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Time To Register Bait Sites for Wyoming Bear
Black bear hunters looking to use baits for the upcoming spring bear hunting seasons are advised that the last date to renew a bear bait from the previous year is Thursday, March 20. Read More ....
New Mexico Oryx, Bear, and Turkey Draw Results Available
Draw results are available for New Mexico oryx, population management hunts, black bear, and spring turkey. Read More ....
Montana May Reconsider Controversial Archery Changes
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission may reconsider some elk-archery and antelope-archery hunting regulations outside of the Missouri Breaks that were recently set for the 2008 and 2009 hunting seasons. Read More ....
Nebraska to Set 2008 Big Game Seasons on March 14
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners will set dates and regulations for the 2008 antelope, deer and elk hunting seasons, draw for the 2008 elk lottery permit and tackle several other issues at a March 14 meeting at Commission headquarters in Lincoln. Read More ....
Utah to Increase Big Game Permits in 2008
Good news if you applied in Utah this year. More hunters could be hunting on some of Utah's best big game units this fall. There are many reasons why, but in most cases the bottom line is the same big game animals in Utah are doing well. Read More ....
Idaho Spring Bear and Turkey Draw Results Available
Idaho has released the draw results for spring bear and spring turkey. Read More ....
Almost Time for Nevada Big Game Applications
Nevada offers world-class hunting for 3 species of sheep, elk, mule deer, mountain goat, and antelope. Premier tags are very tough to draw, and a Vegas-like bonus points system keeps things interesting. Hunters who applied for tags within the past two years will receive a postcard on or about March 24 reminding them of the upcoming draw. Read More ....
Safari Club to Join Legal Battle Over Arizona Sheep
Safari Club International has been granted leave to join as a full party in litigation concerning bighorn sheep on Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. The litigation involves the defense of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s restoration of two man-made water developments on the refuge. Read More ....
Arizona Game and Fish Opposes Proposed Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has voted to oppose House Concurrent Resolution 2037, a proposed amendment that would create a new constitutional right to hunt and fish in Arizona. Their opposition is based on a belief that elevating hunting and fishing to a constitutional right could potentially hurt the state’s ability to enforce wildlife laws or take wildlife management actions, and could open the door to lawsuits from individuals who feel their rights to hunt and fish have been adversely affected. Read More ....
Update on the Wyoming Elk Draw
The 2008 drawing for nonresident elk licenses has been completed with 7,250 elk licenses issued to nonresident hunters. A total of 20,167 hunters applied for licenses through the drawing. Read More ....
Harsh Winter Continues: Feeding Operations Continue in Colorado's Gunnison Basin
Difficult winter conditions remain in the Gunnison Basin and the big game feeding and baiting effort by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in the area is continuing. The DOW is feeding about 8,600 deer at 131 different sites, and about 440 pronghorn at 12 sites. In addition, hay is being provided to about 3,300 elk to bait the animals away from ranchers' hay stacks and major roads. Read More ....
Colorado Turkey Draw Results Available
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has posted the results for the 2008 spring turkey draw. Read More ....
Grand Slam Club/Ovis Wins, Sheep Lose
As you may have heard, Grand Slam Club/Ovis (GSCO) had asked the federal courts to rule on the "unauthorized use of GSCO's trademarks" by The Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS). FNAWS may have lost the suit brought by GSCO, but the real losers in this sad story are sheep and sheep hunters. Read More ....
New Mexico Auction Tags Net $568,000 in 2008
Big-game conservation efforts in New Mexico picked up an extra $568,000 at recent auctions for special licenses and permits, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will triple that amount with federal matching funds for habitat restoration and big-game enhancement projects statewide. Read More ....
Nebraska Targets Wild Pigs
The largest group of feral hogs in Nebraska was removed from Harlan County Reservoir on Feb. 23 to keep them from becoming a threat to domestic and wild animals, crops and wildlife habitat, according to Sam Wilson, the Commission’s furbearer specialist. Read More ....
Harsh Winter Continues: Moose Invade Spokane Suburbs
With an unprecedented number of winter-weary moose wandering into suburban areas near Spokane, state wildlife officials remind people to keep their distance and refrain from feeding the animals. In the past week alone, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) regional office in Spokane Valley fielded 42 complaints of moose turning up in backyards, a school yard and on highways. Read More ....
Photo: Arizona Game and Fish
In Arizona, Weather Conditions Look Terrific for Wildlife
While harsh weather plagues much of The West, conditions are excellent in Arizona. All the winter precipitation, snowpack, runoff and associated green-up are combining to create a favorable outlook for Arizona’s wildlife this year – especially small game. Read More ....
Washington Updates Innovative Master Hunter Program
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is currently accepting enrollment applications through April 16 for its redesigned Master Hunter program. Could this program become a model for other states? Read More ....
Harsh Winter Continues: Feeding Operations in Idaho
With winter creating harsh conditions for wildlife in a few places, Idaho Fish and Game has been feeding about 1,050 elk at 8 sanctioned feeding sites, and about 2,450 deer at 36 sanctioned sites in the southern and eastern parts of the state. Read More ....
Wyoming Elk Draw Results Available
Wyoming Game and Fish posted the draw results for the 2008 non-resident elk draw yesterday afternoon. Draw results were two days ahead of the target date. Read More ....
Apply Now For Wyoming Sheep, Goat, Moose, Bison
The deadline for applying for Wyoming Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, and Bison tags is February 29th — just days away. Read More ....
Lion Hunting in Central Idaho
Hunt The West pro-staffer Kent Bendel returned from his recent lion hunt empty-handed, but did get to look over a treed lion and take some photos from as close as 15 feet. Read More ....
Harsh Winter Continues: Update From Casper, Wyoming
While the recent warmer weather brings some welcome relief for big game animals, severe winter conditions in late winter or early spring could still have significant impacts on herds throughout the Casper region. Read More ....
