Tag: hunting
How a golden retriever became a duck hunting legend in the...
Waterfowlers love their worn shotguns, but their best stories are always about their dogs. On his first real duck hunt in freezing chop, a hunter watches a gentle golden retriever named Brandy brave rough waves to pull off an unforgettable double retrieve and become a marsh legend.
A retired wildlife officer profiles the calculating mind of a poacher
Chronic poachers operate quietly, methodically, and often hide behind respected reputations. A retired wildlife officer examines the psychology of serial game law violators, the danger they pose to wildlife and conservation, and why public tips are vital to stopping them.
Memories matter far more than gear in autumn bird hunting
As autumn arrives, small game bird hunting draws us into the uplands and lowlands. Writer Jim Abrams reflects on favorite shotguns, memorable hunting dogs, and why the best hunting experiences are defined by shared memories rather than fancy equipment or flawless pedigrees.
Essential tree stand safety tips to prevent hunting falls
Retired wildlife officer Jim Abrams shares vital tree stand safety tips to prevent hunting falls. Learn how to inspect gear, choose the right stand, and use a full-body harness to stay safe in the woods during whitetail deer season.
The one you choose: How a feisty runt puppy won a...
Retired wildlife officer Jim Abrams reflects on the quiet heartache and hope of choosing a new hunting dog. Discover how an unexpectedly feisty runt puppy named Bramble stole the show and made the final decision for him in the whelping box.
Ohio wildlife history: The birth of ODNR and return of deer...
Explore Part 4 of Ohio's wildlife history. Learn how sportsmen helped establish dedicated funding, how game protectors formed the nation's first training academy, the return of deer hunting in 1943 and the creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1949.
History of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: The birth of conservation
As deforestation, dam construction, and industrial pollution threatened Ohio's natural resources in the 19th century, public outcry forced state leaders to take action. Jim Abrams traces early game laws, fish passage mandates, and the 1873 founding of the Ohio Fish Commission.
History of the Division of Wildlife: The Ohio Country
In part one of a series on the history of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Jim Abrams explores how 19th-century settlement, bounties, and the Great Hinckley Hunt depleted native species—leading to Ohio's very first wildlife protection laws in 1829.
Oddball, eccentric or a bit of both? The case for the...
Jim Abrams embraces his status as an "oddball" while breaking down why unconventional gear choices often beat mainstream favorites. Explore the benefits of 16-gauge and 28-gauge twin-barrel shotguns, lightweight framing, and the ballistics behind effective square loads.
Pa. hunters donate record amount of venison to feed hungry families
Pennsylvania hunters donated a record 294,844 pounds of venison during the 2025-26 season through Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the group recently shared. The effort equates to 1.2 million servings distributed to food-insecure families across the state.
