Author: North American Outdoorsman Staff
NAO is the window into the outside environment for readers pursuing their passions in hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, and all pursuits in the outdoors on the North American continent. We will present stories, tips and techniques to be a better outdoorsman, and be completely at home in the outdoor environment for a day, week, or a lifetime.
Walk into any tackle shop, and you’ll see an overwhelming number of lure options. The truth is, choosing the right bait isn’t about grabbing what looks good on the shelf—it’s about matching your lure to the technique and conditions you’re facing on the water. Water clarity, fishing pressure, temperature, and available cover all play a role in how bass behave, and your lure selection should reflect that. Experienced anglers don’t think in terms of random bait choices—they think in terms of technique. Finesse presentations slow things down when fish are pressured. Flipping and pitching allow you to reach bass buried…
We can all agree that there is a big difference between seeing nature and actually experiencing it by moving through it. Hiking gets you closer; driving keeps you distant. But riding a horse sits somewhere in between, and honestly, it’s closer to how landscapes were meant to be experienced. It’s just you, a huge animal, and the peace and quiet. Those who have already tried horseback riding adventures through nature already know the exact feeling. You feel connected to nature, fully in tune with your surroundings, and after the adventure finishes, you feel reborn. But it’s not as simple as…
Firearm safety drills dominate hunter education courses across the country. Yet the most devastating injuries happen long before a single shot rings out. Gravity paralyzes far more hunters than stray bullets. A compromised safety harness or a decaying tree branch puts outdoorsmen in the hospital every single season. Preventing catastrophic physical harm demands shifting focus away from the muzzle and toward the dangerous logistics of the surrounding environment. Outdated survival advice gets people hurt. Gravity Will Hunt You Before a Firearm Does Tree stands create the greatest statistical danger in the woods. Hunters obsess over rifle calibers while completely ignoring…
Something about hunting really satisfies the soul, especially when you’re fully engaged and focused, in silence. Waiting patiently, being alert to the environment, and the instant when readiness turns into action, all these stages combine to make a truly wonderful moment. Suppose you are a person who gets excited by the chase, the thrill of the hunt, the challenge of hitting a target, and making each move meaningful – then you will probably find the experience of playing Counter Strike 2 quite enjoyable. Initially, one might think that hunting and playing a tactical shooter are completely unrelated. Yet if one…
For the dedicated waterfowler, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a sky filled with ducks. The whistle of wings, the subtle art of the call, and the satisfaction of a successful hunt are all part of a tradition that runs deep in North America. But success in the field isn’t just about luck; it’s about knowledge. Understanding the different types of ducks, their behaviors, and how to identify them is crucial for any hunter. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most iconic duck breeds in North America and explore how modern technology can…
If you have ever pulled into your spot before daylight, only to find your shallow pond locked up with skim ice, you know the feeling. The forecast looked “cold but doable,” the decoys are ready, and the birds have been using the area, but overnight temps quietly erased your plan. Late-season ducks concentrate around the few places they can loaf and feed without burning extra energy, and ice removes those options quickly. The pattern holds up season after season. When ice tightens up, ducks shift to open water, current, springs, wastewater outflows, or anywhere that stays liquid. If your best…
The tradition of the outdoors has been passed down through generations of the family for quite a while. Early risings in deer stands. Entire afternoons spent on the lake. Sharing stories around a campfire beneath a sky filled with stars. But there is actually something new and quite interesting happening today. A generation that was glued to their screens watching freestyle motocross, BMX competitions, and ATV riders tearing up the rugged terrain is now beginning to relate to hunting, fishing, and backcountry hiking. What seems like two totally separate worlds at first glance is actually very much aligned. Action sports…
For many outdoorsmen and hunting fans, the AR-15 feels like more than a tool. You see it at the range. Hunters carry it to camp. You hear it mentioned in stories after long days outside. Thinking about taking up hunting yourself? You’ve probably noticed how often this rifle shows up in those circles. But if it is that common, what does it ask from you in return? AR-15 safety turns into a clear promise you make to yourself and your partners. You choose to protect one another first, so every hunt stays about the day, the field, and the memorable…
If your job keeps you moving across uneven ground, wet grass, gravel, mud, or mixed terrain, the best boot is the one that matches the real hazards you face. For many outdoor and field roles, that often means prioritizing traction, stability, and fatigue reduction over a hard toe cap. A well-built pair of non-steel-toe work boots can be the more practical, safer-feeling choice when toe-impact risk is low but footing, weather, and walking mileage are high. Start With the Hazard: Outdoor Work Is Usually About Traction, Not Toe Crush OSHA’s guidance is straightforward: employers must ensure protective footwear is used…
You’re three hours into the field dressing an elk in freezing rain. Your factory knife has already lost its edge on the sternum. The handle feels wrong in your cold, wet hands. You’re making twice as many passes as you should, tearing meat instead of slicing cleanly. This wastes meat you worked hard to harvest. This scenario plays out in hunting camps across America every season. The difference between a mass-market knife and a hand-forged custom blade isn’t about prestige or collecting. It’s about having a tool that performs when everything depends on it. It is then that you understand the…