GoWild officially released SquatchBot, a mad scientist creation that combines the folklore legend Sasquatch with the power of artificial intelligence. The furry chatbot is live on the <a href="https://downloadgowild.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoWild social media app</a> and is actively helping thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.
GoWild, a social gear shop for anglers and hunters, has a feature that allows members to ask questions of the community. This feature uses the platform&rsquo;s algorithm to find other members who are knowledgeable with the question topic. With the addition of AI chatbot, members get an immediate answer to their question from SquatchBot. Members can also ask SquatchBot questions via direct message.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVWgR6LIfeU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
GoWild quietly launched a beta version of SquatchBot in early December 2022. The company monitored and refined the bot for several months, fine tuning his responses to be more accurate. The product is now live for everyone in the app, and is actively being trained on content he creates, as well as historical content.
SquatchBot&rsquo;s creator and GoWild Cofounder, Chief Development Officer, Chris Gleim, predicts that SquatchBot will make hunting forums and Facebook Groups obsolete when it comes to Q&amp;A.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
&ldquo;When you ask redundant questions in forums or Facebook groups, generally one of two things happen: you&rsquo;re either scolded for asking something that has already been asked, or you are ignored because people grow tired of answering the same questions. SquatchBot never tires of helping, and is constantly digesting historical content to make him smarter.&rdquo; - Chris Gleim
</blockquote>
Gleim and a small team within GoWild built proprietary tools to automate the training of SquatchBot, which consists of both human reviews of content, and building automated feedback loops.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;As the community interacts with his content, such as upvoting his comments, we learn what answers were helpful, and what weren&rsquo;t. This is helping us build an AI mentor who has digested years of outdoor content online and is now learning from our community&rsquo;s experts.&rdquo; - Chris Gleim
</blockquote>
Over the last few weeks, SquatchBot has yielded great advice across hundreds of posts:
<ul>
<li>SquatchBot recommended 5 books on training bird dogs to a member who had a 6 month old puppy.</li>
<li>He broke down the primary differences between fixed broadheads vs. mechanicals for a new archer.</li>
<li>When someone said they had a mink eating their chickens, SquatchBot gave a list of tips for live trapping minks.</li>
<li>He recommended a Jetboil Flash Cooking System for backcountry hunts due to its light weight and efficiency.</li>
<li>SquatchBot helped a member who was tanning a hide and trying to decide if he should pickle his fur or not. The bot provided specific examples of when to pickle.&nbsp;</li>
<li>He gave a list of tips on training a member&rsquo;s dog for shed antlers.</li>
<li>SquatchBot helped someone traveling through Lexington, Ky. find half a dozen lakes for fishing within driving distance.</li>
</ul>
To try out SquatchBot, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/app/gowild/id1237419907" target="_blank" rel="noopener">download GoWild for iPhone</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gowild.gowildandroid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android,</a> and create an account. Tap + in the bottom menu, then toggle &ldquo;Mark my post as a question&rdquo; or you can message him directly by searching for his account.&nbsp;

GoWild officially released SquatchBot, a mad scientist creation that combines the folklore legend Sasquatch with the power of artificial intelligence. The furry chatbot is live on the GoWild social media app and is actively helping thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.

GoWild officially released SquatchBot, a mad scientist creation that combines the folklore legend Sasquatch with the power of artificial intelligence. The furry chatbot is live on the GoWild social media app and is actively helping thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.

GoWild, a social gear shop for 

GoWild introduces Sasquatch-inspired AI chatbot to defeat forum trolls for good

Turkey Hunting

Bass Fishing

Hike, Camp, Cook

Whitetail Deer Hunting

Houndsmen

The first hunting season continues&nbsp;
Part Two&nbsp;&nbsp;
By: Joel Herrling&nbsp;
Columbus Day Weekend was finally here and after all the preparations, we thought we were ready to get in the woods for youth season, just my son and me. He seemed enthusiastic; hopefully, he would have an opportunity to harvest his first whitetail successfully. The farmer had recently chopped the corn at our old family farm, which was where we were headed. The first morning, he was exhausted from having football practice all week so I let him sleep in. It wasn&rsquo;t until that afternoon that we were able to get out. My plan was for him to have a good experience and if this meant sleeping in then so be it.&nbsp;
Mid-October brought mild weather and with the whitetails not rutting, we settled between a food source and a tall grass bedding area. As the light faded, a doe and fawn made their way through the grass. Something I don&rsquo;t like doing is shooting does with fawns, after an experience I had when I first started hunting. I don&rsquo;t think he understood as I tried to explain it to him, but it would be short-lived as three good-sized does came out of the thicket. He was eager to shoot one of them, picking up the gun and resting it on the ledge. Putting the crosshairs on her shoulder, I reminded him to breathe before he took the shot.&nbsp;
Unfortunately, the rifle he was using had a three-stage trigger, he had been anxious enough that he had thought he flipped it, but he hadn&rsquo;t. It was the same rifle we had practiced with, but in a nervous tone, he questioned why he had pulled the trigger, and nothing happened. As quickly as I could, I looked at the safety and realized the mistake that was made. It wasn&rsquo;t all the way flipped up but as soon as we could get him back in position the doe saw us fiddling around and ran off. I joked with him that this was probably the first of numerous opportunities that wouldn&rsquo;t go the way he thought. That was it for the rest of our evening sit, quite disappointed with this outcome.&nbsp;
He was determined to try the next morning again. After some coercing, he was up, and we headed back out to the farm but to a different location. Trail cameras had shown numerous does feeding through this spot the last few mornings since the corn had been cut. The sun started to rise, and he saw the world come to life, one of the great things about spending time in nature. After a half hour or so, we had a doe and fawn come through, again having to explain to him that I didn&rsquo;t think he should shoot. We watched them work through the tall grass, telling him to observe them so that he could see how they behaved and moved. The rest of the morning was lackluster, so we headed down to get some breakfast. That afternoon was more of the same and brought no activity.&nbsp;
The next morning was Columbus Day, and he had football practice in the morning so I went into work for a couple of hours. We got out to another property behind the house where we had permission to hunt. It was warm, and we sweated as we made our way to the blind. Tucked in a hedgerow between an alfalfa field and corn field. We struck out again with no movement but had a flock of turkeys walk by us. He informed me wanted to try turkey hunting come May, which I was excited to hear!
&nbsp;
Although he was unable to harvest his first whitetail with the limited time we had, his curiosity had been sparked. Both he and I learned some things as we spent some time in the whitetail woods. It's not just about harvesting but getting to spend time together, which is rare with all the hustle and bustle of our schedules. To be able to show him something that I enjoy doing and seeing him start to enjoy it as well really captured my emotions. Hopefully, we can get out in May for youth turkey season.

