Trail cameras are one of the best tools a hunter can use, especially if you juggle work, family, or long drives to your hunting area. A camera gives you eyes in the woods when you cannot physically be there. It saves you time and helps you make smarter decisions when the season arrives.

When it comes to rifle optics, one of the most common questions is whether to go with MOA or MILs. Both systems are tools for measuring angles and making adjustments on your scope, and both will get the job done. The real difference comes in how each system measures, how you think through adjustments, and what kind of shooting you plan to do. At The Outdoorsman’s Oath, we’ve found MILs fit our style best, but let’s break down both systems so you can see why.

Did you know that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) doesn’t consider muzzleloaders a firearm? That’s right—these historical-style tools, also known as black powder rifles, are in a category of their own and are NOT classified as firearms under federal law. Despite this, they have a long-standing place in the hunting world, requiring skill, patience, and an understanding of their unique capabilities. Erik’s South Dakota mule deer hunt proves exactly why they remain a respected and effective tool for ethical harvesting.

The early morning air in the Black Hills carried a crispness that hinted at the season's end. Dylan and his father had driven all the way from Minnesota for a DIY whitetail hunt, a tradition steeped in grit and determination. After years of hunting whitetails in the rugged beauty of South Dakota, Dylan was no stranger to the challenges of public land, and this year was no exception. Yet, this hunt would be unlike any before. For the first time, all three members of The Outdoorsman’s Oath—Dylan, Erik, and Tyler—were together on the same hunt.

The 2024 Black Hills rifle opener began like any great hunt—fueled by excitement, hope, and a touch of luck, though we didn’t manage to bring home any whitetail that first day. Instead, we focused on scouting the terrain for future hunts. With breathtaking vistas and endless timber, the Black Hills holds plenty of promise for hunters who enjoy the challenge of the chase. Our first trip was productive in many ways; we even spotted a magnificent whitetail buck, but shooting hours had ended, leaving us to dream about encountering him again.

When it comes to scouting for wild game, few tools are as valuable as a well-placed trail camera. These cameras capture critical data on animal movement, behavior, and even timing, helping you pattern game and plan your hunts more effectively. However, strategic placement is key to getting the most out of your trail camera. Here’s a comprehensive guide on where and how to position your cameras for the best results.

Scouting for whitetail deer can be daunting, especially when time is a luxury. Whether you're balancing a 9-5 job or tackling long hours in a blue-collar profession, finding the right time to hit the field can be a challenge. That's where E-Scouting comes in—a game-changer for hunters looking to maximize their efforts efficiently.

I was lucky enough to draw a South Dakota Prairie Antelope Rifle tag this season—though to my surprise, I mistakenly applied for a different unit than I originally planned. But hey, no big deal. After working two long days at the fire department with hunting on my mind, the minute Sunday arrived, it was go-time. A co-worker was kind enough to cover my shift early, giving me a head start on the 2+ hour drive to my hunting unit. Erik picked me up from work, his truck loaded with all our gear, and we hit the road.

This past spring, I set out for a Merriam’s Turkey hunt in the rugged beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, determined to bag a gobbler. Little did I know, it would be one of the most memorable hunts of my life.

The 2024 Total Archery Challenge (TAC) at Terry Peak, SD, was an incredible experience that we’ll be reminiscing about for years to come. From the excitement of the event to the camaraderie among archery enthusiasts, it was a weekend packed with unforgettable moments, fantastic gear, and new friendships.

The sun painted the prairie with warm hues as my wife, our good friend Robert McCreary, and I embarked on a mule deer hunt in the rolling hills of Western South Dakota. Armed with determination and my trusty Winchester XPR chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, I was about to experience a day that would be etched into my memory forever.

Are you a hunting enthusiast who wants to take your skills to the next level? Or perhaps you're a fitness enthusiast looking for a new challenge that combines your love for the outdoors with physical activity. Well, look no further! In this blog post, we will explore how physical fitness can greatly enhance your hunting experience and make you a more in shape hunter.

As the sun went down on a warm Oklahoma night the desolate air was pierced with the high-pitched squeals and whines. Almost like something from a horror movie, wild hogs were out and about in full force around our tree stand. When the dinner bell went off at the gravity feeder, it was as if it were clockwork, and the hogs demolished the feed. I had prepared my rifle by resting it on the safety bar of the tree stand, found a hog through the crosshairs of my scope, pushed the safety to "fire", and BAM! The 6.5 Creedmoor bullet exited the rifle barrel at a high velocity, and before you could blink a hog was on the ground—a perfect shot right into the vitals of the beast. A moment later another hog came running out, this time it was much bigger than the last. The same process as before, I found where I wanted to shoot the animal, and BAM! This time the hog did not fall. It was not even phased by getting nailed right in the shoulder by my 6.5 Creedmoor. When I hopped out of the stand to check for blood, there was none to be found. This is when I realized how tough of an animal the feral hog is, and it piqued my curiosity on how a once domesticated farm pig could turn into a beast capable of millions of dollars in damages and spread like wildfire. 

What can I say? The Total Archery Challenge crew outdid themselves again with the Terry Peak, SD event! We shot the Leupold course on Friday, and the Prime course on Saturday! During our weekend tenure, we met some great people who will be friends and future hunting partners with us! The vendors were great as always, although we may have spent more money than our wives would have wanted us to.... All in all, though it was a great time, memories were made, arrows were broken, beers were drunk, stories were told and this all turns out to be one of those things one day when we are looking back on our lives, we will cherish these moments and the time spent together doing what we love. 

I think it that it is safe to say that mother nature sure is a beautiful thing. Especially when you are in your favorite hunting spot watching deer come and go until the right one comes. The way they move about the forest floor with ease is astonishing, especially when they have no recollection of them even being watched by a hunter. In that situation they are being watched by the hunter, but what happens when the hunter becomes the target of a stalk from a natural predator? Would you hear the predator coming and are you unsuspecting of it just like the game you are hunting?

Every archer knows that an arrow will not fly effectively without your fletching on the shaft. Not only do they add an aesthetic aspect to your arrow, they also can affect how your arrow flies and how your arrow stabilizes itself when it is zipping down-range at your selected target. Most people will get new arrows with the vanes already attached, or they will pay a pro shop to glue them on for them. Truth be told fletching your own arrows might be easier than you think not only for yourself, but also easier on your wallet! In this article we will go over the ins and outs of DIY arrow fletching at home. Please note that this is written to be informative for those with no experience with self-fletching. Yes, the topic can go into way more depth, and I will be covering that in a later article! 

As a hunter, you know that the times between seasons seem to just drag on. For me I get that itch this time of year in anticipation of the upcoming turkey season. Nothing is better than hearing that spring thunder or better known as a gobble off in the distance. Whether you are a newbie or a long-time turkey hunter, we can all agree that there isn't much in this world better than filling that spring turkey tag on a nice gobblin' Tom. In this article I will be listing off my top calls that I will keep with me to utilize this spring season! Keep in mind that there are different types of turkey calls out there, I am fonder of diaphragm calls, but I will give some recommendations on great slate and box calls at the end!