The Perfect Place to Hunt Predators

When you think about it, bird preserves are the perfect place to hunt predators. In such settings predators have become conditioned to hunting an easy food source. As birds are released, sometimes daily, for several months during the year, the food supply is relatively constant.And it's not just cripples. Even healthy birds within many preserves are weak fliers when compared to wild birds. 

So preserve birds missed by hunters often fly only short distances, keeping a high retention of bird numbers within a relatively small area. Likewise, pen-raised birds often hold tighter than wild birds, meaning approaching predators might be able to pounce on them before they even take flight. With so many birds holding tight, and covering more ground on foot than on the wing, preserves are heaven for predators. Once predators get a whiff, and taste, of what it's like hunting on a preserve, you'll never run them off.

For bird preserves that have been around for decades, several generations of predators might have been raised on them. They're accustomed to humans and human scent. Not that a predator hunter should give up the wind when hunting preserves, but the animals he's after are used to human scent and activity. In fact, some predators simply don't care.

Predators are such a large problem on some preserves that professional shooters are called in to hunt them from airplanes or helicopters. Recently, while at a sport show in the West, I asked the owner of a bird preserve about the possibility of my coming out to do some coyote hunting. "Just last weekend I had to hire a plane to come in and shoot," he told me. "They took 29 coyotes off the place, so now might not be a good time for you. Give me a call later in the spring, as the coyotes will be back in there, thick."

The best time to hunt preserves is during off-days, when no bird hunters are in the field. However, some preserves operate, every day that it's legal to hunt. So the next best time to hunt predators is usually in the evenings, when bird hunters have left the field, and coyotes and such start moving around to scrape up lost and escaped birds.

Hunting within preserves enables hunters to take a different approach than they would when pursuing predators in less food-laden surroundings. For instance, in some states, electronic feeders can be used to keep escaped birds in the area to hunt or recapture. Often the automated feeder is set to kick on prior to dusk. Birds that have escaped hunters, especially bobwhite quail, start calling, and gathering at the feeder then.

Not only is the sound of an electric feeder going off a dinner bell for missed birds, it rings in predators as well. In fact, I've talked to some hunters who don't even call in such situations. They simply set up, within range of the feeder, wait for it to kick on, and pick off predators as they come in to feast on birds.

Due to the open, sometimes flat terrain in which many bird preserves are situated, hunting predators from ground blinds can be an excellent option. In addition to offering 360 degrees of concealment, there's also 360 degrees of visibility. This can be a big advantage when hunting predators who aren't as wind-cautious and are used to being around human scent, because they might approach from any angle.

For the same reason, tree stands can be very effective. Tree stands are perfect to hunt the edges of woodlots surrounded by tall grass, as well as near feeders where it can be tough to find concealment except in a tree where leaves and branches provide cover.

Decoys are valuable hunting tools. They can draw predators into close range for a shot. Aggressive preserve animals often react to the most subtle of decoys. Last winter, I hid at the edge of a field, hoping to call a coyote. The preserve I hunted was fairly new, less than three months old, but the coyotes had already staked it out as a food source.

I tied the broken wing of a pheasant to a string, then hung it from a branch. Then came a few bird-in-distress sounds, and a coyote soon appeared at the edge of an oak thicket. Within minutes another yapper popped up, then another. All three were interested, and began to slowly move toward the sound. When they caught a glimpse of the moving wing flapping in the breeze, the race was on. Unfortunately, the young man who accompanied me grew a bit anxious and moved. The coyotes spotted him and scampered off. Preserve coyotes might be less wary than their pressured brethren elsewhere, but at some point natural caution kicks in.

Bird distress calls are very effective when calling on preserves. No surprises there. They'll work on both coyotes and foxes, and if you're out West where badgers can be hunted, bird sounds work wonders on those aggressive members of the weasel family.

While bird calls work well, don't forget jackrabbit or cottontail distress sounds. Bunnies inhabit shooting preserves across the country, and are part of the prey base.

