Lots of whitetail fanatics like me want to actually see the bucks that live where they hunt during the summer to get an idea of whats out there. Here’s a simple, effective and economical way to accomplish that summer time scouting and potentially help the bucks grow bigger racks at the same time. I used a $199 Moultrie IR camera for this set-up and bought my livestock salt and mineral and corn for under $40 at the local Tractor Supply Company (TSC).

Find a well traveled spot that is relatively open where a couple of deer trails cross. Ideally, this location should be easy for you to get to and from from without busting deer. For my spot I chose an area near the west edge of a good sized woods. Use a shovel to dig up an area roughly 5ft by 5ft. Pour one 50lb. bag of livestock salt into the area and use the shovel to work it into the ground. Pour one 50lb. bag of livestock mineral into the same area and repeat. Put a second bag of livestock salt over the mineral and work it in real good. Top this off with one bag of whole corn, this will ensure the deer find it quickly. You will want to position your trail camera about 10-15 ft away and about 3ft off the ground. I’d also suggest setting the timer to 3-5 minutes between shots. I had mine set for 1 minute which was not ideal. It’s best to face the camera either north or south to avoid direct exposure to the sun in the morning or evening. I’ve included a few pictures to clearly show the process and the results.  I got hundreds of pictures in just 14 days of 6 different bucks and many does including one heavy 8 point with good potential.

This is a really fun way to keep tabs on bucks in the areas you plan to hunt this fall. Take your kids with you when you can they’ll enjoy it too!

A father and son team up in Alberta, Canada found this monster buck dead. It was found locked up with a 130 class deer it had apparently been fighting and both died. The guys scored the buck with a Rackulator at 219 2/8. Wow!

This buck was hunted vigorously by Jenessa’s brothers through bow season and into rifle season, but she was the only one in the stand on the morning of Dec. 9^th during the first snowstorm of the winter.  When the monster appeared at 15yds she gladly took the shot with her .243.  The buck grossed 195”.  Not bad for her first deer!  Jenessa is Twenty-One and lives in Fredonia, KS.

This video offers  a unique look at the white deer herd up in Wisconsin. Jeff Richter co-authored a book that tells us all about them. Man, they look strange!

Check out these two bucks going after it, they mean business.

7yr. old Jason Roser from Alexandria, Ohio bagged his first turkey during Ohio’s youth season.  He was hunting with his dad Gary when they called in the bird and Jason made a great shot with his .410.  As you can imagine, both were very excited! Good luck to all young turkey hunters this spring, be safe.

Tom King and Tim Seitzinger just filmed a great archery hunt down in FL where they doubled down on Osceola’s.  These guys produce a great show, be sure to check out their website www.bighornoutdoors.com to see what they’re up to and for details on show times.

Dan recently received some old time hunting pictures that are interesting and cool. I’ll post a few of them starting with this big old muley.  Some things just don’t change.

Check out these rare Albino Moose from Michigan. One would be rare, two of them is pretty much unheard of.

JT Kreager, founder of NextHunt.com is now a sponsor of American-Hunter. He’s an experienced hunter and I’ve partnered with JT to help me with the day to day operations of American-Hunter. For JT’s help we will be helping him promote his brand new hunting travel website. NextHunt’s large following of users and contributors are serious trophy hunters and often hunt out of state. We see this as a win-win and a great partnership all around.  Be sure to check out NextHunt.com.