Sportsman's News February 2018 Digital Edition

FREE February 2018 | Volume 14 | Issue 2

North Haven Resort

Enter To Win A New Zealand Red Stag Hunt

With Every DVD Purchase See Pg. 35 for details

Gary Lewis

Blacktails and Black Powder King Salmon and Lots of ‘Em

Togiak River Lodge Page 8

Chad LaChance

Listen to Fido

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

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

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

Sportsman’s News is published monthly.

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

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

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

WORDS FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Michael Deming

T

he first quarter of every year, we get to take the packs off and reflect on the trips from the past year as well as finalize the planning for the current year. However, we don’t get to do that from the comforts of home very often.

This is the trade show season and what that means for people who don’t work in the industry, is lots of industry people get together to promote new products as well as adventures for the future. It is also a great time to catch up with old friends, enjoy the success for the past year, as well as discuss some of the future problems for our industry.

The Dallas Safari Club show is where I’ve been for the past week and during this time, I made it a point to talk with as many British Columbia, Canada outfitters who offer grizzly bear hunts, to see how much of an impact the closing of hunting this species will have on them. Hunting of these animals is going to have a major financial impact on many of these outfitters in the immediate future, but the bigger concern is the long-term effect it will have.

Stopping the hunting of these apex predators allows them to go unmanaged. An unmanaged resource like this will then have a major effect on all of the other species that are hunted in their areas. You will see a reduction in all the other species as time goes on. The good outfitters will reduce the number of hunts they sell in hopes that the grizzly bear season will open up and the herds will return. If the grizzly bear season does open up, the outfitters will have an abundance of these and the hunts will be really good until the population is back to a managed level. Now the bad or crooked outfitters out there will continue to sell lots of hunts for the other species, have lots of unsuccessful clients, and complain about the bear problem while they take your money and leave you with a bad experience and less money. There are both of these kinds of outfitters at these shows. The ones that care about the health and quality of all the herds and the ones that just care about your money. Those guys seem to always have openings, so be careful while you are out searching to spend some of those hard-earned dollars. As far as the closing of the grizzly bear hunting in British Columbia, without any science behind this process, please become aware of what is going on. You may never want to hunt a bear, or an African lion, or anything like that, but letting anti-hunting organizations dominate the decisions being made is a bad precedence for all hunting. Get involved in organizations like Safari Club International, Dallas SCI, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, etc. There are lots of organizations who support the main species you are passionate about, but they are also in tune with things that will affect our sport for generations to come. Last year Quebec announced the closing of the Quebec-Labrador caribou hunting for years past the 2017 season. The herds were lower than a decade ago, but stable and held a huntable number of animals. Roughly 3,000-4,000 animals were harvested annually by hunters traveling to Quebec. This supported several very good hunting/ fishing operations in that country and one was one of our Platinum Approved Outfitters. None of them are at the show now and barely hanging on in business in hopes the seasons get opened back up. This was another decision that was politically-driven and not science-driven. So, when I tell you that our way of life is under attack, please believe it. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with many great people and seeing what the true story is from those with boots on the ground.

With that being said, if you know of an outfitter who runs a great operation who should be part of our endorsed outfitters list, please email me at mdeming@ sportsmansnews.com. We are happy to get feedback from our readers who have been in the field with someone who put people before profit and wants the best for their clients and the species. I would also like to hear your “STAY AWAY FROM” list.

We have a list of our own, which for legal reasons, isn’t published, but we want to help rid the industry of these types of outfitters. They are bad for our industry and bad for the future of our herds. Don’t forget to call us here at Sportsman’s News when you are looking to book a great trip.

WHAT’S INSIDE

4 North Haven Resort

Canada's Finest Fishing Lodge.

Lot's of King Salmon 8 Togiak River Lodge is the King.

4

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

Platinum Approved Outfitters

16 MSR Roundup

Great black rifle products.

Pro Member Sweepstakes 20Over $300,000 In Giveaways. Drawing Every 10 Days.

16

23 Fishful Thinker: A Clue From The Dog The dog made me do it..

24 PacWest Outdoors: Blacktail Deer, Black Powder, White Smoke

Extending your season with an anterless hunt..

28 Pro Member Update: Tumbleweed Lodge Having a blast in South Dakota.

31 Video Product Reviews

A look back on some of our favorites from 2017.

28

35 Business Directory 36 Pro's Tip: Master the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting These fundamentals will give you a foundation to build upon.

40 Wild Game Recipe: Goose Egg Rolls

With a peanut dipping sauce, these delicious egg rolls are easy to make.

42 Adventures on a Budget: Bassing the Bend

This reservoir on the Texas/Louisiana border, consistently produces big bass.

46 Writer's Contest: One Lucky Day Black Wildebeast Hunt Getting it done on the dark continent in a single day.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve McGrath Chad LaChance Gary Lewis Steve Mayer John N. Felsher Bob Solimena

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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North Haven Resort Canada’s Finest Fishing Lodge

By Steve McGrath

The main lodge, in all its majesty, sits along the shores of Utik Lake, who’s waters are exclusive to North Haven Lodge.

Photo by Jim Bishop

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

T

he large spoon glimmered in the overcast light as its high arcing cast took it towards the shore of Manitoba’s Utik Lake. The heavy lure rhythmically worked its way through the tea-stained water with each crank on the reel, a retrieve filled with visions of trophy pike. The spoon didn’t just stop this time; it was the type of strike you’d expect from an apex predator. The bend in the rod said it all; the battle was on.

Sportsman's News Senior Editor Kent Danjanovich and I had heard about North Haven Resort in Manitoba and decided we needed to experience it first hand. We were greeted in the Winnipeg airport by a representative of the resort who took our bags and settled us into a neighboring hotel for a short overnight stay. The alarm came early the next morning and the same representative was at the hotel to take us to a smaller airport where the chartered plane was waiting. The flight took us north over Lake Winnipeg and over some of the least populated areas I think I’ve ever seen. It’s easy to see why Manitoba has a solid reputation as being a fisherman’s paradise. The landscape below was dotted with lakes, ponds, rivers, and falls; with few structures in sight.

Utik Lake is home to North Haven Resort and is a large body of water that lies just over half way up the Manitoba province. It is nestled between countless other lakes which I can only imagine hold large fish as well. North Haven doesn’t own the lake, as it’s a part of Canada’s Crown Lands, similar to our own Forest Service.

They have, however, managed to arrange for exclusive fishing rights on the lake, I don’t recall seeing any other buildings on the lake during our week there. Bottom line, it’s a remote lake that North Haven goes to great length to keep pristine and in tip-top shape for anyone looking for an experience like no other.

The pilots made a low pass and sweeping turn as we got a good look at the crushed gravel runway. The runway is purpose built for North Haven Resort, with the heavy equipment needed to construct it coming in on the winter roads. In fact, the guides talked about the runway construction project being featured on “Ice Road Truckers” one season. The resort spared no expense in making this the ultimate northern pike destination. The management and guide staff greeted us as we stepped off the plane and led us to a nearby dock and a waiting pontoon boat that motored us over to the main lodge. A smiling wait staff greeted us at the front door with mimosas in hand and a hot breakfast waiting.

Our guide, Matt, came to our table and introduced himself to us and discussed plans for the day. Shortly after we finished a delicious breakfast, he met us out on the dock in what would be our “office” for the week. The lodge had brand new, custom-made 19’ Lund boats. The boats were built to ride comfortably across the expansive lake, especially during times of wind or rain. They were as equally well planned for client comforts while fishing. The fishing deck on the front of the boat was extended deeper into the boat than most and cutting-edge electronics made sure we were right where the fish wanted to be. North Haven provides all of the fishing gear you’ll need on the lake, from rods and reels to the lures that have proven effective. They proudly tout that you will only need to bring your clothes and they will provide the rest! We found their gear to be top-notch and in great working condition during our stay at the lodge.

The bend in the rod came at a time when the casts and retrieves all started to blend together, eyeballing likely water and hurling hopeful casts with questionable accuracy. Between Kent and I, we had boated a number of fish that morning, but none that would stretch the tape to trophy standards. The feel of this fish combined with the sudden sense of urgency on Matt’s part told me this one was different. The fish made frenzied runs while I did my best to make gains on it when it slowed down. The battle was back and forth, with me slowly making ground on the fish until it got close enough for Matt to pull the net out and start to pace the starboard side of the boat like an eager puppy. The fish slid out of the stained depths and showed herself for the first time, a trip-making fish by just about anyone’s standards. Matt slid the net under the belly of the big northern, quickly bringing it aboard the boat to put a tape to it. There would be no fish stories on this one, he was going for an official measurement. 40 ¾”, a mere ¼” short of the trophy designation set up by the Manitoba Tourism Board, but a clear trophy to me. The fish was quickly returned to the water to continue to grow.

The giant fish only further encouraged our child-like enthusiasm for the toothy critters, but it was lunch time and time to swap out rods. The rod locker stored lighter weight rods, rigged up with jigs for us to be able to catch our own lunch.

This was my first fishing trip to Canada and what excited me equally as much as the trophy fishing was the famed shore lunches. The light-tipped jigging rods were a nice break from the large spoons and heavy crankbaits we’d been throwing at the pike and ended up being a nice segway into shore lunch. The walleye came rather easily, with all of them being around 20”-25”. We stopped when we had caught enough for lunch.

If you haven’t experienced a fresh walleye lunch cooked over an open fire on the side of a lake in the Canadian wilderness, well, let me tell you – you are really missing out on one of the special treats in life!

We moved around the lake looking for a lunch spot that would shelter us from the wind that had been hounding us all morning long. The lodge has a number of “lunch spot” locations around the lake, all of them complete with picnic tables, fire boxes and plenty of cut wood to cook a feast fit for a king. After a bit of a run in the Lund, we found a nice spot to have lunch, out of the wind and as scenic as any lunch spot I’ve ever been to. Matt got to work splitting wood, building the fire, then turned his attention to the fish we had just caught. He fileted them out and prepared them five different ways, from a honey garlic to a spicy breading. The tables were covered with fresh linens and the places set for what would be a pretty memorable meal. The sides were

just as plentiful and delicious, with fresh cut French fries to corn, coleslaw and beans.

