Florida

Jelly Roll said, “Toby inspired me to be a better American, a better human, a better songwriter and he inspired me to be a better father.” Faith and family first, Toby Keith then he put love for his country and the men and women who serve or have served. Toby’s daughter, Krystal ...

By Larry Whiteley The opening line of one of my favorite songs says, “God bless America, land that I love.” Another line is, “From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam, God bless America, my home sweet home.” I love America’s great outdoors. I grew up in Missouri ...

Develop a plan to get yourself and the kids outdoors more often. There are 958 million texts sent per hour: That’s 8.4 trillion a year! Cyberbullying, stalking, and the spread of misinformation: all from uncontrolled social media.  The mental health of kids and adults is suffering because of all the time spent on ...

Overpopulation of wild feral hogs in many southern states NEED hunter help. Choose hunting lodges carefully. Many provide full-service facilities, including meals, guides, and butcher services, at reasonable costs. Thermal night vision rifle scopes are allowed for night hog hunting in Alabama – and they work. By Forrest Fisher This summer, I enjoyed the ...

Summer Crappies are hungry, big, fight hard, and are tasty on the dinner table. The key to finding summer crappie is using a hi-tech sonar process. Minnows or jig tail baits work; there are secrets to working them for a strike. By Forrest Fisher Get the fishing rods ready! Join us as we embark ...

Pic 1 of 1: Comparison of Deer Tick life stages over a dime: (L to R) larvae, nymph, adult male, adult female. Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County Health Department Deer tick bites are painless. You must look to see if you have a tick embedded in you. Deer ticks carry Lyme ...

Should the government mandate American banks to share private transaction surveillance? Where do we draw the line on privacy protection? See the interview below. Dr. Ben Carson says, “Banking should be concerned with banking, not with politics.” By David Gray Earlier this year, I watched news reports about our government requesting banks share transactions ...

CMP: Civilian Marksmanship Program – their Mission: Promote marksmanship through firearms training, competitions and youth programs.   CMP awarded 142 scholarships, over $300,000 in value, to Marksmanship athletes for 2024-2025. The CMP 2024 Talladega D-DAY Events are set for June 6-9, 2024. By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer Mark your calendars as the Civilian ...

This recipe produces a moist and tender breast that’s absolutely scrumptious. By Karen Lutto With spring turkey hunting season kicking into high gear all around the country, successful gobbler getters looking for a delicious new way to prepare their turkey breast should try this Stuffed Smoked Turkey Breast recipe from Hi Mountain ...

Have you tried making your own wild turkey pastrami? It’s easy and delicious. You just need a smoker or pellet grill and the simple Hi Mountain Seasonings noted below. By Karen Lutto Ingredients: 2 to 3 lbs wild turkey breast Hi Mountain Seasonings Game Bird & Poultry Brine Mix 2 tbsp Hi Mountain Seasonings Garlic Pepper Rub 1 tbs ground ...

HOW and WHERE to find shark teeth on the beach – 5 Methods / 6 Hotspots Shark Teeth found on the beach are fossilized – 10,000 to 15 million years old! Back to the Future – It’s fun on the beaches at Manatee Key in Southwest Florida By Forrest Fisher There are shark ...

See and learn where milk comes from, cow to bottle – then taste the real deal. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the farm kitchen and store. Kids can play in the 5-acre picnic area and dig for shark teeth there. Sunny days in Florida offer a chance for new wild adventures, especially now ...

Budz has shot more than 500 wild turkeys and completed more than 120 grand slams of all four subspecies (Eastern, Merriam’s, Rio Grande, and Osceola). Budz travels light because he covers a lot of ground. He always has two mouth calls in his mouth, When Budz needs to reach out a long ...

As the sun reflects on the water, his wrinkled, arthritic hands struggle to tie on a crappie jig. He smiles and thanks God for his last day on the water. On Memorial Day, take time to thank God for those veterans who gave their lives so you can have the freedoms you ...

There is so much more to old, wrinkled hands than stories can share. Guiding, caring hands of inspiration and love are all around us if we look. “Take it one day at a time and put it in God’s hands.” By Larry Whiteley I recently read a story titled Grandpa’s Hands. It reminded me ...

We sincerely hope that you and your families are well and that you have enjoyed this unusual Easter weekend more than expected. Yesterday, here in Western New York, it was a gorgeous spring day. As you can see, the daffodils at the end of the vineyard rows are celebrating. We appreciate, ...

A total solar eclipse will be passing through about one-third of NYS. The darkness will begin on Monday, April 8, starting just after 3 p.m. Remember to protect your eyes with specialized solar viewing glasses! On Monday, April 8, starting just after 3 p.m., a total solar eclipse will be passing through about ...

An MLF boating accident occurred during the competition, but no serious injuries were reported. Upon investigation, MLF determined both boaters intentionally violated a no-wake zone. A collision between the boats resulted. Both boaters were disqualified. By The Fishing Wire WHAT: A boating accident occurred Tuesday, March 19, during Day 1 of competition at the Major League ...

Looking back, Georgia’s statewide turkey reproduction averaged 1.5 poults per hen. Poults/hen was on par with the average over the past 10 years but lower than the 10-year record high. Get your license at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com,  at a retail license vendor or by phone at 1-800-366-2661. By Georgia DNR The statewide Georgia turkey hunting season ...

Here is a long-lasting, cost-effective, highly robust soft plastic bait to endure the razor-sharp teeth of saltwater fish. Save money, increase effective fishing time, and enjoy more moments reeling in fish. Imagine catching 54 toothy saltwater fish on ONE plastic tail bait! I did this myself. It’s true. By Forrest Fisher Saltwater fish are ...

Prepare early for the next chilly season. Hard to find comfy-warm pants that are silent too and provide safe storage zipper pockets in 8 places. These pants have a waistband that keeps them there. By Forrest Fisher When you’re hunting or fishing where frigid air temps can be expected, you need your gear ready ...

DID YOU KNOW?  Sportsmen contribute nearly $9.4 million every day, adding more than $3.4 billion every year for conservation.  Hunters and target shooters have paid $11 billion in excise taxes since the inception of the Pittman-Robertson Act in 1937.  Hunting in America is big business, generating 680,000 jobs in the United States.  For more than 80 years, sportsmen have paid more than $20 billion for ...

All-new Archery Pavilion Education Sessions  Dedication to Firearm Safety Off-Site SHOT Week Highlights By Forrest Fisher Held in Las Vegas, the 46th Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade ShowSM (SHOT Show®), owned and operated by NSSF® — The Firearm Industry Trade Association — concludes with resounding success, setting new benchmarks for industry innovation, collaboration and engagement. NSSF works to ...

  Catching fish is a lot about knowing how….there’s one source to check in the future if you are heading to Florida: Darcizzle Offshore TV. Keeping and eating your catch requires training and a sharp knife: Check out the Darcizzle fillet knife from Smith Products in Arkansas. Keeping the blade sharp is no ...

Fishing Islands and Embayments in Southwest Florida Speckled Trout, Snook and Snapper…Catching Fish Topwater Plugs, Paddletail jigs and Lightweight Fishing Rods By Forrest Fisher The morning radar was threatening possible rainstorms when my phone beeped. It was my friend Marty Poli, a retired master tradesman from New Jersey. “Hey Forrest, it’s a go! ...

3-Tool Package: Scissors, Needle-nose Pliers/Crimpers, Hook Remover  Cut wire, mono, braid easily…and will cut off hook shanks when required High-Quality – priced under $45 Today’s fishermen are gearheads, no doubt about it. There are a myriad of specific rods, reels, lures, terminal tackle, and accessories to help them be successful in freshwater and ...

With a profound passion, Jake loved to hunt for deer, turkey, waterfowl. Does a deep passion for hunting and familiarity with firearms contribute to a lack of discipline for firearm safety? Keep safety rules in mind….always. Shooting a firearm MUST INCLUDE THE COURAGE  TO CORRECT A FRIEND for any lack of gun ...

Not many folks think about snake boots for hunting with sweat and scent control, but if you hunt or live in areas where the heat index soars to above 110 degrees, you really do need to consider this primary element for a successful hunting experience. On this note, I found the ...

Lure organization for crankbaits and spoons – tangle free lure access means less wasted fishing time Wet protection, rubber seal barrier in the cover Transportation vibration isolation, keeps shiny lures shining Partition by color, size, lure type – store up to 90 spoons or 50 crankbaits, or any combination By Forrest Fisher Ever ask yourself, ...

Family Campfires set new pace for outdoor fun as RV Sales Skyrocket during Pandemic By Bob Holzhei Sales of recreational vehicles (RV’s) have skyrocketed during the pandemic, as people discover a safe way to embrace nature! Enjoying the outdoors while camping is a safe way to travel while social distancing during ...

Weighing 120-130 pounds, the rare fish fought for 40-minutes, was landed, then was carefully unhooked, and safely released alive and well. Gear: Penn Battle II – 5000 series spinning reel, 8-ft Penn Battle II surf fishing rod, 20-lb Silver Thread mono, 40-lb test shock leader, and a Dusty Hayes Pomp Rig ...

In Gadsden, Alabama — Wes Logan said memories came flooding back to him throughout the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Neely Henry Lake.  That’s bound to happen when you’ve fished a place since you were 5 years old. Logan now has countless new reasons to think fondly of his home water after claiming the tournament title ...

The tide flow is key for picking WHEN to fish. The place WHERE to fish can change from day-to-day. Newly formed sandbars and emerging weed flats hold both – baitfish and predators. Fish often hold to the current boundaries- FIND them, find the feeding fish By Forrest Fisher There is nothing so fun ...

Ducks Unlimited and the University of Florida work together for conservation at the DeLuca Preserve Land donated to the University of Florida by Elisabeth Deluca Thanks to the tremendous generosity of Elisabeth DeLuca, more than 27,000 acres of iconic Florida prairie and wetlands habitat have been permanently protected through a unique partnership ...

Fish: Red Grouper, Lane Snapper, Vermillion Snapper….30+ miles out Rig: 200# test braid, 80# fluoro leader, 10-oz slip-sinker, 9/0 Gamakatsu Circle Hook Bait: live shrimp, live sand perch, frozen squid, frozen ballyhoo By Forrest Fisher The hi-energy growl of the 400 Hp Mercury Verado coming out of the hole is a beautiful sound. As ...

Total economic impact for the USA firearm and ammunition industry increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $63.5 billion in 2019. Some 342,330 full time jobs are supported by the firearm industry, averaging $56,400 each, in wages and benefits in our economy. Over 100 hundred million law-abiding Americans rely upon the firearms ...

Warm winters, High summer nutrition, Fewer hunters = TOO MANY DEER Do we need DNR to consider additional expanded seasons? Farmers need help, Home Owners have property damage and deer disease concerns (Lyme, CWD, etc.) By Bob Holzhei Within a one-mile radius of our farm in Clinton County, MI, I counted over 40 deer. ...

The conjunction of natural creeks and man-made canals in the Fort Myers saltwater canal system are where big fish can hide. Circle Hooks allow for easy presentation of live forage bait and quick release of gamefish. After you hook a few trees, then catch a few fish, the positive state-of-mind begins to ...

Fishing sunrise to noon, we caught 8 species of saltwater fish, and well over 150 fish total, as a 3-man group. Captain Terry Heller, Fish-On Sportfishing Charters, was savvy, funny, and deadly serious about having fun – we laughed a lot out there! So good for our pandemic souls! We experimented with ...

