Introducing The Chronicles

The Chronicles is a HuntStand original series hosted by Brian Stephens. Get to know Brian and see what you can expect in the first season of this exciting new series, beginning in October.

J. Alain Smith from Rugged Expeditions travels to Paraguay for some close-quarters buffalo hunting action.

A father and son set out to tag early fall bull elk with their bows. Their patience and persistence led to short bloodtrails and long smiles.

The tone of his voice was somewhere below the disheartened level as we talked via a cell phone connection in two different zip codes of elk country. I was in the middle of an elk hunt in southern Colorado while my son, Cole, was hunting Wyoming mountains near our home. Our Colorado hunt was definitely not a rock concert due to the early season dates. Nevertheless, we were hearing bugles and getting some elk to respond, albeit hesitant and quiet. Cole’s opening weekend of public-land hunting was highlighted by snowflakes and silence. After a depressing 2 days, he had to return to high school while I moved into the last day of a 3-day speed hunt.

My guide, Travis Shippey, was taking the high road at Banded Peak Ranch Outfitters quite literally. The past 2 days revealed better elk bugling high, above 10,000 feet. With that in mind, we headed to the 11,000-foot level. Walking down an old logging road, Shippey gave me the hand signal to halt. A group of young bulls crossing the road into a rugged ravine was the reason, and we followed in silent fashion. It didn’t take long for the territorial invaders to raise the hackle of a homeowner. Bugles began ringing out as a confrontation brewed and Shippey joined the fray. Minutes later, a unique nontypical peered down from a ridge above and then slowly moved into range of my Mathews Creed XS. The hunt would have been over then and there had the bull stepped out of a jungle of limbs in a broadside position. Hearing ruckus down the valley, the bull left our position, but we tagged along.

Aggressive setups and calling tactics led the author to this tremendous nontypical bull.

Fifteen minutes later, we were again near the main herd and the roaring bulges. Shippey lit into the riot and, again, Mr. Nontypical arrived on the scene like a bullet. The bull dogged us like a bloodhound on a hot trail, but this time he never moved inside of 60 yards. Minutes later, the herd grabbed his attention and he disappeared in the pines. Frustrated at not being able to call in the nontypical or the herd bull, Shippey pushed on. Elk chatter above put us on hold, but in a fairly open timber setting. Nevertheless, Shippey started calling and I set up for the shot.

Bugles began ringing out as a confrontation brewed and Shippey joined the fray. Minutes later, a unique nontypical peered down from a ridge above and then slowly moved into range of my Mathews Creed XS.

Surprisingly, the nontypical appeared again and this time with determination. First, he passed by high, but within bow range. Again, limbs blocked my shot. Next, he dropped down the slope, but just as I was about to draw he stopped behind a clump of pines. I was foiled again. Finally, Shippey pointed his bugle away and the nontypical took the bait. He trotted down the slope and inside of 40 yards. To sweeten the setup, he stopped broadside with his head behind a tree. I didn’t need a formal invitation as I sent a Carbon Express, tipped with a G5 Montec, zipping through the bull.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
After a nocturnal packing job and an all-night drive home, it was time to focus on a bull for Cole back in Wyoming. I knew a few days would make a big difference, and the following weekend Cole and I were chasing bugles in the Wyoming dawn light. Unfortunately, the public-land bulls weren’t wired to bugle all day. We slipped through a new area after lunch that held the promise of wallows, and the sight of a muddy bull walking toward us in the timber ignited our enthusiasm.

I backed up to call the bull past Cole, but despite my best efforts to light the bull’s territorial dominance, he wouldn’t cross the 40-yard line and stayed in heavy timber with no shot for Cole. After a freeze-dried meal back at camp, we decided to head to the wallows again at sunrise.

Morning found us chasing several bulls, but each time we’d close the distance the bulls would hush. Another bull sounded off in the direction of our wallow site and this one kept up the pace as we closed in. I nodded for Cole to again move ahead of me as I hoped to pull the bull past him for a broadside shot. Twenty minutes later, my calls, antler rubbing and mews were getting nowhere. The bull would holler back, but not budge. Whistling to catch Cole’s attention, I used hand signals to signify a regroup from our split position of nearly 60 yards.

