Tips, Techniques, and Strategies for Successful Turkey Hunting With opening day of turkey season approaching rather quickly, there are many tasks that need to be accomplished. Scouting, patterning your shotgun, and preparing your gear are all important, but one of the most important things you can do before the season is to get to know your calls. I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to be a world champion caller to harvest turkeys, but being a proficient caller is definitely a plus. So, let’s get those calls out and figure out what the heck we are doing.  I recommend doing this at lea ..read more

Unbinding Identity: Embracing Virtue Beyond Labels as Deer Hunters Published February 1st by Eric Clark, Okayest Hunter Co-Founder In 2023, I decided to get rid of my 2019 Ford F-150 to support our single-income family better. I was shocked by how much my ego and sense of identity were tied to a damn truck. I mean, what kind of deer hunter am I if I don't drive a truck? Where will I put all my gear? How will I tow my trailer? Where will I put the deer I tag every few years? I was having a weird identity crisis, and for what? So I could reputably call myself a deer hunter?? I bought a used ..read more

Tips to Become an Okayer Hunter in 2024 Published January 9th by Will Bowen, Okayest Hunter Contributor How did 2023 pan out for you? Was it full of great hunts, big harvests, and top-notch experiences? Or would you describe it as just an okay year? I would bet that many of you wished it would have been a little bit better. As hunters, we are prone to never being satisfied; maybe there was a good buck that needed to take two more steps for a shot or you choked on your mouth call and scared that gobbler away. It happens that way some years. And I would bet that we all have the goal of havi ..read more

Capitalize on the Second Wind By Will Bowen | PUBLISHED January 1st, 2024 I’m not speaking from any type of high-level experience here, but in running and other endurance sports, you hear athletes talk about the magical “second wind.” You’re gutting it out and inevitably you are about to hit the wall when suddenly you get that late, sudden burst of energy. It comes out of nowhere and often times gives you just enough momentum to finish the job. It’s 100% a real phenomenon, and if you ask me it happens in hunting as well.  I was lucky to find a little bit of deer huntin ..read more

Become More Present in the Moment Through Deer Hunting By Eric Clark | PUBLISHED November 21st, 2023 Finding moments of stillness has become a rare treasure in our fast-paced world, where time seems to slip through our fingers, much like that shooter buck we had our crosshairs on. Ryan Holiday's principles from "Stillness is the Key" help shed some light on the significance of slowing down in life. What better place to embrace this than at deer camp?  As deer hunters, spending time in the woods isn't just about finding that target buck, buck bedding, or the perfect tree to ..read more

Hunting: The Instant Connection By Will Bowen | PUBLISHED November 15th, 2023 There are very few ventures in this life where two people can connect so quickly and so deeply. Yes, people in the coffee shop will talk about their hobbies and adventures but very few will have a conversation like two hunters will. How many times have you been in the shop waiting for your oil change and strike up a conversation with the guy with the camo jacket? Or how many times have you been at a wedding reception and spent more time talking to a newly-acquainted hunter than your own spouse? I ..read more

Taking Photos of Your Whitetail Grip and Grin By Joel Herrling | PUBLISHED October 16th, 2023 Most whitetail seasons are here, and the thrill of a successful hunt is a memorable experience that many hunters cherish. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman, an Okayest Hunter or a newcomer to the world of hunting, documenting your harvest through photographs is a fantastic way to relive the excitement and share your achievements with friends and family. To ensure you capture the essence of the moment and honor the animal, here are some essential tips for taking captivating photos of the ..read more

Is Mobile Always Better? By Alex Killman | PUBLISHED October 8th, 2023 The mobile craze has been going strong for years now and feels like it’s at an all-time high, with most of the exciting new gear coming out revolving around just that – being as light and mobile as possible. In all honesty, that’s my preferred hunting style. But with all its benefits, is it always best to keep moving, jumping from tree to tree in an effort to “stay with the deer?” As much as we may not want to admit it, the answer may not be as simple as our saddle-wearing selves would like to admit. Mo ..read more

Being an Ambassador for Hunting By Will Bowen | PUBLISHED July 11th, 2023 As I scroll through my various social media accounts it’s becoming more apparent that an appreciation for the outdoor lifestyle is diminishing among the general public. It’s quite scary honestly. Hunting is not seen for what it is anymore, a key to conservation and an avenue for a subsistence lifestyle. It has taken a dark image amongst the uneducated anti-hunting crowd. It’s been quoted as being barbaric, unnecessary, and evil. But those who are familiar with hunting know this to be the farthest thin ..read more

Practice Shooting Your Bow Now to Gain Confidence for Deer Hunting Season  By Will Bowen | PUBLISHED June 29th, 2023 Every summer I start my practice sessions off the same way, shaky arms and loose groups. Am I terrible on the first session of the year? Not really, I’ve shot a bow for over two decades, so there is some inherit form there, but for my preferred hunting standards, yes…it’s pretty rough. I’d say the same goes for most bow hunters. As soon as hunting season ends, we all tend to put the bow on the hanger for a couple months. Some of us leave it up longer tha ..read more