Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Spring is starting to show up across the West, which means one thing to this bowhunter—time to get after the bears! I absolutely love spot–and–stalk bear hunting in the spring. Black bears are apex predators, and hunting them requires that I am at the top of my game. My actions and decisions can have extreme consequences, and I have to be prepared for intense encounters. Bear hunting ratchets up the adrenalin and is something I crave each and every year. Black bears in the West are also extremely difficult to harvest with archery gear. They are a relatively low population density animal, so when I find a good one, success means dialing in my hunting strategy and tactics. When all these factors are stirred into the same pot, the results are an ultimate challenge. When it’s spring in the Rocky Mountain West, give me my bow, big mountains and pumpkin–headed boars, and I know I am in for one heck of an adventure.     

There is still opportunity to hunt spring bears out West. There are draw tags and even OTC opportunities in states like Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. There are also multiple mountain ranges with robust bear populations. That doesn’t mean the hunting is easy, but there are a lot of good places to go on a spring bear adventure. That said, spring bear hunting is all about elevation. IT IS ALL ABOUT ELEVATION!   

I just wanted to make sure you got that, as it’s the key to finding bears consistently. The snow and new green growth condenses bears at certain elevations. As the snow melts, new green grass sprouts and begins to grow. This is where the bears will want to be. So, when you are studying up on maps or have boots on the ground in a mountain range, look for the green wave that works its way up the mountain. In Montana, it’s different year to year, but below are guidelines I’ve developed over years and years of chasing spring bruins.   

Bear Location by Elevation Guide

How does killing deer save deer? The Wyoming Range mule deer population crash could have been even worse after the winter of 2022-2023. Learn how predators impact deer numbers and how deaths caused during the winters of 2016-2017 and 2018-2019 actually benefited the Wyoming Range herd. Ike Eastman sits down with Dr. Kevin Monteith of the University of Wyoming to talk about science and management of mule deer in the Wyoming Range and across the West.

Listen to Ike’s full discussion with Kevin here:    • Dr. Kevin Monteith | Mule Deer Manage…  

This episode of Eastmans’ Journal Podcast is brought to you by:

The post Predators, Mule Deer & Winter Kill (Eastmans’ Wildlife) appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

This review features Lowa’s Tibet Evo GTX Boots. Backpack hunter Brandon Mason breaks down the key features of this updated hiking and hunting boot. Lowa has redesigned this mountain boot to be lighter, more comfortable with an improved midsole, and more durable with a shaped rand. The zone lacing system is unique to Lowa and offers any hiker the ability to customize the fit to eliminate pinch points.

The post Lowa Tibet GTX Evo Boots Review appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Photo courtesy of District Court of Wyoming

“A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Western U.S. today ruled that corner-crossing, or accessing public land at a common corner with private land, is legal and protected by federal law.” (Andrew McKean – Outdoor Life, 2025)

Sportsmen and landowners across the West have been standing on one foot waiting for Federal ruling on the much discussed “Corner-Crossing Case” from Wyoming to know where to place that other midair foot. That ended today when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Western U.S. (10th Circuit Court), decided that four Missouri hunters did not trespass on the land of the Iron Bar Ranch in 2020 and 2021 when they used a ladder to cross between sections of public land.  

“…any inclosure of public lands is prohibited, and no one may completely prevent or obstruct another from peacefully entering or freely passing over or through public lands.”

It’s nice to have an answer on this topic and although the decision was a long time coming, and can be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, at least folks on both sides of the fence know where they stand. . . for now. There is little argument that this topic is now closed and I’m sure we will see continued probing as folks test the ruling over the coming months. 

A hunting cabin is a perfect getaway every hunter dreams of. It's where hunters can immerse themselves in nature, prepare for the hunt, and relax after long days in the wilderness. Setting up your dream hunting cabin requires thoughtful planning, from selecting the ideal location to ensuring it is well-stocked with essential gear. Whether you're cr...

Photo Credit: YuriArcursPeopleimages_Envato

A pair of recent poaching cases have once again made me question whether the penalties for egregious and premeditated poaching are strict enough. I’ve held the opinion for a long time that suspended hunting privileges, slight monetary fines and gear confiscation don’t go far enough and these cases prove my point. 

First up is the case of serial poacher Travis Alexander Palmer of Oregon. Palmer received lifetime hunting bans in both 2015 and 2024 for his guilt in continuous poaching before being convicted, again, for a string of poaching offenses. 

“Palmer is a habitual offender who does not care what restrictions are placed on him,” DA Jim Carpenter told the RV Times. “He is going to trophy-hunt or fish as he wishes without regard for the law or other people.” (Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 2025)

That, folks, is the issue at hand… deterrents as they are, do not work for serial poachers like Palmer. The cost for poaching, especially premeditated, serial poaching is simply not high enough. There needs to be a bigger hammer applied to folks like Palmer. 

Lifetime hunting bans don’t work, these criminals have already displayed a complete and utter lack of regard for the law and as we see in a more recent case here in Wyoming involving Kenny Craig of Alabama, nonresident poachers simply duck out and only face punishment IF they return and are apprehended. 

Photo Credit: macropixel_Envato

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has signed a bill allowing the shooting of certain non-game animals from a vehicle. 

The non-game animals in question include prairie dogs and ground squirrels but game animals may NOT be shot from a vehicle… “According to the statute, shooting from a public road or highway, including the area within 30 feet on either side of a roadway, is still prohibited.”

The new law allows people to shoot prairie dogs and ground squirrels from vehicles, which is largely done either on private land or on public land from unpaved, unmaintained “roadways”. 

To be clear, shooting these non-game animals from the shoulder of a State highway or County road while in a vehicle appears to still be illegal. The intent of this new law is for folks shooting prairie dogs and ground squirrels while bouncing around in a pasture. A common practice across the West. 

“Restrictions and requirements for animals defined in statute as “predatory animal” remain unchanged, according to the WGFD.” 

Elk hunting in Montana feels more crowded than ever. What’s behind this shift? Eastmans’ Dan Pickar breaks down the factors that have impacted hunt quality in the Big Sky State. From wolves and bears to Covid, drought and loss of access have all contributed to changes in hunt opportunities. How has this affected you?

The post Too Many Non-Resident Hunters & Wolves In Montana!? Hunt Research with Dan Pickar appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Photo Credit: byrdyak_Envato

Most folks have strong feelings about grizzly bears and their ESA (Endangered Species Act) status. Myself included. 

I will spare you too much opinion and simply say that the bears are recovered and management should be handed to the States. Exactly like western wolves in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. 

That said, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has extended the public comment period for grizzly bear management to Friday, May 16, 2025. 

This is excellent news as it provides an extended opportunity for folks to weigh in on the grizzly bear debate, giving the public a louder and clearer voice. 

I applaud this decision as a refreshing move back to government of the people, by the people and it signals a shift in the Federal bureaucratic opposition to grizzly bear delisting. The tide may just be turning folks. 

Photo Credit: Harrycollinsphotography_Envato

The Utah state legislature is eyeballing doubling all nonresident license costs in the state which will begin July 1st, 2025. This bill is expected to easily pass the House and Senate. The bill will effectively raise the price of all nonresident tags by 100% and would make Utah the most expensive state to hunt in. 

A limited-entry deer tag would go from $670 to $1,340. A limited-entry elk tag would go from $1,050 to $2,100. Talk about a massive increase! 

Moose, sheep, and goat tags will be $4,488! 

WOW!  

It’s getting crazy out there folks. The point to all of this? Go hunting while you can still afford it!

Photo Credit: Harrycollinsphotography_Envato

The Utah state legislature is eyeballing doubling all nonresident license costs in the state which will begin July 1st, 2025. This bill is expected to easily pass the House and Senate. The bill will effectively raise the price of all nonresident tags by 100% and would make Utah the most expensive state to hunt in. 

A limited-entry deer tag would go from $670 to $1,340. A limited-entry elk tag would go from $1,050 to $2,100. Talk about a massive increase! 

Moose, sheep, and goat tags will be $4,488! 

WOW!  

It’s getting crazy out there folks. The point to all of this? Go hunting while you can still afford it!

Photo Credit: harrycollinsphotography_Envato

If you commented/voted on the 2025 elk proposals for the Brownlee and Weiser River Zones, you might have noticed something.  There were new/more tags being proposed in those zones.  This was a pleasing sight when I cast my vote for the proposal.  It came as no surprise to me when IDFG announced that they had conducted two elk surveys in that area and showed an increase in the elk population.  

Both the Brownlee and Weiser River Zones are covered in patchy public land surrounded by private land.  This can be challenging to manage the take in those zones because of the wildlife conflict with agriculture in that area.  Each zone has both migratory and local populations of elk.  Elk will also get pushed to the safety of private land during the hunting season.  This can cause issues with meeting the take requirements in these zones and keep conflicts at a minimum.  

During the recent survey, IDFG produced an estimated 1,852 cows and 608 bulls in the Brownlee zone.  The current objective for that zone is 550-850 cows and 150-200 bulls.  In the Weiser River zone, IDFG estimated nearly 7,900 cows and 1,835 bulls.  The objectives for the Weiser River zone are currently 3,300-5,000 cows and 670-1,000 bulls.  

This uptick in population is why we saw the recent proposals for additional tags in those zones.  Along with adding additional controlled hunts in those zones, IDFG proposed removing the cap on the tags for the Weiser River Zone.  This is a good thing for all hunters.  While some zones aren’t doing as well as these two, the fact that IDFG is increasing tags is a good sign for all.  The proposed increase to the tags (along with the other big game hunting proposals) are not final yet but should be soon.  

Along with the above-mentioned proposal, IDFG is also increasing the opportunity for hunters to take a mountain lion.  Currently in most units, mountain lion season ends just before Spring bear season.  For me this was always a point of contention because on two occasions, I could have taken a shot at a mountain lion while glassing for spring bears.  With a new proposal for mountain lions, the season would be open year round, Statewide.  This will undoubtedly increase the number of cats that are taken off the landscape.  With fewer cats we will help both the deer and elk populations.  

Hunting dogs are an indispensable part of a bird hunter’s arsenal but more than that, they are part of our families and enrich our lives. Today we say goodbye to a member of the Wingmen family, who helped make Wingmen possible. This video is a tribute to the life and adventures of Mackinaw.

The post All Bird Dogs Go To Heaven | Wingmen Remembers Mackinaw appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

“The Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project was initiated in 2013. Since then, the collaborative project has documented the challenges that fawns face on their first year of life for 745 newborns, documented migratory routes for 600, assessed survival of 181 males ranging from 1 to 11 years of age, documented the vagaries and challenges of life for 463 female deer across 12 years encompassing drought and severe winters including the most catastrophic winter for decades, and investigated 960 mortalities. And along the way, answering questions that heretofore were only a realm of fascination because of what it takes to gain the answers. Daughters learning how to use the landscape from their mothers. Other daughters leaving behind everything they know and walking blindly into the unknown to start new life in another place. The long-term, individual-based work has and will continue to reveal the intimate ties these animals have with their environment, how they are affected by and respond to it, and what our presence holds for their future.”-

Dr. Kevin Monteith
[email protected]

Migration is key to the survival of mule deer and other wildlife. Understanding migration paths is a key to conserving mule deer and other wildlife for generations to come. As our landscapes become more developed conservation of migration corridors is becoming more important. This is the story of Wyoming’s mule deer. Ongoing migration research is setting the standard for mule deer conservation across the West.

Photo Credit: Jim Clark_USFWS

Recent articles related to the reintroduction of Mexican Wolves have pushed an agenda of placing this species as far north as the Grand Canyon. Special interest groups would like to see the wolves placed into non-traditional habitat for varying reasons ranging from misguided to misleading. 

The reasons include increasing ecotourism in popular destinations, placing additional restrictions on land utilization and romanticized ideals about the American West.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department, who has been an active participant in the Mexican wolf recovery effort, has issued an article outlining what the designated recovery area is and why it exists. Follow the link below for more info on what the future might hold for Arizona’s wolves.

