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Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops receive U.S. Army’s Highest Civilian Honor, The National Service Award from the Association of the United States Army

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Johnny Morris, center, receives award recognizing Bass Pro Shops’ exemplary service and decades-long commitment to supporting veterans and the United States Army community. Award presented by AUSA President and CEO, General (ret.) Robert Brooks Brown (left) and AUSA Vice President, Brigadier General (ret.) Jack Haley.

The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) today announced the awarding of its prestigious National Service Award to Bass Pro Shops and its founder, noted conservationist Johnny Morris. Presented in recognition of exemplary service and demonstrated enduring support to the American Soldier and the United States Army community, the National Service Award honors Johnny and Bass Pro Shops’ decades-long commitment to supporting veterans.

“We are honored to give one of our most prestigious awards – The National Service Award – to Bass Pro Shops and Johnny Morris. We recognize their incredible support to the U.S. Army,” said General Bob Brown (retired), President and CEO of the Association of the U.S. Army. “Johnny’s selfless efforts have supported soldiers and their families and our great veterans. We thank him for the generosity and dedication to our Nation.”

Recognized as “the Voice for the Army,” the Association of the United States Army presented the honor to Morris and Bass Pro Shops “in grateful appreciation for their dedicated service to the men and women in uniform and their families.” Morris accepted the award during a special presentation at the Association’s 2022 annual conference in Washington, D.C. attended by more than 40,000 soldiers from across the United States and around the world, representing allied armies from 22 nations. The conference was not only the AUSA’s largest annual gathering, but celebrated the grand opening of the new National Museum of the U.S. Army.

“On behalf of the entire team at Bass Pro Shops, we are humbled to receive this National Service Award. It is a privilege and honor to serve those whose sacrifice lies at the foundation of our way of life in this great nation,” Morris said. “We thank the Association of the United States Army. It truly is a remarkable group that does great work for the U.S. Army community and veterans across the country. This is a true, heartfelt honor that I am proud to accept on behalf of my Father and our 2,600 veteran Outfitters.”

Bass Pro Shops’ Commitment to Veterans and

to the U.S. Army Community

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have a long history of support for America’s veterans. This commitment stems from the passion of Johnny Morris, whose father, John A. Morris, served in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

For decades, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have been committed to hiring those who have served our nation. Currently more than 2,600 of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outfitters are veterans or active-duty military personnel. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s also actively support veterans’ causes and the United States Army community in a variety of ways.

Partnering with the organization Helping a Hero, Bass Pro Shops is improving the lives of disabled American veterans and their families across the country. Through this partnership, Bass Pro Shops paid the mortgage on 10 specially adapted homes for disabled veterans and issued a challenge grant to fund 25% of the construction cost on the next 100 homes built by the organization.

Johnny Morris & Leigh Perkins

Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Helping a Hero presenting two American heroes with keys to specially adapted homes.

Last year, with the support of customers across the country, Bass Pro Shops donated $300,000 to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen U.S. soldiers. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s also host a diversity of programs and events, including annual Fishing Dreams outings, being primary sponsor for the Shadow Warrior Project’s golf tournaments, and the 2021 Missouri Veterans Fishin’ Contest, that connect veterans with outdoor experiences. Earlier this year, Morris offered a free day away to more than 500 soldiers at Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood, providing a visit to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium for soldiers unable to be with their families during holiday block leave in December.

“My personal respect and gratitude for veterans is deeply rooted. It has been shared by my entire family, especially my dad, John A. Morris,” Morris said. “Growing up as a kid in Missouri, where I learned to hunt and fish, I always knew my father had served in the armed services. It wasn’t until much later in life that he shared with me that he fought in the Battle of the Bulge – one of the most intense conflicts of World War II. I am proud of my dad. His memory serves as an enduring reminder of the selfless courage shared by all who serve our country.”

Morris and Bass Pro Shops have donated more than $1.5 million to establish a series of veterans memorials at the College of the Ozarks in Missouri. The company has also been active in its support of the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s military service initiative that focuses on helping post-9/11 veterans and their families. In 2011, Morris was awarded the prestigious Order of Saint Maurice by the National Infantry Association in support of his outstanding contributions to the Army Infantry.