Although he was unable to harvest his first whitetail with the limited time we had, his curiosity had been sparked. Both he and I learned some things as we spent some time in the whitetail woods. It's not just about harvesting but getting to spend time together, which is rare with all the hustle and bustle of our schedules.

Although he was unable to harvest his first whitetail with the limited time we had, his curiosity had been sparked. Both he and I learned some things as we spent some time in the whitetail woods. It's not just about harvesting but getting to spend time together, which is rare with all the hustle and

Part 2: Hunting Takes On New Meanings To A Parent Hunting With Their Children

The first hunting season begins
Part One&nbsp;
By: Joel Herrling&nbsp;
This moment has been percolating for years if not a decade, ever since his uncle gifted him a lifetime hunting license shortly after being born. Finally, that time is here. The New York State Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt, which occurs every Columbus Day weekend, is rapidly approaching. My eldest son can finally experience the thrill of chasing these majestic whitetails. Hopefully able to understand his father&rsquo;s passion, well, unhealthy obsession is more like it. To see why dad spends all year long consumed with chasing these magnificent creatures.&nbsp;
In 2021, New York finally passed a law in which 12- and 13-year-old licensed hunters can hunt deer with a rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader. Youths are allowed and encouraged to hunt with a mentor during the southern zone regular firearms season. However, this special three-day youth hunt gives them opportunities right at the start of archery season here in New York. Youth hunters must be under the supervision of a licensed hunter (aged 21 years or older) with at least three years of deer hunting experience. The mentor also needs to be in physical control over the youth hunter and both are required to wear either fluorescent orange or pink clothing. I did get a blaze orange beanie for my son from the crew over at The Okayest Hunter. Hopefully, it can be proven as his lucky hat, making memories for years to come.&nbsp;
First, I was not raised in a hunting family, and it was not until my late twenties that I started the journey. Everything I have learned has been through my own experiences with the help of a few close friends. Deep down, I have always feared that this would somehow affect whether my sons chose to hunt. Worrying about how I initiated them into the hunting lifestyle, whether it was the right way or not. Despite this, I have done my best to introduce them to everything the outdoors offers so they can make their own decisions when the time comes. Ever since both were capable of walking, my wife and I have taken them outdoors, and both have been around hunting-related activities since early on. It may not seem like much, but just taking your children to check trail cameras can spark this passion that we want to continue to pass on.&nbsp;
Both boys think nothing of it now when they come home and see a deer hanging in the garage during the season. Letting them explore the woods and water has led them to want to be involved in the skinning and processing of wild game. It was a fine line to not force it on them, but I knew it was something they&rsquo;d have to experience.&nbsp; When their interest levels perked up, I enhanced it at every opportunity. This has also aided in taking them to the stand when I hunted, especially during the early warmer weather season.&nbsp;
For the oldest one, getting his license was contingent on passing a Hunter Safety class, and given the recent pandemic, it was allowed to be done online. Having developed a newfound response, I really appreciate all instructors who volunteer their time teaching our future generation of hunters.&nbsp;
Weeks before the youth season, we headed to the range to get him comfortable with firearms. Despite both boys shooting their bows and arrows in the backyard with me, this was a different and eye-opening experience. The lessons that are taught about firearm safety are critical, allowing me to reinforce what he had seen in the safety class with some firsthand experience. Our main aim was to get him familiar with what to expect in shooting a gun. The trigger squeeze, noise, and recoil can be a lot to take in. We started off with a .22 Long Rifle that was given to him by my grandfather. Once we established some reassurance, we moved on to a larger caliber rifle.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
From conversations we have had recently, I believe he is excited to harvest his first deer. My only hope is that he is just as excited to hunt with his father as I am to share this moment with him finally. Eager to see if I have sparked his passion for hunting whitetails and if the methods used will enable him to enjoy it. Stay tuned for part two to see how we fared in the woods during the youth season, wish him luck!

My eldest son can finally experience the thrill of chasing these majestic whitetails. Hopefully able to understand his father’s passion, well, unhealthy obsession is more like it. To see why dad spends all year long consumed with chasing these magnificent creatures. 

