How To Use Duck Calls

These days, the hunting of duck as well as other waterfowl is often frowned upon (and littered with rules and regulations), but it is a sport with deep roots and is still enjoyed by many people today. However, because of the addition of new regulations, you would need to have a hunting license to be allowed to carry a firearm into known hunting areas. Once you have gotten past all of the technicalities that comes with obtaining permission to hunt, you can now get to work on overcoming the real challenges of a duck hunt, and that is to get the ducks to come to you.

     Some hunters like to have all their bases covered, going to another hunting zone if the area is looking a little bare to make sure that they don’t miss the ducks. Others like to lay in wait, in the hopes that their patience will be rewarded with a flock heading towards his direction. While others like to be even craftier, making use of duck calls in an effort to lure unsuspecting ducks to their end. However, duck calls will only work effectively if used properly, as the art of luring ducks is not as simple as it appears. If you are interested in finding out how to make effective use of duck calls, then you are in luck as this article will show you how through a series of simple steps which you can read and follow in order to lure some ducks below:

     There are three types of calls used in duck hunting, the first being a normal quack. In order to do this one right, you will first need to know how to hold a duck call. It is pretty simple; just hold it in-between your thumb and your forefinger, and then place the mouthpiece between your lips (make sure to cover your lips on the piece firmly). Afterwards, blow on the duck call but not too long (in fact, quite short). Keeping it in little bursts such as that will mimic the sound of a regular quack. This will lure ducks that are already in the area.

     The second type of call is similar to the first, named the feed call. Doing this call is practically the same as the first, only this time you blow harder, and even shorter. These strong but abrupt quacks will let ducks nearby know that there is an area where they can feed (where you are using the duck call). Once you make this call and they start coming, look for a place to hide.

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How To Raise Grass-Fed Cattle

Grass-fed cattle yield more meat that tastes and contains less fat. Raising cattle on grass is also more cost-productive than feeding them with livestock grains that are full of growth hormones. Beef from grass-fed cattle are more tender, too. Below are some of the ways on how to raise grass-fed cattle.

    * Compared to cattle that are fed grains, grass-fed cattle must be raised on a large pasture. There is also more work involved when raising cattle on grass so you should be prepared to work harder when you want to raise grass-fed cattle.
    * Your pasture should be planted with legumes and grass. Legumes fix the nitrogen levels in the soil and will provide more calcium, magnesium and protein that the cattle will need while the grass will prevent the cattle from getting bloated from eating the legumes. Most pastures in southern United States are planted with landino clover and orchard grass. Cows should be allowed to graze in different sections of the pasture at different times to encourage new growth after the grass and the legumes have been consumed in one section.
    * In the winter, the cattle should be fed hay. If you do not have your own hay and have to buy make sure that you check the bales for dryness. Damp hay will encourage mold growth which will be bad for the cattle. Smell the hay to find out whether it smells fresh and dry. You will be able to tell the difference between freshly dried hay and one that is damp, moldy and old. Make sure that you check from deep within the bale as some sellers mix the hay for profit. For most cattle farmers, they prefer to grow their own hay to ensure the quality of the grass that their cattle will feed on during the winter months.
    * Follow the pattern for raising grass-fed cattle. The calves should be weaned when they are five to seven months old and start them on grass one month before the cold season starts. In the winter, the cattle should be fed hay  and Vitamin A supplement and then grass when the summer season starts. The following winter, the cattle should be put on hay once again before allowing them to graze in the pasture to fatten them. Be sure that the cattle have access to clean water and they are given mineral and salt blocks. Ensure that your cattle is given the right amount of vitamins and minerals, especially magnesium to prevent them from suffering grass tetany.
    * Choose the right breed of cattle that you will raise on grass. Some of the breeds that are good are the Red and Black Angus, Wagyu, Short Horn, Hereford, Charolais, Simmenthal and Saler. Those who love to eat steaks will know the difference right away when they have to choose between beef from grain-fed and grass-fed cattle.

Choose the right type of grass and legumes that will give your cattle the right balance of nutrients and minerals to make them healthy and produce beef that is lean, tender and tasty. The pasture land should have crop rotation to condition the soil. And finally, choose the right breed of cattle that grow best on grass to yield more pounds of top-quality beef.
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