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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
Late Morning Patience Pays Off With an Elk

Late morning patience pays off with an elk for the author as he continues to climb the mountain in search of an opportunity to notch his tag.

Eating Trout and Grouse, but Still Awaiting Elk

Pat Durkin is back in elk country, making the most of the opportunities he has with trout and grouse, as he waits on a bull.

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Retaining Bowhunters is a Lifelong Effort

Retaining bowhunters is a lifelong effort. It won't come easy, and it won't happen overnight. Are you willing to make the effort?

How My Dad Created A Lifelong Bowhunter
How My Dad Created a Lifelong Bowhunter

Looking back and remembering the ones who got us started in the hunting and outdoor lifestyle is an important part of the journey.

Hunters Need To Celebrate Their Own History
Hunters Need to Celebrate Their Own History

Hunters need to celebrate their own history, tell their story, and look for new opportunities to take hunting to the next level.

Sand County Almanac Links Bowhunting, Conservation
Sand County Almanac Links Bowhunting, Conservation

Leopold's Sand County Almanac is a timeless classic that links bowhunting and conservation like no other book ever written.

Bowhunters Embrace Self Confinement
Bowhunters Embrace Self-Confinement

In good times and bad, bowhunters embrace self-confinement as a natural part of the journey.

Today's Bowhunting Gear Compared To 1958
Today’s Bowhunting Gear and Mindset Compared to 1958

Bowhunting has experienced a dramatic change over the years. Here's a look at today's bowhunting gear and mindset compared to 1958.

From Dairy Barn To Deer Skinning Shed
From Dairy Barn to Deer Skinning Shed

Times can often change how and why we do things, particularly when it comes to hunting...and converting a dairy barn to a deer skinning shed.

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CWD Pros Collect, Analyze Deer Samples

In some parts of the country, CWD has grown to the point of keeping CWD Pros busier than ever before in their sampling and testing.

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Are Crossbows to Blame for the Deer Hunting Decline?

Crossbows have been at the forefront of controversy for years now, but are crossbows to blame for the deer hunting decline across the country?

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Father, Daughter Arrow Big Bucks From Shared Stand

The father/daughter Hansen team from Wisconsin share a deer blind and pull off the hunt of a lifetime. Here's their story.

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Packing Out Elk Conjures Up a Sad Ghost

A lot of things will go through your mind when you're packing out elk. Memories - good or bad - will flood the mind on the long hike off the mountain.

durkin with bull
Idaho Bull Elk Helps Feed the Family

A tough week in elk camp ends with a Idaho bull elk on the ground and meat to feed the family waiting back home.

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Cowbirds Ride Whitetails to Feast on Deer Flies

Cowbirds are hated by some, but deer tend to benefit from them to help fight deer flies.

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Turkeys Still Sparking Conspiracy Theories

Are turkeys to blame in the decline of other species? Here's a look at the facts surrounding wild turkey populations and their impact on the system.

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Marriage Tips for Hunters from Rinella and Newberg

Hunting can be tough on a marriage. Here's a look at some marriage tips for hunters from Steven Rinella and Randy Newberg.

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Winter Impact on Deer

What impact does winter weather play on northern deer herds? Here's a look at the numbers on winter impact on deer in the north.

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How to Turn Your Dog Into a Shed Dog

Have you considered using your current dog as a shed dog? Will it work? Here's a look at how to turn your dog into a shed dog.

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Goodbye to Bowhunting Friend, Congressman Dingell

Pat Durkin pays tribute to bowhunting friend, Congressman Dingell, who recently passed away following years of service to his country.