Shed hunting has become more and more popular every year, and with more participants come more rules. In Wyoming, shed hunting season West of the continental divide begins on May 1st. There are many feed grounds in western Wyoming where elk congregate and shed their antlers. By May 1st many of these elk are dispersed or beginning to disperse back to summer areas. In multiple areas across the West, midnight of May 1st is a common start time for many shed hunting areas. Hundreds of people line up at the fence and wait for the official start of the race for horns. This is very difficult to enforce because people glass up sheds days prior and then sneak in before the official opening to claim their “horns”. 

Also, reports from many wildlife management areas across the West claimed that people are sneaking around these areas ahead of time caching antlers. When the opening day of shed season arrives, these people simply hike in to their hidden antler piles and haul out a backpack full of sheds ahead of the competition. 

The nature of shed hunting seasons with midnight openers makes it very difficult for law enforcement to patrol so Game and Fish has decided to bump up the start of the shed season from midnight to noon on May 1st. Their hope is to make the opener easier to patrol and make it more difficult for people to sneak in ahead of time under the cover of darkness. We’ll see how it works. This rule change has received equal praise and criticism from what I’ve seen. The most common argument is that shed hunters won’t have enough time to cover the ground they want to with the amount of daylight hours remaining after noon. Others, think it’s a great idea and will make the start of the season more transparent. I just have to shake my head, as more and more people cheat the system rules and regulations will become more and more strict. What do you think?

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The post NEW Wyoming Horn Hunting Regulations appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Wyoming mule deer numbers have seen drastic change in the last fifty years. These western icons rely on migration between summer and winter range to survive. Threats to mule deer migration routes are real, but this is an issue we can overcome. Conservation can beat this. Let’s take action. We’re releasing a new film all about mule deer, migration and deer hunting. Don’t miss it! Be sure to subscribe to our channel and tap the bell to get notifications. We’ll let you know this new project drops!

 

 

The post FOR the LOVE of MULE DEER! Wyoming Mule Deer Migration appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Go bow hunting for moose with Dan Pickar. Moose hunting in the timber of British Columbia is a game of patience in this Eastmans’ Hunting TV episode. Dan Brooks of Crystal Lake Resorts shares his tips for locating moose and calling to bring a bull in close!

The post B.C. Moose Arrowed at 14 Yards!! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

 

 

Field Optics Research – Microlite FT-5017C

I’m always looking to cut space and weight in the backcountry and this is exactly why this tripod caught my eye. Upon handling it, the quality stood out to me. Precisely machined components and carbon legs all orchestrated with twist leg locks. This tripod weighs 1.74 lbs that folds down to 12-inches and extends solidly out to 50-inches. Load capacity is 26 lbs., perfect for your spotting scope or camera (with a fluid head). This is the most compact, lightweight tripod I’ve seen so be sure to take a closer look at www.fieldopticsresearch.com MSRP $199.99

Buck to doe ratio and fawn recruitment up nearly 40% since 2017!!!

For some reason it sure seems like good news is hard to come by these days. So you can imagine my elation as this press release sat on my desk awaiting my return from the first round of shows this winter season. 

According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department via my good friend Gary Fralick the Wyoming range biologist, things are beginning to look up for the Wyoming Range mule deer herd. 

So far this winter has been relatively mild in western Wyoming, at least on the northern two thirds of the winter range. With lighter than average snowfall and almost beyond mild temperatures, from a Wyoming standard at least, this winter is shaping up to be very favorable for our mule deer and antelope herds north of Interstate 80. Cross your fingers for continued mild conditions through the months of February and March, which can often be killers for our deer. 

Shed hunting takes skill just like deer hunting, but it takes luck to watch a mule deer buck drop both antlers at the same time! Watch this buck shedding antlers with a jump and a head shake.

The post Buck Drops Both Antlers at Once! Mule Deer Shed Hunting appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Come along for a rifle hunting test with Weatherby’s Backcountry TI in this hunting gear review. This brand new lightweight hunting rifle by Weatherby harvests a public land antelope buck. Hunter Jake Helms is shooting the Backcountry TI in 6.5-300 caliber in this rifle review.

