Sportsman's News July 2017 Digital Edition

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July 2017 | Volume 13 | Issue 7

Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch Archery Tackle

The Latest And Greatest Archery Gear

Gary Lewis

Gators and Hogs

Kent Danjanovich with a great brown trout, hooked while throwing streamers on a beautiful spring day on the North Platte River.

The new Conquest V6.

Chad LaChance

The Art of the Angle

See Page 8

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS 2322 W. Industry Way Cedar City, UT 84721

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Mike Deming President/Publisher 435-669-4624 mdeming@sportsmansnews.com

SENIOR EDITOR Kent Danjanovich 801-231-9838 kdanjanovich@sportsmansnews.com MANAGING EDITOR Dan Kidder 435-865-1680 dkidder@sportsmansnews.com ARCHERY EDITOR Shane Chuning 435-592-6106 schuning@sportsmansnews.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Lisa Deming info@sportsmansnews.com VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER Sam Staudt sam@sportsmansnews.com

Subscribers should contact Managing Editor for changes of address.

Sportsman’s News is published monthly.

The entire content of this newspaper is Copyright 2017 © All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Managing Editor.

SPORTSMAN’S WAREHOUSE 7035 So. High Tech Drive Midvale, UT 84047

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

WORDS FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Michael Deming

WHAT’S INSIDE

4 Wyoming's Brush Creek Ranch

Live out your dude ranch dreams while catching great fish.

Carl Zeiss Optics 8 New offerings with the best of German engineering.

12

Fishful Thinker: The Art of the Angle

8

Casting into tight spots.

Approved Outfitters Platinum 14Choose A Sportsman's News Endorsed Guide For Your Next Trip.

Archery Product Hit List 19 The newest and best archery products.

23 Rinehart Self Healing Archery Targets 3D and 18-1

F

or the past ten month’s we have been running a contest on the Sportsman’s News Television DVD series, which is sold at the cash register of every Sportsman’s Warehouse. For every DVD purchased, you had the ability to register that DVD online at www.sportsmansnews.com. Each entry would allow you one chance in the drawing for a premium Utah trophy elk hunt, which will take place this September. During this timeframe, there were over 100,000 DVD’s sold, but a minimal amount of entries. Since there was no restriction on the number of entries any one person could have during the runtime of the contest, many people capitalized on the opportunity to buy as many DVD’s as possible. Brian Nelson of Sparks, Nevada had a total of 14 entries into the contest on May 31st and it definitely paid off. He was selected as our winner and will be headed to Utah during the prime of the rut this September. We want to give Brian a special congratulations on this big win. You will be able to see the results of his $15,000 hunt later in the fall on another episode of SNTV. It will also be a great time to register that DVD purchase for the next big thing. After our trip to New Zealand this year and with all the feedback we received on social media, we figured that it would be a great grand prize to give away next. So, we went extra big with this thing. We are going to give away a trophy red stag/tahr hunt combination for one hunter and one guest at the Woodbury Safari Lodge on the South Island of New Zealand.

The winner can shoot a stag up to 400 inches SCI scoring method and the biggest tahr possible.

In addition to this week-long hunting trip, we will include airfare for two from the nearest major city to the winner. The contest began on June 1st of this year and will go through May 31st of next year. There will be a good number of bonus prizes given away as well. They will consist of several Browning rifles, ALPS OutdoorZ packs, and more. So, don’t forget to pick up your SNTV DVD at your Sportsman’s Warehouse store whenever you check out. There is no limit to the number of entries you can have and you can still donate your purchased DVD to the troops. All you need to do is register your purchase online at www.sportsmansnews.com and put your transaction code, which is on the receipt, as well as the store where purchased, date, and minimal personal information, so we can verify your purchase when you win. This entire package is worth over $20,000 and Sportsman’s Warehouse employees are eligible to participate. Remember, you can’t win if you don’t play.

With all of the big game drawings completed, it is time to figure out what you are going to do with that premium tag for the year. This is the time of year that I get the most calls. The excitement for most, is something I truly enjoy. Most people have waited years and in some cases decades to draw that premium tag and now they want to make the most out of it. I don’t blame anyone for that, but my best advice for those of you heading to the field with that premium tag this year is to “enjoy the experience”. The limited entry tags have the potential to deliver an animal of a lifetime. However, most people are visiting a unit that they have very little or no experience with and you are hunting an animal that has lived there his entire life. So, you are starting off a bit handicapped out of the gate. These premium units draw some of the best outfitters in the west as well as hardcore trophy hunters who practically live in the unit to get the most out of the tags. So, if you don’t know the unit and don’t have the money to hire an outfitter, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be on the cover of Eastmans’ Journal with the biggest animal for the year. Enjoy your time in the woods with family and friends and savor that tag you spent so much hard-earned money acquiring.

Best of luck to all this year.

Pro's Pick: Inflatable SUP 25 Get the advantage for fishing where boats can't go.

Pro Member Sweepstakes 26Over $300,000 In Giveaways. Drawing Every 10 Days.

Spine and a Well-Tuned Bow 28 Pro's Tip: Arrow Supertuning for better performance.

32

32 PacWest Outdoors: Air Boats, Alligators and Adventure Land Gators and hogs in Florida.

36 Video Product Review

Seven new product reviews for your viewing pleasure.

42 Writing Contest: Finding Big Trout A surefire recipe for catching big fish.

48 RCBS Chargemaster Lite Big precision in a small package.

50 Business Directory 52 Wild Game Recipe:

Fried Catfish and Bacon Jalapeno Hunshpuppies.

54 Adventures On A Budget Fishin' The Green.

56 Outdoor Writing Contest Family Time

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chad LaChance Shane Chuning Gary Lewis Boone Savoca

Doug Draper Steve Mayer Mark Francis

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

3

Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch

By Kent Danjanovich Senior Editor

F

ly fishermen are always looking for new waters, may it be in the form of high mountain lakes, big rivers or pristine trickling creeks. Here in the west, we are fortunate to have a great selection of all of the above.

Now, even though we have some great opportunities in my home state of Utah, some of my favorite waters are located in our adjoining state of Wyoming. Exceptional opportunities present themselves throughout the year, whether it be stripping streamers, nymphing or presenting a dry fly.

We are always looking for new and exciting operations to join our prestigious Platinum Approved Outfitters family and when we met the Director of Activities and Outfitting at Brush Creek Ranch, Matt Anderson, at the SCI Convention in Las Vegas this past February, we knew right away that we had found the gem of the west.

Arrangements were quickly made, with the dates of our visit to be May 22-25, 2017. Myself and Chad LaChance (The Fishful Thinker) would be meeting up at

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Guide, Matt Anderson was masterful with the net on this great rainbow for ranch guest, Bart Green. the resort, along with my cameraman, Sam Staudt, in hopes of gathering plenty of information for a feature story as well as plenty of footage for an upcoming edition of our Sportsman’s News Television DVD line.

We jumped in my F-150 early on Monday morning and eight hours later, found ourselves driving through the gates at the resort. A representative was waiting for us when we entered and after a quick ‘hello’ we pulled in behind him and soon found ourselves parking in front of the registration building, adjacent to the main lodge.

A host of staff members greeted us upon our arrival and after we filled out a few forms and received the customary welcome instructions, we loaded into a resort Suburban that would transport us to our cabin just over the hill. When we arrived, we found my truck parked in front of the ‘Anglers Cabin’ and our luggage and gear unloaded just inside the door.

Matt filled us in on our accommodations and schedule for the next three days and then told us to settle in a little and that he would be back in about 45 minutes to pick us up and gives us the grand tour of the property. We would soon find out just how impressive the ranch really was.

Brush Creek Ranch has become a grand destination, set upon 30,000 acres in south/central Wyoming. The ranch is situated in the heart of the famed Platte River Valley, set between the Sierra Madre Mountain range and the Medicine Bow National Forest. Activities of all kinds abound throughout the property, but our focus on this particular trip would be the fishing side of things at this highly rated, Orvis Endorsed destination.

We eventually made our way to the French Creek Sportsman’s Club, located on the beautiful Sanger Ranch section of the ranch. The finishing touches were under way, as guests would soon be arriving to partake of both the fishing opportunities as well as shooting sports, including a sporting clays range, 5-stand and long-range targets. The hunting side of things, for both big game and upland birds, would be ramping up by August 1st.

After the tour of the club, we took our seats in the dining area, as the lodge’s Executive Chef and staff thrilled us with a host of fancy creations that they were working on. Cornish game hens, succulent rib-eye steaks and crusted trout served as the main course, along with luscious appetizers, salads and picture-perfect desserts.

By 9 pm, we were back at our cabin, prepping our gear for the next days’ adventure on The Encampment River. We each then retired to our rooms to settle in for a good night’s sleep.

The next morning found us at the breakfast table at the main lodge by 7:30 am. Pastries, fresh fruit and made-to-order creations were all available for our likings and I must say, the Eggs Benedict was as good as I have ever had!

By 8 am, we were loading into the Suburban and heading to our starting point on the river. We would be floating the river on platformed rafts, as they would offer the best float on the lower flows of The Encampment. Our guides, Matt Anderson and Adam Crowson quickly set up our rods with nymphing rigs and then slid the rafts off of the trailer.

It didn’t take long for Chad to get into the action, as he hooked into a beautiful brown not 100 yards into our float. The 18” golden ball of muscle was quickly released back into the water after a valiant fight. Then it was my turn, as my strike indicator twitched to the left and I set the hook on a gorgeous rainbow. The next six hours was full of more of the same, as both of us landed

over a dozen fish a piece, with sizes ranging from 16to 22-inches.

That evening we enjoyed bison rib-eyes back at the lodge as we were able to mingle with some of the newly arrived guests. After dinner, we headed to the saloon to play a little pool and Chad and Sam took the opportunity to try a few of the bartenders’ fancy creations.

The next morning, we grabbed a quick bagel and bowl of fruit before heading out to the North Platte wilderness area for a 20-mile float. We arrived at our destination at about 8:30 am and by nine, we were on the water. This float would be totally different from our first day’s adventure, as the flows would be about double on the North Platte from those of The Encampment.

Although we would be doing some nymphing, much of our day would be full of throwing cone-headed streamers, with a smaller, non-weighted fly following.

The first half of our float would be through the canyon/wilderness area of the North Platte. A spectacular setting unfolded before our eyes as we drifted through breathtaking scenery and blue-ribbon waters. It seemed like every time Adam told us to cast to a specific spot, Chad or I would hook into a fish. By the time we pulled over for lunch about half-way through our drift, we had each landed well over 20 fish.

By the end of our nine-hour float, we unloaded from

Top: The master bedroom at the “Angler’s Cabin”, part of the great accommodations found throughout the five areas of the ranch.

Bottom: The main lodge at Brush Creek Ranch is the showcase of the property and the hub for activities.

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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our rafts with soar shoulders from casting and tired backs from fighting fish. But, the fishing was so good, I could have jumped right back on to do it all over again. And to think this was late May, with the really good river flows and hatches yet to come. Oh my!

Now, our visit to Brush Creek Ranch really just scratched the surface of what they truly have to offer. This active cattle ranch includes five properties that have been assembled to form one of the most outstanding destinations in the country.

