Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Huggers are usually volunteers wanting a close encounter with wildlife. They have to maintain a full-body hold on animals while scientists attach trackable GPS collars. (Kris Millgate/www.tightlinemedia.com/)

Two types of people are on the mountain during wildlife round-ups. Runners and huggers. I’m a hugger, an intense hugger, and I must hug until a runner arrives. I’m helping the Idaho Department of Fish & Game capture big game animals. It’s my job to keep a mule deer doe wrapped tightly in my arms until a wildlife biologist, or runner, comes to collar it. Two feet of snow padded my fall when I jumped on the deer, but it’s also delaying the biologists. That’s why I’m hugging for all I’m worth. The doe is in fight mode. It screams in my face—similar to the vocal range of a goat—and I know a kick is coming. I tighten my grip, close my eyes and hide my face in fur.

It takes 10 minutes to put an $800 GPS collar on a deer. During that time, the animal is also weighed, measured, and tagged. Just ten minutes of touchy grabby then the kicker runs away wearing a new necklace. That necklace sends a pile of location points for years to come, which is the kind of information useful to biologists and, in turn, hunters alike.

Drive netting involves a helicopter pilot flying at low elevation while funneling wildlife toward nets for capture. The operation is conducted with snow on the ground for extra padding during falls. (Kris Millgate/www.tightlinemedia.com/)

To learn more about how this kind of technology leads to your next buck, we spoke with Daryl Lutz, the wildlife management coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Jon Rachael, Idaho Department of Fish and Game state game manager.

Idaho and Wyoming share a border, but wildlife doesn’t recognize borders so collared animals in one state can end up in a neighboring state, especially in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). The GYE includes Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park plus portions of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Animals collared for research in the GYE favor long migration routes. That’s one of the things we now know thanks to collars.

Here are five questions GPS collars answer for wildlife researchers.

A new bill would digitize Forest Service easements, and make it easier to find hunting access. (John Hafner/)

For today’s hunters and anglers, the GPS has become an omnipresent tool not only for orienteering, but for finding access to public lands and waters in the first place. A bill recently introduced in Congress could make computerized tools even more effective in unlocking hunting and fishing spots.

Americans own 640 million acres of federal public land – national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges and Bureau of Land Management ground. These lands provide invaluable opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping and the like.

However, it can be difficult to know exactly when and where people can access those lands. In particular, land management agencies often own road or trail easements across private land to access public land. Often, those documents are kept in some dusty file in a government office, where the public has no simple way to know about them. And a sad fact about these easements is, if they fall into disuse, they are often forgotten and eventually abandoned.

According to the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, the Forest Service holds 37,000 easements, but only 5,000 of those are converted to digital files. TRCP has been spending more than a year highlighting places where “land locked” public lands are hard or impossible for the public to reach. For example, the TRCP and onX Hunt Maps released a report last year that found there are 6.35 million acres of landlocked state lands in 11 western states. In 2018, they issued a report stating that 9.5 million acres of federal public land were inaccessible in the West.

That work appears to be prompting action.

Fresh water when you need it.

We’ve all been there, headed into the backcountry for a day or two, maybe more, unsure of how pure the water will actually be in the streams labeled on the map. And when we get there, and see a cow standing ankle deep in the water, we know now is not the time to test the strength of our gut bacteria. That’s where any of these light, handheld water purification systems come in. From a water bottle system to gravity feed to a UV pen, these will have you covered.

Made in the U.S.A. (Epic Water Filters/)

The least amount of hassle for the biggest reward is one of the main selling points for the OG Ultimate travel bottle. Simply fill up the bottle in whatever dirty source of water you’re facing, put in the filter and straw and screw on the cap. Then go. You suck clean water out of the mouthpiece as you walk or ride. The filters make about 100 gallons of clean water before needing replaced, and the multi-stage filter removes everything from bacteria and viruses to lead, mercury, and microplastics.

