Sports Columns

Wildlife codes need overhaul

Party fishing or hunting, antler restrictions regulation should be changed

A column by Gerald Scott

While the Wildlife Code of Missouri makes for a good read, there are several flaws in the fine print. One way to decide if a regulation needs to be skewered is to see if otherwise law-abiding outdoorsmen ignore it. For example, Missouri’s... Full story

Understanding a deer’s day puts venison on the table

Whitetails usually have three active periods per day

A column by Gerald Scott

The object of deer hunting is to put a hunter and a deer in the same place at the same time. By far the best way for a hunter to accomplish the former is to spend as much time in the offseason as possible exploring the specific area he or she... Full story

Each part of season offers advantages

A column by Gerald Scott

When is the best time to go deer hunting? That depends on how you define the word time. A bowhunter could define the term “best time” based on his or her favorite of the four astronomical seasons, because bows and arrows are legal for... Full story

Brothers break Red River custom

A column by Gerald Scott

There were times when my brother Wayne and I wondered if we could hack our way through a jungle of circumstances barring the way to my annual visit to his home in Drayton, N.D. It took us until the last full week of September to arrange a trip that... Full story

Learning never stops for all, including anglers

Casting nets, launching boats solo are works in progress

A column by Gerald Scott

Sometimes I think that if I spend enough time on the water, I’ll learn everything I need to know to do at least a few things the easiest way possible. Then reality rears its sometimes ugly but other times beautiful head. I learn something... Full story

A little courtesy can make a bowhunter’s day

Deer archery season under way

A column by Gerald Scott

I’ve never denied nor apologized for my addiction to deer hunting. I point to the hardness of my core to explain why I was en route to one of my favorite Conservation Areas (CA) a full hour before legal shooting light on Tuesday. Never mind... Full story

Total gear increases with age

Large fanny pack will hold all you need

A column by Gerald Scott

How much gear does a well-equipped deer hunter  need in order to be equipped for a single day’s hunt?   Once upon a time, my answer would have been a permit, some blaze orange duds and a fully loaded rifle. Carrying a knife with a... Full story

Modifications can keep older hunters in game

A column by Gerald Scott

My grandfather was the best wing shot I’ve ever seen. He could make shots with his beloved L.C. Smith double barrel the rest of us can only dream about. Luckily for me, I came along when he was in his prime, so I learned the finer points of... Full story

Don’t forget to bring water for next trip

Keeping yourself hydrated just as important for your hunting dog

A column by Gerald Scott

My grandfather’s older brother, Lester, was as tough as whang leather, despite the fact he carried at least 70 extra pounds, had a serious heart condition and was a multi-pack per day smoker. As we left the shade of the pickup on one of our... Full story

Scott: Nutrition for the working dog

By Gerald Scott

Writer conferences are always a rich mixture of social and educational opportunities, and this year’s Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) conference in St. Louis was no exception. Over the next few weeks, I’m going share some... Full story

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