Northwest Sportsman Mag - November 2023 by Media Index Publishing Group

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Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource

Volume 16 • Issue 2 PUBLISHER James R. Baker

YOUR COMPLETE HUNTING, BOATING, FISHING AND REPAIR DESTINATION SINCE 1948.

EDITOR Andy “You Silly English Pig Dog” Walgamott THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Marc Alberts, Dave Anderson, Scott Haugen, Jeff Holmes, MD Johnson, Randy King, Buzz Ramsey, Dave Workman, Mark Yuasa ON THE MEND Jason Brooks GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brian Abker, Guy Ricciardulli, Zachary Wheeler DESIGNER Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kelly Baker OFFICE MANAGER/COPY EDITOR Katie Aumann INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER Lois Sanborn WEBMASTER/DIGITAL STRATEGIST Jon Hines ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@nwsportsmanmag.com CORRESPONDENCE Email letters, articles/queries, photos, etc., to awalgamott@media-inc.com, or to the mailing address below. ON THE COVER Keely Hopkins of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Matt Little of Ducks Unlimited show off a mixed bag of ducks taken at McNary National Wildlife Refuge on the Mid-Columbia River last season. It was Keely’s first waterfowl hunt. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

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CONTENTS VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 2

7 DEADLY TIPS FOR LATE WHITETAILS Yes, Inland Northwest bucks are rutty as hell in November; no, they’re not entirely total pushovers. Jeff Holmes knows this better than most, and he has tips and tactics for tagging out this month.

ALSO INSIDE 43

2023-24 NORTHWEST DUCK FORECAST With the northerns on their way – cross your fingers! – here’s what Washington and Oregon duck managers say hunters can expect this season.

QUACKER CALLING 101 – AND BEYOND Not every waterfowler has a mentor in the blind to help them build their skills on a duck call, and for those there’s Matt Carey and Slayer Calls’“Call the Wild” videos. Our quack addict MD Johnson interviews Carey on the innovative series, choosing a call, the difference between “good” and “bad” air, the importance of whistles, and much more.

(KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

107 GAME FOR SQUID? Late fall and winter mark prime time for jigging on Puget Sound and from local waterfront piers and docks for the annual run of market squid, and Mark Yuasa shares how to get in on the action from bank and boat. 129 PROSPECTING FOR MID-COLUMBIA EATER ’EYES With several burning questions in mind (and no shortage of jokes to tell), Jeff Holmes set out with guide Jerry Reyes to gauge how well last winter’s huge population of 13- to 15inch walleye on the upper John Day Pool has matured into eater-sized fish for this season’s fishery. What did they find?

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Go to nwsportsmanmag.com for details. NORTHWEST SPORTSMAN is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Periodical Postage Paid at Portland, OR and at additional mail offices. (USPS 025-251) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Northwest Sportsman, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Annual subscriptions are $39.95 (12 issues), 2-year subscription are $59.95 (24 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 382-9220 with VISA or M/C. Back issues may be ordered at Media Index Publishing Group offices at the cost of $5 plus shipping. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2023 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A. nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

Northwest Sportsman 15

BUZZ RAMSEY

Finally! Trout For Those Who Sleep In What if we told you there were fresh stocker trout to be had, no lines at the ramp and – best of all – no need to wake up at o’dark thirty to get in on the bite? Welcome to the second season, rainbow warriors! Buzz rigs us up for Black Friday fishing with some of his top setups.

COLUMNS 57

ON TARGET What To Know About Waterfowl Shells Dave W’s talking birds and ballistics – greenheads, honkers and nontoxic shells, that is – to help you get on target as the heart of waterfowl season arrives in the Northwest.

CHEF IN THE WILD How To Make Daffy Delicious “Gamey.”“Livery.” Indeed, ducks can be “a powerful-tasting critter,” Chef Randy readily admits, but he also knows a thing or two about taming that flavor. Check out his German schnitzel-inspired and Japanesetweaked tonkatsu duck recipe!

GUN DOG About The Full Circle Diet Just as your health can go south eating all the wrong things, so too can your four-legged hunting partner’s. Scott shares canine diet maladies, as well as the NutriSource plan he depends on to keep his gun dogs in top shape and ready for long days in Northwest fields and marshes.

BECOMING A HUNTER No (Tag) Soup For You! Didn’t tag out in October? That’s OK, there’s still solid general rifle opportunities in November. Dave A. has advice for bagging a buck this month and avoiding that most dreaded (not to mention watery) postseason dinner.

121

(BUZZ RAMSEY)

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Northwest Sportsman 17

DEPARTMENTS 23

THE EDITOR’S NOTE Elwha River moratorium eased for first fishery since dam removals

READER PHOTOS Fall Chinook catchers, silver slayers, young guns and more!

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER Monthly Coast and Kershaw prize-winning pic

THE DISHONOR ROLL Four shellfishers found with nearly 200 Westport marina Dungeness; Jackass of the Month

DERBY WATCH 16.5-pound coho wins Everett Derby; 2023 Westport Charterboat Association Derby grand prize winners

OUTDOOR CALENDAR Upcoming fishing and hunting openers, events, deadlines, more

THE BIG PIC

Greenwings Over Leque Marc Alberts experienced the best parts of a project to restore north Puget Sound’s Leque Island to a tidal estuary, work that provides benefits for not only salmon and ducks, but waterfowlers too.

(WDFW)

nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

Northwest Sportsman 21

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LOWER SKAGIT SOUTH FORK RIVERFRONT LOT The unshackled Elwha River feeds into the Strait of Juan de Fuca in a 2016 aerial image. (SAM BEEBE, FLICKR, CC BY 2.O DEED)

n what was the first of hopefully more easings of a fishing moratorium that began in 2011, tribal anglers held ceremonial and subsistence fisheries for coho on the northern Olympic Peninsula’s now damless Elwha River last month. Members of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe used rods, reels and lures to catch the salmon before a setnet fishery was opened later in October. The fisheries were agreed to with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during last spring’s North of Falcon season-setting process and the overall expected tribal catch was for up to 400 coho. “This completely filled my spirit to be back on the water again, to be able to exercise my treaty rights just as my ancestors did and fought for,” Vanessa Castle, a tribal fisheries tech who’d caught two coho, including one she estimated at 15 pounds, told a Seattle Times reporter on the scene.

I’M NOT GOING to pretend to have a whisker of the connection to the Elwha that Castle and her people do, but as someone who very nearly could have become river nutrients chasing its trout solo on a long-ago camping trip (I accidentally hit a bee or wasp nest and blindly waded a submerged ledge to escape their stings), I’ve followed the removal of the century-old and fish ladderless Elwha and Glines Canyon Dams and subsequent return to anadromy of its landlocked rainbows – summer steelhead – with keen interest. The removals and associated projects approved and funded by Congress cost $324.7 million and at the time was the largest such project in U.S. history (it’s being eclipsed by the removal of four dams on California and Oregon’s Klamath River). I’m not sure we’ll ever see the Elwha’s 100-pound kings again, but salmon and steelhead are returning to portions of the upper river, while Chinook and coho runs are also being supported by hatchery production and past trap-and-haul work. WDFW Regional Fisheries Manager James Losee spoke to why the Lower Elwha Klallam were at the front of the line to fish the river, telling the Times, “And then the thought has been with the tribe’s amazing patience over you could say the last 100 years, we would want to see how to get those treaty fisheries out there first.” Earlier this year, the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission said that data from the tribe’s fishery “will be crucial in developing future in-river commercial and recreational fisheries for coho and other salmon species.” And a late April press release from WDFW, NWIFC and the National Park Service further stated, “Recreational and commercial fishing will resume when there is broad distribution of spawning adults above the former dam sites, spawning rates allow for population growth and diversity, and a harvestable surplus of fish are returning to the Elwha River.”

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THEY AIN’T MAKING too many new rivers or salmon runs these days, and as eager as I am to report on and, er, more carefully participate in a sport fishery on the Elwha, I can be patient for now, as well as happy for the tribal members who partook in October’s coho fishery. Here’s to many more on our revived Elwha. –Andy Walgamott nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

Northwest Sportsman 23

Greenwings O

Author Marc Alberts experienced the best parts of a project to restore north Puget Sound’s Leque Island, near Stanwood, to a tidal estuary firsthand last waterfowl season. The restoration of ecological function provides benefits for ducks, salmon and waterfowlers. (MARC ALBERTS) 24 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

s Over Leque

Restoring tidal function on North Sound island’s former farmlands hasn’t hurt the duck hunting there, but you’ll need to be mobile and work the tides. By Marc Alberts

“

ou ever hunt this tidal marsh?” The question was directed to my buddy as we drove westbound over the Camano Gateway Bridge, duck boat in tow but loaded to the gunnels with crab pots. It was the middle of July and our minds, though firmly set on hauling up pots full of Dungeness while motoring around the cool waters of the northern Puget Sound island, briefly pivoted to the coming fall flight. Fishing can be an obsession for most of my Pacific

Northwest contemporaries, but I typically refer to it as just another outdoor activity I happily engage in while I count down the days until the duck season opener. “Lek-way? No, I’ve heard it’s super tidal and I don’t think I can run the boat out there, given how shallow it gets,” came my buddy’s reply as we sped down the road and the marsh disappeared from our sight. “Looks like it could be a pretty good spot for the sneak boat,” I mused as we turned up the radio to catch the rest of the Mariners game. My mind put a pin in the idea for later in the season; exploring new spots is

always an important part of my seasonal grind when the birds start to become stale in between weather windows.

LOCATED WEST OF the small farming town of Stanwood and sitting between Port Susan and Skagit Bays, Leque Island is a true throwback to a simpler time and a testament to successful tidal wetland restoration. Before early settlers began building up dikes around the island in the late 1800s, converting wetland to farmland, the island was entirely tidal marsh and a thriving estuary used by nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

Northwest Sportsman 25

salmon species traversing from the Stillaguamish River north into Skagit Bay or south into the waters of Port Susan. Farming the island provided agricultural and economic benefits to Stanwood for about a century, but arguably took its toll on native fish and all manner of other critters that benefit from tidal habitat. With the passage of time and progress of man, the Stillaguamish watershed lost roughly in the neighborhood of 85 percent of its historic tidal marshlands. The estuary of Leque Island was vitally important for the lifecycle of young Chinook as they transition from fresh- to saltwater. By the early 2000s, all major farming operations had ceased on Leque and the state of Washington had a decision to make regarding the future of the land. After consulting with stakeholders such as outdoor recreationists, local jurisdictions, tribal representatives and farmers, the

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife decided to remove the dikes surrounding Leque Island and restore the entire area to tidal marsh habitat. Thanks to a partnership with Ducks Unlimited and Strider Construction, WDFW completed this ambitious project in summer 2019. Removing the dikes restored roughly 276 acres of tidal marsh habitat, which will have multiplying benefits for this Puget Sound ecosystem. Due to their reliance on Chinook as a primary food source, the restoration of the estuary for salmon habitat also directly benefits the southern resident killer whales that roam nearby waters. It’s this connection to the salmon that the region is best known for; ask any outdoorsman around Puget Sound and they’ll tell you the salmon are the lifeblood of these waters. It all ties back to them.

THANKFULLY, IN THE Pacific Northwest what benefits the salmon and the orcas also benefits the ducks and thus the duck hunter, and so by midseason when most of my go-to spots out on big water and

in local ag fields had become stale with wary birds and overcrowded with other duck boats, I decided to change it up and go try my luck in the sneak boat at Leque one lazy Sunday morning. The island isn’t all that far from my home down in Bothell, and so I was launching my Marsh Rat kayak within an hour of hitting snooze on my iPhone alarm. I was a bit surprised to find the parking lot empty when I arrived but thought nothing of it as I threw my half-dozen mallard and pintail blocks into the front of the kayak and set out paddling into the moonlit darkness. The island is easily navigated via a series of main canals – the origins of which I’m guessing date back to the irrigation system of the once diked farmland – that run along the perimeter and then cut inward and lead to the center of main tidal pools. That particular morning there was the unmistakable ruckus of stirring waterfowl emanating from every inch of the shadowy, half-submerged vegetation, and the anxiety I had felt on the drive up about whether or not there

Restoration of the island included not only removal of 3 miles worth of dikes – built after settlement to improve the land for farming – but creation of 5-plus miles worth of tidal channels for fish habitat. Situated at the mouth of the Stillaguamish River, home to a chronically fishery-constraining stock of Chinook, the project has reclaimed 276 acres of estuary in a basin where 85 percent has been lost. (WDFW) 26 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

would be any ducks at this spot instantly evaporated from my mind. Instead, I dialed up my best Joe Rantz at the 1936 Olympic Games impression and paddled my arms off through the darkness of the marsh in excited anticipation. As I hastily threw out my handful of blocks just upwind of a tiny cluster of tall grass and driftwood, my nose felt the soft slap of a whoosh of air; a greenwing

teal had buzzed within inches of my face, and a little flock of eight had circled high and wide of where I stood momentarily in a daze! The birds landed in unison with that soft, unmistakable splash and then chattered happily among the marsh grass, right on time for breakfast. I glanced at my watch and settled down into the grass-hide cover of the kayak, disappearing among the tall grasses as I awaited the first shot.

Before (below, 2002) and after (main photo, 2022) images show the extent of dike removal and tidal channel creation at Leque Island. Projects like these rankle some waterfowlers, but among landowner Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s partners were Ducks Unlimited, which considered it “the right thing to do for the birds,” the Stillaguamish Tribe, Nature Conservancy and Skagit River System Cooperative. Between this project and nearby work done by TNC and the tribe, some 1,000 acres have been restored in the estuary, halfway to the goal of the Stillaguamish Watershed Chinook Salmon Recovery Plan (MAIN: WDFW; INSET: DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY)

28 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

DAYLIGHT TENDS TO come early on the tide flats. With no tree foliage to block the early beams of awakening Helios, I watched patiently from low within my grass cocoon as the ripples from the incoming tide filled in the network of intricate pools and channels. The sky was swarming with clouds of buzzing teal, wigeon and pintails, rocketing back and forth, piercing the air with their fluttering whistles. A slow, bright pink

shade began to dance off the snowcapped shoulders of the Cascade Range to the east, and the wind blew a steady breeze across the brim of my Jones cap. “This next group dropping in right here, that’ll be go time!” I thought to myself as I flicked the safety off my trusty 11-87. The greenwings were zipping across the marsh, headed straight in my direction, and I could tell by the way they had dropped low then

high then low again, that they had keyed in on my decoys among the wigeon grass. I remained steady as they swung high and wide with the wind before circling around to commit to that beautifully chaotic feetdown glide right over my blocks, now bouncing in the gentle tidal current and glimmering in the crisp, early morning light. In an instant, my Remington cried out to deliver the crack of thunder that saw a

double of teal hit the deck with a splash! With my kayak perfectly tucked amongst the smooth cordgrass, the ducks never stood a chance and were too close to miss. This was going to be a quick little hunt filled with nonstop action that produced a

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Northwest Sportsman 29

mixed bag of whistlers. The marsh sky was now filled with clouds of birds pouring in from off of the big water, looking to get at the buffet of vegetation and invertebrates before the tide reclaimed the mud and the island turned back into a vast, open lake, a freely flowing extension of the Sound. I made good use of my time and had several successful volleys that knocked down more teal and a double of baldpate.

AS I LAY there low among the floating grass, a mixed bag of half a dozen salty whistlers hanging from my game strap, I noticed another kayak approaching my water, just outside the decoy spread. The man was wearing a very distinct basketry-style hat, easily recognizable as the traditional headwear of many Pacific Northwest tribal members. I sat up and took in the scene; the view of the stunning snowcapped mountains, now aglow with vibrant shades of pink and yellow, towering like giants in

the background, and flocks of ducks now beginning to settle down into large rafts floating around the marsh. When the kayaker came within earshot he yelled a jovial greeting out to me. “Sorry to disturb your morning duck hunt! I’ll be out of your way momentarily, don’t worry!” His paddling was smooth and the lines of his elegant-looking sea kayak cut easily through the chilly waters, despite his upwind heading. The sight of it all was cause for a deep reflection; I’m a sucker for American history and fascinated by imagery of Western American landscapes from before the wagon trains and railroads brought on the great expansion and developers of the East to this corner of the world. I was consumed by the thought that this scene I was experiencing – a kayaker peacefully and effortlessly passing through these waters, with ducks and swans trafficking the sky above, and all manner of fish species swimming throughout the waters below – is most likely what Leque Island simply always was for centuries before the dikes were put in. And now that they’re gone, a duck hunter like me can

have the opportunity to appreciate what was once lost, and is now restored. On that morning, you could feel the old spirit of the island working to return to these waters and you couldn’t help but get lost in the romance of it. The taste of the salt on the wind was too strong. The stunning views of the Cascades were too sharp. The natural energy of the moment was just too great to ignore. “Hey, take your time, I’m doing just fine out here and welcome the company!” I replied to him, as I smiled and gestured with an open arm at the vast, wide-open marsh. He let out a short chuckle. “That’s right! Can you believe we’re the only ones out here enjoying this fine morning? How lucky are we?” All I could do was smile and lay back down into my hide as I watched him paddle towards the open water of the bay. As he began to fade from view, he approached a raft of ducks and the wary birds flushed and began to work the marsh right back towards me and my decoy spread. They were locked in and coming down on a rope. “How lucky, indeed!” NS

It may not be how you learned to hunt ducks on flooded farm fields or nearby marshes in Northwest Washington, but Leque Island and similar restored areas are not impossible either. “With a small hand-launch boat, camo PFD, 20 or so decoys – I like smaller teal decoys for this purpose – on 8-foot anchors, a roll-out hide to cover yourself and your boat tucked up against the logs or brush, and willingness to constantly adapt as water levels change, there’s excellent hunting throughout the entire waterfowl season,” states longtime local waterfowler and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Chase Gunnell. “Especially in December and January when nearby fields freeze.” (CHASE GUNNELL)

30 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

READER PHOTOS The coho fishing off Buoy 10 impressed Amanda Wiles, and so too did the size of the Dungeness – “Holy cow, so big.” She was fishing with Adventures with Mayhem Outfitters. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Usually when we get pics from the McLeods, it’s Jamie and her pink rod with a Columbia mouth coho, but this time it’s hubby Rich and his nice big fall Chinook. “I’ll take one like this all the time,” he says. Indeed!

