The Friday Hunting Briefing — Issue #10

The Bargain Blind

55% off · Stealth Cam Fusion Max 2.0 Cellular Trail Camera with Lithium Battery · $79.99 · $179.98

This is a legitimate steal on a cellular trail cam that normally retails for $180. The Fusion Max 2.0 sends photos to your phone and comes with a lithium battery pack that'll last through winter. At 55% off, it's cheaper than most basic non-cellular cams.

Field Report

• 2026 Compound Bow Shootout Crowns Winner After Most Competitive Test Yet — Outdoor Life's latest bow test involved shooting 405 arrows across seven flagship compounds over three days. The editors called it "the most competitive we've seen" and declared we're in the "golden era of compound bows."

• Vermont's First Turkey Hunter Reflects on 1973 Milestone Season — Fifty-three years ago, Vermont held its first modern turkey season after live-trapping and translocating wild birds. The state recently hosted an event commemorating this conservation success story that helped restore America's largest native game bird.

• Field & Stream Tests Best .22 Pistols for Outdoorsmen — New testing results reveal the top rimfire pistols for plinking, training, small game hunting, and camp protection. The review emphasizes how a quality .22 pistol is "almost unfathomable" for any serious outdoorsman to be without.

• How to Find Hidden Bass in Small Creeks and Rivers — Most anglers drive right past productive small water that holds lunker bass. This guide covers accessing remote creeks by kayak, reading water structure, and finding untouched fishing spots that others overlook.

The Watch List

Bass Pro Shops · HAWK Big Denali 1.5 Ladder Stand · $199.98 · 20% off · BlackOut Intrigue X4 Compound Bow Package · $349.99 · 13% off · MidwayUSA · Boss Buck Broadcast Spreader/Feeder 80 lb Capacity · $219.99 · 34% off · Whitetail Institute Imperial Clover Seed · $115.99

Trail Tested

Ep. 1030: Foundations - Dissecting the Day-to-Day Lives of Deer

Tony Peterson dives deep into the mysterious daily routines of deer that most hunters never observe but should understand. Particularly valuable for anyone hunting pressured areas where deer behavior gets altered by human activity.

Ep. 1031: Back 40 - Why Your Deer Hunting Gets Worse the Harder You Try

Jake Hofer and four experienced hunters tackle the counterintuitive truth that trying harder often makes hunting worse. They break down common mistakes like over-managing property and creating too much pressure without realizing it.

Planting This Week

Spring planting season is in full swing across most regions. Here's what's ready to plant now:

White Clover (North) · April 15 – May 31

Plant after last frost when soil temperature hits 50°F consistently.

Chicory (North) · April 15 – June 1

Mix with clover for a diverse plot that deer prefer over monocultures.

Soybeans (Mid) · May 1 – June 15

Wait for soil temps above 60°F to avoid poor germination.

Corn (North) · May 1 – June 1

Plant 1.5 inches deep in heavy soils, 2 inches in sandy soils.

Alfalfa (North) · April 15 – May 31

Test soil pH first—alfalfa needs 6.8 or higher to thrive.

Lablab (Mid) · May 1 – June 30

This heat-loving legume outproduces soybeans in hot, dry conditions.

Get personalized planting alerts for your property.

The Sign-Off

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." — Chinese Proverb

Get those food plots in the ground while conditions are good. See you next Friday.