Spring is starting to show signs of life across the
West . Antlers are dropping , leaves are growing , flowers are blooming , and fundraising banquets are happening . That ’ s right , I said fundraising banquets are in the plans ! In the next six weeks I will be the master of ceremonies at the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society banquet , OE4A fundraiser and the Arizona Bowhunters Foundation dinner . I can ’ t wait to gather in large groups , indoors , and say goodbye to the restrictions of the past year . Welcome back to the old norm .
In early April , we launched the Western Hunter Film Festival . Whether you are a professional videographer or just starting out , there is a spot for you in this competition . The final submissions are not due until later in the fall , so even if you don ’ t own a camera right now , there ’ s time to buy one , film your hunt , and submit your work . As the executive producer of The Western Hunter , documenting hunts with great storytelling is part of what I do for a living . But the best part is that 20 years from now ,
God willing , I will be able to sit down with family and friends and relive the memories of many hunts . One of the very best at preserving a hunt digitally is Remi Warren , and he passes along his years of experience in this issue ( page 62 ).
The working theme for this issue was preparation . The early hunting season is only four months away and I ’ m sure you all have busy summer plans . To quote Fred Eichler , “ I used to be a crastinator then I decided to go pro .” Man , can I identify with that expression ! It seems like every year as I drive to my first hunt , there are three or four things I beat myself up over not having ready for the season . Take the time now to test your gear , replace what you need to , and get back into shape .
Hunting across the West is getting tougher , no doubt . Quality tags can take decades to draw , and once-easy-to-get OTC tags are selling out fast . The Arizona Game & Fish Department is recommending a significant reduction in tags and closing many OTC archery deer units . Perhaps the most dramatic
story comes from Colorado . Mike Duplan has been hunting big bucks in his home state of Colorado for decades , and in this issue , he shines a dim light on the current situation . We hate to be the bearers of bad news , but being informed is superior to ignorance .
Poring over topographical maps used to be a thing . I own literally hundreds of them ! Now , with Google Earth and mapping software , most of us have gone digital with aerial photography and countless overlays . But there is still no better way to get an accurate feel for topography than with a topo map . Nick Gehring offers a great refresher course to us old hands or a tutorial to the younger generation on how to convert a flat map into a hunting plan with his article , “ Making the Grade .”
Get outside , shoot your bow , clean your rifle , hike a trail and get ready for an adventurous hunting season !
As always , thank you from all of us at Western Hunter Magazine .
Hunting
THE ULTIMATE
Adventure
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