There’s something about a hearty, home-cooked meal after a long day outdoors that just hits differently. Whether you’ve been out hunting or fishing, comfort food becomes part of the story, I mean c’mon it’s the icing on the cake. This recipe combines rich, savory venison with creamy garlic mashed potatoes in a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crew. If you’re looking for a way to use ground venison that’s easy, filling, and guaranteed to get rave reviews around the table, this one might just become a new favorite.
Continue reading “Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Venison Hamburger Bake – YUM”
Tag: Hunting
The Paleo/Clean Eating Lifestyle and the Hunter
The paleo “diet” has been all the rage the last few years. As the years go by, people are becoming more health conscious. They don’t want to ingest chemicals and ingredients that end in “fructose” that you can’t pronounce.
Eating Clean, eating healthy and providing our bodies with essential nutrients and healthy fats is on everyone’s minds.
The hunter has embraced this mentality since…well since the beginning of time. Continue reading “The Paleo/Clean Eating Lifestyle and the Hunter”
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 Ep 199 – Whitetails in Nebraska with Erin Diegel of Huntress View
How Erin Diegel of Huntress View went from being a pro golfer vegetarian to chasing whitetails with a bow.
How Erin Diegel of Huntress View went from being a pro golfer vegetarian to chasing whitetails with a bow.
“Whitetails in Nebraska with Erin Diegel of Huntress View”
Topics covered in this episode:
- How they landed the 16,000 acre property they hunted.
Costs to hunt in Nebraska. - How the Nebraska Ladies Hunt came about.
- Erin has only been hunting for 5 years, she was a vegetarian who was never exposed to hunting or shooting, how her boyfriend exposed her to the outdoor culture.
- How being a golf professional has helped her be a better archer.
- How she became a writer.
Links:
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7 Tips to Successfully Hunt Public Lands
Hello again outdoors world! Just in case you have been hiding under a rock somewhere the past month, hunting season is here! Millions of people are now venturing afield in search of game big and small. I am not any different than most of the hunters out there, and I am usually stuck hunting public lands. After a couple decades of learning I have developed many different tricks to hunting public lands and I have decided to let you in on how I have had lots of success doing so. Continue reading “7 Tips to Successfully Hunt Public Lands”
Pre-Season Scouting for the 2020 Archery Season
Better late than never, I got some pre-season scouting time in.
It’s been awhile since I’ve published a post here on HuntFishTravel. Life has gotten crazy, yet again. But isn’t that the way of adulting?
With the temperatures in Wisconsin finally dropping below 95, I decided it was time to get out there and find a suitable bow hunting spot. Yes, I know I’m late to the party, but COVID has really put quite the damper on things. Better late than never.
Continue reading “Pre-Season Scouting for the 2020 Archery Season”
Tips for Locating Whitetail Buck Bedding Areas
A lot of articles, podcasts and forums will tell you to locate a buck’s bedding areas. But how do you do that?
Here are three tips that will help you be successful.
A lot of articles, podcasts and forums will tell you to locate a buck’s bedding areas. But how do you do that?
Here are three tips that will help you be successful.
Continue reading “Tips for Locating Whitetail Buck Bedding Areas”
10 Reasons Why Hunters And Fishermen Are Already Pro’s At “Social Distancing”
Social distancing? Oh yeah, we got this…
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.
While I’m sure there are lots more, here are 10 reasons why hunters and fishermen are already pro’s at “Social Distancing”. Continue reading “10 Reasons Why Hunters And Fishermen Are Already Pro’s At “Social Distancing””
#HuntFishTravel 173 – Colorado Antelope with the Bowdudes
This episode is a hilarious hot mess.
We’re talking to Jack and Gary from the Bowdudes about their Colorado pronghorn hunt with Fred Eichler and Full Draw Outfitters.
“#HuntFishTravel 173 – Colorado Antelope with the Bowdudes”
(Psst! Support the show by sharing this episode to facebook/twitter – thank you!!)
This episode is a hilarious hot mess.
We’re talking to Jack and Gary from the Bowdudes about their Colorado pronghorn hunt with Fred Eichler and Full Draw Outfitters.
Meanwhile we have some pretty serious speakerphone echo, a grandfather clock that chimes at regular intervals, answering machines taking calls in the background and conversations about pooping in the desert.
