Carrie Harrison – Hunt. Fish. Travel. Tell the story.

The Basics of Layering

The Basics of Layering – HuntFishTravel

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”

#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”

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”

An Outdoors Report from a Wisconsin Wild

Hello outdoors world!

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”

Yet Another Sneaky Gun Grab Proposal from Illinois

Illinois policy makers force medical cannabis patients to choose between medication and firearm ownership.

Continue reading “Yet Another Sneaky Gun Grab Proposal from Illinois”

Refuges, Rest Areas, and Restricted Zones

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”

Our Dwindling Public Lands

Hello outdoors world!! In this article I would like to talk about the disheartening occurrence that has affected a lot of hunters since the beginning of civilization. The loss of hunting land, and the loss of the traditions that go along with it. Unless you have been one of the lucky few whose family has owned the land that you hunt, you have probably had this happen to you.
Continue reading “Our Dwindling Public Lands”

Late Season Ice Fishing

Ice angling guru Tony Roach covers lots of territory to find perch late in the ice-fishing season.

by Bob Jensen

Hard to believe, but it’s already time to start thinking about end of the season ice-fishing. In the southern stretches of the ice-fishing zone, the end of the season bite will start soon: In fact it has probably already started. In the northern regions the season can extend to early April, even mid-April in extreme seasons. Wherever you fish through the ice, there are several good reasons to get in on this late season ice-fishing. First, why should you get in on this late season ice-fishing action? Probably the best reason is that the bite can be really, really good-and the weather can be a whole lot more comfortable than in the dead of winter.

There are times when the wind is calm and the sun is shining and it’s a warm day. You’ll be out there in a long underwear top and a hooded sweatshirt, jeans and bibs: That’s all you need to keep comfortable.

Walleye and pike season closes to ice-fishing in some states, but you can still catch perch, crappies, bluegills, and the like. Continue reading “Late Season Ice Fishing”

Two Best Ice Fishing Presentations – Bottom Pounding and Bottom Scrounging

Tiny ice jigs do the job through the ice, whether you’re chasing walleyes, perch or bluegills.

When fish are low in the water column, smart ice anglers know that bottom pounding and bottom scrounging are “go-to” presentations. Truly successful ice fishermen, however, know when to pound, when to scrounge, and when to combine the two to catch more walleyes, perch, bluegills and other gamefish. Here’s how to determine the best presentation every time.

The flasher is beginning to show fish, but they’re just not committing. Jon Thelen brings his bait up out of the hole, shifts the knot position on the jig eye and drops his it back to the bottom, but employs a decidedly different presentation than he used to draw in the fish. It doesn’t take long for him to convince one of the walleyes to bite.

Like most veteran ice anglers, Thelen spends quite a bit of time with an ice jig or spoon close to the bottom. Much of the fish’s food lives on the bottom, so fish of various sorts spend much of their time in the same neighborhood. Thelen is quick to point out, however, that not all bottom presentations are created equal, and it’s always important to consider what you’re trying to accomplish. Continue reading “Two Best Ice Fishing Presentations – Bottom Pounding and Bottom Scrounging”

Gear Review: Coolmax Sleep Sack

I came across the website some time ago, I was intrigued by this company that offered several handy camping and outdoor products.

A few weekends ago I had the chance to use one of the new Outgo Coolmax Sleep Sack and Sleeping Bag Liners. It certainly came in handy when the temps dipped a bit below what I find comfortable.

I am always on the lookout for products that will enhance my camping, fishing or hunting experience. After all, who actually likes to be uncomfortable when sleeping in a tent in Wisconsin? Continue reading “Gear Review: Coolmax Sleep Sack”

Wading 101 – 7 Tips For Safe Wading

Whether it’s trout or bass you’re chasing, here are a few tips to make your freshwater wading experience a better one.

1. Plan your route.

2. Consider if wading is necessary. Wading alerts your presence to fish – would bank fishing be possible?

3. Keep your balance. If you lean into the current and suddenly lose your balance the
Continue reading “Wading 101 – 7 Tips For Safe Wading”