This was no ordinary outdoor lunch, it truly was an experience on it’s own.

The accommodations at North Haven are second to none, from the grand lodge built right on the waters edge to the private cabins with no details overlooked. The main lodge has a fully stocked bar, game room, lakeside hot tub on the front deck and a private meeting room available for those needing a business excuse to be up there for the week. The mornings start with your guide coming into your cabin and lighting a fire to get things warmed up. A delicious hot breakfast is hosted in the main lodge before your guide meets you at the dock to head out for a day of fishing. As was mentioned before, the shore lunches are legendary and certainly live up to any hype you’ve heard about them. At the end of a full day on the water, a gourmet dinner is prepared by staff chefs with some of the offerings the week we were there being rack of lamb and prime rib. The homemade ice cream and fresh berries put the food options that week over the top.

After a full day on the water fighting fish, the glow of the lights around the lodge are a welcome sight.

We weren’t the only guests at the lodge that week and were fortunate enough to share it with a couple of pike veterans. Bill and Wayne were from the Chicago area, who had both fished a number of trophy pike lodges over the years, but from At the end of a full day on the water, a the stories that were told gourmet dinner is prepared by staff chefs with over the week, it was pretty some of the offerings the week we were there apparent North Haven was being rack of lamb and prime rib. their clear favorite. Those “fish stories” were told over

North Haven Resort is known for big northern pike, so be prepared for a trip of a life time when you book your next trip to Manitoba, Canada.

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Guide Matt and the author display a massive lake trout taken while doing a little jigging after lunch on day three.

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

the freshly prepared dinners each night, with the TV above the bar showing photos from the day. It was hard to fool anyone on just how big your fish may have been! It stood out as a real testament to the quality of the lodge and the experiences they provide by the sheer number of return clients they host each year.

My travel partner on this trip, as you know, is a fishing nut, frothing at the mouth to catch just about any species that swims. But no other fish get his interest quicker than northern pike, especially when he can throw a fly rod for them. Wind is not a fly fishers friend and we had our fair share of wind that week, but there were times it calmed down enough for Kent to string up a heavy weight rod. We had boxes loaded with pike flies from Rainy’s, enough that neither one of us would run out when fishing the predatory northern fish. The custom Lund boats had more than ample room to cast from the front deck and it didn’t take long for Kent to hook up with a solid fish. When the conditions permitted, the casting and more importantly, the catching, was consistent. So consistent that Kent ended up breaking a rod one afternoon. It’s still being debated if a trophy fish is to be blamed or if it was an operator error, either way, the fly fishing didn’t disappoint.

North Haven is known for trophy northern pike and rightfully so. What they don’t talk about much is the lake trout fishing there, which can be equally as good. The weather forced us into a lunch spot one afternoon that happened to be near one of the deepest parts of the lake. Matt rigged up heavier rods, with equally as heavy jigs and had us drop them down to the depths and jig for some of the behemoths that lurk in the dark. It wasn’t long before one of our rods doubled over in what promised to be a good fight.

When using heavy gear at those types of depths, it’s a bit of an unknown when the hook is set, just how well it might be embedded in the fish’s mouth. The key to a successful fight comes down to keeping the tension on the line. After a solid fight of give and take, the large lake trout came to the boat with the fight ending in a large belch from the fish as it equalized after coming up from nearly 100 feet. The big laker ended up measuring just over 38” with girth that would make a sumo wrestler jealous. After a couple quick snapshots, it was released back to the depths for another lucky soul. It was a fun break from the pike action and is something that should be taken in serious consideration when booking a trip with North Haven Resort.

As you can see, if you are looking for a trophy pike lodge that is clearly a cut above anything else out there, do yourself a favor and give North Haven Resort a look (northhavenresort.ca and 866-531-3848). Not only is the fishing spectacular, but the spa and fitness facilities (full-time masseuse available throughout your stay) are outstanding as well. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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King Salmon and Lots of ‘Em

By Kent Danjanovich Senior Editor

W

hen a conversation is struck about Alaska, I can almost guarantee that before it’s over, there is a pretty good chance that the topic will eventually include fishing for salmon. Yes, Alaska and salmon fishing are married at the hip – and for good reasons.

Many areas of Alaska sport good returning salmon populations, but the premier area for the biggest returns is the Bristol Bay region. The inshore run in 2015 was estimated at over 58,000,000 returning salmon, well above the 34.2 million yearly average for the drainage. Yes, salmon numbers seem to be on the rise and that’s good news for sport fishermen and women looking to visit Alaska in hope of landing that fish of a lifetime.

Now, although a big percentage of the above numbers are represented by sockeye or red salmon, the Bristol Bay area is also home to some of the very best Chinook or king salmon rivers in the state. One of those rivers is the Togiak, a shortish river by Alaskan standards at about 55 miles in length, with its last 5- to 8-miles tidally influenced. This somewhat lesser known fishery hosts one of the very best king salmon runs in the state and with unbelievably low numbers of fishermen, is able to boast double-digit numbers of hook-ups per fisherman daily, unheard of numbers for all but a handful rivers in Alaska.

You would think that a river with this kind of reputation would be over-run with fishermen and the lodges to accommodate them, but in reality, there is only one permanent structure lodge on the whole river and of course that lodge, the Togiak River Lodge, is one of our favorite operations to make a visit to whenever we get the chance.

The Sportsman’s New Team first visited Larry Lund and his Togiak River Lodge back in 2010, with the results nothing short of spectacular. Now seven years and three visits later, it is easy to see why they are part of our prestigious Platinum Approved Outfitter and Lodge family because they truly deliver on what they advertise – a pristine Alaskan wilderness setting, great service, wonderful accommodations and food and oh by the way, possibly the best king salmon fishing in Alaska!

First let’s talk a little bit more about the ‘king’ of all salmon, the Chinook.

Kings spawn in fresh water and for eggs to develop properly, the water must be cool and clean, as well as oxygenated and free of sediment. It’s also essential to have vegetation cover so that the young fish have places to hide and shade to keep the water temperature low. Estuaries, therefore, make the ideal spawning spot, since the wetlands around estuaries filter out pollutants and the Togiak fits this bill perfectly.

King salmon are unique in as far as they spawn only once in their lifetime. On average, king salmon spend three to four years in the ocean (though sometimes it’s as little as one or as much as eight) before returning to fight their way upstream to spawn at their home rivers. It’s often a long, grueling journey of thousands of miles, much of it spent battling currents and fishermen. The salmon that reach their spawning grounds make up for the ones that don’t make it by laying about 15,000 eggs each. Of course, only

Sportsman’s News Pro-Staffer, Rick Rosenberg displays another great king salmon along the shores of the Togiak River in the Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska.

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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a fraction of these will result in salmon that reach adulthood themselves. Once the eggs hatch, the salmon will do one of two things: Ocean-type king salmon head for the Pacific during their first year of life and stream-type kings spend a year or two in freshwater before swimming out to the deep sea. They spend about five years in the ocean before returning to spawn and dying.

Below is a chart of facts on each salmon species: • Chinook: mature after 3-8 years; spawn July - August in large gravel and deep water with a strong current.

• Sockeye: mature after 4-5 years; spawn in August in fine gravel on lake shoals or slack water in rivers.

• Chum: mature after 3-5 years; spawn late July - August; spawn in gravel and upwelling currents in rivers or some shallow ponds or lakes.

• Pink: mature at 2-years; spawn August - September over coarse gravel and sand, in riffles with moderate to fast currents.

• Coho: mature at 4-years; spawn late September - December; utilize a wide range of spawning sites and currents, often in the farthest reaches of drainage.

The Togiak River Lodge is truly one of the very best king and silver salmon rivers in Alaska. With the king season beginning around the 20th of June, the first of the king run begins to enter the river. With the lodge sitting just six miles upstream from the bay, a good morning push on the tide can result in hundreds of kings pushing through this stretch. The experienced guides at the lodge will incorporate the best techniques throughout your day on the river to make sure that the action is literally no-stop on most days.

During our week of fishing July 12th – 17th, 2017, our guide, Zack Larsen had myself and fellow Pro-Staffer, Rick Rosenberg on big numbers of fish every day. In fact, we caught so many kings by noon each day, we took the time in the afternoons to chase sockeyes, chums, rainbows and Dolly’s. We landed over 30 kings between the two of us on our third morning alone, with the biggest a nearly 40-pound bruiser!

Our five days of fishing resulted in over 100 kings coming to the net, ranging from a few jack’s (second year fish returning to the system) to a handful of true trophies, hoovering between the 35- and 40-pound mark. Yes, you could say we had a pretty spectacular week of king salmon fishing.

Kent Danjanovich with one of the best kings of the week, a great 30+ pound cromer on the Togiak River.

One of the reasons the lodge has such good success, is that they change up their tactics as the conditions change. They watch the tides closely and then determine which section of the river will be fishing best at different times of the day. They also incorporate their arsenal of techniques, including back trolling with plugs and roe, downriver trolling with spinners, hoovering and bobber dogging. Zack was proficient with each and it seemed that we never really experienced a lull during any of our days on the river.

The 2017 sockeye run for the area was nearly five times the normal run, so we were even able to fill up our fish boxes with tasty fillets of reds as well. And it was a blast going after rainbows and Dolly Varden a few miles above camp, as Zack had us using both fly rods and spin cast outfits, with both resulting in fish from 15- to 22 inches.

As you can see, the Sportsman’s News Team has nothing but good to say about the Togiak River Lodge. Larry Lund and his staff go to great lengths to make sure that your stay is as enjoyable as possible. And if the fish are cooperating (which they usually are) your trip will be full of the ‘catching’ side of fishing, making this venue a great place for first-time Alaska visitors and seasoned veterans alike to experience what Alaska fishing is all about. They have a big following of return clientele, so you had better get on the phone right now, 503-784-7919 (October – May number) to see what dates are available for the upcoming season. If you are looking for a great Alaskan fishing adventure, look no further than the Togiak River Lodge!

Guide Zack Larsen and the author are all smiles after Kent made it into double digits on day two at the Togiak River Lodge.

