Western Hunter Magazine 2019 July/August by westernhunter

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VOLUME 18 • ISSUE 4 • JULY/AUGUST 2019

GEAR • TACTICS • INFORMATION • ADVENTURE WHM

ADVENTURE Our readers share their best stories 16 Achieving a 40-Year Dream ~ Brian Foster 20 Winds of Change ~ David Burgess 26 Finding Out Who Your Friends Are ~ Steve Sutherland 32 Remembering Casey ~ Cody Rapke 36 Forever Etched ~ Joshua Miller 42 When All the Effort Finally Pays Off ~ Nick Gough 46 Barks & Bugles ~ Tyler Boschma

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GEAR • TACTICS • INFORMATION

Cover Image: Doyle Moss

Publishers Floyd Green, Chris Denham

Editor Ryan Hatfield

Marketing/Advertising Chris Denham cdenham@cox.net Dave Bond 602-695-8282 dave@westrenhunter.net

Art Direction/Graphic Design

Randy Stalcup 602-228-4601 stalcupdesigns@cox.net

Editorial Staff

Rangefinding Binocular Review ~ Darin Cooper

The Blueprint for Mule Deer, Part 2 ~ Mike Duplan

Nate Simmons – Backcountry Editor Remi Warren – Hunting Editor Darin Cooper – Hunting/Technical Editor Fred Eichler – Hunting Editor George Bettas – Hunting/Conservation Editor Mike Duplan – Hunting Editor Bryan Martin – Hunting Editor Zach Bowhay – Hunting Editor Roy Grace – Bowhunting Editor Tony Bynum – Photography Editor Kristy Titus – Hunting/Nutrition Editor Mark Paulsen – Fitness Editor Colton Bagnoli – Shooting Editor Dave Bond – Field Editor

Contributing Writers Nick Gehring, Brian Foster, David Burgess, Steve Sutherland, Cody Rapke, Joshua Miller, Nick Gough, Tyler Boschma, Dan Hall

Deer Slam ~ Remi Warren

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DEPARTMENTS More info for your hunting arsenal

6 The Big Picture 8 Don’t Fence Me In 10 Why We Hunt ~ Nick Gehring 14 From the Editor ~ Ryan Hatfield 58 Gear Highlights ~ Ryan Hatfield, Dave Bond and Chris Denham 62 Gear Legends ~ Ryan Hatfield 4

Stoking the Fire ~ Fred Eichler

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82 The Hunting Horseman ~ George Bettas 86 Hunting Fitness & Nutrition ~ Kristy Titus 90 Listen Up: Podcasts ~ Chris Denham 92 Western Hunter TV ~ Dan Hall 94 Field Judging ~ Ryan Hatfield 96 All Tagged Out 98 View from the Mountain ~ Ryan Hatfield

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THE BIG PICTURE

Ryan Hatfield

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DON’T FENCE ME IN A tribute to wild western places

Peter Muennich

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WESTERN HUNTER MAGAZINE

WHY WE p HUNT

By Design Considering purpose, place, and value Nick Gehring

ow is it that such a simple question can be so difficult to answer, or at least to answer well? Would it be equally difficult for a mountain climber to answer the same question, “Why do you climb?” Not really, because nearly any justification will most likely satisfy the questioner.“I climb for exercise, scenery, challenge, camaraderie, relaxation, etc.” The list can go on and on, and there’s really not a bad answer in the bunch. Generally speaking, people are content with the answers to the “Why’s” of life, so long as the subject matter or the answer doesn’t involve an infringement on something the questioner regards as innately valuable. For instance, if the rock climbing threatened the landscape of an area, or the habitat of certain animals living in that area, those same answers would not be as acceptable to the questioner. In that case, there is a clear perceived infringement on something the questioner holds as innately valuable, whether it’s the flora or the fauna. So, why is it difficult to defend our hunting heritage? The question becomes thorny due to the fact that at the end of the day, our answer involves an infringement on something that has innate value.

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By the very nature of the term “hunt”, hunters intend to – at some point – kill things. These things come in many shapes and sizes – from mice to elephants, ducks to deer, ptarmigan to tahr. For the most part, anything that lives and breathes will be hunted; if not by humans, then by other animals. I love watching the BBC series,“Planet Earth”, which does a wonderful job of putting this “hunting earth” on display. We live in wild world, where in many cases, it’s either kill or be killed. Thankfully, that’s not the case for humans, at least not generally speaking. The question of,“Why do you hunt?” obviously isn’t directed at lions or tigers or bears; it’s directed at us. More specifically, it’s often directed at affluent people, who live in a society where hunting is not the only means of survival. Obviously, the full question isn’t “Why do you hunt?” but, “Why do you hunt when you don’t have to?”

To the questioner, there are alternative options that seemingly avoid a clear violation of something that has innate value. That “something” is living, breathing, often beautiful and majestic animals. Why kill through hunting if it’s ultimately not necessary? It’s a good question. I’m continually amazed at the complexity of the world we live in. Science (biology, zoology, and ecology in particular) is fascinating. Again, some of the video productions available today are absolutely stunning and mindboggling. From a ponderosa pine to the herd bull thrashing it, the beauty and intricacies of the plants and animals this world contains is nothing short of breathtaking. Evolution is thoroughly suggested as the means by which we have all of this. But there is an alternative option. Is it possible that this beauty, and the intricacies within it, were all designed and created? Of course science can’t explain that as an option,

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but then again, science can’t explain how something has come from nothing, let alone something absolutely astonishing. Is it possible that something outside of science created science? I personally believe that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” I believe He masterfully orchestrated the sunrise and sunset, as well as the moon and stars, and that He’s given them a purpose. I believe He made the plants and the trees, which bear fruit in their season, and have for thousands of years. I believe He made the waters to swarm with living creatures, and the birds to fill the air. I believe He made the animals and creatures that roam the earth and fill our minds with wonder as to their incredible, unbelievable, almost impossible lifestyles. In fact, I believe if a person wants to see the calligraphy of God Himself, he need not look any further than the dark, sweeping curves of a mature bull elk rack, or the spawning colors of a male brook trout.

I believe He made man and woman in His image, as the capstone of all His creation. I believe He gifted them with an intellect that surpasses all the rest of His creation, and therefore, He entrusted them with dominion over all the earth. I believe there was perfect harmony between everything He created, and it was perfect. I believe that as people living in a complex world that’s fallen from perfection and balance, we face very difficult situations and questions, questions that go unheard by the rest of creation. I believe that since man was given the responsibility to rule over the earth, hunting is one good and necessary way to do so. I believe non-hunting approaches to wildlife conservation are often reckless endeavors with much more inhumane consequences. I believe that through hunting, people are given an appreciation of nature, and a perspective of life – and death – that they would not otherwise experience. I believe that hunting is an excellent means of sustenance and makes great use of wild game’s God-intended purpose. I believe hunting combines exercise, scenery, challenge, camaraderie, relaxation, etc, and can build character and virtue. I believe that animal conservation and habitat restoration should be important to man. We are designed and able to care for the earth like no other creature can.

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I believe that since man is infinitely more valuable than any animal, a man should never feel shame in ethically taking an animal’s life. I believe that since an animal’s life is inherently valuable with a designed purpose, a man should feel at least some sense of sorrow upon its death, and should never eradicate an entire species. I believe that when man devalues the life of an animal by treating it as worthless through unethical means, the full weight of the law should be placed on him. Why do I hunt? Is it because it’s within me to hunt? Yes...not by evolution, but by design. I believe there is much more to life and meaning than hunting. But, we have been created to fulfill the role God has for us, and I’m thankful that hunting isn’t a violation of that responsibility; it’s a small fulfillment of it.

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pring thunderstorms have to be at the very top of my list of things I enjoy. It’s a sure sign that summer is on its way. It’s electrifying yet peaceful; violent yet nourishing; stunningly powerful yet beautiful. This spring has had plenty of them. In their wake, arrowleaf balsamroot sunflowers are vibrant and yellow, grass is growing fast, and antlers are sure to follow. Arizona has had some record snowfall and rains, and very little drought remains, pointing toward a potentially exceptional year for trophy quality. Colorado’s snowpack levels are off the charts. All the way up to our Canadian neighbors, it’s been a spring of heavy precipitation, late snows, and a rollercoaster weather pattern. Will this equate to a bumper crop of trophy-class bucks and bulls? Hopefully. For all the growth that will happen to those animals that made it, it also was above average in winterkill again this year. Colorado is going to take a hit, as is Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.

Such is the catch-22 of big game hunting in the West. The moisture giveth...and the moisture taketh away. We have bit of a mule deer theme for this issue. I will go to my grave with the belief that the ultimate hunting accomplishment is taking a truly giant mule deer. They are so solitary; so cunning; and lately, so rare. It’s a monumental challenge in today’s world to find a 200-class deer and getting harder annually. If taking a giant mule deer is your goal, Mike Duplan tackles the subject in part 2 of his series. The book, The Edge, the book that he and David Long co-authored, is a great resource for helping you get nearer to that goal. If a singular animal isn’t quite your style, Remi Warren’s article on a “Western deer slam” is another unique goal. It will take you from the southwest deserts to the Alaska coastline, but you’ll have one hell of a journey along the way. Remi’s article covers Columbia blacktail, Sitka blacktail, Coues deer, and also touches on mule deer and whitetail.

Darin Cooper’s article on rangefinding binoculars highlights our gear articles for this issue. Darin is a savvy son of a gun when it comes to gear, and I’ve always enjoyed his insights. It’s pretty stunning what has happened just in the last five years when it comes to rangefinding technology and also the interface with overall shooting and data. It’s a lot to absorb, no doubt. The draws will be winding down or over by the time you get this. I hope you all scored a good tag or two. I know I did. I lucked out and drew a New Mexico elk tag. Here’s to chasing big bugling bulls! Just in case you might miss it, I’d encourage you to read this issue’s back-page article. Change is coming and I want you all to know that I’m thankful for each of you. As always, my friends, “Keep your nose in the wind and your eyes along the skyline.”

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WHEN YOUR DREAM BUCK APPEARS, IT’S GO BIG OR GO HOME

y pursuit of this particular buck started a year earlier upon my first encounter with him as a semi-mature animal. However, in reality, my quest started at about age ten. I was able to go along on my first muley hunt with my father and was present for the harvest of an old monarch. It was at that moment I knew this would be a huge passion in my life. I harvested my first mule deer – a big 3x4 – at age 14. I’ve taken several great bucks since then. Even though I’ve been blessed with many great deer, the deer of my dreams still eluded me.

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From Imagination to Reality In November of 2017, I was fortunate enough to find this tremendous deer. Unfortunately, I had already filled my tag on a 30-inch-wide typical on opening day of the season. I instantly fell in love with his mass, boxy frame, and mostly

BRIAN FOSTER COLORADO 2018

his brow tines. I watched, filmed, and snapped pictures of him from only 75 yards away until dark. Naturally, I looked for him extensively after that to no avail. In January of 2018, he appeared again – though for just a few minutes – and I was able to get a few more pictures of him before he disappeared over the fence and into the deep canyons. I was very relieved to know that he had made it through the hunting seasons. My hope from then on was to see him in the 2018 hunting season... if I would be lucky enough to get a tag again.

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Two Down, One to Go Luck was on my side in 2018 as my wife, son, and I were all fortunate enough to get tags. I searched high and low for months for the deer I had named “Brows” without a single sighting. Even though I hadn’t put eyes on him, I knew in my heart that he was still alive and that if I was patient, I would get my chance. On the second day of season, my wife harvested her very first muley buck, a very nice 27inch 5x5. She made an awesome 350-yard shot through the buck’s neck as he slept in his bed. Two days later, my son made a great shot and punched his tag on a large eight-point whitetail we had watched for the last two years. The very next morning, my patience paid off and I was able to locate the big non-typical! He was three miles away getting a drink before once again heading for the hills. I went straight to my son’s house and told him that I had found him. He asked me how big I thought he was and I told him close to 200 inches, but I wasn’t sure because of how far away he was. The hunt was on and we spent the rest of the day glassing, trying to catch any sign of him in the deep canyons he called home. For four days, I searched for him with no luck, but it was either him or tag soup for me. My son thought I was crazy for passing on two other bucks in those four days that were mature 180-plus typicals. They were great deer, no doubt, but not the deer I was after.

Divine Intervention Five days after last seeing him, I found myself glassing the same canyons as the sun crested across the plains. At about 9 a.m. after no sign of him, something told me to check a spot that was kind of out of the way from our normal spots. Some would call it dumb luck, but I will say it was divine intervention. I came around a point, put my binoculars up, and saw him only three quarters of a mile away! He was with several other small bucks and another large buck with a huge inline that I had named “Scar” the year before. I quickly turned to get out of their sight. I then stopped to make a game plan. I knew I could get above them to make a stalk, but the question was whether or not to call my son, Derek, to help or to just go after him? I decided that this had become personal to me and that I needed to go solo, myself versus the beast.

I made my way around to a spot above where I had last seen them and then started toward the canyon at a fast-paced walk, which shortly turned into me running as fast as I could. When I got to the pine tree I planned to use as cover, I stopped to gather my breath and to locate him. At first, all I could find was Scar and the smaller bucks. After a few moments, one of the smaller bucks gave him up. He was bedded behind a large rock with just his neck and head showing. There was a branch in the way of a neck shot, so I repositioned. As I settled in once again, God gave me a reprieve and the giant buck stood and walked into my scope. I had ranged the rock at 317 yards and had my scope turret dialed in. Mere seconds passed before I pulled the trigger.

For four days, “I searched for him

with no luck, but it was either him or tag soup for me. My son thought I was crazy for passing on two other bucks in those four days that were mature 180-plus typicals. They were great deer, no doubt, but not the deer I was after.” info@westernhunter.net

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I didn’t hear the “wallop” typical of a good hit, so I thought I had missed! However, upon glassing, I saw all the other bucks except him. Then I found him, dead, right where he was when I pulled the trigger. I sat there watching for several minutes to make sure he wasn’t getting up. Finally, after about ten minutes with no movement, I knew he was done. Tale of the Tape I started back toward my pickup, once again at a brisk walk that changed to an old-man sprint! I got to my pickup and instantly texted my wife, “He is dead.” I then texted my son and said, “I just killed him!!! I need help now!” He met me not long after at an agreed-upon spot. He asked me, “How big is he?”

“Big, but not sure exactly,” I replied. “Maybe not as big as I originally thought.” We made our way around the bottom, getting as close as we could on a two-track road. Then, Derek jumped out before I could even stop and headed up the hill toward the buck. All I could hear when he finally got to the buck was, “Are you friggin’ kidding me?!” over and over. He was huge! When I shot, I knew nothing of all the extra jewelry he carried on his rack. After examination and pictures, we field dressed the buck and loaded him into the pickup. A 40year dream finally headed home with me. Brows carries 11 unbroken points per side. He had cheaters broken off on each side that would have made him 12x12. He stretches the tape to 30 inches wide, with a 195-4/8 typical main frame. Carrying nearly 30 inches of extras, he gross scores 225-1/8. Derek figures

that had his two cheaters not been broken off, he would have went over 230! He is truly the deer of a lifetime and the 40-year wait was definitely worth it. His brows, heavy mass, and very dark antlers for our area is what put me in pursuit of this animal. The score is just an added bonus. First and foremost, I need to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the love of the outdoors. His blessings have allowed me to be raised and live in the presence of these majestic creatures, which has allowed me to pursue them from a very young age. I want to thank my wife, Jeanette, for her understanding and patience with my hobby over the years; my son, Derek, for being my absolute favorite hunting partner, guide at times, and taxidermist; and last but not least, I have to thank Van Franke of Plains Precision Firearms for the awesome rifle that makes all of the hard shots easy!

Brian’s massive non-typical gross scores 225 B&C.

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— THE END OF ONE JOURNEY OPENS THE DOOR TO ANOTHER — DAVID BURGESS IDAHO • 2018

n a flash, the cow darted through a gap just 40 yards in front of me. I knew what was coming next and applied pressure to my bowstring. Right as the bull was about to cross through the same gap, he stopped; only his head poked from behind a clump of thick-trunked aspens. He heaved and gasped, and looked around with wide, bugging eyes. I waited. And waited. And waited...

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A Last Hurrah Every September for nearly a decade, I’ve headed to Idaho for the general archery season. I’ve been drawn back by the changing fall colors, ringing echoes of lustful bulls, and most importantly, the opportunity to spend time with my old friend, Doc. At 83 years young, Doc doesn’t do a lot of hiking or hunting, so most of that is left up to me. I’ll help him set up a main camp and then backpack hunt from there, returning every few days to give updates of the hunt and to share camaraderie.We’ve had some great hunts, with a handful of nice bulls to take home, but many of my best memories have just been the regular old times around camp with a good friend. Since the beginning, Doc has been my most consistent and dependable hunting partner – every year, without fail, he’s been there. But heading into 2018, he let me know that change was in the forecast. After nearly 50 years of living in Idaho, his old bones just couldn’t take the cold climate anymore. When the season ended, he’d be pulling up stakes and permanently moving south. This would be his last big year at elk camp; his “last hurrah”. Jaw-Dropping Proportions The season started with regular tasks and traditions. First, I helped Doc set up an end-of-theroad main camp. Then, we went up the mountain and brushed in a ground blind that Doc could use for an evening hunt (or just a snooze) if he so got the hankerin’. Finally, we shared a big meal and toasted the season with a stiff drink. The next day, I loaded up my pack and headed for a mountain and some big nasty country I had never explored.

For the first few days, the weather was mild and I found elk. Two mornings in a row I got in on an old bull of jaw-dropping proportions. He was massive and blocky, with a thick frame of antlers that stretched impossibly wide. Even with short third points – the right being little more than a stumpy nub – he was one of the most impressive bulls I’d ever seen. So, after a quick check-in with Doc, who was every bit as excited about the bull as I was, I headed back up to the same country for another week.

Dog Days As often goes, though, things were different when I returned. Smoke from new forest fires had blown into the area, more hunters were lurking, and temperatures were growing hotter by the day. As result, the elk became more tight-lipped and worked their way deeper and deeper into their dark hidey-holes. With no additional sighting of the big bull, I decided to change pace and spend a few days basing out of Doc’s camp and checking out other areas of the unit. It was a good change, and for a few days, camp life was pretty grand. Meals were hearty and laughs and stories were heartier. One day, after a morning hunt, I returned to find Doc amidst a hunt of his own. Wasps had invaded his old motorhome “rolling wall tent” and he’d declared war! An intense battle ensued, filled with hilarity and a few expletives, but eventually the dust and bug spray settled, and Doc emerged victorious. His hunt had gone well, but mine continued with little improvement. Daily temperatures were reaching into the high 70s and no rain had fallen in weeks. Reports from other hunters were much the same as mine: too hot, too dry, and no elk. Many folks, completely discouraged, were packing up and leaving the country altogether. Doc and I, however, were determined to stick it out ‘til the bitter end. We agreed that I ought to go back up after that big, wide-antlered bull, just one more time.

The mountain will continue to stand; the elk will “ continue to move throughout it; the wind will continue

to blow. At the end of every journey is a new beginning.” info@westernhunter.net

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Ghost in the Darkness I spent a day and a half glassing and still-hunting north-facing timber, without result. Finally, I decided to stake out a wallow. Around midday, the mountain winds kicked up. At first, I didn’t pay much attention since high winds are pretty regular in those parts, but as temperatures began to drop, I couldn’t help but hope that a change in weather might be blowing my way. That evening, the winds died down, leaving behind cool temperatures and clear skies. I moved up the mountain to an area of grassy parks and aspens benches – a place the elk had been using to rut at night – in hopes of catching a bull coming out early. After the long bugle-less day, I was finally rewarded when, just 15 minutes before dark, a bull lit up way up the mountain. I didn’t think there was any chance I’d be able to get there in time, but I charged after the bugles anyway. Somehow, with just minutes of daylight remaining, I was inside 100 yards of the bull. He was in an aspen thicket and, by the noise of it, had the company of at least one extra-nasally sounding cow. The undergrowth was impossible to sneak through undetected, so I had to wait until the bull would bugle before crunching forward a few more steps at a time. In the very last moments of lingering light, the bull came ghosting out of the twilight. He was within range, but it was simply too dark to make the shot.

