When the February wind sweeps across the ice and the shacks dot the horizon, you know exactly where you are on the legendary waters of Lake Winnebago. This is not just another Midwest lake. This is tradition. This is heritage. This is sturgeon season.
Spearing on Winnebago is not simply a pastime. It is a chapter in Wisconsin’s outdoor story. And as the 2026 season rolls on, anglers are once again finding success beneath the dark water and thick ice.
The 2025 Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers conference has officially come to an end, and as I sit here reflecting on the past 2 weeks, I cannot help but feel incredibly grateful. Every year, this gathering reminds me why I love what I do. It is not only about outdoor media, but also about the friendships, the laughter, and the moments that breathe new life into my work and my spirit. Continue reading “From Range Day to the River, My Week of Outdoor Adventure in Eau Claire”
This week I have been in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers Conference, and it has been a whirlwind of fishing, networking, and presenting. After an incredible morning chasing muskies on Lake Wissota and giving my podcasting presentation for the conference, I realized I needed a little “me” time. Since I was camping at Lake Wissota State Park, I decided to explore a bit of Chippewa Falls and see what I could find. Continue reading “Relax, Refresh, and Indulge in Chippewa Falls”
Right now…some lucky folks are hitting the woods. The Wisconsin turkey season is here, and I am dying to get out into the woods with my over the counter tags, gorgeous sunrises, sneaking through the woods, and of course the heart-pounding moments when a big tom struts into view. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a successful hunt, and for me, it’s made even sweeter knowing what deliciousness awaits in the kitchen.
Have I mentioned I love to cook?
Last season, I was fortunate enough to bag a beautiful bird, and one of my absolute favorite ways to celebrate and savor that wild game is with a hearty, flavorful chili. Forget the store-bought ground turkey; there’s a unique depth and slightly wilder taste that comes from using ground wild turkey. Trust me, it elevates chili night to a whole new level.
So, as we take part in another exciting season, let’s get ready to transform that thunderchicken into something truly special.
Here’s my recipe for a Ground Wild Turkey Chili that’s perfect for warming up after a long day in the woods (or just a chilly Wisconsin evening because this chili freezes really, really well!):
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 pound ground wild turkey (if you’re lucky this season!)
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 cup chicken broth (or turkey broth if you have it)
1 Hershey’s Chocolate bar. (no I’m not kidding)
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Peppers and Turkey: Add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the ground wild turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies.
Spice it Up: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine all the spices with the mixture.
Add the Chocolate: Add the chocolate bar, stir as it melts.
Simmer and Meld: Pour in the chicken broth (or turkey broth). Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. For an even richer flavor, you can simmer it for up to 1.5 hours.
Season and Finish: Taste the chili and season with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes, allowing some of the liquid to reduce.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado. Serve with tortilla chips or a side of cornbread for a truly comforting meal.
For added flavor: smoke the ground turkey for about 45 minutes at 225 degrees. I smoke everything so if you stop by my house chances are my chili has smoked meat in it.
The thought of that rich, slightly smoky flavor of wild turkey simmering in this chili is already making my mouth water! I can’t wait to get out into the Wisconsin woods, hear that gobble, and hopefully bring home the main ingredient for this fantastic dish. Here’s to a successful and safe turkey season, and to many warm, comforting bowls of this wild turkey chili to come! Good luck out there friends!
Ever feel like you need a little sunshine in your life? Well, pull up a chair and get ready! I recently took a whirlwind trip to Manasota Key, Florida, and let me tell you, it was packed with adventure. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be unpacking all the details – from reeling in fish to paddling through paradise – so stick around if you’re craving a taste of the Gulf Coast!
Ever feel like you need a little sunshine in your life? Well, pull up a chair and get ready! In February we took a whirlwind trip to Manasota Key, Florida, and let me tell you, it was packed with adventure. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be unpacking all the details – from reeling in fish to paddling through paradise – so stick around if you’re craving a taste of the Gulf Coast!
So picture this: it’s February in Wisconsin, it’s cold, it’s miserable, and I see the awesome folks at the Punta Gorda/Englewood Visitors Bureau – you might know them as Pure Florida is an AGLOW corporate member…
So I send an email and somehow Aaron from Nighttrain Droneworks and I are invited down to soak up some Florida sunshine. I pack my GoPro’s, my tascam podcast recorder and Aaron agrees to play cameraman, and of course, being the amazing drone pilot that he is, was ready to capture all the magic from above.
The lovely folks at Manasota Key Resort were ready to greet us, and we were ready for some serious exploring.
Of course, Mother Nature threw us a bit of a curveball on Monday. It rained. Like, really rained.
So, our grand filming plans took a bit of a nosedive.
But you know what they say: when life gives you lemons, you find the best Publix around and get a key lime pie! We hopped in the car, cruised around, and even though the gray skies put a damper on things, we saw firsthand how the area was bouncing back after those tough hurricanes last fall. It was actually pretty inspiring to see the resilience. And, of course, no rainy day is complete without a Publix cubano platter and a slice (or two) of that key lime pie. Trust me on this one.
All joking aside, the true story of the visit is how the area was hit by hurricane Helen and then devastated by hurricane Milton. Even months later at the end of February the cleanup and the destruction is still evident.
Tuesday morning, we were up before the birds, heading to Eldred’s Marina to meet Capt. Jay Withers with Silver Lining Charters, host of the Guidelines TV Show.
This excursion was AMAZING. I am probably going to annoy everyone with the next few posts, the minute we got into the boat he said, “my goal today is to get you the Florida Inshore Slam.”
I looked at him and said: “dude, I’ve never even been fishing on the ocean, if you helped me get a fish, much less a slam I’ll be happy!”
Subscribe to the podcast and to this blog to find out if I snagged the slam. Landing a Snook, Spotted Seatrout and Redfish in one day is no small feat, to be able to assist a woman who’s used to jigging for walleyes and trolling for muskies is another level.
All that fresh air and sunshine worked up an appetite, so we swung by Steamers Oyster Bar in Englewood for lunch and Waverly Restaurant and Bar for dinner. Let’s just say my taste buds were doing a happy dance. I have an entire blog post coming up on area eats and the restaurants we were able to visit. Some of the stories they shared from the hurricane cleanup was crazy. In that upcoming post, I’ll share the reason we had to eat outside at Waverly.
Wednesday morning, after a hearty breakfast at the Beachcomber Trading Post (a real local gem!), it was time for some paddling adventure. SUP Englewood hooked us up with kayaks, and we spent a glorious morning exploring Don Pedro Island State Park with our guide Danny who took a ton of great photos. Gliding through the water, surrounded by nature – it was pure bliss. We even stumbled upon a fantastic food truck for a quick and tasty lunch before we hit the road towards Clearwater.
We packed so much into what was essentially a 48-hour visit.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a whole treasure trove of content from this trip. Get ready for:
Two brand-new podcast episodes: First we’ll be chatting about the whole Manasota Key experience and talk about the real time devastation the Manasota Key Resort experienced from the hurricane, but how they are officially open for business. And secondly, you’ll feel like you were right there with us as I interview Capt. Jay Withers. He’ll share his story and why he decided to leave his Ohio home to make his way south to Florida, and how his tv show came to be.
A deep dive review of our fishing charter with Captain Jay: Did I snag the Florida Inshore Slam? You’ll find out!
A written and a YouTube video review of the Manasota Key Resort: Get the inside scoop on our home away from home. I literally want to go back.
A virtual tour! A video walkthrough of our resort room: Come see where we kicked back and relaxed. The view…THE VIEW!!
A full review of our kayaking adventure with SUP Englewood: Was it smooth sailing? Did Aaron end up in the drink? Maybe…
Your ultimate guides! A 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day itinerary for exploring Manasota Key: Start planning your own getaway. I love planning travel and trips, and I think these itineraries will really help you if you’re interested in visiting the area.
A mouthwatering blog post highlighting the best local restaurants: Because let’s be honest, good food is a crucial part of any trip. Especially to a fat girl from Wisconsin.
Think of this as your sneak peek, the trailer before the main feature. I’m so excited to share all these experiences with you and hopefully inspire your next adventure.
So while you’re waiting for these posts to drop, make sure you’re following along on social media! I’ll be sharing photos and videos from our trip on all my channels: HFT Facebook, HFT Twitter/X.com, HFT TikTok, HFT Instagram, and HFT YouTube.
