Sportsman's News September 2014 Digital Edition

SportsmansNews.com

September 2014

Volume 10 Issue 9

Dinosaurs of the Columbia River

By Collin Dalley

T

he Columbia River can offer one of the greatest thrills a fisherman will ever experience. Much of this massive river divides the state of Washington and Oregon and holds some of the largest fish in North America. Strangely enough, most outdoor enthusiasts have never taken full advantage of all the opportunities this gem of a river offers fisherman. The Columbia River has made a name for itself with its beautiful location and outstanding salmon fishing, with over one million silvers running up the Columbia annually; however, when it comes to the largest freshwater fish in North America, not many people truly understand the incredible experience that awaits.

We are talking about a fishing trip of a lifetime for White Sturgeon that can be easily accessed by car or plane with a major airport only minutes away in Portland, Oregon. The White Sturgeon is truly a prehistoric fish continued on page 6

The author displays his first Sturgeon of the day with Dan Ponciano Guide Service on the Columbia River.

TURNING CLOTHING INTO GEAR NEXT-TO -SKIN | INSULATION | OUTERWEAR | NECESSITIES | PACKS SITKAGEAR.COM | 877.SITKA.GR

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

Why Sitka Gear is the Best Gear Ever

By Michael Deming

I

n 2005, Sitka went from absolutely nothing to a major name amongst the hard core hunting world. Every outdoor magazine had a Sitka ad in it and the cover of many of the trophy hunting publications had pictures of guys with huge trophies, while dressed from head to toe with this Mothwing patterned camo called Sitka Gear.

So, who and what is this Sitka Gear?

Is it a pattern, clothing or some sort of cult? I had so many questions and so few answers.

Sportsman’s News Magazine was in its’ second full year of production at this time and I had a good amount of experience with some of the major camo companies at the time. My perception was that they were all big corporate conglomerates which had lots of people, but I felt like I was breaking down the Berlin wall trying to get information and products from them to test and write about. So, I figured that Sitka Gear would be a similar type of experience when I reached out to them to find out who they were.

My first interaction with this new company was unlike anything I had experienced in my short history in the outdoor industry. Not only did I get to speak to people, but I was given phone numbers to the top people in the company. They were the new kids

on the block with a very innovative product line, but they believed that their customer base could absolutely make their product better. This was a concept which would definitely work, but is not often seen in this industry.

By the time the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (S.H.O.T.) Show rolled around in 2006, I had spoken with Jonathan Hart (Sitka Gear Founder) over the phone so many times that we had become really good friends. So, it was a pleasure to meet with him and some of the other folks at the company face-to-face. I was starting to truly understand the vision that this team had put together for what was becoming the most dominant and best outdoor clothing company for the hard core hunter.

Mountaineering companies had been implementing hard core clothing and layering for years to endure the punishment climbers put on their gear as well as their bodies. The team at Sitka realized there was an untapped market of hunters and outdoorsmen who were willing to push the limits for that trophy of a lifetime too, but were doing so with substandard equipment.

If they could make products which would breathe better, wick moisture away from the sweaty skin, keep people warm and dry, they would be able to go further and hunt harder. This is exactly what Sitka Gear was developing during these early years. They

Jonathan Hart, Sitka Gear Founder.

were turning clothing into GEAR! Jonathan and I embarked on a black bear hunt in the great state of Alaska the following spring. During this seven day excursion, I not only got to know Jonathan even better, but I got to see some of the planning and concerns that go into developing a piece of gear for the following year or even possibly the year after. Jonathan Hart is a perfectionist and he doesn’t just put together a new product to have something new for the upcoming year. The new products have a specific purpose and if that purpose can’t be accomplished, the product won’t be released until it solves that specific defined problem.

During our bear hunt, we wore their newest gear and Jonathan was truly interested in the feedback of how it performed and if there was something that could be improved upon. He spent countless hours taking notes as well as photos of the product in use. His constant question was “how can we make it better”? By the time we had completed the week long bear hunt/ fishing trip, I had a good understanding of why Sitka had made its’ way to the top so quickly - They made themselves accessible to their biggest critics and acted on the complaints to make the product better.

As each and every year passed, Sitka refined to make their finished product even better. I would hit the field each year with these newer products and

observe the little changes that made a good piece even better. Sometimes, it is as simple as having a zipper go the opposite direction or making a chest pocket a little larger to accommodate your GPS or phone. Of course, the big changes in types of materials, coatings and breathability were huge. I’ve gotten to the point eight years later that I quit asking, “What else can they do to make this better”? I know that their team works tirelessly in the pursuit of perfection and they don’t feel like they will ever get there.

I’ve had the pleasure of hitting the field with a good majority the think tank of Sitka Gear over the past eight years. Each and every one of these gentlemen are hard-core outdoorsmen, who live and breathe our passion. They not only design the gear, they also use it to its’ fullest potential which is why they constantly strive to make it better.

A quick look at their Pro Staff or what they call ‘Athletes’ will tell you that Sitka is a different type of company. Unlike many companies who pay a celebrity with a following to say how great their gear is, Sitka searches out to the best in their field to deploy their high tech products. These are guys who spend countless days in the field who can not only tell them how their product performs, but are willing continued on page 22

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

WHAT'S INSIDE

2 The Best Gear Ever - Sitka 3 Words From The Publisher 5 Dick Stevens Jerky Blends 10 Platinum Approved Outfitters 14 Pro's Tip: Install A Scope 16 Choosing a Riflescope 24 Video Product Reviews 26 PacWest Outdoors: Soldotna 30 High Powered Binos 37 SKB iSeries Rifle Case Pick: St. Croix Rod & 38 Pro's Waterworks-Lamson Reel 40 Business Directory 42 Beretta A400 Extreme Vortex Crossfire II 44 Vortex Razor Red Dot Thinker: Why Do You 46 Fishful Fish Game Recipe: Wild Boar 48 Wild Meatloaf 50 No More Gut Piles

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Shane Adair Larry French Gary Lewis Chad LaChance

Words From The Publisher

By Michael Deming

O

ur main content and product testing time is in full swing right now and the office is somewhat of a ghost town. Thanks to our managing editor, Dan Kidder who keeps the wheels turning, we are all able to get out there and make sure we are a well-informed resource for our readers. During my many travels recently, I’ve had the pleasure of being in a good majority of the Sportsman’s Warehouse stores as well as numerous small sporting goods stores around the country. The one thing that I see with just about every location I visit is the lack of rimfire ammunition. This includes .22 long rifle, .22 magnum, .17 WSM and .17 HMR. I’ve also talked to a good majority of people who just can’t figure out what the problem is and if it

is ever going to get fixed.

I’ve talked with many of the manufactures about this problem and they are producing nearly all of these cartridges just as fast as they possibly can. A visit to your local Sportsman’s Warehouse, Walmart or any other store that stocks these little cartridges has the management telling you to be there on the day the truck comes in and stand in line. If you get there early enough and they have enough stock, you just might get divvied out enough for an afternoon of plinking. Unfortunately, a good number of the folks who would like to shoot these little cartridges are at work and unable to go and stand in line to purchase a few boxes.

I’ve have personally stood in line on several occasions and during this time, I’ve had the pleasure of talking to many of the other folks there as well. A good majority of the people are just trying to get a few rounds for the upcoming hunting season or to take their kids out to shoot the new rifle they are giving them for a birthday present. However, there is a small percentage of people that are in that line each and every week and who are simply hoarding ammunition. I talked to one person (won’t use the term gentleman because it doesn’t fit) who informed me that he had nearly a million rounds of .22 shells sitting at home, yet he was here in line loading up on more ammo.

Other folks are standing in line to purchase ammo and then

3

walking out the door and posting it on Gun Broker to make a few bucks.

As I said before, this type of person represents a very small percentage of the people out there looking to do this with ammo. However, that person is doing major damage to our heritage and our future of hunting and shooting. The days of getting a .22 rifle for Christmas or your birthday and having your granddad take you in for a brick of ammo to go and do some plinking with is over until these people quit hoarding ammunition. A good majority of the people don’t even know this problem exists until they are looking to get their kid some ammo.

Hopefully, .22 shells aren’t going to become currency, as seen on a few websites out there and if they do, I feel sorry for you having such a small caliber. There are guys out there proficient at nearly a mile with a high powered arsenal. Guess they will just gather up your .22 shells/currency when they are done with you from long range if it comes to that.

Sales of .22 rifles and pistols are dropping because of this shortage and what these people are doing is gradually reducing the number of children we are bringing into our sport. Considering that the opportunities to hunt have been gradually dwindling since I was a child, in a time when you used to be able to go beat on someone’s door and ask permission to hunt on their property. Now, most of those opportunities are leased up or people won’t take the risk of letting someone on their land in fear of being sued. Sure we can hunt on public land and many of us do. We can even be very successful at it, but our kids don’t have the patience with this digital world to stay out there when there is limited game.

So, losing our ability to take the kids out and shoot at will frustrates me beyond belief. I would ask those of you guilty of this act to please consider the youth as well as the future of our sport before you decide to go stand in line and purchase another box of ammo that you don’t really need.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

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

ADVERTISING Mike Deming National Advertising Manager 435-669-4624 mdeming@sportsmansnews.com

SENIOR EDITOR Kent Danjanovich 801-231-9838 kdanjanovich@sportsmansnews.com SALES ASSOCIATE Collin Dalley 435-862-7441 cdalley@sportsmansnews.com MANAGING EDITOR Dan Kidder 435-865-1680 dkidder@sportsmansnews.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Lisa Deming info@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 2014 © 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

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

5

Dick Stevens Jerky Mix

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

G

etting your jaw worn out by the average bag of jerky is one thing, but making an entire meal of nuts and berries mixed with tender select cuts of quality beef or turkey is another ball game all together.

Dick Stevens, based in Charlotte, NC, blends macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, cranberries, and blueberries with some of the most tender smoked jerky out there, to create an amazing outdoor snack that not only tastes good, but is healthy fuel for the active outdoor lifestyle.

Available in four different varieties, Dick Stevens Jerky Mix uses low sodium jerky to maximize protein intake without loading you up with sodium that will leave you as dehydrated as the jerky.

To really kick up the energy potential, Dick Stevens blends their jerky much like ancient peoples made pem-

mican, a blend of dried meat, fat, and berries, to provide sustainable energy without the crash that often accompanies outdoor energy products.

Unlike trail mix that features a lot of sugar and carbs, Dick Stevens Jerky Mix contains only 10 grams of carbohydrates with only 7 being from sugar, per serving. While low in sugar, it is high in protein, with each one-ounce serving containing 8 grams of protein.

In addition, each bag is gluten free.

Dick Stevens Original Jerky Blend contains either low sodium beef or turkey, depending upon which blend you get, raw almonds, macadamia nuts, cranberries, and blueberries. The Extreme Blend contains low sodium turkey or beef jerky, macadamia nuts, raw pecans, raw walnuts, cranberries, blueberries, sunflower seeds, and Goji berries.

As a portable energy snack that takes up minimal room, can withstand the heat, won’t crush in a pack and turn to crumbs, these blends are

the bomb. I will even admit to skipping a meal and substituting a bag of Extreme Mix when in the field or on a long drive.