Education, Biology, Legislation, Recruitment included in the new plan. Karlin Dawson named as Deer Outreach Specialist to Work with Missouri Conservation (MDC) Special focus on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Field-to-Fork Programs During July 2020, the National Deer Alliance and the Quality Deer Management Association joined forces to merge their two groups, combine ...

Demands that Congress ban the modern sporting rifle (MSR). Call to repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a law passed with wide bipartisan support. Reality of crime is that more murders are committed with knives, fists and clubs than all rifles combined. With a reminder note from the National ...

My favorite Turkey Call is the Box Call, it can make turkey music. The type of wood can make a huge difference, reasons why some turkey hunters carry more than one box call The 4-Play call is single box call that can make more notes, at more different pitches, than any ...

WAY TOO HEAVY to carry, but this safe assembles in pieces easy to ship and move 21 million NICS checks were conducted for the sale of a firearm in the past 12 months NSSF estimates that 8.4 million people purchased a firearm for the first time in 2020 By Forrest Fisher Anyone that owns ...

$30,000 in cash prizes on the line for best solutions Winter is annual maintenance time for many anglers. Re-spooling with new line is a must-do task. Ever thought about what happens once you dispose of the old line in a fishing line recycling tube? It’s not pretty. Turning fishing line into new ...

By Fern Fisher The perfect quick-to-make meal for Super Bowl Sunday, or any other day. Most everyone has these simple ingredients in their everyday pantry. Ingredients: 2 lbs ground venison 6 cups of diced (3/8 inch) white potatoes 2 cups diced sweet white onion 2 cups sliced celery 2 cups sliced carrots 2 TBS minced garlic 1 TBS ...

This new Browning shotgun has a number of features that elevate it above run-of-the-mill deer hunting shotguns. For 2021, the evolutionary new Maxus II sets its sights on whitetails with a Rifled Deer model. The Maxus II is a fast-handling autoloading shotgun designed for hunting deer with a fully rifled barrel ...

Gotta love the new durable camo coverage and protected metal-part finish on the new Winchester firearms in this modern world. The Winchester® Super X4 Hybrid Hunter Woodland features a classic Woodland camouflage paired with a Cerakote Flat Dark Earth finish on the receiver and barrel. The is combination is an functional eye-catching ...

64-year-old Polar Kraft Jon Boat looks and works even better now than it did in 1957! Memories are one key to future fishing fun, make them with your family Humble Pat Richardson has won 43 fishing tournaments, his story follows By David Gray One thing can be said about the sport of fishing, it ...

Be prepared for encounters, do your best not to disturb them Springtime is an active time for wildlife in Florida, with sea turtles beginning to nest on beaches, manatees leaving their warm-water winter refuges and gopher tortoises starting to stir outside their burrows. With warmer weather, a variety of species around the ...

Summer is here, frogs are breakfast food for big bass Not all frog lures are created equal, learn about differences below Heavy frogs, light frogs – when to use each of these By Forrest Fisher Did you know that bullfrogs never sleep? Some say that’s why big bass never sleep either! With summer water ...

Elk, Moose, Black Bear, Birds, Fish, Mountains – Great Views…Bring a Camera! Take note of National Park Entry Permit Requirements, VISIT www.RECREATION.GOV One memory here can last for All Time, especially when you stand on the Continental Divide, located here. East to the Atlantic, west to the Pacific. Wow. Black Bear in Rocky ...

Learning to shoot well, whisper in the stand, control our scent and be there at the right lucky time…made it all happen. Face camo adds to the youth hunting fun, making that first shot good sure makes it unforgettable. The crossbow allows a friendly introduction into accurate shooting potential at the very ...

Drop Shot Rigs with finesse soft plastics was the secret bait key Scented tubes, high-floating drop-shot baits and creature critters were most effective Tough weather dictated our fishing plan, the rigs we used, and boat-positioning tactics By David Gray Lenny Devos is a fisherman’s fisherman. He loves to fish. Fishing is his passion. Lenny loves to ...

By David Gray Doug Minor just embarked on his latest fishing adventure.  Although this is a business adventure, it is very much about fishing.  It took some talking to get Doug, who led Strike King lures through 37 years of innovation and growth, to consider coming out of retirement just weeks ...

The recreational Red Snapper Season will opened on June 11 for Gulf state and federal waters, and will remain open through July 25, closing on July 26. “I’m excited to announce the beginning of Florida’s recreational Red Snapper Season in state and federal Gulf waters beginning Thursday, June 11,” said Governor ...

Waterproof and fog-proof, tough aluminum eyecup tubes Lightweight and compact, custom-molded hard case Lifetime Warranty from German Precision Optics (GPO) GPO USA PASSION™ 8×42 ED Binocular Wins Best Birding Binocular Award – Best Binoculars Reviews (BBR) has awarded the GPO PASSION 8×42 ED binocular with its 2020 Best Birding Binocular. Now in its tenth ...

Want to have a more successful and safe shooting range trip? Make sure you’ve got the right gear By Blake Tabb   Do you want to have a more successful and safer shooting range trip? Make sure you’ve got the right gear! Preparation for range day begins with the right range bag and ends ...

NSSF®, the firearm industry trade association, praised the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, (H.R. 1957). This historic legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, is among the most meaningful legislative measures for sportsmen conservationists ever. The Senate’s approval is a major step forward toward delivering on the ...

You see the Buck, the Elk, the Moose…but your bow is somehow unreachable. Now, a proven solution. Reduce FROM a the game of CHANCE…TO a game of CHOICE.  Mount on your hip, on your treestand, on your backpack while hiking in. The Intuitive design makes bow retrieval fast and easy in any situation. One ...

Be careful, view animals from a distance and do not touch By Jason Houser In the next several weeks, wildlife throughout the country will be bearing young. This is an awesome time of year and is a chance to see newborn elk calves, deer, pronghorn fawns, as well as many others. At ...

A tasty deer camp “Cup of Energy.”  Recipe by “Kitchen Kate.” Makes 8 Servings, what you’ll need: Noodle/Cheese Ingredients: 2 cups shredded mozzarella ½ cup parmesan cheese 1 jar marinara sauce 1 box (12 oz) rigatoni pasta, cooked 1 tsp chopped basil One 12-ounce coffee mug for each serving Olive Oil Meatball Ingredients: 1 lb ground venison, 1 TBS garlic 1 TBS ...

Significant Gifts for that one Significant Other, Outdoors Mom’s are special Colorful 3-season and 4-season quilts, comfy outdoor footwear, bacteria-safe cutting board, a unique Wok w/ burner system By Jason Houser Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and significant others and children are not always the best at picking out gifts. Flowers die and ...

  The Good, the Bad, the Ugly…Identify the “right” (best) ammo brand for your firearm before hunting Federal Champion .22LR 40-Grain Ammo CCI Hollow-Point .22LR 40-Grain Ammo Winchester .22LR 40-Grain Ammo By Collin Voss I am not wise in this field, but I experienced this first hand and have enough facts that can end an ongoing debate ...

Sharing the Light of Fireflies…for Everyone affected by COVID-19 I created this video to help people during these challenging times and I feel sad knowing that many people are suffering right now. So I hope the fireflies can shine their light and bring us hope, love, and joy. Let’s help each other ...

Ideas to tap the Great Lakes water were essentially stopped in 2008, when the Great Lakes Compact was made law Instead of cities and states around the lakes worrying about keeping enough water along their lakefronts to float boats, they are now concerned about lakeside parking lots becoming marinas. Who is going ...

Snakes are common across the United States, the Georgia DNR can help us understand more about snakes, then venomous and non-venomous types.  By the Georgia DNR As spring hits full stride, Daniel Sollenberger from Georgia DNR will field more calls and emails about snakes. And most will involve two questions: What species ...

Trulock Chokes Can Improve Your Shooting By George Trulock The answer is obvious – every turkey hunter wants better performance in the field. But the solution to getting better performance may not be as obvious. Usually, hunters try, more or less at random, different shotshells to see if they can find something ...

From home, YOU CAN share in the beauty of Nature, all free. Explore in many new ways, MAKE YOUR OWN Nature Journal, it’s Fun Travel, Explore, Enjoy – here’s WHAT TO DO! By Dawn Montane Many Americans, at the time of this writing, are under a “shelter-in-place” or “leave only when necessary” order from ...

Do we have to go in Mom? Please, can I stay on the dock? A reference book on North American Fish made me an 8-year-old “whizz-kid.” That was fun! Fishing bonded me with my mom, dad and so many other family members, and their friends too, from a very young age. By Wade ...

A strutting turkey is mostly air and feathers, read to know more about where to shoot. Nothing is more exciting than to shoot a spring tom with archery gear. Make a good shot and recovery is quick. If you make a poor shot, it could be a long day. By Jason Houser Wild ...

This 12-gauge camo shotgun ships with 6 interchangeable choke tubes, including an extra-full version. Picatinny rail mount option for optic addition is included. QD swivels are attached at front and back Whether the shot is longer-range or considerably closer, the CZ Reaper Magnum over-and-under offers choke tube options to fill your turkey tag. ...

Avoid mistakes by watching, listening and adapting. Calls, gentle yelps, clucks, but don’t over-call if the birds are quiet. Read on to learn WHEN TO USE a decoy. The birds will always show you what they want. By Josh Lantz Most turkey hunters believe the opening days of the spring turkey-hunting season offer the ...

Firearms & Ammunition Sales BATTLE Sanitizers & Toilet Paper Sales Records show firearm accidents at their lowest level since record-keeping began in 1903. Despite increasing numbers of new firearm owners, the downward trend of accidental firearms accidents is welcome by everyone. By Mike Schoonveld Barrack Obama won many awards while he was president. I’m sure ...

Youth Spring Turkey Hunting Weekend is April 25-26 Regular NYS Turkey Season opens May 1 Hunters Should Always Follow Safety Tips to Prevent Injuries and Limit Spread of COVID-19 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that spring turkey season opens May 1 in all of Upstate ...

Big critter on the ground, 4-miles from the road, you know what that means: skin, section, quarter, debone…you need the right tools BEFORE DARK. At Hunt Camp back home, help all your buddies, field dress their big game prize QUICKLY, sharp cutting tools do the trick and make it easy These Outdoor ...

By Jason Houser Hunting mushrooms in the spring is an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. This falls into the same time frame as turkey hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities. Carrying a bag with you while in the woods and coming home with it full of edible ...

Marinas and tackle shops can now apply for available loans   See the useful list (link below) that allows a review of the COVID-19 mitigation rules by state. CARES Act includes forgivable loans to pay for up to eight weeks of payroll, including benefits. Just about every business in the recreational fishing industry has ...

By Forrest Fisher It helps. The beach, the sand, the lake, the trees, the birds, the fish, the deer, the sunset. These are wonderful diversions. As all folks are responsible when we need to be, corona-fear is legitimate. Visiting the beach with your close family can help. Controlled numbers of people, people you ...

No matter where you hunt, turkey season is short and bag limits are small. NOT filling a limit, there is a reward, your time afield is maximized, the hunt is extended. The important thing is being “out there,” a day or two away from work, the anticipation for another hunt. By Mike Schoonveld I ...

Gopher tortoises are threatened due to habitat loss, let’s all share the need to be aware Florida gopher tortoise awareness day is April 10th Find gopher tortoises on a walk to any Florida beach, and at many other places    By Forrest Fisher Gopher tortoises are charming creatures. They are also beachgoer stoppers. “Hey look over ...