Condé Nast Traveler has rated Brush Creek Ranch as the #1 Ranch/Spa in the U.S. Their luxury accommodations, spa, food and amenities are second to none and their packages cover a wide range of activities and group sizes.

We are proud to welcome Brush Creek Ranch as one of our newest Platinum Approved Outfitters and Lodges. In fact, they will soon also be part of our Pro Membership Sweepstakes, as we are working on both a fishing adventure and also a big game hunt, hopefully during the 2018 season.

The deer and elk hunting opportunities on the ranch are fantastic, merging perfectly with their outstanding accommodations and other wonderful amenities.

So, if you are looking for a unique destination, one that will satisfy an intimate couples retreat or a family or corporate outing, look no further than Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch. You can check them out on the web at www.brushcreekranch. com or give them a call at 307-327-5284. The ultimate in service and hospitality await!

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Chad LaChance, The Fishful Thinker, with another great “brownie” while drifting the North Platte with guide, Adam Crowson.

BROWNING.COM July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Carl Zeiss Optics

Conquest V6 3-18x50:

C

arl Zeiss Sports Optics, the world’s leading manufacturer in high performance sports optics, is pleased to announce the new Conquest V6 riflescope line. Designed for today’s demanding hunters and sport shooters, the Conquest V6 features a superior 6x variable magnification range, new ballistic lockable turrets and new ballistic reticles ZBR & ZMOA in a compact SuperZoom™ 30mm riflescope.

The new Conquest V6 utilizes FL lens and T* lens coatings to achieve an unsurpassed in its class light transmission of 92 percent, ensuring optimum image brightness and target resolution, even in low-light conditions. LotuTec® water-repellant lens coating keeps the exterior lenses clean and clear at all times. Quite simply, the Conquest V6, with its 6x SuperZoom™, allows for extreme flexibility and sets a new standard for features and performance in its price category.

Made in Germany, these 30mm tube scopes are available in three models - 1-6x24, 3-18x50 and 5-30x50 – and offer a variety of reticle options. The advanced design of the new Conquest includes a machined magnification ring with finer adjustment than previous versions of Conquest riflescopes. Also included is an updated ergonomic turret design for speed and versatility in the field. With the large forgiving eyebox and the fine reticle in the 2nd image plane, the V6 ensures rapid target acquisition with minimum target subtension coverage, allowing maximum visibility during the day and at night, even at extreme long ranges.

Another stroke of genius from ZEISS: the integrated intelligent motion sensor in the 1-6x24. The illuminated dot is automatically deactivated as soon as you put the rifle down. It reactivates as soon as you take aim – a feature that saves time and energy.

The illumination intensity can be continuously adjusted via an easy-to-use, low-profile control wheel optimally positioned on the on the left side of turret, which can be comfortably operated even with gloves on.

With the introduction of these new riflescopes, ZEISS is offering four entirely new reticles; ZBR-1 or ZBR-2 and ZMOA-1 or ZMOA-2

ZBR-1

ZBR2

ZMOA-1

ZMOA-2

Also ZEISS is offering a completely new long-range ballistic turret: the 1-6 & 3-18 have 103 MOA of elevation adjustment, the 5-30 has 64. All models have 54 MOA windage adjustment.

Conquest V6 1-6x24:

This compact riflescope boasts an extremely wide field-of-view, making it extremely versatile in most close encounters from dense cover to mid-range hunting conditions in more open terrain. This model is offered with the #60 or ZMOA-4 illuminated reticles and has ½-inch click MOA adjustment.

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

The most versatile of the V6 line, this riflescope has longer range capability and is built for the mid to long range shooting distance. The 3-18x50 is the perfect solution for the mobile Western hunter in pursuit of elk, mule deer, antelope or even the hunter climbing mountains in search of sheep. Also, this compact length, low profile scope set at 3x magnification works perfectly for close range and fast acquisition hunting situations. This scope also features a side parallax adjustment and is offered with either the #6, ZBR-2 or ZMOA-2 ballistic reticles and has ¼-inch click MOA adjustment.

Conquest V6 5-30x50:

The most compact high-magnification riflescope in the industry and the most powerful in the V6 line, this riflescope is perfect for mid to extra-long-range hunting and shooting. The wide magnification range provides great flexibility for those shooting in vast Western terrains with magnum calibers or for general varmint and predator control. This scope also features a side parallax adjustment and is available with either the #6, #43, ZBR-1 or ZMOA-1 ballistic reticles and has ¼-inch click MOA adjustment.

Features at a glance: • Made in Germany • 92 percent light transmission • FL lens • T* multilayer coatings • LotuTec® coating • Black, matt anodized aluminum 30mm tube • Finest illuminated dot .05 cm at 100 meters (available on the 1-6) • Intelligent motion sensor 70° up & down, 40° side to side (available on the 1-6) • 80 clicks per revolution Conquest V6 Models:

Retail

Conquest V6 1-6x24 ill. #60 w/ Hunting Turret

$1,549.99

Conquest V6 1-6x24 ill. ZMOA-4 Reticle w/ Ballistic Turret

$1,599.99

Conquest V6 3-18x50 #6 Reticle w/ Hunting Turret

$1,699.99

Conquest V6 3-18x50 #6 Reticle w/ Ballistic Turret

$1,749.99

Conquest V6 3-18x50 ZBR-2 Ballistic Reticle w/ Ballistic Turret

$1,799.99

Conquest V6 3-18x50 ZMOA-2 Reticle w/ Ballistic Turret

$1,799.99

Conquest V6 5-30x50 #6 Reticle w/ Ballistic Turret

$1,849.99

Conquest V6 5-30x50 #43 Reticle w/ Ballistic Turret

$1,849.99

Conquest V6 5-30x50 ZBR-1 Ballistic Reticle w/ Ballistic Turret

$1,899.99

Conquest V6 5-30x50 ZMOA-1 Reticle w/ Ballistic Turret

$1,899.99

ZEISS Conquest V6 Riflescope The new precision scope for wide-open pursuits.

Made in Germany for the rugged demands of any hunting or shooting style, the new Conquest V6 with 6x zoom, 30mm center-tube and up to 103 MOA elevation adjustment is engineered to reach beyond expectations. ZEISS FL (Fluoride) Glass, enhanced T* lens coatings and LotuTec ÂŽ protective coating provide industry-leading resolution and shooter accuracy. Three models: 1-6x24 / 3-18x50 / 5-30x50.

Available with new ballistic turret and ballistic reticles ZMOA and ZBR for long-distance hunting or shooting. Protected by the ZEISS 5-Year No Fault Policy and Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty. www.zeiss.com/ConquestV6

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

9

Also new for 2017 is the new Victory Pocket binoculars. Offered in 8x25 and 10x25 models, the new Victory Pocket binoculars are the perfect companion for premium and luxury vacations, cruises, tours, concerts, car races or outdoor sporting events.

Weighing in at just 10 ounces, the new ZEISS Victory Pocket binoculars provide the highest ZEISS standards in precision, reliability and robustness. Its compact size, light weight and modern design, combined with the best optics in its class, make it the benchmark for all other compact and pocket binoculars. Victory Pocket binoculars are made for those who seek the best in class pocket binocular.

The new Victory Pocket binoculars are the first pocket binoculars to utilize FL-Lenses, resulting in uncontested resolution, edge-to-edge sharpness with the lowest color fringing in-class. In addition to extremely high-quality color fidelity, image definition and contrast the ZEISS Victory Pocket binoculars will also impress with the widest field of view currently available in their class with 8x magnification.

The new modern design incorporates an asymmetric foldable bridge and usage of light and robust magnesium housing to provide a sleek and extremely compact profile when carrying. The combination of high quality materials and surfaces give the new Victory Pockets an ergonomically pleasing grip and feel. ZEISS engineers made good use of the latest mechanical technologies and slightly larger knobs to give the new pockets smooth, accurate and reliable operation of all working elements.

Victory Pocket 8x25 With its field of view of up to 390 ft. at a distance of 1000 yards, the Victory Pocket 8x25 is the ideal model for situations where you need a maximum overview. While the near focus range of 6 ft. ensures that you can enjoy details close by.

Retail $749.99 Victory Pocket 10x25 With its 10x magnification, the Victory Pocket 10x25 is the ideal model for seeing the extra details far away. The light weight of just 10 oz. ensures easy and comfortable handling. Retail $799.99

Key Features: • Modern Industrial design • Best In-Class Optics utilizing FL lens technology • Highest quality ZEISS mechanics • Widest field of view in its class • Highest resolution and edge sharpness • Lowest color fringing in class

10 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

For more information on the Conquest V6 and the new Victory Pocket binoculars, along with all ZEISS’ award winning products, please visit us at www.zeiss.com/us/sports-optics or join us at facebook.com/ZeissHuntingUS.

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RUGER.COM/AMERICANRIFLE © 2017 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 022217

Find Ruger: July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

11

The Art Of The Angle Chad LaChance

W

hen it comes to angling, I’m definitely an angler. In fact, I’m all about the angle so much so, that at times I obsess over it, not casting at all until it’s just right. And when I get my angle figured out, my inner angler soars in a way that can only mean my pattern is dialed.

Yep, the art of the angle is a critical part of my

angling.

Ok, ok, enough with the play on words; what the heck am I talking about? Casting angles of course. And while the term “angling” is originally derived from the angle of crude, middle ages fishing hooks, it might as well be a reference to the all-important direction from which you present and retrieve your fly or lure. Yes, casting angles are that important!

Short of pure vertical fishing (think ice fishing or perhaps vertical jigging), casting angles play a critical role in getting fish to bite. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about trout in a river, bass in a pond or sight fishing redfish on a flat - if your lure comes in from the wrong angle, you won’t get a bite and in many cases, you’ll actually spook the fish you’re trying so hard to catch. Conversely, find and execute the right casting angle and the bites will come easily.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the right lure presented at the wrong angle is less effective than the wrong lure presented at the right angle.

What exactly do I mean by casting angle? I mean the angle which the fly or lure is presented in relation to structure, cover or visible fish. Each scenario is different, but the

12 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

importance of the angle is equally important across all three. Let’s look at some examples, starting with visible fish.

Visible fish could be stationary as in the case of trout holding in current or bass hanging out in cover or they could be cruisers as would be the case of redfish or bonefish hunting on a flat. To work out the casting angle that will get us bit, we must first consider the big picture of the predator/prey relationship. Since it’s the predator we desire to catch, we need our offering to behave like prey. Predators are “programmed” to pursue or ambush, while prey’s modus operandi is to flee. If the prey does the attacking or even just a good job of trying to fight rather than flee, the predator is not likely to do anything other than vacate or defend itself.

I want my lure to enter their peripheral vision, not approach from directly in front of or behind the fish. My best chance at getting a fish to attack my lure occurs when the lure moves at angles to the fish or parallel with its body. Hence, presentations like swinging streamers or retrieving plugs across current are very effective; the fish are facing up current and the offering enters their peripheral vision. That same plug or streamer will spook that same fish if it comes up stream into it tail first or down-stream directly in its face. The idea is to draw the fish to the lure, not the other way around. I’ll readily admit that there are times when surprising a fish by landing your cast very near them will result in an immediate “reaction” strike, but I’m of the opinion that in those cases the lure landed in their peripheral. If it lands right behind or on top of them, they’ll blow out.

