Hunting tips Q & A
In creating deer hunting videos, big game hunting videos, and other hunting videos we’ve compile hundreds of hours in the field.
We give you hunting tips from our experiences in the field in this question and answer section. We also address any concerns you might have about your hunting setup and gear.
Just email us at info@outbackoutdoors.net with “Ask An Expert” in the subject line. Ask us your question and we may post it here with an answer for all our viewers to share!
You can also check out our big game hunter blog for immediate answers to your questions or read about trusted gear on our bowhunting gear page.
Footwear
Team Outback Outdoors is often asked what gear we use and why we choose the equipment we do and how that makes us successful in the West. Here is an email about the absolute necessity in wearing quality foot wear.
Team Outback Outdoors,
“I am from NY and am planning a trip out to Colorado to bowhunt elk during the rut in September. My question pertains to footwear and I have read and heard how that can make or break a hunt. What do you suggest and what are you looking for in proper footwear for this type of a hunt?” Domenic from NY
Cotton is absolutely the worst thing you can wear when hunting. The cotton does not allow the foot to breathe and holds moisture leading to cold miserable feet. What you want to have is a good quality liner sock first. Some type of synthetic silk blend for a base layer. Then you need a second sock of a wool synthetic blend. Either a medium or heavy weight combination depending on temperature range that you are hunting in.
Another factor in miserable feet are boots that are not properly sized for you. Always get an actual measurement by the store to see exactly what size you are. Boot companies vary depending on where they are made. Ideally you want to be able to slide a fingers width behind your heel and the end of the boot when it is not tied. This space allows for extra socks, foot swelling due to hiking and enough movement for going down hill. If possible bring your sock combination with you when you try them on. You will get a proper fit right from the start this way.
Foot wear is not place to skimp when it comes to being comfortable on a hunt of a life time. The top end hiking or hunting style boots should be all leather, have a steel shank and a stiff mid sole for support and be 100% water proof. Expect to pay in upwards of $300 dollars. This sounds like a big investment but when you can get 3-5 years or more out of a quality boot or choose to spend $150 for a sub par pair every other year the decision should be easy. If you take care of the leather, keep them treated and clean you will get a lot of years out of them. When you finally put a good pair of boots on your feet you will know it. There should not be a long break in period either with a good pair of boots.
Lastly it is the users choice whether to wear a short or a higher version, 7 or 10 inch. I choose the highest I can get like the Mountain Extreme from Kenetrek. It is 10 inches tall, full leather, life time waterproof gurantee and by far the most comfortable boot I have ever worn. On average I put 200 days a year in my hiking boots and I can always rely on getting there without sore feet. No guaranties the animals will be there by the time I get there but at least I went.
Thanks for the questions, and keep them coming
Jim Brennan and Team Outback Outdoors
Gear Question
At Outback Outdoors we get a lot of questions about what type of gear we use from what is in our packs to what bow, arrow, and broadhead combo we shoot. Here is an email we received from Eric in Texas asking what are bowhunting rigs consisted of….
“I have been watching and enjoying you webisodes since I found your website 6 months ago. I think I have watched everyone at least twice. I wanted to know how you all set your bows up for off season and 3D shoots and if you make any changes to them before you start hunting in the fall?” Thanks a big fan – Eric, TX
Great question Eric, and in general everyone at Outback Outdoors shoots basically the same bow setup. Last year we all shot AlphaMax 32’s. Adam and I shoot 80# limbs and Jim and Ryan shoot 70# limbs, and that is more of a personal preference than anything. We all shoot Black Gold sights, I used the 7 pin last year, but I am experimenting with the 4 pin Ascent with the moveable roller, I like it so far. We all shoot Ripcord Dropaways and really like them! Of course we all shoot Muzzy Broadheads, I like the new Phantom MX and the other guys are shooting the MX-3. We also have all been shooting Easton Axis 340’s or 400’s. I also shoot a Scott Release (Wildcat) and have had great success with that over the years.
As far as changing our setups from practice to hunting…. I am a firm believer that you practice with what you hunt with so the only change I make is shooting broadheads rather than field tips. I practice with the exact same set up in order to build muscle memory and confidence. That way I never second guess myself in the field… Hope that helps
Thanks for the question and keep them coming..
Trev and Team Outback Outdoors
Outfitter Question
We get questions a lot about whether to book with an outfitter or try to do a DIY hunt here in the west. Here is a question along those lines from a bowhunter in PA.
“I am a fairly experienced archery hunter but have never hunted out west. My experience is mostly whitetails and turkeys in my home state of Pennslyvania. My question is if I wanted to bow hunt out west what species or hunt would be a good first time opportunity and should I book an outfitter or try a DIY hunt on public land? Thanks-Rob”
Rob-
Thats actually a great question. In my travel I talk to hundreds of people about that very thing. You have the hunting experience, you simply lack the resources to hunt the west. One option I’m not sure how many people are aware of is a semi-guided hunt with an outfitter. These hunts are more affordable and allow you to hunt more or less on your own. You can take advantage of an outfitters ground and sometimes camp and equipment but still have that feeling of accomplishment an experienced archer gets from getting on game himself! In my opinion a semi guided archery hunt for Antelope is the perfect first time western hunting trip. Its fun, affordable and success rates are high. Look on our outfitters page as most of our partners offer such hunts, Trophies West Outfitters here in Montana who I guide for is one that comes directly to mind! Thanks for the question!
Ryan
Team Outback Outdoors
