Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

This past winter the predator impact on ungulate populations in the state of Washington has been front and center.  This blog will give you a couple of updates on what is going on and how you might be able to get involved.  

After much pressure from sportsmen, in late January, the Wildlife Commission opened up a public comment period to consider a spring bear hunt again in 2022. The public can make comments online right now at the following link https://publicinput.com/SpringBearPetition102.  I would encourage everyone reading this to put down a quick comment supporting the spring bear hunt as it is scientifically based and will not negatively impact the population.  This will go to a decision probably in the next six weeks so fast action is needed.  We know the anti-hunters will be making their voices heard, hunters need to continue to do the same.  If the spring hunt is approved the season will run from May 1st to June 15th.  This is a very important hunt as it helps reduce the predation on the ungulate population.  

In the Blue Mountains of southeast Washington, a recent survey(2021) of elk calves discovered that only 9 of the 125 calves that were fitted with radio collars survived.  The survey determined that predators accounted for most of the calf deaths.  Of those it was determined that 70% of those predation mortalities were caused by cougars. Such a high mortality rate puts the long term health of the herd in jeopardy. Local county commissioners have made a petition to the WDFW to extend the cougar season in this area to increase the harvest.  A recent predator study showed the Blue Mountains had a considerably higher density of cougars than any other area in the state.  The Blue Mountains have historically held some of the biggest bulls in the state and the population right now is only about 50% of what it historically has been, hovering around 3600 animals which is down from 5700 in 2016.  

The predator population in the State has been increasing since the mid 90’s when hunting with dogs and baiting were prohibited by an Initiative vote of the people.  While Washington may not be a destination state for deer and elk hunters, perhaps it is time to shift the perspective and realize that Washington is probably one of the top states in the continental US for predator hunting.  We have generous seasons and plenty of targets for those who get out there.  The fall bear season that is open statewide has a bag limit of two bears and a season that opens August 1st.  The early cougar season runs September 1st-December 31st, followed by a late season of January 1st-April 30th in units where the harvest guidelines have not been met.  Both of these hunts offer a great opportunity to get out there and help the local deer and elk herds at a time where other hunting opportunities might be limited.  

The controversial and high publicized changes to the deer and elk regulations have been passed by the Montana FWP Game Commission. Many residents expressed their concerns about the “rushed” changes but the commission declared too much work had already been done on these changes so they passed them, with the addition of a few amendments. Nearly all of Montana is going to see hunting district boundary changes and many are going to have number changes. The 900 archery elk license has been discontinued and each unit managed individually with the intent to address the elk populations on private property that the general public does not have access to hunt. The one thing that most folks did approve of, who were there for public commenting, was to require all permits to be first and only choice so if you draw that permit you are restricted to hunt in that permit only. Region 4 saw the biggest changes but they were mostly for private property. Permits were reduced and changed to unlimited which will give the outfitters and landowners a little more freedom to sell hunts where the general public is not allowed to hunt. 

It was also noted that mule deer numbers are declining in most areas with Regions 2 and 7 getting the most attention. Due to the Region 2 deer permit areas being moved to general, seasons were shortened to three weeks to prevent over-harvest. Biologists noted that areas where elk populations are thriving, mule deer populations are declining. This has also been suggested in studies from the past when it comes to declining mule deer numbers. Mule deer always seem to avoid thriving elk populations. 

In short, Montana has shuffled the deck and you’ll want to stay tuned to TagHub for up to date information as things shake out and pay close attention to Montana FWP press releases and their website. One thing is certain, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. 

The post Montana FWP Commission Approves New Elk and Deer Seasons appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

“On Monday, the agency officials sent out a letter announcing their intent to initiate a 12-month status review to determine whether a distinct population segment of the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains or in the western United States should be included on the endangered species list.”

So let me get this straight… USFWS is “reviewing” a distinct population segment of the gray wolf for possible re-listing on the Endangered Species List but use the exact opposite argument for keeping grizzlies on the ESA? If they can “review”, read re-list, specific population segments of gray wolves, why can they not de-list specific population segments of fully recovered grizzly bears? 

You there, peasant. Move that goal post seven yards to the right! 

