Hunters, just like any other hobbyists, have their own lingo to communicate quickly and effectively. (It’s also pretty darn fun once it becomes fluent!) New hunters should learn some of it so they can also communicate in the same language. A few examples follow.
Upwind: Refers to the direction the wind is blowing in relation to an object, person, or animal. Because most animals have keen noses, it’s almost always best to stay “upwind” of them so your scent doesn’t blow directly toward them.
Downwind: Opposite of upwind. Example: “The deer was downwind of Mike, so it busted him and ran off.”
150-inch Buck: When serious deer hunters talk about bucks, they often refer to them in measured inches of antler as a means of efficient and universal communication. A 100-inch buck is small in most places; a 120-inch buck is average; a 150-inch buck is very impressive; and a 200-inch buck is a once-in-a lifetime type of animal. New hunters shouldn’t get wrapped up in measurements—after all the meat is the real trophy—but they should know of what their fellow hunters speak.
Legal Shooting Hours: While state and local laws can vary, hunters generally are allowed to hunt 30 minutes prior to the day’s official sunrise until the day’s official sunset or, in some states, 30 minutes past it. It’s your duty to know your hunting area’s legal shooting hours.
Dekes: Short for decoys. Many game animals—including big game like deer and elk, but especially migratory birds—can be effectively hunted with the use of dekes.
Stand: Any place from which a hunter actually hunts. It could mean a treestand, an elevated box blind, a ground blind, or just a great spot on a ridgetop.
Glass: As a noun, glass refers to a binocular. As a verb, it’s the act of using a binocular or spotting scope to scan an expanse in hopes of finding an animal to pursue.
Bag Limit: Refers to the maximum number of game animals a hunter can legally kill, or put in his or her “game bag” to take home. Again, it’s up to every hunter to know the bag limits for the bird/animal and area where he or she is hunting
Monster, Pig, Toad, Brute, Booner, etc.: Slang terms for describing huge game animals. Example: “That buck was a toad!”
Still Hunting: A style of hunting in which the hunter does not stay stationary all the time, but remains still for a few minutes, then slips to a different position to observe again. It’s the opposite of “stand hunting.”
About the Author: A native Oklahoman, Jeff Johnston is an NRA-certified shotgun, rifle, and handgun instructor, as well as an NRA Distinguished Expert shooter. A lifelong hunter, he’s taken many different species of game, including a few giant whitetails and one rare masked fox squirrel from Georgia of which he’s particularly proud.
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Hunt Smarter: Top-Rated Mobile Apps for Hunters in 2025
In today's world of high-tech hunting, a mobile phone can be just as essential as a good pair of boots. Whether you're glassing for elk in the Rockies or planning stand placement for the whitetail rut, the right app can help you scout smarter, track game more effectively, and stay safe and legal in the field. Below is a breakdown of some of the best mobile apps for hunters. Need to get sighted in before a hunt? Finding a nearby range is easier than ever thanks to tools like the NSSF's Where to Shoot app and online range finder-helping you turn any location into an opportunity to train smarter."
At the core of your app arsenal should be a good weather app with more advanced features than your cell phone's default weather app. Most of the popular weather apps are not only free but also offer very similar features.
AccuWeather offers very localized forecasts with features like MinuteCast, which gives precipitation updates minute by minute. AccuWeather also features extended forecasts, radar, weather alerts and more.
The Weather Channel app is like AccuWeather but with a few more content features, courtesy of its established media presence.
Weather Underground is a solid choice for accessing reliable, general weather data. It includes useful details like sunrise and sunset times-essential for tracking legal shooting hours. One standout feature is its extensive historical weather database, which proves especially valuable when planning hunts in unfamiliar, out-of-state locations. By reviewing past conditions, you can get a clearer picture of typical wind patterns and temperature ranges, helping you prepare more effectively.
