Author: Brad Fenson

For more than half a century, Thompson Center Arms has stood as one of the most innovative names in American firearms manufacturing. From the groundbreaking introduction of the Contender pistol in the 1960s to the company’s pivotal role in reviving muzzleloading traditions in the 1970s, Thompson Center has consistently redefined versatility and craftsmanship. Its legacy spans not only iconic firearms but also a landmark Supreme Court case, corporate acquisitions, and a recent return to independent ownership—bringing the brand full circle to its New Hampshire roots. This is the story of a company whose products and history continue to shape the…

Hunting Alberta Wolves with Mossberg’s Patriot Predator in 7MM PRC The thermometer read a mind-numbing -40°F and slipping into the elevated blind before sunrise was challenging. The cold, dry snow creaked underfoot with each step, making it seem impossible to get in place without the wolves hearing the approach from a mile away. The first order of business was to fire up the propane heater to clear the windows of the industrial-strength frost. Cracking the front windows slightly would draw the warm air from the heater and clear the windows quickly. It also provided a view of the bait, where…

Walking the outer edge of the cornfield with a slight wind proved ideal as pheasants flushed skyward, climbing in elevation before catching the breeze. With my Benelli Montefeltro in hand, the excitement was immediate—roosters burst from cover, shots rang out, and feathers filled the air. Pheasant hunting at Highpoint Hunting Lodge in South Dakota, our crew experienced an unforgettable adventure fueled by expert dog work, perfect shooting conditions, and non-stop action. Whether it’s the thrill of a fast-flying bird or the performance of a finely tuned shotgun, this hunt was one to remember. The dogs ran in circles a short…

Finding the best meat grinder is essential for hunters and home processors looking to turn wild game into quality ground meat. Whether you’re tackling a couple of deer a year or processing large quantities of elk or moose, choosing the right grinder ensures efficiency, durability, and top-notch results. From compact hand-cranked units to commercial-grade machines, this guide dives into key features, motor capacities, and add-ons to help you make the best investment for your needs.  Not all meat grinders are made the same, and knowing what each model is designed for and its capacity will ensure that hunters looking at…

Four big honkers appeared over the far corner of the field and talked excitedly as they centered on our decoys. The huge wing spans were at least six feet wide, and as their hulking bodies arched into the wind, their feet slid down beneath their bellies, and their toes splayed out to find the ground. I whispered to my wife Stef to “shoot them.” The lead bird tumbled to the ground after a perfect hit from her Franchi Affinity 3, and as she continued to shoot, I shouldered my shotgun to participate in the games. The experience was…

Embarking on a fly-in walleye fishing adventure with your kids isn’t just a trip; it’s an investment in their love for the outdoors and the future of angling. Introducing them to skilled mentors and strong, confident role models creates a lasting passion for nature. For my family, this journey began with the thrill of landing a massive walleye—a moment that set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The tension in my fishing line told me something big was below, and as the rod bent under the weight of a powerful walleye, my heart raced. Each surge tested the drag, and every…

Kids Fishing at Cree River Lodge & Pilot’s Lodge on Fond du Lac We backtrolled into the strong current to keep our jigs at the bottom of a steep drop-off. The fishing lines pulled downstream at an angle but didn’t keep the telegraph of a bite from running through my graphite fishing rod. A subtle hook set put a good bend in the rod, and another walleye was brought to the side of the boat. My daughter Addy looked at me with a grin as she struggled to reel in a fish at the same time. It was a special…

Sorting out the confusion in the Shotgun Shell world We bustled through the field like a colony of ants to set the decoys out in a steady drizzle of rain. The dark clouds looked ominous, but the anticipation of geese decoying helped us overlook the damp conditions. We were hunting in northeast Alberta with Take-Em Outfitters, with a unique crowd of people from within the ammunition industry. There have been some big corporate changes in the shotgun shell world, with Vista Outdoor now being The Kinetic Group, owning Federal Premium, Remington Ammunition, and HEVI-Shot. Companies that once guarded secrets about…

When it comes to chasing trophy birds in rugged country, the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey shotgun is built to deliver. On our recent high desert Gould’s turkey hunt in Sonora, Mexico, this optic-ready 12-gauge proved its worth with tight, consistent patterns and smooth handling in the blind. From patterning Apex TSS loads at the range to dropping mature longbeards at close range, the 940 Pro Turkey showed why it’s one of the most trusted autoloaders for serious turkey hunters. The best time to book a turkey hunt for next spring is right now, and here is a little food for…

Are you ready to face the most dangerous animals in the world? After five days of searching for the old cape buffalo bull, we found him grazing in dense thornbush. The bull was flanked by two of his compadres, an old scrum-capped bull that had worn his hooks down to flat bosses on his head. The other bull did not have the age of our target animal but showed the ill temper of an aging breeder. We wasted no time getting downwind and working through the dense brush to where we last saw the bulls. Our tracker, Albert, was tall…