Kevin Steffey, Author at Deer Hunting Field

How to Avoid Spooking Deer with Your ATV

Deer hunting is one of the most popular types of hunting sports, and it involves using a lot of gear for a successful hunt. An All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a critical part of a hunter’s gear, and if you own one, you will appreciate the convenience that it brings with it. However, your ATV can also be counter-productive, and one of the biggest problems that can arise is that your ATV may spook deer. Here we discuss how to stop spooking deer with your ATV.

You have probably experienced this but were either unaware of it or unable to avoid it from occurring. The problem is very real, and the solution is quite simple, so I feel that it is important to know what to do to avoid spooking deer with your ATV. Here are a few simple steps that should put you in the right direction:

Let me start by first saying that if you use an ATV, spooking deer with it is not going to disappear entirely. What you need to know is to what extent you will or won’t spook them. So, here goes!

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Quick NavigationNoise Factor Pro Tips On Reducing Your ATV’s Noise 1. Tighten And Pack 2. Check Your Exhaust Lines 3. Wheel Bearing Noise 4. An Extra Muffler 5. Check Your Brakes Fuel And Exhaust Smell Getting Them Used To It A Better Hunting Experience with your ATV

Noise Factor

Not all ATVs are the same so that the noise level may vary from one vehicle to another. Even electric ATVs can be pretty noisy. Ensure that you use a silent electric ATV, if you use electric. However, through regular maintenance, you will be able to keep the noise from your ATV down to the minimum.

You will need to check your car auto parts list and ensure that the parts used will help to keep the noise level down. Use an effective silencer on your ATV, which will contribute to reducing the engine noise.

Pro Tips OnReducing Your ATV’s Noise

1. Tighten And Pack

Make sure that all metal and hard parts are firmly secured to each other, to eliminate rattling. You can use padding material like rubber, foam or paper to deaden any noise. Ensure that no loose nuts and bolts are knocking around the vehicle.

2. Check Your Exhaust Lines

Cracks or fissures in exhaust lines can result in increased noise levels and can even cause the engine to backfire. All flanged and bolted joints should be inspected to ensure that there are no leaks. Check the exhaust lines for holes and replace any damaged parts.

3. Wheel Bearing Noise

If water or mud enters the wheel bearings, it could result in increased vibration due to friction and cause screeching noises. Clean and grease wheel bearings on a regular basis and especially before storage.

4. An Extra Muffler

Consider installing a second muffler. You can easily procure one from the net like ‘Silent Rider.’ This muffler will contribute to reducing the overall noise level of the vehicle.

5. Check Your Brakes

If the brake calipers get contaminated with moisture, mud or dust, it could result in screeching noises. Clean the brake assembly regularly and replace worn brake liners.

Fuel And Exhaust Smell

All wild animals have an extremely well-developed sense of smell and deer are no exception. If you are using petrol or diesel-powered ATV, the smell of the fuel can be overpowering to deer and can be sensed by them miles away from the vehicle.

Here are a few tips that should reduce the smell factor:

Keep all fuel pipes, and fuel caps sealed tightly to eliminate fuel spills
Avoid filling your tank in the field – ensure that you have a full tank when you set out
Keep the engine well-tuned to reduce emission as far as possible
Ensure that the fuel and air filters of your vehicle are not blocked
As far as possible, do not carry loose fuel on a hunting trip, or at least keep it to a minimum.

Getting Them Used To It

Getting deer used to your continued presence is by far the most effective means of reducing chances of spooking a deer that I have seen. Just follow these steps, and you will meet with a better success rate at actually coming into close contact with deer and other game.

Move around Well in Advance: Take regular drives into the hunting location up to a month before the season starts. These drives will make the deer herds familiar with the appearance and smell of you and your vehicle.

It is particularly important if you use a gasoline powered ATV. Preferably, you should make 2 or 3 trips about once a week through the hunting location up to a month before the hunting season begins.

Non-Threatening Stance: The deer should not associate your ATV with any form danger to them. So, in these pre-hunt forays, make sure that you don’t engage in any hunting-related activity like setting up a stand or engaging in target practice.

Just drive up to a particular location, kill the engine and wait for a period, say 10 to 15 minutes without exiting the vehicle. Then, move to another location and do the same thing. You could carry a book or some magazines with you to keep yourself occupied in the waiting periods.

Never Park and Walk: Parking your ATV at a distant point from the hunt site and walking for a long distance is not advisable. You are not only making it difficult for yourself, but you are also creating a trail that could result in deer getting spooked.

A Better Hunting Experience With Your ATV

Once you have read and understood these simple steps, you are already well on the way to use your ATV in a more efficient way, to integrate it into the hunting process. Your ATV should serve as a convenience and not a nuisance while hunting for deer. There is no point of investing in expensive equipment and even more on an ATV if you are going to spook deer with your vehicle.

