We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › While every serious thermal hunter is going to want a dedicated heat-detecting rifle scope, I’d make the case that thermal monoculars and binoculars are more versatile than weapon-mounted sights. The full utility of a viewer is …

The Best Thermal Monoculars and Binoculars of 2024, Field Tested and Reviewed Read More »

It is 10:00 a.m., November 22, 1971, as I sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee from my thermos. I am very excited and thoroughly satisfied. Although it is deer season, I am content to enjoy my coffee at leisure, for several reasons. First, I am exhausted from dragging my trophy buck to this …

The End of My 4-Year Stalk for an Indiana Trophy Buck Read More »

An Alaskan deer hunter was mauled and bitten on the head by a brown bear Sunday during a blacktail hunt on Admiralty Island. Amanda Compton, 44, walked away from the attack with a small piece of the bear’s tooth embedded in her skull. Compton, who could not be reached for comment Friday, told the Anchorage …

Alaskan Deer Hunter Mauled by Brown Bear Survives Bite to the Head Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › With their new R95 Laminate model in .45/70, Rossi brings a solid contender to the increasingly competitive field of lever-action heavy hitters. The enduring lever-action platform is a blend of utility and nostalgia for the American …

Rossi R95 Laminate .45/70 Gov’t: Tested and Reviewed Read More »

Later today the Harris-Walz presidential campaign will announce the formation of a coalition of hunters, anglers, and gun owners and tomorrow Democratic vice-presidential candidate and sitting governor of Minnesota Tim Walz will kick off his state’s pheasant opener with a stage-managed event in southern Minnesota. The outreach to rural voters comes as polls indicate a …

Harris-Walz Campaign Launches Coalition of Hunters and Anglers as It Tries to Appeal to Rural Men Read More »

Officials with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish had to scrap their plans for an R3 event earlier this week that was meant to promote small-game hunting and wildlife photography. After announcing the 2024 Squirrel Challenge on Monday, the state agency received a number of complaints from environmentalist groups and anti-hunters, according to …

State Officials Cancel Squirrel Hunting Event Amid Outrage from Anti-Hunters Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › The modern-day trout angler has a vast array of fly rods to choose from. As someone who’s spent far too much time in fly shops looking at and thinking about all these options, I understand how …

The Best Trout Fly Rods of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › If you think about the single action or movement that an alpine climber does the most, it has to be taking a step. It may not be the most glamorous aspect of mountain climbing, but the …

The Best Mountaineering Boots, Summit Tested Read More »

Most deer hunters look forward to the “October lull” with as much enthusiasm as they would have for sharing a cab ride with a PETA member. The lull, they say, is that period of time when mature bucks stop moving, or go completely nocturnal. But the October lull — as most hunters perceive it — …

How to Beat the Dreaded October Lull This Deer Season Read More »

T.J. Tavegie watched two orphaned pronghorn fawns plodding across the charred sand 15 yards away from him. They kicked up clouds of ashy dust with each step as they headed toward the small stock pond where Tavegie’s ground blinds still stood, miraculously, after surviving Wyoming’s House Draw Fire two days prior on Aug. 21. The …

Wyoming Wildfires Have Been Devastating This Year. They’re Also Giving Landowners a Chance to Rebuild with Wildlife in Mind Read More »

A bipartisan quartet of U.S. representatives today introduced the North American Grasslands Conservation Act which, if passed by Congress, would create an incentive-based fund to sustain and restore grasslands ranging from coastal savannas to the West’s sagebrush-steppe to remnants of tallgrass prairies in the Great Plains. The mechanism proposed by the Grasslands Act mirrors that …

The Long-Awaited Grasslands Conservation Act Is Finally Introduced in Congress Read More »

A Montana bowhunter had to be rescued from a tree by helicopter Saturday after a close encounter with a grizzly bear. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks explains in a press release that the hunter was in the Gallatin Range backcountry when he encountered the sow grizzly with two large cubs at close range. The hunter …

Bowhunter Rescued by Helicopter After He Was Treed by a Grizzly in Montana Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Action cameras are the best way to film your next adventure, hunt, or trip, and for Amazon’s October Prime Day, you can get over 30 percent off models from GoPro and DJI. Both of these brands …

Best Prime Day Action Camera Deals: 34% Off GoPro Read More »