As for weapon selection, there are no limits unless the owner tells you differently. However, one setup might be more limiting than the next, so be prepared for any range. One preserve I hunted consisted of small open fields surrounded by thick stands of timber. And though the surrounding properties were well out of shotgun range, it was not a good place in which to fire a rifle. For this hunt, a shotgun was the necessary choice.

On another preserve I hunted, hunting stopped at a set time late in the afternoon out of courtesy to the neighbors. That meant bows and crossbows were the best choice for evening predator hunts.

If you're looking for a new place to hunt predators, give bird preserves a try. Make your contacts well ahead of when you want to hunt, so you know what you're getting into. It's frustrating to knock on a door, seeking permission to hunt, only to learn an airplane has just flown the area, or another hunter beat you to it.

By doing your homework, a new door to great hunts can open. Bird preserves are big business across the nation, and every bird that's lost to a predator costs the preserve owner money. Do the research, make the phone calls, and you might secure some great predator hunting opportunities, right in your backyard.

About the Author

So if you are planning for whitetail deer hunting outfitters in North America then aoudad hunting would be best option and make sure to have ram hunting .

Why having the safest hunting equipment is a must when hunting

Hunting is the fascinating sport activity for majority of people. Not only is good quality hunting equipment necessary but also you need to ensure complete safety. Now-a-days a variety of hunting equipment are available in the market which are modernized and assures a safe and pleasant hunting experience. A small careless mistake during hunting can cripple the life of someone. Therefore, utilizing safest hunting equipment is very important while hunting. Safe hunting equipment reduces the risk of accidents and can save the life of the user some day.

There are different types of hunting equipment for emergency situations. It includes high quality rifles or hunting weapons, first- aid box, knife and saw, a loud whistle, long rope, cell phones, shelter blankets, marker tapes, plastic bags and adequate food and water. If all these hunting equipment are not carried then the hunting task may prove to be harsh. Another versatile machine used while hunting is ATVs. Most of the ATVs have large bodies to store all the hunting equipment. The ATV machine is used because the hunters have to pass through various unpleasant environments which come in the way of hunting.

Hunting can also become a dangerous recreational activity so a hunting weapon should be well-equipped and easy to handle. As it is the most essential hunting equipment, is safety and sound features are important. The hunters should know how to use their weapons and should be fully loaded to avoid panic in the emergency. The best hunting equipment and weapon include new rifles, rifle cases, powder, archery target, hunting arrows, etc. If the person is traveling alone for the hunting activity, a walkie-talkie or a cell phone is a must to contact somebody in the emergency situation. Hunting areas are usually surrounded with bushes and trees, so a marker tape can be used to track back if the hunter is lost. Hunting might go for many days, so adequate food and enough water can sustain the hunter for a long time. Since accidents, either minor or major, are most common during hunting, the hunter should carry handy first-aid boxes or medical kits as it provides immediate medical care.

A right kind of clothing is vital during the hunt as it gives complete protection against various weather conditions. The hunter should ensure bright clothing so that other hunters can differentia them from wildlife. Insects and poisonous plants are usual in hunting areas, so the hunters should have enough shelter blankets or clothes. Hunting equipment like life jackets, maps, flashlights, etc. are important while handling emergency situation. A full body hunting harness is the safe hunting equipment for many hunters. A hunting harness can save the life of the hunter if he/she has fallen asleep during the course of hunting.

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Good quality and safe Hunting equipment are essential to experience the overall enjoyment of the hunt. Besides all the necessary hunting equipment, it is essential that the hunter adopts a calm and positive attitude to carry out a safe hunting experience.

Duck Hunting In Arkansas

When you think of incredible Mallard hunting, only one place comes to mind; Stuttgart, Arkansas. Stuttgart is known as the Rice and Duck Capital of the World.� Hunting waterfowl in Southeast Arkansas is not considered a pastime, but rather a way of life. Anyone who enjoys wing shooting at its finest must make this trip to the Mecca of duck hunting at least once in their lifetime.

