Innholdsfortegnelse for December/January 2020-21 i Game & Fish East

Gearing up to go after the gray ghost is more akin to preparing for Western mule deer vs. Eastern whitetails. Long-distance glassing, patient stalking and the ability to shoot at long range are all skills that you’ll likely need to capture the Coues crown during a typical five-day hunt. Aside from tackling a bucket-list deer hunt, one of my group’s primary goals at Rancho Mababi was to field-test a top-secret new rifle from Mossberg (mossberg.com) before it came to market. Richard Mann and I both got our hands on the Patriot LR (Long Range) Hunter rifle for extensive range testing prior to heading south of the border, and we both used it to anchor our Coues bucks. The LR Hunter was born into Mossberg’s popular and budget-conscious family of Patriot…

All sporting dogs are not created equal. Some work in short bursts while others run all day. As such, different dogs require different levels of fat, protein and carbohydrates in their diets. Eukanuba’s new Premium Performance line includes four options tailored to dogs’ different exercise levels and nutritional needs. Though the formulas vary in protein and fat, they all are rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that support unique needs and demands. DHA promotes focus and a sharp nervous system. Chondroitin supports joint health.Advanced GI health technologies maximize nutrient absorption. Omega-3 and Omega-6 supports healthy skin and coat and new antioxidant cocktails aid in post-work recovery by defending against the effects of free radicals. Sprint (21% protein, 13% fat): Dogs that require bursts of energy for up to five…

Success is far from guaranteed when predator hunting, and every hunt holds just as many challenges as it does promise. To overcome these challenges, crafty predator hunters dig deep into their bags of tricks to turn the odds in their favor. Sometimes, the most overlooked or obscure tactic is the one that puts fur in the shed. Few predator hunters’ bag of tricks run quite as deep as Tad Brown’s. Brown has spent decades chasing coyotes, bobcats and various other furbearers in every corner of the country, and he’s grown accustomed to meeting predator hunting’s challenges head-on. The following are six of Brown’s most effective predator tips and tactics, which he regularly employs to produce consistent success. 1. Drive Instead of Walk Over the years, the idea that vehicle traffic…

As if there weren’t enough good things to be said about rabbit hunting, cottontails can be found just about anywhere in the East, including many public hunting lands. These three tracts, in particular, are certainly worth a look. New York: Ashland Flats WMA Located northwest of Watertown in the Thousand Islands region, this 2,000-acre piece consists primarily of open meadows, second-growth forest and young forested sections typical of the Lake Ontario plains. In other words, quintessential bunny habitat. Pennsylvania: State Game Lands 214 This 9,600-acre parcel managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission is located in Crawford County and adjacent to famed Pymatuning Reservoir. Although extensively managed as a waterfowl hunting area, SGL 214 does encompass fringe upland acreage ideal for cottontails. West Virginia: Hughes River WMA This 10,000-acre WMA sits…

I had seen six does and one spike, which meant it was a pretty eventful evening on our Adirondack deer lease. When I got back to camp, I popped in a VHS tape of whatever hunting video we had rented that weekend to vicariously fulfill my “big buck” craving. I was 16 years old and had no idea that one day, as a whitetail management specialist, I would conduct my own whitetail field studies, manage more than 2,700 acres of land and have an opportunity to shoot bucks like they did on television. Growing up, we never shot does, but we weren’t big buck hunters either. We kind of fell somewhere in the middle. My mother always wondered if we just enjoyed looking at nature in our camouflage. I never…

As deer seasons wind down and the holiday season passes, outdoorsy folks around the region have two choices: Get a 90-day supply of good whiskey and hunker down for the winter or take up ice fishing. In broad, general terms, ice fishing has two distinct camps, each loosely assimilated with the type of species being targeted. There are panfish aficionados (and, yes, we’ll put walleyes, northern pike and pickerel in that camp) and there are trout hunters. While Canada, a few places in the Rockies and a number of Great Lakes states rightfully boast of exceptional ice fishing spots for trout, the Northeast is home to hundreds—if not thousands—of water bodies that provide opportunity for winter-bound anglers to chase lakers, rainbows, browns and brookies. And some landlocked salmon, too. We…

Christmas, New Year’s and muzzleloader bucks. What’s not to like about the first two months of winter? If a last chance at whitetails isn’t enough to motivate you to brave the cold, December also marks the start of quality predator hunting in much of the region. Or you can bust brush or chase beagles for bunnies. Or cruise for schooling perch. Or chase late-season bears in the Virginias. Whatever your pleasure, just be sure to ask Santa Claus for a new set of long underwear and dig out your wool socks. A little blood on the snow—and some wild meat on the table—will be well worth the chill. 1 MUZZLELOADER BUCKS If you still have a buck tag in your pocket, you’re in good company. Many of the region’s…

The snow started to fall just as the sun began to rise. The first rays of civil twilight splashed across the water’s surface when the unmistakable chorus of wings overhead broke the predawn silence. As the first flock of black ducks began to backpedal over the decoys, the staccato chorus of shotguns hastened their descent. Breakfast was early that day, as the bay we were set up on was the only open water in the area and limits came quickly. Some of the best gunning of the season takes place when the mercury plummets and smaller waters freeze, preventing ducks from utilizing backwater refuges and concentrating them on whatever open water is available. Of course, that doesn’t mean the hunting’s easy. We spoke with three veteran big-water hunters to find…