A mud-caked buck appears out of nowhere, his legs stained from the bog. The deer scans its surroundings. He’s an old deer that knows just how perilous life can be outside the security of his swamp. This kind of buck is hesitant to leave his bedding area during daylight. Fortunately, he won’t have to. You …

How to Hunt Swamp Bucks Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Prices on Amazon can be misleadingly good. A 50% off “deal” might actually be normal retail pricing, or even slightly higher. It’s done by increasing the list price so the percentage off increases. To help you …

Don’t Be Fooled by These Prime Day “Deals” Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Despite what the internet might lead you to believe, the 6.5 Creedmoor did not start a movement to hunt big game with smaller-caliber cartridges. In reality, folks have been putting big animals down for over a …

Why Small Cartridges Are So Effective for Big Game Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › A $44 trail camera usually has questionable reliability, but the Moultrie Mobile Edge is one of the best trail cameras we’ve tested. It’s not as good as the updated model released this year, but it’s still …

Get One of Our Favorite Cell Cams for $44 During Prime Day Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Whether it’s base camp or deer camp there are lots of deals this Amazon Prime Day on illumination. We’ve rounded up our favorites based on in-house and field tests. Camping Lantern Deals 26% off the Goal Zero …

Top Prime Day Deals for Lanterns, Flashlights, and Headlamps Read More »

WHEN THE BUCK shoved his heavy-antlered head through the curtain of thick undergrowth that separated him from the clear-cut area where the chain saws had been at work, I hesitated. The oncoming animal was 150 yards away — a long shot by the brush-country standards that prevail here in heavily wooded northeastern Tennessee. But it …

My Hunt for the First Tennessee Nontypical Ever Accepted by Boone and Crockett Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › If you’re looking to spruce up deer camp, work on your property, or just tinker around the house, these are the top Amazon Prime Day tool deals you can actually trust. We’ve tested a number of …

Tools We Trust on Sale for Prime Day Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Winter is coming, and an easy way to keep warm all season is heated apparel. We found the best discounts on heated jackets, vests, and gloves for October Amazon Prime Day. We’ve tested products from all …

Top Heated Apparel Deals for Amazon Prime Day Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Get out on the water for less this October Prime Day with deals on Oru folding kayaks, inflatable paddle boards, and rigid SUPs. The OL gear team tested models from all of these brands, and can …

Best Kayak and SUP Discounts for Prime Day Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › KastKing fishing gear is 20 percent off this October Amazon Prime Day. With saltwater and freshwater tools, rods, and reels on sale, no matter where you fish you can spend less. You have through October 8 …

KastKing Amazon Prime Day Deals on Rods, Reels, and Gear Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Solar chargers are getting more efficient and less expensive all the time, making a Prime Day the perfect time to invest. I’ve tested over a dozen solar chargers from brands like BioLite, Sunjack, Lion Energy, Goal …

The Best Prime Day Solar Charger Deals Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › With so much gear to sift through every Amazon Prime Day — and let’s face it — not all of it is very good, we decided to take on some of the heavy lifting for you. …

Prime Day Deals That Are Actually Worth the Money Read More »

Carp get mixed reviews in this country. Some anglers — more than people may even realize — are obsessed with them. If you assess these bottom feeders based purely on the sizes they reach and the strength they have when pulling against your line, carp zealotry is easy to understand. To most folks, however, carp …

Quick Strike Podcast: How to Catch Massive Tidal Water Carp in Fall Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › If you’ve been waiting for a great deal before purchasing your next cooler, now is a great time to pick one up. We’ve tested everything from the best backpack coolers to the best camping coolers. Here …

The Best Deals on Coolers for Amazon Prime Day Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › There are a few emergency items every vehicle should have: a flashlight, tire repair kit, emergency blanket, first aid kit, and a portable jump starter. With those items you’ll be able to change a flat in …

Portable Jump Starters We Trust Are on Sale for Prime Day Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Whether you’re facing a blackout or planning an off-grid adventure, solar generators are an essential investment. I’ve put units from the likes of Jackery, Bluetti, EcoFlow, Anker, Goal Zero, Lion Energy, Vtoman, and more through a …

Top Prime Day Deals on Solar Generators We Trust Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › A great portable power station can provide peace of mind during a power outage or keep all your devices charged when you’re miles from the grid. I’ve been testing portable power stations for years for Outdoor …