The Windy app offers a detailed wind visualization map that allows hunters to check real-time wind direction and speed across complex terrain. Hunters appreciate its wind compass, gust tracking and comparison across multiple forecast models, enabling smarter decisions about stand placement and movement. Windy offers clarity on how wind flows through ridgelines, valleys and topographical features that can make or break a hunt, making it especially valuable when hunting in hilly or forested areas.
onX Hunt is a hunting app that combines detailed GPS mapping with land ownership overlays, allowing users to easily distinguish between public and private property. Users can toggle between high-resolution topographical, satellite and hybrid maps, use 3D views for terrain visualization and download offline maps so navigation works even without cell service. The app's customizable waypoints, tracks and map Layers-for GMUs, weather, wind, soil, wildfire history and trail cameras-give hunters powerful tools for planning, sign marking and in-field coordination. One of the coolest new features from onX is the leafless imagery feature, which provides a view of the terrain after the leaves have fallen off.
Huntstand is a great hunting app focused on the Eastern United States. One of the most unique features of the Huntstand app is the Stand Reservation and Group Sharing feature. It allows members of a hunt club or a group lease to communicate right within the app. Another unique feature is the ability to integrate with the Command Pro trail camera app (Muddy and Stealth Cam Cameras). This allows you to organize your trail camera photos visually and within one central hunting "hub" of information.
An old standby, Google Earth is still a very powerful scouting tool for hunters of both public and private lands. Users can create and save projects, utilize ground-level view (when applicable) and view properties in tremendous detail in both 2D and 3D.
Pro Tip: Different mapping applications get their imagery from different sources and at different times. It's a great idea to have multiple apps for comparing different satellite imagery offerings.
Another hunt mapping option is the Basemap app. Like many of the other options, Basemap offers mapping with the ability to view a property with different layers. One of the unique features is their LRF (Laser Rangefinder Mapping) feature. This is especially useful for game recovery. Simply range the location you want to get to, orient your phone in that direction and enter the range in Basemap. Using GPS, the app will then set a waypoint at that location.
Spartan Forge is a newer hunting mapping app that has some features unique to its platform. One of the more popular features is the LIDAR mapping overlay, which allows users to see through the canopy of trees to get a better understanding of the terrain below. It also features a deer movement prediction algorithm, in-app live pin sharing and other features typically found on hunting-focused mapping apps.
The Tactacam app works with all Tactacam Reveal cell cameras. It allows you to visualize your camera locations on a map via GPS and organize your photos based on location. You can also request on-demand HD photos from within the app for real-time data. The Hunt Sync feature allows you to pause real-time photo delivery during hunts and receive the photos afterward.
The Command Pro app works with Muddy and Stealth Cam trail cameras. This feature-rich trail camera app offers unique features, including camera sharing, which lets you grant other app users access to your cameras. The integrated AI Photo tagging automatically tags animals, humans and vehicles. Recently, Command Pro was updated to include analytics, which help the user pattern wildlife and keep track of data such as the number of photos taken with a specific wind direction.
Cuddeback trail cameras have been around for quite some time. Their unique "CuddeLink" systems allow you to use up to 24 cameras on just one cell plan. The cameras act as repeaters, sending photos from one camera to the next until they get to the "home" camera, which then uploads the images to the Cuddeback app. This unique system is excellent for properties with cell service "dead zones" because, as long as one camera has service, and the other cameras can "talk to" each other, the system will function.
The Deercast app's detailed weather-driven deer movement algorithm helps you predict deer activity up to two weeks in advance. Built-in tools like rain history and path tracking help you visualize your hunt in the palm of your hand. One of the most popular features is the DeerCast track tool, which offers expert guidance tailored to your shot placement, helping you to make the right decisions about how long to wait prior to recovery.
The HuntWise app is a popular, data-driven hunt forecasting app. Inside, you'll find HuntCast, which forecasts hourly, species-specific movement windows. The RutCast feature helps you make better hunting decisions during different phases of the rut. Lastly, WindCast helps you choose the best stand locations based on wind direction and scent control.
The GOHUNT app is a powerful tool for out-of-state hunters looking for amazing insights. Visualize unit-specific draw odds in states across the country, share entire folders of waypoints and drawings with friends and view hunting locations in full 3D on your mobile device. If you're looking to hunt out of state or plan your hunt more effectively, the GOHUNT app can be a great place to start.
