The Friday Hunting Briefing — Issue #4

The Bargain Blind

62% off · Muddy Pro Cam Trail Camera 20 MP Combo 3PK · $84.81 · $224.94

This is the kind of deal that makes me check my bank account twice. Three 20MP trail cams for less than what you'd normally pay for one decent camera. Perfect timing to get your property mapped before spring patterns shift.

Field Report

• Turkey Scouting Beyond the Obvious — Outdoor Life breaks down why finding tracks and hearing gobbles isn't enough—you need intel that leads to filled tags. The key is developing a hunting plan from your scouting, not just confirming turkeys exist in the county.

• How to Hunt Turkeys When It's Pouring — Spring weather doesn't care about your turkey season plans. Field & Stream covers three keys to staying effective when the rain clouds roll in—because waiting on the couch all season isn't a strategy.

• Small-Gauge Turkey Guns Gaining Ground — The 2026 turkey gun roundup shows a clear trend toward 20s, 28s, and .410s joining the traditional 12-gauge army. TSS loads are making smaller bores deadly serious options for spring gobblers.

• Morel Season Prep While You're Turkey Hunting — Spring turkey hunters are perfectly positioned to scout for morels during season. These prized mushrooms sell for $20+ per pound, making them a valuable bonus to your spring woods time.

The Watch List

MidwayUSA · Tenzing TZ TR18 Turkey Recliner Vest · $89.99 · 52% off · Muddy Micro Stagger Steps 4PK · $23.83 · 43% off · MidwayUSA Full Strut Turkey Chest Pack · $44.99 · 35% off · Higdon Hard Body Laydown Hen Decoy · $39.99 · 27% off

State Line

UPDATE · General Turkey Season Prep

Spring seasons are weeks away across most states. Now's the time to finalize permission, pattern your shotgun, and get those trail cams deployed.

Trail Tested

Ep. 1014: Scouting Strategies That Separate the Elite Deer Hunter

Andy May breaks down advanced scouting techniques that go beyond the basics most hunters stop at. This isn't beginner stuff—it's the nuanced approach that separates weekend warriors from guys who consistently tag mature bucks.

Ep. 1013: The Sad Sound of Disappearing Deer Opportunities

Tony Peterson tackles the uncomfortable truth about shrinking nonresident hunting opportunities. His advice to book that dream hunt sooner rather than later hits hard—especially if you've been putting off that Western adventure.

Ep. 1010: The Power of Prairie for Whitetails

Kent Boucher and Nicolas Lirio make a compelling case for native prairie habitat that goes beyond food plots. If you're serious about improving your hunting property, this episode will change how you think about habitat work.

The Sign-Off

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

Spring's almost here, which means it's time to stop planning and start doing. Get those cameras out, pattern that shotgun, and scout those turkey roosts. The season waits for no one.