Sportsman's News June 2018 Digital Edition

FREE June 2018 | Volume 14 | Issue 6

Latest and Greatest Camping Gear

Chad LaChance

June is for Jiggin' Gary Lewis

Page 24

Oregon Coast Rockfish

Captain Cook's Honey Hole Sportsman’s News Pro Membership Sweepstakes winner Tom Taylor and his sidekick daughter Trinity (AKA: Trin) landed a double.

CONNECT THE DOT ™ SIG SAUER Electro-Optics transforms hunting with the unprecedented simplicity and accuracy of BDX. KILO BDX rangefinders use your ballistics and Bluetooth® to illuminate the exact holdover dot in

Powered by: Rangefinder:

Riflescope:

KILO2400BDX

SIERRA3BDX 6.5-20X52mm

Download the SIG BDX app from Google Play or the iTunes Store.

SIERRA3BDX riflescopes. For the most accurate and ethical shot, just

Page 6

connect the dot.

Learn more at sigsauer.com.

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

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

SENIOR EDITOR Kent Danjanovich 801-231-9838 kdanjanovich@sportsmansnews.com MANAGING EDITOR Dan Kidder 435-865-1680 dkidder@sportsmansnews.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Lisa Deming info@sportsmansnews.com VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGERS Sam Staudt sam@sportsmansnews.com Andrew Saullo andrew@sportsmansnews.com Subscribers should contact Managing Editor for changes of address.

Sportsman’s News is published monthly.

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

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

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

2

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

WORDS FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Michael Deming

WHAT’S INSIDE

4 Captain Cook's Honey Hole

Nootka Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island, BC.

Sauer Electro-Optics BDX Rangefinder 6 Sig and Scope System Revolutionary technology takes the guesswork out of the equation.

4

8 Pro's Tip: Choosing A Conceaeled Carry Pistol Weighing the factors to make the smart choice..

Platinum Approved Outfitters 12Choose a Sportsman's News Endorsed Guide for your next trip.

N

early every state in the union has a free fishing day and a good majority of them take place during the month of June. This is a great time to share the great outdoors with your neighbors, coworkers or anyone that has spoken up about your social media posts with a stringer full of fish. Visit your states game and fish website for specifics on this program. Most states allow youth to fish without a license as long as the guardian has one, but this program pretty much allows everyone to fish without spending the money to buy a license. The employees in the fishing department at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse will get you all set up with the appropriate gear required to catch some fish. Each store has an updated fishing report of the area which will give you a good idea on where to go as well. It’s good to know that the game and fish in most states heavily stock the common fishing places prior to these dates to insure a great day on the water and the future of this great outdoor activity.

Most of the western states’ drawing deadlines have come and gone. There are still a select few to apply for if you haven’t been fortunate enough to draw a tag. Idaho is one of the very last available states to apply for elk, deer and antelope. So, if you haven’t gotten a tag yet, don’t miss the June 5th deadline for Idaho. It is a state that doesn’t build bonus points, which puts everyone applying with the same odds. Our team utilizes the Eastmans’ Journal and Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal for insightful information on good units to apply for. We have a couple of outfitters we work with in Idaho and we would be happy to share these hunt units as well as the outfitter should you opt to go this route. Feel free to call us at the office for recommendations.

We just visited one of these outfitters in Idaho this past week and took the time to do some practice shooting. June is a great month for some long-range shooting practice as the weather has usually stabilized and the hard winds of spring have started to subside. This is usually the case in the mornings for sure. Taking a shot out past a few hundred yards at a live animal is considered unethical by many. I would agree if you don’t take the time to practice. However, during this time of year, we will burn through thousands of rounds polishing our skills. This is also when we test new guns, mounts and optics to make sure our setups are the best that they can be come fall time when we have a tag in our pocket.

With Father’s Day in June as well, you can ask for a few boxes of ammo instead of a tie or a new coffee cup. It’s fun to share that time at the range with the youngsters anyway.

June is a huge month for our DVD giveaway as well. We will be doing the New Zealand Stag/Tahr combo hunt giveaway for two somewhere around the 10th of June. This giveaway is pretty special because it includes a red stag for up to 400” SCI scoring method and a big bull tahr. It will also include round trip airfare for two from the nearest major metropolitan airport. This package that we have put together is worth $20,000. I will be along on this trip to film the experience as well. Make sure you follow Sportsman’s News on Instagram and Facebook so you can see if you are the lucky winner. We will also video the giveaway and post in on the Sportsman’s News YouTube channel (sportsmansnewstv).

By becoming a subscriber on this channel, you will automatically get an email about the drawing as well as all of the video product reviews we do on some of the latest and greatest gear. This promotion has been extremely successful and well received by the consumers. So, we will immediately start the next giveaway. We were asked by a lot of people why we don’t give away a fishing trip instead of hunting. It was just how things were set up this year. This next giveaway, we will offer both a fishing trip as well as a hunting trip. The first person drawn will have the choice of a world class fishing trip or a big Sonora Mexico Mule Deer hunt. We will draw a second winner and that person will be given whatever trip is left. Best of luck and buy your DVD’s. P.S. - Don’t forget to register them.

Pacwest Outdoors: Oregon Coast Rockfish 16 Fish and Chips on the hook.

20 Fishful Thinker: June is for Jiggin' Get jiggy with it for summer success.

Turkey Populations Control 22 Factors that influence turkey populations..

16

Sweepstakes 24 Pro Member Over $300,000 In Giveaways. Drawing Every 10 Days.

26

26 Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Holographic Red Dot Sight

See how the Huey is changing the red dot game..

Camping Gear Roundup 29 Latest and greatest products to make your camp more comfortable.

34 Pro Member Update: Backcountry Hunts Spot and stalk Auodad in the Texas badlands.

39 Business Directory Video Product Reviews 40 A detailed look at some of the newest products.

Pro's Pick: Sig Optics BDX System 46 The Sportsman's News Team puts the latest innovation through its paces.

Wild Game Recipe: Venison Encilada Pie 48 Add a little Tex-Mex to your menu.

50 Adventures on a Budget: DIY Kenai

One of the most accessible areas for the DIYer in all of Alaska.

54 Outdoor Writing Contest: This One's For You, Dad

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gary Lewis Chad LaChance Steve Mayer Joe Glotz

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

3

Fishing Captain Cook's Honey Hole The float plane ride into the floating Nootka Wilderness Lodge is breathtaking. Living on the water during your 4 day stay just completes the package.

By Michael Deming

I Catching a sunset off the deck after a full day of fishing, gourmet meal, and a glass of wine is pretty close to heaven.

4

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

n the late 1700s, Captain Cook landed on the western side of Vancouver Island in what is known today as the Nootka Sound. It is located approximately 170 miles north of Victoria, British Columbia and is steeped in history. There is a lighthouse on Bligh Island with documentation about this landing and what it did to put British Columbia on the map.

All of this history of Nootka Sound wasn’t our primary purpose of this trip, but a byproduct of something the Nootka Sound is much more well known about today, which is the world class king salmon (springs) and Coho salmon (silvers) fishing that takes place in these waters. Not only do the rivers, which originate in the area, have monster runs of fish; but the abundance of bait fish in the area makes for a major feeding ground for fish from the north in Alaska, all the way down south to the rivers of Oregon. From mid-June through September, this is one of the best places in the world to visit if you want to experience sheer numbers of fish. Brian and Kelly Gage are owners/operators of the Nootka Wilderness Lodge, which provides a five-star experience in the Nootka Sound.

I’ve had the experience of visiting this lodge on four different occasions and whenever I need my fix of great fishing, good food, waterfront lodging and Ritz Carlton quality of service, I book a trip with Nootka Wilderness Lodge. I had taken my wife, Lisa, on my first visit to NWL due to her love of fine food and lodging, as well as the calm waters of the sound. However, Lisa didn’t get the nod for this trip since we would be taking a Sportsman’s News Pro Member Sweepstakes winners and a guest. Lucky winner Tom Taylor from Great Falls, Montana, was coming along and planning on bringing his daughter, Trinity, so I took my youngest daughter, Annika, to share the experience.

Brian and Kelly only operate the lodge during the peak of the run, so we had reserved our spot for the first week of August. We arrived in Campbell River the night before the trip was to start, giving us time to enjoy this quaint fishing town as well as being ready to fly from the east side of Vancouver Island over to the west side the following morning. Although there is a road NWL is a family friendly environwhich goes almost to the lodge ment and taking my 13 year old daughfrom Campbell River, NWL chooses ter Annika was an experience she to include a short 30-minute scenic won’t ever forget. float plane ride that drops you at

the dock right at the lodge. Brian, Kelly and the entire crew are always there to introduce themselves and welcome you to the lodge as well as load the prior week’s guests onto the now vacant planes. After a gourmet lunch and settling into the rooms, you are paired with a guide who is chomping at the bit to get you out on the water for 5-6 hours of fishing.

Most of the guests at the lodge will fish with 2-3 people per boat. These are only people from your group. Since we had four in our group, we had the opportunity to fish on the large Boston Whaler, which is their luxury boat and is captained by either Brian or Skip. Skip is a salty dog, with years of experience in these waters and lucky for us, he was our captain for the week. My focus was to run the camera and capture the experience for Tom and Trinity as well as my daughter and if we got limited out, I would try to land a fish or two myself.

It didn’t take Skip long to get us on the fish, but the Islander rods and reels proved to provide a serious learning curve for our guests. An Islander rod and reel setup is a lot like a flyrod and reel. The reel is a one-to-one ratio and the rods have a lot of bend and since the law doesn’t allow for barbs on your hooks, you can’t make many mistakes before those silver bullets will throw your hook. Fortunately for us, this is the Nootka Sound which is loaded with fish and each new tide brings giant schools of hungry springs and silvers in to battle with the fishermen.

We seemed to constantly be hooked up on fish on this our first day and we even managed to put some Islander Rods and in the box. Being the professional fisherman that I Reels am - I hooked and long-distance released (sigh) eight good fish during our afternoon experience and never put one in the box. My daughter Annika is still wondering how I do this for a living, after witnessing my horrible display of fishing technique.

Once you arrive back at the dock, the guides get to work taking photos, weighing fish, as well as gutting all the fish and getting them prepared for their final destination of heading home with the clients for future meals. Guests then head to the lodge to get cleaned up, enjoy happy hour and have another five-start dining experience.

Each morning, as if I was experiencing a flashback to my military days, the staff bangs on the door at 5am to give you time for breakfast, a cup of coffee and a short boat ride to catch all the hot fish on the morning tide. Fortunately for me on Day 2, Skip let me back on the boat. I’m sure it was more to let me film than to lose more fish.

Annika opted to let the fish wake up a little before she disturbed them for the day and chose to stay in bed. With Tom and Trinity manning the rods and a day’s worth of experience under their belts, they wasted no time boating fish. We started releasing the smaller fish in hopes of landing the infamous Tyee, which is a 30-plus pound spring, but that trophy eluded us on this outing. Annika showed up with Brian later in the morning and got some good experience at landing a few fish. The calm water of the sound, warm weather, cool breeze and lots of cold beers makes the days go by too fast.

Every day, many of the boats can be seen heading back to the lodge when they are limited out, while others make a run to the deeper water and open ocean to try for halibut, ling cod and rock fish. Some just practice catch-and-release on kings and Coho’s. Regardless of what you do, these 4-nights/3-day fishing excursions are jam packed with excitement and lots of great times.

Although every meal at the lodge is exceptional, the final evening is one of the best and most remembered by all. It is a seafood extravaAnnika’s biggest King of ganza suited for a king or queen. Not only are you treated to the local favorites, but Brian and the trip and made dad proud Kelly fly in some of the best seafood available. even though she didn’t want By the time the dining room is clear, it looks like to hold it for the photo. a bunch of overstuffed seals lounging on the deck and enjoying their last evening. The camaraderie that is shared during these four days creates memories that will last a lifetime and have you looking forward to your next visit to Nootka Wilderness Lodge. Both Tom and Trinity had the time of their lives and my daughter is sure that I should figure out a new line of work or at least stick to hunting! Everyone out fished me by numbers I don’t even want to discuss. I’m pretty sure that Skip would agree that I should stick to hunting and filming, but his professionalism kept him from telling me the truth. However, I had a great time and a wonderful experience with everyone and that’s what Nootka Wilderness Lodge is all

The seafood buffet night which is your final night at the lodge is worth the entire trip.

If you leave hungry, it’s your own fault. about. I even had to borrow a fish my daughter caught to take a photo for this article, since I could only hook and not land them.

We give this great trip away every other year with the Sportsman’s News Pro Membership Sweepstakes and you can get your chance to go, like Tom and Trinity Taylor, by signing up at www.promembershipsweepstakes.com. You can also book your trip directly with Brian and Kelly at 250-850-1500 or by logging onto their website at www. nootkawildernesslodge.com.

We will be visiting the lodge once again the first week of August and with another lucky winner. The last time I talked to Brian, there were still a couple of openings left during our week. We would love to meet some new friends and have you become part of the Sportsman’s News Team trip. If you can’t go then, any opening NWL has available is a good one, since they are all in prime time and in Captain Hooks’ honey hole.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

5

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics Introduces Revolutionary BDX Rangefinder and Riflescope System

W

e’ve come to expect great things from SIG SAUER, and the latest innovation from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics really ups the ante for us sportsmen. Actually, it goes well beyond that, the highly anticipated Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) series of rangefinders and riflescopes unveiled at the NRA show in Dallas, Texas far surpassed expectations, and is going to transform any sportsman’s hunting experience, and improve your accuracy.

