May 2014 Sportsman's News Digital Edition

SportsmansNews.com

May 2014

Volume 10 Issue 5

Year-round Big Game Hunting

Kelly Dolph, Reed Dolph, Cael Dolph, Dakota Dolph, and Bret Dolph enjoy a family experience of auodad and javalina hunting at Steve Jone's Backcountry Hunts in Marfa, Texas.

THIS IS NOT A TRAIL.

By Michael Deming

T

he end of the big game hunting season has always been a very big disappointment to me. As a child, I was more excited about opening day of deer season than Christmas. I could never sleep the night before the opener and I greeted each day with vigor. I’m sure I drove my uncle and grandfather crazy. We would always spend our full week at hunting camp which seemed to come and go way too quickly. Since we were a family of very moderate means, this local big game hunt was all I had to get me through to the following year. Sure we hunted upland birds, small game and waterfowl, but the true big game hunter in me always wanted more.

When I got older, my definition of success was the ability to expand my reaches of big game hunting. I started bow hunting and muzzleloader hunting to expand my seasons and time in the woods. I started hunting multiple states which expanded my time in the woods even more, but still found myself wanting more. I knew trips to other continents would provide me a bigger opportunity, but this was continued on page 6

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

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f you’re anything like me and the other hundreds of hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts out there, getting off the grid is half of the fun. We wait all week, all month and sometimes even all year for that perfect trip.

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WHAT'S INSIDE

2 SPOT From The Publisher 3 Words Writer's Contest: Tag Team Mule 5 Deer 10 Platinum Approved Outfitters 16 Long Range Drop Data 20 Big Sand Lake Lodge 22 Family Camping Fun 24 Video Product Reviews 30 Summer Tent Roundup Outdoors: Sundial 34 PacWest Rainbows

36 Pro's Pick: Jumping Jack Trailer 38 Beretta Px4 Storm Compact 40 Business Directory Archery Tips: One Step at a 42 Time 43 Fishful thinker: Why Fish Bite 46 Wheels Afield: Dodge Durango Corner: Screaming 50 Outfitter Bulls in Utah Game Recipe: Venison 52 Wild Steak and Smashed Potatoes Contest: Remember 53 Writing When

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

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jay Remy Shane Adair Gary Lewis Shane Chuning Chad LaChance Andy Lightbody Steve Mayer Kent Francis

Words From The Publisher

By Michael Deming

E

very month I use this column to make our readers aware of things I think are the most important and worth their time. This month, we have some extremely important announcements which you are going to want to be involved in. Our gun and gear giveaway program has always been a big reason for people to be an active member of the Sportsman’s News community. We have finalized a plan with two of the very best and well known gun manufactures to bring some high end rifles, pistols and shotguns to our members. Browning and Beretta will become a staple here with the Sportsman’s News group and our members. We are extremely excited to have such quality weapons in our arsenal to test, review and pass on to our readers.

Some of the guns on our list of 2014/15 giveaways are truly exceptional pieces of craftsmanship. We aren’t going to disclose the entire list at this time, but getting your monthly copy of Sportsman’s News in hand at the local Sportsman’s Warehouse store or a free digital copy to your inbox will keep you up to speed. This month’s giveaways will be the Browning Buckmark pistol and the Beretta PX4 Storm. Both are excellent weapons and performed extremely well in our testing.

This will be the first time in our history that we have given away two guns in one month, but you can’t win if you don’t enter. Our digital subscribers will be eligible to win the Beretta pistol and the Browning Buckmark will be awarded to one of our website forum participants.

If you haven’t subscribed to the Sportsman’s News digital edition, you can do so at our homepage of www.sports-

mansnews.com. Not only will you get a chance to win this awesome pistol, you will also be presented with great information on many topics within the pages of the printed version of the Sportsman’s News. This includes information about travel destinations, guns and gear, and hardcore testing of products. The digital edition will have additional pages not seen in the printed version as well. We have been working on digital edition specific columns for a few months now.

One will consist of information on where to travel on a budget, since we know not everyone can afford to do guided hunts and fishing trips like you see on the cover every month. These will be do-it-yourself types of trips or inexpensive guided trips within nearly everyone’s budget. Our wild game cooking expert, Steve Mayer from Wild Game Wines, has agreed to continue his column. He shows us how to prepare everything from moose to muskrat and what wine will bring out

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the flavors in these dishes. This is just a sample of some of the digital only articles that will be available. If you have already subscribed, you are eligible to win. Remember, winners will not just be drawn from new entries and you are eligible to win more than once.

Our forum has been in existence for nearly four years now and we have a good number of daily visitors to the site.

At last check, we were approaching thirteen thousand members on our forum.

These members are from all over the country making this a very well-rounded community. It is a great place to go for information as well as getting the ability to win some great guns and gear. If you sign up for our forum, you will be entered to win. Signing up for the digital edition and the forum are two totally different sign ups, so make sure you register for both. You can increase your chance of winning every month by becoming an active participant in the forums. For every twenty-five posts, we will give you an additional chance at winning. We have some members who have over a hundred chances in the hat every month, but we’ve also had winners who have never made a single post.

As the publisher of this magazine, I want to thank you for your continued patronage and readership. Because of our community and its’ size, we have the ability to secure great prizes to share with you. The bigger this community gets, the better the prizes will get.

Thank You,

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

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

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

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

Subscribers should contact Managing Editor for changes of address.

Sportsman's News is published monthly.

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May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Tag Team Mule Deer

By Jay Remy

“ ey, there was a deer right there,” Pat said, pointing right behind me. I turned and looked up at the barren ridge top 20 feet away. “Right there? You’re kidding!” I said. “I’m not kidding. A doe just popped over the ridge right behind you and did an about face.”

At this point in the hunt, neither of us was in a kidding mood—we were tired from miles of hiking. But hope springs eternal for the mule deer hunter, so we scrambled up to the crest and I flopped down on my belly. Pat remained on his feet and trained his spotting scope on the gully below as I deployed the bipod on my .30-06.

After two days of missed opportunities, we had come to the conclusion that big mule deer were not going to wait around. The rut was at a fever pitch and the bucks were frantic to find ladies in the mood. The close ones disappeared before I could shoot and the distant ones were gone whenever we finished a long stalk. Long stalks don’t work on highly mobile bucks. If only we could get close and gain a moment to prepare for the shot, we could close the deal. But time was running out on our dream trip.

We had seen some nice ones each time out. One buck was a large four-point on one side with a 2-foot spike on the other side. He ran off to chase a little buck over three ridges before I could get within 300 yards.

H

As we sat down for a water break, a wide typical four-point came on a rope toward us. He approached within 40 yards of Pat, although I could not see him without moving and getting busted.

Pat coached me to wait him out for a short, easy shot. But with only one small pine blocking my view, the buck smelled a doe’s scent on the wind and trotted off into the one large patch of timber within 20 miles. Unfortunately, his course kept the tree between us until he was into the woods.

After the third nice buck, a very heavy five-point, hurried out of our lives due to his social life, we knew we had to change tactics. Since Pat was not packing a rifle, we decided to take a page out of the professional wrestling playbook—tag team.

If we spotted any deer, I would get ready to shoot while Pat used his optics to determine if a buck was in the group and if so, whether he was a shooter. By the third time, this routine was pretty smooth. One of us would spot deer and each person would do his part without hesitation. Now, we were seeing mostly does and little bucks.

I felt good about having a working game plan, but not so good about the amount of time left in our hunt. We had promised our hosts, a great southeast Montana ranching family, that we would be out of their hair by Thanksgiving morning. Through a series of unpredicted circumstances, our deer hunt had been reduced to three days and we were coming down the back side of Day 2.

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

“Yep, there’s a buck down there. If you get a chance, shoot him,” said my tagless friend. Pat had come along from our hometown in Oregon to help me get a buck and to hunt pheasants. He had already bagged a bunch of roosters on the trip, but he was mostly there to help me fulfill my dream of my first mule deer better then a forked horn.

I spotted movement 100 yards below us as a doe trotted out of the gully bottom and crossed diagonally right to left on the hillside in front of us. She stopped on the trail about 130 yards straight in front of my position. Because a tree blocked my view, I did a log roll and refocused on the deer through my scope. “OK, here comes the buck,” Pat whispered.

Pat knew that my personal best would be any three-point as all I had ever gotten were forked horns. Every time I spotted a three-point the first day, he wouldn’t let me shoot despite my pleading “I’ve never shot a three-point!” He always answered, “That’s not the deer you came for! Let him go!”

I spotted movement again. As the doe disappeared over the next ridgeline, the buck trotted up the trail following her lead. When he got to the spot where the doe had stood, Pat and I both did our best imitation of a sick lamb bleating for his mama. At first the buck didn’t hear.

Again, in unison, we belted out “blehhhhhhhh!” This time he heard.

The buck stopped and turned his head

toward us. “OK, I’m on him,” I said.

“Then shoot him,” Pat replied matterof-factly. “Boom!” A 165-grain Hornady bullet from my Model 70 zipped across the draw. I was a bit surprised when the deer took off up the hill like nothing had happened other than a loud noise. So I racked the bolt and caught him in my scope again. “Don’t shoot, he doesn’t need it!” Pat commanded. I replied that he should have at least turned and gone downhill. “I was looking at him on 19 power when you hit him. He’s going to die,” Pat said.

“Are you sure?” I asked as the buck neared the far ridge top. “He’s got blood running down both front legs. Go ahead and shoot again if you want to knock a horn off!” my friend snapped. Just as the trail took him around the corner, my buck fell over. He regained his footing for a second then toppled one last time.

“I told you he was center punched!”

Pat said.

“Well, buddy, you still haven’t shot a three-point,” Pat said. “The side sticking up out of the grass has five points on it!”

At that moment I hugged Pat so hard he said I picked a hell of a time to show him my hidden feelings. “Don’t flatter yourself!” I replied and then set about validating my deer tag.

The packout was long and tough.

My truck was far away. But hauling the burden of the venison on our backs was lightened because we did that as a team too—a tag team.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTS continued from cover

going to take some major resources. Even though I have squeezed in a few of these trips over the years, raising three daughters with my wife as a writer and videographer doesn’t bode well with the budget.

Four years ago, we made a spring trip to west Texas to hunt Barbary sheep with Steve Jones Back Country Hunts. I had heard these critters referred to as the poor man’s sheep on several of the outdoor forums. Those who had hunted them on big tracts of private or public ground had great respect for them as a game animal and a few even referred to them as one of the toughest and most elusive big game animals they had ever hunted. Sounded like a big trophy mule deer in my mind and since this hunt was in late March, I had just figured out how to extend my season on a quality animal and not break the bank.

At the end of the first hunt, I had taken a beating. Several of the guys in our group were able to harvest exceptional rams. I had taken my archery tackle and lost the

battle, but was committed to coming back and winning the war. The next year, I left my archery gear at home and headed back with my long range rifle and was able to secure a 29.5” ram. The following year, I was able to top the 30 inch mark and took a bruiser 31.5” ram. During all of these hunts, I developed one of the greatest respects for this extremely wary and elusive animal. I learned that their eyesight is second to none and they are extremely tough to hunt. They live in some of the rockiest, nastiest country you can imagine. The desert of west Texas is loaded with cactus, cat claw and hundreds of other bushes and shrubs waiting to grab, poke or bite you.

The terrain is steep and walking on it is a lot like forging through baseballs stacked on marbles. However, I’m now addicted to chasing these exciting African animals which have developed their home in west Texas for over a half a century.

This year, I invited some really good friends to share the experience. Brett and Kelly Dolph from Colorado brought their young boys and Mike McNett from DoubleTap Ammo rounded out the group.

Things were definitely set for another great time and taking our normal last week of

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Mike McNett (Owner of DoubleTap Ammo) with a giant first day ram. This old warrior had broomed off over six inches of horn on each side and is a true trophy.

March was once again extending my hunt- was the full package. Guide Dave Caling season for big game. loway thought he would definitely make Hunting Aoudad or Barbary sheep, the 28 inch mark and with the hair he had, whichever name you prefer, is a game of he was definitely a shooter. glassing and patients, which is very similar We chose to leave the majority of the to trophy mule deer hunting. So each and group up at the vantage point and move every morning, we would get up at camp, in for an attempt with myself behind the enjoy a hot breakfast and settle in behind camera, Kelly Dolph as the shooter and high powered optics in hopes of turning Dave as the guide. As we closed the gap, up a big ram to spend the rest of the day we were getting radio updates from the getting within rifle range of. After several group above of the location of the rams. hours behind the glass without turning We were shocked when Steve Jones told us up a shooter, we decided it was time for a to get set up since the rams were heading move to one of the main vantages on the in our direction and moving fairly quickly. ranch. With 40,000 private acres at our Kelly is a hard-core sheep hunter and fingertips, we needed to focus on areas has his ‘3/4 Slam’ and practices shooting where big rams are known to hang outs. A at long range regularly, but was totally ranch this big is impossible to cover during unprepared for the shot we were about your four day hunt. It didn’t take long for to experience. one of the guys to turn up a band of rams We had gotten between the rams and a and one of them was a real bruiser with small hidden gem of a water hole in the great hair. The chaps on the legs of these desert. We had settled into some rocks for animals is nearly as important in judging continued on page 8 trophy quality as the horns and this guy

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May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTS

day to get all the kids shots and filled tags, but we finally closed the deal.

With only an evening hunt and a morncontinued from page 6 ing hunt still possible for Brett, he powered through the sickness and made it out. We cover when we caught the first glimpse of spotted several good shooter rams, but the rams at 120 yards. They were right on none were accessible by roads of any sort. top of us and finally provided Kelly with The two mile trek was just a bit more than a great frontal shot at 107 yards. The ram Brett felt he could tackle with the sickness piled up 30 yards away. An opening day and only eight weeks out from a broken ram is something the Sportsman’s News ankle. We figured that we had better make team isn’t accustom to and we savored the the most of the morning hunt and get glory. The ram was just what Dave had Brett a shot. predicted, 28” and awesome hair.

Soon we found ourselves right back at Since Brett has achieved two ‘Grand the lookout where Kelly’s ram had been Slams’ on North American sheep, he had spotted from when Dave spotted several given Kelly the opportunity to go first, viable shooters. There seemed to be bands but seeing that big ram in the back of the of rams in nearly every drainage and some truck had him second guessing his choice that deserved a closer look. We drove as far of generosity. We turned up another as we could and took off on foot. Scraping great ram late in the afternoon of the first and clawing through the tough desert terday, but since he wasn’t larger than his rain, we finally crested the top of the ridge. brother’s, Brett decided to pass. We still It would provide for fairly easy walking had three days to hunt when Brett made up the ridge to the ram. We sat down to this decision and little did he know the flu glass for the rams and Kelly spotted one would put him down for a couple days of right across the canyon from us. He was his hunt. less than 300 yards from our position and During his sickness, we took the op- a pretty good ram. Definitely not as good portunity to take the kids hunting for as the ram he had passed on day one, but Javellina, otherwise known as desert rats. a great last day ram to say the least. We These are great animals to break the kids discussed the situation, but once the ram or someone new to hunting in on. They started to move down and out of sight, we don’t have very good eyesight and you had to move fast. “Shoot him” was the call can usually get fairly close to them without and as we rolled tape. Brett put a solid shot busting the herd. It took the better part of a on the big boy, leaving us to climb down the ridge we had just scaled. So goes sheep hunting.

What a great trip for the Dolph family and we were able to capture every bit of it on film for a future episode of Sportsman’s News Television.

As the Dolph’s said their goodbyes, Mike McNett was just rolling in. We had just enough time to shoot his rifle and head out for the evening hunt.

Having current intel on some great rams put us in the driver’s seat or so Bret Dolph and his son Reed are all smiles after putting we felt.

We drove to on a tough stalk and good cross canyon shot on this the north end of last day ram.

the ranch in hopes of getting a closer look at one of the b i g r a m s B re t t wasn’t able to get to. We immediately started picking up different sheep. We were all looking at areas over a mile away when Dave said we had a ram right across the canyon. The problem was, right across the canyon was about 600 yards. I swung the 20 power Vortex Kaibab binos onto the ram and immediately knew Kelly Dolph displays the rear view of this impressive it was the ram we first morning ram. It's not often that we get a first day had seen a few days harvest, but a ram like this is one you just can't pass up. before. He had a huge body and great hair, Steve Jones Back Country Hunts but something was amiss on his horns. His doesn’t just offer Aoudad hunts in bases were absolutely giant with no gap Texas, he is a full service guide and outbetween his horns, but he didn’t have the fitter in New Mexico as well as Texas. big sweeping hooks of a 30 plus inch ram. He provides premium hunts with Through the spotter, he was even more great success on deer, elk, antelope, impressive, but the dilemma of being on bears and other species as well as year a ram of this caliber in the first few hours round hunting for exotics in Texas. He of the hunt was a problem. We had the has been one of the Sportsman’s News benefit of watching him for well over an Team’s Platinum Approved Outfitters hour while we discussed our options. since 2010 and you can bet we will be We felt confident he was very big and back hunting Aoudad with him in 2015, definitely a ram we would shoot on the so why not join us. last day without hesitation. Mike decided that this ram was providing us a great opportunity for a long range shot and we had epic video of him for over an hour which was all he needed to push him to fill his tag the first day.

He made a great shot at nearly 550 yards, but a gust of wind pushed the bullet a little far back, requiring a backup shot.

We watched the big ram go down and knew that we needed to make it across the canyon quickly to have any daylight left.

As we approached the ram, we were all in shock at how large he was. His body was well over 300 pounds, the largest bodied ram I have ever walked up to. Dave said the same thing. The horns had thrown us off because he had broomed them off just like a regular sheep might do. I had never seen this before and Dave said it isn’t very common. This brute realized that shorter horns would keep him alive much longer. His bases are nearly an inch larger than my 31.5” ram taken the year before, Kelly hoists son Dakota's Javelina. but he only stretches the tape to 27”. He These desert dwellers make great was truly an old warrior and a great way big game animals for the kids due to their poor eyesight. to finish our extended big game hunt.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Establishing Long Range Drop Data for Down Range Accuracy

By Shane Adair

W

e have spent the last couple of articles talking of the importance of proper sight in; how to sight in and what magnification is needed for long range shooting. Fourteen power magnification is a minimum for ‘Good’ long range shooting and more power for ‘Great’ long distance shooting. Once rifle, caliber and load is determined, there are really only two scope styles that will work for accurate and effective long range shooting. First is the scope with hash marks or holdover fixed drop reticles and second is a scope that gives you the ability to adjust an elevation turret. Both are very effective ways to shoot at longer ranges.

Almost all major scope manufacturers have jumped on board and are producing scopes with these tools. Most manufacturers will actually have scopes in both categories. Its’ pretty hard to pick a bad optic these days, but to get one built with the proper tools and glass needed will run around $600.00 at the bottom range and up to the $2,000.00 range for top tier optics. There is not a bad one in the bunch although they will vary in clarity, options and magnification. Your scope should be your #1 investment.

Whether a turret scope is chosen ( My personal preference) or the hold-over style of reticle is chosen, proper drop data is obtained the same way. Once you have your bullet selected and you know your speed (Feet Per Second), your BC

(Ballistic coefficient) and desired altitude, you are ready to go and find drop charts.

Most scope manufacturers will have this option available for you. Using the tools they offer will help, however, there will be no charts that work perfectly. They will get you close, but nothing makes up for real shooting drop data. I can’t emphasize this enough - validation of drop data at the range is essential.

Most charts get you close up to 500 yards, but the error spread drastically changes the further the distance. It’s a tough task and will take

multiple times to the range, but will be very rewarding once achieved.

On a turret style scope, here’s where I start. Remember your 200 yard zero is your sweet spot. Take your chart with you to use as both a reference and a place to take notes. Shoot at large targets, if possible a 4x8 sheet of plywood.

You need to hit a target to see how you need to adjust. Take a spotter with you.

Jump right to 400 yards - 300 will waste your bullets. Then 500 yards, 600 yards, 800 yards and then to 1000 yards or your furthest desired distance. You need to see how your real drop data matches up with your chart and establish a pattern of whether your hits are high or low.

Then you will need to adjust accord-

continued on page 18

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

SHANE ADAIR

continued from page 16 ingly. Break out a tape measure and do the math, MOA works: Four clicks with a ¼ MOA adjustment scope @ 100 yards=1 inch, 200 yards =2inches, 300 yards = 3inches, 400 yards=4 inches, 500 yards= 5 inches, 600 yards= 6 inches, 700 yards = 7 inches and 800 yards =8 inches.

Four clicks at 1000 yards = 10 inches. It’s pretty simple and the math works. If I’m 4 inches high at 800 yards, its only two clicks down. I know MOA is confusing but keep it simple, its only math.

Don’t get too carried away at each distance. Take your time, make your shots good and let the gun cool down.

Three shot groups are adequate and remember, don’t chase bullet holes to adjust, adjust from the center of your group. Don’t worry too much about your right and left yet. All we need is drop data for now and the wind will push you around from right to left, so focus on the up and down spread. I will make reference on my chart where my hits are and adjust at each one and you can’t believe how easy it comes together.

Reshoot corrected data. It will take you more than one trip to the range to collect this data depending on wind conditions and delays at the range. So be patient.

Focus on groups and take good notes.

If you spend too much time and effort at one yardage, you won’t establish a good charted pattern before your gun is fouled out. Most guns will foul out within the 20-30 shot range.

Establishing a drop pattern is very important. Once you have found your actual drop data, you have options.

First is to use a chart that tells you how many clicks to adjust. Second is to put tape on your elevation turret and make your own marks. Third (My favorite method) is to have a custom turret cut.

Your scope manufacturer will tell you where to have a custom turret laser etched with your drop data on it. You can give them your drop data and they will make the yardage perfect for you. It works great and in the end it’s the fastest and easiest way to have it perfect at all distances. It’s a lot of work, but when it’s done, it’s done.

With hold over style or fixed reticles, I collect data the same way. You will

need the manufactures chart in your pocket or taped to your gun stock as a reference. For example, I used a Zeiss scope. After I punched in my data on their website, the chart told me to zero at 186 yards. Hash mark #2 was 295 yards, #3 was 410 yards and #4 was 525 yards. While effective, it takes a little more work. You have to move your target to the fixed yardages in your scope.

I will shoot all recommended distances and then pull out the tape measurer.

But remember, the only distance you can manipulate is your first point of impact. A couple clicks up and a zero at 215 yards might be what it takes to be close at all the distances, but you must re-shoot each distance to verify.

You will need a chart to remind you of what distance each hash mark is at. It will work. Manufacturers have spent a ton of time and money developing this style, but it takes a little bit more time to perfect. The fixed reticle manipulates you a little rather than the turret style, which allows you to manipulate the turret to you.

Real shooting data is so crucial for hunting because we need great shot

placement. Practice away, shoot every chance you can, shoot at rocks, hillsides, etc. One of my favorite ways to practice out in the field is to take 4-ft pieces of rebar with me and put them at various distances. Take huge party balloons and blow them up and tape them to the rebar with duct tape. They are easy to see and range find and it puts your target above the vegetation.

Have a buddy spot for you and shoot away. You won’t litter up the place because the balloon will stick to the tape and then you simply pull up the rebar. It is a perfect way to practice in the field. I will get the balloons that are very durable and I can blow them up to almost 18 inches around. It makes a great, quick and easy target. You don’t always need to lug wood and steel around with you.

Enjoy the ride and have fun. It can be a little frustrating, but extremely rewarding. If it’s more work and effort than you have the time and energy for, then let us help you out. That’s what we do. Guns, ammo and drop data. We’ll make it perfect for you and adapt it to your needs.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Manitoba’s Big Sand Lake Lodge

By Kent Danjanovich Senior Editor

F

ishing means many different things to many different people.

It can range from frequenting a local pond during our early childhoods, memories of summer vacations with the family to beautiful destinations throughout the “Lower 48” and if you’re lucky, a trip of a lifetime to magical locations throughout the world that talk of things that most can only dream of.

Well, one of those magical places for me is Manitoba, Canada and the destination is Big Sand Lake Lodge.

Everything about a trip to Big Sand Lake Lodge brings a twinkle to my eye and being able to help others experience that same excitement is a big part of what the great outdoors is really all about. The mystique of visiting another land, realizing the dreams of landing giant fish in seemingly endless waterways, hopping on a vintage floatplane for the first time - Well, as you can tell,

it still brings chills to my spine every time I make the trek north.

When booking a trip to Big Sand Lake Lodge, you will more than likely be talking to either Rick Bohna, Big Sand’s General Manager or his assistant Lynda McKercher. They will fill you in on everything you will need to know about the resort and dates that are available for fishing in June and July as well as hunting/fishing combo trips during late September and early October. Not only are the waters of Big Sand teaming with giant northern pike, lake trout and walleye, but there are also world class moose, black bear and wolf hunting opportunities available, with unbelievable success rates in the fall.

Your trip will begin in Winnipeg, Manitoba. You will need to book a hotel room the night before your trip begins to Big Sand in order to make the charter flight your first morning.

Once you meet the van in the parking lot that morning, your trip becomes all inclusive.

Yo u w i l l l a n d mid-morning along with the rest of the 40 guests also making their way to the lodge on the sand esker runway adjacent to the main lodge. Your luggage will be transported to your room or to the floatplane base (if you are headed to one of the outpost camps) as you and your new friends will gather in the Vance Ruggle’s with a big lake trout caught in the wamain lodge for lunch ters around the main lodge at Big Sand Lake Lodge. and a quick tutorial on the rest of your stay. Then you’re off to get ready for A short fifteen minute ride soon had your first afternoon of fishing. My last us rigging our lines, one with a herring trip to visit the lodge went a little some- rig and another with a Northland Tackle thing like this: Forage Rainbow Trout Spoon. Not ten Our first afternoon produced over minutes into our first run, my Redington 50 northern pike in the 18 to 38 inch rod lunged down and I set the hook on a range, not bad for starters, but we all nice laker. I finally was able to bring the knew there were plenty more and many big boy to the cradle net and my guide even bigger in our immediate future. hoisted my first trophy of the trip over the At about 5pm, we headed back to the side of the boat, a thick 35 inch lake trout. lodge for dinner and after our first of The next hour and a half produced five many great meals, we headed back to more nice fish, all over 28 inches, with two the dock, with our guides patiently making it into the Master Angler category. waiting for us to head out for a couple We headed back to the lodge at 10 pm and of hours of trolling for lake trout. hit our beds for a good night’s sleep.

Steve Mayer of Wild Game Wine, hoists one of the many big northern pike caught at our outpost camp on our last trip to Big Sand Lake Lodge.

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

One of my favorite spots on Big Sand Lake is an area called Rut Bay and of course, it is located at the farthest most northern area of the lake. I told our guides of our wishes and we hopped in our boats (20 foot Alumarine’s, complete with 40 hp yamaha’s , depth finders and CB radios) the next morning at 8am and buckled down for the long ride up the lake. At about 9:45 am we arrived at our destination and each of us quickly tied on a large streamer for a morning of fly fishing and let me tell you, the fish did not disappoint us, as each of use landed fish after fish, with many of the northern’s well into the 35+ inch range. The biggest fish of the morning was a monster 42 incher and needless to say, produced a smile that still shows itself every time I talk about the trip!

At about 11:30 am we headed for an area called Peterson’s Narrows to catch a few walleye for shore lunch and then headed for the designated lunch spot. Two other boats joined us for lunch, as our guides quickly set-up the fire, filleted the fish, cut the fries, mixed the “Bad Assed “ beans

and laid it all out for us for the first of our many perfect shore lunches of the week. As our guides prepared lunch, we grabbed our rods and threw Mepps spinners along the shoreline, with the results northern after northern in the 18 to 30 inch range. After lunch, we resumed our quest for big northern’s on both fly rods and spincast outfits, with both producing as many fish as you can possibly imagine, with our estimated tally for the day being well over 200 fish for our two boats.

Our next two days found us fishing the waters a little closer to the lodge, with success still at a premium, with literally 100’s of fish hooked and released. But, our thoughts of our trip to Rut Bay had us still wanting for more, so on our last day, we again decided to make the trek to the northern reaches of Big Sand Lake. Again, our day was full of big numbers of fish, with our reels singing from the big runs of northern’s measuring to 40+ inches and walleye a plenty stretching the tape measurers to the magical 28 inch mark.

Our guides were probably glad to see

21

Kent Danjanovich with a 24” Manitoba walleye that sure tasted good at shore lunch. us leave our boats for the last time, as each of us just couldn’t seem to get enough of the great opportunities at Big Sand Lake Lodge. You may travel to Big Sand for the fishing, but the word “Catching” would be a lot more accurate. We are proud to have Big Sand Lake Lodge as one of our prestigious Platinum Approved Outfitters and would highly recommend them to all

of our followers at Sportsman’s News. So, if you are looking for world class fishing, spring and fall black bear and fall Canadian moose hunting at its best, give Rick Bohna and his staff a call today at 1-800348-5824 to book your next great outdoor adventure. Make sure you ask them for the “Special Sportsman’s News Pricing” while you’re at it.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Make Camping Fun For All Skill Levels Pro’s Tips

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

C

amping can be fun. It should be fun. But without some basic fundamentals, a night or two spent outside can be one of the most miserable experiences of your life. Here we outline some of the basic fundamentals of camping to ensure you and everyone with you has an enjoyable and memorable time outside.

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Prepare A good camping trip involves preparing.

It means knowing where you are going and having a backup plan should something fall through. I recently planned a trip to Zion National Park and the primitive campground I usually use had been closed to camping by the BLM. Fortunately, I had looked at other options so I had a fallback and my trip wasn’t wasted. Many campgrounds have peaks and off seasons, just like hotels. An activity in an area can make campgrounds fill up very quickly.

Another area of preparation is meal planning. Those who know how to cook in the outdoors can eat very well. I usually eat better in camp than I do at home. Planning what everyone will eat and gathering supplies will be a big part of making sure

everyone is happy and has an enjoyable time. If you are car camping, make sure you have room in the cooler for all the refrigerated goods and plenty of ice. Figure two bags of ice for a standard tailgating cooler and a bag a day for a more extreme cooler like a Yeti or Grizzly.

There needs to be sufficient room for the ice and the food. For dry goods, have a sturdy box to keep them organized.

Nothing is more frustrating than digging through a dozen scattered grocery bags, tucked amongst the other gear, to find the salt. Not to mention how difficult it is to keep those bags from blowing all over the wilderness. Also keep in mind all of the items you will need to prepare your food.

We all have a spice cabinet where we can grab a can of cooking spray or a teaspoon of oil, but at camp you won’t have those items unless you bring them with you.

Utensils for cooking are a must as well and I suggest inexpensive dollar store cooking spoons and spatulas that can live in the camp gear. I have a large storage tub that contains all of my smaller camping gear like utensils, collapsible camp sink, heavy welding gloves for pulling pots out of the fire and other incidentals. This allows me to toss the entire tub in the back of the

With some basic skills, preperation and planning, and a littile imagination, camping can be a lot of fun for everyone in your family; even those who normally don't care for the outdoors.

truck or easily find just the items I need for lighter trips.

For backpacking, break your meals down into smaller portions and use a vacuum sealer to package them all together. This will help eliminate excess air that takes up space and also keep them dry should you get caught in an unexpected downpour. Once consumed, the bags the meals were packed in have a multitude of uses around camp.

Think about who is going with you and where you are going and plan activities that will appeal to everyone. You may want to just sit in the hammock and read, but younger people need activities to keep them occupied. Otherwise, they will be smuggling a PSP in their pack and will spend this quality outdoor time glued to a tiny screen. Pick up some guide books of local flora and fauna and set up scavenger hunts to see how many species they can identify and find. Also, make sure they know which plants and animals to leave alone. Pack some calamine lotion just in case they forget.

Bring some playing cards and learn to play Hearts, Spades, Rummy, Uno, or Skipbo. Some board games have travel versions, which are smaller and have fewer pieces to loose. Consider that you will be playing by lantern or headlamp, so it may be harder to see the game board. Wind may blow all of your Monopoly money all over camp, so keep the games to ones that will be easy to maintain and play so they are more fun than trouble.

Toss some art supplies into the kid’s packs. Coloring books are great time occupiers. Many National and State Parks have regional coloring books of interesting sights in the area. This is great activity as it helps kids remember what they saw. An inexpensive digital camera can be added to each child’s gear so they can take a variety of photos of the trip, giving them memories that will last a lifetime. Several manufacturers offer good quality cameras for around $20.

The more you prepare for your camping trip, the more enjoyable it will be. Make a list of items to take and check them off as they get packed. Learn as much as you

can about where you will be camping and find out what the regulations will be.

What resources are near by or on the way, should you forget something and need to purchase it. Are their temporary restrictions in place? Since campfires are such an essential part of the camping experience, make sure that there are not fire restrictions in place in the area you are considering. If so, consider taking a propane fire ring from Camp Chef so you can have the feel of a campfire without the risk. Also, if you plan on cooking over the fire, you may need a camp stove if there are restrictions in place on burning.

Test out your gear before you leave.

Nothing is worse than getting to camp and opening your new widget to discover that it needs a special battery or other “not included” option in order to use it, especially when the nearest source of the item is miles away or has to be special ordered. Not only will taking out your new gear ensure you know how to use it beforehand, it will reduce its size and weight by removing all of the packaging.

Know the weather and temperature of where you will be camping. Make sure you

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

look at the low’s and the high’s and pack clothing and bedding that is warm enough and cool enough for all possibilities.

Get Skills You don’t need to be Bear Grylls to go camping. In fact, most average campers have far fewer survival skills than a Boy Scout. Camping isn’t necessarily about survival as much as it is about making yourself comfortable with minimal amenities.

Camping is about having fun, whereas true survival doesn’t involve much that the average person would consider fun.

On the flip side, having a few camping skills will make your trip a lot more Good preperation means knowing if fire fun. If you can, go with regulations will limit your cooking options. If they someone who has been do, this camp stove and oven combo from Camp doing the camping scene Chef is a great replacement. for a long time. someone who has camped a lot. They may This is your chance do some things differently than your dad t o l e a r n f ro m did on your family camping trips, but that someone who has doesn’t make it right or wrong. As a kid already made the my grandfather took me dry camping in mistakes of a be- the desert. I learned to scour the cooking ginning camper, pots with sand to get them clean. When I so you won’t have moved to Virginia and was camping along to. Learn the right the banks of the Shenandoah River with way to pitch your some friends, they were a little perplexed tent before you go. that I was scrubbing pots with dry sand Learn how to tie when there was a large river running a variety of knots. alongside camp. Different ways of doing There are great things will present themselves based upon videos of knot the weather, the terrain, the type of camptying lessons on ing you are doing and experience of those YouTube. Learn you camp with. Learn as many ways as a few different possible to do the same thing so at a later ways to build fires time you will have options should your and how to safely primary way not be feasible. contain and extinStart easy and work your way up to guish them. Learn difficult. Don’t go on your first family how to cook over a camping trip expecting to through-hike campfire or camp the Appalachian Trail. Start off in small stove. campgrounds with basic amenities, like Some mistakes running water, toilets and showers. Many are funny learning of these have tables, tent pads and fire pits. experiences that Some even offer swimming pools. These you add to your places are great learning spots before movcamping toolbox ing into more primitive areas. Many State for later. Others Parks offer very nice camping facilities Group activities, even something as simple as a can ruin the camp- with activities for those of any age. This children's card game, can turn an otherwise boring ing trip, so as often is the environment to build your camping trip spent in front of a video game, into a fun family as you can, make continued on page 28 experience and life-long memories. sure you go with

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

2014 New Video Product Reviews

ExtremeBeam Flashlights

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efore there was an ExtremeBeam, or est manufacturers of Anti-Recoil, weapon even a hint of a lighting company, mountable, led bulbs the world had ever there was a small group of individu- seen. In 2008 ExtremeBeam founded its als whose lives and souls were intertwined trademark in the United States and soon for the love of Almighty God. These in- became known as the most dependable dividuals worked diligently and set their light among its users, known for extreme goal as the ability to support the ministry performance and durability with an afthey loved without burdening others by the fordable price.

When the standard for a light is to be necessity of donations and offerings.

Developing the lighting they had discov- capable of handling shot after shot when mounted to a .50 caliber BMG ered while working abroad and and still function as it was the with the love of God as their day it left production, it has to be guiding light, ExtremeBeam tough. Tough is an understatewas born. In early 2006, those ment when talking about these founders were then shown lights. Bodies of these lights are that simple machining adjustmade from one solid piece of ments on their lighting creations aircraft grade aluminum with would allow them to provide a superior product for Military Scan this QR Code with a ruggedly dependable shockyour smart phone to view and Law-Enforcement use. t h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s proof design. Depending on the ExtremeBeam manufacturing YouTube Channel. Video model of light, it will mount to Available after May 4th. any rifle using standard 1-inch soon became one of the larg-

or 30 mm scope mounts.

Each body is anti-glare stealth coated.

Lumens are the measure of the total volume of visible light emitted from some source. Lumens do not define how far a light will shine, as that is the job of candle power, all of which information is on ExtremeBeam packaging. The ExtremeBeam line of lights provides a variety of lumens to suit everyone’s needs. Although we lack the high tech machines to measure these beams of light, we can say with confidence the ExtremeBeam lights, with equal to or even less lumens, exceeded competitor brands of advertised performance by a significant amount.

The TAC24 and M1000 are two of the Sportsman’s News team’s personal favorite lights. The TAC24 is a small handheld light

which makes it into my pack wherever I go. It weighs 6.6 ounces, is 6.25 inches long, outputs 330 amplified lumens out the front end with 240 base lumens which can be seen at 1200 feet, outperforming and ranging light up to 1000 lumens. The M1000 lives in my truck and can light up the world. This light is 22 ounces and 10.375 inches long. It outputs 850 lumens of light which can be seen at over 2000 feet.

ExtremeBeam lights outlasted and outperformed the competition in lumens, battery life, and price. Be sure to check them out at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Carl Zeiss Conquest HD 15X56 Binocular

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he Conquest HD series of bin- vides for a great field of view showing oculars have been a big hit for the user a whopping 240 feet of area the past few years because of at one thousand yards. The LotuTec their unbeatable price to performance protective coating guarantees clear ratio. The new Conquest HD in 15X56 visibility at any weather condition isn’t going to be any different. Truly and a more durable lens surface that designed for the hard core western resists scratching in arsh conditions. big game hunter who needs to scour The perfectly balanced ergonomthe terrain several miles away, these ics give the user enhanced comfort new binoculars have everything you while viewing distant targets. If you are looking for. are going to pick apart a hillside a These new bino’s are made in Ger- couple of miles away hand-holding many with an HD “High-Definition” isn’t an option for these 15X bino’s lens system containing enhanced and will require the use of a tripod.

Zeiss T* multi-coatings on the lens You will be happy to know that a surfaces. Additionally, the highly- ¼” tripod adapter is included in the efficient Abbe-Koenig prism system box. The three step roll up eyecups further enhances optical will provide a comfortable performance to allow these eye relief for any user. The binoculars to achieve 93% diopter adjustment is on light transmission, which is the right barrel of the optics unheard of in a binocular in and although it isn’t a lockthis price range. The leading type, it has sufficient ing products of competitors resistance to make sure generally deliver less than it stays in place once set.

90% transmission and are Scan this QR Code with Each unit is nitrogen filled your smart phone to view thus noticeably inferior to t h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s and 100% waterproof. They the Conquest HD 56. The YouTube Channel. Video tip the scale at 45.6 ounces 56mm objective lens pro- Available after May 10th. which is about standard for

a 15x56 binocular, but the high quality glass is worth every ounce when you are spending hours looking for that trophy sheep. They are 8.3” tall and 5.7” wide with an interpupillary adjustment range of 57-74mm.

The craftsmanship and quality of the Conquest HD 15x56 is exactly

what you would expect from a high end German optics company. These will become an heirloom to hand down for many generations. It is good to know that they are covered

by Carl Zeiss’s 5-Year No-Fault Policy and Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty.

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

25

2014 New Video Product Reviews

Garmin Rino 655t GPS/Radio

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armin has long been considered ings without the need to hold it level. The the authority in GPS units here at device comes preloaded with TOPO 100K Sportsman’s News, but the new maps, which includes coverage of the full Rino 655t takes things to an entirely new U.S. Adding more maps is easy with Garlevel. It combines the newest and great- min’s wide array of detailed topographic, est technology available into a small, marine and road maps. With its microSD portable handheld GPS unit, with a 5 card slot, Rino 655t lets you load TOPO W FRS/GMRS radio.

U.S. 24K maps and hit the trail or plug in The 2.6” glove-friendly color touch- Bluechart G2 preloaded cards for a great screen GPS unit is preloaded with day on the water. The device also suptopo100K map, barometric ports BirsEye satellite Imagery altimeter, 3-axis electronic (subscription required) that compass, NOAA weather ralets you download satellite dio and 5-megapixel camera. images to your device and inWith its high-sensitivity tegrate them with your maps.

GPS receiver and quad helix In addition, Rino 655t is comantenna, Rino 655t quickly patible with Custom Maps finds your position and mainfree software that transforms tains it – even in heavy cover. Scan this QR Code with paper and electronic maps your smart phone to view Plus, a built-in barometric t h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s into downloadable maps for altimeter and 3-axis compass YouTube Channel. Video your device. make it easy to get your bear- Available after May 17th Rino 655t’s unique Position

Reporting capability lets you send your exact location to other Rino users so they can see it on their map page. Plus, improved audio performance means it’s easy to communicate with any other conventional FRS/GMRS radio in the area. It can be useful in an emergency or just a handy way to keep tabs on your hunting party, hiking partner, family or friends. The Rino 655t also lets you send unit-to-unit text messages to other Rino users in your area – it’s ideal for loud or windy conditions or just when you don’t want to disturb the wildlife. It also lets you share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible Garmin handheld devices.

The built-in 5-megapixel autofocus camera is ideal for capturing the highlights of your outings. Each photo is automatically geotagged with the loca-

tion of where it was taken, allowing you – or those you share your photos with – to easily navigate back to that spot in the future.

This Rino 655t is a GPS/radio unit you are going to wish you had years ago. It does everything as advertised, but better.

Nightforce 4-14X56 SHV Rifle Scope

I

f money were no object, most people would seriously consider putting a Nightforce scope on every one of their rifles. They are known for their toughness, quality glass, and functionality, which is why some of our special elite military units have them mounted on their rifles. A visit to their website at www.nightforceoptics.com will show you just how tough these scopes can be. One combat active scope took a bullet intended for one of our soldiers’ right through the erector tube with a complete pass through. Most scopes would have been rendered useless and put the soldiers’ life on the line, but the

Nightforce continued to function. It was locked onto maximum power, but still finished the mission.

It isn’t likely that many of us are going need to worry about our scope taking a bullet for us, but its’ good to know what kind of craftsmanship goes into this brand. They are extremely overbuilt, but with the pricetag to go with it.

The new Nightforce SHV 4-14X56 riflescope delivers a scope that is still top quality, but a fraction of the cost. You would think they would have cut some major corners to get the prices of this unit down so much, but that wasn’t the case. The ShooterHunterVarminter

(SHV) scope isn’t going 14.8 inches long and has to see combat action, so it either the IHR (Internadoesn’t need to be overtional Hunting Reticle) or built to the level of the MOAR (Minute Of Angle NXS series rifle scopes.

Reticle), available in ilThey have limited some luminated or non-illumioptions, reduced the comnated models. The scope plexity of the manufac- Scan this QR Code with is still on the heavy side turing process and used your smart phone to view weighing it at 26.9 ounces the Sportsman's News simpler controls to get YouTube Channel. Video for the non-illuminated the price down. It has ¼ Available after May 31st. model and 28.5 for the ilMOA, 10 MOA per turn luminated model, but the adjustments underneath high quality glass makes the caps, but the clicks are very pro- it worth the few extra ounces. The nounced as is with all Nightforce 30mm tube and the 56mm objective scopes and response to adjustment combined with all the coatings, is just as precise. make this scope a light transmitting The 4-14x56 SHV riflescope is dream, which worked extremely well even beyond low light. It has 100 MOA of elevation adjustment and 70 MOA for windage, more than enough for most types of shooting.

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

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

2014 New Video Product Reviews

Camp Chef Fire Rings

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any areas have placed burning restrictions and prohibited campfires. One way to enjoy your campfire without the danger of burning wood is to use a propane fire ring. Camp Chef has three portable fire rings to extend your outdoor enjoyment.

Compact Fire Ring The Compact Fire Ring is portable of all of the propane fire pits from Camp Chef. It comes with a high output burner, capable of 55,000 BTUs. Each fire pit includes lava rocks to help disperse heat evenly. The Compact Fire Ring stands 7 inches high and folds down to 4 inches for transport. The ring is 15 inches in diameter and comes with a regulator and a 5-foot hose for your propane tank,

12 pounds of lava rocks, a cooking grate, two extendable roasting sticks, and a carrying case.

Redwood Fire Portable Fire Pit The Redwood also features a 55,000 BTU burner but in a larger and more stylish frame. The 19-inch diameter powder coated heavy steel ring features pine the most tree cutouts and stands 13 inches high.

A nickel coated safety ring helps keep fingers and toes out of the fire. An adjustable self igniting knob lets you set the flame output right where you want it for cooking or the feel of a roaring campfire.

The Redwood comes with Scan this QR Code with 4 extendable cooking sticks, your smart phone to view carrying case, 12 pounds of the Sportsman's News lava rocks, a 5-foot hose and YouTube Channel. Video regulator, a propane tank Available after May 24th. base, and a cooking grate.

Del Rio Fire Pit The beautiful Del Rio Fire Pit features a 55,000 BTU burner in an ornate steel cage with a copper fire bowl. The Del Rio stands 11 inches high and 29 inches in diameter with a 24-inch diameter bowl. It includes a self-igniting adjustable knob, 24 pounds of lava rocks, nylon cover, 5-foot hose and regulator, 4 extendable roasting sticks, cooking grate, and a propane tank stabilizing ring. The Del Rio was awarded the prestigious Consumer Digest Best Buy Award.

For the feel of a campfire without the hassle or danger of wood, any one of these fire pits from Camp Chef will keep you warm with the clean smokeless power of propane. Check them out at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse store.

New

from Camp Chef,

The Pellet Grill/Smoker • Trap Door Cleanout for the firepot • Built in High and Low Smoke Settings • Quality Digital control and readout

Watch for it in store at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse

www.CampChef.com

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

THE RUGER

®

LC380 ™

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.RUGER.COM/LC380

Dovetailed, High-Visibility 3-Dot Sight System

©2013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

CAMPING FUN continued from page 23

skills; safe, sheltered and with a built-in safety net of being able to head to the camp store if you forget something.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. There are a thousand little camping hacks that can make you more comfortable in the outdoor, and these can only be learned by asking others how to do something. If you camp in an established campground, this is a great way to meet the neighbors. I have several longtime friends that I met in campgrounds around the country. I have friends from Germany, Canada and many far flung states, just from striking up a conversation with the campers in the next site.

Relax Camping can be a lot of effort, but if it is done correctly it should also offer ample opportunity for relaxation in some very nice scenic locales. Reading a book, fishing, hiking and just spending quality time in camp with those you love, all make camping a great opportunity to just

chill out and forget about life in the “real world.” It is easy to get caught up in the rush to get the site picked out and setup before the sun sets, but with proper lighting it is as easy to set up camp in the dark as it is during daylight. I love driving to camp with someone who gets behind a slow moving RV or truck and simmers that they are taking so long to get to the camp site. Just slow down, relax and enjoy the view that you might miss if you were zipping by at 70 miles per hour. The point of camping is to leave behind all of the cares that life in civilization bring with it. You don’t have to worry about house cleaning, picking up the trash that the neighbor’s dog left on your lawn, bill paying, catching up on e-mails, etc. Another thing to do is unplug for a while. Depending upon where you go, you may not have cellular service or access to Wi-Fi. Take this opportunity to leave the wireless devices behind and live the way our ancestors of 20 years ago did. The problems you left and the emails you missed will all be there when you get back to civilization and you will enjoy yourself much more while in camp without those worries.

Leave your preconceived notions of

what your camping trip will be like at the door. We all get in our minds some rosy picture of our favorite camping experience and hope to recreate it. Rather than trying to build a storybook camping experience, leave the mental legwork to making sure you have everything you need to enjoy A portable propane fire ring from Camp Chef provides the trip ahead. Let another option if campfires are limited or prohibited. it be a mystery of shared experience and enjoy what you are presented rather for the entire family. While the goal of than what you expect. camping is to leave no trace and miniThe most important way to make mize our impact on the outdoors, there camping fun is to get out and camp. is no question that the outdoors will You don’t need to be a survival expert, leave a major impact on you. Enjoy the it doesn’t take a ton of gear and if it beautiful creation that God has made turns bad, hop in the car and head for for us and go camping. Hopefully, we a motel. Camping is a great family ac- will run into each other in camp and tivity that will create lifelong memories share a S’more.

“All our game goes in a Grizzly Cooler, nothing keeps our meat colder and trophies looking great!”

Fred Eichler Fred is the host of Easton Bowhunting TV and Predator Nation and the owner of Fulldraw Outfitters and is the first person to take all 29 North American Big Game species with a recurve bow to complete the Super Slam.

Grizzly Coolers are the perfect solution for serious hunters like Fred that need to be able to securely preserve freshness of the game until it reaches its final destination. With the ability to retain ice for 19 days, hunters don’t feel limited on where their hunt will take them.

Currently offered in four sizes, the Grizzly 16, Grizzly 60, Grizzly 150 and Grizzly 400 are offered in a vast variety of colors and come with a lifetime warranty. The Grizzly 400, 150, 60 & 16 are certified bear resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

The favorite color of the Eichler’s is Sandstone and Tan.

For a Lifetime.

www.grizzlycoolers.com

Grizzly Coolers • 1712 Moellers Drive, Decorah, IA 52101 800.553.0050 • 563.382.9636 • fax: 563.382.3016 • www.grizzlycoolers.com © Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Inc. 2013. All Rights Reserved.

Grizzly_SportsmansAd.indd 1

5/6/13 11:50 AM

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

REMINGTON® VERSA MAX.® ANY LOAD. ANYWHERE. EVERY TIME.

Any perceived advantage of an inertia-driven autoloader dies the instant you shoulder a VERSA MAX ®. Its new VersaPort ® gas system cycles every load, from light 2 ¾" to heavy 3 ½" magnums, with flawless consistency, dramatically less recoil and less maintenance than any other autoloader out there.

For a devastating combination, choose Hypersonic Steel.® At 1,700 fps, it’s the world’s fastest, hardest-hitting steel.

©2012 REMINGTON ARMS COMPANY, LLC.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

New Tents For The 2014 Camping Season

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he mercury is starting to rise and the days are getting longer, giving us the hint it’s time to load up the camping gear and head to the woods. If you haven’t busted out your tent since last season, it is a great time to check it for wear and tear while you are still at home. There is nothing worse than getting to your weekend destination on a late Friday night, only to realize that your tent got wet in your garage and has rotted out over the winter or someone possibly didn’t get a pole into the bag the very last time you used the tent. Having equipment in good working condition is essential to having a great experience in the outdoors.

If a new tent is in order, there are a few new items hitting the shelves of Sportsman’s Warehouse this year that just might fit your needs. Here are a few models that have caught our attention.

Coleman Octagon 98 with Full Fly This is an extremely large tent and great for a whole family expedition. It is advertised as an 8-person tent, which usually means extremely crowded, but this 13’X13’ tent with 7-foot center height has lots of room. The floor is made of polyethylene 1000D material with a bathtub design making it a very waterproof flooring system. The tent itself is built with a lot of screen mesh

to give you maximum ventilation. The tent material itself is made of polyester 68D material and the rain fly is made of polyester taffeta 68D material which is water resistant with taped seams. Steel shock-corded poles keep the unit rigid and the color coded ends make setup of the tent itself very simple for even one person. The tent comes with a room divider curtain which has many configu-

rations, but is ideal for keeping the kids and their junk on their own side of the tent. The storage pocket with cup holder allows you to keep those small items in a visible and easy to find spot. Coleman has put a door on each side of the tent which is ideal when the room divider is up and allows both groups to have their own entrance. The D style door is also very unique in that Coleman has provided shock corded fiberglass poles

which can be inserted on the back and around the door portion. This turns the door into a rigid type door that is easy to get in and out of with handfuls of gear.

This is a great tent with lots of room.

We would highly recommend this tent for your next outing. However, make sure you do a trial run in your own back yard prior to heading to the woods as the instructions which are sewn into the bag are a bit hard to understand. It appears that the instructions are probably written by someone extremely familiar with this product and assumes that others will be the same. Even though we set up numerous different tents each and every year and hundreds of times, there were items which were very confusing to us in the setup on our first run. The tighter you stake out this tent, the easier it is to put up; especially with one person.

Make sure you put your top poles (green labels) into position before starting on your side wall. All of your zippers on the fly are for the sides and access to

the screened portion of the tent and not a door entry.

Although we didn’t get any major downpours during our testing, we put the hose on it for a solid 15 minutes without any leaks or problems. We did get our fair share of wind during several of the testing attempts. One afternoon was giving us 30mph consistent and 50mph gusts. I was sure we were going to snap poles and lose the tent, but that wasn’t the case. The 98 comes in a heavy duty bag with rollers, but we have yet to be able to get all items that came in the bag back into its’ original packaging regardless of numerous attempts. It comes with a separate bag for the poles which have now found a home in there and solves the problem. Overall, it is a great tent and well worth the money.

Coleman 2 for 1 Tent and Shelter with Porch As stated with this product, you get two different items in one package. The shelter is the first and most essential part of this package and ideal for those of you with children who are hitting sporting events on a weekly basis. It is 14’X8’ and provides plenty of good shade for the entire team or family. The heavy duty 150D polyester taffeta material on the shelter is built to last. The pole assembly is a combination of steel and fiberglass.

The poles are all preassembled and a

continued on page 32

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TENTS

continued from page 30 one piece unit which sets up similar to an umbrella. The tent is a secondary part of this shelter, but a great addition.

It connects to the already set up shelter via quick release buckles and can be put up or taken down in a matter of seconds.

It is made from lighter weight materials, but is plenty durable to handle the family outings. The tent is 8’X7’ and provides plenty of room for a queen sized air bed and gear. The entire package weights about 33 pounds.

This shelter was extremely easy to set up, even in a hefty wind. It has attachment points on the bottom of each pole for stakes as well as guy ropes from the top. There are plenty of stakes in the package to allow you to stake each and every one of these out and it is highly recommended that you do this.

Strong gusts of wind made good attempts at collapsing our shelter during the testing period, but the tie downs made for a rigid structure. Not using all the available tie downs will jeopardize the integrity of the structure in heavy winds. When completed, the entire package fit back into its’ original zippered bag with relative ease.

Kelty Sonic 6 Air Pitch Truly the simplest tent in the world to set up. Instead of aluminum, fiberglass or steel tent poles, this tent is equipped with air chambers that once filled, become very rigid and hold the single wall 13’7” (L) X 8’10” (W) tent upright. Filling them up is as simple as plugging in the dual action hand pump which is included into the air chamber and with a few quick pumps, you are done. The walls and floors are made of 68D polyester and all seams are taped to help with waterproofing. The one

hundred plus square feet of floor space is very sufficient for six campers. There are tie down points all around the tent which provide for added stability.

The design of this tent had us very intrigued when we started the testing. Since most of us resist change, we look for reasons why things won’t work. This air pole design is definitely a different change than we are used to.

Instructions were written on one page and only a few short sentences. Stake it out on all four corners, hook up the pump, blow it up and finish staking it out. That’s pretty much the extent of this tent. Absolutely anyone can set this up, with no prior camping experience with ease. Most free standing tents will function just fine without the guy ropes being attached, but that isn’t recommended with this tent. We had the tent up in a 20mph wind and it was caving in on the windy side without the guy ropes being secured, but once staked down, it functioned just as any other freestanding tent. Once you are ready to go home, simply unscrew the air inlet valve, let the air escape, roll up your tent and put it in the car. It easily stuffed back into its original bag. This is definitely the tent for those of you that have never been camping, but are willing to try it on your own.

Jumping Jack X4 Tent Trailer The Cadillac for camping is the Jumping Jack Tent Trailer.

The company itself has been around for a long time and the Sportsman’s News team has a lot of experience with its’ original model (See Pro’s Picks column in this issue). The new X4 model is for the hard core camper that spends a lot of nights in the woods.

It all starts with the X4 Tent Pod which contains the large heavy-duty marine canvas tent. The X4 Tent Pod can be used on the X4 trailer—built specifically to carry the X4 Tent Pod—or in a truck bed, on another make of trailer or even a pontoon boat.

When closed, it offers a 6’x6’ upper deck for cargo, such as an ATV or other gear, including bike and kayak racks, etc. The wings of the X4 Tent Pod can be positioned vertically for use as a high-wall utility cargo space. Like the 6’x8’ Utility model, the X4 tent includes the patented “Jump Up” feature with two beds and a swing-up table.

The Jumping Jack X4 Trailer is extremely rugged with standard 15” wheels. The size and weight of this trailer make it ideal for towing behind

smaller SUVs, cars or off-road vehicles.

With an alternate larger fender kit, it can accommodate up to 35” tires to match the wheels of any off-road vehicle. The standard ball coupler can be switched with a pintle style coupler.

The X4 tent uses the same heavy-duty 13 oz. canvas material as the original Jumping Jack. Constructed to shed rain and snow, it is also exceptional in withstanding high wind. It uses the patented “Jump Up” feature that erects the tent in mere seconds. The open tent contains two 4’X7’ beds (one on each side). Eight large widows allow for plenty of ventilation and close tight against inclement weather. Also included is the swing up 30”X39” table.

This tent trailer gives you the ability to haul your ATV to the trailhead and then back it off and disconnect the unit from you truck and hook it back up to the ATV. You can load all your gear for the week out of your truck and onto the trailer and haul your camp deep into the backwoods on the small jeep and ATV trails. It’s simply an amazing unit.

MSR Elixir 3 Lightweight Backpacking Tent If getting into the backcountry with all you own on your back is your desire, this tent is ideal for up to three people.

This is a freestanding 3-season tent which uses two 7000 series aluminum poles.

The tent is made of 40D ripstop nylon and 20D nylon micromesh. The tent fly is made from 68D ripstop polyester, 1500mm Polyurethane & DWR and

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

flooring is made from 70 taffeta nylon, 3000mm Durashield polyurethane & DWR. The entire package weighs in at 6lbs 13 oz. and rolls into a tidy 20” by 8” bag. The floor area is 39.5 square feet and the 84” wide area provides plenty of room for three campers with sleeping pads. It has two doors and two oversized vestibules which make for plenty of storage area for gear. It comes with a tent footprint custom made for this tent which provides added protection for your floor.

We were fortunate enough to test this tent in some extremely strong winds with gusts over 50mph and it held up perfectly. The poles are color coded and very simple to set up, but it is recommended that you put it up in your backyard with no wind before you take it to the woods. The pole design is unique enough to cause confusion without setting it up at least once. Once set up, it is very easy to duplicate in the future. We really liked the two door design of this tent which allowed its occupants to climb out either side without disturbing each other. The vestibule creates a lot of extra room for cooking or storing gear. This

tent also comes in a two person version called the Elixir 2 which is a little smaller and a bit lighter, but this tent makes for a great backcountry hunting camp for two guys and all their gear. It provides plenty of room should you get weathered in for a few days.

By Collin Dalley Field Editor

Whether it is a day trip or a weeklong backpacking trip deep into the backcountry, Tribe One Outdoors has developed the ultimate product for eliminating any worries about securely fastening gear to your backpack, duffle bag, tent, tarp or any material of comparable thickness! The LP Series PackNet is so simple and yet one of the most innovative products I have had the privilege to use. I tested the product on my Alps 4200 cascade backpack; at first I found myself looking at the creative design wondering how this works but that thought soon disappeared as I took the unique PackTach and carabiner in hand.

The PackTach is the key to the whole system, as it allows you to easily set an anchor point to just about anywhere you desire on a backpack. It works by creating a friction point between the pack and the PackTach

Mountain Hardware Optic 3.5 Backpacking Tent This tent is designed for backpackers and campers who appreciate extra square footage and open, airy architecture. The two full sized doors on adjacent sides allow you to zip them back with 180 degree views and observe the beauty of the entire valley below.

This is a freestanding 3-season tent. It uses two Paleria DAC pressfit poles which are extremely lightweight, but unbelievably strong. The tent floor is made from 70D Nylon Taffeta 3000mm PU and the canopy is 20D Poly Knit Mesh. The tent fly is made from 75D Polyester Taffeta 1500mm PU. The tent provides 45 square feet of floor area and has a total packaged weight of 6lbs 11 ounces. The vestibule has a color coded started tab on the fly as well as

a snap hook that connects to the tent which makes setting up the vestibule a simple task, even in the wind. There is ample room in the vestibule (12 square feet and 7 square feet) to store plenty of gear. This tent will easily fit three people, but is ideal for two backpackers and all their gear with room to spare.

This tent also got the benefit of testing in some extremely high winds and performed extremely well.

Since this was the last tent being set up in the testing, the wind was already howling and the snap hook which connects the fly to the tent was a great added benefit in simplifying the job.

The oversized doors and ability to capture the view is a great feature which made this tent a favorite of the two backpacking tents. This tent comes in an Optic 2.5 version as well which is smaller and lighter.

and effectively holding the carabiner to any location on the pack, or any other material for that matter without the worry of causing any damage. Its design starts with the 1-5/8” x 7/8” x 11/16” PackTach. This anchor point is made from high strength plastic with larger circle shapes at opposite ends that are big enough for a 1 to 3 inch standard “D” shape carabiner, while the middle remains narrower to keep the carabiner securely fastened. The best way to start securing gear is to take the high strength plastic PackTach and push from the inside of the pack material; by doing this you will notice the backpack material will fit into the PackTach circles and allow enough room for the carabiner to slide through without ever damaging any material. (See picture for details). With the PackTach on the inside of your backpack and the carabiner on the outside it creates a friction point that will give you a average pulling force of 50 lbs, keeping gear secured.

After setting your anchor points with the PackTach the next step is to secure your gear using the PackNet. The PackNet is a

high strength 3/16” military speck shock cord that features a unique center hub and a flexible two-loop adjustment system, making it the perfect tool for securing gear to your anchor points created by the PackTach’s. With the option of placing the PackTach’s and Carabiner’s basically anywhere on your pack, it truly gives you the ability to secure gear according to comfort and not according to “it fits best here” basis. I found it was great for situating my heavier gear on the bottom and lighter gear towards the top, allowing me to maintain the best weight distribution for proper balance and stability on heavier loads.

It’s one of the most versatile solutions for a wide variety of backpacks, duffle bags, tents, tarps, or any material of similar size that I have ever found. The PackNet system has a coverage area of 24” x 24” giving it a storage capacity of 85 liters and tensile strength of 300 lbs while only weighing in at 6.5 oz. The LP Series PackNet includes six PackTach’s and six Aluminum carabiner’s to provide a hooking point for your gear. If you find a need to cover a greater area, PackTach’s can be purchased separately. Stop by your local Sportsman’s Warehouse today and check out this one of a kind product for yourself.

Tribe One Outdoors LP PackNet

A

s an outdoorsman I often find it a necessity to securely fasten additional gear to the exterior of my hunting or hiking backpacks, to make enough room for all the essentials I need for that trip.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Sundial Rainbows

This is good trout water in the tail water below the Shasta and Keswick dams. I first fished with Dave and Hank several years ago on a day the trout averaged 16 to 17 inches. Dave said the fish were bigger now.

Some people are just plain fishy.

That would describe Dave Jacobs and Hank Mautz. Dave has guided in northern California for the last nine years. Hank, a retired guide, is his mentor. With this much fishing mojo, we couldn’t help but have a good day.

Dave handed me a rod rigged with pencil lead and a barbless Glo-Bug on a 30-inch leader. Hank offered me a tray of tiny steelhead egg baits cured in Pautzke’s Borax O’Fire mix.

Fishing for big river trout in the I secured the eggs beneath the egg loop and waited to make my first cast. heart of a California city Downstream from the Sundial, we let our baits bounce through the shalBy Gary Lewis low water as Dave watched our rod ave Jacobs fired up the Mer- tips and kept our lines tight with the cury and Hank Mautz shoved kicker motor.

Bounce, bounce, bounce. After a the boat away from the dock.

With the big motor at idle we let the few bumps on the bottom the rod current push us downstream toward loaded with an energy transmitted the Sundial Bridge. It was early, but through the graphite. I lifted the tip already the cowboys were stirring for and a trout peeled away off the gravel the rodeo that would take place later bar and out into the main channel.

When the fish was near the boat, in the day.

With all the activity on the parks Hank slipped the net beneath the 18and in the streets, we hoped to rope inch wild rainbow.

Downstream, we worked bank to some rainbows early without a lot of bank, bouncing our baits through the competition on the water.

A lot of anglers roll through Red- current seams.

Where the river widened, Jacobs ding on their way to chase salmon and steelhead in the north or striped and Mautz pointed toward the site bass in the south, but there is a good of the old concrete plant. Here the reason to stop. Sam Pyke and I stayed builders of the Shasta Dam grabbed at the Best Western Hilltop on a Fri- the gravel that was used in the conday night then rolled out of our beds struction project. We saw the old at 4:30 in the morning to stumble concrete footings that supported a down the stairs with fishing rods and huge conveyor belt that moved the material up to the dam site. cameras.

There was a time when this section of river and its banks were poisoned by copper mining. There was a time when tons and tons of gravel were harvested from the river bed. But now the wild trout find a home in the cool water beneath the dam, right in the heart of this California city.

