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Author

Patrick Durkin

Patrick Durkin
President at Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association
Patrick Durkin is a lifelong bowhunter and full-time freelance outdoor writer/editor who lives in Waupaca, Wisconsin. He has covered hunting, fishing and outdoor issues since 1983. His work appears regularly in national hunting publications, and his weekly outdoors column has appeared regularly in over 20 Wisconsin newspapers since 1984.
Latest Articles
Unique Ways To View State Deer Harvests
Unique Ways to View State Deer Harvests

What states kill the most deer each year? Here's a unique look at how the numbers add up in the top deer hunting states.

Hunting Remains A Potent Force That Unites
Hunting Remains a Potent Force that Unites

Despite the small number of hunters across the country, their voice is loud, proud, and needs to be heard, now more than ever.

Falk Proved That County Parks Can Oblige Bowhunters
The Rise of Bowhunting Opportunities in County Parks

Thanks to the leadership of hunters like Kathleen Falk, bowhunting opportunities in county parks are on the rise.

Hunter Gored By Buck Gets Fined For Illegal Baiting
Hunter Gored by Buck Gets Fined for Illegal Baiting

Consequences for misbehavior come in various forms. Check out the story of one hunter that was gored by a buck, and fined for illegal baiting.

Much Of The Bowhunting World Envies U.s. Hunting
Much of the Bowhunting World Envies U.S. Hunting

If you look at bowhunting opportunities around the world, you'll quickly realize that bowhunters in the U.S. are blessed with the best.

Today's Bowhunting Gear Compared To 1958
Bowhunting History

Bowhunting history has some pretty strong roots in the state of Wisconsin. Take a look back at the early days as Durkin shares the story.

Wisconsin Buck Had 25 Feet Of Rope In Its Antlers
Wisconsin Buck had 25 Feet of Rope in its Antlers

A Wisconsin bowhunter found out that his mystery buck was packing over 25 feet of rope in its antlers throughout much of the hunting season.

How To Survive A Treestand Accident
Is it Time to Mandate Reporting, Investigating of Treestand Fatalities?

Tragedy takes place every year as deer hunters fall from the treestand. Would better accident reporting help hunters tighten up on safety?

Roy Case's Legendary Impact On Bowhunting
Roy Case’s Legendary Impact on Bowhunting

Taking a look back over bowhunting's history and nostalgia, this book shares Roy Case's legendary impact on bowhunting.

Final Day Elk Bowhunt Defies 4% Odds Of Success
Final-Day Elk Bowhunt Defies 4% Odds of Success

Pat Durkin rides out two long weeks of chasing elk on the mountain and is rewarded with a punched tag at the buzzer.

Do You Hunt Deer Exclusively With A Bow?
Do You Hunt Deer Exclusively With a Bow?

Do you hunt deer exclusively with a bow, or do you trade in your bow for a gun when the gun season opens up?

Hunting Can Trip Up Hunting Foes
Assumptions Can Trip Up Hunting Foes

The non-hunting community needs to hear the good side of why we hunt, and we need not be ashamed to tell our story.

It’s Time To Put Golfing, Skiing Out Of Their Misery
It’s Time to Put Golfing, Skiing Out of Their Misery

Pat Durkin recently came to the realization that it was time to say goodbye to the idea of playing golf and skiing ever again.

Bowhunting History: Where Modern Bowhunting Got Its Start
Bowhunting History: Where Modern Bowhunting Got its Start

We're taking a look back at some bowhunting history, how modern bowhunting got its start, and the key players at the forefront.

Hen Turkeys Rarely Strut Their Stuff
Do Hen Turkeys Strut?

The sight of a gobbler strutting his stuff in the springtime ritual is hard to beat. But what about the hens? Do hen turkeys strut?

Arsonist Destroys Dreams, Treasure By Torching Cabin
Arsonist Destroys Dreams, Treasure by Torching Cabin

Retaliation from a poaching complaint leads to one man's dream hunting cabin and treasures destroyed by fire.

Elk Meat Pack-Out Ends with Ankle Sprain, Broken Fibula

Elk hunting is a daily grind that takes a toll on the hunter's body. Pat Durkin tells the story of how his elk meat pack-out left him sprained and broken.

Squirrels Are Dying to be Near Me

Pat Durkin recently came to the conclusion that, "Squirrels are dying to be near me." Here's a look at his story and what he discovered.

CWD, COVID-19 Leave the Marks on Deer Season

As we close in on one of the craziest year's in modern history, one hunter shares the impact CWD and COVID-19 have had on deer season.

Passing Driver Fails to Ruin Late-Day Bowhunt

Good things happen when you're in the right spot. Durkin's hunt along the highway proved to be the right spot, despite a few interruptions from the road.