10 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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

AFRICA HUNTING

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12 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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14 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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

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

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

15

MSR Roundup

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

W

ith demand low and manufacturers having ramped up supply to meet the demand of the last panic buy, now is the best time in over a decade to buy, build, or upgrade a modern sporting rifle. Stock is plentiful and prices are some of the lowest we have seen in a long time. Here are some modern sporting rifles and accessories available at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

is incorporated to eliminate play in the pins and stabilize the platform. The 16-inch Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel features a 1:8 twist rate to handle a wide range of bullet types. The operation of the M16 bolt carrier group is managed by a mid-length gas system paired with a heavy tungsten buffer, resulting in an exceptionally smooth action. A good shot starts with the trigger, so that’s why the Saint AR15 features micropolished and Nickel Boron treated components. An all new, exclusive Bravo Company PKMT KeyMod handguard packs heat shields and flexible attachment points into a slim and easy to handle form factor. The Bravo Company buttstock is rattle-free and complemented by a Bravo pistol grip designed to improve defensive performance.

Ruger AR-556

Featuring an aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum forging upper and lower, the AR-556 provides a lightweight frame with proven strength. The bolt is machined from 9310 alloy steel and is shot peened and pressure (proof) tested to ensure strength, structural integrity and durability and is mated with a cold hammer-forged 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel with ultra-precise rifling to give the AR-556 exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning. The 1:8” twist rate stabilizes bullets from 35 to 77 grains and the 5.56 NATO chamber allows the use of both 5.56 NATO and .223 Rem. ammunition. M4 feed ramps provide improved operational reliability and the matte black oxide finish reduces glare and offers corrosion resistance. The patent-pending barrel nut and delta ring make swapping the handguard a breeze and can be replaced with a free-float or Mil-Spec barrel nut. And it is made in America and backed by the second-to-none Ruger customer service.

LWRC M6IC Complete Lower

The same reliable and dynamite lower receiver as the full LWRC rifle, the complete lower provides a builder with the option to marry this excellent trigger to the barrel and upper of their choice. Cerakoated in Flat Dark Earth and equipped with a Magpul MOE pistol grip and a Magpul PRS stock, this lower receiver gives the builder the foundation for an amazing precision rifle system.

LWRC M6IC

I have built dozens of guns with LWRC parts and they have never let me down. The fit and finish of this gun give it the appearance of a hand-built rifle and the fact that it was based on LWRC’s entry into the Army SOPMOD4 trials to replace the venerable M4 means that it is rugged and light. It features a short stroke piston system for cleaner operation and the trigger, BCG and chamber are nickel boron coated for smoother operation and enhanced reliability. The adjustable compact stock has plenty of real estate where it needs it for a great cheek weld, but gets out of the way for operation in tight confines and to reduce weight. The 16.1-inch cold hammer forged barrel incorporates spiral fluting to reduce the weight of the barrel by 20 percent and just looks cool. It has one of the best out of the box two-stage triggers I have seen from a factory AR. A monoforge upper combines the top of the handguard to the upper receiver for greater strength and allows optics to straddle the receiver and barrel for use of scout scopes and electronics that need to be further forward. This rifle is for the real high-speed, low-drag operator and will handle anything the average user can throw at it, even in austere environments.

Springfield Saint AR15

The Springfield Saint is the next generation of defensive rifles. Purpose-built for defensive use, the Saint incorporates lessons learned in battle to provide a rifle that is supremely reliable and simple to use. A special Accu-Tite receiver mating system

16 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Mission First Tactical Tekko 13.5-inch Free-Float Keymod Handguard

The 13.5-inch handguard from MFT is Cerakoated in FDE or black and pairs well with the LWRC lower. It features a free-float rail that pairs with a standard barrel nut, rather than going the route of using a proprietary barrel nut, as many free floaters do. A two-piece shell wraps around the nut and screws on the handguard, clamping the whole thing together. A patent pending mounting, indexing and lock-up system ensures proper fit and alignment. The Tekko gives the user a larger range of modularity with offset mounting positions as well as the traditional 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. The monolithic style top rail eliminates the gap between the receiver and rail.

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

17

Inforce WMLx – Gen.2 Tactical Light

With a directed 800 lumen high-intensity beam, the WMLx is the second generation of the rugged and dependable Inforce riflemounted line. Featuring a low profile, integrated mount that doesn’t require tools to attach or remove from your MIL-STD-1913 rail, the WMLx is equipped with a safety switch to prevent accidental activation.

The wide and easy to access switch pad can be operated easily, even with gloves, by a simple tap. The WMLx features three modes; constant, momentary and strobe.

5.11 VTAC Double Point Sling

Keeping your rifle handy and also integrating a shooting stabilizer requires an adjustable sling. Designed with input from Delta Force Sgt. Major Kyle Lamb, the VTAC two-point sling from 5.11 Tactical easily allows rapid transition from use of the rifle to storage on your body for transport or performing other tasks. A simple pull of the drawstring on the heavy Nylon webbing expands or contracts the length of the sling to allow it to be snugged to the body without flopping around.

Wheeler Engineering AR15 Armorer’s Professional Kit

For those of you building or upgrading your modern sporting rifle, the Wheeler Engineering AR15 Armorer’s Professional Kit provides every tool you can imagine to work on or build MSRs. With an armorer’s vice to firmly hold your rifle to Delta Series tools to fully disassemble your rife and quality punches, wrenches, picks and cleaning supplies, this kit is a must-have for anyone who is serious about building, upgrading or maintaining their MSR.

Magpul PMAG Gen. M3

I have tried a lot of different magazines and one that has never let me down is the Magpul PMAG. The Gen. M3 version of this workhorse is made from a more durable polymer, is slimmer for use with multiple magazine pouches and will work with a wider variety of rifles. The self-lubricating anti-tilt follower directs force in four directions for more reliable feeding and less failure and jams. The steel spring is GI-Spec. and provides years of work without compression issues. A snap-off cover protects the first round in the stick and also keeps debris from entering the magazine. The entire magazine can be disassembled without tools for cleaning and maintenance.

18 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

MARK

IV

TM

Simple, ONE BUTTON Takedown

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

Accurate, Adjustable Sighting System

Available in a Variety of Grip Configurations

Available in Hunter and Target Barrel Configurations

Ambidextrous Manual Safety Positively Locks the Sear When Applied

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

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

RUGER.COM/MARKIV Find Ruger:

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20 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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22 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

A Clue from the Dog

M

y dog is giving me a dirty look. It’s a look I’ve seen lots of times before. I used to think it was selfish of him, but I’ve since decided that he’s really just looking out for my best interests. That his desired outcome from said look is of benefit to him too is irrelevant; it’s me he’s looking out for. Good dog!

“The look” occurs after several hours of Chad LaChance me pecking away on this very keyboard, and it means that it’s time to take him for a swim for both his sanity and, as I’ve more recently discovered, mine as well. Those that know me will confirm that discipline is not my strong suit, especially when it comes to the business side of my fishing business. I’ve been known to let my mind wander to waters near and far rather than, say, well, almost anything related to actual business. Taking the dog for a dunk seems enough like productivity (after all, he does need to be walked, right? I mean, I don’t want to be a crappy dog owner) to justify my work break without feeling like giving in to my nagging tendency to do anything other than stare at a computer.

Since swimming involves water and water contains fish, what’s an angler to do but fish a little while the dog’s cooling down, right? Seems reasonable to me. Or so I tell myself as I’m grabbing a rod and walking down to the lake.

The point of this whole exercise, besides to justify my slackerness, is that fishing is a great way to reenergize your mind, refocus your thoughts, and generally get a good attitude about things. Catching yet another fish is not the point; fresh air, watching the dog enjoy a dip, and taking a moment out of your day to do something you love – well, now you’re talkin’.

In fact, sometimes I don’t fish at all. Instead I just walk around the lake, observing the conditions and deciding how I would catch a fish if I was motivated enough to do so. The fact that I can be unmotivated enough to not actually fish should tell you something about me, but let’s not digress.

In all seriousness, taking time out of your day to make even a few casts at a local pond or stream can bring you the kind of healthy pleasure that no amount of money can buy. And you’re in luck if you live and work anywhere you can do so with minimal effort. Between all the neighborhood ponds, water storage reservoirs, and the fact that many major western towns were settled along rivers, many anglers can easily get his or her fish on without any serious level of commitment. Incidentally, that aspect is important because commitment isn’t my strong suit either. But again, let’s not digress.

An important part of this concept is the “just do it” part. Don’t try to justify or rationalize why you should or should not go fish for a few minutes out of your day;

you do not need any reason to protect your sanity. You are at your best personally and professionally when your mind is right, and if you are an outdoorsmen deep down inside, then being involved in the outdoors is what gets your mind there.

Another key aspect of this is to keep it simple; don’t try to go catch whales or solve a major fishing equation. Just go fish with your favorite tackle. My dog walks always include my finesse jig rod (a 6’10” St Croix spinning rod in medium-light power, Abu Garcia Revo STX reel, 6# Trilene Fluoro and a 1/8 oz jighead tipped with a 3” Powerbait MaxScent Flatnose Minnow, in case you’re wondering what I finesse jig with) because I love to fish with it and I know I’m in the hunt on any given day. The only variable I even consider is how exactly I’m casting and working the jig. These are not meant to be “fishing trips”, these are more about “me time”, so make it easy on yourself. I will say this though; make sure when you keep it simple that you do indeed put yourself in position to have a strong possibility to catch something, even though catching something isn’t the important part. If you keep it so simple that you know deep inside that you have no chance at catching something, your mind won’t fall for the trick and you might as well of just gone for a walk or something.

To some folks, happy hour at the local watering hole involves half price beverages and a noisy bar; to an angler it can be a short stop on a quiet river bank. A “power lunch” can mean tossing a 7” Powerworm to a mid-day shady spot on the pond, and morning meetings can involve panfish. In all instances, your mindset will be better off for it. Geez, you might even get a short walk in too.

Labrador Retrievers are known for their aloofness; it’s part of their charm. I say get a clue from the dog. Take a break from your work to satisfy your inner angler. At the end of the day you will have been more productive after all, I promise. I know its true because I learned it from the dog.

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Blacktail Deer, Black Powder and White Smoke Antlerless hunts offer additional opportunity for hunters in some western states.