Hunting Takes On New Meanings To A Parent Hunting With Their Children

by Jeremy Koerber,&nbsp;<a href="https://stayfittohunt.com/shop/workouts?utm_source=GoWild&amp;utm_medium=Story&amp;utm_campaign=challengeLoseTurkey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fit to Hunt</a>
Brace yourself: The New Year has dawned and with it will come a plethora of gym marketing, fat loss solicitations, program pitches, and more! It can be overwhelming and without the right team in your corner, may not produce the result you envision. Make no mistake, we want you to move. It&rsquo;s the whole premise behind #FitToHunt, but what follows in the next few paragraphs will be the difference between another year of regret or truly being prepared for your outdoor adventures.
&nbsp;
<h2>The right program</h2>
Spoiler Alert: The best exercise program is the one you will do consistently. It does not matter if it is a morning regimen of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmFCOfVV4ms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">push-ups,</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BZFe47gXJk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">air squats,</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWaqPoDwNqs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tube rows,</a> consistent activity will improve performance in the field. The big question is, which program? The Internet is full of both free and paid exercise programs. There are boot camps and personal training studios in every town. Online coaching allows fitness professionals to train you anytime, anywhere. How do you make a decision? It could come down to things like:
<ul>
<li>Age and fitness level</li>
<li>Ability to train (time and commitment level)</li>
<li>Available equipment (home or commercial gym)</li>
<li>Level of discipline and how hard you like to train</li>
<li>The credentials and experience of the coach</li>
<li>Do you feel the vibe of the program and/or coach</li>
</ul>
A lot of programs, including ours, may contain exercises like burpees and kettlebell swings but those are not one size fits all movement patterns. And we have trained many clients to prepare for elk hunts without ever prescribing a burpee or explosive movement due to orthopedic issues. The bottom line is, whatever you do, if you are even 10% better than you are today, you will perform better. Figure out the style and vibe of the program that fits your personality and preferences then get after it!
<h2>Making an investment</h2>
How do you buy? Is it based on emotion, logic, or a bit of both? Everyone wants to train until they find out the cost of the program, trainer, or workout module, but let me ask you this: How much are you paying for that upcoming hunt? How much gear have you purchased in the last year? If you are in need of improving your physical ability to chase turkeys this spring or have booked a bucket list elk hunt in Montana this fall, you need to change your mindset from price points to investing in the most important piece of hunting gear you own; you. Can you do this on your own?&nbsp; Maybe but what I would recommend is looking at previous years. If you fizzle out on your fitness goals in only a few weeks, hiring a coach may be the thing you need to prepare for your hunt and build the lifestyle that allows you to hunt for a lifetime.
<h2>Earning our money</h2>
I have been creating functional fitness programs for clients for 25 years and if you combine the years of service of the #FitToHunt team, we have roughly 45 years of experience helping clients build sustainable lifestyles. Creating workouts is easy. Helping clients navigate through the minefield of life is where we earn our money. A coach will look at things through a different lens, and will be able to help with mindset, discipline, movement &amp; nutritional adjustments and overall support. If done right, you will also have a lifelong friend. This is the main difference between finding a random program on Google vs. entering a community of like-minded individuals who have one goal: Helping you achieve yours!
Where are you stuck? We love connecting with our friends on GoWild. Please shoot us a direct message through the app or email us at&nbsp;<a style="color: #0063ae; letter-spacing: normal;" href="mailto:info@stayfittohunt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@stayfittohunt.com</a>
<a style="color: #0063ae; letter-spacing: normal;" href="https://stayfittohunt.com/shop/workouts?utm_source=GoWild&amp;utm_medium=Story&amp;utm_campaign=turkeymoves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://gowild-content.imgix.net/pages/CTA+button.png" alt="" width="478" height="46" /></a>

Brace yourself: The New Year has dawned and with it will come a plethora of gym marketing, fat loss solicitations, program pitches, and more! It can be overwhelming and without the right team in your corner, may not produce the result you envision. Make no mistake, we want you to move. It’s the whole premise behind #FitToHunt, but what follows in the next few paragraphs will be the difference between another year of regret or truly being prepared for your outdoor adventures.


Brace yourself: The New Year has dawned and with it will come a plethora of gym marketing, fat loss solicitations, program pitches, and more! It can be overwhelming and without the right team in your corner, may not produce the result you envision. Make no mistake, we want you to move. It’s the whol

Coaching Matters | Get a Fitness Coach For Hunting | Fit To Hunt

Coaching Matters | Get a Fitness Coach For Hunting

<h2 dir="ltr">Fine tune your hunting set up for more success chasing whitetails</h2>
By: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/greg_tubbs/">Greg Tubbs</a> | <a href="https://www.okayesthunter.com/">Okayest Hunter</a>
Getting organized can be difficult for most of us, between work, home life, and the occasional curveball. It's tough to keep track of everything. Your hunting gear is no exception! Some of us try to pick up where we left off last season only to find out something is missing, damaged or needs to be laundered. No big deal if you start the process early enough. Many do not.
<h3 dir="ltr">Fine Tune Your Weapon and Ammo</h3>
Part of my process starts already after Spring Turkey season in May. It's time for me to start shooting my bow. Tuning arrows and shooting broadheads. If there's anything that needs to be repaired, replaced, or re-tuned on a bow. Spring is a good time to start. Archery shops aren't as busy so you can take advantage of quicker turnaround times on any repairs. If you need to take a little more time to get things in tune. You're not under the stress of needing your bow for a hunt the next day. Order your new arrows and get them dialed. You'll have the time to paper tune and make sure every arrow in your quiver shoots perfectly. Shoot your arrows with broadheads. If need be, you can go back to the archery shop to make any significant bow adjustments to get everything flying perfectly. Now one of the most critical pieces to the hunt is ready!
<h3 dir="ltr">Break Out The Tools!</h3>
The next item on my to-do list is looking at the gear I used to kill deer. I'm talking about my stand, sticks, saddle platform, and safety gear. The stand needs to be looked at in two ways. 1. Is it safe? 2. Is it quiet? I hunt mobile, so my stand gets taken down and put up a lot in a season. Platform cables and hardware need to be looked at. I tighten up loose bolts or replace them if they appear stretched. The same goes for climbing sticks. If you have a squeak in your stand or sticks. A little tightening or replacing of hardware may just solve the issue! Platform cables will stretch and start to come apart over time. In some cases, it may be best to replace them after a few years (depending on use). The next thing to look at is the straps used to fasten your stand, platform, and sticks to the tree with. If you are questioning it. Replace it! Summertime is a good time to get these items on order. If you wait too long, the parts may be back-ordered in September. Your Safety harness and lifeline should also be studied carefully. If stitches are starting to pull out of the webbing. That safety harness is no longer safe. Replace it while there are still some available.&nbsp;
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(10).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" />
<h3 dir="ltr">Practice Some More!</h3>
After I get this maintenance squared away. I practice ascending a few trees with my equipment. Getting reacclimated with your equipment makes you more efficient. Practice climbing different types of trees. Remember.. Straight trees aren't always in the best kill spots! Now it's time to start shooting my bow again. Practicing from an elevated position really helps. You will find out exactly what angles are difficult for you and what feels most comfortable. I set targets out to different ranges and different shot angles. This tells me where I should and shouldn't take shots. I have shot over several deer because I didn't practice enough from an elevated position. The steeper the angle, the lower you will need to aim! Try it before you go out hunting!
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(11).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" />
<h3 dir="ltr">Get The Stink Out</h3>
A few weeks before the season, I like to go through my clothing and get it all washed and lined dried. This allows me to see how many pairs of gloves and socks are missing mates and what kind of stuff I left in the pockets! I always use an unscented detergent that will not harm my clothing. Several options are available from the few vendors that make detergents specifically for hunting clothes. I prefer to use Purex because it's inexpensive and has no residual odor after the clothes are dry. After the clothes are dried. I put them in a sealed tote to keep them from absorbing odors in storage. The next item I turn my attention to is footwear. If I have one pair of boots that are in good shape but kill my feet. I replace the insoles. There are plenty of options available. You may need to try a few to find what fits your foot the best.
<h3 dir="ltr">Last But Not Least</h3>
The little odds and end stuff like your pack can be the most crucial pieces to your success on a hunt. If you hunt elevated. A pull rope sure comes in handy! Next would be a rangefinder and binoculars. Then a headlamp. Rangefinders and headlamps take batteries. I've killed a few headlamps in my day due to corroded batteries. Rangefinders should probably have the batteries replaced every three to five years (depending on use). A kill kit with a sharp knife should be in your pack. I took the liberty of adding a bag of clip-on reflectors to mark blood trails. I hunt a thick area that is difficult to navigate, even in the daytime. It's nice to look back and see the orange reflector tags on the trail I just walked. A charging pack, cord for your phone, and a trusty compass are good additions.
If you can, get all your gear ready between June and September. You will be ahead of the game and way less stressed out. There's nothing worse than hustling around the night before a hunt trying to find your pull rope and a single glove! Having confidence in your weapon and feeling safe in a tree stand will add to your success! <a href="https://www.okayesthunter.com/collections/decals/products/dont-forget-your-release">Don't forget your release</a>! Aim small, miss small and good luck this season!
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(12).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" />

