outdoors Archives - Daily Shooting | Shooting Tips And Reviews

What’s The Best Ear Protection For Shooting? Top 10 Revealed

Today, ear protection for shooting goes well beyond earplugs. Hunters and other outdoorsmen do not want 100 percent silence when enjoying their favorite hobby the same way they may want it when they are going to bed.

Modern protective muffs monitor sounds based on decibel range. Sounds in certain ranges, such as gunshots, can be protected against while sounds in other decibel ranges are amplified. This allows hunters to enjoy peaceable conversation while being spared from ear-damaging gunshots.

Those who want to can purchase ear protection for shooting with auxiliary inputs for cell phones or MP3 players. The best ear protection for shooting can spare you from a musket rifle while allowing you to hear a squirrel chew on his acorns.

Product FAQ

1. What Is Noise Reduction Rate?

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a unit of measurement labeling the effectiveness of ear protection for shooting or other activity. Noise reduction is measured in decibels (dB). Decibels categorize the power and density of sound.

Ear protection for shooting should be approved by the American National Standards (ANSI). Generally, the higher the NRR, the more noise reduction you can expect from your ear protection for shooting.

2. Why Use Ear Protection for Shooting?

Generally, people should wear ear protection for shooting when sound levels exceed 85 decibels. Gunshots register 140dB to 190dB depending on the type of firearm.

The effectiveness of ear protection for shooting is reduced when muffs or other protectors do not fit properly. It is important that shooters find properly fitting ear protection and do not modify it for any reason.

It is always also important to wear your ear protection for shooting and never remove the muffs when in ear-range of shooters.

3. What Is Ambient Noise?

Ambient sound is basically background noise. Sometimes, individuals want to reduce ambient sound. Often, in seeking the best ear protection for shooting, ambient noise is not meant to be eliminated entirely. Hunters often want to be able to enjoy conversation with other hunters while being protected from loud gunfire.

Common ambient sounds include wind, water, background conversation, birds, and traffic.

4. How Do Decibels Relate to Real Life?

Do you enjoy hearing leaves rustle in the fall? The leaves comfort and relax you at about 20dB. Sitting in busy traffic is likely exposing you to around 70dB while that one very loud semi truck that rumbles by you as you sit with your window down may hit 90dB.

As a rule of thumb, a sound loud enough to keep you from comfortably hearing a nearby friend is at least 80dB. If you have to speak directly into your neighbor’s ear, the noise level is over 90 decibels.

5. What Are the Types of Hearing Protection?

Hearing protection is passive or active. Passive hearing protection provides constant, unchanging amounts of sound reduction. Passive hearing protection is great for individuals who are in a consistently loud environment, such as a large factory or production plant.

Gunshots do not fit this type of noise. Unlike a factory, gunshots are short, sudden noises. An active hearing protection system can instantaneously react to reduce gunshot noise. Some can even amplify ambient background noise in the meantime.

How We Reviewed

We reviewed some of the best ear protection for hunters based on their features, pros and cons, and availability. We tried to approach this review from a crucial viewpoint, because loud noises, such as gunshots, can impact a person’s hearing.

Noises at 100dB can damage your ear in as little as 15 minutes of exposure. Gunfire is usually at least 140dB, so heading to the range without ear protection is perilous. We set out to identify some of the best ear protection for shooting.

Once microscopic hair cells of the inner ear are destroyed, they never grow back. Science cannot recreate them. Hearing loss is frustrating and often accompanied by tinnitus — that annoying ringing in the ears.

Without ear protection for shooting, exposure to gunshots can cause stress, reduced concentration, difficulty communicating, and general nervousness. So, take a moment to consider our review of the best ear protection for shooting and consider protecting your ears the best way possible.

Overall Price Range

We reviewed an array of ear protection ranging from around $10 all the way to about $185. The wide variety of prices was expected due to our wide variety of products reviewed, but it also demonstrates the amazing range of choices among ear protection for shooting.

Some individuals may be looking for a simple protective muff to be used a few times per year. In that case, a $185 investment may be more than needed.

Others may spend excessive time at the range — some may even teach shooting classes or something similar—and longevity and durability are critical. To such folks, an investment of over $100 could be wise in the long run.

It is important that you understand your own budget as well as your individual preferences to find the best ear protection for yourself and understand the investment you will need to make.

What We Reviewed

[amazon box=”B0052G5UK2, B007BGSI5U, B01AAH8CRU, B06ZY6GMYD, B071P29YYB, B000Q04MRG, B00RPBCFA0, B002CZQ1TA, B01BEENYCQ,” template=”table”]

Pro Ears – Pro-Mag Gold

Only from Pro Ears can you find dual, fully enclosed, military-style circuit boards with gold connectors. Their Pro-Mag Gold earmuffs offer ear protection with independent volume control.

You can set each ear at an individual level for your needs. They offer hearing protection as well as amplification. DLSC Technology protects your hearing while still allowing you to hear softer sounds.

With a noise reduction rating of 30, Pro Ears leads the industry. They also have a 1.5ms response time.

The earmuffs’ services come alongside a comfortable fit. ProForm leather ear seals and visco-elastic foam padding offer a comfortable experience with easy adjustments. A low-battery indicator keeps you aware of your power, and an auto-shutoff preserves the battery’s life. The earmuffs include 3.5 mm input jacks.

They are commonly used by hunters, construction workers, and individuals with hearing complications. Users love the five-year warranty offered by a veteran-owned business.

