America’s Worst Hunting Laws: Part 1

A century ago, our wildlife in the United States was in serious trouble. Unregulated market hunting led to near extinction for many popular game animals, from ducks to deer. Fortunately, early wildlife conservation pioneers like Theodore Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold recognized the urgency of the situation. As a result, newly formed state fish and game agencies began managing wildlife resources for sustainability. These agencies created sensible...

The Savage Murder of Warden Neil LaFave, Part 1

This is Part One of a two-part series on the 1971 murder of Warden Neil LaFave. Part One covers how Brian Hussong decapitated LaFave and the historic investigation for his murder weapon. Part Two covers Hussong’s daring escape from prison and his 12 weeks spent hiding in the forest. Brown County District Attorney Donald R. Zuidmulder knew who brutally murdered Neil L. LaFave on Sept. 24, 1971, at the Sensiba Wildlife Area northwest of Green Bay...

Field Butchering Tips Part 1: Gutting and Quartering vs. the Gutless Method

When a hunter kills an animal that can’t be brought out of the woods whole, it is necessary to break the animal down into smaller pieces that can be transported in a backpack. This is almost always the case with elk and moose, but because of distance and topography, it also happens with smaller animals like antelope. Breaking down an animal into pieces that can be hauled out on your back is generally referred to as quartering and there’s...