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New Rifle Project: 7mm STW on Remington 700 Action, Part 2

Not only did no one try to talk me out of this idea, but several 7mm STW owners egged me on. And I've been moving fairly quickly. Read More ....

First Tag of 2012

I've got my tag for my first hunt of 2012. It's a repeat of a hunt I did way back in 2004, and a chance for redemption at getting blanked the first time out. Read More ....

Colorado Sheep, Goat Apps Available

The application book for Colorado sheep and mountain goat is now available online. Read More ....

Montana Rifle Company Model 1999 in .358 Norma Magnum

Montana Rifle Company offers high-end rifles at mid-range prices, based on their own proprietary Model 1999 controlled-round feed action. The company has a whole lot going for it, and the rifle they built for me is a fine example of what they can do. Read More ....

Upcoming Raffles For Colorado Sheep, Goat, and Antelope

Every year, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society sponsors a raffle for Colorado statewide Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Pronghorn tags. This is my favorite of all the annual raffles, and I put in every year. Read More ....

South Dakota Considers Changes to Special Buck License

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed two changes to licenses available for the West River Special Buck hunting season. Read More ....

Wyoming Elk Apps Due January 31st

Remember that Wyoming elk applications are due January 31st. Read More ....

Wyoming Antelope Poacher Fined $16,000

A Burns, WY man has received heavy fines, loss of hunting privileges, and probation following his conviction of poaching a buck antelope near Saratoga on Nov. 2, 2011. Explaineing his motivation, Greenwood said he shot the buck because he had always wanted to "kill an antelope." Read More ....

New This Year: Montana Deer and Elk Permit Application Due March 15

Hunters in Montana can get an early start on making plans for the upcoming season thanks to recent license-purchase and special permit-application deadline changes. This year hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Jan. 16 and the deadline for residents and nonresidents to apply for deer and elk permits has moved up to March 15. Read More ....

Remington's 2012 Lineup

My first hunting rifle was a Remington 700, and I've been a huge fan ever since. Every year when they release their new catalog, I'm at risk of running out and buying a new gun — although it's more likely to be because an old favorite is being discontinued, as opposed to a new rifle getting my interest. Read More ....

South Dakota Black Hills Deer, Firearms Antelope 2011 Harvest

Hunter surveys of the Black Hills Deer and Firearms Antelope hunting seasons indicate a decline in the number of hunters and harvest for both seasons in 2011. Read More ....

More Bear Hunting Opportunity in Utah

Starting this spring, bear hunters will have opportunities they've never had before in Utah. Read More ....

Bison Hunt Opportunity

My outfitter buddy Brandon McCullough of High Plains Adventures has several late-breaking bison hunt opportunities available. He's offering a $1,000 discount on these hunts — but only if you can do the hunt by February 28th. Read More ....

New Rifle Project: 7mm STW on Remington 700 Action

OK guys, a lot of you are smarter than me … let me know what you think about this idea for a new rifle project. Read More ....

Kansas 2012 Spring Turkey Permits Available

So far, it’s been a mild winter in Kansas, but avid turkey hunters are still itching for spring, when wild turkeys gobble and the hunt for long beards is on. Read More ....

Utah 2012 Applications Available

The 2012 Utah Big Game Application Guidebook is available online. Read More ....

New Auction and Raffle Tags in Arizona?

The Arizona legislature has been considering a bill (HB2072) that would offer a significant number of tags for auction and raffle. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has come out against the bill, and public opposition to the bill seems strong as well. Read More ....

Crossbows During Archery Season in Kansas?

A proposal has been floated to allow more crossbows during the archery deer season. Specifically, it would allow hunters 55 and older to use crossbows during archery season. Read More ....

Apply Online for Arizona Elk and Pronghorn

Arizona's new online application system is now available again after being down for a couple months. Hunters who haven’t yet submitted an application for elk and pronghorn can apply online. The application deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 by 7 p.m. (MT). Read More ....

Apply Now For Colorado Turkey

I'm not a big turkey hunter, and Colorado is not a premier destination for turkey hunting. But, there are definitely some worthwhile limited draw turkey hnunts available in Colorado. Read More ....

Nebraska Spring Turkey Permits Available

Nebraska spring turkey hunting permits for 2012 will be available from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission starting at 1 p.m. Central Time on Jan. 9. Read More ....

2011 Season Re-Cap

For me, 2011 was a good year. Read More ....

Washington Considers More Multiple-Season Permits

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider increasing the number of multiple-season hunting permits available each year. Multiple-season hunting permits allow selected hunters to hunt for deer or elk during all general hunting seasons, rather than having to choose among archery, muzzleloader or modern firearm seasons. Read More ....

Arizona 2012 Elk and Pronghorn Regulations Available

The Arizona Game and Fish Department announced today it has posted the 2012 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information regulations booklet. Hunters can now start applying for a hunt permit-tag issued through the drawing process. Read More ....

Nebraska Hunt Produces 12-Year-Old Bighorn

Tyson Ritz of Waverly harvested a 12½-year-old bighorn sheep ram Saturday, Dec. 10, in Nebraska's Pine Ridge, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Read More ....

TAG Bags Lightweight Game Bags

I hate to sound like some kind of weird game bag nerd, but anything that takes 8 pounds or so out of my pack increases my effectiveness, my performance, and my enjoyment of the time I spend in rough country. Read More ....

Utah Deer Changes for 2012

If you like to hunt deer in Utah, get ready — some big changes await you in 2012. Read More ....

Deer Hunting On the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, Part 1

With the whitetail I had taken on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation frozen solid in the back of my truck, I set about trying to figure out how to hunt my Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe reservation mule deer tag. Read More ....

Deer Hunting On the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, Part 2

The buck was so close that I was afraid to look straight at him, but I knew he was pretty wide, and had enough points that I immediately understood he was too good to pass on the last day. Read More ....

Arizona Cuts Antelope and Elk Tag Numbers for 2012

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission approved the 2012 hunt seasons for elk and pronghorn antelope during its Dec. 3 meeting in Phoenix, paving the way for hunters to start applying once they have the pertinent information available online in mid December. Read More ....

New Mexico 2012 Regulations Available

Application season has begun. Time to start plan, fantasizing, and forking over fees. There are major changes in New Mexico this year, largely as the result of a major grass roots anti-non-resident push led by the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. Read More ....

Wyoming 2012 Regulations Available

The 2012 Wyoming Regulations are now available. I didn't see a ton of changes in my initial read. The one exception is that ewe bighorn tags are available for the first time this year. Read More ....

Nebraska is Looking at Another Record Deer Harvest

Nebraska saw a record November deer harvest in 2011, according to preliminary data from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The harvest of 64,548 deer was an increase of 865 from last year. Read More ....

Deer Hunting On the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, Part 1

A few years back, I got this weird bug about wanting to kill a mule deer with my rifle in North Dakota. Figuring out how to get a shot at this goal pretty quickly led me to the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, which straddles both North and South Dakota. I missed the window of opportunity to get a tag for the 2010 season, so made double sure I would be able to make the hunt in 2011. Read More ....

Deer Hunting On the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, Part 2

Not having much luck with the North Dakota mulies, I turned my attention to South Dakota whitetails. Read More ....

Arizona 2012 Spring Draw Complete

The Arizona 2012 spring draw for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear has been completed and results are now available. Read More ....

Australian Poaching Suspects Sentenced in Idaho

What began as an Idaho big game hunting trip for three Australians ended abruptly Tuesday in Elmore County court where two of the men learned that hunting in most of the United States is no longer an option. Read More ....

Court Hears Arguments on the Constitutionality of Wolf Delisting

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday heard arguments from both sides of a lawsuit alleging that Congress acted unconstitutionally when it removed wolves from the endangered species list and cleared the way for wolf hunting seasons now underway in Idaho and Montana. Read More ....

Wyoming Responds to Declining Deer Numbers in Black Hills

In response to declining numbers of mule and white-tailed deer in the Black Hills, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding hunters there are fewer licenses available for the 2011 hunting season and the hunting season closes earlier this year. Read More ....

Desert Sheep Hunts in New Mexico?

The New Mexico State Game Commission voted Thursday, November 3, to officially remove the desert bighorn sheep from the state’s endangered species list, opening the way for hunting in 2012. Read More ....

Colorado Elk Hunters Take Toll on Moose

Halfway through the fall rifle seasons, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are again warning elk hunters not to shoot moose during their hunting trips. Read More ....

Even More Turkey Opportunities in Nebraska

Consistent with their strategy of incrementally increasing hunting opportunities for their growing turkey population, Nebraska Game and Parks approved another change to turkey regulations at their October 27 meeting. Read More ....

My First Colorado Whitetail

Never judge a whitetail when it's quartering away. These are words I'm going to repeat to myself before all my whitetail hunts from now on. Not that I should be complaining about anything. I just got back from a fun hunt for whitetails on the eastern plains of Colorado. This is something I've wanted to do for years, and hunting in this treeless country for whitetails is definitely an interesting experience. Read More ....

New Mexico Late-Season Archery Elk Licenses Available November 2nd

275 late-season archery elk hunting licenses will be available November 2 in a first-come, first-served sale on the Department of Game and Fish website. Read More ....

My 2011 Mid-Season Update

2011 has been good to me so far, and there's even more opportunity ahead than I had originally expected. Read More ....

Wyoming Study Will Assess Impact of Pine Bettle Epidemic on Elk Hunting

A Wyoming study will provide information on how hunters and elk use the forest and how that use may change throughout different stages of the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Read More ....

Colorado Guided Antelope Hunt with High Plains Adventures

"Let's keep looking," I said. My guide and outfitter, Brandon McCullough of High Plains Adventures, took my folly like a pro. Only about two minutes in to our hunt, he had put me right on top of a very relaxed and very unpressured Boone and Crockett class antelope. Read More ....

Montana Antelope Opener Update

The number of antelope hunters who stopped at south central Montana check stations during the opening weekend of the 2011 antelope season was down slightly from last year. But the percentage of hunters who bagged game was up from 2010 at two of the three check stations. Read More ....

Deer Hunting Opportunity in Nebraska

Nebraska Game and Parks has annoucnted that deer hunters may now enter into a lottery to gain deer hunting access to Platte River Recreation Access (PRRA) lands in the central Platte River Valley. Read More ....

Miracles Do Happen: Arizona Gets An Online Application System

After years of being the only western state without an online application system, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has finally announced that an online application service for Arizona’s 2012 hunts became available beginning on October 4, 2011. This has significant implications if you apply in Arizona. Read More ....

Utah Deer Forecast

Hot weather made it difficult for many hunters to find bucks during this fall's general muzzleloader buck deer hunt. The rifle hunt starts October 22. Between now and then, colder temperatures would help hunters a bunch. Read More ....

On The Way In To The Office This Morning...

On the way in to the office this morning, I saw a huge bull elk lying by the side of the road. Due to the massive size of his rack, it immediately occured that he had been killed by a poacher. Read More ....

Colorado Duck Opener

Duck hunting in Colorado's northeast region opened for the 2011-2012 season this past Saturday. It wasn't great. Read More ....

HTW Video: Wyoming Muzzleloader Antelope Hunt

A couple days ago, I posted the first-ever Hunt The West hunting video on YouTube. It features the muzzleloader antelope hunt that Spek, Virgil, and I did a few weeks ago. Read More ....

Craigslist Ad Leads to Wildlife Convictions in Colorado

Three Douglas County men who were caught reselling Colorado big-game licenses on Craigslist.com have been assessed tens of thousands of dollars in fines following their conviction on charges of aggravated illegal possession of wildlife. Read More ....

Nebraska Big Game Seasons Off to Good Start

Early big game hunting is off to a good start across Nebraska, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Read More ....

Apply Now For Wyoming Preference Points

Wyoming has a special application period from July 1 to September 30 when hunters can purchase preference points. Preference points are available for moose and bighorn sheep and for nonresident elk, deer, and antelope. Read More ....

Kuiu Hunting Clothing

Most hunting clothing sucks. At least for hunting in the mountains of the west. The new stuff from Kuiu (koo-yoo), the latest sensation in mountaineering grade hunting clothing, is another big step in the right direction for making moutaineering-grade hunting clothing more readily accessible. Read More ....

A Few More Colorado Antelope Scouting Videos

Brandon McCullough of High Plains Adventures continues to publish some cool scouting videos of truly impressive bucks. I don't think you can find an antelope outfitter that's more obsessed with nice buck antelope. Read More ....

