For Love of the Sport

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 There have been many sunrises and sunsets in my life. When I was young, I didn’t pay much attention to them. I don’t think I ever got out of bed in time to see a sunrise when I was a kid. I don’t remember sunsets either. As I got older, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The addition of just these 3 days allows for working mothers and fathers to take their children to pass along shared hunting traditions. Priceless The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) has made Sunday hunting a priority issue in Pennsylvania. NSSF led the Sunday Hunting Coalition, along with 15 other like-minded hunting and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Adaptation and Instinct takes over to Survive Extraordinary occurrences begin, we learn from these Life or death may remain in the balance  By Rich Creason The space invaders have arrived. A tiny particle of dust rides the wind up into the heavy clouds. Ominous clouds form and are made up of millions of water ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

154 Military Veteran’s, more than 50 volunteers as charter guides/hosts Clear weather, smooth sailing, hundreds of pounds of walleye fillets for veteran freezers Stickbaits, spinner worm rig tactics were key to catching fish, details follow in story below By Forrest Fisher It was a tad before 6:00 a.m. when the morning sky-glow of bright ...

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 ...

The Minnesota Fishing Challenge is Extraordinary for a lot of reasons.  Click the picture below to see the video story. By David Gray    

By Forrest Fisher When I was growing up, it was taken for granted that kids played outside. We did all those things we wanted to do outside, not inside. Mom said, “Go outside!” So we did.  Every day. We explored, we hiked the nearby fields and woods, we biked to nearby creeks to ...

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 ...

Hunting can teach critically important lessons about the value of all life Hunting can teach us that all life is important and sacred Trinity Oaks’ Thumbtack Ranch is the nation’s first Purple Heart Ranch, providing lessons for so many By Karen Lutto Trinity Oaks teamed up with the Hill Country Chapter of the Quail ...

First memory of shooting a bow was at 4-H Conservation Camp After a home burglary, her dad bought Joella an Indian compound bow, history was in the making Today, Joella Bates is an 11-time 3-D Archery World Champion and teaches young people archery skills By David Gray If you follow competitive archery, Joella Bates ...

Fishing, hunting, warm, cold – you gotta go! Keeping young, no matter your age Remembering my dad By Brent Frazee I have always been fascinated by the tradition involved in fishing and hunting. Opening day of deer season.   Spending time with a lifelong friend or relative in a fishing boat.  Days in the field with ...

Six Winners Selected out of 2,000 Entries In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8) and Women’s History Month, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the winners of the 2018 “WomenHuntFishNY” statewide photo contest. “In DEC’s first-ever statewide photo contest to celebrate women who hunt and ...

  By Forrest Fisher The way of the future includes modern sportsmen on the move. As we travel from place to place to fish, hunt, shoot, hike or camp, it can pay dividends to hear fresh advice from the experience of seasoned outdoors folks through podcasts (that include re-playable radio shows). It’s ...

New Ecology, New Nature, New Adventure New Gear, New Kids…Old Fun in a New Way By Forrest Fisher Summer is warmer and starts earlier, winter is warmer and shorter. We have a longer rainy season each year. Modern generations are convinced that nature is changing.  New forms of fun have evolved to welcome millions ...

Stakeholders educate public and elected officials about importance of hunting Hunter taxes, fees, surcharges fund conservation efforts to benefit wildlife Hunting Works For America program represents more than 1,500 businesses, organizations and associations across 19 states By Bill Brassard NEWTOWN, Conn. — The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the trade association for the firearms ...

Provides Outdoor Adventure and Fun for Underprivileged Kids, Terminally ill Children, Combat Veterans Offers Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Experiences to Purple Heart Recipients Honors the Caretakers of our Wounded Vets and Mentorship Fallen First Responders SAN ANTONIO, TX – Sept. 24, 2018: Hunter Outdoor Communications’ public relations program for Trinity Oaks will encompass ...

Fishing, Life, Discovery Freshwater Streams, Insects, Dry Flies, Rainbow Trout Autumn, Badlands, Sunrise, Adventure By Buddy Seiner The smell of a South Dakota autumn day can bring a rush of reactions within one’s brain. The strongest among them for me is the desire to fish, fueled mostly by memories of epic angling adventures of ...

