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    We Want your Hunts
    to be Successful

    We at ALPS OutdoorZ believe in helping you have a successful hunt. From pro tips that help you pack smarter, to conservation and preservation best practices; we've sourced several expert hunters with experiences spanning across every hunt type. Our hope is that even the smallest tip will help you improve your game. Enjoy and Happy Hunting! 

    Discount Hunting Gear and Save the Hunting Community

    Hunt Types

    Select pro tips based on your preferred hunt type 
    Save the Hunting Community and Western Big Game Hunting
    Wildlife Conservation Organizations and Whitetail Deer Pro Tips

    Whitetail Deer Pro Tips

    Related Products
    Pro Tip 1

    Scent elimination!!! I try to be as scent free as possible when WHITETAIL hunting. When prepping for a hunt, wash your clothes, take a scent free shower, use scent free storage, and always spray down when headed out to the FIELD. - Derek Slocum


    Hunter Bio:

    I am an avid hunter/outdoorsman. My dad introduced me to hunting when I was 10 and I have been hunting ever since.

    Pro Tip 2
    I often get asked about the most important tip I could give to help someone take a mature buck. Other than making sure one is in the area first, only hunting when the wind is favorable is my go to answer. Most people over-hunt mature bucks and put pressure on them when the conditions aren't favorable. Be willing to "pick your spots" and put in quality hunts as opposed to quantity. That might mean you only have a few days to kill a particular buck, but remember, it's how you finish that matters! - Nick Pinizzotto
    Pro Tip 3

    Don't become complacent with shooting your bow once season starts. Shooting one arrow a day will help you maintain consistent form and stay mentally sharp. This will build confidence when the opportunity to draw back on an animal presents itself. - Sean Curran


    Hunter Bio:

    Sean is an avid bowhunter, waterfowler, below-average turkey hunter, aspiring photographer and the Vice President of Membership and Corporate Partnerships for Sportsmen’s Alliance. Family traditions rooted in the outdoors can be traced back to Sean’s earliest years where spending time with his Grandpa camping, fishing, and learning the ways of the woods was a summertime ritual. Later in life his uncle taught the hunter education course which lit the hunting fire that has been burning hot ever since. Bowhunting for rutting whitetails and chasing migrating waterfowl with his faithful Chesapeake Bay retriever, Timber, are at the top of list for Sean’s favorite hunting pursuits. However, without a doubt, the top priority is passing on those same family traditions to his own children and those he teaches as a hunter education instructor.

    Pro Tip 4

    Sit still. It's seemingly simple advice that modern deer hunters sometimes forget because of all the distractions we bring to the stand. Whitetails have excellent eyesight, and if you're moving at the wrong time—to glass, call, spray doe pee, or check your cell phone—they will see you. Plan your movements before you make them. - Will Brantley


    Hunter Bio:

    Will Brantley is the hunting editor for Field & Stream magazine

    Pro Tip 5

    Don't over hunt your best spots too early in the season. During the early season, hunt the fringes of your property like field edges and foodplots.  Save those prime hunting spots like travel corridors between bedding areas and food sources for the rut.  You can't hunt that big buck if you blow him out of your area in the early season! - Derek Dirnberger

    Pro Tip 6

    When hunting whitetails away from home, I spend a lot of time hunting public ground that requires walk-in access. Through unfortunate experience, I have learned the true benefit to being able to employ the lashing systems and meat shelves in packs like the Traverse-X or new Hybrid-X, to get all of my whitetail hunting necessities in deep while maintaining capacity and reducing fatigue. These western-based ALPS designs offer many benefits to the whitetail hunter, so don't overlook them when looking for a new deer hunting pack. - Laden Force

    Laden-Force-HuntingProTip


    Hunter Bio: 

    An avid bowhunter and outdoorsman from northern Missouri, Laden is the associate publisher of North American Whitetail Magazine and a team member of North American Whitetail TV.

    Pro Tip 7

    Whitetail Deer Video Reviews

    Big Game Wildlife Preservation and Western Big Game Hunting
    Western Big Game Hunting and Discount Hunting Gear

    Big Game Pro Tips

    Related Products
    Pro Tip 1

    Begin training several months before your actual hunt. Train in the gear that you will be using on your trip so you can break in your shoes to avoid blisters and know how much weight you can handle in your pack. Big game hunting is usually done in high altitude which is going to make your training even more important. - Adam Brune


    Hunter Bio:

    Adam is a Product Director at ALPS OutdoorZ. He enjoys hunting for whitetail, big game, waterfowl, and turkey.
    Pro Tip 2
    Don't worry if an elk hears or even sees you. Chances are they won't spook immediately. But as soon as it catches your scent, it's gone. Always play the wind. - PJ DelHomme
    Pro Tip 3

    If you are going rifle hunting be sure to practice shooting at the upper distances you have the potential to shoot at. Most times you will be stretched to your limits when hunting out west and being comfortable shooting long distances will help make sure you make an ethical shot. - Adam Brune


    Hunter Bio:

    Adam is a Product Director at ALPS OutdoorZ. He enjoys hunting for whitetail, big game, waterfowl, and turkey.

     

    Pro Tip 4
    If an antelope's cutters are at or above the ears, it's a shooter. -  Brian Lynn

    Big Game Video Reviews

    Discount Hunting Gear and Outdoor Backpack Brands
    Outdoor Backpack Brands and Wildlife Preservation

    Turkey Pro Tips

    Related Products
    Pro Tip 1

    Minimalize your decoy setup while remaining effective by using only a jake decoy. Your hen calling is a "Hen Decoy" that the gobbler can not see and the lone, non-aggressive jake decoy will lure that gobbler in close for a fight. - Shane Simpson


    Hunter Bio:
    Shane Simpson experienced his first taste of turkey hunting in South Carolina at an early age and was instantly hooked for life. Moving to Minnesota in 2008, Simpson soon founded the company, "Calling All Turkeys" as a way to share turkey hunting knowledge and experiences. Calling All Turkeys is an action-packed, semi-live web-show featuring hunts from all over the country and primarily on publicly accessible lands.
     
    In 2009, Simpson entered his first turkey calling contest and placed 3rd. He has since gone on to win more than 20 calling titles and has placed in numerous others, including winning the Minnesota State Calling Championship in 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2018 and he finished 2nd Runner- Up in the 2015 Grand National Owl Hooting Championship and 3rd Runner-Up in 2018.
    Along with producing Calling All Turkeys, Simpson does freelance work for numerous hunting industry companies and is also an outdoor writer with some of his work appearing in several national magazine publications.
    Pro Tip 2
    Know your area well, if possible pre-scout. Positioning yourself in an area an adult gobbler is already likely to be is the best way to look like an amazing turkey caller! - Steve Barlow
    Pro Tip 3
    When running and gunning for spring gobblers, pace yourself and don't get in a hurry. The turkeys are not going anywhere fast so just take your time. Take a few steps, pause to call, stand there and listen for awhile then slowly advance to the next listening spot. You'll become more in tune with what's going on in the turkey woods and increase your odds at the same time. - Shane Simpson
    Pro Tip 4
    Choosing a comfortable turkey vest (seat and back support or kickstand system) means longer sits and a more enjoyable hunt. And with less movement, you'll be sure to spook less birds. - Pete Muller
    Pro Tip 5
    Gobblers prefer to strut in low cut areas so a great way to bring a big tom into range is to create a strut zone. About a week before season opens, mow an area in your food plot, pasture, or even a wooded ridge top near their roost. - Derek Dirnberger
    Pro Tip 6

    When aiming your shotgun at a wild turkey, put your sights on the middle or base of the neck, not the head. Wait until he comes out of strut before shooting so more of the neck is vulnerable to your pattern. - Matt Lindler

    Pro Tip 7
    One of the easiest and most versatile turkey callers is a pot call. Glass and aluminum are my favorite surfaces for making both clear and raspy hen sounds ranging from soft purrs and clucks to aggressive cutting and yelping. - Matt Lindler
    Pro Tip 8
    Know the maximum effective range of your shotgun. Spend some time on the range and pattern your shotgun/Choke/Ammunition combination at distances from 15 yards to 40 yards. - Matt Lindler
    Pro Tip 9
    When calling to Eastern wild turkeys and a gobbler responds, he's already pinpointed your location and if interested will make it to your location eventually. Patience pays off big dividends with Easterns. - Matt Lindler
    Pro Tip 10

    If you hunt an area devoid of big trees, like West Texas, try a layout blind it works like a champ for turkey, plus it's really comfortable, easy to transport and low profile. - Darren Jones


    Hunter Bio:

    Darren works in the industry and is a former hunting and fishing guide

    Pro Tip 11

    A right handed shooter has a greater range of motion when swinging left, and a left handed shooter has a greater range of motion swinging right. So, when setting up on an approaching gobbler, a right hander should position for a 10 o'clock shot and a left hander should position for a 2 o'clock shot. These positions will provide the greatest range of motion if that gobbler doesn't come out exactly where you expected. - Derek Dirnberger

    Turkey Video Reviews

    Wildlife Preservation and Wildlife Conservation Organizations
    Wildlife Conservation Organizations and Hunting Tips and Tricks

    Waterfowl Pro Tips

    Related Products
    Pro Tip 1

    Concealment, concealment! This is one of the most important factors to consider when waterfowl hunting. whether your hunting in layout blinds, water or timber make sure that you are staying well hidden and blending into the surrounding terrain. - Zach Scheidegger


    Hunter Bio:

    My name is Zach Scheidegger and I have been working at Alps Outdoorz for over 10 years now. I have been passionate about the outdoors since I was a child. I was shooting a BB Gun as soon as dad would let me and that quickly lead to me sitting in the deer stand with him at 6 years old. Throughout the years I began to hunt most everything Missouri had to offer. I'm blessed now to be able to share this passion with my wife while both of us pass the appreciation for the outdoors to our 3 children.

    Pro Tip 2
    Often times hunters cut corners when it comes to concealment, spend time finding cover that matches your terrain, and utilize this cover to brush up your zero gravity or legend layout blinds. - Ricky Hart
    Pro Tip 3
    Basic obedience is the foundation of dog training. A thorough understanding of "sit, stay, heel and here" will cement your role as leader and will dovetail into your dog following other commands in the field when excited. You will also have a well behaved dog that won't be a nuisance in the blind. - Brian Lynn
    Pro Tip 4

    Take the first couple hunts of the season and focus on the dog. All that work training over the summer can unravel very quickly when the uncontrolled variables of the live hunt come into play. Taking the first couple hunts to make sure the training transfers to the field is well worth the time and will make for a smoother overall season. - Josh Miller


    Hunter Bio:

    Josh is the owner of River Stone Kennels and http://www.britishlabradors.com/

     

     

    Waterfowl Video Reviews

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    upland-bird

    Upland Bird Pro Tips

    Related Products
    Pro Tip 1

    Practicing your shot for upland hunting is just as important as making sure your deer rifle is sighted in. When I practice for upland season I like to use a hand thrower. This allows different angles/directions of flight for the clay bird, which is more life like than an automatic thrower. - Colby Smith


    Hunter Bio:

    My name is Colby Smith,
     
    I am lucky enough to have grown up in a house where dad taught me how to hunt, and mom cooked what we harvested. I have been hunting with my father since I was a child, and learned a great deal about not only the game we chased but the environment we hunted in. hunting for me has been more about the LESSONS that I have learned in the timber, than the kill. I am glad that one day I will be able to pass down the same lessons to my children that my father once taught me.
    Pro Tip 2

    As you physically prepare for the upcoming season, don't forget about your four legged hunting partner. The average hunting dog runs 2-3 times as far in a hunt than the owner walks so it is important that we get them off the couch and back in shape before opening day. - Josh Miller


    Hunter Bio:

    Owner of River Stone Kennels and BritishLabradors.com
     
    Pro Tip 3
    Hunting dogs need time to get into shape. Allocate at least six weeks of conditioning (swimming and roading) that gets gradually longer and harder so that your dog can get into hunting shape. - Brian Lynn
    Pro Tip 4
    Upland dogs will run at least three times as far as a hunter walks. Heat is killer, and frequent rests, drinking water and, if possible, swimming water, will help keep your dog cool. But, don't leave the water at home in winter. Dry, cold air will dehydrate a panting dog quickly, so remember to bring plenty of water regardless of time of year. - Brian Lynn
    Pro Tip 5
    When you're hunting ducks or geese on public land (or anywhere there is heavy competition), Don't be afraid to be as different as you can with your decoy spread, spinners and flags. Don't get caught up in making a pocket for the birds to land, but do leave holes for them to land in...and make sure those are in shotgun range. For ducks, I like to put a majority of the decoys on the edges of the pond and then four to six in open water to mimimc birds that just landed. Big geese like to feed in a line in fields, so I like to mimic that. I also place one or two groups 60 to 70 yards away, because honkers can be so anti-social. It just looks more natural. - Joe Genzel

    Upland Bird Video Reviews

    Hunter Reactivation and Discount Hunting Gear
    Predator Pro Tips and Discount Hunting Gear

    Predator Pro Tips

    Related Products
    Pro Tip 1
    Most predators have patterns, they walk the same trails, sleep in the same spots, stalk the same animals.
     
    Understanding these patterns means getting out there and scouting, sitting and watching, but by doing this you will kill more predators guaranteed. - Jeremiah Doughty
    Pro Tip 2

    It doesn't matter if you are using a mouth call or an electronic call, using correct call sequences can make or break your day. All predators can be different, so best thing to do is keep a log of what worked on what type of predator and what didn't, how long your sequence was, and wind direction. - Colby Smith


     Hunter Bio:

    I am lucky enough to have grown up in a house where dad taught me how to hunt, and mom cooked what we harvested. I have been hunting with my father since I was a child, and learned a great deal about not only the game we chased but the environment we hunted in. Hunting for me has been more about the LESSONS that I have learned in the timber, than the kill. I am glad that one day I will be able to pass down the same lessons to my children that my father once taught me.

     

    Pro Tip 3

    When coyote hunting, being completely still is a big part to making it a successful hunt. Coyotes have the ability to pick up movement FASTER than you can reach down to crab your candy bar. - Derek Slocum


     Hunter Bio:

    My name is Derek Slocum and I am on the Product Development team at ALPS OutdoorZ. I have been an OUTDOORS-MEN/hunter since I was 10, when my dad introduced me to hunting. since then I have ACTIVELY hunted small game to big game, upland to waterfowl, and the spaces in between. I look forward to the day when I am able to pass down the passion and obsession with the outdoors to my kids, as my farther did to me.

    Predator Video Reviews