Pros

Offering protection as well as amplification
Five-year warranty
Noise-reduction rating of 30

Cons

Earmuffs do not fold and can be bulky during transportation

[amazon fields=”B0052G5UK2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B0052G5UK2″ value=”button”]

Howard Leight by Honeywell

Honeywell’s Howard Leight Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff features built-in directional amplification functions at a safe 82dB for a natural experience.

The earmuffs amplify and block noises as necessary, and rubberized pressure points prevent gunstock scratching. The headband is padded and adjustable to offer a secure and comfortable experience.

A 3.5 mm connection cord opens possibilities for your MP3 player or other devices. After four hours, an automatic shutoff will help save battery life; Polaroid AAA batteries are recommended.

These earmuffs also offer a noise reduction rating of 30.

Pros

Noise reduction rating of 30
Usable with MP3s and other devices

Cons

Large size could get in the way of rifle shooting

[amazon fields=”B007BGSI5U” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B007BGSI5U” value=”button”]

Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Hearing Protection Muffs

Walker’s Game Razor Slim Electronic Earmuffs feature their special Razor ultra-thin rubberized cups. The slim product offers a noise reduction rating of 23dB.

The Razor muffs are meant to have a compact design with pro-level hearing protection and amplification. Two omni-directional microphones and sound-activated protection with a 0.2 reaction time. The earmuffs function with two AAA batteries that are included.

Pros

Sleek design
Compact build does not hinder performance

Cons

Some users report sound location is hard to identify, despite omni-directional features

[amazon fields=”B01AAH8CRU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B01AAH8CRU” value=”button”]

Walkers Game Ear Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff

Another slim, low-profile design, the Walker’s Game Ears Razor Slim Electronic Muffs offer 23dB noise reduction with sound-activated compression to protect your ears from loud gunfire. The slim design does not obstruct your cheek weld, and the muffs can fit easily in your range bag.

The muffs have two high-gain omni-directional microphones for amplification and full dynamic range speakers for clear, balanced sound. Independent volume controls allow you to find your customized level for each ear.

An audio input jack invites MP3 use for your favorite sounds. An external battery door houses two AAA batteries included with your purchase. An automatic shut-off protects your battery life.

Pros

Slim model easily transported
Independent volume controls
MP3 compatible

Cons

Perspiration can affect the seal around your ear and the relevant noise protection

[amazon fields=”B06ZY6GMYD” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B06ZY6GMYD” value=”button”]

TRADESMART Shooting Earmuffs

TRADESMART’s Shooting Earmuffs are offered in a combination pack along with safety glasses, ear plugs, and other items. The muffs utilize a six-piece noise filtration system to block low-, mid-, and high-range frequencies as needed.

The safety glasses are made to fit while wearing the muffs. They have anti-fog and scratch-resistant features for clear vision and an unobstructed aim.

The earplugs use a German BASF composition that is soft and expandable. When used with earplugs, the pack offers 33dB of noise reduction.

Pros

Complete kit with muffs, eyewear, and earplugs
33dB noise reduction with earplugs

Cons

Noise reduction level is measured with earplugs

[amazon fields=”B071P29YYB” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B071P29YYB” value=”button”]

Peltor 97451 3M Tactical Sport Earmuff

The 97451 3M Tactical Sport Earmuff from Peltor Tactical Sport uses a digital chip for fast shutoff and recovery. They protect your ears from sudden noises, such as gunshots, while the sound amplification allows the user to hear conversational noises.

The muffs offer 20dB of noise reduction from ergonomic, contoured ear cups. An audio jack allows you to use tech accessories, such as cell phones and MP3 players.

The muffs are powered by two AAA batteries in an external battery compartment. The product features an automatic shut-off.

Pros

Digital chip technology
Fast shut-off
Accessory options

Cons

The auxiliary jack uses a proprietary input instead of a 3.5 mm

[amazon fields=”B000Q04MRG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B000Q04MRG” value=”button”]

Walker’s Game Ear Ultimate Power Muff Quads

Walker’s Game Ear Ultimate Power Muff Quads feature four powerful omni-directional microphones with low noise and frequency levels tuned for natural sounds.

The volume control is independent for each ear, as is the frequency tuning. The muffs’ design features sound-dampening composite housing. With a 0.02-second reaction time, the muffs offer 27dB of noise reduction and sound-activated compression.

Walker’s Game Ear Ultimate Power Muff Quads can fold into a compact unit for easy travel. Low-profile ear cups are on a comfortable headband with a wire metal frame.

Pros

Sound-dampening housing
Independent volume and frequency levels
Foldable for travel

Cons

The black plastic clips that attach the black wire loop to the muff are reported to break easily

[amazon fields=”B00RPBCFA0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B00RPBCFA0″ value=”button”]

Mutt Muffs DDR337 Hearing Protection for Dogs

Mutt Muffs offer hearing protection for dogs. For those who have four-legged friends considered as family, Mutt Muffs are a noise-reducing option.

Remember, dogs’ ears are more sensitive than ours to many noises. Think about a dog’s reaction to fire sirens. Anything that hurts your ears is probably worse for your dog.

Mutt Muffs use the same inner foam used in many muffs designed for humans. The noise reduction for dogs is estimated between 21 and 24dB when properly fit to your animal. Remember, 21 to 24dB in human measures is even more for man’s best friend.

