Sportsman's News December 2015 Digital Edition

SportsmansNews.com

December 2015

Volume 11 Issue 12

Bull Ridge Guide Service

By Eric Christensen

I have had the great fortune to meet some of the hunting industry elite. Some guys are completely different than I had anticipated and some are just as I thought. When I met Chuck and Trevor Marques in Jackson Hole, Wyoming during the Boy Scout antler auction several years back, I was impressed with the size of the elk antlers they were selling. After a couple days of talking with them about hunting and the future of hunting, I decided to make a trip to Ely. I was mindblown with t h e continued on page 2

Jed Lyon with his giant Nevada archery bull. Chuck and Trevor Marques own and operate Bull Ridge Guide Service, helping Jed put another giant Nevada bull elk in the books.

Own your hunt from dawn to dusk with Leupold’s iconic VX-2 riflescope.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

BULL RIDGE

to talk gave us a new energized continued from cover determination to amount of 380 plus bulls and 200 inch locate a big boy deer they had filmed/killed with clients to go chase. and the shed antlers they had picked up, The wind too. But, what really impressed me was picked up as the their personalities. They are down to minutes ticked earth and just great people to represent away, blowing the hunting industry as an outfitter. steady around 15Last year, Bull Ridge Guide Service 20 mph, which harvested 20 bulls that scored over made glassing 370 gross in one season. To accomplish hard and kept this on public land without the help the elk in thicker of private ground to pull big numbers cover. A late bull from, it really shows the amount of time walked along a and commitment they put into their trail in the maguide season. Taking down these big Francis Duffy, one of Bull Ridge Guide Service suchogany that had bulls consistently requires an extreme cessful clients with his monster Nevada Bull. Francis’ been made from amount of hours behind spotting scopes archery bull scored 375 with a huge 6x7 typical frame. many years of elk and covering thousands of miles. One hooves carving thing that separates Bull Ridge from the dragged the bull off with him. Unable to the trail into the hillside. The typical rest of the outfitters in Nevada is their relocate the bull after another day and 7x7 would stop and bugle every few pure determination to get their clients a half we decided to go look in other hundred yards along the trail. Jed and the biggest bulls possible. Settling for areas of the unit.

Trevor talked over if the 340-class bull smaller bull’s mid-way through the I’ve known Chuck and Trevor for was worthy of a stalk. Another hard hunt like most outfitters do will never several years and one thing I’ve learned decision was made and the bull would get you that trophy of a lifetime. is to trust their judgement. After 4 days be left alone.

I had the chance to hunt with Trevor into the hunt most people wouldn’t The following evening, we decided and Jed Lyon, one of his sub-guides, on think twice about going after a 340 to go back to the north end of the unit an early season archery elk hunt close class bull. Passing on 1-2 of these daily where we had seen several groups of to Ely this past season. The preferred became standard practice. Passing on cows, in hopes that a larger bull had method was to get behind the glass and these caliber of bulls in search of some- moved in to gather some females for cover several miles of country each day thing bigger can often result in a tag his own. We decided to stay there for until we located a bull worthy of tag- unfilled. But that is the exact reason to a few days and brought our camping ging out with. Day 2 had us going after hire Bull Ridge Guide Service. The cost equipment to stay in the area until we a 360 plus beautiful typical bull. We of time and money are more than well found a bull worthy of chasing. glassed the bull up early in the morning spent with their knowledge and skills.

That morning was the same as the and found him bedded at mid-day. A So we forged on looking over several first week; glassing and moving to glass storm was approaching so the decision miles of country and more cow elk than more and covering massive amounts of to stalk him in his bed was made and I cared to count. land to find our trophy. Our luck had after closing the gap to 200 yards we felt With five days of looking over more changed, as a new bull appeared in our good about our opportunity. Unknown than 60 bulls and miles of country, spotting scopes that we immediately to us a bedded buck blew our cover and Trevor wanted to head back where knew was a large, mature bull. Blood the 360 bull called started pumping and adrenalin was home that we had starting to rage. We quickly made a plan bedded the sec- and got in position to make a stock. We ond morning. All loaded our packs, put on our scent block eyes were scour- and Sneek Ez shoes and Jed checked ing the landscape over his bow to make sure it would fire in hopes of spot- a dart when called upon.

We were able to get above the bull t i n g t h e l a rg e b u l l . S e v e r a l and his 10 cows. The wind, at the time, small groups of was perfectly blowing in our face as elk were in their we made the 600 yard dash to get into normal locations, the right place. Just as we were getting with a couple new closer, around 200 yards, we felt the 300- to 320-class breeze on the back of our necks as the bulls hanging on morning thermals shifted and blew the fringes, bu- our scent to the cows leading the way. gling softly back Frustrated and disappointed our hard Jake House arrowed this Nevada bull with the help of and forth. Hear- work finally produced a giant bull and Bull Ridge Guide Service it scored 383. ing the bulls start the first stalk, only yielded a dust storm

from the group of elk running in the opposite direction.

Chuck Marques was watching all of this unfold from a long distance behind us. We met up with Chuck and he watched the group go over one hill and he thought they settled back down enough to get back on the giant bull.

Trevor moved us in position to relocate the bull and his cows. It was mid-day and the thermals were steady enough for us to climb a shell rock face to peer into the canyon the group of elk were last spotted in. Trevor and Jed scanned the hillside looking for any sign of the elk. Thirty minutes later, a lone cow could be seen grazing in a small opening. We knew the bull was close and the attention heightened to find the bedded bull.

Trevor soon had eyes on the bull and all that could be seen was his big rack engrossed under a shaded tree. The bull was with cows, but not being vocal, so again spot and stalk was the method to hunt this bull. Trevor and Jed made their way to intercept the group of elk as they got up to feed around a small ridge in the mountain. They closed the gap to 70 yards from the lead cow, as the bull lagged a few yards behind the cows and was hidden from view behind some cedar trees.

The wind was in their faces as they anxiously waited for an opportunity at the bull. Just then, the wind hit the back of our necks again and Jed’s face expressed the sickening feeling of, “Here we go again”. Just then the cows blew up and Jed ran 20 yards directly toward the elk to gain some elevation in hopes the bull would give him a chance to launch an arrow. Jed cow-called as Trevor ranged the bull, who stopped to look at where the call had come from.

Jed ran through the motions of summer shooting, checking all key points to ensure an accurate shot. After all points were set, Jed released the arrow and watched it fly towards the bull.

The arrow hit the bull as he jumped to run with his cows. Trevor said, “You missed him Jed”. Jed responded confidently, “No, I saw him jump, he is hit, I’m positive”.

The trail the bull was standing in confirmed Jed’s arrow had struck the bull. But they were unsure of the location the arrow had caught the bull. They went back and ranged the spot where the bull stood and Jed had shot from. continued on page 6

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Words From The Publisher

By Michael Deming

T

he holiday season is once again here and I want to personally wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has been a very busy and productive year for all of us here at Sportsman’s News as well as Sportsman’s Warehouse. Sportsman’s Warehouse added nine new stores this year and they are looking at more projected growth in 2016. The map on the back cover of this issue will tell you what is forecasted for the future. You might just have a store coming to your town soon. The Sportsman’s Warehouse web team has made vast improvements to the online ordering system and it is now very user friendly. If you don’t have a store in your back yard, you can get the majority of products that are available in-store, online and delivered to your door. It is fun and exciting to see the positive growth happening and we are very excited to be a part of it.

We launched the Sportsman’s News Pro Membership Sweepstakes in the late spring of this year. As of to-

day, we have given away over $150,000 worth of trips, guns and gear.

We have already had the pleasure of traveling and filming some of these great trips with the winners. The most common statement we hear with these folks is that “I never win anything”.

One such winner was Red Steele, from Colorado, who won a brown bear hunt in Alaska with one of our Platinum Approved Outfitters and had the time of his life. We have a moose hunt scheduled with this same outfitter in 2016 which will be given away soon and we will do another bear hunt for 2017, as well. The center spread in this issue will show you all of the announced trips for the next 12 months and a visit to the website at www.sportsmansnews.com under the membership tab, will show you the past winners as well as what is coming in the future.

One of our biggest drawings for 2016 will be a Desert Bighorn sheep hunt in Sonora Mexico with Platinum Approved Outfitter WRO Mexico. This is a very expensive trip and whomever wins this trip is going to have a world class experience. For those of you that haven’t joined yet, we have a drawing every 10-days throughout the year and people love to have something like this to look forward to. So, the Pro Membership is a great gift idea for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s especially good for that person in your life who already has nearly everything. They will get a subscription to Sportsman’s News Magazine, as well as a subscrip-

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Each drawing will give them five tickets in the drum to win the trip of a lifetime with one of our Platinum Approved Outfitters or other great prizes.

With the discussion of Christmas gifts, I want to mention the column about our gift recommendations in this issue. This is a column we have been doing here for a number of years and we always get great feedback from our readers. If you are still shopping for that special someone in your life, make sure you read this column. These products are truly the best of the best and have been put to the test by our staff. We have items in all price ranges to fit nearly everyone’s budget. Most importantly, we know from hard-core testing and lots of use that these products will be something that people will really enjoy and use for years and years.

With this issue, we will begin a new story contest. It will last for the next 12 months. One or two stories will make it into the contest each month. Those published will get their name in the drawing for a trip with me to Tazin Lake Lodge for Trophy Lake Trout and Northern Pike. This is a world class destination and whomever wins is gonna catch some really big fish.

All the details on entering and article submission can be found on Page 4 of this issue. If you aren’t a writer, don’t worry. We have a second trip to give away and all you have to do is sign up for the Sportsman’s News Digital Edition. We would like to save a few trees over the next year, so log onto www.sportsmansnews.com and when the subscription tab pop-up shows on your screen, sign up for our digital edition and you will be automatically registered. You will also be emailed one of Tazin Lake Lodges 2016 brochures to show you just what is in store for you if you win.

And again, from all of us here at Sportsman’s News, have a great Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year.

WHAT'S INSIDE

5

3 Pro Member Update 5 Words From The Publisher 8 Leupold VX-2 10 Platinum Approved Outfitters 16 Hornady Ammo Plant 20 Christmas Gift Guide 34 Deuter Kid Comfort 2 36 Yamaha Wolverine Gun Care 40 Tetra PacWest Outdoors: Clearwater 42 Steelhead Product Reviews 44 Video Adventures On A Budget: San 50 Juan Fishing 52 Business Directory 54 Updated Beretta Pico Game Recipe: Venison 56 Wild Crock-Pot Roast 58 Writing Contest: Water Buck Sagas: A Forkhorn 60 Barebow!

Makes Book Thinker: Opportunity For 63 Fishful Improvement Contest: My Grandson’s 65 Writing First Buck

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

Tell your friends.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dave Domin Gary Lewis Rick Rosenberg Dennis Dunn Steve Mayer Andy Lightbody Brian Thompson Chad LaChance Ray Rummell

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

BULL RIDGE

continued from page 2 In the excitement that archery brings, when you get so close to your prey, things can go haywire. Jed surmised he might have ranged a tree branch and not the bull, which would put the bull a good 10 yards shorter than the bull actually stood. Reviewing the kill shot indicated Jed indeed shot low on the bull and should have missed him completely.

The film revealed the arrow hit the bull’s front leg, just under the elbow joint. It must have hit a large vein in the leg for the amount blood that was soaking into the Earth.

So off we went, running up the hill to try and get another shot. Coming up on the trail, there was blood and it looked solid, as it had the bubbles in the thick, dark blood.

Chuck had again seen the hunt unfold and drove quickly to get a view of the elk that had moved around the hill.

He found him bedded and Trevor and Jed headed off to try and get another arrow in the wounded bull. Getting within Jed’s range started the waiting

game, as the bull would tease them by standing up and then quickly laying back down. Each time, Jed would draw and get ready to release an arrow. The tension grew rapidly with each session of the bull standing and laying back down. Finally, the bull stood long enough for Jed to feel good Karl Menard put this 200 inch monster buck on the about a shot. But ground. Bull Ridge Guide Service specializes in giant on the shot, the elk but are very successful with helping clients harvest bull completely massive desert muleys. jumped the string We knew he was hurt and had a lot of and the arrow sailed by him as the bull weight to put on that leg. We grabbed spun and ran away.

After the fact, it was amazing to watch gear and went running after him, not the video over and over again. An ani- wanting to let him get too far as we mal that size could move that quickly knew he would want to bed down soon and having one bad wheel – unbeliev- to get off that wounded leg. After about two miles of running, we caught him able! again. Jed was faced with about a 6-inch window he could see the bull’s vitals in. Not taking any chances, Jed sent another arrow towards the bull, but he was breathing too hard from the chase and his arrow struck a tree. The bull jumped and ran off again. Somehow he kept moving and again we covered another

mile on the chase. Darkness settled in and the hard decision to back out was made for the night. It was definitely going to be a long night.

We rose early, made a tinfoil lunch and left for where the last track and blood was marked. Before setting off to try and find the bulls track, Trevor and Jed glassed the area, trying to relocate the injured bull.

With no bull found, we hiked into the trees and made a fire to cook the tinfoil meals. After a quick lunch, we walked 200 to 300 yards on the bulls track and found several beds every 20-40 yards with blood in each one. Suddenly, a crash was heard in front of us and we knew the bull was still alive and moving off. Trevor and Jed took off in a full sprint to catch up to the bull.

Adrenaline got them into range about another mile away, as the bull was bedded at 50 yards. Jed moved into a position that allowed a clear view of the bull’s vitals.

The arrow struck the bull in the kill zone and he finally expired. Walking up to the bull, you could see the satisfaction and excitement on everyone’s faces as the hard work and determination had paid off over the past 24-hours. The bull was tremendous and will be taped out over 375” gross after the drying period.

If you draw a tag of a lifetime and want to hunt with the best guides in the state, contact Trevor or Chuck with Bull Ridge Guide Service (775-296-1054) out of Ely, Nevada for your opportunity to harvest a giant elk with their team.

Trevor Marques killed this 390 net typical Nevada bull himself. Successfully harvesting these monster bulls every year requires exceptional skill and determination.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Leupold VX-2; The Birth Of An Icon.

By Dave Domin

A

couple weeks ago when I was tasked to write 1500 words about the Leupold VX-2 rifle scope for Sportsman’s News, I thought to myself, “Uhh, the Leupold VX-2 is very, very, very, very, very…” Well you get the picture. After some thorough contemplation though, I figured digging back, way back, into how this scope came to be what it is today, would prove interesting.

Starting from humble beginnings, Frederick Leupold came to Portland, Oregon from Germany in 1907, and quickly established a firm to manufacture and repair surveying and hydrographic instruments. Fred’s son, Marcus, broadened the company’s focus in the late 1930s after the avid outdoorsman missed a buck on the soggy western slopes of Oregon’s Cascade Range. (His scope had fogged, as was common for scopes of that era.)

Frustrated by the experience, Marcus set out to build a better rifle scope. His quest for quality continues today.

In 1947, Leupold introduced their first rifle scope, the Plainsman. This scope featured a 7/8 inch steel maintube, 2 ¼ magnification with magnesium fluoride lens coatings, graduated sleeves for elevation and windage adjustment, and weighed a mere 7 ounces. The Plainsman was a worthy scope at the time, but its adjustment mechanism was not air-tight and

damp weather caused internal fogging. To combat this, in 1949, Leupold introduced the Pioneer. This scope was the first to feature the exclusive Leupold nitrogen filling process. To keep this scope air-tight, the external adjustments were removed from the maintube and incorporated into the Ad justo-Mount system. 1955 brought about one of Leupold’s greatest achievements, the introduction of a waterproof scope that featured a 1-inch maintube and internal adjustments, the Mountaineer.

1959 brought us Leupold’s first variable magnification rifle scope, the Vari-X 3-9, the scope that ultimately turned into the VX-2 of today. Believe it or not, this first variable scope held the reticle in the first focal plane, meaning the reticle appears to get larger as magnification increases. Another unusual feature or lack thereof, was the absence of a self-centered reticle. When one would make adjustments, the reticle would physically move in the field of view. At lower magnification ranges this was not particularly noticeable, but as the power is increased and the field of view decreased, the off-center condition was much more apparent.

