Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure - May 2010

BIG SKY

OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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MAY 2010

BASS On The Fly

Hiking & CAMPING

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NOT CRYING WOLF The Shrinking Of The Deer & Elk Populations

Monster

Pike Action

Spring

Black Bear

HUNTING

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MAY 2010

MAY 2010

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Outdoor Calendar

FORT BENTON FORT BENTON SPRING CLASSIC FISHING DERBY: May 21 - 23

LIBBY KOOCANUSA RESORT SALMON & TROUT DERBY: May 15 -16

The annual Fort Benton Spring Classic Fishing Derby has categories for both adults and children. This event is fun and exciting for all ages, filled with prizes and cash. Come to historic Fort Benton and enjoy some of the best fishing on the Missouri River and the Marias River. Phone: 406-621-5592 www.fortbenton.com/derby

There are camping facilities, cabins, boat rentals, a restaurant & lounge, and gift shop. Fishermen and women come from all over to partake in this event of catching the big one. Phone: 406-293-7474 or visit www.koocanusaresort.com

FORT PECK ROCK CREEK WALLEYE TOURNAMENT ON FORT PECK: June 5 - 6

5th annual Outdoorsfest. Shoot their archery range and 3-D course, try the air rifle range, fly-casting, learn to tie flies, and watch the kids catch live trout all for free. Join in on paintball, outdoor skills and seminars, while the kids enjoy face painting, bouncers and more. visit www.outdoorsmenchurch.com

One of America’s best walleye waters, sets the stage for an exciting event where big walleye over 10 pounds could be plentiful. The Rock Creek Walleye Tournament is the oldest Walleye tourney in the state.

Rock Creek Marina is the headquarters and stocks all of the amenities anglers might be looking for.

Camping facilities are available both at the marina and across the bay on the North Fork of Rock Creek.

A feed along the lake shore of Fort Peck is provided for all anglers and guests on Saturday night. This tournament is a catch and release format to minimize the impact on our fishery. Phone: 406-653-1952 or visit www.rockcreekmarina.com

HAVRE BLACK POWDER SHOOT: May 29 - 30 Tomahawk and knife throwing competitions and a pancake race are part of the fun. Primitive dress is encouraged, but not required and camping is available. A long range black powder cartridge event is included, along with 35 other shooting events.

Located at the historical Fort Assiniboine 7 miles south west of Havre on Highway 87.

Phone: 406-265-2483

HELENA TRADITIONAL BOW MAKING FOR THE MODERN HUNTER: June 11 - 13 Learn more at www.helenainstitute.com

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MAY 2010

HELENA LEARN TO FISH BLUE RIBBON WATERS: June 12 - 13 Learn to fly fish on Montana’s Missouri River.

Licensed outfitters, Luke Andrews and Brian Neilsen, will instruct a two day fly fishing course.

Visit www.helenainstitute.com

ADVERTISING RICK HAGGERTY (406)370-1368

MISSOULA OUTDOORSFEST 2010: May 16

PABLO MISSION VALLEY SPEEDWAY: May 8 - September 18 The Mission Valley Speedway is Montana’s longest, fastest asphalt track, which is a high bank 3/8 mile tri-oval, and it is also the only club run, not-for-profit facility of its kind within the Northwest.

Phone: 406-218-8077 or visit www.missionvalleyspeedway.org

Events To Support WILDLIFE Ducks Unlimited

06/05/10 Missoula Missoula Area Greenwing Event Location: Western Montana Retriever Club Jack White 406-544-7595

National Wild Turkey Federation 05/22/10 Helena Last Chance Gobblers George Carella 406-465-7789

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 05/08/10 Missoula Five Valleys Big Game Banquet Mark R. Sommer 406-728-4176 05/15/10 Bozeman Gallatin Big Game Banquet Sue Grandstaff 406-640-0253 06/12/10 West Yellowstone Yellowstone Taylor Fork Big Game Banquet Kelli Bieler 406-995-2610 PLEASE SUPPORT THE SPONSORS YOU SEE IN THIS PUBLICATION. THEY MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO BRING IT TO YOU EACH MONTH.

AMY HAGGERTY PUBLISHER

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 3

MAY 2010

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Idaho Falls Man Loses Hunting Privileges For Life IF&G Shooting five elk in one day has cost an Idaho Falls man his privilege to hunt for the rest of his life - not only in Idaho, but each of the 33 member states of the Wildlife Violator Compact.

On March 22, 2010 Jerry Ferguson, 54, pleaded guilty in Seventh District Court in Bonneville County to a felony charge of unlawfully killing five cow elk. In addition to the lifetime license revocation, Ferguson was ordered to pay $7,500 in civil restitution, plus court costs and serve 60 days in jail. A five-year formal probation was also imposed, with one to three years in prison for violation of the terms of probation.

On the morning of December 5, 2008, Ferguson killed an elk and tagged it with Rebecca Keller’s tag. Later the same day he killed another elk, but he didn’t stop there. He continued to hunt and in one last barrage of bullets, killed three more elk. Ferguson fired twenty-seven shots that day, killing five elk.

To make matters worse, Ferguson didn’t field dress any of the last four elk he killed and left them on the mountain overnight.

Although two of the four elk he killed that evening were recovered the next day, they all spoiled because of a lack of proper care.

“Jerry Ferguson’s actions that day showed a total disregard for wildlife laws and a complete disrespect for one of the big game animals that makes Idaho a place where sportsmen want to live,” Senior Conservation Officer Ryan Hilton said.

Several family members were also implicated in the crime by recovering, tagging and transporting the unlawful elk. Rebecca Keller, 55, of Idaho Falls; Gerald Ferguson, 74, of Idaho Falls; Eric Ferguson, 26, of Rigby; and Tilliya Ferguson, 20, of Rigby were all charged in connection with their involvement in the incident.

In Lemhi County Magistrate Court, Rebecca Keller pleaded guilty to transferring her elk tag and received a two-year revocation of hunting privileges and a $300 fine plus court costs.

Gerald Ferguson pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in the commission of a felony and received a three year revocation of his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges and a $750 fine plus court costs.

Tilliya Ferguson pleaded guilty to transferring her tag and received a one-year revocation of her hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges and a $250 fine plus court costs.

As part of the plea agreement with the others involved, charges against Eric Ferguson were dismissed.

Perhaps the most significant consequence of all is that Keller, Jerry Ferguson, Gerald Ferguson, and Tilliya Ferguson, are prohibited from possessing a firearm in the field and excluded from camps during hunting season for the duration of their respective hunting license revocations.

“I applaud both courts with their decision to keep those involved out of the field while revoked,” Hilton said.

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6 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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MAY 2010

RMEF Volunteers Impacting 1 Acre Every 6 Hours ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION

Volunteers for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are helping to enhance or conserve 1 acre of wildlife habitat for every 6 hours worked.

The statistics were released by RMEF to commemorate National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18-24, 2010. President Nixon designated the special week in 1974 to celebrate America’s spirit of volunteerism for good causes. Since then, U.S. Presidents annually issue a formal proclamation to help keep volunteerism going strong.

“Our organization depends on volunteers who are passionate about conserving elk country, and we do our best to deliver efficient, measurable, on-the-ground results. I’m proud of our numbers over the past year,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. Nationwide, RMEF boasts more than 10,000 volunteers who conservatively average 80 hours of donated labor annually. Tasks include coordinating banquets and other fundraising events, assisting wildlife and land managers by building wildlife watering devices, conducting elk research, removing unneeded fencing and countless other jobs.

In 2009, these 800,000 hours of donated labor translated to just over 132,000 acres of habitat conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen said, “Along with our staff, partners and supporters, RMEF volunteers are part of a movement that is making a real difference. Together we’re impacting more than just habitat for elk and other wildlife. We’re also ensuring a future for the experiences and lifestyles and values that are borne of elk hunting.

Thank you, RMEF volunteers!”

Since launching in 1984, RMEF has tallied 5.7 million acres of mostly public-land habitat enhanced or conserved, and 585,000 acres opened or secured for public hunting.

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.

NPS Photo Daniel Stahler

RMEF Turns Up Heat On Pro-Wolf Groups

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION

P

ro-wolf groups were admittedly “surprised and disappointed” when the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation publicly challenged their mischaracterizations of the real impacts of wolves in the northern Rockies and are feeling even more heat today. Their recent call for a truce has been met with a scathing letter from RMEF President and CEO David Allen, who says Defenders of Wildlife, Western Wildlife Conservancy and others are party to what may become “one of the worst wildlife management disasters since the destruction of bison herds in the 19th Century.”

Allen said, “These animal rights groups seem to think that every individual wolf is worth filing another lawsuit to protect, but the decimation of local elk herds is unimportant. What is truly ironic is these folks claim protection of the Canadian gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act. However these wolves are not endangered. There are thousands of them throughout North America. The ESA is being manipulated far beyond its intended purpose.”

Factual examples cited in Allen’s recent letter: -The Northern Yellowstone elk herd trend count has dropped from some 19,000 elk in 1995 before the introduction of the Canadian Gray wolf to just over 6,000 elk in 2008. At the same time the wolf numbers in this same area are on a steady increase.

-Yellowstone’s Madison Firehole elk herd trend count has fallen from 700 to 108.

-The Gallatin Canyon elk herd trend count between Bozeman and Big Sky, Mont., has declined from 1,048 to 338.

-Wolf numbers in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming have far exceeded the original goals of 30 breeding pairs and 300 total wolves. Population estimates now exceed 1,700 wolves. And yet and others want to push the total up to 2,000 to 5,000 wolves.

-Studies show that wolves kill up to 23 elk per wolf from November through April alone or up to 40,000 elk in just six months. A smaller but still significant number are killed from May through October; with total annual elk kills by wolves just for food potentially greater than 50,000 at the present level of wolf population. This accounts for only the elk needed for food, not surplus killing, which are elk killed by wolves and not eaten,

which also occurs. The majority of all these kills are not elk that are sick or old.

-Elk calf survival rates where wolves (and bears) are present are extremely low in specific herds, resulting in a survival rate of 10 percent or less—too low to sustain the herd over the long-term. RMEF points out this is a major issue as elk numbers going into the future, where wolves are concentrated, will suffer even greater losses and replacement becomes out of balance.

“Pro-wolf groups like to cite statewide elk numbers because it glosses over the ongoing annihilation of local elk herds,” said Allen. “They like to say that elk and wolves evolved together and would coexist now if man would just leave them alone, which completely ignores the fact that this is no longer the Old West and millions of us live here now. Habitat is shrinking at a rapid pace and the wildlife that lives here must be carefully managed. Man must manage wildlife and we have done so very successfully for over a century. We’re long past the day when wolf populations can be left unchecked.

Right now this is simply a wolf amnesty program and the results are becoming alarming.”

“Managing wildlife in the courts, as opposed to science and the proven expertise of state conservation agencies, is a recipe for continued disaster,” stated Allen “These groups do not want states to manage the wolves as they manage other wildlife including predators. Why? It is curious that Defenders of Wildlife and others now boast about the statewide elk management numbers, which are managed by the states; but they do not trust those same states to manage wolves. Again, one should ask why?”

In late February, Allen sent letters to legislators and newspapers across the West calling out Defenders of Wildlife, Western Wildlife Conservancy and others for misleading the public through disingenuous use of current data on wolves and elk. In late March, group representatives accused RMEF of polarizing sportsmen on the wolf issue, and, ironically, to ask for collaboration rather than conflict.

In his letter Allen challenged Defenders of Wildlife and the others to meet face to face. (continued on page 37)

MAY 2010

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Not Crying Wolf “The Shrinking Of The Deer And Elk Herds”

BY JIM FOSTER

“I have been hunting this part of Idaho for 15 years but after this season I have decided this will be my last year.” He went on to say, ”We didn’t see a bull elk in the entire 10 days of our hunt - all we saw was wolf sign.”

Those were the words of a camouflaged hunter last season near Gibsonville, Idaho just before he left for his home. This hunter was from Utah, but the same words were heard from hunters from many states as well as local hunters.

Hunters leaving the public hunting areas of Montana spoke the very same words last year. Higher license fees and fewer game animals means many won’t be back.

There are trophy elk and deer – I use that word “trophy” loosely. Most hunters know that the eye of the beholder can only define a trophy. Some will be taken, but they are few and far between. Even an average representative male of the species is hard to find.

If there is one thing Montana and Idaho has in common is the lack of “boots on the ground” management.

In Idaho the hunting of the doe/cow of the species is reserved to special or controlled hunt areas.

The reproduction biology of most of the deer family is the same year after year – fawns are born 50 percent males and 50 percent females. This was a known fact back when wildlife biologists actually put their boots on the ground to study the animal.

A fact gleaned from this hands-on learning process is in order to properly manage deer one must manage both the male and female of the species and improve the habitat.

So what seems to be the problem?

The problem – many states will not allow the killing of doe deer except in certain regions and then in very restricted cases. In Idaho doe hunts are limited to drawing

only areas. General hunt areas are now and have been bucks only. The result is an over population of doe deer, both whitetail as well as mule deer, and many more young bucks that will never be allowed to mature. Then there is the number of road killed animals in both states,

“WOLVES ARE HERE TO STAY AND ELK ARE ON THE MENU. HUNTERS CAN’T SHOOT THEIR WAY OUT OF IT. IN PLACES WHERE GOOD ELK HABITAT IS SPARSE, ELK NUMBERS COULD TAKE A BIG HIT.” WAS THE WORD FROM UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA PROFESSOR MARK HEBBLEWHITE.

most of which are does.

Utah for example shares a border with Idaho where doe deer are not hunted at all. With the state’s deer population struggling, officials recently reduced the 2010 general hunting season from nine days to five -the Utah Wildlife Board wants to better understand the effect traffic has on deer so hunting was reduced – make since to anyone?

The actual number of road kill for Idaho and Montana is not known but Utah estimates are that 20,000 a year are killed on roadways, again no one knows for sure. It’s quite possible that the number of roadway deaths exceeds the number shot by hunters, 20,755 in 2008 according to state records.

To make my point, Montana just limited hunting in Northwest Montana to bucks only which was the biggest change in Northwest Montana’s Region One as part of overall season regulations for 2010 and 2011. This spells the end to mature whitetail bucks in this region. How can they say they are managing whitetail when they are only managing half the deer?

Many hunters are out just for one thing, which is to put meat in the freezer. Under the present laws the hunter must take a male deer or elk and will many times shoot the first legal animal presenting itself to the hunter. The majority of these animals are under the age of three and a half.

Of course the largest part of the shrinking of the deer and elk herds is the rapidly growing number of the wolf packs plaguing Montana and Idaho. In neighboring Wyoming the Feds won’t let the F&G control the wolf populations at all.

Biologists in Idaho say wolves are the primary cause of death among a shrinking population of cow elk in northern Idaho. The agency estimates cow elk in a remote area designated as the Lolo Hunting Zone have dwindled by as much as 13 percent each year since introduction of the wolf.