Lightweight and packs small when not being used. (Katadyn/)

If you’re camping in a big group of people, or even a smaller group, and don’t want to assign someone to sit by a stream and pump clean water all evening, this is your answer. Fill the bladder up with 3 liters of water, hang it on a tree and let gravity make clean water for you. The filter removes 99.9999 percent of contaminants and filters up to 2 liters of water per minute.

Sip from this straw. (LifeStraw/)

The marketing images for the LifeStraw show someone drinking from a stream full of green algae. And it’s genuine. At 2 ounces, the LifeStraw is perfect for anyone traveling ultralight. It’s also great for shallow sources of questionable water. One straw will filter up to 1,000 gallons of water and surpasses EPA standards. The best part? It’s hard to break. It has no moving parts, doesn’t require batteries and water won’t taste like iodine or chlorine when you drink.

Remember to keep spare batteries on hand. (SteriPen/)

Fill a bottle with clear but dirty water, then plunge in a strange contraption that fills it with light. It might seem futuristic, but the UV light kills more than 99.9 percent of microorganisms like Giardia, viruses, and protozoa. The light won’t change your water’s taste or properties and is chemical free. It’s also light—just a couple ounces—and reusable for up to 8,000 liters.

Refreshing all day long. (Andrew McElroy via Unsplash/)

What was once viewed as a semi-disposable item meant for keeping items cool for a few hours is now a lifestyle item capable of holding ice for days. What separates a good cooler from a great one? Read on. These coolers are some great options to keep your beverages and food cold.

Stylish unit with excellent features. (Reyleo/)

This 21-quart cooler from Reyleo features a built-in bottle opener, cup holder and claims to hold ice for five days. The roto-molded design is stout and rugged and the built-in handle ups the convenience factor when toting.

A durable option available in three colors. (RTIC/)

RTIC’s 20-quart model is an ideal size for a day on the water, in the field, or at the beach. It’s roto-molded construction offers extreme durability and up to 3 inches of ice-saving insulation. The rubber latches are rugged and keep the lid securely in place. It has an integrated stainless handle and a side-mounted drain plug.

One of the most-recognized brands in the cooler world. (YETI/)

The Yeti Roadie has a big following thanks to its rugged design and exceptional ice-retaining insulation. The Roadie is available in an array of color options and features an integrated stainless carry handle along with stout rubber latches. A freezer-quality gasket helps to enhance the cooler’s insulation value and prevents leaks and spills..

Designed for off-grid adventurers on a budget. (Tahoe Trails/)

At 26 quarts, this Tahoe Trails model is ideal for day-tripping. The rotomolded, one-piece design is virtually indestructible. The no-fall lid stays open on its own making loading and unloading a breeze. It retains ice for several days and the carry handles fold away to save space.

Chef anywhere. (Sage Friedman via Unsplash/)

For some, time in the outdoors is about speed, suffering, and traveling light. For others, it’s about luxury, taking many of the perks of home into the woods. Fortunately, a wide range of stoves cover any of those needs, from the through-hikers who just need to boil water for a meal to the car campers who plan to spend two weeks eating as well as they would in a city. The trick is choosing which one is right for you. We’re here to help.

Two burners for a main and a side. (Camp Chef/)

Planning on setting up and elk camp for a few weeks in the fall? Taking that two weeks of vacation you get each year to tuck away in the woods? If you’re thinking of an extended stay in the outdoors, or if you just want the ability to simmer your risotto at the same time as you sauté your green beans, this is a perfect fit for you. You’re not going to take it backpacking, but the two, 30,000-BTU burners with accompanying propane tank will cool whatever you want for however long you need.

Can also charge your phone! (BioLite/)

This stove offers the perfect blend of low-tech heat and high-tech output. All you need are sticks or other natural fuel to make fire. The internal fans circulate the heat to boil 1 liter of water in 4.5 minutes. But its most impressive feature is the stove’s ability to harness energy from the fire to produce added electricity to charge our gadgets in the woods. The stove comes with a lithium battery and, because it uses sticks, doesn’t require you carry a fuel canister.