Field Report: Colorado Muzzleloader Elk Season

I just spent several days hunting Colorado's muzzleloader elk season and had my usual really bad results. The bulls weren't bugling, and neither myself or any of the other hunters I saw could figure out where the elk were. Read More ....

Black Bear Hunter Killed By Grizzly

A 39-year-old hunter killed by a wounded grizzly bear yelled out to draw the 400-pound male bear toward him in an effort to keep it from attacking his hunting partner. Read More ....

Field Report: Colorado Early Teal Season

I hunted the last day of Colorado's early teal season on Sunday, and things were definitetly slow. Read More ....

Too Many Turkeys in Colorado?

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will have its first briefing Thursday on a growing problem in some parts of the Eastern Plains – large flocks of wild turkeys that are creating conflicts with agricultural producers during the winter months. Read More ....

Early Kansas Deer Seasons On Tap

Three Kansas deer seasons open this September: the muzzleloader season, which runs Sept. 19-Oct. 2; the archery season, which runs Sept. 19-Dec. 31; and the youth/disabled season, which runs Sept. 10-18. Read More ....

New Rifle Project: 6mm Remington on a Mauser 98 Action (Part 4)

After initial disappointing accuracy results with my Mauser 98 in 6mm Remington, I called up Larry at Superior Ammunition and asked him to load me up a sample pack with Hornady GMX 80-grain bullets and Barnes 85-grain TSXs. The sample pack arrived and I headed back to the range to see if I could pull this one back from the brink. Read More ....

Wyoming Man Fined $18K for Poaching 394" Elk

A three-year-old case involving the poaching of two large bull elk near Laramie was recently resolved with Robert Mason of Tie Siding receiving heavy fines for the illegal killing of two trophy class elk in 2008, including a 394 inch Boone and Crockett monster. Read More ....

Why Does This Never Happen When I'm Bear Hunting?

I love living in the foothills above Denver for a whole variety of reasons. One of the great perks is seeing so much wildlife. It does occur to me, however, that I seem to have much better luck spotting wildlife in my yard than I often do while hunting. This black bear from the Saturday of Labor Day weekend is a prime example. Read More ....

Why Does This Never Happen When I'm Elk Hunting?

A couple weeks ago, while my kids and I were grilling on our back deck, a pair of bull elk circled all the way around our back yard. This drove our dog wild, and the elk seemed to enjoy taunting him through the fence. Read More ....

Nebraska Sets Waterfowl Seasons

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners approved the 2011 waterfowl season recommendations at their meeting August 30 in McCook. Read More ....

Early Season Muzzleloader Antelope Hunt in Wyoming (Part 1)

I hunt antelope in Wyoming nearly every year, and for 2011, decided to try something different -- an early muzzleloader-only season. Read More ....

Early Season Muzzleloader Antelope Hunt in Wyoming (Part 2)

Meanwhile, back at our waterhole, Spek and I both had several close calls. I had a 12-incher at 89 yards, then another 12-incher at 150 yards. I passed on both of those. Spek had two small bucks at similar ranges, and passed on those. The proliferation of small bucks kept things interesting, but was a little discouraging. Read More ....

The Success of Online License Sales In Wyoming

More than 80 percent of hunters used the online process to obtain their hunting licenses in drawings completed earlier this summer. Read More ....

New Rifle Project: 6mm Remington on a Mauser 98 Action (Part 3)

With the new barrel, stock, and scope installed, my Mauser 98 in 6mm Remington was ready for a trip to the range for barrel break-in and sight-in. I got the scope dialed in and was on paper pretty quickly, but the results weren't pretty. Read More ....

Latest Colorado Antelope Scouting Video

Brandon McCullough, who I'll be hunting pronghorns with in Colorado this year, has posted some more antelope scouting video. Read More ....

Colorado Kills Bear Suspected in Mauling

A bear suspected of injuring two campers at separate campsites this past Friday and Saturday morning was successfully tracked and killed at approximately 7 a.m. Sunday morning. Read More ....

My 2011 Lineup

My 2011 lineup has fallen in to place. I've got some good hunts on the agenda, although it's a little lighter than I usually like. Read More ....

2011 Elk Hunting Forecast

Winterkill, habitat problems, and wolves have driven elk numbers down in some areas. But many of America’s roughly 800,000 elk hunters have reason to be optimistic about upcoming seasons, based on hunt forecasts compiled by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Read More ....

Greatest Antelope Hunting Innovation Ever?

Any avid antelope hunter has done his or her fair share of belly-crawling to get within shooting range of antelope in wide open country. Hunting buddies and I have long fantasized about a way to walk up on antelope, and a gigantic cow decoy has been mentioned before. Read More ....

New Rifle Project: 6mm Remington on a Mauser 98 Action (Part 2)

One of my open projects involves converting an old sporterized Mauser to a new life as a 6mm Remington. This past weekend, while the kids were napping, I finally surged ahead and put the gun together. Read More ....

Colorado Leftover Licenses on Sale August 9th

Colorado leftover licenses go on sale on August 9th. These are the limited licenses remaining after the draw and leftover draw processes, and are available to both resident and nonresident hunters. Read More ....

Nebraska Moose?

Here's something I heard about on the NebraskaLand Magazine blog. A Nebraska Bighorn Sheep Conservation Tech spotted a wandering moose while conducting her daily bighorn sheep monitoring activities in the Wildcat Hills south of Gering, NE last week. Read More ....

RMEF: Two Good Steps Toward Wolf Management

According to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, August 3, 2011, will go down as one of the better days in a decade-long battle for science-based wolf management. Elk Foundation leaders are encouraged by progress on two fronts. Read More ....

Update on New Mexico Big Game Changes

On Thursday, July 21, the New Mexico State Game Commission approved more components of the plan requried to implement SB196, which significantly reduces non-resident hunting opportunity in New Mexcio. Read More ....

Additional Indictments in Kansas Poaching Investigation

Two Texas hunters have been indicted on on three counts of transporting deer across state lines after the deer were illegally taken in Kansas. The indictments are related to a federal investigation that led to the convictions of James Bobby Butler, Jr., and Marlin Jackson Butler on charges of conspiracy and interstate trafficking of game illegally taken in Kansas. Read More ....

Kyrgyzstan 2013

The last time I did a serious mountain hunt was August, 2008, when I hunted the North Slope of the Brooks Range for Dall sheep and grizzly. I've decided to commit to another mountain hunt as soon as finances allow, and while I thought about another Alaska sheep hunt, I think I'm going to try something new instead. Read More ....

2011 Arizona Deer and Sheep Results Available

Given the excitement that usually accompanies this draw, you've probably heard by now that the results for Arizona deer and sheep are now available. Read More ....

Colorado Antelope Scouting Photos

Outfitter Brandon McCollough has been scouting aggressively, and shared these images of bucks we'll be hunting in October. Read More ....

Elk Poacher Fined $35,000 in Wyoming

A concerned citizen's tip about a trophy bull elk being illegally taken in October 2005 near Ten Sleep has led to an Oregon man being convicted for felony wildlife violations July 12 in U.S. District Court in Casper. Read More ....

How Much is a Tennesse Elk Tag Worth?

The final permit for participation in Tennessee’s third managed elk hunt will go to the successful bidder in an eBay auction from July 14-23. Read More ....

My (Almost Solid) 2011 Lineup

Most of the major big game draws are complete, and I have several tags in hand. I put in for most of the tags I usually put in for, and was rejected on all the tags I'm usually rejected for, but did pick up some tags that were less luck dependent. 2011 is looking very interesting, although it's oddly heavy on muzzleloader hunts. Read More ....

South Dakota Applications Now Being Accepted

South Dakota West River Deer, Black Hills Deer, Fall Turkey, Archery Deer, Archery Antelope, and Youth Deer applications are now being accepted. Read More ....

Nebraska Proposes 2011 Waterfowl Seasons

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has shared its 2011 waterfowl hunting season recommendations. Read More ....

Wyoming Deer and Antelope Draw Results Available This Morning

Year in, year out, I have more fun hunting antelope in Wyoming that just about anything else I do. Wyoming Game and Fish will post deer and antelope draw results today at 8am MT, which gets me about excited as a kid on Christmas morning. Read More ....

Montana Sheep, Goat, Moose Draw Results Available

The draw for coveted Montana sheep, goat, and moose tags is complete. I put in for all 3 this year and, as expected, was unsuccessful. Maybe someday.... Read More ....

South Dakota Black Hills Deer Regs Available

The South Dakota applications for Black Hills deer were posted on monday. Read More ....

Draw Results from Oregon and Colorado

I've been on the road a lot lately, so am pretty far behind on some of the news. I wanted to mention that several draws have been completed, though, in case you're as far behind as I am. Read More ....

State Record Mountain Goat Bagged in Wyoming

Brian Tallerico received some very good news in the spring of 2010 when he was notified by the Game and Fish that he had drawn a mountain goat license for Hunt Area 2 near Jackson.  Odds of drawing a goat license for that area in 2010 were nearly 1 in 200. Read More ....

Wildfires in Arizona — Hunting Impacts

I just got back from a spring bear hunt in Alaska (more on that later), where I was very out of touch with the news for a solid week. One of the biggest developments I heard about upon my return was the Arizona wildfire situation. Read More ....

New Mexico Deer, Elk, Sheep, Ibex Results Available

Draw results for New Mexico deer, elk, sheep, and ibex were posted on June 8. Read More ....

Kansas Leftover Deer Permits On Sale June 15

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that leftover nonresident deer permits will be sold online and over-the-counter on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 12:01 a.m. June 15. Read More ....

Utah and Nevada Draw Results Available

Utah and Nevada draw results were made available before the holiday weekend. Read More ....

The Most Unusual Pronghorn Hunt I've Ever Heard Of...

To my knowledge, Outside magazine doesn't publish alot of hunting stories. The only one that I've ever personally seen there is probably also the wierdest hunting story I've ever come across. Read More ....

Nebraska Deer Seasons Set

The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners has set dates and regulations for the 2011 deer seasons. Read More ....

Colorado Elk Draw Results Available

The Colorado Division of Wildlife posted the draw results for elk yesterday afternoon, 6 days behind their original May 20 target but ahead of their revised May 31 target. Read More ....

Oregon Big Game Raffles and Auctions Gross $568K

The 2011 auctions and raffles for big game hunting tags grossed $568,449, including $130,000 for a bighorn sheep tag. Read More ....

Wyoming Sheep, Moose, Goat Drawing Recap

Wyoming's version of the lottery was held recently with 820 resident and nonresident hunters hitting the jackpot with the completion of the annual drawings for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat licenses. Here's a recap of how hard those tags were to come by. Read More ....

Montana Deer, Elk, Antelope Deadline Approaches

The deadline to apply for Montans's special license drawings for elk, deer and antelope licenses is June 1. Read More ....

Tough Winter: Montana Antelope Hammered by Winter Weather

One impact of the severe winter of 2010-11 in northeastern Montana will be reduced numbers of pronghorn antelope that can be pursued this fall. "The past winter ranked as one of the most severe on record," said FWP wildlife biologist Kelvin Johnson. "The hardest-hit big game species in Region 6 were pronghorn antelope." Read More ....

Nevada Deer Tags Cut As Political Infighting Becomes Public

An increasingly public dispute over the management of deer and predator populations in Nevada is developing, at the center of which is a reduction of deer hunting opportunity for the 2011 season. Read More ....

Tough Winter: Expect Fewer Deer and Antelope Tags in Montana

With more than 1,000 antelope already known to have succumbed to northern Montana's brutal winter, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is cautioning hunters early to expect significant reductions in antelope permits and quotas this fall. Read More ....

Tough Winter: Idaho Reduces Controlled Deer Tags

Updated Idaho Fish and Game information on mule deer population status and over-winter survival shows high fawn mortality in some areas of southern Idaho. Read More ....

Idaho Sheep, Goat, Moose Draw Results Available

The draw results for Idaho sheep, goat and moose were posted late in the day on Monday. Read More ....

South Dakota Proposes 2011 Deer Seasons

The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission is proposing to reduce the number of licenses for the coming West River and Black Hills deer season. Read More ....

Colorado Moose Results Posted

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has posted results for the 2011 moose draw. Read More ....

Anybody Know a Good Colorado Bear Outfitter?

I'm now sitting on a pile of 12 Colorado bear points, and honestly don't know what to do with them. Does anybody know a good bear outfitter? Read More ....

Neighborhood Bobcat

Driving home from work on friday, I was in the right place at the right time and got some cool photos of this large bobcat. Read More ....

Idaho Wolf Tags Go on Sale

Idaho Fish and Game has started selling wolf tags - $11.50 for resident hunters and $186 for nonresidents, vendor fees included. Gray wolves are now under state management and considered a big game animal. Read More ....

Colorado Sheep and Mountain Goat Draw Results Posted

The draw results for Colorado sheep and goat were post late in the afternoon on Wednesday. Read More ....

Wyoming Sheep, Goat, Moose Draw Results Available

Word is that draw results for Wyoming sheep, goat, and moose are available, although I can't really validate since I didn't put in this year (too much of my money was tied up building a new house). Read More ....

Colorado Wusses Out on Spring Bear Hunt Proposal

Displaying a dazzling lack of political will, the Colorado legislator who had proposed reinstating the spring bear hunt has backed down. Read More ....

New Mexico Man Charged With Poaching Spree

A Taos man with a history of wildlife crimes has been charged with 39 counts of poaching in connection with the illegal killing and possession of 29 deer, five bears, one cougar and four elk through August 2010. Read More ....

Spring Bear Hunting in Colorado?

A Colorado state legislator has introduced a bill that would repeal the 19-year ban on black bear hunting in the spring. Read More ....

Kansas Application Deadline April 29th

The application deadline for 2011 Kansas non-resident deer permits is April 29, the last Friday in April. Read More ....

New Mexico Sticks it to Non-Residents

After months of maneuvering and lobbying on all sides, New Mexico's governor signed Senate Bill 196, reducing hunting opportunity for non-residents beginning in 2012. Read More ....

Nevada Apps Due April 18

The application deadline for Nevada's 2011 big game seasons is 5 p.m. on Monday, April 18. Read More ....

Wolf Reintroduction Fails to Achieve Habitat Goal

An article in the Ecological Society of America's journal discussed research showing that the re-introduction of wolves into the Yellowstone ecosystem has failed to meet a key habitat goal -- allowing aspen stands to regenerate. Read More ....

What To Do With Your Colorado Antelope Preference Points?

I mentioned a while back that I'll be taking my first-ever guided antelope hunt this year. I've been keeping in touch with the outfitter since booking my hunt with him. and he agreed last week to make an offer that will only be seen on HuntTheWest.com. Read More ....

Colorado Applications Due April 5

Colorado big game apps are due April 5th. With 48,000 elk harvested in 2010, Colorado's annual harvest continues to lead the West by a large margin, not to mention a record 12,000 pronghorn and a 50 percent success rate during rifle deer seasons. Read More ....

Arizona Elk and Antelope Draw Results Available

The drawing results for Arizona’s 2011 elk and pronghorn antelope big game hunts are now available. Read More ....

New Mexico Poised to Reduce Non-Resident Opportunity

On March 18, the New Mexico state House approved Senate Bill 196 and the Senate voted its concurrence a few hours later. If Governor Susana Martinez signs the bill into law, non-resident hunting opportunity will be reduced by more than 3,000 elk, antelope and other Big Game Draw licenses starting in 2012. Read More ....

New Mexico Applications Due March 28th

The deadline to apply for New Mexico deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, Barbary sheep, ibex, and javelina is 5:oopm MT on March 28, 2011. Read More ....

Back From the Taxidermist....

The 16-inch antelope I shot in Wyoming last year is back from the taxidermist. Read More ....

Re-Cap of Colorado's 2010 Big Game Seasons

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has released the results of the 2010 big game hunting seasons in the state. Read More ....

Nebraska Spring Turkey Opens March 25th

Spring turkey hunting season opens across the state for archers and youth archers on March 25, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The season opens April 9 for youth shotgunners and April 16 for shotgunners. All spring turkey seasons close May 31. Read More ....

The Best Antelope Outfitter in Colorado?

After 20 years or so of do-it-yourself antelope hunting, I booked my first guided antelope hunt this week -- with an outfitter who may be the top producer of trophy bucks in Colorado. Read More ....

New Mexico Oryx Results

Draw results for New Mexico oryx were made available right at midnight last night. Read More ....

My First Big Game Tag of 2011

I just closed the deal on my first big game tag of 2011, a firearms deer tag issued by the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. It's valid for either a mule deer or whitetail buck, and includes a bonus whitetail doe tag. Read More ....

Upcoming Raffles For Colorado Sheep, Goat, and Antelope

Every year, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society sponsors a raffle for Colorado statewide Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Pronghorn tags. Get more info and check out the draw odds, exclusively available on Hunt The West. Read More ....

Montana Increases Fees for Non-Resident Combo Licenses

Non-residents will pay more for Montana's non-resident big game and deer combination licenses in 2011. Read More ....

Remington Discontinues the SP-10!

Word is getting out that Remington has discontinued production of its legendary SP-10 autoloading 10-gauge shotgun. Turkeys and geese everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief. Read More ....

Utah Deer Tag Goes for $265,000

A deer tag valid on Utah's Antelope Island sold at auction at the 2011 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo for a whopping $265,000. Read More ....

More on Proposed New Mexico Restrictions on Non-Residents

As you've heard on on Hunt The West and elsewhere, non-resident hunting privileges are facing dramatic reductions as a result of Senate Bill 196 in New Mexico. Supporters of the bill are joining in objecting to the details that emerged during the committe process, stating "Two percent is clearly not enough for nonresidents." Read More ....

Colorado 2011 Regulations Available

Colorado has published the 2011 Regulations for all big species, including sheep and goat. Read More ....

Apply Now for Idaho Spring Controlled Hunts

The application period for Idaho spring turkey and black bear controlled hunts ends Tuesday, February 15. Read More ....

New Mexico Moves Towards Drastic Reduction of Non-Resident Hunting Opportunity

New Mexico is considering major reductions to non-resident hunting opportunity. If you've ever wanted to do a do-it-yourself hunt in New Mexico, be sure to apply this year. It may be your last realistic chance. Read More ....

Should Motorized Hunting Be Regulated in Idaho?

Last year's implementaion of the motorized vehicle hunting rule (MVR) in Idaho's Diamond Creek Zone generated enough controversy that it will be reviewed by the Idaho Legislature, with the possibility that it could be abolished. If you are a hunter with concerns or opinions about the use of motor vehicles as a hunting tool, this issue affects you. Read More ....

Colorado Guided Goose Hunt

It looks like I'll only get in one day of goose hunting during the 2010-2011 season, but at least it was a memorable one. Read More ....

Arizona Elk, Antelope Application Deadline Approaching

Hunters seeking a chance to hunt Arizona’s coveted elk or pronghorn antelope are running out of time to submit a paper application to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Read More ....

Colorado Tries Again to Establish New Desert Sheep Herd

In an effort to improve long-term survival of desert bighorn sheep in western Colorado, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has moved 15 of the majestic animals into prime bighorn habitat in the Middle Dolores River canyon. This is the third time the Division has attempted to establish desert bighorn in the area. Read More ....

More Chances to Hunt Utah Bears in 2011

By all indications, black bears in Utah are doing well. And that means hunters will have a few more chances to hunt bears in 2011. Read More ....

Colorado Considers Ban on Hunting Denned Bears

The Wildlife Commission will consider a new regulation to prohibit the take of bears in their dens during its January meeting. The regulation was drafted by Division of Wildlife staff following an incident this fall in which a potential state record black bear was taken by a licensed hunter while in its den. Read More ....

Montana Considers Bison Relocation

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will seek FWP Commission approval for a proposal to evaluate relocating disease-free bison associated with a long-term feasibility study to other areas in Montana. "As the state agency responsible for Montana’s wildlife, it is time that we take a serious look at this big game species' management," said FWP Director Joe Maurier. Read More ....

My New Arizona Strategy

Arizona Antelope and Elk regulations are out, and the applications for those two species are due February 8. In light of the high ongoing cost of Arizona applications, I'm going to try a new strategy in Arizona. Read More ....

Nebraska Spring Turkey Permits Available January 10

Spring turkey hunting permits will be available from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission starting at 1 p.m. CT on January 10. Read More ....

A Record Book Elk .... From Minnesota?

On December 12, a group of muzzleloader hunters in Minnesota spotted a massive bull elk who had apparently tripped while jumping a fence and became stuck on his back with his antlers embedded in the mud.The hunter who found the dying bull was allowed to keep the antlers, which green-scored a stunning 456 4/8". Minnesota is apparently the land of giant bulls. Who knew? Read More ....

2011 Utah Applications Available

Applications for Utah's 2011 big game season are now available on the website of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Read More ....

Arizona Antelope and Elk Applications Available

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2011 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet. Read More ....

Poaching Ring Busted in Utah

A tip on the state's poaching hotline has allowed wildlife officers to break a major poaching ring in Utah. "We're happy that our officers caught these individuals before they killed any more deer," says Captain Tony Wood with the Division of Wildlife Resources. Read More ....

Hunting "Double Drop" in Illinois

This is technically off-topic for Hunt The West ... but I did do a whitetail hunt in Illinois this year. It ended up being the first time I ever hunted a deer worthy of a name, and it was kind of a kick. Read More ....

Seven Deer Poached in Utah's Famous Book Cliffs

Seven deer have been poached recently in the Book Cliffs in eastern Utah. Now officers with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are asking for your help to find those responsible. Read More ....

Wyoming 2011 Big Game Applications Available

Wyoming has posted the 2011 Non-Resident Big Game Booklet online, one of the first key milestones of the upcoming application season. Read More ....

Utah Deer Changes for 2011 and 2012

In 2011, Utah's general buck deer hunt will run very much like it did in 2010. There is one big change, though—the rifle buck deer hunt will run for nine days. While the changes for 2011 are relatively small, the changes for 2012 are huge. Read More ....

Nebraska 2010 Firearm Deer Season Sets Record

Nebraska’s November firearm deer harvest set a record this fall, rising 18 percent over last year, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Read More ....

Kansas Firearms Deer Season Opens December 1

The 2010 Kansas firearm deer season runs Wednesday, Dec. 1, through Sunday, Dec. 12, and hunters are sighting in their rifles and practicing their shooting skills in anticipation of one of the state's favorite hunting seasons. Deer are plentiful, and a good season is expected. Read More ....

Good News For Colorado Turkey Hunters

On November 10, the Colorado Wildlife Commission voted to allow over-the-counter turkey hunting licenses on private land for most management units east of Interstate 25.  This means less competition for limited-draw turkey licenses in eastern Colorado. Read More ....

Trophy Whitetail Shot and Left to Rot in Idaho

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking for help in determining who shot and wasted a trophy-class white-tailed buck discovered recently in the Deer Creek area west of Whitebird. Read More ....

Mulie Rut in Full Swing in Colorado

Based on what I typically see at my home in the foothills west of Denver, the rut in Colorado peaks right around Thanksgiving. Things seem to be pretty much on track this year. Read More ....

Nebraska Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens December 1st

The Nebraska muzzleloader deer season will run December 1-31. Hunters are hoping for better conditions than a year ago, when snow covered the state much of the month and deer harvest decreased 15 percent from 2008. Read More ....

Deer And Elk Harvest In Northwest Montana Picks Up Heading Into The Last Week

Whitetail deer harvest in Montana's Region 1 picked up considerably during the past weekend, as snow and the rut improved hunting conditions. Read More ....

Nebraska Firearms Deer Season Update

I'm home from Nebraska, empty handed. Read More ....

Idaho Seeks Information on Self-Proclaimed "Poacher X"

Idaho Fish and Game is looking for information to assist with an on-going investigation. On November 12, Fish and Game received an anonymous letter from someone calling himself "Poacher X" documenting his illegal activities. Read More ....

Alaska Awarded Grant for Wood Bison Restoration

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, has been awarded a grant of $152,320 from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to help complete the first reintroduction of wood bison to the wild in Interior Alaska. Read More ....

Alaska Sets Stage to Restrict Do-It-Yourself Nonresident Bear Hunting

Citing concerns about black bear numbers in some parts of Southeast Alaska, the Alaska Board of Game has adopted a drawing permit hunt for nonresident black bear hunters who do not hunt with guides. Read More ....

More Details on Settlement Between Sheep Organizations

A statement from the Wild Sheep Foundation has provided some additional details of the settlement between the WSF (formerly Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, or FNAWS) and the Grand Slam Club / Ovis. Read More ....

Arizona Spring Draw Results Available

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has announced the drawing results for the 2011 spring hunts for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear. Read More ....