I have to admit a particular fondness for the Beef Jerky Extreme Blend. I am an avid jerky m u n c h e r, b u t Dick Stevens has ruined me for regular old jerky. I want the delicious blend of berries, nuts, and meat that comes in each bag. If you think I am exaggerating, I dare you to try a bag and find out for yourself. I do warn you though; you may find a new ad-

diction. Pick up a bag at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse store and see if you can break the Dick Stevens Jerky Blend addiction.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

COLUMBIA RIVER

species are commonly found in large rivers, continued from cover estuaries and marine that has remained similar in its ap- environments. pearance for the past 200 million With many variety of years or more. These prehistoric fish sturgeon in the world, or as some refer to them, “The dino- it’s surprising how few saurs of the deep”, live their lives as people know about the hunters and scavengers. They pri- remarkable game fish marily spend their time feeding on found in the Columbia fish smaller than themselves, such River, the White Sturas shellfish, crayfish and various g e o n . T h e s e a re h a rd other aquatic invertebrates (clams, fighting, acrobatic fish amphipods and mussels). that love to leap in These living fossils are interesting the air and dive deep, fish with an extraordinarily long life. making the reel sing as The White Sturgeon is slow growing your line rips off with and can live 100 years or more. It a strong burst of speed. has been known to reach lengths up Wi t h a r m o r- l i k e s k i n to the 20ft mark, while topping the instead of scales, these scale around 1,800-pounds. They t o r p e d o s h a p e d f i s h Ashley Dalley showing the guys how it’s done with her incredible Dinosaur of the have also been known to travel great are extremely power- deep. distances, migrating to follow food f u l a n d w i l l p u t a n y ment of catch-and-release to light. ing under a canopy of tall jungle-like supplies from fresh to salt water and tackle to the test. back, adapting easily. These ancient W h i l e o n t h e C o l u m b i a R i v e r The hope was to encourage everyone trees revealed some great lookout o u t o f Va n c o u - to look into the affordable options points for breathtaking views of the ver, Washington, available with guides, such as Dan river below. Arriving at our destination, a light fog hazed the skyline I was able to learn Ponciano.

As good as eating sturgeon may and bright green moss covered the more about these quality game fish be, it’s important to take an interest trees revealing rocks along the banks through Dan Pon- in the conservation for the future that had us standing in awe at the ciano, who gave of the White Sturgeon. Catch and beauty. Suddenly I realized we had me the opportu- release is the only way to ensure that the marina to ourselves on this n i t y f o r a l i v e , this fishery will continue to thrive peaceful morning in Astoria.

The four of us made our way to hard fighting ex- for many generations to come. These perience. Dan is dinosaurs of the deep, offer fast ac- the dock where fellow guide, Raythe owner of Dan tion for everyone from first timers han Higgins had the fishing boat outfitted and waiting for us. As we Ponciano Guide to experienced anglers.

As we met in front of our hotel boarded the boat we discussed the Service and has a passion for stur- on the first day, Ashley, my wife unique tackle set up we would be geon. They are and I were greeted by our guides, using, along with the best way to set the fish he cut his Dan Ponciano and his son JD. Upon the hook on the giant fish we were teeth on when he arrival, Dan and JD profession- going after. Now setting the hook began fishing the ally introduced themselves and we was something I found very interestColumbia over 30 were off. Being excited would be ing. As they explained, “when you years ago. Since an understatement. Our short drive see or feel a hit, wait for the ‘tap-tapt h i s i s t h e f i r s t towards the town of Astoria, OR tap-bam!’ After you feel the ‘Bam!’ season that stur- provided some of the most beauti- it’s a hard pull, so quickly grip the geon fishing has ful scenery the Columbia River has rod and set the hook as hard as you can with everything you have.” gone completely to offer.

Dan & JD informed us that this Laughing out loud, I asked, “You to catch-and-release below the area has more to offer than just fish- want me to set the hook as hard as Bonneville Dam, ing. The long list of outdoor activi- I can? Well alright, bring it on!” As m o s t f i s h e r m e n ties available in this area, along with stories of past trips were told about are having trou- ease of access to Portland, make it trophy fish being caught by clients, ble accepting the the perfect getaway for the whole w e c o u l d n ’ t w a i t t o e x p e r i e n c e this first hand for ourselves. With new regulations. family to enjoy.

The drive to our location was an smooth water as far as the eye could We d e c i d e d t o head out and ex- experience in itself with greenery see, the sunlight settled on us as we p e r i e n c e t h e s e that one would only imagine in a set out for the day.

JD Ponciano holds up another great fish taken from The weather was perfect as we spectacular sport tropical paradise. As we made our the Columbia River. f i s h a n d h e l p way towards the Columbia River we continued on page 8 bring the excite- enjoyed the majestic scenery. Driv-

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

COLUMBIA RIVER continued from page 6

made our way out on the river to our first spot. Our guides got right to work setting up our rods, using sardines and shrimp as bait. Strategically wrapping them and yet making it seem so effortless, they ensured the baits would stay secured on the hook while casting. All set up, we cast our lines out and waited. With our rods securely placed in the rod holders, I thought to myself, “this could take a little while to catch our first fish” but to my surprise I didn’t take more than three steps before hearing everyone yell, “We’ve got a fish on!”

I made my way to the rod and carefully lifted it out of the holder. I felt exactly what our guides had said, tap-tap-tap-BAM! The rod practically ripped out of my hand and I set the hook as hard as I could! As I put everything into setting the hook, it was game on! Taking off like a jet, the line was ripping off the reel.

Instantly realizing I was in for an

exhilarating fight, positioning the bottom of the ro d n e a r m y hip for added leverage as I started working the fish in a routine of pulling up on the rod and re e l i n g i n a s I lowered the rod. Using medium tackle, I could feel every burst of speed from the b i g s t u rg e o n on my line.

After five minutes, the f i s h w a s n ’ t Dan Ponciano Guide Service getting the boat ready for a day of fishing on the scenic Columbia s h o w i n g a n y River. sign of letting up, as it continued ripping line for tarpon will tell you it’s excit- I watched my diminutive, but very off the reel with its acrobatic per- ing to see them jump and White strong spouse working the fish by formance. Anyone that has fished Sturgeon are every bit as acrobatic. pulling the rod tip up and reeling After fighting this monster for what up the slack as she lowered the rod seemed like 30 minutes, I found tip. Repeating this over and over she myself finally gaining line in my gained line, but the fish wasn’t ready quest to get this magnificent sport to give up. Its next jump had it flyfish to the boat. It was just under ing at least four feet out of the water! the 54-inch mark, allowing me to Ashley stayed with it and won the remove it from the water for a pic- battle, revealing another fish just ture to remember my first sturgeon under the 54-inch mark. forever. Make no mistake, these fish On this day, we landed over 40 fish are strong, and taking them out of by 2pm, with a few trophy sized fish the water for a picture does not af- that we, of course, immediately refect them. Soon we had my trophy leased. This trip really reinforced the swimming off in good health while fact of how important it is to have a still displaying incredible power. guide that knows the area and how The new regulations state that to fish it. We had other boats around anything over 54 inches to the fork of us that seemed to be catching no the tail needs to remain in the water more than one fish for every five we and be released. As you can imagine, caught, proving our point that there picking up a fish weighing over 100 are good guides and then there are plus pounds could be difficult and great guides. If you’re looking for an might increase the chance of injury action packed day, perfect for every for the fisherman too. The sheer type of fisherman or fisherwoman, power of these fish has proven it is make sure you get in touch with Dan best to keep them in the water for a Ponciano Guide Service. He is one of quick and easy release, ensuring any our newest Platinum Approved Outfish of breeding age is unharmed. fitters and he provides a premium Just as I let my fish go, Ashley set guide service. We had the trip of a the hook on another good sized fish. lifetime and can’t wait to do it again.

The fight was on again as the line Contact Dan Ponciano Guide Service ripped off the reel. Smiling from ear by phone: 360-573-7211 or by email at to ear, she was ready for battle! It dan@columbiariverfishing.com. You seemed with every five feet of line can also visit them online at www. gained, another 10 feet would rip columbiariverfishing.com. Don’t off the reel - but she stayed with it. wait—book your trip today!

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

How to Properly Install a Scope

By Shane Adair

O

ne of the most important pieces of a good shooting rifle setup is the selection of a good pair of bases and rings. This can be the make or break of your rifle. Don’t try to save $10 or $15 dollars by buying a lesser set of rings. First, make sure they are the type that have two screws on both sides of the top rings (quite often a screw head will snap at the machining point where the threads meet the head of the screw). Second, try to buy rings and bases with the least amount of moving parts as possible. The more screws and joints going in and out, the more chances you will have of failure at some point in time. Thirdly, buy the ones that have done the alignment for you. Trying to align your rings perfectly takes special tools to get it to that point.

There are many good options out there that won’t break the bank, but you will need to spend $55 to $75 to get a good quality ring and base combo.

When installing the bases to the top of the action you must always use a thread sealant. It only takes a little bit, but this will dampen the vibration between the action, base, and screws. I personally like the red gel Locktite. The liquid Always use a thread usually gets under sealant. This will dampen the base and creates the vibration between the a small thin layer action, base, and screws. of Locktite that the base is now rocking on. If you have ever pulled off bases with Locktite you have seen it. The gel stays where you need it to stay without running. You only need to put this on the bases, not the top rings.

Ok I can hear it now, what if you want to change bases later and can’t get the screws out. I have rarely had that happen, but here’s the trick if it does; put

Pro’s Tips your screwdriver or Allen wrench in the head of the screw and use a small plumbing torch to heat up the shaft of the tool. The heat will transfer down through the screw and soften the Locktite and the screw will come right out without hurting any bluing on the rifle. Believe me, it always works.

If possible, use a torque wrench to properly tighten the screws on the base and the ring tops.

This usually requires 25-30 inch pounds of torque.

Most people don’t have a torque wrench, but the good ring manufactures usually provide you with a tool inside the set of bases and rings to allow you to do the job. Another benefit of some thread lock is that it allows you to get proper torque, while also acting as a lube. Metal to metal never allows you to get proper torque.

On the upper ring screws I don’t use a thread lock.

Instead, I use an anti-seize which allows me to get proper torque and it also helps to keep them from getting rusted.

This also creates a barrier for vibration dampening during recoil of the rifle. The tension of the tightened rings will not let the screws back out or loosen up.

If possible, use a torque If you want to wrench to properly tighten take your ring the screws on the base and mounting one step the ring tops. further you can

buy a lapping kit. This is a straight bar that allows you to sand the rings from the inside out using a 220 grit paste. It trues them up so you get more grip on the scope. It’s fairly simple to do, but it’s a kit that will Make sure the scope is mounted cost you $75- level. There are several devices $ 1 0 0 . W h e n that are available and work well or if you trade to level the scope. out scopes, know that it will mar your scope tube a little bit where the rings are.

Finally, two more crucial steps before final ring torque is done. Make sure the scope is mounted level. There are several devices that are available and work well to level the scope. Remember, if you have cant in the scope, the further you shoot the more your bullet will drift in the direction of the tilt in the scope. And lastly, make sure your scope has the proper eye relief. You don’t want to have to stretch too far to see a full view in the scope. Conversely, you don’t want it so close to you that you bounce the scope off of your forehead. Most new scopes, medium price points and up, have some great eye relief and this is no longer much of an issue.

If this is more than you want to take on yourself, most gunsmiths will charge between $50 - $100 to do this for you. The nice thing then is you don’t have to worry about any fancy tools, gadgets and chemicals.

Once again, this process is equally as important as any other part of the rifle. So do it right the first time and then you can rest assured that you are ready for the sight-in process and accuracy in the form of knowing your scope will stay in place.

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September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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THE DEVIL MADE US DO IT. For 2014, Browning’s Hell’s Canyon clothing is designed to get you there and back, in even greater comfort and style. It is now tougher, better fitting, better looking and offers more styles than before so you can dial-in your clothing to match the hunting conditions. Head to your dealer now to see what makes Hell’s Canyon so hot.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

The Right Riflescope For You

By Larry French

C

hoosing the right riflescope is a task that has become increasingly difficult, thanks to technological advancements that sportsmen and -women could only have dreamed about a couple of decades ago. What makes our job as hunters easier makes our job as consumers tougher.

When shopping for a riflescope, the key components to consider are construction, mechanical reliability, optical quality, ability to reduce glare and manage light and overall suitability to your hunting application. An extensive warranty and a knowledgeable customer service team don’t hurt, either.

In 1947, Oregon-based Leupold & Stevens introduced the first oxygen-purged, nitrogen-filled riflescope. Back then, fogging was common whenever conditions changed, which meant that many scopes were very much “good weather only” instruments. By today’s standards, they never would have been considered dependable.

Leupold & Stevens’ pioneering concept of purging the oxygen from a scope, then filling it with inert, bone-dry nitrogen solved the fogging problem and soon became the process the optics industry relied on to provide environmental protection for riflescopes.

