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      Fourth Arrow Brands Partners with Levi Morgan and Bow Life TV

      Fourth Arrow Brands Partners with Levi Morgan and Bow Life TV

      Fourth Arrow Brands, makers of Fourth Arrow Camera Arms, Wyndscent, and the Final Rest Shooting System is proud to announce their partnership with professional archer, Levi Morgan and Bowlife TV for 2020.
       
      Levi Morgan is one of the most recognizable faces in the archery industry and his show, Bow Life, is extremely popular with bowhunters and archers across America. Fourth Arrow Camera Arms is proud to be part of his popular show. “Fourth Arrow Camera Arms are extremely versatile,” said Levi Morgan. “Whether I am filming a hunt from a treestand or filming from a blind, the Fourth Arrow Camera arm system is easy to setup, easy to use, and easy to transport.”
       
      Levi spends most of his fall chasing big game animals across North America and utilizes Wyndscent products on all of his trips. “I use the Wyndscent Grenade when I need to check the wind and the Wyndscent unit when I am decoying big bucks. Wyndscent products are on the cutting edge of scent technology and outperform all the other scent products I have used in the past.”

       

      levi morgan
       
      When Levi is not out trying to fill his own tags, he is busy introducing his children to the sport of hunting. “When I take my son hunting, we often hunt from a blind.  The Final Rest Shooting System really comes in handy when we are hunting with a crossbow,” said Morgan. “Kids need a stable shooting rest when they are hunting.  It helps them aim properly and keep their confidence up. The Final Rest Shooting system is the ultimate shooting system for kids and adults. It is lightweight, packable, and doesn’t take up much space in a blind.”

       

      levi morgan

      Top 20 Boone and Crockett Saskatchewan Black Bear Shot By Michigan Hunter

      Top 20 Boone and Crockett Saskatchewan Black Bear Shot By Michigan Hunter

      By Tracy Breen

      With all the technology available today, very few big game animals fly below the radar. Most animals are spotted on a trail camera long before a hunter decides to tag him. But even with all of today’s technology, every once in a while a big game animal flies below the radar. This was the case with a monster black bear that was recently harvested by Mark Wynalda while he was hunting in Saskatchewan. “My dad and I had been hunting the same stand for four or five days before we saw the big bear I eventually killed.   None of us - the outfitter, my dad, or I - had seen the big bear on any of our scouting cameras.  We were completely surprised the moment he walked in,” Wynalda said.

       

      bear hunt

      Mark's bear come in right down wind of the Wyndscent 2.0 unit running donut shop scent.



      Judging the size of a black bear when it walks in front of you can be very difficult.  However, Wynalda knew as soon as he saw the big bruin, that he was indeed a monster bear.  “The bear walked in on the down wind side of our Wyndscent unit.  I instantly knew he was an extremely large bear,” Wynalda noted.  The bear walked into the bait and Wynalda had to wait for the perfect shot.  “I was using a crossbow and testing out our new Fourth Arrow Final Rest Shooting System so luckily the crossbow was locked in place and ready for the shot the moment I saw him. We didn’t have to maneuver the bow or get into position which was a good thing, because I was super excited as the bear worked his way around the bait.”

       

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      Mark takes aim using the Final Rest Pillar Triple Arm Kit.

       

      bear hunt

      Mark's hunt is caught on film using the Fourth Arrow Carbon Arm.



      Eventually Wynalda was able to make a good shot on the bear and was amazed how big the bear was when he walked up on the it. The bear has a 21-15/16” size skull and will be one of the top 20 bears ever taken in Saskatchewan.  It is also one of the top 250 Boone & Crocket Black Bears of all time.

       

      bear hunt

      Mark's 21 and 15/16" bear skull next to a good sized 17" bear skull.

      This amazing story just proves that you never know when a record book animal is going to walk out during hunting season. Game cameras make most of us believe we know what animals are on our property and when. Hunting is still hunting and sometimes the smartest of critters avoid being caught on camera for years.

      Watch the hunt below!

      Field Judging Bears 101

      Field Judging Bears 101

      By Tracy Breen

      Bear season is upon us.  Soon hunters will be heading into the woods hoping to shoot a big bruin. For many hunters, knowing what a big bruin truly looks like can be a challenge. My dad was a full-time taxidermist my entire childhood. Most hunters who dropped off a bear to be mounted swore that when they shot the bear it was 400 pounds only to be in complete shock to find out when they walked up on their bear that it was only 125 pounds. This type of scenario happens all the time because judging the size and age of a bear while hunting is extremely difficult.
       
      Bernie Barringer is a full-time outdoor writer based in Minnesota and the bowhunting columnist for Bear Hunting Magazine. Over the years, he has killed over two dozen bears. He believes the bear is the most difficult game animal in the woods to size up. “Deer have horns on their head; other animals have distinctive features that a hunter can use to estimate the size and age of an animal. A black bear, on the other hand, often just looks like a large black blob and if a person hasn’t hunted them much, the first one they look at will look huge.”  Many bear hunters shoot the first bear they see. This can be a huge mistake. Below Barringer will provide a few tips to help bear hunters field judge black bears.
       
