Field Journal

Four bowfishermen at night holding snakeheads on their boat, Chesapeake Bay
Bow vs. Snakehead: The Chesapeake Study Putting Bowfishing on the Map
A Maryland DNR study found bowfishing is doing serious work against invasive snakeheads in the Chesapeake. Here's the story — and how to get into one of the fastest-growing corners... Read more...
Thin whitetail buck with a lowered head beside a wooden barn wall, a sign of chronic wasting disease
A Healthy-Looking Deer Can Now Spread CWD. Here's What That Study Actually Means for Your Season.
The “zombie deer” headlines are back, and this time there's a real study behind them: infected deer that look perfectly healthy can still shed the disease. Before you panic —... Read more...
Angler holding a largemouth bass caught from a boat
Forward-Facing Sonar Just Got Reined In for 2026 — Here's What It Means for the Rest of Us
The pro circuits are pumping the brakes on live sonar for 2026. Here's what changed at B.A.S.S., Major League Fishing, and Outlaw Outdoors — and why weekend anglers should be... Read more...
Bull elk standing in the western North Carolina mountains, representing the state's first modern elk hunting season
North Carolina to offer first elk hunting permits since reintroduction 25 years ago
North Carolina is opening its first modern elk hunting season since reintroduction 25 years ago. Here's how the resident raffle and conservation auction work, when the season begins, and what... Read more...
Orange gate across a gravel road at Pitch Pine Camp on private land
Court rules game wardens need warrants for private land
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday, July 21 that the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) must have a warrant based on probable cause before entering private property. Read more...
Infographic map showing the proposed expansion of hunting and fishing on federal lands
Proposed Major Expansion of Hunting and Fishing on Federal Lands: What Hunters and Anglers Need to Know
Proposed Major Expansion of Hunting and Fishing on Federal Lands: What Hunters and Anglers Need to Know Read more...
A traditional longbow at full draw in golden evening light
The Case for the Stick Bow: Why Summer Is the Season to Shoot Instinctive
A recurve won't make you a better hunter by October on its own. The reps you put in through July will. Here's how to spend the off-season getting dangerous with... Read more...
Pan-fried redfish fillet with lime glaze sauce next to a watermelon salad
Pan-Fried Redfish with Lime Glaze and Watermelon Salad
The Texas coast in late June doesn't cool off so much as it changes shifts. We'd been on the water since gray light, chasing tailing reds across a knee-deep flat... Read more...
Camo-clad hunter kneeling on a busy New York City street with yellow taxis
The 5 Best Big Cities for Public-Land Hunting Access (and How to Get on the Ground)
Most hunters pick where they live for a job, a school district, or a spouse's zip code. Almost nobody picks it for tag access and drive time to public dirt.... Read more...
Blue catfish underwater with dollar signs — Maryland invasive fish bounty program
Maryland Offers Rewards For Invasive Fish, Up to $1,500 Per Blue Catfish Charter Trip
Maryland is doubling down on efforts to combat invasive fish species, offering anglers cash, prizes, and bragging rights. Read more...
Texas state flag - cyberattack on hunting fishing license database
3 Million Texans Hit by Cyberattack Tied to Hunting & Fishing Licenses
A cyberattack on a Texas state vendor exposed personal data for over 3 million hunters and anglers who hold hunting and fishing licenses. Here's what happened, what data was affected,... Read more...
Compound bow aimed at cows - Utah guide poaching charges
Utah Hunting Guide Accused of Poaching Also Caught Shooting at Cows With Bow
A Utah hunting guide charged with poaching multiple animals was also caught on video shooting at livestock with a bow. Here's the full story of what investigators found, what charges... Read more...