Sheep Conservation Organizations End Pissing Contest

The long, bitter, costly, unproductive battle between Grand Slam Club / Ovis (GSCO) and the Wild Sheep Foundation (formerly the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, or FNAWS) appears to be over. Read More ....

Nebraska Firearms Deer Season Opens Saturday

My nextdoor neighbor, a very accomplished bowhunter, just got back from a week of bowhunting in southwest Nebraska. Here's what he had to tell me, based on his week in the field. Read More ....

Pronghorn Are Disappearing From West Texas

Texas isn't one of the better known states for antelope hunting, but it has been producing some great hunting in recent years. This appears to be changing, as the population has dropped from 17,000 to less than 5,000. Read More ....

EPA Denies Second Part of Lead Ban Petition

On November 4, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denied a petition calling for a ban on the manufacture and use of lead-based fishing gear. Previously, the EPA had denied the portion of the petition relating to lead in ammunition. Read More ....

New Mexico Postpones Decision on Antelope Licensing

The New Mexico State Game Commission postponed a decision on the controversial A-PLUS system at its Ruidoso meeting last week. Read More ....

Colorado Transplants Sheep in Northern Sangre De Cristos

Thirteen Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep have a new home in the northern portion of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range following a successful transplant operation by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Read More ....

Texas Announces Big Time Hunt Winners for 2010

Ken Garcia says he has been “poor man hunting” for nearly a half century; chasing mule deer across public land in New Mexico and hunting whitetails in Texas on small leases or by invitation from friends. Not this year. Read More ....

New Rifle Project: 6mm Remington on a Mauser 98 Action

I've had the good fortune to own a couple custom rifles, but those were built under the supervision of a full-time professional rifle maker. I've recently started cobbling together another rifle, but this time in a little less orderly fashion. Read More ....

Nebraska Pheasant Opener Recap

Cool, dry weather and an advanced crop harvest greeted Nebraska pheasant hunters during the opening weekend of the season Oct. 30-31. The weather and field conditions were on the hunters' side as upland bird hunters reported varying success. Read More ....

2010 Wyoming Mule Deer Hunt

Going in to 2010 with maximum preference points for the deer draw in Wyoming, HTW pro-staffer Paul Vanderspek and I put in for central Wyoming's Unit 90, hoping to have a fun mule deer hunt with a reasonable chance at a good buck. Although we've had some disappointing mule deer hunts in the past, this one turned out pretty good. Read More ....

Nebraska to Allow Crossbows During Archery Season

The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners approved the wider use of crossbows as big game hunting equipment at its October 28 meeting in Norfolk. Read More ....

Colorado Hunters Rescued After Snowfall

This week's search for three hunters who failed to return to their camp near the Flattops Wilderness Area when more than two feet of snow fell in two days highlights the need for hunters to be prepared. Read More ....

2010 Nebraska Pheasant Forecast

Pheasant hunting season opens across the state on October 30, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Overall, the abundance of pheasants statewide is slightly lower than in 2009. Read More ....

Idaho Investigating Moose Poaching

Idaho Fish and Game is asking for help in determining who shot and wasted a cow moose discovered October 19 south of Lewiston. "Hunters should be outraged," said Rick Cooper, Fish and Game conservation officer. "The moose population is already low in this area, and we really need help in solving this crime." Read More ....

My 2010 Colorado Elk Hunt

I'm back from my 2010 Colorado 1st Rifle Elk hunt, and feel confident that I have successfully defended my title as Colorado's Worst Elk Hunter. Read More ....

Idaho Big Game Forecast for the Salmon Region

Deer and elk in the Salmon Region should be in good condition as hunters head out this fall. Read More ....

South Dakota Pheasant Season Opens with Ideal Weather, Good Success

Mother Nature greeted South Dakota’s hunters with ideal temperatures, blue skies and moderate breezes for Saturday’s opening of the traditional pheasant season. “We really couldn’t have asked for a much better day to open our pheasant season,” said South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Wildlife Director, Tony Leif. Read More ....

2010 Montana Antelope Hunt

The last time I set foot in Montana was around 1986, and that was on a sight-seeing trip through a corner of Yellowstone Park with a girlfriend. So when HTW pro-staffer Paul Vanderspek and I got an invitation from a rancher in Miles City, MT to come up and hunt antelope on his property, I jumped at the chance. It took us 2 years to draw the tag, but in 2010, we were finally able to head up for the season opener. For both of us, this was our first Montana hunt. Read More ....

South Central Montana Antelope Season Off to Slow Start

Antelope harvest was relatively slow in south central Montana during the opening weekend of the 2010 season, despite an extra day to gather statistics at check stations. Read More ....

Should Non-Residents Get Fewer Licenses in New Mexico?

Non-resident hunters could see a dramatic decrease in hunting opportunity in New Mexico under legislation State Senator George Munoz is considering. The Gallup, NM senator announced this week that he plans to introduce a bill in the Legislature in January to decrease nonresident hunters’ share of big game licenses and is asking hunters to weigh in on the issue. Read More ....

Anti-Wolf Activist Accused of Poaching

Tony Mayer, founder of an Idaho-based anti-wolf internet site, has been charged with a felony for allegedly killing a trophy bull elk out of season last year in the Alturas Lake area of northern Blaine County. Read More ....

Idaho Sheep Poacher Gets Jail Time

A Nampa, ID man will spend six months in jail and pay thousands in restitution for poaching a California bighorn sheep in Owyhee County earlier this year. Read More ....

2010 Colorado Big Game Forecast

Ask Colorado’s wildlife biologists to forecast the upcoming big-game hunting seasons and all seem to agree on the math: lots of animals plus summer moisture and good forage plus lots of hunting opportunities add up to good big-game seasons this fall. Read More ....

2010 Colorado Duck Opener

The first split of Colorado's central flyway duck season opened on Saturday. I was at home with the kids for opening day, but Sunday morning I was out on the eastern plains trying to bag some ducks. Read More ....

Utah Deer and Elk Changes Put on Hold

Members of the Utah Wildlife Board want hunters to see more buck deer during Utah's general hunts. That goal has led the Division of Wildlife Resources to put on hold big game hunting ideas it's shared with hunters over the past several months. Instead, the Division will present some new ideas intended to increase the number of bucks per 100 does on Utah's general-season units. Read More ....

Time to Apply for Texas "Big Time" Hunts

The "Big Time" Texas Hunt raffle offers seven premium hunt packages on some of the finest private ranches and prime wildlife management areas in the state. Read More ....

My Nemesis, the Wild Turkey

As I've noted before, I'm a lousy turkey hunter. The latest tragic chapter in my unaccomplished turkey hunting career occurred last weekend during Colorado's fall season. Read More ....

Arizona Spring Hunt Applications Due Soon

The deadline to submit applications for hunt permit-tags for 2011 Arizona spring hunts for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear is Tuesday, October 12, 2010 by 7 p.m. (MT). Postmarks do not count, and there is no online application process. Read More ....

2010 Montana Antelope Forecast

Antelope hunting prospects in Montana will be generally good in the western and some central portions of the state. Antelope numbers in FWP Region 7 near Mile City are down due to a long, difficult winter that reduced adult and fawn winter survival and recruitment. FWP Region 5 near Billings also has had recent population declines in some areas. Read More ....

2010 Kansas Pheasant Forecast

Upland bird hunters who thought we had a good season last year should be pleased to know that the trend should continue in 2010. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has completed summer surveys, and the results suggest that Kansas will have abundant upland birds for the second year in a row. Read More ....

Landowner Kills Lion near Chadron, Nebraska

A mountain lion was shot and killed by a landowner approximately 5 miles southeast of Chadron in Dawes County on Sept. 17. An investigation by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has determined the landowner was justified in killing the animal in order to protect herself and her livestock. Read More ....

City Councilman Attacked by Black Bear in Washington

The wife of a man seriously injured Friday evening in a black bear attack near Lake Wenatchee probably saved her husband from worse injury by shouting and keeping the animal at bay, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Read More ....

Arizona Unit 10 Bull Elk Poached and Left to Rot

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s assistance regarding the poaching of a 6 x 6 bull elk, found north of Ash Fork, AZ. The animal was illegally shot and killed around Sept. 6-8. The mature bull elk’s antlers were individually sawed off yet left at the scene, where the entire animal was left to waste. Read More ....

Utah Elk Permits Will Sell Out Soon ....

Permits to hunt bull elk in Utah this fall are almost gone. The general rifle bull elk hunt starts Oct. 9, 2010. Last fall, permits sold out before the hunt started. Read More ....

Leftover Licenses Still Available in Wyoming

Hunters who did not get in on the drawings for big game licenses this year may still have an opportunity to hunt as a number of hunt areas still have antelope, deer and elk licenses remaining. Licenses are available for both residents and nonresidents. Read More ....

Boone and Crockett Club Honors Mountain Caribou Hunter With Sagamore Hill Award

Paul T. Deuling of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, has received the Sagamore Hill Award, the highest honor given a hunter by the Boone and Crockett Club. Read More ....

Hunting Antelope in Wyoming's Red Desert, Part 2

This area is blessed with some really beautiful country, and though I was still a little stressed by the pressure I was putting on myself to find a good buck, I was definitely having fun. Read More ....

The Colorado Division of Wildlife on How To Hunt Elk

The popular hunting magazines often display colorful photographs of huge bull elk standing in open meadows presenting easy targets. The reality in the mountains of Colorado, however, is far different. Read More ....

Hunting Antelope in Wyoming's Red Desert, Part 1

I've wanted to hunt antelope in the Red Desert of Wyoming ever since I first learned of its existence. And I knew this area offered trophy-class animals, something that has eluded me for the almost 20 years I've been hunting antelope. After years of dreaming and hoping, I finally got to see if this hunt would be all I hoped it would be. Read More ....

Kansas Offers First Photo/Electronic Deer Registration System

This fall, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) rolls out a new option for transporting harvested deer that allows hunters to register their harvested deer through the internet, using photos taken at the harvest site. Once registered, the hunter may then transport the carcass without the head or evidence of sex being attached. This is the first electronic deer harvest registration in the nation using photo documentation. Read More ....

Off To Wyoming

I'll be in Wyoming next week, hunting antelope in Unit 61, one of the fabled Red Desert units. Read More ....

Oregon Fall Hunting Forecast Available

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife released its fall hunting forecast today. Based on surveys by staff biologists, the report offers hunters a good look at what to expect this fall. Read More ....

Helicopter Crash Kills Idaho Fish and Game Biologists and Pilot

A helicopter carrying two Idaho Fish and Game fisheries biologists and a pilot crashed in Kamiah between 9:30 and 9:45 Tuesday morning, leaving three dead. Read More ....

$5,000 Reward Offered in Arizona Sheep Poaching

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public’s assistance in finding the person or persons responsible for the illegal killing of a bighorn sheep lamb along Highway 88 (also known as the Apache Trail), northeast of Apache Junction, on Tuesday, Aug. 24. At the time the department received the phone call, the bighorn sheep, though mortally wounded, was reportedly still alive. Read More ....

A Note on Ammunition Shortages

I haven't been hearing as much about ammunition shortages as I was a year or so ago, but there are still some problems with supplies out there. Read More ....

Snow Goose Forecast Excellent ... For Eastern Hunters

Could a bumper crop of snow geese be in the offing for waterfowl hunters this year? Dr. Robert “Rocky” Rockwell, a biology professor at City University of New York and one of North America’s leading authorities on snow geese, thinks so. Read More ....

Environmental Protection Agency Rejects Lead Ban Petition

On Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency denied a bold petition calling for a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. What will we do with the breathing room this has given us? Read More ....

Colorado Small Game Seasons Kick Off September 1st

Small-game and upland hunters in Colorado can look forward to the debut of small game, fall turkey, and upland bird hunting seasons in the upcoming days and weeks. Time to buy my fall turkey tag. Read More ....

Kansas Regulations Finally Available

Months after the deer application deadline and draw have already been complete, the Kansas 2010 hunting regulations are finally available. Read More ....

Hunting Antelope in New Mexico, Part 2

After the ranch owner finally agrees to honor his contract and let me on the ranch, I stumble through the next series of obstacles ... specifically, there's not really any antelope. Read More ....

Arizona Spring Hunt Regulations Available

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has released the 2011 spring hunting and drawing information for turkey, javelina, buffalo and bear. Electronic copies of the application form and regulation booklet are available online, but there is no online application process. Read More ....

