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Sportsman Northwest
Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource
Volume 13 • Issue 3 PUBLISHER James R. Baker
Your Complete Hunting, Boating, Fishing and Repair Destination Since 1948.
ALUMAWELD STRYKER
EDITOR Andy Walgamott THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Dave Anderson, Jason Brooks, Scott Haugen, Sara Ichtertz, Trishana Israel, MD Johnson, Randy King, Courtney Norman, Buzz Ramsey, Troy Rodakowski, Alix Soliman, Amanda Wiles, Dave Workman, Mark Yuasa EDITORIAL FIELD SUPPORT Jason Brooks GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mamie Griffin, Jim Klark, Mike Smith DESIGNER Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kelly Baker OFFICE MANAGER Katie Aumann INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGER Lois Sanborn WEBMASTER/DIGITAL STRATEGIST Jon Hines
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DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
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CONTENTS
VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 3
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
FISHING
I
f it’s December, it’s time to once again shine a light on the real anglin’ gals of the Northwest! Our annual feature – now 11 years strong! – shares stories of how they got into the sport, overcame long odds, experienced personal growth, set and hit their goals, and more! And as always, there are dozens of pics of women and girls and their fantastic catches from this year on our region’s waters!
26 31 37 45 49 57
Sara McClendon Loves To Fish And Hunt, by Buzz Ramsey Trishana Israel: ‘Do Not Let Your Disability Hold You Back’ How Stevie Parsons Started Fishing And You Can Too, by Alix Soliman Amanda Wiles: ‘Grow Where Your Heart Lies’ Courtney Norman: Hitting Milestones Sara Ichtertz: Where We Belong
Sara McClendon holds a hatchery coho she caught in the Pacific outside of Tillamook, where she grew up fishing and hunting with her dad. (SARA McCLENDON)
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Go to nwsportsmanmag.com for details. NORTHWEST SPORTSMAN is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Periodical Postage Paid at Seattle, WA and at additional mail offices. (USPS 025-251) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Northwest Sportsman, 14240 Interurban Ave South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Annual subscriptions are $29.95 (12 issues), 2-year subscription are $49.95 (24 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 382-9220 with VISA or M/C. Back issues may be ordered at Media Index Publishing Group offices at the cost of $5 plus shipping. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2020 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.
14 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
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DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
(JASON BROOKS)
NORTHWEST PURSUITS
DECEMBER’S LASTMINUTE HUNTS
Embrace the season and get out after cold-weather game. Even as the calendar turns the page to the last month of the year, there are still opportunities to pursue feathered, antlered and furred critters. Jason highlights some of the best!
COLUMNS 143 CHEF IN THE WILD What’s Good For The Goose With the holidays come traditional feasts like Christmas goose – just don’t go all Norman Rockwell with the honker you just harvested, it ain’t no Butterball, counsels Chef Randy. He shares do’s and don’ts for cooking up Canadas, plus a recipe for goose leg curry! 149 GUN DOG Stocking Stuffers For Gun Dogs Still shopping for your four-legged hunting partner? Scott and his pups Echo and Kona have been testing out lots of gear for dogs this year, and between them they’ve got some great stocking stuff ideas! 159 ON TARGET Holiday Cheer Should Include Look Over Horizon Next month’s giant Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show has been cancelled due to Covid-19, but Dave has the details on a new shotgun for turkeys, and he shares some ideas for gifts that will go over well with hunters in your life.
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109
TIME TO HIT THE HARD STUFF!
Ice fishing for trout, perch and other species is set to begin across the Northwest, and we’re highlighting top lakes and tactics!
(FISHING PHOTO CONTEST)
FEATURES 103 TRYING OUT A NEW WAY TO JIG FOR SQUID Piers are the traditional spot for Puget Sound squid, but well-lit boats may be more productive. Mark Yuasa details this relatively new-to-the-Northwest technique. 129 CLOSE OUT 2020 WITH A BANG Troy Rodakowski shares five great Oregon hunts to consider as the year ends. 133 THE ‘SKINNY’ ON GOOSE SILHOUETTE DECOYS MD Johnson interviews Dive Bomb Industries’ Forrest Carpenter on how goose hunters are rediscovering the role that silhouettes can play in their decoy spreads. 153 CHRISTMAS IDEAS FOR OUTDOORSMEN Ho, ho, ho! Santa Dave Anderson has some suggestions for hunters on your list! 165 20 IS PLENTY This “do-all”shotgun gauge is remarkably versatile, preaches MD Johnson.
DEPARTMENTS
18 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
23
THE EDITOR’S NOTE On full federal wolf delisting in Washington, Oregon
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PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS Coast, Fishing monthly prizes
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THE DISHONOR ROLL Poaching cases spike; More shellfish overlimits; Jackass of the Month
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THEEDITOR’SNOTE
A pair of wolves prowl Western Oregon’s Indigo Wildlife Management Unit – eastern Lane and Douglas Counties – this past February. (USFWS)
T
o rephrase a saying, our long nightmare may finally be coming to an end. OK, that might be a bit strong – maybe more of a headache, albeit a migraine – in this particular case, but I was very happy earlier this fall to see wolves federally delisted in the western two-thirds of Washington and Oregon, moving management fully to the states. It becomes official early next month and yet while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to remove gray wolves in the Lower 48 from Endangered Species Act protections does move the ball forward for us, a lawsuit filed immediately afterwards may delay implementation here. Environmental groups claim the move is too broad, but according to USFWS, ESA does not require wolves to occupy all of their former habitats; rather, it measures “whether wolves are in danger of extinction (endangered) or at risk of becoming so in the foreseeable future (threatened) throughout all or a significant portion of its range. By any scientific measure, gray wolves no longer meet the ESA’s standard for protection and so should be delisted.” That is especially true in the Northwest. Well linked to large source populations in Canada and the Northern Rockies, wolf numbers here are strong and only getting stronger. In support of the feds’ move, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Kyle Weaver noted that numbers in Oregon and Washington are now the “highest they have ever been,” with a minimum of 158 across the former state at the end of 2019 and 145 in the latter. State wildlife officials readily and openly admit there are likely many more wolves, and winter counts going on right now will undoubtedly bump those confirmed figures even higher.
LOCAL HUNTING ORGANIZATIONS cheered the feds’ decision. Oregon Outdoor Council President Dominic Aiello called wolf recovery a “conservation success story” and said his organization looked “forward to our renowned state agencies and local biologists taking over wolf management,”while Hunter’s Heritage Council President Mark Pidgeon said the federal action was “heaven sent” for his state, Washington. Hell, even Conservation Northwest acknowledged that local delisting functionally “won’t mean much,” given state laws and management plans in place and post-recovery planning now starting. Yes, as much as we bitch and moan about the seeming kid-glove treatment of wolves by our Departments of Fish and Wildlife, for USFWS to hand off management reaffirms that both agencies are wellpositioned to deal with the challenge, just as they have been in the previously delisted eastern thirds of the states and despite the claims of grenade throwers from California, Arizona and elsewhere whose lawsuits only harden animus towards the animals. We’ve got this, wolves are here for good, we can manage them on our own. –Andy Walgamott
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 23
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
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FISHING
26 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
Sara McClendon Loves To Fish And Hunt W
Sara McClendon is a well-rounded Northwest sportswoman, combining a love of angling for winter-run steelhead and other species with hunting big game, and she points to her dad, Paul Welle, as the biggest influence on her love of outdoor adventures. (SARA McCLENDON)
hen it comes to fishing and hunting, it’s all about making memories with family and friends for Sara McClendon. BUZZ What got RAMSEY her hooked and wanting to experience more outdoor adventures started when she was very young, as each and every year her family would travel to Oregon’s Loon Lake near Reedsport to chase trout, bass and bluegill. It was the same for Sara’s father, Paul Welle, as his parents took him there too. “Our family has been making annual, week-long trips to Loon Lake for over 50 years,” Sara shared. It was Paul, an avid outdoorsman who guided fishing trips for many years, who had the biggest influence on Sara’s love of outdoor adventures. Of course, growing up in Tillamook, where salmon, steelhead, deer and elk are plentiful, didn’t hurt either. Where she grew up, combined with many outdoor experiences, contributed to Sara’s knowledge and appreciation of the outdoor lifestyle. In fact, without knowing it, you may have seen Sara in this magazine before, showing off the 24-inch-wide mule deer buck she harvested from Northeast Oregon’s Chesnimnus Unit in 2018. What was even more impressive, besides the thickness of the many antler points, was that she took the animal with a single shot at 433 rangefinder yards. I’m sure the accurate Browning X-Bolt, chambered for .26 Nosler and topped with a Leupold VX-6HD 4-24 scope, helped out. But the extreme accuracy and one-shot
kill would not have been possible without a lot of dedicated long-range practice. As Sara explained, her husband Russell, along with his side of the family, has hunted the Chesnimnus Unit for many years, know where the deer hang, and it was their support and encouragement that went a long way in helping her make the perfect long-range shot on the handsome buck. Sara remembers studying to pass Hunter Safety while camped at Loon Lake with her family. She was 11 years old at the time and later passed the test with flying colors. She harvested her first deer that very next fall in the Sled Springs Unit, also in Northeast Oregon. The then-12-yearold downed that first deer with an easykicking .257 Roberts rifle.
SINCE IT USUALLY takes many years to draw a big game tag for Eastern Oregon, she has spent most seasons hunting deer around Tillamook. However, when I first interviewed her for this article, she was just about to head southeast across the Cascades to try her luck for antelope in the Warner Unit. Afterwards, Sara shared her successful antelope adventure with me. “We saw literally hundreds of antelope, many of which were bucks. I spent a week passing up more than a few shot opportunities waiting for a big one. Having not hunted antelope before, it was hard to determine a trophy from an average buck,” she said. “Of course, the antelope got a little scarce near the end of the season. As it turned out, I missed what should have been an easy shot at a decent buck, which I blame on not having an ideal rest. But I made up for the miss the next day with a perfect 275yard shot on the very same animal. So, he is nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 27
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
FISHING
now at the taxidermist,” Sara said. As far as elk are concerned, Sara has passed up shooting several smallish bulls around Tillamook. “Just waiting for a mature bull,” she said. However, she switched from rifle to bow last year because the bow season is longer and not as competitive.
THE REAL DEAL when it comes to conservation, Sara belongs to several hunting organizations and is currently serving on the board of directors for the Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Knowing this, I signed up as a Backcountry member before contacting Sara for this interview. As you may know, BHA is dedicated to ensuring that North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and
fishing on public lands is preserved. Sara is no dummy when it comes to the outdoor industry either, as she worked at Sportsman’s Warehouse for a year and a half while attending Pierce College near Tacoma. “It was while working in the fishing and hunting departments at Sportsman’s Warehouse that I had to prove my outdoor knowledge to customers, particularly men, before they would open up and take my advice on product selections,” she shared. She later transferred to Oregon State University, where she is now within a year of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in natural resources. Her ultimate goal after graduation is to find a job working in forestry or natural resources, all to support her hunting and fishing pursuits. When I asked Sara what she liked best, fishing or hunting, she quickly said, “Fishing, because you can do it all year long.” And what do you suppose her favorite fish is? Well, chasing winter steelhead, of course. Her second favorite fish is sea-run cutthroat, which she fishes for with, you guessed it, a fly rod. McClendon appeared in one of our recent Big Game Yearbooks, and here she is with her 2020 pronghorn, taken in Southcentral Oregon’s Warner Unit. (SARA McCLENDON)
Sea-run cutts are McClendon’s second favorite fish to cast a line for. These native trout swim in Oregon Coast streams that are not very far from where she’s going to college, Corvallis, with a goal of earning a bachelor’s in natural resources “to support her hunting and fishing pursuits.” (SARA McCLENDON) I asked her a few more questions:
Buzz Ramsey From your perspective, what is the most frustrating thing about fishing and hunting? Sara McClendon Well, I’ll admit, the most frustrating thing is when you find a really good spot and someone beats you to it. But it’s all OK; it’s just part of the game, since it is a public resource we all must share.
BR What advice would you give to women wanting to get more involved in fishing and hunting? SM For a lot of women, but not me because of my family background, I’m thinking what holds many women back is male intimidation combined with the need to find someone to help them, coach them really, to find the pathway to success. I’ve met a lot of outdoor enthusiasts, even women, by attending Oregon Hunters Association and Backcountry banquets and events. Like a growing number of woman, many of which have been featured in this magazine, Sara is working to make outdoor memories that last a lifetime. NS Editor’s note: Buzz Ramsey is brand manager for Yakima Bait Company and a member of the management team. For more, go to yakimabait.com. Find Buzz on Facebook and Instagram. 28 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
FISHING
‘Do Not Let Your Disability Hold You Back’ BY TRISHANA ISRAEL
I
Not many Northwest anglers have fought through the adversity that Trishana Israel has, including back surgery and paralysis, but she and her 10-foot boat still made it out for Puget Sound coho this season. (TRISHANA ISRAEL)
remember it like it was yesterday: I turned to my recovery nurse after my back fusion surgery and said, “Please help me, I don’t feel my left leg anymore.” Little did I know that was the beginning of a new life for me. For years I’ve carried around my punchcard like I would my driver’s license. I loved fishing in the little boat that I recreated from practically nothing. I felt so proud of myself for my accomplishments. Every day on the water felt like Christmas to me; you never knew what you were going to hook into. Time stood still on the water and I couldn’t get enough. But how was I going to be able to fish the Puget Sound and rivers with one good leg? I was so sad and watched everybody around me fishing and still living life. Time does not stand still just because you’re injured or your life changes. I knew that I would need to figure out how to adapt if I ever wanted to fish again.
AFTER THREE DAYS in the hospital and three nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 31
months in the rehab facility, I returned home and crawled into bed for what felt like forever. So many uncertainties ran through my mind. How was I ever going to be able to fish again, let alone crawl into my little 10-foot boat and safely fish the Puget Sound? Could I even swim anymore if there was an emergency? “Yes” was the answer to all of those questions, but first I had to figure out how. First stop, the marina ramp: I was so nervous about going down the steep pitch! How did I ever do it before and not think twice? What if I fell down or couldn’t make it back up the ramp? I knew one thing for sure: I didn’t want to humiliate myself. I had my fishing rod in one hand and was clinging onto my walker for dear life with the other. I remember thinking I should make a rod holder out of my walker. Newly disabled and I was already thinking of new inventions! I looked down the steep ramp and Trishana smiles from her hospital bed after yet another surgery, this one leaving a scar on her neck. “If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my story it’s that as long as you’re breathing, your story isn’t over yet,” she writes. (TRISHANA ISRAEL)
I could see my fishing partner already standing in the little 10-foot boat. I could feel the presence of the fishermen going at a snail’s pace down the ramp behind me because they had no choice with me in front. I was so embarrassed. I wanted to go home but I didn’t. I’m so glad that I didn’t. I would’ve never known what I was capable of if I had turned around and crawled back into bed. My fishing partner grabbed my hand and I looked at him in the eyes as if to say, “What if I fall?” I could see his eyes saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll catch you.” So with that, I awkwardly hopped into my little boat and we both almost fell in the water. I was so clumsy! But I did it. Now what? I started the engine, got our gear set up and we were off.
ONCE OUT OF the marina, I took a deep breath and totally forgot I was disabled. I was doing it. Look at me, I was doing it! It was certainly different, but I was there and I was so happy and felt truly alive once again. My anxiety came back when it was time
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to get out of the boat. I thought, “Good Lord, what if I have to live in this thing and I can never get out?” I knew that wasn’t the case, but you know how your mind gets carried away when you’re nervous. It wasn’t the best dismount; I kind of rolled around on the dock like a little chunky seal. It was so hard to pull myself up with one leg. I looked around, praying that nobody saw me. I remember looking at my boat behind me in the marina as I was leaving and thinking, “I did it once and I’ll do it again.” Climbing the steep marina ramp was incredibly challenging. I had to stop four separate times before I could make it to the top. I was in so much pain when I got home but it was so worth it. I couldn’t wait to do it again. I was even planning my next trip despite the severe nerve pain in my leg. If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my story it’s that as long as you’re breathing, your story isn’t over yet. Do not let your disability hold you back. We live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and there’s a whole world out here for each of us to enjoy. NS
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“You take that feeling from fishing and you bring it to other things. It starts affecting everything you do. Fishing sort of cemented that feeling, that new confidence,” explains Stevie Parsons, here with her first fish, a Sandy River spring Chinook. It had been in a cooler for a while before she took a photo with it at home. (STEVIE PARSONS)
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
FISHING
How Stevie Parsons Started Fishing And You Can Too BY ALIX SOLIMAN
S
tevie Parsons, like many women, did not grow up fishing. “In my family, the boys did the fishing and the hunting,” she said. Now, Stevie is an avid angler and conservation advocate. She has been volunteering with the Association of Northwest Steelheaders for seven years and is a past member of the board of directors. It was well into adulthood that Stevie
developed an interest in the sport. She had just moved into a new house, and a neighbor asked if she fished. Stevie said no. In jest, her new neighbor responded that if she still didn’t fish after a number of years, they were going to have to “throw her back.” They laughed about it, and afterward Stevie was left wondering, “Well, why don’t I fish?” Her curiosity won her over, so she grabbed a few friends and went to a talk on salmon fishing at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The speaker was Bob Rees, former executive director for Northwest Steelheaders, a professional fishing guide of 30 years and a conservation advocate. Stevie was thrilled by the talk and went to hear him speak again about a month later. Afterward, she asked him what equipment she should have to get started, and he gave her a precise list of what she would need. “He was also kind enough to give me a bottle of his cured salmon eggs,” Stevie
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 37
said. He told her that she would have to use them within about two weeks. “So at that point, I thought, ‘OK, I’m going to do this.’ I had gone online, I looked at what was on YouTube, I bought several books on fishing for salmon, and I thought it was going to be a super easy thing.”
AS SHE WAS gearing up to head to the Sandy River, she asked her husband to put the cooler in the car “because I’m going to be bringing home fish,” she said, optimistic as ever. He responded, “I don’t want you to be disappointed if you don’t catch a fish, because I think it’s going to be much harder than you think.” Stevie was unphased. “I read the books. I have the equipment. I’ve got the magic salmon eggs. I’m going out there and I’m going to catch fish,”she said as she embarked on her solo journey, cooler in tow. When she got down to the banks of the Portland area’s Sandy River, Stevie picked a spot that “looked like all the books said would be a good spot.” A few men were already there fishing, so she figured there
must be salmon. She set down her gear and began trying to fish. “I didn’t even know how to cast! I was getting blowback from the wind. It was horrible, but I just kept trying. And the men began to laugh at me – really laugh at me – as I continued to try to cast,” Stevie recalled, the tension rising in her voice. “At one point, I remember, one of the guys was trying to be a smart*ss. He kind of made like he was falling down on the rocks, he was laughing so hard.” “They laughed until suddenly, I had a bite! The guy who was laughing on the rocks – I saw his jaw drop!” The fight was on. Stevie started reeling as fast as she could. “I remembered what Bob had said about keeping that line tight, so I kept it tight,” she said. “I kept reeling, and it was then that I realized I didn’t have a net! So I thought, ‘OK, I’m going to pull this fish up over the rocks.’” She backed up on the bank until there it was, her first fish, a hatchery Chinook flopping on the riverbank. She took her
knife, bled it and put it in the cooler. “The guys are, at this point, looking at me like they don’t know what to make of me,” Stevie laughed. “They’re looking at me like, ‘How can this girl do that? She can’t even cast and she caught a fish?’”
