September is here ! Hunting season has already begun in many parts of the West , but turning the calendar to September makes it official for every hunter . The nights will begin to cool , leaves will start changing , and bulls will start to bugle any day now . For me , and I bet many of you will agree , September 1st is more symbolic than January 1st . It is time to take advantage of all of our hard work .
Naturally , in this issue , we are heavy on elk hunting information . Guest writer Dirk Durham from Phelps ’ Game Calls has an exceptional article on reading a bull ’ s attitude , how to interpret bugles , and what to do with that information . For a new elk hunter , it is a master class . For the experienced , it is an awesome refresher course so we can be ready on opening day . Houndsmen are the best at reading sign ; every ounce of their success depends on what they can discern from a few tracks . Kyle Green gives us a tutorial on elk sign and how to work it into your hunting strategy .
I am only around livestock for hunting about once a year , but as I read George Bettas ’ article on mountain rodeos , I realized that his advice goes way beyond horses . Every piece of advice he delivers about avoiding accidents applies to all of us on hunts ; being conscious of our surroundings and staying focused is the key to our health and safety . George also finishes up his three-part article on navigation . Again , this is a great read prior to heading out .
Bow companies will start introducing the new models in November and December . James Yates takes you through , step by step , how to evaluate your current bow and what to look for in a new model .
Regardless of what kind of western hunt you have planned , Lindsay Persico has some great advice to get you physically ready . But if you have drawn a once-in-a-lifetime tag , then you must read her article . I have been fortunate to draw two such tags in my life , and I have been a part of a dozen or so more . Her thoughts on planning and mental preparation are outstanding .
Mike Duplan had the privilege of attending the Boone & Crockett Club Big Game Awards this year . As Mike points out , B & C is much more than just a collector of records , they are responsible for creating the foundation of all hunting in North America , especially the West . Fair chase hunting and a focus on hunting ethics are critical to our future . Please give the article a read and join me in becoming a member of the club that started it all .
Best of luck to everyone this season ! Don ’ t forget to take lots of pictures , make some notes , and share your stories with us . Regardless of the size of your trophy , we would love to read about your adventure . You can submit photos and copy straight to us at WesternHunter . net .
~ Chris Denham
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