For hunters, November is an exciting and favored month. It’s a pivotal time for deer hunters, marked by the peak rutting (breading) season and the unique behavioral patterns of deer. It’s also the period for open deer hunting on public and private lands for archery and firearms in most local areas. We provide insights and strategies for successful deer hunting, gathered from various experienced hunters and experts.

Week-by-Week Breakdown of November Deer Hunting

November 1-6:

Pre-Rut Behavior: Bucks are in the pre-rut stage, actively rubbing and scraping, and beginning to search for does, though the does are not yet receptive.

Hunting Strategies: Focus on areas near scrapes and use calling tactics. Ideal locations include staging areas, near buck or doe bedding areas, saddles, pinch-points, and funnels. Treestand hunting is highly effective during this period​​.

November 7-13:

Lock-Down Phase: Some does enter estrus, leading to a lock-down phase where bucks stay close to a doe. This can make hunting challenging as bucks tend to be less mobile.

Hunting Approach: Continue using tactics from the end of the first week. Position yourself near a thick brush or other dense cover where bucks might pursue does​​.

November 14-20:

Post Lock-Down Phase: The lock-down phase generally ends, and deer movement increases again.

Tactics: Adopt the same strategies as in the first week, with added caution due to increased hunting pressure. Consider hunting near leeward ridges, trail intersections, and pockets of cover​​.

November 21-30:

Late Rut Activity: Bucks revert to seeking and chasing behaviors, and big bucks are more active. Younger bucks might show decreased activity due to fatigue.

Strategy: Hunt as in the first two weeks but consider moving deeper into cover to adapt to hunting pressure and changing deer patterns. Be ready to switch to late-season tactics if rut activity decreases​​.

Additional Hunting Strategies and Tips

1. Hunting Thicker Cover: During the lock-down phase, focus on heavier cover areas, often referred to as “heat cover,” where does in heat might isolate themselves. This can attract bucks checking on prospective mates​​.

• Choosing Hunting Days: Utilize tools like Drury’s DeerCast to select the best days for hunting based on game camera activity and rut predictions. Consider hunting throughout the day, especially midday, as this period can be surprisingly active​​.

• Rub Lines: Locate rub lines to find areas where mature bucks are active. Trail cameras can be strategically placed along these lines to monitor deer movement and identify potential targets​​.

• Run-and-Gun Method: This tactic involves moving hunting locations frequently, especially on public land where deer are wary of human presence. It’s effective for adapting to deer movement patterns and avoiding over-pressuring a specific area​​.

• Mock Scrapes: Creating mock scrapes can be an effective tactic to attract bucks, particularly when enhanced with the right scents and placed strategically near your stand​​.

• Scent Control: Rigorous scent control is crucial for hunting mature whitetails. This includes using scent elimination products, managing what you eat before the hunt, and understanding wind direction to stay downwind of your target​​.

Successful November deer hunting requires an understanding of deer behavior during the rut, strategic placement of stands and blinds, the use of trail cameras and rub lines for scouting, adaptability in hunting tactics, and meticulous scent control. With patience, observation, and the right approach, November can be an extremely rewarding time for deer hunters.

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

Fishing is one of the best ways for inexperienced hunters to gain momentum. While protein and fats are difficult to find in plants and lean mammals such as rabbits, they are rampant in fish. Fishing is great for beginners and possible in nearly every area worldwide. 

Modern fishing requires basic gear such as a spinning rod, reel, hooks, fishing line, worms, jig heads, single-tail grubs, and bobbers. In most areas, fishing licenses are also required, which are handled by the state. 

There are two types of fishing: active and passive fishing. Active fishing involves casting a rod and reeling in a fish or using a spear or bare hands to catch your meal. Passive fishing is when you set up a net, trotline, or trap to catch fish, enabling you to be elsewhere.  

The best solution to bait fish is obviously to use something they are enticed to eat, such as a worm or a shiny object that glimmers underwater. Other types of live bait include crawfish, tadpoles, small fish, or salamanders. Many of these slimy creatures can be found under rocks near the water’s edge or on moist ground that can be easily dug into. 

Almost all natural bodies of water have fish, but the challenges of catching them can arise based on weather patterns, water ecology, and time of day. The best times to fish are when they are most hungry, at dawn or dusk. Keep this in mind when feeling discouraged. Also, ensure the area chosen can provide cover, structure, and changes in the water.

