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.

FOR THE BIRDS

Game & Fish West

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

MOON TIMES

SCHEMING FOR SUPPRESSORS • THE DESIRE TO SHOOT SUPPRESSED WHILE HUNTING IS INFLUENCING HOW MANUFACTURERS BUILD RIFLES

THE NEED FOR SPEED? • WELL, MAYBE NOT SO MUCH. HERE’S WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT IN BOWHUNTING.

PACK MENTALITY • DO YOU HAVE OPINIONS ON HOW THE FEDS SHOULD MANAGE WOLVES IN AMERICA? A MEDIATOR WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU.

THE CALL OF THE FALL • TURKEY HUNTING ISN’T JUST FOR SPRING. CHASING BIRDS WHEN THE LEAVES BEGIN TO DROP BRINGS ITS OWN SET OF REWARDS.

CART IT IN • A mobile solution for hauling lots of turkey gear

FALL LOADS • TSS gets the nod for this season, too.

ULTIMATE SEASON '24

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

DIY CAMP SECURITY • HARDEN YOUR WILDERNESS CAMP FOR A SAFE AND SECURE HUNTING SEASON.

CHASING VELVET • SOUND STRATEGIES FOR HANGING A TAG ON A FUZZY-HORNED MULEY BUCK

PRESERVATION POINTERS • How to care for a velvet-covered rack

GO-TO GLASS • Quality optics and accessories help lower the degree of difficulty.

POINT SYSTEM • ON MANY WESTERN RESERVOIRS, RUNNING POINTS IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE PATTERN FOR LATE-SUMMER SPOTTED BASS.

WESTERN GIANTS • The biggest spotted bass get that way by gorging on kokanee.

THE UPPER HAND • TO TAG AN EARLY-SEASON BULL, YOUR FIRST MOVE SHOULD BE TO GET ABOVE THEM.

SAFE PASSAGE • Take these precautions when hiking uphill in the dark.

EARLY-SEASON GEAR • Efficiency is the name of the game for a rugged elk hunt.

LOOKING SHARP • TIPS AND TACTICS FOR BAGGING LIMITS OF SHARP-TAILED GROUSE—THE WORKING MAN’S UPLAND BIRD

GUNS AND LOADS • Choices vary from early to late season.

PRAIRIE GROUSE KIT • Key pieces of gear to have along

RISE OF THE FALL • OREGON’S FALL RIVER WAS DEVASTATED WHEN FIRE RETARDANT WAS ACCIDENTALLY DUMPED INTO ITS CRYSTAL WATERS. TWO DECADES LATER, IT’S MADE AN ASTONISHING COMEBACK, COMPLETE WITH TECHNICAL FISHING AND SPUNKY TROUT.

TRIP PLANNER • Where to stay, eat and drink near the Fall

BEST OF THE VESTS • STRAP VESTS OFFER ADVANTAGES TO UPLAND HUNTERS, BUT ONLY IF THEY’RE BUILT TO HANDLE A LOAD. HERE’S HOW TO FIND ONE THAT’S UP FOR ALL-DAY EXCURSIONS.

BROWNING X-BOLT 2 • CUSTOMIZATION IS THE NAME OF THE GAME WITH THIS LATEST ITERATION OF THE POPULAR X-BOLT CENTERFIRE PLATFORM.

RAMPED UP • A CROWDED BOAT RAMP IS NO PLACE TO GET FRAZZLED.