STEVIE PUT MORE eggs at the end of her line and kept casting. Before long, she caught a second hatchery Chinook, bled it and put it in the cooler too. The men were still failing in their efforts. “They didn’t have a single bite. They were using salmon eggs too, but I was using Bob’s special cure,” she said. She accomplished her mission and began packing up to go home. The men, finding that Stevie’s attempt at fishing wasn’t so funny after all, watched silently in contempt. Two more men arrived as she was getting organized, witnessed the tension, and offered to give Stevie a hand with her gear. One of them said, “You know, it’s really tough out here fishing,” Stevie remembered. “Clearly, based on how I was
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breaking down my rod and everything, they knew I was a newbie and they assumed I didn’t catch anything and I was just going home,” she said. They were trying to be kind and offered to carry her cooler to the car. “I looked at them and smiled and said, ‘Sure!’” she giggled. As they lifted the cooler, their eyes grew wide. “Whoa, what have you got in here?” they asked with disbelief. “Open it,” Stevie beamed. They were shocked to find the fruits of her labor, this first-time fisherwoman
who must have struck the water with a line made of pure luck.
STEVIE FIGURED SHE’D have a bit more fun with it. When she returned home, she hung her head and looked glum. Her husband wrapped his arms around her and said, “I’m sorry, I told you it’s not going to be that easy.” She asked him to grab the cooler from the car. Shocked and delighted at what he found, he insisted that she have her picture taken in the garden with her first fish since no one had taken her picture down by the river. Hours had passed, so the Chinook
STEVIE’S SECRETS TO SUCCESS
1) Read everything you can about whatever species you choose to fish. 2) Find mentors; Stevie’s were Bob Rees and Bill Kremers. 3) Choose the water you want to fish and continue to fish it till you learn that water and where the fish hold in low, high, clear, and colored conditions. 4) Attend free “how to” talks, whether in person or online; YouTube is your best friend. 5) When you can afford it, pay for a competently guided trip. Going fishing with a great guide can correct your manner of fishing, as well as save yourself years of stumbling around trying to learn a fishery on your own.
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was in pretty bad shape, but Stevie – still in her waders – held the fish and smiled with pride for the photo. “I loved that day. All of the guys out there had a preconceived idea that because I was a woman, it was obvious that I wasn’t going to be successful,” Stevie said. “It felt like another break in the ceiling for women. It didn’t feel so much like it was a personal thing. It felt like, well, ‘Don’t underestimate us.’” Stevie brought a fillet to the neighbor who first piqued her interest in fishing, and jokingly asked, “So do I get to stay?” Her neighbor gave her a resounding “Yes!”
THE NEXT TIME Stevie wetted a line, she felt more confident. She remembered her net. Even though she was still struggling to teach herself how to cast, she carried herself differently. The men didn’t laugh at her anymore. “I thought, ‘I can do this. I have done this. And I might not be successful every single time. But I have been successful before, so I know that I can be,’” Stevie said.
“You take that feeling from fishing and you bring it to other things. It starts affecting everything you do. Fishing sort of cemented that feeling, that new confidence. When you forget that only you set your limitations, fishing reminds you of that.” Stevie encourages anglers with kids to take their daughters out on the water alongside their sons. The insight that people stand to gain through fishing has no gender. “Fishing builds a love of nature. It builds an appreciation of your resources. It also gives you an appreciation for why you’re taking a life,” Stevie said. “When you take a fish, you’re taking a life. Something dies so that you can live, so it builds gratitude.” As a Native Hawaiian, this understanding was ingrained in Stevie from a young age. Fishing, however, helped her put gratitude into practice. Not only does she quietly thank each fish she takes, she gives back to the resource through her activism. Those who learn important lessons on the water – about life, death, and how human actions are woven into the fabric of our environment – take those lessons with them when they leave. “It doesn’t only manifest in fishing, you start seeing life differently,” Stevie said. “That’s why it’s really important for fishing not to just be for fathers and sons, but for daughters and mothers and aunts and grandmothers, because that gratitude and that understanding of how everything is interconnected comes about through fishing.” NS Editor’s note: Alix Soliman is the operations manager for the Association of Northwest Steelheaders.
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11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
‘Grow Where Your Heart Lies’
of
Northwest
FISHING
BY AMANDA WILES
W
hat a year 2020 has brought us. We all never expected a pandemic to happen, let alone affect our lives the way Covid--19 has. But within this struggle of day to day life, I immersed myself in my hobbies. Over the years they’ve become my passion, where I find myself truly enjoying life. This year was about growth – personal, physical and skills. I am always excited to learn new skills and this year was no exception.
MY FISHING SEASON started along with my bowhunting preparations. Weekends and extended weekends of fishing soon consumed my summer and early fall. I enjoyed my yearly Buoy 10 season and participated in my fifth females-only fishing tournament this year as well. I also enjoyed fishing for new species that I haven’t targeted before, like sturgeon. It was a great summer, but I was also prepping for my first official year of archery season. I spent six months training and was beyond excited – excited to learn new skills, to be outdoors in my element, and to experience a harvest of my own. I was consumed, to say the least. Early season came and the hunt was on. My husband took me all over and I finally had my chance at a beautiful doe. My adrenaline was pumping as I stalked her deeper into the woods. She was
This year was a tough one for America, but Amanda Wiles took it in stride and made 2020 about growth. Here she holds a Chinook from Buoy 10, one of many fisheries she enjoyed this year. (AMANDA WILES)
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beautiful, and I will never forget that first hunt. Unfortunately, I just did not have a clean shot and eventually lost her trail. But that feeling during that moment was something I will never forget. It was an amazing feeling. I look forward to experiencing it again and possibly a kill for late seasons. Fingers crossed!
OVERALL, 2020 HAS confirmed my love of the outdoors. I feel most at ease and peaceful when I am on the water or in the woods. We should always go after what brings us peace. This life is not about how much money you can make, or how many worldly possessions you own. It’s about living. Living within the moment, enjoying those moments, sharing those moments with loved ones, and growing in those moments and learning. Find that passion and grow where your heart lies. NS
Wiles practices with her bow ahead of deer season. She says she can’t wait until her next hunt. (AMANDA WILES)
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11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
FISHING
“It is never a guarantee to land a fish, but when we do, it is a definite bonus to me,” writes Courtney Norman, here with one helluva bonus, a dandy fall Chinook. (COURTNEY NORMAN)
Hitting Milestones BY COURTNEY NORMAN
I
have lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life. I started fishing with my husband six years ago. Fishing has become quite the obsession for us. I am most passionate about drifting the rivers for salmon and steelhead, and I love hitting the salt for tuna, halibut, lingcod and salmon. I have been fortunate enough to be able to experience things some people only dream of.
This year I feel like I have hit milestones, from tying up my own gear to learning all the different fisheries. I am proud to be a coordinator for RiverJunky Conservation, where I coordinate events to clean up trash in and on the banks of our waterways. I also love doing fin clipping every year at the Eagle Creek Hatchery. I would like to thank everyone who has had the patience to help get me where I am today. My husband, Robbie Norman, Semper
Fi Sportfishing’s Ivan Khorseev, Alpha Angler Charters’ John Thiel, Olympic Peninsula Guide Service’s Nick Hendrickson and all my buddies who have spent countless hours out on the water with me. I am honored to be able to call these guys my friends. It is never a guarantee to land a fish, but when we do, it is a definite bonus to me. I have learned to appreciate every day on the water, from learning new things to the beautiful views that I get to see along the way to the lifelong friendships formed. NS
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11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
FISHING
The Craig ladies are no stranger to these pages and the San Juans were great to them this past summer. Birthday girl Reese pulled shrimp pots on her 7th, while her mom Katie and grandma Karen hauled up some pretty nice Dungeness. (NATHAN CRAIG)
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11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
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FISHING
When it comes to walleye, Teresa Templeton outfishes husband Andrew, who says he “wouldn’t have it any other way.” She’s also an ace on Columbia sockeye and Chinook from Buoy 10 to Brewster. (TERESA TEMPLETON)
Maralee Moore’s goals are pretty simple: “Catch more big fish” and “fish as much as I can until I can’t fish anymore.” An angler since hitting the water as a kiddo with her dad, she tackles all comers in the Columbia Basin – Chinook, sockeye, largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, rainbows – and from bank or boat. Maralee counts a 30-pound king as her largest catch to date, and her Potholes bugeye that appeared in these pages earlier this year was no slouch either. (MARALEE MOORE) 52 Northwest Sportsman
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r
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11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
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FISHING
Fishing runs strong in Carl Lewallen’s family, with wife Jacqueline catching her firstever halibut, daughter Lamay Burns and granddaughters Donnell and Sunny getting out from Missouri to enjoy some good Oregon Coast crabbing, daughter Ashley Girard smiling over a Gulf Coast mackerel, and mom Mary Walker (right) and Aunt Kathy heading up into the Cascades to put the hurt on high lakes trout! (CARL LEWALLEN)
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11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
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FISHING
Just as author Sara Ichtertz is passing down her love of fishing Oregon’s rivers to her children, her son Nate helped his cousin Kara Anderson to work the waters this past summer. “I have to say I have never seen anything so beautiful,” Ichtertz writes. (SARA ICHTERTZ)
Where We Belong I
f I close my eyes, I can instantly hear the majestic sound of the river. This sound is constant. This sound FOR THE LOVE is purifying. This sound OF THE TUG is powerful. It brings By Sara Ichtertz welcome silence in an overwhelmingly loud life. To some, it brings them everything. To me, without the trials and gifts of motherhood, I don’t think the river could have brought nearly as much into my life as it has. Since day one I believe I was blessed in motherhood and hunting rivers. I believe they were both presented into my life in exactly the right order. I fell for that one-ofa-kind thrill of the bite just before I found out I was going to become a mother. Oh, how I loved this news, as I had wanted to be a mother for some time. Leading up to this entirely new me, I was blessed to be Aunt Sara. I took my auntly
duties seriously, always believing the greatest gift I could give my nieces and nephews was my time. In the moments we shared they would definitely feel my love, and that is what mattered to me. Having family come first was the way I wanted it; looking back now, it’s best motherhood came before the fish. The fish captivated me fully and had the babes not come before my first steelhead, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I believe wholeheartedly I was meant to be Mom to Nate and Ava, and Aunt Sara to my sister’s children, just as I believe I was meant to connect with rivers in such a way that it would put me on a path toward one day becoming one of the greatest bank fishing, steelhead-slaying women to ever come out of Western Oregon.
AS I SET out to learn the rivers, not only did I learn how to read the water, but I learned how to trust in my maternal instinct. People
judged me for having my toddlers down by the river’s edge, but I did not let that waver my beliefs. I believed we were best off if my babes found comfort in nature at a young age. They were plenty smart enough to understand the rules Mom laid out, and they had a sparkle in their eyes I truly believe could only be found here. With no schedule to maintain, we embraced the river for all that it was. Some days, I wish we could go back in time to when the fish called the shots for us. Yes, the babes did in a way too, as some days I had to pack up far sooner than I desired. But the hustle and bustle of being a model citizen did not affect us. I treasure those memories and that time, as I realize they may have been the greatest moments of my life – when time was on our side. A lot of parents do not embrace the great outdoors with their children early on, fearing the “what ifs.” I believe facing them with hope and optimism was exactly what
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we needed. Had I let my fear stop us from going, we would have missed out on so very much. I would have had a hard time learning the rivers had I waited until they were old enough to be “safer” on the water. Being on the river and the water is now like second nature to them, and so they are natural stewards of the water and I love that. Hooking, battling, losing and landing fired-up summers – just us. We all gained strength together, readying us for life ahead. Sharing that chapter with them was priceless and it has led them to pass it along too. I can watch with zero interaction as my boy and my girl share the passion of fishing with their cousins. I have to say I have never seen anything so beautiful and I am thankful my journey of life allows me to be the “Reel Mom” to all of the children. That love, that time, that passion was housed inside of me for so much more than just me. This is what I am meant to do. These souls are the souls I am meant to make a literal difference in. Watching this past year unfold confirms it for me more so than ever.
WATCHING NATE GO from a little boy who wants to fight a fish to a fisherman is some of my greatest work. I take pride in watching him grow. He no longer looks for that rigged-up rod or that handoff. No, he knows that first headshake of it all and dives deeper and deeper into his own abilities as the runs swim by. Last winter on the river I saw a drive in him that I had never seen before. Instead of waiting on Mom, he began to work over his own approach, his own bobber stops, his own float, his own knots, his own gear. He put a true effort into the fish he intended on hooking. Following in his mom’s footsteps, he would test each knot. Watching him give it his best, I would step away from the bank and give them a second test. Some stuck, while others needed another go and so I would quickly get him in good shape, paying him back for truly wanting to be down there by my side – not riding bikes or frolicking about. My boy, he grew last winter, and I look forward to sharing our annual family fish camp with you in next month’s issue. As Brother walked away from winter, he had enough knowledge to find this new purpose. The teacher inside him was 58 Northwest Sportsman
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This year has been a rough one in many ways and while the author says her catches are down, “never have I experienced such fulfilling moments.” Count niece Kara’s first salmon, a jack, among those pinnacles of 2020. (SARA ICHTERTZ) ready and so, of course, his students were waiting for him. These are the ways of the rivers; I believe that. Knowing firsthand the empowerment gained when sharing passion, I tried to give him as many opportunities as possible this past summer, all while balancing what it means to be a fulltime mom with a fulltime job. This year was far from typical and I struggled on what to do and how to do it. Time wasn’t on our side, and neither was timing. This made the pursuit harder than ever, though the time we did spend – whether on mountain lakes or the banks of our river – was beautiful. Watching Nate and Ava both embrace incredible firsts that had nothing to do with catching fish made
me accept this year wholeheartedly. The time we did give to the rivers and this passion was not given in greed or in vain. It wasn’t about me or how many fish I could connect with in 2020. No, it was about making the most of what we had. It was about being the best single mom I could be and sharing love through passion. And not only with my babes who have always been in tow; it was about making time with family. It was about letting the children get some fresh air and learn something I was good at teaching. It was our ray of sunshine in this plagued uncertainty that is Covid-19, that was 2020.
I MAY HAVE landed fewer fish in 2020
my sister. Loved showing them how to fillet it up and ready it for dinner. We all shared Kara’s first harvest around her dinner table, and I hope she knows how much that means to us, but more importantly, I hope she knows how much she means to us.
THE CALIBERS VARY when it comes to the
Nate shows Kara how to bleed her catch as Ava looks on. They would enjoy the early-returning spring Chinook for dinner with Kara’s family. (SARA ICHTERTZ) than I have in many runs, but never have I experienced such fulfilling moments. Nate – who with a little pencil-lead guidance from me, is one heck of a drift fisherman! – put his 11-year-old cousin Kara Lynn Anderson on her first salmon. It was on the banks of the river, and not just any river; it was one of the toughest yet most glorious of them all, the mighty North Umpqua. When I say he put Kara on her first river fish, I mean Nate created and tended his cousin’s drift fishing setup. Not only tended but tended it with care, with genuine love both for Kara and the sport of fishing. When things are done in love, they truly cannot be done wrong. The children in my life always help me to see this. Mother Nature blessed them with the perfect first fish. It was technically a jack, and knowing the monsters that lie beneath our waters, I am actually thankful. It allowed Kara to stay put, as when adult Chinook scream up- or downriver, more scenarios come into play. Once they found the bottom of the 60 Northwest Sportsman
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river, there it was. The drift fisher in me saw it before they did. “I feel the bottom, Aunt Sara!” said Kara, and I declared to her, “That’s a fish, honey; set the hook!” The size of that biter was meant to be, allowing Kara and Nate to work together and get the springer to the bank. As Kara worked that salmon over like the champion that she is, I saw Nate guiding his cousin, and as this year ends, I am content, as this is what really matters to me. Not me tagging out. Not me even fishing. But this, this is what matters. The fish pumped Kara full of that oneof-a-kind adrenaline, allowing her to feel such a thrill – trust me, that can ruin a girl for life. I loved it! We all loved it. Nate and Ava declared it a jack and told her it would be delicious. After telling Kara we had to bonk it and bleed it, Brother showed her how it was done. Nate always thanks the fish as it is harvested; always. I loved seeing them pass this on. Loved bringing her harvest home to
growth that has taken place this year, though they all matter. They all were a blessing to those they shared their love and their time with. Ava hangs right in there. Having no sisters and a mom who isn’t your average gal, she amazes me. Fearless unlike Brother, when Ava decides she’s doing something, she does it. Not only does she do it, she does it well. Watching Nate advance in riggings and his obsession with largemouth, she decided that it was time for her to learn herself a knot. The wild thing is, I did not teach her. Brother did and by golly, that girl’s knots stuck instantly. Very few slipped and in the excitement of her success, we decided to rig all the trout rods up and go trout fishing. And not just anywhere, but to my favorite high mountain lake. Katie May, one of our 2-year-old twins, has always been impressed with our catches since she was itty bitty. Ava loves her twin cousins so very much. She was the youngest for quite some time, and to say Ava was the most excited for the arrival of these two little blonde Scorpios would be pretty accurate. The day had come and we invited Miss Katie to join us. I honestly was a little nervous, as it is a bit of a drive up to the lake, but I saw the excitement in Katie when it came to the fish and in Ava wanting to take Katie fishing, so we packed up our picnic and gear, and off we went. When things are meant to be, they just fall into place, both in life and in fishing. They are not forced, and the sporadic beauty found in this day is exactly what I’m talking about. Watching Ava ready the worm and split shot for Katie was adorable. Casting out for her and handing her the rod, Ava said, “Keep your tip up, girl!” And Katie sure did. No sooner had Brother cast out than Katie indeed had her first fish on. Ava was so eager to help her, and so was Nate. They landed her first fish and helped her check it out. The trout never quit biting, providing
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A trip to a mountain lake allowed Ava to help her young cousin Katie May catch her first fish, a nice rainbow trout. (SARA ICHTERTZ)
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a day that will never be forgotten. Katie felt that undeniable love of the tug on her tiny Shimano setup, just like I thought she would. Ava was able to share her love and knowledge on a scale that was fitting. We helped Katie grow by doing something we love. Out away from her mom, her family and twin sister, she did something she will never forget. She felt the tug at 2 years old and she liked it! I got to hear her tell her first fish tales to her family. Those are the riches we need. Those are the riches I know and those are what matter most to me. Call it fate, call it faith, call it what you will; everything happens the way it is intended. I believe fate is set, but what we do with our time and our lives is entirely up to us. We ultimately are the author of our own story. I want to believe that I am writing one worth reading. I want my love for nature, the rivers and the fish to live on in my children and the children in my life. This way, no matter the runs that swim by, I believe I will always be with them. As 2020 is coming to an end I feel thankful I know where I belong. My heart is on the river and I couldn’t change it, even if I tried. NS
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Northwest Sportsman 63
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
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FISHING
Grace Bolt went back to back with keeper sturgeon on the Bonneville Pool, landing her first ever in late January and punching her second the very next day. (MIKE BOLT) The Columbia’s North Jetty in August might be all about salmon and lings, but Adrionna McClellan will remember it for this big surfperch. She caught it using a whole anchovy on a mooching rig. (MD JOHNSON)
“This little girl has a bright future of many big catches ahead of her, and I can’t wait to sit back and watch!” writes proud father Eric Olsen about daughter Emmie, here with a Tri-Cities sockeye. Emmie caught the joy of fishing on the other side of the Cascades, during 2019’s pink salmon run, and her favorite hobby is tossing plugs for smallmouth bass, Eric says. (ERIC OLSEN)
Who’s ready to tackle salmon and steelhead? Zoe Ross is, that’s who! The 5-year-old fishergirl put together this very nice stringer of rainbows while camping with her dad Jacob this summer. “She knows how to tie her own hooks and bait them also,” he states. (JACOB ROSS) It took no time at all for Allison Huwaldt to get fall Chinook fishing on the Columbia down! A week after landing her first, she was picking out her own 360-degree flasher and spinner and “Bam! Completely caught on her own,” reports super-stoked dad Mike. (DENNIS HUWALDT)
After big bro Preston talked up fishing with grandma and grandpa so much, Aubree Pedeferri wanted to get in on the fun too. She enjoyed a great trip on Lake Wenatchee for sockeye. “She did an awesome job and we do believe she’s hooked on fishing!” reports gramps, Bob Curran. (BOB KURAN)
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66 Northwest Sportsman
OLYMPIA Tom’s Outboard, Inc. (360) 754-3882 PASCO Northwest Marine and Sport (509) 545-5586 www.nwmarineandsport.com TACOMA King Salmon Marine, Inc. (253) 830-2962 www.kingsalmonmarine.com
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
TACOMA Tacoma Boat Sales & Service (253) 301-4013 www.tacomaboatsales.com
CULVER Culver Marine (541) 546-3354 www.culvermarine.com PORTLAND Sportcraft Marina, Inc. (503) 656-6484 www.sportcraftmarina.com
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
FISHING
The waters off Neah Bay have been good to Annika Miller in recent years. Here’s another Chinook she caught off the northwest tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this one last July. (CHAD HUFFMAN)
This year handed us a giant pile of lemons, and Toni Pollock-Bozarth promptly made lemonade! She fished as much as she could close to her house in south Puget Sound, including jigging for squid that arrived early and in big numbers. “I am pleased with the variety I can find within an hour’s drive of my home. There were salmon, kokanee, trout, perch, catfish, rock bass, crappie, squid and crab,” she notes. (TONI POLLOCK-BOZARTH)
You may recognize Rachel Voss as one of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s most recent volunteers of the year for her work championing the agency on the hunting side of the equation, but the Ellensburg dynamo also enjoys fishing out of Ilwaco and Westport for halibut and rockfish. (RACHEL VOSS)
Susan Allen’s a certified steelhead slayer from way back. Here she holds a fourth-cast winter-run that kicked off a 30-fish day for her and hubbie Roger on the Bogachiel, a prime December river on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. (SUSAN ALLEN) Avid kayak angler Colleen Kulp shows off a nice coho she hooked on a Willapa Bay tributary early last month. (RICH FARGO)
A September run out to Eagle Point on the south side of the San Juan Islands was sure sweet for Sara Smith! (CHAD SMITH) nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 67
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
“From kokanee to kings, Rhonna Schnell has proven her ability to put fish in the boat,” writes husband Tom. “After an accident kept her from her passion of horses, she began focusing on fishing and has proven herself as a true fisherwoman. Her passion for fishing continues to grow and it is exciting to see how she continually improves her game. Very proud of her.” (TOM SCHNELL)
FISHING
Molly Francis had a good season on the lower Willamette River and Multnomah Channel this past spring, bonking a number of kings she trolled up with a mix of herring and spinners. (KIRBY CANNON) “Started fishing at the end of August and I am hooked,” says Andrea Rene, here with a nice sturgeon. She’s also enjoyed fishing for Chinook, coho and rainbows. (ANDREA RENE)
Choice! Shawna Bailey holds a Chinook she caught in Lake Chelan this summer. (TARA BAILEY)
A big bump of B-runs up the Columbia-Snake led to an A-plus catch for Cassandra Charles – this 35-inch hatchery steelhead. She caught it in September on the Clearwater in Lewiston while fishing shrimp under a bobber. (CASSANDRA CHARLES) “Not a bad start for her first king ever!” So states Jon Crawford about daughterin-law Mackenzie’s 25-pound fall Chinook “on her first try at salmon fishing.” She caught it on a smoky day in the Tri-Cities stretch of the Columbia. (JON CRAWFORD)
68 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
WASHINGTON EVERETT Cascade Marine Service, LLC (425) 303-0200 2925 W. Marine View Dr. tim@cascademarineservice.com www.cascademarineservice.com
OREGON EUGENE Maxxum Marine (541) 686-3572 1700 State Highway 99 N www.maxxummarine.com
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 69
O
wner BJ Cross first started working on outboard engines in a small Yamaha dealership, rebuilding carbs and installing impellers. Years later, The Boat Doc, LLC was opened and specializes in Engines and Drive systems small and large and electronics. All makes of Inboard / outboard, Inboard V-drive and direct drive, Jet drive, Outboards of all makes both prop lowers and jet pumps. We offer a full service repair shop from a simple impeller swap to a complete repowers. We are proud and excited to announce that we now offer custom aluminum offshore conversion kits, built one-off per application, and custom towers and accessories. Also, we will be soon adding prop repair and full marine audio installations. We have the latest versions of tech scan equipment and on-site test tank so all jobs are done right the first time. We back up our work 100% and strive for customer satisfaction. The Boat Doc, LLC has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been an accredited business for over 7 years. You can find me on Yellowbook.com and Facebook.
