Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Hunt mule deer in Montana with Eastmans staffer Jon Gabrio. A cold October snowstorm has rolled in—just the kind of weather that can crank up the rut and get those big boys on their feet. Hunting alongside Rod Paschke of Sizzlin’ S Outfitters, Jon’s stacking the odds in his favor for a true Big Sky bruiser.

The post Eastmans Hunt TV – Montana Rut Hunt appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Hunt for a trophy whitetail deer buck during the November rut on this episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV. This hunt begins during the archery season in September and concludes during the peak of the rut. Eastmans’ staffer Scott Reekers puts the hammer down on a true trophy of a western whitetail deer on this hunt with Circle S Outfitters.

The post Would you shoot this buck? Whitetail Rut Hunt | Eastmans’ Hunting TV appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Deer saved from certain death in this wildlife video! Mike Eastman and his friends free a mule deer buck who’s antlers are locked with another deer. One deer is already dead and the other doesn’t have much time left! This footage was filmed by a young Guy Eastman.

The post Wildlife Rescue! Deer saved from certain death! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Hunting in grizzly bear country today presents unique challenges. Mike Eastman compares hunting today to the experience of hunters in the 1960s.

Be sure to check out Blazed Trails Forgotten by Mike Eastman where he recounts some of his favorite stories from around the world —– click here to watch

The post Hunting in Grizzly Country: Then and Now appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

This review features adaptable shooting supports, tripods, bipods and more from Spartan Precision Equipment. Western hunter Todd Helms breaks down some of his favorite gear in the Spartan Precision line-up including, the SpringBok Quad Sticks, the Springbok Bipod, Javelin Bipod, Hoplite Tripod, Ascent Tripod and Davros Pro Head. Each one of the featured shooting supports are versatile, lightweight and flexible to tackle any challenge a western hunt can present, from steep angle prone shooting to standing shots in tall brushy country. The Ascent Tripod is a do-it-all tool that allows a hunter to have a stable platform for a spotting scope, shooting and can even be broken down into trekking poles for a heavy packout. The SpringBok Bipod is lightweight, flexible and adaptable to just about any shooting scenario without adding weight or bulk to your system. Learn how to use the SpringBok Quad Sticks to quickly achieve a stable shooting platform for standing or kneeling opportunities. The Hoplite Mini Tripod was designed with the ounce-counting hunter in mind. It’s dual purposed for shooting and glassing in an ultralight package.

The post Do-it-all Bipods & Tripods for Hunters by Spartan Precision Equipment (Review) appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Photo Courtesy of Colorado Park and Wildlife

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) seeks the public’s help to identify those responsible for illegally poaching and abandoning carcasses of four large bull elk on four separate ranches in Las Animas County, near the Colorado-New Mexico state-line. The elk were illegally shot Sept. 13, 26 and 27 near the communities of Stonewall and Picketwire.

Of the four bull elk illegally poached, one was shot and abandoned whole; one was wounded and had to be put down; another was shot with the backstraps removed; the fourth had its head removed with no meat taken. 

“These were senseless and disgraceful acts which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado wildlife,” said Jim Hawkins, CPW Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement and Operation Game Thief Coordinator. 

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have information about these crimes. Information may be provided anonymously through Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648 or by email to [email protected].  A $1,000 reward is being offered for tips that lead to a citation or an arrest. Anyone willing to testify about information they provided which led to the filing of charges would be eligible for a preference point or hunting license.

According to the CPW website: “Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers. If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.”  

Opinion

While that sounds good, it seems like poachers normally just receive a slap on the wrist. What good is suspending a poacher’s hunting license when they are already hunting without a license anyway? We need extremely heavy fines and significant jail-time if we really want to slow or stop poaching.

Watch over thirty big game hunting kills in less than twenty minutes! Elk, mule deer, antelope, Stone sheep bow and rifle hunts and more crammed into one video.

The post 30+ Bow & Rifle Hunts in 20 Minutes! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Venturing into the backcountry for several days at a time is both thrilling and demanding. Every ounce in your pack matters, every item you bring serves a purpose, and every decision you make before stepping onto the trail can affect the success of your trip. Packing smart for multi-day backcountry adventures isn't about cramming everything you own...

