When To Hunt?

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For most people the answer to this question is when they can. It is dependent primarily upon the legal hunting dates. When you can get off from your job may be relevant too. There are hunters who work around deer-hunting seasons and there are hunters who hunt around their work schedules. Some people hunt year-round and others hunt only an hour or two. There are those who travel across states and around the world hunting deer at all times of the year, taking advantage of different climates

and seasons; there are those who scout and observe deer year-round even though they may actually hunt only one day or a couple of weeks each year. Most people must take time to hunt. They are not likely to allow anything to interfere with their hunting time.

Hunts in all states are organized to allow the deer ample time off from hunter pressure to bear their young and nurse them. Hunting from February through August is virtually non-existent for this reason. Full-blooded Native Americans have the right to take deer anytime regardless of the season as part of their ancestral rights.

Deer seasons are scheduled in the fall throughout America. There are several reasons for this. The rut is well advanced, which makes the bucks less cautious and creates an advantage for the hunter. Also, it is only during the fall and early winter months that deer sport antlers, which most hunters prefer. In old times it was when most of the farm work was done that deer-hunting took place. The hunt season was also governed by when meat would not spoil and could be laid in to provide food for the winter months. Fall hunts were usually when there was a good tracking snow, making it easier to hunt and also to locate wounded deer. Animals were fat in the fall, having feasted on acorns, crops, and other mature mast food. Roads are frozen over, making them more accessible. Fawns are well developed and most does are bred. In the autumn there is a sharp increase in deer activity which peaks in late fall with the breeding cycle and maximum acorn availability. All these conditions helped to establish the tradition of fall deer hunting.

Quite apart from the biological reasons, the convenience of the hunter and the traditions of hunters are the chief factors in the establishment of the hunting season. The legislature is out to please the public, which is the voting public, of course, and they are the elected “public servants.”

Some farmers and entire communities keep Saturday or Sunday Sabbaths on which they do not hunt and allow no hunting on their lands. It is always best to respect these local traditions. In some locations, Sunday hunting is not only shunned but forbidden by local law in the form of ordinances. It doesn’t make for good hunter relations with the public when a Sunday morning church service is interrupted by gunfire on the ridge behind the churchhouse.

DAWN TO DARK

The majority of hunters like to be in position to hunt deer before daylight. Some anxious hunters are so intent upon early light hunting that they enter the woods at midnight and sit quietly until dawn in hopes that they will be undetected by the deer moving into the area and be able to see deer in the vicinity as soon as the sun comes up. This is, of course, going too far for most people, but getting there early might put you right on top of deer when daylight comes. I am the type that likes the woods more than my urban life. It is no problems for me to enter before dawn and exit after dark. There is seldom a rush to get back home. Daylight has found me perched in a tree with deer bedded beneath more than once.

The hunter who has prepared himself properly to enter the woods under cover of darkness to go to his hunting spot and wait for sunrise has the most intensely exciting hunt. Spotting the stately dream buck as he becomes visible through the fog and filtering light is dramatic. Arriving at a stand in darkness without alerting the deer in the area can indeed mean that deer are right under your nose. Quietly entering the woods with deer-like footsteps and with a flashlight held pointed to the ground and used minimally can really be the first step in the greatest of hunts.

Proper scouting allows hunters to enjoy the most success with the least effort in the least amount of time.

If you take your deer in early morning, you will have the whole day left to enjoy the after-hunt experiences, dress and preserve the deer, or hunt for another deer.

Remember not to shine your car lights into the area and not to slam your car doors.

It is important to carry a flashlight whenever you are in the woods in darkness, but keep it aimed at the ground so as not to arouse the deer but to notify other hunters of your presence. Never presume that there are no other hunters about! You can bump heads with another hunter in the most unexpected places at any time. Simply that there were no other vehicles about means little. If you could avoid the flashlight when entering the woods pre-dawn it would be to your hunting advantage. Safety must come first. Carry a flashlight. There is no deer worth dying for.

The transition from the darkest hour before the dawn into the slowly increasing light is one of the best experiences in deer hunting. It is majestic. It is a new dawn. The whole woods is resonant with the sounds of good morning.

During gun season, and especially on opening morning at sunrise, you will hear guns going off in the hills that excite the imagination and may stir up visions of the Civil War.