Once you start following the procedure outlined here, you will probably get some new ideas of your own as well. After all, hunting is all about understanding your prey, to be able to hunt it more efficiently.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this and found the tips useful in how to stop spooking deer with your ATV. Please don’t forget to leave your valuable feedback and comments and if you have any questions, we will be happy to get back to you.

Editor’s Pick of the Year for the Best Turkey Decoy

Enticing a mature tom into your hunting rendezvous is one tricky task that does not only require the most reliable hunting gears and turkey vest, but it also requires the proper and efficient ways to use decoys.

This article provides all the needed information for you to consider in choosing the best turkey decoys. Also, we will be sharing our editor’s pick of the year among the five best contenders which we will review individually to help you have an easier way to decide which one to get.

Product Name	Price	Score
Miss Purr-fect by Montana Decoy	$$	95/100	View Product
AvianX Breeder Turkey Decoy, Camo	$$$	92/100	View Product
Primos Gobstopper Jake & Hen Decoy Combo	$$	90/100	View Product
AvianX Lookout Turkey Decoy, Camo	$$$	87/100	View Product
AvianX Jake Quarter Strut Decoy, Camo	$$$$	83/100	View Product

The Essence of Decoys

Allure and interfere is the primary game plan of almost all bait users basing their tactic on the two main principles of decoys, and that is to gain attraction and to distract your desired toms. Attraction is critical as this will help you lure the turkey to your shooting zone. It allows you to get the attention of the toms and for you to prepare for the kill. Here, you can focus on the mating drive or the aggressiveness of the turkey to get their attention by using a hen decoy or a jake/tom decoy.

Decoys are very efficient to be able to distract your target since its full attention is directed to the decoy, making it a lot easier for the hunter to make small movements and get ready for the kill.

With these being said, it is only very imperative to know the proper placement of the decoys to maximize its full potential and essence. The goal is to place the decoy in a way which will not lead the tom directly in line with you, so you will have some room to make movements without exposing yourself to the target.

What to Look for in a Decoy?

This article aims to provide you the basic knowledge that you will need to choose the best turkey decoy for the money. Also, we will provide you our most honest turkey decoy reviews to further narrow your choices down. So, read on and learn the following factors.

Weight

This factor should be considered especially for those who will be hunting in remote and distant places. This will permit you to move freely and save energy while on the way to the hunting site.

Easy to set up

Most often than not, you will encounter a target which will require you to set up your decoy quickly. Thus, a decoy that does not offer complex steps will be the best one for you determine the fail or success of your plans.

Consider the Soil Type of your Hunting Site

Of course, everyone does not want to go on a turkey hunting trip bringing a decoy that does not fit with the kind of soil of the hunting field. Rocky soils require sturdier stakes that will not break upon setting up.

Realistic Decoys

Since decoys are for attention and distraction, it is always best to use the most realistic one that can lure your targets. Turkeys, like human beings, are very particular with body language which provides hints to other birds as to their current state. Thus, the most realistic-looking one can lure other birds more efficiently.

Positions of the Decoy

It is always best to know what the specific positions of the decoy mean and when is the best time to use them. So, you might need to read the following discussion for you to learn this one of a kind knowledge.

1. The Head Up Position

Turkeys during early seasons are still very active when it comes to breeding and are obviously very vocal. Thus, a head up positioned decoy can be used during this season.

Head position can be perceived by other birds as a sign of activeness and alertness. This could mean that your decoy is looking out for other companions or is squeaking to find a gobbler.

2. The Relax Position

This is very suitable for hunting sites with tall grasses, and hays since the relax position usually indicates a walking bird and these grasses and hays adds the illusion that the hunter is trying to create. A decoy, in a rest position but is not moving may appear unnatural to the bird and may cause mission failure.

3. The Feeding Hen Position

This is best recommended later during the hunting season, but hunters may still opt to use it anytime. You can combine this decoy with the occasional clucking, purring or yelping to lure gobblers.

4. Full Strut Decoy

This decoy can be used in an area with many gobblers fighting for their territory so that it can create a natural illusion for your target bird. Using this decoy can either make or break your mission since it can result in a less dominant bird to back away and abort your mission or will go exactly as how you planned it to be.

5. Silhouette Decoy

This is highly recommended to be used in wide and open spaces since a combination of hen, jake and gobbler is expected to result in a more realistic view and a more enticing gathering for your target bird to join.

Above listed are the most common types of decoys used by successful hunters. Now that you have already understood their usage and the perfect time for these decoys to be used, it is about time for you to scrutinize the best five turkey decoys in the market which we will be reviewing below.

Top Five Best Turkey Decoy On The Market

Miss Purr-fect by Montana Decoy

Via: Amazon.com

Miss Purr-fect decoys are known for its realistic features and poses making it one of the most popular decoys in the market all over the world. Upon looking at it, you will get a satisfying feeling that birds will be enticed with it. The general design and even the small details in its feathers are well crafted.

