Minnesota North Outdoors

So far, in my Bowhunting: What To Do During the "Off" Season articles, I have discussed alternative hunt opportunities, shooting in your house, and joining a league. Each of these activities allows the archer to work on different skill sets yet all maintain or increase muscle memory and generally increase the comfort with your equipment. It is now time to find some hunting options again and what better way to do this than add a hunt to a vacation you are all ready planning. If you are not the snowbird type, this may be the incentive to take that first trip.

If you are going to escape the snow and head south for 4-14 days packing your SPF and bow for the same trip may seem like an odd idea; however, once you do a little research you may be pleasantly surprised at the opportunities that are available to the bowhunter during the winter and spring.

The broadest opportunity will be feral hogs, which have spread across the southern United States and Mexico like a plague. With their high reproductive rates, the bowhunting options for feral hogs are unlimited. In addition, the hunts can be as challenging as you make them and they provide excellent table fare. If you add bowfishing and exotics to the mix, you have a smorgasbord of bowhunting options.

Driving allows for flexibility and fewer regulations with your bowhunting equipment.

If your budget is tight, there are several ways to save cash yet still provide for a quality hunt. Some budget saving options are already built into your existing trip and others you will have to plan for. For example, since you already are on vacation the majority of your travel and lodging costs are already built it and covered as part of your vacation.

Depending on the number of people traveling, driving, even with today's gas prices, is an option. Driving will eliminate shipping costs of your meat. Two coolers and dry ice will suffice for any deer sized or smaller animal for the ride home. If you are concerned about space, invest in a hitch cargo platform. There are many options available and they can be customized to your individual needs.

Processing the animal yourself is an option. If you don't have the time or space, instruct the meat market to bone out the meat so you can process it to your liking when you get home. By saving money on the items discussed above, you may be able to upgrade your hunt or save for your next hunt or vacation. 

If you are flying to your destination there are two items you will need to research: what are the airline regulations regarding your bow and broadheads and how will you transport your meat? You will need to contact any airlines you are traveling with about the exact regulations needed in transporting your archery equipment. Your meat can be shipped by the airlines or shipped via ground transport. I have included two links below that discuss exact details of shipping frozen meat.



I would recommend getting a quality airline approved case to protect your bow. Spending extra money on a high quality case may mean the difference between your bow getting to your destination still sighted in without damage or the alternative. Even if you never intend to fly with your bow, the airline designed cases provide superior protection for your bow and arrows that you will not get from standard cases. Spending the money on a high quality case will keep your investment safe and give you piece of mind for your trip and hunt.

A broadhead case keeps your broadheads sharp and organized.

No matter how you travel make sure you use a broadhead case to protect your gear and your broadheads. There are many variations available; some made directly by the broadhead manufacturer others by independent sources. I like a case that will hold at least six broadheads, any make or model and have room for extra blades and miscellaneous items. This case also needs to fit within my bow case for added security.

If you decide on a DIY hunt you will have the satisfaction of completing it yourself and saving a lot of money. I have included the DNR website for each of the southern states. If you are planning a longer vacation hunting public land may be a good option for you.

If your vacation is shorter, don't forget to check on access to private land. This cuts down significantly on your costs and the landowners may be able to point out areas they have seen game. If you mention feral hogs, many landowners will be glad to do anything they can, even pre-scouting, to help you out! In most cases you can hunt feral hogs and bowfish year round; some states offer other hunting alternatives as well. I have included the game and fish websites for the individual states below: 

South Carolina - http://www.dnr.sc.gov                    Georgia - http://www.gadnr.org/

Florida - http://myfwc.com                                      Alabama - http://www.outdooralabama.com/

Mississippi - http://www.mdwfp.com/                        Louisiana - http://dnr.louisiana.gov 

Texas - http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us                          New Mexico -  http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ 

Arizona - http://www.azgfd.gov                                California - http://www.dfg.ca.gov

                              Mexico - http://www.mexonline.com/huntmex.htm

If you don't mind spending extra money or have limited time, my recommendation would be to contact a reputable outfitter or guide. They will use their knowledge and skills to offer you a quality hunting opportunity.  Remember though, your results are still dependent on you. The best guide or outfitter in the world cannot help you if you are under-prepared, impatient, or not committed to your hunt. Make sure you know your limitations and share them with your guide.

Depending on the time you have available, some outfitters allow you day by day hunting options that will fit into your vacation easier. With unlimited hunting options that outfitters and guides provide, here is some general information to help you choose the right one.

The advantage of using a guide or outfitter, especially if you are on vacation, is that chances are you do not have time to scout, may not be familiar with the species you are hunting, and may not understand the ecosystem of the south if you are a northern hunter. These guided hunts offer the hunter another potential advantage in that you may be hunting on private land that sees much lower hunting pressure than the surrounding areas. While this type of hunt will cost you more than a DIY hunt, under the circumstances, you are more likely to see game and have a potential for a shot.

Before you pick a guide, interview them to see if your expectations and their style mesh. It is also beneficial to get a list of previous clients. I would recommend that you ask the outfitter/guide to give you contacts of both groups that were successful, and more importantly, those that were not. It is assuring to get a positive recommendation from someone who did not have a successful hunt, but enjoyed their experience and would go back and try it again!

If you're heading south this winter to escape the snow and cold, there are choices availability for the bowhunter willing to put in a little research. There are choices for all budgets and if you have saved, options are almost limitless. Remember, besides Feral hogs and bowfishing, the south is a hot spot for many exotics. While on vacation, the southern United States can give you the opportunity to hunt many opportunities not available at home. In my 5th and final part of  Bowhunting: What To Do During the "Off" Season articles, I will share, in my opinion, the ultimate bowhunting adventure during the "Off" season.

Special thanks to Tom Walker of Tom Walker's Outdoor Adventures for providing me with the great photo of a successful Florida hog hunt!  Check out Tom Walker's Outdoor Adventures at: floridaboarhunts.com or find him on Facebook at: Tom Walker's Outdoor Adventures.

RecordingtheOutdoors.com - Todd Koenig