Western Hunting & Fishing News November 2022 issue

HUNTING & F ISHING

When I’m planning a late season hunt, I actually pray for cold weather. Cold weather means that animals will spend less time hiding in dark timber. Instead, they’ll spend more time on their feet, in open areas, and on south-facing slopes where food and warmth are available. Plus, when the weather is bitterly cold, it may reduce pressure from other hunters. If you can be the one out there hunting from before daylight until after dark, you’ll certainly be at an advantage.

With proper equipment, boots and a solid layering system, hunting in cold weather can actually be a lot of fun.

Photos credit Ryan McSparran

Layering Tips: Late Season Hunts

By Ryan McSparran Caribou Outdoor Equipment Company www.caribougear.com

Late-season

hunts for both elk and mule deer can be very productive, often boasting higher success rates. But there’s usually one big catch – the weather. Late season hunting is about staying in the field, staying comfortable and focused even when the weather is terrible. In this article, we’ll offer a few of our tips to stay comfortable on a late season hunt.

In case you missed it, take a look at our other articles in this series (www.caribougear.com). In the first part, we offered some ideas for early season layering. And in the second part, we discussed efficient layering systems for the unpredictable mid-season hunts. In this third and final part, we’ve got a few ideas for late season layering. Of course it’s important to remember that there’s not one right answer. There are many ways to approach a layering system for cold weather. Have your own tips? Please leave them in the comments at https://www.caribougear.com/blogs/ hunting-tips/layering-tips-to-stay-comfortable-on-alate-season-hunt.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of archery elk hunting. And for good reasons. Those early season hunts can be a lot of fun. The weather can be mild and the elk are bugling. There’s a lot to love about hunting earlier in the year.

What to Expect on a Late Season Hunt

When it comes to preparing a layering kit, we actually find these late season hunts a bit easier than the mid-season hunts. In large part, that’s because it’s more predictable. During October, you might experience 70-degree days or 10 below zero. It’s hard to prepare for such variability. But for the most part, you can expect these late season hunts to be cold.

In November in the Colorado high country, we might get highs into the 50s. But anything above that would be unusual. Unless you’re hunting at low elevations (some late season mule deer hunts could fall in to that category) it’s probably wise to prepare for temperatures that are consistently below freezing.

The other thing to consider when preparing for a late-season hunt is that these hunts often require a lot of glassing – and that means stationary time. Whether you’re hunting bachelor bull elk off by themselves, or rutting mule deer bucks cruising for does, this time of year usually requires a lot of effort behind the glass. When you’re sitting still for long periods of time, you need clothing that can keep you warm.

Another consideration on any late season hunt is weight. The colder the weather, the heavier your pack gets. Be careful to focus on layering pieces that have a high warmth-to-weight ratio. Otherwise, your pack can quickly become very heavy.

But if we had to put our money on one hunt to fill the freezer each year, it would probably be the late-season hunts.

Here’s how we like to approach a layering system for those late season hunts…

For example, high quality goose down (800-fill or better) is your best friend on late season hunts. Nothing is warmer for so little weight.

Pack Highly Insulating Mid-Layers

When packing for a late-season hunt, your mid layers are absolutely critical. As mentioned above, focusing on high-warmth items that are lightweight is critical. Absolutely no material, synthetic or otherwise, has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than quality goose down.

Pack Thermal Base Layers

Staying comfortable in extreme conditions begins with quality base layers. Consider packing thermal weight merino wool long johns, top and bottoms. Merino wool is highly breathable, naturally odor resistant and retains its insulating properties even when wet. So even if you need to charge up a mountain and work up a sweat, wearing a single, thermal-weight base layer top is a great way to go.

Over my long underwear bottoms, I’ll usually wear just a normal mid-season hunting pant. This is largely personal preference. But even on late season-hunts, I don’t prefer insulated or soft-shell hunting pants. I’d rather be able to add and remove long johns to adjust, rather than be stuck with a pant that’s always lined or insulated. If conditions are extremely cold, I’ll add a pair of zip on/off puffy pants for stationary glassing sessions.

We say “quality” goose down because not all down is created equal. Look at the fill number on any down product. A higher the number basically means that it takes fewer feathers to achieve the same amount of loft. For example, a down jacket made with 800-fill down is going to be much more compressible, easier to pack and usually lighter than a jacket made with 600-fill down.

On an average late-season hunt, I’ll pack a heavily insulated puffy down jacket for glassing and periods of inactivity. This is also great for hanging out at camp at night. When temps are very cold, I will also bring a pair of puffy pants to wear while glassing. Over top of these I’ll often wear my rain gear (we’ll cover that below).

While down is great when you’re stationary, it’s no good when you need to hike any distance. With so much insulation and a nylon face fabric, down jackets are not breathable. (continued on page 6)

But beyond just a down puffy jacket, focus on high-loft items that are warm for their weight.

Layering Tips: Late Season Hunts

Take a walk in a big down puffy and you’ll be sweating almost immediately. With that in mind, I also pack a mid-layer piece that’s better for periods of more strenuous activity. Usually this is a fleece hoody, or a soft shell jacket. I often prefer synthetic fleece because it’s more breathable. But breathability comes at the expense of not stopping wind. So if I know that conditions are going to be particularly windy or cold, a soft shell jacket can be a great option on those late season hunts.

Pack Heavy Duty, Breathable Rain Gear

Out of everything in your late season layering system, rain gear is going to be the most expensive by far. But as we’ve mentioned in our previous article on mid-season layering, this is an absolutely critical piece of your kit. Investing in a set of quality, heavy duty, breathable rain gear will go a long way toward keeping you comfortable in extreme late season conditions. In fact, if I had to prioritize everything I wear in order of importance, rain gear would be at the top of the list along with my boots.

Even when there’s no precipitation in the forecast, rain gear is an important part of any layering system. In addition to being waterproof, it is also your wind-blocking layer. When you’re sitting on a windy ridge glassing, you may be shocked at what a difference it makes when you’re wearing both a rain jacket and pants. Convective heat loss takes a very serious toll on your body. Stopping that wind will make an enormous difference.

Rain gear also adds a layer of protection over your puffy down jacket and pants. Down items are usually the most delicate pieces in your kit. Putting on a rain jacket and pants over those items while you glass will not only help retain the heat – it will also protect them from getting sliced on a rock or a sharp stick.

The Extremities: Hats, Gloves and Footwear

Finally, don’t forget that keeping your head, hands and feet warm are essential to staying out all day on a late season hunt.

A warm, thermal beanie is so important, that I’ll often keep a spare in the truck. In case one gets wet or gets lost, it’s nice having a backup.

The same goes for gloves. If a pair of gloves gets wet, having a backup pair is critical. I also like to bring different glove options for glassing and for hiking. A pair of down glassing mittens is great for sitting behind the binoculars. And a more breathable pair of merino wool gloves is ideal when on the move.

Last, it would be difficult to over-emphasize the importance of a great pair of boots on any late season hunt.

Here at Caribou Gear, we’re all big fans of Kenetrek boots. They are built to handle the most extreme conditions. The Mountain Extreme 400 is an insulated mountain boot that will take me through almost any conditions. If it’s going to be extremely snowy or cold, then I’ll pack my Kenetrek Grizzly Pac Boots.

And we’ve mentioned this several times before, but don’t forget that the best boots in the world won’t function properly if you’re not wearing quality socks underneath. A merino or merino-synthetic blend sock is essential. Don’t wear cotton under any circumstances. Not only do I keep spare socks back at camp – but I actually pack a pair of extra socks in my daypack on late season hunts. If your first pair gets sweaty or wet, it can feel amazing to put on a fresh pair of socks halfway through the day.

Ever Rope A Deer?

By Tom Cooper

Learning is important, everybody knows that, even hunters. For example, I first learned to drag a deer when I was 16 or 17 years-old. I didn’t necessarily learn the correct way. In fact, the first time I tried to drag a deer on my own, I simply did it wrong, dangerously wrong.

I shot the big buck at 50 yards. All I could see above a snow-covered boulder was his head and a few inches of neck. Holding just below the right ear, the deer dropped instantly. I waded through the thigh-deep snow to my deer, and indeed I had a mature Muley buck. Wow. Since I knew my Dad and older brother Bob were hunting their way up to my saddle, I decided to drag the buck downhill towards them to make field dressing easier, just 25 yards. I leaned my rifle against a tree trunk 10 yards from the deer. Next, I tied one end of my rope to his antlers and the other end around my waist. Giving the rope a good tug to move him through the deep snow, I was surprised when it gave me a tug right back. I looked and saw his head fall into the snow and spring right back up, and then tug at my waist again. I instantly understood this deer was not dead, and in fact had me tied up. I didn’t waste a second untying my end of the rope. Moving through all the snow wasn’t easy, but I made it to my rifle. Holding the crosshair on his neck, I pulled the trigger. Of course nothing happened, because I had neglected to eject the empty cartridge. By now, he was trying to stand, rope and all. I worked the bolt and ended my unintended adventure. Shortly, Dad and Bob showed, and it took all three of us to drag my deer down the mountain. I learned to make sure your deer is dead, before you drag it.

Snow Doesn’t Always make it Easier

As it turns out there really are many variables that affect dragging. Whether the surface is snow, grass, dirt, or rock makes a difference because of the friction caused by the weight of the animal. Snow versus dirt seems obvious, but sometimes snow ain’t necessarily easy either. One time younger brother Bill shot a spike bull elk on a mountain in 10-12 inches of crusted snow. We drug him downhill about 75 yards, to an old fire tower road. The road was almost level for the next 150 yards, then gradually wound its way down the mountain, about a mile. We were optimistic about this drag until we tried it. Bill’s field-dressed spike broke through the snow crust and became a snow plow. We couldn’t move him more than a few feet before stopping to dig away a snow pile. We solved our dilemma by splitting the work. After hanging his elk in a tree, I left Bill to butcher the spike while I walked to the truck for my game cart. With the cart and his quality butchering, we returned with his elk in no time. We learned to consider all of our options before proceeding.