Choose rod type, length, action See a custom rod-building catalog, simplify choices Order, sort the parts, prepare the parts, follow the instructions, get it done, and SEE BELOW By Bob Holzhei Building a custom fishing rod is much easier and more affordable than many fishermen think! I’m not a rod-builder, but I met a ...

By Jason Houser I do not know if it has ever happened to you or not, but I have been accused, more than once, of having an unorganized fishing boat. There was a time in my life that every time I headed to the water; I was unprepared for the day ahead. ...

This recipe works for any medium-thick fillet (1/2″ – 1″), including walleye, salmon, trout, even bass Simple ingredients, easy preparation, indescribable deliciousness Can also be prepared on the grill, simply use heavy-duty aluminum foil instead of the baking dish By Fern Fisher Ingredients: Pam spray or Olive Oil Hellman’s real mayonnaise 1 large salmon fillet (you can ...

There has been a drastic decline in raccoon harvest by America’s hunters and trappers. Lack of proper wildlife management can cause wild animal diseases and can hamper human safety. Call the proper authority to handle ANY Sick Wild Animal you may encounter to do your part in this modern world of conservation. By ...

Live bait, long semi-stiff rods, braided line, fluoro leaders and sharp 4/0 circle hooks Add a teaspoon of courage, hold your breath, cast under mangrove trees Fish with a friend as often as you can, it’s more than just fun! By Forrest Fisher Hey dad, “Can you cast your line right under those mangrove ...

Millions of New Hunters Are on the Way, say Hunting and Conservation Groups In 2020, more than 460 million acres of state-owned lands are available to hunters and federal agencies are making it easier to access federal lands Delta Waterfowl’s First Hunt Program has introduced more than 75,000 people to waterfowl ...

Illegal Exotic Snake Breeding Den Identified in Orange County, New York 157 Venomous Snakes removed 29 species in all This year on Feb. 20, a Newburgh, NY man pled guilty to misdemeanor commercialization charges and agreed to pay a $500 fine related to the possession of more than 150 venomous snakes seized from ...

The NRAA Roger Tobey Memorial Steelhead Contest is set for Feb. 22 in the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario tributaries. Sign up at Creek Road Bait and Tackle in Lewiston or the Lewiston Launch Ramp the morning of the event. It runs from sunrise to 2 p.m., with awards ...

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will extend catch-and-release measures for snook, red drum and spotted seatrout for an additional year via an Executive Order. All three species will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2021, in all waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier ...

Learn about different turkey call materials that offer different turkey sounds Soundboard, plating surface, striker – all offer options in tone choice Learning the sound variations and practicing tone undulations with your own call, it’s the MOST FUN and  will help you learn the turkey calling ropes By Jason Houser Turkey calls are at ...

Bipartisan legislation to keep the government open and invest in conservation to become law  By Randall Williams Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have passed a bill to safeguard hunting traditions, while paving the way for new investments in conservation.   Bipartisan legislation to fund the government through September 2020 cleared both chambers and included language allowing excise taxes on ...

Learn How to Develop Your Own Turkey Hunting Expertise Learn Where to Sit, What to Look For, How to Locate Turkey Learn about Calls to Use, Decoy Set-Up, Location By Jim Monteleone A friend of mine asked me a long time ago what my secret was to killing two turkeys in Virginia every year. ...

Sure-Shot Game Calls, proud to be “Presenting Sponsor” for Marsh Fest 2020 Cash prizes with state and world fame qualifier recognition for winners Contest and family event details for Marsh Fest 2020, visit www.marshfest.com. By Forrest Fisher When wanna-be world-class duck and goose callers gather March 6-8 at Winnie-Stowell Community Park in Winnie, TX ...

Read the Bird, Listen to his Gobble Understanding Gobble Talk and RESPONDING, or NOT Over-Yelping, Biggest Secret to a Wise Old Bird By Jim Monteleone You can read a bird by listening to his gobble and I want to explain the different types of gobbles that you might hear. A “volunteer gobble” is one ...

This is the first of four experimental seasons under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations In Alabama, 400 permits were issued with 3 bird tags/permit (1,200) Alabama permit numbers and management plans are expected to the same for 2021 By DAVID RAINER, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Another warm winter left Alabama’s ...

Learn the Language of Turkey Talk Clucking, Yelping, Cutting, Cackling and more Realism, Patience, Sounds and Tones By Jim Monteleone A lot of folks believe that the skill in calling turkeys is the most critical element of hunting.  Although it plays a significant part in filling a tag, I consider it about 33 percent ...

Caught (and RELEASED) by Thomas Hendel, angler in Lake Placid, FL Lake Placid is located in Central Florida, in Highlands County, it is a 3,400-acre lake on the south side of the town The TrophyCatch program is a Florida Angler Recognition Program from a partnership between the FWC, anglers, and fishing industry ...

Preventive maintenance allows repeatability in performance How to remove copper bullet build-up from the rifled barrel How to maintain the bolt…it’s important! By Wade Robertson Well, another deer season has come and gone. You will in all likelihood be putting the rifle in the cabinet for another year where it will sit primarily forgotten. ...

DO carry a small, sharp, pocketknife, DO NOT use a bone saw of any type DO make a good shot, DO field dress quickly, DO watch the temperature DO thaw frozen venison slowly for best taste By Jason Houser I hear people all the time say they do not like the taste of deer. ...

Niagara Falls USA Fishing Forecast for Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020 – Provided from Destination Niagara USA The fishing action in the Niagara River is finally turning back around again with the favorable weather conditions this week. Capt. Frank Campbell of Lewiston caught 4 trout in 2 hours of fishing on Tuesday, despite ...

Fish close to structure: bridges, piers, docks Sight feeders: use live or frozen bait – shrimp, clam strips, fiddler crabs Gear: Open-face reel, sturdy rod, braided line, fluorocarbon leader By Forrest Fisher When winter anglers from all across the United States travel to southwest Florida, they find sun, sand, warmth, and one fish species ...

Lampreys, lampreys everywhere…some are part of nature Native species vs invasive species are always a concern for understanding Lampreys live in the Great Lakes, isolated northern lakes, the Mississippi River, other places By Mike Schoonveld A couple of years ago I fished for sturgeon on the Rainy River in Minnesota, just upstream from where ...

The true safari experience requires experienced professional hunters and skilled camp/field staff Find hunting areas that provide a variety of game: Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Kudu, Antelope Safari hunts are life-altering experiences, they captivate all your senses. Special moments in life. By Forrest Fisher Whenever folks think about a safari, they have shared with me ...

Perfect for camp or those cold days afield By Tyler Frantz Ingredients: 1 smoked ham end w/bone-in 1 pound (bag) of dried northern beans 2 large potatoes diced 1 onion chopped 1 cup diced carrots 1 TBS minced garlic 3-4 hard-boiled eggs, yolks removed Black Pepper & Parsley seasoning to taste 2 cups ham broth or stock if available 1-2 TBS olive ...

We created a happy oriole colony around our home by providing grape jelly feeders Abandoned (used) oriole nests are never used again by the orioles The nests proved to be surprisingly easy to “harvest” By Mike Schoonveld How often have you watched a scene in an old western movie where a good guy is ...

Contributed by Mike Humphries The Hellcat from Springfield Armory® has proven its mettle in a grueling 10,000-round test, showing that the EDC innovator not only has the features to make it the best on the market but also the durability to outlast all the competition. With support from Federal Ammunition and Action ...

Linda Powell went to college hoping to study genetics and research After working in the medical field for 14 years, Powell realized in her mid-30s that she needed adventure She found it, then came the life-changing question: Do you want to try hunting? By Serena Juchnowski When you ask a child what he ...

Lake Istokpoga fish report, Jan-Mar 2020: According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) fishing has slowed, but fish can still be caught while fishing for black crappie (specks). Specks (crappie) will be turning on with the cooler water temperatures in these next few months. Drift ...

Burger, steaks, roasts, stew meat, and ribs are all fine and dandy, maybe you want more It’s easy to put breakfast sausage, summer sausage, jerky, and other novelties in the freezer What to do, where to buy supplies, how to process your game meat By Jason Houser As hunters, we don’t have to hunt ...

2020 Program Details Payouts and discounts available to collegiate bass anglers By Greg Duncan Collegiate bass anglers will have more opportunity to cash in on tournament success in 2020 thanks to the continued support of Ranger Cup University. The contingency program, designed by Ranger Boats exclusively for college anglers, is free of charge ...

When do you know when you need help? When people distance themselves from you, you know something is not right. It feels good to know yourself when you find help, define a solution and make a resolution.  By Bob Holzhei My love affair with the outdoor world began as I grew up on ...

Pontoon Boat crappie fishing offers spacious fun Grenada Lake crappie are the biggest I have ever seen Secret 20-foot long crappie rods are not imaginative, you should see the net! By Jason Houser Are you looking for a big crappie? Well, look no further than the lake dubbed, “the home of three-pound crappie.” It might ...

Spotted seatrout will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2020, in waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County. This includes all waters of Tampa Bay. Red drum and snook are also included in these red tide-related catch-and-release measures.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) ...

Saved by a Smartphone App Add $14 for Trailer Tow Care Sleep better at night By Mike Schoonveld Launching a boat from a trailer isn’t supposed to be an exciting task. Getting in the boat, heading out to the lake, catching some fish, now that’s fun and exciting. But just backing down the ramp ...

By Nicole Stone With the holiday season in full swing, there is no better way to save money (and time) on your shopping this season than browsing the online Holiday Sportsman Show. This show is completely digital and can be accessed on your time in the comfort of your home.  For ...

by Kristyn Brady In his third appearance before Congress this year, the TRCP’s president and CEO again pressed lawmakers to invest in surveillance and testing for the deer disease that has sent state wildlife agencies scrambling to respond In a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation ...

By Mike Schoonveld When the new braided lines were introduced and became popular with saltwater anglers, reel-makers adapted. They quickly developed new models specifically for the new skinny line. These braid-crankers were scaled down in overall size, fitted with relatively massive drag systems, and engineered with super-high gear ratios. Physical size, ...

6mm Creedmoor Elite Match OTM, 107gr Sierra MatchKing® bullet  Muzzle velocity: 2,950 fps; muzzle energy: 2,068 ft-lbs    Sig Sauer temperature-stable propellant provides consistent muzzle velocity in all weather conditions Early in November (2019), SIG SAUER, Inc. extended its line of Elite Match premium competition ammunition with the addition of 6mm Creedmoor. “6mm Creedmoor is ...

Opening day hunters were hampered with wind and rain in Maryland, but the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that 8,061 deer harvests were reported on the opening day of the 2019 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 30. This represents a 29% increase over last year’s Saturday opener. The overall weekend ...

By Karen Lutto Your delicious roasted turkey will be the centerpiece on the family table at Christmas dinner.  To ensure a beautifully tender, moist and flavorful turkey this holiday, here is one easy recipe using flavor from Hi Mountain Seasonings for a “Bourbon-Glazed Holiday Turkey”. This is a true treat for ...

By Jason and Lotti Houser This easy Venison Chili recipe is hearty and delicious, perfect for the cold months of hunting season, or any time you have ground venison in your freezer. I grew up on venison. If you lived in a family of hunters, you probably did too. When properly butchered, you end ...

The WORLDWIDE BAN-THE-DRINKING-STRAW movement started with a single turtle’s straw-clogged nostril video…WHAT ABOUT GOLF BALLS? By Mike Schoonveld I confess to being a recovering golfer. I think I’m fully recovered since my urges to hit the links are now exceedingly infrequent. I haven’t owned a set of clubs since I got ...

