Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Migration is vital 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.

The post UNBELIEVABLE wildlife MIGRATION! – The story of Wyoming’s Mule Deer Migration appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Hunting deer during the rut and late fall migration is rare! Tag along on a late season public land mule deer hunt. Dan Pickar joins his friend Josh Fields to hunt the winter range for a trophy mule deer buck. Josh won’t notch his tag for just any deer. With this hard to get hunting license, he’s searching for a giant!

The post Hunting the Winter Range for Giant Mule Deer appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

On November 3rd the Trump Administration officially removed the gray wolf from the ESA, thus turning over all management to state and tribal agencies. This move comes in the wake of fully recovered and burgeoning wolf populations in the Great Lakes and Rocky Mountain West. States such as Wyoming, Idaho and Montana will now have total and complete control over their wolf populations and I think that is a good thing! 

I do think that wolves are here to stay and I don’t mind that, in fact I like the fact that they are an established part of the West once again. However, we as states, the folks with the most skin in the game, should be the people in charge of managing not just wolves but grizzlies too but I’ll save that rant for another day. 

We know what is best for our landscapes and the management of the animals on them. Western states with active wolf management plans have proven themselves to be excellent stewards of large canines and this ruling is a huge win. 

However, it does muddy the wolf reintroduction waters in Colorado. That state’s wolf ballot initiative has passed and reintroduction of gray wolves to Colorado will soon be a reality, or will it? 

With the removal of Federal protection comes the removal of Federal funding and it is dubious that Colorado possesses the means to support a full on wolf reintroduction effort. This is a hurdle the state will have to overcome if they are to truly restore wolves to the western slope. Colorado is facing down a major resource crisis and adding wolves to the pot may very well prove too much as management will rest solely upon the state. 

A lot of big changes are coming in Utah for 2021. The biggest news is the cap on the general any-bull elk permits. The last several years they have been capped at 15,000 licenses. After several recommendations by conservation groups and meetings with the state elk committee, the decision has been made to open up this general hunt to unlimited licenses. People have complained about the lack of opportunity hunts in Utah for many years, so the state sees it as a way to expand opportunities for the entire family and strengthen the Utah hunting heritage. These general area hunts are very challenging to begin with, so they don’t expect much of an impact on the herds in these general areas.

The spike elk general elk hunt will not be affected and the cap will stay at 15,000 for permits, statewide. Once again, these changes are recommendations and DWR is currently wanting feedback from the public on these proposals. 

There are several new proposals also on the block including a new deer hunt, five new pronghorn hunts, a new bison hunt and a new Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunt. The deer management plan is also planning on shifting to reduce the statewide deer population objective from 454,100 to 403,800. 24 of the 38 deer hunting units in the state are proposed to be affected which includes areas that have upward trending mule deer numbers. Not all units are trending well so 14 units in the state will not have lowered population objectives. Most notable, is the suggestion to discontinue all “Management Buck” hunts in the Henry Mountains as well as getting rid of the LE any weapon hunt for deer in the North Slope, Summit unit. The deer numbers in the Henry’s are at a 10 year low with 1000 deer present during the postseason surveys in 2019. This is down by over half since 2015 in which numbers were 2400. This is mostly due to low fawn survival the past few years. Be sure to visit the DWR website and take a look at each unit proposal change and submit your feedback to them. 

Lastly, DWR is also proposing five new CWMUs in the state, most notably, in the Skull Valley area for 2021, showing the value and ability of the DWR opening up more hunting opportunities across the state. There are many other changes recommended by DWR so be sure to check these out on the DWR Website. 

https://wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/1067-dwr-recommends-unlimited-any-bull-elk-permits-other-big-game-changes-2021.html

To any and all that have been in northwest Wyoming recently and have any info on this poaching incident, please contact authorities soon! 

They Wyoming Game & Fish is actively looking for info on a deer that was poached probably near Garland and Deaver, Wyoming.

Here is the link to the Game & Fish release: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Regional-Offices/Cody-Region/Cody-Region-News/Information-sought-on-abandoned-white-tailed-buck

Get prepared. Stay prepared. Hunt hard. (and help catch poachers)

The post Poacher Alert!!!!! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

To any and all that have been in northwest Wyoming recently and have any info on this poaching incident, please contact authorities soon! 

They Wyoming Game & Fish is actively looking for info on a deer that was poached probably near Garland and Deaver, Wyoming.

Here is the link to the Game & Fish release: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Regional-Offices/Cody-Region/Cody-Region-News/Information-sought-on-abandoned-white-tailed-buck

Get prepared. Stay prepared. Hunt hard. (and help catch poachers)

Photo from Wyoming Game And Fish Website.