Downhill can be Tricky

The difference between downhill and every other direction is also pretty obvious. However, downhill can be tricky too. I had an experience a few years ago when I shot a cow elk on the side of a steep mountain. After butchering her using the no-gut process, I initially carried two backstraps and tenderloins along with my gear out to my vehicle. There, I assembled my game cart and returned to the elk. I loaded two hams and both boned-out shoulders, all in cloth bags, onto the cart. Proceeding downhill, I noticed very quickly that the cart had more control over the trip than I did. Now, it was obvious I had loaded more weight than I could handle on steep terrain. When I was completely out of control traveling straight downhill, I decided to eject.

(continued next page)

From the morning sits in the late season Whitetail stand to chasing after hounds hot on the trail of a Colorado Cougar, your boots are arguably the most important piece of gear you will use. Stay out longer, hike further, and perform better with Kenetrek Pac Boots. Built with the mountains in mind, our supportive leather uppers and high traction K-Talon™ outsole will keep you upright, while wool felt liners and extra insulation in the bottoms will keep you toasty warm in temperatures down to 0°F.

Ever Rope A Deer?

(continued from page 7)

That meant letting go, but first I needed to remove the strap from behind my neck. The purpose of the strap, attached to both handles, is to transfer weight from my arms to my back and shoulders. Unfortunately, encouraging a strap to slide up the back of your head while traveling at mock one down a mountain is not easy. I hit the ground, completed one smooth, Olympic-quality somersault, and oh yah, the cart came to rest on its side 20 yards down the hill. I learned a couple things when using a cart going downhill: 1) lighten the load, or 2) zig-zag down the hill.

Tarzan Used a Pole

Of course there are options besides dragging or using a cart. One is the pole seen on early frontier TV shows and a few Tarzan movies. My experience with a pole occurred as a teenager one Thanksgiving morning. With 8-10 inches of fresh snow my Dad, brothers, and I hunted up a canyon, maybe a mile and a half. One of us shot a cow elk, but our memories don’t exactly jive on who it was. Despite his negative input, we talked Dad into letting us use a pole to carry our elk. We found a pole (the easy part). Then we field dressed the elk, but we also had to butcher her so we could hang hams and shoulders on opposite sides of our pole to significantly reduce the weight of our load. I can say without hesitation, we did not reduce the weight enough. Maybe the pole weighed too much. Trading off between the three of us (Dad did not participate in the carrying-out part, but he smiled a lot), we carried, rested, rotated brothers and repeated the routine. What I remember most is the seemingly 6-inch deep indentations left in both shoulders, a vow with each step never to do this again, and Mother’s really negative reaction to our late arrival for Thanksgiving dinner. We learned not to use a pole.

Carpet Might Work

One other fairly common option is to carry a piece of carpet with you. The hunter simply processes the animal, then packs it neatly on the carpet, and just drags it out. Sadly, let me say the effectiveness of carpet depends on your animal’s weight and size and the terrain. If the animal is a Whitetail doe, it’s pretty light and easy to slide down hill on your carpet, but around a steep sidehill is another story. However, if you kill a large, heavy elk, you will probably leave your carpet up on the mountain (near where I abandoned mine). Don’t expect to learn too much from carpet.

More People is One Solution

My final story focuses on manpower. If you have enough people, you can usually drag a field-dressed animal. For example, my son Gary was in high school and had drawn a cow elk tag. Gary’s school year was particularly busy and he only hunted 3-4 days of the 45-day season. On the second to last day, we hunted with about two inches of fresh snow. We walked along a road up a narrow canyon, near an old mining cabin. We spent several minutes, probably talking too loudly, at the cabin. Then, we walked 150 yards from the cabin and encountered fresh elk tracks. Within another 100 yards we spotted elk walking ahead of us; Gary made a nice off-hand shot for his first elk, a cow. We field dressed her and tied a rope around her neck to a four-foot chunk of pine, so we could both pull during the drag. With the snow and the fact it was generally downhill, we thought it would be easy. We moved her twenty yards and hit the first patch of melted snow; now our road was mostly rock with little dirt. That stopped us. We decided to do more butchering and carry a portion of the meat out, then return with the cart. Before we could start, two gentlemen hunters arrived. After congratulating Gary, they offered to help us drag. I insisted we could handle it with my cart.

However, these guys said flatly it was almost the end of their season, and they hadn’t harvested an elk, so just who were we to say they could not participate in somebody else’s good fortune. We relented. Trading off, three pulling and one carrying guns, we arrived at the main road in 30 minutes. We learned not to argue with well-intentioned hunters.

Just Carry It?

Some might notice I have yet to mention a common option used by many hunters: carry it. Carrying requires butchering, particularly if your animal is elk-size. Personally, I’m not a fan of throwing a rough sawn 75-100 pound elk quarter over your shoulder and charging up or down a mountain (I grew up doing it that way). Roads or groomed trails are one thing, but steep mountainsides and deadfall trees are more common. Because of balance concerns associated with struggling up or down hill with a heavy, awkward load, climbing over dead trees, or crawling through thick brush, I believe carrying is too dangerous for many of us, old and young alike. Quality backpacks can certainly help, however, you better be in good shape to begin with.

Of course, one other option is to let horses (or mules, llamas or goats) carry it, however someone has to own, provide for, and train these animals to pack dead, wild creatures. Do not assume all you have to do is borrow a buddy’s pony and throw a carcass over the saddle, and you are home free. Pack animals have to be trained, and used regularly. I could tell the story about how younger brother Bill shot a 6-point bull elk, slipped on wet bear grass, broke his lower leg in two places, was put on the horse of a well-intentioned hunter who happened by, started up the mountain, and fell with the horse over backwards down the mountain. But I won’t. Suffice to say fifty years later, care and attention for his leg are still priorities every hiking or hunting outing. Pack animals can do the job, but leave them to the folks who do it regularly.

No One Best Way

My experience says there is no one best way. I’ve learned to carry enough gear (in my pack or the truck), so that I can adapt to differences in size and terrain. That suggests hunters should learn to butcher using the no-gut approach, and carry 3-4 cloth game bags for shoulders, hams, and back straps (always keep your meat clean). If you expect snow, a plastic sled might do the job. If the ground is dry, a game cart might be a better solution. If there are two hunters, a two-person cart might be your choice. If you hunt territory with wide trails and/or roads, consider a two-wheel cart. My single wheel cart gives me the option to use trails, roads, or whatever terrain is available. Remember, these options are intended to improve upon basic dragging and carrying, while reducing effort and risk.

Experience is the Best Learning Teacher

My intent was not to overload you with choices. Rather, I want to alert hunters, particularly those new to the sport, regarding the myriad of circumstances affecting their ability to remove a harvested animal from the woods. My years of experience led me to a single wheel cart. Yours might take you to another option. Frequently, I’ve said to folks, mostly hunters of course: “The (cave-) man or woman who invented the wheel probably did not get paid enough!”

Attention Hunters!

This fall ALL WILD GAME brought into Western Meat and Sausage Block must be cleaned and de-boned.

Meat and Sausage block is no longer offering wild game cutting and skinning services

will not accept any carcasses or bone-in wild game meat for processing.

Western Meat and Sausage Block will ONLY be accepting cleaned boneless meat to be cubed into steaks, ground into burger, or made into any of our homemade sausages. We feature the finest and tastiest sausages in the State of Montana ranging from breakfast sausage to a variety of smoked sausages, salami, and snack sticks.

see when processing

WESTERN MEAT & SAUSAGE BLOCK

Product Spotlight: Knives of Alaska

By Ryan McSparran Caribou Outdoor Equipment Company www.caribougear.com

For years we’ve been using blades from Knives of Alaska and we’ve been carrying them in the Caribou Gear store. From our hunts right here in Colorado to our own adventures in Alaska, these knives have proven to be reliable and of the highest quality.

Knives of Alaska makes many different blades, but we’d like to share a few of our favorites – the ones we personally use on a regular basis. These are the knives we’d recommend to any big game hunter.

Here are our top recommendations from Knives of Alaska: Elk Hunter

This is often the first knife we recommend for western hunters and it’s one of our best sellers. If you’re looking for a versatile big game hunting knife that can handle any task, the Elk Hunter from Knives of Alaska is an excellent choice.

With a drop point blade and a long skinning radius, this is an ideal knife for field dressing and skinning big game. The high quality construction means that it will last forever, and it holds an edge under tough conditions. If you’re going to have one big game knife, this is a great one to carry.

The elk hunter comes with a high quality leather sheath. At just 4.5 ounces, it’s relatively lightweight and easy to carry. Get yours here (https://www.caribougear.com/collections/ knife-of-alaska/products/trekker-elk-hunter-suregrip-byknives-of-alaska).

The Magnum Alaskan also comes with a high quality leather sheath. You can find them in the Caribou Gear store here (https://www.caribougear.com/collections/knife-of-alaska/ products/magnum-alaskan-suregrip-by-knives-of-alaska ).

Magnum Alaskan

If you prefer a larger knife for easier grip, or just a larger cutting blade, then we’d highly recommend the Magnum Alaskan. A bigger brother to the Elk Hunter, the Magnum Alaskan is a big knife for big jobs. Built with the same Suregrip handle and high quality components, this knife holds an edge and it’s built to last.

At 9.5-inches long, the Magnum Alaskan weighs 6 ounces and is still very packable on a backcountry adventure. In fact, this is our go-to knife for moose hunting in Alaska.

Fisherman’s Combo

The next one that we like to recommend from Knives of Alaska is the Fisherman’s Combo. These are our absolute favorite de-boning and meat processing knives! The combination of an extremely high quality blade in a long filet-style design makes this the perfect knife for processing big game meat.