Wanted: Squirrel Tails By Jason Houser The Mepps brand of fishing lures is best known for natural hair-dressed spinners. Over the years, they have tried many types of hair, including synthetic and other natural materials, as well as the hair from Angus cowhides, bear, and fox, coyote, and badger fur. But they ...

Outdoor Holiday Gifts for Friends and Family One-stop shopping even when you are not sure what to buy Buy a $15 coupon to support Youth and Military Veterans, earn up to $5,000 in discounts By Forrest Fisher Most outdoor folks have little time for shopping, even for their loved ones and best friends of ...

Gulf of Mexico fishing for giant powerful saltwater fish, and Red Snapper too Cruise at 70 mph, listen to your favorite tunes, enjoy a cold beverage…unforgettable fun Fish, Swim, Winter Fun – 100 miles offshore, if you like CLICK picture for a video of an incredible fish trip to the Gulf of Mexico ...

Two Iconic Mepps Lures combine to become new deadly fish-catchin’ lure 15 fish-catchin’ colors in Comet Sizes #1-#4 Mepps Comet Combos come packaged with 3 unrigged Mister Twister Curly Tails By Nik Kolbeck The Mepps Comet Combo combines the legendary Mepps spinner with the original Mister Twister Curly Tail Grub. It’s perfect for hooking up with ...

Self-Install pre-fit barrels come in four popular calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7 mm Remington Magnum, 308 Winchester and 300 Winchester Magnum. The Helix 6 barrels for Savage are 100% manufactured in the USA Also fitted for easy installation of an aftermarket muzzle brake or suppressor Changing the barrel on a Savage 10/110-series rifle is quick, ...

Niagara Falls USA Fishing – Walleye, Brown Trout, Musky, Carp, Lake Trout, WOW Destination Niagara USA is a vacation destination for fall fishing One angler caught 4 Musky on the same trip! Story includes Fishing Forecast for week of Oct. 30, 2019 Will it be a trick or treat for area fishing this ...

Live Bison are typically transported to expand herds in other parts of the country – the auction is a 54-year-old tradition at Custer State Park Wild live Bison range in size from 400 to 1500 pounds, depending on sex and age The Bison auction program is exemplary in the world of Conservation By ...

Fishing in the fall for bass provides primal competition to meet with nature and the biggest fish Baits that trigger a strike are hard to find, but there is one key thing to know, read on Lure balance, hook point quality, color, rate of wobble and wiggle, all are key LIVETARGET David Walker ...

Bluefish is a popular saltwater game fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. In the United States, they are found from the Florida Coast to Massachusetts, and also in the Gulf of Mexico. Bluefish are caught in great quantities, and when cooked up fresh, they are delicious. ...

Learn HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, the program is free with membership Membership is as little as $35/yr, right now; half-price Life Memberships right now too By Forrest Fisher Perhaps the NRA should be called the Empower Yourself Association. I’m one of those folks that are careful when I travel, cautious when I ...

Visit Alaska – Make a Plan A love of landscape is not new in Alaska. In a place so beautiful, with the strong cultural values of Alaska Native peoples, reducing our impact on the environment is only natural. We know that sustainable travel – considering environmental, social, cultural, and business practices ...

Fun to catch fish through the ice in a new way: “FISH ON!” Ever use the ice as a live well? Learn why. Catch, Care, Release. Walking (running) on the ice to a raised Flag…an Adventure! By Jason Houser When you think of ice fishing for big trout, the last place you probably expect ...

“It is not what we have that will make us a great nation: it is the way in which we use it.” – Theodore Roosevelt By Jason Houser In my view, conservation can be broken down into three subcategories: Habitat, Wildlife, and Fish. Each plays a vital role in successful conservation practices. Within ...

New gear today talks to us in new ways that make finding fish and trying to catch them more fun You can connect your phone, your radio, your drone…to your sonar Installation is easy, it’s all pictorial…even I could do it By Mike Schoonveld As the people point to the sonar unit on my ...

ONLY Ingredients: Olive Oil Cavender’s Greek Seasoning HOT GRILL Presented by Forrest Fisher (photo credits: Jim Zumbo) When Jim is not shoveling snow off the deck or fighting off the Wyoming wolves and grizzlies that want to partake in his cooking, he is sharing recipes with outdoor friends on-line.  Here is one of those ...

The Parka and Bib are soft, quiet, flexible fleece shell fabric. The Parka has 10 pockets for storing gear and warming hands. By Forrest Fisher A month ago I met Nick Andrews from ScentLok at an outdoor meeting event and he explained the technology controlling human odor during the hunt. I’m from a ...

In a fun-to-fish program designed for young and old, the Florida Saltwater Fish Life List consists of 70 species of saltwater fish. To participate, an angler must abide by the general FWC Saltwater Angler Recognition Program rules (see “General Angling Rules”).  The fish pictures shown here include photo’s of Allison Stattner, ...

Over 600 turtles were returned to the wild Illegal commercialization of wildlife ranks 4th behind guns, drugs and human smuggling Illegal trade of turtles is having a global impact on many turtle species and our ecosystems. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has charged two suspects for poaching thousands of ...

New Midweight Whitetail System     Theissen V1 Whitetail Midweight System, perfect for all-season deer hunting  From cool autumn evenings to the season’s first frosty mornings, every deer hunter knows there’s a broad spectrum of weather conditions to conquer in order to find success. The Thiessens’ V1 Whitetail Midweight System is the perfect ...

Big Game Early Archery Season Started Oct. 1, ends Nov. 15, 2019 Crossbow Season Opens Nov. 2, runs through Nov. 15 Firearm Season (Shotgun, Handgun, Rifle, Crossbow, Bow) Opens Nov. 16, ends Dec. 8 Muzzleloader & Late Archery Season Opens Dec. 9, ends Dec. 17 By Forrest Fisher Chautauqua County is the land of big ...

Fishing rod guides bend and don’t break Hi-modulus sensitivity rod blanks from Scheel’s allowed for detecting the lightest of strikes “Smart Boat” technics from Humminbird for total position control to target hotspots  By Forrest Fisher Walleye fishing legend, Johnnie Candle, suggested that we look at mid-river shoals on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, ...

Red-winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, White-throated Sparrows among highest losses – why have they disappeared? We have lost enormous numbers of familiar birds  Suspected contributors: climate change, habitat loss, pressure from invasive species and pesticide use To make a difference: Make windows safer – prevent window strikes, landscape with native plants, keep cats indoors, ...

Mussels and other invasive species have had effects Asian Carp could alter much more than is discussed Flying Asian Carp have become “YouTube Stars” By Mike Schoonveld None of the 180-plus invasive species found in, or threatening the Great Lakes, have more name recognition among average citizens than the Asian carp. Though people have ...

The red snapper season for private recreational anglers and state for-hire operations in the Gulf of Mexico will be open on the following Saturdays and Sundays: Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. Private recreational anglers may harvest red snapper in Gulf state and federal waters. However, state for-hire ...

New Florida youth deer hunt weekend and muzzleloader season By Tony Young  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission established a new youth deer hunting weekend, which occurs during the muzzleloading gun season in each of the four hunting zones. FWC staff initiated the proposal to promote youth hunting and stakeholders were ...

200HP V6 Yamaha Outboard for 555 pounds Instant Acceleration to 57 mph By David Gray Karen Lutto and I had barely shaken hands with the Yamaha outboard motor team when they gave us the Yamaha Marine “Hot Sheet” for their V- MAX/SHO 200Hp X-Shaft. As I looked over the motor specs, Product Education ...

By Brent Frazee I’ll never forget the day when my worlds collided in an instant. Sept. 11, 2001. One moment, I was reveling in the peace and solitude of the outdoors, with not a care in the world. The next moment, I was jolted into the reality that no American ever thought possible ...

Used Humminbird 360, side imaging and mapping to break down fish-holding spots in lake Caught his bass on a 3/4-ounce Molix football jig w/green pumpkin Strike King Rage Craw trailer The win earns Jocumsen $100,000 cash It was relentless determination and commitment to his game plan that paid off big for Carl Jocumsen, ...

Unforgettable moments at the Black River near La Crosse, Wisconsin Light line, swim jig with Strike King Shad Bass Cat with Yamaha Vmax Engine By Forrest Fisher There is something special about fishing for bass, especially when you’ve tried before, but you let your kids fish so they have that first cast and last ...

Experts say the best deer hunting with a bow is from 15 to 30 feet up in a tree. Dangerous? Yes! Early to rise can mean “early to sleep” while in your tree stand. It’s common, it’s fun, it keeps you in the woods, but can be deadly if you are ...

From Navionics: We believe details are important, especially while on the water. Let’s dive in and see how the latest app release can make your boating experience easy and fun. Drop a marker with one tap. Have you ever needed to quickly add a marker on your location while boating or fishing? Well, now ...

National Geographic’s current issue is about that fragile connection between all things We all need nature to help us Celebrate by locating an NHF Day event near where you live, there are many. By Rick Clunn Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day, and I know that there is some special day to celebrate ...

Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Wisconsin offers comfort and Sounds of the Outdoors Autumn Musky, Walleye, Bronzebacks on the bite with upcoming Fall Colors By Bob Holzhei Catching a limit of walleye was expected, however, I wondered if it was the call of a loon that echoed in my mind and brought me ...

Simple, Accurate, Effective, Durable, Affordable Unique Precision Elevation System  Simplify 3D Archery, Simplify Competitive Shooting   Designed to bridge the gap between archery hunting and competition bow sights, the Viper Archery Products Sidewinder Series provides the fastest, easiest and most precise elevation adjustments of any single-pin sights on the market. The Sidewinder and ...

Big Bass and Small Bass….you know you need to jig “in the junk” We do that with Soft Plastics, Jig Heads and Buzz Baits to Score Where to find help with Colors, Sizes, and Choices that Work…see below  By Forrest Fisher If you’re like me, whenever I fish, the baits I use sort ...

Avast ‘ye Matey’s! ‘Thar’s Treasure and Fun to be Had Here! By Forrest Fisher If you happen along the Gravois Arm while boating Lake-of-the-Ozarks, you could find a wailing pirate in search of treasure, and you could be helping ‘em. Your kids might be part of the crew too! You would be setting sail ...

Why do we need a SMALL portable charger with BIG energy? By Tyler Mahoney As much as many of us would hate to admit, we all probably need a solution for a portable charger when we are out hunting and fishing. In between cell phones or GoPro’s, it seems there is always ...

President signs into law H.R. 1222, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act All Americans asked to promote a Culture of Safety and Responsibility Today, August 1, 2019 – on the first day of National Shooting Sports Month®, The White House issued a Presidential message to the nation on the importance ...

By Capt. Tom Marks I much prefer to write about fishing. Unfortunately, lately, all my time is being consumed by “fighting” to keep industrial wind developers from building wind projects in Lake Erie. In all my life, I could never have imagined being in such a dire place. “My lake,” Lake ...

Berkley® Lights the Night with Illuminated Glowstik Fishing Rods The new Berkley Glowstik rods boast a unique battery-powered technology that enables the rod to glow orange, so anglers can better see when fishing at night. The rods feature a fiberglass blank construction with an LED core, illuminating a lightweight fiber-optic cable ...

A big benefit of being in the fishing business is attending the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST. Held in Orlando each summer, ICAST gives a preview of all the new fishing equipment, tackle, marine and outdoor products that fishermen everywhere are going to see very ...

