Sportsman's News September Digital Edition

SPECIAL OPTICS ISSUE

FREE September 2017 | Volume 13 | Issue 9

Big Spring Brownies of Alaska

Kill It In Killik

Gary Lewis

Above average gear for the average hunter

Mulie Mistakes Sportsman’s News Pro Membership Sweepstakes winner was able to win this trip of a lifetime for Brown Bears. He sealed the deal on the last day of his hunt with unbelievable memories.

Chad LaChance

Evolution or Revolution

THE ALL NEW VX-5HD

RUGGED, LIGHTWEIGHT & VERSATILE PAGE 8

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 PRODUCT SPECIALIST Wes Atkinson wes@sportsmansnews.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Lisa Deming info@sportsmansnews.com VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER Sam Staudt sam@sportsmansnews.com

Subscribers should contact Managing Editor for changes of address.

Sportsman’s News is published monthly.

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

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

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

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September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

WORDS FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Michael Deming

WHAT’S INSIDE

4 Big Spring Brownies of Alaska

Our Pro Membership winner gets the bear of his dreams.

Leupold VX-5 HD 8 Rugged versatility in a lightweight package.

Pro's Pick: Killik Gear 10 Above average clothing for the average hunter.

Approved Outfitters Platinum 14Choose a Sportsman's News Endorsed Guide for

8

your next trip.

Fishful Thinker: Evolution of Revolution 19 Big changes to the tournament rules mean changes to gear.

20 Browning A5

The Sweet Sixteen gets a makeover and a coming out.

Bushnell Engage 23 The newest riflescope offering from Bushnell.

Steiner T5Xi Riflescope 25 Steiner's latest military and tactical offering for the modern sporting rifle.

T

he doves are flying, the browns are spawning, and the elk are bugling, which all make September a downright fantastic month to be a sportsman. I truly wish this month and all that goes with it could be a hundred days long. The days are so nice and I love being in the field with such great weather. The change of the leaves, great weather, and outdoor activities makes me feel alive.

I’m especially happy to share the woods with some of our very fortunate Pro Member Sweepstakes winners on some world-class trips this year as well. To let people get an opportunity to be part of what we do each and every day is a true privilege. We are very blessed here at Sportsman’s News to do what we do for a living. It is exactly what we all used to do for fun and now it is a career.

The pages of every Sportsman’s News issue are filled with a labor of love. We get to test some of the very best gear in a real-world environment as well as travel the world hunting and fishing.

The gear reviews that you see in the pages of this and every issue are products sold in the Sportsman’s Warehouse stores and tested by us in the field. So, you can count on the fact that when you spend your hard-earned dollars on products that we recommend, it is going to be something you can count on.

This issue covers a great number of optics, which we have had the pleasure of testing throughout the summer and into the fall. Some of them have been in our arsenal for several years, and are staples in the outdoor world. Optics are one of the most essential pieces of gear you can have in the field. To be able to harvest it, you first have to find it. Optics have gotten so much better over the past twenty years, but they have also gotten pretty darn expensive. So, we are happy to put all of these items to the test.

There are a vast amount of price ranges, which we covered, and optics are one thing that truly fall into the realm of “you get what you pay for”. If you have the money or beg, borrow, and steal what it takes to get the most expensive ones, you won’t ever regret it. The coatings which go onto the high-end optics show their strength at those first couple hours of daylight and last minutes of the evening and will likely help you be successful sometime during your hunting career. So, the old saying of “buy the best and only cry once” is truly accurate. If not, you will end up like me and have a drawer full of entry level and mid-grade binos to show for your efforts. There’s lots of great info in this issue, so please enjoy.

If you haven’t become a Sportsman’s News Pro Member and would like your chance to win a world class trip with the Sportsman’s News team, check out the center page spread of this issue to see what is up and coming over the next 12-months. The cover story in this issue, with Alaska Raven Guides, was experienced by lucky winner, Randy Laumb and as you can see, was as good of a trip as you can imagine. Each and every year, we give away over $300,000 worth of the best trips, guns, and gear you can ever imagine. We do a drawing the 10th, 20th and 30th of each and every month, so there is always something to look forward to. Check out the Pro Membership Sweepstakes website at promembershipsweepstakes.com for official rules as well as what we have given away.

Outdoors: 12 Mulie Hunting 26 PacWest Mistakes Lessons learned from years of chasing the elusive mule deer.

28 Pro Member Sweepstakes

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Over $300,000 In Giveaways. Drawing Every 10 Days.

30 Pro's Tip: Hiking Vs. Glassing Cover more ground without moving an inch.

34 Lenses and Lasers

The newest in rangefinding binoculars.

41 Adventures on A Budget: Visiting Bryce Canyon Experiencing Utah's secret National Park

46 Video Product Review

Seven new product reviews for your viewing pleasure.

52 Sharing the Heritage

One of our youngest writers tells how she is continuing to share the outdoors.

54 Business Directory Game Recipe: Deep Fried Bacon Wrapped 56 Wild Doves Writing Contest: Belly Up For 58 Outdoor Pronghorn Crawling for hours for the shot on a perfect buck.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dave Domin Chad LaChance Gary Lewis

Liza Sautter Steve Mayer Mark Burnside

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Big Spring Brownies of Alaska

By Michael Deming

A “

re you out of your mind”, was the response I got through the phone from long-time outfitter Scott McLeod. This is something that I’ve been accused of by more than just this person, so there could be some truth to this statement. However, the decision to shoot a giant brown bear with a bullet weighing just 127 grains isn’t the reason I’m out of my mind. That Barnes bullet flying out of my Browning X-Bolt .26 Nosler at over 3,600 feet per second hits with more energy that a .300 Win mag and since it shoots 5-inch groups at 1,000 yards, I’m confident that I can put that bullet wherever I need to for a fatal shot.

Scott had called me in late February to inform me of a cancellation for his first hunt. This first hunt can be a bit challenging and slow if the cold weather hangs on, so I would have my work cut out to get this trip sold with such short notice. We had already purchased a hunt for the Sportsman’s News Pro Membership Sweepstakes and winner Randy Laumb was scheduled to go on the last hunt of the spring. I didn’t want to move that hunt up on such short notice either. I worked on selling the hunt even at the reduced price, but everyone seemed to have a full schedule already. Our team had taken a whopper bear on this hunt the year before and I was inclined to take the spot myself since I still hadn’t broken the 9-foot barrier on a big bruin yet. By the time mid-March had rolled around, Scott and I had worked out a deal for me to come and do the hunt myself and get some marketing materials put together for his operation.

On March 30th, myself and new cameraman, Sam Staudt, landed in Sitka, Alaska for the first hunt of the season. After getting the last of the provisions, we loaded onto the fishing vessel Western Profit, for our ten-day adventure.

This would be my 7th brown bear hunting adventure with a tag in my pocket. It took me 54 days to punch my first tag on a good 8.5’ bear and on my 6th trip, I harvested a similar bear on the last day of the hunt. So, it's safe to say that brown bears don’t come easy for me. I was committed to killing a 9-foot plus bear or nothing and having my trusty .26 Nosler in hand made me confident that I could get it done if we could find one within 600 yards, even if my outfitter was a bit skeptical of my weapon of choice.

We traveled for nearly half the day before we dropped anchor and settled in for the hunt. We would live on the Western Profit with nice beds, bathroom,

The huge tidal changes in Southwestern Alaska are nothing to be messed with and if you don’t prepare, this could be you.

shower and most importantly, a place to dry off each and every night. I’ve spent many a hunt in a bomb shelter tent, soaked to the bone for days on end and the older I get, the less appealing this type of hunting is to me. I do enjoy a nice hot meal, warm bed, and being dry when I start my day. We would use 16’ skiffs to tour around the bays looking for bears coming out to feed as well as possibly looking for sows to breed.

For the first four days of hunting, we saw at least one bear a day. Most were at a distance, but were nothing of size or close enough to get our heart rate up. On Day Five, we spotted a good boar late in the evening. He looked good at a distance and worthy of getting closer. He followed the plan to a T and fed along slowly, without a care in the world. At 70 yards, we decided that he just wasn’t big enough and we continued to motor along in the boat at just an idle. He allowed us to get inside of 50 yards before he figured out something was wrong and bolted into the dense forest of Southeast Alaska. It was truly a good close encounter and a bear most people would have shot, but I wanted a whopper.

The next evening found us in the same bay. The bears were super active and we had already seen several for the day. We had set up on an island at low tide, which would give us the ability to see more country with our spotting scopes as well as judge the bears a bit better without being so close. As we watched a young boar sleep the evening away, a giant walked right into my scope, several hundred yards behind in the brush. Scott saw it right away and now he was the one losing his mind. “Let’s Go! Let’s Go!” he exclaimed!

We left everything and just took off in the direction of the bear. Sam was on his tail and left all of his gear except the camera and tripod. Being a diligent Marine, I grabbed all my own personal stuff and brought up the rear. We closed the gap to the last area we had seen the bear and waited about 200 yards out. Sam was capturing footage the entire time in hopes of catching that first glimpse of him rolling out before we shot.

As darkness was falling, Sam said “I’m almost out of battery”.

I said, “Put in a fresh one. I won’t shoot until you are ready.”

He informed me that in the haste, he left everything where we were spotting just as our guide had done. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, the bear never came out and Sam learned a very valuable lesson. Never leave your pack.

This was definitely the bear we wanted and everyone was committed to coming back every day until the season was After a career of bear hunting and nearly 80 days in the woods, I was finally able to over or we killed that bear. He had a huge head, and matching break the 9 foot mark on brown bears and we passed it up in a big way. swagger when he walked, and he topped 9-foot plus all day

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September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

This is the sight all bear hunters are hoping for; a dark spot out feeding on the fresh grass is about the only way to get an eyeball on them due to the thick forest in SE Alaska.

long.

Several days passed and we didn’t get any more sightings of that big boy or any other candidates we liked. It was pretty obvious that my black cloud still hovered over me when it came to harvesting brown bears.

Late in the evening of the ninth day, we were back on the island to spot the whole bay. This was the place we had seen the big boy before.

However, this time, the weather was horrible. Windy, raining, poor visibility, and cold. Apparently, it was just what Mr. Big wanted and he showed up with plenty of daylight left. It was 6:15 pm and with one look into the spotter, it was obvious that this guy was a shooter.

Scott once again went into go-mode and left everything. He is used to getting up close and personal with big bears and you need all the time you can get in most cases. I made sure we had everything and quickly caught up with him. During our half mile hike, the bear wasn’t visible at all and we weren’t sure we would even see him when we got set up.

We finally got to a knob about 500 yards from where we last saw him, which provided a slight rise in elevation to shoot from. The rain was pouring down, but at least the wind had stopped this far into the bay. I laid down my ALPS Extreme pack for a good rest and settled my sights on the area we had last seen the bear. Just as I had gotten the scope cover off and a round chambered, I could see the top of his back coming out of a small swale that had been hiding him for the past 30 minutes. Scott said he wasn’t sure how big he was, since he left his spotting scope at our lookout. He said it was my call and with my Leupold VX-6 scope cranked up to 24-power, I could tell this was a bear worthy of my tag.

Mr. Big stopped in the wide open with a mouthful of grass and I slowly squeezed the trigger. The bear just froze in his tracks and started looking around. I was shocked - I had missed at 463 yards.

I quickly pumped in another round and settled the crosshairs right behind the bears ear. This time, the shot was true and the big boy dropped in his tracks. Wow, what an adrenaline rush and the miss made it even worse. Thanks to my Marine training, I maintained my

It isn’t uncommon to spend 10-12 hours a day in a skiff cruising the shoreline looking for a quality bear to put your tag on during the long spring days. Sunny days like this are a welcome sight in the rainforest of SE Alaska.

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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calm and executed on the second shot. I’m still not sure how I missed, but it was a humbling experience. The .26 Nosler and that little 127 grain Barnes bullet gained a bit of respect with that second shot though.

When we walked up to the bear, it was nothing short of spectacular. He was well over 9-foot and truly a bear of my dreams and will be full body mounted for me to enjoy for life. Having this kind of success made me really excited for our hunt winner, Randy Laumb, to show up for the last hunt, only two weeks later.

My good friend, Wes Atkinson, would be along with Randy to film. He was truly the best outfitter in the business for 15 years and since he sold his company, he often works with me on special projects like this one. Randy and this bear hunt would definitely be a special project. When I called him to notify him of winning this fabulous trip, his first response was, “Can I bring home my meat”? Even the state of Alaska doesn’t require you to take the brown bear meat, so I’m sure I turned up my nose when he made that statement. I assured him that he would be able to take his meat and felt that it was a great representation of us as hunters and conservationists as long as I didn’t have to eat it.

Two weeks later, Wes and Randy were right back in my same footprints in Sitka to do the same thing. They had extremely high hopes, as we all do on the first day of the hunt. The last hunt of the year is typically a high bear sighting type of hunt, but requires picking through rubbed bears to get one with a good hide. The rut is usually in full swing by now as well and you often get those big boars just following a sow and acting dumb as a post. So, the guys excitement was definitely warranted. However, several days into the hunt, they realized that this cold spring was having an effect on what is normal. They had hardly seen any bears at all.