I’m not sure who is more frustrated with USFWS at this point, residents of states impacted by burgeoning wolf and grizzly numbers or the state game managers who are consistently hamstrung by the lack of science based wildlife management oozing out of Washington DC. I can only imagine how the embattled ranchers around Walden, Colorado feel right now as they watch their livelihood being terrorized and torn apart by precious gray wolves.

Colorado sportsmen and women have banded together to soundly defeat BS… I mean, SB22-031 the bill that would have prohibited the hunting and trapping of cougar, bobcat and lynx(already illegal), in Colorado. 

The bill died in committee with a 4-1 vote. Committee members clearly noted the number of phone calls and emails they received and rightly acted according to the will of the people. 

This is not only a huge win for the hunters and trappers of Colorado but it is clear proof of just how powerful our collective voice can be. Organizations and individuals banded together to defeat this blatantly anti-hunting/trapping bill by standing unified and shouting NO! That is how government of the people, by the people and for the people is supposed to work.

This is the power of unity within the hunting community, when we set aside our differences and rally behind a cause we are a force to be reckoned with and rightly so. The pillars of North American conservation rest solidly upon the money and dedication of North American Hunters, Anglers and Trappers, we are the voice in the wilderness that speaks for wildlife because they cannot speak for themselves. 

“When he saw white in the pines, he took a shot at what he thought was an elk.” 

Ronald Morosko of Pennsylvania, has been charged with the following crimes after fatally shooting a Colorado bowhunter last fall, whom he mistook to be an elk; manslaughter, a Class 4 felony and hunting in a careless manner (misdemeanor). Morosko was released on bail and returned home to Pennsylvania. On Friday Morosko’s defense attorney entered a not guilty plea and the case is now set for trial beginning May 16th. – CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

Photo Cedit: Mike Eastman

If you’ve hunted the West much, particularly Wyoming, you’ll understand the complexity surrounding public access through private lands, corner-hopping and the tenuous relationship between private landowners and public land recreationists like hunters. Also, if you’ve been paying attention to this never-ending saga you’ll have noticed that last fall a group of hunters from Missouri used a ladder to cross from one section of public land to another without setting a physical foot inside of the private land sections on either side yet were cited for criminal trespass under Wyoming state law.  

Well, an attorney for one of these men has moved for dismissal of the charges claiming the following… 

“Dismissal is warranted because federal law “prohibits any person from preventing free passage over or through public lands,” the motion states. “Of course, then, a person must have the freedom to travel from one section of public land to another distinct, but physically adjoining section of public land,” the filing reads.

“[T]he state’s application of trespass law actually conflicts with federal laws,” Semerand wrote. “Accordingly the State’s application of Wyoming’s criminal trespass statute here is preempted by the federal law on point such that this prosecution ought to be dismissed.” https://wyofile.com/corner-crossing-defendants-move-for-dismissal-of-trespass-charges/?fbclid=IwAR1riOEQy_8BJJG0zJqiRznb6VNo3pnc6Z5OkTeVoEdowWXoGo2yfq5r2RE

It will certainly be interesting to see how this all shakes out as it could have extremely large ramifications for the future of public land access across the West. I do think that there has never been a more important time to be good stewards of the land we hunt on whether public or private as the surest way to lose access to both is to abuse the privilege of its use. 

This review features the Ravus Bino Pack made by Alaska Guide Creations. This innovative new binocular pack is built to be customized to fit the needs of any hunt. Add accessories, including a rangefinder pouch, bear spray, and pistol holsters. Eastmans’ staffer Brandon Mason breaks down all the pack’s features, including a two-way zippered pouch and convenient sleeves for your smartphone.

The post Ravus Bino Pack by Alaska Guide Creations – Made in the USA! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Wyoming Conservation License Plates help fund wildlife overpasses like the one in the background near Pinedale, WY along key migration corridors.

Being a lifelong mule deer fanatic, it makes me elated to see so much attention and focus being put on the future of the species’ existence and long-term health.

In late January the Wyoming Game & Fish Commission took another step to help improve habitat and protect migration corridors, aiming at improving and protecting seven herd units. These total up to encompass 25% of the state’s mule deer population.

The Game & Fish Department will invest over $450,000 that will be matched 3-to-1 by other funding sources to help total almost $1.8 million in funding for the “Icon of the West”.

