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

SportsmansNews.com

July 2015

Cajun Fishing Adventures lodge owner Ryan Lampert and Stephanie LaChance are all smiles with her bull red.

Volume 11 Issue 7

Cajun Fishing Adventures By Chad LaChance Sportsman’s News Pro Staff

ngling has often been described as an addiction of sorts. Anglers obsess over all aspects of catching fish, going so far as to coin the phrase “the tug is the drug” - a reference to the pull on their line of a strong fish - that keeps them going back out on the water for more. Well, if you fit into the angler demographic that lives by this mantra, then I have just the place for you; Cajun Fishing Adventures lodge. If the tug is your drug, you’ll probably O.D. at Cajun Fishing Adventures. Few fish tug harder than a “bull red” – the slang term for a full grown red drum or “redfish” – and nowhere does there exist better red drum fishing continued on page 2

Go the Distance

with the Leupold RX1200i PAGE 8

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

CAJUN ADVENTURES continued from cover

than the Mississippi delta region of Louisiana. The uber-fertile alluvial fan of “Big Muddy” is a vast expanse of intertwined waterways and various marsh grasses alive with not only micro nutrients, but also shrimp, crabs, and baitfish which sustain life for myriads of sportfish including the aforementioned redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, jacks, and others. Of these delta dwellers, it’s the redfish that drew me to the area. Well, the redfish and the food, but more on that later. Redfish have a way of earning an angler’s respect that can be hard to describe. They’re copper-colored thugs that barge around in shallow water much of the time, chewing on shrimp and crabs, rootin’ in the mud, and generally doing whatever they can to consume anything they can catch. Their answer to being hooked is simple; go over there, and drag whoever hooked them along for the ride. Yep, if want to get your string pulled – especially on light tackle – the redfish is game. Perhaps they pull so hard because they know they are super tasty, but even if they don’t know it, the folks that run Cajun Fishing Adventures do; they prepare fresh redfish often for guests of their lodge. Given that I’ve wanted to experience the angling

Author Chad LaChance admires yet another fine bull redfish caught casting jigs to grass lines. Mecca that is the Mississippi delta for both the food and fishing, Cajun Fishing Adventures was a perfect choice for my wife and I to visit. Flying into New Orleans and renting a car, we were at the lodge in Buras, Louisiana in less than two hours from landing. We arrived to find a personalized welcome sign on the door of an extremely clean facility on nicely manicured grounds. A quick stroll around led us to discover a patio grilling area with a shady gazebo overlooking the hot tub, complete with a waterfall to keep the in-

The lodge pool, patio, and hot tub area are surrounded by equally immaculate grounds, surpassed only by the fishing itself!

ground pool nice. When I spotted the huge Cajun Fishing Adventures logo painted on the bottom of the pool, I knew this lodge was serious about the details. When, a little farther into our stroll, we came upon the boat shed lined with basically new 24 foot, 300 horsepower bay boats complete with high end electronics and twin Power Pole shallow water anchors, I knew this lodge was even more serious about the fishing. Meeting the lodge owner, Ryan Lampert, a little while later confirmed my thoughts. Let me back up a bit. As an angler, I’ve always made it a priority to visit areas steeped in fishing history, and experience the angling with locals. The Venice area had always been on my list, but hurricane Katrina pushed the destination down a few notches on the list because of widespread destruction of the region. Then there was an oil spill you may have heard of, pushing the trip-planning back again. Finally, the time came to go to the delta and experience it’s fishing, and after meeting Ryan and fishing out of his lodge, I have no idea why we didn’t go sooner. Turns out the region and it’s people are far more resilient than perhaps I realized. Lampert founded Cajun Fishing Adventures (CFA) in 1980 and in the time since then, lodge guests have been a Who’s Who of the fishing world. From TV hosts to tournament guys, to tackle companies hosting corporate events there, CFA has seen it all. Over the 36-year history they have learned

what works and how to provide a truly exceptional experience, and they have earned a great reputation with experts and visiting families alike. In fact, when I started calling industry friends looking for the best place for my wife and I to stay and fish, CFA kept coming up and, after visiting, I’m sure glad it did. The lodge is located on a skinny strip of the delta about 15 miles north of Venice, LA, basically on the western bank of the Mississippi River. The Main Lodge is capable of accommodating 18 guests with a large living room-feeling main area with a nice pool table, huge TV, and cozy seating. That area is immediately adjacent to the community dining tables and open kitchen; in fact the whole place feels like a big, comfy house where everyone gets their own bedroom and bathroom. Meals are served to guests in a family style format just outside the kitchen further lending to the comfortable feel. After dinner, you can sit on one of the covered porches and enjoy the day’s end in a way that only folks who have spent time in the south can understand. If you have a group of up to 11 and need a little more privacy, you can stay in the Back Lodge just across the pool deck from the main lodge. It’s perfect for small corporate events or larger families, and meals are still enjoyed in the Main Lodge. If you’re a little more discriminating and desire privacy, you can stay just off-grounds in the FlyHouse Lodge, complete with it’s own kitchen and dining area, pool, and a capacity of just six. Breakfast is still served in the Main Lodge as that’s where your guides will meet you. Ahhh, the guides. Varied in age and style, but all polite, professional, and honestly interested in creating a great day on the water for their guests. My wife and I very much enjoyed the company of each of them, both on and off the water. Of course a guide’s primary job is putting us on fish and that was not a problem. The boats were equally prepared for this unique angling arena with shallow-water anchors, spacious decks, current sonar/ GPS models, and plenty of horsepower to get the whole crew out and back in any condition, we found them to be very cushy platforms for a day’s angling. A key part of the boat is the continued on page 6

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July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Words From The Publisher

By Michael Deming

s we settle in to print the July issue, the last of the western states big game draw results are being posted. The time of anticipation has now passed and dreams of that prestigious tag of a lifetime are either a reality or once again only a dream. I put off a good number of trips this year because I had been building bonus points in many of the western states and this year was going to be the time I used them up. I was sure that a dozen points in Arizona was going to put me on the mark to draw my desired archery tag. I was also pretty sure that 22 points for elk in the great state of Nevada would get me an archery tag as well. In all cases, I was unsuccessful and will now be forced to fall back on some old reliable recourses if I plan on hunting this fall. I know that there are many of you out there who were unsuccessful once again, just like me. The thought of waiting for another seven months to be in the drawings with a chance at a tag of a lifetime is excruciating. But there is a way to still draw that dream tag. The Sportsman’s News Pro Member Sweepstakes is that way for you to

be in the game for the entire year. We are giving away over $300,000 worth of trips, guns and gear each and every year. We have already given away over $60,000 worth of stuff since our first drawing held on March 30th. In the state of Nevada alone this year, I spent just over $400 on application fees for numerous species and the required licenses to apply. By becoming a Pro Member, you will be entered for at least 36 different drawings for $297 for the year or you can even pay by the month for only $27. We know this isn’t cheap, but neither are the trips we are offering. These are the very best trips with the very best outfitters we have been with over the past 11 years. We have also reserved the very best dates. These dates are the easiest for the outfitters to sell, so there are no discounts to be had. However, we know that winning one of these trips is going to provide each and every one of those people a trip of a lifetime. The membership grows each and every month, so the odds of winning truly will never be better than they are right now. If you were lucky enough to draw a tag this year or even if you didn’t and you still want to hunt, one of the big

benefits of being a Pro Member is the 5% discount on any trip booked with our Platinum Approved Outfitter. We have a vast selection of outfitters with lots of different hunts as well as fishing trips which qualify for this discount. If you happen to be booking a $6,000 trophy mule deer hunt, you might as well become a Pro Member and, the 5% discount you receive on the trip will provide you with a free Sportsman’s News Pro Membership. All the details of this month’s giveaways as well as a handful of our past winners can be found on page 3 of this issue. More details of all the giveaways for the next 12 months can be seen by visiting our website at sportsmansnews.com and looking under the membership tab. This issue is packed with some great articles. Pro Staffer Chad LaChance covers our feature article on fishing in Louisiana. A post trip conversation about the article revealed that this was a trip I should have done myself and taken my wife instead of delegating. It was truly a five star destination and something that should be considered by all. We also have an in-depth boot review in this issue. It is so hard to pick a pair of boots off the shelf, hope that they are what you are looking for and then cross your fingers that they are worth the big dollars that you just forked out for them. I had my team put all of these boots to a hard core test over the past few months in order to share their thoughts on paper. All of these write-ups are in this issue. If you have specific questions about a specific boot, feel free to contact the person who wrote the review and ask them even more of what you like. We are here to make sure you make the right purchase to fit your needs. Thanks for taking the time to pick up this free copy of Sportsman’s News. It’s because of you that we are the largest free outdoor publication in the nation. Have a great summer and good luck to those who become a Sportsman’s News Pro Member.

WHAT'S INSIDE

3 Pro Member Update 5 Words From The Publisher 8 Leupold RX-1200i Rangefinder 10 Platinum Approved Outfitters 14 Picking A New Pair of Boots On A Budget: 28 Adventure Backcountry Fly Fishing 34 Pro's Tip: Dog Training Outdoors: Columbia 36 PacWest River Sturgeon

40 Business Directory 42 Pro’s Pick: Beretta 690 Shotgun 44 Video Product Reviews 48 Wild Game Recipe: Stuffed Trout 50 Bosch Diesel Power 52 Writing Contest: A Sheep and a Jeep

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 Chad LaChance Raymon Kemper Tom Claycomb III Jared Moss Gary Lewis Steve Mayer Jeff Watson

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

CAJUN ADVENTURES

fact, it was a rare case where the quality of the fish surprised me, where the continued from page 2 fishing was better than I expected. My cooler filled with ice; that’s where the Florida redfishing experience set the catch resides until the filleting starts expectation and CFA smashed it with back at the lodge. redfish that are not only numerous, Freshly filleted seatrout or redfish is but also very large and very willing to a delicacy by any standard, and in the bite. We didn’t exactly hit great tides hands of the capable kitchen folks at (which are critical to coastal fishing) CFA, the standard is raised. Ever heard or weather patterns and we still far of “Redfish Ryan”? Yea, me neither surpassed the quality and quantity of until it was served at CFA. Appar- redfish I expected. All our fishing was ently lodge owner Ryan is as good at done bass style, meaning we used the cooking as he is at guiding, because trolling motor to work down grass or layering redfish fillets with shrimp channel edges, all the while casting to and crab stuffing and then baking it is likely looking spots. Quarter ounce jigs pure genius. Equally delicious was the tipped with plastics were the norm, smoked redfish dip (yes, they smoke but we mixed it up with jigs on spinit out back) and crackers, Seatrout ner arms, too. Menuire, and the Crab Mornay EmpaCFA is a year ‘round facility and we nadas. Breakfast was more traditional; visited in April. “Big Muddy” was intasty bacon and well-prepared eggs, deed big and muddy. It was also cold flapjacks, and more. The staff packed from the copious snowmelt flowing a simple lunch for each angler, and from northern areas that experience while I barely had time to eat between real winter, and our key to catching casts, the sandwiches were great; local was finding the right mix of fresh and ham, high quality breads and cheeses, salt water where the river meets the a very well executed boat lunch. Gulf. The mix is visible to the guides, So we know the lodge is nice and though admittedly it all looked soupy clean, the guides are cool, and the food to me. It also all looked fishy; healthy will have you drooling, but let’s face grass lines, hydrilla, oysterbeds, cuts, it, the fishing is the real draw of the creeks, and channels; the kind of stuff Delta. Given my anticipation based hardcore anglers dream of taking on. on the area’s history and reputation, The fishing is handled with light it would have been easy to be disap- tackle more typical of bass fishing than pointed. I was not. Not even close. In salt water which leads to a very sporting feel, and our guides kept our boats in position such that everyone had a good casting angle all the time. Shallow water anchors allow them to “park” the boat just about anywhere to concentrate on a key spot, or for the grip-n-grins y o u ’ l l s u re l y want to remember the trip by. We caught so many bull reds over two days of fishing that they all blendRedfish Ryan. Fresh out of the oven, redfish fillets ed together in layered with seafood stuffing and baked. Good is a major m y m e m o r y, understatement! making the pic-

