Guides

Guides and Resources

Straight answers to the questions people ask before they buy, schedule or sign.

GuideWhat fair chase means and how to practice itFair chase is the idea that a hunter should win the animal through skill and effort, not through an unfair edge. The Boone and Crockett Club gave the concept its best-known definition, and it still anchors the way ethical hunters think.Read more GuideHunter education requirements and how they varyThere is no single national hunter education law. Each state sets its own rules, so the first step is knowing how the system is built and where to get a firm answer for your state.Read more GuideShot placement and ethical distance for deer and elkA clean kill comes from putting the shot in the heart and lungs at an angle that exposes them, from a distance where you are certain you can do it. Everything else is judgment about when to wait or pass.Read more GuideHow to field dress a deer, step by stepField dressing removes the internal organs so the carcass cools quickly and the meat stays clean. Do it as soon as the animal is down and the area is safe, using clean tools and a calm, careful hand.Read more GuideKeeping game meat safe from field to freezerSafe game meat depends on speed, cleanliness and temperature. Cool the carcass fast, keep it clean, store it cold and cook it to the right internal temperature.Read more GuideHow big game draws, bonus points and preference points workMany states hand out limited big game tags by lottery-style draws, and some use points to reward hunters who apply year after year. The mechanics differ widely, so this guide explains the general ideas and shows what to look for in your own state's rules.Read more GuideBlaze orange requirements for huntersBlaze orange keeps hunters visible to one another, and many states require it for some seasons. The rules vary by state, species and weapon, so the only safe answer is to check your agency's current regulations.Read more GuideHow to track a wounded deer and read the blood trailRecovering a wounded deer takes patience more than speed. Mark where the animal was standing, wait the right amount of time for the type of hit, then follow the sign slowly and carefully.Read more GuideHow to choose your first hunting rifle or bowThe best first hunting weapon is the one that is legal for your hunt, fits your body and that you can shoot accurately and safely. Brand matters far less than those three things.Read more GuideHunting private land: permission, trespass and etiquetteHunting on private land is a privilege that depends on trust. Ask early, ask politely, get permission in the form your state requires and leave the property better than you found it.Read more

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