J R Absher, Author at Guide Outdoors

Hey Dude, You’re Gettin’ A Halibut!

In Alaska (AKA The Last Frontier) tourists eager to experience the state’s unique activities have been known to pay dearly for a dogsled ride or to hike on a glacier. But will they pay big bucks for the experience of pulling sockeye salmon out of a commercial fishing net? Also in this week’s Outdoor News Hound, the Wisconsin Dove Hunt is on, a record pheasant harvest in South Dakota, a historic public privy in Colorado, and read about how dogs are hunting down ginseng poachers in North Carolina.

Sometimes You Get The Bear

Sometimes, diligent practice pays great dividends in shooting accuracy. Other times, luck can play an important role in a shooter’s success. A mixture of both was the case when a Montana man came eye to eye with a charging grizzly bear sow, while armed with a .410-gauge shotgun loaded with 7-1/2-shot. Also this week, The Outdoor News Hound brings you stories about collaring crooks, “disabled” Maine moose hunters, and “the perfect red meat,” — and more!

Wild Critters Agree: Spring Has Officially Arrived

As the fickle weather patterns usually associated with the month of March move toward a more predictable April mildness, wild animals across the country are likewise doing their part as traditional harbingers of spring. Also in this week’s Outdoor News Hound, read how the elk death mystery was solved in Wyoming, and how grizzly bears get a “gut feeling” each year in Yellowstone National Park.

Whoppers And Tall Tales

Spinning yarns and telling whoppers about wildlife and sportsmen’s exploits is as old as the outdoors. Long before today’s so-called urban legends, there existed tall tales of animal and human origin, deeply rooted in the mountains, hollows and backcountry of America. Today, when you add the speed, capability and relative anonymity of the Internet, rumors about wild critters can quickly grow to cyber proportions with the click of a mouse. Take the story about a monster catfish caught in Texas, for example. Also in this week’s Outdoor News Hound, read about fly-fishing elbow and some good news regarding poachers.

Cougars Coast-To-Coast?

The subject of America’s largest feline predator is not new to controversy and debate among wildlife agencies, hunters, public land managers and animal protection groups. But recent sightings, attacks and threatening behavior by cougars in states across the country have thrust the big cats into the spotlight again this week. Also this week you’ll read about a butt-biting sea lion, a new coffee-table roadkill book and The Zero Hour Bomb Company.

Jacuzzis In The Wilderness?

Ah, the wilderness experience! The magnificent scenery. The big game opportunities. The unspoiled streams and forests. The solitude and peace. The … hot tubs? If an Idaho backcountry outfitter’s request is granted, visitors to the Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness will be treated to steaming relaxation as part of their wilderness adventure. In this week’s Outdoor News Hound, you’ll also read about a rampaging Utah moose, gun storage hints and much more!

Hunting Tomorrow’s Hunters

An important study was released this week that focuses on hunting and fishing recruitment and retention, and it details how most young people today embark on a lifelong love affair with the outdoors. Also this week, how NOT to store firearms, how Velcro was invented — and more!

Flashlights — A Bright Idea!

Flashlights, in one form or another, are one of many necessities most commonly used by today’s sportsman, but few of us know the history of this century-old portable lighting device. Also this week: Hunting goes to college in West Virginia, a kamikaze deer crashes through a North Carolina office, mallrats & mallbats — and lots more!

As Lawmakers Vote, Sportsmen Take Note

Now that general assembly members, senators and representatives are back in action on the floors of statehouses across the country, it’s time for sportsmen to be especially aware of the activities taking place in their state capitols relating to conservation, wildlife and shooting sports issues. And also in this week’s report — a world ice fishing competition in Latvia, moonshining poachers, and tips to restore your trophy mounts.