Category: Eblast Archives

Bows, Bugles, and Bulls: New Mexico Elk Hunt 2018 – Episode #463

By GrowingDeer,

Chasing elk in GrowingDeer episode 463

Grant returns to New Mexico to chase elk! With the rut heating up and bulls screaming, the encounters are close and many. Watch the entire story as multiple bulls hit the ground. Plus, Tyler punches a tag as we work toward our doe management goal at The Proving Grounds.

Click Here To Watch Now

 

persimmon

New blog:

Knowing that deer have a sweet tooth can help hunters punch a tag. Learn how to scout and hunt sweet and tasty persimmon!

 

 

 

 

Click Here

 

buck checks out a Code Blue scrapeWOrking it:

Scrapes are heating up! This buck puts on a show at the Code Blue synthetic scrape!

 

 

 

 

Click Here

 

 

Cleaning hands with D/Code field wipe

HUNTING/Field TIP:

D/Code Field Wipes make cleaning dirty hands in the woods a breeze.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Redneck hunting blind overlooking a food plot

Q & A of the Week:

Question: Can I have too many stand or blind locations on my property?

Answer: More hunting locations on a property is actually better so the hunting pressure can spread out and reduce the chances of deer being alerted in the same areas repeatedly. Having more options allows hunters more places to hunt with different wind directions so they can approach, hunt, and exit without alerting deer.

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on Bows, Bugles, and Bulls: New Mexico Elk Hunt 2018 – Episode #463

Deer Reaction Test: The Results and Lessons – Episode #462

By GrowingDeer,

We recently tested how quickly deer can hear and react to a bow shot

Have you ever had a deer jump string? We recently tested how quickly deer can hear and react to a bow shot. This week we share the entire test and results. What we learned will change the way we hunt! Plus, nine-year-old Rylan White tags his first deer of the season.

Click Here To Watch Now

 

buck searching for food

New blog:

Bucks are genetically programmed to gain weight/develop fat to prepare for the post-rut winter stress period. Grant explains how we can use this knowledge to create successful strategies to tag bucks during October.

 

 

Click Here

 

This bear came down the tree we were scouting30 Yard Bear Encounter:

Daniel and Owen were recently scouting for acorns and much to their surprise….down the tree comes a bear!

 

 

Click Here

 

 

Two hunters glassing

HUNTING/Field TIP:

Glassing can be a very effective scouting and hunting technique. Work the terrain slowly and scan your surroundings frequently so you can plan your approach without alerting critters

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close up of a DeadMeat broadhead after the shot

Q & A of the Week:

Question: Are the DeadMeat broadheads reusable?

Answer: Yes, the G5 DeadMeat broadheads can be reused! Sharp blades are key. We recommend using replacement blades to ensure the best results and easy tracking!

 

 

 

 

A Scent Crusher Ozone Tote

DEER GEAR:

It’s deer season and Scent Crusher is giving you the opportunity to save big on the Ozone Tote! The Ozone Tote is the perfect way to keep your gear scent-free to and from your hunts all fall. Check out the Ozone Tote here.

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on Deer Reaction Test: The Results and Lessons – Episode #462

Bow Hunting Opening Day: Doe Down! – Episode #461

By GrowingDeer,

Bow Hunt Raleigh at full draw bucks doe

Raleigh returns home from college for Missouri’s opening day of deer season. She punches her first tag of the season!

Click Here To Watch Now

 

Doe Eating Acorns In Bow Range

New blog:

The acorns are dropping here at The Proving Grounds. This means that deer that have been on a food to cover pattern for the last couple of months will be more difficult to hunt!

 

 

Click Here

 

bow hunter in treestandA Successful Hunt is a Safe Hunt:

Safety should be your first priority when hunting this fall. Always wear a safety harness and be tied to a safety line or the tree when hunting from a treestand. Tim Crawford shares his story about falling from a tree here.

 

Click Here

 

Using Code Blue on a scrape

weekLY TIP:

Opening up scrapes now conditions deer to using them and can be great camera and hunting locations throughout the season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

hunter with a doe harvested with a Prime bow

Q & A of the Week:

Question: Should does with fawns be given a pass during the early season?

Answer: When many deer seasons open, most fawns are fully functioning ruminants and can survive without the doe. If your harvest goal is to balance deer numbers due to quality of forage, harvesting does early is a great practice.

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on Bow Hunting Opening Day: Doe Down! – Episode #461

Preparing For Deer Season: Tips for Scouting and Enhancing Food Plots – Episode #460

By GrowingDeer,

Scouting and food plots in GrowingDeer episode 460

In preparation for deer season we share how we’re using Reconyx trail cameras to pattern deer. Plus, see how food plots can be used for better hunting and healthier deer.

Click Here To Watch Now

Raleigh Woods bow hunting in the afternoon

New blog:

We share our early season hunting strategies here.

 

 

 

Click Here

 

Swoops is on our hit listHIT LIST BUCK UPDATE:

We’re excited for opening day because seven-year-old Swoops is on his feet during DAYLIGHT!

 

 

Click Here

 

cleaning out our no-till drill

Tip of the week:

We use a shop vacuum to clean out our Genesis drill at the end of planting season so that it doesn’t attract small critters looking for food during the winter.

 

 

 

 

 

Acorns on the ground

Q & A of the Week:

Question: Are acorns falling at The Proving Grounds?

Answer: Acorns just began hitting the ground at our place. Oaks, particularly white oaks, that are dropping acorns can be great hunting locations.

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on Preparing For Deer Season: Tips for Scouting and Enhancing Food Plots – Episode #460

The Recipe for Great Food Plots: Healthy Soil and Timely Rains – Episode #459

By GrowingDeer,

Learn how to have great food plots in GrowingDeer episode 459

What makes a perfect time to plant cool season forages? Watch to find out the answer, plus see an update on a recently planted plot that is looking great.

Click Here To Watch Now

Grant Woods with a Kansas buck

Early Season Success:

Watch one of our favorite early season Kansas hunts! The stalk ended with antlers on the ground!

 

 

Click Here

 

Owen Zimmer using a hand spreader to plant a food plotMeet The New Intern:

We welcome Owen Zimmer, our newest intern, to the GrowingDeer Team! Learn more about Owen here.

 

 

 

 

Read More

 

Morrell Target with an arrow in it

Pre-Season Shooting Tip:

Shooting dots on a target is great practice, but it’s important to practice shooting deer-like targets. Learn to focus on the lower third of the body and the vitals to prepare for your hunting season.

 

 

 

 

Slingshot is a hit list buck

Q & A of the Week:

Question: Have bucks started to shed velvet at The Proving Grounds?

Answer: Yes, they have! One of our hit lister bucks, Slingshot, has shed and looks great!

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on The Recipe for Great Food Plots: Healthy Soil and Timely Rains – Episode #459

Time to Plant Food Plots and Open Scrapes! – Episode #458

By GrowingDeer,

Planting food plots in GrowingDeer episode 458

It’s time to plant cool season food plots! Find out how to provide quality forage for deer while using the Buffalo System to build healthy soil! Plus, bucks will be using scrapes soon. Now is the time to open up old scrape sites.

Click Here To Watch Now

 

ground level view of worker in boots walking in food plot spreading seedfood plot tips:

The forecast for Thursday included a good chance of rain after lunch. It was a forecast for a quick food plot!

 

 

 

 

Read More

 

Hunter getting his bow

Hunting Highlights:

It’s always Prime time for the GrowingDeer Team. Check out some of our favorite “right before the shot” footage!

 

 

Click to Watch

 

Spraying down with D/Code scent eliminator field spray

Tip of the Week:

We always spray our LaCrosse boots with D/Code scent eliminator field spray while checking trail cameras, to reduce human odor and not alert/educate deer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deer

Q & A of the Week:

Question: Will you deer hunt opening morning (Missouri’s season opens September 15th)?

Answer: We rarely hunt mornings during the early season. Oftentimes deer are feeding right before daylight and hunters will bust deer while traveling to the stand or blind. Afternoon hunts are much more effective at not alerting and educating deer during the early season.

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on Time to Plant Food Plots and Open Scrapes! – Episode #458

Rolling With The Seasons: Life and Deer Hunting – Episode #457

By GrowingDeer,

Life and deer hunting in GrowingDeer episode 457

Grant shares about Raleigh’s sacrificial love and gives an update about the kidney transplant. Plus, with deer season and rain on the way, find out what we are doing to be ready!

Click Here To Watch Now

 

young velvet buck in summer soil builder food plotfood plot tips:

It’s not practical to irrigate most food plots. However, it’s fairly easy to conserve soil moisture. Find out how to conserve moisture so your food plots can be productive during periods of drought!

 

Read More

 

Grant takes aim with his Winchester

This Is Your Shot:

 

Buck encounters usually take a lot of work. Winchester is working to make sure we can make that moment count this fall!

 

 

 

Click to Watch

 

Seed depth is important when planting

Tip of the Week:

Planting small cool season seeds too deep could lead to low germination rates. Small seeds like brassicas and clover, if drilled, should be only be placed ¼”- ½” deep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Venison taco salad

Tasty Venison!:

This tasty meal combines fresh venison with the classic taco salad!

 

 

 

Click Here

 

A buck without velvet

Q & A of the Week:

Question: When will bucks begin to shed velvet?

Answer: Once the hardening process is complete, bucks will begin shedding their velvet. We recently got a Reconyx picture of a buck without velvet!

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on Rolling With The Seasons: Life and Deer Hunting – Episode #457

Deer Season Prep: Creating the Hit List, Scouting and Shooting Tips – Episode #456

By GrowingDeer,

Deer Season Prep in GrowingDeer episode 456.

As summer comes to an end, we’re scouting for velvet bucks, both in the field and with trail cameras. The entire GrowingDeer Team has been working hard to improve the habitat and hunting. See the results of the work and bucks that we hope to chase this fall!

Click Here To Watch Now

 

man loading eagle seed soybean mix into a Genesis No-till drillfood plot tips:

Soil moisture and seed depth are keys to successful planting. Read more here on when and how to plant your fall plots so forage reaches its full potential!

 

 

Read More

 

Making Hook's Messenger grunt call

tools of the trade:

The Messenger is one of the most important tools we take to the deer woods. Find out more!

 

 

Click to Watch

 

Yamaha Wolverine next to water source

pre-season scouting:

Identifying for water sources now could pay off in a few weeks. Early portions of deer season can have warm temperatures and if water is a limited resource, it can be a great hunting location.

 

 

 

 

 

Venison loose meat sandwich

sloppy does:

We’re emptying the freezer to make room for this fall’s harvest. Ground venison sure makes a tasty “Sloppy Doe”! Find the recipe here.

 

 

 

Click Here

 

Elk decoy in use

Q & A of the Week:

Question: Do you plan to pack an elk decoy this fall for your hunt in New Mexico?

Answer: Yes! We will have a Montana Decoy in our pack and ready to use when appropriate. We had several great encounters last fall using a decoy and hope to have another great hunt this September!

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on Deer Season Prep: Creating the Hit List, Scouting and Shooting Tips – Episode #456

New Stand Location: Scouting, Planning, and Hanging– Episode #455

By GrowingDeer,

Planning for deer season in GrowingDeer episode #455

We’re moving in on some hit list bucks! Watch as Daniel hangs a new Summit treestand and prepares for deer season. Plus, we’re scouting hard to find those prime hunting locations for when acorns hit the ground!

Click Here To Watch Now

 

Hit List Buck Highriser in RangeNew blog:

Stand location and careful hunting can be key to punching a tag. Find out how thermals and wind can affect a hunting location and what you can do to hunt your stand appropriately.

 

 

Read More

 

A buck with velvet antlers

Scouting For Velvet Bucks:

One of our favorite ways to spend a summer evening: in the blind with the iSPOTTER on the Nikon spotting scope and searching for velvet antlers! See the rewards of a recent sit!

 

 

Click to Watch

 

Using a Hooyman pole saw to trim a shooting lane

TIMELY Tip:

A battery powered pole saw is not only quieter but leaves less scent while trimming shooting lanes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

bear in the backyard

Bear Update!!:

We recently had a black bear in the backyard! See the video here!

 

 

 

 

Click Here

 

Scent Crusher Ozone Go

Q & A of the Week:

Question: How do you reduce scent in your truck while you check cameras?

Answer: Vehicles can collect lots of odors that you don’t want to carry into the woods with you. Using an Ozone Go is one way we reduce odors in our truck, so we leave as little scent at camera sites as possible.

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on New Stand Location: Scouting, Planning, and Hanging– Episode #455

Preparing For Opening Day: Treestand Maintenance and Hunting Strategies – Episode #454

By GrowingDeer,

Treestand maintenance and hunting strategies in GrowingDeer episode 454.

We share our summer checklist for treestand maintenance as preparations for opening day get underway. See how we provide water for critters during the drought. Then we share the details of our fall hunting goals to target both bucks and does!

Click Here To Watch Now

 

using NIkons to search for AcornsNew blog:

Scouting now could be the difference between punching a tag or eating tag soup. Find out how a pair of binoculars and careful planning can help your hunting this fall.

 

 

 

Read More

 

Southpaw at a Code Blue scrape

 Favorite Scrape:

Southpaw hit this Code Blue scrape last fall. Now that he’s on the wall, we can’t wait to see who shows up this year!

 

 

 

Click to Watch

 

Using a Nikon rangefinder

TIMELY Tip:

Practice ranging and shooting different yardages (not just 20, 30 and 40 yards) to prepare for when that first deer steps out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An easy marinade recipe for venison

Easy Recipe:

Trying to empty the freezer for this year’s harvest? Here’s a quick and easy deer steak recipe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click Here

 

Pulling up a Summit treestand

Q & A of the Week:

Question: How high do you hang your treestands?

Answer: It depends on how much cover the tree has, the terrain, and other factors. However, typically we like to hang our Summits about 20 feet high.

 

 

 

 

  Category: Eblast Archives
  Comments: Comments Off on Preparing For Opening Day: Treestand Maintenance and Hunting Strategies – Episode #454