Buckmasters Magazine

It’s Finally Come to This

It’s Finally Come to This

By Russell Thornberry

“When do I get to shoot a big deer?” she asked. That question was posed, as it had been every year, by my wife Sharleen. And it’s not an easy question to answer if you’re in charge of making that happen. You see, Sharleen is a busy woman who doesn’t have time to hunt hard every day. What’s more, she doesn&r... READ MORE

Cutting Back

Cutting Back

By David Hart

Hunters put a lot of money into food plots. According to a 2011 report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we spent an estimated $702 million on food plot seed and other expenses that fell under the Plantings category. No one knows for sure how many acres hunters put into food plots each year, but it’s likely well into the hundreds of thou... READ MORE

The Corn Conundrum

The Corn Conundrum

By Bob Humphrey

When you mention supplemental food for deer, the first thing most folks think of is corn. Where baiting is legal it’s sold by the bushel, and sometimes the ton. If not for corn, Texas’ deer herd might be a fraction of what it is. Furthermore, regions of the country with the most and biggest deer are primarily agricultural areas where th... READ MORE

Bluegrass Bruiser

Bluegrass Bruiser

By Darron McDougal

Tennesseean Kevin Clifton III was returning from a fishing outing with his brother, Gunter, and their two friends when an oncoming truck collided with his car. They had been sightseeing along a country road when a truck rounded a bend just ahead. It was traveling in the center of the road at approximately 65 mph, towing a trailer loaded with lawn m... READ MORE

Bobwhite Quail Management

Bobwhite Quail Management

By Mark Smith, Alabama Extension

The bobwhite quail was once the most popular game bird in the south. Learn about its decline and the management practices that can increase quail populations. Once known as the prince of game birds, the bobwhite quail was the most popular game bird in the south when most agricultural crops were grown in small patches. Quail thrived throughout Al... READ MORE

Ensuring Hunter Safety: A Guide to Properly Inspecting Your Tree Harness

Ensuring Hunter Safety: A Guide to Properly Inspecting Your Tree Harness

By Cody Hall

Hunting is a cherished outdoor activity for many, providing a unique connection to nature and a source of sustenance. However, safety should always be a top priority for hunters. One crucial aspect of hunting safety is the proper inspection of your tree harness before heading into the woods. Neglecting this step can lead to accidents and injuries. ... READ MORE

Pre-Season Bow Prep: Eliminate Problems Before You Head To a Stand

Pre-Season Bow Prep: Eliminate Problems Before You Head To a Stand

By Cody Hall

As the leaves turn and the crisp autumn air settles in, bowhunters across the country eagerly prepare for the upcoming bowhunting season. To maximize your chances of a successful hunt, it's crucial to dedicate time to preparing your bow well before you hit the woods. This process, known as pre-season bow prep, involves meticulously inspecting and t... READ MORE

Choose the Perfect Deer Stand

Choose the Perfect Deer Stand

By Cody Hall

Not all deer stands are created equal, and if you choose the wrong stand for your given hunting conditions, your chances of filling your tag drop dramatically. There are at least five factors to consider when selecting the perfect deer stand for your hunting needs, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next excursion. Location, Location, ... READ MORE

Choosing the Perfect Red Dot Scope for Your Pistol

Choosing the Perfect Red Dot Scope for Your Pistol

By Cody Hall

The world of firearms optics has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with red dot scopes becoming increasingly popular among pistol owners. These compact and efficient sights offer rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy, making them an attractive choice for both professional shooters and firearms enthusiasts. However, wi... READ MORE

Perfect Pairings: Crispy Catfish with Homemade Tartar Sauce and Irresistible Beer Batter

Perfect Pairings: Crispy Catfish with Homemade Tartar Sauce and Irresistible Beer Batter

By Cody Hall

When it comes to satisfying your fried fish cravings, catfish offers a delightful canvas for culinary exploration. Known for its firm texture and mild flavor, catfish can be transformed into a gourmet masterpiece with the right techniques and complementary flavors. In this article, we're diving into the world of catfish cuisine, showcasing a delect... READ MORE

Bow Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide to Gear, Tips and Practice for Beginners

Bow Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide to Gear, Tips and Practice for Beginners

By Cody Hall

Welcome to this week’s edition of “Outdoor Xtras!” In this article, we’re diving into the thrilling world of bow fishing, an exhilarating activity that combines the precision of archery with the excitement of fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice, bow fishing offers a unique and rewarding experience.... READ MORE

After the Hunt

After the Hunt

By Bence Carter, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

When deer and turkey seasons end, it is an ideal time to look at wildlife and forestry management techniques that can be completed in the summer months. Land used for hunting is often ignored from April until August, or until hunters begin planting cool season food plots. The summer is an ideal time to enhance a property to benefit wildlife through... READ MORE

Deer Hunting Hacks for Locating a Big Buck

Deer Hunting Hacks for Locating a Big Buck

By Buckmasters

When it comes to scouting for whitetails, good places to start include obvious trails, pinch points and heavy cover, but if you find these things around food and water sources, you’re golden. Food and water sources are the keys for locating whitetails. Just like humans, deer always need food and water. The hard part is determining which ... READ MORE

Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Available for Alabama Forest Landowners

Southern Pine Beetle Assistance Available for Alabama Forest Landowners

By Alabama Cooperative Extension System

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Southern pine beetles (SBPs) have the potential to ravage pine forests and decimate the investments of timber owners. What seems to start with one infested tree can quickly multiply into a big problem. Education about this species and new relief funding are key to protecting vulnerable natural resources. Biolo... READ MORE

Scraping the Surface

Scraping the Surface

By David Hart

Forget everything you thought you knew about scrapes. The bare spot on the old logging road wasn’t there yesterday. A closer look revealed a healthy track in the fresh dirt and a few shiny, dull-green pellets. The low-hanging branches above the clearing had been stripped bare, and the tips of the limbs had been whittled down to frayed nubs. ... READ MORE

Patterns for Success

Patterns for Success

By Tracy Breen

If you want to be like the best, act like the best. We all know that hunter who always seems to fill his tag. It doesn’t matter if the rut is early, late or slow, some guys always manage to fill the freezer. Many such hunters seem to take bigger than average bucks, too. I’ve had the pleasure to interview many guys and gals who fall int... READ MORE

More on Movement

More on Movement

By Darren Warner

Bucks might move less during hunting season, but they’re still there. My hunting setup was perfect. The wind was right, my hunting equipment was in perfect tune and my trail cameras told me I was in the right spot. It was shaping up to be my best deer season ever — until I didn’t see any bucks. You’ve probably had similar ... READ MORE

Road Trip

Road Trip

By Ken Piper

Advice for getting the most from an outfitted hunt. “Oh my God!” I had been in the stand just 15 minutes when I saw the buck. I actually said that out loud, but the stiff wind on that November afternoon covered the sound. The giant had its head down — it was probably cruising for does — and quickly closed the distance. I ha... READ MORE

Don’t Be Stubborn

Don’t Be Stubborn

By P.J. Reilly

Sometimes we’re our own worst enemy. We deer hunters sometimes get set in our ways. Year in and year out, we hunt the same areas, put our stands in the same trees, hunt the same times of day during the same periods of the season. We use the same gear and the same tactics. Often, we do this with good reason. It works, and we fill tags. But the... READ MORE

Designer Food Plots

Designer Food Plots

By Steve Bartylla

A little extra thought and effort can make your food plot stand out. Just 20 years ago, leaving some standing farm crops or planting anything to attract deer was considered cutting edge. It was such a novelty that deer would come from miles to take advantage of the extra food. Ten years ago, planting one of the better food plot blends achieved equa... READ MORE

Copyright 2024 by Buckmasters, Ltd.

Copyright 2020 by Buckmasters, Ltd