I had a nice Saturday of hunting. After I bird hunted, I went to one of my suburban deer hunting spots on Saturday afternoon 1/8/2011. It was cold and snowy, and I saw nothing but a fox from 2:30 PM to about 5:00 PM. Around 5 PM, things got interesting.

As I was fighting the numbness in my toes by wiggling my feet back and forth from my deer stand, I noticed a deer coming toward me on a heavily used trail. I gently grabbed my bow off its tree hook, and patiently waited. It took about a minute for the deer to pass the stand, but she was followed by 4 more — all does.

All of the deer kept looking behind them, so I waited a minute or two more. Seeing no other deer coming, I picked out the biggest doe and drew my bowstring. I put the pin on the vitals, and released the string. The string caught the hand muff I had around my waist, and the arrow went off to the right, driving straight into the ground. The deer bolted about 10 yards away, but to my surprise, they came right back! That’s when I heard a grunt.

I looked towards the grunt, and I saw a big-bodied deer coming down the trail. I then realized the deer was a buck. He walked by me at a quartering away angle. I picked a spot where I could drive an arrow through the left back quarter in front of the back leg and up through the vitals. Aware of my hand muff this time, I let the arrow fly. I saw and heard the arrow hit, and I watched the buck run away.

I waited about 40 minutes before coming down from my stand to look for the deer. I found my first arrow, but didn’t find the second — and I found no blood. With the newly fallen snow, I was able to find the buck’s tracks. I noticed that the tracks showed at least one limping leg, so I followed those tracks in lieu of any blood. Within 60 yards of my stand, I found the buck on the ground. He was a smaller rack 7-pointer with 3 points on one side and 4 points on the other.

Knowing I put a good shot on the buck, I filmed my tracking him. The video is below. (The video is a bit dark since I filmed it with my iPhone and a flashlight.)

Here is my Delaware hunting column from Thursday’s edition of The News Journal.

The allure of modern technology is sometimes too much to ignore when I’m sitting in a deer stand with little more to do than count falling leaves. I really tried to maintain focus during a recent deer hunt, but the familiar buzz of my iPhone provided me with a needed diversion.

The fully charged phone, set to vibrate mode, nearly shook me out of my tree. Hours of solitude and background noise provided by crickets, blackbirds and far-off geese lulled me into a heavy-eyed stupor that would normally have ended with the sound of a deer’s footsteps or a forceful forward head nod reminding me that sleeping in a tree is way too uncomfortable. This time, the vibrating phone in my right side pocket jolted me back to a heart-pumping reality.

Wearing a full-body harness over my multi-pocketed cargo pants and thick fleece camouflage shirt, I encountered some difficulty in getting to my buzzing phone. Since I loaded my pockets before I put the harness on, I didn’t realize that one of the harness’ leg straps was covering the pocket the phone was in, and making matters worse, the phone was at the bottom of the pocket (which also contained a grunt call, flashlight, and two bottles of deer scent).

As the phone buzzed, I awkwardly thrust my hand into the pocket with total disregard for the two uncapped spray bottles of deer urine that just happened to be situated in upright positions. It seemed like the double-pump of deer urine mainly saturated my glove, but unfortunately the hand inside that glove was now wrapped around my still-buzzing phone.

Grasping the phone with just my middle finger and thumb, I was mere inches away from answering the call. Pulling the phone out of the pocket, my bow trigger release briefly caught on the harness strap. The slight tug and break in my upward momentum was just enough to cause me to lose my grip on the phone, and I subsequently watched it tumble 20 feet to the leaf-littered ground below.

With about 45 minutes of prime hunting time left, my mind was torn between leaving the phone on the ground or climbing down to get it. Never one to back away from a challenge, I decided to climb down. After all, I could be down the tree steps and back up within a minute or two. What could happen?

