Game & Fish Midwest

Each issue of Game & Fish Midwest details proven local strategies for whitetails, turkeys, bass, walleyes and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from North Dakota to Kentucky, and learn the top times for success in the field and on the water. Get info on hot new gear and how it performs, as well as updates on trends, regulations, seasons and destinations to help you plan your next outing.

FLOAT ON

GAME & FISH MIDWEST

GAME & FISH ONLINE • TIPS, TACTICS, GEAR, NEWS AND MORE AT GAFMAG.COM

MOON TIMES

BEAR DEFENSE BASICS • IF YOU’RE GOING TO CARRY A HANDGUN FOR BEAR DEFENSE WHILE HUNTING OR FISHING, THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

GEARING UP FOR INSHORE SUCCESS • BUILD A SMALL BUT MIGHTY ARSENAL TO TACKLE ALL COMERS.

PICK The Right Prop • FEW THINGS AFFECT YOUR BOAT’S PERFORMANCE AS MUCH AS ITS MOTOR’S PROPELLER.

ONLINE ADVICE • Instead of just guessing, turn to an online prop finder as a starting point.

PITCH PERFECT • Subtle nuances can make a world of difference.

KILL CALL • DOES MANDATORY HARVEST REPORTING IMPROVE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT OR CREATE A BUREAUCRATIC HURDLE FOR HUNTERS?

NORTHERN KNOWLEDGE • FISHING FOR GIANT PIKE WITH THE GUIDES OF SASKATCHEWAN’S CREE RIVER LODGE IS A LESSON IN DEDICATION, TEAMWORK AND REVERENCE FOR A SPECIAL PLACE.

PIKE POINTERS • Cree River Lodge guides warn against these mistakes.

AROUND THE MIDWEST • A SAMPLING OF THE REGION’S BEST HUNTING AND FISHING OPPORTUNITIES THIS SUMMER

READING Water • HOW TO BREAK DOWN A NEW BASS LAKE OR RIVER QUICKLY AND MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME ON THE WATER.

OHIO ESOX • YOU DON’T NEED TO VENTURE FAR NORTH FOR SOLID MUSKY ACTION. MIDWEST ANGLERS CAN FIND STELLAR FISHING IN THE BUCKEYE STATE, TOO.

RUNNING OF THE BULLS • WITH THE BLUEGILL SPAWN UNDERWAY, NOW’S THE TIME TO ENJOY STELLAR SIGHT-FISHING FOR BRUISER BULLS IN SHALLOW WATER.

BULL ’GILL BASTIONS • Explore some of the Midwest’s best big-bluegill waters.

MIDWEST BULLS • State-by-state bluegill records

STREAM SECRETS • TEMPT MORE AND BIGGER SMALLMOUTHS ON THE REGION’S RIVERS AND CREEKS WITH THESE STRAIGHTFORWARD STRATEGIES.

SMALLIE SWEET SPOTS • Hit up some of the region’s top rivers for smallmouth bass.

WIPER Wisdom • HYBRID STRIPED BASS AGGRESSIVELY FEED ON SHAD THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER, PROVIDING ONE OF THE HOTTEST—AND MOST OVERLOOKED—BITES OF THE SEASON.

HYBRID HAVENS • The Midwest has many great wiper waters, including a few that deserve special recognition.

HYBRID HISTORY • Get to know the hybrid striped bass, aka wiper.

BOUNDARY WATERS BLISS • THOUSANDS OF LAKES SURROUND ELY, MINNESOTA, OFFERING FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR A MIXED BAG OF WALLEYES, PIKE, LAKE TROUT, SMALLMOUTH BASS AND PANFISH.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • Attractions, adventures and dining options for traveling anglers.

Wild River, WILD FISH • A 93-MILE FLOAT DOWN THE MAIN SALMON RIVER IN IDAHO PROVIDES WHITEWATER ADVENTURE AND ROD-BENDING ACTION.

PERMITS AND LICENSES • Requirements to float-fish the Salmon River

Savage REVEL • THIS TAKEDOWN, LEVER-ACTION RIMFIRE OFFERS A GREAT COMBINATION OF AESTHETICS, ERGONOMICS AND FUNCTION.

Weatherby MODEL 307 RANGE XP 2.0 • UPGRADES TO WEATHERBY’S LATEST BOLT GUN HIT A SWEET SPOT FOR PERFORMANCE AT A VALUE.

NIGHT FISHIN’ • THINGS MAY NOT BE WHAT THEY SEEM IN THE DARK.