To d a y, v i r t u a l l y e v e r y s c o p e manufactured claims some degree of waterproof/fog-proof construction. Indeed, this feature is critical to a scope’s overall performance.

A b s o l u t e w a t e r p ro o f i n t e g r i t y, coupled with rugged construction is particularly important for hunters working in extreme conditions.

Rapid temperature changes, humidity fluctuations and variations in elevation — the hallmarks of hunting across the many regions of the United States, all put demands on the sealing system of any riflescope.

Look for terms like “waterproof”, “shockproof” and “fogproof” to describe scopes being sealed. Terms like “nitrogen filled” and “oxygen purged” are also key to help the consumer understand that a scope

has been proofed against the elements, rugged handling and heavy recoil.

After ruggedness and waterproofing, the most important thing to look for when choosing a riflescope is optical quality. This is critical, because we rely on scopes to deliver a crisp, clean sight picture for that brief instant when the projectile must be sent on its way.

Lens glass is the foundation of any optical system. The glass is c a re f u l l y c u t a n d m e t i c u l o u s l y polished to remove any scratches, blemishes or inclusions that could interfere with the clean passage of light through the lens.

After the glass is chosen and worked, special coatings (layers of metallic compounds applied in a vapor chamber) are applied to each lens to maximize light-transfer properties and maintain the highest level of optical resolution in all light conditions. What a hunter or shooter receives from this treatment is sharpness and brightness, even at times when conditions are far from the ideal. In the ideal optical system, contrast, color separation and clarity are optimized to the point that it is considerably easier to spot the difference between an antler tip and brown underbrush.

Lenses are only part of the optical equation. The enemy of good light management is glare and glare is difficult to overcome. Extensive internal blackening of components, including lens edges in some modern riflescopes, coupled with properly engineered grooves on the inside of the scope tube itself, cause light to be channeled properly through the scope. These features reduce the incidence of stray light bouncing around on its way to your eye, thus sharpening your sight picture.

Va r i a b l e - p o w e re d r i f l e s c o p e s also offer a light-management advantage over fixed-power scopes.

As you change magnification in a variable-powered scope, you also change the exit pupil. Exit pupil, defined as a measure of the amount of light passing through the scope to your eye, is derived by dividing

Leupold VX3L 10x56

the diameter of the objective lens by the magnification of the optical device. A young person’s (say under 40) human eye can dilate from about 7-mm in total darkness to 2-mm in bright sunlight. As we age, this range of dilation decreases as eye muscles become less flexible.

Ideally, the exit pupil of a riflescope should match or slightly exceed the dilation of the eye’s pupil, so the eye receives as much light as it can use for a given condition.

For example, if a hunter goes hunting with a 3.5-10 X 40-mm (remember, this is a 3.5-10 power scope with a 40-mm objective lens) scope early in the morning and needs a crisp, bright image right at shooting light, he can dial his scope down to 6X, to receive a 6.6-mm exit pupil (40-mm divided by 6X). Later in the day, when the sun is up and the area he is hunting is bright, he can turn his scope up to 10X and still receive a 4-mm exit pupil (40mm divided by 10X), which is ideal for bright conditions. As evening approaches, he can turn the scope back down to 8X or so to receive a 5-mm exit pupil (40-mm divided by 8X) and still have plenty of light to make a shot at the end of legal shooting hours. Larger exit pupils are best in low light when the eye is

dilated and smaller exit pupils are adequate in bright light when the eye is not dilated.

Obviously, exit pupil depends entirely on magnification and objective lens diameter. If magnification is increased, exit pupil will decrease, unless the objective lens diameter increases proportionally.

All things being equal, a 50-mm objective riflescope will deliver a larger exit pupil, and thus a brighter image, in poor light than a similar- powered scope with a smaller objective.

What does all of this mean to you, the consumer? In most cases, a scope that will deliver a 3.5- to 5-mm exit pupil at the magnification you are most comfortable with for hunting will be more than adequate. A hunter in pursuit of elk in the black timber, for example, would be better suited by a different riflescope then a hunter pursuing antelope on the high plains.

One tip for younger or beginning shooters is to set the magnification of variable scopes to the lowest power. This typically will allow a large field of view, longer eye relief (the distance behind the scope that you must place your eye to receive continued on page 18

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

CHOOSING A SCOPE continued from page 16

a full, unobstructed image), and a larger exit pupil — making the scope easier to use and the experience more enjoyable for the new shooter.

One other thing to remember is that contrary to common belief, a larger objective lens does not increase a riflescope’s field of view. It only increases the amount of light entering the scope. In the case of scopes using slightly less capable components, it also will increase the “sweet spot” at the optical center of the lens, making images appear sharper and crisper in the center of the field of view.

In other words, in some low light hunting applications, like predator hunting or deer hunting in dark woods in bad weather or at dawn and dusk, objective lenses over 40-mm can be beneficial. For most all –around hunting, however, 40mm objective lenses are more than adequate.

Leupold VX3 10x50 Field of view, magnification and eye relief are the three elements of the “optical triangle” that work together to give a hunter the sharp, full view he needs. Below are a couple of examples of how these elements interact.

Heavy timber or close-range s h o o t i n g d e m a n d s a l a rg e f i e l d of view, which depends on lower magnification. Conversely, higher magnification reduces field of view and eye relief. So, an elk or deer hunter who hunts woodlots or timber might prefer a 2-7 variable with the ability to set the magnification on 2X for close-range or quick shots

and increase the magnification to 7X if a 200-yard shot across a clearing presents itself.

A hunter pursuing mule deer or pronghorns may prefer a 4.5-14 variable, since he or she is less apt to take a close shot and more likely to have to take one of longer range, where higher magnification will help with the highly accurate shot placement necessary for a quick, clean kill.

Varmint hunting demands higher magnification, because shots often can be very long and targets usually are quite small. Here, 6-18, 4-24, 6.520 and even higher magnification

scopes reign supreme. Because most varmint rifles don’t recoil much, eye relief can be sacrificed in exchange for greater magnification. Eye relief of 3.5 inches or more is ideal for use on rifles that have much recoil — 4-inches is even better. This will deliver a full-sight picture and, at the same time, keep the ocular lens from hitting the shooter during recoil.

What are the choices out there?

Today, the most popular scopes sold to big-game hunters are still in the 2-12, 3-9 and 3.5-10 variable range.

The trend is toward more magnificontinued on page 20

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September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

CHOOSING A SCOPE continued from page 18

cation and many western hunters are opting for 3-18, 4-12, 4.5-14 and similar higher-powered, mid-range variables for their hunting. Shooters are taking longer shots and are getting better at making longer shots, due largely to advances in cartridges, bullets and ballistics.

This trend certainly will continue as hunters and shooters become more skilled and their firearms and ammunition become more capable.

What makes some scopes so much more expensive than others? What do all the price points mean?

Well, to put it simply, in optics, you get what you pay for. Expensive riflescopes deliver high-end performance. They transmit a lot of light in the critical hours of dusk and dawn, provide absolute waterproof integrity, are very recoil resistant and deliver a host of innovative features. Illuminated reticles, holdover reticles, side-focus parallax adjustments, absolutely reliable windage

Leupold VX6 12x42 and elevation adjustments, easy reticle focus, second-generation waterproofing, exotic construc tion materials and lens coatings, expansive magnification ranges in variables — all these features are found in higher-end optics. They make finding your game or target easier and ultimately make hitting your target easier, as well. Some examples of these high-end models are Leupold’s VX-6, VX-3 and VX-3L. That said, optical quality has advanced considerably in the last few years. Today’s $150, $200 or $300 riflescope is, in many instances, a

much better instrument than a scope that cost twice as much 30 years ago. For many hunters, plinksters, young shooters, rimfire enthusiasts and those just starting out in the shooting sports, these lower-cost scopes will do the job just fine. These scopes, typified by Leupold VX-1 and 2, provide workmanlike performance and features at a price that won’t break the bank. In many cases, they are stepping-stones to higherend products as novice shooters grow in the sport. Most will provide years of reliable service and will be quite effective for a wide range of shooting and hunting.

Today’s riflescope market is full of good choices. Optical products, in general and riflescopes, in particular, have improved dramatically over the last couple of generations. This all benefits hunters, no matter what game they pursue or where they pursue it. So, next time you are at your Sportsman’s Warehouse selecting a scope, carefully consider what you need it to do, what you are going to hunt and what you are willing to spend.

Based on those criteria, buy the best product you can afford, because in the end, you can’t hit what you can’t see.

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September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

SITKA GEAR

continued from page 2 to tell them how to make it better. These guys get it done in the field year in and year out and are truly professional athletes and deserve the name. They might not be a household name like some of the television celebrities, but they are the guys these celebrities count on most of the time to make them look good and get that all to famous kill shot.

As they refined the line for the western hunter, they also realized from their customer base that there was a need for the whitetail and tree stand hunter as well. These guys had unsolved needs as well and the biggest was staying warm while having little or no movement for multiple hours at a time. Being still and staying warm, yet still being able to draw a bow is one of the reason I don’t like sitting in a tree stand. Sitka attacked this problem for the whitetail hunter and solved it. They have since moved into the waterfowl market to meet the demanding needs of this sport as well. They continue to evolve each of these lines with the feedback

of the athletes to make it better. With this philosophy, the evolution of this company will continue.

I personally spend over 180 days a year in the field and many of these days are in some of the most extreme climates a person can imagine. These are places where a mistake can cost you your life.

Staying dry is essential to staying alive in many of these locations. This many times is not the place or time to be testing new gear from unproven companies. When my life depends on my gear, I trust my life to Sitka Gear each and every outing. There have been several new companies that have popped up over the past few years and we do get a chance to test most of the gear they produce, however, we always compare the specific product to one designed for the same climate as Sitka Gear. They are the absolute leader in the industry with a very proven history.

The line of Sitka products is a bit on the expensive side, but I can guarantee it is worth every penny, especially when your life depends on it. I’ve been on the back of a horse in the middle of a twenty mile ride with a person who

Kevin Sloan, President of Sitka Gear, and Mike Deming share the success of a dall sheep hunt in the Brooks Range of Alaska. told me that he would never pay that much for a set of rain gear. Well as you guessed it, a major downpour occurred.

His substandard gear was supposed to do just what my Sitka Gear could do, but for a fraction of the price. He was willing to pay double what I paid to swap me out before we got back to the cabin.

When your life depends on your gear, stick with the best - Sitka Gear.

The website they have developed will

allow you to input the type of hunting you do and the system builder will develop a full layering system with each and every article you need to make sure your trip is comfortable, warm and dry. Even though Sitka has grown to a much larger company than it was in the beginning, their team is still committed to the same outcome and they still listen to their customers, so if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for online, give them a call.

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

SITKAGEAR.COM | 877.SITKA.GR ADAM FOSS / SEACAT CREATIVE

TURNING CLOTHING INTO GEAR NEXT-TO-SKIN | INSULATION | OUTERWEAR | NECESSITIES | PACKS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

2014 New Video Product Reviews

Sitka ColdFront Jacket and Pants

S

itka Gear has become the industry brush provide added issues for tearing as leader in high performance outdoor well, so Sitka has utilized this new textile clothing and the new ColdFront to make for one of the most durable fabrics jacket and pants are a prime example on the market. of some hard core gear. Designed with The three-layer GORE-TEX makes for moose and brown bear hunters in mind, a 100 percent waterproof and windproof these guys spend some of the worst days shell that is still soft to the feel. The lofted Mother Nature can throw at you trying to micro grid fleece backing traps in body find trophies while still attempting to stay heat while the grid structure draws warm warm and dry. air into cooler areas within the jacket to The original ColdFront jacket and pants create a more consistent microclimate. were great and we have tested them for All zippers are welded and watertight. many years and in all sorts of The jacket comes with elevated conditions, but the newly rehand pockets which keep your designed offerings take things necessities clear of your pack’s to a new level. Newer fabrics hip belt and keep your hands have become available and warm, not wet, as water sheds the mountaineering commuoff your elbows rather than nity has embraced it to help rolling down the sleeve into reduce rips and tears from Scan this QR Code with your the pocket. the hard core granite. Hunt- smart phone to view the Low zippered hand pockets Sportsman's News YouTube ers deal with this same sort Channel. Video Available and a chest pocket cache adof problem, while alders and after September 6th. ditional necessities and keep

them dry. Rubberized cuffs and an extended, reinforced tail seal out water and wind. And when the action heats up, the four-paneled hood can be stowed in a zippered collar pocket to cut down on noise, to keep your ears keen.