Whether you’re fileting fish or deboning an elk quarter, these knives will allow you to do it with ease. They are made with the same Suregrip handle as the Elk Hunter and the Magnum Alaskan. And the high quality steel blades stay sharp through a grueling amount of work.

The Fisherman’s Combo comes with two filet and deboning knives. Go check them out here (https://www.caribougear. com/collections/knife-of-alaska/products/fishermanscombo-by-knives-of-alaska).

The Steelheader

In addition to being sold in the Fisherman’s Combo Set, we also offer the Steelheader as a standalone knife. While having medium and long de-boning blades is nice, if you’re only going to carry one de-boning knife in the field, you sure can’t beat the Steelheader.

This is an excellent butchering knife, and it’s the one that we personally use for deboning all western big game. The flexible blade holds and the edge and is perfect for meat processing, whether you do it in the field or at home.

The Steelheader is almost 11 inches long and it weighs just 2.8 ounces. You can get yours here (https://www. caribougear.com/collections/knife-of-alaska/products/ steelheader-suregrip-by-knives-of-alaska).

Contact Us With Questions

When it comes to big game hunting knives, Knives of Alaska makes very high quality blades that we have used and trusted for years. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out at www.caribougear.com

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Weather

Here’s What Upland Game Bird Hunters Can Expect For 2022

By Connor Liess, Public Information Specialist Idaho Department of Fish & Game https://idfg.idaho.gov

Fish and Game’s wildlife biologists in each region provide an overview of upland game birds in their necks of the woods, so hunters can get a look at their favorite areas and quarry.

Idaho, with one of the most rugged landscapes in the union, offers a multitude of upland game bird hunting opportunities. Whether you find yourself in the high-mountain timber or the lowland-sagebrush steppe, there’s a good chance you’re in upland bird country.

Upland game birds are sensitive to environmental factors, like temperature and precipitation, and often vary in number from year to year. Oftentimes these can be very localized, so hunters may not see the same impact in other parts of the state.

Because of this, it’s difficult to provide a forecast across the board; however, Idaho Fish and Game Upland Game and Migratory Game Bird Coordinator Jeff Knetter says a mild winter and a wet spring could be beneficial for upland bird populations this fall.

“Cool and wet weather during the hatch is typically not a good indicator of strong numbers in the fall. However, spring brought much needed precipitation to Idaho. While much of the state is abnormally dry, drought conditions have improved from last year,” said Knetter. “Habitat conditions should be in good shape, and there should be an abundance of insects for brood-rearing.”

There’s ample opportunity for upland hunters to pursue a wide variety of birds across diverse landscapes in Idaho, and upland birds in some areas will have fared better than others depending on localized conditions.

To provide an idea of what’s available this hunting season, Fish and Game’s wildlife biologists in each region compiled an overview of upland game birds in their necks of the woods, so hunters can get a look at their favorite areas and quarry.

To find places to hunt upland game, check out the Hunting Access webpage (https://idfg.idaho.gov/access), which includes Fish and Game’s Wildlife Management Areas and Access Yes! properties.

To learn about upland game bird hunting rules and seasons, and more information, see Fish and Game’s Upland Bird Hunting webpage (https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/upland-bird).

Be sure to pick up a copy of the 2022-23 Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules booklet from all Fish and Game offices and license vendors.

Here’s a look at upland bird hunting in each region:

Panhandle Region

Spring conditions were relatively wet with record cool temperatures experienced around the region. This weather likely provided good brood-rearing conditions around the area, but cool temperatures may have had a negative impact on nesting success and chick survival. Pheasants, gray partridge and quail are uncommon and largely restricted to the southern portions of the region.

Click here for more information about the Panhandle Region (https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/upland-bird/panhandleforecast).

Clearwater Region

Chick survival appears to be up from last year, due in large part to ample ground cover and plentiful insects. No abnormally high mortality rates were detected during winter or spring, nor would they be expected given these types of conditions. Overall, roadside brood survey trends were down from 2021 with the exception of doves, which showed relatively high counts. This pattern was also observed for brood survey results as compared to the previous 10-year average.

Click here for more information about the Clearwater Region (https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/upland-bird/clearwaterforecast).

Southwest Region

Quail had good production and should be similar to last year. Chukar also had good production, and average over-winter survival. There may be locally abundant pockets of chukar in places where chukar over wintered well. Pheasant numbers along established roadside brood survey routes are down. However, larger coveys have been observed around the Treasure Valley where there is good over-winter habitat. Forest grouse should be fair to good this year due to good recruitment in 2021. Overall, upland hunting should be fair to good with scattered pockets of abundant birds.

Click here for more information about the Southwest Region (https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/upland-bird/southwestforecast).

Magic Valley Region

Fish and Game biologists are reporting average-to-good numbers of quail and gray partridge in some localized areas compared to recent years. Pheasant numbers continue to be below recent and long-term averages due to loss of habitat. No surveys are conducted for forest grouse. These species were likely somewhat buffered from drought and other unfavorable conditions because of their higher-elevation habitats where forbs and insects tend to persist longer.

The mix of both good and bad conditions for upland game birds over the past several years makes it difficult to predict numbers this fall; however, in general, it is expected that game bird numbers will be better than 2021 and near the 10-year average.

Click here for more information about the Magic Valley Region ( https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/upland-bird/magicvalley-forecast ).

Photo credit Connor Liess, IDFG

Southeast Region

Nest success this past spring is unknown given rain/snow events, but those that nested successfully likely had great conditions for brood-rearing. Observations have been mixed thus far. Hunters can expect similar upland hunting compared to last year. While temperatures remain high, hunters might expect upland birds to be more concentrated near available water sources.

Click here for more information about the Southeast Region (https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/upland-bird/southeastforecast).

Upper Snake Region

Fish and Game biologists are reporting average-to-good numbers of upland game birds in some localized areas compared to recent years. The region had above-average productivity in 2021 based on wing data. Spring lek counts for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in 2022 were average to slightly above-average. Hunters should expect sharp-tail grouse numbers to be similar to the past few seasons in appropriate habitats.

There are no surveys conducted for gray partridge and chukar in the Upper Snake Region, but harvest data over the past five years suggest numbers have been stable. With large tracts of suitable habitat, the region should continue to offer good forest grouse hunting in 2022.

Click here for more information about the Upper Snake Region ( https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/upland-bird/uppersnake-forecast ).

Salmon Region

Fish and Game biologists are forecasting an upward trend in upland game birds in the Salmon Region. Despite limited natural habitat, pheasants will continued to be stocked in 2022. Chukar numbers have been steadily improving following a severe die-off in the winter of 2017. Wet spring conditions may have limited brood success and small covey size may be encountered by hunters.

Gray partridge are uncommon in the Salmon Region, but do occur in small pockets of habitat across the Lemhi, Salmon, and Pahsimeroi valleys. Greater sage-grouse production was near normal or slightly up, and hunting should be fair, particularly around springs and wet meadows.

Click here for more information about the Salmon Region (https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/upland-bird/salmon-forecast).

Don’t Forget The Tenderloins When Field Dressing Your Elk Or Deer This Fall

By Steven Ross, Conservation Officer Sr. Idaho Department of Fish & Game https://idfg.idaho.gov

...Regardless of their excitement or exhaustion, one item on the post-harvest checklist that hunters should never forget to check off is to remove the tenderloins when field dressing the animal they harvested. While a forgotten pair of binoculars might mean one more trip up the mountain, a forgotten pair of tenderloins could cost you a trip to the courthouse.

Part of being a responsible hunter is making sure to follow the rules laid out in the hunting regulations. These are not just guidelines. The hunting regulations are the rules for hunters, which are set and enforced under Idaho state law. One of these laws specifically pertains to which portions of meat a hunter is required to retrieve from harvested big game animals. You can read up on the official state law here: Section 36-1202 – Idaho State Legislature. In Idaho, hunters are required to take all meat from the front and hind quarters down to the knee/hock and the meat running along the top and underside of the backbone. These portions are commonly called the backstraps and tenderloins. Every year, Idaho Fish and Game officers respond to dozens of cases involving wasted big game animals. Most of these incidents are a result of either lack of preparation or simple forgetfulness. No matter the intent, the outcome is the same as the individual who does it on purpose and the same consequences come into effect. Any individual who is found or pleads guilty to waste of game is subject to the misdemeanor penalties for wasting the particular animal involved. The penalties include a fine set by a judge up to $1,000, a civil penalty of $400 for deer or $750 for elk and the possibility of losing hunting privileges for up to three years. Sitting on the sidelines watching your family and friends go hunting for three years is a hefty price to pay. To avoid making this mistake, it is best to familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the animals you are hunting and brush up on field dressing techniques to make sure it is done correctly. If done properly, retrieving all portions of edible meat takes little time and results in more, cleaner and better tasting food on the table. Browsing the Internet for field dressing videos will provide a great deal of resources to help get experience in this critical part of the hunt. You may also find a few videos on the Idaho Fish and Game website...

In recent years more hunters have been choosing to use the “gutless method” to process animals in the field. While this circumvents the task of removing the stomach and other internal organs, hunters must be extra cautious to make sure they retrieve what is required by law. The “gutless method” is a quick way to remove the four quarters and backstraps off a downed animal. It is also more suitable for those long hikes out of the back-country by reducing unnecessary weight. But if done improperly or with haste, it is easy to leave large portions of meat, or forget about the tenderloins, resulting in a violation. Once again there are many “how-to” videos to be found online, and another summary can be found on the Fish and Game website here (https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/big-game/meat-care-guide).

However you decide to process your game in the field this year, the most important thing is to take your time and be thorough...Happy hunting this coming season, good luck out there and remember the tenderloins!