Leaving my bow and backpack on their hangers at the top of the stand, I scampered down to retrieve my fallen phone. I picked up the face-down phone with my dry hand and flipped it over to see who called me at such an inopportune time. After several unsuccessful and frustrating attempts at unlocking the phone by sliding my gloved thumb over the touch screen, I knelt down, removed my glove, and swiped my index finger over the screen.

Then I heard a twig snap.

I quickly turned my head and saw a buck 15 yards from me. Instinctively, I reached to the ground for my bow. I reached again. Then reality kicked me in the gut and reminded me that my bow was still up in the tree. The buck saw me at the same time I saw him, and all we could do was stare at each other. Somehow knowing he was safe, he chewed a leaf, shook his head a bit, and silently walked away.

I did finally check the phone.

You would think telemarketers for a deer hunting magazine would know not to call during the late afternoon hours of deer hunting season.

From my article that appeared in The News Journal on October 7, 2010.

Although Delaware’s deer season officially began Sept. 1 for those who hunt with vertical bows or crossbows, October marks the month where hunters who use shotguns and muzzleloaders enter Delaware’s forests and fields. Those using shotguns can hunt antlerless deer Oct. 18, 22, 23, 25, 29 and 30. Muzzleloader users can hunt antlered or antlerless deer from Oct. 8-16.

During the 2008-09 hunting season (the last season for which deer harvest data is available), 1,246 deer were harvested during the October antlerless seasons, and 1,658 deer were harvested during the October muzzleloader season. Delaware’s stable white-tailed deer population and ample October hunting opportunities should lead to continued hunter success.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Game Mammal Biologist Joe Rogerson said the state’s deer population is stable to slightly declining.

“It should be noted that the goal of the division has been to reduce the population through the liberalization of the deer seasons, so this decline is a desired result,” Rogerson said. “Once the population reaches more appropriate levels, then the division will scale back harvest rates.”

Although Delaware’s overall deer population is healthy, there have been some confirmed cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, commonly called EHD. EHD is a virus that infects white-tailed deer typically through bites from specific species of midges, gnats and mosquitoes. Infected deer exhibit various symptoms, including lethargy, internal bleeding, labored breathing, disfigured hooves, and swelling of eyelids, head, tongue and neck. Typically occurring during late summer and early fall, EHD outbreaks sometimes kill up to 90 percent of infected deer in concentrated locations, but the disease does not affect humans.

Rogerson said he has received reports of EHD mainly in Deer Management Zone 3, north of Townsend. “EHD is a virus that can have significant local impacts, but overall is relatively insignificant,” Rogerson said. “The southeastern states have dealt with EHD for decades, and their deer herds are still thriving.”

EHD, and a similar disease called bluetongue, have been discussed in the Delaware hunting community for several years, especially during times of drought. Many believe that drought draws high numbers of deer to common water sources where the diseases are easily spread. I have spoken with several landowners and hunters who have seen deer die-offs that they attribute to EHD or bluetongue. Several have questioned why Delaware deer hunters are still encouraged to harvest antlerless deer (does, mostly) during October seasons if deer could be dying from disease.

“The Delaware deer herd is extremely productive due to the abundance of food and mild winters,” Rogerson said. “It is unlikely that seasons would be adjusted due to EHD, although it is something that we monitor and would act accordingly if need be.”

Despite low incidences of EHD, Delaware hunters can experience tag- and freezer-filling success in October.

Delaware Archery Deer Season Opens September 1

Here is my article that appeared in The News Journal on 8/5/2010.

When the Delaware deer hunting season ends each January, I try to keep my mind somewhat focused on hunting by creating a list of hunting-related chores that I promise to complete before the next season begins.

Somehow — year after year — many of those promises go unfulfilled.

This year is no different. Sept. 1 marks the opening of mourning dove, resident Canada geese and archery deer seasons. Rather than counting the days to opening day like a school kid counts down to summer vacation, I find myself trying to add days to the calendar.