More Details on The Return of Winchester's Model 70
As you've heard on Hunt The West and pretty much every other source for information on the outdoors, the big news in hunting rifles for 2008 is the return of Winchester's Model 70 bolt action rifle. The 2008 Winchester catalog is out, and some new details are available. Read More ....
Montana Sets 2008 Seasons, Introduces Some Changes
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission set most of the 2008 and 2009 hunting seasons and regulations in Helena last week. The dates of season openers will remain the same, but there are changes in archery elk and antleope licenses. Read More ....
Rocky Mountain Wolves Removed From Endangered Species List
The gray wolf population in the Northern Rocky Mountains is thriving and no longer requires the protection of the Endangered Species Act, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett announced today. As a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will remove the species from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. Read More ....
Montana's Spring Bear Season Begins April 15
Montana’s spring black bear hunting season begins April 15. To participate, spring black bear hunters must purchase their licenses on or before April 14. Black bear hunters are limited to only one black bear license a year. Read More ....
Washington Spring Bear Application Deadline Approaching
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting applications for spring black bear hunting permits through March 13. A drawing will be held in mid-March for 295 permits in western Washington and 235 permits on the east side of the state. Successful applicants will be notified by March 31. Read More ....
Harsh Winter Continues: Update From Central Wyoming
Although recent warmer weather may have brought some welcome relief for big game animals, severe winter conditions still persist that may have considerable impact on herds throughout the Lander Region. Read More ....
Wyoming 2007 Bison Season Re-Cap
Hunters killed 266 bison during the 2007 Wyoming bison season, close to the harvest objective of 300. The hunt occurs near the town of Jackson in northwestern Wyoming. Hunters killed 85 bull bison and 137 cow bison on the National Elk Refuge, as well as 27 bulls and 17 cows on the neighboring National Forest. Read More ....
South Dakota Antelope Harvest Up Again in 2007
The 2007 pronghorn antelope harvest in South Dakota is the highest since 1984, and is the third highest on record. Read More ....
Montana to Set 2008 Season Dates and Regulations
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission will meet at the Colonial Red Lion Inn in Helena on Feb. 20 to set the 2008 and 2009 big game hunting seasons and harvest quotas. Read More ....
Harsh Winter Continues: Feeding Operation To Begin in Northwest Colorado
As Hunt The West subscribers know, winter feeding operations are already underway in Washington and Colorado's Gunnison Basin. Idaho is preparing for what appears to be an imminent need to begin feeding operations. Wyoming is bracing for winter-kill. Now, Colorado is expanding feeding operations to the northwest part of the state. Read More ....
Arizona Desert Sheep Tag Goes For $137, 500
An Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep tag, for the Mexicana subspecies of desert bighorn, was auctioned off February 8, 2008 at the Wild Sheep Foundation convention being held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The auction tag sold for $137,500. Read More ....
Northern New Mexico Elk Holding Their Own in Snow
It has been a tougher than normal winter for some elk in northern New Mexico, but herds appear to be healthy and finding enough food, Department of Game and Fish biologists report. Read More ....
Nevada Traps Antelope for Transplant to Central Part of State
In Elko county Nevada, 50 volunteers and around 30 NDOW personnel captured 257 antelope. 186 were transplanted to central Nevada, 7 were radio-collared and released on site, and 48 bucks were ear-tagged and released on site as part of an effort to determine where they travel throughout the year. Read More ....
Colorado's Feeding Program Draws Support, Warning from Elk Foundation
Responding to an emergency declaration by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is sending funds to help feed thousands of elk, deer and antelope starving in deep-snow conditions. But the Elk Foundation’s financial support comes with a warning about severe winterkill as a symptom of an even more debilitating disease—habitat loss. Read More ....
Not Too Late to Build Bonus Points in Utah
Even if you won't be hunting big game in Utah this fall, you can increase the chance you'll be chasing big game in the future by applying for a bonus point or a preference point. You can apply for a point until February 29. Read More ....
Update: Arrow-Slinging Poacher Busted In Colorado Suburb
A tip from a citizen helped the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) solve the case of deer being shot in the Rockrimmon neighborhood in Colorado Springs. Read More ....
Win One Of The Greatest Tags in The West: Colorado Sheep and Mountain Goat
Every year, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society sponsors a raffle for a Colorado Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep tag and a Colorado Rocky Mountain Goat tag. Buying tickets in 2008 will let you help out a good cause, get surprisingly good odds, and avoid having to accumulate years of preference points that would otherwise be required to have a shot at tags like this. Read More ....
Colorado Continues Access Program for Deer, Antelope
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is looking for landowners in SE Colorado to lease access for the 2008 hunting seasons. The DOW's Big Game Access Program (BGAP) is in the second year of a three-year pilot program. Read More ....
Harsh Winter Continues: Wyoming Braces For Winter-Kill
As Hunt The West subscribers know, winter feeding operations are already underway in Washington and Colorado. Idaho is bracing for what appears to be an imminent need to begin feeding operations. And now Wyoming is bracing for winter-kill. Read More ....
Bighorn Sheep Tag Auction Brings Record Idaho Bid
The winning bid in an annual auction for an Idaho Special Bighorn Sheep permit set a record this year. Read More ....
2008 Colorado Sheep and Goat Applications Available
Applications for Colorado's 2008 bighorn sheep and mountain goat seasons are now available on the website of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Read More ....
Colorado Bans Electronic Ignition Muzzleloaders
The 2008 Colorado Big Game regulations are out, and they include a new provision that prohibits the use of muzzleloaders with electronic ignition systems during the muzzleloading seasons. The ban was considered under the following justification: "The historic philosophy of the muzzle-loading season is one of primitive methods. It has been argued that such advances in muzzle-loaders as electronic ignition are not in keeping with a practice of a primitive season." Read More ....
