Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

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.

Photo Credit: TinaQuillen_Envato

U.S. District Court of Wyoming Judge Alan Johnson has ordered the United States Fish and Wildlife Service be given 45 days to make a decision on delisting lower-48 grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The grizzly bear populations in states such as Wyoming, Montana and Idaho have recovered well past the goals determined for delisting but the USFWS has been dragging its feet on making a decision. 

“[T]he Court finds it proper to require FWS to issue its 12-month finding within 45 days of this Order,” Johnson wrote in a legal filing. “To be sure, this deadline will allow FWS to take its mandatory action nearly two years after it was initially due, as well as within a mere few weeks of the schedule it already indicated it could meet on its own.” 

There is zero doubt that the USFWS’s delinquent decision on grizzly bear delisting has been politically influenced by animal rights activist groups waiting in the wings to sue over any decision that goes against their wishes, regardless of what’s best for the bears, the ecosystem and most importantly, the people living in grizzly country. 

A decision to delist the bears, return management to the states and subsequently harvest a few of the over-objective bruins, is past due! I for one hope that common sense wins in 45 days and we can get back to science-based wildlife conservation under the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation that is responsible for every wildlife success story of the past 75 years. 

Photo Credit: mattcuda_envato

Idaho nonresident tags have become quite the hubbub. For most of my life you could buy just about any unit at any time. I have purchased elk tags with mere days left in the season. As with many things the saying, “Those were the good ol’ days!” can aptly be applied here. Not much positive to say about it honestly. However, as with anything we must adjust or be left behind. 

That choice is yours to make. But for those wanting to purchase a general, nonresident hunting tag for 2025. This reminder is for you! As you might have figured, this is a change up from previous years. Typically the tag sale for both resident and nonresident hunters happened the 1st of December and were held simultaneously. This created quite the overload on the Idaho sales system and also, staffing issues for the regional offices. This year the nonresident tags were pushed back a week to segregate the applicants and hopefully decrease the bottleneck issues. 

What does this mean for you? If you are already familiar with the process, then nothing, you just adjust to the new deadline. For those that are new to this adventure make sure you log into your previously set up account at  GoOutdoorsIdaho.com “Just before 10 a.m.” on December 10th (Mountain Standard Time). 

Yes, the IDFG website says, “Just before 10 a.m.” at this point you will be randomly assigned a number and placed in a virtual waiting room. Anyone that logs in AFTER 10 a.m. will be placed at the back of the line. Be sure you have your primary choices with BACKUP choices ready, timing is of the essence. Once you get an open shopping cart you will be allocated a short window of time to select and purchase your tags. 

Photo Credit: BlackBoxGuild

Two deer were shot on private property along New Hope Road in eastern Blaine county about six miles West of Harlem, MT. The deer were shot with a firearm after the general season had closed on December 3rd or early December 4th. One was left to waste and a separate blood trail and drag marks indicate the other one was removed from the property. If anyone has any information please the local Warden at 406-942-2191. Those who report information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.   

https://www.theoutdoorwire.com/releases/8ba153df-8992-4fbc-8ff0-d829a6f686c6

The post Wardens Seeking Info On Two Deer Shot Out Of Season appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Are you searching for the ultimate holiday gift? Be sure to check out the 2024 Eastmans’ Holiday Gift Guide! Inside, readers can find fantastic deals on top brands in the outdoor industry. Happy holidays from all of us here at Eastmans’!

The post Eastmans’ 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

A coalition of anti-hunting groups has filed a petition to the Arizona Game and Fish Department requesting that hunting with dogs be banned in the state. Like other states, hunting opposition views hound hunting as an achievable target for eroding the tools available to wildlife managers. However, their petition is not limited to hound hunting, it is broad enough to be applied to any hunting with dogs including upland and waterfowl hunting.

What you can do:

There is a commission meeting to be held at the department’s Phoenix Headquarters (5000 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086) on December 6, 2024.Arrive by 8:00 AM and request a public comment card. This will allow you to make a public statement in support of science-based management, including the use of dogs.Share this message with friends and family.Be vocal in your support of hunting with dogs and its critical role in wildlife management.Help educate those you interact with about ethical hunting practice and the role of dogs in various forms of hunting.Stay tuned for further developments. This is just the start of this fight and further action by these groups is likely.

The post Arizona Hunting Dogs Under Attack! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Finding the perfect hunting location can make all the difference in your success, enjoyment, and overall experience. Whether you're after big game, waterfowl, or small prey, knowing how to scout a new area effectively is a crucial skill that all seasoned hunters should develop. Scouting helps ensure that your time in the field is spent wisely and m...