I want to shoot my bow more, because after all, practice makes perfect. Sounds hokey, but it’s true. I put on an old pair of eyeglasses this week (since my everyday pair was lost when I was buying salt licks for my deer hunting spots) and began practicing with my bow. Something about the glasses was causing me to shoot high. To make sure my bow sights weren’t off, I switched to a newer pair of prescription sunglasses. I shot perfectly with them. I am now scrambling to get a new pair of glasses and practice with them before archery seasons opens.

There’s nothing like waiting ’til the last minute.

Likewise, I really need to scout some more deer hunting spots and hang some more tree stands. I joined a new hunting club in June. I am embarrassed to say, I have spent less than an hour familiarizing myself with the property, and I have placed a whopping total of zero deer stands. I really don’t want to get lost walking through unfamiliar woods at 5 a.m., and I would rather hunt from a tree somewhere above the early season vegetation and bugs. However, with only several weeks to go before opening day, I am asking myself where the summer went. As one who frequently discusses the benefits of scouting and choosing hunting locations wisely, I have been lax in my preparation.

It gets worse.

In my June column, I talked about the importance of realistic-looking decoys, and I went so far as to write, “Upgrading my decoy stock is now on my summer agenda.”

After my experience with the bald eagle attacking my turkey decoy, I vowed to get new goose decoys before Sept. 1, and I am considering purchasing new duck decoys and maybe even a deer decoy. Well, guess what? Not only have I not even purchased a single decoy, I haven’t even started researching decoys yet.

I really need to get on the ball.

While many of you are snickering and asking how I procrastinated on completing my list of offseason chores, I know some of you are thanking me for reminding you of the uncompleted items on your list. It’s OK. We still have nearly four weeks to get our acts together.

If there is no way to finish up before opening day, there is a fallback plan. We can complete our chores on Sundays during the hunting season (unless Delaware finally drops one of its last blue laws and joins the other 40-plus states that allow Sunday hunting).

What are your thoughts on allowing expanded use of crossbows for deer hunting in Delaware? Share your comments here.

Pasted below is my article that appeared in yesterday’s issue of The News Journal.

To some hunters, expanded crossbow use crosses the line

Delaware may soon have one of the longest crossbow hunting seasons in the nation and some believe that idea misses the mark.

According to the proposed regulatory changes listed in the “2010-11 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Seasons” document posted on the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife website, archery and crossbow deer-hunting seasons may be in effect concurrently from Sept. 1, 2010, through Jan. 31, 2011.

The proposed regulations stipulate that crossbows may be equipped with a scope and must be manufactured after 1980, have a minimum pull weight of 125 pounds, and have a mechanical safety.

Some hunters welcome expanded use of crossbows for hunting deer, but the proposed regulations are not without controversy.

Traditionally, Delaware allowed the use of crossbows only by special permits issued to individuals who met specific disability criteria. In recent years, Delaware allowed crossbows to be substituted for firearms during specified deer-hunting seasons or season segments.

The expanded use of crossbows to any interested hunter during the entire deer season strikes at the hearts of some vertical bowhunters (those who hunt with compound, recurve, or long bows).

Long-time bowhunter Curt Barkus of New Castle believes vertical bows and crossbows should not be treated as equal.

“Crossbows are similar to guns,” says Barkus. “It is almost as easy to shoot a crossbow as it is to shoot a shotgun. You have to put your time in to be a good archery hunter, plain and simple, but the same is just not true with a crossbow.”

Barkus said he is not against the use of crossbows.

“I am not one-hundred percent anti-crossbow,” says Barkus. “In fact, I think crossbow hunters should have their own hunting seasons, just as bow, shotgun, muzzleloader and pistol hunters do.”

Frank Gillen of Newark favors expanded crossbow use.

“I believe I should be allowed crossbow use during any and all seasons. Medical permits already are in place, but aging hunters with other physical limitations also need access,” says Gillen. “With burgeoning deer populations in built-up suburban areas, the crossbow should be viewed as an additional vital tool, along with the long bow, the recurve, and the compound for controlling the herds. Other states are already leading the way on this issue.”

