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.

TACKLED

Game & Fish West

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

MOON TIMES

LETHAL LOADS • THE GUN, SHOTSHELL, SHOT AND CHOKE YOU USEDETERMINE WHETHER YOU HAVE A LOAD CAPABLE OF RELIABLY ANCHORING GOBBLERS. IS THERE ANY SINGLE BEST COMBINATION?

PANFISH GOLD RUSH • OFTEN THE HEAVIEST PAYOFF IS FOUND IN THE LEAST LIKELY PLACES.

READY-TO-GO TRUCK • BE PREPARED BY OUTFITTING YOUR RIG FOR ANY ADVENTURE.

A SEASONAL SALUTE TO THE HEN TURKEY • WHILE GOBBLERS GET MOST OF THE ATTENTION IN SPRING, TAKE A MINUTE TO CONSIDER THE HARDSHIPS OF NESTING HENS.

DECISION TIME • EVEN WHEN A SPECIAL PLACE IS KNOWN TO HAVE BIG BUCKS, HOW LONG CAN A HUNTER AFFORD TO HOLD OUT FOR ONE?

LUCKY 7 • Hornady’s latest PRC hits the sweet spot.

MIGHTY MOSSBERG • The Patriot Predator paves the way for the 7 mm PRC.

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

THAT DOG WILL HUNT SHEDS • A 6-STEP PLAN FOR TEACHING YOUR PUP TO RETRIEVE SHED ANTLERS

MICRO TACTICS FOR BASS • USE TINY JIGS DESIGNED FOR PANFISH TO PUT MORE FISH IN THE BOAT.

SPOON-FED TROUT • DESIGNED TO CATCH MIDWEST WALLEYES, THESE LURES WILL TEMPT TROUT THROUGHOUT THE WEST.

RIVER-BOTTOM TOMS • ALONG WESTERN STREAMS AND RIVERS, HUNTING GOBBLERS REQUIRESTHE SAME SPOT-AND-STALK APPROACH YOU USE FOR PRONGHORNS AND MULE DEER.

RIPARIAN GOBBLER GEAR • These products excel when hunting river-bottom toms.

BACK IT DOWN • SLOWLY BACKING YOUR BAIT DOWNSTREAM CANUP YOUR ODDS OF CATCHING MORE SALMON AND STEELHEAD.

THE WONDERFUL, WILD WALKER RIVER • TWO STATES. ONE STREAM. LOADS OF ADVENTURE

2023 TACKLE TEST • WE PUT 53 NEW RODS AND REELS THROUGH THE WRINGERAT ONE OF AMERICA’S PREMIER BASS FISHING VENUES TO COMPILE AN EXTENSIVE REPORT ON THEIR REAL-WORLD PERFORMANCE.

THE ARSENAL • Top baits and gear we used during the Tackle Test

HOW WE TEST • The methodology used in our evaluation

SUPER SPINNER • Shimano’s Stella is a spectacular standout in the spinning reel field.

SHOT SHOW NEW PRODUCT PREMIERE • FIREARM AND GEAR HIGHLIGHTS FROM SHOT SHOW 2023

SUCCESS AFIELD • A GOOD HUNT ISN’T ALWAYS MEASURED BY GAME TAGGED—OR EVEN SEEN.