Super lightweight. (MSR/)

Anyone interested in packing light, trekking for weeks, or in need of a backup stove should consider this 2.6 ounce burner from MSR. The stove itself is only 2 by 2 by 3 inches and could, as its name suggests, fit in your pocket. Attach a fuel canister, and it will boil a liter of water for your dehydrated dinner in 3.5 minutes. It’s basic, effective, and nearly weightless for the backpacker who wants more time exploring and less time cooking.

Portable two-burner. (Coleman/)

Sometimes certain products stick around for decades for a reason. The Coleman Gas 2-burner stove is one of those. Its basic design makes for easy cooking on a tailgate, picnic table, or rock. It runs off of propane bottles available nearly anywhere and has two adjustable burners. If you’re car camping or horse packing and want to boil water for coffee while you fry bacon for breakfast, this is your stove.

Seeking a little solitude is a good thing. (John Hafner/)

COVID-19 is here, and we must stay away from each other. Those of us who can are working from home and avoiding public spaces. In our spare time, we’re obsessively scrolling through news updates and social media posts. Yes, it’s wise to follow the important news in your neighborhood, but there is a limit. No matter how much media you consume, no post or story can tell you what the future holds.

Outdoorsmen and women are uniquely suited to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Most of us have freezers stocked full of wild game and pantries loaded with goods from last summer’s garden. Many of us have cabins and camps to retreat to, and we have the gear and know-how to survive (and even thrive) if things get really bad.

But let’s not forget our greatest advantage: We know what it feels like to be isolated, and to be alone. As Henry David Thoreau put it: “I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.”

Hunters seek solitude in the best of times—sitting quietly for hours, alone with our thoughts, waiting for a moment that may never come—so we must not spurn our old companion now, in uncertain times.

And just because you have to stay away from others doesn’t mean you have to stay home. When you’re done scrolling through this post, put your phone away and head for your favorite sliver of wilderness. Go by yourself, or bring your kids, or maybe just bring your bird dog, because she has never started a sentence with, “But, what if…”

Hope springs eternal in the mind of the average turkey hunter, who anticipates this season will be the best yet. He won’t hit a bad note on the call, won’t be spotted because he’s wearing the wrong camo clothing, and certainly won’t miss a shot. At least that’s the scenario that plays out in his mind, though gobblers have a way of wrecking the best of plans.

Typically, hunting and shooting a wild turkey is a one-on-one sport that pits a stealthy hunter against a smart tom. Our fathers made due with a shotgun loaded with lead shot, a basic call, and duds gleaned from the Army-Navy surplus store. Today, we have all kinds of advantages in pursuit of gobblers, and oftentimes need them to close the deal on a spring longbeard.

1. Primos PhotoForm Jake

Primos PhotoForm Jake (Primos/)

It’s amazing what modern technology can do with photographs. Primos Hunting’s new PhotoForm Jake Decoy is a case-in-point. Through a proprietary process that’s apt to see a lot more use in the coming years, Primos developers printed a jake’s photo over a molded foam body and head. The result looks exceptionally real and the finish doesn’t have the weird “shine” that some decoys have. Bottom line, a lot of gobblers are going to get fooled by the PhotoForm Jake this spring. Comes with a steel rod that allows the decoy to swivel 180 degrees without spinning. MSRP: $79

2. Mossberg SA-410 Turkey

Hunting snows solo is no easy task. (Joe Weimer Media/)

There are levels of spring snow goose addiction. At the very top are hunters with jacked-up diesel trucks pulling 30-foot trailers loaded with full-body decoys, chasing white geese from Arkansas to Saskatchewan, burning up fuel and the patience of loved ones back home. Frankly, they are half nuts to pursue these fickle/smart birds for months on end. But they aren’t as crazy (passionate is a nice way of putting it) as the solo snow goose hunter. Setting out huge rigs of decoys by yourself in dark, mud-sucked fields you can’t drive the truck into is hard work most hunters aren’t willing to do. But over the years, I have found that targeting the right fields—even when you are forced to go it alone—can pay off. Now, that doesn’t mean you’re going to make a pile every hunt, but if you play by this set of rules, it will give you a damn good chance to.

How Many Decoys Do You Need?

The answer to that question is as many as you can afford. But, since you’re a one man or woman show, take into consideration what is practical. For field hunting, full-body decoys are ideal, but they also take up a ton of space and are a pain in the ass to lug around. The better route is to buy socks and silhouettes (1,500 is about as many as I have ever set alone) in bulk. They are cheaper and lighter than full-bodies, which means you can afford more of them and also carry more afield. They don’t have the realism and detail of full-bodies, but you’re going to get burnt out quick setting 1,000-plus on your own every time. Socks and silhouettes are much more manageable. You can use 12 to 18 full-bodies on higher stakes to hide the blind. I typically brush in a layout really well or use a Tanglefree Ghost Blind and wear all white to blend in with the decoys. I run a majority of the socks and silhouettes on the upwind side of the spread to mimic snows feeding aggressively, then string out the remaining one-third of the spread below the kill hole in a long line with good spacing to make the rig look bigger than it really is.

If you have the financial means, buy several dozen Dave Smith Snow and Blue goose decoys. They are as close to a real snow goose as you can get, but it comes at a cost, which for most won’t be feasible. But they can make a big difference, particularly when chasing adult birds that have 20-plus migrations under their wings. You should definitely invest in snow flyers, which resemble a kite in the shape of a snow goose attached to long fiberglass stakes, and a rotary machine that spins similar snow kites in a circle. And you will need an e-caller, preferably one with an auxiliary jack for multiple speakers.

If you can find water, that’s ideal in terms of the work you will have to put in (it’s also rare to have the chance to shoot snows this way, which makes it fun as hell). Throwing decoys on a watershed is not labor-intensive. Use socks and silhouettes in the shallows and on the banks to round out the spread.

Stay above the water. (Joshua Ness via Unsplash/)

The ultimate in portability and convenience, a qualify fishing kayak can help you to access waters that see less fishing pressure and provide a totally new on-the-water experience. Fishing-specific models include an array of features designed with the angler in mind and make it easier than ever to spend a day on the water.

A quality starter that won’t blow your budget. (Lifetime/)

The Tamarack Angler offers fishing-specific features in a 10-foot kayak at an attractive price point. There’s a pair of flush-mounted rod holders and one top-mounted rod holder. There’s ample storage thanks to a pair of hatches and included bungee rigging for top-mounted storage. The seat is padded as is the adjustable backrest and there are multiple footrest positions for comfort. The kayak weighs about 50 pounds.

Pedal-driven model that’s loaded with fishing features. (Perception Kayaks/)

The Pescador Pilot is equipped for serious fishing. The 12-foot kayak features an integrated pedal-drive for self-powered propulsion. The captain’s chair is made of breathable mesh and is fully removable. A one-hand rudder system makes steering simple when using the pedal system, and there is ample storage with a bungee-retention system. There are four rod-holders molded in, trays for tackle storage, and rails for accessories such as fish-finders and tenders. The boat weighs in at 85 pounds.

A foot-operated rudder to get you exactly where you want to go.

The RA220 has plenty of watertight storage, plus an integrated rudder system for easier steering and a host of angler-pleasing features. This sit-on-top model spans 11 feet, 6 inches and has twin flush-mounted rod holders along with a foot-operated rudder for precise control. The platform is stable enough to stand while fishing. It weighs 68 pounds and is available in seven color combinations.

Ample storage and integrated rudder system make for a maneuverable functional rig. (Brooklyn Kayak Company/)

This 11-foot fishing kayak is built for comfort and function. The Ghost 110 features the dual position Vibe Hero seat that’s fully padded and adjustable to fit just about any angler. There are two flush-mounted rod holders and four gear tracks for all manner of accessories and rigging. This kayak will hold everything you need in its 20-inch front oval hatch, big center console, rear hatch, and bungeed lash areas. A toe-controlled rudder system makes steering easy on long paddles.

The Rio Chama in New Mexico (The Bureau of Land Management/)

In New Mexico right now, no one knows for sure if they can fish public water running through private land.

Today, three groups —the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Adobe Whitewater Club — filed a petition asking the New Mexico Supreme Court to rule in favor of public access.

This comes after a lawsuit last week that the director of the New Mexico Game and Fish Department filed against the Game Commission asking a district judge to decide: Can private landowners exclude fishermen from publicly accessible waters?

The former head of the Game Commission, Joanna Prukop, tried finding a resolution at the end of last year. But midway through the debate she was not reappointed.

Sportsmen’s groups say big, out-of-state money is behind the push to privatize public rivers flowing through private land. They say the New Mexico Constitution and a following supreme court case give public anglers access to bottoms of rivers. They say the commissioner was let go because she tried to sort it out.

Almost the real deal. (Andras Vas via Unsplash/)

Whether you’re out in the open plains of the West or the fertile farm ground of the Heartland, a quality turkey decoy can help bring more gobblers into range. Here are a few of our favorites.

An ultra-realistic option for challenging longbeards. (Avian-X/)

During certain times of the spring season, challenging gobblers with a jake decoy can pay off big. This super-realistic half-strut jake from Avian-X mimics the gobbler-enticing pose of an aggressive jake. The decoy is collapsible and easily deployed using the included stake.

Super-portable and easy to transport hen decoy (Montana Decoy/)

A space-saving, weight-trimming decoy option, the Miss Purr-FECT is a fully collapsible hen decoy that features a photo-realistic image printed on the decoy’s fabric. The springform body allows the decoy to be packed into a palm-sized package that weighs less than a pound.

Versatile decoy duo for the full spring season. (Primos /)

Some situations call for a single hen. Others lend themselves to the challenge of a rowdy jake trying to get in good with a local lady. The Gobbstopper combo includes a hen and jake duo that’s ready for any situation. The hen can be used in three positions and both decoys are fully collapsible for easy transport.

Incredible realism to trick wary gobblers. (Dave Smith Decoys/)

When dealing with ultra-wary, pressured gobblers realism matters and the Dave Smith Decoys Leading Hen is incredibly realistic. The decoy is anatomically correct with intricate feather detail and is made from self-healing A.C.E. material which can sustain a shotgun blast with minimal visible damage.

Sometimes it takes a big crew to keep rabbits running around. (Alex Gyllstrom/)

Close your eyes and picture your ideal rabbit hunting habitat. Chances are it’s some variation of overgrown brush piles, thick tangles of briars, or brushy fence rows bordering an ag field. No question these are incredible places to find a day’s limit of cottontails, but some true rabbit goldmines are right under your nose. There the kinds of places you probably walk by every day without so much as a second glance. I know I did before the rabbit lightbulb finally turned on. To help fill the stew pot after deer season is over, add a few of these unusual and overlooked places to your rabbit hunting arsenal.

Junkyards

The author and two hunting buddies after a successful junkyard hunt. (Alex Gyllstrom/)

At first glance junkyards look, well … junky. They’re not much more than cars, farm equipment, stacks of steel, and piles of old stuff left and forgotten. But they can be a rabbit’s Taj Mahal. To a rabbit, an old car body provides excellent shelter from wind, snow, and rain and gives shade during the summer. Grass and vegetation grow up around the frame providing food and material for dens, and because old cars are usually parked side-by-side, rabbits can easily flee from danger. Next time you’re strolling by on a hunt, give that old bumper a kick and it just might surprise you what comes springing out.