Certain techniques can help you catch fish, such as jigging, which is where the bait skips along the bottom of the body of water and reels in. Let it sink again, and repeat. Twitching the bait is done by twitching the rod around in short bursts after the lure is in the water. This erratic movement makes noise and draws attention to your lure. Jerking the bait is similar; however, you use longer, slower movements and sweep the rod back and forth while reeling in.

When it comes to fishing, patience is imperative. The fish will spook and swim away if you yank on the rod too quickly. When you feel a nibble, wait a few moments, promptly jerk up, and steadily reel the fish in, allowing only brief breaks for rest without giving any slack to the fish to build momentum and break the line to swim away. Check the basket funnel trap, gill net, trotline, or fishing weir regularly for passive fishing. Be sure to reset your traps for ample opportunity.

The best way to enjoy fish is to cook it to 145°F to kill any parasites that might be present. If cooking isn’t available, it’s best to eat saltwater fish raw because the salt decreases the chance of parasites. Freshwater fish should not be eaten raw. If not eaten immediately after catching it, preserve the meat or use a holding tank to keep the fish alive until you are ready to eat. 

Some traditional methods of storing fish include freezing, canning, smoking, salting, and pickling. 

Looking for more survival tips and how-tos? Check out our blog at Wolf Survival Gear to find the information you need.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Across America, roughly nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans, wreaking havoc on properties and natural resources, and threatening lives. These preventable disasters are unplanned, accidental fires that start in forests or vegetative areas. Also known as wildfires, bushfires, forest fires, grass fires, and wetland fires, they all refer to the occurrence of uncontrolled fire that spreads and destroys everything in its path. 

Officials in many areas throughout North America now consider forest fires to be regular incidents. However, they don’t have to be. Since most forest fires are preventable, it is crucial for outdoor folks to understand their responsibilities, roles, and how to prevent fires. 

Fires start with a combination of three things: fuel, heat, and oxygen. Without all three of these components, a fire cannot ignite. Most forest fires start almost effortlessly since forests consist of dried, decaying wood, leaves, and other natural oxygenic combustibles. Humans unintentionally ignite forest fires through campfires, cigarettes, and other fuel sources. Combustibles like wood or leaves heat up from the sun or other heat sources. 

Fires started from lightning account for about 2.1 million acres burned, according to a 10-year average of United States forest fires. In contrast, human-started fires were responsible for burning 1.9 million acres. According to researchers, there are roughly ten times more human-caused forest fires than lightning-caused ones. The numbers of the 10-year average show 88 percent of United States forest fires are human-caused (accidental), and the remaining 12 percent are attributed to lightning strikes. 

To prevent forest fires, keep the following in mind: 

• Never leave a fire unattended
• Check weather and drought conditions 
• Be cautious with heat and fire
• Consider wind patterns
• Carry/pack a fire extinguisher
• Watch a fire extinguish before leaving by dousing it with water until it’s cold
• Choose battery options over a fire
• Consider safer alternatives to fireworks
• Be a responsible smoker or, better yet, quit
• Clean the burn area
• Build your campfire in an open location, far from flammables
• Call 911 if the fire has gotten even slightly out of hand

Since humans are the leading cause of fires, they can also pave the way for prevention. It is imperative that we all respect Mother Nature and be respectful of our actions. 

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

A food crisis is on the brink, worldwide, as farmland is becoming destitute due to the overwhelming amount of pesticides, droughts, and extreme weather. With these challenges comes an inability to produce enough crops for the increasing global population. Since soil is such a crucial part of the growing process, is it possible to produce food without it? 

The answer is a resounding yes. Several companies are pioneering the process of growing plants without soil. Plants need nutrients (food) to survive, along with air, water, and light. As long as they have these, they can easily thrive. This article will explore alternative growing methods to produce vibrant, nutritious produce.

Aeroponics
Pioneered by NASA in the 1990s, this method is regarded as the most technologically advanced growing process. Using suspended plants, the roots are intermittently sprayed with a nutrient solution by an automatic sprinkler system, connected to a water reservoir. Since the plant roots come in direct contact with pure air, the extra oxygen allows the plants to form their own nutrients more resourcefully, creating a vibrant result. Some benefits of aeroponics include: 

• Richer flavor profile
• Faster growth, roughly two- to three times normal size
• Yields three times more crops
• Uses 95 percent less water than soil
• Significantly less energy needed
• No fertilizers or chemicals needed 

Hydroponics
This system is designed for long-term cultivation of crops. Plants’ roots are submerged in a continuous flow of nutrient-rich water pumped through a reservoir pump. Seeds are buried in soil replacement cups and set in a container filled with water and nutrients for the plant. As the rich water is delivered to the cups, the seeds begin to germinate, and a root system forms. Some benefits of hydroponics include: 