MyOutdoorTV features many of the most popular shows you'll find on outdoor TV shows, such as the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. They also feature live TV channels and semi-live "JustShot" and "JustCaught" content, allowing users to view timely, in-season content.
CarbonTV provides free access to high-quality hunting, fishing, survival and rural lifestyle videos and series. With an account, users can favorite shows to make it easier to always find the newest content. Along with videos, you can find podcasts and short films on the app as well.
Don't see one of your favorite hunting apps on this list? Send us a message and explain why it should be on our list!
Mentorship in the Duck Blind: Living the +ONE Promise
Hunt Like a Girl and Beretta USA: Champions of the +ONE Movement.
By Daphane Cassidy, NSSF Content Manager
There are moments in life that stay with you, not because of grand spectacle, but because of stillness, presence and a kind of quiet reverence that settles deep in your bones. For me, one of those moments didn't come during the shot or the celebration, but in the still blue hour before it all began, standing in a sunken pond blind, surrounded by reeds and mist, with a shotgun in hand and half a dozen women breathing deeply beside me.
Sharing our experience of the Hunt Like A Girl +ONE Waterfowl Hunt: Sponsored by Beretta. (Videography by: Sara Liberte)
Hunt Like A Girl +ONE® Waterfowl Hunt
There's something uniquely powerful about watching someone experience their first hunt. As a long-time advocate of the shooting sports and a proud representative of NSSF's +ONE Movement, I've mentored many newcomers over the years but every hunt feels new again when you're guiding someone who's never stepped afield before. That's exactly what happened during the Hunt Like A Girl +ONE Waterfowl Hunt, held in partnership with Shoot Like a Girl, Beretta USA and NSSF, at Rocky Creek Retrievers in El Campo, Texas.
From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric, an eager blend of nervous anticipation and pure excitement. This wasn't just another event. It was a culmination of passion, mentorship and legacy-building. Four women, ranging from seasoned professionals to industry newcomers, had each invited a guest who had never duck hunted before. Some of these first-timers had never held a firearm. Some had been around hunting their whole lives, but just never had the opportunity to go. One of our newbies was here at the request of her sister, two were brought by colleagues and one was a friend chosen by our passionate +ONE contest winner. While coming from different backgrounds and comfort levels, what united them all was an openness to try something new and the courage to step outside their comfort zones.
The whole +ONE group together in the duck blind. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)
As part of NSSF's +ONE Movement, the goal was simple but transformational: bring someone new afield. The idea that if every hunter took just one person with them, we could change the trajectory of America's hunting heritage. And on this trip, we didn't just talk about it, we lived it.
The +ONE Vision in Action
The +ONE Movement is built on a simple truth: When we invite others to hunt or shoot for the first time, we pass down something deeper than skill; we pass down a way of life. It's not just a campaign, it's a cultural shift. And this hunt was a living, breathing embodiment of that vision.
(Photography by: Alexis Greene)
For me, mentoring is more than just a responsibility; it's a gift. You get to share in the adrenaline of a first shot, the quiet reverence of a morning sunrise over decoys and the genuine pride that comes from helping someone do something they never imagined themselves capable of. You see, the moment fear dissolves into confidence, when a woman who was hesitant to pick up a shotgun now smiles after folding her first bird over open water. You see self-doubt replaced with laughter and stories, shared around the fire or while walking through the field.
I had the honor of mentoring a few of the first-time hunters, guiding them through safety basics, shotgun handling and what to expect in a duck blind. Their nerves were real and completely understandable. But what never fails to inspire me is how fast that anxiety turns to exhilaration with the right encouragement and support.
The magic wasn't in instruction alone; it was in companionship. We laughed, learned, whispered advice and encouragement across the decoys. I watched one guest who was hesitant to even pick up her shotgun on day one light up when she successfully harvested a bird on day two. Another guest cried, not out of sorrow, but from the emotional weight of doing something she never thought she could do. She was joyful, overwhelmed, respectful of the life taken and empowered all at once. And honestly? So were we.