How to Hunt a Junkyard

Whether it’s a pile of random debris, a broken down manure spreader, or old refrigerator, I approach a junkyard in a similar way to a brush pile. Whatever object you’re checking, determine the most likely exit route and approach from the opposite end. If you’re hunting with a buddy or in a small group, make sure you’re a safe distance apart and approach at a slight angle. The goal is for each hunter to be able to cover an area of escape. Keep an eye out for rabbits flushing ahead of you, they may not run far especially if there are plenty of piles for cover.

Add a soundtrack to your morning. (Scott Goodwill via Unsplash/)

There’s nothing like a good campfire song. But if you can’t sing? Simple. Fire up one of these portable Bluetooth speakers. They’re rugged, so they’ll work even if they get dirty, wet, or fall from your pack. Each is rechargeable and holds enough juice for multiple listening sessions. They’re also compact enough to tuck into just about any pack. Here are some top choices for small, portable speakers that can withstand the elements.

Durable and powerful. (AOMAIS/)

This tough workhorse is fully waterproof, dustproof, and mudproof, and features a rubber armor that protects the device against impacts. It boasts 20W of power and two Sport II units can be paired together for 40W of surround sound that will fill any campsite. The long-life battery provides up to 15 hours of playtime. It’s available in five colors.

Legendary sound in a portable, weatherproof package. (Bose/)

If you’re looking to fill your campsite with the highest of hi-fidelity, the SoundLink Micro is an audio juggernaut. The speaker features a 30-foot Bluetooth range, is fully waterproof and offers up to six hours of playtime on a full charge. The palm-sized speaker can be paired with a second SoundLink Micro in either party mode or stereo mode for even more sound. It’s available in blue, orange, or black.

Clip-and-go tunes for anywhere. (JBL/)

If your camping adventure takes you far from the trailhead and space is limited, the Clip 3 will provide plenty of quality sound without taking up valuable real estate in your pack. You’ll get 10 hours of playtime from a single charge and the integrated carabiner makes toting the speaker a breeze. It’s IPX7 waterproof and it doubles as a speakerphone when paired with your Bluetooth smartphone.

Big on booming bass, small in size. (Tribit/)

Bass-lovers will love this option. The MaxSound Plus boasts MaxSound Plus technology that delivers deep, booming bass for a 24W amplifier. The speaker offers extended 100-foot Bluetooth range and a stout 20 hours of playtime. It’s fully waterproof and weighs just over one pound.

A little preparation can make a quarantine a lot easier. (Pixabay/)

As the number of people infected by the novel virus COVID-19 increases across the world, the likelihood that you or someone you know would face a quarantine situation is also increasing. Whether you “self-quarantine” to defend yourself from this virus, or your entire town is put under containment, complete with the National Guard soldiers, you’re going to need the same supplies Here’s what you actually need and where can you find it.

First, Don’t Panic

The number one rule in survival isn’t hoarding toilet paper or knowing which wild plants you can eat. The number one rule is “don’t panic.” And yet, the panic buying has begun. Before you max out your credit card on overpriced supplies (that you probably don’t even need), take the time to clear your head and move forward with logic rather than emotion. Fear is a useful asset in our survival tool kit, as it can help to keep us safe. But when fear runs unchecked in the logical mind, like being terrified of a media-hyped virus, that fear can become panic (which can get the best of any of us).

Shop Thoughtfully

One of the best prepper adages is: it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. This logic is sound, if we apply it to the right supplies and resources. Don’t’ go buy an old Army tank on eBay. You just need the basics. The things you’d need to buy to prepare for a quarantine aren’t much different than the things you need every day. Food, drinks, hygiene supplies, cleaning products, and OTC medicines top the list of necessary supplies. Add in a few things for sanitation, personal protection, and morale, and your shopping list is complete. Just make sure you take inventory of the things you already have, before you head out to the store. Think about the things you’d actually need to run your household for 2 weeks (or a month), if everyone was home all day. Ask yourself:

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The deeper Brandon Nelson, my buddy from GoPro, drives into Northern Wisconsin, the more I’m mesmerized. The land is a maze of hills, forests, farms, rivers, and lakes. Whitetails are everywhere, and I’m jealous how much water people in this part of the country have at their disposal. Someone could fish for smallmouth, walleye, pike, and catfish after a short drive in any direction—but for decades, muskie have remained the marquee headliner, and the town of Hayward, Wisconsin is celebrated as one of the prime muskie fishing spots in the world. There’s a museum-sized fish replica in the center of town in case you forget that fact.

