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Making the Capitol City a safer place, one backstrap at a time.   By Michael Collins   Jan 19, 2026 In 2024, Jefferson City, Missouri  announced it’s Urban Deer Management program.  10 locations were made available to hunt for Whitetail Deer, but only if you’re lucky enough to pull a permit.  50 permits were issued, and 10 deer were taken in the first urban season.  The idea behind the program is simple.  The city has too many deer, and there are hunters that would like to ha

While I heal up from a surgery, here's a video on what flies regularly make it in the raft, as well as my storage method. I love interaction and want to hear from you. If you have questions, or requests on going into depth on something specific, I would love to hear them! All suggestions are welcome! Thank you for watching!  If you’re interested in booking a fishing trip here in the Missouri Ozarks, get ahold of me!  I’m now booking Trout, Smallmouth, and Grass Carp trips

By Michael Collins   Dec 16, 2025 Fast to tie, Weedless, & Scary Effective! Bob Clouser’s Creation.   The Clouser Minnow was designed in the late 80’s by Bob Clouser.  Bucktail, flash, thread, lead eyes, and a hook are all it takes.  His design was simple to replicate and has been improved upon/redesigned by 1000’s of tiers over the years.  For me, it’s a staple guide fly that stays in my box all year long. Our Missouri Ozarks Smallmouth Bass dig Clouser's of almost every ma

By Michael Collins   Dec 6, 2025 “Some lures are designed to catch fish, and some are designed to catch fishermen”.   While usually this comment is reserved for the 35 different colors of Megabass Jerkbaits in my online cart that will inevitably get culled to 3-4, it also holds true for when in the field.  When looking in the fly box, I have a nice spread of vibrant colors, perfect natural matches, and everything in between.  I often have to come to terms with the reality tha

By Michael Collins  10/28/2025 Photo credit: Michael Collins                  Fly tying, a place where creative minds run wild! When I started my fly tying journey (2002), it was in a time when information was not nearly as easy to come by.  The internet was new enough that my parents didn’t have it, and the only ideas for flies I had were the ones I already possessed. or could be found in magazines.  I did not have many.  I relied on pictures, memory, and most of all, creati

Seven weeks into Missouri’s Archery Whitetail season, the grind continues. By Michael Collins   Nov 3, 2025 Hanging from the saddle.  Photo credit: Michael Collins The deer are moving, and so are the hunters! I’ve always leaned more towards hunting private land.  Because of a great friend, I’m able to go on his family’s property and live out my wildest deer hunting dreams.  It’s a great place to go, and hanging out with all the deer camp buddies is just as much fun as the hun