How to determine to buy your Tent

If being used for family camping--consider comfort, space and ventilation

If backcountry camping--consider weight, size and durability
Determine Type of Material- Look at what is most water resistant!
Polyester withstands extended exposure to the sun
Nylon is lighter weight
Canvas is durable but very heavy -keep in mind on Pack in Trips!
Determine the Style- Cabin tents are big with high ceilings and large windows. Multi-room models are available.
Dome tents are smaller, stable and better in varying weather conditions. They are easy to setup and take down
Determine the Size and Weight- Really Important on long hunting trips!
What type of activity
How many people
How much gear to store in tent
Tent sizes do not include room for gear storage. Consider purchasing a larger tent for this purpose.

Fiberglass poles are durable
Aluminum poles are lightweight
Consider Quality of Other Features
Stitching and seams- Check on the waranty on the tent!

Stakes - make sure you brig extra ones on the Trip!
Consider the Weather
Waterproof/water resistant
Use a full coverage rain fly

Consider a quality ground cloth for under your tent to protect the floor and to keep it drier and cleaner. This should be the same shape as your tent and slightly smaller.

Tree stand maintance
After the season is the time to look at your stands, if your hunting from a home made stand make sure all the boards are not rotten and tight and no nails are backing out!

If you hunting from a made stand take time to make sure all the straps are ok, as well and all the nuts and bolts. If you need to touch up the paint do so now so your stand doesnt smell in the fall!

Scouting after the Season
The best time to scout your area in my opinion is right after the season. All the sign will still be there like scrapes, licking branches and rubs, and the trails will be really plain to see. I make notes on paper and mentally prepare for next year. This will help you plan you hunts the following fall!


Fishing a Little Slow?
Try using a drop shot setup. Simply tie a hook half way up your line. Then tie off a sinker at the end. Then put your favorite jig like a mister twister grub or beetle on. This will give your jig more action, it works great around brush for me!

Mapping Your Bow
Mapping all reference points on your bow will save you time in the woods! Take a bow square, mark your peep on the square and your nock set. That way if it moves all yo have to do is reset it! Also mark your peep on your string!

If you are using Easy Crest Arrow Wraps, I have a good tip on removing them. The make a stripping tool , that will nto damage your carbon arrows. Check it out at a store near you and ask for the eze-strip tool!

Ice Fishing lures
If you are trying ice fishing for the first time, try using a small jig head tied on your line with palomar knot. this will give you a knot with strength!

There are some awesome baits to try if wax worms or minnows are not working for you! Try using a bait called Gulp! They have worms, maggots and grubs for you to try! The work great and are from Pure Fishing in Sprit Lake Iowa!

I like using the Honey Wax worms for Ice fishing and Crappie fishing, I do really well in both situations with this bait!

Scent Control
Is vital to seeing big bucks,try wearing rubber bottom boots like from Lacrosse. Wear gloves while walking to your stand so you do not leave any scent. Always wash your clothes in a scent free product like Hunter Specialties Earth Scent and use Scent Away Spray. And wait to dress in the field this way you wont get any gas or food on you on the way to your stand! This will help you see more deer!

Loose Equipment on your bow
Do you have problems with your archery accessories coming loose on your bow? Try using some bow wax on the threads on your sights and stabalizer! This helps me out!

Judging Yardage
Any archer will tell you this is very important when hunting, with the laser rangefinders bieng as affordable this is not a huge problem. If you do not have one, try using 35mm film canisters at 12, 3, 6 and 9 oclock around your stand at 20 yards. This will tell you where that deer is, and help you dispense your lure as well!