The BDX rangefinders and riflescopes are an integration of Applied Ballistics® and wireless Bluetooth® technologies. What SIG SAUER Electro-Optics has done by marrying this technology is truly groundbreaking; it enables interoperability and key ballistic holdover information to be exchanged wirelessly, seamlessly, in real time, between the SIG SAUER BDX Electro-Optics rangefinders and riflescopes.

Before we get to how it works, we want to answer your very first question at the outset, because it involves technology, is the BDX system complicated? What makes this system so great is the ease of use – we’re even going to go so far and say – it’s simple. It requires absolutely no new learning and uses the same tools we as hunters and shooters are already accustomed to: a rangefinder and a riflescope.

When it comes to new products, to me, simplicity is a beautiful thing. I don’t want to spend a lot of time learning something new because I’d always rather be in the field hunting. The beauty of BDX is it displays all the information you need to make an ethical shot right into the reticle of your riflescope using the information it receives from your rangefinder, while incorporating your applied ballistics. Yes, it’s true, it’s really that simple – BDX sends your dope to your scope.

Ok, so now that we’ve given you a preview, and provided you with the assurances you need that BDX is downright easy to use, let’s talk about the very important second question; how does BDX work? Simply download the “SIG BDX” app available for Android or iOS smartphones, pair the KILO BDX rangefinder and SIERRA3BDX riflescope, set up a basic ballistic profile, and then you’re ready to shoot or hunt.

Once you are in the field, range your target as you normally would, and the KILO BDX rangefinder will utilize onboard Applied Ballistics Ultralight™ to instantly send your dope to the scope via Bluetooth. Using your basic ballistic profile the ballistic solution is calculated for your target and will instantly illuminate on the BDX-R1 Digital Ballistic Reticle with windage and elevation holds in the SIERRA3BDX riflescope. A blue LED on the riflescope power selector indicates that the BDX system is paired, and when the reticle has received new ballistic holdover and windage data from the rangefinder.

“Rangefinding riflescopes of the past have had two major shortcomings: they are either big, boxy and heavy, or extremely expensive,” said Andy York, president, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “The revolutionary and affordable BDX system packs advanced ballistics technology into a simple platform that looks just like the rangefinder and riflescope that every hunter is using today. It is extremely simple to use; range a target, put the digital ballistic holdover dot on target, pull the trigger, impact. It’s incredibly accurate and extremely simple, just connect the dot.”

The BDX family of rangefinders includes: KILO1400BDX, KILO1800BDX, KI-

6 6

June June 2018 2018 | | SPORTSMAN’S SPORTSMAN’S NEWS NEWS

LO2200BDX, KILO2400BDX, and KILO3000BDX rangefinder binocular. These rangefinders include many of the legacy features that the KILO name was built on: Lightwave DSP™ digital rangefinder engine, Hyperscan™ with 4 times per second scan rate, RangeLock™, and the Lumatic™ auto-adjusting display.

The SIERRA3BDX riflescopes have the look, feel, weight and size of traditional riflescopes: available in 3.5-10x42mm, 4.5-14x44mm, 4.5-14x50mm, and 6.5-20x52mm. The BDX riflescopes feature HD glass for superior resolution and optical clarity, 30mm main tubes, side-focus parallax adjustments, and the LevelPlex™ digital anti-cant system. The BDX-R1 Digital Ballistic Reticle is the evolution of holdover, providing a ballistic solution out to 800 yards with 1 MOA of accuracy.

Rounding out these superior features is SIG SAUER’s kinetic energy transfer indicator: KinETHIC™. KinETHIC provides assistance in assuring an ethical hunt by indicating when energy on target drops below a threshold that can be set by the hunter using the BDX App. “Ethics in hunting are a contract we make with ourselves based on the standards we as sportsmen adhere to as a group, what we feel good about personally, and respect for the game and our hunting traditions,” said Andy York president, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “KinETHIC is a feature that asks the hunter to make an educated and ethical decision beforehand by taking into consideration what the velocity and energy capabilities of your bullet and load are to deliver a killing shot.

It then lets you know if the shot you are about to take will fulfill this contract. If not, it provides a visual affirmation to stalk-in closer. Knowing your maximum effective hunting range is more than just knowing what you can hit.”

So now that we’ve told you how easy it is to use, and how it works, naturally you want to know how much does the SIG SAUER BDX system cost? Let me answer this question in one word – affordable. If you are looking for a complete kit, which includes a BDX riflescope and BDX rangefinder, you have three options: • SIERRA3BDX 3.50-10x42mm and a KILO1400BDX MSRP: $839.99 • SIERRA3BDX 4.50-14x44mm and a KILO1800BDX MSRP: $1,079.99 • SIERRA3BDX 6.5-20x52mm and a KILO2400BDX MSRP: $1,679.99 However, to get started with BDX you don’t need to buy a kit; both the rangefinders and riflescopes are available for individual purchase and will easily integrate with your Applied Ballistics on their own. SIERRABDX riflescopes start at $599, and KILOBDX rangefinders begin at $299.

As we referenced earlier in this article SIG SAUER Electro-Optics introduced BDX at the NRA show earlier this month, and consumer reaction was very, very, positive. Visitors to the NRA show always flock to the SIG SAUER booth, but this year the interest in BDX was obvious as demonstrated by the crowds that were gathered for SIG SAUER Electro-Optics President Andy York’s BDX demonstrations. The post-presentation reaction was easy to read by the “this is way too good to be true” expressions left on the faces of onlookers post presentation. To test their skepticism there was a literal obsession with handling the riflescope to gauge the weight; this test was met with the “yes, it is true” nod. Then there was the crowd of people lined up to try BDX for themselves, and once they did, and realized, yes SIG SAUER did in-fact deliver, what we heard was, “this is a game-changer,” “I can’t believe I will be able to afford this,” and our very favorite, “this makes it too easy.”

So what’s the bottom-line on SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX system? FACT: BDX riflescopes have the same look and feel of riflescopes hunters are accustomed to, and includes the digital focal plane without adding weight or size. FACT: The BDX rangefinders will utilize Applied Ballistics to provide a solution up to 800 yards with 1MOA accuracy and can range far beyond that. FACT: KILO2400BDX and KILO3000BDX will even pair with your Garmin or Kestrel for Applied Ballistics Elite level performance. FACT: The BDX is simple and easy to use while incorporating your personal ballistics profile. FACT: Once you have synced your ballistics to the KILO BDX rangefinder from the SIG BDX app, you no longer need to use the app. You can leave it in your truck when you head out into the field.

Given all of those facts, combined with the high-quality product and craftsmanship we expect from SIG SAUER at an affordable price, and we’re ready to call SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX truly revolutionary and a win-win for everyone.

The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX will be available in retail stores beginning in July. To learn more visit sigsauer.com.

CONNECT THE DOT ™ SIG SAUER Electro-Optics transforms hunting with the unprecedented simplicity and accuracy of BDX. KILO BDX rangefinders use your ballistics and Bluetooth® to illuminate the exact holdover dot in SIERRA3BDX riflescopes. For the most accurate and ethical shot, just CONNECT THE DOT. Rangefinder:

Riflescope:

KILO2400BDX

SIERRA3BDX 6.5-20X52mm

Powered by:

Download the SIG BDX app from Google Play or the iTunes Store.

Learn more at sigsauer.com.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS SIG_SAUER_FP_BUGAL_JULY-AUG18.indd 1

7

5/8/18 12:58 PM

Choosing a Concealed Carry Gun PRO'S TIP

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

C

hoosing the right gun for concealed carry can seem to be a daunting endeavor. There are so many choices, calibers, actions, styles and sizes to choose from. Additionally, there are brands and models that are more or less reliable, which makes them more or less suitable for concealed carry.

In my concealed carry classes, I find that many of the female students who already have a carry weapon, did not choose that weapon for themselves. Gentlemen, while we want to be helpful and think we are being so in selecting a concealed weapon for our significant other, I would encourage you not to do this. A good test to see if you are qualified to properly choose a gun for the woman in your life, would be to purchase her a bra. If you get that one right, then perhaps you are ready to move onto something complicated like a concealed carry pistol.

Women are perfectly capable of selecting their own weapon and they are more likely to carry it if they choose it for themselves.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a gun. Size, wardrobe, daily activity, hand strength, body shape and size, and method of carry are all factors that need to be figured into the equation. While it sounds like a lot, it really isn’t.

The Right Gun

The right gun is a balance of sufficient caliber, that fits the hand, can be controlled and operated, is comfortable to carry and of a size that can be easily concealed. These factors will vary on different models. There is a longstanding argument in the firearms community over caliber versus shot placement. The argument is that a larger, more powerful caliber is better than a smaller and lighter caliber because it will incapacitate an attacker faster with fewer shots. The other side argues that with proper shot placement into a vital area such as the brain or spinal column, disrupting the central nervous system, that any size round will be more than adequate.

While I agree that shot placement should be as optimal as possible and this can be achieved through rigorous training and practice until proficiency is achieved, I also know that gun fights are highly dynamic, in that none of the parties are typically standing still and exchanging gun fire. Because they are moving rapidly, it is difficult to accurately place your shots on target, let alone at specific smaller targets within.

Among professionals in law enforcement, the miss rate is upwards of 70 percent. For me, I want to know that each hit I do make is going to impart as much trauma on the subject as possible. My goal is not to kill an attacker, it is to make him stop his attack and whether he lives or dies is incidental to that. My surest way to stop an attacker is to incapacitate him. To make it so he can no longer continue his attack. I can hope that pain or psychological deterrence will make him stop, but incapacitation is my only certain way to stop the attack.

The downside to a larger caliber, is typically the size and the capacity of the gun.

For years, I carried a 1911 with .450 SMC rounds, with the thought that this hardhitting cartridge would pretty much stop somebody pretty quickly with minimal shots fired. As the incidence of terrorist attacks featuring multiple actors and non-traditional weapons such as trucks, became more prevalent, I transitioned my daily carry gun from the small capacity 1911, to a larger capacity, Sig Sauer P229. I traded my 9-rounds of hard hitting .450 SMC for 16-rounds of 9mm +P ammunition. I also carry two spare magazines, so my total round count went from 25- to 46-rounds of ammunition on my person and ready to work if needed. This gave me greater capability to address multiple targets or a technical threat like a truck.

If you hit somebody enough times in the right place, eventually you will incapacitate them. There is always a give and a take to every choice you make. If all I can adequately control and manage the recoil, is a .22 long rifle, then I need to make sure that I have sufficient rounds in the gun and on my person in the form of a reload, to deliver enough damage to incapacitate my attacker. He may give up before then, but

8

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

I need to know that my baseline goal is incapacitation. If you can handle a .22, odds are that you can you handle a .380. It will be a little snappier, but it is worth trying. I personally don’t like the .380. It lacks the power of its bigger brother, the 9mm. I can control the 9mm and even the 9mm +P, but if all you can manage and all you will carry is the .380, then get that and carry it. Carry as much caliber as you can control.

Size Matters

As a general rule, if you take two guns of the same caliber, the larger and heavier gun is going to have less recoil. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but the weight of the larger gun is going to provide more inertia for the round and expanding gases pushing back on the gun to overcome. So, if you take the same gun in two different calibers, typically the larger caliber is going to have more recoil. This balance between weight and size versus caliber are factors to weigh when deciding to carry. I often get students who have been sold an Airweight .357 Ladysmith or other J-Frame revolvers and they don’t like to shoot them. It hurts their hand. When I hand them my 6-inch barrel Model 66, they really don’t want anything to do with that large of a gun, thinking the bigger the gun, the bigger the bang. But, they are amazed at how much more manageable the recoil is with the larger gun, shooting the same cartridge.

The flip side of the size equation is how likely you are to carry the larger gun. I know that if the bad guys’ phoned ahead and I was going to have to shoot one later today, I would like my .450 SMC or a .500 SW. But the bad guys aren’t that considerate to let me know the time and place they plan to attack, so I have to be ready for that eventuality at all times. I bet with proper planning, equipment and wardrobe, I could secret that giant .500 SW on my person every day, although I am not sure how comfortable that would be. At some point, I am either going to sacrifice stopping power for comfort or I will just stop carrying it. I need a gun that is a good balance of size and power and that I am willing to carry every day.

I am also concerned with real estate. I have larger hands and have a hard time holding onto small gun grips. I can’t hit anything with the Glock 43, as it practically spins around in my hand. The Ruger LC9 is about the same size, but because of the configuration of the grip, I am much more accurate with it. Having a gun large enough to properly hold is vital to proper accuracy. Having the proper grip will help you determine if the gun is a good fit for your hand. If the Thenar Imminence, the big meaty part of your palm at the base of the thumb, meets it up with its mate on your other hand, with both thumbs on the same side of the gun, then that gun grip is a good fit for you. (See Ill.1) If they overlap, then the grip is too small. If there is a gap, then the grip is too large. The key to a proper grip, is the meeting of these two meaty portions of the hand when the gun is properly gripped. (See Ill. 2) Fortunately, many of the guns for concealed carry have backstraps that allow the size of the grip to be adjusted.

Some models, like the H&K VP9 even have inserts in the sides of the grip to adjust the thickness of the grip.

Improvise, Adapt, Overcome

If you think that you will carry a gun daily but won’t have to make any changes to your daily lifestyle, wardrobe or activities, then you are sorely mistaken. Robert H. Boatman, a prolific gun writer said it best. “Carrying a loaded gun with the ability and will to use it is not a casual fling meant to bring some excitement into your boring life. It is an all-embracing lifestyle and must take precedence over your respect for law, your fear of social criticism, your love of humanity, your wardrobe and your drinking habits. You can never be unaware of the weight you carry on your hip or under your arm. You can never forget your responsibilities.”

