Outdoor Pursuits

with Rob Miskosky
A Change is as Good as a Rest
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you regarding the evolution of your magazine, Alberta Outdoorsmen. For more than two decades, Alberta Outdoorsmen has been a steadfast companion to outdoor enthusiasts across this province, offering a rich tapestry of content spanning hunting, fishing, trapping, guns and ammo, conservation efforts, outdoor politics, photography, and delectable recipes that celebrate the bounty of our natural world.
As we stand on the precipice of a new era, we find ourselves compelled to embrace change in order to better serve our readership, and to provide more content that we hope will, in turn, offer us the opportunity to increase our readership and reach new horizons.
With this in mind, we are proud to announce a significant rebranding initiative that will see us shedding “men” from our name; henceforth, becoming known simply as “Alberta Outdoors”, beginning next month with our April issue. We are making this change because it is time. What is that old saying, “a change is as good as a rest”, well, this pivotal change will give us all a refreshing new look on our outdoor pursuits.
But our transformation doesn’t end there. In addition to this bold rebranding, we are also expanding our editorial horizons to encompass a broader spectrum of outdoor pursuits. While our core pillars of hunting, fishing, trapping, guns and ammo, conservation, tips and adventure will remain as robust as ever, we are thrilled to introduce three exciting new categories that will expand our magazine’s content:
1. Camping: There’s something inherently magical about pitching a tent beneath a canopy of stars or along a meandering creek on a warm summer’s night, and with the addition of our new camping category, we aim to further ignite your passion for outdoor adventure. Led by the expertise of seasoned camper Tanya Koob, her camping columns will serve as a comprehensive guide to all things tent, RV, and backcountry camping. From tips on selecting the perfect campsite, equipment and gear, to awesome locations and destinations, Tanya’s articles will inspire novices and seasoned campers alike to embrace the great outdoors with open arms.
2. Hiking/Biking: Lace up your boots and dust off your bike because our new hiking/biking category is about to take you on a journey through some of Alberta’s most breathtaking landscapes. Led by intrepid explorer Cailynn Klingbeil, her columns will be your ultimate guide to hitting the trails on two feet or two wheels. Whether you’re seeking trail recommendations, gear suggestions, or personal anecdotes from Cailynn’s own outdoor adventures and experiences, her hiking/biking columns are sure to inspire you to explore Alberta’s great outdoors in all its splendor.
3. Wilderness Survival and Bushcraft: For those who yearn to test their mettle against the raw forces of nature, our wilderness survival and bushcraft category offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise to see you through any outdoor adventure. Spearheaded by former Canadian Ranger Russ Meades, this section will equip you with the essential skills and know-how to thrive in the wild. From building shelters and starting fires to foraging for food and navigating unfamiliar terrain, Russ’s articles will empower you to tackle the great outdoors with confidence and resilience. There’s nothing like being prepared for outdoor adventures and Russ’ knowledge of outdoor survival and bushcraft will do exactly that.
While these new additions represent a significant expansion of our editorial focus, rest assured that all of the original content you know and love will remain at the heart of Alberta Outdoors. Whether you’re seeking the latest hunting and fishing tips, conservation updates, trapping expertise, guns and ammo information, or mouthwatering recipes for your next outdoor feast, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the high-quality content that you’ve come to expect. And you’re favourite and long-time AO writers will still be there to bring you along this outdoor journey.
I want to express our deepest gratitude to you, our loyal readers, subscribers, and advertisers for your unwavering support over these past 25 years. As we embark on this new chapter of our journey together, we invite you to join us in celebrating the rich outdoor pursuits that make Alberta such a remarkable place to explore. Here’s to many more years of unforgettable adventures in Alberta’s great outdoors!