You can also catch Aaron’s amazing drone footage on NightTrain Droneworks’ Instagram and TikTok.
So, are you ready to dive in? Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss a single story, review, or tip from our Manasota Key adventure. Trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming!
As the year winds down and the smell of pine fills the air, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
Whether you’re cozying up by the fire, surrounded by loved ones, or celebrating in camo (or blaze orange) in a tree stand, or heck, sitting on 6″ of safe ice reeling in fat perch or crappies, I hope your holiday season is filled with warmth, joy, and maybe a little bit of magic.
Thank you for being a part of my outdoor family – for reading, listening, watching, and connecting. Your support means the world to me. I’m incredibly grateful for each and every one of you.
I look forward to connecting with you again in the New Year, as a guest on my show, at ATA, SHOT Show, a hunting or fishing expo, on the water or in the field. Wherever, we run into each other I’ll be glad to see you!
Until then, have a happy and healthy holiday season…
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) Executive Director Jim Curcuruto joined “The Remington Podcast” to record a brand-new episode during the 2024 NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas.
MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – June 25, 2024 – Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) Executive Director Jim Curcuruto joined “The Remington Podcast” to record a brand-new episode during the 2024 NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas. The new episode debuted June 17, 2024, and is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts YouTube and more.
Hosted by Remington’s Audrey Mayes, the show takes a deep dive into all things ammunition. From industry news and interviews on the factory floor to compelling hunting and shooting sports stories, the podcast covers Remington Country from coast to coast.
Curcuruto is the latest in a lineup of conservation-minded guests to join the show, including wildlife artist and conservation advocate Scot Storm who also recorded an episode in Remington’s booth at the NRA Annual Meetings. Curcuruto and Mayes covered a wide range of conservation topics including the Pittman-Robertson Act and how purchases made by Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters (HATS) across the country are the primary source of funding for conservation efforts in the Nation.
“We’re honored to join the folks over at Remington Ammunition to record a podcast discussing how we as HATS continually help to conserve the environment that we hold near and dear,” said Curcuruto. “By contributing more than $3.6 billion each year, there is no doubt that HATS are leading the way in supporting conservation. OSCF joins Big Green to thank every hunter, angler, trapper and shooter for being a primary funder of conservation across the country.”
OSCF previously partnered with Remington Ammunition along with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for an episode of its “Connecting with Conservation” series on YouTube. OSCF has partnered with other major brands and state agencies to highlight the significant contributions made by the firearms and ammunition industry to wildlife conservation efforts through this series produced with the support of The Murray Road Agency.
For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.
About OSCF
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with all facets of the outdoor industry to improve cultural acceptance of hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting. We use research-based communications and engagement programs that help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers,
Trappers and Shooters) and promote the fact that HATS are primary funders and stewards of conservation in America. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag”, “Come With!”, “Connecting with Conservation” and the “Outdoor Industry CommunicationCouncil”, please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org or contact Jim Curcuruto
at (203) 450-7202, jim@outdoorstewards.org.
In the midst of trying to decide what we wanted to do for New Year’s Eve weekend, quite a few things were bandied about. But somehow I kept coming back to the New Year’s Day Hike I came across. (Or maybe with this warm weather I’ll pull the boat back out and go fishing, hahaha!)
Perhaps we’d just stay in, cook some food, count down to the ball drop and then go for a hike the next day.
Hiking in the winter can be difficult. Obviously, keeping warm, hydrated and safe is the primary concern.
Wisconsin temps averaging around 22 degrees on New Year’s Day, I thought about what I’d wear to stay warm without getting overheated.
Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, sledding or even yard work; keeping warm and staying comfortable is essential and while the human body has its own heating and cooling system, layering is just a way to help it out a bit. Continue reading “The Basics of Layering”
Originally, the plan was to go to the Archery Trade Association dealer show in Indianapolis. But when I inquired about bringing a fellow writer or two with me, they wanted to charge me $150 each. Somehow, the thought of paying a bunch of money to work, just didn’t sit well with me. So, I contacted SHOT Show, and they were more than happy to allow an additional writer and photographer along with me. It had been six years since I’d been to SHOT Show. The last time was in conjunction with the Gun Girl Dinner, which was a lot of fun. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel Coverage from Shot Show 2022”
We’re exploring Vilas County, Wisconsin. In 2015 I had the opportunity to go fishing in Boulder Junction and fell in love with the area.
Today we’re chatting about why people should visit the area, with lakes and forest every way you turn.
HuntFishTravel – Snowmobiling in Vilas County
On this week’s episode I’m joined by Cindy L. Burzinski; the Director, Vilas County Tourism & Publicity (vilaswi.com) and Brian Scheid; Trail Boss at Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club (snoeagles.org).
We’re exploring Vilas County, Wisconsin. In 2015 I had the opportunity to go fishing in Boulder Junction and fell in love with the area.
Despite the many places I’ve visited, Hawaii became my favorite. Specifically Kauai. The lush mountain interior battles with the coastal beach glory for my heart every time I look through photos, I could live anywhere on the island and be happy. Continue reading “Things I learned on my return trip to Hawaii”
I just don’t. Friendships require a lot of work and can create a lot of stress in your life when you’re already being pulled in 100 different directions. It’s pretty rare that I let anyone in.
The outdoor industry however, has introduced me to some of the best people on earth. People with the same values, passions, ambition and also the same time constraints.
During the COVID-19 crisis it occurred to me that we, as hunters and fishermen, are already experts at social distancing.
Here in Wisconsin we have a “Safer at Home” order. Very different than a “Stay at Home” or “lockdown” order. We are still allowed to participate in outdoor activities as long as we follow regulations.
One could certainly argue that we are more “at Home” in the woods or on the water.
I know winter is still in full swing for some of you in the northern states, for many of us winter camping is a special time. I’ve been a few times and of course the challenge is always to stay warm while sleeping. Continue reading “How to Sleep Warm Diagram”
20 years ago I bought a horse, and it changed my life forever…
August 3, 1999 my life changed forever.
It was the day I officially became a horse owner.
Growing up I was OBSESSED with the Black Stallion. As a young girl I devoured those stories. Time and again Walter Farley transported me to islands and racetracks and faraway stables. Continue reading “20 Year Anniversary with Champ”
We’ve uncovered a half dozen of the best stops for cross-country skiing in the northern third of the Badger State, so bundle up and start planning your adventure!
MADISON, Wis. (December 22, 2016) – Wisconsin’s northwoods hold a few advantages when it comes to cross-country skiing. First, winter has staying power here. The snows come early and often don’t know when to quit – of course, for winter warriors, that’s one of our more endearing qualities. Secondly, the vast majority of the state’s northwoods is protected land, including county, state and national forests, leaving hundreds of thousands of acres pristine and perfect for exploring. Continue reading “Cross-Country Skiing Wisconsin’s Northwoods – Six Spots For Frozen Fun”
This list could really apply to male or new hunters as well. But as a woman there have been several things I’ve learned over the years and my first Do It Yourself Solo hunt changed me forever. There’s nothing wrong with hunting in a group or with another person, I thoroughly enjoy those experiences as well. However, I believe there are a few undeniable reasons hunters should take their game to the next level and experience the overwhelming sense of “I can” after a solo hunt. Continue reading “10 Reasons Women Should Try a DIY Solo Hunt”
“INFOGRAPHIC – 21 Basic Wilderness Survival Skills That Might Save Your Life”
Involving in outdoor activities (hunting, camping, hiking, etc) can be really challenging and at times, dangerous. Situations are constantly changing and it’s important for you to be fully prepared before attempting any outdoor activities (for safety purposes).
It occurred to me the other day that I haven’t written a Sunday Morning Musings in 6 months. I seem to be doing that a lot lately, these 6 month stretches…
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”
Anyone who has done any backpack hunting knows that the lighter their pack, the more efficient they will be. There are many things you can put in your pack to help you out on a hunt. The one item you absolutely must have is water and plenty of it. Continue reading “Treating Water In The Back Country”
EcoTrek Fitness Whole Food Bars where developed to contain high quality ingredients, with no refined sugars or added sweeteners. Based around whole green foods they claim to be “wholesome, delicious bars with a tastier alternative to the typical health bar.“ Continue reading “Gear Review: EcoTrek Fitness Bars”
Withlacoochee River – North Florida Coordinates XY: 30.464334, -83.224044
I have always been a passionate outdoor woman. This being said, there are some things I enjoy more than others: Fishing being one of them.
During my “formative” years, I had heard that the best fishing occurred off shore – yes, that nebulous, mystical place on the outer limits of the Florida coastline that I had only rarely visited as a child and never as an adult. Continue reading “Kayak Fishing: Finding the Perfect Fish Friendly Kayak”
Every hunter knows the value of patience when it comes to tracking your quarry. But what about when it’s time to track down a new set of hunting gear? It’s easy to make your way into a big retail outlet and buy overpriced, flashy equipment for exorbitant prices, but finding great online deals for all of your hunting gear isn’t as taxing as you might think. There are lots of options for the savvy deal hunter, Continue reading “Guest Post: Big Bargain Hunting for Gear Online”
When the phone rang Friday night at 10 pm, looking at the name on caller id we knew something was wrong. It was my mother in law asking for help to pull their camping trailer back from Wolfe Island. Every year they make a summer camping trip to visit friends that live year round on the island that is only accessible via ferry from Kingston. Continue reading “Wolfe Island Adventures”
One of the most important aspects of hunting out west is to be in fairly reasonable shape. You don’t need to be a star athlete, but the better shape you are in will lead to a more enjoyable hunt. The main thing that I do to stay in shape is to run. I have competed in several local races in the past with the longest being the half marathon. At he first of the year I sat down and tried to come up with a schedule of races is would like to do this year. Continue reading “Logan Peak Trail Race”
With the start of many spring seasons in the field finally here like bear, turkey, trout and morels, there is one more unwanted season that has also started. TICK SEASON! Continue reading “Ticks!”
The Wood Duck is one of North Americas most colorful waterfowl, its scientific name of (Aix Sponsa) translates into “water bird in bridal dress“. These beautiful bright colored ducks nest in old growth timber found along river bottoms, beaver ponds and marsh lands. They like to nest in natural tree cavities and abandoned wood pecker holes, with in close access to water to brood their young. Continue reading “Building Wood Duck Boxes”
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.
Being mid January here in the brutal Northwood’s, I am sure most of us locked up inside our houses, sitting very close to our fireplaces (or heating vents for you city folk) just trying to stay warm. It has been an extra voracious winter here in Wisconsin, and most would think it crazy to want to venture outside for longer than it takes to get to your car, our worse case scenario, the mailbox. As I sit here writing this it is -20 wind chills! So what is it that makes it worth doing more? If you ask me lots of things will be getting me outdoors very soon. So I figured I would take this time to let you know of a few of the things that make Wisconsin, a sportsman’s paradise, even in the dead of winter. Continue reading “An Outdoors Report from a Wisconsin Wild”
If the sign says no admittance, no trespassing, no access that means everyone. Including YOU!
I have noticed a disturbing trend this year – more and more people blatantly and blithely overlooking signage on both private and public lands that clearly states an area is closed or clearly states its intended usage. Continue reading “Refuges, Rest Areas, and Restricted Zones”
I have noticed that it is not uncommon for women to act a bit shy of firing the muzzle loader (black powder). The kick-back; the smoke; the maintenance, and the effort it takes to reload can be a bit intimidating. While my preference is to hunt primitive, I must admit that I will continue to hunt with quiver and bow long into muzzle loader season. Why – because I do not want to be bothered with all the little details associated with firing black powder. Continue reading “Smoke’m If You Got’m: Taking the Anxiety out of Maintaining your Muzzle Loader”
It’s that magical time of year where the mornings are getting crisper, the air has a bit of a bite to it. The trees start to turn to magnificent oranges, reds and yellows. Tis the season that we have been dreaming of since the last one closed. All the time spent this summer preparing is about to payoff. From stringing decoys to hanging tree stands and checking trail camera pictures. The time is near. Continue reading “The Things We Like”
There exists a dark underbelly in Mickey Mouse Land. Yes – in Florida, everything bites. From sunburn to stinging nettles, biting flies, ticks, insects, and snakes; Florida is home to a variety of flora and fauna that can cause anything from uncomfortable rashes to life threatening illnesses.
Ticks, spiders, and snakes are the most common threats with the most likely candidates for exposure to these threats being hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. While I could write a book about the poisons and toxins existing just outside our door, let us take a look at one of type of threat in particular – venomous snakes.