      One of the easiest ways to determine the size of a bear is by looking at the bear next to a bait barrel. Most most barrels have a ring around the middle of the barrel. You can use this ring as a size estimator. “If a bear walks next to a barrel and it only measures up to the middle ring on the barrel, it is a small bear,” Barringer said. “If the bear walks by and it is as high as the top ring or higher as it walks by, it is a big bear. If a person really wants to shoot a big bear, this is a great way to determine their size.”

       

      bear hunting


       
      The size of a bear’s head is another thing to look at when judging the size of a bear. “A small bear often appears to have large ears and a smaller head. A large boar will often have a large blocky head and smaller ears. A sow, on the other hand, typically has a long narrow face.”
       
      According to Barringer, a big boar will also have large blocky shoulders. “A big male will have a large chest and shoulders. A sow usually is shaped more like a pear. She will have a smaller, narrow chest and a large back end. Sows can be big, but if a hunter is really looking for something special, they should hold out for a large boar.”
       
      One great way to determine the height of a bear is by putting a Wyndscent vaporizing unit five or six feet above the ground in a tree near the bait when hunting. The vaporized Donut Shop scent will draw bears in and when they smell the scent up in the tree, they will likely stand on their hind legs to see if they can reach the unit. When they stand up, you will be able to easily judge their height.
       
      According to Barringer, if you want to kill a big bear you must be patient. “The more bears you see in the wild, the better you get at accurately judging their size. I tell people they should visit a zoo and look at a few bears up close before they leave on a hunt. This will allow them to study the size of the animal when their heart isn’t racing.”
       
      The average size of the bears my dad mounted over the years probably averaged 175-225 pounds. If you want to kill one larger than that, plan on being patient and using the tricks above to field judge the bears that visit your bait site.

      Bowhunting Tips for Spot-and-Stalk Hunting

      Bowhunting Tips for Spot-and-Stalk Hunting

      Image Courtesy of Game of Inches TV

       

      Author bio: I am James Nelson, an outdoor and hunting enthusiast. I have dedicated my time to gather and sieve through information about hunting. You can check out huntingresearch.org to learn more about me and my goals.

      Spot-and-stalk is basically the art of hunting on foot. While many of us would think it is difficult to slip in on deer and elk without them noticing, the game of spot-and-stalk is actually not that complex. Successful stalkers would simply say that it requires you to be patient. Of course, your other basic skills on hunting must be good too. You can learn what these basic skills are at Hunting Research.


      Chris Denham, part owner of Wilderness Athlete and editor of Western Hunter Magazine spends a great amount of time each year trying to be a ghost on the field. According to him, spot-and-stalk hunting is common sense. You just need to stay out of the animal’s sight, nose and ears, and do this with a healthy amount of patience. When hunters try to rush, that is when they get busted.


      When properly done, foot hunting is very effective and also extra challenging. Instead of waiting in your tree stand or ground blind, you are actively pursuing game. Foot hunting with a bow is even more versatile and deadly. Whitetail deer are more vulnerable to stand hunting majority of the time. However, elk and mule deer are less predictable and are more likely to be shot by a sneaky bowhunter.
      To stay hidden from deer as to not alert them during your hunt, there are a few tips that you can apply. Here are 8 tips for bow hunting on foot.


      Tip One: Start at A High Point


      You may not be able to do this everywhere, but if possible, set yourself up at a high ground to get a good vantage point. You can find elevated places such as trees, hilly terrain or rocks. If you see no elevated areas near you, move to check the next area. Bring your useful tools like a spotting scope or binoculars. Looking out from a higher ground can show you how the land lays. You will be able to see the game in your line of travel. You should take your time to look for game with your scopes as it will help you plan your hunting journey. It is okay to start off slow as this gives you time to plan your strategy as you scan the terrain and look at the bigger picture instead of moving in too quickly.

       

      stalking

      Image Courtesy of Game of Inches TV


      Tip Two: Use the Weather to Your Advantage


      It is easier to stalk deer when their senses are dulled. Since weather-related factors like wind, snow and rain can reduce the effectiveness of their sensitivity, use this to your hunting advantage. Be aware of the wind direction so you can avoid the animal catching your scent as you approach. To avoid getting detected, stay downwind of the animal, meaning that the wind should blow towards your face. It is helpful to use a wind checker to monitor the wind direction and ensure the wind is in your favor before you carry on. Wyndscent offers a great wind checker called the Wyndscent Grenade. It is really simple to use and puts out actual vapor. Wyndscent offers scented sticks like earth, pine, doe estrus, or elk estrus, and they also offer scent free sticks for just wind indication.

       

      stalking

      Image Courtesy of Become 1


      Tip Three: Tune in To Your Senses


      Use your senses to be aware of your surroundings. Sharpen your ears to listen to the sounds around you. They could reveal the location of the animal. Certain animal sounds can indicate that other animals or birds are aware of you, like the chattering of squirrels, crows cawing or deer snorting. You should also look closely around you to detect signs that can help you detect prey. Look for fresh tracks and signs of animals like droppings or bedding areas. When you walk, move slowly and take a few steps and a time so that you can scan and study your surroundings. Always prepare yourself and be ready because a shot could suddenly present itself! You should also stay open minded throughout your stalk and listen to your gut. Your instincts can take you a long way in a successful hunt.