541-603-9452 • eugeneboatrepair.com
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
of
Northwest
FISHING
Mike Toutloff doesn’t get to fish and hunt with daughter Shayla as much as he used to, making him cherish their outing this year on the Hanford Reach all the more. (MIKE TOUTLOFF) Rosalie Kearney set aside her gardening and quilting to show the boys how it’s done, catching this pair of Chinook on opening day off Sekiu. (PAUL KEARNEY)
Mary Eshpeter was pretty happy with her first rivercaught salmon, this coho she hooked in a river near Westport in late October. (FRANK ESHPETER) Twins Morgan and Mason Baseley not only love fishing and hunting but are studying fish and wildlife ecology and natural resource management at the University of Montana Western, “where fly fishing is a daily pastime,” as evidenced by this brown trout from the Beaverhead. They’ve launched the Facebook and Instagram pages 2girls hunting and 2girls_hunting, respectively, “to help encourage women/youth/and others to be involved and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.” Kudos!!! (MORGAN AND MASON BASELEY)
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 71
11th ANNUAL
REAL WOMEN
Her first Wind River springer brings a big smile for Jennifer Bauman, a certified Real Woman of Northwest Fishing! (JOSEPH MCCARL)
of
Northwest
FISHING
If it swims in the MidColumbia, it’s on Renee Mortimer’s radar! Along with walleye, shad and Chinook, she’s landed sockeye on the big river near Tri-Cities. (JERRY HAN)
A sunny day in the San Juans yielded a pair of Chinook for Rosanna Lehman and a fishing partner. A 3-inch Silver Horde Silver Knight in UV white did the trick. (ROSANNA LEHMAN)
Connie Zuber more than held her own in the “team to beat” at Buoy 10. She caught this estimated 22-pounder on a cutplug on the outgoing tide on the south side of the Astoria-Megler Bridege. “Nothing but quality fish on our boat,” said friend Dale Watson, who sent the pic. (DALE WATSON)
“The Chinook were biting” that weekend for mother and daughter Vivian and Alyssa Zoller. They were trolling a spinner on the Columbia near Camas in early September. (CHAD ZOLLER)
72 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
The Columbia yielded some pretty nice fall kings this season, including for Erin, last name unknown, here with an estimated 36-pounder from the Hanford Reach. Friend Randy Schaff sent the pic. (RANDY SCHAFF)
g l
)
PHOTO
CONTEST
WINNERS!
Jacob Ross is the winner of our monthly Fishing Photo Contest, thanks to this shot of daughter Zoe and her stout trout. It wins him gear from various tackle manufacturers!
EOMS INC.
253 W. HERMISTON AVE. HERMISTON, OR 97838 (541) 567-2011
COMPLETE WILD GAME PROCESSING. BONELESS CUT, DOUBLE WRAPPED EXACTLY TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS.
Marc Ling is our monthly Coast Hunting Photo Contest winner, thanks to this pic of sons Matthew and Mitchell and their California quackers. It wins him a knife and light from Coast!
For your shot at winning a Coast knife and light, as well as fishing products from various manufacturers, send your photos and pertinent details (who, what, when, where) to awalgamott@media-inc.com or Northwest Sportsman, 14240 Interurban Ave. S., Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. By sending us photos, you affirm you have the right to distribute them for our print or Internet publications.
We also offer specialty smoked products
MADE IN HOUSE:
• Old Fashioned Jerky • Summer Sausage • Hunter Sausage • Pepperoni Sticks • Teriyaki Sticks
www.EasternOregonMobileSlaughter.com nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 75
www.TopperEZLift.com (651) 207-5634 Mendota, MN
Raise and lower your topper with a push of a button! Topper EZ Lift allows you to get large loads in your pickup without removing your topper and also turns your truck into a pop-up camper!
Contact us about a full, custom rifle build. From a championship winning F-Class rifle to long range ultralight hunting rifles. pierceengineeringltd.com • (517) 321-5051 76 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
The Pierce Titanium Action offers an unparalleled combination of low weight and high strength utilizing 6AL4V Grade 5 Titanium with a full DLC coating. A low friction coefficient with weights starting around 18.5 oz., and as light as 15 oz. in our featherweight option, gives you the shooter the ultimate edge of repeatability and accuracy in our complete one-off rifle builds. jpierceltd@tds.net • 5122 North Grand River, Lansing, MI 48906
MIXED BAG
Poaching Cases Spike
I
n Oregon it was a “frenzy of wildlife poaching,” while in Idaho five moose were shot in an area with a low population of the biggest member of the deer family. Midfall’s outbreak of wildlife crimes had Northwest managers and wardens asking for case tips, offering rewards – and shaking their collective head in dismay. “This is the worst I’ve ever seen. Things are happening all over Lane County right now,” said Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott. “Every day is a new report.” He and “conservation K9” Buck, a yellow Lab, were working the scenes of deer, elk and bear poachings in the woods and wilds outside Eugene, trying to turn up anything that might lead to suspects. In some cases, entire animals were left to waste, while in others only select cuts were taken. A bruin they found was missing its head, claws and some meat, but it was unclear if the gall bladder had also been taken. It left the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Doug Cottam disappointed. “There are available and inexpensive opportunities to legally harvest a deer or bear to eat in Oregon. There is no excuse for poaching,” he said. “I am very concerned about people who kill wild animals just to satisfy their desire to kill something.” Another case smacked of someone having fired into an elk herd, with two bulls and a cow found dead in close proximity east of Sisters, and only the head and front shoulders of the larger bull salvaged. In Idaho, mistaken identification by
More Shellfish Overlimits
S Idaho officials were looking for information on the shooting of this bull moose north of Boise, one of five illegally shot in the region in midfall. (IDFG) “inexperienced hunters” was to blame for the shooting of some of those moose. “It’s a pretty simple principle, and it’s one of the first things you are taught in hunter education: If there is any doubt at all, you should never take that shot,” said Conservation Officer Marshall Haynes.“There is no excuse for shooting the wrong animal.” But back in Northeast Oregon’s Baker County, it was likely that a pair of wolves were intentionally illegally shot in separate incidents, one north of Richland in late September, the other northeast of there in late October. At press time, nearly $14,000 was on offer for info. Idaho officials were offering $1,200 for tips on the shooting of a bull moose near Smith Ferry, south of Cascade Reservoir. Anyone with tips on the above cases can contact the Oregon State Police at (800) 452-7888 or TIP@state.or.us, and Idaho Officer Chris Rowley at (208) 630-4341.
hellfish continue to take a shellacking as beaches and bays draw people who apparently have never heard of regs pamphlets, or care. In September’s issue we detailed a number of preposterous overlimits, including some from areas that are closed due to dangerous pollution levels. The most recent issue of the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division monthly newsletter added a case from Florence to the list. A trooper responding to the North Jetty found two women in possession of barnacles and mussels but neither had a shellfishing license. As they were chatting about the rules and regulations, three more people were spotted “dumping buckets of mussels into the ocean.” After rounding all five people up, the trooper issued criminal citations to them for exceeding daily limits on mussels and gooseneck barnacles, lack of licenses, and wastage, as well as seized 832 mussels and 533 barnacles. The daily limits are 72 and 10 apiece.
JACKASS OF THE MONTH
T
here is social distancing, and then there is the lengths one Oregon Coast crabber went to avoid Oregon fish and wildlife troopers back in September. Troopers were running a boat patrol on the Coquille River estuary near Bandon and while salmon anglers were having a slow go of things that day, fishermen after clawed quarry were doing better – a little too good, in fact. One boat was found to have seven undersized male Dungeness aboard,
which the skipper blamed on his “poor eyesight,” but the pilot of the next craft couldn’t use that excuse. He seemed to have exceptionally good vision, if his closerange evasion skills are any indication. After troopers saw him pulling crab rings, they pulled up to within 10 yards of his boat and attempted to get his attention, but instead the guy “refused to make eye contact and started motoring away.” So, they tried a different tack – literally: “Troopers came alongside, and slightly ahead of the subject, at speed, and the subject still did not look in their direction.” Finally, they shouted at the boater and
that got him to stop. Why was he trying to stay away from troopers? “When asked if he had any crab, the subject initially stated he had none,” they report, “then said he had a few.” A few actually turned out to be 11, and nearly all of the Dungies were also under Oregon’s 5¾-inch minimum size limit. Turns out the guy just couldn’t see himself measuring them. “The subject did not have a crab gauge on board, and admitted to not bothering to measure them,” troopers say. He was cited for taking undersized crab and his catch was returned to the bay. nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 77
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Boats • Motors • Service • Boat Storage MAIN (425) 252-3088 | LAUNCH (425) 339-8330 | 1111 Craftsman Way, Everett, WA 98201
Hanford Derby Collects 1,175 URBs T he King of the Reach live-capture derby once again helped MidColumbia salmon hatchery managers reach broodstock goals, as well as saw John Plughoff crowned as this year’s top angler after the guide delivered 68 fall Chinook during the annual October effort. All totalled over three days, 299 participants brought in 648 bucks and 527 hens for spawning at Grant County Public Utility District’s Priest Rapids Hatchery, at the head of the free-flowing Hanford Reach. The 1,175 upriver brights is the third highest tally, after last year’s record catch of 1,546 and 2018’s 1,209. Stephen Davis brought in 49 and Tanner McCombs had 42. Plughoff was 2019’s second-place finisher. The event is organized by the utility, Washington Department of Fish and
A masked volunteer in the Oct. 23-25 King of the Reach derby holds a nice fall Chinook collected for broodstock purposes at a nearby hatchery. (WDFW) Wildlife and Coastal Conservation Association. The aim is to ensure the hatchery’s stock remains genetically similar to native fall Chinook spawning in the Reach. Fish are kept in livewells or
By Andy Walgamott
coolers with aerators and transported to nearby collection points or picked up by a shuttle boat. While a host of other derbies were put on hold due to the pandemic, this was the eighth consecutive year King of the Reach has been held. The 2020 fall Chinook return past McNary, the dam immediately below the Reach, was the highest of the past four years and it produced the best fishery there, in terms of harvest, over the same period.
UPCOMING EVENTS Tengu
Blackmouth Derby, Sundays on Elliott Bay, tentatively scheduled to begin Jan. 3 and run for the next seven weekends
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 79
YOUR BOATING PLEASURE IS OUR BUSINESS!
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DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
9-5:30pm
What was lining up to be an outstanding fall razor clam season on the Northwest Coast has been put on hold for the most part due to marine toxin levels. Use the listed website below to check on scheduled Washington openers and myodfw.com for Oregon updates. (WDFW)
OUTDOOR
CALENDAR* DECEMBER
1-4
Tentative razor clam openers at several Washington Coast beaches – info: see above and wdfw.wa.gov 1-15 Extended pheasant season at select Western Washington release sites (no birds stocked) 3 Oregon Zone 2 duck, scaup reopener 3-5 Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting – info: wdfw.wa.gov/ about/commission 11 Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting – info: dfw.state.or.us/ agency/commission 12 Washington Goose Management Area 1 reopener 12-18 Tentative razor clam openers at several Washington Coast beaches – see above 15 Oregon Klamath, Lake, Harney and Malheur Counties Zone Canada goose reopener 18 Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting – info: see above 19 Oregon South Coast Zone goose reopener 24, 25, 28, 29 and 31 Washington Goose Management Area 4 additional hunting days 28-31 Tentative razor clam openers at several Washington Coast beaches – see above 31 Last day to hunt pheasants in Oregon; End of Oregon, Idaho fishing, hunting license years
JANUARY 1 9 10 15 16
18 24 31
New Oregon, Idaho fishing licenses required; Blackmouth fishing opens in Washington Marine Area 10; Opening day of Washington late cougar season First of 14 brant goose hunting days in Pacific County (others: 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 31) Deadline to file Washington big game report for incentive permit eligibility Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting – info: see above Oregon Klamath, Lake, Harney and Malheur Counties Zone late white and white-fronted goose opener; First of three brant goose hunting days in Clallam and Whatcom Counties (others: 20, 23) and first of two in Skagit County (other: 23; more possible based on aerial counts) Last day to hunt partridge, quail and pheasant in Eastern Washington Last day to hunt ducks in Oregon Zone 2 Deadline to file mandatory hunter reports in Washington, Oregon; Last day to hunt ducks in Oregon Zone 1; Last day to hunt other upland birds in Oregon, Idaho; Last day to hunt ducks and geese in Idaho Area 1; Last day to fish for trout, salmon and/or steelhead on many Western Washington river systems
*Check ahead. Some events may not take place due to Northwest governors’ Covid-19 orders. nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 81
More than a building...it’s a solution!
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PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL FRAME STRUCTURES COST COMPETITIVE MAINTENANCE FRIENDLY
503.668.7211 | Toll-free: 855.668.7211 | www.wsbnw.com 82 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
POCKET OX
Finally, a hoist small enough and light enough that you will actually carry it. Yes, they cost as much as your favorite boots. But drag a moose out of the beaver muck or put your ATV back on its feet just once and you’ll see that it’s worth every dime. PocketOx.com
VERLE’S
Verle’s has the Big Chief front or top load package for you. Smoking is made simple with the Big Chief, as all you have to do is plug it in to a standard household outlet. Just place your food (after brining or preparation) on one of the five racks that sit over the top of the drip pan. The smoker’s capacity is a whopping 50 pounds of meat or fish! Includes: smoker, five easy-slide chrome-plated grills, electric cord, drip pan, wood flavor pan, free bag of Smokehouse Alder Wood Chips, and recipe booklet. Regular price: $134.99. Holiday special: $109.99 until December 31, 2020. verles.com
PUDDING RIVER WOODCARVING STUDIOS
Located on 10 secluded, wooded acres bordering the Pudding River and town of Aurora, Oregon, Pudding River Woodcarving Studios specializes in handmade functional art rendered from Northwest woods. They harvest, shape and create every art piece from salvaged raw materials. The overall process with larger creations such as conference and dining room tables, countertops, fireplace mantels, sculptures etc., usually includes onsite consultation, delivery and installation. Pudding River Woodcarving Studio’s website features videos that are available to you for review. Feel free to call to them and set up a time to visit their 50-by-100-foot studio and work place. And look for them at the upcoming sportsmen’s shows in Oregon and Washington. puddingriverstudio.com
MONTANA’S MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY
THE MICHLITCH COMPANY
The perfect spice and seasoning gift ideas for any professional or home chef. The Michlitch Company’s gift packs include freshly ground spices and handcrafted seasonings that showcase their signature blends and gourmet spice collections. MSRP: $19.98. This gift box contains: 5-ounce jar of Blackened Red Seasoning 5-ounce jar of Chili Chipotle Lime Seasoning 5.5-ounce jar of Chipotle Fire & Smoke Seasoning 5.4-ounce bottle of Fletcher’s Hot Sauce spokanespice.com
THE DALLES, OREGON
Give the gift of local this holiday season. Use this Explore The Dalles Gift Card to explore restaurants, attractions, retailers, breweries, wineries and so much more. Keep dollars local with the gift that is never too small or the wrong color. It is truly the perfect gift for all! thedalleschamber.com/?page_id=24746&preview=true
There’s more room to roam, explore and discover new territory in Northeast Montana’s Missouri River Country. Big-water recreation, wildlife sightings, prairie topography, paleontology, uncluttered views that go on forever and the history of the Old West. Dark night skies with bright stars and landscapes that give you room to breathe. Put Missouri River Country on the top of your bucket list! missouririvermt.com
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 83
FILLET PRO
The Fillet Pro fillet mat is the last fillet mat you will ever need to purchase. It comes with a lifetime guarantee and is made of durable, 100 percent recycled materials. The patented design keeps your catch from sliding around on your fillet table. The specially designed grooves in the mat gather the fish’s glycoprotein (aka slime), keeping surface friction at a maximum to aid in safely cleaning your catch. The heavy-duty Fillet Mat measures 10 inches by 36 inches and the design includes a convenient carrying handle. filletpro.com
SILVER HORDE
The KatchKooler Deluxe keeps your catch fresher and features a compact design for easy storage. Made from high-density closedcell foam. Waterproof outer fabric. Add reusable ice packs and protect your catch from bacterial degradation. silverhorde.com
ALL RIVERS & SALTWATER CHARTERS
Team ARSC offers many exciting fishing options throughout Washington such as salmon, steelhead, albacore and bottomfish. Freshwater or saltwater, their gift certificates are a perfect gift idea, and the recipient can decide which trip to book! allwashingtonfishing.com
ACE LINE HAULER
New for 2020, the Pacific Pro is by far the best hauler Ace Line Hauler has offered! More low-end power, redesigned gear head and quad brushes. Plus now in addition to fitting onto Scotty and Cannon downrigger mounts, the Pacific Pro fits onto the Burnewiin premium mounting system! acelinehauler.com
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RANCH
The newly expanded Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch offers amazing threeday guided trophy elk and buffalo hunts in Southeast Idaho, just 11/2 hours from Yellowstone Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Everything about the hunt is five-star. Dates are filling fast, so don’t get left off the schedule for 2021. Call today and ensure your hunting dreams come true. rockymountainelkranch.com
RAD POWER BIKES
The RadRover seamlessly blends rugged capabilities and exceptional comfort. With 4-inch fat tires and a reputation for stability, Rad Power Bikes’ flagship ebike is perfect for off-road adventures, weekend spins around the cul de sac, and everything in between. It’s no wonder it’s the best-selling electric fat bike in North America. radpowerbikes.com
CAMOUFLAGE FACE PAINT, INC.