Morris and Bass Pro Shops have a long and proud history of showcasing support for veterans through the donation of space on NASCAR cars during nationally televised races with millions of viewers. Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s also support a variety of veteran-owned businesses, including Black Rifle Coffee Company and many others. With the support of the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fund and retail stores across the country, Morris and Bass Pro Shops donate to more than 200 veterans’ organizations, including AmVets, the USO and many local veterans’ organizations in communities that host Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail locations across the U.S. and Canada.

In 2022, Morris and Bass Pro Shops entered into a partnership with the US Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes Program. This initiative aims to not only increase the number of veterans the company hires, but to showcase the numerous workplace and cultural benefits of working with those who have served our nation. Through it all, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s continue to offer its standing “Legendary Salute” military discount in all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores and online, with more than a million discounted transactions in the past year alone.

About the Association of the United States Army

The Association of the United States Army is a nonprofit educational and professional development association serving America’s Army and supporters of a strong national defense. AUSA’s mission involves supporting soldiers, their families and Army civilians, providing a voice for the Army, and honoring those who have served. As the Army’s premier, nonprofit, educational and professional association, the AUSA:

• Educates those it serves (soldiers and their families, Army civilians, retired soldiers and veterans, and the businesses and industries that support the Army) with programs, products, resources and events…

• Informs its members, Congress and the American public about issues affecting America’s Army – Regular Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve, and…

• Connects America’s Total Army, its industry partners, like-minded associations and other supporters at the national, regional and chapter levels.

For more information, or to support the Association of the United States Army, please visit: ausa.org

About Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.”

Round Up at the Register to Support U.S. Veterans at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

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Customers of America’s Premier Outdoor Retailer to Support Folds of Honor this Veterans Day, Every Hometown Hero to Receive Legendary Salute in Appreciation

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are proud to partner with customers during the week of Veteran’s Day to support Folds of Honor, a renowned organization that pays tribute to the profound sacrifice of fallen and disabled servicemen and women. During the week of Veterans Day, November 7th – 13th, customers at all U.S. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations will have the chance to “round-up at the register,” with 100 percent of proceeds going to support Folds of Honor and the educational opportunities they provide.

 

Additionally, in special recognition of Veterans Day, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are doubling their normally offered “Legendary Salute” discount. Veterans and members of the military will receive 10 percent off their purchases November 11-14. And, to honor Hometown Heroes from across the country, this discount will be made available to all first responders and law enforcement officers.

“Our entire company takes tremendous pride in honoring and saluting the service of our veterans and members of the armed forces,” said Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. “This Veterans Day, we are humbled to be able to support a great organization like Folds of Honor. Because of their dedication, the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans is honored through education – an everlasting tribute to their service. We appreciate all of our nation’s veterans and groups like Folds of Honor for their work to support our military.”

“We will also pause and say thank you to our country’s Hometown Heroes this week,” Morris continued. “Extending a Legendary Salute to law enforcement officers and first responders over the weekend will serve as a small demonstration of our gratitude for their service as well. May God bless and keep all of America’s heroes!”

The work of Folds of Honor breathes life into its powerful mission: Honor their sacrifice. Educate their legacy. Each scholarship honors the sacrifice of an American hero while giving hope to the bearers of his or her legacy.

Founded in 2007 by Col. Dan Rooney, an F-16 pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, Folds of Honor was created to pay tribute the profound sacrifice of fallen and disabled service men and women. Upon returning from his second tour of duty in Iraq—with the remains of a fallen US veteran, Col. Rooney committed his life to easing the burden of families whose loved one has paid the ultimate price. From its origin in the painful realities faced by families whose loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled, Folds of Honor has been providing scholarships for more than 14 years. As President Calvin Coolidge once said, “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.”

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have a long history of support for America’s veterans. This commitment stems from the passion of founder Johnny Morris. Morris’ father, John A. Morris, served in World War II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. Bass Pro Shops’ dedication to veterans’ causes is matched by the commitment to hire those who have served our nation (nearly 10% of Bass Pro Shops Outfitters served our country) and the standing Legendary Salute—a 5% discount to veterans. Empowering the work of Folds of Honor is also a tangible way to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11.

For more on the Round Up at the Register support of Folds of Honor or how Bass Pro Shops is celebrating the Honor Your Hometown Campaign, please contact: press@basspro.com.