      Tip Four: Dress Strategically


      Unless it is very cold, you may want to wear one layer less than you would to hunt from a tree stand or a ground blind. This is because you can get hot much faster when you stalk due to the increased movement. You do not want to sweat too much because it can make it easier for animals to detect your scent. You should also make sure your clothing is made of quiet material. It is worth spending a little more time and money to get one. You would not want your clothes to make unnecessary sounds as you walk through the woods that will scare game away.


      Tip Five: Use Helpful Tools


      A rangefinder is of great help in your spot-and-stalk hunt. Though you may know how to judge yardage, there is no substitute for the use of a rangefinder. It will not only make your life easier but make your hunt more lethal as well. During a stalk, you will constantly be ranging your quarry. Choosing a rangefinder harness that keeps it close by can let you crawl and quickly raise and lower your glass without making noise. You should also use items that can minimize noise to silence any piece of your gear that tings or clicks, like adhesive fleece or moleskin. Some bowhunters cover the inside of their riser shelf with fleece so that there is no way their arrow can be heard. Another helpful tool that you can use for the hunt is a decoy. A lightweight decoy comes in handy when stalking a deer. It is easy to carry but you may need a friend to tag along if you decide to use a big decoy.


      Tip Six: Camouflage Yourself


      The best thing you can do to camouflage yourself into nature is by wearing camouflage clothing. You should make sure your clothing matches the terrain you will be hunting in. You should also use all the cover available to you such as trees, brush and other foliage to conceal you as you approach the target. Using contour is just as important as using cover. This means that hills, ditches and other changes in topography can be a huge help to keep you hidden during the stalk. Stalking is all about angle management. You should study the contours of the land and plan an approach which keeps you camouflaged. You may even need to belly-crawl to achieve this. Use these terrain features to your advantage so that you can get closer to the animal you are after.

       

      stalking

      Image Courtesy of Game of Inches TV


      Tip Seven: Move Quietly


      There are different ways you can walk quietly in the hunting field. One way to make less noise is by slowly setting your foot down from heel to toe. You should also always feel the ground with your feet. If you feel a stick or a twig, slowly pick your foot back up and step over it. Some hunters use Cat Paws which are basically large felt pads attached to the bottom of the boots. This can make staying quiet when walking on rocky terrain much easier. Sometimes, spot-and-stalk hunting may require you to crawl. When your knees, hands and feet drag across the ground, this can make noise. Hence, you want to be as careful as possible. However, for bowhunting, it is better to walk than to crawl if possible because you need to get into the bow-shooting position.



      Tip Eight: Remain Calm and Collected


      In the last 100 yards, you will probably feel the most excited and yet nervous. At this time, you should not rush to finish the last part of the stalk. Instead, try to remain calm and take your time. In fact, this part may even take hours to complete depending on the situation. If you find your heart pace and your breathing picking up, take a few moments to compose yourself before resuming. Evaluate the situation and if the animal you are after is calm and staying put, you can relax for a minute and calm yourself down. Check the range and wait for the perfect opportunity to come to a full draw.

       

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      Image Courtesy of Game of Inches TV

      3 Simple Shed Hunting Strategies

      3 Simple Shed Hunting Strategies

      By Nate Coughlin: M.C.T. Productions

       

      One of my favorite times of the year is shed hunting season.  It gives you the opportunity to go into those bedding areas that you have been staying out of all year long, learn new routes that the deer like to take, and find antlers from the deer you have been watching all year long.  When it comes time to start putting the boots to the ground, there are 3 strategies that I always keep in mind.


                The number one strategy is food and field edges.  The last few years there has been some harsh, cold winters and that cold pushes the deer towards food more than any other time of the year.  That being said, fields that provide food and the edges of the timber around those fields are a great place to start.  It is also not uncommon for me to search a whole entire open field if I know there has been deer feeding in a certain field.  Areas like this is where I will find a mass majority of my sheds.


                The second strategy is looking on heavily travelled deer trails that are between the food and the bedding areas.  During this time of year, most of the deer movement that happens is going out to the food and back to their bedding area.  The deer try to minimize the amount of energy that they exert to get to the food, so usually that will cause the deer to bed closer to the food source but, still in areas that offer cover and safety.

       

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                The last strategy that I use for shed hunting is getting right in the main bedding areas or sanctuaries.  Even though I go to these areas to find sheds, I also like to look for deer sign such as rubs, scrapes and pinch points.  These signs can teach you a lot about the deer movement and give you the upper hand for next deer season.


                Get out in the woods and remember to check out food sources, heavily travelled trails, and bedding areas the next time you’re shed hunting.  Get as much intel as you can while you are searching but most of all, enjoy your time in the great outdoors.  Good Luck!