The articulated patterning of the ColdFront pant offers comfort and freedom of movement. The streamlined design incorporates five strategically located pockets with welded, watertight zippers to keep your gear organized and dry. Full-length side zips make for easy on and off as conditions change. A low-profile integrated belt, high back and suspenders keep the piece in place to seal out cold moisture in any position.

Both pieces are designed

to be a major part of your Sitka layering system which means they are a bit oversized allowing for those other layers. So, whether you are a moose or brown bear hunter or just one of those guys who will endure whatever it takes for to get that trophy, the new ColdFront jacket and pants are the ideal late season extreme setup.

Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Rifle Scope/BDC Bonus Days

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he new PROSTAFF 5 in 3.5-14x40 Nikon developed the BDC reticle for features the lines mid-level mag- its’ rifle scopes in 2008 and it has connification and several technology tinually grown in popularity due to its’ upgrades that will satisfy even the most price as well as functionality. For those demanding hunters. It is equipped with of you that aren’t familiar with this reticle, a bright new optical system, illuminated it allows hunters to hold “dead-on” reticle, remarkable hand-turn reticle ad- at ranges exceeding those previously justments with Spring-Loaded Zero-Re- thought possible. This can be done with set turrets and a convenient quick-focus pinpoint accuracy. The BDC’s unique seeeyepiece with a 4x zoom ratio, making through ballistic circles offer an incredible adjustments while in a shooting position advantage for long range shooting—yet a breeze. The PROSTAFF 5 3.5-14x40 allows for a normal sight picture for outfitted with the BDC reticle is an ideal shorter-range shots where the crosshair fit for a variety of hunting situations and itself is the aiming point. The BDC reticle can be used with Nikon Spot is available on almost every On Ballistic Match Technolscope in Nikon’s line. When ogy to take the guesswork you combined this reticle out of compensating for bullet with their SPOT-ON technoldrop. With enough power ogy available on the Nikon for the longest-range shots website, you have a deadly and a wide field of view to combination. This software keep you on target even when Scan this QR Code with your allows you to plug in your shooting through thick brush smart phone to view the load and ballistic data as well News YouTube and timber, this is one scope Sportsman's atmospheric conditions which Channel. Video Available you can truly count on in after September 13th. will provide you with the any situation. In addition all exact yardages for each circle PROSTAFF 5 riflescopes are built with within the BDC reticle. So, if long range fully multicoated optics for maximum shooting is your passion, but you don’t light transmission, even in extreme low want to break the bank when buying a light environments. scope, the Nikon PROSTAFF 5 with BDC

reticle is the way to go. Make sure you put in your range time and validate your data out to your desired effective range.

From September 10th through November 16th, Nikon will be running their “BDC Bonus Days” promotion which is the perfect time to top your hunting rifle

with a great new Nikon scope with a BDC reticle. The reduction in minimum advertised price will save you up to $100 depending on the model you choose at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse store or by visiting them online at www.sportsmanswarehouse.com.

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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2014 New Video Product Reviews

Zeiss Terra 3X 50MM Riflescope

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erman engineering at an affordPrecision crafted turrets give you ¼ able price makes the Terra 3X MOA adjustments for accuracy and reriflescope from Zeiss an ideal peatability with 42-inches of adjustment scope for those looking to maximize per- at 100 yards. formance without breaking the bank.

Our test model is a 4-12x50 and weighs New for 2014 is the Terra 3X in 50MM in at only 17.5 ounces. This makes it one objective lens in 3-9X5- and 4-12X50. of the lightest premium optics on the Providing all of the features Zeiss market. has come to be known for, the Terra 3X The scopes are waterproof to 13 feet, Riflescope uses MC coated glass with so don’t worry about a sudden downGerman optical design for pour. The MC coating on the crisp imaging in any kind of lenses will repel water and weather, as well as excellent fog as well, ensuring that you light gathering capability at make that once-in-a-lifetime dawn and dusk or on overshot no matter the weather cast days. With high twilight conditions. factors, 14.1 at 4 power and All of this is available in a an amazing 24.5 at 12 power, slim 1-inch diameter package.

Scan this QR Code with your these scopes from Zeiss grab smart phone to view the The Terra 3X is available in light like nothing else in this Sportsman's News YouTube 5 configurations. In addition Channel. Video Available price point, making images after September 20th. to the 50MM objective lens the crystal clear.

Terra 3X is available in 2-7x32,

3-9x42, and 4-12x42. They are also available in three reticle configurations. The standard Reticle Z-Plex offers standard crosshairs. The Terra RZ 6 and Terra RZ 8 offer ballistic reticles that provide aiming marks out 600 or 800 yards.

All Terra 3X scopes are designed, engineered and quality assured by Zeiss as well as backed by the Zeiss U.S. Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty. This warranty follows the product for the life of the product regardless of who owns the unit. The quality of this product com-

bined with the price makes a Zeiss Terra 3X scope within reach and a good choice for every shooter who wants a great optic.

Optics of this quality and performance usually sell for thousands of dollars, but the Terra 3X is available at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse for far less. Make sure you check them out before your next hunting trip. Trust that once-in-a-lifetime shot to a company known for precision and quality German engineering. Trust Carl Zeiss and the Terra 3X riflescope for your next trophy.

Alps Commander Frame and Backpack

T

he early years of backpacking that is completely adjustable. were all about the external It can fit a torso from 17” up frame pack. You needed the to 23”. The freighter shelf is rigid support of an external frame to ideal for hauling out those big allow you to carry heavy loads. In elk racks, and distributing the the days prior to titanium and carbon heavy load of a moose quarter. fiber, most of the camping gear was The cinch straps will keep the extremely heavy and the frame pack load tight against the frame made it possible to carry everything and eliminate unwanted moveincluding the kitchen sink if you so ment. It includes a couple desired. As the sport evolved the of pockets, which are a great pounds fell off and the invention of place to store knives, rope, saw, the internal frame pack has almost or anything else you might become the demise of these external need to recover your trophy. frame packs.

Couple the Commander The external frame pack should still frame with the Commandhave a place in your heart and on your er Pack Bag and you have back if you are a true trophy hunter. enough room for your gear for Getting into the backcouna lengthy back country and away from your try stay. The Comcompetition puts you at mander Pack Bag an advantage for harvesthas an enormous ing the next trophy of a 5,250 cubic inches of lifetime. Alps Outdoorz storage. A hydration has redesigned its’ Compocket allows easy mander Freighter Frame access to your water Scan this QR Code with your and Backpack for just this smart phone to view the bladder. It includes Sportsman's News YouTube a rifle holder to keep type of person.

Channel. Video Available T h e C o m m a n d e r i s a after September 27th. your favorite bang backpacking frame system stick secure while

you hike in and out.

The hold open frame makes finding the gear you need easy. Ample padding on the waist band and shoulder pads keeps you comfortable and adjustment straps help balance even the heaviest loads so you don’t wear out trying to haul all of your gear. A special pocket holds your favorite spotting scope and protects it from being dropped, banged around, or scratched.

The entire rig weighs in at around 7 and half pounds, leaving it plenty light to allow you to fill up on gear and food and haul plenty of game out. I like this system for the extreme backcountry hunts where you haul your entire camp in on your back and once there, pull a few clevis pins, and you can leave the Commander Pack Bag behind and just take the frame. This allows me to transport an entire boned out deer to my backcountry camp in one trip.

This is also a great setup for places like Alaska where the wind never stops. I take the pack and frame everywhere and if I want to sit down on the turdra to spot, I always have a windbreak with me at all times.

26

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

It’s September. It’s Soldotna

house and a Fred Meyer because the population here could easily top 50,000 in June, July and August. At any restaurant, any coffee house, the customer in front of you might be trying to communicate with the cashier in Russian, German or Japanese. The longest wait might be at the license counter. But then again, most license agents have sold so many licenses and tags, they know what the fisherman knows before he or she does.

Some of those fishermen are headed to the Kenai. Some will go to the Kasilof. Others to the Russian River. Some will find their way south to Clam Gulch or Ninilchik. They will fish on their own for sockeyes from walkways built We wait all year for this. The to protect the stream banks; they might craziness of summer is past book a trip with a guide for kings on the big river. Summer, when the sun and yet fall brings its own barely sets, is madness in Soldotna. frenzy. There is no better time By the time the kids go back to school, to stalk the banks of the Kenai most of the tourists have gone home, Peninsula’s intimate creeks for and a big part of the populace is ready trout or steelhead, no better time for fall. In September, camouflage is as fashionable as chest waders. Anglers to catch a boatload of bright and hunters track muddy bootprints silvers. Fish on your own or into The Moose is Loose bakery for a go with a guide (if he’s not out doughnut. hunting), hike in and watch the We saw moose, the smart ones, in brown bears fill up on salmon. the city limits, and brown bear tracks along the creek. Ptarmigan, the pretty If you can’t catch a fish, pick berries, but watch your back trail. waitress at Froso’s said, were predictable at the end of the pavement. If we had brought ours shotguns…

By Gary Lewis We had not, instead we brought Hevi-Beads, spey rods, spinning setups t’s like no other time and place. It’s and bear spray.

September, it’s Soldotna.

Fueled up on our morning coffee, we This is a city home to 4,100 yearstepped aboard two boats, shook hands round residents with a Walmart (in with our guides - Cory Toombs from nearby Kenai), a Sportsman’s WareChet’s Guide Service and Taylor Thorp from Kenai River Charters - and pushed out into the milky current and the rain that blew in off the ocean.

It began to rain and soon we were soaked through to the skin.

Summer had come to a screeching halt, in September in Soldotna.

We didn’t come all this way to not fish.

Photo by Gary Lewis Rain pounded down, the wind blew the boat Don’t drop the bait.

I

upstream and back and forth on anchor.

Behind us, we pulled Kwikfish, wrapped with sardine fillets.

Time seemed to stand still as the rhythm of the waves pounded the bow and water found its way inside our sleeves and soaked through to our socks. And unseen, the salmon blasted up along the bank. The first one was a small silver, small by Kenai Photo by Gary Lewis standards anyway, six pounds. It threw the A Kwikfish and sardine wrap proved the undoing of hook before we could this Kenai silver. get the net under it.

Jennifer’s rod was hot and when the Jennifer’s next fish battled above the next salmon tried to crush the Kwik- surface as much as it did below and at fish, it bent to the water. We cast off the one point, airborne, slammed into the anchor line and drifted back as Jennifer side of our boat. When we weighed it tried to gain line. It wasn’t easy. six hours later, it was a touch over 13 Soaked, so cold our teeth chat- pounds, one of several ‘teeners out of tered. Sam Pyke looked at me and we 17 we landed between our two boats. laughed. We have filmed these fights Half were filleted before we could with fish in some of the world’s great get them to a scale, but the biggest in waters, but this might have been his our boat pushed the needle to 14-1/2 biggest challenge keeping water out pounds. of the camera. His fingers were so cold To some of us, the Kenai yielded that he could hardly focus the lens. My three-fish coho gift, that emergency thoughts were so cold, they froze like limit, but she pushed all of us to our ice cubes on my lips. limits.

This, I think is what is so great about The Kenai is capable of growing the September on the Kenai in Soldotna. biggest king salmon on earth. Numbers Here we were on one of the world’s 1 and 2 are on display at the Visitors famous rivers and, although it felt Center in Soldotna. Across the street, at like wilderness, although there were Ken’s Tackle, there is more taxidermy moose on the banks and bears in the on display, outsized fish and the gear it timber, we were only a few minutes takes to catch them. The kings are gone from civilization.

by September, but the Kenai coho are I voiced what had been on everyone’s every bit as worthy. Catch a 20-pound mind. We were ten minutes away from coho and that fish is as impressive as a change of clothes, from a hardware a 50-pound king. Or fish for rainbows store that sold rain pants, from a hot gorged on salmon spawn - big trout cup of coffee. that can hit 20 pounds.