This Siuslaw River king didn’t escape Kurt Russell (no, not that one, the one from Elmira) and his silver-bladed pink spinner. Buddy Carl Lewallen sent the pic. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

(KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Ruined. For. Life. That’s Cassidy Pope after neighbor Marvin Holder took Pope out for his first ever salmon fishing trip, which yielded a mess of adult and jack coho for them and another buddy. “It was an awesome day of fishing,” states Holder. We’ll say! (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Youngins 12-year-old Cash Craig and 7-monthold Lab Ranger enjoyed a pretty good Eastern Washington youth waterfowl day in late September. Even though parts of the Sunnyside Wildlife Area were dry, Cash got in plenty of shooting at wigeon with his 20-gauge and Ranger was able to track down one that sailed into the brush. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST) For your shot at winning great fishing and hunting knives from Coast and Kershaw in our Knife Photo Contest, send your full-resolution, original images with all the pertinent details – who’s in the pic; when and where they were; what they caught their fish on/weapon they used to bag the game; and any other details you’d like to reveal (the more, the merrier!) – to awalgamott@media-inc.com or Northwest Sportsman, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. By sending us photos, you affirm you have the right to distribute them for use in our print and Internet publications. nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

READER PHOTOS PHOTO CONTEST MONTHLY

Winner!

“Egg biters. Gotta love ’em.” True dat! Darrel Smith hoists a heckuva nice Humptulips fall Chinook that fell to his bait. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

The Campos family did well in the Columbia Gorge on fall Chinook this season. Here’s son Cristian with a Klickitat mouth king and dad Ivan (above) with one from up the creek. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Tillamook Bay’s known for its fall ’Nooks, but it also sees returns of wild coho – this year’s limited fishery served a good one up for Rhonna Schnell. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Joseph Servatius, 13, set a new personal best with this Mid-Columbia smallmouth. His dad’s buddy Jeff Flatt sent the pic. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST) 34 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

MIXED BAG

4 Found With Nearly 200 Westport Marina Dungies

By Andy Walgamott

n yet another infuriating case of selfish shellfisher behavior, four people who hit Westport hard in late summer were found to be in possession of 197 Dungeness, including 71 females, and many of the crabs were unable to be released alive because they’d died after being out of the water too long. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police, which reported the quartet “will be charged with multiple criminal violations,” say the bust began when game wardens returning from a patrol on the Pacific saw the crew working crab gear at the end of Float 20, just inside the harbor. As Officer Lanny McComber watched, one member of the party could be seen “discretely dumping” the contents of pulled gear straight into a cooler, leading to suspicion that none of the four were measuring crabs or following other rules. Once the marine patrol was over, McComber watched the four from a concealed spot and concluded that several

A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police officer counts female, undersized male and soft-shelled Dungeness crab seized from four shellfish swine at Westport. (WDFW)

JACKASS OF THE MONTH

ave waterfowl become the new varmints that a few people have no qualms about killing huge numbers of, nor follow any ethical standards while hunting them? That was the question at the top of my mind when I learned about the case of disgraced goose outfitter Josh Neuwiller, who this fall was sentenced to

90 days in jail for, in part, violating an earlier federal probation tied to his “shooting more than 80 snow geese from inside his truck while towing a hunting party on a trailer.” The deplorable incident occurred near a well-trafficked road in Maryland in 2016 and Neuwiller was sentenced to three years of probation for it in October 2021. However, while he was serving the term later that year, the feds say he continued to attempt to operate as an outfitter,

A screenshot from moments before goose outfitter Josh Neuwiller opened up on a flock of snow geese from the cab of his truck. At the time, he was also towing a trailer occupied by other shooters. Federal officials say over 80 geese were shot in the incident. (USFWS)

a violation of his probation, changing customers’ hunt dates at the last moment and “refusing to refund clients who were unable to reschedule on short notice. Others complained of a bait-and-switch operation,” according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It caught up to Neuwiller this September when the eight-time world champion goose caller received a month in prison for running a waterfowl outfitting company – Wye East Outfitters – without a license and two months in jail for violating the terms of his 2021 Migratory Bird Treaty Act conviction. For her part in the enterprise, wife Kellie Neuwiller was fined $250 and sentenced to a year of probation, which includes waterfowl hunting, guiding and outfitting bans. “The defendants have long profited from exploitive and unethical practices at the expense of the Eastern Shore’s natural resources and hunting traditions,” said Ryan Noel, a USFWS special agent, in a press release. “It’s thanks to tips from the public and our close collaboration with Maryland Natural Resources Police that we were able to hold the company accountable.” nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

members of the party indeed “were deploying and retrieving gear with the intent of keeping every single crab.” As the four packed up to leave, McComber drove over to the parking area and continued observing them. The officer saw two members of the party walk “ahead to scan the parking lot” and then, “(after) determining the area was clear, they were observed carrying two coolers to a vehicle and began to drop off gear.” Upon contacting the group, McComber asked for their licenses and to inspect their catch and equipment. According to WDFW Police, only two of the four individuals had current shellfishing licenses, and as for the two coolers, the “group had filled them both with undersize male and female Dungeness.” Asked if they had any more crabs in their possession, one “eventually confessed” and pulled a rollable tote from the trunk. Along with female Dungies and undersized males were “numerous” soft-shelled crabs, all of which of course are illegal to keep in Washington. Also found was a bag containing 17 illegally possessed rockfish. Unfortunately, when McComber and another officer tried to release the crabs back into the bay, “many were found to be dead in the tote due to prolonged time out of the water.” Charges referred to Grays Harbor County prosecutors included “shellfishing without a valid license, over two times the daily limit possession of crab, possession of female crab, possession of undersized crab, possession of soft-shelled crab,” along with the rockfish violations, say WDFW Police. With how important crabbing is to this county, here’s hoping prosecutors pinch these four hard.

38 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

By Andy Walgamott

16.5 Coho Wins ECD

obert Bjerk was the runaway winner at late September’s Everett Coho Derby, thanks to a silver that was more than 3 1/4 pounds heavier than the second-place fish, scoring the Marysville man $10,030. Making Bjerk’s 16.51-pounder all the sweeter was that his 100-year-old dad netted the grand-prize fish for him. Tommy Wang came in second with a 13.24-pound coho, good for $5,030, and Omar Quiroga took home $2,530 for his 11.96-pound fish. Roland Nixon won the youth division and $530 with a 10.78-pounder. A total of 2,118 adult and youth participants weighed in 1,156 fish, which averaged 6.31 pounds, an early sign Puget Sound would see a solid return of coho this fall. The unusual prize amounts were in recognition of the 30th edition of the derby, proceeds from which go toward supporting local fish and fisheries enhancement projects such as lake stocking, salmon rearing, stream nutrient enhancement and kids activities. It is put on by the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club and the Snohomish Sportsmen’s Club.

Grand prize winners of the Westport Charterboat Association's 2023 Annual Fishing Derby included (clockwise from top left) Andrey Maksimenko of Federal Way (25.80-pound Chinook, gilled and gutted weight; $10,000), Edd Natoli (13.50-pound coho; $1,500) and Richard Hughes (30.10-pound albacore; $1,000), both of Sedro-Woolley, and Erik Bailey of Hood River (76.65-pound halibut; $1,000). At press time, Joshua Sveum of Auburn stood to win $1,500 in the lingcod category for his 42-pounder. (WESTPORT WEIGHMASTER)

nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

OUTDOOR

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER

Mussel harvesting opens on Washington Coast beaches outside of Olympic National Park; Various trapping seasons open in Washington 2 Oregon Zone 1 duck season resumes 4 Oregon Zone 1 snipe and scaup openers; Western Washington rifle elk opener; Washington Goose Management Areas 3 and 5 reopener 4-5 ODFW Adult Mentor Duck Hunting Workshop ($, register), Sauvie Island – info: myodfw.com/ workshops-and-events 7 Oregon Southwest and Mid-Columbia Zones goose season resumes 10 Last day to hunt deer with any legal weapon Western Oregon tag 11 Oregon West Cascade and Rocky Mountain elk second season opener 11-12 Extended Western Oregon youth deer season dates 11-19 Northeast Washington late rifle whitetail season dates 12-18 Tentative razor clam digs scheduled on select Washington Coast beaches, dependent on marine toxin levels – info: wdfw.wa.gov 15 Last day to hunt black bears in Washington; Start of Oregon Zone 1 second mourning dove season 16-19 Western Washington late rifle blacktail season dates in select units 18 Southwest Oregon late bow deer opener in select units 18-19 ODFW Adult Mentor Duck Hunting Workshop ($, register), Coquille – info above 18-21 Oregon Coast bull elk first season dates 22 Washington late bow and muzzleloader deer and elk openers in many units 24 Washington “Black Friday” trout stocking, select lake openers 24-25 Oregon Free Fishing Weekend 24-29 Tentative razor clam digs scheduled on select Washington Coast beaches, dependent on marine toxin levels – info above 25 Late bow deer opener in select Northwest Oregon units; Oregon Northwest Permit Zone goose season resumes 25-Dec. 1 Oregon Coast bull elk second season dates 25-Dec. 10 Oregon brant goose season dates 27 ODFW Intro To Hunting In Oregon Workshop ($, register), The Dalles – info above 30 Last day of general Eastern Oregon fall turkey hunting season except as noted below

DECEMBER 1

General Eastern Oregon fall turkey hunting season in Desolation, Murderers Creek and Northside Units and southeastern corner of Heppner Unit switches to only open on private lands with permission 1-15 Extended pheasant season at select Western Washington release sites (no birds stocked) 7 Oregon Zone 2 duck and scaup season resumes 8 Last day of many Washington bow and muzzleloader deer and elk seasons 9 Washington Goose Management Area 1 reopener 12 Oregon High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone Canada goose season resumes 13-17 Tentative razor clam digs scheduled on select Washington Coast beaches, dependent on marine toxin levels – info above 15 Last day of more Washington bow and muzzleloader deer and elk seasons 23 Oregon South Coast Zone goose season resumes 26-29 Tentative razor clam digs scheduled on select Washington Coast beaches, dependent on marine toxin levels – info above 31 Last day to hunt pheasants in Oregon; Last day of Eastern Washington general fall turkey hunting season; End of Oregon and Idaho fishing and hunting license years

JANUARY 1 6 10

New Oregon and Idaho fishing and hunting licenses required; Washington late cougar season opens – quota info: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/ big-game/cougar First of 14 brant goose hunting days in Pacific County (others: January 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 28) Deadline to file Washington big game report for incentive permit eligibility; Last day to hunt scaup in Oregon Zone 2 nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

Northwest Sportsman 41

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HUNTING

2023-24 Northwest Duck Forecast Here’s what Oregon and Washington waterfowl managers have to say about this season’s mallard, pintail, wigeon and teal prospects. By MD Johnson

he numbers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual duck population status are in, and as many of you already know, they don’t look good. In Reader’s Digest condensed form, seven dabbling ducks, including mallards, wigeon, pintails, shovelers, gadwall, and bluewing and greenwing teal, and three divers – bluebills, canvasbacks and redheads – were spotlighted, with all but greenwing teal, pintails and, surprisingly enough, ’cans showing declines compared to the 2022 numbers. Now, and before you starting selling all your duck stuff and enrolling in underwater basket weaving 101, let me throw in a couple more tidbits of information. One, these national population numbers don’t necessarily translate one-for-one to situations out here in the Pacific Flyway, particularly along the coast, or the extreme western portion of the Central Flyway. And two, several of the species monitored – gadwall, greenwings, shovelers and redheads – all posted increases over the long-term average, or LTA. Guardedly optimistic good news, yes, but good news nonetheless. So, numbers and surveys, increases and decreases and percentages aside,

The 2023-24 duck season in the Northwest stands to be a mixed bag, given mixed signals about bird numbers, with some species down but others rebounding. Keely Hopkins of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Matt Little of Ducks Unlimited had a pretty good day at McNary National Wildlife Refuge on the MidColumbia late last season. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

what might duck hunters expect to see as the 2023-24 season progresses through November and into the final days early next year? For these crystal ball interpretations, Northwest Sportsman once again puts the touch on Kyle Spragens, waterfowl program manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Brandon Reishus, lead waterfowl

biologist and Spragens’ counterpart for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, to see what these waterfowl professionals think about the coming weeks and months.

WASHINGTON Northwest Sportsman First rattle out of the box, Kyle, what’s the situation with pintails? nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

HUNTING So, and if you’re a pintail born in Alaska, you (migrate) down the coast and there are more birds that have bypassed the prairies, so it looks like there’s a lot more pintails in the system. And that’s because (what you’re seeing) are pintails that haven’t nested very well or successfully at all. Too, there’s been no water in the Klamath Basin, so there’s been no migration to Klamath Falls. So where do those birds coming down from Alaska stop? The estuary bays in Washington and Oregon and into the Willamette Valley. You’ve probably heard people say, “Wow! There’s a lot more pintails around!” If you hear that west of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon, that’s not a good thing. That’s actually a flag that says, “Oh, the prairies might not be performing very well.” So, although this last (2023 USFWS pintail) survey was better than last year, it’s just saying it’s better than the worst survey recorded since 1955.

NWS Another species of interest to

Wigeon, one of the three most important species in terms of harvest in the Northwest, have been struggling in recent years and are “quite down” compared to the long-term average, though Alaska breeding ground surveys may have occurred on the early side, affecting the estimate. (GEORGE GENTRY, USFWS)

Kyle Spragens Pintails always make people scratch their heads because they see things that aren’t necessarily how the “pintail system” works. What I mean is this: The largest component of pintails breed in the prairies, particularly in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. There are breeding groups in the Arctic and into Alaska, but those aren’t as productive (as those in the prairies). They can’t crank out as many ducklings per nest as the birds in the prairies when the prairies have food and water and nesting cover. The problem has been that for about the past 10 years, the prairies have been basically 44 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

nonexistent, especially where pintails can chug out that big productivity. Author’s note: What Spragens said next explains everything, if you read and reread the above carefully, focusing on what the biologist said about the prairies – that when that landscape is in good health, it’s capable of producing more baby pintails, and ducklings in general, than would the habitat available much further north. To continue …

KS If the prairies aren’t looking good, if the “table isn’t set,” then a number of (pintails) physically bypass the prairies and go into these Arctic or Alaskan regions that are lower productivity.

Washington ’fowlers are harlequins, now with a fully closed season. Any change there? KS Harlequins aren’t a super abundant bird to begin with. The LTA for them is right around 4,000 to 4,200 during the winter in Puget Sound. The problem, even though we (Washington) had a one-perseason limit for those who chose to be a sea duck hunter, was that more individuals were choosing to pursue harlequins, and the ratio – harvest versus birds available for harvest – edged into a problematic zone or threshold where (harvest) was no longer sustainable. It (the problem) was about how many birds were being taken out every year. The interesting piece about our (new) boat-based survey on harlequins is we’ve found two zones in the harvest (area) that we knew were being overly concentrated on. What we found is that the ratio of males to females is biased toward females, meaning there are females that don’t pair (find a

HUNTING

Scaup have also been below their long-term average, but the limit remains at two a day for these ducks also known as bluebills. (JULIE JOHNSON)

mate) in two of the key harvest zones. That’s wildly problematic. Harlequins are more like geese in that they pair up early and have an identified pair when they go upstream (to nest). If in February you’re seeing females that don’t have an identified pair, that’s likely a nonbreeding bird. And as we understand, most adult females should try to breed. Basically, you were removing (harlequins from the population) faster than you could refill. And that’s the management game. As long as you’re able to maintain the figurative water level in the bucket, you’re good. But if you start taking it out too fast and it can’t refill to “that line” again, you’re going to have long-term issues. The population isn’t going to be sustainable. We’re continuing to monitor the population; we’ll do our boat-based surveys again in 202346 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

24. If we get closer to what we think will be a population that allows some sort of harvest, it will take some form of limited user entry, some sort of permit. It won’t be like the previous version where everybody who wanted to try (harlequins) got a chance to try. We went too far there.

NWS Mallards, Kyle? Everybody loves greenheads, and the 2022-23 season seemed a good one for mallard purists. This year, though? KS Western Washington benefits greatly from Alaska-reared mallards, and the past two years the Alaska count has been particularly high. So if Alaska is “churning” pretty good, you should see good mallard numbers in Western Washington and down to the Willamette Valley. The other thing is weather in Alaska, which can push the freeze/

thaw line. The bigger birds try to hold onto that line as long as they can, but if there’s a weather system that forces these Alaska-reared (mallards) south, then Western Washington and Oregon are going to see that benefit. We did catch more hatch-years – definition: So-called “hatch years” are young-of-the-year ducks trapped in August and/or September, but born (hatched) in April and/or May of that same year. After their first molt, differentiating a “hatch year” from an adult is nigh on impossible for the layperson – this year than we did last year in the traps, but it wasn’t overwhelming. So there was some productivity from Western Washington. We’re hoping Alaska was a good spot for a mallard to set up shop (this spring), and I guess we’ll find out as we get deeper into the fall and winter. Those birds really don’t show up until weather forces

HUNTING

Even as some waterfowl populations are off, the good news is that duck season remains at the maximum of 107 days long in the Northwest, providing opportunity to hunt from the golden days of October through the darkness of November and December and the return of the sun in January. Les Cummings and Les Logsdon bagged a couple limits of ducks near Richland, Washington, in a recent season, taking turns shooting and never missing. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

them down, potentially in November.

