Field Test: Easton 4MM Axis Long Range
When an arrow proves itself in practice and then again in a hunting situation, it’s an arrow that will be in my quiver for a very long time.
Simple Gourmet: Perfect Wild Game Steak with Garlic Butter
Our elk and antelope steaks are richer and more satisfying than anything you can buy at a steak house. They’ve simply got more meat in every bite, not to mention all the microminerals we ingest by eating animals that graze on a variety of plants.
Utah Wildlife Board Pulls Trail Cam Ban Proposal One Day After Public Comment Period Begins
The Utah Wildlife Board decided this week to postpone its vote on a partial trail camera ban just one day after it began accepting public comments.
Ballot Initiatives in Oregon and Florida Would Ban Hunting, Fishing, Game Preserves
Anti-hunting activists in Oregon and Florida are hoping to implement their radical agenda via the ballot initiative process rather than through their state legislatures.
Federal Duck Stamps Drop Hunting Theme Requirements
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is dropping a 2020 policy requiring Federal Duck Stamps to include hunting themes in their designs going forward.
AllTerra Arms’ Mountain Shadow Steel: The Lamborghini of Rifles?
AllTerra Arms is a semi-custom rifle manufacturer in my home state of Idaho that used to be known as “Axial Precision.” These guys produce some top-tier hunting rifles with 1/2 and even 1/4 MOA guarantees, and I finally got my hands on one. The Mountain Shadow Steel is one of their steel barreled options, and it happens to be the model that I’m testing.
Save the Earth: Hunt Hogs
That’s right. Hunters go can green and not just wear green by hunting hogs.
A Bear Charged Me – Epic Story of Self Defense in the Field
My eye caught movement directly in front of me about 20 yards into the brush and my hand dropped to the grip of my pistol as my brain registered what my eyes were seeing. A chocolate color phased black bear, gaining speed straight towards me.
Mississippi Hunters Hook Massive 787-Pound Alligator
“We were all in shock. He was also missing part of his tail. I know 13-2 is huge, but at one time he was bigger than that,” said Ty Powell.
Lucky 4 Slot Motion Backpack
Recently at a Midwest waterfowl show, I saw the new Lucky Duck 4 Slot Motion Backpack and I was amazed at the attention it drew. Hardly a single person walked by without handling, exploring, commenting, and eventually buying one of three versions.
Tips for Selecting and Using Elk Calls
Whether you are a new elk hunter, or you have been elk hunting for years, there is a lot that goes into being effective at calling elk. With so many different calls on the market, it can be a daunting task trying to select an elk call because each one has its own unique design features that create a unique spectrum of sounds and fit within your mouth.
4 Tips To Better Meat Care
If you take the time to care for your meat correctly, you’ll have a happy processor, and it will be some of the best-tasting game you’ve ever prepared.
In the Woods: December Archery Deer Hunt in Idaho Part 3 of 3
An avid rifle hunter switches teams, flinging arrows in the late season. Read about his steep learning curve and follow him on this adventure!
Mountain Hunting Emergency Preparedness
Hunters by nature have a bit of an independent streak; your average person doesn’t get their kicks from arising in the dark and tromping around Mother Nature with ten to twenty pounds of gear on their back. Not only do we enjoy it, we look forward to and prepare for most of the year to maximize our limited time afield. One category for consideration before the season starts is Emergency Preparednes
Combat Grade Flip Flops?
These combat grade flip flops are ones I can highly recommend. If you prefer partial nudity for your toes but don’t wanna be completely lacking, TEVA is the weapon of choice.
Take the Shot? A Rutting Texas Whitetail Offers a Challenging, Head-on Shot – Presented by Springfield Armory
A rutting Texas whitetail offers a challenging, head-on shot. Your only available shooting position is standing, unsupported. Do you take the shot?
Create The Frenzy – Archery Elk Hunting & Calling Strategies
Start with a sequence of cow mews and chirps, use non-verbal communication like raking a tree. Take a break and repeat the cow-calf talk after a few minutes. This time, instead of raking try non-aggressive location type bugle.
Kansas Froggers Share Bullfrog-Catching Tips
Experienced Kansas bullfrog hunters are sharing some of their tips and tricks to help out new and practiced froggers alike.
Eberlestock Vapor 5000 & F1 Mainframe – First Look
changes is the relatively new Vapor 5000. It’s a very minimalist lightweight shell or bag that can be loaded from the top or front.
Kansas Buck Officially Deemed Second Largest Nontypical in Bowhunting History
When photos of Brian Butcher’s 67-point non-typical whitetail buck surfaced on social media in 2019, it was easy to tell that the Kansas bowhunter had bagged something special. Now we know just how special.