When Hank hooked his first fish, a trout of about 16 Photo by Gary Lewis inches, he told me to keep

D

Photo by Gary Lewis With traffic roaring by on the bridge overhead, the author drifted a bait in front of this beautiful Sac rainbow.

continued on page 48

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Jumping Jack Trailer

By Michael Deming

C

amping is one of the very best ways to spend quality time with family and friends. Unplugging from the fast paced world of today and going to those faraway places where cell phones and electronics lose their grip on our lives is a true battery boost.

How you choose to get there and your accommodations is your choice.

The Sportsman’s News team purchased one of the original series Jumping Jack Trailers back in 2006 for a good majority of our camping adventures and 8 years later it is still going strong. Considering this unit spends more time up and in the woods in a single season than most people will use it during a ten year period says a lot about its’ quality and durability. Other than a set of tires, nothing has been replaced on the original unit.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Jumping Jack trailer and what makes them so special, here is an overview.

The original series tent trailer is a 6X8 utility trailer which will easily haul two of your quads to your camping or hunting destination. Once you have reached your destination, you can drive your quads off the trailer and open up the tent, your home away from home for the remainder of the trip.

Going from fully loaded with quads to a tent up and ready to go can be done in about five minutes with very little practice. It’s been said by many people “making something complicated seem

very simple is genius” and the team at Jumping Jack Trailers has done just that. There is no need to complicate this process. These units are simply one of the very best ways to camp and explore the world.

The trailer itself is a heavy duty single axle utility trailer which measures 92” wide by 144” long. It has a gross vehicle weight rating of 2995 pounds and when not in use with your quads and tent, it does a fine job of hauling trash, construction materials or anything you might need to move. It has a gross axle rating of 3500 pounds. The trailer itself weights 995 pounds and the 250 pound tent and frame can be easily removed to give you plenty of room when used just as a utility trailer. The wood deck on the base is water sealed for years of faithful service. It has heavy duty tiedown loops and side steps. Lights are recessed and out of the way to avoid damage on those nasty back roads.

The tent frame is made of heavy duty rectangular tube design steel which is powder-coated. This coating is extremely durable and much tougher than automobile paint. The tent is made from 13 oz. mildew and water resistant marine canvas with double stitched seams and reinforced corners. It provides nearly 100 square feet of living space with two pop up beds. Each bed has a 34”X96”X3” foam pad which seconds as a cushion for the folding table.

It will sleep 4-6 people, but is really ideal for two hunters and all their gear.

If more room is what you are look-

ing for, either the midsize in 6X12 or jumbo in 6X17 will accommodate your needs. The mid-sized will haul three ATV’s and sleep 4-8 people. The jumbo model will haul four ATV’s and sleep four to 10 people with 144 square feet of sleeping space in the tent. Full details and specs on both of these models can be found on their website at www.

jumpingjacktrailers.com.

Regardless of the size of trailer you are looking for, you will be guaranteed to have a lifetime of fun with a Jumping Jack Trailer. They are truly one of the most durable and hard core pieces of gear built for outdoorsmen by outdoorsmen. The Sportsman’s News team won’t leave home without it.

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Beretta Px4 Storm Compact

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

F

inding a great quality concealed carry gun isn’t that hard to do. The current trend in pistols is reliability in a small footprint. Many full sized calibers are available in tiny concealable footprints, but they also come at the cost of heavier recoil since the guns lack mass to absorb the heavier, higher caliber bullets.

Beretta has taken on this challenge and their answer is the Px4 Storm Compact.

Building on the lessons learned from their full -sized and sub-compact offerings, Beretta integrated a rotating barrel into their compact model. This quarter rotation helps dissipate felt recoil laterally, so less force is placed on the shooter’s wrist. The recoil from the Storm is more of a firm push than a smack as the energy of the round firing is dispersed in multiple directions.

As with most of the polymer lower receiver pistols on the market, the Storm is heavier on top than on the bottom, but with the 80 degree grip handle, this gives the

Storm Compact a lower center of gravity, making it a pleasure to shoot and a great natural point of aim.

The proprietary glass fiber reinforced polymer grip is ideally suited for all sizes of hands. Swappable grip inserts allow the shooter to customize the grip size and ambidextrous slide lock and safety, as well as a reversible magazine release, make the gun ideal for both left and right-handed shooters.

The one suggestion I would make to Beretta is one I have been making for years.

On 99 percent of guns commonly used in the US, the safety disengages by pressing it down, but on Berettas it disengages by pushing it up. The Px4 Storm Compact is no exception and the way the safety is engineered on this gun, it is nearly impossible to cycle the slide without getting a little bite from the safety lever each time.

Consider it like driving on the wrong side of the road in England, you will have to adjust to this Italian quirk and take it into account during your training.

Overall, I was very pleased with this

gun though I did notice a bit of hesitation on feeding and cycling lighter target loads. It handled all of the heavier loads excellently. The dual captured recoil springs give the slide a stiffer pull, which may play a factor in those with weaker hands, but helps to dissipate felt recoil. This may also be a factor in the break-in period of the gun as we put less than 100 rounds through it. The factory 3-dot combat sights are prominent but not overbearing and the flowing edges provide less surfaces to snag on and give the pistol a very modern look and feel. It is no wonder so many law enforcement officers around the globe rely on the Px4 Storm and the Compact retains all the excellence of its big brother without sacrificing, well, anything.

The storm weighs in at just slightly over 27ounces unloaded. The barrel length is 3.27 inches long, with overall length of 6.8 inches and a thickness of 1.42 inches. The trigger pull on this double/single action pistol is 10 lbs for double action and just under 4 lbs in single action mode.

Right now through May 31, 2014, when you buy any new Px4 Storm in any size and caliber, you receive $50 back from Beretta. Simply visit your Sportsman's Warehouse and purchase a new Px4 Storm. Any size, any model, any caliber. All you have to do is fill out the online form, providing the appropriate documentation, and they will send $50 back to you. Eligible models include: Px4 Full Size, Px4 Inox, Px4 Special Duty, Px4 Compact, Px4 Sub-Compact. See www. beretta.com/en-us/px4promo/ for details and rebate form.

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Archery Tips - One Step At A Time

By Shane Chuning

You would just simply look at someone through that hole and the person you are t has been a long winter for a lot of us. looking at will naturally see your dominant With spring finally here, it means dust- eye through that hole. This is very critical ing off those bows for some practice. when fitting new archers to a bow and Others like myself shoot throughout the choosing whether they should start out left year, so no dusting is needed. Either way or right handed. with spring in the air, it brings all of us Shooting with your dominant eye is archers out to enjoy the nice weather and critical to having both eyes open when a chance to fine tune our equipment for the you shoot. This opens your field of view upcoming season. It is always nice to get a tremendously and also aids in relaxing jump on this early, so we are more prepared those secondary muscles that don’t need to for the hunts that we have that are fast be engaged during the shot process. I can’t approaching. In regards to the sport of ar- stress enough how important it is to know chery, I always strive to better myself every your eye dominance first before making year that goes by in some form or another. this a goal. What will happen when shootThere is no better way to do this than early ing with both eyes open and shooting from spring. Archery is a huge mental game as the wrong side is that your dominant eye well, so consider this when it comes time will take over and you will more than likely to really hone in on your skills of trying to miss the target by a long shot. I encourage improve on some of the weaknesses you those that want to try this to stay with it for might have. I look at these things as an a few weeks and you will find it becomes important part every year to fine tune my second nature to you. I actually have never skills as an archer. Let’s look at a few things seen one switch to both eyes open and go that will help us be better bow hunters this back to one eye closed, so that should tell season and in the years ahead. This takes you something. It’s well worth a try. commitment and often times it is best to Another tip to consider is to work on tackle this one step at a time. achieving your correct draw length. I still One important tip to consider is shooting see so many archers out there with a draw with both eyes open. Now some might be length that is way too long. This is critical to doing this already, however I would wager your overall accuracy and when not right, that the majority out there still shoot with it can be very difficult to hold on target, one eye closed. The biggest step to deter- steady down range. Now I will admit that mine if you can even do this is to figure out some of this is not your fault because some your eye dominance. You can achieve this were not ever lead in the right direction to by taking your hands and forming a small begin with, especially for those that have hole with them straight out in front of you, become accustom to it. We really become as shown in the illustration on this page. creatures of habit, thus making it harder to change. I encourage you to search your correct draw length out and in the end it will pay out big in your overall accuracy.

Some of the other things to look for to get you in the ballpark are your eye alignment with your nocking point at full draw. An ideal starting point would be fairly plumb, with corner of your eye and your nock at full draw. This would get you right in the ballpark right off the bat. When checking for Imagine a straight line from end of shaft to my eye and it would probably be a very plumb line. this you will want to line up your reference points as well.

This gives you a very good reference for corThis would be nose to string rect draw length, along with reference points being nose to string and string along the corner and string running down the corner of your mouth. Stickof your mouth. ing with this model will give

I

you a very good solid base to start with. Now if you can’t make this happen you might want to reevaluate your draw length. Another thing to note when attempting to get these things to line up is your peep. You might have to reposition your peep altogether to get this to work, so if you are trying to change with your peep in its current location your This shows an open hand for the purpose of where eye will naturally go to the lifeline lands in relation to the the bow's grip. that spot, right to your For a right handed shooter the left side of the grip old habits that you are will follow the lifeline. Opposite for a left handed trying to break. It’s best shooter. to draw back with an arrow nocked and come to these reference grip and tune play. You will see how grip is points with your eyes closed. Then set in to huge in getting a bare-shaft to fly true with your anchor and reference points and open your fletched arrows. your eyes. You might be surprised and find With archery, I find it easier to tackle the location of your peep needs to change one item at a time until you feel comfortas well. I encourage you to ask questions able with it, then move on to the next one. and seek good information in regards to There is no need to rush things you might proper fit to draw length. It is very critical want to improve on. Let them get ingrained to your overall accuracy and consistency. into you so they become second nature, The last thing I would like to mention then move on to the next one. These tips I is the proper grip for a given bow. Grip is mentioned might seem very small to some, very much overlooked and a critical part but believe me, they are a huge part of the in attaining true arrow flight. It is also one foundation that will bring about the best in of the reasons why some have a hard time you. There is no better time to think about with fixed blade, broadhead flight. Basic these things and fine tune them than now. grip placement is based off the lifeline of As archers, striving to better ourselves your hand with your knuckles roughly at a should be our goal . We owe it to ourselves 45 degree angle. For a right handed shooter and the game we pursue. that would be the left side edge of the grip of the bow following your lifeline. Most of your thumb pad would be directly behind the grip of the bow. All too often guys and gals will grip a bow like a pistol.

This will have the grip of the bow crossing your lifeline completely and can lead to inconsistencies in arrow flight due to grip torque. Bows can require a certain amount of grip pressure from left to right to get the cleanest arrow flight. I will have to explain this more in depth in another arAn example of a relaxed hand position laying genticle regarding bare-shaft tly at the front of the riser tuning and the impact

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Why Fish Bite

Chad LaChance

Q

uick; why do fish bite lures?

Duh, because they’re hungry, right? Well maybe, but why else might they bite? Perhaps more importantly, why do I care why they bite, so long as they do? I’ll tell why I care; because understanding the nature of fish and exactly why they might bite allows me to tailor my presentation to the exact mood of the fish. And that, in turn, allows me to trick more of them into biting.

Now, before you think I’m painting myself as some sort of fish whisperer, let me explain what I’m considering when trying to determine their motivation for hitting my stuff, along with the specific reasons. Then we’ll talk about the presentation adjustments that allow us to take advantage of this concept.

The most obvious answer as to why fish bite lures, as I already mentioned, is because they are hungry. If they’re hungry and actively feeding, then they’re relatively easy to catch. Berkley fish behavior scientists spent a bunch of money to figure out that fish, like people, feed only a small percentage of the day. So, what if they’re not feeding?

Why else might they bite?

One reason is simply competitiveness with their peers; one fish eats and it lights up the whole school. Call it the power of suggestion; humans fall for it commonly in our world.

Another reason they bite is because of curiosity. They may be inclined to

nibble a bunch of the time even when not actively feeding, and since they have no hands they cannot sample anything without biting it. I also call these opportunity bites.

How about biting out of aggression or territorialness? This is a common occurrence around their spawning season when fish often don’t play well with others. If you only got to mate once per year, you’d have low tolerance for anyone or anything interfering with you, right?

One of my favorite reasons for a fish to bite is simply out of pure surprise reaction. By this I mean something pops into their awareness and they grab it as a reaction, likely subconsciously even.

Picture someone tossing a baseball into your peripheral vision; you catch it out without apparent thought. Well, fish catch stuff with their mouth!

The last reason for biting is related to the previous, but is more deliberate - a true predatory strike. Basically, something is running from them and their inner-predator comes out, causing them to chase it down and try to eat it. This is the manifestation of their predatory instinct; it’s the same reason we humans are told never to run from mountain lions or grizzlies. Those beasts may not really want to eat us and in fact are likely afraid of us at a deep level, but since we’re running from them, all bets are off.

OK, so that’s all great, but how do we determine on the water what their motivations are and how will it help us catch more fish? Well, we let the prevailing season, conditions and fish themselves tell us, and then tailor our lure and overall presentation to their motivation.

Feeding fish are the easiest to catch because they actually want to bite. Easy ways to determine if fish are feeding is to watch for presence of disturbed baitfish, feeding birds, surface activity or just by reading the conditions. First light, last light, major storm fronts rolling in, obvious hatches, tide changes, all these conditions are prime feeding opportunities and an angler will do well to assume they are feeding. In this case, the best thing you can do is merely help them find your lure. This is the only time I worry even one iota continued on page 44

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

FISHFUL THINKER continued from page 43

about “matching the hatch” and even then I only need to be in the ballpark in terms of depth, speed, action, profile and color. Knowing what the “hatch” or preferred food it helps tremendously.

My goal in this case is to feed them what they want and make it easy to find and catch. The big thing is to give them no reason to NOT bite.

Schooling and competitive fish are similar in that, once you get the first one to commit, the rest can be easy pickin’s.

The most important thing here is to make hay while the sun is shining so to speak. Keep a bait in the area to keep them fired up. If you allow the school to settle down, you’re back to square one.

Having a buddy casting with you helps tremendously.

I mostly associate curiosity bites with very clear water and when fish have lots of time to decide. Trout cruising lazily in spring creeks is a prime example. They aren’t negative or put off and they aren’t feeding as though they would if there Mojo aBass Ad happening 2014_STC Ad- they’re 4/11/14 simply 8:36 AM was hatch

going through the motions of daily life.

If something looks like it might be edible and gives them no reason to think otherwise, they may very casually nip at it. Picture your lure as a bowl of potato chips sitting in front of you; there’s no real commitment to sampling just one.

Territorialness is easy to take advantage of; put a larger than average bait in their area and leave it there, perhaps working it in a very small space. The idea is get them to really want it gone.

This works especially well with spawning males of all species.

A “reaction bite” as bassers like to call them, occurs when your lure suddenly enters their awareness and they just grab it instantaneously. We’ve all had this happen; you cast and a fish is on it as soon as it hits the water. Taking advantage of this bite requires, in my opinion, visible cover and fish with tendencies to sit there, aka, ambush feeders. The key here is not what you throw so much as where you throw it, landing it right in their peripheral vision is critical and vertical presentations are often best.

PageThe 1 last and in my opinion most use-

ful reason to consider is the predatory strike. Something runs from them so they chase it down because that’s what predators are programmed to do. Speed is the key - keep your baits moving at all times and if you see a follower, simply change lure direction or speed up slightly to induce the strike. We use this concept as a way to locate fish and

then often slow down to more deliberate and precise presentations once fish are located. All predatory species will fall for it.

So next time you hit the water, consider thinking like a fish. Consider why they bite and let that help you catch them; I promise it will up your consistency!

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Dodge Durango W A heels

field

Looking lean and mean for 2014

By Andy Lightbody

A

lthough the Dodge Durango was reintroduced to their SUV lineup only three years ago, the design folks have redesigned a lot of sheet metal on the vehicle to give it a much more brawny and brutish look.

While the Durango SUV was anything but a tall-top station wagon and has a rear-wheel drive platform that is based on the tough Jeep Grand Cherokee, until the new 2014 makeover, many of us thought that it looked too gentle and demure. The new look now better matches the capabilities of a workhorse vehicle that is ready for the highway, towing toys or heading off road!

Up front, you’ll see rearranged headlights, more stylish and pronounced lower sheet metal that is topped off with a grille that practically scowls at you! Add to this tough-guy look in the front, the rear end has a “racetrack” lighting package that sports 162 LEDs, and 30 additional operating brake lamps. Bright and brightest, the vehicle also has a heavy-duty trailer hitch that is integrated into the body styling and large optional 20-inch wheels for a touch of eye-candy.

Mechanically, the only real notable change for 2014 is a new 8-speed automatic transmission replacement.

Dodge claims that the new tranny boosts fuel economy by about nine percent, and also claims that the V6 equipped vehicles also have the lon-

gest driving range between fill-ups in its class. With a range of 600 miles and a 24.6 gallon tank, bathroom breaks and rest stops are going to be few and far between!

Carried over is the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that came in the Durango Limited with AWD that we tested and is rated at 17mpg city/24mpg highway. In our combined driving both on/ off road and towing a small camper trailer, we came in at around 18 mpg.

Under the hood specs put the V6 at 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

That translates to being able to tow up to 6,200 pounds of “stuff.” This rates far more than most of the competitor crossover SUVs can pull.

If you want to increase that capacity to 7,200 pounds in any of the AWD models, you may want to opt for the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The larger engine option also comes with an Eco-driving-mode feature as standard equipment that automatically is selected when the vehicle is started up

and controls throttle sensitivity, the transmission and the cylinder deactivation feature. There is an over-ride button to block it out.

Standard equipment in the Durango Limited is long and longer, and includes a reworked dash display with an 8.4-inch touch screen display that is friendly, simple to use/navigate and easy to see. Both driver and front passenger seats are power adjustable.

These heated leather front bucket seats are coupled to heated second row seats for added comfort, and they even include a heated steering wheel. Other standard niceties include backup camera, parking assist sensors, trailer sway dampeners, remote start, security alarm, and a full sound sat system.

For us sportsmen, there are both 12volt and 120-volt auxiliary power outlets.

If you want the ultimate entertainment package for those long-haul outdoor adventures, the Durango offers a $2,000 rear-seat Blu-ray/DVD option and dual video screens with an HDMI input.

On the road, with or without pulling a boat/trailer, the V6 Durango has a lot of pep and easy acceleration. Unless you’re doing heavier towing than

6,200 pounds, there really is no need to opt for the optional V8. Handling and steering are tight and precise and provides a smooth, luxury vehicle ride. Head to the gravel/back roads and with the AWD, you are going to be pleasantly surprised at power, handling and ride. The Durango is never going to be a trail-busting Jeep, but with a full 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a standard factory-installed skidplate, back trail travel to hunting/fishing areas, as well as trail exploring should not be intimidating. Even the more ruggedized Jeep Grand Cherokee offers only 8.6 inches of ground clearance, so taking the Durango into the back country and off road rates high!

Designed to carry six/seven folks with all the seats in the full-andupright position, the Durango really does have decent room area for those riders banished to the back of the bus, third row seating area. Both back seat rows fold down flat and affords 84.5 cubic of cargo room. That’s less than larger crossover SUVs from Chevy and Mazda, but should accommodate most with long gun cases, ammo, fishing gear and camping equipment.

Besides that, the Durango offers a roof-mounted rail system ready to mate to a host of after-market roof racks. And as you know, we always like that feature!

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Digital Edition Only Special Content Contact File Dave Jacobs, Dave Jacobs Sacramento River Guide Service. PO Box 491987, Redding, CA, 96049. Toll free: 800-355-3113 Cell: 530-646-9110. Web: www. davejacobsfishing.com Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn. 2300 Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA 96002 Tel. 800-971-6905. Local: 530-221-6100. Web: www.hilltopinn.com Visit Redding. 2334 Washington Avenue, Suite B, Redding, CA 96001 Tel. 530-225-4100. Web: www.visitredding.com —Gary Lewis

PACWEST OUTDOORS

The fish drops back as the Glo-Bug approaches, then it commits, opens its mouth and expels water out of its my Glo-Bug in the water. Seconds gills. When the fish feels the hook, it later, I was tied to another rainbow. tries to shake the bait out of its mouth.

That was the first of three doubles. If we sense the bite at all, often that On the second double, we brought head-shake is our first clue we got the fish close enough together that a bite. when Dave plunged for them with Hank Mautz, who was one of the the net, he brought up both fish in a pioneers of this technique we call single scoop. side-drifting, showed me how he uses Beneath the Highway 44 bridge, his trigger finger to get a better sense we tried for a triple, but Dave’s trout of the bite. Instead of placing his threw the hook. finger on the rod, he indexes the line There is a knack to drift fishing. right off the spool, his index finger ready to sense the pulse of that first mouthing of the bait.

Past stocking efforts get the credit for this tailwater fishery, but there wasn’t a single fish we landed that was raised in a hatchery. These were wild, well-fed rainbows, brill i a n t i n c o l o r, each a rare jewel unto itself. Some were covered with spots, while others showed a cutthroat influence. A few were flecked with gold Photo by Gary Lewis and copper. The biggest of the Early in the morning on the Sacramento River below day was a hookthe Sundial Bridge. Retired fishing guide Hank Mautz jawed male I doesn’t have a hard time picking out a Glo-bug. “Use guessed at about any color you like, as long as it’s steelhead orange.” five pounds. continued from page 34

Photo by Gary Lewis Two in the net with one scoop! Gary Lewis and Dave Jacobs admire a rainbow trout, one of two taken simultaneously, side-drifting with spinning gear on the Sacramento River.

At the end of the morning, we walked through the abandoned concrete plant in the park at Turtle Bay. East of Redding, we sashayed the streets of Old Shasta, where we found examples of the art and a few of the guns of old California on display in what was the old courthouse and jail. A glimpse back in time.

As we headed south on the interstate, I threw one last look back at

the Sacramento. There are wilder places to catch wild rainbow, but to me, this big river ranks among the West’s best places to catch great trout in the heart of a city.

Gary’s latest book, A Bear Hunter’s Guide to the Universe, is available as an e-book on Kindle and Nook or in print at www.GaryLewisOutdoors. com.

Prospecting for Tailrace Rainbows In 1848, James Wilson Marshall found nuggets of gold in the tailrace at a sawmill on a tributary of the Sacramento River. In the next few years, prospectors swarmed across Northern California seeking their fortune. What was once pristine habitat for salmon and steelhead was scarred forever, its spawning gravel scoured for mineral content and left on the riverbank.

A more reliable source of wealth is water. Today, the Sacramento is dammed to form Lake Shasta and Lake Keswick, among others. The river, forever changed, is harnessed to the hand of man. It’s tailrace yields wealth of a different sort for the prospector armed with a fishing rod – big, well-fed rainbow trout, salmon, steelhead and silver-sided shad.

—Gary Lewis

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Digital Edition Only Special Content

Outfitter Corner: Screaming Bulls in Utah

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s we worked our way through the dark, we could hear the faint squeal of elk in the valley. It took us twenty minutes to get through all of the deadfall and put the wind in our favor for a morning opportunity. As we peered over the ledge and down into the valley, we could see bands of elk nearly everywhere we looked. We were looking into a valley, which was nearly two miles long, with everything an elk could possibly desire; bedding areas, good feed, and lots of water, and best of all, no hunting pressure. The bugles were coming from everywhere and we were trying to get our eyes on a good six pointer for our morning's hunt. Flashes of brown were everywhere and bugles were breaking the morning silences every few seconds, but we knew that the morning sun would gradually put an end to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We bailed off the edge to pursue the raspy bugle near the bottom of the draw. We picked our way through the rocks, trees, and various elk looking for a quality shooter. By the time we had closed the distance to a couple of hundred yards, we had passed several

younger bulls in hopes of getting our arrow into a bigger bull. Once we were inside of eighty yards of the bull, it was time to set up. We took the risk of letting out a bugle and blowing our cover, but took the chance anyway. He fired back with a roar that sent shivers down my spine. He had been on the far side of the herd and thought a rival had invaded his space. We could hear him thrashing a tree and see movement, but couldn’t identify the angry warrior. We closed the gap another twenty yards while he was preoccupied and set up again. Our next series of calls were hyper hot cow calls and he was sure one of his harem had gone astray. He wasn’t about to let that happen as he threw his head back and trotted in our direction. He stopped less than twenty yards from our position and scoured the area for his cow or the rival.

He belted out a bugle that finished with a guttural chuckle. As he stepped behind a small tree, I drew the bow in hopes of a quality shot at this big six point. I had forgotten to slip the diaphragm call into my mouth during all of the excitement.

So, I attempted a “mew” with my mouth when he presented a broadside shot.

Fortunately for us, he was very worked up and didn’t care much that I sounded more like a sick sheep than a hot cow elk. He stopped and swung his big rack as he glared in our direction. My Easton arrow was already on the way when he realized that he had made a mistake. The shot was perfect and the bull would pile up less than sixty yards away.

This scenario plays out each and every September for a few fortunate hunters.

Sometimes it happens on public ground, but excessive hunting pressure, wolves, or a list of other outside forces can cause elk to not rut in their normal behavior.

However, private land with managed pressure and harvest will usually provide a hunt just like the one described above.

J&J Outfitters is one such outfitter here in Utah. They have been in the outfitting industry for 23 years.

They guide Rocky Mountain elk, Mule deer, Shiras Moose, Mountain lions, and coyotes on private and public land all throughout the state of Utah. Their guides are very professional and hardworking, and they have the experience necessary to help you harvest your trophy animals.

J&J Outfitters has two archery bull elk hunts available for prime rut on private land. Hunters will be hunting for 280-310 class bulls.

These hunts consist of 6 days of exclusive hunting on a 9,800 acre ranch located in Northeastern Utah from September 7-12.

This is prime rut hunting at its best. The bull elk will be bugling, rutting, and chasing the cow elk. The hunting terrain is very pristine, high alpine country which, offers incredible scenery and lots of hunting action. Food and RV lodging are included during your hunt. They offer these hunts as a 1x1 or 2x1 guided hunt for $5,000 per hunter for 1x1 or $4,500 per hunter for 2x1. Tags are over the counter.

Plan to arrive the afternoon of September 6. If you are looking for an action packed archery elk hunt of a lifetime, give them a call (435-336-4146). Don’t let this opportunity pass you by, these hunts will book fast. “Make it Happen” with J&J Outfitters!

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Digital Edition Only Special Content

W

e have 23 years of outfitting and guide experience.

We manage thousands of acr es of private hunting ground throughout the state of Utah. We offer quality fair-chase hunts for Trophy Mule Deer, Elk, Shiras Moose and Mountain Lion. We have guaran-

teed tags on most of our ranches.

We run professional, high-quality hunting camps with knowledgeable and experienced guides to pr ovide you with the hunt of a lifetime.

“Make It Happen!” with J&J Outfitters. We look forwar d to hearing from you.

Jed and Jenni Wayment

PO Box 244, Henefer, Utah 84033 e-mail: jwayment@allwest.net • (435) 336-4146

2013 TROPHIES TAKEN WITH J&J OUTFITTERS

www.jandjoutfitters.com

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SPORTSMAN’S NEWS | May 2014

Digital Edition Only Special Content

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

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perfectly cooked venison steak; does it get any better than that?

I have cooked venison steaks with every method imaginable and this one is hard to beat. I still love to grill them over uber-hot oak or mesquite wood, but this simple method still reigns supreme. Searing meat caramelizes the sugars and browns the proteins present in meat, resulting in a nice crust that adds color, texture, and a ton of flavor. Use back strap for this recipe, or if you want to use a beef rib-eye, have at it. Take the time to wet age the meat; this is the first step for the perfect venison steak.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ to 2 lbs. venison back-strap • Olive oil (extra light has the highest

Venison Steak & Smashed Potatoes

smoke point and is ideal) • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 12 baby red or yellow potatoes (about 2” in diameter) • Kosher salt • Fresh cracked black pepper

Preparation

First of all you need to wet age the meat to do it justice. This will tenderize the meat and make it oh-so-much better.

Place the meat in a gallon size zip-lock with a teaspoon of baking soda and a ¼ cup of olive. Massage the baking soda and oil until it dissolves and refrigerate for 2-7 days, the longer the better.

When ready to cook, remove the meat and pat it dry with paper towels. Slice the meat into 1” thick steaks. Brush the steaks lightly with olive oil and season

well with salt and pepper. The salt will help form a crust so a little extra won’t hurt. Let sit at room temperature for at least a half hour.

Start cooking the smashed potatoes first. Put the potatoes in a large pot and add water to cover by at least an inch.

Toss in a couple teaspoons of kosher salt and bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce to a simmer and cook until fork tender (about ½ hour). Remove the potatoes and let them drain on paper towels or a dishtowel. Oil a baking sheet well with olive oil. Place the potatoes on the sheet. “Smash” the potatoes by lightly pressing them down with a potato masher until they are about ½ inch thick. Drizzle well with olive oil, and season with salt & pepper to taste.

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Roast the potatoes in a pre-heated 450 degree oven for 30-40 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven and cover in foil to keep warm.

Now for a little Sturm and Drang, le piece de resistance, the pan-sear!

There is one drawback that needs to be mentioned, this will smoke up your kitchen! There is no way around it. The heat required to pan sear will smoke.

Disconnect the smoke alarm, fire up the exhaust fans, open a few windows, and let show begin! You will need a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet with a metal handle that can go in the oven. You will also need a heavy duty hot pad or oven mitt. We are dealing with extremely high heat and you can easily brand yourself. BE CAREFUL! This is all going to happen quickly and I suggest a timer to keep track of cook times (I use the timer on my I-phone).

Place the skillet in the oven and heat to 500 degrees. Remove the skillet and place on the stove over high heat…I’m warning you, this is going to smoke… place the steaks in the hot, dry skillet.

Do not move or mess with the steaks as they sear. Cook for 30 seconds and flip them with tongs and cook for another 30 seconds on the other side. Transfer the skillet with steaks back into the 500 degree oven for 2 minutes. Flip the steaks and cook for another 2 minutes.

This will cook them to a perfect medium-rare. If you like them a little more done increase cooking time another minute per side. Remove the steak to a plate and cover with a foil tent and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve with the potatoes, some sour cream a fine red wine. I have a unique meat/wine pairing guide on my website at www.wildgamewine.com to help you find and obtain the perfect wine to accompany the Perfect Venison Steak or any meal you enjoy wine with. Check out and join our incredible wine club.

Everything goes better with Wine!

Cheers!

May 2014 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Remember When

By Kent Francis

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et a few guys together for an overnight hunting or fishing trip and it doesn’t take long before someone says, “I remember when…“ and proceeds to recount a favorite memory. It’s important for grandpas, fathers and sons to spend time together creating these memorable moments.

I’ve found the outdoors to be a great playground for any activity for which you have a passion. Spend a few hours in Sportsman’s Warehouse, and you’ll find activities for a variety of budgets.

I remember when I took my sons fishing at Via Naughton near Kemmerer,Wy. We caught amazing rainbows; healthy trout worth measuring.

This event happened more than 18 years ago and I remember the details as though it was yesterday. Naughton is located about 20 minutes north of the small town of Kemmerer. It has been a good fishery for fat rainbow for many years. There’s good access from the shore and by boat. The launch ramp, though cement, is a little primitive.

At one time, there was a café near the boat ramp. I remember when the owner told Dad and me that he would cook us dinner with any fish we caught on the lake. I’ve never forgotten that kind gesture. I remember when during another trip to Naughton, Dad returned to camp from fly-fishing. Having been out since dawn, he returned to find that that my friend Van and I landed a 5-pound rainbow. We had tried to surprise Dad, but he saw the tail of the fish sticking out of the Colman cooler. What a rush this was for two 13-year-old boys to pull off. Downstream from Naughton you will find the Kemmerer City Reservoir, which allows float tubes, and artificial lures only. This lake has big fish and best success is found near the inlet.

Dad would recount many “remember

when...” moments while I was fishing with him. He told of his friend Alva Dearden who owned a Willys Jeep. He and Dad would take this vehicle on most hunt outings. The jeep was nothing to look at, but for a hunter it was sought after. There was no top to block your binocular view of the buck that just entered the clearing. There was no worry about the paint job, and one could travel all day on 10 gallons of gas.

Hunting was spent near Lost Creek, about 20 miles east of Morgan, UT. It was not uncommon to run into a group of 20 or more bucks. Dad’s rifle of choice was his Winchester 30 06 model 70 prewar edition with open sights. Dad never carried any other rifle for big game. The rifle is still used by my son and has since been outfitted with a Vortex 3x9 scope.

On one occasion, the limit for the day was 1 buck and 1 cougar in Sawmill Canyon near Echo, Utah in 1937. Echo was great cougar county due to its cliffs and rough terrain. Cougars had a good vantage point for stalking deer.

I remember when after the hunt, Dad took great effort to make sure the body cavity of his deer was opened to cool.

He hung the deer in the shed using block and tackle. With the hide removed, cheesecloth was put over the meat as it aged for a few cool nights. We then transferred the deer to the basement on a covered table in the canning room.

Sharp knives and saws came out to cut into various steaks and roasts. This was a family event with some cutting and others wrapping.

Many of Dad’s “remember when... ” stories were about him and Alva in the mountains nearby, along with Ade Smith, a long time fishing partner. They spent many days in a small boat telling fishing stories as they waited for the evening fishing to begin. Mom was always up early to prepare lunch for the guys’ outing. She’d ask us to be safe and to have fun. Dad was ok in this small fishing boat as long as Ade would get off the lake at any sign of bad weather.

I remember hunting with my brother Mark and brother-in-law Steve near Lost Creek Reservoir. The morning was cold and clear. Snow covered the dirt road beneath us. We had traveled quite a few miles before we stopped when the bumper, of the Ford Power Wagon, was

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Digital Edition Only Special Content pushing snow. Mark and I stepped out into the snow. Our plan was to hike the ridge and meet Steve in the canyon to the west. The snow was deep, up to my thighs, as we traversed to the top of the ridge. We had a good vantage point for seeing much of the canyon. The snow added a whole new advantage to spotting deer. To our astonishment, a buck appeared ahead of us. He had yet to see us. Several seconds and one shot later Mark had a nice four-point buck.

I remember Mark doing all the things I’d seen Dad do in cleaning the animal, getting the breast open and filling with cold snow to cool the meat. We then faced the chore of getting the animal down the hill, which resulted being easier than we expected. (Thank goodness.) The dead buck was lying in the snow at the top of the ridge. I sat on the animal like a bobsled. With both my hands gripping the antlers, I slid down the new snowpack until I reached the road in the canyon bottom.

I remember when a fishing trip to the Green River, a few years back, taught me how to fish out of a drift boat. I had never been fishing with a guide who did all the work. His job was to ensure you had a great day and caught plenty of fish. He even took the fish off the hook. The water was like glass. I could see the river bottom and big rocks pass as we moved down the river. The fly of the day was a Cicada that was hatching in the trees near the water’s edge. The big browns would wait for one of the huge bugs to drop in the water. We put the drift boat in at Little Hole and got out at Brown’s Park. They call this the “B” section and it is known for having bigger fish. I found an advantage of fishing from a drift boat.

It gives your dry fly a natural drift as the boat moves the same speed at the fly. There is no need to mend your line.

My brother Mark climbed in one end of the boat, and we were off. We had a great morning landing a lot of fish. It was a delight to watch the large dry fly get scooped up by the large fish. It was hard not to prematurely set the hook as you watch the fish come to the surface. When it came time for lunch, our guide tied up several more Cicada flies. He walked over to a pine tree and caught one of the live Cicadas and began to match its pattern. I had tied flies before but not

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

with the real live bug watching me. We continued down the river to Brown’s Park with amazing fishing results.

If you love fall fishing, like I do, then I am sure you’ve been to Strawberry Reservoir in early October. The large cutthroats work into the shallow waters to chase minnows and get fat for the “ice on.” You have to be willing to endure sub temperatures (15 degrees) at launch time and a high of 30 for the day.

In 2011, I had one of those “I remember when... ” days at Strawberry. The air was brisk, and you could hear the ice popping on the edges of the lake. The big cuts were in 5 ft of water and the cast of a white tube was just the ticket to land one of these beauties.

A minnow-pattern fly with weighted line is also dangerous. Today, I was with a friend who had not been to the lake before. I had high anticipation to prove that my fish stories of this lake were true. It only took a few casts for Brody to land one of these cuts, and then another, until it was time for lunch.

My prior concern about showing him a good day was surpassed with each photo of every fish we caught. One of the other things I enjoy about this lake is its size. Covering 17,000 acres, it can accommodate many fishermen and allow for each to have their own favorite spot on the lake. The average depth of Strawberry Reservoir is 64 feet. It produces some of the most beautiful cuts in Utah. Strawberry is located south of Heber City, about 25 miles up Daniels Canyon.

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40. Logan, Utah 91 East 1400 North 41. Midvale, Utah (801) 567-1000

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42. Provo, Utah (801) 818-2000

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1. Corporate Office Midvale, Utah (801) 566-6681 2. Anchorage, Alaska (907) 644-1400 3. Fairbanks, Alaska (907) 374-8800 4. Soldotna, Alaska (907) 420-3000 5. Wasilla, Alaska (907) 864-8000 6. Mesa, Arizona (480) 558-1111 7. Phoenix, Arizona (623) 516-1400 8. Tucson, Arizona (520) 877-4500 9. Chico, California (530) 897-0500 10. Rancho Cordova, California Opening in 2014

43. Riverdale, Utah (801) 334-4000 44. St. George, Utah (435) 634-7300 11. Redding, California (530) 222-5500

21. Twin Falls, Idaho (208) 737-9900

12. Rocklin, California (916) 782-9900

22. Ankeny, Iowa (515) 963-3500

13. Colorado Springs, Colorado (719) 597-9200

23. Lexington, Kentucky (859) 263-7000

14. Grand Junction, Colorado (970) 243-8100 15. Loveland, Colorado (970) 461-5000 16. Thornton, Colorado (303) 428-6500 17. Idaho Falls, Idaho (208) 542-1900 18. Lewiston, Idaho (208) 743-2000 19. Meridian, Idaho (208) 884-3000 20. Nampa, Idaho (208) 468-7600

24. Southaven, Mississippi (662) 349-5500 25. Bozeman, Montana (406) 586-0100 26. Helena, Montana (406) 457-7200 27. Missoula, Montana (406) 523-9000 28. Carson City, Nevada (775) 884-2100 29. Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 474-1100 30. Reno, Nevada (775) 828-1500

31. Albuquerque, New Mexico (505) 761-9900 32. Farmington, New Mexico (505) 326-2100 33. Bend, Oregon (541) 693-5000 34. Hillsboro, Oregon (503) 844-9100 35. Medford, Oregon (541) 732-3700 36. Portland, Oregon (503) 777-8700 37. Salem, Oregon (503) 589-0800 38. Columbia, South Carolina (803) 731-3000 39. Chattanooga, Tennessee (423) 892-6300

45. Vernal, Utah Opening in 2014 46. Roanoke, Virginia (540) 366-9700 47. Federal Way, Washington (253) 835-4100 48. Kelso, Washington Opening in 2014 49. Kennewick, Washington (509) 736-2200 50. Puyallup, Washington (253) 864-0800 51. Silverdale, Washington (360) 307-6900 52. Vancouver, Washington (360) 604-8000 53. East Wenatchee, Washington (509) 886-7200 54. Casper, Wyoming (307) 233-3700 55. Cheyenne, Wyoming (307) 635-4500