NWS Wigeon and greenwing teal both, Kyle, are bread-and-butter birds for duck hunters in the Pacific Flyway, especially in Washington and Oregon. Greenwing numbers for 2023, as well as over the LTA, are up slightly; however, wigeon numbers are down 14 percent from ’22 and – ugh! – 28 percent over the LTA. Thoughts? KS Well, the wigeon number was one that was certainly surprising in the count (survey). Their counts are 48 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

almost down to historic lows. Now the caveat to that is that a vast majority of the wigeon count now comes from throughout Alaska and the Alaska/ Northwest Territories border. This is where “our” wigeon come from, and those counts were way down. Now, everyone’s hoping that was a function of “how late was the spring versus the survey tracking over the ground,” so there’s some optimism that it (the wigeon count) wasn’t as bad as it came out. Greenwings are a hard one. Their

count was down, though it’s still above the LTA, but it’s definitely down and I think Alaska drove that decline. Greenwings are situationally responsive. They’re peaking where there’s water on the ground fast, and if they get here in the fall and there’s a lull in the shallow flooded habitat, then they’re likely going to bypass Washington. Last year, California got all their water back in a short amount of time, so I would imagine a bunch of (greenwings) bypassed us and boogied down to California. So part

HUNTING of that is, when does the rain hit and how is the water holding up?

OREGON NWS The numbers are out, Brandon, but can these national statistics be somewhat misleading for us folks out here in the Pacific Northwest? Brandon Reishus Yes and no. We certainly get some birds that contribute to that (national) number. Alaska is included in that number. Alberta and the Northwest Territories. A big chunk, probably the majority, of the Alaska birds end up in the Pacific Flyway. As for the Northwest Territories and Alberta, it’s a split as to whether or not those birds will end up in the Pacific Flyway versus the Central or Mississippi Flyways. So we need to look at those numbers, but they don’t necessarily mean as much (to us) as they would to a hunter, say, in Arkansas or Missouri. Those birds are

50 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

funneling out of the Midcontinent, where the bulk of those (survey) numbers originate.

NWS Good mallard year in 2022, Brandon. What do you see coming in ’23 in terms of mallards? BR This is speculation, mind you, relative to what we saw last year. I think we had pretty good production locally last year, but local birds only go so far. It sounded like Alaska had really good production last year. They had a strong breeding count for mallards in the spring of ’22. And Western Washington and Northwest Oregon, especially, winter a big chunk of those mallards coming out of Alaska, so that could be it. Alaska really did look good in 2022 as far as mallard numbers go.

NWS Let’s dive right into pintails, Brandon. We narrowly dodged the bullet, figuratively speaking, in 2022 and were allowed a single sprig

instead of none, which was a definite possibility. Is there a bright spot where pintails are concerned? BR I don’t know if there’s a bright spot. Managers are certainly encouraged to see last year as the “bottoming out” – or at least hopefully the bottoming out. You know, there’s variability in these surveys annually. This year, you see a 24 percent increase from last year’s numbers, but a 24 percent increase from the bottom really isn’t that much. The continental number this year was 2.2 million; that’s not great, but it looks better because most of the other species showed declines relative to last year. I know there’s a lot of excitement from some hunters, or some of the things I’ve been reading anyway on social. “Gosh, pintails are way up! I hope we get more in the bag!” Well, they’re up from the bottom. They’re still not good. There’s still some concern there.

nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

HUNTING NWS What’s the story with wigeon? When I moved back to Southwest Washington in 2015, there were a ridiculous number of wigeon all season long. Now, it’s hit-or-miss. It’s very sporadic, if they’re around at all. BR Wigeon are one of the top three birds in terms of harvest out here in the Pacific Flyway. It’s mallard, greenwings and wigeon. They’re super important to our bag out here. But we don’t know a lot about wigeon. We do survey them. They’re not as strong as a prairie breeder. The USFWS (population) survey includes a lot of area that’s not prairie, but it’s well designed to get a good handle on the core prairie breeding birds. It (the survey) does include a lot of northwest Canada and Alaska, and that’s really the wigeon holdout. So there’s a lot of wigeon in areas that are potentially not surveyed as well. What we do know is that wigeon, relative to species such as mallards

52 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

and bluewing teal, haven’t done as well. Their (downward) trend doesn’t look like pintail or scaup, but it’s not really far off. They’ve flirted with the LTA over time. This year, they’re quite down (14 percent), but that’s only one year. Wigeon have been holding steady, and haven’t seen the big boom/bust like some species. Author’s note: I found it interesting when Reishus talked about wigeon being “grazers,” and therefore not nearly as easy to capture in a grain/corn-baited trap for banding purposes as mallards or pintails or even Canada geese might be. Thus, he continued, it’s awful difficult to draw any type of scientific conclusion about wigeon, wigeon numbers and wigeon movement/migration via banding returns. Reishus admitted that despite banding “a lot of ducks in his life,” he’s never once personally caught and banded a wigeon. A colleague of his, however, working in Canada this year banded over 100 baldpate. “It’s remarkable,” Reishus

says, “to get over 100 wigeon in his bait traps.”

NWS Same question, Brandon, with greenwing teal. I see greenwings like I do Christmas; it’s going to happen. It’s going to come. And then one year, Christmas doesn’t come. And the next, it shows up without ol’ Saint Nick. Poor analogy, perhaps, but what’s the Pacific Flyway without greenwings? I just don’t see that many anymore in places where five or six years ago, there were plenty. BR One of the issues we run into when we’re surveying greenwings is that they’re incredibly difficult to see. They’re very small and relatively dark. So when you’re flying over in an airplane or a helicopter, if they don’t move, you may not see them. So there’s a little bit of that going on in the surveys. And in my opinion, greenwings are one of the more ephemeral ducks we have. Here today,

HUNTING gone tomorrow. Where I hunt, the last couple years I’ve shot a lot of greenwings. But more so than a lot of species, greenwings can be abundant for a few weeks and then they move on to wherever it is they go. That’s tough to say.

while still reduced relative to the overall limit, three’s a lot more than two. That seems to be a big breakpoint for a lot of hunters, and (three) makes it a lot more enjoyable to go down to the Lower Columbia and target divers than does two.

NWS Bluebills, Brandon. Status quo?

NWS So in summation, Brandon, are

The population seems to have leveled out over the past two or three years. BR That’s a good way to put it. (Scaup) have been below their LTA and a species of concern for a number of years now, which lead to the restrictive two-bird limit here now for three or four years straight. We didn’t see a ton of recovery in bluebills in the ’23 survey, which keeps us in that restrictive season with a slightly reduced season length and the two-bird bag. We’re hopeful there. It doesn’t take too many more birds in the population survey to bump us back into that three-bird limit. And once we’re in that three-bird limit,

’fowlers looking at a season in ’23 similar to ’22? BR I think so. The one caveat is if you dive into that USFWS survey data deeply, you’ll notice that the numbers in Alaska were way … way … down. And if that is actually true, (that may indicate) we lost a lot of breeding ducks that generally would be in Alaska; however, if you talk to the biologists in Alaska who were doing that survey, Alaska had an extremely late winter. Lots of snow that stayed on the landscape for a long time. I think it’s likely the Alaska survey was “early” relative to snowmelt. It may have

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54 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

been later on the calendar when the flights were done, but it was actually “early” in terms of (duck) distribution on the landscape. So that probably played a role in the low numbers we had coming out of Alaska. Locally, production seems to have been pretty good. On the east side of Oregon, it’s definitely better than it has been the last couple years. The drought conditions we saw, especially in 2021 lingering into 2022 on the Eastside, were very detrimental to duck production, and we certainly lost breeding birds over time. Our statewide breeding survey showed that; it was one of the lower counts we’ve ever had, and not unexpected. So, and despite a low breeding number this year, we’ve seen marked improvements in production on our state wildlife areas, which should equal more birds out there than the last couple years (due to) more young birds on the landscape. NS

COLUMN

What To Know About Waterfowl Shells N

ovember is that month in each year when three things happen: Fair-weather hunters travel only as far as the sofa ON TARGET By Dave Workman or recliner to enjoy weekend football, deer hunters take a last crack at late-season bucks, and serious waterfowlers figure their season has just begun. If you’re in the latter category, you’ll buy more shells, clean your shotgun to keep it running smoothly, and hope for the best. But there’s a little more to it than that. So, let’s talk about ballistics and birds.

MANY WINGSHOOTERS HAVE already tuned up on early-season grouse or chukars, and if you started in September with mourning doves, your reflexes are probably in overdrive. So, just relax a bit and take this in. How fast do ducks and geese fly? They typically scoot along at 40 to 60 mph, so factor that into the equation. Quail and chukars can go almost as fast, and they’re smaller targets so if you can hit them, waterfowl ought to be easier. I said “ought to be.” Grouse, according to what I’ve experienced over the years, can be even faster, yet we still manage to hit them. But upland birds are hunted with lead, while waterfowling requires nontoxic shot, and steel is the most popular and least expensive. What do you know about nontoxic shot beyond the fact that it is mandatory for waterfowl? This is where I’m almost certain to start an argument, probably several. There are really three basic choices: steel, bismuth and tungsten (with iron

When it comes to waterfowl, your ammunition choices are clear: nontoxic shot only such as steel or bismuth. (DAVE WORKMAN) nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

Northwest Sportsman 57

COLUMN Whether you want an extra oomph is typically determined by your ammunition, and the three shells shown here define the choices: a 3½-inch 12-gauge magnum, next to a 3-inch magnum and finally on the right a 2¾-inch shotshell. (DAVE WORKMAN)

or polymer). We’ll get this out of the way right up front. In the early days, there were valid concerns and no small number of complaints about steel wounding too many birds. Ammunition development has progressed dramatically since then, with advances that have been stunning. Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention. New wads, buffering and propellants have come along to get the most out of what we’ve got. A payload of steel will typically leave the muzzle going more than 1,400 to 1,500 feet per second, depending upon the specific load. (You often find velocities printed on the box next to details about the shot charge.) You get comparable velocities with tungsten or bismuth, in the 1,500-plus-fps range, but this heavier shot will retain velocity and energy over longer distances better than steel. Say your shots are out to 40 or even 50 yards. Forty yards is only 120 feet 58 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

and 50 yards is 150 feet, so your shot column crosses the distance in a fraction of a second, opening up along the way. If you’re shooting close – say, 25 to 30

A third option for wingshooters is tungsten, and it is often more expensive than steel or even bismuth. (DAVE WORKMAN)

yards – your shot pattern will be tighter and it will cross the distance quicker. All of this must be factored in a split second as you swing, perhaps trying to calculate the necessary lead as the bird passes. After all, nobody who ever shot any kind of fowl has ever had only incoming or going-away shots. When steel shot became mandatory, gun makers started marketing choke tubes to address the difference between steel and lead, the best example being that a modified choke constriction for steel would be full choke for lead, because steel retains a tighter pattern than lead, thanks to its more perfectly round shape. The reduced constriction will help the steel shot column to disperse. I’ve got a Mossberg 500 pump gun with different chokes for lead and steel, the latter dubbed AccuSteel. They’re clearly marked so I can tell at a glance which one is installed in my gun.

SO ABOUT SHELLS … Years ago, when the 3½-inch 12-gauge magnum was introduced, the buzz around the gun range was A) this shell would replace the 10-gauge, making it obsolete, and B) it would inadvertently encourage “skybusting” at high-flying birds that might seem beyond the range of a traditional 2¾- or 3-inch magnum. I’m not certain that’s how it has actually worked out, but guys I’ve known who purchased

COLUMN

When steel shot became mandatory years ago, gun makers began producing choke tubes better suited to get the most out of the type of pellets. Here are a couple of Mossberg AccuSteel choke tubes for author Dave Workman’s Mossberg 500 pump. (DAVE WORKMAN) any of the shotguns chambered for the 3½-inch shells didn’t seem to change their shooting habits. (I knew one guy who bought a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3½-inch 12-gauge so he could ground-

sluice grouse at long range! Of course, he also shot ducks and geese out in the Columbia Basin, but the grouse thing was amusing.) Of course, the 3½-inchers might carry

a slightly larger payload than 3- or 2¾inch shells, but does it make a difference? Yeah, maybe, but it probably depends more upon the shooter than the shotgun and shells. And there’s the recoil factor. I’ve never felt recoil when shooting at live game, but a 3½-inch 12-gauge semiauto has quite a punch, so feel it or not, at the end of the day you might have a bruised shoulder. Repeated recoil can be a problem you don’t need, so pick a good recoil pad! Let’s look at loads. For example, according to a little treatise on ammunition from Kent Cartridge, posted online by Ducks Unlimited, a 3-inch magnum load of 12-gauge No. 4 bismuth weighing 13/8 ounces contains 215 pellets. They clock at 1,450 fps at the muzzle. Meanwhile, a 3-inch 12-gauge load of No. 2 Fasteel 2.0 has a 1¼ ounce load of shot containing 156 pellets, which leave the muzzle at 1,500 fps. Remember, we talked earlier about flight speed and shooting distances. I found a box of 2¾-inch Winchester copper-plated Super Steel loads in BBB for geese, and clearly on the box flap it is noted they contain 65 pellets per shell. BBB steel shot are .19 inch in diameter, slightly smaller than No. 4 buckshot. For contrast rather than comparison, let’s look at some 3½-inch loads, and reference a chart posted online at

DO NOT FORGET LATE BUCK!

f I haven’t already notched my tag, I’ll be out in the woods by the big tree looking for a buck later this month. There are many advantages in the late hunt. Alder, maple and other decidious trees have lost many if not most of their leaves, the moist forest floor will be quiet and there may even be snow in places. There also will be fewer hunters moving around, and the rut will be coming on. This time of year, I concentrate on the edges of croplands or clearcuts. Bundle up, of course, because sitting or standing in one spot is the best strategy. Walk the ground you’re hunting, find signs of heavy deer traffic and then sit still. My grandpa and uncle used to observe, if you sit down

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in one place long enough, east or west, eventually a deer is going to walk by. Look for fresh scrapes and find a spot to watch. Look for does and pay attention because this time of year, there is liable to be a buck in the neighborhood. Get back away from the roads and find those small open areas one often encounters in the woods. By now, such spots could look like deer highways, and you want to be the traffic cop. Use scope covers because chances are it will be rainy or maybe even spitting snow, and you want to keep your lenses clear fore and aft. I keep two bikini-type rubber scope covers draped around my gear stick, so they’re always handy. These

things flip off quietly in an instant, allowing you to shoot fast. Where to go? Anywhere in Washington’s Little Pend Oreille game range, up around the lakes east of Colville in Stevens County, and the country from Marshall Lake north toward Ione and Sullivan Lake in Pend Oreille County should be productive for whitetails. The season runs November 11-19 in Units 105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 121 and 124. On the Westside, three areas I’ve always liked are down in east Lewis County, the Storm King (510), South Rainier (513) and Packwood (516) Units, where any buck is legal. Toward the coast, don’t ignore the Minot Peak or Fall River units. Late blacktail season runs November 16-19. –DW

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Northwest Sportsman 61

COLUMN shotshell.drundel.com showing average pellet counts in various weights and sizes of shot. I dug out a box of Winchester Xpert steel 3½-inchers with a 13/8-ounce payload of BB shot that clocks 1,550 fps. According to the chart, there should be an average of 99 pellets in the column. But then shift to a 3½-inch Federal Black Cloud No. 4 shell with a 1½-ounce charge of shot going 1,500 fps at the muzzle. According to the chart, you should suddenly graduate to an average of 288 pellets per shot column, translating to a far denser pattern. Jump over to Winchester’s Blind Side 3½-incher with 15/8 ounces of No. 3 Hex steel shot. If the chart is accurate, there should be an average of 257 pellets per shot payload, though the shape of these pellets could make a difference. Winchester says this load leaves the muzzle at 1,400 fps, which would cross 40 yards in about one heartbeat, give or take medication, how much coffee you drank or how much adrenaline is

coursing through your bloodstream!

THE DRUNDEL.COM CHART is a handy tool, but is this all academic? Yes and no, because waterfowl shooting – or any shooting at moving targets with shotguns – requires incredibly fast thinking, which most of us do not realize we are capable of until circumstances – including ducks crossing your decoys at about 30 yards – require it. Congratulations, you can outthink the captain of the starship Enterprise, and dine accordingly. While a fair amount of shooting may be done within 30 to 40 yards, you should check your pattern at 40 to see how wide a shot spread you’ve got, within a 30-inch circle. Out to 50 yards or better, rest assured your shot pattern will be opening up, and this is where the 3½inch magnum struts its stuff. Fifty yards is a long shot with any smoothbore, in my estimation, but launched from a full choke, a load of No. 4, 2 or anything up to T or F can still conk a bird. Remember, the

larger your shot size, the fewer pellets in the pattern. If the inflated cost of ammunition has accomplished one good thing, it would have to be that it has made us all more selective about the shots we fire at whatever we’re trying to shoot. Winchester, Remington, Federal and other shotshell manufacturers offer superb choices, whether you prefer 2¾-, 3- or 3½-inch ammunition. Don’t forget Kent or Bismuth. In the final analysis, it’s not just the load, but the skill of the shooter which counts. I learned a very long time ago that a bigger gun does not make anyone a better shot. From now through the holidays, the Columbia Basin, northern Puget Sound’s Skagit-Samish, Nooksack and Stillaguamish Deltas, Grays Harbor and the Lower Columbia, the Tri-Cities area and down around Umatilla, and Sauvie Island and the Willamette Valley will see the most action, and weather will play the most important role. NS

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Northwest Sportsman 63

Duck & Big Game Calls

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HUNTING

Duck Calling 101 – And Beyond Slayer Calls’ Matt Carey on starting out, ‘good’ and ‘bad’ air, the importance of whistles, and more. By MD Johnson

’m going to be brutally honest here. When I started duck hunting in 1974, the process for my father Mick and me didn’t include decoys. Oh, he had some old Carry-Lite and Flambeau mallards and black ducks, which today I’m sure would qualify as “vintage,” but we never threw ’em out on the old muskrat pond at the late Bob Wolfe’s beaver swamp but a time or two. And, again to be honest, I think the Old Man agreed to that so I’d stop asking him every time we went. Some things, I reckon, never change, do they parents of hunting kids? I mention the decoys because, at least during my formative waterfowling years, the same could be said about duck calls and calling. The Old Man had a duck call, a now equally as vintage P.S. Olt D-2, tethered to his old-school canvas coat with a piece of rawhide and a huge honkin’ safety pin, and squirreled away in his upper left chest pocket, along with a Hershey’s chocolate bar and a pack of Camel Lights. Never – not once – did I hear the Old Man blow that D-2 out in the field. “We’re where these ducks wanna be,” he’d tell me when I asked why he never used that call. “No use in blowing that thing if the ducks are coming here anyway.”

Not every waterfowler has a mentor in the blind to help them build their skills on the duck call, and for those there’s Matt Carey (background) and Slayer Calls’ “Call the Wild” video series. (ISAAC NEALE) nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

HUNTING

“You don’t have to spend a crazy amount of money to get started. I wouldn’t spend any less than $30 on a call, if I’m just starting, and I wouldn’t spend much more than … $50,” says Carey. (JULIE JOHNSON)

It was tough to argue that logic in ’74, and I guess it still makes a lot of sense today. But, as S.E. Hinton wrote in ’71, “That was then, This is now.” Over the intervening 49 years since shooting my first duck, I’ve come to understand and appreciate the importance of a duck call. How they’re made. What they’re made of. How they operate. What they should and shouldn’t sound like. The 66 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

difference between single reeds and double reeds. High end. Low end. Whistles. Quacks. Growls. It’s a simple yet very complex world, this duck calling thing. Thirty-year-old Matt Carey knows all about the world of duck calls and duck calling. True, the Georgia native has only been duck hunting since 2017, but don’t let his relatively short playing time fool you into thinking he doesn’t know

his stuff. How do I say this? The kid’s good; real good. Good enough that the folks at Slayer Calls based out of Eagle, Idaho, asked him to spearhead – including producing, editing and filling the role of on-camera educator – their innovative “Call the Wild” duck calling instructional video series. “There weren’t a whole lot of great (instructional) resources out there,” Carey says, referencing the lack of web-based calling tutorials available even three or four years ago. “I learned to call primarily via the internet. And what I saw were a lot of people telling you how to do something and then doing it, but it’s really not explained well. Too, it’s often way too much information all at once. It’s like drinking from a fire hose.” So what Slayer did, with CEO and long-time duck hunter Bill Ayer and Carey collectively at the helm, was create the “Call the Wild” how-to series, a tutorial aimed in part, says Carey, at “someone who (maybe) doesn’t have any hunting experience. A complete beginner. Like Duck Calling for Dummies. We wanted to create something that was easy for any experience level and any age. Simple. Easy to use. It’s a cheap resource. Heck, a kid could save up their allowance for a couple weeks and pay for an entire year’s learning.” Currently, Slayer Calls offers both a beginner and an intermediate multiepisode duck calling course in their subscription-based program. For more information and to watch the trailer, go to callthewild .slayercalls.com, and use the promo code NORTHWESTSPORTSMAN23 for a savings you can then spend on ammunition or, better yet, another duck call. I was, however, able to pin Carey down for a few minutes one morning recently, preduck season of course, and get his thoughts on the subject of duck calling 101 and beyond.

Northwest Sportsman Morning, Matt. So, buying a duck call. With dozens upon dozens of them out there,

Duck & Big Game Calls

nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

HUNTING Carey says that understanding what to do when while duck hunting can actually be more important than the sounds you make with your calls. (MATT CAREY)

a lot of information nowadays, but we’re also cursed to have too much information. I think taking (education) from people who have experience is important, but then putting those things into practice in the field is even more important. Nine times out of 10, people need to learn something for themselves before they truly understand it.

NWS Step One, Matt. Where do I begin duck calling? I have this new duck call now. Where do I start? MC The key to using any game call, whether it’s a duck call or a turkey call or an elk call, is building a good foundation in terms of air presentation. Making sure you’re using “good air.” There is “bad air,” and that’s where I see most issues. That’s where we start with “Call the Wild.” We start with that before we ever start making (duck) sounds.

NWS Good enough, but can you

where do I even begin? Matt Carey You don’t have to spend a crazy amount of money to get started. I wouldn’t spend any less than $30 on a call, if I’m just starting, and I wouldn’t spend much more than – if you don’t have a budget, spend whatever you want! – $50. Under $30 and you’re likely going to end up with a not-so-great call and it’s going to make your learning experience that much tougher. Author’s note: Just out of curiosity, I googled “duck calls under $30,” and in 0.54 seconds got 33.6 million results. My point? The choices are many, and more than one or two of these under-$30 duck calls are from builders like Buck Gardner, Fred Zink, Phil “Duck Commander” Robertson, and the Internet sensation, Dux Waterfowl. It’s important to remember, though, that duck calls are like many things available for purchase; that is, you get what you pay for in terms of build, performance, durability, craftsmanship, versatility, user-friendliness and so on. 68 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

NWS Is it important to get a call from a reputable call maker? One with a good reputation? MC I think so, but I would also say that if I were going to buy a duck call, I wouldn’t be afraid to or even would recommend buying from a smaller “boutique” company as opposed to the larger companies that have been around for 40 years. The new companies, I think, see the flaws in the way things have been done, and there’s been a lot of innovation. With these new companies, there’s been a lot of thought put into (the designs) rather than doing the same thing that’s been done for the past 30 years. So these smaller, privately owned, “made in America” companies are definitely a good thing.

NWS True or false, Matt. The best place or way to learn to call ducks is via the internet? MC I would say true, with the addition of this. I think we’re blessed to have

explain the difference between “good air” versus “bad air” for us? MC Bad air is like blowing bubbles through a straw. That’s the improper air for blowing through a duck call. The good air is the belly air or the “fogging up a window” air. Imagine you’re trying to fog up a mirror or a window. That’s the kind of air you want to present into any game call.

NWS Another true or false, Matt. My calling goal or objective is perfection; that is, I want to sound perfect. MC I would say false. We’re not dealing with animals that have a doctorate degree. As long as you can sound realistic, along with your timing, that’s more important than how you sound. There’s a lot of new duck hunters out there, and a lot of new callers. That means there’s a lot more pressure, so sounding better than everyone else can be helpful. Understanding what to do and what not to do is more important, sometimes, than the sounds themselves.

NWS What sounds, then, do I need to

nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

HUNTING feed-chuckled those birds to the water!” Yeah. Never said it.

NWS I see Slayer and other companies

The “Call the Wild” subscription-based series features beginner and intermediate level courses and can be found at callthewild.slayercalls.com. (MATT CAREY)

master first? MC The first thing I would recommend to anyone is the “quack.” The basic “quack.” This is the foundation that every other call comes from or is based off of. After that, a basic fivenote cadence, which can turn into several different things. Like you hear people talk about a greeting call or a comeback call, it’s a five-note “quack.” There are other things that people like to do, but (I think) they’re more for thrills. Icing on the cake; they’re not the cake itself. Author’s note: I smiled when Carey said this, as it made me think of every

time I’ve heard a duck caller do the infamous “feed chuckle” outside of the competition stage. The feed chuckle, for the uninitiated, is a low (phonetically) “ticca-ticca-ticca-ticca” rolling machinegun sound meant to mimic a whole bunch of mallard ducks contentedly feeding on the ground. Truthfully, the only time I hear this sound in the field is coming from a mama mallard as she leads a high-altitude flock of ducks to somewhere I’m not. My thought? Guys do this, especially on YouTube, because 1) it sounds cool, and 2) they can. Me? I can’t do it, but have never felt hogtied because I can’t. “Damn! I could have

have what they call a duck whistle or a drake whistle. Is this something I need? MC Well, I always have a whistle on my lanyard. I think it adds a lot of versatility to the sounds you’re able to make (with a traditional reeded duck call). You’re open to calling multiple species with a whistle. They can produce teal sounds, pintail sounds, wigeon sounds and drake mallard sounds. I find they’re a great tool for finishing mallards or getting the attention of wigeon. Wigeon usually want to land with their buddies and if they don’t hear any of their buddies, they’re not going to go. It’s also a great learning tool for new callers. You can learn it in five minutes.

NWS Duck calling 101, but is there a 201? A 301? An advanced series?

MC In the “Call the Wild” series, we have a beginner and an intermediate level, and the intermediate (course) covers everything past the basic sounds. So there, we’ll cover things like the “refuge feed” and the sounds you’d hear on the stage more often than in the duck blind. If you sit in the blind with a professional duck guide, they’re not going crazy with feed chatter or the refuge feed. Most of the time, they’re doing some greeting calls, comeback calls and quacks. And hitting a whistle. NS

... BUT THERE'S MORE TO IT THAN JUST CALLING

o here’s how I see duck calling in the field. I am not a competition caller, and I’m sure I’d get laughed out of better parts of Arkansas by fellows saying, “Damn, son! What’s that sound y’all are making there?” But I don’t see calling as the deciding factor in the success or failure of a duck hunt; rather, it’s a combination of things, such as: Hiding: If you’re not hiding, you’re not shooting. It’s that simple. Scouting: Being in the same place at the same time as the ducks is pretty important. Decoys: Realistic. Realistic. Realistic. Did

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I mention realistic? Motion: Get a jerk cord. Learn how to use the jerk cord. Then, actually use said jerk cord. Shooting: Hit what you shoot at, and that means practicing in the off-season. Calling: I understand in some situations that a lot of good calling can make or break the deal. I understand that; however, I put most of my effort into the first five of these factors, and then recognize my abilities and limitations when it comes to number six, or calling. My objective is to get the ducks’

attention with a “quack” and then let my decoy and motion do the work. I may plead – that is, use a comeback call – a bit with them; I mean, what the heck? They’re already leaving, right, so how am I going to screw this up more? And I do believe strongly in a whistle. Always have one and use it religiously for wigeon and, late season, on those single drake mallards that come loafing around making that lispy “dweek” sound. But duck calling? It’s actually pretty simple. Make the right sounds at the right time to the right ducks, and maybe they’ll listen. Maybe. –MDJ

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COLUMN

On Making Daffy Delicious I

put my old dog down last year, and I really haven’t hunted a duck since. But before Miley went, I took her out on one CHEF IN last duck hunt. She was THE WILD By Randy King nearly blind, nearly deaf and 100 percent all about hunting ducks. I water-swatted a coot so she could get one more bird in her mouth on the day we put her down. Miley’s age had been a factor for years (Northwest Sportsman, December 2022). Hips, eyesight, deafness – things you could notice on my dog. Hell, things you can see on me more and more. But in nature deficits become issues of survival. If you are a little blind, you get eaten. If you are a little deaf, you get eaten. Bad hips, you get eaten. Most critters in nature are not afforded the opportunity to get old and die.

AWKWARD SEGUE TIME. And that leads me to wish for something. I really wish ducks could talk. Well, not really. Most ducks I encounter would probably be pretty pissed off at me. What I mean to say is this: If I could only tell how old a duck was when I shot it, I would be happier when I ate it. Duck has – and sometimes rightfully so –

a horrible reputation for being “gamey” and/ or “livery” tasting. Often, those judgments are not wrong. A duck can be a powerfultasting critter. But a couple options exist for duck-eating hunters. Option one: You can embrace the flavor and just power through it – not everything gets to taste like chicken, after all. This is my preferred method for most wild game. I like that mule deer does not taste the same as beef. I like that wild rabbit has more flavor than chicken. But ducks can be rough. Why? Age, for the most part. Ducks can live a long time in the wild. Decades. So, that greenhead you shoot at the lake might be 10 years old, with just as many migrations south in its wings, or it might be a tender 6-month-old, youngof-the-year bird. You can’t really age a duck in the air; as such, I wish they could talk. For perspective, a 10-year-old cow would never, ever be a steak. It would be like eating shoe leather. A decade-old bovine would be, at best, sausage and dog food. But we judge the culinary status of all ducks like they should be the young and tender variety. Not very fair. Sometimes you can power through the flavor; other times you wish you would have made jerky, like your buddies proposed. Age happens and it is an uncontrollable variable on the wing.

Option two is to dilute a duck’s natural flavors. Commonly, folks will soak the duck meat in milk/saltwater in hopes that it will taste less “ducky” in the end. Now, this can work. You are removing the blood and diluting the muscle cells with a neutraltasting substance. Not a bad thing. I am not a big fan of this method, however, mostly because it takes a fair bit of time. Also, you don’t know if the duck actually needs to be soaked or not. Younger ducks that get soaked have no real taste at all. Also, milk is expensive.

THE LAST OPTION – and the one I go with most times – is to overwhelm the palate with flavors that make strong-tasting and not-so-strong-tasting ducks delicious. Think garlic and sage with duck confit. Soy and ginger with Peking duck. Vinegar and sugar and smoke with pulled barbecue duck. This is also why duck jerky is so popular. They’re all time-tested and proven ways to make duck taste great. Let’s be clear: I love duck jerky as much as the next person. But before you go jerk your next mallard, try this issue’s recipe, tonkatsu duck. It takes the overwhelm-’emwith-deliciousness idea to the next level. I encourage you to give it a shot. Pun intended. NS

Duck meat is a product of its environment as well as the age of the bird itself. (RANDY KING) nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

COLUMN

Duck tonkatsu – marinated breast breaded with panko and deep-fried, served with spicy mayo sauce, rice, broccoli and brussel sprouts, and garnished with green onion stalks. (RANDY KING)

PANKO QUACKER

o, what is tonkatsu? Historically, tonkatsu is hilarious. The original inspiration for the dish is actually classic German schnitzel, Italian Milanese or the French veal cutlet – basically, a breadcrumb-battered cutlet of meat that is pan-fried. However, the Japanese at the turn of the 20th century did not love the oily texture of the finished dish. So, according to legend, they decided to improve it. They changed the breading from breadcrumbs to panko (I’ll explain the differences in a second) and changed the preparation from pan-fried to deep-fried. Deep frying with panko allows for a crisper and less oily texture, one that is more in line with Japanese-style tempura. The panko that is used for the breading comes from a different process than breadcrumbs. Panko is a crustless bread loaf made by electrocuting dough between two plates, letting the loaf dry and then shredding the bread into slivers, not crumbs. It is a shockingly interesting process. Compare that with breadcrumbs – a ground-up mess of stale bread, for the most part.

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Place all ingredients into a container that will hold all the duck meat and the liquid. You want the duck meat to be covered in sauce, if possible. Marinate for at least 30 minutes – preferably overnight.

breadcrumbs. Place the duck on a cutting board with a little bit of panko scattered across the top (this will prevent the meat from sticking to the cutting board). In a high-sided pan add the canola oil and heat on medium until it is 350 degrees. Carefully add the breaded duck, no more than two pieces at a time to the oil, and let cook until GBD, or golden brown and delicious. Flip as needed to keep the cooking even. When you have cooked the first batch it is best to wait a few minutes for the oil to reheat before starting your next batch. It’s especially important to do this; otherwise, you will never recover the necessary oil temperature and the whole mess of duck meat will be soggy and oily.

MEAT COATING ½ cup flour ½ cup corn starch 2 eggs, beaten in a small bowl for egg wash 11/2 cups panko 3 cups canola oil

SPICY MAYO SAUCE ½ cup mayo ½ cup Sriracha 1 tablespoon sesame oil Salt and pepper to taste Juice of one lime

Combine the corn starch and the flour in a small bowl. Using a small bowl, dip the marinated duck breasts into the mixture and cover the meat. Next, dredge the breast into the egg wash and roll it in the panko

Combine all in a small mixing bowl. To bring it all together, serve the duck tonkatsu over a bed of rice with some sort of veggies, giving each breast a healthy spoonful of sauce. Enjoy! –Randy King

DUCK MARINADE 10-12 duck breasts, wings and tenderloins removed ¾ cup soy sauce ¼ cup sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves 2 tablespoons chili flakes

COLUMN

An active, hard-working dog deserves a quality diet and it’s up to you to make it happen. Get lazy or cut corners and your dog is the one that will suffer. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

About The Full Circle Diet I

want to talk about one of the most disturbing things that I continue to see – overweight hunting dogs. Unfortunately, GUN DOGGIN’ 101 this is one of those By Scott Haugen topics I’ll be writing about until the day I die. There’s no one to blame but the owner. A fat dog will never be in prime condition, will battle all sorts of physical and mental ailments and its life will be cut short. Do you really want that? Muscle stiffness, joint pain, inflamed tendons, gut soreness, bleeding gums, ears laden with wax that smells like yeast, excessive itching and neurotic licking are

some of the obvious signs your dog is not eating a healthy diet. A dog should never eat table scraps rich in fat or salt. Many dogs can’t even handle raw beef nowadays due to the environment in which cattle are raised. I feed my dogs a lot of raw meat as a food topper at dinner time. From venison scraps to bloodshot bird chunks that aren’t fit for human consumption, to bones from deer, elk and bird keels, even cooked fish scraps, my dogs only get wild game. I’ve tried several forms of raw beef over the years, even grass-fed bovines, and both of my dogs have immediate and obvious reactions to it. Kona, my male pudelpointer, quickly gets ear infections, and Echo, my

female pudelpointer, experiences instant gut pain as she struggles to digest it, along with sore joints and muscle stiffness that’s so painful she can’t hunt the following day.