The BlackOut® Epic Compound Bow Package

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We’ve been shooting package bow setups for some time, dating back to our days with Cabela’s and now with Bass Pro Shops and the BlackOut® Lineup of compound bows. The BlackOut® Epic Compound Bow Package is the latest addition to the already prestigious lineup of compound bows available at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. The great thing about the BlackOut® Epic Compound Bow Package is that you can choose to use it exactly as it comes, or you can customize it how you want once you purchase it.

When you look at this bow, it’s affordably priced ($599) so that you’re ready for your whitetail hunts or other big game hunts as soon as you walk out of the store with it.

Offering bowhunters proven BlackOut® performance with advanced versatility, the BlackOut® Epic Compound Bow Package delivers deadly power and accuracy for any type of hunting. Outfitted with highly adjustable SYNC Cam technology, this bow allows bowhunters to customize its let-off to 4 different positions (75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%) without sacrificing performance.

Combining this advanced adjustability with a compact design (just 32″ axle-to-axle), the BlackOut® Epic Compound Bow Package still offers hardcore hunters big power for whitetail, big game, and everything in between.

Anchored in high-powered limbs and a rock-solid riser, this specialized cam system accurately fires arrows at game up to 340 fps, giving the speed you need for any big game.

ShockWaves limb dampening device and compact string stop eliminate the vibration and shock to quiet every shot. Slim grip design for a better hand fit and comfort. Draw length range: 26″-30″.

BlackOut Compound bow

The BlackOut® Epic Compound Bow Package comes ready to hunt!

BlackOut® Epic Compound Bow Package Features

Volt 5-Pin sight, 5-arrow quiver, Whisker Biscuit® arrow rest, 6″ stabilizer and sling, TruPeep, D loop.

  • Great power, shootability, and adaptability from a compact hunting bow
  • Great hunting bow for whitetail and other big game
  • SYNC Cam technology – big power with 4 different let-off settings
  • Fires arrows up to 340 fps
  • Pick your preferred let-off without losing performance
  • Easy handling – 32″ axle-to-axle
  • Sleek string suppressor and Shockwaves limb dampening system
  • Factory-installed accessories: 5-Pin sight, 5-arrow quiver, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, 6″ stabilizer and sling, TruPeep, D loop

The BlackOut® Epic Compound Bow is a bow that Wade will be using in the field this year from Kentucky to Texas! He’ll have it outfitted to fit him specifically (including the Garmin Xero Bow Sight). When you combine all this adjustability with its compact design (32” axle-to-axle) it’s a bow that offers the hardcore hunter what they need to take down that whitetail or big game trophy when it comes to heading to field this fall.

Tips to Further Conceal Yourself in a Box Blind

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By Wade Middleton

 

Shooting Made Easy Window Gun Rest

There are a few things that I like to do when I’m in a box blind. I like to have a small shooting rest with me. Sometimes, I’ll even go bigger, but I just carry it in my backpack and put it in the different windows that I think I’m going to shoot out of.  Now, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be shooting out one of these other windows, but this is my primary window.  So, I keep it set up right here. It’s quiet to set the gun on. It gives me a good rest for those long distance shots.

When I do get in a box blind, one of the other things I do is, I kind of set it up, where my gun is leaning up against something.  I might have my range finder out, where I can quickly pop off some distances before that and my backpack and my water and any other supplies,  will be readily available as well.  When you get into these box blinds, it’s a whole different type of hunting that I really, really enjoy.

I also like to use either camo tarps or some of the different products that come with the blinds to blackout certain windows, so you’re not skylighted all the time. I think that’s really important, especially if you’re hunting on a food plot and you know that the action, is gonna be in these front five windows. We’ll then blackout two or three in the back. That allows us to be able to move and bob and weave in there a little bit. And from our standpoint, the camera guy is always moving, ’cause if he’s not moving, he doesn’t get the shot. I don’t even see what happens. So, you want those capabilities and abilities in there. And then, the ability to open and close windows silently and securely is really a key deal at the end of the day.  It’s something that a lot of people don’t think of that I think is really important. You wanna be able to lock those windows up and doors up airtight when you’re gone, so undesirable creatures are not in your blind when you get back there!