Wisconsin Committed to 2021 Wolf Hunt
“I think 130 is too high given the unknowns we have out there,” said Adrian Wydeven, a former wolf biologist with the Wisconsin DNR.
New Jersey: No Black Bear Hunt in 2021
New Jersey bear hunters will have to look elsewhere for opportunities in 2021, as there will not be a bear hunt this year.
The 11-Year-Old Grizzly Slayer: Elliot Clark and his Remington 870
When an Alaskan youth named Elliot Clark faced one of these enormous beasts intent on eating him and his family, this young stud stood his ground, lifted his Remington 870 20-gauge, and put the monster down.
Important Equipment to Pack: December Archery Deer Hunt in Idaho Part 2 of 3
An avid rifle hunter switches teams, flinging arrows in the late season. Read about his steep learning curve and follow him on this adventure!
Pigeon Hunting – Hunt Year Round
If you are willing to expand your definition of the word “game” there is one critter that will allow you to keep your wing shooting on point and keep your dog retrieving during this drought, the Rock Dove or more commonly known as the street pigeon.
NSSF PSAS Remind Recreational Shooters to Help Prevent Wildfires
Wildfires are tragic in many ways, including that in most cases they can be prevented when people pay attention to their surroundings and follow safe practices.
The Savage Arms Impulse Makes a Memorable Debut in Africa
When Savage Arms released their Impulse straight-pull rifle in early 2021 I never imagined my 6.5 Creedmoor might be the first one to make it to the plains of Africa, or that my first-time hunting friend would claim first blood with it.
There’s a New Predator in Town – SIG Tread Predator Reviewed
The Sig Sauer Tread Predator is a quality built low/no recoil semiautomatic hunting rifle with a lot to offer right out of the box.
Simple Gourmet: Bear Bombs
Bear Bombs are a shoo-in crowd pleaser. These hot little packets of flaky dough are a favorite for everyone. Kids will eat anything wrapped in bread, and you can stuff them with a variety of flavors.
Pre-season Boot Break-in and Everything Else You Ever Might Want to Know About Boots!
The question becomes: how far do you want to go, and do you want your boots to be the reason you got there or the piece of gear that held you back?
The Handgun Hunters Competition – Report
The Handgun Hunter’s Competition is a shooting match that stresses practical handgun hunting scenarios. The match took place in Newcastle, Wyoming. 2021 was the inaugural event, but with the interest it garnered from participants it should be around for many more years.
The Gear of SIG’s Hunter Games – Part 1
In Part one of the Gear of SIG’s Hunter Games, we will only cover the SIG branded gear provided to each competitor.
Archery: Beat Target Panic For Good
If your carbon slinging has been a struggle, don’t fret, there’s still time to make a change.
Frontier Gear of Alaska Pack Review
If you’ve got a trip of a lifetime planned, are considering trying your hand at mountain hunting for the first time, or just in the market for an expedition-type pack the go check out Barney’s for some outstanding hunting packs.
The Colorado Bighorn Sheep Hunt of a Lifetime!
One of the most iconic big game in North America is the Bighorn sheep. If you draw one of these tags, get ready for one of the greatest hunts in the West.
Advocacy Groups Look to End Deer Farming in Minnesota
Some officials and conservation groups are looking for ways to restrict or end deer farming in Minnesota to combat the spread of chronic wasting disease among wild deer populations.
400 Yard Muzzleloader! Taking Long Shots With Bergara and CVA: New Rifles!
On April 29, 2021, Bergara and CVA sponsored The Long Shot Tour, held at the Fossil Pointe Shooting Grounds, outside Decatur, Texas. These two gun makers had some new and newer firearms to show off and invited a dozen writers and editors to try out several Bergara bolt action rifles and a pair of CVA muzzleloaders, plus a CVA bolt action. I was one of those writers.
Setting Up A New Bow: December Archery Deer Hunt in Idaho Part 1 of 3
An avid rifle hunter switches teams, flinging arrows in the late season. Read about his steep learning curve and follow him on this adventure!
Meals for the Extended Stay Hunt
How you fuel your body on a mountain hunt can make a tremendous difference in your physical and mental experience. Packing the right food for an extended stay backpack hunt is extremely important to ensure adequate repair, recovery, and necessary energy for the body.
Watch: National Deer Association’s Free ‘Beer & Deer’ Webinar
Supporters can tune in today, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. EST for this month’s episode: Enhanced Scouting – Scouting your Hunting Property Fast and Effectively. Latecomers can watch prior episodes on Youtube.