The post Poaching Alert!!!! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Are you one of the Elk die hards still finding yourself thinking and dreaming of hunting that big bull?  Well, the rut may be over but there are still good opportunities to chase bulls you just have to change your tactics.  The late season offers the chance to extend your season and get away from the hunting pressure. Hunting late season bulls is a special hunt too that all hunters should experience. It’s snowy, cold and the big bulls Migrate out of the mountains. There is no better feeling than focusing the scope on a big bull that’s pawing through deep snow. Then watching and waiting for an opportunity with your bow and a tag in your pocket. I love the late season and it has taught me so much about elk tendencies and habits.  It continues the learning process which improves your elk hunting skillset. If your still sick for Elk hunting there are still opportunities to get out and chase these late season bulls.

There are some great premium unit tags available for the late season archery hunter. Everyone hunts elk during the rut, me included. Its where elk are most vulnerable, the are vocal and the bulls are with the cows. The late season is a different story. You can catch a bull with some cows but for the most part they are going to be looking for a solo bull or in bachelor groups. They are worn out from the rut and are trying to put weight back on to make it through winter. They like to find isolated basins and features where they can feed on meadow grass and put back away in deep timber. 

To find these late season bulls you have to live and die behind your glass. I like to look for these bulls up in these isolated pockets first and last light. I look for the absolute best vantage points and then do a lot of night hiking to make it there before the sun comes up and to stay late to very last light. The first step to hunting these elk is to find the elk. They are nomadic by nature and elk country is giant. Its rare you just go for a walk and bump into these bulls. You have to find out where they are living and then hunt them. 

It’s key to figure out what elevation they are living at. If its dry and warm they will still be living up high. A lot of times I find them living where they were rutting. After the snow starts to fly they will be moving closer to their winter range. The more snow you get the lower the elk will move and the easier it will be to find them. Snow is your equalizer on these late hunts and the more the better. It also forces these bulls to stay out and feed longer and come out earlier. Another one of my favorite late season tactics is to glass for tracks after a fresh snow. The tracks and round feed marks luminate in the sunlight and you can see them from miles away. This gives away their hidey-hole and now you know where they are living.

  So, with calling out of the question this time of year you will be committed to spot and stalk but there are multiple approaches you can take. It will depend a lot on what opportunity the elk give you but I will describe each of the tactics I use. The first is if I locate a good bull on the morning hunt. I will watch this bull go to bed. Usually, you are not able to see him bed as he will disappear in the thick cover. If you do see his exact position its game on, time to make a play. If you don’t know his exact position but know the timber he disappeared in you have some options.  Still hunting through the timber can be conducive. I prefer to hunt down hill on a bull.  I will get the wind right and try and come down on top of him. I move ultra slow and glass every few steps down below me in the timber. Its important to really take your time here or you will just see the rump of an elk bumped running away from you.

Bowhunting elk is an ever-evolving game from the start of the season to the end. Many tactics work, but many only work for a certain part of the season or just a couple days. For example, bulls are easier to call in during certain times of the season or if they are in a certain mood. You can encounter a bull one day that will not have anything to do with calling, and the next day, he’s mouth–open running in to you. Cow calling can work well and so can bugling. But do you have the skill to know how to find them or hunt them when they go silent? Or when they aren’t rutting at all? 

Sitting on water may only work when it’s hot out, but I do know guys who kill elk over water holes out of tree stands. And then there are guys who like the spot–and–stalk type of hunting for elk. But what if you find yourself hunting thick country where glassing is useless? So, where do you go from here when your tactic of choice isn’t working? 

As an elk hunter, this is why it is so important to hunt a variety of species, which I consider “cross-training” for elk hunting. Ultimately, the more you bowhunt other animals, the more you are putting tools in your tool box, and you will be surprised how you can apply your experience from many different species to being a better and more effective elk hunter. 

Hunters ask me all the time, “Are you an elk or a mule deer guy?” For me, this is a very tough choice, but elk in September is what I cut my teeth on, so I always revert to elk. When I was 14 years old, I had my first encounter with a big bull in September, and I haven’t looked back. If anything, my passion for bowhunting elk gets stronger and stronger as the years go by.

Honestly, I don’t even know what life is like without bowhunting elk in September. As far as I’m concerned, if the name of my favorite month changed to “Elktember,” it would be more fitting. As my bowhunting career advances, I find myself planning hunts around my elk hunts, as they always take priority. When I’m not hunting elk, I’m hunting species that are similar to elk, as that style of hunting complements elk hunting. You’ll start to see a pattern here. It’s all connected. And when it’s hunting season and I’m not hunting elk, I’m guiding elk hunters or hunting with buddies for, you guessed it, elk. My world revolves around elk!

Spot and stalk antelope bow hunting can be as tough as it gets! Pronghorn antelope have keen eyesight that works to their advantage. Eastmans’ Jordan Breshears heads to the public lands of Wyoming to chase speed goats with a bow in this web episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV.

The post Bow hunting antelope – Spot & stalk public land pronghorn! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Guy Eastman goes mule deer hunting in Colorado. The state is known for growing big bucks and there’s no shortage of impressive deer in this episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV. In the end, Guy has to harness his inner canine to close the deal on a unique, heavy mule deer buck.

