Keeping Warm In Kansas or Anywhere by Darren Choate As a disabled veteran--NOT a Wounded Warrior--I suffer from Raynaud's Phenomenon, making it difficult to stay warm in a ground blind or tree-stand, especially when temperatures drop to freezing or below. Add even a little wind and/or precipitation to the equation and it magnifies the condition several fold. Because of my … [Read more...] about Keeping Warm in Kansas
Gear for Going Guided
Gear for Going Guided In just a couple of days, I am headed to Kansas to hunt White-tailed deer with Heartland Pride Outfitters during the peak of the rut with my bow. It may seem cliche, but I find using a checklist helpful to ensure I always arrive at my destination with the appropriate gear. I can tell you, I would rather focus on the hunting aspect of a guided or … [Read more...] about Gear for Going Guided
The G2 Buck
Darren Choate | Arizona I hunted this buck and another giant for several years. A friend--who shall rename nameless (Pro Staffer, Shelton Boggess)--missed this buck in 2012. In 2013, the G2 buck came alone to my stand site. The buck drank water for several minutes, while I decided to shoot or pass. I had talked myself in to passing and waiting for the giant buck, but finally … [Read more...] about The G2 Buck
In-depth Review: Mathews NOCAM HTR
In-depth Review: Mathews NOCAM HTR This year, Mathews introduced a new, groundbreaking line of bows, unveiling their NO CAM ST™ Technology. Our revolutionary NO CAM ST™ Technology utilizes two circular and concentric string tracks, allowing the string to travel at a constant distance from the center of rotation during the shot cycle. This eliminates the common camming … [Read more...] about In-depth Review: Mathews NOCAM HTR
Kansas MONSTER Whitetails
Kansas Monster Whitetails by Darren Choate A hunt for Kansas Monster Whitetails has been on my bucket list for several years. This year, assuming I draw the tag, I will turn that dream into a reality. I recently booked a hunt with Cody Kuck, owner of Heartland Pride Outfitters. The Kansas application period is still open, and Heartland Pride Outfitters still has a few … [Read more...] about Kansas MONSTER Whitetails
Off-season Trophy Search for Western Whitetails
Off-season Trophy Search for Western Whitetails by Darren Choate When scouting for Western Whitetail, use the available tools to find a trophy buck or two to chase this season--and next. Without a doubt, every hunter dreams of shooting a trophy buck. The bleak truth: not every hunter will convert his or her dream into a reality this fall. In fact, the majority of deer … [Read more...] about Off-season Trophy Search for Western Whitetails
Trekking Poles, LEKI Carbon Micro Vario
Trekking Poles, LEKI Carbon Micro Vario by Darren Choate I grew up in the Desert Southwest. During the winter, I spent weekends and school breaks at my grandparents home in southern Arizona. On hikes, almost everyone carried a walking stick made from a Saguaro rib. At the time, I didn't consider the benefits of a walking stick--I just thought it was cool. Later in life, … [Read more...] about Trekking Poles, LEKI Carbon Micro Vario
Decoys, A Heads Up
Decoys, A Heads Up by Darren Choate Recently, the use of decoys to attract White-tailed deer has become an increasingly popular hunting method. Tune in to a deer hunting show on any of the major outdoor channels on your TV, and your likely to catch a decoy in use, especially during the rut. To be fair, most of these hunts are for Midwestern whitetail, not the Western … [Read more...] about Decoys, A Heads Up
Treestand Hunting Coues Deer
Treestand Hunting Coues Deer by Darren Choate It's hard to hang a treestand on a Saguaro! When one dreams of hunting Coues deer in the Desert Southwest, they likely imagine themselves sitting on a high peak glassing through high-powered optics--searching for the elusive deer. In fact, that's how most Coues experts hunt; spot and stalk with the aid of expensive binoculars and … [Read more...] about Treestand Hunting Coues Deer
Slumberjack Rail Hauler 2500
Slumberjack Rail Hauler 2500 by Darren Choate You just got a clean kill – now the real work begins. With a supportive external frame and removable pack, the Rail Hauler 2500 can comfortably carry the heaviest loads. The Rail Hauler’s lightweight aluminum frame is designed to handle up to 200 pounds, giving you the perfect platform for hauling anything from overnight gear to … [Read more...] about Slumberjack Rail Hauler 2500