Hunting Archives - Texas Outdoors

Reasons Why Hunting Is Considered a Sport

An activity must follow and cover certain regulations and guidelines to become a certified sport. Discover the reasons why hunting is considered a sport.

Hunting, the practice of tracking and pursuing different animals, has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. While it was once a necessity for survival, hunting evolved into the popular recreational activity it is today.

Millions of people enjoy this practice worldwide, and it is more than just a pastime or an outdoor activity; it’s a competitive sport. The reasons why hunting is considered a sport come from its rich history, rules, and the deep connection it has with nature.

Skill and Strategy

Any sport requires a combination of skill and strategy, and hunting is no exception. Successful hunting demands a deep understanding of animal behavior, terrain, and firearm or weapon proficiency. Hunters must possess the necessary skills and knowledge to practice responsible hunting while respecting ethical and safety standards.

Hunters must study animal’s habits and habitats, employ camouflage techniques, and patiently wait for the right moment to shoot. This combination of skill and strategy adds an intellectual dimension to hunting, similar to sports such as chess or golf.

Rules and Regulations

Like any legitimate sport, hunting has a set of rules and regulations that every participant must follow to prevent environmental problems. These rules ensure ethical and responsible hunting practices while conserving wildlife populations and habitats.

Hunters must obtain the necessary licenses and tags, adhere to specific hunting seasons, and respect the number of legally harvested animals. These regulations help maintain ecological balance, protect endangered species, and ensure that hunting remains sustainable for future generations.

Competitive Elements

Hunting competitions and events, such as skeet shooting and archery tournaments, provide platforms for hunters to showcase their skills and compete against one another. These competitions often incorporate time trials, accuracy challenges, and other competitive elements, using the structure of traditional sports.

Some hunting practices involve record-keeping and trophies, rewarding accomplishments such as hunting for the largest buck or the longest-bearded turkey. These achievements are benchmarks of a hunter’s skill and dedication, adding a competitive edge to the sport.

Connection With Nature

One of the main reasons why hunting is considered a sport is the profound connection it promotes with nature. Unlike many sports played on artificial turf or in climate-controlled arenas, hunting occurs outdoors.

It encourages individuals to immerse themselves in natural environments, where they gain a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the ecosystems. Many hunting organizations work in wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, making hunting an environmental good.

Hunting combines skill, strategy, rules, and a deep understanding of nature, which qualifies as a sport. It challenges participants mentally and physically while instilling a profound respect for the natural world and its unique characteristics.

Where Do I Start With Shooting As a Hobby?

Shooting can be an incredibly rewarding hobby. Refining your marksmanship skills and learning more about firearms can support other goals (like hunting or home defense). Still, no matter how you choose to employ your skills, shooting is an activity that consistently offers new challenges in fun environments.

Not sure where to start shooting as a hobby? This guide is here to help. Whether you’re looking to build up to hunting or simply incorporate a range day into your routine, we’re here to help you get started.

1. Get familiar with the basics

If you aren’t familiar with firearms or have never shot before, start by learning the basics. Today’s new shooters can employ one or more of the following methods to get their bearings in the world of firearms:

Finding a community at a local range – We’ll explore more benefits of finding a local range in the next section.
Taking a course – Consider signing up for an Intro to Shooting, Concealed Carry Permit, or Hunters’ Safety course to learn more about shooting, firearms, and safety.
Finding information online – Doing online research can help you learn more about the basics, find an in-person community in your area, or prepare for an organized course.

2. Find a shooting range near you

The best way to practice shooting as a newcomer is to visit a local range: a facility where shooters can discharge their weapons in a safe, supervised setting.

But a range serves a few different purposes: You can visit to practice your skills, meet people with similar interests, and learn more about local resources for shooters in your area.

Meeting other hobbyists is an excellent way to learn more and get feedback and support as you develop shooting knowledge and skills. Perhaps the best part of learning to shoot is getting to know other shooters: people who can connect you with resources, provide tips, or even let you try out their firearms.

3. Source a firearm

If you’re interested in shooting, you’ll need access to a firearm.