On the fourth day, they spotted a good boar which was just over the 8-foot mark. He was tall and lanky and was missing his guard hairs from his right front shoulder. They put a stalk on the boar and got within 50 yards. However, Randy envisioned his dream bear being more stocky than this guy and without a vote of confidence from the guide, they let him pass. On Day 7, they found an overly large sow with a beautiful blonde coat and no cubs.

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September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Randy was all for putting his tag on this bear, but the guide, as well as Scott’s operation, doesn’t like to shoot sows, so another one got the pass.

Poor Randy had gotten the Mike Deming curse passed onto him with brown bears. Rolling into the hunt on day ten, I told Wes over the phone to tell him to, “Keep believing; as it can and usually does happen on the last light of the last night for us Sportsman’s News folks” Sure enough, with only hours left in his hunt as well as the season, a goodlooking boar appeared. With it being the last day and Randy wanting to fill his freezer, it was no time to be picky. This was a good bear, a boar with no rubs, so the team decided to try and put a tag on him. A diligent stalk put them inside of 150 yards and Randy, closed the deal with a well-executed shot. It was the end to a roller coaster experience for Randy. He had never had a great desire to do this type of hunt as he was a meat hunter for his whole life. However, the experience and grandeur of Alaska captivated him from the very first moment. He took thousands of photos and logged the entire trip in his journal and walking up to this trophy of a lifetime was something he will never forget.

The trophy is in the eye of the beholder and this bear might as well be the new world record in Randy’s eyes and it too will be full body mounted to adorn his home to remember this great Pro Membership Sweepstakes experience.

For your chance to win trips like this with the Sportsman’s News Pro Membership Sweepstakes, log on to promembershipsweepstakes.com . We give away a trip like this every ten days and will give away over $300,000 worth of trips, guns, and gear each and every year. See the center page spread of this issue to see all the upcoming giveaways during the next 12-months.

MARK

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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:

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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The All New Leupold VX-5HD: Rugged, Lightweight, and Versatile.

By Dave Domin

N

ot everyone knows where their next hunt will take them. From the wide-open spaces of Colorado to the thick timber on the Oregon coast, your needs may change from year to year or even from hunt to hunt. So how do you make sure your scope has got you covered for every situation? You get the new Leupold VX-5HD; that’s how.

We’ve taken generations of innovative design and American manufacturing experience and rolled it into one of the most versatile scopes out there. The VX-5HD has everything you need and nothing you don’t. This brand new design allows you to hunt in a variety of conditions and see your target later in the day. Here’s how.

5:1 ZOOM RATIO

Why does the zoom ratio matter? The internals of the scope are what give it the flexibility to have a wide magnification range. The VX-5HD’s 5:1 zoom ratio allows for three versatile magnification ranges in three different platforms, 1-5x, 2-10x, and 3-15x, with either illuminated or non-illuminated reticles. This wide range lets you crank the power way down for hunting in the thick timber but also gives you the ability to crank it way up for long shots across the open plains.

TWILIGHT MAX LIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The VX-5HD is built around Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System, which maximizes light transmission, eliminates glare and pushes resolution to the limit. What does this mean to you? It means at dawn and dusk, when your vision is still adjusting, you get a crisp, bright image when looking through the scope. You’ll be able to tell the difference between antlers, branches, fur, and grass – all when the animals are most active.

The system also handles glare with ease. When looking into a rising or setting sun, other optics will have a smoky haze to the image. Not the VX-5HD. The image will be just as clear as it was during the middle of the day.

Finally, we added Guard-iON hydrophobic lens coatings, which repels water, dirt, and fingerprints, so when that whitetail blows out of the creek bottom without warning, you don’t have to worry about the thick morning mist screwing up your lenses.

CUSTOM DIAL SYSTEM (CDS)

Leupold VX-5HD riflescopes are equipped with two types of dial systems, both with ¼ MOA adjustment increments. The first is for you people that like to set it and forget it. These dials can be adjusted with your fingertips, and once zeroed, can be reset by merely pulling the dial out, setting it to zero, and pushing it back into place. We call it the “Pop-Up Rezero dial.”

The second is called the CDS-ZL2 with Pop-Up Rezero windage. This system can be matched to the ballistics on your gun, so you can range your shot, turn the dial, and aim dead on. No more playing the guessing game and worrying about hold overs.

The CDS-ZL2 is also a locking, two turn dial that can’t be accidently rotated. Once zeroed, a mere press of the lock button will unlock the dial and deliver 38 MOA of elevation adjustment, which

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September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

is ample enough for some very long distance shooting. The CDS-ZL2’s button also acts as a revolution indicator. On the first rotation, the button will be flush with the edge of the dial, then on the second revolution it will sink into the dial.

All Leupold VX-5HD riflescopes with the CDS-ZL2 elevation dial are eligible for one free custom ballistic dial through the Leupold Custom Shop. Unlike other dial systems that use factory ballistics information to generate drop data, the CDS uses your unique ballistics and environmental conditions to calculate true custom drop values that are laser engraved onto the dial.

Since the CDS system will only be as accurate as the information you supply to Leupold, your loads should be chronographed for velocity at the elevation and temperature you plan to shoot, +/- 2000 feet and +/- 20 degrees Fahrenheit respectively. The Custom Shop guys will also need the cartridge and bullet type, bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, average altitude, average temperature and sight height. Feel free to call 1-800-LEUPOLD to talk with a Custom Shop representative if you have questions about the process.

LEADERS IN WATERPROOF, FOGPROOF TECHNOLOGY

Leupold invented the waterproof, fogproof scope, and we’ve been improving on it ever since. The VX-5HD takes advantage of Leupold’s exclusive Argon/Krypton gas blend to keep the internals clear and dry. This gas blend is more resistant to extreme temperature changes than the traditionally used nitrogen gas, ensuring the scope performs for a lifetime. And when we say lifetime, we mean forever.

LEUPOLD’S FULL LIFETIME GUARANTEE

Leupold Optics are built for a lifetime of performance at the highest level, plain and simple. Other companies promote a lifetime of replacements because they know their optics are going to break, fail, or fall short of expectations. We know that doesn’t do you much good when you’re on the hunt of a lifetime in the middle of nowhere. With Leupold, you can head into the backcountry knowing your scope won’t let you down. So even if you hand it down to your grandkids’ grandkids, it’s guaranteed to perform.

Stop by your local Sportsman’s Warehouse to check out the new Leupold VX-5HD today.

THE NEW VX®-5HD. UNDENIABLE PERFORMANCE. Where you’re going, gear only makes the cut if it’s essential. Like the new VX®-5HD, with HD clarity, a versatile 5:1 zoom, the Twilight Max® Light Management System, and CDS® ZeroLock 2 elevation dial. And as the lightest, most rugged scope in its class, the VX-5HD always makes the cut. Push its limits and your own.

Always designed, machined, and assembled in the U.S.A. Discover more at Leupold.com.

LEUPOLD FULL LIFETIME GUARANTEE

LEUPOLD | AMERICAN TO THE CORE

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

9

Killik Gear PRO'S PICK

Above Average Gear for the Average Hunter

By Dan Kidder Managing Editor

E

very hunter I know would love to have a closet full of top-end camo with a pattern generated by a high-end NASA super computer that will allow you to handle the sub-Saharan arid environment all the way to the 19,000 foot-plus peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro and has a price tag to match. But for you and I, clothing that performs for what we need for basic hunting that is affordable while still being rugged and keeping us warm and dry is more within our realm of expectations.

At the end of the day, having comfortable clothing that can protect you from the elements, in a camo pattern that works in a variety of terrain and is affordable for the everyman is a very attainable goal.

There is no doubt that there is a real need for some hunters in some environments to justify the high-priced clothing that comes out from major manufacturers. I know I don’t fall into that category. For the number of days I spend hunting, I need something that will work for its intended purpose and doesn’t require me to take out a second mortgage to pay for it.

Enter Killik Gear.

Killik was designed exclusively for Sportsman’s Warehouse to serve the needs of the guy and gal who spend a week or so a year in the field. It is a complete layering system that gives the average hunter the flexibility to adapt the clothing to the time of year and weather. Four layering systems work by themselves or together to let you add or subtract pieces so you are prepared to meet whatever weather conditions you might encounter and then adapt to changes.

The Killik K1 Camo pattern is a blend of dots, to break up the profile and subdued grays and greens with shadows behind them to disrupt the shape of the wearer, all printed on a light tan background. The mixture of colors gives it great versatility in a variety of terrains.

Basis

The Basis system is the foundation of Killik Gear. It is tough enough to be worn alone in warm, dry weather, but also soft and thin enough to serve as a base layer underneath additional layers. These tops are made with a soft polyester and bamboo rayon so they stretch and move with you. The inside is a microfleece lining that wicks away moisture and keeps you toasty when the temperature drops.

The Basis Hoodie is so comfortable that you will want to wear it even when you aren’t hunting. With a thicker polyester shell and a lamb’s wool soft microfiber lining, the Basis Hoodie will keep you warm and dry. The oversized double hand pocket in the front is also lined with the super soft and supple microfiber. And a roomy hood provides a cocoon of warmth and a cozy feeling of comfort.

Vital Flat seem stitching keeps them comfortable, even under other layers or carrying a heavy pack.

The Basis layer consists of the short sleeve Basis Crew shirt, the long sleeve Basis Crew shirt and the Basis Hoodie.

The Basis Crew shirts are thin and light for comfort, but don’t sacrifice performance.

They give the wearer a wide range of motion and extra protection from the weather.

10 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

The Vital layer is your mainstay gear, including pants, shirts, headgear and gloves.

The heavier material shell traps in warmth and allows moisture to quickly be pulled out to where it can be dried by the air.

The Vital Pants are your workhorse, featuring eight pockets, including two side front pockets, two zippered rear pockets and two cargo pockets with small zippered external pockets. The pants also feature the baby soft internal microfiber lining. The legs of the pants can be rolled up and have buttoned straps and sewn loops so you can hold up the rolled legs. A rubberized slip preventer in the waistband provides an extra layer of support to keep the waist from slipping and sliding when carrying gear.

Extra wide belt loops are evenly spaced to provide all around support and plenty of room to attach tools to your belt. A gusseted crotch provides more comfort and articu-

PRO'S PICK lated knees give you flexibility and wider range of motion and coupled with the abrasion resistant material means that not only will these pants protect you from the sticks and pricks of nature, but let you traverse them comfortably. One thing to note with these pants, is to get them in your actual size, as they feature an athletic fit so they tend to run a little smaller than you might be used to.

Definitely try them on before you buy them to make sure you have a good fit.

The Killik Vital Half Zip Shirt is comfortable as either a stand-alone top or over either the Basis Short Sleeve or Long Sleeve Crew shirt. It provides a wrap-around flip up collar to keep the sun off your neck and the elements on the outside. The body-mapping cut makes it roomy where it needs to be and form-fitting so it reduces snagging and is supremely comfortable everywhere. The quiet and snag free 4-way stretch fabric provides a full range of motion that moves with you, no matter the direction. The true half-zip front allows maximum ventilation. Flat seams mean there is no uncomfortable stitching pressing into your skin.

A zippered delt pocket on the arm provides easy access storage for small necessities.

Killik’s Vital Beanie keeps your head warm and dry and also protected from the burning sun. It is lightweight enough to wear in even warmer weather, providing additional protection and concealment by extending the K1 camo to the top of your body. The stretchy material will allow it to cover your ears and keep them warm and still stay out of your eyes. The microfleece liner wicks away sweat and increases heat retention.

To improve your concealment even more, the Vital Balaclava allows you to extend the protection and camo coverage of the beanie to your face. An ample opening in the front doesn’t constrict breathing or fall over your eyes, but stretches to the neck. The lower half can also be pushed up into the top so it can serve as a full balaclava or just a beanie.

For a more traditional hat style, the Vital Ball Cap provides traditional hat coverage with the same comfortable and quiet camo pattern of the rest of your Killik gear.

For those hunting in warmer weather, the Vital Mesh Cap offers the same design in the front, coupled with fine mesh for better ventilation without sacrificing invisibility.

The Vital Gloves are form-fitting for more dexterity and also have a waterresistant coating to keep your hands warm and dry.

A honeycomb, rubberized texture on the palms aids in gripping and an additional finer texture on the trigger finger keep your finger from slipping as you make that crucial shot.

Nexus

The Nexus system consists of the Nexus Pants, Nexus Vest and the Nexus Jacket, providing even more protection for colder climes or more rugged terrain. Built of a

stronger and tougher two-way stretch fabric that is thicker than the Basis layer, the Nexus can be worn over the Basis layer or alone, depending on the weather and your desired warmth level.

The Nexus Vest starts with a tall lined collar for additional neck protection. Two roomy taped hand warmer pockets and a chest pocket provide extra storage for important gear. A thicker, microfleece with a quilted texture ensure even more warmth conserving qualities and additional moisture wicking. Anatomical shaping and offset seams keep your backpack straps from pressing sharp edges into your shoulders and helps to shed rainwater.

The thicker material is wind resistant to even further protect your core from the cold.

