Game & Fish Midwest

Each issue of Game & Fish Midwest details proven local strategies for whitetails, turkeys, bass, walleyes and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from North Dakota to Kentucky, 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.

GAME & FISH MIDWEST

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

THE DEER-KILLING DRILL • KNOW YOUR EFFECTIVE LIMIT FROM ANY SHOOTING POSITION WITH THIS SIMPLE EVALUATION DRILL.

TAKE A STAND • HERE’S A PLAN TO MAKE STAYING IN THE WOODS (ALMOST) ALL DAY MORE ENJOYABLE.

GET STOKED • TIPS FOR BUILDING THE PERFECT CAMPFIRE

PERSONAL CODE • WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN SENSE OF WHAT’S RIGHT AND WRONG IN THE FIELD.BUT WHAT ABOUT THE GRAY AREAS?

BETTER WITH AGE • A WEEK IN KANSAS SPENT WAITING FOR A MATURE WHITETAIL PROVIDES LESSONS IN OBSERVATION AND ADJUSTING TO BUCK PATTERNS.

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

MAKE YOUR OWN MOTION • USE A DIY JERK CORD TO ADD SOME ACTION TO STALE DECOY SPREADS.

SMALL-SCALE MALLARDS • WHEN HUNTING PRESSURE MOUNTS ON BIG WATER, SET UP AT SMALL, OUT-OF-THE-WAY CREEKS AND HOLES TO TEMPT WARY GREENHEADS.

GO LIVE • WHEN WATER TEMPERATURES TUMBLE IN LATE FALL, SWAP ARTIFICIALS FOR LIVE BAIT AND PREPARE FOR SOME OF THE BEST ACTION OF THE YEAR.

RULE THE RUT • THE RUT PERIOD IN THE MIDWEST CAN BE BOTH MADDENING AND FULL OF POTENTIAL. FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO ENSURE YOU’RE ON THE WINNING SIDE OF THIS BOOM-OR-BUST WINDOW.

GROUSE ON THE PRAIRIE • OVERLOOKED BY MANY HUNTERS, SHARP-TAILED GROUSE AND GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKENS CAN BE INCREDIBLY FUN AND REWARDING TO HUNT—IF YOU KNOW WHERE THEY HANG OUT AND HOW TO PURSUE THEM.

HARDWOODS HAVEN • SOUTHERN MISSOURI’S MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST IS THE PERFECT LOCALE FOR A RUGGED DIY WHITETAIL HUNT, WITH REALISTIC OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE A TROPHY BUCK.

OPEN CHALLENGE • PRONGHORNS ABOUND ON THE ROLLING PRAIRIE OF EASTERN WYOMING, BUT STALKING CLOSE ENOUGH FOR A SHOT PROVES TO BE ANYTHING BUT EASY.

LEUPOLD Freedom RDS • This red-dot sight is ideal for making fast shots count.

RUT, CAMERAS, ACTION • KEEPING TABS ON ROAMING WHITETAILS MAY BE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK.

FEDERAL GAME LOAD No. 123 • HUNTERS HAVE RELIED ON THIS SHOTSHELL FOR NEARLY A CENTURY.

HOW TO HOLD YOUR MOUTH • THE WRONG POSE CAN RUIN A PHOTO, ALONG WITH THE MOMENT.