PACIFIC WINGS WATERFOWL ADVENTURES
Perfect gift for the waterfowl hunter in your life is a hunt with Pacific Wings. Gift certificates available. You can purchase a hunt as a unique gift that is sure to please. Premier waterfowl hunting in Eastern Washington. pacific-wings.net 84 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
A unique gift for “the huntsman” in your life. The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes Bobbie Weiner’s Camo Face Paint as the No. 1 supplier for our military since 1997. Bobbie also supplies the hunting industry with the same quality face paint. Odorless, nontoxic, hypoallergenic, nonstaining and washes off with soap and water. Made in the USA. camofacepaint.com
TANNERITE TARGETS
Tannerite Targets are the original patented reactive rifle target shot indicators! Buy online and save with coupon code: ONTARGET. tannerite.com
EXQUISITEKNIVES.COM
Exquisiteknives.com offers the finest in custom knives, from hunters to elaborate art knives, and is owned by retired master bladesmith Dave Ellis, who has an extensive collection, as well as contacts worldwide. With the advantage of being a maker, collector and purveyor, Dave can fulfill your every need. Ben Seward is one of Exquisiteknives.com’s picks. This checkeredhandled beauty (below) is just one example of his work. exquisiteknives.com
WOODMAN’S PAL
PROLIX LUBRICANTS
Even Santa would love to see a bottle of PrOlix in his stocking this holiday season! There is no product on the market to date that works like PrOlix; just see their ad in this publication and learn more over at their website! Let PrOlix make it a joyful holiday! prolixlubricant.com
A unique gift for any outdoorsman, your new Woodman’s Pal will become an instant family heirloom. Both the ash wood handle and the beautiful leather sheath are handmade and finished by Amish craftsmen. Each blade is individually hand-sharpened to ensure the machete cuts through everything. $175. Made in the USA. woodmanspal.com
PMA TOOL
Give the gift of accuracy this Christmas. The PMA Model A Neck Turner is the simplest, most comfortable neck turning tool available. PMA Tool is your first call in rifle accuracy. Go to their website to see all the tools and gear available to get the highest level of accuracy from your rifles. pmatool.com
Custom Boat Trailers Reliable Quality Service & Craftsmanship For Over 50 Years!
• NMMA Certified • All Steel Weld Frame, Fenders & Bunks • 2 YEAR WARRANTY
343 Thain Rd., Lewiston, Idaho • www.gateway-materials.com • 208-743-0720 86 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
PUDDING RIVER WOODCARVING STUDIOS TABLES • BENCHES • MANTELS • PANELS • COUNTERTOPS • SCULPTURES • CUSTOM WORK
503.347.5404 • puddingriverstudio.com
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
Northwest Sportsman 87
DICKINSON ARMS
New Ranger Series single-shot shotguns from Dickinson Arms combine classic good looks, craftsmanship, excellent shooting performance and remarkable value. There is a full family of models for adults and youth, as well as a shortbarreled, folding Survival model – at retail prices ranging from $144-$164 MSRP. dickinsonarms.com
DEAD FOOT ARMS
SEAL 1
Kit includes: one 4-ounce container of CLP Plus Paste; one 4-ounce container of CLP Plus Liquid; one four-pack of presaturated EZ-Cloth; one 12-inch-by-12-inch microfiber cloth; one double-ended nylon utility brush; and two 6-inch hardwood cotton swabs. seal1.net
The SCW 2.5 Tailhook is by far the most compact PDW-style pistol brace that the industry has ever seen, with a collapsed length of 2.5 inches. While compact, it is still very versatile, allowing for buttonfree brace deployment and five length-of-pull settings. deadfootarms.com
BARNAUL AMMUNITION
Affordable .300 Blackout steel case ammunition has arrived. Barnaul Ammunition’s .300 Blackout is a 145-grain supersonic cartridge with a polymer-coated steel case moving at 1,985 feet per second. Finally, an option that doesn’t break the bank and with the power you want. barnaulammo.com
TIMBER CREEK OUTDOORS
Timber Creek Outdoors’ self-healing JAX target is perfect for endless range fun. The JAX target will tumble after a hit to a new location to improve target acquisition while having fun. All Timber Creek products are proudly made in Springfield, Oregon, and come with a lifetime warranty. MSRP: $9.99 timbercreekoutdoorsinc.com
BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION
GARY REEDER CUSTOM GUNS
When you are looking for full-custom guns, look no further than Gary Reeder Custom Guns. They have been building full-custom guns since 1987 and currently have almost 70 series of full-custom revolvers, custom 1911s, custom lever guns, custom single shots and a lot more. These include the very popular Black Widow, one of their most popular series since 1987. For more info, call (928) 527-4100. reedercustomguns.com 90 Northwest Sportsman
DECEMBER 2020 | nwsportsmanmag.com
The 6.5mm Creedmoor 120-grain Hornady GMX from Black Hills Ammunition offers up to 50 percent more penetration, plus higher weight retention. It generally retains nearly 100 percent of its weight, compared to 50 to 70 percent for lead-core bullets. It also opens immediately upon impact, causing large-diameter wound cavities and anchoring game quickly and humanely. black-hills.com
HIPOINT FIREARMS
Hi-Point Firearms provides American-made affordable firearms with a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. hi-pointfirearms.com
Sales, Service, & Storage
Culver Marine
Full Line Honda Marine Dealer 9066 SW Feather Dr. Culver, OR 97734
Powered by Honda Marine Motors
541 546-3354 www.CulverMarine.com shop@CulverMarine.com Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. 2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Ž
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
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MERNICKLE HOLSTERS
If your cowboy gun is what you shoot the most, why not make it your daily carry? Mernickle Holsters’ PS06SA is made of the highest grade Hermann Oak Leather. This holster can be carried in the strong side position or a cross draw. Holsters are hand-molded to your model of gun to ensure a perfect fit every time. mernickleholsters.com
LUTHAR
The Widebody Palm Handguard builds on the same triangular profile as Luth-AR’s innovative Palm Handguard with a new Widebody profile that conforms to the palm of your hand, and provides a wide, flat surface to lay on a shooting bag or other support. Perfect for hunters, precision or 3-gun competitors, the 15-inch length features M-Lok slots along the upper-side flat, and three rows of slots on the bottom flat. The Widebody Palm Handguard is made from 6061-T6 aluminum extrusion that is hard coat anodized black, and includes a barrel nut made from alloy steel with a Melonite finish. Other features include four clamp screws; two vertical set screws, to control linear movement; and thread lock for simple and quick installation. Priced affordably, dealer, quantity and OEM pricing is available upon request. luth-ar.com
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SKINNER SIGHTS
The Skinner Sights HTF bag allows your firepower to be “concealed in plain sight,” yet ready in case of an emergency. Holds up to a 40-inch long gun and two handguns. Room for three rifle and eight pistol magazines. Knife, flashlight and accessory pouches. Cordura construction with heavy-duty stitching. (Firearms and accessories in photo are not included. For illustrative purposes only.) skinnersights.com
SPECIALIZING IN MARINE REPAIR AND NEW VESSEL CONSTRUCTION • • • •
10-28 ft. V hull 20-30 ft pontoons 2-450 hp outboards Custom engine programs available for outboard or inboard
40312 Piper Ln, Sweet Home, OR 97386 | www.mvpcustomboats.com | 541-FOR BOAT (367-2628)
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SEA SPORT BOATS
The Explorer 2400 is as rugged as it looks, offering a bold performance and smooth ride that is the signature of the Sea Sport “Deep-V” hull design. Added comforts include a full dinette (which converts to a sleeper) and galley, enclosed stand-up head, and a large V-berth. Whether cruising or fishing in the summer or winter, the Explorer 2400 provides the best experience of any boat in its class. seasportboats.com
PUGET MARINA
Puget Marina, located in Olympia for over 50 years, offers sales and service right on the water. They carry a great selection of boats from some of the best manufacturers – Campion, Northwest Boats, Lund, Sweetwater Pontoons and Hurricane – plus Suzuki and Yamaha outboards. See them for your next boat. pugetmarina.com
STARWELD
Starweld boats are as tough as the diehards who rely on them. Starweld is known for its all-welded, rugged reliability. The Fusion series is available from 16 to 20 feet in a variety of configurations based on your needs. Starwelds offer an unbeatable industryleading lifetime plus-6 warranty for peace of mind. starcraftstarweld.com
LEELOCK ANCHOR SYSTEMS
The LeeLock Magnum Skeg drastically improves performance and straightline travel of bow-mounted electric trolling motors. The use of bow-mounted electric trolling motors for salmon trolling is a game-changer. Not only does this skeg improve performance, it makes bow-mounted electric trolling motors much more efficient. Your batteries will run longer on a charge. The LeeLock Magnum Skeg can be a vital part of your trolling motor system! This oversized skeg is made of anodized 5052 aluminum. The size is 8.5 inches high by 10 inches wide and it’s .1875 inch thick. The skeg is anodized to keep the aluminum from corroding in fresh- and saltwater. The LeeLock Magnum Skeg is available to fit most 12-, 24- and 36-volt Minn Kota motors. The Magnum Skeg comes with clear PVC-coated hose clamps. The LeeLock Magnum Skeg is also available for MotorGuide motors. leelock.com
EASY LAUNCH
U.S. MARINE SALES AND SERVICE
Welcome to US Marine Sales and Service, the Puget Sound’s leader in providing the friendliest service backed by years of expertise in saltwater and freshwater environments. Their goal is to work closely with their customers to save them time and money while creating excellent value in products and service. US Marine Sales and Service is pleased to offer the finest selection of new and used boats and pontoon boats for sale, from the best manufacturers: Yamaha Boats, WeldCraft Boats, G3 Boats and Suncatcher Pontoon Boats. US Marine Sales and Service also carries a wide selection of Yamaha Waverunners, EZ Loader Boat Trailers, Yamaha Outboards, MerCruiser and Volvo Penta Sterndrives. usmarinesales.com 94 Northwest Sportsman
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LIFE PROOF BOATS
Every Life Proof Boat is constructed with commercial-grade premium materials. Every model is meticulously designed with beautiful form and purposeful function. And every hull, helm and cabin is made to handle even the worst of Mother Nature – with more confidence. More control. And more peace of mind. Life Proof Boats are built for life on the water. lifeproofboats.com
BOAT INSURANCE AGENCY
The Boat Insurance Agency is an independent agency representing the best marine insurance companies. They carefully compare a number of policies to find the lowest premiums and best values for your boat insurance needs. Boat Insurance Agency is owned and operated by Northwest boaters. They have the local knowledge needed to understand boating in the West, along with your special needs. Contact them for an insurance quote and to learn more about the value and service they can offer. boatinsurance.net
Transom Wheels were designed for saltwater! Made of the best available corrosion-resistant aluminum, combined with strength, and then clear-anodized for maximum protection. All pins and mounting hardware are stainless steel, including the lanyard. The wheels are medium-highdensity commercial polyethylene and are rotationally molded to .25 inch thickness. They are designed to operate without bearings, are airtight and float! Easy Launch’s wheel system is very durable and the heavy-duty construction and innovative design makes getting across rough terrain, soft sand or loose gravel a snap! ezlaunchwheels.com
nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
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TIKCHIK NARROWS LODGE
Tikchik Narrows Lodge is a premier fly-out sportfishing lodge in Bristol Bay, Alaska. They combine a world-class fishing program with first-class accommodations and dining in one of the most wild and spectacular locations on Planet Earth. Their trip packages are all-inclusive with daily fly-outs and guided fishing. tikchiklodge.com
ANGLER’S ALIBI
Angler’s Alibi is located on the remote tidewater section of the Alagnak River in Bristol Bay, Alaska. This location allows for great fishing right off the shore, even right off the lodge’s dock! Angler’s Alibi utilizes seven guide boats, seven experienced fishing guides and takes only 14 guests per week. That approach allows them to customize your fishing program according to your wishes. They offer up to nine hours of guided fishing every day, and if that is not enough, they will take guests out after dinner until the 9 p.m. curfew. Guests dictate how much time they want to fish, so if more relaxation time is desired, just let them know! anglersalibi.com
HAKAI LODGE
Create family memories that will last a lifetime! Share your fishing adventures at Hakai Lodge with your sons, daughters and grandchildren during multi-generation vacations, making it a family event to remember. It’s nice to have a break from your devices and what better way to bond with your family than on a fishing trip in the scenic wilderness of British Columbia? (The lodge has WiFi; whether or not you use it is up to you!) Hakai Lodge is family-friendly and offers special rates for young adults. Their fishing trips are all-inclusive, including round-trip airfare from Seattle, Washington, and range from six days to two days. Check their website for rates. hakaifishinglodge.com
The Salmon & Steelhead spinners & spoons that Fishermen can rely on every time for high quality and dependability. You can find these incredible American made lures at these fine sporting goods stores, Sportco, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Fisherman’s Marine and Englund Marine or at
mcomiescustomlures.com
mcomiescustomlures.com | 971-271-3860 96 Northwest Sportsman
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1,500 lbs 12:1 Cow Mini Hoist
Like having 6 guys in your pack. Only quieter. 20 ounces 30 cubic in.
Ancient Technology Modern Materials
Build it Right Build it Once Build it Here
www.PocketOx.com
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CASCADE MARINE CENTER
Many people this year are first-time boat owners. As such, it was a tough year on parts, pieces and accessories. After 50 years in business, Cascade Marine Center has the knowledge to keep you on the water. Please remember to winterize your boat. If you have never done it before, you must, as a cracked engine block costs thousands. Leave the problems at the dock, not on the water. Give Cascade Marine Center a call. cascademarinecenter.com
RE CAMP KITCHEN
WILDLIFE FOREVER
New in mint condition, the Limited Edition Bear Family from Dakin Artist Collection comes with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying this unique and rare item. Quality and craftsmanship are perfectly coupled with the endearing design of plush animals, making Lou Rankin Friends ideal for gift giving and collecting. They are certain to be treasured for a lifetime. wildlifeforever.org
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The RE Camp Kitchen is the result of many years spent in the backcountry, where safety and well-being rely heavily on functional and durable equipment. The box is constructed of aircraft aluminum. The practical design makes it convenient to use for everything from a family lunch on the lawn to an extended stay in the backcountry. The wheeled “suitcase� mode allows you to choose your cooking spot without being tied to your vehicle. The Camp Kitchen may be purchased with all the extra kitchen items or just the boxes. With the RE Camp Kitchen, you really can start cooking in 10 minutes. robertsonenterprises.net
OREGON
WASHINGTON
GRESHAM MOEN MACHINERY 268 NE Hogan Dr. (503) 666-9159 www.moenmachinery.com
BELLINGHAM HARDWARE SALES, INC. 2034 James St. (360) 734-6140 www.hardwaresales.net HOQUIAM / ABERDEEN HARBOR SAW & SUPPLY 2211 W. First St. (360) 532-4600 www.harborsaw.com
MOUNT VERNON BRIM TRACTOR CO., INC. 2500 Cedardale Rd (360) 424-1600 www.brimtractor.com/map-andhours--mount-vernon PASCO COLUMBIA GRAIN & FEED 2001 W Lewis St (509) 547-8818 www.columbiagrainandfeed.net
ISSAQUAH ISSAQUAH HONDA KUBOTA 1745 NW Mall St (425) 392-5182 www.issaquahhondakubota.com
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STOCKY’S
Stocky’s beautiful walnut aluminum bedded Accublock Stocks are a drip-in fit on most Remington 700s. They feature your choice of a raised Monte Carlo or classic cheekrest, with or without ebony accents, sharp 20-line-per-inch borderless checkering and Stocky’s latest lightweight aluminum bedding system for the finest accuracy your rifle can deliver. Do-ityourself, 10-minute installation; no special tools required. newriflestocks.com
DIVERSIFIED INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS
DIP Inc. is not content with the cheap plastic parts that many firearms companies produce to cut production costs for rimfire firearms. Instead, they make dropin metal replacement parts and accessories that are both high quality and affordable. All products are made in the USA and manufactured for the following brands: CZ, Marlin, Savage, Ruger, Remington, Tikka, Steyr, S&W, Howa, Marlin, Sako, Anschutz, Henry and others. diproductsinc.com
NOMAR
The welded exterior has five D-rings sewn into the reinforced edge. Add a shoulder strap, or use the D-rings to attach to a skiff, four-wheeler or horse. The padded, removable inside sleeve has fleece and closed-cell foam to protect your gun; the foam will also float the gun in a mishap. Save the gun – and maybe you. nomaralaska.com
DANDY SAW
The Dandy Saw – or “The Get Serious Saw,” as Durwood Hollis dubbed it many years ago – is still top in its class of aggressive bone/wood-cutting camp saws. There are four different sizes to match your need: the Mini Dandy, Half Dandy, Pack Dandy and the two-handled Dandy. Each saw comes with a scabbard and a lifetime warranty. robertsonenterprises.net
UNDERWOOD AMMO
Based on the Xtreme Defense Fluid Transfer Monolithic (FTM) family of projectiles, the EXD projectile has optimized flute geometry, total weight and velocity to achieve a penetration depth up to 18 inches with a permanent wound cavity that is simply enormous; no expanding hollowpoint comes close to achieving this collective volume of wound cavity. underwoodammo.com 100 Northwest Sportsman
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BULLARD LEATHER
Looking for that new leather holster, double-thick belt, rifle sling, cowboy rig, cartridge belt, wallet or a knife sheath made from beautiful 100 percent Hermann Oak Leather? All of Bullard Leather’s products are handmade with care in their shop in Cooper, Texas. All holsters are molded to the gun and boned in for a snug and accurate fit. Choose from a variety of exotic skins, bull hides and custom hand tooling in an array of colors. Pictured above is the Defender Holster for a 4.25inch Bond Arms Snake Slayer with .410 cartridge loops. The holster features a slight 10-degree forward cant and is worn in the 2 to 3 o’clock position and comes with four to five bullet loops for the caliber of your pistol. For more, visit Bullard Leather’s website, email them at bullardleather@gmail.com or call (844) 336-2958. bullardleather.com
SAILFISH MARLIN YELLOWFIN TUNA WAHOO DORADO ROOSTER FISH Family-Friendly Travel & Vacationing!
