The Friday Hunting Briefing — Issue #14

The Bargain Blind

11% off · Wicked Ridge by TenPoint Invader M1 De-Cock Crossbow Package with ACUdraw De-Cock · $799.99 · $899.99

TenPoint rarely discounts their crossbows this deep, especially one with the ACUdraw De-Cock system that safely uncocks without firing a bolt. The Invader M1 shoots 370 FPS and comes with everything you need — scope, bolts, quiver, and that game-changing de-cock feature that eliminates the sketchy end-of-hunt unloading ritual.

Field Report

• Trump Admin Opens 107 Refuges to Hunting — The Interior Department announced the largest expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on federal lands in history, opening 107 wildlife refuges plus four fish hatcheries. This beats any previous administration's proposal and comes with a 30-day public comment period before finalization.

• Vortex Crossfire HD 10x50 Drops to $100 — The Crossfire HD normally runs $250 but is down to $100 today — better glass than the Triumph HD that won our great buy award two years running. The 50mm objective gives you more light-gathering power than the typical 42mm binos in this price range.

• Guide Breaks Minnesota Lake Trout Record Four Times Running — Lake Superior guide Ethan Waytashek's clients just broke the Minnesota catch-and-release lake trout record for the fourth consecutive time. The DNR can barely keep up with updating their record books at this point.

• Outdoor Life Tests 8 Best Coolers Head-to-Head — The Titan Pro 55Q High Performance took the top spot in their latest cooler roundup. Testing focused on ice retention, durability, and real-world performance rather than just marketing claims.

• Snakeheads Expanding Range Across Eight States — These invasive 'dragons' are now regularly caught in eight states, up from that isolated Maryland population in 2002. They're explosive on topwater and excellent eating — the ultimate warm-water gamefish you're actually helping by catching.

• Best Budget Side-by-Side Shotguns Under $2,000 — You don't need English lord money for a decent double gun. Outdoor Life tested solid options in the $800-$2,000 range that won't embarrass you in the grouse woods or dove field.

The Watch List

MidwayUSA · Muddy Complete Hunting Seat · $29.53 · 34% off · Bass Pro Shops · Trophy Rock All Natural Mineral Lick · $9.98 · 23% off · Moultrie All in One II Game Feeder Kit · $37.91 · 22% off · Boss Buck Gravity Feeder Head 3 Way · $54.99 · 21% off

Trail Tested

Foundations - Proximity, Procedure, and the Secret Power of Getting Close to Mature Bucks

Tony Peterson breaks down why most hunters approach proximity to mature bucks all wrong. His explanation of proper positioning procedures and the 'secret power' of getting close is foundational stuff that'll change how you think about whitetail tactics.

Four Whitetail Land Mistakes To Avoid At All Costs

The Back 40 panel covers the biggest land management blunders that can cost you years of progress. Sometimes knowing what NOT to do is more valuable than adding another project to your list — this episode nails those critical mistakes.

Planting This Week

Late May is crunch time for spring plantings — you've got just days left for several key crops in northern regions.

White Clover (North) · April 15 – May 31

Plant just before rain and barely cover the tiny seeds — quarter-inch deep max.

Chicory (North) · April 15 – June 1

Mix with clover for a drought-resistant combo that deer hit hard in late summer.

Soybeans (North) · May 15 – June 15

Wait for soil temps to hit 60°F consistently — cold, wet soil will rot the seeds.

Soybeans (Mid) · May 1 – June 15

Plant 1.5 inches deep in clay, 1 inch in sandy soil for best emergence.

Corn (North) · May 1 – June 1

Plant 2 inches deep and consider a starter fertilizer if your soil is cold and wet.

Alfalfa (North) · April 15 – May 31

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

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 you can. Spring planting windows close fast, but the payoff in September is worth the rush.