Cajuns know hospitality and the main lodge at CFA reflects that; spacious yet cozy and very inviting. tures that much more important. For the record, I specifically mentioned that we wanted to catch redfish; some guests prefer to focus on seatrout for their table fare and the guides can accommodate that, too. Even with our redfish goals, we still caught some seatrout and a few flounder, too. As with any fishery, the Delta Region is somewhat seasonal. Spring has the river typically high and stained leading to more blind casting, while summer yields more clear waters, perfect for sight fishing. For fly guys, summer or early fall is the ticket. If you’re an all-around outdoors person, consider visiting CFA in fall when you can cast to redfish part of one day and blast ducks the next. They even offer cast-n-blast days for the hardy visitor; ducks in the morning, hot lunch at the lodge, then afternoon redfishing. That, friends, is the making of a great day afield! The duck hunting program looked as well thought out as the angling; estuary blinds with flat-bottomed shuttle boats combined with tons of waterfowl had me wishing we’d visited in fall instead of spring. CFA leases a large exclusive area of the delta for hunting and the waterfowl season typically runs from September through January. As I said, the fishing is great all year. The reality is, whether you just want to escape winter and experience the thrill that is redfishing, you want to skillfully place a fly on the nose of a shallow water bully, or you want to sample some truly great water fowling

alongside World-class fishing, Cajun Fishing Adventures is waiting. They’re conservation minded folks that understand customer service and southern hospitality. They’ll feed you great food and make you and your family or group of buddies feel at home. They’ll take you out in sweet boats and have you casting to beautifully fishy cover in areas they have been conserving for decades. Most importantly, they’ll ensure that your thirst to get your string pulled in a big way is quenched over, and over, and over, again! www. CajunFishingAdventures.com

CFA guide Ross is one of the best we’ve shared a boat with. Professional, courteous, and very fishy in the best sort of way.

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

The Revolutionary Leupold RX-1200i Series Rangefinder

he new Leupold RX-1200i Series digital laser rangefinder is a revolutionary, range-finding device that incorporates advanced digital electronics with state-of-the-art ballistics algorithms. The next generation Digitally eNhanced AccuracyTM (DNA®) engine incorporates additional signal processing techniques to generate better ranging distance with more accurate rangefinding. All RX-1200i rangefinders feature an incredibly bright OLED display with three user selectable reticles and intensity settings, while the RX-1200i TBR adds an inclinometer, Last Target Mode and True Ballistic Range (TBR) functionality. TBR® algorithms were developed by the same engineers who developed Sierra Infinity® Exterior Ballistics Software and who helped develop navigation and guidance systems for ICBMs and other missiles with far more demanding trajectory requirements than a hunting bullet. TBR is a marriage of laser ranging, an inclinometer, and an advanced computerized ballistics program. The result is distance measurements accurate to less than a yard, no matter the angle at which the laser is fired. Bullets and arrows travel in a ballistic arc, yet conventional rangefinders only provide a linear distance to your target. TBR delivers the ballistic equivalent range to the target, accounting for the effects of inclines or declines on the path of your bullet or arrow. Other features that are provided for firearms

are outputs that display either MOA adjustments, or inches / centimeters / mils of holdover at that specific distance. TBR eliminates any potentially significant error, and provides a precise range for your aiming calculations. TBR is matched to each of seven firearm ballistics groups or archery ballistics, allowing use with most popular hunting cartridges and bows. The RX-1200i and 1200i TBR are top-quality 6x22mm monoculars that incorporate the additional benefit of a state-of-the-art laser rangefinder capable of measuring the distance of a deer-sized animal from 5 yards to 800 yards, an inanimate object from 5 yards to 900 yards, and a reflective target from 5 yards to 1,200 yards. It emits a series of invisible, infrared energy pulses that are reflected off the selected target back to the optical unit. State-of-the-art circuitry and precision computing circuits are used to calculate the distance, in yards or meters, by measuring the time it takes for each pulse to travel from the rangefinder to the object and back. One must remember that surface texture, color, size, and shape of the target all affect reflectivity, which in turn affects the maximum range of the instrument. As a rule of thumb, brightly colored targets are much more reflective than darker targets. Tan game coats are more reflective than a black roof. A shiny surface is more reflective than a dull surface. Smaller targets are more difficult to range than larger targets. Light conditions, haze, fog, rain, and other environmental conditions can all affect ranging performance. Any factor that degrades air clarity will reduce the maximum effective range. The sun generates infrared energy that can degrade ranging performance in bright conditions or when ranging towards the sun. The RX-1200i TBR allows the user to select from one of the following mode settings, TBR, BOW, or LOS. TBR calculates the equivalent horizontal range, from which you can determine the cor-

rect aim for the conditions and it functions out to 800 yards. Within TBR are functions that inform the user of how much scope adjustment or holdover is required for the shot. The available functions are BAS, HOLD, MIL, and MOA. BAS will display the equivalent horizontal range, based off of your selected ballistic group. This is the range you will want to use when shooting, rather than the line of sight distance, which may contain gross errors depending upon the shot angle. HOLD will display the appropriate amount of holdover to use and weather to hold high or low. MIL will display the appropriate amount of holdover in milliradians. MOA will show the minute-of-angle adjustment for your target and inform you if you need to dial up or down. Finally, the TRIG function is included to support engineers and sportsman alike by displaying the true horizontal range and true vertical range. Have you ever wondered if that leaning tree would hit your home or tent if it fell? The Leupold RX-1200i with TBR will tell you. TBR includes ballistics settings for seven cartridge groups, based on long range trajectories, and are specifically formulated for the four functions of TBR. For example, if your cartridge type is in Group A, the displayed reading will account for the shot angle and provide the proper distance for holdover purposes. You must choose one of the seven groups, based on your cartridge and ballistics information. TBR performance groups organize load performance in a way that generally provides less than 2.5 inches (1/2 minute of angle) of error in aiming out to 500 yards. Leupold cartridge tables show a common assortment of factory loads organized in their TBR performance groups. If you are shooting a similar bullet weight and muzzle velocity that falls into the provided selections, you can use that cartridge group with full confidence. To see into what group your cartridge falls, you can visit the Leupold web site at www.leupold.com. For archers, BOW mode works with TBR to provide the equivalent horizontal range for arrows. The displayed range represents the ballistically equivalent hori-

zontal distance to the target if the target is 125 yards or less. If the target is farther than 125 yards, the LOS icon will flash while BOW remains displayed, and resulting distance will be the line of sight distance only. For those that just want to know how far away something is there is the LOS mode, or Line of Sight. This mode, when activated, provides the straight line distance to the target without accounting for shot angle or specific ballistics. Rounding out the list of features within the RX-1200i TBR is Last Target mode. This mode is used to display the distance to the farthest object when more than one object may be read. Multiple objects will often return an average distance. Last Target mode ensures an accurate reading on the farthest object. So the next time you find yourself needing a new rangefinder, head on out to your local Sportsman’s Warehouse and ask to see the Leupold RX-1200i series of rangefinders.

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

WITH BLINK-OF-AN-EYE SPEED, PHENOMENAL ACCURACY, AND RUGGED DEPENDABILITY, RX-1200i IS THE ULTIMATE RANGEFINDER FOR SERIOUS HUNTERS. The world’s fastest, most accurate laser rangefinder delivers exceptionally long ranging out to 1,200 yards. You get fast, pinpoint accuracy that eliminates guesswork. No more estimating, no more fuzzy math, just accurate ranging that lets you shoot with total confidence. And with Leupold’s drive to push the capabilities of new technology, you can be sure any rangefinder bearing the Leupold name is the absolute best in its class. © 2015 Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

Picking A New Pair Of Boots For The Season By Mike Deming and Sportsman’s News Staff

hether you are an extreme outdoorsman or just a weekend warrior, picking the right boot for your circumstances is essential. Once you leave your vehicle, these are your wheels. Blisters on your feet from an improper fitting boot or the wrong kind of boot for the terrain has the ability to change the entire outcome of your trip. One of my very first, hardcore, backpacking trips for elk, nearly three decades ago, provided me a lesson in this boot choice arena, which still lives strong with me today. Throughout the summer, I had packed in nearly 10 miles on numerous occasions to see the horn growth. This out-of-the-way place was turning out to be everything I was looking for in an early season archery hunt and hopefully would have no hunting pressure during the season. My scouting missions were fast and very lightweight, which consisted of a daypack, tarp, sleeping bag, pad, some snacks and obviously some good optics. However, my entire pack was only about 15 pounds. I wore a comfortable low-top boot, which was lightweight and perfect for my situation. The day prior to the archery opener, myself and a few buddies departed the trailhead for our 10 day backcountry hunt. I still wore my lightweight boots as it was the last week of August, however, the load on my back was probably a hefty 65 pounds. Within three miles, I had already developed a large blister on the heel of each foot. The added weight on my back had stretched out my boots just enough to allow this to happen. I slowed the pace to a crawl, but the major damage was done - or so I thought. With one mile to go to our designated Shangri-La, I rolled my ankle which delivered a deep sprain. My entire foot, including the ankle was black by the end of the day. I wasn’t able to put any weight on it for days. Needless to say, I spent the first half of the elk hunt hobbling around camp while my buddies enjoyed my new found honey hole. In retrospect, had I wore the right boot

for the application, I wouldn’t have experienced these problems. Picking the right boot and getting it broken in and ready is essential for an enjoyable and successful trip. We know you can’t truly test a pair of boots walking the aisles of the shoe department at Sportsman’s Warehouse and real field experience is the way to go. But since a pair of boots isn’t cheap and it isn’t feasible to try them all, we here at Sportsman’s News took some of the best boots and put them to the test. We put some early season boots to the test and then we also put together some hard core later season stuff through some scrutiny as well. Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX (tested by Dan Kidder) From the hills of southern Utah to the streets of Washington, DC, I have been wearing the Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX hikers every day for more than two months and they are a very versatile daily wear hiker that also works for extreme terrain. They are comfortable right out of the box, though they fit snuggly around the top of the toe bed. This isn’t a design flaw as they are designed this way to prevent slippage that can cause blisters. The use of neoprene to conform to the foot is part of their Sensifit system to wrap the foot from the top and the OrthoLite sockliner combining a specific Ortholite foam and an

Northside Men’s Renegade Hunting Boot (tested by James Dansie) Northside has been making affordable outdoor footwear for years and the Renegade Hunting Boot is as affordable as they come. Their price point is about $70 MSRP, so if you are looking for a very affordable boot that will still deliver as good early season footwear, these are the boots for you. The Renegades are composed of leather and camo nylon mesh which is both breathable and fully water-proof. They also have 400gm of Thermolite, able to keep your feet warm in weather up to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Being breathable and having Thermolite means that these boots can be used all year in any season. I like my hunting boots to have adequate ankle support and ample toe room and the Renegades have just that - they are snug on my ankles, but have a large enough toe box to ensure my toes don’t rub on the side, causing blisters. Because of the leather, I would suggest putting some time in breaking the Renegades in though. They’re not really a grab-and-go boot and if you try to use them straight out of the box, prepare yourself for some pain. The rubber out-soles have deep ridges and provided exceptional traction on both steep inclines and declines. The Northside Renegades have hands down one of the best price performance ratios out there, so if you are looking for a boot to get you through summer months and winter snow, but not break the bank, then be sure to check them out for yourself.

ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) heel cup. Ortholite foam creates a cooler, drier, healthier, better cushioned environment under the foot. It will not break down or lose effectiveness over time (Recycled tire content to protect the environment). EVA heel cups allow for better heel support and added cushioning. I have been wearing these hikers daily, in both cold weather and hot, on rocky terrain and city streets and their flexible comfort, glove-like fit, and aggressive terrain-tackling tread, have yet to let me down. Even after 12-14 hours of continual wear, my feet are comfortable and rested, and while they keep your dogs warm, they don’t overheat and they breathe amazingly well. The non-marring Contagrip blend of rubbers means they are soft enough for great traction, but hard enough to prevent wear. Gore-Tex lining keeps your feet dry, both by repelling external moisture and wicking away internal moisture. continued on page 16 The rubber toecap

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

PICKING BOOTS continued from page 14

seems innocuous enough, but I am pretty sure it is made of a blend of Kevlar and Kryptonite. It is dang near indestructible and doesn’t leave black smudges when it rubs against surfaces. This is an ideal material to protect your boots in rough terrain like lava beds. Additional features like waterproof bootie construction, wrap around mud guard, a Quicklace lacing system and a gusted tongue to prevent debris from entering the shoe, all contribute to making this a serious boot for serious outdoorsmen. These boots are very high-tech, integrating the best of textile engineering and footwear construction to create a serious boot for serious people that will also double as your daily footwear for those who, like me, can’t stand sneakers. If you want the ankle support of a hiker, the footbed comfort of a sneaker and the technology of a NASA designed Martian explorer boot, the Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX should be your first choice.

Vasque Breeze 2.0 (tested by Eric Christensen) This is my first pair of Vasque hiking boots that I’ve laced up on my feet. I was nervous to break them out on a recent trip to rugged west Texas. The terrain was steep and rocky, mixed with more steep and rocky. After five days of hiking, I was quite pleased with the feel and performance of the boot. I have narrow feet and I find the laces on most of the boots I have worn become loose over the duration of the hike. The Breeze never loosened or slipped during the trip. The full gussets on the air-breathable tongue kept out small rocks and twigs that fill the west Texas landscape. The Vibram Contact Sole with XSTrek Compound felt very solid when I walked up or down the rocky hills. Loose, fist sized rocks littered the ground and I could feel the sole flexing and bending when they caught the edge of one of them. The TPU torsion control chassis did its job, not allowing the sole to flex too far laterally. I wore a mid-weight ‘Smart’ wool sock and the weather was a sunny 40-60 degrees all week and the breathable and waterproof Nubuck leather allowed my feet to breathe comfortably. In the jagged rocks and brush that had nasty spikes wanting to tear open everything it came in contact with, the molded rubber toe bumper combined with highly abrasion-resistant air mesh stood up to the task and showed very minimal wear. The next trip to test out the boots found me in the high desert looking for elk sheds. This two-day trip would offer similar loose rocky hills and even steeper mountains to traverse. We hiked for around 10 hours each day, which was even longer than on the Texas trip. Again, I personally enjoyed not having to stop a hundred times to retie my boots or double and triple tie them. Side-hilling a very steep slope with a full pack of elk sheds can test anyone’s ankle torsion, but the Breeze supported me firmly. The lug design on the sole held my weight pretty evenly across the steep terrain. Vasque is known for making quality footwear and after walking in their boots, I would absolutely recommend them to someone looking for a long lasting, dependable hiking boot.

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Salomon Authentic (tested by Eric Christensen) One of the first things I noticed about the Authentic hiking boot from Salomon was the feel when you slide them on. They really hugged my narrow feet without feeling too rigid. It didn’t have the traditional feel of most mid-hikers that are typically stiff on the rim of the shoe. Another personnal feature I liked when lacing them up was in that the first hook you wrap your lace around actually locks the lace into place like a ski boot binding. This prevents the shoelace from becoming loose during your hike and it does not compromise the boot even if the top of the laces become untied. I love this feature as I have found most hiking and hunting boots become untied all too often or at the worst time of a hike. Salomon trail boots have been designed much in the same fashion as their ski boots. The process and development for each layer in the boot design works together for maximum motion control. The Authentic felt great during the entire length of my hikes. The lightweight body of the boot helped with my longer hikes that would normally cause fatigue. The Contagrip sole did very well over a broad range of topography. It felt like it gripped the earth when I changed elevation or for steep horizontal hiking. The same feel was present when traversing boulders and large rocks. I felt the Authentic gave exceptional ankle support and stability on my hikes. The gusseted tongue kept out small continued on page 18 annoying debris from trying to work

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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PICKING BOOTS continued from page 14

itself into the boot when going cross country through sage and weeds. The boot also stood up to its waterproof claim, so long as you don’t let the water get in from the hole in the top of the boot. During longer and higher temperature hikes, the boot allowed my feet to breathe even while wearing medium hiking socks. The protective toe cap and suede leather held up to the beating that the heavy brush and rocky hillsides threw at it. The Authentic is going to be near impossible to beat for the price point. I would highly recommend that you try a pair out for your next outdoor adventure.

Danner Steadfast (tested by Mike Deming) Being a Danner Pronghorn fan, I was a bit apprehensive about trying something else. I’ve worn out, over time, many sets of Pronghorns in the past and they have never failed me, so I greeted the Steadfast with an open mind. Danner is known for building a good, dependable boot which is well thought out. The Steadfast is an early season boot which is ideal for the archery hunter. It is designed with what is called the Danner Comfort System or DCS as it is referred to on their website. It puts your foot lower to the ground which almost lets you feel the terrain as you would barefooted. It

has a thermoplastic polyurethane shank which provides good support, but it also can keep cactus from penetrating all the way through to the foot. This boot is as good as it gets for stalking. The Steadfast outsole not only grabs well on all terrain, but the softer rubber greatly deadens the sound. It comes with an oversized toe box which fits my unique foot shape extremely well. I also find this very comfortable when I’m forced to kneel down very quickly to avoid detection. This can often cause circulation problems in the toes, but this isn’t the case with the Steadfast. This is a 6” boot which is built with a durable Nubuck leather upper combined with 900 denier nylon for lightweight support. The waterproof Danner Dry liner not only pulls moisture away from the foot as you sweat, but also keeps your foot dry from the early morning dew.

Irish Setter Deer Tracker (tested by Raymon Kemper) The Deer Tracker model of shoes by Irish Setter is a boot that I found needs no break-in period, with no worries about blisters or aching feet. This model of shoes fits my narrow, high arch foot very well. I have tried a lot of different types of boots in my life, but very few of them were as comfortable as the Deer Tracker right out of the box. One problem I often experience with a new pair of boots is in the tongue. They have a tendency to be very uncomfortable on my shin, but with the Deer Tracker, Irish Setter incorporates a system called the CuShin that is designed to minimize the pressure that some feel in this area. It was sure the solution to my problem. This boot offers many unique features. Some of these features include, RPM Tech which is a composite soul material that lightens the weight of the boot, Scent Ban around the inside of the boot which helps to kill bacteria that causes odor, Armatec which is a protective covering that is placed in high wear areas and is abrasive resistant and incredibly tough and finally Ultra Dry, which is a waterproofing system which will keep your feet dry in the wettest conditions. The Deer Tracker 4837 with RealTree extra pattern is a 10 inch high design, which is excellent for keeping your feet high and dry on those wet days. It has 400 grams of Prima-Loft Gold Eco which helps insulate the boots and keeps your feet comfortable all day long. I have worn these boots many times shed hunting and I have been very impressed with the amount of traction that I have with such a light weight boot. They have held up extremely well in the tough terrain of the Rocky Mountains. I am very impressed with the Deer Tracker boot and its overall comfort and performance and I would recommend this boot to any hunter. continued on page 20

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

PICKING BOOTS continued from page 18

Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hiker (tested by Mike Deming The Kenetrek brand is well known throughout the hunting world. Just about everyone knows when you purchase a pair of Kenetrek boots, you are buying a boot which will last you a lifetime. It’s designed by hard-core hunters for hard-core hunters. This being said, it is also on the more expensive side. However, they can be sent back to Kenetrek for a new set of soles and complete tuneup for $150 whenever you feel the need. I have found the Hardscrabble Hiker to be just as comfortable off the trail as it is on the trail. I’ve broken in a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extreme boots in my life and I know that it usually takes at least fifty miles before they really start to feel like a glove. So, this is what I was expecting when I put these on. I spent four straight days of nasty rocky terrain hiking without the slightest hot spot. Truly a boot you can grab out of the box and just go. This is a 7” boot which is made from 2.8mm full grain leather. The collars are heavily padded, which makes for an extremely comfortable fit just above the ankle. The lacing system on these boots is very unique in that it allows the laces to pivot and slide without loosening up as you work your way through the rocky terrain. The insoles provide the most comfortable support I’ve gotten out of a boot which is ideal for my extra high arches. The high traction K-Talon outsole is truly what makes these boots. This rubber compound provides the perfect amount of softness for a multidirectional grab and flexibility, yet durable enough to last. I don’t worry about my soles slipping with these boots and I’ve been able to get nearly 1,000 miles out of an outsole on my Mountain Extremes. It has a stiff nylon midsole which provides good support when walking on rocky ground. This does take a day or so to get used to, but once you have worn a boot of this caliber, you won’t ever want to go back. The rubber rand around the boot is completely abrasion resistant and is much needed in the areas for which you buy this type of boot. It also aids in the waterproofing, which combined with the Windtex membrane, insures your feet stay dry even in the wettest of conditions. If you can afford to spend the money on this boot, you won’t ever be disappointed. The fact that Kenetrek resoles over 10,000 pairs of boots a year is a testament of just how great the rest of the world thinks they are as well. continued on page 22

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July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

PICKING BOOTS continued from page 20

Vasque TAKU GTX (tested by Mike Deming) The TAKU GTX model by Vasque is a boot you can purchase and walk right out of the store with them on and start a hardcore hike without the worry of a break-in period. The Vasque brand of shoes fit my foot extremely well as I have a very narrow foot with an extremely high arch. However, my toes spread out extremely wide as if I’m built like a duck. Not exactly a good situation when you are trying to find boots that fit and don’t cause fatigue in one place or the other. The TAKU GTX has a very generous toe box which allows for plenty of room for ample movement as well as circulation. They feel similar to a tennis shoe when you put them on, rather than a hard-core hiking boot. The build on this boot is anything but a tennis shoe though. The upper is all leather and built with Nubuck leather. It has a molded rubber toe cap which wears like iron, even in the harsh rocky terrain of places like southwest Texas. The lacing system provides a solid locking mechanism in the ankle hooks,

a feature which keeps your boots tight. These boots are equipped with the GORE-TEX membrane (hence the GTX in the name) which will insure your feet stay dry even in the wettest conditions. We have put this to the test in a recent bear hunt in Idaho where we stood in the creek for 20 minutes and they didn’t leak a drop. The soles are made of Vibram which performs flawlessly in the extreme rocky and nasty conditions we usually call home. They grab the rocks and terrain like an extra set of hands and give you a secure feeling while hiking, even on wet and snowy terrain. On man-made surfaces like steel or tile, the Vibram is a bit on the slick side. I wouldn’t recommend these for a work boot high on the scaffolding, but for those of you looking for a lightweight boot you can grab and go to the hills, this is the boot for you.