 

Deer Stands Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

Deer Stands Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

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When you start looking at all the different stands we’ve built, from the common simple “let’s just throw five pieces of brush up here and hide by this tree”, to some of the most extravagant blinds we can build with feeders and food plots in the area, all of them have a special meaning and all of them are enjoyable at the end of the day.

“I just, I love that aspect of it. I mean I think it goes back to a little before as a little kid, whether it’s out of cardboard boxes or building brush to hide when you’re playing cowboys and Indians. I sit here today in my fifties and I still like to build forts and deer blinds just as much now as I did then.” – Wade Middleton

Make-Shift Blinds

You can easily create a make-shift blind simply out of the trees around you.

You know some of the most simple blinds a person can put together is to just take a couple of pallets, spray paint them a little bit, to kind of get some of the shine off of them for a future hunt, throw some brush up around them, and you’re going to find success with those. I’ve even seen those go to massive levels, where you put all kinds of brush around them.

Pop Up Blinds

 

Using a Pop Up blind like this one is one of the most versatile ways to hunt.

The reality is, there’s not always the perfect tree, where the deer want to be to be able to do that and that’s where the pop up comes in, it’s the most versatile hunting stand that you’re possibly going to find. Pop ups come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, designs, fabrics, and each one of them plays and offers a great asset to you as the hunter. The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s lines of pop ups that we use are designed to maximize what we like to do when using a pop up. You’ve got places to put brush on them, loops on them, they’re big enough that three people can sit in there at times. I like the most durable fabric that I possibly can find so that we’re not taking it down at the end of the hunt. That’s not always going to be possible for some people that may be hunting public land, where they have to take it down. But we’re primarily hunting properties that we can leave them up for long periods. You’ve got a multitude of window configurations (which I’m a big fan of) because you can black some of them out or use the mesh on others. They’re such an important part of hunting from their portability, durability, and their ability to conceal you, in a lot of different situations.

Say you’re just going to a location for a quick catch, you’re not coming back there, Some of the many price point models out there, are probably gonna work perfectly for you. Flip that to another scenario where you’re gonna be hunting a property all year long. You’re gonna wanna invest in one that’s going to withstand all the elements, the changes that are going to be coming in, probably gonna get one a little bit bigger. We’ve used little small one-man ones up to some that I think we could have had a family reunion in, windows at all angles, different types of set-ups within them. And that’s the cool thing about pop ups is, you can find one that’s gonna fit for the situation that you’re gonna be hunting in.

If you start doing research, you’re gonna find a wide range of pop ups available to suit your needs out there. Just think about what you’re gonna use it for. Think about how long you’re gonna use it for. Think about carrying it in long distances, and think about being able to tie it down, anchor it down, or pick it up real fast. Pop ups are without a question, one of the easiest, coolest, best, most versatile ways to set up for any type of a hunting situation.

 

 

Box Blinds

Muddy Blinds are designed with the hunter in mind.

Box blinds have really evolved. Some guys go build their own and taking all that into account, but for our investment, we like Muddy Blinds. They are well designed, they have a lot of little features built-in there, a mix of window configurations for a rifle, bow, handgun, or even a crossbow. The design of them is inherently thought out by hunters to be able to give you different options. Whether you’re putting in a big food plot, sticking it up in front of some brush, or you’re going to be cutting senderos, it doesn’t matter. You can put them on the ground, or you can raise them on towers. So, regardless of what you’re looking for, those Muddy blinds, they’re designed straight off the shelf, for lack of a better word, by manufacturers to allow you success.

 

 

“The insulation to me is a good selling feature, it can get cool in the winters, so you’ll be able to keep warm. Also, it’s hard to hear someone from the outside when all the windows and doors are shut. They’ve all got the keeper latch, which holds the window up and real easily accessible as far as flipping three knobs, one-handed operation as far as raising and lowering the window. We’ve just started putting three hinges and two locks on the door, which is great because it’s actually pulling the door tighter together and it keeps more bugs out, and it will be a good thing that will last.” – Larry Scott GSM Outdoors

Ladder Stands

Ladder stands offer an elevated vantage point, allowing you to see further and stay out of the line of sight of your game.

