Western Hunter

Well, the final piece of the tag equation has been released; it is for kids that didn’t draw anything. These can be great tags for kids. Make sure you understand the rules of the game and you should be able to get a tag if you are interested.Jason “The New Mexico Sportsman†Amaro—————————————————————————————————————————————–FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 10, 2012:MORE THAN 2,000 ELK LICENSES FOR YOUTHS GO ON SALE JULY 18YOUNG WILDLIFE USUALLY DON’T NEED TO BE RESCUED – EVEN CLOSE TO FIRESMORE THAN 2,000 ELK LICENSES FOR YOUTHS GO ON SALE JULY 18SANTA FE – Young hunters who did not draw a big-game license will have another shot to go hunting this coming season when the Department of Game and Fish puts more than 2,000 antlerless elk licenses up for sale at 10 a.m. MDT Wednesday, July 18.The online sale will be first-come, first-served on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. The sale includes almost 1,500 licenses for hunters using any legal weapon and 540 licenses for hunters using muzzleloaders or bows.According to state law, for the first 14 days, the sale will be open only to New Mexico resident youths younger than age 18 who successfully applied but were unsuccessful in drawing any big-game license this year. The sale will shut down for 24 hours at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 and then reopen at 10 a.m. MDT Aug. 2, when the remaining licenses will be available to any youth younger that age 18, resident or nonresident, who did not draw a 2012-13 elk license, whether they applied or not.New Mexico law requires all hunters younger than age 18 to have passed an approved hunter safety course before purchasing or applying for a hunting license. More information and a list of available classes are available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us.Hunters are strongly advised to obtain or review an online customer account, including a Customer Identification Number, user name and password before the sale begins. Popular hunts sell out quickly, although many licenses are expected to be available after the 14-day residents-only period.Here is a list of available licenses:Antlerless elk — Any legal weaponUnitHunt CodeHunt DatesLicenses5BELK-1-401Nov. 30-Dec. 4206AELK-1-402Nov. 30-Dec. 4506AELK-1-403Dec. 26-30506CELK-1-404Nov. 30-Dec. 4506CELK-1-405Dec. 26-305010ELK-1-408Nov. 30-Dec. 43516AELK-1-413Nov. 30-Dec. 47516AELK-1-414Dec. 26-307516CELK-1-415Nov. 30-Dec. 47516CELK-1-416Dec. 26-307516DELK-1-417Nov. 30-Dec. 47516DELK-1-418Dec. 26-307516EELK-1-419Nov. 30-Dec. 47516EELK-1-420Dec. 26-307534ELK-1-423Dec. 26-308036ELK-1-424Nov. 30-Dec. 46036ELK-1-425Dec. 26-306049ELK-1-426Nov. 30-Dec. 45050ELK-1-427Dec. 26-306051ELK-1-428Nov. 30-Dec. 47551ELK-1-429Dec. 26-307552ELK-1-430Nov. 30-Dec. 45053 except CerroELK-1-431Nov. 30-Dec. 46053 except CerroELK-1-432Dec. 26-3060Antlerless elk — Muzzleloader or bowUnitHunt CodeHunt DatesLicenses9ELK-3-406Nov. 30-Dec. 4759ELK-3-407Dec. 26-307513ELK-3-409Nov. 30-Dec. 46013ELK-3-410Dec. 26-306015ELK-3-411Nov. 30-Dec. 47515ELK-3-412Dec. 26-307517ELK-3-421Nov. 30-Dec. 46017ELK-3-422Dec. 26-3060 View the full article

If you have been tracking the entire Big-Game Draw in New Mexico you have probably gathered thatthere have been a few changes. Some major and some that have flown under the radar. Well, it lookslike my radar caught another, non-documented change. I am not sure where this change came from butit is going to happen. I have confirmed it with two sources.For the first 24 hours of the left-over tag sale, which will happen on July 11th (there was a typo, in theoriginal release) will be for residents ONLY. After that it is open to everybody.Again, it is small change but it might impact your strategy when it comes to the left-over tags.Jason “The New Mexico Sportsman†AmaroAuthor, Jason Amaro View the full article

At Elk Hunter and Western Hunter, we’re committed to staying the most reliable source of information in the industry. But we know when you are thinking of making a big gear purchase, you call up your buddies and ask for their advice. While we will continue to write articles and blog posts analyzing the best gear, optics and firearms, we also want to hear what our readers think!Introducing Reader Reviews- Starting today, we will post asking our readers for a review of a specific product, and leave the comments on the blog post open. We’ll keep the post open for a couple of days, and then take the comments and create a new reference page on the site. In the future, you’ll be able to check out our website to get peer reviews on a new purchase.Our first category will be Swarovski rifle scopes. Don’t worry if you’ve never used one; we’ll open up more categories very soon! If you have only used a Swarovski scope once or twice, but don’t own one, let us hear your opinion too!Swarovski Z5 Rifle ScopeHere’s what we would like to see in your comment (feel free to give us as much information as you can!): Which scope do you use? When and where did you buy the scope (if you own it) In which situations do you use it the most? Which reticle do you prefer and why? What are the pros and cons of the scope, in your opinion? Would you recommend the scope to a friend? Anything else you would tell a friend looking for advice about a Swarovski scope! Comment below and see your review published soon! View the full article

Subscribe TODAY (June 25th) to receive the Fall 2012 issue of Elk Hunter. This issue is packed with backpacking tips, a great review of 10×42 binos, Colorado OTC hunt information, wolf hunting in Idaho, AND the new Idaho Pope and Young record (on the cover)!If you haven’t already subscribed, click HERE to do so. Remember, all subscribers are automatically entered to win one of our “End of the World” prizes in December. Click HERE for more info on the giveaway! SUBSCRIBE TODAY! View the full article

Hurry up and wait that is the next step! The list of “Secondary Sale Tags†has been released and it looks like there are quite a few good hunts left. Most of the tags are deer tags but there are a few Antelope, Elk, Javelina tags left and there is even 1 Oryx tag left over.You can see the list by following this link:http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/documents/UNDERFULFILLEDHUNTS-rev.pdfRemember the tags go on sale July 9th, make sure you have a plan; these tags are going to move quickly.So, there you have it, NO EXCUSES for not hunting this year, there are plenty of opportunities around the state.Good Luck!-Jason “The New Mexico Sportsman†AmaroAuthor Jason Amaro and his New Mexico Javelina View the full article

The Big-Game Draw in New Mexico was full of ups and downs this year; we had a peek into the results via a backdoor issue that caused some to be hopeful and caused others to be scrambling for something to hunt. For those that didn’t draw a tag, New Mexico has plenty of opportunities for those looking for a hunt. The options are pretty straight forward:Youth Encouragement Tags – Offered to NM Youth who successfully submitted any application but didn’t draw. After the 14 days the tags are open to any eligible youth hunter, these are Elk only tags. The list of tags is usually available on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Website – http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ in July.Left-over Tags – First Come First Serve, the list of tags is usually available on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Website – http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ in July. One thing to note about these tags, they are left-over for a reason. Some of these tags are in marginal units, so make sure you do your research before purchasing them.OTC Tags - Barbary, Ibex, Lion, Bear, Private Land Oryx Hunting, Private Land Deer Hunting, Furbearer, Small Game and Bird Hunting, these can be purchased from any vendorLandowner Tags – Elk and Antelope, you can find the list of landowners who received tags on the New Mexico Departmentof Game and Fish Website – http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/. Some of these tags can be great but expect to pay high-dollar for the better opportunities.The trick in getting any of the post-draw tags is to keep informed, make sure you watch the Western Hunter and Elk Hunter Blogs- you will be given warning of when the tags are going on sale, but they move quickly so you need to have a game plan.Good luck! -Jason “The New Mexico Sportsman†AmaroAuthor Jason Amaro View the full article

“Dude, I need a breather,†I shamefully murmured to my hunting partner. I was struggling to hike the last load of loose meat and bull bone. Soggy feet, busted boots, and a Badlands Ox clung to my blood and sweat-soiled shirt. My water bottle was empty, we were ten miles from the nearest road, this was the fourth elk I had packed out in the last ten days, and it just about broke me. I was whittled down to five-step intervals followed by a long, bent-over rest.How could a guy who’s in the best shape of his life succumb to complete exhaustion? Maybe it was just between the ears, but I was running out of gas fast. If I’m struggling to pack this elk out, how does someone do it out of shape? Truth is they probably don’t. Right then and there, I promised myself that the next elk hunting article I wrote would not encourage, but demand that all elk hunters train for the mountains.I coach fitness for a career. My uniform is sweats and a t-shirt, and I workout between client appointments every day, prescribing over 1,000 workouts a year for clients… so why was I failing to walk the walk? Barely 30 years old, coming off the best off-season conditioning program, I stood there in the steep huckleberry brush of Idaho baffled at my empty gas tank. Maybe I’m killing elk too deep in the backcountry. Maybe I need to incorporate more rest days when I’m hunting (that will never happen). The mind can really start to run wild with negative thoughts when you’re at your wit’s end. This marked my 24th day in a row of backcountry bowhunting with ample success, yet I was deteriorating fast.My 2011 elk hunting season consisted of 33 days between the end of August and all of September, and I can tell you that to be in shape for the rigors of DIY elk hunting requires a tremendous amount of physical and mental prowess. This is significantly more important than top-notch gear and prime hunting ground.A bull elk can weigh over 800 lbs. on the hoof, and can yield a few hundred pounds of perfect protein to feed your household. I’m a meat hunter first and foremost, so preserving elk meat in the mountains is my highest priority. If you hunt with horses, bikes, ATVs, or near a road, there’s still no guarantee as to where that bull will take his last breath. Compound that with warm temperatures, flies, predators, and limited help, and you can’t tell me that fitness isn’t a prerequisite!I’ve killed many bulls with a bow in the last few years and not one died on or near a road or trail. To prepare for the specificity of this grueling and daunting chore, I’ve trained with heavy packs, ran with a vest, cross-trained, and meticulously calculated my food intake. My gear room has shuffled through the industry’s finest, lightest, and most durable gear in hopes of evolving into the perfect setup for September. All my ducks were in a row, yet I was seconds away from bonking on a hunt I dreamed about all year. Don’t let this happen to you! You want to be an elk killer? Well, you better make darn sure you’re fit as a pack mule for when your dreams come true, or it may quickly become a nightmare.Here’s my first list of Dos and Don’ts as it pertains to being in elk hunting and elk harvesting shape. The Dos:Do hydrate. I go through a tub of Wilderness Athlete’s Hydrate and Recover every September. It adds miles to your boots, tastes great, and makes fluid consumption happen.Do remember to eat. The action can be good all morning long and oftentimes we forget to eat or don’t take the time. Never skip breakfast; make sure there’s something good going into your body in the morning besides just coffee. I slam a protein bar and consume handfuls of trail mix to keep fueled.Do prepare for a kill. We always leave pack frames in the truck, at the trailhead, or hike them in. My Badlands 2200 day pack is always good for the first hindquarter, but it’s nice to grab a pack frame for the second load when back at the truck.Now that the Dos are spelled out, let’s cover a couple of Don’ts:Don’t show up fat. Extra weight to lug around is not only a hindrance, but also can handicap your ability to flank elk herds, negotiate rough terrain, and put up with the daily grind.Don’t “hunt your way into shapeâ€. I’ve actually heard peers tell me this was part of their plan. This is not the right program!Don’t take time off when the season comes to an end. If you dropped a few pounds on your hunt and hiked all over, you probably ought to let the start of a beautiful thing continue.Don’t hibernate. Winter can be long and physical activity can take a backseat to the holidays, reduced daylight, and cold weather. Elk don’t take the winter off; you shouldn’t either.Don’t lose meat. Both of my bulls killed in 2011 died during Indian summer conditions. Always pack game bags, a sharp knife, and parachute cord in your pack. Gutless method is my favorite, and getting that hide off is essential. Find the nearest creek or north-facing timber to hang your meat and be prepared to take some with you on your first trip out.About the Author: Dan Staton has an M.S. in Exercise Physiology and is owner/operator of a CrossFit Gym in Spokane, Washington. He co-owns TrainToHunt.com – a website dedicated to preparing hunters for their sport. He’s also an avid and accomplished bowhunter.Other Reading:Running on Empty? Athlete Hydration and Its Impact on PerformanceLearn More About TrainToHunt.com View the full article

