Introduction to Guns: One of the biggest fears amateur trainers have is a gun shy dog. Proper introduction to guns will eliminate this man-made problem. With your helper in the field at a distance, have the helper throw a mark and fire the gun while the bumper is in the air. If Pup is a happy retriever, he will pay no attention to the gunfire but start associating it with something good: retrieving. Gradually, move the gun closer until you can stand beside him and shoot without reaction. If Pup shows any shyness towards the gun, back up and increase the distance between Pup and the gun before moving any closer.

Bucket Blinds: Young dogs beginning their blind work will often show a lack of momentum and confidence. Usually, they have trouble focusing on where we want them to go. Placing a white bucket on a stake at the blind will give Pup something to focus on. Using a bucket in Double-T or Lining drills will teach him what the bucket means and makes the transition to open field blinds very easy. This will develop a confident and stylish running dog on blinds that is a pleasure for all eyes. When Pup's momentum is good, you can take the bucket away. This is a wonderful tool for teaching difficult concept blinds.

The ultimate camo test: Here’s a great way to find out if your stand locations really allow you to blend in. Dress in your favorite camouflage and gather all of your gear. Have your hunting buddy grab a video camera and go with you to one of your favorite stands. Get set up in the stand just like you would if you were going to hunt. Now have your buddy walk all the way around your location, constantly filming you from all angles. Have him film you from close range and from 50 yards out. Have him film you doing all the things you do when preparing for the shot, such as drawing your bow. Now go home and put it on your TV and turn the color off (put the TV on monochrome setting). You’ll be shocked by what you see - amazed by how visible you are from certain angles, and by how little movement it takes to catch the eye. Learn from these things - this is what a whitetail deer sees when it looks up at you! Let us know what you learn from this test.

Muzzleloader performance for big game hunting has improved dramatically. One revolutionary new rifle is Knight’s .45 Super DISC with 2,500 fps muzzle velocity. This rifle uses Knight’s patented Primer DISC’s with #209 shotgun primers instead of traditional percussion caps.

When the bulls won't come in to a bugle, try cow calling. This imitation of a cow's greeting call will often bring a bull in when bugling fails.

Practice shooting your bow with broadheads before hunting.

Learn to shoot on your knees, one knee, tip toes and around brush and limbs. This will prepare you for all types of situations.

Hunt mule deer in the open western landscape by slowly hiking ridges and glassing opposite sidehills and draws for feeding deer in the morning and evening. Use quality 10-power binoculars, which will penetrate the shaded thickets much better than lower power, inexpensive glasses.