The Nexus Jacket is a warm companion on cold days. With a windproof softshell lining, an adjustable hood with two snaps that allow it to lay back out of the way when not in use and a full lined collar to protect your neck, the Nexus Jacket is lined with the same thicker quilted microfiber as the vest. Full pit zips with mesh inserts allow airflow for ventilation and the dual zippers allow them to be opened and closed from either direction or adjust the opening for full control. Two fully lined handwarmer pockets and two roomy mesh chest pockets both have fully taped zippers to keep your gear dry. An elastic waist cord, with cord locks, lets you tighten the waist to keep drafty air from coming in from below, while locking in the warmth.

Pivotal

The Pivotal Pants are made of tough, four-way stretch, water and wind resistant quad flex polyester material and are reinforced in the seat, knees and inner heel area for greater abrasion resistance and waterproofing. This is a great asset for scrabbling over rocks and boulders and sitting for long hours glassing on rough terrain. An articulated design with zonal mapping allows full range of movement without pinching or binding. The pants can be worn by themselves or as an added layer over the Vital Pants for additional warmth and protection. One rear zippered pocket, two front slash pockets and two side cargo pockets, with small external zippered pockets, give you plenty of storage options. Knee pad pockets allow you to insert foam pads for more protection and cushioning of your knees. Suspender loops let you forgo your belt and opt for maximum support, without waist constriction, for a more comfortable fit. A non-slip strip inside the waistband prevents the pants from sliding around, even when you hang heavy gear from your belt.

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

11

Axiom

When it rains or snows, there is no doubt that the hunt must go on. To help you weather the storms, Killik Gear provides the Axiom Rain Gear.

The Axiom Rainwear Jacket is completely waterproof and wind resistant and features a breathable membrane to let moisture out, but not let it in.

Waterproof zippers on the chest, sleeves and torso keep water at bay and offer maximum protection for the wearer. Two full, front gear mesh gear pockets, give you quick access to essential equipment. A full adjustable hood features a rain visor to divert water away from your face.

Just like the top layer, the Axiom Rain Pant gives you an extra layer of protection over your Nexus pants. The Axiom Pants carry the same workmanship and materials as the Nexus Pants with minimal weight, so they are easy to pack away until needed. They are fully seam sealed, imminently breathable and completely waterproof. They feature two-way stretch fabric that is lightly brushed to keep it supple and quiet. An elastic waist also features both belt loops and suspender loops. The Axiom Rainwear Pants feature two waterproof zip front slash pockets and a single zippered rear pocket, as well as pockets in the knees for kneepads. Waterproof zippers on the legs unzip to the hip for easy on and off over heavy boots. The gusseted crotch and articulated knees give you ample ability to move, even over the other layers.

Wherever the critters live when it comes time to kill them, there tends to be snow on the ground. The Axiom Gaiters offer additional protection from snow coming over the tops of your boots to help keep your feet warm and dry. They also work for high water and wet grass. They easily attach without removing your boots and seal up with both a zipper and a Velcro seal for double the protection.

Whether you are outfitting for an Alaskan caribou hunt or chasing mulies in the early season on the Arizona strip, Killik Gear has clothing designed to provide you maximum performance, excellent concealment and will hold up to years of use. And, it is in a price range that most hunters can afford. Take a look at the entire line of Killik Gear at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse or online at www.killikgear.com

12 September 2017 | 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.”

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September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

18

Evolution Or Revolution

Y

ou may have never heard of ICAST, but as an angler you should be glad it exists. Your credit card company is surely glad, but your significant other might not be. Why? Because ICAST is where tackle manufacturers worldwide all come together to introduce their newest offerings to the angling public. And because Chad LaChance we’re tackle junkies at heart and are always looking for the latest, greatest fish catcher, the angling media covers every square inch of the expo hall, all looking for the headline product to convey to their audience. In short, basically the entire sportfishing industry is in one huge room.

The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, aka ICAST, is where I get a pulse on tackle trends. Having just returned to my home in Colorado from my 10th convention, my head is spinning with new stuff and the theme that comes to mind after this year’s show is evolution; tackle is evolving rather than making revolutionary steps. Let’s look at some of the trends that may help your angling.

Fishing rods have been getting longer and longer on average for years, but this year there was some serious rod length talk. Professional bass fishing leads the industry in

tackle development and bass fishing is far and away the most popular form of angling nationwide, so when the major sanctioning body of pro bass fishing removed an antiquated rule limiting rods to eight feet in length last year, rod builders like St Croix responded with gusto. The competitive aspect of bassin’ means that folks are looking for a winning edge and the pro’s have spoken - longer rods offer advantages. Longer rods cast farther, hookset easier in most cases and control both line and fish better. My first bass rod was a 5’6” baitcaster; now you can’t even buy one that short, but nearly 10 footers are coming to market! Evolution.

Lines have also evolved this year, particularly braided line. Dyneema fibers have been used for a long time (beginning with original Fused Fireline if memory serves me correctly) but companies keep finding new ways to braid it and coat it for smoothness and durability. This year Berkley launched Fireline Ultra 8 and the industry rewarded them with a win in the Best of Show, line category. I’ve been testing Ultra 8 for almost a year ahead of product launch and it is truly great stuff. It’s extremely thin and smooth, holds knots great and the durability has been remarkable, even for braid.

It’s a true eight carrier braided line that is a more than worthy successor to previous Berkley superlines. Use it in place of any braid or superline you have; I promise you’ll enjoy the upgrade.

Many manufacturers chose to expand established successful product lines, figuring that the angling public already has confidence in the products so covering more fishing scenarios with related products is low hanging fruit. For instance, my beloved Cutter series of jerkbaits now includes a very shallow version, allowing me to now fish the lure in more places. I brought one - exactly one - of the Shallow Cutters home from the show and have already caught five species on it in three outings. To say it’s winning my confidence over is an understatement. Other hardbait companies expanded sizes of squarebills and deep divers as a trend towards large crankbaits continues.

Rain gear too is evolving, mostly towards specialized uses. I saw rain gear specific to kayak anglers, waders and high-speed boat rides. There were super thin packable rain jackets that fit in an average pocket, rain parkas with removable insulated liners and even rain gear with built-in flotation in case you end up in the drink.

Ever fish Gulp? I do - a lot! The stuff works great, but has a reputation for being messy and drying out if left out of its package. Regular PVC baits are far more user friendly, but fish just flat won’t hold onto it as long as they will the water based resin that Gulp is made of. Well, I don’t know if I’d call it evolution or cross-breeding, but they figured out how to mold PVC-based Powerbait to be porous enough to hold Gulp liquid in the same way that a kitchen sponge holds water. Viola - now you have the durability and ease of use of Powerbait soft plastics along with the fish holding power of Gulp. Won’t dry out or leak Gulp juice from the packaging, comes in a wide variety of proven shapes and colors and features a matte finish that looks more organic than regular soft plastics. Here again, my testing is quickly proving that this new dog will hunt.

So, great. Fishing tackle is evolving more than being revolutionized this year. I see it as an easy opportunity for our angling to evolve alongside it. Manufacturers didn’t try to completely change the way we fish anything, rather they refine stuff in ways that should help us catch more fish or be more comfortable in our angling adventures. To be honest, I’m always trying to refine my own angling, but rarely make wholesale changes; I think this keeps me consistent. “Game changers” are always headline grabbers, but rarely do they become staples in my angling, while evolutionary refinements are almost universally a good thing.

Seems that the tackle industry is on that plan for the next 12 months and I’m all for it!

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

19

Browning A5 “Sweet Sixteen”

T

he Browning A5 16 gauge is one “Sweet” shotgun. In the not-so-distant past, if your buddy uttered the phrase, “Sweet Sixteen,” your eyebrows didn’t go up because you knew he was talking about a Browning Auto-5 in 16 gauge. Maybe it was the sweet way these guns handled, their light and trim dimensions or it might have just had something to do with the way the phrase “Sweet Sixteen” rolled off the tongue. Often called the “Gentleman’s Gauge,” the in-between 16 is, to many hunters, the ideal ammunition for the perfect gun. A well designed 16 gauge is closer in weight to a 20 gauge, with a shot payload nearer the 12 gauge and patterning that bests them both.

Like its most revered predecessor, the Browning A5 16 gauge is built on a smaller, lighter receiver for reduced weight and a sleek feel in your hands. It also benefits from the advantages of Total Barrel Dynamics and the Invector-DS choke tube system to extract the most performance from this revered gauge. Built from rugged and lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, the A5 receiver’s shape is more than a throwback for the sake of nostalgia. The familiar humpback receiver profile melds seamlessly with the rib to extend your sight plane, aiding in natural sight alignment for quicker target acquisition and more accurate shooting.

Weighing in at 5 lbs. 13 oz. this beauty is a pleasure to raise and is definitely easy on your shoulder. And it is every bit as good-looking as it is a good shooter. It features a walnut stock with a brass bead front sight, the classic hump back receiver and gold accents on the trigger and other key parts of the gun. Just like the old Auto 5 of the past, the Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen is sure to become a modern classic, with a short-recoil operated action that is so reliable, it’s backed with a 5 year/100,000 round guarantee.

Unlike the original gas operated Auto 5, the new A5 uses Kinematic Drive. In its simplest term, kinetic energy is the energy of motion. The Browning A5 makes better use of kinetic energy with its powerful, short recoil-operated Kinematic Drive System.

Kinematic Drive harnesses recoil energy and converts it into the mechanical motion needed to operate the action. This concept is tried and true and now perfected by the company that broke ground first with auto-loading shotguns.

The beauty of Kinematic Drive is the simplicity of design for consistent, reliable function with any load and under the full extremes of weather, temperature, moisture and grime. Operation is clean because gases are sent out the barrel and away from the action. Check out Browning’s great line of firearms for yourself at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse.

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20 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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22 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Bushnell Engage 6-24x50 Riflescope

G

ood things have been coming out of Bushnell lately, with the Engage series of products being the latest and greatest.

The Bushnell Engage 6-24x50mm riflescope provides high-end features at a midrange price point, delivering a host of features you only expect to find in top-end optics.

The Engage is housed in a hard-anodized aircraft grade 30mm aluminum tube, with a 50mm objective lens. Ample eye relief gives you plenty of mounting options and the easy to rotate magnification ring with the ability to mount a throw stud, provides delineated markings between 6-and 24-power. A side parallax adjustment lets you easily correct POA/POI based upon range and can even be used to help range the scope. The Deploy MOA Reticle on the Engage has incorporated several 1-MOA hash marks for adjustments on the fly.

Locking turrets feature 50 MOA of adjustability and the caps lock so they won’t be accidently moved. Lift up on the turret cover to turn them and unscrew the top cap to return to zero, without needing tools.

All of the air-to-glass surfaces are coated with Bushnell’s proprietary multi-coating to improve contrast and color clarity. The EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to the glass and makes them resistant to dust, smudges and fingerprints, as well as avoids distortion from water by changing the size and geometry of water droplets. An ultra-wide band coating transmits the full spectrum of light and is customized for every lens in the scope, while reducing glare and keeping the image from appearing washed out in bright light. Both lenses are further protected with Butler Creek flip up covers.

The bottom line - you get great optical performance, no matter the environment.

The tube is fully nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for complete waterproofing and it won’t fog up inside during temperature changes.

These features are found in top-end riflescopes that sell for over a thousand dollars, but the Engage offers these features for less than $450, making the Engage a powerful optic for a great value and an everyman price.

All of this is backed up by the Bushnell Ironclad Warranty, providing full protection for the lifetime of the scope, no questions asked and is fully transferable should you sell or gift the scope to someone else.

The Engage 6-24x50mm Engage scope is part of a whole line of Bushnell Engage scopes and binos that includes nine different scope configurations and four different binocular options. Each of the Engage optics uses specialized coatings to maximize performance.

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24 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Steiner T5Xi 1-5x24 Tactical Scope

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teiner’s T5Xi 1-5x24mm riflescope brings unmatched clarity, accuracy and self-assurance to tackle any situation, from combat to competition, to home defense. Featuring precise German engineering, rugged US construction, and the exclusive 3TR reticle, it gives you the victor’s edge in close-quarter battle and mid-to-long range shooting.

Designed as a close-combat scope, the true 1x setting provides absolute clarity with both eyes open, ideal for maintaining situational awareness. The 5x power setting allows you to engage distant targets with ease. The 3-Gun Tactical Reticle (3TR) has stadia lines configured specifically for 5.56 mm or 7.62mm cartridges below the crosshair so that shooter can engage targets accurately out to 600 yards. Daylight viewable illumination has 11 levels: 4 night/7 day.

The T5Xi features low-profile, capped turrets that are resettable for accurate dialing of elevation and windage and an angled magnification ring allowing the shooter to see the magnification setting while positioned behind the scope.

Steiner’s world-class engineering and optical systems provide unmatched clarity and light transmission. Steiner grinds and polishes its premium lenses then multi-coats them with proprietary layers to provide more contrast and brighter detail, even in low-light conditions.

Steiner optics are unmatched in their durability and reliability. Battle-proven technology is integrated into every Steiner product making them world-renowned for their ferocious toughness.