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The Journey is Over The next morning, I woke up to something very foreign and new: for the first time all season, it was cold. I could see my breath in the beam of my headlamp and ice sparkled on the inside of my tent. Quickly, I stuffed feet into boots, slugged a scalding cup of coffee, then started back up the mountain toward the place I’d last seen the bull. It was quiet and still as I picked my way upslope in the soft gray light. A hint of orange splashed the eastern horizon. It bled and grew, in color and saturation, until a sliver of sun boiled over the ridge and cut a blinding gash into the sky. I made my way into the aspen thicket, pausing briefly to watch the leaves flicker in the pinkish glow of morning light. The world started to come alive: A squirrel rattled off somewhere down below and birds began to chirp and flit through the trees. Then, from which direction I couldn’t quite be sure, a muffled bugle carried to my ears. Eventually, it came again, a little louder and from upslope. I quickly moved that direction, covering 100 yards before it came again. This time it was significantly louder and more urgent. The bull was coming my way and covering ground fast! I rushed forward a few more paces before being hit with a bugle so shrill and intense that I knew he had to be almost on top of me. I caught a glint of antler moving just above the crest of a slight roll in the terrain, so I clipped on my release just as a cow came bursting into view. The bull was right on her tail, his neck craning and nostrils flared. I glanced at his antlers just long enough to see curved fronts, heavy beams, and at least six points!

In a flash, the cow darted through a gap just 40 yards in front of me. I knew what was coming next and applied pressure to my bowstring. Right as the bull was about to cross through the same gap, he stopped; only his head poked from behind a clump of thick-trunked aspens. He heaved and gasped, and looked around with wide, bugging eyes. I waited. And waited. And waited... I could no longer hold up the bow and began to ever so slowly let it down. All at once, the bull was moving again. I drew and cow-called, stopping him, but it was one step too far. His chest went right behind another tree! I leaned forward as far as I could, tucked my sight pin just to the side of the tree and midway up the bull’s body. My arrow flickered and disappeared, leaving behind a dark red, blossoming spot, right in the place I’d been aiming. There was an eruption of hooves and splintering limbs, then nothing. I felt the pull of the ground; felt my body crumple and melt into it. Then began the long endless wait, and the flood of emotions and thoughts that inevitably come when an animal doesn’t expire within sight.

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I didn’t have to worry. The blood trail – bright pink and frothy – told the story of a bull that wouldn’t go far. I followed it to the edge of a big opening where, at the far end, a small, strangelooking tree glinted in a way unlike any of the others. It had to be antler, but something about it didn’t look quite right. As I made my way closer, I suddenly knew why. Sprawled before me was a bull of jaw-dropping proportions. His body was massive and his thick frame of antlers stretched impossibly wide. On his right beam, that part that hadn’t looked quite right had a stumpy nub – all that was left of his broken third point. When I loosed my arrow, I knew it was a good bull, but I hadn’t known he was the bull. I ran my fingers through his mane and looked over his hulking, scarred-up body. I examined his blocky head, his torn and mangled ears, extremely worn teeth and hooves, and his clublike antlers that were long in front and regressed on the chipped and broken tops. He had all the traits and markings of an ancient, old, battle-worn bull. He’d likely run these mountains as many years as I’d hunted them, maybe more. I sat for a long while, just trying to process the weight of the moment. This was the kind of bull I’d searched for every year since the beginning; the kind Doc and I had talked and dreamed about while sitting around campfires late into the night. To realize this dream at the end of a long, tough hunt and in the closing days of my last trip with my old friend made for a truly unbelievable ending. Simultaneously, it was deeply saddening to know that the journey was over.

WESTERN HUNTER

A New Beginning As I got to work breaking down the bull, a cold wind started to blow. Temperatures would remain cool into the next few days, providing perfect conditions and plenty of time to pack everything out. Doc would meet me at the trailhead with a big smile and coolers full of ice. He’d admire the antlers, give me a hearty clap on the back and a firm handshake. Later, over a fresh tenderloin dinner, we’d toast the hunt, the bull, the beautiful country, and our years of friendship. Before that, though, I’d pack the first load up and over the mountain. The sun would be setting in the west and a pale blue, full moon would be climbing over the ridge of the eastern horizon. While grunting my way upslope, a question – one that had nagged at me for the course of the hunt – would resurface: Can I continue to make this hunt after Doc is gone?

As I pondered that question, I’d come to a big grassy clearing and see a regal bull out in the open, tending a dozen cows. He’d turn my way and I’d be stunned by how familiar he looked: big, heavy body, and a thick frame of antlers that stretched impossibly wide (though only five points to a side, instead of six).We’d hold each other’s gaze with nothing but the cool wind passing between us. Then the bull would turn, round up his new harem, and melt into the trees. In that moment, I’d know my answer: The mountain will continue to stand; the elk will continue to move throughout it; the wind will continue to blow. At the end of every journey is a new beginning.

David’s Critical Gear:

Bow: Elite Energy 35 Broadheads: Slick Trick Arrows: Victory VAP Pack: Mystery Ranch Binoculars: Nikon Spotting Scope: Brunton Boots: Lowa Tibet Clothing: Kuiu Tent: Big Agnes Sleeping Bag: Kelty

A perfect ending and tribute to a final hunt with Doc.

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LOOKING FOR THE NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK AMID A DESERT FORTRESS A Ticket to Difficult but Rewarding Adventure he Arizona Game and Fish Department prints the following warning in the sheep section of their regulations: “The following hunts are extremely challenging areas with difficult access. Be prepared for backcountry camping and extensive hiking. There is little or no vehicular access to much of the bighorn sheep habitat within these hunts.” In June of 2018, with 22 bonus points, I drew one of these hunts, and I had the only tag. I would soon come to realize that the warning was accurate.

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STEVE SUTHERLAND ARIZONA • 2018

The hunt would take place on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, a designated wilderness area. Like most desert sheep hunts in Arizona, my tag was good for all of December. The common theme from everyone familiar with the Cabeza was that nothing would come easy and that I should expect a difficult but rewarding adventure. The department conducted an aerial survey in 2017 as they do every three years. The results showed no Class IV rams and only three Class III rams in the entire unit. No wonder they only issued one tag.

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was observing “withRandy his 15’s and called out

that I had missed low. I couldn’t believe it. I had just blown a chance at filling a once-in-a-lifetime tag.” There are just over 100 desert sheep tags issued in Arizona annually. When you’re lucky enough to draw one, everyone tells you they’ll be there with you on your hunt. When they learn of the backcountry challenges associated with the Cabeza Prieta, you quickly find out who your real friends are. Randy Stalcup, Terry Schupp, Frank Sayne, and Mark Bool committed to join me on this adventure. Terry, Frank, and Mark have all filled their desert sheep tags. Randy, like most hunters in Arizona, is still waiting. So, It’s Going to be Like This... Phoenix in the summer is not ideal for hiking, but you do whatever it takes when you draw a sheep tag, especially one that requires “extensive” hiking. Several times a week I could be found hiking South Mountain Park in the heat of the afternoon. Often, I wouldn’t see another hiker. I went alone on my first scouting trip in midSeptember. The temperature was 112 degrees. I turned off the interstate, aired down my tires, engaged the four-wheel drive, and for the next 23 miles, I drove in soft sand with the consistency of moon dust. It took an hour and a half to reach the unit. Even though it’s wilderness, there is one road you can drive; the northernmost point of which is about a one-mile hike to the sheep habitat in the Sierra Pinta Mountains. The mountains get progressively farther away from the road as you travel south. At its farthest point, the hike is more than seven miles.

I parked at the refuge boundary and signed in. I read the sign warning of all potential dangers in the area and started hiking. After a couple of miles, I stopped to glass. Heatwaves made glassing long distances all but impossible. The only thing I found was a couple of sheep tracks on the desert floor. It was apparent that no matter how much e-scouting and hiking I did, nothing had prepared me for just how tough this hunt would be. The fact that sheep live and thrive in this environment is amazing. In late September, along with Randy and Mark, I attended a sheep hunters clinic put on by the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society. The clinic provides a tremendous amount of valuable information.

In October, a tropical storm came up through Mexico. It damaged the road to the point that it was no longer passable, keeping me from scouting for a few weeks. My anxiety level was starting to increase. In mid-November, two days before a planned scouting trip, I received an email indicating the road would be closed that weekend due to military operations (the road is on an active military range) and that sheep scouting wouldn’t be allowed. Sleeping at night was becoming difficult. In late November, Terry and I were able to get in a scouting trip. Terry had drawn the same hunt two years previous and killed a fantastic old ram. We hiked into a couple of different promising areas and glassed, but saw no sheep. We left knowing that my hunt would start without me ever seeing a sheep, let alone a mature ram.

Steve’s ram was a true trophy – a fine ram taken in a difficult, unforgiving area.

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WESTERN HUNTER

Finally...a Sheep! With help from Pete Cimellaro, who has four decades experience in the Cabeza, we developed a plan. We had pinpointed three areas where we would concentrate. We would hunt one of the areas on opening day and move on to the next area each successive day as needed. Then, we’d rinse and repeat.

Steve’s Critical Gear:

Rifle: Tikka T3 .300 WSM Scope: Swarovski Z5 Binoculars: Swarovski 12x50 EL Rangefinder: Sig Kilo GPS: OnX Maps Pack: Mystery Ranch Metcalf Knife: Eddie Stalcup Custom – Drop Point Clothing: First Lite Boots: Lowa/Salomon

WESTERN HUNTER

We set up camp the day before season started. I was excited to finally be in the unit to hunt. Randy, Terry, and I decided we’d stay for nine days and then head home. We would come back for another week later, if necessary. Mark and Frank were there to help for the first few days and whenever else they could make it back. On opening morning, we drove south six miles. Randy, Mark, and I planned to hike in four miles and glass our way around a series of smaller mountains. Terry and Frank would do the same a couple of miles south of us and glass a large area. A couple of hours in, Mark located a ewe with a young ram. I was happy to finally see sheep! Randy later located a five-year-old ram high on the mountain. Things were looking up. We hiked out in the dark to meet Terry and Frank and drive back to camp. They hadn’t seen any sheep. Each of us had logged over 12 miles of hiking, despite the short December days. As we ate dinner that Terry had prepared, we decided to stick to our script and hunt our second location in the morning. Terry and Frank would hike in from north, working their way down the east side of the mountains to a pass. Mark, Randy, and I would hike in from the west. A Whole Lot of Happy We glassed the mountains as we hiked for miles across the desert floor. We then stopped at the mouth of a canyon and set up the tripods to scour the canyon. Within a few minutes, I was able to locate four sheep 1200 yards away. I had finally glassed sheep in my unit...and all of them were rams! About that time, two of them began bashing their heads together. What an amazing thing to witness! Rams in the Cabeza Prieta are known for their dark red horns, which turn red from years of rubbing them on elephant bush, a plant unique to that part of the Sonoran Desert. I was in awe of the beauty of these dark-horned rams. We quickly packed up and got moving. As we hiked in, the wind was killing us, mostly at our back. We were in a box canyon and had no way of getting the wind in our favor. We could either back out and have no chance or stay and hope for the best. We stayed. Mark and I began climbing up the canyon to try and get above the rams. When we got to the top, Mark peeked into the next drainage, but they were nowhere to be seen. We slowly traversed our way down and met back up with Randy. We needed to work our way farther into the canyon.

We continued glassing and finally located the sheep again where they had moved down the mountain and were feeding. We could see two rams and after a couple of minutes located another ram that was much larger but was feeding behind a bush. When we finally got a good look, it was obvious that he was older and quite a big larger. He had an old gray face, great mass, and plenty of character. After observing him, we decided that he checked all of the boxes. Mark told me that if he was the ram I wanted, we needed to get him on the ground. I ranged him at 279 yards, but he was still mostly behind a bush. The wind wasn’t doing us any favors. We knew it was only a matter of time before it killed our chances. After a few agonizing minutes, the two smaller rams started trotting away, followed by the larger ram. Before he crested the hill, he stopped broadside. I was in the bottom of a wash and had my .300 WSM and bipod resting on some river rock. I settled the crosshairs on the ram’s chest and squeezed off a round.

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Killed two years apart in the same unit, Steve and Terry’s rams scored exactly the same.

Randy was observing with his 15’s and called out that I had missed low. I couldn’t believe it. I had just blown a chance at filling a once-in-alifetime tag. The ram spun around and resumed his original path uphill away from us. He was nearly to the top when for some reason he turned back and began moving toward us. He turned slowly and was broadside again, so I squeezed off another round. This time I was confident that I had heard the familiar “thwack” associated with a hit. Randy, still behind the glass, said he was pretty sure it was a hit, but wasn’t sure of placement. The ram jumped behind a boulder and disappeared. For the next 20 minutes, all we could do was wait. We discussed what happened and convinced ourselves that the ram was hit. Time would tell.

Two rams then appeared on the hillside near where the ram had bailed. They were making their way uphill away from us and out of sight. After they cleared the ridge, we slowly made our way toward the ram’s last location. After hiking up the canyon a few minutes, Mark turned to me with a huge smile on his face. I asked if he saw a dead sheep. He said, “No, but there’s blood everywhere.” We found the ram piled up 50 yards from where I shot him. We weren’t disappointed when we laid our hands on him. He was magnificent. Boy did he check all of the boxes. Frank made his way to us and helped Mark and I break down the ram. Meanwhile, Randy boned out the meat and packed it into game bags. We prepared the loads and then made our way down to the canyon bottom.

When we met up with Terry, he was ecstatic. We shared a hug and a few tears. I truly believe he was happier than I was, and I was pretty dang happy. Together we hiked across the desert, arriving at the truck at sunset on the second day of our hunt. Class IV When I checked the ram in at Game and Fish headquarters, they measured and aged him. Amazingly, he scored the exact same as Terry’s ram from two years prior. They aged him at nine years old – a Class IV ram! Thanks to all that helped me be successful on this hunt. Special thanks to my wife Cathi and our three boys for encouraging me on all of my hunting endeavors throughout the years. I know they think I lost my mind obsessing over this hunt.

Mark, Randy, and Steve enjoy the culmination of a true desert adventure.

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WESTERN HUNTER

Al Klassen

Legendary Sheep hunter and Guide, Arctic Red River, NWT

TWO FRIENDS HONOR A CLOSE FRIEND ON A SPECIAL HUNT

Not How the Story was Supposed to Go his story really begins a few years ago in college. Josh Logsdon, Casey Gillenwater, and I were roommates in college and we worked together at the local sporting goods store. Between school, work, and home, it seemed like we were never apart. That’s when the planning for an “epic” mule deer hunt all started.We spent all our free time researching units, scouting, and dreaming about one day knocking down three big ol’ bruiser bucks. In September 2017, a big wrench got thrown into those plans. Our dear friend, Casey, passed

T CODY RAPKE COLORADO • 2018 32

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away in a tragic car accident. I can honestly say that with the loss of such a dear friend weighing so heavy on my mind, I don’t remember a single day in the field from the 2017 hunting season. With both Josh and I taking jobs in different cities, we don’t get to spend the time together that we once did. We talked about it early in 2018 and decided that life is too short to not be in the mountains hunting and making memories together. So, we applied for tags and waited anxiously. When the draw results came out and we realized that we had both drawn, we realized our long-awaited buck hunt was finally going to happen. www.westernhunter.net

For this special hunt, Josh and I were both using a very special and sentimental rifle – one that Casey and I built together the year before he passed away. It’s a custom built 6.5-.06 Ackley Improved, Proof Research barrel, McMillan stock, Nightforce scope...the works. After Casey passed, I had his name, his lucky number 17, and a big buck engraved on the bottom metal in his memory. On the Fence Josh had been keeping his eye on a nice buck a couple of weeks prior to the season. This buck was holding up in a small pocket with all the big buck amenities. Two days before the opener, Josh went to confirm that the buck was still holding up in that pocket and he got some video footage. That night when I pulled into camp, Josh and I dissected the videos, trying to determine if he was worthy of chasing on opening morning.We were on the fence, thinking that this buck would be a good one to put in our back pocket for later in the hunt.

The next morning, we awoke anxiously, knowing we had one more day to put our eyes on a couple of big bucks. Later on that evening, we sat on top of a mountain overlooking a mile-long drainage. With light fading fast, we scanned over deer in a hurry as they were coming out to feed. We must’ve looked over a dozen bucks, but nothing worth tripping the trigger on opening day. On the drive back to camp, we discussed that we probably should go after the buck Josh found. That deer was a level above all the other bucks we saw that day. What Were We Thinking? Opening morning was finally here and Josh and I had our sights set on that big typical. We climbed to our glassing knob and located him within five minutes. That buck hadn’t gone more than 20 yards from where Josh had last seen him. We decided to slip in a couple hundred yards closer to a little knoll where we could set up with a good rest. Josh dialed up the scope and placed a 140-grain Berger right behind the big buck’s shoulder and that was all it took.

understand the ways of the world, “andI don’t I don’t think I ever will. Still, there isn’t

a doubt in my mind that we had a little extra help from a good friend on this hunt.”

Josh christened the hunt by taking this outstanding buck.

We knew this buck was special and that he had a big back end, but as we walked up to him, he continued to grow on us. We sat around him in awe. We couldn’t believe that we had thought about passing on this deer and keeping him in our back pocket. While we were caping and quartering, we kept talking about how there is no other place we would have rather been than working on a big buck together. This was incredible start to an already epic hunt. We spent the rest of that day packing Josh’s buck out and taking care of the meat. Two Inlines We hunted hard for the next few days, seeing a lot of deer and passing on some nice bucks, but we had yet to locate another buck that got us excited. We weren’t looking to break any records, but we wanted to find another special buck; something in that next age class or something with character. 34

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After a few long days of glassing and a lot of miles on our boots, we found just the buck we were looking for. We had covered a lot of country in the moonlight so we could be sitting on a glassing point that looked over a couple of huge drainages. As the sun peeked over and began lighting up the hillsides, I was busy picking apart the far canyons. Suddenly, Josh got eyes on a great buck 350 yards below us in a small draw. The buck slipped into the next draw before we could get a good look at him, but Josh told me, “We need to get another look at that deer. I think he was special.” We worked our way up the ridge to get a vantage point into the draw. We were seeing a few does and a smaller buck, but no sign of the bigger one. Suddenly, something caught my eye on the ridge behind the rest of the deer. I glanced through my binos and saw a deer with a body that dwarfed all the others on the hill. This had to be him.

Josh was on the spotting scope already, so I told him to check out the deer behind the main group. As he was locating the buck in the spotting scope, I ranged the shot. I knew that if this was the big buck, it was going to happen fast, because this deer was slipping away from the rest and he didn’t have far to go before he’d be out of sight. Just as I dialed the scope up and got a round in the chamber, Josh exclaimed, “That’s him! He’s got a big frame and an inline. You need to shoot that buck.” He didn’t have to tell me twice. Josh can judge deer and elk better than anyone I know, so when he said it was a shooter, I didn’t even need a look through the spotting scope. I was already behind the gun and very quickly had him in the scope. My crosshairs found the buck’s shoulder and I let it fly. Josh told me that he didn’t see where it had hit, but the buck didn’t act hit. I put another round in the chamber and this time held a little lower on the buck’s chest to account for the steep downhill angle. The Ackley barked again and this time there was no doubt that the bullet found its mark. The buck took a couple of steps and it was all over. We couldn’t believe how fast it all happened. Both our bucks were in the salt before sunup. While caping him, we found that both bullets had found their mark. There were two bullet holes about four inches apart! The buck was down, but I had yet to really get my eyes on him. I had no idea what kind of buck he was. When we walked up on him, we soon realized that Josh was wrong about the inline – he actually had two! The deer was everything we had been searching for! He was big, old, and had character. This was hands down the biggest-bodied deer I have ever seen. He had holes in all his teeth, and big, worndown hooves. He was just the perfect big old buck. Josh and I had our work cut out to get this big boy out of the hole he was in. It was one of those agonizing pack outs that you just can’t wait to set your packs down on the tailgate but would do all over again in the blink of an eye.