2008 Colorado Big Game Applications Available
Applications for Colorado's 2008 big game season are now available on the website of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The Big Game booklet includes information for deer, elk, moose, bear, and pronghorn seasons. Read More ....
Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Utah Restores Desert Bighorns to John's Canyon
Utah wildlife biologists recently captured 30 desert bighorn sheep and placed them in a new home. The Division of Wildlife Resources captured the sheep at several sites in southeastern Utah. After capturing the sheep, the biologists transplanted them to John's Canyon, a tributary of the San Juan River. Read More ....
Win a Statewide Colorado Moose Tag
Every year, the Colorado chapter of Safari Club International sponsors a raffle for a statewide Colorado moose tag. You can help out a good cause, get surprisingly good odds, and avoid having to accumulate years of preference points that would otherwise be required to have a shot at a tag like this. Read More ....
Heads-up on Limited-Time Deals at Cabelas
Updated February 7! A few times a month, Cabelas lets us know about limited-time deals. A lot of the items on sale aren't particularly relevant to western hunters, but here are a few we wanted to pass on.
Read More ...
Need A Place To Hunt Turkey In Kansas?
The Kansas Army Ammunition Plant will conduct a public drawing for a limited number of spring turkey hunters this year. The three-day hunt will be held April 11-13. All hunters must be at least 16 years old and have successfully completed a hunter education course. Applications must be received by February 29. Read More ....
Time Running Out: Apply Now for Arizona Elk and Antelope
The Tuesday, February 12 application deadline for elk and antelope hunt-permit tag applications is less than a week away – don’t procrastinate, get your application in now. Read More ....
Idaho Completes Mule Deer Plan
Idaho Fish and Game has completed a final statewide Mule Deer Management Plan for consideration during the Idaho Fish and Game Commission's March 5-7 meeting in Boise. Once adopted by the commission, the final version of the plan would guide mule deer management for the next 10 years. Read More ....
Elk Foundation Celebrates 2007 Accomplishments
If a year’s accomplishments were scored like antlers, 2007 would be a trophy-class wallhanger for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The conservation group last year helped to enhance more acres of elk habitat and complete more land protection projects than anytime in its history. Read More ....
Harsh Winter Continues: Idaho Braces For Feeding Operations
As Hunt The West subscribers know, winter feeding operations are already underway in Washington and Colorado. Now Idaho is bracing for what appears to be an imminent need to begin feeding operations. Read More ....
Support Nebraska Game and Parks, Win a Rifle
The Nebraska Safari Club is sponsoring a raffle to benefit the conservation and youth outreach programs of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. You can buy tickets online, and you do not need to be present to win. Read More ....
Mule Deer Foundation Seeks Donations to Help Feed Mule Deer in Colorado
The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is asking for donations to help feed mule deer in the Gunnison Basin of Colorado, where the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) is conducting emergency feeding at over 60 sites. Read More ....
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to Launch Website for Hunting Leases
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is inviting Texas landowners to advertise their hunting leases at no cost through a new Internet service the agency is developing called "Hunt Texas Online Connection." Read More ....
Conditions Worsening for Wildlife in Northwest Colorado
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) is continuing to closely monitor winter conditions in northwest Colorado to determine if feeding operations will become necessary for deer, elk, pronghorn and bighorn sheep. Feeding operations are already underway in the Gunnison area. Read More ....
Arizona Continues Voluntary Lead Ammo Reduction Program
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently agreed to continue the department’s voluntary lead reduction program aimed at protecting Arizona’s endangered California condor. Read More ....
Washington Multi-Season Permit Applications Available
Deer and elk hunters have until March 31 to enter their name in a drawing for a 2008 multiple-season permit, which can greatly improve their chance of success in the field. Read More ....
Rio Grande Turkeys Introduced in Arizona
Fifty-five Rio Grande turkeys were introduced to Arizona on January 16 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with assistance from the Arizona and Utah chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation. All the Rios were released on BLM land at Black Rock Mountain in the far northwest corner of the state on the Arizona Strip. Read More ....
Montana to Study Pronghorn Migration
More than 20 northeast Montana pronghorn antelope are sporting high-tech jewelry that will allow biologists to monitor where they spend their summers and winters. Antelope studies elsewhere have indicated that pronghorns will travel as much as 300 to 400 miles between summer and winter ranges, the longest migrations of any big-game species in the Lower 48. Read More ....
New Mexico Ibex Hunting
To hunt Bezoar ibex, you either need to travel to some remarkably obscure part of Asia, or you can draw a license in New Mexico and drive down there in your truck. The hard part, of course, is drawing the license. Read More ....
Update: Second Split of 2007 Montana Bison Hunt Ends
The second split of the 2007 Montana bison season has ended, and the third and final split has begun. The 2nd split ran from January 1 - 22; the 3rd split is running from January 23 - February 15. Relatively few bison have moved on to National Forest lands, but hunters have still managed to take about 71 bison. Read More ....
Wyoming Sportsmen Oppose Development in Roadless Area
A network of conservation organizations known as the Sportsmen for the Wyoming Range is urgently reiterating its opposition to federal plans to open thousands of acres of US Forest Service land in Wyoming to oil and gas development. The group, operating under the emphatic slogan "We're Mother Nature's Body Guards. And yes, we are heavily armed," is joined in its criticism by many other concerned parties. Read More ....
Oregon Steps Up Moose Monitoring
Wildlife biologists collared four moose in the northern Blue Mountains of Wallowa County the week of January 14, marking the first collaring of the animals in Oregon and an increased effort to trace moose activity in the state. Read More ....
New Director at Arizona Game and Fish
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission today announced it has hired Larry Voyles as the new director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, effective when current director Duane Shroufe retires in March. Read More ....
Update: Colorado Emergency Deer Feeding Operation
The emergency feeding program by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in the Gunnison Basin is in full operation with feed being distributed to big game animals at more than 60 sites. Read More ....