Top Prime Day Deals on Portable Power Stations We Trust Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › A portable solar panel can elevate your existing portable power station, providing unlimited power wherever you need it. But not all portable solar panels are created equal, with some producing energy much more efficiently than others. …

Top Prime Day Deals on Portable Solar Panels We Trust Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › At this year’s optics test I got to witness the reactions of people using thermal scopes for the first time. The giggle factor was somewhere between shooting full-auto and driving a race car, but it’s not …

Prime Day: AGM Thermal Scopes and Monoculars on Sale Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Hiking boots and water sandals are on sale from top brands like Keen, Merrell, Teva, and Chaco this October Amazon Prime Day 2024. Find durable and comfortable footwear for your next adventure heavily discounted through October …

Prime Day Deals on Outdoor Footwear Read More »

There’s a pattern emerging in the world of trophy whitetail hunting. It’s how two of the greatest bucks of all time were taken last season, and it’s how the world record may be shattered this fall. I’m no gambling man, but I’d bet the title card to my four-wheel-drive (if I had one) that the …

The Kontras and Van Lith Bucks, Two Record Deer That Changed Bowhunting Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Leatherman makes superior in my opinion and you can save on these USA-made products during Prime Day (Oct. 8-9). One testament to Leatherman’s greatness is that many Alone contestants and winners have chosen a Leatherman over …

Prime Day: Deals on 8 Leatherman Multi Tools Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › The only way to maintain your handgun skills is to train. And, poor you, that means more range time. These days, even short range sessions can get expensive, which is why this deal on Winchester 9mm …

Winchester 9mm “White Box” Ammo Is on Sale for Nearly Half-Off Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › The limited-time deal from Cabela’s on this outstanding piece of rifle glass absolutely cannot be missed, specifically because the Leupold VX-3HD rifle scope is already a great value at its usual price.   Get the Leupold …

Save $100 on a Great Leupold Scope Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Put your bass boat on autopilot and expand your solo fishing capabilities with this incredible deals on a Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor. The shining asset of this motor is the built-in GPS system, which allows …

Save $450 on a Minn Kota Terrova Trolling Motor Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Like many hunters, I put off my first suppressor application for years. It wasn’t that I didn’t understand their benefits: suppressors reduce noise and recoil, plain and simple. Mostly, I didn’t want the hassle. Navigating how …

How to Buy a Suppressor Read More »

Colorado officials say a 74-year-old man is lucky to be alive after being attacked by a black bear in his house Thursday night. The victim, who lives in Lake City, sustained multiple injuries during the attack. Despite the extent of his wounds, officials say the man declined to be transported to the hospital and was …

Colorado Man Mauled by a Black Bear Sow with Cubs Inside His Own Home Read More »

Kimberly Feltner and her husband, Shawn, braved the wind and rain on Sept. 28 to fish the Ohio River with their friend and local guide, Chris Souders. It was the day after Hurricane Helene struck the region, and the river was swollen from all the heavy rain. This bump in current helped get the fish …

Angler Breaks West Virginia’s Blue Catfish Record by a Whisker Read More »

The futuristic Ride system from Seakeeper uses a pair of externally mounted electric actuators on the transom. Courtesy Seakeeper Peering into the misty ­future and trying to predict how saltwater fishing boats of tomorrow will perform can prove tricky. Yet one future trend in this area appears clear: Boats of the future will ride more …

The Benefits of Dynamic Trim Control Systems Read More »

Gator hunter and “Swamp People” personality Troy Landry, 63, was charged with two counts of failing to tag an alligator on Sept. 19 after he was caught in a sting operation by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The LDWF law enforcement office had received an anonymous call the day prior tipping them off …

‘Swamp People’ Star Troy Landry Charged in Gator Sting Operation Read More »

An officer with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police made a daring bust at the Cowlitz River Salmon Hatchery during the wee hours on Sunday, apprehending six young men who allegedly broke into the hatchery to catch and steal fish. This action-packed body-cam footage acquired by Outdoor Life shows how WDFW officer Blaine …

‘I Slashed His Tires.’ Body Cam Footage Shows Game Warden Running Down Salmon Thieves Who Broke into a Hatchery Read More »

There’s no denying that smallmouth bass attract attention from anglers nationwide. From their beautiful patterns, aggressive strikes, and drag-peeling fights, it’s easy to see why. Smallmouth are voracious feeders, targeting anything from crayfish to alewives to invasive gobies. Frankly, there’s not much they won’t eat. They’re also known for their tenacious attitude once hooked, and …