One drawback is that it is usually quite cold in early morning, and sunrise does not produce expected warmth. It is during this transition period that shivers can make you shake and spoil your steady shot. Take it easy in your early morning trek, being careful not to get heated up. Lighten up on the clothing for the trek in, and put more clothing on when you reach your waiting place in order to avoid the handicap of shivering.

Most states stipulate that the hunter may take deer no earlier than one half-hour before legal sunrise and no later than one half-hour after legal sunset. It is a good idea to find out just what time legal sunrise and sunset are for the given day of the hunt. This is particularly true for hunts on tightly regulated government lands. Terrain differences allow sunlight to filter in later or earlier in some locations than others. Deep valleys have later sunrises and earlier sunsets. The rising sun in the east may be delayed by an hour or more by some topographical obstruction such as a hill, and the same may be true of the sunset. Overcast days are slow lighting and quick darkening.

In some popular hunting locations such as the public hunting areas of state forests and military installations, especially those where hunters are monitored by check stations upon leaving for the hunt and departing, officials are equipped with a device which can determine almost the exact time that an animal was shot. The test is reputed to gauge the time of kill within 15 minutes with accuracy. When it is suspected that an animal was shot before legal hunting time, this test can be administered and used in court as evidence. All game wardens are capable of applying this test.

Author:  Albie Berk

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Camping Gear You May Want To Bring With You On Your Next Adventure

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Are you planning to take a camping adventure? If you are, have you ever been camping before? If this is yours first time taking an extended camping vacation, you may be unsure as to what you should bring along. If that is the case, you are definitely not alone. Although a camping vacation can be fun and exciting, it can sometimes be stressful to plan. If you would like assistance with planning your next camping vacation, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to camping, you will find that you need to bring multiple items with you. These items often include items that are referred to as camping supplies and then items that are referred to as camping gear. In most cases, you will find that camping gear is used to describe pieces of equipment, whereas camping supplies are often used to describe food, health and beauty products, and so forth.

When it comes to camping supplies, like clothing and food, there are many individuals who automatically know what they need to bring. On the other hand, when it comes to camping gear or camping equipment, there are many individuals who are unsure as to what they really need to bring with them. Just a few of the many pieces of camping gear or camping equipment that you may want to bring with you on your next camping adventure are outlined below.

One of the most common pieces of camping gear that you will need to bring with you on your next camping vacation is a tent. Depending on who you are going camping with, you may even need to bring multiple camping tents with you. If you have yet to purchase a camping tent, you will want try and make sure that you purchase a tent or tents that are strong, sturdy, dependable, and waterproof. Even if you are planning on camping in a motor home, you may want to think about bringing a tent, just in case. Many motor home campers prefer spending at least one night in the open wilderness and you may too.

A sleeping bag is another piece of camping gear that you will want to make sure that you bring along with you. If you are camping with your family or your romantic partner, you will want to make sure that you have enough sleeping bags to go around. Although you may assume that a light sleeping bag is good in the summertime, you may still want to think about bringing along a heavy style sleeping bag. These types of sleeping bags are good in case the weather suddenly turns cold.

In addition to brining a traditional sleeping bag with you, you may also want to think about bringing along a sleeping pad or an air mattress. If you will be camping in a traditional tent, you may find it somewhat uncomfortable. While many campsites have level ground, not all do. If you are concerned with how you will be able to sleep on your next camping adventure, you may want to buy a sleeping pad or an air mattress along with you, just to be on the safe side. With these items being relatively affordable, you really have nothing to lose by doing so.

The above mentioned camping gear pieces are just a few of the many camping gear pieces that you may want to think about bringing along with you on your next camping adventure. For a full list click here.

Remember for all your travel needs visit us at myroadtotravel.com

Author: Tim Roseland

myroadtotravel was created in late 2007 as way for my wife and I to do what we love most…Travel. We love to share our experiences with others and have recently created our first blog myroadtotravelblog.com to help us do just that. Through this blog, we offer travel tips, our own personal experiences/adventures and photos from our vacations. Please stop by and give us your feedback and remember, for all your travel booking needs please visit us at myroadtotravel.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Camping Gear You May Want to Bring With You on Your Next Camping Adventure

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Antler Shed

Antler Shed

Now is the time to be looking for antler sheds, at least in Missouri! Have had this property for 7 years and have never found an antler shed. Actually, I have never found a shed anywhere! Yesterday was an epic moment! Dave (my significant other) and I were driving to the back of the property just to take a look and see how things were greening up (getting spring fever). We were on our way back when he said, “I can’t believe it!” He turned the truck around real quickly and headed to the treeline. Sure enough, there amongst the weeds, about 3 feet from the treeline, was an antler shed! For us, that was the find of a lifetime! It was the first deer shed he has ever found and we have walked this property looking and hoping to find one! It technically has 7 points (that’s it in the picture).  It would be a mainframe 10 with 2 kickers (second hard to see, but 3/4 inch), a 14 point buck here in Missouri, assuming the other side was 7 as well (some states only count one side).  We were so excited to know that this buck was around and is in the gene pool here! Even more interesting is that the center of the base was still very soft and by the afternoon it had become hard. Wow! That means that buck just lost that right before we were there! Never saw him, but we know he was just there! That was so exciting for us! I just can’t tell you enjoyment that came from that find.I have yet to find a shed, but I will still keep looking!

I just wanted to share a very awesome moment that people don’t realize or look at as a part of hunting. Hunting also means walks out in the woods looking for sheds, scouting, etc. It is kind of like Easter egg hunting for adults! Of course, mushroom hunting is just like Easter egg hunting, too, (will write about hunting those once the season starts, which is soon)!  Hunting isn’t just about killing. It gets you out in the woods and the things you see and experience are so simple, yet so exhilarating and good for the soul. I love to be out there and see the birds, squirrels, armadillo, (though they can be annoying when you are hunting), whatever nature is willing to let you see that day! It is so relaxing and peaceful. Just listening to the sounds of nature is worth more than you can put a dollar amount on. It reminds a person that the simple things in life are very often overlooked in today’s busy lifestyle, but are so precious and waiting to be experienced. I have a grandson 6 years old that I want to teach about nature, hunting, enjoying the outdoors and respecting it and giving back all at the same time. This shed brought about so much joy and may seem crazy to some, but it all boils down to experiencing nature in its simplest forms. I still look forward to the day I find a shed! Even if I don’t, will keep enjoying the great outdoors!

Bonnie Dyer/www.womenhunt-too.com

Understanding Hunting Leases

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If you have been thinking of using hunting leases for your next hunting trip you should spend a few minutes getting to know what they are and why they are used. If you are an old pro at this, you already know how important it is that you understand the agreement before signing it. If you are new to this, you will find some interesting tips in this article. The vast majority of landowners are now using hunting leases as a way of allowing hunters onto their private lands without having to assume too much personal risk. These agreements are a way of protecting themselves and their property, and you should not be surprised if you are asked to sign one before being allowed to hunt on private lands. But what are these agreements and what should you know about them before signing one?

It is important that you understand the agreement is a legal and binding contract between you and the landowner. This means that hunting leases and the agreements that go with them will hold up in court if problems arise and the landowner decides to suit you. You should also understand that they are flexible. All hunting leases agreements can vary as the landowner wishes. He or she can put just about anything within reason into these agreements. This is why it is imperative that you read any hunting leases agreements that you are presented with before you sign them. You may be surprised at how many hunters simply skim over the document and then affix their signatures.

You should always remember that what might have been in the agreement last year may not be there now, and conversely, what was not there last time might be present today. If you have any questions about hunting leases that you are presented with, you should ask the landowner for clarification. It is important that you do this, and the more detailed the agreement the more questions you will probably have. You should keep in mind that landowners are using hunting leases and protection agreements more often now because they do not want to face lawsuits and they do not want to risk property damage that they cannot be compensated for should actual damages occur that you may be responsible for. They are also using them to avoid lawsuits should anyone in the hunting party be injured or killed.

Generally, hunting leases are reasonable and the conditions are acceptable to most hunters. Even so, you should understand that once you sign it you are essentially signing a legal contract. In many, if not most, cases the landowner may require all of the members of the party to sign the document. Again, if there is something in hunting leases that you do not understand ask the landowner to explain it to you before you sign the document.

Author:  Feel free to browse our Online Hunting guides: http://www.huntingclubonline.com/leases and unlock your free report ‘Plan the perfect hunting trip’

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Be Successful Hunting Turkeys

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You can hunt turkeys in the spring and in the fall. You always need a permit if you are going to hunt turkeys. The spring and fall permits, however, are different. The spring permit allows you to hunt in a specific area during one of the 5-day turkey hunting periods. In the fall, your permit will enable you to hunt any day during the season, as long as it is within the zone listed on the permit. Once you have obtained your turkey hunting permit, there are a number of things you can do to have a successful outing.

Be prepared to practice patience. Turkey hunting takes a lot of patience. Spring turkey hunting involves less patience, as you make hen turkey sounds to try to get a gobbler to come to you. Turkeys do not mate in the fall, though, so you will have to patiently engage in stand hunting. Stand hunting involves finding a spot and then waiting for the turkey to come to you. Since you will at some point be hunting turkeys in the spring, you must become familiar with the several devices used to make a turkey sound. There are two main types. One is called a friction call, which is produced by rubbing two surfaces together. The other is a mouth call.

This occurs when air is either inhaled or exhaled. A third type of caller, a shaker, creates a “gobble” noise when you shake it in a rapid motion. Regardless of which type of call you will be using, you must practice the call diligently. You will also learn a lot by listening to the turkeys themselves. They are the best examples to follow. Listen to live turkeys or a calling recording. You can also get help by contacting an experienced turkey hunter. Turkeys are capable of making more than two dozen different calls. Most hunters, however, can only notice about 10. Their sounds include the yelp, the cluck, the purr, the cackle, and the most familiar sound of them all, the gobble. Make yourself familiar with each of these turkey calls.

The most important thing you will do to ensure a pleasurable turkey hunting experience is to practice safety. Turkey hunting, as with all forms of hunting, poses a threat to those who do not use caution and wisdom in the field. Use gobble calls only when you are locating a tom. Do not use it to attract one. This will cause another hunter to think that you are a turkey. You run the risk of being shot if this happens. Keep your hands and head camouflaged when you make turkey calls.

There are other things you can do to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Never stalk a turkey. Do not get closer than 100 yards to a gobbler. Choose a calling site that allows you to see at least 40 yards in all directions. Do not move an uncovered decoy. Wear an orange cap or gloves while walking, as your camouflaged clothing can be mistaken for a turkey by other hunters. Most shooting accidents happen because one hunter mistakes another hunter as game.

Finally, remember the three basic rules of hunting:

1. Treat each and every gun as if it is loaded.

2. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, away from others.

3. Be 100% sure of your target.

Following these rules and guidelines will allow you to have a successful turkey-hunting season, be it spring or fall. As with all forms of hunting, safety is always your highest priority. Keep this in mind, and you are ready for the upcoming season. Have as much fun as you can while practicing as much safety as you can.

Author: Jaden Skiver

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Camping Sleeping Bags – How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag For You?

Camping used to be about bulky sleeping bags. Other times, when you are really lucky, you do not have any sleeping bags to sleep on at all because you ended up carrying heaps of other things and sleeping bags are just not a priority (thinking that you can just find a nice person to share with). For many people, camping before means being at a state wherein you are uncomfortable. But now, gone are those days! Camping nowadays means feeling just like home with the best sleeping bag with you.

As camping sleeping bags vary in shapes and sizes, it is a must that you know what sleeping bag in the market suits you best. Here are my strongest suggestions on how you can choose the best sleeping bag that can make you feel just like home:

a. There is a common type of camping sleeping bag called the Mummy Bag. If you are situated in a place or country with colder temperature and you are after the warmth of your sleeping bag, you better go and look for this type of sleeping bag. A Mummy Bag is made to confine warm air on your head as it provides a hood ensuring that heat will not escape even from your head. It takes off human body shape that is why it surely maintains heat better than those other shapes of sleeping bags. As the name suggest, it really feels like you have your Mum around wrapping you with her warm embrace all through the cold shivering night.

b. If you are living or camping in a place with warm weather, you must go for Rectangular type of camping sleeping bags. Although this is not specifically designed to trap heat as good as a Mummy Bag, this bag is roomier and absorbs more body heat to warm. Other things must be considered for this sleeping bag to perform at its best such as its fabric, construction, and fill.

c. Now that you have just enough appreciation of the two most common types of sleeping bags available in the market and you find yourself in a dilemma as to which one is better, check this out: You do not need to choose at all! If you want the warmth of a Mummy Sleeping Bag at the same time the softness and coziness of a Rectangular Sleeping Bag, producers can modify their versions of sleeping bags giving you the best sleeping bag ever!

I understand that you have to be aware of other accessories that you can suggest to the producers of camping sleeping bags that is why, for your convenience, I have listed down these things that you may want to add to your personally-modified and very unique sleeping bag. Here are your options:

1. Zippers – The main purpose of zippers is to permit ventilation. You can actually have a Two-way Zippers if you wish to so that you can unzip the other one to let ventilation of cooler air through the sleeping bag from your foot or head without having to unzip it especially on summer nights.

2. Hoods – A special part of Mummy Bags, hoods are your most effective option if you want to trap heat from your head keeping you warm from head to toe all through the night.

3. Multi sectioned Hoods – Compared to just hoods, multi sectioned is made from multiple panels. This fits your head better with less chance to compact insulation.

4. Chest Baffles – The use of this accessory, from the name itself, is to provide a barrier at the top of your chest to help you keep warm as it traps warm air from breaking out at the same time preventing cold air from coming in.

5. Foot Boxes – This is designed to keep your feet and toes warm. Also found in majority of Mummy bags, you can lay your foot naturally as it traps warmer air without reducing insulation.

6. Round and flat pull cords – Part of Hoods in Mummy Bags, these cords are ideal if you want to fine-tune your sleeping bag in the middle of the night.

7. Ground level seams – These are found on the side of your sleeping bag which are vulnerable to exposure specifically during windy conditions. The only way to minimize your risk of exposure is to have well insulated ground pads.

8. Ground Pads – Commonly known as sleeping pads, this accessory makes you feel warmer against the ground surface area as well as the ground level seams.

9. Staggered Seam – Also called as off set seams, this is another type of accessory that confines heat and blocks air from breaking in your sleeping bag.

10. Zip together compatibility – This is an amazing accessory if you want to sleep and be zipped together with another person. Most rectangular camping sleeping bags zip together but for Mummy Bags, you need to have this accessory to be compatible enough to zip with other sleeping bags.

11. Insulating and/or wind stop baffle behind the zipper – Simply known as Zipper Draft Tube, this option helps keep warm air inside your bag and cool air outside through the zipper of your bag.

12. Wallet and flashlight pockets – If you want your wallet and flashlights to be secured and close to you even when you are sleeping, you may want to look for these accessories.

With all these information already available to you, I hope that in your quest in looking for the perfect camping sleeping bag, you will find both enjoyment and excitement as you are just one step away from your wonderful time at the camp with your best sleeping bag with you! Definitely no need to worry because whatever the activities at the camp the following morning, you will surely make it because you are assured of your good night sleep that will keep you going all day, all night.

Author:  Rachel Nunez

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Making Deer Tender, Field Dressing To Table!

Venison is naturally a tough meat.  There are things you can do while field dressing and prior to cooking to make it tender and better tasting at the dinner table.

First of all, don’t take the shot unless it is going to be a clean kill.  A deer that runs far produces adrenaline and with that goes the wild taste throughout the body and it tends to make it tougher.  After you have made your shot and the deer is down, field dressing and gutting it immediately is the first step to getting a good tasting meat.  If you shot a buck, then the scent glands need to be cut off immediately (found in the area behind the knee joint, it has a patch of longer hair there).  Make sure it has bled out.  Take it to a meat processing plant as soon as possible.

If you are not taking it to a processor, hang the deer up and start skinning. After that, put the meat in ice water.  I like to add to salt to help draw the blood out of the meat, leaving less of a wild taste.  Keep adding ice now and then and leave it overnight.  Get all of the fibrinous membrane off (the white membrane around the meat).  I remove it even if I am making burger.  Not only does this cause it to be very tough, it will give it that wild taste as well.

If you get an old buck, quite frankly, it is going to be hard to get it tender and tasty.  Personally, back straps/tenderloin are all that I want from that deer to cook in a steak or roast-type recipe.  The rest of it I want ground into burger.  When it is ground into burger, the taste is less distinctive by being mixed with spices in dishes like spaghetti, chili, tacos, etc.

Thaw your meat the day before you are going to eat it.  Soak the meat overnight in milk (this does not apply to deer burger).  This helps take out the wild taste and tenderizes as well.  This is key.  The next morning, prepare a marinade if you like.  I like the taste of the meat and use only spices, (basil, onion, garlic, oregano, pepper, dash of lemon juice, and olive oil).

I like to fry mine in olive oil after dredging it through flour.  Do not overcook.  This will make it tough.  You want the meat medium-rare to medium.  I then use the drippings to make a gravy.

If it is a roast, you can prepare it the same way you would for a beef roast.  I like to put a piece of bacon and onion on top of my roast with spices and put it in the oven.  You can put it in the crock-pot, which will make it very tender, and add potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, and of course your spices.  If you are cooking it in the oven, again, do not overcook and cover it in foil to keep the meat from drying out.  I like to make a gravy with these drippings as well.

If someone is absolutely adverse to the taste of deer meat, then I recommend having the whole deer ground up.  This will ensure the meat will be used and everyone will like it.  Simply replace your favorite recipe that uses ground beef, ground turkey, etc.  It is a very lean meat and is actually quite good for you.  When you are browning the ground meat, don’t be surprised if you have to add oil as it is so lean there is hardly any fat and it will burn easily if you are not careful.

Alternatively, you could have a meat processing plant make salami and jerky, which is very tasty, but a little spendy as well.  You may also ask your meat processing plant if there are programs available to donate the meat in your community.   We have the Ozarks Food Harvest program that provides the meat to those in need, which is a very good program.

These are the steps I use to to prepare venison.  If you have any comments, questions or tips of your own to share, please feel free, as I welcome them!

Author:  Bonnie Dyer/Women Hunt, Too!

Can You Describe the Different Kinds of Game Meats That are Available, and How to Cook Them?

Game meats are becoming more common not only on restaurant menus, but for home cooks, as well. Don’t be scared away by these unusual meats — most are very flavorful and easy to prepare. While some may appear on your supermarket’s meat counter, you may need to special order others from your butcher. Raw game meat instead of beef, try cooking different game meats for a change.

Buffalo, also referred to as bison, and is similar in taste to beef. It is high in protein and very low in cholesterol. It also has about half the fat and calories of beef. Buffalo should be cooked slowly at a low temperature and should be served rare to medium-rare.

Ostrich is a tender, lean red meat with a somewhat delicate flavor, and it is extremely low in fat and cholesterol. Quick grilling and sautéing are the best cooking methods.

With virtually no fat and lots of protein, farm-raised rabbit has a sweet flavor and is an excellent alternative to chicken. Cook rabbit as you would chicken — grill, sauté, roast or braise.

Venison is low in fat, calories and cholesterol. Like buffalo, it is a healthy alternative to beef. It has a richer flavor than beef and should be cooked quickly over high heat and served rare to medium-rare.

I tend to serve Italian sausage all the time. What other types of sausage can I serve for a change of pace?   Sausages are believed to date back over five thousand years. At one time, they were considered sinful and were ultimately banned. Later, for more details visit to www.300-chicken-recipe.com they were served by an American president to the King and Queen of England. Virtually every culture has its own variety of sausage and every variety has numerous variations.  We all know about Italian sausage, bratwurst, and frankfurters, but you might want to try the following varieties:

* Weisswurst: a German white sausage made of pork and veal and mildly spiced.

* Chorizo: a pork sausage popular in Mexican cooking and seasoned with garlic and chili powder.

* Linguica: a Portuguese pork sausage seasoned with cumin, garlic, and cinnamon.

* Mettwurst: a cured beef and pork sausage spiced with ginger, mustard, coriander, and allspice.

How do I carve a roast?

Before carving turkey or chicken, let it stand about 15 minutes. Before carving beef, pork, or lamb, let it stand 10 to 20 minutes.  Unless you are planning on carving at the table, place the meat on a large cutting board with a well at one end to hold the juice. (Or place a cutting board inside a shallow baking pan with a rim. The juice will collect in the baking pan.) Use a long, sharp carving knife to slice the meat and a long-handled meat fork to steady the meat while carving.  When carving beef, pork, veal, or lamb, always cut across the grain. This gives you a tenderer slice of meat.