This condition is normal and is not a defect. It is for this reason that the following notice was packaged in the box with the older Vari-X 3-9 scope: “To obtain the most satisfactory perfor-

mance from your Leupold Vari-X 3-9 scope, installation and initial sightingin should be done at the 9X magnification setting. Subsequent changes of the magnification selector will not affect the zero in any way.” If this suggestion is followed and the mount system correctly adjusted, keeping the reticle as near the center of the adjustment travel as possible at 9x, the off-center reticle condition will not be apparent or will be greatly minimized.”

Many shooters and hunters don’t know it, but Leupold introduced the world to the Duplex reticle at the end of 1962. The heavy outer posts of this crosswire-style reticle enabled shooters to find their target quickly and aim precisely with the thin center wires. And what better way to introduce the Duplex than to install it into, what would become Leupold’s most popular scope ever, the Vari-X II. Early Vari-X II’s featured aluminum maintubes with a high gloss finish, a front pivot erector system that delivered 26 Minute of Angle (MOA) of overall travel, a self-centered, rear focal plane, reticle, and ½ MOA friction adjustments. The magnesium fluoride lens coatings delivered approximately 82% light transmission. Leupold expanded this line with a Vari-X II 2-7x in 1964.

It was during this time that Leupold felt it was going through an identity crisis. Companies like Weaver, Ly-

man, Redfield and Bausch & Lomb were providing tough competition.

Leupold needed to figure out a way to differentiate themselves from the others. Consumers needed to recognize a Leupold scope with a simple glance.

“This assignment might seem simple given the design and engineering feats evident in a finished rifle scope. But we anguished over it. It had to be visible from all sides and easily applied or installed without changing the dimensions engineered into the optical systems,” said Don Waggoner, former Vice President of Engineering. It was then that George Schray, Leupold plant superintendent, came to the rescue.

He fashioned a thin, gold-colored ring that was installed between the objective housing and the objective lock ring. “It was just what we needed.

The gold ring is the first thing that a shooter looks for when shopping for a Leupold. It’s what brings Leupold to mind when one sees it mounted on a rifle, pictured in a magazine, or shown on television,” said Waggoner.

Over the next 2 decades, the Vari-X II changed very little, other than the addition of scopes that offered magnification ranges beyond the popular 3-9x and optional matte black and silver finishes. But in 1984, Leupold engineers changed the internal design of the Vari-X II to what is called a center pivot erector system that increased the scopes overall travel from 26 to 56 MOA. This center pivot design is still in use today. These scopes were given the name Vari-X IIc until 2002, when further changes occurred.

The VX-II was introduced at SHOT Show 2002. This scope began using technology that was developed for Leupold’s higher end scopes, the VariX III and the LPS. Leupold started applying Multicoat 4 lens coating to the external lenses which increased light transmission to approximately 86%. Multicoat 4 greatly increased the amount of available light delivered to the eye while minimizing the reflections of the sky on the outer eyepiece.

In addition to the coating, Leupold incorporated their ¼ MOA click adjustments. These audible clicks allowed shooters to make the appropriate adjustments without having to look at the continued on page 14

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

LEUPOLD VX-2 continued from page 8

dial, as with the friction dials.

In 2004, the VX-II was given further enhancements. The entire lens system was upgraded to Multicoat 4 lens

coatings. Not only did this increase the image contrast and clarity but it increased the light transmission to 92%, a number almost unheard of in a scope at that price point. A lockable, fast focus eyepiece was developed, allowing the shooter to quickly and easily focus the reticle with minimal effort. Finally, a new tactile power selector was installed, making magnification adjustment a breeze, even with gloved hands.

So here we are today, 2015. A couple years ago the VX-2 changed again and it’s not just the number at the end that looks different. This latest generation VX-2 redefines high performance. Leupold’s Quantum Optical System uses carefully selected lead free lenses with Index Matched lens coatings that are precisely positioned with each other to deliver up to 94% light transmission with the highest levels of optical clarity. The addition of DiamondCoat on the exterior lens surfaces provides the utmost in abrasion resistance. The VX-2 also utilizes other updated design features including an externally threaded fast-focus eyepiece for quick

and easy reticle focus. The finger adjustable ¼ MOA dials provide quick and easy zeroing without the use of coins or tools. Some models are even available with the Custom Dial System (CDS) that can be ballistically matched through the Leupold Custom Shop. To keep this scope fog proof for life, it is filled with Leupold’s industry leading second generation Argon/Krypton blend. This blend is drier and more resistant to thermal shock than the traditional nitrogen filled scopes.

The VX-2 is available in six magnification ranges with nine reticle options.

They can be used for anything from dangerous game to varmints to simple target practice. The sleek, classic lines and that iconic Golden Ring means that you will be buying a scope that is as durable as it is aesthetically pleasing. All VX-2 rifle scopes are Designed, Machined and Assembled by over 600 highly skilled American workers in Beaverton, Oregon.

So the next time you are in your local Sportsman’s Warehouse looking for a new rifle scope, let them know you would like to see the very, very, very, very, very best, ask to see a Leupold.

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16

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Hornady Lock-N-Load Ammo Plant

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

A

bout 4 years ago, I decided to make the jump into reloading ammo. Up until then, I always believed that people who loaded their own ammo were on par with wizards, using archaic spells to turn lead into gold.

Being a complete ammo loading novice, I dove in feet first and got set up with a Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic loading kit. It came with everything I needed to get started, including a powder measure, digital scale, loading blocks, and everything except the shell plate and dies for my specific caliber, powder, brass, primers, and bullets. It did include 100 bullets, sort of, and we will get into that in a minute.

I have been using this system regularly, loading about 400-500 rounds per week, in a variety of about two dozen different calibers.

It takes a long time and several steps to turn a piece of brass into a loaded round. First, you need to clean the used brass, which I accomplish with a Hornady Sonic Case Cleaner. Then you dry it and tumble it. Then you deprime and resize, using a single die. Then you prime the brass, which I had been doing using a hand priming tool, but recently upgraded to an automatic priming feed

tube on the press. Then you insert the expander die into your press and flare the case. Then you insert the feeding die, load the powder, and seat and crimp the bullet.

I had the process down pretty smoothly and it still was taking me about 2 hours to completely load 100 rounds of ammo. That isn’t too shabby, until you head to the range and blow through all of that ammo in a matter of 20-30 minutes.

It was good, but I wanted faster.

I love the Lock-N-Load system, because I can swap out my dies, and leave them set without unscrewing them and resetting every time I swap them out. I lock them into the Lock-N-Load The bullet and case feeding hoppers make production of b u s h i n g a n d ammo much faster and more efficient than feeding these just twist them out of the press, components by hand.

and they retain their depth. So if Still, there was frustration. At my wit’s I swap from loading 9MM to .40 end, I finally called Marty Holding with SW, I don’t have to remeasure and Hornady with a laundry list of minor adjust the depth the next time I issues that were driving me crazy. He go back to the same load of 9MM. then asked the dreaded question, “did This saves hours of time. you watch the DVD that was in the For every set of dies I purchase, box?” When I replied that I hadn’t, even I also get a set of die bushings for though he had too much class to say it, that die set. They live there and it the tone of his voice was clearly yelling is well worth the inexpensive in- “you idiot.” So he walked me through vestment. The dies come in a hard a few of the issues, such as properly plastic box that also has room for setting up the case feeder, adjusting the extras. It allows you to also store timing, and properly assembling the a powder metering insert for that feed tube of the primer feeder to work specific load; another worthwhile out the bugs. I also sat and watched the investment.

DVD, which answered several issues Being invested in the Lock-N- for me. So my advice, open the box, Load system, it was a natural take out the DVD, stop what you are decision to upgrade to a Lock- doing, and watch it. Don’t mess with N-Load progressive press when anything else in the box until you have it was time to go faster. Hornady watched it. Take notes while watching makes a basic progressive press it and keep it in your DVD player so that lets you do up to five steps you can go refer to it again while you all at once, without resetting are assembling the loader. anything. That was still not fast There are a lot of progressive presses enough for me. I went with the on the market, but there are several full Monty; the Lock-N-Load Ammo reasons to choose this one. First, the Plant (AP). This setup includes a bullet instructions for assembly are amazingly feeder and a shell feeder, so essentially, detailed. Second, and this is a huge all you have to do is load the cases, one for me because I have used it so primers, bullets, and powder into their often, is Hornady’s no questions asked respective dispensers and pull on the lifetime warranty on all of their parts. handle. Each pull of the handle, unlike a Until you clamp down really hard on Vegas slot machine, pays out in the form continued on page 18 of a finished cartridge. Keep pulling the lever, and refilling the hoppers, and pretty soon, you have a lot of ammo, very quickly.

In order to properly review this press, I wanted to get it set up without any help from the folks at Hornady, just like a regular Joe would, just by reading the instructions. It takes a few hours to assemble and dial in the press, so it helped that the instruction manual that comes in the box is very thorough, with excellent illustrations. Even though the manual is easy to follow, there are a few aspects that were unclear, but I spent The 30-degree offset of the head makes it easy to some extra time getting access all of the dies and make adjustments. Case, everything adjusted. bullet and powder load with each pull of the handle.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

HORNADY AP

be rotated through the various stages.

The case feeder only requires you to continued from page 16 purchase the correct size feeder plate a Berdan primed case that accidentally for your load; small pistol, large pistol, got mixed into your brass and shear small rifle, large rifle. These retail for off a decapping pin and shatter a resiz- around $40 each. ing cone, you won’t appreciate how a Setting up each die station takes a simple phone call can get you back in little bit of effort at first, because each business again very quickly. Third, the stage acts like it does on a single stage face of the progressive press has a 30 press, just moving the case progresdegree offset, which makes it easier to sively through each step. One pull of the get into the tight confines of the working handle simultaneously decaps and sizes area of the press to make adjustments, one case while priming another, and swap dies, perform inspections, and just dumping powder and flaring yet angenerally work in. I have big mitts, and other, while seating a bullet in another, being able to get into the working area and crimping the bullet in the last, while with five dies loaded, is a real blessing. inserting a new case to start the process And finally, since I was already well over. Each pull drops in a new case, and invested in the Lock-N-Load system, drops out a new cartridge while advancit made sense to stay with that system ing the other cases to the next stage in for the same reasons, when I upgraded the process. But because it is a Lockfrom a single stage to a progressive. I N-Load, after that initial setup, if you don’t have to remeasure and readjust don’t alter the configuration of those my dies when swapping them out from dies, you never have to go through this one caliber to another or from my single setup again. To change between pistol stage to the AP. This alone saves hours calibers, all you need to do is swap out of time in setting up the press. The AP shell plates, dies, and powder measure has a hefty 2-inch diameter steel ram, (or readjust the powder measure) and exposed grease fittings, and utilizes a you are ready to roll. To swap between case retaining spring that makes it very pistol and rifle reloading, you need to easy to remove a case from the shell swap out the primer feeder, case feeder plate at any stage to check and adjust plate, and the dies. Change over and and then quickly put it back in place. change back are as easy as they can get.

The AP comes complete with a bullet To make my reloading even faster and feeder that orients your bullets, then safer, I added in a Hornady Lock-Ndrops them directly into a tube that goes Load Deluxe Control Panel. This counts to a bullet feeding die on the press. It how many rounds I have completed, also comes with a case feeder that aligns warns if the primer feeder slide fails your cases primer-side down then drops to move forward, monitors powder them on to an armature that feeds them and primer supply levels, and warns directly into the shell plate, ready to if a load is under or over charged. If a bad load is detected, it will stop the press so I can’t seat a bullet until the mischarged case is removed. It even has a flexible LED light that I can use to better illuminate my work area inside the press. The addition of the Control Panel and sensors makes it even faster to load with safety.

The built-in powder measure drops a specific load of powder in each case, and I randomly tested the powder it was dropThe Deluxe Control Panel is the brain of the various ping and was getting +/- a tenth of a grain, sensors that monitor your reloading. which is as accurate

as you will get without trickling powder.

Because I like to have specific loading recipes for the bullets I use, I make sure to get an updated loading manual from every bullet manufacturer I use. The free online information provided by powder manufacturers is okay for certain applications, but it always seems to be missing data for specific bullets I like to use.

For this reason, The case retaining spring makes it easy to remove or the 9th Edition place a case into any station in the press during any of the Hornady step.

Reloading Handbook was a must-have item. My eighth ing a $35 set of dies. With the purchase of edition was okay, but for each edition, a press, you get 500 free bullets worth up Hornady retests every load in the book, to $177, depending upon which bullets and adjusts them with the most recent you choose. In this day and age where data. you can’t find reloading components, free While the Lock-N-Load AP press will bullets is a dream come true. accept any dies with a standard 7/8-14 If you have been thinking about speedthread, using the Lock-N-Load bushing, ing up your reloading, check out the I choose to only use Hornady Custom Hornady Lock-N-Load AP and move Grade Dies. In the straight wall resizing from reloading into the realm of full-scale dies, Hornady adds an insert coated in production. Now I am getting about 200 titanium-nitride. This coating protects rounds in a few minutes as opposed to the surface of your cases, requires no a few hours. Now if we could just find a lube, and extends the life of the case. few pounds of Tightgroup.

They also use an elliptical expander, which is gentler on your cases as it resizes the neck, extending the life of your brass and letting you size up without cracking the neck. Their bullet seating die features a patented sliding sleeve that insures a perfect bullet seat each time, and also crimps the case in a single step. This alignment sleeve provides perfect concentricity and that equates to better accuracy. And did I mention the warranty?

And to really sweeten the pot, Hornady is running their Get Loaded promotion for the fifth straight year. Pretty A two-inch diameter ram makes each stroke much, you can get up to $35 smooth and stable and exposed grease fittings worth of free bullets for buy- keep your press running smoothly.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Great Gift Ideas From The Sportsman’s News Team

E

very year, the Sportsman’s News team hits the field for well over 1,000 man-days of hard core hunting, fishing and camping excursions. During these trips, we get to test out a good portion of the new gear that hits the shelves at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse. After the completion of the year, we have beaten up some of the best products and weeded out what is good and what is gimmick. I have asked the team to put together a few items that have made a lasting impression on them and now find a place on their gear lists for the future. Any one of these items would be a great gift for anyone that is fortunate enough to receive one of them under the tree on Christmas morning.

Camp Chef Pellet Grill

Sitting down with your family over a great home cooked meal of wild game or fish you harvested yourself is always a great way to relive the experience. My children always eat more of whatever we are cooking when they were involved with the process. However, taking the time to prepare a special meal isn’t always possible in today’s busy society.

The Pellet Grill by Camp Chef, makes the main course portion of this process extremely simple and easy. The pellet grill is a combination of a grill and a smoker, leaning heavily towards the smoking side. It doesn’t provide a direct flame to your product as a grill would, which eliminates flare ups.

Your heat source is derived from wood pellets made of 100% pure sawdust, which have been compressed into “pellets” that look a lot like rabbit food. These pellets are fed into a “Hopper” which feeds the pellets into the auger and ultimately into the “Firebox”, where they are burned at a preset temperature. This will give you that slow and low cooking temperature and mild smoke flavor barbeque professionals strive for, without the extensive labor of keeping a steady temperature on your smoker.

The Camp Chef Pellet Grill is truly a “set it and forget it” type of product which caters to the busy nature of today’s society. This unit allows you to prep your food for smoking, slide the temperature probe into the meat, set the digital temperature for cooking, fill the hopper with pellets and then just wait for your dinner to be done. It is truly that simple. This product will provide you years of quality service and many enjoyable family meals.

Helle of Norway Eggen Knife

For general bushcraft or an all-purpose fixed blade knife, an excellent Christmas gift is the Eggen from Helle of Norway. Using triple laminated stainless Norwegian steel, the Eggen will stay super sharp. It is a stout hunting knife with a drop point for general purpose use and is strong enough for heavy tasks as well. The substantial curly birch handle is shaped to form a finger guard. It gives a solid feel in the hand and is comfortable for both medium and large hands. The knife also comes with a beautiful oiled sheath in dark brown, rich premium grade leather. All of Helle’s knives are hand made with old-world craftsmanship and represent the finest of Norwegian knife making skill. The blade is just under 4-inches long and 1/8 of an inch thick. The entire knife weights just 4.25 ounces, so it is light enough for every day wear on your belt.

ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot

For those times when weight is an issue but sleeping on the ground is not, ALPS Mountaineering makes their Lightweight Cot. It is quickly assembled, disassembles into a 14”x2”x34” carry bag. It weighs 11.5 pounds, which is far lighter than most full sized cots. The overall sleeping surface is 30” wide by 74” long and it suspends you 7.5” off of the ground. It is made of a high strength 600 Denier polyester fabric with a waterproof coating on the bottom. Heavy duty steel poles act as rails and spring loaded steel crossbars easily slip into pre-drilled holes in the rails. Assembly takes just a few minutes.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

21

Pelican 1750 Long Case

Proper storage prolongs the life of your firearms -- and Pelican’s got a whole arsenal of long cases designed to do just that. There’s a reason Pelican is the weapons case of choice for military and law enforcement personnel. If their gun cases can handle the extreme use and abuse that our armed forces can put them through, they’ll definitely serve your needs with toughness to spare.

The Pelican 1750 Long Case is an unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof hard case used to carry any kind of equipment that needs to be protected from impact damage. It is made of Ultra High Impact structural copolymer that makes it extremely strong and durable. It has a 0.25” (6.4 mm) neoprene o-ring and easy-open, doublethrow latches that seal perfectly. It includes an automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure.

The 1750 comes with a top folding handle, a side folding handle and built-in polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings with exterior dimensions of 53” x 16” x 6.12”. The padlock protectors provide added strength and extra security against cutting and theft.

The Pelican 1750 is NATO codified and tested to MIL C-4150J (Military Standard), IP-67 (Ingress Protection). Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence - Unconditionally Guaranteed – Forever!

Available in black, OD green and Desert tan Rifle not included

Rome Industries Tri-Pod Grill

In order to use a traditional grill over your campfire, you need level rocks, a fire ring or construct some way to suspend the grill over your fire. Additionally, you need to wait until the coals have burned down to prevent burning your food.

The Rome Industries Tri-Pod Grill lets you quickly assemble the 24-inch tripod and suspend the 21.5-inch chrome plated grate over the fire on a chain. The chain lets you adjust the grate up to 24 inches, so you can still cook over a healthy roaring fire without burning your food. The Tri-Pod Grill gives you amazing flexibility for cooking over your campfire and weighs only 8-pounds. The grill itself folds into thirds, even further reducing the overall footprint when stored.

continued on page 22

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• Roll and stow awning • Versa-Loft gear storage system • Heavy duty carry bag

22

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE continued from page 21

Grizzly 75 Cooler

The Sportsman’s News team has been using Grizzly coolers for half a dozen years now. Whenever we have done a field test on coolers, they always perform better than all of their competitors. It is one thing to sponsor lots of television shows and claim you are the best, but it’s another to just be the best and Grizzly is that company.

The new Grizzly 75 is one of the newest coolers in the line. They have taken years of experience and what we considered to be the best cooler on the market and made it even better. This 75 quart cooler is ideal for long weekend getaways and in our testing, kept ice for over 10 days. It measures 33.25-inches wide by 18-inches deep and stands 18-inches high. This hard-core unit is made from rotomolded plastic, which insures that the wall thickness is consistent throughout, making it extremely tough. It is injected with environmentally friendly insulation that truly will keep ice longer than any other cooler on the market. The 2” drain plug allows for quick draining and the full length drain channels on the bottom of the cooler complete this process. It comes with non-slip and non-marking rubber feet, which will keep the unit in place on the deck of your boat or bed of the truck. Handles are molded into the cooler, but it also comes with rope handles with nylon sleeves and heavy duty rubber handles. There is a 2” tie-down slot on each side which allows you to not only tie it down, but even lock it to your vehicle.

There is even an embossed 30” ruler on the lid of the unit to measure your catch. The internal molding in this cooler is designed to hold the Grizzly frozen dividers, which are powered by Arctic Ice. Each cooler will hold up to three dividers and there are several to choose from, depending on your desires. Whether you are looking to keep your beverages at near freezing temperatures or would like to keep your frozen goods frozen for extended trips, there is a frozen divider to fit your needs. It also eliminates the need for ice, which will eventually melt and get your contents wet. And if you will be camping in bear country, this cooler is also “Grizzly Compliant”. Each cooler has a lifetime warranty and is made right here in the U.S.A. continued on page 24

GrizzlyCoolers.com Made in the U.S.A

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE continued from page 22

Olympia Two-Way Radio

Heading to the mountains is bred into my DNA. Although I love spending time with family and looking for animals on these journeys to nature, returning home and back to camp is always high on the priority list. Olympia builds some great products for any recreational adventure. I tested out the R500 Two-Way Radio this past fall and they will now be a part of my equipment list. The R500 radios are completely waterproof and will even float if dropped in the lake when out for a day of fishing.

The claimed 42 mile range held true when I used them on a recent trip to the Nevada desert. They come with NOAA weather channel alerts to keep you ahead of danger. 50 channels and 121 eliminator codes give you plenty of options to choose from. The R500 radios come with a rechargeable battery pack and also give you the option for Alkaline should you need extra power on your trip.

Users can incorporate a variety of headsets for private listening. I really like how user-friendly the R500 radios were to operate and change between options. The big orange buttons are easy to use, even with a pair of gloves on. They are very light and easily packable for day use in my back pack or at home with an emergency kit. Olympia Radios offers a 3-year warranty and are a great product for any outdoor adventure.

Browning Bear 4500RT Dry Bag Pack

Signature Products Group manufactures and distributes licensed consumer products in multiple product categories in partnership with many premier brands throughout the outdoor industry. Browning is one of the great companies that they work with and we have fell in love with SPG’s pack line. One of their newest is the Bear 4500RT, a roll-top pack made out of the same waterproof, durable fabric that is used in the rest of their dry-bag line. I used this pack on a recent fishing trip and quickly fell in love with it. Aside from shedding any and all precip, it also has padded shoulder straps made for carrying gear into remote places. It’s wide, rectangular bottom accommodates your boots and waders and the wide base helps to stabilize the pack when you take it off, allowing you to stand it up to grab your gear. Side webbing loop attachment points cinch your load down, helping to further stabilize your gear.

The coolest feature to me is the air purge valve, similar to something you’d find on a Therm-a-Rest pad - loosen it up and lean on the pack to push air out, then tighten it down to keep the pack water-tight. Constructed to last out of Realtree Max-5 PU-coated nylon fabric with welded seams, the Browning continued on page 26 Bear 4500RT Dry Bag delivers waterproof gear protection that you can count on.

What started as an opportunity to improve campsite cooking more than two decades ago, Camp Chef is now an industry leading innovator of outdoor cooking equipment. This year Camp Chef celebrates 25 years of quality outdoor cooking

and would like to thank each customer for its success.

From stoves to smokers and a complete line of cast iron cookwqare, Camp Chef is The Way To Cook Outdoors. For more information go to www.CampChef.com today.

25 Years of Quality Outdoor Cooking! www.CampChef.com | 800.650.2433

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Costa Fantail Sunglasses

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE continued from page 24

SportEar- ProSounds X-Pro Series Earplugs

Earplugs are essential for hearing protection. They protect your hearing, yes, but they can be a hassle. Sometimes you need to hear and they block too much, so you have to take them out. They’re small and easily lost. They get deformed easily, they are hardly ever comfortable and they seem to fall out more than they stay in your ear.

ProSounds is dedicated to providing the very best hearing protection possible. They deliver all of the benefits of hearing protection, but none of the problems. The X-Pro earplugs are simplicity itself. Designed to fit comfortably in any ear, you’ll hardly even notice you’re wearing them.

After the X-Pro is comfortably settled in your ear, you can activate the hearing protection with the push of a button. The closed valve will now protect your hearing by giving you 30dB of noise reduction with the foam tips (24 dB noise reduction with silicon tips). When you need to hear again, instead of completely removing the ear plugs, simply press the button again to open the acoustic valve, allowing sound to pass through naturally. ProSounds X-Pro earplugs deliver great hearing protection and at a great price. They’re lightweight, comfortable, washable and reusable, all qualities that one looks for in non-disposable ear plugs.

In 1983, a group of hardcore fishermen who spent their days exploring the globe and battling extreme elements came to realize that the sunglasses they were relying on weren’t as hardcore as their adventures. Seeing the world in absolute clarity and protecting their eyes was a must. So when they couldn’t find worthy sunglasses, they decide to build their own - And Costa was born. After all these years and through many adventures, their mission has never wavered: to create the clearest sunglasses on the planet for life’s great adventures.

One of our favorite models is Costa’s Fantail, which offers a medium fit with a bold wrap shape, meant to block glare from entering from the sides. The frames are built of nearly indestructible co-injected molded nylon, with sturdy integral hinge technology.

Their hypoallergenic rubberized interior lining and nose pads keep them comfortably in place all day, providing a “forget-they’re-on” fit.

Costa’s Fantail models can be customized in their full array of patented color enhancing, polarized 580 lenses. They selectively filter out harsh yellow and harmful highenergy ultraviolet blue light. By filtering the yellow light, the reds, blues and greens are enhanced, producing better contrast and definition while reducing glare and eye fatigue. Absorbing high-energy blue light cuts haze, producing greater visual clarity and sharpness, helping to make them the clearest lenses on the planet! Costa’s Fantail line is available in a host of frames and in either glass or impact resistant polycarbonate lenses in regular and mirrored. continued on page 30

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

DUCK AND COVER.

browning.com

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE continued from page 26

Camouflage Tools for the Household Handyman

For the outdoor enthusiast in your family that has everything, why not upgrade their toolbox this Christmas at Sportsman’s Warehouse with Mossy Oak or Realtree branded camouflage tools. SPG now owns the Black Rhino tool brand, known for their innovative designs and high quality tools. These camo versions, like the 12-piece Ratcheting Wrench Set, allow professional workers and handymen alike to show their passion for the outdoors while at work or at play. These tools are perfect for the outdoorsman that has it all and will make the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season.

LuminAID Packlite 16 - Inflatable Solar Light

PACK -

For the man always on the move, from the mountain expedition to the family camping trip, packing smart and light is always a priority. The Sportsman’s best friend? How about a long-lasting, lightweight lantern that fits sleekly in his pack. The perfect solution is LuminAID’s ultra-portable PackLite 16 solar inflatable lantern. Its durable, foldable and lightweight construction makes this 3.2 oz lantern an ideal compact companion for practical outdoorsmen and women.

Complementary to its high-efficiency solar panel, the PackLite 16’s lithium-polymer battery is easy to recharge, providing strong and reliable light each night, no matter how long the trip. The eco-friendly PackLite 16 folds down to the size of a checkbook and expands at night to diffuse white light from its 12, bright LEDs. Adjustable settings, FEATUREincluding ICONS:an emergency flashing feature, allow you to enjoy up to 30 hours of continuous light. The PackLite 16 makes a great gift for all kinds of outdoorsmen. Best of all, its waterproof, expandable construction allows it to float in water -- perfect for the pre-dawn angler working for that first fish of the day.

Thermacell ProFLEX Heated Insoles

Thermacell ProFLEX Heated Insoles are built to replace your regular insole and can be cut to fit your boot. The rear of the insole is constructed to accept a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack. I thought they would be noticeable when hiking, but I couldn’t feel the battery, as it has the same antimicrobial shock absorbing Poron cushion to match the insole. The battery packs will last up to 5-hours on medium setting, if you were to constantly leave them on and extra packs can be purchased to ensure you never run out of power. Each battery pack will last up to 2500 hours of use or about four hunting seasons for me. The Lithium Ion batteries can be recharged around 500 times and are completely waterproof. The remote control lets you easily adjust the temperature with three temperature settings.

INFINITE LOOP

continued on page 32

CENTER OF GRAVITY

2 PACK - FEATURE ICONS:

ASYMMETRICAL BELT

PATENT PENDING

INNOVATIVE PACKS

RANGE OF MOTION

FROM THE MOST

TRUSTED OUTDOOR BRAND INFINITE LOOP

1

CENTER OF GRAVITY

PACK - FEATURE ICONS:

3

Buck 2500RT Day Pack

4

ASYMMETRICAL BELT

PATENT PENDING

PATENT PENDING

RANGE OF MOTION

FABRIC 1

FABRIC Revolutionary quiet, durable and lightweight fabric

3

TRI-VENT BACK PANEL Cool and comfortable three layer breathable back padding

|

2

|

4

INFINITE LOOP SUSPENSION Shoulder straps INFINITE LOOP

that move with your body

HYPO-SONIC CLOSURE ™ Quiet toothless zipper, for when you’re in close PATENT PENDING

CENTER OF GRAVITY

FABRIC

www.BrowningPacks.com

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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

This is the moment we work for.

ZEISS TERRA ED and TERRA 3X. A legendary line of optics from a legendary brand.

The new TERRA line has already won plenty of industry awards. Now it’s time to bag some real trophies.

TERRA combines German design and legendary ZEISS performance with best-in-class image quality and clarity into a tough, durable package. See your local ZEISS dealer for details or visit zeiss.com/sports.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Replace Your Blade, Not Your Knife.

To break down and pack out a full-size bull I need a strong, reliable knife that stays sharp through the whole process.

That’s why I carry Outdoor Edge’s RazorPro. With just one knife and five extra replacement blades in the sheath, I can finish several bulls and never worry about my blade going dull. I just push the lock button, insert a shaving sharp new blade and I’m right back to work.

Mike Eastman, Founder

Eastman’s Hunting Journals, 2014 Colorado Elk

Pick up a new Razor-Pro for your next hunt.

You will always have a strong, surgically sharp skinning/gutting knife with blades that don’t break and change safely with the simple push of a button. Guaranteed.

See your local dealer or call 800-447-3343 www.outdooredge.com

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE continued from page 30

Outdoor Edge Razor Pro Knife

In 2013, Outdoor Edge came out with a new knife called the Razor Lite, which is a replaceable blade knife.. However, I had gotten attached to the gutting blade on my original knife, which opens the game up like a zipper and doesn’t dull the primary blade when cutting through the hair. I was still forced to carry two knives to have both blades I desired.

The new Razor Pro solves this problem. Just like the Razor Lite, it has a full-sized drop point folding hunting knife that comes with 3 1/2” replaceable razor blades made from surgical grade Japanese 420 stainless steel. It also has the gutting blade built into the knife. The rubberized TPR handle provides for an extremely ergonomic non-slip grip. This tacky feeling handle material is ideal for a hunting knife, as it gives you something to safely hang on to, even when the knife becomes wet with fat and blood while breaking down that trophy. The razor blades with this system are not only extremely sharp, but durable as well. The knife blades themselves are very rigid and have the additional support of the black oxide coated blade holder. This blade is very similar to a traditional knife and not like other replaceable blade knives, which have a tendency to break when you put pressure on them. The Razor Pro comes in black and fluorescent orange. They launched the EDC (Every Day Carry) in multiple colors in 2015, which has a pocket clip and now this replaceable blade knife isn’t just for hunting season anymore. continued on page 62

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Deuter Kid Comfort 2

L

iving in southern Utah gives me access to some of the most sought after hiking destinations in the world. It is a great place to take your family to view some of nature’s most beautiful landscapes. But, when you have kids that are just a bit too young to hike on their own, it can be a major headache to attempt such a task as a nature hike. I was able to test out a backpack from Deuter this fall called the Kid Comfort 2. I have 1 ½-year-old twin boys, so I was anxious to toss them in the pack and head down the trail.

The Kid Comfort 2 was surprisingly easy to adjust to my children. A sideentry access allows users to position the child much easier, rather than trying to get busy legs aligned correctly from a top entry pack. A 5-point harness system keeps the child securely and comfortably in place while hiking. One feature I really liked was the feet straps for the child. It held my boys’ feet from kicking me or getting caught in the design of the Kid Comfort 2. It helped

my little boys ride less strained, as they could push against the straps on their feet instead of fighting the movement of the hike. A removable chin pad is also a little innovation that was well thought out. It allows you to wash it and keep in clean for the next trip or child. The chin pad seemed to be very comfortable for my boys, as they fell asleep on the pad and were content to rest on it. The storage compartments were ideal for storing gear you will need later, like a small jacket or snacks for the toddlers when you arrive at your destination.

