WESTERN VANTAGE — October 2, 2025

Coffee or whiskey (no judgment) — let’s get you dialed in for this week.

⬇️ HERO CTA — Tap this first:
READ: Border wall vs. wildlife — what it means for Western migrations → The Guardian

Mini ToC: Tag Watch • Predator Watch (Bobcat) • Gear Drop • Openers • Fun Stuff • Fit to Hunt • Eye Candy

The Hunt. The Gear. The West

TAG WATCH 🏷️

  • WY — Preference Points Deadline: Oct 31
    That’s for deer, elk, antelope, moose, sheep. Don’t miss it.
    APPLY: Wyoming points (July 1–Oct 31). READ: official page → wgfd.wyo.gov+1

  • OR — Tag Sale Deadlines (Oct 3)
    If you need Western Oregon Any Legal Weapon deer or fall black bear/cougar general tags, the sale deadline is Oct 3.
    DETAILS: ODFW seasons page and eRegs notes → Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife+1

TOP STORIES 📰

  1. Border wall construction slices through Arizona’s San Rafael Valley
    A new 27-mile segment pushes through a key wildlife corridor (jaguars, pronghorn, more). What fragmentation could mean for migration routes.
    READ: The Guardian → The Guardian

  2. First whooping crane killed by HPAI
    “Ducky,” a juvenile whooping crane in Wisconsin, died of avian flu — a first for the species. A small population takes a 1% hit in one case.
    READ: AP News → AP News

  3. States moving to strengthen wildlife agencies & crossings
    New funding models, broader authority, and habitat connectivity are trending.
    READ: NCEL explainer → ncel.net

PREDATOR WATCH 🐾 — Bobcat Edition: Turn Your Hobby into a Little Cash

The quick math: Western spotted bobcats have been moving $500+ at state auctions and even ~$800 at Fur Harvesters Auction (top-tier lots). Many other sections run ~$100–$200 depending on quality/spotting. Not a gold mine, but real value for time you’re already in the hills.
READ: 2025 fur price roundup → Trapping Today
RESULTS: FHA June 2025 sale report (PDF) → furharvesters.com

Locate & Call — field-tested basics (check regs):

  • Where: Edges/transition zones (creek bottoms, rimrock, brushy draws). Cats travel quietly and use cover. Dawn/dusk is prime.

  • What to run: Short prey-in-distress sequences (cottontail, bird) with long pauses. Bobcats are slow rollers — patience wins.

  • How to pattern: Trail cam funnels and sandy two-tracks for tracks/scat; revisit when you see fresh sign.

  • Legal & logistics: Seasons/limits vary. Always confirm rules (CITES tagging, weapon methods, night hunting, electronic calls).
    READ: Idaho furbearer/trapping hub (good example) → idfg.idaho.gov

❝

Reminder: Handle and sell legally; market $ varies by region, fur quality, and sales venue.

GEAR DROP 🎒 (clicky, not salesy)

  • Tethrd Phantom Saddle — popular single-panel mobile setup for minimalist tree work.
    GEAR: Product page → Tethrd

  • ScentLok Saddle Hunter Midweight Pant — quiet, wind-stopping layer; built-in (removable) knees for long sits.
    GEAR: Product page → Scentlok Technologies

  • Amsteel Quick-Cinch Gear Caddy — cheap, slick way to haul/lash things on the climb.
    GEAR: Etsy listing → Etsy

OCTOBER MULE DEER — RIFLE OPENERS (quick hits) 🦌

  • Idaho (General Deer): opens Oct 10 in many zones — verify your unit/weapon.
    READ: IDFG “Important October dates” → idfg.idaho.gov

  • Oregon (Western OR Any Legal Weapon): Oct 4–Nov 7 — general tag, sale deadline Oct 3.
    DETAILS: ODFW seasons → Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

  • Utah (General Deer, Any Legal Weapon): Oct 18–26 (tentative schedule published by UDWR).
    READ: UDWR tentative dates → wildlife.utah.gov

  • Montana (General Deer): Oct 25–Nov 30 statewide (check district).
    READ: MTFWP season dates → Montana FWP

❝

Always confirm units/weapon restrictions in your exact reg book.

LIGHTER SIDE 😄 — The Legendary Snipe Hunt

Every camp has that one buddy who gets “voluntold” to hold the burlap sack and whistle softly in the dark because “snipes love high-pitched chirps.” We won’t spoil the punchline — just remember a headlamp and a sense of humor.
READ: What’s a “snipe hunt,” actually? → Trapping Today

FIT TO HUNT 💪 (2-minute tune-up)

Pack-out core ladder:

  • 30–45 sec bear-hug carry (sandbag or pack @ bodyweight/3)

  • 10 box step-ups (hold pack)

  • 6 deep breaths nasal only (reset)
    Repeat x3. Build lungs + legs for those uphill hauls.

EYE CANDY 🎥 — Elk Bugle Fix

WATCH: “Epic bull elk” — RMNP rut 2025 (clean clip) → YouTube
(If that doesn’t light a fire, check your pulse.)

QUICK POLL

Are you hunting a mule deer rifle opener this month?

  • Yes / No / Maybe (hit reply — I’m tallying responses)

PS — Forward bump

Know a buddy who’d dig this? Forward it. It helps Western Vantage keep the lights on and the links fresh.

“The Hunt. The Gear. The West. — that’s your Western Vantage.”

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