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Remembering Casey I have a different mindset when it comes to hunting than I used to. I really don’t base the success on whether or not I kill something anymore. Without a doubt, I can say that I was perfectly happy just to spend a few days on the mountain with a great friend, making new memories and sharing old ones. We spent a lot of time talking about our friend, Casey, telling old hunting stories, and laughing about all the fun times we had in college. We even spent some time talking about what Casey would be saying if he were here with us. We knew how badly Casey would have wanted to be there with us, and I know that if he had been there, we would be talking about three great bucks, not two. I don’t understand the ways of the world, and I don’t think I ever will. Still, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that we had a little extra help from a good friend on this hunt.

Cody’s and Josh’s Critical Gear:

Rifle: Custom built on Remington 700 action. 6.5-06 Ackley Improved. Proof Research barrel. Mcmillan Game Hunter stock. Timney trigger. Scope: Nightforce SHV 5-20x56 w/target turret Ammo: Handloads – Berger 140 grain bullets Binoculars: Vortex Viper HD 10x42 (Cody), Swarovski SLC 10x42 (Josh) Spotting Scope: Swarovski STS 20-60x80 Clothing: Sitka, Kryptek, Kifaru Parka, Kuiu. Boots: Kenetrek (Cody), Scarpa (Josh) Packs: Kifaru (Cody), EXO (Josh) Knife: Tyto

Cody’s big buck with matching inlines was the perfect ending to a hunt that was more important than most.

JOSHUA MILLER • ALASKA • 2018

FINDING GREAT SUCCESS AMID FEARS OF MISSING THE MIGRATION

s the Piper Super Cub engine ramped up, so did my adrenaline. My brother, Jeremy, my buddy, Daniel (DJ), and I were embarking on our maiden voyage into the wild frontier of Alaska. My first time flying in this front-to-back, twoseater aircraft equipped with 36" balloon tires was a thrill.

Our pilot, Zach, shuttled our crew of three one at a time, 130 miles deep into the backcountry. He then took off in 50 yards of rough ground next to the river. Soon, all was quiet. As we took in our surroundings, we were greeted with never-ending ridges and huge, open spaces. Our quest for caribou was just beginning, 18 months after we set this dream into motion.

Per Alaskan rules, we finished the first evening glassing for caribou but not chasing them. The prospects for our hunt were somewhat subdued as our pilot reported that the herd had been moving through the area weeks early. We spotted a handful of small bulls, but realized we had our work cut out for us.

“

We made it to Jeremy’s bull at 11:45 p.m. The Alaska sky was still somewhat lit in a dusky, blue haze marbled with clouds. We finished butchering and made it back to our tents with all his meat by 6 a.m. the following morning...” Cautious Optimism The northern latitudes of Alaska mean that sunrise and sunset are nearly a blended affair in mid-August. With a sky that holds a dusky glow throughout the night, our alarm clocks were primed for a very early wake-up call on day one. We were greeted by some conventional Alaskan weather, and as we ate breakfast that first morning, it became evident we wouldn’t be able to see the top half of the mountains. Since we needed to locate travel corridors in the massive landscape that surrounded our river valley camp, we split up and went in three directions, forming a large triangle of viewpoints that put each point roughly two miles from the next. We were afforded maximum coverage of the area to hopefully enlighten us on a hotspot for caribou traffic. As luck would have it, my glassing knob, which overlooked the convergence of two creek draws and a massive meadow, turned out to be the hotspot. This knob afforded me the opportunity to see 20-30 animals, including many nice bulls, moving through in small groups throughout the day.

Although we had all spent the day absorbing the traditional rainy, socked-in Alaskan weather, we had found a promising location! Upon arrival at camp at 10:45 p.m., in the dimming but never dark light, I relayed the info. We had cautious optimism for the next day. Wolf Stalk It was decided that my brother and I would ease back up to my glassing knob and DJ would strike out the opposite direction to look for another area of activity. Because DJ and I had wolf tags, we had one rifle in camp in addition to our bows. Thus, I elected to take the rifle. As soon as Jeremy and I finished the hike through the soaked, tussock-pocked mountainside, we were greeted with an amazing sight – a grizzly bear and a wolf appeared to be traveling together! After a few minutes, the bear began traveling at an angle in our direction while the wolf seemed satisfied to lie down. The bear made its way across the hillside, moving to our right. With the wind blowing that direction, we watched him abruptly stop and take deep breaths

in through his nose and out through his mouth for about ten seconds. He then turned 180 degrees and began briskly walking away. He then launched into a full run down the hillside, over the creek, and up into a spruce tree-clad mountainside a mile away! It was truly an experience of a lifetime! With our attention back on the wolf, I decided to cut the distance and try a long shot in the completely open country. If the wolf spooked, my brother would start moving up toward our desired position closer to the head of the drainage and I’d meet him there. My path would take me down to the creek, straight up the mountainside, and then toward the wolf. Once on the opposite side of the creek and level with the wolf, I began working toward him, but given the open terrain, he saw me and started walking away. I knew Jeremy would now likely be moving to our rendezvous point, so I sat on the hillside taking the day in, giving him time to get going.

Josh (right) accomplished a lifelong dream when he squeezed the trigger on this magnificent bull.

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Shades of Gray Almost immediately, I looked up the ridge and spotted 15 caribou a mile away, with multiple large racks rising from the herd! I watched them veer down a finger ridge that led right down to the meadow within my shooting range. As it goes in wild places, I wasn’t the only predator in the area. The wolf began moving toward the herd. Once they spotted him, they took a right turn and began moving fast across the slope, turning back uphill and out of sight. Obviously, I wasn’t a fan of the wolf at that point and felt an awe-inspired discouragement that he had blown a good opportunity before it had even transpired. However, I didn’t have to hold a grudge long; only a minute or two later, the herd appeared higher up the finger ridge! They had covered a large clockwise circle and were now stopped, looking around and catching their breath. I expected them to take off again at any moment with the wolf trotting along behind them, but that never happened. The herd began moving again down the ridge directly below me. As the herd closed the distance, I began getting ranges and sizing up which bull I wanted to target. Two of the bulls stood apart from the rest with tall racks, good C-shaped side profiles and double shovels paralleling their noses. One of these two bulls had very memorable long tines running inward off his tops and he became my target bull. I just needed those final couple hundred yards!

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Jeremy followed soon after Josh’s success, downing this pretty velvet-clad bull.

Caribou rarely pause during fall migrations, so rangefinding, targeting, and shot execution can be quite frenzied. The herd moved into 350, then 330, then 320. All the while, I was trying to keep track of my target bull and not lose him in the mass of 15 beautiful shades of gray. I began looking for a clear shot on my targeted bull. Soon, they passed through a small ribbon stream and my bull paused to drink. I settled into my scope and tightened my trigger finger. The bull dropped at the shot! I had been dreaming of this day since we had booked our flight into the Alaskan backcountry and now it was real! Following my shot, the rest of the herd froze and then began running toward a wooded slope. Jeremy was near that area and I could see him creeping toward where the herd was moving! Closer and closer they got to each other until suddenly the lead animal veered right, picked up a little speed and led the group away. They had been at 80 yards when it unraveled. Once the herd had spooked yet again, Jeremy and I hurriedly moved toward my bull to rendezvous with each other and share in the excitement of the awesome moment! I didn’t realize how massive the meadow was until I had made it to my bull and Jeremy was still nearly a quarter-mile away! Alaska is huge!

Jeremy and I bear-hugged and talked about both of our perspectives, soaking up the amazing moment of brotherhood memories! We took pictures and videos and then got to work quartering and cleaning the carcass. Bonus Bull An hour and a half later, we were making good progress when another herd appeared on the ridgeline close to where mine had appeared. It became evident that this herd was taking the main ridgeline. There were decent bulls in the herd, so Jeremy took off at an angle with the rifle, hoping to cut them off.

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Packing two caribou through soggy tundra is a chore you have to experience to appreciate. This hunt and pack out was a full 24-hour day.

As I continued working on my bull, the minutes went by and Jeremy was gone longer and longer! It hadn’t seemed like the main ridgeline was that far away, but I hadn’t heard a shot. After 40 minutes elapsed, I began to wonder what was happening, but I told myself I’d give him a full hour. About that time, I looked up to see him coming down with both hands holding the rifle in the air! I started whooping and fist pumping. It was a wonderful moment of success and accomplishment for us. Jeremy had started off hiking quickly uphill toward the ridge to intercept them, but they were covering ground so fast he had to up his tempo into an uphill run. Eventually, he poked out of the creek depression and saw the herd working toward him. He was rewarded with a nice 130yard shot. In the end, his kill site ended up being a mile and a half from my bull.

A Second Helping With two bulls down, we knew we had our work cut out for us, but it was a labor of love. We arrived at camp with all of my meat at 8 p.m. Granted, the waterlogged ground full of tussocks made the mile and a half hike back to camp rather slow with our 75-lb. loads. Upon walking into our camp, we noticed our friend DJ’s tripod there with a note directing us to read his iPad. We quickly opened it and read a note of success! This was unbelievable! Just three days before, the report had been that the herd had migrated early, meaning our opportunities would be limited. Now, here we were with three bulls down on the second day of the hunt! DJ had started high up on a ridge, a mile and a half in the opposite direction. He was glassing and spotted a herd moving below him by the main river. He took off running, and after working through the thick timber, he was in position.

Hunting alone, DJ arrowed this fine bull with a great front end.

Since we had the only rifle in camp, he was armed with his bow. After some cat and mouse, he was able to get an arrow into his bull. Following his first shot, the bull ran closer, allowing a follow-up shot that sealed the deal! In his note, DJ laid out directions to his bull and requested that we head the mile down-river to assist him. Unfortunately, after eating and leaving DJ a note of our success, we had to turn our attention back to a three-mile trek to the ridge top where Jeremy’s caribou lay. We made it to Jeremy’s bull at 11:45 p.m. The Alaska sky was still somewhat lit in a dusky, blue haze marbled with clouds. We finished butchering and made it back to our tents with all his meat by 6 a.m. the following morning, capping a near 24-hour day! Fond Memories Upon arrival in camp, we were greeted by a tired hello from DJ, who had gotten back to camp with his final load just before us.We were all beat, but so blown away by the amazing day! After bad weather that prevented flying, our transport pilot Zach was able to get his Cub in to pull us out of the backcountry three days delayed. Our time in the Alaskan wilderness will always be with us; the adventure forever etched in our lives with fond memories of the majestic landscapes, amazing animals, and great brotherhood!

Josh’s Critical Gear:

Rifle: Savage Lightweight Hunter 7mm-.08 Scope: Vortex 3-12x42 Binoculars: Zeiss Conquest HD 15x56 Rangefinder: Sig Sauer Kilo Pack: Stone Glacier Sky Archer Clothing: Kuiu Boots: Scarpa Grand Dru Tent: Tarptent Scarp 1 Sleeping bag: ZPacks

WESTERN HUNTER

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FILLED WITH DOUBT AND PAINFUL MEMORIES, A BOWHUNTER FINALLY REAPS THE REWARDS

NICK GOUGH UTAH • 2017 42

WESTERN HUNTER

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Beginning Again e left the house at 4:30 a.m. and hiked through the dark to reach my tree stand. I was in a huge hunting slump. Last year, my friend Rick and I had tracked a buck until the blood trail dried up. We did the same thing with a cow elk earlier this season. I practice often with my bow and commit to ethical shots, yet archery tends to be painful at times. These two failures weighed heavy on my mind as we walked in that morning after mule deer. I climbed into my tree stand and let the magic of the early morning mountains wash over me. The anticipation of everything was becoming sharp as the sun began to rise. My mind ran wild as I considered the day’s possibilities. As a relatively new bowhunter, I ached for success. I felt on edge and ready to draw my bow at noises that turned out to be squirrels, chipmunks, and birds rustling through nearby brush. After a couple hours, I heard a different noise; more distinct to a bigger animal. I looked up the chute I was in and spotted a bobcat family through the trees! A mother and three kittens were playing as they leaped on and across tree stumps 60 yards from me. Watching these animals go about their day unaware of my presence was truly special. I was experiencing something incredible that no one else was seeing, and it was simply amazing. The mother finally pegged me at 30 yards and stared at me for several minutes, growling a curious noise that sounded more like a purr than a growl.

Humble Pie At this point, I went and joined my friend, Rick, who wasn’t far from me. It turned out that he had his eye on several bucks in a basin, so it was time for some spot-and-stalk action. Rick pointed out three bucks that were shifting their beds as the sun would hit them, but they were generally staying in the same area. After we felt they had bedded for the morning, we made a game plan. Rick would spot for me and I would work my way around the back side of some cliffs that cut through the basin. If I could pop up in the right spot on the cliffs, I’d be right on top of them! The play seemed perfect and realistic. Working my way over there, I felt excitement building. Rick guided me in and before long I was in position. There was one problem, though; I could not see the bucks. The clumps of trees all blended together from my new viewpoint, but I was pretty sure I knew where they were, so I settled in to wait.

The wind was howling when suddenly the bucks blew out! Just like that, the stalk was over. Earlier in the morning, we had watched a couple bucks disappear around the cliffs to the back side where I currently sat, so I immediately shifted my attention that way. I saw one good buck walk into view, but he was out of bow range. He was facing away from me and slowly walked into the trees. With the wind swirling, I decided to sneak around and drop into the area from above him. After an hour of slow, quiet movement and scanning through thick trees and brush, I determined he had given me the slip. I contemplated the opportunity missed, cursed the wind and a thousand other things that didn’t align, and then started the long climb out of the basin. For me, those long, arduous hikes after close calls or missed shots are tough. I’m stuck replaying what happened and what could have been. I’m also faced with the reality of my failure and the hard mental/physical drain of the journey ahead of me. I slogged up the hill, attempting with each step to adjust my attitude, learn from my failures, and get my mind right for the evening hunt.

buck suddenly jumped “ ...the up ten feet from us! A mad

scramble ensued, with us jumping out of the way while my buck thrashed its way through a bush. It took one bound and then crashed to the ground.”

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WESTERN HUNTER

44 Yards After reconnecting with Rick, we made a game plan and started hiking toward a new area. As we slowly worked through the trees, a couple of bucks walked up the mountain face 80 yards away. They didn’t seem spooked too bad, so we backed out slow, hit a trail, and hoped to cut them off. We had hiked for about a quarter-mile when Rick stopped dead in his tracks. He pulled up the rangefinder and whispered, “Forty-four yards.” There was a big boulder blocking my view to where he was looking, so I took a couple steps toward Rick and saw the buck of my dreams! I soon drew my bow back and fired. He dropped as the arrow struck him, but he got back up and took off. We stood there and whispered in hushed, excited tones. It looked like a good hit, and we heard some crashing soon after he took off. Did that really just happen?! What a crazy, amazing rush! Now it was a waiting game.

The Mad Scramble As we stood there, I thought about how we had been here before; how the hope and excitement of this moment right after an arrow is released can hours later fizzle into a crushing disappointment. I had been here before and prayed it wouldn’t happen again. We had maybe an hour of daylight remaining when we decided it was time to track. We scoured the area where I hit him and saw good blood, but no arrow. Rick is what I consider a master tracker, and he put his skills to work by following the blood trail through the meadow, leading to the edge of a deep canyon where the trail seemed to just stop. I felt deflated as we began to canvas the canyon for any sign of blood, but we were coming up with nothing. I began to feel the chance of another loss looming large over me. It didn’t make sense! The blood had been so good and led right to the edge of that canyon that we just covered. We stood at the bottom of the canyon, fighting darkness and straining to see something...anything. We had a discussion and determined it could only have gone down this canyon or perhaps a small ravine that ran parallel to it. Rick took a couple steps toward that small ravine and the buck suddenly jumped up ten feet from us! A mad scramble ensued, with us jumping out of the way while my buck thrashed its way through a bush. It took one bound and then crashed to the ground. Wow! It was over! Like a dream, I couldn’t believe the wild experience of it all. Tender Mercies Getting hands on this heavy velvet buck is hard to describe. It was so emotionally challenging for me to eliminate the doubt that maybe I would come home empty-handed with a hard story to tell friends and family. The thought of me walking away licking my wounds with another learning opportunity just gnawed at me, both before and during this hunt.

So many things built up to this moment. Scouting, hiking, and prepping for hunts, both physically and mentally. All the memories made with friends shooting bows, getting in shape for the season, talking strategy and hoping to execute that perfect plan when the time came. Also, the season itself; not just this one, but also previous hunts, missed opportunities, learning and becoming a wiser and more humbled hunter. All of this culminated into this moment of success. It was simply overwhelming. We took field photos and broke down my buck via headlamps. We then packed out until midnight, followed by a long ATV ride back to the truck. It all capped off an absolutely perfect day full of unforgettable memories and deep gratitude unlike any I’ve ever felt before.

Nick’s Critical Gear:

Bow: Hoyt Arrows: Goldtip Rest: QAD drop-away Sight: Blackgold 5-pin Release: Scott Shark Binos: Vortex 12x50 Clothing: Kuiu Boots: Solomon Speedcross Pack: Kuiu Ultra 1800 Rangefinder: Vortex 1500 Knife: Havalon GPS: Garmin

WESTERN HUNTER

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YOU CAN COUNT ON US... We’re built like a tank but wear like a second skin. You can bank on our reliability and take our comfort for granted...and we’re here for the long haul. You want to make us happy? Just hunt.

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— WOLVES COMPLICATE AND ADD A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO A SPECIAL HUNT —

still remember where I was on September 11, 2001. Like many Americans, it was a day I’ll never forget, and it would change the trajectory of my life. I joined the Air Force and wrote off the majority of my Septembers for the next seven years. Since getting out of the military, I’ve had a goal to notch an elk tag on September 11. Little did I know, 2018 would be my year to do it. Spiked Out I started elk hunting in Oregon on August 25. It was a grinder of a hunt and after 80-plus miles covered, I shot a spike on the ninth day! My buddy and I didn’t care about the seven-mile pack out; it just felt good to have meat in the freezer. Now that I was fortunate enough to have punched my tag in Oregon, I planned on putting

everything I had into shooting a good bull in Idaho. I got there with high hopes of getting right into elk, but the reality was that I struggled to get into any elk at all. All I could turn up was wolf sign and outfitters. Unwelcome Competition Being a problem solver, I changed up tactics and started glassing as much country as I could. That was all it took. I soon found a couple bulls that appeared to be in a huntable area. Exploring this new area was incredible; every drainage around me had bugling bulls!

That first day was unbelievable. I called in a very large bull to a waterhole. Sadly, I didn’t get a shot thanks to a fickle wind. It’s crazy how fast a bull can turn inside out when they smell you. On the fourth day, I opted to hunt the same area. At 21 degrees, it was one cold September morning. I briskly hiked in with a solid plan and deadly confidence. Just as the morning light crested the eastern sky, elk started bugling from the same deep dark drainages as the day before. Then, the lonesome and haunting cry of a wolf pierced the air. My heart sank as I realized I wasn’t the only thing planning on killing an elk today. I glassed the hillside and saw one of the wolves. I thought those elk would be gone forever because of the howling, but they were still in the drainage and bugling!

TYLER BOSCHMA IDAHO • 2018

WESTERN HUNTER

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Two Minutes After a little conversation with myself about why I was there and how cool it would be to kill a bull on September 11, I charged up the mountain. I pulled the climb in short order and was right in their bedding area, doing my best to sound like a charged-up bull. I was almost ready to give up calling when a bull bugled 200 yards away. Immediately, I ran to the bugle, throwing sticks and making bull noises along the way. It only took two minutes and I had an arrow in the air! That was the quickest call-in I’ve ever had; I couldn’t believe it. After a short blood trail and a little rodeo, I was standing over my best elk to date. To do it on 9/11 made it that much more special. Lurking in the Shadows I feel like I wouldn’t do this story justice if I didn’t talk about the recovery of my bull; it was wild! After the dust had settled and his cows left the bedding area, I started hearing a weird bark; not like an alert elk bark, but a sharp, deeppitched bark much like a scared dog! At first, I thought that maybe it was just a couple coyotes, but I’d never heard a bark like this. Soon, there were two – one above me and one below me. At this point, I decided to split and wait in a clearing for help to arrive. I backed out with bear spray in one hand and a knife in the other.

I’m now certain it was a couple of wolves. That would explain why the elk were acting so weird that morning, and of course, I already knew there were wolves in the area. I’ve looked up YouTube videos of wolves doing that bark

when they are surprised or scared. I’m not sure if they came to the sound of that bull and I bugling and got my scent or if they were already on the hunt. Either way, it was a wild experience.

Tyler’s Critical Gear:

Bow: Hoyt RX1 Broadhead: Kudu Contour Binoculars: Swarovski EL 8.5x42 Pack: Exo 3500 Boots: Salomon Quest 4D GTX Clothing: First Lite

info@westernhunter.net

WESTERN HUNTER

Gear for the Western Hunter

When hunting big mountain country like this, rangefinding binoculars help trim precious ounces and deliver precise ranging performance on distant targets.

Complete Packages Best Rangefinding Binocular Options for 2019

angefinding binoculars (RFB’s) are appealing to almost any hunter because they combine two pieces of equipment needed for observation and accurate shot placement into one device. Furthermore, incorporating the rangefinder into a binocular almost always comes with a huge upgrade in optical and lowlight performance compared to stand-alone rangefinders. The newest wave of RFB’s combine robust functionality, features, and reliability that western hunters desire. I’ll be surprised if more hunters aren’t soon opting for the advantages offered by rangefinding binoculars.

There is a wide array of choices and price points among rangefinding binoculars, but somehow this product category feels like it’s still in its infancy, despite more than two decades of history. The technology renaissance in this category is being driven almost entirely by the long-range shooting craze. Predictably, ballistic calculators top the list of features in most new rangefinding binocular models. For example, the Sig KILO 3000 BDX sends its ballistic calculations to Sig’s BDX-enabled riflescopes via Bluetooth. The binocular “digitally dials” the holdover in the scope by illuminating an aiming dot at the perfect elevation on the vertical stadia on the reticle. That kind of functionality and automation helps make long-range shooting more accessible to the average hunter.

Lag Time

Darin Cooper

hunting/technical editor Rangefinding binoculars reduce cost and weight while simplifying a hunter’s equipment. Pictured above is the Swarovski EL Range, which features an integrated range and angle finder.

WESTERN HUNTER

Why haven’t rangefinding binoculars taken over the binocular market? One reason often cited is that consumers had valid concerns about the warranties of the electronic components of the rangefinders. High-end optics are often warrantied for life or for extended periods of time that give consumers confidence in purchasing more expensive products. However, even the high-end manufacturers were www.westernhunter.net

Gear for the Western Hunter SIG SAUER ELECTRO OPTICS BALLISTIC DATA XCHANGE (BDX) SYSTEM

Sig Sauer Electro Optics is among those offering ranging devices that link to other devices for added functionality with their Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) product line.

only warrantying the electronics in RFB’s for as little as one year when they first came out. Most people didn’t want to risk spending the extra money if the rangefinder could potentially break and become unusable. After many years of producing reliable rangefinders, the major manufacturers have established solid reputations. Also, consider that most binoculars are well-sealed against moisture and utilize a far more rugged metal housing for delicate electronics than stand-alone rangefinders. Hunters also tend to pay more attention to how they carry and care for their binoculars. Handheld rangefinders that ride in a belt pouch, jacket pocket, or pant pocket are more susceptible to loss and

damage. I’ve personally ruined or lost three handheld rangefinders, but I’ve never lost or ruined a pair of binoculars. Most brands have also improved their warranty coverage on electronics, with Vortex even warrantying their new Fury HD 5000 with their unconditional lifetime VIP warranty. Leica first created the RFB category back in 1992 with the first rendition of the Geovid, so it’s a relatively safe bet that they’ve figured it out after more than a quarter century building them. Another reason RFB’s haven’t been more popular is that they were simply too expensive for the average consumer. While there’s still no shortage of choices at the high end, we are seeing some

extremely powerful units with solid optics at price points many will find more palatable. Vortex and Sig Sauer Electro Optics are producing good options in the $1200 range and Bushnell’s 1-Mile ARC has settled into the $950 range after several years on the market. New pressure from this market segment may bring some of the prices down at the high end, and higher volume should invite even more competition and options in the future. The long-range shooting craze will undoubtedly continue to drive demand for better rangefinders with built-in ballistic solvers and it’s a good bet that we’ll see more good BRF options emerge from other manufacturers in the near future.

— Western Hunter 2019 Rangefinding Binocular Options — Brand

Bushnell

Vortex

Sig Sauer

Swarovski

Leica

Zeiss

Model

Victory RF

Fusion 1-Mile ARC

Fury HD 5000

Kilo 3000 BDX

EL Range

Geovid HD-B 3000

Typical Street Price

$925

$1,299

$1,199 (10x42)

$3,299

$2,999 (10x42)

$3,550

Power (x) Obj. Dia.

10x42, 12x50

10x42

8x42, 10x42

10x42, 8x42, 8x56

8 &10x42, 8 &10x54

Angle Compensation

YES

Ballistic Calculations

YES

Temp/Pressure Sensors

NO*

YES

Laser Range/ Ballistic Max

10–2760 yd/ 800 yd

5–5000 yd/ NA

5–3200 yd/ 800 yd (3200 w/Kestrel*)

33–1500 yd/ NA

10–3000 yd/ 1000 yd

16–2500 yd/ 2500 yd

Listed Weight 10x42

31 oz.

32.3 oz.

31 oz.

34.5 oz w/battery

32.3 oz

Laser Beam Divergence

1.5 x 3.0 MRAD

1.5 x 0.1 MRAD

1.3 x 0.5 MRAD

1.5 x 0.5 MRAD

1.2 x 0.5 MRAD

1.6 x 0.5 MRAD

FOV @ 1000 yds

305 ft.

321.5 ft.

320 ft.

330 ft.

374 ft.

345 ft.

Case Included?

YES

YES (Bino chest harness)

YES

Threads for Tripod Adapter?

YES

NO, use Swaro’s UTA or send to the Outdoorsmans to install tripod stud.

NO, use Leica 42220 Tripod Adapter

Notable Features

Uses 8 ballistic profiles to approximate rifle ballistics. Holdover solutions in MOA or MIL. Archery mode to provide horizontal distance between 10 and 99 yards max, “brush” mode helps filter out brush. Value++

Legendary optics, Scan/Best/Last Target *3000 BDX pairs with minimum range is ranging modes, LOS or & displays solution in 33+ yd, no on-board HCD distance modes, BDX rifle scopes. Also ballistics. Lightweight, includes bino harness pairs w/Kestrel AB and farthest ranging model (sold separately) proven EL design, well balanced. Very good capability, combined to display ballistic drop/ warranty service. with great optics at windage up to 3000 yd the price point. with Kestrel atmospheric Excellent lifetime data and ballistic solver. warranty service. Good value and add-on capabilities.

Exceptional optics, great laser. Use 12 embedded ballistic profiles or upload custom profiles using Leica computer app and micro SD card – can’t update on the fly. Holdover, EHR, or MOA, nice ergonomics.

Only FL lens elements in the class, nice ballistic package. Right/Left hand compatible w/dual ranging buttons, free ballistic app uploads ballistic profiles via bluetooth link, MIL/MOA or horizontal range.

Warranty Optics/ Electronics

2 Years

5 Years/ 3 Years

Lifetime Ltd/ 5 Years

info@westernhunter.net

Lifetime VIP

Infinite/ 5 Years

10 Years/ 2 Years

WESTERN HUNTER

Gear for the Western Hunter Within Reach Bushnell: Bushnell offers arguably the best value in RFB’s with their Fusion 1-Mile ARC models. They are due for an update, but they still offer reliable performance that will cover most hunters. The rangefinder will hit reflective objects at the advertised 1-Mile range, and non-reflective targets like deer to about 550 yards. Their Elite 1-Mile ConX stand-alone rangefinder will link to Kestrel ConX weather stations and provide superior ballistic calculations and allow upload of custom ballistic profiles. Look for this type of functionality in the next generation of 1-Mile Arc binoculars soon. Vortex: Vortex has updated their existing Fury HD rangefinding binocular with a more powerful, precise laser and faster internal processor which stretches its reach to 5,000 yards! That’s five times the distance most people will ever shoot their longrange rifles...even in practice. The Fury HD 5000 model is more responsive than its predecessor, so you won’t be waiting for that range to pop up. The 5000-yard capability is class-leading and the optics of the Fury HD are approaching the quality of the high-end competitors from Europe. A robust ballistics package would elevate this model easily to the best value in class as the rangefinder and optics combination excels. You’ll likely never need to shoot 5000 yards, or as far as any of these units are capable of, but it’s nice to have the extra reach when trying to plan a stalk from across canyons in big, open country. The Fury HD 5000 will return ranges on nonreflective hillsides beyond a mile 100% of the time. I’ve ranged slender objects like telephone poles and leafless tree branches on distant horizons beyond 2000 yards. The Fury HD easily picks up a skylined strand of barbed wire or antler tip at bowhunting ranges and results are virtually instantaneous. The “Last”target mode helps filter out grass and branches between you and your intended target. This is a critical feature for spot-and-stalk hunters, and those who hunt brushy country on the ground with their quarry.

BUSHNELL FUSION 1-MILE ARC

Bushnell’s ARC has been a good value with solid performance in the BRF market since its introduction. The Vortex Fury HD 5000 has a class-leading rangefinder that will range into the next zip code. Nice glass and the best warranty in the business make the Fury HD 5000 a great choice.

VORTEX FURY HD 5000

Sig Sauer: The Sig KILO 3000 BDX is an exciting new model that hit the market after SHOT 2019. I have a fair bit of experience with Sig’s handheld rangefinders and I’ve hunted with their new BDX system. Their rangefinders are impressive in the field and live up to their claims. SIG SAUER KILO 3000 BDX

The KILO 3000 BDX is the latest addition to the lineup and is Sig’s first entry to the RFB market. The KILO 3000 communicates with all BDX-enabled riflescopes. The KILO ranges and calculates a shooting solution with an onboard version of Applied Ballistics Lite software. The shooting solution is sent to the BDX riflescope via Bluetooth. A dot lights up on the reticle indicating the holdover for the distance ranged. Wind dots also show up depending on the wind value programmed into the rangefinder. The onboard ballistic app is limited to 800 yards, but when paired over Bluetooth with Kestrel or Garmin devices running Applied Ballistics Elite, the KILO will provide solutions for anything that the KILO 3000 BDX can range with its reported 3200-yard reach. A good combination to go with the 3000 BDX is a matching Sig Sierra 3 BDX riflescope and possibly the compatible Kestrel or Garmin shooting ballistic units, especially if you’re a serious longrange shooter.

The KILO 3000 BDX is Sig’s latest member of the BDX rangefinder family and is their first entry into the RFB market. The BDX rangefinders and binoculars link with compatible BDX riflescopes, displaying the solution via a lit point on the scope’s reticle.

WESTERN HUNTER

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The Tripod That Won The West. Using binoculars or a spotting scope without a tripod in 2018 is as questionable as muzzleloading a rifle after 1873. You can get the job done, but once you’ve felt the difference, it’s almost impossible to go back. No matter how steady you think your hands are, nothing beats the view from a rock solid platform. The Outdoorsmans tripod is the only one built specifically for the demands of western hunting, and has been put to the test all over the world. Become a one-man glassing army with the most hardcore tripod on the market.

10 0 % B I L L E T

ALUMINUM

EASY USE

LEVER LOCKS

MULTIPLE

HEIGHT OPTIONS

OUTDOORSMANS.COM 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 91 - 8 0 6 5

OUTDOORSMANS.COM

1 - 8 0 0 - 2 91 - 8 0 6 5

Gear for the Western Hunter High End At the high end, you’ll find three of the most respected optics brands in the hunting industry. I doubt anyone would have complaints about looking through any of these binoculars as they’re all stunningly bright and clear edge-to-edge, with uncompromising contrast, quality, and color rendition. Leica: Despite its $2999 retail price, Leica’s Geovid HD-B 3000 model is one of the best values at the high end. The HD-B is priced competitively amongst its peers and has the added benefit that comes with more than 25 years of Geovid ranging technology and experience. The HD-B interface to load custom ballistic profiles is effective and accurate once configured and loaded via the micro SD card. Leica’s built-in atmospheric compensation is is an excellent feature for mountain hunters and flatlanders alike that allows the HD-B 3000 to compensate for temperature and elevation changes in the ballistic calculations. Currently the HD-B 3000 will provide ballistic solutions out to 1000 yards. Leica introduced a new handheld rangefinder at SHOT, the CRF 2800.COM, that is programmed via mobile app and configured via Bluetooth. It can also link with Kestrel devices running Applied Ballistics Elite to provide more accurate solutions at extended ranges. Look for that technology to make its way into Leica’s HD-B line next year. Zeiss: Zeiss offers the Victory RF in four models. The rangefinder, onboard ballistic engine, and atmospheric sensors accurately calculate and display shooting solutions out to 2500 yards as inches, or traditional MOA & MIL/MRAD holdovers.

LEICA GEOVID HD-B 3000

Leica’s Geovid HD-B is a beautifully designed optical wonder with atmospheric sensing and ballistics capabilities.

The one annoyance is that it doesn’t currently display windage holds in the display, so you’ll have to look back to the mobile app for that critical piece of info. Hopefully the windage issue can be remedied via firmware updates. Zeiss uses a simpler method for updating profiles and syncing via a smartphone. This is a substantial improvement over an SD card or navigating menus in the display as required for many range-

ZEISS VICTORY RF

The Victory RF lineup is an excellent option at the high end of the spectrum that sets the bar currently for this group when considering all factors. It’s also the most expensive of the group.

WESTERN HUNTER

finders. The glass in the Victory RF is as good as it gets, with fluorite lens elements that minimize color aberrations. Swarovski: Swarovski’s EL Range is a bit lost in the current U.S. bowhunting and long-range shooting landscape. The EL glass is legendary, and the EL’s design is an efficient work of art that feels like it was built around the hand of a hunter. However, the EL Range models only range down to 33 yards, and that’s an issue for most bowhunters who need short-range readings for tree-stand hunting and prefer to see range readouts to 0.1-yard increments for target archery. The EL Range does not incorporate ballistic functions or atmospheric sensors currently and is seemingly overdue for a major electronics update.

SWAROVSKI EL RANGE

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Gear for the Western Hunter SWAROVSKI dS RIFLESCOPE

Swarovski has not been asleep at the wheel; they have been preoccupied with reinventing the rangefinding riflescope. The Swarovski dS was introduced at SHOT 2019. The dS scope features a built-in rangefinder with onboard ballistics and atmospheric sensors. The shooter ranges the animal by aiming the laser with the scope’s static reticle and pushing the range button to activate the rangefinder on the scope’s housing. The ballistic holdover and windage solution is displayed by illuminating a new horizontal line in the scope with vertical hash marks for two wind speeds (5 & 10 mph or 10 & 20 mph) as pre-selected by the user. The ballistic profile and settings are configured using the dS Configurator mobile app and settings are uploaded directly to the scope via Bluetooth. This allows for tuning the ballistic profile at the range or in the field. Swarovski’s unique approach is one that will appeal to many hunters, especially those who subscribe to a one-gun approach to hunting all game.

The dS scope’s rangefinder is expected to match the EL Range’s capabilities of 33-1500 yards. The scope can display solutions out to approximately 1120 yards depending on the zero range, velocity, and BC of the bullet.

Careful Consideration The number of new developments in the rangefinder and rangefinding binocular market should continue at a steady clip until most brands have a line flush with options. If you’re in the market for a new rangefinder or binoculars, review the features, specifications, and price points to determine which products match up best with your needs. Consider which models have adopted modern interfaces and next-level ballistic technologies that can help you be more efficient and ethical in harvesting game. I think you’ll find that many of today’s rangefinding binoculars pack a ton of utility into a single solution that can simplify your gear and perform well in almost any hunting conditions.

CRF-2800.COM, Kestrel AB-Elite 5700, Garmin 701: Applied Ballistics, led by renowned ballistician and bullet designer Bryan Litz, is responsible for industry-leading ballistic calculators found in many of today’s more advanced ballistic tools including the Garmin Foretrex 701 Ballistic Edition and Kestrel 5700 Elite AB. Several ranging platforms already link with these devices to provide superior, atmospherically-compensated ballistic solutions and the list is growing rapidly.

WESTERN HUNTER

Swarovski’s engineers have been hard at work reinventing the riflescope as we know it with the new dS, featuring built-in rangefinding and ballistic capabilities.

p ATN ATN was founded in 1995 and is a leader in digital smart optics for day and night operation, as well as smart thermal imaging optics. ATN introduced several new products at SHOT 2019 including 4K Digital binoculars with the BinoX 4K 4-16x65 model that features a built-in rangefinder and ballistic information exchange (BIX) that links to their BIX-enabled riflescopes. They can record video at resolutions up to 1080HD to micro SD cards with 4-64 GB of storage and operate up to 20 hours on a charge. The binoculars also feature a built-in infrared light source, allowing the digital sensor to “see”, range, and record video in the dark. The rangefinder will range between 5 and 1000 yards. The binoculars can also stream video to iOS and Android devices so your partners can see what you see on their phone screen. ATN offers a wide range of riflescope, binocular, rangefinder, and thermal-imaging products.

ATN BinoX 4K Digital Binocular

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WESTERN HUNTER MAGAZINE

GEAR & PRODUCT p HIGHLIGHTS

Kuiu Youth Hunting Clothing By Ryan Hatfield, Editor

outh hunters have always suffered the most in terms of proper comfort, forced to either wear oversized, bulky hand-me-downs or lousy cotton kids’ clothing not meant for true, tough hunting conditions. It’s a critical time frame, because they need to enjoy and build positive early outdoor experiences; yet they head out into the cold somewhat ill-prepared. Well, finally, those days are over. Kuiu has stepped forward with a great new kids’ hunting lineup that will allow youth to have a much more comfortable, positive experience. Anchored by the Rubicon Hooded Jacket (similar to the adult Guide DCS Jacket), Reversible Versa Hooded Insulated Jacket, and Sierra Pant, this layering system will accommodate nearly any need. Also included are the Enduro Long-Sleeve Crew base layer, Peloton 240 Beanie, and more. While not “cheap”, they are offered at a truly fair price more than worth the investment.

PELOTON BEANIE

RUBICON JACKET

Cost: Rubicon Jacket – $119; Versa Jacket – $139; Sierra Pant – $89; Enduro LS Crew – $39; Peloton Beanie – $29; Icon Cap – $16; Flexfit Air Mesh Delta Cap – $24.

SIERRA PANT

Contact: www.kuiu.com.

VERSA JACKET

FLEXFIT AIR MESH DELTA CAP

ENDURO LS CREW ICON CAP

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GEAR & PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

NEW GEAR AND PRODUCT INFORMATION

Outdoorsmans BTX Balance Rail

Outdoorsmans Fluid Head

By Dave Bond, Field Editor

By Chris Denham, Hunting Editor

he Outdoorsmans BTX Balance Rail was designed specifically for the Swarovski ATX/STX 85mm and 95mm objective lenses with the BTX dual eyepiece attached. It’s actually 3-D printed from a Kevlar-based compound and weighs only 2.75 oz.! The balance rail is right at 8" long with Arcus Swiss rail grooves over the entire length. Once mounted to the BTX, you can slide the system backward or forward over the tripod head until you find the perfect balance point. When properly balanced, you’ll notice that there is less vibration, especially with any wind. There are four threaded adapter holes in the bottom for standard adapter plates as well. If you’re hunting with a large spotting scope (80mm or larger) and a lightweight tripod, a balance rail will help. The Outdoorsmans has multiple options for any tripod/spotting scope combination. Cost: $149. Contact: www.outdoorsmans.com 800-291-8065

’ve been waiting almost a year to tell you about this new tripod head! I was fortunate enough to use a prototype during most of last hunting season and fell in love with it. As with all Outdoorsmans machined products, the Fluid Head is made in Arizona. Unlike any tripod head that I’m aware of, every single part is machined aluminum – no plastic parts anywhere. The modular design gives their engineers a great platform for creativity, so look for more options in the future. This is a large head similar in size to the Manfrotto 500 AH video head, but it’s a full half-pound lighter. It comes with two sets of jaws, one to accommodate Arca Swiss adapter plates and the other for standard Manfrotto plates. As the name implies, this is a true fluid head, complete with fluid pockets for silky smooth pan and tilt motion. There are four separate threaded holes for the handle. The vertical adjustment has a full half turn until full lockout, so even the largest spotting scope handles with ease. I used the new Fluid Head with a Swarovski BTX mounted to a 95mm objective lens. I liked this system on the smaller Outdoorsmans Pan Head, but it turned into a love affair with the Fluid Head. At $699.99, I get it; this is not a cheap head. However, it is extremely high quality and will serve you well for many, many years. Cost: $699.99. Contact: www.outdoorsmans.com.

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GEAR & PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

NEW GEAR AND PRODUCT INFORMATION

Alpacka Raft’s “Mule” Packraft By Ryan Hatfield, Editor

lpacka has been in the packraft business since they build their first one in a basement in Chugiak, Alaska in 2000. Now located in Mancos, Colorado, their nearly 20 years of experience has created quite the lineup of portable packrafts. New on the market is the Mule – a sweet 7-lb.+ model that is ideal for sportsmen looking to strategically gain an advantage. With a load limit of 500 lbs. (under ideal conditions), this is a perfect, versatile model you can throw into your pack to get you through some deep water crossings, downriver a fair distance, and get you away from the crowds – and still get your buck, yourself, and your gear back home. These are durable, well-designed, and dependable units. And while they can be a great option to consider, they have their own risks. Always have some sort of personal floatation device and a good plan should something fail. Lastly, don’t get in over your head. Use common sense and your better judgment to not take on water or situations that you aren’t personally prepared for. With that said, let’s take a closer look.

Build Configurations Open: The simplest, lightest, and most economical. Perfect for conditions where you don’t need the extra protection and performance of a spray deck or self-bailer. Cruiser deck: Ideal for paddling easy waters. It functions as a splash guard. Whitewater Deck: Not available as a standard option but is available as a custom order. Removable WW Deck: Maximizes versatility; functions like a breakdown kayak-style deck; features a large cockpit, onepiece pex coaming, and ultralight spray skirt. Drier than the Cruiser Deck, but not as dry as the standard Whitewater Deck in waves/splashes/whitewater. Self-Bailer: Ideal for warmer climates, frequent entry/exit; features a lightweight 3/4-length seat protected by a sleeve and a heavy-duty baffled foot brace that keeps your feet up out of the water. Cargo Fly Zipper: This configuration features an airtight zipper installed in the stern to load your gear inside the tubes. It’s a great way to maximize storage capabilities when space really matters most. It’s drier and more secure for gear storage and it improves paddling due to a lower center of gravity.

Hull Standard: 210-denier high-count nylon. Single-side laminated with pigmented polyurethane film. Vectran: High-performance liquid crystal polymer yarn (five times stronger than steel) in 200-denier and 400-denier options. It has a higher tear strength and rigidity than nylon, but it’s more susceptible to scrapes and pinholes.

Floor & Seat The floor is an 840-denier ballistics nylon. It’s also laminated with polyurethane on both sides. The seat is a 200-denier oxford nylon with single-side polyurethane laminate.

Specs Following are all the necessary specs. As you can see, weight and space makes this a great, versatile choice. Exterior length: 8' 4". Exterior width: 3' 2". Interior length: 4' 4". Interior width: 15.5" Max capacity: 500 lbs. (total weight including occupant and cargo that can reasonably be carried in flatwater under ideal conditions. Weight: 7.0 – 9.1 lbs. depending on build. Packed size: 18" x 7" – 18 " x 8.5" Includes: Inflation bag, stuff sack, and repair kit. Not included but necessary and highly recommended: a quality paddle and personal floatation device. Colors: Green, red, multi-color. Cost: $925-$1875 depending on build. Contact: www.alpackaraft.com. MULE PACKRAFT

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The Mule packed and ready to go next to an MSR stove for size comparison.

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Telluride Baseball Camp Softball Camp (ages 5-18) July 22-25, 2019

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NEW 2019 “ Mini Me” – 1/3 Scale ELK

Developed to allow everyone the chance to practice for the elk hunting trip of their dreams in the comfort of their backyard. Anatomically reduced to 1/3 the scale of a simulated 600 pound bull elk, shots taken at 20 yards are equivlent to a 60 yard shot in the field.

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WESTERN HUNTER MAGAZINE

p By Ryan Hatfield, Editor

Industry-changing gear that stands the test of time

SITKA Gear and the ·‚% Jacket

Ben Potter

n a cold September morning high up on the mountain, two hunters were soaking wet from sleet, sweat, and cold. They were completely fed up with gear that was clearly not up to the task. Under the shelter of a gnarled whitebark pine, the question was achingly clear: why was hunting gear so inadequate? It surely wasn’t because hunters don’t require technical gear. After all, hunters find themselves in some of the most remote places and extreme weather and situations of anyone on the planet. Some of the necessary technology had been brought to the mountaineering and skiing world, but hunters had been seemingly left out. The answer was not nearly so simple as hunters wearing mountaineering gear. Many hunters throughout the years had similar thoughts and frustrations, and likely many of them had ideas about how to bring the two worlds together. The difference was, with SITKA, it finally actually happened. Thus, SITKA Gear was born in 2005.

s gear legends past honorees

• Swarovski SLC Binoculars • Kenetrek Mountain Extreme Boots • First Lite Merino Wool • Leupold Gold Ring Riflescopes • Montana Decoy Elk Decoys • Buck Knives Model 119 • Remington Model 700 • Danner Pronghorns • Nosler Partition • FoxPro Electronic Game Calls • Outdoorsmans Tripod System • Carlton Calls

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The original SITKA 90% Jacket in Mothwing camo.

One of the original thoroughbreds of the original SITKA performance line was the 90% Jacket. It was a breakthrough piece of performance hunting gear that ran from 2007 to 2016 – a huge block of time for a singular piece of clothing. Along with the rest of the SITKA line in that time frame, hunters finally could hunt not only in comfort, but also stay out longer and better equipped in inclement weather conditions.

The 90% Jacket provided a versatile and functional mid-to-late season outerwear layer. It was lightweight, quiet, and provided superior protection from the elements. The body-mapped grid-fleece technology allowed maximum warm for minimum weight. Taped seams reduced bulk and provided that much more protection and longevity. It was a victory for the hunting world and all hunters who demanded more. In 2016, the 90% Jacket was finally phased out in favor of the new Mountain Jacket, ending the original titan’s run. The Mountain Jacket incorporates the same leading-edge philosophy while adding an upgraded face textile, a new brushed face with DWR, and Gore Windstopper technology.

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Sitka Mountain Jacket

Craig Temple

The Mountain Jacket has a brushed polyester face with polyester brushed tricot interior and has two zippered hand pockets designed to fit above a backpack’s waist belt.

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WESTERN HUNTER MAGAZINE

NEXT-LEVEL TACTICS

The Blueprint for Part 2: Instincts of Man and Deer

Mike Duplan

hunting editor

WESTERN HUNTER

n the last issue of Western Hunter, I talked about finding areas and places where mule deer bucks might experience less hunting pressure and environmental factors to get some age. Outwitting a mature mule deer buck is high on many hunters’ bucket lists. Here are some tips and ideas to narrow down your unit to more manageable chunks and eliminate those days of simply taking your bow or rifle for a hike. Also in the last issue, Nate Simmons wrote an entire article on “Picking a Hunting Spot.” It’s a fantastic look at the nuts and bolts of how Nate goes about it, in a very methodical way. I use some of Nate’s tool and methods, but I also rely on my own internal hard drive of hunting experience.

Barstool Psychobabble? When you do something long enough, you develop experience. Experience isn’t just a black and white set of knowledge and values; it’s also an ac-

Mike Duplan

Mule Deer cumulation of references to times and events that shape how we view upcoming events, situations, and challenges. A subconscious intuition starts to take hold. Most often, we have a bias of sorts that helps steer the direction or plan we take and it’s most often that way because of a strong positive or negative experience associated with it. If this sounds like me dabbling in barstool psychobabble, trust me when I say there is something to this. If I have hunted a certain type of terrain or geographical feature and have had success, I might be looking for similar places – either consciously or subconsciously. A north-facing aspect with an aspen patch, timber stringers, and a sagebrush ridge top will immediately grab my attention for those reasons. Conversely, a canyon with heavy timber and few openings will cause me to shy away, because I know that for a spot-and-stalk mule deer hunter, it’s a fool’s game with very little chance for success. www.westernhunter.net

Case Study Hunters tend to gravitate toward obvious access points like the end of a road penetrating deep into national forest, up a drainage, or a trailhead with good parking and access. A trailhead near my house has many vehicles parked at it for the openers of all hunting seasons available. Hunters park, walk up the trails for usually one or two miles, and spread out from there. Meanwhile, a mile down the road is national forest land that touches the highway and has no parking or trailhead access. I killed a 30" Boone & Crockett mule deer less than a mile from the highway because I hunted a spot that was overlooked, inconvenient to hunt, and it required a 400-yard climb up a really steep hill right off the road. The buck was there because it had good habitat and was a place that had very little human activity other than the rare hunter who wandered in there on the way back from hunting somewhere else.

Mike Duplan

Refining how and where we want to hunt is part art, part science in that we need to not only consider the natural tendencies of hunters and how we move about and access places, but also how animals react. This narrowing down of a unit essentially creates an element of efficiency in hunting and can save valuable days. This is especially important on very short season dates, like a 4th season Colorado mule deer tag that is five days long. Mule deer have a level of tolerance for a certain amount of human disturbance. The older a buck gets, the less tolerant he becomes to human scent, sounds, and activities. In Colorado, the population has skyrocketed in the last two decades and summer recreationalists are literally all over the mountains in the months leading up to hunting season. Most alpine basins that have destination lakes have very few deer in them, because for years, deer have been displaced and have just learned to avoid these places.

I chose that spot because I had seen deer from the road and also figured it was the right combination of a few situations that could lead to a hidden gem. It came to me in a more instinctual than analytical way, but to break it down, there was a combination of factors that led to a successful outcome. 1) No official designated access like a trailhead or access road. 2) Obvious accesses within a mile in each direction that hunters naturally gravitate to. 3) An immediate physical barrier or difficult land feature was encountered in a very steep hillside with broken timber. 4) Deer were present there because they were relatively undisturbed by hunters. 5) It was early November and deer were moving through transition ranges and being bumped by hunters from more accessible locations. 6) A light snowfall in early November increased buck movements and activity as they prepared for the rut. Gravitating toward such a spot comes naturally to me now, but it was the result of many, many lumps on the head from the school of hard knocks. For me, failure has always been more of a learning tool than success, and when I reflect on why I have had those long winter off-seasons thinking about the one that got away, it usually has to do with not trying hard enough.

THE EDGE The Complete Approach to Hunting Mountain Mule Deer BY DAVID LONG & MIKE DUPLAN

29.95

$ Barring extreme luck, bucks like these are not taken in areas that are easy to access or in funnels where people commonly access. Focus on inconvenient, overlooked areas instead.

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order your copy today at www.westernhunter.net

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Separation Comes in Many Forms Separating yourself from the crowd isn’t always about sheer distance, but also time and inconvenience. Getting up and hiking to be in an area at first light is different than slowly making your way there to arrive midday when any self-respecting buck is tucked away in a timbered fortress. Knowing where and how to access the less obvious places takes effort and requires scouting. This is about scouting for locations that have the right ingredients, not just simply looking for deer. When scouting new and unfamiliar country from the road and the ground, it’s a good idea to arrive a few days early to get a feel for access points and see where other hunters are setting up to hunt. Think about the most obvious places hunters will want to go. From there, you can get an understanding of how hunting pressure has and will displace animals to places of better refuge and also suitable habitat. When I was younger, I found myself using my imagination when trying to find bucks and imposing what was probably unrealistic thinking abilities to them. While it’s likely that mule deer have limited cognitive ability, it’s more realistic to assume that they are a wild prey animal that is instinctive and reactionary to the world they live in. They react to danger by hiding or creating distance. I would hunt places where I thought big bucks would go to hide, but I wouldn’t find a deer track. Of course, my approach was based on the semifictional words of some outdoors writers who probably dabbled in some hunting yarn hyperbole. I learned that deer need to eat quality food and will want to do that in the weeks leading up to winter, which coincidentally is also hunting season. Now I hunt in good habitat that hunters overlook or is difficult to access.

Example #2 Two years ago, I decided to hunt a spot that I hadn’t hunted in well over a decade. This decision was driven by a lack of success where I was hunting and probably a bit of nostalgia on my part, wondering if I could recreate some similar magic when I took a really nice buck in the same spot years ago. This spot was a small sagebrush basin out of sight from the road in a somewhat obscure spot. It has a bit of a funnel effect in that is has two drainages coming together and spilling out onto rut and winter range. It wasn’t a very large chunk of public land and the hunt would essentially be immediately over if there wasn’t a buck in that spot. The big limiting factor was that all the area above the basin was private land I didn’t have access to. The spot also wasn’t that productive since the best habitat was on private and there wasn’t enough hunting pressure to effectively displace them. Plus, the weather was t-shirt warm and deer just weren’t moving much during the day. 66

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The author and his long-time hunting partner, Mike Messier, with his ancient and burly buck taken in a place they hadn’t hunted previously. The buck was following a group of does in Colorado’s 3rd rifle season after a fresh snowfall. Weather can trigger a buck to suddenly drop his guard and look for does.

When I got to the spot that overlooked this 3/4-mile-wide basin, I sat down to glass the area. The morning had a layer of thin clouds and the light was flat. Deer wouldn’t stand out very well in the gray light and gray sagebrush. A few minutes into the glassing session, I spotted a white face in the sagebrush on the opposite side of the small basin. It soon materialized into a mature mule deer buck with a body like a 55-gallon drum. The buck was browsing and also occasionally rubbing his antlers as he worked along the hillside above a rim of sandstone. The buck appeared wide

with good mass but had small forks and a 3x4 configuration. A prototypical Boone & Crockett buck he was not, but he was clearly a very mature, olderage-class buck and is the kind of deer I’m looking for at this point in my life. It was a good situation, because I felt like the buck would probably soon bed down on one of the north-facing aspects of the small brushy draws. Unfortunately, the only caveat was that the buck was solidly on private land and I felt like he was in a position to move farther onto private rather than come closer onto public. www.westernhunter.net

Conquer the Mountains Made right here in Arizona, the Outdoorsmans Fluid Head was built to conquer the mountains of the Western United States. At just over 23 ounces, the days of choosing between quality gear and a back-breaking hike are over. Glassing at higher magnification has never been easier with the fluid motion of this head. The arca-swiss footprint works perfectly with a balance rail. Simply put, you won’t find a better head for your spotter.

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The author’s 2017 buck, taken in a somewhat overlooked spot that was productive on this morning as the buck was shortcutting across a sagebrush basin enroute to a secure bedding location.

After 20 minutes of browsing and rubbing, the buck was standing above a gap in the rimrock at a spot where there appeared to be a trail leading down. He was staring and surveying the area below and in between us, looking for other deer. There were plenty of does around and it appeared that he had worked himself up a little with all the antler rubbing and raking he had been doing. The buck dropped down through the gap in the rim and started walking straight downhill toward the fence. He jumped the fence and was now on public land, but I hadn’t expected it to work out this well or so quickly. Thus, I was sitting, exposed on a hillside facing him without much cover to hide my movement. Additionally, he was well out of range. I had to wait until the buck was moving away or was distracted, since he would easily see me if I got up and moved. This mule deer had made a mistake and was taking a shortcut across public land to another canyon mouth that was back on private. Maybe it was some early rut or just the lazy efficiency of a mature buck that doesn’t know land boundaries like 68

WESTERN HUNTER

we do. Either way, he disappeared behind a small ridge and I hustled over to try and intercept him. Easing up over the edge of this small ridgeline, I could see the buck below me at less than 100 yards. He stopped and looked, seeing my skylined movement. One well-placed shot in the vitals ended the morning hunt. Walking up to this buck, I marveled at his body size, admired his sleek and shiny fall cape, and felt good about what had just happened. There is always luck involved when hunting anything. For this hunt, my success was based on referencing the random hard drive of mule deer knowledge that I carry in my subconscious and also by hunting a spot that hunters generally avoided which also appealed to mule deer. Following the crowd will not separate you from the crowd. Use your maps and tools to locate places that might be interesting and promising, but you should also use you head and think outside the box. The next mule deer you put in your pack might be in a spot that takes some creativity to discover.

The author’s buck is 29 inches wide and shows the physical signs of a fully mature mule deer in his prime, with mass and character.

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WESTERN HUNTER MAGAZINE

NEXT-LEVEL TACTICS

Deer Slam Chasing a deer slam on over-the-counter tags

Remi Warren

hunting editor

WESTERN HUNTER

orth America is home to a variety of big game, but none are more widely hunted than deer. As you take a closer look at deer regionally, you find the various species of deer available to hunt are wildly different. Physical characteristics change, as does terrain, vegetation, and tactics. These differences are what make chasing a deer slam such a challenge. Completing it is a great testament to your skills as a hunter. I used to refer to a deer slam as the slam you can afford, unlike hunting all the species of sheep, which may require a guide and steep costs. A deer slam can be completed on public land, unguided, and with OTC tags. North American deer can be broken down into five main species: mule deer, whitetail deer, Coues deer, Columbia blacktail deer, and Sitka blacktail deer. While most hunters are very familiar with mule deer and whitetail, Coues and blacktail hunts are less in the spotlight. Their distribution is restricted to a few states and areas, making it a special trip for most hunters. I first became interested in the idea of a deer slam in college. The idea of trying different hunts intrigued me. I set out with the intent to take one of each species with both a gun and bow. With a little research, I found that this could all be done on (OTC) tags on public land.

Having taken both mule deer and whitetails in various places already, I chose to first investigate Columbia blacktails in California, followed by Coues deer in Arizona, and finally Sitka blacktails on Alaska’s Kodiak Island. Over the course of a few trips and a few years, I was able to complete my slam on DIY OTC hunts. I’ll lay out a few of the places to start looking for tags for the three lesser hunted species, as well as some tips for hunting them. Chasing the five species of deer is a ton of fun and an obtainable goal for most dedicated hunters. The hunts provide a ton of new adventure and really test your skills as a hunter.

