Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

Spring

APRIL 2011

Ice-Off

Spots

HUNTING

TURKEY ON PUBLIC LANDS The Perfect Rifle For A Lady

Spring Mack Days

WALLEYE FROM THE BANKS

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APRIL 2011

APRIL 2011

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Lawsuits Impact Wildlife Funding, Taxpayer Dollars

Rocky Mountain Trophy

Big Game Records BOONE and CROCKETT CLU LUB B www.booneandcrockettclub.com

®

Larry Anapolitano Anapolitano

Pronghorn 83 83-6/8 -6/8 Converse County, County, WY WY.. 2007 2007

ADVERTISING

Montana/Molloy Wolf Settlement Announcement.

8591 Capri Dr., Helena Mt. 59602 email:

What Does It Mean?

RICK HAGGERTY (406)370-1368 AMY HAGGERTY PUBLISHER

bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com

bigskyoutdoornews.net

The entire contents is © 2011, 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 8 issue 1 COVER PHOTO: Jim with his largest lake trout entry.-048 Cynthia Bras-Benson spring Mack days

Please support the advertisers you see in this publication and let them know you saw their advertisement in Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure. They make it possible to bring Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure to you each month.

Thank you.

APRIL 2011

RYAN BENSON, BIG GAME FOREVER

T

he government dropped it’s appeal of Judge Johnson’s ruling in favor of Wyoming’s wolf plan. 9 of 13 environmental plaintiff’s settled out of the Molloy decision which could mean a wolf hunt for Idaho and Montana next season (if accepted by the Judge).

What does it all mean? Are we on the right track?

What this all shows is that the effort of Big Game Forever, sportsmen from across the country, and other partner organizations is making a huge difference. Leaders in Congress have wolf delisting high on their priority lists. Press releases directed to settlement proposals announced last week all included references to increasing pressure in Congress. Your efforts are making the key difference.

This article spells out why some proposed wolf-delisting bills are very good and some are very bad. (continued on page 31)

BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB

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egal defense costs are an increasing drain on conservation funding today. Alarmed by the trend, the Boone and Crockett Club has launched a new examination of federal statutes that enable ongoing litigation at a high cost to wildlife and the American taxpayer.

The Club’s primary concern is the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), which reimburses organizations that successfully sue federal agencies for non-compliance with federal law.

Although well intended, abuses of EAJA are escalating into a modern conservation issue with potentially severe long-term consequences.

“The Club was and is deeply involved in designing and now protecting the economic engines that drive conservation in America,” said Ben Wallace, president of Boone and Crockett Club, “Since the 1880s, we’ve been the guardian of the most successful wildlife conservation system in the world. It’s a system that depends on funding, and we take very seriously the fact that money and other resources intended to support conservation are being diverted elsewhere.”

Past Club President Lowell E. Baier is leading the ongoing investigation and his preliminary findings were reported in a two-article series published in Boone and Crockett’s magazine, “Fair Chase.”

The articles, complete with detailed background and statistics, are now available free to the public at www.boone-crockett.org.

EAJA was written to reimburse legal costs incurred by small nonprofit organizations along with for-profit organizations with net worth of

Another abuse uncovered by Baier: In 2008, an animal rights group won a legal ruling regarding wolves and petitioned a federal court in Missoula, Mont., for $388,370 in attorney fees. The judge awarded $263,099, which was based on an hourly rate of $300— even though the federal limit is $125 per hour.

less than $7 million. However, America’s two largest animal rights groups have filed numerous cases under EAJA even though their 2009 combined net assets exceeded $209.6 million and cash balances exceeded $44.5 million.

In 2007, the same litigant was awarded $280,000 following a similar case in the Great Lakes area.

The defendant in both cases was the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, whose budget—regardless of whether it’s spent on wildlife or lawyers—is financed by a combination of sportsmen fees and tax dollars.

Taxpayers bear all EAJA reimbursements to plaintiffs.

Indirect costs are considerable, too. Nearly all resource management proposals are now subject to ever-higher hidden fees as federal agencies spend more and more time and resources on elaborate environmental impact statements and other attempts to “suit proof” their decision-making processes. In some cases, where the intent of the lawsuit is to stop a proposed federal action, the delays and costs to a federal agency can derail time sensitive projects even if the eventual court ruling goes against the plaintiffs.

Along with wildlife, other public land-and water-based resource agencies that deal with energy, timber, agriculture, livestock and fisheries also are increasingly impacted by legal actions taken under the provisions of EAJA. EAJA clearly encourages frequent legal challenges by some nonprofits that are, in reality, “big business.” These organizations are literally making their living by suing a variety of government agencies.

Does EAJA, especially its payments to successful litigants with no reciprocal penalties for losses in court, still make sense today?

Baier’s preliminary study finds that EAJA needs intensive review.

Appropriate modifications could help make laws that are more effective, efficient and resistant to courts deciding wildlife management policies via taxpayer subsidized lawsuits.

The Boone and Crockett Club will continue studying this problem.

Government Affairs and Conservation Policy committees will examine the results and make recommendations to the board of directors for a final decision on course of action.

APRIL 2011

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2011 ATA Show: Bowhunting Gear Unleashed

The 2011 Archery Trade Association (ATA) show was recently held in Indianapolis, IN, and once again the archery and bowhunting industry unleashed the latest and greatest in gear and equipment for tournament and hunting archers. The ATA Trade Show is the archery and bowhunting industry’s largest show. It’s also the industry’s most inclusive show. The ATA Trade Show is a member-driven event to promote commerce within the archery and bowhunting industry. Owned and operated

by the ATA, the show is closed to the public and is an order writing event.

Archery shop owners and sporting goods buyers from around the globe make the annual trip to the ATA show as they prepare to stock their shelves for another season of archery adventure. There was no shortage of great gear and gadgets for bowhunters at this year’s show. In this issue we’ll take a look at some of my top picks.

Much of the buzz about bows this year revolved around the new Prime from G5. The engineers at G5 stepped way outside the box when they introduced

their new Parallel Cam Technology. The parallel cams on Prime bows take up the string on both sides of the cable, balancing the load and virtually eliminating cam lean and limb torque. (G5prime.com) Bohning Archery’s Blazer vanes have risen to become the industry’s most popular vanes for both simplicity and deadly-accuracy in arrow performance.

