Game & Fish Midwest

Each issue of Game & Fish Midwest details proven local strategies for whitetails, turkeys, bass, walleyes and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from North Dakota to Kentucky, and learn the top times for success in the field and on the water. Get info on hot new gear and how it performs, as well as updates on trends, regulations, seasons and destinations to help you plan your next outing.

TRANSITION TIME

GAME & FISH MIDWEST

GAME & FISH ONLINE • TIPS, TACTICS, GEAR, NEWS AND MORE AT GAFMAG.COM

MOON TIMES

RENOVATED RIMFIRE • THE .21 SHARP IMPROVES UPON THE CLASSIC .22 LONG RIFLE IN A FEW WAYS. BUT WHAT DOES ITS INTRODUCTION TRULY MEAN FOR HUNTERS?

CROWD CONTROL • HOW TO ADAPT TO THE CHANGING PUBLIC-LAND HUNTING LANDSCAPE.

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE • VENISON DONATION SERVICES ARE EASY TO FIND AND USE, AND A GREAT WAY TO PROLONG YOUR DEER SEASON WHILE HELPING YOUR NEIGHBORS.

A VERY LONG DAY • OVERCOMING THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGES OF RECOVERING A WOUNDED BULL ELK IN THE WYOMING BACKCOUNTRY

BULL ANCHORS • Increase your chances of a quick recovery with a large-caliber rifle and quality ammo.

AROUND THE MIDWEST • A SAMPLING OF THE REGION’S BEST HUNTING AND FISHING OPPORTUNITIES THIS MONTH

TUNING TOPWATERS • TAILOR YOUR TOPWATER STRATEGY TO THE SITUATION AT HAND TO CATCH MORE BASS ON THE SURFACE.

SOLID SURFACE BAITS • These six topwater lure styles will set you up for success in any scenario.

BACKWATER BEHEMOTHS • THE MIDWEST’S LARGE RIVERS GROW BIG PANFISH, AND NOW IS THE TIME TO CATCH THEM.

SETTING THE SECOND STAGE • INSTEAD OF HANGING CAMERAS AND HUNTING IN TYPICAL EARLY-SEASON SPOTS, GAME-PLAN NOW FOR AN AMBUSH LATER IN THE FALL.

THE THREE D’S • A good second-stage area must have these characteristics.

TAKE IT TO THE MATS • DURING THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER, TARGET BIG LARGEMOUTH BASS SEEKING SHELTER BENEATH VEGETATION.

MAT MAINSTAYS • Rods, reels, lines and baits for more success while fishing mats.

THE BIG 3 • DURING SUMMER, NORTHERN PIKE LARGELY ADHERE TO A TRIO OF DISTINCT PATTERNS. DIAL THEM IN AND PUT MORE GIANTS IN THE BOAT.

BIG-THREE BATTLE GEAR • Solid setups for taking on late-summer pike

BLUEGRASS Beauty • SPRAWLING KENTUCKY LAKE OFFERS PHENOMENAL BASS AND CRAPPIE FISHING, WHILE THE NEARBY CUMBERLAND RIVER PROVIDES FAST-AND-FURIOUS BLUE CAT ACTION.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO • Lodging, dining, fishing and boating insights for anglers considering a trip to Kentucky Lake.

VINES & TINES • A CALIFORNIA VINEYARD PROVIDES A BUCOLIC, IF UNUSUAL, VENUE FOR A COLUMBIAN BLACKTAIL DEER HUNT.

POTENT COMBO • The rifle and load used to take a Columbian blacktail

A CROSS TO BEAR • SIG SAUER’S CROSS 277 SIG FURY IS A LIGHTWEIGHT, HIGHLY ACCURATE BOLT-ACTION RIFLE THAT’S EQUALLY AT HOME ON THE RANGE AND IN THE DEER WOODS.

AN EVOLVED LPVO • THE TRIJICON CREDO HX 1-10X28 TAKES THE LOW-POWER VARIABLE OPTIC CONCEPT TO A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL.

GUT FEELING • WHEN FACING AN UNCERTAIN SITUATION, IT’S ALWAYS WISE TO TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.