“He won’t budge, but he bugles at everything I throw at him,” I whispered in a hushed tone as we met up. “He won’t move, so we will. Let’s run down this hill to the creek below. I’ll call and make him think the herd is leaving with or without him.”

Cole’s arrow blew through the chest of the bull and an escape explosion followed. This one ended suddenly with the telltale crashing of a bull rolling downhill in a futile freefall.

Cole concurred and we started jogging down the hill with no intentions of being quiet. The plan was to sound like a herd of elk and we cracked limbs and tossed in a couple of mews to complete the illusion. Halfway down the slope the bull bugled again, but this time it sounded like from a new location. Did he have a change of heart?

At the bottom of the slope, I motioned Cole ahead to an opening while I slipped up to use a pine’s wide trunk as cover. Pulling calls out of my pockets, I slowly lifted my head to scan and almost choked on my diaphragm call. Right in front of Cole stood the bull, a mature six-point.

After a high-tension game of chess between man and beast, Cole Kayser finally made the winning move on this 6×6 Wyoming bull.

Thinking quickly to get the bull focused in my direction, I mewed again. It worked. The bull shifted into drive, walking straight at Cole. That sounds great, but in the rush to reach the bottom, Cole had unknowingly set up right on a trail. The bull was about to walk over the top of him. Straight on and with the bull only steps from his broadhead tip, Cole didn’t have a shot. That’s when the autopilot engaged and he drew the string on his Mathews Heli-M. The bull turned inside out at the sight, but I followed up instantly with another cow call. The big six-pointer slammed on the brakes for one last assessment, this time in a broadside position at less than 25 yards.

Cole’s arrow blew through the chest of the bull and an escape explosion followed. This one ended suddenly with the telltale crashing of a bull rolling downhill in a futile freefall. By ramping this bull up in the beginning to make it sound like a breeding party, we were able to complete the setup with a dose of reality by walking away. September elk aren’t pushovers in any setting. But if you keep hitting them with power plays, you might end up with a bull in front of your bow.

After relentless scouting, Richie Wilhelm found himself on a breathtaking Wisconsin ridge in pursuit of a November giant.

What better way to spend your otherwise boring summer days than hooking into snook? It can be challenging, but once you dial-in the details you’ll have a hot day of fishing from the beach.

Finding summertime snook along coastal beaches can seem like a daunting task. With seemingly endless miles of beach line, locating a productive starting point will put you on more fish in much less time. There are a few key features that concentrate populations of snook into predictable patterns.

FIND INLETS AND PASSES
Inlets and passes are by far the easiest features to locate on a chart or via ScoutMaps. These are natural highways and feeding zones that provide access to winter backwater areas and abundant forage. You’ll frequently find larger groups of snook within a half mile of passes. These fish will move up and down the beach in search of pilchards, herring and mojarra.

SEEK STRUCTURE
Manmade structures such as docks, piers and jetties provide food and shelter that can concentrate numbers of snook. Fish will not only hold under the structure, but will commonly hunt adjacent troughs within a couple hundred yards of the structure, seeking refuge from predators under the structure at night.

BIGHTS AND BENDS
These less obvious geographic features generally receive less fishing pressure than easy-to-find passes and docks. Bights and bends along coastal beaches provide a staging location for baitfish during different tide stages. In turn, this will concentrate snook. It’s easiest to search for these areas using electronic aerial maps.

TIMING YOUR SNOOK PURSUIT 
Beach snook fishing is a summertime affair. The most consistent fishing will begin in May and remain productive until mid-September. This time period revolves around the snook’s spawning season, when large breeding stock collect along area passes and make a short migration a few miles offshore and hold along coastal ledges and manmade artificial reefs.

There are several approaches to targeting these fish throughout the day. Key periods offer the best chances for spotting and catching a trophy linesider:

Low light: This is a peak period of fish activity. The 90 minute windows of low light around dawn and dusk can provide the best action of the day. It’s best to arrive on location at least 15 minutes before sunrise. Not only is it a great time to fish, it’s often very peaceful to enjoy the surf along and empty beach. In populated areas, the bite is usually over by 9 a.m. as beach-goers arrive and the jet-ski tours begin pounding the beaches. The bite is over just as soon as it began.