This year, Bohning makes lethal flight and great looks even easier with their new Blazer Shrink Fletch. The Blazer Shrink Fletch easily installs on arrow shafts from 17/64” to 24/64” diameter. Building great looking arrows is now easier than ever!

Simply submerge the arrow fixed with the Blazer Shrink Fletch in 180-degree water…and the work is done! Shrink Fletch is available in Bohning’s most popular vane colors. (Bohning.com) BOWFISHING The crew at AMS Bowfishing have made a good thing even better with upgrades on the features of their popular Retriever Pro bowfishing reel. New for 2011, the Retriver Pro now features the AMS Trigger Guard that ensures excess line will not catch on the trigger. The reel also features Hi Vis line for the ultimate in visibility. The company has also brought a bowfishing sight to their product line for 2011 with the addition of their Apex Fiber Optic Single Pin Sight. (amsbowfishing.com) I had the opportunity to spend some time with Bill Montgomery at his

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BY BRODIE SWISHER

Quick Draw Bowfishing booth and was immediately impressed with the product he offers to help keep the bowfishing arrow in place and ready for the shot. The Quick Draw bowfishing arrow rest accommodates beginners or seasoned shooters. The rubber gate is designed to allow quick and easy arrow loading; capturing the arrow, making it ready for that simple or fast action shot without the worry of the arrow falling off. (QuickDrawOutdoorGear.com) TARGETS Block Targets takes a different approach for 2011 with their new Block Black target line. Like the other Block targets, the new Block Black will stop thousands of arrows, but its new high-contrast design is easy on the eye, and is particularly easier to see at long range. It features PolyFusuion design for even longer target life and easy arrow removal for more practice and less fatigue.

(BlockTarget.com) The GlenDel target line welcomes its newest member, the GlenDel Pre Rut Buck. The Pre Rut Buck is smaller than the Full Rut and just a little bigger than the original buck, making it the perfect backyard target. Standing 36” at the shoulders, the Pre Rut target simulates a 250 lb. whitetail buck. (GlenDel.com) STAYIN’ SAFE In their 10-year anniversary year, the crew at Hunter Safety System (HSS) (continued on page 37)

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APRIL 2011

Don’t Miss A Day In the Field We can get your vehicle in and out.

Ding, Dent, Or Major Body Work WE CAN HELP!

Joe Bauer & Son Max Bauer With Bull Elk

It’s A Bear And It’s A Big One! S.L. MERRIAM

“Where Honesty & Quality Come Together”

1944 Birch St. Missoula, MT Call for a free estimate (406) 721-0881 visit us on the web at www.mountainstatescollisionrepair.com

Chance-of-a-Lifetime Hunts Awarded to Lucky Hunters RMEF hunt includes horseback travel into Elk hunters from Montana and The a remote base camp at an elevation of New York have won chance-of-a-lifetime elk hunting experiences through special drawings offered nationally by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its sponsors.

Winners were drawn during the RMEF annual convention, which concluded March 6 in Reno, Nev. Prizes and winners include: Win a Hunt with Cameron Hanes (2012 hunt)—Sponsored by Danner, RMEF, Cabela’s and Colby Gines Wilderness Adventures. Winner: Sidney Richardson, Colstrip, Mont. Richardson will bowhunt with Hanes, host of RMEF television shows and columnist for Bugle magazine.

Hunt includes horseback travel into a remote camp in Wyoming plus five days of elk hunting. Hunt will be filmed for the new “RMEF Team Elk” to air on Outdoor Channel.

Remington Progressive Drawing (2011 hunt)—Sponsored by Remington, RMEF and David Todd of West Elk Wilderness Outfitters. Winner: Misty Lavigne, North Bangor, N.Y. Lavigne and one partner will spend a week hunting the heart of Colorado’s West Elk Wilderness.

10,200 feet. The area, rugged and beautiful, has produced many 300-class bulls in the past few years, including one scoring 342 B&C. Archery Progressive Drawing (2011 hunt)—Sponsored by RMEF and J. B. Klyapp of Dome Mountain Outfitters.

Winner: Corky Logan, Anaconda, Mont.

This premium archery elk hunt for Logan and one partner includes two elk permits and five full days of two-on-one guided hunting. Dome Mountain Ranch features over 5,000 private acres in an area that has historically been the highest harvest area in the state of Montana, just north of Yellowstone National Park.

The winner of the hunt with Cameron Hanes entered the drawing by signing up at Cabela’s stores or at www.cabelas.com.

In the progressive drawings, each winner was entered for the hunt by winning previous drawings for a Remington rifle or BowTech bow at RMEF banquets or other fundraising events.

Watch for more special drawings from RMEF in 2011.

Funds generated by these programs support RMEF initiatives to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

The rolling hills and broken hardwood bottoms where I hunted with my dad were the places of a boyhood dream and the time we spent there created a deep appreciation for the outdoors. I eventually grew up, got married, and was blessed with a little girl while continuing to hunt with friends. My hunting experiences took a welcomed turn about the time Megan turned nine and expressed an interest in both shooting and hunting.

As that interest became more evident we began to spend more time together shooting rifles, pistols and shotguns. I don’t know what I enjoyed most, shooting with my daughter or sitting and talking while reloading. Becoming her hunting partner has been a dream come true.

I enjoyed the transition, watching my little girl become a skilled hunter and account for some 20 whitetails, a mule deer, and a moose. Over the years we shared hunts, driving to a number of states as well as Canada and although I am not rich, I told my wife when she said we need a new car instead of another dead deer; “Memories are the soul of life. When I can no longer hunt, all I will have are my memories. I want to remember hunting with my daughter. I’ll be able to recite the year, the hunt, the guide, the camp and the weather but I won’t remember the car.”

That pretty much ended any controversy; I will remember the hunt and not the clunker we used to get there. My advice to anyone that has a child or spouse is to share time in the woods. The older I get the more important it is for me to spend the time with my family and friends that share my passion for hunting.

I tried for a number of years to interest Megan in a black bear hunt but was unsuccessful until fate rolled together two unknowns. First, I learned of a very successful guide in Montana that does extremely well on record book black bears.

Second, Megan felt sorry for dear old dad

wanting to hunt black bears, and since we always hunted together, she decided to accompany me. Her requirement was simple: it would have to be a color phase bear, chocolate brown, cinnamon, or other similar shade, anything but black.

