Author: Carrie Zylka

Wisconsin - Hostess of the award winning podcast HuntFishTravel. Carrie's blog posts cover the podcast, as well as posts covering hunting and fishing and fiction stories. Sunday Morning Musings include personal stories and thoughts. Photography posts highlight professional images.

#HuntFishTravel Podcast Live Coverage at #ATA2015

Live coverage from the tradeshow floor.

Listen in to the episodes recorded so far from the Archery Trade Association Tradeshow!  So many more to come, be sure to subscribe here —–> to be the first to receive the episodes as they are published.

~ Browning

Hawke Sport Optics

~ Hooker Deer Drag

~ Melissa Bachman

~ Tenzing

~ Dog Bone

~ Hot Shot Manufacturing

~ Mossy Oak

~ 10X

~ True Timber

~ Hot Shot Bonus Episode – Peep Sights Explained

~ Prois

~ Real Avid

~ Hunter’s Specialties Press Conference

~ Skull Hooker

~ Bow Chic

~ Easton Archery

~ Montana Decoy

~ Wasp Archery

~ ProTracker

~ Cobra Sights

~ New Breed Archery

~ Orion Coolers


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#HuntFishTravel Podcast Episode 89 – ATA2015 Preview

ATA 2015 preview with Amy Hatfield, Content Strategist for the Archery Trade Association, she’s going to tell us what new and returning attendees can expect this year in Indianapolis.

ATA 2015 preview with Amy Hatfield, Content Strategist for the Archery Trade Association, she’s going to tell us what new and returning attendees can expect this year in Indianapolis.
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel Podcast Episode 89 – ATA2015 Preview”

#HuntFishTravel 88 – How to Shoot Like a Sniper with CheytacUSA

In this episode Carrie and Rachel ate chatting with Andrew of CheytacUSA. They talk about the 408 M300 Intervention, what is considered “long distance”, why hunters may need to shoot longer yardage, the fundamentals of sighting your rifle in for long ranges, shooting dirty, breathing techniques, customizing a rifle and recognizing elements like wind when you’re about to take a shot.

“#HuntFishTravel 88 – How to Shoot Like a Sniper with CheytacUSA”

In this episode Carrie and Rachel are chatting with Andrew of CheytacUSA. They talk about the 408 M300 Intervention, what is considered “long distance”, why hunters may need to shoot longer yardage, the fundamentals of sighting your rifle in for long ranges, shooting dirty, breathing techniques, customizing a rifle and recognizing elements like wind when you’re about to take a shot. Listen in to find out which movie the 408 M200 was featured in. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 88 – How to Shoot Like a Sniper with CheytacUSA”

Season 5 of His & Hers Outdoors TV to Premier on the Pursuit Channel

Season 5 premier! Don’t miss it, it’s sure to be an amazing season!

It is well known that I don’t care for most hunting tv shows out there.  I don’t care for the phoniness, or the high fence kills made to look like public land, I don’t care for the chest thumping and the egos and I definitely do not care for the “Good ‘ol Boys Club” mentality.

But I do watch a handful of hunting shows that have proven over time to produce exceptional content.  His & Hers TV is one of them.  I highly recommend you check them out this season.  ~CarrieZ

Contact Information:
His & Hers Outdoors TV
Jon Sissney – Host
jon@hisnhersoutdoors.com
His & Hers Outdoors Announces Premier of Season 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oklahoma City, OK – His & Hers Outdoors is proud to announce the premier of Season 5 on the Pursuit Channel.

His & Hers Outdoors will be airing on the Pursuit Channel Sunday mornings at 9 AM EST, 8 AM CST, beginning January 4, 2015.
Continue reading “Season 5 of His & Hers Outdoors TV to Premier on the Pursuit Channel”

#HuntFishTravel 086 – Tips for Staying Warm While Out Hunting

Rick Helke 1st ever supporter of the show joins to chat about staying warm in the bitter cold.

“#HuntFishTravel 88 – How to Shoot Like a Sniper with CheytacUSA”




(Psst! Support the show by sharing this episode to facebook/twitter – thank you!!)