With twins, my wife and I took turns utilizing the Kid Comfort 2 Pack. A super quick and easy to adjust torso system let me change the pack to fit my frame and then to my wife’s frame very efficiently. The back of the pack has air ventilation to keep perspiration down and to help regulate your body’s temperature on warmer hikes. The cushioning is well designed and I was pleasantly surprised how relaxed the

Kid Comfort 2 rode on my shoulders.

Another great feature is the pivoting hip belt, which moves with your body extremely well. I could feel the pack stay more upright instead of being pulled to the side as I climbed up or down steeper terrain like traditional backpacks often do. The cradle where the child sits has a large platform, making it more comfortable for the child on longer hikes. The kickstand operates like a champ and is very wide, giving stability when setting the pack down for a break. Overall, the pack rode extremely well when

I had an active child in the Kid Comfort 2. This is a great product from Deuter to keep the family enjoying the great outdoors.

KID COMFORT 2 » JPMA certified for maximum child comfort and safety » Fully adjustable for best carrying comfort » Aircontact Kid Comfort System — reduces perspiration by up to 25% » Side entry, large chin pad, footrests, and bear included

www.deuter.com

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown ®

™

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

WWW.RUGER.COM/1022TAKEDOWN

©2012 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

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Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec EPS

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

W

hether you are looking for speed, utility, or the ability to tackle rough terrain, the Wolverine R-Spec EPS from Yamaha has you covered in spades.

We took the Wolverine on 498 miles of rugged offroad to put it through its paces, and it easily conquered anything we threw at it.

We put it up against some of the toughest offroad rigs designed specifically for rally-type offroading, and despite being designed as a utility OHV, it kept pace with everything out there.

It all started at Richfield, Utah’s annual ATV Jamboree. Over five days, we hit some of the toughest dirt tracks available, keeping pace with four-wheelers and performance side-by sides. These are racing machines, with low centers of gravity, four point harnesses, specially built suspensions, and all terrain tires, specifically designed for tearing up dirt tracks

the differences, the Yamaha Wo l v e r i n e matched them every step of the way without hesitation and in many ways, outperformed machines that had been significantly customized for this type of event.

Whatever the terrain, the Wolverine easily conquered it, slinging dust behind it with ease.

The 708 cubic centimeter engine had plenty of power, but it was more than just raw horses that The Wolverine’s smooth suspension made riding got us where we needed a joy for my dog, Diogenes, who handled all 498 to go. The raw muscle miles with ease in the front seat. is enhanced with dual like an Indy car destroys pavement. What overhead cams, high volume air intake, they don’t have is the utility of a cargo fuel injection, and the Ultramatic transbed and ample ground clearance. Despite mission combined to give you plenty of acceleration without any lag. You step on the gas, and you go. Now! And the acceleration is very smooth, more like

a performance sports car than offroad vehicle.

In a world dominated by the Polaris Razor-S, some looked down their noses at the more utilitarian Yamaha Wolverine, when compared to their supposed high performance machines. That was until it easily conquered terrain that made their machines shudder. With its impressive 11.4-inches of ground clearance, and moon rover-like suspension, even with rider and gear in its ample bed, the Wolverine cleared road obstacles, rocks, and deep ruts like they weren’t even there.

On slippery loose rocks, the Wolverine tackled anything I could throw at it, and in two particularly slippery spots, a quick switch into four wheel drive with the On-Command system easily put all four wheels into gear to get the job done.

With a simple spin of the dial, I was able continued on page 38

While definitely the odd duck in an off road rally, the Wolverine kept pace with all of the sportier OHVs, and had all of the cargo room of a utility side by side.

Tue Apr 7 13:52:10 CDT 2015 - 18287Y1519_CAMO_non Bleed.ps

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YAMAHA WOLVERINE continued from page 36

to quickly shift into 4WD, and another click locked the differential for super climbing ability up extremely steep and loose surfaces.

And coming downhill was even better. The Razor-S behind me had all but burned up his brakes trying to keep from rear-ending me because I was cruising down a serious grade without touching the brakes, thus not activating the brake lights. The driver incredulously asked me if my brake lights were out, because it appeared that I hadn’t used my brakes down the incline. Fact is, I never did. In low gear, the one-way sprag clutch slowed the machine on the downhill to the point where my brakes were very seldom needed. And when they were, a slight tap on the pedal activated the large diameter disc front and rear brakes and twin pistons for an excellent, and predictable, overall brake feeling. The drilled rotors increase cooling and reduce noise for very smooth braking and prolonged life. A sealed wet parking brake gives positive engagement and is protected from the elements for use in all kinds of weather and wet environments without slipping.

Where the Wolverine really performed is in the clearance and suspension. While I had about 100 pounds of emergency medical gear in the bed, because I was the only one with the training and the cargo room

to haul it, I was concerned that the added weight of the oxygen tank and supplies would cause me to bottom out on some of the hairier landscapes. While I watched several of the lower and sportier side-bysides smack rocks and other obstacles as they passed, I never once bottomed out this machine. The skid plates on the bottom angle upward toward the wheels providing an additional 2-inches of clearance at the tires. The KYB fully adjustable piggyback shocks with 9.7 inches of travel in the front and 10.6 inches of travel in the back deliver excellent suspension and rider comfort when hitting the trails.

Adjustable suspension settings include high and low speed compression damping, rebound, and preload adjustments.

This system makes the ride very smooth, even over super bumpy trails. To give you an idea of how smooth, my riding companion was my canine partner Diogenes.

While he did have a harness to prevent him from flying out should we somehow flip, he was able to ride along the entire trip in the passenger seat. This is not a mean fete considering he couldn’t grip onto the passenger “Sweet Jesus” handle, as he has no thumbs. I was concerned that the ride would be too “ruff” on him, but the smooth suspension had him ready to go each morning as we headed out. He would quickly leap into his seat and wait for me to strap him in. I am pretty certain he enjoyed the ride even more than I did.

The body of the Wolverine is designed

Specifications: Engine Type: Bore x Stroke: Compression Ratio: Fuel Delivery: Ignition TCI: Starting System: Transmission: Drive Train: Suspension / Front: Suspension / Rear: Brakes / Front: Brakes / Rear: Tires / Front: Tires / Rear: L x W x H: Wheelbase: Turning Radius: Ground Clearance: Fuel Capacity: Wet Weight: Bed Capacity: Towing Capacity: Warranty: Color:

2016 WOLVERINE R-SPEC EPS 708cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 103.0 x 85.0mm 10.1:1 Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm Transistor Controlled Ignition Electric Yamaha Ultramatic V-belt with all-wheel engine braking; L, H, N, R Yamaha On-Command; 3-way locking differential; 2WD, 4WD, locked 4WD Independent double wishbone, 9.7-in travel Independent double wishbone, anti-sway bar, 10.6-in travel Dual hydraulic disc Dual hydraulic disc, multi-disk wet parking brake AT26 x 8-12, steel wheels AT26 x 10-12, steel wheels 116.9 x 60.6 x 74.2 in 81.3 in 181.1 in 11.4 in 9.7 gal 1311 lb 300 lb 1500 lb 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) Realtree® Xtra®, Hunter Green, Steel Blue

with utility in mind. It includes a 3-foot 4-inch wide by 2-foot long by 1-foot deep bed designed to be configured in multiple ways. Slots in the middle allow the tailgate to be slipped in and divide the bed in half, or to be moved to the very front for storage when not needed on the back.

It will handle up to 300 pounds of cargo, plenty for hunters seeking to get off the beaten path and use it for hauling out their meat and hides. Six steel tie downs give you plenty of versatility for securing your gear.

Rotomolded half doors on each side help keep out mud and water and a suntop helps keep off the sun and rain. A fully integrated roll cage protects you should you manage to roll over. The hefty engine and transmission system combine to give you more than just speed, allowing the Wolverine to tow up to 1,500 pounds, and a 2-inch hitch tube provides you a place to connect a ball hitch.

The Wolverine comes standard with exclusive 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires to provide optimum traction, durability, comfort and steering precision. The EPS stands for Electric Power Steering, and the speed-sensitive The Wolverine R-Spec EPS in Realtree Xtra blends into its surroundings, and a wide steering system provides selection of optional accessories give you the ability to trick out your ride for added even better responsivecomfort or utility.

ness at low speeds and when in 4WD with differential lock.

Comfortable, high-back, sedan-like seats accommodate heavier riders with full gear and provide three-point seatbelts. Ample legroom makes riding comfortable for full-sized men, even for long periods of time. Interior storage is also plentiful with dual cup holders, a sizeable glove compartment and a center console storage compartment. A digital HUD is centered for easy and instinctive use and displays speed, main odometer, hours of operations, clock, and two resettable trip odometers, all at the push of a button. The electronic unit is sealed and waterproof.

The Wolverine also comes with a full compliment of head, tail, and brake lights so it can be used on-road in localities where side-by-sides are street legal.

Overall, the Yamaha Wolverine is a smaller version of its big brother, the Viking, measuring in at 116.9 inches long by 60.6 inches wide by 72.4 inches tall. It has a shorter wheelbase, and will get into tight corners that the Viking and other larger machines can’t. It manages to keep up with and outperform the leading offroad rally type OHVs with all of the utility of a good farm truck. She has plenty of power, and also an out of this world suspension that will handle some of the toughest trail you can throw at her. If you are looking for an OHV that can do it all, then the Yamaha Wolverine R-Spec EPS is the rig for you. And she even comes in Realtree Xtra camo for those of you who really want to get off road and disappear. Check it out at your local Yamaha Motor Sports Dealer or go to www.yamahaoutdoors.com.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

THE RUGER

®

LC380 ™

The Ruger® LC380™ is the perfect pairing of the award-winning LC9™ pistol and the popular .380 Auto cartridge.

It features a dovetailed, high visibility 3-dot sight system, 7-round magazine and finger grip extension floorplate, manual safety, loaded chamber indicator and light recoil spring for an easy-to-manipulate slide.

The LC380™ is the same size as the LC9™, yet offers reduced recoil making it Ruger’s lightest recoiling personal protection centerfire pistol yet.

Finger Grip Extension Floorplate Can Be Added to the Magazine for Comfort and Grip, Included FREE

Same Size as the LC9™ but with a Lighter Recoil Spring for Easier Slide Manipulation

Includes internal lock, Manual Safety, Magazine Safety and Loaded Chamber Indicator, Which Provides Confirmation of a Loaded or Empty Chamber

WWW.RUGER.COM/LC380

Dovetailed, High-Visibility 3-Dot Sight System

©2013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Tetra Gun Care

By Eric Christensen

I

have recently had the opportunity to shoot firearms more consistently, particularly long range shooting. Coming more from an archery background, I knew keeping your firearm clean after you shoot was optimal and important for storage. I had no idea how important the fouling’s and powder residue can change the accuracy of your shot. Walking down the cleaning isle at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse can be like trying to find a movie you want to watch. There are so many products to choose from, how do you decide which is best?

I’ve tried many different cleaners and lubricants over the years. I have come to trust Tetra Gun Care products to be one of the most effective at keeping my guns in tip top shape. As soon as I return from the range the cleaning begins, so my firearms are ready when I take them out for some shooting the next time.

Tetra’s cleaners, like their Copper Solvent, should be the first step in the process after a day at the range. It will remove lead, plastic, carbon and copper build-up. After cleaning the bore properly, you need to treat the bore to help prevent excessive fouling. Tetra Gun Grease has fluoropolymer particulars that are so tiny they actually can get under stubborn, hard build-up to help remove it. You can actually see this process in action when you see green on your cleaning patches after running them through the barrel.

Tetra’s new Powder Solvent is for-

mulated to chow down on powder build-up and carbon fouling along with other debris caused by powder burnout. I like to soak the areas of typical powder build-up with Tetra Powder Solvent and let sit for about a minute to really soak into the buildup. Make sure to wipe off the Powder Solvent proficiently before moving to the next step. Action Blaster is then applied to the actions and bolt.

I again let it sit and then wipe down the areas until I feel like the parts are clean enough to prevent any build-up from rubbing against the action. This step is where some cleaners can leave you with their own residue build-up, which can attract more debris before you even take the firearm out to shoot it. You can test this out by wiping down the areas after the solvent is applied. You will notice light brown or amber coloration on your patches.

The last step before storing my gun in the safe is Tetra Gun Spray. It also has fluoropolymer in a lubrication form for gun parts. Creating friction between moving metal parts can slow your action down and wear out parts faster than normal. Preferably, the parts should a have a very thin lubricating coating to prevent any friction between them. Cleaners serve their purpose to help remove build-up or fouling, but should be removed after they have done their job. Because of their chemical make-up to break down and remove unwanted debris, it can cause your metal to rust faster if left untreated.

Tetra Gun Care can absolutely help keep your firearms in the best condition possible year after year.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Steelhead: Full Circle On The Clearwater

Hunting Big B-Runs On One Of Idaho’s Great Rivers.

By Gary Lewis

T

he first time I stood in the icy waters of the Clearwater River, it was at the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery where we

checked the big male Chinook salmon for spawning readiness, then matched them with females in a matrix.

That day I walked the bank of the river and spotted more fish on the redds and cataloged the carcasses laid up on shore.

I knew I’d be back with a fishing rod in hand when the time was right.

The Niimiipu (Nez Perce) call the river the Koos-Koos-Kai-Kai. The big steelhead we call B-runs. As smolts, they’re swept downriver on floods to the Columbia and to the ocean. When the Clearwater calls them home, they find their way back to the mouth of the Columbia, where they catch the scent of their native stream.

I explained these things to Kristy Titus and Sam Pyke as we sped east toward Idaho.

The B-runs are some of the biggest steelhead in the Northwest. They’re headed back to the Clearwater after years in the ocean. At an average 12 to 13 pounds, they are twice as big as most summer-runs.

The Clearwater is open for steelhead fishing from January 1 through April 30

and from July 1 through Photo by Gary Lewis December 31. Bag limits vary during those seasons, with a catch-andrelease period in effect during the summer and early fall.

Michelle Peters, with the Hells Canyon Visitors Association, recommended January and February when the river is loaded with returning summer-runs.

We stayed at the Quality Inn, in Clarkston and after a hurried breakfast A colored-up Clearwater B-run headed back to the and bolstered by hot cof- river. fee, we drove back up They introduced us to Toby’s boat, a that Clearwater canyon toward Orofino.

27-foot Whitewater custom-built by his We met up with third-generation fishing dad, Snake. The Snake has built 244 boats guide, Toby Wyatt of Reel Time Fishing in his career. We saw several on the river and Toby introduced us to his dad. Jim that day.

“Jake the Snake” Wyatt shook our hands, A 27-footer, I thought, seemed too long then told us he’d show us the Snake Jake for a river the size of the Clearwater. But, Fishy Shake - if we caught a fish.

I was wrong. In fact, this could have been

2015 New Video Product Reviews

Nightforce 5-20X56 SHV Rifle Scope

I

f money were no object, most people manship goes into this brand. They are would seriously consider putting extremely overbuilt, but with a major a Nightforce scope on every one of pricetag to go with it. their rifles. They are known for their The new Nightforce 5-20X56 rifle toughness, quality glass, and functional- scope has addressed this problem of ity which is why some of our special elite price and delivered a scope that is still military units have them mounted on top quality, but a fraction of the cost. their rifles. When we did our research on You would think they would have cut this company, we found that one com- some major corners to get the prices of bat active scope took a bullet intended this unit down so much, but that wasn’t for one of our soldiers’ right through the case. The Shooter, Hunter, Varminter the erector tube with a complete pass (SHV) scope isn’t going to see combat through. Most scopes would have been action, so it doesn’t need to be overbuilt rendered useless and put the to the level of the NXS series soldiers’ life on the line, but rifle scopes. They have limthe Nightforce continued to ited some options available function. It was locked onto and reduced the complexity maximum power, but still of the manufacturing process finished the mission. and used simpler controls It isn’t likely that many of to get the price down. It has us are going need to worry Scan this QR Code with your simpler controls, but the about our scope taking a smart phone to view the clicks are very pronounced as News YouTube bullet for us, but its’ good Sportsman's is with all Nightforce scopes Channel. Video Available to know what kind of crafts- after December 6th. and response to adjustment is

just as precise.