Enter to Win Daily on CarbonTV.Com – Now Until December 15, 2019 Kryptek Outdoor Group and CarbonTV have partnered on an epic sweepstakes where one lucky winner will win a 2019 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss named INVICTUS, fully customized and wrapped in Kryptek Typhon™ camo and valued at nearly $100,000. ...

Tak Logic Technology Gel has started to lock-up all those lost favorite lures in tackle boxes around the fishing world. Lure Lock continues to lead the tackle management industry with the introduction of its new 4-inch deep tackle box. The deeper 4-in-1 box offers a unique divider system, allowing anglers ...

The history and vista view of Niagara Falls itself is inspiring, but the thunder and vibration from the falls is simply awesome   Lake Erie offers walleye, perch, smallmouth bass and musky Lake Ontario offers King salmon, Atlantic salmon, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, and Steelhead Niagara River offers some of all those species ...

It’s chow time on the trail. You know the excitement!  It means rest and relaxation, conversation, good moments are just ahead. Yet, many times, you are just ready to get the fire going and something is missing. Forks, knives, spoons, can opener – you know how it goes. That’s life, ...

On July 12, 2019, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Desert Storm veteran and youth fishing mentor David Lowrie was surprised with a complete boat overhaul thanks to Minn Kota®, Humminbird® and the One-Boat Network™ Live overhaul at the American Sportfishing Association’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing ...

By Fern Fisher This is the easiest, fastest, most tasty and quick recipe for delicious venison burgers. Everyone that visits our humble abode says they love it, so I’m sharing it with you all. Please let me know what you think. Ingredients: 1 lb ground venison ½ lb lean ground beef 2 eggs (beaten) 1 cup ...

No O-rings, plastic retainers, rubber bands or other things to lose on these broadheads Same cost as other high-performance broadheads 100 and 125-grain sizes, with 2-inch and 2-1/4 inch cutting diameters, respectively By Forrest Fisher For decades, big game broadhead engineers have come up with quite a few evolutions for change to make a ...

Life is about sharing your passion, making new friends and finding that next…First Cast By Bob Holzhei No matter how old you are, there is always a next first cast. I slowly walked to the pond behind our rental home in Punta Gorda, FL to field test the custom fishing rod I asked ...

Good news for America’s longest snake! 15 eastern indigo snakes just released in year three of the north Florida recovery effort Multiple partners collaborate to bring apex predator back to The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve  Fifteen eastern indigo snakes, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, have just been ...

Get ready for hunting “Above Ground” during the Summer Months Get a full body harness, then learn how to use it Carry a cellphone or signaling device By Bob Holzhei Each year, thousands of hunters are injured in tree stand accidents. In fact, according to the Treestand Safety Awareness Foundation (TSSA), there are about ...

What lure should I buy? What color, what size, what brand? By Forrest Fisher Catching many fish lately? No? Do you wonder why not? Ask yourself this question, “Am I happy with my lures, baits, sizes, colors?” If you’re not catching fish, then you know the answer to that question. As an outdoor writer that has ...

By Forrest Fisher No matter where I travel with a fishing rod, catching fish on the surface is absolutely the most exciting. In some cases, it’s also the most effective. Not all surface lures work the same, but there is one lure that seems to always stand out when I ponder ...

It’s that time of year, the Love Bugs are here! By Capt. Tom Marks If you are in Florida or anywhere along the Gulf coast and even up into South Carolina about this time of year, you are being annoyed by “love bugs.” I had to find out more about them. Researching ...

There are kindred spirits of the sea, and they came alive on this day-trip for me Seashells, the sound of surf, sea birds, beautiful dolphins By Forrest Fisher It was about 10 years ago that I first met someone that could offer to take you for a short sightseeing boat ride near Key ...

Look for these Critical Elements to assure a great Turkey Hunt: Woods, Waters, Streams, and Forage Resources High-Harvest Average  Lots of Public Hunting Land – it spreads out the hunters Chautauqua County in New York meets the List! By Mike Joyner Ultimate destination – a bold claim for a resource-laden state such as New York. ...

A wonderful effort to support the Apex Predator of our Ocean’s        Ocearch Sunglasses, Frames, Apparel…supporting Ocean research…and Shark Survival We’ve all wanted to see fish where they could not be usually seen with the naked eye, but anglers in the know also know…that the right kind of polarized sunglasses can actually help ...

New Video Urges Families to “Have the Talk” About Gun Safety Own it. Respect it. Secure it. Talk with your Kids. Do it TODAY. The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA), “Protect the People You Love,” to encourage families to ...

The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the firearms industry trade association, celebrates President Donald Trump’s signing of H.R. 1222, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, at The White House. The President signed the NSSF-priority bill May 10, just two weeks after the bill was passed by Congress. “We deeply ...

Quick-Read Outdoor Stories to Learn From: Fishing, Hunting, Shooting Lessons from Experience: Recipes, Youth Mentoring, Women in the Outdoors Bear, Deer, Rabbits, Squirrels, Birds, Fish, Wildlife, Photography By Dave Barus Old and young alike will love this manifest of outdoor spirit and culture shared by award-winning freelance outdoor writer, Ken Cook, in his new ...

By Tony Young Since 1988, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its predecessor, the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, have offered hunters the opportunity to take part in their annual statewide recreational alligator harvest, which always runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1. Alligators are a conservation success ...

If you currently possess one of the newly listed prohibited species and do not wish to obtain a grandfathered pet permit, PLEASE Don’t Let it Loose! By Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission New rules will help proactively protect Florida from invasive species becoming established in the state. The rules, which were ...

14 national groups and 70 local affiliate chapters oppose the proposed weakening of clean water standards that would threaten fish and wildlife habitat By Kristyn Brady Today (April 15, 2019), dozens of national, regional, and local hunting and fishing groups submitted final comments on the EPA’s proposed rollback of Clean Water Act ...

Z-Man Project Z ProFileZ: Drew Reese Finesse fishing godfather narrates rich history of the Ned Rig Not a non-sense story tale. Not a fairy tale. This is the story of something you need to know as a fisherman that wants to catch more fish every day. After learning more about this, I ...

Ingredients 2 cups fresh Florida wild turkey meat, diced or shredded 1 ½ cups Florida green beans, cooked until tender crisp 1 ½ cups Florida sweet corn, cooked and cut off the cob 1 cups carrots, cooked 1 cup brown gravy (homemade or store bought) 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store bought) Sea salt and ...

“We Keep It Wild” program set for needed help from Outdoor Industry EVERYDAY PEOPLE Can Support this program through product purchase and donation  Together, we have helped protect 51 million acres, 3,107 river miles, removed or halted 34 dams, purchased 14 climbing areas & designated 5 marine reserves A diverse assortment of 22 ...

Firearms Industry Economic Impact Rises 171% Since 2008 Since 2008, federal tax payments increased by 164 percent Pittman-Robertson excise taxes to support wildlife conservation increased by 100 percent State business taxes increased by 120 percent From the National Shooting Sports Foundation®, the firearm industry trade association in Newtown, Connecticut, we learn that the total ...

Mining the base of the food chain is neither sustainable nor economically justifiable By Kristyn Brady Today, three recreational fishing groups filed a formal objection against the Marine Stewardship Council’s recommendation that Omega Protein should receive a certification of sustainability for its U.S. Atlantic menhaden purse-seining operations. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation ...

Calypso’s Maiden Fishing Voyage – 106 miles from port in the Gulf of Mexico Fishing Shark River, Outlet of the Florida Everglades Four Roaring 350 Horsepower Mercury outboards Shark On…the Adventure of a Lifetime! By Bob Holzhei “She was beautiful, gorgeous, erotic, and brand spanking new! Her curves and shape attracted the attention of fishermen ...

Each year that goes by, I search for recipes that are worth sharing because they meet the rules of “Easy-To-Make” and “Delicious-To-Eat.” Charlie Killmaster from Georgia has several great game recipes. Here is one of them and there are more at this site: https://georgiawildlife.blog/2018/12/12/oh-deer-7-venison-recipes-youve-gotta-try/. Ingredients: Venison roast, preferably shoulder/neck, 1 to 3 lbs. Thick-cut ...

New deer hunting rules for Florida 2019-20 season  By Tony Young At their February meeting, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Commissioners passed new deer hunting rules that take effect starting with the opening of archery and crossbow seasons in Zone A on Aug. 3, 2019. Annual statewide bag limit – five ...

By Dave Barus I have carried one of these to my deer woods for more than 50 years now. Today, there are more options to choose from, lightweight handles and more, but the reality of the device as a tool for sportsmen is unchanged. I cannot believe this is selling for ...

Did you know what they call a SNOOD of the turkey?  What are Turkey Caruncles? Tom or Hen? Easy way to tell is illustrated below By Forrest Fisher As hunters, we never stop learning.  Folks in different parts of the country call turkey by different local slang terms at times, not counting the different ...

5 hour Offshore Fishing Trip, we caught more than 50 fish! Cost was so affordable, all gear and bait was provided Enjoyable day, the captain cleaned all the fish! By Bob Holzhei The fishing action in the Gulf of Mexico was like playing pinball. It was non-stop action baiting the hook and dropping the ...

Speckled Trout, Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Jack Crevalle, Pompano, others Lures or Live Bait, both work well Lagoon or flats, there are fish in all places here By Forrest Fisher New to Southwest Florida and only in the wintertime, there is so much to learn about where to fish and what to do. Rod strength, ...

Condition your Calls, Learn How Friction Calls: Pot Call, Box Call No matter where you live, turkey season is not far away. In Florida, the gobbler season is already open! In Georgia, it starts two weeks away. Other states too, not far away. Yelping, clucking, purring…pot calls, box calls, locator calls – it ...

Spring Turkey Season STARTS NEXT WEEK in Florida…March 2nd Enjoy the outdoors and a healthy, delicious meal too Abundant wild Osceola Turkey populations across Florida Florida’s spring turkey season opens Saturday, March 2 on private lands south of State Road 70 and Saturday, March 16 north of State Road 70. Florida’s abundant wild ...

Theme of the 2019 Bassmaster Elite Series: “Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.” Clunn, 72 years young,  wins with 34-14 on Final Day to total 98-14 for tourney! Clunn’s Hot Lures: Luck-E-Strike Hail Mary(3/4-ounce), Luck-E-Strike Trickster Spinnerbait with a shellcracker-colored skirt and a Texas-rigged GatorTail worm. Palatka, Fl. – Feb. 10, 2018: After ...

Fishing Fun, Seashells, Sightseeing and Dolphins near Port Sanibel, in Southwest Florida  Bobbers, Shrimp, Speckled Trout and FEW SUPRISES made for a VERY RELAXING DAY Screeching Drags, Fully-arched Rods, Tight Lines & Good Knots By Bob Holzhei The 36-foot Contender was impressive as we walked down the dock right after sunrise.  There were three ...

Moon Phase, Decreasing Daylight, Genetics, Evolution…the Hunter Debate and Science February 2019: “Outta’ the Woods” By Tony Young There are a lot of theories and differing opinions on what causes the white-tailed deer rut. Hours of daylight decreasing, geographic latitude, genetics, climate, evolution and moon phase are many factors that hunters and deer ...

Your backyard can be a gathering place for birds, butterflies, frogs, flying squirrels and more. Attract native species by offering food, water, cover and space for them to raise their young, and your yard will be transformed into a welcoming habitat for wildlife. Today, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ...

Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for all who cherish its traditions involving friends, family and food. Some love preparing dishes from recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Others enjoy experimenting with new flavors. An interesting culinary trend is using organic ingredients and serving wild turkey for Thanksgiving ...