6 Tips For Hunting in the Snow

Every year as fall rolls around, a new hunting season begins. The early season can be a mix of hot, warm, and cool temperatures but eventually, as the calendar flips into November winter and snow are inevitably on their way. This will give many hunters challenges that they haven’t had to face yet this season. There are even many hunters that opt to stay home instead of braving the colder weather.

Here are our six top tips for hunting in the snow.

1. Research Ahead of Time

You do not want to wake up the morning of a big hunt just to discover it has snowed several inches overnight. This will lead to panic, and you are sure to forget something essential.

If you have checked the weather forecast ahead of time and know the snow is coming, you can get all your essential gear gathered up and ready to go.

2. Dress to Stay Warm

Dress in layers. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but this is so important that it cannot be overstressed. Having the versatility to add or remove a layer can make the difference between spending all day in the field or coming in hours ahead of time to get comfortable.

Wear a hood. I always make sure my mid-layer or jacket has a hood of some type on it. There is nothing worse than having snow down your neck. On really cold or extra windy days, I opt to wear a balaclava. By covering my head, neck, and face, the warmth is kept against my body.

3. Break Out the Blind

Many times, when it is snowing, the wind is also blowing. Being in an open, elevated stand may not be the warmest option. Being in the cover of a blind will likely extend your bow hunting session. The blind will block out the snowfall and wind, helping to shield you from the elements.

A small, portable heater may also be used to aid in staying warm.

4. Pack Extra Food and Snacks

It is always important to keep your body fueled but never more than when hunting in the snow. Consuming the extra calories will help your body stay warm. I am sure we all have our favorite hunting snacks but mine are jerky, trail mix, nuts, and snack cakes.

Another food hack is taking some hot soup in a thermos. It is amazing how a cup full of warm chicken noodles can make you feel. It can really knock the shivers off.

5. Hand Warmers

Are you noticing a pattern here? Anything you can do to stay warm and comfortable is a plus when it comes to snow hunting.

I have used both the hot hands and the newer rechargeable style, as well. Both have their applications. I like the disposable ones for my boots while the rechargeables work well in my pockets and hand muff.

It is important to moderate these if you can. If you plan to stay out all day, you don’t want to use up all your hand warmers in the first two hours of your sitting.

6. Still Hunting

This is one of my favorite things to do in the snow. You can dress lightly and still be pretty comfortable while walking.

Many times, game will hunker down in the snow. They will also be easier to spot with snow on the ground. A good tactic is to slowly walk old trails or roads while scanning out ahead for spooked or bedded game.

I have two particular favorite spots for this type of hunting. One is where I can sneak along and watch the hillside below me. Many times, I have snuck up on a bedded herd of deer that had no idea I was there. The second is a lower trail where I can not only watch out ahead of me but also on both sides of the hollow. This allows me to cover more area at one time, but many times it will involve jumping the deer and hoping they stop at some point to offer a shot opportunity.

Take What Nature Throws at You

I hope some of these tips will help you to be successful the next time you have the hunt in the snow. Anything you can do to not only get out in the snow but also stay out there will help increase your chances of having a successful hunt and season. Being able to take what nature throws at you will make you a better hunter and improve your chances of success.

5 Tips for Hunting Day Trips With an Air Gun

Airguns are exploding in popularity around the country. From the gun’s precision to its relatively muted sound when fired, it’s the perfect alternative to a traditional rifle.

The best part? You can use airguns as a hunting weapon. In fact, airguns are the ideal option for small game hunting because they are slightly less powerful and have lower recoil than traditional rifles. This not only means you’ll have better accuracy, but it also increases the likelihood the animal will remain intact after you’ve taken it down.

If you’re planning on taking an airgun out on your next hunt, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Understand Airgun Hunting Laws in your State

Before doing anything else, be sure to check your state’s laws for airgun hunting.

While it’s true they are a bit less powerful than conventional firearms, many modern, technologically-advanced airguns can pack a major punch. Laws and regulations vary from state-to-state, with different species of animals typically having different caliber requirements.

Thankfully, there’s no shortage of resources available detailing state airgun laws. As you plan your hunt, check your state laws and make sure your gun meets various caliber requirements.

2. Choose your Pellets Wisely

Believe it or not, you can hunt big game with airguns. If you’re planning to challenge yourself with hunting deer, though, you need to make sure you have the right ammo.

