This past weekend, we had the pleasure of being part of a 27th annual youth deer hunt in a small Kansas town.

Locals, families and volunteers came together to teach the next generation the things that matter. Firearm safety, how to shoot a rifle, ethical shot placement on a whitetail, shotgun shooting and even the art of shooting trap. It was a full day of learning, fellowship and memories in the making.

And with 10 out of 12 kids harvesting their first deer, there was plenty to celebrate. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks played a huge role in getting these kids involved in the outdoors, and it was incredible to see so many people show up to pass these traditions along.

Just as many of us learned from someone before us, it was a day full of full-circle moments. That’s what this lifestyle is about: sharing what we know, spending time together and making sure the next generation has the chance to experience it all for themselves.

Days like this remind us there’s always something to learn and someone to learn from. This week, we’re sharing a few more lessons for the field, from whitetail tactics and hunting gear to mountain-hunt training and knowing when to keep quiet in elk country.

— The Hook & Barrel Family

The Traditions NitroBolt combines Federal FireStick convenience with the familiar handling of a bolt-action rifle. We tested the .50-caliber muzzleloader on the range and during an Oklahoma whitetail hunt.

Modern bows make longer shots possible, but closer is still better. These eight tactics can help bowhunters influence where deer travel, stop and present a shot.

Check out seven hunting gear picks for fall 2026 from Leupold, KUIU, LaCrosse, ScentLok, SoundGear and Bear & Son.

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ON THE COVER: FOX NEWS’ Will Cain headlines our November/December issue. On location at Banded Drake Ranch, Will Cain talks Texas roots, family and what it means to stay true to yourself 24/7.

Exalt XP’s Roman Brady discusses low-oxygen training for mountain hunts and explains why, above all else, preparation matters most.

Three Bear & Son hunting knives bring classic deer-camp styling to hands-on testing with leather, meat, and fish. See how the Pro Skinner, Upswept Skinner, and Bird & Trout perform.

Calling elk can be incredibly effective—but it can also ruin a setup. World champion elk caller Chad Schearer explains when staying silent, reading the wind and shadowing a herd can put you in better position for a shot.

🗓️ UP NEXT: This Thursday, dial it in for our weekly INSIDER email, full of the latest guns and gear from the industry’s top manufacturers.

OH, and before you go.. 👇