In my opinion, there isn’t such a thing as too much attention and funding that we can give to mule deer. Their numbers, overall, are a fraction of what they’ve been historically.  Having had the good fortune of growing up hunting mule deer in the 80s and 90s, it is hard to swallow seeing how few exist today compared to that timeframe.

Hopefully all of the various mule deer initiatives out West will have a cumulative effect on the magnificent species that many of us cut our teeth on. As usual, sportsmen are stepping up to foot the bill for conservation, and we’re proud to do it!

“When he saw white in the pines, he took a shot at what he thought was an elk.” 

Ronald Morosko of Pennsylvania, has been charged with the following crimes after fatally shooting a Colorado bowhunter last fall, whom he mistook to be an elk; manslaughter, a Class 4 felony and hunting in a careless manner (misdemeanor). Morosko was released on bail and returned home to Pennsylvania. On Friday Morosko’s defense attorney entered a not guilty plea and the case is now set for trial beginning May 16th. 

This case has prompted proposed rule changes to the blaze orange/hot pink clothing requirements for bowhunters which were roundly rejected by both bowhunters and the wildlife commission who voted 11-0 to table it. That’s all well and good but there’s so much more to be discussed here thanks to this extremely unfortunate and completely avoidable accident.

As I have written about in the past, the pressure that the hunters put on the Commission to reinstate the spring bear hunt resulted in a special commission meeting on Friday, January 21st to consider the next steps to take.  There was a lot of back and forth between the various commissioners during this meeting in determining those steps.  On one side were the folks who clearly do not want a spring bear hunt and were willing to use whatever tactics or spin necessary to prevent it from happening.  On the other side were the folks who were more willing to listen to the science and continue the hunt as additional information was gathered.  

Because of a recent commission member stepping down, there was no way the seven-member commission was going to end in a tie with this vote.  In the end, the vote was 4-3 to initiate a spring bear rule-making process, soon.  So what this means is that in the coming weeks the State will begin a process of laying out the framework for establishing a spring bear hunt for the Spring of 2022.  This process will include the season proposals, public comment period, and a final yes/no vote by the commission, again.  Given the short turnaround, it is highly likely that the opening of a spring bear season, if approved, may move to early May as opposed to the normal April 15th opening.   

I anticipate that the anti-hunting crowd will double down on their efforts to stop the hunt.  Hunters must continue to step up and make their voices heard through this process as the fight is definitely not over.  

To further muddy the waters, on Monday, January 24th the Governor appointed three new commissioners to serve, filling two vacant spots as well as one position that had expired.  It is unknown how these new commissioners will vote on this issue as it comes to the commission in late March or April.  Given who the governor has appointed to the commission in the past, sportsmen have a reason to be worried though.  Stay tuned for more updates as the fight to retain our spring bear season in Washington continues.

This archery review features G5 Prime’s 2022 Inline bow. Bowhunter Dan Pickar speed tests this bow and breaks down Prime’s new single cam, Inline technology. This balanced single track cam system means more consistent arrow flight for tighter groups.

SHOP THE NEW 2022 PRIME LINEUP

The post 2022 Prime – New Inline Cam Technology appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Outdoor Life recently posted an article that said, “According to an update on the Boone & Crockett Club’s Eligibility Statement, which took effect Dec. 1, 2021, the use of “sights with built-in electronic range-finding capabilities” and “technology that delivers real-time location data (including photos) to target or guide a hunter to any animal” are now considered violations of the club’s revered code of ethical conduct. Hunters who enter animals for consideration in the Boone and Crockett Records of North American Big Game must sign an affidavit swearing that they have not relied on these technologies, just as they testify that they have not violated other tenants of fair chase, including chasing game with motorized equipment, hunting inside high fences, drugging animals, or violating local game laws.”

It’s hard to govern ethics and I don’t envy the job that the Boone & Crockett Club has when trying to determine what is fair chase and what isn’t. It may seem easy to us today on where to draw the line, but I often wonder how far we would draw the line if we lived 100 years ago. The technology and cool hunting gear we get to use now, and even were able to use 30 years ago, would’ve seemed less than sporting to many that have come before us.

I’m not sure I understand the logic of not allowing rifle scopes with rangefinders. If rangefinders are legal, who cares where they are encased (in the riflescope, in the binocular, in a small handheld unit, etc.)? I do understand the reasoning behind not allowing transmitting trail cameras to be used during the season.  I have no problem with them when scouting, but during the season it is a bit too much in my opinion.

Therein lies the problem, though – in my opinion. We all have differences in opinion on many topics related to hunting ethics, yet there does need to be someone or some group regulating what is and what isn’t fair chase so that we all have a consistent standard. Otherwise, as it says in the book of Judges, “all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes”.

SB22-031 Prohibit Hunting Bobcat, Lynx and Mountain Lion in Colorado – Dave Shaffer

So, it looks like the Anti’s are at it again here in Colorado.

Bill SB22-031 has been introduced into the Colorado General Assembly which would prohibit hunting bobcat, lynx (already protected) and mountain lions here in Colorado.  It provides exceptions such as: unless immediately necessary to protect an individual from bodily harm, protecting livestock, etc.  Violation is punishable by a fine of $500-$2,000 or up to one year in jail and suspending the person’s hunting license for up to 5 years, among other things. Here’s the link:  https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb22-031

You may recall that back in 1992, the Colorado Black Bear Hunting Restriction Initiative (Initiative 10), was approved prohibiting black bear hunting using bait or dogs and between March 1 and September 1. 

Then in 2020, Proposition 114, a ballot initiative was passed directing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a plan to introduce gray wolves into Colorado, getting “paws on the ground” by 2023.  And just last month according to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) news release, https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=8030  CPW wildlife officers confirmed a wolf depredation incident has occurred on a domestic calf in North Park, near Walden Colorado.  

GUEST AUTHOR: Brian Clintworth

Last month I wrote about the Washington Spring Bear hunt being cancelled in 2022 due to the Commission having a split vote which was driven by a couple of commission members that chose to ignore the science and vote with emotion.  Outraged hunters started several grassroots movements and made this a national issue.  Numerous podcasts and articles have been featured across the hunting industry in the last month and half.  A change.org petition has collected over 20,000 signatures, the RMEF has taken a stance in favor of the hunt and is encouraging its members to be active in fighting for this hunt. All these efforts have forced the commission to have a special meeting on January 21st to reconsider the 2022 Spring Bear season in WA.   

Now it is time for hunters to show up and make their voices heard loud and clear. I feel that if we are able to do this we will be able to get the Spring bear hunt back on for 2022. This will be an important victory as it will show that hunters will not just accept our hunts being taken away and will fight to keep them.  It is easy to submit comments to the committee. Click on the link below to do so. You can be assured that the anti-hunting crowd will also be making their voices heard on this. All written comments must be in by January 14, 2022.

The link to the submission form is https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/contact.

We have all been privy to a poacher or otherwise unethical individual that continues to push moral boundaries and cross legal lines just enough to make you cringe or sometimes flat out turn them in for their dastardly deeds. Oftentimes it is someone that grew up shooting deer whenever and wherever to feed their families to satisfy a legitimate need but this once seemingly noble concept has morphed into something ugly. Ultimately, these people have no regard for law and worse yet, their fellow Americans. After all, the animals they are profiting on belong to all of us. 

Not only do we see celebrity hunters selling out just to keep a show going and their social media page popping, but we also see individuals develop a serial poaching habit…in the end, most are getting off with a slap on the wrist and a short ban from hunting at best. So to answer the title to this article, for many the answer could be, “yes” it’s worth the risk because the penalties are traditionally not enough to cause a reason to stop. I think we can all safely say that poaching convictions haven’t had enough bite and game agencies don’t have enough time to gather strong cases and slap these people hard enough. Perhaps there is hope! 

Recently, IDFG hit one of these cowards a bit harder than “normal” and although it might not seem like enough, it is definitely a step in the right direction. 

On December 14th, 2021 Paul D. Coward (such a fitting name) was convicted of outfitting/guiding without a license, unlawful possession of firearms, illegal hunting practices and poaching a mountain goat in Washington State. This shortlist was what IDFG was able to make stick. We all know this list is much longer if the full story was told. Sadly, the prosecution took place WAY too late, there have been over 23 YEARS of complaints against Coward and a three-year-long investigation before justice was served!

