If there’s anything that hunters have tried to understand more and more, it is deer movement and their patterns. Whether you’re a veteran hunter or just starting out, finding a pattern in deer behavior can help increase your chances of success by leaps and bounds. So if you’re looking for the keys to decoding deer…

Mastering the art of a deer decoy takes time. There are times when everything works out perfectly and the deer come in on a string. Other times, the reaction may not be what you expect. Those are the learning experiences. Every hunt is different and knowing how, when and where to use whitetail deer decoys comes with…

The post-rut season is the doldrums for many deer hunters. The bachelor groups of bucks from the early season have disbanded and the excitement of the rut is over. That doesn't mean it's time to put up your boots and start watching football. The post-rut is a chance to dial in on target bucks and…

I have a stack of old Field & Stream magazines on a bookshelf. It’s heartening to flip through the articles. In between the ads touting today’s latest products meant to deter scent is the same content that’s filled the editorial pages for countless falls. For example, in bold lettering on the November 1972 issue you’ll see, “How…

Gary Clancy wrote the book on decoying deer. Literally. His book, Rattling, Calling & Decoying Whitetails, arms readers with simple, yet profound advice on pulling the wool over a deer’s eyes. It’s the unofficial handbook on the subject. Clancy had so much success using deer decoys that he became somewhat of a deer decoy fanatic, experimenting and…

When you think of deer hunting, two species likely come to mind: whitetail deer and mule deer. Or maybe you had only heard of one of these species until now. Regardless, these two species of deer have their differences. But what makes them different? Read on to find out the various terrains, tactics, characteristics, benefits,…

Venison backstrap fajitas are a quick, easy and delicious south-of-the-border recipe. 1 lb. venison backstrap, sliced into ½-inch steaks 1 yellow onion 1 green bell pepper 1 red bell pepper 2 jalapenos 1 Mexican beer Salt, pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper Olive oil Vegetable oil Corn tortillas (flour tortillas are just fine too) Rub the…

The fall leaves have blanketed the forest floor, and the crisp winter cold is spilling into the farmlands and fields of North America. You’ve begun to see more bucks lately, some of which are checking does. So what’s your strategy going into this year’s peak rut? If you’ve happened to pick up a deer decoy…

There’s always good reason to use a deer decoy during the rut. Playing on a buck’s robot-like trance as he is roaming forests and fields, a decoy not only attracts deer, but also helps set up a shot, makes calls and scents more attractive, and adds a layer of excitement to an already exciting time.…