Sportsman's News September 2015 Digital Edition by Sportsman's News

SportsmansNews.com

September 2015

Volume 11 Issue 9

Huge Muleys Of The Desert

By Mike Deming â&#x20AC;&#x153; h my goshâ&#x20AC;?, were the only words I could get out of my mouth as this huge Sonoran mule deer buck lifted his head and looked through me at over a mile. He was truly the biggest typical buck I had ever laid eyes on in real life. He reminded me of a huge Wyoming buck called Popeye, with a huge typical frame and over three feet of spread. His black antlers contrasted against the desert floor, even at over a mile away and sent shivers down my spine as I watched him dog a doe through the brush. This was what I had come to Mexico to hunt and we were just getting started. The planning of this trip started in September when I got a phone call from Justin Jarret (AKA: JJ) who is the owner of Wapiti Ridge Outfitters in continued on page 2

Alan Deniz was able to harvest this 200 plus-inch mule deer while hunting in Sonora, Mexico with WRO Mexico.

Leupold All-American Event PAGE 8

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

J.R. Verzain, who is a professional bareback rider, took a break from the back of the bronc to harvest this great mule deer buck.

DESERT MULEYS continued from cover

Wyoming. They are one of our long standing Platinum Approved Outfitters who consistently deliver trophy animals and a quality hunting experience. He said that he had finalized everything for his expansion into Old Mexico and wanted to know if we were interested in making a trip down with him the first of the year to evaluate this new part of his operation. I was a bit apprehensive at first because of the problems known to exist along the border. He assured me that we would be hunting in an area which is very

safe. He also sent me pictures from his previous February’s trip, which sealed the deal for me and my team. The plan would be to fly into Hermosillo, where JJ would pick us up and then we would head out to camp. Camp would consist of a traditional tent camp, on the beach, in the heart of the hunting area. We would hunt for several days and then come back to town to take a shower, get provisions, sleep in a traditional bed and check in with the rest of the world. Definitely not a bad way to spend some days in late January and early February, where the mercury seldom gets above the low 20’s.

Great sunsets on the Sea of Cortez highlight the beauty of this rural portion of Mexico and add ambiance to your hunting experience.

WRO Mexico offers desert bighorn ram hunts to a select group of hunters each and every year. For 2016, the Sportsman’s News Pro Member Sweepstakes will be giving one of these very select hunts valued at $60,000 to one lucky winner. January finally rolled around and my cameraman, James Dansie and I headed for Hermosillo. Just a few years ago, the hunting industry in this area had come to a screeching halt due to the fears of traveling to Mexico. However, this isn’t the case anymore. Nearly everyone boarding the plane in Phoenix, Arizona was wearing camo and talking about the huge muleys and Coues deer in the desert of Mexico. It made for a very short flight, listening to all the talk from like-minded hunters. JJ was at the airport to pick us up. We were joined by professional rodeo greatness on this trip as JJ’s son and professional bareback rider, J.R. Vezain and professional bull rider Wes Silcox would also join us. Alan Deniz, from Bakersfield, California, rounded out the group and filled the last remaining slot for the week. We had a great group of guys and regardless of the hunting, we knew we were going to have a great time. Our tent camp on the Sea of Cortez set the stage for one of the most unique deer hunting camps I’ve experienced. Hearing the water slap the beach all night, long after filling our bellies with fresh scallops and other seafood with a Mexican flare, all the while hunting huge mule deer is something you just can’t explain. It must be experienced. The convoy of high racks departed our tent camp on the first morning, as it looked like a precision military operation. Each truck and their hunters broke off the main dirt road at a pre-

determined hunting area. The trucks slowed to a crawl as we drove the dry river beds, looking for the dark horned giants. We drove several miles away from the beach, towards the mountains and saw several deer, but nothing we were willing to drop the hammer on the first day. I had personally killed a huge buck in Colorado just a couple months before, which was a fraction of an inch away from the two hundred inch mark. Because of this, I knew I wasn’t going to pull the trigger unless he was bigger than the one I had already harvested during this hunting season. When we reached the base of the hills, we parked the truck and started climbing. The objective was to get high enough to look down into the desert floor. With cactus, brush and trees being ten to fifteen feet high and multiple little washes running through the desert floor, there were lots of hiding spots for those big muleys, for sure. After several moves and after gaining enough altitude, we started finding more deer. Little pods of deer seemed to be everywhere. Young bucks were attempting to do some rutting activity, but no mature bucks were with the groups. The rut just wasn’t in full swing yet or so we thought. I had covered most of the closer areas with my glass multiple times and decided to look further away. I had just settled my spotting scope in and was continued on page 6

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Words From The Publisher

he Sportsman’s News Pro Member Sweepstakes is starting to hit full stride right now and it is a very exciting time for us here at Sportsman’s News. We developed this Publisher’s Clearing House-style of giveaway for the outdoorsmen and women of the world over the past couple of years. We officially launched it early this spring and as I sit down to write this column, we have given away just over $100,000 worth of trips, guns, and gear to a bunch of lucky winners. We do a drawing every ten days for a major prize and then give away several bonus prizes as well. I personally know about each and every one of these trips because they are the very best trips we have done with Sportsman’s News over the past 11 years. We booked the very best dates available two years in advance for the winners to experience the trip of a lifetime. So, it is very exciting for us to know what these lucky winners are in for. A few of our winners have already been on some of these trips and you will start to see teaser videos on our website at SportsmansNews.com about their exciting adventures, as well as the full feature show on the SNTV DVD series. The conversations I have with these winners when they return brings this whole experience full circle for us here at Sportsman’s News. Some of these folks are experiencing a trip that was completely out of their realm of possibilities without the Pro Member Sweepstakes. They are spending less than a dollar a day for multiple chances at winning trips from Alaska Yukon Moose to trophy Mule

Deer in Sonora, Mexico and just about everything in between. All the members tell us how exciting it is to be able to see a new drawing every ten days. They usually apply for a few states and tags or visit a few banquets in the spring where they try to win something, but once it’s over they are waiting until next year for another opportunity. Our drawings are just going to get more plentiful and better as time goes on because we want to keep the draw odds really good for our members. We just announced one of the newest prizes for the drawing, which will be held next August. It is something we wanted to do in the beginning, but just couldn’t get it put together. Now that the membership is up and rolling and really starting to grow, we made the commitment to make this dream a reality for all of us. In August of 2016, we will be giving away a Desert Bighorn Hunt in Sonora, Mexico with one of our Platinum Approved Outfitters WRO Mexico. We have hunted with JJ and his crew for many years in Wyoming and last year we made it down to Sonora Mexico with him to hunt Mule Deer. Alain Deniz graces the cover of this issue with his huge Muley they took on this trip to Sonora with WRO Mexico. We already have one of these Mule Deer hunts in the Pro Membership Sweepstakes, which will be given away this month on September 10th, and we have already planned another trip the following year. WRO Mexico harvested a good sheep the week before we arrived to hunt in January of 2015 for Mule Deer and they are ramped up for another

great sheep season in Sonora this year. One lucky winner is going to get the opportunity to hunt one of the most sought after sheep species in North America in January of 2017. If you become a Sportsman’s News Pro Member right now, you will be in on that drawing August 10th of 2016 as well as 35 other drawings. You can see a complete list off all the winners as well as trips, guns, and gear to be given away over the next 12 months by looking at the membership tab on the Sportsman’s News website. Your membership is for one full year from the day you enter. We have made sure there are a lot of additional perks for our members on top of getting 5 tickets in each drawing for a full year. Each member gets an annual subscription to Sportsman’s News Magazine as well as all 8 SNTV DVD’s we produce throughout the year. Both of these are mailed to your house. We also pay for you to have a digital subscription to Eastmans’ Hunting Journal and Bowhunting Journal as well as 3 states of drawing notifications to Huntdraws.com If you book a trip with one of our Platinum Approved Outfitters, you will be eligible for a 5 percent discount on that adventure as well. These benefits and more are available to our members, so log onto SportsmansNews.com and become a Pro Member today. You just might be a winner.

WHAT'S INSIDE

3 Pro Member Update 5 Words From The Publisher 8 An American Collaboration 10 Platinum Approved Outfitters 14 Spotting Scope Roundup 24 Phoneskope 26 Stealth Cam G42NG On A Budget: 28 Adventures Pheasant Hunting 32 Primos Poof 02 Trail Cam 34 PacWest Outdoors: Fish Camp 38 Pro’s Tip: Pre-Season Scouting 42 Fishful Thinker: Find The Bait 46 Beretta A400 Xtreme 48 Business Directory 50 Video Product Reviews 56 Barebow!: Coming Up Sixes 60 Wild Game recipe: Dove Pot Pie 61 The Ideal Spinning Rig 62 Protecting Wild Places 63 Writing Contest: 4X4 Deer Hunt 64 Why America Needs Scouting 65 Wheels Afield: Chevy Colorado

www.facebook.com/ sportsmansnews Become a Fan of Sportsman's News for Fan Only contests and post comments about Sportsman's News. Tell your friends.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dave Domin Kitri McGuire Joe Glotts Gary Lewis Chad LaChance Dennis Dunn Steve Mayer Sierra Lomprey Andy Lightbody

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

DESERT MULEYS continued from page 2

starting to pick the brush apart, when I saw the flick of an ear. Since I was looking so far away and more uphill, I was no longer looking down into the desert floor, but through the openings. I strained to make out the deer I had just seen. It slowly walked out into a good opening with a light colored, sandy backdrop and I could tell that it was just a doe. I then cranked my spotter up to max power and refocused, just in time to see Muy Grande walk into my scope. He sniffed the ground where the doe had just been standing and on que lifted his head, sniffed the air and swung his head to face me. It was as if he was looking right at me and teasing me. He was every bit of 36 inches wide, with deep-forked black antlers, which looked as big as his body. Under my breath, I mumbled the number 250. I couldn’t even imagine a typical buck of that caliber, but I’m sure I had just seen it. I strained for another look at the giant and possibly a photo through my spotter, but I never could

get a clear view, with no brush in the background. The guides were jabbering on the radio back and forth and I knew they had seen the buck as well. It turns out that Alan Deniz and his guide had seen the buck as well and he was only a quarter mile from him. Unfortunately, he disappeared into the desert without providing a shot opportunity. When Alan returned to camp, he shared the experience about the buck with us and I knew we had witnessed the same deer. Needless to say, Alan was committed to this whopper for the week, as it was just what he had come to Mexico for. Over the next several days, this giant provided a few different sightings, but nothing which would provide a good shot opportunity. Alan even passed on a whopper buck, which he was sure would go over the 200 inch mark. This took some major willpower, since he had never killed a buck of that quality. Each day the rut got a little more momentum and more buck sightings were happening to everyone in our group. J.R. put the smack down on his biggest buck ever and got to share the

Extending your hunting season into February with warm breezes off the Sea of Cortez beats glassing in the frigid weather most mule deer hunters have become accustomed to.

experience with his dad while the rest of us searched for our own Sonoran giant. Each day, I glassed up bucks which would be an exceptional trophy for nearly any hunter, but the vision of that whopper buck had me committed to going super big or going home empty handed. With one day left to hunt, Alan and his guide rolled into camp for lunch. Everyone else was already there when they arrived. Alan tried to keep a straight face when he said they hadn’t had any luck, but he wasn’t able to hold it together. The crew rushed to the truck to see if he had killed the giant. He had killed a giant, but lucky for me it wasn’t the giant that I was hoping to put ‘my’ tag on. It turned out to be the same buck he passed early in the hunt. With the last days of the hunt slipping away, that thirty inch spread, deep forks and black antlers were more than Alan could take, even with a short G4 on the right side. The buck had been tending his doe at just over 600 yards, tempting Alan. When he finally presented a good shoot opportunity, Alan put his long-range shooting skills to work with his Weatherby 30-378 as he put the smack down on the Sonoran giant. He knew this was a big buck, but the reality really sunk in when he walked up to the buck. It was even more obvious when he told us all of the story. It was an emotional experience for this veteran hunter who had accomplished his goal of harvesting not only a 200 plus inch mule deer, but also one with a 31” inside spread. This was

truly the buck of a lifetime and why so many hunters go to Mexico. We were all very happy for Alan, but even happier that the super-giant was still alive for us to chase. We spent the last two days of our hunt passing on some great deer in hopes of getting that bruiser in our crosshairs, but it didn’t happen. One lucky hunter had the buck cross in front of the truck, but the brisk morning had him riding in the cab instead of in the high rack where he belonged. The old warrior disappeared into the desert and wasn’t seen again, which means he should be bigger and a bit wiser for our Sonora trip this February, when we will be back to chase those awesome desert mule deer with JJ and WRO Mexico Outfitters again. We are proud to endorse JJ and the WRO Mexico side of his business. Everyone saw great bucks, even though some of us came home empty handed. I got the pleasure of having a tag in my pocket and at the same time, I was in the presence of a giant world class deer. That is all a trophy hunter can ask for. We were so happy with this operation that we not only rebooked for 2016, but we purchased one of these hunts for our Pro Member Sweepstakes, which will be given away September 10th. Don’t miss your chance to win this hunt of a lifetime by becoming a member at www.sportsmansnews.com or call us at 435-865-1680 to book with our group heading there in February 2016. Wapiti Ridge Outfitters (WRO) Mexico, www.wapitiridgeoutfitters.com/locations/ mexico or by calling 307-899-1245.