The post Hunt for a COLORADO GIANT! Mule Deer Hunting with Guy Eastman appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

GUEST AUTHOR: Matt Suuck

Much like with riflescopes, today’s western hunter is confronted with an endless sea of choices when it comes to reticles. Aside from the varying, confusing and often redundant design options, hunters must also choose whether they want a scope with a reticle in the first or second focal-plane. Aside from personal preference, the decision regarding which focal-plane to choose comes down to the type of hunting (and shooting) you wish to engage in.

Second focal-plane riflescopes were and still are the most popular choice amongst western hunters. Reticles in these riflescopes stay consistent in size throughout the magnification range. The advantages are straightforward in that the reticle will not cover up more of your target as you increase the magnification. The downside with second focal-plane riflescopes is that the point-of-impact will change when one changes magnification. Most hunters sight-in at maximum magnification. If you are within 300 yards of your target the point-of-impact change is negligible. Once you get much beyond that range, the change can result in misses or worse, wounding an animal. That’s not to say you cannot use a second focal-plane reticle for shooting at extended ranges. To do so accurately you will either need a “precision” style reticle (e.g. Zeiss ZBR) or an adjustable “ballistic” turret. That being said, changing your magnification will still result in a point-of-impact change.

First focal-plane riflescopes (very common in Europe) offer the exact opposite advantages and disadvantages to the second focal-plane riflescopes. The reticle increases and decreases in size according to the magnification adjustments. Since the reticle subtensions stay consistent in their relations to the target, there is no point-of-impact change. Therefore, your sight-in magnification has no bearing on the accuracy of the reticle/riflescope. 

As long-range precision shooting has dramatically grown in popularity over the past decade, so have first focal-plane riflescopes and more “precision” oriented reticles. These types of reticles can be as complex as the Horus H59 and TReMoR3 reticles or a bit simpler like the SCR reticles found in Steiner and Burris riflescopes or the Leupold CMR. Given the complexities of these reticles, I do recommend pairing them up with a ballistic app on your smartphone.

You now have the power to look at multiple layers at the same time in Eastmans’ TagHub!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THIS  NEW TagHub FEATURE!

The post Manipulate Multiple Layer’s Opacity! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Elk hunting the rut is as exciting as it gets! Bulls get crazy during the breeding season. There’s no shortage of bugles on this Colorado elk hunt. Ike Eastman is helping Karen Seamn of Sportsman’s Warehouse, hunt for her first bull elk. Join the elk rut action in this web episode of Eastmans’ Hunting TV.

The post Rut CRAZY bulls! Elk Hunting Colorado appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Beyond about 100 yards, most shooters will have trouble making ethical shots with iron sights, and even inside that range, optics can help elevate your accuracy. For a beginner rifle, it'ѕ nеvеr а рlеаѕаnt fееlіng fіndіng оut аt thе wоrѕt роѕѕіblе mоmеnt thаt уоur nеw орtісѕ fаіlеd tо dо thе јоb. Nеіthеr іѕ rеаlіzіng уоu оvеr-ѕреnt оn а dеvісе thаt...

Now available on TagHub is a drought layer. Just one of the many features to help find the ideal unit for your next adventure.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE NEW DROUGHT LAYER FEATURE

The post NEW Eastmans’ TagHub Drought Layer appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP SITKAGEAR.COM

Ike Eastman reviews Sitka Gear’s Kelvin Lite Jacket and 3/4 Down Pants in this hunting gear review video. These insulating layers are designed to trap heat when you need and release it when you’re on the move. Combining synthetic and down PrimaLoft materials maximizes heat retention and allows you to move comfortably on a hunt.

 

The post Sitka Gear Review: Kelvin Lite ¾ Down Pant and Jacket – Short Hunting Pants?! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

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

This review features Leupold’s VX-6HD 18x44mm hunting rifle scope. This rifle scope is lightweight, durable and packed with features! Convenient MOA turrets for windage and elevation give you the flexibility to make adjustments in the field. The Twilight Max HD Light Management System provides edge to edge clarity and brightness this scope will help maximize every moment of legal shooting light. Combined with the FireDot illuminated reticle, this scope can tackle any challenge!

Todd review’s Leupold’s spotting scope HERE.

 

The post RIFLE SCOPE REVIEW! Leupold’s VX-6HD 18x44mm appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

 Proper Plucking - How to Defeather a Wild Turkey  When it comes to getting the most flavor out of a wild turkey, plucking is the best choice. Skinning the bird might take less time and effort, but it doesn't provide you with that juicy, crispy skin on the roast or the tasty fat for the frying pan. Once you've learned how to properly defe...

Eastmans’ TagHub is now offering a rifle season special pricing for a limited time! Get signed up before the end of October!

CLICK HERE TO GET SIGNED UP WITH DISCOUNT

The post Eastmans’ TagHub Rifle Season Special appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.