Magzter Gold (Sitewide CA)

Magzter Gold (Sitewide CA)

Digital Delivery

Game & Fish West June 1st, 2024 Digital Back Issue Cover

Game & Fish West June/July 2024 (Digital)

(0)

Single Digital Issue

June/July 2024

$4.99

Powered By Zinio

Zinio

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Instant Start

Subscribe Instead

1 Year Subscription

12 digital issues

$19.97

($1.66/issue)

Go to Subscription

View Subscription Options

Also available on ZINIO Unlimited logo

Get unlimited access to Game & Fish West (Digital) + Back Issues & 5000+ other magazines

1-month free trial

Renews at $8.99/month after trial.
Cancel anytime.

Get unlimited access to Game & Fish West (Digital) + Back Issues & 5000+ other magazines. Renews at just $8.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Start Trial Learn more

27 Articles

TIME TO GET STARTED

I’ve been fortunate to make friends and share experiences with many hunters across the nation. While the game they pursue and the methods they use vary widely, the most successful hunters I know have one thing in common: They scout early and often. It doesn’t matter if it’s turkeys or elk; the hunters who consistently fill their tags spend more time finding areas that hold game than hunting places that do not. Maybe that sounds like an obvious statement, but consider the research and effort it takes to pinpoint one or two particular trees on one specific bench leading to the most productive group of oak trees on the mountain, and a dedication to scouting becomes even more important. Digital apps and game cameras provide us with excellent information, but they…

TIME TO GET STARTED

GAME & FISH ONLINE

THE UNSEEN NEMESIS We’ve all had a day on the water ruined by windy conditions. In “Catch More Bass in the Wind,” Crash Course video host Shane Beilue shares three ways to make the wind become your friend. FISHING IN AN ECLIPSE In “How the Solar Eclipse Impacted Game and Fish,” Lynn Burkhead, writing from the path of totality, chronicles what outdoorsmen experienced during the rare event in April. (Oh yes, the fish were biting.) CATFISH FEVER “If I’m not catfishing, I’m catching bait for catfish,” West Virginia angler Michael Drake said after landing an Ohio River blue catfish that broke a state record, the fourth straight year the record has fallen. Get the story in our “Records” section. TACKLE EXTRAVAGANZA ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing tackle trade show, hits Orlando in mid-July, and we will be…

GAME & FISH ONLINE

THAT JUST-RIGHT FIT

Some folks assume the hardest part of rifle manufacturing is building a rifle that shoots well. Many also believe the most important consideration when selecting a rifle is choosing the cartridge in which it will be chambered. Truthfully, the hardest thing for a manufacturer to do is build a rifle that will interface well with the most shooters. Similarly, your most important consideration should be finding a rifle that interfaces well with you. The second you grab a rifle, you start interacting with it, and the quality of that interaction determines how well you and the rifle work together. There are many points of interface on a rifle, such as size and weight, the trigger and the sights, but as important as all these are, it’s the stock that your hands,…

THAT JUST-RIGHT FIT

The heat and humidity of midsummer will soon be upon us, and as the season evolves, so must our approach to achieving fishing success. Gone are the days of easy bites, which happened so often as surface water temperatures first reached the 70-degree mark. Bass have long since left their beds, quality panfish have largely vacated the shallows, and cool-water species like walleye and northern pike have stopped visiting landing nets and livewells as frequently as they did just a few weeks ago. Yet the heart of summer, with holidays, family vacations and bucket-list fishing trips, still lies in front of us, and the need to get bit remains. One way to enjoy remarkably consistent midsummer fishing is to focus on moving water, from cold-water trout streams to the largest rivers…

SELF-HELP FOR SHOTGUNNERS

The chukar made a fatal mistake, sweeping up and over the sandy desert bowl I was hunting. I made a towering, 40-yard shot, and the bird fell, rag dead, almost at my feet. I moved away to let my hardworking German wirehair do the retrieving honors. It was a fitting culmination to years of misses, thousands of practice rounds and a lot of blood, sweat and tears born out of frustration. Chukars and pheasants still fly off unscathed, but not as often as they did since I’ve become my own shotgun instructor. You can help yourself become a better shotgunner, too. There are ways to spot issues with your shooting and correct them on your own through simple drills (and lots of practice). Here are some suggestions that might put more birds…

SELF-HELP FOR SHOTGUNNERS

SHOWDOWN IN COLORADO

On the surface, the ballot initiative that likely will be decided this November by Colorado voters would only affect a few hundred mountain lion and bobcat hunters and the outfitters who guide them to wild cats. According to its text, Colorado Initiative 91 would “ban trophy hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx” in the state. But make no mistake, says Dan Gates, executive director of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM), a pro-hunting group that opposes the ballot measure. The initiative is so broadly worded that its passage would likely achieve what its proponents intend: to end all forms of legal hunting. “They say they want to curtail trophy hunting, but the definition in the petition says ‘intentional killing,’” Gates explains. “All of hunting is intentional killing. If they are going…

SHOWDOWN IN COLORADO

It was late February, and I was following a pack of beagles in hot pursuit of a cottontail on a patch of public ground in Ohio. Rabbits tend to like heavy cover. Intercepting them as they circle ahead of a dog pack often means hunters must wade through some gnarly brush. I managed to locate a well-worn deer trail that cut directly through the mass of honeysuckle and Russian olive. It made walking easier, and I was astounded by the overlapping layers of whitetail deer tracks. This was a virtual deer highway. It also wasn’t a secret to the local whitetail hunters. As I made my way along the lonely trail, I came upon the remains of one stand site and then another. All told on that quarter-mile trail there were…

AROUND THE WEST

What could be more American than wetting a line inside a national park? Grilling the fish you caught in a fire ring at a national park campground, that’s what. And when you add the delighted squeals of your sunburned children and the adoring glances of your sleep-deprived spouse, you get bonus Dad Points for the rest of the year. The West is defined by its aspirational landscapes, and none are as regal or as celebrated as our national parks, which are decidedly off-limits to hunting but mainly welcome and accommodate anglers. There’s a lot going on around the West this month, but we’re going to devote this space to telling you where to catch a Park Service fish. 1 CRATER LAKE This otherwise sterile volcanic caldera in central Oregon was stocked with kokanee salmon…

AROUND THE WEST

If you have limited time for anything besides work, kids, dog training, household chores and (checks notes) your spouse, make your precious minutes at the clay-target range count. Here’s a way to save some time and money while improving your odds of hitting more birds this season. It’s all predicated on a concept I was taught as a musician: Only perfect practice makes perfect. If you’ve ever churned away at scales on the piano or bar chords on the guitar, you know there are only so many repetitions you can do well. After that, you’re phoning it in and all the “good” earlier rounds are erased by the sloppy later ones that booger up your developing skillset. Or maybe you play golf, where the same holds true for your swing. In fact,…

BIG-GAME BLUEPRINT

The miles rolled by quickly. I knew that in less than 10 minutes, I would be shouldering my pack and bombing into the wilderness. I couldn’t wait. Three years had passed since my last elk hunt in this spot, and it was prime at that time. My excitement waned when I made the last left turn and spied the parking area. It was full. Three horse trailers and six other trucks left no room to park. Three years prior, I was the only truck at the trailhead.What happened? Nothing that isn’t happening across the West every fall. More and more hunters are burning up the blacktop, crossing state lines and heading into the mountains, prairies and canyonlands in search of big-game nirvana. Frankly, I only had myself to blame. I was naive to…

BIG-GAME BLUEPRINT

When I head out on a summertime scouting mission, these gear items significantly boost my chances of success. HUNTSTAND PRO: A superb digital mapping app that’s so much more, HuntStand Pro gives you access to public/private land boundaries, updated monthly satellite imagery, public hunting land maps, 3D mapping and unlimited offline maps. LEUPOLD OPTICS: My go-to big-game optics package consists of Leupold’s BX-5 Santiam HD binocular, SX-5 Santiam HD spotter and Alpine’s CF-425 Tripod Kit. With this trio, I know I’m toting a lightweight, tough-as-nails glassing system that promises excellent clarity and low-light ability. ALPS MOUNTAINEERING WEEKENDER: This stadium chair makes glassing comfortable while boosting stability. Weighing a mere 21 ounces, I tote this lightweight chair everywhere. The half-inch closed-cell foam construction provides an excellent barrier from the ground, and the 16 1/2-inch…