Carrie’s flying solo this week as she interviews Rick Helke, owner of Slumper Seats, the very first supporter of the show.

What is a Slumper Seat you ask? It is an incredibly comfortable seat cushion for your tree stand.

They talk about the Wisconsin based company, how it got started and the different models offered.

Then they take some listener questions and chat about ways to stay warm in the frigid temps we are sometimes forced to hunt in.
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 086 – Tips for Staying Warm While Out Hunting”

Eagle Watching in Kentucky and Missouri

A unique Kentucky State Park tradition – Eagle Watch Weekends – will be offered once again in January and February 2015.

We have a healthy eagle population here in Wisconsin. If you’re in a state that offers eagle watching you should definitely go and experience it.

“Eagle Watch Weekends Coming to Kentucky State Parks”
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A unique Kentucky State Park tradition – Eagle Watch Weekends – will be offered once again in January and February 2015.
Continue reading “Eagle Watching in Kentucky and Missouri”

#HuntFishTravel 085 – Deer Scents, Lures & How to Make a Mock Scrape

This week Carrie and Rachel head down the rock ‘n’ roll rabbit hole, they reveal Carrie’s new rock and metal new album review podcast Rock Chick Radio and a sneak peek behind Rachel and Carrie’s upcoming podcast project “Wisconsin Restaurant Review“.

Then they are chatting it up with Brian Johansen from Buck Stop Scents, they talk about types of scents, where and how to put  them out and various questions about using them properly.

Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 085 – Deer Scents, Lures & How to Make a Mock Scrape”

#HuntFishTravel 083 – The Debacle That Was My South Dakota Mule Deer Hunt, debacle

Have you ever spent 15 hours completely lost in a dark canyon with no GPS, water or shelter? Well Carrie has and she’s telling the story from start to finish. Joined as always by Rachel Fontaine the conversation revolves around the mule deer hunt, the excitement, the let downs and of course the take-aways. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 083 – The Debacle That Was My South Dakota Mule Deer Hunt, debacle”

LOST! In the South Dakota Wilderness Part 1: The Canyon

It was about 10:30pm when I realized what I’d been taught as a young girl was not going to work out for me.

I’d gone down for an evening sit over a water hole that fateful Sunday evening around 4:30 pm. My phone wasn’t fully charged but I thought to myself “I’ll only be down there for about 2 hours so who cares?”

I’d settled in, snug under some branches of an old cottonwood tree, Continue reading “LOST! In the South Dakota Wilderness Part 1: The Canyon”

LOST! In the South Dakota Wilderness Part 2: The Fields

READ PART 1 HERE

Yes, I’d made it to the top of the canyon. That had been the goal. I had it in my head that if I could just make it to the top of the canyon, I could follow it back to where my truck was parked.

For some reason, I thought I was here:Thought I was hereBut in reality I was here: Continue reading “LOST! In the South Dakota Wilderness Part 2: The Fields”

4 Crucial Tips for Hunting from a Ground Blind

“4 Crucial Tips for Hunting from a Ground Blind”

For those of us that hunt in ground blinds instead of tree stands, we have to take extra precautions. Here are the 5 biggest lessons I’ve personally learned while out in the field. Continue reading “4 Crucial Tips for Hunting from a Ground Blind”

Paleo Garlic and Mixed Peppers Hot Sauce Recipe

A few years I interviewed Georgia Pellegrini about her book Modern Pioneering. The book had a whole section about container gardening for those of us that have limited space. Owning a condo, I have a 10X10 patio in the front and that’s about it. I’ve never really been one to garden since I didn’t have a ton of room. Continue reading “Paleo Garlic and Mixed Peppers Hot Sauce Recipe”

Outdoor Writers Crowned Third Annual Mercer Muskie Madness Challenge Champions

Duo overcomes challenging fishing conditions and unfamiliar waters to capture coveted title