That was good enough for me and we started planning. She had hung up the .257 Roberts when we went on a moose hunt a year earlier replacing it with a .300WSM. Megan was not fond of trading the Roberts for something with that much recoil, even when I explained she needed to be prepared to take a 1000-pound animal.

The 38-pounds of recoil was quite extreme after shooting the .257 Roberts but after installing a muzzle break the recoil was reduced to a level where she accepted the rifle. I then bought one for myself and quickly fell in love with it and am still amazed at the accuracy and knock down power of this cartridge.

I contacted Mark Shutey, of Stockton Outfitters, in Butte, Montana, and booked his last hunt of the spring season that ran June 5 - 10. Mark explained the small bears come out of hibernation first and chances of taking a big bear are better later in the season when they have left their winter dens. The down side is that they may have been tagged a week or two earlier. The later it gets the more bears rub their hide as the weather warms but the big plus is the area where Mark hunts has over 50% color phase bears.

The winter slowly slipped by but around the first of May when spring arrived in Kansas City we were getting bear fever.

At the end of the month we drove to Butte, and came under Mark Shutey’s care for the next six days. The first afternoon we hunted, a spring storm slipped in on us with wind, snow, sleet, rain, and ice. What slipped away was a chance to shoot a bear; bears hold up in cover when the weather is bad. They are not like deer and elk; they spent the winter in a warm den and do not enjoy cold, nasty weather. (continued on page 21)

APRIL 2011

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APRIL 2011

Stay in the heart of the BEST Hunting & Fishing In Montana!

Mule Deer Broadus

Trout Shoco Ranch

Stay at The Historic

Calvert Hotel located in Central Montana

2955 Montana Hwy. 200 Trout Creek, MT. 59874 (888) 827- 4458 Reservations www.lakeside-resort-motels.com

Where Memories Are Made

Walleye & Weddings...Elk & Elopements!

“Cozy Catching” at Canyon Ferry Lake Garden-Chapel-Pavillion Weddings

Fish Big Spring Creek forTrout all Year!

Hunt for Trophy Mule Deer,Whitetail, Pronghorns,Turkey and Upland Birds

Call (406) 535-5411 or (877) 371-5411 www.thecalverthotel.com

LINCOLN PART PARADISE, PART WILDERNESS Nestled in 2 acres of ponderosa pine Large, modern rooms • Kitchenettes Coffee pot, microwave, refrigerators Hot tub and sauna • Internet available Reasonable rates • AAA rated

Rustic & Romance Rooms 2 -$89.95 up

Elopement Specials from $395.

All inclusive No-Wait Arrangements Daily Just 3 Mins. from New Marina Montana Wedding Chapel No-Wait Licensing

Spa Services On-Site

Sandy@CanyonFerryMansion.com canyonferrymansion.com

Fisherman’s Cabins from $49.95 up

(877) WED-SPA-1 406-266-3599 406-980-0477

Nestled amongst Five Mountain Ranges

216 7th Avenue South - Lewistown, MT.

DIY - BYO - or FULL SERVICE

Canyon Ferry Mansion Bed and Breakfast

Newly Remodeled

LEEPER’S PONDEROSA MOTEL

The heart of hunting, fishing & snowmobiling

110 1st Avenue, Lincoln, MT.

(406) 362-4333 Pets welcome

Outdoor Calendar Calendar EUREKA SAND DRAG: 4/23 - 4/24

Race excitement includes blower cars, modified 4X4s. Come enjoy the mud, and bring ear plugs and lawn chairs. Held at 2579 Airport Road.

Phone: 406-889-5360

FORT BENTON FORT BENTON SPRING CLASSIC FISHING DERBY: 5/20 - 5/22

Categories for both adults and children. Filled with prizes and cash. Mandatory meeting at 5:30pm Friday.

Must have 2011 Fishing License to sign-up. Starts Friday 5:30pm, fish all night until Saturday 5:00pm.

Phone: 406-621-5592

GREAT FALLS BELT CREEK ROAD RACE: 5/7

One-day, two-stage event is comprised of a time-trial and a road race, and is open to riders of all ages and abilities. Begins at the Highwood School.

Phone: 406-761-7021 or www.greatfallsbicycleclub.org

HELENA FISHING WITH JIGS: 4/12

Capital Sports will host a FREE seminar at 6:30 pm on how to fish with jigs.

Phone: 406-443-2978

JACKSON SNOWKITE RODEO: 4/2 - 4/9

Freestyle and racing event attracts competitors from multiple countries including powerkiters from Norway, Canada, Sweden and the United States.

LIBBY KOOCANUSA RESORT SALMON & TROUT DERBY: 5/14 - 5/15

Fishermen and women come from all over to partake in this event of catching the big one. Register early, grab your fishing pole and gear. Held at Koocanusa Resort & Marina. Phone: 406-293-7474

STOKR - SCENIC TOUR OF THE KOOTENAI RIVER: 5/14 - 5/15

2-day bicycle tour that benefits Habitat for Humanity.

Riders choose between a 45 mile or 98 mile ride for the first day. Day 2 is a 38 mile loop.

Phone: 406-293-2441

MISSOULA OUTDOORSFEST: 5/15

Shoot archery range and 3-D course, air rifle range, fly-casting, learn to tie flies and watch the kids catch live trout. Join in on paintball, outdoor skills and seminars, while the kids enjoy face painting, bouncers and more. Phone: 406-626-4168 www.outdoorsmenchurch.com

MISSOULA MT-SFW BANQUET: 5/21

Silent auction, vendor booths, and mini-trade show, dinner at 6pm with keynote speaker, Ryan Benson, National Director of Big Game Forever, live auction, Shane Clouse & Stomping Ground.

Held at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.

Phone 406-370-1368

TROUT CREEK ANTLER AND WILDLIFE SPORT AND GUN SHOW: 4/9

Vendors with antler art work, Montana made furniture, wood frames, camping and fishing equipment. Plus Boone and Crockett Scorer. Guns and ammunition to check-out, trapping supplies, boats and ATVs. Phone: 406-827-4458

WEST YELLOWSTONE CYCLE ONLY DAYS: 4/1 - 4/14

Ride in Yellowstone for free and before the park opens to public automobiles or buses. Ride to Madison Junction, Canyon or Mammoth Hot Springs

WHITEHALL NRA SHOOTING CLINIC: 3rd Sat. Each Month

Learn the basics of pistol marksmanship.