31’ LUHRS “GO FISH,” LOS SUENOS MARINA 10 minutes north of JACO, COSTA RICA
Mark & Merry Coleman US 425-736-8920 CR 506-4001-8430
WWW.CATCHFISHCOSTARICA.COM
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HUNTING FISHING
Trying Out A New Way To Jig For Squid Puget Sound’s piers are the traditional gathering spot on fall and winter nights, but well-lit boats may be more productive. By Mark Yuasa
H
olding onto fleeting moments is a precious commodity, as a memorable fishing opportunity can come and go in the blink of an eye. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy many fishing outings with my youngest son Tegan, who is now a senior in high school, but soon he’ll be off to college and it’s likely that our time on the water may dwindle. That’s why I’ve tried to make the most out of life by seizing the moments. One of those spontaneous trips recently occurred after I learned how fun and easy it was to pursue squid from a boat. Paul Kim, owner of Fish PNW Guide Service and who specializes in squid jigging from his sleek 23-foot Gulfstream Grady White boat, invited us, along with my uncle Steve Yuasa and friend Ryan MacDonald of Tacoma. The squid fishery is a productive autumn/winter affair on Puget Sound piers from Edmonds to Tacoma, as other fisheries begin to wind down.
As sunset lights up the evening sky and powerful lamps illuminate the depths, Tegan Yuasa brings in a squid he jigged up while aboard a charter boat on Puget Sound earlier this fall. (MARK YUASA)
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FISHING stern, plus the underwater transommounted fixed 20,000-lumen LED lighting. The water surrounding a 25foot radius of the boat was lit up like a Christmas tree. “The more the better for lighting, as it attracts the baitfish and squid to the boat,” Kim said, while setting an anchor off the bow to keep us secured on top of the squid. Four 4-gallon buckets were tied off to both sides of the boat so we could easily place our catch into them. “Squid like structure, as they’re looking for places to spawn and lay their eggs,” Kim said. “I like a sandy bottom near kelp and rocky areas with good natural or artificial light. That is why places with natural light like the Big Wheel and Seattle Aquarium on the Seattle waterfront or the Seacrest Pier (in Elliott Bay) are traditionally good.”
The inland sea is peppered with piers, with those in Seattle and Edmonds providing some of the best squidding, but boats like skipper Paul Kim’s 23-foot Grady White provide more latitude to find these inky dwellers of the deep. (MARK YUASA)
Jigging has been especially good since late August, and after spending many years pursuing squid from a jam-packed pier, the thought of catching them on a boat or small watercraft intrigued me. It is also a much safer way to avoid crowded piers during the ongoing pandemic. “The response to squid jigging on a boat has been truly incredible since I took on this new venture (in December 2019) and it is firing on all cylinders,” Kim said, as we slowly motored our way out of the Shilshole Bay Marina earlier this fall. “It’s not a big commitment or a technical way to fish, and simply fun for family or friends, young and old,” Kim said. “Everyone is digging a different way to catch squid.”
OUR SQUID OUTING with Kim began on 104 Northwest Sportsman
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a glorious autumn evening as flocks of seagulls chirped overhead, the smell of saltwater wafted in the air and the reddish-orange hues of the setting sun slowly melted behind the Olympic Mountains. We turned the corner at the northern entrance of the marina, and Kim cut the motor just a few hundred yards away from the breakwater in water 45 to 50 feet deep. After peering at his fish finder that showed schools of squid directly underneath us, Kim began prepping the boat. Large, powerful 1,100-watt LED commercial lights on the bow, port and starboard sides of the boat were lowered just above the water’s surface and, powered by a generator, turned on. These were combined with a pair of 108,000-lumen UV spectrum lights dropped into the water off the boat’s
WE USED A sensitive, long-length trout rod of 9 feet and spinning reel with either 10-pound braided or 12-pound Izorline Hi Vis monofilament line. This enables you to feel the subtle tap or vibration of an attacking squid. Each rod came equipped with either one, two or three weighted, luminous glow-in-the-dark plastic jigs. The jigs don’t have “hooks” and instead have slanting sharp prongs that squid wrap their tentacles onto. Keep a steady upward pressure and be sure not to give any slack in the line; otherwise, they’ll simply let go. Squid are found from just below the water’s surface clear down to the bottom at depths of 120 to 130 feet (deeper water may require a heavier lead weight). It’s good to work your jig along the entire water column until you find them at the desired depth. The best period to catch squid is at night, but often they’ll stay on the bite into the early-morning hours. When plentiful, you can even catch them on a midday tide change. AFTER A QUICK tutorial, we dropped our jigs to the bottom, then reeled them up a couple feet. To resemble an
OREGON EUGENE Maxxum Marine (541) 686-3572 www.maxxummarine.com PORTLAND Sportcraft Marina (503) 656-6484 www.sportcraftmarina.com
WASHINGTON EVERETT Performance Marine (425) 258-9292 www.perform-marine.com MOUNT VERNON Master Marine Boat Center, Inc. (360) 336-2176 www.mastermarine.com OLYMPIA Puget Marina (360) 491-7388 www.pugetmarina.com SHELTON Verle’s Sports Center (877) 426-0933 www.verles.com SPOKANE VALLEY Spokane Valley Marine (509) 926-9513 www.spokanevalleymarine.com
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FISHING HUNTING
Author Mark Yuasa (right) reports “frenetic” jigging, with he and his buddy Ryan MacDonald, uncle Steve Yuasa and son Tegan limiting with 10 pounds each of squid in fewer than three hours on the water. (MARK YUASA)
injured fish, we’d quickly jerk the rod tip up to about 10 o’clock and then lower the jig right back down. It didn’t take long for all of us to be hooked up on squid. The frenetic pace of reeling in one, two or three at a time remained nonstop until we filled our buckets with 10 pounds of squid each in less than three hours. “I feel like a young kid again,” my uncle Steve exclaimed, as he reeled in two squid on his jig, with each shooting ink across the water’s surface. This is a defense mechanism in squid to emit a dark-colored ink out of their body as they flee from other prey and it is not uncommon to find anglers who fall victim to getting “inked.” Puget Sound squid are commonly known as Pacific squid or market squid, and they measure 4 to 12 inches. They have a short life cycle of about 18 months. Prime time for squid jigging in the 106 Northwest Sportsman
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inland sea is usually from September through February, but like the past few seasons, this year they began to appear in late summer.
USING A KAYAK to jig for squid is also catching on. “I’ve had some very good days in front of Shilshole,” said Brad Hole, owner of Kayak Fishing Washington (kayakfishingwashington.com). “In a kayak, you’ve got many options to easily launch around Puget Sound.” That said, safety is even more paramount than when in a boat. “Being visible on the water is important,” Hole said. “I have a pole-style light with reflectors on my kayak. I’ll also bring along a headlamp that has a red flashing light on the back, plus my fish finder is lit up. I also wear a dry suit and personal flotation device.” A 12- to 14-foot kayak should be stable enough on the water, plus a paddle-style platform will enable you
to stay on top of the schools of squid. Learning how to squid fish from a boat isn’t too complicated but if you’re unsure, I’d recommend trying it out with a fishing guide like Kim to learn how it’s properly done. “As simple as it sounds, there are some dynamics happening while fishing from a boat (or small watercraft),” Kim said. “I like to make my trips affordable ($120 per person) for those who don’t have a boat or who want to learn how it’s done. It’s not exclusive like a salmon, halibut or tuna trip, where you save up money just to make one or two trips a year.” “When can we go out again?” Tegan asked, as we made our way back to the dock. Without hesitation, I promptly made a second “seize the moment” squid trip reservation! To book a trip with Kim, email captpaulkim@gmail.com, call (206) 909-7100, or visit seattlesquid.com or facebook.com/seattlesquid. NS
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Fishing for Walleye, Trout, Pike, Pan Fish, Bass, Stripers, Salmon and WhiteďŹ sh with Bay de Noc Lures
WWW.BAYDENOCLURE.COM Dealer Inquires Welcome!
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FISHING
The cold interior of the Northwest and our mountain ranges offer a number of lakes that glitter in winter for ice fishing. Cousins Austin Han and Kellan Raleigh show off a mixed bag from Northcentral Washington’s Curlew Lake. (FISHING PHOTO CONTEST)
Time To Hit The Hard Stuff!
No, not that – rather, iced-over lakes holding good numbers of perch, trout and other fish. By Mark Yuasa
T
he snow-capped Cascade Mountains divide our state into two temperate climate zones, creating a winter wonderland
in Northcentral and Eastern Washington, where ice fishing is a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Temperatures often stay below freezing, dropping to 10 degrees or colder, the right ingredient to add layer upon layer of ice on lakes. Whether
coming from the Puget Sound region via Interstate 90 or Highway 2, up from Tri-Cities or exploring out of Spokane, fisheries abound. “There are a lot of good ice fishing spots, and some less popular lakes that are equally or sometimes even better nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
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FISHING
A key piece of ice fishing equipment is a sled to hold all your gear – not to mention your catch during the ride back to the rig. Dave Getzin and buddy Don Talbot did pretty well several winters ago at Patterson Lake using Swedish Pimples baited with maggots and perch eyes. (DON TALBOT)
producers,” says Chad Jackson, a longtime Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist in Ephrata. “I would poke around and do some exploring because with a little homework you’ll be able to find more opportunities,” Jackson says. “I know a lot of smaller lakes in the Okanogan Highlands, and they tend to freeze over much faster than others.” Those include Sidley, Lost and Bonaparte, but there are others tucked into the valleys of the Methow, Wenatchee and Kettle Rivers too.
THE LEARNING CURVE on ice fishing is quick, and those willing to do a little homework could be rewarded with a yellow perch or rainbow trout tugging at the end of their line. First and foremost is safety and to respect Mother Nature. If temperatures 110 Northwest Sportsman
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rise sharply or rain is in the forecast, then it’d be wise to put your trip on hold and avoid dicey conditions. Never go ice fishing alone and keep the “buddy rule” in mind. Make sure ice on top of the lake is at least 4 to 5 inches thick, with no cracks or changes on the surface. Avoid ice covered by snow or slush. Besides fishing gear, be sure to pack a 6- or 8-inch-diameter hand auger. The auger needs to create a good-sized hole (others will opt for a more powerful electric auger) and bring a snow shovel to clear away ice from the hole. To check for ice thickness, bring an ice pick, 50 to 100 feet of safety rope, a tape measure or wooden ruler, and life jacket. If you don’t have success in one location, try relocating to a spot 25 to 50 feet away. This could make the
difference in finding a school of fish or not. “Ice fishing is more than just going out and catching fish, and it often becomes a social event,” says Dave Graybill, the longtime Northcentral Washington writer known as the Fishin’ Magician (fishingmagician .com). “I’ve seen people load up gear like propane stoves and pots to make chili and hot dogs. It’s like a family party and gets people out of the house in the winter time.” Other necessities include a sled to transport gear like small padded mats to keep your knees off the chilly ice; a low-profile chair; portable heater; rod holder; and some will even bring a portable fish finder. Bungee cords are also worth having to ensure your gear doesn’t fall off the sled. A short, ultralight fishing rod with a spinning reel is commonly used. If you don’t want to invest in new gear, bring a basic lightweight trout rod and reel. Remember, sensitivity is important, as the “bite” can be very subtle. Fish are lethargic in winter’s cold water and will lightly nip on the bait, jig or lure. Keeping tackle simple works to your advantage and more often than not, a small worm or egg-sized hook tied to a couple split-shot or a sliding sinker will get the job done. A spring bobber will often help detect subtle bites. Use fluorocarbon line, which is less visible, as water clarity tends to be higher in winter. What you put on the end of your hook is vital, and there are a variety of jigs made exclusively for ice fishing, and lures like a small spoon or spinner. Always take a small tub of natural live baits like worms, meal and wax worms or maggots, available in assorted bright colors. Berkley Power Bait dough, nuggets or preshaped eggs, worms and maggots are effective. A jar of salmon eggs is also good to have as a backup.
AS FOR WHERE to go, here are some of the best waters to get your ice fishing fix. Fish Lake, 16 miles from the small
THEY WRITE COUNTRY SONGS ABOUT MORNINGS LIKE THIS.
BUT AT 70 MPH YOU CAN’T HEAR THEM.
It’s a glorious sunrise, viewed in fast forward thanks to the power of your 250 ProXS. Because you need to get there while the fish are still eating breakfast. Learn more at mercurymarine.com or visit your local dealer, today.
CONNECTICUT
Captain Bub’s Marine Inc. Lakeville, MA captainbubsmarine.com
Commencement Bay Marine Services Doug Russell Marine
Connor’s and O’Brien Marina Pawcatuck, CT connorsandobrien.com
O’Hara’s Landing Salisbury, CT oharaslanding.com
essexmarinallc.com
riverfrontmarine.com
mclellanbrosinc.com 503 Jacks Lane Merrimac Marine Supply Action Marine & Watersports Inc. Mt Vernon, WA 98273 Methuen, MA Holyoke, MA (360) 336-2176 merrimacmarine.com actionmarineholyoke.com www.mastermarine.com Nauset Marine-Orleans M A S S AC H U S E T T S
Bill’s Outboard Motor Service Hingham, MA billsoutboard.com
1111 Craftsman Way dovermarine.com Everett, WA 98201 Winnisquam Marine Belmont, NH (425) 252-3088 Riverfront Marine Sports Inc. winnisquammarine.com www.baysidemarine.com Salisbury, MA Portside Marine Danvers, MA portsidemarine.us
McLellan Brothers Inc. Master Marine Boat Center, Inc. Everett, MA
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Marine Everett Bayside Marine Dover Dover, NH
Worcester, MA WorcesterBoating.com
820 E D St, Tacoma, WA (253) 572-2666 Essex Marina LLC. www.cbmsi.com Essex, MA
Defender Industries Inc. Waterford, CT defender.com
Obsession Boats East Falmouth, MA capecodboatcenter.com
RHODE ISLAND
Billington Cove Marina Inc. Northwest Marine and Sport Wakefield, RI
South Attleboro Marine North Attleboro, MA www.sammarine.com
2250 Commercial Ave bcoveyc.com WarehamPasco, Boat Yard WA 99301 Jamestown Distributors W. Wareham, MA Bristol, RI (509) 545-5586 wareham-boatyard-marina.com jamestowndistributors.com www.nwmarineandsport.com
Orleans, MA nausetmarine.com
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FISHING Bavarian hamlet of Leavenworth on Highway 2 (a three-hour drive from Seattle), is a popular ice fishing spot for perch and planted trout. Ice coverage on the 1,850-foot elevation, 513-acre lake can be iffy, but during extreme cold there can be multiple
layers of ice that you’ll need to drill through to hit the water. Best period is late December through January. Access is on the southwest side, at Cove Resort, with limited access on the north and south shores from the two Forest Service roads.
BEST IDAHO, OREGON BETS
T
he nicest ice in all of the Northwest might just be Idaho’s Cascade Reservoir, between Lewiston and Boise. The sprawling impoundment has garnered a “national reputation” for its beyond-porky perch, anchored by the state record 2.96-pounder caught in February 2016, but there are also nice rainbows to be had. Local sporting goods store Tackle Tom’s keeps tabs on the fishery. Elsewhere in western portions of the Gem State, the Department of Fish and Game recommends Fernan, Cocolalla and Upper and Lower Twin Lakes in the Coeur d’AleneSandpoint area; Winchester Lake near Lewiston; and Horsethief and Mann Creek Reservoirs to the east and west of Cascade. Speaking of reservoirs, a host across Central and Eastern Oregon are called out by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife – Beulah, Chickahominy, Malheur, Phillips, Pole Creek, Thief Valley, Wolf Creek and Yellowjacket. But the heart of hardwater angling in the Beaver State might be in the South Cascades at both Diamond Lake and Lake of the Woods. There are year-round resorts on both waters. –NWS
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Patterson Lake is located in the Methow Valley near the Sun Mountain Lodge, 8 miles west of the idyllic town of Winthrop (two hours from Wenatchee; four from Seattle). It has abundant perch in the 9- to 12-inch range, along with trout and kokanee. The 143-acre lake is perched 2,380 feet above sea level. Outdoor lovers flock to this area for winter activities like crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Ample shoreline access allows anglers to spread out. Best time period is from the end of December through February. There are cozy lakeside cabin rentals and lodging in Winthrop. Curlew Lake, 2 miles north of Republic, 128 miles from Spokane and 299 miles from Seattle, is 870 acres and sits at an elevation of 2,333 feet. The popularity of this remote lake has spiked and the perch population has exploded,
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FISHING with 10-plus-inchers common. Ice as thick as 2 feet isn’t unheard of during the cold months, but the big perch are worth the effort. The southern portion near the state park is shallow and tends to freeze earlier than the north end. The park’s boat launch remains open for ice fishing access, and there are also a couple of resorts on the lake and accommodations nearby. Moses Lake, just off I-90 and an hour and a half from Wenatchee, Spokane and Tri-Cities and three hours from Seattle, is noted for perch, trout and a few walleye. Ice development on this huge 6,815acre man-made lake (elevation of 1,046 feet) is inconsistent from year to year, but when it dips below freezing, places near Blue Heron Park are decent for perch. If you’re planning a trip here, watch the weather carefully, as the window of opportunity can be brief. Locals don’t
talk much, but observing where folks are fishing is a telltale sign. Sidley Lake, a mile south of the Canadian border east of Oroville, covers 109 acres but its high elevation – 3,675 feet – and freezing temperatures quickly transform open water to an ice cap 18 to 20 inches thick. Trout are the target species. For the past 16 years, Sidley has been a popular winter destination for the Molson Ice Fishing Festival held in mid-January. Due to Covid-19, you should check organizers’ Facebook page – facebook.com/ NWIceFishingFestival – for updates. Other possibilities include: Roses (178 acres and 1,168 feet in elevation) near Lake Chelan for trout and perch. Davis (39 acres and 2,161 feet), 4 miles southeast of Winthrop, is good for trout. Leader (155 acres and 2,258 feet) in Okanogan County has a diverse fish population, including perch and trout. Hatch
(34 acres and 2,141 feet), 5.4 miles southeast of Colville, is consistent for trout and perch. Williams (34 acres and 1,954 feet), 14.5 miles north of Colville, is excellent for trout. Fourth of July (110 acres and 1,900 feet) in Adams County produces large trout along the southern end in 15 to 25 feet of water. Palmer (2,032 acres and 1,150 feet) in Okanogan County near Loomis is good for perch. Rat (62 acres and 1,673 feet), located 5 miles north of Brewster, is fair for trout. Banks (26,888 acres and 1,574 feet) in northwest Grant County is popular for whitefish and a mixed bag of other fish species. Potholes Reservoir (14,281 acres and 1,042 feet), also in Grant, freezes over some winters for perch, walleye, crappie, bluegill and trout anglers, while its Lind Coulee Arm is a popular spot to ice fish. Note that Davis and Rat fall under selective gear rules, with size restrictions and reduced daily bag limits. NS
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All periodicals publications except requester publications) 1. Publication Title: Northwest Sportsman. 2. Publication Number: 025-251. 3. Filing Date: Sept. 30, 2020. 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly. 5. Number of issues published annually: 12. 6. Annual Subscription Price: 29.95. 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Contact Person: John Rusnak. Telephone: 206-382-9220. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. 9. Full names and complete addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: Publisher: James Baker, 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Editor: Andy Walgamott, 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Managing editor: None. 10. Owner: James Baker, 14240 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities. If none, check box: none. 12. Tax status: Has not changed during preceding 12 months. 13. Publication title: Northtwest Sportsman. 14. Issue date for circulation data below: March 2020. 15. Extent and nature of circulation: a.Total number of copies: 64142. b. Paid circulation (by mail and outside the mail). (1) Mailed ouside-county paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 2351. (2) Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): 0. (3) Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid distribution outside USPS: 36823. (4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS (e.g. first-class mail): 2823. c. Total paid distribution: 41997. d. Free or nominal rate distribution (by mail and outside the mail). (1) Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS Form 3360: 2747. (2) Free or nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: 0. (3) Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS (e.g. first-class mail): 573. (4) Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail (carriers or other means): 2782. e. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 6102. f. Total distribution: 48099. g. Copies not distributed: 16043. h. Total: 64142. i. Percent paid: 87.31% 17. Publication of statement of ownership: If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the December issue of this publication. 18. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: John Rusnak, General Manager. Date: Sept. 30, 2020. I verify all the information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or sanctions (including civil penalties).