Casting angle as it relates to cover are similar in concept. I try to visualize how the fish are positioned in said cover and then utilize the same theory as with visible fish. Retrieving directly into the cover is rarely as effective as working parallel to or on a tangent with the cover. In the case of shade or mudlines, often casting into the dark water and retrieving out into the clear/bright stuff can be effective, but it rarely works the other way around - your lure is approaching the waiting predator rather than the other way around.

When considering structural elements, it is not so much about the how your lure approaches the specific fish, rather how it behaves in the grand scheme. Sometimes casting from deep up into shallow and retrieving downhill is best, but at other times working the opposite direction gets more bites.

If I know the depth range I can get bites in, I’ll often position such that I can cast my fly or lure parallel, with a contour line, to keep my bait in the strike zone the longest.

In running water with current seams, it is often best to cast into the slow water and retrieve out into the fast stuff.

There are different reasons why you should consider casting angles, but it all boils down to the same things; don’t attack the fish and consider the structural elements in your decisions! After depth range, casting angle is one of the first things I try to work out when establishing my patterns. If you can establish a depth range and angle, you can often fill in other pattern details like the specific lure or color, retrieve speed or cadence quickly.

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

13

The Sportsman’s News Platinum Approved Outfitter is an outfitter book. These are outfitters you would be proud to refer to a friend. that has excelled in every aspect of their business. They put We know this because we are proud to endorse each one of these people and customers before profit. They do what it takes to make sure that they will be outfitters based upon our staff members personally visiting each one of these in business for the long haul and ensure that they have repeat customers. They practice operations. These outfitters have proven to us that they have what it takes to be good game management, which will ensure a top quality trip with them every time you “Sportsman’s News Platinum Approved.”

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www.ranchlandoutfitters.com 877-924-8440 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

18

Archery Product Hit List

By Shane Chuning

W

ith summer here and in full swing, I wanted to touch bases on some products to put on the list for this upcoming archery season. You do not want to be a last-minute shopper still looking for items, never really having a chance to get to know the equipment. This will leave you unprepared, which then leads to unsuccessful hunts due to an unfamiliarity with the equipment. Let’s be a little proactive this year and look at some items worth checking out as we go through the archery product hit list for this year.

Bows

First off is a couple of bows worth noting that won’t break the bank, but still give you great performance and accuracy down range.

The PSE Epix is a true performer that even exceeds its IBO speed rating and is a breeze to tune, with plenty of adjustability in a hybrid cam system. This bow holds on target great and I was shooting excellent groups out to 60-80 yards in no time at all.

Specification on the Epix are: • ATA/IBO speed rating 340-332 fps • Brace height 6-inches • Only offered in a right-hand model • Axle-to-Axle is 32 inches • Let-off is rated at 80% • Draw length ranges from 24”- 30” • Draw weight is offered in 60- and 70-pound limbs • Mass weight 4.0 lbs • Max limb bolt turns- 13 • Color is offered in Black, Country and Skullworks 2 Next, we have the Bear Archery Vital Impact Timber II, which is a Sportsman’s Warehouse exclusive, sporting the MAX-1 camo pattern.

They made this an all-around complete package and a very easy drawing bow in its single cam design. With a PSE EPIX single cam design, you still have a split harness for the ease of fine tuning lateral nock travel.

A feature worth noting is the offset stabilizer to counter balance the weight of a full quiver. This makes it easier to keep your 2nd axis steady on your level and gives you faster shot execution.

Bear Archery didn’t stop there and included a 5-pin Trophy Ridge sight and the Kill Shot Whisker Biscuit rest. Also, included in this great value is a 5 Spot Black Quiver and Radical Tube peep sight. An excellent value for someone looking for a ready to hunt package that doesn’t break the bank.

Bear Vital Impact

Specifications on the Bear Archery Vital Impact Timber II are: • Cam System: S-7 Draw Dial • Speed: 320 fps • Mass Weight: 4-pounds • Brace Height: 6 3/4 “ • Axle-to-Axle: 31 1/8” • Draw Length: 23-30” • Let Off: 80%

Broadheads

G5 Striker

Slick Tricks

Wac'em

A couple of my favorite fixed blade broadheads that have been a mainstay for me personally are the G5 Strikers, Slick Tricks and the Wac’ems. There is so much stuff online with broadhead testing into metal plates, washer and dryers, etc, but do we really need that to be honest. I’m all for a strong broadhead, but I feel some of this is way overkill.

Now we have some broadheads that are sold in a three pack for $100. I’m not out to kill a steel plate or washer and dryer, so I just find it hard to swallow, forking over a hundred plus dollars for three broadheads. Recently, I went out on a limb and purchased some upper-end broadheads for $70, which was stretching it for me. Well low and behold, they didn’t even spin true, so I plan on returning them. With all that said, I feel that the $30-$40 range will more than get the job done and not break the bank doing so. The G5 Strikers, Slick Tricks and Wac’ems have always spun true for me with zero issues, not to mention the numerous elk and deer kills I have successfully made with them. If you’re not shooting these broadheads and looking for a change, these are definitely worth looking into this year.

This brings us to Expandable Broadheads which can be a little controversial for many. Some feel they have missed opportunities on kills due to expandable’s failing on the shot. I have used my fair share of them with excellent results and can only account for one time when one did not open. Now, this could have been my error and I really can’t say for certain. They are expandable’s and there are moving and semilocking parts that come into play. There is probably a small percentage of failures due to them. With that said, I still wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.

Some of their benefits are the large wound channels for ease of tracking game.

Another would be windy conditions due to their fieldpoint characteristics, giving you less wind resistance down range. The ones worth considering if you’re in the market that I have used and tested personally are the G5 T3’s, Rage Hypodermics, New Archery Product Spitfires and the Grim Reapers. Due to certain conditions in the field, I will generally always have a couple of expandable’s in my quiver for those windy days, giving me more pin-point accuracy under certain conditions. These are well worth the look this year if you’re on the fence about trying some.

G5 T3

Rage Hypodermic

NAP Spitfire

Grim Reaper

Wrist Releases

I have used quite a few releases over the years and it is hard to pry me away from a good old Scott Archery wrist release. These have been a mainstay for me, with years of trouble free use. Probably my favorite release to date has been the Scott Sabertooth. It pains me that they no longer make these and I know I will be shopping for a new model eventually, since I lost my back-up Scott Sabertooth. I am one that always keeps two on me at all times, as I would hate to be caught in a pinch when out in the field. Whether that is simply losing one or due to a malfunction, it is always nice to have a backup with you. Different releases can give you different points of impact, so I recommend when purchasing a backup to always keep two of the same around. I alternate the two throughout the year to insure the same amount of stretch and fit feel the same from one to another.

This year Scott Archery came out with a couple of models that would be worth checking out, giving you many years of reliable and repeatable use. New for 2017 is the hook style

Scott Talon

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

19

release, the Talon. The Talon gives you 100% hook clearance - creating extreme accuracy and tunability. The single sear driven, inline design of the Talon release reduces string loop torque. Another one worth noting and new for 2107 is the Echo. This one has my attention and may just replace my Scott Sabertooth.

The Hyper Jaw design is the next in a long line of meaningful innovations from Scott. At first look it has the appearance of a single caliper, but they function independently in perfect synchronization with one another. This removes any lateral torque that may come from inconsistencies in shooting form. It has a wide range of adjustment options and is sure to be a winner for 2017.

Arrows

I always tell guys and gals to not skimp on arrows.

There is a difference when it comes to quality arrows.

These differences are magnified once you start screwing a broadhead on the tip come hunting season.

The grade of an arrow can make a big difference and when you pick those with tighter tolerances, you SCOTT ECHO will have far less headaches when tuning. There are lots of choices out there in arrow selections nowadays. I have tried quite a few different brands—just about everyone on the market—and that still leads me back to the top three every time. For me personally, you can’t go wrong in your selection when sticking with Easton, Gold Tip and Carbon Express.

First off is my personal favorite, Easton arrows. These are the micro Diameter Shafts in the Injexions and my go-to arrows the last few years, the Hexx/DaTorch arrows.

EASTON Hexx/DA Torch

Gold Tip Hunter

For a micro diameter shaft, the Injexions win out for me in tolerance, consistency and toughness. With that said, I have moved back to more of your standard insert arrows, as I feel they still give you the most durability over the long haul. For a light wall shaft, it doesn’t get much tougher than the Hexx and DaTorch by Easton. These have been very consistent in tolerances and durability. They are still my personal choice again this year for 3D and a hunting arrow.

Gold Tip has been a mainstay in the industry as well, known for their toughness and durability. That has not changed over the years, with their all carbon design bringing you years of excellent performance. The traditional Pro Hunters are still my preferred choice when shooting Gold Tips. I find the quality and consistency still on par with what I am looking for. On the lighter GPI thin walled shafts, the Velocity’s are still a great option, giving you plenty of customization when wanting an arrow with a higher front of center (FOC). On the micro diameter side of things, I feel the consistency has slipped some and would like to see their options here produce the same tolerances as their standard diameter shafts.

Carbon Express has been another top player for years when shopping for arrows.

This year they came out with a couple of new small diameter options, the Maxima Red SD’s and the Predator XSD’s. The Maxima Red SD’s are more of an upper-end price point and have great tolerances. The Predator XDS’s are more your mid-price point arrows. Although these are not as tight tolerance wise, the consistency is still there when choosing a Carbon Express arrow. With their Red Zone technology, I find they tend to recover extremely fast when tuning. This is handy for those that don’t have the luxury of indexing their arrows. You won’t go wrong with even more choices by Carbon Express this year if you’re in the market for some new arrows.

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22 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Rinehart Self-Healing 3D and 18-1 Archery Targets

C

hoosing a 3D archery target should be another of those enjoyable trips to your local Sportsman’s Warehouse. But, one of the questions many archers ask this time of the year is, “which target do I choose and why”?

Well, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot many 3D targets in my archery career and I think Rinehart Targets are one of the best on the market. Go to any 3D archery shooting tournament and you will most likely be shooting daggers at their targets. John Rinehart was the first to design “self-healing” foam, giving longer life to their targets. Rinehart also has a vast line-up of all kinds of 3D targets to choose from.

Our test model was the Giant Mule Deer. Why buy a 3D target for your practice session? First off, how many 2-ft. square block animals have you killed on a hunt recently? By shooting at a 3D, life-sized target, you develop necessary skills that are carried into the field. Getting used to arrow placement can absolutely get you a hero picture vs. long stories of a missed shot. I recently shot at a 3D event in Ely, Nevada.

It was unmarked yardages, an event that can frustrate even the most seasoned archer.

Having that opportunity to guess and be comfortable with an animal-sized target can no doubt help your skill when actually hunting and I could have never done it without my practice on full bodied targets.

One piece of advice that I would pass on when shooting 3D targets is the choice of practice tips. Use a bullet tip that is slightly larger than the shaft of your arrow and you will experience less teeth gritting when pulling arrows out. The Giant Mule Deer target has a replaceable core that is basically a rough dimension of vital organs. Being able to see where the arrow must be placed time and time again will be beneficial when sizing up your target. Because of this, the repetition will be more natural when you draw back on a trophy buck in the fall. The target did not allow deep penetration and pulled nicely for a new set to be shot. As your hunt nears, you can also sight in your broad heads with this target either with fixed or expendable’s.

