California Waterfowl Association’s Post

In case you missed it: Choosing a crossbow is an experience that can be troubling for new and experienced hunters alike! So we created a guide on choosing the right crossbow for you! Click the link below to read more: https://lnkd.in/etnVRMDz

Ask Hutch - Missing out on applying for a Colorado limited tag for coveted game species like elk, mule deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, moose, or mountain goats can be a real disappointment for hunters. Here are ten reasons why you might miss the opportunity: 1. **Deadline Ignorance**: Failure to keep track of application deadlines is a common reason. These dates can vary each year and are critical for submitting your application on time. 2. **Incomplete Application**: Inaccurate or incomplete applications can result in disqualification. Ensure all required fields are filled correctly. 3. **Lack of Preference Points**: Colorado operates a preference point system, which can greatly affect your chances of drawing a tag. Not accumulating enough preference points may hinder your success. 4. **Budget Constraints**: The cost of applying for multiple species can add up. Financial constraints might prevent you from applying for all the tags you desire. 5. **Failure to Research**: Insufficient research on hunting units, draw odds, and regulations can lead to poor decision-making during the application process. 6. **Overlooking Alternatives**: Colorado offers various hunting options, including over-the-counter (OTC) tags and leftover tags. Failing to explore these alternatives might result in missing out. 7. **Changes in Personal Circumstances**: Unexpected life events or scheduling conflicts can sometimes prevent hunters from applying for tags. 8. **Misunderstanding Regulations**: Not fully understanding the complex hunting regulations in Colorado can lead to inadvertent mistakes in the application process. 9. **Technical Issues**: Online application systems can encounter technical glitches. Failing to submit your application due to technical issues is a frustrating scenario. 10. **Lack of Persistence**: Some hunters may become discouraged after unsuccessful draws in previous years, leading them to skip applying altogether. To avoid missing out on applying for Colorado limited tags, it's crucial to stay organized, informed, and diligent throughout the application process. Researching thoroughly, understanding the regulations, and keeping track of deadlines are key steps towards increasing your chances of securing that coveted tag. Reach out to Hutch so the above never happens https://lnkd.in/g3iyrEp2

Ask Hutch To maximize solitude during your elk hunt in Colorado’s first rifle season, consider these tips: 1. Research Regulations: Familiarize yourself with Colorado’s hunting regulations and specific rules for the first rifle season. Ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses. 2. Remote Areas: Identify less accessible and remote areas within the high mountain dark timber. These spots are likely to have fewer hunters. Use topographic maps and satellite imagery to locate promising terrain. 3. Backcountry Camping: Plan a backpacking trip into the wilderness, setting up a base camp deep in the dark timber. This will distance you from roads and other hunters who may stick closer to trailheads. 4. Off the Beaten Path: Explore areas away from popular trails and paths. Elk often move to less frequented locations to avoid human activity. 5. Midweek Hunt: Schedule your hunt during the middle of the week. Many hunters prefer weekends, so hunting on weekdays increases your chances of solitude. 6. Early Start: Begin your hunting days well before sunrise. This allows you to get into your chosen hunting spot before others and increases your chances of encountering elk before they are disturbed. 7. Use Technology: Utilize mapping apps and GPS devices to navigate and avoid well-trodden areas. Some apps can show you public land boundaries, helping you stay within legal hunting grounds. Remember, safety is paramount. Inform someone of your plans, carry essential gear, and be aware of your surroundings. https://lnkd.in/g3iyrEp2

Ask Hutch Harvesting elk and deer is a pursuit that demands skill, patience, and careful consideration of various factors. Unfortunately, many hunters experience disappointment due to common pitfalls. Here are the top ten reasons elk and deer hunters may fail to harvest their desired game. 1. Inadequate Preparation: Insufficient preparation in terms of scouting, understanding the terrain, and familiarizing oneself with the habits of elk and deer can lead to missed opportunities. 2. Poor Shot Placement: Precision is crucial when taking a shot. Failure to place shots accurately may result in wounded animals that are challenging to track and retrieve. 3. Ineffective Use of Scents and Calls: Overusing scents or calls, or using them incorrectly, can alert game to the presence of the hunter, making it more difficult to get within range. 4. Lack of Patience: Hunting requires patience. Impatience can lead hunters to move too soon or make unnecessary noise, scaring away potential targets. 5. Ignoring Wind Direction: Elk and deer have keen senses of smell. Ignoring wind direction can lead to the hunter’s scent being carried towards the game, causing them to flee. 6. Unsuitable Gear: Inappropriate gear can impact a hunt significantly. Noisy clothing, uncomfortable boots, or inadequate camouflage may compromise a hunter’s ability to get close to the animals. 7. Failure to Adapt: Weather conditions and animal behavior can change rapidly. Hunters who fail to adapt to these changes may miss opportunities or find themselves in challenging situations. 8. Overestimating Shooting Range: Misjudging the distance to the target is a common error. Overestimating shooting range can result in inaccurate shots and missed opportunities. 9. Inattention to Safety: Neglecting safety measures can lead to accidents or injuries, detracting from the focus needed for a successful hunt. 10. Lack of Persistence: Success in elk and deer hunting often requires persistence. Hunters who give up easily or abandon strategic positions may miss out on encounters with game. By addressing these common reasons for failure, hunters can enhance their chances of a successful harvest, ensuring a more rewarding and fulfilling experience in the wild. Want success tips https://lnkd.in/g3iyrEp2

My substack post today, for my wonderful subscribers, is a discussion about the combo of harts tongue fern and columbine. I describe this great duo and tell you where you can buy this unusual evergreen and deer resistant fern. https://lnkd.in/e8fr_syE

The best broadheads for deer are those designed for maximum accuracy and penetration. Look for ones with sharp, durable blades and a sturdy construction to ensure a clean and ethical kill. When hunting deer, choosing the right broadheads is essential for a successful and humane hunt. #BroadheadsforDeer

The best broadheads for deer are those designed for maximum accuracy and penetration. Look for ones with sharp, durable blades and a sturdy construction to ensure a clean and ethical kill. When hunting deer, choosing the right broadheads is essential for a successful and humane hunt. #BroadheadsforDeer

The best broadheads for deer are those designed for maximum accuracy and penetration. Look for ones with sharp, durable blades and a sturdy construction to ensure a clean and ethical kill. When hunting deer, choosing the right broadheads is essential for a successful and humane hunt. #BroadheadsforDeer

The best broadheads for deer are those designed for maximum accuracy and penetration. Look for ones with sharp, durable blades and a sturdy construction to ensure a clean and ethical kill. When hunting deer, choosing the right broadheads is essential for a successful and humane hunt. #BroadheadsforDeer