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.

FINDING VALUE

GAME & FISH WEST

TRENDING NOW AT GAME & FISH ONLINE • GET TIPS, SEE GEAR AND CELEBRATE THE LIFESTYLE AT GAFMAG.COM

MOON TIMES

HEAD GAMES • PLACING CONSISTENTLY LETHAL HEAD SHOTS ON SMALL-GAME ANIMALS BEYOND 25 YARDS WITH YOUR .22 RIMFIRE REQUIRES MORE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK.

WINDS OF CHANGE • IT’S TIME TO ADAPT YOUR HUNTING APPROACH ON PUBLIC GROUND.

BUILD A DUCK BLIND FOR LESS THAN $ 30 • STAY HIDDEN ON THE X FOR CHEAP WITH THIS EASY-TO-MAKE OPTION.

CARP CRUSADERS • ARMED WITH NEW DATA ABOUT THE LONGEVITY AND CONSERVATION VALUE OF AMERICA’S LEAST APPRECIATED FISHES, ADVOCATES ARE ELEVATING THE COMMON CARP AND ITS COUSINS.

WATERFOWL WONDERLAND • WITH ITS SHEER NUMBER OF BIRDS, MIXED-BAG OPPORTUNITIES AND THE CHANCE TO HUNT TOTALLY UNPRESSURED DUCKS AND GEESE, SASKATCHEWAN IS THE HUNT OF A LIFETIME FOR AVID WATERFOWLERS.

GO-TO GEAR • If you’re making the trip up to Saskatchewan, bring along the right equipment.

TRIP TIPS • Keep these considerations in mind when planning a hunt in Saskatchewan.

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

THE ART OF THE AMBUSH • STEALTH IS A POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE TOOL WHEN HUNTING FALL TURKEYS.

SHELL GAME • Modern loads designed specifically for turkeys increase the odds of successful shots.

CREATURE FEATURES • FAR FROM CONVENTIONAL, CRITTER LURES CAN DRAW AGGRESSIVE STRIKES FROM HUNGRY LUNKERS.

PRIVATE FOR ALL • How to take advantage of the hundreds of thousands of private acres across the West that are open to public hunting.

STATE ACCESS PROGRAMS • How to find private land open to public hunting where you live

10 TIPS TO TAG A BULL • EMPLOY THESE PROVEN TACTICS TO GET CLOSER TO ELK THIS MONTH.

PUBLIC PRONGHORNS • ONE OF THE TOUGHEST TROPHIES IN THE WEST IS A PUBLIC-LAND PRONGHORN. HERE’S HOW TO TIP THE ODDS FOR TAGGING ONE IN YOUR FAVOR.

FIELD-JUDGING TIPS • Ways to tell if a buck might make the books

GOAT GEAR • Guns, glass and gadgets to get the job done

THE MIGHTY KERN • EPIC ANGLING AND OTHER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ABOUND on this Golden State waterway.

MAINE EVENT • FAR NORTHERN MAINE FEATURES BIG WOODS, BIG BEARS AND EVEN BIGGER ADVENTURE.

LOADED FOR BEAR • A look at the rifle, ammunition and optic used on the hunt

BACKWOODS BASE CAMP • A remote location featuring rustic comfort and blissful solitude

ROOSEVELT ELK RELIVED • THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST’S ELK REMAINS THE TOUGHEST SUBSPECIES TO HUNT, EVEN FOR DIEHARDS WITH DECADES OF EXPERIENCE PURSUING THEM.

MAKE THIS FALL YOUR BEST ONE EVER.

BACKCOUNTRY CARRY GUNS • WHEN YOU GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH, THESE HANDGUNS PROVIDE A PORTABLE MEANS OF PROTECTION.

CALIBER CONSIDERATIONS • Whatever you choose, be sure to carry it with you.

COVERT OPTICS 10X42 BINOCULAR • THIS WELL-BALANCED OFFERING PROVIDES PERFORMANCE BEYOND ITS PRICE TAG.

GAIN AN EDGE • PICK THE RIGHT BLADE FOR THE JOB, AND CUTTING TASKS WON’T SEEM LIKE CHORES.

NO KNIVES • ALL CAMPOUTS ARE NOT THE SAME.