Click to view slideshow.

The post ANTELOPE TEST! Weatherby’s ALL NEW Rifle (Hunting Gear Review) appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

January 21st activist groups presented their intent to sue the U.S. Forest Service within the next 60 days for allowing continued livestock grazing on roughly 170,000 acres in the Upper Green River Rangeland of Wyoming. This seems to be a growing trend with animal rights advocates as we see legal action like this more and more across the West in the name of animal rights. Yet facts show something more is in play than animal rights, anyone willing to take a minute and learn the facts will see that most of the wildlife behind the conflicts are doing quite well. The grizzly bears in this particular conflict live in the Greater Yellowstone Region and they are thriving! Which brings us back to the Upper Green River Rangeland Project. This rangeland area has been under analysis since 2004, habitat is prime for grizzlies and is also grazing land for ranchers. The basis of the activists’ argument is that the ESA (Endangered Species Act) requires/demands protection of the bears as a higher priority than that of the habitat and overall welfare of the livestock/ranchers as well as the individuals who then consume these resources as an end product. The baseline issue revolves around the inevitable conflict between bears, livestock and humans, which will in some events result in the removal of problem bears by either relocation or lethal means. This conflict could otherwise be minimized if the grazing permits for this area were revoked and the ranchers were no longer allowed to use this resource. Now let’s rewind back to 1897 when the U.S. Forest Service was officially enacted by Congress; from the inception of the Forest Service/public lands, the U.S. Government has provided ranchers access to these lands, by means of grazing permits. In 1905 the agency stated the following points were the leading objects for grazing regulation:

The protection and conservative use of all forest reserve land adapted for grazing.The best permanent good of the live-stock industry through proper care and improvement of the grazing lands.The protection of the settler and home builder against unfair competition in the use of the range.

This and many other supporting documents clearly indicate the desire of the US government and the Forest Service to support the public land grazing which is not only a precious resource for the ranchers but also provides a valuable resource to the American people. Substantial amounts of the beef that crosses your dinner table spent time grazing these hills for sustenance prior to finding its way to your home. This process has been taking place for well over 100 years and has provided a very necessary service to the American people. 

After closer review, we see an argument with two driving directives. The ESA states the bears’ lives are the primary driver no matter what the cost of preservation, vs. the USDA Forest Service policies uses the habitat as the driver allowing for mixed use when managed effectively. Both are important drivers; however, you cannot have animals without properly managed habitat, thus concluding habitat management in balance with economic resources such as cattle provides the best use for the greater good of the resource. Meanwhile, wildlife whether ESA protected or not, are able to coexist with minimal and manageable conflict.
The combination of ranchers, cattle, horses and bears has been analyzed thoroughly over the past 15 years in the Upper Green River Rangeland Project area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released data back in April 2019 that shows the current grizzly population (roughly 700 bears) can handle as many as 72 bears being removed from the “Greater Yellowstone Region” over the next 10 years. In the event the 72 bears are lethally removed the current grizzly population should not suffer. 

Keep in mind this is all coming on the heels of the recent delisting of the grizzly bear from the endangered species list. Which was scientifically backed by facts brought to the courtroom by biologists and conservationists using science rather than opinion. Yes, this delisting was temporarily stopped by a federal judge, but facts are facts and grizzlies are currently doing very well in this region. At the end of the day, how do we answer/deal with these conflicts? Many of us have seen overgrazed habitats from cattle and sheep and the ill effect it can have on our big game and upland birds. In the same breath, we can attest to the real benefit it can have as well, from reducing undergrowth that would otherwise become fuels for wildfires to the economic and food resource it brings to the blue collar American. As always, balance is necessary and being an active sportsmen/conservationist is a necessary step for the future of our hunting, fishing and outdoor activities.

“What are you doing here then?”

“I hunt griz…”

“Griz?”

“Grizzly bears, pilgrim!  I collect the claws.”

The elk hunting in Wyoming continues to be very solid. The 2018 and 2019 seasons posted solid elk hunting results with about average hunter success while not setting any records, the hunts were average nearly state wide. The late and record setting cold spring did put a bit of a damper on our antler growth this past year. Many units, while seeing success rates hold very solid, did see slight dips in average growth last year. The desert units saw slightly reduced growth measures as well leaving many who drew the very best tags in the state wondering, “where are the giants?” 

So far, our winter has been extremely mild in the Northern two thirds of the state, leaving most of us with high hopes for the 2020 hunting season. If the trend continues and we can manage to get good moisture up high and down low during the spring and summer, this could be a very solid year for Wyoming’s elk. 

 

 

That’s right, $123,241 dollars funded by sportsmen to be precise. The other 250K (roughly) for the research/project was Federally funded. Over the course of several months IDFG (Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game) tested methods for decreasing elk depredation on crop lands across southern Idaho. During this time, IDFG staff/employees shot 206 elk, often during the night using “sharpshooting” as their primary method of dispatch. 

Once the animals were shot, they were then field dressed and hauled to a freezer and eventually taken to be processed and donated to charity. After word hit social media, sportsmen and women from all over the country were up in arms asking questions such as: Why didn’t we get an opportunity to help, or why are we spending money on “research” for elk depredation issues on land that we can’t even hunt? 

After being bombarded with questions IDFG released a statement on the situation. No matter how you slice it, things are sticky on this topic, but it’s not all bad. Let’s start with elk populations that are over objective and primarily living on and destroying private land crops, which subsequently get State funded reimbursements for the damage… that’s right, State funded reimbursements. Which is another way of saying hunter funded reimbursements. 

Choosing the right mule deer area can be a very difficult and sometimes confusing task. Every state and area has its own set of unique challenges and barriers that lie between you and that buck of a lifetime. Learning to pair your own goals and expectations to an individual area can be an art form in and of itself. The following are five points to consider before pulling the trigger on your next mule deer application. 

Choose the Right State/States: If you really want a big mule deer buck on your wall, looking into the likes of Colorado, and Wyoming are critical. Add to that a few harder to draw states like Arizona, Utah and Nevada to start gathering preference points in might be a good idea. Keeping your big buck hunting skills sharp is key, so mixing in Idaho, and Montana as over-the-counter options while you wait for that coveted tag is always a good idea. Find the Best Genetics: For some reason, mule deer genetics tend to be very pocketed and predictable. Some areas just produce big bucks, they always have and probably always will. To increase your odds of chasing a huge buck, you will need to hunt in a top five county in a top five state. The Boone and Crockett Club or the MRS section of EHJ and EBJ are the best places to find this very valuable information. Look for a Reasonable Tag Quota: I always try to measure how much competition I am up against for that buck of a lifetime in a given hunt unit. A deer hunt with a 100 tag quota is a much different experience than a hunt with a quota in excess of 500 tags. Just keep in mind, the season length and huntable area can affect this measurement as well. Look in the new MRS tables for Hunters per 100 Square Miles and the Pressure grade.Check the Season Dates: The toughest time to hunt a big mature mule deer is between September 25th and October 21st. The season dates of a hunt can have a huge effect on the quality of the hunting experience. Early September and mid November are the best times to hunt a big buck. Take a Hard Look at Harvest Success Rates: Try to find an area with hunter success rates in excess of 50% on mature bucks if possible. When it comes to mule deer hunting anything above and beyond the 50% success rate is good and a historic success rate above 75% is outstanding. 

 

The Member’s Research Section (MRS) in the back of every issue of Eastmans’ will give you the answers to these very specific questions and more. When conducting area research this very powerful tool is worth its weight in gold to getting you to that goal of a giant buck.

Big mule deer are some of the toughest, most prized trophies out West. They live from the desert to the mountain peaks and everywhere in between. They are wily and have great instincts to stay one step ahead of hunters. Big mature bucks learn how to survive and have a knack for making the right moves at the right times. Depending on the time of year you hunt, the bucks will be found in different locations and have different habits. Each season will take a different set of tactics to consistently harvest good bucks. 

I have hunted every different season and nearly every western state for big muley bucks. I have hunted sage draws to the gnarliest mountain peaks and have a knack for finding big mature bucks. I have had a handful of tough to draw limited units and have had a boatload of easy general tags. Truth is that big mule deer do not just live in the toughest to draw units they live all throughout the West. I have harvested multiple giants in easy to draw units. It’s more about your skill and knowledge as a muley hunter than some special tag. Big, mind-blowing trophies are out there, it’s just about learning how to hunt mule deer like a pro. 

Early Season

Guest Author: Rocky Mountian Elk Foundation

Take a dive into the hot topic…. wolf reintroduction. RMEF has put together a video on the TOP 10 reasons why forced reintroduction is a bad idea.

“RMEF has a long history in Colorado. Since 1987, RMEF and its partners completed 782 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects with a combined value of more than $177.7 million. These projects protected or enhanced 468,068 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 122,107 acres. There are also more than 17,000 RMEF members and 28 chapters in the state.” – Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

The post Reintroducing Wolves to Colorado – It’s a Bad Idea appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

Mule deer or whitetail deer? It’s a hunter’s choice when deer hunting with Wolverine Creek Outfitters in eastern Nebraska. Deer outfitter Ryan Lakovitch offers a full service deer hunting camp. Ike Eastman took a mule deer buck with mass and extras on his 2019 deer hunt with Wolverine Creek Outfitters.

Be sure to subscribe to our channel for more great mule deer videos. Tap the bell to get notifications so you never miss a video from Eastmans! Want more deer hunting?

Check out Ike’s Colorado mule deer from a few years ago: Click Here

Or give this father/son DIY deer hunt a watch: Click Here

Climb into the high country with Ike and Scott Reekers to hunt mountain mule deer: Click Here

Learn how to get tenderloins without gutting a deer or elk in the field in this hunting tip. Hunter Brandon Mason demonstrates how to remove elk tenderloins without field dressing. The gutless method of removing tenderloins can be done on any big game animal, including deer, elk or antelope. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more hunting tips and hunting videos. Tap the bell to get notifications so you never miss a video from Eastmans!

 

The post HOW TO get TENDERLOINS WITHOUT GUTTING! appeared first on Eastmans' Official Blog | Mule Deer, Antelope, Elk Hunting and Bowhunting Magazine | Eastmans' Hunting Journals.

An interesting twist in the saga of western wolves has just taken place in Colorado. As most of you already know there has been a push to reintroduce wolves into the state for over a year and it looks as though the groups clamouring for this disaster to happen did indeed end up with enough signatures on their petition to get the issue put on the ballot for 2020. But nobody told the wolves in Wyoming they were supposed to wait. That’s right, CPW has confirmed that there is now a pack of wolves residing in northwest Colorado. 

The wolves were first caught on camera last fall by hunters and before they were able to take video of the animals they listened to their very distinct howls for several days. This all coming from the CPW Northwest Regional Manager. 

Therefore when a “thoroughly scavenged elk carcass” was found in the same general area an investigation by CPW was launched and guess what? Wolves! This is not really much of a surprise to CPW or anyone who understands wolves for that matter. The reintroduction of wolves has always been a hot topic but one of the lesser realized issues of the debate is that wolves don’t really need human help to reintroduce into an area, especially when that area is geographically connected to already thriving wolf populations. It’s simple math and biology… expand your range or starve. 

CPW says they have no intention of taking action at this time and quite honestly that they have no jurisdiction anyway as “wolves are federally endangered species and fall under the jurisdiction of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Go elk hunting in Montana for a late-season monster bull with Guy Eastman. Eastman is rifle hunting in a hard to draw elk unit. The area is known to grow big trophy elk. Elk hunts after the rut can mean hunting for groups of bachelor bulls. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more great hunting videos. Tap the bell to get notifications so you never miss a video from Eastmans!

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Watch another Montana giant eat dirt on this public land father and son hunt: Click Here!

Guy goes elk hunting DIY in Wyoming’s grizzly country: Click Here!

Ike Eastman hunts his biggest bull yet: Click Here!