Montana Confirms It Will Appeal Wolf Ruling

Montana’s top wildlife official confirmed last week that his agency will appeal the recent district court ruling that returned the region’s recovered wolves to the federal endangered species list. Joe Maurier, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, told a coalition of wildlife conservation and livestock groups that Montana has "a recovered wolf population and we will appeal." Read More ....

California Struggles to Understand Decline of Blacktail Deer

A new study is under way to determine why Black-tailed deer populations in some areas of northern California have declined over the past 20 years. Statewide, the harvest of black-tailed deer bucks has declined 46% from 1989 to 2009. Read More ....

Hunting Antelope in New Mexico, Part 1

A surprisingly complicated story of Texas politicians, iPhones, Game and Fish wildlife managers, and Longhorn cattle. A little about antelope hunting as well. Read More ....

Nugent Comments on His Baiting Plea

After his plea deal for hunting violations in California, Ted Nugent was uncharacteristically silent. Since then, he has spoken up a little. Read More ....

2010 Elk Forecast

Elk and elk hunting opportunities are abundant in much of North America, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is offering a sneak peek at upcoming seasons in its annual roundup of hunt forecasts for 28 states and provinces. Read More ....

Ouch: Ted Nugent Busted for Baiting Deer in California

Ted Nugent is not shy about being in the limelight, but this time it's not really voluntary -- Nugent was just assesed a $1,750 fine after pleading no contest in California to baiting a deer and not having a properly signed hunting tag. Read More ....

Idaho Makes First Wolf Management Proposal in Wake of ESA Ruling

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking public comments on a proposal to reduce the wolf population in part of the Clearwater drainage, in accordance with section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act. Read More ....

My 2010 Season Lineup

The big game draws were unexpectedly good to me this year. 2010 may end up being as good of a year as I've ever had. Read More ....

Wyoming Still The Weak Link in Wolf Management

The key factor in restoring the Northern Rockies wolf population to protection under the Endangered Species Act was the lack of an approved management plan in Wyoming. Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal appears steadfast in his unwillingness to create a wolf management program similar to those in Idaho and Montana, as his recent comments demonstrate. Read More ....

Colorado Waterfowl Seasons Set

The 2010 Colorado waterfowl seasons have been finalized, largely as expected. The new regs include an increase in the pintail bag limit to 2 birds for hunters on the eastern plains. Read More ....

Endangered Species Protection Reinstated for Northern Rockies Wolves

On Thursday, August 5th, U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy reinstated protection under the Endangered Species Act for the thriving Northern Rockies wolf population in Montana and Idaho. Wildlife agencies and conservation groups were distraught over the news, especially after the well-measured success of last year's wolf hunts, and are struggling to determine where to go next. Read More ....

Colorado Prepares to Set Dates for 2011 Duck Season

The Colorado Wildlife Commission is scheduled to make final adjustments to the 2010 waterfowl and migratory bird hunting seasons on August 9th. Wildlife commissioners will consider changes to the waterfowl seasons, including an increase of the daily bag limit for pintails from one to two birds in the Central Flyway portion of Colorado. Read More ....

Arizona Takes Action Against Central Figure in Macho B Incident

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission today levied a civil assessment of $8,000 against Emil McCain, of Patagonia, for the prohibited take of an endangered jaguar. The Commission also revoked McCain’s Arizona hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for five years. Read More ....

Draw Results Available for South Dakota Black Hills and West River Deer

Draw results for Black Hills and West River deer tags are now available for the 2010 South Dakota season. Read More ....

Deadline Approaches For Special Hunts in Texas

Hunters hoping to take advantage of economical quality hunts on state-managed lands are reminded of upcoming application deadlines. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be offering adult and youth only hunts by special drawing for a wide variety of species as part of its Public Hunting Program. Read More ....

Montana Bear Attacks Kill One, Injure Two

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials trapped a female grizzly bear and two yearling cubs that are believed to be responsible for injuring two people and killing a Grand Rapids, Michigan man in separate attacks Wednesday morning at a national forest campground near Cooke City. Read More ....

Goats Return to Central Oregon Cascades

ODFW and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWSRO) released Rocky Mountain goats on CTWSRO lands in Upper Whitewater River at the base of Mt Jefferson wednesday. The release marks the first time Rocky Mountain goats have been on Mt. Jefferson and the Central Oregon Cascades since the 19th century. Read More ....

Leftover Tags in Arizona ... But You Have to Move Fast

It's just been announced that more than 5,500 hunting permits left over from the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s fall drawing/lottery process will be available on a first-come, first-served basis by mailed application only beginning Monday, Aug. 2. If you want one, you'll need to get to FedEx today to rush your application. Read More ....

South Dakota Cuts Antelope Tags for 2010

The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission has decided to significantly reduce the number of antelope tags available for hunters this fall. Two difficult winters in the antelope main range have decreased herd numbers. Read More ....

Deer Tags Still Available in Kansas

Over 1,000 of Kansas non-resident deer tags — all Whitetail Either-Sex permits — are still available on a first-come, first-served basis. Read More ....

Montana Antelope Draw Results Available

Montana antelope results are posted, which I'm pretty sure means deer and elk results are posted as well. Read More ....

Attempted Murder Charges Filed After Attack on Washington Wildlife Officer

An 18-year-old Washington man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, after shooting at a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) police captain Saturday in Grant County. The incident began when the man was caught fishing without a license. Read More ....

The Best Place to Buy BLM Maps to Plan Your Western Hunt

As the first step in planning public land hunts like these, I always want BLM and Forest Service maps that show me where public land boundaries are. When I want maps like this, I always go to the Map Center of the Public Lands Information Center (PLIC). Read More ....

Arizona Deer and Sheep Draw Results Available

The more than 104,000 applicants can now find out if they were issued a hunt permit-tag for Arizona deer, fall turkey, fall juniors-only javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, or pheasant. Read More ....

When to Expect Montana Deer, Elk, Antelope Draw Results

Based on last year's dates, I'm expecting results for Montana's elk, deer, and antelope draw to be posted next week. Read More ....

Idaho Rejects Bonus Point System

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission during a July 8 meeting rejected a proposed bonus point program. Read More ....

Colorado Bear Shot After Biting Sleeping Man

Colorado Division of Wildlife officers shot and killed a bear early Saturday morning that bit a man near the Animas River in Durango.
The victim reported he was sleeping outside when he was bitten by a bear through his blanket at about 2:30 a.m.  Read More ....

Time to Buy Preference Points in Wyoming

If you didn't already purchase a Wyoming preference point during the application period, you can purchase one between July 1 and September 30. Read More ....

The New York Times on Montana Wolf Hunting

While the New York Times opinion and editorial content tends to be slanted (to the point of being inaccurate and deceptive), their news content is usually pretty good, including their July 9th coverage on Montana's Approval of a 150% Hike in the Fall Wolf Hunting Quota. Read More ....

Charity Watchdog Ranks the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

For the second year in a row, America’s premier charity watchdog has given its highest marks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Read More ....

Duck Season Forecast: Populations Steady in 2010

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its preliminary report today on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May. The total duck population is nearly 41 million, which is similar to last year's estimate and 21 percent above the long-term average. Read More ....

New Mexico Oryx Video

Those of you who drew New Mexico oryx tags have probably already seen this footage from a local TV station on the hunts conducted on the White Sands Missile Range. For those of you who are still waiting to draw an oryx tag (like me), it's an interesting chance to see the animals second-hand. Read More ....

Colorado OTC with Caps Licenses Available July 13

Over-the-counter with caps licenses for elk and bear will be available starting at 9 a.m., July 13 at Colorado Division of Wildlife offices,  License Agent businesses, and by phone or on-line. New for the 2010 season in the Gunnison Basin are elk licenses that are specific for Game Management Unit 54. Read More ....

Nevada Cancels 2010 Fall Turkey Season

Due to decline in turkey population numbers, low hunter success, and based on the recommendation of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners closed the 2010 fall turkey season. Read More ....

I Actually Drew Some Tags This Year

Wyoming draw results for deer and antelope came out on Tuesday, June 29, and I was surprised to learn that I actually drew ... both. Read More ....

New Mexico Experiences String of Bear Attacks

One bear was killed and conservation officers were looking for another bear Wednesday following separate incidents in which bears scratched a camper and injured a goat at Philmont Scout Ranch. Read More ....

Wyoming Deer and Antelope Results Due Out Tuesday

Wyoming Game and Fish will post the draw results for deer and antelope on Tuesday, June 29, at 8:00am MT. Read More ....

Idaho Deer, Elk, Antelope Draw Results Available

Draw results for the 2010 Idaho Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Fall Black Bear & Fall Turkey Controlled Hunt Drawing are available. Read More ....

Utah Deer Permits Sell Out

Permits to hunt buck deer in Utah this fall sold out on June 23, 2010. "With the exception of 1,500 archery permits that will be available next month to hunters who are 18 years of age or younger, all of Utah deer permits are gone," says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "But plenty of general bull elk permits are still available. Read More ....

Montana Sheep, Goat, Moose Results Available

Word is that Montana Moose, Sheep, and Mountain Goat draw results are available. Read More ....

Details on Idaho's Proposed Bonus Point System

Idaho Fish and Game has published additional details on the bonus point system it is considering implemented in the near future. Read More ....

Grizzly Kills 70-Year-Old After Being Fitted With Radio Collar

After being trapped, tranquilized, and fitted with a radio collar on thursday morning, an adult male grizzly killed a 70-year-old hiker later that afternoon, a few miles east of Yellowstone Park. Read More ....

Oregon Draw Results Available

Draw results for the 2010 Oregon Big Game draw are available, a few days ahead of schedule. Read More ....

Another Chance At An Idaho Moose Tag

Idaho Fish and Game has 14 leftover moose controlled hunt tags available. The application period runs from June 15 through June 25. Any tags left over from this drawing will be available first-come first-served beginning July 10. Read More ....

Mountain Lion Suspected in Attack Found, Killed in Arizona

The Arizona Game and Fish Department today found and killed a mountain lion in the direct vicinity of a suspected attack involving a Prescott-area man on Sunday night. Read More ....

Nebraska Deer Permits On Sale June 14th

Residents and nonresidents may purchase deer and antelope permits beginning Monday, June 14, at 1:00pm CT. Read More ....

How to Get Mountain Lion Photos on Your Trail Cam

When I first put out a trail cam on my property a year or two ago, my dream was to hopefully catch a passing mountain lion on camera. I never got so lucky, of course -- just deer, squirrels, turkeys, and an occasional elk. I found a tip that might help swing things in my favor, though. Strangely, the tip comes from the Wall Street Journal and involves men's cologne. Read More ....

Oregon Raffles, Auctions Gross More Than $547,000

Oregon's 2010 auctions and raffles for big game hunting tags grossed $547,187, including an auction price of $110,000 for a bighorn sheep tag. Read More ....

New Mexico Draw Results Available

Draw results for New Mexico deer, elk, sheep, antelope, and ibex were posted online at 12:01am MT today. Read More ....

Colorado Antelope Draw Results Available

Colorado has posted draw results for the 2010 antelope season. Results are available a week ahead of schedule. Read More ....

Plan B: Utah Elk and Deer

If you don't have a permit to hunt buck deer in Utah this fall, your next chance to get one begins June 17, 2010. That's when Northern Region rifle and muzzleloader permits that were not taken in this year's big game draw go on sale. That's also when bull elk permits to hunt during Utah's general season go on sale. Read More ....

Plan B: Colorado Elk

Many of the big game limited license drawings are now complete.  If you're not doing well in the draws, you may want to look in to leftover and over-the-counter elk tags in Colorado. Read More ....

Ballistic Testing Sparked Explosion at Nosler Plant

A preliminary investigation by fire officials in Bend, OR has determined that ballistics testing in a concrete underground shooting range sparked the fire that caused a large explosion at the Nosler ammunition plant last week. Read More ....

Explosion Rocks Nosler Ammunition Plant

Authorities in Bend, Oregon are investigating the cause of an explosion that leveled part of the Nosler ammunition plant, shaking the ground and rattling windows several blocks away. Read More ....

Leftover Kansas Deer Tags On Sale June 15

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that 4,016 nonresident deer permits are still available for the 2010 season. They are Whitetail Either-Sex permits and will be sold, first come, first served, to any nonresident who does not possess a 2010 permit. Leftover permits go on sale June 15 at 12:01 a.m. Read More ....

