The Boy Scouts of America is a youth organization that provides an avenue for boys to develop character, leadership skills and that promotes citizenship, personal health and fitness. Being a Boy Scout may not the most popular thing for many boys, but the benefits to boys who join and participate in scouting activities can be huge. You could even learn how to perform garage door service in Boise.

When a boy joins a Boy Scout troop, he starts learning about Scouting. He learns about the various ranks he can achieve and how he can move up in rank. He also learns about merit badges. As a boy earns merit badges, participates in Scouting activities and achieves higher ranks, he also develops and learns skills he can use throughout his lifetime.

Scouting includes activities like camping. To prepare for camp-outs, boys learn basic skills like tying different kinds of knots. Knowing which knots to use in which situations can help in the field as he sets up a tent, as he lashes poles together or dresses a wound with a bandage.

While camping, Scouts learn basic survival skills like finding shelter, making a fire without matches and finding water and making it safe to drink. Scouts can learn how to identify various plants that are safe to eat and how to trap game. They can also have a lot of fun exploring nature and learning to find their way around with a map and GPS device.

Scouting also brings kids and families together. Fathers can participate in activities and can help lead a troop. Some dads with special skills can teach the Scouts those skills. When I was a Scout in Alaska, we learned arctic survival skills from cold weather experts. We even built a winter shelter and slept in it at 44 degrees below zero.

The more modern day Scouts now also learn about graphic design, computer skills and building websites. Just as Scouts did 100 years ago, modern-day Scouts also learn the value of serving others by doing service projects.

Take a look at some names from history who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest rank. Former United States president Gerald Ford was an Eagle Scout. Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon is an Eagle Scout. Stephen Spielberg, J. Willard Marriott and Bill Gates all earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Those are some pretty big names and my guess is that some of what they learned as Scouts were used to help them achieve what they did.

Drift Fishing is EASY!

I’m hoping this article, and the video at the end will make your introduction into drift fishing a whole lot easier than it was for me. When I was first introduced to drift fishing, I had more questions than answers. Years of being on the river has answered quite a few of them.

WHAT IS DRIFT FISHING:
Drift fishing is the art of casting up river at about two o’clock (from where you’re standing), and letting your bait drift down river until it gets to about eleven o’clock.

WHAT KINDS OF BAIT DO I USE?
There are many different types of bait, but the most common, and productive baits are corkies and yarn, or cured salmon eggs. These are both drifted in the same way, and in the same type of water.

WHERE IN THE RIVER DO I CAST?
This is the question which every fisher would love to know, but here’s a brief synopsis, and a couple books that can give you a very good idea of where to cast.

Salmon hold in slow deep water. In most rivers you can find areas where two different currents meet (one faster, one slower) like where a stream flows into the river, or a fork in the river itself. If there are salmon in the river, they’ll be holding along the seam that the water creates, in the slower water. Cast into the fast water, and let it drift your bait into the slow water, so that your presentation looks natural. Many times, slower water is right behind a log, or large rock in the river.

HOW LONG OF LEADER?
The leader length will vary upon water clarity. The clear the water, the longer the leader, so the fish doesn’t see your weight & swivel setup behind your bait. Standard leader lengths are 2-6 ft.

HOW MUCH WEIGHT SHOULD I USE
Your weight should only be hitting the bottom every 10 ft. or so. This way, you’ll know that whatever disturbs your line, or causes it to stop in the water is a fish.

DO I SET THE HOOK?
Absolutely! When you feel or see your line stop in the water, quickly set the hook…. this should only be done once through out the drift. If you find that more often than not, what you thought was a fish, was only your weight hitting the bottom, you need to trim your weight.

If you think trimming your weight won’t allow you to get deep enough in the water, all you need to do is cast farther up river.

HAVE A GOOD TIME
Fishing is meant to be fun. Experiment, and don’t get “locked in” to one style of fishing. I’ve drift fished water very productively, but there are some spots on rivers, where bobber fishing, or casting lures is the most productive form of fishing.

Over the past twenty five or so years I have enjoyed one particular type of fishing bait over all others and that type of bait is known affectionately as live bait. Now, live bait can be employed in virtually all fishing situations, but there are a few live bait fishing techniques that I have found to be particularly effective in my fishing “career” and in this article I will outline these live bait techniques so that you can add them to your repertoire and begin experiencing more fishing success.