Tides: There can be some great opportunities to catch snook during the middle of the day along beach areas in the vicinity of passes and inlets. Peak periods of tidal flow will trigger snook to feed regardless of the temperature and sunlight. These times are easy to identify by referencing a tide chart and planning your approach around the top of a high tide and end of a low tide. The best tides to fish can depend on location your location.

Outgoing tides: Generally, outgoing tides provide an abundant supply of food being swept out to sea from the backcountry. As this bait is pushed through the passes and along the beach, nearby snook will take advantage of an easy meal. Also, outgoing tides generally push out off-colored water, which can make snook much less wary of artificial presentations. While outgoing tides tend to produce the best, they have some downsides. It’s common for outgoing tides to be full of floating grass and debris, which can make presenting baits a challenge. During these times, it’s best to rig baits in a weedless fashion to prevent fouled hooks.

Incoming tides: I find the best portion of an incoming tide begins about one quarter of the way into the tide change. At this point, the water has begun to clean up considerably from the left over floating debris common during low slack tide. As this water cleans up, it becomes much easier to spot laid-up snook along the shoreline and jetties. While it’s much easier to see the fish you’re trying to catch, snook are much more keen to your presentation and can often be challenging to entice during this time. Employing live baits instead of artificial can make a big difference in the amount of hookups while fishing clear water.

LURES OPTIONS FOR SNOOK
You’ll need to lighten up your normal offerings for successful beach snooking. I prefer to use smaller, lightly weighted slender soft baits, such as the 4-inch and 6-inch Hogy Skinny Series. These finesse lures are perfect imitators of the smaller baitfish that are common along coastal beaches. I tend to keep my color selection simple. Bone (white) lures work just about anywhere for snook, and beach fishing is no exception. I’ll rig these small soft baits with a 1/4-ounce swimbait hook rigged weedless. This small amount of weight will give you added casting distance, while keeping the bait lower in the water column and closer to the bottom where the snook will be staging.

Hooking into a snook from the beach offers a wild summertime ride.

It’s best to err on the lighter side of leader for beach snook fishing. While I generally use a 30- to 40-pound-test leader while fishing heavier structure inshore, I’ll often opt for 20- to 25-pound fluorocarbon while targeting snook in open water. The beaches will generally be lacking in heavy structure, so you’ll still need to pay close attention while fighting your fish and utilize a lighter drag to prevent chaffing and cutoffs from the snook’s razor-sharp gill plates. I like to connect my braided line to my leader by using a slim beauty knot for an ultra-durable connection.

TOP TIPS FOR CATCHING SNOOK
Lighten your tackle. Opt for lighter tackle than normal when targeting beach snook. A 10- to 20-pound medium-action spinning outfit is ample for taming even the biggest beach snook. Not only is it fun and challenging to fight these fish on light tackle, it also allows you to present small and lighter lures, which are preferred along clear, shallow beaches.

Fish the trough. It’s common to see beach anglers trying their best to cast as far away from the beach as possible. While this area does hold some fish, the majority of actively feeding fish will be running along the “wash” or trough that runs just a couple of feet from the shoreline. This deeper area collects baitfish and the snook will use it as a highway to feed and travel. Effective presentations are made by casting horizontally in the trough and working your lure through the strike zone.

Watch your shadows. As the sun rises along the horizon, pay close attention to the direction your shadow casts into the water. Beach snook are very wary and will bolt at the slightest sign of danger. Keeping your shadow behind you while stalking the fish will give you a much better chance at success.

WHAT?
ScoutLook and its partners are giving you the chance to win a tremendous prize package worth $10,986, including the following prizes:

> Yamaha 2016 Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS in Hunter Green: $9,699 value

> Mossberg Patriot Vortex-Scoped Combo in .30-06 Sprg.: $552 value

> ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse X hunting pack: $230 value

> Nosler Ballistic Tip ammunition (5 boxes): $165 value

> Okuma TCS rod by Scott Martin (either TCS-C-701MH or TCS-S-731H, based on availability): $140 value

> Okuma Helios TCS 7.3:1 baitcasting reel: $200 value

WHEN?
Enter to win from September 28, 2015 through December 31, 2015.

HOW TO WIN
If you haven’t already, download the new ScoutLook Hunting or ScoutLook Fishing app and register for a free ScoutLook account. Gain access to the entry form via the first full-screen ad you’ll see in either of the apps. Fill out the entry form and you’re eligible to win. Note: the Android app was updated today— so make sure you grab the latest one.