Our other test target was a Rinehart 18-1. This target promises to be the longest lasting that Rinehart has ever offered. If you can manage to shoot out all 18 sides of the target, you can bring it back to your local authorized dealer for a no-hassle replacement from date-of-sale. This target is extremely mobile and can be set-up for practice in a matter of a few seconds. It’s size and weight make it ideal for transporting to hunting camp for a few shots before setting out on your hunt. The bright green dots and the black foam show-up brightly in a noon-day sun. It also is easy to pull arrows out and after almost two months of daily shooting, the target still shows minimal wear.

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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24 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard.

By Chad LaChance

T

here is a progression in angling. It starts innocently enough with standing on the side of the lake, casting out from one spot and hoping a fish comes by and makes your day. As we grow as anglers, we start moving around the bank more, sampling casting spots until we find one that our target fish apparently prefer on that day. We also begin to notice that our tackle needs to be mobile along with us and at the same time, our tackle has also grown in volume; we have more stuff to carry to match our angling situations and we are strategically looking for fish. If the old saying is true that 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water, good anglers will seek out that 10%.

But, what if that 10% is not reachable by casting from the bank? Or perhaps that 10% IS right along the bank and therefore it is tricky to present a fly or lure to it right at your feet? Obviously, the right answer is to get off the bank - yep, you need to be floating.

So, the next step as an angler is to find a way to get on the water’s surface and move around the lake. Perhaps a boat is in your future? Wait, you don’t have that much money or a big ol’ truck to tow it with? How about a float tube? Nope, too slow and cumbersome and your butt is in the water all the time. Hmmm, kayak! Yep a kayak or canoe is the answer - or maybe not when you realize that you still have to transport it and in many cases can’t stand up to fish. Sitting makes it hard to spot good places to cast and also makes the cast itself far more difficult. Have no fear, your answer is just an SUP away!

An inflatable stand-up paddleboard, aka iSUP, is the most mobile, affordable and fun way to get your fish on. You can haul it on your back or in the trunk of your car, it doesn’t require gas, registration or a boat ramp and they’re affordable in the first place. Most importantly, an inflatable SUP will get you and all your tackle to the fish

PRO'S PICK

efficiently and quietly while getting a little exercise. That you are standing while you fish is a serious bonus and of course you can always kneel down to land fish!

Now before you dismiss my iSUP suggestion as merely a great way to end up swimming with your tackle, you’ll have to trust me that they are far easier to use than you’d think. Since, unlike canoes or kayaks, paddleboards have flat bottoms, they don’t tend to roll side to side like even boats do. Geez, if people can do yoga classes on them, I’m confident most anglers can handle the balance!

There are specialized iSUPs on the market that are tailored for fishing. There are a couple of racks available that make them even more fisherman friendly. They hold rods, tackle, cooler and other accessories that invariably make their way into an angler’s arsenal of gear. And between available anchors, leashes, waist pack style PFD’s and more, they can be accessorized to fit your exact needs. Best of all, many models transport in a backpack, air pump and all and can be inflated in short order and launched virtually anywhere.

I have found after several years of fishing from an iSUP that there are a couple of things to keep in mind when choosing the board itself and the options. First, consider a board built for stability; in this regard, wider is better. Wider is also slower to paddle, so if you have great “boat legs” (no, not nice calves - the ability to balance comfortably on small/rocking boats) a narrower board will be fine. Second, racks are great for not only holding your extra rods (or the one you are using while you rig, etc), but also strapping stuff to or holding your personal action camera. You can strap tackle boxes or anything else that might sink should a mistake happen to them. Since the racks I’ve seen are easily detachable, you can streamline the board for non-fishing trips.

There are a couple of items I consider required if you step onto the floating world of paddle boarding and the first is a Personal Flotation Device of some sort. I settled on the manually inflatable waist pack style for its comfort and general ease of use. Regardless of which type of PFD you prefer, wear one! A board leash that attaches around your ankle is another must have; while I have yet to fall off any of my paddleboards accidentally, I have bailed while playing around and the board will invariably take off in the opposite direction. A leash will keep it close by you regardless and yes, you can easily remount the board while floating. Since iSUPs do float so effortlessly, they are prone to drifting or even being pulled around by fish you hook, thereby earning an anchor MVP status on many days. My anchor is actually for kayaks and stows in a small bag. I don’t SUP fish without it. And lastly, since we all want to post those grip-n-grins with our catch, a waterproof floating phone case allows you to keep your device handy without worry.

SUPs are a blast to spend time on and afford anglers mobility and a great view down in the water. They’re fast and sneaky, portable and once purchased, basically free to fish from. Maybe it’s time to kick your angling up a notch by joining the legions of folks that have discovered the fun and effectiveness of fishing from a SUP. July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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26 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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PRO'S TIP

Arrow Spine And A Well-Tuned Bow

By Shane Chuning

I

know I’m not the only one out there that has experienced broadheads and field points not hitting the same point. I talk with a lot of guys and gals about this issue and we all have the same dilemma. As hunting season approaches, they sight in their broadheads and adjust their sight pins accordingly, then they don’t go back to field points until hunting season is over.

For many of us it can be a frustrating time of year when it comes time to put those broadheads on. Many of us will head up to the mountain or some honey hole we enjoy hunting and not practice shooting at camp, simply because we have moved everything for broadheads and they just don’t fly the same as those field points we have been shooting the whole year prior to the hunting season.

How many of us have been into an archery shop and purchased some arrows? They ask you what your draw length and draw weight is. They then cut your arrows within an inch of your draw length and give you 400 spine arrows for a 60lb bow or 340 to 350 spine arrows for a 70lb bow. That’s fine for a very general assumption, but usually far from the proper set up. Keep in mind how nice it would be for your broadheads to fly the same as your field points. My goal is to inform you of possible tuning problems that could be fixed and in return, make your experience with archery and hunting more enjoyable.

Archery is a very rewarding sport that can be stress relieving as well as relaxing.

However, it can be very frustrating as well without the proper spined arrows or a well tuned bow. There are many factors that can contribute to some of these problems.

Let’s start with a tuning overview.

1. Check poundage and draw length of your bow. At the same time, you can check your timing as well. You want your cams rotating at the same time. Most manufactures will have some sort of timing marks for cam rotation. Check the owner’s manual. For you do-it-yourself guys, you can build a draw board which will show your cam rotation at full draw and give you your measured draw length.

2. Determine your proper arrow length and point weight you will be using. This is where spine comes into play. Even as little as a ½” will change your spine and could make a big difference in your overall performance.

3. Arrow manufactures will have shaft selection charts on the back of arrow boxes.

This is just a rough general rule to go by in my opinion. There are too many factors to consider in spine selection on each individual bow and person, so I recommend finding an archery shop in your area that can lead you in the right direction. Don’t be afraid to ask some of these questions, it will only make you more informed with your equipment and give you an overall better experience.

4. Check your limb tiller, which is your measurement from the inside of your limb pocket to your string. You will want this measurement to be the same between the two or at least within 1/8”.

5. Setting up your arrow rest for your center shot and nock height position. General rule of thumb is to have the center of shaft to run with center of Berger hole. This is the threaded hole where your rest fastens to the riser. Your center shot is the left and right adjustment on your rest. Most manufactures will give you this measurement from the inside of riser to center of shaft. Look in your owner’s manual for this info. When not given as a measurement, you can sight your top cam with your bottom one, while keeping your string in view. Then with an arrow nocked, move

A "Robin Hood" from 80 yards is the type of accuracy you can achieve by super-tuning your arrows and bow.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Testing the static spine of an arrow.

28 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

the rest accordingly left to right, so they plane in together. This will give you a good starting point.

Attach your nocking point. This coincides with your rest and your shaft lining up with the center of your Berger holes. Level to ¼” nock high is normal, depending on the type of bow you’re shooting. Some archers just use a d-loop for their nocking point, while others choose to use a brass nock with a d-loop. I prefer using a soft nock, which is BCY serving material. It’s lighter than a brass nock and just as easy to install. Being lighter means you’ll keep some of the speed lost by those brass nocks.

Spray foot powder on the arrow rest and vanes. Make sure you use the powder and not the liquid. This will let you know if you are getting any type of vane contact on your rest. Vane contact is the cause of many tuning problems and I suggest you check for this. You will relieve a lot of headaches if you find this out ahead of time. A perfect bullet hole will not be achieved through paper without vane clearance.

Vane contact can sometimes be eliminated as well by checking your nock position in relation to your vanes. You may find the need to rotating your nock slightly so your vanes clear the rest or cables, if needed.

Shoot your arrow through paper from 6- to 7-feet. I like paper tuning in this range so you can catch the arrow in flight before your vanes correct any potential problems. You can learn a lot about yourself and your equipment from paper tuning. It will show you any flaws you or your equipment might have. For instance,

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

29

PRO'S TIP grip torque, weak or stiff arrow spine, fletching contact, tiller adjustment, cam or idler wheel lean, center shot, and nock height are all possible problems to look for.

Paper tuning is a very valuable tool and should not be overlooked in tuning. After all, our goal is to have a well tuned bow.

10. Bare shaft tuning is another method of tuning through paper. This method can also be rewarding, but takes a lot of patience. So, don’t get frustrated and make your adjustments in small increments at a time. You will be trying to achieve a perfect bullet hole as well with this method.

11. Walk back tuning is one more method of tuning. This does not require shooting through paper. You simply mark a vertical line on your target, then shoot from 5-yards, 10-yards, 15-yards and 20-yards, etc. The farther you go, the more finetuned you are. Take your 20-yard pin and pick a spot on that vertical line in the upper third of the target. Shoot from the distances mentioned while aiming at the same spot every time. The idea is, you will end up with a vertical line of arrows.

If you start varying from right to left, just move your rest in the opposite direction until you achieve that vertical line.

Now that we have a rough overview on tuning a bow, I would like to talk more about arrow spine, probably one of the largest overlooked factors in tuning a bow. Arrow spine is measured when you take a 28” raw shaft and hang a 1.94 lb weight in the center. The amount of deflection your arrow produces is your arrow spine reading.

Many of us will confuse the spine of an arrow with the overall weight. For instance, you will hear people say they would like to shoot a heavier spined arrow. Heavier doesn’t necessarily mean a stiffer spined arrow. Let’s take Gold Tip Velocity Pro 300’s that are a 300 spined arrow, which weigh 8.5 grains per inch. Then say you have Carbon Express Maxima Hunter 350’s which weigh 8.9 grains per inch. You will see from the two arrows, weight and spine are completely different things. You can still have a light arrow with a stiffer spine.

Let’s look at the determining factors of arrow spine.

1. The stiffness of the overall shaft material.

2. The length of overall shaft 3. The tip weight There are two types of spine: static spine and dynamic spine. Static spine stays the same for the life of the arrow. Dynamic spine is the part that’s more important. This is measured upon the arrow being shot and the amount of energy stored in that particular bow; then transferred into the arrow causing the shaft to bend. The faster the bow, the more it bends during the shot; which is why there is such a wide range of spine selection.

Shaft length will affect the dynamic spine. For instance, if you were to take a 2’ long ¼” dowel and put pressure at both ends by pushing inward on it, you would notice the deflection. Then take that same dowel and take ½” at a time off and apply pressure each and every time you change the length. There will definitely be a noticeable difference in the stiffness of that dowel. This is the same theory behind an arrow when shot with a bow.

Tip weight affects dynamic spine as well. The bow string pushes on the shaft at the time of the shot. Then there is an opposing force as well, pushing back at the shot. That is generally the field point or broadhead. The heavier the tip, the more force pushing back on that arrow shaft, thus weakening the spine of an arrow.

So keep in mind, tip weight is a big factor in getting a properly spined arrow. I hope this sheds some light on arrow spine and bow tuning. Remember to ask plenty of questions - you will be a better shot because you did. We also owe it to ourselves and the animals we hunt to know as much as we can about our equipment - in return making us all Testing bareshafts at 20 yards. better archers in the long run.

30 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

31

Central Oregonians in Central Florida on a hunt for the Real Florida.

Photo by Gary Lewis

By Gary Lewis

H

“

ave you been to Disney?”

On the last leg, from Salt Lake to Orlando, I sat next to a 70-year-old attorney from central Florida. I wanted to catch a glimpse of authentic Florida. I asked what he thought a visitor to Florida should see, grasp and take away.

He thought for a minute then asked if I had been to Disneyworld.

Really?

We stayed at the Driftwood Resort in Vero Beach, a delightful place and toured the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce. When our friends from central Oregon, Mathew McFarland and his wife, Tasha and their kids arrived, we checked into the Vero Beach Hotel.

A McFarland rite of passage is an alligator hunt when each kid turns eight. This was Katie’s trip, but the two older kids would hunt too, as well as my daughter, Mikayla, 18.

In a six-hour hunt, ten-year-old Finney shot his alligator with a cut-down Remington 700 chambered in 300 Blackout and Chisel, 13, bagged his with a boltaction Remington in 308. Both gators stretched over ten feet.

Grayson Padrick, owner of Central Florida Trophy Hunts, is a former NASA manager turned alligator hunter. We met again at a truck stop that evening. This time he had his airboat in tow.

In central Florida, the water table is just a couple of shovel blades down and when a farmer plows, the water must be pumped out of the furrows and into canals and lakes. This makes for a lot of places for alligators to live.

We drove a few miles south of Fellsmere and passed through a gate to park at the edge of a lake.

This airboat was no smaller than a jet boat, the type we fish from on our rivers at home, but much of the stern was occupied with engine. The structure puts the motor well above the rest of the boat, which allows the big carbon fiber prop to push the humid Florida air. Padrick parked on land, fired up the giant weedeater – and drove it off the trailer onto dry land, then over the weeds and into the water.

Mikayla and I climbed into high seats in the stern, Padrick perched in front of us and Matt and eight-year-old Katie stood in the bow. With no illumination on the boat, Grayson steered by the light of his headlamp.

Padrick wanted six gators tonight. There were too many in this 1,700-acre lake.

When the beam from Mikayla Lewis poses with a 7-footer, taken on Padrick’s lamp played an airboat hunt for nuisance alligators in a swamp across the water, orange near Vero Beach, Florida. eyes blinked back from shorelines and patches of hyacinth.

Katie’s crossbow was a Barnett, with a rail-mounted green Crimson Trace laser and a reel, line and buoy. We stalked a gator that held in the light and when we got close, Katie shouldered the crossbow and Photo by Gary Lewis trained the laser.

32 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Ten-year-old, Finney McFarland, bagged this gator with his cut-down Remington, chambered in 300 Blackout.

At her shot, the bolt, with a line attached, narrowly missed the gator, which gave a shove with its tail and vanished beneath the hyacinths.

Padrick drove on, standing on a platform, leaned against a seat with his left hand on the rudder and, in his right, a harpoon with a barbed head, attached to a line and buoy.

After several misses, we were up on plane, blasting along in the airboat when Padrick spied an eight-foot gator in the brown water. At full speed, he lined up the boat and when we were alongside, he raised the harpoon and threw it. Threw it like a Viking in a sea battle, like a mounted Shoshone in a buffalo chase, like a Makah would harpoon a whale. In a moment, the beast was hit, the buoy was out of the boat and Padrick wheeled us around and we charged back.

There are a variety of methods that trappers use to subdue nuisance gators and we, in 16 hours of gator hunting, got to see a lot.

Padrick loaded the bangstick with a 44-caliber bullet and when Matthew had the gator at the boat, Katie shot it in the head. Game over.

On the next try, Katie held the green dot low on the gator and the bolt stuck. After

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33

a tussle, Padrick and McFarland hauled it aboard. Then it was Mikayla’s turn.

Padrick fired the motor and we flew across the lake to where a dozen pairs of orange eyes stared back. Padrick killed the motor, cut the light and we drifted in.

Gators splashed and vanished or held and glared. We lined up on one, the harpoon was thrown and the battle joined. At the end of it, Mikayla shot her gator in the back of the head with the bangstick and we hauled the seven-footer aboard.

We spent 11 hours in one day and night to bag and tag five alligators. All, without a single Disney princess sighting.

Photo by Gary Lewis

Future World

One evening later, we packed our rifles and headed back to the marsh. I checked the map and found a more direct route than the one the GPS unit recommended.

Armed with my inside knowledge of Florida’s freeways, Mikayla and I started for our rendezvous with Padrick and the McFarland boys. We planned to hunt cattle country, where wild pig numbers needed thinning.

I started onto a toll road and after a few miles, fed $1.75 in quarters into a machine. A few miles later, I fed my last two quarters into another toll booth. They don’t employ toll booth operators in Florida anymore. Robots get the job done, but toll-bots don’t make change. I was out of quarters!

We blew through the next toll booth, starting the sirens and lights a-flashing and then blew through another and another. After three blown toll booths, I expected to see a whole squad of Florida troopers in my rearview or a roadblock ahead, but for all the alarms and sirens, nothing happened. Talk about Future World. Next time, I bring two rolls of quarters.

Swamp Buggy Wild Boar Adventure Land

Padrick was waiting with his swamp buggy when we arrived. Powered by a well-muffled 350 Chevrolet with Cadillac steering, its floorboards are almost seven feet off the ground and it seats five. A landing, halfway to the deck allows for stowage of coolers and game. This machine is built for crossing shallow lakes and soggy pastures, and can even drive over barbed wire fences when the posts are laid down.

www.brockshuntincabins.com Mikayla Lewis used her favorite blacktail deer rifle to take this, her first feral hog. A dry sow, it was one of the best animals she could have shot, both for the abundance of meat, its flavor and quality.

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We drove through cow pastures, around spiky vegetation, stands of trees and over a fence or two. Padrick dropped Mikayla and me at a tree stand and took the McFarlands to their stand.

The sun marched toward the skyline, shadows lengthened. I held my hand at arm’s length. Two fingers above the tops of the trees. Twenty minutes left.

Nasty biting ants. They’d bitten me 40 times, but had not bothered Mikayla.

In the ladder stand we were six feet off the ground and the wind was at our backs.

There is always a chance a hog will show up, one that has lost its sense of smell. I didn’t hold out a lot of hope we’d see pigs. Bad luck.

Swamp smells, bird calls and insect chirps filled the late afternoon; all of it foreign to our Pacific Northwest perspective, except the waiting.

We expected the hogs, if any, to emerge from the jungle to our right, but then, when the pasture was in full shadow, a long line of pigs emerged on our left, from the only area they might have not winded us.

A steady breeze had deposited our scent spores on grass blades for the last three hours and when the smaller pigs hit it, they hesitated, then charged ahead. At the back of the line came two larger sows.

The biggest was broadside for a moment, then it faced straight away, sometimes screened by other pigs. Then it was broadside again.

Mikayla whispered, “Ready,” flicked the safety to ‘fire’ and squeezed. After the shot, she slammed another Ballistic Tip into the chamber of her Ruger American.

When the other pigs cleared out, we climbed down from the stand and walked over to get a look at her first feral hog.

We finished with five hogs, the last two fell to 150-grain AccuBonds from my boltaction Montana Rifle. We shipped home pork loin, chops and links and a few boxes of alligator meat from our adventure land.

We also went to Disneyworld.

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35

Video Product Reviews

Sig Optics ECHO1 Thermal Reflex Sight

I

have been playing with the Sig ECHO1 for about nine months and have been very impressed with both its utility for finding targets in absolute darkness, as well as its durability for taking abuse.

Utilizing state-of-the-art thermal technology, its direct view and the ability to quickly acquire targets with both eyes open, increasing situational awareness, makes the ECHO1 a great tool for CQB, home defense, search and rescue, hunting hogs or pest elimination.

The ECHO1 comes with five preloaded aiming reticles, as well as the ability to generate and load your own. It easily mounts on your rifle, using a standard Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913) rail and can be removed and reattached without losing zero.

It isn’t as minimal as a small reflex sight, but it does provide much more functionality than a small reflex sight. It can be used either in daylight or in absolute darkness. Because it uses the heat given off by the environment and target, it is able to provide a better assessment of the battlespace, seeing easily through brush and grass and even thin walls.

The sight can be quickly zeroed using the adjustment joystick under the 1.5x1.25inch screen (220x176 pixels). Because you aren’t using an eyepiece, the ECHO1 alleviates eye fatigue and the monitor can be viewed by your buddy. Each nudge of the joystick provides .5 MOA adjustment, which is plenty for CQB and MOBG (Minute of Bad Guy) engagement. It will give an accurate image out to 300 yards and pick up thermal input from as far away as 1,000 yards.

In addition to being IPX-6 waterproof, it has special anti-dust, smudge, and fog coating on the sapphire lens (thermal can’t see through glass). The internal electronics automatically refresh to purge out accumulated thermal backscatter and will adjust the refresh rate based on the amount of ambient thermal noise. Many other thermal imagers on the market require this as a manual step, so this a welcomed feature.

The ECHO1 has a variety of different viewing modes, including a couple of brightly colored options, reminiscent of the Predator movies. They also feature red, green, blue, black and white and white and black versions, with the ability to turn down the screen brightness. These options will protect your natural night vision, as well as reduce backlighting the shooter.

A still camera can shoot multiple bursts of photos or individual images for download.

For those who care about the technical stuff that I won’t even pretend to understand, the heart of the ECHO1 is a 206×156 Uncooled VOx Bolometer Array, which people who know more about these things than I do, assure me is impressive. I am more impressed that it will run a minimum of 8-hours on a pair of CR123 batteries and is backed by Sig Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view Optic’s incomparable Infinite Guarantee and Electronics Limt h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s ited Warrantee.

YouTube Channel.

Vortex Fury HD Rangefinding Binos

A

compact and rugged 10x42 quality binocular with a built-in laser rangefinder with angle compensation, scan mode and line of sight capability for a great value, is what you will get from the Vortex Fury HD. The Fury HD is a great quality set of binos in a rubberized housing for a sure grip on the outside, with premium optics on the inside. The roof prisms are phase coated to provide better clarity and light gathering in a more compact package. Nitrogen purging prevents moisture and thermal shock and keeps the inside of the tubes bone dry for better viewing in a variety of environments.