The best thing about this decoy is that it provides freedom to its user to adjust its pose as he prefers through the leg pole system. With this, the user can change the decoy to stand, to pose like it is nesting, feeding and among others. The wirings inside permits the movement of the neck and head making it very flexible to be adjusted according to the pose you set.

Pros

Provides a believable feather movements especially during windy days
Provides maximum camouflage because of the feather covering its entire body
Options for some poses through its two leg pole system
Movable neck and head through its internal wirings

Cons

The tail drags on the ground preventing movement regardless of the pose

AvianX Breeder Turkey Decoy, Camo

The Avian-X Breeder Turkey Decoy is one of the most lifelike and operative decoys in the market because of its Lifelike Collapsible Decoy feature. It guarantees a 100% realistic look through its very detailed feather that will surely lure your gobbler.

This provides a receptive position of a hen with plunged wings and in a squat position which entices a target thinking that the decoy is ready for mating. It is made with high quality and durability as it is made of Dura-rubber and promises longevity without wearing or denting.

Aside from its quality, this decoy also boasts its ability to be transported with ease and comfort as it allows its users to inflate and deflate instantly. It is also very easy to set up without any hassles and without the need for the hunter to waste his precious time.

Pros

Lifelike Collapsible Decoy feature
Highly durable as it is made of high-quality materials
Guarantees longevity
Easy to carry around
Easy to set up

Cons

Air leak could be an issue

Primos Gobstopper Jake & Hen Decoy Combo

Primos Gobstopper Jake and Hen Decoy Combo are well known for its incredible high definition and very detailed paint job which makes it realistic to look at compared to other decoys in the market. The best thing about this decoy is that it is very easy to be carried around because of its lightweight nature.

Also, it is very easy to set up making it very convenient for the hunter to focus more on hunting instead of working on a complicated decoy installation. Since this is a combo product, you can be assured that you will be able to save few bucks since you will be getting two decoys while paying only for one.

Pros

It has detailed paint that gives it a more realistic look
Features multiple stakes that make it spin and shake free
Comes with a mesh carry bag for an easier carriage
It is very lightweight and can be collapsed making it simpler to take anywhere

Cons

Very rigid
Does not offer the same realistic nature as the Miss Purr-fect brand

AvianX Lookout Turkey Decoy, Camo

Just like all the other Avian-X series, this Lookout Decoy has an excellent and very lifelike paint and feathers that are professionally laid out. It can be stored easily as it can be inflated or deflated without any troubles. This has been well designed and well-crafted as it is made with Dura-rubber that gives assurance that its shape will stay amidst the inflation.

This boasts durability as it is made from high-quality materials and guarantees to withstand dents and wearing off. You can set it up on your hunting adventure hassle-free, and it will allow you to carry it with you anywhere because of its very portable and lightweight nature.

Its posture, looking like a lost hen searching for her man will surely excite your target tom to come running towards her and assuring your kill.

Pros

Strong and durable construction
Comes with a bag for easier transport and portability
Boast a one-piece collapsible stake for realistic motions
Incredible realistic looking

Cons

Quick losing of air
Easily deflated when hit by a stray pellet

AvianX Jake Quarter Strut Decoy, Camo

This decoy offers durability as it is made of Dura-rubber and its construction boasts a real-life Jake upon inflation. One can assure that this decoy will not be able to gain any punctures and dents because of the high-quality materials used to construct it. It is undoubtedly capable of surviving for years.

Its deflated form allows the user to carry it around with ease and comfort plus the cotton bag that it comes with. It is very convenient to use and set up anywhere adding comfort and ease to the hunter’s adventure. The design of its feathers is impressively well-thought of which results in a more realistic outcome making it a more efficient decoy.

Pros

Well-constructed design
Highly durable
Features portability and easy installation
Features realistic feathers and high-quality paint schemes

Cons

There are deflation issues
Expensive compared to other decoys in the market.

Conclusion:

These are the top five best decoys in the market which you can consider and you will not likely be disappointed with these five brands. Consider all the factors we have discussed above and choose the best decoy which has met all your preferences. The in-depth review we have discussed earlier will guide you to choose your preferred decoy without worrying and regretting.

Read more: The 10 Best Turkey Hunting Boots

Basing from the review we have discussed above, it is very evident that the Miss Purr-fect is the winner among the five brands. It has the most believable features that can surely attract the toms which is a great deciding factor for decoys.

In addition, I like the idea that it allows freedom for its users to adjust it according to the user’s preferred poses and its ability to move its neck and head because of the inner wirings which is a distinct feature of Miss Purr-fect that can never be found in other brands.