The sad fact is that the bad guys never phone ahead to let us know that they are going to attack. So, if you are going to carry a gun for defense, you need to get used to carrying it every day. If it isn’t comfortable, you won’t carry it. If it is too big and hard to hide, you won’t carry it. If it becomes inconvenient because you have to take it off and put it on because you frequently go into places where you aren’t allowed to carry

PRO'S TIP it, you will stop. If you don’t adapt your lifestyle, wardrobe or where you go, you will either stop carrying it or you might be better off not carrying it.

I used to work on Capitol Hill and guns are not allowed in Washington, DC, let alone in the US Capitol complex. Obviously, if I were to continue working there, I would have to leave my gun at home. Fortunately, I was surrounded by the fine men and women of the US Capitol Police, so I never worried about my safety at work. Travelling to and from work was another story. The unfortunate reality of gun laws is that I had to adapt my daily habit of carrying a gun for my job, which didn’t permit me to carry. Now that I work in Utah, I carry on the job every day.

Illustration 1

Grip too large

Just as your daily activities may decide if you can carry, so will your wardrobe. At work now, I wear relaxed casual clothing. When I worked in DC, I wore suits and ties every day. Your job may dictate your wardrobe and that will dictate the size of gun you can carry as well as the method you use to carry it.

In another article later in this series, I will cover methods of carrying. But for this article, it is important to realize that you will need to make changes to your wardrobe to add a gun. You may need to buy your pants an inch or two larger in the waist or you may need to untuck your shirt or blouse. You might add a vest or light jacket. You may choose to go with off-body carry, such as a fanny pack or purse, but some level of adaptation will be necessary.

Grip just right

Grip too small

All Nikon trademarks are the property of Nikon Corporation.

NEW

UNDENIABLY MATCH GRADE

LIFETIME REPAIR/REPLACEMENT Excludes lost or stolen products and intentionally caused damage.

NikonSportOptics.com

BLACK FX1000 brings a higher level of performance— and expectation—to the world of long-range precision.

From the proprietary Nikon glass optical system to the innovative reticles and turrets, everything about BLACK FX1000 was designed to dominate.

— High speed turrets with integral zero-stop — Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof — Purpose-engineered, glass-etched reticles (Standard and Illuminated) — Available in six variants—4-16x50 and 6-24x50 (FX-MRAD or FX-MOA reticles)

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

9

targets that bite back Introducing a target with teeth.

Champion’s awardwinning DuraSeal™ Spinner Targets handle rounds from even the largest rifle and handguns and still keeps its shape. Quite simply, it’s a target that bites back.

For more info on DuraSeal and Champion’s paper targets visit:

Shoot Better. Have Fun. © 2008 ATK

10 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

www.championtarget.com

PRO'S TIP Just Do It

for a significant amount of time to show you their holster collection. We all have that drawer, box, suitcase, tool bag, etc. of holsters that for one reason or another didn’t quite fit our lifestyle.

Take the advice of Nike and do it. Start carrying a gun. Obviously, you want to get proper training and abide by local laws where you live, which may mean getting a concealed firearms permit, but get a pistol and start carrying it. At first you will be Make it Personal so freaked out. You will feel like everyone you pass can tell that you are carrying a At the end of the day, the best gun for concealed carry is the one that you will carry. gun. You expect that at any moment, you will be swarmed by a SWAT team, ready to It is the gun that is comfortable enough that you will practice with it. That you can take you down. The truth is that 99.999999 percent of the people you pass never even control. One that you can operate. Can you reach the slide lock, operate the safety, pull notice you, let alone whether you are carrying a gun. If they do notice a bulge along back the slide, cock and decock safely, load and unload? Does it fit your hand? Can your waistline, they will think "phone" before they think "gun." If your shirt rides up you shoot it without feeling like you need to readjust your grip? If you are considering and exposes your gun, odds are that nobody will notice and most who do won’t think buying a gun, it helps to find someone who has one and see if they will let you shoot anything of it. In certain places like California, it can pose a problem and in Florida, it. I have most of the standard reputable brands and models that I can let students try. it can get you arrested. So, take precautions and use prudence, but you will find that Do your research and read reviews from reputable gun writers to see if they have disover time, your sense of worry will decrease and your comfort level will increase. covered any flaws or reliability issues with The more you carry, the more you the model you are considering. There are will also discover what works and what brands that I won’t purchase. Ever. There doesn’t work. You are buying a gun for are brands that some people don’t like, concealed carry. You are not marrying it. that I have never had an issue with, like If you repeatedly find that the gun you Kahr and Bersa. Both have been inexpenhave purchased doesn’t work, then sell sive but reliable workhorses that I often it and buy something else. You may find, refer to students with limited means and like me, that a single concealed carry they have never failed them. gun doesn’t work for everything I need At the end of the day, that is the priit to. My concealed carry selection varies mary consideration in choosing the right on my activities between my Sig P229, a gun. It has to be 100 percent reliable, every Glock 26, an HK VP9SK or a Smith and time. If your concealed carry gun and amWesson Shield 2.0. All of these guns are munition combination ever fails, change in 9mm and all use the same ammuniout the ammunition first. If it happens tion; Doubletap 9mm+P with a 115 grain Illustration 2 again, get a different gun. Your life deBarnes TAC-XP bullet. You may also find A proper grip will help you determine pends on it working every time, without that whatever holster you have selected whether the gun is a good fit for the shooter. fail. And practice. A lot. doesn’t work. Ask anyone who has carried

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

11

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

AFRICA HUNTING

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING

ALASKA FISHING

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING Halibut, Yelloweye, King, Silver, Pink, and Chum Salmon, Ling Cod, and Dolly Varden.

Fresh and saltwater fishing adventures.

Pybus Point Lodge Juneau, AK 1-(800) 94-PYBUS • www.pybus.com

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING

Becharof Rapids Camp On the banks of the Egegik River on the outlet of Becharof Lake in the Bristol Bay region. Uninhabited, untouched, and pristine with the area a veritable salmon factory. All five species of salmon plus rainbows, Arctic char and grayling.

360-532-7594

www.becharofrapidscamp.com

12 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING

ALASKA GUIDED FISHING

ALASKA FISHING

ALASKA HUNTING AND FISHING

CANADIAN FISHING McIntosh Lake is part of the legendary Churchill River System which holds massive pike, trophy lake trout and scrappy walleye! Join us for a Canadian fishing adventure of a lifetime.

ruffossportsmanslodge.com

855-313-9310 Toll Free

ALASKA HUNTING & FISHING

CANADIAN FISHING

ALASKA GUIDED HUNTING

CANADIAN WATERFOWL HUNTING

ALASKA GUIDED HUNTING

CANADIAN HUNTING

ro de Renf With Wand Guide Pilot a

ALASKAN ADVENTURES

Fly-in Alaskan hunting for brown bear, Alaskan moose or black bear. Custom tailored trips.

() -

renfrosalaskanadventures.com ALASKA HUNTING

CANADIAN HUNTING

ALBERTA

Ranchland Outfitters offers First Class Waterfowl Hunts and Big Game hunts in Alberta, Canada. If you are looking for an Outfitter that cares about each hunt, look no further. Ranchland Outfitters is a First Class Waterfowl and Big Game Outfitter.

www.ranchlandoutfitters.com 877-924-8440 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

13

CANADIAN HUNTING

NEW MEXICO HUNTING

Book your Bison hunt now to secure available dates.

Contact Season Elliott at contact@ranchodechavez.com or 505-884-3503 www.ranchodechavez.com

COLORADO HUNTING

NEW ZEALAND HUNTING

COLORADO HUNTING

SASKATCHEWAN HUNTING

COLORADO WATERFOWL

Stillwater Outfitters is Colorado's oldest and largest Waterfowl Outfitter. We have exclusive hunting leases on over 50 farms on the beautiful Front Range of Colorado. Our goal is to provide the trip of a lifetime without any drama. We also offer Turkey and Trophy Whitetail Deer hunting.

• Colorado's Largest and most productive waterfowl Outfitter • Exclusive Leases on over 50 Farms on the Front Range of Colorado • World Class Guides and Equipment • Hunts are conducted in spacious in-the-ground pit blinds

303.659.8665

www.stillwateroutfitters.net

MANITOBA HUNTING & FISHING

Canada’s Best Fishing Lodge Of The Year!

Five Star Main Lodge Featuring Fully Guided American Plan Packages Plus Remote Outpost Camps on 4 Lakes

BIG SAND L AKE LODGE & PREMIER OUTPOSTS Northern Pike

Lake Trout

Walleye

Arctic Grayling

SOUTH DAKOTA HUNTING

South Dakota Pheasant Hunting at its Finest!

Contact Brett Waibel: info@badriverhunts.com

JOIN the PARTY!

(605) 669-3440 BadRiverHunts.com

Day and all inclusive hunts available!

SOUTH DAKOTA HUNTING Hunt the Grand Slam of the Dakotas World Class Pheasant Hunting Sharp-tail Grouse • Prairie Chicken Hungarian Partridge • Waterfowl

Tumbleweed Lodge

605-875-3440

Tumbleweed@sbtc.net

• Chippewyan Lake • Wolf Lake • Jordan Lake • LeClair Lake

Trophy Fishing For • Northern Pike • Lake Trout • Walleye • Arctic Grayling

Big Game Hunting • Spring & Fall Bear • Fall Moose

1-800-348-5824 www.bigsandlakelodge.com

MANITOBA FISHING

14 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

www.TumbleweedLodge.com SOUTHWEST HUNTING

SOUTHWEST HUNTING

UTAH HUNTING

TEXAS HUNTING

WYOMING HUNTING

TEXAS HUNTING

WYOMING HUNTING

TEXAS HUNTING

WYOMING HUNTING & FISHING

UTAH HUNTING

A Million Sportsmen Just Spotted This Ad. You could be in their sights!

UTAH HUNTING

CONTACT

Mike Deming

National Advertising Manager

Sportsman’s News • 435-669-4624 mdeming@sportsmansnews.com June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

15

Left-handed Rockfish on the Oregon Coast Want fish and chips for dinner?

Catch it yourself. Prospecting the ocean floor with hardware and spinning gear.

W

Photo by Gary Lewis

By Gary Lewis

e wonder how much color a fish can see 30, 60, 90 feet down. How much difference does it make if the grub on the end of the line is green or white or red or blue? Is it more important to the angler than to the fish?

When I broke off the red bait that had been working, when I stuck it to the bottom of the Pacific off Newport on the Oregon Coast, I grabbed another rod. This one was rigged with a leadhead jig with a dark green swim bait body while up the line, a red streamer dangled off a loop. Designed to give the fish an option, the rig is effective in any school of rockfish.

In the middle of August, we were back aboard the Miss Raven, a 40-foot charter boat based in Newport, Oregon, skippered by Mike Sorenson. Our first mate was Justin Mitchell, who was in charge of crab pots, fishing rods and making sure we didn’t fall overboard.

Matthew McFarland brought Chisel (14), Finney (11) and Katie (9). Eric Liddell, of Sisters, Ore., brought his son Josh (14). Paul Galvin joined us for what was supposed to be a tuna trip, but the tuna were 75 miles off the coast, too far for a one-day run.

The trouble with fishing for halibut, was that out there in the big pond, the water was too rough to keep a bait in front of those tasty slabs of white meat. No matter, Sorenson said, we could find the rockfish.

I sat next to the skipper as he pointed the bow down the coast past the mouth of Yaquina Bay. “Forty-seven degrees,” Sorenson muttered. It was colder water than normal for this time of year and it might make catching a bit more difficult.

Photo by Gary Lewis

This pair of rockfish tried to eat a blue swimbait and a red streamer fished on a spinning rod. The seas were rough for this trip, but conditions are improving for crabbing and bottom fishing along the Oregon Coast.

The raw materials for a fish fry.

16 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

“It’s the wind,” he said. “When it comes from the northwest, the water gets colder.

When it comes up from the southeast, it warms up.”

I watched the electronics and saw the little triangle icon that was our boat drawing closer to the first of a bunch of marked squares that signified previous good fishing spots. And then a bunch of rockfish showed on the depthfinder, spread up and down the water in 80 feet of water.

Mitchell had put rods in the deck-mounted holders and we each grabbed one, dropping our baits down into the rough sea.

We drifted fast with the strong wind, but our baits bounced bottom and then there was an electric pulse in my rod. Near the surface I saw it, a big blue rockfish, approximately five pounds, the raw material for a batch of fish and chips, the perfect compli-

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

17

ment to Panko, tartar sauce and a wedge of lemon.

The fish didn’t come fast in the cold water, but we caught one or two or five on every drift. They were blues, blacks and deacon rockfish and a couple of lingcod too small to keep.

McFarland boated a China rockfish. There was a time when a China would bring twice as much money at a fish market as a black rockfish, but Chinas, copper rockfish

Photo by Gary Lewis

Barotrauma and the Deepwater Rockfish Release On most rockfish forays, a number of fish will be released. In deep water, the quick change in pressure can kill the fish through barotrauma, recognized when the fish’s stomach protrudes from its mouth.

Several fish descender products have been designed to make it easy for anglers to safely release rockfish. An angler can easily make a release tool prior to an ocean trip. One way employs a weighted milk crate. Another one places a swivel on the bend of a barbless hook weighted with a lead ball. A quick Google search shows a variety of options.