WHAT!!? 23 years of complaints, dang! However, on the upside, Coward’s hunting privileges were revoked for 10 years in 48 states, and he was handed 90 days of jail time to be served in three separate sentences during the month of September of 2022, 2023, and 2024! This is to keep him out of the woods during his peak poaching season. All that and $16k in fines! Not bad, I particularly like the September sentences. 

The CX (Copper alloy eXpanding) bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.

The post A SOLID breakthrough in Performanc appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

CONTENT COMING SOON…

The post Eastmans’ Hunting Journal Updated: EHJ 189 appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

The time has come in the state of Utah. Yesterday, January 4th, the Utah Wildlife Board met and were set to vote on whether or not trail cams should be outlawed on public land. Due to a split vote of the board, the chairman cast the deciding vote to ban all trail cameras for the use of hunting on public and private land from July 31st to December 31st beginning in 2022. The provision stated that private landowners can still use trail cams to monitor their property but they can’t use it for the intention of hunting. This vote follows suit with other states out West banning trail cameras during hunting season, namely Arizona and Nevada. This vote came after a survey was sent out to more than 9,000 license holders to see what they thought; 57% never used a trail camera and around half thought that they should be illegal. Around two thirds of the respondents thought that wireless transmitting trail cameras should be illegal. 

This ruling also makes it illegal for outfits to sell trail camera photos with date and locations for animals to the highest bidder. This issue has popped up the past couple of years where we have been seeing people capturing trail camera images and selling the coordinates to hunters. The public survey showed strong support for that to be illegal. 

Thermal imaging devices were also made illegal during hunting season and they cannot be used two days before hunting season opens and two days after hunting season closes. You can’t use thermal imaging devices to recover an animal you shot either. 

We are seeing a turning of the tide in the western states regarding technology usage for hunting. Is this a slippery slope or is it a move in the right direction? 

Go trophy mule deer hunting with Ike Eastman on this Beyond the Grid by Eastmans’ episode. Ike is focused on hunting for a buck that passes the 200-inch mark. He may have finally found a deer that meets that mark. Now it’s a game of cat and mouse to outsmart the mature wise old buck.

The post GIANT 200 inch buck! Hunting Trophy Mule Deer appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

This topic brings up a long list of thoughts and opinions…What exactly does disturbing the winter range constitute and if or when is it okay? We live in a free country, right? Why can’t I get out and enjoy the outdoors whenever and wherever I please? Well, here are some thoughts to ponder and I personally think both the animals and us freedom loving Americans can have our way if done correctly! 

IDFG recently sent out a reminder for us two-legged meat eaters to ease-up and let wildlife rest-up. I have actively researched and written outdoor articles for over a decade, I can safely say that over the years, research has pointed towards backing off and allowing animals to rest providing positive results. This can be applied to deer resting near highways and neighborhoods being bothered by pets or overly curious people. Bucks dropping antlers while being pushed by over ambitious shed hunters, to mountain goats and bighorn sheep hanging at lower elevations and being pushed around by snowmobile riders/backcountry skiers. 

These examples and many more highlight real issues for big game animals and their overall health and sustainability. Wildlife in general need a rest during the winter season. But more specifically, big game animals have recently pushed through the trials of summer and fall along with the physical perseverance required to get through the breeding season. After which they are often minimally equipped for a long winter ahead and that is not considering exceptionally hard winters that take a much heavier toll. Statistically during average winters about 90% of the adult deer survive, while in contrast roughly 40% of the fawns will die! And as to be expected, severe winters drop the rate of survival significantly. Thus, anything we can do to help during this season is an added benefit to overall herd health and viability! 

Here are some tips to consider while you’re out and about this winter:

These concepts may seem obvious to some, but each year there are issues that arise from the conflict between people and animals especially during winter and as the contrast between hunters and activists grows more stark we that truly carry the mantle of sportsmen and women need to sharpen our techniques, stay educated, stay involved and continue to pave the way for the next generation of hunters behind us. Enjoy the season, rest-up, practice lots and we’ll see you in a moment for application season.