DRY-FLY Redsides

I stood at the bow of the drift boat, a two-fly setup dangling over the river as we moved toward the end of a set of small rapids. As I prepared to cast out the left side of the boat along the edge of the main current, my good friend Chris Wright, a noted fishing guide, suggested I face the other direction. “Drop ’em right behind that eddy, between the outside edge of the boil and the rock wall,” Wright instructed. I looked at him and smiled. He wasn’t joking. It appeared more like salmon holding water than where a trout would be, especially in late June. As soon as my flies hit the water, a big boil submerged them. Line peeled off my reel when the fish hit the main current. “It’s gotta…

DRY-FLY Redsides

TOP TWO-FLY TROUT STREAMS

Big rivers are conducive to fishing a two-fly setup, and Oregon’s McKenzie, above the town of Springfield, is just one of them. California’s Sacramento River, in the Redding area, is a great river with large redsides. It’s got plenty of big water that’s straightforward to navigate and fish, and there are many places to stay nearby as it’s right on Interstate 5. The tailwaters of Utah’s Green River are home to upwards of 20,000 trout per mile below the dam. Cutthroats dominate but rainbows and brown trout can also be caught. Dutch John, Utah, is a good place to stay. Alcova, Wyo., puts you in the heart of the North Platte River’s Gray Reef. This stretch holds more than 5,000 trout per mile, with browns and rainbows tipping the scales to 8…

TOP TWO-FLY TROUT STREAMS

With a 36-year history of making knives in the U.S. for hunting, outdoor adventure, everyday carry and tactical purposes, Benchmade expands its offerings this summer to include models purpose-built for fishing. The new Benchmade Water Line ($200–$260; benchmade.com) consists of the 7-inch and 9-inch Fishcrafter fillet knives, the fixed-blade Undercurrent and Intersect, and the Adira and Mini Adira folders, which use the AXIS locking mechanism. All Water Line models have blades made from CPM-MagnaCut stainless steel, a relatively new alloy developed by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas specifically for premium knives to provide excellent corrosion resistance, edge retention and toughness. The high performance of CPM-MagnaCut in these areas is ideal for the environments and tasks commonly encountered while fishing in both freshwater and the salt. The fillet and fixed-blade knives feature Santoprene handles…

One of the reasons California’s Bryant Smith performed so well in his 2023 rookie season on the Bassmaster Elite Series (third in Rookie of the Year standings, thirteenth in Angler of the Year) was his broad range of skill sets. As Smith put it, the diversity of Western fisheries where he cut his teeth prepared him for just about anything he faced on the tour. Indeed, any Western angler preparing for whatever a fishery might offer must anchor a well-rounded arsenal with a strong finesse game. Sure, those frogs, buzzbaits and heavy punching rigs have their time and place, but for finicky post-spawn largemouths, late-spawning smallmouths or any bass that’s seen too many trolling motors, the lighter, subtler presentations can work wonders. Whether you’re fishing for hefty Florida-strain bucketmouths on the California…

Most Western anglers would agree the drop-shot rig will tempt bass just about anywhere you care to throw it. The only problem is that tempting and catching are two different concepts. To ensure the latter keeps pace with the former, it’s often necessary to upsize the tackle with what’s known as the power-shot rig. Longtime Western tournament pro Joe Uribe often turns to this beefed-up version of the drop-shot when he’s fishing around heavy cover like in the California Delta’s weedy waters or Clear Lake’s tules and pad fields. His setup typically includes a 6-inch Roboworm Fat Worm in the “margarita mutilator” color on a 4/0 Roboworm Rebarb hook with a 5/16-ounce Voss tungsten weight. “For me, when fishing is tough, that’s my confidence bait,” Uribe says. “As much as I want…

MORE ENERGY, LESS BULK

Whether you live to fish or fish for a living, you probably work non-stop for every bite and count on your boat’s electronics, trolling motor, shallow-water anchor and live-well pumps to do the same. That calls for deep-cycle batteries that deliver consistent power until your last cast, and now might be the right time to upgrade yours. X2Power understands the demands of avid anglers and offers a range of lithium deep-cycle batteries that ensure better performance with more usable energy, longer running time and up to four times faster charging than lead-acid, AGM and gel batteries. X2Power’s lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are also lighter, more tolerant of vibrations and cold temperatures and have a much longer life (backed by a 10-year, 2,000-cycle limited warranty). There are nine models available ($99.99 to…

MORE ENERGY, LESS BULK

We had two strikes against us right out of the gate. Rodney had smoked a cigar while wearing his camo and Marc was wearing blue jeans. On the third call set of the morning, we set up in a triangle, our backs against juniper trees. I had Rodney tuck up under some bushy limbs on the downwind side. I figured with the wind constant out of the east, our best bet was to put our primary shooter, Marc, where he could spot a coyote if it came out of a gully running east to west. The gully would funnel the wind while our scent would go across the flat. This was public-land elk country, and we were not far from an alfalfa field. There had to be coyotes here. Because temperatures…

Whether I’m headed over to the neighbor’s place for an evening stand or into the desert to call for the day, the kit is the same. First, I want to have my very thin camo gloves and a facemask and whatever camouflage helps me best blend into the environment. My go-to electronic call is a remote-operated FoxPro X2S. Around my neck I have a lanyard with two calls. One is a Dogbreath Hot Momma coyote estrus reed; the other is a handmade Harrison rabbit-in-distress call. For the decoy, I’ll opt for either a crow, coyote or fawn silhouette. My favorite motion decoy is a feather tied to a tree branch. My binocular is an image-stabilized Sig Zulu6, which I carry in an ALPS Outdoorz Xtreme chest rig. I carry a rangefinder, too, in…

BITES AND BREWS

There’s a famous quote that goes, “In victory I deserve it; in defeat, I need it.” While there’s some disagreement over who uttered it—some say Churchill, others Napoleon—it’s widely agreed that it was in reference to champagne and war. It also applies nicely to beer and fishing. And if you’re a beer drinker, your fortunes have never been finer. Craft brewers are as prolific these days as mosquitoes on a trout stream in August, pumping out a dizzying selection of lagers and sours, IPAs and stouts—hoppy, malty sirens beckoning us to celebrate a day on the water. And when the fishing stinks, there’s no better way to drown our sorrows. As luck would have it, many of the West’s top fishing spots are within casting distance of some of the region’s…

BITES AND BREWS

PANNING FOR BRONZE

Kayak fishing has become one of the fastest growing segments of outdoor sports, and for good reason. It’s fun. It’s challenging. It’s ecologically friendly. It lets anglers reach pristine areas away from maddening crowds that shore-bound anglers or those in larger boats often can’t access. Many of these magical places are waters teeming with smallmouth bass! You can drop a kayak into a backyard pond or drag it to the edge of a wilderness stream. Launching one is a relatively simple feat that seldom requires a dock or a ramp. A kayak—and kayak fishing—is also affordable. Even the most elaborate fishing kayaks are priced under entry-level bass boats. Given their relative cost, and their ability to reach stretches of water that boat owners can’t, kayaks offer many advantages. They’re especially effective for…

PANNING FOR BRONZE

RIVER RESOURCES

Most state agencies list public ramps, but much of kayak fishing’s magic stems from getting off the beaten track to access seldom-fished rivers and streams. To help find such out-of-the-way places, Jeff Little suggests OnX Hunt. Although the app was designed for hunting, the top-end version provides nationwide public and private land boundaries so you can stay on the right side of landowners—and the law—when accessing streams. Another useful resource is the U.S. Geological Survey Water Data site (waterdata.usgs.gov), which provides real-time stream-flow data that helps you home in on specific waters and stream segments. Don’t overestimate your ability to navigate safely in your kayak. Know your level of experience and capability, and don’t push your limits. Drop your kayak only into stretches of water that you can navigate and fish…

RIVER RESOURCES

FISH WHERE YOU WISH

OLD TOWN SPORTSMAN BIGWATER EPDL+ 132 LENGTH: 13'2" | WIDTH: 36"WEIGHT: 143 lbs. fully riggedCAPACITY: 500 lbs.HULL CONSTRUCTION: single-layer polyethylenePROPULSION: e-pedal, paddleMSRP: $5,999.99oldtownwatercraft.com While kayaks are ideal for finding fish on small, secluded waters, many current models are just as adept at taking anglers on adventures to big rivers, sprawling reservoirs and even offshore saltwater destinations. The options among fishing kayaks have never been greater, thanks to improvements in hull materials and construction, propulsion technology and smart design that enables customization for specific excursions and species. The kayak gurus at Florida Sportsman recently put a variety of new kayaks to the test on numerous waterways, and the following models showcase the versatility now available to anglers. TOP FEATURES: Designed to keep anglers in the chase, the ePDL+ system combines pedal propulsion and battery…