We stopped in at Trustworthy HardAt a loss about where to fish? Here, ware and got new rain pants. Back at the town buzzes with the latest bite, the house, we brewed up a fresh pot whether it is on the Russian, way up of Sisters coffee. It was raining so hard the Kenai or down the peninsula.

Fred Meyer had water on sale.

Locals might not mention their own An hour later, we were back and favorite spots, but they will give up the fish, fresh from the salt, with sea their buddy’s. lice clinging to their tails, smashed The next day, 12 of us fished the Kasiour baits while the rain and wind beat continued on page 28 down.

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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27

28

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

SOLDOTNA

continued from page 26 lof, a 15-minute drive from Soldotna.

In the dark, we piled into three drift boats and pointed the bows downstream. In our boat we had Winfield Durham, Sam Pyke and Nate Hunemiller, owner of Nate’s Baits with guide Dave Wilson at the oars.

It was not even daylight yet, when Wilson whispered, “Hey, uh, I have a bear tag and there’s been a bear coming out on this point all summer, would you guys mind if I, uh…”

Yes, he had a rifle and, it turned out, he had a moose tag too. It was possible our fishing trip would turn into a meat packing trip. I was okay with trading some salmon filets for moose steaks.

After Winfield had landed a steelhead and a coho, I spotted a bull moose in a bog and we slipped in for a look. Wilson beached the boat and soon, we had closed the gap to about 80 yards. The bull was neither big enough nor small enough to be legal, so we backed out and left him to his breakfast.

Coho Salmon Coho begin to show up in Kenai Peninsula streams in mid- to late August.

By the first week of September, silvers are spread throughout many creek and river systems. Silvers continue to filter in on every tide and the rivers will get a second big push of fish somewhere between the second and the third week of the month.

The Kenai and the Russian River produce the most fish, but there are good numbers in the Anchor River, in Deep Creek, in the Ninilchik and the Kasilof.

Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden and Steelhead If you want big rainbow trout, fish where the salmon are spawning. The Kenai system and the rivers of the Peninsula are home to all five species of Pacific salmon. When the sockeye began to stage on the gravel beds, rainbows lift their collective eyebrows and step up to the buffet table.

The richness of this watershed contributes to the health of the rainbow trout population. The Kenai is divided into two parts by Skilak Lake: the upper and lower. Both sections of river contain large rainbows and Dolly Vardens to 15

V2

V2

pounds. A drift boat is the best way to access the upper river. No motors are allowed on this stretch.

Good fishing for rainbows can be found in the lower river, in the first few miles below the outlet of Skilak Lake.

Photo by Gary Lewis Other good bets in the area A brown bear and her cub fish for salmon on a small are Moose Riv- stream on the Kenai Peninsula. er, Killey River, For the fisherman who has learned Beaver Creek and Funny River. For stillwater trout, try Kelly, Peterson, Watson synchronized sockeye casting in June or has jostled in jet boats in July, September or one of several other lakes in the area.

Because of the water conditions and is sanity. the timing of the runs, September probGary’s latest book, A Bear Hunter’s Guide ably offers a better variety than any other time of the year. Besides salmon, trout to the Universe, is available as an e-book and char, other options include deep sea on Kindle and Nook or in print at www.

GaryLewisOutdoors.com. fishing and razor clamming.

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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30

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

High Powered Binoculars For The Trophy Hunter

By Mike Deming

A “

re you seeing anything”, was the question coming from the gentleman walking up to my truck. Before I could even answer, he informed me that he had glassed up the entire area all morning and had only seen a few small bucks that weren’t worth going after.

I had been sitting on this lookout point for the past two hours and had my Vortex Kaibab 20X56 binoculars perched atop my tripod. I was searching for one specific buck we called the “Trashman” and hadn’t found him yet, but had turned up numerous other quality bucks and a solid 180” class buck that was bedded at about the one mile mark. He was highly visible with my long range binoculars and I could even see him with the naked eye since I knew where he was at.

I leaned back from my perch to converse with this fellow hunter. He was a little long in the tooth, but very fit looking. He told me he was out from Virginia and just loved hunting mule deer, but these earlier season hunts were just so hard to find a really big buck. He was carrying an 8-power set of binoculars around his neck which are probably excellent in the hard woods where he spends most of his season looking for deer inside 100 yards. However, the wide open spaces we had chosen to hunt render these low powered binoculars nearly useless.

The 180” class buck that was nearly a mile away was well within the caliber

of buck he was looking for, but he just didn’t have the optics with him to find this buck. This scenario plays out in the west each and every year.

If you want to put yourself in a position to harvest bigger bucks or bulls, you first have to be able to find them.

Finding them has everything to do with the optics you use. Just about everyone leaves the trailhead with a pair of binoculars, although I have seen people out there with nothing more than their rifle scope. If you are that guy, please don’t use it to look at other hunters.

This can be very dangerous. Please go and buy a set of binoculars as there are different price ranges to fit everyone’s budget and Sportsman’s Warehouse has them all.

The folks who already have a set of binoculars usually invest in a spotting scope as their next major purchase.

Utilize the binoculars to find the critters

Left to Right: Nikon Monarch 5, Votrex Kaibab HD, Carl Zeiss Conquest, and Swarovski SLC.

and then pull out your spotter to verify the quality of animal. A good number of people will use the spotting scope to search at extremely long distances as well, but I will tell you from years of experience that this will begin to fatigue your ‘one’ eye pretty heavily if you live behind the spotting scope as I do every fall.

High powered, long range binoculars are the next phase of your optics purchase cycle. These binoculars allow you to search at very long ranges, using both eyes and keeps your eye fatigue to a minimal.

Being able to find big animals is all about being patient and using your optics instead of your legs. Big bucks and bulls get big because they don’t tolerate pressure. Once you get into their living quarters and they find out you are there, they will usually leave. This is why we like to observe them from a distance, pattern them and then go in for the harvest.

Sometimes it works and sometime we have to find another candidate.

Finding them is the biggest problem each and every year.

High powered binoculars come in many different models as well as price ranges to suit nearly every budget.

Some of the better optics companies that we have good experience with are Nikon, Vortex, Zeiss and Swarovski which range from the $800 range all the way up to $2800 plus. You must determine what you can afford, but you won’t be disappointed with your upgrade to high powered binoculars.

The price differences in binoculars is based on the quality of the glass and the various different coating processes they

utilize. These various things provide for more light transmission as well as color clarity and your sharpness of focus out on the edges. The better the light transmission, the closer to dark you will be able to spot your prey. Color clarity is very important because it lets you see a bucks’ dark body while lying in the shadows. The edge to edge clarity gives you the ability to see a full field of view without adjusting the focus when you are looking out on the edges. So, the better quality of each of these things, the more you are going to have to pay for the finished product. The better quality of these things, the more comfortable you are going to be which equates to more time behind the glass. More time behind the glass usually equates to more trophies.

Each and every year, we harvest our fair share of trophies. We hear from a lot of people that we are lucky, but I will assure you that we do a lot of work to make our luck and spend a lot of time behind the glass. We have personally tested out the following four different binoculars in real field situations and here is what we think about each one.

Nikon Monarch 5 These binoculars come in two different high powered options, 16X56 and the 20X56 and we have had the 20 powers in our hand since the early spring of this year. All of the Monarch 5 binoculars are built with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lenses which correct chromatic aberration. For those of you not familiar with this term, it means the ability to separate colored fringes. This is very common when looking at something black with a white background. continued on page 32

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

HIGH POWER BINOS continued from page 30

The fringe colors is very hard to see where one ends and the other starts without corrected lenses. This blurring makes it difficult to determine what is lying in the shadows, but the ED glass solves this problem.

This glass combined with the dielectric high-reflective prism coatings, provides for a very clear and bright image.

The 56mm objective lens allows for very good light gathering ability as well. They have a large focus ring which is very low gear driven making it very easy to focus on these longer range targets. The diopter adjustment is on the right barrel of the optic which allows you to focus each eye independently while gaining a crisp clear focus. The roll up eyecups have specific stops, allowing all users to get the appropriate eye relief whether you wear eyeglasses or not. The entire body of these binoculars are rubber armor coated which has proven to be extremely durable. They are fully fogproof and waterproof.

Since these binoculars are such high power, it is recommended that they be used with a tripod. The tripod adapter is sold separately, but mounts onto the front of the binocular and can be left on while in the case. Tech specs for this unit weigh in at 43.6 ounces and they are 7.8” high and 5.7” wide. They have a field of view at 1000 yards of 173 feet.

- $149.00 MSRP - 3 lbs. 8 oz.

- 400 cubic inches

During our testing of these binoculars, they performed extremely well and are what we consider a great priced binocular for your entry into the high powered binoculars market. At extremely low light, they weren’t bright enough, but this was at the end of legal shooting light. This isn’t much of a factor since the majority of the time when you are using high powered binoculars, it is later in the day when often searching for a bedded buck or bull. The price on the Nikon Monarch 5 is pretty tough to beat and the best price of our group of binos tested.

Vortex Kaibab HD The Kaibab’s come in both a 15X56 as well as this year’s newest edition, 20X56. I’ve carried the 15’s since they came out several years ago. The additional 5-power makes a huge difference when you are looking at really long distances, which is very common for the trophy hunters.

These binoculars have been built on the same frame as the 15X binoculars which have already proven themselves time and time again. We got our first look at a prototype while hunting Aoudad in West Texas in 2013, where they were being field tested. The difference between the 15’s and the 20’s during our morning glassing sessions was the difference of determining if the sheep were rams or ewes even without the use of a spotting scope.

This room prism binocular is a relatively compact

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binocular considering they are such high power. They are equipped with premium HD (High Density) extralow dispersion glass which provides extremely good resolution and color fidelity even in low light. The Dielectric Prism Coating is a multi-layer prism coating which makes for bright, clear and color-accurate images. The XRPlus multi-coating provides a high level of light transmission. The ArmorTek coating on the exterior lenses make for an ultra-hard, scratchresistant coating which protects extremely well against scratches.

They come with a center focus adjustment knob continued on page 34

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September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Your truck can only take you so far. It’s up to your optics to do the rest.

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33

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

HIGH POWER BINOS continued from page 32

which is very large and very easy to adjust even with gloves on. The locking diopter is on the right barrel and once adjusted, locks into place to assure a quality focus each and every time. The roll up eye-cups have several set stops, making it very simple to get both eyes set with the appropriate eye relief even with little or no light to work with. These binoculars weigh in at 43.5 ounces and are 7.7” high and 5.7” wide. They have a field of view of 168 feet at 1000 yards.

Because these binoculars are such high power, it is highly recommended that they be used with a tripod. Vortex includes the tripod adapter with each binocular, so this isn’t an additional charge. The quick release setup on this tripod adapter is probably one of the most convenient I’ve ever worked with. You can mount the base plate for your tripod onto your quick release and attach the mounting bracket to the binos.

This allows you to leave the quick release attached to your tripod and your glasses around your neck or in you pack. You can then set up your tripod and just place the binos onto the tripod because of the design of the quick release.

During all of our testing, these binoculars have performed extremely well and are the perfect combination of good price and high quality. Manufacture suggested retail price on these are $1,699, but you will

find them for a much better price at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse. As with all Vortex Optics, they are covered by their VIP unconditional lifetime warranty, which we feel is the best in the business.

Carl Zeiss Conquest These new binoculars are designed, engineer and assembled in Germany with an HD lens system containing enhanced Zeiss T* multi-coating. This combined with the Abbe-Koenig prism system allow these binoculars to achieve a 93% light transmission, which is unheard of at with this price range of binocular.

The leading products of competitors generally deliver somewhere around a 90% transmission and are thus noticeably inferior to the Conquest HD 56, even in full

daylight hours, which is what everyone observed during our testing. This combination provides an extremely high image quality and color fidelity. The 56mm objective lens provides for a great field of view showing the user a whopping 240 feet of area at 1000 yards. The LotuTec protective coating guarantees clear visibility at any weather condition and a more durable lens surface that resists scratching in harsh conditions. The Perfectly balanced ergonomics give the user enhanced comfort while viewing distant targets. If you are going to pick apart a hillside several miles away, hand-holding isn’t an option for these high powered binoculars and will require the use of a tripod. You will be happy to know that a 1/4 tripod adapter is included in the box. The three step roll-up eyecups will provide a comfortable eye relief for any user. The diopter adjustment is on the right barrel of the optics and although it isn’t a locking type, it has sufficient resistance to make sure it stays in place once set. Each unit is nitrogen filled and waterproof. They tip the scale at 45.6 ounces which is a bit on the heavy side, but the high quality glass is worth every ounce when you are spending hours looking for that trophy sheep. They are 8.3 inches tall and 5.7” wide. The craftsmanship and quality is exactly what you would expect from a high-end German optics company. They are covered by Carl Zeiss’s 5-Year No-Fault Policy and Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty. continued on page 36

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September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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35

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

HIGH POWER BINOS continued from page 34

Swarovski SLC The SLC’s were redesigned and released in 2014. The new ergonomic design of these binoculars makes them very comfortable in your hand.

This is due to the impressions on the sides of the binocular which is new for the SLC’s, but the reliable thumb impressions are still there from the original models making these one of the most comfortable binoculars to hold. The new rubber armoring is extremely durable and provides a professional finish on the binoculars that will last.

The glass is what truly draws the customer to Swarovski. This roof prism binocular has been optimized with P coating. The three part objective lens system is fully multicoated with SWAROBRIGHT, SWARODUR AND SWAROTOP coatings which are all proprietary to the Swarovski brand.

These high quality coatings allow the light to reflect at an extremely high level without distorting the colors as it bounces through the prisms.

The end result is great color fidelity and edge to edge clarity, which is extremely important when you are trying to identify a trophy of a lifetime at over a mile away.

The 56mm objective allow you to grab as much light as possible during those fading minutes

of the day. The center focus knob is extremely large with a very smooth operating mechanism. This knob also seconds as the diopter adjustment knob. By pulling the knob out, you can focus each eye independently to get an extremely crisp image. The roll-up eye cups have very specific stops, allowing every user to get the most out of their SLCs. They are nitrogen filled and waterproof in up to 13 feet of water. They provide a field of view of 234’ at 1000 yards.

The quality of the glass makes these binoculars very comfortable to spend numerous hours a day behind, looking for “Mr. Big” and they did have the clearest and brightest glass when nearly all the light was gone during our testing. These binoculars weigh in at 42.3 ounces and are 7.5” tall and 5.5 inches wide, making them medium to large in size, but you won’t ever regret having them when you are looking for that trophy of a lifetime.

Regardless of your price range, you can find a good set of high powered optics for your particular needs. I promise, you will definitely be a better hunter with any of these in your arsenal.

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September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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stablished in 1977 by company founders Dave Sanderson and Steve Kottman, SKB Corporation manufactured its first guitar case in a small Anaheim, California garage.

Today, SKB is recognized globally as an industry leader in the design and manufacture of molded polymer transport cases.

Vacuum, rotational or injection molded, these cases are engineered to provide protection for equipment utilized by hundreds of companies involved in diverse industries from music and proaudio products to military, industrial and medical applications.

SKB even supplies maximum travel protection for consumer sports and electronics equipment. The familiar SKB logo has symbolized uncompromising quality and unsurpassed durability for over three decades.

SKB iSeries Injection Molded MilStandard Waterproof Cases are molded of ultra-high strength polypropylene copolymer resin, featuring a gasketed, water and dust tight, submersible design that is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. Features a molded-in hinge, patented “trigger release” latch system, comfortable, snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip handle, automatic ambient pressure equalization valve resistance to UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus and impact damage.

The 3i-4909-SR Single Rifle case holds scoped rifles up to 49” long and is part of the iSeries waterproof case line. The interior is made of high quality EPS and ELE convolute foam to ensure a proper compression and protection for your firearm. It measures (interior) 49” x 9” x 5” deep and is covered by SKB’s Unconditional Lifetime Warranty and $1500 Content Coverage if your gear is damaged by an airline.

The 4909-SR Injection Molded Watertight Single Rifle Case has four (4) SKB patented trigger latches, four reinforced padlock locations that will accommodate a customer supplied lock, the perfect solution for protecting and transporting your rifle. This new Single Rifle Case is also available in 3i-4909-SRT Tan or 3i-4909-SR-M Military Green and is made in the USA. Features • Stainless steel locking loops for a customer supplied lock

• Waterproof and dust tight design (MIL-C-4150J) • Molded-in hinge for added protection • Trigger release latch system • Snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip handle • Ambient pressure equalization valve (MIL-STD-648C) • Resistant to UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus (MIL-STD-810F) • Resistant to impact damage (MILSTD-810F) Specifications • Lid Depth: 1.5 in.

• Base Depth: 3.5 in • Interior Length: 49 in • Interior Width: 9 in • Interior Depth: 5 in • Interior Cu. Volume: 1.28 cu ft • Weight Empty: 18 lbs • Max. Temperature: 210 degrees F • Min. Temperature: - 40 degrees F And best of all, the iSeries 4909 Single Rifle Case is priced right at $129.99, so stop in and check out this great model and many more at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

St. Croix Fly Rod & Waterworks-Lamson Fly Reel

F

ly-fishing has been around for ages and is considered by some to be the truest form of fishing due to the use of artificial, hand tied flies that imitate natural invertebrates or other food organism to catch fish. Some are drawn to this sport due to the challenge or adventure, while others may find it a method of getting away from their day-to-day activities and just relaxing. Whatever your reason, fly-fishing can take you to new places you might otherwise never see or experience.

When it comes to gear, picking the right rod and reel is an important part of the equation. With so many advances in technology over the years and with a

large list of companies to choose from, it can be hard knowing what manufacturers make a trusted product.

St. Croix is a company that builds quality fly rods and takes pride in their workmanship, with a resume to back it up. St. Croix is responsible for many innovative designs dating back as far as 1948 when they developed the first multi-section bamboo fishing pole and continue to be an innovative leader this day. For starters, how many rod companies do you know that employ engineers to work alongside rod designers? It’s things like this that make a company stand out from the competition.

Using state of the art materials, St. Croix constructs everything at their factory right here in the USA and provides a wide variety of fishing rods to cover all your needs.

I have found their Imperial Fly Rod to be a great choice for the angler that wants highperformance without

the high cost. I use their 9ft. 4-piece 6wt fly rod for most of my freshwater fishing. It’s extremely versatile, lightweight with a compact design that’s ideal for traveling.

The rod blank consist of a dynamic blend of highmodulus/high strain SCIV graphite and premium quality SCII graphite. The end result is a highly sensitive, lightweight and durable fly rod that won’t break the bank. The Imperial Fly Rods all come in fast action.

The action is defined by where a rod flexes along the blank. A fast action rod will flex closer to the tip while a moderate action will flex more towards the middle. The fast action of the Imperial Fly Rod helps with casting long distances and maintaining correct presentation of your fly line while also giving you more power for casting larger flies, such as wooly buggers or streamers.

Best of all it’s backed by their lifetime limited warranty and superstar service to provide you with the ultimate product. You can get all the details by visiting their website at www.stcroixrods.com

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Now when it comes to having the ultimate reel, there is one company that is always looking for in-

novative ways to make a better product.

Waterworks-Lamson is not your typical fly fishing company. With a strong passion for fly fishing, they are a design group with a core expertise in product design. To keep it simple, they innovate, invent, design and engineer, while always striving to be the best. There are those who minimize the importance of a reel by saying “it just holds line”. But how a reel stores line has everything to do with performance. Line stored in a deep, narrow reel will develop coil memory; drag tension will increase as line is pulled from the spool on long runs, making line retrieval more an exercise in frustration than thrill.

The Waterworks-Lamson design team understands what it takes to build a reel that doesn’t just fit on your fly rod, but creates a perfect balance that allows for your fly rod to work as the manufacturer designed it to. The Guru Fly Reel provides just that and more at an affordability that is hard to beat for a fully machined fly reel. The signature arm-style element on the frame combines with open spokes to maximize structural strength and minimize weight, while featuring true

large arbor ratios. The Guru is available in 4-weight through 10-weight and comes standard with the same patented conical drag system that their most expensive reels are equipped with.

Having a very low start-up inertia, this fully aerospace aluminum + 17-14/303 stainless structure comes in a Type II anodized finish and is backed by their Lifetime Warranty, giving you a durable product with less moving parts for a lighter, simpler, maintenance free reel. As with all Waterworks-Lamson reels, additional spools can be purchased for your convenience.

Staying true as a design group, Waterworks-Lamson has yet again undertaken a total re-think of the fly reel with their new products, the new Liquid and Remix fly reels. Both are sure to be a favorite amongst the fly fishing world. These two reels are built with the same quality and innovative design found in their other reels, yet priced at just under $100. The Liquid and Remix provide a combination of affordability and craftsmanship that are going to be hard to beat.

Catch the full details on their entire product line at www.waterworks-lamson.com With a deep passion for fly-fishing and always wanting to provide the best for their costumers, St. Croix and Waterworks-Lamson are an ideal setup for all your fly fishing needs. Your adventure begins at Sportsman’s Warehouse where you can see these great products for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

“ If you’re not physically in contact with your gun… lock it up in a Stack-On safe.”

Willie Robertson– CEO of Duck Commander

Stack-On Products offers the largest selection of security products in the industry.

All Stack-On Security items are California Department of Justice Certified against break-in and tested by an independent testing lab (ETL) for Fire Ratings and Waterproof Claims.

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Beretta A400 Xtreme

C

ompetitive shooting and upland hunting are the heart and soul of Beretta’s shotgunning efforts—but there’s little doubt the world’s oldest firearms company knows how to make a good semi-auto for the duck marsh. The new A400 Xtreme, which has a 3 ½-inch chamber, has been designed inside and out to hold up to the rigors of hard-core waterfowling.

European shotguns are designed to be held under the target. This makes shooting and hitting much easier than obscuring the target with an American flat-ribbed shotgun, which sometimes happens in a hurried shot and results in nothing more than poking a hole in the sky. It’s much easier to hit a target you can see than one you can’t.

How would you like a semi-auto shotgun that shoots any type of 12-ga shell – one that can fire four shots in less than one second? And that is soft-recoiling and leaves your shoulder feeling perfectly comfortable even after a marathon duck-hunting session in the marshes or a long day at the clay range? The A400 Xtreme Unico does this and much more. Add its superior resistance to salt spray, flawless fit and finish and the best materials in the world--and see why this shotgun is the definitive choice for the serious waterfowl hunter.

The A400 action is truly revolutionary in the history of the semi-automatic shotgun. Thanks to the proprietary Blink technology, it shoots 36% faster than any other system, meaning that your follow-up shots will always be faster than any high-flying duck, goose or clay target. It is low-profile and light weight (while being superdurable), giving you superior natural pointability.

It has built-in rails, so that you can even equip it with the optics of your choice for turkey season.

And its reliable feeding of any type of 12-gauge shell — lead or steel, mild 2 ¾” to hard-hitting 3 ½” magnums — gives the A400 the versatility of a do-it-all shotgun.

The A400 Xtreme Unico features not one, but several of today’s most advanced recoil reduction systems right out of the box. Laboratory tests have shown two distinct peaks in recoil. The explosion of the ammunition is the first; the impact of the bolt against the receiver is the second. Kick-Off 3 is a third hydraulic damper that cushions this stress on the mechanical components and further reduces recoil. Also, the A400 Xtreme Unico is designed to recoil parallel to the cheek mount, which also reduces

felt kick while giving you faster follow-up shots.

Altogether, these recoil-reduction devices decrease felt recoil by 70%, meaning that you can enjoy a longer day at water ’s edge or at the range without any discomfort.

Beretta makes the best barrels in the world.

