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Author

Patrick Durkin

Patrick Durkin
President at Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association
Patrick Durkin is a lifelong bowhunter and full-time freelance outdoor writer/editor who lives in Waupaca, Wisconsin. He has covered hunting, fishing and outdoor issues since 1983. His work appears regularly in national hunting publications, and his weekly outdoors column has appeared regularly in over 20 Wisconsin newspapers since 1984.
Latest Articles
Elk Bowhunt Prep

April is the time to start prepping for the Sept Elk season!

Crossbow Controversies

Will these weapons really bring about the end of archery hunting?

Unlike Deer, Grouse Are Built For Brutal Winters

Take a closer look at the amazing survival skills of the Grouse.

Midwinter Getaway Gives Different View of Deer Woods

In an effort to retrieve gear from the past deer season, the author runs into some unexpected company.

Wisconsin’s First Wolf Hunt Results

The latest results from Wisconsin’s first wolf hunt has increased our understanding of this intriguing predator.

Weasel Dines On Deer Scraps

What happens when one of natures cutest scavangers visits the author's deer camp?

Crossbow Impact On Michigan Hunters

Some hunters believe crossbows can have a negative impact on our sport. Before you make up your mind take a look at the latest info on how it is affecting Michigan hunters.

Truth Stranger Than Fiction In The Deer Woods

Forget about finding entertainment elsewhere, all you need to do is look in the deer woods.

Bowhunters’ 3-D Deer Targets Give Chickadees a Home

Many bowhunters are learning that chickadees like to create nesting cavities in the necks of 3-D deer targets.

Bowfishing for Carp: The Perfect Summer-Time Primer

If you're looking for a fun way to hone your shooting and stalking skills this summer, try bowfishing for carp!

Bulldozers push out deer, other wildlife for more corn

Cornfields are growing larger as farmers bulldoze fencerows, windbreaks and old farmsteads, which are often havens for big bucks and other wildlife.

corn-field
Bulldozers push out wildlife for more corn

Shelterbelts have long been havens for wildlife, but they're now getting plowed out to make room for more high-priced crops like corn and soybeans.

Stalking Carp Provides Bowhunters Lots of Shooting

When carp move into the shallows to spawn in early summer, bowfishermen follow. Some stay on the hunt throughout the evening by using large lights.

Rural Legends and Myths Abound in the Outdoors

One of my favorite pastimes as an outdoor writer the past 30 years is collecting conspiracy theories, rural legends and other tall tales from readers.About the time one story finishes its rounds, another takes its place. And don’t worry. If you didn’t hea

Politics of Bowhunting, Deer Hunting Easy Compared to Crane Hunting

Deer hunting and bowhunting often generate political fights that pit hunters against hunters. But to witness true culture clashes, try proposing a hunting season for sandhill cranes.

Real Work Lies Ahead for Wisconsin Deer Hunting Makeover

A harsh preliminary report critiquing Wisconsin's deer-management program was praised by DNR critics and ripped by DNR supporters.

Wisconsin Right to Add Wolf Hunting Season

Wisconsin's wolf population will continue to prosper with a hunting and trapping season.

Wisconsin Misses Chance to Expand Crossbow Hunting

Even though a majority of Wisconsin sportsmen favor crossbow use for deer hunting, lawmakers and the DNR have not pushed hard to include them in the state's archery season.

Coyotes Prey Heavily on Southeast’s Deer Fawns

The coyote's impact on whitetails is often severe in Southeastern states, where coyotes first started showing up during the past 50 years.

For some reason, hunters often struggle to find satisfaction

Research shows that "nonconsumptive" recreationists – such as hikers, bikers, campers and rowers – report more satisfaction from their activities than do hunters, anglers and mushroom hunters.