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APRIL 2010
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The Spring Catch Youths Enter 67 New Trophies In B&C Records
THE EARLY BEAR HUNT
CALLING ALL TURKEYS! Walleye Tournament Schedule
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APRIL 2010
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5. Elk Foundation Calls Out... 6. Youths Enter 67 New Trophies In B&C Records 7. For Your First Gobbler, Master One Simple Call 8. Camping and Hiking 9. Cut Bait Tactics That Work, Neal Cote 10. Fly Tying Corner 11. Fishing With The Captain 12. Spring On The Madison 13. Walleye Tournaments 14. Montana Fishing Report 16. 2010 ATA Show Gear Review 18. Catching Spring Monster Montana Rainbows 19. Montana Wolf Population Growth Slows In 2009 20. New Gear 21. Photo Page 22. Sage Grouse ESA Decision 23. Outdoor Calendar 24. Hunting & Conservation News 26. Two Men Fined For Poaching 28. Rocky Mountain States News 31. Elk News 32. Bear Hunting 34. Gear Review 36. Fox Hunting & Horse Round-up 38. Retriever Trial Calendar
APRIL 2010 Cover Photo: Ashlyn Age 4, with a Largemouth Bass caught with a hopper popper, west of Drummond. “Her first fish on her own! Mom kept saying reel, reel reel, and Ashlyn said “I AM, I AM, I AM!!!!” She didnʼt want to release it, she kissed it and cried when we let it swim away, as if her best new friend just went away,” from Ashlynʼs Dad. Inset Photo: Michael C. Spicher with Bighorn Sheep Taken in 2007 in Blaine County, Mt. Boone and Crockett score 193-4/8.
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reserved. May not be reproduced without prior consent. The material and information printed is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure. Nor does the printed material necessarily express the views of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure. VOLUME 7 Issue 2
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Corrals Fishing Access Site On The Beaverhead MFWP
BEAVERHEAD RIVER - PHOTO MFWP
Corrals Fishing Access Site is located on the Beaverhead River. Open: January 1 - December 31 Size: 3 acres Elevation: 5279 ft Although originally formed at the confluence of the Red Rock River and Horse Prairie Creek, the Beaverhead River now begins its 69-mile-long journey at the outlet of Clark Canyon Reservoir, an irrigation storage facility constructed in 1964. It joins the Big Hole River at Twin Bridges, Montana, to form the Jefferson River. The river above Dillon is characterized by a tight channel meandering through densely covered willow banks. From Dillon, it flows through a broad open agricultural valley for 50 miles before reaching Twin Bridges. Its channel is restricted through
a narrow canyon during part of its lower journey near Point of Rocks. The water in the Beaverhead River is comparatively cold, except in areas subject to dewatering, mainly located in the lower river. Fish cover primarily consists of submerged and overhanging bank vegetation, undercuts and long, deep pools. Game Fish Opportunities: Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout Directions: 9 miles south of Dillon on recreational Frontage Road. Contact: MFWP Region 3 1400 South 19th, Bozeman, MT 59718 Phone: (406) 994-4042 e-mail: fwprg3@mt.gov
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Elk Foundation Calls Out Motives Of Wolf Groups I
n letters to legislators and newspapers across the West, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is calling out groups like Defenders of Wildlife, Western Wildlife Conservancy and others for their disingenuous use of data on wolves and elk. The RMEF action was prompted by each group’s recent op-ed articles in the media, as well as testimony before Utah lawmakers by Western Wildlife Conservancy Executive Director Kirk Robinson. All cited RMEF statistics to argue that restored wolf populations have somehow translated to growing elk herds in the northern Rockies. “The theory that wolves haven’t had a significant adverse impact on some elk populations is not accurate. We’ve become all too familiar with these groups’ tactic of cherry-picking select pieces of information to support their own agenda, even when it is misleading,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We will not allow that claim to go unchallenged.” RMEF population data, which come from state wildlife agencies, show that elk populations are expanding the most in areas of the northern Rockies where wolves are not present. However, where elk share habitat with wolves, such as the greater Yellowstone area, some elk populations are declining fast. In fact, since the mid-1990s introduction of gray wolves, the northern Yellowstone elk herd has dropped from about 17,000 to 7,100 animals—a 58 %
decline. Other localities in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming also are documenting precipitous downward trends. Additionally, some research shows that elk remaining in areas of concentrated wolf populations are suffering nutrition loss, lower body weights and decreasing birth rates. Allen said, “Every wildlife conservation agency, both state and federal, working at ground zero of wolf restoration—Idaho, Montana and Wyoming—has abundant data to demonstrate how undermanaged wolf populations can compromise local elk herds and local livestock production. There’s just no dispute, and emotion-over-science is not the way to professionally manage wildlife.” RMEF continues to support state-regulated wolf management to include hunting and other viable methods. This position is supported by new reports of diseased wolf populations in the Yellowstone area. “When wolves are too abundant, they’re more susceptible to diseases, just like all wildlife. The viruses and mange now spreading through wolf packs is another sign of way too many wolves,” said Allen. “Defenders of Wildlife would like to spin sick wolves as a reason to end hunting. But real conservationists know that diseased wildlife populations need better management. Hunting as a management
tool delivers that, period.” He added, “Remember, pro-wolf groups make their living by prolonging this conflict. There is no real incentive for them to admit that wolves are overly recovered. Fundraising is their major motive and they’ve built a goldmine by filing lawsuits and preaching that nature will find its own equilibrium between predators and prey if man would just leave it alone. That’s a myth. The truth is that people are the most important part of the equation. This isn’t the Wild West anymore. People live here—actually quite a lot of us. So our land and resources must be managed. Wildlife must be managed. Radical spikes and dips in populations show that we should be doing it better. It’s not profitable for plaintiffs, but the rest of us would be better served if the conflict ended and conservation professionals were allowed to get on with their business of managing wildlife, including a well regulated hunting strategy.” In 2009, RMEF got involved in the ongoing wolf litigation, supporting defendant agencies by filing legal briefs used in federal court to help delist wolves and proceed with hunting—“facts conveniently ignored by groups who misuse our name, data and credibility to prolong the conflict. We stand for elk and other wildlife and what is happening right now is simply not good wildlife management,” said Allen.
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RMEF
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APRIL 2010
Youths Enter 67 New Trophies In Boone and Crockett Records Boone and Crockett Club Y
oung hunters age 16 and under have taken 67 Boone and Crockett qualifying trophies over the past three years. Each will be listed in the triennial Boone and Crockett Club 27th Big Game Awards book due out later this year. Included among the youth trophies are a massive Alaska brown bear and the largest non-typical mule deer recorded in 36 years, both of which are Top 5 specimens in their respective categories for the awards period. All 67 successful youths will be recognized at the Club’s 27th Big Game Awards, June 24-26, 2010, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev. The event is a celebration of conservation successes featuring a free public exhibition of world-class antlers, horns and mounted specimens from across North America. Hunters who have taken Top 5 specimens in 36 categories of native North American big game during the past three years are invited to participate in the exhibit, alongside the youths. “At this year’s ceremony, for the first time ever, we’re honoring young hunters who’ve taken a Boone and Crockett-class trophy during the past three years,” said Eldon Buckner, chairman of the Club’s Records of North American Big Game Committee. “It’s gratifying to see youths, both boys and girls, broadly represented across big game categories.” The 67 trophies by hunters 16 and under include: Alaska brown bear—2 entries (minimum score 26, top score 29-1/16) Bighorn sheep—3 entries (minimum score 175, top score 190) Black bear—8 entries (minimum score 20, top score 21-9/16) Columbia blacktail deer, typical—2 entries (minimum score 125, top score 135-6/8) Cougar—3 entries (minimum score 14-8/16, top score 15-8/16) Musk ox—2 entries (minimum score 105, top score 110) Pronghorn—5 entries (minimum score 80, top score 88) Rocky Mountain goat—3 entries (minimum score 47, top score 53) Roosevelt’s elk—2 entries (minimum score 275, top score 326-7/8) Mule deer, non-typical—1 entry (minimum score 215, top score 242-4/8) Mule deer, typical—4 entries (minimum score 180, top score 191-4/8) Whitetail deer, non-typical—15 entries (minimum score 185, top score 240-5/8) Whitetail deer, typical—17 entries (minimum score 160, top score 174-4/8) Young hunters claimed 2.2 percent of all the trophies entered into Boone and Crockett records during the Club’s 27th awards period. (continued on page 26)
APRIL 2010
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For Your First Gobbler, Master One Simple Call With more areas in western Montana open to over-the-counter turkey hunting this spring, there’s no excuse for not getting out to discover the thrill and challenge of calling spring gobblers. Montana’s spring turkey season opens April 10 and runs through May 16.
Changes to turkey hunting rules this year include a portion of Missoula County south of Missoula, previously managed with limited permits, is now open to general-license hunting, meaning all you need to do is go to a license agent and buy a spring gobbler tag to hunt here. Other general-tag spring gobbler areas include all of Lincoln, Flathead and Ravalli counties, and portions of Missoula, Lake and Sanders counties. In other words, some of the best spring turkey hunting in Montana is in your back yard. Yes, access can be tough. But would you rather have abundant gobblers and have to work on access or all the free public hunting you’d want, but zero spring turkeys? If you’re like me, you’d work on the access issue. If you haven’t hunted spring gobblers, you’re missing what some hunters liken to the thrill of elk hunting in April. A hopped-up tom thundering in to your call can change your life, or at least your priorities, and hook you on spring turkey hunting. But you need to master the call. That single detail can be intimidating to some hunters. The good news is that, despite what all the .
celebrity “experts” tell you, you really only need to learn one sound, the yelp. You can make this yelp on a box call, a slate call or a latex mouth call. It’s really just a high-pitched here-I-am call, which sounds exactly like it’s spelled, with maybe a few more vowels: Y-E-E-A-Y-L-L-W-P. When you get experience, you can work on elongating the phrasing, adding a syllable, stringing several yelps into a irresistible sentence, and turning the end into a coy question. But for now just work on the single sound, which can sound a little like a cat’s meow.
If you haven’t hunted spring gobblers, you’re missing what some hunters liken to the thrill of elk hunting in April. BOX CALL – If you’re using a box call, start with the lid right on the lip of the box, and then push the lid away from you while turning your wrist slightly, which will change the dead, raspy sound into music. It’s a short sound, less than a second, but its success hinges on your ability to make it sound like a question or a demand.
BY ANDREW MCKEAN
Whether you put a question mark or an exclamation mark on the end is a function of how much you twist your wrist. SLATE CALL – This is the easiest call to make on a slate, or friction, call. Holding your striker like a pencil, with your pinky finger curled around the edge of the call (so you don’t dampen the playing surface), make a tight J motion, no more than a half-inch in distance. The long leg of the J makes the chalk sound, the curve adds the nuance of the yelp. Experiment with varied pressures and sizes of the J until you yelp with your eyes closed. Now you’re ready to hunt— we’ll save the mouth call for another column. You can use a high-volume yelp to cover ground when prospecting for a responsive gobbler. Then use softer, more questioning yelp to reel toms in from a couple hundred yards to shotgun range, or inside 50 yards. And if you can’t get access to any place, you can try calling these locked-up birds by trying out your yelps from the property line. Who knows, you just might lure a spring tom right into your lap.
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APRIL 2010
Camping At Merry Widow Health Mine visitmt.com
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ooking for a place camp with your RV during the month of April? Consider the Merry Widow Health Mine. The Merry Widow Health Mine offers 20 tent sites and 44 RV sites. Also available are 24 apartments, 8 of which are duplex units. There is also a triplex building, a fourplex building, a large duplex building, and three small houses. All have furnished kitchens, living room and most have two bedrooms and bath and shower. The large duplex has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Houses are just one bedroom each. All linens, towels and dishes are provided. Season: 3/1 - 11/15 Services Offered: Air Conditioning Books Campsite Dump Electric Established Fire Pits Fax Service Handicapped Accessible Internet Access - Wireless Laundry Major Credit Cards Maps Parking Pay Telephone Pets Allowed Recreation Room RV Dump Station RV Hookups Sewer Shower Shuttle Service
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Shuttle Service Toilets Trash Removal Water Activities Offered: Bird Watching Camping Fishing Fly Fishing Horseshoes Mountain Biking Picnicking River Fishing Rv Camping Stream Fishing Tent Camping Walking Wildlife Viewing Contact Information: Mailing Address: PO Box 129 Basin, MT 59631 Street Address: 29 Frontage Road Basin, MT 59631 Phone: 406-225-3220 www.merrywidowmine.com e-mail: mwhm@merrywidowmine.com Directions: Merry Widow Health Mine and campground is located east of I-15 at Exit 156. Located 35 miles from Butte.
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Peak. Once you reach the Casey Peak Trail continue about 1.5 miles. This part of the trail has over a dozen switchbacks. There are fabulous views in all directions from the peak that include Helena, East Helena and the valley to the north, Canyon Ferry Lake to the east, Elkhorn Peak to the south, and the Continental Divide to the west. For the more ambitious hiker you may want to take the loop that is approximately 14 miles round-trip and an extra 400-foot elevation gain. To take the loop, return from the peak west to the Montgomery Park Trail 301 to the McClellan Creek Trail 302 back to the Casey meadows/McClellan Creek Trailhead.
Casey Meadows and McClellan Creek Trails. To get to the trailhead, take I-15 to the Montana City Exit and head east, turn right just past the pizza restaurant onto the McClellan Creek Road. Continue on this road approximately 6.5 miles to the Crystal Creek/McClellan Creek junction, turn right and continue another 2 miles to the Casey Meadows/McClellan Creek trailhead. Another way to access the trailhead is to take Highway 12 East, 2 miles east of East Helena, turn south onto McClellan Creek Road. Either route is approximately 10 miles on dirt roads. Contact Information: Phone: 406-449-5490 www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/
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OUTDOOR NEWS Fly Tying Corner: Emergent
Sparkle Caddis
BY BOB BATES www.fedflyfishers.org
S
pring is the time when we all look for the great hatches of mayflies, stoneflies, midges and most important for many of us caddis flies. Gary LaFontaine and his team studied caddis flies, and his book Caddisflies is the standard on the subject. He describes many fly patterns to imitate caddis species. Two of those are Deep Pupa and Emergent Pupa. Fish feeding on emergers are often mistakenly thought to be feeding on adults. Several years ago on the Missouri River I watched a couple of fly anglers fishing over a bunch of rising fish. Since they were fishing the water I desired I watched them from a high spot. Through binoculars I could see the actively rising fish, and their floating flies drifting along untouched. However, most important I could see adult caddis floating unscathed for several hundred feet before they took flight. After the frustrated anglers left, they caught no fish, my friend and I went down and proceeded to hook and release many fish on pupa and nymph imitations. How do you fish the Emergent Sparkle Caddis? First is the dead drift approach. The fly is kept awash in the surface film where a trout can porpoise and eat it. For the caddis that does not ride quietly on the surface Gary recommends “the stutter and drift method,” which is more active. Put a slack line curve cast up and across with the fly landing downstream of the line. Then make a quick mend before the fly starts to drag. The mend should do no more than make the fly stutter sideways a little. Release a little line to extend the drift. Some species of caddis Gary calls runners or paddlers. These caddis move across the surface more or less in a straight line and either take off or are recycled into trout with an explosive rise. Grease the fly, and retrieve it with long pulls to move it across the water surface. MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT: Hook: Dry Fly hook Thread: 6/0 brown Bubble or over body: Micro Zelon, a new product, was used to tie the pictured fly, but Zelon or Antron yarn are normally used, tan or caddis gold Underbody: Mole hair and Quick Fingers Touch Dubbing Head: Dubbed mole or peacock STEP 1: Start thread about mid shank, and wind rearward to the bend which on most regular dry fly hooks is a point right over the barb. STEP 2: Attach two clumps of Zelon or Antron at the bend of the hook. Place one bundle of Zelon or Antron on each side of the hook. As you tie, try to spread the fibers around the hook. Antron yarn might need to be combed out to fluff it enough to make a good over body. STEP 3: Ellen uses a variety of colors for the underbody, but on this fly she used mixed mole and Quick Fingers Touch Dubbing. Most tiers put a tacky dubbing wax on the thread and just touch the thread with a dubbing ball. She said that the touch technique was developed by Gary LaFontaine. Don’t roll it down like making a tight noodle. Note, about one quarter shank length is uncovered. STEP 4: Bring the bunches of Anton forward along the sides of the hook. Put a couple of not too tight thread winds just a front of underbody. Use a bodkin to pull out and bulk up the over body. Try to keep the over body evenly distributed around the hook. STEP 5: At this point you can put wing pads on the sides of the over body. Tie in dark soft hackles parallel to hook shank no more than three quarters shank length long. Sometimes a small bunch of lighter colored deer hair is added for a wing. Wrap mole fur dubbing or peacock herls for a head.
APRIL 2010
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Fishing With The Captain Mark Ward
I
spent the first three months of 2010 traveling the state attending Great Rockies Sports Shows in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and in Kalispell. I also attended the Helena Boat show during those travels and had the opportunity to talk to a lot of folks about hunting and fishing. In April I will be heading to Glasgow to MC the local Walleyes Unlimited banquet on the 10th in the Valley Event Center.. The show I attended last month took place in Kalispell and just like all of the rest of the state the northwestern Montana folks really love their hunting and fishing. The show had the best participation of any I have been associated with in the Flathead Valley. Some of the talk at the Montana Outdoor Radio Show booth during this show was geared toward Flathead Lake and Spring Mack Days, which kicked off last month. It started off with hundreds of anglers competing in this year’s tournament which will run through May 2. “The fishing has been red hot,” said Matt McCombs who is a guide for Mo Fisch Charters based out of Lakeside. “I went out Friday morning and in four hours by myself, I landed 10 fish including 4 slot fish.” Also last month, Gene Fincher put on the first Bitterroot Bash tournament on Bitterroot Lake 25 miles west of Kalispell. “I heard they had 300 people register for the tournament,” said McCombs. Tournament fishing is not for everyone, but in some cases if you are good and lucky enough, you might end up winning some serious money. Last year on Fort Peck Reservoir during the Montana Governors Cup Walleye Tournament, the winning team of Don and Myla Barton from Gillette, Wyo., caught 61.82 pounds of fish in two days. The couple ended up winning the tournament and cashed an $8,000 check.
At the Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival this year, the winner will take home $10,000. Last year, Joe McMenamy and Lance Bethel from Great Falls earned that check among the 150 teams that competed. Fishing for cash brings on a whole new focus for most anglers. Some anglers spend two or three days pre-fishing tournament waters, marking spots where the fish are holding and hoping the fish will be in the same spot when tournament time comes. “Marking fish is a good way to chart out a game plan so when you fish during the tournament. You at least have a general idea of where you want to start the day and where you will go after that,” said Luckie Bethel from Billings and the father of Lance. Luckie has won his few walleye tourneys himself in Montana. But Bethel cautions that even though you get into the fish a day before tournament time, that doesn’t guarantee the fish will cooperate when it counts. Montana might be the most diverse state when it comes to offering up fishing tournaments when you consider species. Anglers can fish tournaments for bass, northern pike, trout, salmon, catfish, walleye, lake whitefish, and lake trout. If you enjoy carp shooting, there are even a few carp archery shoots that you can win some cash by placing in the top three for poundage. For a complete listing on open water tournaments in Montana go to the “Outdoor Calendar” page on www.montanaoutdoor.com.
Mark Ward is known as the Captain of the Montana Outdoor Radio Show heard statewide every Saturday from 6am - 8am. Log onto www.montanaoutdoor.com to find a radio station in your area. You can also read his weekly column in the Thursday Missoulian Outdoor section.
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h Spring – the time when a young man’s fancy turns to fly-fishing. OK, well that’s not the way the saying goes but this article is about fishing and not the fairer sex. Spring comes in different colors and different ways. In some locations it has green grass and a mixture of flowers all in their various colors. However, in this case the color is white. White as in Montana snow. As April arrives it is time to think about breaking out the fly-fishing gear and finding some open water to cast a fly. Montana holds claim on one of the best rivers for getting an early start. The Madison River is open to drift fishing as well as wade fishermen in many places, beginning in mid March – plus the fact that fish must eat and I wouldn’t want to catch a fish that couldn’t take a joke - my fly I mean. The Madison River begins within in the boundaries of Yellowstone Park where the Firehole River and Gibbon River meet. The river then flows for more than 140 miles before flowing near the town of Three Forks and to its ending into the Missouri River. As many have said the Madison offers excellent fishing and is a favorite stop for anglers. Despite its well-publicized battles with Whirling Disease, the Madison River provides excellent fly-fishing. After declining to less than 300 rainbow trout per mile in the mid-1990, the Madison has since rebounded. Estimates now put the count of rainbow trout over 10 inches at around 1500 per mile. Not really back to historic levels reached in the mid-1980, but the number and size of rainbow trout currently in the Madison rank it as a premier river. According to the fisheries people the brown trout were largely unaffected by Whirling Disease. Expectations should be
way above average for both decent sized rainbow trout and trophy class browns. Early spring fishing does require some additional equipment, mostly to remain comfortable after leaving your vehicles heater. As in many cold weather situations dressing in layers is always best. It is better to have cloths you don’t need rather than to be wishing you had brought more. A good pair of insulated chest type waders will be needed as well a good fishing jacket, a warm hat, and of course your fly-fishing equipment. For tackle try a 9 to 9 1/2 foot number 5 or number 6 rod with double taper, floating fly line and a 9 to 10 foot leader with 6x tippet. Trout will strike a nymph hard so a little balloon strike indicator will make your hook set much easier and quicker. At times a small split shot is a necessity to get the nymph down to the trout. You will also need to practice a gentle mend. Rumors about the Madison in April go anywhere from “dead” meaning no hatches to large floats of midges larger than a water bucket. The rumor became reality. On a trip last spring as we entered the river there were adult midges dead on the snow along the banks and rings on the water caused by fish rising to the hatch. Tracks in the snow showed us the path of other spring anglers and made the trip to the river much less tiring. However, at this time there was no one else was on the river - common occurrence that happens in the spring. (continued on page 37)
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
Adventures On The Water BY MARK RELLER, Markslakemaps.com
L
ike many of you, I LOVE to BOAT. Getting out the water cleans my head of the terrestrial clutter and even literally clears my head of allergies. So boating is good medicine. But this spring I was reminded that even the best medicines can have some serious side-effects. The first week of March I had the good fortune of taking on a mapping mission on Flathead Lake. It was the only real open water available and I have had my eye on creating some new bathymetric maps of Flathead Lake for several years. For various reasons, a 7000 acre parcel of water bordered by “The Narrows” to the south, the chain of islands including “Bird Island” to the east and “Matterhorn Point” to the west, was my targeted area. I was in the area a week prior and so I was able to scout out the available access points and boat launches. Blue Bay was open and looked to be the best site for launching and even had a functional dock. Mark at All Points Marine had both my Honda’s tuned and running good, and a day prior to departure I tested the boat and electronics in Holter reservoir. The Polson weather called for relatively warm days, nights above freezing and calm winds. I had my Spot Messenger programmed up, my black berry cell phone with internet access for weather updates, hand held radios, food, camp gear, and everything else you can think of to prepare for spring boating conditions. I was ready and headed out for a six day adventure on the water. Ice was in the back of my mind, because in my scouting trip, I saw that Polson Bay still had some white ice. The way I figured it, I should be on the watch for some old floaters, but out in the region I was headed, it was deep and wind blown and there would be little chance ice. Night one was a great boat camp. I lacked for nothing even the dog was well behaved. The weather forecast was correct for the day time highs and light winds, but it did freeze overnight and on day three I was surprised to see nearly 1000 acres of new ice out in big water south of Blue Bay. No problem, I skirted to the north and worked all day in the Narrows and by afternoon the quarter inch thick ice sheet ice as all gone. On the fourth night I camped on a low-water gravel spit. It was one of those absolutely, perfectly calm, starry nights, real good medicine. I was happy, the dog was happy, data collection was going well. The new side imaging sonar was providing incredible insight into the mysteries of the bottom of Flathead Lake. Before dawn, geese landing on the gravel bar awoke me and the dog. As we stirred in the boat, the strangest creaks and groans emanated from the hull. We were frozen in the ice. Now this was not Sir Earnest Shackleton’s nightmare of 1917 frozen in Antarctic pack ice, but was a bit disconcerting. The skin of ice was less than a ¼ inch thick. The 20 horse
kicker fired and easily plowed us out into the bay. My logic that frosty foggy morning, was to head for deep water, certainly the shallows would freeze but the 200 foot water would be open. No, it was so calm, the farther from shore I went, the thicker the ice. When it was 3/8” thick and the crunching, tingling noises became really annoying, I stopped, reversed a few feet and waited for sun. When it finally rose and the fogged burned of, I was nearly a mile out into a 4,000 acre sheet of ice. I started to recall that I have read the cold water hypothermia chart. Survival is less than 15 minutes. Sudden unexpected entry into 32 degree water can cause a “reflexive gasp” and if submerged, you will take water into your lungs and drown nearly immediately. If you survive that, within minutes legs and arms become numb and lose function. You may live a few more minutes, but it will be in a helpless state. If we started taking on water, or fell in, there was no rescue for the dog or I. All the gizmos and gadgets could not summon help quick enough to make a difference. There was still no wind, so the sheet ice was totally stationary and putting no load on the boat. I decided it best to just wait a few hours, let the sun soften things up, and then work my way to the open water I could see to the west. I wiped down all the frost on the boat surfaces where the dog and I had to walk to avoid slip and fall hazards. Then I played ice breaker for 10 or 15 minutes and all was well with the world again. Over the next few days, I camped out of the water but had the opportunity to watch how others handled the ice when the weekend came. The locals including the tribal fisheries biologists and die-hard mack fisherman seemed to be oblivious to the ice. I saw a couple of boats jump up on plane and scream right through nearly 1/2” ice. Could this be safe? I called the makers of my boat Hewes Craft and asked for their best advice. Of course in this litigious world, they avoided a direct answer like, “Your boat will break x inches of ice safely”. They only brought up more scary thoughts like, were there any debris, logs, or sticks frozen in the ice? When all was said and done, my welded boat showed no visible signs of damage. I can’t speak to the thinner riveted boats I saw, but all made it back to the dock, most with some very dandy lake trout and whitefish. I made it back with 320 miles of transects under my boat, close to 85,000 GPS tagged depth soundings, and have now published a new map entitled; “Flathead Lake – The North Narrows”. So boating is good medicine, but take it wisely. Even without the ice, low water temperatures can be deadly. Hypothermia deaths happen every year in Florida and the Bahamas, in large part because your body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in air. Be careful out there.
www.Markslakemaps.com
(406) 457-9197
mreller@mt.net
Box 949, Helena, MT 59624
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14 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net
Montana Fishing Report First and foremost, April is the first chance to fish some of Montana’s best lakes without having to cut a hole. As a rule, most of our lower elevation lakes should be ice free at some point this month. Mac Days is in full swing on Flathead Lake and it should continue to fish well through the month. Macs can be taken jigging spoons such as Rattl D’ Zastors, Lead a Gators, Trilobites, Buzz Bombs or Crippled Herring tipped with cutbait off points or drop-offs. If you would rather look for your fish on the move, trolling with Flatfish, KwikFish, spoons or Hoochies is a good way to get into some of the bigger fish.
CHRIS MADSEN
Western Montana Fishing Report
Brought To You By Missoula
BY CHRIS MADSEN, (406) 523-9000 e-mail: fishing-115@live.com
Spring has now officially moved in, and after a warm March, our prospects for excellent April fishing are improving as quickly as the days are getting longer. This month will mark the end of all but a few ice fishing possibilities, but will open up a wealth of open water prospects, so it’s time to drag the boat out of the garage, charge the battery and check the trailer wiring. With the much ballyhooed Skwala hatch in full force, and a record return of steelhead in Idaho, there are more fish to be caught in April than there are days to fish. Not that anyone will blame you for trying.
There are lots of cash prizes to be handed out this year during the tournament. So if you’re looking for some place to fish, Flathead is a good option. As water temps warm in the lake the fishing opportunities for pike and bass will only get better in the sloughs and backwaters of the inlet. Large crankbaits, swimbaits, spinnerbaits and flies are popular lure choices for the pike. Bass anglers will be eager to start fishing Noxon reservoir, as warming water will start bringing smallmouth and largemouth bass into shallower water, where spinnerbaits, plastic worms and tube jigs will take some impressive pre-spawn fish. Similar opportunities can be found on many Flathead Reservation lakes like Ninepipe and Kicking Horse, as these shallow, low elevation lakes ice off and warm relatively early. Montana’s many rivers also begin to fish well this month as winter loses her grip in many areas. Most local rivers, like the Blackfoot, Rock Creek, Bitterroot and Clark Fork, really start to shine in April, as water temperatures warm and insects become active. Typical April hatch activity includes BWO mayflies, March Browns, neumoras and skwalas, but many consider this to be the most productive nymphing period of the year. In addition to the chance at boating a lot of fish, most rivers will also be blissfully uncrowded as well. The one major exception to the uncrowded rule is western Montana’s
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Bitterroot River, and for one reason: The Skwala stonefly. Although this hatch is also present on the Clark Fork and Rock Creek, the ‘Root takes the brunt of the pressure. After a slow start, this hatch is now GOING OFF in a big way, and with the addition of BWO’s and March Browns this month, the Missoula area will be the place to be for the dry fly enthusiast. If you enjoy fishing streamers, the Blackfoot will come into its own this month too. Big fish looking for a big meal is the name of the game here. When the water starts to get a liitle off color with some pre-run off water this a great time to break out the seven weight rod, sink tip lines and head to the river. Also, for anyone looking for something a little different, the Clark Fork and lower Bitterroot have a good population of Northern Pike; some of them quiet large, in most any back-slough or dead water stretch. I almost hate to dedicate so much energy and enthusiasm to fishing in Idaho in a Montana fishing report, but steelhead might be my one acceptable excuse. The Clearwater will continue to fish well in April, as will the North and South forks. Most anglers will still be fishing bobber and jigs setups, but Clearwater Steelies seem to become more and more susceptible to drifted roe this month as well. Fly anglers will do well drifting egg patterns, and swinging flies on sink tips will get better as the water warms some as well. The Salmon is also ice-free, and the fishing was very good at the end of March. Fish are all the way up through Chalis, so there is tons of productive water to fish. Drift fishing is most popular here, but some runs will bobber and jig fish well also. There is a surprising lack of fly rods on the Salmon, and that is a shame considering the amount of beautiful water to choose from. I can barely keep the car on the road from eyeballing all the juicy runs and seams. No matter where you choose to wet a line this month, April will surely be gone before the list of options is exhausted. The only option seems to be to try and make as big a dent as possible.
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APRIL 2010
RYAN ONGLEY
Southwest Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Bozeman
BY RYAN ONGLEY (406) 586-0100
Hungry Trout And No Crowds!
A
pril fishing in Southwestern Montana is some of the best of the year. The summer crowds of tourists have not yet arrived and the trout will be hungry as the Rainbows come out of their yearly spawn . Water temps will begin to rise and depending on weather we very well may see some of our first dry fly fishing of the year. If we can stay warmer through the end of March and into this month we should see some bug activity. March Browns and Baetis mayflies would be the targets. Keep in mind as you wade the area rivers to watch out for the spawining redds and stay off of them. If the cold returns nymphing and streamer fishing will make for some outstanding action.
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UPPER MADISON RIVER: With the upper stretch from Quake to Lyons and down lower from Ennis Bridge to Ennis Lake closed until the general opener in May, focus your attention from McAtee to Ennis. All boat launches except for Ennis campground should be open and usable for floating barring any late season blizzards or freezes. Nymphing with stonefly nymphs trailed by a small pheasant tail or other pattern that imitates a Baetis nymph is a good standby. Some patterns I prefer are the Delektable Hurless Stones, and Delektable Mega Princes. For baetis imitations look to the old standby pheasant tail nymph, and lil’ studly. San Juans and egg imitations should be in your boxes as well. Especially on a slow day these can be the key for not getting skunked. Midges will also continue to play a key role in the trouts diet early in the season. Below Varney you can expect streamer fishing to continue building throughout the early spring. This is a great time of year to land the Brown Trout of a lifetime down there twitching and stripping streamers. YELLOWSTONE RIVER: This is definitely the time of year to spend as
JESSE FLYNN
North Central Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Helena
BY JESSE FLYNN (406) 457-7200 e-mail: fishing167helena@yahoo.com CANYON FERRY: Transitioning…As long as the nights continue to freeze there will be ice. Careful of the banks as there may be safe ice in the morning and as the day warms ice conditions worsen. Prepare for wooly bugger fishing in the bays just as soon as the ice dissipates. Expect fish to become less lethargic and more active as water temperatures and oxygen levels increase. The spring bite has arrived!
much time as you can on the ‘Stone. With runoff not too far off it’s best to get lots of early season time in as once runoff begins the river will be unfishable for quite some time. Again huge browns can be taken on this magnificent river fishing streamers. I really enjoy the larger artivulated patterns on this body of water. Stones and the small mayfly nymphs will also play a key role to pattern selection if the big boys aren’t chasing. March Browns, Baetis , and Midges are all possible for rising trout in the spring. LOWER MADISON: With water temps rising trout will be on the prowl for a properly presented streamer or crayfish imitation here. Nymphing the buckets and runs with the same patterns we’ve already discussed will apply here as well. If you don’t mind the hike the early season action up higher in Bear Trap Canyon can be outstanding. Winter is over and it’s time to start spending the days outside. Who knows even playing a little hooky from work to get out on our waters may be needed. Don’t waste it though. The crowds of summer will be here soon.
HAUSER LAKE: Transitioning…The evening bite at the Causeway has begun for the year and should continue to get better as ice off continues to occur. There are still a few guys ice fishing currently, you can be certain they are watching the weather while out there. As it warms the bank will be the first to melt. We probably won’t see the sale of leeches until May… so continue to plug away using crawlers until then. If you can’t wait, don’t forget about Berkley’s 3” and 5” leeches an excellent substitute. HOLTER LAKE: Transitioning…It seems boating season has occurred at the Gates. A lot of boaters have been getting there share of spring trout fishing in Montana. Trolling or jigging seems to be the preferred method. Of course other than the trusty old fly rod. Green emergers, pheasant tail, lightning bug, Griffith’s knat are all good ones to have around. Been rumors of some real nice perch being caught up the Gates; or should I say down the Gates. Hope you understand or you will be exactly opposite of where I am thinking of. Head North! Fishing has been great from Beaver Creek on up to the dam and the traffic shows in this stretch of river. Just note that fish are spawning this time of year so be gentle with the females and watch your step while looking out for spawn beds. As ice off finalizes on the other lakes…traffic should dissipate from Holter and spread to Hauser and Canyon Ferry. REGULATING RESERVOIR: Getting a few, but you’re going to work for ‘em. Believe it or not jig-n-spoons have been getting the salmon. Such as Hali’s or Kit’s swim series jigs tipped with maggot or worm. Some perch being picked up but no size to them.
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Proposal To Fishing Spots Remove Harvest For Kids MFWP DRY BRIDGE POND Limits For LOCATION: This 3-acre pond is in Bridge City Park at the corner of 11th Street East and Woodland Avenue Wildcat Lake MFWP Dry in Kalispell, (about 8 blocks south of the Conrad Mansion) in an area known as the T he FWP Commission took “Sledding Gully.” action yesterday to propose limit removals FISH SPECIES: The pond is stocked for several mountain lakes in the South Fork of the Flathead Drainage. Fish, Wildlife, and Parks proposes to remove harvest limits on Wildcat Lake prior to rotenone treatment in fall 2010. Removal of nonnative trout from Wildcat Lake is necessary to protect genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout in the South Fork drainage. Removal of harvest limits are also proposed for Pilgrim, George, Woodward, and Pyramid lakes. Genetic swamping is being used in these lakes to replace nonnative trout with westslope cutthroat trout. Increased angler harvest of adult fish in these lakes would increase the rate at which swamping restores these populations to westslope cutthroat. Public comments can be sent to fisheries biologist, Matt Boyer at mboyer@mt.gov Matt’s phone number is 406-751-4556. The public comment period closes April 10, 2010.
Smith River Reservation Line Open MFWP Permits to float the Smith River are out and those lucky enough to receive one are planning their trip, while those unlucky in the drawing are planning to call the reservation line The Smith River reservation line, (406) 454-5861, will be in operation Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon.
annually with rainbows and yellow perch. HELPFUL HINTS: The best fishing is in April, May, and June. The pond is open to family fishing and anyone can fish, though adults 15 years and older are asked to voluntarily release their catch. NINEPIPES POND NEAR RONAN LOCATION: This pond is about 5 miles south of Ronan on Highway 93. The pond is about 1/2 mile west of the highway on a gravel road at an FWP wildlife viewing area and across from the Ninepipes Motel and Museum. FISH SPECIES: The pond is stocked with rainbow trout and has largemouth bass, perch, and brook trout. HELPFUL HINTS: The pond is open to family fishing with adults releasing their catch. The pond offers an easy shoreline, parking, a handicapped accessible latrine, and an accessible nature trail with interpretive signs. A handicapped accessible fishing pier is being built. The site offers outstanding bird watching opportunities on adjacent Ninepipes National Wildlife Refuge and a spectacular view of the Mission Mountains. The National Bison Range is nearby. TROY POND LOCATION: This pond is part of the City Park. Turn right on 3rd Street (around the middle of town), cross the railroad tracks, then turn left on Riverside Avenue. FISH SPECIES: Pond is stocked annually with rainbow and cutthroat trout. HELPFUL HINTS: The pond offers easy access and is open to family fishing with adults age 15 and older releasing their fish. Access is good and anglers with disabilities can drive and park near the pond. There is parking, picnic tables, toilets, and soccer/ skate/baseball/softball fields in the park.
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HUNTER IN TREE STAND WEARING SITKA GEAR WITH GORE OPTIFADE FOREST PATTERN
APRIL 2010
his year’s 2010 Archery Trade Association (ATA) Trade Show, held January 13-15 in Columbus, OH brought yet another seemingly endless supply of new archery and bowhunting gear for an industry that continues to boom with each passing year. This month we spotlight a few of the top picks featured at this year’s show. As always, it’s the good stuff…gear that works…not gimmicks. Its must have gear that will no doubt tip the odds for success in your favor this season. Badlands Sacrifice Backpack One of the hottest new offerings this year for hunters looking for a more comfortable backcountry hunting experience is the new Sacrifice pack from Badlands (badlandspacks.com). The Sacrifice pack is sure to provide a more comfortable hunting experience…and then some! The difference in this pack starts at its core, the pack suspension and frame. The Sacrifice is the first hunting pack on the market to offer a heat treated rail inverted frame. What this means to hunters is, they get a fully functional internal frame which weighs less than 8 ounces, but offers the support of some of those frames weighing 8 pounds! Every gram of weight put into this pack was scrutinized, taken out, weighed, and re-scrutinized. If a component’s usefulness did not match its weight, it was tossed. The Sacrifice is the lightest pack in its class. The specifications include: Weigh – 3 lbs 9 oz., Dimension – 28” x 13” x 12”, Capacity 3450 ci, with 2 main compartments and 7 pockets. EZ Fletch Mini The crew at Arizona Rim Country Products continues to expand their product line in 2010 with their new EZ Fletch Mini (ezfletch.com). The E-Z Fletch ‘Mini” lets you fletch vanes up to 2 ¼” with maximum helical for more accurate arrow flight. With the ability to fletch 3 vanes at once, the EZ fletch is about as quick, and efficient as it gets. The E-Z Fletch Mini is the most compact fletching tool on the market and truly provides you the ability to fletch your own custom arrows anytime, anyplace. Other benefits of the new E-Z Fletch Mini are faster broadhead stabilization and tighter groups, for the ultimate in precision shooting. Rinehart RhinoBlock I picked up my first Rinehart targets nearly 7 years ago. Those same targets are still alive and well, taking shots in my backyard nearly every day. I can honestly say that Rinehart produces some of the toughest, longest-lasting targets on the planet. For 2010 their line of super-unique targets grows with the addition of their new RhinoBlock (rinehart3d.com). This incredibly versatile new target sports six unique sides to shoot at, ideal for every type of practice. Two sides of the cube display a textured, life-like 3-D deer target zone — one displaying outlined vital areas of a deer, and the other detailing an anatomically correct display
of a deer’s organs. The other four faces of the target are comprised of Rinehart’s signature, highly visible target zones — allowing shooters to continue target practice even in low light conditions. Two of these sides consist of twelve smaller zones for consistent arrow shooting and placement, while the final two sides feature one large target zone for honing, surrounded by four smaller zones. Unlike any other cube-shaped target on the market, with the Rinehart RhinoBlock, bowhunters no longer have to worry about shooting out their favorite target, as its core is easy to replace with Rinehart’s patented locking insert. But don’t expect to wear it out anytime soon — it’s made of Rinehart’s signature solid ‘self-healing’ foam, which allows it to take repeated shots from field points, broadheads or even expandables without losing its shape or integrity. Measuring in at 16x16x13, this target is so light and easy to carry, you’ll be able to take aim at the club, in the backyard, at camp or wherever you’re ready for some on-the-spot practice. BowTech Destroyer 350 Removing all design barriers and never settling for second best, BowTech set out to produce the most advanced bow on the market. The result? The Destroyer…And it’s called the Destroyer for a reason. The Destroyer 340 and Destroyer 350 (bowtecharchery.com) are exceptionally accurate, shock-free and easy to draw. And they’re both fast – very fast! This incredible balance is accomplished using three new technologies: HardCore Limbs, OverDrive Binary, and FLXGuard. While most archers are forced to trade shootability for speed, the Destroyer legitimately delivers both and retains the “dead in the hand” shooting characteristic that BowTech is known for. The Destroyer 350 specs include: Brace Height – 6”, Axle to Axle – 32 3/8”, IBO Speed – 342-350 fps, Kinetic Energy – 95.22 ft-lbs. Specs on the Destroy 340 are: Brace Height – 7”, Axle to Axle – 32 3/8”, IBO Speed – 332340 fps, Kinetic Energy – 89.86 ft-lbs. V3 Easton Expandable Varmint Point Easton Archery was right in the middle of all the new and innovative products being unleashed at this year’s ATA show with their new V3 Expandalble Varmint Point (eastonarchery.com). It’s the first mechanical small game head with an exploding expandable action unlike any other product on the market. The head offers field-point flight, replaceable blades, and helps prevent lost arrows. The V3 is available in 100 grains. HECS One of the most unique concepts featured at this year’s show was the Human Energy Concealment System (hecsllc.com). The New HECS technology is based on exciting new research that discovered animals have the ability to key in on the electrometric (EM) fields that have long been known to emanate from all life forms including humans. Known
APRIL 2010
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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net
for years by hunters as “the 6th sense” HECS combats this energy by using an innovative conductive carbon grid which has been specifically designed to block human energy. This grid is woven directly into a light-weight material which is also extremely comfortable to wear. The conductive grid in HECS’s Energy Cloak TM fabric essentially creates what is known as a faraday cage around the hunter, blocking this naturally occurring energy from reaching the animal. “The heart is a major source of EM energy and it is known that this energy spikes with increased heart rate- such as when a hunter is excited in the presence of game,” says company President, Mike Slinkard. “HECS apparel blocks this energy spike as well as other naturally occurring energy transmissions while the hunter is in the field.” Sitka Gear The Sitka Forest (sitkagear.com) system features base layers, mid-layers and outerwear to keep hunters comfortable, protected from the elements and effectively concealed from their prey. “Sitka’s guiding principle has always been to design and manufacture the highest quality gear for the performance hunter,” said Sitka Founder, Jonathan Hart. “Until now, the Sitka system was suitable for active cold-weather hunts, where there is an expected level of exertion and heat generation from the hunter,” commented Hart. “With the introduction of the forest line, our gear now can provide ultimate warmth and comfort in severe cold even when a hunter needs to remain still.” The
new Incinerator Jacket and Bib are part of the latest offerings for 2010 in the new forest line. The Incinerator Series combines down and GORE-TEX for waterproof warmth. A GORE-TEX shell protects a cozy 700-fill down interior from rain, snow and wind. Heavy articulation through the arms, seat, and legs enhances a finished fit for a full range-of-motion and minimally restricted climbing and bow or rifle shooting. Trophy Taker SmackDown Put the SmackDown on your trophy this fall with one of Trophy Taker’s new fall-away arrow rests. The SmackDown (trophytaker.com) is similar to other rests in Trophy Taker’s popular line in that they feature all metal construction, bullet-proof no nonsense design, and a unconditional lifetime warranty. However, there are some new features that truly set this rest apart. The SmackDown launcher pivots on a rock solid bearing system and features the quietest launcher dampening system available. Additionally, the SmackDown is designed for attachment to the bottom limb or the upward moving cable. Using the limb or up cable to operate the rest allows the launcher to raise early as the bow is drawn, lifting the arrow long before the broadhead approaches the bow and long before the cams break over into the let-off position. When the bow is shot, the arrow travels along the launcher for nearly the full length of the shaft resulting in increased arrow guidance time. The increased time that the launcher guides the arrow during
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
the shot makes tuning challenging bows much easier. At the last instant, the launcher is pulled down out of the path of the vanes and held firmly in the down position. As an added bonus, the SmackDown promises to be the quickest and easiest rest to set up and tune that Trophy Taker has introduced to date. TightSpot Quiver Ever since the beginning of my archery career, I’ve been removing the quiver from my bow prior to shooting. I’ve had some great quivers over the years, but they all placed an unbalanced feel to my setup when at full draw. All that has changed with the new TightSpot quiver (tightspotquiver.com). The TightSpot Quiver is the first bow quiver designed to help archers shoot better while keeping their bow quiver attached to their bow. The TightSpot Quiver fits tight to your bow, minimizing torque and improving accuracy. It’s the first bow quiver to complement, not compromise, the performance of your hunting bow. TightSpot Quiver is fully adjustable and fits most, if not all, hunting bows. Many bowhunters like to remove the quiver from their bow because they shoot better without the bow quiver on their bow. They are willing to compromise having their arrows handy to assure shooting accuracy. The guys at TightSpot have solved this problem by making a bow quiver that hangs tight to the bow. That is the premise of the new TightSpot Quiver with HangTight Technology. TightSpot Quivers fit tight to the bow to minimize torque and
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actually helps provide stability when at full draw. HSS 360 Extension Limb When I saw the 360 Extension Limb, I knew that someone had finally solved the answer to all those neck-strangling moments in the treestand when rotating in the stand as you prepare for the shot. The life-saving tether connection from a hunter’s fall-restraint system has always been the very thing that can prevent full 360-degree shooting. Hunter Safety System has eliminated this problem with the introduction of the new 360 Extension Limb (hssvest.com). The 360 Extension Limb is a reinforced steel branch that attaches to the tree in place of the standard tree strap. The 360 Extension Limb allows the tether to move freely and silently above the hunter, providing for easy shooting in any direction, while automatically adjusting to the direction of the shot. Should the hunter lose footing or balance and falls out of the stand, by design, the tether slides down the 360 Extension Limb and comes to rest against the tree for a quick, safe recovery. The patented design attaches to the tree by way of proven T-Screw technology, and a strap provides added security. Give the previously mentioned gear a look this year when updating your equipment for another season of bowhunting adventure. I think you’ll find it to be gear designed to help you hunt safer, more comfortably, and with deadly accuracy when you draw on that trophy of a lifetime.
18 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Catching Spring Monster Montana Rainbows “N
ice fish! You guys down on the Salmon?” That was what several people asked when they saw the pictures. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that those “Steelhead” were actually home grown Rainbows that a friend and I had caught near Helena last spring. If this weather that we have been having continues, you can catch some of the largest fish of the year in one of the many Missouri river reservoirs tailwaters. As the water temperatures tend to quickly approach 40°F at ice-out, the lengthening days and sudden sunlight on the water causing the warmer surface temps to mix with the dense 39°F layer that has been at the bottom of the water column all winter. Cold fronts can begin to reverse that process, and temperatures as low as 34°F might be found after boats can be launched, but 40°F or close tends to be the norm right after ice-out, which means rainbow trout are already preparing to spawn.
Until that spawning window opens, big Rainbows settle into slower water after the water dips below 40°F. They tend to be a lot more rambunctious in 40°F water than in 38°F water. It is far more likely to come across these fish in the quicker current at 40°F than at 38°F. When the temperature just begins to drop into the high 30°F range, they will back away from the heads and edges of pools to settle into the slower water astride an eddy or deeper into the midsection. Now where can you find these conditions and temperatures? Try below the dams that form Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs. Stocked rainbows will return to their stocking site at this point, looking for their ancestral river, which is miles away and probably on the other side of the Rockies. Naturalized rainbows, born into this system through successful spawning activity, might begin staging near creek mouths or might already be running up larger river channels that connect these
APRIL 2010
reservoirs. Browns trout continue doing what they did under the ice, cruising the same shallow flats looking for food. As they attempt to spawn during a certain “day length window” nature has installed in their makeup, regardless of temperature , rainbows the world over tend to spawn in temperatures of 40°F or more in most cases. When that window appears, all the tactics I’m about to suggest can get you in on some of the hottest fishing of the year for these Montana Steelhead. Keep Steelhead in mind when choosing the tackle and baits you use! Float Rigs For Tailwater Trout One of the easiest rigs for fishing below these dams is a Slip Float rig. Use 8-10 pound line when float fishing, for easier mending, and terminate the rig with a quality 6-pound fluorocarbon leader. The key elements involved in tricking these rainbows involves lighter line and brightly colored baits in small packages. Add just enough weight to make your float stand up. You can tip this rig with a size 4 to 6 Octopus hooks. Red or standard bronze are my favorites. Add a smaller spawn bag or bait of choice. A 3-inch finesse-style worm in red, orange, white, pink, or natural is a good substitute for spawn bags. Nose-hook it and let it dangle. Don’t forget a good old night crawler as well. The effectiveness of many presentations trails off when the water dips below 38°F, bait becomes increasingly important. The natural scent of spawn, live night crawlers, and maggots produces more strikes, as a rule, than any artificial, scented or not. Another choice is to use smaller marabou jigs. Popular already in these waters, they can be deadly when drifted with a slip float. Incremental changes in jig size often become critical. Last winter my partner caught the first 5 fish from a pool thick with huge bows. Comparing our rigs, I found them to be identical right down to the color, but his jig weighed 1/16 ounce, while mine was a 1/32. I tied on a new jig and the float traveled less than 10 feet on the next cast before jetting under. After 10 more drifts, we both had 5 fish
BY NEAL M. COTE’, bitemeflies.com for the morning. I like to use the lightest jig I can get away with, and sometimes this prejudice works against me. Heavier jigs keep down in the strike zone and keep the jig from sidling off-track in cross currents. With a slightly heavier jig, depth is affected less when mending line. Don’t forget to try tipping the jig with a very small spawn bag or piece of crawler on the colder days. Cast across the current and keep the line upstream of the float and off the water as much as possible. Hold the float up more. Make it pause. In winter, the length between float and jig is often longer than the depth of the river where I’m fishing, because I pause the bait so often. If the jig-and-bait hangs in their faces longer, and those fish tend to bite more often. Just letting the float drift at current speed seldom works better. The jig should be drifting ahead of (downstream of) the float and rigging, and the float should be moving slower than the surrounding current. The current is faster near the surface than it is near bottom, and you want the bait moving slower than the current surrounding it. Drift Rigs For Big Trout Tie a 2-foot, 8- to 10-pound leader to a smaller black swivel, leaving a 4- to 5-inch tag end for attaching split shot, pencil lead, or drop-shot weights. Or you can tie a snap swivel to the tag end and clip it through a slinky (buckshot in parachute cord) the most rock-resistant sinker available. In clear water, a 2- or 3-foot fluorocarbon leader testing 6 pounds, tied to a small black or non-reflective barrel swivel is key. Trout are line-shy and suspicious of everything. A lot of people use hooks and line too big for the job. Size 4-8 octopus hooks again with a small corkie threaded above them and a small tuft of yarn complete the rig. Use the smallest, lightest example of everything that you can get away with. Tip the hook with a smaller spawn bag, crawler, and even your favorite power bait. (continued)
APRIL 2010
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Montana Wolf Population Growth Slows In 2009 MFWP
At least 525 wolves inhabit Montana according to the 2009 annual
Most of the increases in Montana’s wolf population occurred in wolf conservation and management report the northwest’s Wolf Management Unit 1 where the population grew to 308 wolves, released today by Montana Fish, Wildlife in 64 verified packs, and 23 breeding pairs. & Parks. Seven of the packs reside on reservations FWP’s report, which is available where they are managed by Tribal online at fwp.mt.gov , shows Montana’s minimum wolf population increased about authorities. In western Montana’s WMU 2, 4 percent in 2009, compared to an the minimum counts were similar to 18 percent increase in 2008. previous years—at least 110 wolves in The minimum Montana wolf 20 packs, and five breeding pairs. In population counts include 525 wolves, in southwestern Montana’s WMU 3, 101 verified packs, and 37 breeding pairs. minimum wolf counts showed a slight Montana’s minimum pack count and number of breeding pairs increased slightly decline from 2008 to at least 106 wolves in 17 packs, and nine breeding pairs. from 2008. “The combination of a conservative Lethal control and decreased immigration from Yellowstone National harvest by hunters, agency control and Park may explain the population leveling other mortality sources did not curtail off over the past few years. population growth,” said FWP Director “The rate of population growth Joe Maurier. continues to slow because the best habitats Compared to Idaho and already have resident wolf packs,” said Wyoming, at 28 percent Montana had the Maurier. highest rate of known human-caused About 23 packs occur along mortality of wolves. Officials surmised Montana’s border with Idaho, 14 of which that’s due to Montana’s wolf population, are included in the Montana estimate. as a whole, living on a combination of This demonstrates the continued influence public and private lands. Nonetheless, of the robust wolf population in Idaho on Montana’s population still increased and Montana’s wolf population. remains well above recovery goals. The recovery of the wolf in the The U.S. Fish and Wildlife northern Rockies remains one of the fastest Service delisted the northern Rocky Mountain’s gray wolves in Montana, Idaho endangered species comebacks on record. and parts of Washington, Utah and Oregon, In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, but not in Wyoming, about a year ago. 66 wolves were released into Yellowstone The decision is being challenged in National Park and central Idaho. Missoula federal court by several groups “Nearly all of Montana’s wolves seeking to reinstate federal endangered live outside national parks, which also species protections throughout the region. means more intensive management is The minimum recovery goal for needed to strike the right balance between wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains wolves and public acceptance,” Maurier was set at a minimum of 30 breeding said. “It’s very clear that Montana has pairs—successfully reproducing wolf made room for wolves.” packs—and a minimum of 300 individual Last year, Montana created a wolf wolves for at least three consecutive years hunt for the first time. Hunters harvested and well distributed throughout the 72 wolves between Sept. 15 and Nov. 16. recovery area. The goal was achieved in As hunters approached the overall harvest 2002, and the wolf population has quota of 75 wolves, FWP closed the hunt increased every year since. FWP’s report is part of the annual about two week before the general season was scheduled to end to ensure the quota federal recovery update required by would not be exceeded. In May, FWP USFWS. The end of 2009 count also estimates that at least 320 wolves inhabited will propose regulations, and most likely Wyoming and at least 843 wolves inhabited a higher harvest quota, for the 2010 wolf season. Idaho. Annual reports from Idaho, Livestock depredations and Wyoming, and information about wolves in response up in 2009 Yellowstone National Park and the Despite the hunt—and with the northern Rockies as a whole are available increase in wolf depredation responses by online at http://westerngraywolf.fws.gov. FWP— wolf recovery continues to be The northern Rockies’ accompanied by increases in both the “metapopulation” is comprised of wolf number of livestock killed by wolves and populations in Montana, Idaho, and the number of wolves killed to resolve Wyoming. Three packs are now verified in Oregon and Washington. Today, at least conflicts, as chronicled in the latest report. 1,706 wolves in 242 packs, with about 115 Of the 255 wolf deaths documented in 2009, 145 were related to livestock depredations, breeding pairs, live in the region, where 16 were illegal kills, and vehicles or trains wolves can travel about freely to join struck eight. Others died from a variety existing packs or form new packs. This, combined with wolf populations in Canada of causes common to all wildlife species, including poor health and old age. and Alaska, assures genetic diversity.
Still, Maurier said the Montana wolf population grew by adding at least 166 new pups by the end of December and by establishing at least 26 new packs in 2009. Cattle deaths confirmed by USDA Wildlife Services in Montana increased from 77 in 2007 to 97 in 2009, and confirmed sheep death losses nearly doubled from 111 to 202. About 38 percent of Montana wolf packs were confirmed to have killed livestock. Three wolf packs and lone wolves were responsible for nearly all confirmed sheep losses. Four llamas, two goats, and four dogs were also confirmed killed by wolves. Additional losses and injuries occurred, but either could not be verified or were determined to be “probable” wolf kills. Maurier noted that of 145 wolves that were killed to prevent further depredations, private citizens killed 10 wolves caught chasing or attacking livestock. He said a variety of proactive nonlethal tools were also employed in cooperation with landowners to reduce the risk of loss. For example, FWP again collaborated in several range-rider projects and provided fladry—cloth or plastic flags that are attached to wire that can deter wolves from approaching an area—to numerous private landowners. FWP has led wolf management under the federal guidelines since 2004. Delisting allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, guided by state management plans, administrative rules, and laws. Visit fwp.mt.gov /wolf for more.
Montana Rainbows (continued from previous page)
Cast your set up across and slightly up-current. Ticking bottom 2 to 4 times is perfect as your rig moves down with the current. If the rig can’t touch bottom no matter how you manipulate the drift, it’s too light or your line is too heavy. The easiest fix, of course, is to try adding more weight. If the rig is dragging and snagging up on every cast, go with a lighter weights or a slinky. Unlike steelhead, these fish are pretty easy to detect when they bite. Sometimes it is just a few taps, and others hit pretty hard and fast. A gaudy fly or bright spinner can make a rainbow move this time of year, but not always toward the lure. Usually they simply get out of the way, which is just enough activity to make them more vulnerable to something they really want to eat. My catch-rate during the half hour after a spinner fisherman leaves after fishing the water ahead of me doubles my average catch numbers during this time of year. I sometimes make three or four casts with a 1/8 marabou jig or small spoon before settling down to the business of actually fishing the pool with my other rigs. Late March and early April is usually when the fishing peaks, so any day now you could be below one of the Helena area reservoirs catching huge Rainbows. And to think that instead of traveling all the way to Idaho, you could have just as much fun with these Montana steelhead right out your back door? Good Luck out there!!
20 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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We Buy Trade and Sell
You’re Invited To Attend The 2nd Annual
Mule Deer Foundation Dinner Hosted by the Treasure State Chapter - Butte Saturday, May 1st
APRIL 2010
New & Used Firearms rms
Held At The Star Lanes Convention Center - Butte FOR RESERVATION AND TICKET INFORMATION
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What’s New In Gear Hoyt Carbon Matrix The ground breaking Hoyt Carbon Matrix marks much more than an epic advancement in Hoyt engineering; it triggers a quantum leap for the entire archery industry. Their lightest high-end bow ever, Carbon Matrix boasts a radical, high-tech, hollow carbon tube riser (patent pending) featuring O-Tech™ Technology. Strategically crafted to yield new standards of lightweight design, vibration reduction, shootability and precision, every innovative inch of this engineering marvel is amazingly strong and stable. At 35” axle-to-axle, it delivers all the stability of a longer axle-to-axle bow, but with the super light mass weight of a much shorter bow. Yet, with all of this innovation and ground-breaking performance, Carbon Matrix shares the same legendary durability standards as all Hoyt bows. Carbon Matrix solidifies Hoyt’s place as a leader in archery engineering and innovation. This bow is custom from cam to cam. IBO Speed (fps): 318 Wheel: XTR Cam & 1/2 Axle to Axle: 35” Brace Height: 7.25” Mass Weight: 3.8lbs. Draw Range: 27” - 31” Weight Range: 40-80# Limbs: XTS Arc
Turkey Tuxedo Pack By Blacks Creek
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he Bone Collector lineup is here to stay. Black Creek just introduced the New Turkey Tuxedo with the help of Michael Waddell and the Bone Collecting boys. No stone was left unturned in the search for innovative ideas to help create the best turkey hunting vest on the market today. Features: 1) Cool Air Flow Suspension 2) 20 Pockets 3) Detachable side pockets 4) Expandable compartment 5) Fiberglass stay internal frame
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Scientific Angler Trout Fishing Kit & Mastery Series XPS Fly Line, WF Taper READY TO FISH 4-piece outfit High quality 4-piece 5/6 weight graphite rod for smooth and easy casting. Preloaded disc drag reel ready to fish with the specific line and flies designed to work well for trout fishing. Also includes a special 2 in 1 DVD with “Fly Fishing Made Easy” and “Panfish and Bass with Larry Dahlberg.”
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Improve your odds with TROPHY SEARCH® Trophy Search® is available as a yearly subscription. For just $50 a year (or $40 a year for current B&C Associates) you can have unlimited access to the Club’s trophy database... The possibilities are endless. www.booneandcrockettclub.com or 406.542.1888
Taylor of Bonner “First Bull - October 2009” Randy Hatch of Belgrade “Blonde Color Phase Black Bear Taken in Southwest Montana May 2009”
Kenneth of Superior “Nice Non-Typical Antelope Buck Taken Near Broadus in Mid-October 2009”
Marcus Hockett of Bozeman “Awesome Whitetail Buck with Gross Score 124-4/8, Taken in Blaine County”
Keith Stockard of Superior “Bull Elk Harvested on Steep Mountain Ridge North of Superior in 2009”
SUBMIT YOUR HUNTING, FISHING, OR OUTDOOR PHOTOS TO BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE e-mail: bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com or mail to: 8591 Capri Drive, Helena, MT. 59602
Tim Kolstad of Bozeman “Ram Taken in HD 680 Missouri River Breaks”
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Montana Wildlife Federation Launches 75th Year The American people in the early 1900s realized that it was time to set
GERRY STEINBRENNER ON THE CLEARWATER WITH AWESOME STEELHEAD - PHOTO SENT IN BY HIS BROTHER TOM
a new direction for the future of wildlife. Progressive hunters, anglers, landowners, politicians and businesses worked together to enact visionary, momentous Acts and efforts across the Nation that today continue to ensure wildlife and hunting and fishing opportunities. It’s doubtful that the loosely knit statewide assemblage of grassroots doers that worked together in 1935, the Montana Wildlife Conservation Association could have imagined that the alliance would be continuing its work 75 years later. In May 1936, this group including many new concerns met in Helena and formally became Montana Wildlife Federation, the largest statewide advocacy organization of conservation minded people who share a mission to protect and enhance Montana’s public wildlife, lands, waters, and fair chase hunting and fishing heritage. On April 17, 2010, MWF will launch its 75th year as Montana wildlife conservation, hunting and fishing leaders that have contributed so much to Montana gather together at MWF’s Annual Meeting in Helena. During its 75 year history, MWF members have passionately volunteered tens of thousands of hours to ensure Montana’s fish, wildlife, and hunting and fishing future, established state management strategies, influenced the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission directions, and a lengthy list of state policies related to our wildlife and habitat legacy and our hunting and angling heritage. The open to the public event this year will be bigger than ever and include the prestigious statewide Conservation Awards Program luncheon, special dignitaries’, a public forum on the most challenge issues facing Montana wildlife, hunting and fishing, youth education displays and activities. A fun-filled Saturday evening Banquet is filled with various raffles, door prizes, live and silent auction items, rods, firearms, ‘commemorative’ items including a Sweetgrass fly rod, special hats, a Bison bronze, a Winston fly rod, a rifle, custom made knives and much more. Several notable Montana wildlife artists have contributed originals and unique limited edition high caliber wildlife art. Sign-up today. Seating is limited for the 75th Annual Meeting Fundraising Banquet April 17, 2010 at Best Western Helena Great Northern. Afternoon meeting sessions will focus on Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Controversies, The Future of Wildlife Management and Public Opportunities. For more information or to reserve seating, e-mail: mwf@mtwf.org or call 1-800-517-7256. Reduced price Partnership Tables are available for up to 8, with a limited number available.
APRIL 2010
Sportsmen Call Sage Grouse ESA Decision An ‘Opportunity’ For Science-based Conservation THE NORTH AMERICAN GROUSE PARTNERSHIP & THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP
NAGP and TRCP urge USFWS to strategize with stakeholders to sustain population numbers, avert future endangered listing for popular upland gamebird
I
n a decision long anticipated by sportsmen and conservationists, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on Friday that the greater sage grouse will be designated a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The “warranted, but precluded” assessment for the popular upland gamebird, which occupies barely half of its traditional habitat, was startling but not unexpected news for the North American Grouse Partnership, an organization dedicated to the conservation of native grouse and their habitats, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Willard Heck, NAGP chairman of the board, said, “Our organization was formed in 1999 because of long-term downward trends in sage grouse populations. For decades, sportsmen, ranchers, developers and the scientific community saw this day approaching, yet we didn’t work together well enough to avoid it. This population assessment is both a failure and a clear opportunity to rededicate ourselves to healthy Western landscapes.” Sage grouse populations historically encompassed enormous expanses of the Rocky Mountain West, but in recent years the species’ abundance and distribution have declined precipitously. Energy projects – both traditional and renewable – and attendant development can have wide-ranging impacts on habitat use and survival of numerous game species, including sage grouse. Current scientific research on sage grouse has identified population declines with energy development activities. In particular, activity too close to sage grouse leks, or breeding sites, can result in permanent displacement. Curtailed energy development in areas of core habitat, such as the Ryegrass Rim region of western Wyoming, can help address these declines. In its status review finding for the sage grouse, the USFWS formally concluded that, with few exceptions, existing stipulations governing energy development are ineffective and that current science dictates the need for increased safeguards. The sportsmen stressed that this assessment underscores the necessity for on-the-ground changes in (continued)
APRIL 2010
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Sage Grouse continued
the necessity for on-the-ground changes in the management of energy projects underway in areas of critical habitat and for better planning of renewable energy projects. “Sportsmen-conservationists have demonstrated a longstanding investment in maintaining productive populations of sage grouse and in working with the federal government to avoid an endangered listing for this species,” said TRCP Energy Policy Manager Steve Belinda. “Yet the government’s decision regarding the bird’s fate essentially admits that inadequate regulatory mechanisms are in place to sustain existing numbers – and that the Bureau of Land Management and other agencies have a poor track record of following through on promises for other candidate species. Major changes are needed in current approaches to land and resource management to balance the needs of grouse in order to reduce the threats to sage grouse habitat and populations. “We can’t keep on applying inadequate approaches to sage grouse management and expecting good results,” continued Belinda, a former BLM biologist. “The government’s findings are relevant only to the extent that they are used to produce concrete changes in the places that matter most to sage grouse; consequently, energy developments such as the Atlantic Rim and Pinedale Anticline projects should be revisited via the adaptive management process. This decision means nothing if the approaches presently in use,
such as insufficient buffer zones around sage grouse leks, are not revised to conform to current, peer-reviewed science.” In 2008, the TRCP and NAGP formally requested that the Department of the Interior undertake a transparent, public process to address landscape conservation measures for sage grouse habitats on lands administered by the BLM, particularly during energy development activities occurring on these lands. The groups’ “petition for rulemaking” requested that the secretary of the Interior commit the BLM to utilize the best available information on the impacts of energy development on sage grouse and alter agency management of activities currently being developed or planned for development in key sage grouse habitats. NAGP Executive Director Ralph Rogers said, “Lewis and Clark first described the sage grouse in central Montana. From that point to the west and south, sage grouse would have been a dominant species on the landscape. At the turn of the last century, pioneers traveled from Colorado to Washington on a sea of grassland and shrub steppe with sage grouse flushing everywhere they went. Today they are a keystone species; in shrub steppe where they exist, the landscape is healthy. Where they have disappeared, the land is not functioning properly.” “Where the landscape is intact and free from exotic plants and diseases, sage grouse exist in traditional numbers,” said Dr. Rollin Sparrowe, a former federal biologist who serves on both the NAGP and TRCP boards. “More than half the remaining sage grouse are on public lands where our federal management agencies can help arrest downward population trends. The USFWS has promised increased resources for private lands, increased coordination with state management agencies, and making sage grouse a higher priority on federal lands. These are all steps in the right direction, but much work remains to be done, particularly concerning the impacts of increased renewable energy development, about which relatively little research has been conducted.” (continued on page 26)
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
Outdoor Calendar
BIG SKY SPRING RUN-OFF: April 10
Big Sky Resort will once again design a 100-foot pond filled with water that skiers and snowboarders will navigate and skim across or in some cases, directly into. Great fun for an end of the season event that will also feature live music, drink and food specials, and an after party. Phone: 406-995-5765 or visit www.bigskyresort.com
BILLINGS SPRING SCRAMBLE RACE: April 17
The Spring Scrambles at the Billings Motorcycle Club is a great start to a challenging race season. The event features racing on a great mile of twists and turns with no jumps. Spectators are welcome and ample parking allows them to watch from a variety of vantage points. Concessions are available. Remember to bring your lawn chairs because seating is very limited. From I-90, take Exit 447 and go south on S Billings Blvd over the Yellowstone River, turn left at Blue Basket. Go 1.5 miles to club grounds visit www.billingsmotorcycleclub.us
DEER LODGE JUNIOR RANGER DAY: April 24
The park is celebrating Junior Ranger Day. There will be tours, walks, kids activities, ranch programs and prizes. Held at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch. Phone: 406-846-2070 or e-mail: julie_croglio@nps.gov
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HELENA WALLEYE CLINIC - WEEK OF APRIL 12
Learn everything there is to know about walleyes at this Walleye Clinic hosted by Dave Gilbert. Open to the public. Held at Capital Sports, 1092 Helena Avenue. Call Bart at 406-443-2978 for specific date and time.
LIBBY STOKR - SCENIC TOUR OF THE KOOTENAI RIVER: May 8 - 9
STOKR (The Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River) is a 2-day bicycle tour that benefits Habitat for Humanity. Riders choose between a 45 mile or 98 mile ride for the first day. Day 2 is a 38 mile loop. All rides begin and end at the Chamber of Commerce in Libby. Phone: 406-293-2441 or visit www.stokr.org
MISSOULA PRIMOS TURKEY HUNTING SEMINAR: April 3
Free turkey hunting and calling seminar at 2:00pm with Dave Holder of Primos Game Calls. Wholesale Sports on North Reserve. Phone 406-523-9000.
Events To Support WILDLIFE Ducks Unlimited
04/10/10 Blackfoot River Chapter Banquet EUREKA DAVID THOMPSON BLACK POWDER Lincoln Community Hall SHOOT & RENDEZVOUS: April 23 - 25 Renee Lundberg 406-362-4072 Step back into the early 1800’s and visit the David 04/10/10 Gardiner Annual Banquet & Auction Thompson Rendezvous. Competitions include muzzle Gardiner Community Center loading, rifle and pistol shooting, knife and tomahawk Eric Robinson 406-581-2457 throwing and other primitive events. Other attractions include primitive camps, primitive dress, and old time trade goods Phone: 406-882-4691 or visit www.welcome2eureka.com
Mule Deer Foundation
05/01/10 Treasure State Chapter - Butte Star Lanes Convention Center Mark Clark, 406-498-2638
EUREKA ANNUAL EUREKA DUNE RUNNERS Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation SAND DRAG: April 24 - 25 04/10/10 Great Falls Eureka Dune Runners, a 4X4 race club, will offer an Giant Springs Big Game Banquet exciting time with fun for the entire family with its Ken Seay 406-799-3519 annual sand drag. Race excitement includes blower 04/17/10 Butte cars and modified 4X4s. Held on Airport Road. Southwest Big Game Banquet Phone: 406-889-5360 Dick Talley 406-494-3043 or visit www.welcome2eureka.com 04/17/10 Plains Sanders County Big Game Banquet GREENOUGH GRIZZLYMAN ADVENTURE RACE: Linda Wilson 406-826-8651 04/24/10 Seeley Lake April 17 The Annual GrizzlyMan Adventure Race is brought Blackfoot/Clearwater Big Game Banquet to you by The Rocky Mountaineers. The race will Bruce Wold 406-677-2529 take place at the 28,000 acre Lubrecht Experimental 05/01/10 Ennis Forest and The Resort at Paws Up. Nestled in the Vigilante Big Game Banquet mountains of western Montana and situated 30 miles Rick Toot 406-682-7857 northeast of Missoula, this combined 65,000 acre 05/15/10 Bozeman rugged landscape will provide a challenging venue to Gallatin Big Game Banquet racers of all skill levels. Phone: 406-244-7313 or Sue Grandstaff 406-640-0253 visit www.grizzlymanrace.com
24 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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APRIL 2010
Hunting And Conservation News Hunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored By
Allied Waste
2,000 acres of noxious weeds in the North Elkhorns area. Flathead County—Use herbicide to treat noxious weeds and improve elk and deer forage on 200 acres at Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge. Lewis and Clark County—Enhance forage and transitional range for elk and mule deer by prescribe burning 650 acres, and thinning encroaching conifer on 350 acres, in the Alice Creek area of Helena National Forest. Madison County—Treat up to 400 acres of noxious weeds to encourage native grasses and other vegetation used by foraging elk in the Madison Valley.
Deadline Set Montana For Snowmobile Conservation Program Grants Projects To MFWP Receive RMEF Montana Fish, Wildlife Grants RMEF & Parks officials recently announced a new round of funding for the Wildlife conservation projects in 11 Montana counties have been selected Montana Snowmobile Program. Snowmobile clubs wishing to apply for funding in the 2010-2011 winter season, should submit grant applications to the nearest FWP Regional Office by May 1. ` Grant application materials and guidelines are available on the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov on the Recreation page under Grant Programs. Typically, FWP receives about 25 applications annually from snowmobile clubs across the state to groom local snowmobile trail systems. Under this unique partnership between the clubs and the State of Montana, local clubs groom almost 4,000 miles of snowmobile trails each winter season. The groomed trails are used by a variety of winter recreationists beside snowmobilers, including snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and dog mushers. For further information, contact Jason White, Trails Grant Coordinator (406) 444-7317; jaswhite@mt.gov.
to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010. The new RMEF funding, totaling $221,725, will affect Beaverhead, Broadwater, Flathead, Lewis and Clark, Madison, Meagher, Missoula, Park, Powder River, Powell and Rosebud counties. “These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Montana volunteers—most of whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 656 different projects in Montana with a combined value of more than $114 million.” RMEF grants will help fund the following projects, listed by county: Beaverhead County—Clear encroaching conifer and noxious weeds from 300 acres of sagebrush parks and aspen stands used by wintering elk herds in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Broadwater County—Treat 917 acres of noxious weeds to restore native grasses and forage for elk and other wildlife in the Elkhorns Wildlife Management Area; reconstruct fencing to control livestock and protect riparian habitat in the North Crow area of Helena National Forest; treat
Meagher County—Restore aspen stands by thinning encroaching conifer on 131 acres, prescribe burning 159 acres, and installing 4.9 miles of fencing in the Sheep Creek area of Lewis and Clark National Forest. Missoula County—Enhance native forage for elk by treating 160 acres of noxious weeds in the Boyer Ranch area. Park County—Treat 300 acres of noxious weeds to improve native grasses and forage for elk in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area of Gallatin National Forest. This project is part of a long-term initiative to control weeds across the wilderness area including four counties in Wyoming (Carbon, Park, Stillwater and Sweetgrass counties). Powder River County—Improve forage areas for elk and other wildlife by thinning 350 acres of encroaching conifer, and prescribe burning 1,500 acres of ponderosa pine stands, in Custer National Forest (also affects Rosebud County). Powell County—Provide funding for a project that will allow the Seeley Lake Ranger District to take aggressive action against new infestations of noxious weeds, and treat weeds on 500 acres of elk habitat in 2010-11 at Lolo National Forest (also affects Missoula County); treat 1,146 acres of noxious weeds on BLM land in Marcum Mountain area; prescribe burn 700 acres of elk winter range on BLM lands. Projects are selected for RMEF grants by a committee of volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering organizations. Partners for 2010 projects in Montana include Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, corporations and landowners.
2010 Black Bear Hunting Regulation Changes On-Line MFWP
M
ontana’s 2010 black bear hunting regulations are available online for hunters eager to brush up on some of the important changes this year. Montana’s spring black bear hunting season begins April 15. New for the spring hunt only is a change in the black bear hunting license validation. Hunters must validate their license at the time of purchase, choosing to: * hunt the entire state—except Bear Management Units 100, 102, 104, 105 and 108, or * hunt only in BMUs 100, 102, 104, 105 and 108—and nowhere else in the state. Those who plan to hunt black bear in northwestern Montana should also note that BMU 108 has been broken into two units, with a boundary change for BMU 108 and the remainder of the area designated as BMU 200. Of interest to bear hunters who plan to hunt the fall season is a new archery-only season for black bear that runs Sept. 4-14 in all BMUs. Archery hunters will need an archery license to hunt bear during this new bear archery season. In BMUs with a quota, black bear harvest during the archery-only season will not exceed 20 percent of the BMU’s total quota. Hunters who purchase black bear licenses after April 15 must obtain them over the counter at a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office and cannot use them for five days after the purchase date. Bear hunters must also successfully complete FWP’s bear ID training at least once in order to purchase a black bear license. FWP urges black bear hunters to refresh their bear identification skills every year to be able to distinguish a black bear from a grizzly. Grizzly bears, a federally protected, threatened species, are not hunted in Montana. To locate the online FWP bear ID test, go to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Bear Identification Program . To review the online 2010 black bear regulations, go to the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov and click on the Hunting page and then Regulations.
APRIL 2010
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Hunting And Conservation News U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System Celebrates 107 Years of Conservation USFWS
V
isionaries in Florida and across the country – sportsmen, scientists, everyday citizens – saw what was happening to the land and its wildlife and said, we can – and we have to – do better. So, was born the National Wildlife Refuge System on March 14, 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt created the first bird reservation at Pelican Island in Florida. From one-ton bison to half-ounce warblers, the National Wildlife Refuge System contains a priceless gift – the heritage of a wild America that was, and is. The mission of the Refuge System is to manage a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitat. The Refuge System maintains the biological integrity, diversity and environmental health of these natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Caring for fish, wildlife and plant populations and their habitat is the essence of the science of wildlife management as well as the newer disciplines of conservation biology and ecosystem management. In addition to its premier task of conserving wildlife, the Refuge System also manages six wildlife-dependent recreational uses: Hunting Fishing Wildlife Observation Photography Environmental Education Interpretation Nearly 41 million people visit national wildlife refuges each year. Their
spending generates almost $1.7 billion in sales for regional economies. As this spending flowed through the economy, nearly 27,000 people were employed and $542.8 million in employment income was generated (see Banking on Nature 2007). Visitors and local communities recognize refuges as national treasures: Wildlife refuges are home to more than 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species and more than 200 species of fish. Fifty-nine refuges have been established with a primary purpose of conserving threatened or endangered species. 280 of the 1,200-plus federally-listed threatened or endangered species in the U.S. are found on units of the Refuge System. There are 677,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands known as Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) primarily in the prairie potholes of the Dakotas, Minnesota and Montana. Protected wilderness makes up 20 percent of the refuge lands. Most of the wilderness acreage is in Alaska. Refuges also include wild and scenic rivers and marine protected areas. Hunters get a warm welcome at more than 300 hunting programs on refuges and on about 36,000 Waterfowl Production Areas. Opportunities for fresh or saltwater fishing are available at more than 270 refuges. There is at least one wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities – offering people a welcoming, safe and accessible place to nourish their spirits and reconnect with the land.
WMA’s Closed Until May 15 MFWP Just a reminder that the weather have a tendency to confuse wildlife management areas in north central Montana are closed until May 15. And three on the Rocky Mountain Front – Sun River, Blackleaf and Ear Mountain – are closed till noon on May 15. Periodic bouts of warm spring
“horn hunters” into thinking the WMA’s are open. They’re not and anyone caught trespassing on a WMA will be prosecuted. The areas are meant to give wildlife, primarily elk, a wintering area free from human presence and keep them off neighboring ranch land.
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Hunter Education Tips Sought In Offered Online Deer Poaching For Adults MFWP Case BY RON SELDEN, MFWP State wildlife investigators are M ontana Fish, Wildlife and seeking help from the public regarding a Parks now offers hunter education online to anyone 18 years and older. By state law, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, must have completed hunter education to buy a hunting license in Montana. Adults can take the $15 course at their convenience. Those students born after Jan. 1, 1985, must also take a field course to receive their certification card. Students born before this date are not required to take the field day to be certified. Field day registration is only available online to those who successfully complete the online course, and space is limited. For more information on the online hunter education course and field day times and locations, go to the FWP Web site, fwp.mt.gov, click on Education, and follow links to “Hunter Education.”
deer poaching case in the Malta area. FWP Warden Dirk Paulsen last week responded to a call of a dead white-tailed deer south of Malta along the Sun Prairie Road. At the scene Paulsen found a very young buck that had been shot in the head with a small-caliber rifle. Paulsen said the person who shot the deer even cut the small spike horns from its head. The illegal shooting of the deer took place the evening of Feb. 25. Other evidence collected and blood trails in the area indicate that at least one other deer was possibly shot before it ran off. “This was a senseless act, and we’d like to catch up with whoever did it,” Paulsen said. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Paulsen directly at (406) 263-0620 or 654-1223, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office at (406) 654-2350.
26 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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APRIL 2010
Two Sheridan Area Men Fined $7,010 And Lose Hunting Privileges For Nine Years WYOMING GAME & FISH
the illegally taken mule deer at his home in Dayton. When asked by Judge Sampson why he had poached this deer Schortmann replied that he had poached it to show his friends what a nice deer he could kill. Hobbs commented, “Because of the selfishness of one person a very good, quality mule deer was taken out of the Sheridan area. This could have been a great trophy for some hunter out there to take legally during the season.” Hobbs worked a combined GAME WARDEN JAMES HOBBS AND A investigation with Dayton Game 4-BY-8 MULE DEER ILLEGALLY KILLED NEAR SHERIDAN. Warden Alan Osterland. During the (WARREN MISCHKE PHOTO) investigation it was discovered that Tasler had illegally purchased 13 Wyoming resident licenses over the ristopher S. Schortmann of Sheridan and Cory Tasler of Dayton last three years without establishing residency. Tasler had not lived in were ordered to pay $7,010 in fines Wyoming for one full year and had and restitution and had their hunting purchased resident licenses in and fishing privileges suspended for Minnesota during the same time period. a combined nine years as a result of On each Wyoming resident illegally shooting a buck mule deer license there is a statement that states: after the season closed and for “Under penalty of prosecution, illegally purchasing resident licenses in Wyoming over a three-year period. I swear that the information given by me above and below my signature is Sheridan County Circuit true and correct. I swear, under Court Judge John J. Sampson penalty of prosecution, that I am a ordered Schortmann, 32, to pay $530 in fines and $2,500 in restitution to the Wyoming resident. . . and have domiciled in Wyoming for not less state of Wyoming for taking a mule than one (1) year and have not claimed deer buck after the season closed. In residency elsewhere for any purpose addition, Schortmann’s hunting and fishing privileges were suspended for during the one year immediately preceding the purchase of this license.” three years, making him ineligible to “Mr. Tasler had not lived in purchase hunting or fishing licenses Wyoming for a full year to establish in Wyoming and the 31 other states his residency. As partial payment for that belong to the wildlife his crime he will not be hunting or violator compact. The judge also fishing legally for six years in all 32 ordered Tasler, 33, to pay $1,980 in fines and $2,000 in restitution for five states of the compact,” says Osterland. counts of illegally purchasing resident “He took away the opportunity for a Wyoming resident to harvest several licenses and for accessory to taking of the animals that he took. I believe the above-mentioned mule deer after the almost $4000 in fines and restituthe season closed. Tasler’s hunting and fishing privileges were suspended tion and the loss of privileges fit the crime.” for six years. Hobbs and Osterland The investigation began in acknowledge that the case would not mid-November 2009 when Sheridan have been possible without the Game Warden James Hobbs received cooperation of members of the an anonymous stop poaching report stating that Schortmann and Tasler had public. Sheridan Game Warden Bruce illegally killed a mule deer buck in the Scigliano, Buffalo Game Warden Jim Seeman, Investigator Scott Adell Sheridan area. Further investigation and the Sheridan Police Department showed that Schortmann had killed a also assisted with the investigation. 4-by-8 mule deer buck with his Hobbs adds, “Because of a report by a crossbow about a week after the concerned citizen and help from other season closed just west of the members of the community we were Sheridan city limits on Soldier Creek able to solve this crime.” Road. Tasler then knowingly stored
K
Sage Grouse (continued from page 23)
Youths Enter
On March 12, the Natural Resources Conservation Service will deliver details on initiatives to benefit sage grouse on private lands. Randy Gray, NAGP board member from the NRCS (retired) said, “The overall management plans to help this species are in place, and soon additional resources will be available for significant conservation work on private lands. Landowners should contact the NRCS and arrange for technical and cost-share assistance to further the conservation of this charismatic species. Only through the collaborative efforts of government and private landowners can we return sage grouse to previous and sustainable population levels.” “We know more about what sage grouse need to survive than we ever have before,” concluded Rogers. “This announcement does not herald the end of mineral exploration, grazing or hunting. It also doesn’t mean that we can continue with ‘business as usual.’ That isn’t working. It simply means that we must consider the well-defined needs of sage grouse and other uniquely American species as we go about our business. The continued downward trend of America’s old friend, the sage grouse, is unacceptable. Vast areas of altered landscapes devoid of America’s natural heritage are not a legacy we want to leave our children and grandchildren.”
“We’ve accepted almost 5,000 total trophy entries between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2009, which is four times the number we received 30 years ago. Clearly, wild, free-ranging, trophy class animals are more plentiful today than ever. That’s a tribute to those wildlife managers and sportsmen—including the young hunters—who participate in that management,” added Buckner. The Boone and Crockett system of scoring big game trophies originated in 1902 as means of recording details on species thought to be disappearing because of rampant habitat loss and unregulated harvest. Science-based conservation efforts led and funded by license-buying hunters brought those species from vanishing to flourishing. Scoring records remain a classic gauge of habitat and management programs. In addition to its prestigious history and tradition, the Boone and Crockett Club’s scoring system is strongly associated with the highest tenets of fair chase and hunting ethics. Along with celebrating conservation and hunting, the Club’s 27th Big Game Awards is also a fundraiser for the Club’s mission programs. Registered attendees also can enjoy raffles, an auction featuring hunts in top trophy regions across the continent and the 27th Awards Banquet and ceremony on June 26.
(continued from page 6)
APRIL 2010
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APRIL 2010
Rocky Mountain States Mountain Lion Euthanized After Invading Home
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n apparently malnourished young mountain lion entered a Chaffee County residence killing one dog and briefly trapping a mother and her two children inside the house until Chaffee County Sheriffs Deputies evacuated them. It is highly unusual for a mountain lion to enter a building. “We will know more after we get the results of the necropsy, but this animal was not demonstrating normal behavior,” Aragon said. The incident began just after 4 p.m. when the lion chased a small dog through a pet door into the home. Michelle Bese and two children, ages two and five, were in the house when the lion entered. The two-year old was asleep in a bedroom, and the five-year old and Mrs. Bese were sitting at the kitchen table when the animal came in the house. There were also four other small dogs in the home. Bese said that at first, she did not know if it was a coyote or lion until another dog confronted the lion and she could tell what it was. At this point, she took her five-year old and ran to the back bedroom where the two-year old was sleeping. She shut the door and called 911. Chaffee County Sheriff’s deputies arriving at the scene and helped the woman and her children escape through a bedroom window. They also opened the home’s front and rear doors to provide the lion with an opportunity to leave. However, when two DOW officers arrived a few minutes later, the lion was still in the house. “I looked in a bedroom window and could see a dog which I believed to be dead,” said Aragon. “The lion was in the same room, so I pounded on the window and side of the house in an attempt to get the lion to leave through one of the open doors.” After several other attempts to get the lion to leave, Aragon and Wildlife Officer Kim Woodruff, along with Chaffee County Sheriffs’s Deputy Rod Lane, entered the house through the back bedroom window. “We cracked the door open wide enough to see the lion and were able to shoot it with a tranquilizer dart,” Aragon said. All of the dogs, which included a Jack Russell Terrier and four Shih-Tzu, received wounds during the encounter. One dog eventually died, and two others were seriously injured. The young male lion, which is believed to be about a year and half old, only weighed about 40 pounds. “A healthy lion of that age should be closer to 60 pounds,” said Aragon.
Idaho Fish And Game Completes Lolo Zone Elk Survey “Wolves are the primary cause of elk mortality today.”
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ecently completed aerial surveys show a marked decline in elk numbers in game management units 10 and 12, which comprise the Lolo Elk Management Zone. Survey results indicate the elk population in the Lolo Zone has declined from 5,110 to 2,178, a 57-percent reduction since 2006. The greatest declines were observed in numbers of elk cows, calves and spike bulls. Overall, bull numbers were down zone-wide, with a shift in bulls to older animals. “This survey, combined with ongoing research showing wolves are the primary cause of elk mortality today, is further scientific evidence of the impact wolves are having,” Fish and Game Director Cal Groen said. “The rate of this decline in just four short years should help people understand there is an urgency to manage for a balance in this area.” Appropriate management options in response to this latest survey data are being explored. Wolf predation is the major source of mortality on this elk herd and is affecting population size because too few calves are surviving to replace the adults that die each year. Predation is preventing recovery from a decline that began in the late 1980s and a steep decline following the severe winter of 1996-97. This survey information corroborates ongoing research being conducted in the Lolo Zone that shows survival of radio-collared adult elk and six-month-old calves has been poor. Modeling efforts based on research survival data estimate declines of 11 to 15 percent annually.
Sage Grouse Bighorn Listing ‘Precluded’ Poaching Suspect U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arrested Friday, March 5, announced its decision to list the greater sage-grouse a step short of A Nampa man has been threatened or endangered. arrested on changes of killing a Fish and Wildlife says listing is “warranted but precluded.” Simply put, that means a sage-grouse listing is deferred while Fish and Wildlife works on species with more immediate needs. The decision makes sage-grouse one of nearly 279 candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. And states would continue to manage the bird. “The sage grouse’s decline reflects the extent to which open land in the West has been developed in the last century,” Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said. “This development has provided important benefits, but we must find common-sense ways of protecting, restoring, and reconnecting the Western lands that are most important to the species’ survival while responsibly developing much-needed energy resources.” Meanwhile, Idaho Fish and Game will continue to manage sage-grouse and monitor sage-grouse populations and habitats. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will decide at its August 2010 meeting whether hunting is appropriate in 2010. Hunting would still be legally possible. Other candidate species, such as the lesser prairie chickens in Kansas, are hunted. Sage-grouse hunting seasons in Idaho already are conservative and closely monitored. The Idaho Sage-grouse Conservation Plan, completed in 2006, provides guidelines for setting seasons. The guidelines are based on trends in spring lek counts as well as other biological data for individual populations, including chick survival, effects of West Nile virus and wildfires. Fish and Game already works with private landowners and with local working groups on sage-grouse habitat conservation projects, such as a recently signed 30-year Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances between landowners, Fish and Game and federal agencies, which protects up to 644,000 acres of sage grouse habitat around Weiser, Midvale and Cambridge. Officials are negotiating similar pacts elsewhere in Idaho, Wyoming and other western states.
bighorn sheep during a closed season. Jake B. Fouts, 20, of Nampa, has been charged with shooting and killing a bighorn sheep ewe about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, February 21, just off the upper Reynolds Creek Road above Hemmingway Butte in Owyhee County. A witness to the incident was watching the same band of sheep when the ewe pitched over dead. The witness secured vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers from the suspect vehicles, then called the Owyhee County Sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office quickly passed the word to Idaho Fish and Game. From opposite sides of the Reynolds Creek area, Fish and Game Officers Kurt Stieglitz and Craig Mickelson converged. Stieglitz stopped Fouts on Highway 45 just north of Walter’s Ferry. After seizing several firearms, Stieglitz arrested Fouts, who was then booked into the Owyhee County jail. Mickelson and Owyhee County Sheriff Daryl Crandall recovered the dead bighorn ewe at the location described by the witness. The felony charge against Fouts carries a maximum fine of $50,000, a prison sentence of up to five years and a civil penalty of $1,500. A judge could also revoke Fouts’ hunting privileges for one year to life.
APRIL 2010
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Rocky Mountain States Bighorn Sheep Continue To Succumb To Pneumonia
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evada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) biologists continue to find bighorn sheep that have died due to complications brought on by pneumonia in the East Humboldt Range and in the Ruby Mountains. “We have found 61 dead bighorn sheep in the East Humboldt’s and 18 in the Ruby Mountains for a total of 79 sheep over the last three months,” said Caleb McAdoo, NDOW big game biologist. “In other words, we have observed mortalities of 31% of the herd in the East Humboldt’s and 11% of the herd in the Ruby Mountains.” McAdoo cautions the public that the full extent of the effects of the disease event won’t be known until later in the spring when aerial surveys of sheep populations are performed. Biologists anticipate that the magnitude of the die-off may be much greater than presently known. According to McAdoo this isn’t uncommon as other states around the west, including Washington, Montana, and Utah, have also experienced die-offs in their wild sheep populations due to the effects of pneumonia. During the winter of 1995-1996, the Ruby Mountain sheep herd lost approximately 80% of its population due to pneumonia, though this is the first major disease event in the East Humboldt’s since bighorns were reintroduced there 18 years ago. Recently, 95% of the Hays Canyon herd in northwestern Nevada was likely lost to a pneumonia outbreak. “Unfortunately, there is no known cure, treatment or protocol for
pneumonia in bighorn sheep,” said McAdoo, “but we are going to use the data collected from this disease event which may help in future outbreaks.” NDOW biologists and veterinarians have been performing a number of tasks, setting the stage for future study. This includes tagging and putting radio telemetry collars on sheep in both herds, taking biological samples from both live and dead sheep, and administering Draxxin, a broad spectrum antibiotic to more than 60 sheep. Soil and forage samples are also being taken to explore what effect forage quality and trace minerals in the forage may have on both diseased and healthy animals. Over the next few years NDOW biologists will follow the collared and tagged animals observing overall health, lamb recruitment and herd growth in an effort to understand the long term affects a major disease event has. Biological samples taken from deceased animals will be compared to those taken from healthy animals to see if minerals, forage quality or even genetics may play a role in determining which animals may live and which may die. To avoid putting more stress on the animals than necessary, work is being done from the ground as much as possible, as helicopters cause the animals to try to evade and escape, using precious energy and making them more susceptible to pneumonia. The full extent of the die-off will not be known until later in the spring after the sheep have had time to recover from the winter and can be surveyed from the air. So far only one Rocky Mountain goat has been found that has died from pneumonia. It is too early to tell if a large percentage of the goat population has also been affected by pneumonia. One good sign is that a fair number of kids have been seen on surveys. Kids are often one of the first segments of the population that are affected by major disease events. McAdoo also wanted to recognize the sportsman’s groups that have assisted in funding the operations. “The cost for all the tagging, collaring and sampling work is very expensive,” McAdoo explains. “Elko Bighorns Unlimited (EBU) and Nevada Bighorns Unlimited (NBU) stepped up to the plate and are helping us out in these hard economic times and we thank them for that. NBU is donating $25,000 and EBU has provided $27,000 with the offer of more if needed.”
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Proposed Elk Hunting Changes Two major elk hunting changes would happen if proposed updates to Utah’s five-year Elk Management Plan are approved. There would be: * fewer chances in the future to hunt bull elk on limited-entry units. * more chances to hunt spike bull elk in Utah. You can see all of the changes the Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing on their Web site. After reviewing the proposed changes, you can
provide your comments to your RAC via e-mail. E-mail addresses for RAC members are available at wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings.
Utah’s 15-member Elk Advisory Committee helped the DWR draft the updated plan. The group included representatives from sportsmen groups and land managing agencies. DWR biologists conducted the survey. They surveyed more than 16,600
UTAH DIVISION OR WILDLIFE RESOURCES PHOTO elk hunters. These hunters were randomly chosen from the more than 76,800 hunters who either applied for or obtained a Utah elk hunting permit in 2009. The hunters included both limited-entry and general-season hunters. One thing the DWR learned is that hunters who draw a Utah limited-entry permit want to take a bull that has large antlers. “Taking a bull with large antlers is very important to limited-entry hunters,” says Anis Aoude, big game coordinator for the DWR. (continued on page 31)
30 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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APRIL 2010
TRAVELER’S CORNER: Steering Box Stabilizer Designed for Late-Model Dodge Trucks
BD
’s new Steering Box Stabilizer (SBS) eliminates steering wander and wobble caused by excessive shaft play in the steering box of late-model Dodge trucks. Designed for easy, bolt-in installation in about 10 minutes, the SBS virtually eliminates frame flex at the steering box mounting point, resulting in more positive steering feel.
The BD SBS is silver vein powder coated for corrosion resistance, and features a greasable, high-quality bearing for reliable operation. Made in Canada, the SBS comes complete with high-strength mounting hardware and instructions. Priced at just $212.50
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Elk Tests Positive For CWD Utah Division Of Wildlife Resources
S
amples from big game animals taken this past hunting season turned up something never seen in Utah before—an elk with chronic wasting disease. The cow elk—along with five buck deer—tested positive for CWD. The six animals were taken on units in Utah where CWD has been found in past years. CWD was not found in any new areas in Utah this past fall. “Chronic wasting disease is most prevalent in deer, but sometimes elk and even moose get it,” says Leslie McFarlane, wildlife disease coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. The cow elk was taken last November on the La Sal Mountains in southeastern Utah. Three of the five deer were also taken on the La Sal Mountains. The two remaining deer were taken on the Central Mountains unit in central Utah. DWR biologists collected samples from more than 1,100 deer, 37 moose and close to 370 elk this past season. Since the fall of 2002, the DWR has collected and tested samples from nearly 15,000 mule deer. Of the nearly 15,000 samples, only 48 deer have tested positive for CWD. Thirty-nine of those 48 deer were taken on the La Sal Mountains. CWD is fatal to deer, elk and moose. But there’s no evidence the disease can be transmitted to humans. More information about CWD is available at wildlife.utah.gov/diseases/cwd.
BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
• 31
Big Changes Proposed Elk Built In Changes (continued from page 29) Await Gunnison Montana Utah already has a lot of big bull Elk Hunters elk, including the world-record bull taken TRAILERS Colorado Division Of Wildlife in 2008. To ensure there are plenty of G
PHOTO BY DR. BETH WILLIAMS
•
unnison elk hunters will see significant regulation and license changes for the 2010 big game seasons. Two groups--archery hunters and second-season rifle hunters--are affected most by changes to license allocation and should plan carefully before arriving to the Gunnison area this fall. “We want to make sure hunters accustomed to purchasing over-the-counter elk licenses are aware of these changes well before the start of the seasons,” said J Wenum, DOW area wildlife manager for Gunnison. “We don’t want hunters showing up here realizing they cannot purchase licenses or that licenses have been sold out.” Beginning this year, archery hunters can no longer purchase over-the-counter licenses for Game Management Units 54, 55 and 551. All Gunnison archery licenses are allocated by the limited drawing only for the 2010 season. Therefore, bow hunters must participate in the spring drawing and have applications submitted prior to the April 6 deadline to obtain licenses for these Units. In addition, the Division of Wildlife is planning to reduce archery elk licenses approximately 30 to 50 percent for the upcoming season based on guidance already given by the Wildlife Commission. The 2010 license allocation is based on a three-year average of license sales during the 2007-09 seasons. Second-season rifle hunters will also see a change in license allocation in Unit 54. Similar to previous years, hunters may purchase over-the-counter elk licenses, but licenses will be “capped” and limited in quantity. Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 13 at statewide DOW offices and license agents, and online on the DOW Web site. Approved last year under the Five-Year Review of Big Game Season Structure, the Colorado Wildlife Commission implemented these changes to improve hunter harvest rates and to bring overpopulated Gunnison elk herds closer to objective. During the past several years, the number of archery hunters has increased significantly in the Gunnison Basin. Increased hunting pressure has caused an early movement of elk into sanctuary areas--private ranches and wilderness areas--making animals inaccessible to both archery hunters and rifle hunters later in the season. Wildlife managers are optimistic that reducing early season hunting pressure will improve overall hunter success and help to lower elk populations. “Overall, these changes should provide expanded opportunities for rifle hunters to harvest antlerless elk,” said Wenum.
big bulls in Utah in the future, the committee recommended that the DWR manage some of the state’s limited-entry units so hunters take bulls that are even older than those they’re currently taking. Utah’s limited-entry units are managed so the average age of the bulls hunters take fall into one of four age categories. The age objective the units are managed under, and the objectives they would be managed under if the updates are approved, are as follows: Current categories: * 3–4 years old (3 units) * 4–5 years old (4 units) * 5–6 years old (18 units) * 6–7 years old (6 units) Proposed categories: * 4.5–5 years old (8 units) * 5.5–6 years old (13 units) * 6.5–7 years old (4 units) * 7.5–8 years old (6 units) Whether the age objectives go up or not, the bulls’ ages on many of Utah’s elk units are already higher than the current objective and the new objective that’s being proposed. So permit numbers will continue to increase until more bulls are taken and the average age falls to whichever objective is finally approved. Once the average age falls to whichever objective is approved, the number of permits will have to be reduced to keep the bulls at that objective. “Growing older bulls comes with a price,” Aoude says. “And that price is fewer permits for hunters.” For example, if Utah’s elk herds were meeting the current age objective which calls for slightly younger animals than the new, recommended objective the DWR could issue about 2,500 permits each season. Under the new, recommended age objective which calls for older bulls the DWR could issue only about 2,200 permits. While the number of limited-entry bull elk permits might eventually go down, the number of general spike bull elk permits could go up over the next five years. Raising the number of general spike bull permits to 13,750 is another update the committee suggested. (Currently, 12,500 permits are offered.) Then, if fewer than 20 percent of the spike hunters take a bull during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, the permit cap would be raised to 15,000 permits for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons. “Our survey shows that spending time with family and friends is the most important part of the hunt for general-season elk hunters,” Aoude says. “This would provide more elk hunters with a chance to hunt, and second, it would benefit the elk herds by reducing the overall number of bulls,” said Aoude.
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WESTERN STATES BEAR HUNTING OVERVIEW STATE BAITING Montana No Arizona No Colorado No Idaho Yes New Mexico No Oregon No Utah Yes Washington No Wyoming Yes
HOUNDS No No No Yes No No Yes No No
SPOT & STALK Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
ithout a doubt, baiting black bears to a food source is one of the most reliable ways to kill a bruin. Sit over a bait station long enough with bears working an area, and the odds are very good that an opportunistic blackie will wander in to see what’s cooking... er, decomposing. Bears can be baited at any time they’re above ground, but they’re especially vulnerable to the prospects of an easy meal in the spring. Having passed the months of winter with nothing for sustenance but their own body fat, it doesn’t take bruins long to work up a keen appetite once they come yawning from their dens. However, there’s one major problem with baiting for Montana hunters. It’s illegal. But of course, it’s supremely possible to bring home a black bear without bait. Methodical, observant folk who know where bruins prefer to live and what they like to eat don’t rely on bait per se, but to routinely find bears in spring you need to hunt where they feed. Though my father wasn’t a bear hunter, as a young adult I happened into the company of a druid of the bruin game. He wasn’t the type you’d immediately associate with bear hunting. A warm, kind man, he was clean-shaven and smartly dressed. His neighbors had more the look of bear hunters -- hulking, bearded fellows who felled timber on canted slopes and transformed unwieldy pine logs into sweet-smelling stacks of pale framing lumber at the local lumber mill. However, among sporting folks in the community, Bruce was the bear hunter. Come to think of it, he must have been one of the top bear stalkers in the entire state. A visit to his home inundated the senses with ursus americanus. All the details now escape me, but I seem to recall a splendid rug on the floor, a leather and fur testament to a colossal cinnamon boar. There were also shoulder mounts illustrating various color-phases of the “black” bear staring down from the wall, in pelage ranging from a tawny blonde to those as dark as the souls of the most hardened sinners. Quietly, but with obvious pride and pleasure, Bruce once gave me a short course in no-bait bear hunting. Though his instruction spanned just a couple of hours after lunch (his wife politely discouraged bear talk at the table) what I learned in one sitting with the master I’ve never forgotten, an expert’s snapshot of the habits of the black bear that has carried me through two decades of hunting.
APRIL 2010
BY JACK BALLARD
Spring bears, he explained, are ravenous bears. In fact, black bears seem hungry nearly all the time. Spot an adult bear in the wild and it’s likely doing one of two things: eating or looking for something to eat. Not long after snow retreats from the mountainsides, a new carpet of vegetation springs from the sun-warmed soil. For black bears, this greening produces many of their favorite plants. Bruins are widely known to nibble tender shoots of grass, but spring also sprouts other succulent delicacies such as dandelions that are happily consumed by our nation’s most omnivorous carnivore. To most effectively target spring food sources linked to vegetation, hunters must understand the succession of plants in their area. South-facing slopes, with their more direct exposure to sunlight, are the first to shed winter’s snow and produce vegetation. Look for bears in these places early in spring, before the summer’s crop of seasonal plants emerges from north slopes or areas shaded from the sun by timber. Hiking carefully into drainages behind gated logging roads and observing open hillsides is an excellent tactic to find bears working meadows on south slopes. In the absence of gated roads or trails, look for an elevated vantage point that facilitates glassing mountainsides with southern exposure. Either way, it’s imperative to keep movement to a minimum and shield your scent from locations that might hold bears. Left undisturbed, bears generally hold to fairly small territories in the spring, but may quickly lumber into a different drainage if pressured by humans. Though some 75% of the typical black bear’s diet consists of plant fiber, the rest is composed of animal protein. Blackies are ever on the lookout for carrion, but also munch plenty of insects and deliberately hunt other mammals. No matter where you hunt bears, the warmth of spring spawns new crops of insects along with plants. In certain places some black bears also become very efficient predators of elk calves and the fawns of mule or whitetail deer. As such, the use of predator calls that mimic a fawn in distress is employed effectively by bear hunters who frequent birthing areas of these hoofed mammals. Insects may seem a paltry snack compared to venison veal, but bears expend plenty of energy
(continued on page 38)
APRIL 2010
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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
Spring Black Bear Hunting And Baiting Black bear hunters looking to use baits for the upcoming spring bear hunting seasons are advised that the period to renew a bear bait from the previous year runs from March 1 to March 20. This applies only to those hunters who had bait sites registered in the previous calendar year and wish to renew the same site. Following the preference period, registration of unclaimed bait sites will be accepted in person at any Wyoming Game and Fish Department regional office beginning at 8 a.m. April 1 on a first come, first served basis. Hunters can renew their bait sites from last year by contacting their local Game and Fish regional offices by telephone, mail, fax, in person or by a representative. Baits cannot be registered at the Cheyenne Headquarters Game and Fish Office. All registered bait sites are for the year and cannot be changed until the following year. Hunters are reminded that they must have a 2010 black bear hunting license prior to registering a bait site. No bear bait may be placed on state, federal or Game and Fish lands without first registering the bait site. Each bear hunter
• 33
WYOMING GAME AND FISH
is allowed two bait sites but only one bait per section. Baits cannot be placed more than seven days before opening day and must be removed within seven days after the close of the season. Also, each black bear hunt area has a female mortality quota that, when reached, closes the season for that area immediately. Therefore, hunters are required to regularly check the black bear hotline at 1-800-264-1280 to make sure their hunt area hasn’t closed. When a black bear is harvested, hunters are required to retain the skull and pelt, with visible external evidence of sex, and present it to department personnel at the nearest Game and Fish office within three days (72 hours). Black bear hunters are encouraged to brush up on their bear identification skills by taking a voluntary online bear identification test found on the Wyoming Game and Fish Web site at: http://gf.state.wy.us/BearExam/index.asp. Hunters may pick up current bear hunting regulations at any license selling location to review additional details about black bear baiting and hunting. Hunters with questions can contact any Game and Fish regional office.
34 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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APRIL 2010
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Recommend...Yes I tested the Echo Carbon 9’0” 6 weight 4-piece fast action rod on Montana’s Big Horn and Stillwater Rivers. At first, I wasn’t sure and struggled with nymphs. However, after a couple of trips I discovered I was throwing dry flies greater distance with less effort and my accuracy was uncanny. Even in windy conditions, I was able to reach my spots with comparative ease. I fell in love with the Echo on that windy Montana day. The Echo has a comfortable cork grip, single foot snake guides, and a solid locking reel seat. The quality in this particular rod would generally be expected only in much more expensive rods. That quality and the results I found under both good and difficult conditions make the Echo Carbon a solid choice. Its “fast action” took a little getting used to, but it was well worth the effort. Drawback...None Rating...High Water Mark...Great Tester: Jim Abel Suggested Retail: $169.00
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Recommend...Yes Caldwell Lead Sled™ Solo was, and is, the hit of the shooting crowd. We used it for sighting in Crossbows, air rifles and big bore guns. We are currently using the Solo lead Sled™ for sighting the new Benjamin Trail NP XL 1500 air rifle. One of the many features we liked is the gun retention strap on the adjustable front support of the sled holding the barrel steady reducing muzzle jump. AR-15 shooters like the offset frame, allowing them to drop magazines in and out without interference. The tray will hold up to a 25-pound bag if needed and the frame holds a thick rubber boot for the butt of the rifle. Included are two adjustable front legs, and a single knob on the arm for instant height movement. The Lead Sled™ Solo is a welcome addition for any serious shooter or casual weekender that desires recoil reduction. Drawback...None Rating...High Water Mark...Great Tester: All Suggested Retail: $99.00
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Recommend...Yes Highlights: Under Armour sent two sets of hunting gear in XL and XXL for Chris and I. The Evolution Cold Gear Mock-Rap, Evolution Cold Gear Legging, and the Cumberland II Fleece Jacket along with two pairs of insulated hunting gloves. We promptly lost three of the four. In other words we never tested them. Gloves get lost around here like a dryer eats socks. My son Chris and I tested each piece. Chris guides upland bird hunters in the fall and used the gear more than I did. He likes UR. He wore it in college playing baseball. Both of us came to the same conclusion; good stuff. I particularly like the Cumberland II jacket. It is a windproof fleece with PU laminate, and articulated arms with laser cut cuff tabs. This is a solid jacket and I was impressed with fit and quality. Drawback...None Rating...6 Point...Great Tester: Pat Stinson - Chris Stinson Suggested Retail: Evolution Cold Gear Mock...$59.99 Evolution Cold Gear Legging...$59.99 Cumberland II Windfleece Jacket...$159.99 Camo Insulated Shooting Glove...$59.99
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
• 35
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APRIL 2010
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Step Further Back in Time - April Turns Three Forks into Montana’s “Horse Central” a horse, horse rental is $125 It is often said that Montana Ifperyouday.needAppropriate dress for formal is full of living history, that one can step back in time and live the life of the Old West. Scenes play out daily that are reminiscent of those seen hundreds of years ago. This spring, riders can step even further back in time and live the life of the Old East, too. In Three Forks on April 16, 17, 18, Red Rock Hounds Fox Hunt will replay a scene that has changed little since George Washington rode to hounds at Mount Vernon . The following weekend, the Montana Horses Annual Horse Drive comes through town on April 24, stampeding hundreds of horses right down Main Street and recreating an Old West spectacle. Not for the timid, both events present riders and horses with exciting and unique opportunities to test their skills. They are breathtaking to watch and even more so to participate in. Red Rock Hounds, out of Reno , NV is a well established and sanctioned hunt led by Master and Huntsman Lynn Lloyd. She and her hounds and staff have hunted Three Forks and the surrounding ranches for several years. As usual, she invites all riders to participate. This is an extremely rare opportunity to experience a fantastic sport that is usually reserved for members and the privileged few guests who are invited by members. In Montana , Lynn invites everyone to experience the thrill. Join Red Rock and its members, and guests from all over the world, for three days of hunting opportunities. Capping fees are $100 per day.
English foxhunting will be worn by members and is encouraged of guests, but at the Three Forks hunt all are welcomed in any attire. Bring your own horse, or make arrangements to rent horses ahead of time. Riders and spectators can meet the hunt on April 16,17,18 at 8am at the fairgrounds in Three Forks. Vehicles will caravan to the fixture. All riders will ride with a Field Master, who will explain the sport and direct riders to the best vantage point to view the hounds, according to riding skill levels. The following weekend, Montana Horses trails several hundred head of its saddle horses home from winter range to the Mantle Ranch. The three day ride is open to twenty paying guests and photographers. The event, sponsored by Shop. MontanaHorses. com can be viewed by all on Saturday, April 24th in the afternoon as the horses trail right through town to their overnight pasture. Horse drawn stagecoach rides, fine art gallery exhibits, vendors, cowboy poetry and music, and other events are scheduled throughout the day. Raffle tickets are available for a full riding position on the 2010 Horse Drive. Buy $50 tickets at www.montanahorses.com and watch for the drawing on April 4th. For more information on the Fox Hunt or the Horse Drive , call Montana Horses at (406) 285-3541 or see www.MontanaHorses.com
APRIL 2010
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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ANGLER DONNIE SEXTON AND ORVIS GUIDE OF THE YEAR BRIAN KIMMEL
Spring On The Madison (continued from page 12) Angler Donnie Sexton and Orvis Guide of the year Brian Kimmel entered the river and made several castes to the flat water before a trout was convinced the fly would make a good snack. The fish broke the surface and then made a feeble attempt to leave with the prize. Setting the hook Donnie’s #5 weight rod bent almost double as the trout made for faster water. Following Brian’s quiet instructions Donnie brought her fish to net. A great fish caught on a snowy day in April. In some cases most type of flies will take trout in the Madison including the large stonefly dry flies but nymphs are the steady producers. Here are several nymphs that have been mentioned as top producers for spring fishing. Red fox squirrel — size 12 to 18 Green caddis larvae — size 10 to 16 Cased caddis — size 10 to 14 Black stones — size 2 to 6 Dark hare’s ear — size 12 to 16
The Big Sky Chamber 1-800-943-4111 or on the web at www.bigskychamber.com. OR TRAVEL MONTANA – 800-847-4868 or http://www.visitmt.com/ experiences/outdoor_activities/fishing/
So, if the winter doldrums have you climbing the walls and you’re casting hand is itching for the feel of a fly rod and a four-count-cast go to the Madison River for a fly fishing celebration of spring.
Limits: Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir: Catch-and-release for rainbow trout. Standard limits apply for all other trout species.
Information About Fishing The Madison: The Book, “Flyfisher’s Guide To Montana” by Chuck Roberts covers not just the Madison but fly fishing waters all over Montana. The book is sold at all good book sellers as well as from the publisher Wilderness Adventure Press, Inc. http://www.wildadvpress.com/store/ Guide Brian Kimmel may be reached http://briankimmelflyfishing.com/ or by calling 406-763-4126 For a spring fly-fishing Lodge try the Lone Mountain Ranch, contact; Lone Mountain Ranch Fishing Manager, Ennion Williams at 406-995-4644 or on the web www.lmranch.com.
Madison River Seasons: Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir: Open Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30. Hebgen Dam to Quake Lake: Open entire year. Quake Lake outlet to McAtee Bridge: Open third Saturday in May through end of February. McAtee Bridge to Ennis Bridge: Open entire year. Ennis Bridge to Ennis Lake: Open third Saturday in May through end of February. Ennis Dam to the mouth: Open entire year.
Hebgen Dam to Quake Lake: Standard limits apply. Quake Lake outlet to Varney Bridge: Catch-and-release for trout. Artificial lures only. Varney Bridge to Ennis Lake: Catch-andrelease for rainbow trout. Limit: 5 brown trout, only 1 over 18 inches.
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Trophy
Big Game Records Bwww.booneandcrockettclub.com OONE and CROCKETT CLU LUB B
®
WILLIAM S. ERDMANN PRONGHORN 84-4/8 B&C COUNTY IN: VALLEY COUNTY, MONTANA 2007
Retriever Trials No Bait Bears (continued from page 32) to unearth them. Though you won’t have much success staking out a rotten log that looks like it might be filled with grubs, I’ve located a number of spring bears due to their bug extermination activities. On a spring hike on my family’s ranch west of Three Forks, I once noticed a number of large stones overturned in a shady bowl. Several of them rivaled the size of a cooler, so I figured the rock-roller was a bear of some stature. 5/14/2010 AKC-Field Trial Furthermore, the exposed soil from the Mission Valley Retriever Club stones’ former resting places showed Ronan little indication of weathering. When I 6/10/2010 AKC-Hunt Test flipped some of the smaller rocks back Bitterroot Valley Retriever Club to their previous positions, the grass Florence 6/12/2010 AKC-Hunt Test wasn’t brown, but fresh with clear Western Montana Retriever Club indications of recent bruising on the Missoula stems. From all appearances, it looked 6/19/2010 AKC-Hunt Test as if the bear had passed my way on its Treasure State Retriever Club bug hunt earlier that day. Butte No more had I traversed a 7/16/2010 AKC-Field Trial quarter-mile up the mountain than I Treasure State Retriever Club spied a moving form in a copse of fir Butte trees. Sure enough, it was a large black 7/23/2010 AKC-Field Trial Professional Retriever Trainers Association boar that stopped at a distance of no Twin Bridges more than 120 yards to appraise my 9/11/2010 AKC-Field Trial stationary form. Luckily for him, my Treasure State Retriever Club rifle was a mile away in the pickup. Warm Springs
APRIL 2010
2 LOCATIONS 615 Helena Ave. corner Last Chance Gulch & Helena Ave. 406.443.8084 OR ON YOUR WAY TO THE LAKE at 200 S. Montana Off Highway 12 East - East Helena 406.227.6519
Most veteran deer and elk hunters love to see snow on the ground. Snow facilitates both the discovery of sign, and tracking a particular animal or herd. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate spring storms just as much when bear hunting. Though I’ve never accomplished anything but total exhaustion tracking an individual bear, snow makes it markedly easier to spot clawed and padded prints, which indicate bruins are in the area. But for me, the supreme advantages of a spring snow stem from the facts that bears seem very, very active after a storm and their dark forms contrast clearly with the white, making them much more visible to the human eye. Baiting is the tactic of choice for downing a spring bear in many states, but Montana hunters can’t scatter loaves of moldy bread or sweetened grain to attract bears to a bait station. However, they can hunt their natural food sources and feel a justifiable measure of pride when they find a no-bait bear.
Pheasant Fest Forecast: A Storm Is Brewing PHEASANTS FOREVER
P
iggybacking on the technology of their cutting edge duck load Black Cloud, Federal Premium® Ammunition has introduced Prairie Storm™ as their new specialized pheasant load. Hunters and conservationists can got their first look and learned about Prairie Storm at Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest 2010, which took place February 26-28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The evolution of Federal Premium’s and Pheasants Forever’s conservation partnership means that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each box of Prairie Storm will go directly to Pheasants Forever’s wildlife habitat conservation efforts. Pheasant hunters demand fast loads for the open plains. These new loads feature a mixture of copper-plated lead and nickel-plated FLITESTOPPER® Lead delivered by unique rear-braking FLITECONTROL® Wad that makes them extra lethal, provides consistent edgeto-edge patterns and minimizes crippled birds. Prairie Storm will be available for purchase in summer 2010 in 12 and in 12 and 20-gauge. “Pheasants Forever-branded Prairie Storm from Federal Premium will help us amplify our conservation efforts,” said Greg Emerick, Pheasants Forever’s Director of Sales, “I was able to ‘sample’ two boxes of Prairie Storm last season and am confident it will help transform many pheasant hunters into deadeyes this autumn.”
APRIL 2010
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net
APRIL 2010
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