Ladder stands can be used in areas where it may be more beneficial to be above the line of sight of your game or if you need a tall vantage point. When you start looking at ladder stands and hang-on stands, not every tree is gonna be designed for this specific stand that you’re messing with. Once you start putting it up you’ve got to be in a place you think you’re gonna find deer, otherwise, why put it up? Then, safety has to come into play. Make sure you get it anchored down, make sure you’re thinking about all of those things. You hear a lot of people talk about tree stand safety, but they probably don’t practice it enough. You want to make sure it’s anchored down, you want straps around it, a lifeline to get up and down, and you want to be tethered in when you’re up there. You want to know that the tree stand and the ladder are working as one, the tree is in good shape, and you’ve taken every precaution and step you possibly can, to get that ladder in place, secured, so you don’t have to worry about it even when the wind is blowing 20 or 30 mph.

 

See our episode about all the different types of hunting blinds below.

HOW TO: Prepare to Shoot in Cold Weather

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A hunting scenario a lot of people can’t control, that they don’t necessarily think as much about is, their clothing in a hunting situation. They’ve spent all summer practicing at the range, in the early fall, they’re wearing a light jacket, light clothing. Then next thing you know, they’re out in a hunting situation, and it is cold, they’ve got tons of gear on, and they’ve put gloves on for the first time. They’ve never pulled the trigger with the gloves! They’ve never raised their handgun into a  position to take a shot with all that clothes on and it’s binding and it feels different and the entire summer of practice, and the entire early fall, it kind of goes out the window.

We highly suggest spending some time shooting with gloves if you think you’re going to be wearing gloves in a hunting situation. We know when it’s cold, we’re gonna have our gloves on. Because the entire handgun is going to feel different. From how you load it, to how the trigger feels, to how you reload. Everything about it is gonna be a little more cumbersome and you’re gonna feel like you’re fumbling a little bit, so don’t forget to practice with your gloves on. And if you’ll spend some time preparing for that different feel, it will pay off. You know, because repetitive practice in anything, is gonna help you be more successful.

 

GEAR SEEN IN THIS VIDEO

Performance Center® 460 XVR: https://bit.ly/2GpA8dQ

Performance Center® Model 629 Stealth Hunter Revolver: https://bit.ly/2PEHtIg

Walker’s XCEL Electronic Muffs: https://bit.ly/2FYvQLQ

Trijicon RMR Red Dot Site: https://bit.ly/2GejjU2

Hornady® LEVERevolution® for Revolvers and Lever Guns in .45 Long Colt: https://bit.ly/2WMaA0f

HIVIZ Litewave H3™ Tritium/Litepipe: https://bit.ly/2rgH7ga

Caldwell Tack Driver Gun Rest: https://bit.ly/2BhLfCf

BOG POD Shooting Sticks: https://bit.ly/2s4vPMG

Cabela’s O2 Camo: https://bit.ly/2F5ccvD

Yamaha Viking VI Side by Side: https://bit.ly/2TqPMsE

How-To Perfect Your Trigger Pull

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Trigger pull and the follow-through in a hunting situation with a handgun to us are two really important things. They vastly differ probably from your competitive shooters and how they would focus on it and what they would be thinking about, but in a hunting situation, it is one shot, one kill in a perfect world. That trigger pull is something on a handgun that’s really different than a rifle or your shotgun. It’s a lot longer, it’s a lot more drawn out, and staying through it, for lack of a better word, is something really key in a hunting situation.

We look at a lot of our misses on the range and even bad shots when we’ve been hunting. It’s been a forced fast pull of the trigger, a jerk, in our mind with that small barrel, you’re pulling everything left or down in a lot of those situations. We think that’s what you want to avoid and obviously the way to avoid that is practice and kind of concentrating going through it. That motion and that practice will pay off and help you begin to focus on that after the boom and staying down and through on that target and not try to peek link in golf. When you peek, you top the golf ball.  If you peek right at that moment of truth, when you’re expecting that gun to go off, your aiming point is gonna differ.

So trigger pull, good slow follow through in your mind, make it all good one motion staying down on the target.  We think it’d be a big key thing for guys that are picking up handgun hunting to help raise their success.