To prevent unnecessary killing of rockfish, reel them in at a steady rate.

When handling the fish, use wet hands, wet gloves or a wet towel. After unhooking a fish to be released, hook the release device in soft tissue in the lower jaw.

Getting the fish quickly back to its depth is the most important factor in determining its chance of survival.

-Gary Lewis

Matthew McFarland, of Bend, with a China rockfish aboard the Miss Raven a few miles south of Yaquina Bay.

and quillback rockfish must be released. McFarland lowered his prize back over the side.

Then I stuck my bait on a rock and had to break the line. I went back to the rack and grabbed a rod rigged with a green swimbait and a red streamer. I caught a fish on the fly, but no fish took the plastic.

On the next drift, I swapped for a blue swim bait with a red streamer. This rig was on a left-handed rod and reel. I switched hands and dropped down the plastic and feathered offerings.

As soon as the weight hit the bottom, a pair of spiny-rayed rockfish grabbed hold, each one battling for its place in the batter.

“Most fishermen fish right-handed,” McFarland pointed out. “They catch right-

Photo by Gary Lewis

Justin Mitchell sorts Dungeness crab, sending the small ones and the females back to make more.

18 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

way you can pick up any rod with any reel and go to work catching fish.

How many left-handed rockfish were below us in that gray, white-capped water?

I’m no genius, but I’d say there were plenty.

I used my off hand to steady the rod against my body and my right to flip the bail and crank it back.

Drop down dead thing. Reel up live thing.

Every time I dropped down the plastic, I reeled back a thrashing rockfish. I got used to it.

Gary Lewis is the host of Frontier Unlimited, a TV show available on Pursuit Channel and Hunt Channel.

Photo by Gary Lewis

Photo by Gary Lewis

Aboard the Miss Raven, outside of Yaquina Bay, Justin Mitchell and Katie McFarland display a pair of rockfish caught on two hooks on a single cast. handed fish. Think of all those left-handed fish down there. They see all these righthanded presentations and they get left out.”

Left out of the fish fry. Sad. In cultures that stress conformity, like Korea, Japan, China, Latin America and Muslim countries, the numbers are a bit lower, but they say some 32 million Americans (roughly 10 percent) are left-handed. Left out in a sea of products made for righthanders - scissors, rods, reels, knives, notebooks, cameras.

Males, they say, are twice as likely to be left-handers. And left-handers are more likely to be geniuses. It’s good for a fisherman to learn to fish with either hand. That

Justin Mitchell with the first rockfish of the day.

NEW

All Nikon trademarks are the property of Nikon Corporation.

UNRIVALED REACH.

$449.99

PRECISION LASER RANGEFINDER

Extreme long range precision is now more extreme. In distance, BLACK RANGEX 4K’s 10-4,000-yard-capability is unequalled. In speed, Hyper Read 0.3 second display is unsurpassed. In your hand, the performance is unmistakable.

— 10-4,000-Yard Ranging Capability

5-YEAR WARRANTY

NikonSportOptics.com

— OLED Display Selectable or Auto Brightness — ID TECHNOLOGY compensates for ±89° angles — Waterproof and fogproof

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

19

June is For Jiggin'

H

ere around LaCueva del Fishful - aka my fishing garage shop - we have a saying that I look forward to applying every year; “June is for Jiggin’”. The saying stems from more than 12 years of guiding and filming FTTV shows, and our constant efforts to simplify and categorize (at least to whatever extent that natural elements Chad LaChance can be categorized) fishing patterns. After all these years, I know with supreme confidence that here in The West, if I do a good job of finesse jigging, I’ll be in the hunt for any predatory species that swims.

It’s true that, on any given day any other presentation might work, but for sure, no matter the conditions, finesse jigging will work to catch me at least a few fish.

It’s rare that I can say that about any other technique or time of year; the pattern is that solid.

Why June? Because by June, basically all the sport fish are done with their respective spawning cycles and are looking strictly at eating. In most cases the fish have moved back to their preferred summer areas which typically offer deep water, or at least deep water access, and are on a cyclical feeding plan. They are taking advantage of the warmer water temps to move around and digest more quickly, and are generally in a good mood. Along those lines, water temps have not yet topped out, dissolved oxygen is typically good in June, and young-of-theyear baitfish are abundant. In short, it’s the best of times for fish.

20 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Why jigging? Great question! I’ve always maintained that finesse jigging - that is 1/16-1/4oz jigheads, light line and rods, and smallish soft plastic bodies - is the most versatile fresh water presentation an angler can learn, and never is it more effective than when all the sport fish are thinking food. It can be fished deep or shallow, vertical or horizontal, fast, slow or even dead still.

Beyond the versatility, another great thing about finesse jigging is that it gives off minimal clues as to its fakeness. The profile looks right, colors are often natural, and it is generally a small, non-threatening thing to eat. Geez, it even smells and tastes good if you use the jig bodies I use. It basically comes down to the fact that the innocent looking little jig gives them no reason to not eat it, and when they’re thinking food, that’s all they need to see.

I want to quickly point out that this is not necessarily a match-the-hatch deal; its about giving them something to eat. Smallies or reservoir trout may be chowing crayfish but they’ll still happily grab a minnow should it be easy to catch. Walleyes may be feasting on shad but they’ll still snack a crayfish spotted crawling on the bottom. The only reason I even care about their primary food source is so that I can use it to locate the fish themselves, in a classic “finding your dinner by finding your dinner’s dinner” kind of way. Like I said, it’s about offering something nonthreatening, that looks, feels, and acts; well, edible.

One last thing before I mention presentation specifics; by June many lakes are getting a ton of fishing pressure. This turns off wary, mature fish - you know, the ones we really want to catch. In the case of pressured fish, I’m a proponent of fishing the fastest or slowest bait you have, nowhere in between. Fastest gives them no time to decide and earns you impulse or reaction bites. The slowest gets back to giving them no reason to not eat.

So, what does my finesse jig set-up look like?

The rod is 6’10” medium light power, extra fast action St Croix Legend or Avid spinning rod; they’re incredibly light and sensitive yet powerful and accurate. The reel is a size 30 Abu Garcia Revo Rocket for the large spool diameter and ubersmooth drag; both are important when dealing with light fluorocarbon line or thin superline. The Rocket has great line recovery speed for getting tight on fish or simply getting my jig back quick for the next cast. As for line itself, I use 6# Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon XL ( XL is the spinning rod specific version) or 8# Berkley NanoFil. The former is used around wood or rock cover while the latter is better for longer casts and around vegetation.

Honestly, that choice can go either way. What doesn’t deviate is my actual jig choices.

Day in and day out, a 3” straight-tailed minnow body on an 1/8oz jighead is my go-to. Could be a Gulp! Minnow, a MaxScent Flatnose Minnow, or a Powerbait Pro Twitchtail Minnow. Force me to pick one and it’s the Gulp! Minnow for it’s superior scent and flavor. If I intend to fish more horizontally, I’ll put a 3” Powerbait Pro Swim Shad (a small “boot tail” body) on the same jighead and retrieve it, most commonly with a stop-n-go wind of some sort. Lastly, if I want to drag the bottom, I stuff the same jighead inside a 2.5” Berkley Power Tube. Simple.

I’ll close with this; finesse jigging is a mindset.

It’s a light rod grip, lots of line watching, and subtle presentations. Master it and the fish will come, especially in June!

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

21

What Controls Turkey Populations?

I

t’s no secret that turkey populations ebb and flow. Some years, the woods are brimming with gobblers. Others? The birds seem as scarce as a winning lottery ticket. Why is that? A number of factors play a role in turkey populations, but one is more important than all of them.

Predators

Predators eat lots of turkeys and turkey eggs, but are they a factor in long-term population trends? They can be. One study in Georgia found that more than a third of adult hens died at the fangs of a predator. The majority of those perished in the spring.

Upwards of half of all nests are destroyed by predators, too.

Controlling egg eaters seems like an easy solution, but research has shown that everything from raccoons and skunks to crows and armadillos eat turkey eggs. Few people have the time or resources to undertake meaningful predator control efforts. There are simply too many predators on the landscape.

Weather

Severe winter weather can take a toll on turkey populations over a large area, but large winter-related population declines are usually rare. Healthy turkeys can go weeks without eating high-quality food. These days, they rarely have to. Waste grain can help birds survive even the toughest winters. Turkeys are one of the best scavengers out there.

Weather has a greater impact on poult survival. Prolonged periods of cold rain in particular can be devastating to poults. So, can extended drought in the spring. When poult survival is low, turkey populations in the following years can be depressed.

Hunting

What about you? If you enjoy chasing turkeys in the spring or fall, you are contributing to the death of a bird every time you pull the trigger. Hunting does result in a shortterm decline in adult birds, but with sound management, another generation of birds will take their place. Carefully-crafted seasons and bag limits ensure that hunting has little long-term impact on turkey populations. Both of those can be adjusted if turkey numbers decline from any number of factors.

All About Habitat

Nothing matters more to the survival of individual birds and long-term turkey population trends than habitat. Good habitat can help hens have better nest success and it can result in higher poult survival. Research has shown that hens in good nesting cover— large areas of early-successional habitat and other thick cover—have higher nest success and lower predation rates.

Good habitat also translates to more and better-quality food for young and adult birds alike. Without suitable brood habitat--areas with lots of bugs plus overhead cover from predators--poults have mortality rates of up to 90 percent. If you want more turkeys, give them better habitat throughout their life cycle.

22 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

GO FOR BROKE.

Citori CXS

browning.com June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

23

24 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

25

Vortex Razor AMG UH1 Holographic Red Dot Sight

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

T

he Advanced Manufacturing Group of Vortex Optics is essentially the Skunk Works of the optics world. Deep in their secret laboratory (pronounced La Bore Atory) they are constantly working to create the newest cutting-edge glass. Their latest offering is the Razor AMG UH-1. With a parallax free 1 MOA red dot encircled by a 65 MOA outer circle with 81.5 MOA subtension marks, the reticle on the Razor AMG UH-1 is, in itself, a breakthrough in rapid target acquisition technology. With no adjustment to the optic, the shooter can rapidly measure and engage in targets at multiple ranges.

The case that holds the glass and delicate electronics is rock solid, without the need for an outer shielding ring. The heavy-duty aluminum protects the innards without adding much in the way of weight. The entire sight comes in at just 11.8 ounces with the battery installed. Inside, the housing is purged with argon gas to prevent thermal shock and keep out condensation. A quick detach mount lets you remove the optic and replace it without losing zero.

The lenses are coated with ArmorTek to provide protection against scratching and also to repel fog, dust, and gunk. FHQ Technology gives the sight a stealthy light profile, preventing light from the reticle, that can give away the shooter’s position, from escaping in low light engagements. This special coating also removes eyepiece glare common to holographic red dots. Looking through the wrong end of the sight, you don’t see a peep of light emitted from the projector.

There are 15 levels of brightness and long battery life, but the unit will shut off automatically if not adjusted for 14 hours. This feature can be disabled if desired.

The entire unit is shockproof, so the electronics will withstand dropping and recoil, even from heavier weapons like the .308, .338 Lapua, or 6.5 Creedmoor, but it also works great on lighter weapons like the standard 5.56/.223 or .300 Blackout.

The unit can run on either a standard CR123 or on a rechargeable LFP123 battery. It has a micro USB port for

26 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

recharging the battery without removing it from the sight.

All of this is crammed into a housing that is just three and half inches long. Two easy-to-use rubberized buttons turn the unit on, off, and adjust brightness. Windage and elevation adjustments can be made with just a dime and there is a 100 MOA of adjustment on both. Unlimited, non-essential eye relief distance means the optic can be mounted as far forward on the rail as you might desire. The farther from your eye, the larger the reticle gets and the more of the screen it fills.

Since UH-1 is the designation for the familiar military helicopter the UH-1 Iroquois, people have been calling this sight the Huey. If it is a tenth as tough as that beloved aircraft, the AMG UH-1 will withstand a ton of abuse and stay in the fight. Everything we have seen tells us that it will take a heap of abuse; however, everything eventually has a breaking point, and if for some reason the UH-1 should ever fail, it is covered by the Vortex VIP Unconditional, Unlimited, Lifetime warranty. So go beat it up and use it to the max, because that is what it is designed for.

www.brockshuntincabins.com

• 4 x 8 White Pine, borate treated (for wall and gables) • 2 x 6 T&G SPF for main roof and porch roof • Gasket, caulk and 9” lag screws • 2 x 10 ridge board • 2 x 8 rafters • Log blocking between rafters • 6 x6 porch posts • Rafter collar ties • 4 x 4 wall sti ener posts (for 12 x 16 and 16 x 20 models)

6 SIZES AVAILABLE brockray20@yahoo.com

205-625-5473

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

27

28 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Camping Gear Roundup Carhartt Brisco Vest

Carrying all of your essential camping gear just got easier, thanks to the Carhartt Brisco Vest.

Featuring a Rain Defender treated Nylon outer shell for rapid drying and excellent water resistance, the Brisco will not only keep your core dry, but also protects all of your valuable gear that you have stuffed into the ample 15 pockets distributed all over the vest. The fast dry, 37.5 Technology mesh lining, also works to fight odors from perspiration.

A specially designed back-vent allows air circulation, to prevent overheating and promote drying.

The lightweight material is perfect for warmer weather and mild evenings into the mid-40s.