WINNER SELECTION
One winner will be drawn and notified by e-mail on or around January 1, 2016. Winner takes all!

“ScoutLook’s ‘Right Place, Right Time’ Giveaway” Sweepstakes Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. AGREEMENT TO THE OFFICIAL RULES: By participating in the Sweepstakes, all entrants fully and unconditionally agree to and accept these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Sweepstakes. Winning a prize (described below) is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

2. ELIGIBILITY: ScoutLook’s ‘Right Place, Right Time’ Giveaway (“Sweepstakes”) is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia (except where prohibited by law) who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry and employed. Employees (and their immediate family members) of HungLogix, LLC, ScoutLook, Yamaha, Mossberg, ALPS OutdoorZ, Nosler, Okuma or individuals associated with the development, administration or fulfillment of this promotion are not eligible to win.a) Void in Puerto Rico, Canada, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, Rhode Island, Arizona, and where prohibited by law.

3. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Sweepstakes is sponsored by HuntLogix, LLC, (“Sponsor”). By participating, entrant agrees to abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. No substitutions, cash equivalents, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor who reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if advertised prize is unavailable. Winner is responsible for title and local taxes. Sweepstakes begins at or about 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on September 28, 2015, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 31, 2015 (“Promotion Period”). Sponsor’s clock is the official timekeeping device for this promotion. Grand prize will be awarded directly to the winner. You need not be present to win.

4. HOW TO ENTER:a) To enter, download the ScoutLook Hunting or ScoutLook Fishing app and register for a free ScoutLook account. Gain access to the entry form via the first full-screen ad you see in the app. Fill out the entry form and you’re eligible to win. Existing registered ScoutLook users are automatically eligible to win.

   b) Alternatively, to enter, you should send a 3” by 5” postcard, postmarked by December 31, 2015, with your name, mailing address, e-mail address and daytime phone number to: HuntLogix, LLC, 205 South Salina St., Suite 400, Syracuse, NY 13202.

Limit of one entry per person. You may enter the sweepstakes under one name and one e-mail address only. Multiple entries per person are prohibited and will void all entries by that entrant. Proof that you submitted an entry is not proof of its receipt by Sponsor. Entrants assume all risk of lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, or illegible entries. Once submitted, entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned.

5. DRAWING: One potential winner will be selected in a random electronic drawing, from all eligible entries received, on or about January 1, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, in Syracuse, NY, USA. Entrant selected must comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. The potential winner will be notified by e-mail within ten (10) days of the drawing. Winner will be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility, copy of government provided photo ID and release of liability within fourteen (14) days of the postmark date. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within ten (10) days of the first attempt to contact him/her or if he/she fails to sign and return the affidavit of eligibility, copy of government provided photo ID and release of liability within the required time period, an alternate entrant will be selected in his/her place at random from among all eligible entries received. Only one (1) alternate drawing will be held after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prize will be fulfilled within ten (10) weeks after winner confirmation.

6. GRAND PRIZE (6):

   Yamaha 2016 Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS in Hunter Green: $9,699 value

   Mossberg Patriot Vortex-Scoped Combo in .30-06 Sprg.: $552 value

   ALPS OutdoorZ Traverse X hunting pack: $230 value

   Nosler Ballistic Tip ammunition (5 boxes): $165 value

   Okuma TCS rod by Scott Martin (either TCS-C-701MH or TCS-S-731H, based on availability): $140 value

   Okuma Helios TCS 7.3:1 baitcasting reel: $200 value

   TOTAL VALUE: $10,986

   Winner is responsible for any taxes, licensing and registration. Prize does not include any other Yamaha products, parts, or accessories, except in Sponsor’s sole discretion. The odds of winning the prize depend on the number of eligible entries received. Entrants agree to be bound by these Complete Official Rules. Any depiction of Grand Prize in advertising or promotional materials is for illustrative purposes only and may not be the actual prize awarded. There are no additional prizes.

7. PUBLICITY: Except where prohibited, the winner grants the Sponsor (and agrees to confirm that grant in writing) and those acting pursuant to the authority of Sponsor, the right to print, publish, broadcast, and use—worldwide in any media now known or hereafter developed, including, but not limited to, the World Wide Web—at any time(s), that winner’s name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness (as is or as may be edited, altered, or cropped), information, and biographical information as news or information and for advertising, trade, and promotional purposes without further payment or consideration.

