Western Vantage — Friday Edition
Friday’s here, and the hunts are closing in fast. Applications in Montana are pressing, predators are moving, and I’ve pulled together some gear worth a second look. Let’s wrap the week with what matters.
🎯 Tag Tracker
Montana Elk & Deer Combination Licenses + Permits are due April 1, 2025 by 11:45 p.m. MST. Don’t wait — double-check your submission now. 👉 Apply on Montana FWP
Moose, sheep, goat, and bison deadline: May 1, 2025. Antelope: June 1, 2025. SuperTag deadline: June 30, 2025. 👉 Full Montana Application Details
🐺 Predator Watch
Wolf Calling Strategy: Wolves are more responsive to territorial howls late winter through early spring. If you get a return howl, close the gap fast but keep wind in your favor — wolves circle wide. 👉 Predator Call Tactics That Work
Coyote Calling Tip: This time of year, mix lone howls with pup distress. Packs are splitting up, and singles get curious (or territorial). Don’t overcall — give 3–5 minutes of silence between sequences. 👉 Calling Coyotes 101
🎒 Gear Drop — Riflescopes Built for Western Hunts
Reliable glass is everything when your shot stretches across canyons. Here are three scopes built for the West:
Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40 — lightweight, crystal-clear, made for long sits and variable terrain. 👉 See Specs
Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44 — versatile mid-range scope, strong low-light performance for first and last light shots. 👉 See Specs
Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50 — premium clarity, ideal for glassing big country and taking precise long-range shots. 👉 See Specs
🦌 Opportunity Board
Alberta Archery Moose Hunt
Dates: October 4-11, 2025
Location: Alberta, Canada
Why it’s hot: Peak rut timing, bulls crashing to the call, and close encounters from 7–40 yards. Lodge hunts with hot meals and comfortable beds after long days in the stand.
👉 See Details at Hosted Hunts
📌 Closing Note
Want more predator content? Should we dive into decoy setups, ridge-line ambushes, or running night hunts with thermals? Hit reply and tell us what you’d like to see.
See you on the mountain,
The Western Vantage Team