Although many states allow crossbows to be used only by disabled hunters during archery only deer seasons, more states are allowing crossbow use by all hunters during gun seasons. Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia are among those that have adopted more liberal crossbow regulations.

As someone who chooses to hunt deer primarily with a vertical bow, I understand some of the arguments against expanded crossbow use.

I think bowhunters are somewhat angered because they are accustomed to having the woods to themselves for much of the deer-hunting season and soon may have some competition from crossbow hunters.

We bowhunters can accept the increase in the number of hunters in the woods, but I am not sure if all hunters will accept a decrease in the number of deer in the woods that could result from the expanded use of crossbows.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife has shown its dedication to properly managing the Delaware deer herd by issuing the Delaware Deer Management Plan. If the proposed crossbow hunting regulations are put into effect, Delaware hunters will be closely monitoring the Division’s response to any drastic declines in the deer population.

The proposed crossbow regulations will be published in the Delaware Register of Regulations on July 1 but would not become effective until July 11.

Steven Kendus’ Hunter’s Journal appears monthly in The News Journal. Kendus is the author of “Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting.” Follow his blog and podcast at www.HuntingTheFirstState.com. Contact him at skendus@HuntingTheFirstState.com.

From the Delaware DNR and Environmental Control

A draft version of Delaware’s Deer Management Plan is the first plan ever produced for formally addressing the future of a deer herd that has grown into a state success story of wildlife restoration.

Before the plan is officially completed, the Division of Fish & Wildlife is soliciting feedback  from anyone with interest in and concern about how deer are managed in Delaware. The new Delaware Deer Management Plan can be found at
http://www.fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/Delaware_Deer_Management_Plan.aspx

Comments can be submitted by mailing them to Deer Management Plan Comments, Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, 6180 Hay Point Landing Road, Smyrna, DE 19977 or by emailing to Joseph.Rogerson@state.de.us .

Comments will also be accepted at three public meetings the Division will host in February, one in each of the state’s three counties. The dates and times include New Castle County – Feb. 18, 7-9 p.m., Ommelanden Hunter Education Center, 1205 River Road, New Castle, DE 19720;  Kent County – Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m., DNREC Auditorium, Richardson & Robbins Building. 89 Kings Hwy,  Dover, DE 19901; and in Sussex County – Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m., Delaware Tech Owens Campus, Seashore Hwy (Rte. 18), Georgetown, DE 19947

Written comments and suggestions will be accepted until the close of business on April 1. The finalized Delaware Deer Management Plan is expected to be available for review in May or June.

For more information about the Delaware deer management plan, or anything else related to white-tailed deer in the state, please contact Joe Rogerson, Fish and Wildlife Deer and Furbearer biologist, at (302) 735-3600.

Editor’s Note: Here is a repost of my most recent article for The News Journal. I have inserted some comments, as well.

Sitting in a deer stand for the better part of six hours during last Saturday’s snowstorm and single-digit wind chills gave me ample time to ponder and appreciate proper cold weather hunting preparation.

I circled the last day of the deer hunting season on my calendar back in September, so I knew I would hunt regardless of the weather. When I realized late last week that the Saturday forecast predicted highs in the teens, gusty winds, and a slight chance of snow, I planned accordingly.

I was happy I did.

Mother Nature quickly overruled the slight chance of snow and dropped nearly 5 inches of the coldest, most powdery snow I’ve ever seen. To make matters worse, she supplied just enough wind to blow the light, tiny flakes into every wrinkle of my clothing and onto every centimeter of my exposed skin.

My preparation (or my lunacy, as some would say) enabled me to stick it out.

Preparing to hunt in cold weather begins with basic common sense: Be aware of the forecast prior to beginning your hunt. With televison, radio, and the Internet, there is no excuse for not having an up-to-date weather forecast. Be careful, however. As proven last week, it is not merely enough to play the odds. Last Saturday’s snowstorm was supposed to pass to the south of New Castle County, but the small chance of snow prompted me to pack my rain/snow gear in my hunting pack. The preparation paid huge dividends since it snowed steadily the entire time I was in the woods.

