Western Hunter

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This footage was provided by Darr Colburn of Colburn and Scott Outfitters. Darr nicknamed this public land bull “the G-5 Bull” because of his unique G-5 on his right side. This bull looks bigger in the video when he is moving around than in the still images. What do you think? What does he score? Can you estimate the measurements of his points, beams, mass, and spread? Click to view slideshow. View the full article

Elk Hunter Magazine is proud to be partners with the Outdoorsmans in Phoenix, Arizona. The Outdoorsmans is a leader in high quality optics sales and gear for the most discriminating Western Hunter. The Outdoorsmans actually design, test and use the gear that they sell. They are hunters and avid outdoorsman. For the most professional service in the industry call the guys at the Outdoorsmans. 1-800-291-8065 They have designed many products for the Western Hunter. See below for these exclusive products. Sleeping System- There are hundreds of sleeping bags on the market that on any given day may be the perfect bag for that specific set of circumstances. The Western Hunter Sleeping System is designed to handle all four seasons regardless of the conditions that mother nature may throw at you. No matter where or when you’re going hunting, the Western Hunter Sleeping System will keep you warm and dry. Backpack-The key to the Outdoorsmans Pack System is the frame. The curvature allows the pack to ride as close to your center of gravity as possible, giving you the stability of an internal frame, but the carrying capacity of the external frame. The carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene frame is rigid enough in the vertical plane to handle a 200 lb. load, yet is flexible enough to twist with your body while climbing or twisting through brush. The bag itself is attached at eight different points with easily inserted buckles. The bag covers a meat carrying system that is tucked neatly against the frame so you can convert your hunting pack into a meat packer in less than two minutes. We call the current bag the “optics hunters pack” because it is perfect for someone who is carrying a tripod, spotting scope, or large binoculars. The frame weighs just 2 lbs and the complete pack weighs 7 lbs 3 3/4 oz with 4600 cubic inches of storage. Notice the dozens of attaching points for the suspension system; we have set this pack up for sportsmen from 5’2″ all the way up to 6’10″. Underneath each pack bag is a load carrying system that is part of the frame. This is ideal for meat packing or caching food and water for those long hunts. The V notch rifle rest in the top of the frame allows for a solid rest while shooting from the sitting position due to the solid base of the frame/pack system. The rifle carrying system is built right into every pack and securely holds any size rifle, bow, or muzzleloader. The Outdoorsmans Pack System shoulder straps and hip belt are large enough to properly distribute the weight of even the heaviest loads. Tripods- The Outdoorsmans are experts at mounting optics to tripods. The Outdoorsmans Tripod is the only tripod in the world designed specifically for hunting. Durable, steady and lightweight, this tripod is truly one of a kind and irreplaceable in the field. There are three models available and each tripod comes with a single length center post, but extension center posts are available for each size along with multiple head options, allowing you to build the perfect custom tripod or your hunting style. Turret System-A custom turret is not an original concept; there are companies that build them for a variety of different scopes. However, the Outdoorsmans Ballistic Turret is the only one that combines the industry-leading optical qualities of a Swarovski riflescope with the precision of a custom-built turret. The starting point is a Swarovski scope with a ballistic turret (BT). There are nine standard models and four illuminated models of BT scopes currently available within the Z3, Z5, or Z6 lineup. If you already own one, great! Otherwise, you can purchase one directly from Outdoorsmans (1-800-291-8065). Then when ordering the ballistic turret, the Outdoorsmans staff will need to know your precise ballistics. Don’t worry if you are not that familiar with all the terms; we will walk you through the process and help you find the needed information. Armed with this information, we will custom engrave a turret cap with the yardages clearly marked from your zero point out as far as one full revolution of the turret will yield. This distance will depend on the ballistics of your ammo and desired zero. For most magnum calibers you can expect to have marks from 200 to as far as 900 yards. For More info and to view their great products go to Outdoorsmans.com. Also check out the Outdoorsmans Facebook page at www.facebook.com/outdoorsmans for contests and giveaways. Click to view slideshow. View the full article

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Click to view slideshow.The photography editor at Elk Hunter Magazine is Tony Bynum. Tony Bynum is among the best outdoor photographers in the business today. His images are used in outdoor publications, books, and commercial advertising around the world. He’s an avid outdoor sportsman, family man, and a board member for the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Tony is a full-time freelance outdoor commercial, wildlife, and nature photographer from Montana. He began his professional photography carrier in 2005 by producing cover quality images for the outdoor editorial and commercial outdoor product industry. His images have appeared on the covers of many major hunting and traditional outdoor recreation focused magazines, including Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Fair Chase, Texas Sporting Journal, Eastman’s, Bugle, Bowhunt America, Montana Outdoors, Montana Magazine, Western Hunter, Western Horseman, and many more. In 2010 he was selected to produce commercial advertising images for the State Of Montana’s Office of Tourism. Tony’s often hired to produce unique, compelling, thoughtful images to compliment editorial writing in magazines and books. He has worked or traveled to all of the lower 48 states, Mexico, and much of Canada, and writes regularly for his blog. He’s active on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Behance, and moderates and edits photography, outdoor activities and hunting forums on several very popular websites. Business and Education Tony owns Finalshot Photography & Glacier Impressions Gallery. He’s currently a principal member of the Glacier Two Medicine Alliance, a member of the East Glacier Park School Board, and member and past officer on the East Glacier Volunteer Fire Department. In 2004 Interior Secretary Gail Norton appointed Tony to the Montana Resources Advisory Council (federal advisory committee, member 2 years, chairman 1). From 2005 until early 2010 he managed complex scientific research projects at Portage, a private consulting firm. From 1999 to 2001 he was a special assistant and the Senior Indian Program Manager at EPA in Washington, D.C., responsible for a $2 Million budget, implementing federal statutes, strategic planning, GPRA reporting, and federal rule making.  In 1997 and 98 he was the co-chair of the technical oversight committee of the Western Regional Air Partnership. Tony has degrees in Geography, Environmental Studies, and a masters of science in Natural Resource Management. Tony also was a fly-fishing guide for many years. To view more on Tony go to his websites: http://www.tonybynum.com http://www.glacierparkphotographer.com/ View the full article

Click to view slideshow.Jay lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife Jeanne.  Jay has been a professional hunting/fishing guide in the state of Arizona for 14 years and has guided for many impressive trophies. Jay is co owner of Colburn and Scott Outfitters which specializes in high quality trophy elk, sheep and deer hunts. Jay is an avid hunter and has harvested many trophies around the west, which include several animals that make the Pope and Young and Boone and Crockett record books. Jay has been featured on Realtree’s Monster Bulls and was a videographer on Extreme Bulls 1-5. Jay is currently a Field Editor for Western Hunter Magazine. As well as being a hunter, Jay’s other passion is fly fishing. Jay has fished all over the Western United States and has traveled abroad on many adventures including chasing the large brown trout of New Zealand. Jay spends the summer chasing big trout with his fly rod across the Western Rockies. For more info go to his websites JayScottOutdoors.com and ColburnandScottOutfitters.blogspot.com View the full article

Nonresident Deadline (Jan. 31) Wyoming is perhaps the single best option for the nonresident hunter looking to take a good, mature bull. Nonresident quotas are generous and elk are generally plentiful. Prices can be steep, but if a person is smart about how they apply, getting a decent tag in Wyoming every 4-8 years isn’t unreasonable. How to Apply: A nonresident can apply for either a general tag or a limited entry area, and all applications can be done online from Jan. 1 – Jan. 31. The resident application period is Jan. 1 – May 31. Regular vs. Special Tags: For the nonresident hunter, Wyoming has two different price structures – regular ($591) and special ($1071). The split is 60% of allotted nonresident tags into the regular pool, and 40% into the special pool, with the theory being that drawing odds will be better for those willing to pay more. Most times this is the case, but not always, so do research before you apply to ensure you’re not throwing away $480. Preference Points: The chance to take a big bull on a relatively frequent basis is excellent in Wyoming, and we definitely recommend applying. Wyoming has a point system where you will be awarded a point if you apply but don’t draw. Also important to note is that Wyoming also has a period from July 1 – September 30 when you can purchase a point for $50 if you didn’t actually apply for a tag in the spring. This is an excellent way to go, as within 3-8 years, you will have enough points to be hunting in a great elk area. Top Units: There are a few prime areas that reliably produce big bulls, but as you might guess, those drawing odds are usually the toughest. Some top Wyoming areas for big bulls include all the limited entry units on Yellowstone’s east flank (54/65, 55, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63/64); the well-known Area 7 near Laramie, which has good bulls but has heavy hunting pressure; limited entry units in the southwest near Flaming Gorge (areas 30, 31, & 32); and some limited entry units in south-central Wyoming. between Farson, Rawlins, and Wheatland (areas 16, 19, 22, 24, 100, 111, 118). The units east of Yellowstone produce the best hunting and largest bulls, but be prepared for extreme country, both in steepness and size, as well as a ridiculous amount of grizzlies and a fair share of wolves. Nonresidents and Wilderness: Wyoming requires that nonresidents hunt with a registered guide in designated wilderness areas. This is a significant issue to be aware of when planning backcountry elk hunts. General Areas: Chances of drawing the general license are better than 50/50. Wyoming has dozens of general hunt areas, which provide excellent opportunities for both rifle and bow seasons. Don’t overlook this option for getting to know Wyoming elk habitat. Ryan Hatfield's 2011 Wyoming Bull View the full article

Click to view slideshow.Dan Staton is passionate about elk hunting and fitness. Â He co-owns CrossFit Spokane Valley (link http://www.crossfitspokanevalley.com) as well has Train To Hunt (link http://www.traintohunt.com); a website dedicated to making hunters fit for their hunts. Â He lives in the beautiful Northwest, is an avid bowhunter and writer, and lives to elk hunt. Â Dan hold’s a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and has worked alongside numerous professional and collegiate athletes. Â His main agenda is to provide fitness programming for hunters and inspire others to make themselves better predators through fitness. View the full article

Here is a great clip of bugling action. This would be a great clip to listen to while practicing your bugling. View the full article

Click to view slideshow.Tim Allen drew an Arizona Unit 10 archery tag and hired Darr Colburn of Colburn and Scott Outfitters. They had a great hunt and Tim was able to harvest a giant 400 inch bull.  A quick look at the numbers reveals several things, points and main beams once again are most important aspects for a bull to score high. Tim’s bull has a left side that scores 179 5/8 with a beam that is 58 2/8 inches long, point total of 91 4/8 and mass of 29 7/8. While the right side scores 183 6/8 with a beam that is 59 inches long, point total of 95 4/8 and mass of 29 2/8. The inside spread of this bull is 37 inches for a whopping total of 400 3/8 gross. Awesome job guys, make sure to check out the video of the hunt. Tim Allen 400 Bull Part 1 Tim Allen 400 Bull Part 2 View the full article

Check out this fantastic bull that has been photographed by David Dietrich and Bill Van Ness. These guys and some of their friends have been watching this bull for several years and have picked up his sheds. They have nicknamed him “George the Bullâ€. David Dietrich is a wildlife photographer from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The photos are beautiful with the snowy backdrop. David’s images can be view at dietrichimages.com. The photo images on the top of this post are from the 2010 season and the photos below this post are from the 2011 season. There is one photo with a double image – the big photo is George in 2009 and the small image is him in 2010. Notice how George’s rack is changing. He seems to be headed back downhill from his prime antler growth. Check out his main beams. How long are they? What do you see for point length and what does he total per side? How big is he in 2009, 2010 and 2011? View the full article

Click to view slideshow.Elk Hunter Magazine is proud to announce the partnership with Randy Ulmer as our Editor-at-Large. Simply put, Randy Ulmer is one of the most accomplished big game bowhunters of his generation. Randy continues to do each and every year what most people only dream of. He is one of the most respected names in bowhunting and consistently takes some of the biggest bulls in the West. In the first issue of Elk Hunter Magazine, Randy discusses the ins and outs of high level scent elimination. The article discusses Randy’s personal tricks that can be practically used in the field. Don’t miss this or any of Randy’s columns; they will prove to be invaluable. Click here for more. Below is information on Elk Hunter Magazine’s Editor-at-Large, Randy Ulmer: Dr. Randy Ulmer grew up in Arizona with hunting as his passion. He attended Oregon State University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He received his Doctorate from Washington State University, Cum Laude. Randy is well known for his competitive archery achievements. He has won world and national titles in many different venues. These include 2 ASA Men’s Professional World Titles, 2 NABH Men’s professional World Titles, 2 IBO World Titles and 1 FITA World Title as well as NFAA National and VEGAS indoor titles. Randy has twice received the Arizona Wildlife Federation Annual Award for killing the largest elk in the state (any weapon). He currently holds the record for the largest elk killed in Nevada (archery). Randy has been bowhunting for nearly thirty years. He has received the NRA’s Leather Stocking Award and was inducted into the Bowhunter’s Hall of Fame in 1999. Randy is also an outdoor writer and television personality. He pens a monthly column for both Petersen’s Bowhunting and Bowhunter Magazine. He also hosts a segment on Bowhunter Television. Randy currently lives in Arizona with his wife Tammy and sons Jacob and Levi. Click here for more info on Randy Ulmer. View the full article

Great story and congrats on two nice late season bulls! Elk Hunter Magazine Blog

We are glad our friends at Coueswhitetail.com liked the Premier issue of Elk Hunter Magazine! There is still time to subscribe and receive the Premier issue, click here to subscribe. We've got a late gift for Elk Hunter fans- A pair of Danner Pronghorns! 1. Go to http://magazine.elkhuntermagazine.com/ and click on the Featured Video 2. Guess the score of the bull and post it on the blog, or on Facebook. 3. We'll choose a random winner for a new pair of Danner boots! Good Luck! Elk Hunter Magazine Website Elk Hunter Magazine Blog