Outdoors and Hunting Families Provide a Powerful Sense of Community Hunt Deer and Hogs over a Bait Pile on Private Lands – it’s OK, but NOT OK on any Florida WMA’s Season Dates, General Regulations Explained Below By Tony Young With much of the Panhandle still coping with the devastation from Hurricane Michael – ...

In fall, Florida black bear activity increases as bears begin a natural process of putting on fat for the winter. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds people to be BearWise to help prevent conflicts with Florida’s largest land mammal. To be prepared for winter, bears require around ...

Essential info for boaters, clubs, marinas at BoatUS.com/hurricanes ALEXANDRIA, Va., September 5, 2017 – According to the National Hurricane Center, Florida may have up to four days to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Irma, a “potentially catastrophic Category 5” storm now approaching the Leeward Islands. While it’s difficult to determine landfall, ...

Phase 1 Drawing May 12 – 20, 2017 6,000 Permits Issued by Random Drawing By Tony Young May is here, and so is the start of the Phase I application period for applying for alligator and fall quota, special opportunity and national wildlife refuge hunt permits. Mark your calendar, set yourself an alarm, ...

Effective January 1, 2017 Slot Limit of 15 to 36 inches Fork Length Allows One Fish Harvest over 36 inches per Boat   No Closed Season By STOadmin Starting Jan. 1, new recreational and commercial size limits for barracuda will be effective in Florida State waters and federal waters off Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm ...

Recreational hunting is one part of managing the state’s healthy alligator population. Florida’s statewide alligator harvest, nationally and internationally recognized as a model program for the sustainable use of a renewable natural resource, begins Aug. 15. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued more than 7,500 permits, including an ...

By Amanda Nalley – Florida FWC Allison Stattner is rocking the fishing world. A participant in Florida’s Saltwater Angler Recognition programs, Stattner is one of only a handful of elite Saltwater Fish Life List “30 Fish Club” members, joining the ranks when she checked the permit of a lifetime off her ...

New two-year pilot program grants partial management responsibility of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery to the five Gulf states.  Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross commended the innovative, two-year pilot program that grants partial management responsibility of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery to the five Gulf states. Red ...

Big Boat Comfort and Capability Allows for an Unforgettable Cruise Adventure Enjoy Watching Loggerhead Turtles, Dolphins, Pelicans, Eagles, Osprey and Nature at Work Fishing Fun – Sea Trout, Barracuda, Hammerhead Shark and Stingray By Forrest Fisher Vacation time in Florida can be such fun! My better half discovered that we were not far from ...

Report nuisance alligators by calling 866-FWC-Gator (392-4286). Alligators become more active during warm weather months, and it’s not uncommon to see them throughout the state. Most interactions consist of seeing alligators at a distance. However, if you have a concern about a specific alligator, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ...

There have been 430 Trophy Bass (8 lbs or more) caught in Lake Istokpoga since 2012 Only about a 1-hour drive from Orlando or Tampa Many other large fish species live here too Experienced TrophyCatch anglers Adrian “Lunker Louie” Echols and Syl Sims recently caught the program’s first two Hall of Fame largemouth ...

Florida Turkey Season is OPEN Osceola Turkeys are Common in Florida Wild turkeys are a Conservation Success Story in Florida & Across North America By Tammy Sapp, Florida FWC Florida’s spring turkey season opened on Saturday, March 3, on private lands south of State Road 70, making it one of the first spring turkey ...

Outta’ the Woods – Monday, April 02, 2018 Where to go hunt By Tony Young Did you know the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers late spring and summer hog hunts on several wildlife management areas across the state? And you don’t even need a hunting license to participate in these ...

Where Spring Breakers meet Wave Breakers with Sunrise, Sunshine, Sea Shells & a Sunset Cruise  @pinkhairgreenthumb A spring break vacation doesn’t have to include spring breakers. If you’re looking for a getaway that’s more laid-back than party-central, there are plenty of beaches to consider – but there aren’t many as memorable ...

Bright Beachfront Lighting Can MISDIRECT Nesting Sea Turtles -Turn it Off Loggerhead, Leatherback and Green SEA TURTLES are Nesting Right Now Report Sick, Injured or Entangled Sea Turtles to FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline, 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) Keeping beaches dark at night and free of obstacles will help sea turtles during their nesting season, which ...

By Robin Jenkins, DVM As of Dec. 28, 2017, Peace River Wildlife Center has had a tragic influx of patients in the past few weeks.  We have taken in over 40 lesser scaups (locally called bluebills by many people), mostly found in the Port Charlotte Beach and Bayshore Park areas.  Many ...

Common Answers and Fishing Solutions, Eye to Eye Rods, Reels, Lines, Baits, Hooks and Rigs – Learn for Free Where to Fish, Where to Park, What to Use, When to Go – Can it Get Any Better?! Black Bass, Grouper, Snook, Crappie, Redfish, the list is LONG Saltwater and Freshwater Goodness Tales of Help ...

Fallen Angler, Nik Kayler, to be Honored by FLW Family Competition Launch set for Jan. 23-28, 2018 at the Big-O, in Clewiston, Florida Scott Martin says, “Lake Okechobee is “Fishing Different” in the Past Few Years.” January 17, 2018; FLW Communications; CLEWISTON, Fla. – When Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) co-angler Nik Kayler lost his ...

We HAVE SURVIVED Hurricane Irma VERY WELL Come Enjoy, Explore, Swim, Fish, Cruise It is a Shell Collectors Bonanza Adventure Time By Forrest Fisher If you know Lee County, Florida, you know that homeowners and snowbird visitors alike had safety and property concerns after Hurricane Irma sent a measure of fear throughout Florida in ...

By Forrest Fisher While visitors are not normally familiar with catching fish that look like they might be from an aquarium, there are locals and visitors reporting many fantastic panfish catches.   Exotic panfish, such as oscar and Mayan cichlid, are biting almost as fast as you can cast or bait your hook. ...

By Robin Jenkins, DVM Peace River Wildlife Center received a frantic call from a landscaper recently.  A baby eagle had walked into his open equipment trailer and was just hanging around.  He had tried to shoo it away, but it wouldn’t leave.  I asked him to take a picture with his ...

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Audubon Florida are reminding beachgoers and boaters to give nesting waterbirds and their young space to help keep them safe this nesting season.     Shorebirds build shallow nests out of sand and shells on beaches in spring and summer, and eggs and ...

Snook, Redfish & Tarpon Highlight Spring Action New LiveTarget Swimbait Lures are Killer Baits Use Light Line, Strong Leader Incoming Tide = Angler Advantage By Forrest Fisher Winter has not been the same this year anywhere in the country.  Minnesota lost much of their ice by early March, Tennessee and Kentucky bass and crappie fishing ...

• Brandon Buckner & Mark Sepe Win $30,000 Top Prize • Micro-Power Pole was Key for Heavy Wind • Schooled Fish: In Sandbar/Grassbed Potholes • Scented Soft-Plastics and Topwater Baits Most Effective By Forrest Fisher The weather provided an extra challenge for competitive Redfish anglers as the 2017 Inshore Fish Association kicked off the Redfish ...

The clear and warmer than usual waters off the southwest Florida coast at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda, will be the site this weekend where Redfish Anglers will gather to compete on March 3 (boats) and 4 (kayaks). Photo Credit: Hobie Fishing •  IFA 2017 Florida West Division events set for ...

Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Stuart, FL Feb. 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Guided Walks, Exhibits, Swamp Band Hay Rides, Kids Activities, Entertainment and Food Posted by Forrest Fisher Come celebrate this songbird at the 8th annual Florida Scrub-Jay Festival on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, about 12 miles south of Stuart ...

You Have 4 hours, You Want to Fish New “Find a Fishing Charter Service” What to Do, Where to Search, I Discovered www.Itrekkers.com By Forrest Fisher When you travel to Florida for vacation or business, you realize at some point – especially if you are a fisherman, that the deep blue sea is calling ...

Catch, Measure, Release Alive Contest Photo Required, Simple Rules  Bass Pro Card to Each Monthly Winner  Posted by Forrest Fisher “TrophyCatch” is introducing BONUS monthly prizes! The rules and prizes will vary each month and will be announced here on Facebook and on Instagram (@FishReelFlorida). February’s prize is $50 in Bass Pro Shops gift cards for ...

Wildlife Conservation Areas Established  Fish, Wildlife and Public Access Expanded and Managed   Recreational Opportunities for All, Hunters and Anglers too By Forrest Fisher If you have ever travelled to Florida, it seems everywhere you go there are birds, fish, flowers and wildlife of all sorts.  It’s no accident.  In 2017, the Florida Fish ...

Management Plan Rule Changes Are In Effect Florida Wildlife Conservation Charting Essential Course   57 Species Identified with New Status Posted by Forrest Fisher, Managing Editor The Imperiled Species Management Plan rule changes are now in effect, including changes in listing status for many species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved ...

Wildlife Conservation Areas Established  Fish, Wildlife and Public Access Expanded and Managed   Recreational Opportunities for All, Hunters and Anglers too By Forrest Fisher If you have ever travelled to Florida, it seems everywhere you go there are birds, fish, flowers and wildlife of all sorts.  It’s no accident.  In 2017, the Florida Fish ...

Anglers Can Help Monitor Fish Species Health 250,000 Anglers are Invited 15 Different Non-Native Fish To Be Logged By STOadmin The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) plans to crowdsource data on nonnative freshwater fish species in Florida by partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and Fishbrain – the world’s ...

Things to Know – Florida FWC Rules Licenses, Seasons, Bag Limits What You Can and Cannot Do By Tony Young There’s a chill in the Florida air, and soon children will be out of school on winter break. During the holidays, I encourage you to take time off from work and spend some quality ...

New Videos Help Folks Understand Bears Black Bear Management By STOadmin As part of a continuing effort to reduce conflicts with bears, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is releasing two new videos in the “Living with Florida Black Bears” series, designed to educate the public about how to safely coexist ...

-Panther Conservation Program  -Southwest Florida Sightings -Species Recovery Enhanced Now By STOadmin/Florida FWC The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Panther Team has collected strong evidence a female Florida panther has finally crossed the Caloosahatchee River in southwest Florida. Currently, the only known breeding population of panthers is south of the Caloosahatchee River. This ...

Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine, Florida Bring a License December 3, 2016 By STOadmin The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a Women’s Saltwater Fishing Clinic in St. Augustine on Dec. 3.  The free, day-long clinic will run from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Anastasia State Park, 1340-A A1A ...

-License is Required -Small Game, Wild Turkey, Boars, Bears, Deer and more -November is Key Month By Forrest Fisher If you’re packing your snowbird bags already and are planning ahead to hunt in Florida this year, November in Florida is an awesome month to head for the woods.  You have the option to hunt ...

-For Saltwater Anglers -New Fun Awards/Recognition Program -From Florida Fish & Wildlife By STOadmin The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) challenges you to “Catch a Florida Memory” and participate in any of three fun and exciting Saltwater Angler Recognition programs. “Any angler knows saltwater fishing is a fun, challenging and rewarding sport, but ...

-Nature Conservancy of Florida -Conservation Restoration Efforts Working By Forrest Fisher / Nature Conservancy of Florida Oyster Reefs provide life-sustaining habitat for fish and wildlife, and improve water quality.  The Nature Conservancy in Florida is committed to restoring oyster reef habitat in coastal areas throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the Charlotte Harbor Estuary ...

By Amanda Nalley For those many of us that fish the many forms of Florida coastal waterways, we are always searching to know more about life in the sea and all of those things that affect that life. In a recent column by Amanda Nalley, you may be happy to know ...