Alps Outdoorz Enforcer If your predator hunting keeps you on the move, the Alps Outdoorz Enforcer backpack (above) is a one-size-fits-all solution for quick, convenient and comfortable setup.The Enforcer features 800 cubic inches of storage space, a removable kickstand frame and an integrated memory foam cushion.($169.99; alpsbrands.com) FoxPro XWAVE FoxPro’s new XWAVE e-caller offers hunters a level of versatility that few other calls do. It features two swiveling high-definition speakers, a compatible auxiliary jack for decoy integration and 100 preloaded sounds with the capacity for an additional 1,000 sounds. The XWAVE is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing hunters full control from their mobile devices. ($699.95; gofoxpro.com) Primos Double Bull Stakeout Blind The Double Bull Stakeout Blind with SurroundView ensures that you are never left scrambling for a hideaway when gunning for predators. This…

Aside from a trusty firearm, ammunition and a sharp knife, rabbit hunting doesn’t require much gear, but there are a few items worth investing in. The first is good, comfortable footwear. The dog-less rabbit hunter does a lot of walking, and comfortable boots can be the difference between a great day afield and sore, blistered feet. A couple words of advice when it comes to boots. First, give them a thorough cleaning and a heel-to-toe coating (preferably two) of a good waterproofing treatment. My favorite is Huberd’s Shoe Grease ($14.99; huberds.com). Second, invest in a quality insole—something like Georgia Boots’ AMP Insole with advanced memory foam ($22; georgiaboot. com). Your feet will thank you. The other pieces of essential gear are a tough set of brush pants and a well-fitting…

Your goal in balancing a herd is to target mature does capable of breeding, which is why you should never shoot a lone doe. For one, there aren’t any other deer around to compare its size to, and often, late in the season, winter coats and added body mass can make younger does look more mature. Additionally, shooting what you think is a solo doe could lead you accidentally killing a button buck. Make this mistake a couple times during a season and you will have to reevaluate your deer herd. Instead, wait for two or more antlerless deer to show up and take the largest one in the group.…

Lake Jozini, the southernmost area in Africa for the sharp-toothed tigerfish, is in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa about three hours north of Durban. When the COVID-19 pandemic has waned, you’ll again find several international airlines flying into Johannesburg with connecting flights southeast to Durban.The primary launch ramp on Jozini lies about 2 miles inside the Phongolo Nature Reserve, where an abundant wildlife gauntlet along the sandy road begs visitors to take plenty of photos. You will also have a great opportunity to take wildlife photos on the lake because game is everywhere all along its shores. Be sure to pack extra memory cards because you may fill them fast! The most convenient and comfortable accommodations are just 4 miles from the lake at the Shayamoya…

It’s a brisk, clear December morning. A glimmer of light peeks over the horizon, the dank smell of marsh fills the air and your ears are greeted by the sound of a whining dog? That’s not how it’s supposed to be this late in the season. You’ve hunted for months, your dog’s retrieved dozens of ducks and geese, but this morning he’s pacing the blind, spilling your coffee and barking in frustration at high flyers. Your buddy is glaring, the ducks are flaring. It’s gonna be a long morning. You mutter that your retriever is earnest and hard working, only now he’s leaning against your hunting partner, mooching snacks and getting underfoot when you stand for a shot. Here’s the bad news: It’s your fault. The good news is you…

Big water presents challenges that that don’t exist in backwaters and sloughs.With more distance to travel, the wind has a greater effect on the water’s surface. Waves can come up out of nowhere, soaking you and potentially swamping your boat with little or no notice. Before heading out, triple-check the weather. If it’s iffy, stay home. GEAR: Always wear an appropriate life vest, or, better yet, consider a float coat. They offer added warmth and buoyancy, and you can still shoot while wearing one. Stuff a whistle and a marine glow stick in a pocket so you can signal if you do go in. In addition to your cell phone, have a handheld VHF radio so you can quickly reach the Coast Guard or other authorities if the need arises.…

November 15 was the most important date on the calendar when I was growing up. Not my birthday. Not Halloween. Not even Christmas. November 15 was the traditional opening day of rabbit season, and that, let me tell you, was huge. My father, perhaps one of the most dedicated bunny chasers ever to don a pair of brush pants, eventually had a long list of excellent beagles to his credit. But during my formative years we did our rabbit hunting without canine assistance. Just a lot of walking and stomping, or what the Old Man called “briar busting.” And we did just fine. Sure, we had to improvise a bit here and there, but we almost always bagged a few bunnies—and had a great time doing it—because we knew where…

My dad came up with this recipe many years ago and never bothered to name it, so I just call it “pop’s rabbit recipe.” It’s still one of my all-time favorites. It’s fairly straightforward, if a bit time consuming, and very much worth the effort. Ingredients: 2 rabbits cut into 5 pieces each (front legs, back legs and back) 2 cups seasoned flour Egg wash or milk 1 onion, sliced into rings 2 small cans of mushrooms 2 12-ounce cans of diced tomatoes—do not drain 4 4-inch pieces of hot Italian sausage 1 can of mandarin orange slices (optional) Preparation: 1. Dip the rabbit pieces in egg wash and roll lightly in seasoned flour. Brown in bacon grease in a hot cast iron skillet and set aside. 2. In a…

Water and cold weather don’t mix—unless you’re a waterfowl hunter. Then you rejoice when the temperature drops and can’t wait to get your gear wet. Having stuff that holds up to the rigors of hunting ducks and geese is key to success. Even for waterfowlers, water and cold air mix well only when hunters are comfortable and their gear is working like it should. The following products will help you enjoy those cold mornings and focus on the birds—which don’t mind the weather one bit. SHOTGUNS Browning BPS Field Composite It’s been a staple of the Browning line for more than 40 years, but this season the BPS takes on a slightly different form with a redesigned stock for improved ergonomics. The new composite stock has a straight heel section…