When the forecast calls for extreme cold, appropriate dress can be the difference between an enjoyable hunt and a hunt that ends miserably, and more seriously, the difference between life and death. Dress in layers, but be smart about your layering. Start with an insulating undergarment layer (top and bottom) of polypropylene or some other fabric that traps heat and wicks away moisture. (I like military issue polypropylene pants and shirt or Under Armour.) Next add one or two layers of mid-layer garments. On extreme cold weather days, I wear a thick, tight-knit wool shirt covered by an even thicker wool vest (both made by King of the Mountain), and thick wool pants. For an outer layer, I recommend a heavy, hooded, wind- and water-resistant parka or a full-body jumpsuit and a wool hat. When the forecast calls for precipitation and/or wind, I will add an outer shell lining of a waterproof jacket and pants. (I am especially fond of Frogg Toggs).

Keep in mind that some of us perspire more than others, and simple walks to a hunting location while wearing multiple layers of clothing can cause sweating. If you anticipate becoming overheated while walking, don’t put your outer layer on until you reach your location.

Nothing can end a cold-weather hunt faster than numb fingers and toes. Cost-cutting measures can be applied to all of your other hunting clothing purchases, but do not skimp on gloves, socks and boots. For gloves, I recommend a pair of wool glove liners covered by water-resistant mittens with flip-open fingers. For footwear, wear heavy-duty, moisture-wicking socks with a quality pair of low-temperature rated, waterproof boots that provide a thermal barrier without sacrificing comfort. Gone are the days of bulky, heavy boots that hinder movement and cause blisters. New technology is making it easier and more comfortable for us to hunt for longer periods in the cold. In fact, for extreme cold weather hunting, I wear boots that incorporate 2000 grams of Thinsulate material and Aerogel, a nanotechnology material developed for NASA that provides an extremely effective insulator with the lowest thermal conductivity of any solid material known to man. How cool, er hot, is that? (I have had several inquiries about the boots I wear. I wear Irish Setter Snow Claw XT extreme cold boots.)

Above all else, be smart when hunting in cold weather. If you are cold standing or sitting still, move around a bit. If you get too warm, remove a layer of clothing. And if you start to shiver uncontrollably, end your hunt and move to a heated location.

Steven M. Kendus article from The News Journal, January 21, 2009

I can already feel the dreaded emptiness that undoubtedly follows my final trips to the fields, marshes and woods as another hunting season comes to a close. I begin to replay a season’s worth of hunts in my mind, somehow hoping to relive them, extend them, or in some cases, even alter them.

I begin to clean and store my gear, address chores that I artfully managed to ignore since September, and allow my thoughts to drift to future seasons, future hunts, new places and new equipment.

However, like the stabbing pain brought about by an abrupt end to the Eagles season, I’m jolted back to reality and realize that there are still a few weeks of hunting left. In fact (sticking with our football analogy), I consider the next several weeks the last minutes of the fourth quarter. What’s more, I now look at late February, March and the beginning of April as overtime.

As a deer hunter who has not fared very well this season, I have several more chances to even the score. If I stick to bowhunting, I can hunt deer through Jan. 30. If I opt to pursue whitetails with a gun, the January shotgun season runs through Saturday, and the January muzzleloader seasons is open Jan. 25 through Jan. 30.

Waterfowl hunting also presents some last-minute opportunities to harvest game. Duck and regular snow goose seasons are open through Jan. 30, and Canada goose season is open through Jan. 26.

Squirrel, quail and pheasant seasons are open through Feb. 6, and DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced an extension to the Delaware rabbit hunting season. This new regulation establishes the end of Delaware’s rabbit season each year as the last day of February (or the last Saturday of February if the month ends on a Sunday). This “overtime” season allows hunters to pursue rabbits during periods unaffected by deer hunters.