In the meantime, what’s your opinion? 

https://www.azgfd.com/2025/02/28/science-guides-geography-of-mexican-wolf-recovery/

Photo Credit: Wirestock_envato

During the March 5-6 meeting, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission reviewed staff recommendations on proposed regulations changes.  After in-depth discussions, the Commissioners approved the following regulation to take effect in 2028. 

Deer, Elk, Bear, Pronghorn & Turkey: Changes to the Primary Draw

Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat- Primary Draw

Reissue Process

In episode #67 of the Eastmans’ Journal Podcast, host Ike Eastman sits down with Former Boston Bruins player, Kevan Miller. This is the second recording that the guys have done together, and this time, they explore various life lessons and changes. Recently, Kevan and his family purchased a property in beautiful Pony, Montana. The guys discuss the life changes that led to this decision and have insightful conversations about how to approach change with your spouse. This is a great and genuine conversation that we know you will enjoy!

The post The Push to Live In Montana with Kevan Miller | Eastmans’ Journal Podcast Ep #67 appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Photo Credit: aduguid

As some of you know, Idaho passed a new law that requires nonresident shed hunters to purchase a Nonresident Big Game Hunting License.  Idaho Code 36-508 states, “A nonresident collecting, possessing, or transporting antlers or horns shed from deer, elk, moose, or pronghorn in this state shall be required to first procure a license entitling the nonresident to hunt big game.”  This law also states that nonresidents under the age of 12 do not have to purchase the nonresident license if they are accompanied by a nonresident that does have the nonresident license.  This would also apply to nonresident children under 12 who are accompanied by a RESIDENT who is collecting sheds.  Nothing has changed for residents.

This law is also tied to Idaho Code 36-507.  Idaho Code 36-507 is the law that gives the Fish and Game Commission the authority to close certain geographical areas to shed hunting to help wintering game during years of harsh winters.  This is something you will have to check on for the area you wish to shed hunt.  This is also only applicable to public lands and “shall not apply to a person who is a private landowner or his designee on land leased or owned by that person.”  This means that if you are on private land shed hunting, get written permission from the landowner to be there for the purposes of shed hunting.  That will keep you out of hot water if contacted by a Game Warden.  

Also new to Idaho in 2025 is the Bear Identification Test.  Effective January 1, 2025, anyone who is hunting black bears in Idaho, must show proof of a passed Bear Identification Test.  This test is not mandatory to receive a bear tag but if you are contacted by a Game Warden while bear hunting, you must show proof of the completed (passed) test.  This change to Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA Rule 13.01.02.221 [https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/13/130102.pdf]) was passed by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission in November 2024.  This rule is temporary for this year and will go through the review process by the Idaho State Legislature during the 2025 legislative session. 

Attached below is a link to the Bear Identification landing page.  On that page, there is a link to the test, instruction, and a link for a Bear Identification study guide.  I took this test recently and there are some questions that are not so straightforward.  The test has 15 multiple choice questions, and you need an 80% or higher to pass.  That means you must get at least 12 out of the 15 questions right.  Once you are finished and pass the test, you will get a certificate.  You can save the certificate to the Documents portion of your Go Outdoors Idaho online account.  This only works when you are in cell phone service, so I recommend saving the PDF to your phone and taking a screen shot of the certificate.  This will make access easier if you need to produce proof in the field.   

https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/bear-identification

For hunting enthusiasts, transporting hunting gear across state lines requires careful planning and a solid understanding of laws and logistics. Each state has different regulations concerning firearms, ammunition, and hunting equipment, making it crucial to stay informed to avoid legal trouble or transportation mishaps. Whether you are heading out...

What is your strategy for hunting applications? If you’ve read through the Eastmans’ MRS section within the pages of our printed magazines, you might sit back and ask yourself, what do I do with this information? 

It is a large amount of data to consume and can be very intimidating. That may be especially true if you are new to this realm. So let’s break it into bite sized pieces and help you build a customized plan of attack. 

First, let’s create your own hunt filtering system. What are your priorities to build around? For example, my priorities are: 1 – archery season, 2 – public land and 3 – draw opportunity. 

So ask yourself these questions: