The loss of a loved one can transform our other greatest loves into painful reminders. Darline Boultinghouse, known by her family as “Nana,” formed some of her fondest memories in a deer blind with her husband, Steve. Nearly 7 years after Steve’s tragic and unexpected passing, Nana returns to her farm and embraces the healing power of whitetail hunting.
Realistic decoys not only bring toms in, but keeps them focused, which allows you to draw a bow undetected.
Bow-killing a turkey is a thrill that often involves a heart-thumping encounter with a gobbler at 15 yards or less.
Each time my brother called, the gobbler roosted in the big red pine across the field gobbled. At the first glint of daylight, I scanned with my binoculars, and finally spied his head protruding from the pine boughs. Eventually, he coasted to the ground about 150 yards away. I was sure he’d march right in, but instead, he strutted back and forth for 10 minutes at the field’s opposite end. A hen finally appeared, which explained why he hung up. It was like a script out of Bowhunting Turkeys 101.
Slowly, the hen fed in our direction. Once the trailing tom got a good look at the decoy spread, he approached slowly but assuredly. He spat and drummed from 100 yards away. It was the show of all shows as he parted the lush clover on a slow-and steady mission to our decoys. At 30 yards out, I drew my bow, and when he hit 15, my arrow blew him over backwards. Seconds later, he was motionless.
I killed my first six wild turkeys with a bow before picking up a shotgun. The aforementioned tom was my fourth bird, but he was the first one to come on a rope to the decoys like they’re supposed to. I was 16 years old at the time, and dozens of archery gobblers later, the rush of thumping them at point-black range with a bow remains.
If you hunt big game with a bow but haven’t bow-killed a turkey, then why not trade the shotgun for your bow this spring? Should you rise to the challenge, the following tips will increase your odds for a successful bowhunt.
Switching to realistic decoys was a pivotal point in the author’s turkey-bowhunting career that skyrocketed his success rates.
Use Realistic Decoys
When shotgunning without decoys, setting up in tight brush and posting up just over a ridge is a great tactic. A tom responding to the calls must come looking for you, and the second his head is exposed at anywhere from 20-40 yards (farther with today’s best turkey guns), he’s toast, especially if you aim well and don’t flinch. (Properly identify the target before pulling the trigger.)
Bowhunting is an entirely different ball game. I use decoys 100 percent of the time. Here’s why. To ethically kill a turkey with my bow, I need him standing still at top-pin range and distracted. If I call in a tom and don’t have decoys out, he’ll almost never offer a top-pin shot in the wide open. He won’t see the source of the calling and will lose interest or grow suspicious. Unlike shotgunning, I can’t swat him the moment I see his head through the brush. I need a close, unobstructed shot. Decoys orchestrate that opportunity.
The decoys you use have a bearing on success, too. When I first started turkey hunting, like most, I used cheap foldable rubber and foam decoys. I killed a small number of birds over them. Most gobbling toms hung up or headed away once they saw those decoys. I grew so frustrated that I bought expensive molded decoys that look like real turkeys. That was back in 2009. My success rates instantly skyrocketed.
So, if you’re serious about bow-killing a turkey this spring, buy a hen and jake that look real, such as those from Avian-X. I’ve seen hunters who are not that great with turkey calls kill a pile of turkeys by using realistic decoys.
Place Decoys Properly
How close should the decoys be? I want a tom to be top-pin close. In the past, I often set my decoys 18-20 yards away. Today, I set them at 12 yards or closer, and I’ve often set them at 4-6 yards. First, I want a shot I can’t screw up. Second, the excitement of a gobbler beating up a decoy within spitting distance is something shotgun hunters miss by killing their birds at 25 yards and beyond. Bowhunting turkeys at point-blank distance is a show you must see to believe.
As a word of caution, know where your bow shoots at the distance you place the decoys. At 4 yards, for example, the arrow is still rising and hasn’t reached a trajectory to correspond with the top pin. In other words, it’s possible to miss the vitals completely if aiming with the 20-yard pin. Practice and learn how the bow shoots.
Darron McDougal
HuntStand Pro ContributorFurthermore, place the decoys so that you get the shot you want. The two best shots are straight through the base of the tail fan (looking dead away), or straight through the wing butt (completely broadside). Oftentimes, gobblers circle the decoys, and then come in head-on or at a slight angle. Position the decoys to get the desired shot opportunity.
As a word of caution, know where your bow shoots at the distance you place the decoys. At 4 yards, for example, the arrow is still rising and hasn’t reached a trajectory to correspond with the top pin. In other words, it’s possible to miss the vitals completely if aiming with the 20-yard pin. Practice and learn how the bow shoots.
The author prefers to position his ground blind in a wide-open field. This exact setup produced a big Wisconsin gobbler.
Hunt From a Blind
Pulling birds within easy archery range is a challenge, but reaching full draw undetected is difficult. Turkeys have unbelievable eyesight, and lifting a bow into position and drawing it back requires several motions. I’ve been bowhunting turkeys for more than 20 years, and while I’ve shot a pile of toms sitting up against a tree, I can’t ignore the advantages of a ground blind with a dark interior. There are still right and wrong times to draw, but ground blinds hide most movements. If new to turkey hunting with a bow, a ground blind is the way to go.
Besides hiding movements, a ground blind also allows you to hunt from virtually any location, including locations where there’s insufficient natural cover to hide in. I never brush-in ground blinds for turkey hunting, and I also don’t set them up weeks in advance. I usually set up the blind the morning of my hunt within 200 yards of roosted birds, and if I’m hunting a field setting, I set the blind in the wide open unless another spot along the edge improves decoy visibility. I’ve killed at least two dozen gobblers from blinds set in wide-open fields. I believe gobblers are more comfortable with approaching decoys they can see and assess from a distance, and this setup gives them that visibility.
Of course, that works both ways. Setting up in the middle of a field increases my visibility as compared to a field-edge setup. From the middle of a field, I can see birds approaching and have time to grab my bow and prepare for the encounter. On a field edge, a bird is liable to pop out unannounced right beside me and catch me off guard. I have killed a few birds from blinds positioned along field edges, but I’ve had far better success when set up in the middle of a field. It just works.
When hunting a property for the first time, McDougal loves the ability to overview a property, peg land features not visible from the road and preconceive a setup so that everything is spelled out when he arrives to hunt.