The Bitterroot elk populations are at an all time low and the chances for improvement are low. The biggest problem is the wolf and thanks mostly to city people and wolf lovers who are against hunting all-together, nothing will be changing soon. (continued on page 26)

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MAY 2010

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MAY 2010

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Now Is The Time For Monster Pike Action

BY NEAL M. COTE, BITEMEFLIES

TRAVIS DEBOER WITH PIKE

I

n most of Western Montana, catching a pike longer than a yardstick remains an infrequent event. Many populations formerly known for producing at least the occasional monster are stuck in a sea of hammerhandles. This is a situation largely attributed to the removal of all large pike by anglers. Over the past several decades various harvest regulations, from liberalized creel limits to length limits, have been used to fix the hammerhandle phenomenon in many eastern fisheries, but the overall success of these management efforts has been mixed.

Not to mention the fact that MFWP has a long standing hate for these fish and holds no punches in getting them removed from all waters in the western part of the state.

Management strategies may, with time, be sufficient to produce large pike again in some lakes. It’s an epic grudge match that will unfold over the next several generations of pike, as growing large fish in Montana is often a long-term investment more often measured in decades than in years. The lack of information that makes it’s way to anglers in a large part generates some of the largest pike because no one knows where they are and there is little or no pressure. Once the word gets out, it takes little time for these fish to disappear.

In many Montana lakes, growth slows to a crawl as pike break 30 inches, and it takes years to cover the spread to 40 inches and beyond. If those fish are killed, it takes years to replace them, and thus the smaller pike invade these fisheries.

Habitat has a strong, if not the greatest, influence on pike reproductive success, recruitment (survival to adulthood), and growth rates. Meeting basic environmental requirements is a start, because of Large pike being a coolwater species and smaller pike better suited to a warm water existence both with a specific thermal niche. Beyond that, what are the characteristics of waters that historically produce big pike over the long run?

All of this points to connections between big pike and deeper, larger waters with thermal refuges during summer, along with coldwater forage like northern pike minnows and possibly whitefish. Make water too warm, eliminate thermal refuges, and Large pike become stressed, suffering longer periods of reduced growth in summer, while smaller pike prevail.

Recruitment is a function of reproductive success and survival to adulthood. To successfully recruit, young fish need to grow and survive the gauntlet of predation, exploitation, and other sources of mortality. The higher the recruitment, the more numbers and pounds of pike in a lake. Recruitment tends to be related to waterbody size, with problems of high recruitment affecting mostly smaller waters with emergent vegetation covering a large proportion of the surface area. Larger waters are rarely afflicted with stunted pike. Overpopulation has also been attributed to lack of appropriate size prey and overharvest of larger pike, or a combination of these factors. Not to mention that Large pike keep smaller pike under better control by utilizing them as one more food source!

High minimum-length limits are a good choice for preserving or restoring trophy pike on waters with low recruitment, low density, and good growth potential. High slots, maximum-length limits, and catch-and-release are other options to restore big pike or to preserve unexploited trophy fisheries once they’re discovered, just look at most Canadian fly in pike lakes and you get the idea. Good luck keeping the “Dragon Slayers” from

MAP COURTESY NEAL COTE

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killing and then showing those monsters all around town.

WHEN? HOW? Early in the season, pike respond better, most days, to slower techniques.

Sucessful fishermen, with many a giant pike under their collective belts, may beg to differ. But the guy catching the most big

pike early tends to prefer 20-pound line and dead baits, so he can cash in on those large pre spawn females scavenging the left over winter kill right before they move up to spawn. Right at ice-out, it’s tough to beat a dead, oily smelt planted right on bottom in the middle of a known pike thoroughfare leading to and from spawning habitat (the back end of shallow bays, the kind that choke with weeds in summer). Pike expect to find dead things that did not survive the winter along their ancestral prespawn routes. A spoon can outfish a deadbait maybe one day in 20 at this point of the year. A suspending jerkbait can outfish deadbait maybe one day in 3 or 4. My favorite is a fly, it can be fished shallower and more slowly than most lures, especially with the right retrieve.

Scaling down in size can be important in spring, too. I’ve had better luck with a 3-4 inch minnow pattern fly than with my usual larger pattern favorites for pike. Smaller dead baits seem to get a better percentage of hook ups than larger ones as well. Pike don’t chase as much in spring, but they follow things that interest them quite a distance. A fly slowly settling to the bottom gives you far more latitude for triggering followers than most other lure choices. The added flash provided by a tail section moving and pulsing provides an extra measure of attraction, as does the added noise provided by the fly as it scrapes along the bottom. When the shallows are murky, any added attraction can add a few extra pike to the day’s catch. (continued on page 33)

10 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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MAY 2010

Downstream Campground Fort Peck visitmt.com

T

he Downstream Campground is located just below the Fort Peck Dam along the scenic Missouri River. Nestled in a shady grove of cottonwood trees, this Class A facility boasts 86 campsites, 71 with electrical hookups. There are no water hookup sites, but potable water is available to fill tanks.

Amenities include two comfort stations with hot showers and flush toilets, vault toilets, RV dump station, 24-hour gate attendants, playground areas, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters with tables, a nature trail and fishing ponds. A 10-site group camping area is available for family reunions or other groups.

Season: May 1 - October 30 Services offered: Campsite Children’s Activities Electric Established Fire Pits Handicapped Accessible Maps Pay Telephone Pets Allowed Picnic Shelter Playground Public Restroom RV Dump Station RV Hookups Shower Toilets Trail Trash Removal Water

FORT PECK - PHOTO A.C.E. Activities offered: Bird Watching Boating Camping Fishing Hiking Lake Fishing Motor Boating Museum River Fishing RV Camping Tent Camping Water Skiing Wildlife Viewing Phone: 406-526-3411 Directions: From Nashua on Highway 117 south for 9 miles past Park Grove, then approximately 2 miles straight to the campground. From Glasgow, on Highway 24 south for 18 miles to Fort Peck Dam. Follow Highway 117 northeast and right at intersection to campground. From Interstate 94, Glendive/Circle exit, MT Highway 200 west to MT Highway 24 north 59 miles, follow Downstream Campground signs.

Hiking Little Rock Creek Trail visitmt.com

L

ittle Rock Creek Trail (57) provides plentiful scenic attractions and photography opportunities are numerous. A good overnight camping spot. Maintained every three years.

Trail is classified as difficult.

Livestock can negotiate. It is a heavily used trail.

Length: 4.5 miles Trail begins: Forest Road 13201 Trail ends: Little Rock Creek Lake Season: All Year Activities offered: Bird Watching Hiking Horseback Riding

Nature Area Picnicking Sightseeing Walking Wildlife Viewing Contact information: Mailing Address: Bitterroot National Forest PO Box 388 Darby, MT 59829 Phone: 406-821-3913 Web: www.fs.fed.us/r1/bitterroot/ Directions: Access from Hamilton: Lake Como Road, use the road on the south side of Lake Como to the trailhead.

MAY 2010

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12 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Restrictions Approved On Holter Lake Water Skiing MFWP

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission has approved a revision to the existing rule restricting water skiing on Saturday, Sunday and legal holidays on upper Holter Lake, from the mouth of the canyon downstream to the Gates of the Mountains near Mann Gulch.

The revision expands the rule to include restrictions on tubing, wake surfing and similar activities during the same period. The rule is a safety precaution that is based on the narrowness of the canyon and the high density of boat traffic through the canyon on weekends and holidays.

Changes For Newlan Creek Reservoir MFWP

Starting this year, campers at

Newlan Creek Reservoir near White Sulphur Springs will be charged a fee when using the reservoir’s fishing access site, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

In addition, no ATV use will be allowed within the FAS following a request from the Newlan Creek Water Users Association and neighboring landowners.

The camping fee will be charged at the designated campsites at the west end of the reservoir. The overnight fee will be $7 with a current Montana fishing license and $12 per night for visitors without a current Montana fishing license. There are no entry or day-use fees.

Or Book A SeaRun Cutthroat or Summer Steelies Trip This summer!

Boating Home Study Course Available MFWP

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tate law requires youngsters 13 and 14 years old to have a motorboat operator’s certificate while piloting a motorboat without an adult on board. This includes operation of all motorboats, as well as personal watercraft, like a jet ski, with a motor greater than 10 horsepower.

The certificate can be obtained through a course, available free at all FWP offices, that consists of a 71-page safe-boating manual, a handbook, test, and a registration card. Boaters of all ages will find the course valuable.

Family members who take the course now can be sure they comply with state and other laws when boating season is in full swing. Those 13 years of age and older who pass the exam will receive a certificate.

No one 12 or younger can operate a motorboat alone rated at more than 10 horsepower. An adult, 18 years or older, must be on board. There are no certification requirements for youth age 15 or older.

After completing the home study course, students return the test, workbook and registration card to the FWP Helena headquarters office. A motorboat operator’s certificate will be sent back to students with a passing score. The boat operator must carry the certificate whenever driving a motorboat or jet ski.

Alternative training opportunities include taking an online course from one of the four Montana approved boat education vendors. To check out the online courses go to the FWP Web site at fwp. mt.gov on the Education page and choose Outdoor Education. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in several Montana communities offers classroom courses listed at www.mtcgaux.com For more information, contact Liz Lodman at 406-444-2615.

ne of the most frequent questions I hear out of clients at the end of a trip is “OK now that we have the fish, how do we cook them?”. Lucky for them, it just so happens that I actually have a pretty strong culinary background. I am a bit of a “food- geek” if you will (easy to tell by the gut). So with steelhead season just wrapping up and trout (as well as warm-water fishing) in full swing, I’m thinking it is a perfect time for a couple of recipes that are sure to have you using more of your harvest. Here are a couple of our very favorite ways to consume the tasty and beautiful critters we love to harass.

POTATO PAN FISH -Pan fish, Bass, or any white meat fish fillets -1 cup milk -tablespoon yellow mustard -1 cup four -1 cup potato flakes -teaspoon salt -teaspoon of pepper -cooking oil 1) Mix milk and mustard in a bowl and soak fillets, in the fridge, for 2 hours.

2) Mix dry ingredients in large bowl and dredge fillets.

3) Fry in oil until lightly golden and fillets are floating.

Note: This is perhaps the best fried fish recipe you will ever taste. Make lots because it’s going to disappear!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SARDINES -couple of days limits of Brook trout , scaled grayling or scaled whitefish (heads and fins removed with larger fish cut into smaller sections) -1 Qt water -1⁄4 cup salt -1⁄4 cup brown sugar -olive oil -dash of crushed red pepper (optional) per jar -6 drops favorite hot sauce (optional) per jar 1) Mix water, salt and brown sugar in large bowl.

2) Brine fish in fridge for 2 hours (to the minute, if possible) 3) lightly smoke on well cleaned smoker. (Do not over smoke. Just a little color will do) 4) Place in sterile pint jars.

5) fill jars 3⁄4 of the way up with oil, almost covering fish. (careful not to get oil on the mouth of the jar) 6) add optional ingredients.

7) wipe mouth, cap jar and process for 100 minutes at 15 pounds in pressure cooker.

8) discard any jars that do not properly seal Notes: Perfect excuse to go out and murder a limit or two of brookies!!! This recipe is well worth the work and time involved.

Also: Cleanliness and sterility are key to safety on this one! do not cut corners with salt content or processing time.

SMOKED STEELHEAD -done right (simple) -steelhead or salmon -fillets or steaks -1 Qt water -1⁄4 cup salt -1⁄4 cup brown sugar -black pepper 1) Mix water salt and sugar in large bowl 2) brine fish for 5 hours 3) lay on clean smoker racks and allow to dry in fridge for 2 hours 4) season with black pepper to taste 5) Dry Smoke until cooked through and desired consistency SMOKED STEELHEAD PÂTÉ -2 cups smoked steelhead bones removed and finely chopped -1 standard package cream cheese slightly warmed - 2 table spoons sour cream - 1⁄2 table spoon dill weed - juice from half a lemon - teaspoon salt - teaspoon black pepper 1) Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate for two hours in shallow pan.

2) serve with crackers or toasted sourdough bread Notes: Fancy!!!

I guarantee that if you like fish, at all, you will love these simple recipes. So give them a shot and remember that harvesting food, ethically of course, is an important and fun part of the ritual.

To read Travis’ Guerilla gear review, an end of season combat effectiveness evaluation for gear used during this year’s steelhead season visit www.bigskyoutdoornews.net.

MAY 2010

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

BIG SKY

• 13

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Fly Tying Corner:

Paradrakes & T-Bones

Big Mayflies

fedflyfishers.org COMMENTS BY JIM ABBS

A

s the trout season begins in earnest, super hatches of summers past motivate fly anglers to scrutinize their fly boxes and dream of fly fishing Nirvanas. When you are in the right place at the right time with a pattern that works, there is simply no fly fishing experience that is more fulfilling. In the adventure of chasing hatches, the big mayflies are especially exhilarating.

Tying big flies that attract and catch fish may be challenging. One problem is that the long bodies of large mayflies, seemingly require a hook with an extra long shank, which in turn can result in missed hook-up. As an answer, Talleur and several earlier tying experts offered a special solution, a pattern with an extended body (beyond the bend of the hook) and variations in wings not seen on conventional dry flies. The extended hair body was first described by Doug Swisher and Carl Richards in their best-selling book, “Selective Trout.” Dick Talleur offered even more detailed descriptions on how to tie both the body and wings of these extended body patterns. Swisher and Richards called the extended body mayfly a Paradrake. Talleur refers to his versions of these extended body flies as T-bones. Talleur’s patterns did not use a parachute hackle, but rather a wing of deer hair or dry fly fibers, without conventional hackle.

MATERIALS: Hook: Standard dry fly hook like Mustad 94840 or equivalent, sizes 6-14 Thread: 6/0 color to match natural, i.e., yellow to match the Hexagenia, Tan or brown for the Green and Brown Drake, etc.

Body: Deer or elk hair, hollow and extended-in some versions wrapped around an internal core of poly.

Ribbing: Same as thread Tail: Extension of the body hair, or moose body hair fibers tied in separately Wing: Clump of elk hair, in color appropriate for natural-yellow for Hexagenia, olive for Green Drake, brown for Brown Drake. Alternatively the M & M Paradrake uses a very natural-looking wing of combed poly.

TYING STEPS: 1. Lay down a thread base on the hook shank, wax the thread liberally before laying down.

2. If the tail is to be moose or condor fibers, tie in three separated strands. If you want to use the tips of the hair body as a tail, proceed to step three.

3. Cut a bunch of hair (deer or elk) with a quantity that when it is compressed by the tying thread it will be the desired thickness of the body. Remove all short fibers and under-fur.

Cut this bunch of hair so it will form a body the appropriate length extending beyond the bend of the hook. Some practice will be necessary to get these proportions correct.

4. With the hair butts toward the hook eye, hold the hair over and around the hook shank.

Tie the hair in about 3⁄4 the length of the hook shank with a couple of turns as you hold it with your thumb and forefinger. (Note: Talleur recommends tying the body hair in with the butts toward the back and only after it is secured on the hook shank, bringing the tips back to form the body.)

