Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Could someone expect to consistently put a mule deer and whitetail general tag in their pocket in Wyoming one day? SF0003-Mule and Whitetail Deer Separate Hunting Seasons may be marching its way through the Legislature to make that a reality by providing a bill that gives the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) the authority to create a separation of pricing and applications in the tag system between whitetail and mule deer licenses in the State. 

This is the second year such a bill has been brought forward – a recommendation from the Wildlife Task Force. The Task Force was a conglomeration of people with wildlife interests, from landowners to outfitters to resident hunters and hotel owners, who met 16 times from June 2021 until December 2022 to deep dive into Wyoming’s burning wildlife issues. These recommendations were hashed out with public involvement and often came from hours of deliberation.

Before diving into the mechanics of SF003, it’s worth acknowledging how the WGFD currently manages whitetail and mule deer separately today. In various places across the state, general deer tags offer bag limits like, “antlered mule deer, or any whitetail deer” which means hunters can shoot one of either species with that tag. 

To focus more hunting pressure on whitetail and less on mule deer, WGFD currently can add antler point restrictions on mule deer, and offers shorter seasons on mule deer in some places. For instance, in hunt areas around Sheridan, WY, hunters in 2024 could take an antlered mule deer or any whitetail deer from Oct. 15-24. Then, the regulations switch to only any whitetail deer from October 25 until November 30th. 

Additionally, WGFD offers a Type 3 any whitetail license, which can be an additional antlered deer tag if you can pick it up. For residents, that may mean picking up a Type 3 in the initial drawing, then buying a general mule deer tag at the local sporting goods store. As a resident, this has been my approach and has allowed me an additional any whitetail tag every year. 

On Saturday, January 18th, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) completed capture and release work for the second gray wolf reintroduction season in support of the Colorado Gray Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. Fifteen wolves were translocated from the central interior of British Columbia to Colorado. Separately, the agency also successfully completed the release of five members from the original Copper Creek Pack. All wolves were released in Eagle and Pitkin counties, continuing the agency’s efforts to create a permanent, self-sustaining gray wolf population in Colorado. No further releases are planned for the 2024-2025 capture season. This completes the second year of three to five planned years of wolf releases.

British Columbia Operation

In British Columbia, CPW worked closely with a team from the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) to capture the gray wolves. CPW biologists, veterinarians and wildlife officers flew to Prince George, B.C., in January and met with B.C. biologists, veterinarians, wildlife officials, and helicopter capture crews. The full wolf relocation team assembled after the January 8, 2025 CPW Commission meeting and began capture operations in the Canadian province 48 hours later.  

After the wolves were flown to Colorado, CPW released five wolves on each of three dates: Jan. 12, 14 and 16 in Eagle and Pitkin Counties. CPW worked to release the animals as expeditiously as possible post-capture in British Columbia. Due to lengthy travel times from British Columbia to Colorado and border inspections, all three releases occurred during the evening. In total, seven males and eight females were translocated. 

Wolves were captured from areas in British Columbia where predator reduction is occurring to support caribou recovery. Colorado Parks and Wildlife was responsible for all costs associated with the capture and transport of these gray wolves and there was no compensation or payment for the wolves themselves. The export of wolves from British Columbia to Colorado is permitted under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service. 

Go hunting for mule deer with our 2008 Eastmans’ hunt winner and Guy Eastman on the plains of Montana. With the rut in full swing, you never know what mature bucks might show up. This hunt hosted by Rod Paschke, Sizzlin’ S Outfitters, is a classic episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV from our vault.

The post Wide Buck Comes Out of Hiding! Mule Deer Rut | Eastmans’ Hunting TV appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Hunting is not just a seasonal hobby; it's a way of life for many enthusiasts. Keeping your hunting gear organized and well-maintained throughout the year is essential for maximizing its lifespan and ensuring it's always ready for your next adventure. Proper storage solutions can help you avoid frustration, protect your investments, and make the mo...

Photo Credit: kjekol_Envato

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) kicked off capture operations of gray wolves in British Columbia last Friday as part of its 2025 capture season in support of the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan.   The agreement with the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship allows up to 15 wolves to be translocated and released in Colorado on the Western Slope this year. The operation could last for up to two weeks. 

CPW believes adding wolves from British Columbia to the existing population in Colorado will increase the likelihood of pairing, breeding and pack formation. Established wolf packs defend territories, which will allow CPW to monitor patterns within a territory and will improve the agency’s ability to collaborate with producers on active behavior and coexistence strategies to best protect livestock.