WHAT CAN YOU do about it? Enter NutriSource Pet Food’s Full Circle Feeding program. This is something I’ve been doing for my dogs for years, I just didn’t have a label on it. What Full Circle Feeding entails is the use of high-quality kibble, toppers and treats. I’ve tried various brands of dog food over the years, and NutriSource is the only one I’ve found that optimizes my dogs’ health, mobility and ability to hunt and work hard, year-round. For my versatile gun dogs there is no off-season, nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

Northwest Sportsman 77

COLUMN protein levels, are low fat and many are great for the teeth and gums. I’ll use their Come-pooch-a topper, as it helps promote healthy digestion through postbiotics and makes a perfect frozen treat both of our dogs love. I’ll also use their new Element Series freeze-dried raw sliders and bites. This extra-high-protein fodder is a great topper, treat – even a full meal that’s easy to travel with on hunting days. Giving your dog the same protein day after day can set off allergies and ingredient intolerances. Full Circle Feeding can help maintain good gut health and will stop issues before they start.

IF YOU’RE WONDERING where to begin,

NutriSource Pet Foods offers a complete line of treats, toppers, kibble and more, and is what author Scott Haugen exclusively feeds both of his gun dogs. (SCOTT HAUGEN) and we train or hunt every single day, so they always have to be in top shape. NutriSource utilizes high-protein recipes in all of their foods, treats and toppers. Animal proteins like chicken, turkey, pork and fish have different amino acid profiles. Each amino acid plays a different role in building cells and keeping systems running, which is why I rotate my dogs’ food on a regular basis. Rotating proteins introduces all the beneficial amino acids you need for a healthier hunting dog, and they will love the variety. Keep feeding the same food every day for years on end, and you’re not optimizing the full benefits of what amino acids offer. Feed a rotational diet – say, chicken, then fish in the next 78 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

bag, turkey in the next – and you’ll see how happy and healthy your dog is with a high-protein diet that carries optimal levels of carbohydrates. Their coats will also be better, digestion will be optimized, allergies will be fewer, immunity will be boosted and they’ll be less stressed. On the morning of a hunt I never feed my dogs for fear of stomach twist. They’ll eat at the end of the hunt, then they sleep for three hours before going outside. This optimizes digestion and minimizes stress too. Sometimes I’ll add raw food to their breakfast, but usually save it for dinner each night. My treats are almost exclusively NutriSource brand, as they optimize

visit nutrisourcepetfoods.com and take their Full Circle Feeding quiz. Within minutes they’ll get back to you on a diet plan that’s built specifically for your dog. The results provide a great starting point and complete program that’s worth following. And believe me, you will notice a difference, fast. NutriSource foods appear pricey at first glance, but because protein content is so high you actually feed less, making it nearly as economical as cheaper foods with subpar ingredients. Follow their feeding guidelines; they’re in place for a reason. You can feed big-box store foods that are cheaper, but face it, do you really want to cut corners when it comes to feeding your dog? Think of it as you eating cheap, fast food your whole life because you want to save a few bucks. A dog’s life is short and you can optimize their health and performance, give them a better quality of life, even extend it, with a proper diet. It’s a small price to pay your best friend. If you want to maximize your dog’s health, performance and relieve stress, feed it a disciplined, all-around diet. You’re the one in control of what your dog eats, so make the best effort to give them the highest quality of life they deserve. As we all know, their time with us is way too brief. NS Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a full-time writer. See his basic puppy training videos and learn more about his many books at scotthaugen.com. Follow his adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

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HUNTING

Find the does and you’ll find the bucks this month as whitetail hunting heats up in the woods and fields of Northeast Washington and North Idaho. (GREGORY JOHNSTON, SHUTTERSTOCK)

7 Deadly Tips For Late Whitetails Yes, Inland Northwest bucks are rutty as hell in November; no, they’re not entirely total pushovers.

By Jeff Holmes

s usual, rifle hunters will have their best chance of the year to score on any whitetail buck during Northeast Washington’s late rifle season in Game Management

Units 105, 108, 111, 113, 117, 121, 124 and much of Idaho’s northern panhandle. Washington’s late hunt was shortened by nearly a week this year compared to 2022 due to the calendar, but modern firearm hunters here will still get nine days (November

11-19) – Gem State hunters even longer – during a time when cagey nocturnal bucks stumble around like horny drunks in pursuit of does in estrus. All sense goes out the window for bucks, and even monsters that have gotten big by being ultra-shy nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

HUNTING and smart will make themselves seen. Archers, muzzleloaders and special tag holders like yours truly will continue to get a crack at bucks when they are even dumber near the Thanksgiving holiday, but they will be sufficiently dumb during the rest of November to increase harvest odds significantly. This year I’ll abandon my tradition of muzzleloader hunting the predatordense forests of Pend Oreille County by myself over Thanksgiving. Instead, I will have a Blue Mountains Foothills Quality Deer tag in my pocket and very little competition outside of mountain lions and wolves. My butt will be in the Touchet and Tucannon drainages much closer to my home, but my heart will be in the mountains north of Spokane. Unless you have a cool tag this November, your butt and heart should also be in Spokane, Stevens

or Pend Oreille Counties in one of the aforementioned seven open GMUs. And if you really want to harvest a buck, you should spend as much time on the ground as possible, hunting all day in hopes a rut-crazed buck you want to shoot ghosts by looking to pass on its genetics. I am not the greatest whitetail hunter in the world, but I am passionate about it and heartened by the increase in my odds. Chances at a buck become so much greater during the rut that I’m able to override my short attention span and lock in.

I’VE LEARNED A ton in a lifetime in the woods hunting whitetails with rifles and muzzleloaders, but I learned even more while simultaneously hunting and writing for three years as one of Field & Stream magazine’s “Rut Reporters” in the early 2010s. Each

fall I’d write 30 short articles with as close to real-time intel as I could muster, covering all of the Western states with huntable populations of Odocoileus virginianus: Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and my home state of Washington. I feverishly sought contacts and intel on the progression of the rut. It was fun, and I learned a lot, and one of those lessons was that chasing the rut via reports prior to mid-November is like herding cats. Whitetails can be rutting hard in one drainage and not yet rutting in another just miles away. The presence of estrus does, cold weather and unknown factors trigger intense rutting behavior. In October and even September, bucks – especially small ones – will spar, and estrus does can show up in Washington as early as mid-October.

Whitetail range extends from the valley floor of the Upper Columbia and its numerous tributaries into the foothills and even higher. Most of the best habitat is privately owned, but seeking out permission to hunt aglands or finding public parcels could pay off. (KAREN NOONEY, USFS) 84 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

HUNTING

Bucks will be making their rounds in search of does to breed, so it will pay off to keep an eye out for deer sign, including tracks, scrapes and rubs. (SHARLEEN PUCKET, USFS)

But the rut does not start in earnest broadly across the landscape until mid-November. The biggest key to rifle hunter success this month is staying out and alert in the field for a maximum amount of time near where there are does, and likely the second biggest key is being lucky enough to have a rut-crazed whitetail stumble across your path with its nose to the ground or breathing heavily for its labors. That said, there are some other keys to success that November rifle hunters should consider in the woods. I’ve followed the advice that I offer here to some success, but much of this information was gleaned from interviewing experts. There are many fanatics who live, breathe and 86 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

eat whitetails year-round: hunting sheds, running scores of trail cameras and hiking mile after mile to check their “trap line” of cameras. Their odds of a harvest are way better than for most of us, but from November 11-19, never do we have a better chance of looking as smart as the whitetail fanatics, so long as we follow best practices to increase our odds and to use bucks’ desire to breed against them.

1) DON’T HUNT OUT of vehicles or fourwheelers. Deer don’t like engines, and the slower you go and quieter you are, the more in line you are with whitetail hunting best practices. Trucks and ATVs can be great tools for accessing hunting areas or hauling

out game, but those who hunt off of them don’t do nearly as well as those who don’t. If you’re a boot hunter, don’t be discouraged by motorized traffic. Think about where deer might go to avoid traffic, or trust that drivers will cruise past tons of deer and that bucks will wander around during the rut seeking does that freeze as vehicles putt by.

2) DOES ARE ESSENTIALLY “bait” for those seeking bucks. It’s legal to use actual bait in Washington, but most of us choose not to. However, finding does and counting on bucks checking them out is about as good a proposition as watching a game feeder or food plot. For fairweather whitetail hunters

HUNTING looking for a rutting buck, there’s scarcely a better approach than hunting over what amounts to bait. Bucks are seeking does and constantly checking whether they’re coming into estrus. I have shot bucks while sitting within sight of does and close to areas I know they are bedded. This will definitely be my strategy this year with my quality deer tag. Never do I have more confidence than when I know I’m essentially

outside the bar on a Friday night waiting for a horny dude to show up looking for females.

3) THINK LIKE A buck and seek safe places where there are also does. Overall, whitetails thrive in the presence of humans, but big bucks spend most of their lives avoiding people like the plague and staying mostly nocturnal. Walking far behind gates away from the average lazy hunter often puts

you in a zone where deer are less wary and on edge, provided the area you’re hiking to offers good habitat and hunting line of sight. If you find does far from people during the rut, your odds go up dramatically. Never do I sit or still hunt (walking a quarter of a mile an hour) with more confidence than when I find does far away from people. In this kind of situation, I know a buck will show up or is at least close by.

THE A-1 BEST WAY TO BOOST YOUR ODDS

One of the best strategies this time of year is to stay out all day, and to do so you’ll need to dress for the weather and pack snacks and a hot drink to help keep you warm. (USFWS) 88 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

he single smartest move you can make when hunting rutting whitetails is to be in the woods as many days as possible and to stay in the woods all day long. The days are short this time of year, and the bucks are unpredictable yet predictably so. They can show up anywhere at any time, and if you’re sleeping or back at camp or driving backroads or whatever hunters might do instead of staying alert and in the field, you’re making a mistake. By the time a whitetail buck makes it to November, it has hardened its antlers, sparred with rivals, hidden from people and predators, and gorged on food sources at night to go into battle in peak physical condition. But by the time it emerges from the rut into post-rut recovery in early December, it is a total wreck. It has lost lots of weight, suffered battle wounds, and has a terrible case of deer insomnia and a depressed immune system just as it enters the harshest weather of the year. Many bucks die for their labors. For almost an entire month a buck thinks about one thing and remains forever on the move in search of receptive does. A buck’s downfall and the reason for the majority of those harvested in open units of Northeast Washington and North Idaho is their tendency to be forever on their feet at all times of day, making appearances in places they’d never dream of wandering in daylight the other 11 months of the year: along highways, in yards, fields and clearings or walking out of nowhere into a hunter’s line of sight at midday. Dress warm, and bring good food. If there’s a chance of precipitation or if the brush and grasses are wet, wear waterproof or at least waterresistant gear. Make sure you’re comfortable, fully provisioned and locked into your surroundings. Bring a survival kit and a surefire way to make a fire if you get lost or hurt or if you down a buck. A fire at one’s back while cleaning game in predator-rich country is a niiice feeling when fires are legal. And they are in November. It’s difficult for many (author raises his hand) to achieve the kind of focus needed to hunt whitetails in October when the big boys and most bucks in general are still in their various hidey holes. But once November comes around and the smell of estrus does is on the wind, bucks from high on mountains and from the densest thickets show up to where the does are. If you want to kill one and eat venison this winter, put in the time. Let a buck make a mistake. –JH

HUNTING Despite a heavy hit from a widespread hemorrhagic disease outbreak three summers ago now and a pretty fair degree of dietary overlap between wolves and cougars, Inland Northwest whitetails are prolific breeders and have been favored with mild conditions the past two winters to help kickstart their recovery. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

4) RATTLING AND GRUNTING can be lethal strategies to learn. Lots of curious, combative, sex-crazed bucks will die this fall in the Inland Northwest because hunters rattled or grunted them in. The internet is full of rattling and grunting demonstrations, and I recommend watching or reading a whole bunch in advance if you’re new to rattling or using a grunt tube. Definitely avoid overcalling, mimic deer’s natural sounds and stay put for a good while after a couple of rattling sequences spaced 90 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

approximately 10 minutes apart. If you rattle, use natural antlers not synthetic, cut off the eye guards for safety, use a decent-sized rack to attract mature bucks, and drill a hole in the base of the anglers and attach them with parachute or other cordage. Losing both antlers is less likely and less frustrating than losing just one. Call less and more lightly earlier in the rut than you do later in November.

5) FIND SCRAPES, BUT don’t fixate on

them; they are not all created equally. Scrapes laid down on field edges or in open areas are unlikely to be visited during the day. Finding an active scrape or a scrape line is definitely a good sign, but don’t assume a buck is for sure going to revisit the same scrape or that he’ll do so in daylight. Hunting on or around scrapes can pay off, but fixating on one you’ve dumped a bottle of doe piss on is not necessarily going to pay off. It might, though. There is vast knowledge to be

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HUNTING gained from scrapes and licking branches, but most of us – me included – remain ignorant to that knowledge. If you know it’s a major, blown-up community scrape or a big scrape on an obvious and active scrape line that offers protection, maybe sit or still hunt that scrape or scrape line if there’s ample lines of sight.

6) BUCKS ARE DUMB in November, but they still have fantastic noses that regularly save their bacon. As the rut moves along, deer become less wary, more worn out and more apt to make a big mistake. Still, you should always play it smart and hunt into the wind or focus your attention on areas where deer won’t smell you, but be aware of bucks popping out as total surprises in places you might not believe they would. As the rut progresses, bucks chase and seek does more and more and become dumber and dumber. That

92 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

said, whitetails depend on their sense of smell more than any other sense.

7) FINALLY, STICK RELIGIOUSLY to simple advice for rutting bucks like this article. I am not a true whitetail expert, but I know from interviewing so many that I am sometimes guilty of thinking too much and psyching myself out. Staying still and slow and quiet, playing the wind, hunting around does, seeking a good balance between hunting good cover and finding clear lines of sight, avoiding people, and rattling and grunting minimally and naturally are the keys I think about most while afield. I’ll never be a whitetail whispering expert, but I know I have a good chance of killing a buck when I stick to best practice basics like these.

I’M EXCITED ABOUT this whitetail season due to the fairly premium tag I drew and the hunting location that isn’t

three or four hours from my house. I also love the Blue Mountains and spend lots of time there. As a result, I know where there are some nice concentrations of whitetails and lots of great habitat. But I’m still a little overwhelmed by how different the terrain is from what I’m used to. However, instead of psyching myself out, I will follow the exact advice I offer here, advice I picked up from experts over the years and have used to good effect. I will likely do more climbing and glassing because the terrain where I will hunt offers that opportunity, but the main thing I’ll be looking for is does. I’ll play the wind, sit on does and stay in the field all day. If I can’t find does to sit on, I’ll locate abundant fresh sign and tuck into a place to rattle antlers and blow on a grunt tube or make doe-inestrus sounds with a bleat can. And, again, I will stay in the field all day. NS

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COLUMN

No (Tag) Soup For You! M

aking it through the general early deer season without filling your tag can be disappointBECOMING A HUNTER ing, but many people By Dave Anderson overlook late-season hunting opportunities. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t give up, there’s still a chance to notch your tag this fall! If you are anything like me, you love to hunt mule deer. Several states offer late-season hunts for mule deer, but others don’t except for those who’ve drawn a special tag/ permit. I would recommend reading the regulations to identify different late-season opportunities for the state and region you are hunting, as well as different options for the species you want to hunt. In Washington, a lot of folks will drive from the Westside to hunt mule deer and whitetail deer in the eastern part of the state during October’s general season, but late-season opportunities on the Eastside are more limited. Also, a lot of it comes down to timing and where you live. Since the late hunts are only open for a few days to maybe a week or so max, driving across the state to hunt whitetails in November may be out of the question if you are limited on time or cash. However, there is still an opportunity for late-season blacktail deer if you don’t want to trek across the state and live in Western Washington. There are quite a few different areas on the Westside that provide great hunting during the four-day (November 16-19) rifle opener (and don’t forget, Western Oregon’s general season runs through November 10), but I would warn you that these areas can be overpopulated with a sea of orange, so be prepared and do not get discouraged. There are a lot more people who live near these areas and you will see pumpkin patches as you venture out

Didn’t tag out in October? That’s OK, there’s still solid general rifle opportunities in November – and for rutty bucks! Those take the form of Western Washington’s four-day midmonth blacktail opener and Northeast Washington’s week-plus-long whitetail season, as well as Western Oregon’s any legal weapon hunt that this year extends all the way through November 10 and is followed by the two-day youth weekend. (ANDY WALGAMOTT)

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Northwest Sportsman 95

COLUMN

Get out those apps and other mapping to scout for smaller parcels of state and private timberlands that are open and – given recent logging or fires – just might hold a buck or two cruising for does. (ANDY WALGAMOTT) into the woods. Many times, you can use fellow hunters to your advantage; staying put in an area and letting them push something to you may not be a terrible idea. I have done my fair share of hunting blacktails and in my experience these deer move a lot, and the more rain, wind and inclement weather, the better. You will also see rut activity during the late season, so use that to your advantage.

ONE OF THE last times I hunted blacktail deer in Western Washington was during the late season when I still had an open tag. As my father-in-law and I laced up our boots, we jokingly said, “Let’s take our rifles for a walk” out behind his house, which borders some public land. We had been walking about 30 minutes when suddenly we heard the woods come alive with the sounds of brush crashing and sticks breaking. A doe busted out of the woods and ran down the path we were on. She was running right for us and I knew what was about to happen, so I dropped down to a kneeling position and raised my rifle. Within seconds a buck came out hot on her trail and ran towards us. I was able to drop the buck and fill my tag. The best part about this hunt was learning that I tend to find more success when I take some of these hunts less seriously. It was also the first time that my son was 96 Northwest Sportsman

NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

able to see a deer harvested – that will be something etched in my memory forever. Yes, you can be down and out and discouraged for not connecting earlier this season, but you can’t discount the value of just spending time in the field. Get out there and put some time in in the woods. You may not see anything, but who knows, you could run across a great deer and notch a tag. Blacktails are delicious as well. If hunting the thick, nasty, wet brush in Western Washington isn’t your cup of tea and you have the time and means necessary to trek across the state, you should consider hunting Northeast Washington’s late buck season for whitetails. If you live in Eastern Washington, you have no excuse not to hit the November 11-19 hunt; you have a great opportunity you should capitalize on. A lot of people get discouraged and will quit early in the general season and hang it up for the year. I would encourage you not to give up. Get out and give 100 percent effort until the last seconds run down on the clock. Even if you are not successful, at least you can say you gave it your all.