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

An American Collaboration

By Dave Domin and Kitri McGuire

re products made in the United States important to you? For some the answer to this question is a resounding YES. To others, well, you can read it off the box. American ingenuity and craftsmanship are alive and well in the sporting industry and few companies exhibit these traits more than Leupold & Stevens, Inc. and Leatherman Tool Group. “We, like Leatherman, are passionate about American craftsmanship,” said Tim Lesser, Leupold’s Director of Product Development. “Hard work, innovation and dedication allow us to deliver the highest quality products to those we serve, our customers, from right here in Oregon.” This is why Leupold and Leatherman have joined forces this season for the All American Event. From September 1st through October 15th 2015, when you buy any Leupold VX-6, VX-3 or VX-3L riflescope you will receive a custom Leatherman Skeletool CX. Let’s take a closer look at the items available in this great offer. Let’s begin with the Leupold VX-3 and VX-3L riflescopes. The VX-3 and VX-3L incorporate Xtended Twilight lenses with DiamondCoat 2 in their 1 inch and 30mm, one piece maintubes. A Leupold exclusive, the Xtended Twilight Lens system has nearly perfected Leupold’s already impeccable light management. Beginning with edge blackened lenses, to reduce unwanted glare, Leupold engineers specify different coating materials for each lens surface in the riflescope, based on the lens’ index of refraction, placement and function, layering each coating to eliminate reflections and maximize light transmission. The result is unparalleled brightness and extremely sharp resolution across the entire visual field. The addition of DiamondCoat 2

Leupold VX-3L

to the exterior lenses delivers the ultimate in abrasion resistance and light transmission. While many Leupold scopes are still filled with nitrogen to keep them waterproof, the VX-3 and VX-3L lines feature Leupold’s proprietary Argon/ Krypton gas blend. The advantages are twofold: the effects of thermal shock are virtually eliminated, and the significantly larger molecule size of the Argon/Krypton blend create a stronger waterproof seal. Leupold pioneered riflescope waterproofing, and now with Argon/Krypton they’re exceeding the standards that they themselves set. Select VX-3 and 3L scopes are available with Leupold’s Custom Dial System or CDS. Unlike other systems that use generic ballistics information to generate generic drop data, Leupold CDS uses the shooter’s unique ballistics and environmental conditions to calculate true custom drop values that are laser engraved onto the dial. The first step in getting this done is to determine the best load for the rifle. Since no two guns will shoot the same load identically, it is important to get the most accurate ballistic data possible. Since the CDS system will only be as accurate as the information the shooter supplies to Leupold, loads should be chronographed and the elevation and temperature, +/- 2000 feet and +/- 20 degrees Fahrenheit respectively, should match the intended use area. Leupold will need the following data: cartridge, bullet type, bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, average altitude, average temperature and sight height. Leupold CDS will have a 100 or 200 yard zero in most cases (determined by the customer), then read in 50 yard increments out to the maximum yardage that can be reached in 14.5 minutes of angle (MOA). The CDS dial itself is a one turn dial with a built in zero stop. This allows the shooter to come back to zero without looking or counting clicks. For non-calibrated ammunition, all CDS-equipped riflescopes come with a ¼-MOA elevation dial. Each CDS equipped VX-3 and 3L riflescope includes one free custom dial, avail-

able through the Leupold Custom Shop. When used with a Leupold RX® rangefinder equipped with TBR ®, the CDS ® system takes the guesswork out of long range shooting by having yardage engraved on the dial for fast, easy elevation adjustment. It truly is as easy as range, dial and shoot. Next is the Leupold VX-6 line of riflescopes. Leupold has been developing cutting-edge optics since the 1940’s, so it is no surprise that they have done it again with their top of the line VX-6 riflescopes. Designed, machined and assembled at their state-of-the-art facility in Beaverton, Oregon, the Leupold VX-6 represents the pinnacle of sporting optics. The VX-6 is available in five magnification ranges from the versatile 1-6x24mm to the jaw dropping power of the 7-42x56mm. With a large selection of reticle choices, both illuminated and non-illuminated, there is bound to be the perfect VX-6 for you. Leupold didn’t pull any punches when designing the VX-6 line of riflescopes. They began with a one-piece maintube crafted out of aircraft grade aluminum for unrivaled durability. Available in 30mm and 34mm maintube diameters, they offer plenty of windage and elevation adjustment for the longest of shots. From there, lead free, edge-blackened lenses with Xtended Twilight and DiamondCoat ™ 2 lens coatings optimize light transmission in low light conditions, provide unparalleled scratch resistance and offer a crystal clear image throughout the magnification range. The extreme fastfocus eyepiece makes reticle focus easy to achieve and maintain in the field.

Available with ¼ Minute of Angle (MOA) or 1/8 MOA elevation and ¼ MOA windage adjustments, depending on model, all VX-6 riflescopes are Custom Dial System (CDS) capable and come with one free CDS dial custom engraved to your load’s ballistics through the Leupold Custom Shop. Select VX-6 models offer the all new Wind-Plex ™ reticle and the CDS-ZL (Zero Lock) elevation dial. The WindPlex reticle has hash marks spaced at 1 MOA intervals along the horizontal stadia which aid in windage holds when it is blowing outside. While the CDS-ZL elevation dial allows the shooter to return to zero without over-rotating and when zeroed it locks into place preventing inadvertent dial rotation in the field. The illuminated VX-6 scopes feature Leupold’s exclusive FireDot® illumination system. The one button, low profile design gives the shooter 12 illumination settings to choose from, plus Motion Sensor Technology (MST) that deactivates the illumination after 5 minutes of inactivity and instantly reactivates it as soon as movement is detected. Should the VX-6 be a long-range model, the side focus dial is placed around the illumination control for fast and simple one handed operation. Finally, the Leatherman Skeletool CX continued on page 13

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

EXCEPT FOR AMERICAN INGENUITY. HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO GET BOTH. For a limited time, when you buy any Leupold® VX®-6 or VX-3 riflescope, you get the American craftsmanship you expect, and something more. An Americanmade, limited-edition Leatherman® Skeletool® with custom Torx® and hex head bits fitted for Leupold rings, bases, and CDS® dials. That’s genius.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS |September 2015

The Sportsman's News Platinum Approved Outfitter is an outfitter that has excelled in every aspect of their business. They put people and customers before profit. They do what it takes to make sure that they will be in business for the long haul and ensure that they have repeat customers. They practice good game management, which will ensure a top quality trip with them every time you

book. These are outfitters you would be proud to refer to a friend. We know this because we are proud to endorse each one of these outfitters based upon our staff members personally visiting each one of these operations. These outfitters have proven to us that they have what it takes to be "Sportsman's News Platinum Approved."

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continued from page 8 is a unique fusion of a pocket knife and a pliers-based tool which redefines the multitool category that Tim Leatherman himself invented over 32 years ago. Outdoorsmen and women need to keep weight and volume to a minimum in the field, without sacrificing quality and true functionality. While multitools have many tools and features, they’re often heavy and include more options than are used on a regular basis. Conversely, pocket knives are light and streamlined, but render themselves useless when making necessary adjustments call for a tool. The Leatherman Skeletool CX is only 5 ounces and offers a solution that marries the best of both worlds for minimal weight, compact size, and endless capabilities. Whether you’re hunting in the backcountry, four-wheeling, snowboarding, fishing, or putting together a DIY project at home, there are just some things you can’t do without. The Leatherman Skeletool CX puts functionality where you are, and with multiple carry options like a pocket clip, carabiner or lanyard ring, it goes with you anywhere. Skeletool CX’s sleek design and outside-accessible blade means, just like a pocket knife, it can be opened quickly with one hand. Bit driver technology makes it possible to customize the screwdriver for any job. Take either one of the bits that comes with the tool, and can be stored

in the handles, or integrate a Leatherman bit kit and there are upwards of 42 Hex, Robertson, Pozi, Torx, Phillips and Slotted bit options. Full-size pliers with wire cutters and folding handles—as only Leatherman can engineer them—are strong, comfortable and easy-to-use. Leupold’s custom Leatherman Skeletool CX features several custom engineered features not found on the standard Leatherman Skeletool CX, including a specialty 154CM combo blade. It includes a custom, exclusive bit made to adjust your Leupold scope on the fly. And, it comes in a unique moss green color not found on any other Leatherman multi-tool and is engraved with the Leupold logo. “We’re proud to collaborate with our neighbors at Leupold on this special project,” said Kevin Gleason, Leatherman Global Brand Manager. “Just like us, they support American workers right here in Oregon. Quality engineering, premium materials, and American manufacturing are just a few of the many things we have in common.” So if you are looking to outfit that new rifle with a Leupold riflescope this season, or just update an old friend, head on down to your local Sportsman’s Warehouse and ask about the Leupold All American Event.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Spotting Scopes For Success

Putting all of the units to test in a real field experience when reviewing scopes is the best way to get a true comparison. By Eric Christensen A quality spotting scope is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment on a hunters’ checklist. Having the ability to cover several areas on the mountainside, without leaving your vantage point can have a huge effect on your hunting opportunities and success. I can’t recall a hunt in

the past 10 years that didn’t involve using my spotting scope to help me harvest animals. Having good glass to look through is basically like walking through the area first-hand. I would recommend looking into and investigating, first-hand all of the scopes we have reviewed. Find one in your budget and then research the features you want to utilize from that spotting scope.

Nightforce TS-82 Nightforce optics have long been among the best rifle scope manufacturers on the market. They have now incorporated those same principles and design features that have set them apart in the spotting scope arena. The TS-82 is tested and guaranteed to meet or exceed the quality of any highly respected European manufacturer. That is a pretty bold statement and after using their scope to look through in preparation for the coming season, I can see why it rivals all other spotting scopes. The first time I picked one up, I could feel how rock-solid the aluminum body of the scope felt. Nightforce is well known for putting their scopes through a rigorous shock and water test before it can be passed on to the consumer, with their logo of approval stamped into the scope. Starting with its large center focus ring, the TS-82 is very easy to adjust, even with gloves on. I really like this feature, because when you’re spotting and need to focus quickly, it is often hard on most spotters to find the small focus knob and adjust it without moving the scope off target or in many cases, a need to take your gloves off. Those few seconds longer for your eyes to look at a trophy animal before it disappears in the brush can be extremely helpful when planning a stalk and sizing up your trophy. The glass on the TS-82 provides exceptional razor-sharp images, even when the magnification is cranked all the way to 70-power. In those early morning and late evening spots, the APO fluorite glass performed better than I expected. I was very impressed with the clarity it gave me when sizing up antlers on various animals. The internal prism design lets in the maximum amount of light versus mirrors that can absorb critical light. This design allows you to spot longer in those critical times, without causing eye fatigue. The proprietary Nightforce coatings give you unmatched contrast and brightness. The lenses also have a hydrophobic coating applied to them, which will shed water without leaving any residue, while also resisting fingerprint smears. The Nightforce TS-82 Scope is offered in a straight or angled eye piece design, with 20-70 power standard eye piece, and users have an optional 30-60 power wide-angle eye piece as well. A lens hood comes standard with both models. The overall length, with eye piece, is 16.4” and weighs in at 67 ounces. Its size is not ideal for putting in your back pack to carry all day, however, I packed it on several trips and the performance outweighed the size every time I used it to spot long distance. Nightforce has brought another great optic to the table and you will find it hard to beat in their price range. I will be including this scope in my arsenal for the upcoming hunting season. Zeiss Victory Diascope 85 I have always enjoyed looking through Zeiss Optics and the angled DiaScope 85 that I used for a test model was no exception. Zeiss Optics is one of the oldest and most reputable optic manufacturers in the world. The Diascope 85 model has one the widest ranges in magnifications available, with a Vario D 20-75 eyepiece. This unique range gives the Diascope many options for use, from bird viewing to watching big game with awesome clarity. There is no doubt that better clarity and light transmission will help with eye fatigue and this scope is one of the clearest ones on the market. Zeiss uses a high performance fluoride glass, constructed of multiple thin lenses. The Victory Diascope feels rock solid in your hand when mounting it to

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

a tripod. The wide field of view you get with an 85mm objective is a feature I really like when searching for animals. When I’m glassing, I usually use my binoculars to scan the area and then when I find something I want to see, I will put the spotter on it. The wide field of view also helps me find landmarks by my target, making for quicker acquisition. This is especially true when you are zoomed-in for an up-close look. The multi-coating that each Diascope comes with is specially formulated to help with light transmission. The colors and brightness that the coatings give to your eye are about as good as it gets. When selecting high-end optics, color resolution is a must. Being able to spot your yellow elk, out in a sea of yellow cheat grass, requires the right optical color coatings. I was very impressed with the clarity at maximum zoom with the Diascope 85. It didn’t get hazy or grainy like some optics do when it’s early or late and you are at full magnification. This is due to technology Zeiss developed for stray-light reduction. This system is designed for users to enjoy the image, even with difficult backlighting. The edges of the field of view are also crisp right to the edge. The Victory Diascope is available in straight or angled models depending on preference. There is a 65mm size also available and users can get additional eyepieces for both models. The 85mm spotter is not ideal for backpacking, but it wasn’t terrible hauling it up the mountain side either. When I did bring it up on the hill with me, it was well worth the extra weight. Swarovski ATX/STX The name Swarovski is synonymous with world class sporting optics. Swarovski not only brings great clarity and superior manufacturing to customers, they also continue to be the leader in innovation. The ATX/STX spotting scope system is basically three scopes in one. Having the option to change lenses make this the most versatile spotter package on the market today. In a matter of seconds, the scope can go from a 65mm backpack scope, to an 85mm long-range and then to a wide-view 95mm objective. I really like the outside texture the body of the scope has. It is easy to grip, even when temperatures are cold. The last thing I want to do is drop my expensive spotting scope and shatter my objective lens. Swarovski has moved the zoom ring from the eye piece to the body of the scope, next to the focus ring in the ATX/ STX system. I personally like the big focus and zoom ring, which makes it very easy to find and move quickly. Seeing a potential trophy animal and not getting a good look because you are struggling to either zoom in or focus the scope, is one of the most frustrating situations when glassing long distance. Now you might be asking, “Why would you want three different spotting scopes?” The 65mm objective is ideal for carrying in a pack to get that extra distance, making sure that animal across the canyon is worth burning those precious calories. The 85mm objective is a great mix of out-of-the-truck glassing or getting a wider field of view up on the mountain. The 95mm objective is a large field of view and gives you more magnification than the smaller two objectives. It’s ideal for stationary, long range glassing and locating of critters. All three lenses are crystal clear and hold the image all the way to the edge. You can also get the iSeries Watertight Single Rifle Case straight and angles eye pieces for use with the three different objective lenses. Another reason I would recommend investing in a Swarovski Optiks is the rugINDESTRUCTIBLE. gedness and performance of their glass. We spend well over 200 days a year in the Holds scoped rifles up to 49” long. Available in field and I want to use my optics and not keep them in a glass box, so yes, I am Tan (shown), Black and OD Green. rough on my equipment and I expect them to live up to the manufacturer specs. Lifetime Warranty When you invest in Swarovski Optiks, you also get the company behind the glass. I have dealt with them numerous times, with different products and have always felt great about getting their help with any problems that I may run in to.

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Your truck can only take you so far. It’s up to your optics to do the rest. This is the moment we work for.

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SPORTSMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWS | September 2015

Vortex Razor Vortex is one of the newest optic companies to offer a wide range of optic choices. Vortex may be a fairly new company but they have changed the optics industry and taken a huge chunk of the optic market. One reason they have been so successful is they offer a great product, but their warranty and customer service is beyond exceptional. They truly have a hassle free warranty and will take care of their customers with top notch service. We used the Razor 20-60x85 HD spotting scope for the review. Vortex uses a premium 3 system glass to deliver the ultimate viewing experience. The XR plus multi-coating system deliveries a high resolution image and enhances light transmission all while in HD. The plasma tech coating is chemically bonded to the outside lens, which is a hard and scratch resistant coating. The big 85-milimeter objective lens is a versatile size lens. I felt comfortable taking it in my pack without too much weight and bulkiness. It also does well right out of the truck on a window mount or tripod. The body texture of the scope has a nice feel and is comfortable to grab. When you spend the money on high-end optics, making sure they are not going to slip out of your hand is something you should check out before purchasing one. Dropping your spotter and damaging it on an out of state hunt is very, very frustrating and expensive. The Razor 85 uses a dual focus knob located on top of the body. The first knob is a quick focus adjustment and the secondary knob will fine-tune the image precisely. This feature comes in handy when zoomed in on the highest magnification and users want to see more detail on their object. In my opinion, this setup is very efficient, but I have found it somewhat frustrating in really cold weather when I have large gloves on. It can be hard to really focus on my subject without bumping the scope or taking off my glove to adjust. It may seem a small gripe, but try and put your gloves on and off dozens of times a day and it becomes frustrating. Overall, the Razor 85 is one of the best buys for the money on the market today. Combined with the Vortex VIP warranty it makes a great choice for several spotting applications. The Razor 85 gives me no fear that I can use their scope and it will deliver superb optic quality and manufacturing coverage. The Phoneskope adapter worked awesome with the 85 model from Vortex.

