Monday, May 11, 2026  |  Oregon's Outdoor Journal
Fixed Blade vs. Mechanical Broadheads: Which is Right for Your Hunt?

Fixed Blade vs. Mechanical Broadheads: Which is Right for Your Hunt?

The fixed blade vs. mechanical broadhead debate has real stakes for hunting success. Each type offers genuine advantages depending on the game, weather conditions, and your bow setup. This guide breaks down when to use each, what the trade-offs actually are, and how to make the right choice for your hunt.

By HFR Staff  ·  April 25, 2026
3-Day Hunting Camp Gear List for Oregon's High Desert
Backpacking

3-Day Hunting Camp Gear List for Oregon's High Desert

Three days in Oregon's high desert hunting country demands gear that's lightweight, durable, and prepared for temperature swings of 50+ degrees. This complete gear list covers shelter, sleep, water, food, clothing, navigation, and hunting-specific equipment for a self-supported backcountry hunt.

April 20, 2026
Pistol Grip and Trigger Technique for Better Defensive Shooting
Shooting

Pistol Grip and Trigger Technique for Better Defensive Shooting

Pistol accuracy problems almost always come down to grip and trigger technique. This guide breaks down the fundamentals of a proper two-handed grip, explains how to diagnose trigger pull issues, and provides practical drills that will improve your defensive shooting accuracy and speed.

April 18, 2026
Bass Fishing in Eastern Oregon: Hidden Lakes and Reservoirs
Fishing

Bass Fishing in Eastern Oregon: Hidden Lakes and Reservoirs

Eastern Oregon's reservoirs and impoundments hold surprisingly good largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing that most anglers drive right past on their way to the trout streams. From Owyhee Reservoir to the Columbia River pools, here's where to find Oregon bass and how to catch them.

April 12, 2026
Scouting for Mule Deer in Eastern Oregon: Reading the Landscape
Hunting

Scouting for Mule Deer in Eastern Oregon: Reading the Landscape

Eastern Oregon's mule deer country rewards hunters who glass hard, read the terrain, and put in scouting time before the season opens. From locating summer bucks to reading sign and planning a stalk, here's how to hunt big mule deer on the sage flats and rimrock of the high desert.

April 5, 2026
Brass Prep and Case Trimming: The Foundation of Accurate Handloads
Reloading

Brass Prep and Case Trimming: The Foundation of Accurate Handloads

Case preparation — cleaning, inspecting, sizing, trimming, and deburring — is the overlooked foundation of consistent, accurate handloads. Skip these steps and even the best powder and bullets won't perform. Here's a complete walkthrough of the brass prep process for precision rifle ammunition.

April 2, 2026
Best Budget AR-15 Upgrades That Actually Make a Difference
Shooting

Best Budget AR-15 Upgrades That Actually Make a Difference

With so many AR-15 upgrade options on the market, it's easy to spend money on things that don't improve your shooting. This guide cuts through the noise and identifies the upgrades under $300 that deliver real, measurable improvements in accuracy, reliability, and handling.

March 30, 2026
Winter Steelhead on the North Umpqua: A River Worth the Drive
Fishing

Winter Steelhead on the North Umpqua: A River Worth the Drive

The North Umpqua River is one of Oregon's finest wild steelhead rivers, offering a winter run that tests your skills from November through March. From access points to gear setups and fly patterns, here's what you need to know before your first trip to this legendary river.

March 28, 2026
Public Land Elk Hunting Tactics for Oregon's Best Units
Hunting

Public Land Elk Hunting Tactics for Oregon's Best Units

Public land elk hunting in Oregon demands preparation, physical fitness, and tactical thinking. Learn how to select the right unit, read the terrain, and apply proven tactics from the early archery season through the November rifle hunt to put a bull on the ground.

March 22, 2026
The Complete Primer Selection Guide for Rifle and Pistol Cartridges
Reloading

The Complete Primer Selection Guide for Rifle and Pistol Cartridges

Primers are small but critical — the wrong choice affects ignition, pressure, accuracy, and reliability. This complete guide covers primer types, when to use magnum primers, brand differences, proper seating depth, and safety fundamentals every handloader needs to understand.

March 18, 2026