Finding the X
Since I often scout for toms from roadways and then ask landowners for permission, I usually hunt at least one property every spring that I’ve never stepped foot on before. And while I have no previous history to base my hunting decisions on, I have HuntStand Pro.
The Hybrid map provides a nice overview of the property. Identify land features not visible from the road without hiking in and potentially bumping birds. View creeks and rivers. See clearings and possible logging roads. Distinguish ridges.
Since most of my hunting is in fields, I use the Draw Line tool to measure from possible setup locations in the field to the surrounding timber. I want to be about 150-200 yards from the timber I believe turkeys are roosting in. Pushing closer risks spooking the birds during setup, and farther is likely too far outside the turkeys’ morning pattern. If the field has any topography, reference the Terrain layer to identify the highest point in the field so that decoys are visible from more directions
When you get your opportunity to shoot a gobbler, slow down and take your time. Rushed shots are a huge reason that folks don’t get it done with the bow. Slow down, aim well, and make it count.
Slow Down and Make the Shot
When you pull a bird in with decoys and reach full draw undetected, slow down. I still have to remind myself that a bird in the decoys will likely offer many shot opportunities. Something about a tom strutting 10 yards away or beating up a jake decoy creates an urgency to shoot. Shrug off that urgency, or risk rushing shots and hitting gobblers less than perfectly. There are a lot of different shot placements that will kill a turkey, but there are many more that will yield a fly-away episode that ends in floating feathers and you standing there scratching your head. Take your time. Aim well. Make it count.
There is so much more to be talked about regarding bowhunting turkeys, but the points we’ve discussed here are, to me, among the most important parts, especially for newcomers to this turkey bowhunting thing.
The author has bow-killed dozens of toms, but the rush of a gobbler in the decoys still hasn’t worn off after more than 20 years.
HME 3-Color Camo Face Paint Application Stick: Those looking for a mess-free face paint option will find it with the HME 3-Color Camo Face Paint Application Stick. It comes in a small, compact unit with black, brown, and dark green colors. MSRP: $7.99
Ameristep FieldView 3: The Ameristep FieldView 3 is an excellent option for bowhunters looking to hide from close-range turkeys. It offers the Extreme View tech, which is one-way, see-through mesh. The FieldView 3 also has a five-sided shape that’s 37% larger than standard blinds, which means more room to draw. It features 12 windows, silent-slide covers, and Durashell Plus fabric. MSRP: $249.99
Avian X LCD Lookout Hen: A realistic decoy spread is a must-have aspect to successful bowhunting. The Avian X LCD Lookout Hen is a great addition to that effort. This standing posture is more easily seen by turkeys, even in taller grasses. But the detail and authentic design is what makes this line of products shine. MSRP: $99.99
Flextone Beard Box: The Flextone Beard Box is a great addition to the arsenal. This box call is compact and delivers sweet turkey vocalizations. It comes with a black cherry lid and two-sided poplar base. It comes hand-tuned. MSRP: $18.99
Halo Optics XL450: Bowhunters need a rangefinder, especially if that gobbler hangs up outside the decoy spread. Being able to know that exact yardage is a good thing, and the Halo Optics XL450 is more than capable of satisfying bowhunters. It has 450-yard range, offers 6x magnification, includes angle intelligence, features auto acquisition, incorporates scan mode, is water-resistant, and more. MSRP: $119.99
Upgrade to HuntStand Pro Whitetail
Unlock access to every feature in the HuntStand app, including powerful maps and features made specifically for whitetail hunters. Upgrade now or compare HuntStand Pro and Pro Whitetail subscriptions to find the right features for your next hunt.
“Look what I found!” I immediately paused my shed antler search and trained my eyes toward my wife who’d been scrounging around about 80 yards away from me. Despite the distance, I could see her huge smile and wide eyes as she clutched a beautiful, matched set of antlers in her fists. I hustled over to inspect her finds and to share in her excitement. It was the highlight of one of our greatest shed hunting road trips.
Road trips are fun, especially when white gold is on the horizon.
A big shed antler is worth the miles it takes to find it.
Annually, we head westward when the snow melts to explore some vast public lands. Following long Wisconsin winters, we’re always dealing with cases of cabin fever, and nothing blows off the cobwebs like hiking to this nook and that cranny with the hope of finding sheds.
Dissecting the countryside in search of polished bone is becoming increasingly popular. They say that you can’t eat the antlers, but that isn’t stopping scores of fanatics from traveling from state to state hunting for deer and elk antlers. The competition is fierce, so to be consistently successful, we must gain every edge possible. If itching to hit the road in search of “white gold,” here’s how HuntStand Pro Whitetail can offer an edge.
Upgrade to HuntStand Pro Whitetail [Maps & Tools for Whitetail Hunters]
The Whitetail Habitat Map, exclusive to the Pro Whitetail upgraded version, can be helpful in iden-tifying quality whitetail habitat, including bedding areas and food sources.
Finding Shed Antlers: Bedding and Feeding Areas
A lot of decisions on where to look for shed antlers are made on the fly while tromping around. But, as with hunting, shed hunting in a new location is difficult. If there are thousands upon thousands of acres to search, deciding where to look can seem daunting. That’s why it’s important to have a strategy in place before reaching a given destination.
This is where HuntStand Pro Whitetail comes into play. One of the most important things to understand is that, while bucks are liable to drop their antlers just about anywhere, the bulk of them tend to drop in the two locations where bucks spend the most time: bedding and feeding areas. You can make some calculated predictions as to where these locations are on a given parcel of land. Here’s how …
First, reference HuntStand Pro Whitetail’s Whitetail Habitat Map. It provides color-coded overlays that rate habitat. Blue means cold, orange means warmer and red means hot. In other words, the areas of a property with red overlays can be outstanding habitat. Once you identify such areas, then alternate between the Hybrid, Tree Cover, and Terrain maps. The goal is to identify possible bedding areas based on cover and terrain features, such as benches and ridges that provide deer with security, prevailing wind advantage and a quick exit. Pin these as possible places to look.
Factors Affecting Antler Casting Dates [Murphy’s Law On Whitetails]
Of course, a bedding area is only as valuable as nearby food. During the critical months following the rut when deer are recovering, they must eat. This also coincides with the months when bucks are likely to shed their antlers: late December through March. So, the goal is to identify potential food sources that deer might have used during these months. Again, HuntStand Pro Whitetail can help mine this information.