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Leica APO-Televid 65 This German optics company has been another leading name among the elite optic companies in the world for many years. We used a 65mm APO-Televid angled spotter for this review. Leica sporting optics are built rock-solid, as all the parts are made with precision accuracy and not glued into place, giving this scope some serious dexterity and their engineers can breakdown the scope for repairs, putting the scope back to factory specs. The ‘65’ model is a great backpack scope because of its compactness. Leica uses a fluoride glass to give users exceptional color fidelity and image contrast. I used a small day pack on a trip while looking for some elk in Nevada and it fit nicely inside the larger pouch, with ample room to spare. The normal eye piece has a magnification range from 25-45. Leica has included a 1.8 magnifier that can be used with the factory eyepiece to increase you magnification range to 45-90. I like this feature when I want to see something at over a mile away. The only down side I have with the 1.8 magnifier is taking the eye piece off and adding it in the field. I am a little worried about getting dust and scratching the lens while attaching it. I would definitely attach the 1.8 magnifier to the eyepiece PACK - FEATURE ICONS: and leave it on while in the field. It did make a huge difference when looking around a mile or further in the field though. When zoomed to the max, Leica uses two focus knobs. The first knob adjusts rapidly and for really fine tuning your object, the secondary adjustment will dial in little details that a viewer wants to see. I like this feature for figuring out a buck’s antler configuration at long range. The drawback to this style is that in cold weather, if you are using heavy gloves, it can be hard to fine tune very fast. This, however, is a personal opinion and preference. The APO-Televid 65 is very clear and the coatings give a very vibrant color to the countryside and the image is clear to the edge of the glass. The scopes’ body coating is pleasant to grip and feels secure when grabbing it to mount to a tripod. We tested the Phoneskope on all models and they performed very nicely. I did find the Leica pull-out eye cup was a little loose and when I would turn the Phoneskope to get a better picture, the cup would twist back with the weight of my phone. Leica does offer their own digiscope adapter that works quite well, but for users looking to use a Phoneskope, this can be a little frustrating. INFINITE LOOP

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Leupold Gold Ring Leupold’s Gold Ring spotting scope is a classic optic innovation that has been the gold standard for many years. I remember looking through my dad’s Gold Ring at some big bucks wintering in Wyoming in the early 1990’s. I was amazed at the image, as it seemed like the deer were within a few feet of me. I was hooked and soon learned to use optics to my advantage. The Gold Ring is one of the most compact spotters available today for its size and magnification. When you can carry a tool that is small and light, but yet allows you to see if the animal is worthy of a stalk, it is truly priceless. Wasted stalks are costly on short seasons and that is where investing in a good spotting scope pays off. The Gold Ring uses a series of mirrors called their FLP or Folding Light Path. The use of this mirror system allows you to view a full color array and wide field of view, all in half its length. The magnesium housing is solid, yet lightweight and contours to the hand well. The 12-40x60 HD spotter fits great in my pack, with extra room to carry additional gear. The HD glass used with their Extended Twilight System is optimized for users to see more color in low light. The focus and zoom ring are built right behind the eye piece. The focus ring features some serious traction to grab and dial-in your subject. It is very fluid and easy to focus in on what you are viewing. Then, the zoom ring is right next to the focus ring. Our test model was brand new and the zoom ring was a little stiff. When focused on a target, if I didn’t tighten down the tripod, the scope would move just a bit off course, but by no means should this be a deterrent in using the Gold Ring. The zoom ring just needs some use to break in for easier transition. Its wide field of view made it super quick to find and zero in on animals. The Gold Ring’s eye piece has molded rubber that can be folded over itself for users wearing glasses or popped out to help block light from the sides. The Diamond 2 coating will also help with light transmission and protection from abrasive wear during use. The Gold Ring performed to my expectations from a Leupold optical product. The Gold Ring is available is different models and kits up to an 80mm objective. Stop into your local Sportsman’s and look through several spotting scopes for yourself. Each person that I talk to about optics seems to have a different eye and opinions as to what they want for their setup. These high-end optics will be a game changer for your scouting and hunting trips. All the spotting scopes reviewed above are definitely some of the best on the market and I guarantee investing in one will make your scouting trips and then your hunt for that trophy animal more enjoyable and successful.

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Phoneskope Captures Your Scouting on Your Smartphone

By Eric Christensen Field Editor

ne common ground outdoor enthusiasts and hunters share is that we love to record memories of our adventures in the wilderness. I recently tested out a product that is truly amazing at letting you bring memories of your trips back home with you. It’s simple, easy and a very affordable way for anyone wanting to share pictures and videos of their experiences when trekking through the woods. Phoneskope is a device that allows you to use you phone’s camera by attaching it to a spotting scope to snap pics or take video of animals and places you want to bring home with you. I compared the Phoneskope to a top optic manufacturer’s version of digiscoping. The Phoneskope blew away the competition. The Phoneskope comes with a plastic shell that users can place their specific model of phone into and then attach a ring that fits around your model of spotting scope. Then just turn your phones’ camera

on and select video or picture mode and you are set to get some amazing images. As a side note, the digiscope version attached fairly quickly to the spotter, but it was very hard to get the spotter on target with the extra weight of the adapter and camera attached to it. Phoneskope also separates itself from the competition by its size. Most other digiscope attachments have numerous metal parts that you are required to carry in your pack to utilize them when needed. The Phoneskope fits in your pocket, so you can keep your phone in the case. I was able to pull out my phone and get pictures of animals in 5-8 seconds. Where the digiscoping device took around 20-25 seconds. The speed at which users can start

taking pictures was great, because animals or birds are constantly moving, making every second count when you are looking for that perfect picture. The picture quality also was even a little crisper than my Cannon DSLR camera with the digiscope attachment. The reason is the quality of cameras in phones are exceptional, Now this is partly due to the fact that many phone cameras are very good now days, but also, when trying to take pictures with DSLR by pressing the button, caused the spotting scope to shake, making the image blurry. Even using a timer had complications with any type of breeze or wind, causing the spotter to vibrate due to the heavy DSLR camera, causing the spotter to be unbalanced on the tripod. The cost difference between the Phoneskope and other digiscoping attachments can easily be in the hundreds of dollars. Phoneskope also

makes a universal adapter to use on various optics, including rifle scopes. The applications are quite diverse, as users can take pictures of animals, birds, landscapes and astronomy, just to mention a few. The new blue tooth remote makes it even easier to get high quality, razor sharp images. I’m very impressed with Phoneskope and what I can capture on my trips. I will be using it on every trip we go on this fall to capture the moments that keep me coming back for more every year. Stop in to your local Sportsman’s Warehouse as they carry several models that are sure to fit your set up.

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Stealth Cam G42NG

By Eric Christensen Field Editor

remember working all week in agony, waiting to run up the mountain to check my Stealth Cam film trail camera. Back then, I would only get 24-36 pictures at a time. Then I would have to wait another couple of days to

get the prints made to see what had walked in front of the camera. Those days have long since sailed off and the new age of digital cameras has taken scouting to new levels. Today’s cameras are flat-out amazing and well worth your investment. Stealth Cam saw the future when they started developing game cameras for

scouting. Today, they continue to expand and improve their lineup of game cameras. Their amazingly small size makes them perfect for tossing a couple into your pack when heading off to the hills. The test model we used comes with three preset camera options, so users can basically turn on the switch to their preferred setting, latch it up and then head off to the next location. The camera also has a custom setup for users that want the camera to trigger at different times than the preset ones. I also like the option of being able to select the quality of the picture by selecting the size of megapixels I want captured. continued on page 30

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Pheasant Hunting on a Budget 101 By Joe Glotts

ne of the most rewarding aspects of pheasant hunting is that there really isn’t a lot of gear to worry about acquiring - no scent protection, goofy battery powered contraptions, sprays or decoys. It is just a hunter, a gun, a good dog if you’re lucky and a contest of wits. Of course, there are a few things that will make your hunt more successful and enjoyable. Here is a good list of must haves and add-ons for pheasant hunting. License/Regulations The best way to avoid a potential citation is to know the rules. Ignorance is no defense. 99.9% of hunters are not going to willfully violate a game law. Most violations are mistakes and most of those mistakes are made because a hunter was unaware they were breaking a law. A conservation officer is obligated to uphold the law whether the violation was a mistake or not. Having regulations with you and reading them before going hunting is a big step in preventing a citation. Common pheasant hunting citations are hunting after hours and over-bagging. Study hunting hours and bag limits for the state that you will be hunting in before going to the field. Maps Maps are definitely a must and can help you pinpoint good hunting areas long before the season starts. You can access hunting maps through most state wildlife agency websites. Even if you’re hunting private land, a look at an aerial

map from sites such as Google Earth can give you an edge. Plat books are also handy. Knowing a landowner’s name and phone number can be a big step in getting private land access.

Shotgun Most pheasant hunters prefer a 12 gauge shotgun, but many use a 16 or 20 gauge, especially youth hunters and ladies. An auto-loader is my choice when hitting the field, but over-and-unders and pumps down just as many birds and the latter can definitely shave a few hundred dollars off of the price tag. Remember, by the time most hunters get to a third shot, the bird is out of range anyway. The most important thing is to be comfortable shooting your gun of choice. Shells Pheasants are hearty birds. I often see new hunters come into the field with target loads that just aren’t going to get the job done on most pheasants. High brass shells loaded with #4 or #5 shot is best. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on quality shells. The daily bag limit in most states is two or three birds. Even if you limit out four or five days during the season, you probably won’t use more than a couple of boxes of shells, total. With all the money invested in guns, gas and everything else, an extra five bucks on better quality shells is a good investment at the point of impact. Lead shot is still the most popular type among pheasant hunters but remember, Federal Lands (all Waterfowl Production Areas) and many state properties now require non-toxic shot.

Clothing Most states require at least one article of clothing above the waist to be blaze orange. Your head is usually the first thing to be seen by other hunters and probably should be covered with a blaze orange cap. If you’re walking a river bottom or cresting a hill, your head could be the only thing another hunting group will see. However, some hunters like the idea of wearing a classic oil skin cap or cowboy hat. If you’re willing to accept the risk, wear what you like. A blaze orange hunting vest is an inexpensive garment that every pheasant hunter should have. On warm days, you can wear a t-shirt underneath it. On cold days, layer a jacket under the vest. When it comes to pants, go rugged. Chasing pheasants will take you into some of the nastiest habitat on earth. Prickers, burrs and thorns are common. Rawhide chaps are popular, but if you’re on a budget, heavyweight jeans will do just fine. A pair of high quality leather shooting gloves will protect your hands from getting scratched up.

Adventure On A Budget

Boots Pheasant hunting involves walking, a lot of walking. I recommend buying high quality, above-the-ankle boots. Upgraded insoles are also a good investment. Deer hunters often buy boots with high Thinsulate ratings. Insulation usually isn’t an issue for pheasant hunters. Constant movement is enough to keep

your feet warm. However, waterproof boots are a good investment. Pheasant cover is often marshy and it is no fun hunting with wet feet. Shooting Glasses Any time you fire a gun, you should be wearing eye protection. Malfunctions can be catastrophic, but even a simple misfire can send powder into your face and eyes. Hunters can also suffer a scratched eye due to thorns or berry bushes. If you’re hunting into the sun, a pair of sunglasses really help cut down the glare. Yellow or orange glasses improve contrast. Hearing protection is also recommended. Simple foam earplugs can be purchased for under a dollar at most sporting goods stores. Drinks & Snacks Pheasant hunting isn’t a sedentary activity. You’re going to burn significant energy while in the field. Bring along water or sports drinks. High quality food sources such as bananas and apples are also great for the hunt. If you’re hunting with a dog, don’t forget to bring some water for him as well. I wouldn’t feed a dog a meal immediately before or during the hunt. However, water and a small continued on page 30

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

AOB: PHEASANTS continued from page 28

snack once in a while will keep him hunting hard, just like you. Dog A dog isn’t required, but will make finding live and downed birds much easier. Common pheasant hunting dogs are German Shorthairs, English Pointers, Weimaraners, Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers. But just about any dog can be an asset in the field if they have basic obedience training and don’t range out too far. A friend of mine hunts pheasants with a mutt that doesn’t look anything like a typical bird dog. Keep in mind you will get what you put into a dog. If you haven’t put a lot of effort into training your dog for the hunt, don’t expect a lot out the dog. Spending your day yelling at the dog isn’t going to be fun for anyone. If the dog is a novice, leave him home or be willing to accept mistakes. Pheasant States Of course, South Dakota is number one on this list, with North Dakota,

Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska also holding good numbers of birds. Montana and parts of Idaho out west also produce pretty good numbers of birds in certain areas and of course, most states in the country offer outfitters and lodges with preserve status. Check out each states’ regulations and public hunting zones when searching for possible areas to hunt. It may take a couple of trips to an area to find the best opportunities available. Don’t be afraid to knock on a few doors to ask for permission to hunt their land. Even if they require a daily fee to hunt, it can be well worth the cost and can cut down on your daily travel and a lot of miles on your hunting boots at times.

all comes down to what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend. Some ranchers, turned parttime outfitters, offer very affordable day hunts, including guides and dogs for as little as $150 a day, per person – again, not bad if the birds are there and it can cut down on wearing out your feet and wasted travel time. Upland bird hunting is truly one of the most exhilarating forms of hunting avail-

able and the cackle of a beautiful ringneck pheasant is at the pinnacle in by book. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to have a great time and a successful hunt. Do some planning, make a few calls to state wildlife agencies and don’t be afraid to call a few outfitters in the area you plan to visit and then make your decisions based on your intel. I guarantee you will find you can do it on a lot less than you had thought was possible.

STEALTHCAM

ing the camera about 25-30 feet away from your intended photo spot. Always set the camera up by facing it north or south if possible, to avoid having the sunrise and sunset triggering it. To get optimal and epic pics, make sure you know where the best place is to set the camera up on the tree. Let the camera take some test pics of you walking in, so you can set the angles to where you want the animals to be captured from. You can then check the pictures to make sure you’ve got it set just right. Stealth Cam also sells a metal cage to secure your camera from curious bears and would-be camera thieves. I highly recommend the cages to go with your camera. I used over 40 cameras in different areas with my guide service and would lose a few every year because of stickyfingered hunters or by being torn up by meddling bears. Another reason I like the cage is that it will keep the camera in its location as deer and elk, even cattle may bump or move the direction of the camera, resulting in undesirable pictures, which result in a frustrating loss of money and time. Check out the G42NG and other great Stealth Cam trail cameras at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Lodges and Outfitters As in any situation, there is always the choice of looking into visiting a lodge, complete with accommodations, meals, guides, dogs and much more in some cases. Now it all comes down to what you can and want to afford, as you will find a normal three or four day, all-inclusive stay, can range from $1,000 to $5,000 and more, but again, it continued from page 26 The mounting strap can be strapped to either very large or smaller trees, with a simple tug of the adjustable buckle. The G42NG cam picked me up at 100ft, which makes it great for catching those creatures that you are wanting to get a look at. The G42 has four different resolution settings. Users can also select how many pictures they want taken with a burst mode when the sensor is triggered, ranging from 1-9. Video modes allow you to capture real-time HD video clips, ranging from 5-180 seconds, with audio. The G42 will accommodate SD cards up to 32 gigs. And believe me, Stealth Cam’s new Advanced Blur Reduction absolutely gives you clear and crisp pictures, every time. Knowing how to properly setup and place a camera will make the allotment of money and time well worth it. I always recommend novice game camera users to play with the camera at home to familiarize themselves with the camera. Digital pics do not cost anything to view, so set up the cam at home to see how it will function in the woods. By doing this, it will give you a good idea of the distance and angles of pictures the camera will take. I recommend plac-

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Primos Proof Camera 02

rail cameras are a great asset for scouting animals as well as hunting when your state allows. It’s like having a dedicated hunting buddy who will sit in the woods for you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and tell you exactly what he saw. We have over twenty years of personal experience with trail cameras and they have definitely changed. Some things definitely for the better, but a few things some would consider to be for the worst. Complexity is one such area where many consider it to be for the worse. The Primos Proof Camera 02 has combined the best of the new technology, but simplified the basics of setup and selections for those individuals who are electronically challenged. This provides an individual with the ability to get high quality photos, video, or time lapse in a compact trail camera and the ease of operation of just flipping a few toggle switches on a well-marked panel. This is truly the simplest camera we have ever set up, but doesn’t sacrifice in quality. The camera itself is small and compact, measuring just 4” wide and 5” high and 2.5” deep. It operates off of 8 AA batteries and will accommodate SD cards up to 32 GB. A 32 GB card will capture and store over 26,000 images taken in the highest resolution from the 12 megapixel camera. If you are just looking for standard definition photos which will output at approximately 400kb, the same card will store a whopping 80,000 photos. If you are looking to use your trail camera to capture video, you can choose either high definition or standard to take up

less memory. You can expect to capture 2,400 15 second high def videos on that same 32GB card. If you are using your camera to capture wide open spaces under time lapse photography taking 1 photo a minute, you can gather photos for almost 5 months. Whether you are looking for photos, video, or time lapse, this camera does it all. Each of these selections are executed with 3 simple switches (mode, settings, and delay) instead of complicated push button menus. The first switch allows you to choose if you would like photos, video, or time lapse. The next switch selects the number of photos to take, time of video recording, or amount of time you want between a photo taken for time lapse mode. The last switch allows you to choose the delay between photos/video. The setup for the clock and date is the only digital and push button thing on the unit. Once set up, you are good to go for the season. Each picture captured will display the time, date, day of the week, moon phase, and temperature. It comes with a 60” tree strap and a steel buckle, brass set tripod mount, and a built-in spot for a cable to lock your camera to the tree. This is truly the simplest camera we have ever tested here at Sportsman’s News and it has performed flawlessly during all of our testing this year. It is priced significantly less than many cameras which don’t perform as well and is a good asset to your hunting arsenal.