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Embrace the season and get out after cold-weather game. Even as the calendar turns the page to the last month of the year, there are still opportunities to pursue feathered, antlered and furred critters. (JASON BROOKS)
December’s Last-minute Hunts M
aybe it’s the end of the year that makes us think that hunting season is over. After all, October was a NW PURSUITS long time ago and the By Jason Brooks weather has turned colder since then. Daylight is condensed to just a few hours, which are often spent putting up holiday lights, raking leaves or shoveling snow and thinking about “next year.” But there are plenty of hunts still available to those who pursue birds and even big game. I am not much of a waterfowler but
the bad weather tends to get ducks and geese flying. For the upland hunter there is no better day than a fresh-fallen snow to show where the birds are hiding. Preferring to hunt in the snow over the early season’s heat, my Hungarian vizsla pushes through deep sage and Russian olive patches. Quail are a favorite because of their quick flight after a solid hold. Plus, it usually takes a box or two of shells to get a day’s limit and if you are going out for the day, you might as well make it a long one. Chukar tend to move down a bit off of the windblown slopes and can be found in flats and draws. The birds’ distinct cackle – often considered to be a laugh by those
who take up the challenge of chasing them – can be heard throughout the day. Busting a covey and then listening for the regroup call puts you back on the birds. Gray partridge, or Huns, like wheat field edges and the smaller coveys will group up in the cold December weather. Again, busting the covey and picking up singles and doubles makes for a fun hunt. Pheasant hunting will wind down by the end of the month and with bird numbers depressed from the heyday of the 1980s, most out after roosters these days are diehards who prefer snow and cold over early October cornfields. Some of the Eastern Washington and Idaho
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COLUMN December isn’t well known for deer hunting in the Northwest, but late muzzleloader and archery seasons for whitetails, blacktails and mule deer do extend into the first half of the month in many units. (JASON BROOKS)
release sites will still have birds even after the plants are well over. But the Columbia Basin’s Grant and Yakima Counties have good enough populations, as well as public and tribal lands, to make it worth your while. For a mixed bag of pheasants, quail and partridge, look to the area around the towns of Ephrata, Soap Lake and Moses Lake. And don’t overlook Adams and Whitman Counties to the east.
DEER HUNTERS KNOW that December means late archery and muzzleloader hunts. For my home state of Washington, there are seasons for all three species of deer this month. Most deer are feeding throughout the day to bulk up on calories lost during the rut. Blacktail hunters do really well in December, as these normally nocturnal deer tend to stay out longer and come out earlier with the short days. They’re also not fans of snow and if there is a snow line, then hunt within 100 feet of elevation on either side of it to find good numbers of deer, especially those that have been pushed down out of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains. Whitetail hunts are very cold, so be sure to plan accordingly. Some does will come 124 Northwest Sportsman
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into a second estrus in early December, a time when rattling still works. But as the end of season nears, deer are concentrating on feeding. Like their distant cousins on the Westside, whitetails prefer the nighttime but will be out more during the day. Mule deer hunts are pretty limited and mostly end within a week of December’s beginning. But the migratory deer are pushed down by winter snows, so finding a mature buck is much easier this time of year. However, given the often crunchy white ground cover, sneaking up on them can be difficult. Unlike whitetail, mule deer tend to hang out on slopes and in canyons, feeding in the sunlight and resting. Without a set pattern, once pushed they rarely come back. Look through the regulations and you will find a hunt that fits you, either for bucks or birds.
ONE OVERLOOKED HUNT is for coyotes. Maybe it is the stigma of not eating what you kill but with fur prices being high and populations robust, it offers us reasons to give it a try. For the best hunts, head to the same areas that offer good upland hunting, as
quail and other game are among the main food sources for songdogs. Look to public lands that adjoin farm fields and orchards. The fur hunter should use a smaller caliber, such as the .223, .22-250 or .243. A 12-gauge shotgun with T shot works well for close-quarters calling. One way to find coyotes is to go out at last light and howl. They will howl back, which is eerie and really neat at the same time. It is legal to hunt at night and “spotlight” coyotes, but be sure to call the local game warden and let them know. This helps if someone calls in and reports hunters at night, as fish and wildlife officers will know it is you and not a deer poacher. Another way to find and hunt coyotes is to go out just before dawn and again howl to locate them. Then sneak in and set up, let the sun come up and start a calling sequence. Coyote hunting can be done all day long but the one thing that ruins it quickly is “educating” the wild dogs. Being part of the canine family, they can learn really quickly to hang up and if you take a long shot, it reinforces their education that some calls are bad to come to. The use of a decoy really helps, when
legal. A small piece of fuzzy cloth, rabbit decoy or even a fake coyote gives something for the predator to concentrate on if you need to make a quick adjustment to get on target without them noticing. Learn how to case skin coyotes so you can collect the furs. Even if you don’t plan on fleshing and drying them, you can freeze and sell the fur to a buyer. It is much easier to put three or four coyotes in a freezer already skinned than whole. Keep in mind when selling a coyote for fur that there is a lot to it and if you get enough to pay for the day’s gas of driving around hunting them, consider it a good sale. Lastly, with predator numbers getting out of control throughout the West, one thing to remember when coyote hunting is the possibility of calling in other fanged furbearers. Cougars and bobcats will come in to a call and both offer a unique hunt. Some hunters like bobcat meat, which tends to taste a lot like pork, and cougar is considered a delicacy. When it comes to the larger cat, be aware that there are quotas by region or game management unit in Oregon and Washington, respectively, so be sure that season is still open. Bobcats also need to be sealed to keep the pelt.
DECEMBER IS NOT the end of hunting season. Rather, it represents a unique range of opportunities for Northwest sportsmen. A weekend adventure can include pursuing deer in the morning, birds at midday and coyotes in the evening, with a possible bonus surprise of a cat. Don’t spend every weekend putting up festive lights and decorations. Save a few days to head afield and go hunting! NS
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HUNTING
Close Out 2020 With A Bang Here are five great Oregon hunts to consider as this year comes to an end. By Troy Rodakowski
I
t’s almost Christmas and the horrendous year of 2020 is just about over. Not soon enough for most of us and many are hoping for a way better 2021. Nonetheless, I’m still looking forward to finishing this final month strong, hunting as much of Oregon as I’m able and filling the last remaining spaces in my freezer.
Lake and the Klamath Refuge also have some great late-season options, especially if there is ample water. Yet another option is to head towards the coast, where there is typically more water due to tidal flooding. Good numbers of local birds congregate here.
UPLAND BIRDS If it happens to be too cold sitting in a blind, you can always chase a rooster, quail or some chukar. A good pre-Christmas workout is following a pointing dog up and down the hills of Eastern Oregon or through the thick brush of the Westside’s valleys. It
WATERFOWL Usually, I spend several days in December waiting on flocks of mallards, wigeon and pintail to descend into my decoy spread. There is nothing like some fresh duck sausage or jalapeño poppers during the holidays. Usually, there are good numbers of birds down in the valleys. Some good places to check out include the Columbia Gorge, Sauvie Island, Finley Refuge and Fern Ridge. If we happen to have some freezing weather, the rivers will be hotbeds for hungry fowl since most other locations can be iced over. Knocking on doors and visiting with local farmers, seed warehouses as well as other private landowners should put a hunter on the right path for success. Some of the best locations over east and in the Columbia Basin are found on Conservation Reserve Program acreage. The Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge and its 23,555 acres, along with surrounding private lands near the Columbia by the towns of Boardman and Umatilla, are excellent waterfowl hot spots. Ladd Marsh, Summer
Waterfowl is probably what comes to mind when you consider what there is to hunt in Oregon this time of year, and that’s because the end of the year is one of the best times to get after wigeons, mallards and geese west of the Cascades ... (TROY RODAKOWSKI)
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HUNTING ... But pursuing chukars and other upland birds in the rugged country of Central and Eastern Oregon is a great way to spend the last month of a rough year. Just make sure to bundle up and stay warm! (TROY RODAKOWSKI)
Several of these have later dates and allow for some good opportunities. Of course, general season archery tag holders have tags that run well into December. My advice for applicants is to research these opportunities prior to applying in the spring.
FALL TURKEY
makes it easier to eat all the good food during Christmas, plus you are able to burn a few pounds gained over Thanksgiving. Vale, Juntura, Hines, Ontario, Klamath and much of the Willamette and Southern Oregon’s aglands are great places to look for upland game. My legs, of course, don’t enjoy the workout so much but my dog never seems to complain. There are also grouse to be had. There should be a good number of birds this year, from the coast to Northeast Oregon. For me, it’s second nature to load my shotgun and take it along during deer and elk season. Grouse love old logging roads while feeding up and down the hillsides. These birds are frequently encountered searching for grit along the roadsides. In fact, if I was to be a betting man, I’d say most are likely harvested near roadsides. Now, I do also like to take my pointer out and 130 Northwest Sportsman
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find them along clearcut edges and forested timber as well.
I love turkey hunting here in Oregon but have never spent as much time as I’d like pursuing them during the fall. Oftentimes while deer hunting late in October or November, I’ve seen large flocks moving through the forests and land that I was hunting and wished I could swap my rifle out for a shotgun – well, at least for just a few minutes. Needless to say, that prompted me to devote some time and pursue these birds prior to the holidays and do my part in providing some turkey meat for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. After all, it is that time of year we enjoy a good roast bird or two with stuffing and all of the delicious fixings, and now we have until the end of January to notch our tags in open units on both sides of the Cascade crest. Note that hunting is on private land only and by permission in Eastern Oregon’s open units.
BIG GAME
SMALL GAME
I’m even lucky enough to have a late-season deer tag every few years. This year, fortunately, is one of them and I look forward to getting out and using it. There are several tags available during the spring drawings that enable hunters to chase big game well into December – antlerless and late rut hunts for deer and the same goes for elk. If you are lucky enough to draw one of them, they provide one last opportunity to put some meat in the freezer. When looking through the regulations, I like to find close-tohome hunts with extended seasons. I like to look at 600 series antlerless tags for these later hunting opportunities, or cow elk hunts as well. Over the last few years I have been applying for muzzleloader hunts.
Yet another option is to head over east and look for jackrabbits, coyotes and other varmints. Take a trusty .223, .22 or shotgun. Several friends of mine enjoy using their AR-style guns for this and they work great. There is nothing quite as nice as a warm cup of coffee, the smell of gun powder and great company. I suggest the Christmas Valley, Fort Rock, Lakeview, Burns, Vale and Ontario areas. Most of the best hunting can be found on private property, but we have had some great success on Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands as well. No matter how you decide to spend this December, I hope that you enjoy whatever it is that makes you smile. Oh, and happy holidays! NS
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HUNTING
The realism and productivity of today’s full-body decoys is hard to match, but waterfowlers are beginning to rediscover the role that silhouettes can fill in spreads. (DIVE BOMB INDUSTRIES)
The ‘Skinny’ On Silhouette Decoys
What’s ‘old is new again’ when it comes to pulling in geese with two-dimensional honkers.
By M.D. Johnson
I
t was 40 years ago – no, wait, make that 41 years ago – when I killed my first Canada goose. There was no blind. No decoys. Just me, my grandfather’s 14-acre field of standing sweet corn, and a 1966 Mossberg Model 500 12-gauge filled with … I’m not even sure now. Maybe 3-inch No. 2s. Or BBs. Or No. 4 Buckshot. These were the lead days, and I was a kid. But I digress. Today, as has been the case for
many years now, goose hunting to me isn’t goose hunting without at least some decoys. Certainly, I’ll jump all over a good pass shooting opportunity should it present itself, but I, like most of you reading this, truly enjoy the challenge of and science behind setting an effective decoy spread for Canadas. Over those intervening 41 years mentioned, I’ve become acquainted with any number of goose decoy styles. First, there were the Flambeau shells. Carry-Lite floaters. Flags.
Socks. Eventually, we – my father and I – graduated to the inevitable: the full-bodies. Six. A dozen. Two dozen. Before I knew it, I was setting 105 full-bodies before daylight and tearing ’em down at noon. It was a process, this progress. Through it all, though, I don’t remember silhouettes being part of my personal equation. I mean, I knew of them, of course; I just didn’t use any. Didn’t have any. I’d hunted over them en masse with the late Tim Grounds at his club in Illinois. And in Canada a nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
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HUNTING handful of times. But I’d never given them any serious thought. Why would I? I had full-bodies, and before those, shells. Three-dimensional decoys that looked, for the most part, just like a Canada goose should. Why would I want to drop threedimensional über-realistic decoys for two-sided flats? Didn’t make sense. And then I got some flats. Skinnies.
Silhouettes. Whatever you want to call them. Outlaws. Real Geese. They looked good in the field, especially from a distance. No, they weren’t three-dimensional. And maybe the geese didn’t land among them willynilly as they might a full-body spread, but they did, without question, do what a decoy is meant to do, and that’s attract geese to within effective The reason why silhouettes have taken off again in recent years just might be their price point. “If you’re a high schooler, you’re able to go hunt now and afford more than just four or six decoys,” says Dive Bomb Industries decoy maker Forrest Carpenter. (DIVE BOMB INDUSTRIES)
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shooting range. So I began to use silhouettes more often. As stand-alones when I couldn’t drive into a field. As fillers when I thought I needed fillers. A bigger footprint. The Big Black Hole of goose spreads. And I began to understand, albeit perhaps more slowly than most, that these two-dimensional cut-outs did have a place in the goose hunter’s arsenal. In my own arsenal.
ENTER 2018, 2019 and 2020. Somewhere in there. Goose hunting, it seems, has returned somewhat to its traditional roots via a recent and almost mindbogglingly universal trend toward the use of silhouette decoys. Today, flats are huge. Maybe bigger than huge. YouTube? They’re all over the place. No, full-bodies have not gone the way of T. rex. They’re still out there, and by the trailer load. But skinnies? They seem to be the ticket now. Ten dozen. Thirty dozen. Fifty dozen. Coast to coast, north to south, ’fowlers are discovering – nah, maybe rediscovering is more accurate a term – the role silhouette decoys can and do play in the goose hunting grand scheme o’ things. Forrest Carpenter knows well about this grand scheme o’ things, as it relates to silhouettes. A young 30, Carpenter was born and raised on Colorado’s Front Range. He’s a man of many faces, Carpenter is, working with the relatively new Dive Bomb Industries (divebombindustries.com; 314-501-2747) as a photographer, media relations/public relations representative and last but certainly not least, as the lead pilot for the company’s small single-engine airplane. Carpenter has, for several years now, been an active participant on the competitive goose calling circuit, winning the Junior World Goose Calling Championship in 2005. The young man has stood on the stage and blown in the World Live Goose Calling contest, and has placed in the top ten in the World Duck Calling championships. Bottom line –
HUNTING Northwest Sportsman Silhouettes are huge right now. Why?
Forrest Carpenter I think the reason
“While I have binocular vision, geese have monocular vision,” says Carpenter. “When I’m flying over a silhouette spread, these decoys smoothly appear and disappear to the point where it really does look like the whole spread is moving.” (DIVE BOMB INDUSTRIES)
why silhouettes have grown so in popularity is because they’re affordable. If you’re a high schooler, you’re able to go hunt now and afford more than just four or six decoys. You can actually afford a spread that you can go out and have success with. They’re easy to transport. And once you’ve hunted silhouettes a time or two, they’re easy to figure out. You start to realize just how effective they can be, either mixed with full-bodies or by themselves. Silhouettes give you an additional dimension that you wouldn’t otherwise have.
NWS Is this a YouTube phenomenon he knows his stuff. So here it is fall, one of the waterfowler’s busiest times of the year, especially if you’re in the business of making, promoting, filming and, let’s not forget, overflying a full line
of waterfowl decoys, the least of which – rather, the most popular of which – are silhouettes. Fortunately, Carpenter had a few minutes one early morning to talk about this latest “old is new again” decoy craze.
that’s destined to go away?
FC I don’t think so. Silhouettes were one of the earliest types of decoys to be used. They may fade a little bit (in popularity), but they’ll come right back. Silhouettes always have been
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HUNTING One of the real benefits of silhouettes is how much less space they take up. “With full-bodies, if you wanted to hunt over 120 dozen decoys, you and your 15 closest friends needed three trailers to set that sort of spread,” says Carpenter. (DIVE BOMB INDUSTRIES)
and always will be a staple to North American waterfowlers.
NWS What is the biggest psychological hurdle to overcome with silhouettes?
FC Trusting a two-dimensional decoy is probably the most difficult part of hunting over silhouettes. It’s not whether or not the birds believe in it; it’s whether or not you can trust a two-dimensional to be seen from something flying overhead.
NWS So, how can two dimensions compete with three? Is this a numbers thing? FC It’s two things. Yes, you can put out (greater) numbers. And I’m of the thought the earlier you can convince a goose your spread is real, the less you have to do when they get close. So, I like to set a big spread, not necessarily numbers, but a spread that covers enough ground to look natural and looks different from the hunter who sets five dozen decoys in 50 yards. The other part deals with the birds’ monocular vision. They rely on peripheral vision. And they’re not able to focus on those decoys and tell that they’re only two-dimensional.
NWS It’s said geese won’t finish to a 138 Northwest Sportsman
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spread of silhouettes? Myth, or reality?
FC I would say that’s false. I’ve landed so many geese in these decoys since I really began hunting over them. And not only landed them, but had them sit in the spread. Maybe not for an extended period of time, but until we tired of looking at them. So I’ve had extremely good success finishing geese over silhouette decoys.
NWS Can
silhouettes be used incorrectly? Are there three “top mistakes” silhouette users make? FC I don’t know if you can use silhouettes incorrectly, but I think, uhh, there are better ways to use them than others. The biggest mistake, so to speak, I see, or the biggest thing people do to hinder themselves when using silhouettes, is to space them too tightly. They pack them all in because they often feel that if they can’t see the decoy at all times – well, they’re not comfortable with that. I see people making “Ts” with decoys butted up against one another. Not that it’s necessarily wrong, but to be able to create that illusion of movement (with silhouettes) is assisted or made possible by increasing the space between decoys. Not only are the individual
decoys farther apart, but it helps the decoys to appear and disappear strategically, thus creating that illusion of movement. Also, and the more you space the decoys out and the more ground you cover, the tougher it is for the birds to find your hide (blind). NWS Are silhouettes changing the game numerically? Is 20 dozen the new two dozen? FC I would say so. I think every trend in waterfowl hunting changes the game, whether it’s extremely realistic full-bodies, layout blinds, A-frames or what have you. It all changes the game to some degree. Yes, and on the average, I do think people are hunting over a greater and greater number of (goose) decoys, myself included. When I can stick 120 dozen decoys in the back of my truck with a topper, it’s going to change what you can do. With full-bodies, if you wanted to hunt over 120 dozen decoys, you and your 15 closest friends needed three trailers to set that sort of spread.
