The amount of digital content about deer hunting and the outdoors these days is astounding. Hunting television, YouTube channels, DVDs and podcasts are abundant. But sometimes lost in the shuffle are the many written alternatives at our disposal. Like other consumption channels, the written (or typed) word still plays a valuable role in sharing the hunting and outdoor experience. Through it, we can be informed and entertained about whitetails, hunting, habitat, and conservation.
When compared to visual media, such as vlogging, even podcasts are commonly considered to be for passive consumption. Blogs are even more so. Considered old school by some, written hunting articles, news, stories, and product reviews will forever be an effective means of consuming information about our passion for hunting and the outdoors. Steeped in history, it’s also nostalgic, whether in hardcover or on a website or blog. As a child and young man, I regularly read the likes of Outdoor Life, Sports Afield, and Field and Stream. Though I still read hard-copies of outdoor magazines, I admittedly have been drawn to online hunting blogs and journals. In fact, so much so, that I was eventually moved to establish my own; the 1st Light Hunting Journal. For me, written accounts of hunting tips, trends, stories, and the outdoor lifestyle still very much have their place.
In many ways, like their other digital counterparts, web-based outdoor blogs and journals can be enjoyed many ways including on smartphones and tablets. If you still appreciate reading and the art of writing, here is a short list of online whitetail and hunting blogs and journals that I find enjoyable and educational. Though they have some similarities, they have varying styles and formats. I recommend that you check them out, whether from home or the deer stand.
Note that one commonality of these blogs is that they are all current and continue to provide new material. In no specific order;
Mike Hanback’s Big Deer Blog
Veteran whitetail expert and hunter Mike Hanback’s Big Deer Blog is a must read for deer hunters and whitetail enthusiasts. You would expect nothing less from one of the most accomplished and published whitetail hunters around. Mike started hunting at age five and has never looked back. His writing career is immense, including stints at NRA’s American Hunter Magazine, Outdoor Life, and Cabela’s Outfitter Journal. Besides whitetails, Mike has harvested 15 species of game in North America, including elk, caribou and wild sheep. However, big mature whitetails continue to be his greatest love by far; and he shows it with both his long guns and keystrokes. The Big Deer Blog is heavy on whitetail strategies, tips, and stories. It’s extremely informative and the online hunting community is both interactive and compelling. This blog is a great alternative for any whitetail nut with a goal of taking big deer.
Bowhunting.com Blog
The Bowhunting.com blog is a well-established one. It offers so much more though. In addition to the blog, Todd Graff and Justin Zarr offer videos, cutting-edge gear, and many other resources for the bowhunter. As for the blog itself, it continues to be one of the best hunting resources available. Their content includes helpful tips, tactics, and stories from a variety of bowhunting and outdoor authorities. Though focused on bowhunting, this community also provides a lot of relevant information on other forms of hunting. It continues to be a real winner for those that love to chase whitetails with stick and string.
Whitetail DNA
Do you have whitetails on the brain all the time? If so, you’ll want to check out the Whitetail DNA Blog. Here, you will find articles on deer hunting, preparation, and strategies. Founder and writer Alex Comstock thrives on seeking, employing, and sharing innovative whitetail hunting tactics. Perhaps best of all, Alex’s information is genuine, featuring both the successes and failures inherent with the sport; something all whitetail hunters can relate to. A published outdoor writer and contributor to several publications, Alex delivers the goods in an engaging and educational fashion.
Bowhunting.net Blog
Founded in 1996, Bowhunting.net was offering great online deer hunting, archery, and outdoor content before it was cool. Founder and owner, Robert Hoague’s passion for deer hunting and the outdoors is palpable – through, not only his many outdoor articles, but his vast wild game photography offerings. Here, he and other seasoned bowhunters feature daily content about hunts, tactics, gear, and relevant events in the archery and bowhunting world. Since it’s inception, Bowhunting.net has consistently produced interesting and helpful hunting information. In fact, it continues to truly serve as “daily news for the bowhunting world”. Therefore, this is a good one to visit – and often.
Wide Open Spaces
Part of the Wide Open Media Group, Wide Open Spaces consistently produces a bevy of quality outdoor content; and often. This means that readers can always encounter new material with each visit. Though there is plenty of deer and deer hunting-related content, there are also a ton of articles related to other wild game, fishing, shooting, and the outdoor lifestyle. Wide Open Spaces, in particular, offers a very robust mobile platform meaning that it can effectively be accessed from the woods, water, or home. It also represents a very engaging source of entertainment, often through user contributions. Always up to date, this community blog is a no-brainer for the sportsman that wants to soak up a lot of deer hunting and outdoor subject matter.
Legendary Whitetails Blog
A household name in the outdoor apparel industry, Legendary Whitetails features a blog that encourages the outdoorsman to “Celebrate the Hunt”. As the name implies, this blog is steeped in informative pieces related to whitetails, including tips, strategies, and recipes. This Wisconsin-based family-owned business is intent on sharing the hunt with others in and out of the woods. The community offers informative and appealing hunting information from a variety of skilled outdoor writers and enthusiasts. As such, this one is a real go-to destination for any whitetail and outdoor addict.
1st Light Hunting Journal
Okay, we just couldn’t end without including a shameless plug. First Light Hunting Journal is an outdoor blog designed to celebrate hunting and the outdoor lifestyle; with a heavy emphasis on whitetails and deer hunting. Further, much of the content is written through the lens of the faith-based outdoorsman. This online hunting publication offers a variety of outdoor content, including tips, tactics, gear reviews, lifestyle, and wild game cooking.
There are obviously many other quality deer hunting blogs out there – both established and new to the scene. Others to consider include Mark Kenyon’s Wired to Hunt community, FinalDescentOutdoors, Realtree’s Brow Tines and Backstrap blog, and the Urban Deer Complex 2.0. (just to name a few).
• If you’re interested in having your outdoor blog featured in the 1st Light Hunting Journal, drop us a line at info@1stlighthuntingjournal.com.
Great list of deer hunting blogs. Thanks for sharing!!!
You bet Ben – glad you find it useful!