Wolf selection will follow the guidance of the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan. Animals with major injuries—such as several broken canines, missing eyes, fractured or missing limbs, or mange or lice infection—will not be chosen for reintroduction. This selection process is crucial to ensure the health and adaptability of the reintroduced wolves to their new environment. CPW will not translocate wolves from B.C. that are from packs currently involved in situations of repeated livestock depredations.

The capture operations follow work on a number of wolf-livestock conflict minimization measures, including a range rider program, a definition of chronic depredation, the development of a depredation response operations team, effective non-lethal tools, a site assessment program, a carcass removal program, and a communications plan.

Photo Credit: Ron Graham-Becker

In a day and age when a dozen eggs costs my family $8.00 at our local supermarket and it’s almost impossible to “go out” for a meal with my family for less than $100, it seems to make sense that a bill in the Wyoming legislature is proposing an increase for hunting application fees. 400% is the round number being discussed and it seems like a lot but what does that actually look like? 

“House Bill 2 would boost resident hunting license application fees from $5 to $20. Fees for nonresident hunters would jump from $15 to $75.” – Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily. 

There has been no discussion of raising tag prices, yet. . . but raising the price to apply for limited quota tags in my home state to $20 dollars won’t prevent me from applying as I know that wildlife management is expensive. While I don’t agree with everything that the Wyoming Game and Fish does, I do understand how difficult their jobs are and believe that overall WYGFD does a marvelous job managing the state’s wildlife and fish. 

If paying $15 more to apply for limited quota tags means that more of my money goes to better wildlife in Wyoming, I’m good with that. 

The post 3 NEW AZ Hunts To Keep Your Eye On For 2025 appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Hunt public land across the West for elk and mule deer on this episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV. Host Ike Eastman breaks down what it takes to find consistent success when hunting DIY on public land. The work often begins before the draw results are even announced. Grit, persistence and dedicated research pay off for four different public land hunters.

The post Public Land Success! Hunts Across the West with Eastmans’ Hunting TV appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

In episode #62 of the Eastmans’ Journal Podcast, host Ike Eastman Ike sits down with Will Israel.Will is a former Army Ranger who served many years in the military, including seven rotations overseas. He is currently the Executive Director of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA). In this conversation, they discuss important topics such as the ongoing battle between public and private land in Montana. They also talk about “Big Hearts Under the Big Sky,” an initiative that Will is heavily involved in, highlighting both past and upcoming events. This conversation covers a lot of interesting ground, and we know you will enjoy it!

Also Available On:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UrlE8bOodmdVLBKk8juMC?si=9JPZNdByRK6kEExL8Ge1DA

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-montanas-outfitter-landscape-insights-with/id1674650769?i=1000682345698

Photo Credit: kjekol_Envato

At the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission meeting today the Commissioners voted 10 – 1 to disapprove a citizen petition to delay gray wolf restoration efforts.

In other words, Colorado’s wolf reintroduction efforts will continue without delay.

The Commission determined the seven conditions listed in the petition had already been addressed by CPW and were discussed at length during today’s meeting in Denver.

Topics that have been addressed and were discussed today included:

Development of a state range rider programDevelopment of a depredation response operations team to address conflictsNon-lethal conflict techniquesSite assessment programA definition of chronic depredationCollaboration with ranchers on carcass removalDevelopment of a communication plan and consultation with local officials, communities and producers

CPW also published a Wolf-Livestock Conflict Minimization Program Guide to help clarify this part of the program. 

CPW Director Jeff Davis stated, “This decision affirms everything our agency and its partners have already been focused on regarding the conditions in the petition. We’ve been listening to and working with all stakeholders in this historic restoration effort.” 

“The Service’s proposed rule would revise that listing to establish a single distinct population segment (DPS) encompassing areas in Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming,” 

You can read the USFWS official release here.

This map shows the new USFWS Distinct Population Segment for grizzly bears under the agency’s new 4(d) Rule. 

Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

I could probably just show you that map and it would be enough to illustrate how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has conveniently moved the goalposts for grizzly bear delisting once again. But, this is a blog so you’re going to get my dos pesos.

Relocating to a new state can be an exciting chapter in your life, but moving also comes with challenges if you're an avid hunter. Hunting regulations vary significantly across states, and understanding your new location's specific rules and guidelines is essential to enjoying your passion legally and safely. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new...

Did you know you can ring in the New Year by starting applying for 2025 hunting tags in Wyoming on January 2nd? One of the earliest application due dates across the west is the nonresident elk applications due less than a month from today. The Cowboy State has always been eager to bring in nonresident application dollars by the end of January, though the drawing for nonresident elk takes place in May every year. 

Cause of the early due date aside, that means as you plan your western hunting strategy in conjunction with your bank account, it’s worth remembering tag fees are due when you apply in Wyoming and are only refunded if you do not draw in May for elk. You may also apply for deer, pronghorn, moose, and mountain goat tags on January 2nd, however, they have different application modification and results deadlines, too. 

Nonresident deer and pronghorn applications are not due until May 31, so there is plenty of time to scheme your mule deer or antelope hunts in Wyoming after we hear how the animals fared over the winter. 

The eager applicant may want to hold off on throwing down those applications until later, possibly when you submit your moose, sheep, mountain goat, or bison application. Those applications are due April 30th with results coming out on May 8th in 2025. You had better have a good credit card rewards program to use for your applications, because all four of these specialty species are expensive to apply for with the cheapest still being over $2,700.

As for the elk applications due this month, beware the tag numbers and seasons are set in April of each year. While the vast majority of hunts will not have a change, it is worth keeping an eye out for tag cuts or additions in the hunts you put on your application, as well as regulation changes. For instance, folks applying for the area 100 type-2 tag got a wild surprise after applying when the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission changed it during their April season-setting meeting to 5 points or less a few seasons back. You may modify your Wyoming nonresident elk application until May 8, 2025. Draw results will be available on May 22nd. It’s definitely one of the few dates on the calendar when you do not want a refund of your money.

Hunting bighorn sheep with a nearly impossible-to-draw tag! Eastmans’ staffer Luke Washington was lucky to have his name drawn for a truly once-in-a-lifetime hunt in this episode of Beyond the Grid.

The post My Once-In-A-Lifetime Ram! Bighorn Sheep Hunting | Beyond the Grid by Eastmans’ appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Go hunting for rhino, trophy kudu, zebra and more with Ike Eastman on an unbelievable family adventure in South Africa for plains game with the help of Zander Osmers Safaris. A true safari is never just about hunting. Tag along as the family experiences the culture, abundant wildlife and an unforgettable hot air balloon ride.

The post Chasing Rhinos is Conservation? Hunting Plains Game in South Africa | Eastmans’ Beyond the Grid appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Photo Credit: Mike Eastman

These are the Top 5 Elk Hunts in Arizona! Some will take a lifetime of points or stupid-good luck to draw while others you may very well be able to get into next fall for a few points or not quite so much luck. Any way you slice it, Arizona is a must apply state for elk and we hope this intel sets you on the path to chasing bulls in the Grand Canyon State in 2025! Best of luck in the draws. – Todd Helms

Unit 10 – Each of the past two years I have found myself hunting elk in this unit, each time seeing impressive bulls. The difference between unit 10 and most of the other Blue-Chip units in Arizona is that in this unit most of the elk are resident. The early hunts are the traditional trophy hunts, but most of the bulls remain in the unit after the rut and can be hunted in the rim and canyon country. The rut can be intense here but is heavily reliant on moisture. Keep in mind that about half of the unit is located on the Big Boquillas Ranch (https://huntbigboranch.com) , which has special fees and rules that differ from other places in the state. After taking each of my kids on a hunt here, I can see why so many Arizonans have it at the top of their list for chasing big bulls. This part of the state is very remote, with parts of the unit located hours from the closest fuel or groceries, providing a unique experience for hunting a place that feels truly ancient. And once that tag is filled, welcome yourself back to the comforts of the modern world with some biscuits and gravy and a slice of pie at Lilo’s Café; you will not regret it.  

Unit 8 – This is a new Blue-Chip unit for 2025. The early rifle hunt is only held here every few years, and when it does, it usually produces some high-quality bulls. During the rut, resident bulls will venture out of their hiding spots in the deep dark canyons to come up into the pines and chase cows. There are a lot of roads in the unit, and they all get used. Be prepared to put in some time on the maps to find those places where the elk will be traveling to get away from the pressure. Later in the year, those bulls move into the deep canyons in the unit and can get in some nasty locations. Some hunters have used horses, and others just prepare for a multi-day recovery effort, but planning is critical. The habitat can vary from low juniper hills to high pines. Hunting styles can vary across different seasons. Listening and chasing bugles or sitting water can be productive during the rut and glassing long distances is the name of the game as the days get shorter and those temps start dropping.   

Unit 6A – Located near Flagstaff, this unit has plenty of public land and strong elk herds. A few good bulls are taken here every year, but most are average representative trophies. This unit has an additional muzzleloader hunt that occurs between the late archery and late rifle hunts. This can be a good mid-range bonus point option for those who want to come and experience Arizona and isn’t dead set on a top-end bull. With fewer tags, the experience of the muzzleloader hunt can also be more relaxed than some of the other hunts with more tags. 

Unit 22 Early – Unit 22 is managed as an opportunity unit for the department and has a wide variety of hunt types and seasons. The later hunts are a grind with very low trophy opportunity. Conversely, the early archery, rifle and muzzleloader hunts can produce some solid quality bulls with fewer bonus points than other hunts. This unit is low elevation and can be very warm in September, which can lead to hit-and-miss rut experiences. The advantage here is that even without strong rutting, the unit is very glassable, and with pre-rut conditions, bulls can sometimes be patterned. Portions of the unit do have high elk densities, and the tags are limited for the size of the unit. We did the archery hunt this year, and the rut activity was essentially nonexistent. We still managed to find some bulls hitting a water source, and my son filled his tag within a few days.   Unit 4A – This is a unit with a very high elk density in the southern portion of the unit during the early season. The ponderosa pine country holds high numbers of cows, and the rutting can get intense during September. This year with the archery dates being favorable for rutting, this could be a great place to spend a week with a bow. Elk tend to move north into the deep canyons once the rut ends, and the hunting can get tough later in the year. Once you leave the pines, the country is more favorable for glassing, and bulls can be found that way.

Photo Credit: Mike Eastman

If you have done the arithmetic, you probably know the chances of catching the top point levels for a premier hunt in any state are slim to none if you are not within striking distance now. Wyoming is no exception. Many folks who saw a top tag go for 15 points a few years ago are now seeing it go for 18 points and you are no closer to drawing than you were a handful of preference points ago. 

Luckily in Wyoming, you are not in a no-man’s land with the plentiful opportunities to hunt on licenses which can be drawn 8-10 preference points. The General Regions can be a great place to put your points if you know where you want to go and/or have additional intel from a friend, previous experience hunting there, or hire an outfitter. For those looking for a bit of a different hunt experience however, there are options for archery-only and limited-quota rifle hunts to maximize your hunt for 10 preference points or less. 

There are two different draws at different price points in Wyoming; the Special for $1950 for an elk tag and the Regular for $692. The price differential increased drastically last year to create more distance between the demand in the Special and what tags your extra money can get you. These 5 elk hunts/areas focus on the hunter who REALLY wants to burn their points and get out from under point creep in 2025 by using the Special Draw. 

Keep in mind the 2024 drawing statistics are NOT predictive, but explain what these licenses took to draw last year. They serve as a guideline for expectations, however, perform your due diligence watching tag numbers and be ready for the possibility of point creep if you are running your preference points close to the line on any of these hunts. 

Area 39 (Type-1)

The Deer Creek area in the northern Bighorns is a great option for hunters who want to avoid grizzly bears but still can get around in rugged canyon country and big mountains to dig up bulls. 

This gear review features the new Banish 46-V2 suppressor built by Silencer Central. It’s designed for powerful rifles such as the .338 Lapua and 450 Bushmaster, but its compatible with multiple calibers. Ike Eastman shares his experience hunting big game with a suppressor over the last couple of years. He’s field tested Silencer Central’s products on everything from elk and pronghorn antelope to African game such as kudu and nyala bucks. It’s truly a game changer for accuracy, ethical follow-up shots and hunters new to shooting. Silencer Central’s Banish series suppressors are built of titanium to minimize weight and maximize durability. The ATF process is faster than ever and Silencer Central walks you through all the paperwork. It’s a full-service purchase from paperwork to a suppressor arriving on your doorstep.

The post Why Hunt With A Suppressor | Silencer Central Banish 46-V2 Review appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from October 22 – November 26, 2024

​​CPW’s Notable Updates

GPS points are currently taken every 4 hours.A wolf successfully crossed Highway I-70 to the south.Garfield County, Eagle County and Pitkin County are the counties currently being considered for releasing gray wolves during the 2024-25 capture and release season.

For comparison, below is the map for the previous month.

Collared gray wolf activity recorded by CPW from October 22 – November 1, 2024

The post General Areas Inhabited by Gray Wolves in Colorado – November Update appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Travel into the backcountry to hunt bull elk with Guy Eastman and his wife Rinda. They saddle up for a fifteen mile ride into grizzly bear infested wilderness on a hunt with family friend and outfitter Ryan Lakovitch. Patience and persistence are key on this hunt. Once they finally locate a trophy bull, it comes in on a string for a dramatic conclusion of this episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV.

The post Big bull walks right to us! Backcountry Elk Hunt with Guy Eastman appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.