Six years ago, a Final Rise Summit vest changed how I hunted upland birds. I thought it was perfection. Then the Summit XT arrived — with an adjustable waistbelt, upgraded lumbar support, and a Signature Series Wax Canvas that connects the gear you carry today to the traditions that built it. Turns out, they weren't finished yet.
How to Target Early-Season Sharptail Grouse
Early-season sharptails move with the heat, not the calendar. Here's how to keep your dog safe in the September sun, read where birds hide through the day, and soak in one of the most beautiful stretches of the upland season.
2026 Montana Sharptail Grouse Hunting Outlook
A sixth year of drought has Montana's prairie country looking rough this summer, but last spring's lek counts and a few bright regional spots have me cautiously optimistic about this fall's sharptail season. Here's my personal, speculative read before FWP's official forecast drops.
What Factors Influence Sharptail Grouse Populations? A Hunter's Guide
What really decides whether your sharptail vest is full or empty this fall? Habitat, spring weather, predators, disease, and hunting pressure all shape sharp-tailed grouse numbers long before opening day — here's how to read the signs before you hit the prairie.
The Simple Joys of Fly Fishing for Brook Trout in Their Native Range
From Appalachian hollows to Upper Midwest streams, brook trout are worth chasing in their native water. Here's what makes these wild char such a challenge, plus the simple gear that gets it done.
Ruffed Grouse Marabou Streamer: A Fly-Tying Guide for Brook Trout
Put those ruffed grouse feathers to good use. This step-by-step guide shows how to tie a jig-style marabou streamer and fish it for native brook trout in Pennsylvania's mountain pools and riffle runs.
7 Shotgun Maintenance Tips To Start Your Season Off Right
Before you head into the field, make sure your shotgun is ready. These tips cover cleaning, inspecting for wear, patterning your loads, and building a simple field kit so it performs when the birds flush.
3 All American Bird Dog Breeds: Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary
American made isn't just limited to our gear, so we wanted to take the time to celebrate some of the American made bird dogs that have grown alongside our beautiful country. These breeds are distinctly American and we're all the better for it.
The Last Piece of Hunting Gear I Never Knew I Needed - An AED
A cardiac arrest in the field isn't a matter of if—it's a matter of when. Learn why every hunter should carry an AED alongside their hunting first aid kit, and how one guide's near-death experience is changing the way hunters think about emergency preparedness in the field.
Off-Season Bird Dog Training: How to Keep Your Hunting Dog in Peak Condition Year-Round
Whether you hunt upland birds, waterfowl, or both, one thing is certain: hunting season rewards preparation.
Terrestrial Fly Fishing: How to Fish the Hopper Hatch on Small Streams and Creeks
When a big brown trout explodes on a hopper tucked against a grassy cut bank, you'll appreciate traveling light.
Shotgun Shooting Practice for Upland Hunting
If you're serious about becoming a better upland hunter, few things will improve your shooting more than spending time on the clay target range during the offseason.