Hunt mule deer with Eastmans’ elite member Jim Grage. The rut action is just kicking in as Jim arrives in Montana to hunt with Sizzlin’ S Outfitters. Each year Eastmans’ gives away western hunts to randomly selected elite members. Enjoy the western mule deer action on this episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV.

The post Big Bucks in Montana | Eastmans’ Hunting TV appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

In this gear review, Todd Helms from Eastmans’ Hunting Journals reviews Barnes Ammunition’s Harvest Collection. Designed for ethical, one-shot kills, this ammo delivers the accuracy and stopping power hunters demand in the field. See why the Harvest Collection is a trusted choice for deer, elk and more.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/BarnesBullets-Eastmans

The post Barnes Ammunition Harvest Collection: Full Breakdown appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Hunt public land elk on this father-son DIY adventure. Eastmans’ Brandon Mason and his son Hunter team up to battle full moon conditions, access issues and limited time in the field to notch a tag. This episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV begins in bow seasons and finishes with a bang in October.

Eastmans’ Hunting TV Sponsors:

The post DIY Father & Son Elk Adventure | Eastmans’ Hunting TV appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Photo Courtesy of WildMediaSK_Envato

Hunting in bear country is always an adventure and each year I hear more horror stories. Here in northwest Wyoming we are in the heart of grizzly bear habitat and this year is already shaping up to be a dangerous one. A recent mauling of a hiker in Yellowstone National Park along with numerous other close shaves related to me by local hunters point to a tense rifle season for our area as folks take to the mountains chasing elk and deer in the coming weeks. 

But it’s not all about the grizzlies! I spent a week in a “no grizz” elk unit chasing bugling bulls with my bow and saw a pile of black bear sign and two separate camps that bears had destroyed, scattering cooler and truck bed contents across the landscape because folks were sloppy in keeping a clean camp and bear attractants out of reach of what are often considered, “just black bears”. 

Well, I’ve got news for you – black bears vastly outnumber grizzlies across our continent and it’s highly likely that when hunting the West you’re closer than you think to a sketchy encounter. I never hunt without a handgun for protection and when in grizz territory I carry bear spray too. More important than what I carry on my person is how I keep my camp.

There are clear rules for camping in grizzly country but in places like Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, where black bears are numerous and grizzlies just a rumor, the rules for keeping your camp are fast and loose. This leads folks to be complacent and yes, there are issues with black bears in that area. Not as prevalent as just 50 or so miles further west, but it does happen. 

My point? Always keep a clean camp with food and attractants locked up and/or stored in a hardsided camper or vehicle and whenever possible in bear-proof containers like a robust YETI cooler or storage boxes. Also, have the means to deter an aggressive bear on your person! If you aren’t proficient with a handgun then bear spray is a good choice. Whenever possible I opt for a long gun though, with my .45-70 lever gun loaded with 430 grain hardcast +P loads being my first choice. 

In this gear review, Todd Helms takes an in-depth look at the Browning X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan Carbon Fiber rifle. Built for precision shooters and serious hunters, this lightweight, carbon-fiber platform is designed to deliver accuracy, durability, and performance in the toughest conditions. Todd breaks down the rifle’s features, from the McMillan stock to the carbon-fiber barrel, and shares his thoughts on how it performs in the field.

The post Browning X-Bolt 2 Pro Mcmillan Carbon Fiber Rifle Review appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Moving long distance is already a challenge, but it becomes even more demanding when firearms and bows are part of the plan. These items require careful handling, legal awareness, and proper packing to ensure they travel securely. Learning how to safely ship firearms and bows allows you to protect your investment, avoid legal issues, and enjoy peac...

In this video, Jordan Breshears breaks down how he uses onX Maps as one of his go-to-tools for pre-season scouting and hunt prep. From e-scouting potential areas, marking access points, and tracking terrain features, Jordan shows how onX helps him build confidence before ever setting foot in the field.