For absolute fogproof and waterproof protection, Steiner seals 14-psi pressurized nitrogen into its optics for premium

clarity in any condition. Fail-safe testing with medical-grade tools ensures absolute quality and zero fogging and water intrusion despite drastic changes, severe conditions, and lifetimes of use. As with all Steiner scopes, the T5Xi is covered by the Steiner Heritage Warranty for the lifetime of the product. There is no warranty card or receipt needed and it is fully transferable to future owners of the product.

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25

Lesson Learned! 12 Mule Deer Hunting Mistakes Don’t watch the girls! And 11 more of the most common muley hunting blunders we make.

By Gary Lewis

W

e are poor predators at best. Mule deer are far better at survival than we are at turning them into steaks and burger.

Sometimes it is good to remember what NOT to do. Over the years, I have made many mistakes on big bucks.

Perhaps you, like me, are prone to learn things the hard way. Try to learn from the mistakes of others. Here are some of the classic blunders from mule deer country.

Mistake No. 12: Park in your regular spot. Creatures of habit, that’s what we are. Every time we hunt, we park in the same places and Photo by Gary Lewis we hunt the same spots the same way the last guy did.

Once I was driving in good habitat and stopped the Jeep to make an evening hunt.

A light rain had begun and I moved up the hill through the timber. After a few minutes, I found a deer bed. All around it the ground was wet, but the bed still showed a dry oval spot. I stood in the deer bed and then crouched down to get a look at what the deer could see. There it was. My Jeep! As soon as I parked the vehicle, the buck had stood up, stretched, then walked over the ridge and out of sight. Lesson learned.

Mistake No. 11: Hunt one animal. Perhaps

Photo by Gary Lewis

James Flaherty with a public lands buck taken on the second day of the season. Flaherty was ready when the deer passed through an opening.

26 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

you saw him last year. Maybe it was a buck whose shed you found last spring.

Maybe you have a picture taken on a trail cam. Maybe someone told you about Mr. Big. He might still be in the area and he might not. There are times when it pays to focus on just one buck, but in most cases, the hunter is better off to look for a buck that meets pre-established criteria. Remember the old guide’s admonition, “Never pass on the first day what you would be happy with on the last.”

Mistake No. 10: Come in out of the rain. Bad weather can ruin a hunt or be the catalyst that brings bucks out in the open. Be prepared for anything

the weather can throw at a hunter then stay out there, even if it means a quick run back to camp for a change of clothes.

A snowstorm in October, or a gully-washing shower can get deer up and moving. And when they move, they feed and when they feed, they are easy to see.

Mistake No. 9: Talk out loud. A buck that has lived through five hunting seasons has a pretty good idea what it means when headlights stab through the dark. And you can bet he knows what it means when the car door slams.

Voices carry. Once I was cleaning a trophy buck I shot in heavy cover and heard two hunters walk by, talking about their girlfriends. I learned way too much, but what really impressed me was they walked by some of the best big buck habitat without knowing it.

The deer knew they were there and that hunters would not go into heavy cover.

Mistake No. 8: Photo by Gary Lewis Wimp out on range time. A lot of hunters don’t practice before the season.

Many practice wrong.

Tune up by dry-firing (it won’t damage a centerfire rifle) and under field conditions, offhand, kneeling, sitting and prone. With regular practice, range Spend time at the range before the hunt and estimation, breath conpractice shooting uphill and downhill for the types trol, trigger squeeze of shots that often present themselves during deer and follow-through season. become a part of the routine that builds the confidence to make the shot when it counts.

Mistake No. 7: Hunt without map and compass. If you are looking for adventure, you can find it without a map and compass. Leave your navigation tools in the truck and you may not find your way out till the next day, or the next. It makes a great story, but other people enjoy telling it more than you do.

It is easy to get lost in familiar territory. Believe me, I know. Once, I boasted I had been hunting this wilderness ridge enough I wouldn’t get lost. In less than two hours, I was turned around and befuddled and spent the next six hours hiking out the wrong way to a road.

Mistake No. 6: Hunt too Photo by Gary Lewis hard. Opening day is hardest. We want to see it all, to look into every canyon. The deer see us more than we see them. Instead, hunt S-LO-W or watch from a stand and let other hunters – fresh from the city and the hustle of the workaday world – push the deer to you.

Pre-season scouting can pay off with a Mistake No. 5: Give it glimpse of a buck like this one. Don’t crowd a quick once-over. Once a him. Take a look, take a picture and back off. friend of mine called me You know where to be when the season opens. everyday during the season

to ask where we were seeing bucks. Each day I sent him to a new spot. When the season was over, he complained I was holding back.

“Did you bring a spotting scope with you?” I asked. “Yes, I had it packed in the truck in case I Photo by Gary Lewis needed it,” was his reply.

I had seen a buck at every place I sent him and when he got there he gave the landscape a quick scan with binos and didn’t see what he was looking for. “Just a few does.” Every buck I told him about I had seen through the spotting scope.

Hunters blow it when they put their optics in their packs. A better way is to wear a shoulder harness that holds the binoculars to the chest, ready to put into action. Carry the spotting scope in a pack. Sit down on a knob and glass cross-canyon and plan to stay there all day until the deer show.

Mistake No. 4: Walk the skyline. Mule deer have an acute awareness of their surroundings.

When something moves in their domain, they know it. To cross a ridge, use a tree or a terrain feature to break up your outline.

On a muzzleloader hunt, a friend of mine watched his brother skyline himself on a ridge while just below, a monster mule deer went into crisis management mode. “The buck got down onto his belly,” he told me later, “and crawled out of sight like a snake.”

A deer’s eye is trained to catch movement.

Don’t watch the girls. When the season opener finds a buck in the proximity of a herd of two or more does, Just as bad as it is to walk the skyline, is to cross the buck trails with them until he senses danger. At the first opportunity, he splits and uses cover and distance a meadow. Use a ditch or a fold in the ground to throw a hunter off his track. While the hunter watches the does, the buck makes his getaway. to hide movement. Even better, keep to the tree line and use cover for concealment. narrow canyons, over fences and out into the open to draw a hunter’s attention. Often the Mistake No. 3: Watch the girls. Big bucks often use young bucks and does as decoys. small buck goes home in a hunter’s truck while the big buck sneaks away with its head Spook the herd and they split. The big buck goes one way, while the rest of the deer go down or, just as often, stays in one place and waits for danger to pass. another. It is easy to watch the does pogo-stick through the sage or manzanita, but you miss Mistake No. 2: Ignore the wind. A buck may not bolt at the sound of a car door or a the buck, hiding his antlers in a patch of juniper or low-crawling on his belly through the human voice. It may not startle at a branch broken beneath a boot. It may not process the bitterbrush. sound of a round being chambered, but it never second-guesses its nose. A mule deer’s nose Big bucks hook smaller bucks with the tips of their antlers to get them to go first through is at least a thousand times more powerful than ours.

Wind blows like currents in a river and when gusts To get close to this buck’s core area, took an effort to park are contradictory, tendrils of breeze swirl. These half a mile away and use the terrain to get within 200 yards of the vagaries of vapor are best divined by multiple puffs canyon. In the evening light, the buck was up and feeding in a from a bottle of unscented wind-checking powder or stand of bitterbrush. soap bubbles. One fellow used half a bottle of scented Johnson’s Baby Powder. Every time he checked the wind, I thought someone was changing a diaper.

Mistake No. 1: Rush the stalk. The ideal is to spot a feeding buck and watch it bed as the sun comes up.

When the deer is down and chewing its cud, that’s the time to make the move. But there’s no need to hurry.

Chances are, that buck will be bedded in one place till the sun is high overhead in which case, it will stand up, feed a little bit and lay down in another patch of shade.

A lot of hunters blow it when they move too fast and spook non-target animals. Once the animal is bedded, glass the surroundings and make sure there aren’t any other deer that might blow the stalk. Pick your path, the approach and a landmark from which a shot might be made. Check the wind and go slow.

Don’t take a break to check on the deer, just keep going, landmark to landmark. Get set up within your effective range, rest the gun and settle in behind the scope. When the buck stands, that’s your moment.

To order a signed copy of Deer Hunting - Tactics for Today’s Big Game Hunter, send $24.95 (includes S&H) to GLO, PO Box 1364, Bend, OR 97709 or visit www.

Photo by Gary Lewis GaryLewisOutdoors.com September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Hiking vs Glassing for Big Game PRO'S TIP

own a spotting scope or anything higher in power than 10X binoculars. I didn’t share with them the three bucks I was watching, since I hunt this unit each and every year and will likely try to harvest the big guy the following year. So, it was obvious, even though they were glassing, they didn’t have the right tools for the job.

My personal philosophy is to not leave the truck until I’ve found the animal that I want to harvest. That statement holds pretty true, but I will occasionally hike to a look-out point where I can spend hours behind some top-end optics.

By Michael Deming

I

had been pulled off the side of the road watching three bedded bucks for about an hour when a truck pulled up behind me. The bucks were close to a mile away and tucked into the shade. One of the guys walked up on my side of the truck and asked, “What are you looking at”? I told him that I was just looking for a buck to put my tag on and didn’t share with him that I was currently watching several good bucks, with one of them over 180” B&C. I asked if they had elk or deer tags and what were they looking to harvest. Two of the guys had deer tags and the other had an elk tag and with only one day left in the hunt, they were willing to shoot just about any buck or bull they could find.

At this point, I asked if they had checked out the mountain I had my scope focused on. They said that they had spent the last hour a little higher on the mountain looking through their binoculars at the exact mountain without seeing anything. They didn’t

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I’ve got a great friend, who shall remain nameless for this article, who knows that I’ve taken some whopper bucks over my career. He has hunted with me on numerous occasions and he is the poster child for fitness. He could walk me into the dirt on any given day and often has. His passion is big mule deer and he has walked thousands of miles trying to find one to put his tag on. He is that guy that says, “You just have to get away from the crowds or over that next ridge to find the big ones”. He is a great hunter, but depends way more on his legs than he does his patience and good optics to find his trophies. He even committed to me the last time we hunted in Colorado to stay put in the truck until he found that trophy buck. It lasted about three days before he was putting on ten miles a day. At the end of the season, I had tagged an old, mature 180” buck. We spotted him fifteen hundred yards off of the highway, up under a rock bluff and we made a good stalk to five hundred yards and took him. My buddy took a four-year-old, 165” buck on the last day, which he packed out several miles.

You can cover more miles with vehicles and optics than you can ever do on foot.

I’m not a road hunter by any means, as the big bucks we find are usually bedded and seldom on their feet when you are driving around. The key is having high-end optics as well as good observation points to look from. Regardless of whether I’m hunting a unit that I have years of experience in or checking out dirt for the very first time, the observation points are key. You can find these types of places on Google Earth pretty easily and I spend hours on end looking at places I will hunt. I always try to make at least one solid scouting trip before the season to get onto these observation areas and see what I can find. The other thing to do on these trips is to drive as many of the roads as you can and see where they go. Being able to find animals at long-range doesn’t do you much good if it takes you several hours to walk over to where you last saw them.

The other important thing about this article is optics. You need the right tools for the job as well as focusing on what you can afford. Having a set of binoculars is the key to starting your searches. Out west, a pair of 10X is a good start and that is what I have around my neck at all times. However, a set of 15X binoculars set on top of a tripod is going to allow you to cover a lot of ground from one location. Having binoculars puts much less fatigue on your eyes than using a spotting scope, so if you have to choose between a spotting scope and high-power binoculars, I would recommend the binos.

Being able to sit somewhere comfortable and glass for hours on end is the key to finding trophy animals.

The next step up in glassing long-range is the spotting scope. I utilize these to not only look for trophy animals, but to determine trophy quality. With limited primetime movement in the morning and the evening, the last thing I want to do is burn up several hours trying to get close, only to find out this really isn’t an animal worthy of my tag. Being able to crank up your spotting scope to 60- or even 70-power and observe an animal at a few miles is key to increasing your success.

Although there are many big game animals taken by those hunters burning up the shoe leather, I must say that I’m thankful for those guys and gals, as they often boot a big buck out of a hiding place that otherwise isn’t visible. But, the majority of truly big trophies are taken from hunters who have learned to use their optics much more than their legs.

Three deer from the same unit taken in three consecutive years.

32 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Lenses and Lasers

By Wes Atkinson

A

s an outfitter over the past 15 years, my table fare has been directly linked to what my eyes could see. Without being able to see, I wouldn’t have been able to eat. And the hours behind the glass, scouring the terrain literally for meal after meal, has driven into me the value of seeing. I won’t necessarily say for myself that seeing is believing, as I realized in my youth that believing was seeing, but the only way that I knew that to be true was because I eventually “saw” what I believed was there all along.

Today, technology has evolved to placing a high-speed laser that measures the amount of time it takes to leave the binoculars, arriving at the target and returning to the sensor on the binoculars. The amount of time it takes for the laser to blast through distance and return is then displayed in the middle of your field of view, not in time, but in units of measurement, such as yards or meters.

There have been many changes throughout the hunting culture over the last 20 years,

but I would suggest that more animals have survived encounters with weapons simply because the distance to the animal was not known. The proverbial, “One that got away”, has gotten away more often than not, simply because the range to the animal was left to a guess. Placing a laser in a device designed to magnify and clarify the hunter’s relationship to the prey, has been one of the single most dangerous evolutions for the modern-day hunter. This tool eliminates the need to ever hear again, “I didn’t know how far it was.”

