Friday, May 27, 2011

Curious Bear

I often get asked what it is I do that helps me to get so many predators every season, especially at the close distances I generally shoot them at. The answer is generally the same: I utilize the basics. I choose stands based on terrain and animal activity, I move as quietly as I can, and I stay still once I get to the stand. Many hunters want some kind of high-speed, low-drag answer - some kind of secret ingredient. While there are a few things that I do to ensure my success, it's the basics of predator hunting that will put fur in front of you.

The guy in the following video isn't predator calling, but it really shows how keeping still and staying quiet can bring the animals in close; in this case almost too close.

Click here to watch the video: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=134_1288992280

Monday, May 9, 2011

Predator Xtreme - Accuracy Training Article

This month in Predator Xtreme you'll find a few really good articles, including tips on calling bears and radical tactics for coyotes. You'll also find my article entitled "Get Your Hits!" It's about accuracy training and how to make sure that when predators show up to your stand that they don't leave breathing.

Not a subscriber to Predator Xtreme magazine? Subscribe here.

Recreational shooting is a lot of fun, and can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and even blow off some steam. When you decide to train, however, you should train with a purpose - in this case it's putting more fur on the ground. Setup your "Predator Practice" with as much realism as you can and you'll not only enjoy it, but it will build shooting skills that will pay off when you need them most.

If you're interested in quality firearms training, whether for hunting or for self-defense, contact me through my training organization, Independence Firearms Training. We train primarily private individuals and groups, and we are available to travel anywhere in the United States.


And since my season has died down, here's a picture from the files of yesterday. I shot this coyote a few years ago from a standing offhand position at about 60 yards - my calling partner, Rich Higgins, hadn't even seen the coyote yet when I took the shot. Practice pays off!