Officials Ask for Help Invasive Species From the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission News, Burmese python hatchlings have been spotted for the first time on Key Largo. This is a discovery that’s prompting officials to send postcards to homeowners there asking for help spotting the elusive snakes. The postcards show a picture ...

Florida Bear Population Estimated at 4,030 Radio Telemetry Part of Study To continue the cutting-edge science being conducted on Florida’s black bears, FWC researchers recently placed radio-collars on 16 adult female bears to track their movements in and around Tate’s Hell State Forest in northwest Florida. Data collected from this study will ...

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking feedback from cruising boaters, local boaters and other residents in evaluating the state’s Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program, and related ordinances. The FWC has posted a brief online survey to accept this feedback. It should take approximately five to 10 minutes ...

Limited Harvest starts September 1, 2016 The recreational harvest season for Snook in Florida starts September 1, 2016, statewide. Unique to the region, Snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages anglers to continue to use ...

Chickens can be like dogs – they can find a way into your heart. Reasons why are not difficult. On the farm I grew up on, Grandpa called them Chicken Hawks.  The kids from the family next door learned a little more about life that day. By Larry Whiteley The family next door got ...

Chain pickerel are freshwater fish but manage well in brackish water, especially in winter with cool waters, but also depending on the salinity. We used 9-foot, 8-weight fly rods rigged up with intermediate lines and a 30-lb. test leader to handle these toothy critters, with a variety of smaller, musky-like streamers. The ...

Outdoor lessons learned early in life build great memories for the future. Take the time to share the outdoors with those you love. Be patient, explain the details, laugh and learn together – strong bonds form. By Larry Whiteley My 12-year-old grandson, Hunter, and my 10-year-old granddaughter, Anna, were going deer hunting for the ...

Thanksgiving has a significant meaning for Americans, but an even more substantial meaning for Native Indians.  Black Friday is not just about pre-holiday sales, it is also Native American Heritage Day! Native Indian spirituality, tradition, and conservation ethics emphasize gratitude for creation, care for the environment, and recognition of the human need ...

The best part of your life can be found when the trees change color to paint a most colorful and new perspective. By Larry Whiteley Autumn has always been my favorite season. There is something about its waning days of light and warmth. Colorful trees paint the landscape. A plethora of hunting ...

My dad didn’t allow me to cry, but I cried when I shot my first bird.  The big boys don’t cry and real men don’t cry rule gradually faded away after my dad passed. Men need to know there is nothing wrong with showing emotions. That does not make them any less ...

TV Nature Shows are great, but Backyard Nature Shows are Incredible Birds, Rabbits, Squirrels, Butterflies, Deer, and so much more…PEACE. Sunrise and Sunset are the best times to Sip a Coffee on a Quiet Chair in your Backyard. By Larry Whiteley For some of you, your only experience with nature is watching shows on ...

Country Music, Nature Trails, Fishing, Great Food, Museums, and the Aquarium on the Boardwalk. Klondike-like gold rush music boom started in the 1980s – it’s even better now. The Osage Indians were first here in Branson. Perhaps they were drawn here by the fantastic fishing.  By David Gray My old friend Larry Whiteley asked ...

Chasten Whitfield is a 23-year-old championship lady angler passionate about helping less fortunate others. “Their Life, My Lens” is a TV Show where Chasten Whitfield asks America to provide support to continue an empowering program.  “Chastenation” is the name of her non-profit program to empower the Abilities, Not Disabilities, of kids and ...

Where hospitality and nature meet hunters and fishers. Where walleye tournaments are common, smallmouth bass reach seven pounds, and bowfishing is fun after dark. Wilson Lake is a favorite with campers, hikers, bikers, hunters, paddlers, and water sports enthusiasts. By Jonathan Blumb and David Zumbaugh The Outdoor Communicators of Kansas held their spring conference ...

Advice #1: Seek expert help. The well-stocked Port Charlotte tackle shop called Fish’n Frank’s offers charter captain advice from local fishing specialists. Advice #2: Keep an optimistic focus. Share a grin and good questions to identify the best fishing methods. Advice #3: Tackle care. The legendary fish-filled backwaters of Charlotte Harbor demand that every angler ...

Flexibility, sharpness, perfect balance, and made in the U.S.A. Sure-fire handle grip, orange in color: It’s easy to find! A lifetime guarantee promotes how good it is before purchase.   By Forrest Fisher A newbie in my gear room would definitely notice that I like to collect knives. Each is handsome, and they can ...

Deer Ticks (Blacklegged Ticks  – Ixodes Scapularis) can carry Lyme Disease and are VERY TINY in physical size.  Protect yourself by becoming aware of their size and available repellents (Picaridin & Permethrin) that can work to keep ticks off of you and your loved ones. Learn what to do if you ...

Fishing Legend Jimmy Houston among Team Reviving Historic Company Luck E Strike: An American Original Since 1970 Redman Spinner will be 1st lure to lead new red/white/blue packaging and product line Singer, songwriter, and entertainer Toby Keith, pictured left, has acquired Luck E Strike, a bait and tackle brand name as ingrained with ...

We share and teach these principles: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Authority, Respect the Environment. We teach kids to build trust with adults and others. Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches – Please consider helping us plant the seeds of a new life for troubled youth. By Bill Frye, President – Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, ...

The Hunting Wire is looking for Voice of Leadership Panelists  Special interest in voices from the guide/outfitting realm, ammunition communities, archery communities, local/state/federal agencies If you’re interested, send me an email at jay@theoutdoorwire.com The Hunting Wire team would like to thank you for helping us grow in 2023. We are bigger and better ...

Conference Event for Outdoor Storytellers: June 12-15, 2023 – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Learn “How-To” create Social Media links that generate Effective Distribution Relationships POMA members “Network with Industry” at this Annual Meeting/Learning Session By David Gray The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) is a vibrant group of communicators that share content-creation ideas and foster ...

Light rods, light lines, artificial lures and lots of fish. Finding the forage and simulating their size and color was key. Savvy lures, special action-assist knots, using stealth – learning the how-to. Fun fishing near Pine Island, Florida. By Forrest Fisher Just before sunrise, it was still dark, I was greeted with a friendly handshake ...

I like Simple We all Like Delicious By Forrest Fisher Across the country where black bear hunting is allowed, harvesting a black bear means more than just a fabulous rug. Bear meat is delicious and healthy when properly cared for in the field and during transport and storage. Generally, bear meat tastes similar ...

Where to fish – an easy choice when you fish with old guys (the fish are in the water). Rigging and weighting plastic worms and alternatives. Lure selections, knot varieties, water depth: fishing factors that matter. By Forrest Fisher When young-minded friends meet on the water in Florida for a post-retirement gathering, life is ...

Ever catch 10 bass on the same plastic worm? Nobody has! Be honest. BUT I JUST DID! Patent-pending plastic baits with TANTALIZING soft action, multiple color choices, scent-impregnated, chewy and DURABLE. Xstended Life Bait APEX STICK WORM from MTO Lure Company By Forrest Fisher When former Elite Series bass Pro, Darrin Schwenckbeck, ...

Crispy chicken wings or meaty chicken drumsticks – perfect for football games! You can fry, grill, smoke, or bake the wings at the tailgate or the house. Dust your wings with Trail Dust, Cajun Cowboy, or Pineapple Siracha seasoning for more kick. The Hi Mountain Seasonings Chicken Wing Bundle (www.himtnjerky.com) has everything needed ...

The old giant Oak Tree was a friend to me and my family, and so many others.  For about 200 years, the old Oak Tree was here for the Osage Indians, the early settlers, the farmers, and us. With thousands of sunrise and sunset moments, this tree shared the character of our ...

More and more people are interested in wild table fare, which has made learning to hunt a priority. Outdoor Alabama gives everybody the opportunity to cook wild game with unique recipes. Outdoor Alabama gives everybody a place to share their best recipes. By DAVID RAINER Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources If your hunting ...

An old deer, an old man, an old treestand, and the click of an old muzzleloader. Broken antler tips, a little slump to his back, a limp in his walk – it was a big old buck. The old man and the old deer looked at each other… By Larry Whiteley It was ...

98 years young – US Army WWII veteran, full of life and laughs: Life Lessons for us all. Fish tales of the broken braid would keep everyone wide-eyed! Everyone needs to hear the stories about these amazing men and women veterans of the greatest generation. There are not many left. By Larry Whiteley I ...

Peace River Wildlife Center – Punta Gorda, FL By Dr. Robin Jenkens Rehabilitating baby birds is no small feat. Baby birds must be fed 4 times per hour for 14 hours each day. We can save wildlife because people support our mission. Support baby bird rehabilitation (and other species), please donate or shop our online gift store. Follow ...

Al’s “Age-Old” Goldfish Lures are proven irresistible to hungry fish. Al’s Goldfish Spoons are Made-in-America! We need more of this. Al’s Goldfish Spoon is a tested and true fish-killer lure since 1952. Al’s Goldfish Spoon is available in multiple colors and 3/16 to 1-1/4 ounce sizes. Al’s Goldfish Lures are affordable (great holiday gift). By ...

Hunter Orange or Pink is required when hunting with a firearm in NYS – NYS Hunting Accidents in 2021 are the LOWEST ON RECORD. NYS Hunter Education information: Basic Rules of Hunter Safety. Chautauqua County is among the highest deer harvest areas in NYS. NYS Whitetail Deer are 100 percent CWD-FREE. More than 200,000 ...

Find the Perfect Fly Rod FOR YOU. FISH SPECIES – a big factor in determining Fly Rod Selection. Rod Length, Line Weight, and Rod Action are among the CRITICAL CHOICE FACTORS. By Lacy Jo Jumper A thoughtfully-selected fly rod can make or break the on-the-water experience, and knowing which type you need isn’t ...

When grilling a steak from a deer, I think about that morning in the deer woods, it is special.  Cooking a wild turkey in my smoker, my mind travels back to a spring morning, a beautiful sunrise, the gobbles.  Saying grace before meals, among other things, is a way to remember God ...

Here are some tools that I have found helpful and recommend that everyone review. The tools mentioned below are reliable and of excellent quality. If you are a first-time or veteran hunter, I hope this helps you decide on tools to consider for your hunting season.  By: Kristine Ostertag Your alarm goes off, ...

It starts with a short, virtual, 3D submarine adventure ride to the bottom of the sea…where you buckle up. Gain up-close and personal physical contact with a variety of friendly sea creatures in the touch pool.  Visit the Lionfish! They get their name from their long, colorful fin rays that resemble a ...

Early lessons in life help shape the future of our young people. Teachers can help.  My students taught me that nature and conservation are important in today’s world. The students brought in venison, rabbit, squirrel, and pheasant – suddenly, the world was a better place. By Bob Holzhei I was fortunate to grow up ...

Georgia allows hunters to harvest up to 10 antlerless deer and no more than two antlered deer. Deer of either sex may be taken with archery equipment at any time on private land during the deer season. To pursue deer in Georgia, hunters must have a valid hunting license, a big game ...

Get hooked on marine conservation with an interactive online game Easy to use, fun to watch, educational, instructive  For kids and adults By Forrest Fisher (in support of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for Educational Youth Outreach). As students return to the classroom for the new 2022 school year, educators and parents can ...

Shore lunch completes every Canadian fishing adventure. Canadian guide and foodie Kent Kulrich shares his secret shore lunch recipe. By Dr. Jason A. Halfen Waves lapping against the rocks, a crackling fire, and a delicious handcrafted meal of fresh fish, fried potatoes, and warm beans fuel the body and fill the soul. This ...