This article is designed to accurately and with minimal bias, present a comparison of the rangefinding binoculars on the market today. All the laser/bino combos mentioned in this article have angle compensation rangefinding capabilities and many other features that are far better explained on our Sportsman’s News YouTube channel under Video Product Reviews.

Because I know too much about what is “supposed” to be the best based on each represented price-point, I wanted a fresh perspective. The Sportsman’s News Team has recently hired two full-time video editors, with very limited field experience in hunting, almost novices actually. However, one in particular, let’s call him Sam, has a very deep understanding of light and sharpness of image, due to his extensive background in videography and video production. I decided to wrap all the rangefinding binoculars in tin foil to make them impossible to read and feel texture, so as to get his honest, unbiased perspective.

Below are the results of what an amateur saw as well as my experienced input to balance the exploration. It is important to remember in comparison that everything is relative to how the product is being presented from price-point to performance. I just wanted to see if Sam’s eyes could see quality when he didn’t know the price-point. We built a scale of 1-10 for light gathering ability, image sharpness, eye fatigue, honest color representation and rangefinder speed and distance execution, with 10 being the highest mark. Below are the findings.

The Nikon LaserForce 10x42 Rangefinding Binocular The Nikon LaserForce 10x42 Rangefinding Binocular are supported by a $1,199 price-point. The rangefinder is fast and reads accurate distances on deer out to 922 yards, trees at 1,444 yards and in a tripod non-hunting environment at 1,907 yards (ranging a barn). For those of you who don’t know, that is 1.084 miles from rangefinding binocular that you hold in your hand. Navigation of the menu is smooth and user friendly and has several brightness options, yards and meters and angle compensation. Likely, this rangefinding combo will outperform the skill set of almost every hunter and if you notice the price-point compared to the rangefinding capability, you will find the Nikon LaserForce is something to consider.

We wrapped all of the binos in foil to disguise their identity and get a truly objective benchmark.

34 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

In Sam’s Corner:

• Light Gathering Ability, 7 • Image Sharpness, 6 • Eye Fatigue, 5

• Honest Color, 6 • Rangefinder Execution, 9

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Leica 10x42 Geovid-R The Leica Geovid-R 10x42 Rangefinding Binocular comes in at a price point of $1,799. The rangefinder picked up distances out to 1,202 yards on reflective surfaces and deer out to 1,087. I personally guided with these binoculars for 10 years and so my bias comes through with the success they helped me create. One of my notes is I judge the quality of the glass based on the ability of the binocular to disperse light over intensely contrasting objects within the frame. A shiny object that blows out the whole picture points to a lower quality lens coating. Being able to look at a sunny hillside and pierce through the shadows at the same time, without eye fatigue, is what makes the difference for me. The Geovid does this very smoothly for my eyes. The 10x42 is the simplest of all Geovids and has the fewest menu options of all the rangefinding binoculars in this article.

In Sam’s Corner:

• Light Gathering Ability, 7 • Image Sharpness, 7 • Eye Fatigue, 6 • Honest Color, 8 • Rangefinder Execution, 7

Leica 10x42 Geovid HD-R The Leica Geovid HD-R 10x42 Rangefinding Binocular comes in at a price-point of $2,599. The rangefinder is solid to 2,165 yards on reflective surfaces and was very quick on horses at 1,442 yards.

The HD-R collects temperature, atmospheric pressure and angle of binocular. For the modern practical hunter, the HD-R is very applicable for hunting environments, has a few less options than the HD-B, but the glass and quality of the rangefinder are the same, minus a few additional yards I managed to range with the HD-B.

In Sam’s Corner:

• Light Gathering Ability, 8 • Image Sharpness, 8 • Eye Fatigue, 8 • Honest Color, 8 • Rangefinder Execution, 9

Leica 10x42 Geovid HD-B The Leica Geovid HD-B 10x42 Rangefinding Binocular comes in at a price-point of $2,999. The rangefinder grabbed distances with speed at 2,266 yards on a pinion juniper hill side and deer at 1,940 yards, making this the highest performing rangefinder in this article. The display is a large square compared to the Geovid-R and is easier to read on blown-out, sunny hot days. The menu is extensive, with options such as ballistic curve, zeroing distance and ballistic output format. The Geovid HD-B determines three other important pieces of information; inclination of binoculars, temperature and atmospheric pressure in case you need your own weather.com in a rangefinding binocular. It also comes complete with 12 different ballistic curves and several different zeroing options to tailor-fit your weapon of choice to your binocular. This is the most complex rangefinding binocular in this list. You will have to decide if these options benefit you.

In Sam’s Corner:

• Light Gathering Ability, 8 • Image Sharpness, 8 • Eye Fatigue, 8 • Honest Color, 8 • Rangefinder Execution, 10

36 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Swarovski ELs 10x42 Rangefinding Binocular The Swarovski ELs 10x42 Rangefinding Binoculars are priced at $3,299, which makes them the most expensive pair of rangefinding binoculars in this article. The ELs showed consistent readings on tree lines at 1,856 yards, animals at 1,004 yards and a very impressive, 2,028 yards on a reflective barn roof. The ELs are the only rangefinding binocular to use a circle for the laser display. All the others use a square. Also, when the range button is pressed, the display lets you know the laser is working to get a readout, so you don’t have to wonder if you pressed it correctly. I have to add the ergonomic design of the ELS is comfortable to the hands and from years and years of glassing in the dark, I feel the ELS handle the dark the best.

However, there is no way to prove the data. In my experience in low light, they are a fraction clearer in the darkest of conditions than the other binos represented in this comparison. However, Sam did not agree.

In Sam’s Corner:

• Light Gathering Ability, 8 • Image Sharpness, 8 • Eye Fatigue, 8

• Honest Color, 9 • Rangefinder Execution, 9.5

What pair then is the best? I will let you decide on that, as the answer is subjective to each hunter. But to close, using a non-experienced hunter to review rangefinding binoculars proved what I had already proven for myself. Quality is obvious. No one needs to be experienced to see what images are clearer than others and what rangefinders read with speed and ease and which ones have to be clicked on repeatedly. Sam was a bit of a critic, probably more demanding than I am. But, I do think it is a good tool for reference as his data has no allegiance to the connotation or nostalgia of the great household names we know to be the best in optics.

The takeaway is this; you get what you pay for, for the most part. The LaserForce competes with the Geovid in rangefinding capability and is priced $600 less. The competition between The Swarovski 10x42 Rangefinding ELs and the Leica 10x42 HD-B Rangefinding Binocular might have to be decided in a “Best of 7” series and I’m guessing a couple of those games will go into overtime. But, all of them will get the job done. You will just need to figure out which one is best for you, because if you miss and have to tell your buddy, “I just didn’t know how far it was”, after reading this article, well, that’s on you!

Model

Magnification

Advertised Max Range

Tested Max Range

Angle Range compensation

Field of view at 1,000 Yards

Price

10X42

1,900 yards

1,907 yards

Yes

320 feet

$1,199

10X42

1,400 yards

1,202 yards

Yes

331 feet

$1,799

10X42

1,400 yards

2,165 yards

Yes

331 feet

$2,599

10X42

2,000 yards

2,266 yards

Yes

374 feet

$2,999

10X42

1,500 yards

2,028 yards

Yes

411 feet

$3,299

Nikon Laserforce

Leica Geovid R

Leica Geovid HD-R

Leica Geovid HD-B

Swarovski EL Range

38 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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40 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Adventures On A Budget

Bryce Canyon - Utah’s Secret National Park

I had been to Bryce Canyon, or Bryce as it is referred to by locals, about 12 years before, on a visit to the area just prior to moving here from Washington, DC. At that time, there was no city, and very few hotels, restaurants, and gift shops. Sam just moved to Utah from Oklahoma, and this was his first visit to one of our National Parks.

The park itself surrounds a massive 35,000 acre canyon with sandstone pinnacles reaching skyward from the canyon floor 200 feet below. These spikes are called hoodoos and form through erosion and expansion and contraction caused by frost, which flakes off the sandstone in little bits each year. Several hiking trails and horse trails take visitors to the canyon floor below and are ranked by length and difficulty, to give visitors of all fitness capabilities an opportunity to visit the canyon floor and see the hoodoos from their base as they reach skyward.

To visit the canyon, you must pass through the gates at the park entrance and plop down your $30 per vehicle fee, $25 for a motorcycle, and $15 per person on a bus or on foot, for a seven-day pass. Or, you can utilize an America The Beautiful multi-agency annual pass.

We opted to camp inside the park at the North Campground, one of two campgrounds inside the park. The fee for camping here was another $30 per day. If you had a park pass, the fee was only $10 per day. Since the annual pass was $80 and we would be spending four days in the campground, it was actually cheaper to purchase the annual pass and take

By Dan Kidder the discount for camping. By going this route, we saved $30 on our visit and now we have Managing Editor a pass that will allow us to visit all of the other parks in the National Park System, as well as many monuments and other public lands. estled in the Soutwestern corner of the state of Utah is a well known National Payment of your visitor fees also gives you unlimited access to the park shuttles, which Park that attracts visitors from around the globe. Zion National Park attracts will deliver you to various trailheads, scenic overlooks, and park features. nearly 4.3 million visitors annually. But just 72 miles to the northeast is a Amenities in the park include a large visitor’s center with information on the local lesser-known park with its own unique majestic beauty. Bryce Canyon is less landscape, history of the canyon and the National Park, and a gift shop filled with all of visited landmark with only half the visitors each year as Zion, but word is the same kitschy Chinese made knicknacks as the off-park shops. There are also restrooms starting to get out about the amazing hiking trails and natural wonder of the Bryce Hoodoos; and maps of the park and surrounding area to be had here. Further into the park, there is a majestic natural sandstone fingers that protrude from the valley floor below. camp store with basic groceries at a premium price, a lodge with cabins and a restaurant, a Bryce Canyon is located in the recently incorporated Bryce Canyon City. Established in horseback riding concession, showers for $2 per 8 minutes but with ample hot water, and a 2007, the city is home to multiple hotels, restaurants, gift shops, and attractions, centered few hotel rooms at the visitor center’s Sunset Hotel. Well maintained roads wind through around the National Park just two miles to the south. the park, but parking at the various scenic views, trailheads, and park services are at a Visitors to Bryce Canyon have multiple options for accommodations in the local area, premium. If you plan to visit another area of the park during the summer peak months, from off-park campgrounds with RV parking and hookups to authentic Native American you may be better off using the shuttle to get there. teepee lodges with swimming pools and convenience stores to on-park campgrounds Outside of the park, there are a few options for supplies, but they are also more expennestled among the tall pines to chain hotels and motels providing travelers of all budgets sive than swinging by a full grocery store in Cedar City or St. George and stocking up bewith rooms. There is even wide swaths of public land that allow dispersed camping for up fore you get on the road to Bryce. In nearby Panguitch there is a small town grocery store. to 16 days at a time, though these camps have frequent fire restrictions due to the dry desert Along Route 12 into Bryce, there are a few restaurants and motels, and many of these have climate. small stores, but they are much more expensive than a typical grocery store away from the To get the full Bryce experience, myself and Sportsman’s News Television videographer and tourist center. Just to the east of Bryce City is the town of Tropic, and they have a small, but producer Sam Staudt hit the road and paid a visit to this amazing attraction just 75 miles very well stocked grocery store right on Rt. 12. from our home base in Cedar City.

The main business in Bryce Canyon City proper is owned by Ruby’s Inn. There is the Ruby’s Campground, hotels, restaurants, and gift shops, all part of a massive sprawling complex that makes up the bulk of Bryce Canyon City. In 1916, Reuben C. (Ruby) Syrett brought his family to Southern Utah and established a ranch. Shortly after, locals told him of the natural wonder two-miles to his south. With permission from the government, Ruby built a Tourist Rest near the rim of the canyon, at the location of the current lodge. When the National Park Service designated Bryce Canyon as a National Monument in 1928, Ruby moved his business back to his ranch, opening an inn. From there, his business grew and Ruby’s Inn provides more than 500 rooms through Ruby’s Inn, the Best Western, the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel and their other hotels and campgrounds in the complex that has become Bryce Canyon City. Ruby’s even provides a nightly rodeo during the summer months.

Bryce Canyon itself sits at the top of a vast National Monument called the Grand Staircase-Escalante. This 1.8 million acre area stretches from the Grand Canyon to the top of the Paunsaugunt Plateau where Bryce Canyon is located. In the center of this is Zion National Park. The Grand Staircase is a majestic landscape that provides the world’s most complete sequence of sedimentary rock formations and showcases the process from deposit in vast lakes, to uplifting of the tectonic plates to erosion of this rock to reveal the distinct layers. In the late 1800s when Mormon pioneers settled the Bryce Canyon is 4 hours north of Las Vegas and offers spectacular views of the Grand region to the early 1900s when the final maps of the United States Staircase-Escalante as well as great hikes, horseback riding, and an amazing high-altitude and its territories were being drawn, the remote region was so little view of the night sky. known that it contained the last blank space on the map, and near

N

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Adventures On A Budget Bryce Canyon was the spot where the final expedition to map the last remaining uncharted area was finalized.

