Trying to choose the perfect gift for the hikers on your holiday list can be a tough assignment, simply because there are so many fun items to choose…

Pack Your Backpack the Right Way in 5 Easy Steps

Learning how to properly pack a backpack is a true art form that every outdoor enthusiast should master. Whether you’re heading into the…

Snowshoeing: Get Your Family Started The Easy Way

Bummed that the summer hiking trails will soon be covered in white? That’s okay…it’s snowshoeing season! Snowshoeing is a great…

10 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Illinois!

There are so many perfect spots for adventures with your pup in the great state of Illinois. The state has an abundance of dog-friendly trails and…

10 Tips For Going Ultralight on the Trail

One of the hottest trends in hiking and backpacking over the past few years has been the shift toward going ultralight on the trail. Typically, this…

How to Get Your ATV Ready for Winter

All riders have a decision to make as cold weather approaches: Will you store your ATV or ride it this winter? Whichever you choose, there are…

How to Charge Your Gadgets While Camping and Hiking

There once was a time when carrying electronic devices with us into the great outdoors was pretty much unthinkable. Fragile and expensive, such…

Great New Gear To Make Winter Camping Ultra-Comfortable

Camping out in winter can open a whole new world of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Donning snowshoes or cross-country skis to access your…

10 Tips for Safely Riding ATVs

ATVs—shorthand for “all terrain vehicles”—are one way to explore areas of land that you might not otherwise be able to…

How To Tap Local Fishing Communities For The Best Angling

There are a lot of fishing opportunities out there that may seem exotic or hard to come by at first. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll…

Deer Rifles—How to Choose The Perfect Gun

It is fall, which means that the leaves are changing and gun writers are doing articles on the “Great American Deer Rifle.” Picking out a…

What to Look for When Booking a Fishing Charter or Guide Service

Some types of fishing require (or are at least impractical without) a charter or guide service. Other times, you may just want the added expertise of…

Seasonal Repairs: Make Your Camping Gear Last Longer

Maintaining your camping gear in the offseason, including proper storage, cleaning and repairs, will help make it last longer and save you money on…

The Essential Gear You Need When Riding ATVs

ATVs are off-road vehicles, designed to allow access to trails and other hard-to-reach areas. The earliest designs from the 1970s were three-wheeled.…

5 Energizing Hikes in Illinois

Working out at the gym can get mundane for outdoor enthusiasts, so many decide to pursue invigorating hikes in nature. From rock formations to scenic…

Gear Up To Become A Master Outdoor Chef

There was a time when camp food for a weekend overnight revolved around hot dogs, canned goods, and tasteless dehydrated dinners. Fortunately, those…

SPOTLIGHT: Things to Do in and Around Fox Ridge State Park

Sprawling across thousands of acres with twinkling lakes and lush vegetation, Fox Ridge State Park is the ideal escape. Whether you’re looking…

How To Raise Your Kids To Be Expert Skiers

When I take my three kids skiing, everyone carries their own gear, puts on their own boots and helmets, and gets themselves easily out onto the…

5 Beautiful Scenic Hikes in Illinois

Scenic hikes are relaxing, inspiring, and invigorating for both new and experienced hikers. There are hundreds of hiking trails throughout Illinois…

Kayak Adventures—5 Warm-Weather Escapes To Try Right Now

Just because Old Man Winter is rearing his balaclava-covered head, doesn't mean you have to hang up your paddle. From sea kayaking along warm,…

Taking Your Dog on a Fishing Trip

It’s nice to have company along when you’re heading out for a day or two of fishing, and is there any better companionship than your dog?…

8 Amazing Off-Slope Activities You Need To Try

Even if you don’t ski or snowboard—or you just don’t want to ride chairlifts every day of your mountain…

5 Great Hiking Trails in Illinois

Illinois’ diverse natural landscapes and abundant state parks have led to the many great hiking trails around the state. With thousands of…

Treestand Safety for Young Hunters

Treestands are one of the most popular and effective methods of deer hunting throughout the eastern half of our country. Being perched high in a tree…

5 Awesome Trail Running Spots in Illinois

Nothing beats running on a nature trail through wilderness. Illinois offers hundreds of running trails, all of which boast scenic views around every…

5 Awesome Campgrounds for Families in Illinois

Camping creates fond family memories, and Illinois is home to many great campgrounds for your next family getaway. Whether you’re looking for a…

10 Great Pet-Friendly Campsites in the U.S.

Can’t bear the thought of leaving your furry friend behind while you set off for adventure? Bring them along for the ride and make memories…

5 Best Birdwatching Hikes in Illinois

Illinois is home to hundreds of bird species thanks to the diverse habitats throughout the state. The preservation of these wetlands, prairies,…

10 Best Hunting Cartridges for Whitetail Deer

Choosing a list of top 10 favorite deer hunting cartridges is no easy task, particularly since there are so many suitable cartridges that could make…

10 EASY FISHING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

For most of us, fishing conjures up images of a lazy day on the water, occasionally reeling in some finned beauties which are then proudly displayed…

Where To Find The Best Skiing And Snowboarding

Cue the family ski vacation. Early snow reports are confirming that there has never been a better year to plan a hot chocolate-drinking, board…

Escape The Cold At These Amazing Glamping Destinations

Glamping is typically defined as a mix of glamor and camping. The result is an outdoor experience unlike any other, where campers spend their days…

5 Awesome RV Campsites in Illinois

RV camping provides the perfect opportunity to get away from the daily mundane routines and stresses of our modern lifestyles. Illinois offers many…

8 Things to Consider Before Buying an RV

Investing in a recreational vehicle (RV) is a big decision. Whether you're buying an older model that's used but still reliable or a shiny new Class…

It’s The Rut! Now What?

The main thing you need to know about the rut, which has been studied and defined to within inches of its death, is that for a few magical weeks…

The Ultimate Guide to Beginner Hiking in Illinois

Thousands of acres of forest, sparkling waterfalls, rolling plains—Illinois is a hiker’s dream. Whether you’re looking for a…

Campfire Eats: 7 Simple Summer Campsite Recipes

For many folks, meal planning is the biggest thing to worry about when getting ready for a camping trip. Whether you’re backpacking, car…

8 Best Outdoor Fall Activities in Illinois

In a state with one of the nation’s great cities and a deep-rooted agricultural history, fall is a time of year to celebrate. That’s why…

Respect Nature: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Campsite Clean

It doesn't matter whether you’re staying at a fully electric campsite in a modern campground or backpacking in a designated wilderness area,…

The Necessities Every Camper Should Own

Every time I go camping with friends, I learn a new trick or discover a piece of gear that makes life outdoors more comfortable. But there are some…

8 Things You’ll Need to Get Started on a Dirt Bike

As a beginner to dirt bike riding, there are a lot of ins and outs to learn—and sometimes you'll get some bumps and bruises throughout that…

Bowhunting—How To Hunt The Awful October Lull

Most bowhunters view early- to mid-October (the October Lull) as a waste of their time in the deer woods. The biggest misconception about the Lull is…

Layering 101: How to Stay Warm and Comfortable in Cold Conditions

The arrival of cold weather doesn’t mean you have to abandon your favorite outdoor activities and wait until the return of warm weather before…

What Makes a Good Deer Bullet?

I remember being just old enough to legally hunt big game in New York State—back then, you had to be 16 to hunt big game—and carrying a…

The Freedom of Fall Canoe Camping

For an exciting change of pace, if you already have a canoe, why not try canoe camping? Fall is a great time of the year to be outside and on the…

A Guide to Fall Foraging in the U.S.

It’s September, and the coming of fall equals an abundance of autumnal harvest…in the woods. Foraging is currently all the rage at top…

5 Best ATV Rides to See Fall Foliage in The United States

Of the four seasons, fall is by far the most popular for riding ATVs that seat one or two people, and “side-by-sides” that seat two to…

Late Fall Hiking: 7 Essential Clothing Items for Colder Weather

As the leaves start falling from the trees and the winter chill starts to roll in, the crowds and pesky bugs dissipate from the hiking trails. And if…

How To Find Your Deer After The Shot

Despite what we may see on television, deer usually do not drop in their tracks at the shot. Sometimes, too, “stuff” happens and the shot…

Basic Gear for the New Deer Hunter

While deer hunting takes many forms in a variety of different habitats and terrains, one thing is for certain: The more time you can spend afield,…