Trying to choose the perfect gift for the hikers on your holiday list can be a tough assignment, simply because there are so many fun items to choose…
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Learning how to properly pack a backpack is a true art form that every outdoor enthusiast should master. Whether you’re heading into the…
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Bummed that the summer hiking trails will soon be covered in white? That’s okay…it’s snowshoeing season! Snowshoeing is a great…
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There are so many perfect spots for adventures with your pup in the great state of Illinois. The state has an abundance of dog-friendly trails and…
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One of the hottest trends in hiking and backpacking over the past few years has been the shift toward going ultralight on the trail. Typically, this…
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All riders have a decision to make as cold weather approaches: Will you store your ATV or ride it this winter? Whichever you choose, there are…
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There once was a time when carrying electronic devices with us into the great outdoors was pretty much unthinkable. Fragile and expensive, such…
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Camping out in winter can open a whole new world of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Donning snowshoes or cross-country skis to access your…
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ATVs—shorthand for “all terrain vehicles”—are one way to explore areas of land that you might not otherwise be able to…
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There are a lot of fishing opportunities out there that may seem exotic or hard to come by at first. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll…
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It is fall, which means that the leaves are changing and gun writers are doing articles on the “Great American Deer Rifle.” Picking out a…
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Some types of fishing require (or are at least impractical without) a charter or guide service. Other times, you may just want the added expertise of…
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Maintaining your camping gear in the offseason, including proper storage, cleaning and repairs, will help make it last longer and save you money on…
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ATVs are off-road vehicles, designed to allow access to trails and other hard-to-reach areas. The earliest designs from the 1970s were three-wheeled.…
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Working out at the gym can get mundane for outdoor enthusiasts, so many decide to pursue invigorating hikes in nature. From rock formations to scenic…
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There was a time when camp food for a weekend overnight revolved around hot dogs, canned goods, and tasteless dehydrated dinners. Fortunately, those…
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Sprawling across thousands of acres with twinkling lakes and lush vegetation, Fox Ridge State Park is the ideal escape. Whether you’re looking…
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When I take my three kids skiing, everyone carries their own gear, puts on their own boots and helmets, and gets themselves easily out onto the…
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Scenic hikes are relaxing, inspiring, and invigorating for both new and experienced hikers. There are hundreds of hiking trails throughout Illinois…
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Just because Old Man Winter is rearing his balaclava-covered head, doesn't mean you have to hang up your paddle. From sea kayaking along warm,…
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It’s nice to have company along when you’re heading out for a day or two of fishing, and is there any better companionship than your dog?…
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Even if you don’t ski or snowboard—or you just don’t want to ride chairlifts every day of your mountain…
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Illinois’ diverse natural landscapes and abundant state parks have led to the many great hiking trails around the state. With thousands of…
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Treestands are one of the most popular and effective methods of deer hunting throughout the eastern half of our country. Being perched high in a tree…
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Nothing beats running on a nature trail through wilderness. Illinois offers hundreds of running trails, all of which boast scenic views around every…
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Camping creates fond family memories, and Illinois is home to many great campgrounds for your next family getaway. Whether you’re looking for a…
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Can’t bear the thought of leaving your furry friend behind while you set off for adventure? Bring them along for the ride and make memories…
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Illinois is home to hundreds of bird species thanks to the diverse habitats throughout the state. The preservation of these wetlands, prairies,…
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Choosing a list of top 10 favorite deer hunting cartridges is no easy task, particularly since there are so many suitable cartridges that could make…
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For most of us, fishing conjures up images of a lazy day on the water, occasionally reeling in some finned beauties which are then proudly displayed…
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Cue the family ski vacation. Early snow reports are confirming that there has never been a better year to plan a hot chocolate-drinking, board…
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Glamping is typically defined as a mix of glamor and camping. The result is an outdoor experience unlike any other, where campers spend their days…
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RV camping provides the perfect opportunity to get away from the daily mundane routines and stresses of our modern lifestyles. Illinois offers many…
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Investing in a recreational vehicle (RV) is a big decision. Whether you're buying an older model that's used but still reliable or a shiny new Class…
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The main thing you need to know about the rut, which has been studied and defined to within inches of its death, is that for a few magical weeks…
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Thousands of acres of forest, sparkling waterfalls, rolling plains—Illinois is a hiker’s dream. Whether you’re looking for a…
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For many folks, meal planning is the biggest thing to worry about when getting ready for a camping trip. Whether you’re backpacking, car…
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In a state with one of the nation’s great cities and a deep-rooted agricultural history, fall is a time of year to celebrate. That’s why…
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It doesn't matter whether you’re staying at a fully electric campsite in a modern campground or backpacking in a designated wilderness area,…
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Every time I go camping with friends, I learn a new trick or discover a piece of gear that makes life outdoors more comfortable. But there are some…
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As a beginner to dirt bike riding, there are a lot of ins and outs to learn—and sometimes you'll get some bumps and bruises throughout that…
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Most bowhunters view early- to mid-October (the October Lull) as a waste of their time in the deer woods. The biggest misconception about the Lull is…
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The arrival of cold weather doesn’t mean you have to abandon your favorite outdoor activities and wait until the return of warm weather before…
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I remember being just old enough to legally hunt big game in New York State—back then, you had to be 16 to hunt big game—and carrying a…
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For an exciting change of pace, if you already have a canoe, why not try canoe camping? Fall is a great time of the year to be outside and on the…
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It’s September, and the coming of fall equals an abundance of autumnal harvest…in the woods. Foraging is currently all the rage at top…
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Of the four seasons, fall is by far the most popular for riding ATVs that seat one or two people, and “side-by-sides” that seat two to…
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As the leaves start falling from the trees and the winter chill starts to roll in, the crowds and pesky bugs dissipate from the hiking trails. And if…
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Despite what we may see on television, deer usually do not drop in their tracks at the shot. Sometimes, too, “stuff” happens and the shot…
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While deer hunting takes many forms in a variety of different habitats and terrains, one thing is for certain: The more time you can spend afield,…
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