FISH WHERE YOU WISH

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Part of the fun of fishing from a kayak is equipping the boat with gear that answers a specific need and customizes the craft for given conditions and presentations. From motors to storage and safety, accessories enhance the on-the-water experience. Here are four pieces of gear we’ve tested and found worthy. NEWPORT NK180PRO ELECTRIC KAYAK MOTOR Kayak anglers can navigate effortlessly to favorite fishing spots with the NK180Pro, experiencing a remarkable 16 percent increase in speed. This motor features a 25 percent decrease in noise, gaining a tactical advantage without sacrificing functionality. The NK180PRO also provides a 25 percent increase in efficiency, extended range and reduced charging demands while maximizing precious fishing time. The updated throttle design, now with an IP67 rating, offers a waterproof, intuitive interface for precise control that’ll get…

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE GENERATION II

More than a decade ago, Ruger set new benchmarks for performance and affordability with its bolt-action American Rifle. This year, the company introduced an upgraded model, the American Rifle Generation II, which includes several new features designed from customer feedback and engineering ingenuity. Most noticeable is a Cerakote finish on the barreled action that is as attractive as it is durable. The medium-contour, cold-hammer-forged barrel has deep spiral flutes on most versions (depending on chambering) to reduce weight without sacrificing accuracy, while also dissipating heat efficiently. Most versions also have threaded muzzles and come equipped with a radial-port muzzle brake. The gray splatter-finished synthetic stock offers custom fit via a removable comb riser and length-of-pull spacers to accommodate a variety of optics and shooter statures. Adding or removing spacers allows the length…

RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE GENERATION II

WINCHESTER .400 LEGEND

Interest in straight-wall cartridges has surged in recent years as several Midwestern states have started allowing their use in deer hunting. Traditionally, these states only permitted hunters to use shotguns firing slugs, muzzleloaders and big-bore revolvers due to concerns over stray bullets in areas with high human population densities. However, most have determined that the fat, short projectiles fired from straight-wall cartridges offer similarly reduced risk, while allowing hunters to take far more accurate and ethical shots in the field. Thus began the straight-wall cartridge boom we are currently experiencing. Hunters wanting to up their capabilities in these states have looked to classic straight-wall cartridges and have also expressed interest in new designs. In response, manufacturers have been offering more load options for existing straight-walls and even developing entirely new cartridges. The…

WINCHESTER .400 LEGEND

Early one summer Shane’s cousins Brian and Ben, ages 10 and 8, traveled all the way from Detroit to stay with his family for a few weeks. The boys’ father—Shane’s uncle—hated that they had to live in the city due to his job, and he was afraid his sons weren’t getting outside enough and learning how to hunt and fish like he did as a boy. “Don’t worry, Ted,” said Shane’s father to his brother over the phone. “I’ll see to it that when the boys leave here, they’ll be regular Jeremiah Johnsons.” To Shane, who overheard the conversation, the plan had potential. He knew his father had to work all summer, and so of course “I’ll see to it” meant “Shane will see to it.” If teaching his cousins a thing…

In This Issue

Description

Details

Reviews

Recent Digital Issues Browse all

Recent Game & Fish West Digital Issues Browse all back issues

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription October 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) October 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription September 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) September 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription August 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) August 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription June 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) June/July 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription May 1st, 2025 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) May 2025: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription April 1st, 2025 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) April 2025: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription March 1st, 2025 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) March 2025: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription February 1st, 2025 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) February 2025: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription December 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) December/January 2024-25: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription November 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) November 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription October 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) October 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription September 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) September 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription August 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) August 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription June 1st, 2024 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) June/July 2024: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription May 1st, 2025 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) May 2025: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription April 1st, 2025 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) April 2025: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription March 1st, 2025 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) March 2025: $4.99

Game & Fish West (Digital) Subscription February 1st, 2025 Issue

Game & Fish West (Digital) February 2025: $4.99

Reviews