Montana Application System Crashes on Deadline Day

Like so many other online application sites, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks online licensing system crashed due to heavy volumes on the last day to apply for special hunting permits. Read More ....

Nevada Big Game Draw Results Available

Results for the Nevada Big Game draw are available online, a week or two ahead of schedule. Read More ....

Draw Results Available for Colorado Deer

Colorado has posted draw results for the 2010 deer season. Results are available a week ahead of schedule. Read More ....

Brothers Charged with Guiding Illegal Deer Hunts in SW Kansas

A federal grand jury in Wichita, KS, returned a 23-count felony indictment charging two brothers with conspiracy and wildlife trafficking stemming from the illegal sale of guided deer hunts, the Justice Department announced. Read More ....

Idaho Considering Bonus Point System

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission, during a meeting Thursday, May 20, gave the go-ahead to the Fish and Game Department to develop a controlled hunt bonus point system. Read More ....

Goats Versus Sheep in Colorado

Mountain goats are doing quite well in Colorado’s vast mountain habitat -- so well, in fact, that they are out-competing native bighorn sheep, leading to debate over how to balance goat and sheep populations. Read More ....

Grouse Attack Photos

A couple years ago, while on a training hike for a sheep hunt, I was stalked, chased, and pecked at by a grouse. Being chased through the woods by a 3-pound chicken was one of the strangest -- and most hilarious -- experiences I've ever had. I just came upon details of another recent attack, and this one got bloody. Read More ....

Deer Harvest Declines in South Dakota

South Dakota hunters reported mixed results for the 2009 deer seasons, with weather and unharvested crops playing major roles.
Harvest surveys compiled by the Game, Fish and Parks Department show that last year was the first year the statewide deer harvest has fallen in the last ten years. Read More ....

In Arizona, a Guilty Plea in the Death of Jaguar "Macho B"

An individual involved in the Macho B incident last year pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on Friday, May 14 for unlawfully taking a jaguar, an endangered species, in violation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Read More ....

A Whole Bunch of Draw Results Available

Several big draws have been completed, many of those ahead of schedule. If you applied in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, or Idaho -- you'll want to check your results. Read More ....

South Dakota Proposes Deer Seasons

South Dakota has proposed seasons for West River and Black Hills deer hunting. Deer tag numbers look like they'll be down this year. Read More ....

One of the Cool Things About Living in the Mountains

This was my view out the kitchen window at dinner on wednesday night. Man, do I love living in the mountains. Read More ....

Colorado Investigates Antelope Poaching Spree

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is offering a $1,000 reward for information that might help solve a series of poaching incidents in Kiowa County.  Read More ....

Arrest Made in Arizona Sheep Poaching

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has charged an individual with four wildlife law violations in connection with an alleged illegal killing of a bighorn sheep ram near the southern shore of Canyon Lake, northeast of Apache Junction.  The arrest was made after the department received information from the public through its Operation Game Thief hotline. Read More ....

An Update on My 2010 Schedule

So far, I have yet to draw a single big game tag for 2010. My schedule is a lot better than that statement makes it sound, however. Read More ....

More Deer Tags in Nevada This Year

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is recommending an increase in mule deer tags for hunters for the 2010 hunting season. This comes after an increase of Nevada’s mule deer herd with a 2010 population estimate of approximately 107,000 deer, which ended a three year decline in the statewide population estimate of mule deer. Read More ....

New Mexico May Remove Desert Sheep From State Endangered List

Desert bighorn sheep, once one of New Mexico's most imperiled native wildlife species, have met the requirements for removal from the state endangered species list. The Department of Game and Fish has started an investigation into delisting the species and is accepting public comments before a proposal is submitted to the State Game Commission. Read More ....

Utah Transplants Bison To Book Cliffs

Forty young bison were released onto the Book Cliffs on May 11, 2010. Captured on the Henry Mountains in January, the bison had spent the past four months in the comfy corrals at Antelope Island State Park. Read More ....

Montana Seeks Several Changes For 2010 Wolf Hunting Season

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission will be asked to consider a number of changes next week for the proposed 2010 wolf hunting season. Based on lessons learned from the state’s first regulated wolf hunt last year, FWP wildlife managers are proposing to create 14 wolf hunting units and will ask the commission to increase harvest quotas. Read More ....

Washington Applications Due May 26th

Time is running short for hunters planning to apply for special hunting permits for Washington deer, elk, mountain goat, moose, bighorn sheep, and turkey seasons. Read More ....

Colorado Moose and Bear Draw Results Posted

The Colorado Division of Wildlife posted results for the bear draw on May 11, and posted results for the moose draw on the afternoon of May 12. Read More ....

2010 Application Calendar - May 13th Update

Running summary of application dates, including links to more info on Hunt The West. Read More ....

Wyoming Moose, Sheep, Goat Draw Recap

Wyoming's version of the lottery was held last week with 826 resident and nonresident hunters hitting the jackpot with the completion of the annual drawings for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat licenses. Read More ....

A Little Redemption For My Turkey Season

Earlier this spring, HTW Pro-staffer Paul Vanderspek and I spent 3 days chasing turkeys on a limited-draw hunt in eastern Colorado. Spek took a nice gobbler on the last morning he was able to hunt -- I got blanked. This past weekend, I decided to sneak back to Colorado's South Republican Wildlife Area for a quick hunt. Read More ....

A Couple Notes on the Colorado Draws

Mountain goat refunds are in the mail, and the bear and moose draw results should be posted soon ... beginning as early as today, I would guess. Read More ....

Nevada to Set Big Game Quotas on May 15

The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners will meet at the Nevada Department of Wildlife in Reno on May 14 and 15 to set the 2010 big game tag quotas. This year, NDOW biologists are recommending an increase in the quotas for every single antlered mule deer hunt. Read More ....

Two Desert Bighorns Poached in Arizona Unit 24B

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is asking for the public’s help in finding the individual or individuals responsible for the illegal killing of two bighorn sheep at Canyon Lake, northeast of Apache Junction, on April 19 or 20. The two desert bighorn sheep rams were illegally shot and killed in Unit 24B along the southern shore of Canyon Lake. Read More ....

Colorado Seeks Perpetrator of Mass Poaching

The Colorado Division of Wildlife is asking for help solving a poaching crime.  Sometime in the early morning hours on May 4, eight deer were shot and left in and around the southern Colorado town of La Veta. Read More ....

Colorado Sheep Refunds in the Mail

If you applied for bighorn sheep in Colorado and didn't draw, your refund check is in the mail. Read More ....

Wyoming Moose, Sheep, Goat Results Posted Today

Wyoming Moose, Sheep, and Goat draw results will be released today at 8:00am MT. The results are being posted about 4 days early. Read More ....

Arizona Sheep and Deer Regulations Available

Regulations for Arizona deer, bighorn sheep, pheasant and fall turkey, javelina, and buffalo tags are now available online. Read More ....

Changes to Idaho Super Hunt Drawing

Idaho Fish and Game has changed the way it conducts the Super Hunt, a fund-raising drawing for 40 big game tags. Starting with the first drawing this year, it will be done electronically. Read More ....

Trail Cam Found In Oregon Leads To Conviction in Idaho

A trail camera left at an illegal bear bait in Oregon in 2008 has led to the conviction of a former Idaho resident on wildlife related violations that occurred in Idaho. Read More ....

Multiple Application Deadlines Approach

As the end of April approaches, so do application deadlines in Idaho, Kansas, and Montana. Read More ....

Limited Draw Spring Turkey Hunt in Colorado

I'm a big game hunter first and foremost, but I do enjoy turkey hunting every now and then, especially since it's in the spring when things are otherwise pretty slow for me. This year HTW pro-staffer Paul Vanderspek and I finally decided to burn our preference points and put in for a Limited Draw tag in Colorado. Find out who's the worse turkey hunter, Spek or me. Read More ....

Colorado Posts Sheep and Goat Draw Results Early

Colorado has posted the draw results for Rocky Mountain Bighorns, Mountain Goat, and Desert sheep ... several days ahead of schedule. Read More ....

Utah Big Game Draw Results Available

If you applied online for a 2010 Utah big game license, you should have received your results last night via email. Hopefully you had better luck than I did. Read More ....

Nebraska's 2010 Big Game Guide Available

Nebraska's 2010 Big Game regulations are available, and they contain all kinds of good news for hunters. Read More ....

Arizona Sets Fall Seasons

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission on April 17 set the annual fall hunting seasons, including deer and sheep. The regulations are anticipated to be available online by the end of April. Read More ....

Montana Bighorn SuperTag Winner Busted For Illegal Hunting

A Billings, MT resident has been sentenced for making a false statement and hunting without landowner permission in a 2008 bighorn sheep hunting case. He won the bighorn sheep permit in the state’s 2008 SuperTag Lottery and took a 9 1/2-year-old ram in the famous Missouri Breaks -- trespassing and making false statements to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in the process. Read More ....

150,000 Hunters Apply for New Mexico Licenses

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish received about 150,000 applications for 62,475 licenses in this year's drawing for deer, elk, antelope, ibex, javelina, bighorn, and Barbary sheep hunts. Read More ....

Idaho Big Game Regulations Available

Regulations for Idaho's Deer, Elk, Antelope, Bear, and Lion seasons are available on the website of Idaho Fish and Game. Read More ....

Buying a Wall Tent

One of the iconic images of hunting in the West is the classic white canvas wall tent, with it's straight sides, ample head room and floor space, and — most importantly — its warm woodburning stove. If you've ever priced a new one though, visualization is as far as you may have gotten. Unless you get creative. Read More ....

Colorado Attempts to Reverse Bighorn Decline Near Gunnison

In an attempt to reverse the decline of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the Taylor River area north of Gunnison, the Colorado Division of Wildlife is exploring whether augmentation might be used as a tool for herd recovery efforts. Read More ....

Washington Approves 2010 Seasons

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission set this year’s general hunting seasons and special-hunt permit drawings during a public meeting on April 9 and 10. For Washington hunters, there are notable changes to deer, elk, and bear seasons. Read More ....

Applying for Deer Tags in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has not yet published the 2010 Deer regulations, but they are encouraging hunters to go ahead and apply anyway. Read More ....

New Mexico Applicants: Your Credit Card is About To Be Charged

If you applied for a big game tag in the main New Mexico draw, you should have received an email from New Mexico Game and Fish giving you a heads-up that they're about to hit your credit card for the full tag fees. Read More ....

Utah Approves Elk Management Plan

At their March 31 meeting, members of the Utah Wildlife Board revised Utah's elk management plan. Two highlights from the revised plan include changes that will keep plenty of bulls with large antlers on selected units in Utah, and more spike bull elk hunting permits. Read More ....

Utah Sets Big Game Permit Numbers

The number of permits offered for most of Utah's big game hunts has increased this year. In particular, sheep, elk, and goat tags are up. But, bison tags have been slashed. Read More ....

Resources for Applying in Nevada

If you want to apply for Nevada Big Game tags but you aren’t sure where to start, check out the Nevada Department of Wildlife's list of the Top 10 resources you will need to do your homework and make your decisions about which tags you will apply for. Read More ....

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Supports "Right to Hunt" Amendment

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission supports House Concurrent Resolution 2008, a measure that would create a state constitutional right to hunt and fish. The measure is headed to the state Senate for consideration and, if passed, will go on the ballot in the fall election. Read More ....

When Do Elk Shed Their Antlers?

In Colorado's foothills, it's right around now - April 1st of every year. I took this photo a couple doors down from my house on the morning of March 30th. One large-bodied bull had dropped his antlers and was sporting velvet knobs. Another was still carrying both horns. Read More ....

Nevada Bighorn Sheep Continue to Succumb to Pneumonia

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) biologists continue to find bighorn sheep that have died due to complications brought on by pneumonia in the East Humboldt Range and in the Ruby Mountains ... something to keep in mind when planning your Nevada applications. Read More ....

Information Sought on Nebraska Antelope Shootings

A reward is being offered for information about antelope that were shot and left lying in Kimball County, Nebraska. There have been four incidents in recent months in which a total of seven antelope where found shot and lying within a few miles of each other. Read More ....

Idaho's First Wolf Hunt Wraps Up

At the end of the day Wednesday, March 31, Idaho's first regulated wolf season closed statewide. "The season has succeeded in halting the growth of Idaho's wolf population," Fish and Game Director Cal Groen said. "It showed that Fish and Game is capable of monitoring and managing a well-regulated wolf hunt." Read More ....