This article hopes to give you the most honest review and genuine guidance as you take this exciting world of turkey hunting. Thank you for taking your time reading this and we hope that we have fulfilled our promise of providing knowledge and expertise to our readers.

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Make Exploding Targets

So you are a shooter but are perhaps looking for some extra zing in your target practice. Fed up of just shooting targets that just stand there and look at you at 30 yards wondering whether you have hit or missed? Well, I’ve got a good idea which should put give you an extra bang for your buck with this guide on how to make exploding targets

The primary purpose of an exploding target is that you can see whether you have hit your target or not without having to walk all the way to the target.

Exploding targets (also known as ‘binary’ targets) are not a new concept and are commercially available at a cost. These targets use ‘tannerite,’ an explosive powder also available separately. However, once you read what I have to say here, you will realize how much cheaper it is to make your exploding targets. And it is not complicated either.

A word of caution before actually getting into the subject, as you will be producing explosives, you need to exercise extreme caution and follow the instructions carefully. Also, you should be aware that once you prepare the explosive mixture, it should be used at the site, as it’s illegal to store or transport it.

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Quick NavigationWhat You Will Need Sourcing Your Supplies Procedure To Follow Safety Precautions You Are Now Ready To Go!

What You Will Need

Most of the items are readily available on the open market:

Ammonium Nitrate (95%)
Aluminum powder (5%)
Weighing Scale
Spoons for handling powders – 2
Anti-static mixing bag (self-sealing)
Air-tight containers

Rubber Hand Gloves
Safety Goggles
Empty plastic containers
Two-sided tape
Scissors for cutting the two-sided tape
Dust Mask

Sourcing Your Supplies

You can get ammonium nitrate from a garden supply store. Aluminum powder is readily available on the internet, and you can buy it from a source like eBay for as little as $8.00 a pound. If you are a bit enterprising you can even make your aluminum powder which will turn out cheaper in the long run, but you will have to enhance your setup a bit – a blender and a ball mill being the main additions.

You will find rubber hand gloves, and goggles at a safety store and you can procure the remaining items at your local hardware store. You can buy the scissors and one-sided tape from any stationery store.

Procedure To Follow

There are two ways that you can use exploding targets. One way is to use small, round plastic containers filled with explosive powder and stuck with two-sided tape at different positions on a regular target. They need to be small and light, probably sufficient to hold about 20 to 30 grams of powder.

The other way is to use a larger plastic container filled with the explosive powder and shoot directly. In this method you will not need to use two-sided tape.

In the procedure below, we will assume that the targets we will use the first method that is sticking plastic containers onto the target.

1. Weigh 95 grams of ammonium nitrate powder on the weighing scale.
2. Open the mixing bag and fill it with the ammonium nitrate powder
3. Now weigh 5 grams of aluminum powder.
4. Add the aluminum powder to the bag
5. Seal the bag tightly and mix the two powders by gently shaking the bag until the mixture is a single color
6. Use your scissors to cut the two-sided tape into small squares
7. Stick one side of each square of two-sided tape to the bottom of the plastic containers
8. Now open the containers and gently fill each one with closely-packed powder
9. Remove the cover from the two-sided tape and stick each container on the target along the concentric circles of the target
10. Your exploding targets are now ready to use

Tip: For quantities more than 100 grams, just multiply the required amount with the number of times more required for each powder. So for example, if you want 5 times more the quantity, just use 500 grams of ammonium nitrate and 25 grams of aluminum powder.

Safety Precautions

You may find this section a bit tedious but trust me; it is what will keep you safe throughout the whole process. You must bear in mind at all times that once mixed, the powder is extremely sensitive and can explode unexpectedly if not handled with care. So just follow these simple precaution to have an enjoyable and safe experience with exploding targets:

Always carry the two powders separately and only mix them together when you are at the shooting site
While handling the material and shooting wear safety goggles
Use ear protection while shooting at the targets
While handling the powders, use a dust mask as inhaling them can be hazardous
Choose a remote and open area for your target practice
Ensure adequate distance between you and the target – maintain at least 30 yards for the smallest one
Check the proximity of the nearest neighbors – you don’t want to get booked for disturbing the peace!
Make sure that you place the targets in a location free from flammable material like dried grass, paper and so on
Never position the target within an object or at a location where shrapnel could get produced
Verify the legal aspect of using exploding targets. The laws governing their use may vary from one state to the other

You Are Now Ready To Go!

Exploding targets add a new and exciting dimension to target practice. If you use these in a responsible manner, you can have a fun time and hone your shooting skills at the same time. As you can see, we have shown you how to make your exploding targets which will cost you a fraction of the cost of commercially available ones.

If you are more resourceful and can procure the required equipment, you can even produce your powders. Even if you buy these powders and use them to make your exploding targets, you will still end up saving a whole load of money.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article and that you will be able to make your exploding targets. Please add your comments, questions or feedback in the section below, and we’ll get back to you.