As mentors, we got to witness the +ONE movement from both sides: as seasoned hunters and as students once more, reminded of the awe and responsibility that comes with every shot.
The Morning Grounding: Becoming Present in the Blind
Each day began with what I can only describe as a grounding ritual, from the guidance of Karen Butler, Shoot Like a Girl founder, I was encouraged to create this moment for our hunters and step strongly into my role as a "Hunt Like a Girl" Mentor. Before any shots were fired, before any birds came into sight, we paused. We sat in that sunken blind, dew still clinging to the grass around us, fog curling low over the water and the horizon just starting to burn with the blush of sunrise.
Mornings from the duck blind. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)
We took a breath together.
We felt the wind on our faces and the earth beneath our boots. We noticed the weight of our shotguns in our hands. We listened to the reeds rustling, to the wings above, to each other. And we reminded ourselves to be here. Fully present. We were not just having an experience but creating this peaceful memory in nature, which we could always return to in our minds. It wasn't just about what happened, but how deeply we felt it.
I watched women with no prior hunting experience close their eyes and take it in. Later, several people came to me and said they felt goosebumps during that moment, as if something within them had shifted. They were completely present.
As a mentor, it was powerful beyond words. We weren't just preparing for a hunt; we were stepping into a moment that could anchor us for years to come.
Processing the Harvest: Turning Experience into Ownership
For many, the idea of cleaning and processing a harvested duck is intimidating. But that, too, is where empowerment lives, in the doing. Duck hunting, especially for first-timers, offers a uniquely approachable transition into game processing. With a small knife, a clear technique and a little guidance, anyone can go from uncertainty to capability in a single afternoon.
Learning the full process from hunt to harvest. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)
I watched it happen over and over. Women who hesitated at first now worked with focused hands and growing confidence, processing their ducks with care and purpose. You could see it on their faces: I did this. Not just the shot, but the follow-through. They were now providers in the most primitive sense.
That evening, we ate what we had harvested. It wasn't just dinner, it was a culmination. A celebration. The connection from blind to table made it real in a way no words or photos could. One participant turned to me and said, "I didn't know I could feel this way, so full, so proud, so connected."
The Power of Partnership
It's important to say that this hunt wouldn't have been possible without the deep collaboration between Beretta USA, Hunt Like A Girl and NSSF. Beretta didn't just provide equipment; they brought legacy. Their 500-year tradition in firearms was woven into everything we touched, from the smooth action of their 20-gauge shotguns to the warmth and functionality of the women's tactical and hunting gear. The women didn't just use Beretta gear; we lived in it.
And Hunt Like A Girl, what a force. Their team of women brought experience, mentorship and soul to every corner of the field. Their approach to safety, empowerment and connection reshaped how many of our first-time hunters viewed themselves, not just as students, but as emerging participants in something powerful.
Bringing Women In: Changing the Invitation
For generations, women were often excluded from hunts. Fathers and brothers hunted, but the girls stayed home. That's changing and Hunt Like A Girl is at the front of that shift.
One participant told me she'd always been curious about hunting, but no one had ever invited her. Another said, "My dad hunted my whole life, but he never thought to bring me."
That's what +ONE is here to fix. We don't need to talk people into loving the outdoors. We need to invite them in.
Your Invitation
If you've ever wondered whether inviting someone afield makes a difference, let me assure you - it does, because I've seen it. I've seen it in the eyes of women who once said, "I could never do that," and now say, "When can I go again?"
So, I'll leave you with this: Take the pledge. Invite someone. Be the +ONE that changes everything.
Want to experience this hunt from a Newbie's Perspective? Check out this article:
Beyond the Rifle: Essential Gear for a Successful Prairie Dog Hunt
When most shooters think about prairie dog hunting, their minds go straight to rifles, scopes, and a pile of ammo. But ask any seasoned “dogger,” and they’ll tell you—success in the field often comes down to the gear you bring besides your firearm. From hearing protection and shooting mats to portable benches and wind gauges, these extras can transform a hot, dusty day into an efficient and enjoyable hunt. In this article, we’ll cover the must-have ancillary gear that keeps you shooting comfortably and accurately all day long. And if you’re looking for deep dives into the best rifles, optics, and cartridges for prairie dog hunting, be sure to check out the full Prairie Dog Rifle, Optics & Ammo Guide from StepOutside.org.