The Paunsaugunt Plateu is filled with wildlife, and the Paunsaugunt unit is one of the most coveted huntimg units in the nation for trophy mule deer, with tags hard to draw and animals that grow to amazing sizes. While visiting Bryce, you will be visited by the park’s resident scavengers, little plump and greedy chipmunks. One managed to get in the open door of the truck while were setting up camp and within a minute or two found an unopened bag of peanut M&Ms and gnawed through the bag. We named him Beauregard and he became our constant companion when we were in camp. Other wildlife you might see include pronghorn antelope, which are in ample supply throughout the park, Steller’s

Steep canyons, natural bridges, and wonderous sights greet you around every turn on the miles of hiking trails.

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jay, which is a blue jay with a black tuft of feathers on their head and black tipped wings, as well as mountain lions, and the Great Basin rattlesnake.

In addition to the fauna, there is a wide variety of beautiful flora such as Bronze evening primrose, the Utah state flower the Sego lily is abundant here, and the breathtaking Scarlet gilia that resembles bright red stars. While the terrestrial beauty is stunning, the celestial magnificence of the region is unparalleled. Minimal light pollution from Bryce Canyon City, coupled with proactive efforts in the park to minimize light bleed, allows the tremendous canvas of the night sky to showcase its stellar beauty on full display. The high altitude contributes to the darkness of the sky to reveal stunning detail and makes it an ideal area to scan the stars with a telescope. We even were paid a visit from a ranger, inviting us to a talk he was presenting on the moon in one of the many amphitheaters scattered around the park.

Every contact we had with park staff and volunteers was met with warmth and welcoming, and each and every employee we encountered seems very pleased to be working in such a beautiful surrounding. We even trailed behind one worker in the gentle rain shower that came as we finished our first hike, as she played her wood flute to the rain, the haunting melody rising up to meet the gentle raindrops as they descended upon us.

The campgrounds inside the park provide potable water, flush toilet, and spacious sites with parking for RVs or for tents. The North Campground has 107 sites and the Sunset Campground 109. Park hosts are always on duty, splitting shifts between several other hosts that frequently patrol the campground to ensure your serenity and take care of any maintenance needs. Dumpsters are located throughout the campground for easy disposal of trash.

A picnic table and fire ring are provided in each site.

There are fifteen hiking trails at Bryce, each designated by difficulty level, length, and the amount of time they are expected to take. We chose for the first day to hike the Queen’s/ Navajo Combination Loop, a mixture of two trails that overlap. The 2.9 mile trail is rated as a medium difficulty hike and estimated to take 2-3 hours. At the bottom, where the two trails meet, is a large flat ravine, where hikers pause to grab lunch or a break for their feet, before heading back up the trail to the rim. Along the trail we passed a hoodoo named for Queen Victoria and on the way back up, one named for Mjölnir but called simply Thor’s Hammer. As the landscape is in a constant state of flux, we were saddened to learn that one of the park’s most famous hoodoos, the Sentinel, had fallen earlier in the year and was no

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through a rigorous “Voice of the Customer” process – where numerous law enforcement and military trainers, firearms experts, distributors and retailers provided input, feedback and testing in the determination of the form, function and features of this firearm. The resultant new pistol is a revolutionary platform for Ruger, one that utilizes the combination of a recoilreducing barrel cam (which is designed to better spread recoil energy over time) with a low mass slide, low center of gravity and a low bore axis to provide an unparalleled shooting experience.

Complete Your Ruger American Pistol® with the Officially Licensed Blade-Tech® Total Eclipse Holster at Your Local Retailer or Online at ShopRuger.com RUGER.COM/AMERICANPISTOL

© 2017 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

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September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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Adventures On A Budget more. Along the trail are several natural bridges as well as some breathtaking vertical drops and soaring cliff faces above you. The trail is well maintained and easily passable. We even encountered some elderly folks with mobility assistance devices, and many small children.

On the next day, Sam opted to try for the hardest and longest hike in the canyon, the Fairyland Loop, which stretches 8 miles and is estimated to take 4-5 hours. He made it 6 miles before heading to the nearest shuttle stop and hitching a ride. I opted to use that time for a more practical pursuit; trout fishing.

About seven miles from Bryce Canyon is the idyllic Tropic Reservoir. The deep crystal clear water, ample shade, and remote location of this 29-foot deep, 180 acre lake is ringed with tall Ponderosas and aspen trees. There is a campground nearby as well as a small beach where people were playing and wading. Standup paddle boards, canoes, and tubes were dotting the placid lake surface. I spent about 3 hours casting various baits and lures before quickly landing two nice rainbows in a few minute span. I quickly released them back into the smooth waters and headed down the 4-mile long dirt road back to Rt. 12.

Just to the east of the turnoff for the reservoir is a true wonder that would be worth seeing anywhere on the planet. The Bryce Wildlife Adventure is a 14,000 square foot facility filled to the gills with some of the most realistic displays of wildlife you have ever seen. Robert Driedonks is a world renowned big game hunter and has taken trophies all over the globe. He has several records from Boone and Crockett, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and Safari Club International.

The museum conRobert Driedonks, founder and curator of the Bryce tains more animals Wildlife Adventure, with some of his hundreds of carefully than you can count, displayed wildlife from around the world. from large rams and

the world’s largest alligator, to sheep, elk, deer, and more exotic species such as giraffe and zebra. Each exhibit is painstakingly detailed and has small animals like hummingbirds and bumblebees flitting around in the scene. No glass separates you from the more than 800 animals, so you can see each and every detail. The museum also houses more than 14,000 butterflies and moths, as well as other insects. A wide selection of African tribal weapons and musical instruments, as well as artifacts from local native Americans are also on display. It is well worth the $8 for adults and $6 for children 4-13 (under 3 years of age is free).

The museum also offers group rates for tour groups and busses. Outside, Robert offers ATV and mountain bike rentals, and a petting zoo where you can feed mule deer.

With everything considered, gas, camping, admission, and a five-star meal at a world class restaurant, the total cost for the two of us was around $350. The biggest expense was the meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill. That story is in the sidebar and was an experience all on its own.

If you ever head to Southern Utah to tour Zion National Park, make sure you also take the journey to Bryce Canyon. Combined tours are available out of St. George, UT and Las Vegas that will take you to both parks on comfy motor coaches with a few hours in each park to hike and explore. The breathtaking views, the friendly park staff, and the remote darkness of the Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon draw millions of visitors sky at night, all make Bryce Canyon a musteach year to marvel at this breathtaking natural see destination on your phenomena. wanderings.

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Adventures On A Budget

A slice of Heaven in the middle of Hell

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ell’s Backbone Grill is the number one rated restaurant in the state of Utah. It is also listed as one of the top restaurants in the nation by Zagat. Those facts in and of themselves are not all that extraordinary. What stands out is that they have all of this going on and are located in a very remote slice of Utah with a population of 300 people, nearly a hundred miles from any other town. And the road to get there is a narrow strip of asphalt 500 feet above a deep canyon straight down on either side of you.

The restaurant itself has the appearance of a small summer bungalow and would not be out of place on a beach in Barbados or deep in the Himalaya Mountains. Screened porches, wide windows, and cobblestone walks, with meandering streams and delicate fountains surround the airy restaurant. Jezebel the cat lounges on the porch railing, providing company to diners as the enjoy the cool mountain breeze.

The restaurant was started by owners Blake Spalding and Jennifer Castle, two transplants from Flagstaff, Arizona, who chose to open a culinary oasis in the midst of their favorite place on earth; the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

During our visit, we were serenaded by some special guests who are hosted each year by the restaurant and the attached Boulder Mountain Lodge. The Dalai Lama’s Tibetan Drepung Loseling monks were chanting their prayers over their evening meal, a simple soup served out of a variety of kitchen bowls, eaten in the dining room surrounded by those partaking of much more complex fare. These simple men of faith invited anyone who wished to join them, and were also crafting a delicate and intricate mandala out of colored sand as an expression of gratitude.

Initially, the journey to this out of the way place began with some bad intel. I had been told by a friend that the journey was only about 40 miles from Bryce Canyon. As we began to head down the winding road, we realized that it was closer to 75. Each way! The road was scenic and the views astounding and soon, we had arrived at our destination.

Hell’s Backbone Grill runs a 20-acre farm where much of their produce is grown. Most of their other ingredients comes from local farmers.

The food consisted of fresh vegetables, and natural meats blended in unique recipes that offered a glimpse of the complexity amidst the simplicity of preparation, and that really showed off the ingredients. Not to say the genius of the chef was absent, but the presentation really placed the emphasis on the food. Forty miles or 75, it is really irrelevant. If you ever go to Bryce Canyon, get in the car and go visit this excellent dining destination in the middle of nowhere. The road to Hell may be paved with good intentions, but at the end is chocolate chili mousse that is to die for.

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

45

Video Product Reviews

Sig Optics WHISKEY5 Riflescope

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xcellent glass with intelligent design is the hallmark of the devices from Sig Electro-Optics. The WHISKEY5 is no exception.

An excellent second focal plane long distance scope in 5-25 by 52mm, the WHISKEY5 also incorporates an anti-tilt indicator to improve accuracy.

While many shooters know how to set their zero and DOPE their scope for deadly accuracy, there are some who don’t realize that the slightest bit of cant of the scope can cause degradation of accuracy or even cause a complete miss, especially at extremely long range. The Sig WHISKEY5 features LevelPlex Digital Anti-Cant Technology with lighted arrows on the right and left of the scope to indicate direction of adjustment to remove any tilt and get the scope dead level. You can select three brightness settings for the LevelPlex indicators or turn them off completely. They can also be adjusted for sensitivity by simply pressing the setup button under the Sig logo on the left side of the gun on the battery cover. An adjustable brightness .25-MOA fiber optic atmospheric information, etc.) SIG can create a custom dial matched specifically to your red dot quickly illuminates the center of your crosshairs and both work off of a single rifle and cartridge. This dial will take the guess work out of adjusting your riflescope for CR2032 button battery. long range engagements.

Designed for extreme long range hunting on a traditional rifle or for use An adjustable zero stop and resettable zero prevents your scope from geton a modern sporting rifle to extend your reach, the WHISKEY5 provides ting knocked out of alignment. A simple push of the button on the elevation great optical performance in a variety of terrains. The HDX provides Extra turret lets you rotate your scope past the locked zero stop. low-dispersion, high definition glass with High Transmission lenses to The WHISKEY5 has +/- 48 MOA of adjustment as well as parallax adjustachieve stellar optical clarity, brightness, and color fidelity and the glass is ment from 15 meters out to infinity. The side parallax focus ring is right unSpectracoated to resist smudging, fog, water, and dust. derneath the illumination brightness dial, so everything is located in places The 30mm anodized aluminum tube will stand up to rugged abuse, but that make sense for rapid engagement. Because it has a true optical 5X should something go wrong, the WHISKEY5 is covered by the Sig Infinite SuperZoom, you know that you have more versatility of your scope, from Guarantee and 5-year Electronics Warranty.

Scan this QR Code with wider field of view at 5 power all the way to precision pinpoint accuracy at The scope comes with either the HellFire Quadplex reticle or the Triplex your smart phone to view 25 power. reticle and is calibrated in mRAD. The adjustments are set in 0.1 mils per the Sportsman's News The WHISKEY5 is available in multiple configurations, some without the click. The WHISKEY5 is also available with the new illuminated glassYouTube Channel.

LevelPlex. They are found in 1-5x20 and 2-10x42 without the LevelPlex, and etched MOA Milling Hunter Reticle for those that prefer a more tactical hold 2.4-12x56, 3-15x44, and 3-15x52, as well as the 5-25x52 with the LevelPlex. over style long range hunting reticle.

Take a look through the Sig WHISKEY5 riflescopes the next time you visit your local All WHISKEY riflescopes are capable of using a customized Sig Ballistic Turret Sportsman’s Warehouse.

(SBT). Once you provide the required information (caliber, muzzle velocity, bullet/BC,

Sitka Gear Thunderhead Rain Gear

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t’s not a small miracle that I can’t picture or embody the torture of the cold and drenched “get me off this mountain” feeling while sitting here in my office.

The AC is on and it’s a hot 97 degrees outside and my Thunderhead Rain Gear is folded kind-of neatly on my desk. But, I will say that last week, sitting on a mountain in Colorado on an early season velvet elk scouting trip with the rain pouring down, in that moment being totally warm and dry, that was a small miracle.

That’s why I wear Sitka. That’s why the brushed silent fabric of the Thunderhead rain system is for me.

The desire for evolution seems to drive Sitka to the top, to the brainstorm field sessions, to the mercy of Mother Nature and then to victory. It has been fun to be along for the ride, from the inception of the idea of Sitka Gear to conversations with Jonathan Hart after field testing some of the first raingear, to now this, Thunderhead Sub Alpine Series.

Experience told me just this last week that I should head for the quad and beat feet back to camp before being engulfed with literally a thunderhead, clouds full of electricity and thunder echoing through the ponderosas. I was smiling, tucked just under a bank, watching it all happen in surround sound HD from my front row, VIP Thunderhead seat. I wonder if there is anything better than the patter of rain on a fully waterproof drawstring hoody (That doesn’t impede peripheral vision!) and to top it off, a meadow packed full of fuzzy antlers.

