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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
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First Deer Hunt

A deer hunter never seems to forget the stories that come with that first hunting experience.

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Alsheimer Leaves the Woods Too Soon

We can't help but think Charlie Alsheimer left the woods too soon, but what he accomplished in the time God gave him is nothing short of amazing.

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Are Crossbows Hurting Deer Numbers?

Is crossbow hunting hurting deer numbers? Here's a look at some statistics that show the impact crossbow hunting has.

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Do Deer Whistles Really Work For Protecting Your Vehicle?

They've been around for decades, but do deer whistles mounted to the bumper of your car really protect you from a deer/vehicle collision?

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Wildlife Make Surprise Daytime Visits to Elk Camp

You never know what to expect when you get surprise visits from wildlife in hunting camp. Pat Durkin shares the story of wildlife in his elk camp.

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Few Things Come Easy When Bowhunting Elk

Pat Durkin shares of the battles endured and lessons learned when bowhunting elk in the backcountry.

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Hunters Find Convenient Listening With Podcasts

Hunting podcasts are a growing trend. What sets the good ones apart from the rest? Here's a look at some of the best podcasts available to hunters.

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Personal Locator Beacon: This ‘Lifeline’ is Worth the Price

No one ever plans to get get lost or stranded while in the woods or on the water, but with the Personal Locator Beacon, you can be prepared.

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WI DNR Forsakes Duties to Hunters

The latest updates on the WI DNR and how it affects hunters across the state.

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Wisconsin’s Bait Ban Veto

The CWD debate in Wisconsin continues to stay heated among law-makers. But is a decision to veto the bait ban helping or hurting the deer herd?

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Counting Wildlife: Worth the Trouble?

Wildlife agencies and universities spend lots of energy and money collecting data and research, but is it really worth it?

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CWD Assumptions

Is CWD being taken seriously enough in states like Wisconsin? Here's a look at the numbers and statistics. You make the call.

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Bowfishing: Gar Often Get Bad Rap

Gar often get a bad rap among anglers and bowfishermen. But is bowfishing gar a good or bad idea when it comes to species management?

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Wisconsin DNR Gives Alternative Facts on CWD

Pat Durkin checks in on the facts and fiction regarding CWD in the Wisconsin deer herd. Do you know the facts?

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Man Lobbies for the Wild Turkey

Butch Koch keeps working to get Wisconsin lawmakers to designate wild turkeys as the state game bird. Here's a look at what he's up to and why.

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Deer Biologists: CWD Remains a Challenge

During a recent meeting by the Southeast Deer Study Group deer biologists, veterinarians and others remained concerned about the future of CWD in deer

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Spring Cleanup Sparks Sad Memory

Along with all the great hunting memories from our past, come hunting memories that bring back a sad time in life as well.

Alabama Hunt Club Stirs History’s Ashes

Hunt club memories always stand the test of time, faithfully taking us back to some of the best days our minds will ever recall.

Deer Hunting Conspiracy Theories

Get out your tinfoil hats and tune in to IKOD (I’m Kooky Over Deer) Radio for deer hunting’s latest rumors and deer hunting conspiracy theories.

Zinke a Good Choice as Interior Secretary

Hunters, anglers and other conservationists who value public-lands recreation support the pick of Ryan Zinke for Interior Secretary. Here's why.