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.

WOODSMANSHIP

Game & Fish West

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

MOON TIMES

LOADED FOR BLACK BEAR • TO DOWN BRUINS ETHICALLY, EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY, ENSURE YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT GUN AND AMMUNITION COMBINATION.

SPIN TO WIN • SPINNING GEAR IS IDEAL WHEN TARGETING TROUT.

LESSONS LEARNED • TIPS AND TRICKS FROM EXPERTS IMPROVE YOUR EFFICIENCY IN THE OUTDOORS.

ACCESSING PRIVATE HUNTING LAND • FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR LANDOWNERS ARE KEY TO ENSURING MORE HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES.

LOOMING LARGE • THE WILD WOODLANDS AROUND HIGH LEVEL, ALBERTA, ARE HOME TOBLACK BEARS OF INCREDIBLE SIZE, STEALTH AND, AT TIMES, SPUNK.

BEAR NECESSITIES • Take good gear for Alberta bruins.

BACKWOODS BASECAMP • Ample creature comforts may come as a surprise at these remote quarters for bear hunters.

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

BEAR BREAKDOWN • BLACK BEAR MEAT IS DELICIOUS—BUT IT MUST BE PROPERLY CARED FOR.

TROUT ALL DAY • WITH TECHNIQUES TUNED TO EACH TIME PERIOD AND LIGHT LEVEL, ANGLERS CAN ARM THEMSELVES TO CATCH TROUT FROM DAWN TO DUSK.

TWO RODS ARE BETTER THAN ONE • Double up to increase your odds of catching a lunker.

LATE IS GREAT • WHEN IT COMES TO HUNTING SPRING BLACK BEARS, THE LATER IN THE SEASON IT GETS, THE BETTER THE ACTION ON BIG BRUINS.

CALLING SPRING BEARS • Crank up the excitement by convincing them to come to you.

MAY IS FOR MERRIAM’S • TRY THESE PLOYS IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO TAG A LATE-SEASON GOBBLER.

TOP SPOTS FOR MAY MERRIAM’S • Pack the truck and hit the highways for a turkey road trip.

SPRING INTO BASS • AS WATERS WARM, IT’S TIME TO GO FLASHY, SPLASHY AND NASTY FOR BIG LARGEMOUTHS AND FEISTY SMALLMOUTHS.

COMEBACK KIDS • EASTERN ARIZONA’S NATIVE APACHE TROUT FISHERY IS ON THE RISE AGAIN.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • Regulations and more for Christmas Tree Lake

WHAT APACHE TROUT EAT • Load up your boxes with these flies and lures.

OTHER APACHE TROUT WATERS

STRIKING GOLD • AT LA ZONA ON THE URUGUAY RIVER, MENACING DORADO WITH MONSTER MAWS TEST THE STRENGTH OF BOTH TACKLE AND ANGLERS.

TRIP PLANNER • La Zona Fishing Lodge is just 5 minutes from dorado.

BEYOND THE BEATEN WATER • A CREATIVE KAYAK LAUNCH IS OFTEN A BIG PART OF PLUCKING BASS FROM HARD-TO-ACCESS PONDS AND LAKES.

SAFE TRANSPORT • Kayaks ride easy on this trailer from Yakima.

FIT FOR FISHING • WHETHER YOU FOCUS ON LAKES OR RIVERS, FRESHWATER OR THE SALT, THERE ARE KAYAK MODELS DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS.

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES • Make your ’yak more fishable with these add-ons.

FEAR, PRIDE AND NAPS • SOMETIMES THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TAKING A SNOOZE.