Author: North American Outdoorsman Staff

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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.

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…

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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…

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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…

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Hunting is part skill, part instinct, part habit. Too often those habits come from watching friends, copying mentors, or scrolling short videos. Some of what you pick up is gold. Some of it will cost you time, game, or safety. Below are the five most common mistakes hunters pick up from others — explained in plain language, with tips to fix them. This is for people who love the outdoors, whether they hunt, fish, or both. Snapshot: how many people still hunt and fish? Hunting remains a major outdoor activity in the United States, though it is smaller than fishing.…

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Planning a party for someone who lives and breathes the outdoors is an opportunity to blend nature, adventure, and rugged fun into one unforgettable celebration. Whether your guest of honor is a passionate bowhunter, a deer-season regular, or someone who simply loves the thrill of the wilderness, the right theme can take your event from ordinary to extraordinary. With a mix of creativity, authentic décor, and outdoors-inspired activities, you can design a celebration that truly feels like a tribute to their adventurous spirit. Below are unique, immersive, and memorable party themes that perfectly suit hunters of all ages. The Ultimate…

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Shooting has a rhythm of breathing, concentration, a slight squeeze of the trigger, and that satisfying click. But the surest hands and the keenest eyes will fail to hit on the nail unless the eye is in good condition. The fact is, the right gun does not simply help you make your shots more precise: the right sight changes your whole shooting experience. Years on, the shooters had to decide between performance and cost and would pay hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars for a good red dot. But that’s no longer the case. With technological advances in optics and…

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This is a simple recipe for making your own venison jerky in your own kitchen without any special tools or equipment. Feel free to experiment with spices and seasonings to make the recipe your own! Ingredients – Venison Jerky: 5lbs. fine ground Venison 3 Tbsp salt 1 Tbsp coarse black pepper 1 Tbsp garlic powder 1 Tbsp onion powder 1 Tsp pink curing salt 2 Tsp cayenne pepper 2 Tsp curry powder 2 Tsp ginger 1/2 cup dry milk 5 oz. water Recipe Card: Thoroughly mix all ingredients together and refrigerate covered for 24 hours. Form into strips manually or…

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Kansas has long been known as a mecca for upland hunters, but Tim Weddington and his team at 10 Gauge Outfitters have come up with a groundbreaking new experience that is piquing interest in pheasant hunters across the country, largely because there’s never been a place quite like this. Opening in Fall 2025, Pheasant Run Campground & RV Park combines the convenience and solidarity of an RV park with the excitement and tradition of a Kansas pheasant hunt. Pheasant Run is so much more than just another campground in pheasant country. Now, this isn’t just a repurposed campground. Pheasant Run…

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Hunting is a long-standing tradition that has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. While it was once a necessity for survival, hunting is now enjoyed as a recreational activity by many people around the world. If you are someone who has always been intrigued by the idea of hunting, but you’re not sure where to start, this guide is for you. In this, we will provide a comprehensive overview of deer hunting for beginners, with whitetail deer hunting tips, and covering topics listed below, plus links to stories that will inspire and further educate you on the subject…

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Modern hunting apparel has come a long way from the heavy wool coats and cotton thermals of the past. In 2026, the best hunting clothes are built with purpose—engineered to match specific weather conditions, terrain types, and hunting styles. Whether you’re hiking ridgelines in the Rockies, sitting treestands in the Midwest, or stalking gobblers in early spring, your gear should work as hard as you do. We’ve rounded up the best new hunting clothes of the year, broken down by the most common hunting conditions you’ll face and created comparison tables for selected essentials so you can see price points,…

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