8. RELEASE OF LIABILITY: All entrants agree to hold harmless and release HungLogix, LLC, ScoutLook, Yamaha, Mossberg, ALPS OutdoorZ, Nosler, Okuma, their affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, agents, and employees; and all others associated with the development and execution of this sweepstakes from any and all alleged and/or actual actions, demands, losses, settlements (whether or not litigation is commenced), claims, damages, and liability whatsoever, existing now or in the future, with respect to or in any way arising from this sweepstakes or participation in any sweepstakes-related activity and/or delivery/misdelivery, acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of a prize including, but not limited to, liability for personal injury, bodily injury (including wrongful death or disability), damage to property, and damage or loss of any other kind. Only the stated number of prizes set forth in these Complete Official Rules will be awarded. If, for any reason, the sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned due to, but without limitation, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, human or other error, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor that, in the sole opinion of Sponsor, could corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes and to draw a winner at random from all eligible entries received as of the date of termination. HungLogix, LLC, ScoutLook, Yamaha, Mossberg, ALPS OutdoorZ, Nosler and Okuma make no representations regarding this Sweepstakes other than the limited warranty pertaining to the product. No affiliation or endorsement of or by Yamaha, Mossberg, ALPS OutdoorZ, Nosler and Okuma is intended or implied.

9. USE OF DATA: Sponsor collects personal information from you when you enter the Sweepstakes. The information collected is subject to the Privacy Policy of the Sponsor. Your personal information will not be sold or shared with any other company, but will be used internally for any future promotional contact. If entrants or winner opt-in to receive e-mail communications from Sponsor, ScoutLook, Yamaha, Mossberg, ALPS OutdoorZ, Nosler or Okuma, entrant is agreeing to receive e-mail communications from Sponsor, ScoutLook, Yamaha, Mossberg, ALPS OutdoorZ, Nosler or Okuma.

10. Entrants and winners are solely responsible for their own actions relating to this Sweepstakes, and the acceptance and/or use of a prize. By participating in this Sweepstakes and/or by acceptance or use of the prize, all entrants and winners agree to release and hold harmless HungLogix, LLC, ScoutLook, Yamaha, Mossberg, ALPS OutdoorZ, Nosler, Okuma, parent company, affiliates, subsidiaries, retailers, agencies, and the respective officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any liability arising in connection with the Sweepstakes and/or use of the prize.

11. Sponsor is HuntLogix, LLC: 205 South Salina St., Suite 400, Syracuse, NY 13202.

12. For the name of the winner, send a self-addressed envelope to: HuntLogix, LLC, 205 South Salina St., Suite 400, Syracuse, NY 13202.

Join Barry Greenhaw as he must make a now-or-never decision to capitalize on this archery skills and shoot a big buck through a tight shooting lane in Kansas.

We all love watching fishing and hunting shows on TV, and for whatever reason, the fishing industry has led the way when it comes to clever commercials. In fact, many times the ads are even better than the TV program itself. So sit back and enjoy my picks for the top-five all-time angling spots.

UGLY STICK AND THE ANGRY WIFE

What starts out with a kind and gentle “Good morning, honey” turns into angry “You. Are. Not. Going. Fishing. Today!” rant. I love so many things about this classic commercial that it’s hard to know where to begin. A few of my fishing buddies have spouses that don’t exactly share their passion for the outdoors, and I can’t help but laugh knowing this scene plays out every Saturday and Sunday morning across America. The “Don’t you know it’s an Ugly Stik?” look on the man’s face while he never misses a beat with his cereal is priceless. (Author’s note: I’ve owned a 6-foot, 6-inch two-piece Ugly Stik spinning rod for exactly 36 years; it was gift on my 14th birthday. It’s my No. 1 catfishing rod, and like the commercial illustrates, the Stik is bullet-proof.)

