November 05, 2025
🎯 7mm Redemption + Wolf Quotas Jump 🎯🐺
Last week’s elk poll results came in and we’re calling BS.
Zero votes for the 7mm Rem Mag? The cartridge that’s accounted for more freezer-filling bulls than we can count got shut out.
Time to fix that 👇 and catch up on what’s happening across the West.
🔪 Reader-Only Knife Giveaway
Every month, we pull one subscriber from the referral leaderboard to win a premium hunting knife — no gimmicks, no entry form. If you’re reading this, you’re already eligible. Each friend you refer to Western Vantage earns you extra entries (1 friend = 1 entry, 3 = 3 entries, 5 = 5 entries). Winners are announced right here in the newsletter, and it’s exclusive to active subscribers only.
🔖 Quick Guide
Tag Tracker • Predator Watch • Gear Drop • Fit to Hunt • Field Notes • Quick Poll
🎯 TAG TRACKER // What’s Closing and Coming Up
Idaho controlled hunts: final call — IDFG Controlled Hunt Info
Idaho Big Game Regulations: 2025 Seasons & Rules PDF
Wyoming preference points: the 2025 purchase window closed Oct 31 — mark next year’s dates → WGFD Deadlines • Preference Points Overview
🐺 PREDATOR WATCH // Montana Wolf Quotas Jump to 452
FWP raised the statewide quota to 452; Region 3 cap called out separately.
That’s up from 393 last season — livestock conflicts and population targets driving the increase.
Expect legal noise to follow.
👉 READ: FWP Wolf Regulations & Quotas
🧢 GEAR DROP // Late-Season Essentials
🎯 ZERO TIP: Zero at 200 yards and confirm your 300–500 yd holds with the ammo you hunt with — not range rounds.
👉 READ: How to Sight-In for a 200-Yard Zero
💪 FIT TO HUNT // Five-Minute Shoulder Prep (No Gym Needed)
Band pull-aparts × 20 • Wall slides × 10 • Scap push-ups × 10 • Arm circles 30 s each way • Light pack presses × 10
👉 FIT: Quick Mobility Demo
📓 FIELD NOTES // Cold Air Flips the Switch
“The first morning I saw my breath this year, I knew it was on. There’s a switch that flips — you stop thinking about the hunt and start living it.”
Cold mornings change everything: thermals rise slower, sound travels farther, and glass beats boots until sunlight hits the ridges. Bundle up and let your eyes do the walking.
🗳️ QUICK POLL // Best Elk Cartridge — Redemption Round
What is the best Elk Cartridge available today?
Last time, the 7mm Rem Mag got zero votes. How is that possible? Let’s run it back with a few new options.
🤠 Sign-Off
Wolves are up, temps are down, and the 7mm’s back on the board.
Check your tags, dial in that zero, and make this week count.
Reply and tell us what you’re hunting this week.