Take a look at the brand new Eastmans’ headquarters in this review featuring Forever Barnwood. From start to finish, Ike Eastman breaks down what it took to create this new space. Using custom products from Forever Barnwood allowed us to honor the history of the new building and the western character of Eastmans’.

The post We moved! Eastmans’ New HQ Using Forever Barnwood appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Photo by: wirestock (Envato)

Charges Filed

Three elk and three deer were poached in Broadwater County, Montana in 2023. After a year-long investigation by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks three people have been charged with a mix of felony and misdemeanor charges for game violations. The violations occurred on both private and public lands.

The people being charged have pled not guilty and will be presumed innocent until guilt is established. If they are guilty let’s hope the judge throws the book at them. In today’s world of tough to come by tags, the value of wildlife, especially elk and deer is at a premium and poaching such as this is a theft of public resources. 

Information Wanted  

A bull elk was recently killed and wasted (left to rot) south of Dillon, Montana. FWP wardens discovered the elk carcass on public land near Small Horn Canyon thanks to a tip. It appears that the bull was killed due to a “herd shooting” incident and left to waste. 

This review features modern sporting rifles built by FoldAR. Scott Reekers compares the folding pistol and folding rifle options and has fun shooting both. Each can be easily concealed to carry in a backpack for everyday use. These firearms are designed to be modular; swap barrels, grips, stocks and more. Pair either platform with your preferred optic and customize it to your needs. Would you shoot a folding AR?

The post FoldAR MoBetta Pistol Giveaway appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

In episode #58 of the Eastmans’ Journal Podcast, host Ike Eastman interviews Bill Thompson, the founder and CEO of Spartan Forge AI. Ike and Bill discuss Bill’s background in military intelligence and how his experiences inspired him to combine his love for the outdoors with military technology to create Spartan Forge AI. They also delve into how Spartan Forge is being utilized in the Hurricane Helen relief efforts to help ensure people’s safety. This is a deep and thoughtful conversation that we know you will enjoy!

The post Revolutionizing Hunting Research with AI: Bill Thompson of Spartan Forge | Eastmans’ Journal Podcast appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Relocating to a new area can be both an exciting and challenging experience, especially for hunting enthusiasts looking to connect with other hunters. Whether you've moved to a different state or across the country, finding your place in a new hunting community may feel daunting. However, the process can be enjoyable if you know where to start. By ...

When you move into a new home, a dedicated hunting gear storage space should be on your priority list if you're an avid hunter. Properly organizing your equipment keeps things tidy, helps prolong the life of your gear, and ensures everything is ready for your next hunting trip. Let's explore how to create the perfect space for your gear, no matter ...

The .454 Casull started out as a wildcat cartridge but quickly went on to become a favorite based on its power, performance and small size. The .454 Casull is a versatile handgun cartridge that makes it possible to hunt a wide variety of medium and large sized game. About The .454 Casull The .454 Casull is a handgun cartridge that started out as a ...

Moving to a new place is a big task, and organizing your hunting gear can add another layer of complexity. Proper organization ensures your gear remains in great condition and is easy to access when you reach your new home. Tackling the process step-by-step can avoid last-minute chaos and ensure everything is ready for your next hunt. So, let's go ...

Learning tactical flashlight self-defense should be one of the absolute top priorities for everyone who wants to start camping, hiking, fishing, or performing any similar activity. Remember, hiking trails, campsites, and fishing spots may take you in many different directions and you may eventually find yourself in a situation when you have to act ...

The United States boasts a rich and diverse landscape, offering hunters many opportunities to engage in their favorite pastimes. Whether you prefer tracking deer through dense forests, hunting waterfowl in sprawling wetlands, or pursuing big game across rugged mountains, a hunting destination in the USA suits your preferences. Here, we explore ten ...

Moving to a new home is a significant life event, and for hunting enthusiasts, ensuring that your hunting gear is transported safely and securely is crucial. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to safely move your hunting gear to a new home, covering everything from preparation and packing to transportation and unpacking. By foll...

When it comes to using hashtags as a hunting influencer or to connect with hunting influencers on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, it's important to select relevant ones that resonate with the hunting and outdoor community. Here are some hunting-related hashtags that can help you reach a wider audience and connect with lik...

Hunting is a popular outdoor activity in Tennessee, with a diverse range of game species available throughout the state. Some of the most popular game species for hunting in Tennessee include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, waterfowl, and small game such as squirrel and rabbit. To hunt legally in Tennessee, hunters must obtain a hunting...