Bison Coming to Utah's Book Cliffs
In November 2007, the Utah Wildlife Board approved a plan that includes a transplant of 45 bison into Utah's Book Cliffs. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources expects to begin the bison transplant within the coming year, as soon as disease protocols have been refined and transplant conditions are favorable. Read More ....
Arrow-Slinging Poacher Strikes In Colorado Suburb
Someone is using a bow and arrows to shoot deer in the Rockrimmon neighborhood in northwest Colorado Springs. In the past two weeks, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has found evidence that at least three deer were shot with arrows in the vicinity. Read More ....
Kansas Spring Turkey Permits Available
The 2008 Kansas spring turkey season runs April 9 - May 31. Turkey permits for units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online. Hunters may apply online for resident-only, limited-draw permits in Unit 4, with an application deadline of February 15. Read More ....
Pneumonia Die-Off Hits Montana Bighorn Sheep
A few weeks ago, a pneumonia outbreak struck sheep in Colorado. Montana is now reporting a similar die-off. State wildlife officials said today that a number of bighorn sheep in the Elkhorn Mountains south of Helena have died from pneumonia over the past few weeks. Read More ....
Application Deadlines Approaching for Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah
Applications are due soon for several key Western opportunities. Read More ....
US Will Not Implement Jaguar Recovery Plan
The US Fish and Wildlife Service announced last week that it would not be developing a recovery plan for jaguars in the southwestern United States, stating that a recovery plan for the endangered jaguar would not advance the conservation of the big cat. Read More ....
Idaho In-Line Ban Repealed
The bad news is that misguided, unnecessary restrictions can slip past hunters and get on the books. The good news is that such rules can be repealed. On January 17th, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission repealed one such unnecessary regulation. Read More ....
CWD Makes 3rd Appearance in Kansas
Three white-tailed deer taken by hunters in Decatur County have tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Read More ....
Update: Changes Ahead For Montana Bowhunters
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering a series of changes intended to reduce crowding, reduce the numbers of non-resident hunters, and increase access to private land by hampering outfitting and leasing businesses. At a public meeting held in Havre, MT late last week, outfitters, ranchers, and hunters had a chance to comment on the plan. Read More ....
Colorado DOW Begins Emergency Feeding of Deer
As Hunt The West subscribers heard in our January 10th update, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has identified a need for emergency feeding operations for big game animals in the Gunnison Basin. Feeding operations began on January 16th, and are considered the largest undertaken in Colorado in 24 years. Read More ....
Poacher Sought in Utah's Top Mule Deer Unit
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is seeking information about the illegal shooting of a large buck deer, which was left to waste on the Henry Mountains, a premium limited entry deer hunting unit in southeastern Utah. Read More ....
Wyoming Man Cited For Snaring Deer
Attempting to snare coyotes and bobcats, a Dubois man's snares killed at least 16 deer from 2003-2006 and he was recently convicted for the violations. Read More ....
Nebraska Sees 12 Hunting-Related Incidents in 2007
There were 12 hunting-related incidents in Nebraska last year, including one fatal incident, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The fatal incident involved a 50-year-old man who shot at a coyote with a rifle from the deck of his Saunders County home. The bullet struck and killed a 47-year old man who was hunting for deer several hundred yards away. Read More ....
Kansas Selects Organizations for Auction Permits
Seven Kansas conservation organizations were awarded a 2008 Commission Big Game Permit in a drawing conducted at the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting on January 10. With transferable nonresident licenses being eliminated in 2008, this may be the only way to ensure that you get the Kansas tag you want. Read More ....
Washington To Begin Feeding Mount Saint Helens Elk
A stretch of cold and wet winter weather - beginning with December rainstorms and floods - has prompted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to initiate a winter feeding program for elk in the Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area. Read More ....
Applying in Arizona: Lead-Time on Licenses
In our December 31st update, we recommended that Arizona applicants get their license purchase taken care of in order to avoid paying the $151.25 hunting license fee on each of your individual species applications. I sent in the paper form for my license on 12/31/07 and received the license yesterday, 01/14/08 — a two-week lead-time. Read More ....
Time To Apply For Spring Controlled Hunts In Idaho
The application period for Idaho controlled hunts for spring turkey and spring bear starts January 15 and runs through February 15. Read More ....
Field Report: Colorado Geese
Hunt The West pro-staffer Paul Vanderspek and I hunted geese a couple weeks ago and did OK. Not being able to stand the thought of ending the season on a high note, I went back out again on Saturday, January 12. Read More ....
Update: First Split of 2007 Montana Bison Hunt Ends
The first split of the 2007 Montana bison season has ended. The hunt ran from November 15 - December 31. Relatively few bison have moved on to National Forest lands, but hunters have still managed to take about 40 bison. Read More ....
Mitt Romney On Polar Bear Hunting
During a fundraiser in March of 2007, Mitt Romney tells a joke that gives insight in to the cultural importance of polar bear hunting to both the Inuit people and the people of Texas. Read More ....
Bison Hunting In Utah
Utah is one of the handful of Western states that offers hunts for wild, free-ranging, Boone and Crockett-eligible bison. Some of these hunts can be really, really good ... but good luck on getting the tag. Read More ....
Utah To Increase Bear Permits
On January 8, the Utah Wildlife Board increased the number of permits to hunt bears in Utah this spring and fall. Board members raised the total number of permits from 248 last year to 299 for 2008. Read More ....
Colorado DOW To Conduct Emergency Wildlife Feeding
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is planning to start emergency feeding operations for big game animals in the Gunnison Basin as soon as possible. Read More ....
Repeal of Idaho In-Line Ban on the Agenda for Fish and Game Commission
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission's annual meeting will occur beginning on January 15th. The agenda includes a proposed change to muzzleloader rules that would allow the use of "some inline weapons" during muzzleloader-only seasons. Read More ....
