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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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It’s Winter. For those in northern states that means cold and snow—the kind of weather you want to escape from. Maybe you’ve been…
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Whether you’re a die-hard powder hound or simply curious about why people subject themselves to a gear-intensive sport that takes place outside…
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One of the best things about hiking is that it is an outdoor activity that you can do all year long. So why is that so many avid hikers hang up their…
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Weeks before the official start of winter, snowmobile riders are heading for high elevations in the Rockies in search of groomed trails leading to…
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If you’re one of those hikers or backpackers who puts away your outdoor gear for the winter, you really are missing out on one of the most…
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Regardless of where they swim, fish don’t stop eating just because it’s winter. Granted, their metabolism slows and they don’t…
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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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When the snow flies, everyone knows it’s best to slow down and follow the recommended safe-driving tips to avoid ending up in a snowbank…
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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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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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Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean your four-wheeling fun has to stop. Four-wheel drive doesn’t make you…
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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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When you set out on a winter camping trip, you probably don’t expect that anything will go wrong—and most of the time, you will be right.…
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It’s February, and the first turkey seasons are still weeks away. If you don’t have frozen water where you live, then you can’t…
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A couple of years ago I walked up to a trail camera in north-central Wisconsin to check the images. When I opened it up to retrieve the SD card, I…
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For many experienced outdoorsmen and women, the very idea of winter camping sounds terrifying. After all, the idea of spending the entire time…
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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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Don't hibernate this winter. If you lament the colder months and use it as an excuse to stay indoors, it's time to rethink your approach. The key to…
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Whitetail hunters, especially bowhunters, can generally be divided into two factions when it comes to scent control. The first are the devout,…
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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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The most natural tendency for bowhunters looking for the best place to ambush a big whitetail in the early season is to gravitate toward the field…
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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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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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The problem with scouting whitetails during mid-summer is that the woods are as uninviting as they’ll be all year. From hordes of mosquitoes to…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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