How John Dudley Uses the HuntWise Hunting App: Pro Tips
By Teri Williams on September 13, 2024
When she's not writing or editing content for hunters, she loves spending time outdoors, or with her husband, dog, and family, reading, live music, and dabbling in various hobbies that may or may not become permanent activities (crochet, for example, did not last). She was born in Texas, grew up in Louisiana (where being outside was part of life) and Colorado (where mountain adventures were routine), and now makes her home in Texas.
Whether you've started exploring HuntWise as a basic subscriber or you've been using the app for a while as a Pro or Elite user, you may be wondering how to get more out of HuntWise (or how to get started with just some basic stuff) to plan a hunt.
Today, we have some help showing off some of the app's best features and how one of our HuntWise Pros uses it. So, keep reading as we talk about some of the best ways to use the app, including:
Choosing a Hunt Location for a Stand
What Makes HuntWise So Great (Even for Pros)?
What if something told you when and where to hunt? HuntWise can.
One of the many great things about this hunting app is that hunters can set up hunt alerts. Based on the information you provide and the app's algorithms and features, imagine getting an alert when it's the best time to get out in the field.
With HuntWise, that's possible – but there's a lot that goes into a tool that can do that for you. From planning your days based on the best hunting conditions to sharing maps and markers with your hunting buddies, there's a lot to love about HuntWise.
Even our pros like John Dudley agree! He took time to walk through several app features and how users (new and seasoned) can make sure it's working at its best for their hunts.
Creating a Hunt Area in HuntWise
The foundation of using HuntWise for better hunts is to set up your Hunt Area. You'll hit the orange "plus" (or "+") sign at the bottom right side of your screen the app, then select "Create Hunt Area."
After you've created your hunt area, you can also download them for offline use during your hunt.
Check this out:
Adding Markers
Noting where your blinds are, where you've seen deer sign, or where you've noticed food sources in the area is easy with the ability to add markers to your maps and Hunt Areas in the HuntWise app.
That trusty "+" sign at the bottom of your screen takes you to where you can "Add Marker" and then select from a wide range of marker types to plug into your map.
John shows you how in this video!
Choosing a Hunt Location for a Stand
John Dudley attributes a recent big buck to the HuntWise hunting app.
After loading all of his stand and blind locations into the app, plus adding in the ideal wind directions for those locations, when it was time for the opening day of the late season, the app told him exactly where he needed to be to get a big 8-point buck he'd been after for several years.
Watch him tell the story!
How Does HuntWise Help You Place a Stand?
New hunters often struggle with where to place a tree stand or blind when first getting into hunting.
Depending on the timing of your hunt (early season, during the rut, or late season) and some critical information, Dudley explains what to consider when choosing a spot for your stand and how HuntWise can help you find the best location for your stand to tag out (without getting winded).
How to Use HuntCast
Inputting user data is crucial to get the most out of HuntCast.
HuntWise can tell you the best spots and timing for successful hunts, but it needs information from you for the best forecasting and outputs.
Check out what John recommends below to get started with (and get more out of) HuntCast.
Using WindCast to Avoid Getting Winded
WindCast is the best feature to help you get into a location without deer (or other species you hunt) smelling you first. It also helps you use the wind to your advantage. One of the worst things that can ruin your day in the field is if the animals smell you coming and run off to their hiding spots.
So, how can you use WindCast to avoid getting winded? Watch as John Dudley shows you how beneficial this feature can be for choosing your spot for a great hunt.
How HuntCast and RutCast Help You Plan
Hunting the rut is both challenging and rewarding. However, without a hunting app, the challenge can outweigh the reward.
You don't have to try and figure out moon phases or weather to determine the best days and times to get into the field. The combination of HuntCast and RutCast does that work for you, so you know exactly when to hunt your ideal spots.
Here's what John has to say about using these HuntWise features to take the guesswork out of when and where to hunt.
HuntWise Does More
Not only is HuntWise the best tool to help you plan a hunt and have an efficient and successful day in the field, but the app and our team also help you gather the best hunting gear — whether you hunt with compound bows (like Dudley) or firearms.
From our HuntWise Staff recommendations to what the pros use, we pull out all the stops to make sure you have the best equipment for success every season.
So, what does John Dudley use in the field? In addition to the HuntWise hunting app, check out his early-season whitetail clothing and gear favorites in the video below.
Start Your Free HuntWise Hunting App Trial (Or Upgrade) Today
If you don't have the app but are ready to give it a try and explore these tips, we have a free 7-day trial waiting for you right now! Download the app, then get out in the field to set your hunting area, drop some markers, and apply what John Dudley shared with us today.
If you've been using the app for a while, we hope this information from one of our pros is helpful! Consider upgrading to a Pro or Elite subscription to access more features, including up to 15 days of forecasting for Elite users, bigger discounts on gear from our partners, and access to our new Field Guide+ app-exclusive library of videos from our pros!
Want more exclusive content from our HuntWise Pros (like John Dudley)?
HuntWise Elite users now have exclusive access to high-quality content from professional hunters that’s designed to help you hunt smarter and save you time in the field.
We call it Field Guide+.
If you're already an Elite user, you'll find access to it at the bottom left of your screen in the app.
Not an Elite user? Log into your account and upgrade for access to this exclusive content! Here's a sneak peak . . .