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Fish Camp On The Columbia River

Story and Photos By Gary Lewis

e arrived in time for dinner on a Tuesday night. A dozen tents sprawled along the east end of the lawn. A long line of Camp Chef stoves were employed with various dishes. The guys from Pro-Cure stood watch over the fresh salmon eggs that had been

harvested that day and were now in the cure. A dozen jet boats and drift boats rested on trailers like tethered thoroughbreds after a race. We call this Fish Camp. Fish Camp is now in its thirteenth year. It is a group of outdoor communicators from around the West that gather together on the north bank of the Columbia. Longtime fishing guide Ed Iman hosts the event each year in mid-September. Peach Beach is located on the Washington side of the river across from Biggs Junction, a crossroads on the Oregon shore. Some of the best bass fishing of the year can be had in these early days of fall. The Chinook salmon run is in full swing and summer steelhead are running up the Deschutes. You can hook the biggest sturgeon of your life below Bonneville or angle for walleye upstream. You never know what you’ll catch In the last few years, due to record runs of salmon, the emphasis has been on kings and Coho. In the morning we launched at Rowena on the Oregon side, across the river from

the mouth of the Klickitat, then motored downstream into the madness. By mid-morning, I could count 66 boats at work in the river channel out of the mudflat that is the mouth of the Klickitat. Kings and Coho’s porpoised in the dark water. Trolling and hover fishing are the two main methods at play at One of the side benefits of spending a few days at Fish the river mouths Camp is the opportunity for cross-training on various where salmon cool techniques. Here, Loren Dunbar demonstrates the Hevioff on their way Bead system. upriver. Trollers pull big flatfish, Mag Lips and live. On the leaders, for added attraction, other plugs using downriggers and big we ran a small bead and tiny Mack’s Lure flashers. For extra sizzle, sometimes trollers Smile Blades. The idea is to run the baits put a 10mm Hevi-Bead on the line in front downstream at something less than the of the plug. Like a baitfish grabbing an egg. speed of the current. Around us, rods flexed, salmon churned Hover fishing capitalizes on a salmon’s instinct to crush salmon spawn as it drifts the surface to froth and nets plunged to downriver. Our baits consisted of fresh draw thrashing Chinook from the depths Pro-Cured salmon eggs on barbless, 2/0 of the big river. Salmon rolled between the boats. Jet Daiichi hooks, egg-looped to 30-inches of 20-pound test Izorline monofilament. We sleds and ski boats that do double duty used small lead balls, cushioned by beads, continued on page 36 to get the baits down to where salmon

Ben Saurman stands ready with the net while Pennsylvanian Keith Eshbaugh plays a Columbia River fall Chinook.

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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FISH CAMP

continued from page 34 as fishing craft drifted this way and that. Fishermen waved and nodded as they passed or cursed when someone was too close. They tried to stay out of each other’s way, but the bright gashes in some of the boats spoke to the accidents that happen out there in the chaos that is salmon season on the Columbia. We caught several sturgeon, including one 50-incher that I landed on a salmon rod the first day and two small jack Chinook. On the second day, I fished with Dave Eng and Cindy Thompson from Frank Amato Publications, Ben Saurman from Work Sharp and Keith Eshbaugh and Brian Conroy from Pennsylvania. Eshbaugh owns a company called Dutch Fork Spinners, which caters to walleye fishermen. This was the Pennsylvania duo’s first salmon fishing trip. Conroy wore a sweatshirt that read, “Friends don’t let friends fish for trout.” I’ve been in salmon slumps before, so I recognized the signs. My baits were attacked by peamouth and pikeminnows, while all around me rods bent with salmon and nets flashed. I began to watch the guys with the nets. In the course of seven hours, I witnessed at least 30 salmon brought to hand and a lot of others that threw the hook at the boat. A lot of times it was the net-man that lost the fish. There is an art to netting a fish. The boat operator follows the fish and tries to direct the fight away from other boats, the prop, anchor lines and other fishermen. The man or woman with the rod has to let the fish run when it wants and then gains line when

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Merrilee Lewis vacuum-seals salmon after a morning’s catch.

he has the advantage. When the fish goes under the boat, the angler plunges the rod tip below the water to follow it. A big fish might take 20 minutes or more before it comes alongside. Cindy hooked a nice salmon and didn’t let it get too far from the boat. On the other side, Ben kept his bait in the water and soon we had a double going. I grabbed the net and gathered in first the one and then the other. The net should be kept out of the water until the moment the angler has reeled down to the weight and the fish’s head is coming up. Till that moment, the man with the net should wait, one hand on the handle and the other holding the excess web. If the net goes in too soon, there’s a risk the line will hit the hoop and pop the hook out. If the fish turns, wait till it comes back around. Aim for the head, then push the hoop out in front of the snout. The angler with the rod should drop line tension the moment the pectoral fin clears the hoop. When the fish is inside the net, lift the handle in a vertical move to close the bag over the fish then slide it into the boat. On our second day our boat accounted for eight bright Chinooks that weighed between five and 18 pounds. There are a lot of fish in the Columbia this year and even a guy in a salmon slump can get a lot of practice netting other people’s fish. Every September, we gather at Peach Beach on the north bank of the Columbia to fish, to eat and to celebrate the fall salmon run. Smallmouth bass, sturgeon, salmon and steelhead are all in the river and on the menu. To my way of thinking, the concept of Fish Camp is a good model for businesses or families or other organizations. There are a lot of good spots around the country where the conditions come together to create opportunities to create your own fish camp. To forge a tradition of your own, there should be variety - something for every style of fisherman and enough days that an angler can fight through a slump. Its four days of fishing, food and stories under the lantern light. Sometimes you get a little more of one than the other, but all three elements are accorded equal merit. The variety takes the competition out of camp. Everyday someone gets skunked and someone else catches a limit. No one goes hungry and no one goes home without a story. To order a signed copy of Fishing Mount Hood Country, send $24.95 (free S&H) to GLO, PO Box 1364, Bend, OR 97709 or visit www. GaryLewisOutdoors.com

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Pre-Season Scouting By Eric Christensen Field Editor

gets it done on the majority of the hunting trips they venture out on. Their success is a combination of their abilities in the woods hy is scouting your hunting and their preparation before ever stepping areas so important? Everyone foot into the wilderness. who hunts big game wants to Once you have committed to an area experience the best trip they can each fall. that you want to hunt, the first thing to Most often we dream of harvesting a tro- figure out is road and walk-in access. Getphy of a lifetime, but many end up making ting the most current Forest Service and excuses on why we were unsuccessful. BLM maps will generally show you all of Everyone seems to know a friend that the usable roads and trails in an area. Without a doubt, the best and most decisive scouting you can invest your time into, is learning access points. Glassing animals from long range can drain the battery quickly when traversing landscape, only to cross numerous roads that could have saved you preTaking photos while you scout is a good way to track the movement of an animal and also compare animals cious minutes on a stalk. Visit the area you have seen in different areas.

Pro’s Tips

during the hunting season a year or two prior in preparation for your future hunt, especially if a friend has a tag for the area and they invite They are public officials and there for our you along. There is no better intel than use. Most times, they can give you a startfirst-hand, current information and it will ing point and a direction to follow. I also highly recommend that you study differanswer most scouting questions. Pre-season scouting can start in the ent state hunting guidebooks for their rules winter months, utilizing today’s social continued on page 40 media networks. Typically hunters like to brag about their success and are very willing to share information with others that are fortunate enough to draw a tag there. Tools, like Google Earth, can be a great starting point to get aerial views of roads, water locations and elevations. Don’t be afraid to call biologists for a specific area to ask them questions where, Dedication to scouting can reap good rewards and is when, what and why. essential when hunting heavily pressured public land.

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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PRE-SEASON SCOUTING

continued from page 38

and regulations. Knowing what changes have been made can have a significant effect on the unit. Every states’ regulations are different and they will not be lenient on individuals claiming ignorance. New age hunting gear should also be researched to fit your needs and budgets. I highly recommend a GPS unit that can accept hunting GPS maps from OnXmaps. These SD cards can tell you where private property boundaries are and who owns it. They will show you government trails and unit boundaries. The GPS unit is a multitool for marking pertinent information like elk wallows, game trails, water holes and elevation changes just to name a few. I especially like reading the topographical changes on my GPS unit to determine where to cross canyons at the easiest section or how much elevation I need to claw up to. These electronic ‘necessities’ may seem expensive at the register, but they will pay for themselves on the first trip to the mountain, especially when hunting out of state.

The use of trail/game cameras can be a great tool for scouting an area, literally giving you intel, 24-hours a day. I love to use cameras to scout areas that I can’t get my eyeballs on very often. I remember putting up cameras that would only take 24-36 pictures so you could see what was lurking in the trees. The cameras of today can take thousands of pictures and video, all while battery life can exceed one entire year. The pictures and video will show times when game is up and moving, with time and date stamped on each picture. Placement of the cameras is crucial for getting good pictures to study. Remember, never face them towards a sunrise or sunset and always check the height and distance of the camera before leaving it in the wilderness. Some states allow placing a bait to attract animals into camera range, but again for use of cameras and baits, check state laws for use, as they can change from year to year. I always tell everyone that asks about optics that you should buy the best optics you can afford. Learning to get behind a good spotting scope or pair of binoculars can give you a feel for the type of country you are trying to tackle. You also need

to become familiar with how to look for game. In the late summer months, looking for fur covered antlers is fun and very rewarding. Unless you have an early season archery tag though, I wouldn’t count on the same animals roaming the same country you watched them in the velvet. Elk can move many miles to traditional rutting grounds in search of cows to breed. Muley’s can also move a long distance after they shed their velvet. Scouting during a prior hunting season can be extremely beneficial, but beware of other hunting fanatics that will be chasing their dreams during that time. They should be respected, not disgusted at someone ruining their hunt for their own selfish needs, so please tread lightly and watch from a distance. Once you have determined the area and learned roads, boundaries and access points, then it is time to start getting your gear ready and hit some trails. Learning certain areas intimately can give you a better insight when hunting season arrives. Finding vantage points to locate deer or elk gives you time to plan a shooting opportunity without disturbing the game. Scouting the area prior to hunting season

Visiting a unit during the hunting season even though you don’t have a tag is an ideal way to see how much pressure a unit takes and a good set of 15X binos on a tripod is a great way to see what is there. should give you the knowledge of the terrain, allowing you to close the gap in time to get a solid shot. The other aspect of diving into canyons or over hills gives you a better picture if game are even present in that location. By looking for sign of animals by tracks, scat or rubs should be a good continued on page 44

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Find The Bait

Chad LaChance

ishing concept 101: Find the bait, find the fish. So simple, and at this time of year the saying is probably at its most applicable. We’re past the summer peak so temps are just starting to cool at night, reservoir water levels are typically and predictably falling, and shad and other bait species roam the basins in search of food of their own. That all adds up to off-shore

fish; those bass and walleyes that were pretty easy to locate along the banks back in June are now commonly suspended in open water or sitting on major off-shore structural elements like humps, ridges, or channel swings; or worse yet, roaming vast, mid-depth flats if your reservoir has them. Back to 101: simply find the baitfish, and viola, you’ll load the boat! Problem is, the concept is really only simple in theory; as with many theories, it is often far trickier in application. First, the theory assumes there is only one baitfish that your target species is eating and therefore following around so that you can locate them when you locate said baitfish. That assumption is hugely flawed in many lakes and reservoirs due to the presence of multiple prey species. In my home lake for instance, rainbow smelt, gizzard shad, spot-tailed shiners, emerald shiners, and fathead minnows are all commonly available to our smallmouth bass, walleyes, and large trout. But that doesn’t even consider the yellow perch, bluegills, green sunfish, and crappie, not to mention stocker “sub-catchable” (4-5”) and

“catchable” (8-10”) trout that CPW stocks, or the prodigious crayfish that inhabit the rocky bottom. Sooo, please tell me; exactly which bait am I looking for to help me find the fish? Another possible snafu in the “which

bait” trap can be year class. Let’s say your pond has only gizzard shad for forage. Fair enough, but your walleyes, let’s say, could be keyed on the 1-2” long young-of-the-year or the 4” two-year-olds. Since they congregate by age, your sonar

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could be showing a pile of two-inch shad while your walleyes are happily feeding along on fourinch shad somewhere else in the lake basin. My point is to keep an open mind as to what constitutes the “bait” in the theory, and to be observant of details about the bait. Truth is, the sportfish could be utilizing multiple bait sources over the course of the day even, or some of the walleyes may be keyed on shad while others are tracking smelt movements. If you’re having no success looking or fishing around known bait, consider trying different bait species/year class/ location of bait in relation to structure. Or, your presentation is wrong! That’s the doozy, in four words. Your presentation is wrong is the

other way that the old find the bait, find the fish theory can be tough in application. In fairness, the phrase does not mention catching fish, only finding them, but let’s not split hairs here; we want to catch them! Sportfish with and abundance of, and therefore keyed very specifically in to, a certain bait can be frustrating. You may see them on your sonar unit or even watch them “boiling” on the surface, yet getting them to pick up what you’re throwing down often just ain’t happenin’. The good news is, you’ve got them located: the old saying worked. Now, we can talk a few presentation details that may help you put them in the boat. I don’t “match the hatch” most of the time. I can usually trick fish easier other ways. However, when faced with, say, late summer smallmouth feeding on massive schools of 2” shad, you really have no choice but to at least be in the ballpark with regards to matching the shad. Having said that, if your lure is too close the real thing, how exactly do you expect it to get noticed? This is the typical fly fishing deal where you make the same drift with the same fly over and over again until your fly is the one the big trout notices floating amongst the flotilla of naturals. Instead of an exact match, I prefer to

have my lure be slightly different in some way. Most typically it’s in the size or profile; I prefer my lure to be a touch larger than the real thing if I’m fishing around small baitfish like the 2” shad, or a touch smaller than the real ones if I’m fishing around large baitfish like 6-9” smelt or stocker rainbow trout (and yes, to reiterate, stocker rainbows are a baitfish staple in many reservoirs they are placed throughout the west). Maybe my shad-colored plug has a touch of chartreuse or blue, or possibly I’ll utilize rattles or heavy vibration to help fish locate my lure amongst the mass of bait. Motion is the best way to get your lure noticed, and I strongly prefer erratic motions over rhythmic ones. Predators are thankfully pre-programmed to prey on the weak or injured if possible. This makes them susceptible to erratic actions and speed. A vertically fluttering lure is a great trigger, as is a speedy jerkbait (especially with occasional sudden stops in the retrieve). Bladebaits are great around off-shore structure, and a an aggressively snapped jig will get bites too. Let’s look at a few lure genres that get the nod during late summer baitfests and multi species angling. continued on page 44

