Dave Maas Articles

LIFT 1 cropped

Bow Review Video: Mathews LIFT 29.5

Bowhunting World Field Editor Darron McDougal explains the many new features on the 2024 Mathews LIFT 29.5, including the SwitchWeight X Cam, reengineered riser, top-mounted axle, MATCH bowstring and cable set, and Engage Grip with Shot Sense accessory. Check out his full review here!

January 17, 2024

Crappies study collage

Fascinating Barotrauma Video: Testing Survival of Crappies Caught in Deep Water

Fish don’t always survive when you release them, and this is especially true when they come from deep water due to a condition called barotrauma.

January 16, 2024

Love of a good hat lead

For the Love of a Signature Hat

Several well-known hunters have a signature hat, one that not only looks great, but also contributes to their success in the field.

January 12, 2024

Gun range over road

Video: Rifle Range Built Over a Busy Road?

This private rifle range in Switzerland is unlike anything you’d find in America.

January 09, 2024

Swindle rusty gate

Video: Why Gerald Swindle Drove 12 hours to Smell an Old Rusty Gate

Professional bass angler Gerald Swindle is a diehard deer hunter, and in this video he explains why. It’s not about killing an animal.

January 08, 2024

Bow Review Video Bear Archery Persist

Bow Review Video: Bear Archery Persist

Bowhunting World Field Editor Darron McDougal has never had an easier time sighting in a bow out to 50 yards. It took about 15 minutes with the new-for-2024 Bear Archery Persist. Check out his full review here!

January 05, 2024

Maas treestand with cattle

No. 1 Reason You Didn’t Kill a Big Whitetail Buck This Season?

Believe it or not, the primary reason you were unsuccessful at killing a big buck this whitetail season is because you were hunting with a dull ax.

December 22, 2023

Iowas shed buck snow

Must-See Whitetail Video: Big Buck Sheds Both Antlers — One Before the Shot, One After

When it comes to rare encounters in the whitetail woods, this one must rank very near the top.

December 21, 2023

Lead pic sanctuaries

Whitetail Rut Strategy: Rethinking Sanctuaries

The author has changed his mind when it comes to avoiding sanctuaries during the whitetail rut. Here’s why.

December 20, 2023

Early ice fishing lead

Video: Early Ice Fishing Safety Tips

How thick must the ice be for safe ice fishing? Three inches? Four? And how do you use a spud bar to check the exact ice thickness? Watch and learn.

December 15, 2023

Swim for a phone

Fishing Fail Video: Cell Phone Goes for a Swim

If you dropped your phone in frigid deep water while fishing and needed to dive to retrieve it, would you do it?

December 12, 2023

Christmas stocking hunter theme

10 Great Stocking Stuffers for Deer Hunters

If you have a deer hunter on your Christmas list, then check out the author’s top 10 picks for stocking stuffers.

December 11, 2023

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Ranked: 6 Best-Tasting Big Game Animals

A primary benefit to tagging a big game animal is a freezer full of delicious meat. In the author’s experience — nearly a half century of eating big game steaks — these six species are the best of the best.

December 07, 2023

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Deer Hunting Crossbow Tip: How to Reduce String-Jumping

String-jumping can occur regardless of your crossbow’s speed, but here’s a tip — learned the hard way — on how to reduce it.

December 01, 2023

Bear attack in hotel kitchen

Security Cam Video: Massive Black Bear Knocks Down Hotel Security Guard

A hotel security guard was lucky to escape with only scratches after being swatted to the ground by a huge black bear in an Aspen, Colorado, hotel kitchen.

November 28, 2023

Arrow broadside muley

Video: Does This Arrow Hit Two Mule Deer Bucks?

A hunter waits for a bedded muley to stand, and finally it does, offering a broadside shot. But what happens next is far from clear.

November 27, 2023

Roger Raglin Jiminy Christmas

Video: Origins of Roger Raglin’s Famous “Jiminy Christmas!” Saying

The most famous saying in hunting might be Roger Raglin’s “Jiminy Christmas!” His history with the phrase, and its true origins, will surprise you.

November 21, 2023

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5 Proven Deer Scents for Fooling Rutting Whitetails

Whitetails are wired to be on full alert, but these five proven deer scents can fool them, especially during the rut.

November 16, 2023

Big buck floating in river

Craziest Big Buck Story of 2023

During firearm whitetail season, a fisherman is out in his canoe on a lengthy float trip when he hears a distant gunshot. You won’t believe what happens next.

November 15, 2023

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2 Great Gifts for Deer Camp

Every deer camp should have these two unique items on hand, not only to entertain, but to educate, too.

November 14, 2023

Terry and Lucille Drury

Monster Buck Fail Video: Can You Guess What Will Go Wrong?

Mark Drury of Drury Outdoors TV fame is gun hunting with his mom, and she has a close encounter with a monster buck. But the buck lives for another day!

November 09, 2023

Three thumbs down

3 Worst Hunt Mentoring Mistakes

Mentors to new hunters should do everything they can to avoid these three pitfalls.

November 07, 2023

Resize Elliott plaque

Deer Hunters: Can’t We All Just Get Along?

For the first time, the author's home state of Minnesota is allowing crossbows for use during the general archery season — no age or physical condition limitations — and as expected, compound shooters are not pleased.

November 06, 2023

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My No. 1 Whitetail Deer Story of 2023

With all due respect to those bowhunters who have killed giant bucks this deer season, my No. 1 whitetail story for 2023 is a public land doe.

November 03, 2023

8 bolt actions beauty

8 Great Bolt-Action Rifles for Whitetail Hunting

The author has pursued whitetails with bolt-action rifles from Saskatchewan to Texas. Here are his eight favorites, based on nearly 50 years of experience.

November 02, 2023

Deer crossing sign wooded ditch

5 Key Reasons You’ll Hit a Deer With Your Vehicle — This November!

Data from insurance companies shows that November ranks No. 1 for most deer/vehicle collisions. Here’s why it could happen to you.

November 01, 2023

Collage pumpkin carvings

3 Insane Fish-Themed Pumpkin Carvings

As a Halloween tribute, the author has found three fish-themed pumpkin carvings that will inspire you to do better next year.

October 31, 2023

Halloween bucket with candy pic

Top 5 Halloween Candies for Deer Hunters

If you get hungry — or bored — while waiting in a deer stand, then one of these five Halloween candies might take the edge off.

October 30, 2023

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4 Great Face Masks for Deer Hunters

Regardless of your camo clothing choice, if you skip a face mask, a wary whitetail will often spot you.

October 27, 2023

Buck in restaurant

Video: Whitetail Buck Crashes Through Restaurant Window

Check out the surveillance footage from Noodles & Company in Beloit, Wisconsin, when a young 4x4 whitetail buck crashes through a window and enters the restaurant.

October 26, 2023