NWS A hard and fast rule of thumb for using silhouettes. Does one exist?
FC There’s one rule as far as I’m concerned, and that’s spread them out. When you’re setting them out, give them the same credit you’d give a three-dimensional decoy in regards to spacing. Don’t feel like you have to bunch them up tightly in order for them to be effective. That’s simply not the case. If anything, spread them out more.
NWS What about using silhouettes alongside full-bodies?
FC Mixing silhouettes with fullbodies is wonderful. That’s one of our biggest selling points is that these are photographs of real geese. The colors (on the silhouettes) are very accurate. So they actually complement those full-body spreads.
NWS You’ve mentioned this “illusion of movement.” How does a twodimensional static decoy create the
HUNTING illusion of movement? FC I can tell you from a pilot’s perspective. While I have binocular vision, geese have monocular vision. When I’m flying over a silhouette spread, these decoys smoothly appear and disappear to the point where it really does look like the whole spread is moving.
NWS Windsock-style decoys, or simply socks, have also grown in popularity. Pros and cons of silhouettes versus socks? What do I get? How many? FC I do like running silhouettes and socks together. They work well together, but I do use them for different purposes. If you’re just starting out, I’d say go heavy on the silhouettes. Silhouettes work in all conditions. They’ll always be a positive thing, whether as a standalone or as an addition to a full-body spread. Socks, in my humble opinion, while they can add a lot of movement
and a three-dimensional look, have their downfalls. There is, on a nonwind day, the risk of putting out a decoy that doesn’t look realistic. I would never, ever recommend setting out socks on a non-wind day. There are creases and wrinkles and shadows in the material that just don’t look right. Without wind, socks look like an overstarched tube sock. As for how I use socks and how many to use, I think about the birds I’m hunting and how much they move. So, big honkers – greater Canadas – they’re slow moving (on the ground). They’re walking slowly. They’re not racing across a field. On the other end of the spectrum, you have mallards or snow geese in a field. As soon as they land, they’re almost sprinting across the field. With birds that don’t move as much, I don’t use many socks compared to the silhouettes. If I’m hunting mallards in a field or snows, and I have the wind, I may hunt a
spread that’s exclusively socks. It’s more realistic in terms of motion. [Author’s note: Personally, I’d throw cacklers in with ducks and snows as far as hyperactivity goes, and Carpenter’s formula for using a higher percentage of socks to silhouettes when targetting these “spastic species.”]
NWS Any final words, Forrest? FC No one is ever going to argue that one silhouette has the same pulling power as one full-body decoy. That’s not the argument in hunting silhouettes by themselves. We get a lot of people who email, and while they’re not necessarily critical, they are skeptical about silhouettes. But whether you use them alone or in conjunction with socks or full-bodies or shells, they definitely do have a place in spreads all across the country. Silhouettes are a valuable tool that anyone could have and should have in their arsenal. NS
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COLUMN
A Labrador retriever inspects a goose shot on a Northwest Oregon dairy farm a few seasons back. (TERRY OTTO)
What’s Good For The Goose I
could hear my dog whining at the front door. Miley is not shy about expressing her opinion when CHEF IN something is assaulting THE WILD “her” front yard. The By Randy King window is constantly stained with the goobers of a dog’s nose. But seeing a Canada goose stroll past on the pavement was flat-out unacceptable. Miley was losing her mind – spinning
circles, high-pitched barks, pleading looks – and maybe looking for an Oscar. She did everything but reach for the handle and open the door. Clever girl. But as much as I wanted to let her chase down the cobra chicken like it was hunting season, this was the middle of the summer. Then the goose stopped and ate some of my lawn, then walked out of our lives. Or so it thought. Sitting in my living room, consoling Miley and sipping my coffee, we plotted revenge.
WHAT NOT TO DO
I blame Norman Rockwell and Charles Dickens for normalizing a “Christmas goose” as an option for wild game hunters. I mean, the idea sounds great: The big hunter brings home meat for the traditional feast and a perfectly roasted, meat-falling-off-the-bone-tender bird is carved up for the family. Alluring, right? Well, don’t do it! Roasting a wild goose whole is not a good idea. It is a setup for disappointment.
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Curried goose leg with vegetables and rice. (RANDY KING)
CURRY FAVOR WITH THIS LEG RECIPE
O
ne way I love to eat goose legs is braised and served in Japanese curry. It is thick, sweet and stickto-the-ribs good. Almost all forms of curry originated on the Indian subcontinent, but the Japanese have adopted a version that is delicious. The“story”of a shipwrecked British sailor bringing the dish to Japan is a bit much to believe. Most think curry was brought over by British merchants when they traded with the island nation. Eventually curry was adopted by the armed forces in Japan since it was not “provincial” and favored no historic region. The hope was the food was foreign enough to not show any battalion favoritism. Nowadays, the thick-style curry is eaten more than sushi and tempura in Japan. In most Japanese homes, curry is made from an instant curry mix, just like the recipe below. Like with most “almost scratch” recipes, adding a few other items makes the dish that much better. Toss in green onions, add more ginger – this dish is forgiving. Enjoy.
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1¹/ pounds boneless, skinless goose legs Salt and pepper 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 ¹/ cups chicken stock (low sodium) 2 carrots peeled and chunked (or 1¹/ cups baby carrots) 2 onions large diced 1-2 potatoes depending on size, large diced 1 can unsweetened coconut milk 1 Fuji apple, large diced 1 tablespoon honey ¹/ box Japanese curry roux (I use the Golden Curry brand) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized sauté pan, heat the oil on medium until it is almost smoking. Pat the goose legs dry with a paper towel and then sear them in the hot oil until brown on both sides, or about three minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper. Next add the ginger and garlic. Heat until very fragrant, but do not let it burn. Then add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and bake in oven for three hours or until the leg meat is falling off
the bone. Note that depending on the lid quality you might need to add water at some point. When the goose is tender, add the onion, potato, coconut milk, apple, honey and curry to a medium–sized sauce pot. Pour all remaining liquid from the goose legs in with the coconut milk mixture. Scrape the bottom of the goose leg pan for any brown bits – they have a lot of good flavor. Add them to the coconut milk pan. Reserve the goose legs. Add enough water to the coconut milk pan to cover all of the vegetables, or about 1¹/ cups. (Again, this will depend on the amount of leftover liquid from your goose legs – all you need is enough liquid to cover the vegetables.) Simmer the veggies until the potato is cooked all the way through, or about 20 minutes. Then add the goose legs to the pot and let cook with the rest of the ingredients for five more minutes. Serve one leg to each person. I like to serve my curry with rice. For more wild game recipes, see chefrandyking.com. –RK
COLUMN Why? Well, let me break it down for you. First off, you have no idea how old a wild goose is. What most people don’t understand is that most whole roasted birds are only weeks old. Weeks! It takes roughly 16 weeks to grow a full-sized roasting chicken. It’s about 30 weeks for a turkey that is moderately large. The average goose, even as the young-of-the-year, is about 30 to 40 weeks old by Christmas. That time allows for the bird to get nice and tough. Domestic birds don’t fly, they hardly walk and are able to eat all that they could ever want. The only goal they have in life is to grow. Wild animals, as we all know, have a different life all together. A wild goose has been working for its living and been on the migration path for weeks. They are not a Butterball. Do not roast them whole.
WHAT TO DO My first piece of advice for a wild goose is to age it. I gut the bird – saving the livers and hearts for breakfast – then let the meat set
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in the fridge for a few days. Why? Well, it is basically controlled rot. We all are covered in enzymes that will eat us when we die. Allowing the bird to rest a few days after death allows the enzymes to do some work tenderizing the meat. Additionally, it allows the meat to go through rigor mortis. Meat needs to do this before it is frozen or cooked. Otherwise the muscle strands contract more than they could/should and the meat is much less tender than it otherwise would be. After I age the goose, I skin or pluck it. I would be a liar if I said I pluck every goose I shoot. Why? It takes a long damn time. Yes, I know what the famous hunter/poet Jim Harrison said: “Skinning a bird is a sin against God and man.” But Uncle Jim is wrong. If my goal with the goose is to make something with skin on it, then I leave the skin on. If I am going to make finger steaks, corned goose or stew, then why the hell would I pluck it? After I skin/pluck the bird, I break it down into the major parts: two legs, two breasts, two wings. I cut the wings off the
breast and save them for soups and stews. They add a good amount of meat, and the bone adds flavor too. The next step is deciding on what to make. A few “rules” for cooking geese. One, medium rare on the breasts. They’re well known for being “livery” and “gamey” when overcooked. So, don’t overcook them. Two, legs and breasts are not the same. Legs on a goose need to be cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. (Back to my original point above: You can’t roast a bird to medium rare and then at the same time cook the legs until the meat falls off the bone; it is impossible.) Three, flavor with goose is your friend. Think bold – curry, five-spice, pickling spice, mustard, plum sauce. And go big. Why? Because goose alone can have an off-putting flavor, so use something to cover it up. That way, if you mess up and the grilled goose breast is more on the well-done side, it can still taste good. And that is something that Rockwell and Dickens would appreciate. NS
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Stocking Stuffers For Gun Dogs C
hristmas around the H a u g e n house has always been filled with excitement and chaos, especially GUN DOGGIN’ 101 since bringing a pair By Scott Haugen of gun dogs into the family. As puppies, Echo and Kona – both pudelpointers – loved opening everyone’s gifts, tearing into the wrapping paper and playing with bows. Nowadays our dogs like opening their own presents. Over the past year I’ve used and tested a lot of dog gear, and if you’re looking for some stocking stuffer ideas for your dog this Christmas, consider these items, which I’ve used and recommend – and so would Echo and Kona.
HEALTHY TREATS While I don’t formally train my dogs by giving them treats, I will use treats to occasionally praise them in more casual settings. Usually the low-key praises are meant to commend my dog for carrying out basic obedience. I keep treats stashed around the house, in the shop, even in my truck, so they’re handy to give the dogs. Treats can be addicting, and I don’t want my dogs becoming conditioned to them. I give them sparingly, randomly, and what I give them optimizes their health. When I say healthy treats, I don’t mean ones that gas station attendants or coffee shops might hand out. I mean treats that are healthy, all the way around. My top three healthy dog treats used this year are Jerky Treats by NutriSource, OC Raw Dog’s freeze-dried food in bite-size pieces, and PureVita’s Nutritious Dog Treats. A lightweight, grease-free, proteinrich treat my dogs go crazy over is the NutriSource Jerky (nutrisourcepetfoods
The soft, pliable material of the Zisc, made by West Paw, makes it fun and safe for even the most aggressive dogs, plus it glows in the dark for nighttime retrieves. (SCOTT HAUGEN) .com). These grain- and gluten-free treats are a great energy booster throughout the day. I like the variety of nutritious blends used in the making of the NutriSource Jerky Treats but if your dog is picky, consider PureVita Jerky, which is created from a single protein. NutriSource is also the maker of PureVita premium pet food, and their new line of Nutritious Treats are great. My older dog sometimes experiences
joint discomfort, and the PureVita Hip & Joint treats are ideal for her and deliver noticeable relief. PureVita also has a Skin & Coat nutritious dog treat. Both treats are made with real meat and enhanced with glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamin C, while the Skin & Coat treats also offer omega-3 oil and multiple fatty acids. I slightly vary the diet of my dogs from time to time, and routinely feed them raw meat of various types. When on the road, I
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COLUMN fun, and the Zisc is their favorite flying disc. My dogs love the texture of the Zisc, which is soft and pliable, yet still flies a long way. If your dog likes catching discs in the air or chasing them when rolled rapidly on the ground, the Zisc is great, as the flexible, latex-free construction makes for easy grabbing that won’t hurt your dog’s mouth, no matter how aggressive it is. Available in a range of colors and two sizes, my favorite is the large 8.5-inch Glow model; yes, it’s white by day but glows by night, making for fun and easy marking, no matter when playtime happens.
often feed them freeze-dried supplements and treats. I was pleased with OC Raw Dog’s (ocrawdog.com) freeze-dried formulation, and the bite-size pieces are perfect for treats. OC Raw Dog utilizes all natural, whole muscle and organ meat and farm-fresh produce. These, along with other pure ingredients, assure your dog of getting healthy, highquality snacks, which will show in their performance. Be sure to offer plenty of water when using freeze-dried food or treats.
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GLOW DISC Of course, no dog’s stocking is complete without a toy. This Christmas, Echo and Kona will get plenty of toys, along with a mix of training dummies. One toy my dogs loved this year – and will be getting more of – is the Zisc Flying Disc, from West Paw (westpaw.com). I love playing frisbee with my dogs, as it helps build valuable marking skills by forcing them to watch the sky, and teaches them obedience, all while having
YETI DOG BOWL We travel a lot with our dogs, and be it on the road or at home, they always have their Yeti Dog Bowls (yeti.com). For years I searched for the ideal food bowl for my dogs, and Yeti’s is the best I’ve used, for many reasons. Dubbed Boomer, the bowl is incredibly durable thanks to its double-wall, noninsulated, stainless steel construction. These bowls have traveled with me throughout the West and into Alaska, and continued on page 172
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Custom Guns
“LONGSLIDE HUNTER” GARY REEDER CUSTOM GUNS is proud to announce the continuance of our very popular LONGSLIDE HUNTER. This beauty is built on our own frame and slide from the ground up. It is finished in a satin Black Chromex and is built the way you want it. It is chambered in the caliber of your choosing, 10mm or 45 ACP plus you get to pick the serial number. You can also have your name engraved on it at no extra charge. It has your choice of burl walnut grips or any of the exotic woods. It has a full action job and is super slick and accurate. The gun is full custom and built the way you like and guaranteed accurate. We have been building full custom 1911s since 1987 and this is one of the nicest yet. The LONGSLIDE HUNTER - $1995 • 10 to 12 month delivery in most cases.
HUNTING
Processing your own fish and game has become increasingly popular, and over the years, successful big game hunter and angler Dave Anderson has tried multiple vacuum sealers. He considers this model from Meat! to be a “game-changer.” (DAVE ANDERSON)
Christmas Ideas For Outdoorsmen
Ho, ho, ho! Santa Dave has some ideas for underneath the tree and in the stocking. By Dave Anderson
W
ith the holiday season coming up, you may be wondering what to get that outdoor enthusiast in your life. Whether it be friends, family or spending gift cards on yourself, there are a lot of great products that you can consider. Here are a few of my top picks.
FOR THE HUNTERS in your life, my first pick would be optics. Good optics are crucial to being successful in the field.
For binoculars, it is hard to beat the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide in 10x42 or 10x50. They come in a few different color patterns, with one of them being shadow grey. These binoculars are excellent in low light conditions and have a very crisp and clear field of view. They are also backed by the Oregon company’s full lifetime guarantee. If you are looking at rifle scopes, I would highly recommend the Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40 with side focus CDS. CDS stands for Custom Dial System, which allows
you to quickly dial your elevation adjustment to different ranges with a custom dial matched to your specific ballistic information. The rifle scopes that have CDS included come with a free custom laser-marked dial from the company’s custom shop. Leupold will customize the dial with your exact ballistics and conditions, which include temperature and the elevation in which you hunt. I have the CDS system on top of all my rifle scopes and they are great. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of making that perfect shot. Being able nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
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HUNTING This set of shooting sticks also has another great feature called the Switcheroo system, which allows you to quickly change between optic accessories and their USR shooting yoke.
SPEND ANY TIME in the mountains and
Of course, to package up venison and other meat, you have to be able to find game in the first place, and the author considers optics to be “crucial to being successful in the field.� He prefers binoculars and rifle scopes from Leupold. (DAVE ANDERSON)
to use your rangefinder to get your exact range, then dialing in your scope to be able to hold dead on is huge when trying to make clean, ethical shots! Leupold offers other great products that cost a bit more but these options for optics will perform great, while not breaking the bank.
EVERY OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST needs a good knife. My favorite to keep in my pack is the Benchmade Altitude. This knife is super lightweight, weighing in at only 1.67 ounces. It holds an edge very well and is available in orange, making it super easy to find if you set it down on the ground after making a cut. Benchmade knives also come with their Lifetime Lifesharp service with every purchase. Done at no charge, it includes cleaning, oil, adjusting and resharpening. All you need to do is mail the knife and form to the company and they will service your knife and get it back to you with a rather quick turnaround time. I use it with all my Benchmade knives and it is a great service that is a no-brainer to take advantage of. FOR ANYONE WHO spends time outdoors, whether it be camping, fishing, hiking 154 Northwest Sportsman
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or hunting, a good cooler is a must. My top choice in this category is Yeti. I have been strictly using this brand for the last six years because they hold ice for days. I never have to worry about food spoiling or having to add ice after a day or two. When I travel out of state to hunt, I prefreeze meals and these coolers keep things frozen and cold for a week or more, even in extreme temperatures. It makes it nice to not have to worry about trying to run around finding ice to add to the coolers to make sure things stay cold. This is especially important when in more remote locations, where going to a store is not a quick and easy trip. My favorite sizes are the Tundra 65, Tundra 160 and the Tundra 210.
BACK TO HUNTERS, a good set of shooting sticks is a great gift idea. I have used a lot of different brands and types of shooting sticks, but my favorite sets are made by BOG. The Adrenaline Tripod would be my top pick. These are quality shooting sticks at a great price point. I prefer the tripod style over the bipod style because you can make more specific adjustments to give you a solid rest to shoot from.
you know that cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent, so my next recommendation is the Garmin inReach Satellite communicator device. I use the inReach Explorer plus satellite communicator/GPS navigator. It has SOS, two-way text messaging capabilities (satellite subscription required) and it includes preloaded DeLorme topo maps with GPS routing. I generally activate my satellite subscription whenever I am on hunts where service is limited. It is always nice to be able to communicate with my family about how things are going, and it is reassuring to have a device that can be utilized in emergency situations as well.
STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS? You cannot have Christmas without receiving, well, a good pair of socks! Socks are something I get every holiday, so why not get a good quality pair for all those outdoor adventures? My favorite socks are made by Smartwool. They make all kinds of socks, from casual to snowboarding, compression to hunting and fishing socks. They have styles that work for every season and condition you can think of. I also prefer to wear liner socks as well, since they wick away sweat from your feet and work great in preventing blisters from forming. Smartwool also offers base layer socks you can choose from.
MY FINAL HOLIDAY gift idea is for anyone who likes to preserve/process their own wild game or freshly caught fish. Consider investing in a chamber vacuum sealer. I purchased one this year and would highly recommend the Meat! chamber vacuum sealer. I have owned many different
HUNTING And then you need to be able to cut up your quarry, which is made easier with a great blade. Anderson’s favorite is Benchmade’s super lightweight Altitude, which “holds an edge very well and is available in orange” for easier spotting. (DAVE ANDERSON)
models over the years, starting with the Foodsaver brand all the way up to the commercial-style vacuum sealers from Cabela’s. Each sealer has pros and cons, but I found most had issues with moisture and sealing properly, especially with high-volume use. I just got done packaging up a mule deer that my wife shot during the general season using the Meat! chamber vacuum sealer and it was a game-changer. I was able to get it done fast and efficiently with zero issues. This is by far one of the best purchases I have made when it comes to food processing equipment. I wish I would have done it sooner!