Arizona Elk and Antelope Draw Results Available

The more than 118,000 hunters who applied for a tag to hunt elk and pronghorn antelope in 2010 can now find out if they were drawn. Read More ....

Knight Rifles Acquired By Plastics Company

On June 1, 2009, Knight Rifles went out of business. On March 15, 2010, PI, Inc., acquired the Knight Rifles brand, intellectual properties and real estate in Centerville, Iowa. PI (which stands for "Plastic Industries") is engaged in plastic and foam molding, and does not seem to have extensive experience in the outdoors or firearms industry. Read More ....

Sportsmen's Groups Speak Out on Climate Change

Trout Unlimited, along with 10 leading national hunting and fishing groups (including the Boone and Crockett Club, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever), released "Beyond Season's End," a report that describes the challenges, solutions and actions that can be taken to address the ongoing and future impacts of climate change on the nation's fish, wildlife and ecosystems. Read More ....

New Mexico Transplants 277 Pronghorns

The Department of Game and Fish captured 277 pronghorn antelope this month on private land in northeastern New Mexico and relocated them to Mexico, Santa Ana Pueblo, a ranch near Grants, and Bureau of Land Management property near San Antonio Mountain. Read More ....

Nebraska Adopts Changes for the 2010 Deer Season

The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners on Friday adopted regulations designed to increase the harvest of antlerless white-tailed deer and reduce the harvest of mule deer in the southwestern part of the state. Season dates were also finalized. Read More ....

Idaho Adopts 2010 Big Game Seasons

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday morning adopted big game seasons for 2010 with few changes. Read More ....

Arizona Fires Employee Involved in Jaguar Death

The Arizona Game and Fish Department today dismissed one of its employees as a result of the department’s ongoing internal administrative investigation into the events surrounding last year’s capture of the jaguar known as Macho B. Read More ....

Montana 2010 Big Game Regulations Available

Regulations for the 2010 Montana moose, sheep, mountain goat, elk, deer, and antelope season are available online. Read More ....

Nevada Big Game Applications Accepted March 19

Hunters interested in applying for Nevada’s big game tags can begin online application at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 19 when the online applications go live on www.huntnevada.com. Read More ....

Idaho Wolf Population Steady

The 2009 annual summary of wolf recovery in Idaho is now available, and it shows wolf numbers are nearly the same as 2008. Read More ....

Upcoming Raffles For Colorado Sheep, Goat, and Antelope

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. Additionally, they will be offering a raffle this year for a Colorado statewide antelope tag. HTW has the draw odds and details. Read More ....

Nebraska Considers Big Game Changes for 2010

The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners will consider amendments to big game hunting regulations for 2010 at its regular meeting March 19. The Commission seeks a higher harvest of white-tailed deer, especially in eastern Nebraska, and a further restriction of mule deer harvest in southwest and south-central Nebraska. Read More ....

South Dakota Considers Big Game Changes for 2010

The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission is considering a variety of changes for the 2010 big game seasons. Read More ....

Utah Reports First Case of CWD in Elk

Samples from big game animals taken this past hunting season turned up something never seen in Utah before—an elk with chronic wasting disease. Read More ....

AZGFD Employee Suspended After Investigation of Jaguar Death

The Arizona Game and Fish Department on March 8 formally placed one of its employees on administrative leave with pay as a result of an interim finding in the department’s ongoing internal administrative investigation into the events surrounding last year’s capture of the jaguar known as Macho B. Read More ....

New Mexico Oryx Draw Results Scheduled for Noon Today

Draw results for New Mexico oryx, population management hunts, black bear, and spring turkey are scheduled to be available at noon (MT) today. Read More ....

The Return of the Winchester Model 1894

Winchester Repeating Arms has announced the return of the Model 1894 lever action rifle — also known as the Model 94 — to its line of firearms for 2010. This reintroduction of the most popular hunting rifle in history will be offered in two Limited Edition models that will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Oliver F. Winchester’s birth in New England in 1810. A Model 1894 Custom Grade and Model 1894 High Grade will be offered in 30-30 Winchester caliber. Read More ....

Mountain Lion Killed After Invading Home in Colorado

An apparently malnourished young mountain lion entered a Chaffee County residence Thursday afternoon, killing one dog and briefly trapping a mother and her two children inside the house until Chaffee County Sheriffs Deputies evacuated them. Read More ....

First Tag of 2010

The first tag that I've drawn for 2010 is "just" a turkey tag, but it is what most would consider the best limited-draw turkey tag in Colorado. Read More ....

Proposed Elk Hunting Changes in Utah

Two major elk hunting changes would happen if proposed updates to Utah's five-year Elk Management Plan are approved. There would be fewer chances in the future to hunt trophy bull elk on limited-entry units, and more chances to hunt spike bull elk in Utah. Read More ....

Colorado Moose Draw Odds

Colorado's unique "weighted points" system makes it difficult to calculated draw odds for moose, goat, and sheep tags. I crunched the numbers as best I could, and included my estimates of draw odds for Colorado moose below. The bottom line on draw odds: They're not great, no matter how many points you have. Read More ....

Elk Down 57% in Idaho's Lolo Elk Zone; Wolf Impact Cited

Recently completed aerial surveys show a marked decline in elk numbers in game management units 10 and 12, which comprise the Lolo Elk Management Zone. "This survey, combined with ongoing research showing wolves are the primary cause of elk mortality today, is further scientific evidence of the impact wolves are having," Fish and Game Director Cal Groen said. Read More ....

Kansas Spring Turkey Atlas Available

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) 2010 Kansas Spring Turkey Atlas is now available for viewing and download on the agency's website. The atlas shows access to all land in Kansas open to public spring turkey hunting, including Walk-In Hunting Access land. This spring, approximately 173,220 acres of Walk-In land are available, in addition to state and federal wildlife areas. Read More ....

Big Changes Await Gunnison Elk Hunters in Colorado

Gunnison elk hunters will see significant regulation and license changes for the 2010 big game seasons. Two groups--archery hunters and second-season rifle hunters--are affected most by changes to license allocation and should plan carefully before arriving to the Gunnison area this fall. Read More ....

Utah Application System Overwhelmed, Deadline Extended

2010 Utah Big Game applications were due on March 1st. However, due to technical difficulties, the application deadline has been extended until March 8. Read More ....

March 15th is Deadline for Wyoming Deer and Antelope

Nonresident hunters are reminded that March 15 is the deadline to apply for deer and antelope licenses. To be entered in the drawing, applications must arrive at the Cheyenne headquarters office by 5 p.m. on the deadline date. Read More ....

Nevada Sheep Continue to Succumb to Pneumonia

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) biologists continue to find bighorn sheep that have died due to complications brought on by pneumonia. "We have found 61 dead bighorn sheep in the East Humboldts and 18 in the Ruby Mountains for a total of 79 sheep over the last three months," said Caleb McAdoo, NDOW big game biologist. Read More ....

Arizona Online License Sales Are Back — But Not Online Big Game Applications

After years of frustration with Arizona's paper-based system, hunters got a ray of good news on February 23, 2010, when Arizona proudly announced that online license sales were back. Unfortunately, this applies to strictly to license sales, NOT the $8,172.50 worth of limited-draw licenses that we really care about. Read More ....

What to Do About Your Oregon Applications

Oregon has raised the price of the required non-refundable hunting license to $140. If you have been building points in Oregon just for the sake of building points, it may be time to ditch that strategy. The cost now seems to outweigh the benefit. Read More ....

Oregon's Simple Solution To A Complex Problem

After many years of relying on an old-fashioned paper-based system, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife finally implemented an online application system. Unfortunately, it suffered multiple system crashes as hunters overwhelmed the system as the 2009 application deadline approached. As a result, Oregon had to extend the application deadline not once, but twice. This year, Oregon is taking simple steps to address the potentially costly and complex issue of system capacity. Read More ....

Mountain Lion Shot By Nebraska Game and Parks

A mountain lion was shot and killed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at a ranch northwest of Rushville on Sunday, Feb. 21. It was the 96th confirmed mountain lion sighting in Nebraska since 1991 and the 68th in the Pine Ridge. Read More ....

Bighorn Poaching Suspect Arrested in Idaho

A Nampa man has been arrested on changes of killing a bighorn sheep during a closed season. A witness to the incident was watching the same band of sheep when the ewe pitched over dead. Read More ....

Wyoming Elk Draw Results Available Today

According to information posted on the Wyoming Game and Fish website, 2010 Nonresident Elk and Spring Turkey Draw results will be available at 8am MT Tuesday, February 23. Read More ....

Colorado 2010 Big Game Applications Available

Colorado's 2010 regulations for deer, elk, antelope, bear, and moose have been out for over a week now. You may have gotten your copy in the mail ... but many hunters, including myself, have not. Read More ....

Montana Continues to Wrestle With Bison Management

Is there a future for wild bison in Montana? That’s the basic question at least one Montana wildlife biologist will wrestle with over the coming year. Read More ....

New For 2010: The Remington Model 700 XCR II

The Remington Model 700 XCR (Xtreme Conditions Rifle) bolt-action rifle was introduced in 2005 and soon became a key player in Remington's lineup of hunting rifles. For 2010, Remington has announced the next generation of the XCR - the Model 700 XCR II. The rifle's looks may have changed, but not the high level of value and utility. Read More ....

 

 

It's Official ... Montana Bison Season Is A Bust, Again

For the second year in a row, the Montana bison season has shaped up to be a non-event. The season ended February 15, 2010. Only 1 hunter out of 44 filled his tag. Read More ....

Wyoming Loses Coyote Creek Hunter Management Area Due To Vandalism

The 17,000 acre Coyote Creek Hunter Management Area in southwestern Wyoming will be closed next year as a result of $175,000 of vandalism to pumping equipment that occurred there last fall. Read More ....

Washington State Considers Abolishing Department of Fish and Wildlife

A Washington State Senate committee is holding a public hearing on February 17 on Senate Bill 6813 that would abolish the Department of Fish & Wildlife and move it into the Department of Natural Resources. Read More ....

Poaching Reaches Record Level in Arizona

Wildlife poaching in Arizona increased during 2009 and wildlife violations reached a record level, said Arizona Game and Fish Department officers. “Arizona experienced a record year for wildlife violations that include outright poaching. With that, we are also experiencing a record number of reported and solved wildlife crimes. Call it a target rich environment, if you will,” said Officer Ken Dinquel, who operates the Operation Game Thief Program. Read More ....

Time to Apply For Montana Big Game Combination Licenses

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds hunters that applications for the Nonresident General Big Game Combination Licenses and Landowner Sponsored Licenses, which are sold through a drawing process, are due soon. Read More ....

Time to Apply in Utah

Utah is currently accepting big game applications, with a deadline of March 1st. While the odds of drawing a good tag in Utah in any given year are pretty unrealistic, you do get to build points towards a tag down the road and you always have that slim chance of drawing. For $145, it's a lot of opportunity, and I always apply in Utah. Read More ....

Colorado Sheep and Mountain Goat Applications Available

If you've applied in the past for Colorado sheep and goat, you've probably gotten your 2010 regulations in the mail by now. If you don't apply in Colorado, you need to start — sheep and goat hunting opportunities in Colorado are excellent. Read More ....

Time to Apply for Wyoming Bison

Wyoming is one of a handful of western states and Canandian provinces that offers hunts for wild, free-ranging bison. I was fortunate enough to draw this once-in-a-lifetime tag back in 2005, and highly recommend the hunt. Read More ....

Win a Colorado Moose Tag

Every year, the Colorado chapter of Safari Club International sponsors a raffle for a Colorado moose tag valid in any legal area and season in Colorado in 2010. Colorado has huge trophy Shiras moose and great outfitters to help you find them (and pack them out...). With the continuing terrible economy, 2010 should almost certainly continue to offer unusually good draw odds for those who do participate in raffles for high-end tags such as this. Read More ....

Bear Skin Rug

I've been chipping away at packing up our house over the past couple weeks, and finally got to the bear skin rug that's been hanging in my stairway for the last 10 years. A bear skin rug is a great trophy, and hunting black bear is something that should be on every hunter's list of things to do at least once. Read More ....

Montana Considers Buck-Only Rule for Whitetails

In response to declining whitetail numbers in the northwest part of the state, Montana Fish. Wildlife, and Parks is considering whether to limit the whitetail hunting season in Region 1 to bucks only. Read More ....