Nebraska Spring Turkey Permits On Sale January 14th,
Bird Numbers at Record High
A record turkey population awaits sportsmen as permits for the 2008 spring turkey season go on sale on January 14. With three permits allowed per hunter and permits unlimited in number and valid statewide, opportunities for a great hunting season have never been better. Read More ....
Idaho Hunters, Don't Forget Your Harvest Survey
All Idaho deer, elk, and antelope hunters must complete and submit a harvest report for each tag issued. Hunters who do not file their reports will not be able to purchase a 2008 license until the report is filed. Read More ....
Decision on Polar Bear Listing Delayed
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has postponed issuing a decision on whether to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. A listing of the polar bear would effectively end the hunting of polar bears by US citizens. Read More ....
Unexplained Waterfowl Deaths Recur in Colorado
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has learned that duck mortalities are occurring again this winter in some Denver metro-area wastewater treatment facilities. Read More ....
Colorado Southeastern Waterfowl Counts Released
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has released its December 2007 waterfowl counts for southeastern Colorado. Read More ....
Free Targets
Hunt The West subscribers may find the following link to a list of printable targets useful. Read More ....
Washington Spring Bear Applications Due March 13
Hunters may now submit applications for spring black bear hunting permits, applicable to specific areas of western and eastern Washington. Read More ....
Smugglers Make Southern Arizona Backcountry Dangerous
The Arizona Republic recently ran an article on how scientific researchers along the Arizona/Mexico border are becoming increasingly hesitant to dodge growing numbers of drug runners in order to conduct their studies. Hunters drawn to this region should keep this growing problem in mind as well. Read More ....
Spek Bags Richardson's Goose
If you happen to shoot what appears to be an unusually small goose with a stubby beak, it's well worth doing some research to understand exactly what you've bagged. Read More ....
Apparent Pneumonia Outbreak in Colorado Sheep
Colorado Division of Wildlife officials are working to determine what caused at least eight bighorn sheep to die east of Gunnison during the last week of December. Initial findings from postmortem examinations suggest that pneumonia was the likely cause of at least some of the bighorn deaths. Read More ....
Get The Lead Out of Your Venison in 2008
For those who take advantage of the rolling-over of the calendar to set goals for the coming year, consider this one for 2008: Switch to unleaded rifle ammunition. Read More ....
Applying in Arizona: Time to Buy Your License
Arizona's 2008 applications for antelope and elk are now available on the website of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If you're going to be applying, you'll want to get your non-resident hunting license first. Otherwise, they'll charge you the $151.25 fee on each of your individual species applications. Read More ....
Field Report: Colorado Geese
With the holidays past and with hundreds of geese continually buzzing the metro Denver area, I finally got motivated to make time for my first goose hunt of the season.Hunt The West pro-staffer Paul Vanderspek and I hunted along Colorado's I-76 corridor near Prewitt Reservoir. Read More ....
2008 Utah Applications Available
Applications for Utah's 2008 big game season are now available on the website of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Utah offers outstanding but hard-to-draw tags for bighorns, desert sheep, goats, bison, moose, mulies, elk, and pronghorns. Read More ....
2007 Montana Bison Hunt "Starting Slow"
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle is reporting that the 2007 Montana bison hunt is "starting off slow." Read More ....
Elk Rescued After Fall Through Ice
In one of the most unusual emergency operations in Colorado this year, three cow elk that fell through the ice of a private pond south of Pagosa Springs were rescued by Division of Wildlife officers, a local volunteer fire fighter and ten other law enforcement workers. The rescue occurred on December 15. Read More ....
Changes Ahead For Montana Bowhunters
Montana's archery hunters will be facing changes in 2008. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering a series of changes intended to reduce crowding, reduce the numbers of non-resident hunters, and increase access to private land by hampering outfitting and leasing businesses. Read More ....
No Reprieve for Doomed Santa Rosa Elk and Deer Herd
California's Santa Rosa Island was purchased by the US Park Service in 1986 to become part of the Channel Islands National Park. Since then, the existence of the island's transplanted deer and elk herds has been hotly debated. Their fate has now been sealed. Read More ....
2008 Arizona Elk and Antelope Applications Available
2008 applications for antelope and elk are now available on the website of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Online applications continue to be unavailable. Read More ....
Group of Poachers Busted in Arizona
An extensive multi-agency undercover operation led by Arizona Game and Fish Department law enforcement officers has resulted in 16 suspects being charged with more than 60 wildlife violations. Another suspect is facing 6 felony charges related to the killing of stray horses on US Forest Service lands near Show Low. Read More ....
2008 Oregon Big Game Applications Available
2008 big game applications are now available on the website of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Read More ....
2008 Colorado Turkey Applications and Licenses Available
Colorado 2008 turkey applications are now available on the website of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Additionally, over-the-counter licenses for the spring season can be purchased beginning December 15th. Read More ....
Tax Dollars, Not Hunters, Will Be Used To Manage Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park
The National Park Service has released its plan for managing the elk herd in Rocky Mountain National Park. The plan excludes both hunters and wolves as management tools, instead relying on Park Service employees and their authorized agents to thin the herd via lethal means at a 20-year cost of "only" $6 million. Read More ....
Smith And Wesson Cites Warm Weather In Earnings Shortfall
Unseasonably warm weather has been blamed for recent tough elk seasons, late deer ruts, and changes in waterfowl migrations. Now, it has been cited as a cause of an earnings shortfall by gun-maker Smith & Wesson. Read More ....
2008 New Mexico Applications Available
New Mexico 2008 applications are now available on the website of New Mexico Game and Fish. Read More ....
New York Times on Hunters and Global Warming
The New York Times ran an interesting article yesterday regarding the impacts of global warming on hunting. The three-quarter page article ran on page A30, but had a teaser showing a duck hunter accepting a retrieve from his dog on the front page. Read More ....