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FISHFUL THINKER continued from page 43

Johnson Sprite or Splinter spoons are two of my favorites. Both can be retrieved horizontally in the case of shallower baitfish, or fluttered vertically for deeper duty. The Sprite has a wider profile and therefore slower fall rate; I like it around shad especially. The Splinter has a narrow profile and flutters down quickly; I like it better around shiners, fatheads, and smelt, or generally in very deep applications. Most often I use chrome or white with a touch of blue or chartreuse, and ½-1oz will work on most reservoirs. The Johnson ThinFisher bladebait works best when your bass or walleyes are tighter to structure under the baitfish. As with the spoons, I can fish it more horizonally with a lift-drop retrieve, or purely vertical, directly under the boat. Spoon and blades are fished on short, medium-heavy powered fast action St Croix Avids for the crisp “snap” up and also instant hooksets. If my baitfish are within about 15 feet of the surface, a jerkbait fished very erratically excels. I try to jerk it quickly into

PRE-SEASON SCOUTING

a school of bait and then instantly stop and allow it to suspend motionless. The baitfish will scatter from the jerkbait, leaving it as the proverbial sitting duck. This works exceptionally well in salt water, too! The last but not least successful presentation is the mighty Gulp! Minnow on a jighead. Size range from 2.5” up to 7” but the concept is the same; rig it on a heavy enough head to generate a quick fall rate, then cast it across bait schools or over productive structure and aggressively snap it up and allow to fall back down on semi-slack line, similar to a spoon. The jig will spiral down, generating strikes on the way. I use the smelt color minnow almost exclusively. Since erratic action is key and slack-line bites are the norm, it is impossible to beat braided line for all of these applications from the spoon to the jig; we use Berkley Tracer for this. In the end, I guess “find the right bait, find and possibly catch the fish” just doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as smooth, but that is the reality. Anytime you’re around a lot of baitfish, you’re in the hunt, but paying attention to the bait and presentation details will ensure you are successful!

continued from page 40 indication of when the animals are staying in that area. Looking at elk droppings may seem a little bizarre, but really it will tell you the time of the year the elk are roaming that particular country. Early summer and into early August, most elk scat looks like a miniature cow pie based on their diet of really green lush foliage, which makes them digest quicker and the droppings are softer and clumped together. Later, after the rut begins and through winter,

Use of trail cameras can provide you a glimpse into the types of wildlife in the area when you are not around, as well as migration and feeding habits around the clock.

the droppings will change and become nickel to quarter sized pellets. Depending on what type of droppings are in that area, you will be able to tell if the elk are there all year or only a few months of the year. One other obvious sign is of course, tracks. Are they fresh or covered with debris and barely visible? Both fresh and old tracks are a good indicator to tell if animals live there or are just passing through with the seasonal changes. Looking for rubs may seem like a whitetail trick, but can be a great way to see if a buck is working the area for does. Mule deer and elk will rub trees in a similar fashion. Elk will shed their velvet in early to mid-August in preparation for the rut and mule deer in early to mid-September. They will continue to rub through the rut and winter until they shed them in early spring. Looking for rubs can be a great indication if the males of that species spend any time there. These are a few tips that have made my hunting life a pretty successful one and I encourage anyone to really learn to develop these skills. I promise that they will help you have more success on your hunting adventures year after year.

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Beretta A400 Xtreme

ompetitive shooting and upland hunting are the heart and soul of Beretta’s shotgunning efforts— but there’s little doubt the world’s oldest firearms company knows how to make a good semi-auto for the duck marsh. The new A400 Xtreme, which has a 3 ½-inch chamber, has been designed inside and out to hold up to the rigors of hard-core waterfowling. European shotguns are designed to be held under the target. This makes shooting and hitting much easier than obscuring the target with an American flat-ribbed shotgun, which sometimes happens in a hurried shot and results in nothing more than poking a hole in the sky. It’s much easier to hit a target you can see than one you can’t. How would you like a semi-auto shotgun that shoots any type of 12-ga

shell – one that can fire four shots in less than one second? And that is softrecoiling and leaves your shoulder feeling perfectly comfortable even after a marathon duck-hunting session in the marshes or a long day at the clay range? The A400 Xtreme Unico does this and much more. Add its superior resistance to salt spray, flawless fit and finish and the best materials in the world--and see why this shotgun is the definitive choice for the serious waterfowl hunter. The A400 action is truly revolutionary in the history of the semi-automatic shotgun. Thanks to the proprietary Blink technology, it shoots 36% faster than any other system, meaning that your follow-up shots will always be faster than any high-flying duck, goose or clay target. It is low-profile and light weight (while being super-durable),

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giving you superior natural pointability. It has built-in rails, so that you can even equip it with the optics of your choice for turkey season. And its reliable feeding of any type of 12-gauge shell—lead or steel, mild 2 ¾” to hardhitting 3 ½” magnums—gives the A400 the versatility of a do-it-all shotgun. Yes, 3 ½-inch guns are here to stay and gunmakers continue to introduce new models, as Beretta has done with the A400 Xtreme. The discomfort caused by magnum duck loads has prompted manufacturers to come up with various methods to reduce felt recoil. This can be accomplished by using recoilabsorbing pistons or softer butt pads or by incorporating some type of flex and give in the stock. Whatever the solution, the goal is the same: to spread out the force of the recoil over a longer period of time, though this all still happens in the blink of an eye, reducing the sharpness of the blow the gun inflicts on the shooter’s face and shoulder. The other option is to port your barrel, though your pals in your duck blind will hate you for it, believe me! The A400 Xtreme Unico features not one, but several of today’s most advanced recoil reduction systems right out of the box. Laboratory tests have shown two distinct peaks in recoil. The explosion of the ammunition is the first; the impact of the bolt against the receiver is the second. Kick-Off 3 is a third hydraulic damper that cushions this stress on the mechanical components and further reduces recoil. Also, the A400 Xtreme Unico is designed to recoil parallel to the cheek mount, which also reduces felt kick while giving you faster follow-up shots. The new A400 uses Beretta’s “kick-off” technology, which relies on spring-loaded shock absorbers to mitigate recoil. Two of these shock absorbers are located within the stock, allowing it to compress about ³⁄₈ of an inch during recoil and one is located just behind the receiver and is compressed by the rearward travel of the bolt assembly. This system works

extremely well, soaking up some of the pounding that would normally be transferred to the shooter. Altogether, these recoil-reduction devices decrease felt recoil by 70%, meaning that you can enjoy a longer day at water’s edge or at the range without any discomfort. Beretta makes the best barrels in the world. Starting with proprietary trialloy steel (Ni/Cr/Mo), the metal goes through a unique manufacturing process. Deep hole drilling, cold-hammer forging and vacuum distension create the very best ballistic performance available. Beretta has also introduced Optima-Bore® HP geometry, conceived to offer the best ballistic performance available, even with steel shot. The shot pattern remains perfectly uniform whatever the shell size or load. OptimaBore HP choke tubes further enhance the effect. Something else that won’t fail to impress you about the A400 Xtreme Unico Camo is its finish. The camo pattern is flawless and covers even the corners and recesses that would be left out in a lesser shotgun. But what’s even more impressive is that, thanks to Aqua technology, the steel parts of the A400 Xtreme are highly resistant to corrosion, water and salt-spray, which make this shotgun a champion of durability even in the most ‘Xtreme’ hunting conditions. Frigid rain, driving sleet, blinding snow and relentless salt spray -hardcore waterfowlers live to hunt in Xtreme conditions and so must their shotgun. All of the features we have addressed combine to produce the Beretta A400 Xtreme’s never quit, show no mercy attitude that will reign in the most Xtreme conditions imaginable. Know No Limits -- Go Xtreme.

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

2015 New Video Product Reviews

Sitka Gear Kelvin Light Series

he Kelvin series is a well-rounded 750 fill-power Primaloft Gold Down collection, offering the hunter Blend insulation, which consists of 30% lofted insulation for any hunt or Primaloft and 70% Water-Resistand time of year, featuring Primaloft’s finest European Goose Down. That is a big insulations in thoughtfully designed mouthful of words to let you know that hunting garments. The original Kelvin this piece of gear will keep you extremely series has been around for many years warm and will compress down to nearly and has been a go-to staple as my primary nothing when you stuff it into your pack. insulation for those hard core hunts when The insulation properties of this jacket sitting and glassing for extended periods will perform very well even when wet. of time in the extreme cold. The outer fabric is made of 20 Denier Rip The new Kelvin Lite series Stop. It has two zippered hand adds an entirely new level of pockets and zippered chest depth when it comes to insulapocket which doubles as a tion. This series has multiple stuff sack for the entire jacket. pieces and all have their place This is the ultimate minimalin your outdoor arsenal. ist type of jacket which you The Kelvin Down Ultrashould never be without. light jacket is an ultralight Scan this QR Code with your The Kelvin Lite Hoody is and extremely packable mid- smart phone to view the another lightweight dynamo Sportsman's News YouTube layer piece of insulation. It Channel. Video Available in the insulation category of is packed with 3.2 ounces of after September 20th. the Sitka line. It’s insulation

properties are the Primaloft Silver Hi-Loft 80 G/M2. It has four- way stretch side panels which provide for great mobility as well as breathability. The form fitting hood allows you to keep your head and neck warm on those early morning fall days yet still provides you with good peripheral vision. The outer fabric is made from the same 20 Denier Rip Stop as the Kelvin Down Ultralight jacket. The Kelvin Lite Vest is another piece of the insulation puzzle you won’t want to be without. Even more packable than the other pieces, but a great addition to the layering system. Combine the vest with either of the Kelvin jackets and you can regulate your body temperature to be comfortable during most of the fall weather you will encounter. The Kelvin Lite series is essential to the hunter who spends a lot of time in the woods and especially when the differ-

ence between early morning and evening temperatures can sway as much as fifty or sixty degrees. This line will keep you warm and comfortable when it’s cool and pack down to nearly nothing when it’s “Go Time”.

Nightforce SHV 3-10x42 Riflescope

aving the chance at drawing greater thermal stability. The turtags in the western states to rets are designed to last longer than go chase big game can be the lifespan of its users. Hardened a costly game. Choosing a caliber silicone bronze is used throughout to perform for you when the mo- the scope to ensure the many years ment arrives to harvest one of these of use. The leaf springs are made of magnificent animals is very impor- Titanium and they undergo 2 weeks tant. Your optics are a huge part of of tumbling to remove any flaws harvesting these animals. It doesn’t or burs that would not generate a matter if your gun is deadly accurate smooth movement when adjustif you can’t see the intended target ing the windage or elevation. The or find it in your scope. There are springs also do not have a memory, significant reason some rifle scopes so that even after several years on cost more than others. one setting users can have confiNightforce optics in particular dence that they can adjust the knobs their rifle scopes are built to last to a new caliber or shooter and the longer and perform better in the crosshairs will move to their desired roughest places on earth. They spot. Zero top technology means build the SHV scope out that users can reset the of a solid block of 6061-T6 zero point no matter where aircraft grade aluminum. they have been adjusted. The walls are typically The lenses are cemented 2-3 times thicker than the in place with a proprietary competition. It adds a few mil spec formula. The ounces more in weight lenses are installed in the but you’ll have a signifi- Scan this QR Code with your body of the scope with no cantly more durable scope. smart phone to view the metal to glass contact. This The extra thickness adds Sportsman's News YouTube will keep the glass from Channel. Video Available strength, less stress, and after September 6th. breaking from directional

impacts. This process also ensures the lenses are also aligned correctly before the testing period. Metal lock rings are installed to prevent the lens from sliding forward or backwards. All air-to-glass surfaces receive a broadband multi coating applied to a tolerance of .000005 inches and exceeds mil spec standards. Every Scope is hand matched for optical indexing which gives the best optical performance possible. Every lens on every scope is tested to meet the high quality of standards Nightforce requires of all their optics. The eye

piece utilizes a European style focus which matches the reticles for optimal target acquisition. The testing of their optics is really what sets Nightforce on top of the optics manufacturing standards. I watched them throw their scopes downrange and slap them back on the firearm only to shoot a 1 inch 3 shot group numerous times. They demand their optics to be the best in the hands of their users. You will have full confidence your Nightforce can withstand the abuse you want it to endure.

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

2015 New Video Product Reviews

Leupold Gold Ring Spotting Scope

ave you ever hiked to the body only half the length of a typical next canyon or over the next spotting scope. The frame of the scope mountain top and glassed up is a light magnesium alloy to make a trophy animal only to have too little it extremely lightweight, yet a very glassing power to effectively see what formidable frame for strength and the animal wore for head gear? These integrity. The size and weight of the times can make for a difficult decision Gold Ring spotting scope makes this on whether to pursue or back off. Le- an ideal scope to take with you up the upold’s Gold Ring spotting scope can hill to cover more ground. help you determine trophy status with The lenses are treated with a Diaa few turns of the focus and magnifica- mond Coat 2 Ion Assisted Process to tion ring. give exceptional light transmission Leupold has been defining but also delivers a higher high quality optics for over level of abrasion resistance. 100 years and places major I really like this type coatemphasis on quality and ing so I can be worry free performance. The Gold Ring when throwing the scope uses a unique mirror system in my pack and hiking up to transfer light effectively the trail. The long eye relief through the scope to the Scan this QR Code with your combined with the rubber smart phone to view the viewer’s eye. The Folding Sportsman's News YouTube eye piece makes it very comLight Path compresses the Channel. Video Available fortable for long periods of after September 13th. light and transfers it in a time behind the glass. The

SPG Browning Packs

ignature Products Group has been There are mesh organizer pouches in both producing high quality products for the main compartment and front compartthe outdoors for years and their new ment, which are perfect for storing smaller Browning hunting packs are about as good items and not having to worry about having as it gets. SPG’s Browning hunting packs to dig through the pack to find them. There have everything you need for every season. is also a laptop sleeve to help protect your From their Billy series lumbar packs, to the computer or iPad. The waist belt has a latch Buck series overnight hunting packs, to locking system instead of a buckle, making it even full frame packs, they truly have you a lot quieter to take off and put on. The waist covered. belt also has a pouch for holding your GPS f you’re planning a scouting trip that’s or anything else to which you need quick going to last a couple of days or need a access. The pouch features new hyposonic new pack for your up coming deer hunt, technology, making the zipper the quietest then you need to check out the Browning on the market. This allows you quick access Buck series of packs. to calls with the confidence that you won’t The Buck series come in 2,000, 2,100, and spook off game. The shoulder straps on the 2500 cubic inch models. Our test model is Buck series feature the new infinite loop the 2,500 Cubic inch unit. The Buck 2500RT system. It allows the pack to move with your features a roll top making this unit perfect body while keeping the weight in your pack for anyone planning trips in a balanced, maximizing comfort wet environment, and will keep and support. your personal items dry and SPG has put a lot of thought protected. The roll top is also a and work into all of their new lot quieter than zippers or snap Browning series of packs and buckles, giving you quick and they’ve also worked hard to quiet access to all of your gear. make them very affordable. We were impressed with how Scan this QR Code with your So, if you’re looking for a smart phone to view the much we could get in the pack Sportsman's News YouTube new pack this season and want and loved how organized we Channel. Video Available a lot of bang for the buck, check after September 13th. felt while wearing it. them out.

magnification ring has excellent grip to allow for smooth transition between the ranges of power. Leupold purges their scope with nitrogen and the scope is 100 percent waterproof. Leupold engineers also developed Extended Twilight for their lenses. This means that when the light changes from bright to dim, the colors our eyes see better, which is the green spectrum, start to disappear. The blue and violet light take over and our eyes

are somewhat handicapped to see very well. The Extended Twilight system helps your eyes see these colors and in return you will be able to glass earlier and later in the day. For die-hards like me who love to search for animals, this system is a must. I can’t tell you how many times I have found trophy animals breaking the tree line at the last minute of light. Having quality optics to verify if it’s a worthy animal to chase can make for a sleepless night.

