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.

TACKLED

Game & Fish Midwest

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

ROLL YOUR OWN • TIE YOUR OWN SPINNER RIGS FOR WALLEYES THIS SPRING.

READY RIGS • SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE THIS SPRING AND SUMMER WITH THESE FIVE LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY-TO-USE PANFISH RIGS.

PANFISH PLAYGROUNDS • Hit these top waters for quality action on crappies, bluegills, perch and other panfish.

TIGHT-QUARTERS TROUT • WHILE FLY FISHING IS A QUINTESSENTIAL APPROACH, MANY EXCELLENT SMALL MIDWEST TROUT STREAMS AREN’T CONDUCIVE TO BACKCASTS. IN THESE AREAS, CONVENTIONAL LURES AND SPECIALIZED CASTING TECHNIQUES CAN WIN THE DAY.

SMALL-STREAM SETUP • Rig up right to tackle small creeks with little casting room.

SMALL-SCALE GOBBLERS • ROAMING LARGE PROPERTIES IN SEARCH OF A BIG TOM IS A DREAM SCENARIO FOR MANY HUNTERS, BUT MANY MIDWESTERNERS MUST HUNT SMALLER PROPERTIES. MAXIMIZE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES ON PETITE PARCELS WITH THESE TACTICS.

GOBBLER GEAR • Four proven mainstays of the spring turkey woods

FINE ARTS • LIGHT LINE, LIGHT JIGS AND NATURAL COLORS ARE THE NAME OF THE GAME WHEN IT COMES TO FINESSE TACTICS FOR PRESSURED BASS.

ESSENTIAL STICKS • Choose a rod that sets you up for finesse success.

BIG WATER BLESSINGS • THE FERTILE WATERS OF SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN PROVIDE FANTASTIC MIXED-BAG TROUT AND SALMON FISHING.

IF YOU GO • Things to consider when planning a spring trip to southern Lake Michigan

2023 TACKLE TEST • WE PUT 53 NEW RODS AND REELS THROUGH THE WRINGER AT 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.