Coues Deer Species profile: These small desert-dwelling whitetails are found in the mountains of southern Arizona, New Mexico, and south of the border in Mexico. They stand anywhere from 30"-37" at the shoulder and generally weigh less than 100 lbs., with some of the bigger mature deer breaking the 100-lb. mark. They rut from late December through January. This is often the best time to chase them as they can be incredibly hard to locate at other times of year. Tag cost (AZ): Nonresident hunting license – $160; deer tag – $300 (archery) or $315 (rifle). www.westernhunter.net

Location and OTC tag options: In Arizona, most areas have multiple seasons: early, middle, late, and rut hunt. The first three seasons have easierto-obtain tags, with many of the units or dates being 100% draw odds. Often, tags are available as third and fourth-choice draws, with a few tags being available OTC on a first-come/first-served basis after the draw. Most the leftover OTC tags are for areas near the Mexico border during the October season. Remaining tags can be obtained after draw results are available from a regional Game and Fish Department or by submitting an application. Archery Coues deer tags are available OTC at any time. The tags are good for the calendar year, with multiple open periods to hunt.You should look up the unit you’ll be hunting for exact season dates, but as an outline, the seasons generally start January 1-31, then open again Aug. 23 – Sept. 12, and again Dec. 13-30. You can hunt all those season dates until you harvest, but you may only harvest one deer per calendar year. Good units along the Mexico border include 29, 30A, 30B, 34A, 34B, 35A, 35B, 36B, 36C, and 37A. These are red zones and require extra caution due to high border-crossing activity. Draw tag options: Arizona’s application date is around June 10. If you’re a rifle hunter, I suggest applying for the draw rather than waiting for the OTC license. However, if you have missed the draw or just want to wait to see if you draw any other hunts, the leftover tags can be in some great units. I’ve had a lot of success in units with OTC Coues tags. New Mexico: While not OTC, Coues tags here are easily obtained for archery and muzzleloader seasons. Rifle tags during the rut can be a tough draw, but tags outside of the rut are easier to secure. New Mexico has some good deer, but lacks the number of top-end bucks found in Arizona. One of the top trophy areas tends to be Unit 22 (Burro Mountain) during the late season.

The author with a Coues buck taken in Arizona.

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Hunt tactics: Coues deer are a true spot-andstalk game, where finding them is often the hardest part. Thus, hunting is best done during the rut. The OTC archery hunt can be one of the best Coues hunts. With a long season over the best time of year, finding them is less of a challenge, but getting into bow range can prove to be difficult. Archery tags also generally include early season dates where velvet deer can be patterned and on waterholes. For rifle hunters, October seasons can be difficult to find deer. This time of year, they are hunkered down during daylight hours or living in thick cover. Lots of intense glassing is mandatory for success and good optics are a must. Concentrate on areas with thicker cover and more remote locations. Some friends and I had a lot of success on one of these hunts by hunting the more roadless areas while putting in a lot of time behind the glass. We all managed to tag decent bucks. The average success rate across all the border units outside of the rut hunts is around 25%. Plan to work hard.

A great week of Coues deer hunting with friends on the Arizona/Mexico border in an area that often has rifle tags available after the draw.

Columbia Blacktail Deer Species profile: Although Columbia blacktail are similar to mule deer, they have distinguishing characteristics that make them easy to tell apart. The full-length black tail is the most obvious. The average blacktail has an ear span of about 17 inches. They stand 3-4 feet at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 100-230 lbs. True blacktails are coastal deer and can be found in California, Oregon, and Washington. Tag cost: Total cost including nonresident license and tag: California – $468.10; Oregon – $597.50; Washington – $434.30. Location and OTC tag options: While mule deer tags in the better units are often a draw, those desiring to chase blacktails don’t have the same obstacles. Nearly all the blacktail tags across the three states include OTC tags as some of the best units available. Many of these areas have ample public land options, making this a great last-minute or post-draw hunt to plan. California: Northern California’s B-Zone is the leading trophy producer. This area holds some of the state’s highest deer populations. It’s also home to multiple national forests and wilderness areas including the Mendocino, Six Rivers, Klamath, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.

WESTERN HUNTER

A Columbia blacktail buck in California’s B-Zone.

The mountains of the northwest region have more blacktail per square mile than any other area. Hunters who work hard here can find success. BZone tags sold out last year, but are still available OTC until the quota is met. There are three tag options: A-Zone, B-Zone, and AO (archery only). The A-Zone comprises the central valley. While a lot of it is private, there is still some good public land that can be found. The A-Zone season is really early, with archery hunt dates of Jul. 13 – Aug. 4 and rifle hunt dates of Aug. 10 – Sept. 22. Most B-Zone tag areas (except B4) have hunt dates of Aug. 17 – Sept. 8 archery and Sept. 21 – Oct. 27 rifle. One of the most versatile tags is the AO. This tag allows you to hunt during the archery and general seasons in Zones A, B, and any D zone (A and B are blacktail zones).Although, you can hunt archery with either of the A or B Zone general tags and if unsuccessful, switch to rifle for the later season. The AO tag allows you to hunt multiple archery seasons in different units. You can’t use a rifle later, but you’re open to use a bow with a wide range of season dates and hunt choices including the general hunt (with a bow only). The AO tag is available OTC and hunters may have it as either a first or second tag.

Oregon: Some notable units include Applegate, Evans Creek, Melrose, Powers, Sixes, Wilamette, Chetco, and Trask. One of the best things going for Oregon blacktails is liberal seasons that offer some early hunts as well as some closer to the rut. This includes a few units with split seasons. To archery hunt, you’ll need a general archery license. The tags are weapon-specific, so you’ll have to choose. All western units have an early season of Aug. 24 – Sept. 22, and some have a late season as well with dates of Nov. 9 – Dec. 1 or Nov. 16 – Dec. 8. General rifle hunts have dates of Sept. 28 – Nov. 1 for coastal areas (true blacktails according to B&C are mostly west of I-5) while the Cascade area has dates with a split season of Sept. 28 – Oct. 11 and Oct. 19 – Nov. 1. Washington: While having fewer deer than Oregon and California, there are some great lateseason dates on general tags. General deer tags are weapon-specific, but hunters can apply and pay extra to hunt multiple weapons on the same tag, if drawn, allowing them to go both archery, muzzleloader, and rifle. Most rifle units have season dates of Oct. 1231, followed by a late general season of Nov. 14-17. Most archery hunts are Sept. 1-27, with a late archery hunt of Nov. 27 – Dec. 15 (some areas extended until Dec. 31). There are also a few general muzzleloader hunts with dates of Sept. 28 – Oct. 6 and Nov. 27 – Dec. 15. Washington has some great opportunities on the general tag for those with time or for hunters needing a wide choice of hunt dates and weapon choices. Private timberlands: While Washington and Oregon have ample public land, some of the better hunting can be gained by purchasing private timberland access. Many of these go on sale early in the year and may have a limited number of access passes available. They can range anywhere from $100-$500. For those serious at looking for a good deer, these accesses can have some great habitat, combining clearcuts with heavily forested areas. Hunt tactics: While blacktails resemble mule deer, most prime blacktail country is about as opposite from mule deer country as it gets. Thick, jungle-like rainforests, heavy cover, and limited visibility is often the norm.

The author with a blacktail taken while still hunting along a trail in California on an AO tag.

In early season, the deer will be in some of the more alpine tops of the high country. As they shed their velvet, the deer tend to transform into very secretive forest dwellers. This is part of the challenge to blacktail hunting; the wet thick terrain they inhabit can be difficult to figure out where the deer are hiding. It can also be very physically and mentally challenging. Blacktails seem to almost be nocturnal, making it challenging to turn up a good buck. Still-hunting and even tree-stand hunting tactics work well in thicker blacktail terrain. While they’re secretive, blacktails often have a very small home range. This makes them patternable and semi-predictable. Trail cameras are a great tool for hunting thicker coastal country. Once you have located the trails the deer like, it’s imperative to move slow and be patient. While many blacktails inhabit thicker country, they can also be found in the alpine as well as more open oak chaparrals. I prefer hunting them early in more glassable terrain, as it suits my personal hunting style better. In thicker forests I opt to hunt near clearcuts and other glassable openings in the morning, then still-hunting logging roads and trails midday. In early California A-Zone hunts, I’ve also had luck sitting water, as the extreme heat and dry, loud grass makes stalking difficult. In my opinion, blacktail hunting seems to be a good cross of whitetail and mule deer tactics. Spot and stalk works, but still-hunting and stand-hunting work as well. On some of the later hunts around the rut, calling and rattling can also be an effective way to hunt timbered areas. Calling may be your ticket to pulling a good buck out that you would otherwise never see.

Sitka Blacktail Deer

Open blacktail country form the central valley of California’s A-Zone.

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Species Profile: Sitka blacktails are a stockier version of Columbia blacktails. While their antlers are very small, many have large bodies, weighing from 120-200 lbs. They live in southeast Alaska on islands and around the coast. This coastal deer inhabits many old-growth forests throughout most of the year, while occupying the alpine during the summer and near the beaches during winter. www.westernhunter.net

Cruising Prince of Wales for blacktails.

Tag cost: Nonresident hunting license – $160; deer tag – $300. Location and OTC tag options: All Sitka Blacktail tags are sold OTC and you can take up to three deer (depending on where you’re hunting). OTC tags and ample public land make it an animal anyone can go after. The long distance and often remote location make it less accessible than other hunts that don’t need extra logistical steps such as a bush plane or boat drop off in a hunting location. However, there are a few blacktail seasons accessible within a road system. These areas can be great hunts and eliminate the need for a bush plane or large boat. Keep in mind, there are often special regulations in these road system areas, and access to getting a vehicle or renting a suitable vehicle may be more problematic. These hunts take place in Game Management Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8. This is southeast Alaska, Kodiak Island, and Sitka Island.

Dan Warren with a great Sitka blacktail in Alaska.

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Some of the more noted hunting areas are found on Prince of Wales Island (POW). POW offers hunters a wide range of options, including a good road system and the option to ferry to the hunting area from Seattle, for those looking to bring their own vehicles and equipment. There is some great alpine hunting above the old growth early in the season, as well as many logged clearcuts for glassing off the road system. POW has a high black bear population, but does not have brown bears like many other areas. A lot of the best bucks taken every year come from POW. Kodiak, Afognak, and Raspberry Islands are also a great option. While harder to get to, they can have some great deer hunting. The populations of these islands are in constant flux as they receive harsher weather that knocks the populations down. On the flipside, being farther north, they often grow larger deer when they have had a few favorable winters in a row. These areas have high populations of brown bears, so hunters should factor that in. The Tongass National Forest encompass nearly the entire southeast and is a great place to look as

well. POW is in this forest but don’t overlook other islands or the mainland as well. There is plenty of huntable country, especially later in the season or during the rut when deer move closer to the coast. These areas have high populations and milder winters, leading to consistent hunting year after year. Hunt tactics: The tactics for Sitka blacktails change seasonally. Generally, the deer are found at the tops in the alpine early in the season (August – September). This time of year, you’ll want to hike up to the tops and glass. They’ll feed mornings and evenings, but can hide well in the brush and alder stands. Plan on a backpack-style hunt this time of year or a lot of climbing – up to a 2000-foot climb or more daily. As the season progresses, the deer move out of the alpine and spend more time in cover during October. This can be one of the hardest times of year to find them. Still-hunting and a lot of glassing is key. It’s before the rut and many of the deer are saving their energy for breeding season. Sitka blacktail rut during November. This can be one of the best times to chase them. Many hunters employ calling with a fawn-in-distress call this time of year. Although it works well, it should be used with caution. I wouldn’t suggest calling in units that hold brown bears.

The author with a hard earned Sitka blacktail in the alpine.

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A classic later-season Sitka blacktail hunt in southeast Alaska, hunting near the beach.

In late November and December, the highest percentage of deer are taken. Heavy snows will concentrate deer down lower and often have them visible on the beaches feeding off kelp. The drawback is you may encounter severe weather. Most hunts late are done from a boat, so good weather is a key factor in success.

The cornerstone for deer hunting in the West will always be mule deer.

Mule Deer & Whitetail While most hunters have a good grasp on whitetail or mule deer hunting, I’ll outline a few OTC options for those that may be looking for a hunt for either species. There are a few great archery hunts available for hunters looking to pick up a lastminute tag, as well as a few good tags in Idaho that

The author with a whitetail taken while he was on the quest for a deer slam with a bow.

— Minimum Scores — Here is a list of the minimum Pope & Young and B&C scores for the species of deer in this article. These are to serve as a reference for comparative antler size. Species P&Y Typical Minimum

B&C Typical P&Y Non-Typical Awards/All-Time Minimum Minimums

B&C Non-Typical Awards/All-Time Minimums

Mule Deer

145

180/190

170

215/230

Whitetail

125

160/170

155

185/195

Columbia Blacktail

125/135

115

155/155

Sitka Blacktail

100/108

118/118

Coues dDeer

100/110

105/120

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can be used for either mule deer or whitetail with a rifle. Location and OTC tag options for mule deer: Oregon: Archery – Oregon has some great OTC options for archery, as the majority of the state has some form of general archery hunt available. Idaho: some decent mule deer hunting can be done with either rifle or archery on the “general” deer tag. While the dates are in the hardest part of year, there are good options and a few hunters find some great deer on these hunts. California: some great OTC tags that can be used for either rifle or archery can be found. While they are a smaller subspecies of mule deer, there is ample public land. Most of these tags will be available OTC and are valid in the D Zones, or archery hunters can pick up an AO tag and hunt multiple D Zones with a bow. The C-Zone tags can also be good and are pretty much guaranteed, but must be applied for since demand is higher. There also may be a few X-Zone tags available after the draw. Locations and OTC tag options for whitetail tags: Idaho: has whitetail-only tags that don’t sell out as fast as the general deer tag and include better rut dates. Washington: allows whitetail hunting on their general tag. Other: There are also some great states for whitetails that are easy to draw but require applying. States like Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado have great whitetail hunting but you need to plan early to get in on those hunts.

A Sure Bet Overall, a deer slam is a great goal to motivate you to try something new, check out new areas, and try new tactics. The accessibility of tags and the fact that many of these hunts can be planned after the draws makes them a great way to ensure a good hunt every year. It’s a fun way to motivate yourself to try something different and build some great memories in the field that you may have not expected. www.westernhunter.net

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Stoking the Fire What I did right and wrong in getting my kids involved in hunting

Fred Eichler

Just enjoying the outdoors is a stepping stone to getting kids excited about hunting.

hunting editor An Old Man’s Reflection

ears ago, before I was married and before kids came into my life, I was guiding an older gentleman in his mid-70s on a deer hunt. We got to talking about his family and his grown children and I asked if they liked to hunt. He explained that neither of them really liked to hunt or fish and went on to theorize it was his fault they didn’t like it.

I questioned this and he was very honest in his assessment of the things he had done wrong. He felt he had pushed them too hard trying to get them to enjoy it and therefore they didn’t enjoy it, because it was forced on them. The old man hunted with me three times for different species over the years and his failure to pass on his passion for the outdoors to his children came up every time. This was something that stuck with me, even though at the time I couldn’t completely relate. I had grown up hunting and fishing with my dad and couldn’t imagine someone not enjoying it.

History Repeating

Camping is a great way to get kids outdoors and away from video games.

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Later in my life, while trying to get my kids into hunting and fishing, I realized exactly what the old man had done. I found myself making the same mistakes he had explained to me years before. Wanting desperately to get someone you love to enjoy something as much as you do is exactly where most people make their mistake, including me. That’s where I ran into my issues when trying to get our three boys into hunting. I was convinced that if they could just see the things I have seen, could hear the things I have heard, and feel the things I have felt, there is no way they couldn’t become passionate outdoorsmen. www.westernhunter.net

PREDATOR HUNTING

FRED EICHLER, HUNTING EDITOR

The boys also learned to help after the harvest. Helping to skin and process is all part of it.

Whether hunting or trapping, when the boys were young and the weather was nice, Fred always tried to keep them involved.

So what if they may have to hike three miles in the dark up a ridge at 9,000 feet to watch the sun come up while listening for a bull to bugle, announcing his presence to all within earshot. And who wouldn’t want to help me drag duck decoys through the water with sleet pounding their face, all to huddle in the dark waiting for that first duck to come in with cupped wings. Or why would anyone not want to go hiking a few miles across the prairie with a predator call in freezing temperatures to make multiple sets, just hoping for that one coyote to get fooled into running in. Fred’s dad (grandpa) joining in the celebration of one of the boys’ first deer harvests.

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In my mind, I couldn’t even fathom someone not wanting to get up at 4 a.m. to hike into the woods and set up a turkey decoy in hope that a gobbler would come into range because of my plaintive yelps and stationary decoy. Like most outdoorsmen I know, I had seen all these amazing things, but oftentimes they were over years and after many failed attempts. That’s when amazing sunrises, sunsets, and sometimes something as simple as a hummingbird made the whole trip a success. But how could I convince three young boys to break away from video games, TV, and all the other distractions to experience what I wanted so desperately for them to appreciate. I know I often forget all the times I went home empty-handed or without ever even seeing the mammal, bird, or fish I originally went after. Still, I always had a great time.

Starting them out young and making it fun. Trent and his first frog.

Most of us come to realize that the reward is worth all the work and all the failed attempts to sometimes see something as beautiful as a gobbler in full strut with sun shining on iridescent feathers; Seth and his first archery elk. The boys learned to be proficient with all types of weapons.

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PREDATOR HUNTING

Fred’s youngest and oldest having fun shooting frogs on their pond.

p Increased Competition By Ryan Hatfield

As a father of two boys (ages 11 and 10) who already have their hunter’s education completed and have begun hunting, Fred’s article definitely resonates with me. However, I want to provide another perspective on the challenges of getting our youth into hunting. In my case, my boys both definitely want to hunt, but increased opportunities and obligations in other activities is their biggest threat. Both of my boys are athletes who compete in four sports (wrestling, football, baseball, and basketball). Between practice schedules, games, and camps, finding enough time to get consistent quality time outdoors is a real challenge. Throw in all their school obligations and their 4-H, and it’s literally a yearround hustle and struggle. Our saving grace is that we live in the mountains, so we can make quick weekend or weekday evening adventures and not have to block out significant chunks of time. However, for people in similar circumstances who live in the city, the challenge is much greater. I’ll be honest, I don’t know that I have a perfect answer. Their obligations to practices and teammates isn’t going to shrink when they enter high school. I think summers is where a lot of the answers lie to get their “outdoors fix”. Opportunities for camping, shooting, scouting, dirtbiking, fishing, and hiking will help grow their overall love of the mountains and foster their overall desire to hunt, even if deer and elk hunting during their school days is largely limited to weekends. 78

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FRED EICHLER, HUNTING EDITOR

Learning different weapons and making practice fun keeps it interesting.

Small game and air rifles are a great way to get kids started. Jeb still enjoys it today.

or a coyote that comes charging into a predator call ready to kill what it thinks is a wounded or dying animal; or to finally catch a glimpse of a bull elk in a backdrop of golden aspen leaves bugling with steam boiling from his nostrils; or to see an antelope on the prairie silhouetted against a setting sun. All these amazing things are what we want to share. Like most hunters, I know our goal is to hopefully bring something home, but in truth, it doesn’t really matter if we harvest an animal or not. Just being that close and being a participant in nature is what I desperately wanted to share with our boys. I wanted them to share the passion I had. I wanted them to become my hunting buddies and share the experiences my father and I had shared in the outdoors.

ible. When they were hungry I caught myself telling them to hold out a little longer because opening a granola bar may spook something. When they wanted to sit down and rest, I wanted them to push on so we could make the ridge before first light. In my foolish push to get them to like something, I wasn’t making it very fun. I had to change what I was doing or risk pushing them away from me and the natural world I wanted them to enjoy. So, I changed. I pretended to be fine with it if they chose to sleep in, when in truth I was crushed they didn’t want to go with me. If they were bored waiting for a whitetail to show up in a field, we would sword fight with weeds. If they were hungry, we would eat, even if it was the prime time to be hunting. If they were tired of hiking, we would sit down and take a break or a nap, even if it meant missing the hunt altogether. I tried and still try to make everything fun. While cleaning fish, I would try and show them all the cool anatomy lessons my dad used to share with me. And like my dad, if making things fun meant chasing each other with fish guts, then so be it.

A Pattern Interrupted Fortunately, it was early on when I realized I was guilty of exactly what the old man had told me he had done. When the boys were tired or cold I was the one trying to convince them to stay a little longer and maybe we would see something incred-

Different types of hunting can keep it interesting and allow kids to choose what they enjoy most.

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Here’s your objective. We’ve all heard the phrase “the right tool for the job” but we don’t hear much about why. The truth is – without a working knowledge of all the tools at your disposal, you won’t know which one is right for the task at hand. That’s why when it comes to riflescopes, not only are all Outdoorsmans staff trained by the optics manufacturers – we mount, boresight, and zero our own riflescopes with personalized ballistic data. You wouldn’t hire a clown to fix a leak in the john; so don’t rely on the big box store to point you toward the right optic. Call or visit us online and get what you need the first time so you can shoot with confidence when it matters most.

T DOOOOR RS SMMA ANNS S. C. COOMM OOU UT D

9 1- 8- 80 06 65 5 1 1- 8- 80 00 0- 2- 2 91

PREDATOR HUNTING

FRED EICHLER, HUNTING EDITOR

Make sure it’s size of the experience and not the size of the harvest that counts.

I’m not close to being a perfect father, but when I take the kids, I do continually try not to be as regimented as I often am when hunting by myself. I’m slowly realizing that quality family time outdoors is way more important than getting the kids a shot at an animal.

Lessons & Rules The things I feel my wife and I have done right were to first and foremost try not to put any pressure on them to harvest an animal. However, if they did, we made a big deal about thanking them for providing the meal we were eating. It didn’t matter if it was frog legs or a squirrel, when we would sit down to eat, we always thanked whoever provided the meal.

We also cut the kids off of technology three days a week at an early age. The rule in our house is no TV or video games Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. That was huge and kept them more engaged in other outdoor activities, whether it was hiking, shooting, riding a horse, or reading. We’ve tried to teach them respect for all animals big or small and to respect the animals they harvest by utilizing the skin, the meat, or both. We were also sticklers on teaching them to use and become proficient with multiple weapons, so they could decide what they enjoyed the most. We encouraged them to only take shots they were confident they could make out of respect for the animal. We got them engaged in learning tracks, as well as how to skin, quarter, debone, and cook their harvests.

Fred’s youngest, Trent, and his first deer.

Trent and Grandpa after a successful coyote hunt.

Generations of Life Memories

As they get older, the game gets bigger. Everyone celebrated Trent’s first elk.

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I’m proud to share with you that all three boys are active outdoorsmen. Our family vacations usually revolve around some type of outdoor activity and we are building life memories. Similarly, my father and I continue to share some of our best times together in the field. We are great friends and I feel a lot of the reason we have had and still have the relationship we do is because of a shared passion for the outdoors. I’m now sharing special times afield with my boys and my father, who at 72, is still an avid hunter.We’ve also included my 89-year-old mother-in-law, who is still hunting. My hope is that more parents can avoid the mistakes I’ve made and remember that in my humble opinion, kids will naturally gravitate to the outdoors as well as hunting and fishing if they are introduced to it correctly and without too much pressure. It’s the adults that need to avoid messing it up. www.westernhunter.net

SEASON VI

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THE HUNTING HORSEMAN

Sharing the Backcountry Best Practices, Part 2 of 2

George Bettas

hunting & conservation editor

n Part 1 of this article, I shared some examples of interactions I had with an outfitter while hunting in the Clearwater National Forest some 20 years ago. In this issue, I’ll review current situations and outline some “best practices” the DIY hunting horseman can use to avoid conflicts with outfitters who may be operating in the area you may choose to hunt. Outfitters are like any other businessperson in that they need to run a profitable operation in order to support their families and live the life they’ve chosen. The best backcountry outfitters run a good “outfit.” They have quality stock, good equipment, quality guides, and provide a high-quality service to their clients. Usually, they operate in areas where the game animals they seek are abundant enough to attract clients year after year. These outfitters run good enough operations that the occasional DIY hunter in their area doesn’t interfere with their business.

Mutual Respect If you’re a DIY hunting horseman who chooses to hunt in an area with an outfitter, it’s important to

Montana outfitter, Jack Rich, is a good friend who runs a top of the line outfit, provides his clients with excellent service and is one of the best when it comes to sharing his Bob Marshall hunting area with DIY hunting horsemen.

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keep in mind that the outfitter has the same “right” to hunt public land as you do. It’s definitely a twoway street requiring courtesy and respect from both outfitter and DIY hunters to make it work. As a DIY hunter, I give the outfitter and his clients the same respect that I expect from them. If the feelings are mutual, everybody can be happy and have quality experiences. As long as the respect is mutual, all is well. When one or both parties abandons this basic principle, the train goes off the tracks. A few years ago, I was hunting in Montana and was at the trailhead picking up a load of hay to pack into my camp. As I was organizing my packs, a truck and trailer pulled up. A couple of guys got out, unloaded some really good-looking mules and began organizing their gear. I was curious about them, as I hadn’t seen them there before, so when I had my stock and gear ready to load, I went over to say hello. It was obvious that they weren’t beginners and in a short time they had their packs organized and ready to go. Since we were going the same direction, they invited me to trail along behind them, which I did. When we got to the top of the mountain, we stopped, tied off, and took a short break before going separate ways. I commented on how well behaved their mules were and the guy who owned the outfit said, “Yeah, I’m an outfitter’s worst nightmare. I can go anywhere they go and outhunt their dudes any day of the week.” I had just met these guys, but right away knew they weren’t my “type.” Obviously, this guy had no intention of showing any respect to any outfitter. I can only imagine the conflicts he must have gotten into over the years with that attitude. On the other hand, an outfitter who doesn’t share the mutual respect principle can be a “worst nightmare” for the DIY hunter. I’ve encountered this situation every fall where I hunt in the Idaho backcountry. My hunting partner began hunting this area 20-plus years ago with no conflict with the outfitter. The area is on the border of two hunting units with different season dates and the outfitter had moved out of his camp before we arrived, so we never saw his guides or clients. This area is extremely dry, especially at higher elevations where the most strategic campsites are located. As a result, water determines where you camp with stock. www.westernhunter.net

THE HUNTING HORSEMAN

GEORGE BETTAS, HUNTING EDITOR

When we found water in a side draw off the main ridge, we knew we had found a good campsite that was strategically located. What we didn’t expect was to deal with inconsiderate behavior on the part of the guides working for the outfitter who was assigned this area.

The first year that I hunted this area, we got our bulls after a couple days and decided to use an alternate route to the main trailhead, keeping an eye out for a water source in an area where we had found no hunting pressure and lots of good bulls. I had spent a lot of time on Google Earth all winter long looking for a side draw off the main ridge that might have a water source. Sure enough, we found a spring in a great strategic location for a camp. The next fall we relocated our camp to that site and it was all that we thought it could be: a great strategic location and lots of good bulls. However, it was at the top end of where the outfitter had been hunting, and before long, conflict was in the air. We were careful to not interfere with the outfitter’s guides or clients, and in a normal year, we’d be in camp a couple days, get our bulls, and be gone. We thought it was fair that we hunt the area a few days and then leave the area to the outfitter for the remainder of the season. However, that wasn’t “good enough”. Thus, for the past decade of us hunting this area, nearly every morning the outfitter sends two guides with four clients three miles up the ridge from his base camp, past our camp, and arriving out on the ridge where we are hunting just before shooting hours. The guides are usually young guys, just out of guide school and definitely have a “bone to pick” with us. We try to avoid them, but often they come right in on top of us with their clients, disrupting our hunt and creating what I suspect is a less than desirable experience for their clients. info@westernhunter.net

We don’t confront them, but sometimes it’s impossible to avoid them. One morning, when the guides and clients arrived before shooting hours and blew all of the elk off the ridge, I had the occasion to talk with one of the guides and his clients. I

simply said, “We really want to cooperate with you and will be gone from here in a few days. What I don’t understand is why you choose to bring your clients here and attempt to hunt right on top of us when you’ve just ridden through three miles of excellent elk country.” I then looked to the four clients, who were huddled by a tree waiting for the guides to tie off their horses. I said, “You all have just paid $6000 apiece for this hunt. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t want to waste two days of my hunt coming up here to compete with local hunters who know this country intimately.” Having said that, I slipped off into the timber where my hunting partner and I both killed bulls that afternoon. In a situation like this, the DIY hunter can file a formal complaint to the USFS or the State Guide Board. Sometimes, you can work out a “shared use” agreement. Often, the outfitter who has been assigned the area will be directed to comply with whatever shared use agreement their mediator has devised. In this case, we could have filed a complaint with the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor, but for a number of reasons, we’ve made the choice to avoid any sort of confrontation and “live with it.” It has been a decade of putting up with this situation, but we still get our bulls in a few days and pull our camp, happy to have had another great hunt in spite of the situation.

Guides who choose to pit their guided clients against DIY hunters who have hunted an area for years and know the area intimately are a serious disservice to their clients who have paid for a quality backcountry experience. In situations like this, there is room for everyone to have a great hunt if respect outweighs greed, competition, and “getting there first.”

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THE HUNTING HORSEMAN

GEORGE BETTAS, HUNTING EDITOR

There are many areas throughout the national forest system that are “reserved” for the DIY hunter and purposely not assigned to outfitters. These areas are often excellent areas with quality big game populations.

Give Outfitters Space When researching a new area, the first question I ask is, “Is this area within an outfitter’s assigned hunting area?” There are many areas throughout the national forest system that are purposely not assigned to outfitters. These areas are often excellent areas with quality big game populations. If I can find areas like this, I go the next step to research campsites, hunt areas, big game populations, migration routes, etc. Registered camps in an outfitter guide permit area are critical to most outfitter operations. These camps provide better client satisfaction and provide useful information for the non-outfitted public. Because of congestion that can result, the USFS doesn’t mix camp locations among outfitted and the non-outfitted public.

If you wish to hunt an area assigned to an outfitter, a good practice is to attempt to avoid the outfitter’s camps and primary use areas. In order to do this, you need to know where these camps are located. Base camps are easy to find and since there is usually a lot of traffic into and out of these areas, I do everything I can to avoid them. Spike camps may not be so easy to locate, but the outfitter is required to register each of these camps with the Forest Service. Most USFS regional offices will provide you with this info, but I’ve found some instances where you may have to file a freedom of information act (FOIA) request. FOIA requests may be made for any reason whatsoever, with no showing of relevancy required. The purpose for which spike camp records are sought has no bearing upon the merits of the re-

I prefer to locate my camps in more remote areas, often between two guide areas. This gives the outfitters “space” for their clients and often puts me into areas with little pressure and excellent game populations.

WESTERN HUNTER

quest. Requests for info contained in an outfitter guide permit should be filed through the Forest FOIA coordinator in the area where the guide is operating. Acknowledgment of an FOIA request must be made within ten working days. See also: Freedom of Information Act and/or the Privacy Act. FSH 6209.11. Another means of giving an outfitter “space” is to locate your campsite between two outfitter areas, perhaps midway between their base camps. Often, this will put you in more remote areas with better game and less pressure as well. Creating peace and harmony among all forest users is the goal of USFS forest plans. Creating equitable use opportunities for outfitters and nonoutfitted DIY hunters is a key part of this equation. When a DIY hunter encounters problematic situations with outfitters or their camps, the following forest rules may be helpful in resolving issues and conflicts: • The outfitter is responsible for cleanup of all camps assigned to that outfitter. • Forest Plans usually establish the minimum distance outfitter camps should be located from established trails and water sources. • Water sources are particularly important and outfitter campsites should be held to the minimum needed and should not monopolize scarce water sources also needed by non-outfitted public. • Permits or outfitter operating plans must specify each structure allowed at each campsite.

Structures allowed in outfitter camps must be specified in the outfitter’s operating plan. Outfitters are responsible for maintaining their campsites and keeping them clean. This backcountry outfitter campsite hasn’t been maintained or kept clean. With today’s lack of funding of our USFS, and new employees who seldom use stock to ride into the backcountry to inspect outfitter camps, situations like this are more prevalent.

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Shower

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Sample Outfitter Base Camp

Camp area occupies approximately 2 acres Registered camps in an outfitter guide permit require a camp layout plan. These plans can be useful if the outfitter’s camp monopolizes an area or restricts public access to water sources.

Getting to Know Your Neighbor When possible, it’s a good practice to get to know the outfitter in the area you’re hunting or plan to hunt. You’ll often encounter him or his packers, guides, cooks, etc. on the trail or at the trailhead. A little bit of good will goes a long way. A letter or email to an outfitter could be a good gesture for the DIY hunting horseman who wants to initiate a positive relationship. If you make such a gesture and it is received positively, it could pave the way to assist each other in cases of emergency or simply good neighbor acts of kindness that require nothing in return.

Be a Good Neighbor Following the laws and having good ethics in the backcountry are the basis for any relationship with other DIY hunters, outfitters, or their clients. I often look for ways to be a good neighbor, such as a few years ago when I encountered one of the young guides who had been bringing hunters in on top of our Idaho camp. On this particular morning, I dropped down off the mountain in the dark in order to be in a strategic location where a great bull elk had been feeding the night before. When I reached the locainfo@westernhunter.net

tion and it became daylight, it was obvious the bull had moved on. I stayed there for some time and heard someone talking. One of the guides and a client were coming down the ridge behind me. I said, “Hello!” The guide ignored me, but his client seemed like a nice guy. I inquired about the cut over his right eye and he told me he had shot a mule deer buck a few days prior. He went on to tell me this was his first trip out West and he had “scoped” himself with his new rifle. I had other places to check out on the mountainside that morning, so I told him, “This is your first trip, so you should enjoy yourself. I’ll leave this spot to you and go on down the ridge to another area.” Later, the client encountered one of my hunting partners and asked if that “older gentleman” that he had seen “way down in the hole” was one of his party. When my hunting partner told him that indeed I was his hunting partner, the client responded, “That guy is a gentleman and a scholar!” A little bit of good will goes a long way! Hopefully, the “best practices” I’ve used over the years will be helpful to you in your own adventures afield, whether hunting in an area with an outfitter or not.

WESTERN HUNTER

WESTERN HUNTER MAGAZINE

HUNTING FITNESS & p NUTRITION

Return to Zero Preparing your mind and body for work

Kristy Titus

fitness & nutrition editor CrossFit combines gymnastics, Olympic powerlifting, and calisthenics. You never know what you’re going to get when you show up, which makes for fun workouts.

endurance “ Cardiovascular in the gym or on a hunt is

one of the best investments that you can make in your body. With a strong heart, you can maintain your pace for extended periods of time.”

WESTERN HUNTER

rossFit has created its own unique culture. There are set workout times where everyone completes the same workout as a group. The music is loud to not only motivate but to disguise some of the grunting and weight dropping that goes on during the typical workout. It’s commonplace to see people walking around with chalk hand prints on their clothing, and it’s considered a badge of honor to leave sweat angels on the ground and to have callused hands. But the main rule in the CrossFit culture is that you only talk about CrossFit or the diet that you’re on... All joking aside, this perception of CrossFit can make showing up to a “box” more than intimidating to the newcomer. The reality of CrossFit is that the gyms consist of a very welcoming and extremely diverse community consisting of both men and women of all shapes, physical abilities, and ages. There are a lot of people that try to talk newcomers out of even trying CrossFit for fear of injury. The reality is that any incorrect lifting technique or lifting too heavy can cause injury. And CrossFit coaches are there to help you to “scale” your workouts to reduce the occurrence of injury by using correct lifting techniques or to assist the exerciser to work around an existing injury.

The essence of CrossFit combines gymnastics, Olympic powerlifting, and calisthenics. The classes last one hour with ample time for a dynamic warmup and stretching, a core focused movement or movements, and an intensity-focused, exhausting 20-minute-or-less workout of the day (WOD). CrossFit classes set up a competition-driven RX program that newcomers can aspire to reach and advanced CrossFitters can strive to crush. This competition-driven RX programming inspires results because we all note our times and weights on a board at the end of each class. No matter where you finish, CrossFitters respect that you showed up and put in the work...period.

Callused hands are proof of dedication.

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FITNESS / NUTRITION

KRISTY TITUS, FITNESS/NUTRITION EDITOR Cultivating a Workload

Crossfit’s naturally social setting encourages accountability and creates dynamic friendships.

Instead of watching yourself lift or workout in a mirror, you may find yourself only watching the person across the room. Perhaps you admire their strength, endurance, or ability to complete gymnastics moves. This outward view naturally inspires a competitive nature within oneself and therefore drives the body and spirit to work harder than you may in a traditional gym setting. But most of the time, you will find yourself completely focused on the workout and forget the existence of time or the other people around you as you immerse yourself in the WOD. The social aspect of CrossFit is one of my favorite reasons for going. The “box” hosts a family atmosphere that allows you to connect with other fitness-centered individuals. Also, there is a box in nearly every town across the country that welcomes visitors with open arms. Their availability makes squeezing in workouts much easier while traveling.

Registering for a themed run is a fun activity that can motivate daily dedication.

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The biggest reason that I love CrossFit is that it helps me excel on the mountain. The foundational movements help to build muscular strength and the WOD helps to develop muscular and cardiovascular endurance.

Cardiovascular endurance in the gym or on a hunt is one of the best investments that you can make in your body. With a strong heart, you can maintain your pace for extended periods of time. You can test your cardiovascular endurance levels with a VO2 Max test. This test will establish your current physical condition and help you determine a baseline training program. Later, you can retest to track your progress and evaluate the effectiveness of your training plan. There are a few ways to increase your natural endurance levels and CrossFit is a great starting point. Many WOD’s feature short but very intense circuits that allow for little to no rest between movements. These intense efforts will build muscular strength of your heart because it is a muscle. In addition to CrossFit, running is one of my favorite endurance builders. Let me first preface this entire topic by saying that I’m built for comfort, not speed, and I am not fast. My relationship with running started with more hatred but slowly transformed into love. When I started running, I would jog a song on the radio, then recover by walking two songs, then repeat for whatever timeframe I had set for that

Hitting Restart As much as I love it, I’m not able to attend classes as often as I would like during hunting season. Thus, there is a return to zero for me each year. To be honest, I quite often dread the first few weeks back because of the muscular soreness that can occur. This is the “return to zero” phase. With CrossFit, a qualified instructor will help you to get through each workout, regardless of your age and/ or physical limitations, so don’t be afraid to show up and try. Start out challenging yourself but not so much that you aren’t able to sit on the toilet or lift your arms above your head to wash your hair the next day. Ask your instructor to help you to scale the weight that you lift to coincide with your current fitness level. This can be hard to do when your competitive nature kicks in, so do your best to ignore that part of yourself at least until you get back into the swing of things. Be patient.With time, you will quickly gain both strength and endurance. Typically, it takes two to three weeks of consistent attendance before I feel like my body is back to my zero point. For me, a zero point is where you can workout every day without being overly sore after each workout. You wake up looking forward to going to the gym and ready to work.

Chalk-covered clothing is a common sight in most CrossFit gyms.

WESTERN HUNTER

FITNESS / NUTRITION

KRISTY TITUS, FITNESS/NUTRITION EDITOR

For those of you who cannot run due to injury, etc., I recommend trying weighted ruck workouts that involve varying elevations to build the muscles of your heart. The goal is to cultivate a workload that isn’t necessarily fast but long in duration and can be done at a steady pace.