Cyclist Killed in Grizzly Bear Attack
One person was killed in a grizzly bear attack near Ovando, Montana, east of Missoula. Authorities say the person was traveling with a larger group of cyclists, and was camping for the night.
Utah: Bans Baiting Large Game Animals, Won’t Sell Licenses to Those Behind in Child Support
The Utah state legislature joined other western states this year by passing a law that heavily regulates baiting large game animals for hunting purposes.
West Virginian Kids Are Getting Discounted Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses
West Virginian kids can now get lifetime hunting and fishing permits at a new, lower price, thanks to a new bill passed earlier this year.
Simple Gourmet: Easiest Pulled Meat
Life is busy which makes it difficult to take time to eat well. Well, here’s an easy way to prepare game meat that is also easy to love. You can grab frozen meat before work and it’ll be ready to eat when you get home.
17 Facts about the SIG SAUER Hunter Games and a Sneak Peek at SIG’s NEW Pistol
16 miles and 22 stages in the Wyoming mountains were traversed by celebrities in the first ever SIG Hunter Games.
South Carolina Hunters Win Hunting Licenses for Life for Catching Coyotes
In order to protect and promote deer populations across the state of South Carolina, officials are rewarding lucky coyote hunters with free hunting permits for life.
Snipe Hunting is No Joke!
It just so happens that the same wetlands that are frequented by ducks are also inhabited by another small, but fun water-bound species, the Snipe.
Stone Glacier Grumman Down Review
Mountain hunting isn’t for everyone. I’ve found the pendulum of morale and adventure are far more prone to swinging in great degrees with a pack… Read More »Stone Glacier Grumman Down Review
Whitetails: If You Build It, They Will Come…
A few seasons back, my buddy Terron introduced me to the idea of creating my own rubbing post complete with a licking branch. It forever changed the way I hunt.
New Hunters – Advice for Jump Starting Someone Into Hunting
Many potential new hunters are becoming interested in hunting due to the food aspect, and as hunter numbers continue to decline it is more important than ever to help new hunters get into the field and enjoy the traditions that we love.
Get a Jump on Next Year’s Buck with the Fusion Wireless Trail Cam
At only $200, the Fusion costs less than almost any other cellular camera on the market, and monthly upload plans start at $5 for 650 photos and go up to $20 for unlimited photos. Paired with a Stealth Cam solar battery for $70 and a memory card, you can run a self-sustaining camera anywhere on your hunting ground for less than $300.
Review: Burris Thermal Imagers
Burris has brought 3 different thermal imaging products to the market and considering the price point and what you get, they’ve got a winner.
Simple Gourmet: Wild Turkey Sausage Dutch Oven Breakfast
Melted cheese, crispy hash browns, rich eggs and wild turkey sausage make this dish a favorite in camp. But don’t wait to cook this over a fire — my family loves it so much we eat it for dinner at least once a month.
Savage’s Backcountry Xtreme Series: The 110 High Country
The High Country has some other functional/aesthetic enhancements. The barrel is fluted in a dramatic spiral that runs most of its length. Savage button-rifles their barrels. The .308 High Country’s barrel is 22 inches. The long-action calibers have 24-inch barrels.
Bear Spray! In 500 Linebaugh
Let me be clear, this is NOT about a pepper spray that you might carry for protection against bears. Bear Spray, is the name my gunsmith decided to use for this project.
Who Should Decide How to Manage Wolves?
If you ask Michigan state senator Ed McBroom, only those residents who live in close proximity to wolves should have a say in how that species is managed.
Florida Officials Impose Burn Bans to Combat Wildfires, Protect Hunting Camps
Multiple counties in Florida have issued “burn bans” as crews continue to fight wildfires across the state.
US Fish and Wildlife Announces ‘Largest Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities to Date’
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced last month what they’re calling the “largest expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities to date.”
The Kids Are Alright: Pandemic Spurs on Youth Hunting
The priceless memories created from a hunting trip with dads or moms can stay with sons and daughters for a lifetime. Creating more of those opportunities has become even easier.
Versatility Defined, the NIGHTFORCE NX8 2.5-20x50mm F1
The NX8 2.5-20x performed exceptionally well on all fronts, and I look forward to seeing the action in Africa behind the crosshairs of one.
Top Father’s Day Gifts For The Outdoorsman
Looking for some Father’s Day gift ideas? We have got you covered!
A White Laser? New Odin Turbo LEP Weapon Light from Olight Full Review
The new Odin Turbo LEP from Olight is essentially a light saber. The beam is hyper focused into a single hotspot and is ideal for anyone looking to do long range night time shooting or hunting.
Proof Research Adding Tundra Long-Range Hunting Rifle to their Lineup
The Tundra is optimized for custom fit and comfort over raw weight savings, although it’s still a light and handy rifle built on Proof’s Defiance Ruckus action.
Summer Project: Make Your Own Waterfowl Layout Boat
Concealment is the key to duck hunting. This is especially true when they get wary and have been dodging shot for a few months. My first introduction to the layout boat idea was many years ago and I still use them today. In my younger days though, money was a little tighter so two other friends and I decided to make three boats one summer in my garage.
Healthy Hunting: Working Out for Hunting Success, Start Now!
Have you ever found yourself completely winded after reaching the top of a ridge? If so, you might make a workout plan to help you continue enjoying hunting longterm.
Right Back at Ya! Savage’s Impulse Hog Hunter Featuring a Straight-Pull Bolt
The Impulse Hog Hunter is a very accurate rifle, capable of taking game out to 400 yards without a problem. The straight-pull bolt operated effectively and actually got me on target faster for that follow-up shot.
Idaho Passes a Bill That Could Reduce the Wolf Population by 90%
The Idaho state legislature passed a bill last week that could reduce the wolf population in the state by 90%.
Alabama: Hunters Can Now Take Coyotes, Hogs At Night
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey just signed a piece of legislation that will allow hunters to take wild pigs and coyotes at night.
Montana Hunters Cited, Fined for Killing Two Wolves from a Helicopter
Two Montana hunters were cited and fined this month for killing two wolves from a helicopter.
Massachusetts Division of Wildlife Mulling High-Priced Licensing Scheme
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, or MassWildlife, is proposing a rules change that would increase the prices for hunting and fishing for the first time in 25 years.
Want to Hunt Bison? The National Park Service is Looking for Volunteers
The National Park Service (NPS) announced this week that they are looking for volunteers to help cull a bison herd located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
How to Hunt Bears from Boats
There are pro’s and con’s to hunting spring bear from a river. You know how bird hunters say the reason they do it is for their dog? The reason I hunt from a river is for the river, not because it’s the more effective way to hunt, because it isn’t. Everywhere you can hike is going to be straight up, and thermals start rising in these river canyons very early in the day and don’t start coming back down until dark.
Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD Binocular
Leupold & Stevens—long famous for their rock-solid riflescopes—have stepped up their game of late, and their BX-5HD binocular offers an incredible value.
Simple Gourmet: Sweet & Sour Mountain Lion
Cougar, mountain lion, puma, catamount, painter — whatever you want to call it, if you get a text from a buddy who guides hunts for Felix concolor that reads, “Do you want a mtn lion backstrap?” you should answer affirmatively, and then beg for the hams, too.
Turkeys: Public Land Diplomacy
We have all looked in the rear-view mirror while driving at 3:30 in the morning on the way to the local parking lot, only to get that sinking feeling in your gut when you see headlights. This is when you know that the race is on and your day just went from exciting and hopeful to competitive and rushed.
Top 5 Tips for Baiting Bears On Public Land
As a hunter and conservationist, harvesting bears is an important aspect of sound wildlife management practices. Having the ability to construct a bait site on public land- where it is legal, is a great way to hunt bears. Below are my top 5 tips for baiting bears on public land that have worked for me.
Springtime Coyote Strategies
With spring fever running rampant throughout the outdoor community, it’s easy to get caught up in the hoopla of open water and thundering toms. But for those who didn’t get their fill of coyote hunting this winter, spring can provide some fantastic opportunities with some added benefits. Throughout this article, I’ll discuss the ecological benefit of hunting coyotes in the springtime as well as effective strategies for calling coyotes this time of year.
Shed Hunting – Tips For Success
As the hunting season comes to an end in late January, many hunters plan for the long drought of game and wait for the time when they can apply for next year’s tag draws or plant food plots. For many, the only oasis in this time period is turkey season. However, there is another way that we can pass the time “hunting” that serves a few purposes. I can promise that it will get you out into the woods before turkey season and it will help you see if the bucks and bulls, which you chased through the season, made it. An exciting and productive pastime that has become very popular for many outdoorsmen and women is shed hunting.
Christensen Arms Announcing Bolt-Action Modern Precision Pistol
This compact, lightweight bolt-action chassis pistol, based on their full-size Modern Precision Rifle, was designed for backpacking and back-country hunting.
10 Tips for Ground Squirrel Annihilation
Below are ten tips for making the most of your next ground squirrel hunt.
New York Man Accused of Rigging Former Hunting Camp Cabin to Explode
A New York man has been charged with felony second-degree attempted arson for allegedly rigging the cabin of his former hunting camp to explode.
Take the Shot? A Once in a Lifetime Bison Creates an Ethical Dilemma – Presented by Springfield Armory
A once-in-a-lifetime Bison tag is in your pocket, and the only two buffalo you’ll see in a week of hunting are walking toward dense timber. But there’s a problem; one bull is directly beyond the other. You have five seconds to decide: Do you take the shot?
5 Tips For Baiting Bears
Hunting black bears using bait is a fun and effective way to sustainably pursue and harvest black bears. Before you load up and head out to your next bear hunt, be sure to first read my top 5 tips for baiting bears.
Simple Gourmet: Beijing Bear
If they hunted bears in China, this might be how they’d eat it…or at least, if bear was on the menu at Panda Express, this is how it would be served. Bear meat goes so well with sweet recipes, and this one works well to tenderize even the toughest cuts.
Field Tests: Sitka’s Stratus Jackets
Last fall, Sitka Gear released a new hunting jacket, the Stratus, in two versions: one in Blaze Orange, the other in Sitka’s Optifade Elevated II camouflage pattern. I have been on some chilly hunts with first-rate results!
O’Neill Ops HVP Hood: Taking Ghillie Camouflage to the Extreme
If you are a hunter who wants to help your chances, you will want to wear camo. If you want to optimize your camouflage you might consider a ghillie.
Turkey Scouting: Key To Success!
With a few quick scouting trips to a potential new turkey spot using these three simple signs, you can greatly increase your chances of taking a tom.
Building the Perfect Turkey Gun
I have known hundreds of hunters over the years and I have to say turkey hunters are the most passionate, focused group of hunters I’ve ever encountered.
See in the Dark: Hunt Like a Ninja and Shoot Like a Sniper
No matter what kind of hunting you do, working more effectively in low light can make your hunt better. The more light you use, the more you need. Know the law, some game regulations prohibit night shooting, but you can still get more hunting day by working in reduced light. Optimizing your biology and selecting appropriate technology can make every hunt better.
Missouri Announcing First Black Bear Season This Fall
It will be a limited bear season lasting just 10 days, from October 18 to 27, taking place in select areas.
Arizona Offering $10,000 Reward for Information Leading to Poacher’s Arrest
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, or AZGFD, along with a list of concerned parties, is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of a poacher or poachers, to the tune of $10,000.
Texas Man Faces Prison Time for Conspiracy to Smuggle Wild Animals
A Texas man was sentenced to more than a year and a half in prison and $2,000 in fines for his part in a conspiracy to smuggle endangered species.
True Timber Inflatable’s Blind (It fits in a Backpack!) – Available Now!
New for 2020, TrueTimber is releasing their newest ground blind sheds featuring inflatable support beams. This innovative air-filled design gives hunters an easier, faster, and more efficient way of setting up their ground blinds compared to traditional popups.
Leupold’s Award-Winning Mark 5HD Riflescope Just Got Better: New PR2-MIL Reticle
Whether it’s hunting or competitive shooting, precision matters. Leupold Optics has designed the Mark 5HD line of riflescopes to be the ideal offering for a competition-oriented shooter.
Desert Deer: A Week of Adventure
Coues deer make their home in the Southwest and provide a unique opportunity for serious deer hunters who are willing to spend hours behind their optics and brave vegetation that pokes, cuts, or stings, warm temperatures, and ghost-like deer habits under the semblance of fun.
Savage Arms IMPULSE: American Made Straight Pull Rifle
The new Savage Arms IMPULSE rifles are a whole new breed of rifle that raises the market to a new level. It’s really slick, very fast to operate, incredibly accurate; perhaps the most accurate rifle I have ever shot.
High and Dry: 5.11 Duty Rain Shell
For less than $100, the 5.11 Duty Rain Shell is everything I was looking for in a jacket to use while enjoying my firearms while also not breaking the bank.
Destination Hunting In COVID Times
The desire to adventure while exploring new terrain and hunt big game species can be satisfied with embarking upon a destination hunt. And, there are many adventures to be had even during times of COVID.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem Repeals Hunting Restrictions for Kids
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem made good on her promise to expand hunting and fishing access to kids under the age of 18.
Remington’s 1911 R1 Hunter: 10MM Auto Hunting Power and…A Collector’s Gun?
After putting over 300 rounds through the Remington 1911 R1 Hunter FDE 10MM pistol, I recommend this semi-automatic as a top firearms investment for at least two reasons.