A Pennsylvania native, I hunted cottontail rabbits with my late dad's beagles. Several over the many years were pretty birdy, often finding and flushing woodcock, ruffed grouse and yes, planted pheasants. Captured in memory: a rooster towering out of swamp tangle, the protesting alarm cackle of this cockbird, long tail...
My English setter Radar had a grin on his face, but I wasn't smiling. He'd just had a little visit with a skunk. Now what? Well I rounded the rascal up, growled my drawn-out human, " Nooooooooo ," snapped his leash to that stinky orange collar he now wore, and...
Midnight trips outside. Barking at daybreak. Puppy accidents and chewed-up prized possessions. And then, yes, slowly, they grow up – and even then, you grin and bear it sometimes. I love it. You dog folks know the deal. You either are, or you aren’t, a dog person. Would you rather...
Federal Premium has added new shot sizes to its popular Hi-Bird line of upland shotshells. The loads combine speed, hard-hitting pellets and a specialized wad to fold the highest doves, crows and pigeons, as well as pheasants and the most challenging upland birds. This includes various new 12-gauge loadings of...
Conservation programs are great for wildlife, hunters and landowners. The benefits they provide are immeasurable in terms of wildlife habitat recovery, protection and enhancement. While every program is different in terms of rules, objectives and level of payout (some pay the landowner and others just pay for habitat improvements), depending...
White clover just might be one of the best all-around legume food sources for deer. It’s highly nutritious, fairly hardy, and is often overlooked due to other clover variety options. Nonetheless, white clover has earned its spot in the world of food plots. This high-protein seed option requires less maintenance...
Bird hunters and gun-dog people like us target such better-known species as pheasants, ruffed grouse, woodcock and various quail, including the iconic "Gentleman Bob," the emblematic wingshooting bird of southern plantations. Wild bobwhite are making a comeback in some areas though, and the desert Southwest has those other cool quail,...
Food plots serve as a big part of what I do each season. They can be used to feed deer. They can be used to kill deer. It all depends on location, orientation and design. But one thing remains constant regardless of the purpose of the plot: You need the...
Millions of people across the country love the outdoors. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, etc., the great outdoors is loved by many. And chances are a good portion of those people would love to work in the outdoor industry. I’ve worked as an outdoor writer, editor, photographer, video producer, worked...
I’ve been around hunting dogs most of my life. Nope, this doesn’t make me an expert. I’m still learning, like all of you dog owners. That’s the fun part. My dad ran beagles, which I took care of being the oldest boy, and a dog lover from the start. We...
Grain sorghum (similar to milo) isn’t a popular choice for most modern food plotters. It’s extremely underrated, though — especially if you want to attract multiple species of wildlife such as turkey, quail, dove, etc. It’s important to note there are two slightly different varieties — milo sorghum alum. Sorghum...
I was looking forward to my first turkey hunt with my two young boys. I’d envisioned a quiet, peaceful morning in the blind while we waited for the birds to show up. I’d already talked with them extensively, and had explained what a privilege going hunting is. I felt sure...
Between early September and late December, I'm on the road, most often in my pickup truck, hunting multiple states for fall turkey flocks. And ducks. And geese. And all those smaller upland birds. We get out plenty here at home as well. My English setter Luna, like my canine hunting...
One common complaint by those who hunt less or even quit is the lack of hunting access. Truth is, you might have to work for it these days. Stay humble, put in the effort and you might find new hunting ground where you can hunt small game (and other wild...