Browning Buckmark 6 Tent

With the ability to sleep six real-sized people and their gear, the Browning Buckmark 6 provides a zippered privacy divider wall in the center to create two separate rooms. Exterior doors on both sides of the tent allow access to either room from the outside. Straight wall construction means less wasted space and room for cots and gear. The center hub design makes pole placement and setup a breeze, even for one person. The material and coatings are weather and UV resistant for long use and maximum protection from the elements. The Browning Buckmark 6 tent is available exclusively at Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Thermacell Backpacker

Ben’s Complete Clothing and Gear Permethrin Spray

When you are packing all of your gear on your back, each ounce adds up to make pounds, so saving a few ounces here and there is relief. But saving weight and space doesn’t have to mean dealing with pesky insects, thanks to Thermacell. The Backpacker from Thermacell is smaller and lighter than standard insect repelling units. Instead of butane cartridges for fuel, the Thermacell Backpacker uses the isobutene canister for your backpacking cooking stove. This provides you with dual use out of a single canister and its highly efficient head means that it minimizes fuel consumption, so you have plenty on hand for cooking and keeping the bugs away. The Backpacker creates a 15’x15’ dome of insect protection so you can enjoy your campout without the pests.

Another way to keep the critters away, especially if you will be hiking in tick infested tall grass, is to liberally apply permethrin to your clothing. This substance is much safer than DEET, absorbs into the skin less and also kills ticks on contact. The spray only needs to be applied to your clothing every six weeks and can withstand multiple washings. On tents, chairs, sleeping bags and other soft gear, the spray acts to repel pesky insects.

Mr. Heater Cooker and Heater

The Heater and Cooker from Mr. Heater not only keeps you toasty and warm at night, but can be flipped over and used to percolate your coffee the next morning.

Using a single, one-pound propane tank or a bulk tank, the heater blasts out up to 15,000 BTUs of radiant heat. Slide the stand around and the heater converts into a camping stove to cook your food or boil water. A safety shutoff will turn off the flame if the oxygen level gets too low, so you can sleep through the night in peace.

Safe for use in a tent, but not for indoor use.

Camco Tipsy Stix

Finding a place to set your cup or bottle in a camp chair can be a real pain. Either the cup holder on your chair is just a bit too small for your drink container or you are trying to balance it on your knees while eating. No matter how you look at it, a solid place to set your drink is always needed in camp.

Camco has created a rod with multiple attachment points to hold various cups, glasses, bottles and stemware at just the right height. Push the rod into the dirt in camp wherever you want it and have two drink holders, as well as a bowl or plate holder for snacks. The solid zinc plated steel construction will allow it to be pushed into even hard ground.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

29

30 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Camping Gear Roundup GoTenna Mesh

If you are far off the grid, it doesn’t mean you have to be out of touch with the rest of your crew. With the GoTenna Mesh, anyone on your GoTenna network can text anyone else on the network. Sold as a pair and available in sets of four, the GoTenna Mesh units connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth and then communicate with each other on a peer to peer network with a direct range of up to four miles. To extend your range even further, the signal can be forwarded by any other Mesh users in the area on the Mesh network. Users outside your group can’t access your messages, but just act as a relay to extend the range of your own network. Users can also send map pins with GPS coordinates to other users to guide them to their location. All of this is done with no subscription and no annual fees.

Estwing Fireside Friend Splitting Tool

The secret to a great campout is the fire. The center of your camp, the gathering place for meals and comradery and the means of warmth and cooking, the fire is the centerpiece of every great camp. To help keep the fire burning, take along the Fireside Friend from Estwing. Featuring the solid, single piece forging for which Estwing is known, the Fireside Friend features a 4-pound splitting maul head on a sturdy steel handle wrapped in soft rubber for a better grip and less felt impact. The two-inch wide splitting edge is hand sharpened and cleaves through even the knottiest pine. Process your wood with ease and spend your evening sitting back and tossing logs on the fire rather than splitting them.

Wolf’em Stick Two-In-One

For extra fun around the campfire, pass out the Wolf’em Stick Two-In-One campfire cooking stick. With interchangeable heads, the standard hot dog cooker works with the rotary handle to create a perfectly grilled frankfurter or brat every time. Swap out the Wolf’em cooker and add your favorite canned biscuit dough to make a cup that you can fill with your favorite goodies. The kids will wolf’em down as fast as you can bake them.

The Wolf’em Stick Two-In-One Cooker is a great activity as well as a way to get the whole family involved in meal prep.

Grizzly 100 Quart Cooler

For those trips where the food and the drinks need to stay cold for prolonged periods, nothing gets it done like a Grizzly. Keeping ice for up to 19 days, Grizzly outperforms almost every other extreme cooler on the market. Composed of a serious RotoTough outer shell and conscientiously sourced pressure insulation foam, the Grizzly Cooler is every bit as rugged as its name implies. But not only is this cooler as tough as its namesake, it is tough enough to keep out a grizzly bear. It is certified by the IGBC as bear proof. With its internally molded hinge and stainless-steel pin, three heavy-duty T-handle rubber closures and locking holes, the grizzly cooler can take just about any level of abuse. Integrated features like molded handles and additional rope handles with Nylon tube grips, non-sliding and non-marring feet, an embossed ruler on the lid and two-inch tie down channels, the Grizzly is feature packed and ready to perform. When the trip is over, the Grizzly is easy to wash out with dual heavy flow drain plugs that can also fit a standard garden hose to extend the reach of your drains. A channel across the entire bottom of the cooler completely empties your cooler. We all know grizzly bears are real and they are tough, so choose a cooler designed for real world use.

Carhartt Dog Chore Coat

Camping is an affair for the whole family and your canine family probably enjoys the experience more than anyone else. Make them a part of the adventure with their very own cotton duck coat from Carhartt. Featuring the same quilted interior as the human version, the dog coat also has a corduroy trimmed collar that can be flipped inside, out of the way. Hook and loop closures on the chest allow for easy adjustment. Not only will this coat keep your friend warm and cozy, but it promotes calmness and just keeps him looking cool. There is even a pocket to stash his favorite treats.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

31

Camping Gear Roundup Grand Trunk Double Hammock

Hammock camping is fun, comfortable, and one of the easiest methods of setting up camp. Now, you don’t have to give up your cuddle buddy, with the Grand Trunk Double Hammock. Large enough for two or for one extra large person, the double hammock provides plenty of real estate for a comfortable night’s sleep. It will hold up to 400 pounds and packs away into a tiny pouch for easily slipping into your pack. It measures 10 and a half feet long by 6 and a half feet wide. The ultra light weight parachute nylon double hammock weighs a mere 28 ounces.

If you are headed to someplace without trees, take along the Hangout Hammock Stand. Ideal for extending your hammock use to your back patio or on the beach, the Hangout Hammock Stand comes with a carrying case for easy transport. It is made of heavy-duty steel tubing and will comfortably handle two people relaxing in their hammock.

Tilley Adventure Hats

If you could only ever have a single hat to last a lifetime, that hat would undoubtedly be a Tilley.

Designed for years of rugged use, with a lifetime replacement guarantee against damage or even loss, Tilley hats will age with you and develop their own unique character over the years.

The Outback Waxed Cotton Hat is waterproof, SPF50+ sun protection rated, and features a heavy waxed canvas material. Two large grommet holes on each side allow cool air in and warm air out, for excellent breathability. A front & back wind cords system secures your hat in gusty conditions and a Hydrofil sweatband wicks away moisture. A secret pocket keeps valuables safe and the hat will float in water.

The LTW3 Airflo has a side snap brim on both sides for a true Aussie Outback look. The ¾-inch mesh around the crown gives plenty of air movement to keep you cool and the 2 ¾-inch wide brim will keep the sun off your neck. The waterproof supplex Nylon provides 50+ SPF sun protection and features the secret pocket, front and back wind cords, and the lifetime guarantee that tells you it is a Tilley.

32 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

33

A

PRO MEMBER UPDATE t eight hundred yards away and tucked back in the shade, my buddy Josh said to me, “quit moving”. The rams we were watching had caught the movement of me getting a bottle of water out of my pack. I was sure that he was out of his mind, but a glance through my spotting scope showed that they were frozen and looking in our directions. I was sure that this was a coincidence as we were over eight hundred yards away, we are in the shade and all cameoed up. I opened my pack back up and tossed the bottle of water back in. Josh scolded me like a pup that just peed on the floor and said, “good job, now they’re gone”. I went from being a sceptic and not caring about hunting this exotic African desert dweller to being a raving fan. These ghosts of the desert have some of the best eyes around, a keen sense of smell and live in some of the nastiest country you can imagine in west Texas.

This experience took place 8-years ago and ever since then, the last week of March, I’m in Marfa, Texas, hunting these poor man’s sheep with Steve Jones Backcountry Hunts.

They call them the poor man’s sheep because a guy can hunt these things for between $2,500 on a do it yourself trespass hunt, up to $8,500 for a fully guided hunt with five-star lodging. Steve’s ranches provide world class sheep and aren’t at the top end of the price scale. Even at $5,500, they are a far cry from spending what you would on the cheapest Dall sheep hunt or let alone a $50,000 desert bighorn hunt. So, you get all of the characteristics of a sheep hunt at a fraction of the cost, as well as something to do in the off season.

This year, we had given away a trip in our Pro Membership Sweepstakes that was specifically for those members who work hard to recruit other members. For every three members they recruit, they get another five tickets in the main drawings, but we held a special drawing for just recruiting members. When we held the drawing, there were 22 tickets in that drawing and Mike Schaefer from California was the lucky winner. When I called to let him know that he had won, he was overjoyed, but had no idea what an Aoudad or barbary sheep was or where they came from. Needless to say, it was not on his bucket list as I told him about my first experience with these things, which quickly peaked his interest. A few days later, after a little more research, Mike called and seemed to be a lot more excited about the upcoming hunt.

March 23rd finally arrived as the Sportsman’s News team met up with our lucky winner. Steve Jones as well as Dave Calloway, his long-standing guide, were there to share the experience as well. We shot the rifles to make sure TSA hadn’t messed with Mike’s

34 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Steve Jones Backcountry Hunts

By Michael Deming zero and we then took off from the ranch house for an evening hunt. Both Steve and Dave have a lot of experience at finding these sheep and I always work hard on my glassing to try and beat them at finding the first shooter ram, but you guessed it - I lost once again.

Steve had picked up a band of rams at just over a mile away and they were in a really good place to make a move on them. We still had a little over an hour of daylight left once we drove to a good place to stash the truck. Steve and I stayed back while Mike and the two other camera guys moved in for a closer look. As the guys slipped behind the hill for cover, I had an open view of the rams and there were two tremendous rams that were creeping up on that 30” mark, which is the true giant. They were sparring and pushing each other around, which had the whole group distracted. I was sure the guys were going to get a shot at them once they came over the top of the ridge.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

35

PRO MEMBER UPDATE From my position, it appeared that they should be just around four hundred yards, but by the time the group peaked over the top, the band of rams had rolled over the top of the hill and were out of sight. There wasn’t enough daylight left to make another move on the group.

The next morning, we were back on a lookout spot which gave us a great vantage of the hill the band of rams were on the night before. Unfortunately, we couldn’t turn them up. As the morning sun lit up the rocky west Texas landscape, sheep were visible everywhere. It was truly one of the best mornings of spotting I’ve ever experienced and we were able to look-over a hundred-different sheep. We set up the gun on a pretty good group of rams and Mike was starting to make a serious consideration for taking a five-hundred-yard shot, but unfortunately, we didn’t see anything close to the caliber of rams we had seen the night before and decided that lunch and a midday siesta might be in order.

It took several hours of spotting in the later afternoon to dig up a group of rams. The hot sun had these desert dwellers holding tight, but Dave will always find you one if you give him enough time. Once again, there were several good rams in this band of fifteen or so. They were definitely worth a closer look.

After about an hour of hiking, the guys could be seen cross canyon and eating the sun. It was obvious that there were several shooters in the group but keeping track of them and communicating between the camera crew, shooter and guide proved to be a daunting task. Mike finally got a clear shot at a ram he felt was worthy of his tag, so he took aim and squeezed the trigger. Boom! The group started to panic because no one but Mike was sure what ram he had shot, but Mike whispered, “I spun him around and he went down”. Unfortunately, the close-up kill shot didn’t get captured for the show and even worse was that when the group hiked over to the next ridge, they couldn’t find any blood.

It was a long night back at camp and as hard as we reviewed the video footage, we couldn’t tell anything about the shot. The next morning couldn’t come quick enough for Mike Schafer. Everyone hiked up to the spot where the rams were the night before and our group was about to throw in the towel, when Andrew (cameraman) found a small

Handcrafted, American Made, Precision Ammunition Available in the following calibers:

.380 ACP 9MM+P .38 Spec. .357 Mag. .40 S&W 10MM .41 Rem. Mag.

.44 Spec. .44 Mag. .45 Colt .45 ACP .454 Casull .500 S&W .300 Win. Mag.

Scan with your smartphone to see it in action.

MADE IN AMERICA

Learn more at www.doubletapammo.com 36 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

drop of blood on a rock. We at least knew the ram had been hit, but there was no telling how fatal the shot was. We followed the blood trail for over a half a mile and in some places, it was on hands and knees, which is usually a bad sign. Suddenly, Dave spotted the top of his horns bedded about a hundred yards down the hill and he was still alive.

Everyone quickly set up for a finishing shot and as if on que, the ram bolted from his bed. Mike made a fantastic running shot and the team captured it all on film. Mikes original shot had hit the ram back from what would be an ideal shot placement, but it slowed him down and Mike was ecstatic with his first Aoudad. His comment about the hunt and the excitement it created for him was, “this truly is a real hunt and I will be back”.