Starting with proprietary tri-alloy steel (Ni/Cr/ Mo), the metal goes through a unique manufacturing process. Deep hole drilling, cold-hammer forging and vacuum distension create the very best ballistic performance available. Beretta has also introduced Optima-Bore HP geometry, conceived to offer the best ballistic performance available, even with steel shot. The shot pattern remains perfectly uniform whatever the shell size or load. Optima-Bore HP choke tubes further enhance the effect.

Something else that won’t fail to impress you about the A400 Xtreme Unico Camo is its finish.

The camo pattern is flawless and covers even the corners and recesses that would be left out in a lesser shotgun. But what’s even more impressive is that, thanks to Aqua technology, the steel parts of the A400 Xtreme are highly resistant to corrosion, water and salt-spray, which make this shotgun a champion of durability even in the most ‘Xtreme’ hunting conditions.

Frigid rain, driving sleet, blinding snow and relentless salt spray -- hardcore waterfowlers live to hunt in Xtreme conditions and so must their shotgun. All of the features we have addressed combine to produce the Beretta A400 Xtreme’s never quit, show no mercy attitude that will reign in the most Xtreme conditions imaginable. Know No Limits — Go Xtreme.

And there is even more good news to our Digital Copy followers. We will be giving this test model A400 away at the end of October to a lucky winner. You must be registered to receive the monthly digital copy to be eligible for this great drawing, so if you are just viewing this article from our website, go back to the home page at www.sportsmansnews.com and sign-up for the digital edition right now!

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

Vortex Crossfire II Muzzleloader Scope

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

F

or states that allow non-magnified optics for their muzzleloader season, the brightness and quality of Vortex provides an amazing singlepower option to improve your odds. The Crossfire II Muzzleloader Scope from Vortex offers superior light gathering and easy to acquire target reticle.

A precision machined single-piece aircraft aluminum alloy body houses fully multi-coated, anti-reflective glass. This provides brighter views and better light gathering on overcast days. The tube is nitrogen purged and sealed to give you a weatherproof, fogproof, waterproof,and rugged scope that won’t fail you when the elements are at their worst.

The shockproof construction will withstand the recoil of even the hardest hitting muzzleloaders, shot after shot and will stand up to being dropped with nothing but cosmetic marks to show for it.

The long eye relief and fast focus eye-

piece make this scope one of the most forgiving you will ever find. If you allow buck fever to get the best of you, the scope will modify its view for different cheek welds without losing accuracy. The reticle is quick to come into focus and is bold enough to stand out on even the busiest backgrounds without obscuring the target.

The capped adjustment turrets allow easy hand alignment and re-index for zero so you can quickly make elevation and windage adjustments and quickly return to zero for known distance. The adjustment is ½ MOA per click and provides 100 MOA of adjustment.

The Crossfire II Muzzleloader Scope features a 24 MM objective lens with a 95 foot field of view at 100 yards and 3.8 inches of eye relief. It weighs a mere 8-ounces and is only 8.9 inches long, so it will easily fit the majority of muzzleloaders on the market. A hard anodized matte black finish reduces reflective glare and ensures a crisp, clean cosmetic appearance.

The biggest feature of this scope, for being nonmagnified, is how easy it is to acquire a good consistent sight picture every time. It is so clear and crisp, that the reticle jumps into focus as soon as you bring it to your eye. A fast focus ring lets you adjust reticle focus for those with poor eyesight or who wear corrective lenses.

At the end of the day, for states that allow non-magnified optics during the muzzleloader hunt, the Vortex Crossfire II Muzzleloader Scope is a great way to improve your success rate over iron sights alone. It will give you the ability to quickly acquire your target and also stand up to any kind of abuse you can throw at it. And if you do manage to abuse it to the point of breaking it, every Vortex product comes with a full lifetime transferrable VIP warrantee.

“VIP stands for a Very Important Promise to you, our customer. We will re-

pair or replace your Vortex product in the event it becomes damaged or defective — at no charge to you. If we cannot repair your product, we will replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition.You see, it doesn’t matter how it happened, whose fault it was or where you purchased it.

You can count on the VIP Warranty for all Vortex Optics riflescopes, prism scopes, red dots, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods and monoculars.”

And a warrantee just doesn’t get any better than that.

tall, but offers the functionality of much larger red dot sights. It weighs only 1.4 ounces, so it’s diminutive size makes it an ideal fit for both rifle and pistol.

Even though it is small in size, the 1.2 inch wide sighting window gives you plenty of real estate to look through and to make super-fast target acquisition.

Rapid transitions between far away and close-in targets are made easy by simply making a quarter turn rotation with the rifle to move the eye from the top mounted scope to the offset Razor, without ever lowering the rifle.

The Razor features easy to use controls and windage and elevation manipulation is accomplished by using only a small screwdriver. The Razor has 170 MOA of elevation adjustment and 114 MOA of windage, giving it the ability to be mounted on most long guns without a riser.

XR Multicoated protective and antireflective coatings on the high quality polished glass provide razor-sharp crispness and reduce glare, while providing plenty of visibility of the red dot in even the brightest daylight conditions. ArmorTek coatings on the external lenses protect against scratching.

The body of the Razor is made of a single piece of hard anodized aluminum and is shockproof and drop-proof and pretty near scratch proof. And if you do manage to break it, the Vortex VIP unlimited transferrable lifetime warranty is second to none.

The Razor comes standard with an

integrated Picatinny mount and Vortex sells many other types of mounts to fit most rifles, shotguns and pistols. So whether you are looking to compete in shooting sports or protect yourself and your family, the Razor 3-MOA red dot sight is a great tool to add to your arsenal.

Vortex Razor Red Dot

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

T

hree Gun is a major shooting sport around the globe. Using a rifle, shotgun and handgun, competitors quickly engage a variety of targets at a variety of ranges. In order to get maximum flexibility out of a single rifle for long-range and close-in targets, many Three Gun competitors will mount a magnified optic on top of their , zeroed for long range targets at 100 to 200 yards and another smaller red dot on a 45-degree offset mount, zeroed to 25 to 50 yards for rapid closein engagement.

This combination is a killer on the range, but also great for real life encounters where you never know the distance you will have to engage a threat.

For this application, Vortex Optics makes the Razor 3-MOA red dot optic. The Razor is a small, lightweight red dot optic with unlimited eye relief, so getting your rifle in the exact same cheek weld each time isn’t of paramount importance to maintain accuracy.

The Razor is just a hair over one inch

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

Why Do You Fish?

Chad LaChance

W

hy do you fish? It’s a common question and one that many people can’t really answer at least not in the philosophical way it’s typically presented. Some fish for sport, some for food or, if you’re like me, you just fish. I’ve always fished; it’s what I do and I have no real reason why. I need no reason really, but if you press me, I suppose it boils down to personal enjoyment. In a nutshell, fishing is fun and having fun is reason enough to do anything.

But wait, I fish for a living - how can it still be fun? It just is, but as with anything else, sometimes it’s more fun than others. When we’re three hours into a film day and haven’t caught a fish, it’s a lot less fun, yet, I still thrive on the challenge. When I have a guide client and the fish aren’t cooperating, it’s stressful for me – like any other job that isn’t going well at the moment – but I still find the personal enjoyment I seek when we do finally work it out and I’m snapping that oh-so-important grip-n-grin photo. Even when it’s work, it’s fun work.

More fun is better than less fun and over the years as an angler I’ve determined a few ways to put more fun in my angling. Since Fishful Thinker’s company moto is “teaching the world to fish big” – and knowing that to fish big is to have fun in the process - I thought I’d share a couple of the ways to maximize the fun quotient.

One of the easiest ways to have fun fishing is to scale your tackle to the size of the fish most easily available to you. For instance, my house backs

to a lagoon that is often loaded with juvenile smallmouth bass ranging from about six to twelve inches. Sure, I could launch the boat and go seek out more trophy sized specimens, but I could also grab either the ultra light St Croix panfish rod spooled with 3# NanoFil or 3wt Avid fly rod and get after the ambitious punks dwelling in the backyard. Many grins can be had by working a tiny panfish popper only to have an eight inch long smallie smash it and jump like mad during the ensuing tussle. Is it a trophy fish? Nope, but he made me smile and that’s what counts.

We have all been trained that catching bigger fish is better and honestly I too enjoy that challenge very much.

But if I can fish more by accessing fish immediately available, especially if I size my tackle to the quarry, then I can have more fun. Most folks have access to some sort of park pond, creek or even seawall if you’re in a salty region, making this kind of opportunity to get out more often very realistic. Set your sites on just catching, not catching monsters and simplify and downsize your tackle.

Who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and catch a legit’ biggun’ anyway, but if not, you’ll have fun getting your string pulled early and often by little tykes so long as you have light enough tackle to keep it fair.

Along the same lines is to take advantage of local waters; many of us get so used to seeking out trophy fish spots that we drive right by local stuff. In reality, we could spend less money and fish more if we occasionally dropped our focus on the quest for biggest fish we’ve ever seen, instead focusing on, say, the biggest fish in the pond we live by.

A challenge is a

challenge and you’ll get more fishing in if you fish local.

Another great way to put more fun in your fishing is to fish for what’s biting rather than being so focused on one species that you struggle to succeed if they’re not biting. Sure we all love walleyes, but if they are in one of their moods and ain’t wantin’ to play your game, try for some perch or pike or smallies or whatever else is in the lake you’re on and that conditions are more suited for. Geez, smallies love a sunny day while walleyes often don’t, so why fight it? Be happy catching smallies.

The Linder brothers made themselves famous by showing up at random places and then fishing for whatever the waters would give them. They didn’t predict what they would catch ahead of time, they let the lake dictate the species. Then when they arrived back at the dock with a boatload of whatever, they looked like fishing rock stars. In reality, most of us would catch a lot more fish – and have a lot more fun – if we followed their lead and fished for whatever is easy to catch at that moment. For the record, Fishful Thinker TV often employs this concept because we whole-heartedly believe in it. Sure

there are times to buckle down and fish for a specific species to the exclusion of all others and it’s the best way to learn more about said species, but if you want to grin more, fish for what’s biting.

Another excellent way to have more fun in your angling is something I learned while fishing with my wife and also various kids; that is take a break.

You don’t have to fish every second you’re on the water. Us hardcore angler types get so obsessed with catching at times that we loose site of the fact that we’re around water and riparian habitat. Perhaps take a midmorning dip in the lake or beach the boat and go for a walk. Take some binoculars and search for wildlife or pack a nice picnic lunch, anchor up and enjoy the time on the water. At the end of the day, you may have caught a few less fish, but I’d venture a guess that you will have landed a few more smiles.

When it’s all said and done, catching trophy fish is a small part of fishing and not necessary for true anglers to be happy. After all, Thoreau said something to the effect of “many of us fish our whole lives without realizing it’s not the fish we are after” - and who am I to argue with that kind of wisdom!

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown ®

™

combines all the features and functionality of the 10/22® rifle with the ability to easily separate the barrel/forend and action/buttstock for convenient storage and transportation. The simple reassembly of the barrel and action yields a rock-solid return to zero for consistent, reliable performance. Packed in a rugged, ballistic nylon case (included), the Ruger® 10/22 Takedown™ makes it easy to keep America’s favorite rimfire rifle by your side.

WWW.RUGER.COM/1022TAKEDOWN

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052912

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

Digital Edition Only Special Content

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

Wild Boar Meatloaf

T

he wild boar or “feral pig” was imported as a food source to America as early as the 1500s. Since then they have escaped from domestication and/or were intentionally released and have adapted well to a multitude of locations in the United States. They reproduce at an alarming rate and their numbers are increasing dramatically.

As hunters we have an obligation to try to keep them in check. And fortunately, they are also great eating. Go out and book a hog hunt and get some of this tasty critter in your freezer. This recipe is an outstanding way to showcase the versatility of this natural pork.

