Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Deer Are the Most Hunted Game in the U.S. White-tailed deer and mule deer top the list as the most commonly hunted big game animals across the United States—and for good reason: 1. Widespread Population White-tailed deer are found in nearly every U.S. state east of the Rockies, while mule deer dominate in the West. Their adaptability to forests, fa...

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Here are some focused casting tips to help improve your accuracy, distance, and consistency—whether you're using a spinning rod, baitcaster, or fly rod: 1. Use the Right Rod and Reel Match your rod and reel to the size of the lure or bait you're casting and the species you're targeting. A balanced setup casts smoother and reduces fatigue over long ...

Leaving no trace is a core principle of ethical hunting. It means minimizing your impact on the land so the environment—and the experience—remains healthy and intact for future hunters and wildlife alike. 1. Pack Out Everything You Pack In Bring a small trash bag and take all your garbage with you, including food wrappers, shotgun shells, spent cas...

Use Light Tackle for Trout Fishing Using light tackle is one of the most effective ways to catch trout, especially in clear water or pressured areas. Here's why it matters—and how to do it right: Why Light Tackle Works Stealth: Thin lines and smaller hooks are less visible to trout, which are often cautious and line-shy. Sensitivity: Light tackle h...

Photo Courtesy of Eastsmans’ Publishing Mycoplasma ovipneumonia was recently found in Bighorn sheep in Montana’s Missouri River Breaks. This is the first time pneumonia has been detected in area 622 of Montana which led to a sizable winter dieoff and the closure for hunting in the Hunt District. There are herds in Montana that have this type of pne

Collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from April 22 – May 27, 2025   The May 2025 Collared Gray Wolf Activity Map is now available, showing the wolves’ movements around the state this month. For a watershed to indicate wolf activity, at least one GPS point from at least one wolf collar was recorded within the boundaries of the watershed withi

These small details can make a big difference in the field. Here's why they matter—and how to stay prepared: Keep Your Knife Sharp A sharp knife makes field dressing, skinning, and quartering faster, safer, and more efficient. A dull blade requires more force and increases the risk of slipping or injury. Touch up your edge regularly with a pocket s...

Success in fly fishing often comes down to mindset as much as skill. Here's how patience and persistence play a key role: 1. Observation First, Casting Second Don't rush to cast—watch the water. Observe insect activity, fish movement, and surface disturbances. Waiting and learning for 10 minutes can be more valuable than blind casting for 30. 2. Ch...

1. Don't Rush—Watch First Observe the water before casting. Look for rises, insect activity, and holding spots. Make each cast count—quality over quantity. 2. Let the Rod Load A proper cast has rhythm: pause on the backcast to let the line fully straighten. If you cast forward too soon, the line collapses. Too late, and you lose power. Think "10 an...

Zachary, an assistant editor, booked an African safari for the summer of 2025 and roamed the halls of the Archery Trade Association Show last January looking for the perfect bow. Price was a concern, yet sacrificing quality is a huge mistake, especially on an African safari. After considering and shooting various brands, he chose the Bear Alaskan X

This review features Browning’s X-Bolt 2 Speed rifles with the fluted or carbon barrel options. Hunter Brandon Mason breaks down all the features of each model at the rifle range and in the field. Both models feature the Vari-Tech composite stock finished with Browning OVIX camo. This stock allows for a personalized fit for any shooter with easy to

EAST ALTON, IL (May 29, 2025) —The 7th Annual NILO Open sporting clays competition will take place on June 6 and 7, 2025 at NILO, the iconic Winchester hunting and shooting sports facility in Brighton, Illinois. Considered one of the premier sporting clays events in the Midwest, the NILO Open plays host to hundreds of clay target shooters of all sk

1. Live Baits These are natural and typically more appealing to fish due to scent and movement. Worms (Nightcrawlers, Red Wigglers): Versatile and widely used for freshwater fishing. Minnows: Excellent for targeting larger predator fish like bass, pike, and walleye. Leeches: Popular in freshwater, especially for walleye. Crickets/Grasshoppers: Effe...