Extended Montana Seasons to Close December 9
The elk seasons that were extended in some of Montana's hunting districts for an additional 2 weeks will close this weekend on December 9th. Read More ....
Idaho Seeks Input On Repealing In-Line Ban
The Idaho Game and Fish Commission is reconsidering a ban on in-line muzzleloaders that arbitrarily left many hunters on the sidelines. Read More ....
Montana Considers Season Opener Changes
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is considering a "possible tentative proposal" that would change the opening dates for the general deer, elk, antelope, and pheasant seasons so that they would open on the same calendar date every year. Read More ....
Bison vs. Elk Caught on Video
In the unlikely event you've ever wondered who would win in a fight between an elk and a bison, now you can find out. Read More ....
Deer Still Rutting and Scattered in Kansas
The rifle whitetail action in north-central Kansas continued to be slow but steady through the first full weekend of the season. Stand hunting has been tough, but the bucks are still rutting. Read More ....
Kansas Deer Season Update
The rifle whitetail season in north-central Kansas has been slow, but some huge bucks have been taken. Read More ....
Montana Wildlife Official Charged By Grizzly
As Hunt The West subscribers know, 2007 has been an eventful year for encounters between hunters and grizzlies in the northern Rockies. The latest event involved a wildlife official, Vic Workman of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission. Read More ....
2008 Wyoming Non-Resident Applications Available
Wyoming 2008 non-resident applications are now available on the website of Wyoming Game and Fish. (Resident application booklets aren't supposed to be available until January 1.) Brace yourself for price increases. Read More ....
Montana Extends Some Elk Hunts Due to Warm Weather
As Hunt The West subscribers know, Colorado rifle seasons were impacted quite a bit by warm, dry, unseasonable weather. Montana has also felt these impacts, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has moved to extend elk seasons in areas where harvest objectives have not been met. Read More ....
Colorado 4th Rifle Season Plagued By Warm Weather
Colorado's unseasonably warm and dry fall has continued, leading to tough hunting during the 4th (and final) rifle season. Read More ....
Western Nebraska Whitetails
The good news and the bad news about Nebraska's deer season is that it's 9-days of rifle hunting smack during the middle of the rut. Good news, because hunting rutting whitetails is a hoot. Bad news, because young bucks experience lots of mortality, many never getting a chance to reach their potential. Read More ....
Whitetail Rut Tracker
Wanted to call your attention to the whitetail rut tracker on Versus.com. Not sure how accurate it truly is, but what a great idea. Read More ...
First of the 2008 Applications Due Soon
Believe it or not, it's time to think about submitting your applications for the fall 2008 season. Wyoming elk and New Mexico oryx apps will be due within the first month or so of the new year, but it's Alaska that gets the honors of setting the earliest application dates in The West. Read More ...
Conservation Organizations Bicker Over "Grand Slam"
In a press release dated October 16, 2007, Grand Slam Club / Ovis (GSCO) was pleased to announce that a federal court had granted an injunction against The Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS) related to "unauthorized use of GSCO's trademarks" such as "Grand slam." Read More ....
Colorado 3rd Rifle Season Described as "Poor"
Outfitters and hunters I've talked to from all over the state have reported that Colorado's 3rd Rifle season for deer and elk has been "poor." Many experienced camps that usually produce good success rates have been skunked this year. Read More ....
New Mexico Lion Outfitter Charged For Poaching
Tom and Deborah Boyer have pled guilty to violating the Lacey Act when they transported a mountain lion taken without a license from Colorado to their home state of New Mexico. Read More ....
News on the Arizona Big Game Draws
The draw for Arizona's spring 2008 hunts (turkey, javelina, bison, and bear) was completed on November 6. In conjunction with this, Arizona Game and Fish announced that online apps would not be available for the fall draw. This means that to apply, you'll need to complete paper applications and send them in, along with full permit fees, by US Mail. Read More ....
Nevada Exploring First-Ever Bear Hunt
Nevada game managers are discussing the merits of holding the first-ever black bear hunt in that state. Nevada is currently the only western state that does not have a bear hunt. Read More ....
Utah Considers Changes for 2008
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is considering changes for the 2008 season. Changes will be finalized at their meeting on November 29. Read More ....
Return of the Winchester Model 70
Winchester has released a press release announcing the return of the Model 70 bolt action rifle for 2008. Read More ...
Tribal Action Could Reduce Bison Hunting Opportunity
A pair of Idaho-based Native American tribes have been in discussions with Montana officials about starting an annual bison hunt outside of Yellowstone beginning with the winter of 2008-2009. Depending on the agreement reached between the Shoshone-Bannock and MFWP, there will likely be even fewer tags available to sportsmen in 2008. Read More ...
California Hunter Experiences Worst Bear Mauling of Year
On Tuesday, October 30, around 9am, a California man hunting near Corwin Springs, Montana experienced what may prove to be the worst bear mauling of the year. Read More ...
Hunter Forced To Kill Charging Grizzly
In what continues to be an eventful year for bear encounters, a 54-year-old elk hunter was forced to kill a charging grizzly in Montana last week. The old sow charged him after he bumped in to her near the gut pile of an elk. Read More ...
John Edwards Unveils Hunting Bill of Rights
Campaigning in Iowa on October 24th, Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards unveiled a "Hunting and Fishing Bill of Rights and Responsibilities." Despite putting forth what is probably the most detailed pro-sportsman, pro-wildlife plan ever articulated by a major candidate, Edwards has been attacked from all sides for his thoughtful, middle-of-the-road vision. Read More ....
Field Report: Colorado Second Rifle Season
Colorado's 2nd Combined Rifle season for deer and elk ended on sunday, October 28. My party was in Unit 551 near the area of Gunnison, Colorado. During the opening weekend, October 21, cold and light snow moved through the area, making for some good tracking. But, the snow didn't last. Read More ...