Click here to enter to win.There is no arguing that Swarovski produces some of the finest optics available. However, the majority of us can’t just go out and stock up on all of their top products, short of winning the lottery or receiving some surprise inheritance. But there is an exception to every rule; thanks to the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle and the generosity of Swarovski over the last six years, your chance to get your hands on over $9,300 of Swarovski’s top products is just $10 away.Tickets for the raffle are available on the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle website. You can purchase the Swarovski package tickets separately for $10 or in a package with the hunts available to win. The odds are better than any lottery jackpot you’ve bought tickets for, and the payout is a dream optics package!So what’s on the line here? Let’s look at the details…15×56 SLC BinocularThe SLCs have been the cornerstone of the Swarovski line for many years and with its new design it is bound to hold that station for some time. With a slimmer body and more sensitive rubber armoring, the SLC is better than ever.New SWAROCLEAN external coating for lenses makes it considerably easier to clean objective and ocular lenses. Thanks to improved cleaning, the lenses need less intensive attention to achieve maximum clarity. This considerably increases the longevity of optical products. 3-lens objective lens with high light-gathering power for excellent picture quality, even in poor light conditions. Optimum color fidelity across the whole light spectrum with unique prism coating, SWAROBRIGHT. Optimized roof prism-system with P-coating. SWAROTOP & SWARODUR coatings. Phenomenal depth of field. El Range 10×42 Rangefinding BinocularThe EL Range redefines hunting equipment. A single instrument combines the capability of razor-sharp, top-quality optics with precise measuring. Highest transmission values, low weight, and the widest field of view in its class literally set new standards for optics and precise measuring.PRECISE MEASURINGA steady hand is required for measuring distant targets. The legendary EL wrap-around grip, the low, perfectly balanced weight, and the unique shape ensure the EL Range’s good handling characteristics and the display of the exact distance to the desired target.INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGY Optimally positioned measuring button on the binoculars provides quick measuring results Small reticle for precise measurements for long distances Measuring scope: 33-1,500 yds ( 30-1,375 m) Measuring accuracy ± 1 yard (1 m) over the entire measuring range Display has optional fixed brightness level or automatic brightness adjustment for different backgrounds Simple and intuitive menu operation UNSURPASSED ECONOMICS The EL wrap-around grip ensures binoculars can be held steadily and focus even the smallest targets at a great distance The ergonomic shape provides additional stability and permits single-handed operation PRECISE HITS WITH SWARO-AIMMany hunting challenges are caused by geographic circumstances. Firing an accurate shot uphill or downhill requires precise timing and ballistic experience. Or a precise measuring instrument. The EL Range with SWARO-AIM is equipped with a completely new angled-shot program developed by SWAROVSKI OPTIK, which determines the precise, correct distance and an exact aim – even in the most demanding terrain.Swaro-Aim Calculates the correct bullet trajectory for angled shots on the basis of the program developed by Swarovski while taking into consideration the measured distance and angle to the target. Scan function, also for measuring angles Optional display of angle or corrected shooting distance SWARO-AIM display turns on and off easily as needed Not dependent on caliber 5-25x52P Z5 Rifle Scope w/Ballistic Turret & Plex ReticleThe Z5 from Swarovski Optik is a 1-inch rifle scope with 5x zoom – an innovative combination. Due to its high magnification and its large field of view, it is particularly versatile and eminently suitable for various types of hunting. The Z5 offers exceptional optical performance in a slim rifle scope.With the new 1-inch range with 5x zoom, Swarovski Optik delivers performances that have only rarely been achieved previously by any other rifle scope of the 30 mm class. The slim, compact Z5 rifle scopes are designed for harsh everyday hunting – they are reliable companions in many hunting situations.Optical System 5x zoom in a 1-inch rifle scope Maximum image quality due to completely innovative design of the optic Large eye relief of 3.74 in (95 mm) for greater safety Large field of view for greater overview Reticle in the second image plane: The target observed is magnified while the size of the reticle remains the same. Rapid diopter adjustment Microstructure surface: precisely defined ribbing to prevent residual reflections inside the tube for bright, high-contrast images, even in intense light Function & Design Third parallax correction with 109 yds (100 m) mark for rapid operation, even in the firing position Rectangular adjustment range for greater range of elevation Patented Swarovski Optik 4-point coil spring system for absolute certainty of hitting your target – shot after shot Slim, stylish design Low weight All aluminum outer parts are anodized to be scratch-resistant. Ballistic turret STM-65 Spotting Scope w/25-50x Wide Angle EyepieceExtremely rugged and unusually lightweight spotting scopes thanks to state of the art magnesium technology. The large objective lens diameter enables observation in razor-sharp detail due to excellent light-gathering qualities even at high magnifications. Fluoride-containing HD lenses minimize color fringing (chromatic aberration) and deliver high contrast images with razor-sharp outlines. Ideal for digital photography through the spotting scope. A straight scope simplifies locating and following animals and makes it easier to observe from a hide or car. Weight: 44.6 oz Length: 15.4 in Field of View (Ft @ 1000yds): 138 ft/ 89 ft Eye Relief: 17.0 mm Magnification: 25-50x Wide Angle Objective Lens Size: 65 mm You can check out more info and stories from past winners on the AZ Big Game Super Raffle Blog. View the full article