Photo credit Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game Grouse hunting, Panhandle Region

Here Are 14 Reasons Why You Should Fish During Fall

By Roger Phillips, Public Information Supervisor Idaho Department of Fish & Game https://idfg.idaho.gov

Cool weather makes conditions prime for trout fishing and more

For many..., feeling cool morning air and seeing hints of red and gold in the forest means it’s time to lace up the boots and grab a gun or bow for hunting season, but don’t overlook fall fishing. That cool weather means many fish are re-energized after their summer slumbers and ready to eat like bears fattening up for winter.

Fall fishing may be overshadowed by Idaho’s hunting season, but it’s not an either/or proposition. Idaho is famous for its “cast and blast” opportunities, and if you’re not a hunter, it’s also a great time to experience your favorite fishing spots when there are likely fewer people there.

Most rivers are also running low and more easily accessible than during high water, and anglers shouldn’t overlook lakes and reservoirs, either. While some are near their lowest water level of the year and may be sporting extra vegetation, cooler water means the fish become more active, and they’ve probably gained a few inches or ounces since spring.

Fish and Game’s fish stocking crews also return to many local ponds and other nearby waters that become too warm for trout during summer. It’s a great opportunity to squeeze in some fishing time...

Here are some suggestions from Fish and Game’s fisheries managers and information staff around the state about some good fall fishing spots you might want to check out. This is just a sampler of what’s available in the fall for anglers. To find more, visit the Idaho Fishing Planner ( https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/ ).

Panhandle Region

Coeur d’Alene Lake: There is excellent kokanee fishing to be had here in the fall when mature kokanee start to stage near tributaries on the north side of the lake prior to spawning. Kokanee tend to be the biggest during fall, averaging somewhere in the 13- to 15-inch range, and anglers have a last chance to harvest the fish before they start changing colors (and get less tasty). Kokanee fishing is already hot on Coeur d’Alene Lake, and that should continue through early October. During the fall, the best angling typically occurs on the northern end of the lake near Wolf Lodge Bay. St. Joe River: Along its 140-mile stretch, “the Joe” offers a little bit of everything. At its upper reaches, the St. Joe River is more like a high-mountain stream. This is where the Joe gets its reputation as one of the premier blue-ribbon native trout waters in the West. Here, the St. Joe River runs wild through conifer forest; downriver near its mouth, it slows, widens, and meanders through cottonwoods and agricultural land as it approaches Coeur d’Alene lake.

The upper stretches of the Joe are clear, cold, gorgeous and full of native trout that have been in Idaho since before the ice age. Westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout provide unique catch and release fishing opportunities for anglers, and some of the best fishing on the Joe happens in September. Anglers on the upper St. Joe can also run into (and harvest) mountain whitefish. On the lower flatwater reach, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch provide warmwater fishing opportunity.

Clearwater Region

Clearwater River: ...See Idaho Fish Planner (https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/ water/1170397464258)

Upper Clearwater tributaries: Fall offers some of the best fishing of the year for native westslope cutthroat. These waters provide not only great opportunities for fly anglers, but also pleasant weather and some breathtaking scenery. The North Fork Clearwater River and Kelly Creek are two storied cutthroat waters that anglers should consider. If they time it right, fall anglers will be treated to a full palette of autumn colors, both on the trees and in the river as kokanee make their way upstream from Dworshak Reservoir to spawn. Many other waters in the Clearwater River system are worth visiting in the fall,...read the Idaho Fishing regulations before you head out, as each of the waters mentioned here have special rules in place.

Southwest Region

South Fork Boise River: As the most popular fall river fishery in Southwest Idaho for quality wild rainbow trout and mountain whitefish, this one stands out as obvious... Snake River: While it won’t be long before the Snake River becomes a hotspot for waterfowl hunters, the fall is still a great time to catch bass and catfish in the river. Fall is often overlooked, but it can be a great time to catch bass, especially early in the season. As temperatures drop and days begin to shorten, bass can become aggressive feeders heading into the winter.

Photo credit Evin Oneale

Salmon River

Photo courtesy IDFG

Magic Valley Region

Big Wood River: Ketchum, Hemingway, golden aspens and rainbow trout. What more could you possibly ask for a memorable fall fishing trip? It’s easy to romanticize the Big Wood knowing Papa Hemingway waded those same waters and probably fished the same riffles, but even without the romance, there’s still good fishing in the Big Wood. It’s brimming with trout...

Mormon Reservoir: A lot has been written about this reservoir. It has shown it’s capable of growing big trout, so check it out.

Southeast Region

Blackfoot River:...Anglers can find good fishing access at Fish and Game’s 2,400-acre Blackfoot River WMA in the upper reaches. Downstream shore access is limited due to private land, but anglers can still find some access points for wade fishing.

Snake River: Eastern Idaho has a wealth of blue-ribbon trout streams, which occasionally means the great rivers overshadow the good ones. This may be the case with the Snake River downstream from Idaho Falls to American Falls Reservoir. The river has lots of big, and in some cases, even huge rainbow and brown trout. This section of river is most commonly fished from boats, which is probably the preferred method, but as irrigation demand declines and river levels recede during fall, it opens more opportunities for banks access and wading. While standard trout tackle will do fine for most fish, remember there are trout in the 10-pound range lurking, so you might break out the heavier tackle.

Upper Snake Region

Henrys Lake: This lake needs no introduction to most Idaho anglers, but in case you’re unaware, it’s filled with trophy-sized trout, and September and October are prime fishing months. Beware this area is known to get early snowstorms, so watch the weather, but catch rates are already good and expected to get better as fall progresses. You can catch cutthroat trout, cutthroat/rainbow hybrids known as “cuttbows,” and the largest brook trout you will find anywhere in Idaho. Both the weight record and catch-and-release record for brook trout were set there. Henrys Lake State Park is located on the lake shore as a camping option, and there’s lodging nearby that will keep you out of the weather.

Upper Big Lost River Basin: With Eastern Idaho’s embarrassment of riches for trout anglers, some rivers get overshadowed, but don’t let yourself take the name of the Big Lost, as in “lost in the shuffle” too literally. The upper reaches of this river system, which includes Wildhorse Creek and the East Fork of the Big Lost, have recently been stocked with catchable trout. This area also provides a scenic fishing opportunity that’s close to great hunting areas. These waters are accessible, but are also remote enough that you can find solitude. Also, the upper stretch of Wildhorse Creek has lots of wild trout fishing opportunities Salmon Region

Williams Lake: Like many lakes, this one tends to get a case of summer doldrums when the water warms, then it rebounds in the fall as it cools. Anglers can find plenty of rainbows in the 12- to-16-inch range that are readily caught on bait, lure and flies...

Upper Salmon River: This covers a lot of water, and you may want to as well. The Upper Salmon can produce some good trout fishing, but the fish tend to be very migratory, so you will want to move around to find them. There are rainbows, cutthroats and bull trout, and possibly an early arriving steelhead as fall progresses. This tends to be an uncrowded, yet very accessible river because the highway runs right alongside it for dozens of miles, so it’s easily accessible for floaters, bank anglers and waders.

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Friday-Sunday-competitive Mack Days-lottery prizes, tagged fish, and bonuses

Your best 18 days out of 27,Fri-Sun,for top ten angler prizes 11-20th cash prizes Monday-Thursday 6pm deadline to turn in fish at Blue Bay (4)$250,(2)$100 & (4)$50 Fish the entire lake. Check in stations will be announced.

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Captains-$250-(4 prizes),Smallest lake trout $250-(2 prizes), Largest lake trout $500

Top lady anglers-$300,$200,$100. $100-by total fish entered Youth-(17-13) 1st- $200,2nd $150, 3rd $75,4-5th $50 (12 & under)1st-$100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50

Fri-Sun.Weekend Prizes-4 @$100 & 1 @$200 per weekend Golden Angler Award-(70 & older)-$300, $200, $100, 2@$50 determined by total fish entered Bucket Days-3 days of single/team-heaviest 4-fish-10/1-Friday, 10/16-Saturday & 11/7-Sunday

SIBERIAN COOLERS-2 drawings-1ticket for every ten entries Fri-Sun Prizes and rules listed on the website www.mackdays.com

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The higher your total - the higher your bonus-every day counts: Mon-Sun (60 days)Bonus amounts are listed in the rules page on the website-subject to change Check the rules, prizes, check in sites, & register online at www.mackdays.com Telephone 406-883-2888 Ex. 7294 or 406-270-3386

Applications will be available: Zimmers Tackle-Pablo, Westland Seed & Sports-Ronan, Walmart-Polson, Sportsman’s Warehouse-Missoula, FWP-Missoula and Kalispell, Sportsman & Ski Haus-Kalispell, Bretz RV & Marine-Missoula, Bob Ward & Sons-Missoula, Snappys Sports Senter-Kalispell, CSKT NRD Offices-Polson

All boats from out of the Flathead area must be inspected for AIS .

Special permits available for the south half of Flathead Lake available wherever fishing permits are sold.

Sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks

FALL WALLEYE TRANSITIONS

By Joel Nelson Northland Fishing Tackle www.northlandtackle.com

The word “transitions” may be one of the more overused terms in fishing today. We hear about mud-to-sand or sand-to-rock transitions, seasonal transitions, and bait transitions; to the point where the word tends to lose its meaning.

Yet, it’s highly appropriate when discussing fall walleyes, as there are few times of year where everything can change as quickly as it can in the fall.

Which is why you’ll need to be flexible in your approach if you’re going to catch fish during this stage of the game.

“Transitions” to fall walleyes means fish that are behaving differently in terms of their location. Warm spells and resultant increased water temps push fish back to more summer areas, often deeper than 20 feet of water. Cold bouts, and especially prolonged cooler temperatures have the opposite effect they do in the summer.

Walleyes push shallower, feed more aggressively, and should be welcomed by anglers, even if they need some bulkier clothes and more cold-weather stamina to handle it. Nothing kills a great fall bite like an “Indian Summer” that hits as water temps are slowly but surely otherwise dropping nicely.