Fields and openings are easy to identify with any of the satellite maps. From there, alternate to the Crop History map. It provides color-coded overlays specific to types of crops. I focus heavily on corn and soybeans. Of course, this info is a year old. For example, an Iowa cornfield that I hunted during the late muzzleloader season was shown on the Crop History map as soybeans. Thus, crop rotations must be considered as you peruse this map. Still, it can help you to home in on agriculture that’s likely to have some valuable food in it. At the very least, it gives starting points for shed outing.
Another option is to utilize the Tree Cover map and then alternate between it and one of the satellite maps. While one can’t positively distinguish between different types of hardwoods, it is possible to tell the difference between coniferous and deciduous trees, which provides a starting point if looking for acorn feeding areas.
Some sheds will fall along well-used travel routes.
Finding Shed Antlers: Travel Routes
With potential bedding and feeding areas pinned on the HuntStand app, predict what routes bucks likely take to connect the dots between the two. While a significant number of bucks drop their antlers in bedding and feeding areas, sheds can also be found in various places between the two. It’s likely that the movements of walking and bounding cause an antler to shake off here and there.
It’s important to note that travel routes can vary throughout the year. In other words, bucks may alter their travel routes based on conditions. For example, I noticed during my 2022 late-season North Dakota hunt that many deer were traveling section-line roads and even across wide-open fields because the snow was too deep to negotiate in the ditches and most shelter belts. I assume that many North Dakota residents found sheds on dirt roads and even driveways this winter because of the deep, impassable snow in places deer normally travel. Knowing that, use the app to look for paths of least resistance that bucks may have traveled due to deep snow or changing food sources.
Learning From Shed Antlers [Murphy’s Law On Whitetails]
Gaining access to private land can produce more sheds, especially if public spots aren't panning out.
Finding Shed Antlers: Connect with Landowners
When you’re on the ground looking for antlers, the HuntStand Property Info map is priceless. Not only will it show property boundaries, but it can provide landowner info to broaden search parameters by gaining access to private lands. Besides the landowner’s name, it lists the property address as well as the owner’s mailing address. Many farmers and ranchers will gladly grant access for shed hunting. Not only can private-land access increase your odds for finding antlers, but it can also lead to hunting access as you cultivate relationships with landowners.
Finding a big matched set is an incredible feeling, especially when traveling many miles on rubber tires and boots to get there.
Finding Shed Antlers: Prep & Gear
Overall, be sure to study the regulations, as some states have shed hunting seasons. This is actually very smart; it’s designed to reduce human pressure and the impact it could otherwise have on animals during critical months when they’re already hinging on death and survival.
On select public parcels and wildlife refuges, shed hunting is prohibited. Walk-In Areas (private lands open for public access) open during hunting seasons are typically closed to access during other times of the year, meaning that it would be illegal to walk them in the spring to look for sheds. Again, study the regulations, and if you have any questions or need clarification, go the next step and contact the state wildlife department.
While shed hunting, use the location sharing feature in HuntStand to monitor the real-time location of you and your friends. Always carry a good backpack that you can secure antlers to. Also, carry water, food, a flashlight, radios to communicate with others in your group if cell service isn’t available, a flashlight, and perhaps some basic survival and first-aid supplies. You’d better be safe than sorry when you’re miles from your vehicle and the nearest roads.
Lastly, don’t go shed hunting without a quality binocular. I can’t count how many times I’ve turned what looked like a shed into a branch or stick simply by raising my bino. It’ll save you lots of walking, and sometimes you’ll find antlers you had no idea were there simply by scanning distant hillsides, down into draws or wide-open ag fields.
Why Deer Hunters Shouldn’t Manage for Genetics
Shed Antler Hunting Gear Bag
Wildgame Innovations Encounter 2.0: One of the best ways to time a shed hunt just right is using a cell camera. The Wildgame Innovations Encounter 2.0 is a great option for this. It has 26MP image resolution, 720P video resolution, 80-ft illumination range, and more. It runs on eight AA batteries and is compatible with a 12-volt DC jack for external solar power panel. Keep track of incoming photos with the HuntSmart app. It’s offered in AT&T or Verizon service. MSRP: $149.99
Tenzing Voyager: Shed hunters also need a quality pack to carry food, water, supplies, and even some of the sheds. The Tenzing Voyager is great for this. It offers 2,500 cubic inches, six compartments, three organization pockets, and all in a 3-pound design. It also has oversized side zippers, a front-facing shove-it compartment, and more. Given that shed hunters hike and sweat a lot, the new high airflow trampoline suspension boosts airflow between the back and pack. Molder shoulder straps and a removable waist belt make this option even more comfortable. MSRP: $149.99
HME Fence Jumper: The HME Fence Jumper TP Step is a great tool for those who must cross fences during their shed hunting trip. Sometimes, this is required, even on public lands. Use this to help cross fences that otherwise must be crossed under or through. MSRP: $19.99
Upgrade to HuntStand Pro Whitetail
Unlock access to every feature in the HuntStand app, including powerful maps and features made specifically for whitetail hunters. Upgrade now or compare HuntStand Pro and Pro Whitetail subscriptions to find the right features for your next hunt.
Coyote hunting is fraught with frustration as you learn the devious ways of these wild dogs. But after countless setups, I can point to a number of insights to get you in the game. This video highlights five of my favorite coyote hunting tips.
Know 3 Different Call Categories
Coyotes have different vocalizations for different circumstances, such as attracting a mate, warning of danger, or luring prey. Knowing the three main call categories—prey-in-distress calls, coyote vocalizations, and confidence calls—can help you select the right call for each situation and improve your chances of attracting a coyote.
Get the Vantage Point
Coyotes have sharp eyesight, so it’s important to have a high vantage point when calling them. This can be a hill, a tree stand, or a blind. By being above the coyote, you make it more difficult for them to spot you, and you also get a better view of the surrounding area, making it easier to spot the coyote when it approaches.
Be in Charge of Your Wind
Coyotes have a keen sense of smell, so it’s important to be aware of the wind direction when hunting. Use HuntZone on the HuntStand App to make sure to position yourself upwind of where you expect the coyote to come from, so your scent won’t reach the coyote and alert it to your presence before you can get a shot.
Be Where the Coyotes Want to Be
Coyotes are opportunistic predators that are always on the lookout for food. Find areas with high populations of rabbits, squirrels, or other small game and pets. These areas are likely to attract coyotes, making them prime hunting locations. Locate these areas and then position yourself between the two putting you in the prime spot for an opportunity on a curious coyote.
Patience Is Key When Coyote Hunting
Coyote hunting can be a waiting game, so it’s essential to be patient. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a coyote right away. Set up in a good location, make some calls, and wait. The coyote may take a while to arrive, but if you’re patient, your persistence will pay off.
At the end of the day, following these coyote hunting tips can help you increase your chances of success when hunting coyotes. Remember to be patient, know your calls, choose the right vantage point, control the wind direction, and be where the coyotes want to be. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to bagging more ‘yotes.
What are the best coyote hunting setups? No matter the landscape or habitat type, coyote hunters can rely on a handful of fundamentals to get the job done. But some minor tweaks for each unique situation can make you an even more effective coyote hunter. I’m here to outline four of the most common coyote hunting setups and how you can use HuntStand to your advantage.
But first, let me share a memorable moment from coyote country …
I bet all my eggs that any coyote in the neighborhood would be traveling in the eroded gullies below my South Dakota ridgetop perch. One particularly deep, grassy swell lead from the gullies to me, paving a highway right into my sights. Hours earlier, during a midday break, I pulled up the property on my HuntStand app. After checking the HuntZone wind map, I virtually flew the property to find the ridge with a crosswind—forcing any coyote to at least show itself for a few seconds as it circled downwind. The topographical overlay revealed the deep gullies and I dropped a map marker on the location.
Plotting a successful modern coyote hunting setup begins with effective e-scouting.
HuntStand gives you a leg up on coyotes with features such as the HuntZone wind map.
Thirty minutes before sunset, a burly coyote loped out of the eroded gullies to the sound of my agonized jackrabbit call. As it stopped short to survey the scene, I decided not to wait on a white-of-the-eye meeting and sent an ELD Match bullet greeting from 180 yards away. Mark 1, coyote 0.
Understanding coyote country and how these crafty animals navigate through it is essential to success. HuntStand Pro provides map layers, detailed property information, weather overlays, offline mapping, real 3D imagery, and more. Add this to your coyote scouting, virtually or on site, and you have a leg up on outwitting educated coyotes throughout the entire season.
Free Electronic Coyote Call with HuntStand Upgrade
Coyote Hunting Setups: Farm Country
With farming and woodlots occurring nearly everywhere east of the Mississippi, prepare for this coyote battleground. While scouting, look for whitetail-like funnel features. Coyotes will lope anywhere, but the path of least resistance with associated cover has appeal. Think wetland strips, hedgerows, connecting strips of timber, open ridgetops and weedy fence lines. Now look for adjacent openings where you could pull a coyote from the veiled travel route into a gap for a peek at your calls. Instead of trying to coax a coyote onto a vast field of picked corn, a small soybean field tucked between two hills, a woodland opening, or a cattle pasture next to woods provide a higher vote of confidence to a paranoid coyote.
The setting should include a high vantage point for you. This may be a rise in a field, sitting in the loft of an old barn, or even stationing a treestand pre-hunt. Although you might be tempted to sit with the wind in your face, coyotes are more likely to circle downwind. A crosswind or straight downwind view gives you the advantage on circling coyotes. Using scent, like coyote urine, or a decoy, has stopping power to halt a coyote before it gets completely downwind. Pay close attention to HuntZone in HuntStand to visualize how your scents will disperse. Use it when placing scents or decoys in the opening options outlined earlier. Finally, keep your eye on the lowest terrain and densest cover. It’s a solid bet a coyote will use a depression or tall grass to get as close as possible before showing itself.
I once set up under a small clump of trees on a 2-acre hayfield in Kansas. A coyote arrived from a strip of cover, but to analyze the small hayfield it needed to exit the cover. With its crosswind approach I had ample time to steady up for a chip shot.
The author called this coyote from the edge of a wooded hillside to the edge of a winter wheat field.
Coyote Hunting Setups: Desert Southwest
Desert coyotes hunt remote country, but have no aversion to investigating human domiciles for a free lunch. What they do have is a vast playground of canyons, coulees, ditches, and dry creek beds to travel. A common name for these dry gulches is “arroyos.” Call them what you want, but they will cause you distress when calling coyotes in the deserts of the Southwest.
The big desert views provide you with both a pro and con when calling desert country. The pro is that you can see a long way to spot coyotes approaching your calls. The con is that so can the coyotes, and they often stall out early, hundreds of yards away, for a security scan. Having downwind command of the view is one option, but again, seasoned coyotes could drop into an arroyo and circle downwind farther undetected.
5 Top Predator Calls for 2023 (Including Special Discount Codes)
Locate a calling site that forces coyotes to circle into an opening of your choosing. Separate yourself from trails bustling with human activity by using the Natural Atlas overlay as a guide. Now scout for elevation and an obstruction, cover or steepness, to force coyotes your way. Put that HuntZone to work along with your aerial imagery. A steep canyon wall, thick mesquite, shrub live oak, saltbrush, and combinations of cactus could deter a coyote from slipping into a veiled approach and, instead, force it into an opening of your liking. A well-placed decoy, scents, or an electronic caller can direct with the help of the natural barrier.
A tangle of prickly pear and cholla once helped me keep a coyote from swinging downwind on a New Mexico set. The coyote, one of the oldest I have yet to shoot (confirmed by worn teeth), swung away from the cactus patch to gain a wind advantage. It was a BINGO win for me.
The terrain of the desert includes a variety of washes and gullies. A good way to prod coyotes your way is to use steep terrain or thick brush as a funnel.
Coyote Hunting Setups: Intermountain West
When you think of coyotes and coyote hunting you think of the West. They inhabit all real estate from front-range subdivisions to remote mountain valleys and every sagebrush basin in between. Hunting the Southwest is a breeze because the majority of those states are publicly owned, but in the intermountain West it becomes a checkerboard except on large expanses of National Forest. Use the Public Lands map overlay along with the Property Info feature in HuntStand to locate public access. Especially be aware of public lands that border private lands under strict wildlife management. Those are coyote condos for sure.
In the West, elevation typically comes easy, but as I have learned over and over again, while hunting in the foothills, coyotes utilize timber cover to approach undetected and leave like a thief in the night if they sense a trap. While scouting for new country, the Terra Pulse Tree Cover overlay gives you the tool to find areas with and without timber. Satellite imagery, 3D map flyovers, and Monthly Satellite updates all combine to put you in a great calling location with further scouting.
Coyotes prefer to hang near livestock and wintering wildlife, so I look for public lands bordering livestock feeding operations or wildlife habitat management areas. Next, I look for high terrain along the border fence and any openings forcing coyotes to vacate canopy cover for a thorough investigation. Coyotes will be departing livestock areas at sunrise as feeding chores begin, so set up between the animals and good refuge cover with a favorable wind. Lone howls with an occasional challenge howl provide the incentive for any area coyotes to investigate.
The author called this foothills coyote to his gun after a careful setup strategy with HuntStand.
Coyote Hunting Setups: Waterways
Rivers, creeks, and streams crisscross the country with plenty of coyote hunting potential. Riparian zones offer dense habitat to hold prey, ranging from rodents to big game. These waterways also offer a path of least resistance, and in northern latitudes freezing temperatures transform these into HOV lanes for coyotes. I prefer to e-scout new areas with the Natural Atlas map overlay due to its distinguishing blue color feature to signify water. This makes riparian areas stand out easily for more thorough investigation. After discovering potential hunting areas, move on to the Property Info, Hunting Lands and Public Lands overlays. These reveal public hunting areas and the names of potential landowners to contact if a riparian zone looks promising.
If a waterway is frozen, I immediately search for an opening with an adjacent high point. The vantage point should have a favorable wind for both the opening and a portion of the icy path on the water. Waterways, especially river valleys, funnel wind, so be conscious of that fact so your scent doesn’t channel exactly to where a coyote is likely to appear.
High locations might be too far from the water corridor to garner looks along the ribbon of water and any fields, or openings along the edge. Think whitetail. Hang a treestand beforehand using predominate wind histor,y or bring along a quick setup such as a tree saddle or climber stand. This elevation advantage allows you to see the playing field, plus shoot down into brush for coyotes that try to approach by zigzagging through thickets. A treestand also gives you a wind advantage by potentially carrying your scent over the top of a close coyote.
Frozen rivers attract coyotes for ease in traveling. Calling and overlooking these possible highways is a great tactic.
Upgrade to HuntStand Pro
Habitat zones across the country provide distinct challenges for coyote hunting setup success. You can put more advantages in your corner by utilizing a proven hunting app like HuntStand to dig through the habitat elements and narrow down a winning position.
Unlock access to public land maps, property boundaries, landowner data, offline maps, 3D mapping, and more with HuntStand Pro. Check out HuntStand Pro Whitetail for access to every map and feature available in the app. Compare HuntStand Pro and Pro Whitetail to find the right features for your next hunt.
Hunter Nelson has been dreaming of the day he’d get to tag his first buck. So, his father sets the stage by reconnecting with a long-time friend and ranch owner in Texas. After a long day of travel and a restless night, the first morning of the hunt comes quickly. But anticipation is high with the whitetail rut in full swing … and HuntStand’s Whitetail Activity Forecast is showing a great chance of deer movement.
Here’s a handful of top predator calls for 2023, with special deep discount codes to help you save big on your next predator quest.
Flextone Double Up Predator Combo
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Flextone calls give you the ability to vary tone, volume and inflection just like wild game. This combo pairs the Coyote Rage with the Dying Rabbit to lure predators wherever they roam. The Coyote Rage integrates a unique tone bulb at the end of the call for added realism. Easily create howls, yips and barks to send the pack your direction. The Dying Rabbit is a potent close-range coaxer and grabs their attention across longer distances. It’ll bring in coyotes, foxes and other predators. MSRP: $18.99 Use this 50%-off coupon code: PRED50
Flextone Coon Squaller
Click Here to Purchase Now with 50% Coupon Code: PRED50
Catch their beady little eyes by putting on a show they’ll never forget. The Coon Squaller is one of the top predator calls because it pokes at treed raccoons’ curiosity by recreating the noises of two fighting raccoons. The easy-blowing call features a soft body that you can easily twist and bend for natural-sounding inflection. Once you’ve got their eyes looking at you, it’ll be the last thing they ever see. MSRP: $10.99 Use this 50%-off coupon code: PRED50
There’s an awful lot of drama and intimidation in the air when it comes to gearing up to become a bowhunter. If your goal is to simply have fun and make meat, maybe you’re better off sticking to the basics in your bow setup and saving your energy (and budget) for time in the field. That was my mission as I went from “Build to Butcher” with HuntStand. I grabbed an inexpensive, RTH (Ready To Hunt) bowhunting package from Bear Archery, made a couple of easy upgrades, and I was ready to collect venison.
How Difficult Is Bowhunting?
“How difficult is it to hunt with a bow?” That’s typically the first question I get from prospective bowhunters. I’ve been bowhunting for nearly 20 years, and I spent a fair amount of time working in an archery pro shop. Thinking back on my experiences in the field and in the shop, I can’t answer that question without asking a prerequisite question of my own: “Why do you want to bowhunt?” It seems most people want to get into bowhunting simply to put meat in the freezer, and that’s a great reason!
If you’re not hoping to become a competitive shooter or bow ninja, getting started with bowhunting can be easy.
“How much will it cost to start bowhunting?” That’s almost always the next question as someone prepares to start their bowhunting journey. And thankfully, these days, the investment level to break the ice into bowhunting is quite reasonable.
What Kind of Bow Do You Need to Start Bowhunting?
Many people who are new to bowhunting don’t know where to start when they first step into an archery shop or begin researching gear online. It can be confusing and overwhelming. This is where it becomes a no-brainer to recommend a brand such as Bear Archery.
Bear Archery offers a wide range of compound bows and bow packages for every bowhunter. Regardless of experience level, you can walk out the door with a full setup that suits your budget–and have confidence that it will deliver more than enough performance to make consistent, ethical shots on animals if you do your part.
A premium bow setup like the Execute 32 will run more than a thousand dollars when fully accessorized. Or there’s the option to pick up a fully-rigged RTH bow package such as the Species EV for less than $500. RTH stands for “Ready To Hunt,” and these packages require minimal setup time from you or your local archery shop.
Premium Bow vs. Ready-to-Hunt Package
Beginner bowhunters need to consider budget, abilities, and limitations before swiping a card at the register. Most good bow shops will help steer you in the right direction when making a decision between one of the premium bow setups versus a ready-to-hunt package.
In my past life as an archery shop manager, I always managed to ask clients how serious they wanted to get with their new bowhunting pursuit. This would help guide the rest of the shopping experience.
Naturally, skepticism often arises when it comes to the quality of a low-cost bowhunting package. But if you consider the advances in archery technology and manufacturing capabilities during the past two decades, it’s easy to accept the fact that budget-priced bow packages can pack a serious punch.
Even as an advanced bowhunter, I’m highly impressed by the value of the RTH packages from Bear Archery.
The Species EV features an ergonomic grip and a smooth draw cycle, making this bow easy to settle into when shooting. With IBO-rated speeds of 320 fps, an axle-to-axle measurement of 30 inches, draw length adjustments from 23.5 inches to 30.5 inches, and a draw weight range of 55-70 pounds, this bow is more than capable of knocking down just about any North American big game animal.
If you’re looking to stretch out your effective range for elk, spend weeks in a treestand for that one shot at a mature white-tailed buck, or maybe try to win some loot at a Total Archery Challenge, then you might want to look at premium bows.
Experienced and serious bowhunters typically go the route of premium bows because of their fine craftsmanship and precision tuning flexibility. Also, most premium bows will be faster, lighter, and quieter than entry-level bows. On the other hand, if all you need is a bow to make consistently lethal shots on big game animals at reasonable distances, then a RTH package will serve you well. You can get everything you need in a RTH package at a fraction of the price of a premium bow.
Keep in mind that regardless of your choice in a new bow, generally you get what you give. Spend enough time to properly tune the bow and maximize its performance.
The Build
I decided to take the Species EV for a test drive to show that getting into bowhunting doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it might seem. Plus, my freezer was running dangerously low on venison, as that’s what my family eats for the majority of the year.
When you first grab the Species EV, you’ll notice it comes equipped with a Trophy Ridge 3-pin sight, Whisker Biscuit V rest, 6-inch stabilizer, and a 5-arrow quiver. For the beginner, these are the basic necessities to get started in an effort to punch a tag. If you’d like, pending budget limitations, you can make some additional upgrades like I did with Trophy Ridge to gain some benefits in your bow setup.
Upgrade #1: I chose to go with a React Trio Pro 3-Pin sight to extend my shooting distances with help from the React Technology. Plus, I like the fine-tuning adjustability that a “slider” sight provides. My max. comfort zone when shooting a compound bow sits at a steady 45 yards. This upgrade allows me to achieve that and more.
Upgrade #2: Your arrow rest is important, as it’s one of the controlling variables of arrow flight. While the Whisker Biscuit V is a reliable and proven rest, I chose to go with its near cousin, the Whisker Biscuit VMAX, as I was able to gain micro-adjustability for windage and elevation. This allowed for a more precise tune of my bow.
Upgrade #3: The next upgrade was more of a personal preference. I encourage you to test the waters with multiple accessories while you’re at the archery shop. Most shops will let you see how a product looks and feels on a bow. This is especially important with stabilizers, as you have to take into consideration vibration dampening and stabilization benefits.
A long stabilizer doesn’t bode well for most of my hunting scenarios at home in Texas, as ground blinds are more common than elevated platforms or treestands. A stabilizer longer than 10 inches gets in the way, and that’s why I chose to install the Shock Stop 8-inch stabilizer; it’s a lightweight, carbon-fiber stabilizer that eliminates vibration.
Upgrade #4: Lastly, a quiver is the cherry on top. I chose to finish up this bow with the Trophy Ridge Hex Light Quiver–it’s a 5-arrow quiver that has lights inside and on top. It’s easy to forget a headlamp or flashlight, and this quiver solves that problem. The top light can be used to illuminate your path through the field during early mornings and late evenings. Once you get to your blind or stand, use the second light to illuminate the inside of the quiver and cast light on your bow, providing just enough visibility to nock an arrow in the dark.
The Hunt
After getting the Species EV set up and dialed out to 40 yards, I made a mad dash to the deer stand on an early October afternoon. Texas, corn feeder … I would have an opportunity to put an arrow through a deer in no time! Boy, was I wrong.
With a full moon, hot weather, and acorns scattered everywhere, I didn’t get an opportunity to draw back for weeks, and my venison supply continued to dwindle. I wasn’t going after a target buck or any deer in specific. I was merely on a meat mission, whether it was a shooter buck or mature doe that presented the first shot opportunity. As deer hunting goes, this proved to be more of a challenge than originally thought.
Read: Expert Tips for Choosing a Hunting Knife
It’s a common misconception that everyone in Texas hunts behind high fences, but I can assure you this isn’t the case–especially for my hunt on our family property. It’s a low-fenced property with a free-ranging deer herd, and when acorns are dropping they become the primary food source. Most would say to move near the active acorns, but in the Hill Country of Texas there are thousands of live oak trees, and in the case of our farm I’m liable to bump deer off the property by getting too aggressive.
My patience grew thin after countless sits, but an opportunity finally surfaced with a lone doe on an early November morning.
Our Texas deer gave me a run for my money, but I was finally able to place a finely tuned arrow paired with a SIK SK2 mechanical broadhead through the vitals of a doe at 38 yards. She made it just 60 yards before lying down and expiring.
Thanks to the robust blood trail from the SK2, the recovery was swift and my freezer would be restocked. All I could think about was bacon-wrapped backstraps on the smoker, venison pot roast, and all the spoils of this hard-earned deer.
The Lesson
Circling back to the original question that inspired this bowhunting quest: “How difficult is it to hunt with a bow?”
Truth is, it’s pretty easy and inexpensive to acquire bowhunting gear and start slinging arrows with enough accuracy to make meat. But even for a Texas guy targeting whitetails on corn feeders, the real challenge of bowhunting always boils down to honing woodsmanship and practicing patience–and those are skills that can’t be bought.
GEAR LIST:
Bear Archery Species EV RTH Bowhunting Package
Trophy Ridge React Trio Pro Bow Sight
Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit VMAX Arrow Rest
Trophy Ridge Shock Stop 8-inch Stabilizer
Trophy Ridge Hex Light 5-Arrow Quiver
SIK SK2 Mechanical 100-grain Broadhead
LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 18-inch Rubber Hunting Boots
Work Sharp MK2 and Guided Field Sharpener
Josh Dahlke has been whitetail hunting for nearly 30 years, but this was the first season he made it a goal to exclusively target a mature buck. Follow his entire Wisconsin crossbow season all the way until the epic ending with “The Top Woods 8.”
