Mark Fike

Outdoor Writer at Freelance

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Articles

NRA Family | 5 Simple Steps to Field-Dress Your Turkey

2 weeks ago | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

A morning's heated conversation with Mr. Tom has ended with your shot, and you now have the duty of turning him into both a beautiful reminder of your hunt via a fan mount, and the enjoyment of putting the meat on the table for friends or family to share. Here are the steps to follow once you have the bird tagged and at home where you take care of this chore. Step 1—Preparation FirstCreate a clutter-free area that is comfortable to do some minor butchering.
NRA Family | Reviewed: GAMO P-430 Semiautomatic CO2 Dual Ammo Air Pistol

1 month ago | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

GAMO makes quality airguns. Its P-430, although on the lower end of the pay scale, is no exception. It comes in a clear clam packaging ready for beginners or avid backyard air gun enthusiasts alike. When I cut the packaging around the pistol and started reading the directions, I worried that maybe this would be a tough review. The airgun was very lightweight, and the molded fit, although very comfortable in my hand, seemed more “mass production” than I was used to from GAMO.
NRA Family | Turkey Tactics: How to "Run & Gun" Safely

1 month ago | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

"Running and gunning" is a popular method of hunting spring gobblers. In short, it's the practice of hunting turkeys by calling and moving spots every so often until you engage with a tom. It's effective, and offers a certain freedom that many hunters relish. But there are some things that can go wrong with running and gunning, so spring turkey hunters should keep these things in mind while using this tactic.
NRA Family | Reviewed: Springfield Armory USA Hellcat Pro BB Pistol

1 month ago | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

When I first unboxed my Springfield Armory USA Hellcat Pro BB pistol, I briefly wondered if a mistake was made and a real 9mm was sent my way. I had to look a little closer to be sure. This semi-automatic BB pistol is a 1:1 replica of the real centerfire version from Air Venturi (the official licensee for all Springfield Armory replica firearms). This BB pistol has a real "whoa" factor. It doesn't just look the same as the real Hellcat Pro, but functions nearly the same.
NRA Family | Why "Gun Guys" Really Should Try an Airgun

2 months ago | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

Many older shooters may have childhood memories of a BB gun or airgun. Maybe it was a Daisy Red Ryder, Crossman 760, or other timeless model of airgun. Thing is, airguns have grown up over the years just the same way you and I did ... but most beginners and even some experienced adult shooters don't know just how great they can be.
NRA Family | Spring Outdoor Projects for Families and Friends

2 months ago | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

While it may be a month or so before the official start of spring, now is the time to plan for spring and summer and get busy with some fun and productive projects that can be shared with family and friends. Duck boxesWood ducks will be breeding soon, and now is the time to put up some wood duck boxes along swamps, ponds, lakes, and rivers to give the beautiful birds a bit of help with supplying a safe place to brood their eggs.
NRA Family | Reviewed: NEBO IllumaTrace Blood Tracker

2 months ago | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

Our family hunts for (or raises) all the meat we eat. Clearly, we do a lot of hunting. If you do a lot of hunting, eventually you will make a solid hit that doesn't take the deer down immediately. That will necessitate some tracking. I have gotten pretty good at tracking over the years, but that does not mean I enjoy the fact I have to track an animal at times. In the current climate of the Southeast, coyotes are a real and present threat to any game left unattended.
NRA Family | Reviewed: Benjamin Airbow M600

2 months ago | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

I noticed in our state hunting regulations a year or two ago that airbows were legal to use during certain seasons and situations, and was intrigued. I recently received a Benjamin M600 airbow for review, and you just might be intrigued, too. The airbow works on compressed air stored in the tank, like a PCP air rifle. The tank on the Benjamin M600 will hold up to 3600 psi or 248 bar. A standard high-pressure air compressor like the ones used for PCP air guns works great for this airbow.
NRA Family | Reviewed: Crosman M1 Full-Auto BB Gun

Jan 15, 2025 | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

When I unboxed the Crosman M1 my first thought was, “What a great looking airgun!” Although the stock is synthetic, it still looks nice. The instruction manual, which is a must-read before using any firearm, is thorough. I recommend that the shooter pay particular attention to the instructions regarding the safety selector, as there are three positions to choose from. Safe, single-shot and full auto.
NRA Family | Fun Friday: Nap in the Woods at Your Own Peril!

Jan 10, 2025 | nrafamily.org | Mark Fike

Some of the best sleep I have ever gotten has been in the woods. Leaning against a tree while on the ground during spring gobbler season as the soft breezes blow will send you right into dreams of long beards, big bucks or a great day on the river. However, it is what happens when you open those eyes that might make you regret taking that nap!Take last week for instance. I had had a long, tiring day at work.