Below you will find some interesting questions and answers about duck hunting in Arkansas.

Question: When is the best time to come and hunt in Arkansas?

Answer: Depends on the season. Weather, water, and food sources all play a role in your hunting success. By planting food supplies you put the odds in your favor for having 60 days of quality hunting. While it doesnt guarantee anything, it always helps to put the odds in your favor. 

Question: Do I need waders?

Answer: Yes, waders will cover any hunting situation you face while also providing extra insulation to keep you warm and dry.

Question: What kind of ducks are hunted?

Answer: Generally the Mallard duck is the most popular duck among hunters. Early in the season you will have a very mixed bag wherever you are hunting. By mid December the rice fields and timber will produce mostly Mallards. Reservoir hunting and bayou hunting will always produce a mixed bag for the entire season. It all depends on the hunting area.

Question: Should I bring my dog?

Answer: Dogs are welcome but must be controllable. Often times the hunting is fast and furious for the first hour of the hunt. If one person in your group is trying to train a new dog during that time, the success rate could be greatly diminished.

Question: When should I book my hunt?

Answer: Arkansas sets its duck season at the end of August. As soon as you can get your party together it is a very good idea to send your deposit and book. That way you get the days you want. I realize it's often a hassle to try and get four or five guys together to book a December hunt in August. Plan ahead because booking is usually on a first come first serve basis.

Question: Will my group be mixed with another group?

Answer: Guides usually do not like to mix groups when they are taking hunters. It all depends on the size of your group. If you bring at least four hunters, you will be guaranteed to be hunting only with your group. If you bring eight hunters, they will most likely split your group down and take two groups of four. It isnt feasible to pay a guide to take one guy hunting and burn down a hole. Anyone who tells you they are willing to do that is probably not being honest.

Question: What type of shotgun and shot size should I use?

Answer: Most adult male hunters prefer a 12 gauge shotgun for duck hunting. They typically shoot a modified choke and shoot number 2, 3, or 4 steel shot depending on where they are hunting. Some hunters who are experienced marksman prefer to shoot a full choke and increase their range. It depends strictly on the preference of the hunter.

Where to lodge: Retriever Lodge is a duck guiding operation that specializes in small groups. We hunt exclusively on private ground and offer some of the finest rice field and flooded timber hunting known to the area. We provide the atmosphere of a buddy hunt rather than that of a commercial operation. This helps to guarantee an enjoyable hunt, and gives you a true experience of an Arkansas duck hunt.

Retriever Lodge hunts exclusively on privately owned ground. We own several thousand acres of prime duck hunting habitat in the heart of Arkansas County. We have rice fields, soybean fields, dead timber reservoirs, bayou hunting, and green timber hunting. All of our hunting areas are managed to provide optimal hunting. The key to good duck hunting is food. We plant many of our areas exclusively for the ducks. Most of these crops are left standing and periodically flooded throughout the season. We plant rice, milo, and millet in all of our reservoirs and green timber holes. We do not hunt any of our hunting areas over twice a week, and try to let the ducks rest in these areas as much as possible. During the season we check each of our hunting areas to prepare for the next days hunt. Last year Retriever Lodge killed 2505 ducks on our privately owned ground. Two of our groups killed over 225 ducks in a 3 day period. We manage year-round for the ducks. My family owns a fertilizer plant and farms, and we use our labor to work on our hunting areas in our spare time. Two of my employees are basically working on hunting areas full time. I also fly my airplane to scout hunting areas so we dont disturb the ducks. We take the time and dedicate ourselves to provide exceptional hunting. I personally do not like to go on a bad duck hunt and I really dont like taking people on a poor hunt. While we cant guarantee success, we do everything possible to put the odds in our favor.

See our site at Retrieverlodge.com

About the Author

Established writer for the Retrieverlodge.com website.