Pros

Materials and measurements fit for a human
Special design to fit and remain on your dog

Cons

Securing a tight and proper fit on an animal is no exact science

[amazon fields=”B002CZQ1TA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B002CZQ1TA” value=”button”]

Decibel Defense Professional Safety Ear Muffs

Decibel Defense Professional Safety Ear Muffs offer a promoted noise reduction level of 37dB. However, the muffs will not consistently provide 37dB noise reduction. The box reads 34 NRR, and even that is questioned by many of its buyers.

Perfect for the shooting range, the muffs come with a comfortable headband and padded cells. It is foldable and compact while offering sturdy construction.

The Decibel Defense muffs can fit in your gun bag. Some use the muffs for work sites, while mowing the lawn, and of course while shooting their firearms. A “Double-D Guarantee” promises your money back if you find a pair that is better.

Decibel Defense muffs are designed to allow for shooting glasses to fit comfortably while wearing the muffs.

Pros

Comfortable design
Money-back guarantee

Cons

Multiple reports on actual NRR
Largely plastic construction

[amazon fields=”B01BEENYCQ” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
[amazon fields=”B01BEENYCQ” value=”button”]

The Verdict on the Best Ear Protection for Shooting

We looked at a variety of ear protection products in an attempt to find ear protection for shooting that would meet a wide array of individual needs and budgets. When being forced to identify one standout product, we gave our official nod of approval to the Peltor 97451 3M Tactical Sport Earmuffs.

This product is sturdy and well made with a headband that is truly secure and comfortable. They can be worn with a hat because of the close fit, and their rubber coating sold us on their durability.

We love the individual buttons for volume and power. The two AAA batteries are a simple way to power the product, and in this day and age, we think the audio and MP3 options will be much appreciated.

The Peltor product’s ability to respond quickly to impulse noises was probably its most critical mark in the plus column because protecting our ears from gunshot sounds is the most important thing.

Honorable Mention

We also feel compelled to mention the TRADESMART Shooting Earmuffs as an economical and efficient option for budget shooters. We appreciate the kit nature of the product. For a low price, any shooter can achieve ear protection and eye protection.

With TRADESMART’s earplugs, a high level of noise reduction is possible, and the six-level noise filtration system is impressive at its price point. The product’s ability to differentiate decibel ranges and manage sounds accordingly is critical and welcomed.

The addition of scratch-resistant glasses to keep your eyes safe gives buyers in almost any budget range the opportunity for quality noise reduction, and ear and eye protection.

Top 10 Most Popular Outdoor Activities in USA

On days when the weather is nice and it is sunny, it is great to spend some time outdoors. Their is all kinds of fun things you can do outside.

You may be used to spending a lot of time outside and are just looking at this article for new ideas of some things you can do, or you may be the type to not go outside much and are reading this article because you don’t know the potential of things to do outside.

Either way after reading this article, you will know 10 of the most popular things to do outside.

10 Most Popular Outdoor Activities in USA

The best thing is it doesn’t matter where you live or your skills, you can do at least a few of these things.

Going to the Zoo

The first outdoor activity that I will include on this list is going to the zoo. At the zoo you can see all kinds of animals that you normally wouldn’t be able to see. Depending on your zoo they may also offer different programs or events on a certain day to make it extra fun. The zoo is a great outdoor activity, especially if you have kids. Spending the day at the zoo can make a lot of wonderful memories for a family, that is one reason why it is so popular.

Hiking

Another outdoor activity that is popular among families is hiking. You can go out to the woods and find a nice trail to hike or you can just hike a small walking path in your city. Hiking is great because you never know what you might discover. You may see some rare birds that you have not seen before or you may see other wildlife. Also, you can find hiking areas that lead to natural springs or rivers. Hiking allows you to be right in nature and enjoy the fresh air.

Kayaking/Canoeing

Another outdoor activity that allows you to be right in nature is kayaking or canoeing. In this activity you use a special boat and paddles, and work your way down a river. The great thing is you can normally go at your own pace and stop when you would like to explore the shores. You can take food and picnic on the bank. You can see all kinds of animals while going down the river and if you are a thrill seeker you can find rougher rivers that offer white water rapids which adds to the excitement.

Camping

Camping is an outdoor activity that you can combine with some of the others already mentioned on this list or do it by itself.

If you are really adventurous you can pack a backpack with you while hiking or kayaking and canoeing and do a multiple-day trip. To camp, all you need is a tent and an area. It also helps to be able to know how to build a fire to cook some food and have the full experience.

If you don’t want to build a fire though and still want to eat you can take a gas stove with you. Another form of camping is staying in a cabin, but this isn’t as outdoorsy. You can still do outdoor activities though even if you aren’t sleeping outside. If you are going camping with a car, you should check your car before starting, best obd2 scanner is a good article if you are looking for a tool to diagnostic your car.

Longboarding

Another popular outdoor activity is longboarding. There are different types of longboard riding, but they are all fun. Some people just use a longboard for transportation, which is perfectly fine, but others choose to ride it for the thrill of it.

You can do downhill longboard riding which is when you go down a hill and use your body to pick up speed. You try to see how much speed you can pick up as you slice the hills. Also, you can do trick riding with longboards at a skate park or on the street.

You can learn how to do all kinds of flips and tricks with your board. Once you get good you can chain the tricks together and put on a whole performance to impress everyone. As beginner, I think you have the best longboards for cruising, with that board, you can start your journey!