A Preview of My 2010 Lineup

The key for my 2010 planning is going to be "value" — hunts that offer adventure and the chance for a nice set of horns, but cost relatively little for what they offer. Read More ....

Study: Best Bear Medicine Isn't Pepper Spray

You may want to consider rubber shotgun slugs instead of more traditional approaches like throwing rocks and using pepper spray. According to an article in this month's issue of The Journal of Wildlife Management, a four-year study in California's Sequoia National Park suggests that rubber shotgun slugs are by far the most effective means of running off problem bears. Read More ....

Two New Mexico Men Face Poaching Charges

Two Taos-area men face criminal charges for allegedly hunting deer out of season near Valle Escondido in northern New Mexico. Read More ....

Montana Bison Season May Be A Flop

For the second year in a row, the Montana bison season is shaping up to be a non-event. Mild weather is allowing the bison to stay in Yellowstone Park, where hunting is not allowed. Read More ....

2010 Kansas Spring Turkey Permits Available Online

The 2010 spring turkey season runs April 14 - May 31, and hunters across the state are already making preparations. Turkey permits for units 1, 2, and 3 may be purchased online from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website or from license vendors across the state. There will be no paper applications or mail-in forms for 2010. Read More ....

Significant Changes in Colorado Hunting Seasons for 2010

The Colorado Wildlife Commission finalized 2010 big game regulations at its regular meeting January 11.  The Commission approved a variety of changes, most of which provide expanded opportunities for hunters. If you hunt or are building preference points in Colorado, you'll want to review the changes. Read More ....

Utah Applications Accepted February 1

If you enjoy hunting big game in Utah, a time you wait for all year is almost here. Starting Feb. 1, you can apply for a permit to hunt big game animals in 2010. "Big game hunting in Utah is very popular with people across the country," says Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "We expect to receive almost 300,000 applications this year." Read More ....

Kimber's New Model 84L "Elk Country Classic"

Kimber and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are teaming up to launch the new Kimber Model 84L, a rifle that one respected gun writer has already described as “as good as a lightweight rifle can get.” Read More ....

Montana Motorist Kills 8 Bighorns

A Montana motorist drove his pickup truck through a herd of bighorn sheep near Anaconda, MT, on monday, killing at least eight animals. Read More ....

Wyoming Elk Applications Due February 1

Wyoming Game and Fish is now accepting applications for nonresident elk licenses for the 2010 hunting seasons. The application deadline this year is February 1. Read More ....

Application Period for Idaho Spring Hunts Coming Up

The application period for Idaho spring black bear controlled hunts starts Friday, January 15, and runs through February 15. But this year the application dates for the spring turkey controlled hunts have been pushed back and will be from February 1 through March 1. Read More ....

Top Calibers For Trophy Game

Although the venerable .30-06 and .270 remain among the favorites, Boone and Crockett Club big-game records show that hunters with one of the various .300 Magnums are taking decidedly more North American trophies than any other caliber. Read More ....

If You Need Ammo for This Fall, Order it Now

We've all heard about shortages on ammunition. Whatever the causes, the shortages are real and they can screw up your plans. Here's some numbers on ammo that I have on backorder with Midway USA. If you need ammo for your 2010 big game hunts, order it now. It may take months and months to actually get it in your hands. Read More ....

Nebraska Spring Turkey Permits Available January 11th

Nebraska 2010 spring turkey hunting permits go on sale January 11 at 1:00pm Central Time. Read More ....

Outfitter Update: New Mexico Barbary Sheep with Cedar Creek Outfitters

Back in February of 2007, I made the trip down to Roswell, New Mexico for a free-range barbary sheep hunt (Barbary sheep are also known as Aoudad over in their Texas range).  Just recently, I checked in with Chris Flanagan, who I had hunted with in 2007. Chris is now guiding for Bobby Hines' Cedar Creek Outfitters of Logan, NM, and shared prospects for their upcoming February, 2010 sheep season.  "We can't wait for the season to get here in February.  We'll be focusing our barbary sheep hunts on a new 32,000-acre lease that has some great rams." Read More ....

2010 Utah Applications Available

Applications for Utah's 2010 big game season are now available on the website of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Read More ....

Arizona Investigating String of Poachings

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is looking for the public’s help in gathering information about two recent wildlife poaching cases involving two elk and one mule deer. Read More ....

Washington Ends "Disorderly and Unsportsmanlike" Special Elk Hunt

On December 29, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ended a special population management elk hunt, stating that "The elk harvest objective for the area has been met and the conduct of hunters has become disorderly and unsportsmanlike." Read More ....

Idaho Man Injures Hand When Shotgun Explodes

A Bellevue, Idaho man has been discharged from a Spokane hospital after seriously injuring his hand in a hunting accident on Christmas Day. 46-year-old Shawn Crea was bird hunting with some companions when he fired his shotgun. The gun exploded, severely injuring his left hand. Read More ....

Idaho Elk Poachers Plead Guilty

Ignoring a hunter check station has cost two Boise men more than just the $121 fine for failure to stop. Derek Smith, 41, and Joseph Eden, 38, both of Boise, pleaded guilty in Fourth District Court in Ada County this month to possession of three unlawfully taken elk. Both had their hunting privileges revoked for the next decade. Read More ....

Significant Changes Proposed For Montana in 2010

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission accepted proposals for changes to the 2010 application process and hunting seasons on December 10. Many of the proposals will represent significant change for hunters if they are adopted into the final regulations after the comment period ends. Read More ....

Wyoming 2009 Bison Hunt Results

The number of wild Wyoming bison killed by hunters is down 54 percent this year, prompting wildlife managers to worry that the herd will grow for the first time in three years. While the season may have been slow compared to previous years, some great bulls were taken by hunters who stuck with it. Read More ....

Leupold Issues Warning About Counterfeit Scopes

Leupold is issuing a customer alert to purchasers of products, particularly via Internet sales, in regards to bogus Leupold products that are apparently being illegally imported from the People’s Republic of China. Read More ....

Arizona 2010: Buy Your License Now to Get Ready for 2010 Applications

Applications for 2010 Arizona hunting licenses are now available.  If you plan on applying in Arizona this year — or even just building preference points — you should purchase your license ASAP to save headaches and cost. Read More ....

Arizona 2010: Still No Online Application System

For the 2010 hunting season, Arizona will remain the only western state that does not support online big game applications. Depending on how many species you apply for, the resulting cost that this puts on sportsmen can be rather staggering. Read More ....

Arizona 2010 Elk and Antelope Applications Available

The regulations for Arizona’s 2010 elk and pronghorn antelope seasons are available online at www.azgfd.gov/draw and hunters interested in obtaining a hunt permit-tag via the draw process can start applying now. Read More ....

2010 New Mexico Big Game Regulations Available

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has posted the 2010 Big Game booklet on its website, early enough to allow for the first round of applications that are due on February 3rd. I didn't find any major changes — there's still no preference point system, for example — but they are going to do some more nickel-and-diming on fees. Read More ....

Answers Sought in Utah Bull Elk Killings

Wildlife officers have solved three bull elk poaching cases in east-central Utah. Now they need your help to solve seven more. "Each of the bulls was killed illegally and then left to rot," says Ben Riley, a DWR officer who is investigating the shootings. Read More ....

Colorado 2010 Turkey Applications (Kind Of) Available

The 2010 Colorado turkey regulation brochure, containing paper applications, has been sent out already — I got mine in the mail. Strangely, the 2010 brochure has not been published on the website of the CDOW yet. Read More ....

Storms Hammer Arizona Elk Hunters

Near Flagstaff, AZ, there is a massive search and rescue effort under way for at least eight hunting parties stranded in the high country. 60 miles to the south, near Camp Verde, AZ, an elk hunter was killed in a freak accident Monday night when the top of a 70-foot pine tree snapped during a storm and fell on the tent in which he was sleeping. Read More ....

2009 Nebraska Sheep Season Recap

A Nebraska bighorn sheep was harvested by Brent Bollwitt of Lincoln on Dec. 8 near Fort Robinson State Park. The full-curl ram was approximately 9 years old. Bollwitt harvested the second bighorn this year. John Marsh, a Kansas hunter, took an 11-year-old ram on Dec. 1 near Fort Robinson. Read More ....

Wolf Litigation Continues; Elk Foundation Files New Brief

Responding to the latest legal wrangling by environmental groups, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation again has entered into federal court a brief supporting wolf population management via state-regulated hunting in Idaho and Montana. A federal judge is expected to rule early in 2010 on a lawsuit seeking to stop the hunts and return gray wolves to the endangered species list. Read More ....

Arizona Adopts 2010 Elk and Antelope Regulations

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission set the 2010 elk and pronghorn antelope hunt orders on Saturday (Dec. 5) during their regular meeting, authorizing a grand total of 952 pronghorn and 26,702 elk permits. Read More ....

Utah Shortens Rifle Deer Season to Five Days

By a 4-to-2 vote, the Utah Wildlife Board approved a recommendation to shorten Utah's general rifle buck deer hunt from nine days to five days for hunters who are 19 years of age or older. The change takes effect for the 2010 season. Read More ....

A Brief Note on My Kansas Mule Deer Hunt

I spent the last 5 days in Kansas hunting mule deer with a muzzleloader during the general rifle season. It's a complicated tag to draw, and pretty expensive, and both of those factors led me to put a lot of pressure on myself to get a lot out of the hunt. I can't complain too much about getting to hunt deer, but it was a tough 5 days, and I'm pretty drained from it. Read More ....

Wyoming 2010 Nonresident Applications Available

The 2010 Wyoming Nonresident Applications booklet is now available online. Read More ....

Deer Poachers Sought By Arizona Game and Fish

Reward money is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the illegal Thanksgiving Day killing of an adult female mule deer near Wellton, Arizona. Read More ....

What's In Store for the Kansas Deer Opener?

The 2009 Kansas firearm deer season runs Wednesday, December 2, through Sunday, December 13. Deer are considered plentiful, and a good season has been expected. But, wet weather earlier this fall in the high plains states has caused farmers considerable delays with the harvest. Will the late harvest put a damper on the Kansas firearms opener? Read More ....

Father/Son Poachers Fined $11,000 in Wyoming

A father and son from Gillette have been sentenced to more than $11,000 in fines and have had hunting and fishing privileges suspended as a result of the poaching of a trophy mule deer near Gillette. Read More ....

Nevada Struggles With Rash of Poachings

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) game wardens are investigating a rash of illegally killed big game animals around the Reno area over the past month, and are seeking the public’s help to solve these poaching cases. Read More ....

Official Recap of the 2009 Nebraska Firearms Deer Season

Hunters harvested 53,641 deer in Nebraska during the recent firearm season, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The harvest total represents a 3-percent decrease from the 2008 harvest. A likely reason for the decline is a lagging corn harvest due to a wet October provided plenty of cover for deer. Read More ....

How to Get Started Pheasant Hunting in Colorado

I'm not a pheasant hunter, but if I wanted to give the sport a try in Colorado, I'd follow the advice offered by Charlie Meyers from the Denver Post this past wednesday. Read More ....

Nebraska Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens December 1

Excellent deer hunting opportunities remain in Nebraska as the muzzleloader season arrives, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The season runs Dec. 1-31. The recently completed firearm season proved that plenty of deer and large bucks are available. Those firearm hunters were hampered somewhat by the lagging corn harvest, but conditions are improving for December as that harvest continues. Read More ....

South Dakota May Increase Pheasant Limits Due to Slow Harvest

Due to the delayed harvest of crops this fall, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission intends to act at its December 3-4 meeting in Pierre on a proposal to raise the three-bird daily pheasant bag limit to five cock pheasants daily. Read More ....

Down and Out in Nebraska

When Nebraska's firearm deer season opened on November 14, hunters encountered healthy numbers of mature bucks but lots of standing corn for deer to hide in. The bucks wised-up quickly, and holed up in the corn once they knew they were being hunted. By the time I was in the field on tuesday, deer sightings were down considerably. Read More ....

Kansas Rifle Deer Season Opens December 2nd

The 2009 Kansas firearm deer season runs Wednesday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 13, and hunters are sighting in their rifles and practicing their shooting skills in anticipation of one of the state's favorite hunting seasons. Deer are plentiful, and a good season is expected. Read More ....

Idaho Extends Most Wolf Hunts Till March 31

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Thursday, November 19, extended wolf hunting seasons in all Idaho wolf zones not already closed to March 31. Read More ....

Need to kill some more time at work? See the Hunt The West Archive.