There are three broad categories of ammunition: pellets, round balls, and cast bullets. If you’re planning to hunt small game, you should almost certainly use pellets. Pellets are generally more accurate and fly faster, which makes them a solid choice for small game hunting. Pellets come in four shapes, including:

Round Nose
Pointed
Flat Pellets

Round balls and cast bullets, on the other hand, are intended for big game hunting. They need to be at least 30 caliber in diameter and weigh at least 150 grains. Unlike pellets, round balls and cast bullets slow down much less slowly than pellets when fired from a powerful airgun. The higher velocity (at least 800 fps) increases the chances you’ll bring down the bigger animal.

3. Consider your Distance

In many ways, airgun hunting is a refresher in one of the most basic laws of physics: force equals mass times acceleration. As time passes, acceleration (and force) gradually decrease.

Incredible Photo! Wild Hog Jumping Barbed Wire Fence!

This wild hog certainly got some serious air time jumping a barbed wire fence south of San Antonio.

I was set up in a ground blind trying to get some shots of wild turkeys when this hog came flying out of the brush and launched itself. Never seen anything quite like it.

8 Necessities for Crossbow Hunters Going Backpack Hunting

If you’re a veteran crossbow hunter, you have probably had days out in the woods you didn’t want to end. With backpack hunting, they don’t have to.

Here are a few must-haves for any crossbow hunter planning a backpack trip.

1. First-Aid Supplies

“Safety first” is a phrase you’ve likely heard many times before. But it’s true.

There’s no predicting what can happen on an overnight hunting trip. From cuts to sprains to breaks — and even sunburn — there are a number of risks every hunter faces while out in the wilderness. Make sure you bring along an emergency first-aid kit capable of addressing some of the most common injuries.

2. Extra Clothes — and an Airtight Container to Store them in

Temperatures can drop quickly when the sun goes down. And, you can’t ignore the possibility of rain or snow dampening your hunting trip. Make sure you’re ready.

As you’re packing your camo hunting gear, include at least one pair of pants and a shirt for each day of your hunt. Bring along two pairs of socks for each day since they are more likely to get wet than any other article of clothing. Be sure to also bring along clothes for both warm and cold weather. After they’re worn, store dirty clothes in airtight containers to prevent bears and deer from catching your scent.

3. Storage Case for Your Crossbow

The elements damage your crossbow if it isn’t properly stored. Be sure to choose the right storage solution before leaving for your hunt.

Modern crossbows are made up of many different parts that can easily get damaged if exposed to the rain, heat, or cold. Arrows and broadheads are also susceptible to weather damage. Luckily, there are cases available for each component. Find the right ones for your crossbow and bring them along with you on the hunt.

4. Replacement Parts for Your Crossbow

As durable as today’s high-tech crossbows are, their components can wear out and break over time. Don’t let a minor malfunction ruin your hunt.

Before hitting the road for your back hunting trip, don’t forget to pack an extra set of crossbow strings and cables. While they will certainly add some bulk to your backpack or case, you’ll be happy you were prepared if you run into any technical difficulties along the way.

5. A Water Filter

Dehydration can put a damper on any backpack hunt. Rather than carrying along packs of water bottles, try using a water filter.

With a water filter, you can source your water from creeks and rivers that would otherwise be unsafe to drink from. Water filters also come in a range of sizes, with some designed to allow the user to drink directly out of a stream and others for drawing larger amounts of water into a tank for storage. Find a filter that is light enough to carry but functional enough for any environment.

6. The Right Backpack

Your Comprehensive Guide to Recurve vs. Compound Crossbows

With so many crossbow options out there, it can be challenging to find the right bow for your needs. Check out this guide to learn more about the differences between recurve and compound crossbows to make a better choice!

Basics of a Recurve Crossbow

A recurve crossbow is the simplest style of crossbow. They have two horizontal limbs on a basic stock and barrel. Their name comes from the shape of the limbs, as they curve away from the front of the bow before curving back in an “s” shape.

Most recurve crossbows are on the larger side with incredibly high speeds that can reach over 300 fps – with minimal mechanical add-ons like cables or cams.

Pros of the Recurve

Most people who hunt with a recurve crossbow prefer it because of its reliability, light weight, and straightforward design.