There’s gold lurking in the late summer forest and woodlands; and it’s in the form of fabulous flushes of chanterelle mushrooms. These gorgeous golden treats flush and flourish best during the warm wet days of late summer.
Chanterelles, often called chanties, go hand in hand with squirrel season in many areas. Many a squirrel hunter has returned home not only with a nice bundle of bushy tails for the roaster, but also a bag of these bright yellow, delicate mushrooms that complement the wild game that’s available this time of year. Mother Nature does a great job of providing us with just the right mushroom for whatever game or fish is being harvested at that particular time, and chanterelles are no exception. Not only do chanterelles pair well with eggs, fish, chicken, and pork; they are equally well suited to doves, squirrel, and early season teal. Their delicate flavor however, is often overpowered by darker, heavier, red meats. Continue reading “Chanterelle Mushrooms: Gold on the Forest Floor”
Hello outdoors world!! Welcome back to the 2nd installment of “The Willes Way” blog. For My first actual blog, not including my little intro, I decided to go with something near and dear to my heart. Some of Wisconsin’s most deep rooted outdoors traditions. Since my life seems to be one outdoors tradition after another, I am going to run through some of the traditions that I have been privileged to witness over my years spent hunting and fishing this fine state. And hopefully, this will help you all know of where I came from and learned what I know.
I LOVE to talk about a lot of these subjects and have been known to go on for hours talking about them to people that have never heard of, or had the chance to experience. So if I get a little wordy, feel free to reach your virtual arm through you computer screen and slap me across the head and say “GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!” 🙂 I could probably write a book on this subject, but I will avoid going too long. Besides if I spilled ALL the beans I wouldn’t have any beans for later! OK, OK, I will get on with it. Since there are so many, lets just start at the beginning of the year.
The inspiration for this blog came to me this morning as I was putting the house hold recycling containers out to the road side for the bi-weekly collection truck. We all hear the message of “Do your part to preserve the environment for the future”. Well this lesson seems to be strong in the youth of today, but seems to slip past the more mature. Nothing is sadder to see, than a group on a passing boat throwing garbage overboard, or packages and wrappers from empty bait containers scattered along a great shore fishing bank. Are we too lazy to carry out what we packed in? After all you brought it out, used its contents, thus it should be easier to take back home? Continue reading “Walk In, Trash Out – The Canadian Outdoorsman”
In this special edition of the Wild World of CarrieZ Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Podcast we’ll hear from Jack and Brett of the Bowdudes Podcast who will tell us about their experience at the Archery Trade Association Convention in Louisville, KY. And you’ll hear from outdoor writer Kristen Monroe who’s going to tell us all about the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV, a bit about Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 031 – 2013 ATA and SHOT Show 2013”
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a fresh idea in vacation destinations. The DNR is seeking volunteers to spend a week or two between March 1 and Dec. 20 acting as lighthouse keepers for the Tawas Point Lighthouse during the 2013 lighthouse keeper season. The lighthouse is located on the grounds of Tawas Point State Park along the shores of Lake Huron in East Tawas. Continue reading “New Vacation Idea – Live In A Michigan Lighthouse For a Week”
My hunting buddy and I scouted this area months before, it looks a bit different in the fall without any leaves as when it did in the summer, all lush and green.
We part ways at o dark thirty and I make my way along a logging road to the spot I’d picked out.
I’ve been sitting for hours. There is still a lot of afternoons left but I’m hungry and it’s well past lunchtime.
A few hours after first light I’d decided to sit a bit further upwind. I’d left my spot and made my way deeper into the woods. Taking note of landmarks as I’d forgotten my compass in the truck. Continue reading “Outdoor Survival – a Rule of Threes”
When I received the invitation to participate in the Sporting Clays Classic at Milford Hills Hunt Club to benefit the Boy Scouts of America, I was pretty excited.
I’d never really participated in a shooting clays event before and was eager to give it a shot.
I picked up a co-worker from a Park N Ride, we arrived at Milford Hills promptly at 11am. We registered with the volunteers and waited for the rest of our team to get there.
My employer’s benefit administrator was a Star Sponsor and Benefit Services Group had graciously extended the invitation to us. Putting a face to an email address was great and Melanie and I were very e
Just this week our fearless leader, publisher, and editor CarrieZ 
