Utah’s Rifle Elk Hunt in the Rut
A 12 year old, a youth tag, and the outdoor theater that hooks you for life. Utah is by far my favorite state for providing hunting opportunities for everyone, whether you’re a youth, an adult wanting to mentor your tag, a rifle hunter, archery hunter or muzzleloader hunter, disabled or with physical limitations, or in […]
Understanding How Trophies Are Measured
Hunting trophies are measured with standardized systems that add specific antler or horn measurements into a numerical score. Depending on the species, scorers measure features such as main beams, tine length, circumference, and spread. Boone and Crockett scoring provides North American hunters with a widely recognized system for consistently comparing those measurements. How trophy expectations […]
Game Cameras for Ranch Management
In Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho it is unlawful to use cellular-activated cameras for hunting. That does not mean they have no place on a ranch. Cell cams are still a great tool for watching boundaries, roads, and gated access — trespassing and managing guides. Manual cameras are a great tool for game movement and trespassing. […]
8 Tips for Hunting the Wind
Learning how to hunt the wind for deer starts with keeping your scent away from the country deer are using. Approach from downwind or use a favorable crosswind, then watch how terrain and thermals change the air around you. Keep checking conditions throughout the hunt and adjust your route when the wind turns against you. […]
How to Prepare for the Upcoming Hunting Season
Get ready before the season gets close Opening morning quickly exposes whatever you skipped during the off-season. Boots may start rubbing after a few miles, and a rifle setup that felt steady from a bench may feel very different on uneven ground. Good hunting prep helps you find those weak spots early. If you’re getting […]
Field Dressing and Meat Care 101
Field dressing initiates the cooling process by removing internal organs and opening the carcass to allow heat to escape. Hunters also need to protect the meat from contamination and move it toward dependable refrigeration. The best approach depends on the animal, weather, and pack-out, which makes a post-harvest plan worth building before the shot. The […]
What Hunters Need to Know About Hunt Reporting
Hunt reporting requirements depend on the state and the permit you hold. Utah requires reports for big game permits even when a hunter doesn’t harvest or never enters the field. Wyoming generally sends voluntary surveys to selected license holders, although some species have separate registration or check-in rules. Always verify the current regulations tied to […]
Your Pre-Hunt Checklist: Everything You Need Before Arrival
A pre-hunt checklist helps you arrive ready for the conditions you’ll face. Your hunting trip checklist needs to cover legal requirements, field-tested equipment, and the plan for getting an animal out. It also helps you confirm what the outfitter handles before you start packing. Prepare before the hunt gets close A good hunt usually starts […]
How to Determine Wind Direction While Deer Hunting
Determine wind direction while deer hunting by checking the air often with wind powder, milkweed, grass, leaves, smoke, weather apps, visible breath, or the wet-finger method. Hunting the wind helps keep your scent away from deer before you glass, move, set up, or start a stalk. Wind direction changes the whole hunt Mule deer, whitetails, […]
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Guided Hunt?
Most hunters should start planning guided hunts nine to 18 months in advance. For high-demand elk, mule deer, moose, antelope, private-land hunts, or preferred season dates, start 18 to 24 months ahead. Early planning gives you more time to handle draw deadlines, tags, guide availability, travel, gear, shooting practice, and backup options. Start planning before […]