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

2015 New Video Product Reviews

Zeiss Terra ED Under Armour Edition

arl Zeiss has introduced the periences, packaged in an attractive, TERRA ED 32 mm binoculars, functional design. Thanks to SCHOTT in 8x32 and 10x32 mm models. ED glass with ZEISS MC multi-coated These are the perfect addition to the lenses, the images are always bright hugely successful TERRA ED line, and clear, even in low-light conditions which already includes 8x42 and 10x42 when wildlife is more active. With mm models. The new 32 mm binoculars comfortable ergonomics and robust, combine the benefits of quality Ger- lightweight, waterproof construction, man engineering and design with the TERRA ED binoculars are built to performance and features you’ve come handle rugged terrain and harsh conto expect from ZEISS – all at an incred- ditions. With a stunning 4.9 ft. close ible value. The new ZEISS focus and a generous wide TERRA ED 8x32 and 10x32 field of view, you’ll never is equipped with an exclumiss a thing. The compact sive Under Armour Bino size makes TERRA ED exHarness, featuring durable, tremely mobile in the field. thick hypalon attachments, All TERRA ED binoculars solid metal hardware and are backed by ZEISS’ U.S. adjustable elastic straps for Scan this QR Code with your limited lifetime transferable smart phone to view the warranty. complete comfort. News YouTube TERRA ED binoculars of- Sportsman's Both units weigh in at just Channel. Video Available fer exceptional visual ex- after September 20th. under 18 ounces, and are

compact in size, just 4.37 inches wide by 4.9 inches long, without sacrificing clarity. The 8x32s feature a twilight factor of 16 and the 10x32s come in at 17.9, making them exceptionally useful at dusk and dawn. They are waterproof down to 3 feet and also feature dust and fog resistant coatings and nitrogen purging of the tubes to prevent internal fogging. The 8x32 binoculars provide a 405 foot field of view at 1000 yards and the 10x32s offer 336 feet of viewing so you can capture the area around your objective.

The lenses feature SCHOTT ED glass for exceptional clarity and the German design and engineering make them a rugged and dependable companion for scouting critters.

in the field to a major overhaul on the bench, DMT has a sharpening system that will provide a razor sharp edge quickly and easily. Like all DMT products, the DoubleSided Diafold is proudly Made in the USA and features the DMT Difference: superior diamond coverage and uniformity combined with unrivaled flatness. DMT sharpeners feature the

most diamond per square inch in the industry and a proprietary process that ensures near-perfect consistency in grit size, and they are engineered to be the flattest sharpeners on the market. Simply put, DMT’s premium sharpeners are best-in-class products with undeniable long-lasting value. For a quality razor edge, there is no substitute for the quality of DMT Sharpeners.

DMT Double-Sided Diafold Sharpeners

iamond Machining Technologies In addition to its innovative design, has been providing outdoors- the diamonds used in all of DMT’s men and women with tools to products are more consistent in size stay sharp in the field for 40 years. and are more evenly distributed across Twenty years ago, DMT introduced the sharpening surface. They also use the Double-sided Diafold Sharpener. more diamond per square inch than The Double-sided Diafold provides their competitors, making their hones two different grit sharpening surfaces the most effective on the market. Befor fixing a bad edge or just polishing it cause they use precision machined steel to re-sharpen the cutting surface. plates engineered to exacting flatness as Featuring clear folding handles that the base of their sharpeners, each hone also protect the diamond grit sharpening provides precise edging on any blade, surfaces, the Diafold offers and the heavier concentraportable sharpening in the tion of diamond reduces the field or at home. number of strokes needed to The Diafold Double-sided touch up your blade. The use Sharpener is available in four of diamond and the polka dot different sharpening combipattern make it so the hones nations; Coarse/Extra Coarse, can be cleaned with just soap Fine/Coarse, Extra Fine/Fine Scan this QR Code with your and water, and oil is not necsmart phone to view the or Extra-Extra Fine/Extra Sportsman's News YouTube essary to provide a clean edge Fine. Each hone is color coded, Channel. Video Available each and every time. after September 27th. and the clear handles make it You can use the DMT Doueasy to quickly identify each ble-Sided Diafold by itself, combination at a glance. The familiar or attach it to the Magna-Guide Kit for polka dot pattern in the hone surface precise angle-guided sharpening with identifies the sharpener as a DMT prod- each stroke. uct, but also prevents the sharpener from DMT provides a variety of knife clogging with fine metal shavings, that sharpening products to meet your spereduce the effectiveness of a hone. cific application. From a quick touch up

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Digital Edition Only Special Content

When Everything Came Up Sixes!

“

ennis, I can’t tell how big those bulls are, but they’re probably worth checking out,” my guide suddenly offered. “I know how we can get there, but after we drive to a certain point, it will still take us nearly an hour on foot. We’ll have to cross a big canyon and climb well up the other side. Are you game?” “What do you think?” I said, with a broad grin on my face.

A half-hour later, Ron and I were donning our daypacks and heading down a steep, overgrown logging road, too choked with brush for us to drive any further. By the time we managed to reach the little stream at the bottom, the heat was really coming on. The time was a bit after 11am, and our quarry had long since taken their beds for the day, somewhere high on the mountainside above us. I asked Ron what strategy he had in mind to pursue. “Well,” he began, “I’m surprised to see that the wind is coming down this hillside into our faces, rather than acting like normal thermals on a hot day. Right here is where we saw those half-dozen elk leave the road and I suggest we enter the big timber now, then slowly — as quietly as we can — work our way up the hillside, maybe a hundred yards at a crack, cow-calling at every stage along the way. You get out in front of me about 75 yards, each time we set up and I’ll see if I can’t draw an amorous bull downhill from his bed right past you!” “That sounds like a good plan to me, Ron,” I replied. “As long as the wind stays in our faces!” Each time we set up to call, we gave the effort about twenty minutes to produce results. Ron would make two or three cow mews with the reed in his mouth and sometimes he’d throw in a bull bugle — but not more than one. Our first three set-ups proved fruitless, but the fourth time was definitely the charm. I had worked my way up onto a level bench that crossed the otherwise-steep incline. Lying just at the upper margin of that bench I found a massive, horizontal, cedar log, with ferns rooted along

much of its top. Immediately adjacent, on the uphill side, stood erect a second giant cedar — one of true, rain-forest dimensions. “What a great ambush location!” I thought to myself. “I’ll simply position myself in that small space in between the two and wait for my guide to start calling.” No sooner had I stomped out a comfortable “foot platform” for myself on the rather steep slope, than I heard Ron’s first series of cow-calls start up somewhere below me. My arrow was nocked, and I was ready for action. My guide was Ron Hofsess, sole owner and operator of Avery Mountain Ranches and we were just about to experience some real action together on the first day of a 7-day hunt for Roosevelt’s Elk, near the tiny town of Powers, in southwest Oregon. The date was September 3rd, 2011. Ron had grown up there and runs his own logging company in the surrounding mountains. His knowledge of that whole area was the single biggest reason I had chosen him to guide me on this hunt. For the first 15 minutes on our setup #4, I heard nothing — saw nothing. Then, there it was! Just like that! A tiny twig snapping, somewhere close, off to my right. Next I saw the silent movement of a small piece of tawny-colored hair moving past a small opening in the brush. Suddenly an antler appeared, then a second one and finally an entire bull elk — a five-point — was standing there before me. He had virtually mate-

rialized out of nowhere, never uttering a peep as he came looking for the cow that wasn’t. Because of my ambivalence about the size of his rack, my first chance to take his life passed me by as quickly as he did — crossing below me at a mere four yards. I could have scratched his rump with the end of my bow, had I chosen to extend my arm across the big log! When the bull reached the end of the bench some 20 yards further on, he paused to look and listen, then suddenly headed downhill, vanishing abruptly into the green. To my surprise, he reappeared within two minutes, aiming to pass — once again — right underneath me at a scant four yards. Perhaps he’d caught a momentary whiff of Ron’s unsexy fragrance and decided he would do better to return to his day-bed higher on the mountainside before losing some of his previously-collected girlfriends to another rut crazed rival. Somehow, I escaped his highly-wired, sensory detection system one more time. “Unbelievable!” I muttered to myself. No sooner had he arrived back at the spot where he first appeared, than I heard a different sound coming from a bit further up the slope above him. Almost instantly, a second set of antlers came into view. Before I could even count the points, the two racks merged and some gentle sparring took place continued on page 58

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

Digital Edition Only Special Content

BAREBOW!

continued from page 56 briefly — no doubt warm-up practice for the more serious stuff still ahead over the next couple of weeks. I soon determined that the newcomer was also a five-point. “Well, I guess I won’t be shooting that one either,” I whispered to myself. Yet the Lord was truly tempting my resolve, because — INCREDIBLY — the second suitor for the invisible cow also pointed his nose in my direction and commenced down the same path his predecessor had taken. Hormonal hopes run high at that time of year in the Oregon Coast Range and within seconds, Bull #2 had crossed below me and disappeared off down the slope in search of a new target for his pent-up testosterone. This intense drama quickly came to an end about five minutes later, however, when a heavy crashing through the brush — perhaps only forty yards away — signaled unmistakably that Ron had just been identified for the fraud that he was. My personal infatuation with this species of elk dates back to my early twenties, when I began to hunt them on the fringes of the Olympic National

Park. Yet, not until I was 37, did I succeed in taking one with my recurve bow. That was a large cow, arrowed in 1977 on a DIY hunt in southwestern Washington, just north of the Columbia River. The story of that harvest kicks off The Roosevelt’s Elk Chapter (Chapter Six) in my award-winning book, BAREBOW! A quarter of a century passed, however, before I again became serious about taking a mature bull of this difficult species. In years 2002 through 2004, I concentrated a week’s worth of serious effort every fall on the Roosevelts of southwestern Oregon, yet I always returned home frustrated and with no meat for the freezer. My next opportunity did not occur until the fall of 2007, where the location had shifted to the Sunshine Coast of southwestern B.C. Though a fantastic hunt that nearly netted me a monster 7x7 Roosy bull, it still left me dispirited and longing for success. Now, fast-forward to September of 2011 and back to my Oregon hunt with guide, Ron Hofsess of Avery Mountain Ranches. Day #1 had proved truly extraordinary. Days #2 through #6 all presented a smorgasbord of various moments of excitement, but nothing quite worked out or resulted in any shot opportunities. Once different bulls were located by sight or else by the occasional, rather rare bugle, several set-ups were attempted, using multiple types of calling. Alas, all to no avail! What I knew would be the last day of my hunt dawned clear a n d p ro m i s e d continued hot weather. We had been hoping for cooler temperatures, but no such change seemed likely. For the first four-plus hours of daylight, everything appeared to be in hiding. Around

11:30, we were traveling a ridge-top when Ron suddenly hit the brakes and exclaimed, “Judging from all the fresh tracks in the dust, I think we just missed a herd of elk crossing the road here.” We exited the cab and began walking both directions, studying the heavy sign that was everywhere. “Those are clearly the bull’s tracks, right there,” he said, pointing to the ground on one shoulder of the road. “I think it’s a good bet they’re not more than three- to fourhundred yards away, already lying in their day-beds.” With arm outstretched, Ron continued, “I think we ought to descend quietly in that direction, no more than maybe two hundred yards and set up to do some calling.” “Let’s go,” I responded, excited just to be “in the hunt” one more time. After losing a couple hundred feet of altitude, we came to a bench that traversed the otherwise-steep mountainside. It looked like a great location for a set-up. “Ron,” I whispered. “If you’re going to do your calling from here — given the rising thermals and the fact that the bull is virtually certain to circle uphill to get above you, to try to scent you — I think I should place myself maybe 60-or-so yards closer to them and out on the end of that second bench which angles gently downhill towards us to meet this one we’re on.” “Your thinking sounds good to me,” Ron replied. I could see obvious excitement written on his face. “Go pick yourself a favorable vantage spot,” he continued. “Get ready to shoot, but be prepared to be patient. It could take me quite a while to draw him in, providing I can do so at all. However, IF he comes, he’s not going to leave his cows for long and his arrival could be so quick it will take your breath away. Once you’re fully set up and ready for action, just give me a little ‘calf-chirp’.” As I angled my slow steps upward toward the higher bench, I knew I had just heard the wisdom of a Master elk hunter. Within five minutes, I had found what I decided would be the perfect place to stand and wait for our hopedfor visitor. The spot was just off the end of the second bench, where I could look down and out across a rather small, semi-open draw: big second-growth on both edges of the bowl, with only scattered brush and small trees in the middle. Two, very-well-traveled elktrails came from down below, crossing in front of me — at 15 and 20 yards,

respectively. Behind me, and slightly above the elevation of the “footing pad” I had scraped out, was a third, heavilyused trail that crested the rise no more than a dozen yards away. Once I had selected the precise spot where I wanted to take my stand, I spent a good five minutes extracting from my roughly-18-inch-square “platform” every tiny little thing which could possibly create noise when ground underfoot – should I have to pivot in a big hurry. I had also used my pruning shears to clip off several obnoxious branches and twigs impinging on the several shooting lanes I figured I might have to use. Once I’d made myself as ready as I knew how, I aimed a “chirp” in Ron’s direction. Twenty minutes passed. Nothing. And then another fifteen. Still nothing. Every five minutes or so, Ron had been varying the “mix” of calls from within his extensive vocal toolbox. After 30 minutes, Ron suddenly let loose with a loud, defiant-sounding bugle. Another fifteen minutes went by. Still no response of any kind. We needed a bit of good luck to come our way. Better yet, some divine intervention. THEN IT HAPPENED! Across the bowl from me, I heard what I thought was a single twig cracking. A few seconds later, my straining eyeballs picked up a patch of brownish hair moving quickly through an opening in the shadowy green. Suddenly, the whole bull and both antlers came into view. One rapid look with the binos told me that this was a mature animal, one with a very symmetrical 6x6 rack. The kind of bull I had dreamed of taking for all of my adult life. I knew I had little time left to prepare for the shot. He crossed the draw at a trot and started running uphill directly at me, quickly disappearing below the curvature of the slope. I knew I wouldn’t see him again until he was less than 20 yards away, but which trail would he be arriving on? That was the all-important question! I was facing the trails below me. Unfortunately, I guessed wrong. As soon as I realized it, I spun around so I could shoot uphill behind me. My shooting lane was five yards wide and as the bull’s head passed behind the last tree that marked the right-hand margin of my available shooting lane, I brought my recurve to full draw. When his enormous body was exactly