 

Performance Center 460 XVR: https://bit.ly/2SveOKl

Cabela’s Six-Shooter Pistol Scopes: https://bit.ly/2SveOKl

Walker’s Silencer Ear Buds: https://bit.ly/2TA5pyl

Walker’s XCEL Electronic Muffs: https://bit.ly/2FYvQLQ

Cabela’s O2 Camo: https://bit.ly/2F5ccvD

Bog Pod Shooting Sticks: https://bit.ly/2s4vPMG

Trijicon RMR Red Dot Site: https://bit.ly/2GejjU2

HIVIZ Litewave H3™ Tritium/Litepipe: https://bit.ly/2rgH7ga

Hornady® LEVERevolution® for Revolvers and Lever Guns in .45 Long Colt: https://bit.ly/2WMaA0f

Crossbows: Power, Speed, Accuracy – Full Episode

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In this episode of Cabela’s Deer Gear TV, we are looking at the extraordinary knockdown power, speed, and accuracy that comes from a TenPoint Crossbow. We’ll review TenPoint’s Crossbow of the Year, the Stealth NXT and also debut TenPoint’s newest and most powerful crossbow ever to hit the market the Nitro XRT. You’ll see incredible hunting action showing the knockdown and accuracy of the models as well as insight on the features of both the Stealth NXT and Nitro XRT models. We’ll also then look at a comparison of the penetration power of the new Nitro XRT next to a 44 Mag handgun when it comes to creating wound channels. Later on, in the show, we’ll also go on two separate crossbow hunts where we’ll showcase hunting action from the field on two whitetail hunts.

GEAR SHOWN IN VIDEO:

TenPoint Stealth NXT Crossbow: https://bit.ly/2GW0C8N

TenPoint Nitro XRT Crossbow: https://bit.ly/2AROhdj

TenPoint Nitro X Crossbow: https://bit.ly/2RwKnD5

TenPoint Stag Hard Crossbow Case: https://bit.ly/2CXY1V8

CenterPunch Premium Crossbow Arrows: https://bit.ly/2C2G60a

Rage Chisel-Tip SlipCam 3-Blade Broadheads with Shock Collars: https://bit.ly/2SGmgiN

Bass Pro Shops BlackOut™ Six-Sided Foam Archery Target: https://bit.ly/2RafEwj

Cabela’s O2 Octane Camoflague: https://bit.ly/2F5ccvD

Cabela’s Instinct® Men’s Pursuitz Hunting Boots: https://bit.ly/2VtKdeL

Cabela’s Intensity 1600 Laser Rangefinder: https://bit.ly/2GQxfo6

Cabela’s Comfort Max 360° Original Blind Chair: https://bit.ly/2R9qoLr

Cabela’s Intensity HD 10×42 Binoculars: https://bit.ly/2Vu7ldb

Cabela’s The Species XL Ground Blind: https://bit.ly/2LQmdhB

New Archery Products Mantis 2 Ground Blind: https://bit.ly/2COIZDz

Performance Center® Model 629 Stealth Hunter Revolver: https://bit.ly/2PEHtIg

Yamaha Viking VI Ranch Edition Side-by-Side: https://bit.ly/2Sxaeb3

Yamaha Wolverine X2 Side-by-Side: https://bit.ly/2TqPMsE

Bog Pod Shooting Sticks: https://bit.ly/2SE3U1G

ConQuest Stink Stick® with Evercalm® Deer Herd Scent: https://bit.ly/2SB48Xt

Garmin VIRB® Ultra 30 Action Camera: https://bit.ly/2s8qNPj

Garmin Fenix Watch: https://bit.ly/2F6xmu8

Walker’s XCEL Electronic Muff: https://bit.ly/2FYvQLQ

 

Every episode of Cabela’s DeerGearTV offers insight into new products for deer hunters, how to choose a hunting rifle, what to do when deer hunting, how to deer hunt, what to wear when deer hunting and insight in tactics for deer hunting.

Base-Layer Clothing for Hunting

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By Tony J. Peterson

The key to comfort is contained in the first layer of clothing you choose.

Base-Layer Clothing Systems for Hunting

When I think back to my early days as a bowhunter, I cringe for plenty of reasons.

The simple fact I had no idea what I was doing is enough to cause such a reaction. But I also remember the misery. I live in Minnesota, which means I bowhunt cold weather a lot. Back then, I didn’t own a single piece of decent hunting clothing.

I just threw on extra sweatshirts, jackets or whatever and made sure that my last layer had camouflage on it. What that meant was I was often cold and always bulked up.