Stay Longer and Stay Quiet is the theme. GORE-TEX 3L laminate provides 100% waterproof protection and brushed polyester knit fabric sandwiches the laminate so it’s not only waterproof, but deadly silent as well. The wet mistakes I have made over my outdoor history are mostly caused by not wanting to pack heavy rain gear on a clear Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view day. A rookie move of course and I have a few of them in the Sportsman's News my resume, but the highly packable, fitted design of the YouTube Channel.

46 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

Thunderhead allows for minimal space requirements in the pack of your choosing and basically eliminates the not so convenient, “I don’t need my rain gear today”.

Simply due to the jacket weighing 25.5 oz. and the pants weighing 22.45 oz.,you will forget it is even in your pack until you need it. The jacket is lined with easy-to-use and practical pockets that actually fit modern-day tools, such as a cell phone. And the pants zip all the way up the leg for fast “leave the boots on application” and completely eliminate the one-legged rain gear dance.

You owe it to yourself to schedule front row seats to a thunderhead while wearing Thunderhead Rain Gear by Sitka Gear, totally warm and dry. Or you could just sit at your desk and imagine it.

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When speed and accuracy are paramount the DEV-L illuminated milling holdover reticle delivers hit after hit

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#sigelectrooptics September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

47

Video Product Reviews

Zeiss Victory SF Black Edition Binos

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rom the beginner to the true seasoned professional, we as humans all seem to have an ability to notice quality. We use our senses, with all our information gathering capabilities firing at speeds we don’t understand, to in the blink of an eye distinguish almost subconsciously true genius from ordinary tech.

From the bird watcher, to the hard-core hunter, to the optics connoisseur, quality is recognized by all. When you hold a pair of Zeiss binos in the palm of your hand and press the pristine glass to the eye sockets, you take in that crystal-clear image, with 92% light transmission, arguably one of the best optical experiences in the world.

The SF Black from Zeiss optics has balanced its weight toward the eyepieces by mounting the majority of the lenses in the front portion of the barrel, instead of placing them in the objective portion, moving the center of gravity, allowing them to balance in your hand. This feature allows for less fatigue and strain, enabling you to hold them steady while glassing for long hours. The SF Black weighs in at 27.5 ounces, making them as lightweight as it gets in the high-end binocular industry.

The foundation of this fine piece of optical perfection is the new FL lens, designed to achieve new levels of resolution and color vibrancy. It’s 10x42 configuration allows for a crystal-clear image of 360 feet field of view and 1000 yards horizontal field of view. The Smart Focus Concept introduced by the Victory SF Binoculars allows for the closest to the farthest maximum focus distance to Scan this QR Code with be achieved by 1.8 times rotation of the wheel, where as your smart phone to view t h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s conventional binoculars require the wheel to be turned two full revolutions for maximum to minimum focus YouTube Channel. distance. This makes it possible to focus near and far with

speed and ease for the fast action, multi-distance scenarios where quick focus is key for that critical moment of clarity.

When making the call to move into an investment such as the Victory SF Binos Black, you can be confident that Zeiss stands behind their products with a no fault limited lifetime transferable warranty and a tag line that states, “If it breaks, we’ll fix it, period”. This newly developed 7-layer eye piece system, with field flattener technology, is quality that no matter who you are, your senses will remind you that you are participating in the best of the best. Stop in at your local Sportsman’s Warehouse and put your senses to the test to truly see, smell, hear and feel what true quality is all about.

Leupold VX-5 HD Riflescope

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eupold has been a household name in the hunting industry for well over half a century and the gold ring has always been a mark of excellence. This holds true with the launch of the VX5HD. Leupold wanted to provide the same optical clarity and light management system as their flagship high-end riflescope, the VX-6HD, but at a more affordable price. You would expect a manufacture to really cut the quality to make such a huge difference in price. However, Leupold has delivered on a high-end product with great quality, which is extremely dependable.

The 30mm tube is built from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and is extremely strong and lightweight, tipping the scales at a mere 22.3 ounces.

The 30mm tube allows for you to get a full 75-MOA of elevation and windage adjustment. Each tube has second generation Argon/Krypton waterproofing, which, nearly eliminates the effects of thermal shock and reduces the diffusion of gases sealed inside your scope, even more than Leupolds’ previously proven nitrogen technology.

Each scope comes equipped with a custom dial system (CDS) which has a zero lock and a double revolution of the turret. What this means is that you can get two full revolutions of your turret, giving you 38-minutes of elevation adjustment with a custom turScan this QR Code with ret. The zero lock pops out once you have returned to your smart phone to view t h e S p o r t s m a n ' s N e w s zero and as you rotate one full revolution up, the zero YouTube Channel. lock goes below the surface to make this obvious at a

48 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

glance. This is the same setup as is available on their high end VX-6HD. Most importantly is Leupold includes one custom turret with the purchase of each scope. It has 5-times magnification, which gives you a good spectrum to choose from when talking about the 3-15, 2-10 and 1-5 models. This is one of the areas where Leupold was able to reduce the cost from their 6-time magnification model in the VX-6HD. The Twilight Max Light Management System is the same and it delivers an unbelievably crisp image. The lens coatings are applied that maximize light transmission in blue and red, balancing colors to develop the highest possible contrast. Glare is controlled with special mechanical structures. This means you can see antler tines in dark shadows well after legal shooting light. It provides side focus parallax adjustment as well as push button illumination for the crosshairs. Each scope has a vast array of available reticles to choose from, but the Firedot Duplex is my hands down favorite.

There are various models to select from as well. The short range and dangerous game rifles should be topped with the 1-5X24. The next level of magnification is the 2-10X42 and the high-end magnification is the 3-15X44 or the 3-15X56. Regardless of your choice, the Leupold VX-5HD is both a great scope and an excellent value. With Leupolds’ Gold Ring Guarantee backing up all of their optics, you have confidence knowing the VX-5HD will last you a lifetime.

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

49

Video Product Reviews

ALPS Monarch X Woman's Hunting Pack

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any women have found that they usually have to make do with men’s gear that doesn’t fit them properly if they want to hunt. That is, until recently. More and more hunting gear companies are seeing the growth of women in the sport and creating clothing and gear that is designed specifically for a woman’s different size and body shape is

for long distances. The waist belt incorporates anti-sway straps and has two roomy pockets for carrying a GPS, camera, or other gear where it is easily accessible on the rise. without taking off the pack. Two ALPS OutdoorZ is a leader in designing products for women, because so many of strips of webbing also accommotheir female employees are hardcore huntresses. date clip-style pistol holsters or The Monarch X Woman’s Hunting Pack from ALPS is a prime example. Designed knife sheaths. from the ground up with all of the toughness of the regular men’s ALPS Extreme The Monarch X is a highly packs, the Monarch X incorporates contoured shoulder straps, a narrower waist belt versatile pack that can be cinched and a shorter torso to better fit females. down to work as a day pack for With 46-liters of storage, the pack is big enough to work as a meat packer and the scouting or expanded to its full stowable meat shelf with Hypalon reinforced lashing points can extend its capacity potential for carrying a load of even more. meat out of the field.

The molded foam suspension system provides padding on the bag as Don’t settle for little well as ventilation to prevent overheating while carrying a heavy load. boy’s gear or a handTwo fleece-lined side wings protect delicate optics like spotting scopes or me-down from the cameras and are large enough for a full-sized spotter and a tripod. Inside hunting man in your the wings are mesh pockets for hiking poles or a tripod. life. Get gear designed The main pack body is constructed of tough, 1680 Denier ballistic Nylon, for women hunters by to hold up to work in the most rugged terrain. The front organizational women hunters and pocket opens wide for easy access to frequently used gear. The main hunt in comfort. It will compartment incorporates a separate sleeve and a port for a hydration help you stay in the bladder.

Scan this QR Code with field longer and longer days in the field equal greater success. your smart phone to view A stowable rifle or bow pocket lets you transfer the weight of your Check out the ALPS Monarch X Woman’s Hunting Pack at your local Sportsthe Sportsman's News weapon onto the Lycra shoulder straps for more comfortable carrying man’s Warehouse or grab one online at www.sportsmanswareouse.com.

YouTube Channel.

Nikon Black X1000 Riflescope

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n that crucial moment before you pull the trigger, the most important piece of your rifle for your success is your optic. It’s the one thing between you and that buck of a lifetime and without a solid piece of dependable and reliable glass, you put your trophy animal and hunt at risk.

When you have a Nikon Riflescope attached to your go-to hunting rifle, you don’t hesitate to pull the trigger, because you know it will be dead-on, every single time. Now, Nikon introduces the new Black X1000 4-16x50SF Matte Riflescope, featuring Nikon’s own X-MOA, Illuminated X-MOA or Illuminated X-MRAD reticle. This riflescope is truly a bang for your buck, bringing long-range precision to an affordable price range that can’t be beat. For only $599.99, you can get the 4-16x50SF model with the illuminated reticle; truly a great value for the price.

The scope is constructed with aircraft grade aluminum alloy, so it’s built tough for rugged, serious shooters and features a 30mm main tube. This scope brings Nikon’s renowned lead and arsenic free glass lenses to the table, which are fully multicoated with anti-reflective compounds for consistently bright, sharp and high-contrast images at every magnification. The illuminated reticle has 10 different brightness settings and is powered by a single CR2032 button battery. This optical system is highly capable with a four-time zoom, as well as extremely generous eye relief, to provide a comfortable setting for any long-range glassing opportunities.

Every riflescope in Nikon’s Black series features a turret-mounted, side focus parallax adjustment, to enable the shooter to fine tune the sight image without changing position and creates flexibility for anyone from the first-time range shooter, to the seasoned trophy hunter. The windage and elevation turrets also included on the scope control internal travel for long-range dialing and crisp, click-stop movements operate with no backlash to provide a precise image, every time.

Something to remember is that this riflescope delivers 90 total MOA internal adjustment travel, for the X-MOA reticle that I was given and 25 MRAD for X-MRAD reticles. Its turrets have ¼ MOA or .1 MRAD click graduations, yielding 12 MOA / 5 MRAD per revolution, depending on variants and when making any holdover corrections or ranging on the 4-16x50SF models, they should be done at 16X magnification.

Other very important standout features for the Black series riflescopes are Nikon’s X-MOA and X-MRAD tactical reticles, which come in both standard and illuminated options. These reticles provide an extremely clean and precise image, while giving the

50 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

shooter highly functional and advanced tools for estimating range, maintaining holdovers and compensating for wind.

An added feature of the tactical-style reticles is their ability to be used in basically any shooting situation or further optimized for Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology.

The Nikon X1000 is a phenomenal piece of technology for the price point and offers many features that you’d expect to find on a much higher priced piece of glass. Next time you stop by your local Sportsman’s Warehouse, I highly recommend taking a look at this scope and taking it home with you!

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

BROWNING.COM

September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

51

Sharing the Heritage

By Liza Sautter POMA Intern

Photo by Ed Coyle Photography

Aldo Leopold told us, “I am glad I will not be young in a future without wilderness.” A century later, in a country with 600 million acres of public land, it is not youth without wilderness, but wilderness without youth.

Many children no longer have the luxury of being “raised wild” by outdoor enthusiasts. Today’s young people are engrossed in mountains of 21st century distractions.

The number of kids going to the mountains needs to grow. So, how do we get both youth and their parents involved and/or back in the outdoors?

Photo by Ed Coyle Photography

Starting Them Off as Yearlings

Most outdoor adventurers have been going out with their dad, mom or grandpa since infancy. Ed Coyle’s children included, have backpacked on cross country ski trips, love to stream fish and are quite the shed finders. Hooking children young, while their time is still expendable is key. This will help them to choose to spend their time outdoors. With school sports, work, homework and friends, it takes an effort to put the outdoors first.

It starts with generating a sense of curiosity for the outdoors. “It’s so important for kids these days to connect with our outdoor surroundings, so that they can continue to learn about conservation,” says Ed. There are new ideas to try, but small changes to current opportunities are important.

How many hours a week do you spend in the car? Better yet, how are you using that time with your youngsters? Most will answer that they hand their kids a screen and don’t hear a peep until they reach their destination. This is a huge lost opportunity to get your offspring interested in what is outside. Turn the DVD off, put the iPhone away and ‘Make It A Game’. How many animals can each person see?

Someone keep a tally of who spotted what, be it a bear in Yellowstone National Park or a blue jay on the way to school. Your child will go to school and share with all their friends what he or she saw outside. This is a far better learning tool than cartoons and games. Gas is no longer $4.00 a gallon, so this is not only something to do on the commute, but can also make Sunday drives a family experience.

Another right of outdoor passage is camping in the backyard. Getting used to the noises of the night is crucial in making first camping trips successful. After children sleep outside a couple of nights, they will be begging to go on a camping trip. They will probably ask to bring their friends along too.

Continuing Education with Cubs

Once youth reach school age, the outdoor opportunities only grow. It is up to the community, teachers and parents to ensure experiences are available. National Archery in the Schools (NASP), has been shown to increase participants’ outdoor interests. Shooting sports and outdoor activities also improve educational performance.