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

broadside to me, I stopped him dead in his tracks with a single voice-mew. And I do mean, “Dead in his tracks”! The wooden arrow passed instantly through the top of his heart and both lungs. The bull sprang forward and began to charge uphill away from me. He soon fell to his knees and began rolling back down the slope in my direction — coming to rest 18 yards away from where he’d been standing when I

released the arrow. Perhaps 45 seconds had expired from start to finish. All was suddenly deathly quiet, save for the pounding of my heart. I raised my eyes and fingertips skyward to say an emotional prayer of thanksgiving. It was then that my body started shaking, as the adrenaline rush began to subside. I could scarcely believe my good fortune and then it dawned on my addled brain that I needed to share the victory with my sensational guide. Ron’s advice had foretold exactly how the drama would unfold. I suddenly let out a giant yodel! “RON!” I yelled. “All that crashing in the brush wasn’t a bunny rabbit! Come see this wonderful bull!” In less than a minute, Ron’s grinning face showed up by my side. After the welcoming hug-and-a-handshake, we stood there admiring the magnificent animal. A big job awaited us to get all the meat off the mountain before dark. Of course, one of the advantages of owning your own company, as Hofsess does, is that you can quickly shift your employees from one job to another. Ron always carries his cell phone with

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him up in the mountains and within an hour, three new pack-boards and strong backs had arrived on the scene to help us haul out the meat. My own back had pretty well recovered from the spinal discectomy I had gone through in November of 2008, so when my self-pride hooked up with my leftover adrenaline to make me insist on packing the head, cape and antlers of my own trophy bull back up to the truck, I figured my 71-year-old back might just cooperate sufficiently with my willpower to pull it off. Fortunately, it did. It occurred to me to offer two quarters of the super-fresh elk meat to Ron’s helpers as a thank-you for their much-needed assistance and, once that transfer was accomplished, Ron and I headed our truck for the valley. On the ride out, my thoughts waxed philosophical and I began rambling a bit. “Ron,” I mused, “I believe bowhunting big game is a lot like gambling in Vegas.” “How do you mean?” he asked quizzically. “Well,” I opined, trying to sound ut-

terly serious, “It’s a lot like the game of craps. Every day you set foot in the field and roll the dice, you just never know what’s going to turn up!” “Yes, I guess so,” said Ron. “Every day of this hunt has been very different!” “For sure,” I added. “But think about that first day. Due to your calling abilities, we rolled a pair of ‘fives.’ Two five points turned up just three yards away from my extended arrow-tip. And then who would have predicted that on Day #7, in the final hours of the hunt, we would roll a pair of ‘boxcars’ —six perfect points on each side?” “Well, I have to agree, Dennis. I like your analogy”, Ron replied. “One more question, Ron,” I pressed on. “Did I arrow that bull in the Powers Unit or in the Sixes Unit?” “Sixes,” came back the quick answer. “So I guess it could truly be said that, on this particular afternoon in the gambling hall, everything came up Sixes? Right? Do you like that?” “I like that!” chuckled Ron, as he turned into the driveway of my little bungalow on the river.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

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Presents Wild Game Recipes of Steve Mayer "The Wine Guy"

Dove Pot Pie

he mourning dove is the most hunted migratory game bird in North America, and dove hunting is a popular s p o r t i n m a n y p a r t s o f t h e c o u n t r y. T h e y fly at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour and juke like fighter pilots. This has earned them the nickname of “Grey Demons”, and make them quite challenging to hunt. They are also excellent table fare, and lend themselves perfectly to the heartiness of this pot pie recipe. There are also quite a few Eurasian collared doves to hunt. This non-native species is larger than our native mourning dove, and along with the distinctive black collar, its broad tail is squared o ff a t t h e t i p , r a t h e r t h a n p o i n t e d l i k e a Mourning Dove’s. In most states there is no limit on this prolific species, but as al ways check your local hunting regulations before hunting. They are larger and have much more meat on the bones than mourn ing doves.

Ingredients •

1 puff pastry crust

• • • • • • • • • • •

1 pound of dove breast meat (about 15 large doves) ¼ cup flour 2 cups potato cubed into ½” cubes ¾ cup carrot chopped into similar sized chunks ¾ cup onion chopped to match 1 cup mushrooms chopped Kosher salt Black pepper 2 tablespoons butter split 2 tablespoons canola oil split 1/3 cup drained canned peas

• • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon “better than bullion” chicken base 2 cups half and half ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon celery seed ½ cup sour cream 1 egg

Filling

Sauce

Preparation Method

Thaw out pastry crust. Remove the meat from the breasts and cut into small bite sized pieces. (½” cubes) Salt and pepper lightly and dredge in the flour to coat fully and set aside. Cube the potatoes, and chop the carrots, onions, and mushrooms. The key is to keep a uniformity in size in all the ingredients. Heat a large frying pan with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium heat. Add the floured dove meat and sauté 3-4 minutes, stirring to brown. Transfer to a greased 10” by 10” glass baking dish. Add another tablespoon of butter and tablespoon of canola oil to the frying pan and add the potatoes, onion, carrot, and mushrooms. Sauté these over medium heat for another 4 minutes, salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked vegetables along with the drained peas to the baking dish. In the same frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir constantly over medium heat until a light brown rue is created. Stir in the chicken base and gradually add the half & half. Then add the seasonings and sour cream. Mix together well and allow to thicken for a few minutes. Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and vegetables in the baking dish. Carefully stir the sauce in to completely coat everything, being careful not to smash the vegetables. Roll the pastry crust until it is one inch wider than the pan and lay over the filling. Fold and flute the edges of the crust to fit inside the baking dish. Slice a few 2” long slits in the crust to vent steam as the pie cooks. Beat an egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl, and brush over the top of the crust to aid in browning. Place the baking pan on a cookie sheet to catch any liquid that may spill out during cooking. Place on the center rack of a pre-heated 350 degree F oven. Bake for 25 minutes or so until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This dish goes perfectly with a glass of spicy California Syrah. We are having a summer sale on all our wines that have been specifically picked to go with your wild game dinners. Check out the selection at wildgamewine.com for the ultimate in game and fish wine pairings.

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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The Ideal All-Around Fishing Rig By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

f you walk in my garage, you would think I have 20 kids, or run a Boy Scout fishing program or am a fishing guide. In reality, my garage is where fishing rigs go to die a slow death after they fail to meet my exacting standards. For years I have been searching for the best all-around spinning rig that will work for everything from angry Northerns to little crappies. I have tried dozens of poles, scores of reels, and thousands of yards of lines, and until recently, I still hadn’t found that setup that did what I was looking to do. My criteria are simple; I want a rod that will have a stiff enough action to get me out there, whether on a boat or on shore, yet still be light enough to alert me to the presence of some of the more gentle biters lurking in the depths. I want a few reels that can be easily swapped out for a quick change over, without re-spooling every time I hunt a different species. I want those reels to smoothly hurl and retrieve my line. I want them to hold a lot of line without binding or tangling. I want

The Sedona, spooled with 100 yards of 5-lb test PowerPro braided line, sits on the G. Loomis E6X Steelhead rod.

them to be quiet. And, I want a line that won’t break frequently, will have sufficient strength, but also thinness to be able to bring in those fighters. I want something that doesn’t tangle, twist, wrap, or loop. Seems impossible, but after years on my quest, I have finally hit upon what I believe to be the perfect combo. I learned a while back that the rod for the job would be a steelhead setup. I discovered that a rod in the 9-foot range gave me sufficient distance for casting long, while enabling more controlled precision shots at short range. I also wanted a medium action to allow good control, but also positive feedback. For this job, I have settled on the G. Loomis E6X Steelhead Spinning rod (1084-2S STR). It is 9-feet long, medium action, has polished oversized guides, and an extra long cork handle so I can get both hands on it for tossing heavy crankbaits. It will handle everything from giant muskie to tiny trout, without strain. This rod is the perfect fit for the job at hand. Next, I discovered that my problem all along hasn’t been the brand of line I have been using, it is the type of line. Monofilament sucks. It develops a memory. It binds. It snarls. It twists. It is thick and takes up a lot of real estate on your spool. I doubt that I will ever use monofilament again. The braided line I have chosen is Power Pro from Innovative Textiles. This super fine braided fishing line flies off the reel in smooth arcs, stripping yard after yard into the depths. It has very little stretch when you have a snag or lunker fighting back with all its might. But what really got my attention is how thin it is for the strength it provides. The line runs differently than monofilament so you have

the actual breaking weight and the equivalent thickness to a mono-line. For example, the Power Pro 30 pound test line has the equivalent thickness of an 8-pound test mono line. The 15-pound test is the thickness of a 4-pound monofilament. And for those really big fish, the 65-pound test braided line is the same diameter of a 16-pound mono. This means you can load up your spool and not sacrifice line length because of the thickness of the line. When was the last time you were able to put 100 yards of 30-pound test on your regular spinner? This stronger, smoother line means less lost lures on snags, less lost fish to breaks, it is less prone to sun damage and decay, and it just flies off the spool. I was easily getting 80-yard casts with a tiny ¼ ounce spoon, and it was retrieving beautifully on my 5-pound test line with the thickness of 1-pound mono. As for reels, I know that there is no single reel to rule them all. For my purposes, rather than despooling and respooling line every time I change target species, it is just easier to grab a couple of reels and a few extra spools for each and swap them out as needed. To meet my exacting criteria, I opted for a pair of reels from Shimano; the daintier Sedona for smaller fish, and the mid-sized Stradic for those meatier fighters. The reasons for this choice are mainly the design of the spools, as well as the proven record of Shimano’s gearing system. Shimano is a gear company. They make gears for bicycles, and motors, and anything that needs precise gears. They have been around for a long time and have a proven track record of making gears that work. Their reels are smooth and tight and quiet. They have an excellent and easy to use drag system, and the quality of their workmanship has stood the test of time. The spool design, however, is what really got my attention. The taper at the top of the spool, controls the flow of line going out, and also as it

comes back in. You can overload this spool, but it takes a lot to do it. The spools also swap out easily and spare spools are not difficult to find. The bail engagement is strong, but quickly folds back into place with just a gentle turn of the handle. The drag system is adjusted quickly by dialing in the top of the spool and has positive clicks to let you know that you are actually dialing in the drag and not just loosening the spool nut. They have longer handles, so no more knuckle bumping as you reel in your line. While I am sure that I will always be fine-tuning my all-around fishing rig, it seems like after years of trial and error, I have finally landed on an ideal set-up for the majority of fish species I may hunt. Be sure to visit www.SportsmansNews.com for the full specs of each of these products, or check them out in the fishing department the next time you hit your local Sportsman’s Warehouse store.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

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Protecting Wildlife and Wild Places

ore than 40 years since the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was passed, our nation’s signature law for protecting rare species is about to face it’s most significant challenges on Capitol Hill and in the courts. Controversy surrounding a possible listing of the Greater sage grouse is one significant factor that is focusing national attention on the ESA.With populations spanning 11 energy- and agriculturerich western states, the sage grouse is an icon of the west.By some estimates, its population has been reduced from millions to perhaps under 500,000 today. Sage grouse are predictors of land health and of the presence of other species. Pronghorn, mule deer and hundreds of other plants and animals thrive where sage grouse thrive. A congressional rider to the 2015 federal spending bill forestalled any immediate action to list the showy, chickensized bird, as threated or endangered. This stopgap action can at best buy more time, but sagebrush ecosystems can take decades or longer to recover from fire and other disturbances.This hasn’t stopped determined people in the west from working to restore millions of acres of habitat. Since 2010, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and its partners in the innovative Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) have invested nearly $425 million on voluntary, cooperative efforts to restore 4.4 million acres of habitat for sage grouse, while maintaining working landscapes.By 2018, SGI expects to have invested more than $750 million in protect, restore and manage habitat for sage grouse across the west. None of this successful conservation work would have been possible without the active engagement of private landowners.The lessons that emerge

from hundreds and thousands of private landowners working in concert with federal agencies, businesses, states and local governments can serve as a guide to the next generation of species conservation. Private property owners and private enterprise have the flexibility and expertise to try new ideas and drive innovation. Too often the debate over Greater sage grouse and other species of concern, is whether to list or not to list.However, neither decision on its own is the answer to improving species populations.Rather, encouragement of public/private partnerships, developing incentives for more proactive conservation by private landowners and public land agencies, inspiring states and businesses to continue to invest in recovery efforts and most of all, to set realistic goals to not only help to preserve sage grouse, but those other species that will undoubtabley follow the same fate in the future have to be part of the equation. One of America’s most influential conservationists, Aldo Leopold, once said,

“Conservation will ultimately boil down to rewarding the private landowner who conserves the public interest”.More than 60% of America’s lands are privately owned and most rare species depend upon these private lands for their survival.America must encourage, empower and learn from the efforts of these “conservation entrepreneurs” if we hope to pass along healthy land and abundant wildlife to future generations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is facing a court-ordered deadline of September 30, 2015 to determine whether it should list the Greater sage grouse under the ESA.But it will take more than just voluntary efforts on private lands to conserve the bird.The Service is also looking to the federal agencies and the states for strong conservation plans that complement the extraordinary work of the private sector to date.Contrary to popular criticism, the federal plans are not “one size fits all.”Legislative action to delay the federal plans for any length of time – say another 10 years- might seem like good politics for some in the short term, but it will likely lead to further declines in sage grouse populations and other related species, thus increasing the likelihood of a future listing. Also, delays keep the species in a “warranted, but precluded” status that creates even greater un-

certainty for industry, ranchers and other stakeholders. Some have suggested that a listing would be better than changes to federal and state management.Nothing could be further from the truth.Putting measures in place to conserve sage grouse and sage brush ecosystems, today, as this collaborative effort between the federal and state agencies and private landowners would do, is clearly better than a listing would ever be. Why are private lands so important? Have you heard the phrase, “What’s good for the bird is good for the herd”?Sportsman want to see working ranches maintained and believe that sustainable grazing practices that retain vegetative cover are necessary for nesting, brood-rearing and wintering sage grouse habitat.All this is achievable and benefits landowners and their operations. As mentioned, since its inception, the NRCS Sage Grouse Initiative has devoted nearly half a billion dollars to sage grouse conservation efforts on private lands encompassing 1,129 ranches in eleven western states.They have successfully contributed to habitat improvements on 6,000 square miles, an area twice that of Yellowstone National Park.SGI has conserved in perpetuity 360,000 acres of intact habitat that faces the highest threat of subdivision or conversion.Easement acquisition in sagebrush country has increased 18-fold during the program’s tenure. In closing, just remember one thing. When it comes down to it, this battle may be based on the sage grouse, but it is much bigger than just that – It is a battle to save an ecosystem to is essential to hundreds of plants and animals and if we don’t do something about it now, tomorrow may just be too late!

