I have not read many hunting regulation booklets in the last 10 years. In fact I can’t remember the last time I read a state’s regs cover to cover. I doubt you can either. That’s stupid on our part, because every state has quirky little rules and regulations that might never cross your mind. But ignorance is no defense. You and I could get our butts in a sling over some technicality if we don’t know the rules and follow them to a tee when we hunt deer. This year before we go to any state to hunt and film, I have made a commitment to go online and read the regulations cover to cover. It’s boring, but necessary. First up Kentucky, where I [...]

From Northeast Oregon Now: Just after 6 p.m. (last) Sunday, an Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife trooper came across a Jeep Cherokee with the driver’s door ajar (at an intersection near Pendleton and the Umatilla River). The trooper noted an empty gun case and ammunition inside the vehicle. About two and a half hours later, another Jeep Cherokee arrived at the intersection with five occupants inside. The trooper observed the occupants were in possession of the head of a freshly killed mature buck mule deer. (Oregon State Police Photo) Most disturbing is that the poachers ranged in age from 19 to 23. The 23-year-old was deemed to be the shooter and charged with killing the deer out of season and wasting [...]

Dave sent me an email saying that his son, Josh, was turning 8, and that he was finally old enough to hunt deer according to his state’s law. Dave said Josh would continue to tag along with him in the woods this fall, but the boy wouldn’t carry a rifle just yet. What did I think? I think Dave has got it right. Eight is great for tagging along with Dad, but isn’t it a bit too young and immature to carry a gun and kill an animal, especially a deer? Think about those rowdy 8-year-olds on your kid’s baseball or football team. Would you thrust a .243 into their hands and say, “Boy, go shoot us a buck.” My [...]