hunter can strategize the approach, confident in the understanding of potential shooting distances.
Dynamic Distance Assessment: On-the-Move Tactics
In dynamic hunting scenarios where targets are mobile or their exact locations are uncertain, rangefinders emerge as indispensable tools for real-time distance assessment. Rather than relying on fixed objects for reference, hunters can adopt a proactive approach by utilizing rangefinders while on the move.
Imagine stalking a buck actively rutting in dense woodland. In such scenarios, maintaining situational awareness and adaptability are paramount. Here, the continuous use of a rangefinder proves invaluable.
Equipped with a rangefinder, the hunter can seamlessly integrate distance assessment into their movements. With each step, the hunter periodically scans the terrain ahead, utilizing the rangefinder to gauge distances to potential targets. This streamlined approach minimizes unnecessary movement and ensures readiness for decisive action.
In the dynamic and unpredictable world of hunting, mastery of advanced techniques with rangefinders can be a game-changer. By embracing strategic stalking and dynamic distance assessment, hunters can optimize their hunting strategies and increase their chances of success in the field.
Whether planning meticulous stalks or maintaining situational awareness on the move, the versatility of rangefinders empowers hunters to navigate diverse hunting scenarios with confidence and precision. As hunters continue to explore the boundless possibilities of rangefinder application, the pursuit of the game becomes not just a challenge, but a deeply rewarding adventure fueled by innovation and expertise.
Do you have any tips for using rangefinders? Leave them in the comments below.