There’s never any guarantee of catching a muskie, even in the muskie fishing capital of the world. (JC Maldonado/)

Our main goal is to catch a muskie on a flyrod, and capture it all on video. However, I’m making the trek to this part of the country looking for something more than just a fish. If successful, I’ll finally achieve a goal I’ve spent years trying to realize, largely because of my family’s fabled relationship with muskie. Back in the early 1960s, my great grandfather caught one of the largest fish of his life by accident in Canada. He hoisted it in camp for photos, shared the meat with his family, and sprawled the fish’s dried head on a wood board. It was makeshift taxidermy at its best, and it resided in the basement of his Akron, Ohio home. As a kid, it terrified me. Decades later, I’ve spent countless hours chasing something just as large, often in his old boat, which I inherited. My dad has caught muskie, my uncle has caught muskie, but no matter how hard I’ve tried, I haven’t been able to land one … yet.

We’re hedging our mission on the so called “end-of-season-window.” It’s supposed to be the magical time in the heart of a musky’s late fall feeding frenzy when fish strap on the feed bag to prepare for winter and are supposedly “easier” to catch. Joining Brandon and I are friends JC Maldonado, and famed musky fly-fishing guides Jason Stewart and Brad Bohen, who achieved National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame notoriety with a 51.25-inch, fly-caught musky.

Hayward, Wisconsin is the muskie fishing capitol of the world, and the town has a 143-foot fish replica with a museum inside if you want to learn more about its claim to fame. (Hayward Chamber of Commerce/)

Jason knows Hayward’s waters like the back of his hand. He recognizes what we need to do to be successful, I have to remain optimistic, and hopefully the fish work themselves into the scheme somehow. The five of us convene at a local bar, discuss the next day’s strategy, and get some last-minute coaching from Jason about being ready to set the hook after every cast. But I’ve played this game before, and it’s hard to always be ready to strike at something affectionately nicknamed the fish of 10,000 casts.

Say what you want about the hunting world of late, but you can’t say that things aren’t interesting—especially when it comes to hunting ammunition. Over the last 15 years, designers and engineers have rendered the hunter more capable and lethal than ever before. And those same innovative people continue to work hard to keep that trend going. Here’s what’s new and awesome in terms of ammunition, as discovered at the 2020 SHOT Show.

SIG .277 Fury

The Sig .277 Fury features a revolutionary new case design that allows for higher velocities from shorter barrels. (Sig Sauer /)

In a radical departure from traditional cartridge design, Sig Sauer has put together a new and extremely hot cartridge. It’s an intriguing story, but the short of it is that the Fury was developed for military use. The parent cartridge was a .308 and the case itself is made of three-pieces rather than the common one-piece of brass we’re all used to. The forward section of the cartridge is made of brass, while the rear, and case head, are made of stainless steel. A third piece mechanically links the two together.