We rounded up more than 20 of the best gifts for hunters in 2022, including special discount codes to help you save on your holiday shopping list. It’s time to hunt up the perfect gift for that special hunter in your life …
HuntStand Pro Whitetail
The new HuntStand Pro Whitetail membership gives you all the features of HuntStand Pro, plus an additional set of tools designed to help you target whitetails like never before. Discover the best times to hunt with the 7-Day Whitetail Activity Forecast (pictured above). We’ve also developed the first-ever nationwide Rut Map, with proven rut dates for the entire country. Once you’ve decided the best time and place to hunt, use HuntZone wind mapping to find where and when the wind will be in your favor. More exclusive Pro Whitetail features include Monthly Satellite Imagery, the Whitetail Habitat Map to help you find habitat most suitable for white-tailed deer, a Crop History layer, and National Aerial high-resolution imagery. Unlock all the new maps and tools in the HuntStand app today with an upgrade to HuntStand Pro Whitetail.
Cold Steel Engage 3.5-in. Folder
Click Here to Purchase Now with 20% Coupon Code: ENGAGE20
Great knives and gift giving? Perfect match. Built to be an everyday carry workhorse, the Engage is an easy-carrying folder with an ample 3.5-inch S35VN stainless steel blade for superior toughness and edge retention. Featuring Cold Steel’s patent-pending slide-action Atlas Lock that guarantees consistent, durable and reliable lockup, it’s completely ambidextrous and fully capable to meet any task. The easy gripping G-10 handle is overbuilt to be resilient, and the satin clip point blade allows for detailed and precise cutting. MSRP: $249.99 Use this 20%-off coupon code: ENGAGE20
Outdoor Edge RazorGuide Pak
All the hunting blades you’ll need in one handy pack? That’s the skinny on the new RazorGuide Pak from Outdoor Edge. Featured is the company’s patented RazorSafe replaceable blade change system. Included are two of Outdoor Edge’s most-popular knives—the RazorBone and the RazorCape. In addition, you also get the multipurpose Flip N Zip folding aluminum saw that works equally well on bone or wood. Both knives feature OE’s patented Replaceable Blade System and a host of different blade profiles, including two of the newly designed 3-inch caping blades, a single 3 ½-inch gutting blade, two 3 ½-inch drop-point blades and two 5-inch boning/fillet blades. Included is a premium waxed canvas roll pack, which converts into a belt scabbard. MSRP: $99.95
Muddy Morph Cellular Trail Camera
Muddy Morph BOGO Offer
The Morph cellular trail camera features quick-scan setup with a QR code to get it up and running in no time. For a limited time, buy one and get one free, a $189.99 value! (No discount code needed; offer provided at cart level.) The Morph features 0.4-second trigger speed and captures up to 26 megapixel photos or 1080P video at 30FPS. You also get your choice of low or high upload resolution for when images are sent to your phone via the COMMAND app. In addition, you get a 100-foot detection and IR range, and a burst mode that captures 1-9 images per triggering. Operates on eight AA batteries. MSRP: $189.99
Wildgame Innovations Encounter Cellular Trail Camera
Wildgame Innovations Encounter BOGO Offer
Here’s a ton of features packed into a smart, simple device. And right now you can buy one and get one free, a $139.99 value! (No discount code needed; offer provided at cart level.) The Encounter sends images via cellular network and works nationwide on any network. With new-and-improved onboarding setup via QR code, you’ll be ready to immediately receive images on your mobile device or desktop computer from anywhere. Further your scouting advantage by utilizing the latest HuntSmart features with functionality such as species recognition, advanced filtering capabilities, and more. Wildgame’s most streamlined cellular game camera yet is ready to go to work to help you #HuntSmarter, not harder. MSRP: $139.99
Mathews Phase4 Compounds
Wait. A new Mathews bow that drastically reduces vibration, and expands on the company’s unique Bridge-Lock accessories? That’s the exciting gist of the new Phase4 compounds that are available in 29- or 33-inch axle-to-axle lengths. New Resistance Phase Damping (RPD) Technology is engineered to drastically reduce vibration, and is compatible with a completely redesigned line of Bridge-Lock Stabilizers. That means the Phase4 is Mathews’ stealthiest hunting rig to date. The RPD tackles excess energy directly in the limbs, which significantly deadens and silences post-shot vibration. In addition, the new Bridge-Lock Stabilizers (available in 8-, 10-, and 12-inch lengths with eight finish options) offer improved balance points and a stiffer bow connection for added vibration dampening and enhanced stabilization. The Phase4 29 has a 6-inch brace height and accommodates draw lengths from 25.5-30 inches. The Phase4 33 has a 6.5-inch brace height and accommodates draw lengths from 27–31.5 inches. Starting at $1,299
Mission SUB-1 Crossbow
You don’t have to be told crossbows are more popular than ever. Designed to be the most accurate, quiet, easy-to-use crossbow on the market, the SUB-1 consistently delivers groups less than 1 inch at 100 yards. In addition, it features an innovative trigger system that has the ability to safely de-cock with the push of a button. With its compact frame and uncompromising commitment to high-quality materials, the SUB-1 promises a topnotch shooting experience. Starting at $1,899
Killer Instinct Swat X1 Crossbow
Use Code HUNTSTAND10 to Save 10% OFF Your Entire Order from Killer Instinct Crossbows
From whitetails to turkeys, hogs to western big game, our team loves using crossbows to notch tags. Killer Instinct Crossbows deliver high-end performance at reasonable prices. Click here to check out some of the crossbows, or right here to see full crossbow packages. The flagship SWAT X1 crossbow measures only 24.75 inches long and 6.25 inches wide when cocked, while generating massive speed and power from the highly efficient Synchronized X Cam. With 50% let-off, the narrow X1 can be cocked effortlessly by rope cocker, but also includes a Compact Silent Crank. The Accutac Barrel provides additional guidance and support to the crossbow arrow for unmatched broadhead accuracy at high speeds. The enclosed design also protects the arrow and broadhead for an extra layer of safety. A 3-pound trigger produces a clean break with zero creep for extended-range accuracy. MSRP: $1299.99. Use this 10%-off coupon code: HUNTSTAND10 (apply in “Order Summary” field at checkout)
SEVR Titanium 2.0 Broadhead