If walleye locations change, it should be no surprise that the techniques to catch them should transition as well. After water temps are in the 50’s to stay, you can put away the leadcore gear you used all summer to target scattered deep fish, and look for fish to congregate. For the most part, cool weather concentrates fish, and often does it shallow where walleyes like to feed heavily. This is especially true with prolonged wind events that stack fish in shallow, predictable locations. Cool, windy days in the fall can see the biggest fish in any water body actively feeding during daylight conditions.

That’s all well and good, but rarely in the fall is any one water body locked into a specific depth and individual pattern that works well for walleyes most of the time. In reality, fish move at back and forth, with these depth migrations being gradual over time, with all kinds of smaller movements throughout the days and weeks of fall. They relate to water temperatures, light conditions, and major weather events. All of which sums up the truest sense of the term “fall transition,” meaning that walleyes in the fall are ALWAYS in flux.

Photo courtesy Northland Fishing Tackle www.northlandtackle.com

Knowing that, then we have the challenge of determining details in targeting them. First and foremost, start shallow, and start aggressive. Crankbaits, both lipless and short-bodied shad diving baits, along with swimbaits, jig and plastic combinations, and even stickbaits are great choices for this type of fishing. Fish wind-driven points, rock piles, and ledges in as shallow as a few feet of water, and give it a good hour or more of your time. Make the fish prove to you that they’re not shallow before abandoning that bite, as when it’s on, it’s on in a big way.

Next, move to the first break, and let your electronics be your guide. Often, especially in clear bodies of water, fall transition fish will move below the edge of the first pronounced drop-off from shore during the day, still feeding occasionally, while waiting to push to nearby shallows for a night-time feeding session. These fish may require a bit more attention and subtlety, and large, live minnows are a great presentation for them. Free-swim a big chub behind ample weight on a larger than average rigging hook, and wait for the thumpthump of the minnow to be interrupted by a “smash.” Pay the fish ample line and give it some time to get the bait in his mouth before setting the hook, and you’ll be surprised how well fall walleyes are into big minnows. With some patience, many minnows lost, and some practice, you’ll also be wondering how even eater-sized walleyes can eat these extremely large minnows.

If live-bait isn’t your game, it’s a great time to try Puppet Minnows on these intermediate-depth fish. You’ve got the combination of concentrated, aggressive fish, along with a bit of distance between you and the fish, such that Puppet Minnows really have the space to dive, dart, swing, and work their magic. I know more than a few anglers that fish this bite from 60 degree water temps all the way until lake ice-up.

Stay

Minnow Silver Shiner

Finally, if fall walleye locations are confounding you, and you haven’t found anything at shallow or intermediary depths, consider going back to what worked in the summer. This could be live bait rigging deep structure, or even pulling leadcore. A few years ago, I did really well pulling leadcore, at night, in 25 feet of water in October. The fish shouldn’t have been there, especially then, but they were and they ate. It could be due to warmer than average weather preceding your visit to the lake, exceptionally clear water, or a number of other factors including turnover, but know that you’ve always got the patterns from the previous weeks to fall back on.

the fish decide what they want and where they want it, then realize that each fall day can act like a new season altogether

repeat the process with success.

Photo courtesy Northland Fishing Tackle www.northlandtackle.com

LASER RANGEFINDER PRO TIPS

SIMPLIFY YOUR STALK. FILL YOUR FREEZER.

You spotted a bedded buck tucked away in open country far beyond your effective range. The perfect stalk is the only factor separating you from meat in the freezer and antlers on the wall. Brushy draws and rolling topography make navigating the arid landscape a daunting task. Let’s face it – you’ll never shoot 3,000 yards, but a rangefinder capable of reading distance beyond your effective range is a critical tool in this situation. Here’s how to break your stalk into four steps to simplify the process and notch your tag.

RANGE IT

Use your rangefinder to determine exactly how far you are from your quarry. This is valuable intel, even if it’s more than a mile away.

STALK IT

Use the prevailing wind direction, terrain, and cover to sneak inside your weapon’s effective range. Reference your map and landmarks throughout your stalk to track your progress.

MAP IT

Utilize a digital mapping application with aerial imagery and topographic lines to pinpoint the animal’s location with line distance tools. Drop a waypoint on landmarks like a downed tree or rocky outcropping near your target, and another where you expect to find the best shot opportunity.

SHOOT IT

Reference your map and glass periodically as you carefully approach your destination. Once you spot your target, confirm the distance one last time before you release an arrow or squeeze the trigger.

Choosing the right rangefinder isn’t as daunting as you think. Visit your favorite dealer to find yours.

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Prototype shown with options. Extra-cost color shown. Off-roading is inherently dangerous. Abusive use may result in bodily harm or vehicle damage. Wear seatbelts at all times and do not allow passengers in cargo area.

PUB LI C A CC ES S

For hunters, anglers and others who en joy experiencing the outdoors first-hand, it means everything. No access means no recreational oppor tunity.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and U.S. Forest Service worked with a willing landowner to conserve and open access to two private inholdings and conveyed them to the Lolo National Forest. The transaction created new public access to 1,040 acres of wildlife and riparian habitat and improved access to several thousand acres of surrounding public land. The project also maintained the contiguous public ownership of land, securing the last remaining wildlife movement zone between the Bitterroot Mountains and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Sapphire Mountains and Nor thern Continental Divide Ecosystem in the immediate vicinity.

B E A R CR E EK L O L O T R A I L S

L O C AT I O N

In the Bitterroot Mountains just west of Lolo, a small western Montana town about 10 miles south of Missoula

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The project opened new public access to 1,040 acres and improved access to more than 2,845 acres of public land, while also conserving impor tant fish and wildlife habitat

Do Bucks Make Scrape Lines?

By Mike Hanback Big Deer Blog www.bigdeerblog.com

Ihave been hunting whitetail deer for 40 years, and I cannot honestly say I have ever shot a buck on his scrape line. I might have, I just don’t know. I’m not even sure scrape lines exist. The more I hunt whitetails in different habitats and terrains across the country, the more I believe that scraping is more random and scattered than on some particular line of travel between food and bedding cover.

That’s why I don’t scout for scrape lines anymore.

From Halloween through November 15 or so, I look for a ridge, draw or creek bottom pocked with a dozen or so dark, stinky scrapes, with fresh rubs nearby.

I set a sit there a few days. If I don’t spot much and those scrapes go cold, I scout for other scrapes close by.

In a study on the rut behavior of wild, hunted bucks, University of Georgia researchers found that while some scrapes go neglected and cold overnight, multiple bucks might eagerly paw new scrapes only 100 to 200 yards away.

Photo courtesy Big Deer Blog www.bigdeerblog.com

That goes to my theory that scraping is random, sign of bucks roaming around and checking various areas for does while venting pen-up sexual energy.

Stay flexible and mobile as you walk into stands and hunt, and be on the lookout for the next cluster of rank, freshly dug scrapes.

I believe your odds are better this way, rather than trying to hunt a buck on a line of scrapes that may or may not exist.

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Still Hunting Timber For Elk

By Jake Horton

Originally published at GOHUNT.com

If you Google elk hunting, search for it on YouTube or Facebook, you will find hundreds if not thousands of videos. In most of those videos, you see hunters calling bulls using cow calls, bugling at bulls to get them fired up or spotting and stalking bulls in the open sage country. Though these are excellent methods to try and harvest a bull elk, there is also one way that often isn’t shown because it doesn’t make good video footage. This way is using all of your senses to find and harvest bulls in thick timber.

Here are some tips on how you can master still hunting for elk through dense timber. The cool part about still hunting through the timber is that you can find success during every phase because these principles do not require elk to be rutting.

Why should you consider this technique for all seasons?

During the spring, summer and early fall, elk are mainly nocturnal; however, can also often be active hours after daylight and hours before dark. They become comfortable feeding down towards their nightly hangout early to get some extra food and water for the night and hanging there later in the morning before going to bed. However, once the hunting seasons start and they begin to feel pressure, it is common for them to head to bed earlier and become primarily nocturnal. It is also common to see them move from higher elevation alpine country into some of the middle elevation timber. They love it there because most hunters would rather glass from a vantage point than work their way through loud, cracking deadfall. This is precisely why you should not be like most hunters. Instead, you can find success doing what others do not want to do. The elk are there. And you can find them and harvest them by still hunting through thick timber and using all of your senses to do so.

FINDING THE RIGHT SPOT

When it comes to finding a good timber patch that holds elk, you need to think about three things. First, pressured elk love to move into hard-to-access areas. They do it year after year and find safety there during the hunting seasons. Inaccessible areas are typically miles from trucks and trailheads and in areas that are overlooked. The second thing you need to look for when seeking out elky timbered areas is the thicker the timber, the better. Elk love thick timber with deadfall and loud cracking earth because this provides safety. They can hear most predators and clumsy hunters coming from miles away and quietly slip out while the hunter is non-the-wiser. The last thing that pressured bulls like is steep country — the steeper the terrain, the better. If you have any steep country with northern facing thick timber in a hard-to-access area with a bench more than halfway up, that is where you will find your elk.

WHEN TO STILL HUNT

To still hunt through thick timber, you need to use your eyes, your ears, your nose and have some patience. I always like to glass in the morning in order to try to find easy-to-spot elk. If you spot a herd that you can’t get to quick enough, watch them to determine where they go. Then, decide if you think you will have a chance in the afternoon. If you think they might do the same thing in the afternoon — only in reverse — I would suggest that you plan to ambush them that evening. However, if you are in a high pressure unit or you think they might disappear, I would plan on still hunting

the timber patch they move into. Ultimately, you need to decide what is your highest chance to harvest an elk and do that. Suppose you do not see any elk while glassing. Then, you need to pick some timbered slopes that look elky and plan on still hunting them during the day. I always like to wait until mid-morning when the thermals are steadily pulling up the hill and the prevailing wind is usually consistently blowing in one direction. Only then do I start on elevation or higher than where I think the elk will be with the wind and thermals in my face.