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

4x4 Deer Hunt By Sierra Lomprey

hivering, I blinked to focus in the dark dawn sky. My dad, brother and I hiked in the northern Nevada desert wilderness before sunrise to scout out the area. We trucked along, gear in tow, through an eerie orchard when suddenly, my dad stopped. Halted in his tracks, he raised a hand behind him to signal for us to stop and our breathing muted until all we could hear was the light morning breeze and small rodents in the underbrush. My dad slowly pointed ahead of us and in the distance was the towering outline of a massive four by four buck. It was my first deer hunt and this whitetail deer was a beast. I was excited, but also anxious because it was time to put all of my practice shooting on the range to test. My dad scoped the deer out with his binoculars to find the range and my older brother helped me set up the shooting sticks. I loaded my gun and peered down the scope until I found the buck. I got so nervous, staring at him, lining the crosshairs over his shoulder and I could tell my dad was anxious as well when he told me the buck was not going to stand there

all day. I closed my eyes and squeezed the trigger when the first stripe of sunlight poured into the valley. The buck sprinted away, as the bullet echoed off a nearby Joshua. Before I knew if my shot was accurate, we scooped up the gear and sprinted to the location to check for blood or fur to see if I hit him. His tracks were there, but nothing indicating a hit could be found. I was really disappointed but ended up getting a two pointer before my hunt ended. That was my first hunt, eight years ago and I still remember that deer who has now become somewhat of a legend in my memory. It inspired future hunts, but also helped me realize that the animal is not necessarily the most important aspect of the hunt. More so, it’s all the things that go into the hunt that matter because that’s what makes the memories. I tried to keep this in mind last October when I was on another hunt with my dad in the northern Nevada wilderness. Nearing the completion of my junior year in college, my schedule was always busy, therefore, it was essentially all or nothing in terms of filling my buck tag that weekend. Nearing the

Digital Edition Only Special Content end of the trip, things were looking bleak. The deer were scarce and those we spotted were all on the smaller side or mostly does. On this particular day, my dad and I got up before dawn, as usual and set out in the Jeep. We drove across plains and valleys on narrow, rocky trails that were most likely for quads, until we reached a steep hill where we decided to leave the Jeep and hike. We trekked along the overgrown path, deep into the dry wilderness, only seeing jackrabbits. After a while, around midday, we reached a plateaulike area filled with pine trees overlooking a hillside and valley. It was a great lookout spot because we had a bird’s eye view in almost all directions. We began scoping the surrounding area and sure enough, we spotted a small herd of about six or seven deer on a plain south of us. Watching them, we suddenly heard the metallic bang of a rifle as someone missed their shot and sent the herd into a scattered frenzy in the brush. Predicting their travel direction, my dad and I began swiftly hiking towards the hillside, when we ran into a solo hunter staked out under a tree, rifle ready, binoculars poised. He had been watching the herd from his vantage point, but saw nothing of interest. He and my dad discussed the deer and on we went to a spot closer to the hillside. Tucked in a small crevice behind a large pine tree, my dad and I were only a couple hundred yards away from the h e rd a s t h e y moved up in the valley. We c ro u c h e d b e hind the brush and carefully got our gear set up. We sat in silence as we watched the deer move unknowingly in

Sportsman’s News Outdoor Writing Contest Winner See pg. 4 for entry details.

front of us. Because we were so close, it was easy for us to identify the largest buck and count his points. It seemed like we were watching them for hours, unsuspected. A few times, however, a doe would randomly look up, making perfect eye contact with me and I would freeze, afraid to breath and ruin the possible shot. We waited and waited until the deer relaxed more and more and came closer. Finally, it seemed like they were in close enough range and spread out well enough that I could position myself for the shot. Half squatting, I held my rifle and sought out the buck I had selected. There was suddenly some noise that startled the herd or perhaps the wind direction shifted and they caught our smell, but their pace hastened and they began to trot past us, over the hill to another valley. I had to move around the tree we were behind to get a clear shot at them. They slowed down and were tasting the brush on the hill when the buck I wanted turned slightly, revealing the ideal kill shot. I pulled the trigger and when the bullet blasted, the deer sprinted away at full speed down the hill into the valley. My dad and I hastily grabbed our equipment and raced over the hill after the deer. Breathlessly following the deer tracks, we zigzagged through the valley’s brush until we suddenly spotted and approached the motionless deer, collapsed atop a small sagebrush. The bullet struck him in the lungs and remained there until he was gutted. He did not bleed much until he fell, but it was definitely a kill shot. All of the patience, experience and exhaustion paid off when I finally harvested my first 4X4 mule deer. It was a challenging hunt, but I was so excited that I filled my tag and on top of that, only used one bullet to do it. The hike back to the Jeep we left on a hilltop was long, but despite the deer in tow, it was easier yet knowing we were done for the day and the season and had ample meat to show for our hard work.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

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Why America Needs Scouting

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

e have a decline in those utilizing the outdoors, especially among the young. In the years following World War II we saw a dramatic increase in the number of people spending time camping, hiking, and participating in outdoor activities. This led to an increase in the number of state and national parks and forests, providing people a place to engage in the outdoors and to preserve wildlands for future generations. In recent years, the number of people who participate in these activities has declined. This has placed a strain on budgets for the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and many other state agencies tasked with acquiring and maintaining these natural areas for outdoor recreation. Several studies have demonstrated that this decline is highest among youth. Reasons given vary from competition with technology, to the high cost of gas and gear, but the end result is that fewer people are taking their kids camping or hiking than they were in the 80s and 90s. Enter the Boys Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts. Both of these organizations have been providing outdoor activities to youth for more than a hundred years. They take children camping and hiking, they teach them woodscraft, love for nature, and instill in them basic skills to continue the outdoor heritage. Now, the Boy Scouts have been in the news quite a lot lately, and whether you agree or disagree with the political views of the organization, it is hard to argue against the results the organiza-

tion brings to the lives of the young men who participate. There have been more than 114 million Cub and Boy Scouts in the organization’s 105 year history. 118 of them have been in outer space. Hundreds have served in Congress, and a few in the White House. The Boy Scouts of America not only build strong outdoor skills, they teach values that are also on the decline in this country; values such as honor, integrity, courteousness, helpfulness, compassion, teamwork, and many others. Scouts learn how to enjoy and protect the outdoors, and they carry that knowledge with them as they get older, passing it on to their own children. Many of the reasons that we have seen a decline in our outdoor activities is that people don’t always have a safe non-judgemental environment to learn how to enjoy the outdoors. Gear is expensive, and purchasing it without understanding what to get or how to use it can be a daunting concept. Scouting gives young people the opportunity to learn about the outdoors without necessarily having their own gear. Many scouting groups have collected their own kit over the years, so that those new to the outdoors can use the gear owned by the troop or pack. This is why I donate my older but still useable gear to a local scout troop when I upgrade. Another impediment to enjoying the outdoors is knowledge of places to go. I will be the first to say that the National Park Service and the Forest Service do a terrible job of providing information on their parks. Going with a group can help you learn about the areas from those who have already been there. It can provide you a collection of locations

Boy Scouts from New Jersey Troop 168, who rescued NBC reporter Ann Curry after she broke her ankle on a hike. They splinted the ankle and made a make-shift stretcher to carry her to safety.

Girl Scouts team up with rangers from the National Park Service to learn about and help promote our nation’s parks. for spending time in the outdoors without the disappointment that can come from having insufficient information. But most importantly, it exposes young people to how enjoyable and exciting the outdoors can be and builds within them an appreciation for our nation’s wild lands. Scouting gives children important interaction with a team or group, rather than through a computer or device. It places them in situations where they have to work together to overcome difficulties. It challenges them, and stretches them, and makes them confident and sociable. It makes them stronger and better members of society. I used to work for a Member of Congress and each member is permitted to make a set number of recommendations to the US military academies. Each year our office received hundreds of applications for these precious recommendations, and each year we had only a few dozen to award. Our first criteria, was an automatic recommendation to any Eagle Scout. Once the Eagle Scouts had received their recommendations, then any of the few remaining spots were awarded based upon the application sent in. The Congressman’s thinking was that if they could accomplish the work and dedication to become an Eagle Scout, then they had what it takes to make it at West Point. Time proved him to be right.

The sad reality is that not every child has the opportunity to participate in the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, and even these organizations, which have been staples of American society for more than a century, are seeing their numbers decline. They have fewer scouts but they also have fewer scout leaders. Some churches and civic groups have had to disband their scouting programs, not for lack of scouts, but for a lack of adults willing to volunteer their time to running these vital programs. Because of this, there is a greater need now than ever before to participate in scouting. Some ways you can participate are to become a scout leader. You don’t have to be the Scoutmaster, but being involved in outdoor activities with 25-50 young people is more than a one-person job. The Scoutmaster can use all of the help he or she can get. Find a local Scoutmaster and share your desire to get involved and help out. Another way is to put your children in scouting. As much as you may desire to take them into the outdoors on a regular basis, you can’t hope to provide them as many opportunities on your own as they would have with scouting. As a Boy Scout I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back. I rode a continued on page 65

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

OnXmaps

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rivate property can block some of the best prime, public land and access to it. OnXmaps have developed state-wide GPS maps that will show you exact public and private property boundaries, along with state parcels. The private property usually will show who owns the land. This information is critical in hunting areas that have large sections of private property. States, like Colorado, have numerous units that the private property sections are spread out and not in continuous sections. Having the ability to know exactly where the private ground boundaries are, will let you make an intelligent decision when deciding where to hunt. Our staff at the Sportsman’s News relies heavily on these state cards each fall. Most private property is not marked and it is up to the individual to know where property boundaries are. I’ve hunted Colorado with OTC (over-the-counter) tags and without the OnXmaps state card in my GPS,

we could have easily wandered onto private ground and had our hunting opportunities taken away. With the use of these cards, we have found sections of public land surrounded by private that has had some of the best hunting in the area. The other benefit these cards give hunters is road access that can get you behind the private fences with almost untouched public land hunting. The time it saves to see the boundaries right on your hand-held device will pay huge dividends. Besides showing private property, the state cards will show you hunting unit boundaries as well. These chips can keep you out of serious trouble with state officials. I was on an elk hunt in Wyoming a few years back. We had glassed some elk up on another mountain side and without the chip to read, we could have easily hunted elk off our unit and not even known it. Ignorance will never get you out of a game violation with state officials, believe me. The state cards also show

SCOUTING

outdoors. I had no parent to take me camping, though I spent many days in the outdoors with my grandfather when I could. If not for the dedication and effort of scout leaders, I would have missed out on many opportunities to learn and grow into the lover of the outdoors that I am today. There are tens of thousands of children in that same boat right now. Your sharing of time, gear, and money can help provide these children with outdoor opportunities. This is a winwin-win for everyone. We teach children who might never have another chance to learn about the values of honor, integrity, teamwork, and kindness, preventing them from filling our prisons later in life. We teach them a love for the outdoors that will stay with them for generations, helping to increase demand on our wild lands and supporting parks and forests so that we can continue to enjoy them. And finally, we can get our children off the couch, off the iPad or Playstation, and instill in them a love for the outdoors that we also share; a love that they will share with their children. Scouting is more than just a political football to be kicked around, it is a real asset in the lives of young people in this country, and we need to do what we can to support its mission.

continued from page 64 bicycle 250 miles from Yuma, AZ to San Diego, CA. I spent a lot of time with my grandfather in the outdoors, but I spent even more time with the scouts. It gave me the appreciation of the outdoors that I have today. Two more ways you can help are to donate money and gear. All scouting groups are constantly on the lookout for donations of cash and gear. Scouts seek to serve all socio-economic classes. Many activities require funds paid by the scout, but not all scouts can afford to participate in these activities. By donating cash, you may be helping a child who would not otherwise be able to participate to enjoy the same wonders as their fellow scouts who can afford to pay their own way. By donating your gear, you can help provide equipment for scouts who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to use quality gear on trips. The more money and equipment you donate, the more children who can enjoy the valuable lessons of scouting. I spent many years of my life in the foster care system. I didn’t have the same opportunities that many children growing up had to learn about the

government trails and these trails will be extremely helpful in accessing forest lands quickly. Having to fight through downfall and heavy forest can drain your tank quickly. Paying trespass or game violation fines can be expensive and losing years of hunting opportunity can be devastating. A simple state card can save you time and t h e t ro u b l e of guessing where to hunt. OnXmaps also has apps for states that are in some cases cheaper than the cards and can be downloaded to your smart phone.

These apps have the same information as the GPS cards. The only downside to some of the apps is possible bad cell service is some areas of the Rockies. As more towers are added, the app choice will be a great one to see what’s legal and what’s not.

Sportsman’s News Field Editor Eric Christensen recently teamed up with some local scouts to teach them about archery. To find a local scout troop in your area, contact the Boy Scouts of America at beascout.scouting. org or the Girl Scouts at girlscouts. org. Make a difference in the life of

a child and also help preserve our outdoor heritage and enjoyment for generations to come. We still need scouting today; perhaps more than ever.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015

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Chevy Colorado/ GMC Canyon Trucks Chevy/GMC reintroduces a “real mid-size” truck that’s way beyond what the competition has to offer! By Andy Lightbody

he Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon mid-size truck lineup is back and with some major redesigns since GM snatched it from their lineup after 2012 model year. Now, it’s bigger, badder, bolder and pricier than its predecessor. It also is something that is sure to make its Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma competition hope that their new designs can be rushed forward to the auto marketplace, and in a hurry!

It is offered as a 4x2 or 4x4 four-seat extended cab or a five seat crew cab version. From there you have a choice of either a short 5’2” cargo bed, or the longer 6’2” version. A host of trim lines come next and range from no-nonsense Base and Work models to the plusher LT and the top-of-the line Z71. Powerplants for the Colorado are a basic 2.5 liter four-cylinder that kicks out a paltry 200 horsepower. Opt for the base engine and your towing capacity is right at 3,500 pounds. Step it up to the 3.6 liter V6 and you get 305 horses and gives you a full 7,000 pounds of towing/pulling power. New for 2016 is going to be a Dura-

Max 2.8 liter four-banger diesel with a turbocharger. GM has used this engine in this truck that is sold overseas, and it gets good marks in the power ratings and fuel economy (23/30 mpg). Rated at 181 horsepower and 369 pd/ft of torque, it’s a logical extension that GM is going to bring it here to the U.S. It will however be interesting to see how popular it is with gas prices being low and how it rates the Colorado in the towing department. Our test truck was the 4x4 short bed Crew cab model with the Z71 trim, towing package, and the V6 engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. Rumor has it that a new 8-speed

September 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

automatic is also coming soon. While the 6-speed gearbox matches well with the V6, there is a little “nudge and jump” when the truck is downshifting and under load. Hopefully if the 8-speed tranny comes on line soon, it will settle this negative feature down. On the plus side, the V6 Colorado has a lot of spunk and spirit. It is quick to respond, accelerates smoothly and like a young colt, it likes to race! Unlike competitor’s mid-size trucks, even when hammering it in the acceleration

department, the truck is extremely quiet. Road noise, even with aggressive tread tires, the cab remains quiet. In the ride and handling categories, remember that the Colorado/Canyon vehicles are TRUCKS! The pickup is not, nor was it designed to be a car or a Mom’s soccer van. In plain English, you can feel its truck-like ride, and that’s a good thing. It is not harsh and obnoxious, and if you enjoy real trucks and SUVs, it falls into this class and actually instills a level of confidence that you know quickly the Colorado is for real, both on and off the road. And while the mid-size truck still look rather l a rg e a n d i m posing, steering on the highway, in the city and off the road, is sharp and short.

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There is virtually no “slop” in the steering wheel’s responsiveness that is mated to a rear solid axles, multi-leaf springs and twin-tube shock absorbers. Up front, you have independent coil-over twin-tube shocks. Match a well tuned suspension with a solid ride, and 17mpg for the city and 24 mpg on the highway is reasonable. Styling for the Colorado is eyepleasing and looks like a brawny Chevy product. The specified ground clearance when off on the trails is 8.3 inches. It’s good, but not great, and there were concerns about the plastic front air dam. It’s stylish and adds to the truck’s aerodynamics, but needs to disappear for serious off roading. Chevy has a concept truck called the Colorado

ZR2 that many of us are hoping will show up in the 2016 model year. It’s a “for real” backcountry trail buster and would be ideal for getting into remote hunting, fishing and camping spots! Inside, the look is plush and luxurious. Controls are laid out well and there are enough buttons and instrumentation to keep you busy, busy, busy. All these features add to the $35,000 plus sticker price, but if you want it all, it can be had in the Colorado!

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2015