For extended overtime hunting, the snow goose federal conservation order enables hunters to pursue snow geese from Feb. 1 through April 17, with no bag or possession limits. What a great way to wrap up the season.

Like every year before, I know that this hunting season will inevitably come to a close. Rather than quitting prematurely, I will play until the clock runs out.

Author’s Note: Here is a ‘blogified’ version of the hunting article I wrote for The News Journal on January 7, 2010.

The decade of the 2000s brought about significant innovations in hunting-related technology and products.

While intriguing advances were made in just about all areas of hunting last decade, I (with some input from the online hunting community) managed to narrow the list down to  the top ten innovations that enabled us to hunt safer, improve our chances of harvesting game, enhance the quality of our hunts, and protect the environment.

10 – Improved, Easier-to-Use Muzzleloaders – Recent designs in inline muzzleloading technology give hunters an easier, more modern approach to muzzleloading. Simpler ignition systems, pre-measured powder pellets, modern bullets, and cleaner burning powders have led to improved performance and accuracy, decreased loading and reloading times, and less barrel fouling.

I have been using a .50 Cal. Magnum Thompson/Center Encore for about 5 years, and I absolutely love it. In fact, I would rather use my muzzleloader than a shotgun. According to the T/C web site, “using T/C’s Mag Express Sabots and a 250 grain Shockwave™ bullet with 3 Pyrodex Pellets, it produces a muzzle velocity of 2203 ft./second and it is lethal out to 200 yards!”

9 – Adjustable Full-Body Safety Harnesses – While full-body safety harnesses have been securing window washers, loggers, and similar workers for years, they have only recently been adopted by the hunting community. Newer, adjustable full-body harnesses provide hunters of all sizes with added comfort and security when hunting from elevated stands.

8 –Animated Bird Decoys – Arguments exist both for and against the use of spinning-wing and other types of animated decoys for hunting waterfowl, doves, and other game birds, but the simple fact is: these types of decoys are effective. Although spinning-wing decoys came to market in 1998, advanced models of animated decoys became more popular in the 2000s. There are animated decoys that swim, flap, fly, dive, and shake, and they can provide the needed movement that will entice birds to land in your spread.

When thinking of animated decoys, most people think strictly in terms of waterfowl. However, there are also some cool animated decoys for other birds. I have been using Reel Wings decoys for crow hunting for years! Reel Wings makes spinning-wing, kite-like decoys for pigeons, ducks, geese, crows, doves, and more!

7 – More Effective Non-Toxic Shot – Ever since lead shot was banned for U.S. waterfowl hunting in 1991, hunters have been looking for a more effective alternative to the steel shot of the 1990s. With waterfowl shells introduced during the 2000s using bismuth, tungsten-matrix, tungsten-iron, or HEVI-Shot (tungsten, nickel and iron) rather than steel, the effective range of shotguns has dramatically improved when using these newer shells.

While HEVI Shot is great for waterfowl, I also love HEVI-Shot HEVI 13 for turkeys.

6 – Scent-Eliminating Clothing – Hunters were introduced to a plethora of scent-eliminating (or scent concealing) products throughout the 2000s. Pants, shirts, jackets, hats, boots, and even clothing storage bags can now be purchased with scent-eliminating technology. While I don’t believe the clothing eliminates all human scent, I do believe it conceals enough scent to increase a hunter’s chances of success.

5 – Portable, Affordable, and Feature-Rich Digital Range Finders – Bowhunters and long-range rifle shooters welcome the advances in digital range finding technology that came to market during the 2000s. Smaller sizes, lower prices, and advanced features, such as angle range compensation, ballistics consideration, and weather condition allocation give hunters the data needed to make more accurate shots.

4 – Portable GPS Units and PLBs – Perhaps the greatest safety innovations that were introduced to hunters over the past decade were handheld global positioning system units and personal locator beacons. The underlying technologies are similar in that each relies on satellite networks to provide information regarding the user’s physical location, so I am grouping them together in this list. Affordable, compact GPS units provide hunters with turn-by-turn directions, topographic maps, compasses, and advanced features like best hunting time charts, altimeters, barometers, lunar tables, and cameras. When activated, personal locator beacons take a hunter’s positioning information and relay it to a worldwide network of search and rescue satellites, increasing chances of survival during an emergency. With some PLBs having features like integrated homing signals and strobe lights, they have proven to be lifesavers for thousands of hunters, boaters, and other outdoors enthusiasts.

3 – Trail Cameras – Without a doubt, trail cameras have become the best way to scout deer and other game. With their widespread introduction to hunters over the past 10 years, the cameras have enabled hunters to monitor hunting spots year-round without frequently disturbing the game. With cameras that have digital photo and video, infrared, and even wireless email capabilities, trail cameras give hunters a significant advantage over traditional scouting methods.

2 – Smart Phones – While the direct verbal communication with hunting buddies is great, today’s new cellular smart phones provide hunters with a full toolbox of hunting-related products, services, and data in the palms of their hands. Assuming adequate connectivity, a smart phone can provide silent communication (in the form of text messaging and email), GPS features, access to emergency services, maps, a digital camera, weather information, sun and moon tables, ballistics data, tide tables, reading material,  games, and just about whatever else software developers dream up.

Seriously people. My iPhone gives me just about everything I need! Truly, there IS an app for that. On my iPhone, I currently have the following apps: Sunset (shows sunrise and sunset times), Maps, WeatherBug, Flashlight, AIM, Facebook, Tweetie, Knots, Turkey Talk, a camera, and more!

1 – The Ever-Evolving Internet – Yup. The Internet. I know many traditionalists shy away from the power of the Internet, but its constant evolution truly has made the greatest impact on hunting in the 2000s. Think about it: without the Internet, many of the smart phone features don’t exist. Plus, the wealth of knowledge presented via the Web to hunters across the globe is priceless. Rather than making phone calls, sending letters, visiting libraries, and waiting for face-to-face reports, hunters can now instantly follow hunting stories via blogs and forums, track migrations via live video and social media postings, and get current harvest numbers via various sites. What’s more, hunters can research in-state and out-of-state hunting seasons, purchase licenses, attend safety classes, obtain maps, join conservation groups, research and book hunting trips, and more.

Are you are reading my blog? Enough said.
It proved rather difficult narrowing the list down to ten items, and I would be remiss if I didn’t point out some other innovations that deserve consideration.

• New camouflage patterns constantly came to market in the last decade, and most beat their predecessors in providing more effective concealment.

  I know there are a million high-tech camo patterns out there. However, in my opinion, here are the best two patterns on the market. For early season hunting, Predator Spring Green Camo. My hunting buddies and I wear Predator Spring Green from September through early November, and we wear it in the spring for turkeys. Trust me. It is proven. If you look in my book Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting, you will see several photos of us in Predator Spring Screen shirts, fleece pullovers, jackets, and pants. For cold weather hunting, I believe that woolen patterns of King of the Mountain are phenomenal. Bernie Parson is a local reseller who provides create King of the Mountain products.

• Photorealistic waterfowl, big game, turkey, and predator decoys also deserve honorable mention. Advances over the past ten years have led to more life-like decoys, which led to more successful hunts.
• Finally, odorless, insect resistant clothing (clothing made from fibers that are impregnated with insect repellent) is a wonderful innovation. Nothing can spoil a hunt quicker than the smell of aerosol bug repellent.

I am looking for feedback, opinions, and suggestions from hunters, hunting supply store owners, and product  manufacturers regarding the top 10 hunting products and advancements of the 2000s. Article should run January 7, 2010.

Please reply to this post and email your comments to skendus@huntingthefirststate.com. Include your contact info in the email.

Deadline: 10:01pm EASTERN – 04 January