Scott Haugen

Cinnamon Bear In Idaho

Scott Haugen — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:22:11 +0000

I love bear hunting, no matter what the method. I’ve been fortunate to pursue bear in many states around the West, from trailing hounds to spot-and-stalk, to calling and baiting. All are fun approaches, and each has their benefits and rewards.
I’m in the process of writing a book on hunting black bear out West, and hope to have it out in late 2013. Part of my work on this book has been personally testing loads, calibers, optics, bows and other tools, to see how effective they really are.
On this hunt I chose to combine an old school caliber rifle with a modern reflex scope. I borrowed good friend, Jody Smith’s, .45-70 lever gun, and we topped it with a Trijicon RMR. Using Nosler’s 300 grain Ballistic Silvertip bullets, we worked up a load that used 43 grains of IMR 4198 powder, which spit out the bullet at 1,882 fps. It only took a few shots before this setup shot an impressively tight group.
This hunt took place high atop Idaho’s Joseph Plains, where I’ve hunted elk and mule deer–and bear–before, with Matt Craig of Boulder Creek Outfitters (www.bouldercreekoutfitters.com). Prior to our arrival, good weather had bears on the move, hitting over a dozen baits. When we arrived, temperatures dropped into the low 30s, and rain and snow dominated.
The harsh change in conditions hit quick and shut down bear movement. Some big boars were hitting bait sites, but only for a brief few minutes, and about 1:00 a.m.
We sat for two evenings and didn’t see a bear. Then we caught a break in the weather on the afternoon of the third evening. After walking in to our blind, we hadn’t even reached it when a cinnamon bear appeared on the hillside. Dustin, The Hunt’s ace camera man and top editor, wasted no time getting on him. Though it wasn’t one of the big bears that had been caught on trail camera hitting this bait, one look at his gorgeous coat was all it took for me to want to close the deal.
Taking a rest on a nearby tree, the .45-70 performed perfectly. Smacking the bear behind the shoulder, the slow moving bullet punched through with minimal meat damage. The bear went only a few yards before expiring.
When it comes to spring bear hunting, you never know what will happen, especially on these high elevation hunts. I’d taken chocolate and cinnamon phase black bears with Boulder Creek, before, but none were as striking as this boar. The next day the weather got even better, and two hunters saw multiple bears and filled their tags on the first day of their hunt.
Skinning the bear for a rug, and boning out the meat, we look forward to even more memories. The hunt, and the memories live on!

High Country Toms

Scott Haugen — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:20:43 +0000

At 5,000-feet, high atop Idaho’s Joseph Plains, we just came off what’s likely my most exciting turkey hunt in nearly 30 years. Conditions were tough, with high winds, snow and rain, but when the weather broke, the toms were hot.
Prior to our arrival, exceptional weather shined, and much of the breeding was done by the time we reached the hunting grounds. This meant mature toms were traveling and eager to inspect any calls.
With two tags to fill, I used a variety of calls and decoys, to help close the deal on this DIY hunt. On the first morning, a hen decoy I made with the help of good friend and taxidermist, Bruce Hallingstad, was the decoy of choice. On the first setup, 8 toms approached, all from different directions.
Given the big, rugged country, it took 45 minutes for the first tom to reach us, figuring he traveled well over a half-mile through timber, across a creek and two deep, brushy canyons. It took a range of Point Blank turkey calls to keep the bird focused, from their diaphragm to the Mother Load box call to two different pot calls (the Iron Man being a favorite), to their push-button call. Gobbling even worked well to get birds fired-up. When the tom showed up, he was in full-strut and sucked right into the decoy. The shot was simple.
On the second bird I wanted to try something different, so took the 1/4-life-size Thunder Chicken decoy, which I’d put my own, real tail fan in. Calling to locate toms, the intent was to stalk in on the birds, seeing how close I could get. But when two big toms charged in from behind, camera man, Dustin Anderson and I were in a bad spot. I could have easily shot a tom, but we couldn’t get the camera on them. The birds walked away.
Heading off the hill we spotted a big tom feeding by himself. Putting the decoy in front of my face, I crawled to within range and dropped the tom with one shot. There’s no way this could have been pulled-off without the aid of the decoy. It was amazing, impressive, and got the adrenaline pumping.
We were hunting on over 50,000 acres of private land, behind two locked gates, so we were certain no other hunters were around. I’d WOULD NOT use this approach on public land, only private, where you’re positive no other hunters are.
Every morning and evening the echoes of toms traveled through the rugged terrain. We called in a dozen toms, and came away with one of our best turkey hunting shows, ever. Using a 12 gauge Mossberg turkey gun topped with Trijicon’s RMR and throwing Federal’s Flitecontrol loads of #6s, it was a deadly combination. A rangefinder tucked in my Crooked Horn RF Hookeup, and quality binoculars were valuable pieces of gear in this country, and my Cabela’s Tactical Turkey vest was stuffed with goodies, and was comfortable in this demanding terrain.
I’m in the middle of writing a book on turkey hunting out West, which will be out later this year, and came away with some more great information from this hunt. Thanks to Boulder Creek Outfitters (www.bouldercreek.com) for pointing us in the right direction. Though they can’t guide on this private land, they can turn hunters loose to hunt it on their own. This is a great place for a combination hunt…turkeys in the morning, guided bears in the evening. So much to do, so many places to go! Love those turkeys!!

Idaho Spring Coyotes

Scott Haugen — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:18:29 +0000

Just came off a trip to Idaho, where coyote calling phenom’, Cory Lundberg and I hunted atop the Joseph Plains and down near White Bird. These are areas I’ve hunted in the past for deer, elk and bear, with Boulder Creek Outfitters, and we always see loads coyotes. Last deer season we saw a pack of five coyotes eating on an adult whitetail deer.

The conditions were tough much of the time, dominated by high winds, driving rain and even snow. When we did catch a break in the weather, we took to the hills where Cory worked his magic on the calls.
What caught my attention most was how aggressive Cory was on the calling, and how often he changed up the sounds on a single set. From rodent, cottontail, jackrabbit, fawn and gray fox distress calls, to various howls, bird sounds and more, Cory threw out a wide-range of calls that brought in the yappers.

In all we called in 6 six coyotes, which wasn’t bad considering the time of year and the tough conditions we were up against. The closest charged in to 40 yards, the farthest held up, barking, at 200 yards.

From the Fox Pro to an array of mouth calls, we mixed things up to find what the coyotes liked. Bird chatter and coyote yelps, along with pup sounds, were most effective.
We both shot .22-250s, and both were topped with Trijicon’s 5-20×50 scopes. On his AR, Cory went with a dual scope setup which included Trijicon’s RMR, which is sweet for shooting ‘dawgs in close, on the run, and at a distance. A versatile setup, for sure.
Nosler’s 35 grain Custom Ballistic Tip Varmint loads put the hurt on the coyotes. We also relied on quality optics and range finders to help seal the deal in the wide open, expansive terrain.

Cory is a predator control specialist, and travels the West taking care of problem coyotes and varmints. He’s just releasing a coyote hunting DVD, most of it shot in his home state of UT. Visit http://www.codahunts.com for more information.

For you deer, elk and pronghorn hunters, there’s never a bad time to get out and hunt coyotes in an effort to control their numbers so big game can thrive. With coyote pups being born at this time, there are many mouths to feed, and as soon as calves and fawns start hitting the ground, they will become a primary food source for many coyotes. As spring progresses, get after those coyotes and let us know how ya do!

Gear Of The Year…Hunting!

Scott Haugen — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:03:02 +0000

It’s crazy how busy the “off-season” is. Since January I’ve given over 30 seminars and written 34 magazine articles. We’ve been editing new TV episodes and the boys’ basketball season is over and baseball’s begun. Seems the down time in life is getting shorter, as now we’re in the middle of spring hunt preparation.

Last fall I used a lot of different hunting gear, and want to share what I liked best. Hunting gear is an amazing thing–our industry is inundated with it. Some of the best stuff won’t even make it to market due to poor marketing…some of the worst stuff will be in every store due to great marketing.

I’m fortunate to be able to test a lot of gear, and always try to be straight-up in my evaluations. Because I spend so many days in the field, I’m able to thoroughly put gear to the test. I’m not much of a gadget guy, but if I find something that makes my life easier, safer, more comfortable and helps me put more meat in the freezer, than I’m all over it. Here’s a look at some of the best gear and gadgets I used in 2011, and will continue using.

If I had to pick one piece of gear as the best of the best, it would be the LoopRope. Constructed of doubled-up 1/4-inch heavy duty shock cord, the made in Oregon LoopRope comes in three, four, and five foot lengths. If desiring a longer one, simply join them together. With the LoopRope we secured loads on wilderness horseback hunts, used it around camp, strapped animals to pack frames, tied-down coolers, propane bottles, ATVs and more. The only limits this tool seems to have is your imagination. We use them around home, on the river and in the back of our vehicles to secure loads. They’ve produced dozens of outstanding how-to video clips, www.looprope.com.
Over the years I’ve played with many ways to secure a rangefinder. Out West, where most of the hunting is spot-and-stalk, it’s not easy to find a way of securing a rangefinder to the body where it doesn’t get hung on brush. Crooked Horn Outfitters solved that problem by introducing the RF Hook Up. The RF Hook Up attaches to your bino’ strap and adjusts for easy movement. I really liked it when bowhunting, for it kept the rangefinder close to my body and was 100% out of the way when reaching full-draw.

Crooked Horn also introduced a stoked-up version of their Trail Lights. The new Backpack Trail Light is a touch bigger and burns brighter. It easily switches from green to white, and attaches to the straps on your pack, bino’ system or pocket, allowing the beam to project in front of your body, thus cutting down on overhead glare often encountered with headlamps. The independent swiveling of each light allows you to project the beam where you want it, then use it hands-free. The hood atop each light further blocks glare. Learn more at www.crookedhorn.com.

I had many late season hunts last winter, and spent nearly 30 days straight in below freezing temperatures. One of the greatest aids I’ve found to keep my feet warm is ThermaCELL’S Heated Insoles. Operated by a wireless remote while in your boots, there are two temperature settings, medium (100º) and high (111º). If you get too warm, turn them off, then turn them back on again as needed. I was amazed how comfortable the heated insoles were to hike in, and how much heat they generated when sitting on stands, keeping the cold from entering the bottoms of the boots. Recharging is simple, with charges lasting up to five hours of continuous use. What I would have given to have had these when living in Alaska’s Arctic region all those years! Visit www.thermacell.com for details.

The LaCrosse Hunt Pac Extreme boots were awesome in the cold. Finding footwear that fits bone-chilling demands is tough, but last season I put the Hunt Pac Extremes to the test…and loved them. Not only did the 2000 grams of Thinsulate keep my feet warm, but the outer sole structure was comfortable and very durable. Even when walking on snow-covered shale slopes, this boot performed extremely well. The reinforced toe cap and heel offered abrasion resistance in all the places I wore this boot, and my feet stayed 100% dray and warm, even when sitting for long periods. www.lacrossefootwear.com.

When searching for predator calls, I like a wide-range of sounds to help coax in wary prey. Be it fox, coyote, wolf, lynx or bears, the Point Blank Venom Series Predator Calls work. Originally developed by Larry D. Jones, the company has since changed hands and the calls undergone an upgrade. Thanks to re-tooling efforts and discrete changes, Point Blank Hunting Calls has unveiled the Venom Series which is available in cottontail, jack rabbit and rodent sounds. The calls are some of the easiest to blow on the market, and they work! www.pointblankcalls.com

Last fall I packed out deer, elk and bear, and was more than pleased with my Cabela’s Extreme Alaskan Outfitter Pack Frame. In fact, it’s one of the best pack frames I’ve ever strapped on, and at an affordable price-point. It features an adjustable suspension system with a padded hip belt and shoulder straps, much like you would expect to find on more expensive, customized packs. The bottom of the frame extends out with a freighter shelf to help support the load of the pack or to carry a heavy load when the pack is removed. Nylon webbing extends from the base of the frame out to the freighter shelf, preventing anything from slipping out. The heavy-duty frame adjusts from 39″ to 43″ high, weighs in at under six pounds and can carry loads up to 175 pounds. www.cabelas.com

As for rifles, I used a few last season, but was most pleased and impressed with Nosler’s Custom .325 WSM, and their ammo. Right out of the box this straight-from-the factory gun shot like a dream, and resulted in accurate hits on mule deer, whitetail and a pair of elk. Shots ranged from 100 to more than 400 yards, and you’ll see them all on upcoming episodes of Trijicon’s The Hunt.

On the bow front, I shot two of Diamond’s latest models, the Dead Eye and the Fugitive. I did like–I think the Fugitive may have gone overlooked. Simply put, I like the comfort, feel and draw-cycle of the Fugitive, and look forward to using it on bear this spring. Teamed with Gold Tip’s new Velocity arrows, both bows shot extremely well for me. These arrows, and the similar model which preceded them, have accounted for many big game animals around the world for me, and have never failed.While most folks were praising the Dead Eye–which

There you have it, my top gear & gadgets used in 2011 based on my using each product extensively in the field. There’s more, like clothing, camping gear, knives and fishing equipment, but those will have to wait until another time.

Reflections Of 2011

Scott Haugen — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:01:26 +0000

Last year was an exciting one and we were fortunate to film hunts in several western states, including Hawaii. While we as hunters often share our success shots, when we look back at the photos from our journeys, it’s often the other images that bring back vivid memories.
I recently finished sorting through and indexing over 15,000 images captured from last year’s hunting and fishing trips. While I’m still needing to update the 2011 Hunting Report on my website (that will be done sometime in March), I wanted to share some of my favorite images.
It’s hard to pick a favorite, really, as they all have special meaning. Some have more meaning than others, but still, every photo tells a story in its own way.
There was the horseback hunt into Wyoming’s wilderness, where the weather was perfect and the elk plentiful. Though it was one of the most grueling horesback hunts of my life, it led my buddy and I into some of the most breathtaking country there is. When at that top, at over 10,000 in elevation, we were seeing more bighorn sheep than elk…but oh, what a view! One of the greatest feelings of being there, however, was knowing we stood very near where the legendary writer, Jack O’Conner once took a great ram.
There was a dog, Bridger, who accompanied us in to elk camp. He guarded the camp against bears while we were out, and was so happy to see us return at the end of each day.
There was the bowhunt for late season mule deer in central Washington. We saw lots of bucks, and some whoppers! But the most memorable was a big bodied 2×2 that was at the peak of rut. The shot we caught of him lip-curling after having sniffed some fresh urin is something I’ll never forget.
Whenever I have a chance, no matter where we’re hunting, I like to try and get in some fishing. Last year, after filling an elk tag Travis, our camera man, and I got in to some gorgeous brook trout. We hit some nice rainbows along the way, too.
Then there was our youngest son, Kazden, who not only got his first turkey last year, after having just turned 9, but he also took his first blacktail deer near our home in Oregon. Those hunts were priceless, and he was more than thrilled…but not as pumped as I was!

One morning we were headed out on his deer hunt and the sun shined brightly on the hill tops, it’s silver rays slicing through the fall colored leaves which clung to the trees. We just sat there and watched as it slowly faded away, not saying a word.

Hawaii treated us well, as always. Those who have hunted Hawaii know it’s not all palm trees and sandy beaches. The rugged, lava-formed mountains can be as grueling and dangerous as any sheep country, but the views from high atop these places will take your breath away.
One of my favorite success shots of the year was a whitetail we took in Idaho. Both Travis and Dustin (our editor for The Hunt), caught the action on film. It was a total team effort, and everyone whose ever tried filming a hunt knows how hard it is to capture the action with one camera let alone two…the fact it was spot-and-stalk made it that much more special.
We met many great people and made new friends along the way. The places we saw, we saw because of the hunts that took us there. This truly is a great passion we all share.

March Seminar Schedules

Scott Haugen — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:43:14 +0000

Cabela’s (Springfield, OR store)
Spring Great Outdoor Days
March 3-4
Scott & Tiffany’s seminar schedules are as follows:

Saturday, Mar. 3
•Tiffany @ 11:00 on Dutch Oven Cooking Made Easy
•Scott @ 1:00 on Calling Black Bears

Sunday, Mar. 4
•Tiffany @ 11:00 on Dutch Oven Cooking Made Easy
•Scott @ 1:00 on Calling Black Bears

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Central Oregon Sportsmen’s Show
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center
Redmond, OR
March 8-11

Scott & Tiffany’s seminar schedules are as follows:

Thursday, Mar. 8
•Scott @ 2:30 on Rattling Blacktails (Green Theater)
•Tiffany @ 3:00 on Camp Snacks (Cook Tent)
•Scott @ 4:30 on Float Fishing Steelhead (Demo Tank)
•Tiffany @ 6:00 on Cooking Wild Game (Cook Tent)

Friday, Mar. 9
•Tiffany @ 2:00 on Cooking Wild Game (Cook Tent)
•Scott @ 2:30 on Float Fishing Steelhead (Demo Tank)
•Scott @ 4:30 on Calling Black Bears (Green Theater)
•Tiffany @ 5:00 on Camp Snacks (Cook Tent)

Saturday, Mar. 10
•Scott @ 12:30 on Rattling Blacktails (Green Theater)
•Tiffany @ 2:00 on Cooking Wild Game (Cook Tent)
•Scott @ 2:30 on Float Fishing Steelhead (Demo Tank)
•Tiffany @ 5:00 on Camp Snacks (Cook Tent)

Sunday, Mar. 11
•Scott @ 12:30 on Calling Black Bears (Green Theater)
•Tiffany @ 12:00 on Cooking Wild Game (Cook Tent)
•Scott @ 2:30 on Float Fishing Steelhead (Demo Tank)

We’re a Team

Scott Haugen — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:17:16 +0000

This is one of my favorite times of year…sportshow season! It’s nice taking a break from TV obligations, the demands of writing and other daunting projects. One of the things I love most about sportshows is meeting people. For the past five week’s I’ve been on the road, and with only a couple more events to go, I must say this has been the most enjoyable sportshow season in the past 12 years. Though I love sharing what I’ve learned through the many seminars I deliver, what I love most is learning new things from others. When it comes to hunting and fishing, there’s always something to be learned, no matter what your level of experience. Some of the best hunters and anglers I know are the humble ones who are continually looking to learn something new. They approach challenges with open minds and are eager and driven.

I picked up some great tips from people over the past several weeks, some I look forward to trying with coming seasons. I also got to chat with folks who further motivated me. There was the man in Sacramento who writes on his hand, in pen every day, the number of days until blacktail season. There was the man in Portland who’d recently had his entire thumb sewn back on after having it cut off in an auger. It’s still too early to tell if he’ll be able to keep his thumb, as the bone isn’t growing together. But his mindset was admirable. He said that even if they do have to take his thumb, he’ll still be able to hold a bow in that hand! There was the man from Idaho who came and bought a copy of every single book Tiffany and I have, then shared a recipe with us that Tiff’ can’t wait to try. There was Rick and Vonia, a couple at the Portland show who epitomized a fun, outdoorsy couple…she wanted the hunting books, he, the cookbooks. Their pleasant spirits and enthusiasm we encouraging and motivating. There were the youngsters we met each day. The shine in their eyes and the smiles on their faces said it all–how happy they were to be at the show and how much they love the outdoors.

What I really like about sportshows is that everyone is in the building by their own choice. That’s because we share the same passions, dreams and desires. The outdoors is a powerful, life-shaping experience, and is what drives so many of us. Were it not for hunting and fishing, it’s hard to even imagine what many of our lives would be like.
Thanks for the support, and keep enjoying what we have. We’re all on the same team, working together for what we love.

Pacific NW Sportsmen’s Show Seminar Schedules

Scott Haugen — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:20:56 +0000

Pacific NW Sportsmen’s Show Portland Expo Center
February 8-12, 2012
Show Hours
Wednesday: 11am – 9pm
Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Friday: 11am – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

Scott & Tiffany’s Seminar Schedules are posted below…We’ll also have a booth near the center of the big show room, where we’ll be signing books each day. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, Feb. 8:
Scott-2:30 Trophy Blacktails
Tiffany-3:00 Cooking Game: Birds to Bulls
Tiffany-7:00 Camp Snacks & Appetizers

Thursday, Feb. 9: Scott-1:30 Spring Turkey Tactics
Scott-4:00 Steelhead Bank Fishing
Tiffany-12:00 Camp Snacks & Appetizers
Tiffany-4:00 Cooking Game: Birds to Bulls
Friday, Feb. 10:
Scott-2:30 Trophy Blacktails
Scott-5:30 Spring Turkey Tactics
Tiffany-1:00 Cooking Game: Birds to Bulls
Tiffany-4:00 Camp Snacks & Appetizers

Saturday, Feb. 11: Scott-12:30 Trophy Blacktails
Scott-4:00 Steelhead Bank Fishing
Scott-6:30 Spring Turkey Tactics
Tiffany-12:00 Cooking Game: Birds to Bulls
Tiffany-4:00 Camp Snacks & Appetizers

Sunday, Feb. 12
Scott-10:30 Calling Black Bears
Tiffany-2:00 Cooking Game: Birds to Bulls

2012 Seminars & Appearances

Scott Haugen — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:35:09 +0000

OUR SPORTSHOW SEASON SCHEDULE IS COMING TOGETHER…HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP!

Sacramento Sportsmen’s Show
Cal Expo, State Fairgrounds
January 19-22, 2012

Scott’s seminar schedule & appearances:
Thursday, Jan. 19:
Seminar-5:30 Trophy Blacktails
Book signing-6:30-7:30, Crooked Horn Booth

Friday, Jan. 20:
Seminar-3:30 Trophy Blacktails
Book signing-4:30-6:30, Crooked Horn Booth

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Washington Sportsmen’s Show
Puyallup Fair & Events Center
January 25-29, 2012

Scott & Tiffany’s seminar schedule. We’ll also have a booth upstairs by the Hunting Theater.
Wednesday, Jan. 25:
Scott-2:00 Trophy Blacktails
Scott-4:30 Steelhead Bank Fishing
Tiffany-2:00 Camp Snacks & Appetizers
Tiffany-5:00 Cooking Wild Game: From Birds to Bulls

Thursday, Jan. 26:
Scott-3:30 Steelhead Bank Fishing
Scott-5:30 Spring Turkey Tactics
Tiffany-1:00 Cooking Wild Game: From Birds to Bulls
Tiffany-4:00 Camp Snacks & Appetisers

Friday, Jan. 27:
Scott-1:00 Trophy Blacktails
Scott-6:00 Steelhead Bank Fishing
Tiffany-3:00 Cooking Wild Game: From Birds to Bulls
Tiffany-6:00 Camp Snacks & Appetizers

Saturday, Jan. 28:
Scott-1:00 Steelhead Bank Fishing
Scott-5:00 Trophy Blacktails
Tiffany-1:00 Cooking Wild Game: From Birds to Bulls
Tiffany-4:00 Camp Snacks & Appetizers

Sunday, Jan. 29:
Scott-10:30 Steelhead Bank Fishing
Scott-1:30 Spring Black Bear Tactics
Tiffany-12:30 Cooking Wild Game: From Birds to Bulls

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Safari Club International
Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay
February 1-4, 2012

Scott & Tiffany will be doing book signings as follows:
Friday, Jan. 3
9:30-11:30 @ the Pavilion (Bayside D on 1st level)

Saturday, Jan. 4
9:30-11:30 @ Shoreline A (2nd level)

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Pacific NW Sportsmen’s Show
Portland, Oregon
Portland Expo Center
February 8-12

Scott & Tiffany will both be giving daily seminars. Times & topics to be announced.

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Cabela’s Spring Great Outdoor Days
Springfield, OR Store
March 3-4, 2012

Scott & Tiffany will be giving seminars as follows:
Saturday, Mar. 3
Scott-Spring Black Bear Hunting (time TBA)
Tiffany-Outdoor Cooking (time TBA)

Sunday, Mar. 4
Scott-Spring Black Bear Hunting (time TBA)
Tiffany-Outdoor Cooking (time TBA)

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Central Oregon Sportsmen’s Show
Redmond, Oregon
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center
March 8-11, 2012

Scott & Tiffany will both be giving daily seminars. Times & topics to be announced.

•We will also be at Cabela’s Grand Opening in Tulalip, WA (Dates & times TBA)

Umpqua Winter Steelhead

Scott Haugen — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:45:01 +0000

I’m often asked, “Out of all the places you’ve been in the world, why do you choose to live in western Oregon?” The reason is simple…it’s because there’s something to do in the outdoors (hunt and/or fish) every day of the year.
One of my favorite things is steelhead fishing, and having been on the road a lot up until now, I’d missed out on some of the best winter steelhead action Oregon has seen in decades. But I had a little time this week and got out with good friend, Todd Harrington.

Todd is a longtime guide and now heads up the fishing at the Big K Guest Ranch, in Elkton, Oregon. Todd is one of the best salmon and steelhead anglers I’ve had the honer of fishing with and is simply an all-around great man. The good thing about this trip, my dad was able to join me. Also along for the ride was our main camera man and editor for The Hunt, Dustin Anderson, who captured some of the action to include in upcoming episodes of our new show.
We side drifted many long sections of the Umpqua River, using yarn balls. During our less than six hours of fishing Dad and I hooked seven steelhead, landing and releasing five. We also had three hits on plugs, but no hookups. Still, after more than 40 years of fishing salmon and steelhead, it amazes me how fish can hit a plug with two sets of needle-sharp treble hooks and not get hooked!
It was a great, sunny day and Dad and I had a blast. Though it was Todd’s slowest day of the season (we hit it between surges of fish), Dad and I couldn’t have been happier. It was a wonderful reminder as to why we love living where we do and how fortunate we all are to get to do the things we like.
Can’t wait for the next trip!