5 Hunting Tools You’re Probably Forgetting to De-Scent

It is key for hunters to understand the importance of scent control when they are hunting. Most hunters do a good job at de-scenting themselves and their clothes, but many overlook their gear. Here are five hunting tools you are probably forgetting to de-scent.

1. Pack. Your backpack or waist pack gets handled a lot and can accumulate a lot of sweat. Pay close attention to the straps and other parts of your pack that may touch your body.

2. Gun or Crossbow Sling. A cloth gun or crossbow sling can absorb quite a bit of your sweat and stench. 

3. Hat. Your hat or headgear accumulates tons of sweat. Make sure to wash and de-stench all your headgear.

4. Shoes. Spray down your hunting shoes, especially the soles and laces that collect the most scent. 

5. Gun/Bow Case. Some jurisdictions require your gun or bow to be carried in a case. Be sure to de-scent your case before taking it out.

Scent plays a big role in the success of your hunt. After your stench-free hunt, take your game to Knight’s Taxidermy to save your trophy.

Source: https://1source.basspro.com/news-tips/deer/6043/11-pieces-hunting-gear-youre-probably-forgetting-de-scent

A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting

Hunting is a highly anticipated sport no matter the season, but it can be overwhelming to get into, especially if you don’t have any friends or family that are familiar with the ins and outs.  One of the first things that may pop in your mind when you think about preparing for your first hunt could be gear, but there are other key tasks that you want to complete before gathering your gear and prepping for your hunt.

• Get your Hunter Safety Card. Most states, including North Carolina, require a Hunter Safety Card. In order to get this card, you will need to complete a certified hunter education course. Once you earn your card, it is valid in all states that require one. The course can be done online and at your own pace. 

• Decide what type of hunting is for you. There are many ways you can hunt. Maybe you want to try hunting birds, or maybe deer hunting is more your speed. You also may find that you are more inclined to hunt with a crossbow or a rifle. It’s important to get an idea of what type of hunting you’re interested in before you start. Try talking to other people experienced in hunting to help you get an idea of what you are most interested in.

• Practice makes perfect. It’s unlikely that you go on your first hunt and complete the best hunt of your life. Give yourself time to understand the behavior of the animal you are hunting and get familiar with the equipment you are using. Try different areas and terrains. Every hunt will be different, but practice can help you succeed on all your hunts.

Whether it is your first hunt or you’ve lost count on what hunt it is, don’t forget to call us at (919) 291-6506 and bring your game to Tim Knight’s Taxidermy to preserve your trophy.

3 Techniques for Catching Summer Bass

Looking for tips and tricks to help you catch plenty of bass this season? Here are 3 techniques to help you be better prepared this summer. 

1. Fish with a fluke. Did you know that flukes are proven to be more successful than any other approach? During the summer, fish tend to stay in cooler waters and grassier areas. This season, attempt to fish with a fluke and aim for the shaded areas. 

2. Fish in the morning hours. Fish like to protect themselves from the heat by hanging out in colder waters. Your best chance of catching the most bass would be in the mid to late morning. This gives a chance for the water to warm up to the perfect temperature for the bass to be the most active.  

3. Fish near shallow waters. Fishing before the summer really starts to heat up means that most of the bass are still hanging out near shallow waters. To avoid scaring off any fish, try casting underhanded so that your lure doesn't splash as much. 

Are you ready to get out and fish? Don't forget to bring your harvest to Tim Knight's Taxidermy so we can preserve your trophy for a lifetime! 

SOURCES

https://www.luckytacklebox.com/blogs/fishing-tips/53911109-5-shallow-water-fishing-tips

https://www.lurenet.com/blog/early-summer-bass/

https://www.bassmaster.com/news/beneath-surface-summer-bass

3 Local Places Where You Can Enjoy Fishing With Your Kids

The weather has been warming up which means the conditions are perfect to take your kids out fishing! Here are 3 places near Clayton, NC where you can enjoy a fun day of fishing with your kids. 

1. Buckhorn Lake. Buckhorn Lake is nestled in Wilson County and is the primary water supply for the city of Wilson, NC. However, you can enjoy catching largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout, and more! 

2. Lake Crabtree. Lake Crabtree does not allow any gas-powered boats so this makes for a perfect location to fish from your canoe or kayak. Pack some lunch and paddle out to Lake Crabtree with your kids for afternoon fishing and a picnic on the water. 

3. William B. Umstead State Park. A day out in nature may be what you and your kids need. Located in the triangle area, there are 3 lakes as well as connecting streams that are a part of the beautiful and serene William B. Umstead Park. Common catches for these lakes include bass, bluegill, and crappie. 

Taking your child fishing can be a wonderful bonding experience as well as a fun hobby to enjoy together. Don't forget to bring your harvest to Knight's Taxidermy so that we can preserve your cherished memories for a lifetime.

4 Spring Fishing Tips To Help You Catch More Fish

The weather has been warming up which means the fish are beginning to emerge from their winter habitat. These spring fishing tips can help you be better prepared to catch more fish this season. 

1. Fish in warmer waters. Warmer waters will attract more fish during the springtime. Fishing in a warm, shallow, sunny area makes for an ideal spring fishing spot. 

2. Aim for the afternoon. Along with warm waters, you need warmer weather. During the spring, it's best to go fishing during the afternoon when the weather is the warmest. This also gives the sun enough time to warm up the waters. 

3. Downsize your baits. Keep in mind that the fish in the spring are not as aggressive as the fish in the summer. No matter what species you are fishing for, smaller baits that are used slowly can help you get a bite more often during the springtime. 

4. Wait longer to set the hook. Don't forget that fish are slower to bite in the springtime. When you feel a bite, don't immediately set the hook. Wait a few seconds longer than you normally would before setting your hook. 

We hope these tips help you enjoy and enhance your spring fishing! Contact us and let us turn your harvests into a memory of a lifetime this season. 

SOURCES: 

https://www.kinseysoutdoors.com/spring-fishing-tips-and-tackle-preparation-advice/

https://www.fieldandstream.com/breakout-hits-20-best-fishing-tips-for-early-spring/

Are You Prepared For Youth Turkey Season?

The weather conditions have been great for hunting lately, are you prepared for youth turkey season? Youth turkey season is for those who are under the age of 16, so you can take advantage of this time and go hunting with your friends and family. Youth turkey season begins April 3rd and regular turkey season will start on April 10th. 

Here are a few reminders to help you during this season: 

1. Never wear red, white, blue, or black when you're out hunting. These colors mimic those of a tom's head and body. 

2.) Leave the area if you think another hunter is there. Make sure you are wearing blaze orange so you are visible to any other hunters.

3.) Never stalk a turkey. This can increase your chances of being mistaken for other types of game. 

Make sure to bring your next harvest to Knight's Taxidermy after your next hunting trip so that we can bring your trophy to life so that you can enjoy your memory for a lifetime. Good luck to all of you this Spring! 

Sources: 

https://www.ncwildlife.org/News/practice-safety-and-ethics-as-turkey-season-opens-in-april

Spring Season Turkey Hunting

Being stuck in the house the last several months have been challenging for everyone, especially those who love hunting. Looking for an excuse to get outdoors? March is the ideal time to start scouting for the upcoming turkey season. 

1.) Practice your turkey calls. Practicing your calls will help you to be a more effective turkey hunter. Be sure to practice different calls to switch things up. 

2.) Build your blind ahead of time. If you have a particular spot picked out for hunting this season, get ahead by building a natural blind.You want to make sure that your blind is a height that keeps you covered, but also not so high that it prevents you from aiming your weapon in time.  

3.) Bring a buddy. Having a hunting partner with you can not only be helpful but can be effective as well. Each of you can take turns shooting and calling. The caller can set up away from the shooter to try and help lure the turkey into the shooter’s range. 

4.) Hunt in the afternoon. By the late afternoon, most hunters are already gone, and the woods are vacant. Turkeys tend to move more during this time of day without being spooked or hearing several calls. 

If you decide to try spring season turkey hunting, bring your harvest to Tim Knight's Taxidermy, and we will gladly help you preserve your memory for a lifetime!

Preparing for late-season scouting

For most hunters, deer season ended in December. However, because the south is a lot warmer in the winter than most places, January and February can be ideal months to begin scouting the woods for next season. 

Most people start scouting in the summertime to determine the best deer locations as well as food sources. However, that usually doesn’t stay consistent through deer season. A different approach is to scout right after deer season to find out where deer hang around and what they eat. These findings can benefit you during the middle or end of the season.

After deer season has ended, it’s a great time to try and adjust your stand location. Adjusting your stand location is an efficient way to try out new locations for a better chance next season. It’s also helpful to do it this early in the year so that the deer can get used to seeing the stand in the new location. 

Do you have trail cameras? If so, leave your trail cameras out to scope out any deer that survived the season. This can help you see what areas are hot spots for deer. Setting up your trail cameras can also help you see if there are any new routes that the deer are taking so that you can set up your stand accordingly for the following season. 

Although this season has ended, there are still plenty of ways you can prepare for a better and more successful upcoming deer season. Whenever you do have a successful hunt, come in to Tim Knight’s Taxidermy so we can help you keep that memory for a lifetime!

https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/prepare-deer-season-january-february/

https://www.northamericanwhitetail.com/editorial/late-season-scouting-last-minute-success/3699

Hone Your Late-Season Duck Hunting Skills

The Albemarle and The Pamlico sound located in Eastern North Carolina is home to a significant amount of migrating waterfowl along the Atlantic seaboard. During late-season duck hunting, you can expect to find plenty of ducks out there such as Redheads, Bluebills, Pintails, Black Ducks, and more waiting for you to come and see for yourself. 

If you’re planning on duck hunting in the swamp, try hunting in the swamps that have oaks. Ducks will stay around and feed on the acorns in the wintertime. You can expect to find species such as Mallards, Black Ducks, and Widgeons in the Eastern North Carolina swamps. 

In January, swamps are prone to freezing over, and once they do, ducks will be on the move to search for a new place that can offer them food, safety, and open water. 

Late-season duck hunting means that ducks are searching for more open waters for a better chance at finding food. However, lakes tend to freeze over during the wintertime. If you can’t seem to find a lake that hasn’t frozen over, look for small streams or flowing rivers. Be sure to stay close to open waters for a better chance at catching your harvest.

At Tim Knight Taxidermy, we want to help you remember your harvest for a lifetime! Whether you prefer late-season duck hunting in the marshes, near the sound and the ocean, or by quiet lakes, we can help you bring your trophy back to life with a mount you will be proud to display. 

Advice for the Beginner Hog Hunter

Hunting wild hogs are considered a dangerous sport even for the experienced hunter. In North Carolina, feral hogs are considered an invasive species due to their destructive, territorial behavior and disposition to host a wide variety of diseases deadly to humans and animals alike. Should you want to try your luck against this fearsome animal, consider these three pieces of advice before heading out on your hunt:

1. When tracking feral hogs, keep in mind their tendency to be territorial and aggressive. Hogs live in small groups called sounders and have a tendency to charge when threatened, their razor-sharp tusks being their main form of defense. When facing the 4th smartest animal in the world, you will want to keep your distance.

2. Hunt during sundown, nighttime, and first light. Feral hogs have become accustomed to hunter activity during the day and tend to settle down in the evening to eat. This is when you’ll have the most luck hunting a hog.

3. Take advantage of their poor eyesight. This is an additional reason to hunt in low light where you have the advantage. That said, you’ll want to keep your distance and track through the safety of binoculars if possible. Where the feral hog lacks in eyesight, it makes up for it with a strong sense of smell and hearing. 

Being able to bring home an animal as dangerous as a feral hog is an impressive feat, and one definitely worth remembering. Bring your trophy to Tim Knight’s Taxidermy and we’ll capture the moment of your hunt to help immortalize your story.