Swimming

Moving away from outdoor activities that deal with the woods we will shift gears some and the first one with shifting gears is swimming.

You can swim at a lake or river while doing some of the other activities mentioned, but you can also swim at a local pool.

One of the main reasons why swimming is such a popular outdoor activity is it helps keep you cool in the warm months. Also, since you can’t do it all year, it makes it special.

Another part of swimming is water slides and diving.

These things make swimming extra fun and anyone of any age can swim so you can spend time with your family by the pool and get some sun.

Theme Parks

Talking about skate parks transitions to another outdoor activity of theme parks. Theme parks offer the same thrill as skate parks, but the thrill comes from rides instead of your own abilities on a longboard. At theme parks they have all kinds of rides that provide excitement.

The rides are from spinning things to a massive roller coaster. One downside to a theme park though is that it is expensive and lines are long, that is why some of the other mentioned activities are better, especially if you want to do it more than once.

A theme park can be fun every so often but probably isn’t the best activity if you are looking for a constant thrill. They are still popular though and can be good for families, especially if you have older kids.

Snowboarding

So most of these popular outdoor activities mentioned have been summer or warmer month activities, but what if you are looking for something to do in the cold or snow. While you can do some of these in the cold, especially with the proper gear, this next one is meant for the cold.

The next popular activity we will talk about is snowboarding. Snowboarding is similar to longboarding, since there is a board involved and a hill, but not completely the same since snowboards have no wheels, but the main point is to go down a hill. As you get good at it you can try to go faster or learn tricks. This makes it another good activity for thrill-seekers.

Snowboarding can be a little challenging to learn, but with enough patients and practice anyone can get it down. That means if you like a challenge or learning new things, then it might be a great outdoor activity for you.

Skiing

Another popular snow sport is skiing. With skiing you have long skinny boards called skis that you strap to your feet. You then have polls that are used to help you pick up speed and steer. You ride the skis down a hill and can again learn to do tricks or just see how much speed you can gain.

You can even go off jumps and things once you get good. If you can’t get snowboarding down, but still want to try a snow outdoor activity, then skiing is a great option. With both skiing and snowboarding you can also find places to stay at a winter cabin and make a whole fun vacation or trip out of it.

Scuba Diving / Snorkeling

Last on this list of 10 popular outdoor activities is scuba diving or snorkeling. Both of these can be done in all kinds of water, but are best in the open ocean or off the coast places. With both these activities you can see an underwater world that you would never otherwise get to see. You can see a whole variety of fish as well as coral and other sea animals.

With snorkeling you just wear a mask and a mouthpiece and just put your face in the water to see the deeps. Scuba diving is a little more advanced because you have an oxygen tank with your mask and are completely submerged, but still anyone can do it. Both these outdoor adventures are great especially if you are on vacation and want to make life long memories.

Conclusion

All the outdoor activities mentioned here are popular and can be done by anyone with some practice. They are in no particular order and that is why there are no numbers.

You should give them all a try if you are looking for a new activity to do. If you want something fun for the family, then the zoo or theme park is great. If you are a thrill-seeker, then longboarding may be the best option for you. Give all these outdoor activities a try.

They are popular for a reason and one or more might become your new favorite thing to do.

Top 5 Off-Road Hunting Vehicles You Need to Know

When hunting, it doesn’t matter how good of guns you have or how skilled you are if you can’t get out into the woods or where ever the game is at that you are going after.

That is why it is essential to have a great off-roading hunting vehicle.

There are a handful of different types of vehicles that make good hunting vehicles, so after reading this article you will have a better idea of what those types of vehicles are and also some recommendations in each category.

You will understand the positives and negatives of each one and will be able to determine the best hunting vehicle or best off-roading vehicle for you and your needs.’

ATVs

The first category of off-roading vehicle we will look at are ATVs.

ATV stands for an all-terrain vehicle. This means that they can go pretty much anywhere.

The advantages to an ATV is that they are small and compact compared to there off-roading vehicles. This means that you might not have to park them on the edge of the woods and instead can ride them all the way to where you are going to be posting up and waiting for the game.

ATVs come in a couple of variety of types. You have some ATVs that are designed to carry a group of people as well as gear while other ATVs are only designed to carry one or two people with a smaller amount of gear.

If you go hunting with a group, then you might want to consider a larger one, but if you are a solo hunter or go hunting with different buddies, then a smaller ATV might work best for you. This is especially true if your buddies already have their own ATV.

One downside to an ATV is in some areas they are not road legal. This is because they do not have to have plates and be registered. This can be a good thing because it means you don’t have to have a listens to drive one, but depending on the area they might enforce the fact that you aren’t supposed to have them on the road.

If you are using it to go a short way in the country, no one would probably care, but if you are going a long way or through a town or city, then it is something to keep in mind when choosing an off-road vehicle for hunting.

Top ATVs

Polaris Ranger Crew 800.

The first top ATV choice we will look at is the Polaris Ranger Crew 800.

This is a larger ATV that can carry multiple people as well as a good amount of gear. This ATV can go at a decent top speed of 45 miles per hour which means you can get places quickly.

It also automatically engages and disengages all-wheel drive, so it is only used when needed. It can hold up to 6 adults and there is a lot of room for them.

The cargo area can hold 1000 pounds and can dump if you need it too

The downside to the Ranger Crew 800 is that on rough trails you can’t go top speed and there are only safety nets to keep you in. This means that if it is raining you will get wet, which some people may not like. Outside of that though, this is a very powerful and versatile ATV. You should have best bluetooth obd2 scanner to make sure your car is in good standing.