Montana Unlimited Bighorn District 303 Closes
On October 24th, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission announced that hunting district 303, which includes portions of Park County, will be closed to all hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007. District 303 is one of the permit areas in Montana where an unlimited number of over-the-counter bighorn sheep licenses are available for purchase. Read More ....
Offending Grizzly Trapped and Relocated in Montana
In a previous update, we described the grizzly attack that occurred when a bird hunter had an accidental run-in with a bedded grizzly near near Valier, Montana. On October 18, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks successfully trapped the offending bear, a 330-pound, 2-year-old male. Read More ...
Hunter Not Lost, Just In A Bad Mood
A South Carolina hunter disappeared in to the mountains on the opening day of Colorado's 2nd combined rifle elk and deer season after squabbling with his companions. Snow and cold moved in that night, and the next morning one of his partners hitched a ride to get within cell phone range and call out the Mesa County Search and Rescue team to look for his missing companion. Read More ...
Study Suggests that ATVs Hurt Hunting
The Izaak Walton League of America, an organization that works to defend our natural resources and to preserve the hunting and fishing opportunities, recently published a report on the impacts of off-road vehicles (ORVs) on hunting and fishing. Read More ...
PETA Speaks Out On The Colorado Poaching Case
In our updates on October 16 and October 18, Hunt The West covered the Colorado bear poaching case that included a seemingly inappropriate $500 donation to PETA as part of the penalty. For the sake of fairness, I contacted PETA and asked them to share some info with Hunt The West subscribers about how they work to fight poaching. Read More ...
More Info on Colorado's "Poaching for PETA" Case
In our October 16 update, we covered the Colorado bear poaching case that included a seemingly inappropriate $500 donation to PETA as part of the penalty. The San Diego Union-Tribune provided additional details on the case. In a great example of understatement, they quoted the guilty party's defense attorney as saying "I don't know where that came from" with regards to the PETA donation. Read More ...
Lull in Grizzly Encounters Comes to End
In previous updates on October 4 and October 9, we documented the growing list of run-ins between hunters and grizzlies in the northern Rockies this year. A lull followed the 2 run-ins between hunters and grizzlies that occurred on October 6. The lull ended Monday afternoon when a Montana man was attacked and briefly mauled by a grizzly near Valier, Montana. Read More ...
Montana Bison Draw Results Available
Montana posted the results from the 2007 bison draw today, a little after lunchtime (their usual time for posting draw results). Read More ...
Poacher Gets Absurd Sentence in Colorado
A Minnesota man pled guilty this week to three misdemeanors stemming from the baiting and killing of a bear last month near Carbondale, Colorado. Part of his sentence was incredibly inappropriate and utterly irrelevant to the crime at hand. Read More ...
Wyoming Antelope: The Most Fun Hunt in the West
Hunting antelope in Wyoming remains the most enjoyable, most affordable, highest success hunt in The West. It's perfect for do-it-youself hunters, and even first-time antelope hunters can expect an excellent chance of success. I've hunted antelope every year but one since 1992, and can't imagine when I'll next miss a hunt this fun. Read More ...
Hunters Called Upon to Protect Public Lands
Mining legislation reform is, clearly, a much less sexy topic than grizzly attacks, 400-inch elk, and big bucks. But, for hunters who wish to hunt the public lands of The West, management of mining leases on public lands is not something that can be ignored forever. Read More ...
Common Sense Attitudes Towards Mountain Lions
Boulder, Colorado is a beautiful little town at the base of the Colorado Rockies that is known for being an extraordinarily liberal community. So, there were certainly some people who found fault when a Wisconsin man living near Boulder shot a lion that had attacked one of his dogs in the middle of the night, and then advanced towards him. Read More ...
Another Weekend, Another Round of Grizzly Encounters
In a previous update, we documented the growing list of run-ins between hunters and grizzlies in the northern Rockies this year. The list grew this weekend, with two additional encounters. Read More ...
Grizzly Encounters Continue for Hunters in Northern Rockies
With increasing bear numbers, limited food sources heading in to the winter, and lots of hunters in the woods, this fall has seen a growing number of encounters between grizzlies and hunters in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The latest event involved two bowhunters in Montana's Yaak Valley on the weekend of September 29. The two hunters killed an 11-year-old female grizzly bear, claiming self-defense. The mature sow was traveling with two cubs. Read More ...
Pending World Record Bison Taken in Wyoming Hunt
A Cheyenne hunter has taken a bison in this year's hunt that stands to set a new Boone and Crockett world record.
The bison has been green-scored at 140-2/8. The previous record, a bison killed by a ranger in Yellowstone National Park in 1925, scored 136-4/8. Read More ...
Montana Unlimited Bighorn District 501-20 Closes
On September 26th, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission announced that hunting district 501-20 will be closed to all hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, September 27, 2007. District 501-20 is one of the permit areas in Montana where an unlimited number of over-the-counter bighorn sheep licenses are available for purchase. Read More ...
Hunting Wyoming's Wild Bison -- Part 4
I walked up to my bull and knelt beside his massive head. His horns were battered and busted, very different from the immaculate horns of ranch-raised bison I have seen. He had a deep scar in his side. I took some pictures with him as he lay, then realized what a ton of work I had ahead of me.
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Hunting Wyoming's Wild Bison -- Part 3
The first day of my Wyoming bison hunt had resulted in lots of bison sightings, but no clear vision of how I could actually find animals in legal hunting areas and make a good stalk and shot. Back in Jackson, I tracked down a local outfitter who sometimes guided bison hunters. I had a few beers with him and he gave me some good ideas about where, more specifically, to find bison. Read More ...
Hunting Wyoming's Wild Bison -- Part 2
Second installment describing my experiences from my 2005 wild bison hunt near Jackson, Wyoming.