52 September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

This program extends a great experience to students who may otherwise never have an introduction to outdoor sports. It is then up to parents to fan the flame and keep the interest alive.

Montana, among many other states, has another school program called Hooked On Fishing. The program allows teachers to introduce fishing curriculum and equipment in their classrooms. These programs also include on water experience with Fish Wildlife and Parks’ employees. One teacher in the program had nothing but praise and was quoted with the following. “I found this program to be the single most influential experience my students were exposed to. They learned, they grew as students and they gained confidence as they experienced nature and developed new skills.”

Not only can fishing become a lifelong sport for these students and their parents, but it can provide other opportunities. Students who pursue tournament fishing open many new scholarship availabilities and friendships.

Tournaments are not only great for participants, but for viewers as well. Next time your child asks you to play a fishing video game with them, don’t say no. Use the time with them to suggest that you should attend a real fishing tournament in your area. You’ll never see a child have as big a smile over a game, as they will with a real fish.

Outside of the usual school day is another form of education anyone interested in the outdoors should enroll in. Hunter and Bowhunter Education provide insight into the outdoors. Survival and safety skills taught in the course apply outside of hunting too. While many people who take Hunter Education plan to hunt, plenty do not. The course can invoke interest and teach weapon safety. You may also find mentors for yourself and your children.

Pay It Forward

Teaching Hunter Education is volunteer activity for both adults and youth. I started teaching Hunter Education as a junior instructor. This allowed me to impact hundreds of students’ introduction to the outdoors. It has also given me a second family of outstanding mentors. I have found this group has not only taught me a lot about the outdoors, but many life skills as well. These skills include public speaking and messaging. All have been beneficial in my personal and professional life.

These dedicated volunteers include two Montanans who, for 60 years, have helped and continue to help the hunters of tomorrow. That’s right, this year two men received their 60-year service award from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. They have been teaching Hunter Education since before it was mandated. This goes to show the power of dedication to conservation, the outdoors and hunting.

At Montana’s Hunter Education Convention, where these awards were given, we heard Randy Newberg speak. One item he spoke to is the message hunters and outdoorsmen portray through media. This message should be one of the value of the

I

sport we love and why we live this lifestyle. With that in mind, instead of looking at social media in a negative light, make it a tool for getting youth outdoors. For under $100, you can purchase your child a digital camera to take on every outdoor adventure.

Building a following is addictive and easy to do with a collection of outdoor images. A far more positive social presence than a lot of what is out there, for sure. Photography is a potential career path and extends the value of the outdoor experience. Your child doesn’t have to be the only one doing this either. Start a blog and you could post right alongside them.

Playing Alongside Them

Another piece of getting and keeping youth involved in the outdoors is mentorship. For the Spencer family, John, otherwise known as Dad is that mentor to sons Caleb and Jacob. Jacob started hunting with his brother, just tagging along without a license.

Under the Apprentice Program, John was able to get Jacob a tag. When presented with the right chance, Jacob took his first 4x5 muley.

John says, “It is all about the boys and our time together, not the kill. It is their shot to take or not to take.” Both boys say it is about getting away from the daily grind and technology. Dad and the guys at camp provide stress-free fun. “Hunting and hunting camp is a lot of fun and you can provide food for your family,” Jacob said.

Caleb chimed in to say that,“Through the Hunters for Hungry Program, you can donate your animals to families who don’t hunt or can’t afford food.” Both boys have donated a deer to this program, making John one proud dad.

For both longtime and new hunting parents, John says it is critical to get kiddos geared up right. “Shooting Grandpa’s .30-30 doesn’t work anymore.” A well-fitting youth model firearm and the safety knowledge of how to use it is a big deal for youngsters and their parents. “Cost can be a turnoff for new hunting families, but equipment can be shared and the memories are priceless”, says John.

While in many cases this is the mentorship scenario, finding youth mentors has draws for both sides as well. This is also a great way to get a child from a non-hunting family started. Having someone close to their age shows young ones that hunting isn’t only a sport for adults. Having a mentee is also a great experience for teens and young adults. Like any other sport, John says, “You have great teammates and a good coach”.

For Landyn, Brenden Novak is that mentor. Pictured with Brenden’s first archery bull taken last year, you can believe Landyn can’t wait for a tag of his own. To Landyn, Brenden is the hunter and outdoorsman he wants to be. It goes both ways too, as Brenden says, “Family is everything.”

am the guy who used to say, “I will die a happy man if I never send a text” and “Who needs one of those stupid smartphones?”

Little did I know? At that time, I was doing all I could to engage my children in my outdoor world, not thinking I was disengaged from their world. How do electronics in the outdoors come together? Once I bought a smart phone, texting was a small part of it. I was soon taking photos with my phone and pretty good ones too, with shots of the kids fishing, hiking, shooting and hunting, even close-ups of bears and elk in Yellowstone Park. My son showed me how to take a video of a wolf with his smartphone through my spotting scope. It is still one of my favorites!

Then my daughter taught me how to build a blog so we had a place to show our outdoor adventures. Next thing, I am writing and posting all sorts of cool outdoor stuff and so were the kids. We have since moved up to digital cameras with telescopic lenses and WiFi capabilities. Social media is a common topic, as to how and where we promote our content. We can’t wait to share our outdoor adventures with all our followers. All this is a very productive, fun and exciting way to bring our worlds together as it can be for your family too. Take the photos your kids want for their Instagram. It is far better content than a lot of what is out there. It also keeps the adventure top of mind, even after you are home.

Ben Sautter, Working Class Hunter

Federation (NWTF) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). Both organizations are a great place to find mentors for you and your kiddos. You can also contribute to the conservation of wildlife and public lands. RMEF President David Allen says, “We remain committed to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. And who holds the keys to that future, if not our sons and daughters and grandchildren.” Both organizations, as well as many others, host youth hunting and volunteering events.

The options to get you and your youth outdoors are almost endless. I have mentioned only a few in this article. Ask your local Fish and Wildlife agency, talk to your children’s school teachers, visit a local sporting goods store or even post in your local classifieds. You will find that the majority of outdoorsmen and women are happy to help someone new into the world they love.

Closing Thought

Much could be said to end this piece, but I believe Fred Bear said it best.

“Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person.”

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September 2017 | SPORTSMAN’S NEWS

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

Deep Fried Bacon Wrapped Doves

D

oves are America’s most popular game bird, and they are really tasty!

They are accessible to hunt in almost every state and can really challenge your shooting ability. Its flight speed has been clocked at 40-55 mph. This fact combined with its sharp eye-sight and the ability to turn on a dime, make it an extremely difficult bird for a hunter to hit.

This makes them incredibly fun to hunt, and look forward to September 1st which is opening day for this exceptional game bird in most states.

Ingredients

10 Dove breasts Cajun seasoning 1lb sliced bacon (not the thick cut) 5 fresh jalapeno peppers 1 package cream cheese 20 toothpicks

Milk 1 egg All-purpose flour Panko breadcrumbs Vegetable oil

Preparation Method

Bone out the dove breast that you have two bone-less half breast sections. Just use a sharp knife and slice them off from each side of the keel bone. Season these liberally with Cajun seasoning. Wash and cut the jalapeno peppers lengthwise into quarters and de-seed them.

Lay the bacon strips on a large work surface and cut off the skinny end so it is

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about ¾ of the original length. Place a dove breast on one end of the bacon strip. Add a dollop of cream cheese (about a teaspoon) and a slice of jalapeno. Roll the bacon tightly around the combination until it is fully cocooned in bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the end of the bacon through the roll.

At this point I would usually grill these till done and it has long been the gold standard method of dove cookery. To kick these up another notch (Thanks Emeril for that verbiage) we are going to give them a crunchy panko crust. Yes indeed, another notch!

You will need to arrange 2 small bowls and 2 plates for breading. In the first bowl pour about a cup of milk. In the second bowl beat an egg into about ½ cup of milk.

On the first plate blend some of the Cajun seasoning into about 1 ½ cups flour. On the second plate add the same amount of panko breadcrumbs.

Dip the wrapped “poppers” into the milk first, and then fully cover with the flour mixture. Next into the milk and egg mixture and then into the panko crumbs. When fully coated remove to a plate and prepare to fry.

Preheat a couple of inches of vegetable oil in a frying pan or pot. I like to use a tall pot about 8 “ wide so as not to make a big mess. Bring the oil to 325 degrees F. Keep the temperature regulated as too high a heat will overcook the breadcrumbs without cooking the interior. Add the dove balls in small batches and cook, flipping once about 8 minutes. Check one buy cutting in half to make sure they are done. The dove breast should still be slightly rare in the center. Remove to a wire rack to cool when finished and remove the toothpicks.

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Belly up for Pronghorn

By Mike Burnside

W

hen you dream about a hunt for so long, you hope that your dream meets your expectations when it finally arrives. That was the case for a pronghorn antelope hunt that my brother and I took in north central Colorado. We had built up preference points for this particular unit and when the time was right, drew our tags for the unit.

With all of the typical excitement of the months of preparation for a hunt, I found myself ready for this hunt far in advance of the opening date, with gear placed in an extra room at my house in anticipation for weeks in advance. Driving from Oklahoma, I met up with my brother in Colorado Springs, where he lives, and we convoyed to our hunt area.

We arrived there the afternoon before the opening day of our hunt to check our rifles and set up camp. As typically happens, we had enough time to shoot the rifles before evening came, leaving the fast-approaching evening to find a spot to set up camp. A person at the range told us of a good antelope he had been seeing at a local lake on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land so we figured that would be as good as any area to begin our hunt in the morning.

We arrived at the lake and set up the wall tent around 150 yards from the water’s edge and got camp in ship shape as darkness set in. As we enjoyed our supper, we were amazed at how good the trout fishing must be at the lake as vehicles kept piling into the area and set up their camps around the lake well into the night. As we had not had time to scout the area, we decided we would wake up without an alarm since we would look at the area after the sun rose.

Our plans were well intentioned to wake up without the use of an alarm; however, what we did not know was that those weren’t trout fishermen piling into the lake well into the night. The opening day of duck season coincided with the opening day of antelope season in our unit! As the first hints of light began, a barrage of shotguns firing filled the early morning; the firing was continuous and the sound was deafening. We laughed and decided that we would begin our hunt that day earlier than we planned.

As we drove away from our camp after daybreak, we were greeted by a nice antelope buck trotting along the BLM road. Our excitement could hardly be contained as we were already seeing decent bucks at our camp. As we had put in for preference points for this unit for many years based upon the quality of bucks that were in this unit, we had decided to allow four days of hunting so that we could look over many antelope and find the “right” one for each of us.

The morning drive was filled with seeing bucks everywhere we looked. The rutting season was going along at a fast pace and looked like it had aligned perfectly with the opening of antelope season. We stopped and glassed many bucks pawing and raking sagebrush within view of other bucks that were with an

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

antelope doe; the bucks might stop and look at us as we stopped the pickup to glass them from a distance but couldn’t care less that we were even in their part of the country. By 11:00 a.m., we estimated that we had seen 25 different antelope bucks in our morning drive.

It was antelope buck number 26 that showed tremendous promise! We spotted him with a herd of twelve does at a distance of approximately 800 yards. After looking him over with a spotting scope I decided that this buck was my trophy; however, between he and I was relatively flat ground with some small washes and sagebrush that was going to make sneaking close enough for a shot a challenging task with he and all of his harem keeping a watch over the landscape. I bade my brother goodbye and set off for the hunt with my brother staying at the pickup to watch the hunt unfold.

I got into a ditch and duck-walked or crawled on my belly for the next 2 hours and 15 minutes. I crawled by many areas where the antelope had been that morning judging by the faintly wet areas where they had urinated. Periodically I would get to a location to check on their location and my progress. Two different times I was able to watch the buck spot an intruder buck coming towards the harem and he would take off after him in a cloud of dust. As fast as he was gone, he appeared again in another cloud of dust to check that another intruder was not getting close to his harem. It was a fun sight to see but this meant that the group continued to move back and forth into different locations and I would have to continually adjust my plans as to where I was going to try to intercept them.

As I finally reached a point where the group of does were approximately 250 yards away, the buck trotted into view at about 200 yards away and began pawing the dirt and raking sagebrush. I knew he must have spotted an intruder in the distance and was pre-occupied with him. This was the distraction that finally allowed me to have a clear shot. I was shooting a Savage rifle chambered in .257 Roberts; at the shot, he showed no signs of a hit. I fired again and he began running to my left behind a small hill. I was astonished that I had missed at that distance and began the walk over to where he had been. I found blood and knew the shot was true so I began tracking him across the sagebrush. He jumped up out of the sagebrush 150 yards away as I closed in and a final shot finished the hunt. I had hit him with both shots but he did not show signs of a hit with the first shot; being rut crazed had kept him from realizing that he had been hit!

Planning on a four-day hunt and finishing up in a half day was not what I had planned; but I also hadn’t planned to get to see so many quality bucks and see a good representation of the quality for the area. And I also hadn’t planned to have to belly crawl for a couple of hours to get to him; but sometimes those sorts of things are what makes the best sort of memories!

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