Arctic Cat Diesel 700 Super Duty

The other ATV option that we recommend is the Arctic Cat Diesel 700 Super Duty. This is a smaller single person to two people ATV. These kinds are also called 4 wheelers by some people. It has a top speed of 40 miles per hour and still can hold a lot of cargo. It also has a strong pulling power of 3000 pounds, so you can pull any game out of the woods.

The flaws with the Arctic Cat Diesel 700 Super Duty is that it has a special battery that can be hard to find and can be costly but doesn’t need replaced too often if taken care of. Also, you still get wet riding this ATV, like you do with the other one. The ride is smooth though on this ATV even when someone is riding with you thanks to the great suspension.

Pickup Trucks

Another option for off-roading hunting vehicles is pickup trucks. A pickup is a great hunting vehicle because you can hold all kinds of gear in the bed as well as be able to bring your game home in the bed. A pickup can also hold more people inside of it comfortable, then most ATVs can. One last perk to a pickup is that it is road legal, so you can drive and use it every day.

The downside to trucks is that they are bigger meaning that you probably won’t be able to drive them all the way back to your hunting spot. You will have to park them along the road and carry and walk to the area you plan on being hunting. This shouldn’t be much of an issue though, but can be to some people. Good off-roading trucks though are a great reliable option for hunting.

Top Pickup Trucks

Dodge Ram Rebel.

The first pickup that we will look at for hunting is the Dodge Ram Rebel. This truck can come with a powerful Hemi V8 engine or a gas/diesel V6. Either one will be powerful enough for most people’s needs. The truck sits high and has good ground clearance for off-roading. It even comes with semi-knobby road tires. The cab is large and the ride is smooth with its updated suspension. This truck is also full of technology and you can connect your phone to it.

The downside to the Dodge Ram Rebel is that it can be a little too big sometimes if you are wanting to take it down trails. Trails can get narrow and this is a bigger truck. Also, the towing power can get a little low for some people’s needs, but for some people it is fine. This truck is still a great option though and rides well.

Ford F150 Raptor.

The other pickup we will look at for off-roading is the Ford F150 Raptor. This truck is extremely customizable meaning you can make it how you want it and it will meet all your hunting needs. It comes with a powerful V8 engine and this gives it a lot of towing power. It can carry a lot of gear and people and look good doing it. The Raptor has an upgraded chase that makes it great for off-roading.

The downside is that it only comes as an automatic and also only comes with a gas engine. Some people out probably want manual and diesel so that it would last longer. Also, it doesn’t have all the top safety features. It is still a powerful and versatile truck though, and it can get you in and out of the woods in style.

SUV

The last option for off-road hunting vehicles is an SUV. SUVs tend to be smaller compared to pickups which means they can get you deeper into the woods, but at the same time they keep you dry inside the cab. Also, they can carry about as much gear and people as a pickup can.

Also SUVs are still road legal. Sport Utility Vehicles were designed for outdoor hunters and adventurers in mine, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider one for your next hunting vehicle.

Top SUV

Jeep Wrangler

The only SUV we will look at is the Jeep Wrangler. Wranglers can carry a lot of gear and people. They have high ground clearance and a tight wheelbase meaning that they are perfect for taking off-road. They are extremely customizable like the pickups and the top and doors can normally come off, so you can get the fresh air like on an ATV if it is a nice day.

The downside to an SUV though is that the cargo space and passenger space is the same space. They don’t have much of a trunk and don’t have a bed like a truck. This means if you want to carry gear, then you have to sacrifice on people and vise versa. Also, any game you kill is in the vehicle with you.

The towing ability can also be a little low sometimes for big game because SUVs don’t have as large of engines as a truck. They are still great off-road vehicles though and can get you where you need, if they meet your other needs.

Conclusion

So now you know the different types of off-road hunting vehicles and the best off-road hunting vehicles in each type. If you have a lot of gear and hunt big game, then a pick up is probably your best option.

If you don’t have so much gear, but still want to have a street-legal vehicle, then an SUV is probably right for you and if you just want to get around fast and don’t have far to go, then an ATV might be your best option. Now though you have a great starting point of finding the best hunting vehicle for your needs.

How to Use Binoculars in the Right Way

Binoculars are the perfect addition to just about any outdoor activity. Hunting, fishing, bird watching, you name it. But do you know how to use binoculars?

Binoculars improve visibility and help the user specifically focus on their target. If taking a shot or observing an animal from afar, they improve accuracy over a long range. Here are the best practices for how to use binoculars.

Set up the binoculars for optimal use

Adjust the distance between the two eye barrels to be appropriate for your face. Binoculars will stretch or pull tighter and hold that position for use. If the binoculars aren’t property set to you, you will see black edges in the peripherals.
Use the neck strap. You don’t want to set the binoculars down and forget them or risk having the settings compromised. By strapping them around your neck, you can relax the set when not in use while still having it ready to go very quickly.
Preferably, purchase a pair of binoculars with a diopter. This allows the user to focus both eye pieces at the same time, as opposed to having to do the process twice and risk them not being set equally. This can cause blur or otherwise be distracting.
This video walks users through setting their binoculars.

Identify your target and focus

Before zooming in, figure out exactly what it is that you’re going to look at. To get set, pick a solid object up against a solid color. A building, tree, or tall plant set against a cloudless sky is perfect.