End Goals

Running is a great way to increase endurance and enjoy the outdoors.

training period. Within a short amount of time, I found myself running two songs, then walking one song for recovery. Now, I just simply run, walking only long enough to recover from breathlessness, if necessary. Typically, this would be from terrain changes such as walking/jogging up a steep hill.

WESTERN HUNTER

Consistency is key. When you start, don’t feel bad if you’re dreading your workout. To get fired up, incorporate Wilderness Athlete Brute Force preworkout into your regimen. The caffeine will help prepare your body and Moomiyo and Rhodiola will prepare your mind with a boost. Basically, it will help power you up and get you 110% ready for work. With time, you will gain strength and endurance and you’ll look forward to working. And that means you may even look forward to running.After you return to zero, if you miss workouts, you will have energy “to spare” and will feel perhaps even hyper. The goal is that you feel as strong and vibrant on the last day of your hunt as you did on the first. As a bonus, being in shape, feeling stronger and increasing your vitality will perhaps even give your love life a boost.

Wilderness Athlete Brute Force Pre-Workout will supercharge your mind and body to prepare you for your workout.

The only way to get stronger and increase your endurance is to put in the time, effort and remain dedicated. Perhaps there is a CrossFit box near you that will help you to develop the fellowship with other like-minded individuals to get you going in the right direction.

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Comfort. Not Compromise. Have you ever trained with rocks or sand bags in your pack? We have too. The Atlas Trainer attachment can securely carry up to 90 lbs. of standard barbell plates and is easy to install on an Outdoorsmans pack frame. Utilized by world renowned hunters and athletes, including the former 4 time“fittest man on earth”, Rich Froning, The Atlas Trainer is the ultimate leg punishment tool, and we welcome any attempt to prove otherwise. Comfort often requires compromise, The Atlas Trainer is the exception. A LWAYS

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WESTERN HUNTER MAGAZINE

Listen Up: Podcasts

By Chris Denham

f you haven’t already, give podcast listening a try. Apps are available for every smartphone and the subjects are only limited by your imagination and search criteria. Type in a name in the “search” and you will see if that person has his or her own podcast and also what podcasts they’ve been on. Here’s a few of my personal favorites. Listen up!

he Western Hunter Podcast is now live and available on all of the common podcast platforms. It’s something we have wanted to do for years, but time and human resources just weren’t available. To be honest, none of that has changed, so we had to accept the fact that we won’t produce a high volume of shows. But we can guarantee that we won’t waste your time with repetitive content or senseless banter. Each month we will talk with one of our editors and special guests, who are all tops in their fields.

In Episode 1, I sit down with Nate Simmons and talk about the challenges of filming The Western Hunter. It was obvious that Nate had to be the first guest; he is not only incredibly talented, he is also the backbone of the entire company. In Episode 2, Western Hunter shooting editor, Colton Bagnoli, and I discuss everything from the finest bourbons to long-range shooting to life in Montana. Colton is one of the most unique and talented men I’ve ever known and I think you will agree. At the conclusion of an Arizona Coues deer hunt last fall, my son and videographer, Mark Denham, recorded Episode 3 around a campfire some 30 miles from a paved road. We discuss our thoughts regarding the hunt and also some of the backstory that you won’t necessarily see on the TV show (airing this fall). I hope to do more interviews like this during our 2019 hunting season. During a spring trade show, Western Hunter editor Mike Duplan and I got up early to record Episode 4. We had a great discussion about mule deer hunting, the status of mule deer, and his new book,

Android

The Edge. Mike is one of the most accomplished mule deer hunters in the West and recently completed his Grand Slam of North American wild sheep. PODCAST In the May/June issue, our cover story was about the potential new world record archery mule deer taken by Justin Gordon. In Episode 5, I spoke with Justin about this amazing buck and his passion for mule deer and conservation. If anyone deserves to tag a 348" buck, it’s Justin, and if you listen to this podcast, I think you will agree. A few weeks ago, I traveled up to Montrose, Colorado to hunt turkeys with Wayne Carlton, which is about like shooting some hoops with Michael Jordan or taking golf lessons from Jack Nicklaus! In Episode 6, we discussed the invention of elk calls, how hunting has changed, and his new company, “Native by Carlton”. Wayne has been fighting Parkinson’s disease for decades, yet deep Colorado snows didn’t hold him back on our hunt. Below I have chosen three podcasts that I have enjoyed and think you would as well. I know all three of these hosts personally and respect their history and desire to deliver quality content to the hunting community. If you have a favorite podcast episode that you would like to see featured in this column please let me know at chris@westernhunter.net. Happy listening!

Podcast Episode Date Host Guests

Wilderness Attitude 81 April 20, 2018 Brandon Waddell Joe Letarte

It’s difficult to pick just one episode from this collection. Host Brandon Waddell is one of my favorite people. He always brings energy and humility in each recording. In this episode, he interviews Alaskan master guide Joe Letarte. With close to 40 years of experience guiding hunters in every corner of Alaska, he has had some amazing adventures and a unique perspective on the hunting history of state. I can only hope these two get together and record another session soon.

Podcast Episode Date Host Guests

Solo HNTR 23 May 6, 2018 Tim Burnett Global Rescue

If you’re a fan of the Solo Hunter TV show with Tim Burnett and Remi Warren, then you’ll enjoy the podcast even more. Global Rescue is the sponsor of the Solo HNTR podcast, so you might think it’s just an advertising plug, but you would be wrong. I learned a ton about this unique company and will be signing up for their service this year from what I learned. I would also recommend you listen to Episode 16, which was recorded with Remi and a guest down in Mexico.

Podcast Journeys with Jennifer Griego Episode 11 Date June 2, 2019 Host Jennifer Griego Guests Greg Krogh 90

iPhone

WESTERN HUNTER

I have known Jennifer since she was about ten years old. She has battled cystic fibrosis her entire life and yet completed her Grand Slam of North American Sheep last year. Hunting has been her motivation to fight and she brings that same energy and inspiration to each episode. Greg Krogh is one of the best hunters I have ever met and is regarded as one of the top guides in the West. I have known Greg for about 30 years and always has a crazy (but true) story to tell. He has hunted with the Griego family many times and so have I, but in this episode they tell stories I have never heard.

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WESTERN HUNTER MAGAZINE

INFORMATION

The Changing Dynamics of Watching Television By Dan Hall

s technologies advance, more and more products are introduced to the market to make information and content easier to access. One area where this has been abundantly evident is the television market. Talk of cutting the cord: “a la carte television”, “pick-and-pay”, and “on-demand” has rolled off the tongues of countless salesmen for a number of years now. Still, in the ever-expanding market of subscription video content services, to say the choices are perplexing would be an understatement. To gain a better understanding of what is available without getting lost in the technological details, we’ve done some research. Here are the various ways to access and watch Sportsman Channel content like The Western Hunter so you can choose the platform that works best for you.

Linear vs On-Demand There are several ways to watch TV shows in our modern era, but all of them fall under one of two categories: linear or on-demand. The Western Hunter airs on the Sportsman Channel, whose content is available on a number of platforms including traditional cable or satellite service, My Outdoor TV (MOTV), Sling TV and Fubo, with additional platforms currently in the works. 92

WESTERN HUNTER

Linear: Cable and satellite services are an example of linear platforms – meaning the content is scheduled ahead of time and aired in a linear timeline according to the schedule. Another example of linear content would be livestreams for events such as sports games that are broadcasted as the event takes place in real time. Along with satellite and cable providers, web-based apps like Sling and Fubo offer linear content streamed live via the internet. These apps are accessible through smart TVs and other various hardware platforms we’ll discuss in the next section. On-demand: On-demand services offer subscribers access to large libraries of video content to choose from whenever they want. Since hunting, fishing, and outdoor content is limited on the mainstream on-demand platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, and others, My Outdoor TV (MOTV) provides exactly this type of content as its own on-demand platform, with shows like The Western Hunter and other content from Sportsman Channel. OTT: Bridging the gap between these two types of service is over-the-top or OTT service. Satellite providers such as DirecTV and Dish offer over-thetop (OTT) services that deliver on-demand content in addition to standard linear content. In other words, you can watch satellite TV as you normally

would and also have access to a library of movies and TV shows that are available to watch at any time, similar to Netflix. Satellite and cable companies are always changing their offerings and renaming them, but currently, DirecTV NOW (XTRA Package) and the DISH Anywhere app (America’s Top 250 Package) are OTT services that offer Sportsman Channel content.

The Hardware The television market has shifted in the digital age and tech companies have spawned a variety of hardware platforms in response. As more people move away from cable boxes, alternative hardware devices have popped up to fill the void. Amazon alone offers four variants of their Fire TV devices, with more sure to come. In addition to these devices, they have worked with television

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manufacturers to license their Fire TV user interface in smart TVs for an all-in-one package. Perhaps an even better example of this is Roku. They have seven different devices, plus their licensed Roku TV lineup.

AMAZON Dolby Device Device Cost 4K Atmos Fire TV Stick

$39.99

Fire TV Stick 4K

$49.99

Fire TV Cube Fire TV Recast

$119.99

• •

• 8GB • 8GB 16GB • • 500GB - 1TB • •

• • •

$189.99 - $229.99

Voice Storage Command DVR Capacity

APPLE Dolby Device Device Cost 4K Atmos

Others yet, like Apple TV, are working on their 5th generation of devices already. These examples are a few of the most popular, but they are by no means the only devices available.

Apple TV HD Apple TV 4K

• 32GB 32GB - 64GB •

$149.99 $179.00 - $199.99

•

• ROKU

Dolby Device Device Cost 4K Atmos

Google’s Chromecast devices, Microsoft’s XBox consoles, and Sony’s PlayStation consoles are all capable of streaming on-demand and linear video. With so many devices competing for their share of the marketplace, we narrowed our scope to those offered by Amazon, Roku, and Apple. These three companies seem to be the most pervasive and we are merely attempting to establish a baseline of information on the topic. With that in mind, there are still plenty of different features and capabilities among the devices in our list. Every device offers a myriad of features that may or may not benefit the user depending on what they value in a home entertainment platform. Features like DVR allow users to record live shows – something that might not be particularly valuable to someone with exclusively on-demand service (think MOTV) and not linear service (think Sling or Fubo). Resolution is another feature to pay close attention to, as people are often misled on this topic. Devices capable of 4K output (also called UHD or 2160p) will not be useful to someone with an HD television (1080p or 720p) unless they plan to upgrade to a 4K television in the near future. Similarly, audio compatibility varies among these devices, with some devices offering standard Dolby Digital and others with the more advanced Dolby Atmos. Above all, it’s important to remember that, when discussing audio and video, the resulting quality will only be as good as the weakest link. info@westernhunter.net

Voice Storage Command DVR Capacity

ROKU Express

$29.99 16GB

ROKU Express+

$35.99

ROKU Premiere

$39.99

ROKU Premiere+

$49.00

ROKU Steaming Stick

$49.99 •

ROKU Steaming Stick+

$59.99

•

ROKU Steaming Ultra

$99.99

•

• •

A key piece of hardware that many people forget to consider when they’re investing in home theater equipment is the cable. Using the same HDMI cables that were connecting equipment for HD content will most likely not be able to handle the data transfer speeds required for 4K HDR video and Hi-Fidelity audio. The content itself must also be available in the desired format (4K video, HDR, Dolby Atmos audio, etc.) or the resulting image and sound quality will be reduced. Voice commands are another popular feature many of these devices offer, allowing users to play, pause, and search for content by speaking to the device. Advanced devices expand the capability of voice control by allowing connectivity to multiple devices so users can do things like ask for weather reports or lower the volume of a soundbar.

500GB - 1TB

• • • •

Choosing a Service The terminology surrounding these different services and technologies can be cumbersome, so the important thing is to avoid getting hung up on what all the acronyms stand for. Instead, focus on the type of platform (on-demand vs. linear), content (what shows are offered), cost, and features. To make this a bit easier, we’ve created a visual aid. A quick note before delving into these services: most app-based services can be accessed on most tablets, phones, laptops, and desktops in addition to one of the aforementioned media players. If you travel much, this might be something to take into consideration.*

SERVICE OPTIONS ON-DEMAND MOTV app – $9.99/month & $98.99/year LINEAR Sling TV app – $30/month (Sling Orange or Blue $25/month + Heartland Extra Package $5/month) DirecTV XTRA Package – $55/month Fubo TV app – $59.99 (Standard Package $54.99/month + Adventure package $5/month) Dish America’s Top 250 Package – $89.99/month

Ultra High Speed 4K HDMI Cables are needed to handle the data transfer speeds required for 4K HDR video and Hi-Fidelity audio.

PURCHASE OPTIONS VHX – $59.99

DVD – $59.99

*The information is current at the time of writing.

WESTERN HUNTER

WHM

FIELD JUDGING

Typical Mule Deer

By Ryan Hatfield

ypical mule deer is the true bread and butter of field judging for the western hunter. It’s the most pursued animal and “type” of trophy in the West, and the most scrutinized. In hunting conversations, throwing out 150, 160, 170, 180, etc. all paint very quick, understood, and distinct classifications in terms of what kind of animal we’re talking about. It’s the quintessential example of using very few words (or numbers) to say much. This issue’s example is a nice, well-built, balanced buck still in velvet. The buck was pursued during archery season by our own Nate Simmons from The Western Hunter TV show. While very happy with another fine archery trophy, Nate admits that this buck’s score surprised him a bit. He figured the buck would be closer to the 170 mark than the 158-6/8 total gross score. To me, this buck has the characteristic most likely to trick a hunter into thinking it is larger in score than it is – pronounced fork length on the G-3’s and G-4’s. Hunters tend to notice these immediately and base a lot of their opinion on that fork depth. Meanwhile, they tend to focus less on beam length and G-2’s. With 11-inch forks, this buck could be 180+ if everything else followed similarly. However, that’s where the similarities end. Short 20-inch G-2’s and an overall compact rack keep the overall tally just south of 160. This is still a buck that most hunters would be happy to take, especially most archery hunters. Still, he’s a perfect reminder that if you’re in a situation where you want to be a bit picky, you need to look at “more information”.

2-7/8

6 13-5/8 17-5/8

17-5/8 69-4/8 68-6/8 155-7/8 4-7/8 151-0/8

5 23-6/8

2-7/8

17-5/8

20-3/8 1-4/8 9-1/8 11-0/8 11-0/8 4-3/8 4-1/8 4-0/8 4-0/8 69-4/8

20-4/8 1-5/8 9-1/8 11-1/8 9-5/8 4-3/8 4-2/8 4-1/8 4-0/8 68-6/8

0/8

2-7/8 1/8 1/8 0/8 1/8 1-3/8 0/8 1/8 1/8 0/8 4-7/8

Total Gross Score: 158-6/8

Images by Nate Simmons

WESTERN HUNTER

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All Tagged Out Oregon

Colorado

Tim Mickelson Independence, Oregon

Karen Hellman Pinnt

Colorado

Tim and friends found lots of bear sign in a burned draw, thick with fresh grass. Tim staked out a rock outcropping, and after a couple hours, this big boar came in. One shot from his .300 WSM dropped him. Tony and Spike were a huge help on the pack out.

Karen had an OTC bull tag and had been hunting the high country with her husband, David. Later, her son Chancey spotted a big bull while deer hunting. The next day, they headed up and were able to find this stunning bull, on which Karen made a great shot.

Idaho

Dioni Amuchastuegui Nampa, Idaho Dioni found this bear in spring 2016. They played cat and mouse for the next four seasons. Finally, Dioni hiked two miles to a stream crossing in order to get in on him. He then took the bear in the same avalanche chute where he was originally spotted.

WESTERN HUNTER

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QUICK TAKES ON GREAT HUNTS FROM WESTERN HUNTER READERS

Arizona

Idaho

Doug Helsel

Arizona

Josh Cleghorn

Eagle, Idaho

Doug defied incredible odds in drawing two amazing tags – desert sheep and a cow bison. After filling the bison tag, he and his dad went sheep hunting. Doug dealt with adrenaline rushes, but was finally able to make the shot of his life.

Josh was hunting with good friend, Rod Bradley, in north-central Idaho, hoping for a good bear to bring home. This burly bruin did the trick, providing for a very memorable hunt. Josh is the Co-Founder of Kryptek Outdoor Group.

Wyoming

New Mexico

Colby Bradley

Eagle, Idaho

Colby and his dad, Rod, accumulated points for years, finally embarking on their Wyoming antelope adventure. Colby surely overachieved when he took this 84" massive buck on the first morning of his first antelope hunt!

info@westernhunter.net

Martin Perea

New Mexico

Martin drew a muzzleloader hunt in early October and the bulls were bugling. Larry Garcia came on the hunt and did an amazing job of calling. It was mid morning on the first day when the bull came charging in to 62 yards and Larry stopped him with a cow call.

WESTERN HUNTER

VIEW FROM THE MOUNTAIN RYAN HATFIELD, EDITOR

Thanks for the Honor Time to hit the trail in search of new adventure

y first back-page column for Western Hunter Magazine was called “Hunting’s Highest Honor”. The message was that in the end, the highest honor you can have in hunting is to simply be able to pass on the knowledge and tradition of what you love to the next generation and watch them take it and run up those hills while you and your weary bones are content to rest at camp. For me, another great honor I’ve had the privilege of experiencing is being a hunting magazine editor. I’ve been fortunate to make many, many friends over the years and reach tens of thousands of likeminded people. I came into the hunting industry a different way than most people who make their living in this space. I didn’t beat down any doors trying to get in or have any grand ambitions to be a “face” or to promote my “brand”. Rather, the industry found me. It was 2004 and I had just released my Idaho’s Greatest Mule Deer book. I had done it out of my own interest, and it caught the attention of Boone and Crockett Club, who offered me a job. Next thing I knew, I was moving from Idaho to Missoula, Montana. After four years of working there for two of my great friends and mentors, George Bettas and Jack Reneau, I moved on to become a hunting magazine editor. This is the position I’ve held for the past 11 years. Because of the unique way I came into the hunting industry, I’ve always felt that I had a much different and arguably better perspective than most. I have never been about promoting “me”. Instead, I’ve always felt that I was fortunate to have a platform to reach people and perhaps make a difference.

WESTERN HUNTER

Thus, I chose to use that platform carefully, almost entirely in effort to make hunting a better place; a thoughtful place with respect and appreciation for our precious hunting heritage. So, that was always my charge – to do all I could to paint a better picture and hopefully influence as many people as I could in a better direction than what I saw being promoted in many other places. This is the fuel that has always driven me in this career. My own litmus test for what I allowed or didn’t allow into the magazine was a 12-year-old kid. If that kid picked up my magazine, what kind of influence would the content have on their impressionable minds? What standards and ethics would I be helping to instill in them? No one is perfect and I’m sure I, too, could have done better. Still, I’m proud of my efforts, my own personal guidelines, and of the type of hunters out

there who have chosen to follow my work. My kind of people are hard-hunting, respectful outdoorsmen who cherish our heritage, try to leave things better than they found them, and realize that there is more to all this than just killing things and using/taking. They choose to hunt game very honorably in tough conditions to test themselves and to honor the true spirit of fair chase. They have the ability to see through the smoke and know what real hunting is all about. With all of that said, all good things eventually come to an end. I want you all to know that this will be my final issue at the helm of Western Hunter Magazine. It has been a great run and I’m very thankful for the chance I’ve had to do all the things I mentioned. As is often the case in life, it’s time for a new adventure and some new scenery. I wish you all the best in this one time through life we have to make all the hunting memories we can. I hope to see you on the trail. No, really...I probably have an elk down and need some help packing elk quarters! If you’d like to stay in touch, you’re more than welcome to follow me on Instagram at @ryanhatfield1972, on Facebook, or check out my books at www.idahobiggame.com. As always, and with a final tip of the cap to my favorite movie, Jeremiah Johnson,“Keep your nose in the wind and your eyes along the skyline.”

www.westernhunter.net

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