The 7 Best Smallmouth Bass Lakes and Rivers Read More »

Rabbits are generally under-appreciated table fare. The meat is ultra-lean, protein-rich, and has a mild, pleasant flavor. Processing a rabbit is also straightforward. Because of its size and delicate anatomy, a freshly-killed bunny is surprisingly easy to skin. Even a dead rabbit or hare that’s been allowed to cool for a few hours is pretty …

How to Skin a Rabbit Read More »

On Thursday the BLM published a final management plan for Bears Ears National Monument that, among other things, prohibits recreational shooting on the 1.3-million-acre Utah property. Later that day, a coalition of sportsmen’s groups signaled its intent to sue the agency. The Sportsmen’s Alliance announced that it is building a coalition of “organizations and individuals” …

Sportsmen’s Groups Will Challenge the Ban on Recreational Shooting at Bears Ears National Monument Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › They are two of the most famous and popular cartridges for personal defense and law enforcement, one in the wheelgun world and one in the semi-auto world. They are often compared because they both became popular …

38 Special vs. 9mm: How the Old Law Enforcement Handgun Cartridge Stacks Up Against the New One Read More »

Bass fishing is about as iconic a summer activity as eating hotdogs at baseball games and launching fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s a time for warm, sunny days on the water, chucking baits and lures into the shallows, and ripping fat bass out of lily pads and from beneath boat docks. When the …

Guide to Fishing for Smallmouth Bass in the Fall Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › With hundreds of 2-person tents on the market, built for everything from car camping to roof tops, mountaineering to ultralight hunting, it can be hard to know where to start. However, over the last several months …

The Best 2-Person Tents of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Read More »

A man who was camping in Colorado killed a mountain lion with a shovel on Sept. 25, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The man, whose identity has not been released, claimed self-defense, telling wildlife officials that he feared for his life when the adult female lion approached him and his dog in front of …

Colorado Camper Kills Mountain Lion with a Shovel as It Fought His Husky Read More »

All recreational shooting will be prohibited on the 1.3-million-acre Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah, according to the final management plan for the controversial monument, released today by the BLM and US Forest Service. Management guidance for Bears Ears National Monument is the first plan developed in collaboration with Native American tribes, five of which consider the piney …

Final Bears Ears National Monument Plan Bans All Recreational Shooting on 1.3 Million Acres of Federal Land Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › If you’re like me, you probably have a supermarket camping chair or two kicking around your gear closet. The flimsy sagging seats, the popped bolts, the inadequate cup holders. Sure, that chair’s been “good enough” for …

The Best Camping Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Read More »

The quintessential private-land deer hunter plants his food plot, hangs his treestand, posts his trail camera, and waits for a daylight pattern on a shooter buck. Meanwhile, the typical public-land hunter scouts his way into a tract of open-to-all ground, finds a stand of productive oak trees, and makes it his go-to spot. These are …

10 Odd and Unorthodox Deer Hunting Tips That Actually Do Work Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Musky. The name alone elicits a variety of reactions from anglers, some good, and some painful. However you feel about musky, there’s no denying their appeal as a top-tier freshwater sportfish that puts tackle, especially musky …

The Best Musky Reels of 2024, Tested on the Water Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Today’s airguns shoot tiny groups at 50 yards and have a wide range of applications, calibers, and power plants. That’s why there’s not a single best air rifle scope. Instead, there’s a best scope for each …

The Best Air Rifle Scopes of 2024 Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Bow sights today are more advanced and feature laden than at any other time in history. I remember in the early 1990s when the big advancement was the change from metal pins with painted balls on …

The Best Bow Sights of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › There’s a crossbow speed race happening, and there are some real benefits to the new ultra-fast bows. Consider that an arrow traveling 500 fps drops only 2.5 inches from 20 to 50 yards, not to mention …

The Best Crossbows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Read More »

Stripers provide great sport for all types of anglers, including fly-fishermen in Cape Cod Bay. Jason Stemple There’s nothing like the excitement of hooking a striped bass.  Methods employed to catch them are many, but regardless of the technique, the hookup and battle are always a thrill. It’s no wonder striped bass represent the runaway …

Where Have the Stripers Gone? Read More »

