A hand-drawn ink illustration of an open journal on a wooden desk beside a pair of binoculars and a field notebook, with subtle crosshatch shading and a warm, rustic mood.

Articles & Stories

Every article published by Affiliated Outdoors — from deer hunting strategy and firearms reviews to gear roundups and fishing tales. Browse the full archive below, organized with the newest stories first.

The Affiliated Outdoors reading room is where the sportsman's story lives. From the quiet patience of a November deer stand to the adrenaline of a September bowfishing run, each article captures the moments that define life in the field. Our writers are hunters, anglers, and shooters themselves, which means every piece carries the authenticity of firsthand experience. Whether you are researching your next firearm, planning a fishing trip, or simply savoring the memories of a season gone by, the stories here speak the language of those who live the outdoors every day.

AOTV brings the pages of our publication to life, offering video episodes that extend the stories you read. Interviews with industry partners, hands-on gear reviews, and on-location coverage from the field give viewers a deeper look at the topics that matter most to modern sportsmen. From handgun evaluations and holster comparisons to muskie fishing adventures and deer season recaps, the video library pairs naturally with our written content, creating a complete resource for those who want both the details and the experience.

The editorial calendar follows the rhythm of the outdoorsman's year. Summer months bring coverage of fitness, gear preparation, and early-season scouting, while autumn shifts focus to hunting strategies, new firearm releases, and the traditions that bind generations of hunters together. As the holidays approach, our December features celebrate the season with gift guides, cold-weather tactics, and reflections on the year's successes. Each month, the content evolves to meet you where you are in your own outdoor journey, whether that means planning, preparing, or reminiscing.

We believe the best outdoor media feels less like content and more like conversation between friends. Our mission is simple: to serve sportsmen with honest reviews, practical advice, and stories worth telling around the campfire. The site is built on the idea that knowledge shared among hunters, shooters, and anglers strengthens the community as a whole. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just discovering the sport, the articles and features found here are crafted to inform, inspire, and celebrate the outdoor lifestyle in all its forms.

A hand-drawn ink illustration of a whitetail deer silhouette against a frost-covered field at dawn, rendered in loose hatching with a quiet, cold atmosphere.

Cold-Front Fever | Deer Hunting

Some may consider us deer hunters to be an odd breed. While most folks cherish those last summer-like days of the season, we're watching the forecast for that first real cold snap.

A hand-drawn ink illustration of a vintage microphone and headphones on a studio desk, with coiled cables and dark, moody crosshatching.

AO Podcast #39 — The Relaunch

After a little bit of time off, the AO Podcast is back and better than ever. The fellas have plenty to catch up on.

A hand-drawn ink illustration of a handgun resting on a folded range mat, with detailed stippling and a focused, review-style composition.

ATA Showcase: Sig Sauer's BDX System

I really didn't figure on seeing much from companies like Sig Sauer at the ATA Show, but the BDX system turned heads.

A hand-drawn ink illustration of a bowfishing boat at dusk, with an archer drawn back and water rippling in loose gestural strokes.

Bowfishing Madness

Cody Dalton takes us into the action with bowfishing footage that captures the adrenaline of night-time shoots on the water.

A hand-drawn ink illustration of a food plot with young green growth, a bag of seed nearby, and a tractor in the distant background under an open sky.

Planting Fall Annuals for Whitetails

Getting fall annuals in the ground at the right time can make all the difference when the season opens. Here's what worked for us.

A hand-drawn ink illustration of a cooler with the lid open revealing ice and drinks, set against a campsite backdrop with tent lines and trees.

OtterBox Venture 45 Cooler Review

We put the Venture 45 through its paces on a multi-day trip. Here's how it held up against the competition.

A hand-drawn ink illustration of a muskie breaking the surface of a lake, water splashing in dynamic ink washes, with a fishing rod bent in the foreground.

Muskie Fishing: The Game of 10,000 Casts

Cody Dalton shares the patience and persistence required to chase muskie — a fish that earns its reputation one cast at a time.