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Hunting Wyoming's Wild Bison -- Part 1
Recently it was announced that Wyoming's Jackson Elk Refuge would be open to hunting for the upcoming bison hunting season, an act necessary to reduce the significantly overpopulated herd. This has rekindled the ongoing and often polarizing debate about bison hunting. In this context, I wanted to share some of my experiences from my 2005 wild bison hunt near Jackson, Wyoming.
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One of Montana's Unlimited Bighorn Districts Closes
On September 17th, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission announced that hunting district 500-20 will be closed to all hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. District 500-20 is one of the permit areas in Montana where an unlimited number of over-the-counter bighorn sheep licenses are available for purchase. Read More ...
Field Report: Colorado Bucks Elusive, Does Everywhere
During 5 days of elk hunting spread out over the last 9 days on National Forest land near Buena Vista, Colorado, my partner and I saw does and fawns everywhere, but did not see a buck on public land. Read More ...
Arizona Spring Applications Due October 9 -- No Online Apps
The deadline to submit applications for Arizona's spring 2008 hunts (turkey, javelina, bison, and bear) is Tuesday, October 9. Due to the ongoing problems Arizona had with their online application vendor, no online application service will be available. To apply, you'll need to complete paper applications and send them in, along with full permit fees, by US Mail. Read More ...
Field Report: Colorado Bugle Fizzles in Warm Weather
The warm weather that has stabilized over the Colorado Rockies seems to have put an end to the bugle. After taking a day off hunting on monday, I returned to the mountains near Buena Vista to get back to looking for bull elk. Unfortunately, the bugling had completely ceased. Read More ...
Latest News on Western Bears
Western populations of black, grizzly, and polar bears continue to make the headlines. Read More ...
Field Report: Colorado Elk Bugling, Bears Up High
I just returned from hunting the first 3 days of the Colorado muzzleloader elk season and wanted to pass on the report so far. The best bugling bulls seemed to be around 10,200 - 10,500 feet. And they were all at least 2 hours from the truck. Read More ...
Good News and Bad News About the Montana Bison Hunt
The good news is that on September 6, 2007, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks finally posted the regulations for the 2007 wild bison hunt. The bad news is that there are not very many tags, and draw odds, especially for those of us who don't live in Montana, are going to be very steep. Read More ...
Great News for Wyoming Bison Applicants
Wyoming Game and Fish has announced big news for hunters who are on this year's wild bison priority hunt list. For the first time, hunting wil be allowed on the National Elk Refuge, and quota numbers appear to be increasing. Read More ...
Montana Makes Progress on 2007 Bison Hunt
State wildlife commissioners set quotas and dates for Montana’s 2007 bison hunt, clearing the way for Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to continue towards their revised target date of publishing bison regulations/applications by September 30. Tag numbers will be significantly reduced from last year. Read More ...
The Bears Ears Elk Herd in Colorado
Hunters looking to pick a spot to hunt general season elk in Colorado may want to consider the Bears Ears herd. The area has long been considered to be over population objectives, and a recent study has additional quantitative support to that. Read More ...
Cabelas Coverage in the Wall Street Journal
Hunters know and love Cabelas, but it's still kind of nice when our favorite store gets noted in the mainstream media. Read More ...
Hoov's 2007 Gun Battery
I'll have a mixed year in 2007, with 4 rifle tags and 1 muzzleloader tag. I've spent a few weekends at the range, and have settled in on my battery for 2007. Read More ...
More Bear Problems in Colorado Don't Translate to More Hunting Opportunities
The news in Colorado has included frequent coverage during the last few weeks on the increase in bear problems on the Western Slope. Although this may peak the interest of would-be bear hunters, taking a bear, even during a period of high activity, is still a long shot. Read More ...
Study: Hunting is Hard Work
Hunting is strenuous enough exercise that it can increase the risk of heart attack greater than other forms of exercise, such as walking on a treadmill. This is according to research conducted out of the William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, the findings of which were reported in the American Journal of Cardiology.
Delay on Applications for Montana Wild Bison
Montana will be two months late publishing their bison regs this year. Look for them to be available on September 30th ... and look for tougher odds on drawing a bull tag. Read More...
Idaho to Reconsider In-Line Muzzleloader Ban?
Sometime after the 2007 season, the Idaho Game and Fish Commission may be open to reconsider the recently introduced ban on inline muzzleloaders. Read More...
Big Game Draw Results Are In
2008 big game draws are complete. Arizona was the last western state with a draw yet to be held, but they posted their results almost 2 weeks ahead of their July 28 target date. Check your results on line to see if you'll be making any big trips out to Hunt the West. Read More...
Well-known Colorado Bowhunter Indicted
Dave Holt, noted and very visible bowhunter, has been indicted for faking disability as part of a workman's comp scam. Ironically, he wasn't present to hear the indictment for his disability scam, as he was on a hunting trip in Africa at the time. Read More...
Hoov Bags Barbary Sheep
I got this 28", free-range ram hunting near Roswell, NM. My hunting partner, Kent Bendel, also took a nice and almost identical 28" ram. For both of us, this was our first time hunting Barbary Sheep (also known as Aoudad). Great off-season (February) hunt for a very interesting animal.
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Colorado Division of Wildlife Goes 0 for 8 on Big Game Draws
The Colorado Division of Wildlife failed to meet their deadlines on all 8 big game draws in 2007. Read More..
Noted Colorado Sheep Guide Pleads Guilty
Terry Sandmeier, one of the premier sheep guides in Colorado, pled guilty of having the hunter he was guiding shoot a bighorn sheep illegally. The trophy bighorn was in a closed area within 70 yards of Interstate 70 near Georgetown, CO. Remarkably, the Colorado Division of Wildlife allowed the hunter who illegally shot the sheep to go on to shoot a second trophy bighorn sheep. The hunter was the holder of the Governor's Tag for sheep, for which he paid $60,000. Read More...