The scope is 15.2 inches long and comes with illuminated and non-illuminated reticles which are either the MOAR or the IHR (International Hunting Reticle). The scope is still on the heavy side weighing it at 29.1 ounces for the non-illuminated reticle and 30.5 for the illuminated model, but the high quality glass makes it worth the few extra ounces. The 30mm tube and the 56mm objective combined with all the coatings, make this scope a light gathering dream which worked extremely well even beyond low light. It has 80 MOA of adjustment in elevation and 50 MOA in windage. It has a Zeroset to make sure

you don’t over rotate the turret beyond your zero mark and Kenton Industries can cut a custom turret for this scope in a matter of weeks.

This is definitely a quality scope which I would expect to have a much higher pricetag than it does because it outperforms many scopes which cost significantly more money.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

one of the best-designed jet boats I’ve ever been on. But we were there to fish, not admire boat architecture.

Before we left the bank, Jake showed Kristy how to cast the spinning rod and put the bait down, lift and feel the weight bounce on the bottom. It had to be a short learning curve if she was going to catch a fish. This lifelong outdoors girl has a lot of experience in the elk woods, but there are still big gaps in her fishing education.

She’d never fished for steelhead before.

“All the fish seem to be stacked up close to the hatcheries right now,” Toby said. “We’re going to have a lot of boats around us.”

He fired the big engine, backed the boat away from the beach and we ran upriver around a couple of bends to the confluence of the mainstem Clearwater and the North Fork. There was a state hatchery on one side and a federal hatchery on the other. A mile up the North Fork, Dworshak Dam towered above us like a mountain cliff.

Outflow streams from the hatchery ponds poured into the rivers on both sides and, we guessed, there were steelhead piled in the seams of the riffles.

We each were armed with a spinning

rod, rigged with a Corky (mine was fire orange) and steelhead roe cured with Pautzke’s BorX O’Fire. When our boat slid into position, I felt the motor go into reverse. Toby shouted, “Throw ‘em,” and I threw. The weight ticked bottom a couple of times and a fish tugged. Bam-bam-bam.

I missed him.

Most often the bite we feel is actually the un-bite, when the fish is trying to spit out the hook. We don’t feel the gentle take as the fish expels water through its gills and sucks the bait in. We feel the movement as it tries to let go.

Toby was first to connect and he brought in a rainbow-striped hatchery male of about 13 pounds. Soon after that, Kristy struck a fish and lost it close to the boat.

After she lost her second fish, I told her, “Some people try their whole lives and never catch one.”

With that bit of helpful wisdom imparted, I put my bait back in the water, bounced it downstream through a hundred yards, felt the tug as a fish chewed the bait, felt its weight in the rod and set the hook. Five minutes later and several hundred yards downstream, Wyatt slid the net under my first Clearwater steel-

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head. The tape said Photo by Gary Lewis it was 36 inches long.

At the mouth of the Columbia it probably weighed 17 pounds.

We guessed its winter weight at a bit more than 14. It was a hatchery fish and we kept it.

There’s a thing guides do. They call it a hand-off. They’ll fish, hook one and hand the rod to the client to land. It’s in Kristy Titus and Toby Wyatt show off a big hatchery good grace to take a steelhead from the Clearwater River in Idaho. hand-off, but it’s up to the client if they want to call it their The November before, we’d stood in first steelhead or not. We watched Kristy the icy Koos-Koos-Kai-Kai and helped take and land a couple of hand-offs. We spawn wild Chinook. We gave back to brought more fish to the boat. Kristy the river before we fished it. Now, with hooked her own fish and lost them. six hatchery steelhead in the box for Downriver, after lunch, she hooked a Kristy, Sam and me and four wild ones steelhead, a big adipose-clipped B-run turned loose, we’d come full circle on the and she battled it to the boat while Toby Clearwater. coached and Snake scooped it into the net.

To order a signed copy of Hunting OrWe guessed it at 13 pounds. Kristy had egon, send $24.95 (includes S&H) to GLO, earned her first one and a fishy handshake PO Box 1364, Bend, OR 97709 or visit www. with Jake the Snake.

GaryLewisOutdoors.com

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

2015 New Video Product Reviews

Phoneskope

By Eric Christensen

virtually any smart phone. Users can add an adapter ring to the case that fits love to see new products hit the your spotting scope eye piece as well. market each year that can really be This combo turns your spotting scope a game changer in the way we look into a long-range lens for your camera and view wildlife. Capturing a big buck in your phone. Purchasing professional or bull and being able to share the image equipment to get such long-range images or video with friends and family can be would cost thousands of dollars. For a very rewarding. Phoneskope has made mere fraction of the cost, I can get those a product that will capture images and same images with equipment I already video of big game, birds and even star own. searchers never before thought possible.

One feature I have been really imI’ve been able to get images of pressed with when using my animals from over two miles Phoneskope setup is how away that I can share with my compact and lightweight it is friends and family to enjoy. when I pack it around with me With the advancements in on our trips. The entire setup cell phone cameras, Phonesweighs only a few ounces and kope has developed a cuttingall of it fits it my pant or coat edge tool that is at the top of Scan this QR Code with your pocket. With the ever expandphone to view the my gear list when packing smart Sportsman's News YouTube ing networks, I get service for a trip. Phoneskope uses Channel. Video Available almost everywhere we go, so a rugged plastic case that fits after December 6th. bringing my phone with me

when hiking is a second thought. I can spot an animal and start getting video and pics in a matter of seconds. The benefit of capturing these trophies on my phone allows me to keep scanning the area for new animals. Before Phoneskope, I would find an animal I wanted to get video of and then would have to hike closer in hopes of capturing him on film.

We compared Phoneskope to a few other leading digi-scope products this summer on our scouting trips and Phoneskope was hands down the winner. The cost compared to other options was significantly lower, but the bulk and extra weight of most other setups are composed of heavier metal parts.

We used a DSLR setup from a top optics manufacturer. I was able to get pics and videos of several elk before we could even get the other digi-scope setup dialed in for taking a picture.

One more feature that my family has

enjoyed is that my smaller children can view the animals on my phones’ screen.

My little kids usually find it very hard to see the animals in my spotting scope and loose interest quickly. Now, they can see the animal, which increases their excitement to go scouting and hunting with their dad. I highly recommend that you take a look at getting a Phoneskope setup for your next adventure. I know you will not be disappointed.

By Eric Christensen

in 30-yards of the decoy or quickly attach it to the d e c o y. T h i s movement really helped conceal any movement we made while changing di rection to get a shot at dogs that didn’t come from the direction we expected.

I found this decoy to be extremely helpful when I took my boys with me on some stands. Keeping the focus away from our location and on the decoy helped mask my boys’ movement, as they found it tremendously difficult to sit still when a dog was coming in or we were just waiting for some action to begin. The remote also captured

their attention as they could easily start and stop the calling session or the motion decoy. The Boss Dogg is effortlessly controlled and simple to operate, making it fun to hit new stands without having to overthink your setup. “Speak the Language” with Primo’s Boss Dogg!

I

Primos Boss Dogg

when selecting your preferred calling sequence. The buttons on the aving the opportunity to go remote are easy to press, even with and test out a product that gloves on when venturing out for will help you hunt coyotes a cold day of calling dogs. You can and other predators more effectively also access up to 2000 sounds on the is what I call a good day in the office. 4GB of internal memory. Users can I have never really used an elec- go to Primos.com and check out the tronic call for any type of hunting Primos sound library to download before, so I was extremely excited the calls they want on their remote. to venture out and test out Primos’ The 50-watt speakers have a class Boss Dogg Electronic Call. The first D amplifier, putting out 150 watts thing to catch my eye were the huge of power. The speakers can rotate dual pivoting speakers on the side of 180 degrees giving you the option the call. I could tell this baby would to send the call in any direction or put out some volume multiple directions for the calling The unit can be controlled from setup. The versatility of the speakers 200 yards away. We were able to having the ability to change direcachieve that distance with no prob- tions allows you to place the Boss lem this past fall. The Dogg in any setup to inremote control runs off of crease your odds of calling AA batteries and comes in some coyotes. The call with 100 sounds and 8-exhas a hand strap or shoulpert hunt sequences. You der strap for transporting can easily select the durato each stand. The build tion and length of calls of the Boss Dogg is well and the volume without Scan this QR Code with your thought out and rugged. smart phone to view the ever leaving your posi- Sportsman's News YouTube The Boss Dog features a tion. The 2.5” full color Channel. Video Available wireless motion decoy tail.

LCD screen is easy to read after December 13th.

You can use the tail with-

H

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

2015 New Video Product Reviews

Remington RM380

By Eric Christensen

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ext Year, Remington will celebrate 200-years of rich gun manufacturing heritage.

Founder Eliphalet Remington II firmly believed he could build a better gun than he could buy. The Remington Firearms Company was born on this dream and pure determination. Remington is bringing out a personal defense gun

called the Remington RM380, chambered in .380 ACP, which has become one of the most preferred calibers for personal defense.

The RM380 is a full frame pocket pistol, completely made out of metal.

The slide is made of stainless steel and moves very smooth on the frame. The frame is made of aluminum, making the gun seem more balanced in your hand and gives more confidence when preparing for a shot. Over time, I have shot other models the same size as the pocket 380’s. Those that incorporate polymer frames are nice for weight, but inhibit the range of the short barrel pocket guns. And I have found that the triggers weren’t as comfortable or have the room the RM380 gives shooters. Weighing only 12.2 ounces empty keeps it very light for an all-metal construction.

The DOA trigger is sur-

prisingly crisp and didn’t pinch my on movement and helps with proper finger to the trigger guard when it reset shooting form. after firing a round like other models Remington thought to encompass have done in the past. both right and left handed shootThe RM380 comes with ers when bringing out the two separate magazines.

RM380. It features an amBoth are 6+1 and are also bidextrous magazine remade from all metal. They lease and I found the release feel solid and firmly lock buttons to be firm, but not into place when inserted. enough to grind your teeth One magazine is flush to when releasing the magazine the bottom of the handle for from the gun. Remington Scan this QR Code with your maximum concealment and smart phone to view the went with fixed sights, again the other features a pinky Sportsman's News YouTube for no drag or edges to hang Channel. Video Available grip for users who want a after December 13th. up on clothing or material little more hand control. when drawing your pistol.

Both felt really good when firing rounds The slide lock is firm and positive. It’s at targets, but I personally like the ex- more concealed than their competitor’s tra grip magazine when shooting the models and takes some practice to learn RM380. The frame is less than 1-inch in to release with your shooting hand. The diameter and is very well rounded and Remington RM380 also has replacesmooth. This is a must for concealment, able grip panels if users so choose, to as any parts of the gun that can hang up upgrade for comfort or style. Overall, on clothing could prevent you from ac- I was very impressed with the perforcessing your gun in times of need. The mance and consistency of the RM380. rear of the frame features an extended I feel like the design and choice of an beavertail over your shooting hand all metal frame gives the pistol more to prevent the slide from biting you accuracy and comfort.

Sig Sauer Whiskey3 Rifle Scope

S

ig Sauer has put a lot of work into fications, ballisall of their Electro-Optics and tic coefficients, they are quickly becoming one of muzzle velocity, our go to companies when it comes to elevation, and outdoor optics. other environThe Whiskey series of scopes are an- mental factors. other great offering from Sig Sauer and The SBT system we were able to test out the Whiskey3. finds the correct The Whiskey3 is available in five bullet drop compensation and gives different models; 2-7X32 MM, 3-9X40 you pinpoint accuracy at even longer MM, 3-9X50 MM, 4-12X40 MM, and ranges.

4-12X50 MM. Having so many difThe lenses on the Whiskey3 feature ferent models means that they have Sig Sauer ’s Spectracoat technology, what you need for any type giving you a highly effiof shooting setup. To further cient, ultra-wide broadband, make you as accurate as posanti-reflection lens coating sible, the Whiskey3 feature that will reduce surface one free Sig Ballistic Turret. reflections to extremely low Sig will expertly match the levels across the entire visballistics of your shooting ible spectrum. This provides setup and send you a cus- Scan this QR Code with your you superior light transmissmart phone to view the tom laser-etched elevation Sportsman's News YouTube sion. They also feature Lens dial. They accomplish this Channel. Video Available Armor which is an abrasionby inputing bullet speci- after December 20th. resistant lens coating giving

you added durability and keeping your lenses sharp, bright, and clear.

The focus and zoom dials are very smooth making it that much easier to get on target both quickly and accurately. The zoom dial also features an elevated rubber grip which makes it easier and faster to toggle from low power zoom to higher powers. The Whiskey3 has an industrial design which provides rugged reliability and protection from the elements. It is also extremely light, which means that you can feel good about taking it on any type of hunt, even ones that require a lot of hiking. Like all of Sig

Sauer’s electro-optics, the Whiskey3 is covered by their Infinite Guarantee.

The Infinite Guarantee is an unlimited lifetime guarantee that is fully transferable, doesn’t require a warranty card or receipt, has no time limit, and is absolutely free. The guarantee will give you the peace of mind that you are investing in a product that will be with you forever, no matter what. So, if you are looking for a new custom scope for any of your shooting setups, we highly recommend you check out the Whiskey series form Sig Sauer. You’ll find them at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse optics counter.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

2015 New Video Product Reviews EOTech 512 Holographic Sight and G33 Magnifier

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f you have never looked at EOTech ing it lighter (11.2oz), shorter (3.9 inches) products as something to include in and faster through an improved mount your arsenal, you need to. EOTech de- for quick transition from 1x to 3x. signs their product to serve in branches of EOTech has given the G33 a larger field our military, special ops and law enforce- of view and better focus adjustment for ment. These same products are available precise target imagery. Mounting the to the commercial hunting and shooting G33 directly behind your sight gives markets so anyone wanting a high qual- you many shooting options and tactical ity, durable product can get one. I can applications. The G33 features a mount still remember seeing a damaged EOTech that allows the user to quickly flip shift sight that received an enemy bullet in the magnifier to the side, giving users a combat and was still functional for one clear view of their primary sight. Havof our troops protecting our freedom. ing the ability to switch magnification The G33 Magnifier is designed to co- ranges rapidly gives your shooting setup align behind a primary nondynamic versatility. Designed magnified sight. Users look for a tactical operations, it also through the 3-power magnitransitions to small game and fier at the objective window is perfect for a day calling of the sight. This set-up works dogs. For Coyotes that hang flawlessly for shooters who up at longer ranges, the magwant to bring targets closer nifier brings the target closer this QR Code with your and still have the fast acquisi- Scan or a quick flip shift to the side smart phone to view the tion of an EOTech holographic Sportsman's News YouTube and you have a 1x close range, sight. EOTech has recently Channel. Video Available quick acquisition sight. after December 27th. improved this model by makThe model 512 uses a ho-

lographic sight which lets operators use their peripheral vision. The holographic reticle is viewed through the objective window and is illuminated by a laser diode. This provides a reticle that has unlimited eye relief and will be in focus at any distance. This technology allows you to see targets faster and get target acquisition lightning fast for a shot. The 512 was developed as a military and tactical scope. But since its first retail setting,

the 512 has become very popular as a varmint and predator optic, especially on small, moving targets.

Sighting in your 512 model is just like any other optic and uses a ½ MOA click per 100 yard adjustment when dialing in your reticle. There are 20 daylight settings for brightness, which gives you a personal choice, depending on target and available sunlight. The 512 holographic sight uses two AA batteries, which will give you around 1000 continuous hours (lithium) or 600 hrs (alkaline) of runtime on the nominal setting at room temperature.

Combining the G33 and 512 models makes your shooting setup a quick and versatile weapon to tackle many outdoor shooting and hunting needs. You can bet these EOTech sights will stand up to any punishment you can dish out in a tactical arena or hunting application.

Remington VERSA MAX Sportsman

By Eric Christensen

Cycling pressure is regulated based on the length of the shell. he growing popularity of bird The Sportsman model is the hunting has created an ever workhorse of the VERSA MAX growing need for shotguns. West- line. Shooters can still get all of ern hunters in particular are looking for the performance without paying ways to still go hunting when having no for a full featured VERSA MAX success at drawing big game tags. Man- shotgun. Having an autoloader ufacturers are following suit and have that can handle all lengths of produced an abundance of choices for shells gives plenty of options for shootthe consumer to choose from. A major- ers to go out and play. I feel right at ity of hunters still use the tried and true home taking the Sportsman out for a pump action models that our fathers day of shooting clay targets or hunand grandfathers used back in the day. kering down in a goose blind in frigid However, more and more hunters and temperatures. sportsmen and women are looking for a The VERSA MAX Sportsman is a semi-automatic shotgun that will serve workhorse shotgun designed for toas a multi-purpose firearm. day’s American sportsman Remington’s VERSA MAX who wants the ultimate in has been one of the most auto-loading technology and popular semi-autos on the performance, but doesn’t remarket since its inception quire a full-featured gun like and its operating system the groundbreaking original. is unchanged in the ecoObviously, some of the bells nomical Sportsmans’ model. Scan this QR Code with your and whistles of the fullphone to view the The twin piston, gas oper- smart Sportsman's News YouTube priced VERSA MAX have ated 12-gauge will handle Channel. Video Available been left by the wayside all lengths and size of loads. after December 27th. in offering the Sportsman

T

version. So, what are they? Well, you don’t get the adjustable drop-and-cast feature, the over-molded grips, the hard carrying case or the length-of-pull shim kit. Plus, with the Sportsman, you don’t get the Hi-Viz sights (just a straight front bead/mid-bead setup) or the five-pack of various Pro-Bore choke tubes (just one mod choke).

One option Remington left on the Sportsman is the Supercell recoil pad which really mitigates the bulk of the recoil. I really noticed this with light target loads and big magnum loads.

When shooting clays, it was pleasant to be focused on the orange dome and not having to flinch because I’m waiting to be punched in the shoulder.

The trigger guard is enlarged like its

big brother and can be used with gloves for cold weather shooting. The Sportsman felt really good to throw up and get on target. I’m not a shotgun expert by any means, but we never had a shell jam and it seemed to cycle the shells very fast. We tested a couple hundred target rounds and then tried a box of magnum loads with no problem. The VERSA MAX port system is self-cleaning to handle your continuous shooting requirements. With the VERSA MAX port system built into the Sportsman model, you can shoot worry-free from clay targets and leisure shooting to turkey and goose hunting with magnum loads. It is designed to shoot consistently over and over, no matter what the shell length or hunting conditions.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

The Enchanted San Juan River

By Rick Rosenberg

M

any anglers in the Mountain West take the cold winter months off from their favorite passion when the ice forms and the warmth of a fire feels much more appealing than the thought of water freezing to the outside of your waders. I felt much the same way until twenty years ago, when a few fishing buddies and I discovered the draw of the enchanted San Juan River, in northwest New Mexico, in early February. Emerging from the power turbines of Navajo Dam, the San Juan forms a bountiful tailwater fishery nestled in the Yellowstone Canyon northeast of Farmington, New Mexico.

With water temperatures consistently in the low 40’s near the dam, the river conditions provide an ideal environment for insect growth and reproduction. Fish are provided an “allyou-can-eat” buffet of midges and

adults. A local fly shop, Fishheads of the San Juan, quotes recent studies that show there are more than 15,000 fish per mile in the quality waters of the San Juan. The best part however is, they like to eat!

Many stories have been published concerning this very popular fishery resulting in sometimes crowded conditions on the water. The quality waters section of the river can be fished by drift boat or wading and is serviced by a myriad of professional guides from Durango, Colorado to Albuquerque, New Mexico. On sunny, blue sky days in the spring, summer and fall months, a parking place is coveted in the scattered fisherman access points and Texas Hole, the most upstream launch point, looks more like a merry-go-round of drift boats than a quality fishing spot. The wade section can look like opening day on the Kenai.

But on those cloudy cold, midwinter mornings, with ice lining the banks and forming in the eyelets of your rod, the parking lot appears empty and for those willing to fish in several layers of warm gear, knit hats and gloves, the rewards can be fantastic. Healthy rainbows make up the majority of fish caught, but the occasional brown will test your skills and your tippet. Twenty fish days are not uncommon in the wade areas fishing unguided. Add a guide and the numbers will increase, limited only by the angler’s skills. The river does not require tremendously long casts and can provide great training grounds for newcomers to the sport. Fish can be caught nymphing most of the day, with occasional hatches making small dry flies the ticket. One warning - the flies can get pretty small on the San Juan, so bring your reading glasses if you are visually challenged like me.

Area fly shops are open year round and their staffs are excited to share the latest information about what’s working on the river. Abe’s Fly Shop, Fisheads of the San Juan and Float & Fish are located near the quality waters in Navajo Dam, New Mexico and have everything you’ll need for a great day on the water, specifically terminal

Adventure On A Budget

A bundled up angler lands a fat rainbow on the icy shore of the San Juan River. annelids year round, in addition to the seasonal mayfly hatches, caddis, terrestrials and stonefly nymphs and

tackle and flies. Shops also provide rental rods and waders, as well as a large selection of rods, reels, lines and fly fishing equipment for sale. Local guides are helpful for the novice and the expert angler; and, can provide a quality experience regardless of your skill level keeping you relaxed, laughing and engaged throughout the day.

I would highly recommend one if you want to experience a truly enjoyable day on the river. Half day guided trips are also available. Guide rates run from $275-285 plus tip for two people for a full day, including lunch.

For budget minded anglers, many of the San Juan River area outfitters and hotels offer winter discounted rates. Comfortable, clean rooms are available throughout the winter at Abe’s Motel, Fishheads San Juan River Lodge and the Quality Waters Inn. Hotel rooms vary from $59 to $99 depending on occupancy for two queen beds. For larger groups, homes are available, which can sleep six for $250/night, with a full kitchen.

On my annual mid-winter trip, we choose the house and cook-our-own breakfast and evening meals opion, with food we buy at home or in route.

There’s a great Safeway in Aztec, about 30 minutes from the lodge. We divide up the lodging, food and travel continued on page 52

Phil Solomon with a beautiful San Juan River rainbow. Catching fish like these will make you forget about the cold.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK ...ALWAYS. Bad things can happen to the best equipment when pushing your own limits in the field. If your Nikon riflescope, binocular or Fieldscope is damaged in the process, we have you covered. Send it to us and we’ll repair or replace it.

For full details of the Nikon No-Fault Policy visit

NikonSportOptics.com

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Outdoor Business Directory

ALASKA FISHING

ALASKA LODGING

85 Rooms 10 Minutes to Downtown Free Airport Shuttle Complimentary Breakfast Free Wi Fi 4400 Spenard Rd., Anchorage, AK 99517 (800)-4PUFFIN - (907)-243-4044

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IDAHO SHED DOGS

NORTH IDAHO ANTLER DOGS Kevin and Diane Schmid Pierce, Idaho 208-464-1117 WWW.NORHTIDAHOANTLERDOGS.COM MIDWEST HUNTING

TAXIDERMY

SASKATCHEWAN HUNTING

SAN JUAN RIVER continued from page 50

costs, stay 3-nights, fish two full days with an optional half day (unguided with our own gear) and the total cost per person is between $250-270 including travel (600 miles) for the whole trip.

Our meals aren’t too fancy; we’d rather spend time on the river than cooking. For those who prefer not to cook, several local restaurants are open year round and provide excellent table fare.

If you are looking for nightlife, there are several bistros in nearby Aztec and Farmington, New Mexico. It gets pretty quiet on the river at night during the winter, unless you schedule a trip during the NFL playoffs. The NBA can also provide evening entertainment in your hotel room or at the lodge.

If you prefer to camp, there are state managed campgrounds available nearby on the river at Cottonwood Campground and overlooking Navajo Reservoir above the dam at the Pine River Campground. Both offer sites for trailers and RVs. There are also full service RV hookups available at Abe’s for less than $20/night.

The combination of high quality guides with well-maintained boats and equipment, affordable lodging, well managed fisheries offering ample angling opportunities, located in a beautiful setting nestled in the canyons of New Mexico free from the hustle and bustle of many destination locations, make a trip to the San Juan hard to resist, even during the winter months. The trip cost is affordable and enables even the beginning fly fisher-

man to venture out and have a quality trip to a world renowned destination without breaking the bank. My group has already made plans for this winter’s adventure to the San Juan. Just remember, if you come during the winter, it can and will get cold, so come prepared with the appropriate gear to stay comfortable. A wind blocking jacket or dry coat should always be in the mix.

Every year, when our trip is finished and we pull out and head west towards home, you can almost hear the river call “y-all come back now and bring your extra warm socks next time”. True, it might have been a little chilly, but still, I’m pretty sure I’ll be back again next year. It’s that good!

For more fishing and guide information: Abe’s Motel & Fly Shop, Navaho Dam, New Mexico, (505) 632-2194, sanjuanriver.com Fisheads San Juan River Lodge/Quality Waters Inn, Navajo Dam, New Mexico, (505) 643-0463, fisheadsofthesanjuan.com Float-n-Fish, Navajo Dam, New Mexico, (505) 632-5385, sanjuanfloatnfish.com

Jim Anderson with a nice rainbow caught in the shallow flats of the San Juan River below Navajo Dam.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Take it hiking. Take it hunting. Take it on the water. Montana™ 650t features a bold 4-inch color touchscreen display with dual orientation capabilities. Preloaded 100K TOPO maps come standard, plus support for multiple mapping options like BirdsEye Satellite Imagery and BlueChart® g2 (each sold separately). Montana packs a 3-axis tilt-compensated compass, barometric altimeter, and a 5-megapixel camera to boot. Buy the power mount and City Navigator® and it’ll give you spoken turn-by-turn driving directions. It’s big. It’s versatile.

It’s tough. It earned the name Montana – the ultimate in touchscreen toughness.

www.garmin.com NASDAQ GRMN ©2012 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

Sportsman’s Warehouse: America’s Premier Hunting, Fishing & Camping Outfitter www.sportsmanswarehouse.com

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Upgraded Beretta Pico .380 Pistol

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

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ased upon feedback from users, Beretta has made several improvements to their .380 semi-auto Pico.

In our previous review back in March, we noted that the Pico had issues feeding certain standard .380 ammo unless the internal non-captive recoil spring was removed. This issue has been eliminated and we were able to fire a wide variety of .380 ammo without removing the spring.

The upgraded Pico also has a slightly lighter trigger pull to improve accuracy and the slide has been reworked for easier charging and operation.

In addition to these modifications, the same thin design and modular serialized chassis system allow the gun to be accessorized with various polymer frames in different colors or to be swapped out with a LaserMax frame with a built in laser for rapid target acquisition. The laser activation switch is directly under the thumb when gripped in a two-handed

configuration or easily pressed with the trigger finger if shooting one-handed. Because the serial number is on the internal assembly, the entire lower frame can be easily swapped out.

Besides those modifications, the same strengths of the Pico remain. The gun is very small. At just over ¾ of an inch wide and only 5 ¼ inches long, it vanishes when concealed. The weight is minimal as well at only 11.5 ounces with an empty magazine. This makes this little guy easy to carry and conceal.

The Pico comes with two magazines, a flush fit that adds nothing to the 4-inch high grip and a finger extension version that adds about an inch of gripping surface. Both magazines hold six rounds.

Because the Pico uses a tilt barrel, it helps minimize felt recoil over other small .380s with fixed barrels. It also means the slide doesn’t have to travel as far to the rear to eject spent casings.

The gun shot amazingly well for such a little package. The sights on the gun are real sights, not a channel cut into the

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frame. These white dot sights give the shooter a quick sight picture and make target acquisition and follow-up shots faster.

All of the controls, and there aren’t many, are accessible for those with diminutive paws. The slide lock lever is slick and the magazine release is easily accessible. Other than those two controls, the Pico has no external safety, de-cocking lever or any other accutrements to confuse or snag; a clean simple design.

The true double-action mechanism requires no cocking to fire, so it is an ideal gun for practicing dry-fire, though snap caps are strongly suggested to prevent damage to the lightweight firing pin.

The semi-exposed internal hammer stays

flat when not in use and only travels rearward when you pull the trigger. It is recessed within the frame, so no danger of accidently dropping it on the hammer and causing an unintended discharge.

The inclination is that this is a ladies gun, but there are plenty of men with small hands and many women who like the beefy feel of a larger framed weapon, so this gun will be enjoyed by users of both genders.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Digital Edition Only Special Content

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

T

Crock-Pot Venison Roast

his is simple to prepare, hearty, and perfect for the cold winter season. You can use any type of venison roast in this dish. Deer, Elk, Antelope, Caribou, and Moose all benefit from the slow cooking method. Although the prep time is short, this baby needs to cook all day. Start early and the whole family will be commenting on the appetizing odors wafting out of the kitchen all day. The addition of root vegetables during the process will round out your meal, and all that will be left to do is make a salad, warm some French bread, and pop a great bottle of red wine.

This is an awesome dish to use for your game meat, or works equally well with beef. I don’t often cook with a crock pot, but when I do, I always cook Wild Game!

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3-4 pound Venison roast Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/3 cup Dijon mustard Montreal steak seasoning 1 ounce packet dry onion soup mix 6 cloves of garlic, chopped 4 strips of bacon 2 cups chopped white onion (1 medium onion) 1 cup chopped carrots 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1 cup beef broth ½ cup red wine Corn starch (if you want to make gravy)

Preparation Method

Salt and pepper the roast. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the roast on all sides. Remove, and place it in the crock pot. Paint the top and sides of the roast with the Dijon mustard. Sprinkle the meat liberally with the Montreal steak seasoning. This will season all the vegetables too, so do not be shy. Dump the onion soup mix on next, and then the garlic. Lay the bacon over the top to cover all the meat. (Use more bacon if necessary) Top it off with the onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Pour the wine and beef broth in last. Cover the slow cooker and set on the high setting. Let the crock pot go for an hour on high, then reduce the heat to low for three more hours. Resist the urge to open the cooker, as this will let the heat out and extend the cooking time.

When the three hours is up you can add some quartered potatoes or any other root vegetables you would like to serve with the venison. Make sure there is sufficient liquid, add some more stock or water if it is low. Let cook for another 4 hours or until the meat is tender.

When done, remove the roast and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

Slice the meat against the grain.

Add the juices back over the meat for a rustic meal, or make gravy.

To make gravy, strain the remaining juices and bring to a boil.

Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water. Add this slurry slowly to the boiling juices, stirring constantly until the desired consistency is attained. You may need more or less depending on the amount of juice left in the pot.

It will thicken almost immediately, so add slowly, it will not take long.

With your kitchen enveloped with the sumptuous smell of your creation, it is time to choose a wine to accompany this feast. I would go with a big Zinfandel or a Cabernet Sauvignon. Some excellent Zins and Cabs can be found on my website at www.wildgamewine. com. Enjoy this meal with family and friends and have a joyous and safe holiday season.

Cheers!

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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Water Buck

By Brian Thompson

I

guess I am a little naïve. I know animals can swim. When you grow up in the arid southwest like New Mexico your just not around water much. Sure, we have a few reservoirs, small lakes, rivers, and mountain streams. I fished a lot of them, but when I am out hunting it’s normally small streams, ponds, and cattle tanks that I encounter; or no water at all.

This year, a couple of my hunting buddies and I would apply for a high demand deer unit that none of us have hunted before.As luck would have we drew this hard to draw area our first time. This was all we needed to start our investigation of exactly where and how we would hunt and camp. Little did I know, this would be an adventure of a lifetime.

As I started looking at maps, and having some knowledge of the area mountains and conditions we could run into that time of year, we had a lot of discussions on the roads that turn to grease with rain; the areas that would get us away from other hunters and the hopes of finding big deer. As summer passed, I had studied maps of the unit carefully and discussed with the other guys about a specific area where the roads were closed on the west side of the main county road that runs south to north through the mountains of the hunting unit, which was bordered by a big reservoir on the west side of the unit.

Me and my “Water Buck.”

boat out to cruise the far shore to mark a couple of spots where we could beach the boat safely and where we could hike up into the mountains to hunt.

Of course, being sportsmen, we had our fishing poles out while we trolled the shore line.

Picking a spot, we came to shore to do a little scouting. As we reeled Getting in a little pike between stalks. our lines in, I thought I had a snag but as my Doug and I live here in New Mexico. line rolled in hard and pulling it next Tom, who lives in Minnesota, land of to the boat as it hit shore I had caught lakes, was on the phone with us when a nice Northern Pike, which became we were discussing our options. Tom part of our dinner that night back at said, “why don’t we use one of Doug’s the cabin. Smiling with my catch, while boats to access that area that was off standing on shore, I realized I was also limits to motor vehicles,” and that was seeing deer tracks in the sand. We dewhere the adventure began. cided this would be the spot for the first Now, it was early October. Doug and day hunt, even though we went on and I were driving back from our annual selected other spots to access.

Wyoming Antelope hunt and as any That next morning, after coffee and hunting fanatics were still planning breakfast, we loaded the boat in the our deer hunt in NM. I had researched dark and bundled up for a cold ride for the lake a little more and from Google the two mile ride down and across the maps and the info on the lake, I found lake. Litle did we know, we were about out indeed we could access the shore to run into a few un-planned hazards. and learned that on the opposite side As it turns out, it’s dangerous to cross of the lake there were cabins for rent, a lake in the dark with a couple of flash so we secured one for our upcoming lights. We had never run the boat in the five-day hunt at the end of the month. dark, nor did we plan our route out of We would arrive a day and a half the marina and through all the buoys. early so we could take the pontoon That first morning, we started out, Doug at the wheel with a flashlight and me kneeling at the front of the pontoon with a flashlight. We were off, going slowly, looking intensely for buoys, as we drove through the middle of the marina area, with the early morning fog, in total darkness, trying not to hit any buoys on a very wavy lake. I realized we were crazy. This was intense, but hey, we were on a deer hunt. Once we passed the last buoy, we sped up a lot. We stayed alert, as there were other hazards along out route. We watched the GPS and tried to keep our lights shining on the water in front of us, all while scanning for unknown hazards in the water, and the lighted buoys that marked the channel of the lake, and keeping an eye out for the shore.

Tom just sat back while Doug and I navigated the lake to the spot we had marked the day before.

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

We reached our destination, beached the pontoon, and tied her off to some large boulders that littered the beach.

The light would start to open the darkness soon. I agreed to walk the beach south a little and then start my climb into the hills. Doug would go north a little and Tom would cut straight up.

We all had radios to keep in contact.

As I started to hunt with first light, I had hiked about a quarter mile up and glassing the hills, I started seeing deer; a few does here and there. I went slowly, so as not to miss a buck that may be with or near them. As I climbed toward the ridge top, I now was about a mile from the lake, hiking the high spot of the big draws that were vertical to the ridge from the lake below. I now could glass across several draws, and two draws over, I saw a buck climbing up parallel to me. I immediately took off down into the first draw and up the other side. He was now directly across a deep draw from me, feeding up hill.

I snuck up behind a huge boulder that was chest high and rested my rifle on top, realizing I had seconds for a shot before the buck would disappear in the brush and junipers. I squeezed the trigger and watched as he stumbled backwards and disappeared behind another big boulder. After ten minutes or so with no sign of him, I dropped off the narrow edge to slide down the deep draw and climb up to the other side.With my rifle ready, I crept around the boulder only to find a bubbly blood puddle. That’s when I heard the rocks under his feet behind me. I quickly moved and looked down the other side of the narrow draw. That’s when I realized I made a bad shot. He was dragging his back leg and some of his guts were hanging out. I lifted my rifle for a rushed shot and missed, as he disappeared heading down hill. I sat back to collect my composure, after spooking him and not wanting to do that again.

After a while, I started to track him, with a very faint blood trail. I was worried I would lose him. Half way down toward the lake, I had trouble finding

December 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION

the trail. Pausing, I radioed Doug and told him I had wounded a deer and was tracking him, and would call him back if I needed help. Taking a snack break, I figured his leg was busted so he must be going downhill still. I decided to go down and sure enough, I picked up the blood trail and followed it all the way to the lake. Before I popped out of the trees and onto the shore, that had weeds and bushes as high as my shoulders, I glassed up and down with no sign but I did see where he dragged his leg in the sand and the marks disappeared into the weeds and bushes. I readied my rifle to my shoulder and was slowly looking left and right as I knew he was bedded on one of my sides. I was now about twenty yards from the water, when I looked to my right. I heard a noise and by the time I turned to my left I heard a huge splash and my deer was swimming off. By the time I ran to the water’s edge, he was already out about 30 ft. I started to raise my rifle and try and shoot him, but with only his head out of the water and shooting in the lake or towards the unknown, even though it was a mile across, I thought otherwise. It may be illegal. I stood there bewildered and watched as within a couple of minutes he was now out about 150 yards, swimming away.

I didn’t know mule deer could swim, but as I watched he started to struggle and soon he slowed and then rolled on his side. My deer was now dead in the freezing lake, about a good 200 yards from shore.

At first I didn’t know what to do. All I could think is he was going to sink

Doug with his “Island Buck.”

and I would lose him. Several times I considered stripping my clothes off and swimming out to him, testing the water a couple of times with my hands and realizing that was a death wish if I swam out there. The boat was about a third of mile up the shore from where I was. The adrenaline was rushing through me as I realized I had to get to the boat and back out there before he sank. I radioed Doug, yelling, all I could say in my excitement, “my deer; he’s dead in the middle of the lake!”

His response was, “what the...?” I said it again, “my deer; he’s dead and in the lake!” I don’t think Doug believed what he was hearing.

“I am going for the boat and need help!”

I started running up the beach to the boat. I did not know that by then, Doug had hiked up on top of the ridge and was already back a ways.

I reached the pontoon, untied the ropes, started the motor, and put it in reverse with a little throttle. It was having a hard time backing off the beach, so I walked to the very back to get some weight off the front, and it slowly started to creep off the sand. Soon, I was running full speed down the lake.

As I approached the area parallel to the beach where I was standing when I watched the buck swim away, I started scanning the waters around me. Nothing. I started to panic, thinking the buck had sunk. I saw something that looked like a rock sticking barely out of the water, just like others we had seen along the shore, but I realized none of them would be that far off shore. I pulled

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59

Another view of the elusive swimming buck. up my binos just as a small wave went over what looked like a rock, and an antler came up then and down. It was my deer. I motored over to him and as I turned the motor off and was slowly approaching, steering the boat to slide next to him, I grabbed the fishing net with the long pole and netted his antlers and pulled him to the side of the boat.

Admiring my nice chocolate antlered 4x4 buck, I soon had him tied to the side of the boat with his head high out of the water, and with a smile on my face, I was proudly cursing back up the lake with my water buck. I came ashore at the same spot and tied the boat off, but the water soaked deer was too heavy for me to get him on shore. I looked up and here came Doug. With awe, he helped me pull my deer up on the beach. Still excited, I told him all about how my deer ended up in the lake. While waiting on Tom, I field dressed my deer and Doug helped me drag him up on the pontoon. After a while, Tom showed up. Doug drove us back to the marina dock where I hopped off to retrieve the truck to take my deer up to the cabin.

There, I deboned him. That evening, I processed him myself into a bunch of freezer bags; steaks, roasts, stew meat, and hamburger, and put him into the freezer we brought with us for just this occasion.

Doug and Tom hunted hard that last four days at different areas around the lake, with me tagging along. We also figured out how to go around all the buoys at the marina in the dark without having to look out for them.

On the third day, we were about three

miles down the lake when we pulled ashore on a big island for me to take care of nature’s business. I climbed up the shore to go behind a juniper and spooked up a huge buck. I shouted to the other guys, but he was gone before they got out of the boat. The next day, we were cruising to another spot, passing that same island. Glancing toward shore, we saw that buck again with another one.We pulled to shore to go after them, but we never did find them. We decided for the last morning hunt we would go to the island where we saw the big bucks. We arrived in the dark, beaching the boat, Tom decided he would do a big circle while Doug and I would just cut straight across. As Doug and I slowly walked along glassing and talking softly, we walked around a big juniper, and Doug stopped. I looked over his shoulder and the huge buck was standing, staring straight at us at 50 yards. At that very same moment, Doug calmly raised his rifle and fired, as I watched his buck go straight down.

We walked up to it with amazement.

Realizing he had just harvested a buck of a lifetime, a mature 30-inch wide 4x4.

After pictures and field dressing him, we drug him the quarter-mile back to the pontoon. Soon, Tom showed up with no success, but content with all the deer he had seen the past five days. We were off to the marina to load up and go home. Two years later, we would return for another whole new adventure. No deer swam that trip, but never hold a catfish for your buddy!

That’s another story with two big deer and lots of fish.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

Digital Edition Only Special Content

A Forkhorn “Makes Book”!

R

egrettably, I had no one in my family to mentor me into the hunting world. Since the college years left me little time to hunt, it wasn’t until after graduation that I really began to pursue opportunity in the field with bow in hand. Mule deer is Chapter One of my award-winning

book, BAREBOW!, for the simple reason that a muley doe was the first big-game animal ever to succumb my fledgling hunting skills — some 51 years ago, back in 1964.

After that, I started having a bit more success with my hunting efforts in the years that followed. “Breaking the ice” had not been easy, but each of the next two seasons yielded me a Columbia Blacktail doe as Chapter 2 from BAREBOW! makes mention of those modest successes, while at the same time recounting a few tales of misadventure and/or outright failure. I have found over my hunting lifetime that “hunter’s luck” is a slippery commodity — a diaphanous intangible that comes and goes like pockets of early-morning ground fog in late autumn.

My run of good luck picked up again a few years later, in 1971, by producing my first Pope and Young Records Book animal. It was my second mule deer, but my first buck

of any kind. Thanks to John Roser, an old friend from Mercer Island, Washington, this exciting adventure took place on Antelope Island, in the Great Salt Lake of Utah. John’s father-in-law, the late Bill Olwell of Salt Lake City, owned the island back then and used it for himself, his family and friends as a private hunting preserve. Neither Bill nor John was a deer hunter, but both were nimrods passionate about hunting waterfowl, as well as chukar partridge. Antelope Island held (at least back then) a very healthy population of that wonderful upland game bird. A few years later, sometime during the 1970s, the island was sold to the state of Utah and it has been a state park ever since.

In September of 1971, however, John talked his father-in-law into inviting me on one of their bird-hunting expeditions to the island — with the clear understanding that I would be free to hunt either chukars or deer, but only if I agreed to limit myself to the

This beautiful mule deer rendition is one of many that my good friend and award winning artist, Hayden Lambson, has graciously allowed me to use while compiling my BARBOW! Sagas.

bow-and-arrow for weaponry. Since I had no interest in hunting any other way that condition was easy to accept.

I was thrilled, to say the least!

There was only one house on the island and that was inhabited by the fellow Olwell hired to live there year-round as rancher, caretaker and watchman for the property. The caretaker was allowed to take one deer per year off the island, but — other than that — the entire, healthy deer population went completely unhunted. It all seemed much too good to be true!

On the first morning of the hunt, the three of us arrived in two vehicles via the old dike road, which served as an unreliable land-bridge, because — at certain times of the year — it was somewhat underwater when the wind was blowing in the wrong direction on the lake. By the time we were able to start hunting, it was quite late in the morning and I figured I might as well go after chukars during the middle part of the day, while the deer were all hunkered down in their beds.

I remember that the weather was hot and the hillsides quite brushy in places. I purposefully went off in a different direction from my hosts, but we agreed to meet back at the trucks around 2pm for lunch. They were already at the rendezvous spot when I showed up a few minutes late. They’d each taken several birds and wanted to know if I’d had any action.

“Not much,” I replied, trying to mask the smile that wanted to spread over my face. “I didn’t bring back a deer, but I did bring you a chukar to add to the pot.” I watched my friends’ jaws drop open in disbelief and as the words “You’re kidding!” assailed my ears, I quickly slid a fat partridge out of my daypack and dropped it on the tailgate. The broad grin could not be restrained any longer and, as two hands thrust toward me in congratulations, the questions began to fly.

“Guess I just got lucky,” I started out, knowing full well that this was the actual truth of the matter. I explained that I had practically stepped on a covey of birds before it broke cover. When the flurry of feathers (and my startled nerves) had settled down, I noticed there was one straggler who’d stayed behind.

December 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION

Strutting back and forth under the spread of a low, compact sagebrush bush, he must have thought he was hidden from my view. It seemed he was having a hard time making up his mind whether or not to take flight and rejoin his departed companions.

I decided to help him put an end to his lack of resolution and with one well-placed shot, taken from about 15 yards, I spitted him on my arrow.

Within five seconds, the matter was resolved for good.

Thus began, most auspiciously, my first-ever bowhunt in Utah. After lunch, Bill Olwell headed back home to the city and John and I drove in the other direction to search for a good place to set up camp. While assuring me he could erect the tent without any help, John urged me to climb on foot toward the top of the island and start glassing for the deer that would soon be up and feeding again in the late afternoon. I needed no second urging.

I don’t think I’d been climbing for 10 minutes before I picked out, with the unaided eye, two fine bucks about 150 yards away on the far side of a shallow draw. At first I thought they were traveling together, but their feeding activity soon took them in different directions. The heavy-horned 4x5 fed toward me for a while, but then turned away and fed straight up the hill and out of sight. The other buck was just a 3x2, but he was definitely “high, wide, and handsome!”

More importantly, he was continuing to feed in my direction.

My position on the rather naked hillside provided virtually no cover, so as the buck fed across the bottom and up onto my side of the draw, I simply dropped to my knees and waited to see what drama might unfold. Before I knew it, opportunity was knocking — my quarry broadside to me, just 20 yards below. When he turned his head downhill to take a nip of grass, I came to full draw. Before I could even refine my aim, the buck swung his head around and began feeding on his uphill side. That immediately placed one antler directly over his rib cage, effectively denying me the shot I really wanted. Nearly half a minute at full draw, with no further movement on the buck’s part, forced me to let down in silent frustration. There was no air stirring and I was amazed he hadn’t caught my motion — OR heard something!

Eventually he took a step forward, straightening out his neck and I ever so slowly returned to full draw. The buck had already rubbed all the velvet from his antlers in preparation for the upcoming mating madness and his freshly-polished rack glinted beautifully in that golden sunlight which only the magic of certain, special, early evenings can produce.

When I finally released my arrow, there was no doubt in my mind but what it would find both lungs and prove quickly fatal. What really surprised me was the thonk I heard as my broadhead buried itself in a hardwood log, 20 yards beyond the deer, at the bottom of the draw. Even though it had passed right through the animal, I still needed my hunting knife to dig it out.

The handsome buck ran off downhill, lickety-split, dead on its feet, but not knowing it for perhaps 60 seconds or so. I lost sight of him within moments, though not long after that, I thought I heard him “crash” in the dry autumn leaves of the gulley below. In my excitement, it certainly didn’t take long to get back to camp and recruit John for the recovery search.

It was, however (with darkness coming on), a search I wanted to postpone for a while, just to play it safe and not take any chances on pushing a wounded deer out of the bed he would die in — or more likely, was already dead in. So we made supper first, over which I recounted my story for John and then we grabbed our flashlights and headed up into the nearby gulley. I don’t recall the search lasting for more than 10 minutes. And I shall never forget my initial feelings of gratefulness and joy (in that order) when the buck’s lifeless form suddenly showed up in the bright circle of light from our search-lamps.

For records-keeping purposes, both the Boone and Crockett Club and the Pope and Young Club stipulate that a trophy animal’s skull, horns or antlers must dry naturally (at ambient room temperature) for 60 days before being measured by an official scorer. Once back home in Bellevue, Washington, I began to think about my splendid Utah buck and wonder if he might possibly score high enough to make the minimum of 140 inches required (at that time) for entry into the Pope and Young Records.