Before I get down to the techniques themselves it’s important to point out that I have always found that using fishing line that is as light as possible is of the utmost importance anytime that you are fishing with live bait. No matter what type of bait you are using (minnows, worms, crayfish, of even crickets) in my experience the lighter the fishing line the more bites you will get. The reason for this is that when you use light line (I prefer 2-6 pound test monofilament) your line is invisible to the fish that you are attempting to catch and the focus of the fishes attention is the bait, which means that the fish tend not to get “spooked” by noticing your fishing line.

With that being said, let’s get down to business what do you say?

1. The Slip Bobber Technique – If you are going to use a bobber for fishing, using a slip bobber is a “must” in my opinion. A slip bobber is “slipped” onto your line and a bobber stop is used for stopping the bobber to increase or decrease the depth at which your bait is from the bobber itself. This gives you much more control over where the live bait is in relation to the bobber itself, as well as providing direct contact with your live bait for feeling bites and setting the hook. The slip bobber technique is very popular among crappie fishermen who use live minnows in lakes and reservoirs, but can also be utilized in rivers for trout, bass, and even walleye fishing. Using a slip bobber in conjunction with live minnows or other bait fish is one of the best live bait fishing techniques that you will come across.

1. The Gang Hook Technique – This live bait technique is best employed when using live worms as bait. Those live worms could be red worms (sometimes called red wigglers) or their larger cousins, night crawlers. The key to the technique are the”gang hooks” themselves which enable live worms to be presented in an outstretched and natural manner, making the worm that much more appealing to the fish that you are attempting to catch. As far as live bait techniques are concerned the gang hook technique is deadly. This is especially true when you are “drift fishing” in a river of stream, but the technique can be used successfully in various other fishing scenarios as well.

The bottom line is that there are thousands of live bait fishing techniques that can be employed by anglers, but when it comes to fishing for the most popular and abundant species of freshwater fish, the aforementioned choices are difficult to beat. Give one or both of them a try sooner rather than later and start experiencing more fishing success.

Humans have been using canoes and kayaks since they figured out that bodies of water need to be crossed and are also filled with opportunities to hunt food. While canoes offer a convenient and easy mode of transport, the kayak is the perfect watercraft for the stealth required by a hunter. Kayaks are very similar to canoes in design, but the fact that they are enclosed, allows a hunter to silently sneak up on his prey, as well as stay protected from the water during a long hunt. In fact, the word “kayak” literally means “hunter’s boat.”

For a hunter, a kayak is much more than recreational. A kayak is enclosed rather than being open like a boat or a canoe, which offers protection from the elements and stability in the water, as the waves cause much less movement than in an open canoe. Kayaks are enjoyed for exercise, fishing, recreation and hunting.

The design of a kayak evolved and changed depending on the particular region of the world it was used in. Arctic natives, known as Inuits, first created the kayak in order to access new hunting grounds. Near Russia, kayaks were built as a wide, short vessel, while in the Canadian Arctic, the boats where more narrow and longer. Nearer to Greenland, however, the boas were sleeker and lower to the water. While in times long past, the kayak was quite popular in Siberia, it is difficult to find evidence of them there today.

When kayaks where first built by the Eskimos, they made the frames using either salvaged driftwood or whalebone, tied them together with animal tendons or the sinew as strings, and then wrapped the frames in seal skins. The seal skins would hold onto enough air to make the boat nearly unsinkable. A much larger boat, similarly made, was called a umiak, and could carry up to 20 people. They were used primarily for whale hunting and were used along with the kayak for transport and hunting. The traditional seal skinned kayak is rarely found anymore. In fact, it has become difficult to even find people who know how to build this original kayak in the modern age.

As time went on, people in Europe figured out how many different ways kayaks could enhance their lives. Sealskin gave way to covers made from manufactured fabrics to enclose the boats. After the 1950s, fabric was discarded for much stronger fiberglass, until the mid- 1980s, when plastic becomes the material of choice. Manufacturers continue to search for new ways to build a lighter, more versatile, yet stronger kayak.

Today, people of all levels of skill and technique enjoy kayaking. It is a beautiful way to get around, fish, appreciate nature and get some terrific physical activity, all with no need for fossil fuels.

Fishing is a hobby as well as a means of livelihood for many all around the world. Game fishing does not exactly need a particular fishing boat, but when you have taken up this hobby so seriously, why not get your own boat? The size, type of a fishing boat you need depends on the type of fish you are looking to catch. It also depends on what type of water you are going to use it as well as the area where you are looking to fish. The boat makers are always working to come up with a new and much efficiently designed fishing boat each day.