Check out this awesome Arizona rifle elk hunt. Hunter Stevi Conolly, family, friends and Arizona elk quide Mike Conway hunt in the AZ mountains for for this beautiful trophy bull. This early rifle elk hunt was filmed in September of 2011. The gang is loaded with the best hunting gear including- Sitka gear, Eberlstock packs, Badlands packs, Firs Lite Merino Wool, Iverson custom rifle, Kenetrek boots and Swarovski binoculars. View the full article

In the course of my guiding career I have experienced a fair share of anxiety, apprehension, and angst on the eve of opening day. But as my son Mark and I stood in the Phoenix airport awaiting the arrival of our new elk hunter David McShaw and his parents David Sr. and Karen, my nervous system was ablaze with self doubt. You see, David (13 years old) is stricken with muscular dystrophy and is wheelchair bound. As the reality of his limitations sank in, my confidence eroded and it struck me just how much I wanted this hunt to be a “hunt of a lifetime.” After a brief prayer I spotted the McShaw family enthusiastically working their way toward our direction and our date with destiny officially began.The events that brought us to this day started just months earlier when my good friend and outfitter Chad Smith, of Vaquero Outfitters, and I were discussing the upcoming seasons. Chad mentioned that one of his clients had drawn an Arizona bull elk tag but due to some unforeseen circumstances would not be able hunt this year. Chad asked if there was any way to donate this tag and avoid wasting it. Coincidentally (I think not!), just a few weeks earlier I had been asked by Terry Petko to be a part of the Arizona chapter of Hunt of a Lifetime, an organization dedicated to organizing hunts for terminally ill children. A quick call to Terry got the ball rolling. Meanwhile, in a small town in eastern Pennsylvania, the McShaws had been in contact with HOAL headquarters. They were notified as soon as the Arizona elk hunt became available. Though David had never seen an elk, he jumped at the dream of hearing the bugle of a rutting bull.After navigating the chaos of the busy airport, David and his family followed Mark and me north out of the metropolitan commotion. Since the Savage Arms 30/06 had only arrived a few days before the hunt we needed to stop at the rifle range for a last minute tune-up. With less than 10 rounds the rifle was sighted in and fired a one inch three shot group! After all of our equipment checks were done it was time to head to the home of Chad and Shawn Smith.As a novice elk hunter it can be very difficult to maintain a sense of perspective as you enter the Smith’s home. Shawn’s 2005 bull mount looms over the living room displaying over 400 inches of antler, and gargantuan shed antlers decorate the plant shelves and patio. Huge mule deer, Coues deer and antelope mounts added even more spice to the McShaw’s first day west of the Mississippi. As Shawn served the first of the many gourmet meals, you could see on everyone’s face that the fatigue of a challenging day was taking its toll.David’s first day in the Arizona desert.Chad was born and raised in the Prescott area. His folks still live on the same ranch where he grew up. Chad and Shawn know most of the ranchers in this area and have access to many acres of private land. Before we arrived he had contacted most of them about our hunt, and without fail or a dollar changing hands, every gate onto private ground was opened to us. As the dawn chased the night from the eastern sky of opening day we were listening for the distant bugles on the Las Vegas Ranch.We still did not know how we were going to get David, his wheel chair, and his shooting device with 12 volt battery in place for a shot when a very aggressive sounding bull chimed in at less than 400 yards. We made decisions fast. Chad carried David on his back, David Sr. grabbed the wheel chair, Mark and I split up the shooting system, Karen carried the rifle, and we blitzed down the draw to get in front of the moving bull. We clanged and banged metal on metal but eventually got David set up and pointed in the most likely direction. Chad backed off to lure the bull past our position. The bull immediately answered Chad’s invitation. Could this be happening? The sun isn’t shining yet and we have a bull coming in like in a Primos video? As Karen ran the camera, the six point bull stepped out directly in front of us at 35 yards and stopped absolutely broadside.David’s rifle restThe rifle rest that we used has motors for left/right and up/down motions which are controlled by the shooter with a toggle lever much like a video game controller. A large steel plate, which we affectionately referred to as “the gong” due to the sound it produced when in came into contact with anything, went underneath the seat pad on the wheel chair. After we got David into the chair we would then attach the rest to the steel plate and connect the wires from the battery to the motors. With time we knew we could develop an efficient system, but it wasn’t pretty on our first run!The first bull elk was now staring at us from spitting distance. I could see that the rifle was pointed behind the bull so I whispered to David to move the rifle to right, but his hands never moved. I reached over and lifted the ear muffs and whispered the same line one more time and then another, but David was frozen solid. The adrenaline and shock at having this huge animal so close was just overwhelming his decision making. I reached around him and manipulated the toggle myself, but as the motor ground into action the bull bolted. We all sat in silence of disbelief. The bull was just too close and too soon and we had not had enough practice runs to get the job done. No one was discouraged, it was only the first morning and we now had a learning experience that we could build upon.That evening we watched a water tank on Chad’s family ranch. His dad had seen a bull drink at this source just the night before but he did not show up for a repeat performance which would prove to be a common problem. Arizona was blessed with much needed rain during the late summer and fall. Green feed and abundant water is great if you are an elk, but it created problems for our team. Typically elk will feed most of the morning and at the end of a warm day they will head to a water hole with regularity. With a well constructed blind we could be set up well before the elk arrived, and as an added bonus, there is a road leading to every dirt tank in the Southwest! But with water standing in every drainage, the elk were not married to any particular pattern. Since the elk were not likely to come to us, we needed to be more efficient in getting to them.Chad hit a home run with the very first suggestion. By removing the pack from a Cabela’s Alaskan Freighter frame and using the shelf as a seat, David could sit facing forward and see over Chad’s shoulders. We could not change the fact that David still weighed 