Fine tune your hunting set up for more success chasing whitetails.

A Little Organization Can Go a Long Way When You’re Deer Hunting - GoWild Hunting Gear Article

A Little Organization Can Go a Long Way When You’re Deer Hunting

By: Will Bowen
October is upon us and more and more whitetail hunters will be making their first treks out every week. There&rsquo;s no doubt it's time to be in the <a href="https://www.okayesthunter.com/collections/okayest-hoodies/products/deer-woods-hoodie-1">deer woods</a>, but if you are a hunter that loves consistency and laid back hunting, this might not be the best time for you to make your efforts. In my opinion, there is more variety in October than in any other month of the season in terms of weather, deer behavior, and hunting pressure. This makes harvesting a buck quite a difficult task. So, how do we combat the constantly shifting October patterns? Simple, with constant and diligent scouting.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Why is In-Season Scouting So Important and Who Does it Benefit the Most?</h2>
Pre-season and post-season scouting is incredibly beneficial and often put you in the right area, but they can&rsquo;t reveal to you when a specific rub line opens up or when a particular mast source is being scarfed down like Thanksgiving dinner. Between defoliating crops, mast production, temperature fluctuations, and an increasing weekend hunting pressure, you will need to monitor in real-time to increase your hunting success. Being in the moment and knowing what the deer are doing right now is the great equalizer to having a fruitless October.&nbsp;
Who benefits the most from in-season scouting? Everyone obviously, but I would argue that maybe the public land or small property hunter would benefit the most, someone who doesn't have the resources to create and control a deer herd&rsquo;s environment. This type of hunter is more at the mercy of mother nature and the deer themselves. This is where in-season scouting is the most crucial.
Hopefully, you know that your hunting area is good, whether this is from preseason scouting, postseason scouting, or a consistent hunting history. While deer are habitual creatures, they can vary slightly from year to year. No two deer are the same either, and new bucks in your hunting area will act differently compared to others. All the more reason to dive in and scout.
One of my favorite times to scout is while I&rsquo;m hunting. I like to be very observant on my way in and out of my hunting areas. I make bigger loops and take my time, letting the woods show me what the deer are doing. The smallest of observations can lead to big pieces in the hunting puzzle. So instead of just waltzing to your stand, I encourage you to make a little big bigger, slower path and pay attention to a few things:
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(10).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500" />
<h3 dir="ltr">Key Observations</h3>
Fresh Feed Sign:&nbsp; Finding fresh feed sign in early and mid-October is a vital find and often leads to some dynamite spots. Really spend some time looking at the ground and figure out what the deer are eating. Maybe it's fresh hard masts like acorns. Maybe they are keying on soft masts like persimmons or wild apples. Maybe there is no mast and they are still eating green browse. You know the deer are eating something so find it and hunt it.&nbsp;
Buck Sign: When I find the first fresh scrape line in October I might as well have just struck gold. At the very least, fresh pre-rut buck sign, like <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ITZOCGwRu9hOSSDrTpZ9n?si=gYkTrUxzQ4uYpyYbz0fAvw">clusters of rubs</a> or scrape lines, let me know that a buck is in the area. If you can find a scrape that still smells like a buck, it&rsquo;s worth spending some time in that area. Hunting this sign is time-sensitive so make sure the sign is fresh and stay on the lookout for the freshest pieces of the puzzle.&nbsp;
Tracks and Other Travel Sign: Tracks and other travel sign should never be overlooked. Following fresh tracks can often reveal a food source or a bedding area. Oftentimes you will notice that tracks follow the path of least resistance and can also reveal different funnels, useful terrain features, and not so obvious travel corridors. Never ignore travel sign, even if it is just one or two tracks.&nbsp;
Signs of Other Hunters: Mature deer are rarely traveling or using areas that are full of hunters. They know where they are pressured. When you're hunting or scouting, always take into account the apparent hunting pressure in the area. The most obvious clue is deer stands and blinds but also look for the sign of past hunters like Pepsi cans and empty bottles of deer urine. They might not be hunting in there that day but the effects of their previous hunts might still haunt the area.&nbsp;
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(11).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="667" />
<h3 dir="ltr">Scout Harder, Hunt Smarter</h3>
You should scout more than you hunt. A hunt should be the culmination of all your findings and the capitalization of your puzzle solving skills. Will you be right all the time? Not at all. But being ever vigilant and staying on top of the ever changing October woods will increase your odds.&nbsp;
Scouting while you hunt is a great way to increase your scouting time. Pay attention to what is going on in the woods around you. Slow down and take your time because there are a lot of things that could give you clues. I&rsquo;ve abandoned pre-set spots to hunt a hot feeding area. I have stopped short on my way to a stand because I came across three scrapes that were as fresh as the morning air and found success.
Scout harder, keep an open mind, stay vigilant, and hunt smarter. That should be your plan this October.