Press Release: Mercer, WI (10-21-14) —

57 passionate muskie anglers converged in the tiny town of Mercer in Wisconsin’s north woods last weekend to compete in the Third Annual Mercer Muskie Madness Challenge, an open muskie tournament sponsored by the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, The Turtle Flambeau Flowage Association and Gateway Lodge to benefit Wounded Warriors In Action (WWIA). Continue reading “Outdoor Writers Crowned Third Annual Mercer Muskie Madness Challenge Champions”

#HuntFishTravel 081 – Mosquito Repellents and the Hunter

Carrie & Rachel chat it up this week about the mosquito repellents they use, the mosquito repellents they’d never use and the length most mosquito repellents even last.
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 081 – Mosquito Repellents and the Hunter”

Sunday Morning Musings – Happy Surgical Anniversary Day & How Far I’ve Come

{I actually wrote this September 30, 2014.  Today is my birthday and last year’s kinda sucked so I thought this would be a fitting post.}

I received a text today from my husband:

Happy Surgical AnniversaryI chuckled because it was such a simple yet effective reminder of the hell I was going through exactly one year ago today. Lying in a hospital bed, in excruciating pain after having several organs ripped out of me. Barely coherent and doped up beyond my wildest fears. The complications that nearly killed me and the agony of a lengthy recovery.

Most women would never dream of hunting alone much less for a whole week in another state for a species they knew nothing about.

But I am obviously not most women. Continue reading “Sunday Morning Musings – Happy Surgical Anniversary Day & How Far I’ve Come”

7 Reasons I Love Camping In the Fall

I love fall camping. Everything about it and once Labor Day hits and hunting season gets here I am in seventh heaven.

And here are my top seven reasons why… Continue reading “7 Reasons I Love Camping In the Fall”

#HuntFishTravel 078 – Keeping Your Game Fresh after the Kill

You’ve killed it and field dressed it but now what? Wild World of CarrieZ’s newest blogger and Wildlife Information Specialist, Certified Fisheries Biologist for the Indiana DNR Michelle Cain is this week’s guest. We’re going to talk about how not to spoil the meat once you have an animal on the ground. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 078 – Keeping Your Game Fresh after the Kill”

#HuntFishTravel 076 – 2014 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations Explained

This week we’re joined by Kevin Wallenfang from the WI DNR. Rachel and I ask him every question we can think of and he’s kind enough to break it all down for us. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 076 – 2014 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations Explained”

Proposed Wisconsin Trout Regs Aim to Increase Angler Opportunities

MADISON – The public will have an opportunity to provide input on proposals to simplify existing inland trout fishing regulations and provide more quality trout fishing opportunities at 10 public meetings that will be held throughout the state beginning Sept. 3. Continue reading “Proposed Wisconsin Trout Regs Aim to Increase Angler Opportunities”

#HuntFishTravel 074 – Fall Walleye Tactics with Marble-EYE Slayers

Fall is hunting season. Yes, we know. But it’s also the best fishing season too! This week we are talking to pro tournament anglers Jeff Otis and Scott Ludwig. They are going to let us in on some of the fishing tactics the pro’s use so we can all catch dinner too!
Plus Rachel got a new dog, listen in to the story of how she came to be a new dog owner. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 074 – Fall Walleye Tactics with Marble-EYE Slayers”

#HuntFishTravel 072 – Bowhunting Preseason Checklist

This week I’m joined by Phillip Johnson of Tall Tine Bowstrings and Glacial Lakes Archery.

He gives us the run down on what we should be doing to get ready for the upcoming archery hunting season. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 072 – Bowhunting Preseason Checklist”

Lake of the Woods “Pay It Forward” Charity Event and WalleyeFest 2014 announces Entertainment Line Up

Baudette, MN Lake of the Woods Tourism in conjunction with Walleye Master Charity Events just released the entertainment line up for the main stage in Baudette on Friday and Saturday night, August 22 -23.