HOW TO STILL HUNT THROUGH THICK TIMBER

Once I am set up, I slowly work my way through the timber a few steps at a time.

Each time I stop, I look, glass, listen and smell.

If you have ever hunted elk, you know they have a very distinct odor that carries through the wind, especially if you are near a herd of elk. If I do this and do not see any elk, hear anything (including twigs snapping) or smell any elk, I move forward a few more steps. The trick with successful still hunting is always to assume that you are just about to see an elk herd and never get complacent. You are putting in the time to hike hard and hunt hard, so do not let impatience ruin your opportunity. Move through the timbered area until you are satisfied that there is nothing there. Once you are satisfied, find another timber patch and do it all again. If you see, hear or smell an elk, you need to quietly and slowly move into a shooting position. I have had elk hear me sneaking through the woods and come in close to check out what I am. If they do this and you are ready, you can have an opportunity. If it’s the rut, you may also choose to call or bugle at close range to get him to investigate or kick some butt.

Many hunters avoid units and areas that have a lot of timber and for a good reason. These areas are challenging to hunt! This is precisely why you should consider hunting elk in units and places that have thick timber. If there are fewer hunters, there are less pressured elk and your chances to harvest go up. Of course, still hunting through timber may not be for everyone, but having this skill in your playbook may help you harvest a mature, dark-antlered bull this year or in years to come. Remember to be successful, you need to use all of your senses, including sight, hearing, smell, and, above all, patience.

Photo credit Sam Sarbacher

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JORDILIGHT WATERPROOF FLASHLIGHT

Vanquish 540

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CHUMS SUNGLASS RETAINERS, BAGS & ACCESSORIES

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KAENON ESSENTIALS SUNGLASSES

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For anyone who needs a great, protective, stylish pair of sunglasses that won’t break the bank. Kaenon’s new Kaenon Essentials line is handcrafted in Japan, starts at $100, and features the same superior quality SR-91 lenses the brand is known for in its Italian-made $175-$250 line. Kaenon’s frames are made using TR-90 for a lightweight, barely there feel. Its SR-91 lenses are all polarized, rival glass in clarity, are featherlight, and more impact and scratch resistant than polycarbonate lenses. Frames and lenses range from the basic black and grey, to on-trend champagne frames, and bold pacific current, colored frames or reflective lenses. For the full line visit https://kaenon.com/collections/essentials

EVOLVE 2 DRONE FROM XDYNAMICS

The EVOLVE 2 from XDynamics is a new sleek and graceful aerial platform designed with aerospace materials that make it one of the strongest and lightest professional drones on the market. It can be flown anywhere, any time and under any conditions and still capture the best possible imagery. It’s got a very intuitive, smart interface that takes 90 seconds from set up to flight. Drone pilots love it for the creative freedom it provides for both recreation and professional use. For complete details and to purchase visit https://www.xdynamics.com

Rolltop Sling Water Bag

Holster Phone Protector

Neo Megafloat Eyewear Retainer

Photos credit Ryan McSparran

6 Tips For Your Next Mule Deer Hunt

By Ryan McSparran Caribou Gear Outdoor Equipment Company www.caribougear.com

Here in Colorado, we love our mule deer hunting. Chasing mountain mule deer is terribly addicting. It’s a fun, visual, spot and stalk adventure. Whether you’re hunting mule deer early in the season or during the rut, here are 6 tips to remember for your next mule deer hunt:

1.) Do Your Homework

Most of my best mule deer spots were discovered long before hunting season. Before the hunt, spend time poking around your unit using tools like OnX Maps and Google Earth. This is the best way to find great deer habitat, public land boundaries, unpressured pockets, and where all three of those factors overlap.

Forget Your Assumptions

As you’re scouting for a hunt, try not to make too many assumptions. For example, folks often assume that they’ll need to hunt mule deer up high in September and down toward winter range in November. Yes, mule deer in many places do migrate from high elevation summer range down to low elevation winter range. But it’s not that black and white. I’ve had great September mule deer hunts around 6,500 feet and excellent late season hunting well above 9,500 feet. Much more important than elevation, find quality habitat and areas where deer can escape pressure.

Mule Deer Habitat

Mule deer are highly adaptable animals, living anywhere from the tundra down to the desert. So when looking for great mule deer habitat, it can take on a lot of different forms. But one frequently consistent factor is brushy landscapes. Deer are browsers. Whether it’s willows, mountain mahogany, oak brush, sage or chokecherry, brushy landscapes always seem to concentrate deer.

In addition to great habitat, you’re also looking for places where deer can escape pressure. And this doesn’t necessarily mean going further into the backcountry. Sometimes, backpacking further from the roads is a great option. But in many areas, you’ll find good deer hunting in overlooked pockets close to roads, along private boundaries or in those odd spots nobody bothers to hunt.

In the end, you’re looking for spots where all those factors overlap – public land, great habitat and unpressured pockets. Before you leave home, take the time to discover some of these spots and have your plans (and plenty of backup plans) ready.

2.) Set up Before Daylight

Mule deer hunting often requires glassing. And it’s no secret that those first and last hours of the day are often the most productive. With that in mind, prepare to be disciplined on your hunt. Get out of bed early enough to be in your first glassing spot before daylight. Not at daylight – before daylight.

I like to arrive at my glassing spot while it’s still dark. First, it allows me to arrive under the cover of darkness. Second, it gives me time to put on some extra layers, get out my tripod and get settled. I don’t like to be moving around once it gets light. The very moment it’s light enough to see, I want to be sitting down with eyes on the glass, not messing around getting settled.

Sometimes, that means a long hike in the dark each morning. Do what it takes to leave camp with plenty of time to make the hike. Organize your daypack the night before. Fill your water bottles and pack your lunch. When you can get up, put your boots on and start hiking, it’s much easier to get out of that warm sleeping bag in the morning.

3.) Put Your Binoculars On a Tripod

Holding your binoculars is fine some of the time, like when you’re on the move. But you’re not truly glassing until you put your binoculars on a tripod. If you’ve never glassed off a tripod, you might think you’re looking through new binos. The difference is really that dramatic. When you reach your glassing point in the morning, take the time to get out a tripod and set up your binoculars. Binocular adapters are readily available for any type of binos. With a steady rest, you’ll be able to glass longer and see in much greater detail.

4.) Hunt all Day Long

The first and last part of the day are the best time to catch mule deer on the move. But that doesn’t mean you should head back to camp for lunch. In any type of hunting, persistence pays off. And it’s definitely true of mule deer hunting. You’ll increase your opportunities if you’re able to work hard all day long.

Each night, take time to pack your lunch for the next day’s hunt. In fact, I pre-load gallon zip bags before I leave home with a lunch for each day of hunting. That way, all I have to do is grab a baggie and throw it in my pack. With enough calories to last the day, you’ll be ready to stay out all day long.

Ideally, you’ll spot deer in the morning and watch where they bed. The closer we get to the rut, it’s not uncommon to see a buck come cruising through a group of does in the middle of the day to check them out. Keep an eye on those does and eventually a buck will show up.

For all day hunting, consider carrying a Caribou Gear Hunter’s Tarp. It’s a multi-purpose, totally waterproof, ultralight tarp. We always carry one for field dressing, as it provides a clean surface when quartering an animal in the field. But it also makes an excellent glassing shelter, whether it’s from hot sun, rain or snow.

5.)Don’t Give Up On Proven Spots

When your buddy kills a buck in a good area, don’t feel like you need to go somewhere else. The idea that the deer are blown out of that area is often a bad assumption. Sure, they might get scarce for a day or so; maybe only a few hours. But if deer like an area, they’ll be back.

On several occasions, friends and I have killed a buck and then seen deer back in that same area. In fact a few years ago, a friend and I killed bucks less than a couple hundred yards of each other, only two days apart. Whether there is a carcass on the ground or not – deer like the areas they like. Don’t give up on that spot entirely. They’ll likely be back.

GEAR REVIEW

Sitka Gear Mountain Optics Harness

This harness is the ultimate utility piece for big game hunters. Sitka took a systems-based approach to the issue of carrying multiple at-hand essentials into the field. The harness features a silent secure magnetic one-handed front flap for binos. Removable, modular side pockets keep GPS, rangefinders, cell phone and other accessories at the ready for quick quiet access. Additional elastic pockets deliver storage for calls or a wind gauge and the internal lens cloth keeps your glass clean and sharp. The Mountain Optics Harness is rounded out with a brushed polyester face fabric for close in silent stalks.

Browning Primal Fish & Game Butcher Set

The Primal Fish & Game Butcher Set has the blades you need to get the job of filling your freezer full of meat easier than you thought possible. The durable stainless steel blades hold a keen edge and are easy to keep touched up using the included sharpening rod. All components of this set are easily stored inside the enclosed tool roll. Set includes butcher, deboning, trimming and fillet knives with stainless steel 8Cr13MoV blades, sharpening rod, polymer handle scales with rubber overmold and rugged nylon knife roll with large interior flaps to hold knives in place.

Sitka Gear Stormfront GTX Gaiters

Sitka Gear’s Stormfront Gaiter provides durable, lightweight, over-the-calf protection for the most rugged environments. The 3-layer GORE-TEX™ and gripper elastic bottom maintain a tight seal to keep out water. A durable kick patch ensures a long service life and internal ladder lock strap system keeps a low profile to reduce abrasion and noise when navigating technical terrain.

Features:

3 Layer Gore-Tex®

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Elastic Gripper Bottom

Durable Kick Patch

Internal Ladder Lock Strap

Lacrosse Clear Shot (Insulated) Boot

The Clear Shot features a durable nubuck leather and abrasion-resistant nylon upper with a Dry-Core waterproof lining to ensure your feet stay dry and protected from the elements. A full rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs offers traction in varied terrain.

