Outdoor Academy

For many hunters and anglers, it can be difficult to describe what it is about hunting and fishing that brings such joy. There’s a contingent of people that organize their calendars around an Alaskan salmon run or an Argentina dove hunting trip, going to great lengths to rearrange work and familial obligations for time out of doors. Their rationale for this way of living: “I don’t know — I just like being outside.” Thankfully, there are a few outdoor authors that have put into words what the rest of us can’t. The best outdoor books do more than describe hunting or fishing trips — they start to get at the magic of outdoor adventures that inspire us to upend our lives in pursuit of wild fish and sporty birds. This article offers a list — by no means exhaustive — of the best sporting literature out there. Each of these books is well worth a read, even if you’ve never shouldered a shotgun or cast a fly rod.

Mangrove snappers are a prized target for many saltwater anglers, known for their spirited fight and delectable taste. Found predominantly in warm waters across the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean, mangrove snappers thrive around nearshore structures such as mangroves, rock piles, and docks. This ultimate guide will give you all you need to know about mangrove snappers’ behaviors, preferred habitats, and the best approaches to catching them. While mangrove snappers don’t get the same attention as other members of the snapper family, they offer all that you can ask for from a saltwater game fish. Read on to learn all about this underrated species.

Dave Brown is a fly fishing and wingshooting guide, running trips in Montana, Arizona, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Dave grew up in Southern Ontario, and, though his path to guiding has certainly not been linear, his passion for the outdoors was established early and has never wavered.

When it comes to gearing up for a day of fishing followed by a night out, versatility in your wardrobe is key. Fishing shirts need to offer comfort, durability, and protection from the elements, while still looking sharp enough for casual outings. This list is for anglers who value both performance and appearance in their outdoor apparel – whether you're casting lines in the early morning sun or relaxing at your favorite bar come evening, these shirts combine functionality with style. We polled our guide partners for their favorite fishing shirts on the market, and this is what they came back with.

From withstanding harsh water conditions to battling large game fish species, we ask a lot of our saltwater fly rods. Not only do they have to be tough, the ideal fly rod should also improve your casting ability and help you make accurate fly presentations. Finding the right balance between durability and precision is not always easy – thankfully, there are some excellent saltwater fly rods on the market today. Choosing the right one can make or break your saltwater fishing experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best saltwater fly rods out there, as well as their key features and ideal uses. Whether you’re looking for a versatile, all-around fly rod or want a species-specific set-up, this list has you covered. We’ve polled our AnyCreek guide partners for the fly rods that serve them best on their boats, and this is what they came back with.

Zac Brooks is a North Georgia fly fishing guide, conservationist, and avid outdoorsman. He’s spent most of his life exploring the Blue Ridge mountains and is passionate about sharing its remarkable scenery and fishing opportunities with his clients. As he puts it: “I became a guide to share and teach people the beauty of fly fishing and the therapeutic lifestyle around it.”

When it comes to upland bird hunting, quail rank high on many hunters’ lists. The United States is home to six distinct species of quail, each offering a unique challenge and experience for hunters – the Northern bobwhite quail, California quail, Gambel's quail, Scaled quail, Mearn’s quail, and Mountain quail. Understanding these birds' habitat preferences and behaviors is crucial for honing your quail hunting skills and strategies. This article will give you insight into the behavior of each of these species of quail, as well as effective hunting strategies tailored to each. Prepare to elevate your quail hunting adventures with expert tips that will make your outings even more rewarding.

Meet Zac Horrocks, a 7th-generation Adirondack Mountains fishing guide and international angling host. He’ll be hosting a trip in August of 2025 to Brazil’s Kendjam Lodge, and he sat down to talk with us about all the things he’s looking forward to.

Zac Horrocks grew up in Lake Placid, New York, nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. As a 7th-generation Adirondacks hunting and fishing guide, Zac's lineage in the region extends back to the 1790s. He’s been around the guiding industry for his entire life – Zac started working in his local fly shop, Jones Outfitters, as a kindergartener and hasn’t looked back since.

Since its advent over five thousand years ago, duck hunting practices have changed considerably. In the beginning, early humans used simple methods like traps and nets to catch these wily waterfowl birds. As societies and technologies have evolved, so have the methods and tactics of duck hunting — taking it from a basic food-gathering task to one of the most popular recreational pursuits among outdoor adventurers. Today, guided duck hunts provide enthusiasts with an opportunity to participate in this practice accompanied by experts. From top-of-the-line gear to comfortable blinds and accommodations, guided trips may represent the pinnacle of progress since the humble beginnings of duck hunting. This article will take you through the developments that have brought us to duck hunting as we know it today.