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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
Hunting Can Trip Up Hunting Foes
Assumptions Can Trip Up Hunting Foes

The non-hunting community needs to hear the good side of why we hunt, and we need not be ashamed to tell our story.

Itโ€™s Time To Put Golfing, Skiing Out Of Their Misery
Itโ€™s Time to Put Golfing, Skiing Out of Their Misery

Pat Durkin recently came to the realization that it was time to say goodbye to the idea of playing golf and skiing ever again.

Bowhunting History: Where Modern Bowhunting Got Its Start
Bowhunting History: Where Modern Bowhunting Got its Start

We're taking a look back at some bowhunting history, how modern bowhunting got its start, and the key players at the forefront.

Hen Turkeys Rarely Strut Their Stuff
Do Hen Turkeys Strut?

The sight of a gobbler strutting his stuff in the springtime ritual is hard to beat. But what about the hens? Do hen turkeys strut?

Arsonist Destroys Dreams, Treasure By Torching Cabin
Arsonist Destroys Dreams, Treasure by Torching Cabin

Retaliation from a poaching complaint leads to one man's dream hunting cabin and treasures destroyed by fire.

Elk Meat Pack-Out Ends with Ankle Sprain, Broken Fibula

Elk hunting is a daily grind that takes a toll on the hunter's body. Pat Durkin tells the story of how his elk meat pack-out left him sprained and broken.

Squirrels Are Dying to be Near Me

Pat Durkin recently came to the conclusion that, "Squirrels are dying to be near me." Here's a look at his story and what he discovered.

CWD, COVID-19 Leave the Marks on Deer Season

As we close in on one of the craziest year's in modern history, one hunter shares the impact CWD and COVID-19 have had on deer season.

Passing Driver Fails to Ruin Late-Day Bowhunt

Good things happen when you're in the right spot. Durkin's hunt along the highway proved to be the right spot, despite a few interruptions from the road.

Late Morning Patience Pays Off With an Elk

Late morning patience pays off with an elk for the author as he continues to climb the mountain in search of an opportunity to notch his tag.

Eating Trout and Grouse, but Still Awaiting Elk

Pat Durkin is back in elk country, making the most of the opportunities he has with trout and grouse, as he waits on a bull.

durkin with bull
Retaining Bowhunters is a Lifelong Effort

Retaining bowhunters is a lifelong effort. It won't come easy, and it won't happen overnight. Are you willing to make the effort?

How My Dad Created A Lifelong Bowhunter
How My Dad Created a Lifelong Bowhunter

Looking back and remembering the ones who got us started in the hunting and outdoor lifestyle is an important part of the journey.

Hunters Need To Celebrate Their Own History
Hunters Need to Celebrate Their Own History

Hunters need to celebrate their own history, tell their story, and look for new opportunities to take hunting to the next level.

Sand County Almanac Links Bowhunting, Conservation
Sand County Almanac Links Bowhunting, Conservation

Leopold's Sand County Almanac is a timeless classic that links bowhunting and conservation like no other book ever written.

Bowhunters Embrace Self Confinement
Bowhunters Embrace Self-Confinement

In good times and bad, bowhunters embrace self-confinement as a natural part of the journey.

Today's Bowhunting Gear Compared To 1958
Today’s Bowhunting Gear and Mindset Compared to 1958

Bowhunting has experienced a dramatic change over the years. Here's a look at today's bowhunting gear and mindset compared to 1958.

From Dairy Barn To Deer Skinning Shed
From Dairy Barn to Deer Skinning Shed

Times can often change how and why we do things, particularly when it comes to hunting...and converting a dairy barn to a deer skinning shed.

CWD-Deer-testing-lab
CWD Pros Collect, Analyze Deer Samples

In some parts of the country, CWD has grown to the point of keeping CWD Pros busier than ever before in their sampling and testing.

TenPoint-on-Truck
Are Crossbows to Blame for the Deer Hunting Decline?

Crossbows have been at the forefront of controversy for years now, but are crossbows to blame for the deer hunting decline across the country?