Game & Fish East

Each issue of Game & Fish East details proven local strategies for whitetails, turkeys, bass, trout and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from Maine to Virginia, 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.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Game & Fish East

TRENDING NOW AT GAME & FISH ONLINE • GET TIPS, SEE GEAR AND CELEBRATE THE LIFESTYLE AT GAFMAG.COM

MOON TIMES

DRILL DOWN • THE BEST WAY TO BECOME A BETTER MARKSMAN AND RIFLE HUNTER IS TO PRACTICE WITH DRILLS.

GET SLOPPY • YOU HAVE TO DIG DEEP TO MAXIMIZE THE SUMMERTIME BASS BITE.

FIRE IT UP! • FOLLOW THIS THREE-STEP PLAN FROM A VETERAN CAMP COOK TO MAKE EVERY OUTDOOR MEAL A HIT.

GET MORE DIY TIPS • Backyard Ready offers expert advice on outdoor projects

ASSESSING THE ‘DARK FIGURE’ OF POACHING IN AMERICA • THE BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB AIMS TO QUANTIFY WILDLIFE CRIMES—AND THEIR HIDDEN COSTS—THROUGH A NEW PROGRAM.

SCI APPEALS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE DECISION • The organization seeks to maintain expanded hunting opportunities.

SUMMER ESCAPES • TRAILS LESS TRAVELED LEAD TO WATERS LESS FISHED.

ALASKA ADVENTURE • Chasing backcountry salmon among brown bears

BROOK TROUT BOUNTY • In the Rockies, brookies are meant for meals.

AROUND THE EAST • A SAMPLING OF THE REGION’S BEST FISHING OPPORTUNITIES THIS SUMMER

BAIT UP! • CATCHING YOUR OWN BAIT NOT ONLY SAVES YOU A FEW BUCKS, IT’S A GREAT WAY TO GET KIDS INVOLVED IN SUMMERTIME FISHING FUN.

BACKWOODS NATIVES • WITH MOST MAJOR INSECT HATCHES IN THE REARVIEW, EASTERN ANGLERS CAN STILL FIND GOOD TROUT ACTION ON THE REGION’S REMOTE STREAMS.

TOP BROOKIE WATERS • The region’s finest areas for native brook trout fishing

UP A CREEK • IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO CATCH A FEW PANFISH FOR THE SKILLET, THE BEST WAY MAY BE TO GO IN AFTER THEM.

STREAM TO TABLE • A simple, delicious recipe for summertime sunnies

KEEP IT SIMPLE • Increase your wet-wading enjoyment by traveling light.

SUMMER STREAM SMALLIES • TOPWATERS ARE FINE SUMMER RIVER SMALLMOUTH BAITS, AS ARE CRANKBAITS WHEN BASS ARE CHASING. BUT THE MOST CONSISTENT WAY TO CATCH QUALITY RIVER SMALLIES NOW IS BY SLOWLY WORKING SOFT PLASTICS.

A QUINTESSENTIAL RIG • When working soft plastics for summer river smallies, it’s hard to beat this rod-reel-line combo.

’HOG DAYS OF SUMMER • GROUNDHOGS. WOODCHUCKS. WHISTLEPIGS. WHATEVER YOU CALL THEM, THESE VARMINTS OFFER A CHANCE TO PULL SOME TRIGGERS DURING HUNTING’S OFF-SEASON.

ARE WOODCHUCKS GOOD TO EAT?

REMOTE POSSIBILITIES • ON THE UPPER CONNECTICUT RIVER, THE ONLY THING MORE SPECTACULAR THAN THE SCENERY IS THE FISHING.

TRIP PLANNER • Places to stay and eat, and guides for hire

WATERFOWL OVERLOAD • DUCKS AND GEESE FLOCK TO SASKATCHEWAN TO FEAST BEFORE MOVING SOUTH, BUT HUNTERS SHOULD COME PREPARED FOR WILD WEATHER.

FOWLING FAVORITES • A new shotgun, lighter loads and updated decoys prove their worth.

GARMIN INREACH MINI 2 • SEND TEXT MESSAGES, MARK WAYPOINTS, SUMMON HELP AND MORE—ALL WITHOUT CELL SERVICE.

JUICED-UP JIGS • AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW BERKLEY’S NEW POWERBAIT JIGS TANTALIZE BASS

THE QUESTION ABOUT ELEPHANTS • SOMETIMES THE ‘CORRECT’ ANSWER ISN’T THE TRUTH.