Shenanigans…
Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 173 – Colorado Antelope with the Bowdudes”
#HuntFishTravel Top 10 Free Hunting Podcast Episodes
#HuntFishTravel Top 10 Podcast Episodes – learn how to kill big deer, catch more fish and enjoy life to its fullest
Based on listener habits, in no particular order, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten podcast HuntFishTravel episodes. Enjoy!
“#HuntFishTravel Top 10 Podcast Episodes – learn how to kill big deer, catch more fish and enjoy life to its fullest”.
Over the last five years I’ve learned a great deal from the extraordinary guests I’ve interviewed. While all the the episodes I’ve produced have great value, there are some that are the perfect storm of information.
Based on listener habits, in no particular order, I’ve compiled a list of the top ten podcast episodes. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel Top 10 Free Hunting Podcast Episodes”
Deer Hunting From a Ground Blind – 6 Common Mistakes Bow Hunters Make
Guest author Jennifer Walls of BuckWithBow.com shares her top tips for bowhunting from a blind.
The use of ground blinds to bow hunt the deer is becoming increasingly popular. Among other benefits, the blinds are a safer and more comfortable way to carry out your hunting activities.
But the lack of blind experience is limiting most of the bowhunters from enjoying the real benefits and comfort of this new hunting style.
Continue reading “Deer Hunting From a Ground Blind – 6 Common Mistakes Bow Hunters Make”
Thoughts on Thanksgiving 2016
Thanksgiving has come and gone. As usual the four day weekend flew by.
#HuntFishTravel 172 – 2016 WI Deer Hunting Gun Opener Preview with Kevin Wallenfang, DNR
“#HuntFishTravel Ep 172 – 2016 WI Deer Gun Opener Preview with Kevin Wallenfang, DNR”
(Psst! Support the show by sharing this episode to facebook/twitter – thank you!!)
In this episode we’re talking about the new regulations, how many licenses were sold last year and how many deer taken, blaze pink and Kevin’s #1 tip for a new hunter heading out into the woods this weekend. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 172 – 2016 WI Deer Hunting Gun Opener Preview with Kevin Wallenfang, DNR”
10 Reasons Women Should Try a DIY Solo Hunt
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”
#HuntFishTravel 171 – Hunting the Rut – Your Questions Answered with Kip Adams of the QDMA
What are the top three questions people ask Wildlife Biologist Kip Adams of the Quality Deer Management Association about hunting the rut? Listen in to find out!
#HuntFishTravel 171 – Hunting the Rut – Your Questions Answered with Kip Adams of the QDMA
(Psst! Support the show by sharing this episode to facebook/twitter – thank you!!)
What are the top three questions people ask Wildlife Biologist Kip Adams of the Quality Deer Management Association about hunting the rut? Listen in to find out! Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 171 – Hunting the Rut – Your Questions Answered with Kip Adams of the QDMA”
Join Me For A Weekend of Sturgeon Spearing in 2017
February 10-12, 2017
Photos, a video and information on the 2017 HuntFishTravel Sturgeon Spearing outing you’re invited to, as well as the highlights from 2016.
The quest is for dinosaurs older than my grandparents on Lake Winnebago….the hunt for prehistoric behemoths that prowl the waters less than fifty miles from my home.
These creatures fascinate me. Their history is rife with drama and science fiction; you can read how Wisconsin can justifiably claim them as the state’s most successful conservation effort here:
Continue reading “Join Me For A Weekend of Sturgeon Spearing in 2017”
#HuntFishTravel 162 – Hunting Black Bear with Michelle Harmes Outdoors in Maine
“#HuntFishTravel Ep 162 – Maine – Hunting Black Bear with Michelle Harmes Outdoors”
(Psst! Support the show by sharing this episode to facebook/twitter – thank you!!)
We’re talking Bears in Maine with Michelle Harmes! Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 162 – Hunting Black Bear with Michelle Harmes Outdoors in Maine”
#HuntFishTravel 161 South Dakota (Pt 2) – South Dakota – Wisconsinites Who Get Lost
Wisconsinites Getting Lost in South Dakota!
Part 2 of the South Dakota interview with Patrick Flanigan.
“HuntFishTravel 137 South Dakota (Pt 2) – South Dakota – Wisconsinites Who Get Lost”
Wisconsinites Getting Lost in South Dakota!
Part 2 of the South Dakota interview with Patrick Flanigan. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 161 South Dakota (Pt 2) – South Dakota – Wisconsinites Who Get Lost”
2015 Deer Camp with Dad
In a world where everything is based on bigger, faster, better, more, right now – remembering to spend time with a loved one can be hard.
#HuntFishTravel 134 – Using Scent Lures to Predator Hunt
“#HuntFishTravel 134 – Montana – Using Scent Lures to Predator Hunt”
Esai Cervantez a 27 year old entrepreneur joins me to chat about using scents to lure in predators, especially coyotes and why Montana is THE perfect place to test his products. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 134 – Using Scent Lures to Predator Hunt”
#HuntFishTravel 131 – Hunting Desert Quail in New Mexico W/Ultimate Upland
“#HuntFishTravel 131 – Hunting Desert Quail in New Mexico W/Ultimate Upland”
This week we’re joined by Brian Koch of Ultimate Upland, he’s going to give us the low down on his trip to New Mexico in search of the wily Desert Quail. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 131 – Hunting Desert Quail in New Mexico W/Ultimate Upland”
#HuntFishTravel Ep147 – Finding Private Land Open to Public Hunting in Wisconsin
“#HuntFishTravel 147 – Finding Private Land Open to Public Hunting in Wisconsin”.
Carrie is talking to WI Department of Natural Resources Forester Julie Peltier, about hunting on private land that is open to the public. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel Ep147 – Finding Private Land Open to Public Hunting in Wisconsin”
Reviving the Lost Art of the Brush Blind
The advances in tree stands and hunting blinds have made leaps and bounds the past couple decades, but so has the investment people feel they need to make. While I will not argue the fact that these innovations have made hunting easier and more comfortable, my personal style of hunting finds it unnecessary. Continue reading “Reviving the Lost Art of the Brush Blind”
How to Bone Out an Elk
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”
Guest Post: Big Bargain Hunting for Gear Online
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”
#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 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”
Building Wood Duck Boxes
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”
Hunting the Traditional Bow Part One: Watch those Limbs
Imagine you’ve decided to give the whole “trad” thing a spin – maybe not forever, but at least for a little while. You aren’t sure if it’s your thing, but love the way the string feels in your hands and watching the arch of the arrow in flight. You appreciate the simplicity of it all – being gadget free – and find you are bringing the stick to the range more than your brand new iEVISORATOR5000XZ. Continue reading “Hunting the Traditional Bow Part One: Watch those Limbs”
The Things We Like
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”
The One That Got Away
Welcome back, and thank you for taking your time to stop and read the newest installment of “The Willes Way”. The topic in this issue is the basis of many nights of poor sleep and haunted dreams. A topic that brings out fear and dismay in many a bow hunter, and will forever be a concern of ethical hunters everywhere. Here is how the scenario started for me, just a short time ago. Continue reading “The One That Got Away”
What Do You REALLY Need To Start Bowhunting
It seems as if it was 100 years ago when I had to ask myself that very important question. What do I really need to start bow hunting? I hope that with writing this article, I do not lose any future sponsorship. I am not out to knock any companies out there, just helping the person new to our game. Well, if you decide to take in some of the fine outdoors programming, on one of the numerous channels dedicated to the outdoors sports, here would be what you would conclude to need. Continue reading “What Do You REALLY Need To Start Bowhunting”
Pre-season Waterfowl Thoughts
The dog days of summer can be long and boring especially when it’s 100+ degrees outside! For me this means prep time for the upcoming seasons. Goose, dove and duck all open in September so prep can be as simple as practicing your calling. I have my calls in my car all season long and practice a little every day in the parking lot at work at lunch time or breaks. This is a good time to also repair, touch up paint, check weights and tie new lines onto decoys. Continue reading “Pre-season Waterfowl Thoughts”
When Does the “Hunt” begin?
It’s mid summer, and a few of us are enjoying summertime activities such as fishing, Picnics, beach going, etc. Some of us have already put in “springtime” food plots, and are prepping for the “fall plots.” Mineral sites established, Trail cameras set (and checked). Continue reading “When Does the “Hunt” begin?”
Wisconsin’s Deep Rooted Traditions and Outdoor Cultures
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.
Continue reading “Wisconsin’s Deep Rooted Traditions and Outdoor Cultures”
#HuntFishTravel 41 – Bowhunting Africa
In this episode we’ll be talking about the launch of my second podcast – The Business Side to the Outdoor Industry, Duck Dynasty’s season finale, and then we’ll talk to Alex Sokolik about hunting Africa with a bow. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 41 – Bowhunting Africa”
Outdoor Survival – a Rule of Threes
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”