The Friday Hunting Briefing — Issue #12

The Bargain Blind

37% off · Stealth Cam Revolver Pro 2.0 Trail Camera with Solar Panel · $159.99 · $254.97

Solar-powered trail cameras are game-changers for remote locations, and this 37% discount makes the math work. No more battery swaps in the middle of nowhere, and Stealth Cam's reliability means it'll actually be there when you come back.

Field Report

• Montana's Lt. Gov. Says Corner Crossing Is Illegal. Critics Say the Law Isn't Clear — Lt. Gov. Juras declared corner crossing illegal in Montana, but critics argue her stance is legal opinion, not settled law. The debate continues as no prosecutions of legitimate corner crossers have actually occurred in the state.

• Field & Stream Tests the Best Deer Rifles — The magazine put today's top deer rifles through comprehensive testing, with bolt-actions dominating the field. Their findings show the long-range craze has shifted preferences, though they note just about any rifle works fine for most deer hunting situations.

• The Case for Fixed-Power Scopes — Field & Stream makes the argument for fixed-power optics in a variable-power world. While the market has largely moved away from them, they offer simplicity and reliability that some hunters still prefer.

• Outdoor Life Reviews 2026's Best Camping Chairs — Their comprehensive test covered everything from fire pit comfort to backcountry portability. The GCI Comfort Pro took top honors for overall performance across multiple camping scenarios.

• Alaska Peninsula Survival Story: When Moose Hunting Goes Wrong — A classic 1972 Outdoor Life tale of four hunters who killed four moose at sunrise, then faced wolves and flooding. It's a reminder that the Alaska Peninsula doesn't care about your hunting success.

• How to Properly Clean Morel Mushrooms — Field & Stream breaks down the best methods for cleaning these spring treasures without losing their flavor. Their hollow stems and pitted caps hold dirt and bugs that need proper attention.

The Watch List

MidwayUSA · Boss Buck Auto Feed Conversion Kit Large · $84.99 · 35% off · Bass Pro Shops · TenPoint Titan 400 Crossbow Package · $799.99 · 6% off · Garmin eTrex SE Handheld GPS · $119.98 · 20% off · The Tannery Skull Bleaching Kit · $27.31 · 21% off

Trail Tested

Ep. 1032: Foundations - How to Tag a Late Season Longbeard

Tony Peterson walks through the tactics that work when turkeys have been pressured all season. His approach to calling cautious birds and strategic decoy placement is solid advice for hunters still chasing late-season gobblers.

Ep. 1033: The Case for a One Buck Rule with Brent Rudolph

Mark Kenyon and Michigan DNR's Brent Rudolph dig into the proposed one-buck-per-season rule being considered in Michigan. It's a thoughtful discussion about deer management that goes beyond the usual social media arguments.

Planting This Week

We're hitting peak planting season for most food plot crops. If you haven't gotten seed in the ground yet, you're cutting it close on some varieties.

White Clover (North) · April 15 – May 31

Plant after last frost and ensure good seed-to-soil contact for best establishment.

Chicory (North) · April 15 – June 1

Mix with clover for a drought-resistant plot that deer will use all season long.

Soybeans (North) · May 15 – June 15

Wait for soil temps to hit 60°F consistently before planting for better germination.

Corn (North/Mid) · April 15 – June 1

Plant when soil temps reach 50°F and rising for best stand establishment.

Alfalfa (North) · April 15 – May 31

Test soil pH first—alfalfa needs 6.5 or higher to thrive long-term.

Lablab (North/Mid/South) · May 1 – June 30

This heat-loving legume needs warm soil, so don't rush it into cool ground.

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 plots planted and cameras out. Spring won't wait.