This construction allows pressures in the case to exceed those of standard and even magnum cartridges by as much as 20 percent. To stand up to the increased pressure Sig announced a new rifle, the Cross, that’s chambered in the .277 Fury. They believe this design may be the way of the future in the ammo world, and when you see the performance of this little cartridge you might agree. It’ll spit a 140-grain projectile downrange in excess of 3,000 FPS from a 16-inch barrel. That’s a lot of medicine in a compact package. Further specs are elusive at the time of this writing, but keep your eye out; they’re sure to be available soon. www.sigsauer.com

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent

You know the backcountry when you see it. The pavement ends, the footpath disappears, and the game trail dissolves into swamp. Your cell signal cuts out as you push deeper into forest, but that doesn’t matter—no one could find you here if they tried. Climbing the next ridge, you hear water, then see it—miles of tight creek all to yourself. Gone are the empty night-crawler containers on the bank, the rusted Panther Martins dangling in the trees. It’s just you and the smallmouths now. Or brown trout. Or, hopefully, both.

Backcountry fishing can be a crapshoot, but spend enough time exploring water that other people don’t want to work for and you’ll find your hands covered in fish slime more often than not. And while the most important tools for the journey are a trailblazer’s attitude and a gambler’s heart, the following gear will help too.

1. Fishpond High-E Hoodie

FishPond High-E Hoodie (FishPond/)

This is my outer layer for weeklong canoe loops. It features high-crimp, ultra-­insulating wool and a breathable, water-resistant exterior that makes all-day exploration efficient and comfortable. It’s cut extra-long in the sleeves and bottom, so your wrist and belly won’t get exposed no matter how far you stretch. ($229)

2. Buff Neck Gaiter

Hank Cherry boats a keeper. (Dalton Tumblin/)

Alabama’s Lake Guntersville put on a show at the 50th Bassmaster Classic. The 53 anglers spent the week dealing with rain, dingy water, and post-front conditions. You wouldn’t expect anything less at bass fishing’s world championship.

Cherry with a life-changing trophy. (James Overstreet/)

At the end of three intense days of competitive fishing, Hank Cherry, who came close to hoisting the Classic trophy in 2013, won the ultimate prize in bass fishing. Here were his lure choices and those of the other top finishers in fishing’s greatest event.

11. Jason Williamson (48-lbs., 14-oz.)

Jason Williamson (Andy Crawford/)

Jason Williamson relied on a trio of lures. A 3/8-ounce, Z-Man Evergreen Chatterbait Jack Hammer with Zoom Super Fluke was a top choice. So was a 1/2-ounce Buckeye Lures Mop Jig. He also used a 1/2-ounce Booyah One Knocker.

10. Matt Herren (49-lbs., 5-oz.)

The USFWS has clarified rules around deterring grizzly bears. (NPS.Gov/)

Ranchers and landowners in Montana will now have the liberty to pop a grizzly bear with a paintball, and not risk a ticket from the feds.

Now they may risk a mauling from an angry and colorful bear, but that’s another story.

Here’s the deal. Grizzly bears are protected in Montana under the Endangered Species Act. Under that law, it’s illegal to harm or harass protected species, except when defending human life.

Grizzly bears are also growing in number in Montana, expanding farther out of the mountains and into the prairies. In the prairies, they are more likely to get into conflict with ranchers and other rural property owners. Those folks wanted some way to deter bears, and plans to hunt them have been held up in federal court.

This week the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers the Endangered Species Act, released a secretarial order that defines how state wildlife management agencies and residents may legally harass grizzly bears, without getting sideways with the law. This being 2020, the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife & Parks announced the new rules on, you guessed it, Facebook.

If you live in a big city and love to hunt and fish, it can be a struggle to find a place to pursue those passions and find success. Hooking into a hot bed of smallies or shooting a doe, few ducks or rabbits for the pot is more difficult in urban areas than the back 40. But in many cases outdoor opportunities are abound right outside city limits, it’s just a matter of finding them. That’s where this list comes in. It will give you better options to find, and take advantage of, the public access closest to you. Just remember when folks at the check station ask how you found out about their honey hole, mum’s the word.

Whitetails are plentiful on portions of NYC’s Watershed Lands. (USFWS/)

New York City

Best Public Option: New York City Department of Environmental Protection Watershed Lands

Best Species to Hunt/Fish: Whitetail deer, largemouth bass

Distance from City: 20 miles