5. Wrap the tying thread around the hair to create a ribbing, past the bend of the hook to the intended body length. When the intended end of the body is reached (beyond the bend of the hook), with some fibers extending for the tail, reverse the thread and criss-cross the original wrapping back to the tie in point. Trim off the excess butts of the body hair.

6. Tie in a clump of Elk or deer hair upright for the wing. (Other tyers use poly for a single upright wing, or alternatively Talleur recommends using the same feather for a both the wing and a thorax type hackle.)

7. Tie in a quality dry fly hackle along side of the wing and wind around the base of the wing. Tie off, finish head and cement.

8. Go catch some big fish!

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14 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

Montana Fishing Report

CHRIS MADSEN

Western Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Missoula

BY CHRIS MADSEN, (406) 523-9000 e-mail: fishing-115@live.com

Unfortunately, my crystal ball was in the shop for most of April, but if you live in Montana unpredictability is something you have to learn to live with, if not love. May is typically when the rivers will blow out for good and with little snow pack in the mountains, this year’s run off should be fairly tame.

There should be plenty of fishing options for the adventurous angler during May. If the rivers get too muddy fortunately Montana has more than her fair share of world-class lakes, and whether you prefer to chase trout, pike, walleye, bass or any number of available species, this should be a great month.

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FLATHEAD LAKE: On Flathead Lake, perch fishing should heat up this month, and the Mac bite has been going strong all spring with loads of fish being checked in during Mac Days. Trolling plugs, Hoochies or Flatfish on the north end of the lake usually produces the biggest Macks, while jigging spoons with cutbait around Wild horse Island, Painted Rocks and points around the bays should produce plenty of keepers for the grill. Perch will take maggots on glo hooks or a piece of night crawler on a jig head fished around the weed beds in any of the bays.

serious anglers and the casual fisherman alike, and deservedly so. It has a large population of large fish that cruise the shoreline looking for the first meals of the season and think about spawning. And at certain times they can be fairly easy to catch. The most common set up used is the classic worm and marshmallow combo followed closely by Powerbait. Fly fishers use a variety of flies but scud, leech and egg imitations are used the most. Those with boat access will ply the water with a variety of spoons, crank baits and Wedding Rings.

BASS FISHERIES: Noxon Reservoir, Thompson Falls Reservoir, and the lower Flathead River will all be outstanding options in May. Depending on water temperature, both smallmouth and largemouth bass will start to congregate in shallower water in preparation to spawn, and will take soft plastic baits, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. The biggest bass of the year are usually taken this month. If you prefer a toothier quarry, sight fishing to shallow water pike can be a nerve shattering experience. Casting top water baits, flies or jerkbaits will induce explosive strikes that will leave your rod arm aching.

LOCAL RIVERS: If all this talk about lake fishing has you a little squeamish, don’t despair. While May can be a tough month on our rivers, all is not lost.

Usually by the end of the month, the summer season will start to kick off with the biggest, baddest bug of the year, the Salmonfly. While this hatch is primarily a June/July thing on the east side of the hill, we will usually see full-blown Salmonfly madness on west side streams like Rock Creek, the upper Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers before June 1st. As soon as the rivers start to clear even a little, you will find that most of the trout residing in Western Montana are now lined up within two feet of the riverbank, gorging on migrating stonefly nymphs, just waiting for the first adults to start dropping from the bushes. This is high-octane, athletic fishing, because these are fast, brawling streams that will be bank full. A float trip down Rock Creek during the Salmonfly hatch is an experience that every Montana fly fisher should not miss.

GEORGETOWN LAKE: As usual, the general opener on May 15th at Georgetown Lake will draw a crowd again this year. (Remember that certain areas of the lake will still remain closed until later in the year. Please refer to the regulations concerning these closures.) Fish should be eager to eat almost anything, but traditional baits such as marshmallows, night crawlers, salmon eggs and Power Bait will always be staples up here. Fly fishers should cast leech patterns, scuds and A.P. Nymphs. Vary the retrieve speed until you find consistent strikes. Trollers should use cowbells with a wedding ring or trolling spoon such as a Cripplure, Needlefish or Triple Teaser.

Most of Montana’s creeks and small streams open on May 15th, though many will probably be high and off color this year. Expect to see some larger fish that move out of the bigger rivers to spawn in these tributary streams to still be present in May. If the flows cooperate, this is a great chance to catch big fish in small water.

BROWNS LAKE: If you haven’t fished Browns Lake after ice out you’re one of the few people in the surrounding counties that hasn’t. It gets a lot of attention from

May ought to be a great month with a lot of options, so be good to yourself and use up a few of those sick days.

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MAY 2010

RYAN ONGLEY

Southwest Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Bozeman

BY RYAN ONGLEY (406) 586-0100 Dry Fly time is finally here!!!

I

must be getting old or something. In eight weeks 2010 will be half over already. Guess I better start fishing even more than I already do.

Enough of that! May is here and the days are getting warmer and longer. The spring season has already seen some exceptional fishing. With the general opener coming this month it should only get better. A plethora of options awaits, as well as hatches and tactics. We’ll have mayflies like Blue Winged Olives, and Pale Morning Duns. The Mother’s Day Caddis activity. And great early season streamer action. And even some Salmonflies in the park if the weather cooperates.

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: The fishing season opens up in Yellowstone Park on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Most all the waters will be open except for Yellowstone Lake and the Yellowstone River. Depending on runoff there are possibilities for Caddis, Blue Winged Olives, and Pale Morning Duns all to be emerging on the Madison and Firehole Rivers. Sparkle Duns will do a great job for the PMD’s and BWO’s sizes 16-20. Olive and White caddis imitations will cover the species of caddis you’ll see.

The hatches can be thick and the action to picky trout a true challenge. Salmonflies will be emerging on these same rivers in the canyon section of the Firehole and working downstream the Madison from Madison Junction to the Barn’s Pools.

Swinging small soft hackles and chucking and ducking with streamers will also be a great option. And please keep in mind lead weight is not allowed in the park.

The rangers will check your flies and equipment for this as well as a 2010 YNP fishing license.

BEAVERHEAD RIVER: BWO’s started emerging in mid April here and the fishing should only get better as the upper river from Clark Canyon Dam down to Pipe Organ will open up on the 15th. Large Beaverhead Browns and Rainbows

North Central Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Helena

BY JESSE FLYNN (406) 457-7200 e-mail: fishing167helena@yahoo.com CANYON FERRY: The rainbows are moving or have moved into the bays on the north end of the lake. Spawn sacs, marabou jigs, and crawlers are your go to bait this time of year. Fly fisherman should take the fly rods to the bays and throw wooly buggers (un-waited) for a more natural fall. Walleye are beginning to group but are being very selective on what they are chowing down on.

Jigs are working well yet there has not been any consistency to what color they prefer.

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

• 15

will be sipping duns and emergers from the surface and as usual the nymphing here will bring up many fine fish.

Matching the hatch here is key. Many times a size 18 to 22 BWO dun or emerger is necessary to entice the strike.

BIG HOLE RIVER: Early season action here gives the fly angler the opportunity for some huge Browns on streamers. For surface activity look for Blue Winged Olives, some Skwalas, and March Browns to provide most of the action. Nymphing with Stonefly nymphs, Baetis , or caddis pupae will keep you plenty busy. The river has been fishing very well especially on overcast days when the trout feel a bit safer from the airborne predators.

UPPER MADISON RIVER: The two wade sections of the Upper Madison will reopen on the General Opener. There should be great Blue Winged Olive activity in the Reynolds Pass and $3 bridge areas. Nymphing will be great with the usuals stonefly, baetis, caddis, and midge imitations. Streamer fishing can be phenomenal up here for the first few weeks after the opener. The larger browns will chase them right to your feet if you give them the opportunity. Good luck out there and have fun!

Concentrate your efforts in the fifteen feet and shallower. This does not rule out the deep water. But they should be coming up into the warmer shallows of the lake for pre-spawn staging. Look for walleye to hold in pot holes in and around this depth (sonar very helpful) as they await the feeding frenzy.

JESSE FLYNN

•

HAUSER LAKE: York bridge area has been fishing very well for rainbows. The causeway still seams to be producing more rainbows than anything but by the time you read this the walleye may have moved into this area with better numbers. Hit the walleye bite early or late evening. Crank baits or floating jigs tipped with a crawler or leech should produce a few. Mid day I would find deeper water and jig for them; yet this does not mean they won’t be in shallow mid day. As the month nears end they should have moved in quite a bit shallower. Look for points that dive off into the deep and fish either side. Or sometimes they are in the deep river channel where the river went through before the lakes were formed. I don’t know that they will be in this deep of water but you never know.

These are all good places for fish to hold up.

HOLTER LAKE: Locate and fish areas where structure has some variance to it. What I mean by this is look for rock piles or slides that conjoin to a sandy flat or point. These transition lines create great cover for fish to forage for food. Holter has many of these types of structure up through the gates that seemingly always hold fish. I was reading an article that stated walleye love to hang around grapefruit size rocks. They get down current of these and hide behind them with there noses nestled up against these small rocks. Going further this may be one reason why they have those big bug eyes, for peering around these small rocks awaiting bait. Also look for stair steps (using sonar of course) that parallel the shoreline. These are all great highways that walleye and any fish for that matter use when cruising for food.

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16 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

MAY 2010

montana tested gear

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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

Deluxe Survival Kit™

Recommend...Yes Highlights: The Deluxe Survival Kit™ from Ultimate Survival Technologies is the first for Montana Test. Packed in a HardCache™ carrying case, inside you will find the SaberCut saw, StarFlash signal mirror, JetStream whistle, BlastMatch fire starter, and WetFire™ tinder. We tested the WetFire™ tinder and the SaberCut saw. The whistle and mirror both worked when we did a quick review. What held our curiosity was the WetFire tinder and the SaberCut, and after using both, we can report here both performed exactly as advertised. The WetFire tinder started immediately when we put a match to it. The SaberCut is incredibly sharp, requires some elbow grease and a few minutes to cut depending on the size of log. We did not test under extreme weather conditions, but have no doubt; this Survival kit is necessary for backpackers and big game chasers. Drawback...None so far. Rating...6 Point...Great Tester: All Suggested Retail: $59.95

Elite Weathermaster™ Tent

Recommend...Yes Highlights: Coleman’s new Elite Weathermaster™ 6 person screened tent has extraordinary features we have never seen in other tents we’ve tested. A remote controlled light powered by 8 D cell batteries, hinged doors, and self rolling windows, just begin to give you an idea of what the Weathermaster™ offers the camper. This is opulence living for a night or week at your favorite campsite. We set up, and rain and snow pounded the Weathermaster™, and not a drop of moisture entered the inside. The remote light had all our testers intrigued and from a distance of approximately 20 yards, a quick click and on came the light. This is a 350 lumen light with 22 hours of light on low power. We were leery of the light, but it was unwarranted. 350 lumens are plenty of light and no need to remove you from a warm sleeping bag, just a quick click on the remote. The Weathermaster™ measures 17’x 9’ with a screened area for a get away from annoying mosquitoes. The sleeping area has plenty of room for three cots. No crawling in on your knees to sleep on a pad. Good stuff and outstanding price. Drawback...None so far. Rating...6 Point...Great Tester: All Suggested Retail: $289.99 ™ Recommend...Yes Highlights: Our first impression of the Switchback™right out of the shoebox, they are amazingly lightweight. These are a trail running or street shoe, we will use predominantly as everyday footwear. The Omni-Tech™has a waterproof upper. The Switchback™ does not.

Both offer Techlite® a stabilizing heel that provides cushion to alleviate pain for trail runners. A closer look at the shoe shows a Gusseted tongue. The tongue of the shoe is stitched to the upper of the shoe. This attribute protects small stones, sticks, and outside debris from entering your instep. We are not trail runners, but I can sense from wearing just for a short time that the heel does encompass stability and cushion. We will test on the street, light hiking, camping, and let you know. This is an update on the Switchback™. I have worn them almost constantly, and both Chris and I can tell you they are as comfortable and lightweight. We are impressed and if that changes, we will let you know. Drawback...None so far. Rating...6 Point...Great Tester: Pat Stinson Chris Stinson Suggested Retail: $75.00 Switchback™ Omni Tech™ $90.00

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MAY 2010

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

TRAVELER’S CORNER: Steering Box Stabilizer Designed for Late-Model Dodge Trucks

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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18 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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MAY 2010

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Big Pine Fishing Access Site On Fish Creek Fish Creek is a Tributary of the Clark Fork River.

Game fish opportunities: Brook Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout

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For more information contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at (406) 444-2449.

Retriever Trials COURTESY NICK SCHIELE 5/14/2010 AKC-Field Trial Mission Valley Retriever Club Ronan 6/10/2010 AKC-Hunt Test Bitterroot Valley Retriever Club Florence

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Directions: West of Missoula off I-90 at Exit 66, head south, turn West on Fish Creek Road for 4.5 miles.

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Open during established hunting seasons with no weapons restrictions.

Stay limit: Maximum stay of 7 days Trailer Length: 23ft.

Activities: Fishing Camping Campground Primitive Campsite Sanitation/Water Toilet

7/23/2010 AKC-Field Trial Professional Retriever Trainers Association Twin Bridges

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9/11/2010 AKC-Field Trial Treasure State Retriever Club Warm Springs

MAY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Hiking The Bighorn Peak Trail visitmt.com

The scenery varies from grass and willow rival valleys to dense forest, to high meadows on the Bighorn Peak Trail. There is also a variety of wildlife, including grizzlies to be seen along this trail. Because of the high concentrations

of bears in the area there are special restrictions on hiking the Bighorn Pass Trail. Parties of 4 or more people are recommended and may be required for overnight trips. Off-trail travel is not permitted in some areas. Check at

Mammoth Visitor Center for current regulations.

This trail begins on the west side of the bridge on the Indian Creek Campground at the entrance road. The trail skirts south around the campground before paralleling Indian Creek for 2 miles through willow river meadows and lodgepole pine forest. This is a good area for a short morning or evening hike from the campground as there are almost always moose or elk feeding in these meadows. After a bridged crossing of Indian Creek the trail climbs a small ridge, then drops down to Panther Creek. The trail crosses Panther Creek by bridge and runs through a pine, spruce and fir forest.

At about the 6 mile point the trail will break out of the forest. Look for evidence in this area of a fairly large avalanche that slid off Bannock Peak, north of the trail, in the early spring of 1986. Jumbled piles of trees from the slide litter both sides of the trail. As you near the pass, the trail gets steeper and climbs 1,100 feet in the last 2 miles. As you hike this section, watch the slopes of Bannock Peak. and Quadrant Mountain for bighorn sheep.