By Frank Campbell The final weekend of the Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Trout and Salmon Derby is this weekend, and Joe Miller of Honeoye is still leading for the $25,000 Grand Prize with a 28-pound, 14-ounce king salmon reeled in off Point Breeze in Orleans County. Both trout leaders changed this ...

Forage fish, predatory fish, wildlife, nature critters…and people in boats – all share in the bounty provided near Sanibel Island and nearby Estuaries.  Fishing friends gather, stories form and grow, grins occur, and life is good with fishing.  By Forrest Fisher As my grandson and I turned the corner to head toward the ...

Easy-to-do Simple ingredients By Forrest Fisher My grandson and I tried something new in the smoker getting ready for a Sunday family dinner celebration. Chicken drumsticks! A few weeks back, we found some huge chicken drumsticks at a local market in Arcadia, Florida. When we bought them, we vacuum-packed 13 of them ...

Hot Beach Day, 107 heat index…YOU NEED to chill with a cold beverage. Avoid sunstroke and heat exhaustion by staying hydrated. We found a lightweight carry-along friend to help ensure fun in the sun. By Forrest Fisher At 2 PM on July 2nd on a busy holiday weekend on a beach in Southwest ...

Answer: During the 2022 Illinois turkey hunting season! 25-pound bird, 12-inch beard, double-triple spurs…UNREAL. Full camo shotgun, full camo boots and garb, 25-yards, aim, squeeze, shot – BANG…BIRD DOWN. A surreal moment after harvest, it will last me FOR ALL TIME. By Dawn Redner, with Forrest Fisher The Illinois turkey season was open and, honestly, ...

When do women outfish men?  Chilly air and morning fog make little difference.   Is it luck when you catch a limit…and you are the only woman around? When we talk to ourselves when fishing, are we talking to the fish too? A higher power? Annie shares her experiences and connections on the ...

By Larry Whiteley Have you been to the grocery store lately? I went with my wife the other day and was totally shocked. Usually, I don’t pay much attention to what she spends on groceries. Since it was just the two of us, I always figured it couldn’t cost too much. ...

By Bob Holzhei With tick season just a few weeks away, outdoor folks – especially turkey hunters, are preparing to sit their butts down in the woods. It might be good to know about the tick prevention safety guide that has been developed by Brian Anderson, who is from Iron Mountain, ...

Look for gravel on the bottom, shovel in, dig, lift, drop into a floating sifter, shake out the sand. Place your hand underneath the sifter and lift up slightly, look for the teeth. There they are! Place the teeth into a collection jar, get on to the next shovel-full.  It’s not unusual ...

A place designed for individuals with physical disabilities and their families. Big fish are waiting to greet you! Located on beautiful Lake Shebandowan about 50 miles west of Thunder Bay, Ontario, the newly modernized Wilderness Discovery Centre provides outdoor adventure for disabled persons. It’s all about sharing access to the wilderness ...

It’s a good idea before heading out – Discuss the obvious. At all times, treat the gun as if loaded. Go over the common rules – Embed them even if you know them. Assure to use the proper gauge and ammo type, check it twice. The shooter sequence  – The shotgun shell ...

Muskoka Lake Fishing Fun for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass Single-blade spinner rigs fool big and little fish…when presented in the “fish zone.” How-to, what-to, when-to with expert angler, Andy Wilbur, sharing one of his secrets. By Forrest Fisher You know, the older we get, the more we forget! I discovered ...

In Winter, the Switzerland Alpines can be found in Gaylord, Michigan – snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and river rafting peace and quiet In Summer, relax and unwind with camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, surf-boarding, wake-boarding…the list is long! All year round, enjoy the forests, fields, the peace of sinkhole lakes, ...

Conservationist & Outdoor Journalist, U.S. Navy Veteran. Host of the Great Ozark Outdoors from 1976 to the present. Public Relations Manager for Bass Pro Shops for 23 years. By Dave Barus You might say that Larry Whiteley is a common and uncommon, outdoors Christian man. You would be correct, but there is so much more. ...

By Larry Whiteley      When he came back from war over 55 years ago, he never wanted to touch another gun. He never wanted to smell gunsmoke in the air. He never wanted to see blood staining the ground again. Family and friends knew he had served in the military but ...

By Larry Whiteley He sure is lucky, this 4-year old little boy asleep in his bed. He’s going fishing for the first time today. Mom promised him she and dad would take him if he kept his toys picked up. Even though some toys are just pushed under the bed or ...

Mulligans can offer new and better opportunity for the next time. Mulligans are do overs, but why not do the good things over too! Keep the grins and giggles nearby, God wants us to share those too. By Larry Whiteley Simply put, a mulligan is a “do-over” in the game of golf. Hit a ...

Take a good cooler for food and beverages – protect yourself and friends from dehydration. Gear includes a 15” x 24” gravel sifter, shovel and shark tooth collection jar. Wear sneakers or beach shoes, pack a cell phone, emergency toilet paper, venom-extraction kit – and tell someone where you will be for ...

Was it the owls and crickets, or the stream flowing nearby…that brought dad back into mind? The old days and the days of today, there was love in both places, but so different. It’s something about campfire smoke in the morning at sunrise, it makes your eyes wanna cry. By Larry Whiteley    He ...

A story about fun times from way back when I was a kid and nothing was complicated, nothing was new – and people were people through and through. By Larry Whiteley Grabbin’ suckers is age-old fun, nothing complicated, nothing new. Just ask the folks from Nixa, MO. It goes back to a ...

As I sat there, I thought, “Deer hunting is about sunrises and sunsets, the wildlife that go about their daily routines not knowing you are there. It’s about all the memories you make with family and friends or alone in a barn.” By Larry Whiteley The forecast for opening day of the ...

Woodsy turkey call sounds combine screech and scratch controls Henry C. Gibson and Eric Steinmetz each provided sound innovations about 120 years apart Tone and tune change in one box that allows clucking, purring, yelping and cackling is about pure genius  By Larry Whiteley Now some of you probably read that headline, and your ...

Hunting, fishing, frog-giggin’ and sucker -grabbin’ Freckles, frowns, wrinkles and specks of gray…is winter here? Kids, grandkids, heartwarming memories…thank you Lord.  Pass it on.   By Larry Whiteley      He was up early getting ready to pick up his son to go deer hunting. He had brushed his teeth and was washing his face. ...

Sunrise, Sunset, Starshine…life-long breathtaking moments Family, Fishing, Memories, Doctors…and Reality  Radiation, Chemo…Time to Re-Rig  By Larry Whiteley He was alone on the lake. The sunrise was breathtaking. He had seen lots of mornings but none this beautiful. His first cast landed near some bushes. He felt the thump and set the hook. The largemouth ...

Eagles are an American Icon Eagles signified majestic strength from the ancient times of Babylon, Egypt and Rome Eagles are part of Native American tribe mythology Eagles…respect, honor, tradition, nature, awe. By Larry Whiteley The bald eagle’s role as our nation’s symbol goes back to 1782 when it was added to the Great Seal of ...

Mentors play an important role in our outdoor heritage and future By Larry Whiteley David Merrill grew up hiking, fishing, and camping in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. It was an amazing place where a young David would discover many life experiences in the great outdoors as he roamed through the mountains and valleys ...

Loons, Lynx, Trophy Fish…Unforgettable Fun at Fletcher Lake Lodge, Canada Arrive by air (bush plane) from Kenora, Ontario…exciting and fun! Visitors find hugs, smiles, peace, quiet…and great food By Larry Whiteley Between fishing for and catching trophy walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and musky, there are sightings of moose, bear, lynx, bald eagles, fantastic ...

World class fishing is found everyday in the famous Tri-Lakes region of southwest Missouri. Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake & Bull Shoals Lake offer trout, bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, perch and more. Visitors discover affordable family fun, family fishing, family entertainment and restful accommodations.  By Larry Whiteley Where can you go and fish three ...

Endless adventure with hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, bass and trout fishing, hunting, trap and skeet shooting, spelunking, rock climbing and more. Visit public parks, resorts, campgrounds, forests or one of Branson’s three crystal clear lakes. Water ski, boat or go bass fishing at Table Rock Lake, or kayak and ...

After comfort and wearability, there is only long-lasting comfort and long-lasting wearability By Larry Whiteley My family has several traditions: The opening day of firearms deer season, going fishing the last day of trout season, hunting for morel mushrooms and looking for shed deer antlers, and more. A different kind of a ...

I’ve had lots of knife sharpeners in my life, but thanks to my new Work Sharp…I don’t need them anymore It has 4 different sharpening angles depending on the type of knife and 5 flexible belts from extra-coarse to extra-fine By Larry Whiteley My favorite TV show of all-time is “Home Improvement” ...

At nighttime, there is nothing more relaxing than the sound of rain making music on my canvass tent When thunder rumbled, turkeys gobbled at the sound. I smiled. I looked to the west and saw what I was looking for. A rainbow. By Larry Whiteley It’s 5 am on an April morning. I sit ...

A special gift – protection and peace for grandpa’s mind – for a very special young lady The Kimber Micro 9 measures a little over 6 inches in length and 4 inches in height  Aluminum frame, steel slide – it weighs a little less that a pound with an empty magazine By Larry Whiteley My ...

New hunting land…I saw 33 deer on one day, 57 deer on another day, here’s how. Controlling your body odor is critical, there is only one good way, most critical. Trail cam’s that talk with remote pictures can help us map out deer kill zones. By Larry Whiteley You are probably thinking why ...

As responsible sportsmen, we need to share our outdoor skills with more kids As Christians, we need to consider our choices in order to bring kids closer to life through the outdoors As neighbors to each other, let’s take the extra time to help kids find fun away from electronics and TV By ...

Is that the haunting howl of the wolf or the call of a loon? Can you ever forget that buck grunt in a November woods or a turkey gobble on a spring morning? The sounds of nature are everywhere in the wild if we just take the time to listen. By Larry Whiteley There ...

As kids, we would check down the outhouse hole for snakes and spiders before sitting down We drank cow milk from our cow, then churned the cream into butter I rode my imaginary horse through the fields and climbed the hills in search of adventure By Larry Whiteley My early years were spent on ...

By Larry Whiteley I was working on a turkey fan mount in my workshop this past spring when I suddenly heard the sound of a turkey hen talking to me. I jumped and for a slight moment, I thought it was a hen coming to get me because I had taken ...

New Gear for Outdoor Sportsmen By Larry Whiteley Have you ever seen a new outdoor product come out on the market and think to yourself, I wish I had thought of that? I sure have! Here are several innovative products that companies have developed to help make your outdoor adventures even better. Lure ...

By Larry Whiteley It sure is getting foggy. I’m not sure I could even see a deer sneaking through the woods in this stuff. Oh well, I just love being out here sitting in my stand, even if I don’t see a deer. It’s a great time to be alone with ...

Sensible gear to avoid bugs, mice, snakes makes camping lots more fun Choices for a truck tent, comfy pad, pillow and the right sleeping bag  By Larry Whiteley The beauty of nature can easily be missed if you’re not out there camping in our great outdoors. Even if it is cool, cold, rainy, ...

Boone and Bo…squirrel hunters that lived for the next day, every day The autumn of their years – a special story to my grampa and his dog Lessons for every generation to pass down By Larry Whiteley Bo was a beagle and beagles are usually rabbit dogs, but he was all squirrel dog and ...