O

Photo by Gary Lewis

By Gary Lewis

ur hunt was all but over. On the morning of the third day, both of our hunters had tagged out with blacktail bucks, one taken on a ridge top at the edge of a bank of cloud, ghost-like in the mist. The other was on a ridge on the other side of the valley, in sunshine under a clear blue sky.

When my hunting partner (and TV producer) Sam Pyke, and I planned this trip, we had both applied for, and won antlerless tags that allowed us to take either an antlerless deer or a buck with spike antlers. In Oregon’s controlled hunt drawings, these are the 600-series hunts.

In my family, we try to eat nothing but wild meat and the steaks and burger from a blacktail doe can feed us for most of a month. We are more efficient feeders than a mountain lion that might kill a doe and need to kill another within the week.

This hunt started out with friend and guide Lee Sandberg, of Black Oak Outfitters, leading the way. We scouted and glassed and turned down some early opportunities. I had a glimpse of a very, very good blacktail buck trailing a doe in thick poison oak cover, but it was gone before I could point it out to Dan. Our friends Dan and Debbie Goetz, owners of Warne Scope Mounts, in Tualatin, Oregon, took blacktail bucks on this hunt, and Sam Pyke tagged out with an antlerless doe. Last in line, it was my turn.

The sun had started its slide and the shadows began to lengthen. In the F-150, Pyke and I rumbled along the bumpy river road, a drive of about two miles toward a knoll where we had seen deer the evening before. Anticipating this excursion, I had distributed doe-in-estrus scent in various locations the evening

Photo by Gary Lewis

A blacktail doe in oak savannah habitat near Roseburg, Oregon.

24 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Debbie Goetz tagged her first blacktail deer with a well-placed shot taken on the edge of a fog bank. Debbie was an early adopter of the 6.5 Creedmoor and has taken all of her big game with this cartridge. before. The formula comes from Scott Haugen, friend, fellow scribe and one of the foremost blacktail deer authorities. Working with Oregon-based Pro-Cure, he has introduced a gel formula that lasts longer in the field.

After crossing the second creek, we came to a dry stream bed. Uphill to our left, but inside the banks of the creek, I spotted a blacktail doe, with another behind it, followed by a spike buck. This buck was bigger than the normal 1-1/2-year-old spikes we see a lot of in this low-lying river country. He had his head down, neck stretched-out, low to the ground. His head, bearing spikes more than a foot in length on each side, was a legal one in our antlerless hunt.

I slipped the muzzleloader out of its case and, and with Sam behind me, we began the stalk. The buck was on the move now, headed away from the river, up into oak forest. Well-browsed here, the flora offered little in the way of cover and, while moving from one tree to the next, the buck spotted me. There was a moment when I could have taken the shot, with the hammer eared back, but I held my fire and watched the buck, which I guessed at a 2-1/2-year-old, trot up through the trees, his flanks flecked in oak leaf shadow.

And I was not sorry. I prefer to take a doe in an antlerless hunt.

According to the regulations, a hunter can use any type of legal rifle, handgun, shotgun or archery equipment in Oregon’s 600-series hunt. I could have used a modern muzzleloader if I had chosen to, or a a scoped percussion gun like some post-Civil War buffalo hunters – illegal by Oregon’s muzzleloading-only rules.

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Find Ruger: February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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26 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

I selected a Lyman 54-caliber Trade Rifle, of the sort employed by farmers and frontiersmen in the 1840s and 1850s.

A herd of whitetails fed out along the river and we spotted a Columbia whitetail doe with an eager forked horn behind her. It wouldn’t be long before a bigger buck ran the little one off.

Up on the knoll I spotted a lone blacktail doe and after a short stalk, closed the gap to 40 yards. Rested on a knee, I eased the hammer to full cock and stroked the trigger.

There was a “bang,” but it was a quiet sort of bang. The fall of the hammer fired the cap but not the load in the breech.

I re-capped and re-stalked the deer to 20 yards, and re-cocked. As soon as the deer offered a shot again, I pressed the trigger.

Click-boom! This time the gun belched smoke and danger, but between “click” and “boom” I’d managed to drop the muzzle enough to miss the deer.

Startled now, the deer ran first one way then the other. I had a speedloader attached to my sling. In 20 seconds, I was reloaded and re-capped. The deer, fully informed of the danger now, ran broadside and I swung the rifle with it and touched the brass crescent.

This time the explosion of the cap and the ignition of the powder blended in a sweet punch at my shoulder, flame at the muzzle and a long plume of white smoke. Swinging with the animal, I was sure of the shot.

The deer ran headlong then pitched over a cliff toward the river. We picked our way down through poison oak and collected the prize. My second shot had gone true with a 54-caliber hole complete pass-thru.

Game and Fish departments around the West offer antlerless tags in areas that might have more deer than required to meet management objectives.

Tag numbers go up and down based on the harvest priorities, but the person who wants to spend more time in the field, or put more game in the freezer, can take advantage of the surplus.

Antlerless deer hunts bring their own sorts of challenges, not the least of which come from the limitations of the chosen hunting tool.

Opt for a muzzleloader next season and relive, for a few moments, the days when a hunter had one chance to make one good shot. And learn to reload in a hurry.

To order a signed copy of Hunting Oregon, send $24.95 (includes S&H) to GLO, PO Box 1364, Bend, OR 97709 or visit www.GaryLewisOutdoors.com

Photo by Gary Lewis

Photo by Gary Lewis

Dan Goetz, of Warne Scope Mounts, with a nice blacktail buck taken on a western Oregon general season tag.

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GoneFishinLodge.com February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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PRO MEMBER UPDATE

D

Having a Blast in South Dakota

ecember in South Dakota always has the chance of being a little dicey or maybe I should say just plain icy! This past year was no different. We landed in Rapid City, South Dakota at about 4pm MT and my cameraman, Andrew Saullo, good friend Ralph Crystal and myself all loaded into our awaiting SUV for the normal three-and-a half-hour drive to the Tumbleweed Lodge, about 30 miles north of Pierre, the state capital. The wind was howling and the two or three inches of snow that had fallen during the early hours of the morning of December 4th were evident everywhere. It was going to be another one of those drives.

Only twenty miles out of town, we came upon the remnants of a double semi-trailer slide-off that had closed the freeway for over five hours that morning. With the wind chill temperatures still only in the high teens, it definitely wasn’t going to get any warmer on this evening. Soon our clocks would be changing over to central time and darkness would be setting in. But in the back of our minds, all we could think of was the great experience ahead of us when we reached our final destination, the incomparable Tumbleweed Lodge in Harrold, South Dakota.

I put in a call to Michael Bollweg at the lodge to let him know of our status and to tell him to not hold dinner for us. Another group of hunters were also at the lodge for the next four days, as well as Vickie and Leland Detloff, the lucky winners of the trip (This is where the safety video comes into play that all hunters are required to view for two in our Pro Membership Sweepstakes. Ralph winced when I told him we were before hitting the field). missing out on thick, juicy rib-eye steaks and all the fixin’s, but the food is always so Our group would be a little on the small side with only four of us, but our guides, good, I knew he would forget about it by the next morning at breakfast.

Matt and Rick, picked out areas and pushes for us that would fit our needs. We would We finally pulled into the parking lot at the lodge at about 9pm and quickly unrotate blockers and pushers, making sure everyone got into plenty of action and on loaded our gear before mingling with our fellow guests before retiring to our rooms our first push, Ralph, Vickie and Leland joined Matt and a couple of his prize pointing for a good night’s sleep. To be honest, I always have a little bit of a tough time sleeping labs as Rick and I headed to the other end of the corn section to do a little blocking. the first night at the lodge, because the visions of past trips just keep pouring into my It didn’t take long for us to hear the first shots of the morning ring out in the cool, thoughts and the excitement just keeps building and building and I seem to keep lookcrisp air as birds could be seen flushing in the distance as they made their way toing over at my clock to see if it’s time to rise for our first day in the field. wards us. As the group crested a small high spot in the push, another flurry of birds When the breakfast bell rang at 8am, we all converged in the dining area and my exploded from the corn and I watched three beautiful roosters fall from the sky. By first order of business was to introduce myself to our Pro Membership winners. Vickie the time I downed a couple from my blocking position as well, our first short jaunt and Leland were all smiles as we made our introductions and then filled our plates produced seven roosters. Because of their preserve status, Tumbleweed is allowed to with scrumptious offerings of special Tumbleweed cinnamon French toast, eggs offer their guests a limit of five birds daily, with the option of purchasing more birds if cooked to order, sausage, bacon, spuds – well I think you get the picture. Believe me, desired, so we were well on our way to securing our daily limit on just our first push! it’s a good thing you get an opportunity to do a little walking during the day, because you will never go hungry when you visit the Bollweg Family at Tumbleweed Lodge!

Because of our late arrival the night before and since Ralph and I had been guests at the lodge many times, Michael had rounded up the rest of the guests for their safety video the night before. So, all that was left was for Ralph to get his license online and we were then off to the gun room to gear up for our first morning of the hunt. We quickly donned our orange hats and vests and an extra layer of warmth for the crisp South Dakota air and headed to our awaiting bus.

Our first stop would be at the trap house for a few clay pigeons. Vickie and Leland were a little more accustomed to rifles than shotguns and wanted to warm up a little before taking a crack at a hard flying South Dakota ringneck. After a few shots, they were both starting to powder their targets pretty well, so we loaded back into the bus and headed to our designated area for the day.

If you haven’t hunted in the big pheasant states of the plains and Midwest, the most popular technique in many cases is to “push and block”, meaning the guides and dogs, along with hunters form a line across a section of cover and make a push toward the blockers at the other end of the cover. In the case of the areas you are hunting in most cases at Tumbleweed, those pushes are through corn, milo, shelter belts and around marsh areas. This technique is essential in order to keep the “educated” birds that have made it through the first two or three months of the season from running out in front of you and flushing out of range. Now plenty of birds still get away on each push, but in most cases, the Pro Membership winner, Vickie Detloff, guides Matt and Rick, along with Leland Detloff and opportunity presents itself for hunters to get shot after three of our trusty labs after a successful morning hunt. shot at roosters flushing in just about every direction

By Kent Danjanovich

28 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

PRO MEMBER UPDATE

Ralph Crystal and Kent Danjanovich after another successful day in one of their favorite places in the world.