From the pass, the view west of the Gallatin River Valley may prompt you to just sit back and absorb the scenery the rest of the day

Length: 6.0 miles Trail begins: Highway 191 Trail ends: Big Horn Peak Area map: Gallatin National Forest Services offered: Trail Activities offered: Bird Watching Hiking Nature Area Picnicking Sightseeing Wildlife Viewing Contact information: Mailing Address: Yellowstone National Park PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 Phone: 307-344-7381 Web: www.nps.gov/yell Directions: The Bighorn Pass Trail crosses the Gallatin Mountain Range as it travels from Mammoth-Norris Road to the Gallatin Highway. The trail begins on the west side of the bridge on the Indian Creek Campground entrance road.

20 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Downward Spiral Of Big Game Numbers Causes Creation Of New Sportsmen Group

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MAY 2010

aybe the last thing sportsman and woman in Montana want to do is join yet another non-profit organization. After all there seems to be one for about every cause and species that hunters and fisherman love to hunt and love to fish for.

Then again, maybe there is room for one more. At least, that is what Bill Merrill from Missoula and a handful of other local sportsman are counting on.

Merrill has started Montana Sportsman for Fish and Wildlife (MT SFW).

“I was a member of SFW when it started back in Wyoming years ago.

I liked what they did in Wyoming back then and I just thought it might be a great way for Montana sportsman to join together and enable us to have one voice on hunting and fishing issues that we face here in Montana,” said Merrill, who is the president of MT SFW. Wolves and their effect on wildlife herds has been a catalyst in giving the upstart MT SFW 150 members in less than a month.

“Many hunters are frustrated with the downward spiral of big game numbers in the places that they hunt and these sportsmen feel that wolves are one of the reasons, if not the main reason,” said Merrill.

“Hunters are frustrated and with our organization, the ones that have joined so far, feel that we will have a better shot at conveying that message more effectively to agencies like the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

John Rice, from Missoula, is the MT SFW Director of Finance and says even though there are SFW organizations in Wyoming and Utah, the MT SFW will focus on Montana issues. Financially, the groups are not connected.

“The majority of our funds will come from individual memberships and businesses based in Montana and the

money raised will be spent addressing Montana issues,” added Rice. “We have gotten off to a good start and by the end of May we are expecting 500 members once the word gets out and we have a chance to communicate our mission statement to more sportsmen.”

In addition to Merrill and Rice, MT SFW Board of Directors include Jaala Wickman and, Toby Bridges from Missoula and Casey Richardson from Frenchtown. All positions currently at MT SFW are volunteer.

“MT SFW will be serving the interest of sportsman and working with landowners and stockgrowers,” said Merrill.

The goal for MT SFW for memberships by the end of the year is 1000. “We want to be the organized voice for sportsman in Montana,” says Merrill. Single annual memberships are $35, if you are under 21 you may join as a youth at $12 a year, while corporate memberships start at $350 annually.

MT SFW also offers lifetime single and corporate memberships.

“MT SFW’s goal is to have more hands-on conservation efforts and responsible predator management for our members as we begin to work with the state and federal agencies that our involved,” adds Merrill. “We are just getting started and all the volunteers are very passionate about what MT SFW is about.”

If you want to know more, check out their web site www.mt-sfw. org or contact Merrill by e-mail at bill. merrill@mt-sfw.org.

Mark Ward is known as the Captain of the Montana Outdoor Radio Show heard statewide every Saturday from 6am - 8am.

Log onto www.montanaoutdoor.com to find a radio station in your area. You can also read his weekly column in the Thursday Missoulian Outdoor section.

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SUBMIT YOUR HUNTING, FISHING, OR OUTDOOR PHOTOS TO BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE e-mail: bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com or mail to: 8591 Capri Drive, Helena, MT. 59602

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22 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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MAY 2010

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Conservation Groups Adopt Boone and Crockett Scoring Boone and Crockett Club

M

GARY B. MEFFORD SHIRAS’ MOOSE 156-4/8 B&C COUNTY IN: SHERIDAN COUNTY, WY 2007

Landowners Can Sign Up For UGB Enhancement Program MFWP easements and wetland Landowners interested in conservation restoration. FWP is looking for developing, enhancing or conserving upland game bird habitats are encouraged to sign up for the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program.

Ashley Beyer, a bird habitat biologist recently hired by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is the new administrator for the Region 7 program located in the Miles City FWP office.

Although Beyer works out of Miles City, she has been spending quite a bit of time in the Glendive and Sidney area, she said.

The upland game bird program was started in 1987 but FWP recently added three new biologist positions to increase awareness of it and encourage more landowners to participate, she said.

Beyer is available to work directly with landowners and other individuals, groups and organizations who are interested in improving private and public lands for upland game birds.

Landowners who apply for the program must be willing to open their land for free, reasonable public bird hunting. Up to 75 percent of the cost of their habitat enhancement project can be reimbursed through the FWP program.

Projects eligible for funding include: winter cover, food plots, nesting cover, shelter belts, range management,

well-designed projects, not just thrown-together shelter belts, she said.

FWP also administers the Upland Game Bird Release Program which can reimburse landowners to raise pheasants and release them in suitable habitats. The release of the pheasants, occurring annually between August 1 and September 15, is intended to establish new pheasant populations for public hunting.

Youth organizations, 4-H clubs, sports groups or other associations can work in partnership with landowners on projects that meet all FWP requirements.

Hunting preserves, lands that host commercial hunting enterprise and lands where hunting rights are leased or paid for are not eligible for the bird release program. To help determine the success of the program, Fergus, Richland and Roosevelt counties are not eligible for pheasant releases.

Applications for the program can be obtained at www.fwp.mt.gov/habitat/wildlife/uplandgamebird/release.html or by contacting Byere at 406-234-0940 or abeyer@mt.gov. Applications must be received by the Miles City regional FWP office by May 15. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

ore and more prominent big game conservation groups are formally endorsing Boone and Crockett scoring as their standard system for measuring North American big game trophies.

Boone and Crockett scoring originally was developed as a means of recording data on species thought to be going extinct from habitat loss and unregulated harvest. Today, Boone and Crockett Club records remain a classic gauge of successful conservation and management programs. In addition to its prestigious history and tradition, Boone and Crockett scoring is strongly associated with the highest tenets of fair chase and hunting ethics.

Nine organizations have recently adopted Boone and Crockett scoring, including: •Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society •Arizona Deer Association •Dallas Safari Club •Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia •Mule Deer Foundation •Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society •Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation •Texas Bighorn Society •Wild Sheep Foundation Each organization is now using only Boone and Crockett scoring for its North American award and recognition programs, communications, competitions, trophy exhibits, etc.

“We’re pleased to formalize partnerships with these organizations because it strengthens the objectives we all share for conservation as well

as hunting ethics in North America,” said Eldon “Buck” Buckner, vice president of Big Game Records for the Boone and Crockett Club.

The very first organization to formally adopt the copyrighted Boone and Crockett scoring system was the Pope & Young Club in 1958. Their purpose was to establish a records keeping program strictly for archery taken trophies to counter the claims at the time that bowhunting was not an effective method of harvest and there should not be separate seasons for archers.

A complete list of Boone and Crockett scoring partners can be found on their Web site, www.boone-crockett.org.

About The Boone And Crockett Club Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship.

Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws.

The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

MAY 2010

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Use Your Predator Call For Bears

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

Fast und Turnaro

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European Mount Preparation All Skulls Any Skulls

HIGH COUNTRY SKULLS (406) 678-0795 e-mail: gferren@yahoo.com

BY ANDREW MCKEAN

J

ust because the snow is gone and the grass is growing doesn’t mean you should hang up your predator calls. Use them not for coyotes, but for spring bear seasons, which end May 31 in most areas of the state.

Here in Montana, where you can’t use bait or dogs to boost your success in spring bear season, most hunters spot and stalk bears in likely habitats, which can include grassy subalpine meadows to avalanche chutes to remote National Forest roads.

But what if you could use the same tactics that work for spring turkey hunters and fall elk hunters?

What if you could call bears? It turns out, you can, and calling can be highly effective, says Wayne Carlton, owner of Carlton’s Calls and a longtime wildlife caller.

“I called in my first bear accidentally,” says Carlton. “I was turkey hunting when a bear crossed the road in front of our vehicle. I had some predator calls with me so I started belting out on the call, just screaming into that call like something was trying to pull my rib cage apart.”

The bear came charging in, “hair up and ears back,” looking for the source of the intense pain and emotion.

That experience educated Carlson that while generic varmint calling will appeal to some bears, shock calling for bears will make the omnivores stop with what they’re doing and come in on a rope.

“You do that with a lot of volume, a lot of excitement in the call, and you don’t let up until that bear gets to where you want to shoot it.

You have to call continually and with extreme emotion,” says Carlton, who says that high-pitched calls work best, especially big-barreled calls that can push a lot of air and reach out with high volume.

“Calls should squeal like a hog caught in a fence,” he says.

Calling will work best if you can first locate a bear, then call it into range. “I’ll spot a bear and then stalk in as far as I can without spooking it, then call it in close enough for a shot,” says Carlton. By viewing the bear’s response, you can learn more about which calls, volumes and emotions have the best response.

Calling can work early in the season, but Carlton says it’s better in May, after bears have been out of their dens for several weeks and gotten their digestive systems primed. And he says the most intense calling works better on bigger, more mature bears.

“The younger the bear, the less confident they are, so a big, loud, intense call can actually scare them off,” says Carlton. “But you take a big dominant sow or boar and they’ll come in to control the situation and seize whatever they think is hurt or in trouble.”

So where should you call?

Wherever the bears are, which is going to be where the food sources are. In the spring, that includes winter ranges for elk and deer, places where bears can dine on carcasses. It might include ranchers’ bone yards, greening grass in remote meadows or streams where a variety of early emerging vegetation attracts bears.

“Don’t worry about being an expert caller,” says Carlton. “Just call as hard and loud as you can.”

Billings Man Sentenced In Bighorn SuperTag Case RON SELDEN, MFWP

A

Billings man who won the coveted bighorn sheep permit in the state’s 2008 SuperTag Lottery, trespassed to take an animal, and then misrepresented where he shot a trophy ram has been sentenced on related criminal charges.

Shawn Hall, 33, pleaded guilty in Havre’s Hill County Justice Court to a misdemeanor count of making a false statement to authorities for lying about where he killed the ram in the fall of 2008. Hall also posted bond on an additional misdemeanor charge of hunting without landowner permission that was filed in connection with the case in Chouteau County’s Hunting District 680.

Hill County Justice of the Peace Terry Stoppa fined Hall $585 on the false statement charge, and Chouteau County Justice of the Peace Susan Spencer fined him $135 on the charge of hunting without landowner permission. Hall was sentenced to 180 days in jail with all but one day suspended with credit for time served and forfeited his privileges to hunt, fish and trap in Montana for two years. In addition, Hall lost the privilege to apply for any special hunting permits and must obey all other laws.

The annual SuperTag Lottery allows hunters to purchase unlimited $5 chances to win special licenses to hunt moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, antelope, elk, deer, bison, and mountain lion in any legal hunting district in Montana—including the state’s legendary trophy districts.

Revenue from the sales is used to enhance hunting access and boost enforcement efforts by the Montana

Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) .

FWP Region 6 Warden Sgt. Shane Reno said Shawn Hall and his party were hunting in the Missouri River Breaks when the illegal activities occurred on Oct. 2, 2008. Hall and the other members of his party had located a large, 9-1/2 year-old ram in an area not accessible to hunting without landowner permission. With the help of members of his hunting party, Hall killed the ram.

After Hall’s ram was killed, Reno said the group packed the animal out to their all-terrain vehicles across the private land, again without permission, and left for Havre to report Hall’s bighorn harvest to state authorities, as is required.

Reno and then-FWP Biologist Al Rosgaard checked the sheep when the group arrived in Havre. During the process, Reno said Hall gave them a false harvest location that was in an area seven miles from the true location of the kill. An ensuing investigation revealed the exact place where the ram was killed.

“It’s very unfortunate that this ram was taken this way,” Reno said.

“There are excellent opportunities for permit holders to harvest a once-in-alifetime bighorn sheep in the Missouri River Breaks and be totally within the scope of the law when doing so. For those who take the time to make a few arrangements with private landowners and contact public land agencies and area wildlife officials, taking a bighorn sheep legally and ethically is well within the grasp of any hunter who is fortunate enough to get a permit.”

24 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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MAY 2010

Hunting And Conservation News Hunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored By

Allied Waste

Pheasant Release Lewistown Man Program Faces 20 Poaching Applications Due Charges MFWP May 15 MFWP A Lewistown man has been charged with two felonies and 18 L

Youth Trapper Camp Offered In June MFWP T

he 2010 Youth Trapper Camp is accepting applications. The 3 day camp, established 11 years ago. Held in the Bears Paw Mountains, south of Havre at Beaver Creek Park, the camp is set for June 11-13. Fees are $40 per camper, with a $20 scholarship provided by FWP to the first 60 applicants. All meals, snacks, drinks and educational materials are included. Adults are encouraged to attend with their children. The camp is handicap accessible.

Applications are online at MTA Web site at www.montanatrappers.org.

For more information, contact Jim or Fran Buell via e-mail at 7mbuell@itstriangle.com, or call 406-376-3178.

New Law Allows Some Young Hunters To Get An Early Start MFWP A

new Montana law passed last year will allow some youth to start hunting before their 12th birthday.

House Bill 221, passed by the 2009 Montana Legislature, makes it legal for a youngster who will reach 12 years of age by Jan. 16, 2011 to participate in any hunting season that opens after Aug. 15.

The youth must first pass a hunter’s education course and be properly licensed.

In past years, a youth could not hunt until he or she turned 12 years old.

For more information on hunting eligibility requirements visit FWP’s Web site at fwp.mt.gov.

andowners interested in raising and releasing ring-necked pheasants through the state Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program have until May 15 to submit an application.

Under Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Upland Game Bird Release Program, landowners who attempt to establish pheasant populations in suitable habitat can be reimbursed for raising and releasing pheasants.

To qualify, land in the project area must: •remain open to reasonable public hunting, •comprise at least 100 contiguous acres of land, and •provide habitat that includes the type of cover and food required by upland game birds.

Projects on private and public land submitted in partnership with youth organizations, 4-H clubs, sports groups or other associations are also eligible.

Hunting preserves, lands that host a commercial hunting enterprise, and lands where hunting rights are leased or paid for are not eligible.

Applicants may submit all necessary paperwork to the FWP office in Helena or one of the seven FWP regional offices on or before May 14. Mailed-in applications must be postmarked no later than Saturday, May 15.

The pheasant releases will take place between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15.

For more information, and an on-line application form, visit FWP’s Web site at fwp.mt.gov—search “Upland Game Bird Program,” or contact your nearest FWP office.

misdemeanors for poaching activities last October that included seven deer, two antelope, one black bear and one wild turkey.

Craig Henry Metcalf Jr., 24, faces fines up to $50,000 and jail time up to five years. In addition, Metcalf could lose his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges from three years to a lifetime ban.

On Oct. 27 and 28, Metcalf Jr. was observed around the Lewistown area, shooting animals illegally, wasting game and hunting without a license.

Over the two-day period, a Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 4 investigation determined that Metcalf conducted illegal activities, ranging from the Moccasin Mountains north of town to the state fish hatchery south of Lewistown.

