Butler Outdoors

05/27/2026

What does it take for a fawn to survive? So many things can be stacked against them, weather, nutrition, disease, predators, etc. As land managers, does the work we do really make a difference, or does it just make us feel better?

Let me know in the comments below.

05/26/2026

What do your practice sessions look like? There isn’t really a right or wrong way to practice, because everyone is different and what works for me might not work for you.

I have adopted a quality over quantity approach to my archery practice. With a busy schedule, I don’t have the time (or don’t devote the time) that I used to. So I am trying to shoot at least 4 times a week, if not every day. My practice sessions are only 9-12 arrows, (3-4 three shot groups). With that being said, I am fortunate enough to be able to step out my front door and shoot out to 50 yards, so the vast majority of my practicing is at 50 yards. I’m a firm believer in practicing at longer distances, because it makes the more common hunting distances feel much easier.

Below are a few groups from today’s practice session. I shot 2 ok-ish groups, and one really solid group at 50 yards. What you aren’t seeing is my 4th group where I completely lost my mind! I was punching the trigger, not following through, and suffering from target panic! That’s one thing I love about archery, it can be just as much mental as it is physical.

05/25/2026

I still have my 2025 Elite Artus for sale if anyone is interested. Color is Sienna brown, and it has a peak weight of 65 lbs., draw length is adjustable from 25”-30.5”. Bow is like new and only hunted with one season.

I am selling the bow loaded for $1,200 or bare bow for $800. Loaded includes CBE Trek Pro 2V sight, Elite branded QAD Ultrarest Integrate MX2, Tightspot 5 arrow quiver, CBE Torx hunting stabilizer kit (11” front bar and 7.5” back bar with mount), 6 Altra Centrum 350 spine arrows, and peep/loop installed.

Message me if you’re interested. Local pickup only (Central Illinois)

05/25/2026

Got the first fawn of the year on camera!

It seems to be an odd year so far. I only have a few does on camera that are really “showing”, but many don’t even look pregnant.

05/24/2026

Although bucks are most aggressive during the rut, it doesn’t mean they aren’t aggressive during other times of the year.

Dominance in the herd is constantly evolving between both bucks and does. Even during velvet season, bucks work to establish their dominance amongst one another through different m**hods. Vocalizations, body posturing or fighting with their front hooves. We see does use these m**hods because they don’t have antlers, but it’s quite common for bucks to use them in order to protect their velvet antlers.

05/20/2026

Predator hunting and trapping can improve your skills as a deer hunter. I’m a firm believer that if you can consistently fool a predator, prey species like deer and turkeys become easier to kill.

Do you hunt or trap predators? What has that taught you that has helped you become more successful at hunting deer and turkeys?

05/19/2026

How has the activity been on your trail cameras recently?

My cameras have been dead recently, which is pretty common this time of year as does disperse and start dropping fawns.

Below is a doe that sure looks like she is preparing for birth. She looks a bit swollen and it appears that her milk has come in.

05/16/2026

What do you make of this? A raccoon out and about at 4:31pm with a bobcat a few minutes behind? Is it just coincidence?

05/15/2026

A great opportunity to get kids out fishing!

It’s that time of year!!! Fishing Derby is here!!!!
FREE for kids 5-12

05/14/2026

I found out today that another person who may have been involved with the theft of my property was arrested for another theft in the area. Aside from hear say about his involvement in my cause, it didn’t sound like the sheriff’s department had hard evidence tying him to my case. Fortunately he is facing charges from the other theft and hopefully they stick!

A quick look at his rap sheet and a history of m**h and theft tells the story! I’m curious if anyone in the Danville, IL area knows him or has any information that might be helpful.

**h

05/12/2026

I wish I could say I was surprised, or that I actually had faith in our justice system, but that’s not the case. The individual who was arrested in connection with my property being stolen looks like he is going to get away with it.

As you can see from the screenshots of the docket sheets below, the state motioned for Nolle Pros, which essentially means they are dropping the charges with the ability to charge him later. His pre-trial court date in July is for a driving on a suspended license charge from last year!

Illinois, you really need to stop handling criminals with kid gloves, it’s doing the entire state (especially law abiding citizens) a disservice!