Friday evening, under the tent on Main Street in Baudette, Bruce Neumann and Tiki D will take the stage. With music of an island Continue reading “Lake of the Woods “Pay It Forward” Charity Event and WalleyeFest 2014 announces Entertainment Line Up”

#HuntFishTravel 070 – Tips for Cutting Shooting Lanes with Wicked Tree Gear

John Mulligan; VP of Sales & Marketing for Wicked Tree Gear joins us this week to talk about where, how much and when to even cut a shooting lane, tree saws and online hunting shows.

Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 070 – Tips for Cutting Shooting Lanes with Wicked Tree Gear”

#HuntFishTravel 068 – Antler Growth and Organizing Your Trail Cam Photos with HuntForce

What are antlers? Why do they grow the way they do? What makes them big and sometimes gnarley? What the heck is “Velvet”?

All these questions are answered during this week’s episode where we sit down with President of HuntForce Jim White. We’ll talk Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 068 – Antler Growth and Organizing Your Trail Cam Photos with HuntForce”

#HuntFishTravel 067 – Archery Tips to Make You a Better Bowhunter

In this week’s episode I’m joined by World Champion Archer, Jahna Davis-Jurenka, we talk about how she got started in the pro archery world, tips for summer practice, and all about her new woman’s clothing line Bow Chic. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 067 – Archery Tips to Make You a Better Bowhunter”

#HuntFishTravel 065 – Tips for Planning an Out of State Elk Hunt

Mia Anstine from Wolf Creek Outfitters joins us this week to talk about how you go about booking, what you need to do to get ready and what to expect when you book an out of state elk hunt. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 065 – Tips for Planning an Out of State Elk Hunt”

#HuntFishTravel 064 – Turkey Hunting in WI and NY

Tune in to find out if Carrie or Rachel got a bird this year and Dan Small joins us this week as we discuss turkey hunting in both Wisconsin and New York. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 064 – Turkey Hunting in WI and NY”

Gear Review: 2014 PSE Dream Season DNA SP

2013 PSE Dream Season DNA was a very popular bow; they manufactured a new riser that was stronger and lighter but still managed to push the super-fast IBO speeds PSE is known for.

But for most of us, a smooth draw is what we really want, and as a woman, I don’t want to have to fight with what in my opinion was an overly aggressive cam. Continue reading “Gear Review: 2014 PSE Dream Season DNA SP”

#HuntFishTravel 062 – Full Strut; Bowhunting for Turkey’s with Heartland Bowhunter

We have Heartland Bowhunter‘s Michael Hunsucker and Shawn Luchtel on the line with us this week to talk about turkey hunting tactics using archery equipment, their go to set up and a sneak peak on an upcoming episode.
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 062 – Full Strut; Bowhunting for Turkey’s with Heartland Bowhunter”

#HuntFishTravel 061 – Turkey Killing in Comfort

In this episode Rachel and I sit down with Blair Michele from Spectra Shot to talk about their Field Staff program, what the heck a “Rugarou” is, why shooting different colored shot saves a lot of arguments and provides more accurate scoring for skeet and trap. And then he explains to us the technical details about the White Lightening Turkey Load, and how the NWTF Still Target Challenge shooters requested a turkey load that could be shot in competition as well as hunting that manages the recoil and how Spectra Shot answered the call. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 061 – Turkey Killing in Comfort”

#HuntFishTravel 060 – Hunting Leases….NEVER AGAIN!

An accurate depiction of Carrie's WI Hunting Lease experience...
An accurate depiction of Carrie’s WI Hunting Lease experience…

Lease land for deer hunting they said.

It’ll be fun they said.

Yeah, not so much.

This week I’m joined by my new co-host Rachel and Jay Scott from the Big Buck Registry Big Buck Podcast. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 060 – Hunting Leases….NEVER AGAIN!”

#HuntFishTravel 058 – Gun Safety with the Judge

Julie Mogenis of World Wide Adventures TV visits us to talk about her inspirational journey to overcome death and go on to accomplish one of the world’s greatest feats.

And why you should always make sure your gun is actually unloaded. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 058 – Gun Safety with the Judge”

Sunday Morning Musings – Sometimes a Punch in the Face is Needed

Sometimes I have no idea how I got here.