By Bob Robb
Comfort and Communication in the Field
There are several items besides rifles, ammo, and optics that will make your day afield more fun. First and foremost, you need to communicate with the others in your shooting party, so electronic hearing protection is the ticket. That way you keep your ears safe and are able to talk to everyone in the group. You will also want excellent eye protection, preferably those that sit off your face a little to prevent fogging, as much for the shooting part as for protection from the blowing grit, sand and dust you’ll find in prairie dog country.
Reading the Wind and Cleaning Your Rifle
A little wind gauge can help you dope the wind and get a feeling for where you have to hold the crosshairs for different wind speeds. A complete gun cleaning kit with cleaning rods, brushes, jags and patches for each caliber is important, too. Taking a little time on high-volume shoots to clean the barrel several times a day is a good idea, as is completely cleaning the rifle at day’s end.
Get Low: Shooting Mats, Bipods, and Tripods
A real bonus is a shooting mat if you’re going to shoot prone, a common shooting position for prairie dogs. They’re also a little kinder on your butt if you like to shoot from the sitting position. While this isn’t optimum for long-range shooting, it’s great added practice for big-game hunting. I bring along bipod (which you’ll also need for prone shooting) or tripod shooting sticks and do quite a bit of firing from the sitting position, as it’s a position I find myself using a lot on spot-and-stalk hunts in the fall.
Portable Benches and Shooting Rests
On a really active town, you’ll often be set up in the same place for quite a bit of time, and this is where portable shooting benches are a great tool. These portable benches allow you to emulate your range's permanently installed sitting benchrests back home, greatly improve visibility and aid in accurate shooting. There are several on the market—some are mediocre, others pretty deluxe and some downright creative—and any one of them is better than shooting prone for an entire day. Another one of their benefits is that once you’ve worn out an area, the bench can be easily moved to the next viable spot.
Sandbags, Rests, and Shooting Vises
For prone and bench shooting, you’re going to need a variety of sandbags and shooting bags. Squeezing a small sandbag under the buttstock while shooting prone (and with a bipod on the front end), allows you to make tiny elevation changes without fussing with your scope. Larger sandbags placed on the hood of a pickup, a boulder or a shooting bench add stability to the front of rifles not wearing a bipod and protect those rifles at the same time. Bench shooters also tend to favor shooting vises. They usually have some sort of protective material the fore-end will rest against, some swing side to side, and most will have some sort of knob arrangement for elevation adjustments.
Plan Like a Pro: Sun, Snacks, and Safety
In all likelihood you’ll also be out away from the conveniences of a human-populated town quite a ways, so be prepared for anything and everything. On hot summer days on the plains, the sun can be brutal. Protect yourself with a good hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, lightweight pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. If it’s not too windy, setting up an umbrella or tarp so you can get out of the sun for a spell is worth its weight in gold. That’s where you can set up a couple of folding chairs and a cooler filled with ice, cold nonalcoholic beverages, and snacks. Folding chairs are perfect for spotters as well. Fill up your gas tank, have plenty of liquids and food, bring a basic first aid kit, some bug spray and rain gear and always watch the weather. One year in Wyoming my group was forced to make a run for it when a tornado sprang up seemingly out of nowhere and raced right towards us!
That was almost as exciting as the shooting. On that particular day, four of us tallied how much ammo we had burned in the eight hours before we had to head for the hills. I still have my log book, and the number was 1,087. That’s impressive and why prairie dog shooting is something you should seriously consider giving a try.
Special thanks to StepOutside.org for providing this insightful content.You may also be interested in:
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/hunter-education/how-to-use-natural-clues-to-read-the-wind/
https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/small-game/prairie-dog-hunting-an-exciting-adventure-in-the-wild/
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