Team HuntStand has been shooting SEVR broadheads with great success since they launched 4 years ago. The latest in the SEVR lineup is the Titanium 2.0. A super-strength titanium ferrule and tip, combined with SEVR’s patented Lock-and-Pivot blades made of stainless steel, provide a deadly combination with extreme durability. These broadheads work equally well with lightning-fast crossbows or average-speed compounds. MSRP: $15.99/broadhead
Tenzing Hangtime Day Pack
Have a whitetailer in the family? The first pack of its kind designed specifically for treestand hunting is an ideal gift. The Hangtime features a rigid, EVA-molded shell that holds it shape for simplified use in the field. Utilize all 750 cubic inches inside the large main compartment, and react quickly with easy one-handed access through the front or top. Specialized storage space is plentiful for every piece of hunting gear imaginable: from specialized optics and game call pockets, to quiver attachment points and a removable bow carrier. MSRP: $219.99
Skull Hooker Little Hooker
Here’s a best-selling holiday gift that continues to earn fans. The affordable Little Hooker is a classy, minimalist way to display your Euro (skull) mounts. It’s easy to adjust so you can show off the best angle of your trophy. Designed specifically for smaller game (roughly a large deer-sized skull and smaller) such as hogs, aoudad, alligator, black bear, cougar, deer, and antelope. In addition, it also holds exotic medium game such as gazelle, impala, and more. Constructed of strong powder-coated steel and offered in two striking colors: robust brown and graphite black. MSRP: $34.99
Work Sharp Mk.2 Knife & Tool Sharpener
Here’s a gift all sportsmen can appreciate. Work Sharp has taken its professional flexible abrasive belt technology to the next level with the Mk.2 Knife & Tool Sharpener. It’s built to sharpen every knife you own, and it also sharpens scissors and a wide range of tools. The improvements to the Mk.2 maintain all the core features of the Original Knife & Tool Sharpener, yet bring meaningful new benefits. Spurred by customer feedback, you’ll find a new dual-speed control and an all-new sharpening guide design. Both deliver increased precision and repeatability. In addition, you’ll find ease of use and scratch-resistant leather linings. MSRP: $99.95
Muddy Prevue 2 See-Through Blind
Muddy Prevue 2 Blind BOGO Offer
What’s better than a feature-laden, cutting-edge hunting blind? Two of them, of course. This unique two-person blind with one-way see-through mesh construction offers superb concealment, and right now you can buy one and get one free, a $229.99 value! (No discount code needed; offer provided at cart level.) The Prevue 2 offers easy setup and heavy-duty construction. It features a 53×53-inch footprint and 67×67-inch shooting width. Included are three full-width panoramic windows with a zippered door entrance, and blacked-out interior. MSRP: $229.99
Hawk Reveal 3-Man Ground Blind
Hawk Reveal Blind BOGO Offer
Ideal for hunting with the kids, your buddies or with extra room, and right now you can get buy one and get one free, a $299.99 value! (No discount code needed; offer provided at cart level.) This roomy blind boasts an oversized 63×63-inch footprint and a whopping 73-inch standing height. Plus, a full 77×77-inch shooting width and two customizable horizontal front windows with silent sliding panels make you deadly from nearly any angle. The heavy-duty 600-denier fabric construction is water resistant and black backed to keep you sheltered from the elements and your movements masked. Includes a convenient storage bag with carry strap and eight durable steel stakes. MSRP: $299.99
Benelli BE.S.T. Lupo Bolt-Action Rifle
The Lupo continues to make our list of the best new hunting rifles with a few tweaks. New for 2022, Benelli’s industry-leading BE.S.T. surface treatment now adorns three of the Lupo’s popular big-game calibers. The .300 Win. Mag. is a formidable caliber for deer, especially out west. With a Crio-treated free-floating barrel attached to a hardened-steel barrel extension, all bedded to a steel block, the Lupo gives shooters sub-MOA accuracy. Benelli has always been known for their spacers and customizable shotguns, and that’s extended to the Lupo lineup. The Combtech cheek pad also carried over, increasing comfort. The .300 Win. Mag. features the Elevated II stock finish and a matte Labrador gray BE.S.T. 24-inch barrel. Overall weight is 7.1 lbs. MSRP $1,899
Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint
Introduced in late 2020, but hard to find until the past year, this gun that is available in .308 Win. (7.62x51mm NATO) as well as 6.5 PRC and 6.5 Creedmoor is not for the casual hunter. Springfield Armory has been known for its attention to detail and accuracy since its inception. With a .75 MOA guarantee, you know that you’re buying a quality rifle. The Model 2020 Waypoint featured here has a custom-painted evergreen camo stock that’s made of lightweight carbon fiber, and features a 3-axis adjustable cheek comb. In addition, the receiver is green Cerakote and the 20-inch barrel is fluted, 416 stainless steel, with green Cerakote, and has a 1:10 twist. With an overall length of 41.5 inches, the 2020 Waypoint comes in at just 7 lbs. 11 oz. Other features include a Picatinny rail mount with REM 700 SA pattern, a fluted Nitride bolt, and a TriggerTech adjustable trigger. MSRP $1,923
Boyds Agility Performance Gunstocks
You don’t have to be a gunsmith to make some powerful changes to your rifle. One of the best (and easiest) upgrades you can make is to your gunstock. If you know how to turn a screwdriver or a wrench, in a matter of minutes you can enhance the performance of your rifle with a Boyds hardwood gunstock. The new Agility gunstock from Boyds is a drop-in-ready stock offered in 14 colors. Custom cosmetics are cool and all, but the real benefits come in the overall design of this stock, including adjustable length of pull, an adjustable cheek riser, a comfortable vertical grip, and 14 beautiful color options. Starting at $237
Muddy Viking Hang-On Treestand
Muddy Viking BOGO Offer
The Viking is Muddy’s lightest-weight hang-on treestand. At 15 pounds, it’s an efficient and economical stand if you’re looking to deck out your hunting property to give you plenty of flexibility for sits throughout the season. Its slim profile and low weight also make it a reasonable stand for hauling into hang-and-hunts when it’s time to make a game-time move on a bruiser buck. Get yours now to take advantage of the limited-time buy-one-get-one-free promotion. (No discount code needed; offer provided at cart level.)
LaCrosse Navigator Series
A successful hunt requires thinking on your feet, always anticipating the unpredictable. Help them adjust to their surroundings and explore confidently with the immediate comfort and flexibility of the Navigator Series. The Lodestar, Windrose, and Atlas hunting boots are designed to keep you steady and agile, while traversing through every type of terrain. Starting at $180