Environmental Preservation Support Regulations Save Wildlife Populations Provides Nutritional Alternatives Vital Part of Wildlife Conservation Contributed by NSSF Recognizing that the connection between hunting and conservation can seem counterintuitive, the National Shooting and Sports Foundation (NSSF) has developed a series of infographics to help the public better understand hunting and hunters. In truth, the values of today’s ...

Youth Learn Marksmanship Youth Learn the Safe and Responsible Use of Firearms Youth Learn the Principles of Hunting and Archery Youth Develop LIFE SKILLS, SELF-WORTH and CONSERVATION ETHICS By David Gray The University of Missouri, located in the city of Columbia, is like many State Universities as it offers a large, sprawling campus complex.  I ...

Bobbers, Patience and that Twinkle in Grandma’s Eye By Kenneth L. Kieser My great grandmother grew up in a simpler time when fishing meant feeding your family.  She was old, bent over and gray by the time I came along in the early 1950’s, but she always had a smile and a ...

My wife, Stephanie, and I just spent the weekend Christmas shopping in Chicago. Our annual trip through the aisles of Michigan Avenue and State Street is a fun change of pace from the streak of hunting and fishing trips that usually dot my calendar throughout the year. While in many ...

Animal Lives Matter, All Animals Are We Divided? 13 Million Americans Hunt, What Are They Thinking?  If you don’t approve of hunting, for whatever reason, I want you to know I appreciate you taking a minute to read this letter. My intention is to offer a couple facts about hunting you may ...

Lisa Mcdowell Snuggs  Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame By Jill J Easton Lisa McDowell Snuggs was chosen as the 2016 American Outdoor Sportsman of the Year by Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame.  She was picked for her dedication in helping outdoor communicators – which she does 365 days a ...

Share life with others. Make new friends in the outdoors. Lead by example. Kayakers are searching for places to try out their new toys, birds are looking for places to wet their wings and cool off, and for anglers, hunters, hikers, campers and even outdoor photography buffs, the climate is testing ...

By NYSDEC iSeeMammals is a new citizen science project of DEC and the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University. It collects data to help researchers and DEC biologists study the distribution and size of the black bear population in New York. iSeeMammals will help researchers collect ...

  By Forrest Fisher The half-moon rising in the distant eastern sky was dim and sheltered by scattered, giant, white clouds. The openings in the clouds allowed us to see millions of stars and the vastness of the Milky Way as we have never seen before. There were no streetlights anywhere within ...

Fawns are frisky, healthy, delightful and ready to play with anyone that will return the favor.  Mostly their brothers and sisters, and mother. There are lots of them right now. Most fawns in New York are born in late May or early June, and the first few months are a critical ...

No Traffic, Multiple Turkey Species Greet Visiting Outdoors Folks Visit Parsons to meet and greet the Heartland of our USA By David Gray The day started with the anticipation of attending the Outdoor Communicators of Kansas conference in Labette County, Kansas.  The travel was to Parsons Kansas which is nestled in the southeast ...

  2,677 Acres of Vital Elk Habitat is NOW PROTECTED Colorado Habitat Stamp Funding and Great Outdoors Colorado supplied KEY FUNDING Grateful Thanks to Rick Tingle for Easement on his Louisiana Purchase Ranch MISSOULA, MT.— Thanks to a conservation-minded landowner and a key state funding program, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined Colorado Parks ...

Moms Take to the Woods and Streams with Their Kids More Industry is heading to Preserves and Protected Areas Global Warming, Invasive Species…More By Forrest Fisher In the lives of sportsmen and sportswomen, the outdoors is about fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, boating, safe shooting, all that and more. Today we know that many things ...

Define a New Resolution Milepost for this New Year!  Outdoor Adventure for your Family ONLY BEGINS WITH YOU Teach your Kids to Find Clear Skies and Share Real Outdoor Tales Cast a Line, Pitch a Tent, Pan-Fry Dinner, Hunt, Shoot or Watch for Shooting Stars…Here’s How By Forrest Fisher If you are a wanna-be outdoorsman, ...