Features:

Nubuck Leather & Textile Upper 400G Thinsulate Ultra

Dry-Core® Lining

Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Crosshair Outsole

Browning Wicked Wing 3 in 1 Parka

A parka that is durable, warm, and has plenty of pockets.

Features:

3-Layer water/windproof fabric with fully-taped seams

Fully-adjustable attached hood

Large chest pockets

High-pile fleece-backed handwarmer pockets

Water-resistant front zipper with internal storm flap and chin guard

Underarm venting with zipper closures

Lower zipper hand pockets internal pocketing for gear Hook and loop wrist closures seal out drafts

Integrated attachment system with 3-in-1 liner

Regular Fit

See these and other fine products at one of the 5 Montana Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors stores in Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Butte and Hamilton or 24/7 at bobwards.com. Free shipping on $49.00 or more with some exclusions.

TAKE TO THE FIELD WITH CONFIDENCE

hunting demands an optic built for long range and the long haul, and the Razor® HD LHT™ 4.5-22x50 FFP delivers. You still get the core of the Razor® HD LHT™, including a stunning HD optical system and rugged build in a hunting scope that’s among the lightest in its class. Where the Razor® HD LHT™ 4.5-22x50 FFP distances itself is in offering more magnification, and a first focal plane reticle featuring the XLR-2 reticle system, which is intuitive, easy to use, and illuminated. You also get our RevStop™ Zero System for a reliable return to zero after dialing in the field, and a locking elevation turret keeps your zero safe.

What

Learned From Interviewing Elk Hunting’s Top Experts

By Ben O’brien

Originally published at GOHUNT.com

Over the past decade, I’ve become immersed in the game of elk hunting and the seemingly endless refinement of skill and craft. Trying to climb into a bull’s head and learn how he thinks, what he wants and his unique vernacular is a sometimes frustrating, but always fascinating back and forth.

The true beauty of this game is that as soon as you think you’ve figured out how to consistently cut tags on mature bulls, you discover there’s another level of the pursuit you haven’t achieved. In that context, it could be said that there aren’t any real “experts” in elk hunting, just dedicated hunters learning from every encounter.

Nonetheless, there are hunters who have combined time on the mountain with an intense passion for elk to become the best among us. Lucky for our community, these guys are sharing their knowledge and giving anyone willing to listen a chance to be in the 10% to 15% of archery elk hunters who are successful on average each year.

Over the last few months while compiling my new elk hunting educational podcast series, WALLOW, I was lucky enough to track down seven of the best damn elk hunters of our generation. My cohost and elk hunting buddy Sam Lungren helped figure out the right questions to ask and how to draw out as much of their expertise as possible. It was a fun ride. Here are just a few things I learned.

10-Time World Champion Elk Caller Corey Jacobsen: Emotion Is The Key To Elk Calling

Corey Jacobsen has won a lot of trophies for elk calling, but he knows that actual elk hunting is a failure-heavy game. That said, during our conversation, Corey simplified the complex language of elk into three concise calls: the challenge bugle, location bugle and the cow’s mew.

“My whole take on elk communication is that they communicate through emotion,” he said. “When a cow is ready to be bred, she adds desperation to the mew. You’ve got to think like an elk and understand how to communicate his or her emotion.”

It’s a simple, but effective learning that allows you to insert feeling into your calls and have your own style.

“I’m a very aggressive elk, that’s my personality” Corey said. “If you put it into a human perspective, just say to yourself, ‘what will it take to get in a fight with this elk?’”

Pick up Calls Corey Jacobsen trusts here: https://shop.gohunt.com/collections/rocky-mountain-hunt ing-calls

Hunting and public lands advocate Randy Newberg: There Are No Shortcuts

Randy Newberg has built his life around elk hunting and advocating for the resource. He’s got a unique way of articulating his approach and he’s always thinking about new ways to teach us all. After recording our interview, Randy took us into a nondescript conference room at his Bozeman-based Fresh Tracks headquarters and revealed an entire whiteboard of notes for an upcoming OutdoorClass on elk. What was on the board is a secret for now, but it drove home that he can translate this complicated pursuit with the best of them.

However, there’s a trap that Randy thinks most hunters fall into and it’s a message he wants you all to hear.

“And I think it’s the human condition—we’re always looking for the shortcut, whether it’s the gizmo, the gadget, the new piece of gear we bought, the 12-step program, no. To me, I just have over time realized there are no shortcuts. This is hard work, physically hard work and it’s going to be frustrating and it’s going to take an awful lot of thought to be consistently borderline successful at it. But that’s the intrigue.”

Be sure to watch both Randy and Corey’s educational hunting content on OutdoorClass here: https://www.outdoorclass.com

“The one thing I have learned in 30 years of failing at elk hunting is that there are no shortcuts,” he said.

Veteran Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) elk biologist Tom Toman: The Meaning Of An Elk’s Ankle Clicking

Did you know that elk basically crack their knuckles? It’s a sound you might have heard in the elk woods without ever realizing the origin. We know that an elk has several defenses against predators, but it’s a little-known fact that they use an audible clicking sound from their ankle joints to locate each other and signal safety.

While interviewing Tom Toman, who was an elk biologist with the RMEF for 25 years before retiring in 2020, he marveled at an elk’s ability to understand and process its environment. The clicking sound is just one way they capitalize on every sensory advantage to avoid predators like wolves, bears and humans.

“If you and I aren’t clicking when we’re walking up to them, they know we’re not another elk,” he said. “That’s one of the adaptations they have and that’s something they hear all the time.”

GOHUNT’s Trail Kreitzer’s 2022 bull elk. Photo credit Chiam Loyd

There are so many more lessons to be learned from these guys and the other hunters we interviewed for WALLOW (available on whatever podcast platform you use).

Listen now to hear the likes of Remi Warren, Ryan Lampers, Jason Phelps and Ty Stubblefield

Hunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored By Republic Services of Montana

Great Duck Hunters … And The Rest Of Us

By Kyle Wintersteen, Managing Editor Delta Waterfowl www.deltawaterfowl.org

Some have a nose for the birds. Others are just there for the fellowship.

There’s a long smoldering bother deep in my belly that lately has reached a fever pitch. How is it possible that my buddy Cole and I use practically identical waterfowling accoutrements — similar shotguns, comparable decoys, calls from the same makers — and yet he can slip into a spot that days ago skunked me and emerge with a heavy strap of greenheads. The kind of haul that would inspire most of us to drive down Main Street yelling, “Hey, everyone! Come get a load of this $***!”

My friends, I offer you this: If it’s true what Ernest Hemingway once penned in Esquire magazine that birds “were made to shoot and some of us were made to shoot them,” then would not the inverse also be correct? Is it possible Cole possesses some inherent gift from his Creator to whack and stack, while I’m doomed to return 60 days per year to my wife — her countenance doe-eyed in anticipation of a duck dinner — only to lower my head and sullenly confess, “Not today, dear.”

Let’s consider the evidence.

Scouting Missions

Cole: Finds the motherlode, a cacophony of mallards, pintails, wigeon and gadwalls that would make you swear Saint Leopold opened the gates and let loose every duck in the kingdom.

Me: Locates a spoonbill, six coots and, I think, a distant merganser. In other words, yeehaw, tomorrow it’s on!

Getting Ready

Cole: Grabs a pair of pre-made sandwiches — thickly layered with turkey, cheese and lettuce but certainly no soggifying tomatoes — and quietly heads out the door. His boat is already trailered to a battered pickup truck with failing taillights that’s otherwise unflappable.

Me: I can’t find my hat. Who loses a hat? Can you hunt ducks without a hat? I shake my head. My dog barks on the way out the door. My children awaken. Better move quickly before my wife does, too. I stop to pick up a gas station breakfast taco. It tastes like sadness.

First Light

Cole: Places decoys with precision. Further brushes in his boat blind. Makes a few greeting calls and some feeding chatter just to, as he puts it, “Let the ducks know I’m here.” I would call B.S., but Cole’s success is, well, he’s not like the rest of us.

Me: The briars of the thick multiflora rose slice through my waders during my long trek to the beaver swamp, a deed soon confirmed by a rush of frigid demon water pouring across my shredded flesh. I toss my decoys. Some are touching. Others are tangled. But as the sweat I worked up on the hike in begins to sabotage my core temperature, I opt to settle in and hope for the best.

See Any Ducks?

Cole: Yes indeed, his only struggle is to reload fast enough.

Me: I finally see a single mallard that elates me on a level as if I’ve killed it. Which, of course, I do not.

The Dogs

Cole: Admires retrieve after retrieve by his Boykin spaniel, including a seamless mark to a distant blind.

Me: My dog barks at an archery hunter, breaks on a passing heron and steals the remainder of my taco. Guess which move he regrets.

Grand(less) Gunning

Cole: Wishes it didn’t take him a seventh shell to kill his sixth duck.

Me: Continues allowing my brain to turn the crows in my periphery into canvasbacks. At least I won’t have to clean my gun. Consistent Conclusion Cole: Can’t wait to go again.

Me: Can’t wait to go again. Ultimately, there will always be people who are superior hunters — who shoot straighter, call more convincingly and own better-trained dogs. But this is not a competition. And nobody will ever take more pleasure in the sight of ducks and geese on the wing than us.

Photos courtesy Delta Waterfowl www.deltawaterfowl.org

Photo credit schlag | www.depositphotos.com

Know Your Rifle Ballistics

By Chad Ryker

Originally published at GOHUNT.com

Let me start by saying that this article is based on a hard lesson learned on the mountain. I’m not afraid to use my misfortune as a learning point for others.