Held at Fish Creek Ventures.

Phone: 406-287-2181

Events To Support WILDLIFE MULE DEER FOUNDATION 04/30/11 Butte Treasure State Chapter Mark Clark 406-498-2638 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION 04/09/11 Great Falls Giant Springs Big Game Banquet Ken Seay 406-799-3519 04/16/11 Butte Southwest Montana Big Game Banquet Dick Talley 406-494-3043 04/30/11 Ennis Vigilante Big Game Banquet Rick D. & Cathy Toot 406-682-7857 05/07/11 Missoula Five Valleys Big Game Banquet Mark Sommer 406-721-9361

APRIL 2011

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Elk Poacher Pleads Guilty To Felony Charge

By Evin Oneale - Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game

N

early one and one-half years after poaching two bull elk near Idaho City, a former Meridian man will pay thousands of dollars in fines and restitution to the residents of Idaho.

In October 2009, and accompanied by his seven-year-old son, Gary A. Parrott, 37, poached the two trophy six-point bulls outside of Idaho City before the elk hunting season. While he took the time to remove and transport the antlers from both animals to his vehicle, Parrott made only a feeble effort to care for the elk meat. By the time he returned more than 24 hours later, both animals had spoiled and were abandoned.

Eyewitness accounts, a website and other scraps of information helped Fish and Game conservation officer Rob Brazie piece the poaching case together. When two of the eyewitnesses picked Parrott out of a photo lineup, Brazie obtained a search warrant, which was executed on Parrott’s Meridian home in June, 2010. There Brazie and other officers found photos of both elk taken in the field, the antlers from both animals, and a small amount of elk meat. DNA testing positively linked the antlers and meat with samples from both carcasses collected months earlier.

Faced with this evidence, Parrott confessed to the poaching, and was charged with the unlawful possession of two bull elk, hunting elk without the proper tag and littering. One of the elk racks met the legal definition of a trophy animal, upgrading the unlawful possession charge to a felony.

Shortly after the search warrant was served, Parrott relocated to Great Falls, Montana. He soon found himself in the county jail on the felony charge and was extradited to Idaho where he negotiated a plea agreement with Boise County prosecutors. Under the agreement, Parrott entered a guilty plea on the felony charge, with the other charges dismissed.

On March 10, Fourth Judicial District Judge Patrick Owens sentenced Parrott to: A $5,000 fine ($2,500 suspended).

A $2,750 civil penalty.

Five years of supervised probation.

A 10-year hunting and fishing privilege suspension.

“This is one of the worst poaching cases I’ve investigated in my 20 years as a conservation officer,” Brazie noted after the sentencing. “Stealing from all of us by poaching two trophy bull elk is bad enough, but to do so in the presence of his young son, that’s unconscionable.”

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APRIL 2011

Capital Sports & Kit’s Jigs A Great Combination For Spring In Mon Montana! tana!

Featuring Montana’s Largest Selection of Kit’s Tackle Including: Standard Round Head Marabou Jigs $1.29 ea 3-Color Round Head Marabou Jigs $1.79 ea Premium Round Head Marabou Jigs $1.99 ea Glass Minnows $2.99 ea

33” Pike From Noxon Reservoir

Spring Ice-off Spots For Bass, Walleye And Pike

BY RICK HAGGERTY

Nothing beats a Kit’s Jig for Spring Rainbow Trout Fishing in Helena Area Lakes & Rivers!

I

t’s been a long, hard winter here in Montana. Most anglers know that the ice-off bite can be one of the most productive times of the year to catch a toothy predator. Here are a few of Montana’s best destinations to check out over the next few weeks.

Meet Kit & Trevor the Founders of Kit’s Tackle

What: FREE seminar on learning how to fish with jigs.

When: Tuesday, April 12th at 6:30pm Where: Capital Sports & Western Wear Details: Kit & Trevor will be sharing tips & techniques related to Trout and Walleye fishing theyʼve gained from countless hours spent on the water with a jigging rod in hand. PLUS!

RECEIVE 10% OFF all Kitʼs Jigs from 5-8pm the night of the seminar!

1092 Helena Avenue, Helena (406) 443-2978 www.capitalsportsmt.com

Fort Peck Reservoir: What can you say that hasn’t been said about Fort Peck? 134 miles long and countless inlets to explore for trophy class fish. Depending on where you live, it can be a journey to get there, but it’s always worth the trip. It’s a short window between ice-out and the start of walleye spawn, but these two or three weeks are a great time to catch a huge egg-laden female. The water level at Fort Peck has risen in the last 2 years and that’s good news for fishermen.

You can launch a boat at Rock Creek and as soon as the weather warms, the bite should be fantastic here! For more information on Fort Peck Reservoir contact Bernie Hildebrand’s Guide Service at 406-234-6342 or the FWP Office in Glasgow at 406-228-3700.

Noxon Reservoir: Located on Trout Creek, just west of Thompson Falls, this fishery has a hot pre-spawn bass bite.

Largemouth bass in the 5 to 6 lb. range can be caught on this body of water.

Walleye are starting to flourish here as well. This is also a great place to hook onto an oversized Pike. Fish along the sunny rock walls and backs of bays and you should have a lot of action on this body of water. For current conditions contact Lakeside Motel at 888-827-4458.

Bass From Noxon Reservoir

Canyon Ferry: Another big Walleye destination is Canyon Ferry Lake, just east of Helena. This big body of water has been known to produce some 10 pound fish that can reach as big as the 14 pound range. Although the Walleye bite has been a little slow this winter, expect the spring and warming weather to be a productive time to fish here. Canyon Ferry is well known for Walleye, but don’t overlook the Trout bite here this spring. Contact Capital Sports Fishing Department for updates at 406-443-2978.

Holter Lake: Thanks to a slow warming water in this canyon, a pro-longed pre-spawn Walleye bite can be expected this spring. Walleye can grow big here.

It’s good to have your electronics to find fish in this water and fish a bottom bouncer with a plastic worm or night crawler. This area is scenic and spectacular, if you have never fished this area, (continued on page 13)

APRIL 2011

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New Reservation Program Available For 20 Montana State Parks Mark Ward

C

amping out with your family is a popular way to spend a weekend for many Montanans. It’s a chance to spend some time hiking, fishing, or just exploring with your family. The 54 State Parks around the state have a lot to offer. Some Montanans have been frustrated over the last few years in their effort in finding a campsite at a sold out State Park, because they arrived too late.