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The author, with his first recorded Pope & Young trophy, a special mule deer buck taken on Antelope Island, west of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Minimum entry-level scores for the B and C “Book” are significantly higher than P and Y minimums for most species because rifle entries are accepted as well. In fact, Boone and Crockett set up its records-keeping program over a century ago for scientific purposes: namely, to register, for each type of North American big game, the largest and most magnificent specimens that Mother Nature has managed to produce over time.

Even the skulls, horns and antlers of deceased animals found in the wilds on the ground are entered in the B and C Records, provided they score high

enough for entry.

Indeed, several World Records (including the Grizzly Bear and the Desert Bighorn Sheep) are listed as “Picked Up.” In the case of so-called “pickups,” no hunter’s name is referenced — only the owner ’s name.

The Pope and Young Records, on the other hand, accept only qualifying entries that have been harvested by legitimate archery hunting under the canons of Fair Chase. Crossbow entries are not accepted.

On the 61st day after taking my Antelope Island buck, I drove over to the home of my friend, Mark Haugen,

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

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who had recently become an official P and Y Measurer. Mark came up with a score of 140 1/8 and I was thrilled to think that my “trophy” buck had “made book,” as the saying goes — albeit just barely! The rack had measured over 27-inches wide. Its main beams were around 25-inches long and in addition to a pair of respectable brow tines, there was a 14-inch G-2 tine coming off each main beam.

This was definitely a trophy-class set of antlers in terms of its basic frame, but its overall score was badly hurt by the fact that the nine-inch G-3 on the left side didn’t have any G-3 to match it on the right side. Since both the P and Y and B and C scoring rules penalize antlers for any lack of symmetry, this meant that my buck had to be scored as if it were a forkhorn.

That beautiful third point might as well not have been there at all, for all the help it gave the final net score!

Roughly two weeks after I mailed off Mark’s official scoring form, along with my application fee and the requisite photographs, I received a surprise phone call from — of all people — Glenn St. Charles. Glenn had been the driving force behind the

founding of the Pope and Young Club, but aside from being one of quite a few official Measurers spread around the country, he had nothing to do with the records-keeping back east in the Club’s home office.

“Congratulations, Dennis!” Glenn began. “I understand you took a really nice buck in Utah this fall.”

“Yes, I got lucky,” I replied, not knowing what to expect next.

Glenn continued, “Say, I hate to put you to a lot of extra trouble, but would you mind bringing those antlers down to my shop sometime later this week so I can rescore them?”

Rather stunned by the question and feeling just a twinge of anxiety, I said, “Sure, I can do that, Glenn, but was there some problem with Mark Haugen’s score sheet?”

“Not that I know about,” Glenn responded, “but I got a call today from headquarters, and our Records Chairman asked me if I would remeasure your buck, since Mark is a newly appointed Measurer without much experience under his belt yet.

They are also concerned back there because your head scores so very close to the minimum for entry. You

see, we just raised the minimum score a few months ago for the Typical Mule Deer category from 135 to 140 — precisely so that no forkhorn could ever ‘make book.’ At least that’s what we thought!”

“OK, Glenn,” I said, now really starting to worry. “I’ll bring the horns down tomorrow afternoon. See you then!” As I replaced the phone in its cradle, I found myself wondering if perhaps Mark’s inexperience might have caused him to make a mistake in the scoring that could cost me my records-book animal. One eighth-ofan-inch, after all, didn’t allow much room for error.

As things turned out, however, my worry was for naught. Glenn’s final net score on my buck turned out to be 140 3/8”. Mark was vindicated and I was much relieved. It was with quite a chuckle that I read a few months later in the next P and Y Newsletter an article about the Records Committee voting to raise the minimum entry score for Typical Mule Deer from 140 to 145 (which is where it remains today). My “trophy” would go in the Club’s Records, all right, but henceforward it would take an even

better buck than mine to get there.

And, quite frankly, I had to agree that that was probably the way it really ought to be.

The BAREBOW! Sagas – Adventure and Misadventure in the Wilds of North America Dennis Dunn doesn’t just tell hunting stories; he shares his dreams, his victories, his disappointments, his wisdom and he teaches from his knowledge and experience. The BAREBOW! Sagas will not only acquaint you with the sweet taste of success and the bitter agony of defeat; they will convince you that well-regulated hunting sustains the use of wildlife and gives the animals increased value to justify their conservation and preservation. In this series, Dennis takes you along on his quest for the North American Big Game 29 Super Slam. A bow, a string, an arrow – no trigger, no peep-sights, no pins – just fingers, guts and instinct. That’s hunting BAREBOW! To learn more about Dunn’s award-winning book (from which the above story was taken), or to order a copy of BAREBOW!, you may visit the author ’s website at: www. barebows.com.

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December 2015 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION

Digital Edition Only Special Content

Opportunity for Improvement

Chad LaChance

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hhh - the Holidays. I love holiday time for a myriad of reasons, from the obvious, like time with friends and family to the not so obvious like spending whole days churning out great game and fish recipes to share with said friends and family. I love the anticipation of the coming New Year and all it brings in terms of adventure planning, new TV shows we’ll work on and all the fish that we’ll share a few minutes with before parting

ways. And while I despise the concept of New Year’s resolutions, the truth is, the end of a calendar year is a convenient time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t as far as catching, what we’d like to improve on and to generally reflect on the season past and anticipate the season coming.

As a guide, I’ve developed a pattern of assessing the previous open water season’s performance at about the same time that I move out of the boat for the year. I sell my boats each fall, so it’s a good time to really look at each piece of equipment in terms of its use over the season, effectiveness and condition.

The process has become so important over the years that even if I didn’t sell the boat, I’d empty it completely just to go through the contents. I look at every piece of equipment, from dock lines and PFD’s, to every single Plano box of tackle, trying to focus back on the season, overall. Did it fulfill a need and work well or did it just take up space in the boat and time out of my angling?

While my Ranger has plenty of storage space, that last part is not tolerable.

Efficiency. That is always my goal while angling professionally. Sure I relax and enjoy time on the water while fun

fishing, but when there is a paying client, camera guy or sponsor in the boat, I’m all biz when it comes to the fishing.

The only way I’ve found to be truly efficient consistently is to be honest with myself when evaluating tackle. I might really love the looks of some crankbait or the feel of a great rod-n-reel combo, but did it honestly help me catch more fish over the past season? What colors of soft plastics rode around all year and which saw consistent use? In a nutshell, what I learned over time is that much of what I hauled around each year was a security blanket so to speak; the majority of the time my catching and overall performance was handled by the core stuff.

Now all I carry is the core stuff.

It took a long time to get that confident and believe me, I investigate new techniques/rod/reels/baits/pliers/glasses constantly - yet again this year, most of what will go in the new boat is the same core stuff, but with some specific new tackle joining the ranks. St Croix’s fantastic all new Mojo Bass rods, Abu Garcia’s uber-smooth new Revos and Berkley’s full line of hard baits including the Cutter jerkbaits come immediately to mind and have all proven their worth during the 2015 season and made the 2016 team, so to speak.

Why am I telling you this? Because I believe in growth as an angler and outdoorsman, that’s why. I believe it will help you enjoy your own fishing more if you, too, evaluated your tackle and gear, honestly judged each piece’s effect on your success over the last year and made changes where there is opportunity for improvement.

I’ve had lots of emails or comments from peo-

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ple saying something like “two years ago, you swore by the Jane Doe worm and now you say the John Doe worm is the way to go. What gives?” Tackle improvement gives, that’s what. Technology brings us better materials and designs, lure makers come up with better shapes, actions and colors and we anglers invent better presentations to take advantage of the new stuff. Does all of it become honestly valuable in the boat for everybody? Of course not! In fact, only a tiny fraction of the new products will fill any need in any given angler’s fishing, but you’ll never know that until you first evaluate what works in your tackle and what does not, therefore defining the need. You can then look to new products to fill said need. And as far as I can tell, there is a product for just about every need in angling!

I strive for a net change of zero, meaning for every new item that makes the boat, a similar item has to go. For instance, the Berkley Cutters I mention above will replace a bunch of my fringeish jerkbaits that saw some productive service, but were not my top performers.

Think of this like the A-C list – ‘A’ baits stay, ‘B’ baits get strong consideration yet possible replacement, ‘C’ listers goe in favor of something else. The Cutters replaced last year’s ‘C’ list and subsequently moved up to the ‘B’ list based on their performance this year. Now they’ll replace the ‘B’ list for 2016 and threaten the ‘A’ list for dominance next year.

For the record, I am personally immediately skeptical of any angler that tries a new product and promptly claims it to be their favorite, the best or whatever. For me, confidence is king and that comes with time on the water and no other way. A full season is an appropriate amount of time to really evaluate a tackle in my mind.

Any rod/reel/line/lure can excel on any given day; give me some data to work with, please.

I think the hardest part is taking stuff out of my line-up - admitting to myself in so doing that I made a poor decision to put it there in the first place. Much like life itself, it starts with honesty and humility. But, spending some time around the New Year thinking over your own systems and tackle is enjoyable, effective and a great way prove you are a Fishful Thinker.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE continued from page 32

BalmShot Shotgun Shell Lip Balm

For those who spend a lot of time in the outdoors, a quality lip balm with sunscreen is a great companion. Designed by a lip cancer survivor, BalmShot provides high quality SPF lip balm, containing a blend of beeswax, lanolin and botanical oils, that keep your lips moisturized and offer protection from the sun.. The dispenser is shaped like a shotgun shell and features a tight fitting cap and a smooth turning base that prevents the lip balm from oozing out and staining pockets and purses.

It is available in yellow tubes in original and cool mint and in pink and pink camo in vanilla mint. BalmShot makes a quarterly donation from its proceeds from every purchase of Pure Pink and Pink Camo lip balms to the Mountain States Tumor Institute to help needy women pay for mammograms, biopsies and breast cancer treatments. BalmShot is a great stocking stuffer and will quickly become your favorite lip balm.

Black Label Committed Knife

Kimlor Mills Outdoor Throw Blankets

Cuddling up to the people we love and watch a movie or favorite tv show with a super cozy soft blanket, is the type of relaxing I enjoy as winter weather sets in. Kimlor Mills has licensing for several leading outdoor brands including Mossy Oak, Browning, Realtree, and Bone Collector to mention few. Several of their household products are designed with these brands for consumers looking to bring the outdoor flare to their household with a variety of hunting themed styles. From bedding sheets and shower curtains to bath mats and throw rugs. They have a huge selection outdoor themed products to spice up any room in your house.

The material is comprised of an Ultra soft Micromink fabric on one side and Sherpa fleece on the other. These are one of the softest and most comfortable blankets I have ever felt. The Throw is 50 in x 60 which I felt like is a great size for one person as some blankets are either too small or way too big.

For those who love tactical gear Browning’s new Black Label Knife collection is a must.

They have put a lot of effort into making each knife strong, durable and functional. The Committed knife is a fixed blade and features full tang construction providing greater stability and balance. The length of the blade is just over five inches and has a titanium coating for greater durability. It has a drop point tip with serrations at the base. The tip is both sharp and strong and makes it easy to make precise cuts.

The serrated blade makes it easy to cut to shred through things like thick rope. The Committed also features a nonslip grip that is textured, giving you a reassurance that you won’t drop the knife even with wet hands. The handle also has finger grooves which add to the overall comfort and give you greater control. It has a lanyard hole that doubles of a hammer that could easily break through glass. The committed comes with a OD Green molded Blade Tech polymer sheath with a Tek-Lok belt clip. So if you are looking for a new fixed blade with a tactical edge, then check out Browning’s Committed Black Label Knife.

Browning Stick It Throwing Knives

The Stick It Throwing Knives are double edged throwing daggers crafted of 440C stainless and are perfectly balanced to hit hard and punch deep. The hourglass handle shape offers a firm grip for any throwing style. The blade has a satin finish with black accents and a black nylon belt sheath is included. I found that the knives are suitable for beginner to expert level knife throwers. They are extremely durable and will handle the use and abuse of repeated throws. The set is also very sharp and will stay sharp for a long period of time.

I’ve had my set for a couple months now and have not needed to sharpen them. The nylon sheath is reinforced to avoid the puncturing from the knives. The sheath features a belt loop making it easy to always have them with you. If you have always wanted to get into the knife throwing game and just didn’t know where to start, then I suggest checking out the Stick It set from Browning’s Black Label Collection you won’t be disappointed.

Browning Black Label Shock N Awe Tactical Tomahawk

Tactical tomahawks are quickly becoming a must have in your tactical arsenal. They provide a lot of great features such as chopping wood, breaking down doors, and also being very lethal. Browning’s Black Label Shock N Awe Tactical Tomahawk really is bringing the shock n awe to the tactical community. Made from one piece of hot forged 1055 high carbon steel, you will have rugged durability from head to handle. The blade is 2.75 inches giving you plenty of cutting power. The head also features a curved penetration spike capable of putting a serious hole in even hardened targets. The Shock N Awe is also very light making easier and less fatiguing to keep swinging.The handle is paracord wrapped for comfort and provides a nonslip grip. The handle also features a spiked pommel that could smash through glass in a hurry. The Shock N Awe also features a Blade-Tech molded polymer sheath with Tek-Lok belt clip that easily adjusts for carry angle and belt loop width. So whether you are in need of a tool to split kindling at camp or are looking for a tool to help you escape a car or downed helicopter, you need to check out the Browning Shock N Awe in their Black Label collection.

SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015

My Grandson’s First Buck

By Ray Rummell

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hristopher, my grandson, had taken a wild hog a few days after his thirteenth birthday and now had his heart set on taking a buck. My wife no longer hunts and she gave Christopher her Remington 600 .243 Winchester, scope-sighted rifle for his thirteenth birthday. I coached Christopher in the four shooting positions of prone, kneeling, sitting, and off-hand. Christopher is a good student and he progressed quickly.

Christopher with his first buck.

SINCE

A friend had a piece of property in a canyon not that far from home, and he gave us permission to hunt on his property. A week before deer season, we scouted the property and found a downed tree at the top of a small canyon that would serve as both a blind and a shooting rest. We had a good view for 150 yards to the southeast, with two deer trails crossing the opening. We noted that this position would have a problem during early morning sunrise. Our view behind us was light cover for less than 100 yards.

Our first hunt on the property was in the late afternoon on opening day of deer season. We enjoyed the mild weather, but saw no deer. The sun had set and we were getting ready to leave when Christopher noticed movement behind us. We both thought it was a legal buck, but in the fading light we couldn’t be sure. I was proud of Christopher’s decision to pass on the buck rather than risk shooting an illegal animal. I have tried to teach my

grandsons not to risk a shot unless they are sure of their target.

We were back well before shooting light the next morning to give it another try. At sunup we had a coyote stop and look us over. Christopher could have taken him, but he decided to pass and stay on track for a buck.

Coyotes could come later in his hunting adventures.

We planned to hunt for only two hours because we had decided that with the mild weather the deer probably would not be moving very much after good light. Shortly after Christopher passed on the coyote, two does crossed the clearing in front of us. We watched hoping a buck would be following the does, but it didn’t happen.

As we were getting ready to leave, Christopher noticed movement. Only this time it was in front of us and at the far end of our field of view. Much to our surprise, we now had not one, but two bucks coming toward us. A nice three by three was leading a four

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Sportsman’s News Outdoor Writing Contest Winner See pg. 4 for entry details. by four. Christopher slowly moved his rifle into position so that he could use the log in front of us for a rest. This couldn’t get much better. I whispered to Christopher to wait until the bucks stopped walking and then take the four by four. Well, they never stopped walking and would have soon been going into cover, so I whispered to Christopher to go for it. At the shot the four by four went down. Christopher had practiced field dressing his wild hog, so dressing his buck went a little faster for him. We were both so excited that we don’t even remember the excursion of dragging the buck back to the truck.

This is one of those memories that will stay with both of us for the rest of our lives.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS DIGITAL EDITION|December 2015