Between defoliating crops, mast production, temperature fluctuations, and an increasing weekend hunting pressure, you will need to monitor in real-time to increase your hunting success. Being in the moment and knowing what the deer are doing right now is the great equalizer to having a fruitless October. 

Between defoliating crops, mast production, temperature fluctuations, and an increasing weekend hunting pressure, you will need to monitor in real-time to increase your hunting success. Being in the moment and knowing what the deer are doing right now is the great equalizer to having a fruitless Oct

Scout While You Hunt For October Success - GoWild Deer Scouting Article

Scout While You Hunt For October Success

<h3 id="h.j0nxrn4uhp9b">The story of my election day 8-pointer.</h3>
By: Eric Clark -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.okayesthunter.com/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1664289208511804%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw23c1VTLFwYXud4GKtkP0Dy&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1664289208518890&amp;usg=AOvVaw3b7_SoR2j-CWnVCdY961jU">Okayest Hunter</a>&nbsp;
It was election week, Tuesday, November 4, 2020. I cast my vote earlier that day. Earlier that week, I missed a shot on an 8-point buck. It almost seemed like I was being mocked when I saw a buck waiting in line to vote. Go figure.
At this point in my hunting career, I had spent years interviewing other deer hunters about various hunting tactics on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-podcast%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1664289208512188%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw31BAZWeHw8jfOZ6XTRp520&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1664289208519121&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ISTm0N9CR3e_WozUBl9vK">Okayest Hunter podcast</a>. Things like avoiding other hunters, reading the wind, picking the best hunting spots based on buck bedding, and so forth. I was finally starting to combine the deer hunting puzzle pieces and apply all I had learned. It all paid off. It was almost like the deer I shot read the script, as the saying goes. I couldn't believe it.
When hunting season is in full swing, the first things I check my phone for in the morning are the weather and wind forecast and my cell cam notifications. As I'm brushing my teeth, I'm scrolling through trail cam photos and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://spartanforge.ai/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1664289208512387%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw2I9kKQ72iuzEEfWCpmynPL&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1664289208519298&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ScXy-FZXj5Fi204vMI7t8">Spartan Forge</a>&nbsp;screenshots of dropped pins to see what spots might work best for the upcoming days in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.okayesthunter.com/collections/okayest-hoodies/products/deer-woods-hoodie-1%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1664289208512530%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw09ouJK3fp7ohQjWOpUapWL&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1664289208519393&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Ec5_ZBVVdi1FW2MhHnaNO">deer woods</a>. From there, I'm usually texting the rest of the Okayest Hunter crew to share the updates as they're doing the same. We're all pretty damn excited to say the least. Of course, my wife asks, "Who are you texting this early?" To which I reply, "Who do you think lol?!" The fellas, about deer hunting, what else!?
On election day of 2020, my good buddy Joel had been texting me about a property close to home and shared some city ordinance documents stating that a particular piece of land was open to bow hunting only. Naturally, I pulled up Spartan Forge and started dissecting this property. I compared the wind direction that day and upcoming days and made some broad-stroke assumptions about&nbsp;bedding areas. There was only one place to access the property legally, so I arrived at a spot I thought might work if my boots on the ground reality aligned well with my e-scouting. I called Joel back and said, "F it. I'm hunting it today. I'll be there around 3 O'Clock. I busted my ass to get the rest of my work done for the day and then told my wife. We had to call in my mother-in-law to help watch our kids so I could test my theory and see if I could "get it done."
Most of my gear was already in my truck, so I jumped in and drove the short distance from my house to this newly discovered public hunting property.
Based on how I thought and assumed a buck might leave the assumed bedding area to traverse to the primary food destination, I cut in on an angle to ensure I wouldn't stink up his potential travel corridor. On my way in, I kicked up a couple of does. I thought that might have a negative impact on my hunt, but they went in a different direction than where I was headed.
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Eric+Clark+Article+2.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="667" />
I eventually arrived at the base of a gnarly tree that didn't have a lot of options for stand placement. I only ended up using one <a href="https://timetogowild.com/categories/tree-stands-and-saddle-hunting/climbing-sticks-and-steps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">climbing stick</a> and <a href="https://timetogowild.com/categories/tree-stands-and-saddle-hunting/hang-on-stands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hung my stand</a>. I had practically run to this spot to beat the clock and get set up and quiet before any deer would be on hoof. I was drenched in sweat as a result. My buddy Joel set up, too, a bit further in once he had learned where I was.
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Eric+Clark+Article+3.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="667" />
As I sat and waited, thinking I had done everything right, I began to hear what I thought was a large-bodied deer make its way out of thick cover. Sure enough, it was a nice buck. Holy shit, I thought. So far everything is going to plan. I'm not silhouetted in the tree, the wind is entirely in my favor, I left no trace, he came out of what I thought would be bedding... Maybe I'm not cursed as an Okayest Hunter, after all! Though, I had some moments getting set up per usual.
Then, the buck turned to cut a path coming to my direction. He was almost perpendicular with me as I began to draw my bow back, except the limb of my bow would have struck a tree branch upon release. So I cocked my bow sideways, tilted my head to align my vision through my bow sight pin, and let an arrow fly. I didn't give him the 'ol meh. This was the first time I shot a buck with my bow, so it didn't occur to me.
Because he was moving and I didn't stop him, my arrow hit farther back than I had anticipated. F***. I thought, oh no. I messed up my chance. Everything had gone perfectly until my arrow left my <a href="https://timetogowild.com/categories/archery/strings-and-cables" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bowstring</a>. I had a complete pass-through and good blood. But thought I'd have a long track ahead of me. The buck came running right towards me through a blowdown and piled up ten yards behind me. I thought, huh? Maybe he's lying down to assess and rest. So I nocked another arrow and thought, this is my chance. I have to be very intentional about how I go about this.
But as I listened, it sounded like he was dying. I was baffled. I literally jumped out of my stand. You know, since I was only one stick high and slowly approached the buck, bow, and arrow in hand with a nocked <a href="https://timetogowild.com/categories/archery/arrows-and-shafts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrow</a>.
Wait what? Is he dead? Like, really dead. How? I hit him far back. I called my Dad. After freaking out and telling him, I had just shot my first buck with a bow he helped me understand what had happened. I had hit the buck in the femoral artery. He died within minutes and bled out fast from the initial point of impact. I got very lucky. &nbsp;
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Eric+Clark+Article+4.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="667" />
That's the story of my first ever buck with a bow, which also happened on public land on a virgin sit on a new-to-me property. Remember, this was days after I had missed a layup shot on a buck on public. I thought that was my only chance that season. I'll never forget my daughter was three at the time, and when I had Facetimed with my wife to tell her the news, my daughter asked if she could eat it! My buddy and podcast co-host, Greg, drove over to celebrate, cut out the loins, and we ate that deer that night with my daughter.
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Eric+Clark+Article+5.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="667" />
The story's moral is that you never know what will happen unless you try. Additionally, keep learning. Each season, I pick up something new I hadn't realized before; over time, that knowledge starts to compound. Good luck this season!
Cheers,
Eric

Things like avoiding other hunters, reading the wind, picking the best hunting spots based on buck bedding, and so forth. I was finally starting to combine the deer hunting puzzle pieces and apply all I had learned. It all paid off.

Hunting a Virgin Sit on a Brand New (to me) Plot of Public Land - GoWild Deer Hunting Article

Hunting a Virgin Sit on a Brand New (to me) Plot of Public Land

Eric Clark | <a href="https://www.okayesthunter.com/">Okayest Hunter&nbsp;</a>
One great way to hunt deer on public land is by accessing it from a waterway. This can help you separate yourself from other hunters and increase your odds of seeing deer. Here are some tips on how to use waterways to access public deer hunting land:
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(5).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281" />
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Look for areas where deer might cross a river or stream to get to their bedding or feeding areas. These funnels can be great places to set up a stand or ground blind. You can even place trail cams to provide intel on deer using the area.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
You can use waders or hip boots to walk upstream to get to your hunting spot quietly and with minimal scent. If you're quiet enough, you might have a shot at a bedded deer in an oxbow.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
You can also use a canoe or kayak. Whenever I use my canoe, it's a great excuse to invite a hunting buddy to make the paddling easier. Then we can divide and conquer different areas and double up on our ability to capture more intel.
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(6).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="665" />
I've used my canoe and chest waders at least one hunt (if not more) per season. There are several hunters that leverage waterways to access public hunting land. However, it's still significantly less than those trekking to their hunting spot by foot, so you'll see fewer hunters overall, even if you still see a few.
Last bow hunting season, I waded up steam and put a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBuPLIT5BOA">good shot on a doe</a>. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good enough shot since we sadly never recovered her. Less than two oxbows or river bends into my wading into the stream, I kicked up a doe. It was at that point I realized I had to be much quieter. From there forward, I got ready to draw at every turn in the stream and didn't make a sound the whole way up. It helped that my path was with the current.
I've also learned that your scent will get carried in the water by hunting either in the stream, river, or nearby its banks. Knowing this, in addition to the fact that deer seem to enjoy the safety and security oxbows offer, it can make for a great hunt and reduce the number of other hunters you're seeing.
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(7).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" />
As a bonus, the drag-out will be much easier if you harvest a deer. You can toss the deer into your canoe or strap it to your kayak! You can float your deer with a tow rope even if you're hiking upstream. This can have a big advantage early season in terms of rinsing your meat and keeping it nice and cool until you get to a place where you can pack the chest cavity full of ice.
So the next time you go deer hunting on public land, consider using a river, creek, or stream to give yourself an advantage. It may just be the thing that puts venison in your freezer this season!
Paddling upstream in search of deer is a great way to get away from other hunters and increase your chances of success. But what if you don't have a boat? No problem! You can use waterways to your advantage even if you're wading.
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(8).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" />

One great way to hunt deer on public land is by accessing it from a waterway. This can help you separate yourself from other hunters and increase your odds of seeing deer. Here are some tips on how to use waterways to access public deer hunting land:

How To Use Waterways To Your Advantage When Deer Hunting On Public Land - GoWild Deer Hunting Article

How To Use Waterways To Your Advantage When Deer Hunting On Public Land 

Eric Clark |<a href="https://www.okayesthunter.com/"> Okayest Hunter</a>
Marketers have gotten good at their jobs over the years, especially with highly sophisticated marketing tools and technology. As a result, as both deer hunters and consumers, we're being pitched hunting products and gear that promise to help us get more opportunities to kill a<a href="https://www.okayesthunter.com/collections/okayest-hats/products/grandpas-shooter-buck-cap"> shooter buck</a>. We've all heard the phrase "game changer" repeatedly. Of course, gear can help you in the deer woods, but some things are entirely unnecessary when it comes to harvesting a whitetail. Here are five things hunters have purchased that they probably don&rsquo;t need or won&rsquo;t use.
<h3 dir="ltr">High-powered rifle scopes</h3>
Do you really need a $1,200 deer hunting rifle scope? The answer is probably not, unless you're hunting out west or perhaps in some exotic location like Africa. Here in the midwest, most whitetail hunting is done within 100-200 yards, making a high caliber rifle scope unnecessary. Most hunters would be better off with a less expensive rifle scope that they can easily operate without accidentally trying to find brown in their scope from within a hundred yards with a 10x magnification.
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(1).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="500" />
<h3 dir="ltr">Boujee seat cushions</h3>
A lot of gear marketed to deer hunters is designed to make us more comfortable while sitting in a stand or ground blind for hours at a time. But an $80 heated seat cushion or a $600 set of binoculars with image stabilization might get a little too boujee. I'm not here to judge, I'm all for comfort, but there's a line between must have, nice to have, and ridiculous. What would your grandad have to say? More likely than not, you'll be just as comfortable and successful hunting with cheaper gear or finding a stump to sit on or blowdown to lean up against. Besides, carrying a heated seat cushion will likely prohibit your hunting mobility when it comes time to make a stealthful stalk on a shooter buck.
<h3 dir="ltr">Hightech Camo</h3>
When it comes to hunting clothing, there's a lot of expensive specialized hunting gear on the market, but for us midwest whitetail hunters, you don't need most of it to be successful. I killed a nice public land buck wearing a flannel a few years ago. I ensured the wind was in my favor and I wasn't silhouetted, which was enough to conceal me from the buck's senses.
In most cases, regular old camouflage patterned clothes will work just fine. There's good, and there's good enough. Sometimes it just needs to be good enough. This is especially true if you're just starting out. You might not even know if you enjoy whitetail hunting enough to justify spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on bleeding-edge technical outerwear. I know deer hunters that legitimately hunt and kill monster bucks in blue jeans The same goes for hunting boots - you don't need a $300 pair of insulated hunting boots to keep your feet warm and dry. A good pair of hiking boots and a change of merino wool socks will do the trick.
Speaking of merino wool, it is one of the more expensive underlayer options. However, it has been one of the most practical upgrades I've made to my deer hunting arsenal in years. It's well worth every penny. Merino wool is comfortable, doesn't hold odors like synthetic or cotton, and is an excellent insulator. Merino wool base layers are a great way to stay comfortable and scent-free in the deer woods without breaking the bank on other expensive, high-tech outerwear gear.
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(2).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" />
<h3 dir="ltr">Winter Gloves</h3>
Hear me out. I'm mostly talking about winter gloves. I've spent my entire hunting career using cheap knit fleece gloves or hobo mittens with exposed fingertips. Recently I upgraded to the ones that have the smartphone fingertips. I make good use of hand warmers and a hand-warming pouch. This way I can keep my hands warm for those long sits. When I'm out and about, I generally heat up pretty quick and I'm mostly looking to keep my hands lightly protected from prickers and such. Most importantly, whether it's bow hunting or rifle hunting, I like having my trigger available and not matted down by unnecessary layers of insulation that never seem to keep my hands warm.
<h3 dir="ltr">Deer scent attractants</h3>
I'm going there. This one is likely highly subjective, but in my experience, to date, I've had zero success with attractant scents. I may have had negative success. When I've used any of these products, I've either scared deer away, never seen any, or scented up an area with my scent to hang something on a nearby branch. I don't have an opinion on cover scents. I've used the dirt-scented spray in the past or the odor reducers. Personally, at this point, the dirt scent is mostly nostalgic. If you play the wind right to the best of your ability, given the conditions of your hunt, that's your best bet. Cover scents likely won't hurt, but I wouldn't rely on it as the only method.
I do use an ozone bag. However, it's more like my personal washing machine. That way, I don't piss my wife off any more than I already have by disrupting the flow of laundry. Not to mention, I don't typically help with the laundry to begin with, so when my wife sees me washing my hunting clothes, I tend to get the glare.
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/Untitled+(3).jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" />
The bottom line is this: you don't need fancy, expensive gear to kill deer. In most cases, the simpler and more basic your setup is, the better off you'll be. It'll allow you to focus on the tactic and learnings that go into hunting. So save your money and invest in things that will make a difference - like a good hunting rifle or a quality bow and arrows. Get a target block and start practicing more. That'll make a more significant difference than any gadget or gizmo.
What other gear do you think hunters waste their money on? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other hunting gear guides for more helpful tips and information.
Happy hunting, and good luck!
Cheers,
&nbsp;
Eric

We've all heard the phrase "game changer" repeatedly. Of course, gear can help you in the deer woods, but some things are entirely unnecessary when it comes to harvesting a whitetail. Here are five things hunters have purchased that they probably don’t need or won’t use.


The Top 5 Things Whitetail Hunters Buy But Don’t Need: Gear Guide - GoWild Hunting Gear Article

The Top Five Things Whitetail Hunters Buy But Don’t Need: Gear Guide

Greg Tubbs | <a href="https://www.okayesthunter.com/">Okayest Hunter</a>&nbsp;
"And into the woods I go. To lose my mind and find my soul!"
--John Muir
As Humans, we need to get away and find a quiet place. Nature is that place for many of us. Here are a few things to consider before venturing out. Woodsmanship is a beneficial skill in many situations. No matter your quarry or its environment. You want to be prepared! Learning how to navigate the terrain and how the game traverses it. What kind of plants the animals eat and which to altogether avoid are essential. Dressing for the conditions can lead to success or the demise of your adventure. These are three key ingredients to having a successful and safe journey. Whether you are just going on a quick scout for whitetails or a week-long trip to hunt Western Big game.
<h2 dir="ltr">Where are you and where are you going?</h2>
Knowing where you are and where you're going is essential to returning to the truck or trailhead in today's digital world. We rely on cell phones and mapping apps to guide us through our journey. In many of the places I explore, cell service is sparse. Downloading offline maps to <a href="https://timetogowild.com/products/garmin-montana-700-18401644022294136329" target="_blank" rel="noopener">handheld GPS devices</a> before your mission will help save a lot of headaches. Also, keep a battery pack and charge cord with you. Your phone will definitely use its share of battery with an app running. More battery juice can be critical in the event of an emergency. Right next to the battery pack, a compass is not a bad idea either. I always have a compass in my pack, just in case. Old school maps can be helpful but might not always be up to date.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">You need maps. Animals don't.</h2>
Animals navigate using their senses. They are hardwired to take the path of least resistance until they have a reason to deviate course. Their course is usually food, water, or bedding cover. In between these destinations, they leave some signs. These clues can give you an idea of what they are doing in that area. Learning to interpret the sign will help establish a pattern of behavior. Take Whitetails, for example. No matter where they go, they are constantly snacking on something, from maple leaves to soybeans. They are always eating! Right now (in early September), I can follow a trail from a bean field back to a bedding area just by following a browse line. They nip off anything in reach as they go down the path, to and from bedding. Occasionally, they find a low-hanging branch to rub their orbital glands and forehead. They even chew on it too! It is their way of saying, "I was here!"&nbsp;
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/IMG_8952.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="667" />
<h2 dir="ltr">Plant knowledge could keep you from swimming in an ocean of Calamine lotion.</h2>
Knowing the Flora of the environment is beneficial in a few ways. It's crucial to understand what you are allergic to! Everyone reacts differently to plants. As we get older, we may get more sensitive to certain vegetation. After years of wandering the swamps and marshes and gaining exposure to Poison Ivy, Sumac, and Stinging Nettle, it turns out I am allergic to Sumac! Sumac grows everywhere in my area (Southeast WI). I couldn't honestly tell you how many times I've walked through that stuff with nothing to show for it until two years ago. I brought some home (unknowingly) to my lovely wife. I took my scouting clothes off and tossed them in the wash with the rest of the laundry. Two days later, She had a rash on her back. The following day my arms started to itch and burn. Little pustules were joining forces to make water blisters. "What the hell did you bring home?!" She asked. Topical creams were a temporary relief. It eventually spread to my torso and then south of the beltline! A steroid pill was prescribed, and the burn subsided.
<h3 dir="ltr">Some plants are friendly.</h3>
Identifying edible plants can be tricky, but worth your time if you like to forage. A good resource for identifying plants is right at your fingertips. If you're old school and like books, there are many books written for different regions of the country on medicinals and foraging. Chances are the animals like whatever you find to forage. My local deer herd will eat wild grape leaves, then return and eat some grapes when they ripen. This is evident by the vines' void of leaves and lots of tracks in the dirt. I know when Mulberries are ripe by the color of the bird poop on the car windows. Many plants don't even look like food. One of the most prolific plants that provide a lot of security cover in my area is the cattail! The roots are edible (best harvested in fall) and are high in Vitamin C. The young shoots can be harvested and eaten in the spring. Pollen can be collected and made into cattail flour for baking. Its other benefits include water filtration. Getting to these plants may require a change of boots for the wet environment they thrive in.
<h2 dir="ltr">Dress for success and comfort.</h2>
Let's face it. You're not going to wear a pair of hiking boots in the marsh. Just as you're not wearing a Tee shirt as an outer layer in the winter. The appropriate <a href="https://timetogowild.com/categories/footwear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">footwear</a> and <a href="https://timetogowild.com/categories/clothing-and-apparel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clothing</a> allow you to spend more time in the field comfortably. Don't be afraid to invest in several types of boots for different terrains and weather conditions. Try on every brand! Your feet are the most essential component of a hike! They need to be taken care of. It starts with boots that fight you and good socks. I love Merino wool socks. They breathe well and keep your feet warm even if you get a soaker. Plus, they give enough compression to prevent falling down your ankle, like the old wool socks. Find a brand you like and buy a bunch!
<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/com.gowild.pages/IMG_8949.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="667" />
Base layers made of Merino have the same characteristics: they are soft next to the skin, keep you warm even if wet, and don't hold smell. Another bonus to Merino is that it doesn't hold a scent like Cotton or Polyester. I can wear them for several days if I take them off and dry them overnight. Options are available for Spring to Winter conditions. I first learned about Merino on a duck hunt with a buddy who swore by the stuff. We got rained on, and I was shivering like a dog shit'n fish hooks! He was wet but warm. The proper outer layers would have prevented this.
<h2 dir="ltr">Keeping the elements out.</h2>
As a woodsman, you are faced with adversity. The weather is always the determining factor in what to wear. Over the Merino base layers, there are several options for the conditions. If you are on the move looking for clues and trying to figure out movement, you don't need to dress like you're sitting in a tree stand in December. Light layers will suffice. Lightweight, packable layers are great. A puffy jacket under a light coat or sweatshirt will add insulation for when you're in the wind and can be easily stowed away when you get too warm. Hiking pants with some stretch are more comfortable than denim jeans on a walk. Just be careful in the raspberry bushes. The only thing that survives those without a scratch is the rabbits we chase in winter. Stretch-fit pants don't stand a chance unless you bring chaps. Or you come prepared with brush pants. There's always a sacrifice to be made. Safety over comfort, or heavy weight and chafing vs. lightweight and breathable.
<h2 dir="ltr">What about the rain?</h2>
In rainy conditions, you may end up just as wet on the inside as on the outside of a rain jacket. If our creator wanted us to be wet, he would have made us frogs. I have yet to find an affordable option (under $200) that allows my superheated body moisture out and keeps the rain out simultaneously! It's not ideal to be active and wear a rain suit. Companies are making breathable rain gear, but it's not cheap! If you hunt and hike in a wet environment. It's probably worth the money! You have to make the decision. All in the name of comfort!
As you venture out into the wilderness, always do your best to be prepared for the unknown. Getting turned around has happened to the best of us! We've heard several "<a href="https://www.okayesthunter.com/pages/okayest-hunter-moments">Okayest Hunter Moments</a>" from our podcast listeners. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Remember to have fun and take it all in.&nbsp;

Woodsmanship is a beneficial skill in many situations. No matter your quarry or its environment. You want to be prepared!

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