Born and raised in the North Carolina foothills, Andy was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age. Like most beginning hunters, he started out hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels, then graduated to larger species like Whitetail Deer. Although he’s an avid deer and turkey hunter, he still enjoys hunting small game as well.  Andy has worked in the hunting and fishing industry for nearly 25 years.
Why Do Deer Necks Swell During the Rut

Why Do Deer Necks Swell During The Rut?

Recently we received the following email from a reader asking about a buck’s neck sweling during the rut? Since this question or inquiry is debated regularly, I thought it made sense to post the response on our site. His original email: (posted with his permission) Hey, some of my deer hunting friends and I recently…

Sikta Clothing Label

Who Owns Sitka Gear

If you’ve done any shopping for hunting clothes, then you’ve probably heard of Sitka Gear, or at least, been exposed to the brand. Sitka is a maker of high-performance outdoor apparel geared towards hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. I deal with Sitka at my day job so I’m pretty familiar with their line of products….

Portable Cleaning Kit for Shotguns

Maintain Your Scattergun: A Review of the 6 Best Shotgun Cleaning Kits On The Market

Shotguns are the most versatile firearm on the market today. With the right shotshell load, a shotgun can be used to harvest large or small game, hunt birds in flight, and even shoot competitive games like sporting clays or skeet. That popularity also means that shotguns are carried in the field and may be fired…

What to Wear Dove Hunting

What to Wear Dove Hunting: Don’t Leave Home Without the Optimal Hunting Apparel

As dove hunting season gets closer and closer, dove hunting fans start to drool as they know that summer is almost over and the fall hunting seasons are coming soon. Dove hunters start stocking up on shotgun shells, getting the dove decoys ready, and shotguns are oiled up. Just before dove season is usually a…

8 Best Youth Deer Rifle Caliber Recommendations with Low Recoil

8 Best Youth Deer Rifle Caliber Recommendations with the Least Recoil

Introducing a youth or teenager to deer hunting is always a worthwhile venture and well worth your time. However, along with the preparation for that first deer hunt comes the challenge of choosing a rifle caliber that will do the job but doesn’t have so much recoil that the experience becomes unpleasant. Since the topic…

Bag More Birds in the Field

Benefits of Pre-Season Wing Shooting Practice with Clay Targets

Are you looking to take your wing shooting game to the next level? Pre-season clay target shooting is a great way to hone your skills and increase proficiency. You can improve accuracy and build confidence before heading out into the field with just a few practice sessions. In this post, I’ll explore how pre-season clay…

Fang Size of Eastern Diamondback Rattlensnake

Can a Rattlesnake Bite Through Leather Boots?

Any hunter who spends time in the outdoors during the warmer months understands that they will be sharing the woods with venomous snakes. Few venomous snakes create the same fear and anxiety a hunter feels when they hear the tell-tale buzzing warning of a nearby rattlesnake. It’s an ominous sound that immediately gets your attention….

Squirrel Hunting Vest Options

10 Excellent Options for a Squirrel Hunting Vest

There are very few types of hunting that I find as relaxing and enjoyable as a morning or afternoon spent hunting squirrels. One significant advantage to chasing bushy tails is the simplicity of it since it’s one of the few hunting sports that doesn’t require any specialized gear. All you really need is a shotgun…

Planning a Hunting Trip: Avoid These Mistakes

Properly planning and preparing for the upcoming hunting season or an upcoming hunting trip is one of the most overlooked aspects of hunting. However, I’m not just talking about packing and planning for a hunt; I’m talking about looking even further ahead. Here’s a list of areas where I did not plan or prepare appropriately…

Can Doves See Color

Can Doves See Color? The Answer Might Surprise You

Around the middle of August, wing shooters start preparing for the upcoming dove season. Shotguns will be cleaned and oiled up, camo clothing will be unpacked, and the serious hunters will try to get in a few practice rounds of skeet or sporting clays. Just before the dove season starts, I see first-time hunters at…