Game & Fish West

Each issue of Game & Fish West details proven local strategies for elk, deer, bass, trout and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from Washington to New Mexico, 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.

TECH TALK

GAME & FISH WEST

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

MOON TIMES

I HEAR THE TRAIN A COMIN’ • FEDERAL PREMIUM’S FREIGHT TRAIN COPPER SABOT SLUG OFFERS DEER HUNTERS USING SLUG GUNS A POTENT NEW OPTION THAT RIVALS SOME STRAIGHT-WALLED CARTRIDGES.

RECON RETHINK • NEW TRAIL CAMERA REGULATIONS ARE REQUIRING HUNTERS TO REEVALUATE THEIR SCOUTING STRATEGIES.

HUNTING’S ANALYTICS ERA • TODAY’S TRAIL CAMERA AND DIGITAL MAPPING APPS ARE ENABLING DEER HUNTERS TO TAKE A MORE ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO THEIR PURSUIT.

TECH SUPPORT • IT’S FASHIONABLE TO BASH TECHNOLOGY AS ERODING THE HUNTING EXPERIENCE, BUT IT’S ALSO ATTRACTING NEW HUNTERS AND MAKING THE OUTDOORS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO A NEW GENERATION.

Rainforest MONARCHS • NATIVE TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, JUNGLE-DWELLING ROOSEVELT ELK ARE VERY DIFFERENT FROM THEIR ROCKY MOUNTAIN COUSINS.

ULTIMATE SEASON '25

ROOSEVELT ELK FIREPOWER • Guns, loads and optics considerations for big Roosies

AROUND THE WEST • A SAMPLING OF THE REGION’S BEST HUNTING AND FISHING OPPORTUNITIES THIS MONTH

THE RUSE OF ENGAGEMENT • TEN TIPS TO MAKE YOUR ELK CALLS MORE BELIEVABLE

BOMBERS AWAY • HOW TO CLOSE THE DISTANCE ON (AND FILL A VEST WITH) THE TOUGHEST GAME BIRD IN THE WEST.

COOKING CONSIDERATIONS • Sage grouse can make for a tasty meal, if prepared correctly.

CANINE CARE • Keep your dog comfortable and in the hunt when the temps rise.

BUGGIN’ OUT • HOW TO CAPITALIZE ON THE HOTTEST LATE-SEASON HATCHES

SEPTEMBER Success • A WEEK-BY-WEEK BREAKDOWN OF ELK RUTTING BEHAVIOR, AND STRATEGIES FOR SCORING THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

ASSEMBLE A KILL KIT • Gather these must-have items for breaking down an elk.

KEEP IT SIMPLE • THE JIG-HEAD MINNOW HAS QUICKLY BECOME ONE OF BASS FISHING’S MOST EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES, DUE IN PART TO ITS UBER SIMPLICITY.

MASTER THE MINNOW • Rod, reel and line considerations for effectively fishing the rig.

SUMMER STEEL • ON COASTAL RIVERS THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, SUMMER-RUN STEELHEAD FUEL ANGLERS SEEKING BOTH ADVENTURE AND AGGRESSIVE, ROSY-CHEEKED FISH.

COMBING FOR COVERS • USE DIGITAL SCOUTING TOOLS TO FIND AND BAG MORE PUBLIC-LAND RUFFED GROUSE AND WOODCOCK.

Smith & Wesson MODEL 1854 TRADITIONAL WALNUT • THIS NEW LEVER-ACTION RIFLE MARRIES CLASSIC STYLING WITH PRECISION ENGINEERING AND MODERN FUNCTIONALITY.

DEER GEAR • QUALITY EQUIPMENT TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF THE SEASON AHEAD.

TROUBLE SHOOT • RULES ARE RULES, EVEN WHEN NO ONE’S LOOKING.