DIY Weekend Warrior Hunting Trips

DIY Hunting Trips for Weekend warriors featured image showing young lady hunter with a very nice whitetail buck.

DIY weekend warrior hunting trips have become my go-to way to scratch the hunting itch when time is tight. Like a lot of busy folks, I juggle work, family, and all of life’s demands, so short, self-guided hunting adventures during the weekend let me get outdoors without a big price tag or lots of planning … Read more

Without a GPS Signal How do You Navigate Backcountry Trails?

How to Navigate the Backcountry without a GPS signal featured image showing Gerald Gerwick standing on the Mountainside and checking for landmarks in the valley below.

Finding my way through backcountry trails without a GPS signal can feel intimidating at first, but it’s completely possible with practice and the right techniques. Electronic devices can help, but I need practical skills to stay safe and on track when technology is unreliable. This guide shares how I handle off-grid navigation and gives tips … Read more

How To Pack A Lightweight Backpack For DIY Backpack Hunting Trips

How to Pack a light-weight Backpack for a DIY Hunt featured image showing the author with a fully loaded backpack, getting ready to cross a mountain stream.

Packing my backpack for a DIY hunting trip takes planning, especially if I want to keep everything lightweight and super efficient. The way I map out my packing strategy impacts how comfortable I am on the trail and how easily I can grab essentials during a big backcountry day. Here, I’m breaking down my practical … Read more

Navigating The Hunt Application Process In The US

Navigating the Hunt Application Process in the US featured image showing a hunter at his desk fill out his hunt application online.

Hunting in the United States is an adventure that gets underway well before you step into the field. The application process for hunting tags and permits can seem overwhelming, with each state setting its own rules and deadlines. When I first started researching western big game hunting, I found there was more to it than … Read more

Care And Storage Of Your Wall Tent In The Offseason

Care and Storage of Your Wall Tent in the Offseason featured image.

Taking care of my wall tent during the offseason makes a real difference when I want it ready for action next time. I know even small steps can add years to my tent’s lifetime, while skipping them can leave me with musty smells, mildew, or broken zippers. These habits for care and storage keep my … Read more

Best Do-it-Yourself Bear Hunts

Best Do-it-Yourself Bear Hunts featured image showing two black bears relaxing on a rock outcropping.

Planning a do-it-yourself bear hunt is one of my favorite ways to get outside, test my skills, and work toward bringing home some wild meat. Bear hunting is not just about tracking a tough animal; it’s also about understanding the land, doing careful scouting, and following the rules for each area. QUICK LOOK: Top States … Read more

Best Wall Tents For Hunting

Best Wall Tents for Hunting featured image showing elk hunters sitting down for dinner insider their Montana Canvas Wall Tent.

I’ve spent plenty of chilly nights tucked away in wall tents, and they’ve become my top pick for comfortable hunting camps. Picking the best wall tent for hunting usually comes down to finding the right blend of strength, size, and weather resistance. If you’re planning a long trip in the mountains or setting up a … Read more

When Should You Start Planning Next Year’s Hunt?

When Should Your Start Planning Next Year's Hunt featured image showing kitchen wall tent set up and ready.

Planning for a successful hunt next year starts earlier than many people think. From reflecting on last season to securing tags and getting gear ready, early planning has made a big difference for me, and I’ve seen how being proactive helps avoid trouble and disappointment. QUICK LOOK: Hunt Planning Tips and Pitfalls Every year, popular … Read more

7 Late-Season Elk Hunting Strategies

Late-Season Elk Hunting Strategies featured image showing a hunter walking up a snowy trail next to an image of a large bull elk crossing a snow covered sage brush flat.

Late-season elk hunting brings in a whole new set of challenges, and if you ask me, some of the most rewarding experiences of the season. As the weather cools and hunting pressure drops, elk become less vocal, tougher to pattern, and even more determined to find safety and food. QUICK LOOK: Key Late-Season Elk Hunting … Read more

How To Choose The Right Rifle And Ammunition For Elk Hunting

How to Choose a Rifle and Ammo for Elk Hunting featured image.

Preparing for an elk hunt calls for more thought than just grabbing any rifle and a handful of bullets off the shelf. My experience has shown me that the right combination of rifle and ammunition can make or break your hunt. Elk are large, tough animals, and making ethical, effective shots is a responsibility every … Read more