An annual event sponsored by the National Park Service that is meant to celebrate the wildness of Alaska’s brown bears was delayed earlier this week when netizens were reminded in a brutal live-streamed video of just how wild and savage those bears can be. The live video recorded in Katmai National Park in southwest Alaska …

Brown Bear Kills a Sow in NPS Livestream, Reminding Shocked Viewers that Alaska’s Bears Are Indeed Wild Read More »

An 81-year-old man from Vaughn, Montana, was sentenced to six months in prison Monday for Lacey Act violations stemming from almost a decade of illegal sheep importing, cloning, and breeding on his 215-acre exotic game ranch. Arthur “Jack” Schubarth illegally acquired parts from Marco Polo argali sheep in Kyrgyzstan and imported them into the U.S., …

Montana Man Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison for Smuggling, Cloning, and Breeding Giant Hybrid Sheep Read More »

A squid skirt sewn onto a prepared swordfish bait adds extra movement and can streamline the bait to keep it from spinning. Steve Sanford The quickest bite I ever had while daytime swordfishing was on a bait I rigged almost as a joke. I took an entire fresh mahi, topped and tailed, completely deboned and …

Tips and Tricks for Rigging Swordfish Baits Read More »

If you think politics are divisive, just listen to how Westerners describe elk. They’re “terrorists,” says Sy Gilliland. The president of the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association, Gilliland told the digital news service WyoFile earlier this year that overpopulations of grass-eating elk are “destroying” Wyoming’s traditional ranches. Earlier this month, the Wyoming Game and Fish …

Film: Public-Land Elk Hunters and Ranchers Can Be Good Neighbors. Here’s How Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Have you ever noticed those bright and shiny kids’ kayaks stacked up outside of Walmart during warmer months? I bought one for my son, Jamie, when he turned five last year. They’re so inexpensive that I …

How to Get Your Kids Into Kayak Fishing Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Fall officially started last week, and many states have big game seasons open or about to open. If you need a last minute gear addition, I’ve rounded up this week’s best deals at Cabela’s for you. …

Hunting Gear Deals at Bass Pro Shops Read More »

Autumn Pratt from Grayling, Michigan, is literally following in her mom’s footsteps as a hunter. In 1997, Autumn’s mother, Dawn, killed a black bear with bow and arrow that proved to be a state record in the women’s archery category. Roughly 26 years later, during the fall of 2023, Autumn used her bow to tag …

Michigan Girl Breaks State Black Bear Record That Was Set By Her Mom 26 Years Ago Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Elk hunting is hard. They’re big animals that cover a lot of ground in steep country, and elk hunters need to carry a lot of gear to aid in the pursuit, like clothing for unpredictable weather, …

The Best Elk Hunting Packs, Tested and Reviewed Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › I can’t believe Cabela’s still has Moultrie Mobile EDGE cell cams in stock at this insanely good price. It’s one of the best hunting deals of the year and an easy recommendation for anyone who wants …

Buy One of Our Favorite Trail Cameras for $60 ($30 off) Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › You’ve finally got your trail camera set up in the spot. Every day or two it sends you a photo of a giant old buck, and now all you’ve got to do is wait for the …

Podcast: Here’s Why Your Trail Cameras Don’t Work Properly Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › If you want to slay big bucks, you better draw a 70-pound bow and hang your treestand at least 25 feet up.  Or, maybe not. There are a handful of articles and videos out there about …

Video: Testing the Best Treestand Height for Bowhunting Read More »

Even a quarter-mile distant, the buck looked huge. His long body stood out black against golden aspens and, when he raised his head, the massive antlers glowed in the first sun of morning. “Just look at him!” Don whispered, breaking the stillness. I realized that I’d been holding my breath. “That’s about as big as …

A Dozen Blown Stalks: Teaching My Buddy to Bowhunt Mule Deer Read More »

Electric reels allow jigging anglers to cover large areas of the water column efficiently to catch constantly moving species like wahoo. Mark Ambert Once purely the domain of commercial anglers, a lot has changed in the market for power-assist reels. With significant recent improvements to today’s powerful electric reels, fishermen are finding new ways to …

New Jig Fishing Techniques with Electric Reels Read More »

The jury is still out on whether John Foster’s 4-plus-pound crappie will remain an Iowa record. Foster caught the fish on Sept. 23, and officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced the new fishing record in a Facebook post two days later. Soon after, however, the DNR updated its post to clarify that …

Iowa’s Black Crappie Record in Limbo as Officials Try to Verify the Species Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › A range bag isn’t exactly the coolest category of shooting-related gear.  For many shooters, a “range bag” is just whatever backpack is handy and can handle the weight they will pack into it, especially when they’re …

The Best Range Bags at Cabela’s Read More »

More than 700 Idaho residents have applied for around a dozen positions on a citizens committee that will consider the effect of technology on big-game hunting and harvest in the Gem State. Idaho’s public discussion of the role of technology in the field follows decisions in other Western states in recent years that have limited …

Should Idaho Restrict Hi-Tech Hunting Gear? State Officials Want to Know Read More »

Fort Peck Lake in northeast Montana is a sprawling reservoir that holds plenty of walleyes and smallmouth bass. And it’s where part-time fishing guide Josh Johnson caught the bronzeback of his dreams on Tuesday. “I’d always wanted to catch a record-book fish, and I’d been after Montana’s smallie record since 2017,” Johnson tells Outdoor Life. …

‘I Was in Disbelief.’ Fishing Guide Releases Montana’s Pending-Record Smallmouth Bass Read More »

There’s something about the 6.5 Creedmoor that brings out the worst in people. On both sides of the coin, there are people who are so emotionally attached to their beliefs about this cartridge that it almost becomes part of their personality. In my time at Outdoor Life, I’ve seen these battles rage on in the …

Hunting Black Bears with the 6.5 Creedmoor Read More »

As a new duck hunter, you have a long list of tasks ahead before your first opening day, particularly if you don’t have a seasoned hunter to guide you through the process of learning to duck hunt. To get started and set yourself up for success you need to take a hunter’s safety course, have …

How to Hunt Ducks Read More »

The annual migration brings big schools of mahi right into the backyard of SoCal. Kevin Dodge Autumn in Southern California marks a magical season for offshore anglers. Calm winds prevail, yet the warmth of summer still lingers amid the rich, blue Pacific waters, inviting a literal invasion of mahi from the south.  This is what …

Timing the SoCal Mahi Migration Read More »

The night couldn’t get much darker. I held my hand a few inches in front of my face, but couldn’t see it. Looking up to the sky, I saw nothing — no stars, no blurred images of the trees that were around me — except complete, overwhelming blackness. I jammed my old Stetson hard over …

Zumbo in Idaho: Stalking a Giant Bull in the Selway Wilderness Read More »

Justin Christensen used to run all over the Utah mountains. Back in the day, his buddies dubbed him “the Mountain Goat” for his ability to cruise through the most treacherous backcountry terrain at a stunning pace. After decades of chasing big mule deer bucks in the Wasatch Range, Christensen knew the terrain and the habits …

Last-Chance Billy: While Battling MS, a Diehard Hunter Draws a Once-in-a-Lifetime Mountain Goat Tag Read More »

Tuesday morning was supposed to be an uneventful trip into the woods for Caleb Lewis. The 27-year-old from Maine’s northernmost Aroostook County had some game cameras to hang and some areas to scout, and he’s always on the lookout for sheds. Lewis and his wife own a shed antler dog chew company together.  But things …

Watch: Rutting Bull Moose Runs Over Deer Hunter on a Scouting Trip Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Guiding alpine rock in the North Cascades, I rarely bring more than a pair of approach shoes and often advise my clients to do the same. So while the name “approach shoe” might sound like a …

The Best Approach Shoes of 2024, Trail and Crag Tested Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Fall officially started this week, and many states have big game seasons open or about to open. If you need a last minute gear addition, I’ve rounded up this week’s best deals at Cabela’s for you. …

This Week’s Best Hunting Gear Deals at Cabela’s Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Satellite messengers can save your life. You want a unit with the best chance possible of contacting SOS services in the event of an emergency. But satellite messengers are also one of the most expensive items …

The Best Satellite Messengers, Based on Field Testing Read More »

When I moved from the Midwest to New York in 2014, everything was eye-poppingly expensive. Rent, sales tax, groceries, a six-pack at the corner bodega — you name it, it cost more than should. So when it came time to buy my deer tag, I was prepared for yet another gouging. Instead, I discovered $22 covered …

How Much Should a Deer License Cost? Read More »

A heavy-antlered 12-point buck materializes on the trail. He’s only five steps from bow range, but then he throws his nose in the air, goes rigid with nervousness, and waves the white flag. Game over. That’s all, folks. We all know that any successful deer hunt starts with not getting busted by a whitetail’s incredibly …

15 Scent Control Strategies That Actually Work for Deer Hunting Read More »

A 19-year-old Wisconsin duck hunter shot and killed a gray wolf at point-blank range on Sept. 21 while hunting on public land in Oneida County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Chase Melton, who was with two other teenagers at the time, has told reporters he had no choice but to pull the …

Wisconsin Duck Hunter Shoots, Kills One of Five Gray Wolves That Surrounded His Blind Read More »

At peak tide seatrout scatter on the flats, but during the low tide they stalk along the edges, waiting for the water to return. Jessica Haydahl Richardson A cavalcade of species migrate in and out of the mid-Atlantic’s local estuaries as the seasons change. Take, for instance, the spotted seatrout. It can be found in …

North Carolina’s Year-Round Seatrout Action Read More »

A federal lawsuit filed Monday against the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission seeks to strike down a state law that gives PFBC officers broad authority to conduct warrantless searches on private land. The lawsuit was filed by Pennsylvania resident Tim Thomas, who accuses a waterways conservation officer of snooping around his lake house, harassing him …

Lawsuit Accuses Pennsylvania Officer of Snooping on Private Property, Seeks to Limit Powers of the Fish and Boat Commission Read More »

Redfish are just one of the numerous shallow-water- feeding species available to anglers every month of the year. Dave Lear “OK, we’re gonna cross some really skinny stuff now,” Capt. Luis Flandes shouted over the noise of his jacked-up outboard. Glancing beyond the boat’s low gunwales, blades of sea grass and every fleeing minnow were …

Fishing South Padre Island, Texas Read More »

If you could only target one gamefish species this month, what would it be? That’s the question we put to five top skippers from Connecticut to Oregon. See what these experts will be out chasing in October. Quicklook: Best Bets for Anglers in October Northeast: Striped bass Mid-Atlantic: Striped Bass Southeast: Redfish Gulf of Mexico: …

Where to Fish in October Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Winter is coming and it’s the perfect time to rig your boat with a new finder, trolling motor, or both. While that’s usually a costly upgrade, we found some great deals to save you money. Fish …

Fish Finders and Trolling Motors on Sale: Humminbird, Lowrance, and Minn Kota Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › I’ve been lucky enough to own and handle many of the best pocket knives, including production and custom blades. Now, the Fifth Amendment protects me from self-incrimination, so I won’t say how many knives I currently …

The Best Pocket Knives of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Read More »

A lone mule deer that was found blind and emaciated in Custer County, Idaho, this summer had the plague, the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine announced Sept. 18.     The Idaho Department of Fish and Game was notified of the sick mule deer on June 9, when a member of the public saw it …

A Blind Mule Deer Tested Positive for the Plague in Idaho Read More »

It is impossible to fly fish in earnest without obsessing over the flies themselves. We tie and buy and reinvent them, and since we’re bound to either lose them or wear them out, there is no such thing as too many flies.  Sure, you might be able to get away with just a pocketful. But …

Diaries from The One Fly, the Strangest Fishing Contest in America Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › The recently introduced Labradar LX is a significant upgrade over the original Labradar, now called the Labradar V1, which for many years had been the go-to chronograph for serious shooters. The V1’s legacy is substantial. It …

Labradar LX Review: Can This Compact Chronograph Dethrone the Garmin Xero C1 Pro? Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Walking amongst the fishing rod racks at a Bass Pro Shops can be overwhelming because the choices are seemingly limited. It may be tough to find your grandpa’s pistol-grip, 5-foot 6-inch fiberglass model, but even that’s …

The Best Bass Fishing Rods You Can Buy at Bass Pro Shops Read More »

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Jerky is one of my go-to snacks anytime I hit the outdoors. It’s easy to pack and lasts forever. It can be expensive at the store and it’s so easy to make at home, where your …

The Best Dehydrators for Jerky of 2024 Read More »

Dante Piraino already had a pair of 2-pound smallmouth bass in his boat’s livewell when he hooked a heavy fish in 30 feet of water at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Piraino was competing in a qualifying tournament on New York’s St. Lawrence River, and he needed some real weight to move up in the rankings. …

‘I Wasn’t Going to Kill That Bass.’ Tournament Angler Releases Possible State-Record Smallmouth Read More »