By noon, 17 roosters were laying on top of the dog trailer behind the bus and big smiles could be seen all around. Soon we found ourselves unloading back at the lodge and taking a break for lunch and warming up a little before heading back out for a few more birds after 2pm. Hot soup, sandwiches and a variety of

salads and desserts adorned the lunch line, just another meal fit for a king that awaits you during your stay at the Tumbleweed Lodge.

By 5 pm, another 10 birds were added to the total of our 60bird limit for our three-day hunt. Hors d’ oeuvres were presented by 6 pm and Prime-rib was the main course at seven. We all then hit the hot tub after dinner before relaxing in front of the big screen before heading to our rooms for the night.

Days two and three where almost carbon copies of day one, as Vickie and Leland just kept swinging and firing at birds, resulting in Matt and Rick’s retrievers getting a pretty good workout.

By the end of our stay, after I had purchased an extra fifteen birds for the group on the last afternoon, 75 birds had made their way to the cleaning table and would be prepared and waiting for us as we departed on the morning of December 8th. Michael, Donnie and Judie Bollweg and their staff had hosted us for another perfect four-day and four-night South Dakota dream adventure at their spectacular Tumbleweed Lodge in the heart of Pheasant Country USA. And you all know me well enough to know that it won’t be our last!

Yes, we will be giving away another great trip during the 2018 season to again join me and our lucky Pro Membership winners for another great upland bird hunt at the top-rated Tumbleweed the field at Lodge, December 3-7, 2018. So, if you aren’t a member yet, you have got to know by now that you are really missing out on literally opportunities of a lifetime for hunting and fishing trips from around the world. And if you are interested in joining us on this hunt even if you aren’t lucky enough to win, I have secured a few more spots, so give me a call to talk about the possibilities. South Dakota’s Tumbleweed Lodge, visit them on the web at www.tumbleweedlodge.com or give them a call at 605-875-3440.

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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You’ll find Remington VERSA MAX® and other Remington arms and ammunition at all Sportsman’s Warehouse locations. Also shop www.SportsmansWarehouse.com.

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Video Product Reviews

ALPS Mountaineering Hydro Trail 17

T

he new ALPS Mountaineering Hydro Trail 17 is quite comfortable and practical for those upcoming day trips hiking trails this spring and summer. I really like the suspended frame, as it sits away from you to help your back breath on strenuous outings. The side pouches accommodate standard water bottles well, without a lot of extra play. You will find that a lot of packs have quite a bit of play in this area and your water bottles just keep falling out, making it inconvenient for those that don’t like to use a hydration reservoir.

On moderate to easy hikes, I generally choose not to buckle my waist belt, however, it is the

perfect size so that it doesn't flop around from side to side. With a little more active use when hitting the trails for a run, you will find the need to fasten the waist belt. I found this transition easy to do while hiking and then picking up the pace for a trail run.

This handy little pack comes in at 1,038 cu. in. and the overall weight right at 2 lbs. 5oz. which is a perfect go-to, small pack that anyone would be pleased with. It’s one of those packs you would find handy even to keep in your vehicle, for those necessities you don’t want to be left without.

The Hydro Trail 17 hydration pack from ALPS Mountaineering allows you to stay hydrated, while keeping your essential gear with you.

The ALPS 3-liter hydration bladder comes complete with a bite valve for hands-free hydration. Padded breathable mesh shoulder straps keep your shoulders from getting fatigued, while the sternum strap keeps the pack close to you for easy carry. The front organizer pocket features side compression straps to give you the ability to customize the size and position of your load. The brushed polyester fabric is durable and quiet and comes with a full rain cover to keep your gear dry during those sudden summer down pours.

So, if you’re in the market for a new lightweight pack that gets the job done on those day outings, this is one to put on your list to checkout. Whether Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view it is for leisure, strenuous hikes or trail runs in the t h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s backcountry, the Hydro Trail 17 will not disappoint.

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Video Product Reviews

Camp Chef Pro 60X Two Burner Stove

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he Camp Chef stove has been a ubiquitous companion at campsites for decades. Tailgaters, car campers, outdoor kitchens and deep woods guides, don’t consider their outdoor kitchen complete without a Camp Chef stove.

For 2017, Camp Chef introduces the all new Pro60X and Pro90X stoves to their line, with many new features and of course great quality as always.

The Pro 60X has the classic Camp Chef stove look, with a 14-inch by 32-inch heavy duty cooking grate, strong enough to hold filled Dutch ovens. It has adjustable heat control di-

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33

Video Product Reviews

Colt Ammunition

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hen it comes to a reputation for quality firearms, Colt’s Firearms Company has a long legacy of making quality guns for generations. To continue that legacy for quality, Colt has collaborated with Doubletap Ammunition to create match and defensive ammunition for the most popular pistol and rifles that Colt makes.

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

35

PRO'S TIP

A Foundation to Build Upon Mastering the fundamentals of pistol shooting

Grip A good two-handed shooting grip on a semi-auto must have both thumbs on the same side of the gun; not just for better control, but to avoid the slide coming back and leaving you a present in the form of a nasty bite on your hand or a jam of the gun when your thumb interrupts the free movement of the slide. This hurts and you won’t do it too many

By Dan Kidder times before you come up with a different way of holding the gun. A good grip used by Managing Editor professionals and competitors has the hand high on the backstrap, the rear vertical portion of the gun, with the webbing between the thumb and pointer finger all the way up as high s a firearms instructor, I frequently see folks at the range blasting away as you can get it without interfering with the slide. Your other fingers, with the exception at a target, trying to beat their last par time, using the latest high-speed, of your trigger finger, should wrap firmly around the grip under the trigger guard. Your low-drag technique or generally attempting to shoot like their favorite middle finger should be firmly in contact with the bottom of the trigger guard. The weak television or movie action star. There is nothing inherently wrong with hand wraps over the strong hand, with all of the fingers beneath the trigger guard. No pushing the envelope and trying to get hits faster, but looking at their fingers should be on the front of the trigger guard. I once asked Peter Simon, the former basic fundamentals, I can usually tell when they have moved far beyond their abilities president of Heckler and Koch Defense, why HK puts the hook on the front of the trigger and mastery of the basics. guard and he gave me the most honest answer ever from a gun maker. He said, “It looks Fundamentals aren’t sexy, but they are the basic foundation upon which all the cool in the movies and if we get them to use our guns in the movies, we sell more guns.” rest of the house is built. If that foundation isn’t solid, then neither will anything built Fair enough, but we aren’t in the movies and this increases movement as we shoot, rather upon it be sturdy. than locking the gun in a vice created by our hands.

By spending time in each practice session focusing on the six basic fundamentals As we press our grip out to shoot, the thumbs should be one atop the other, with the of pistol shooting, the shooter will be able to eventually increase difficulty and shoot strong thumb on top of the weak thumb and both pointing at the target. If there is a manfaster, but by ignoring these basics, the entire skillset will crumble if the foundation ual safety, rest the top thumb atop that safety to prevent it from being accidently engaged isn’t carefully laid. during the recoil phase of the gun firing. When extended, both of your palms should meet at the rear of the grip, with " T h e u l t i m a t e m a n t r a o f a l l the weak hand palm slightly overlapping the strong. If they meet, you may have too large of a gun for your hands fundamentals is Minimize Unnecessary don’t and that is an issue for another article. This grip should be The fundamentals of pistol shooting look at grip, locked in and not need adjustment between shots. If you stance, sight alignment, breath control, trigger press and Movement (MUM)." need to adjust between each shot or after a shot or two, you follow through. If any of these fall apart on their own, the likely aren’t squeezing the weak hand firmly enough over others should ensure success, if you have mastered the the strong hand. Practice controlling the gun this way until you can’t get it wrong and basics first. For example, in a gun fight, stance or position is a luxury. You may find then it will become second nature. A little trick for minimizing aiming time, is to point yourself shooting from your back, leaning around a door frame or running rapidly to your trigger finger at the target along the side of the frame (index) before transitioning to cover while engaging threats. If your other fundamentals are solid, they will make up the trigger. This will help you get a natural point of aim and reduce the time it takes to set for your lack of a precise isosceles stance. For the sake of time and space, we will keep up your sight picture. this article focused on semi-automatic pistols and leave revolvers for another day, though many of the principles are the same and any differences are the exceptions Stance (Position) and not the rule.

For practice, a good solid stance is a key for minimizing unnecessary movement and providing a stable platform for practicing your other fundamentals. In a practice environment and for combat, the isosceles stance is the generally accepted most stable platform. For long practice or on uneven ground, a modified isosceles may work better. In both stances, the arms are fully extended out, locking the wrists and elbows.

The head is up. This is vital. I teach students to lock their eyes on the target with their head up and then bring the gun up to the eye without shifting the position of your head. This prevents moving our head and changing our perspective on the sights without actually shifting our point of aim.

This makes our head the fourth point of alignment in our sight picture and keeps it from moving around. For standard isosceles, the feet should be shoulder width apart and the knees slightly bent.

You want the weight on the balls of your feet and leaning slightly forward with your nose over your toes and your tush slightly extended behind you.

This gives you a forward center of balance and prevents you from leaning backwards as the recoil of the gun pushes against your locked arms. For a modified isosceles, simply place your strong foot slightly back, offline from your weak leg and perpendicular to the target, to form more of a tripod configuration.

A

The Fundamentals

36 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Sight Alignment Sight alignment is the relationship between your eye, the rear sight and the front sight. If you add in the target, you get sight picture. Practicing good sight alignment is a function of good body mechanics. Getting your head in the proper place and eyes locked on the target is the key. Once you develop that habit, then bringing the arms up and aligning the rear sight with the front sight, with even space on either side of the front sight and the sights even on top, will start to become second nature. Rapidly pulling the trigger doesn’t mean anything if the sights aren’t aligned and on target and the secret to shooting quickly and accurately is more in the sight alignment than it is in the trigger press. Developing the proper body mechanics and muscle memory is how you obtain rapid sight alignment. As you practice this repeatedly, your body will start to perform the necessary steps automatically, minimizing adjustment. As you start to add in the target to your completed sight picture, shift your focus to the top edge of the front sight, getting a crisp image of that horizon line. This is where your focus should be and the target and the rear sights may be a little fuzzy. That gives you a crisp and clean aiming reference and you simply put that reference on the thing you want to shoot. With practice, you will be able to quickly acquire a good sight picture quickly and with very little fine tuning.

Breath Control Take your unloaded pistol and extend it out in front of you with the proper grip and stance. Inhale deeply and watch the gun move upward. Exhale and watch the gun move downward. The rise and fall of our chest as we breathe will be enhanced under stress or activity as our breathing rate increases. As we gulp larger quantities of air to prepare our bodies for flight or fight, we will increase the amount of movement of our firearm. Proper breath control requires you to think about your breathing as you make your shot. Take in a comfortable breath, let out just a little and then hold your breath for 6-10 seconds while you make the shot. Let out the rest of the breath, inhale and exhale a full breath and then repeat for the next shot. Once you get faster on your shots, you can make a few shots before you need to exhale.

Trigger Press The NRA and other manuals on the fundamentals refer to this as Trigger Squeeze. I don’t like that term, because you aren’t squeezing anything. Squeezing implies movement of parts of the hand other than the trigger finger. If your grip is solid, you shouldn’t be squeezing your hands as the shot is made. The only thing that should be moving is the distal and intermediate interphalangeal joints. That means the top two portions of the trigger finger. The proximal joint, the one that meets the palm, should not move. The only finger that should be moving is the trigger finger. The rest of the hand should be isolated and completely static.

Follow Through In my early days as an instructor, I would marvel watching how Todd Green, the founder of Pistol-Training.com and his super secret squirrel cohort I will refer to only as “S”, could “drive” a gun. They were able to place highly accurate shots rapidly on target faster than you can imagine. They were able to do this because they had mastered the fundamentals and body mechanics of pistol shooting so that they could almost skip follow through altogether. Until you have achieved this level of mastery of the fundamentals, you have got to focus on “riding” the gun rather than “driving” it. Follow through is keeping everything exactly the same during and after the firing of the shot, without any adjustment or movement. When the shot is fired the gun will move and the arms will ride along with the recoil, but not exerting any extra influence on the gun. When the shot breaks, the recoil and muzzle-flip will carry the gun upwards and the gun should be pointing slightly upwards while your feet, head, arms and every other part of your body should remain locked in place. There should be no grip adjustment, no pushing of the gun back down and even your trigger finger should remain pressed back without coming off the trigger. This reduces any last second movement that can cause the gun to fire someplace other than on the target, causing a miss. Even though Todd and “S” were able to rapidly push the gun back into place for a follow up shot, thus “driving” the gun, every other part of their body was locked in place and because they had mastered how far to push the gun forward and developed the exact muscle memory of where to stop pushing, they were able to make the amazing follow-up shots they made without shooting under the target. Until you control all of your movement at the time the shot is made and learn to “ride” the gun, you will never achieve this level of mastery.

If you don’t take the time to focus on your fundamentals and actually work to master them, you can’t be successful moving past them and trying more advanced techniques. Jerry Miculek, Julie Golob, Jessie Harrison-Duff or any of the other great competitive shooters you know of, are able to do the amazing things they do with a pistol because they first mastered the fundamentals of pistol shooting. To learn more about these fundamentals, I suggest Julie Golob’s excellent book Shoot or the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting, provided to every student who takes an NRA Basic Pistol course. These resources will give you more depth than I can in a short article.

Also, consider taking an NRA Basic Pistol class from a professional instructor. This class will give you a great foundation to build upon before you waste a lot of time and ammo trying to run the latest and greatest high-speed drill you saw on TV. Once you have mastered the fundamentals, you can truly master the sport. Be safe and keep shooting.

The proper placement of your finger on the trigger is also important. Only the tip of your trigger finger should be in contact with the face of the trigger. Your trigger finger should be curled so that only the very tip of the finger is used to press the trigger. There should be a gap alongside the frame of the gun between your finger and the slide. The gap should be large enough to insert the pointer finger of your weak hand into the hole.

Once you make the decision to fire, remove any slack from the trigger by gently pressing it back until you meet resistance. This is the point where you begin your trigger press. From this point, slightly increase pressure steadily until the shot fires. All of this is done with minimal movement of everything except the pad of the trigger finger on the trigger.

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

37

targets that bite back Introducing a target with teeth.

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38 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Conservationists -You and Me

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t the beginning of the 20th century, Gifford Pinchot, U.S. Forest Service chief and one of the fathers of the American conservation movement, developed the now widely accepted definition of conservation as the “wise use of the Earth and its resources for the lasting good of men.” According to Pinchot, the purpose of conservation is to produce “the greatest good for the greatest number for the longest time,” with sound science as the recognized tool to accomplish this objective.

Conservationists are people who support and/or engage in this approach to natural resource management. Hunters and anglers are among the first Americans to endorse the idea. Their legacy is now more than 100 years old. Through their leadership, state agencies were established to manage our nation’s fish and wildlife and to adopt laws and create programs to conserve these public-trust resources.

Arguably, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration programs, a key component of the American System of Conservation Funding, were the most important of these programs to be created. Through this unique “user-pays, public-benefits” system, sportsmen and women are the primary funders of wildlife conservation, providing up to 80 percent of the funding for state fish and wildlife agencies. They also financially support conservation through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and permits, duck stamps, firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, philanthropy and the creation of organizations, whose sole mission is the restoration and enhancement of wildlife.

Unfortunately, the tremendous contribution made by sportsmen and women toward the restoration and conservation of our wildlife resources remains largely unknown to the general public. This situation is exacerbated by the media’s broad-based use of the term “conservationist.” They are unable to distinguish between individuals and organizations that financially support wildlife conservation and those that don’t. The latter include animal rights and anti-hunting organizations, those whose funding is spent primarily on litigating resource management decisions and those that promote a preservationist “don’t touch” philosophy in wildlife management.

It is not by accident that these groups — through their interaction with the media — seized upon the term “conservationist” to cloak their preservationist, anti-consumptive use philosophy. In the 1990s, labels such as “environmentalist,” “protectionist” and “animal rightist,” became undesirable labels. These groups began the calculated adoption of the term “conservationist” in an effort to reverse the political and societal credibility that they were beginning to lose.

It is critical that we educate the American public about the fact that hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping are closely related to fish and wildlife conservation. In fact, it is almost universally impossible to speak of one without the other. The term “conservationist” must be rightfully applied.

Using phrases like “sportsmen and other conservationists,” or “sportsmen-conservationists” when describing ourselves accurately characterizes the relationship between sportsmen and women and our nation’s natural resources.

“Conservationist” is a title sportsmen and women helped create, work hard to maintain and are proud to rightfully claim. They truly earned and deserve this distinctive designation.

The community of hunters and anglers must take every available opportunity to educate the American people and the media on what the term “conservationist” means, who the conservationists are and what conservationists have achieved in making this country’s wildlife resources the envy of the world.

professional staff and committed partners.

The mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation is no less urgent today than when it was founded in 1973. What we do in the coming decades will be instrumental in not only enhancing wild turkey populations but also in the continuation of hunting and quality wildlife habitat for countless species.

Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. is the NWTF’s 10-year initiative to: 1. Conserve or enhance 4 million acres of critical wildlife habitat We’re bringing focus to our conservation delivery by identifying areas of habitat that provide the most positive impact for wildlife.

2. Recruit 1.5 million hunters We’re securing the future of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation by increasing the number of hunters, who pay for 80 percent of wildlife conservation through excise taxes on guns, ammunition and more.

3. Open access to 500,000 additional acres for hunting Because lack of access to hunting lands is a main reason people stop hunting, we’re ensuring there’s opportunity for everyone to find a place to go.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION The NWTF is leading the effort to solve this problem. We will see to it that the entire industry, our community, becomes part of the solution. This is bigger than any one organization and it is time we tackled this challenge together.

Here’s how you can help — Join the NWTF now and do your part to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.

The NWTF is committed to raise $1.2 billion over the next decade to meet and exceed our goals. Give to the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative and secure the future of wildlife, wild places and the hunt for future generations. For more information check out Utah’s website at www.utnwtf.org or the national site at www.nwtf.org.

— Courtesy of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

W

hen the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.5 million wild turkeys in North America. After decades of dedicated work, that number hit a historic high of almost 7-million turkeys thanks to the tremendous efforts of our dedicated volunteers, February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

39

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

I

Goose Egg Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

have talked to many a goose hunter that has given up on options for fine dining on said geese. This is an outstanding way to revitalize the preparation of waterfowl. It works equally well on ducks. It may look like there are a lot of ingredients, but they are mainly vegetables. The sauce is out of this world and is worth the extra effort. If you want to simplify the process, you could also use a store-bought sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or just some hot Chinese mustard to dip them in as well. Whip some of these egg rolls up for a little change of pace in your everyday game cooking.

Ingredients

Filling • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 5 cloves garlic finely chopped • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger • 1 lb. ground goose breast • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper • 1 ½ cup shredded carrot Wrappers • 25-30 7 ½” spring roll pastry wrappers • 2 tablespoons water

• 1 ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms (shitake preferred) • 1 ½ bean sprouts • 1 ½ cup shredded green cabbage • 1 cup finely chopped green onion • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon corn starch • Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce • 3/4 cup chunky peanut butter chili paste) • ½ cup seasoned rice vinegar • 1 ½ teaspoons grated ginger • 1/3 cup soy sauce • 2-3 garlic cloves finely chopped or • 3 tablespoons honey pressed • 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (or other • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

40 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Preparation Method

First of all prepare the peanut sauce in a medium size mixing bowl. Add all the ingredients and whisk together. It doesn’t blend too well at first so you might want to microwave it for about 30 seconds, and then stir until well blended. Taste it and adjust for more heat or sweetness as desired.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground goose and salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring as it cooks until it browns slightly. Remove the meat to a plate.

Stir in the ginger and the garlic. Let them cook briefly, but do not let them get too brown or burn.

Next in are the carrots and mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium and sauté, stirring often, for a minute or so. Add in the bean sprouts, cabbage, and onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes more until the vegetables soften. Mix the meat back in and add the oyster sauce. Stir well and simmer another couple minutes. Remove from heat and salt & pepper to taste. Transfer everything and spread it out on a baking tray to cool.

Mix water and corn starch in a small bowl for sealing the rolls. Thaw your spring roll wrappers.

Peel off several wrappers and keep a damp paper towel over the rest to keep them from drying out.

Place the wrapper in a diamond pattern with a corner pointed straight towards you. There is a side that is smoother than the other; you want the smooth side down.

Place a spoonful of the mixture across the bottom of the point nearest you. Start with the point and fold the bottom up, then fold the sides in like an envelope and continue rolling it up. Brush the top corner with the corn starch mixture like glue and finish rolling. There are a lot of you-tube videos on- line if you need some help getting the hang of it.

Heat the cooking oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. You will need the oil to be about an inch deep. Cook the rolls in batches of 3-4 at a time. Roll them often, for just a minute or two until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack to drain. When they are all done serve warm with the dipping sauce.

These are really tasty and the dipping sauce is incredible. What a great way to serve your goose or duck!

Try a glass of Dry Riesling with these rolls. If beer is your preference, a Heffeweissen or Belgian ale would go along for the ride nicely.

Cheers!

February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

41

Bassing the Bend

Photo by John N. Felsher

Massive Reservoir Still Consistently Producing Big Bass

By John N. Felsher

A

sk any largemouth bass enthusiasts to name their Bucket List lakes they would love to fish and most would probably rank Toledo Bend Reservoir high on that list.

The fourth largest manmade lake in the Unites States covers 181,600 acres. It runs about 65 miles along the old Sabine River channel spanning the Louisiana-Texas line near Many, La. With numerous creeks and coves, the massive impoundment offers anglers 1,264 shoreline miles. The lake averages about 60 feet in depth, but drops to 110 feet in places.

Always an excellent numbers lake since it opened in the 1960s, Toledo Bend gained a reputation for producing many double-digit bass after both Texas and

Photo by John N. Felsher

Darold Gleason with South Toledo Bend Guide Services shows off a largemouth bass (left) and a Kentucky spotted bass (right) that he caught while fishing at Toledo Bend Reservoir.

42 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Matt Lee, a bass pro from Vinemont, Ala., admires a bass he caught on a jig while fishing around woody cover.

Louisiana heavily stocked Florida largemouths into the system in the 1980s. Florida’s grow larger and faster than northern largemouths.

“Toledo Bend has become one of those destination places for people who want to catch a 10-pound bass,” quipped Darold Gleason with South Toledo Bend Guide Services (337-397-8860, www.GleasonFishing.com) in Many. “It’s one of the best public bass lakes in the nation. On any cast, someone might catch the bass of a lifetime.”

Lunker Lake

The area suffered a major drought in 2011. Willows, brush and other vegetation sprouted on the dry lake bottom. When the water returned in 2012 and 2013, that newly inundated vegetation provided outstanding cover for bass and other fish. In addition, the exposed, cracked lake bottom released nutrients, causing a plankton bloom when the water returned. Small fish gorged on the plankton. Bass gorged on the baitfish.

“We had a really good crop of bass after the historic low water event of 2011,” explained Villis Dowden, a biologist for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in Natchitoches. “Bass gained a lot of weight after the lake came up again. From June 2015 to May 2016, the lake produced 139 bass over 10-pounds with quite a few in the 12- to 13-pound range and some over 14-pounds.”

While the big bass run of 2015-2016 peaked, the lake still offers incredible fishing. When work ended on the dam, rising water inundated entire forests containing millions of board feet of timber. Much of that cover remains in the lake, albeit under water now. Today, anglers can find practically every type of bass cover they might want to fish in a southern impoundment.

Spawning Time

Photo by John N. Felsher

A bass sucked down a soft-plastic Stanley Ribbit buzzing frog. Soft plastic frogs can go across the thickest vegetation.

Anglers can catch big bass at Toledo Bend at any time of year, but for the giants, fish late winter or spring. From January to early March, bass stage in water 12 to 14 feet deep near drop-offs and main lake points.

“In early January, bass start moving into their staging areas at the edges of the grass lines,” Dowden advised. “Then, the fish should start hitting the shorelines and secondary points going into the coves around cypress trees and buckbrush.”

As water warms, bass use little ditches to move up onto the spawning flats and banks. Thick brush standing in water two to four feet deep create excellent spawning areas, particularly in the 1215 area just north of Pendleton Bridge on the Louisiana side. Highway 1215 once traversed this region. Much of the old roadbed still exists on the lake bottom bordered by small ditches on either side.

“February to May is the best time to fish Toledo Bend for both size and numbers,” Gleason recommended. “A lot of people fish the 1215 area just above San Miguel Creek and Patroon Creek. In February, I’d throw lipless crankbaits. As we get a few warming trends and the water temperature rises, fish move to the banks to spawn.

That’s when people need to throw wacky worms and go sight fishing. I’d also flip cover.”

During the spring, bass feed heavily on crawfish. Many anglers flip the flooded brush with jigs tipped with tubes, craw worms or creature baits that resemble crustaceans. Anglers also run red Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits along the ditch edges.

Anything in crawfish colors might work. Hot colors include red, red and gold, red and chartreuse or red and black.

The spawn usually starts in mid-February at the northern part of the lake and peaks on the full moons of March and April. However, on a lake as long and massive as Toledo Bend, the spawn could last months. Even in the same coves, not all bass spawn at the same time. Moreover, warmed by south winds in the spring, the northern half of a lake typically warms first. As the spring progresses, fishing gets better the farther south one goes.

“On reservoirs, water is usually dirtier and the lake is generally more shallow at the upper end,” explained Kevin VanDam, a four-time Bassmaster Classic champion.

“Where a warm wind blows water into an area could be a good place to look for bass in the spring. I fish the windward bank if the wind is warmer than the water. If the wind is colder than the water, I fish the sheltered areas. Direct sunshine, even on cold days, helps pull fish up toward the surface and makes bass more aggressive. Even in cold water, bass position themselves to soak up sunshine.”

Frequently, the biggest lunkers come from the southern third of the lake because Texas biologists often concentrate their stocking efforts in Housen Bay and Six-Mile Creek. Eric Weems holds the lake record with a 15.32-pound bass he caught on a jig in Six-Mile Creek. Other top big bass honey holes include the Indian Mounds, Indian Creek, Mill Creek, Pirates Cove and Sandy Creek.

Into the Summer

As temperatures rise, big bass seek cooling comfort and an oxygen boost in thick weeds. In some years, nearly solid vegetation mats choke many coves by the summer, but the big lake lost some of its grass during the 2011 drought.

“A hydrilla boom started in 2014 where we didn’t have any hydrilla for the past several years such as Slaughter Creek and some other areas on the northern end of the lake,” Dowden recalled. “In March 2016, we had a big flood. We lost some of our aquatic vegetation and noticed less hydrilla in the lake. We’ve seen some recovery in the northern end of the lake around the Blue Lake area between San Miguel and San Patricio Creeks and around the mouth of San Patricio Creek.”

Many people run spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the grassy edges or probe pockets with Texas-rigged worms. Others punch through matted vegetation with heavy jigs, but no other lure can run over thick weeds like a plastic frog. Rigged with a 3/0 to 5/0 wide gap hook inserted into the body, a plastic frog looks, feels and sounds like a live prey jumping across the water.

“A soft-plastic Ribbit looks like a live frog as it runs on top of the water over virtually any cover,” remarked Lonnie Stanley, a five-time Bassmaster Classic veteran from

Photo by John N. Felsher

Kevin VanDam, a former Bassmaster Classic champion from Kalamazoo, Mich., prepares to release a bass he caught while fishing at Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Louisiana-Texas line near Many, LA. February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Huntington, Texas. “A Ribbit Frog can go across thick, matted grass or lily pads. It can do what topwaters, buzzbaits and Texas-rigged baits can do, all in one package.”

During warmer months, anglers also fish deeper channels off main points with crankbaits, big Texas-rigged worms or Carolina rigs. Anglers find the deepest water down by the dam a good place to vertically jig spoons or work drop shots.

“The post spawn is a good time to catch good numbers of fish,” Gleason recommended. “The shad spawn is usually going on from late April to early June. People can catch a lot of fish on topwaters or shallow-running crankbaits around a shad school.

In the summer, we’re chasing fish around the shore with topwaters or fish deep-water structure with crankbaits, jigs and Carolina rigs.”

In the fall, bass follow the shad as they head up the creeks and into the flats. In the right spot, anglers can find schooling bass attacking shad. Throw shad-colored topwaters or lipless crankbaits into the commotion.

Before You Go

Since Toledo Bend spans the Louisiana-Texas line, anglers can fish with a license from either state as long as they stay in the boat. Anglers fishing from the bank need the appropriate state licenses. For Texas fishing license information, see tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales. For Louisiana license information, see www.wlf.louisiana. gov/recreational-fishing-licenses.

Also, both states agree on regulations for largemouth and spotted bass. Each angler can keep up to eight bass per day. A largemouth must measure at least 14 inches long, but anglers may keep spotted bass of any size. Besides bass, Toledo Bend also offers outstanding fishing for catfish, bream, crappie and other fish.

Anyone fishing Toledo Bend who catches a bass weighing 10-pounds or more could receive a free fiberglass replica from the Toledo Bend Lake Association. See www.toledobendlakecountry.com/toledo-bend-lunker-bass-program. Anglers need to bring live fish to a designated facility. The fish will be weighed, measured, tagged and released back into the lake.

Anglers can also participate in the Texas ShareLunker Program. Anglers catching

bass weighing at least eight pounds and donating it to the program for breeding could receive prizes. See texassharelunker.com.

On either side of the lake, visitors could rent cabins, homes, RV spaces, rooms and campsites. Many people stay at South Toledo Bend State Park or North Toledo Bend State Park on the Louisiana side. Also on the Louisiana side, numerous major fishing tournaments run out of Cypress Bend, (www.cypressbend.com) a golf resort, spa and conference center just south of Many. At the southern end of the lake, visitors can find accommodations in Leesville, La. or Jasper, Texas. For lodging, dining and other area information see www.toledobendlakecountry.com.

While in the Area

About 15 miles south of Many on U.S. 171 between Florein and Hornbeck, area visitors could walk among the flowers at the famed Hodges Gardens State Park. The gardens opened to the public in 1956, but the 700-acre site became a state park in 2007. For Louisiana state parks information see www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/index.

People looking for nightlife won’t find much around Toledo Bend, but they can reach Shreveport, La. (www.shreveport-bossier.org) about 90 minutes after leaving Many and enjoy the music or gambling in the casinos. Southward, anglers might head to Lake Charles, La. (www.visitlakecharles.org) about two hours away to sample some Cajun cooking or try saltwater fishing along the coast. Drivers could also reach Houston in three hours, Dallas in four and New Orleans in five.

About 30 miles east of the lake, area visitors could explore Natchitoches, (www. natchitoches.net) the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase. Founded in 1714, it predates New Orleans by four years. People could stay in a bed and breakfast or visit the shops and cafes along the Cane River. Don’t forget to order a world-famous Natchitoches meat pie.

In the other direction, people could visit Nacogdoches, (www.visitnacogdoches.org) the oldest city in Texas. Spain established a mission there in 1716, but Native Americans lived in the area for thousands of years before that. People could walk the historic downtown area or tour the Stone Fort Museum.

Photo by John N. Felsher

A largemouth bass fights on the line after striking a soft plastic frog worked through thick vegetation

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February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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OUTDOOR WRITER'S CONTEST

One Lucky Day Black Wildebeest Hunt

By Bob Solimena

I

t was a long November flight for my wife Tatyana and I from Sacramento, California, to Johannesburg, South Africa. Our Professional Hunter, FC, met us at the Tembo Airport, where we cleared my rifle and collected our baggage; then we continued our journey by vehicle to the Free State province to hunt the elusive black wildebeest, also known by the Dutch as the white-tailed gnu. We were on a 15-day safari with Bushman’s Quiver in Limpopo province.

Reaching our destination, host and hostess Jess and Jennifer, welcomed us to their beautiful lodge; a rustic and warm place. We were beat to say the least. After relaxing in our room, we met in the main dining room and bar. This lodge is situated on a spacious concession with plains that stretch across to the base of mountains of varying heights. Some even have ancient bushman’s caves with petroglyphs. My wife Tatyana and I took a short walk around the grounds to get familiar with the area. Immediately, we spotted various game off in the distance. I could make out herds of blesbok, springbok, cape buffalo, and black wildebeest. Closer in, I spotted some sable antelope; so majestic with their crescent shaped horns, shiny black hide, and white striped face. It all was a fantastic scene that reminded me how magical this land is and, for that matter, how all of Africa is. With its game animals and eco-diversification, Africa is like no other place on earth. I could not wait for the start of my hunt in the morning.

I had won this Safari in 2015 for 7-day plains game in a drawing at the annual sportsman’s show in my home town. I was happy to add another 8 days so my non-hunter wife, Tatyana, and I could see some sights and experience local places here on the dark continent. Only seven of those days would be dedicated to hunting game with my custom 30.06 Griffin and Howe M1903 Springfield. Months before, I had a new Stewart Edward White style English walnut stock fitted to it. I did the stock finishing work using thirty thin coats of Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil hand rubbed finish. A real nice classic weapon; one like that owned and used by Hemingway in his 1930s and 1950s trips to the dark continent.

Back then, he used his Griffin & Howe 30.06 Springfield to harvest some of the big five, like rhino and cape buffalo as well as kudu.

The rest of our journey would be used for other activities like a trip to Kruger National Park, Interactive Elephant experience in Limpopo Province, shopping at curio outlets in Modimolle and fishing in the Indian Ocean at Sodwana Bay Beach on the east coast.

The next day, FC and my tracker, Punge (pronounced Poongee) headed out to an area where I could take a few practice shots to see that the rifle was still sighted in.

At home, I only have access to a 100-yard public range, where I adjusted the Redfield Revolution 2-7x33 Accu-Range reticle scope to place the Remington 180 grain PSP CoreLokt bullet approximately 3 inches high.

This made the bullet strike point blank at

46 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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

225 yards. With this setup it is within the killing zone of most any plains game without having to worry about bullet drop. It worked nicely! My practice shots that day confirmed the rifle was still dead on.

I hopped onto FC’s Toyota pick-up with Punge driving. The bed of the truck had a custom rack with padded seats and a cab roof overhang. The overhang was sturdy, padded, and made for a very nice vantage point to shoot from if needed. As Punge steered us along I had such a great joy in being in South Africa again. The last time was 2012. The rolling hills, plains, and distant mountains were breathtaking. Tatyana stayed back at the lodge and was scheduled to visit some petroglyphs with Jess. I knew she would enjoy her day with the camera.

The weather was clear and sunny for this November day, and my expectations were high as I could see herds of game in the distance. We passed springbok, cape buffalo and a small pond where I could just make out the protruding snout of a hippo. We don’t get to see these images on hunts back home.

In time, we caught up to a herd of black wildebeest. When we got to within a few hundred yards, the lead bull spotted us and led his troupe running, jumping, and whisking their white tails in the air. Punge slowly and carefully followed the herd as they settled down to watch us and satisfy their curiosity. Again, as we got closer, they took off running, this time in a large circular pattern around our vehicle just out of range. At times some of them bucked and kicked their hooves high in the air while whipping their tales stretched out behind them. It was almost as if they knew we

OUTDOOR WRITER'S CONTEST could not get a shot were making fun of the situation. I had to laugh.

We kept trying to get within range, but the wildebeest eluded us. This continued for most of the morning. We took a break and had some snacks. While glassing the plains, we spotted some springbok off in the distance about 300 yards away. Right behind them were two nice wildebeest running and circling our truck. One was a good bull.

They passed us out of range. The larger bull ran up a slope that was directly in front of the vehicle and stopped broadside about 200 or 250 yards away, the smaller one right behind. FC said, “take him”. So, when Punge stopped the truck, I steadied on the padded overhang and squeezed off a shot. The bull flinched and kicked up his back hooves. I could see dust fly behind. Both bulls turned and went over the ridge. FC said it looked like a good hit. I wasn’t so sure.

We waited awhile, then FC signaled to Punge. He drove the truck slowly around the base of the hill and eased to the flat top above. We spotted the two bulls way out on the flat hundreds of yards away. The smaller bull was grazing but my bull was just standing there. We watched for a while to see if he would drop. Behind the two bulls were more wildebeests grazing and laying around. My bull just stood there not eating. FC and I thought that was strange and hoped he was going to go down any minute. That did not happen. Meanwhile FC sent Punge on foot to search for any blood back at the spot where he was standing when I took the shot. Nothing!

After about an hour or so my bull started moving and feeding with the smaller one. We glassed him for any sign of blood or injury. Nothing. FC and I decided it was a clean miss and that my shot was probably low. We returned to the lodge for lunch.

I explained to Jess who was back with my wife for lunch, that I tried to aim low for a heart shot as the bull was above us on top of the ridge. His feeling was in that case I shot just under the bull’s belly. He suggested that, next time, I aim for the heart/lung area which is about two to four inches above the point where the front leg meets the body, just like I would when hunting plains animals back home.

After lunch we went back to check on the bull once more, as FC wanted to be sure. We first went to the spot where he stood when I shot. Again, there was no blood anywhere. On the other side of the ridge where we last saw the pair, there was no sign of blood or of either wildebeest. They both must have joined the rest of the herd.

I felt disappointed but was glad he was not wounded. We continued our hunt attempting to get within range of a good mature bull. But, like earlier in the day, they kept playing tag with us. As the afternoon wore on, things were not looking good.

We stopped to glass a new area and FC spotted a herd way off in the distance. He signaled to Punge to head in their direction. This game of cat and mouse continued. Punge inched up slowly as the herd crisscrossed ahead of the truck, always out of range. On our next approach, Punge decided to flank the herd on the right. This caused them to spread out in a straight line as we got closer and closer. Now, Punge slowed the vehicle to a crawl which allowed him to cut our distance in half. As we inched closer the herd flipped around and headed back where they came from, speeding by the left side of the truck.

Punge turned to follow. The lead bull stopped, and the herd calmed for a second. We were just over 200 yards away when FC pointed to the last bull and said, “take him”. He was broadside.

I rested on the padded overhang, put the crosshairs right on the heart/lung triangle and squeezed off a shot. At the roar of the muzzle the herd took off running. My bull lunged forward a few steps and dropped. His tail waving. I was elated.

We walked over to him and I could see he was a large mature bull with heavy bosses. We admired this magnificent trophy; he was hard won. And, thanks to FC and Punge we got the job done.

We took pictures, loaded the wildebeest into the Toyota and headed back to the lodge. The sun was now starting to set in the beautiful South African sky and I remember feeling how fortunate I was to be here again on the dark continent.

Just before reaching the lodge, FC and I got out to stretch our legs. We were about 200 yards from the road when we noticed a long line of blesboks strung out across the landscape only about 80 yards ahead. There were all kinds of phase colors and with the

red evening sky in the background it was a gorgeous sight. How lucky we were to witness it.

We arrived back at the lodge by dark, helped Punge hang our trophy and went in for dinner. After a scrumptious meal we sat back at the bar and discussed the day’s events with my wife and our hosts. Tatyana enjoyed her trip to the bushmans caves nearby and saw many of the petroglyphs created by the ancient rock dwellers, known as bushmen, who inhabited this area before any white settlers, mainly Portuguese and Dutch, arrived on the shores at Cape of Good Hope.

By now we were tired and called it a night. With the events of the day still fresh in my head I fell into a happy slumber anticipating our trek in the morning to the next concession near Modimolle, where we would continue our quest for plains game. FC told me later the next day that there was only one day scheduled to hunting the black wildebeest. Knowing that beforehand would have caused me to put more psychological pressure on myself to perform. As it turned out, on that day, I was very relaxed thinking there was more than a day to harvest this sought-after trophy.

It was my “One Lucky Day Wildebeest Hunt”

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48 February 2018 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS