Our readers' hands-on spirit is reflected in the magazine's comprehensive gear tests and personal adventure stories. Whether shopping for a new rifle, searching for the hottest fishing holes this weekend or thirsting for exciting adventure tales, Outdoor Life is the ultimate resource.
WAYPOINT
LETTERS
The Big Story
A MAN AND HIS GUN • CHAMPION OF THE WINCHESTER MODEL 70, JACK O’CONNOR HELPED THE RIFLE GAIN POPULARITY AMONG THE MASSES
SELFIE-DEFENSE • MICHAEL TENTNOWSKI, PLYMOUTH, NH
GO OLD SCHOOL • NOW IS THE TIME to lose the training wheels and gear up for your first season of traditional bowhunting
GLOSSARY
THE ALL-AGES 20 • LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT GREAT TURKEY GUN? THINK SMALL
ROAD HOGS • A GROUP OF OFF-SEASON MONTANA DEER HUNTERS HEADS TO OKLAHOMA TO TEST THE THESIS THAT FERAL PIGS ARE EVERYWHERE AND UNWANTED
CORNHUSKER TURKEY TOUR • YOU CAN KILL THREE OF THE FOUR SUBSPECIES OF WILD TURKEYS IN NEBRASKA. BUT DNA STUDIES CAST DOUBT ON THE GENETIC PURITY OF THE STATE’S TURKEY FLOCK
CENTURIES OF STRUTTING • A Nebraska turkey timeline
TACKLE TEST 2018 • WE PUT THE HOTTEST NEW RODS AND REELS THROUGH THEIR PACES TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHICH ONES BELONG IN YOUR ARSENAL
KILLER COMBOS • WE PICKED THE PERFECT NEW MATCHUPS FOR YOUR FAVORITE SPECIES
GAME CHANGERS • A DETAILED LOOK AT FOUR OF THE HOTTEST NEW TACKLE INNOVATIONS HITTING SHELVES
HOW WE TEST • THE STORY BEHIND OUR ASSESSMENT OF RODS AND REELS
ANG LERS ON A TRA IN • Grab the family or a few buddies and climb aboard the northwoods express for a unique way to enjoy world-class fishing in the Canadian wilderness
STRIVE FOR FIVE • In addition to your fishing gear, these five items will make a difference in your comfort and safety on the big lakes of the Canadian Shield.
ALL ABOARD
THE LAST OF THE KINGS WILD • Why are Alaska’s chinook salmon runs crashing? It’s a big mystery that a salty group of researchers aims to crack
KING ME • While the lack of chinook salmon in some rivers is puzzling scientists, these four spots are still producing true beasts
FISH LIKE A LOCAL • No one knows how to fish a lake better than the sharpies who fish it the most. Here’s how they dial it in, and how to use their tactics on your home waters
SPRING BREAKS • Cutting Mississippi’s massive Granada Lake down to size takes talent and a bit of redneck ingenuity
RIGHTEOUS RIGS • Using simple powers of observation helps take the mystery out of trout
BASS TO THE BASICS • A wader’s guide to guaranteed bites and 100-fish days
LATER IS GREATER • Put weekend warriors in your rearview mirror by tangling with walleyes at night
POWER ’GILLING • Anyone can catch a bunch of bluegills, but landing knot-headed bulls takes tactical refinement
DRAG AND BRAG • The game plan—and the meal plan—for your biggest catfish ever
CHASING THUNDER • ON A TRIP TO FIND GOBBLING TOMS IN THE HEARTLAND, A TORNADO MAKES FOR A HAIR-RAISING HUNT
DO IT YOUR SELF • HOW TO MAKE, MODIFY, FIX, AND IMPROVE YOUR HUNTING AND FISHING GEAR
Next-Level Skill: Camo-Dip a Skull • If you’re looking for something a little flashier than a straight skull mount, here’s a cool way to display last fall’s buck. And it’ll only set you back $20.
Next-Level Skill: Reload with Neck Bushings • Bushings can improve accuracy and brass life
Next-Level Skill: Build a Truck-Bed Storage System • Organize the gear in your pickup—once and for all
Next-Level Skill: Repack a Wheel Bearing • Maintain your trailer’s wheel bearings annually (or every 10,000 miles) to prevent breakdowns on the road
Next-Level Skill: Make a Kydex Knife...