Steve Jones only does about a dozen of these hunts a year and the Sportsman’s News Team always reserves one for our Pro Membership Sweepstakes. To become a member enter to win one at www.promembershipsweepstakes.com or you can book your own adventure at www.backcountryhunts.com .

Ruger American Rifle ® Magnum

Ruger American Rifle ® with Vortex ® Crossfire II ® Riflescope

N I N E P O P U L A R M O D E L S , O N E V E R S AT I L E L I N E

Ruger American Rifle ® Predator

Ruger American Rifle ® Predator with Vortex ® Crossfire II ® Riflescope

Ruger American Rifle ® All-Weather ®

Ruger American Rifle ® All-Weather ® Compact

Ruger American Rifle ®

Ruger American Rifle ® Ranch

Ruger American Rifle ® Compact

AN AMERICAN LEGEND

HAS GROWN

The 100% American-made Ruger American Rifle ®, an engineering innovation from America’s leading firearms manufacturer, is now offered in calibers ranging from .204 Ruger to .300 Win. Mag. Each Ruger American Rifle ® model features Power Bedding ® integral bedding blocks for outstanding accuracy, a Ruger Marksman Adjustable ™ trigger with adjustable pull weight and a three-lug bolt with a 70 degree throw for smooth, easy cycling from the shoulder. The Ruger American Rifle ® combines the rugged reliability of Ruger’s past with the award-winning ingenuity featured in so many of Ruger’s new products.

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

Find Ruger: June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

37

38 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Outdoor Business Directory ALASKA FISHING

FIREARMS CLEANING EQUIPMENT

ALASKA FISHING

IDAHO SHED DOGS

ALASKA FISHING

MICHIGAN HUNTING

ALASKA LODGING

TAXIDERMY

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

www.PuffinInn.net

COLORADO/UTAH HUNTING

SportsmansNews.com Logon to our website for a full list of endorsed outfitters with photos, descriptions, and details about each.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

39

Video Product Reviews

Sig ZULU7 Binoculars

S

ig Sauer’s heritage of designing precision-manufactured quality products predates the existence of any other optics company worldwide, and they understand the importance of quality products that you can depend on in the line of fire, on the shooting range, or on your next hunt. With the new Zulu 7 12x50mm Binoculars, they’ve continued that legacy of quality manufacturing, in a binocular that is both affordable, and designed for almost any scenario.

The Zulu 7s are a short-to-long range open-hinged binocular, that brings both the quality reputation, and the impressive clarity that comes with any Sig Sauer ElectroOptics product. Built from a durable magnesium housing with Sig’s own “Stealth ID” system, the Zulu 7s are designed with trapezoidal surfacing, to deflect and break up the light given off from the exterior of the binos.

This feature is very useful for those hunting scenarios where any light bouncing off you or your gear can affect your results in the field, causing an animal to see you and run away.

These binoculars are IPX-7 rated, meaning that they’re fully waterproof in up to 1 meter of water, as well as fogproof. This feature makes them great for all kinds of inclement weather and unexpected accidents. The Zulu 7s fully utilize the HDX optical system, which combines both the Extra-low dispersion glass and high-light transmittance glass, to produce maximum results in color, image brightness, and overall clarity. The lenses featured on this pair of binos are also coated with both LensArmor and LensShield, which protect the glass from unwanted abrasions, coatings, and overall gunk, as well as Spectracoat, which allows for superior light transmission across the entire color spectrum. The eyecups featured on the Zulu 7 are multipositional and twist up or down to help with eye relief and allow a custom fit for every user, making these a great buy for anyone from the amateur outdoorsman, all the way to the seasoned hunter. The Zulu 7s come in multiple magnification ranges which include the 8x42mm model, the 10x42mm model, and the 12x50mm model, all of which include the HDX system. With either choice of model, you have a versatile set of binoculars that are useful for almost any hunting or birdwatching scenarios.

The most important feature of any optic that you buy these days is the price, and the Zulu 7s have taken that out of the equation by bringing a full-featured binocular to the market at a very affordable price. These binoculars also feature the Sig Sauer Electro-Optic Infinite Guarantee, meaning that no matter the reason, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it, they will repair, or replace your product, no matter what. When it comes to choosing a company known for manufacturing quality and a reputaScan this QR Code with tion you can trust, Sig Sauer Electro-Optics is an obvious your smart phone to view candidate, and with the feature packed Zulu 7s, you have t h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s an optics solution in which you can put your trust.

YouTube Channel.

New Savage 110 Rifle With Accufit

T

he longest rifle in continuous production in America, the Savage 110, just got an upgrade. Matching that reliable and proven action, the popular AccuTrigger, and the new Accufit customization options, Savage has added two gunsmith-level upgrades to their standard configuration rifle.

Off the shelf, the new 110 comes with four different length of pull inserts to customize the length of the gun to the shooter. It also has five different stock combs to set the height of the riser to perfectly align the shooter’s eye with the scope and get a perfect cheek weld each and every time. This level of customization is usually reserved for much more expense custom furniture, but the new Savage 110 offers it standard. Each of these adjustments can be easily made at home with just a standard Phillip’s screwdriver and no gunsmithing experience is needed.

Coupled with the Accufit is the Accustock, which integrates a rail with contact points all along the action rather than just at one or two spots. This spreads out vibration 3-dimensionaly and minimizes movement of the action to further improve accuracy.

The third feature is one that Savage shooters know all too well, the AccuTrigger.

With its safety blade that also acts to properly position the finger, the Accutrigger can be adjusted by the user without taking the gun to a gunsmith. The additional safety feature provides drop protection by requiring that the trigger be pressed to fire. And the trigger pull is as smooth and crisp as ever.

The new 110 is available in 10 different models, with features like threaded barrels, stainless steel, muzzle breaks for long range shooting, and a heavy bull barrel like our

40 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

test model; the Varmint. Each comes in multiple caliber configurations.

The furniture on the Model 110 has also received an upgrade. A no slip gray polymer protects the finish from moisture and checkering on the wrist and fore end give an even stronger grip. A wider and flatter base makes prone or rested shooting even easier without a bipod or support.

The new 110 comes with a removable magazine, and is pre-tapped for scope bases, as well as a super cushy recoil pad. Check out all of the new Savage Model 110 configurations at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

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

Video Product Reviews

Sitka Gear Mountain Hauler 6200 Pack

S

it ka Ge a r h a s b e e n b u i l d i n g h a r d -co r e g ear fo r the hard-c o re hunte r fo r ne arly fi f t e en yea rs no w . W h e n t h e y r e l e a s e a ne w p ro duc t, yo u c an re s t as s ure d that it h a s be en t h r o u g h ye a r s o f t e s t i n g a n d nume ro us p ro to typ e s to make s ure the e n d prod u c t w i l l h o l d u p t o t h e r i g o r s o f the e xtre me hunte r.

T h e M ou n t a i n H a u l e r 6 2 0 0 p a c k i s o n e s uc h p ro duc t that has b e e n we ll th ought o u t by h a rd - c o r e h u n t e r s fo r h a r d -c o r e h unte rs . The frame is c o ns truc te d o f 6061-T6 Ai rc ra f t gra d e a l u m i n u m , w h i c h g i ve s y o u an e xtre me ly high s tre ngth-to -we ight ratio. The en t i re pa c k t i p s t h e s c a l e s a t o n l y 6 . 4 -p o unds and is rate d to c o mfo rtab ly carry up t o 1 5 0 l bs. T h e l o a d b e a r i n g co m p o n e n t s are s e c ure d dire c tly to the frame to m axim ize e f f i c i e n t en e r g y t r a n s fe r , w h i c h e n a b l e s the hunte r to c arry mo re we ight w hile walking a n d w i t h l ess s t r a i n a n d fa t i g u e .

T he prim a ry ba g c o m p a r t m e n t i s 4 0 0 0 c u b i c i n c he s , w hic h give s yo u p le nty o f ro o m fo r every t hin g yo u w i l l n ee d fo r a we e k -l o n g t r i p i n t o the b ac kc o untry. Yo u c an als o e xp and th e main compa rt me n t fr o m 4 , 0 0 0 cu b i c i n c h e s o u t to 5,000 c ub ic inc he s , allo w ing yo u to p ut a ful l e l k h i n d qu a r t e r i n t o t h e p a ck o n t h e lo ad hauling s he lf. The antle r s trap s a ll o w p l e n t y o f a n ch o r s t o s e c ure that tro p hy o f a life time to the o u t s i d e o f t h e p a c k a s we l l .

S i t k a u s e s 3 -l a ye r m u l t i -d e ns ity hydro p ho b ic fo am p ads in the hi p a n d s h o u l d e r s t o p r o v i de c us hio ning that w o n’t c hafe unde r a f u l l y l o a d e d p a c k . I t h a s a d jus tab le s us p e ns io n and c o me s in b o th m e d i u m a n d l a r g e s i z e s . T h e hip b e lt and s ho ulde r yo ke p ro v ide a g o o d c u s t o m fi t . F u l l y e x te nde d p ac k, p o c ke ts and lid p ro v ide a t o t a l ca p a ci t y o f 6 2 0 0 c u b i c inc he s . The re is a Ve lc ro b e ar s p ray/ ho l s t e r h i p b e l t . T h i s p a ck co me s in b o th Op tifade Op e n C o untry as Scan this QR Code with we l l a s t h e n e w fo r e s t e d p a tte rn, Sub alp ine . The manufac ture r s ug your smart phone to view t h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s g e s t e d r e t a i l o n t h i s p a ck i s $595.

YouTube Channel.

THE MARSH VANTAGE IN D A E TH LF ANET — THE GIVE YOURSE P ON THE PL M PU T ES ST RY BOLT WITH THE FA MP. THE ROTA PU X® R PE SU ® ER NEAR WINCHESTER R SETUP OFF BA N IO CT A L UA NG SPEED. AND RIGID, D ISTED PUMPI SS A ATI ER IN TITION EFFORTLESS CE THE COMPE PERFORMAN F O BEAT. D ’T IN N K E CA IT’S TH , AND BIRDS CAN’T MATCH

WINCHESTER > HYBRID HU

NTER

18-WRA-164_SXP_Hybrid_Hunter_Ad_9_75x5_55.indd 1

W

A REGISTER INCHESTER IS

GUNS.COM

ED TRADEMAR

K OF OLIN CO

RPORATION.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS 4/20/18

41

2:19 PM

Video Product Reviews

Nikon Monarch 3000 Stabilized Rangefinder

A

s long-range shooting becomes more popular, getting accurate ranges is becoming more difficult.

As you reach out with your rangefinder, objects are hard to keep centered and your shaking hands are magnified until it is nearly impossible to focus on your target.

Nikon has built a rangefinder with the best of both worlds; all of the features you have come to expect from a Nikon rangefinder, as well as distance and stabilization, in one compact unit.

The Monarch 3000 offers stabilized ranging out to 3,000 yards, which is nearly two miles. To keep your target from getting lost at that distance, the Monarch 3000 features a 6X magnification viewfinder.

With a comfortable ergonomic exterior, the Monarch 3000 can be easily operated with just one hand. The rubberized exterior coating keeps it from slipping out of your hands, even in damp weather.

The coated optics are waterproof and fogproof to give Scan this QR Code with you a clear image, no matter the weather. The optical your smart phone to view coatings give you a bright clear image and the long the Sportsman's News YouTube Channel. eye relief and wide field of view let you easily acquire your target. Automatic or five manual levels of brightness options let the readings be visible no matter how bright or dark the ambient light.

The real metric of performance is how well and how fast it works to gather data. The internal, lightning fast HYPER READ Technology gives you fast ranging measurement and data computation. Coupled with the Nikon ID Technology to give you compensated range data for angle, the Monarch 3000 is an accurate and fast tool to get you on target quickly and easily.

This award-winning rangefinder offers two standard measurement modes: first target priority mode allows you to range an object as small as a fence post, while distant target priority mode displays the range of the farthest target among a group of targets measured.

Employing Nikon’s STABILIZED system, vibrations of the image in the viewfinder caused by wind, adrenaline, cold and other hand movements, are reduced and the irradiated laser is also aligned at the same time. Because you can direct the laser onto the target faster and more easily, the ease of measurement to a small target is greatly improved; all achieved by Nikon’s original technologies that are a fusion of vibration reduction and high-performance measurement function. These technologies work together to reduce to one fifth the amount of movement perceived through the eyepiece.

With a range of measurement between 8- to 3,000-yards, the Monarch 3000 Rangefinder from Nikon is a great tool for any weapon with which you might choose to hunt. Check it out at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse optics counter.

42 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

MARK

IV

TM

Simple, ONE BUTTON Takedown

While the heavily redesigned Ruger® Mark IV™ maintains the same classic outward appearance as the Ruger® Mark III™, it incorporates a significant improvement customers will love – a simple, one-button takedown for quick and easy field-stripping. A recessed button in the back of the frame allows the upper receiver to tilt up and off of the grip frame without the use of tools. The bolt simply slides out of the receiver and the barrel can be properly cleaned from chamber to muzzle.

Accurate, Adjustable Sighting System

Available in a Variety of Grip Configurations

Available in Hunter and Target Barrel Configurations

Ambidextrous Manual Safety Positively Locks the Sear When Applied

Simple, One-Button Takedown for Quick and Easy Field-Stripping (No Tools Required)

© 2017 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 013017

RUGER.COM/MARKIV Find Ruger:

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

43

Video Product Reviews

Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 15X56 Binoculars

H

unting the west and its vast open spaces requires glass and really good glass is key to sitting for extended periods of time. These extended periods of time are often what it takes to find that buck of a lifetime laying in the sagebrush.

