Author: Brad Fenson

The Thompson Center Encore has earned a loyal following among hunters for its accuracy, simplicity, and versatile break-action design. Plus, the company is undergoing a renaissance, or rebirth under new ownership, adding to its loyal following! In this field review, the Thompson Center Encore ProHunter is paired with a barrel from Avient Composite Heat Release Technology and put to the test on a northern Alberta moose hunt, where lightweight handling, reliable follow-up accuracy, and real-world barrel performance mattered in the timber. The result is a modern take on a trusted rifle platform that blends proven Thompson Center Encore reliability with…

The Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter brings classic lever-action handling into the modern deer woods with a smart blend of tradition, durability, and field-ready performance. Tested during the South Dakota rut, this .30-30 lever gun proved quick to shoulder, smooth to cycle, and easy to carry through river breaks, prairie edges, and cold-weather whitetail cover. With modern upgrades like a threaded barrel, optic rail, synthetic stock, stainless construction, and suppressor compatibility, the rifle delivered the natural feel hunters love in a lever gun while adding the accuracy, control, and confidence today’s hunters expect. November in South Dakota has a…

The Traditions Nitrobolt muzzleloader proved its value where it matters most: in the field, under real hunting pressure. From the red dirt hills of Oklahoma to a bitter-cold late-season deer hunt in Alberta, Brad Fenson put modern muzzleloader technology to work on whitetails in vastly different conditions. With its bolt-action design, Federal FireStick compatibility, dependable ignition, and rifle-like handling, the Traditions Nitrobolt delivers the kind of confidence hunters need when the shot finally comes together. I discovered how accuracy, consistency, and ease of use can make a real difference on a mature buck in tough hunting conditions, and in meaningful…

Choosing the best broadheads can feel overwhelming, so we put the most popular models to the test to identify the Best Mechanical Broadheads and the Best Fixed Blade Broadheads for real-world bowhunting. Our year-round expert bowhunters evaluated sharpness, accuracy, durability, and penetration using simple, repeatable at-home methods—paper and hair tests, elastic and fruit cuts, grouping at ethical distances, and penetration through ½-inch Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). The result isn’t a paid hype list; it’s a data-driven field report that helps you match the right broadhead to your setup and target animal species. Whether you value massive wound channels, deep penetration,…

The Traditions NitroBolt Muzzleloader is redefining what modern black powder hunting can be. Built around a true bolt-action design and Federal’s innovative FireStick™ ignition system, this next-generation Traditions NitroBolt delivers faster loading, cleaner shooting, and remarkable consistency shot after shot. From its 24-inch VAPR-twist barrel and adjustable stock to its three-position safety and FireStick extractor, every detail is engineered for precision and reliability. Whether you’re stretching the distance on the range or settling the crosshairs on a mature whitetail in the field, the Traditions NitroBolt Muzzleloader offers the performance, confidence, and ease of use serious hunters demand. For hunters and…

The Burris Eliminator 6 isn’t just another riflescope—it’s a rangefinding, app-driven aiming system built to speed up confident first-round hits. In this Burris Eliminator 6 review, we field-test the 4-20×52mm optic with its integrated laser rangefinder and ballistic HUD that displays your hold right in the glass. Paired with the BurrisConnect app, the Burris Eliminator 6 lets you upload dope, account for conditions, and get a precise aiming solution without dialing turrets. Below, we cover setup and zeroing, real-world HUD accuracy, pros and cons, and who should (and shouldn’t) choose the Burris Eliminator 6 for deer, pronghorn, and…

We took off from Honolulu, and our aircraft headed for the Hawaiian island of Molokai. The catchy beat from the television series Hawaii 5-O drummed in my head: duntadundun-dun dun-duntatdundundun. The clear blue ocean was mesmerizing, and the coast of the small island we planned to visit came into view. The rocky outcrops and formidable cliffs were awe-inspiring, but the lack of human presence was noticeable. The diminutive land mass wasn’t your typical tourist island. It didn’t take long to settle in and plan for an afternoon hunt. My guide put his truck into four-wheel drive to maneuver the rugged…

Foggy Goose Hunt and Tense Bear Encounters Creating a Benelli Double Header The truck headlights lit up a wall of dense fog as we started down the road. The field we had spotted geese was only eight miles away, but the trip was slow and steady, with a heavy blanket of moisture hanging in the air. Luckily, the farther we traveled, the more the fog lifted. The harvested barley field was huge, and after driving to find the perfect spot to set up blinds and decoys, we went to work like a colony of ants scurrying back and forth from…

HMS Strasser RS 14 Evolution I used a Strasser RS 14 Evolution rifle in .270 caliber for the hunt. It was the first time I hunted with a straight-pull rifle, and its quality made me look deeper into the line. The rifle weighed under seven pounds and sported a 22-inch barrel with a boxlock action. The rifle features a grade one walnut stock, integrated Picatinny rail, black side plates with laser engraving, a straight stock shape with an ergonomic pistol grip, and an optional 45° bolt handle. It is available in 20 calibers and a left-hand version. The rifle was…

Big Bucks, Smart Riflescopes, and Straight-walled Cartridges. Hunting with the new Traditions Outfitter G3 chambered in 360 Buckhammer, topped with a Burris scope. Returning to Goose Creek Outfitters last fall, I had grand dreams of repeating success from a wonderful experience with a previous hunt, and finding another big, memorable buck. The Nebraska license allows for one mule or white-tailed buck to be harvested, and there were good opportunities for either. I learned many years ago not to set my sights on one or the other and let antlers dictate when to fly into action. I was using the new…