Let’s talk about knowing the ballistics of your rifle and how I learned this valuable lesson

I was on a spring bear hunt with some friends. After spotting a nice chocolate bear a couple of miles off in the distance, we decided to make the approach and hopefully get a stalk or, even better, a shot at the bear. As we started off down the mountain to head across the huge meadow, I reached for my phone that had all my ballistics data and drop charts saved on it. To my surprise, my phone was not in my pocket and I immediately remembered I had left it charging in my truck back at camp. Needless to say, there was a moment of panic. We quickly checked for a cell phone signal to see if we could get to an app to calculate the information in my friends phone. I had a good idea of the ballistic coefficient of the bullet and the speed, but we had zero signal, so we decided to go after the bear without the info. My rifle is zeroed at 200 yards so I knew if I could get to that distance, I would be fine. As luck would have it, the only shot I would get would be at 365 yards. I dialed what I thought was the correct adjustment to the scope, I felt confident and took my shot. I was incorrect in my estimation and grazed the hair on the bear under the belly. After a day of tracking, we determined the shot was low and didn’t hit the mark. That concluded the weekend of hunting with the guys, but left me broken. How could I have been so foolish not to have the tools available to make that shot?

Photo credit Brady Miller

Enough of me crying over here. I’m over it and ready for the next adventure, but first let me go over some of the ways I could have corrected this mistake.

The first and most obvious is don’t forget your phone; however, realistically, things happen and we should be prepared when they do. Batteries go dead and electronics fail, so the first thing I did when I got home was to print and laminate a drop chart to keep in my binocular harness as a back up. I have an app on my phone that was set up for that bullet and rifle. All I had to do was select the increments I wanted and print it out small enough that it would fit in the pocket of my harness.

The second thing I did was load the ballistics information into my rangefinder. Rangefinders have a lot of capability and if you have one that can store ballistics information, use it and practice with it.

Yes, I had this capability the day of the hunt and failed to load the information prior to the hunt. So now I have two backup plans if I forget my cell phone or it goes dead. Another tip that might help is to share that information with your hunting partners. This way they have a backup with them even if it’s just a picture of your chart — at least they have something.

6 Tips For Your Next Mule Deer Hunt

6.) Don’t Give Up On A Spooked Buck

If you blow a stalk and spook a buck, it’s not game over. Never believe that old saying, “they ran to the next county.” More likely than not, they will still be in the neighborhood.

Last year on a September mule deer hunt, I blew a stalk on a buck and watched him bounce over the hill. The very next day, one of my friends was able to kill that buck, just 800 yards from where I’d spooked him the day before.

In many cases, mule deer have high fidelity to their favorite areas. They might move over to the next drainage or even a few drainages when spooked. But out of sight is out of mind. And in many situations, you may be able to relocate that deer and get another opportunity.

Other people like to tape a chart on the buttstock of the rifle or put it inside of the scope cap. Both are great options and you will always have it with you that way.

Good Luck On Your Mule Deer Hunts This Year

Be safe and have a great time on your next mule deer hunt. And don’t forget to grab a set of Magnum Pack or Muley Game Bags before you go! The Magnum Pack is a more robust system and the Muley is streamlined for backcountry use. To learn more about those options, check out this article: How to Choose the Right Game Bag System for Your Next Hunt (https://www.caribougear.com/blogs/hunting-tips/howto-choose-the-right-game-bag-system-for-your-next-hunt).

One more backup method is to place a dope chart in an ammo wallet. GOHUNT recently released an ammo wallet they created that has a place just for a chart. Another piece of mind to have when hunting.

There are so many things that can go wrong on the mountain.

Hopefully, you learn from my mistake and take a backup or two with you on your next hunt.

Photo

Wild Turkey Buffalo Balls Recipe

By Lindsey Bartosh a 12 Gauge Girl www.huntingandcooking.com

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground turkey

2 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

2-3 stalks celery, chopped

3 tablespoons green onion, diced

1 egg

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 cup buffalo wing sauce

1/4 cup flour (almond, coconut, good old regular)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350.

In a large bowl, add pound of ground turkey. Add flour, cream cheese, and egg. Mix with your hands to make sure the consistency is correct. If too wet, add another tablespoon of flour. If too dry, add more cream cheese. Once consistency is where you like it, add diced celery, green onions, and blue cheese. Salt and pepper.

Using an ice cream scoop, create tablespoon size meatballs and place on baking sheet. I like to line with aluminum foil for easy clean up.

Bake in oven for 15 minutes. While meatballs are baking, in a sauce pan over medium heat melt the unsalted butter. Mix in the wing sauce. Once the meatballs are baked, pull from the oven and brush on the hot wing glaze. Place under the broiler for two to three minutes, just long enough for the glaze to get sticky! Dress with additional hot wing sauce and serve with a side of ranch dressing, carrot sticks, and celery! Enjoy

Montana Men Plead Guilty To Poaching Bull Elk

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks https://fwp.mt.gov

Two separate cases end in felony convictions

BILLINGS – A Missoula man and a Ballantine man were recently sentenced on separate felony cases for illegally killing trophy elk.

Alex St. Marie, 37, from Missoula, was sentenced in Fergus County District Court after pleading guilty to a felony for poaching two bull elk and multiple misdemeanors in October 2021.

St. Marie admitted to shooting two bull elk on private property, along Snowy Mountain Road in the Little Snowy Mountains, without permission and the necessary permit to harvest a brow-tined elk. St. Marie shot two bulls from the public roadway. He then proceeded to drive off-road onto private property to retrieve the elk. Later, St. Marie discarded the elk keeping the heads, resulting in the wasting meat charge.

St. Marie’s sentence includes a five-year suspension of hunting, trapping and fishing privileges, and $2,000 in fines and restitution.

In a separate case, Allen John Cantu, 47, from Ballantine, was sentenced in Yellowstone County District Court after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a trophy big game animal and tampering with evidence, both felonies.

Cantu shot a bull elk in the Little Snowy Mountains in November 2019.

Cantu’s sentence includes a five-year suspension of hunting, trapping and fishing privileges, and $10,000 in fines and restitution.

game wardens rely on tips from people who observe crimes against wildlife.

with possible information about (an incident)

visit

provide details or call the FWP violation reporting hot line at 1-800-TIP-MONT.

to

Photo credit a 12 Gauge Girl www.huntingandcooking.com

Pro Tip: Photographing Your Hunt

By Brad Bever Vortex Nation Vortex Optics www.vortexoptics.com

Capturing your hunt has become more popular thanks to outlets like Instagram, YouTube, and the overall need for outdoor content from top-shelf brands. With the ever-growing number of hunters bringing a camera to the woods, I wanted to share a few things I have found that make my work not only look better, but also makes my workflow more efficient.

UTILIZE WHAT YOU HAVE

Want to know the secret to capturing your hunts? Buy a camera and hit record. It doesn’t have to be the newest model or the most expensive. Hell, even the new iPhone’s have crazy-good cameras. When I started filming my hunts, I bought a Sony Handycam and the cheapest camera arm I could find. Then, the more experience I obtained, the more complex my equipment became. Yes, photography and videography can be expensive, but you don’t always need the best equipment to get the job done. Things like composition, subject matter, and overall experience are more important when telling a story.

Hard as it may be, if you want to get the best shots possible, sometimes you’ve got to shoot your camera and not your rifle.

ISOLATE THE SUBJECT

If I had to give one piece of advice to capturing better photos while hunting, it is to make your subject feel alone. Oftentimes, as cameramen, we are close to the hunter. Maybe in the same tree whitetail hunting or directly behind them on a stalk in the mountains. But to truly convey hunting at its core, the simplicity of one hunter alone in his environment, can be a powerful thing. Because of that, I always try to stay back, and capture the isolation.

CARRY TWO BODIES

I know I said to utilize the equipment you have, but once you’ve gained experience and really know how to run your camera efficiently, it can be beneficial in a hunting situation to have another camera body at the ready.

In hunting scenarios, there’s oftentimes fast-paced action or quick events that require a quick shutter finger.

I like to run two bodies, one with a telephoto lens, in case my subject is far away, and one with a wide lens, to capture on-the-go action shots.

Simply put, with an extra camera, your photo opportunities double - which may be the difference in capturing a shot or not.

BE A CAMERAMAN FIRST

This, in my opinion, is one of the toughest things to do as a cameraman. We are all hunters at heart. But when it comes to being a cameraman, sometimes it’s hard to forget about key moments in the hunt to grab your camera.

Here’s an example: You and your best friend and hunting partner are on a whitetail hunt, and he arrows the biggest buck of his life. As a hunter, it would be easy to get caught up in the moment and celebrate with him as you hear the buck crash, but as a cameraman, that raw emotion he displays could make a priceless frame.

Sure, photos of you posed with your harvest and blood trail shots are cool, but capturing that raw emotion is something that can’t be recreated. So, be a cameraman first.

To see Brad’s work, and to learn more about capturing your hunt, follow him on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/bradbever/?hl=enfollow

Photo

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Williston,

Victor,

406-287-5682

208-652-3344 208-356-9069 208-436-3900

The

Crosstrek Sport

Subaru, Crosstrek, BOXER, Eyesight, STARLINK, StarTex, X-MODE and Apply CarPlay are registered trademarks. Android Auto is a trademark of Google Inc. 1EyeSight is a driver-assist system that may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, weather, and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. Requires automatic transmission. 2Activation with subscription required. Includes a three-year trial subscription to Safety Plus services and a six-month trial subscription to Safety and Security Plus services. The Concierge plan can be purchased annually or monthly. A credit card on file will be required for specific packages and for renewal purposes. Features and availability vary by vehicle and trim level. May not be available in all states. See Retailer for details. 3All SiriusXM services require a subscription, sold separately by SiriusXM after the trial period. Your SiriusXM service will automatically stop at the end of your trial unless you decide to subscribe. If you decide to continue service, the subscription plan chosen will automatically renew and be charged according to your chosen payment method at the then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. See the SiriusXM Customer Agreement & Privacy Policy at www.siriusxm.com for full terms and how to cancel, which includes online methods or calling 1-866-635-2349. Available in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C., and

Rico (with

http://www.siriusxm.com/FAQS for

in

current service area