THERE ARE SOME things to consider when looking at late-season ops. For one, do not be afraid to venture into areas that you have never been to before. When doing so, I would highly recommend downloading an app to your phone like onX Hunt. You can also do

a lot of research on your computer before going out in the field. Before I moved back to Idaho, I was mainly hunting Eastern Washington. I would use onX maps to find little pieces of public land that weren’t marked in the field. Generally, I wouldn’t find anyone parked in those locations. The first year I used this tactic, my wife shot a buck on a small chunk of public land I found using my maps. There were four other bucks in the group, and so the next morning one of my best buds went there and shot a buck at first light. When using this method, you want to make sure you know where your boundaries are, especially when there is private property that butts up against public ground. You do not want to find yourself in a bad situation by not knowing property lines. Another plus about hunting the late season – and probably one of my favorite things about it – is that you do not have to be nearly as worried about having meat spoil on you. Typically during the early general seasons, temperatures are hotter and the chances of having meat spoil are much higher than later in the year. This is especially true for those who hunt during September and early October’s archery and muzzleloader seasons. This doesn’t really change how I process the deer in the field, but I’m not rushing trying to get everything cut up and off the mountain like I would be in early fall. If you are camping in the woods,

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COLUMN you usually do not have to worry about hanging your meat and having it spoil during the day. Furthermore, the bugs – for the most part – are gone and you will not have to worry about flies all over your meat.

THEN, ONCE YOU’VE made it through both

Out for an armed mid-November walk in the woods with one of his sons and father-in-law, author Dave Anderson downed this doe-chasing blacktail buck on public land. (DAVE ANDERSON)

98 Northwest Sportsman

NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

the early and late hunts, it is always good to reflect on what went right and what went wrong during the season. Maybe you were lucky enough to notch a tag or maybe you weren’t. Did you have an opportunity where you didn’t close the deal? Did you miss a shot and if so, why did you miss it? Each and every year we should be able to take away some lessons on what worked and what didn’t. By looking back, we can make changes to help us become more successful with future hunts. In the end, if you are having fun and putting in 100 percent, you will find success at some point. I just highly recommend not overlooking the late season because it can be just as fun and productive as the early season. Don’t give up too early – make the most of what opportunities are available this month. NS

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FISHING

Game For Squid? Late fall and winter mark prime time for jigging on Puget Sound and from waterfront piers, and here’s how to get going. By Mark Yuasa

re you suffering from a squid life crisis? A good way to hit the refresh button this fall/ winter is to partake in the squid fishery, in which an ever-growing group of anglers congregate mainly at night along Puget Sound piers to try their luck at catching these jetpropelled sea creatures. It is during this time of year that millions of squid migrate into the inland sea as they prepare to spawn, although they can also be found in much smaller numbers throughout the rest of the year. When abundant, squid can be easy to catch and it’s an accessible fishery – a boat is helpful but far from mandatory – for everyone to participate. The result could lead to a small bucketful of tasty critters, commonly referred to in the culinary world as calamari. Squid that inhabit Puget Sound are also known as Pacific squid or market squid and measure 4 to 12 inches. They have a short, one-year life cycle and when they spawn in Puget Sound, they lay their eggs along gentlesloping sandy bottoms near kelp beds and rocky areas, and often close to shorelines. As they prepare to spawn, squid will feed heavily on small baitfish like herring and candlefish, as well as zooplankton, so a jig bouncing up and down on the end of a fishing rod can be enticing too.

A Puget Sound squid jigger smiles over his catch. November marks the start of the best part of the season for filling a bucket with the fixin’s for calamari appetizers. (MARK YUASA) nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

107

FISHING NOT A LOT is known about the exact arrival timing of squid in Puget Sound from year to year, which can lead to hot and cold moments, success-wise, for anglers. The pilot run of migrating squid tends to show up in September – it’s not uncommon to see them as

early as late summer – and return well into February. The prime months are November through January, with squid numbers peaking in December. In the fall and winter of 2022-23, squid jigging in Puget Sound was fair at best, and the return took time to

develop, although the population was excellent off the Washington and Oregon coastline. Jigging was also on the slow side in the fall-winter of 2021-22, with squid not as abundant in their normal locations. Prior to that, squid arrived as early as September in 2020-21 and fishing was good. Squid jigging has always been a blessing for anglers across Puget Sound, especially when other marine fishing options are few and far between. Many have questioned why anyone would want to eat something from the polluted waters of our local bays, but keep in mind that squid – just like returning salmon – are migratory, so they don’t ingest pollutants like some resident fish.

A CREEL SURVEY that was conducted

Until recently, squid jigging was mostly practiced off of piers, but boaters are getting in on the action more and more. In darker, stormier times of fall and winter, special attention must be paid to weather forecasts before heading out. (MARK YUASA) 108 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff along Puget Sound piers during the 2016-17 squid run has been revived for this season. Surveys started this past July and will run through the end of January 2024. From August 2016 through January 2017, the pilot creel survey performed 518 interviews of 649 anglers to monitor effort and harvest throughout Puget Sound. Other information collected included biological data and fishing frequency of anglers. Those initial surveys also showed that bycatch and associated impacts from squid jigging can be considered relatively low. For the 2023-24 season, WDFW plans call for a more robust monitoring of the Puget Sound squid fishery. If anglers encounter a WDFW surveyor wearing a bright reflective orange vest along the piers, please be cooperative with their brief interview. This data will provide a better understanding about the recreational squid fishery and the squid population. Creel samplers will ask a few simple questions, including what time anglers started fishing, obtain a weight and get a count of their catch,

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FISHING

Triple! While most jigging occurs against a backdrop of longpolluted or heavily developed waterfronts, these ocean-going cephalopods are the equivalent of salmon returning from the North Pacific and much cleaner than fish that spend their entire lives in Puget Sound. (MARK YUASA)

what time they plan to quit fishing, and their home zip code. To raise more awareness of the ongoing surveys, WDFW plans to post informational signs around various piers in multiple languages and which will have a QR code to explain more about the study. A press release was posted last month too. 110 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

AMONG THE MOST vital pieces of gear for squid jigging is actually clothing. Since this is a winter activity, pack rain gear, wear layers of warm clothing and waterproof shoes/boots and bring a thermos filled with your favorite hot drink to fend off the chilly weather and rain. Word on the street is that squid

fishing got off to a quick start this season, with some finding good catches way back in September, so piers and docks have already been lined with anglers trying their luck. If you’re new to the sport or aren’t tuned in to catch squid, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, as there’s usually a friendly angler nearby who’ll be more than happy to offer some tips and advice. Not only is squid jigging less complicated than other local sport fisheries, just about anyone can try their luck at catching them and the gear is simple and inexpensive. To get started all you really need is a lightweight 6- to 9-foot rod and spinning reel, like those used for trout fishing. On the spinning reel, load it with 10-pound-test braid or 8- to 12-pound high-visibility monofilament line so that you can feel the light tap or vibration of a squid sticking to the jig. For a leader, use 8-pound-test fluorocarbon measuring 3 to 4 feet and attach a small snap swivel (or a loop knot) to allow the jig to flutter. On the end of your line, use a 3/8- to 1/2-ounce weighted, luminous glow-in-the-dark pink, red, orange, blue, purple, green or chartreuse jig. Unweighted lures are also used by squid jiggers and are tied to a 1-ounce lead weight. Jig colors are really a choice by each angler, with no single color outdoing another, and weight will depend on water current, so be sure to grab a variety to keep in your tackle box. Regulations for Washington’s marine waterways say no more than four lures may be used at one time, so often anglers will “gang tie” multiple jigs to their mainline. A squid doesn’t bite your presentation; rather, the jig consists of slanting sharp prongs that they’ll literally wrap their tentacles around. Once you feel the light tap or vibration of a squid, be sure to keep a steady upward pressure with no slack in the line. Avoid reeling fast or setting the jig hard because they’ll simply let go of the jig.

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FISHING

When squid are in thick enough, they can be caught during the daytime as well. Work the flood tide for best success. (MARK YUASA)

To work the lure, raise the rod tip up to about 10 o’clock and then slowly lower the jig back down to make it resemble an injured fish. When jigging from a pier lower your jig from the surface down to about 20 to 25 feet and try to work the entire water column from top to bottom. Squid can be found throughout the entire water column. Timing is another factor to success, with the best period happening at night during or right at flood tide change. When abundant you can even catch them on a daylight flood tide. Squid are attracted to lights beaming off of urban waterfronts or lit piers, and many jiggers will bring a strong lantern or spotlight to dangle 112 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

just off the surface. Packs of squid tend to hide in the shadowy edges of lighted water and then dart out into the light to grab their unsuspecting prey or the jig of an angler. There are numerous locations along the Seattle waterfront and across Puget Sound to catch squid. The most popular land-based places are along the entire Seattle waterfront from Pier 70 to the Big Wheel; the Seattle Aquarium Pier; the Seacrest (Marination) Boathouse Pier in West Seattle; Edmonds Pier; Des Moines Pier; A-Dock and Shilshole Pier; Point Defiance Park Boathouse Pier; Les Davis Pier in Tacoma; Fauntleroy Ferry Dock; Illahee State Park Pier; and the Waterman and Indianola

Piers in Kitsap County. Like any other type of fishery, if the bite isn’t happening along one pier, it’s wise to pack up and move to another.

A TREND IN recent years is to forego the piers and instead jig for squid from a boat. “Catching squid on a boat gives you the ability to move around to locate schools of squid in places you can’t from a pier,” says Paul Kim, owner of Seattle Squid (facebook .com/SeattleSquid). Boat anglers will use large, powerful 1,100-watt LED commercial lights hung along the bow, port and starboard sides just above the water’s surface and

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FISHING powered by a portable generator. “What you create is a 25-foot radius of bright lights surrounding your boat,” says Kim. “The extremely powerful lights attract squid toward the boat. The nice thing about fishing for squid from a boat is you don’t have to be too far away from the shoreline. Most of the action tends to occur along the waterfronts or right off the jetties and breakwaters, or around lights beaming off huge boats anchored in bays or at docks.” Boat jiggers like to add a pair of 108,000-lumen UV spectrum lights dropped in off the stern. You can also point a fixed 20,000-lumen LED light onto the transom, as the more lights you’ve got onboard the better. Make sure your boat has an anchor to lower off the bow. This keeps you positioned in one specific area and avoids drifting away from the schools of squid. The advantage of using a boat is

114 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

there are some occasions when you’ll also find schools of squid in water as deep as 50 to 125 feet. Popular spots when fishing from a boat include right off of the Edmonds, Elliott Bay, Des Moines and Shilshole Bay marina breakwaters; Todd Shipyard (now Vigor) in West Seattle; and just off the piers along the Seattle waterfront that aren’t accessible from the shoreline. Make sure your boat is well equipped with the proper safety equipment, including life jackets. Being out in the dark and during the winter can be dicey at times. If the weather forecast doesn’t look good, it’s wise to pick another day. Learning how to fish from a boat isn’t too complicated, but if you’re unsure there are some Puget Sound charter outfits that offer guided trips.

SQUID FISHING IS open year-round in Puget Sound and surrounding marine

waterways. The daily limit is 10 pounds or five quarts (no minimum size) of market squid and all other species, plus up to five Humboldt squid may be harvested. Each angler must keep their catch in separate containers. Besides a rod and reel, other allowable gear for squid are a forage fish dip net or handheld dip net. Keep in mind there are closures around marine preserves, conservation and shellfish protection areas. A state shellfish license is required for those 15 years of age and older. You can find information on WDFW’s website, including how to clean squid and tasty recipes, at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/basics/squid or visit your local tackle shop for help to get you started. NS Editor’s note: Mark Yuasa is a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife communications manager and longtime local fishing and outdoor writer.

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COLUMN

Finally! Trout For Those Who Sleep In F

or many Northwest anglers, Black Friday has become opening day for a winter trout fishery where the fish are big – mostBUZZ RAMSEY ly averaging 12 to 16 inches – easy to catch and you don’t have to get up early to find what you’re looking for. In addition, on many lakes there are much larger fish available. For example, some of the trophy-size fish that might go 6 pounds or more are recently planted broodstock trout that the state no longer needs to support hatchery programs. Others (mostly found in large or deep lakes that stay cool during the summer months) have had time to grow big and with winter coming, are now feeding heavily in order to put on weight. What we have learned over many years is that on most days this time of year the fish don’t start biting well until about 10 a.m. or so. This means we usually arrive at the lake near our home at about 9 in the morning. I’ve been attributing the general daytime rise in temperature – even though it may only be slight – for sparking what seems to be mostly a midday bite. No requirement to get out of bed at o-dark-thirty might encourage people who only occasionally fish or parents with kids to give winter trout fishing a try, providing there is little or no rain in the forecast. And while the fish will respond to all normally used fishing methods, they react best to still or slow presentations. This is good news if you are a bank-bound angler, as fishing a stationary bait (like PowerBait) is likely all you need.

RIGGING UP TO fish with PowerBait is easy. Start by threading your main line through

Too much Turkey Day tryptophan? Black Friday trout do not care – they and other late fall and winter fish bite better at midday anyway. Blake Ramsey shows off a limit he caught a few Novembers ago while trolling a SpinFish lure stuffed with canned tuna. (BUZZ RAMSEY) nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

Northwest Sportsman 121

COLUMN

Here are some of the items you will likely need if you decide to still fish with PowerBait or other doughy trout offerings. (BUZZ RAMSEY) the hole of an oval-shaped egg sinker (3/8-, ½- and ¾-ounce sizes are the most popular), add a small plastic bead and then tie your main line to one end of a size 10 barrel swivel. Next, attach your 18- to 24-inch leader – complete with size 16 treble hook – to the free end of your swivel and mold a dime-sized ball of dough trout bait/PowerBait around your hook. The fundamental key to success when still fishing with PowerBait is to use enough of the dough to float your hook above bottom so that cruising trout can quickly find it. To ensure your bait is floating, consider adding a Lil’ Corky single egg imitation onto your leader. If you use a Lil’ Corky to help float your bait, you can step up to a larger size treble. For example, with a size 14 Corky (the smallest size made) you can use a size 14 hook. With a 12 Corky you can go with a size 12 treble. In addi122 Northwest Sportsman

NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

tion, it’s important to leave some slack in your line after casting so trout can swim and swallow your bait without feeling line resistance before you set the hook.

ANOTHER METHOD THAT can produce success is called the crawl retrieve. Rigging is especially easy for this one. You just attach a size 6 or 8 single hook onto the end of your main line and crimp one size 5 split shot 20 inches above it. Although many real and artificial baits will work, we’ve had good success using a 3-inch Berkley Trout Worm. These scentfilled worms are available in several different colors, including natural worm, but the bright orange one always seems to produce the best for us – at least on the lake we fish. What’s important is to thread your worm onto and over your hook so that it hangs straight – like a pencil.

Once rigged up, just cast out and reel up any excess line. Let your outfit sink before lifting and lowering your rod tip, reel 10 feet, and lift and lower your rod tip again, etc. Fished this way, nearly all fish will take the plastic worm while it’s falling. But note that because the water temperature is cool and fish aren’t as active as they are during the spring or summer, you will need to set the hook the instant you feel any hesitation while retrieving your outfit as described above.

TROLLING WORKS THIS time of year too, but you will want to slow your speed down to 1 mile per hour or less for best success. Trout can be picky about what they will respond to best when trolling, so it’s a good idea to try different lures and colors so that the fish can tell you what they like with head-shaking approval.

COLUMN This image shows how author Buzz Ramsey rigs his Berkley Trout Worm for the crawl retrieve in spring and summer (top) and winter (bottom). The former is for when trout are generally more aggressive. The latter double-/stinger-hook setup is designed to nab winter’s less aggressive, short-striking fish. Remember, your worm will fish best if hanging straight. (BUZZ RAMSEY)

Good ol’ trolling will also work this time of year, and this image shows some good lures. Don’t overlook tipping a hook with a short pinch off a scent-filled worm or maggot – it often makes all the difference in Ramsey’s success. “We also rub manufactured scents, like those offered by Pro-Cure, to our lures when trolling,” he adds. (BUZZ RAMSEY) We’ve had winter success trolling a small-sized FlatFish, Kwikfish or Mag Lip, as well as casting or trolling spoons and spinners. You just have to try different offerings and colors until you hit on what the trout like best. Keep in mind that due to the cooler water temperatures, recently stocked fish 124 Northwest Sportsman

NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

may not disperse around the lake as quickly as at other times of the year, so trying your luck near the original release site might be a worthwhile venture. Another place to try is downwind from there, since the prevailing wind can sometime move trout in that direction. Also, look for winter trout near where small creeks or any kind

of oxygenated tributary or underwater springs enter the lake.

THESE DAYS, MANY trout lakes and reservoirs around the Northwest are regularly stocked and open year-round. Still others are planted with fat trout and scheduled to open on Black Friday. Oregon’s last free fishing days

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Northwest Sportsman 125

COLUMN of the year also fall on that day and Small Business Saturday. Make no mistake, the popularity of fishing the day after Thanksgiving has caused the states to distribute fish in advance of what has become an annual event for many anglers. NS Editor’s note: Buzz Ramsey is regarded as a sport fishing authority, outdoor writer and proficient lure and fishing rod designer. As such, fishing rod manufacturer Douglas Outdoors has added Buzz to their ambassador pro staff.

