In just one short week, over 10,000 athletes will arrive in the “City of Light” for the Paris Summer Olympics. Among those competing are five-time…
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Ski season is finally here and a new trove of quality gear items are arriving at your local ski shop just in time. Here are some of this…
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If you’re a fan of water skiing or tubing out on the lake on a hot summer day, wakeboarding might be the next sport for you. Not only is this…
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The names of some bass fisheries resonate with anglers on a national scale: Okeechobee, Kentucky Lake, Guntersville, Havasu, Clear Lake, Lake Fork,…
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If you’ve been on a vacation to an outdoor destination in the past few years, you’ve likely noticed a new phenomenon: cycle paths, single…
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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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Rafting down mountain rivers is nothing short of addicting, but it’s not your only option for thrills. Whitewater parks are sprinkled…
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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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When it comes to fishing with kids, conventional wisdom says to find a place where they can catch any fish with a high level of frequency and…
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Mountains have them, municipalities have them, so why shouldn’t waterways have them as well? I’m talking about trails that keep you on a…
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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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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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Years ago, our Scout troop headed out on a weekend backpacking trip. And while the troop leaders warned the boys (and their parents) not to wear…
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A boat, even if it’s a small used one, can be a big purchase. Boat ownership entails a lot of responsibility and can be expensive, as well. If…
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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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The best time to go fishing is whenever you can. While that old maxim has merit and speaks to the value of fishing just for the fun of it, there are…
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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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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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It’s sweltering out, and the air conditioning is beckoning, but you’re longing to get away on just one more camping trip of the summer.…
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There’s nothing quite like jet skiing on a calm, beautiful lake surrounded by nature. The abundant lakes in Illinois provide many opportunities…
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Off-roading is an adventurous activity for people who are ready to leave the pavement behind. There are several off-roading areas throughout…
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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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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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Sitting atop a kayak on the water is a great way to experience nature from a new vantage point. Whether you're embarking on a leisurely journey on a…
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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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Fishing with the family is always funs, but not everybody who lives under your roof may like to fish 24/7. And if you have teens, they might…
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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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It’s hot, it’s humid and the dog days of summer are living up to their billing. But bass don’t stop biting just because the heat…
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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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Canoe camping transforms a regular old camping trip into a more adventurous excursion, but it's pivotal to take the steps to properly prepare. You…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Illinois off-roading scene is a burgeoning one, with several independent parks scattered throughout the state catering to ATVs, motocross, and…
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Before undertaking any hiking trip, one must be equipped with all of the proper equipment. From the right boots, the right layers, to the right…
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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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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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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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Here’s the picture: you’re sitting around a campfire, roasting weenies and telling ghost stories as the night closes in around you.…
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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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Hunting knives come in a mind-boggling array of shapes and sizes. New hunters often think a 10-inch Bowie-style survival knife is all they need to…
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There is a misconception that fly-fishing has taken over trout fishing and that if you’re not toting a whippy seven-foot rod and looking to…
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Do you know these 10 essential camping skills? Learn them and they are bound to improve all your…
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Fuel prices are a lot like the weather: Lots of folks talk about them, but there’s not much you can do about them. The price at the pump…
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The end of the trail is near, at least for today. As you walk into your campsite and remove your pack from your back, the breeze feels good after a…
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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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