The XR lens coatings provide water, dust, scratch, smudge and fog proofing on the external surfaces of the lenses to ensure optimum viewing and clarity.

Other features include tapered multiposition rotating eye cups for more comfort and better eye relief with or without glasses. An adjustable diopter on the left eye allows compensation for visual acuity between the eyes.

An easily accessed center focus knob makes it easy to achieve crisp focus, even while wearing gloves.

In addition to being great bin-

36 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

oculars in their own right, the addition of a precision laser rangefinder gives the Fury HD a decided edge.

With a single-finger control panel, the Fury can be activated and set for either meters or yards, by pressing one of the two rubberized buttons on the right top side of the binos and they can be held and operated with just one hand. A bright red, simple and easy to use display inside the right tube provides your choice of LOS (line of sight), HCD (Horizontal Component Distance) or Scan to retrieve range data from various points while glassing across a field. Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view The Fury HD uses HCD (Horizontal Component Disthe Sportsman's News tance) angle-compensated ranging technology to give bow YouTube Channel. and rifle shooters the critical distance data needed to make accurate shots. It is capable of ranging reflective targets to 1600 yards with an ultrafast readout.

The combination of a great set of binoculars, fully functional laser rangefinder and the Vortex Optics world famous VIP unconditional lifetime warranty make the Vortex Fury HD a great piece of gear for your next hunt.

Checkout the quality and performance of the Vortex Fury HD Laser Rangefinding Binoculars at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse optics counter and see the difference for yourself.

Magnification

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Objective Lens Diameter Eye Relief Exit Pupil Linear Field of View Close Focus Interpupillary Distance Height Width Weight

42 mm 16 mm 4.2 mm 314.4-6 feet/1000 yards 20 feet 54-69 mm 5.75 inches 5.9 inches 31.8 ounces

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

37

Video Product Reviews

Nikon Monarch Fieldscope

E

lk and mule deer season is closing in and when it comes to hunting game in the field, you need to know that you can trust the quality, durability and most importantly, the clarity of your optics and with a history as rich and influential as Nikon, you’ll always know you can trust their products. This year, Nikon is looking to take the crown in the advanced optics field with the new Monarch field scope and man, does it look convincing.

This spotting scope is great for a wide variety of uses and from bird-hunting to tracking that massive buck, it will provide a clear and precise image every time.

Nikon brings their new extra-low dispersion glass, which prevents chromatic aberration and Field Flattener technology for edge-to-edge sharpness to the table, providing an image which competes with other spotters far outside of its price range.

The sturdy construction of this scope gives piece of mind when taking it out on those harsh back country trips and with the included full-body cover, you never have to worry about the safety of your glass. With the 82mm version of the scope, you get magnification from 20x to 60x, meaning you can find game in a wide variety of situations, with little to no compromise.

When it comes to low-light conditions, the Monarch brings a lot to the table and that becomes more important when discerning the details on that mule deer of a lifetime’s rack in the brush. Using their extra-low dispersion or ED glass, Nikon created a low light monster that delivers a clear field of view and rich contrast in the heat of the hunt.

Ever get tired of endlessly spinning the focusing ring on your scope, only to miss the animal you were so desperateScan this QR Code with ly searching for? This problem is solved with the focusing your smart phone to view ring on the Monarch field scope. The ring provides differthe Sportsman's News ent focusing speeds for optimal operation, as well as fine foYouTube Channel. cus for distant subjects and rougher adjustment for objects

that are much closer. This is all accomplished through Nikon’s nonlinear focusing movement, which guarantees you will have the accuracy to find your subject with an effortless movement.

The eyepiece was designed exclusively for the Monarch field scope, providing both a wide field of view and sufficiently long eye relief. Thus, not only is this scope a joy to use, but it’s also designed to battle the toughest conditions and weather. The three new MEP eyepieces are IPX-67 rated, meaning that when attached to the scope, they will withstand water up to a meter deep for thirty minutes, ensuring safe use during even the most unexpected weather changes. On top of the weatherproofing, the Monarch’s eyepiece is filled with nitrogen gas, preventing water or fog buildup.

When it comes to quality glass and optics, Nikon has proved once again that they compete with the biggest names and from the weekend bird hunting adventurer, to the avid trophy mule deer hunter, we can all agree that this field scope comes in with a great value and an unbeatable price.

Leupold VX-6HD Riflescope

L

eupold launched the VX6 several years ago and we have been using it as a go-to optic on once our once in a lifetime hunts, because they are high quality and extremely dependable.

Just when you didn’t feel like things could get any better, Leupold launches the next big thing with the new VX-6HD. It takes optical

38 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

performance to a whole new level. They upgraded to a High-Definition optical system for sharpened clarity, and the Twilight Max Light Management System for even greater low-light performance, giving hunters a visible advantage at dawn and dusk when the biggest game is on the move. The new CDS-ZL2 (Custom Dial System ZeroLock 2) elevation and ZeroLock windage dial lock in place so they cannot be inadvertently rotated off their zero. A mere press of a button will allow the user to dial Scan this QR Code with up two turns of elevation, if necessary. On your smart phone to view the Sportsman's News the second revolution of the elevation dial, YouTube Channel. the button sinks in, to show you are on the second revolution, so you can dial for extended ranges and never lose your place. On our test rifle, which is an extremely fast .26 Nosler that comes out of the barrel at 3,650 feet per second, we can have accurate markings to nearly a mile with a 200 yard zero. All VX-6HD CDS-ZL2 riflescopes include one free Custom Ballistic Dial with purchase.

To make scope mounting even easier, Leupold added an in-scope Electronic Reticle Level indicator for precise leveling. This is also key whenever taking extremely long shots as canting the rifle, even slightly, will have an effect on bullet point of impact. Leupold has also added an ambidextrous throw lever for fast magnification changes. All VX-6HD scopes include illuminated reticles with an easy to use single button intensity adjustment. It comes in six different models, which range from the 1-6X24 multigun all the way up to the long range 4-24X52. All the models have a 30mm tube, except for the largest model, which is equipped with a 34mm tube. All are made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum and utilize one quarter MOA adjustments.

The tracking up and down, as well as left and right, are extremely precise and tested extremely well in all of our field tests. The VX6-HD will continue to be our go-to scope for all of our premium tags due to its extremely high quality.

THE VX®-6HD WITH IN-SCOPE LEVEL: OUR MOST VERSATILE LEUPOLD® YET. With a VX®-6HD, you’ll take this and every other shot with confidence.

Its In-Scope Reticle Level blinks if your rifle is canted more than 1˚ left or right, for superior long-range accuracy. The two-turn CDS® ZeroLock® dials put you dead on at any distance. Armed with the Twilight Max® Light Management System, HD clarity and contrast, and a powerful 6:1 zoom, your VX-6HD is made to send every shot home no matter the light, conditions, or distance. When other scopes can’t, the VX-6HD is all can.

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LEUPOLD | AMERICAN TO THE CORE July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

39

Video Product Reviews

Kenetrek Boots

A

nyone who has spent significant time in harsh terrain is familiar with the reputation of Kenetrek Boots; either because you have worn them or because you wished you had worn them.

Kenetrek uses some of the most durable materials, configured in a way to provide supreme comfort and reduce the risk of injury on rugged terrain.

Mountain Extreme 400 The Mountain Extreme 400 from Kenetrek provides full coverage of the ankle with a 10inch leather upper. Aggressive K-Talon multi-directional tread gives you supreme traction in hard, sharp rocks or loose scree. The K-Talon outsole not only provides exceptional grip, but is tough enough to resist cutting and tearing.

One piece leather vamps without seams, wrap your toe and ankle. Inside, the midsole is constructed of nylon and runs the full length of the foot bed to give tremendous support and protection to the entire foot.

The soft microfiber shell is filled with 400 grams of Thinsulate to allow moisture to quickly wick away, while providing ample insulation without bulk. Seam taped, Wind-Tex booties, made with a microporous waterproof and breathable membrane, keep you dry and allow sweat vapor to escape. These boots aren’t designed for summer hiking. They are created for serious backcountry mountain hunters going into serious environs, so they are built tough. They weigh in at 4.2 pounds a pair, which is actually very light for boots designed to do what the Mountain Extreme 400 does.

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view the Sportsman's News YouTube Channel.

Bridger Ridge Light Hikers For those looking for a lighter quality boot that will provide ample protection in warmer environments, the Bridger Ridge

Light Hiker from Kenetrek provides support and protection with a lightweight, breathable hiking boot in hiking boot height. When things get wet, the eVent Membrane technology will keep your feet dry and still allows sweat to escape from the inside. A rugged and super aggressive tread eats up the hiking trail and the stitched-in, K-strap laces distribute support from the sole upwards, wrapping your feet in reinforcement. I have personally worn the Bridger Ridge for over two years of hard hiking and search and rescue operations and can attest to not only their comfort, but how many sprains they have saved me from. They are cool and breathable, even on long hot days on the trail or going cross country.

Hunting Gaiters With deep snow, comes snow creep up your pant legs. To prevent snow creep, Kenetrek has created their Hunting Gaiters, with the same quality and attention to details as their boots.

Made of a quite camo tricot fabric so you can sneak up on an animal, they are also reinforced with 1,000 Denier Nylon for exceptional ruggedness. The breathable StormBlocker membrane lets moisture escape, but keeps your pant legs and boots dry underneath. Replaceable Hypalon boot straps will not collect snow and ice like other materials. For deep snow or even wet grass, the Kenetrek Hunting Gaiters are an indispensable aid to slog through even the slushiest snow or rain to stay warm and dry.

Check out the full line of Kenetrek products in your local Sportsman’s Warehouse footwear department and see why top hunters insist on Kenetrek.

Bergara B-14 Hunter Rifle

A

nyone who knows precision rifles knows the name Bergara.

World renowned for their precision rifle barrels, Bergara barrels can be found in use by many of the top competitive shooters and big game hunters all over the globe.

To capitalize on that reputation, Bergara has created an entire rifle with the same eye toward quality that they have cast toward making rifle barrels.

The B-14 Hunter takes the sub-MOA accuracy of their Chrome-Moly barrels and mated them to a smooth action, an amazingly crisp trigger and a comfortable and rugged stock to create a high-quality hunting rifle for the long-range hunter.

As you would expect from a company with a reputation like Bergara, the rifle starts with a barrel made of 4140 CrMo steel for performance under varying loads and climates, as well as rapid temperature bleed to stay cooler and handle hotter loads with less wear and tear on the barrel.

The stock is made of an injection molded glass reinforced polymer that has been coated with a SoftTouch material to give it a slightly tacky feel and improve grip. During the molding, steel pillars have been inserted into the polymer to reinforce the strength of the stock and provide support for the action.

40 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

The action features a double locking lug bolt and a Sako extractor, for a smooth and reliable action.

A conical shaped bolt face and breech ensures more reliable feeding and extraction.

Bergara developed a specially curved trigger for consistent trigger squeeze every time. The adjustable trigger comes set from the factory at around 3-pounds.

The B-14 is available in either a floorplate configuration or with a detachable magazine, except in 6.5 Creedmore or 7mm Remington Magnum, which are only available in the floorplate configuration.

The B-14 is available in the following calibers and barrel twists: • .300 Win. Mag./1:10 • .30-06/1:10 • .270/1:10 • .308/1:10.

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view the Sportsman's News YouTube Channel.

• .243/1:10 • 6.5 Creedmoor/1:08 • 7mm Rem. Mag./1:09

As astounding as this rifle shoots, as smooth as the action is and for the reputation and quality of manufacturing it carries, what is most surprising is that this rifle starts at around $900. A rifle that provides this kind of performance typically costs thousands of dollars.

For your next hunting rifle, consider upping your game and adding a worldclass rifle to your cabinet. This rifle shoots every bit as well as you would expect from a company like Bergara.

Check it out the next time you visit your local Sportsman’s Warehouse gun counter.

Magpul Innovation

Video Product Reviews

E

veryone who shoots is familiar with the Magpul PMAG, but many aren’t as aware that Magpul makes a wide variety of shooting accessories.

While the Ruger 10/22 Takedown rifle is a very cool innovation, Magpul has upped the ante by creating a replacement stock that enhances the coolness factor of this already cool gun.

The X-22 Backpacker is easily installed by removing the main stock screw on both the receiver and the barrel. Once removed, the old stock is replaced with the X22 Backpacker, adding even more features.

The X-22 Backpackpacker has a storage compartment that will hold up to three 10/22 rotary magazines. It also contains a removable divider to allow you to carry two magazines and a standard 50 round box of .22 long rifle ammo in the stock. The standard height flip up compartment cover can also be replaced with the included higher cheek rest for optics that need higher cheek weld for a comfortable sight picture every time.

In the base of the pistol grip is a rubber gasketed watertight sealed storage compartment for whatever you choose to put in there, such as spare batteries for your optic, a small survival kit, or other small items.

The exceptionally awesome feature is that the fore end snaps into the buttstock to hold the barrel assembly in place when the rifle has been taken apart into two segments. This holds the barrel in place and turns the dissembled rifle into a single easily transported unit. A pair of squeeze buttons release the barrel from the stock, allowing for rapid assembly of the rifle.

While the 10/22 Takedown is already tapped and comes with an optic mount rail, the addition of the Magpul X-22Backpacker Scan this QR Code with Optics Mount allows you to place a red dot sight or a Scout your smart phone to view scope on the fore end over the barrel, for a perfect return to the Sportsman's News YouTube Channel. zero every time. It clamps to the barrel and replaces the factory

installed barrel block on the 10/22 Takedown by simply removing the spring latch and the two retaining bolts.

Magpul also has released a great set of pouches for the adventurer. These heavyduty polymer cases are made with serious waterproof zippers that let you carry small items and they come in three sizes and with the option of a clear window for easily viewing maps or other documents. Punchouts in the corners allow the attachment of cord or carabiners to attach the pouches to a pack. Recessed dots let you use a paint pen to create a digitized description of the contents and the pouches come in an assortment of your favorite tactical colors.

Finally, Magpul has created the perfect belt for the concealed carrier. Featuring a quality cowhide exterior that is durable and stylish, they have a polymer backing to provide shape and strength without sagging. With the appearance of a casual or dress belt, these rugged belts can not only keep your pants up, but are also designed to hang a variety of tools from them as part of your EDC. Take a look at all of the Magpul accessories on display in your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

41

OUTDOOR WRITER'S CONTEST

Finding Big Trout

By Doug Draper

T

he saying goes “big fish are where you find them”. What then, is the secret to finding big fish?

First decide what species that you want to pursue. Second, start looking for areas that consistently produce big fish for the best chance at finding your trophy.

For instance, if I wanted to catch large cutthroat trout, I would enter “giant cutthroat trout” on a Google image search.

Almost every big cutthroat picture that comes up on the Google search is at Pyramid Lake in Nevada. Naturally, I would start my search for when, where and how to catch these fish.

42 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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

YouTube can be very educational as well. There is a YouTube video titled “Pyramid Lake Oct Nov Dec 2016”.

The video gives away the timing in the title and with the help of Google Earth, one can figure out the beaches where many of these monster Lahonton’s were caught.

That’s not all you need. You also need to know what flies the fish are taking. Google is your friend again. Enter Pyramid Lake fly patterns on images. There you will find Pyramid Lake staple patterns of black or white buggers, popcorn beetles and tadpoles. One will find various nymphs that work too.

You might think you are ready now, but I don’t think you are quite there yet. Look closely at the pictures and videos of the giant trout again. What was the weather like? Was the wind blowing? Was it low light? Was it sunny? Was the water clear or murky? Fishing

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Genuine Novak ® LoMount Carry Three-Dot Sights

Modular Wrap-Around Grip System for Adjusting Palm Swell and Trigger Reach

Safe, Easy Takedown with No Tools or Trigger Pull Required

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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44 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

see browns from a lot of different places, including Milwaukee Harbor, New York, Montana, the White River in Arkansas, New Zealand and Tierra Del Fuego.

Which location makes the most sense to a fly fisherman?

Let’s go to YouTube again. Milwaukee seems to produce the most really large browns, but it doesn’t seem very fly rod

during prime-time is very important. The fish might be in shallow water just a short time during the day. Knowing that keeps you fishing when you should be. Think you got it figured out? Wait, what are those ladders in many of the pictures for? Oh! You stand on the ladders to stay close to the drop off’s in the lake while fishing. Do I need one of those? Better do some more research.260. Watch the websites like www.

PyramidLakeFlyfishing, which gives fishing reports along with pictures. Join Pyramid Lake fly fishing groups on Facebook to see pics of recent caught fish. Pay attention to the details in the pictures.

friendly. If I were ice fishing, it would be a no brainier. New York seems to produce a lot of large fly rod caught fish, with the drawback being it’s pretty crowded.

Montana produces some good browns, but not a ton of huge fish. It is very fly rod friendly though and uncrowded. The White River in Arkansas produces some very large browns and is fly rod friendly,

Now you might be ready to try out the salty water of Pyramid Lake, pursuing giant cutthroats. Don’t be surprised if you don’t get a giant your very first trip. You may have to pay your dues. Your odds are so much better and the learning curve will be much shorter because you did adequate research. When you get there, watch successful fisherman, including their fly colors, retrieve speeds and are they nymphing or stripping?

Shall we try the same formula again on a different kind of trout? Brown trout grow very large and are good fly rod fodder. Let’s Google giant brown trout. I

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but not consistent enough. New Zealand is cost prohibitive and not consistent enough on very large fish, unless you helicopter fish to your location daily. Tierra Del Fuego is a dream destination, but I can’t afford $8,000 a week. It looks like New York is my best bet for large fish at an affordable price. Let’s do some research on upstate New York.

The largest and most consistent brown trout action is out of Lake Ontario, between Buffalo and Pulaski. Doing more research on websites and YouTube, I discover mid to late October, November and to mid-December are the best months as the trout move out of Lake Ontario looking to spawn. Popular rivers are Oak Orchard Creek, 18 Mile Creek at Burt Dam, Oswego River and the Salmon River.

Popular fly patterns found on the internet imitate king salmon eggs, stonefly nymphs, Estaz flies, crystal meth and copper johns. Upon further research, I see 7- and 8-weights are the norm on fly rods. Use fluorocarbon tippets to increase hookups, sometimes down to 4x.

After following the formula for finding large trout and applying it to rainbow/steelhead, I find there are several locations to investigate. Jurassic Lake in Argentina looks like the place to go if it didn’t cost $5,000 a week. The world record rainbow came from Saskatoon, Canada and many giant rainbows are caught there. If I was down for throwing chunks of dead fish in the dead of night below Lake Diefenbaker that would be ok. I might be considered a snob, but I want to get my fish on a fly imitation. What about the tributaries to Lake Erie. There are many good fly fishing streams from Ohio to New York, but the steelhead are only running 4-8 lbs with a 10 pounder being a monster.

Big steelhead are caught in British Columbia, Oregon and Washington. All of these locations would be a good choice, but I’m not sure if I would have great odds of catching a very large fish at these locales in just a one week trip. The Situk River in Alaska on the other hand produces many big fish in a single day on average. The flight to Yakutat is long and kind of expensive, but worth it as the river is manageable, floatable and has a great run of steel-

head. Yes, that seems to be the wise choice. In fact, that is why I wrote this article, to try and win the trip to Yakutat to catch some big steelhead.

But to tell you the truth, I think my big trout formula can be applied to most any species.

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July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S 5/15/17 NEWS10:19 AM

RCBS Chargemaster Lite

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etting a precision load doesn’t have to mean an expensive and heavy powder scale.

With the Chargemaster Lite from RCBS, getting a precise load of powder is as simple as setting the powder tray on the scale.

The Chargemaster Lite incorporates many of the features of its big brother, the RCBS Chargemaster, in a smaller package.

It has a powder dump dispenser on the side for quickly emptying the powder hopper for changing propellant. It also has a wind guard to prevent air currents from messing with your precision load.

The large powder hopper holds almost an entire pound of powder, so you don’t have to keep filling it up as you get into your loading rhythm.

The digital touch screen ensures you can easily input your load information, as well as read the weights and cues, and lights up with an easy to read green background.

It takes up much less space on your bench than the full-sized version and performs all the same functions. A bubble level mounted in the body lets you quickly ensure that the dispenser is perfectly level for even more precision.

The scale itself will measure in grams or grains, and the unit of measure is easily switched.

The interface in general is very intuitive and easy to use without unneeded frills that can make it confusing.

The scale can be used by itself or with the powder dispenser. The dispenser will deliver just the right amount of powder and stop when the scale reaches the pre-set weight, or you can dispense manually by trickling powder until you reach your desired weight and release the dispense button. The automatic mode will begin dispensing the last dispensed quantity the moment the pan is placed back on the scale.

The Chargemaster Lite works equally well with stick, ball, and disc type smokeless powders. Ample pour spouts on the tray allow you to dump powder directly into the case or through the mouth of a case loading funnel with either hand, further speeding up your loading without sacrificing your precision.

The Chargemaster Lite will dispense from 2-300 grains of powder at a time and is accurate to within +/-0.1 grain. It is equipped with an autoswitch for use with either 120 volts AC or 240 volts DC, and comes with charging adapters for the US and most of Europe and Australia.

The tough plastic case resists dirt, oil, and other materials, and is rugged enough to take a moderate dive onto the desk without leaving much more than a scratch, which is not the suggested method of testing this delicate precision machine, but it did happen to be the way we inadvertently tested ours. The good news is that everything still works and calibrates to match the Big Green Machine, the full RCBS Chargemaster.

48 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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

T

Fried Catfish and Bacon Jalapeno Hushpuppies

his classic southern pairing is perfect for a summer family dinner. You can catch your own catfish in almost every state in the US, or fillets are readily available at most fish counters in grocery stores. As with all fish recipes, use the freshest fish available. If you are fishing, get the fish on ice as soon as you can. If the fish smells fishy, it does not get any better when you cook it! These are both really easy to prepare, but oil temperature is critical for the nice golden brown color that comes with proper cooking.