85 lbs, but at least he and Chad were more comfortable. The Eberlestock “Just One” pack continued to live up to its name as we cinched up the rifle rest with its outer straps. We would have to take turns carrying the wheel chair on our shoulders but at least we were mobile. To this day, I berate myself for not getting a picture of our human “pack string”, but once we saddled up it was to get moving.With our new system in place we headed to the famous ORO ranch on the second morning. This incredible territory is the largest piece of private land in Arizona and home to some great bulls. As the sky turned from black to grey a bugle of multiple bulls warmed our spirits on this frosty morning. We were able to walk on a good road so David Sr. pushed his son on the wheel chair. Soon the elk and the road parted ways so we put our new system into action. With David riding more comfortably on Chad’s back we moved as quickly as possible through the volcanic rock and junipers toward the always moving elk. We were gaining on them! They slowed a bit as they approached their bedding grounds giving us a chance to close the gap even further. Unfortunately they chose a good place for a mid day nap, plenty of cover and the wind in their favor. We tried multiple times to call one of these bulls back to us but we just could not lure them away from their herd.The group, working on creating a ground blind.After an uneventful evening at a water hole, we headed back to the house for some good home cooked Mexican food and a much needed night of sleep. As I lay in bed my mind was racing with potential scenarios we might face. I was having a hard time even visualizing success, since the elk were no longer making any mistakes. Luck has a role in every successful hunt but we needed more than just luck, we needed help! I am not talking about human help; we needed assistance that goes beyond explanation.Revelry was at 3:30 a.m. on the third day. We all crawled out of bed and injected some coffee with a heightened degree of necessity. As we made our way though the gates of the K4 ranch Chad revealed the plan for our morning hunt. Mark and I were to climb a steep hill overlooking a large valley as he and the McShaw’s would ease their way toward a likely travel route. We were hoping to find the good bull Chad had seen when he was scouting that he estimated would score about 340″. Nothing was going quite right, and then Mark called me back to his position. With a smile on his face and with complete confidence, he said “I found the 340 bull.” Mark has seen a fair number of big bulls for a 13 year old, but that was a bold statement! As I peered into the spotting scope there stood a textbook example of a 340″ bull. It was late morning by now and the bull bedded out of sight. He had about a dozen cows and three satellite bulls surrounding him in habitat that was more appropriate for antelope than elk, so we decided to hold off until the evening.Mark and I headed into Prescott to have lunch with my wife Carla and daughter Courtney who had driven up from Phoenix for a quick visit and shopping excursion. As we recounted the events of the previous days I flogged myself for not handling our opening day encounter more effectively. Carla reminded me that everything happens for a reason, and that we just needed to be keep it fun and keep hunting. With a good pep talk and a re-fueling stop at Starbucks we were fired up for the evening hunt.Chad, David Sr., Mark and I climbed back up the hill to verify that our morning bull had not vacated the territory. He was still there with all his friends feeding in the wide open terrain. We decided that Mark should stay on the hill and serve as our “eye in the sky” while the rest of us attempted a stalk. We had no grand plan about how to make this stalk work but we decided to get as close as we could and see what might happen.When we got down on the same level as the elk we realized that was a little more texture in the terrain than we thought, allowing us to move quickly. Within 20 minutes we were about 400 yards from the elk, but we were completely out of cover and if we moved closer would surely be seen by one of the many sets of eyes. We were running out of options so we tried to call the bull to us even though we knew the odds were against him leaving his harem. We got David all set with the rifle rest pointed in a likely direction. To our disappointment we could not even get the bull to look in our direction, but the cows were all ears! This was not the kind of attention we were hoping for.Hoping the elk might reverse their morning route we tore everything down, repacked and moved about 300 yards to a good sniping position. We felt that our effective shooting range was about 100 yards so we needed to be very precise as to where we set up. Once in place Chad peeked around the hill, turned back to us and said “We gotta move again, they are heading toward our last set up.” With reckless abandon we moved our team back.As David Sr. strapped the rifle into the rest Chad whispered “Guys, we need to hurry…the bull is right there.” As all four adults tried to hide behind the wheelchair the lead cow materialized less than 60 yards away. Looking our direction she high stepped anxiously to the right. As she did, the swaying antler tips of the big bull got longer and longer as he closed the gap between us. We could only hope that he would follow the lead of the cow, as she now stood perfectly broadside with her body completely exposed. The bull eased his way toward the cow silhouetted by the setting sun, stopping to amp up our adrenaline rush with a challenging scream. With the lower half of his torso concealed by a grassy mound we could only hold our breath and try not to move. Time stood still and so did the bull. Finally as if on queue the bull took three steps forward and as Chad cow called, the bull stopped right on his mark. With a few minor rest adjustments and some encouragement, David pulled the trigger. The bull staggered at the shot and covered about 50 yards before piling up in a cloud of dust.David, excited and full of emotion after the shot.I will never be able to accurately describe the emotions that followed, the scene was a collage of tears, laughter, screams, high fives, hugs and thanks. As I recall other similar events in my life, I realized that they have all been characterized by two things- the feeling that there was a hand greater than my own at work, and the knowledge that I was changed in the process. Had we taken a bull the first morning, we would not have been able to experience the teamwork, anticipation, and even fatigue that made this experience such a powerful one for all of us. HOAL is aptly named: this was a hunt of all our lifetimes, I am sure.The whole group- David and his parents, myself, Mark and Chad.David, tagging his trophy!David and his family, with his bull.After the successful hunt, David and his family headed to the Grand Canyon. View the full article

The original Jackal by Danner earned a tremendous following among bowhunters and still hunters for its flexible sole and athletic feel. The upgraded version, the Jackal II GTX, will not let you down! As hard as this may be to believe it is even lighter (only 42 ozs per pair) than the original, but does not compromise on lateral stability and traction. The Danner Phantom outsole is tacky, sticking to rock without picking up noisy pebbles that can ruin a stalk. With the 100% waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex lining your feet are guaranteed to stay dry as well. The 1000 Denier nylon upper is extremely abrasion resistant, breathable and dries very quickly.This boot is perfect for the early season hunter, especially archery elk and mule deer hunters who are not packing big loads each day. The thin outsoles allow you to feel the ground under your feet so that you can move confidently and quietly. However, if you are going to be carrying a heavy pack in rocky terrain over long distances you may feel the ground a little too much, if you know what I mean. If that is the case I would recommend either the Pronghorn or the new ICH (Improved Combat Hiker) from Danner. Suggested retail $120. View the full article

Didn’t draw for Arizona elk this year? Neither did some of us here at Elk Hunter. We’ve got some great news though- you’ve got another chance. Once a year, the Arizona Big Game Super Raffle draws one winner for each big game species, and that lucky guy or girl gets to hunt for 365 days in any Arizona unit they choose (with some exceptions for the sheep tag). Here’s how it works- You buy raffle tickets anytime between now and July 8th. Tickets vary in price from $5-$25, and there are packages available (we recommend the “All Eleven” package, which puts you in for all ten hunts, and the two bonus prizes, which we’ll get to in a minute). The raffle includes elk, Coues whitetail, mule deer, antelope mountain lion, big horn sheep, javelina, black bear, buffalo and turkey. So what are these bonus prizes? They’re BIG that’s what they are. For just $10 you’re entered to win a Swarovski package of your dreams. This package includes binoculars, a spotting scope, a rifle scope, and the new EL Range laser rangefinder. Click here to learn more about the package- it’s worth over $9,00 and it can’t be beat! The second extra prize is a guided New Mexico elk hunt with West-Tex New-Mex Hunting Services. The package includes lodging, meals, transportation during the hunt, skinning and delivery to meat processor. You’ll hunt with a guaranteed bull elk landowner tag in Northern New Mexico in an area with the potential to produce trophy bulls. Some of the areas have a good bear density and a bear license is available for purchase over the counter. Dates of the hunt will depend on whether you want to hunt archery, rifle or muzzleloader. Click here to learn more about the hunt. So remember- with the “All Eleven” Package, you are entered to win all of the hunts, the Swarovski package and the NM elk hunt. You really don’t want to miss any of these opportunities, especially if you were unlucky in Arizona this year. Oh and we almost forgot to mention- all proceeds from the raffle of the tags go straight back to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Buying these raffle tickets not only put you in the running for the hunt of a lifetime, but they support conservation in Arizona at the same time. It’s a win-win! Check out the photos below of previous winners, and see more photos and stories on the AZBGSR Blog. To buy tickets or learn more, head to the AZBGSR website! Jim Pomfret and his bull. This was Jim’s first ever big game hunt! Mike Schnable and his beautiful bull Robert Dunn and his raffle bull Bobby Boido and his Coues whitetail Donnie Young and his big horn sheep Eric Hunt and his big horn sheep were featured in our very own Western Hunter Magazine. Other Articles You May Enjoy: Whale’s Tail Hunt Forever West Episode 2- WY Elk Hunt 400 inch Arizona Bull Bugling Bull Up Close View the full article

Kristy Titus is the hunting/nutrition editor with Elk Hunter Magazine. Here is a little bit about Kristy. “I was raised leading a pack string of mules into the backcountry, experiencing the thrill of fair chase, do-it-yourself hunting. I believe life’s hardest lessons are best learned in the field with your family and friends by your side, helping you to develop sound personal character and values. The time that I spent in the backcountry as a kid with my family transformed my life and created the entire core of who I am as an individual. My dad always taught me that there was no such thing as goal or a dream too big to make a reality. Learning the value of setting goals and creating my own success started with small moments in the field: as a kid learning to handle, ride, and pack mules, learning to call elk, learning how to strategize in the field, and ultimately gaining the skills to hunt solo on public land. Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to hunt around the globe, from the frozen Canadian tundra to the bushveld savannas of Africa. Climbing some of the roughest mountains in the world, enduring severe weather conditions, pushing my mind and body, digging deep, and giving each hunt everything I’ve got motivates me to continuously look for ways to gain the advantage over the next hunter and the prey that I seek. As an elite athlete on the Under Armour Arsenal, with a background as a Certified Clinical Sports Nutrition and Exercise INTRAFITT® technical representative and an NPC figure competitor, I know that there is nothing more powerful than proper nutrition and hard training. Spending countless hours training in the gym, running trails, shooting my bow, refining my elk-calling skills and preseason scouting gives me the advantage in the backcountry. I’m passionate in the support of wildlife and habitat conservation and outdoor education. Every member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a member of Team Elk. However, because I’m a featured member of Team Elk, I’m in a position to represent RMEF to broader audiences and serve as an ambassador for RMEF. Having also served my local chapter of SCI and community for nearly 10 years, I’m proud to do my part to ensure the continuation of our hunting heritage and the right to bear arms. By sharing my adventures and love of the outdoors, my greatest hope is to inspire others, giving them the confidence to tackle the most demanding outdoor activities.” Get to know Kristy Titus better by reading the interview below. 1. What do you like about elk hunting the most? For me, there is nothing that compares to the haunting sound of a bull’s bugle as it echos across a canyon. The bull elk has left such an impression upon me that I lay awake in bed at night reliving moments in the backcountry and imaging what lies ahead for the coming season. The thrill of getting a bull all fired up to fight, first hearing then watching him charge in like a freight train is an indescribable experience. When you are blessed enough to have that moment nothing will ever again compare. 2. Do you prefer bowhunting or rifle hunting elk? For me, it’s all in the experience. I like getting in close and having intense encounters with elk. Typically, the heat is turned up during archery season, but I have been on some rifle hunts that have been every bit as thrilling as an archery hunt. 3. When did you shoot your first elk? I was 13 years old when my dad used his old school bugle to chuckle in a public land spike and 5×5 bull elk. The 5×5 came in screaming, chasing off the spike, and angrily charging towards us when my dad shot him from roughly 30 yards away. I didn’t pull the trigger on that bull but I consider it to be my first in many ways as it changed my life forever. Thankfully, my dad and I still experience the thrill of elk hunting together every year. 4. What methods of hunt are your favorite to use on elk? There is no greater thrill for me than calling in a bull elk. 5. How do you personally prepare for an upcoming elk hunt (physically), (gear), (shooting) Physically, I train year round. I do a lot of resistance training so that my muscles are well conditioned to carry my gear and in the summer, I do a lot of running for cardiovascular endurance. Over the past year, I have been taking crossfit classes which give me a challenging bit of both worlds. I shoot my bow at least twice a week year round, but during the summer, I shoot daily. When it comes to shooting my rifle, I haven’t practiced as much as I should, so this year, I am attending the Holland’s Long Range Shooting School in order to improve my knowledge and skill to become a more proficient shooter. There are some really amazing sportsmen out there that have extensive knowledge and in field skills that I really look up to, so I learn as much as I can from them. I try to always learn something new and have an open mind. You never know who may teach you a new method that will make you a more successful hunter. 6. On a typical elk hunt what is always in your backpack? A lot of stuff, too much stuff. My dad always makes fun of how much “junk†I pack around. For day trips where I have a camp set up, I have less “junk†which includes: a Havalon Knife, Limb Saw, Hunting Knife, 2 Headlamps, Extra Batteries, GPS, Map, Compass, Food, Tri Pod, Swarovski Spotting Scope, Binoculars & Range Finder, Scents, Decoy, SPF Lip Balm, TP, Small First Aid Kit, Liquid Smoke, Camera, Video Camera, Kindle, Cell Phone, Small Game Bags, Small Notepad and Pencil, Hot Hands/Feet, Cloth Tape Measure, Flagging Tape, Small Survival Kit, Water and last but not least, my weapon of choice. 7. What is your favorite cow call? Bugle? All of my calls are Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls (formerly Bugling Bull Game Calls) but my favorite diaphragm call is the “Remedy†because it makes good cow/calf sounds plus it is a dynamite call for bugling too. I like to keep it simple. I will have a back up “Mellow Yellow MaMa†if the elk are super close and I need a nice soft cow call to really romance the bulls. For bugling, I am a diaphragm user, so I love the “Bully Bull†with the select-a-bull base. This allows me to change the tone of my bugle to sound more aggressive or throaty clear down to young and squeaky for more immature bull sounds. With these three calls, I can make any elk sound that I need to and not have to carry a bunch of calls. 8. What is your dream elk hunt? Who would like to hunt with? Every elk hunt is my dream hunt. There is no place that I would rather be in this world than hunting elk with my friends and family. My dad and Rockie Jacobsen are two of my favorites to hunt with but this year, I am really looking forward to hunting with the other members of Team Elk. 9. What is your favorite way to eat cook elk meat? I like to marinate my elk steaks, then roll the slices up and skewer them on a stick wrapped in bacon. Slow cooked to perfection on the Traeger, nothing beats it!!! 10. What else do you like to hunt? I love hunting period. In the Spring, I like to take my 7 year old nephew Rock Chuck hunting with our Crosman Air Rifles, followed by Turkey and Bears of course the fall is reserved for Elk and Deer. Someday, I will get the opportunity at Moose, Grizzly or Brown Bear, Mountain Goat and Sheep hunting. 11. What do you like to do when you are not hunting? My family is everything to me so when I am not hunting, I am usually with them. Luckily for me, my family also loves hunting, so we are usually outdoors shooting our bows or guns, riding the mules, scouting, camping or enjoying the lake on our boat. We also spend a tremendous amount of time in the gym year round, training together which is great. 12. What kind of movies do you like? I don’t watch a lot of movies, but I do love to laugh, so when I make the time to watch a movie, it’s usually a comedy. 13. What is your favorite food? I love Mexican food; fresh corn tortillas, refried beans, black beans and fresh pico de gallo. I could eat elk asada tacos, ground elk tacos, taco seasoned elk burger with potatoes and salsa, anything with a Mexican flare, everyday. 14. Tell us something the readers would never guess about you? When I am on long road trips, I like to sing really loud in the truck and eat popcorn. I consider myself to be a huge dork. 15. Tell us about your business and your websites? I developed the Pursue the Wild website (pursuethewild.com) a few years ago, before the big social media craze took over. I update that site occasionally with resources, but most of my focus is on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kristytitus ) and on my blog (www.kristytitus.blogspot.com). All my pages feature various links to my seminar schedule, articles, tips and videos that I write or produce, current events that are hunting related, and a place to share the hunting and outdoor heritage together as a family. I am on my Facebook page nearly every day and I feel like the people on my page are an extended part of my family. We share the highs and lows of our time in the field. It is a fun place to be. This year, Realtree.com is producing a 15 part video blog called “Out West with Kristy Titus†which will feature various tips for Western Big Game hunting. When I am not hunting, I am a professional fitness and nutrition consultant with INTRAFITT. INTRAFITT (INTRA-Cellular Fitness) is a comprehensive individualized nutrition and exercise program designed to teach you exactly how, what, when, and why to eat and exercise in order to achieve stable blood sugar and promote a favorable intra-cellular hormonal response. We design custom nutrition and exercise programs based on individual body composition and goals, including maximizing health, sports performance, fat loss, and simply looking and feeling your best. View the full article

By Curtis Crimmins Drawing a permit for a prime unit is what every hunter hopes for. Sometimes one of the hardest things about a hunt for an experienced hunter is getting drawn for a record producing unit. After 30 years of hunting in Arizona my brother Mike Crimmins and his hunting buddy Jim Oliver finally drew prime unit bull tags in 2010. Mike had the good fortune to work with an experienced hunter, Bob Andersen, who knew the unit like the back of his hand. Bob has hunted Arizona his entire life and suggested water holes, strategies, and areas to scout for big bulls. Following Bob’s suggestions led to success. The excitement started in August. For four weeks we scouted the unit, photographing and videotaping the most magnificent bulls we had ever seen. Not all elk units provide the terrain for glassing waterholes from a distance, but in this unit good binoculars and spotting scopes were a must. We spotted several bulls from over a mile away, and our Swarovski 15×56’s and spotting scopes made a big difference distinguishing between a 380 inch and a 320 inch bull. It was a great year for antler growth with good weather and a textbook rut. After scouting on four separate weekends we had plenty of pictures and video of half a dozen 350+ inch bulls using the same water holes. Some of those bulls looked like they would easily top the 365 inch mark, which was our goal. Nicknaming the bulls helped our group identify them while scouting. There was Doofus, Caribou, Big Bud, and the Schaffer Bull. Doofus was a huge bull with great mass, width and length; we thought he might be a 380 inch bull. Caribou was a tall 7×8 with long narrow tines, but with such length that we thought he might be pushing 400 inches. Big Bud and Schaffer Bull were also great bulls, but then there was Whale’s Tail! We first saw Whale’s Tail two weeks before opening day. Mikes first strategy for opening day was to sit in a blind at a water hole. The weather was hot and the rut was up and running. We had set up his blind at a water hole. The very next day the bulls were hitting water as though they had never drank before. Ignoring Mike’s blind, they congregated in the early hours of the day near the water. I had never seen more than a 100 elk come to one water hole before 8 a.m., but this was Grand Central Station! We watched in awe from a hilltop over 500 yards away as herd after herd came in to drink at first light. First, a couple of spikes sparred, followed by a couple of small 5x5s. Next to appear was a 350 class bull with cows. Then a couple of small 6×6’s showed up. They were followed by another lone 350 class bull. After over an hour of nonstop activity we thought it couldn’t get any better. Suddenly, a high lonesome bugle rang out and a stream of cows filed out of the trees. They descended into the small valley that held the tank. Close to twenty cows heralded the way for a huge bull that brought up the rear. With his head held back bugling his claim to monarchy, he trotted in and herded his cows on the way. The smaller bulls cleared out of the way. Those that didn’t were promptly challenged and chased off. The bull bugled his way down to the water’s edge, not 10 yards from the blind we had set up! This bull’s brow tines were long, symmetrical, and ivory tipped. His thirds had length, symmetry, and mass. His fourths towered above. The fifth and sixth points swept in separate directions forming the shape of a whale’s tail. This was one BIG bull! We immediately named him Whale’s Tail. We watched him stalk around the water hole with his twenty cows, driving off smaller bulls and screaming with the urgency of a bull crazy in the rut, for 40 minutes. He then rounded up his cows and, driving them in front of him, trotted off the way he had come, bugling all the way. After Whale’s Tail’s visit to the water hole, things slowly died down. This promised to be a great hunt! For the next three days Whale’s Tail came to the water almost like clockwork. However, as the hunt neared we began to worry. Another hunter set up camp with his family close to the 440 yard limit from water holes. Additionally, hunter traffic began to increase through the small valley. Oblivious hunters would slowly creep through in four wheel drive trucks glassing the hillsides with their engines running. Activity at the tank dropped to zero. Sticking to his plan, opening day found Mike in his blind an hour before daybreak, fervently hoping for Whale’s Tail to show. Sadly, the elk activity in the area had faded. That morning, one small bull came in and meandered around Mike’s blind. This provided a perfect dry run, but the bull barely topped the 300 inch mark and wasn’t what he was looking for. Our concern about other hunters was warranted. After three weeks of the same bulls hitting the same water every day they were nowhere to be found. Mike sat the blind for two more days, but his enthusiasm was waning. The wait in a blind can be boring when nothing shows. By the end of the third day he was ready to try a new strategy. Mike decided to try cow calling in a new area. His hunting partner Jim was surrounded by bugles every day just a mile away. Just a few miles from his original spot there was a drainage with thick cover. We had scouted that area previously, but could not glass from our hilltop. When we drove down there that afternoon we found good sign, and tracks crossing a road, that told us the elk were now watering at a different hole. On Monday morning Mike and Jim went into the trees surrounding the lower drainage before first light. As they listened in the still morning air the calls of at least five bulls reverberated through the junipers. Separating from Jim, Mike stalked upwind through thick junipers toward what sounded like two big bulls roaring at each other. He paused to let out cow calls with a Primos Hyper Lip. The calls were answered with screams immediately. Mike slowly worked his way closer. The bulls continued screaming and answering the cow calls, but it seemed like they weren’t moving. Suddenly a new bigger sounding bugle rang out on his left side. The bull bugled again, closer this time. Mike began to look for shooting lanes. He glimpsed huge fifth and sixth tines above the junipers moving towards him 80 yards away. He found a shooting lane that would allow for perhaps a 40 yard shot, and knocked an arrow. The bull continued coming through the junipers until it was 15 yards away, but unfortunately it presented only a straight frontal shot. Sensing Mike’s presence the bull busted back through the junipers only to circle to get downwind. The bull crossed into the shooting lane again, this time at 40 yards and broadside. Mike let fly with a Rage 100 grain broadhead. The bull reacted to the hit with a lurch, ran about 40 yards, and then continued walking slowly through the trees. Mike marked his position on his GPS and sat down to wait. Concerned that the shot was a bit far back, he didn’t want to push the bull. While planning his next move Mike spotted the bull lying under a tree less than a 100 yards from where it had been hit. It looked wobbly and unsteady. The wind shifted and the bull stood up, disappearing into the trees. Not wanting to push the bull Mike decided to give him some time. He met back up with Jim and told him the story. Following a recommendation by Jay Scott in a Western Hunter Magazine article they decided to wait at least 6 hours before attempting a search. After lunch that afternoon they took up the trail. It wasn’t long before they found the bull under a tree about 400 yards from where it had been hit. Recognizing the antlers Mike’s heart leapt as he realized it was Whale’s Tail, the bull he had wanted from day one. The beautiful bull scored 386 3/8 typical SCI and 378 7/8 typical Pope and Young. View the full article

Just got some cool stuff in from Swarovski, and we want to GIVE IT AWAY! Buy a subscription between now and Monday and we’ll send one of you a Swarovski Optik accessory pack (cleaning kit, bino suspenders, and hat), worth over $100! Already subscribed? Send a gift subscription to a friend, family member or hunting buddy! Now’s the time if you’ve been putting it off. Who doesn’t like FREE gear? Subscribe at www.elkhuntermagazine.com/subscribe.html Cleaning kit, bino straps, and a Swarovski hat. Perfect for your next hunt! View the full article

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