I am done shooting small bucks
It was an emotional rollercoaster of a season. All I wanted was an eight point buck. I will save the story for another time, but it didn’t happen. But what did happen changed my whole perspective on...
View ArticleTeaching the ‘why’ behind hunting
I am a big supporter of teaching the 'why' behind hunting, especially to the youth in my Maine community. So I offered to bring a bear rug and skulls into my daughter's kindergarten class, and it was...
View ArticleThe shot that will haunt me
In December 2021, my grandfather passed away. Weeks before, I jumped him when I came bursting into his house to tell him and my Grammie that I had shot a buck and had completed my Grand Slam. He...
View ArticleThe best wild game dinner
Hunters are always asked if they eat the animals that they hunt. Bear is one of the most asked about animals. After I accomplished my grand slam, I offered to host a wild game dinner for people to try...
View ArticleThe awe of a fawn
Last August, I had the opportunity to get a fawn that had been hit by a car. I called the warden, got a tag and it was off to the taxidermist. Maybe a little morbid, but unless you are willing to use a...
View ArticleWhat to bring on a moose hunt
Congratulations! You won a moose permit. Now, the work begins. Assume you are going to spend six days in the woods and choppings of Maine. Those hours away from camp are spent searching and walking...
View ArticleWhat you want to know but are afraid to ask your guide
When I was drawn for my moose permit, I hired a guide to help. My friend John Floyd is a Registered Maine Guide and the owner of Tucker Ridge Outdoors in Webster Plantation, Maine. After talking about...
View ArticleShould trail cameras be illegal?
Seven trail cameras with my name on them are strategically placed on our property. Most I keep out year round to track which animals are moving through. Once deer hunting season gets closer, Dad puts...
View ArticleThe thrill of your first deer
Growing up in Millinocket, my friend Matt was surrounded by family members who were passionate hunters. He developed a deep love of the outdoors and exploring the woods and waters of Maine. But, like...
View ArticleNew hunter shoots dream buck
I skim the hunting Facebook groups for photos of amazing deer during hunting season. My favorite are those of successful female hunters. I love the photos of incredible deer that are what (almost)...
View ArticleThe end of my deer hunting goals
My phone showed 4am. There were photos from the cell cameras. With one eye open, I started scrolling and saw one of the big bucks. He had been in the same spot days earlier and had made a 5 hour...
View ArticleThe trick to hunting: always be learning
I have hunted deer for more than half my life. Every season is different and I learn or observe new things all the time. It is how you get better and more proficient. This season, the lesson blew my...
View ArticleTwo big bucks in one day
I listened to the ravens, crows and turkeys fight over the morning’s gut pile. I was still giddy about my success as I climbed into the treestand, almost within sight of the Sky Condo. Motion to my...
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