Ingredients Catfish

• 1½ cups buttermilk

• ½ cup water

• 1 teaspoon Louisiana style hot sauce

• Salt and pepper

• 2 pounds catfish fillets cut into 2-3” pcs. • 1 ½ cups cornmeal • ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• Vegetable oil for frying

Hush Puppies • 1 box Jiffy corn bread mix 8.5 oz.

• ½ cup grated onion

• 6 strips of crisp bacon, diced

• 2 tablespoons jalapeno pepper, diced

• 1/3 cup buttermilk

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 egg, beaten

• ¼ cup self-rising flour

• 2 slices white bread, crumbled

• 1 teaspoon each, salt & pepper

• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation Method Catfish

In a small bowl, mix together the buttermilk, water, hot sauce, and salt & pep-

52 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

per. Place the catfish pieces into a large zip-lock bag and add the milk mixture. Seal the bag getting as much air out of it as possible. Refrigerate and allow to marinate overnight.

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the cornmeal, flour and seasoning. Toss a few pieces of fish into the breading and coat well. Remove to a plate and repeat until all the fish is covered.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large frying pan to 365 degrees F. Add the fish three or four pieces at a time to the oil. Avoiding overcrowding will ensure that they will cook evenly. Fry until golden brown, flipping once. They should be moist inside and crispy on the outside when finished. Transfer to a paper towel lined tray to drain.

Hush Puppies

In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together until they are wet. Refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes. Check the consistency of batter. It should be quite stiff, not soupy. Add some additional flour if needed.

In a fryer or large frying pan, heat the oil to 365 degrees F. Using a small ice cream scoop (2’ diameter) or a spoon of similar size, measure a dollop of the batter and drop into the oil to test. Cook until golden brown, flipping the hush puppy once. Again, they should be golden brown on the outside and cooked on the inside. If they are too brown and not fully cooked the oil is too hot. If they are greasy, the oil is not hot enough. Once the temperature is correct, cook the rest of the “pups”. Again, frying them in small batches will keep the oil temperature more constant ensuring even cooking. Remove to a plate covered by paper toweling to drain.

Serve with a side of coleslaw and something cold to drink.

For the kids I would recommend a cool glass of lemonade.

On the wine front I w prefer a nice crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

What this really screams for though is beer. A nice chilled American wheat beer or a bright pilsner really compliment this recipe.

Get yourself some catfish and whip this one up for a Friday night fish fry.

Cheers!

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

53

Adventures On A Budget

Fishin’ The Green

The author with a nice brown taken just before our take-out at Little Hole.

By Mark Francis

T

here are many great trout rivers in the west, as those that seek for excitement and challenge already know very well. From big waters to tiny creeks, big rainbows and giant brown trout are lurking around just about every bend, just waiting to slurp in your fly.

If you have the resources to fish the best waters and pay for top guide services and all the other amenities, good for you. But, if you are like the rest of us and have to keep a little closer eye on our budget, there are other ways of experiencing many of the same waters at a more affordable rate.

Now when we talk about Blue Ribbon rivers in the west, many great destinations quickly come to mind. But, one of the most widely known waters lies below the Flaming Gorge Dam, just below the Wyoming/Utah border. Yes, I’m talking about the Green River.

About 150 miles east of Salt Lake City, Utah, on the eastern edge of the Uinta Mountain Range, lies the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, created in 1964. The 91-mile long lake encompasses over 350 miles of shoreline and was created from the waters of the Green River, which flows from Wyoming, to Utah and then to Colorado before joining up with the big waters of the Colorado River, just south of Moab, Utah.

54 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

The Green is one of the very best trout fisheries in the country, in fact in the world and draws thousands of fishermen from all walks of life to its waters every year in the spring, summer, fall and winter. Why? Because the fishing is that good, especially for the fly fisherman and if you are a seasoned fly fisherman, the lure of having the chance, basically year-round, of chasing rainbows and browns on dry flies, this is truly the place to be.

The main fishing waters of the Green are split into three sections: • The section from Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole is called the ‘A’ section.

• The section from Little Hole to Indian Crossing is called the ‘B’.

• The third section, from Indian Crossing to the Colorado/Utah border, is the ‘C’.

Each of these sections are different, with the A section a high gradient, traversing through rugged canyon walls, the B section more moderate and the C section even slower. Fish densities in the A section are estimated at somewhere around 16,000 fish per mile, with the B and C sections home to lower densities, but don’t let that fool you. There are still 5,000 to 8,000+ fish per mile here, along with these sections holding many of the larger fish as well.

The A section would be considered the most fished, since its access is by far the best. If fact, on many days you can find wade fishermen traversing its banks all the way from the dam to the ramps at Little Hole. And if the flows are such that you can

Accommodations are nice and located only a short drive from the boat launch. do some wade fishing, it is definitely worth the effort.

But, the best way to fish the Green River is by a drift boat. You will also see rafts and personal float tubes or pontoons floating it as well, but you had better have plenty of experience and good swimming skills if you are going to take it on by yourself!

Now during the peak season, from April 1st through October 15th, the rates for a

full day float for two fishermen or women is about $475. Accommodations are available, with great new cabins available through Trout Creek Flies/Green River Outfitters (www.troutcreekflies.com) as well as The Flaming Gorge Resort (www.flaminggorgeresort.com). Good dining options are also available, especially during the prime season.

Now, although I love to fish during the summer months as well, one of my favorite times to hit the Green is during the months of February and March. The temps can be, of course, a little cooler, but the fishing can be fantastic and you can also find some great discounts as well. This past March I was able to book a trip, which included a seven-hour float, with a one night stay with Trout Creek Flies for two people for $400.

Now, that is over a $200 savings from the peak season rate for the same package and the fishing was still superb!

Of course, every year is different and the flows in the river can definitely affect your fishing success. But, even with the high flows during the early part of 2017 from the exceptional water year in the area, we were able to catch good numbers of fish, with our top brown measuring in at over 22 inches. And, if we wouldn’t have been so distracted by all of the fish swimming under our drift boat as we made our way through the A section of the river throughout the day, we probably would have caught even more fish if we would have been watching our indicators instead!

Techniques vary with the time of your visit, but fish can be caught by throwing streamers, nymphing or on dry flies throughout the year. During the winter months, throwing big streamers towards the bank and then using quick, short stripping stokes of your fly line on the retrieve can be deadly. Make sure you take along a sink tip or full sink line for the best results with streamers. Five and six weight rods, with matching reels and floating lines are the norms for most on the river.

Well, there you have it. A trip to the Green River, fully guided for three days and three nights, with great accommodations and food for under $700 per person, plus travel expenses and tips – not bad for a trip to experience one of the most prolific trout fishing waters in the world. I can’t wait for my next trip to the Green and I hope to see you there too!

Our guide, Brandon, with a great rainbow on the upper ‘A’ section of the Green River.

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Family Time

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

By Boone Savoca

I remember when I was a kid of about 12, I would go fishing with my great granddad, who was 80.

Though he was getting on in years, he could still hike as steep a hill as I could, and cast a fly to a feeding fish with the eye of an eagle. His eyesight was not growing dim, and his hands were still deft enough to tie even the nymphs.

In that time, the Grand Mesa in Colorado had one main road, The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, with one or two side roads. Carson Lake, which sat at almost 10,000 feet elevation, was a lake teaming with wild brook trout. It was a good four mile hike from the main road, so grandad and I would drive up the road, which was then a gravel road, park, and hike in to the lake in an afternoon. Sometimes we would get there early enough to fish some at dusk, which is when we usually caught the largest fish.

Sitting around the campfire, listening to the coyotes howl, an occasional fish jump somewhere in the lake, and the crackle of the fire and grandad’s stories, are all sounds I wish to hear again. I am old now, and unfortunately, not as spry as grandad; but I can still drive to a lake and fish with a worm. I can’t see well enough to tie flies anymore.

But I want to tell you of a trip which I went on with grandad,

56 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

when it was June, and the mosquitoes were hatching in huge swarms at Carson Lake. Grandad came one afternoon and told me to grab my gear.

Grandad never did talk much while he drove, but the beautiful drive up to the top made up for that.

We parked and started the hike to the lake. I have been back only once since grandad died, and the road was paved then. The lake in the picture below is not Carson Lake.

As far as I know, there are no fish in this one. If there were, grandad would not have fished in it anyway.

He liked to get off the road, and be away with his family.

There were a few groves of trees along the way, but it was never solid forest. That day, we reached the lake at about six o’clock. The hike was over relatively flat ground, until we were about three quarters of the way there, then it plunged off down a gully, until the gully ended at beautiful Carson Lake, in the photo above. It was a beautiful lake, and the wind seemed to never touch it.

On the West end of the lake, Kannah Creek empties out, going downhill a lot of the way, but having many good pools and riffles.

We had never fished farther down the creek than half a mile, and have mainly caught brook trout. We did catch a few rainbows and browns, and grandad holds the record for the only cutthroat.

That evening, we fished the northern half of the lake, where the fish would only bite big streamers. We only kept a few fish, just enough to make supper with, but we caught close to 20 each. We had the tent set up and a fire going before dark, with fish roasting as we cleaned our rods.

Grandad told me always to take care of my equipment, and it would take care of me.

I always liked crawling into my sleeping bag, and going to sleep, listening to the coyotes howl. We got up at six and had some newly caught fish for breakfast.

That morning, he took me over to where the creek comes out of the lake, and fished there for most of the morning. I was having too much fun to see what he was doing. When

I turned, I saw him sitting on a rock watching me, and it looked like he was listening to something. I asked him what he was doing, and he said he was listening to nature.

I stopped and listened for a minute, and it was beautiful. The water running over stones, the wind in the trees, the chickadee calling its mate, and the beautiful scenery and the serenity of this high mountain lake was breathtaking.

We had both caught a few fish high stick nymphing, and only one was a brown trout, the rest were brook. I’m happy to say that I caught the brown. It was behind a rock, at the base of a little water fall.

Grandad had seen him, and told me to cast a midge nymph in front of the rock, and let it work around the edge.

I did, and as soon as the fly rounded the rock, there was a hard tug on my line, and when I yanked, a big brown trout leaped out of the water. It took me a minute to get him on land, and that fish ran up and down that pool a dozen times, leaping high out of the water flipping like a dolphin. When grandad finally grabbed him, he said we had probably spooked all the fish out of this pool. He measured the fish, and it was 15 inches long, the largest fish I had caught in that creek.

“What say we go to the south side of the lake and dry fly fish in the shade?” he asked me. Of course I would, so we crossed the creek and went to the south side. It was nearly noon, the sun beat down hot, and lazily dry fly fishing in the shade was lovely. Grandad seemed to know where all the fish would be, and I guess he would, after spending a lot of his life fishing. I think he liked to get away from town and go out into God’s beautiful outdoors. He always told me that God wouldn’t have put the wilderness here if he didn’t want us to be in it.

I look back on those trips now, and wish grandad was still here, and that we could go fish at Carson Lake once more. But I am also glad that I was able to do it with him. I learned at a young age, that family time was the most important, next to Godliness.

And I thank God that he gave me my grandad, and I pray that I have taught my kids to do as he did.

July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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58 July 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS