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.

HARD LESSON

Game & Fish West

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

MOON TIMES

THE CASE OF THE QUARTER BORE • THEY WERE ONCE BELOVED BY HUNTERS FOR THEIR VERSATILITY, BUT ARE .25-CALIBER CARTRIDGES STILL AS USEFUL TODAY?

ICY HOT • FOCUS ON LOCATION AND ACTIVITY LEVEL TO BOAT MORE LARGEMOUTHS IN EARLY SPRING.

SHINE ON • RESTORE THE GLEAM OF YOUR BOAT’S GELCOAT IN A WEEKEND BY WET SANDING.

A PUBLIC PROBLEM • WHILE AMERICANS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT HUNTING AND FISHING, PUBLIC APPROVAL IS SLIPPING—AND WE MAY BE TO BLAME.

GHOSTA OF THE SWAMP • A HUNTER VENTURES SOUTH TO THE SUNSHINE STATE IN PURSUIT OF AN ELUSIVE, HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER BIRD FEW ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HUNT—AND EVEN FEWER ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BAG.

GO-TO GUARD • Sitka’s Equinox Guard Collection offers hunters unparalleled protection against ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers and more.

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

THE CURE • TURN EGGS FROM HATCHERY TROUT INTO MORE TROUT.

CRAPPIE Cravings • THE TOP LURES, BAITS AND RIGS FOR SLABS FROM NOW THROUGH THE SPAWN

SUPER SLAB SPOTS • Top Western destinations for hot crappie bites

LAST-HURRAH BIRDS • DON’T PUT THE SHOTGUN AWAY JUST YET. SEVERAL STATES ACROSS THE WEST OFFER UPLAND OPPORTUNITIES THIS MONTH.

CANINE CONSIDERATIONS • Take care of your hunting dog in rough, late-season conditions.

Lovestruck COYOTES • WINTER MAY BE COLD, DARK AND DANK, BUT TO A COYOTE, IT’S THE BREEDING SEASON. HERE’S HOW TO USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.

BEST TIMES TO CALL? • A two-year study provides some clues.

TOP E-CALLERS • Three solid options for picking a dog fight

HULA DANCING • THE SPIDER JIG, AKA THE HULA GRUB, IS A WESTERN CLASSIC THAT SHINES DURING THE TOUGH BASS-FISHING CONDITIONS OF LATE WINTER.

GEAR FOR DANCING THE HULA • Rod, reel and line considerations for spider jigs

MEGA 'BOWS • WASHINGTON’S RUFUS WOODS RESERVOIR IS HOME TO SOME OF THE LARGEST RAINBOW TROUT IN THE COUNTRY. AND NOW IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO CATCH THEM.

WHAT’S A TRIPLOID? • There’s a reason these jumbo rainbows get so big.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • Dining and lodging accommodations near Rufus Woods

WORLD RECORDS That Almost Weren’t • IN SOME CASES, PROOF THAT THE BIGGEST FISH REALLY ARE THE BIGGEST HAS BEEN INTRIGUINGLY ELUSIVE.

WHERE TO CATCH A RECORD • Head to these spots if you’re looking to make the book.

BETTER TROLLERS • NEW BRUSHLESS TROLLING MOTOR TECHNOLOGY OFFERS ANGLERS ADVANTAGES IN POWER AND EFFICIENCY.

MULLING OVER MOTORS • Four things to consider before buying a new model

Stag Arms STAG 10 PURSUIT • BUILT FOR HUNTERS, THIS AR COMBINES HIGH PERFORMANCE WITH A HINT OF TRADITION.

Stevens MODEL 334 • THIS RELIABLE, VALUE-PRICED BOLT GUN COMES WITH A COUPLE NOTEWORTHY SURPRISES.

REFUGEES • SOMETIMES THE SMART MOVE IS STAYING IN THE TRUCK.