I can remember shooting at a small eight-pointer in December when I was a teenager and watching as my arrow buried into the dirt three feet in front of his chest. My string had caught on all of my bulky clothes and thrown my shot way, way off. That buck would have been a trophy to end all trophies then, and I didn’t have a chance.

Today, my clothing system is much different and it is always centered on base layers.

Hunters now have lightweight, midweight and heavyweight options made from the best material available and are articulated to fit perfectly. They also employ serious technology like Polygiene to fight odor-causing bacteria.

The materials used in the latest wave of base layers are either wool or polyester. The latter seems like a strange choice, but I’ve gravitated toward it over the years because of the feel, fit and fact that it can also be made to wick away moisture.

I also look for base layers offered in a variety of sizes, particularly Tall. Since base layers are made to fit snugly they tend to creep up when you’re sitting down on stand. A Tall option doesn’t, which is always appreciated.

To reap the most out of base layers, I tend to choose options to match my hunting conditions and use them alone while slipping into my stand. Since they are moisture wicking, I know even if I sweat, I won’t freeze as soon as I get to my tree or my blind. Once there, I open up my pack and throw on a jacket, or maybe a vest and a jacket. On really frigid days, I might put on an extra base layer for added warmth.

All this adds up to a much higher level of comfort, the importance of which can’t be overstated.

If you don’t want to get busted on stand, and you want to wring the most hours out of your day actually hunting, you can’t get cold. If you do, you’ll fidget for a while, and then you’ll bail. That is an outcome that rarely results in a short blood trail and a stiff back from dragging out a buck. So get the proper base layers and make sure it doesn’t happen.

Read more from Cabela’s Deer Nation

Shop for Cabela’s cold weather camo here

Be protected from the cold in a fiberglass blind from Hercules Outdoor Industries

 

 

When Should You Head To Your Deer Stand?

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When should I get to my stand and how early is too early? Two questions every hunter should ask when preparing for any deer hunt. Some fellow hunters provide their take on when they like to head out to the stand.

“How early is too early and how late is too late when going to and from stands? WOW, that’s a great question that really can’t be answered with a one part answer due to so many factors. To get the right answer you would have to look at the time of year, deer movement, weather conditions, etc. 

As a rule of thumb for me, I like to get to the stand at least 30 minutes before daylight for an early morning sit. One hour is even better. For an afternoon sit, I like to get there two hours before prime time movement for that time of the year, at a minimum.   However, as I said above there are so many factors in answering this question that I would never say there is an absolute answer to it.”

Wade Middleton, Host of Americana Outdoors®

“Well, I’ll start by prefacing my answer that I am not a fan of all-day sits…that considered, in the AM, can’t get in too early (in most cases).  Always good to be settled/quiet for a period of time before the woods officially comes to life for the day.  As far as leaving in the AM, if there is action, stay put.  If nothing is moving, at all or for an extended period of time, and you don’t have pics to show a pattern of late-morning wanderers, get out.  Head back to camp and solidify the plan for the afternoon/evening.

 For the PM, same as the AM…too early is a good default.  No harm in saving the sore backside if you don’t have a comfortable set-up.  Sneaking in just before a forecasted “prime time” is too risky.  I’m lazy but not that lazy!  As far as getting out, dark is the default.  Even with no movement I would vote for staying as long as you can, with a couple of exceptions – you can more easily bail without mucking up the area for future hunts or if Angel is making venison salisbury steak that night.”

Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and Side-by-Side Marketing Manager & Avid Hunter

“I’ve always wanted to get in my stands really early in the morning. I prefer about 30 minutes before it actually starts breaking. That may seem early, but bumping one by being a little late is just not worth it to me. Then when the hunt is over, I gauge when to leave by what is around as it is getting dark. I don’t want other deer to see me getting out of the blind during daylight. Usually when it gets black dark, I’ll sneak out.”

Clark Wendlandt, Host of Fishing & Hunting Texas™, Cabela’s Pro Staff

As you can see, everyone has their own preference. However, the general consensus for morning hunts, plan on being squared away at least 30 minutes to an hour before daylight. Regarding afternoon hunts, confirm what the deer are doing that time of year. If you have Stealth Cams setup, check the times of when the photos are taken and gauge from there.

We hope this insight will help you get settled in the stand and ready for when that shooter comes in. Happy hunting!