In November of last year , the Western Hunter team decided to run with a theme concept for each issue . We made a list of ideas , but the one we all got excited about was “ Controversy ” and decided it should be the theme for this issue . Back then , COVID-19 wasn ’ t even on the Chinese radar screen ! We could never have guessed that street riots , occupied zones , destruction of historic sites , and defunding our police departments would consume our daily lives . But here we are . Controversy has inundated our lives whether we like it or not .
There is good news as a result of all this negative press . Many Americans have realized that being active outdoors is better for your health than wearing a mask to Costco . Sporting equipment companies are reporting record sales of kayaks , mountain bikes , ATVs , and backpacking gear . Game and Fish departments across the West had record numbers of applicants for big game tags this application season . Of course , all of this new interest is in itself controversial to some , especially those of us who thought Idaho wouldn ’ t sell all of their non-resident deer and elk tags before July 1st !
Our intention with this issue of Western Hunter Magazine is not to add the angst , but to shine some light on controversial subjects that affect hunters . Kyle Greene covers hound hunting in wolf country , Colton Bagnoli makes a case for hunting with suppressors , and Remi Warren discusses the dark side of social media and its impact on our lifestyle . George Bettas dives deep into backcountry ethics . Our newest team member , taxidermist Nick Gehring , informs us of the most current regulations regarding CWD and how to properly boil a skull before leaving the field .
We still have the most current gear recommendations for this hunting season . Gear Editor Zach Bowhay worked with many of our editors to compile the most extensive boot review ever published in a hunting publication , as well as a tutorial on boot insoles and bow quivers .
High-performance optics have always been a passion of mine , and in this issue , I had the opportunity to report on two of the best in their respective classes . Swarovski introduced the NL Pure , their first new binocular in two decades , and it is arguably the best binocular in the world . Leica continued their domination in the laser rangefinder binocular category with the new 3200 . COM .
Never before has Opening Day meant more to me than this year . Just loading my truck in 110-degree heat and heading to hunting camp feels like a privilege . I am not hoping to escape reality but instead to take the time away to be better prepared to handle the realities of daily life . I hope you have had a chance to watch the new season of The Western Hunter TV show , as the introduction narration penned by Nate Simmons is so powerful and timely . If you haven ’ t had the opportunity yet , I have included it below .
“ Hunting season is always a time of nourishment , physically , emotionally , spiritually ... but not because it is always peaceful and easy . Often , it is difficult . But the struggles we commonly face in the wild don ’ t discriminate . The mountain has no ego , the weather does not manipulate , bears don ’ t harbor hate , wind plays no politics , and gravity isn ’ t greedy . The landscape may seem cruel at times , but it is honest , completely free of corruption – and that makes the challenges they present us with so valuable . The laws of nature are steady and true , providing us with structure and connection we desperately need in times of uncertainty . I don ’ t believe anyone truly hopes for a difficult journey ... but they are often the paths that lead us to the most beautiful destinations .”
Good luck on your hunts this fall and be sure to take lots of photos and keep us in mind if you want to submit your adventure for publication .
Chris Denham , Publisher
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