Read the latest articles from Outdoor Life (Page 65)

With its Gen 2 version of the VX-6 HD, Leupold may have built the perfect hunting scope

With its Gen 2 version of the VX-6 HD, Leupold may have built the perfect hunting scope

A redesigned erector system brings precision controls to a lightweight hunting rig.

best baitcasting reels with lures and a rod
Fishing Reels

The Best Baitcasting Reels of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

We review the top baitcasters for bass and inshore fishing

A commercial fisherman stands next to a huge bull shark.
Shark Fishing

Fisherman Catches a Jaw-Dropping Bull Shark That Would Have Obliterated the State Record

"You can normally tell when a big bull is in the area because it’s just chewing up everything, and this one was chewing on the little sharks"

A big state-record black crappie
Crappie Fishing

‘I Panicked,’ Says West Virginia Fisherman Who Just Caught the New State Record Black Crappie

The new record was just one of hundreds of crappie caught during a banner day of fishing with buddies

A dark colored grizzly bear resembling a black bear stands in brush.
Wildlife Management

Idaho Hunter Self-Reports Bear Identification Error After Mistaking a Grizzly for a Black Bear

Mistaken shooting of protected grizzly underscores challenges in bear identification

The best thermal monoculars and binoculars were tested in South Texas.
Optics

The Best Thermal Monoculars and Binoculars of 2026, Field Tested

We tested the latest handheld thermal units to suit a wide range of use cases and budgets

10 pairs of waterproof hiking shoes sitting on a bench
Gear

The Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your feet dry on your next hike or backpack with one of these protective kicks

An illustration of a grandpa and his grandson sitting by the fire looking at a shotgun
Rifles

9 Old Wives Tales That Masquerade as Shooting Lore

I address common misconceptions about bullet penetration, shotgun balance and fit, rifle trajectory, and more

An angler in Oregon holds up a big spotted bass.
Bass Fishing

This State-Record Bass Won’t Make the Books Because Oregon Doesn’t Recognize It as a Game Fish

"It hurts. But I know I caught it. I know I weighed it. Even though it might not ever be in the actual record book”

Two dogs wear collars in the snow.
Gear

The Best Dog Collars of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

From long hikes to riverside swims, we put a slew of dog collars to the test to see which ones are best built for outdoor adventure

A man holds up a big largemouth bass for his elderly mother.
Largemouth Bass

72-Year-Old Mom Lands Her Personal Best Bass in ‘Absolute Rodeo’ on Mother’s Day

“We had to treat it like we were marlin fishing”

A man wrestled a wild turkey in a cemetery in New Hampshire
Wildlife Management

Watch: Man Wrestling a Wild Turkey in Cemetery ‘Not a Good Look,’ Says Investigating Game Warden

Conservation officers opened a poaching investigation after a man was spotted trying to subdue a wounded turkey in a cemetery

A buddy holds up a stringer of fish to show another man.
Bass Fishing

How I Learned the Fine Art of Bragging

I was tired of getting cornered by blowhards at the boat ramp and deer camp, so I resolved to one-up them

A state-record longear sunfish caught in Mississippi.
Panfish Fishing

Lure Maker with Several State Records to His Credit Catches Two Record Sunfish on Back-to-Back Days

"I almost feel awkward when I call the game warden at this point ... He's like, 'Oh, it's this guy again.'"

Cody Kabus returned a trophy-class buck to the rightful Wisconsin hunter
Whitetail Deer Hunting

A Wisconsin Bowhunter Killed the Biggest Buck He’d Ever Seen. Then He Gave It to Another Hunter

“Doing the right thing means more to me than having that buck on a wall”

Polar bear lifts paw walking across kelp
Bear Hunting

Two Tourists Got Pissed They Didn’t Get to Photograph Polar Bears Because of Native Hunters

The Turkish photographers posted a video criticizing subsistence hunters after they were stopped from venturing onto an ice floe during a hunt. They later removed the video and apologized after a swift backlash from locals

A Michigan angler with a fat smallmouth bass.
Smallmouth Bass

‘Bowling Ball’ Smallmouth Caught in Michigan Was Busting at the Seams

A fisherman shared photos — and few details — about this smallie he caught on a crankbait over the weekend

various socks on a picnic table
Camping Gear

The Best Hiking Socks of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

I put 17 pairs of socks from the likes of Darn Tough, Smartwool, and Farm to Feet to the test

A strutting turkey in green greass
Turkey Hunting

The 7 Biggest Turkey Hunting Mistakes That Will Keep You From Punching Your Tag

If you're having a frustrating season, troubleshooting one — or more — of these common issues could help you find success

We tested the best portable jump starters.
Camping Gear

I Tested the Best Portable Jump Starters for Cars, Trucks, ATVs, and Boats

We tested the best car boosters just in case your vehicle's battery dies in the boonies