No matter how carefully state-agency wildlife biologists use computerized models to convert elk and deer data into population estimates, one outcome remains certain: Many hunters dismiss the numbers as high, and question the agency’s motives if it boosts antlerless tags to reduce the herd. That’s...

Every western hunter knows the feeling: waking up on opening morning of rifle season after months of anticipation, ready to hike into your honey hole. Dawn sneaks in as you crest your glassing knob, the same one you’ve sat on opening day for years—just you and the critters. As shooting light...

During my formative years of turkey hunting, it was common advice to yelp softly three times and then shut the hell up. I don’t know why this was the standard, but it was. It clearly didn’t originate from hunters who spent lots of time in close proximity to wild hens. The ladies are vocal, but they...