Western Vantage — September 17, 2025
Good morning, you caffeine-powered predator stalker.
If the sunrise doesn’t inspire you, at least know the tag season is creeping in. Grab your gear, check your boots, and maybe put down that extra donut. Here’s what’s moving this week.
🦌 Big Game Forecast: Idaho’s Hunting Outlook is Actually Looking Good
Idaho Fish & Game’s 2025 deer & elk outlook is generally positive — calf survival and adult female survival look solid in many units, which should mean better tag success in parts of the state. That said, outbreaks of EHD and CWD watch-lists mean you still need to plan for testing and sampling where required.
Bottom line: Many units are healthier than last year — work hard, hunt smart, and don’t be the guy who shows up underprepared.
🔦 Tag & Season Notes: What’s Opening & What to Watch
Magic Valley and a handful of other regions have updated seasons / tag opportunities — if you hunt there, read the local regs this week.
Nonresident draw rules keep shifting in several western states; double-check your draw deadlines and over-the-counter availability before you plan travel.
🐾 Predator Watch & Conservation Flash
Corridors like McArthur Lake and other migration routes remain hotspots for wildlife movement — expect more chance encounters (and more predators) if you hunt near them. Also: Alaska’s Mulchatna caribou debate is heating up — predator control vs. habitat solutions is back in the headlines. If you like drama, follow the Board of Game notes.
🎯 Best Weeks to Hunt Elk: Rut’s Coming Hard
Peak rut windows tend to cluster around the Fall Equinox. For many units, Sept 17-27 is that sweet chaos window. If you can slip away, aim for then. (Also — full moon timing matters. Avoid if stealth is your thing.)
🔥 Trigger Talk — Quick Shots on New Guns & Ammo
Bergara B-14 Squared CIMA CF — ultralight carbon sporter
Ultralight at ≈ 5.8 lbs, with an RTM sporter stock and a CURE carbon barrel. Bergara USA+2BPI Outdoors+2
Offered in popular hunting calibers including .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .300 Win Mag, 7 PRC, and 300 PRC. BPI Outdoors+1
MSRP: $1,849. If you hike farther than you shoot, this one makes the pack load a lot more bearable. BPI Outdoors+1
Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT — another carbon contender
Starting weight ~ 5.4 lbs, with a stainless steel & carbon fiber wrapped barrel. Flash Forged Technology stock. Sub-MOA accuracy promised. Christensen Arms+1
Barrel lengths of 20″ or 22″ depending on cartridge, with threaded muzzles (standard is 5/8-24, except smaller calibers like .22-250 get 1/2-28). Christensen Arms+2Big Game Hunting Blog+2
Price range: approx $2,049.99 – $2,399.99 depending on configuration. Christensen Arms
Ammo Pick: Hornady ELD-X™ Precision Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor, 143 gr
Heat Shield tip, excellent ballistic coefficient, consistent performance in big game / predator situations. Hornady+1
From the Campfire
Fit to Hunt
Pack lunges with 20-30 lbs. Three sets of ten each leg. Do it twice per week. Bonus points if you don’t scream on the last rep.
Gear Heads
Boots: reseal and restitch — bad boots = bad days.
Lanterns: standardize batteries across your headlamps and lanterns. Fewer dark-camp surprises.
Poll Time
What’s your best “predator scare” story this year? Reply with short one-liners — funniest/most chaotic will get a shout in the next issue.
🇨🇦 / 🇦🇱aska Corner — Quick Hit
Alaska’s Mulchatna caribou herd debate continues — predator control vs. habitat fixes. The state authorized bear culls in calving areas, sparking heated arguments over science, sustainability, and ethics. Keep an eye on this one.
⚠️ Wildfire & Smoke Note
Smoke is still a factor for scouting and ridge hunts. Check fire maps, don’t assume access or visibility will hold.
💬 Thought From the Stand
If your pack strap breaks and your lunch floats downstream, call it character building. If your seat cushion also eats your map, call it an upgrade opportunity. Always carry backups — dignity included.
Thank you for reading —
Western Vantage Team