Game & Fish West

Each issue of Game & Fish West details proven local strategies for elk, deer, bass, trout and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from Washington to New Mexico, and learn the top times for success in the field and on the water. Get info on hot new gear and how it performs, as well as updates on trends, regulations, seasons and destinations to help you plan your next outing.

FLOAT ON

Game & Fish West

GAME & FISH ONLINE • TIPS, TACTICS, GEAR, NEWS AND MORE AT GAFMAG.COM

MOON TIMES

BEAR DEFENSE BASICS • IF YOU’RE GOING TO CARRY A HANDGUN FOR BEAR DEFENSE WHILE HUNTING OR FISHING, THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

GEARING UP FOR INSHORE SUCCESS • BUILD A SMALL BUT MIGHTY ARSENAL TO TACKLE ALL COMERS.

PICK The Right Prop • FEW THINGS AFFECT YOUR BOAT’S PERFORMANCE AS MUCH AS ITS MOTOR’S PROPELLER.

ONLINE ADVICE • Instead of just guessing, turn to an online prop finder as a starting point.

PITCH PERFECT • Subtle nuances can make a world of difference.

KILL CALL • DOES MANDATORY HARVEST REPORTING IMPROVE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT OR CREATE A BUREAUCRATIC HURDLE FOR HUNTERS?

NORTHERN KNOWLEDGE • FISHING FOR GIANT PIKE WITH THE GUIDES OF SASKATCHEWAN’S CREE RIVER LODGE IS A LESSON IN DEDICATION, TEAMWORK AND REVERENCE FOR A SPECIAL PLACE.

PIKE POINTERS • Cree River Lodge guides warn against these mistakes.

AROUND THE WEST • A SAMPLING OF THE REGION’S BEST HUNTING AND FISHING OPPORTUNITIES THIS SUMMER

DOUBLE DOWN • FISH TANDEM RIGS TO HOOK UP WITH MORE SUMMERTIME TROUT.

GOING TRAD • MAKE THIS THE SEASON YOU TAKE THE PLUNGE INTO TRADITIONAL ARCHERY.

TRAD BOW ACCESSORIES • Six essentials for proficient shooting

A PUNCHER’S CHANCE • PUNCHING MATS FOR BASS CAN BE A FAR MORE NUANCED TECHNIQUE THAN MANY ANGLERS REALIZE.

HUE CLUES • Tips and tricks for choosing the right bait color.

SUMMER SCOUTING • GET A JUMP ON THE BIG GAME ANIMALS YOU’LL HUNT THIS FALL.

SCOUTING GEAR • Essential items for summertime forays into big game country

STILL-WATER STRATEGIES • FOUR TECHNIQUES FOR HOOKING LARGE, LAKE-DWELLING TROUT

DORY DAYS • BOARD A DORY AND LOAD UP ON TASTY ROCKFISH AND DELICIOUS DUNGENESS CRAB ON THE CENTRAL OREGON COAST THIS SUMMER.

TRIP PLANNER • Where to stay, eat and drink in Pacific City

Wild River, WILD FISH • A 93-MILE FLOAT DOWN THE MAIN SALMON RIVER IN IDAHO PROVIDES WHITEWATER ADVENTURE AND ROD-BENDING ACTION.

PERMITS AND LICENSES • Requirements to float-fish the Salmon River

Savage REVEL • THIS TAKEDOWN, LEVER-ACTION RIMFIRE OFFERS A GREAT COMBINATION OF AESTHETICS, ERGONOMICS AND FUNCTION.

Weatherby MODEL 307 RANGE XP 2.0 • UPGRADES TO WEATHERBY’S LATEST BOLT GUN HIT A SWEET SPOT FOR PERFORMANCE AT A VALUE.

NIGHT FISHIN’ • THINGS MAY NOT BE WHAT THEY SEEM IN THE DARK.