They get off work on Friday head to their favorite campground only to find it full. Maybe that has happened to you. Well I have some good news.

You can now make a reservation for a campsite, cabin, yurt or tipi. This new program should make planning a stay at 20 of Montana State Parks a little easier. But you will need to plan ahead. “Montana has 550 State Park campsites and we think the new reservation system will take the stress out of making sure our guests have a place to stay”, said Tom Reilly, Assistant Administrator for State Parks. Idaho, which has 1200 State Park campsites, has been using a reservation system successfully for ten years. Reilly believes Montana can benefit from what Idaho has learned from doing their program. “The company they use, ReserveAmerica, will also handle our reservation system,” said Reilly.

Here is how the reservation program works. It will be in place for 20 Montana State Parks from May 27 - September 5. Approximately 75 percent of the campsites in each park are available for the reservation program. The remaining 25 percent of the campsites will accommodate “walk in” visitors on a first come basis first serve basis as they do now. To make a reservation you can either call a toll free number 1-855-922-6768 to the reservation call center from 8am-7pm weekdays and

9am-5pm weekends or you can go on line to campmt.com 24 hours a day. Reservations need to be made at least two days before your expected stay and can be made up to 9 months in advance. You will be able to pay by credit or debit card. Once your reservation is complete you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all the campsite and campground information. There is a $10 processing fee charged with each reservation.

Campsites at the 20 State Parks that are earmarked to be reserved will be identified with a sign that have an R in a circle. The R sign will be posted with a piece of paper with your name on it.. “Guests will have 24 hours from 2pm on the day they made the reservation to show up,” added Reilly, “if they don’t show for 24 hours and they have reserved multiple days then we will offer the campsite to another walk in guest”. If you do call in advance and cancel all it will cost you is the $10 processing fee.

The on-line reservations web site campmt.com features photos, campground maps, site descriptions, and travel directions. “We are encouraging our guests to reserve on line it is an easy and great way to find out more about the campgrounds and what they have to offer”, added Chas Van Genderen State Parks Administrator, “by offering this reservation program it will help people relax knowing they have a campsite waiting for their family after work on Friday night or before and during a busy holiday”.

“With the new reservation program there is no need to drop off your camper 2 days ahead of time.

All you have to do is plan ahead and reserve a campsite for your next trip to a Montana State Park,” said Van Genderen.

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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APRIL 2011

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Strong Runs Of Columbia River Chinook, Puget Sound Coho And Pink Salmon Projected WASHINGTON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

FISHING ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER

Fishing prospects look bright this year for chinook in Washington’s

A meeting schedule, salmon forecasts and information about the salmon season-setting process are available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/ fishing/northfalcon/.

Phil Anderson, WDFW director, said department staff will work closely with tribal co-managers and constituents to develop fisheries that meet conservation objectives and provide fishing opportunities on abundant runs of wild and hatchery fish.

“We will continue to design fishing seasons that not only meet conservation goals for salmon, but also minimize impacts to other species,” said Anderson. “It is important that we take into account the entire ecosystem when managing our fisheries.”

ocean waters and the Columbia River, according to preseason salmon forecasts.

Opportunities for anglers also look good in Puget Sound, where coho and pink salmon runs are expected to be strong this year.

Forecasts for chinook, coho, sockeye, pink and chum salmon mark the starting point for developing 2011 salmon-fishing seasons in Puget Sound, the Columbia River and Washington coastal areas. The forecasts were developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and treaty Indian tribes.

Fishery managers have scheduled a series of public meetings over the next few weeks to discuss potential fishing opportunities before finalizing seasons in mid-April.

As in past years, salmon-fishing prospects in 2011 vary by area: (continued on page 15)

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Help a Steelead-Catch a BassBY TRAVIS DEBOER behind the flawed management techniques This spring hundreds of regarding these voracious interlopers (a thousands of Salmon and Steelhead smolt will begin to back their way down the Snake and Columbia River systems. They face a horrifying amount of obstacles, most of which have been put there by man. No, I’m not talking about the numerous and highly controversial dams, I’m talking about voracious introduced gluttons, predators placed in these systems by man and managed for sport rather than much needed control. I am talking mainly about Smallmouth Bass, though there are other introduced species that should be of concern as well, Walleye and Channel Catfish are just a couple that instantly come to mind.

When spring temperatures begin to warm the water (consistently) to a high of 50 degrees for a few days in row, a scene unfolds that should make anyone who loves our native ocean run fish cringe. An unchecked and very violent assault on our native Salmon and Steelhead begins. The things I witness on these rivers during this period never fail to astonish me. What’s even more astonishing is the lack of concern from people that should know better. Washington and Oregon have teamed up to put a hit out on Northern Pike minnow for the very reasons listed above, paying between 4 to 5 dollars a head for each one killed and checked in. While I know that these poor little fish do have an impact on smolt, I also know without a doubt that it is minimal when compared to that of the Smallmouth. I have literally sat in one hole on the bottom end of the Grande Ronde and captured over a hundred Smallies for days on end during this spring feeding period and we usually see relatively few (a dozen or so) Pike minnow in the same areas. Not to mention that when we do manage to catch even a large Pike minnow rarely does it spit up a dozen, half-digested, Salmon smolt as the bass do almost every time they are hooked.

Rather than get into what officials to call to voice concerns and complain about poor management and ask valid questions about what is the true motivation

topic I hope with a little more research to address in the very near future). What I propose is this. Keep a limit of bass when fishing these waters! Keep as many as you legally can and will actually use. These fish are absolutely delicious and it greatly benefits the native Steelhead and Salmon.

Plus, with the media hype surrounding Black Bass, it’s rare in this day and age that somebody says “please keep and eat some bass”.

It is scary how many of these fish can be caught in a day using simple presentations and inexpensive baits that mimic this expensive (to you and me) forage base. Anything that even remotely resembles a swimming or injured Salmon smolt has the potential to send you into the triple digits catch rate wise. A couple baits that go above and beyond in this regard are 3-4 inch curly tail grubs and soft hollow body bait fish. Rig them on a jig head or drop shot them experimenting with action and retrieves, though most days during this time of year all you need to do is lob the bait in, feel a tick in the end of your rod, set the hook and fight your fish.

A convenient and economical place to get any of the above mentioned products is www.mistertwister.com; they did, after all, invent these baits. Earlier in the season I start with smaller baits. The reason for this is that the smaller Salmon smolt is the first to descend followed by the larger Steelhead smolt and juveniles.

It is easy to tell when the Salmon smolt are the target forage because they are a lot more acrobatic and can be seen jumping out of the water in huge numbers avoiding the relentless pursuit of the bass.

These ruthless marauders can sometimes even be seen herding them into the shallows with smolt even jumping onto the bank trying to avoid capture. During this period I use mainly 3 inch twister tails in smoke flake, as well as the different shiner colors and of course chartreuse in really of color waters. Perhaps the best match on the market (continued on page 18)

APRIL 2011

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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BY BOB BATES, fedflyfishers.org

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The Stimulator is a long time

favorite for many anglers throughout the world. Its popularity is undoubtedly, because of its versatility for many different situations. All that is needed is a change in size, 4 to 18, and color to make fish think that they are going after a huge spring Pteronarcys californica stonefly, a summer grasshopper or any season caddis. Even its developer Randall Kaufmann encourages variations in color and size. In Tying Dry Flies, 1991 Kaufmann says: “Even a subtle change, like thread color, sometimes seems to make a difference.”

Al Beatty, BT’s Fly Tying Products, http://www.btsflyfishing.com, tied this version at the Western Rocky Mountain Council Fly Fishing Exposition in West Yellowstone. It is a proven fish getter that can be easily changed for fussy fish by something as simple as changing the color of the Touch Dubbing where it is used. Touch Dubbing, a sparkly Antron material, is available in a dozen colors. See LaFontaine Private Label, Helena 800-874-4171 http://thebookmailer.com/index.html.

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT: Hook: Tiemco 200 R, sizes 4 to 18 Hackle: Long saddle, brown or furnace Abdomen: Peacock herl Highlights: Touch Dubbing: light green, black or orange

Thread: 6/0 Brown Tail: Elk hair Wing:Elk hair

Step 1: Make a thread base between mid shank and a point on the hook just in front of the barb.

Step 2: Move thread to bend and tie on the feather for hackle by the butt. Al likes shiny side forward, but “It is important to make your materials do what you want them to do.”

Return thread to mid shank. (While doing this Al talked about using Static Guard when tying with deer or elk hair. Spray it on materials and yourself. It avoids a lot of problems with hair sticking to things that it shouldn’t.) Cut off a bunch of elk hair, remove under fur, stack and place on top of hook so the tail is about 1-1/2 to 2 gap widths long. Secure at mid shank. Wind thread to rear while holding the elk hair on top of the hook, and return thread to mid shank. Trim butts of elk hair on a slope.

Step 3: Tie In three peacock herls by the tips on top of the elk hair. (Do not twist peacock herls.) Put some tacky dubbing wax on thread then tap the Touch Dubbing ball on the thread. Your fingers never have to touch the tacky thread. Make a dubbing loop, and put herls and thread loop parallel.

Step 4: Twist the dubbing loop and herls into a rope. Pull thread to back of hook so it is out of the way. Hold the herl and dubbing loop together so they will wind together as you wrap rearward. Secure herl with the thread at back of hook. Cut off excess material.

Step 5: Since tying thread is at back of the hook bring the thread and feather forward together. Secure feather, and pull it back out of the way.

Step 6: Cut another bunch of elk hair, remove under fur and stack. Place elk hair on hook so it will make a wing that extends to the end of the tail. Put 4 or 5 looser thread turns to control wing then wind tighter.

Step 7: Cut butts of elk hair on a slope and wind thread tightly over the cut area. Leave the thread about an eye width behind the eye.

Step 8: Put a little dubbing wax on thread, apply Touch Dubbing and wind thread rearward to just in front of wing.

Step 9: Bring hackle that had been pulled back out of the way forward. Then advance feather and thread together. Secure feather, trim excess, shape a small head and put on a whip finish. Or you can put two thread winds on a half hitch tool and slip them onto the head. If you do this twice it is as good as a whip finish with a tool. A little head cement as a final touch is always a good idea.

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Spring Ice-Off Spots (continued from page 10) give it a shot this season as there are many places to set-up camp and fish at the same time. Contact Helena FWP Office for water conditions at 406-495-3260.

Bob Hart With State Record Walleye From Tiber Reservoir measuring 35” in length and weighing 17.75 lbs.

Photo courtesy Montana Pikemasters.

Tiber Reservoir: This reservoir sits just east of Shelby, north of Great Falls. Giant Walleye are the exception here on this water and not the rule.

Bob Hart caught a state record 17.75 pound Walleye in November of 2007, which surprised a lot of Montana’s Walleye die-hard fishermen. Normal size Walleye here are in the 12 to 14 inch range, but you never know when that monster fish will strike on this water. Trophy Class Northern Pike can be caught as well as big Lake Trout. Fish weedy, shallow bays or the Marias River mouth for big Pike.

Great shoreline habitat is making for some excellent fishing on Tiber Reservoir. Contact FWP Great Falls office at 406-454-5840 for more information.

Castle Rock Lake: Located just outside of Colstrip, this 160 acre lake has a bit of both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, smaller sized Pike action and some great Blue Gill fishing.

Although not was well-known as most fisheries in Montana, this lake will produce some good fishing days this spring. Contact FWP Office in Billings at 406-247-2940 for updated conditions.

14 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Montana Fishing Report

CHRIS MADSEN

Western Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Missoula

APRIL 2011

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pring has now officially moved in, and after a warm March, our prospects for excellent April fishing are improving as quickly as the days are getting longer. This month will mark the end of all but a few ice fishing possibilities, but will open up a wealth of open water prospects, so it’s time to drag the boat out of the garage, charge the battery and check the trailer wiring. With the much ballyhooed Skwala hatch in full force, and a good return of steelhead in Idaho, there are more fish to be caught in April than there are days to fish. Not that anyone will blame you for trying.

First and foremost, April is the first chance to fish some of Montana’s best lakes without having to cut a hole. As a rule, most of our lower elevation lakes should be ice free at some point this month.

Mac Days is in full swing on Flathead Lake and it should continue to fish well through the month. Macs can be taken jigging spoons such as Rattl D’ Zastors, Lead a Gators, Trilobites, Buzz Bombs or Crippled Herring tipped with cutbait off points or drop-offs. If you would rather look for your fish on the move, trolling with Flatfish, KwikFish, spoons or Hoochies is a good way to get into some of the bigger fish.

There are lots of cash prizes to be handed out this year during the tournament.

So if you’re looking for some place to fish, Flathead is a good option. As water temps warm in the lake the fishing opportunities for pike and bass will only get better in the sloughs and backwaters of the inlet. Large crankbaits, swimbaits, spinnerbaits and flies are popular lure choices for the pike.

Bass anglers will be eager to start fishing Noxon reservoir, as warming

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info@bigskyinflatables.com • bigskyinflatables.com water will start bringing smallmouth and largemouth bass into shallower water, where spinnerbaits, plastic worms and tube jigs will take some impressive pre-spawn fish.

Similar opportunities can be found on many Flathead Reservation lakes like Ninepipe and Kicking Horse, as these shallow, low elevation lakes ice off and warm relatively early.

Montana’s many rivers also begin to fish well this month as winter loses her grip in many areas. Most local rivers, like the Blackfoot, Rock Creek, Bitterroot and Clark Fork, really start to shine in April, as water temperatures warm and insects become active. Typical April hatch activity includes BWO mayflies, March Browns, neumoras and skwalas, but many consider this to be the most productive nymphing period of the year. In addition to the chance at boating a lot of fish, most rivers will also be blissfully uncrowded as well. The one major exception to the uncrowded rule is western Montana’s Bitterroot River, and for one reason: The Skwala stonefly. Although this hatch is also present on the Clark Fork and Rock Creek, the ‘Root takes the brunt of the pressure.

After a slow start, this hatch is now GOING OFF in a big way, and with the addition of BWO’s and March Browns this month, the Missoula area will be the place to be for the dry fly enthusiast. If you enjoy fishing streamers, the Blackfoot will come into its own this month too. Big fish looking for a big meal is the name of the game here. When the water

starts to get a little off color with some pre-run off water this a great time to break out the seven weight rod, sink tip lines and head to the river. Also, for anyone looking for something a little different, the Clark Fork and lower Bitterroot have a good population of Northern Pike; some of them quite large, in most any back-slough or dead water stretch.

I almost hate to dedicate so much energy and enthusiasm to fishing in Idaho in a Montana fishing report, but steelhead might be my one acceptable excuse. The Clearwater will continue to fish well in April, as will the North and South forks. Most anglers will still be fishing bobber and jigs setups, but Clearwater Steelies seem to become more and more susceptible to drifted roe this month as well. Fly anglers will do well drifting egg patterns, and swinging flies on sink tips will get better as the water warms some as well.

The Salmon is also ice-free, and the fishing was very good at the end of March. Fish are all the way up through Chalis, so there is tons of productive water to fish. Drift fishing is most popular here, but some runs will bobber and jig fish well also. There is a surprising lack of fly rods on the Salmon, and that is a shame considering the amount of beautiful water to choose from. I can barely keep the car on the road from eyeballing all the juicy runs and seams.

No matter where you choose to wet a line this month, April will surely be gone before the list of options is exhausted.

BY RYAN ONGLEY (406) 586-0100 READY FOR SOME DRIES!!!

Well winter is winding down and I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m ready to throw some dries. And April usually brings us the first dry fly fishing of the year. We should be looking at some good action with the spring emergence of Blue Winged Olives. As well as March Browns and Skwalas on a few of our area rivers.

Keep in mind with the Blue Winged Olives that it’s important to carry imitations of all the stages of the emergence. Nymphs, emergers, adults, and even a few spent spinner imitations. Let’s take a look at our area rivers.

UPPER MADISON: Keep in mind that the Quake to MacAtee and Ennis Bridge to Ennis Lake sections are closed until the general opener the third Saturday in May to allow the Rainbows to spawn in peace.

Plenty of good fishing and especially excellent early season nymphing can be had. Floaters can get in and out currently at the time of this writing at MacAtee, Storey Ditch, Varney, and Eight Mile. It will be a bit before the Ennis town access will be repaired. And Burnt Tree may or may not need some repair. There is a sparse population of Skwalas on the Upper so it’s good to carry a few imitations just in case you come across some. March Browns and Blue Winged Olives along with midges will be your main stays for surface activity.

I generally stick with nymphing this stretch unless I spot some risers as the

APRIL 2011

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Augusta, MT • www.shocoranch.com Phone: 406-562-3553 E-mail: birds@shocoranch.com LANDING SALMON ON THE BANKS OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER, PHOTO WDFW trout in this section generally don’t look up quite as much in the early season as they do later in the year. Nymphing a two fly rig with a large Stonefly nymph trailed by a baetis imitation or pheasant tail nymph is always a good bet. Streamer fishing should be great as well. Sculpin Patterns along with Buggers and larger articulated patterns are all great bets.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER: Throughout April the Yellowstone offers anglers the chance at the trout of a lifetime. Nymphing will be solid all month but the Whitefish will be chewing hard and it’s best to throw large streamers for the big browns of the Yellowstone. This is one river with it’s deep holes that a sink tip line really comes in handy. There should be plenty of surface activity as well with March Browns and Blue Winged Olives emerging throughout the month. The Yellowstones many side channels can offer some fine early season dry fly activity.

BIG HOLE: With another good winter it should be another banner year on the Big Hole. Look for this to be your best bet for consistent dry fly fishing. Blue Winged Olives, March Browns, and a very good Skwala hatch will keep the noses up throughout the month. Nymphing with Stones, small mayfly imitations, and Streamer fishing subsurface will also be very consistent.

North Central Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Helena

BY R.C. PEARCE (406) 457-7200 e-mail: fishing167helena@yahoo.com

CANYON FERRY: Rainbows!

Here they come; it’s that time of the year when the Rainbows are starting to spawn. Get in those bays and tributaries and bounce some black and

yellow or just plain black marabou jigs. Throw some patterns out and mess around with the color, one day pink could be hot then it might move into an orange or red real fast. Once you get that hen that you want, tie up some spawn sacks, set up a Lindy rig and have some fun!

HAUSER LAKE: The Walleye and Perch could be starting to move into Lake Helena. If so, get those floating crankbaits out and the boat or put the waders on, and catch some nice fish. Below the dam has been hot for Trout and Walleye. I’ve been using floating crankbaits and pulling both in. The Walleye are close to shore, while the Trout are out a little further.