Turn the diopter or central focus wheel until the object is perfectly in focus. Be sure that both eyes are set and feel comfortable. If you’ve gone too far in, zoom back out. I always recommend testing a few settings, even after you’ve found one that feels great. That way, you are confident the setting used is the best one.
For fine focusing, close the right eye. Using only the left, adjust the diopter to the specific setting that feels perfectly in view. Be sure the object you are focusing on is in clear, fine focus.
If your eyes are strained or fatigued, re-adjust. There’s nothing wrong with using more than one focus setting throughout the day.

Clean the binoculars

After use, you’ll want to clean the binoculars for next time. This helps keep the set optimized for long term use. You’ll notice that dirty lenses make it incredibly hard to find the perfect zoom and focal points. This can lead to headaches and fatigue.

When cleaning, be careful not to scratch the lenses!

Using an eyeglass brush or cloth, wipe away any dirt or particles that have collected on the outside of the lends.
Use eyeglass solution to really get those lenses shining.
Look through the binoculars to ensure there are no smudges or streaks on the lenses.
Return the binoculars to their case and store them in a place that won’t get to hot or cold.
Here is a great video on cleaning binoculars.

In recent years, I’ve been using binoculars more and more to hone in my hunting and bird watching. A good pair really ups the visibility and improves accuracy with long range shooting.

Now that you’ve discovered the joy of using binoculars, please share this article on social media so that those closest to you can do the same! I love hearing about new tricks of the trade and activities, so feel free to comment as well.

Featured Image by Frankie Roberto

How to Start A Fire With Sticks: Survival 101

One of the most common questions in the world of camping and sportsmanship is how to start a fire with sticks. It’s a professional maneuver—any miscalculation or deviation from the correct process makes it nearly impossible to do.

There are three basic formulas, which I’ll explain later. Each of the steps takes time, and it took me almost an entire summer of trying before I even got one fire started. But with patience, comes reward. Keep that in mind.

How to Start a Fire With Sticks

Here are the three methods for how to start a fire with sticks.

1. Hand Drill Method

For this technique, make sure you have a large quantity of tinder—the friction depends on it to keep the ember alive and turn it into a flame.

Gather some grass, pieces of shrubbery, cattails, small bits of wood, or anything that burns easily.

Pile them all together into a nice mass of burnable material.

You’ll need what’s called a spindle, basically a thin, round, but sturdy piece of wood, and a baseboard as well. Here we go:

Cut a divot into the side of the baseboard, running its height. You can start with a V-shaped notch and then make it slightly deeper with a knife. Put a piece of tinder, like a wood shaving or leaf, underneath the notch to catch ember.
Firmly put the spindle piece into the notch. Roll it between your hands without letting it move out of the notch. You’ll want to apply as much downward pressure as you can while moving the spindle between your palms.
The goal is to get the tip of the spindle to ember itself by turning into a glowing red color. When this happens, try to spread the ember onto the piece of tinder you’ve placed underneath the baseboard.
Move the ember to your tinder pile, and employ a good deal of blowing in an attempt to produce a flame. Here is a great video tutorial:

2. Bow Drill Method

With this method, you’re going to start with the same expansive pile of tinder and employ the exact techniques we discussed in the previous section. The bow drill method is a little more advanced and requires better ‘on-the-fly’ woodworking skill— it also has a slightly higher success rate.

Start the same way as with the hand drill method, by cutting the notch into your baseboard of wood.
You’ll need a crossbar or ‘bow’ shaped piece of wood to connect it to your spindle by using rope other pieces of thin wood to tie it together.
Attach a small, solid piece of wood on top of the spindle to act as a handle for downward pressure.
Place your knee or another heavy object on the baseboard to weigh it down so that it won’t shift during the fire-starting process.
Apply pressure to the handle, forcing the spindle down into the notch in the baseboard.
Simultaneously pull the bow back and forth to create friction. The goal here is to create the same amount of friction as you would in the hand drill method of how to start a fire with sticks. This technique doesn’t wear your hands out—hence the bow.
Keep going until you’ve got an ember on the bottom of the spindle, then transfer that ember to your small piece of tinder underneath. Next, add it to the large pile of tinder. Once you’ve got the mound of tinder at an ember, blow on it to birth a flame.

This video walks you through the steps.

3. Fire Plow Method

This is the most basic way to start a fire with sticks, but also the most complicated. The fire plow method is essentially just rubbing two sticks together until you get an ember. Let’s outline the best approach for using this method (with the hope that it won’t be a last-ditch effort!)

Widdle one stick down to a dull point using the smaller of the two pieces of wood.
The other piece should be larger and more sturdy. it serves as the base— in other words, it’s the matchbox. Cut a groove vertically down the log near the top to near the bottom.
The goal is to ‘plow’ the smaller piece of wood repeatedly in the groove of the larger piece, creating an ember which will then be transferred to your tinder pile. You’ll want to make sure that the widdled piece is as hot as possible. The transfer to the tinder pile is direct from the wood, and there is no intermediary when using this technique. Here is a great video on the fire plow method:

How to Start a Fire with Sticks: Best Practices

Knowing how to start a fire with sticks is hopefully something you won’t have to stress about anymore. All three of these techniques require patience, an immense amount of practice, and repetition. I recommend working on them in your yard or on a camping trip several times. That way, you’ll have the techniques down pat if you find yourself stranded in the wilderness.