Irish Setter Vaportrek (tested by Raymon Kemper) The Vaportrek model by Irish Setter is a boot that needs very little break-in time. It must be mentioned that this boot is designed for people with a wide foot. This boot has an extremely good arch support. It is a very lightweight boot, with a lot of good features. It comes with the Armatrek System, which is a protective covering that is continued on page 24

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

PICKING BOOTS continued from page 22

placed in high wear areas. It is abrasion resistant and incredibly tough. A ‘Scent Ban’ around the inside of the boot is designed to kill bacteria that causes odor. Ultra Dry, a waterproofing system which has a moisture managing liner, keeps your feet dry in the wettest conditions. The RPM Tech is a composite sole material that lightens the weight of the boot. The Vaportrek 2873 is an 8-inch high boot with 400 grams of a Prima-Loft Gold Eco that will keep your feet comfortable on those colder days in the woods. We tested these boots out on a long hiking trip in the Rocky Mountains in the early spring, where wet and cold is the norm. The overall performance of the boot was very good. The soles were a little slick on some of the wet rocky terrain, but I was very satisfied with the overall comfort of such a lightweight boot.

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Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Boot (tested by James Dansie) Looking for a pair of boots that will last in the harshest of environments? Kenetrek has the answer. As an outdoor videographer, good footwear is imperative to be able to complete my job. During the 2014 filming season, I had the opportunity to put Kenetrek’s Mountain Extreme boots to work and they performed beyond my expectations. Kenetrek has an eye for detail and that really comes through on the Mountain Extreme series. They are made from top grain leather, have a stiff nylon mid-sole and feature high traction K-Talon outsoles. I used and abused them on two desert sheep hunts last year and for those who have been in the rocky environments that desert sheep live in, you know how damaging it can be on a pair of boots. I came out of both trips with minimal damage to both the boots and my feet. The sole and ankle support of the Mountain Extremes were unparalleled from any other boot I had used previously and made navigating over rocks and cactus a whole lot safer. Rolling an ankle on top of a mountain is a serious concern of a lot of hunters and hikers, but with these boots you get the peace of mind that they will support you through anything. I was also able to use these boots on a spring bear hunt in Alaska. The 400gm Thinsulate insulation was perfect for the hours spent sitting on a knob, glassing for bears. Another great feature is that Kenetrek utilizes Windtex to make their boots fully waterproof and breathable, which made them excellent for the wet Alaskan environment. When we made our stalk, we had to cross a marsh and many different low level streams. I was able to do this with absolutely no leakage into the boots. The Mountain Extreme is one of the more expensive boots that we reviewed starting at around $470 MSRP, but they are built to out-perform and outlast any other boot on the market. So for those of you looking for a pair of outdoor footwear that will last for years in the harshest of environments, these are the boots for you. continued on page 26

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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PICKING BOOTS continued from page 24

Lacrosse Aerohead 18” 7MM (tested by Eric Christensen) When I first slid my feet into the Lacrosse Aerohead 7MM, I thought the feel would be similar to a high lace type hunting boot. But in reality, you get the sensation of a tall boot without the feel of a laced boot that doesn’t move when your shin pushes on it while hiking. When I was walking around, I didn’t notice the rim or length of the boot rubbing on my shins or calves. I used a pair that were a size larger than I normally wear for a hunting boot. I wanted a little room to add foot warmers for times when I would be stationary in cold situations. If you have ever had cold and wet feet while hunting, you know that it makes for a miserable trip. Late and early hunts that require you to walk through snow or wet shrubbery

can soak your feet in a matter of minutes, making for shorter and less meaningful trips. The 18-inches of height that the Areoheads offer is similar to wearing a pair of gaiters, but much more effective and comfortable. There has been over 4-years invested in the development of this boot. For users that have those large diamond sized calves, this boot offers an adjustable gusset strap for a secure fit. The neoprene is wrapped by a polyurethane shell that is lighter and more flexible than rubber and offers unparalleled waterproofing protection. Lacrosse’s new Aerohead Foam Technology is very comfortable and feels like your gellin’. The sole of the Aerohead is made of a lightweight, rubber compound that gives exceptional grip and resilience. Weighing in at 5-pounds per pair, they are right in comparison with the weight of the average fall hunting boot. I used them on a spring bear hunt and was very impressed

with the versatility of the boot. I was worry-free about crossing creeks and marshes and getting my feet wet. Even with a l a rg e r t h a n normal size of boot on, I liked the feel and comfort they gave. I thought hiking steep terrain would make my feet sore by sliding around in the boot, however, they felt fine after all the hiking. One part of hunting I find less than desirable is getting hot and sweaty on hikes in cold weather and then stopping to glass or rest, allowing the wind to start to chill my body. I found these boots were fantastic at keeping the warmth

inside the boot. My feet didn’t get too hot and the liquid polyurethane over neoprene design in the shell of the boot kept them warm and comfortable while I sat and spotted. I also like the scent control that the boots offer with the materials used in the design. I was very impressed with the Lacrosse Aerohead 7MM.

Tue Apr 7 13:51:56 CDT 2015 - 15411Y1253_non Bleed.ps

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

Backcountry Fly Fishing By Tom Claycomb III

to camp. I built a fire, dipped the cofhe outdoors is my passion. I love fee pot in the river bowhunting for elk and stalking and flopped down black bears in the spring, but to me, in my Therm-a-Rest fly fishing in the backcountry is the ultibackpacking chair mate outdoor experience! What’s not to for a minute. I don’t like? You’re in beautiful country, catching want to be a whiner, but I hate squatting plenty of fish and you may not see but a in the dirt when I’m eating. couple of people. I ate a Mountain House backpacking To pack into the backcountry, you have meal and dessert and then decided to do a two options; backpack in or ride a horse. little relaxing. Suddenly I noticed that now Packing in on horses, I feel, is the best beI couldn’t make out trees 100 yards away. cause you can take more amenities. Here Uggh, I probably ought to leave, but I sure in Idaho, the smaller rivers don’t open until didn’t feel like packing up and hiking out Memorial Day weekend. It doesn’t really in the dark after fishing for 12 hours. matter though, because you can’t get up But, what if the fire topped the ridge into the high country until late June/early in the middle of the night? If the wind July anyway. And just because you can get whipped up it’d blow over me before I in doesn’t mean that the rivers are fishable even knew it was coming. I could jump because the runoff is still going pretty in the river, but the fire would suck all the good, so I don’t start packing in until July oxygen out of the air and scorch my lungs. 10th. The rivers are too deep, fast, and not I didn’t want to leave. I had four more days usually manageable until then. to fish and had been getting some nice I remember one particular year, some cutthroats. Finally I decided that I’d better family members wanted to come out leave and survive to fish another day. backpacking. Due to schedules they could One year I packed in, set up camp and only come on June 4th. I told them it was was slaughtering the trout. I don’t know a month too early, but we’d try it. Driving how many I caught. I thought I’d go to in, we found ourselves breaking through bed and get up early and hit it hard the occasional snowdrifts, but nothing terrible. next morning. Right as I crawled into my We parked at the trailhead and took off. sleeping bag it started raining. It poured After hiking for about an hour it started all night while I slept like a baby. The next morning, I got up and whipped up breakfast and hit the trail. Not far downstream, a big tributary runs into the main river. There’d been a huge mudslide up the tributary that had blown out my river. This forced me to fish upstream. I caught a lot of fish and had a good time, but as you can see, high mountain fishing can be unpredictable and things can turn south fast. BUT, when you hit it right, it’s almost magical. Now let’s talk about some awesome trips. One year a kid One of my favorite fishing partners, my dauthter Kolby, battles a backcountry bruiser. that had never fly

drizzling as we passed the first flat spot. There wasn’t another spot to camp for four miles, so we decided to throw a camp and let it blow over. By the time we got set up it was snowing/raining pretty hard. We whipped out a wet dinner and went to bed. The next morning, it hadn’t blown over. In fact it had set in. We had to get out fast. By now everything was soaked and twice as heavy and by the time we got up to the truck we were wet and cold. We then had a 29 mile mountain drive. I didn’t know if we were going to make it or not because by now there were some good drifts. I hugged the downhill side of the road and on the uphill side the drifts were so high they were hitting my left head light. Another time, I backpacked in for 5-days by myself. It’d been a dry summer and we’d been having a lot of fires. Driving up I passed four fires. I hit the trailhead, threw on my pack and took off down the trail. A big fire could be seen over the ridge. I got to my spot and threw up a camp and fished until dark, and netted a lot of fish. The next morning, I woke up shortly after daylight, dipped a pot of water out of the river and fired up a pot of coffee. By now, the fire had moved closer and I couldn’t make out trees 500 yards away. Oh well, time to go fishing. I threw on my daypack and took out downstream. I fished hard all day and then hiked back

Adventure On A Budget fished (Patrick Goodman) wanted to go with me. The second week of August found us backpacking in to one of my favorite spots. We threw up a tent and then jumped to the first hole. Wow, the bull trout were stacked like firewood. I don’t know if they had come upstream to spawn or eat salmon eggs. To fish these deeper holes we used bead headed black wooly buggers. To get to the bottom we added one or two 1/64 ounce bullet head weights which cast a lot better than split shot or match stick weights. In a bit he screams, “I’ve got him”! I looked over and about died. He had hung a huge fish. I told him to try to keep him in the hole, but don’t hoss him too much or he’ll snap off. I couldn’t believe how well he was fighting him, much less for a first time fly fisherman. He was right at the confluence of an incoming stream, so it was a tough hole to fish with that on one side and brush on the other. Pretty soon he had him worn down on the other side of the stream. I told Patrick to hold on. I climbed up higher and studied the situation. Finally I said, “Ok, he’s holding up straight across from you, but I think that your line is actually wrapped around that big boulder 6-feet behind him. I can’t guarantee you that this will work, but here’s what you’re going to have to do. Give your rod a pretty good tug - not too hard or he’ll snap off, but hard enough to turn his head. When you do, the current will catch his head and hopefully it will turn him and roll him back behind the rock. While that is happening make sure to keep the line tight”. I said, “Are you ready”? Patrick’s reply was a sheepish, “I think so”. He pulled perfectly and sure enough, the big hog rolled out and was tired out, so he didn’t flush out of the hole. Patrick fought him perfectly and soon had him almost within reach. I waded out and was about to net him. He was at a standstill right in front of me. Suddenly he scooted out and the line snapped. Argghhh - He was right there! Patrick said, “Oh no, what’d I do wrong”? I told him not one thing. He did continued on page 30

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BACKCOUNTRY FLY FISHING continued from page 28

it perfect. The line had to have been almost sliced through due to him being hung on the rock and finally snapped when he took off. We both sat down and caught our breath. Wow, what a trip. I saw the big bull trout perfectly and he was a good 30-inches. We had a whole roll of 19-24 inch fish on a Kodak throw-away camera, but somewhere in one of our rodeos it fell in the river and couldn’t be developed. The lady at the film shop threw the flag and said yeah right. Not only did the fish get away, but so did the pictures. I now carry a waterproof digital camera, of course. Ok, so you’re sold on a backcountry fly fishing trip. How do you do it? The lowest cost option will be to throw on a backpack and hike in and set up a camp. I’ll set up camp and then throw on a daypack and hike downstream and fish back to camp. When backpacking you want to remember a couple of things. Volume and weight are a big deal. So due to this, in most cases,

I no longer take waders. Although they’re not too heavy, they take up a lot of room. I wear nylon cargo pants that dry out fast when I step out of the river. I go back and forth on wading boots. They’re heavy and bulky, but you need them to walk around in slippery rivers. I also like to take some good river sandals, but wading in and out of rivers and hiking down trails I always get sand under the straps and they eat up my feet. Which brings up another important point - I always take along an Adventure Medical Kits moleskin or Band-Aids. Of course, your fly rod selection will depend on the waters you will be fishing and the fish you will be going after, but I usually take a 9 ½-foot 5 wt. 4-pc rod. Always take two in case you snap a tip. On small creeks you could rationalize a little 7 ½-foot 3 wt. rod and sometimes I do. I only pack in one reel. A lot of people take a compact sized box, but I always take my whole fly vest. I always think that I need 5,000 flies and all of the accessories, but it is bulky. For fly selection go to your local Sportsman’s Warehouse and ask them what flies they suggest using in that locale, but elk

This nice bull trout is a great example of why I love to fly fish in the backcountry. hair caddis are always a good choice. Then of course some bead headed nymphs. Are the trips hard? Sure. Are they worth it? Heck yes! If you try to do a day hike into the backcountry, you’ll probably want to hike out by 6:30pm, so you’re not hiking out in the dark, but if you have backpacked in you can fish late and hit the evening hatch which is in the late, late afternoon. Sometimes these trips

are not best for youngsters because they can be physically demanding. But on the other side of the coin it amazes me when my little, skinny 110 pound soaking wet daughter is skipping 50 yards down the trail in front of me, periodically looking back and asking, “Dad, are you ok”? continued on page 32

Cutthroats like this nice 19-incher are the epitome of remote fly fishing.

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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BACKCOUNTRY FLY FISHING

S’mores or we’ll have panic in the disco. At dusk, we’ll eat dinner, sit around the fire making S’mores and watch the bats continued from page 30 feeding on mosquitos and then the stars. Backcountry fly fishing with my daugh- We’ll doze off sitting by the fire and finally ter, that’s the ultimate. We hike in and have groggily stumble to our tents for the night. the world to ourselves. What’s cooler than Another fun option is to hire a guide that? The only requirement is to make sure to pack you in for a drop-off trip. Althat I pack along the essentials to make though your bottom-line for the trip will increase, it may not be as much as you would expect and can be a very good way to ‘learn the ropes’, so to speak, from a professional. One summer we hired a guide to pack us in 14 miles on horses and drop us off. He came back in a week to get us. That was a blast. We only saw one other guy during the trip and he To stay a week and be somewhat comfortable while was just packing fishing, you’ll need to take a bit of gear. But, make sure through. to only take what is necessary.

But, now we’ve run out of room to talk about high mountain lake fishing which can also be addicting. These fish don’t have a very long growing season, so when they light up it can be red-hot. Maybe I can talk my editor, Kent Danjanovich into letting me write a High Mountain Lake article next. And a little now Meals are a big part of the trip. Here’s a breakfast of from the safety oatmeal with freshly picked huckleberries and a pot of side of things. coffee with water dipped right out of the river. Make sure that everyone packs pistols. One time my daugh- Carry two HKS speedloaders just in case. ter woke me up and whispered, “Daddy, One last note: Don’t expect someone to I think there’s a bear rubbing against our tell you where their secret spot is. It always tent”. A month later I had another bear amazes me how someone moves to Idaho about a foot from my tent. There are just and expects me to tell them exactly where too many wolves, bears and cougars to go hunting or fly fishing. Grab a Foraround not to carry a pistol. A .357 mag. est Service map and take out exploring. is the minimum size, but I favor a .44 mag. Have fun!

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

Dog Training

By Jared Moss Best Gun Dogs

rowing up in St. George, Utah I spent a lot of time in the hills hunting, especially quail hunting. The one thing I found out real quick was that Gamble’s quail are fast runners

and they love to hang out in cactus and thick tamarack bushes. Finally, one day I talked my uncle into bringing his GSP (his German Shorthair Pointer, Mugs) down to St. George to help us hunt some quail. Long story short, we hunted hard all day and Mugs was into several coveys helping us find birds that we knocked down in the t h i c k s t u ff , making sure we didn’t lose any birds and most of all, helping us find birds. After that day I was hooked. I had to have a pointing dog. My first dog, Ladie, was a sweet little GSP that

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taught me a lot about responsibility. I was only 15 years old at the time and still can remember sleeping with her on the floor in our laundry room so she wouldn’t cry all night and keep everybody in the house awake. It wasn’t even a year later that I got my second shorthair, Fritz. He was a year old and his previous owners said that he was too rowdy and they needed to find him a home. At the time, I was training dogs very heavily with the German Shorthair Pointing Dog Club of Southern Utah and one of my mentors (Robert Wells) picked up Fritz and told me he thought he would be a nice dog. Robert was the owner of the famous Diamond Valley Tobey, the Sire to this dog, Fritz. Well, Fritz and I hit it off and in the next few months we had him whoa broke, steady to flush and working birds nicely. At that time I started to compete in AKC hunt tests and in just a couple of years was able to put a Senior Hunt Title on Fritz. I wouldn’t have been able to get this title without the help from many people involved in the SUPDC, especially two people; Robert Wells and Kent Forbush. These guys took me under their wing and taught me

Pro’s Tips everything I needed to know. Since then I have worked with various dogs and various breeds. I truly believe each dog has its own personality and needs to be trained accordingly. Sure the behaviors of dogs are a lot alike, but the way you apply those training techniques can be different. Training gun dogs has become one of my biggest passions. Just the other day I was having a conversation with a good friend about training dogs. We got to talking about the training window. What I mean by the training window is simply this; there is a certain time to give a dog correction when working them on birds or when teaching obedience. This small window is when you can really teach a dog what you are asking it to do. Here’s an example: Yesterday we were working a young Brittany on some quail. She went on point and the birds started to run on her. At first she stood the birds until

The author with a pair of Brittany pups.

continued on page 44

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Columbia River Sturgeon

TV stars get a dose of live-action reality on the Columbia By Gary Lewis

our of us sat in a frozen yogurt shop in Sandy, Oregon, and talked about sturgeon and the bite. Someone said,

when it comes to setting the hook, “You’ve got to get your feelers on!” I went home and built a mask with a sturgeon’s nose, barbels and googly eyes and when I met a catfish wrangler who called fishing with a rod and reel, “Sissy fishin’” I put the mask on him. We invited Animal Planet stars Ernie “Turtleman” Brown and Hillbilly Hand Fishing’s Skipper Bivins out to Oregon for a day of live action. But we couldn’t help ourselves, we started two days early. At the wheel was Greg Gustafson, the owner of Sturgeon River Monsters, a guide service. His daughters Heather Fitz-Gustafson and Mandy Williams, were the deckhands. First order of business was the fly rod. I had tied a big bunny strip streamer and my 16-year-old daughter Mikayla dropped it back with a six-ounce weight into what we hoped was a pod of small, hungry sturgeon. It was a matter of moments before we had the first bite, but it wasn’t on the fly, it was on a three-pound shad bait. A six-and-a-half foot long di-

nosaur of the deep gulped the shad and we were in battle mode. As soon as the fish was hooked, the girls went into action. In came the sea anchors, in came the rods, out went the bow line. Mandy grabbed the rod from Greg and put the heat on the fish that was blistering Photo by Gary Lewis across the river toward Washington. Ernie Brown, Jr, a.k.a. The Turtleman, fights a big A fight with a sturgeon on the Columbia River. sturgeon is like a chess match. These big, smart fish run big eyes. They run up to about five pounds around submerged rock islands, hang the and measure up to about 20 inches long. line on anchor chain; they see the line and Back on the East Coast, they are considblast one way and the other, they break the ered food. Out here in the West, we call water and tailwalk and shake their heads. them bait. When millions of shad begin their jourHere Be Monsters ney upriver in May, the sturgeon sense the On the other boat, Rodney Smith, John biomass on the move and they follow. The Holen and guide Fred Hays kept pace, oldest, biggest ones, that might be seven hooking fish with heads as big as garbage or eight feet or longer, seek out the best cans, as big around as oil drums. Our lies where the shad are likely to stack up bait of choice was fresh shad, which we in the rocks. spotted on the surface, usually beneath Thousands of shad try to make the run the watchful eye (and beak) of a seagull. continued on page 38 Shad are silvery fish with big scales and Photo by Gary Lewis

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continued from page 36 each day. In huge schools they hit the spillway at Bonneville Dam and try to force their way up. The ones that make it up the fish ladder run up through Bonneville Pool and find their next big obstacle at The Dalles, where another huge hydroelectric project blocks their upstream migration. Bad for shad, good for sturgeon. The water is coming down the spillway at 60 miles per hour in huge columns of turbulence that run for hundreds of yards downriver. When the silvery minnows run into that wall of water, it beats them back. Many lose their equilibrium in the oxygenated water and, stunned, they drift back downstream. If a gull spots them, it goes for the eyes and gills first. And then the shad begins to sink. Soon, the shad is down in the dark depths of the river. It is hard to beat a whole shad when it is time to tempt a nine-foot sturgeon. A fish that big is capable of chowing down a four-pound fish in a single bite. We reach the big fish with 60-pound mainline tied to 130-pound Dacron joined by a three-way swivel to which a 10-ounce weight is knotted with 20-pound leader. At the business end, a 10/0 barbless hook is hooked through the head of a whole shad then half-hitched through a notch at the tail. Small sturgeon called “shakers,” are apt to worry the bait and make the rod bounce, but a big fish is capable of sucking in a whole shad. That bite, transmitted through 50 yards of lime green mono, might telegraph as a small bounce in the rod tip. Set the hook and set it hard, three times. When the big fish feels the steel there is no telling what could happen next. We fought the big dinosaurs in battles that lasted anywhere from ten minutes to 30 minutes or more. Heather fought a giant fish for most of an hour, her sister Mandy at her side, coaching, watching to make sure she stayed safe, for a lot can go wrong. Mikayla’s sturgeon, the biggest fish of her life, stretched the tape at seven feet. Mandy’s fish was six-and-a-half feet long. Heather caught one that measured nine feet, four inches long. A Dose of Reality It is serious business, but when Turtleman and Skipper showed up, everything changed. Turtleman walked down to the dock, flexing his muscles and rolling up his sleeves. He posed for pictures with his

big Bowie knife “Thunder,” and mercifully, he kept his shirt on. I had to ask Skipper if it was true he called fishing with rod and reel “Sissy fishin’”. It was true, he said. Sometimes a reality star’s words have consequences. Sissy fishin’? We showed him sissy fishin’. Turtleman went aboard with Rodney and Fred. Skipper, and his wife, Joann, climbed aboard Greg’s boat with Mandy, Sam Pyke, Eric Holen and me. It was less than two minutes before a fish began to peck at the bait. “Hit him hard,” Greg said. I waited, waited, let the fish peck, then drove a 10/0 barbless sliver of steel in. In shallow water, a sturgeon is likely to go up and this one walked on its tail, nine feet of fish above the surface. Next, it burned toward the middle of the river, while I tried to slow it with my thumb. As I worked from one side of the boat to the other, Skipper held on to my Guide’s Choice shirt to keep me out of the drink. We fought that eight-footer to a standstill in about 20 minutes, but I wanted to see Skipper take a big fish start to finish. Two minutes after the bait went in, the rod began to tap. Skipper took the rod out of the holder and watched the tip. Tap, tap. He tried to set the hook, but whiffed it. “You’ve got to get your feelers on,” I told him. He bounced the weight back down and I grabbed the mask with its googly eyes and good mojo. Skipper strapped on the feelers like a visor, those four little whiskers hanging down over his eyes. He focused on the rod tip. Tap, tap-tap. He swung hard and set the hook, three times. This time the rod buried, line burned off the reel and Skipper lost most of a thumbprint trying to slow it. We walked him back and forth from one side of the boat to the other. Skipper fought that fish to the boat in 50 minutes. When it was over, he couldn’t lift his hands above his shoulders. “My arms are like noodles,” moaned the World Champion catfish noodler. We could have fished smaller baits and caught smaller sturgeon, but we had something to prove. Next time Skipper says something about sissy fishin’ you can bet somewhere in the back of his mind he’ll remember an ancient fish, a dinosaur that prowls the bottom of the Columbia. 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.

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

Beretta 690 Field III

By Michael Deming

s a young boy, I watched my grandfather turn thousands of clay pigeons into dust at the local skeet range. The best of the best was out there every Saturday and my grandfather’s name adorned every trophy at the club. Whenever they would finish a series, all the men would walk back to the clubhouse, set their shotguns in the rack by the front door and commence the trash talking. I would always look at those expensive over-under shotguns and dream of the day that I could have one of those fine pieces of equipment. Well, thirty years later, I now own that shotgun of my dreams, the Beretta 690 Field III. Out of the box, it is an exquisite piece of equipment. The first thing that jumps out at you is the engraving on the receiver. This is something that ads amazing beauty to this piece and is usually reserved for the highest dollar guns. It isn’t hand engraved, although the attention to detail would tend to make you think otherwise. It is rolled engraving, but the field scenes and elaborate scrolls deliver an extremely high quality look. The wood grain on my ‘690’ is absolutely unbelievable and the oil finish allows you to see each and every line in the wood. All models I’ve been able to

see on the shelves have had equally as good of wood, so this is obviously a high standard which Beretta has set when they are in the building process. The drop on the stock is 2.36” which is significantly more than the 1.5” standard on most over and under guns. I was concerned about this initially, but found that the gun came up to my shoulder extremely well and provided more consistent powdering of clay targets than other guns I’ve shot in the past. The oversized hinge pins fit very securely as the two pieces come together. As you feel the action close, you can tell this is a finely tuned Italian masterpiece.

My model has a 28” barrel, but this gun can be ordered in 26” and 30” models as well. It comes equipped with an Optima HP choke system. It was conceived to offer the best ballistic performance available, with steel or lead shot. It comes with five different choke tubes consisting of full, improved-modified, modified, improved-cylinder and cylinder. When we pattern tested these different chokes, we were able to get very consistent patterns with each and every one of the chokes. One additional thing that needs to be mentioned is the adjustable extraction/ejection mechanism. You have the ability to adjust your extractors to fully eject the spent hulls out of the barrel which is the common choice when hunting. However, when you spend a lot of time on the sporting clays or skeet field, you can adjust it to just extract the hulls. This means it will pop them out just enough to be able to easily grab them and put them in your spent hull pouch. Whether you are walking the fields of South Dakota kicking up roosters or waiting at station ‘8’ to bust that close overhead target, you will find the Beretta 690 Field III is right at home. It is truly a work of art that is very well balanced in your hands. It comes up to your shoulder very smoothly and tracks like it is on rails. This firearm is sure to become a family heirloom and something a young kid will enjoy holding in hopes of someday getting one of these for his own. Beretta has done an excellent job with this fine shotgun.

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

2015 New Video Product Reviews

CVA Accura V2 Long Range “

ong range” and “primitive other processes. The nitride process weapon” seem to be a bit of penetrates both the outside and inside an oxymoron. However, many of the barrel, unlike coated finishes, that states like New Mexico in the west and only covers the outside of the barrel most states east of the Rockies, allow not the inside of the barrel where cormuzzleloaders with high power scopes rosion can take place at a higher level. during their seasons. So, why not make The Nitride process also allows it to the most out of this so called short range withstand thousands of shots. This is weapon. one of CVA’s top of the line rifles and The CVA Accura V2 LR (Long Range) comes ready to roll with an accuracy is anything but a short-range weapon, guarantee. “Guarantee” that’s right. If equipped with a 30” fluted, you don’t find this to be the Nitride corrosion protected most accurate muzzleloader Bergara barrel, capable of you have ever shot, they will stretching this gun to its give you your money back. maximum potential. The barIf that isn’t enough to catch rel is made from 416 grade your attention, the rifle’s erstainless steel which takes a gonomically designed stock Nitride salt bath that hardis fully ambidextrous and is Scan this QR Code with your ens the outer layer of steel, smart phone to view the upgraded with a Soft-Touch making it both more durable Sportsman's News YouTube Realtree Max 1 Camo coatVideo Available and corrosion-resistant than Channel. ing and rubber grip panels, after July 5th.

which makes it both comfortable and secure in the harshest of weather conditions. The thumbhole design on the stock puts both the break action and the trigger in perfect position for your finger to do its job. It has the quick release breech plug, which removes easily by hand even after hundreds of shots. It comes with a fully adjustable trigger that delivers no creep and a very crisp break. It can be set from 3-pounds up to 4.75-pounds. The gun is set up to be used with a scope and comes with a Durasight one-piece scope mount. The raised comb on the stock puts your eye in perfect position with the scope to be extremely accurate. Due to this, the gun

isn’t drilled and tapped for open sights. Accessories on the gun include the palm saver ramrod, which makes reloading comfortable. The crush zone recoil pad absorbs a good amount of felt recoil and the rifle will stay on your shoulder with the Quake claw sling. The rifle is a total of forty-five inches long and tips the scale at 7.9 pounds without the scope. It is balanced perfectly and is truly the last muzzleloader you will ever need to purchase.

DOG TRAINING

ducing or finding a dog that will not only perform in the field, but also be a companion to your home. Throughout my career, I have done ongoing research on some of the best dog trainers in the country. There are too many to name here and everyone has their own preference, but I have learned a few important things during my research. First, every trainer out there has a system. He doesn’t go out in the field and just wing it. If you want to be successful at training more than one dog, you can’t just wing it. The second thing that I realized was that almost every one of them had years of experience. Talking with most of them, I found out that almost every one of them had made mistakes before. The first dog they trained didn’t turn out to be a National Champion. Ha, imagine that! Third, I discovered the importance of time. To believe you can train a dog to be whoa broke in a week is absurd. Dogs learn by repetition so even though there are lots of tools and equipment to help you be effective, you still have to spend the time. Fourth and lastly, just because you taught a dog something doesn’t mean you don’t have to continue to work him on that lesson. For example, pro athletes still have spring training every

year. If you learn a foreign language and don’t use it for three years, you won’t remember everything. Same thing with dog training - you can’t teach the dog something, put it in the kennel for 9-months and then take it out hunting and expect the dog to work flawlessly. It just doesn’t work that way. Dogs need their reps just like any other athlete or professional. So what does this mean to you? If you don’t have the time and resources to get your dog trained the way that you would like and you’re looking for a trainer, keep a few things in mind. Ask them for referrals, ask about their system, ask about the amount of time spent with the dog while in training and make sure they have plenty of experience. Well, we have just covered the tip of the iceberg, but hopefully you have gotten some good info on what dog training encompasses. I have been training pointing dogs since 1997. Whether you are looking for a pup, have a dog that needs some training or just want to talk about bird dogs and hunting, I look forward to meeting you. Give us a call to reserve a spot in our training programs at 435-421-4420. Best Gun Dogs is located in Beaver, Utah, 2.5 hours south of Salt Lake City and three hours north of Las Vegas, Nevada.

continued from page 34

she couldn’t take it any longer and she busted point, started chasing birds and was soon out of the country trying to catch one single bird (which she never did). As we analyzed the situation, we realized we had missed the window to teach her not to chase birds and what we wanted her to do when the birds were running. If we would have been closer to her, had a check cord on her or had been able to use the e-collar in that split few seconds, we could have turned the situation into a learning session instead of a goof-off session. So how do you learn to use the window? Practice, practice and

more practice. That’s the biggest difference between a professional trainer and a novice - knowing how and when to use the window to teach a dog. My company, Best Gun Dogs, is a hard working dedicated kennel that’s primary focus is to produce premium gun dogs through genetics and training, especially the German shorthair and other versatile pointing breeds. We take great pride in what we do and getting there with as minimal pressure on the dog as possible. We are devoted to the hunting dog breeds with our main focus on the pointing and retrieving dog breeds. When breeding, we make our selections based on several criteria including: outstanding noses, great conformation, superior intelligence, and pleasing dispositions. We love the sport of hunting, especially over good bird dogs. With our competitive nature, we also like to train our dogs to compete at AKC Hunt Tests, Field Trials, and NSTRA. Most important is pro-

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Nikon No-Fault Repair/ Replacement Policy* for Binoculars, Riflescopes and Fieldscopes

Dedicated to Quality, Performance and Total Customer Satisfaction. If your Nikon Binocular, Riflescope or Fieldscope requires service or repair not covered by our Limited Lifetime Warranty, just send it to us and Nikon will repair or replace it.

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*Participating Nikon authorized dealers and resellers only. Instant Savings amount deducted from dealer or reseller’s selling price. Offer valid for new eligible products only that are sold between June 22, 2015 and August 12, 2015 to retail customers by a Nikon authorized dealer or reseller within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Void where prohibited by law. All products are subject to availability. For eligible products and further details, please visit www.nikonpromo.com. †Actual selling price determined by dealer or reseller at time of sale. All Nikon trademarks are the property of Nikon Corporation.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

2015 New Video Product Reviews

LEM Big Bite Grinders

rocessing your own game pro- decrease the amount of time it takes to vides a great feeling of satisfac- get the job done. The Big Bite Grinder Series comes tion, as well as the knowledge of in multiple sizes to accommodate the knowing exactly what is in the finished occasional user all the way up to the product. We have been doing this for professional processor. The #5 is a .25 twenty plus years and the name we HP and will blow through 4 pounds have become dependent on with our of meat per minute, the #8 is a .35 HP processing gear is LEM Products. They unit and will grind 6 pounds of meat make everything you could ever need per minute, the #12 is a .75 HP unit and to process your game from start to finwill grind 10 pounds of meat per minish. Their grinders are truly the best ute, and the two larger units in the business, but they are 1 and 1.5 HP units, and weren’t willing to settle for will go through as much as just the best. 17 pounds per minute. Each LEM has launched their unit has an expanded head new and improved Big Bite which allows for large pieces Grinders, which has turned of meat to be fed through the an already top of the line grinder into something that Scan this QR Code with your unit, cutting down on prep is even better. Time is money smart phone to view the time. The new rifling pattern News YouTube in the head pushes the meat and the changes they’ve Sportsman's Channel. Video Available forward with much less user made are definitely going to after July 5th.

interaction. This rifling and the newly extended auger pulls more meat through as well. The newly enhanced motor, as well as the improved all metal gears, make this unit much quieter than grinders of the past. Once you’re done with your processing job, you will appreciate the stainless steel housing of the unit. It provides for a very simple cleanup and a sleek professional look, which will last for years. Each of these new LEM grinders comes with a 5 year warranty to make sure any defects in workmanship or quality are taken care of quickly to get you back to processing. The motto for the new LEM Big Bite Grinder is a premium grind in half the time, a statement that will ring

true with anyone who purchases one of these high quality grinders.

you have your 20-yard crosshair set, move back to the 30-yard mark and adjust the speed/power knob to match your chronograph speed of the bolts. If you don’t have this ability, use the manufactures rated speed. Some minor adjustments might be required, but it is truly this simple. During our testing, we got this

on paper and were dead on out to 75 yards with ease. Combine this simplicity with the great glass of a Zeiss scope and you truly have an ideal scope for your crossbow. This scope is in the Terra 3X line, so it is designed in Germany with the best engineering in the business, but has a pricetag that is very manageable.

Zeiss Terra XB75 Crossbow Scope

arl Zeiss was truly one of This assures you will be on target t h e i n n o v a t o r s o f o p t i c s and precise out to 75 yards on any and has continued to de- crossbow. velope them to the level we know The patented technology of the today. They have always lead the XB75’s reticle provides the ability field in innovation and it should to shoot distances up to 75 yards be no surprise that they would be in 2 ½ half yard increments. The one of the first to develop a scope scope has six separate crosshairs, dedicated to the hardcore cross- t h e m a i n c ro s s s e c t i o n o f e a c h b o w e n t h u s i a s t . M o s t o f t h e s e crosshair represents whole yardscopes in the past have been a set a g e s f r o m 2 0 t o 7 0 y a r d s . T h e power and with substandots in between each set dard glass. of crosshairs represents New for 2015 is the the half yardage marks. Te r r a X B 7 5 C r o s s b o w The top and bottom of scope. It brings to the e a c h i n d i v i d u a l c ro s s table some high quality hair represents the 2 ½ glass as well as a 2-7 yard marks. The top of p o w e r z o o m , a l l o w i n g Scan this QR Code with your the reticle wire protrudphone to view the you to get the most out smart ing from the bottom of Sportsman's News YouTube of the newer and faster Channel. Video Available the reticle is the 75 yard c ro s s b o w s o n t h e m a r- after July 12th. indicator mark. ket. Not only does this Setting up the one inch scope give you zoom capabilities, tube scope is relatively simple. t h e s e c o n d f o c a l p l a n e a n d t h e Shoot at 10 yards to make sure etched reticle allows you to set you are on target and adjust acthem specifically for the speed of cordingly. Move back to the 20 the bow. It can be set to accom- yard mark and adjust to put your modate crossbows that shoot from crosshairs dead on. This can be 275 FPS all the way out to 425 FPS. done at the max 7-power. Once

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

2015 New Video Product Reviews

Leupold Firedot VX-R 3-9x40mm Riflescope

he Leupold Quantum Optical Sys- in such a way that it maximizes the light tem has revolutionized clarity and throughput and magnification without light transmission in a riflescope. distorting color or clarity. Because they use lead free glass, coatThe next innovation with this scope is ings, and other environmentally and the FireDot Duplex retical. Using an emitecologically friendly composites, they are ter diode, an intensity adjustable red dot helping to preserve our outdoor traditions is projected in the center of the crosshairs for many future generations. Additionally, to improve target acquisition in a variety this technology has resulted in a more than of lighting conditions. The CR2032 battery 90 percent improvement in resolution and powered FireDot is turned on by pressing color fidelity resulting in razor sharp im- the Leupold logo on the side and will enter ages in common hunting conditions from standby mode after 5 minutes, turning off dawn to dusk. until the rifle is raised to the To further improve the imshoulder again, when it will age seen through the scope, instantly come back on. This Leupold uses their Index prolongs the battery life and Matched Lens System, coating gives you an instant sight picdifferent lenses with different ture when you need it without materials depending upon the loosing time looking for the refraction index of each piece Scan this QR Code with your switch. smart phone to view the of glass and how it relates with Sportsman's News YouTube The hard anodized 30mm the other lenses in the scope. Channel. Video Available tube weighs just 14.3 ounces after July 19th. Each coating and lens is layered and provides excellent eye re-

lief, 4.2 inches at low power and 3.7 inches at maximum magnification, allowing you to easily mount it on top of the majority of rifles, even those with shorter stocks. The field of view on this scope is exceptional for a 40mm, 33.6 feet at 4-power and 13.6 feet at 9-power. With 60 MOA of adjustment in quarter minute per click for elevation and windage, there is plenty of room to allow you to use rings of varying heights and still get easily dialed in. Our test model is the VX-R in 3-9x40mm with the Firedot Duplex reticle, but they are available in five different reticle configurations, including ballistic drop compensation (BDC). Additionally, specialty turrets are available in various configurations to further customize your scope/rifle/ ammo combination. The scope also comes in 1.25-4x20mm,1.5-5x33mm, 2-7x33mm, 3-9x50mm, 4-12x50mm, and 4-12x40mm magnifications with various special feature configurations, including customized dials.

By Eric Christensen

to keep the moisture off your pack to keep your needed equipm e n t d r y. T h e b e l t can accommodate a belt clip style holster so you can bring a handgun with you on your trip. The Crossfire weighs in at just over 3 ½ lbs. I’ve used this pack on numerous trips and it rides v e r y c o m f o r t a b l y. The padded shoulder straps can adjust very effortlessly for a tighter or softer shoulder ride. The waist belt can simply adjust by pulling on the nylon straps, so users can take some weight and strain off of their shoulders at any time. You can be sure the Crossfire Pack will be in my arsenal this fall for chasing and filming critters.

ALPS Crossfire Pack front shoulder straps of the pack to store gear for quick access. The acLPS Outdoorz designs some cessory pack goes even further and of the preeminent backpacks comes with a cross body strap that on the market and are con- you can take by itself if needed. I restantly taking feedback from their ally like this innovation if you have customers to deliver the best pack on to drop the heavy part of the pack to the mountain. The Crossfire Pack is a gain ground in a hurry, but still carry very dynamic and versatile day pack. some necessary gear. The interior of With 2325 cubic inches to securely the pack has a mesh barrier to store a carry your gear, its features offer hydration bladder and ports out over more than enough room for a day the shoulder strap for easy access. filled with adventure. The tubular, The tubular frame is arched in the lightweight frame design won’t wear back of the frame to allow air flow you down with extra burden and and avoid uncomfortable swamp still gives you a solid core to carry back. the load you strap on or in the pack. The Crossfire comes fully equipped Adjustable side straps and mesh with a rain cover in blaze orange. webbing pouches on each side of the This option is great for enjoying the pack let you carry a tripod success of a harvested anior fishing rod case without mal strapped to your back interfering with access to and warns other huntyour main compartments. ers from mistaking you One of the most versafor their prize. Having a tile features I really like blaze orange rain cover about the pack is the dropalso can provide stranded down rifle or bow pocket. Scan this QR Code with your hikers with a lifesaving phone to view the It stores effortlessly inside smart symbol for rescue crews to Sportsman's News YouTube the pack and you can move Channel. Video Available locate you. The rain cover the accessory pocket to the after June 26th. is also a great addition

When the shot counts and you want a great rugged and dependable scope for your rifle, look for the telltale gold ring that symbolizes the best of American manufacturing and design that tells you your scope will get the job done, without question. Look for the Leupold VX-R riflescope at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

Digital Edition Only Special Content

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

Grilled Stuffed Trout

rout is the perfect fish to grill. They can be cooked as soon as they are cleaned, without scaling, skinning or filleting. The skin is smooth, and crisps up like bacon when grilled. The glaze really helps the trout not stick to the grill, and does not impart any flavor when cooked. This is a great recipe for the summer and really is good with some grilled sweet corn by its side. Allow one average sized trout per person. If you have some fresh herbs available, by all means add some to the stuffing! Hook up with some trout, and try this recipe out.

Ingredients • • •

¼ cup butter ¾ cup chopped red bell pepper ¾ cup chopped green onion

• • • • • • •

½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons lemon zest 4 cleaned trout (8 ounce) Kosher salt and black pepper

• •

2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon honey

Glaze

Preparation Method

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add the butter. When the butter has melted stir in the bell pepper and chopped onions. Sauté’, stirring occasionally 5-8 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the bacon and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine the pepper/onion/bacon mixture with the breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix all the ingredients together well. The mixture should be moist and clump well. If it is too dry, drizzle some olive oil in as you mix it until it sticks together. Heat up your grill. If using gas, set the burners to high and cover for about ten minutes to attain full heat. If you are using charcoal, get the coals going and heat the grate until hot. Clean the grill grates well and oil using some vegetable oil on a paper towel. (Try not to burn the towel) Keep the grill setting on high and the coals hot! Wash the trout well and pat dry inside and out with a paper towel. Season the cavity of the trout with salt and pepper, and pack with the stuffing mixture. Mix together the mayonnaise and honey, and brush over the entire exterior of the trout. Grill fish with the lid closed and vents opened, from 3-6 minutes depending on size of trout. Flip the trout using a large spatula. (I use a glove and get my hand involved in the flipping process) Grill until the last side is well browned and the meat along the backbone is cooked. Use a sharp knife tip to check the fleshy back of the fish for done-ness. Transfer the trout to a platter and serve with a fresh vegetable and crisp green salad. This dish goes perfectly with a crisp California Sauvignon Blanc, or if you prefer a fuller bodied wine, a Pinot Noir is delectable. For some outstanding wine to accompany your fish and game meals, visit my website at www. wildgamewine.com and stock up during our summer sale.

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

BUY NOW. GET CASH BACK. VISIT BUSHNELL.COM/PROMO FOR DETAILS.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

Digital Edition Only Special Content

Bosch Diesel Power The Bosch Vision: Creating value – Sharing values

s a leading technology and services company, Bosch takes advantage of their global opportunities for a strong and meaningful development. Their ambition is to enhance the quality of life with solutions that are both innovative and beneficial. They focus on their core competencies in automotive and industrial technologies as well as in products and services for professional and private use. They strive for sustained economic success and a leading market position in all that they do. Entrepreneurial freedom and financial independence allow their actions to be guided by a longterm perspective. In the spirit of their founder, Robert Bosch, they particularly demonstrate social and environmental responsibility — wherever they do business. Bosch’s customers choose them for their innovative strength and efficiency, for their reliability and quality of work. Their organizational structures, processes and leadership tools are clear and effective and support the requirements of their various businesses. Associates worldwide feel a special bond in the values they live by – day for day. The diversity of their cultures is a source of additional strength. They experience their task as challenging and are truly dedicated to their work and are proud to be part the Bosch Brand. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services.

In 2014, its roughly 360,000 associates generated sales of $65.1 billion. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its’ more than 440 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are

included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2014, the Bosch Group invested some $6 billion in research and development and applied for some 4,600 patents. This is an average of 18 patents per day. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.” In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group is again divided into four business sectors as mentioned earlier. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs 25,000 associates in more than 100 locations with consolidated sales of $11.3 billion in 2014 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Now let’s focus on the automotive side of things. Bosch is one of the world’s largest auto suppliers. Mobility Solutions is the largest business sector for Bosch globally and in North

America. In 2014, the sector generated 70 percent of Bosch sales in the region. The main areas of operation include: fuel-injection systems for internal combustion engines, peripheral devices for powertrain control, alternative drive concepts, active and passive vehicle safety systems, driver-assistance and other guidance functions, in-car information and communication systems and a range of after-sales, engineeringsupport and service concepts for the automotive aftermarket. Automotive technology remains mainstay. The Bosch North America’s Mobility Solutions sector registered sales of $8 billion in 2014. Bosch remains a leading provider of technologies that increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and improve vehicle safety and comfort. Gasoline direct injection systems continue to grow, as the technology’s share among newly produced vehicles in the region will soon reach 50 percent. With 38 clean diesel-powered vehicles available in the U.S., including the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Cruze, market penetration of clean diesel vehicles is

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

forecasted to reach 10 percent between now and 2020. Driver assistance systems will foster significant growth for Bosch. March 2014 marked the 100-year anniversary of the company’s initial production of starter motors, which began in Plainsfield, New Jersey. This expertise lives on in today’s start-stop systems, which achieve up to 15 percent fuel economy and CO2 reduction in heavy city traffic. Good • The Clean Diesel has over 30% better fuel consumption than a comparable gasoline engine. • This is equivalent to more than 40% extended driving range, which is good for long distance traveling. • Lower fuel consumption means lower fuel costs. • Less fuel consumed saves our natural resources and reduces dependency on foreign oil. Clean • The Clean Diesel produces approximately 25% less CO2 emissions than a comparable gasoline engine. • Particulate emission is reduced by 99% since the introduction of emission legislation. Today the Clean

Diesel has almost no particulate emissions. • NOx emissions are reduced by 98% since the introduction of emission legislation. Even strong emission legislation like Euro 6, Tier 2 Bin 5 and CARB LEV2 can be fulfilled. Fun to Drive and Powerful • The Clean Diesel produces approximately 50% more torque as compared to a similar size gasoline engine. • With the higher torque, the Clean Diesel provides smooth and responsive acceleration and supreme pulling power for towing. • Even with higher engine power, the Clean Diesel is similar in noise level to a comparable gasoline engine. The 2015 Ram 1500 not only is the first modern light-duty, full-sized pickup to offer durable, efficient diesel technology – it is the only one. And with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel, Ram customers can enjoy class-leading fuel economy and range, along with torque that is unsurpassed by any full-size truck with a V-6 engine. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel delivers the highest fuel economy among all truck

Digital Edition Only Special Content

competitors. With an EPA-certified 29 mpg highway fuel economy rating, it is 12 percent higher than the next-closest competitor. The Ram EcoDiesel’s city and combined mpg ratings are 21 and 24, respectively, also highest among all pickups. The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers a bestin-class range of 754 miles. “Fuel efficiency is at the top of truck buyers’ priorities and Ram is the recognized benchmark for the industry,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand. “Twenty-nine miles per gallon cuts through the clutter. Ram invested in powertrain technologies and those are paying real dividends in the wallets of our customers.” The fuel economy king – officially known as the HFE, for high fuel efficiency -- features a unique trim package on the popular Ram 1500 Tradesman Quad Cab four-door body, with a 6-ft. 4-in. bed and 20-inch wheels. The Ram EcoDiesel also is available with a bodycolored fascia adopted from the Ram Express model, which gives the Ram EcoDiesel HFE a sporty exterior appearance not offered on other EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500s. Class-exclusive wheel-to-wheel side steps and a tri-fold tonneau cover offer owners a double-

bonus: greater functionality and bestin-class aerodynamics contributing to better fuel efficiency. “Light-duty pickup owners have long clamored for diesel technology and the time to deliver is now,” said Bob Lee, Vice President and Head of Engine, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering — Chrysler Group LLC. “Clean, efficient, prodigious torque and the promise of durability are the hallmarks of a superior truck engine. The EcoDiesel makes good on all counts.” The new 3.0-liter 24-valve, dualoverhead-cam (DOHC) EcoDiesel is a turbocharged 60-degree V-6. It generates 240 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and makes torque like a V-8 – 420 lb.-ft. at 2,000 rpm – without V-8 fuel consumption. The fuel-economy advantage inherent in diesel technology also enables the Ram 1500 to trump competitive trucks with turbocharged, direct-injected gasoline engines – especially under load, the driving condition most critical to pickups and their owners. Bosch supplies 28 different components on the 3.0L EcoDiesel available in the Ram 1500 line. Ram is America’s top-selling diesel brand. They offer diesel powertrain options in most of their truck lines including the Ram 1500 half-ton pickup, Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups, Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab trucks and Ram ProMaster van. Ram is the only truck manufacturer to offer a small-displacement diesel for its half-ton line of trucks offering best-in-class fuel economy of 29 MPG, an unsurpassed 420 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 9,200 lbs. of towing capacity. This is in direct response to truck owners who have been asking for a small-displacement diesel, where buyers are looking for diesel’s outstanding combination of fuel efficiency, torque and impressive capability. So as you can see, Bosch and Ram Trucks have formed an alliance that now delivers possibly the best sportsman’s power and economy package ever developed. The Sportsman’s News team had the chance to see first-hand last month what they have to offer in an event in Michigan and we were amazed to find out just how good the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel’s are. Power, economy, clean burn and styling all come into play, so do yourself a favor and check them out at your local dealer.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

Digital Edition Only Special Content

A Sheep And A Jeep

By Jeff Watson

t’s not often that you get one life changing experience in a day, but to get two in the same day is quite a feat. My teenage son and I found ourselves hunting the Guadalupe Mountains in Southern New Mexico this past February in search of Barbary sheep. What a wonderful mix of high desert plains and mountains all coming together on the border with abundant beauty and thriving wildlife. Really like no other terrain in New Mexico, a distinct setting all to itself. Since it was public land and off of the beaten path, the isolation we found ourselves in just added to the uniqueness of the place. In February, the weather is relatively mild, not too harsh and not too gentle. What made this hunt truly spectacular was time with my son as the weekend before us not only produced a fine trophy and invaluable hunting experiences, but also kept us in tune with the important things of life. You either love or hate the fated Barbary sheep. Some see the animal as a nuisance and some see it as a quality exotic animal worthy of the effort. Since

we had never drawn for or hunted Barbary Sheep before in the past, we were starting from scratch. Scouting reports were searched out, blogs were scoped, maps deciphered, and any piece of information we could obtain on the actions and habits of Barbary sheep was devoured. Quite frankly, we didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into on this one, but that’s all part of the fun and adventure of a hunt. We were wading into the unknown and couldn’t wait to traverse back into the Lincoln National Forest with just the two of us, a rifle, and camping supplies all loaded into a small Jeep. The chosen location produced results almost immediately. During the first day out, we were able to locate and visually see our first Barbary sheep on hoof. The land is vast, rolling and steep in places so we concentrated our time on obtaining a good vantage point and spotting/stalking became our preferred means of hunting. The stalk was on, and after several hours of pursuit, it became obvious to these freshman sheep hunters that you only get “one” chance at these sheep and that’s it. Once you are detected, once you have spooked these critters, then they are off and they aren’t looking back. None of this “they just went over that hill” and we’ll get them at the next rise. No sir, they disappear and will not be seen again. Hence, we figured out the hard way, on several occasions, that we had to get to them quick, be mindful in our approach, and take the best shot when the opportunity arose. The first of many valuable lessons learned that weekend. Days were spent glassing and stalking,

finding out that the land held quality and abundant animals for public land. One late afternoon, as the sun was slowly descending upon the valley, we were in a unique vantage point to learn a lot. The two of us, sitting on opposite sides of the same canyon, in binocular site of each other, witnessed two sheep descend upon my son from the top of the horizon. As I watched him pass up a long shot and subsequently tried to gain altitude for a better position on the steep mountain slope, the two sheep “split” him with one sheep on his right and the other on his left as he ascended toward them. Due to the nature of the slope of the terrain, all three of them, the two sheep and my son, were able to merge within 20 yards of each other before he was busted by the sheep, never to be seen again, proving that Barbary sheep hunting is not necessarily a “long range” pursuit, as his stalking powers proved. A valuable hunting experience for this young hunter and it will serve him well in future hunts. The mild weather turned colder the proceeding day with light snow, fog and wind. The hunt was concluding fast and our hopes for a nice ram were dwindling. However, as fate would have it, the fog cleared for a short time which enabled us to sight six sheep, including several nice rams in the bunch. Another stalk pursued, another steep slope was in front of us, and as we came over the appointed ridge, the sheep were disappearing, the fog was settling back in, and the stalk came to an end. As our appointed time to head back home was counting down, spirits diminished and a prayer or two was offered up. We loaded up the

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Jeep and were heading back home. However, I learned long ago from an old friend to “never give up the hunt”. The old adage has worked well for me in the past and since we had a long way to traverse back out of the canyon, we still had some good scouting opportunities before us. Since the weather was not on our side, long range scouting was out. We choose, instead, to hike up some promising canyons draws to just “check it out”. One proved to be successful. We took only the basics as our plan was to walk up a smaller side canyon for only about 15 minutes and then turn back. As soon as we entered the canyon, the wind stopped as it was shielded by the severe 100 foot high canyon walls. Snow was still falling, but calmly now. We had hiked up the canyon basin only about 200 yards when I said “if I was a sheep, I’d be in this canyon” as I knew what I was talking about, but to keep the hopes high. Literally,

July 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

less than a minute passed as we round a sharp bend in the rocky canyon floor. With our quiet and hidden approach, we subsequently jump three nice r a m s t h a t w e re bedding down in the crevice of the canyon wall. Starring straight at us, not 50 yards away, the sheep were as surprised as we were to be in this situation. A quick, well placed, shot at the largest ram by my son produced a beautiful and sizable trophy that anyone would be proud of. A celebration commenced and the real work begun. After a quick

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pack out back to the Jeep and subsequent drive heading home that evening, we stopped for dinner and to refuel. The rest of the way home was going to be the final stretch for a long weekend. We didn’t mind it as we were still excited and reminiscing from the weekend activities. The weather never really let up that day, and it extended its reach into the night, with temperatures dropping, a light mist, and the howling winds in Southeastern New Mexico. Just north of town, we hit an unexpected turn of events that would change all of our excitement and emotion in an instant. Ice, unknowingly, had built up on the highway. As our Jeep hit the black ice, we knew that we were going to be in for a hard landing, but thought it recoverable until the speed, ice, median and gravel all converged to flip the Jeep several times into oncoming traffic. Time literally stopped. I can say with absolute certainty that it was a miracle that both of us survived. Not only did we survive, but we both walked away from the potentially devastating accident without any injury. None, not a scratch, not a

bruise, not a cut, no physical harm at all came upon us or others. This was a true life changing experience, as if you don’t believe in a Divine Power; an accident like this would make you a true believer. Both this father and son, walked away with a renewed since of belief, hope, and even joy. Life can change in a matter of seconds, as both the taking of the ram and the accident reminded us that day. With the Barbary sheep head was sticking out the back of the Jeep on the side of the highway for what seemed like hours, it gave my son time to recant the story to the many fine fire, police and volunteer officers that helped us that night. We were all sorry for the accident, but relished in the victory of the hunt and reminded us all that night of what is truly important in this life. Providence, gratitude, family, and helping our fellow man all seemed to be the topics of the night, and that’s the last valuable lesson we learned that day as the “Sheep and a Jeep” hunt will be long remembered for years to come. That’s the kind of story that my son will be telling to his grandkids one day.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | July 2015

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