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:
But 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”
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”
On this episode of CookIN’ Gone Wild, Michelle teaches us a new way to cook venison with a delicious Sriracha sauce. This quick an easy recipe will have the family begging for more! Continue reading “Video: How to Cook Sesame Venison Kabobs”
Let’s face it – every outdoorsman needs a good, durable, lantern. For those of us who spend time on the water at in the dark, wouldn’t a waterproof lantern that floats be just ticket? A lantern that floats. Sound like I am I asking for too much? Continue reading “Gear Review: Zippo Outdoors Rugged Lantern”
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”
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”
Going into the 2014 hunting season marked my 20th year of elk hunting. My elk hunting debut happened the fall after I turned 16. My uncle and I had just gotten our drivers licenses so we begged my dad to let us use the jeep so we could go hunting. Whether it was the lack of confidence in us actually killing anything or just to get us out of his hair he let us take the jeep. Continue reading “How to Bone Out an Elk”
Everyone is in pumpkin mode; including the Indiana DNR!
Check out this amazing recipe for a fall themed chili, perfect for Sunday football or dinner after a long day of hunting. Continue reading “Video: Venison Pumpkin Chili – CookIN’ Gone Wild”
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”
In this special episode, Michelle Cain of the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife quickly takes you through two recipes for all of those delicious Morel mushrooms you’ve been collecting! Continue reading “Video: Two Recipes for Morel Mushrooms”
I learned a lot during my time in South Dakota on the hunt for the wily mule deer, but here are my top ten. Continue reading “10 Things I Learned on My First Ever Mule Deer Hunt”
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”
PREFACE: This isn’t meant to be a how to guide for returning to archery after mastectomy; because the mastectomy experience is intensely individual with individual and unique challenges. This is merely my experience and from that I hope that others can learn, find some help, and most of know that it is possible to return to archery after a mastectomy. Continue reading “Archery After Mastectomy – YOU CAN DO IT!”
{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:
I 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”
North Florida COORDINATES XY: Anywhere, Florida
I admit it – I am a budget minded shopper. From cars to homes, when it comes to big ticket items, I am a tireless negotiator who will argue, discuss, cajole, and sometimes whine in order to receive the best deal.
While some products are inarguable worth every penny spent, I have – at times – had to remind the “offended” seller/vendor that my need to negotiate for a lower price is nothing personal, it is just good business. After all, my money spends just as well in my pocket as it will in someone else’s. Continue reading “Service Review: Gun Watcher – Locate and Negotiate!”
Bowhunting on the ground is a heart-thumping endeavor that appears to be on the decline due to the popularity treestands. While it is true treestands offer considerable advantages, the experience of taking an animal at eye-level close enough to hear it breath is incomparable. Continue reading “Ground Hunting the Natural Way – Part One”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Throughout my years of enjoying the activity, I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t and would like to offer up the following pointers for anyone interested in this particular style. Continue reading “Stumping 102 – Building the Perfect Arrow”
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”
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”
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”
Five Reasons to Make Fond du Lac Your Late Summer Getaway
The dog days of summer are upon us, and that finds many of us longing for one last late summer getaway. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, provides a great destination for anyone interested in the outdoors, plus plenty of activities for those in the family who may not be quite so outdoor oriented. Continue reading “Destination Review: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin”
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”
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”
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”
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”
If I had to choose one archery-related activity to entertain me the rest of my life, it would be stump shooting and I write this without a speck of hesitation. I’ll never forget the first time my Dad and I tried it. We had been shooting at box targets for a month and decided it was time for something new. It felt natural to be in the woods with our bows. In fact, while he was at work, I recall spending an entire Saturday wandering around the woods behind the house and having my bow with me the entire time – just for grins. I didn’t even bring an arrow. The combination of longbow and nature just felt right. Continue reading “Stump Shooting 101”
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”
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”
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”
It’s no secret that folks along the Mississippi river and its tributaries are fighting a war with invasive carp. Not only are many states and municipalities at war with the carp, they are having one heck of time finding any effective weapon.
At this point there just isn’t anything that has been truly effective in stopping the invasion of these dastardly fish. Because they are not only invasive but injurious it’s pretty much open season on them in any water where you can find them and they are the most frequent target of many bowfishers. Continue reading “If You Can’t Beat ‘Em – Eat ‘Em – How to Clean and Prepare Invasive Carp”
My kids are getting to the age now where taking them fishing is becoming a fun favorite past time, but getting expensive. I was recently at the local bait shop to pick up some fresh night crawlers for the day on the water and I almost had a heart attack when the kid behind the counter said “3 dozen worms at $2.50 a dozen….umm let’s see that will be $7.50 please“. Are you kidding me? 2.50 A dozen? So I jumped online and googled live fishing bait, yes I google everything and was shocked to see how big the earthworm industry has grown. Continue reading “Harvesting Your Own Nightcrawlers”
Sometimes being a traditional bowhunter is truly difficult, especially when the temptation of the modern industry surrounds you. This has been true for me and I’m certain it’s even harder for those of you with compound roots that flirt with the former when your confidence takes a hit. Traditional archery has plenty of obstacles accompanied. Becoming proficient is a constant battle that requires patience and dedication. For this reason, not everyone is willing to stick with it. Continue reading “Staying the Course”
There is perhaps no sweeter phrase to a bowfisher than that of “Fish are up!” In the world of bowfishing that means that the targeted rough fish (carp, gar, drum, bowfin etc.) are in the shallows, or in water where they are easily seen and easily shot. Continue reading “How To Find Fish For Bowfishing”
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”
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”
Imagine that you could combine your love of archery with your love of fishing. Bowfishing is just that that, archery and angling in one fun package! Bowfishing is the perfect way to keep your archery skills intact and continue enjoying bringing home food for the table between hunting seasons. Continue reading “Bowfishing 101 – Bowfishing Equipment for Beginners”
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!”
We’ve all been in the situation of having to sight in a bow with a brand new sight on it. It can prove to be frustrating and time consuming. The main reason for this is most people approach it the wrong way. I, myself, have spent a lot of time running down range to retrieve my shotgun pattern of arrows wondering which were the bad shots and which were good. Arrows can be lost just trying to “get on paper”. Here is an easier, less frustrating method that hopefully will get you on the target with your first shot and sighted in quickly. Continue reading “Sighting in Your Compound Bow the Easier Way”
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”
Eric Clark from Where to Hunt Wisconsin joins me to talk about an exciting new app that’ll change the way people find hunting spots! Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 063 – Where to Hunt Wisconsin”
One of the most celebrated acronyms in all of bowhunting is “NBD”. Second only to “BBD” (Big Buck Down) in importance, these three letters will make even the heftiest of archers do cartwheels. Yup, there is no denying it, a “New Bow Day” is an event worthy of celebration. I’ve had several and every, single one of them was special. Continue reading “A Very Special “New Bow Day””
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”
While I intended on finishing our broadhead conversation in this post, a discussion with a fellow bowhunter and aspiring traditionalist immediately threw me off course. He had just picked up a beautiful, vintage, fiberglass, Browning recurve and wanted to know if he could shoot vanes instead of feathers from it. He was an all-season, all-weather hunter and noticed that his feathers didn’t hold up well in those conditions. Plus, the majority of his arrows already had vanes on them and he didn’t feel like switching. Continue reading “Vanes or Feathers for Traditional Archery”
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”
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”