Ingredients • • • •

2 pounds wild boar sirloin ½ pound bacon end pieces with most of the fat removed 2 eggs ½ cup buttermilk

• • • • • • • • • • •

1 yellow onion, finely chopped (1 ½ cups) 4 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon) or 1 teaspoon garlic powder ¼ cup finely chopped parsley 1 finely chopped seeded jalapeno 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 11/2 teaspoon herbs de Provence 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 sleeve of crushed saltine crackers (1 ½ cups) 8 strips of bacon

Preparation

First of all the meat needs to be ground and mixed. I prefer to use a sirloin roast for this recipe, but any cut will work. This recipe also works great for any type of venison. Cut the meat into 1 inch chunks. Grind the meat with the coarse blade in a meat grinder. Remove to a large plate. Sort

through a box of bacon end pieces to pick the meatiest chunks. These can be found in almost any grocery store and I have used these for years as the fat mix for many varieties of wild game. If your pig meat has some fat, strip most of the fat off the bacon until you have a half pound of smoked goodness. If your pig is lean, leave the fat on the bacon. Grind the bacon and spread it evenly over the ground boar. Feed this mixture back through the meat grinder to further blend the two meats.

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange a rack in the upper third of it. Line a heavy baking sheet with foil and place a rack, if you have one, over the foil to keep the loaf out of the grease as it cooks. If you do not have one of these “cooling racks” don’t worry, the pig-loaf will still be phenomenal.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, then stir in the rest of the ingredients except for the bacon strips. You can add some extra seasoning if you desire. Heat it up with your favorite hot sauce or add fennel seeds or some grated cheese. The possibilities are endless, go hog wild with it.

Add in the ground meat, folding the mixture with your hands until thoroughly incorporated.

Do not over work as the texture will start to degrade. Form the meat into a 10- by 5-inch loaf. Lay three strips of bacon lengthwise about a half inch apart on the rack (or the foil if you are not using a rack). Place the loaf on top of the bacon lengthwise, so it covers the bacon. Cover the rest of the loaf with the additional bacon across the width, with about a half inch between slices, tucking the ends under the loaf. Fold the ends of the bacon slices on the bottom up to cover the ends. Your wild pig meat loaf is now wrapped in bacon. Pig on Pig, does it get any better than this?

Slide this puppy in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven and let rest for ten to fifteen minutes. Slice and serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite gravy.

Oh man you are in for a taste treat. The double bacon really adds a nice smokiness to this delicious method of boar cookery. This dish pairs well with Pinot Noir or Grenache. I have an outstanding wild game and wine pairing tool available at www.wildgamewine.com, as well as some of the best in California wine.

Cheers!

September 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | September 2014

Digital Edition Only Special Content

Caping and Quartering - No more Gut Piles

H

By Anne Vinnola ow many times have you stood in a puddle of blood and guts while quartering a deer or elk and thought “There has to be an easier way”?

We l l t h e r e i s a n e a s i e r w a y t h a t k e e p s you and your meat clean and doesn’t alert e v e r y b e a r i n t h e a re a t o y o u r p re s e n c e . T h e only tools you will need are a good sharp skinning knife and game bags to protect the meat as you quarter the animal.

Start your incision from the back of the head, following along the back to the base of the tail. (figures 1&2) Approximately 3” or arms width behind the front legs cut a complete circle around t h e a n i m a l . L E AV E T H E B R I S K E T A N D D O N O T S L I T T H E T H R O AT ! ( f i g u r e s 3 , 4 & 5 )

Figure 7 Make a 90-degree incision from the cent e r l i n e t o d i re c t l y a b o v e t h e e l b o w. ( f i g u re 7)

Figure 4

Figure 1

Figure 8

Figure 5

Figure 2

After making the incision around the a n i m a l , m a k e a n i n c i s i o n a ro u n d e a c h f ro n t leg. (figure 6)

Figure 3

Figure 6

Tu r n y o u r b l a d e , f o l l o w i n g d o w n t h e b a c k of the leg to the incision that circled the leg. (figure 8)

Figure 9

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helper hold the leg up to keep it out of the dirt. (Figures 13, 14 & 15) Skin the animal removing the skin and laying it hair-side down so you can keep the m e a t c l e a n a n d o u t o f t h e d i r t . ( f i g u re 1 6 ) Now you can remove the back straps and ribs.

Skin the leg pulling it up and begin to remove the cape from the shoulders up to the head. (figures 9&10)

Figure 13 Figure 10

Continue to skin up the neck all the way to the base of the skull, leaving 1-2 vertebrae behind the ears. Cut the neck f r o m t h e b o d y, s e p a r a t i n g t h e c a p e f r o m the carcass. Keep the head and cape cool and clean. This will help you get it to the t a x i d e r m i s t s a f e l y. ( f i g u r e s 11 & 1 2 )

Figure 16 Remove all of the meat from this side of your animal before you roll him over to begin on the other side. Notice in figure 18, the lungs and guts are still in the cavity. There is virtually no meat lost with this method and the skinners hands are only slightly dirty. The elk is almost 50% finished at this point. (figures 17, 18 &19) L e a v i n g e v i d e n c e o f s e x ( i f y o u r s t a t e re Figure 14

Figure 11

Figure 17

Figure 12 Now you are able to remove the front shoulders, raising the legs to remove.

There will be no bone to cut at this point, just keep cutting the membrane. Have a

Figure 15

Figure 18

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Figure 19 quires it) split the pelvis by cutting down inside of the leg locating the hip socket.

Skin to the hip ball then lift the leg staying close to the pelvis until it pops out of the socket. (Figures 20, 21 &22) After the hindquarter is removed the Figure 22 animal can now be rolled over to repeat all of the above steps, keeping the hair side of the hide toward the ground to keep your meat clean.

By making a small incision below the spine, just below the innards, you can gently reach up and remove the tenderloins.

Place each quarter in a clean game bag being sure to get your meat,

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Figure 20

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Figure 21

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It’s Not All About The Hunt

By Don Azevedo

T

he opening day of the 2013 Elk season was here, I had planned to hunt with some friends in the Grey’s River Canyon. Ernie, Wayne and Steve were camped in the Blind Bull area and I drove up to join them for the day.

We made plans early, as there was fresh snow just above camp, and each of us headed out. I decided to drive to the upper end of the road and hunt down but ran into several outfits up high. After glassing several areas, I decided to drive back down closer to my friend’s camp to hunt.

I had stopped several times to look at fresh tracks that crossed the road heading into some very heavy timber and had made up my mind as to where I would start walking.

I needed to drive about a half mile to a parking area when I saw some hunters on the road looking up the hill and then shooting. I pulled off the road and stepped out of the truck to see what they were shoot-

ing at, there were 3 bulls on the hill. One of the men yelled for me to shoot, as they thought the lady hunter had hit one of the bulls and they were moving off. One of the bulls was an excellent animal.

I moved up the hill about 100 yards looking for a clear shot, the largest bull was standing about 300 yards broadside. I raised my 7mm-08 placed the crosshairs high behind his shoulder and pulled the trigger. There was a resounding “whop” as the bullet hit. The bull spun and trotted off with the other two bulls not showing any sign of being hit. I waited a few minutes and started the climb, slipping and sliding most of the way across the steep hill. I saw the three hunters were walking along the bottom of the ridge a few hundred yards below me. After following a sparse blood trail over 1 ½ miles into a steep canyon full of downfall I spotted the bull bedded about 80 yards in front of me, I found a good rest and placed another shot into him.

He never moved from his bed.

After much excitement, I field dressed the bull with the only knife I had, my good old Buck, (I had left my pack in my truck. Foolish move). I flagged my way out to make finding the bull easy on my return trip. My friends all had health issues that would prevent them from helping me pack out the bull, so I headed out looking for horses. After many stops at camps offering to rent horses, I finally found a family camp that was willing to help me for a price. We made arrangements to meet in the morning as it was too late at that point to head out. This is when I met Towson Jenkins, a young Army Reservist who had recently finished his training.

The next morning, we met at their camp, loaded the horses and headed out. When we arrived at the area, the older gentleman who owned the horses saw the area and said it was too risky to take his horses in.

Towson said that he would help me.

He and I headed into the area. It was slow moving as the ground was wet and slippery.

We b o n e d t h e bull out, taking the large chunks of meat and putting it into our packs.

Towson took my larger pack as he said it looked too heavy for me. I am 61 and in moderate shape. He told me to go ahead and start out, he was going to cape the bull and remove the horns. I told him that the horns would be the last thing we packed out and I was not concerned about the cape, he suggested that I head out as he knew it would take me longer to get to the truck.

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

I had walked about ¾ of a mile, slipping and sliding, falling several times and my old knees were giving me heck. I looked up the hill and there was Towson moving along at a fast clip with the full pack and the horns on his back. About 30 minutes later, he came back for me, taking my pack and making sure I was OK. By the time I arrived at the truck, I could hardly walk. My knees were swollen and bruised.

Towson told me to stay at the truck He went back in and brought out a second load.

We decided that it was plenty cold, around 35 all day and that the rest of the meat would be fine until the next morning.

Towson came by my home early the next morning, he watched me walk out of the garage. He said, “Sir, I appreciate your desire but I don’t want you to go, I don’t think I could pack you out also.” He assured me that he would take care of the rest of the meat. Early that afternoon, he made it back to my house with the rest of the meat.

Only after much conversation would he allow me to pay him for his help.

Towson is a fine young man and I am sure we will hunt together in the future.

He is truly what being a sportsman is all about and I thank his parents and the military for the goodness and respect this young man showed to an old veteran.

EDITOR'S NOTE - Not only are we sending Don an Outdoor Edge knife for sharing his story with us, we are also sending Towson an Outdoor Edge Wild-Pak Game Processing Kit for being an awesome example of an outdoorsman.

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42. Midvale, Utah (801) 567-1000

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43. Provo, Utah (801) 818-2000

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1. Corporate Office Midvale, Utah (801) 566-6681 2. Anchorage, Alaska (907) 644-1400 3. Fairbanks, Alaska (907) 374-8800 4. Soldotna, Alaska (907) 420-3000 5. Wasilla, Alaska (907) 864-8000 6. Mesa, Arizona (480) 558-1111 7. Phoenix, Arizona (623) 516-1400 8. Tucson, Arizona (520) 877-4500 9. Chico, California (530) 897-0500 10. Rancho Cordova, California (916) 635-7800

44. Riverdale, Utah (801) 334-4000 45. St. George, Utah (435) 634-7300

11. Redding, California (530) 222-5500 12. Rocklin, California (916) 782-9900 13. Colorado Springs, Colorado (719) 597-9200 14. Grand Junction, Colorado (970) 243-8100 15. Loveland, Colorado (970) 461-5000 16. Thornton, Colorado (303) 428-6500 17. Idaho Falls, Idaho (208) 542-1900 18. Lewiston, Idaho (208) 743-2000 19. Meridian, Idaho (208) 884-3000 20. Nampa, Idaho (208) 468-7600

21. Pocatello, Idaho (208) 232-3100 22. Twin Falls, Idaho (208) 737-9900 23. Ankeny, Iowa (515) 963-3500

32. Albuquerque, New Mexico (505) 761-9900 33. Farmington, New Mexico (505) 326-2100

46. Vernal, Utah (435) 789-5800 47. Roanoke, Virginia (540) 366-9700 48. Federal Way, Washington (253) 835-4100

34. Bend, Oregon (541) 693-5000

49. Kelso, Washington (360) 423-2600

35. Hillsboro, Oregon (503) 844-9100

50. Kennewick, Washington (509) 736-2200

36. Medford, Oregon (541) 732-3700

26. Bozeman, Montana (406) 586-0100

51. Puyallup, Washington (253) 864-0800

37. Portland, Oregon (503) 777-8700

27. Helena, Montana (406) 457-7200

52. Silverdale, Washington (360) 307-6900

38. Salem, Oregon (503) 589-0800

28. Missoula, Montana (406) 523-9000

53. Vancouver, Washington (360) 604-8000

39. Columbia, South Carolina (803) 731-3000

54. East Wenatchee, Washington (509) 886-7200

30. Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 474-1100

40. Chattanooga, Tennessee (423) 892-6300

55. Casper, Wyoming (307) 233-3700

31. Reno, Nevada (775) 828-1500

41. Logan, Utah (435) 787-1700

24. Lexington, Kentucky (859) 263-7000 25. Southaven, Mississippi (662) 349-5500

29. Carson City, Nevada (775) 884-2100

56. Cheyenne, Wyoming (307) 635-4500