Start your free trial at: https://bit.ly/onXHunt-Eastmans

The post FREE TRIAL!│OnX Hunt Review appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Join Jordan Breshears as he puts the Christensen Arms Evoke rifle, chambered in 6.5 PRC, to the test in the field. From first impressions to real-world performance in a hunting scenario, Jordan breaks down the rifle’s design, features and accuracy. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight, precision rifle for the backcountry or a reliable long-range hunter, this review will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your hunts.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/ChristensenArms-Eastmans

Photo Courtesy Marlon Holden

As we practice, plan, and anticipate our hunts each season, it is hard to slow down our minds at times to truly think beyond our first aid kits. In so many ways, the gauze, bandages, and tape are kind of a nice little failsafe for the small unanticipated injuries but what about the truly life course altering tragedies? Are there any ways in which we might be able to alter the trajectories of our own lives in the wilds? If so, what might those decisions and circumstances look like?

Often, I have sat back and analyzed my choices in the mountains over the years and I can genuinely pull from a handful of instances each year where I realistically had no business doing what I was attempting. As the years pile on, I realize that I need to make better choices as the sum of our success in health ultimately depends upon it.  With the recent tragic losses, we have seen within our community out in the back country, I thought that I would talk a little about my experiences, as I am certain that my experiences most likely mirror some of your own. Especially since many of us are hunting in similar terrain, that is rugged, remote, and raw.

First off, I would like to add that there is no way to prevent acts of God. I am a believer that when he wants us, he is taking us no matter what we want. For everything else, there is this voice that resonates within us all and we must listen to it.

The mountains provide freedom, resonance, and peace to all of us.  Whether we are chasing an animal that we have pursued for years or simply for the sustenance and purpose of filling our freezers. We can mostly all agree that we all desire the wide-open vistas, the big mountains, endless ridges, and big sky of open Western public lands! It is no surprise that with all of the testosterone flowing these days, that bravado can sometimes get the better part of good judgement and my intent is simply to add in a bit of reasoning to go along with it.

Photo Courtesy of Eastmans Multi Media, LLC

There’s been a lot of media chatter lately surrounding the possible reworking of the “Roadless Rule”. Many are claiming that the Trump administration is seeking to dismantle it completely, gutting protections for 44.7 million acres of public land. Others, myself included, have witnessed the weaponization of the Roadless Rule to shut down or limit public access to vast swathes of formerly accessible public land. 

This is just my opinion but at its core the Roadless Rule protections were a good thing; an attempt to safeguard habitat and important natural resources. However, like the Endangered Species Act I feel they’ve gone too far and need to be revisited and reworked. 

I’ve seen a lot of hunting opportunities lost due to the Roadless Rule thanks to making access all but impossible for folks without horses or the ability to walk long distances (older hunters and kids). 

Do I think we throw the baby out with the bathwater and completely eliminate the Roadless Rule? No. Do I think there is room for improvement and revamping? Absolutely! 

Photo Courtesy of Wirestock_Envato

Outfitter Timothy Rawlings is going to federal prison for his violations of the Lacey Act. He’s also been ordered to pay $45,800 in restitution after his prison sentence has been served and will endure three years of supervised release. 

It’s about time a judge dropped the hammer on poachers and all around scumbags like this. The list of Rawlings offenses is long and atrocious and quite honestly sickens me. Folks like him give all honest hunters and outfitters a black eye. 

This is also another reason to only use vetted outfitters when looking for guided hunts. Eastmans’ has an outfitter finder service that can reached at [email protected]

Shoot us a message and we will make sure you get lined up with a reputable outfitter for the hunt of your life.

Photo Courtesy of Eastmans Multi Media, LLC

With the proliferation and advancement of technology in the hunting world states across the West have attempted to reign in tech they feel violates the spirit of fair chase hunting. Agree or disagree there are a lot of new laws on the books that could make your hunting equipment (optics, cameras, sights) illegal and put you in the crosshairs of a pending game violation. It is our responsibility to know and understand all the game laws where we are hunting or planning to hunt and what follows is a small example of some laws aimed at limiting technology used in the pursuit of western game. 

This IS NOT a comprehensive list of laws as there are too many to include in a blog such as this. The purpose of the following information is to get you thinking about whether or not your equipment is legal to use in the state or states you hunt this fall. Please visit the state game and fish agency websites of states you will be hunting in and educate yourself beforehand so you are in compliance with all state wildlife laws. 

Ignorance is NO EXCUSE!