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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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Coming up with a theme for a party can be tough. Do you go with an ’80s or ’90s theme? A TV show theme? A holiday theme? Why not do something…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Do you know these 10 essential camping skills? Learn them and they are bound to improve all your…
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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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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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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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The key to becoming a good shooter is that you and your rifle must work in unison. Good shooting starts by learning to control your breathing and…
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Scopes are a fixture on today’s rifles and one primary factor in how they will perform is how well they are installed. It’s not all that…
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When it comes to long-range shooting at big game animals like deer and elk, the best advice is don’t do it. Do your hunting before you pull the…
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If you just bought your first 4x4, congratulations! But if you’re new to the world of four-wheeling, the notion of putting that brand-new truck…
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For diehard bird hunters, the season gets going just as the snow begins to fall and birds settle into their seasonal habits. For waterfowlers, the…
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There’s something downright elegant about stripping life down to its basic elements: shelter and food (and, ideally, good company). We’re…
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The handgun is the toughest of the three primary firearms to master. Rifles and shotguns are fired from the shoulder, which provides a more stable…
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Getting stuck is an unavoidable part of driving off-road. But there’s a difference between garden-variety stuck and the big stuck: the mud…
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If you're a newcomer to archery and just getting ready to make your first bow purchase, the great news is that there are plenty of new bows available…
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The term “handgun” covers a lot of ground, from easy-to-conceal pocket pistols to specialty single-shots designed for hunting big game.…
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In the world we live in today with guns socially demonized and most schools being gun-free zones with zero tolerance, who would have imagined that in…
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Archery is a lot of fun, but whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter or just getting in to target shooting, becoming a better archer hinges on one…
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In January, I spent three days cruising the aisles of the annual Archery Trade Association Show, which was held in Louisville, Kentucky. The ATA Show…
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There is a reason the world consumes millions of rounds of .22 LR ammunition each year. The popular .22 offers almost no recoil, so it’s easy…
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Is there a greater gift—or a more appealing challenge—for an American hunter than chasing game across public land, using only your…
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Choosing the right campsite for our backcountry excursions can be surprisingly more challenging that you might think. Sure, it’s nice to…
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Motorcycle riding offers lots of ways for outdoor enthusiasts to get into the sport—even if you’ve never ridden before. And though…
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Perhaps you’ve finally taken the leap and purchased your first firearm. Or maybe you’re thinking about buying your first handgun or…
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If you’re planning a spring or summer camping trip to one of our national parks, now is the time to book your campsite reservations. Whether…
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Tis the season! With the holidays right around the corner, you may be wracking your brain to find something new and different for your favorite…
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We go four-wheeling for many reasons. One is the challenge of traveling tough terrain armed with driving skill and the mechanical capabilities…
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Autumn is one of the best times to take to the trail on your ATV or UTV to catch the fall colors and enjoy game viewing at its best. But you’ll…
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Four-wheeling is a hands-on experience. You can gather a lot of driving tips from online stories, magazine articles and books, but to really get a…
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As the father of twin seven-year-olds, I’m always looking for ways to get my girls involved in the things I love to do. One activity I thought…
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Watching an accomplished archer shoot a bow well is like watching a pro golfer make a perfect chip shot. Both shots look nearly effortless when done…
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“Where can I ride my new ATV?” That’s the number one question fielded by the nation’s powersports dealers and approximately…
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People have a lot of methods for picking a puppy, but most of them involve trying to evaluate a litter of six-week olds to find the right…
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Archery industry manufacturers seem to have fractured into two factions lately. On one side you have high-end, uber-expensive equipment that while…
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