Leupold has delivered an excellent, high magnification product in the BX-5 Santiam HD’s, which are not only good glass, but are ergonomically designed to allow for comfortable glassing for hours. Leupold employs the Abbe-Koenig prism, calcium-flouride lenses and fully phase coated glass and combined with the Xtended Twilight Lens system, gives you great low light, high magnification binoculars which will allow you to pick those shadows apart for as long as it takes, without severe eye fatigue.

Not only is the glass on these good, the chassis design is conducive to being comfortable and easy to adjust. Unless you have giant hands, the larger barrels of this 56mm object lens might feel a bit awkward if it weren’t for the perfectly placed thumb notches. The open hinge design allows for your fingers to wrap around the barrels and the large focus knob is right at your fingertips. Handholding 15X binoculars isn’t the ideal situation, but based on the design, you

can pull it off for short glassing sessions. Binoculars of this magnification should be used on a tripod and Leupold has included a universal tripod mount in the package which is ideal for settling in for long glassing sessions.

They are equipped with rollup eye cups for those that wear glass as well as a diopter adjustment to insure both eyes are focused perfectly.

The BX-5 HD’s weigh in at 45 ounces and come in either a shadow gray finish or Sitka Gear’s ever popular Subalpine pattern. The aluminum housing is shrouded in a rubber armor coating which is not only durable, but provides a very positive grab.

You can’t harvest trophy animals unless you find them and most hunters give up on glassing way too early in the game and start burning boot leather. The Leupold BX-5 HD 15X56 binoculars are the first step, giving you a comfortable platform to spend Scan this QR Code with hours, if not days behind your your smart phone to view optics, helping you find that buck the Sportsman's News YouTube Channel. of a lifetime.

T

adjustments for windage were exact.

For western hunting and long-range shooting, these two models of V6 scopes are as good as you can get and their low light capabilities are extraordinary. This high-end scope line has a lower magnification unit in the 1-6X24, which has significantly different applications, but is great for dangerous game and closer shots.

Zeiss Conquest V6 Riflescope he V6 scope by Zeiss, in the Conquest line of scopes, utilizes Flouride lenses with T* lens coating to achieve an unbelievable 92% light transmission.

This scope is excellent in its’ low light performance, but it doesn’t stop there - it excels in all aspects of testing.

Made in Germany and designed on a 30mm tube, which gives this scope a tremendous amount of travel for elevation and windage, the 3-18X50 model gives you a whopping 103 minutes of vertical and 58 minutes of horizontal adjustment. Just to give you an example of how much adjustment that is, one of our .26 Nosler test rifle utilizes 15 minutes of adjustment out to the first 1000 yards. The higher magnification model, which is the 5-30X50, delivers 62 minutes of vertical adjustment and 34 on windage.

The six-time variable magnification range on this line of scopes allows you to have a scope that is ideal for timber and close quarters and the minute you step out of the trees, you have what it takes to get pinpoint accuracy with the high-end magnification. The 5-30X50 gives you a magnification range on a 30” tube that other manufactures put on a much larger platform. This gives you the opportunity to have a high magnification scope for a long-range sheep gun without having excessive weight. The 3-18X50 weighs in at 22-ounces and the 5-30X50 is 26-ounces. Both have parallax adjustment and the large zoom ring is extremely smooth and easy to move from low to high magnification.

Being able to see your target is extremely important to being accurate, but the other thing that is important is trackability of the scope. What this means is when you adjust your scope eight clicks up with 1/4 MOA adjustment as these scopes have, your point of impact should move 2” up at 100 yards or where we usually test at 500 yards is 10”. If your scope doesn’t track, adjusting your turret for long range shots won’t be correct. This isn’t the problem with the V6 series of scopes. We tested them in Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view conjunction with the new Victory RangeFinding bint h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s oculars and after having the correct data input into YouTube Channel. the system, all the up and down as well as horizontal

44 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Eberlestock X1A3 Pack

F

or more than 10 years, the X1 pack from Eberlestock has been one of the top selling packs for serious backcountry hunters. Now in its fourth generation, the newest version, the X1A3, has refined the design to provide even speedier access to your bow, without removing the pack.

With an integrated Ripcord Tether & Quickdraw Backscabbard, the bow is supported between the two, large tubular front pouches and held in place by a detachable tether. With a snap of the parachute clip, the bow can be drawn by grasping the cam and pulling it over your shoulder. All of this can be done on the move without removing the pack.

In addition to the bow scabbard is an integral rifle scabbard. The wider taper of the scabbard allows it to carry a wide range of rifles, including modern sporting rifles with their longer magazines. When not in use, the bottom of the rifle scabbard tucks up inside the pack, out of the way.

The large tubular pockets on the front run the full height of the pack to accommodate longer spotting scopes and tripods. Overall, the pack holds 1,500 cubic inches, not including the rifle scabbard. This makes it a roomy pack for several days on the trail, scouting, placing cameras or getting in position to lay in a stalk.

The pack comes with an internal Gossamer frame for stability and comfort, but is also compatible with the Intex II external tubular frame, so you can haul out the harvest at the end of the day.

The large hydration pocket means you can accommodate Eberlestock’s 100-liter hydration bladder for plenty of water for Scan this QR Code with the long trail. your smart phone to view The wide, comfortable waist belt has MOLLE attachment the Sportsman's News loops for a holster, knife or other gear. They also will accomYouTube Channel.

modate the Eberlestock Small Padded Accessory Pouches for even more storage that is easily accessible for needed items.

These padded pouches are ideal for a camera, radio, GPS or other delicate items.

Wide shoulder straps with mesh inserts allow them to breathe and permit good airflow.

A padded mesh back gives excellent comfort when loaded as well as great airflow to keep your back dry.

The X1A3 comes in your choice of Western Slope, Doppelganger and Timber Veil HideOpen Camo patterns or in solid Coyote Brown brushed suede material. All of the materials are soft and quiet, as well as water resistant and rugged, just what you would expect from a company with a reputation for quality like Eberlestock. Check out the X1A3 Pack the next time you visit your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

The Secret Weapon of BBQ Perfection...

Now at Sportman’s Warehouse

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

45

Sig Sauer Electro-Optics BDX System PRO'S PICK

By Michael Deming

E

very year, the industry trade shows open their doors to share all the latest and greatest products available for the upcoming season. Usually there are some that have a cool factor and some of them are products a lot of us would like to have. However, there is seldom something that comes along that has the ability to revolutionize the way we have done something for most of our life. An example of this would be the invention of the internet. I can’t imagine life without the internet and when I tell my children that we used to actually look stuff up at the library, they reaffirm just how old I am. Changes like these are talked about for lifetimes and Sig Sauer’s launch of the BDX system has the ability to be this powerful to the hunting market.

Nearly all of us carry a rangefinder as well as have a riflescope. Some of us are well trained, long- range shooters and some of us still utilize good old-fashioned Arkansas windage/holdover in hope we hit that target that is out past our zero. Most people have a decent idea of the ballistics of their rifle out to about 400 yards. In other words, “hold just over the top of that bucks back and let ‘er rip”, is something I’ve heard way too much of over the last 20 years. The definition of just over the back leaves a lot to translation.

Sig Sauer’s Electro-Optics division has developed a family of products which can eliminate this problem for all hunters without breaking the bank. Imagine you are sizing up the buck of a lifetime with your riflescope, with your good buddy by your side, ready to give you the range. You are nice and settled in behind the rifle and this buck is big. He is 30” plus and has points coming from everywhere. However, your good buddy gathers the range data on three different times and each time, it is hitting 520 yards. The wind is dead calm and the buck has no idea that you are anywhere in the country. Unfortunately, there is a big canyon between you and him and there is no way to get closer. You don’t shoot enough to have gotten a custom turret for your scope and you just don’t like messing with the dials. You know the exact yardage, but the holdover is a guess and you have about a 12” kill zone on the buck of a lifetime.

Now just think, if you could just hit that range button and the crosshairs were right where you needed them to be, you could take the guesswork out of this stressful situation. That exact product is what we are talking about here and ready for you to use.

46 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

I had the opportunity to field test a prototype of this product on a west Texas Aoudad hunt this spring. We were hunting with the President of the Electro-Optics Division, Andy York. He had brought down a completely setup Sig Sauer rifle, in 6.5 Creedmoor, with this setup ready to go. He also brought a scope and rangefinder which had been paired and ready. All we needed to do was plug in my ballistic data; muzzle velocity, bullet b.c., length of bullet, etc. and we would be good to go.

We set up 24” steel targets from 300 yards out to 800 yards at varying distances.

With one person behind the rifle and another person gathering ranges, we were able to run the whole course in less than a minute for five different targets. Once we hit the range button on the rangefinder, it transmitted the appropriate holdover and lit up one of 76 different hold marks within the riflescope. The results were quick, accurate and unbelievable. Every shot was right on target, which meant that the ballistic data as well as the exchange of this corrected data to the riflescope was complete.

It totally took the guesswork out of where to hold and better yet, it eliminated the need to adjust the turret. This reduction in time and steps could be the difference between filling a tag or going home empty handed.

Andy held an Aoudad tag in his pocket for this hunt and since the range work was perfect, we couldn’t wait to get into the field where we could put this setup to the test. It didn’t take long to find a shooter ram and we closed the gap to right at 300 yards. We were shooting cross-canyon at a fairly steep angle and the wind was very gusty. When Andy squeezed the trigger, the shot hit very forward on the broadside sheep, as we had misread the wind. The big ram whirled and started heading downhill and was getting further away with every step. The guide was continually ranging and once the ram slowed, Andy’s scope had gotten corrected data for the longer yardage and now compensated for more wind than the first shot. He made a fatal shot. The entire setup had proven itself once again.

Had we been required to adjust the turret, this added time would have put the ram out of sight and our job of tracking would have begun.

Nearly everyone that spends a lot of time in the field knows that they need a rangefinder as well as a riflescope and why not make it a Sig Sauer Electro-Optics BDX. The rangefinders look identical to the previous versions of these Sig rangefinders and process data just as quick. You would think this added technology would increase the price, but this isn’t the case. The rangefinders will be available in the KILO1400BDX, KILO1800BDX, KILO2200BDX, KILO2400BDX and KILO3000BDX. The SIERRA3BDX riflescopes will be available in 3.5-10X42, 4.5-14X44 and 6.5-20X52.

Rangefinders will start at $299.99 MSRP and riflescopes will be $599.99 MSRP.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

47

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

Venison Enchilada Pie

A

dd a little Tex-Mex to your menu with this easy to make crowd pleaser. This is a great “one pan meal” to fix in a jiffy. You can use any type of venison (game meat) that is ground. Fat does not need to be added to the meat if you are grinding it fresh for the purists out there. Add as much heat as you prefer or keep the recipe original to appease the whole family and your serving individually. Meat, cheese, and sour cream… C’mon you need to try this dish!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 pound ground Venison • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed • 1 4-ounce can diced green chilies

Preparation Method

• 2-3 cups red enchilada sauce • 8-12 ounces shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese • 1 cup sour cream • 10-12 small corn tortillas cut in half • ½ cup pitted, sliced black olives • 1 tomato, diced • 1 jalapeno sliced into thin rings

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. I used a 12” cast iron pan to cook and bake this whole dish. If you want to use a separate baking dish you can. You will need a 2-3 quart size.

Heat the olive oil in your frying pan over med-high heat. Add in the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until translucent. Stir in the venison and cook for 6-8 minutes or

48 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

until browned, breaking up the meat so it doesn’t clump. Spoon off any grease so that the meat can brown, and the pie won’t be too runny. Toss in the garlic, taco seasoning, beans, and chilies. Also add ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce. The taco seasoning will supply all the salt you need in this recipe, so there is no reason to add more. You can “kick it up at this point with your favorite hot sauce, some cayenne pepper, or my personal favorite, a fresh chopped habanero. Simmer the mixture for a couple of minutes until all the ingredients are well blended. Remove to a bowl to assemble the pie in the pan. There is no need to clean the pan as the “fond” will just add to the flavor.

Pour enough enchilada sauce in the pan to cover the bottom. Arrange some of the tortillas in the pan to cover the sauce. Put a layer of about half of the meat mixture in next. Add 1/3 of the cheese over the top. Dollop some of the sour cream onto the cheese. Pour about a half cup of enchilada sauce on and your first layer of the pie is complete!

Place another layer of tortillas on next, followed by the rest of the meat. Another 1/3 of the cheese goes in with some more sour cream dolloped evenly around. Use another ½ cup of the sauce and then top again with tortillas. Finish with the rest of the cheese and the remaining enchilada sauce. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has browned.

Take from the oven and let is rest for at least 5 minutes. Top with more sour cream, the olives, diced tomato, and sliced jalapenos.

This will go hand in hand with any Mexican Beer. Or try my favorite. A margarita on the rocks, salt.

Cheers!

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

49

Adventures On A Budget

Kenai River Area – DIY

By Joe Glotz

A

laska is definitely one of those places that dreams are made of. I can’t think of a better place to visit if you are looking for beautiful surroundings and plenty of sites, along with, of course, some of the most outstanding fishing opportunities available anywhere in the world.

To be honest, if you are thinking of an Alaska trip and you have never traveled there before, if fishing is what you are looking for, I would highly recommend staying at a lodge that includes a guided fishing package. Expecting to go to Alaska, cold turkey and catch fish after fish like your friends have told you they did on their last trip just isn’t going to happen if you don’t know the ins and outs of the areas and the fisheries.

