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.

LEARNING THE ROPES

Game & Fish West

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

MOON TIMES • Powered By STREMLIGHT

THE PERFECT PLANE • TAILOR YOUR CHOICE OF RIFLESCOPE RETICLE —IN THE FIRST OR SECOND FOCAL PLANE—TO YOUR INTENDED HUNTING PURSUITS.

INSHORE ANGLE • NOW IS THE TIME TO HIT THE SALT FOR SOME OF THE BEST ACTION OF THE YEAR.

LIVE TO TELL ABOUT IT • STAY ALIVE IN THE OUTDOORS BY BEING PREPARED AND AVOIDING DUMB DECISIONS.

CATCHLINE • Find your way back to camp.

CRITTER CLUBS • WE CAN CREDIT WILDLIFE ORGANIZATIONS FOR MANY OF OUR CONSERVATION SUCCESSES.NOW, HOW CAN WE APPLY THAT MODEL TO ADDITIONAL SPECIES IN NEED OF OUR ATTENTION?

THE MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE • TURKEYS, TENTS AND TRIBULATION IN THE SANDHILLS OF NEBRASKA

GOBBLER GEAR • The gun, load and glass I used in Nebraska

GUARDIANS OF THE GOBBLE • A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND WILD TURKEY CONSERVATION SINCE 1973, THE NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION HAS KEPT BOTH BIRD AND HUNTER AT THE FOREFRONT OF ITS MISSION.

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

TRAIL CAMS FOR TURKEYS • TAKE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF TURKEY BEHAVIOR TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

CELL LOW • Two cellular trail cams that won’t break the bank

SO, YOU WANT TO BE A TURKEY HUNTER • ANSWERS TO 10 OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED BY NEWCOMERS TO THE SPORT

THE DEPENDABLE DOZEN • THESE 12 FLIES ARE PROVEN PRODUCERS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF WESTERN TROUT FISHING SCENARIOS.

FREE FOR ALL • THE FREE RIG IS THE HOTTEST NEW WAY TO CATCH PRESSURED LUNKERS IN CLEAR WATER.

CLEAR FAVORITES • Western lakes where the free rig excels

KOKES ON ICE • LANDLOCKED SOCKEYE SALMON ARE EXCELLENT TARGETS FOR ICE-ANGLERS LOOKING FOR A TASTY MEAL.

GO FISH • A few places to try your luck for kokanees on ice

OVERSHADOWED • OREGON’S CROOKED RIVER SEES FEWER ANGLERS THAN THE NEARBY DESCHUTES BUT IS HOME TO PLENTY OF WILD RAINBOW TROUT.

TRIP PLANNER • There’s plenty to see and do in central Oregon when you’re not on the river.

TEACHING TURKEY • IF YOU’RE NOT HUNTING GOBBLERS WITH YOUR KIDS—OR ANY KIDS FOR THAT MATTER—YOU’RE MISSING ONE OF THE GREATEST JOYS THE OUTDOORS CAN OFFER.

KID DO’S • Take these steps to maximize fun.

KID DON’TS • Avoid these mistakes that ruin hunts.

LIFESAVER ACCESSORIES • Two pieces of gear that make springs easier

MOSSBERG 940 PRO TURKEY • GOBBLER HUNTERS NOW HAVE A SHOTGUN OPTIMIZED FOR OPTICS.

WEATHER WARRIORS • THREE SETS OF RAIN GEAR AT THREE PRICE LEVELS TO KEEP YOU DRY AND FOCUSED ON THE HUNT

EXCUSES, EXCUSES • ADMITTING TO A MISS IS WORSE THAN THE MISS ITSELF.