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.

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Game & Fish West

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

MOON TIMES

SLIM AND TRIM • THE CURRENT TREND IS TOWARD HEAVIER VARIABLE-POWER RIFLESCOPES, BUT DO SIMPLER LIGHTWEIGHT OPTICS STILL HAVE A PLACE AMONG HUNTERS?

MINDING METAL • ANGLERS AND TACKLE MANUFACTURERS WEIGH THE BENEFITS—AND DRAWBACKS—OF NON-LEAD COMPONENTS.

CONFLICT AVOIDANCE • AS HUNTERS AND ANGLERS SPEND MORE TIME IN THE SAME AREAS, WE’RE INCREASINGLY RUNNING OVER ONE ANOTHER. WHAT CAN WE DO TO RESTORE CIVILITY TO OUR WOODS AND WATERS?

Serious About SNIPE • NOT JUST A TIME-HONORED PRANK, A REAL SNIPE HUNT WILL TEST EVEN THE SAVVIEST OF WINGSHOOTERS.

SNIPE SPOTS

ON THE PLATE • Roasted or pan-fried, snipe doesn’t disappoint.

PINPOINTING PUBLIC • CAREFUL RESEARCH CAN LEAD YOU TO YOUR OWN “PRIVATE” HUNTING SPOT ON PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE LAND.

QUICK TIPS • Four simple ways to get the most from public land

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

DIY TROUT BAIT • THIS SPRING, SAVE SOME DOUGH ON JAR BAITS AND CONCOCT YOUR OWN AT HOME.

SMALL-STREAM SAVVY • TO SCORE ON TROUT IN EARLY SPRING, CONCENTRATE YOUR EFFORTS ON THE SKINNY WATER.

SUBLIME STREAMS • A smattering of small waters around the West that produce well in spring

COASTAL SLABS • TIPS AND TACTICS FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST CRAPPIES

COASTAL CRAPPIE CAPITALS • Top spots to fill a limit of giant slabs

Long-Range TOMS • MODERN SHOTGUNS AND LOADS ALLOW TURKEY HUNTERS TO REACH OUT ON BIRDS LIKE NEVER BEFORE. HERE’S HOW TO REFINE YOUR APPROACH.

GEARING UP • Shotgun, load, call and decoy options to consider

DOUBLE TROUBLE • Mossberg’s new Silver Reserve Eventide just might be the perfect turkey gun.

BROWN BASS In Trout Country • WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE TROUT IS KING IN COLORADO, BUT BURGEONING SMALLMOUTH FISHERIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OFFER ANGLERS AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES AT HARD-FIGHTING FISH.

COWBOY STATE SMALLIES • Like its neighbor to the south, Wyoming has no shortage of primo bass factories.

Snake River CATS • THE SNAKE MAY BE BETTER KNOWN FOR TROUT, SALMON AND EVEN STURGEON, BUT THE CATFISHING IS AMONG THE BEST IN THE WEST.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • Where to headquarter for a Snake River catfishing adventure

GRAND PLACE • THE COLORADO AND FRASER RIVER VALLEYS IN GRAND COUNTY, COLO., CONTAIN SOME OF THE BEST—AND MOST SCENIC—TROUT FISHING IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.

GRAND COUNTY TRIP PLANNER • Adventure among the mountains awaits.

CZ 600 Alpha • THIS MODERN HUNTING RIFLE HAS THE PERFECT BLEND OF TECHNOLOGY AND ERGONOMICS FOR TOP PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD.

Fiocchi GOLDEN TURKEY TSS • EXPECT DENSE PATTERNS THAT HIT HARD FROM THESE LOADS.

SHOT SHOW NEW PRODUCT PREMIERE • TOP FIREARMS AND GEAR FROM SHOT SHOW 2024

LOSING GROUND • NOT EVERY HUNTER ABIDES BY THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF ETIQUETTE.