Why do recipes tell you to let roasted meat “stand” for a while before carving?   Meat temperatures continue to rise for a few minutes after the meat is removed from the heat, so generally, you should remove meat from the oven when it is 5°F to 10°F from its final cooking temperature. A stand time of 10 to 20 minutes for large cuts of meat, such as roasts, turkeys, for more details visit to www.book-of-cookies.com and whole chickens, is recommended to allow the meat to finish cooking without drying out.  Not only does this prevent overcooking, it also makes the meat easier to carve. Many experts also believe that standing permits the moisture in the meat, which comes to the surface during cooking, to return to the tissues, thereby making the meat moister.

Author: Raghavarapu Phani

4 Turkey Hunting Tools You Must Buy

Turkey hunting includes more than just stepping into the woods and bagging some birds. Much thought and preplanning must go into the hunt. While what the hunter considers to be at the top of his supply list depends on his preference, there are a few things that every hunter must have to ensure a safe and happy hunt. Having the right equipment is vital.

1. Camouflage. Having the right camouflage can make or break a hunter’s trip. Picking out the right camouflage will greatly depend on the location and time of year the hunter will be after his prize. Most hunters prefer to have two sets of camouflage clothing; the customary green for the spring hunt, and brown for the fall. A hunter should never underestimate the turkey’s keen eyesight and ability to spot the smallest flash of color. When choosing hunting apparel though, be sure to avoid any colors often associated with turkeys, such as white, red, or blue.

2. Calls. While mastering a turkey call takes a lot of patience and practice, it is well worth a hunter’s time and effort. Calls are the number one tool a hunter can use to bring turkeys into the area. There are a few things to keep in mind though when using a turkey call: don’t overuse it; it doesn’t take much for a turkey to grow tired of calling. Also, don’t start out with an aggressive call, this can run birds out of the area instead of bring them in.

3. Decoys. While not every hunter uses decoys, they can be a great asset if they are realistic. Used in conjunction with the call, a hunter has a great chance of bringing in a flock of birds.

4. Blind. The last thing that’s essential to any turkey hunt is the use of a hunting blind. Turkeys have keen eyesight and the slightest movement can ruin a hunter’s chances. If he’s not willing to spend a lot of money on a man-made version from the store, he can go au natural and construct his own using natural vegetation of the area.

As with any hunt, be sure to exercise extreme caution and utmost safety. Many hunters have mastered the turkey call, so always be sure that what is heard and seen is also identified. While turkey hunting has always been thought of as an extremely challenging hunt, with a few tips in mind, the hunter can get ready for a great season.

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

Hunting Safety

When it comes to hunting, safety should be your number one concern. Please take the following safety tips into account on your next trip.

• First and foremost, always keep in mind that wild animals can be dangerous regardless of you hunting experience.

• For your safety make all your hunting buddies obey the safety rules as well.

• Never pass your firearm to another person until the cylinder or actions is open and you visually check that it is unloaded.

• If someone hands you a gun always check yourself to see if it’s loaded.

• When firing, be sure of your target and beyond.

• Know where others are going to be hunting for everybody’s safety. This way you know to look out for other hunting parties.

• Never go hunting alone. Always let someone know where you are going and when you’ll return.

• Treat all weapons as though they were loaded.

• Avoid alcohol and mood altering drugs. You may think that it adds more fun to the hunting experience, but in reality you’re just putting everybody’s safety at risk.

• Control the muzzle and always point your gun in a safe direction while hunting.

• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

• Wearing hunting orange saves lives.

• Only load and unload your gun in the field.

• Wear proper clothing to prevent exposure to the cold, illness, insect bites and poisonous plants.

• Never climb or jump with a loaded firearm.

• Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstruction and that you have the proper ammunition for the firearm you are carrying.

• Never shoot at a flat hard surface or water.

• Be sure all accessories, such as holsters and grips, are compatible with the firearm and that the accessories do not interfere with safe operation.

• Wear safety glasses and ear protection whether indoors or out.

• Be alert at all times. Never go hunting if you are tired, cold or impaired in any way.

• If your firearm fails to fire when the hammer falls, keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, remove your finger from the trigger, wait 10 seconds, remove the cartridge from the chamber and dispose of it properly.

Author:  John Dee