By Denny Geurink Published by Target Communications Outdoor Books, LLC Danger & Adventure Hunting Brown Bears in Russia’s Forbidding Siberia IN THE LAND OF THE BEAR, by Denny Geurink, is an inside look at the excitement, mystery, danger and adventure of hunting huge, aggressive brown bears in Siberia and traveling in Russia ...

With several more weeks of Big Game Season left to enjoy in New York State (and many other states), The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation reminds hunters to put safety–your own and others’–FIRST! Check and abide by the legal hunting hours Check New York’s official sunrise and sunset hours every time you go ...

Women Empowered to FISH ON ICE Women Anglers Encouraged TO POST ICE FISHING PIX at #WOMENONICE Women Ice Angler OUTREACH PROGRAM – Skill Development, see details Otter Tail County, MN – Nov. 8, 2017: The Women Ice Angler Project (WIAP #womenonice) will be on the move in 2018—literally. The fourth year of #womenonice ...

Henry Repeating Arms Donates 54 Custom-Designed Octagon Barrel Firearms to Help Cause Special Edition Bids, Open to Public…Bid on GunBroker.com, item #705771173 BAYONNE, NJ, October 9, 2017– Henry Repeating Arms of Bayonne, NJ, and Rice Lake, WI, designed 54 SPECIAL EDITION custom .22 caliber Henry Lever Action Octagon barrel rifles to help ...

If hunting doesn’t occasionally tug at your heartstrings, you might need to think a bit more deeply about it. Far from threatening the natural world, hunting is its best hope for survival. Turkeys share a sacred lesson about Hunting, Kindred Spirits, the Circle of Life By Jim Low One of the reasons I ...

Wonders of Wildlife provides Tribute to Fish and Wildlife Wonders of Wildlife NATIONAL MUSEUM & AQUARIUM is Extraordinary Founder, Johnny Morris, Has Provided a Trail to Lifelong Conservation in the Outdoors through Fishing, Bass Pro Shops and now, WONDERS OF WILDLIFE Rick Clunn will Attend By Forrest Fisher One of the most respected ...

FAIRFAX, Va. – The Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, NRA’s groundbreaking gun accident prevention course for children, has achieved another milestone by reaching its 30 millionth child. Created in 1988 by past NRA President Marion P. Hammer, in consultation with elementary school teachers, law enforcement officers and child psychologists, the program provides ...

Free for Kids 10 to 110 Years of Age No Experience necessary Classes Conducted at State University of NY at Fredonia The Children in the Stream Youth Fly Fishing Program will be starting its eighteenth year of providing weekly free fly tying and fly fishing classes to youth and adults in the western ...

Missouri River 340, this ain’t no mama’s boy kayak float trip. You don’t have to go to Alaska or Mt.  Kilimanjaro for an authentic outdoor adventure. What you learn about extreme sports will pale in comparison to what you learn about yourself. This year, the event will run August 8-11, 2017. By Jim Low Missourians ...

Fishing & Learning Adventure on the Buffalo River May 28, 2017; Bison City Rod & Gun Club, Buffalo, N.Y. 141 Kids, 322 Total Attendance; 21 Volunteers; 8-Learning Stations By Forrest Fisher The forecast for rain and fog was swept aside when bright, sunny skies with a gentle 75 degree breeze surprised families with kids ...

By Forrest Fisher Fly fishing for trout is a new adventure for fishermen more familiar with trolling for Great Lakes walleye or casting for tournament bass.  That makes it a new adventure for yours truly. The new unfamiliar tool? A lightweight fly rod about eight-feet in length with a single-action reel that ...

60 students from 17 New York schools eligible to participate in national archery tournament Program introduces young people to archery and other outdoor sports April 18, 2017 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the 60 New York students who scored high enough in the ...

How two very different species found homes in our homes This tale of two species has a happy ending We are all part of Aldo Leupold’s “Land Mechanism” at work By Jim Low You step out your front door to walk the dog before bedtime, and are startled by a flutter of departing ...

Lake Ontario, Jefferson County, 35-pounds, 3 ounces Lucky Angler is Watertown Resident, Eric Scordo Bait was a Simple Nightcrawler The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed that a new state record has been established for channel catfish. Using just a nightcrawler, Eric Scordo of Watertown caught a 35-pound, ...

One Man Trout Angler, Fly-Tyer, Wisdom-Provider Roaring River State Park Trout Secrets Tim’s Fly Shop – Fishing Advice for the Day By David Gray Opening the door to Tim’s Fly Shop, I walked onto “I Tie Flies” Boulevard. Grinning without knowing it, I somehow felt a new twang of destiny on my side, positive ...

Mushroom season is almost here. It’s likely to be earlier than usual. But if you are still seeing these flowers, it’s probably not here yet. By Jim Low Mushroom season is almost here, and as usual, I got the itch to hunt for them weeks ahead of their appearance.  My rational side told me ...

• White Male Deer, White Female Deer, Come Together • Indians Say this is Sacred and Special Sign By Forrest Fisher People everywhere are interested to see distinguished nature in the wilderness, white deer are one of those precious resources that create a sacred and reciprocal bond with nature for many of us. ...

• Learn Fly-Fishing, 3-Day Session, Low Cost • For Teachers, Everyday Workers, Friends of the Outdoors • Schooling for Adult Mentors, Community Outreach Mentors • Science Educator, Orvis Endorsed Guide Instructor By Forrest Fisher The summer of 2012 – it was a good year. A very special, dedicated group of outdoor educators held the first ...

All Photo Credits ©Stonehouse Photo – Hannah Stonehouse Hudson • Women Fish Group Leads Way in Minnesota • Ice Fishing is Giant Thrill for Lady 1st Timers • Clam, McQuoid’s Inn, Vexilar – Key Sponsors By Forrest Fisher Let’s face it, walking on water is fun for everybody, especially first-time ice anglers and especially when ...

It’s seldom the easiest, but always the best course  Hunting Teal in the Morning Fog  When No One is Watching, There is Friendship, Kinship, Honesty By Jim Low My blood ran cold.  Moments earlier, Scott and I had been elated at doubling on a pair of dive-bombing teal.  Now, as my retriever returned with ...

Well-Trained Bird Dogs Timeless Moments with Old Friends   Tasty, Beautiful, Ringed-neck Pheasants One Surprising Modern-Day Youngster By Joe Forma The well-trained pointing Lab whirled into the red brush and a gorgeous Ringed-neck Pheasant clawed his way airborne.  The first of some 50 such flushes for my son, Andy Forma, of Penfield, New York, and ...

Lessons for Stalking Pronghorn Learn About Tracking, Harvest Enjoy Field Dressing Tactics, Savory Cooking Details By Forrest Fisher In this wonderful video from Ramp Media Outdoors, learn about the passion of how and why hunting brings two brothers together.  Despite their extremely busy lives, Matt McMorris and brother, Jeremy, share details about hunting and ...

Keep It Simple Don’t Stay Too Long Bring Plenty to Eat and Drink By Forrest Fisher A few years back, when my 3-1/2 year-old grandson asked me to join him at his pre-school “show and tell”, I didn’t know how much fun that could be.  My little buddy talked about one of his favorite ...

By Forrest Fisher Talented and inspirational author, K.J. Houtman, continues to provide the outdoor world thought-provoking appreciation with a common connection. This heartwarming, outdoors lady identifies ways we see our Creator in nature. On this Thanksgiving Day 2016, enjoy her wonderful poem above. For more from K. J. Houtman, including an entire ...

As our hot summer days of 2016 begin their change toward September, weather front patterns have provided chilling wind directions from the northwest with occasional daytime waterspouts over ports and shorelines along the Great Lakes. Waterspouts are startling and extraordinary to view. Such days are often closely followed by a ...

With local villages and townships across the country enjoying the summertime, the outdoors in 2016 has become a main theme for many. People travel from near and far to enjoy the receptive energy that visiting new destinations can offer. I visited a small town USA village last week, East Aurora, New ...

Early Lessons Pay Big Dividends When Kids Grow Up By Bernard Williams My paternal grandmother, Alberta Williams, lived with us.  She had to in her early 80’s when I was born; don’t remember her exact age, but I do know she was around 97 when she passed away.  Well, grandmamma loved ...

By Mike Marsh I smiled at the memory of my first fishing lure it was a jointed minnow-imitation called a Cisco Kid. A gift from the true anglers in my family, Grandma Marsh and Great Aunt Catherine, the lure had seen musky duty in the Great Lakes and had tooth scars ...

By Everette Wall I may never make it to Heaven but if I don’t, I’ve been close enough to have an idea of what it’s like.  It was the backseat of an old Buick, surrounded by the thick, heady aroma of lilac bath powder. It wasn’t what you might think, though.  I ...

All I wanted for Mother’s Day was for my family to come fishing with me. My husband, Jeff, daughter Kendall (15) and son Cole (12).  Kendall does not like fishing, hunting or the outdoors (completely opposite of me!).  Cole likes fishing, but he’s an active 12-year old boy who doesn’t ...

As a kid, I would ask my dad to visit any number of tackle shops near our home outside Buffalo, New York. In our area, there were favorites that we had identified as top stops for new lures and new stuff every new fishing season. We went to three places ...

According to the experts at World Bank, the planet needs to produce 50% more food than we do today in order to feed the 9 billion people who’ll live here by 2050. How can that possibly happen? Increases in efficiency are part of the answer.  Lower food quality and artificial dietary ...

Episode 1 When a youngster started fishing with his dad at 3 years old, using a bait casting rig, despite his dad’s warning to leave the rig alone, the monster fish hooked on that “less than magnificent” first cast, left an indelible impression that FISHING IS FUN! It has become a ...

Not just about Reindeer and Santa Claus, it’s about sharing the joy of family and helping other people be happy everywhere! I looked the calendar, 6 days to Christmas Eve. Where has the time gone? Can’t put it off any longer, got to get started on my Christmas shopping. Noon, I ...

In his timeless 1949 classic, A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold famously wrote, “There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.” I recently came across a video ...

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 ...

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 ...

Chautauqua County, NY, is noted for mega-limits of Lake Erie walleye and monster musky from Chautauqua Lake. Great sunsets with a glass of microbrew beer or local vintage winery tastings are on the usual after-dinner menu. Our group learned a lot about the fun of camaraderie, effective fishing tactics and great walleye ...

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 ...

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, ...

By Larry Whiteley I know there are lots of Father’s Day gift lists out there and you’re probably being bombarded with all kinds of ads and people telling you what to get. Take a little time to read this though, and it could be the best Father’s Day that dad has ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

By Larry Whiteley It was the morning of July 4th. A truck with three men pulls into the marina. Their families were still sleeping at the lodge where they were all staying. They get out of the truck and tease each other about who will catch the most fish while unloading ...

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 ...

Inspiration abounds in spring – beautiful sunrise sunshine, birds, bees, fresh tree buds, and it seems, at least to me, there might be angels everywhere. Anticipation and fun to look forward to – limits of crappie, white bass, walleye, suckers and tasty fish fry’s. Special hunting treats – spring gobblers, fresh morel ...

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 I went grocery shopping with my wife the other day. I’m usually not much of a shopper unless I am in the local outdoor store. It can take me hours and cost me a lot of money when I go in there. I always need to replace something ...

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 ...

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 ...

Kids love the winter cold and sparkly snow! Birds, squirrels, deer, mice and more…all tell a story of their journey. The coffee tastes especially good on snowy mornings…a good time to share quiet time.   By Larry Whiteley In the quietness of the early morning, he sat staring out the window at icicles hanging from ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sunset, sunrise, nature, people, life – joined by ancient mystical melody Sacred, spiritual, mythical – outreach of Native American harmony End of the day stress relief for modern America By Larry Whiteley I don’t remember the first time I heard the melodic sounds of a Native American flute, but the music still lingers in ...

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 ...

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 ...

Student archery participation improves school attendance, increases student confidence, improves student behavior All students are equal, not based on popularity, athletic skill, gender, size, or academic ability MoNASP State Tournament will run March 22 – 24, 2019 at Branson Convention Center in Branson, Missouri By Larry Whiteley In 2001, Roy Grimes was the Deputy ...

Dear Grandkids, I know most of your communication in today’s world is through social media and you don’t like to read something as long as this letter, but please do! One day all the gifts you get will be gone, but my Christmas letter to you will last forever. As you continue ...

Finding Something You Were Not Looking For… By Larry Whiteley I sit on a river gravel bar letting the sun soak its warmth deep into my bones. It’s only December, but it’s already been a long winter and it felt good. Birds were singing. Like me, they were tired of the cold ...

A floating leaf in the current, watch it, discover an unmatchable journey Listen…the sound of creek gurgle and babble, they play Nature’s music Learn the outdoors from the same place through all seasons…a mesmerizing experience that never ends. By Larry Whiteley I close the book I was reading, lean back and watch the autumn ...

This youth program exists in 80 countries and the United States, do your kids know about it? Program includes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education Kids build life skills…honesty, responsibility, decision-making, teamwork, self-discipline, self-confidence, problem solving By Larry Whiteley You will probably never hear this story being told on CNN, CBS or NBC ...

Turkey Hunting, a Giant Gobbler, I Raise my Gun Geese Fly Overhead in V-Formation, it’s a Signal I Draw My Bow…that Green Arrow, “Oh Yea, My Story Takes a Turn By Larry Whiteley The old gobbler is searching for me. I’ve done a good job making him think I’m a hen. He’s literally tripping ...

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 ...

Memories, SPECIAL Times and Mice Practical Jokes, Sunrise, Sunset, Nature and DEER  Great Food, Great Stories, Great People, FUN By Larry Whiteley Every deer camp has its cast of camp characters. Individuals with their own special uniqueness, but when blended together like spices and seasonings in a recipe, make deer camp so special. My deer ...

Major new destination in heart of the Missouri Ozarks is now open. Imagine Understanding How Life on Earth Works for Animals, Birds and Fish…that’s what You Get Here. This Museum is about Adventure and Exploration  By Larry Whiteley I was recently invited to attend a media event at the new, not-for-profit, 350,000 square foot, ...

By Larry Wisher It’s a warm day. For winter, that is. I’m sitting on a big flat rock in the middle of the woods. The sun soaks deep into my bones. Days like this don’t come that often in winter, here where I live. I take my jacket off and use it ...

Sounds of the Earth…the Birds, Deer, Turkey Sunrise Charm, Autumn Streams, Rising Fog Mountain Colors, Ornaments for your Heart and Soul The Smell of Pouring Thermos Coffee on the Mountain By Larry Whiteley The fall air is crisp as I start my journey up Dogwood Mountain. It’s really a big hill, but I named it ...

By Larry Whiteley When I was younger I used to dream of having a cabin in the woods. A simple cabin nestled among cedars and hardwoods somewhere in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri. My grandma used to tell me if I dreamed long enough and worked hard enough my dreams would ...

By Larry Whiteley When most people think of snorkeling they think of sandy beaches, blue saltwater and coral reefs, but Missouri’s freshwater streams and lakes can also be a fascinating snorkeling adventure. We don’t usually think of our local fresh bodies of water as a place to grab your mask, fins and ...

Gentle flames dance and flicker before you Light the night, cook food, share time Story-telling, memories, peaceful thinking – its magical By Larry Whiteley There’s something really special about time spent around a campfire. Smoke drifts away or gets in your face. Wood crackles and pops. Flames dance and flicker. Sparks float hypnotically upward ...

      By Larry Whitely The warm early summer day is ending. The bright orange sun slowly begins sinking to the earth.  It’s been a long, hectic day at work and I step outside to begin winding down.  I love watching sunsets and sunrises. A lone whip-poor-will calls from the nearby woods testing ...