Game & Fish South

Each issue of Game & Fish South details proven local strategies for whitetails, turkeys, bass, catfish and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from North Carolina to Texas, 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 South

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

MOON TIMES

THE CASE OF THE QUARTERBORE • 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.

GHOSTS 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 SOUTH • A SAMPLING OF THE REGION’S BEST HUNTING AND FISHING OPPORTUNITIES THIS MONTH

NET GAINS • THERE’S NO FASTER WAY TO LOAD UP ON BAIT THAN WITH A WELL-THROWN CAST NET.

CHASE THE MOON • ONE OF THE KEYS TO CATCHING REDFISH AND SEATROUT IN WINTER IS UNDERSTANDING HOW THE FISH AND THE TIDES BEHAVE DURING THE VARIOUS MOON PHASES.

WHY TIDE HEIGHT VARIES • Numerous factors impact the intensity of tides from place to place.

WORK A JERK • THE EVOLUTION OF THE SUSPENDING JERKBAIT HAS MADE IT THE GO-TO LURE FOR PRE-SPAWN BASS.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON • Add one or all of these top jerkbaits to your arsenal.

Song Dogs at DAWN • THERE’S NO REASON TO LOSE SLEEP DURING THE COYOTE BREEDING SEASON. LOCATE THEM AT NIGHT, THEN RETURN IN THE MORNING TO CLOSE THE DEAL.

GO-TO GEAR • Must-have coyote hunting accessories

BEAT BIG BROWNS • BROWN TROUT ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CREATURES THAN THEIR RAINBOW-COLORED COUSINS. UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES WILL HELP YOU CATCH MORE EARLY-SPRING FISH.

ELITE WATERS • Top spots for early-season brown trout

BOGGY HOLLOW BOBWHITES • THIS ALABAMA WMA MAY BE THE SOUTH’S BEST-KEPT QUAIL HUNTING SECRET.

BONUS BIRDS • When chasing bobs, keep your eyes peeled for woodcock.

TRIP PLANNER • Things to see and do when you’re not hunting quail.

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.