Western Vantage — Tuesday, September 16, 2025
TAG WATCH (ID · OR · WA)
Idaho
2025–26 Big Game Seasons & Rules are live. Download the booklet and double-check your unit dates before rolling out.
READ: IDFG 2025 Big Game brochure page | Full PDFNote: Deer/Elk/Pronghorn run Aug 2025–Feb 2026; Bear, Lion, Wolf have their own windows—see species sections inside.
READ: IDFG Big Game hub
Oregon
2025 big-game regs: Commission signaled no major overhauls beyond date shifts/minor tag tweaks; Eastern Oregon deer structure changes are being discussed for 2026 (heads-up for planners).
READ: ODFW 2025 regs note | Eastern OR deer structure discussion (2026)If you chase birds too, some 2025–26 game-bird openers shift later (e.g., Oct 11).
READ: Commission summary (Game birds timing)
Washington
2025 Big Game pamphlet covers seasons Apr 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026. Use the online summaries for deer/elk and confirm your GMUs before you go.
READ: WDFW 2025 Big Game pamphlet | Deer season summary
PREDATOR WATCH (Wolf + Coyote)
Wolf calling: sequences that produce
Start with location howls, then shift to prey distress (calf/fawn/rabbit). Give each set time (up to 2 hours). Wolves commit slow—don’t rush the stand.
READ: Petersen’s Hunting: Predator-call tacticsMix in howls, barks, whimpers if you bump a pack or need a stop-shot. Keep sequences sparse to avoid educating pressured wolves.
READ: Outdoor Life wolf-call techniques
Calls that help
Johnny Stewart Li’l Red Wolf Howler (four-reed) — high volume for distance.
GEAR: Hunter Spec | AllPredatorCalls
Montana context (border hunts):
FWP recommended raising the statewide wolf quota this season with ~1,091 wolves estimated in MT; check final quota decisions.
READ: Daily Montanan report
Idaho wolf refresher
Wolves are managed as big game with general seasons and OTC tags. Mandatory check requirements apply post-harvest.
READ: IDFG Wolf page
GEAR DROP — Knives We Actually Use
Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter (15017/S30V or S90V) — compact fixed blade that still caps/skins elk cleanly.
GEAR: Benchmade pageHavalon Piranta-Edge — replaceable-blade scalpel for ultra-clean capes; carry extra 60A blades.
GEAR: Piranta | Blade packsOutdoor Edge RazorPro series — quick-swap blades with a dedicated gutting blade.
GEAR: RazorPro
HUNT OPENINGS
Need last-minute 2025 options (elk, moose, caribou, more)? Check current cancellations/specials and get no-fee consulting.
OPENINGS: Hosted Hunts Specials & Cancellations | Why Hosted Hunts
FIT TO HUNT (2-Minute Tune-Up)
Pack-out circuit (no gym required)
3 rounds: 15 walking lunges (pack on), 10 pushups, 30-sec wall sit, 10 pack good-mornings
Finish: 5-minute incline walk with pack
Goal: keep it conversational—if you can’t, drop weight and hold form.
Quick Notes & Reminders
Idaho: latest big game booklet live; confirm your exact unit and weapon dates. Open booklet
Washington: 2025 pamphlet is effective now (through Mar 31, 2026). See pamphlet
Oregon: watch 2026 discussions for Eastern Oregon deer structure; 2025 stays largely status-quo. Update
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— Western Vantage Team