By Carleen Soule

Google “single moms hunting with kids” sometime, and you’ll find tips on job hunting, apartment hunting (not house; just apartment), vulgar hook-up advice, and the laughable “wives become ‘single moms’ during hunting season” snivel, but what is missing from the search results are pages for mothers who happen to be single and also happen to be hunters. I found advice for creating scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, Easter egg hunts (which I will probably never do again after scrolling through several pages of that mindless drivel), and hunting bargains, but nothing on deer hunting, duck hunting, shotgunning, or bowhunting from a single mom’s perspective...

Land and his son Colin on a river in Montana.

Kids are back in school and a new hunting season is upon us – maybe some of you are lucky enough to have already been out for dove, teal or geese (we hope so!)  With less time together as a family, fall is a great reminder to unplug.  Recently Outdoor Magazine featured a story on how to “unschool” your children which sparked a lot of debate but isn’t there something to it?  More screen time is keeping kids and you indoors we wonder what you think helps kids thrive.  We have heard from some of our guest posters like Mia and Land that getting their kids outside is paramount and is not only more fun but also strengthens the bond with their kids...

For obvious reasons, fall is our favorite season. 

Here’s a handy infographic for all of you planning an outing to watch the changing colors this season. A few parts of the country should start seeing some fall colors coming up in late September!  Never a better time for hunting and fishing!

Infographic via Roadtrippers

Laura Francese

Thanks so much to Laura Francese for taking the time to answer some questions. I first interviewed Laura about four years ago over on Desert Rat Outdoors, another part of the OutdoorHub family. In a post-interview conversation with Laura, I mentioned what a tremendous ambassador she is for the industry and a great role model too—especially for younger folks like my teenage daughter. After following Laura all these years she remains honest, charitable, approachable, and scandal-free. We need more like her!

The Desert Rat: It’s been 4 years since I first interviewed you! It looks like you have a lot going on. You’re doing some cool things. What’s a day in the life of Laura like?

Laura Francese: I’ve been busy as usual...

Huffington Post is doing a series called “Going Rogue” exploring how how outdoor sports make us healthier, happier and full of adventure.

They win for one of the best headlines:

The article is a run down of the reasons we (and you) love fishing – but it’s worth a read.