But, for the person that likes getting out on their own, exploring new waters and wetting a line as little or as much in a day as they want, well once you learn the ropes, more power to you.

This article is centered around one of the most accessible areas of Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula. A flight into Anchorage and then a stop at the rental car counter can have you on your way to some outstanding fishing in a matter of a couple of hours.

I like to base myself in the Soldotna area, as it is pretty centrally located to all of the following areas. Stand-alone accommodations are available, as well as camping areas for those that like to rough it a little extra. Grocery stores and sit-down and fast food establishments are plentiful and there is even a conveniently located Sportsman’s Warehouse in the middle of town that can supply you with just about everything you will need for a successful stay.

The following are just a few of the best places to visit if you are looking to catch some fish in the Kenai River area. There are plenty of other great spots as well and once you have ventured there a couple of times, I am sure you will be able to add to the list.

50 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Kenai and Russian River Confluence

The Russian river is a clear stream flowing from Upper Russian Lake, through Lower Russian Lake and then emptying into the Kenai River at mile marker 55 on the Sterling Highway. The famous Kenai/Russian River Ferry is located at the confluence of the rivers to carry fishermen to what is perhaps the busiest fishing spot in Alaska.

There are two distinct sockeye runs that return to this area. The early run usually arrives by June 15th, with the second or “late-run” fish usually arriving in mid-July. The second run has a much larger number of fish making it into the system through the Kenai (over a million annually), but only about 60,000 make it into the Russian River. This is why the confluence is such a popular place during June and July each summer.

Many people also visit this area to see the Russian River Falls and Weir – watching and photographing the thousands of salmon leap the falls on their upstream migration. Between watching the fish and watching the fisherman, well, let’s just say your day can be chock full of excitement!

Much of this area is designated as ‘fly fishing only’. Now in this case, I like the action of a fly rod in fishing for sockeye myself, but you gain a lot of leverage when using a conventional rod and reel, which is legal in this case as long as you are still using the same weight and fly setup. Sockeye are pelagic and feed on plankton and other organisms. When they are swimming upstream, theirs mouths are continuously opening and closing to capture those organisms, hence the terms “lining or flossing” come into play when fishing for them. If you can figure out the right amount of weight to put on your line to get you in the zone, when you feel your line stop, set the hook and hold on for dear life! And, oh by the way, only fish caught around the mouth can be retained. All others must be immediately released.

Ninilchik River

Adventures On A Budget

The regulations and seasons for this fishery are very complex and often change, so be sure to obtain a Cook Inlet Sport Fishing Regulation Summary and read it closely. In fact, always make sure to watch for ‘Emergency Orders’ enacted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game that can affect many waters in the area throughout the season.

Although best known for the excellent halibut fishing and clam digging nearby, the Ninilchik River supports a very good king salmon fishery in May and June, as well as a silver run in August.

The rivers’ returning kings are pretty well protected, with a limited number of days each year open to fishermen because of pressure and the rivers’ small flows. Fishing is limited to the lower two miles of the river, although most anglers fish well below this point, with maybe its most popular stretch in the boat basin right at the river’s mouth.

August sees a fair return of silver’s, with fly fishermen doing well with bunny leaches and conventional tackle guys throwing spinners or a glob of eggs (roe) under a bobber. Make sure you watch the tides when you are visiting this area, as the best fishing will be just prior to and just after high tide.

Deep Creek

Mention the phrase ‘Deep Creek’ and most Kenai Peninsula anglers conjure up dreams of big Alaskan halibut. But

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

51

to small stream anglers, ‘Deep Creek’ has a whole other meaning. Located just to the south of the town of Ninilchik, Alaska, Deep Creek is perhaps the most popular of the three southern streams of the Kenai Peninsula.

With two State of Alaska Recreation area accesses, the lower end of this river is quite accessible to bank anglers.

The creek’s mouth (although named a ‘creek’, Deep Creek actually is larger than the Ninilchik River ) is a popular launch site for the Deep Creek halibut fleet as well as private boats wishing to fish for halibut or partake in the offshore king fishery.

Supporting a hatchery-enhanced natural run of king salmon, the river also offers a shot at pink and silver salmon later in the summer months. Deep Creek also provides a fine Dolly Varden fishery for both resident and anadromous varieties, although the sea-run is more prevalent.

Eggs, spoons, and spinners all are effective on each of the salmon species, as well as the dollies.

As with the Ninilchik River, Deep Creek is open for king salmon fishing on Memorial Day weekend and the following two weekends (remember, weekends are: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).

After the king season closure, Deep Creek re-opens for dollies on the first of July - later in July pinks and then silvers return. Deep Creek also hosts a small run of native steelhead, sometimes surprising anglers later in the year.

Homer Spit Enhancement Lagoon

What do you get when you dig a large man-made pool on the end of Alaska’s Homer Spit and then plant it with a decent run of Alaskan king salmon in addition to silver and pink salmon? In no sense of the word, a true Alaska wilderness expe-

52 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

rience; the ‘Spit Lagoon’ or ‘Fishing Hole’ is one of the most unique recreational salmon fisheries available to anglers anywhere!

A ‘terminal fishery’ in the truest sense, the returning salmon have no place to spawn - good news for anglers, bad news for the fish. Nearly all of the returning fish are available for sport harvest, as only a small fraction is needed for an egg take to continue the stocking program run by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Most years, anywhere from 3,000 - 6,000 kings are caught in this fishery. Similar to the run timing on other peninsula king salmon fisheries, the run gets going in the latter half of May and peaks in mid-June, with kings available through July.

The pink salmon fishery is primarily a July and early August show. Weighing in from 3-5 pounds, the pinks are far and away the easiest of the salmon to catch, making them a favorite of young anglers. As the pinks’ numbers begin to dwindle, the Coho show up in force and provide anglers with a whole new round of fishing for silver salmon that average about 7-10 pounds through the month of August into early September.

Spoons, spinners and eggs fished solo or under a bobber are all popular offerings to all of the returning salmon. Even if you choose to not participate in the fishery, it’s a good show to watch and a nice way to spend an afternoon enjoying lunch and the most southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula.

As I mentioned earlier, if you are looking for a host of opportunities and the scenery to match, the Kenai Peninsula is at the top of the list. Now as far as an adventure on a budget, the remoteness of Alaska will definitely add a few dollars to your total bill, but if you do it right and scrimp a little on the extravagant luxuries to enhance the necessities, there is truly no place in the world better if you are looking to fulfil your fishing adventure dreams.

MOMENTUM

FRANCHIUSA.COM

INTRODUCING THE FRANCHI MOMENTUM RIFLE FLUTED BOLT BODY, 3 LOCKING LUGS

Feels right: like no other rifle before, the Franchi Momentum was created from the ground up on ergonomics, fit and feel. With its 150-year tradition of crafting fine Italian firearms, Franchi knows that when the gun feels right, the day, the camaraderie and the whole outdoor experience will also feel right.

HAMMER-FORGED PRECISION BARREL, THREADED MUZZLE

Features: Contoured stock giving perfect hold in 5 common shooting positions; glass-smooth action; 1-piece bolt body; adjustable trigger (2-4 lbs.); recoil- soaking TSA pad; free-floating, hammer-forged barrel; threaded muzzle.

The Momentum is available as a rifle only or as a scoped package.

Available in the following calibers: .243 Win, .270 Win, .30-06, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag & 6.5 Creedmoor.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

53

OUTDOOR WRITER'S CONTEST

This One's For You, Dad

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

By Kurt Burnham

he year 2017 was filled with tremendous highs and lows. The highest high came in June when after 30+ years my home state of Montana decided to let me hunt a bighorn ram. Then in July the lowest of lows when my father passed onto greener pastures. The greatest man I have ever known. Not only did he light my fire for the love of the outdoors by taking me and my siblings on numerous outdoor adventures, teaching us everything he knew about survival, hunting, fishing, shooting and camping. As a rancher he passed on his love for the land and the conservation of everything in it. I made a promise that day that this hunt would be dedicated to his memory.

This hunt was to be a true wilderness hunt. Unlike a lot of areas in Montana mine had only 1 road to a trailhead. Part of the area is even inside the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

First I started by tracking down every sheep I could locate that had been harvested in my area or the ones surrounding it so I could get a better idea of the potential and what I could expect to harvest . A 180 class ram would be larger than average. Everyone told me to just wait for the rut as very few rams called my area home most would migrate in just for the rut. Probably good advice, but how could anyone just sit there and not go look, I sure couldn’t. So starting in July I packed in on my mules every chance I had both preseason and when it opened in September. I saw lots of wildlife, elk, deer, ewes and lambs but never any rams.

When I applied for this area I didn’t give much thought to the logistics and prepara-

54 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

tion this hunt would require, or the expenses. I just thought it had slightly better odds of drawing. Why??? Because of the difficult access I found out. First I got new tires for my truck and horse (mule) trailer. Then there is the forest rule that to leave a camp unattended all bear attractants must be 10 feet off the ground,or in bear proof pack boxes , or inside a forest approved bear proof electric fence. So I got the boxes and fence, both of which I had wanted for years but now had to have. My most useful purchase was an SOS device. My wife loved it especially when one time she went with me we came across a huge set of grizzly tracks. I could text her when I arrived at camp or was headed home and she could get a hold of me if needed and could see on a map exactly where I was. So she didn’t worry about me as much. I also had to get shoes on my mules for the first time in their lives. The trail along Gibson Reservoir is blasted out of the cliffs so being solid rock would chew up their unshod feet in short order

OUTDOOR WRITER'S CONTEST

and they wouldn’t make the whole season. I made lists upon lists of gear and food including 500 lbs. of feed for the mules. My plan was to pack in a wall tent and wood stove on Nov. 8th and stay until Nov. 19th if needed. So much to worry about I was really getting stressed out. I got a married couple talked into staying around camp to keep the tent warm and the water and food from freezing. Another friend who I had guided with in Alaska was coming to hunt with me.

Then came the big storm the week before I was to pack in. It started snowing on Wednesday. My friends and I drove up on Thursday to check it out and hiked in about 3 miles with snow up to our knees, and it wouldn’t stop snowing for 3 more days. Almost lost my truck in the ditch on the way out. People had chains on all fours and on their trailers. Now I was really worried about just getting my mules to the trailhead let alone packing in camp which would take several trips and setting it all up on top of 4 feet of snow. Was it worth injuring one of my animals or wrecking a vehicle and maybe hurting my friends? I was so stressed out that what should have been a fun and enjoyable once in a lifetime hunt wasn’t.

Time for plan B. I called Adam and Emily Wallis owners of the K Bar L ranch which is the only private land inside the Bob Marshall due to a land grant that was originally given to a civil war soldier in lew of the pay he was owed that the government couldn’t pay. Its 7 miles from the trailhead and any road. In spring and early summer it is accessible by boat but as irrigation water is used during the summer the reservoir becomes so low that the only way in is by horse or mule. It’s a beautiful place at Medicine Hot Springs and very near to one of the hot spots for the sheep rut. Was there any way they could get me to their lodge? They were all booked up but since I didn’t need a guide just a horse to get me around and a place to sleep and eat we made a plan.

I was to meet them at the trailhead at 11:30 November 9th, of course I was early snoozing in my truck when I looked up to see a bighorn ewe in the corral licking a salt

block. A good sign I hoped! When they arrived I saddled up a horse named Pal and packed my bag and some of theirs on their mule Clyde. They sent me on my way as I knew where I was going and would meet me at the lodge after they packed up the rest of their string of mules. About 6 ½ miles in I spotted some sheep on top of a ridge, tied up and got out my spotting scope. Lots of ewes, lambs and some small rams. Was about ready to pack it up and continue on when 4 huge rams walked out of a timbered draw below the ridge.

Any one of which by himself would have been a shooter. I would need to move fast to close the distance as darkness would be coming soon. Below the rams was a fish and game cabin so I rode there and used the hitching rail to tie up my animals. the sheep were in a great spot to stalk where I could stay in some timber while closing the distance. Soon I was within 100 yards. Now to decide which one I liked the best, hard to do with them feeding with heads down and butts to me and so close together they were almost touching each other. Either they were really good friends or the rut wasn’t in full swing or maybe they were too old to care. 2 had really tight, curls so I would not choose one of them. They were all broomed off around the full curl point but the one I liked was a little wider than the rest. Now that I had decided, would he ever get clear of the rest before dark? It seemed like forever but probably only 15 min or so he finally gave me a shot and instantly slid down the slope right into the draw they had walked out of an hour earlier.

I got to him looked up and said thanks for all your help dad I know you were with me, this one’s for you. Keep your eye out in your green pastures for this beautiful ram Somehow Adam and Emily had passed me and made it to the lodge to find out that I hadn’t arrived. It took me quite some time to snap a few pictures and with my headlamp, life-size cape and quarter my ram while looking over my shoulder for grizzly bears. So I pulled into the lodge several hours after dark in a rainstorm just when they were getting ready to come searching thinking I had missed the trail and was lost. Not lost just a little busy!! I spent Friday being lazy taking care of the meat and cape making new friends and eating great food. Saturday morning I rode back out with all the elk hunters who had finished their week at the lodge.

The toughest hunt I had ever planned for ended being one of my easiest but what a 5 month long adventure of a lifetime that will never be forgotten along with my dad.

Note: I think the ram will just miss the book but won’t know till drying period is over but he was 10 years old where the average is 7 couldn’t have asked for anything better.

June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

55

56 June 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS