Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Focus on small properties to find an affordable deer lease. (John Hafner/)

We could be in for one crazy deer season. With more and more folks interested in hunting and putting meat in the freezer during the coronavirus crisis, there’s a good chance that there will be a lot of hunters in the woods this fall. That could mean more pressure on public land, especially in parts of the South, Northeast, and Midwest where there’s already a lot of deer hunters and not much public ground to spare.

So if you’re a public-land deer hunter (who doesn’t have that secret honey hole) this should be your season for experimenting with a small hunting lease. Putting together a deer lease can be complex and expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. What I’m talking about here is a small-time affordable lease. These opportunities are rare, but they do exist.

A few years ago I was driving around looking for permission to hunt early-season geese. I stopped by a dairy farmer’s place and asked about hunting geese in his field. He politely declined because there was a waterfowl outfitter who was going to be hunting the field. But then he asked: “You don’t do any deer hunting, do ya?”

“As a matter of fact, I do,” I responded. A buddy and I went on to lease his farm for bowhunting and ended up with an awesome spot close to home. Here’s how to find a deer hunting lease of your own.

Understand Laws, Regs, and Rates

Stay comfortable while fishing. (Taylor Grote via Unsplash/)

When most of us think about fishing shoes, we think about wading boots. But those aren’t the same thing. Plenty of times we end up fishing in places and situations where we’re not wearing waders but still need something to protect our feet other than running shoes or hiking boots. We have some options for you whether it’s fishing on a boat, on the banks, or in the muck.

If you want to go fishing, want your feet to stay dry, but don’t want to wear waders and wading boots, these are your boot. They’re rubber and waterproof with nonslip and non-marking soles. The outsole tread even locks down on wet and slippery surfaces. The neoprene upper prevents water from getting in.

When the weather is hot, and you’re trekking to a high-mountain lake or little-visited stretch of river, you would probably rather a hiking shoe than a wading boot. Look no farther than these. They’re basically a really tough sandal with waterproof leather upper and Vibram TC5 outsole. They also have a neoprene stretch collar for ease pulling on and taking off.

This shoe is as comfortable for the trail as it is for the boat. It’s open mesh and synthetic upper allows air flow and water to drain. The midsole has superior cushion, and the Omni-Grip non-marking wet grip outsole will keep you from slipping. Wear it on a boat and feel confident hopping off onto rocks.

Sometimes what you need is a fishing shoe that works well on a boat and looks good in a boat club. When that time arises, this is your shoe. It has a rubber sole and leather upper and looks the part of any good boat shoe. But it’s not all looks. The non-marking rubber outsole offers ultimate traction in wet and dry conditions.

Water? No problem! (Amazon/)

We’ve all been there, headed out on a boat, kayak, raft or canoe, and we know we’re going to want to take pictures. But there we are, staring at our phone wondering if the risk is worth the reward. It probably isn’t. You’ll regret ruining that pricey smartphone. That’s why, if you spend much time on the water, you should consider investing in a waterproof camera. The technology has come a long way in the past decade. With one of these you’ll get that shot you want and not worry if you (and it) go for a swim.

This little beast is waterproof, shockproof, crush proof, freeze proof, and anti-fog. And it’s not just a marketing gimmick. It really is. It will take pictures of those monster brown trout underwater and even shoot in 4k video. The high resolution F2.0 lens with 8x zoom tells you how good this really is. Just don’t drop it in the ocean unless it’s attached to you or the boat—as good as it is, it won’t swim back to you.

GoPro long ago became the standard bearer on action sports filming. Anyone can buy one, mount it on a helmet or dashboard and turn into the next extreme sports star. Well now you can do it underwater, too. But these aren’t just for amateurs. Anyone who needs professional underwater filming can turn to this for 12MP photos, 1080p, and even live-streaming stabilization. And true to GoPro, it’s small enough to not get in your way.

The price of waterproof cameras can spike pretty quickly. But you can still get a good quality camera for less than you’re thinking. This Nikon is budget-friendly but is waterproof to 22 feet, has full HD video with stereo sound and 18 shooting modes. It also has a telephoto lens and built-in WiFi. Get what you need without breaking the bank.

Even in the age of cell phones, where everyone has a camera, disposable cameras are still an option. And we’d argue that with cell phones pricing high, a waterproof disposal camera is the perfect option for a day at the beach or pool. Buy a pack of two, or 10, and hand them out at a pool party or beach day. See what you get back. At minimum, you know you won’t go home having ruined your favorite phone or camera.

Always get to the top. (Lucija Ros via Unsplash/)

Any activity in the mountains will require decent footwear. Everyone knows that (or should). But exactly what kind of boot is best for any given activity varies. Are you mountaineering? Do you backpack but also day hike? Are you hunting big country off trails or sticking to the named routes? Whatever it is, we have you covered.

These ultra-light, high-lace leather boots are the ultimate multi-purpose mountain shoe. The Michelin sole provides some of the best grip on the market. The rubber lip around the sole means you don’t have to worry about your toe separating from the boot. These are designed for everything from serious day hikes to 20-mile steep hunts, to multi-day backpacking trips. If you need a good boot to take you anywhere, you won’t regret these.

Nothing makes a trip more miserable than cold feet. If you think it could snow or sleet on your mountain trips, consider these UltraDry Snow Boots. They are waterproof leather with a wool collar lining. The 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation keeps you even warmer. The only risk with these is wearing them on a hot day.

You don’t need to bring a backpacking backpack on an afternoon jog, and you don’t need to wear mountaineering boots on a day hike. These are a perfect hiking shoe when you plan on staying on trail and want to cover miles. But don’t underestimate these. The Gore-Tex lining is waterproof and breathable, and the Vibram sole is plenty grippy.

Are these a serious mountaineering boot? Yes. Are they meant for weekend backpacking trips? No. But as you’re standing at the toe of a glacier putting on crampons, you’ll be glad you have these on your feet. The leather boot has more technical aspects than we can list in this description, but in short: they’re water-repellent, incredibly warm, stiff, and solid. This boot was built for peaks.

The author's favorite concealed carry caliber is the 9mm. (Federal Premium/)

In recent months, many folks across the U.S. have considered or become first-time gun owners. Social unrest has prompted citizens in urban areas to buy a handgun for personal protection. But with so many cartridges and guns to choose from, it can be daunting to make a well-informed decision. This won’t be a comprehensive dive into ballistics, but it will help those of you still weighing your options and seeking to make an educated decision before buying a self-defense handgun. Realize supplies will be limited as U.S. citizens are buying guns in record numbers, so you may not be able to purchase the exact gun you want. But there are a variety of platforms to choose from and plenty of options. But first, let’s talk about the benefits of buying a handgun for protection.

Make the Right Choice

One of the obvious advantages of carrying a smaller caliber handgun is it will better integrate into your daily life (you can comfortably carry a pistol with the right holster or in your purse). Semiautomatic pistols are best, because they have higher capacity magazines (which you can’t get with a revolver), decreased felt recoil and muzzle flip, and overall increased shootability.

You need to choose the right cartridge, which is where most new shooters can be led astray. The most common small caliber pistol offerings are the 9mm, .380 Auto and the .38 Special. While sharing virtually the same diameter as the famed 9mm round, the latter two are certainly not equal to it in overall performance and should be considered the bare minimum for self-defense applications. They won’t penetrate and expand, which are two of the most important components in a bullet, like the 9mm.

Penetration is critical, as it ensures vital organs can be reached by the fired projectile, allowing the bullet to do its job, if placed properly. If a round lacks penetration, the desired effect (stopping the threat) might not be achieved, especially if the attacker is wearing heavy or thick clothing. By technical standards, you want a minimum of 12 inches and a maximum of 18 inches in calibrated ordnance gelatin (those big blocks of yellow gel firearms testers shoot into) penetration.

The author with a nice smallmouth caught in Minneapolis. (Raymundo Ruiz Jr./)

Editor’s Note: If there’s one thing that’s certain after these last few weeks, it’s that Americans need to come together. To do that, we first must listen to those of us who have been ignored for too long. At Outdoor Life, that means Black and other minority hunters and anglers who don’t often see themselves represented in the hunting and fishing community. We’re running a collection of essays to tell their stories and share their perspectives.

Other kids never talked about hunting and fishing when I was growing up. I was raised in the barrios of Chicago, where, by the time we were teenagers, many kids were joining gangs, getting into trouble, or dealing drugs. Many of my peers ended up in jail. But I was fortunate to have two amazing, loving parents who sacrificed a lot to give me opportunities that they never had, like a good education. They also made sure that I got to experience the good things they did have when they were growing up in Mexico—like hunting and fishing.

One of my earliest memories is my father taking us to the Kankakee River, where I began developing my angling skills, and more importantly, where I discovered my passion for fishing. My father, an immigrant from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, came from a small mountain town called Poncitlán. As a youngster, he would fish and hunt for rabbits, squirrels, deer, and birds. He did this to feed his brothers and sisters, and over time, he became an expert outdoorsman. From him, I learned the skills to get started. Then, as all kids do, I developed them into my own style and techniques.

Those memories of fishing with him still burn bright. I was 5 when I caught my first 3-pound bass. I caught it with my Zebco 404 on a 1/8-ounce purple June bug beetle spin. That fish changed my life. I became obsessed with fishing. I marveled at the idea that I could fool a fish into taking my lure. I asked myself, “How the hell did I catch this fish using this fake, artificial bait?” (It’s a question that I still ask myself today.)

That obsession with fishing motivated me to ride my bike back-and-forth through dangerous, gang-infested neighborhoods of Chicago all the way to Lincoln Park Zoo Lagoon for the chance to catch bass, crappie, and bluegills. When I think about it now, it seems stupid and dangerous. But as a kid, I wasn’t thinking about the danger. The only thing that mattered was hooking into another monster bass, and the feeling that came with it.

There is not one universal backcountry rifle and load for every hunter. (Tyler Freel /)

What is the ultimate backcountry rifle and cartridge? Our outlook on the world often tends to be in black and white, and this is especially true when it comes to rifles, cartridges, and other tools of the hunting trade that so many of us have a great passion for.

When searching for the ultimate rifle and cartridge for the backcountry, it would be foolish to suggest that any single selection universally trumps the rest. The “backcountry” itself can be many different places, and as diverse as the colorful folks who travel it, presenting a litany of different challenges and requirements. The answer to the question posed will vary depending on what backcountry we’re talking about, who is using the rifle, and what they’re using it for. Even among common cartridge offerings, any rifle can (in theory) be outdone in some way by another, more customized or more expensive version.

There are a few attributes that I think are non-negotiable in a backcountry rifle. Dependability is a clear necessity, but also corrosion resistance. Part of the nature of “the backcountry” is that you are away from help, and need to be able to depend on your tools. Simplicity, although difficult to measure, is another requirement. Rest assured that Murphy and his Law will follow you everywhere in the backcountry, and you typically want the most foolproof option you can get. You also want a cartridge with flexibility and shootability, but with a little bit more punch than is probably necessary for the intended job. Your rifle doesn’t necessarily need to print world-class groups, but it needs to be accurate.

Living in Alaska has its benefits, and one of those is that we have a surplus of land that is more remote than anything you’ll find in the lower 48 states, and a great diversity in that land and how we travel and hunt it. This presents several key differences in what the “best” choice for a backcountry rifle would be. It’s depends on the circumstances, and even then, there is plenty of wiggle room for opinion and personal style. I can’t tell you what the ultimate backcountry rifle and cartridge are, but I can help you decide what is the best fit for you.

If You Hunt the Mountains or Alpine

Keep the pests away. (Brooks Rice via Unsplash/)

Little takes the fun out of time in the woods than being covered in biting insects. Companies offer myriad ways to keep them away from shelters to candles. But not everything works. If you aren’t sure what does, we narrowed down four options suitable for just about any need.

For anyone not interested in DEET, give Picaridin a try. It’s effective for up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and eight hours against biting flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand fleas. It’s fragrance-free, and comes in sprays and lotions.

This spray will keep mosquitoes away for up to 10 hours and won’t sweat off, even in hot, humid conditions. It’s 25 percent DEET, so expect it to also repel gnats, biting flies, chiggers and fleas. The special formula feels dry when sprayed on and isn’t stiff or sticky. Sometimes, it’s best to go with what you know works.

Maybe you have an aversion to insect repellents. Maybe you have an allergy. Maybe you just don’t want to spray anything on your skin. Whatever it is, give this a try. Spray it on your clothes and it lasts up to six weeks. It’s as effective against ticks, chiggers, mites and mosquitoes as 100 percent DEET. Best of all, it’s odorless and won’t stain your clothes.

Sure, citrus candles smell nice, but they’re not always that effective against mosquitoes. Enter the Thermacell Radius. Simply push a button and wait for the small box to fill your area with airborne bug repellent that really works. It lasts 40 hours and has a rechargeable battery. Expect no mess, no scent and no DEET.

Snuggle up. (Yann Allegre via Unsplash/)

If you’re the kind of person who likes zipping your mummy bag over your face, saying goodnight, and burrowing down deep, these aren’t probably the bags for you. But if you’ve ever tried zipping your sleeping bag to your partner’s, or using one as a bottom sheet and the other as a blanket, these are better options. Never underestimate a good night’s sleep with your adventure partner.

This bag will keep you and your loved one warm down to 20 degrees. It also has a zipperless design made to keep you comfortable and warm. And on that warm note: The self-sealing foot vent allows you to let some air in, then quickly close it back up. It comes with insulated hand and arm pockets to seal out drafts. For a double bag, this one has it all.

This bag is simple, but that’s part of its charm. It weighs less than 12 pounds and sleeps two people. The Tech Loft+ insulation will keep you warm. The two-layer construction helps. And the best part is you can unzip it and make it into separate bags if you end up on a trip without your boo.

Double bags don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. This one might not be rated to 15 or 20 degrees, but it will feel like a bed on cool nights in a tent, back of the truck, or even under the stars. Zipped together, the individual bags become a queen bed. It’s soft, warm, cozy, and will make you think you’re at home. And it comes with two travel pillows.

Where do we begin on why this Big Agnes double bag is a great option for any couple in the backcountry? Its flex pad sleeve attaches to your pad or pads like a fitted sheet. But there’s so much more. The fitted hoods give you the feeling of a mummy bag but the comfort of sleeping next to your partner. It has all the bells and whistles you’d want, with a roomie shoulder area and tapered foot.

Safety in the water. (diGital Sennin via Unsplash /)

For many water sports in the country, life vests are required, and for good reason. People die every year from coast to coast in accidents that would have ended differently with proper life preservers. But what is the best choice for you and your family? We narrowed down some options.

Don’t ever mess around with your child’s life. You know that as well as we do. This vest has a zipper and clips around the waste to keep it snug. A safety belt goes between your child’s legs to ensure it won’t slip up over his or her head. It’s U.S. Coast Guard approved, and rated for children between 30 and 50 pounds. The ergonomic design eases movement so your little one will be more likely to play in the water and forget it’s even on.

Not all life vests are made equally, and this one is particularly designed for paddle sports. A mesh below the back means you can fit in the vest and in a kayak or canoe seat. Shoulder adjustments come with neoprene comfort pads. Expandable zippered pockets also come with mesh drainage. Do the sports you love, but be safe while you’re out there.

This vest looks intense for good reason. It has four buckles clipped around the front allowing you to adjust to any body size and shape. The U.S. Coast Guard approved of the vest. It also has closed cell marine foam and a coated nylon outer shell. If you plan on going fast on a jet ski, boat, or skis, consider this vest your new best friend.

Depending on your activity, sometimes you can’t wear a bulky life jacket. We get that. In those cases, consider this inflatable one. It automatically inflates when immersed in water or if you pull on the handle to force it to inflate. It has a soft neoprene neckline and stretchable back insert. The Coast Guard certifies it as a type V jacket.

Whitetail bucks are genetically engineered to bed within 200 yards of prime feed in late summer. (Michael Hanback/)

Praise the deer gods, it won’t be long now until you put the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic behind and head out for some much-needed rejuvenation time in a treestand. But don’t wait until the last minute to get ready. To tie your tag to a big whitetail, the advance work you do right now is as important, maybe more so, than the hunt tactics you’ll employ in a couple of months. Here’s your plan.

1. Chart a Course

On your kitchen table with the A/C cranking, check topographic and aerial maps, either old-school paper ones or on apps like OnX Hunt or HuntStand, of the lands you’ll hunt this fall. Study the contours of crop fields, pastures and woodland edges. Key on timber strips, draws, creeks, and similar funnels that connect potential feeding and bedding areas of deer.

Scan the maps and visualize the likely patterns of bucks. If you’ve hunted a property before, think back to how animals fed, traveled and bedded according to prevailing winds.

By reading and studying maps you can eliminate some 60 percent of marginal deer habitat before you ever leave the house. Then focus your scouting in the 40 percent where you’re most apt to get on a good buck.

Elite angler John Crews and his favorite Ned Rig. (BassMaster/)

Catching bass is the objective for any bass angler and finding new ways to achieve that is fun. The Ned Rig is one of the latest techniques to put bass in the boat but even many seasoned professional anglers are behind the curve. I know this because I am a B.A.S.S. Elite Series angler and know that many of my competitors are not using it. So, here is how you use a Ned Rig properly.

1. Use the Proper Tackle

The Ned Rig is used most proficiently with spinning tackle. Because of the way you fish it (more on that next), spinning gear allows for longer casts and better line management during the retrieve. I like a 7-foot to 7-foot, 3-inch, medium-action Cashion spinning rod. Anything shorter will leave you at a leverage disadvantage. A quality spinning reel in the 2500 or 3000 size range is best. I like the Daiwa Tatula LT 3000. Line is very important. Running a 10- to 15-pound braid main line to a 8- to 10-pound fluorocarbon leader is the way to go. I use 12-pound Sunline X-Plasma braid in lime green on the main line so I can see it more easily. My leader is usually 15 to 20 inches long and made of 8-pound Sunline Sniper. The longer leader helps the lighter bait cast further. Trying different rod and reel combos has landed me on this set up.

Read Next: 6 of the Best Ways to Rig a Senko

2. The Way You Fish It

If you think about all the components that go into building a trail camera—detection circuits, infrared emitters, the lens, view screen, and waterproof housing it comes in—you’re getting a pretty good deal for not a whole lot of money. A good trail cam that will last you the entire year usually costs about $130. That’s not bad. It’s standing up to rain, wind, snow, and anything else Mother Nature can throw at it. There aren’t many other pieces of gear that can do that.

The problems arise when trail cam companies aren’t completely honest with customers. A lot of trail cams can’t do what they actually say they can do, so we’re here to clear the air. Every year, the folks at Trailcampro.com host a shootout to compare models, and find out which new cameras have the best technology so hunters can see more clear images of deer.

Before you buy your next camera, don’t just snag an affordable one with the most megapixels (like so many of us do) from the bargain bin. If you do, you’ll likely end up with a subpar trail cam, and miss out on images of deer that would’ve made it onto your SD card—if only you’d spent a little more money. Instead, remember these rules when shopping for a new trail cam.

1. More Megapixels Don’t Mean Better Images

Many companies will tout that their camera is the best because of the number of megapixels it has. But the fact is, most trail cams have a “native resolution” of three to five megapixels, so when you set the camera for 24 megapixels, the only things you’re doing are 1) making that image file larger (not clearer), 2) taking up more room on your SD card, and 3) slowing the camera down because of the larger file size. You’re actually going to get a better image if you set the camera to its native resolution. Plus the camera will be able to take more images because you won’t need as much memory.

COVID-19 turned the International Consortium of Allied Sporting Trades (ICAST) into a virtual event this year, but the fishing industry’s premier trade show brought plenty of interesting new items. Here’s a look at some of the gear and gadgets that caught my eye.

1. American Tackle Tsuka Handle System

Recognizing that rod handles have largely lagged behind blanks in design advances, American Tackle utilizes an array of advanced elements to elevate this facet of rod design. This G2 3K carbon handle system includes the world’s first hand-crafted carbon blow-molded reel seat and a G2 custom matte black aluminum trim and end cap mounted on a fitted 3K carbon handle tube. With a split grip design, 3K carbon casting seat with extended trigger and aluminum reel seat link; the Tsuka’s lightweight design increases sensitivity transmission, durability and longevity. The Tsuka handle system can be used in new rod designs or to retrofit existing rods. ($145; americantackle.us)

2. Minn Kota Raptor

Expanding its boat control mission, Minn Kota debuted a hydraulic shallow water anchoring system designed to combat the impact of waves, current and tide, while adapting to various bottom composition. Essential to the goal of maintaining a firm anchor position in any scenario, Raptor’s Active Anchoring continuously monitors the conditions and makes the necessary adjustments. Also, Auto-Bottom Mode measures how hard or soft the bottom is (rock vs. mud) and varies the amount of anchoring force. With an extruded aluminum mounting bracket and a tightly stowing pump design, this 8- or 10-foot anchor applies twice the force for retraction, so it’s sure to exit whatever it enters. Operated via wireless remote or optional foot switch, the Raptor integrates into Minn Kota’s One-Boat Network.

A male sockeye salmon. (Bjorn Dihle/)

Editor’s note: Bjorn Dihle is a lifelong resident of Alaska, and an advocate for Alaska’s wild habitat and natural resources. You can find him on Instagram and Facebook.

Today, a host of conservation and news organizations received via the U.S. Postal Service the final Environmental Impact Statement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska. This paves the way for the federal permit the controversial mine needs in order to proceed, which will likely be issued within 30 days now that the final Environmental Impact Statement has been released. With the current political atmosphere, the Pebble Partnership is now in position to bulldoze through the final state and local permits required to start development in the wild country of the Alaska Peninsula, where a fully realized mining district would likely spell the death of Bristol Bay and its incredible sockeye salmon runs, the largest on the planet.

Many Alaskans, myself included, have strong ties to the area and its incredible natural resources. In a recent poll, 62% of Alaskans said they’re opposed to Pebble. Former governor Jay Hammond and former senator Ted Stevens (both Republicans and likely the most influential Alaskan politicians in recent history) strongly opposed the mine. Many believe you can either have salmon or you can have the Pebble Mine, but you can’t have both.

And many Alaskan outdoorsmen and women have good memories from hunting and fishing the area. My dad had taken me and my two brothers on a caribou hunt there when we were teenagers. I remembered a blond grizzly rising from the brush and glowering as a herd of caribou flooded across the hilly tundra north of Lake Iliamna. My younger brother and I knelt, watching two big bear cubs appear. We’d just about gotten within rifle range of a group of massive white-maned bulls but, now, with the bears nearby, we weren’t eager to push our luck. We backtracked to our dad without firing a shot. A few hours later, we lay on the tundra as hundreds of caribou filed by us only 40 yards away. Twenty years have passed since that once-in-a-lifetime hunt, but the memories of thousands of caribou moving across the tundra and red salmon filling the waterways of that big wild country remain crisp to this day.

I hadn’t heard of Pebble Mine back then, nor did I realize that we were hunting atop the proposed mine’s deposit of gold, copper, and molybdenum. A few years after that hunt, geologists announced the deposit to be the world’s largest untapped resource of gold and copper, and estimated its worth at $500 billion. The idea of a mine in that location was met with staunch opposition in Alaska. And for good reason—the region has the world’s largest run of sockeye salmon, which is vital for the area’s mostly Native population and the $1.5 billion commercial fishery that supports 14,500 jobs and an array of other industries, including guiding sport anglers, hunters, and bear watchers.

A male sockeye salmon. (Bjorn Dihle/)

Editor’s note: Bjorn Dihle is a lifelong resident of Alaska, and an advocate for Alaska’s wild habitat and natural resources. You can find him on Instagram and Facebook.

Today, a host of conservation and news organizations received via the U.S. Postal Service the final Environmental Impact Statement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska. This paves the way for the federal permit the controversial mine needs in order to proceed, which will likely be issued within 30 days now that the final Environmental Impact Statement has been released. With the current political atmosphere, the Pebble Partnership is now in position to bulldoze through the final state and local permits required to start development in the wild country of the Alaska Peninsula, where a fully realized mining district would likely spell the death of Bristol Bay and its incredible sockeye salmon runs, the largest on the planet.

Many Alaskans, myself included, have strong ties to the area and its incredible natural resources. In a recent poll, 62% of Alaskans said they’re opposed to Pebble. Former governor Jay Hammond and former senator Ted Stevens (both Republicans and likely the most influential Alaskan politicians in recent history) strongly opposed the mine. Many believe you can either have salmon or you can have the Pebble Mine, but you can’t have both.

And many Alaskan outdoorsmen and women have good memories from hunting and fishing the area. My dad had taken me and my two brothers on a caribou hunt there when we were teenagers. I remembered a blond grizzly rising from the brush and glowering as a herd of caribou flooded across the hilly tundra north of Lake Iliamna. My younger brother and I knelt, watching two big bear cubs appear. We’d just about gotten within rifle range of a group of massive white-maned bulls but, now, with the bears nearby, we weren’t eager to push our luck. We backtracked to our dad without firing a shot. A few hours later, we lay on the tundra as hundreds of caribou filed by us only 40 yards away. Twenty years have passed since that once-in-a-lifetime hunt, but the memories of thousands of caribou moving across the tundra and red salmon filling the waterways of that big wild country remain crisp to this day.

I hadn’t heard of Pebble Mine back then, nor did I realize that we were hunting atop the proposed mine’s deposit of gold, copper, and molybdenum. A few years after that hunt, geologists announced the deposit to be the world’s largest untapped resource of gold and copper, and estimated its worth at $500 billion. The idea of a mine in that location was met with staunch opposition in Alaska. And for good reason—the region has the world’s largest run of sockeye salmon, which is vital for the area’s mostly Native population and the $1.5 billion commercial fishery that supports 14,500 jobs and an array of other industries, including guiding sport anglers, hunters, and bear watchers.

The author with a limit of Canada geese from his first hunt in Manitoba. (Joe Genzel/)

The first guided waterfowl hunt I ever went on was almost my last. At the time, I was a rookie outdoor writer and had never hunted more than 30 minutes from home. Now, I was thousands of miles away from Illinois, chasing puddle ducks and geese on the Canadian prairie. Our guide was an ostentatious American. At best he was a blow hard. In reality, he was a poacher. Several years after I hunted with him, he plead guilty to multiple migratory bird law violations, including burying untagged birds and shooting at ducks from inside his vehicle in order to scare them up for a hunting party. He paid more than $20,000 in fines and lost his outfitting license.

This year, many American waterfowl hunters likely won’t be able to make it to the Canadian prairie this fall due to the U.S.-Canada border shutdown. Outfitters will be operating in new locations here in the States to try and recoup some of the money they would have made up north. And it’s clear that folks are eager to hunt the Prairie Pothole Region even if they can’t get into Canada. South Dakota saw an increase of more than 1,500 non-resident applications from 2019 to this year (which is considerable), according to Jona Ohm, the strategic communications director for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.

With more waterfowlers looking to book hunts in the Lower 48, it could be a very lucrative season for guides in the U.S. But that could also open the door to fly-by-night operations interested in lining their pockets, but not staying legal. You’ll need to be on the lookout for guides who aren’t playing by the rules this fall.

When I hunted with an outfitter for the first time, I was green, and couldn’t identify the bad habits of an illegitimate guide. Now that I am a more experienced and a bit more well-traveled, I recognize that there were multiple signs that he was breaking the law. If you’re going to hunt with an outfitter this year, particularly a new one you don’t have a relationship with, follow these tips so you know what to watch out for.

1. Review the Camp

There’s nothing wrong with focusing on new rifle cartridges, but we shouldn’t forget the old standbys, like the .30/06. (Howard Communications/)

Read any given article about a new cartridge or bullet and it’s clear that there’s an unquenchable thirst for the new and improved. Some would argue there’s also a lack of appreciation for what already works. At least that’s how it comes across to many readers. While many shooters love chasing the next best thing, there seems to be a whole other segment of readers who are dissatisfied with the lack of attention paid to their favorite old cartridges. What’s going on?

If you’re reading this, you have no doubt seen—and maybe even participated in—the comment threads below many ammunition-specific articles. There is a spectrum of opinions and feedback, but almost inevitably, you will see comments suggesting that gun writers today have abandoned the tried and true cartridges in pursuit of the new and flashy. If I were to write a story on my experience shooting the 6.5 Creedmoor, there will be at least one or two responses on how it’s not any more effective than the 6.5x55 or .260 Remington. And there will probably be a couple disgruntled comments from .308 die-hards. If I write a story about a new .308 factory load, you’ll see comments bemoaning the fact that I’ve ignored cartridges like the .280 Rem., .270 Win., and others.

The old saying, “you can’t make everybody happy” has never been more true, but rather than just write off these folks as old-school grumps, I think a little perspective could do everyone some good.

Ammo Loyalty

We each develop our own tastes and preferences for the tools we use. When it comes to falling in love with our favorite cartridges and their applications, there are many contributing factors. For some of us, it’s sentimental, with specific memories, people, and experiences tied to what is stamped into the back of that case. For others, it’s specific experiences of performance that cement a cartridge in our psyche. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to take offense (apparently) when our sweetheart of a powder burner doesn’t get the attention that we feel it deserves.

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The term “space age” doesn’t pack the descriptive punch that it once did. After all, it dates to 1957, when the Ruskies launched Sputnik, a 22-inch metal sphere, into orbit, scaring the bobby socks off the rest of the world. However, there’s no better label for the new material that’s been developed by Polar Rifle Barrels for Ultimate Arms and other gunmakers. It is a magnesium alloy that has been used on space shuttle rocket boosters, so it is not only super light, but it dissipates heat like nobody’s business. During the forging process, the barrels are cryogenically treated (hence, “polar”) to reduce friction, which minimizes heat buildup, improves barrel life, and should help with accuracy. I had a chance to try out a couple of the first firearms made with this metal, called ZK Magna, earlier this summer.

An Off-hand .50

One was Ultimate Arm’s new magazine-fed .50 BMG sniper rifle, the Warmonger LR25-Magna. A rifle configured like the Warmonger will typically hit the scales at 30 to 35 pounds. A 31-inch steel barrel or a .50 BMG normally weighs 15 pounds or more. Forged from ZK Magna, the Warmonger’s barrel is just 4½ pounds.

All in, with a scope and bipod, the rifle is a little more than 14 pounds, meaning it can be fired from the shoulder without difficulty, something no other .50 can boast. That discounts the difficulty that goes with shooting a cartridge that generates about 13,000 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, more than three times that of a .300 Win. Mag.

Make sure you're seen. (Robson Hatsukami Morgan via Unsplash/)

We’ve all been driving at night and noticed someone running or riding a bike on the side of the road with no lights or reflective gear and had to swerve a bit. It’s scary and dangerous. Don’t be that person. Reflective gear is easy-to-bring and lightweight, plus it may well save your life. Below, a few of the most common items you may need.

During the day this may hardly qualify as a vest, but at night, in headlights, it will light you up super bright. The vest has reflective tape for oncoming cars and also has front and back LED strobe lights. The ultra-bright lights have a long battery life and will alert even sleepy drivers. It’s also lightweight and easy to wear.

If you’re worried a motorist won’t see you at night, you should be even more nervous about your dog. But this vest will fix any worries of Fido blending into the night sky. It can change between eight solid colors and six multicolor flashing and slow fading color modes. The harness offers 360 degree illumination, reflectivity and fluorescence and can be visible up to half a mile away. The recharging battery offers up to 12 hours of illumination.

If a vest isn’t for you, we understand. Consider these glow in the dark armbands. The basic model is perfect for any minimalist working out at night. Strap them to your arms and alert any passing motorist as your arms move. The batteries last between 50 and 70 hours and come in a variety of colors.

It may not seem intuitive, but reflective rope is really handy in camp. Use this to anchor your tent to a tree, and then be able to see it at night. Tie down gear on your truck and be able to find it in any condition. This cord is lightweight and tough; you won’t regret adding it to the gear in your truck, camper or car.