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Bagging A Montana
Pronghorn Is Your Bow Ready? Trolling For Kokanee EARLY SEASON SCOUTING TIPS
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JULY 2010
JULY 2010
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Outdoor Calendar
BOZEMAN BOZEMAN TRAIL GUN SHOW: July 9 - 11
JULY 2010
TOWNSEND BROADWATER ROD & GUN CLUB WALLEYE DERBY: July 17
Over 300 booths of firearms and related items, Broadwater Rod & Gun Club Walleye Derby is a cowboy and Indian memorabilia, bits, spurs and fishing derby for adult/child, male/female or female/ saddles, six shooters and old rifles, western and female teams, starting and ending at Goose Bay Marina. wildlife art, furniture, vintage clothing and jewelry, This is a one day walleye tournament on Canyon Ferry knives, books, prints and photos. Held at the Lake, limited to 75 teams with a $1,000 cash first prize. Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Phone: 406-580-5458 Cash prizes will be awarded in all categories. Phone: 406-266-5279 or e-mail: te@townsendelectric.com
DEER LODGE GRANT-KOHRS RANCH DAYS: July 24 - 25
TROY
COUNTRY MUSIC CAMPOUT AT Grant-Kohrs Ranch is happy to present this annual BULL LAKE: July 23 - 25 celebration of the cowboy and cattleman’s West The Country Music Campout which features country music which includes roping, branding, chuck wagon cooking, blacksmithing and traditional cowboy music entertainment, food, refreshments and camping, is held at the Halfway House, across from Bull Lake near Troy in and poetry. Phone: 406-846-2070 or visit northwest Montana. There will be a kitchen serving food. www.nps.gov/grko Music starts at 1:00 pm Friday and 12:00 noon Saturday and Sunday. House, across from Bull Lake near Troy. From Troy FORT PECK go East on Highway 2 approximately 1 mile then South on MONTANA GOVERNOR’S CUP 15 miles to the Halfway House. WALLEYE TOURNAMENT: July 8 - 11 Highway 56 approximately Phone: 406-295-4358 Walleye fishing at its best can be found in Fort Peck Lake. $15,000 first place prize. Held at Fort WISDOM Peck Lake. Starting point is the boat ramps at the WISDOM GUN SHOW: July 30 - 31 breakwaters. Phone: 406-228-2222, www.mtgovcup.com Come join us for the annual Wisdom Gun Show. Held in downtown Wisdom. Phone: 406-689-3400 GREAT FALLS or visit http://bigholevalley.com SUNDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM: Sundays, June 6 - August 29th
Join a park ranger at Giant Springs State Park for Sunday afternoon children programming. These presentations are focused toward children from ages 5 to 12 years. They will learn about many different topics ranging from animal tracks to grizzly bears. Phone: 406-454-5870
HELENA ONE HELENA HUNDRED: July 17
The Helena Bicycle Club is inviting you to join them on their Annual One Helena Hundred ride. Bicycle the beautiful Recreation Road along the Missouri River. Phone: 406-465-1838 or visit www.helenabicycleclub.org
LIVINGSTON SUMMERFEST ALONG THE YELLOWSTONE: July 16 - 18 Enjoy this ‘summer festival’ in beautiful Sacajawea Park along the banks of the Yellowstone River. The three day gala will include such planned events as kids’ activities, a basketball shoot, beer garden, great variety of live music, art and craft vendors and free swimming. Phone: 406-222-8155 or visit www.livingstonsummerfest.com
ADVERTISING RICK HAGGERTY (406)370-1368
AMY HAGGERTY PUBLISHER
Events To Support WILDLIFE
MULE DEER FOUNDATION 07/24/10 Missoula Hole-In-The Wall Ranch Banquet Fundraiser Gene Foster 406-218-9883 08/07/10 Billings Big Sky Chapter Banquet - Shrine Auditorium John Wilson 406-861-3235 or Don Keever at 651-4542 08/28/10 Helena Lewis & Clark Chapter Banquet & Fundraiser Dennis Deaton 406-461-2844 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION 07/23/10 Helena - Red Lion Inn Last Chance Gobblers Contact Mike Carella 406-465-7789
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 07/22/10 Bozeman Gallatin Life/Sponsor Event Scott Westphal 406-266-3042
Thank you to our readers who have supported the advertisers in this publication and let them know they saw their advertisement in Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure.
8591 Capri Dr., Helena Mt. 59602 bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com www.bigskyoutdoornews.net The entire contents is © 2010, all rights 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 4 COVER PHOTO COURTESY JIM FOSTER
JULY 2010
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Flathead Lakers BY NEAL M. COTE’ BITEMEFLIES
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ake trout in Flathead are tough to locate for the average angler in July and August because they are found from very deep water to 20 feet or less depending on where you are on the lake. During the spring and fall, you can find lake trout in water less than 20 feet deep pretty consistently, but once the water starts to warm up, most will head into very deep water. Throughout the entire summer, lakers will hunt the edges for peamouth, whitefish and northern pike minnows. Some of these fish will move in to 15 to 20 feet of water all summer for short periods of time to grab a peamouth or two then drop back to the cooler deep water . For areas of Flathead lake that have warmer water in the shallows like Big Arm, Woods and Sommers Bays you’re going to have to go deep to find fish. You will find lake trout anywhere from 80 feet to 100+ feet of water. Often, during long hot summer days like now, when stable weather and low wind conditions prevail, Lake Trout fishing seems impossible. The lake is like glass, and regular “hot spots” like reefs and drop-offs are barren. Conditions like this can confuse and frustrate anglers. Insult is added to injury when the silence of the day is often broken by large splashes as giant Lakers streak out of the deep to ambush schools of suspended Peamouth and Northern Pike Minnows. The key here is to understand what the Lake Trout are doing and where they have gone. Prime locations for lake trout in the are extensions from islands and points, rocky points, rocky humps, shallow reefs, and river mouths. In mid-summer, deep drop-offs and deep humps are ideal spots for lake trout. Feeding patterns and times will vary with daylight, weather and wind conditions, but when Lake Trout “turn on”, the action can be fast and furious. Lakers will invade the deeper edges of reefs, as they feed voraciously on unsuspecting baitfish. Out just off the deeper edges, you will mark some fish on your finder that are off the bottom about half way down. These suspended fish are usually inactive. Some would classify these fish as being “neutral”, they really are not. There are many techniques for fishing Lake Trout under these conditions, ranging from downriggers, to steel line, to the use of heavy sinkers for trolling. For fish not wanting to move for food, consider what an irregular, sharp breakline means for a normally very effective water-covering tool: trolling. (continued on page 27)
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Divide Bridge Campground On The Big Hole visitmt.com
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he Divide Bridge Recreation Area is located along the Big Hole River in southwest Montana. The recreation area is at an elevation of 5,400 feet and encompasses 80 acres with 24 camping sites. The river is popular for quality rafting and trout fishing. The river is at its best for rafting from 5/15 -7/15. Season: All Year Services offered: Boat launch Campground host Campsite Established fire pits Handicapped accessible Maps Parking Pets allowed Toilets Trail Water
PHOTO COURTESY BLM Activities offered: Boating Camping Canoeing Fly Fishing Group Camping Hiking Picnicking Rafting River Fishing RV Camping Tent Camping Mailing address: Bureau of Land Management 106 North Parkmont Butte, MT 59701 Phone: 406-533-7600 Directions: Take Interstate 15 to the Divide Exit, then turn west for 2.5 miles along Montana Highway 43.
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ombo Creek Campground is located in the Bitterroot National Forest. At an elevation of 4,500 feet, this campground encompasses 7 acres. This is a basic campground with partially accessible restrooms (need assistance) and drinking water. There are 16 tent sites and 12 RV sites designated. Fishing access is nearby. The maximum recommended trailer length is 40 feet. You will be asked to pay a small fee for the use of this campground. Season: 5/1 - 11/1 Services offered: Campground host Campsite Established fire pits Handicapped accessible Pets allowed Picnic tables Public restroom Toilets Trash removal Water
Activities offered: Bird watching Camping Fishing Fly fishing Hiking Picnicking RVcamping Stream fishing Tent camping Wildlife viewing Mailing address: Bitterroot National Forest 6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829 Phone: 406-821-3269 www.fs.fed.us/r1/bitterroot Directions: Located 4 miles south of Darby on US Highway 93, then 18 miles southwest on the West Fork Road 473.
JULY 2010
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TRAVELER’S CORNER: Diesel Turbo Lifesaver The Diesel Turbo Lifesaver can prevent costly turbo charger and engine damage at the fraction of the cost of a new turbo charger. But that’s not all it can do. It can also control your vehicles climate in the cold of winter or the heat of summer without having your key in the ignition, (especially good for people traveling with pets). The anti-theft security feature will also give you some peace of mind knowing that your truck will always be right where you left it.
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he Diesel Turbo Lifesaver is a timed base device for cooling your turbocharger (turbo timer). Time is far superior than monitoring a thermocouple (pyrometer)/exhaust gas temperature gauge due to inherent inaccuracies in any thermocouple based system. These inaccuracies can be so severe that when you most need turbo cooling, thermocouple reading devices tend to shut your engine off when the turbo is still hot. The Diesel Turbo Lifesaver control panel is very easy to use. It has a 3 position switch for user selectable engine run times of 3, 7, or 15 minutes. For most vehicles and conditions, 3 minutes can be considered “city” use, 7 minutes as “ highway/tow” use, and 15 minutes as “extreme” use. Another great feature of the Diesel Turbo Lifesaver is that it allows passenger compartment temperature control. When idling the engine, the Diesel Turbo Lifesaver powers the vehicles heating/ventilating/air conditioning system. You can use this feature to defrost your windows or to keep your cab cool in the hot weather without having to keep your key in the ignition. This feature is extremely popular with those who travel with pets. The Diesel Turbo Lifesaver has two stages of security. Stage one security is always enabled. The internal computer will stop an engine idle cycle any time the brake pedal is depressed. Stage two security is enabled by placing the toggle switch from the CPU (hidden during the installation process) in the on position. When the CPU activates it cuts
fuel flow to the engine, so starting the engine is impossible, even if the thief has a key!
SIZE COMPARISON OF THE DIESEL TURBO LIFESAVER The Diesel Turbo Lifesaver is the easiest way to insure a long, happy life for your turbocharger. The Diesel Turbo Lifesaver contains a fully operational computer with Innova custom software designed for timing, logic, and security functions. This translates into some of the best functionality, reliability, and safety of any unit on the market. With the cost of most turbochargers running in the thousands, why not protect yourself by installing one of these units? Most units cost around $225.00 and take about an hour to install.
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JULY 2010
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Smallmouth Frenzy T
his month I thought I would do a small photo essay illustrating and promoting Idaho and Washington Rivers smallmouth fisheries. These fish, brought to the Columbia River and its tributaries in the late 1800’s, wreak havoc on immature salmon and steelhead. As a smallmouth guide, nobody appreciates these hard fighting and aggressive fish more than me. As a steelhead fanatic with a very strong biology background, I also understand there is a serious need to control their numbers. The bronze-back that live in the Clearwater (Mainly, upstream of Orofino), Salmon, Snake, Grande Ronde, and many other Columbia river tributaries, are in my opinion about the best eating white meat fish in fresh water (walleye included!). A lot of Montana residents will spend upwards of one hundred dollars in ID and about half that in WA this year on nonresident fishing licenses so that they can pursue steelhead and salmon. What I propose is this: get more for your money and spend some time harassing these under-fished, gullible, and spastic little fighters while, helping out precious native steelhead and salmon in the process. Remember this is not TV Bass fishing; it is
conservation that has been left up to us as sportsmen. The below pictures are of a few of my clients, John- aka- J.W., Byron- the fish finder and the heavy hitting-Colonel Mike, on a three day bass trip on which we averaged about a hundred fish daily. We had a great time and though we killed many fish (our limits) every day, we allowed many more to return to the water unharmed. Each stringer is from a different day and even though we fished the same short float on all three, there was no decline in feeding activity (scary!). It is not hard to see why these states have to spend so much money on hatchery programs (which is a substantial part of that hundred dollar fee by the way) considering that these voracious predators are just one on the many human introduced obstacles that our ocean run natives must now overcome. So with this in mind, your mission should you choose to accept it, is to get out there and deliver a well executed Ninja kick to the lip of an unsuspecting smallmouth!!! Bass tournaments may be worth millions but our native salmon and steelhead are priceless.
Remember this is not TV Bass fishing; it is conservation that has been left up to us as sportsmen.
All of these fish were caught with soft plastics resembling and presented as wounded or feeding smolt such as grubs and tubes with the occasional “mud-bug” or crawdad thrown in the mix - (easy!!!)
JULY 2010
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JULY 2010
Fishing With The Captain Mark Ward be good in July for both northern pike and walleye. Tiber Marina (759-7100) is open and the water level is up, but call Nancy and she will give an up to the minute report on fishing on Tiber Dam. And don’t forget about the big pond in eastern Montana. Fort Peck Reservoir. This 134 mile body he cold wet spring, or it of water is good fishing in just about sure seemed that way to me, should every area, especially this year with give way to some great summer the water level on the reservoir higher fishing as the waters start to warm up than last year. . Walleye, northern and the river flows slow to summer pike, lake trout and don’t forget time levels. Anglers who use all smallmouth bass fishing. It might be a types of methods and test their skills good idea to try and take a week and in every body of water should have fish this lake. Marinas include Hell better luck, especially during the first Creek (557-2345), 25 miles north of part of this month. This should hold Jordan, Rock Creek Marina true of rivers, lakes and reservoirs and (485-2560) on the Dry Arm of the species from trout to bass to walleyes. reservoir and of course by the dam For river and stream anglers, at Fort Peck (Gene Moore at the this is the time when spring runoff Lakeridge, 526-3597) . Look for the recedes and waters begin to clear. It’s lake trout bite to be hot later this prime time for fishing. month. Also in late July the annual Trout fishing on many lakes king salmon watch will be on. If continues to be good especially there is going to be any kind of a in the higher elevation lakes like king salmon run this year on Fort Georgetown Lake. Lake Mary Ronan Peck Reservoir anglers usually will can produce catches of kokanee start catching a few the last week in salmon and perch. The lakes west of July with it picking up the month of Kalispell are all very good to try this August. time of the year, including Bitterroot Remember when you travel Lake for some nice kokanee. (Bill east of the mountains to call ahead Brown Bob Wards 728-3220) for updated information and also July is also a great walleye make sure you have your warm water fishing month. Lakes that hold walleye fishing stamp when fishing waters that around the state start to get some require it. activity because the walleyes are on the bite. Nelson Reservoir east of Malta (Malta Marine 654-1442) is a good walleye lake and you will also have a good chance on catching a nice northern pike. Canyon Ferry Reservoir is probably one of the more popular lakes to catch a walleye where the Mark Ward is known as the Captain fishing is easier on the south end with of the Montana Outdoor Radio Show less snags. It is a lot of fun if you are heard statewide every Saturday from on it when the bite is on.( Silos RV 6am - 8am. 266-3100). Holter Lake continues its Log onto strong trout bite and the walleye bite picks up as the water warms. (Canyon www.montanaoutdoor.com to find a radio station in your area. You can Store in Wolf Creek 235-4111) also read his weekly column in the Reports out of Lake Frances (One Stop Cenex 279-3600) always seem to Thursday Missoulian Outdoor section.
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Get Your Ticket For The Big Hole River Foundation Raffle FROM CORKY LOGAN The Big Hole River Together the rod and reel are Foundation Abel/Prosek Arctic the grand prize in the 2010 Big Hole Grayling Reel & Sweetgrass Rods Bamboo Fly Rod Raffle is in full swing. The mission of the Big Hole River Foundation is to conserve, enhance and protect the free-flowing character of the Big Hole River, its unique culture, fish and wildlife. You could win: - #1 of 100 Able/Prosek Arctic grayling reel with matching numbered giclee print and special edition Sweetgrass bamboo fly rod. The special reel is a new Abel Super 4N large arbor reel for 4 and 5 weight flylines. It is hand painted and anodized with an Arctic grayling finish inspired by James Prosek and retails for $895. These reels have been selling fast and are not expected to last long. The Sweetgrass rod is a 7’9”, 2-piece 4 or 5 weight hexagonal and retails for $2,000.
River Foundation Raffle. -First prize is a beautifully framed shadow box featuring George Grant flies tied by Tom Harman surrounding a George Grant signed fishing license from Bob Gibson. Tickets are just $20 each and will be sold throughout the summer. Drawing will take place at the annual Big Hole River Foundation fund raising dinner on September 9, 2010. You need not be present to win. Purchase tickets on-line at www.bhrf.org or send check or money order to: BHRF, PO Box 3894, Butte, MT 59702. If you have any questions, call the Foundation at (866) 533-BHRF or e-mail bhrf@bhrf.org.
JULY 2010
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MONTANAʼS HEADQUARTERS FOR RAFTS
Welcome Walleye Fisherman Night Crawlers $1.90 Doz. Leaches $3.75 Doz. Lb. Prices Available with 1 Week Notice 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
Events & Tournaments From Walleyes Unlimited Of Montana July 7 John Arnold Fishing Tournament hosted by Upper Missouri River Chapter July 10-11, 2010 (Sat & Sun) Montana Governor’s Cup For more information call 228-2222 or visit www.mtgovcup.com July 17 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Broadwater Rod and Gun Club Tournament. contact Doug Breker at 266-5279 (work) or 266-3102 (home) before 8:30 p.m.
FWP Offers Boating Safety Course MFWP Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ boat safety education program includes a home-study course for motorboat and personal watercraft operators. Those 13 years of age or older who successfully complete the course will receive a motorboat operator’s certificate. Boating safety videos are available on the FWP website at fwp. mt.gov. To obtain the motorboat home-study course packet, contact the nearest regional FWP office, or call FWP at 406-444-2535. Boating classes are also offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
July 18 CAST for kids Hellgate Campground hosted by the Upper Missouri River Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited
SUMMER SPECIAL! $1,970
Odyssey 12’6” Standard Floor Raft Package Package includes: Odyssey powdercoat frame, two Carlisle 8’6” HD oars, two HD brass oarlocks, two oar sleeves, one pr oar rights, four 2’ cam straps, manual pump, hose to valve adapter and patch kit
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#1 Selling Package: $2,999.99 Odyssey 14’ Self Bailing Raft Package Package includes: Odyssey powder coat frame, two Carlisle 9’ EHD oars, two HD brass oarlocks, two oar sleeves, one pr oar rights, four 2’ straps, manual pump, NRS blast 12V pump, hose to valve adapter and patch kit. *Front and rear decks shown are an additional $349.00 each.
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July 24-25 (Sat & Sun) Hell Creek Tournament For more information call 557-2311
Apparel, Hunting, Winter Sports, Rafts, Fishing, Footwear, Guns & Ammo
August 7 - 8 (Sat & Sun) Fall Classic Contact Travis Scott at 366-5603
Ask about our gasoline credit!
August 13, 14, 15 Camp Walleye Tiber Reservoir August 21 - 22 (Sat & Sun) Yellowtail Fall Finale Contact Kevin Anthony at 861-2781 August 21 Women’s Tournament Fort Peck Marina.
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Ask about our gasoline credit!
Celebrating 40 Years - Serving Montana Outdoorsmen Since 1970 JEANIE NEWSOM OF STEVENSVILLE WITH HER SILVER SALMON CAUGHT ON THE COAST OF OREGON
1092 Helena Avenue, Helena
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shop online at www.capitalsportsmt.com
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The Clear Choice Choi ce
Thor Sichveland - Broker, Owner of Clearwater Montana Properties, Inc. “I specialize in premium recreation/ranch properties and my sales have topped 28 million in the last 3 years. Looking for your dream property? I will find it for you. Call me.” TUCKER CREEK -166 partially timbered acres -Perfect setting for your own Montana Ranch -Abundant wildlife including deer and elk -Would make an excellent horse property JOSEPH R. LODE STONY CREEK CABIN -Forest Service on three -Finally affordable -3 bdrm/ 1 bath charming recreational property! sides recently remodeled cabin -Perfect 1.94 acres for -$458,000 -Located in the heart of the outdoor enthusiast western Montana -Great way to own a -Imagine fishing on piece of Montana’s nearby famous history Rock Creek -Close to Philipsburg -Stunning views of -Only $19,000 several nearby rock outcroppings -Along with excellent YAAK RIVER RECREATION big game hunting all ·100+ acres of “Treasure for $269,000 State’s” private havens ·Plenty of Big Game roam property ·Trees, rolling hills and great views ·Bordering Yaak River ·$599,000 for this ON KROGERS POND pristine paradise ·19.5 timbered acres ·Exceptional building HIGH COUNTRY LODGE sites/hunting -True Outdoorsman ·Power close by Paradise with 13,500 sq. ft. ·Near county road custom built lodge on ·$199,000/Terms OAC 250 acres -Million dollar views of the pristine Grasshopper Valley -Outstanding year round recreational opportunities -Also available longstanding, successful outfitting business -$3,675,000
Are Your Felt Bottom Wading Boots Harboring Aquatic Hitch Hikers? MFWP One of the major paths, or “vectors,” by which aquatic invasive species spread is on the felt soles of wading boots worn by trout anglers, fisheries workers, and others who spend time in streams and rivers. A story in the in the current issue of Montana Outdoors reports that a 2007 study conducted at Montana State University on angler movement found that the average pair of wading boots sampled carried more than 16 grams of sediment. The study estimated that in one year, angler boots moved more than 6,300 pounds of sediment between access sites in southwestern Montana and that nonresident anglers carried more than 1,600 pounds into Montana. This year Bozeman-based Simms Fishing Products discontinued its felt-soled boot line and began selling Vibram-soled boots only. “We know felt is not the only material that has spread invasive species and disease, but it is surely part of the problem,” says Simms president K. C. Walsh. Patagonia, Korkers, Chota, Orvis, Dan Bailey’s, and others have also introduced boots with rubber soles. Previous models of rubber-soled wading boots were notoriously slippery on algae-covered rocks. Dave Kumlien, executive director of Trout Unlimited’s Whirling Disease Foundation and a longtime Montana fly-fishing outfitter, has tried several new versions and says they are superior to earlier rubber soles. “The rubber is grippier and stickier. In my experience the new boots, when used with metal studs, are actually better than felt,” he says. “
Proud participant of over 5 years with Cabela’s Trophy Properties.
406-949-6966
Thor@CMPMontana.com
www.CMPMontana.com SHAWN, AGE 3 WITH CATCH FROM FRENCHTOWN POND
JULY 2010
FWP Seeks Comment On Proposed Improvements At Harper’s Bridge Fishing Access Site MFWP
M
ontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking public comment on proposed site improvements at Harper’s Bridge Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the Clark Fork River near Missoula. The proposal calls for developing the site to improve access to this stretch of the river. Development would include site signage, boundary fencing and barrier rock, an access road into the property, a designated parking area for 24-36 vehicles and boat trailers, a concrete vault latrine and concrete boat launch with cable mat. The proposed development would provide a safer, more organized public use of the site and provide long-term protection and revegetation of the riverbank. Rory Zarling, FWP’s Region 2 FAS Manager, explained that if the development proceeds as proposed the site would be used by anglers both for bank and float fishing as well as launching and taking out of both non-motorized and motorized watercraft. “Currently the site has no developments and there is no parking available on the FWP property,” Zarling said. “The popularity of the site has grown and our development proposals would help to accommodate this use.” The proposed development would make the FAS a put-in site for Petty Creek FAS, 20 miles downstream, as well as a take-out location for a shorter float from Kona Bridge FAS, approximately three miles upstream, or Kelly Island, approximately nine miles upstream. “If this development proceeds, fishermen will have the option of choosing a longer float if launching from the Missoula area,” Zarling said. The development would be phased in as funding allows, with primary construction during fall 2010 with a projected completion date of fall 2011. A draft environmental assessment (EA) is available for review and comment. You may view the EA at FWP’s website, fwp.mt.gov , under “Recent Public Notices;” request a copy by mailing FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804; phoning (406) 542-5500; or e-mailing shrose@mt.gov The deadline to comment is 5 p.m. on July 19, 2010. Comments may be submitted in writing to Harper’s Bridge EA, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula MT 59804 or e-mailed to rzarling@mt.gov.
JULY 2010
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BIG SKY ACCEPT NO IMITATIONS... THERE IS ONLY ONE...WATER MASTER MASTER
OUTDOOR NEWS Fly Tying Corner: Spruce Moth ROBERT BATES fedflyfishers.org
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hen you take advantage of the various Federation Of Fly Fishers related conclaves, shows, fly tying expos, etc. you will be amazed at what you find and learn. For me I also have a chance to photograph flies that people have developed or improved to make their fishing more successful. That was the exact situation I found at the Western Rocky Mountain Council Fly Fishing Exposition, in West Yellowstone, back in June 2007. Renee Menard from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho was showing us how she ties a fly that floats better in the North Idaho streams she fishes. She fishes a lot of riffley water, and this pattern has better buoyancy and rides higher. It bounces better in the currents and doesn’t go under water when it gets wet. She also uses it in every alpine and lowland lake she fishes. If fish are rising she will let it sit, but if nothing is happening then she will strip it a little. It is her go to fly from March to October. Much of the year it imitates the caddis flies on many waters, and in August it is a good imitation of the Spruce Moths found in some of the cutthroat streams. MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT: Hook: Mustad 94840, 12-16 Thread: Danville, 6/0, tan Body: Orange dyed, peacock herl Wing: Deer belly hair Step 1: Tie three herls in by butts and wrap thread over the butts to a point about one third shank length back from the eye. This builds up the body a little. Step 2: Wrap herls forward to about the one third point, secure and trim excess.
Step 3: Cut off a pinch of deer hair, and clean out the under fur if necessary. Keep the butts even, and tie the hair in with the butts to the rear. This is the reverse of what most tiers do, but it gives the fly more buoyancy.
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14 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Montana Fishing Report
JULY 2010
Sponsored By Boston Beer Co. And Summit Beverage
CHRIS MADSEN
Western Montana Fishing Report
RYAN ONGLEY
Southwest Montana Fishing Report
Brought To You By Missoula
Brought To You By Bozeman
BY CHRIS MADSEN, (406) 523-9000 e-mail: fishing-115@live.com
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ow! My crystal ball was way off for June. Mother Nature once again proved you can never predict what she’s going to do. The rain came in May, and never really seemed to go away, causing high muddy water on our area rivers and wreaking havoc on the much anticipated salmonfly hatch. While not so good for the fishing on the rivers the rain has filled the lakes and reservoirs to full and then some. With a little luck the reservoirs should remain full through the summer. A few lakes started to see the effects of muddy run off water dumping into them but that should be cleared by the time this article comes out. This is the month to be out on the water and make up for days lost waiting for the rain to go away in June. Here is a rundown of a few places to try this month: FLATHEAD LAKE: The lake trout and perch bite should continue to be strong through July, and some lake whitefish should start to show up towards the end of the month. If you’ve never tried fishing for lake whitefish before, these hard fighting and tasty critters start to congregate in Flathead’s bays in 40-50’ of water to feed on hatching perch fry. Hopefully we’ll see better numbers of fish show up than we had the past couple of years. Jigging with a green Rattle D’Zastor, Kastmaster, Buckshot spoon or Swedish Pimple with a whitefish fly
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dropper can provide some fast-paced action for fish in the two to four pound range. Fishing usually starts towards the end of July and continues through August, so be sure and mark a few days on your fishing calendar for a trip to Flathead. GEORGETOWN LAKE: July is THE month to be on Georgetown, and for one very good reason: damselflies. Georgetown is one of the few lakes in the country where large trout can consistently be taken on dry damsel patterns. Expect to fish nymphs in the morning, as trout set up to ambush migrating damsels before they reach shore, and then switch over to surface imitations in the afternoon as risers become active. Pick a feeding fish out, determine which way he is headed, lead him by a few feet, and then try not to pull the fly away before he eats it. Which most of the time is easier said than done. If you’re wondering where to fish on the lake just look for all the boats. Fishing the evening caddis hatch is another excellent option on this lake. Skating a large caddis pattern across the surface can draw
explosive strikes akin to a great white shark attack on a sea lion. Keep your legs out of the water if you’re in a pontoon boat. CLARK FORK RIVER: Often over looked by local fishers the lower Clark Fork is a very productive fishery during the summer. Once the water levels lower and we get some clarity back the numerous hatches should keep the trout rising and the fly caster busy. The trout pod up in the wide slow waters of the lower river. Long, light leaders and tiny flies are sometimes necessary to fool them. This section of the river also has some great warm water fishing. Smallmouth bass are abundant and eager to take your artificial or natural bait and can be especially fun in the early morning hours when they may be a little more likely to hit a surface lure. The popular or unpopular pike, depending on who you talk to, is also present in good numbers and can be taken with a variety of tackle and techniques. Fishing smelt in the back eddies is (continued on page 36)
ell here we are, another July in Big Sky Country. We should have plenty of fishing action to keep us busy as hatches will be in full swing throughout the month of July. Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, Drakes, and Salmonflies are all out in numbers. Get after it while the getting is good as before you know it we’ll be nymphing our brains out all winter long again. GALLATIN RIVER: The Salmonfly hatch should be in full swing through part of the month along with Golden Stones. The hatch will work upstream beginning at the mouth of the canyon working upstream into Yellowstone National Park. Caddis and PMD emergences will also get going much stronger as the waters of this chilly river warm. The sleeper hatch through the middle of the month is the Green Drakes. It’s a sparse hatch but the trout definitely look for them every year. Fishing a big drake can bring some very large surprises to net.
JULY 2010
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UPPER MADISON: Again it will be Salmonflies throughout the early half of the month and possibly throughout the end as well. The last couple years we’ve seen the big bugs on the water well into late July. Many species of Caddis will be emerging. Hydropsyche, Grannoms, and Glossosoma. Size #12’s - #20’s. X2 Caddis, Iris Caddis Emergers are all good go to patterns. Tan, Brown, Black, Olive are colors to carry. Mayflies will be going well too. PMD’s and later in the month Flav’s will emerge. The evening caddis activity right before dark and into the night can be spectacular so eat dinner early and stay on the river well after dark. YELLOWSTONE RIVER: Looks like we might have a shot at good Salmonfly emergence this year on the ‘Stone. Runoff may be done early enough to get some casts to the big trout over here this year. Weather will tell the tale. If conditions are right look for the big bugs along with caddis and PMD emergences.
BIG HOLE: The Big Hole is primed with a second year in a row of good flows and outstanding dry fly fishing. The Salmonfly hatch should be finishing up early in the month. With awesome Caddis and PMD activity to follow. BEAVERHEAD: With Clark Canyon full the Beav is quickly on it’s way back. The big fish are definitely coming back and the spring hatches were thick and the summer shouldn’t be any different. PMD’s , Caddis, and hopefully some Craneflies will be coming off also by the latter stages of the month.
North Central Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Helena
BY JESSE FLYNN (406) 457-7200 e-mail: fishing167helena@yahoo.com CANYON FERRY: Welcome to another great Montana summer everyone! Hope you brought your rain coat? This wet spring sure does make for some beautiful scenery… doesn’t it? As long as the rain continues anglers can count on murky, muddy and debris water conditions but don’t let this shy you away. Fishing can still be excellent. Just be extra cautious while out there. Debris can and will reek havoc on props and gear. But it can also bring new improved structure where there might not have been in years past. These natural forces that Mother Nature throws at us can be positive or negative, it is just
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There is so much water here in Southwest Montana to fish it would take years to experience it all. Keep in mind a good hike on some of our smaller streams is a real treat. You don’t always have to fish the glamour streams. Some smaller trout on a flyrod in solitude is something to cherish. Get out there and rip some lips!!!
all in how you want to look at it. Always be looking for these little advantages when out there. Of course throwing jigs and cranks is going to be your best bet when debris is present and not to mention it will save damage to your boat. These methods allow you to navigate your bait in and around debris and structure allowing for precise presentation and placement. Trolling might not be the best tactic though for a lot of you it is hard to get away from…just be extra cautious. JESSE FLYNN
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HAUSER LAKE: A lot of trolling, drifting and or jigging going on. “Six to one half dozen the other,”… if you know what I mean? Considering all methods are working it is up to you to choose your tactic for July. Maybe start out by trolling to locate and then jig once you find concentrated numbers. Put a few in the boat and move on to the next batch. It is all in what keeps you entertained while on the water. Just remember basic fundamentals when out there: fish usually parallel the banks and ledges. Think of these little shelves and ledges as highways for fish. They provide cover as well as ambushing lanes while searching for bait. So ideally you should be retrieving your lure or bait in a fashion that is parallel to banks and ledges. You know as well as I do fish are hard to pattern, so remember these are just suggestions and fish at times will blow what we thought we knew right out the door. HOLTER LAKE: I want to talk about slip sinkers this month. Also known as sinker slides, lindy weights, bullet weights, and egg sinkers to name a few. These are all just another way to get you on the bottom and there may be an advantage but we will let you decide. The theory behind slip sinker is this; they get you down with the necessary amount of weight (continued on page 30)
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KOKANEE - PHOTO COURTESY NEAL COTE’
JULY 2010
Killer Kokanee Trolling BY NEAL M. COTE’
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uccessful kokanee fishing is most defiantly an art. You can spend hours and hours with nothing to show for your effort. There are many documented cases where high concentrations of kokanee exist in local lakes but where the catch rate is near zero. An understanding of kokanee habits, fishing methods, their preference for specific water temperatures and life cycle is necessary in order to obtain consistent results and to catch fish where other anglers are failing. Lakes of the Pacific Northwest, Siberia and Japan are where the Kokanee salmon, which became land-locked and unable to migrate to the ocean like their cousins the sockeye salmon. The kokanee spends its entire life cycle in fresh water and dies after spawning, as does the anadromous sockeye. Kokanee are also known as silver salmon, bluebacks, sockeye, and silversides. They have a life cycle, which spans from two to seven years. Depending on the particular strain, most reach adulthood in four years, as do all other salmon. They are fall spawners that choose tributaries, outlet areas or the gravels around the shoreline of a lake in which to complete their life cycle. Growth and size in a particular body of water depends upon the abundance of plankton, their major food source, and also upon the numbers of other fish species, as well as mysis shrimp competing for this food. Adult kokanee will range in size from 8 to 20 inches with most in the 9- to 14-inch class. Larger lakes and reservoirs where concentrations are small produce the largest fish, some to three and four pounds. Insect larva or nymphs may become food sources, but not in preference to plankton. Thus, when a lure or bait is used to tempt kokanee into hitting, it must be small and must appeal to the fish in both color and movement. Kokanee prefer water temperatures of 50°F or colder, which is why many anglers fail to catch them. In some lakes they will spend the summer concentrated in a very narrow band of 50°F water. If the upper layers of the lake are warmer than 50°, they will be found close to the bottom or near underwater springs or in old river channels, where the coolest water is available. TROLLING Trolling is one of the most consistently productive methods for catching kokanee. You are able to cover a large water area in a very short period of time, locating the fish more efficiently. Lake trolls, flatlines, leaded lines and sinking fly lines are four productive ways to troll for kokanee, depending on the time of year and level of the 50°F temperature zone. When Kokanee are near the surface, flatlines, small trolls without added weight and slow-sinking or floating fly lines often are used. In summer when they head
for deeper water, leaded lines and large weighted lake trolls are needed to reach the right temperature zone. Flatlining is a technique where a small lure or lure tipped with bait is worked in the top 10 feet of water with very little weight. It is very adaptable to light spinning rods where 6- to 8-lb. test main line is commonly used. The best lures for this type of trolling are Jeweled Bead Spinner, Needlefish, Kokanee King, Midge Wobbler, Super Dupers or Triple Teasers with one or two split shot 24 to 36 inches up the line from the lure when the fish are near the surface. Once you’ve located the right water temperature layer and a school of fish within that zone, kokanee can be caught with a variety of lures. All can be tipped with a small piece of worm, maggot, or white or yellow corn kernel to increase your odds of a strike. The flatline technique can also be used with good results in conjunction with floating or slow-sinking fly lines, utilizing 15 to 25 feet of 4- to 6-lb. test mono as leader and the same lures and split shot as the above. This also allows you to cash in on the softer action of the fly rod so you don’t rip the hooks out of those soft mouthed silvers. Kokanee have very delicate and tender mouths, much like crappie. Care must be taken in making sure that the shock of the initial strike is absorbed by using a rubber snubber, or a rod with a sensitive tip. Make sure they are played out and are landed with the aid of a net to prevent hooks from tearing out. Small trolls can be flatlined with the larger models geared for deeper running. The Ford Fender troll, Beer Can and Dave Davis trolls are deadly when teamed with any of the lures mentioned above. A troll appeals to the fishes feeding instincts, providing flash and visual attraction and, particularly in the case of kokanee, the flash represents others feeding. When trolled, the blades act as attractors, drawing kokanee to follow the sound and flash, they spot the trailing lure and attack it. Another excellent attractor is the Jensen Dodger, which was specifically designed for kokanee trolling and provides fishattracting flash without unwanted drag. You can experiment with different sizes and colors until you find the one that works best on your lake. Another variation to reach deeper in the water column without using heavy weights or large trolls is lead-core line. This is color-coded in 30 ft. sections and anglers often refer to distances in terms of how many colors they have out, such as “three colors” which would translate into 75 to 90 feet of line. A 25 ft. section of 4 to 6lb. test monofilament is used as leader for lead-core kokanee fishing. Lead- core line require the use of a large capacity casting reel as it is pretty bulky and requires a large amount of reel storage space. (continued next page)
JULY 2010
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C. J.’S Crappie Crop Is Among Idaho’s Best
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fish for dinner, and even put a few in the freezer for later. The crappie population may be huge right now, but some anglers are concerned that heavy harvest will collapse the population. Idaho has no limits on crappie and other panfish in most waters, which is more liberal than most states. But knowing a little about crappie biology and the fishery helps ease those concerns.
“Only about 30% of the larger crappies were harvested in 2009.” Based on several years of tagging fish in C.J. Strike, we know that even with the incredible number of anglers only about 30 percent of the larger crappie were harvested in 2009. This leaves plenty of adult crappie to spawn since each adult female might produce 20,000 eggs. More importantly, it’s generally the ho would have thought survival of young crappie that that Idaho would have one of the determines future populations rather nation’s best fisheries for a warm than the number of spawners. water species? The spring of 2006 brought Yet that’s what we’ve got high off-color water and a flush of right now in the crappie fishery at nutrients down the Snake River. C.J. Strike Reservoir. Just how big is Young crappie hatched that year it? Well, in 2009 anglers harvested may simply have survived at a nearly 250,000 crappie, and the record pace because they had plenty harvest this year might be just as of food, and the slightly muddy impressive. water provided better protection Crappie populations are from predatory fish. We don’t know notoriously cyclic, and it’s not for sure, but interestingly, Brownlee uncommon to see populations ebb Reservoir also had high inflows in and flow over time. Just what controls 2006 that resulted in abundant young those cycles is a bit of a mystery that crappie. Other studies around the fish biologists have been puzzling country found similar links between over for decades. What’s really inflows and crappie production, sugamazing about C.J. Strike is how gesting that fish populations are quickly it went from being a fair influenced more by environmental crappie fishery to one of Idaho’s best. factors than by harvest. Crappie have probably been The one thing we can be in C.J. Strike since shortly after the sure of is that the current crappie dam was built and the reservoir boom won’t last forever. The life created in the early 1950s. We’ve span of a crappie is typically only witnessed boom and bust cycles in six or seven years, so the 2006 year crappie numbers since then. In some class is already getting long in the years, crappie have provided good tooth. While younger crappie also fishing, usually followed by several ply C.J.’s water, we don’t see another years of fair to poor fishing. giant year-class coming on. Then, in 2006, the stars lined Even while we encourage up to produce the biggest year-class anglers to take advantage of the of crappie that anyone can remember. guilt-free harvest opportunity They have survived and grown well, available this year, we also and now those four-year-old fish encourage efficient use of the fish make up about 95 percent of C.J.’s resource. Please don’t be wasteful. crappie population. Ranging in size Keep only those fish that you are from 9 to 11 inches, these crappie willing to clean and eat. Release the offer a great opportunity to catch some rest.
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Killer Kokanee Trolling (continued from previous page)
One of the biggest mistakes made by anglers is working a lure too fast. Most lures will not perform correctly at fast speeds plus kokanee will generally not hit a fast-moving lure . . . they need to be teased by it. The best advice I can give you is to troll slowly, the slower the better.
“One of the biggest mistakes made by anglers is working a lure too fast.” While slow is good, this does not mean slow all the time. A lure running through the water at the same speed, the same depth and giving off the same vibration pattern will not catch many fish. Slow, yes, but every few minutes speed up a little bit so the lure changes its speed and vibration pattern. Trolling in a straight line is the least successful path you can take. Consistent trolling results require that you do everything possible to keep from running that a line. An “S” pattern between will produce more strikes. Every time the lure
or troll is on the inside of a swing of the boat, it will slow down and drop deeper in the water. Each time it is on the outside of a curve it will speed up and rise in the water. With each turn of your boat, you will produce a different speed and vibration pattern from the lures you are trolling. This will always get more kokanee to strike, but make sure to remember which one you were doing when the fish hit! Scents also help immensely! Many anglers will not be without it. The most common scents used for kokanee are Herring Oil, Shrimp/Prawn oil, Fresh Water Shrimp Oil, Crayfish and Squid Oil. Many also use WD-40, but as much as I like to put more oil in the water and pollute like BP, well you get the idea! Some fishermen mix these scents with anise oil to get a combination scent. Now is one of the best times of the year to get into some of the best Kokanee fishing, I have already been banking quite a few already. To cash in, you just have to hit the water this season. Good Luck and hopefully you will discover the art of catching Kokanee!!
18 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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JULY 2010
Wild Lands, Wild Trout: The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness BY JACK BALLARD
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innesota touts itself as the “land of lakes” but the title equally captures the aura of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. A mass of granite and glaciers, icy streams and azure pools, this designated wilderness sprawls across nearly one million acres of northwestern Wyoming and Montana. Over 1,000 lakes liven the landscape, appearing as small dots on the map, but looming large in the minds of anglers who understand the effort required to reach the best of them and the outstanding fishing that awaits at journey’s end. Of these natural reservoirs, over 300 have stocked or self-sustaining fish populations. Crimson-jawed cutthroats are common residents as are bright little brookies. Rainbows, some as fat and feisty as those on the lowland rivers, scour the shorelines of remote lakes in search of a late-summer hopper. Elusive golden trout fin the depths of a few backcountry ponds, but few anglers possess the fortitude necessary to engage them. Factor a dozen or so lakes with arctic grayling into the equation and it’s simple to see that the variety in species is as appealing as the hauntingly beautiful waters in which they swim. Nearly twenty years ago, a mid-summer backpack trip introduced me to the finned bounty of the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness complex. Departing from the Mystic Lake trailhead with an odd entourage of four adults, three children, a witless spaniel and a baying basset hound, we slowly ascended the six miles to Island Lake. After ferrying a flailing sausage with short legs and long claws over a log jam near the lake’s outlet, I quickly concluded that basset hounds make poor canine
companions in the backcountry. Scratched arms not withstanding, I pitched a tent on the shady skirt of a verdant meadow and rigged a rod. Four hours and more than three times that many trout later, Larry and I poked aimlessly at a glowing fire with smoking sticks and made big talk about fishing. Mostly I quizzed him about other wilderness destinations and the prospects of enlisting his guidance in sampling their trout. That’s when I found out there were literally hundreds of similar lakes in the Beartooths. “Wouldn’t it be great to fish every lake in this wilderness,” I blurted with the uninformed enthusiasm of a youth fresh out of college. Larry laughed at me. A bit rudely, I thought. “At ten new lakes a year it’d take about a lifetime to do it,” he replied. For a couple of summers, I nearly made the quota, religiously marking visited lakes on a tattered map. Perusing the results on frigid winter evenings as the northeast wind whipped tendrils of snow around my living room windows, the names were as mystical as the waters so labeled: Lake at the Clouds, Twin Outlets, Echo, Fossil, Ouzel, Rainbow, Lady of the Lake, Medicine and a host of others with mundane monikers like Elk, Russell, Elaine and Glacier. After my ambitious start, I’ve long since abandoned the plan of fishing every lake. But not because the dream was impossible. The larger problem was discovering wilderness nuggets that only a fool would fish just once, leaving less and less time to strike out on fresh adventures. One of these gems is a smallish, off-trail jewel in the Boulder River drainage. (continued next page)
JULY 2010
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Wild Lands (continued) Perched on a bench beneath the stony summit of an imposing peak, the lake harbors Yellowstone cutthroats which achieve impressive size for trout in country where lakes remain ice-free for just a few short months. Late one June, in the company of a much finer wilderness traveler than the departed basset, I set out to find the lake. Two miles into the climb, we found the route blocked -- by a grizzled, lumpy form nipping succulent vegetation in a clearing. Is it worth an encounter with six hundred pounds of ursus horribilus to net a two pound oncorhynchus clarki specimen? I thought not, though the greyhound at my side, a retired racer, seemed more than willing to play the odds against the grazing grizzly. Some seven years later, I ascended to the lake. The hike was tough, but not without its own rewards. In a spongy meadow dimpled with wildflowers, a shaft of sunlight illuminated a downed tree surrounded by what were likely the towering offspring of the massive old evergreen. Although the limbs had long since rotted from the trunk, the skeletal shaft of the ancient fir still measured well over six feet in diameter, a long-passed giant in mountains where living specimens seldom achieve one-half its width. Excepting one summer when a leg injury scuttled trekking altogether, I’ve returned to this lake nearly every season. I’ve never encountered a stranger on its shoreline, though the discovery of a decaying cinch strap and a rusting horseshoe betray the presence of souls who ferry their gear on backs other than their own. The solitude of this place seeps honey into the soul. But the fishing is equally outstanding. Fat, fleshy cutthroats cruise the shorelines in pods of three or four, eyeing the lapping film overhead for the tiny plop of an errant insect. Drop any dry fly in the path of these water wolves, and at least one member of the pack will
• 19
come rushing to make the kill. As the water below is as untainted and clear as the eternal blue sky overhead, the form of a seventeen inch cutthroat, purposefully rising to fly, is easily seen as it shoots from the shaded depths toward the sunlit surface. For this angler the wait is unnerving. A guidebook for setting the hook might read like instructions for dousing a grizzly bear with pepper spray. To be effective you must wait, wait until the gaping jaws seem hopelessly near before mashing the trigger on the can or heaving the rod butt to engage the hook. My lengthy history with this particular lake underscores several factors pertinent to angling in the Absaroka-Beartooth. The first has to do with the ying-yang of access and opportunity. Like other places, the best fishing is typically found on waters inhospitable to the casual hiker. Lakes adjacent to, or at the end of a trail sometimes boast very fine angling. But the real jewels are those that take a map and compass to find. As few users venture from wilderness trails, a lake requiring a cross-country hike of just a mile or less may receive significantly less pressure than another six trail miles from the nearest access. I’d like to tell you more, but I’m being paid for an article, not a book. In my wilderness wanderings I’ve found a frightening canyon with beautiful lakes -- and golden trout -- in its depths. If room allowed, I could also direct you to a nearly 3,000 foot scramble in the East Rosebud drainage culminating at a breezy tarn holding positively large rainbows. But in reality, one of the greatest thrills of angling the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness is poring over a map and researching data to find that perfect, alpine lake that seems to have all the necessary ingredients for first-class fishing. When a big, speckled cutthroat rises to a fly on a lake of your own discovery, you’ve found the best of the Beartooths. But you might not be alone. We may meet on the shoreline.
20 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Anthony Kazmierczak of Thompson Falls “First Bow Kill - 5x5 Bull”
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• 21
World Champion Elk Caller: 5 Tips For Better Hunting ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION
For elk hunters who’d like to be better elk callers, there are few mentors more qualified today than Joel Turner, reigning and two-time champion of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships. Turner, 33, of Eatonville, Wash., won his second world title in three years at the March event held as part of RMEF’s Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo. A cop and state firearms instructor by trade, Turner also is a devout elk nut, bowhunter, guide, naturalist and call maker. He’s spent the past several years developing an elk calling philosophy and hunting system—some of it based on tactical theory—that has consistently produced bulls in multiple states for him and his hunting buddies. Turner shared the following five tips for better elk calling and hunting:
of elk. If you arrive at the mall with your wife or girlfriend, and some guy yells at you from across the parking lot with a clear intent to start trouble, your probable reaction is to get back in your car and leave. Same for elk. It’s OK to bugle to locate elk from a distance, but afterward, rely on calls that trigger their breeding, rather than their escape, instincts.”
2. Mimic a Breeding Scene “All mammals are drawn to the sounds of breeding. Morals conflict with that instinct in humans but elk aren’t burdened that way. When a bull hears those sounds, it wants to attend the event! To mimic breeding elk, get tapes or attend a calling competition and learn to make four specific calls: 1.) estrus cow call, which is a long, whining cow call, 2.) estrus cow scream, a loud mew made through sputtering lips, 3.) tending bull bugle, which is a soft moan made through a tube, and 4.) glunking, the sharp hiccoughing sound of a bull. Glunking can be replicated by popping 1. Call to an Instinct, Not an Attitude your palm over the end of a tube, or by “A common elk-hunting strategy is covering ground and bugling until you find voicing “uck” over a diaphragm. When I’m hunting, I add huffing and heavy a bull in the right frame of mind to come charging in. But those bulls can be hard to breathing through a tube, breaking limbs find. Most often, when challenged by rival, and scraping the ground. Volume doesn’t matter. It’s OK to get loud. You can hear a a bull’s first instinct is to retreat. Keep in bull’s attitude change with these sounds. mind that we’re mammals, too, and our They typically get frustrated and begin own natural reactions often mirror those
bugling constantly. Sometimes they run to the scene. If not, keep calling while your buddy sneaks in and shoots the preoccupied bull.” 3. Anticipate the Hang-up Spot “An approaching bull will nearly always stop as soon as it can see your calling location. Once he can see where the elk sounds were coming from, but no actual elk, he probably won’t come any closer. Hunters can use this natural elk behavior to their advantage. Don’t call unless your setup, in relation to this hang-up spot, is correct (never call when elk are in plain view of your location). I like to shadow a herd until the terrain is favorable for calling. One of my favorite situations is when the elk are on a bench above or below me, and the bull has to walk to the edge to look over and see my calling location. That’s the hang-up spot, and I try to set up within 20 yards of it. When antlers appear as the bull nears the lip, draw your bow. You have only a couple of seconds until he’s positioned to see you!” 4. Wait for the Parade “Eight out of 10 times, when a bull arrives at the hang-up spot, he’ll spend a few seconds looking for the cow. If he doesn’t see it, he’ll parade a few steps to one side and then the other. Still no cow,
he’s outa here. But this parading instinct is your chance to stop the bull when it presents a clear, broadside shot. Most turkey hunters are familiar with “putting” to stop a gobbler in shooting position. The same theory works with elk. Give a loud cow call to stop the bull—and be ready to release your arrow.” 5. Measure Your Breathing “Through my law enforcement training, I’ve learned that tactical situations and elk-calling situations can cause very similar physical and mental reactions in humans. Adrenaline causes spikes in our pulse and respiratory rates. The mind goes from logical thinking to experiential thinking, which is based entirely on previous experience or training. But no training can replicate a bull screaming and slobbering and coming to your call. Even an experienced hunter can get so charged up they’re unable to function. It’s important to keep your mind in logic mode, which is associated with a pulse rate of 100-140 beats per minute. Control your pulse by controlling your breathing. Do this: Breathe in through your nose while counting to four (about 2.5 seconds), hold it for a fourcount, then exhale through your mouth while counting to four. Repeat until you feel yourself calming down. Now you’re ready to make your next call.” (continued on page 30)
22 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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JULY 2010
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Recreation Area and is located near the town of Fort Smith in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. It is open all year. There are 29 camping spaces on one side of the bay and an additional 12 on the other. Handicapped accessible restrooms, drinking water and a boat launch are all available at Afterbay. Fishing and walking along nature and interpretive trails are among the activities to enjoy at the campground. Trailers are allowed. There is not a campground fee above the $5 a day Bighorn Canyon entrance fee. Services and amenities offered: Boat launch Boat rental Campground host Campsite Established fire pits Handicapped accessible Pets allowed Public restroom Trash removal Water
offered: Bird watching Canoeing Fishing Fly fishing Motor boating Picnicking River fishing RV camping Swimming Tent camping Wildlife viewing Contact information Mailing address: PO Box 7458 Fort Smith, MT 59035 Phone: 406-666-2412 Directions: Afterbay Campground is located at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, 40 miles south of Hardin County Road 313, 1 mile northeast of Yellowtail Dam.
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Fishing At Afterbay NPS As the Yellowtail Dam Afterbay Dam, close to the campgrounds, generates power, the water is collected and around the Historic Big Horn in the Afterbay reservoir. The intent is to preserve a constant flow of the Bighorn River for fish and wildlife habitat. The Afterbay is 181 acres in size and is often used by anglers for shoreline and motor boat fishing. The Afterbay’s main species is rainbow trout. Brown trout, carp, ling and other warm water species can also be found in the reservoir. The Afterbay is stocked by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks every third year. The next stocking will occur in spring 2010 with 6” to 8” rainbow trout. Some of the best places to shoreline fish include: the buoy line at the
Headgate. Keep in mind: -Bait fishing is allowed -Bow fishing is allowed outside of campgrounds -No warm water stamp is required -Fish limits: 5 trout combined (no size limit) Did You Know? The first 13 miles of the Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam is the most fished area in the state of Montana, often attracting over 100,000 anglers each year. Surveys show that 75% of summer anglers are from out of state.
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• 23
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Message From Miles Moretti Mule Deer Foundation President/CEO On Wolves The following is the MDF’s which would be part of an overall provisions contained within the M ule Deer Foundation (MDF) position on Wolves. strategy of balancing big game populations Endangered Species Act. members and others have asked if MDF and wolf populations. MDF supports the Wolves were re-introduced into has a position of wolves. The answer is yes we do. The MDF Board of Directors passed a position on wolves in February of 2009. Recently, the wolf debate has heated up, especially as it has become more evident that wolf numbers far exceed those numbers promised in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Wolf Recovery Plan. We are now seeing the impacts of the increase number of wolves on mule deer, elk and moose populations in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. MDF is engaged in the battle to keep wolves delisted and managed by the State Wildlife Agencies. This past year both Idaho and Montana proved that hunting wolves has not led to the decimation of the wolf populations in those states. In fact, Montana is recommending that the number of wolf permits be increased substantially to try and slow down the increase in the wolf population. MDF supports Idaho and Montana’s efforts to reduce wolf populations to agreed upon recovery goal numbers. MDF is also joining with other conservation groups, sportsmen, guides and outfitters in calling for the wolf to be delisted in Wyoming and other western states. The dramatic increase in the wolf populations are not only impacting big game herds in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, but they are impacting the economies of local communities with the loss of hunters and resulting guides and outfitters struggling to stay in business. We here at MDF will continue to focus our efforts on keeping the wolf delisted in Idaho and Montana and supporting the efforts in Wyoming to get the wolf delisted there. We need your help. Please donate to the MDF Wolf Fund to help us continue in this fight.
Mule Deer Foundation Position on Wolves Adopted February 4, 2009 Position It is the position of the MDF that the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains is delisted as soon as possible and their management is transferred to the State Fish and Wildlife agencies. We believe that the current population levels which greatly exceed the original recovery objectives and the widespread distribution of wolves are factors necessitating such an immediate action. Further, we believe that such an action would provide managers with the flexibility necessary for managing wolves. We believe that the states can more effectively balance the management of wolves with the management of other resident wildlife such as mule deer. State wildlife agencies should classify the wolf as a “game species”. States would be able to set season and bag limits on wolves
current approved Gray Wolf Management Plans in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. We believe that these plans have adequate safeguards to ensure the long term sustainability of the Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf population in balance with the big game populations. We believe that this strategy will also maintain the genetic diversity of the wolf population which has been an issue raised in the delisting process. Background The introduction and subsequent management of wolves is a hotly debated issue across the western United States. Habitat for the northern gray wolf includes Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, the eastern third of Oregon and Washington, and north-central Utah. The northern gray wolf was formally listed as a federal endangered species in 1974 in accordance with
Yellowstone National Park in 1995 and in central Idaho in 1996. These areas were selected due to their relatively high elk populations and remote public lands that include classified Wilderness and backcountry thus minimizing potential impacts with existing management activities. Wolves dispersed naturally from Canada and became established in Montana sometime in the 1980’s thus precluding the need for a wolf transplant in that area. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) determined that recovery of the northern gray wolf was dependent on the establishment of 30 or more well distributed breeding pairs and 300 individual wolves in western Montana, central Idaho and in Wyoming for three successive years. Wolf population estimates in 2008 indicate a population of 1500 animals and approximately 100 breeding pairs. This marks the ninth consecutive year that the northern gray wolf population has exceeded the original recovery goal. In addition, the FWS believes that the genetic diversity of this metapopulation is very high. The population growth and expansion of wolves following the 1995-96 transplants have been highly successful. The reintroduction has been so successful that the elk populations in and around Yellowstone and parts of central Idaho has shown a sharp decline in total numbers. In 2007, the FWS delisted the northern gray wolf population after the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho had in place approved wolf management plans. In February of 2008, the management responsibility was transferred to those respective states. Several parties filed a lawsuit challenging that final rule delisting the wolf. As a result, on July 18, 2008, the US District Court (continued )
JULY 2010
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in Missoula issued an order immediately reinstating Endangered Species Act protections for wolves. In September 2008, the FWS requested the court vacate and remand the final delisting rule back to the FWS. The court granted the FWS’s request on October 13, 2008. Since that ruling the FWS has reopened the public comment period on its proposal to delist the gray wolf. The overall mission of the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is to ensure the conservation of mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat. Presently, mule deer populations across the western states are well below their objectives; in fact they are the only western big game species with a declining population trend. Several years ago the Directors of the western state fish and wildlife agencies organized a committee of professional wildlife biologists to study the reasons for this decline. They determined that there were many contributing factors including predation. While the MDF recognizes the positive role of predators in naturally functioning ecosystems, we are concerned about the impact that an additional predator could have on the ability of mule deer populations to recover. Several studies on wolf-big game relationships have been where the principal prey is elk, except in western Montana where whitetail deer are important to wolves. In places like southern and central Idaho, southwestern Wyoming, parts of Montana and Utah, mule deer are more prevalent and could be quite vulnerable to wolves. Further, MDF is disappointed and concerned that many of the organizations that filed the lawsuit challenging the February 2008 delisting of the gray wolf in the north Rockies agreed with the recovery objectives when they were established. Their decision to take legal action to prevent delisting, even though the wolf has greatly exceeded everyone’s expectations regarding their population levels and their distribution, will further polarize interest groups, eliminate trust and make it almost impossible to build consensus on future wildlife issues.
Game Damage Roster Signup Ends July 15 BY RON SELDEN, MFWP
H
unters interested in participating in game-damage hunting opportunities on private land this year need to register online (FWP) by July 15th. In addition to game damage hunts, those who register will also be eligible for special management season hunts. Special management seasons are called for in response to concentrations of big game due to seasonal migrations, extreme weather conditions, restrictive public hunting on adjacent or nearby properties, and other factors. The 30-day roster sign-up for such hunts began June 15 and ends July 15. A final game damage roster, randomly generated from all the online registrations, will be posted by August 1. Hunts could take place anytime from August 15 through February 15, 2011. Officials emphasize, however, that game-damage hunts and management seasons are only offered when needed and the need for such hunts may or may not develop. FWP will contact hunters on the game damage rosters if hunting opportunities arise. Prospective hunters must register for the hunt rosters online at fwp.mt.gov . On the Hunting page, click “Seasons” for the Game Damage and Management Hunt page. To register, hunters will need their ALS number. They will be prompted to enter a preferred hunting district for potential deer, elk, and antelope game damage hunts. Prospective hunters may choose to participate in all three species lists.
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Register Now For Becoming An Outdoors Woman Event In Miles City July 17th MFWP F
ish, Wildlife and Parks in Miles City will sponsor a Becoming an Outdoors Woman event on Saturday, July 17th at Spotted Eagle Recreation Area. The event begins at 9 a.m. and should end by 3:00 p.m. This fun event will cover horse use, safety and tips, low impact hiking, plant identification, archery and shotgun shooting, Dutch oven cooking, field first aid and landowner relations. All supplies and lunch are provided free. The event is limited to the first 30 participants and pre-registration is required. Registration closed July 10th. Registration forms will be available in several locations around Miles City and at the FWP office. Call Dwayne Andrews at 406-234-0919 or the main office at 406-234-0900 for a registration form or more information.
FWP Clarifies Bow Hunter Equipment Regulation MFWP A
change in Montana’s 2010 big game hunting regulations is causing confusion among some bow hunters. In the 2010 regulations, under “Archery & Crossbow Equipment,” the 28-inch bow length regulation includes the phrase, “axle to axle.” To clarify, for FWP enforcement purposes, a bow is considered legal if it’s at least 28 inches in total length. Bows shorter than 28 inches are prohibited for use in Montana. To review the online 2010 big game regulations, go to the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov and click on the Hunting page and then Regulations.
26 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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JULY 2010
montana tested gear
Reviews provided by Montana Test.Com The Country’s Leading Outdoor Product Testing Site. Reviews are independent of advertisers and all products tested in real time hunting and fishing conditions. Montana Test .Com does not guarantee positive reviews to any manufacturer. www.mtBowHuntingreviews. com and www.bowhuntingreviews.net are part of Montana Test.com. Visit www.montanatest.com
Filson Mid-Weight Pullover Sweater
Recommend...Yes Filson makes Outdoor wear that have few equals. I received a Mid-Weight pullover sweater that turned out to be one of my favorite for cold weather. The Mid-weight is 100% Merion wool that feels comfortable against bare skin. The sweater is a four button front placket with coated elbow patches for a classic look. I tested as a casual piece and hunting piece. The Mid-Weight is a quality product and one of the finest we have tested. Filson has an unparalleled reputation for outstanding hunting and casual outerwear. Filson is expensive for good reason; it is a quality product and can last a lifetime if you take care of it. In 1997 I bought a wild fowl hat from Filson, and for the past 13 years I have worn it every season. Filson is considered so valuable many Fathers will pass down their Filson to their children. If you want some of the best outdoor wear Filson has been around for 113 years. Enough said. Drawback...None Rating...8 Point...Best Tester: Pat Stinson Suggested Retail: $200.00
Filson Wingshooting Jacket And Pant
Recommend...Yes As a full time Fly-fishing and upland game guide I need the very best outwear I can find. Filson sent the Wingshooting Jacket and Wingshooting Pant to test and review. Both pieces are 100% 6-oz. layer nylon twill, and fully seam sealed. The jacket has waterproof zippers and a feature that is a must, handwarmer pockets. The pants are light, waterproof, and breathable and with the terrain I guide these are a lifesaver. In addition to hunting outwear I used this last fall guiding anglers on the Big Horn here in Montana. The Filson Wingshooting Pant and Jacket is by far some of the very best I have tested and reviewed. The quality is second to none and the fit feels tailored if that is possible. Filson is expensive and after wearing for the season I understand why. It is with few exceptions, the very best. Drawback...None Rating...High Water Mark...Best Tester: Chris Stinson Suggested Retail: Wingshooting Jacket...$295.00...Pant...$175.00
Frogg Togg Anura Wading Boot
Recommend...Yes Over the years, I have become accustomed to uncomfortable wading shoes. However, with Frogg Toggs’ Anura Ultra Lites it was love at first lace-up. The experience is much the same as a pair of lightweight hikers. Granted, with wool socks, neoprene wading socks and stocking foot waders, it is not exactly the same – but what an improvement. On a recent outing, I put a good eight miles on them, mostly out of the water along a rough trail, with no discomfort. When in the water (48 degrees), I was every bit as comfortable. I am much more into function than form, but these are the most attractive wading shoes I have seen to date. The reinforced durability and functional design (great heal pull) are big pluses. Drawback...The cleated “Sticky Rubber” outsole is separating slightly on one of the boots and I am not yet convinced they are as stable in slippery conditions as felt. I will keep you updated Rating...Good Water...Great Tester: Jim Abel Suggested Retail: Frogg Togg Anura Wading Boot...$79.95
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Flathead Lakers (continued from page 5) Trolling becomes less and less efficient the more complex the cover gets, and the tighter fish are holding to it. If it’s really sharp breaking, it can just be hard to place the right lures, at the right depth and coordinate that with boat control. Perfection is almost required, it is really tough to pull off at 1.5 to 3 miles per hour, in wind and waves which Flathead has in spades some days. And, there’s simply nothing at all that you can do with sharp inside turns, often where the fish are under these summer conditions. You really can’t hit these spots effectively trolling. Think about how things would work on a sharp edge: if your lure works up the edge prior to the inside turn area without snagging in the rocks, once it blasts off on the other side, it’s likely 10 feet or more above the fish on the break. The majority of the time, that just won’t work and they aren’t going to move that far. Using multiple passes with lure depth adjustments and different angles, it becomes possible to get in the face of fish on inside turns, but the efficiency that is usually trolling’s advantage is completely lost. When faced with these summer conditions like the one’s I’ve described, what I’ve found to ultimately be the most effective is Vertical jigging. Match precise boat control with a combination of vertical and casting presentations. And don’t go it alone, two or three anglers are much more
efficient that going solo. Basically, my usual method is to move the boat along the break, zig-zagging up and down the break as I move along it, making certain to cover the base of break, and occasionally creeping a little on to adjacent flats. Keep the idea of covering everything from the edge of the break, to the base of the flat that goes out to the deeper water in mind all the time. At least one presentation should be completely vertical. Different casting presentations can be used to check the shallower edges and for suspended fish. In mid-summer situations, heavy jigs (1-2 ounce), tipped with 4” to 6” cut bait will get your presentation into the desired deep water strike zone for longer. I recommend vertical jigging with 1-2 ounce bucktail jigs with stinger hooks, tipped with large pieces of cut bait or whole baitfish. A variety of jigging techniques many be employed, such as rip-jigging (allowing the jig to fall to the bottom of the lake, then using a very fast retrieve, coupled with much rod action) and finesse-jigging (very slow presentation, keeping jig near bottom and dragging it along). Certainly, how effective or appropriate the vertical jigging approach will be depends on where on the lake you are and its make-up. It has to do with a combination of things, one of the most significant being the structure makeup mentioned above: sharp and irregular
breaklines. If fish are holding tight, especially if at the base of the break, vertical presentations become the most efficient way to go. Sometimes, it can be
the only way to go. If your spot has bottom-hugging forage species as the predominant food source, you have the ultimate case for vertical approaches. Well, wait...Add in tough conditions, or just fish with bad attitudes that just aren’t willing to exercise much for a meal. Nothing says “in
your face” like vertical presentations. Lake Trout have extremely hard, bony mouths, so be certain hooks are kept as sharp as possible. Having the ability to penetrate the tough cartilage is paramount, especially when Lakers are deep. GEAR FOR THE JOBRods: When it comes to Lake Trout rods, backbone is paramount. Rods should have the ability to withstand viscous strikes, produce consistent hooksets, and cope with a multitude of long, deep water runs. Longer rods, (7’ to 8-1/2’) are usually preferred by experienced Lake Trout anglers. They must handle lines from 12 to 25 pounds and be rated for heavier lure weights. Longer handles, possibly with fighting butts, are also beneficial for extra leverage and power during the fight. Strong tips, flexible enough to load when casting, allow you to feel subtle takes, but tough enough to handle Lakers are important.
Reels: A good reel is to Lake Trout fishing as wings are to flying. Most vital is a superior drag system, capable of withstanding the rigors of endless runs and long fights. Many a Laker angler has experienced the heartbreak of losing the fish of a lifetime when an inadequate drag system seized up. A large line capacity is important and high gear ratios are very beneficial when vetical-jigging. The best choice here is a quality baitcasting reel. To handle the demands of Lake Trout fishing, spinning reels just don’t have the toughness, the cranking capability or the sophisticated drag systems baitcasters offer. So with the “Dog Days” you might head up to Flathead and cash in on some of the hottest fishing of the year.
28 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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JULY 2010
Rocky Mountain States Fish And Game Caps Salmon Zone Elk The Salmon elk zone is home to
nonresidents began buying their tags last more than 7,700 elk. December, the total the total number of Aerial surveys during nonresident B tags available is a set February and March showed that the number based on historical use. That female elk population has dropped only means 1,489 Salmon Zone B tags are slightly since the previous survey two available for Idaho residents. You can years ago. However, the number of bulls check the Idaho Fish and Game website has shown a sharper decline since 2008. under elk tag quotas in the Licenses/Tags The bull/cow ratio is about section to see how many B tags are re11 elk bulls per 100 elk cows across hunt maining once they go on sale. units 21, 21A, 28 and 36B. In order to If you applied for a controlled elk bring back the bull numbers seen in the hunt this spring, drawing results will be early to mid 2000s, Fish and Game needs available before July 10 so you have time to reduce hunting pressure for a few years. to buy a Salmon Zone B tag if you did So starting this year, caps have been not draw a controlled elk tag. While the placed on Salmon Zone B tags. The cap is resident tags are capped at 1,489 tags, last a 20 percent reduction based on the year we sold 1,772 tags, therefore most previous five-year average tag sales. hunters should be able to purchase a tag Idaho residents can buy Salmon for this year. However, don’t wait until the B tags starting July 10. While last minute to buy your 2010 tag.
Wolf Poacher Pleads Guilty, Sentenced A
n Eagle man has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of shooting a wolf in a closed season and shooting from a public road. Randy R. Strickland of Eagle shot a young wolf about 6 p.m. September 6, 2009, in the McCallWeiser wolf zone, which was closed to wolf hunting at the time. Witnesses told Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers they had seen Strickland shoot the wolf while standing in the road at the back of his pickup truck. Strickland called the 24-hour wolf harvest reporting line the morning of September 8 and reported the wolf killed in the Sawtooth wolf zone. Later that day he checked in the wolf at the Fish and Game office in the Nampa. He told officers he thought he had been in the Sawtooth wolf zone until he looked at a map back in camp on the evening of September 6. The wolf was a small female, still a pup. It was shot in Sand Creek, big game unit 25 east of Landmark in
Valley County within the McCall-Weiser zone. Officers seized the wolf hide and skull, a rifle, camera and tag. Strickland was arraigned September 22 in Valley County on misdemeanor charges of taking a game animal illegally and shooting from or across a public highway. Initially he pleaded innocent to both charges. On May 20, he changed his plea to guilty. He was ordered to pay a total of $1,064 in fines and costs, including $400 in restitution to Idaho Fish and Game. He also was sentenced to six months in jail with five months and 28 days suspended and he may do 40 hours of community service instead of jail. His sentence included one year of unsupervised probation, and his hunting privileges were suspended for one year. He asked for and received a withheld judgment and will get his rifle and camera back.
Fawn Recruitment Leads To Increased Deer Quotas For 2010 W
ith excellent game surveys, good precipitation, and increasing populations of deer, antelope and elk, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners approved the allocation of 19,943 big game tags statewide, which included a 9% increase in resident mule deer buck tags, and a 10% increase in bull elk tags. Nevada Department of Wildlife Director Ken Mayer credited Governor Jim Gibbons, and his efforts to focus management actions on mule deer for the increases. “When Gov. Gibbons hired me,” said Mayer, “he told me that my number one priority was bringing back Nevada’s mule deer herd. NDOW has continued an aggressive habitat restoration and improvement program, which with the help of increased moisture on the range, is starting to pay off.” Within the tag allocation the commission approved separate tag quotas for mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, antelope, and mountain goat. Overall the 2010 tag allocation included a 9% increase in resident mule deer buck rifle tags, with 800 more tags. The wildlife commission voted to approve a resident statewide quota of 9,326 antlered buck rifle tags. In 2010, Nevada witnessed a mule deer population increase in over 56% of its deer management units. The single largest increase occurred in Area 6 of Elko County, where ideal summer range conditions and a mild winter allowed for the addition of 800 animals, a 12% growth. Twenty years of aggressive restoration efforts of crucial deer winter ranges in Area 6, combined with excellent spring precipitation, contributed to the best fawn recruitment in 10 years. Fawn recruitment is the number of fawns that survive their first winter, at which time they are considered a permanent part of the herd. The fawn recruitment for the 2009/2010 winter was 34 fawns per 100 does, up from the previous year’s 27 fawns per 100 does, and just below the long-term statewide average of 35 fawns per 100 does. “The deer went into the winter in good body condition due to above average precipitation and better range conditions,” explained Larry Gilbertson, Game Division Chief for NDOW. “Combine that with relatively average winter conditions in many areas and the stage was set for increased recruitment due to fawn survival.”
Elk are also thriving. Much of eastern Nevada’s shrub landscape has shifted to grass lands benefitting elk, as a result of 20 years of fires. The Wildlife Commission approved a 10% increase in bull elk rifle tags, with 801 tags, 74 more than last year, and a 20% increase in bull elk muzzleloader tags, along with a 22% increase in both the cow elk rifle and archery tags. Many other big game species saw significant increases in tag quotas as well. The only species with declines were the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunt 9151, which saw a decrease due to the major disease event in the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range, and the Mountain Goat Hunt 7151 due to the same disease event. Antelope have fared exceptionally well in much of Nevada, and the Commission responded by approving 10% more antelope buck tags, and 200% more doe antelope (or young male) tags. The Resident Nelson (Desert) Bighorn Sheep – Any Ram – Any Legal Weapon Hunt 3151 saw an increase of 12% with 21 more tags. “All in all, this year should be a good year for hunters with increased opportunity,” said Gilbertson. “With this year’s moderate winter and good spring moisture, range conditions should be good and the animals should be in good body condition with decent antler growth.”
JULY 2010
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Rocky Mountain States Poacher Of Trophy Deer Ordered To Pay $10,000 In Civil Penalties A
southeastern New Mexico man convicted of poaching a trophy mule deer in 2007 has been ordered to pay $10,000 in civil penalties to reimburse the state for the loss of a valuable game animal. Bradley A. Smith, 27, had contested the civil judgment sought by the Department of Game and Fish in addition to two criminal counts of poaching. The Magistrate Court entered a $10,000 civil judgment, which was appealed to the District Court. After hearing testimony and arguments, Lovington District Judge Don Maddox determined that evidence established that the value of the deer was at least $10,000 and entered a judgment in favor of the Department of Game and Fish. Smith was convicted June 1, 2007, and ordered to pay $914 in fines and court costs for illegally killing two deer out of season and without a license. One of those deer had 32-inch wide antlers that scored 202 3/8 inches according to the Safari Club International system. The score qualified the deer as a “trophy” according to standards adopted by the New Mexico Legislature and the State Game Commission. The Legislature passed a law in 2006 that allows
civil penalties up to $10,000 for poaching a deer that scores 200 or more inches. “Civil penalties like this send a strong message to anyone thinking about stealing New Mexico’s valuable wildlife,” said Conservation Officer Brian Guzman, the Department’s lead investigator on the case. “This deer would have been a super trophy for any legal hunter.” Smith’s arrest in January 2007 followed a report to the Operation Game Thief hotline from a citizen who witnessed a trophy-class mule deer shot out of season. Search warrants served by Department conservation officers, New Mexico State Police, Lea County Sheriff’s Office and the Hobbs Police Department led to the seizure of the trophy antlers. D’Ann Read, chief deputy district attorney for the Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, said the judgment was a big victory for the state. “The deer poached was a truly magnificent animal, a lost resource belonging to the State of New Mexico and its citizens,” Read said. “I am gratified that two levels of judiciary recognize that illegally taken game steals from us all and that civil penalties are an option to recover that loss.”
Major Deer And Elk Hunting Changes I
f you enjoy hunting deer or elk in Utah, you need to take note ideas are being floated that could dramatically change when the hunts are held in 2011. The DWR is considering ideas that might change when you hunt deer in Utah in 2011. You can learn about the possible changes—and let the Division of Wildlife Resources know what you think about its ideas—by logging onto a new webpage. The page is available at the DWR’s website. The address is go.usa. gov/3v4. When you arrive at the page, you’ll find information about the proposed changes. You’ll also find a brief questionnaire. Answering the questionnaire will allow biologists to
know what you think about the ideas. “If you enjoy hunting deer and elk in Utah, you need to visit the site and let us know what you think,” says Anis Aoude, big game coordinator for the DWR. Aoude also encourages you to share your ideas with members of the Utah Wildlife Board and the state’s Regional Advisory Councils. E-mail addresses for the board and RAC members are available at: wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings. “The board will decide which ideas to approve when it meets December 2, 2010,” Aoude says. “Even though their meeting is a few months away, right now is the time to let the board and RACs know what you think.”
Big Cutthroats At Strawberry Reservoir A
nglers are catching big cutthroat trout at Strawberry Reservoir. Ryan Houston of Pleasant Grove is one of the latest to find that out. Ryan was fishing with his family at Strawberry on May 14, 2010 when he hooked a gorgeous 13-pound, 8-ounce Bear Lake cutthroat. The 30-inch trout had a girth of 20 inches. With the help of his three-year-old son Ryder, Ryan brought the monster in on 4-pound test line. Ryder got the thrill of his life as he helped his dad reel the big trout in. RYAN HOUSTON SHOWS THE 30-INCH Ryan caught the fish using a CUTTHROAT TROUT HE CAUGHT AT white-colored 16-ounce jig. He caught the fish STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR ON on the Soldier Creek side of the reservoir. MAY 14, 2010. PHOTO COURTESY RYAN HOUSTON FAMILY Houston isn’t the only angler who’s caught a big fish at Strawberry recently. Cliff long. He didn’t weigh the fish before Bowden of Salt Lake City also caught a similar cutthroat during the same week Houston caught his. releasing it. He caught the fish from the shore using a Rapala. Bowden’s fish was about 31 inches
Wyoming Record Fish D
uring the coming months, fishing activity will be on the increase, and if 2010 is like previous years, there will be several fish caught that will qualify as new state records. In 2009, Wyoming anglers set four new records. Some records are likely untouchable --like the 11 pound, 4 ounce golden trout caught in 1948--but a glance at the records shows that half of Wyoming’s entries have been caught since 2000. Over the years there have been numerous reports of anglers catching large fish that for one reason or another were never entered into the state record book. Entering a fish for record consideration is quite easy, but there are rules that must be followed. - The fish must be weighed on a scale certified for legal trade. Scales in post offices or places of commerce are usually all certified. The scale in your tackle box is not. The weighing must be witnessed by two persons other than the applicant. -Fish must be caught on rod, reel and line or pole and line and hooked (no snagging) with any legal hook or lure. - Fish caught from private club or fish
hatchery waters, or private ponds not accessible for angling to the public, are ineligible. - The species must be verified by the Game and Fish Department. The identity of most fish is usually obvious, but there are certain species such as lake trout, splake, brook trout, walleye, sauger and some of the sunfish species that could easily be mistaken. -Fish must be taken during the legal open season of the water where caught. Other advice is to get the fish officially weighed as quickly as possible. Over the years, several fish have been submitted for record consideration that were not weighed until a number of days after they were caught. A large fish will lose moisture over time and that can add up to enough weight loss that the time spent in the freezer could keep a fish from becoming a new state record. Fish record entry forms are found on the Game and Fish website http:// gf.state.wy.us . Anglers can contact Game and Fish regional offices or Game and Fish headquarters (307) 777-4600 for more information.
30 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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River And Stream Access For Summer Recreation MFWP MFWPs reminds Montanans with summer camping, fishing and float North Central Montana Fishing (continued from page 15)
and at the same time the fish is not feeling the unnatural density of the weight simply because these weights slide freely up and down your line. These rigs are designed to be fished very slowly while dragging them along the bottom. Also a great rig when bank fishing in which you can just let set or a slow retrieve. When the fish hits let them have it, meaning don’t set the hook first tick you get. Use really light drag or even an open bell method keeping the bait as light as you can which equals a more natural bait presentation. Of course the open bell methods means all hands on deck; you have to be paying attention because before you know it all your line is gone and possibly even your rod and reel with the fish of a life time on the end. REGULATING RESERVOIR: Kokanee fishing is far better than it was all last year. Yet anglers still need to put in there time and learn patterns and various techniques that are vital to getting them in the boat. Lead core has already become a vital tool this year in picking up Kokanee. They are deep and this is one of the only ways to get down to there depths if you don’t use downriggers. Of course there is hovering over them jigging them with spoons and jigs. Don’t forget about buoy markers if you chose the latter technique. Of course there are those of you that have the new Minn Kota: I-Pilot which holds your boat on a G.P.S. coordinate…Awesome!
World Champion Elk Caller: 5 Tips For Better Hunting (continued from page 21) In the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships, amateur callers have 30 seconds to mimic cow and bull sounds. Professional competitors like Turner are required to make specific calls including standard bugles and cow calls as well as breeding calls. Judges score each competitor anonymously. Winners in the six divisions of competition receive prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500. The 2011 competition is slated for March 3-6 in Reno, Nev. The event helps raise awareness of RMEF elk, habitat and conservation initiatives. About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
plans to review the rules and regulations surrounding access to Montana’s rivers and streams. Montana’s 1985 Stream Access Law says that the public can pursue water-related recreation, including fishing, floating, swimming, and boating on rivers and streams even if they flow past private land—but only up to the ordinary high water mark. With the passage of Montana’s bridge access law, FWP is working with landowners at multiple sites to assist with the mechanics of providing public access to rivers and streams at bridges. Passed during the 2009 Legislative session, the new law confirms that the public has access to surface waters by public bridge or county road right-of-way. Montana’s laws do not allow recreationists to enter private lands bordering streams or to cross private lands to access streams. For example, when waterways are running at full flow there may be no dry land available below the high water mark to walk on. “When there is no dry land between the high water marks, recreationists should avoid the area until water levels drop,” said Jim Kropp, FWP Enforcement Chief. Kropp said recreationists using bridge crossings for stream access must also be able to stay within the high-water mark during high flows and not cross private property. Recreationists must always first ask for permission to use private land to access public waterways. “Irrigation ditches are generally private property and no access is allowed without the permission of the landowner,” Kropp said.
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JULY 2010
A Good Reason Not To Run-Pack Bear Spray MFWP T
he Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee stresses the importance of following proper bear avoidance safety techniques and recommends bear spray as an effective tool for personal safety in bear country. Bear spray has the potential to reduce human injuries and the number of bears that are killed as a result of conflicts with humans. A side benefit of bear spray is the sudden, loud hiss of the spray and the billowing orange cloud. This commotion is sometimes enough to startle and repel a bear before it ever encounters the burning spray. The active ingredient in bear spray is an extremely strong irritant that turns the tables on an aggressive bear. IGBC bear spray recommendations can be found on the IGBC Web site , or go to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Web site at fwp.mt.gov . Click Be Bear Aware. When and where to use bear spray: -Bear spray should only be used as a deterrent in a confrontation with an aggressive bear. Sightings and encounters with bears do not generally result in conflicts or bear aggression. -Bear spray is only effective when used as an airborne deterrent sprayed as a cloud at an animal at close range. -It should not be applied to people, tents, packs, other equipment or to the surrounding area as a repellent. -Each person should carry a can of bear spray when working or recreating in bear habitat. -Spray should be carried in a quick, accessible fashion such as in a hip or chest holster. -In your tent, keep bear spray readily available next to your flashlight and a can available in your cooking area. -Bear spray should be tested once a year. Do not test spray in or near a camping area, or on clothing or equipment. Be sure to check the expiration date on your can of bear spray. How to use bear spray: -Always take the time to practice with bear spray in advance of recreating or working outdoors. -When confronting an aggressive bear, remove the safety clip. -If the bear approaches within 30 feet, aim slightly down and in front of the approaching bear. If necessary, adjust for cross winds. -Spray again if the bear continues to approach. -Once the animal has retreated or is busy cleaning itself, leave the area as quickly as possible (don’t run) or go to an immediate area of safety, such as a car or building. Do not chase or pursue the animal.
Thru-the-Season Scouting For Deer BY BRODIE SWISHER
N
o other animal on earth has created a frenzy among hunters like the whitetail deer. The relentless pursuit of whitetail deer by avid hunters has truly become a year-round endeavor. Gone are the days of simply hanging a stand the weekend before the opener and hoping for the best. Today’s deer hunters now invest countless hours and dollars as they tirelessly scout and prepare for the deer they’ll be hunting throughout the hunting season. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with good friend and videographer, Troy Ruiz, and pick his brain on his favorite tactics for keeping track of deer on the lands he hunts. Troy has been around the country on a number of occasions filming hunts for the likes of Mossy Oak, Primos, and others, but admits that he still enjoys tackling tough bucks on his home turf about as much as anything. Troy loves the consistency of early season deer patterns. “Early season can be the easiest time to pattern bucks, because where you see one buck, you will usually see more,” says Ruiz. “They are still running in bachelor groups coming out of the summer months. In warm-weather climates, water-holes can be the ticket, especially during a late, dry and hot summer. Deer have to drink, and in late summer, when most all the green vegetation is withered from the scorching heat, moisture is hard to come by. A small creek or hidden pocket of water may be a magnet for drawing deer and the ideal place to hang your stand. The main tool I depend on in scouting is my spotting scope and binoculars,” says Ruiz. “I try to ride the perimeters of a new farm I’ll be hunting to see what I’m up against on all four corners. You may have deer on your farm, but are they staying on your farm or just traveling through the area headed somewhere else?
“Scout from a distance with the use of a quality spotting scope or binoculars.” If you’ve done your summer scouting from a distance with the use of binoculars and a spotting scope, pressure on your deer herd should be minimal. Troy is an advocate for low-pressure scouting and stand placement in any area he’ll be hunting. “Once you’ve got a pretty good idea of the early season travel patterns in your area, it’s time to move in, hang your stand and get out,” says Ruiz. “Minimal time, noise, and scent in their comfort zone is the key. I personally like hanging my stand on windy, rainy days. This helps with less scent and noise in the area.” (continued next page)
“A well-placed trail camera at a fence crossing will help you monitor deer activity in your area.”
JULY 2010
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It seems that everyone loves trail cameras, and there is no doubt they can be a great resource for knowing what’s on your farm. But if you spend too much time checking these cameras you are letting the deer know when you are in their zone. Ninety-five percent of all trail camera photos are in the dark. Why? It’s often times because of our high-pressure scouting efforts during daylight hours. You can bet deer are aware of your presence. In fact, a buck will most likely be on to you the first time you set foot in the woods. “Over-monitoring” your hunting area can…and will…put your deer, particularly big bucks, on alert. Again, the key is to get in and get out, quickly, quietly, and as stink-free as possible. Troy also prefers hanging his trail cameras high in a tree facing down to the ground. Why? “In my opinion it leaves less scent, and if you’re using a flash camera, it is less likely to spook the deer when coming from above,” says Troy. “Don’t let the trail camera be the only scouting tool you rely on,” says Ruiz. “Talk to local farmers, real estate agents, the school bus driver, and most of all, the local barber......He knows all the good spots!” So what’s Troy’s favorite early season stand? Persimmon trees! “If I can find a persimmon tree on the tract of ground I’m hunting, I will nurture that tree like it was my own child,” says Ruiz. “I want this tree to be a healthy, fruit bearing tree year after year. Deer absolutely love persimmons!” The Rut The whitetail rut is a fascinating occurrence that diehard deer hunters live for each season. The truth is, hunting the rut can be very difficult, especially when you’re after a certain buck. One thing to keep in mind is the bucks won’t be far behind the does. So scouting for does can be critical to success at this time of year. “I personally would much rather hunt the pre-rut over the peak of the rut,” says Ruiz. “The pre-rut will find bucks on their feet trolling for does, and buck sign in your area like never before.” Keep the does on your farm with low pressure and good food, and you will have the bucks. Troy prefers to hang his stand at this point of the season in pinch points and funnels leading to and from bed to feed. He also takes advantage of what he calls “observation stands.” “I am not concerned about killing a buck in this spot, but it gives me a vantage point to watch travel routes of deer from a distance. When the wind is right I move in for the kill. The key to killing big deer is hunt where they live, and don’t let them know your there.”
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Late Season When the late season finally rolls around, it’s time once again to focus back on the major food sources. Corn, soy bean, and alfalfa fields, as well as established food plots, can be the ideal spots to find bucks as they are once again in a feeding frenzy as they attempt to recover from the physically demanding effects of the rut. Bucks can lose as much as 35% of body fat due to the never ending chasing that goes on in the magical time we call the rut,” says Ruiz. “To replenish they will flock to high protein, high fat food sources to build up their fat content to make it through the harsh winter ahead. Key in on the foods that give energy, fat, and calories back to the deer and you have found gold at the end of the rainbow.” With another deer season just around the corner, now is the time to put effective, low-pressure scouting tactics to work as you put the wraps on an early season game plan for your next buck. Keep minimal pressure on your hunting location by using scouting tools such as binoculars, spotting scope, and a trail camera and you’ll help ensure that your next trophy is right where he belongs when opening day arrives.
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Outdoor Guide To State School Trust Lands
BY JOHN GRASSY, MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION INFORMATION OFFICER
What are state school trust lands? What makes them different from other public lands in Montana? Is public recreation allowed? How do I get access? These are some of the most frequently asked questions about those blue-colored blocks of land appearing on most maps of our state. School trust lands offer some outstanding year-round recreation opportunities for Montanans, but the rules for using them differ from most other public lands in the state. School trust lands are special places set aside for a special purpose. Montana’s 5.2 million acres of state school trust lands are managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to produce revenue for public institutions, including public education. Last year alone, school trust lands generated $61.2 million for K-12 education and $24.2 million for school facilities and classroom technology. Since 2005, these lands have contributed more than $300 million to K-12 education in Montana. Across much of Montana, state lands are sections 16 and 36 of each township, though in some places, such as state forests in western Montana, school
trust lands are consolidated into larger blocks. Public recreation is allowed on many acres of school trust lands that are not leased or licensed for specific uses, such as cabin sites, raising crops, commercial buildings or even wind farms – but the rules for using them are tailored to protect the income-generating capacities of the land. General recreation activities on trust lands include daytime hiking, sight-seeing, overnight camping, and daytime horseback riding. If any of these activities are on your recreation agenda this summer and you want to visit a tract of state school trust land, you will need a $10 recreation use license, which is available for purchase at any Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks license agent, or at a regional FWP office. For those interested in hunting and fishing, these activities are covered, in an agreement between FWP and DNRC, by a $2 access fee included in the cost of your conservation license that gives you automatic entry to any school trust lands open to recreation. Recreation rules on state school trust lands are somewhat unique: -Camping is permitted at designated camp areas for 14 days, and for only two
consecutive days at nondesignated sites within 200 feet of a normal access point on the property. -Motor vehicle use is generally restricted to federal, state and regularly maintained county roads, or roads designated as open by DNRC. In other words, consider all roads on state school trust lands closed unless designated otherwise. -Parking on state land is allowed only within 50 feet of a “customary access point.” Of course, you can also park on a federal or state road or highway, along with a county road, as long as it is legal under traffic rules in the area. -Open fires are restricted to DNRC-designated campgrounds – and please leave the fireworks at home! Maps of state school trust lands that show designated roads are available at U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service offices. An informational brochures on state land use rules is also available at all FWP and DNRC offices; for an online version, go to http://dnrc. mt.gov/trust/REMB/statues/recreationaluse.asp on the DNRC website. For questions, contact DNRC Recreational Use Coordinator Dan Dobler at (406) 444-9726, or contact your local DNRC office. Enjoy your time on Montana’s state school trust lands!
34 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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PHOTO COURTESY JIM FOSTER
Montana Speed Goat - Bagging A Montana Pronghorn BY JIM FOSTER
W
hat they saw was just a speck on the horizon – or was it on the windshield? Even the 10x binoculars didn’t give the view required. Breaking out the well-used spotting scope was a requirement not a choice. The distance speck came closer as 30 power became 50 power and the speck became a pronghorn buck walking the distant skyline. This was Montana and a lot more is big here than the sky. Finding a game animal at incredible distances happens is a rule not an exception, this is especially true when you are hunting a Montana “Speed Goat” better known to most as a pronghorn antelope. Besides a straight shooting rifle the basic requirements for the Montana pronghorn shooter is good optics, scope, binoculars, and spotting scope. These three are not just equipment they are a necessity pure and simple.
My favorites are all Alpen products starting with Alpen 3-9 Variable 42mm scope, the Alpen Teton 10x42 binocular, and the Alpen 20-60-60 spotting scope. Many hunters prefer a flat shooting .223 or .243 as the perfect pronghorn caliber but I have seen many successful hunters using the 30.06, the .270 and one hunter was even shooting a .300 Winchester Magnum - so the choice is really yours. The pronghorn is found in many places in Montana but will pick the wide open or rolling plains hands down for both feeding habitat as well as safety. The pronghorn’s eyesight will compete with a hunter using a spotting scope without question. Colored tan with white underside, the first thing normally spotted will be the large white rump patch and two white bands across throat. Horns lengths
JULY 2010
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(406) 830-3368 • emslapawn@hotmail.com of adult bucks will measure 13 to 16 inches long with prongs and curved tips. Seeing a buck from a great distance may be deceiving where length and spread can be difficult to judge. In this case the spotting scope can be invaluable. Hunting pronghorn starts with the activity of looking the terrain over and the glassing or scoping an active area. - The fact they are easy to see means the best hunting method is glassing large areas generally from a vehicle but at times from horseback or on foot. Antelope country tends to be flat with plenty of dirt roads. Once a herd is spotted, plans can be made for a stalk to bring the hunter within rifle range. Montana is second only to Wyoming for numbers of antelope. In 2006, about 35,500 hunters drew tags, including slightly fewer than 2,000 multi-region archery-only tags. While overall 2009 harvest figures are still out, information from check stations indicate that the harvest was pretty much in line with the 10-year average. Assuming a hunter-success rate of slightly less than 50 percent, that would put the overall kill at about 18,000. As usual, it appears non-residents enjoyed greater success with bows and rifles than did residents. One of the top areas is Region 7, located in the southeast part of the state. As for the rest of the state the hunting is good. Just for the records just about everyone who draws a tag and puts forth the effort gets an antelope. The record shows that most of the bucks killed were near or were considered trophy animals. The only closed area in Montana with no permits is Region 1. A real bragging point for Montana and pronghorn hunters is the many acres of Block Management provided by the state, with decent-to-excellent antelope hunting. In addition, millions of acres of public land also provide excellent hunting. On a recent hunt out of Chester, Montana several hunters were seen glassing the open country just as the sun came up and several stalks were undertaken during that same time. Later in the morning one family hunting together spotted a good buck many yards away.
Watching through my binoculars as two of the hunters - staying low behind the hills - anyone could see they had hunted pronghorn in the past. Moving slowing along a small rise they were closing the distance. So far the buck in the group was unaware of the hunters. The hunters took a look at about 400 yards then continued the stalk. Reaching to within 300 yards from the buck the hunters went to the prone position and eased to the top of the rise. As luck would have it the buck had moved a short distance toward the hunters making the yardage nearing 250 yards. However, the hunters luck took a change in the wrong direction. Either spotting some movement made by the hunters, or maybe even seeing one of their hats caused them to go on the alert and move back to the 300-yard mark before stopping to take another look. This activity is sometimes deadly to pronghorn as well as to other species. Such was the case – getting the range and shooting from the prone position – a slow squeeze of the trigger and the buck dropped where he stood. The end of a great family hunt. If you are looking for a good hunt however you wish to accomplish the task, try a Montana Pronghorn and you won’t regret it. In addition pronghorn meat is excellent and will headline a trophy meal. For the 2010 seasons, limits, and drawing dates go to the Montana Fish Game and Parks Web Site or visit on of the many license outlets and pick up a copy of the regulations.
JULY 2010
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Cabins available
• 35
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National Wild Turkey Federation First Quarter Project Spending Totals $937,000 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION To advance its mission of promoting wildlife conservation and preserving our hunting heritage, the National Wild Turkey Federation distributed nearly $937,000 during the first quarter of 2010 to states and programs through the NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund. To date, the NWTF and its partners have invested more than $306 million in upholding hunting traditions and conserving 14 million acres of wildlife habitat. Some of the Federation’s Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects include improving wildlife habitat, supporting hunter education and providing opportunities for women, youth and people with disabilities to experience outdoor fun through outreach programs. The first quarter of Hunting Heritage Super Fund spending totaled $936,682 and included: Youth Education: Spent $201,859 to fund scholarships and educational projects, introduce youth to shooting sports, provide NWTF Wild About Turkey Education Boxes and conduct 4-H and teacher workshops. Habitat Enhancement: Spent $177,878 on programs to improve wildlife habitat including supporting the NWTF’s fall seed subsidy and Conservation Seed programs, purchasing equipment to improve habitat, creating wildlife openings and more. Land Purchases: Spent $136,246 to purchase land or conservation easements to conserve wildlife habitat and provide additional hunting areas. JAKES: Spent $72,500 to introduce youth to outdoor activities, conservation and hunting through the JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program.
Volunteer and Professional Education: Spent $66,237 to provide educational opportunities, purchase staff equipment and more. Wild Turkey Restoration, Management and Research: Spent $51,407 to improve wildlife habitat by purchasing trapping, law enforcement and research equipment and providing research grant support. Hunter Safety: Spent $24,873 to support hunter safety classes and initiatives. The funds purchased hunter safety materials and equipment such as interactive shooting systems. Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF: Spent $17,388 to purchase materials and equipment to provide opportunities for women and people with disabilities to participate in outdoor activities and learn about wildlife conservation through Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF outreach events across North America. Hunting Heritage: Spent $13,850 to protect and promote our hunting heritage including contributions to the National Shooting Sports Foundation and U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. NWTF chapters invested an additional $174,443 in other NWTF projects. In addition to helping fund projects like these, NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund banquets combine fun, fellowship and dedication to the wild turkey. They’re a great place to meet friends who are passionate about the outdoors, win valuable prizes and buy items unique to the NWTF. By placing the highest bid, attendees can take home sporting art, furniture, hunting guns, knives, calls, outdoor equipment and more. The Hunting Heritage Super Fund supports the NWTF’s multitude of conservation and education programs.
BRENDAN BEATTY SHIRAS’ MOOSE 146-2/8 B&C COUNTY IN: FLATHEAD COUNTY, MT. 2006
Camper Injured Grizzlies By Black Bear Sighted Near Near St. Regis MFWP Missouri River A
Washington man was injured early Monday morning by a black bear that bit through the side of his tent while camping in Mineral County, just southwest of St. Regis. According to (FWP) wardens who investigated the scene, Rob Holmes, of Ellensburg, was awakened from his sleep at around 4:30 a.m. when he felt an animal bite his ear from outside his tent. The animal ran off without being seen. Twenty-one stitches were required to close the injury to Holmes’s ear lobe. Although no tracks were visible, the wardens were able to inspect bite marks in the tent, and found similar bite marks in canned food at a nearby abandoned camp site. “He did everything right,” Jeff Darrah, FWP Warden Captain in Missoula, said. “He kept a clean camp and did not place himself at risk. Unfortunately, food and other attractants that were abandoned at another nearby camp likely drew the bear in.” The primitive U.S. Forest Service campground, located about two miles up Little Joe Road, will be closed until further notice while officials attempt to capture and remove the bear.
MFWP
A
pair of grizzly bears has been sighted near the Missouri River between Great Falls and Fort Benton. “They have not caused any problems,” says Mike Martin, Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden captain. “But we want people out recreating or living in the area to be observant.” There were rumors in early June of the grizzlies on the Teton River north of Great Falls, but eye witness accounts and physical evidence this week have confirmed the bears’ presence. The bears were seen in June near the crossroads of Floweree. Later they were spotted traveling down Black Coulee toward the Missouri River. If the bears stay in one spot, FWP will try to capture and relocate them. Last year in June, a lone grizzly wandered down the Teton. It was captured and relocated as it neared Loma, about 100 miles from the Rocky Mountain Front.
36 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Western Montana Fishing Report (continued from page 14) productive but in the warmer water of summer they usually won’t hesitate to chase down a well cast spoon, plug or spinnerbait. BLACKFOOT RIVER: Another classic Montana trout water, the Blackfoot may not be our most productive trout stream, but it’s beauty and variety of water types and fishing options make it a can’t miss in July. The salmonflies should still be going on the Blackfoot when this article comes out. The hatch started a little later this year due to the large amount of cold run-off but it is in full swing at the moment. Golden Stones, PMD’s, Green Drakes, caddis and a variety of big, bushy dry flies will also take fish on top, and there may be no better place around to cast streamers for big browns that are measured in pounds, not inches. You won’t catch one on every cast, but nothing that good should come easy. Hopefully the cool rainy weather of May and June will fend off any river closures this summer. The Blackfoot is usually the first to close when the dog days of summer set in and the water temperatures start to rise.
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ROCK CREEK: July marks the end of the float season on Rock Creek, but not the end of the good fishing. Lower flows will make it much friendlier for wading anglers, and you won’t have to worry about being run down by a wayward raft... or ten. Golden stones and yellow sallies will draw strikes all month, and on any given day PMD’s, caddis, Green Drakes and hoppers can be important. The nice thing about Rock Creek for the novice fly angler is that most of the time you don’t have to “match the hatch” to catch fish. An assortment of basic attractor patterns is usually more than enough to keep anglers busy with fish. Don’t forget your San Juan worms. SMALL STREAMS: Our small streams should come back into fishable shape soon, and will provide some great opportunities this month. Most will see some of the same hatches as the larger rivers, like PMD’s, caddis, Green Drakes and yellow sallies, but often generic attractor patterns will work just as well. Don’t forget to put on a bead head nymph as a dropper and increase your catch. If you have become jaded by overeducated trout and crowded rivers, try hiking up a tributary stream for a day, and see what fishing is like where the trout don’t speak Latin and there is no one to be impressed by how much your rod and reel costs. Good luck to everyone, enjoy what is shaping up to be an excellent July.
JULY 2010
FWP Commission Adopts 10-year Plan For Upper Missouri River Reservoirs MFWP T
he Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently adopted a 10-year fisheries management plan for the upper Missouri River and reservoir system that stretches from Toston to Holter Dam. While the commission approved the 10-year plan, actual changes to regulations for the popular three reservoirs—Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter—will not be tentatively adopted until Aug. 5, with final regulation approval set for October 7. Officials said regulation changes will be proposed for the Missouri River and for Canyon Ferry, Hauser and Holter reservoirs. A public comment period will accompany the regulation-setting process. Any approved regulations would go into effect on March 1, 2011. The new plan emerged from an 18-member workgroup that recommended revisions to the document that guided the reservoirs’ fisheries management since 2000. George Liknes, FWP fisheries manager in Great Falls, noted that there is often a brief lag time between the adoption of a long-term plan and actual on-the-water regulations. Nonetheless, Liknes expects many anglers to be most interested in Canyon Ferry Reservoir strategies suggested by the commission. “We’ll follow the public’s and the commissioners’ direction for walleye limits in Canyon Ferry,” he said. “The commission established some sideboards for Canyon Ferry walleye regulations.” Those sideboards include a daily limit of between 10 and 16 fish, but also provide protection for larger walleye by allowing anglers to keep three to five fish that are greater than 14 to 18 inches long, but only one greater than 28 inches long. “FWP will propose a regulation within these sideboards, and it will consider creel census data and population modeling to determine specific limits,” Liknes said. The Upper Missouri River and Reservoir Management Plan is available via the FWP website, at fwp.mt.gov. Click “Upper Missouri River Management Plan.
JULY 2010
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
• 37
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Get Bow Ready
BY ANDREW MCKEAN
Get your archery gear and eye sharpened
M
ontana’s first hunting season, for archery antelope, opens in a little over a month. And just a couple of weeks after that Aug. 15 opener, archery deer and elk season opens, sending hard-core bowhunters into the mountains and valleys of the state for the next six weeks. Are you ready for archery season? It’s a simple question, but I’m betting you are like me: your mind is more prepared than either your body or your gear. Well, don’t dawdle. The clock is ticking, and here are some of the basic ways you can be in bow shape by mid August. · Check Your Bow: Sounds simple, but just by inspecting your bow and arrows with a jeweler’s eye you can spot obvious problems that would doom an archery outing if left unattended. Is your bowstring worn, especially where it passes over cams and pulleys? Are the strands of the string frayed or dry looking? The fix is simple: Just wax dry strings. If they’re especially worn, spend a few bucks and replace the string. Is your knock loop twisted, or is the serving (the spot on the string where your arrow is knocked) frayed or tired-looking? If you don’t feel like you have the expertise to trouble-shoot potential problems with your bow, take it to a bow shop and spend $40 or $50 to have it tuned up. That’s cheap for the edge it will put on your shooting and the peace of mind it will give you. · Shoot Some Shafts: Once your bow is checked out, devote time every single day to shooting it. Modern compound bows shoot so flat and are so forgiving of shooter error that they lull us into the fantasy that we can pick up our bows and
within a week be in hunting form. That’s a delusion. You need to retone your shoulder and bicep muscles, sharpen your eye, and work on your form. Shooting a bow is equal parts physical and metaphysical, and shooting a dozen or so arrows per day will allow you to better “see” your target. · Practice Various Positions: It’s easy to sink shafts in the bulls eye if you are making standing shots at modest distances. But now try kneeling, or shooting while sitting on a bucket, or slightly off balance. Those are the shots you are likely to be taking in the field, so train for them. And while I’d never encourage long shots, practice out to the edge of your comfortable range. · Consider a New Bow: You don’t have to say that twice to a bowhunter, especially one making do with an older bow. They are expensive, but archery technology is changing so fast that new model-year bows will allow even novice bowhunters to shoot better. If you can’t afford a new bow, consider updating your components: starting with a new sight or rest. Also think about a new quiver or release. · Broadhead Care: Your shot can be true, but if your broadheads are dull or loose, you risk wounding the animal you intended to kill. Spend some time now with your blades, honing them to a razor edge, ensuring that any replaceable blades are seated, and then make sure you store them in a place where they won’t get dinged and dulled. Once you have all those considerations in hand, get ready to go hunting. Montana has the most liberal archery seasons in the nation, and all that’s missing is you.
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Archery Shoots Man Killed By & Events Grizzly
PARK COUNTY SHERIFF
MONTANA BOWHUNTERS ASSOC. 7/17 - 7/18 Kings Hill Shoot - Harley Park, Little Belts Great Falls Archery Club visit www.greatfallsarchery.com 7/31 - 8/01 3-D Shoot - Makoshika State Park, Glendive Makoshika Bowmen Contact: Jim Thompson 406-687-3412 08/08 Get Ready To Hunt 3-D Shoot Electric City Club Range near Wadsworth Park on the west side of Great Falls Contact: 406-799-0952 LEWIS & CLARK ARCHERS 08/01 3rd Annual Bowhunters Rendezvous Z Bar Z Sporting Clays, Helena Visit www.lewisandclarkarchers.com
Hunt Fest 2010 - July 10
Location: Cowbow Troys in Victor. 10am - 6pm: Archery Product Demos & Vendor Displays 4pm - 6pm: Berry Game Calls Outdoor Bugling Seminar 6pm: Live Band $2,000 in Raffles Prizes Hosted by: Bitterroot Valley Archery Call 406-363-2564 for information.
A
t approximately 6:48 pm on June 17th the Park County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a subject had possibly been mauled and killed by a grizzly bear in the Kitty Creek Drainage located in the Shoshone National Forest west of Cody. The victim, 70 year old Erwin Frank Evert of Cody was reported missing by his wife to Chad Dickinson, a member of the USGS Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) based out of Bozeman. Dickinson and his team were working within the Kitty Creek Drainage snaring grizzly bears for research. Dickinson rode back up Kitty Creek to an area where earlier they had caught a large adult male grizzly. Once at the capture sight, Dickinson found Evert dead as a result of fatal injuries caused by an encounter with the bear. At approximately 8:30 pm Wardens of the Wyoming Game and Fish and a Park County Sheriff’s Deputy located Evert approximately 2 miles from the road in a remote rugged area. Park County Sheriff Search and Rescue was called in and Evert’s body was removed while Wardens provided armed security. The recovery was completed at approximately 12:18 am on June 18th. At this time it appears that members of IGBST had captured the bear and tranquilized the bear for research purposes, put a radio collar on the bear and then packed up their equipment and left the area. At some point Evert wandered into the capture area where he was fatally wounded. Evert was not armed nor was he carrying bear spray.
38 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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SPORTING GOODS, MONTANA STYLE
JULY 2010
Bob Ward & Sons New Gear Review
Each month we select several products that are brand new to the market and may appeal to our Montana readers and customers
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Groundbreaking Ultra Light Construction Flex Frame™ network of resilient poles provide featherweight structure and support.
Grindwater Rockwater EGO Waterproof iPod Sound Case With Speakers The EGO Waterproof Sound Case is a portable iPod
speaker system that lets you share your music where ever you go. Designed to house the popular iPod Video, Photo, Nano (all three generations) and Minis, it features waterproof speakers, sealed base venting ports and full-range neodymium drivers. The EGO Waterproof Sound Case is spill-proof, shatter-proof, waterproof, resistant to sea or pool water corrosion and it floats! Now you can listen to music or watch videos in the shower or pool, at the park, on road trips, at the office or anywhere you want to share your iPod music. Style 210516
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The Very Versatile Venture Wake Surfer From Liquid Force - Try It Out Today The Venture, redesigned for 2010, is GOLF•HIKING•HUNTING OUTDOOR APPAREL•FOOTWEAR APPAREL•FOOTWEAR WATER SPORTS•PADDLE SPORTS PAINTBALL & MUCH MUCH MORE!
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your versatile everyday wake surfboard. It works equally well in small to medium wake sizes, as the shape generates push while the squash tail allows any surfer to move with ease. Variable edges prove to be forgiving, and superior tracking is generated by three fins. The fuller rail shape with it’s additional volume provides increased drive and float along the wake. It’s variable bi-leveled rail through mid-body to nose keeps the nose from catching an outside edge and is more forgiving off the lip of the wake and the sharp rail edge throughout the rear third of the board allows for quicker water release, improving speed and glide. Whether a pro or beginner, all riders will equally have a great time riding the Venture.
All products shown available at Bob Ward & Sons or at www.bobwards.com.
JULY 2010
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JULY 2010
No Hassle Pricing
Financing as low as 3.9% for 36 Months* + 2 Year Limited Warranty + $200 Rebate on all 2010 Models
*See store for details.
MISSOULA
2801 W. Broadway 549-2355 1-800-823-6666 Mon.-Fri. 8-8, Sat. 8-6, 9-5 Sun.
View our sales flyer online at www.qualitysupply.com
Meeting real needs...for real people
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BUTTE
3939 Harrison Avenue 494-6188 1-888-494-6188 Mon.-Fri. 8-8, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 9-5