Why not have mulligans in daily life? By LARRY L. WHITELEY A mulligan is a “do-over” in the game of golf. Hit a bad shot? Take a mulligan and replay that stroke. Drop a ball on the spot from which you just played, and replay the shot. The bad shot is not counted. You get a second chance. SECOND CHANCES Don’t we wish we could take mulligans for all the bad things that have happened in our lives? Several things that have happened in my life, I would like to go back and take a mulligan on. You can probably say the same. Shouldn’t a visit to Glacier National Park be worth a mulligan? – Glaci ..read more

Funk Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area, also known as Riverside, is a quiet spot in the Iron County Ozarks. – MDC photo Missouri Department of Conservation If you’re in search of a one-of-a-kind, undisturbed destination for unwinding, look no further than Funk Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area in Iron County. Known as Riverside by some, the 180-acre plot of land is one of four compartments in adjoining counties stretching to the Ozarks, managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). “The area has changed hands through the years, with MDC now managing to ensure wildl ..read more

Not just national treasures but true wonders of the world For years I have told anyone who would listen that I think every American should see Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. Basically in opposite corners of the country, they are two amazing places you can experience in multiple ways. The Maid of the Mist boat rides take tourists close enough to the base of Niagara Falls to feel the splash. The sight of the deep, wide and clear Niagara River plunging off the face of a cliff into a pool of water nearly 200 feet below is incredible. If you take a boat ride to the base, the sound of the cras ..read more

Missouri public land provides deer hunters with opportunities to take white-tailed deer every fall. Other months provide chances to hunt them with a camera. Photo and Text By DON GASAWAY In some circles, public land hunting has a bad reputation. I used to think of public hunting areas as being a waste of time. I saw them as overcrowded and lacking in game. But I have found that hunting public land can lead to game and a quality hunting experience. It is all in how you approach it. The increase in the numbers of hunters who live in cities results in more people looking for p ..read more

Visiting with Scott Pauley and Big Ed Franko Scott Pauley, a longtime professional bass angler and outdoor ambassador for the Missouri Division of Tourism, has won many fishing tournaments on Lake of the Ozarks. Photos and Text By KYLE WAYNE STEWART On an early overcast morning that carried a constant threat of rain, Scott Pauley slowly trolled along the shoreline in a quiet cove. Casting in and around concrete catwalks and dock moorings, all was still except for the subtle sounds of waves lapping the side of the boat. The silence was broken by a sharp “thwack” as Pauley’s line snapp ..read more

This is the time of year for a hammock, and if you’re thinking you missed out, they are still out there. The REI stores in St. Louis County have dropped the price of this 9.5-foot ENO Doublenest hammock from $75 to $52.39 for members. It comes in aqua, sapphire and amber. The fabric is stretchy FreeWave nylon taffeta that packs down small into an integrated stuff sack. The hammock weighs 1 lb., 3 oz., and has specially designed carabiners to hang securely. Straps are not included but are available. The hammock can sleep two and handle up to 400 pounds. Also, ENO plants two trees for each hamm ..read more

Carbon2Cobalt offers a flannel shirt, called the Emberglow, that takes a few steps beyond the usual. Inspired by the warmth of firelight, the textured, double cloth shirt uses a charcoal gray windowpane weave framed with fine orange threads to create a lit-from-within glow. The 100 percent cotton shirt is lined with a fiery orange plaid that echoes the colors on the outside.  The Men’s Emberglow shirt is available in regular sizes small, medium, large, XL and XXL for $89 or tall sizes medium, large, XL and XXL for $95. See it at Carbon2Cobalt.com ..read more

L.L. Bean’s folding camping table handles a lot of jobs with a small footprint, whether it’s at the campground, in the backyard for a barbecue or a picnic in the park. The sturdy table measures 27 by 26 inches wide and stands 27 inches high. The unique mesh basket under the tabletop allows easy storage of cookware. The table is made of strong and light aluminum with a durable powder-coated finish. It also folds down for easy transport in its carry bag. The top rolls close for easy packing. The L.L. Bean camp table lists for $89 at LLBean.com ..read more

It seems like everyone’s playing pickleball these days – that cross between tennis and ping pong that gets players out into the fresh air for a brisk bit of sport, sometimes in a highly competitive way. But how to find the right equipment and get started? Some of the paddles seem cheap, and others are priced for the professional circuit. The XS XSPAK is one affordable, high-quality solution that has passed testing by the USA Pickeball Association and is approved for tournament play. It’s made of fiberglass and polypropylene and has a carbon fiber shaft. It comes in a set of two with a conveni ..read more

The SOG Survival Hawk is a specialty outdoor tactical hatchet and axe that can be used as a fire starter, nail puller, hammer and multi-purpose blade. As a 12-inch axe that weighs just 7.1 ounces, the Survival Hawk is a wood-chopping axe, camp axe, hiking hatchet, and survival tool with a 3-inch stainless steel blade and a reflective paracord-wrapped handle.  SOG Specialty Knives makes the hatchet, which comes with a ballistic nylon sheath that can be slung from a belt or gear. Its claw can be used for prying and wire cutting, and an in-handle firestarter rod is included.  SOG says ..read more