• Easily regulated 
• Effortless commercial (large-scale) use 
• Plants grow year-round 
• Uses 90 percent less water than soil 

Aquaponics
This technique works by raising fish to feed naturally mineral-rich nutrients to the plants. In essence, it mimics a natural ecosystem. As the fish eat and produce waste, fertilizer is formed, which feeds the plants. Fish excrement becomes a byproduct of food for bacteria, which is then converted into plant fertilizer. Benefits of aquaponics include: 

• Healthy, swift plant growth
• Less disease
• Lower maintenance 
• Fish can also be eaten

Hopefully, we will never be forced to use these methods in order to grow food. Wolf Survival Gear likes to offer people resources for various environments, so you’re prepared. Let us know your thoughts on this subject.

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Ahhh, the summer air is upon us…which means ticks are already on their way to invading our yards. Walking leisurely through the deep woods shouldn’t be a gamble of whether you’ll contract Lyme Disease or another tick-borne illness when you emerge from the forest. Unfortunately, this can be the case for not just us but our pets as well. 

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan encephalitis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are a few diseases transmitted by ticks. While various illnesses can be contracted from ticks, the risk of developing an infection is based on a few factors, including the type of tick and duration it was attached. 

Unfortunately, many people opt for a chemical toxicant to deter ticks, many of which are the topic of research to determine their environmental effects. While these substances are meant to kill mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other parasites, they are also detrimental to human health. A growing number of people experience side effects from these toxic chemicals, such as nausea, vomiting, hypotension, encephalopathy, seizure, coma, bradycardia, brain cell death, behavioral changes, lethargy, and anaphylaxis, to name a few.

Thankfully, there are some alternative – safe – ways to rid yourself, your family, and your pets of ticks. Read on to discover ways to deter ticks using simple and safe products that won’t harm you but will ensure the ticks feast elsewhere.

Essential Oils
Some essential oils have been proven to kill ticks on contact. Companies such as Wondercide promote their products as safe and effective for tick prevention for humans and pets. 

Cedar Chips
Most people now that moths do not gather where cedar is placed, as the smell is a deterrent. Ticks are similarly unattracted to cedar. Cedarcide offers a product touting cedar granules meant to be spread across the yard. 

Mow the Grass
Trimming your lawn is important, as ticks prefer to climb and travel through long grass. Make sure all leaf litter or brush is cleaned up as well. 

Tick Tubes

Many of us don’t think about how ticks get around besides using their legs, but mice are huge carriers of ticks. A safe way to kill ticks – not mice – is by using these tick tubes, which Harvard Researchers developed at the School of Public Health.

While many of these products are non-toxic, they require more upkeep and reapplication than traditional bug sprays. Keep the environment – and your health – in mind when using toxic pesticides. 

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Living “off-the-grid” refers to functioning without a controlled electrical power network, either sans electricity all together, or relying on a generator, or creating electricity through alternative sources such as solar and wind. Completely self-sufficient off-grid lifestyles are free from reliance on utilities, food, and housing. Self-sufficiency is crucial to living off the grid, especially during emergencies such as natural disasters or an economic collapse.   

Off-grid lifestyles are becoming increasingly popular as utility, housing, and food costs skyrocket. Generally, those who live off-grid find a large plot of rural land to settle in. Urban off-grid living is possible, despite initial doubts. 

Municipal utilities such as water, natural gas, electricity, sewer, and trash can all be substituted for self-reliability in one way or another. Suburban homesteading is possible…keep reading to learn how.

Housing
Living off-grid is easier if you have a home with a yard, so you can grow your own food, collect rainwater, etc. 

Food
To reduce dependence on grocery stores, grow as much food as possible, canning, dehydrating, or freeze-drying whenever possible. Consider using community gardens if you do not have an area for gardening or use pots to plant essentials. You can also plant fruit trees for long-term use. 

Transportation
Walking or biking can provide excellent exercise and saves money on gas, car maintenance, and insurance. Take advantage of public transportation and combine trips whenever possible.

Water
When water originates from a well or city municipality, conservation is essential. Take short showers or shower at the gym instead. Install water-saving shower heads, faucets, and toilets. Collect rainwater whenever possible. 