STOCKER SCHEDULES

The SpinFish is a pull-apart trolling lure that you can fill with any prepared or real bait – canned tuna fish works well – and is available in 2.0- and 2.5-inch sizes that work for trout. (BUZZ RAMSEY)

o find out when and where winter trout are stocked, check out these state fishery websites. Oregon: myodfw.com/fishing/species/trout/stocking-schedule Washington: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ reports/stocking/trout-plants Idaho: idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishing Planner/stocking –BR

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Northwest Sportsman 127

FISHING

Prospecting For Eater ’Eyes Guide Jerry Reyes and crew take the temperature of the upcoming late fall, winter bite. By Jeff Holmes

he hallowed trophy walleye waters of Lake Wallula sit about 300 yards from my house, 350 yards from my neighbor, good friend and fishing guide extraordinaire Jerry Reyes of Flatout Fishing. With a Columbia River boat launch .4 miles from our houses, we both fish our local waters for walleye. But usually we and most Tri-Cities anglers make the trek downriver, over the denuded and largely gameless Horse Heaven Hills, to any one of a series of launches between McNary Dam and Crow Butte: Umatilla, Plymouth, Irrigon, Boardman and Crow Butte Park. Recreational and tournament anglers are joined here below McNary Dam by many guides, including Reyes and his son and fellow Flatout Fishing (flatoutfishing. net) guide, Ivan. Guides and private anglers alike capitalize on the robust walleye population and more than ample room to spread out. Some of the best and most reliable fishing of the year occurs in this stretch from November through March in deep wintering holes before river temperatures warm to the mid-40s and walleye move shallow to spawn. Northwest Sportsman anglers with boats or a willingness to hire a guide have five months ahead of them when the catching will be very good for what many believe is the besttasting freshwater fish. Despite their firm flesh that perfectly complements tartar sauces,

A mid-October outing on the upper John Day Pool of the Mid-Columbia to answer several burning questions including whether a large year-class of 13- to 15-inch walleye had matured into eaters for this fall and winter’s fishery did turn up some fish for author Jeff Holmes’ Tri-Cities friends Pedro Rodriguez (left) and guide Jerry Reyes. (JEFF HOLMES)

it’d be rare to catch Jerry Reyes or me walleye fishing anywhere if there were steelhead in good numbers in the Columbia Basin. Unfortunately, there have not been for almost a decade due to several factors on the high seas:

bad ocean conditions, commercial bycatch and competition with completely unsustainable numbers of pink salmon being stocked by Russia, China, Japan and Alaska. We share a mutual obsession for metalheads and nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

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FISHING Reyes runs heavy, 1-ounce prop jigs that he tips with half a nightcrawler. The weight helps clients be more confident that they’re on bottom and to better feel their lure. He pairs the setup with ultrasensitive Edge rods. (JEFF HOLMES)

long for bobber downs behind McNary and folded plug rods on the Grande Ronde. But necessity is the mother of invention, and Reyes has invented himself into a hell of a walleye angler over the past decade, along with being the most consistently excellent salmon boat at Drano Lake these days. I join in grudgingly in the walleye angling. Reyes has also invented himself into a success in pretty much everything he does, including growing up in a rough environment and now being a pillar in the Pasco community, with a passion for getting kids on the water and giving back. The difference in how we grew up and why Reyes is so tough – and he is 130 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

– is illustrated by our respective stories about Mt. St. Helens blowing. I was at the air show in Spokane as a 5-yearold jumping in a bouncy castle with a belly full of cotton candy as the sky darkened, and I would later be taken home to sleep in my Star Wars PJs under my Star Wars blankets. Reyes saw the sky darken from a field in the mid-Yakima Valley as a 6-yearold picking asparagus. He is a force of nature and a really good person who is also one of the most fun, successful and adaptable guides I’ve ever known. He won’t take disrespect nor allow bullying, which I respect, and he’s kind and forgiving. A great example of this, among many, is not suing local

game wardens for harassing him at his home and then later sucking up his anchor line in their jet boat in heavy current during a completely unsafe and unwarranted boat check during spring Chinook season a couple years ago. That blunder by two blowhard officers threatened to sink both boats and endangered Reyes’s friends and family. I’m lucky to call him a friend. I’m a little worried he’s gonna either be mad or want to bro it out with me and hug after reading this, so I’ll get to the fishing.

AS A GREAT fall Chinook season drew toward a close, I agreed to join Reyes this mid-October on an exploratory half-day walleye mission out of Irrigon to answer a few questions: 1) Has the giant biomass of 13- to 15inch walleye from last winter’s fishery matured; 2) Are they still numerous; 3) Have they moved into their 50- to 115-foot-deep wintering holes; and 4) How many inappropriate jokes can I tell in six hours of fishing after not having fished together for months? We picked up our mutual friend Pedro Rodriguez, restaurant manager at Pasco’s popular Hacienda Del Sol, and headed south. Reyes’s plan was to bounce around prime deepwater walleye holes prospecting with jigs, and switch to bottom walkers and spinners if need be. Jigging these waters is fun and is similar to one of my favorite pastimes: bottomfishing the reefs and rocky bottoms off our coast. We hoped to put some fish in the boat and get a sense for where the progression of the season was at for the walleye trips Reyes will again start running in November. The complicated labyrinth of underwater habitat between McNary Dam and Crow Butte is the Columbia’s most productive and storied walleye fishery. There aren’t as many huge walleye here as there are closer to our homes in Pasco and Burbank, but there are nonetheless lots of female fish between 8 and 14 pounds, along with great numbers of eater walleye. Most walleye clients want to make

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FISHING a pile of eaters, and these waters often oblige. But these waters can also eat boats. When John Day Dam inundated formerly dry landscapes along the Columbia over 60 years ago, it covered roads, railroad tracks, vast rock formations and other features that are now underwater hazards. What lurks beneath the surface when boats wander outside the main river channels is dangerous and best avoided. It is critical here to use mapping systems and to exercise caution even when anglers are experienced on this stretch.

UPON LAUNCHING IN Irrigon, Reyes turned the bow of his 24-foot Alumaweld downstream and stopped after a short distance in a hole whose depths range from 55 to 70 feet. We deployed 1-ounce prop jigs tipped with half a nightcrawler, although plastics sometimes work even better and are wayyy cheaper, given the price of ’crawlers these days. Reyes, who fishes lots of clients who are not experienced anglers, greatly prefers a heavy jig so that his clients are sure they are on bottom and so that they can feel their jig really well and can detect bites with his ultrasensitive Edge rods. Reyes is a close friend of Gary Loomis and a passionate advocate of Edge. Despite my initial reluctance, I also jig with Edge rods, though most of my setups for most species are Okumas. Jigging with an ultrasensitive rod with backbone is a pleasure. Once on bottom, we reeled up slack until we felt tension and started to jig in short, sharp lifts, setting our baits back down on the bottom and repeating. As waters cool and eventually get cold, the “snap” while jigging should be slower, but with temps in the 60s that day, the three of us tried different approaches to tell us what the fish wanted. In this first hole, a couple 11-inch yellow perch and a 5-pound channel cat told us they wanted a nightcrawler on a prop jig. Rodriguez planned to make soup with the catfish and to scale and fry the perch and any other spinyrays we caught whole. With no walleye 132 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

The crew switched to trolling bottom walkers and spinners featuring North Wild Outdoors’ Wild Blades, beads and two size 4 hooks tied 1¾ inches apart. While Reyes employs a variety of bead and blade colors, this Cowboy fan really likes silver and black. (JEFF HOLMES)

love in the first hole, Reyes bounded across the river, and we picked up a couple of small smallmouth Rodriguez bonked and Reyes bled for him. Time to move again. We continued downstream and fished all of the “famous” wintering holes in the south channel, picking up another huge perch and a bunch of small bass. The walleye weren’t showing themselves, and after hitting several holes and being nearly to Boardman by then, we switched tactics to trolling bottom walkers and spinners. When fish are stacked in an area, jigging is the preferred approach for many because it’s fun and handson. But when fish are spread out or anglers are looking to locate them, trolling spinners behind bottom walkers is a key tactic for everybody. I have often been interested in Reyes’s approach to spinners, whether

for walleye or kings. He ties smallprofile, finesse spinner rigs that are almost always much smaller than those being trolled by competitors. In late September this year, Reyes boated a 43-pound hook-nosed king in front of Drano Lake on a spinner, but not a 3.5 like almost everyone else is fishing. He used a 1.5-size painted Colorado blade from North Wild Outdoors (northwildgear.com). For walleye last month, we used North Wild Outdoors’ Wild Blades and a small stack of beads trailed by two size 4 hooks tied about 1¾ inches apart. Reyes uses a variety of colors, but he and I share a belief in the effectiveness of black and silver worm harnesses. Reyes fishes only half a ’crawler when he’s after eaters with small harnesses, which is smart. More is unnecessary and expensive. When anglers fish winter walleye

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FISHING

SPEND A NIGHT OUT FOR TROPHIES

lenty of anglers fish at night for trophy Mid-Columbia walleye both in and around Tri-Cities and below McNary Dam, especially on the full moon because it’s much easier for anglers to see. That said, walleye bite at night on any moon, and they also bite during the day. They just bite better at night. In the winter, especially January through March, most nighttime anglers troll Bandit lures in 17- to 22-foot depths on breaklines in areas where pregnant female walleye feed and stage to spawn. Meanwhile, juvenile female walleye and males hunker in their deep wintering holes. Huge females can weigh an extra 2 pounds when packed with eggs, so state records and fish pushing the mark are

caught prespawn. It’s a common and tedious misconception among walleye devotees that the health of their fishery hinges on releasing the biggest walleye, the so-called “big girls.” Releasing big girls is a technique better suited for online dating than walleye angling. The biggest, oldest females are actually the worst spawners, similar to how females of most species become poor breeders as they get older. There is no genetic reasoning for their large size. They simply ate well and were not caught and killed. Releasing trophy walleye does, however, create the possibility of a large fish getting larger and someone catching it again. That’s the only advantage, and personally I prefer the sound of a perfectly inserted filet knife

releasing the air from a swim bladder more than the scant possibility of a fish I release being caught again as a state record. OK, I’m kidding about the filet knife in the swim bladder, and I release most big walleye I catch so as to not be a jerk/ because I have no desire to eat old fish and their tremendous accumulations of contaminants and their lesser meat. Besides, the big girls are not the ones eating Chinook and steelhead smolts for three straight months every year. Females generally look for bigger, slower meals like northern pikeminnow, suckers and other larger targets. Eater-size walleye and especially 9- to 16-inch smallmouth are the main culprits on smolts. IT’S POSSIBLE TO land a big female while whacking and stacking eaters in deep wintering holes, but females are generally much, much shallower. It’s also very possible to target shallower depths during the day and catch trophy walleye. But if you are truly after a trophy and don’t care if you take home a sack of filets, winter is the time to book a night fishing trip with guides Jerry Reyes, Tyler Miller of Miller Time Fishing (fishmillertime .com) or TJ Hester of Hester’s Sportfishing (hesterssportfishing.com). They can take you out at night and leverage their vast experience and knowledge of the rivers’ dangers to give you the best odds possible of landing your own big girl. What you choose to do with her once she’s brought on board is between you and God. –JH

Nighttime’s the right time to get after trophy female walleye in winter, but you’ll want to work shallower for them than you would for concentrations of keeper-sized fish. (FLATOUTFISHING.NET) 134 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

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FISHING Fewer than expected walleye were caught that day, possibly because of all the young shad providing ready forage, but the author expects action to round into shape by mid-November as the fish concentrate in their 50- to 115-foot-deep wintering holes. (JEFF HOLMES)

at shallower depths in pursuit of big females, the exact opposite approach is the prevailing wisdom: big worm harnesses and whole, jumbo ’crawlers.

WE DEPLOYED OUR rigs in a 40-foot hole near McCormick Slough, and Rodriguez hit two 18-inch walleye in quick succession, followed by more smallmouth. We found some fish and could have grinded on them, but we were interested in continuing to prospect. Only Rodriguez wanted to take home fish on that day, and he had plenty at this point. So we kept jumping to different holes in the 136 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

south channel in front of Boardman but only caught bass as we prospected deep winter haunts. We kept threatening to pull the plug and head home, but we were curious about two holes in the north channel across from Boardman. Rather than rocketing across the middle of the river to go from the south to north channel, we conservatively puttered across at 5 to 7 mph. Our caution was confirmed to be smart as we continually went over grass-covered humps and rocks that were as shallow as 2 feet deep a mile from either north or south shoreline!

After a decently long pass through a great hole without a bite, we decided to head for the dock. I picked Jerry’s brain about a handful of holes on the way back and filed away the info for later. As much as I joke about hating walleye fishing and doing it as a last resort, there are times when I do enjoy it, and I own a walleye boat. Walleye boats are versatile, fast, stable, maneuverable, bigwatercapable and wide-beamed, lending themselves to salmon fishing too. We ended our day with foofoo coffees on the way home in Umatilla, having answered the questions for the day. Yes, last year’s huge cohort of small walleye has grown up and are around 18 inches. We were unable to determine how numerous they are, however, for a couple reasons. First, the fish we caught were throwing up shad smolts – lots of them – and giant numbers of young shad had been flooding downstream for two months prior to our day on the water. There is always a slowdown on walleye fishing during the shad migration as they overindulge. Second, and this answered our third question for the day too: As of mid-October, the walleye were still spread out and not concentrated in their wintering holes. Once they are, guide boats and private anglers alike will load up on fish and get a firsthand view into their average size. I suspect the fish will be 16 to 19 inches, but don’t quote me. Speaking of quoting me, I’m thankful only Reyes and Rodriguez were present to hear my stream of profanity and the questionable jokes I unleashed on the boat. The fishing hadn’t yet rounded into the prolific shape I expect it to be in by midNovember, but I was in rare form with the jokes, as was Reyes. It was a nice half day on the water with one of my favorite people, one I highly recommend booking a trip with. If walleye isn’t your jam, Jerry Reyes is a fantastic salmon and steelhead guide and does very well on keeper sturgeon too. NS

THE LEELOCK MAGNUM SKEG Drastically improve performance and steering of bow-mounted electric trolling motors with the LeeLock Magnum Skeg. The use of bow-mounted electric trolling motors for salmon trolling is a game changer. Not only does this skeg improve performance, it makes bow-mounted electric trolling motors much more efficient. Your batteries will run longer on a charge. The LeeLock Magnum Skeg can be a vital part of your trolling motor system! The skeg is made of anodized 5052 aluminum. The size is 8 3/4 inches high by 10 inches wide and it’s 3/16 inch thick. The anodization keeps the aluminum from corroding in fresh- and saltwater. The LeeLock Magnum Skeg is available to fit most Minn Kota and MotorGuide (pictured) motors. It comes with clear PVC-coated stainless steel hose clamps. Call 360-380-1864 or write info@ leelock.com if you have any questions about fit.

LEELOCK CRAB CRACKER This new tool from Leelock will allow you to measure your Dungeness crabs to determine which ones are legal to keep. Then use the Crab Cracker to crack them in half, separating the two clusters from the shell and guts. The Crab Cracker has been designed so that it sits nicely on top of a 5-gallon bucket, perfect for when you clean crabs. The bucket gives you a stable base, which makes it easier to clean – the guts and shell go into the bucket, making cleanup a snap. Crabs cleaned this way take up half as much space as whole crabs, so you can cook twice as many in your kettle. The Crab Cracker is a unique tool made from solid aluminum, and comes in handy for cleaning Dungeness crabs.

360-380-1864 www.leelock.com nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

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Special Advertising FocUS

Northwest Fly Fishing

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Northwest Fly Fishing

The storied waters of Montana are some of the best in the West for fly fishing for wild rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, and booking a guided trip is a great way to learn how to catch them and about the resource. (LAZY BEAR OUTFITTERS)

A GUIDE’S PERSPECTIVE:

FLY FISHING IN MONTANA BY GEORGE “GP” MONTA

ontana, the acclaimed “Last Best Place,” is a true fly angler’s paradise. I’m George “GP” Monta, a seventh-generation Montanan born and raised in the heart of this breathtaking state. My family’s roots in Montana date back to 1868 when we homesteaded in the Big Hole Valley. Later, we journeyed to the

picturesque Bitterroot Valley, which I’ve called home all my life. It’s here, among the pristine rivers and limitless landscapes, that I’ve cultivated my passion for fly fishing and dedicated myself to sharing it with others. As the head guide at Lazy Bear Outfitters, I’ve had the privilege of introducing countless anglers to the joys

of fly fishing on some of Montana’s finest rivers – the Bitterroot, Blackfoot and Clark Fork. In this article, I’ll share my insights on how to get started with fly fishing in Montana, the unique experiences offered by our rivers and why booking a guide is an excellent way to dive into this incredible sport or fine-tune your skills. nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023 Northwest Sportsman

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Northwest Fly Fishing THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FLY FISHING Fly fishing is not just a pastime; it’s a captivating blend of art, science and profound connection with nature. My journey with fly fishing started at a young age. Small streams and rivers were my playground as a child, offering me more life lessons than I could have ever imagined. I spent countless hours on the river, observing fish behavior and perfecting my technique. This relentless pursuit of knowledge and

skill became my lifelong obsession. An aspiring angler needs to know the essentials in order to be successful on our rivers. The Right Gear: The backbone of fly fishing is your gear. You’ll need a fly rod, reel and line, as well as a selection of flies that match the local hatches. Your local fly shop can help you find the right equipment tailored to your specific needs and the Montana waters you’ll be fishing. Casting: Mastering the art of casting is George “GP” Monta is a seventh-generation Montanan whose journey to becoming a fly fisherman and lead guide at Lazy Bear Outfitters started at a young age. (LAZY BEAR OUTFITTERS)

the first step. In Montana, we often cast long distances to reach elusive trophy trout. Practice in your backyard or a local park before hitting the rivers. Understanding Entomology: Knowing the local bugs and their life cycles is crucial. It helps you match your fly selection to the water and season. Patience and Observation: Montana’s rivers are crystal clear, which means the fish can see you as clearly as you can see them. Patience and stealth are your allies. Take time to observe the water, fish and insect activity, and you’ll be rewarded. THE TREASURES OF MONTANA RIVERS My deep-rooted connection to Montana’s rivers and unwavering dedication to this craft has led me to explore some of the state’s finest waters. The Bitterroot, Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers are among the gems I’ve come to know intimately. Bitterroot: This river that meanders through the Bitterroot Valley is stunning and has always held a special place in my heart as my home water. It’s an excellent location for anglers of all levels. Teeming with rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, it offers unique challenges and rewards. Blackfoot: Made famous by Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, the Blackfoot is a testament to Montana’s untamed beauty. It has provided me 140 Northwest Sportsman NOVEMBER 2023 | nwsportsmanmag.com

