Deer Guns & Loads Archives

5 06, 2025

8 Great Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Tips

Clay Hanback2025-06-04T10:07:31-04:00June 5th, 2025|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Guns & Loads, Deer Hunting, trijicon, whitetail deer|0 Comments

The popularity of blackpowder hunting is making a comeback! Here are 8 things to remember when you go out to smoke a buck this fall. Pour a measured charge of your powder of choice down the bore of your .50-caliber rifle, or drop in 2 or even 3 50-grain Triple 7 pellets in modern rifle that will handle 150 grains, like my trusty 700 Ultimate Muzzleloader. Some rifles shoot best with 2 pellets 9100 grains), while others like 3 pellets (150grains), so do some range testing. Insert your bullet of choice at the muzzle, and start it down the bore with a short starter. With your ramrod, seat the bullet firmly all way down and on top of the powder, [...]

30 03, 2025

Indiana: Giant Helbert Non-Typical Buck, 181 5/8”

Clay Hanback2025-03-30T11:37:32-04:00March 30th, 2025|Big Deer Stories, Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Guns & Loads, Deer Hunting, sportsman channel, whitetail deer|0 Comments

Today's blog on Don Helbert's buck of a lifetime is from Big Deer reporter Dean Weimer. Cool story and testament to two things: To get a 180-buck takes perseverance and creative thinking.--M.H. In the summer of 2023, a very cool 6x4 buck showed up on Don Helbert’s trail cameras, and while Don pegged the deer to be only 3 years old, he had the Indiana hunter’s attention. “I was on the fence about shooting him,” he says. That year the early October archery season proved uneventful. But on Oct. 23, Helbert got another, and better, look at the mystery buck. He was on his way home after work and caught the buck chasing a doe in his headlights. [...]

15 01, 2025

Is Old Ammunition Safe to Shoot?

Clay Hanback2025-01-15T10:23:22-05:00January 15th, 2025|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Deer Guns & Loads, Deer Hunting, Deer Management, Hornady, Shed Hunting|1 Comment

Can you shoot a deer with 5--year-old cartridges? Or 10 years old, or 20 years? Is old ammunition safe? Generally, yes. If factory cartridges are stored in a dry, cool place with low humidity, preferably in an airtight container, they can have an amazingly long shelf life. Many ballistics experts that have shot tens of thousands of rounds over the years report shooting 20- to 50-year-old ammo with no problems. Notice I said factory ammunition from the likes of Federal, Hornady and Remington, which is manufactured using premium components and exacting specifications that extend the shelf life of cartridges. I do not advise shooting old reloads. If you can’t find new ammo and need to hunt with rounds you have [...]

3 01, 2025

Here’s How to Store Your Gear After Hunting Season

Clay Hanback2025-01-03T08:45:06-05:00January 3rd, 2025|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Bowhunting, Deer Guns & Loads, Deer Hunting, Deer Management, Hornady, Hunting News, Shed Hunting, trijicon|Comments Off on Here’s How to Store Your Gear After Hunting Season

I've taken a little time off to recuperate from a tough deer season and to enjoy the holidays with family. Now back at f0r 2025.--MH After the last deer hunt of the season in December or January, many of you toss your clothes, pack and other stuff in a heap in a backroom and don’t think twice about it for another seven or eight months, until it’s time to scout and bow hunt again. I used to do that too, but I’m more organized now. This week I’m spreading out my gear on the basement floor, and giving it a good once over while last season’s hunts are still fresh in my mind. Out with the Old Did you like [...]

2 09, 2024

18 Hunting Questions Answered

Clay Hanback2024-09-02T14:32:47-04:00September 2nd, 2024|Big Deer TV, BigDeer, Bowhunting, Deer Guns & Loads, Deer Hunting, whitetail deer|Comments Off on 18 Hunting Questions Answered

I've answered thousands of questions from people who read my articles and blog over the years, here's a random sampling" What are pheromones? Pheromones are chemical substances in the urine and glandular secretions of deer. They serve as stimuli to other deer for behavioral responses. Many biologists believe that pheromones emitted by does trigger the peak of the rut and throw bucks into major breeding mode. I’ve got one buck tag and 2 days left to hunt. What is my best tactic? First, find what deer are eating right now. A patch of standing corn or a pocket of late-falling acorns is nirvana. And re-check a harvested grain field or food plot where you hunted early in season. Even though [...]