Tuesday, July 28th, 2026

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Tuesday, July 28th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Mike Raykovicz

Mike Raykovicz: Florida bear hunt evidence of how outside advocates still try to influence game departments

We here in New York, as well as many other states, take hunting seasons for granted, in that opening day means we go hunting. But that’s not always the case in other parts of the country. 
The black bear population in most states is on the rise, or is stable, and is not threatened in any way. Yet anti-hunters and animal rights zealots in Florida are torqued about an issue they know nothing about.

Mike Raykovicz: Florida bear hunt evidence of how outside advocates still try to influence game departments Read More »

Mike Raykovicz: What to look for when winter scouting

It’s the end of January, and admittedly, I don’t have a lot to do. I sold my snowshoes a few years ago. Worn knees took care of that activity.
Nevertheless, even though deer season is closed, and turkey season is still four months away, I still like to get out into the woods and do some post-season scouting, provided the snow isn’t knee deep.

Mike Raykovicz: What to look for when winter scouting Read More »

Mike Raykovicz: Take care of your hunting firearm during the offseason

If you’re like me, your hunting gear gets a lot of use.
I don’t think I’m particularly hard on my hunting equipment, but, things do happen. My favorite deer rifle is a Remington Model 7 in .243 caliber. It weighs practically nothing, and its recoil is barely perceptible. It’s something I want to pass down to my grandson, most likely sooner rather than later.

Mike Raykovicz: Take care of your hunting firearm during the offseason Read More »

Mike Raykovicz: Crossbow accessories can make a difference

I’ve lost track of the number of hunters I know who have bought a crossbow recently. With their approval for use during New York’s regular archery season, more hunters are embracing their use.
Their main appeal seems to be among gun hunters who want to hunt the early deer season but have never had the desire or inclination to own a compound. 

Mike Raykovicz: Crossbow accessories can make a difference Read More »

Mike Raykovicz: Going all in for one specific buck

The first time I saw him, I said he’d be the only one for me and, no, that’s not what my wife said the first time she met me. 
Last September, like most other bow hunters I know, I placed six of my trail cameras in several promising hunting areas to monitor any potential deer that may have been there. One of these locations was an overgrown cow pasture sprawling over nearly 200 acres. The pasture had everything a deer could want, including several small streams, abundant cover, and mature oak and beech trees.

Mike Raykovicz: Going all in for one specific buck Read More »

Mike Raykovicz: National Archery in the Schools Program stronger than ever

When I was in high school back in the stone age, physical education (we called it gym) consisted of playing games, climbing ropes, or workouts on gymnastic equipment.
I worked in a high school for more than 30 years and found physical education classes now included an emphasis on developing lifelong physical skills such as tennis, golf, and, surprisingly to me, archery. As a colleague at the time told me, “We want to encourage a love of a sport that will last a lifetime. Football and baseball can only be played for so long before a person loses interest or can no longer participate.”

Mike Raykovicz: National Archery in the Schools Program stronger than ever Read More »

Mike Raykovicz: Thoughts on another New York firearms deer season

Here we are, heading for late November, and the firearms season has just begun throughout most of the state. With thousands of New York hunters searching for deer, it’s important to be reminded of, and share important safety precautions. 
Legal shooting time is 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset but, in my experience, not everyone abides by this rule.

Mike Raykovicz: Thoughts on another New York firearms deer season Read More »

Commentary: How young is too young to hunt?

When the question arises as to how old a youngster should be to hunt big game, the answer varies by state. Here in New York, a 12-year-old can hunt deer provided they have completed a course in both Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education if they also want to hunt deer with a bow or crossbow.
The law stipulates that the youngster must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or youth mentor 21 years or older.

Commentary: How young is too young to hunt? Read More »

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