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Northwest Fly Fishing

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Special Advertising FocUS

Northwest Fly Fishing with invaluable experiences, and is filled with diverse angling challenges and wild rainbow and native cutthroat trout. Clark Fork: Montana’s largest river by volume, the Clark Fork has presented me with an expansive canvas for honing my skills. It’s home to a variety of trout species and offers a dynamic environment that’s perfect for refining fly fishing techniques. THE GUIDE’S ADVANTAGE IS YOUR ADVANTAGE While getting started with fly fishing can be a self-taught journey, booking a guide is an exceptional way to accelerate your learning curve. The main advantages of fishing with a guide in Montana are: Local Expertise: Guides are intimately familiar with their local rivers, hatches and fish behavior. They can take you to the prime fishing spots and help you adapt to changing conditions. Gear Provided: Guides can provide you with top-notch gear and flies, saving you

the hassle of acquiring and maintaining your own equipment. Personalized Instruction: Guides offer one-on-one coaching, tailoring their instruction to your skill level and learning pace. They can teach you casting techniques, knot tying and help you read the water effectively. Conservation and Ethics: Guides emphasize responsible angling, educating you on catch-and-release practices and ensuring the protection of Montana’s precious natural resources. Memorable Experience: Beyond the fishing, guides enrich your experience by sharing local knowledge, stories and creating memories that will last a lifetime. PARTING THOUGHTS One of my deepest commitments is to conservation. Montana’s natural beauty is a treasure I’ve grown up with, and I’m dedicated to preserving it for generations to come. Sharing the wonders of this state

Fly fishing in the “Last Best Place” is a chance to “explore its unspoiled beauty, connect with its rich history and experience the thrill of the catch.” (LAZY BEAR OUTFITTERS)

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with others while also instilling principles of ethical angling and resource preservation is a fundamental aspect of my work. My journey from being an avid angler to a dedicated guide has been one of passion, hard work and unwavering determination. As the head guide at Lazy Bear Outfitters, it’s been my privilege of a lifetime to be a part of thousands of people’s fly fishing journeys. In closing, I invite you to embark on your own fly fishing journey in Montana. Explore its unspoiled beauty, connect with its rich history and experience the thrill of the catch. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, consider the wisdom and expertise of an experienced guide to elevate your adventure. Montana’s rivers await your discovery, and the knowledge you’ll gain will be your personal testament to the magic of fly fishing in the “Last Best Place.” Editor’s note: Author George “GP” Monta is the head guide at Lazy Bear Outfitters. For more info, visit lazybearoutfitters.com.

Special Advertising FocUS

Northwest Fly Fishing

Silver Horde

silverhorde.com The KatchKooler Deluxe “keeps your catch fresher.” The compact design makes it easy to stow and a high-density closed-cell foam layer insulates the fish to keep it extra cold on the boat. Made with durable waterproof outer fabric and equipped with a strong handle. Silver Horde suggests reusable ice packs to protect your catch from bacterial degradation and prevent leakage. Great to transport fish home or to a derby weigh-in. It’s the perfect gift for the angler in your family.

Black Hills Ammunition

black-hills.com The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) from Black Hills Ammunition pushes modern 6.5 high-BC projectiles another 250 feet per second faster than the 6.5 Creedmoor and with comparable accuracy. Ballistics with these calibers were similar, but the 6.5 PRC has advantages over all of them. For Black Hills’ first loading, they chose to load this cartridge with the Hornady 143-grain ELD-X.

Holiday Gift Guide

Finn Bay Lodge

finnbaylodge.com Give the gift of a oncein-a-lifetime adventure by purchasing a partial fishing trip up to an entire fishing trip for a loved one! Reach out to mallory@finnbaylodge. com to discuss pricing and options.

Bullard Leather

Exquisiteknives.com

exquisiteknives.com Exquisiteknives.com has been offering some of the finest custom knives for over 20 years, including this knife by Lloyd Hale. Dave Ellis, American bladesmith mastersmith (retired), has been a knife collector for most of his life. His worldwide clientele includes many celebrities as well as everyday knife users. Being a collector, dealer and maker, Mr. Ellis has a well-rounded education and many of the top makers are close friends.

bullardleather.com The bodyguard holster is perfect and comfortable for easy concealment with an untucked shirt! Handmade in Texas from premium Hermann Oak Leather. This pancake holster design is made standard with the sweat shield and fully covers to the end of the barrel with an open muzzle. Double stitched to provide stability. The design of the holster with the 25-degree forward cant fits snug up against the body, providing effortless reholstering. Holsters are molded and boned specifically to the gun for that “snap” fit. Made to be worn in the 4 to 5 o’clock position just above your back pocket. The belt-carry design facilitates retention from your belt, without requiring an additional tension mechanism. The above holster is shown with brown shark and thumbreak snap. nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

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Holiday Gift Guide

Hi-Point Firearms

hi-pointfirearms.com The YC9 is the next generation of Hi-Point Firearms C9. It is loaded with features such as Glock-compatible front sights, front and rear cocking serrations, optic-ready, 1913 rail, grip safety, new grip design, and the YC9 comes with a 10-round magazine standard.

Davis Tent

davistent.com The sleeping bag cover from Davis Tent is a great way to protect your sleeping bag and add a little warmth. You can even sleep under the stars on a starry night! Roll your sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad up and it’s a perfect bedroll to keep all your sleeping gear organized.

Nomar Michlitch Co.

spokanespice.com Shopping for a unique, useful gift has never been easier. The Michlitch Co. has five options of spice gift boxes to choose from. Each box contains a locally produced sauce and three bottles of their own blends. Prices range from $25 to $30.

nomaralaska.com Made in Alaska, the waterproof gun cases from Nomar feature padded protection for your great adventure off the beaten path. This scabbard holds a scoped rifle that is up to 47 inches long. The top rolls down and cinches closed to protect your gun. Visit the website to purchase.

Anglers Edge Sportfishing

anglersedgesportfishing.com At Anglers Edge Sportfishing, a six-person fishing charter out of Westport, Washington, they are passionate about fishing and providing their clients with the best experience possible. If you’re ready to have a great time and make some unforgettable memories, contact them today. Gift certificates are available and make a great Christmas present. 146 Northwest Sportsman

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Holiday Gift Guide

Sportco & Outdoor Emporium

sportco.com Sportco & Outdoor Emporium is the number one retailer of sporting goods in the Northwest. Fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, watersports and more. Family-owned and -operated since 1975. Your journey begins here.

Patrick’s Fly Shop

patricksflyshop.com Patrick’s Fly Shop offers fly casting and fly-tying classes for all experience levels. Fly-tying class schedules are listed on the website and casting lessons are scheduled by appointment. Gift cards for classes or products can be purchased instore or online!

All Rivers & Saltwater Charters allwashingtonfishing.com All Rivers & Saltwater Charters has been in service for nearly two decades but they still consider themselves the “new school” type of Seattle fishing charter, specializing in hands-on techniques and the latest in boats and equipment!

INLAND BOATS & MOTORS

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SERVING YOU SINCE 1975

Holiday Gift Guide FISHING • HUNTING • NEWS

NWSPORTSMANMAG.COM

Northwest Sportsman Magazine

nwsportsmanmag.com The premier source for actionable fishing and hunting opportunities in the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. With input from top guides and expert sportsmen, each issue aims to give readers intelligent advice on how to harvest more fish and game that month, provide insight into major issues affecting fish and wildlife, and profile interesting sportsmen. No other magazine in the region can match the breadth of coverage nor the respect Northwest Sportsman has earned. A one-year subscription is $39.95 for 12 issues. Call 800-332-1736 or go online to subscribe. nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

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Holiday Gift Guide

Alaska Family Motorhomes

alaskafamilymotorhomes.com Alaska Family Motorhomes is offering a free bedding package on any motorhome or camper van rental booked prior to January 15, 2024. Just email afmotorhomes@gmail.com with the subject “Holiday Free Bedding” and make your reservation on their website and they will do the rest.

Eastern Washington Guides

easternwashingtonguides.com The perfect gift: a waterfowl facial! The folks at Eastern Washington Guides love landing birds in your face! They offer fully guided hunting and fishing trips around the greater Columbia Basin, Moses Lake and the Potholes Reservoir. Waterfowl trips target Canada geese, snows and ducks with hunts available throughout the holiday season. Give the one you love the perfect gift, a waterfowl facial from Eastern Washington Guides. Happy holidays! To get $50 off your booked trip, use code NWSGIFT at checkout.

OREGON

EUGENE Maxxum Marine (541) 686-3572 1700 State Highway 99 N www.maxxummarine.com

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HOLCOMB’S MARINE

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• 15hp Long P Trim . . . . . . . . . . . $3,450 • 8hp Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,850 • 10hp Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,450

Dissimilar Trades Accepted - RVs, Travel Trailers, Ski Boats, ATVs, Harleys, Trucks, Autos Accepted nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

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Holiday Gift Guide Pelagic Pursuits Costa Rica

catchfishcostarica.com The Central Pacific region offers the best offshore and inshore fishing throughout the entire year. Billfish are the favored target of most visiting anglers, and they are seldom disappointed with a short run to blue water on flat seas and an abundance of fish.

Collar Clinic Fish Hunters Guide Service

fishhuntersguideservice.com Contact Fish Hunters Guide Service to find out how you can get $50 off a full-day guided fishing trip. Offer not valid on half-days, or per person pricing. Discount is valid off of the total price of your trip.

Diversified Innovative Products

diproductsinc.com DIP, Inc is not content with the cheap plastic parts that many firearms companies produce to cut production costs for rimfire firearms. DIP makes drop-in metal replacement parts and accessories that are both high quality and affordable. All products are made in the USA. They manufacture parts for the following brands: CZ, Marlin, Savage, Ruger, Remington, Tikka, Steyr, S&W, Howa, Marlin, Sako, Anschutz, Henry and others. 152 Northwest Sportsman

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collarclinic.com Track and train your pack with the Garmin Alpha TT25 dog collar. This universally sized collar fits large and small breeds and is slim and durable. Using a compatible handheld (sold separately), track and send training commands up to 9 miles with up to 68 hours of battery life.

Boat Insurance Agency

boatinsurance.net The Boat Insurance Agency is an independent agency representing the best marine insurance companies. They carefully compare a number of policies to find the lowest premiums and best values for your boat insurance needs. Boat Insurance Agency is owned and operated by Northwest boaters. They have the local knowledge needed to understand boating in the West, along with your special needs. Contact them for an insurance quote and to learn more about the value and service they can offer.

OREGON EUGENE Maxxum Marine (541) 686-3572 www.maxxummarine.com

WASHINGTON PORTLAND Sportcraft Marina (503) 656-6484 sportcraftmarina.com

EVERETT Performance Marine (425) 258-9292 perform-marine.com

MOUNT VERNON Master Marine Boat Center, Inc. (360) 336-2176 mastermarine.com

SHELTON Verle’s Sports Center (877) 426-0933 verles.com

nwsportsmanmag.com | NOVEMBER 2023

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Holiday Gift Guide Vortex

vortexoptics.com Make every ounce count with the all-new Razor HD 13-39x56 spotting scope from Vortex. Built to seamlessly fit into the packs of today’s weight-wary backcountry hunters, the Razor HD 13-39x56 perfectly balances premium optics and an incredibly compact package. Key features include HD optical system, compact design, helical focus, and Arca-Swiss compatibility. Stop by your local Vortex dealer today.

Verle’s

Puget Sound Fly Shop

pugetsoundflyshop.com Christmas is right around the corner. Puget Sound Fly Shop offers gift cards and many items that would make the perfect gift for the avid fly fisherman.

Lazy Bear Outfitters

lazybearoutfitters.com/ products/lazy-bear-gift-card Give the gift of adventure with a Lazy Bear Outfitters Gift Card, redeemable for a dream Montana fly fishing trip or quality merchandise. Make their outdoor wishes come true! 154 Northwest Sportsman

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verles.com Verle’s has the Little Chief front-loading package for you. Smoking is made simple with the Little Chief, as all you have to do is plug it into a standard household outlet. Just place your food (after brining or preparation) on one of the four racks that sit over the top of the drip pan. The smoker’s capacity is 25 pounds of meat or fish! Includes: smoker, four easy-slide chrome-plated grills, electric cord, drip pan, free bag of Smokehouse Alder Wood Chips, and recipe booklet. MSRP: $179. Verle’s 75th Anniversary Special – $75 (while supplies last). Manufacturer seconds. Product #9908-000-0000.

California Wild Sheep Foundation

cawsf.org California Chapter of Wild Sheep Foundation, formed in 2001, has worked with agencies and other conservation groups to combat disease and provide habitat enhancements for the iconic desert sheep in California. CAWSF encourages all who are interested in putting and keeping sheep on the mountains to join them.

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9316 Portland Ave. E Tacoma, WA, 98445 253-301-4013 www.tacomaboatsales.com Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. 2021 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. ®

Holiday Gift Guide

Cut Plug Charter

seattlesalmonfishing.com Cut Plug Charter offers Puget Sound fishing trips for salmon and lingcod. They specialize in hands-on fishing experiences with light tackle.

Carefree Boat Club of Seattle

seattle.carefreeboats.com This holiday season give the gift of boating! Being a boat club member allows you to experience fun times with family and friends without the additional work of boat ownership. No maintenance, cleaning, moorage, trailering or insurance fees! You simply book, show up and go boating!

Westview Marina

www.westviewmarina.com/ m3dia/promo-video-2021 Epic British Columbia, Canada, fishing/catching adventure. Drive or fly in, four nights lodging, three full days of guided fishing/catching salmon, halibut, lingcod and much more, with all your meals off a large restaurant menu. $2,100 USD each for a crew of four to six people.

Fly Gyde

Pacific Calls

pacificcustomcalls.com The Deuces double-reed duck call is the most popular duck call that Pacific Calls produces. This is the double reed for hunters who like the sound of the single reed but enjoy the user-friendly double-reed style. From top to bottom, this call’s range has it all. 156 Northwest Sportsman

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flygyde.com Give the gift of adventure and lifelong memories this holiday season with Fly Gyde’s versatile gift cards! Whether it’s chasing a 40-pound Chinook or landing a personal-best steelhead, gift cards can be tailored to any denomination and used for unforgettable guided fishing trips or premium gear from Fly Gyde’s online fly shop.

THEY WRITE COUNTRY SONGS ABOUT MORNINGS LIKE THIS.

BUT AT 70 MPH YOU CAN’T HEAR THEM.

It’s a glorious sunrise, viewed in fast forward thanks to the power of your 250 ProXS. Because you need to get there while the fish are still eating breakfast. Learn more at mercurymarine.com or visit your local dealer, today.

CONNECTICUT Connor’s and O’Brien Marina Pawcatuck, CT connorsandobrien.com Defender Industries Inc. Waterford, CT defender.com O’Hara’s Landing Salisbury, CT oharaslanding.com

Captain Bub’s Marine Inc. Lakeville, MA captainbubsmarine.com

Obsession Boats East Falmouth, MA capecodboatcenter.com

Doug Russell Marine Worcester, MA WorcesterBoating.com

Portside Marine Danvers, MA portsidemarine.us

Everett Bayside Marine

1111 Craftsman Way Essex Marina LLC. Essex, MA98201 Everett, WA essexmarinallc.com (425) 252-3088 McLellan Brothers Inc. www.baysidemarine.com Everett, MA

NEW HAMPSHIRE Dover Marine Dover, NH dovermarine.com

Master Marine Boat Center, Inc. Winnisquam Marine

Belmont, NH 503 Jacks Lane winnisquammarine.com Mt Vernon, WA 98273 RHODE ISLAND (360) 336-2176 South Attleboro Marine Billington Cove Marina Inc. www.mastermarine.com North Attleboro, MA Wakefield, RI Riverfront Marine Sports Inc. Salisbury, MA riverfrontmarine.com

M A S S AC H U S E T T S

mclellanbrosinc.com

www.sammarine.com

bcoveyc.com

Action Marine & Watersports Inc. Holyoke, MA actionmarineholyoke.com

Merrimac Marine Supply Methuen, MA merrimacmarine.com

Wareham Boat Yard W. Wareham, MA wareham-boatyard-marina.com

Jamestown Distributors Bristol, RI jamestowndistributors.com

Bill’s Outboard Motor Service Hingham, MA billsoutboard.com

Nauset Marine-Orleans Orleans, MA nausetmarine.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

Zermatt Arms, Inc.

zermattarms.com Manufacturer of custom firearm components with a focus on precision long-range shooting.

October Country Muzzleloading

octobercountry.com Back in 1977 when the company was in its infancy, October Country Muzzleloading was a hunting bag. One product. Today, the northern Idaho-based outfit offers a complete and thorough line of muzzleloaders and muzzleloading accessories, including ramrods, Pushing Daisies patches, Blue Thunder solvent, Bumblin’ Bear Grease, quality leather shooting bags, powder horns and hand-forged shooting tools. All exceptional quality goods for the hunter, shooter, collector and history reenactor enthusiast. October Country products are made in the USA, designed and manufactured for muzzleloading, cowboy action and black powder cartridge shooters.

BEDLINERS | ACCESSORIES PROTECTIVE COATINGS

WHEN PROTECTION MATTERS MOST, LINE-X IT.

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Washington Line-X Plus 3508 C St NE Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 735-1220 www.linexofauburn.com