MINN KOTA ULTERRA

No fishing commercial has garnered as much attention in recent memory as this one from Minn Kota. According to data on Minn Kota’s YouTube page, it’s been viewed more than 300,000 times since it was published on Jan. 19, 2015. It has the cool factor, the production quality is off the charts, and each one of us can relate to those two guys watching and wishing. And here’s something you didn’t know: The guy running Ulterra in the commercial is central-Florida bass guide Chuck Pippin. I recently spent some time with Chuck during the 2015 ICAST show, and he’s a great guy. Click here if you’re ever in his area and want to spend a day on the water searching for giant largemouths. 

RAPALA RIVER OTTER

Perhaps no company has produced as many memorable TV spots through the years as Rapala, and this one ranks as my No. 1. From the concept, to the execution, this commercial is A+. I won’t get into the details of how I know this, but river otters can –at times–be aggressive and nasty. How the guy in the back of the boat pulls off this interaction with the creature amazes me. The underwater footage is fantastic, and I love the angler’s leap at the end; otter guy deserves an Oscar.

NITRO BOAT VS. WHINY GIRLFRIEND

This commercial is 5 years old, but with more than 3.8 million views on YouTube, it’s still going strong. Much like the Ugly Stik commercial discussed earlier, this one begins with the classic man vs. woman struggle regarding choice of free time activities. Unlike the Ugly Stick spot, however, the girl in the Nitro Boats ad doesn’t simply walk away from the conflict. Kudos on the well-timed crow calls, too.

TAKE ME FISHING

While humor is often the driving force behind many successful ad campaigns, a commercial can be a home run if it grabs your attention and makes you think. This 60-second spot from TakeMeFishing.org does exactly that, no matter your gender or age. My dad–now almost 80–introduced me to fishing at a very young age, and this ad serves as a good reminder that it’s been too long since we shared time in the boat. Can you think of anyone who’d appreciate an invite?

ScoutLook and Zippo Outdoor have teamed up for a giveaway on the ScoutLook Facebook page. All you need to do is click here, view a Facebook post and watch a video to learn more about the prize package. After you watch the video, “Like” the post for your chance to win. One random winner will be selected and notified via Facebook message on Friday, October 16, 2015!

“Zippo Outdoor Great Gear Giveaway” Sweepstakes Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. AGREEMENT TO THE OFFICIAL RULES: By participating in the Sweepstakes, all entrants fully and unconditionally agree to and accept these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Sweepstakes. Winning a prize (described below) is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

2. ELIGIBILITY: Zippo Outdoor Great Gear Giveaway (“Sweepstakes”) is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia (except where prohibited by law) who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry and employed. Employees (and their immediate family members) of HungLogix, LLC, ScoutLook, and Zippo Outdoor or individuals associated with the development, administration or fulfillment of this promotion are not eligible to win.a) Void in Puerto Rico, Canada, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, Rhode Island, Arizona, and where prohibited by law.

3. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Sweepstakes is sponsored by HuntLogix, LLC, (“Sponsor”). By participating, entrant agrees to abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. No substitutions, cash equivalents, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor who reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if advertised prize is unavailable. Winner is responsible for title and local taxes. Sweepstakes begins at or about 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on October 1, 2015, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on October 15, 2015 (“Promotion Period”). Sponsor’s clock is the official timekeeping device for this promotion. Grand prize will be awarded directly to the winner. You need not be present to win.

4. HOW TO ENTER:a) To enter, visit the ScoutLook Facebook page and view the video at this link: https://www.facebook.com/scoutlook/videos/1035241399842429/. “Like” the Facebook post that contains the video for a chance to win.

   b) Alternatively, to enter, you should send a 3” by 5” postcard, postmarked by October 16, 2015, with your name, mailing address, e-mail address and daytime phone number to: HuntLogix, LLC, 100 North Salina St., Suite 500, Syracuse, NY 13202.

Limit of one entry per person. You may enter the sweepstakes under one name only. Multiple entries per person are prohibited and will void all entries by that entrant. Proof that you submitted an entry is not proof of its receipt by Sponsor. Entrants assume all risk of lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, or illegible entries. Once submitted, entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned.

5. DRAWING: One potential winner will be selected in a random electronic drawing, from all eligible entries received, on or about October 16, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, in Syracuse, NY, USA. Entrant selected must comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. The potential winner will be notified by e-mail within ten (10) days of the drawing. Winner will be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility, copy of government provided photo ID and release of liability within fourteen (14) days of the postmark date. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within ten (10) days of the first attempt to contact him/her or if he/she fails to sign and return the affidavit of eligibility, copy of government provided photo ID and release of liability within the required time period, an alternate entrant will be selected in his/her place at random from among all eligible entries received. Only one (1) alternate drawing will be held after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prize will be fulfilled within ten (10) weeks after winner confirmation.

6. GRAND PRIZE (6):

   12-Hour Hand Warmer: $21.95 value
   All-Terrain Grill: $299.95 value
   4-In-One Woodsman: $79.95

   TOTAL VALUE: $401.85

   Winner is responsible for any taxes, licensing and registration. Prize does not include any other Yamaha products, parts, or accessories, except in Sponsor’s sole discretion. The odds of winning the prize depend on the number of eligible entries received. Entrants agree to be bound by these Complete Official Rules. Any depiction of Grand Prize in advertising or promotional materials is for illustrative purposes only and may not be the actual prize awarded. There are no additional prizes.

7. PUBLICITY: Except where prohibited, the winner grants the Sponsor (and agrees to confirm that grant in writing) and those acting pursuant to the authority of Sponsor, the right to print, publish, broadcast, and use—worldwide in any media now known or hereafter developed, including, but not limited to, the World Wide Web—at any time(s), that winner’s name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness (as is or as may be edited, altered, or cropped), information, and biographical information as news or information and for advertising, trade, and promotional purposes without further payment or consideration.

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Combine one NFL pro with a few accurate rifles and some cagey feral hogs? Only if the goal is hill-country fun.

I felt like I’d finally accomplished something when I spotted my first Central-California feral hog.

The recent hunt that unfolded near Paso Robles had only been a few hours old, but already, I’d begun feeling like the odd man out. It all began in predawn blackness, when I’d jumped in a truck holding hog guide Doug Roth, of Camp 5 Outfitters, and my hunting partner, NFL tight end Bear Pascoe.

The three of us had driven up and into this hilly, dry land of twisted oaks, evergreens and slopes covered in thick, chest-high brush. Just before dawn we got out along the twisting dirt road and began scanning the varied landscape. Roth and Pascoe were uncanny; they were spotting hogs everywhere. And it was frustrating the heck out of me.

“That far ridge on the right, just below that big rock,” Roth would say. “See it?”

“Got it,” Pascoe would answer. “Two bigs and a little, right?”

“That’s them.”

I’d put my Swarovski Model EL 8x42mm binoculars to my eyes—probably the best binoculars I have ever used—and try to decide which of the 32 or so rocks Roth might be talking about. I saw nothing. Just a whole lot of sloping brown on brown, which became green on brown as the light improved.

COUNTRY MADE FOR STALKING
Hog population aside, I knew we were hunting some amazing country. The Central Coastal Region of California is a series of low, picturesque mountains marching to the Pacific Ocean less than 100 miles away. Much of it is wide open—huge ranches and oak savannas—cut up by ravines and gullies, winding dirt roads, agricultural fields, and vineyards. Adding still more spice was our spot-and-stalk hunt strategy, one that was new to me. Most all of my previous hog hunting experience had focused on sitting stands.

In the open country of Central California, high-quality optics will undoubtedly increase your spot-and-stalk success. The clarity and light transmission of Swarovski glass is difficult to beat.

Then, just like that, it was my turn. Over an hour later, after stops at three different locations, I saw it all on my own: a black hog-looking spot in the brush. I adjusted my Swaros and, sure enough, I could just make out the familiar outline. A black hog it was. Boar was my guess, and not a small one.

“He’s a good one,” Roth agreed, once I’d pointed out the hefty wild pig.

“How far away do you think he is?” I asked.

“All of a mile,” Roth answered. “But he’s probably going to cross that ridge and we’ll never see him again. Hello? Look below him a couple hundred yards. See them?”

A dozen dark figures were moving to our left, generally towards us, weaving in and out of the underbrush at a good pace. And even better, I could take partial credit for helping to spot them. Now, I felt like part of the hunt—not merely some blind baggage.

KEEPING UP WITH HOGS, PRO ATHLETES
We loaded back into the jeep and, as he drove, Roth explained the plan. The hogs were likely going to bed down a couple miles in the direction they were moving, in the deep ravines over the line of hills ahead of us. We were going to drive about a mile toward those hills, then get out and hike it hard to cut off the hogs.