Because the mechanics of this type of bow are so simple, there’s not much that can go wrong. Even with wear and tear over thousands of shots, a recurve crossbow is much less likely to break down in the field. If it does break, they’re super easy to fix. From restringing to basic maintenance, you can do it all yourself; you almost never need to take it to a specialty shop.

Even though they’re physically bigger, recurves are lighter than their compound counterparts. They’re just the limbs and the bowstring, which means less material to carry over long, multi-day hunts.

And, for hunters on a budget, recurve crossbows tend to be less expensive due to their simple design. More premium options with more features will obviously increase the price, but you can get basic models far below the prices of compound crossbows.

Cons of the Recurve

How to Plan a Solo Hunting Trip

Group hunting trips can be a great bonding experience, but there’s no feeling that compares to the solitude of a solo hunting trip. It’s just you, the woods, and your instincts as a hunter.

Going on a solo hunting trip does, however, require a bit of additional planning if you want to get the most out of the experience. Careful planning can prevent mishaps while also promoting a successful hunt.

Here are a few things to consider when you’re planning your next solo hunting trip.

1. Make sure you have the right gear

Very few hunters ever anticipate getting lost in the woods. But you should always prepare as if it’s a possibility.

What you should pack largely depends on the environment in which you’re planning to hunt. That said, there are some items you’ll want to bring along regardless of whether you’re hunting in the woods or the tundra.

Waterproof matches, for one, are a must-have. Starting a fire should be an imperative when you are lost and it begins to get dark. You should also have a hatchet to cut wood and potentially build a lean-to for shelter, as well as the proper sleeping bag for the climate.

While there are certainly other supplies you’ll want to bring along, it’s critical to consider your clothing. In addition to the camo you typically wear during your hunt, you’ll also need extra socks, sweatshirts, and a hat in the event your clothing gets wet.

2. Test out your equipment

When you’re hunting in a group, you can usually borrow someone else’s extra gun or scope if yours isn’t working correctly. That’s not the case when you’re out on your own.

Before heading out into the woods, make sure all of your equipment is functional. Go to a nearby shooting range to test out your gun. While you’re there, test out any supplemental equipment you have, including any scopes and laser sights you plan to use to ensure they are calibrated. And, if you’re planning on bringing extra equipment such as a flashlight or GPS, check to make sure they are functioning properly, as well.

3. Monitor the weather

Inclimate weather can put a damper on any hunt. When you’re hunting alone, however, bad weather poses an even greater threat.

Flash flooding, for instance, can lead to dangerous conditions that can leave hunters stranded in the wilderness. An unanticipated ice storm can lead to a similar outcome. So, in the weeks leading up to your hunt, check the weather forecast regularly to track any potential storms.

Experienced hunters also know how crucial it is to track wind speed and direction before and during a hunt. Studies have found bucks move 65 meters per day on average when wind speeds reach 16 mph or higher. Plus, knowing what direction the wind is blowing in can help you determine how you will remain downwind from deer, thus preventing them from catching your scent.

Map out your hunt

As important as it is to know how to track whatever game you’re hunting, you need to have a general route to follow throughout your hunt. By having your hunt mapped out, you can minimize the time it takes others to find you if you get lost while also promoting a successful hunt by hitting all key spots.

While mapping your route, keep the game you’re hunting in mind. As a hunter, you’ve probably already scouted your hunting site. As a result, you likely have an idea of where the deer, bears, or any other game you’re hunting are at any time of the day. Keep this in mind as you decide where to begin and end your hunt.

It’s also important to contemplate other locations the game you’re stalking might roam. Streams and meadows, for example, are common gathering points for all animals. Make sure these are included as waypoints in your hunting route.

Once you’re finished planning your route, share them with your spouse or any other person with whom you interact often. They can make the call to local and state authorities in the event you find yourself lost in the wilderness and need help.

Stay safe and have fun

While it’s important to be cautious as a solo hunter, you also should not forget to enjoy the experience. A solo hunt is an easy way to clear your mind after a long week at work. As long as you plan carefully and take the proper precautions, you’ll have a safe and successful hunt.

The 5 Best Tactics for Hunting Whitetail Deer

There’s something about whitetail deer that has hunters flocking to the woods every year. Perhaps it’s the thrill of being so close to such an elusive animal, or maybe it’s the natural beauty of the forest and wild life they inhabit. Whatever your reason, there are numerous tactics you can use to increase your chance of success during deer season. Here are five tips to make sure you get an opportunity at the buck of a lifetime this year.

1) Step 1: Study the Land
If you want to come home with a buck, you need to do more than just sit in a tree stand. If you spend hours studying your hunting property it will pay off during season. Evaluating where deer travel during various times of day and year can help you identify hot spots where you can set up a stand later on. It’s also a good idea to study other hunters’ patterns, especially if hunting public land. Studying whitetail behavior is essential as well: when are they active? What types of cover attract them? Understanding their daily routines will help you pinpoint their most likely routes—and thus increase your chances of success.

2) Step 2: Choose a Pattern
There are a variety of different tactics you can use when hunting whitetail deer, but first it’s important to choose a pattern that is safe and effective. The best way to do so is by setting up several different blinds within 200 yards of each other and testing each out for effectiveness and safety. Although sitting still may sound easy, it requires patience and practice in order to get good at it. Remember: if you move too much, you will scare away your prey before they have time to come close enough for an accurate shot. Don’t forget to bring snacks and water with you!

HUNTING REHBOCK (ROEBUCK) IN GERMANY

In late 1964, while stationed with the US Army in Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany, I decided to complete the requirements for getting a German hunting license. In my job as German American Coordinator for the Armerican troops in Schwaebisch Gmuend, I met many of the German city and county officials in the area. One of these county officials was the head of the local Forestry office with the title Oberforestmeister. I told him that I hunted deer in Texas and wanted to find out more about hunting in Germany. I had brought my 30-30 Savage Model 99 saddle rifle with me to hunt. He informed me that a 30-30 rifle could not be used to hunt in Germany. He referred me to the Army Rod and Gun Club to get the necessary training and testing for the license. After I got my license, he told me to contact him, and he would take me on my first Rehbock hunt.

I signed up for the hunting class at the local American recreation center, took the test, and received my German hunting license. The American Hunting office then issued me a U S hunting license. This license allowed me to kill 6 rehbocks and several other game animals each year. Checking with the Rod and Gun Club, I was able to checkout a 30-06 rifle. To familiarize myself with the rifle, I took it to a rifle range and sighted it in. I was now ready to go hunting,

In early 1965, I contacted the Oberforestmeister and told him I had my license and wanted to take him up on a hunt for rehbock. He agreed to set up an evening hunt for me and would call me when he had it set up. A few days later, the Oberforestermeister called me that the hunt was set up. He would be my hunting guide and would pick me up at the American Hunting office at 3 PM the next day.

After a 15-minute ride we arrived at the hunting site. He parked his car at a farm haus, and we walked quietly about 300 meters to the edge of an alfalfa field. There we quietly climbed into a covered tree stand called a Hochsitz (high seat). My guide told me that it was most important to remain very quiet because the reh deer have an especially keen sense of hearing and would not come out of the woods if they heard unusual noises and voices. He talked to me in a whisper to preclude being heard by the animals. He told me that the bock we were hunting for would generally come to the alfalfa field to graze at about one hour before dark. A mature rehbock stands about 18 inches tall at the shoulder with a live weight of about 30 lbs. The alfalfa in the field was about 9 inches tall which meant that we should be able to see the buck standing in the alfalfa.

HUNTING FALLOW DEER (DAMHIRSCH) IN GERMANY

In previous articles about big game hunting in the United States, which were posted on the Texas Outdoors Network website, I discussed my successful hunts for Bull Elk, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram and Ewe and Rocky Mountain Goat. All of these hunts took place in Colorado.

In this article I will discuss my successful hunt for a Fallow Deer (Damhirsch) In Germany. Since the Fallow Deer hunt took place on November 14, 1978, while I was stationed with the US Army in Germany, I decided to write an article for our American daily newspaper, THE STARS AND STRIPES. The following is a reprint of the article as published in the April 27, 1979, edition of THE STARS AND STRIPES.

Friday April 27, 1979

THE STARS AND STRIPES Page 25

OUTDOORS With Brian McWilliams

(By LTC Clarence A Scheel of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Systems and Automation, at Headquarters, USAREUR in Heidelberg.)

HUNTING FOR AND BAGGING A TROPHY DAMHIRSCH (Fallow deer) in November 1978 was the most thrilling hunting experience I have had in more than 30 years of big game hunting. Although I have successfully hunted antelope and mule deer in Colorado, red deer and roe deer in Germany, and white-tailed deer in Texas, Washington, Oklahoma, Kansas and New York, none of these hunts compared to the excitement I experienced when I saw the big buck with the large palmated antlers drop after a carefully placed shot.

You can probably say that the anticipation for the hunt began last June when I registered with the USAREUR Hunting and Fishing office for the annual lottery drawing for the trophy hunt. Of the more than 2,000 American military, civilian and dependent hunters in Germany who entered the lottery for mouflon, fallow deer, red deer and chamois trophies, I was one of the five lucky hunters drawn to hunt for the fallow deer. Since five allocations consisted of two Class I and three Class IIB trophies and since my name was drawn fifth for this species, I was authorized to bag a Class IIB Damhirsch. A Class I buck must be at least 10 years old and have fully developed “shovels” on both sides. A Class IIB, although still a desirable trophy, may not have a fully developed shovel on more than one side. In October, Herr Schuster at the Heidelberg Hunting and Fishing Office booked my hunt for Nov. 14 with the Hassloch Forestry office at Moerfelden, near Rhein Main International Airport.

LTC Clarence A Scheel with prize trophy

Before daybreak on the 14^th, I met my guide, Forester Antes, at the Hassloch Foresthaus. After the customary greeting and exchange of pleasantries, he explained that rather than still hunt on a stand, as is normally done for roe and red deer, we would be stalking. At daybreak, we started walking. For the next two and one-half hours, we must have walked 8 to 10 kilometers. During that time, we saw several Class I bucks with massive antlers, numerous Class II and Class III and several females. Every time we saw a group, the anticipation built up, but in every case, there was no IIB. Since it was by now mid-morning and deer were beginning to bed down, we decided to walk back to the Foresthaus and plan a different strategy for the next morning. On the way back, we saw several more, but still no IIB.

The perfect hog hunting rifle!

Hunting wild hogs has become a mainstream sport in Texas due to the proliferation and destructive nature of this invasive species. Being a non-game animal, there are very few restrictions on how they may be hunted. They may be pursued year-round by almost any means necessary. So, what makes a good hog hunting rifle?

The answer to that question is dependent upon your intent. If you are a professional intent on eradication you have different needs than the weekend warrior who simply wants to have a good time and harvest some free-range pork along the way. In this article we will discuss hunting pigs for sport, not high-volume eradication.

First of all, despite all the hype and hysteria, most wild hogs are not all that difficult to kill. For decades, deer hunters have harvested plenty of hogs with whatever rifle they took to the stand that morning. I think much of this misinformation comes from people who come across a pig and blast away with 55gr FMJ ammo out of their AR-15. Bad ammo choice along with faulty bullet placement will lead to poor results every time. To be sure, a mean, old, full-grown boar is a formidable beast! However, proper bullet selection and accurate shot placement will drop most wild hogs dead in their tracks. I’ve done it many times. Dead Right There, as we say.

The perfect hog hunting rifle for me is a lightweight, easy to carry, accurate, suppressor-ready, 6.8 SPC short barrel AR-15. Mine is a premium build using the best components I could find:

Wilson Combat 11.3″ match-grade stainless barrel
Samson Evolution 10″ handguard
Magpul furniture
Geissele Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced trigger
PRI Combat Latch
FailZero Bolt Carrier Group
Crux Ark30 titanium suppressor
Magpul single-point QD sling

For optics, I run a Trijicon AccuPoint 1-6 Circle-Cross during the day and a FLIR ThermoSight PTS233 at night – both on QD mounts. My preferred method of hunting pigs usually results in shots of less than 50 yards to I don’t have any problems with accuracy swapping between scopes. The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-6 Circle-Cross allows for super-fast sight acquisition (put the hog’s head in the circle and squeeze the trigger) and excels in low-light conditions.