Gather a bunch of loose wood and burn-ables, and keep them on-hand for practice. You’ll need several trial runs to learn what works best for the tinder and what you should keep out. I also recommend practicing your blowing techniques; even if it’s just on your wood-burning fireplace in the living room.

If you become a master at any of these techniques, you should consider teaching lessons to everyone you know – you may end up saving their life!

Reasons Why You Should Know How To Start A Fire With Sticks

It might be a little challenging to learn how to start a fire with sticks, but don’t throw in the towel. It might seem as if you’d never have to put the skill to use, but that’s not true. You never know what situation you’ll find yourself in— you might decide to be a contestant on Survivor. However, even if you never find yourself running through the wilderness with cameras filming—you still need to know how to start a fire. Here are a few examples of why:

Purifying Water

When you’re out in nature, there’s obviously no water purifier. If you run out of water, you’ll need a backup plan; the last thing you want is to be out in the wild and be sick. The best way to purify water is to boil it—which requires a fire.

Emergency Signals

This one is a biggie because if you ever find yourself stranded, you’ll need to signal for help. Not only that but if there’s an injury or other dire emergencies, the fire will attract attention. Furthermore, smoke rises high which provides a better chance of others spotting your location.

Cooking Food

No stove doesn’t have to mean no food, and when you’re in the wild sustenance is key. Sure, you can grab a few canned goods and eat that, but even that would taste better warmed. You’ll need plenty your strength out in the wild, so the better quality of food that you eat, the better. If you put a few fish or other meats over the fire, you’ll have more energy.

Cleaning and Drying Clothes

It’s inevitable that you’ll get dirty and wet while in Mother Nature. If you have to clean your clothes, you can always place in them in hot water and then hang them over the fire to dry. Not to mention, you’ll need to wash body as well. Putting a bucket of water over a fire provides hot water to wash your face, hair, and hands.

Ward Off Insects and Animals

Lighting a fire is a good way to prevent insects and animals from invading your space. The wild is their territory, so they move about as they please— but of course, that’s bad news for you. Fire serves as a security barrier because it keeps pests from coming too close, and it provides light so you can see if there’s a threat nearby.

Warmth

When the temperature is frosty outside, your survival skills will kick in quickly. Sleeping under the stars in freezing weather is a recipe for illness, hypothermia, and even frostbite. A warm, toasty fire is your best defense against unbearable conditions.

Sterilization

Last but not least, building a fire helps to sterilize blades, utensils, and other equipment. Also, injuries are very common in the wild, and you don’t want to get an infection from dirty tools. If you have to sterilize cut, place the equipment into boiling water or into open flames.

How to Make a Tinder Bundle

One of the primary ingredients to creating a successful fire is a tinder bundle. Basically, it’s a group of small, flammable fibers that are easy to ignite. If natural materials are scarce, you can use a rope to create to your nest—make sure it’s made of twine. It’s important to use the proper materials, so if you don’t have twine fibers, gather some jute, cotton, hemp, sisal, or other natural fibers. Here’s how to make a tinder bundle nest:

Cut off a little piece of rope about six inches long.

Hold each end of the piece, and twist it backwards until it starts to create individual fibers.

Gently form them into a ball.

Place your source of fire into the middle of the tinder bundle and blow it into a flame.

If you happen to have a form of moisturizer like Vaseline or Chapstick, rub it on the fibers so they become more flammable and last longer.

Final Thoughts On How To Start A Fire With Sticks

Starting a fire with sticks is one life skill that definitely is good to master before you have to put it to the test. If you have any tips on how these methods have worked for you, please share in the comments so that others can learn them and employ them in their fire starting. I’ve been doing this for twenty years and just recently feel like I’ve gotten pretty good at it. Sadly, most people don’t know how to start a fire with sticks, so please share this on social media so that we can grow awareness. Good luck!

Featured Image by Lance Fisher

5 Duck Hunting Dog Breeds You Need to Know

Dogs are man’s best friend, and one of the biggest reasons for that is how helpful they can be during a hunt. Personally, I have a beagle that’s been with me for four years now. There are several options to choose from, much of which is decided by individual preference. Waterfowl hunters, inland bird hunters, and more generic game hunters can all help step your hunting game up significantly. Here are the top five duck hunting breeds to have by your side in the blind.

5 Duck Hunting Dog Breeds You Need To Know

1. Brittany

If you hunt upland, a Brittany Springer is the best hunting breed you can have. Not only are they great swimmers and incredibly loyal, the icing on the cake is that they are also great listeners.

They are big enough that retrieving a larger duck is no problem, and agile enough that they move around an area quickly and discreetly.

Training a springer is as simple as bringing them on a few hunts and thoroughly walking them through the routine of what they need to do. This breed is particularly strong when compared to others that aren’t as agile in and around water.

2. Retrievers

Let’s start with Golden Retrievers. This breed is masterful at both force and blind retrieving, and is smart enough to perform well under pressure (in a competition, or in time-sensitive or crowd-sensitive areas). Golden retrievers are impeccable swimmers, runners, and might be the most loyal dog you’ll ever encounter. If I didn’t have my beagle, I’d have one of these. Other retrievers, such as Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, are honorary mentions here. Here is a video that goes into detail on this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxPyMMPoe3g

Next, let’s talk about Labrador retrievers. The distant cousin of golden retrievers, these dogs are also incredibly versatile in the field. It often seems like they prefer water over land, which is perfect for duck hunting. It’s important to begin training retrievers early in life, because they have immense amounts of energy and need the discipline to be engrained from a young age in order to be effective. But once they’re trained, you won’t find a better hunting dog than a retriever. Here are more top retrievers to consider.

3. Beagle

Now, I don’t want to sound biased here, but Beagles have a connection with humans that is incomparable. Their scent-tracking abilities on the hunt are second to none. They are so fast and can dart around through bushes and shrubbery in a way that larger dogs can’t. I’ve never seen a duck retrieved so fast as what a Beagle will do every time. I also advise starting training when the Beagle is young. The earlier that they get the scents down, and are used to retrieving ducks, the better they will be as adult hunting dogs.

4. Cocker Spaniel

Here is one of the best duck hunting dog breeds, simply because they were bred to hunt from the beginning. With quick movements and a keen eye (and nose!) for fallen fowl, it’s no wonder Cocker Spaniels are such commonplace in hunting fields across the world. These dogs necessitate less training than other breeds that have a more difficult time paying attention. A few runs through of the routine, and Cocker Spaniels will be begging you to take them out hunting nearly day. It is more effective when using with best duck call for beginners.

5. Poodle

Far beyond the showrooms of dog competitions are the poodles actually doing what they are best at.

These dogs are fiercely loyal, incredibly smart, and not afraid of anything.

Send your poodle into the water, across a field, through a bush- as long as it will feel valued and rewarded upon returning with the bird, the dog will outperform any other. Just remember, toy poodles and other smaller breeds aren’t going to cut it. You must have a full-size poodle and be willing to put in the training time to get it up to speed. Because they are so smart, poodles are more alert than most other top duck hunting dog breeds and therefore will pick up on smells and abstract hints that the others would miss.

Don’t believe me? Watch this video:

Conclusion

While there are a number of great breeds, these are the top 5 duck hunting dog breeds you can have in terms of training, memory, agility, and overall enthusiasm for hunting.

Do you use a breed that I didn’t discuss here? Share a photo and a story here in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.

I hope you found this article helpful, if so please share on social media. Hunting is such a powerful activity, and having a great dog along not only makes it more fun and efficient, it helps with conservation and with promoting the sport as a great way to bond with your best friend.

Hunting Blinds: What to Know and What to Look For

Hunting blinds are a common and effective way that a hunter can shield himself from the animal he is after and minimize the chances of being detected.

Often, a deer hunter will use climbing equipment to perch himself in a tree and use that as cover, but there are several grounded blinds available for purchase that are easy to pack in, set up, and move around while in the field. Some require the hunter to lie down while others allow for sitting and kneeling/standing.

I have been using the Harter’s Ground Blind for several years now with great success. Here, we’ll discuss different types of blinds with examples for you to check out before making a purchase.

Hunting Blinds: What to know and what to look for

Deer hunting blinds
- Portable- Portable blinds are the most common, and work best for most hunters as they can be packed in and out, and moved from spot to spot quickly. They range in size from small to large enough to fit two to three hunters and have shooting holes built-in. They set up like a tent with stakes and a mesh lining, typically weighing between ten and twenty pounds. A good blind will provide 360-degree shooting capabilities and vision while maintaining disguise from all angles.
- Permanent- When thinking of permanent blinds, picture a treehouse that a father might build for his kids. Some are made of wood and built on stilts, giving the hunter an extended range of sight, while others sit on the ground. Permanent hunting blinds will require power tools to assemble, but are durable and will last many years. Permanent blinds are only doable if you own the hunting property, or have an arrangement worked out with the landowner, as they cannot be packed in and out and require an immense amount of labor to put together. Here is a video on setting up permanent hunting blinds.

While they are more comfortable and can be modified to your specific setup and preferences, it’s quite an investment. Some require the purchase of an elevated hunting tower to serve as the base of the blind pod. If you are looking into buying a permanent hunting blind for your property.

Tree stand blinds

These are often not much more than a skirt to go around a hunting chair or platform already built into the tree. The benefit of these hunting blinds is that they provide an elevated viewing and shooting area. You will need additional gear to climb the tree and to set up a seating area. Be sure you have fastened the skirt on securely before setting up shop, especially if it’s windy outside.

Duck hunting blinds

Duck hunting blinds are similar to deer hunting blinds but designed for waterside landscapes. Often they are designed to look like the tall reeds and plant life that waterfowl thrive in, and feature wider shooting holes that often run the length of the tent’s long side. Around fifteen pounds in weight, give or take, duck hunting blinds are quick to set up and break down.

However, you can build your own duck blind by building a pit deep into the ground using boxes that are built to resemble a 30-gallon oil drum that has been shaped into the landscape. Be sure to put a wooden cover on it so that it won’t fill up with rain when not in use. Again, this is only effective if you are always hunting the same spot.

Conclusion

Personally, I refuse to hunt without a blind, mostly because in addition to camouflage they also provide shelter. You can bring a cooler of beer, food, and other necessities for the hunt and keep it hidden away, and if it rains or is very windy you’ll have protection from the elements.

I don’t own land, so my hunting is done on public land where I have to truck in my blind each time, so I try to keep the process simple by using a tent-like blind with a hunting chair and always bring a blanket. While I’ve always been partial to Harter’s, Ameristep makes many quality products that are affordable and easy to set up.

Have ideas or product recommendations? Share here in the comments and let’s get a discussion going, and don’t forget to blast this article out on social media if you’ve enjoyed it.