Sometimes I get sucked into situations I have no business being in.

Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew and then smack myself in the forehead in regret and mutter “what was I thinking???” .

I do however, find some solace in thinking I’m not alone in this.

It’s funny, I’ve never aspired to be famous or a promoter of women in the outdoors or anything like that. I’m just a chick with a podcast and a blog that enjoys hunting and fishing and I just really like doing what I do. Continue reading “Sunday Morning Musings – Sometimes a Punch in the Face is Needed”

Sturgeon Camp 2014

Spending several days with a group of buddies, getting up at the crack of dawn and heading out into the frigid Wisconsin temps to try to kill a really big animal….could be an interchangeable description for either Deer Camp or Sturgeon Camp. Continue reading “Sturgeon Camp 2014”

Saint Patrick was a bow hunter…well ok, not really.

Saint Patrick was a bow hunter 001He was actually too busy getting kidnapped by raiders and escaping to study Christianity and to eventually become an Irish Saint.

March 17th is the day of his death and became forever called Saint Patrick’s Day.

I’m telling you right now, nothing would make me happier if someday I could have my own holiday where people party and drink green colored Harp beer or Black and Tans all day and celebrate all that is right in the world in remembrance of me! Continue reading “Saint Patrick was a bow hunter…well ok, not really.”

Gear Review: Carbon Express X-Buster and the X2 Series Easton Aluminum Arrows

Paper Target archers are sometimes stuck between two masters – the NFAA and World Archery.  The NFAA doesn’t have an arrow restriction.  If you can fling it, it’s 27/64″ in diameter, and someone produced it – you can shoot it.  World Archery, on the other hand, has a restriction on maximum arrow diameters – which is 9.3 millimeters (or 23/64″) in diameter. Continue reading “Gear Review: Carbon Express X-Buster and the X2 Series Easton Aluminum Arrows”

#HuntFishTravel 056 – Modern Pioneering with Georgia Pellegrini

Georgia joins me for a chat about being the ultimate Girl Hunter


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Review: Bobber Down Fishing Guide Service, Mercer, Wisconsin

Here in Wisconsin; like most northern states, ice fishing is a common occurrence. A favorite pastime for many and a way to fill the freezer while enjoying some time outdoors.

The Turtle Flambeau Flowage (46.084662,-90.188828) is about as north as you can get in Wisconsin. Full of Bluegill, Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike and Walleye, we had no doubt this 13, 545 square acre flowage would produce. Continue reading “Review: Bobber Down Fishing Guide Service, Mercer, Wisconsin”

Destination Review: Haven by the Falls, Mercer, Wisconsin

Recently I stayed at Haven by the Falls in Mercer, Wisconsin. The local area is heavily wooded and the privately located side by side duplex sits on the water near the small falls. If you are into hunting, fishing or anything outside it can be done from this centrally located property. The parking outside has plenty of room to accommodate boat trailers, other larger trailers or multiple vehicles. I found the property to rate at 3 out of 5. It is fairly average for condition and rates but could use improvements. Continue reading “Destination Review: Haven by the Falls, Mercer, Wisconsin”

5 SHOT Show Products That Stood Out Among the Rest

SHOT Show is huge.

I mean GINORMOUS.

And to a gal that’s an admitted archery snob, a gun really, really has to stand out to grab my attention.  I do love my hunting rifles and my S&W pistol but I don’t own any guns that get me all gooey inside.

So as I’m wandering up and down the 12.5 miles of aisles in the SandsExpoConvention   Center, I really scrutinized the products, looking for the few I knew would stand out among the rest. Continue reading “5 SHOT Show Products That Stood Out Among the Rest”

#HuntFishTravel 052 – Deer Stewards, Buck Poles and Late Season Food Plots

This week on the Wild World of CarrieZ Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Podcast Carrie Zylka chats with Matt Ross; Certification Programs Manager for the Quality Deer Management Association about the two different deer steward courses and why everyone should consider taking one. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 052 – Deer Stewards, Buck Poles and Late Season Food Plots”