As this year comes to a close, it’s fun to take a look back at some of the top Grand View Outdoors stories of 2021. Some of these are articles you clicked on, liked and shared the most during the past 12 months. Others in the list are simply those deemed best by our editorial team. Did your favorite make the cut?
10. Video: Bowhunters Use Drone — Legally — to Recover Giant Buck
After extensive searching for an arrow-hit whitetail, a hunter and his buddies use a drone — legally — to find the buck in a thick swamp.
9. Replica Whitetail Buck — Crafted in a Cake!
When it comes to making specialty cakes with an outdoor theme, Dusty Sinclair of Sugerbelle Sweets is second to none.
8. Tournament Anglers Catch Limits of 3-Pound Crappies
The winning team at the recent Crappie Masters tournament on Grenada Lake in Mississippi checked in 14 crappies for a total weight of 42.84 pounds, which is a 3.06-pound average.
7. Hall of Fame Baseball Player Jim Thome Arrows 226 2/8-inch Illinois Buck
Slugger Jim Thome experienced many highs during his baseball career, including hitting 612 home runs and being inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame (first ballot!), but tagging this 2021 buck might rival his finest baseball accomplishments.
6. Video: Battling an 8-Foot Alligator Gar
No. 1 on the author’s bucket list is a visit to the Trinity River in southeast Texas to fish with alligator gar guru Henry Martin, who recently landed an 8-footer on hook and line.
5. O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas Is on Fire With Trophy Largemouth Bass
During the past 10 days, no lake on the planet has been hotter for trophy largemouth bass than O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas.
4. Probable New State Record Muskie Caught in Minnesota — 55 pounds, 14.8 ounces!
A 55-pound 14.8-ounce muskie caught on Nov. 22, 2021, is likely to break the long-standing Minnesota state record of 54 pounds, which was caught in 1957.
3. James Jean’s Most Difficult Archery Trick Shot
With his traditional bow, James Jean can hit everything from tossed aspirins to falling water droplets. But in his opinion, the toughest moving target is actually one that’s a bit larger.
2. 11 Must-See Mitten Memes With Bernie Sanders
The image of Senator Bernie Sanders sitting at the recent presidential inauguration while wearing fuzzy knitted gloves has found its way into thousands of mitten memes, including many with a hunting and fishing theme.
1. 10 Best Hunting Dog Names
As a waterfowl or upland bird hunter, you want a dog that benefits you in the field and is an outstanding companion on those days when you can’t pull the trigger. A hunter’s best friend deserves a great name — here are 10 of the best.