Electricity
Minimizing power usage is crucial for living off-grid, and solar panels are an excellent method to achieve this. Also, try unplugging items that are not currently in use. Turn off lights, hand-wash clothes, and bundle up inside during cold winter months. Use a clothesline to dry clothes whenever possible. Insulate your attic to prevent escaping air. Wash your dishes by hand, close unused air vents, and invest in LED light bulbs. 

Composting
Turn your food scraps into garden nutrients by using an indoor composter or creating a system outside. Worm bins are excellent options as well. 

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time to tend to your garden. There are many varieties of mulch; how do you choose what’s best for your garden? Which is best for minimizing weeds versus enhancing beds? Keep reading to discover the answers you are looking for. 

First things first; what is mulch, exactly? Mulch is any organic material used as a top dressing on garden beds. Some options include compost mulch, bark mulch, sawdust, shredded leaves, pine needles, grass clippings, straw, hay, etc. 

Why do gardeners use mulch, anyway? During the growing season, mulch deters weed growth, keeps moisture in the soil, and helps to maintain healthy soil temperatures. 

When should mulch be applied? Mulch can be used any time of year, but the best time is mid-spring, just as the soil warms. 

What are the different types of mulch? There are a variety of mulch materials, which consist of: 

• Compost mulch: made from organic material, best in vegetable gardens, flower, and shrub beds.
• Bark mulch: shredded tree bark for top dressing, mainly around trees and shrubs.
• Sawdust mulch: milling lumber debris for vegetable/fruit gardens, flower beds, and pathways. 
• Shredded leaf mulch: chopped leaves is extremely inexpensive as they can be found in your yard.
• Pine needle mulch: fallen needles from pine trees work well in pathways or rose beds.
• Grass clipping mulch: another inexpensive mulch, this is simply yard clippings collected after mowing and used for vegetables, berries, and flowers. 
• Straw or hay mulch: inexpensive, use around strawberries and other small fruits.

** Many of these mulch types can be found in your lawn. Make sure you do not use anything from sprayed/treated lawns in edible gardens, as it is severely toxic to your health. **

Why use mulch in my garden? Mulch can introduce new flora into your garden as they decompose, which is beneficial for growth. Mulch also discourages weeds and garden pests, minimizes watering time, safeguards soil moisture, adds texture and color, improves topsoil, and adds a layer of protection against severe weather. 

How do I apply mulch to my garden? Before youlay mulch, ensure the area is already weeded. Soak the ground with water and use a barrier such as newspaper or specialized fabric to control weeds before applying mulch. Then, place a thick layer, about two- to four inches, to discourage new weed growth. Covering existing weeds with mulch will not eradicate them.

-Happy gardening!

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that the “unthinkable” can definitely happen. From pandemics, natural disasters, unidentified flying objects looming in the sky, and more, we need to be always ready. 

Though survival skills are especially useful in dire circumstances, they are also useful in simple, unexpected situations, such as getting lost on a bike ride or losing power for an extended period. Keep reading to discover some essential survival skills for basically any situation. 

First Aid
Keep your first aid kit in your grab bag so you can deal with whatever emergencies pop up. Make sure your bag has gloves, blister treatment, gauze, bandages, medications, etc. 

Shelter
Building a shelter helps you stay warm and dry no matter the circumstances. In urban areas, cardboard boxes, awnings, and other materials can be used. In more remote areas, look for caves or hollow spaces that can block the wind. Tarps easily anchor to one side, stretch down to the ground, and secure with stones. Better yet, include a small tent in your grab bag. 

Firestarter’s
Another essential tool for your grab bag is a firestarter. Use small pieces of wood, pine needles, or cardboard to act as kindling. Once the fire is going, use larger pieces to keep it blazing. Ensure your fire is built downwind from your shelter, away from surrounding vegetation. 

Water
Since water is heavy to carry, it can be challenging to bring in a grab bag. However, sterilizing/filter kits are an effortless way to ensure your water is purified and free of bacteria, parasites, and viruses. If you don’t have a kit or filter, boiling water is the easiest way to remove harmful components. 

Foraging
Food is essential and can be difficult to find in dire situations. Find a field guide to edible plants in your region. Never eat mushrooms or berries that look suspicious, and never put any unknown plant in or near your mouth, as even a tiny amount could kill you. Fishing and trapping is an option if you have the time and patience. Add some energy bars, emergency food, trail mix, etc., to your grab bag as well. 

Map
Learn how to use a compass and a map before disaster strikes. Your phone’s GPS might not work in an emergency, and your battery could die, you might not have reception, etc. Do not rely on your electronic devices; rather, learn your area and make sure your map is covered in a waterproof film. 

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/