The Friday Hunting Briefing — Issue #16

The Bargain Blind

66% off · Stealth Cam Fusion Max 3.0 Cellular Trail Camera 3PK · $119.99 · $359.97

Three cellular trail cameras for the price of one — this is the kind of deal that shows up once a year. Perfect timing to get cameras set for summer scouting patterns before bucks go nocturnal.

Field Report

• Watch: Doe Kills Fawn in Trail Camera Video — Mark Stetzer's Moultrie camera captured disturbing footage of a doe attacking and killing a fawn while another fawn watched nearby. The article explores possible explanations for this unusual aggressive behavior.

• Murderer of 6 Deer Hunters Dies in Prison — The man responsible for killing six deer hunters in 2004 died while serving six life sentences. This brings closure to one of the most tragic incidents in deer hunting history.

• Anti-Hunting Groups Keep Losing in These States — Two dozen states have now enshrined hunting and fishing rights in their constitutions, with another dozen working on amendments. Florida voters overwhelmingly approved their amendment in 2024.

• SpaceX Land Swap Deal Triggers Environmental Lawsuit — Environmental groups sued over a land swap between SpaceX and USFWS at the southern tip of Texas. The deal would transfer 683 acres of private land to federal ownership in exchange for public land.

The Watch List

Cabela's · Barnett XP390 Crossbow Package with Crank Cocking Device · $349.98 · 22% off · MidwayUSA · Hawk Big Denali Swivel Hunting Blind Chair · $91.85 · 51% off · Carbon Express D-Stroyer PileDriver Carbon Arrows · $39.97 · 47% off

Trail Tested

Ep. 1042: Foundations - How Whitetail Antlers Came To Be

Tony Peterson dives deep into the evolutionary science behind whitetail antlers and explains how these bone structures regenerate so rapidly each year. Educational foundation episode that explains why we're all obsessed with big bucks.

Ep. 1043: Shawn Luchtel on Failure, Food Plots, and Big Buck Myths

Heartland Bowhunter's Shawn Luchtel walks through his biggest hunting mistakes month by month instead of celebrating successes. Refreshingly honest approach that focuses on learning from failure rather than hero stories.

Ep. 886: Who Was the Real Johnny Appleseed?

Steven Rinella interviews author Isaac Fitzgerald about the real Johnny Appleseed — turns out he was involved in land speculation and played a role in the War of 1812. Fascinating look at how American legends get mythologized.

Planting This Week

June 15th marks the end of the northern soybean planting window, so time's running short if you're still thinking about getting beans in the ground.

Soybeans (North) · May 15 – June 15

Plant at 1-2 inch depth and ensure soil temperature stays above 60°F for good germination.

Soybeans (Mid) · May 1 – June 15

Consider late-season varieties if planting now to ensure pods fill before frost.

Lablab (North) · May 15 – June 30

Inoculate seeds with rhizobia bacteria for better nitrogen fixation and plant growth.

Lablab (Mid) · May 1 – June 30

This heat-loving legume thrives in summer conditions when other plots struggle.

Lablab (South) · April 1 – June 30

Excellent drought tolerance makes lablab ideal for southern plots with inconsistent rainfall.

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 cameras out and beans in the ground while you still can.