IT’S HARD TO believe that this year has gone by so quickly and the holidays are fast approaching. This is one of my favorite times of the year to spend with family and friends, so I hope you all have a great holiday season and maybe you will find one of my top picks under your tree this year. NS
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COLUMN Christmas bulbs light up mule deer, blacktail and whitetail racks over the editor’s front doorway. (ANDY WALGAMOTT)
Holiday Cheer Should Include Look Over Horizon F
or the first time in its history, there will not be a Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in January, due ON TARGET to continuing concerns By Dave Workman about the coronavirus, and that can be taken as either good or bad, depending upon one’s perspective. I’d likely be attending SHOT, but now that week of my life has been returned for some opportunities outdoors, provided the weather cooperates. The cancellation message from Joe
Bartozzi, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, was bittersweet. “NSSF has remained in constant communication with Nevada officials throughout the year in our planning for the 2021 show,” he wrote. “While there has been a concerted effort to expand the allowable levels for large gatherings by the county and state, with positivity rates peaking during our key planning period we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 show. Sadly, these spikes are currently transpiring worldwide. “Given the sheer complexities, diminishing timeline and immense
logistical planning required to conduct a trade show as large as SHOT,” he continued, “NSSF simply could not move forward at this point with so many unknowns and variables. We truly appreciate the guidance of Nevada and Las Vegas officials in allowing us to communicate this news to our exhibitors and attendees well in advance of the show. We would also like to thank the Sands directly for their help and efforts to navigate this unprecedented situation.” Does that mean you won’t be reading about new guns and gear for 2021 in these pages? Guess again, because Northwest
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Among three new 320 Series shotguns from Stevens is the Turkey Thumbhole pump, chambered in 12- or 20-gauge for 3-inch shells. The other two are defense models. (STEVENS)
Sportsman and its sister publication, American Shooting Journal, will be keeping an eye on every new product announcement coming from the industry. New guns and gear is a tradition for American sportsmen and -women. We’ll try very hard to not let you down.
PROVING OUR POINT, the gang at Savage recently announced the new thumbhole Stevens 320 Turkey model pump shotgun, part of a trio of new 320 models, the other two designed as defensive pump guns.
Let’s talk about that turkey model, because if you blink real hard, spring turkey season will be on before you realize it. The Stevens 320 Turkey Thumbhole model features dual-action slide bars. Chambered in either 12- or 20-gauge for 3-inch shells, the 320 Turkey gun has a 22-inch chrome alloy steel vent rib barrel with an extended extra full choke tube (Win. Choke) for hammering those spring longbeards. It is fitted with an adjustable fiber optic turkey sight. The gun is fitted with an OD green After killing numerous bucks over the years, author Dave Workman was happy to serve as his brother Frank’s spotter this past season in Eastern Washington for this mule deer. (DAVE WORKMAN)
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synthetic stock and forend, and the buttstock has an ambidextrous cheek riser and a textured surface on the grip to prevent slipping in damp weather. There’s a good recoil pad on the stock, and swivel studs on the stock and magazine cap for attaching a sling. It’s got an MSRP of $323. The defensive models are also offered in 12- or 20-gauge, with 18.5-inch barrels. Also chambered for 3-inch magnums in either bore size, they have matte black synthetic stocks and forends, and sling swivel studs on the stock and magazine cap.
MEANWHILE, GROUSE SEASON continues in Washington through Dec. 31 (Jan. 31 in Idaho and Oregon), and just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you need to curl up on the couch and sleep your way to New Year’s Eve. Possession limit is four per day, not to include more than three of a single species (blue, spruce or ruffed grouse). The fourth bird must be of a different tribe. Winter also brings out the best bunny hunting, and this is a game for the .22-caliber rifle or pistol, and most assuredly the .410-bore shotgun. Cottontail rabbits or snowshoe hares don’t require a lot of horsepower to bring them down. By now, the hares will have turned white, and you might just spot the little buggers in the brush where their winter fur gives them away like neon. The possession limit is 15, straight or mixed bag, and five bunnies in a day. That is a lot of rabbit meat. For those who cannot get enough time with their centerfire rifles, get some snow camo and start hunting coyotes. A fair number of people with AR-type rifles in assorted calibers shoot coyotes during the winter, which is good news for deer and elk come early spring.
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Brought To You By:
WITH CHRISTMAS COMING, if there’s a
And something else: A subscription to Northwest Sportsman and/or American Shooting Journal. And remember the best gift of all: your company, redeemable on demand. That is especially important to a youngster. Having been born on Christmas Day well into the past century, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to think and talk about the holidays. This is the time of year you remember your hunting buddies, maybe inviting them over for an evening or making sure you at least give them a call and relive a memory from fall. In my case, I’ll be chatting with my younger brother. I put him on a hefty three-point muley buck in October. He hasn’t had the opportunities I’ve enjoyed over the years as an outdoor/gun writer, and I had plenty of time to punch this buck’s ticket, but there comes a moment when it is time to just say, “Your shot,” and take pride in the fact that the other guy, or gal, notches a tag. That’s as much about what we do
hunter on your list, get them something they can actually use in the field. Here are some thoughts from a guy who has gotten some real lemons from well-meaning people. For the camping hunter, nothing beats a Coleman camp stove and/or a good lantern. Be sure to add a couple of canisters of fuel. A new sleeping bag is a great gift for the hunter, especially the younger ones. For people like me with cold feet, good socks are a welcome Yule gift, at least two pairs. A folding table is invaluable in camp because it provides a platform for all the other things you might have, including cookware, a jug of water, and your dinner plate. You can find these at any big box store, usually for a good price. Nobody will say “No” to a new box of ammunition, especially rimfires or shotgun shells. Get the right caliber/ gauge, of course.
as putting another deer in the freezer, and maybe more so. Over the years, I’ve killed (yeah, I “harvest” corn and beans and potatoes) some dandy bucks. There was that monster four-point out in a southeast Wyoming basin, and the equally impressive four-pointer hit on the move across a small canyon southeast of Terry, Montana. I’ve got a four-by-five rack in the workshop from a mule deer taken over on the Snake River several miles downstream from Clarkston a few years back. But my brother’s buck has something over all of ’em. It was the one I passed up so he could have the shot and the bragging rights. I merely served as the spotter. Frank pressed the trigger, and he did the heavy work, field dressing and dragging it out. You can’t put a pricetag on that. It’s the camaraderie of the campfire, the libation to a job well done, and the smile you share at sunset. May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I’ll be thinking good thoughts about you at the campfire. NS
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HUNTING
The 20-gauge may be “overshadowed” by ubiquitous 12s in field and marsh, but “it is fully capable of doing anything we shotgunners, hunters and target shooters alike have asked her to do, and then some,” argues multispecies hunter and author MD Johnson. (JULIA JOHNSON)
20 Is Plenty By M.D. Johnson
M
y first bobwhite. My first wood duck. My 14-year-old nephew Forest’s first limit of squirrels. My first eight-bird limit of snipe. My go-to spring gobbler shotgun for the past several seasons. My father’s gun of choice for whitetails. The common element tying each sentence fragment together is, believe it or not, a statement as elemental as the 20-gauge. Ever heard of it? Yes, I realize I’m being – what would Mom say? – obvious, not to mention obnoxious, but I pose the question only to press home a very important,
though oft-forgotten point, and the focus of this article in particular. Overshadowed, unfortunately, by her larger-bored brother the 12-gauge, the little 20 is, and always has been, fully capable of doing anything we shotgunners, hunters and target shooters alike have asked her to do, and then some. True, the 20-gauge does have her limitations; however, so, too, does a 12-gauge, a 10-gauge, and even a 105mm howitzer. Still, and while some big-bore fanatics may disagree, the 20-gauge has earned her place in shotgunning history, and after more than 100 years of existence, continues to be perhaps the finest “do-
Well, maybe not for elk and bear, but this ‘do-all’ shotgun gauge is remarkably versatile. all gauge” we shooters have available.
A BIT OF BACKGROUND Allow me, if you will, the chance to start at the present and work my way backwards through time. Today, the 20-gauge in any of its forms – semiauto, pump, over-and-under, side-by-side, single-shot – ranks second in terms of popularity and field use behind, and perhaps not surprisingly, the 12-gauge. It’s offered, and again in its many technical forms, by all of the major shotgun manufacturers, e.g. Winchester, Browning, Remington, Mossberg, Ruger, as well as a goodly number of smaller or overseas-based nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020
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HUNTING And thus the 20-gauge enjoyed a rise in popularity. That is, until 1991, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandated the use of steel (nontoxic) shot for the purposes of waterfowling. Almost overnight, the 10-gauge, with its manhole-sized muzzles and 13/8-ounce capacity, leapt back into the limelight. Sadly, the 20, now relegated to but a single ounce of the new steel shot, slipped once more into obscurity. Fortunately, modern advancements in shotgun ammunition, most significantly the creation of federally approved nontoxic shotshells other than steel, improvements in propellants and radically new wad designs, have once again put the 20-gauge into contention as a legitimate waterfowling piece. You may need to adjust your decoys and take closer shots with a 20-gauge – “I’ll forgo more shot opportunities at 35 yards than I’ll take at 25,” writes Johnson – but that also makes the hunt more sporting for your quarry. (JULIA JOHNSON)
shops. Ammunition, both 23/4-inch and 3-inch, is widely available, and comes in traditional lead, steel and nontoxic/nonsteel formats. Technically speaking, the 20-gauge falls between the 16 and 28 in terms of size, where size here relates directly to bore diameter, which in the case of the 20-gauge is .615 inch. Traditionally, shotgun gauge has been determined based on the number of lead balls, each measuring that of the bore diameter of the weapon in question, required to weigh 1 pound. Thus, one would need 20 lead balls, each .615 inch in diameter, to equal 1 pound. Only the .410 shotgun breaks from this rule of thumb, as its numeric designation is representative of the actual bore diameter, or caliber, of this firearm. There is no definitive explanation for the creation of the 20-gauge; only hypotheses. Of these, the idea that the 20 was born out of a need for an intermediary shotgun, something falling between the wildly popular 12-gauge and the .410, seems most believable. Though acclaimed throughout the early part of the 20th century, 166 Northwest Sportsman
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the massive 10-gauge began to lose some of its appeal as the 1960s gave way to the ’70s, and those to the ’80s. The cost of 10-bore shotshells, along with the big gun’s weight and recoil, caused many a shooter to shy away. The 28-gauge, though undeniably aesthetically pleasing and equally as pleasant to shoot, earned a reputation, right or wrong, as a women’s and children’s shotgun – too light, many said, for late-season pheasants, winter mallards or, heaven forbid, geese. More novelty than practical field piece, the .410 was nary given a second glance by serious shooters. And as for the 16-gauge, a personal favorite of mine, she always played second fiddle to the 12-bore, and eventually third runnerup to the 3-inch 20-gauge. All these ebbs and flows created a niche, a void which the 20-gauge, and the 3-inch 20 in particular, quickly filled. The guns were light and easy for the uplander to tote, yet the 3-inch hulls, with their 11/4-ounce shot charges, brought the so-called little guns right into line with the traditional 12-gauge field waterfowl and pheasant loads.
THE 20 AS A ‘BIG GAME GUN’ Here, and as it applies to the 20-gauge, I’ll define big game as turkeys, geese including Canadas, snows/blues, and whitefronts, and whitetails. Since 2006, my primary, in fact my only, spring turkey gun has been a Remington M870 Youth Model 20-gauge. The admittedly small-ofstature gun sports a 131/2-inch stock and a 21-inch barrel. My M870 is factory original from muzzle to butt, except for these turkeyspecific modifications – an XtraFull (.575-inch) Undertaker turkey choke tube from Hunter’s Specialties, aftermarket replacement magazine tube cap with a sling swivel stud, and a Zeiss Victory Compact Point reddot scope positioned atop a B-Square saddle-style optics mount. Initially, I filled the 20 with three 3-inch 11/4-ounce loads of Winchester’s No. 6 lead; however, with the introduction of the company’s Xtended Range highdensity nontoxic in 2007, I switched to 11/8-ounce charges of No. 5s, a change justified and proven repeatedly in front of the patterning board. Since making the switch, I, with great assistance from the little 20-gauge, have taken more than 30 spring longbeards out to 35 paces with as many rounds expended. The
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HUNTING M870 is extraordinarily light. How light? I have shot it from extremely awkward positions with the slide/ forearm balanced on the fingertips of my left hand. Try that with an Ithaca Mag-10 or fencepost-sized 31/2-inch 12-bore filled with Roman candleesque shotshells! Does the little 20-gauge have her limitations in her role as a spring gobbler-getter? Again, I refer back to the fact that even artillery pieces have a finite effective range; similarly, so too does this little 20. If your objective is to consistently harvest gobblers at 40-plus yards, then perhaps the 20’s 11/8-ounce shot charge isn’t for you and your particular style of hunting. As I’ve discovered via hours on the shooting range, my particular 20-gauge begins to falter in terms of consistency and pattern density at distances beyond 35 yards. So, I limit myself to shot opportunities inside 100 feet, give or take a pace, with gobblers unwilling to enter my zone of effectiveness earning themselves their walking papers. Have I let some very nice toms walk over the years because of this? Yes, I have. Have I regretted my decision? Not for an instant, but the choice as to big gun versus what many might call a “little gun” is certainly left up to the individual. In northeastern Ohio, my father Mick has for several seasons carried a customized Mossberg M500 pumpaction as his primary firearm of choice for shotgun-only whitetails. Pop picked up the little 20-gauge at a gun show some years back, with the initial intent of using it as a lightweight squirrel piece. However, a retinal detachment and subsequent surgery resulting in what both he and his physician referred to as recoil sensitivity issues changed his original plans, and the soft-shooting 20-bore was called into service as a big game gun. Retrofitted with a fully rifled barrel, the M500’s receiver was professionally drilled and tapped in order that a fixed 4-power Bushnell 168 Northwest Sportsman
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For whitetail, the author’s dad Mick considers his customized 20-gauge Mossberg M500 pump “one of the best-shooting, most accurate guns I own today,” and while most of his bucks have been taken inside 50 yards, he says he “wouldn’t hesitate to shoot out to 100 with a steady, solid rest.” (JULIA JOHNSON)
scope could be mounted. The Fosterstyle slugs from back in the day were retired, replaced by flat-shooting, hard-hitting slugs from Lightfield. Weighing just 7/8 ounce, or 385 grains, the fully sabotted projectiles produce minimal recoil, yet when sighted in roughly 2 inches high at 50 yards, they will print at zero at 100 – more than sufficient for the hardwoods and timber edges that make up the majority of Pop’s hunting locales. “My shots have all come under 50 yards,” he told me over the phone one
evening when I asked about distances and his pet 20-gauge, “but I wouldn’t hesitate a minute to shoot out to 100 with a steady, solid rest. It’s one of the best-shooting, most accurate guns I own today. I see no need to go back to a 12-gauge for deer, at least not here in Ohio.” And having put more than his fair share of venison in the freezer over the years, I find it very hard to argue with his type of success. It’s a consideration you might make to hunt the many firearms-
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HUNTING restricted zones in the Northwest.
IN THE UPLANDS AND MARSHES Like most, we hunters and shooters have our occasional regrets. The mistakes we made that in retrospect, we’d very much like to put into the doover category. Such is the case with the beautiful Browning Citori Lightning Feather 20-gauge I borrowed several years ago from the good people in Morgan, Utah, and which I promptly returned at season’s end claiming a lack of financial resources. Looking back, I should have sold a kidney or something of value in order to keep that little shotgun, as it was, in my humble opinion, the perfect upland piece. Weighing in at a mere 6 pounds, the O/U was an absolute joy to carry afield, and carry it I did for everything from Ohio doves and pigeons to Iowa roosters, Nebraska prairie chickens, South Dakota sharptails, Washington ruffed and
blue grouse, and Maine woodcock. Choice as to hull length (2 3/4 or 3 inches), shot charges (1 to 11/4 ounces) and shot sizes (No. 5 to 8) depended, understandably, upon the target and the situation. Late-season ringnecks or Sandhills sharptails, for instance, called for 3-inch hulls packing magnum 11/4-ounce loads of No. 5s. When the quarry was tightcover woodcock or sunflower field doves, however, the smaller 23/4-inch shotshells throwing a single ounce of lead No. 71/2s or steel No. 7s got the nod. My point here is that regardless of the locale, the situation or the species, the 20-gauge’s options in terms of ammunition selection make it an extremely versatile upland piece. So, too, is this versatility a factor when you consider the 20-gauge as a waterfowl shotgun. Yet it’s here where many ’fowlers will disagree with my perspective, claiming the 20, with its minimal hull capacity
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and comparatively small 3/4- to 11/4-ounce shot charges of either steel or a tungsten-based nontoxic, is simply too light to qualify as a reliable waterfowl choice. And I’ll agree, but only to a point. For ducks, even big ducks such as mallards, over decoys, a 20-bore filled with 1-ounce loads of steel No. 2s or 3s, or better yet, one of the exotic nontoxics such as HeviShot, will work just fine, if – and I repeat if – the shooter does his or her job. Change the species to beaverswamp wood ducks or early-season bluewing teal, and the 20-gauge becomes even more fitting. Geese, however, present a dilemma; so, too, do extraordinarily tenacious sea ducks such as scoters and eiders, or those larger yet, like sandhill cranes and tundra swans. Have I personally hunted these species with a 20-gauge? Yes, I have, and many times, but it’s important to understand two significant factors.
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HUNTING One, shot selection as to distance is always highly conservative; that is, I’ll forgo more shot opportunities at 35 yards than I’ll take at 25. And second, I’ll always opt to spend the extra money, and fill such a 20-gauge with the best tungsten-based nontoxic I can find, i.e. Hevi-Shot’s Hevi-X big 1-ounce 3-inch No. 2s. True, hightech pellets don’t negate the need for careful shot selection; however, such high-end shotshells do pump up, so to speak, the capabilities of the 20-gauge when the game, literally, gets big.
A YOUNG HUNTER’S FIRST SHOTGUN Then there’s this. It’s often been debated as to what is the best shotgun for the young hunter. Undeniably, a .410 is light, easy to carry, and packs almost nonexistent recoil. However, its ultratiny 11/16-ounce shot charge often proves more frustrating than it does encouraging, especially should the quarry be fleet of wing. And even
downsized 12-bores – 131/2-inch stocks, 26-inch barrels, and light loads – can be intimidating, particularly to those of smaller stature. This, then, leaves the 20-gauge, which to me is the perfect starter shotgun for the young shooter. They’re traditionally lightweight, produce manageable recoil for almost all, and can be loaded small to large, depending upon whether the quarry for the afternoon are gray ducks or gray squirrels. In time, and as a shooter grows in size and experience, the 20-gauge can be, and often is, replaced by a 3-inch 12-bore. However, as young guns and 30-somethings yield to the inevitability of Middle Age, it’s not unusual for that heavy 12 to spend more and more time in the cabinet, and an all-around do-everything scattergun to make the trip afield – a shotgun etched indelibly with those most traditional numbers: 2 and 0. NS
Gun Dog, continued from page 150 though they have some dents and dings in them, there are no rust spots or punctures. The nonslip ring on the bottom of the Boomer is tough and dependable. I’ve used it on pavement, in gravel, on snow and ice, and it’s proven flawless. If you’re tired of those dog dishes with a rubber ring around the bottom that comes off after little wear, the Boomer solves that problem. The Boomer is perfect for kibble, raw food, even water. If you like mixing kibble with water, the edges on the bowl make for easy access. Yeti’s Dog Bowl is simple to clean, whether wiping down with a towel or placing in the dishwasher. There you have it, a small list of important gifts that I think your gun dog will enjoy. No matter what gifts you get your dog, have fun with them, and enjoy a safe and joyous holiday season. NS Editor’s note: To watch Scott Haugen’s series of puppy training videos, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.
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