The felonies are possession of unlawfully taken wildlife: possessing and transporting six deer with the restitution value exceeding $1,000. And unlawful sale of game animals: selling a black bear and parts of a mule deer buck with the restitution value exceeding $1,000.

The misdemeanors are: possession of unlawfully taken buck antelope, possession of unlawfully taken black bear, two counts of outfitting without a license, two counts of shooting a big game animal from a road, two counts of shooting a big game animal from a vehicle, three counts of waste of a game animal, hunting a turkey without a license, hunting a black bear without a license and five counts of hunting deer without a license.

The charges were filed in Fergus County District Court.

Group Helps Veterans Get Out & Hunt RUDY SMITH Go Online To Help Monitor Wolf Populations T

he organization, Buck Up For Wounded Warriors is providing combat Veterans more than just words to thank them for their service. The group is saying thank you with something tangible; a memory. The gift of the outdoors. They are sending 6 combat Vets on a trophy Mule Deer hunt in the Ft. Peck area.

The licenses have been purchased, and now they are out in communities to raise awareness and funds for the trip. They will be auctioning off a custom rifle, doing a “Hogs for Heroes” poker run on May 29th, selling hats and t-shirts at the up-coming gun show at the Adams

W

Center, as well as knocking on the doors of local businesses.

“Since Montana is the Last Best Place, we feel that these brave men and women deserve the experience of what so many of us take for granted. The excitement of the preparation, the anticipation of the hunt, just being in camp with our buddies, family and friends, and leaving the world behind for a week to be in the Great Outdoors,” said Rudy Smith group organizer. Please e-mail Rudy Smith at rudy@smithx-ray.com or visit www.buckupforwoundedwarriors.com.

ith the coming of spring, state wildlife officials remind hikers, black bear hunters and others in the outdoors that they can use the Internet to help monitor Montana wolves.

“Over the past several years, some of our best wolf-related information sources have been hunters, landowners, and many others who spend time in the outdoors,” said Ken McDonald, chief of the wildlife bureau for Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena.

Black bear hunters are afield, many Montanans enjoy scouting national forests for shed antlers, and many others are still enjoying Montana’s snowmobile

trails. “Some of those folks will see wolves or wolf sign,” McDonald said. “We want them to know there’s an easy way to tell FWP when they see a wolf or wolf activity.”

To report a wolf sighting visit FWP’s Web site at fwp.mt.gov . Click Montana Wolves and look for the “Report a Wolf Observation” link. In addition, wolf-reporting postcards are available from FWP and most licenses providers and anyone can report wolf sightings to their nearest FWP office.

Since the online reporting system was activated in 2005, more than 1,000 reports have been submitted from 25 different Montana counties.

MAY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Hunting And Conservation News Breaks & Bear’s New Look And Paw Elk Survey New Opportunities Results Released In 2010 Hunting MFWP Regulations MFWP Long time Montana hunters will R ecent aerial surveys of elk notice a slightly new format in the state’s populations in the Region 6 portions of the Missouri River Breaks and the Bear’s Paw Mountains south of Havre indicate a slight decrease in the Breaks and a sizable increase in animals in the mountain section.

The surveys are conducted by managers in Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 6. According to Glasgow-based biologist Kelvin Johnson, more than 2,900 elk were counted in the Breaks section this year. That represents a 5 percent decrease since the last complete survey took place in 2008 -- where more than 3,100 animals were documented -- and a 30 percent decrease since the highest count on record – more than 4,200 animals -- was observed in 2006.

Johnson said the count total in the Breaks is still almost 50 percent higher than the management objective of 2,000 that was set for this unit in the current Montana Elk Management Plan. The 2010 survey results show elk bull-cow ratios are 36:100 in the Breaks, which is above the management objective of 30:100.

Calf-cow ratios are 46:100.

“Elevated numbers of cow permits and liberalized seasons appear to have been successful in bringing elk numbers on the north side of the Breaks down closer to objectives,” Johnson said.

“Because the strategy seems to be working, FWP plans to continue managing elk this way in the area.”

In the Bear’s Paw Mountains, nearly 700 elk were counted this year, which represents a 40 percent increase from the last survey, when 500 animals were spotted from the air. Bull-cow ratios in the Bear’s Paw are 26:100, which is above the management of objective of 10:100. Calf-cow ratios are 51:100.

“Elevated elk numbers have occurred in the Bear’s Paw Mountains since 2006, when more than 400 were counted, and it appears the permit packages put in place since 2006 have not been able to keep elk numbers at objective,” said Havre-based Warden Sgt. Shane Reno. “FWP plans to increase antlerless elk license quotas in 2010 in order to reduce elk numbers here, but access is tight. Hunters will need access to elk during the big game season in order to reduce numbers. There’s really no way around that.”

2010 big game hunting regulation booklet and find several new opportunities for deer, elk and antelope for the upcoming season.

The opening pages of the 2010 big game regulations outline the hunter’s legal responsibilities afield, followed by hunting district maps, regulations and legal descriptions of each hunting district.

The final pages of the regulations contain information on licenses and general items of interest to hunters.

“We made the changes in response to requests for a simpler and easier way to access the array of information in Montana’s hunting regulations,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks spokesman Ron Aasheim. “We hope that most find the regulations easier to read and the information more accessible.”

In addition, there are several new opportunities for hunters in 2010. Here’s a summary: •New Opening Day—Antelope, deer and elk seasons will open on a Saturday for the first time in recent memory. The general season for antelope will open Oct. 9. The general deer and elk season opener is set for Oct. 23. In past years, most general big game hunting seasons opened on a Sunday.

•Deer Youth Hunt at Fall Break—A youth hunt for deer limited to youngsters between the ages of 12-15 was approved for the Thursday and Friday preceding the Saturday opener. That’s Oct. 21-22 and coincides with Montana’s annual two-day teachers’ convention, which are no-school days for most public school students. FWP will evaluate the program over the next two years.

•“Party” Applications for Elk and Deer Hunters—For the first time ever, deer and elk hunters who enjoy hunting with friends and family can now apply for special licenses and permits as a “party” of up to four applicants. Be sure to follow application directions carefully.

•ELK B Licenses—Elk B licenses (formally called “A9” or “B12” licenses), which allow taking a second elk, have replaced antlerless elk permits in several hunting districts. The change seeks to conform to deer and antelope “B” license classifications that provide hunters an opportunity to purchase a second license.

An added benefit to hunters is the ability to use their special permit drawing application for a special bull-elk permit, instead of an antlerless permit. The change also provides additional opportunities for wildlife managers

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to increase antlerless elk harvest in areas where elk exceed population objectives.

•Black Bear and Mountain Lion Archery—For the first time, Montana will offer black bear and lion archery-only seasons, which will open along with the general big game archery season on Sept.

4. To participate one must have a valid archery license.

•New Antelope and New Deer and Elk Applications for Residents—Due to additional opportunities, residents now have one application for deer and elk and another for antelope. Each application requires a $2 Bonus Point fee.

•Bonus Points—New this year, bonus points are also available for Elk B, Deer B and Antelope B licenses through the special drawings. The price to participate is $2 for residents and $20 for nonresidents per application.

•Bison Hunting Districts—The deadline to apply for Montana’s special license drawing for bison is May 1. Hunters should note, as indicted on the application, that the West Yellowstone hunting district is 395 and the Gardiner hunting district is 385.

Montana’s annual big game hunting regulations and drawing applications are now available on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Web site at fwp.mt.gov and from most FWP offices and license providers.

Montana Supertags On Sale MFWP Montana Fish, Wildlife

& Parks reminds hunters that an unlimited number of $5 SuperTag chances are available for fall 2010 hunts. Eight lucky hunters will win the chance to hunt a moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and bison in any legal district open for that species.

SuperTag lottery proceeds go to enhance hunting access and boost FWP enforcement efforts.

To purchase a SuperTag, a 2010 conservation license is needed. SuperTags are available at all FWP offices, license providers, or online at fwp.mt.gov using FWP’s online licensing service.

26 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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he Lewis and Clark Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation has presented a $2,596.00 donation to the Montana City School to purchase archery equipment with funds raised during last year’s May raffle. The Chapter is offering another limited access youth hunt in hopes they can make a similar donation in 2011.

Deadline to buy tickets is May 8.

“This generous donation to our school will allow our National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to run more efficiently,” said Montana City School Teacher Tyler Maxwell. “Now we can purchase a complete set of equipment that we can use anytime. It’s possible we can begin an after school program, especially if the interest continues to grow like it has been.”

Montana City School teaches target archery in grades 6-8 physical education classes, reaching over 149 students each year. Maxwell says, “this curriculum is a great way for kids to do something they may not usually get to try. It brings kids and parents together.”

Maxwell is also open to the possibility of sharing the equipment with neighboring schools because “the more kids involved,

the better it is!”

Archery can be taught indoors or out and is great for boys and girls of all sizes and ability levels. In addition to being a life-long physical skill, the sport can be used to teach math, science, and history concepts. NASP has been growing at an amazing rate nationally and has spread from 12 Montana pilot schools to approximately 30 schools statewide.

The Mule Deer Foundation, based in Utah, exists to ensure the conservation of mule deer and habitat.

The local chapter has been active for over five years conducting this spring raffle and also an annual banquet in August. The group has donated to other projects such as habitat restoration, TIP-MONT and law enforcement.

“We are very pleased to support the archery program and are really hoping that these donations can increase so we can help more schools,” said Mike McFerrin who donates the hunt near Canyon Creek but is also a committee member of the mule deer chapter. To purchase tickets for this youth hunt or to get involved, contact Dennis Deaton at (406) 461-2844.

PHOTO JIM FOSTER “Wolves are here to stay and elk are on the menu. Hunters can’t shoot their way out of it. In places where good elk habitat is sparse, elk numbers could take a big hit.” Was the word from University of Montana professor Mark Hebblewhite.

In the Greater Yellowstone area elk populations have changed their foraging habits to the degree where cow elk are having fewer calves.

The blame has been said to be due to changes in their nutrition. Who could disagree that being chased and harassed by wolf packs had caused the change.

Biologists know that hunter movement will cause some deer to become nocturnal.

Elk will eat more woody shrubs or low tree branches in forested areas where they are safer instead of grazing on grass in the open meadows where they are more vulnerable to wolf predation. It was predicted before the introduction of the wolf that elk populations would decline. But the reduction is far greater than predicted, as is the wolf population numbers. One expert was quoted to say that the elk that are regularly hunted by wolves are essentially starving faster than those

not hunted by wolves. I wondered why I saw so few elk last fall driving through Yellowstone?

In Idaho the state Senate has approved a new law that would allow out of state hunters to kill a wolf if they don’t kill an elk or deer. The option is theirs. The law already allows them to kill a bear or lion but only one – either a deer or elk, or a lion, bear or wolf.

The vote was 34 for 1 against which was of course Nicole LeFavour a Democrat.

So why have the elk and deer populations declined? First is poor management, or the lack of same by wildlife “experts” and of course the introduction of an animal the Feds wouldn’t allow the states to control until it was to late. I also blame the Montana judge who let his ignorance of the issue and his pro-wolf leanings made his relisting decision for him.

This allowed more time for the wolf to take its toll.

Hunters will hunt and so will the wolf, let us hope that the hunters hunting the wolf will begin to improve the situation and our elk and deer populations will return to the numbers before the wolf.

MAY 2010

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A new National Shooting Sports Foundation poll conducted by Harris Interactive found that more Americans are target shooting now than six months ago, and that “home and personal defense” were the main reasons Americans recently purchased firearms.

The poll also showed that 43 percent of respondents, which equates to nearly 98 million people, expressed some level of interest in participating in the shooting sports or hunting.

“Last year was a banner year for lawful firearm sales, and the results of this poll suggest the desires for personal security and recreation were drivers of most of those purchases,” said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, trade association for the firearms industry.

“The poll also reaffirms something we’ve known for a long time—that many millions of Americans want to try target shooting or hunting and are just waiting for an invitation from an experienced shooter to go to the range or afield. So, firearms owners, what are you waiting for? Make that invitation and share the enjoyment of recreational shooting or hunting with someone eager to go.”

The online survey was conducted March 16-18 by Harris Interactive, which performs periodic surveys for NSSF on shooting and hunting participation. The questions were asked of general population adults 18 and over.

Findings from the NSSF/ Harris poll include: -Some 18.4 million Americans “currently participate” in handgun target shooting and 14.8 million in rifle target shooting, an increase from the 16.8 million and 13.9 million, respectively, from an NSSF poll conducted by Harris Interactive last September.

-Participation in the shotgun sports of “skeet/trap” and “sporting clays” was 4.2 million in each of those categories.

-In response to a question about why Americans made their most recent firearm purchase, 40 percent of respondents said “home protection” followed by 36 percent citing “personal protection.” Target shooting (30 percent) and hunting (28 percent) came next.

-The survey highlighted the power of a personal invitation to motivate an individual to go target shooting or hunting. Some 45 percent of respondents said an “invitation from friend or family” would most encourage them to participate, ranking this personal interaction far ahead of all forms of advertising.

Once invited by a friend or family member, respondents said they would want to . .

- Shoot a handgun at the range (77 percent) - Shoot a rifle at the range (69 percent) - Go plinking (55 percent) - Fire shotguns at clay targets (54 percent) - Take a self-protection class (54 percent) - Go hunting for various game species, which was cited by an average of 25 percent of respondents.

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• 27

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MAY 2010

Rocky Mountain States Bighorn Sheep Back In S. Platte River Canyon After 100 Years Eight years after the Hayman burn scorched 138,000 acres of land, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) has transplanted Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep into their historic habitat.

Wildfire can be good for wildlife.

In this case, plant growth since the early 1900’s had covered the site in dense forest, which precluded bighorn sheep use for the last 50 years. However, the massive fire cleaned out large areas of dense trees, improving the habitat potential for sheep.

DOW biologists, woring with additional funds from the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, began studying the site for reintroduction in 2006. GIS mapping analysis and site visits confirmed that conditions were ripe for the return of the bighorns, as five years after the burn; the site had not grown over with the previously thick tree canopy.

“Moving sheep to their historic range due to the Hayman Burn shows that good things can often come from tragic events,” said Janet George, senior terrestrial biologist with the Northeast region of the DOW. “As the state animal, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are one of our most prized wildlife, with visitors coming from all over the states to hunt and view these magnificent animals. It is gratifying to be part of an opportunity to expand their range and give them a shot at a larger population.”

Ten of the twelve sheep, nine ewes and one ram, were radio collared prior to release and are being monitored regularly. Since the release, their movements indicate the bighorns have been exploring a five-mile radius around the release site and have stayed within the perimeter of the Hayman Burn. Additional sheep will likely be transported to the area next year. The sheep will continue to be monitored for the next several years, as DOW studies the success of the transplant.

CDW Continues Efforts To Conserve Greater Chinook Season Open Sage-grouse The 2010 Chinook salmon fishing season opened April 24 in the Clearwater, Snake, Little Salmon and the lower Salmon rivers.

Chinook salmon fishing also will open on May 23 in the Lochsa River; and T he Colorado Division of June 19 in the lower Salmon River from Short’s Creek upstream to Vinegar Creek. In Wildlife (DOW) will continue to work aggressively with federal agencies and private landowners to support and expand greater sage-grouse populations in the wake of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recent decision to include the chicken-sized bird on the endangered species list.

“Colorado has been front and center in sage-grouse research, conservation management for over four decades,” said DOW director Tom Remington.

“The Fish and Wildlife Service decision places a responsibility on federal and state agencies and private industry to sustain and increase greater sage-grouse populations and we are committed to making that happen.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to include the greater sage-grouse on the endangered species list as “warranted but precluded” means the agency believes threats to the species justify listing it, but the immediate proposal of a regulation implementing the petition action is precluded by higher priority listing actions on 250 species. The greater sage-grouse occurs in northwestern Colorado and ten other western states. A conservative estimate of Colorado’s greater sage-grouse population is more than 20,000 – which is on the order of four percent of the nationwide population.

The DOW has developed a collaborative statewide conservation plan for greater sage-grouse and works with local groups to develop local conservation plans. More than 300,000 acres of greater sage-grouse habitat has been improved since 2004 by the DOW and its many private and governmental partners.

Under the “warranted but precluded” finding by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the greater sage-grouse will not receive immediate statutory protection under the ESA.

addition, this year Fish and Game will open a section of the lower Salmon River from Rice Creek to Hammer Creek to salmon fishing, during the same time as the other sections of the lower Salmon.

Chinook salmon fisheries in the South Fork Salmon River and upper Salmon River will be set by the Fish and Game Commission at a later date.

In the Clearwater River drainage the daily limit is three Chinook, only one may be an adult 24 or more inches long, the possession limit is nine, only three may be adults.

In the Snake River from Dug Bar to Hells Canyon Dam, the lower Salmon and the Little Salmon rivers, the daily limit is four Chinook, only two may be adults. The possession limit is 12, only six adults.

The statewide annual limit is 20 adult Chinook.

Daily fishing hours will be presented in a table in the 2010 rule brochure.

Anglers may keep only hatchery Chinook with a clipped adipose fin, evidenced by a healed scar. Only barbless hooks no more than five-eighths inch from point to shank may be used. Snagging or attempting to snag is illegal.

On the Lochsa River only artificial flies and lures with one barbless hook may be used to fish for salmon. A single hook may have up to three points. No bait may be used.

Waters that opened April 24 are: Clearwater River, mainstem: Lower - from the Camas Prairie Railroad Bridge at Lewiston upstream to the Cherrylane Bridge Middle - from the Cherrylane Bridge upstream to the Orofino Bridge, excluding the perimeter of Dworshak National Fish Hatchery at Ahsahka, and excluding the ladder to the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery as marked by posted boundaries about 100 yards upstream and downstream of the ladder and extending into the river about 50 yards.

Upper - from the Orofino Bridge upstream to the South Fork Clearwater River.

North Fork Clearwater: From the mouth to the Dworshak Dam, excluding the perimeter of the Dworshak National Hatchery at Ahsahka.

South Fork Clearwater: From its mouth to the confluence of the American and Red rivers.

Middle Fork Clearwater: From the South Fork upstream to the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway rivers.

Lower Salmon River: Pine Bar - From the Rice Creek Bridge upstream to the posted boundary about 200 yards downstream of the Hammer Creek boat ramp. This is a new section added this year.

Hammer Creek - From a posted boundary about 200 yards downstream from the Hammer Creek boat ramp upstream to the U.S. Highway 95 Time Zone Bridge.

Park Hole - From the Time Zone Bridge upstream to a posted boundary at the mouth of Short’s Creek, about 1.4 miles upstream of the mouth of the Little Salmon River.

Fishing from any watercraft is prohibited within 30 yards of the west shoreline from the Riggins City Park boat ramp upstream to a posted boundary about 200 yards upstream of the mouth of the Little Salmon River.

Little Salmon: Lower - From the mouth to a posted boundary about 200 yards upstream of the mouth of the Rapid River. Fishing from any watercraft is prohibited in the Little Salmon River from the mouth upstream about 200 yards to a posted boundary.

Upper - from the posted boundary about 200 yards upstream of the Rapid River upstream to the U.S. Highway 95 Bridge near Smokey Boulder Road.

Snake River: From the Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to Hells Canyon Dam. Opening May 23: Lochsa River: From its mouth to the Twin Bridges immediately upstream from the confluence of Crooked Fork and Colt Killed Creeks.

Opening June 19: Lower Salmon: Vinegar Creek - From posted boundary at the mouth of Shorts’ Creek upstream to the uppermost boat ramp at Vinegar Creek.

All these waters will remain open seven days a week until further notice. For additional rules and restrictions, please refer to the 2010 Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules brochure.

MAY 2010

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Nine Mile Reservoir Produces 9 lb. Tiger Trout

PERRY BUNDERSON SHOWS THE NINE-POUND TIGER TROUT HE CAUGHT AT NINE MILE RESERVOIR. PHOTO BY PABLO CORONA

M

any anglers drive by Nine Mile Reservoir without giving the water a second thought.

Not Perry Bunderson, though.

The Moore resident has fished Nine Mile for years. And on March 25, fishing the reservoir paid off big time.

Bunderson caught a beautiful nine-pound tiger trout at the reservoir on a day he says was cold and windy.

“I was fly fishing from my float tube, bobbing like a cork,” he says.

He caught a couple of nice rainbow trout earlier in the day, and he was hoping for another rainbow before he stopped fishing that afternoon.

“Then the big one hit,” Bunderson says. “He broke the surface and looked huge; a giant tiger trout!”

Bunderson thought the fish would get away. “I’ve lost several big ones at Nine Mile through the years,” he says. “I was determined to get this one in.”

Barbless hooks are the only hooks Bunderson uses when he fishes.

And he was also using five-pound tippet line. “So I let him have his way, keeping just enough tension on the line to keep the hook set,” he says. “Half an hour later — which seemed like two hours — he gave up and ‘came to papa’!”

After Bunderson caught the fish, he took it to the Sterling Post Office/Denton Store in Sterling to have it weighed.

“Nine pounds even.

Twenty-eight-and-half inches long!,” he says.

“I later learned the catch-and-release record was 25 inches, but oh well,” he says. “Maybe next time.”

Walleye, Utah’s Tastiest Fish UDWR

S

cott Root has talked to hundreds of anglers during the 20 years he’s complied fishing reports for the Division of Wildlife Resources. Without hesitation, he says most of them list walleye as Utah’s “tastiest” fish.

Other great-tasting fish include perch, catfish and bass.

“Personally, walleye are my favorite because the fillets don’t taste fishy or oily,” Root says. “They’re light, mild and flakey. I’ve never had anyone tell me they didn’t enjoy them.

“Fish are an important part of a healthy diet, and more and more people are including fish in their meals,” he says.

“There’s a lot of interest right now in trying new types of fish.”

Roots says Utah Lake, Lake Powell, and Willard Bay, Deer Creek, Yuba and Starvation reservoirs are Utah’s major walleye waters.

THE “SANDY BEACH” AREA ON THE SOUTH END OF UTAH LAKE IS A GREAT PLACE TO CATCH WALLEYE PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT ROOT, UDWR

Walleye spawn in the spring, so spring is a great time to catch them.

They’ll be heading to tributaries and spawning areas within the main body of water.

If you’re ready to catch some of these tasty fish, Root provides tips and techniques to try: The most effective technique is to cast a lure that imitates a minnow.

Then retrieve (or troll) the lure very slowly along the bottom of the water you’re fishing.

Unlike most fish species, walleye often strike lures softly. When a walleye strikes, you might think you just ran your lure through some vegetation.

Actually, you may have a walleye on the end of your line!

Another effective technique is to cast dead minnows or worms, and then let them settle on or near the bottom of the water you’re fishing. Make sure you watch the tip of your fishing rod closely to detect any movement.

Walleye are predators. They usually feed at dawn and dusk, and throughout the night. Those are the best times to catch them.

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

• 29

30 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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2010 Pheasant Hunting Prep

MAY 2010

PHEASANTS FOREVER

Your next season afield should start now. The better the preparation, the sweeter the reward.

As a hunting community, we often overlook the importance of pre-season preparation.

That’s too bad because preparation is important for all sportsmen, including pheasant hunters.

“What can be done during the spring and summer months to prepare for the opening day of pheasant hunting?”

That question is asked a lot this time of year at Pheasants Forever. Just like any other type of hunting, chasing roosters exposes us to the wear and tear of grueling, long days afield through a variety of tough terrain and weather conditions.

Use the following checklist to prepare for next autumn and your 2010 season may be your best ever.

Clothing Repair - Defective clothing due to tears, rips and missing zippers is an all-toocommon occurrence even for the seasoned hunter. To become more comfortable and efficient in the field, make an effort during the offseason to repair your hunting apparel. By making time for this now, you avoid losing shells, getting wet and an overall miserable experience come October.

Shotgun Maintenance - What’s more important to consistently bagging pheasants than a well-maintained shotgun?

Start a maintenance regimen today by periodically applying gun oil to your firearm, using steel wool to fight any rust buildups, and being sure to clean the bore of any shot deposits.

Self-conditioning - Improving physical fitness is key to spending longer days afield. Start now by establishing an exercise routine that mimics your hunting conditions and get the most out of your gym membership. Even bringing the dog on longer walks - it’s all worth the time once hunting season arrives.

Hearing Protection - “What’s that you said?” We’ve spelled it out for you- HEARING PROTECTION- an important aspect of the hunting world. Do not sacrifice life-long hearing abilities just because you think the sound of muzzle blast does not affect you. Save some money to purchase ear protection this off season- many options are available and most can increase low-sound frequencies without the high decibels.

Target Acquisition - Having trouble getting your shotgun lined up with those fast-flying roosters? Go out this summer and pick out targets that are flying- pigeons, crows, clays or other “birds” will work fine. When

a bird “flushes” past you, practice getting the gun on your shoulder and following through just as you will this fall.

Scouting - Just as deer and turkey hunters scout for optimal hunting spots, bird hunters should too. Use the mornings and late afternoons to spot birds near your honey holes and see if they will be as productive this year. Before glassing, be sure to utilize the internet to study aerial photos of potential hunting locations; now you’ve got the upper hand on fall competition.

Vehicle Maintenance - You have to get there in order to fill the bag limit, so take time to provide routine vehicle maintenance, it will be one less thing to worry about this fall. In addition, what can you purchase to protect you investment?

Adding implements to your vehicle such as seat covers, brush guards and rubber floor mats will provide protection against the elements.

Dog Maintenance - Do you have a hunting companion of the four-legged kind? If so, do him/her a favor by keeping them well-conditioned, healthy, and obedient throughout the year. Dogs work hard and add a great sense of pride and enjoyment to hunting. Pay them back with love, care and the chance to succeed during the

non-hunting months.

Goal Setting - The best way to achieve hunting success: set some goals this fall and you might find a revival in your hunting spirit! Whether it’s bagging a rooster in three states, finding a trophy for your wall, hunting every Saturday in October, or bagging your first double; it doesn’t matter.

Goals give us something to strive for.

Planning Ahead - Time is of the essence when it comes to hunting. Planning a trip when the season is already in session is usually too late. Contact your hunting partners now and set time aside for the hunting trip of your dreams; it’s the best way to make it a reality.

Shooting for Beginners - Is your youngster ready to enter the world of hunting?

Perhaps an outing at a hunting preserve before the season is in order. Benefits include: referred to as “hunting preserves,” these places offer multiple benefits for young hunters: Convenience- hunt when you’re ready in a controlled environment Weather- no need to experience bad weather conditions Safety- what better place to work on safety techniques?

MAY 2010

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KEGAN BERANEK AND HIS FIRST TURKEY TAKEN IN DARBY. “IT WAS HIS VERY FIRST HUNT OF ANY KIND. I WAS VERY PROUD,” FROM HIS STEPFATHER, KEVIN DROUIN.

Wild Turkey Talk

BY DIANE TIPTON, MFWP STATEWIDE INFORMATION OFFICER

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks harvest surveys suggest more than 6,500 hunters are likely to participate in the state’s spring turkey hunt—about 1,000 of them nonresidents. Montana’s spring gobbler season began April 10 and will run to May 16.

“Ironically, as much as Montana’s hunters love to hunt turkeys, this wild bird’s historic range did not extend into the state,” said Rick Northrup, FWP’s game bird coordinator.

“Montana first began to make use of its potential turkey habitat in 1954 when FWP released 13 wild turkeys from Colorado in the Judith Mountains,” Northrup said.

In addition to this release in central Montana, in 1955 FWP released 18 Wyoming turkeys in the Long Pines area of southeastern Montana, and again in 1956 and 1957 released Wyoming birds to populate the Ashland area in southeastern Montana.

Once these populations were established, FWP trapped and transferred turkeys to extend populations into new areas with good turkey habitat.

“Today, FWP regional wildlife managers work with area landowners, the National Wild Turkey Federation and others to identify good habitat and continue to enhance and expand turkey populations,” Northrup said. He estimates there are some 125,000 turkeys in

Montana, and millions of wild turkeys in the U.S. “Much of the best turkey habitat in eastern Montana was recently blanketed with moderate to heavy snows, which can affect turkey survival and spring abundance,” Northrup said. “Turkey numbers have been about average over the past four years for most of Montana.”

CONSIDERING YOUR FIRST SPRING TURKEY HUNT? First-time turkey hunters have some serious research to do in a short period of time, if they haven’t already begun. Montana’s spring turkey season opened April 10 and runs to May 16.

Spring turkey hunters must purchase a turkey tag in addition to an upland game bird tag and conservation license.

“The spring turkey season is for male turkeys only. Gobblers are extremely wary, with keen color vision and good hearing,” said Rick Northrup, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks statewide game bird coordinator. “The spring hunt can be challenging.”

Northrup said a hunter’s total combined turkey harvest for the year cannot exceed two turkeys.

“Plan ahead if you want to hunt turkey in the fall,” Northrup said. “If you take your two turkeys in the spring, that is your limit and you are done for the year.”

In addition to a careful reading of

the 2010 turkey hunting regulations, inexperienced turkey hunters need to get the terminology down. Here is a quick guide to wild turkey names: •adult male turkeys are gobblers or toms, •adult females are hens, •recently hatched chicks are poults, •juvenile males are jakes and juvenile females are jennies, and •a group of turkeys is a flock.

“The best advice I can give a new spring turkey hunter is to find an experienced hunter who can provide some insights and is willing to have someone tag along,” Northrup said. “Reading up on the subject always helps, but there are some things best learned by being with an experienced hunter in the field.”

Novices might have better luck attracting that experienced mentor, if they know some basic turkey facts. Here are a few.

•In the 1930’s wild turkey were nearly extinct in the U.S. •Wild turkeys are native to North America, but did not naturally occur in Montana.

•Adult wild turkeys in Montana may weigh from about 10 to 20 pounds.

•Hens lay a clutch of 10-12 eggs in the spring during a two week period and incubate them for about 28 days.

•Newly hatched chicks must be ready to leave the nest to feed within 12 to 24 hours.

•Turkeys eat insects, berries, grain, seeds and even small reptiles.

“Hunters who enjoy the challenge of a spring turkey hunt, season after season, tend to be ones who have come to the realization that hunting gobblers in the spring is just as rewarding as bringing a bird home,” he said.

Northrup said spring hunts are often opportunities to renew old friendships and enjoy nature’s fresh starts—as well as the potential setting for spring rains and late snowstorms. Even the wind can make hearing and finding wild turkeys much more difficult.

“The variability of the season and the thrill of hearing Tom turkeys gobble are all part of the challenge and excitement of the hunt,” he said.

For details on the 2010 spring turkey hunt in Montana, go to the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov and use the Hunt

Planner the Hunting page. For a detailed guide and how to’s on turkey hunting scroll to the bottom of the Turkey Hunting Guide and select Hunting the Merriam’s Turkey in Montana.

THE CARE AND PREPARATION OF WILD TURKEY When a variety of wild turkey hunters at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks were asked about preparing and handling wild turkey meat, there was unanimous agreement on a few important points.

“Wild turkey is sensitive to over-cooking, as is most game meat,” said Dwayne Andrews, of FWP’s Miles City office. “Expect excellent white meat on the breasts, with dark meat on the legs that can be tough and must be cooked differently from the breast fillets.”

Andrews recommends that the turkey legs go into the crock pot for stew with lots of vegetables.

“I strip the meat off the bones before putting it in the crock pot. This is a good way to make use of dark meat on the turkey,” he said.

Another tip for keeping wild turkey meat tender is to brine it.

“The recipe I have calls for a ratio of one cup kosher salt to one gallon of cold water,” said Ken Staigmiller of FWP’s Great Falls office.

He said a little brown sugar to taste is optional and he soaks the turkey for 10 to 12 hours before cooking it.

Another area of agreement is that wild turkey can be successfully frozen.

“I fillet the meat and freeze it for later use,” Andrews said.

“The difficult part with freezing a turkey is getting it wrapped securely to prevent freezer burn, especially if you don’t choose to fillet it,” said Jim Vashro of FWP’s Kalispell office. “Try to limit the air space between the turkey and the wrapping as much as possible to prevent it from drying out in the freezer.”

Vashro said he just ate a wild turkey he had frozen for seven months and it was fine.

“I smoked it, which is a delicious way to prepare turkeys,” he said. “I’ve also cooked wild turkeys with brown-and-serve oven bags which hold the moisture in since a wild turkey is leaner than a commercial bird.”

32 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Bass On The Fly W

ith scarcely the energy to ripple the azure surface of the lake, the gentle breeze still provides enough force to keep my canoe drifting parallel to the shoreline. Forty feet of sinking flyline string out behind my craft, terminating in a nine-foot leader to which I’ve tied two flies. The first is a flamboyant woolly bugger replete with a shiny, gold conehead and orange, rubber legs that poke haphazardly from a body of black fuzz.

To the bend in the hook of the woolly bugger, on some eighteen inches of tippet, I’ve tied an emerald leech.

Fly fishing is not commonly thought to be a lazy sport, but this is angling of least ambitious kind. With a mild morning zephyr to propel the canoe at just the right speed for trolling, there’s little to do but occasionally lift the tip of the rod to provide an erratic, jigging action to the flies. If the canoe seat had a backrest, I could as easily forget the jigging and doze off in the warm sunshine with the rod cradled casually in my lap.

Lost in my reverie, my appendages become a flailing tangle of ineffectual groping and grasping when a terrific tug on the end of the line nearly pulls the rod overboard. I manage to clasp the cork butt with the fingers of one hand, then steady the rod with both and hoist the tip aloft to fight the fish. There’s no need to set the hook. Whatever is on the end of

BY JACK BALLARD

my line handled that job when it savagely smashed the fly.

True to the fighting instincts of its kind, the fish sends the drag on my reel humming with a powerful run, then clears the water with a tail-thrashing splash. It then reverses its course and zips under the canoe while I frantically strip line through the guides in a frenzied attempt to keep slack from the tippet. I’m able to steer the tip of my rod around the bow, just in time to keep pressure on the line as the feisty five-pounder breaks the water again.

Whether angling for largemouths or smallmouths, fly fishing for bass requires some adjustments in tackle and technique for the average trout hunter.

Thrilled with the battle I smile, noticing that I’ve bitten my lower lip so hard it hurts. Some moments later, when I scoop my spent adversary into the net, the smile turns to outright laughter, the happy sound of heartfelt satisfaction.

As I release the fish, I can’t help but admire the broad, bronze curve of its back and the sweeping spines that appear as masts which support the sail of its lengthy dorsal fin. Like most anglers of

the West, the majority of my fly fishing is invested in the pursuit of trout. But this is no rainbow, brown or brookie. It’s a husky smallmouth bass, as strong as any trout its size with stamina to spare. Bitten with the bass bug some two summers ago, I’m now as excited to loop a woolly bugger in the direction of these over-sized sunfish as I am to drift a hopper toward a resting rainbow.

Residents and visitors view Montana as a premier trout-fishing destination, but the state also holds a fine number of bass ponds, for both the largemouth and smallmouth species.

Predatory, aggressive fish that lurk among weedbeds and other submerged cover, largemouths are especially active at dawn and dusk. Largemouth bass are identified by a distinct horizontal stripe on their sides and tend to have a more greenish appearance than smallmouth bass. Additionally, the jaws of largemouths extend beyond their eyes while the jaws of smallmouth bass do not.

Having a somewhat higher tolerance for cold water than their largemouth cousins, smallmouth bass can thrive in cool-water reservoirs unsuitable to largemouths. Smallmouth bass are extremely aggressive feeders at times, providing non-stop action to anglers who hit them when they’re on a feeding frenzy.

Many anglers consider smallmouths to be one of the hardest fighting fish in the United States on a pound-for-pound basis.

Whether angling for largemouths or smallmouths, fly fishing for bass requires some adjustments in tackle and technique for the average trout hunter.

Five and six-weight rods are preferred by most Rocky Mountain trout chasers, but confirmed bass addicts often opt for the extra heft of an eight-weight rod. It’s not that the bass themselves are impossible to handle on standard trout tackle. Oftentimes, it’s their habitat that makes a heavier rod more desirable. Bass are usually caught in the vicinity of cover, such as weedbeds, lily pads and submerged rocks or logs. When hooked, they often make a headlong rush toward cover. A stiffer, heavier rod

helps turn the fish before it can dive into a tippet-tangling snarl of aquatic vegetation.

Whether you try your hand at “bassing” with the five-weight that launches your trout flies or step up to an eight-weight rod, it’s imperative to adjust the size of your tippet to the strength and weedy haunts of your quarry.

Some bass anglers love the excitement of fishing surface poppers and frog flies right over weedbeds. This technique demands a rod capable of winching a strong fish from heavy cover, a difficult task for typical trout tackle.

Whether you try your hand at “bassing” with the five-weight that launches your trout flies or step up to an eight-weight rod, it’s imperative to adjust the size of your tippet to the strength and weedy haunts of your quarry. When trout fishing on lakes, I usually opt for a 5x to 3x tippet. Angling similar haunts for largemouth bass or big smallmouths finds me heaving heavier tippets in the 2x to 0x range. These meatier tippets are necessary to handle the larger flies normally cast by bass anglers and the demands of subduing feisty fish that must often be pried from vegetation.

Ideal bass tackle for the fly angler is a bit larger and heavier than that required for trout fishing. Preferred flies are bigger and meatier as well. With their gaping maws and predatory instincts, bass are notorious for their ability to consume sizeable prey. On numerous occasions, I’ve seen largemouth and smallmouth bass smaller than the span of my thumb and index finger engulf flies that are nearly half as long as their bodies.

Although there are some exceptions to this general rule, choosing a fly for bass is similar to making a selection when fishing lakes for big brown trout.

Giant woolly buggers, leech patterns and flies that mimic baitfish and crayfish are ideal sub-surface flies. Feeding bass will also strike floating flies, including assorted poppers and frog imitations. (continued)

MAY 2010

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Idaho’s First Wolf Hunt Is Over IF&G

I

daho’s first regulated wolf season is closed.

Hunters took 188 wolves. The harvest limit was 220.

Idaho Fish and Game set wolf harvest limits for each of 12 management zones. Seven zones closed when the limit for that was reached. The season closed statewide Wednesday, March 31.

Idaho Fish and Game sold a total of 31,400 wolf tags - 30,619 resident and 781 nonresident tags - for the seven-month season that ran from September 1, 2009, in some zones to March 31, 2010.

Harvested wolves ranged in size from 54 to 127 pounds - males averaged 100 pounds, and females averaged 79 pounds. Of the wolves taken, 58 percent were male, and 15 percent were juveniles less than one year old.

About 86 percent of the wolves taken, were taken by resident hunters.

Twelve of the wolves checked in were wearing radio collars.

Most wolves were shot in October and the fewest in January. Two wolves were taken in the Southern Idaho zone, and 49 were taken in the Sawtooth zone.

At the end of 2009, Idaho had a minimum of 843 wolves in 94 packs, and 49 packs are considered breeding pairs. The average pack size was 7.8 wolves. A total of 142 wolves are radio-collared. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission objective is to manage wolves at the 2005 population level when the year ended with 518 wolves.

In addition to hunter harvest, 138 wolves were killed in livestock depredation control actions and from other causes.

All sales are reported to IRS on 1099B

Now Is The Time For Monster Action (continued from page 9) Soft plastics are right there as well, and in some situations deadly on shallow pike.

WHERE? So where do you start looking for all or at least most of these factors in Western Montana? Several places come to mind: Lower Flathead River, Lower Clarkfork River to Noxon Rapids Reservoir, and Swan Lake are all good choices. Most are large water bodies and all are known for consistently producing Large pike throughout the year. Noxon is probably the best choice, and has a reputation for huge pike.

Pike spend most of the early days of spring slowly cruising around to get close to the baitfish they’re trying to catch.

Once pike do get close, they surge and strike with a jarring attack, that’s just their habit. But pike movements aren’t always so bold and defined. When pike are active, they move into prime locations, slowly patrolling the area for food. Pike also have scavenger tendencies, willing to eat dead fish or anything else that they may find laying around.

Depending on the structural dynamics of any given body of water, several pike patterns can exist on any given day. Spots like bars, sunken islands, points, weed lines, and submerged timber are classic places to find pike. Distinct weed lines or submerged timber always seem to attract and hold both baitfish and pike. Some pike also follow schools of baitfish on flats, while others may be patrolling current areas looking for whitefish and suckers.

In waters without much structure, rockpiles, weeds, or drop-offs, pike don’t have the luxury of keying on

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specific spots to find food. But they still have similar hunting habits and can often be found meandering along shorelines and back bays, roaming flats and chasing schools of perch, or keying on current spots like stream inlets. Finding pike in structureless rivers and reservoirs can sometimes be easier because there are only a few prime locations where pike can find food. In reservoirs and lakes with large creek arms, primary and secondary points within creek arms seem to host the best pike action. In reservoirs without major creek arms, the best spots tend to be bays, bars, and points near bays or small creeks. In rivers, pike hold on or near bars within the main river channel, backwaters, or side channels.

Bays connected to the main lake often host good pike action. Bays with pockets of weed growth, even shallow bays with cattails or flooded timber, can host good pike action. The best bays have a combination of a variety of different elements that attract and hold pike.

In the next few weeks, if the weather gives us a break, you could experience some of the best Large pike fishing of the year.

If you are looking for some of the biggest pike in Western Montana, then Noxon Reservoir is one of the best options, and better than average shot at a yardstick long Northern. Get out there and remember to bring your camera!!!

Good Luck!!

Bass On The Fly (continued from previous page)

For my part, I gravitate toward stripping, twitching and trolling flies on a sinking line. When using similar tactics for trout, I often fish two flies in tandem, a “cheater” approach that also works for bass. Big, garish woolly buggers replete with rubber legs and a shiny bead or cone head are my favorite flies, patterns I often couple with a leech or minnow imitation.

Having a suitable fly is key to catching bass, but knowing where to fish it is more important. Casting your wares parallel to the edges of weedbeds, looping them against flotillas of lily-pads or trolling them over underwater structure such as boulders, sunken logs or dips and rises in the lakebed are proven tactics for busting bass. Although the temptation to zip all over a lake is overwhelming to some anglers, great bass cover is often found near docks and boat launches.

Fly fishing for bass will never replace my love for trout, but they certainly represent another exciting angling option for the summer. If variety is the spice of life, bass provide some extra flavor to Montana’s fishing menu.

34 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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RMEF Launches Dale Earnhardt Land/Wildlife Legacy T

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en years after his death at the Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt’s enduring legacy as a competitor and outdoorsman has sparked a new partnership between the Dale Earnhardt Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The new venture has been christened the Dale Earnhardt Land/Wildlife Legacy.

“There are lots of NASCAR fans in the RMEF membership, and lots of conservationists among race fans.

Teaming up allows us to redouble our efforts on projects that honor Dale’s memory—things like wildlife habitat improvement, land conservation, hunting access improvements and more,” said Allen.

Allen added the partnership will help RMEF gain visibility at NASCAR races and events.

Teresa Earnhardt, Dale’s wife, said, “As a lifelong outdoorsman, Dale was committed to wildlife and land conservation, a passion which he shared with his friends and family. Now that legacy lives on through his foundation and we are honored to have a partner in RMEF. Our shared mission to conserve and restore native game and their habitat will ensure the same opportunities

for future generations and ‘Continue the Legend.’”

Allen was a personal friend of Earnhardt. In fact, he directed marketing and sponsorships for the Dale Earnhardt/ Richard Childress race teams and other NASCAR teams until Earnhardt’s fatal crash in 2001. He remains close to the family.

“When Dale wasn’t thinking about racing, he was thinking about hunting and sharing his passion for the outdoors with others,” said Allen. “It was an honor to know him and now it’s an honor to be working closely again with Teresa to help keep that legacy growing.

Dale is the working man’s hero and RMEF is the working man’s conservation group, so this is a great fit. Dale would be very proud today.”

Childress said, “Dale was ‘The Intimidator’ for his fearlessness and competitiveness on the track, but the peacefulness of the outdoors also was a big part of who he was. I believe his quiet-time hunting and fishing helped recharge him for racing, and I know he’s smiling down now at being able to help other people enjoy the outdoors like he did.”

MAY 2010

T

he spring season brings not only a change in the landscape, but also the transition of seasons as we once again grab our gear and head to the woods in pursuit of game. For serious hunters, springtime means two things…turkeys and bears! It’s a passionate endeavor that easily distracts us each year when green growth begins to cover the landscape.

With a growing black bear population across much of the northwest, few places continue to provide hunting opportunities and the ability of success like Idaho.

Because of Idaho’s laws allowing for the baiting of black bear, this state is an annual favorite by many hunters throughout the country. This month we’ll look at a few of the tactics that may increase your odds for success when attempting to bring black bears closer to your stand with bait.

Ample opportunities await the spring-time hunter throughout the state of Idaho. The cost for a non-resident to hunt Idaho’s abundance of black bears can be just over $200 for tags, for two bears, depending what part of the state you’ll be hunting. Hunters are also reminded that in order to run bait sites, they are required to purchase a Bear Bait permit. ($12.75 and only available at fish and game office).

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Much like in the real estate world, successful black bear hunting is all about location. You’ve got to hunt where they hang out…or at least get your bait into such a place that they are willing to access from their normal hang-outs. Like many of the others critters we pursue…bear survive and thrive off of three basic elements, food, water, and shelter. These particular elements are essential to locating potential bear baiting sites. A bait site established on long finger-ridge allows for scent from the bait to be dispersed into nearly every direction. Again, like my pursuits for other animals, I try to key in on

overlooked areas when setting up baits for bear. I can’t help but wonder how many prime baiting spots, within eyesight of the road, I drive past in my attempts to find bears deep in the backcountry. Keep an eye out for locations that are overlooked and/or avoided by other hunters and you just might stumble across your next black bear honey-hole. A location that proves successful for drawing bears will often continue to produce year after year.

I also like to maintain bait sites at varying elevation levels so I can hunt “fresh” bears as the snow continues to come off throughout the spring months.

PREPARING THE GROCERIES Endless debates continue to surface among bear hunters throughout the U.S. and Canada on the subject of the best ingredients for bear bait. The fact is, black bears are very opportunistic animals, and will likely dine on most any food source you bring their way. With that said, there are no doubt preferred food sources that bears will cling to if available each spring. In my mind, I want to have the hottest bait in the woods. I want to offer local bears something that will continue to bring them to my particular bait sites…and not allow them to wander to a neighboring bait site. You often hear about donuts as the “choice” bait for bears. For this reason, we’ve come to assume that bears have some kind of outlandish sweet-tooth and prefer candies more than anything else. However, I have found that few things will hold a bear’s attention like fresh meat. It doesn’t really seem to matter what kind of meat…but fresh meat certainly has tripped the trigger on drawing bears like nothing else I’ve ever used. In fact, on many occasions switching to fresh meat has managed to pull a nocturnal bear into hitting the baits earlier…during daylight hours.

At the same time, I like to provide somewhat of a smorgasbord of (continued)

MAY 2010

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BRODIE SWISHER WITH IDAHO BEAR foods at each of my bait sites. Some items may not be devoured as quickly as others allowing for bait to linger around the site, keeping bears coming back to feed rather than wandering off to another bait site.

Hanging meat, fish guts, or other particularly smelly attractant in a gunny sack, suspended out of a bear’s reach can be a great way to draw bears to your site from a considerable distance. This of course is designed as an odor attractant to draw bears, not for them to feed on, so make sure to keep it out of a bear’s reach.

You’ll find a wealth of information for choice bear bait on the internet. Tips such as using donuts, popcorn, hard candies, grain with molasses, dog food, beef scraps, hog-head, stale bread, pastries, burning bacon, and countless other ideas are commonplace among online bear hunting communities. Regardless of what you choose to use, the key is to keep it stocked. Don’t let your bait dry up. When a bear finds that your bait site is no longer an adequate food source, he will begin to search out other food sources (bait sites). One of the greatest methods to not only insure a bear’s return to your site, but also to spread the whereabouts of your bait location to other bears throughout your area, is to use fry grease. A generous supply of grease on the ground in front of your bait barrel, as well as poured around as a bait “topping” can dramatically aid your chances of broadcasting the news of your bait site to every bear in the area. The grease not only provides an irresistible tummy-teaser for bears, it also allows a bear to lay down a grease-scented trail as it leaves from your bait site. This method quickly allows for a number of bears in your area to discover the whereabouts of your bait site as it discovers and backtracks a greasescented trail. Once the bait barrel is loaded up with the groceries, I cram limbs and logs in the whole of the barrel to make the bears work a bit for their meal.

Initially I will restock my bait sites every 3-4 days. However, once the

local bears find and begin using it, the return trips to re-bait can quickly become daily. With gas prices as they are, I simply cannot afford to make daily trips into bear country from my house. Ample bear scat around the bait site and trail camera photos confirm that I have bears comfortable with my site and when they begin to hit the bait during daylight hours.

At this point, I move in to make the kill and sit with great expectation of punching my tag the first time I sit that stand.

GEAR FOR BEARS Backpack – Hauling bait in to bear country can be a grueling task. There’s no need to make this job tougher by using an inferior pack. Two standouts for such a task include the Badlands Ox and the Bull Pac. Overloaded frame-packs full of meat, pastries, and 30-35 pounds of grease can quickly add up to a total weight of 60-70 pounds. A quality, comfortable

pack makes the job much easier…or at least it seems easier on your back and legs! These packs also pull double duty for hauling your bear out of the woods when success comes your way. Check out these packs at www.Badlandspacks.com and www.Bullpacs.com.

Trail Camera – A trail camera is one of the single greatest tools to aid you in knowing when the time is right to move in for the

kill at your bait site. The Cuddeback trail cameras continue to offer long battery life and fast trigger speeds. Their Capture IR unit is a great camera for monitoring black bear activity at your bait site. With super simple setup, it provides color images by day and infrared images by night so there is no flash to spook game. IR’s trigger speeds are twice as fast as previous Cuddeback models, and delays can be set as low as 30 seconds.

Another tool that actually allows you to view your photos while in the field, both quickly and easily, is the CuddeView X2 . You can take this handheld unit from camera to camera as you view, transfer, retrieve date and time, and delete photos taken at your various bait sites. This product is absolutely priceless when it comes to low-pressure monitoring of the activity at your bait sites. Check them out at www.cuddeback.com.

Hunting seasons and limits for bear vary throughout the state so be sure to check the regulations for the particular region in which you plan to hunt at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.

SCATTERED LOGS CONFIRM THAT A BEAR HAS RAIDED THE BAIT PHOTO BRODIE SWISHER

Everyone seems to have their opinion when it comes to the good and bad of baiting for black bears. The fact is, baiting for Idaho’s bears allows a hunter a clean and very efficient manner by which to be successful on hunting and managing bear populations…and I honestly can’t think of a more enjoyable way to spend a warm, spring afternoon in the big timber of Idaho.

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MAY 2010

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Beaver Dam RMEF Turns Campground visitmt.com Up Heat on Pro-Wolf B eaver Dam Campground is located in Deerlodge National Forest of Groups (continued from page 6) southwest Montana. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, this campground encompasses 6 acres of land. This is an attractive camp with 15 tent sites accessed by two loops in a thinned lodgepole timber forest on a gentle hillside--a great hillside climbing for the children to explore. There is a creek nearby for fishing. Pets are welcome. Restrooms and water are provided. The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 50 feet.

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“ I invite you to come to my office and let’s personally resolve this issue for the sake of those responsible hunters and those responsible non-hunters.

Enough of the legal maneuvering and posturing, let’s resolve this now,” Allen said in his letter.

“We will collaborate with those who believe in sound wildlife management, not promoting one species over others for what we believe are hidden agendas. There is no one proposing annihilation of the wolves, yet Defenders and others like to act as if such a threat exists. It helps their fundraising efforts but does little to solve the issue. Constantly moving the goal line and ignoring the future consequences are just two reasons we do not collaborate with such groups,” Allen added.

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MAY 2010

Bob Ward & Son’s 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

St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods So the night before your first big tournament you go to the crossroads and sell your soul to the devil, eh? And now he’s told you the deal’s off unless you procure a St. Croix® Mojo Bass rod. Introduced just last year, these technique-specific rods are fully loaded SCII graphite magic wands dressed up in a hot black-cherry metallic finish. And you don’t deal in black magic and skimp on the components, either. No short cuts were taken. In fact, they were so popular last year, we’ve even added two new models to round out the series. How’s your mojo workin?

Features: Premium-quality SCII graphite.

Technique-specific bass series designed and built for superior performance.

Batson Forecast hard aluminum-oxide guides with double-plated black chrome frames.

Fuji® ECS reel seat/black hood on casting models.

Fuji® DPS reel seat/black hoods on spinning models.

Split-grip/premium-grade cork handle.

Two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.

5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.

Redington Surge Fly Reels

FISHING

Founded in 1992, Redington has always brought innovativeness, performance and tremendous value to anglers worldwide. The Redington Surge Fly Reels are all business. A full aluminum frame and spool are mated to a graphite composite drag housing and an industrial strength Rulon drag surface. It all ensures you’re ready for the toughest predators out there.

GOLF

Columbia Men’s Blood and Guts Long Sleeve Tee & Shorts HIKING CLIMBING WATERSPORTS PADDLESPORTS PAINTBALL & SO MU MUCH CH MORE!

When it’s time to clean your fish, you don’t want to end up smelling like the catch of the day. Luckily, this lightweight tee features Columbia’s stain-repellent, quick-drying Blood and Guts fabric to keep you clean and comfortable. Deep front zip offers quick ventilation; a front zip chest pocket keeps license and other essentials handy.

Combine the shirt with the durable Blood and Guts shorts, and you have a winning combination. The lightweight ripstop fabric resists stains, dries fast, and even comes with built in sun protection. Features multifunctional loops and plenty of pockets to hold essentials, such as fishing license, sunblock, and so on. Two front slant pockets, one side cargo pocket, and back zippered security pocket.

The North Face Mountain Manor 6 & 8 Tents

FM6054

FM4525

The North Face delivers once again with two of its premier tents.

SPORTING GOODS, MONTANA STYLE

Enjoy the portable palace for you and five of your closest friends, with the new Manor 6 or make the Manor 8, eight-person palace your new home away from home. Both feature: room dividers, huge poled front vestibule, fusion pitch with twist-clip comprehensive color-coded pitch, S/R rainfly attachment, fully seam taped durable Oxford nylon floor Polyurethane (PU) port on rainfly high-low venting with sealable room vents, duffel-style storage, Mountain Manor 8 Tent and durable steel stakes.

All products shown available at Bob Ward & Sons or at www.bobwards.com.

MAY 2010

•

ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

•

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

• 39

When You’re Fishing Here You Want The Best Gear... Hodgman

Waders, Wading Boots, Fishing Vests, Packs & more At Bob Ward & Sons HODGMAN Wadetech Wading Shoe •Durable Mesh Upper •PVC Reinforcements •Convenient Speed Lacing System •Taslan Laces •Removable Cushioned Insole •Replaceable High Density Felt Outsole

17% OFF Suggested Retail

69.99 69 .99

$

HODGMAN Lakestream Lite Breathable Stockingfoot Wader HODGMAN Caster Hip Wader with Cleated Soles 20% OFF Suggested Retail

44.99 44 .99

$

Style: T150TAN

•Heavy Duty, Lightweight Taslan Nylon Horco-Tex Waterproof Breathable Shell •3 mm Neoprene Booties with Sliding Gravel Guards •Fully Adjustable Belt and Suspenders •Quick Release Buckles •Zippered Inner Storage Compartment •Top Drawstring

20% OFF Suggested Retail

$

79.99 Style: W400KHA

Style: W100BRN

Selection, Value, Knowledge 5 Montana Locations

WE SELL SPORTING GOODS GOODS, MONTANA STYLE

Missoula

Bozeman

3015 Paxson St.

3011 Max Ave.

Helena

Butte

Hamilton

3323 Dredge Dr. 1925 Dewey Blvd. 1120 North 1st St.

(406) 728-3220 (406) 586-4381 (406) 443-2138 (406) 494-4452 (406) 363-6204

FISHING & HUNTING

LICENSES

40 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

•

ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

MAY 2010

Why Husqvarna?

It’s the Best & Toughest Equipment Out There!

Why Quality Supply? Great Prices & Local Folks Who Know Power Equipment Husqvarna Yard Tractor •42 inch cutting deck & Briggs & Stratton 20 hp engine.

•Well equipped to handle the toughest challenges.

•Foot-pedal operated hydrostatic transmission.

•Bag or mulch with optional attachments.

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

$1,499.95

YTH2042

Husqvarna Yard Tractor •Briggs & Stratton, Endurance Series V-Twin, 22 hp engine.

•42 inch fabricated deck.

•Heavy-duty chassis.

•Bag or mulch with optional attachments.

Husqvarna Yard Tractor •Kohler Courage Single, 21 hp engine •46 inch cutting deck.

•Fender-mounted cutting height adjustment.

•Hydrostatic transmission.

•Bag or mulch with optional attachments.

$2,199.95

Husqvarna Yard Tractor

•Briggs & Stratton, Endurance Series V-Twin, 24 hp engine.

•48 inch fabricated deck.

•Heavy-duty chassis.

•Bag or mulch with optional attachments.

YTH22V42LS 185021

Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower •Briggs & Stratton, 16.5 hp engine.

•30 inch cutting width.

•Rugged steel tube frame.

•Maintenance-free drive system.

•High performance cutting deck.

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

$2,199.95

RZ3016

185029

$1,599.95

YTH21K46

185017

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

Husqvarna Yard Tractor •Briggs & Stratton, Intek V-Twin, 23 hp engine.

•48 inch cutting deck.

•Fender-mounted cutting height adjustment.

•Hydrostatic transmission. $ •Bag or mulch with optional attachments.

1,799.95

185019

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

$2,599.95

YTH23V48

Husqvarna Garden Tractor •Briggs & Stratton, Endurance Series V-Twin, 27 hp engine.

•52 inch durable fabricated cutting deck •Extra heavy-duty chassis.

•Hi-speed, hydrostatic transmission.

•Bag or mulch with optional attachments.

YTH24V48LS 185022

Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower •Briggs & Stratton, 19 hp engine.

•46 inch cutting width.

•True zero-turn mower performance.

•Maintenance-free drive system.

•Heavy-duty front casters.

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

$2,549.95

RZ4619

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

185018

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

$2,999.95

GTH27V52LS 185020

Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower •Kohler, 24 hp engine.

•54 inch cutting width.

•True zero-turn mower performance.

•Maintenance-free drive system.

•Heavy-duty front casters.

186662

3 Year Homeowner Warranty

$2,999.95

RZ5424

185030

Factory trained technicians in Missoula, Butte & Hamilton View our Sales Flyers Online at QualitySupply.com

MISSOULA

HAMILTON

2801 W. Broadway 1189 1st Street South 549-2355 363-7644 1-800-823-6666 1-888-406-7644 Mon.-Fri. 8-8, Sat. 8-6, Mon.-Sat. 8-6, 9-5 Sun. Sun. 10-5

DILLON

Meeting real needs...for real people

851 N. Montana 683-6855 1-800-683-6855 Mon.-Sat. 8-6, Sun. 10-4

BUTTE

3939 Harrison Avenue 494-6188 1-888-494-6188 Mon.-Fri. 8-8, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 9-5