Hike it we did, up very steep slopes that made me sweat heavily in the warming morning air. The freaky dry earth made the climbs even harder. As I tried to climb upslope the ground would instantly fall apart—and I’d slide down a foot or more. Another step, another slide. My performance was almost comical.

But Pascoe had to catch his breath a time or two himself, so I didn’t feel completely out of shape.

We made it up the final ridge and the land opened up before us into an oak savannah, the stands of the trees interspersed with dry grasses that came to my knees. Roth stopped us with an upraised hand, and listened, trying to catch sound of our quarry. Nothing but birds chirping. We walked forward a few hundred yards and stopped to listen again.

“Well, damn,” Roth said. “Did they get ahead of us? If they made those hills … ” He pointed to the slopes rising a quarter-mile to our left. ” … forget it.”

HOGS IN A HAYSTACK?
Then we heard it: a single squeal, clear and sharp, and from the exact direction Roth had hoped the hogs were still approaching. Paydirt.

We quickly moved to a stand of trees for cover, and set up next to a really large oak. In a few minutes, we glimpsed the group of hogs, heads bobbing and tails cutting the air as they moved and foraged and jostled among themselves. Roth and Pascoe stood on the right side of the expansive trunk; I hung to the left. We’d decided earlier that Pascoe would take the first shot.

Pascoe’s a member of Team Weatherby, a group of celebrity hunters and shooters that rifle maker Weatherby put together to help market its firearms, and Weatherby had invited me on this hunt. So Pascoe was using a Mark V chambered in .300 Wby. Mag. He rested the rifle along the right side of the trunk. The hogs were within 80 yards now and drifting through the trees, stopping every few yards to root for acorns. I set my scope on the hog all the way to the left, figuring Pascoe would take down a hog in front of him and to my right. Probably, I figured, the big sow bringing up the rear of the line.

CHOOSE YOUR TARGET WISELY
Roth looked right at me, eyes wide, and asked if I was ready. I nodded and went back to my scope and got my hog in the crosshairs, finger ready to squeeze off a shot as soon as Pascoe fired on his hog.

He did. Fire that is. Problem was, the hog I had in my crosshairs dropped right in its tracks. Pascoe had picked my hog as his target. Damn!

Pro football player and Team Weatherby member Bear Pascoe with a stout hog he dropped.

The roar of Pascoe’s Weatherby had the hogs running for their lives, literally, half of them swinging back the way they’d come, the other half churning up dry dirt as they sprinted to my left. I swung my rifle onto the nearest hog, a medium-sized black sow, and fired. Miss! I saw the soil jump up right behind the fleeing pig.

I worked the bolt on my Weatherby Hog Reaper in .308 Win., and fired again. No soil splash, and it turned out I had hit the sow in her rear leg. Which didn’t stop her or slow her, but did make her turn and give me a better broadside shot.

I jabbed the scope’s crosshairs onto her nose for a lead and pulled the trigger, but she just kept running. I worked a new round into the chamber, sure I’d whiffed completely, when she tumbled over and came to rest under an oak.

The author with his first California hog: a medium-sized sow he dropped on the run after a good spot-and-stalk hunt with Team Weatherby.

The last shot, I discovered, took her in the low shoulder area, broke bone and slammed through her lungs. I donated her to a local food bank, where she was made into many, many pounds of breakfast sausage for the needy.

DAY TWO DONS WET AND HOGGY
The next day was a rainy mess, but it was also our last opportunity—so I spent it out and about looking to fill my remaining pig tag. Which I did, during a convenient break in the deluge. I tumbled a nice reddish boar at just under 200 yards as he fed on a hillside.

This big red boar tipped the scales at nearly 300 pounds. It had to be drug out of a particularly deep and brush-filled ravine.

The hike and the stalk wasn’t the hard part of the brief hunt. The hard part was helping to drag 225 pounds of dead boar through a vegetation-choked ravine for a solid quarter of a mile. In no time at all my heart was hammering nearly out of my chest, my leg muscles were straining, and sweat was flowing like the recent rainstorm.

Unfortunately for me, Pascoe had returned to his football team earlier that morning. I sure would’ve appreciated his 275 pounds of professional footballer muscle on that little hike!