From an inflatable fishing boat to a luxurious full deck boat for professional fishing is now available in the market. Before buying a boat, one must not overlook the pros and cons of the boat, the material with which it is made, the size, price and other specifications and characteristics. Fishing boat reviews comes in handy at this time. You can go through them and see the various makes of the boats, their utility, their capacity, features and so much more.

For freshwater fishing, small light weight aluminum trailer boats are used. They come with riveted or welded aluminum hulls and bench seating and can be operated in shallow waters, inlets and coves. They are generally powered by outboard engines. They come in a size of 8 feet to 24 feet and can seat up to 8 people.

If you are always fishing with two or three of your best buddies, bass boat is the boat for you. They come in a size starting from 16 feet to 26 feet. It comes with an outboard jet engine and can hold to a maximum of 5 people aboard.

If you want to go in for an inexpensive aluminum boat, then go for a Jon boat. They are easy to maintain but are good to use. These flat bottom boats are simple to use as they are not of a very big size.

A dinghy boat is best suited for camping trips and fishing in smaller waters. Easy to carry or tow them in larger vessels like in cruisers, houseboats, motor yachts etc. Modern day dinghies are made of fiberglass, marine plywood or aluminum and the hull is made from rugged fabrics. It can seat a maximum of 5 people in comes in 5 feet to 12 feet in size.

Are you game for some hardcore saltwater or freshwater fishing? Then what you need is a multi-hull power boat is your thing. A wide airy cabin is a signature of this catamaran boat. It comes in a minimum of 16 feet to begin with till 30 feet. It is often considered to be the alternative to centre console boats. The deep v hull delivers a softer ride. Speed and space onboard are the highlights of this type of a boat.

If you are in pursuit of ocean fish like mahi mahi, billfish or grouper, then the centre console boat is what you need. A canvas and aluminum top provides shade as well as rod storage. They also come attached with a bait well to keep your baits alive. It is trailer able, and comes with an outboard engine. Pick a any size between 18 – 28 feet. You can take 7 people with you to get the most out of the fishing in the ocean thrill.

The two main factors that needs to be considered are what the bicycle is going to be used for, and what will be the terrains it is used on. We must consider both factors because even if the purpose is to ride to and from work each day, one person may ride only on the cycling paths and bitumen roads, while another person may have to make much of the journey on dirt-tracks, especially if they live in a more rural area.

These are the main types of bicycles and what they are most suited for:

Mountain Bikes – Perfect for off-road riding, the mountain bike can tackle the most difficult terrains. They can also be used on the regular roads, and come in handy if part of the journey switches on to pebbles or grass, such as taking a short-cut across a park. It is important to choose a suspension system based on your main method of use for the mountain bike.

Road Bikes – As the name says, made for use on the roads, as well as well maintained tracks and trails. They were originally referred to as 10 speed bikes, but nowadays they often have more than 10 gears. They are much faster than mountain bikes, although the terrains they can be used on are limited. Depending if you are a racer or not, you should choose a sub-category of road bike to suit your needs, choosing from the Racing Bike, Touring Bike, or Sports Bike.

Hybrid Bikes – Although hybrid bike is a general term, it is generally understood to mean a cross between a mountain bike and a raod bike. Much of the difference between these two is in design and riding position, so the hybrid bike generally falls in the middle somewhere to provide the best comfort levels. Common areas include the tyre thickness, handle-bar position, and seating placement. In terms of performance, it also provides a middle ground for riding speed and terrain tackling ability.

Recumbent Bikes – Commonly known as bents, the recumbent bicycles are now seeing an increase in popularity. Suited mainly for the roads, they possess a different design which takes advantage of reduced win resistance. They are faster and more comfortable than the regular road bikes, with the rider sitting in a reclined position instead of the regular upright or forward leaning positions. They have unique positions for the pedals and handlebars, and although they may seem unusual, are actually more ergonomic.

BMX Bikes – Purpose built for the really tough off-road tracks, the BMX bike is not one for the roads unless you enjoy a lot of pedalling. The name actually stands for Bicycle Motor-cross, and that’s where they are suited for. The freestyle and jump bikes are perfect for jumping off the motor-cross hills, as well as performing spectacular aerial maneuvers. An argument can be made that the BMX bike is mainly used for fun, as the mountain bike would be a better alternative off-road.

As always, have a chat with your local bike shop before making a purchase. Advise them of your needs and what types of activities you intend to use the bike for, and they can give you professional advice as to what bike will be the most suitable for you. However, if you feel the above mentioned information is sufficient to determine the type of bicycle you need, then it may be worth looking for an online retailer where the bikes are supplied at a discounted price. Don’t forget to grab a few custom team shirts and other riding gear to match the type of bike you purchase.

A night bike ride is a wonderful way to roll especially if done on the one of the best bike seats available. The darkness and silence can transform a familiar route into something very different and exciting. However, for many planning such a ride can seem intimidating, foolhardy, even extreme. It needn’t be.

With the appropriate kit a night ride should be a magical experience. In addition, if you are planning on doing an organised night ride, the route planning is largely done for you.

Lamps and tools A night ride will typically involve several hours of cycling in the dark, often on quiet, country roads where support is not readily available. As a result, it is important to carry kit that allows you to see and be seen. You should also carry tools and spares to deal with foreseeable mechanical problems.

Chill of the night Most cyclists have been caught out by variable weather conditions and regretted their choice of clothing. However, on a night ride you know it’s going to get colder as the night progresses and can select your cycle clothing accordingly.

If you are doing a night ride in the summer months it may have been several months since you wore your spring cycling gear. However, you will be grateful for long fingered gloves and a gilet when the night chill sets in.

Food and water If you are heading out on a long ride, you will probably be used to taking food and water with you. When selecting your nutrition for a night ride it is worth bearing in mind that corner shops are unlikely to be open. Searching for an all night garage that will sell you a Mars bar will materially affect your enjoyment of a night ride.

- Warm clothing to put on when it gets cold, damp or wet: a hat, gloves and jacket should suffice.

- Lights: if your route is lit then you only need lights that allow other traffic to see you. Standard bike lights (front and rear) should be fine. If you are pedaling off into the black then you either need powerful lamps that light up your route or have fellow cyclists to follow with strong beamed lights.

- Batteries: normal bike lights last for many hours, but bring spare batteries just in case.

- Mechanical kit: Bring a pump, tyre levers, a spare inner tube or two and a multi-tool kit.

- Money/Credit card: always handy

- Phone: just in case.

- Garlic: to keep vampire bats away (just kidding!)… but do keep a look out for bats, owls, hedgehogs and other nocturnal animals that you wouldn’t normally get the chance to see whilst out cycling. That’s part of the fun!

Which features should a multi-tool have? Backpackers and survivalists can debate this question ad nauseum, and for good reason. Today’s tools offer an incredible array of features. From scissors to fishing hook removers, accessories are wide ranging. What works for a backpacker may not be ideal for a fisherman, and what survivalists consider essential may not be important to the casual camper.

To clarify the situation, below a few multi-tool features generally considered important for any outdoor enthusiast.

Saw blade. A saw blade can come in handy in any number of situations, from cutting firewood to building traps and snares. In a few short moments, a saw blade can transform a knobby stick into the perfect walking aid.

Pliers. While in the wild, you can use pliers to pick up hot items, such as a singing teakettle. Pliers are also incredibly handy for removing splinters – just be sure you clean them or any other accessories before using them to provide first aid. Finally, pliers may be used to bend metal items (such as pack frames and tent poles) back into shape.

Wire cutters. If you plan on fishing often, your multi-tool should include wire cutters. Wire cutters may be used to remove hooks from fish – and from your fellow fishermen. Hikers and backpackers may also find wire cutters useful in certain wilderness first aid situations. For instance, if a person’s skin becomes trapped in a zipper, wire cutters can destroy the zipper and free the tender skin.

Scissors. A long-running debate among wilderness lovers is whether proper backpacking multi-tools should include scissors. Many survivalists believe scissors are unnecessary provided the tool already includes a knife blade. And because every ounce counts when you’re carrying a 60-pound pack over miles of uneven terrain, many claim that scissors just add dead weight. However, there are certain times when scissors are extremely handy. Detailed jobs, such as sewing tears in tents and clothing, are easier when you have a pair of scissors available. Finally, scissors may be used for cutting away hangnails, which can easily become infected if they are torn off while on the trail.

Flat-edge blade. No multi-tool is complete without a good, sharp knife blade. You’ll find yourself using this attachment for everything from preparing food to cutting cord to whittling wood.

Lanyard hole. A lanyard hole allows you to attach your tool to a cord, which you can then loop onto your pack. This will help you keep your multi-tool handy on the trail. If you’re the type of person who tends to lose items easily, a lanyard hole is an especially useful feature.

Screwdriver. If your gear is technically advanced, chances are it contains screws that will occasionally need tightening. The screwdriver attachment is also a good idea for hikers who wear glasses. If your glasses happen to come unscrewed on the trail, your screwdriver attachment will be a true godsend.

File. This is one attachment that most backpackers agree is not necessary in a multi-tool. A file is helpful for woodworking, but it just adds unnecessary weight to a back country tool.

Can/bottle opener. Imagine this: You finally reach your camping spot for the night, after six miles of grueling hiking, only to realize that you have no way to open that can of beans you brought along. Even worse, you can’t even crack open a cold one. It is hard to improvise a way to accomplish these tasks. Can and bottle opener features are beneficial for most multi-tool users.

Locking mechanisms. One thing to look for in a multi-tool is a secure locking mechanism. If your attachments can’t stay locked securely in place, they may suddenly close on a tender finger.

Toothpick. This is one feature most backpackers can do without. First, who wants to watch a companion picking at his or her teeth by firelight? Moreover, toothpicks found on multi-tools are generally not very clean; the inside of your multi-tool can easily pass on germs and cause gum infections if you’re not vigilant about toothpick cleanliness. On the other hand, a toothpick can be an invaluable poking tool for clearing clogged stoves.

From scissors to toothpicks, today’s multi-tools offer a cornucopia of features. Which ones you need will depend on which outdoor activities you prefer. In general, backpacking tools should amount to no more than five ounces in weight; any more than this, and you’ll feel like you’re lugging around a car battery with you on the trail.

Humans are wild for tools – which is understandable, since the use of tools is our genetic advantage over all other species on the planet. People love to have specific gadgets for different purposes; they may even have several different varieties of the same tool.

Knife sharpening tools are no exception to this rule; there are several different types of knife sharpeners on the market. Each category of sharpener has its own strengths and weaknesses, as outlined below. If you own a hunting knife or any number of other high-performance knives, you’ll want to be familiar with the different types of sharpeners so as to understand which is best for your needs.

Whetstone

Sharpening stones, also called whetstones, are versatile and effective hunting knife sharpening tools. Composed of extremely tough material such as diamonds, silicone dioxide or ceramics, sharpening stones are powerful enough to take quite a bit of material off of a kitchen or hunting knife. This is a good thing for extremely dull knives; however, inexperienced sharpeners can wind up removing too much material with a whetstone. Hunting knives, like all knives, can be ruined if too much steel is removed from the edge, so make sure you have a strong understanding of how to use your whetstone if you select this type of sharpening tool.

Professional knife sharpeners recommend sharpening stones because they are available in a several grades: hard, medium or soft. Switching between different grades of whetstones allows expert sharpeners to work toward an ever-sharper blade. One specific variety of whetstone is a carborundum sharpening stone, which is composed of silicon carbide. As the carborundum stone is used, the carbide slowly wears away. Carborundum sharpening stones usually have a rough side for initial knife sharpening and a smooth side for finishing the blade once it’s been sharpened.

Another type of whetstone is composed of natural stone; this is the kind of sharpening tool our ancestors wore around their necks for honing their hunting knives on the fly. However, because most modern wielders of knives aren’t experts in sharpening with natural stones, it is not recommended that you choose this kind of whetstone for sharpening your hunting knife.

One final advantage of whetstones: They can be used to sharpen other objects, as well, such as scissors.

Sharpening Steel

Sharpening steels are not actually meant for sharpening knives; rather, they simply bend the edge of the knife back into place temporarily. As a kitchen or hunting knife is used, the edge of the blade folds over in a sporadic way, leading to dullness. Chefs and other knife connoisseurs use sharpening steels to “fold back” their knives’ edges between full-on sharpening sessions. Sharpening steels are usually composed of a rod of steel with a handle at the bottom.

Knife Hone

Knife hones are very similar to sharpening steels in that they act as a stopgap for increasing sharpness between full-on sharpenings. Knife hones are available in various sizes and styles; one design offers slots you can run your hunting knife through to sharpen it.

Electric Knife Sharpener

Electric knife sharpeners are beloved by many for their convenience; however, hunting knife experts often claim that electric knife sharpeners are too ham-handed for sharpening tactical and hunting knives. Basically, an electric knife sharpener looks like a box with three or four slots in the top. The blade of the cooking or hunting knife is placed in one of these slots, and the machine’s electrical components turn an internal wheel, which sharpens the edge of the knife.

Benefits of electric knife sharpeners include the fact that they are convenient and fast; however, they work best for kitchen knives and may not be able to provide the kind of sharp edge hunting knives require. Avid chefs appreciate how electric knife sharpeners can sharpen serrated knives as well as smooth blades.

Ultimately, the best way to sharpen your knives is to take them to a professional knife sharpener. Assuming you use them regularly, it is wise to take your hunting knives to a pro sharpening shop at least once a year. While the tools listed above can allow you to maintain your knives over the course of the year, only a professional knife sharpener will be able to get the kind of perfect blade every hunting knife should have.

You can tell a lot about a hunting knife by carefully examining its shape. Each different sporting knife design is shaped to carry out its intended duty. This rule also holds true for culinary knives. For instance, a cleaver is rectangular and extremely strong so as to allow the user to chop through tough tissue and bones. Flexible boning knives for cleaning fish are often curved, which allows the knife to more easily cut through flesh.

There are several different common shapes for sporting and hunting knives, and each one has its own common uses, advantages and weaknesses. Here’s a look at how to tell a knife’s use by its shape:

Clip-Point Blades

The blade of a clip-point sporting knife curves slightly up, like many kitchen knives. However, the back side of the blade cuts in about halfway down the knife, creating a thinner, sharper tip. Sometimes, the back edge of a clip-point blade is also sharpened, which is handy in piercing applications. Pocket knives, folding knives, and Bowie knives often have clip-point blades.

One weakness of a clip-point is that, depending on the severity of the cut back section, the tip may be quite skinny and weak. Indeed, the tips are known to break easily. If you need a hunting knife for skinning game, a clip-point is not the best choice as it may break off in the animal. What clip-point blades do well is facilitate cutting in tight places. The tip may also be used for piercing and picking at items, although prying actions will often destroy the tip. Overall, a clip-point blade is a good sporting knife for generalized camping tasks.

Drop-Point Blades

The back of a drop-point blade curves down in a convex shape toward the blade tip. If you imagine a typical kitchen knife, the back of the blade usually runs straight from the handle to the tip. In contrast, a drop-point curves on both sides, somewhat like a spear blade or dagger. The main knife in a multi-tool often features a drop-point blade.

Many hunters and sportsmen consider drop-point blades to be the most versatile, useful shape for a hunting knife. These sporting knives are generally stronger and more durable than clip-point blades, since they are usually thicker along their length. Drop-point blades may be used for any number of applications, including skinning game. Many hunters prefer using this type of sporting knife for dressing game because the entire blade may be used while skinning and dressing meat. (Using the whole length of the blade accelerates the dressing process while minimizing the chances that you’ll tear into the meat). Drop-point blades are the overall choice for durability and versatility in hunting knives.

Skinner Blades

Designed especially for skinning game, skinner blades usually have a round, blunt shape. The lack of a sharp tip makes it less likely that you will damage meat while using skinner knives. Once you skin a big game animal with a skinner blade, you’ll appreciate why avid sportsmen invest in this special variety of hunting knife. Skinner blades separate skin from flesh quickly and effectively.

Spear-Point Blades

Both edges of a spear-point blade curve into the point. This symmetrical blade design is perfect for stabbing and thrusting, which explains why daggers usually feature this type of blade. Spear-point blades are generally not useful for preparing game or conducting camp chores.

Gut Hook

Regardless of which blade shape you choose, it’s wise to look for a sporting knife with a gut hook. A gut hook is used to “unzip” the animal’s belly. It is shaped so as to minimize the chance that the animal’s guts will be punctured. (If the internal organs are punctured, the taste of surrounding meat may be negatively impacted.)

In addition to considering a blade’s overall shape, it is wise to carefully examine each knife’s handle, heft and comfort. While using a knife, you should feel that the tool is an extension of your hand and that it is easy to maneuver. Knife blade shape can tell you quite a bit about the best uses for a hunting knife, but it can’t tell you the whole story of whether this could be the right blade for you.