September 2010

Data.gov – A Cool Site With Lots Of Great Info

http://www.Data.gov I just found this site and wanted to share it.  It has a ton of info and reports.  If you have a project or just an “inquiring mind”, this is sure to be a hit.  Check it out and get the data you need.

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Whitetail Deer Hunting Tips – Help For Your Hunt

By S. George

Hunting whitetail deer has always been a popular leisure activity in America, but did you know that their numbers were once almost wiped out due to excessive hunting? A number of stringent game management measures that were put into effect over the years, have helped restore the whitetail deer population again. The male deer is called a buck and is easily spotted because of its lovely prominent set of antlers which grow each year and fall off in the winter again. Female deer are called does and can give birth to up to three babies at one time. Both male and female deer have reddish-white-brown coats in the summer which become a grayish brown color by the time winter comes. White tailed deer in the wild can live up to 11 years and probably even longer. In fact, hunters often find hunting whitetail deer easier as it has been found that once the deer mark their territory; they are inclined to stay there instead of leaving their home even if there is a lack of food.

Must-Know Hunting Tips

Seasoned hunters will tell you that the whitetail deer has a keen sense of instinct and if you want to have a successful hunt; then keep in mind that no precaution on your part is too small or insignificant.

• Whitetail deer have a highly sensitive nose, which means that they can pick up your scent in a hundred ways. It makes sense to clean any hunting products with a scent free detergent and to avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. If you can’t do without your tobacco, then be sure to rinse your mouth well. Although it may sound weird, these deer can also pick up the scent of urine, so if you want to do it right; take along a plastic urinal bag or a bottle for whenever the need strikes. The slightest smell which seems unfamiliar to them can make the deer run for cover.
• These deer also notice any movement in a split second and can vanish just as fast. Hunters should camouflage themselves and make the effort to blend in with the natural surroundings. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothes and leave your blue jeans behind. Choose clothes that keep you comfortable and which are appropriate for the weather.
• Using the right equipment is a must and it’s important to practice with a good quality bow, before the actual hunt. Experienced hunters often advise practicing at a target range first, because you will most likely need to climb trees or hide among the bushes in order to get a close shot. If possible, practice aiming at a fixed target from various angles and heights in order to get a feel of what the real situation will be like.
• The location of your hunt is of prime importance. Whitetail deer eat often and sleep for long periods during the day. Most hunters prefer hiding in greener cover or in thick brushes as these areas are usually the favorite haunts of deer although it makes sense to stick to a used trail. Seasoned hunters will tell you that the best time to hunt whitetail deer is during the mating season, as bucks tend to search for a mate longer and also because their senses tend to become slightly dull in this period as well. This means that they are likely to be in the open for longer and it gives any hunter an edge.
• A hunter needs to have a tremendous amount of luck and skill to get a deer on the first hunt. Being prepared and doing your homework is part of the process. You need to think like a whitetail deer, know its hiding spots, water spots and learn how to read tracks. A few trips with a seasoned hunter will teach you the many little tricks that can help you get lucky on the hunt.
• It doesn’t hurt to spend some time reading about whitetail deer, their habits, and how to have a successful hunt. In fact there are plenty of dedicated whitetail deer hunting magazines which are chock full of practical tips and articles by experienced hunters. If you are bow hunting, then subscribe to a few magazines which have tips or information on how to nail your target using a bow.

And remember – have fun on the hunt!

S. George writes about hunting for various types of animals. She does work for different companies including a company that does various hunting services to help hunters have a great experience, including whitetail deer hunts in the Oklahoma area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._George
http://EzineArticles.com/?Whitetail-Deer-Hunting-Tips—Help-For-Your-Hunt&id=4914362

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Hunting Utopia – Wisconsin Deer Hunting

By Wesley Locklear

When I moved to Wisconsin from North Carolina in June of 2000. I was excited about the opportunity to go deer hunting. My father in-law and brother in-law both had long traditions of going out the weekend before thanksgiving with the intent of harvesting a huge Wisconsin buck.

I did not own a rifle so I borrowed my father in-law’s 308 and took to the woods. I shot a small 5-point buck. I was hooked. In those days when you bought a deer license you got a buck tag. If you wanted a chance to take a doe you needed to apply for a choice permit. A few years went by and I wanted more chances to bag that big Wisconsin buck. So I started bow hunting.

I met a few local guys playing softball in a local beer league that owned a few acres of private land that was accessible for bow hunting. I harvested a small buck every year. I never really had a chance to bag that huge Buck.

With seasons coming and going the Wisconsin DNR made doe permits more readily available. They made some deer management units T-Zone units. This meant there were special doe only hunts twice a year. At first I thought this was just a chance to spend more time in the woods. But a few years later when T-Zone units turned into Herd Control Units more and more does were taken.

The measures the DNR took to control the herd depleted one of Wisconsin’s most desired resources. I was finally able to harvest a mature 10-point buck with my bow in 2007. But the last two years my deer sightings were way down.

Deer hunting brings in a lot of money into Wisconsin. Not only by selling licenses. Buying guns, ammo, gear, lodging and food brings in millions to the local economy that struggles up north. I hope the DNR makes a change. If they don’t everyone will suffer.

www.huntingutopia.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wesley_Locklear
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hunting-Utopia—Wisconsin-Deer-Hunting&id=3412917

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