Mid-month would be nice to take the fly rod for a walk and make your way down toward Beaver Creek and sight fish for those big rainbows. Use an egg pattern or a San Juan worm.

HOLTER LAKE: The American Bar area is a great place to pull in some really nice trout. I like to jig for them with a marabou jig. Black and yellow was hot last year, and could be a hot ticket again this year.

REGULATING RESERVOIR: The salmon fishing picked up later in the ice season. All the reports were pink was the go-to color, with small jigs and pink corn.

That color could still be hot and corn is always the way to go for them Kokanee.

That’s until those weighted treble hooks are allowed.

This is one of the best times of the year in Montana. The Rainbows are starting their spawn and soon after the Walleye get going. No matter what fish you’re after, spring is just a great time to be “Gone fishing.”

Try using a planer board on the river this summer. It allows you to get out further than a cast can reach. Use a floating crankbait, or put some weight on the line and use a worm harness to get the worm in front of the fish.

Good luck and have fun.

By R.C. Pearce

Strong Runs Of Columbia River Chinook, Puget Sound Coho And Pink Salmon Projected (continued from page 12)

Puget Sound: Coho and pink salmon returns to Puget Sound are expected to be strong this year. About 980,000 coho are forecast to return to Puget Sound streams, about 367,000 more fish than last year’s forecast. In addition, nearly 6 million pink salmon are expected to return to Puget Sound this year. That forecast is 3 million salmon below 2009’s record More than half of the chinook return but still an abundant run, said Steve forecast - about 398,000 salmon - is Thiesfeld, Puget Sound salmon manager expected to be “upriver brights” headed for WDFW. Most pink salmon return to to the Hanford Reach area and the Snake Washington’s waters only in River. That would be the second largest odd-numbered years. run of upriver brights since 1964, when “This is shaping up to be a really fishery managers began keeping records, good year in Puget Sound for both coho said LeFleur. and pink salmon,” said Thiesfeld, who “This should be a good year for noted that an additional 17 million pink upriver brights, which provide some of salmon are forecast to return to Canada’s the best in-river fishing opportunities for Fraser River this year. “A portion of those anglers,” LeFleur said.

Fraser River fish will make their way While the chinook run is through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the expected to be up, the forecast of San Juan Islands boosting opportunities 362,500 Columbia River coho is similar for Washington anglers.” to last year’s projection.

Summer/fall chinook salmon returns to Puget Sound are expected to Washington’s ocean waters: total about 243,000 fish, slightly higher Anglers can expect an ocean than last year’s projection of 226,000. fishery for chinook and coho salmon Most chinook fisheries in Puget Sound this summer similar to that in 2010, said likely will be similar to last year, said Doug Milward, ocean salmon fishery Thiesfeld. However, fishing opportunities manager for WDFW. in the Green (Duwamish) River and “Last year, fishing was good for Elliott Bay could be limited by a low chinook and fair for coho,” said Milward. forecast of wild chinook, he said.

“The number of salmon available for this Thiesfeld said a Lake summer’s ocean fishery is expected to be Washington sockeye fishery is unlikely similar to last year, so anglers should see this year. The sockeye forecast is about another good year of fishing.”

34,600, well below the minimum return of Nearly 250,000 hatchery 350,000 sockeye needed to consider openchinook are expected to return this year ing a recreational fishery in the lake. to the lower Columbia River. Those The PFMC is expected to adopt salmon, known as “tules,” traditionally final ocean fishing seasons and harvest have been the backbone of the levels at its April 9-14 meeting in San recreational ocean chinook fishery. The Mateo, Calif. The 2011 salmon fisheries 362,500 coho salmon bound for the package for Washington’s inside waters will Columbia River also account for a be completed by the state and tribal significant portion of the ocean co-managers during the PFMC’s April meeting. catch.

Columbia River: About 760,000 fall chinook are expected to return to the Columbia River this season. That’s about 112,000 more chinook than last year’s return and would constitute the fifth largest run since 1948, said Cindy LeFleur, Columbia River policy coordinator for WDFW.

16 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

INTRODUCING ASPEN TRAIL!

Goose Bay Marina At Canyon Ferry Lake visitmt.com Activities offered: T he Goose Bay Marina offers Boating 20 tent sites and 68 RV sites. Onsite amenities include water and electric hook-ups, store, ice and showers. Docks and a boat ramp on Canyon Ferry Lake are also available.

Season: 4/1 - 11/30 Reservations: Reservations Accepted Walk-Ins Welcome Services offered: Beer/Wine Boat Launch Campsite Dump Electricity Established Fire Pits Maps Public Restroom RV Dump Station RV Hookups Shower Store Toilets Water

Camping Fishing Fly Fishing Ice Fishing Lake Fishing Picnicking RV Camping Sailing Tent Camping Wildlife Viewing

Address: 300 Goose Bay Lane Townsend, MT 59644 Phone: 406-266-3645 Directions: Goose Bay Marina is located on the east shore of Canyon Ferry Lake on Highway 284. From Townsend go east on Hwy. 12 2 miles, then turn north on state Highway 284. Our access road is between miles marker 21 and 22, then turn at our sign and it is 3 miles into marina on Canyon Ferry Lake. From Helena, go to the flashing light east of East Helena, (about 6 miles from East Helena) turn left on 284 and go to mile marker 21 - 22 and turn at marina sign.

Missouri Headwaters State Park visitmt.com

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ithin the boundaries of this scenic park the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River. Missouri Headwaters State Park preserves much of the region’s abundant wildlife, lush, vegetation, and scenic beauty that have attracted people for thousands of years.

The park provides 17 campsites, tepee rental, picnic areas, foot trails to points of interest, and interpretive displays of the area’s cultural and natural history.

River floating, fishing, picnicking, bicycling, hiking, interpretive programs, photography and fishing are popular activities. The park is 532 acres in size and is 4,045 feet in elevation.

Missouri Headwaters State Park Sponsors the Summer Speaker Series, Saturday evenings at 7 pm in the park’s picnic area. Following each presentation is a marshmallow roast campfire. Presentations are free and open to the public, just bring a chair. For non-resident visitors, the day use fee is $5.00 per vehicle.

Season: All Year

Services offered: Camping Boat Launch Handicapped Accessible Interpretive Display Pets Allowed Toilets Activities offered: Boating Camping Fishing Heritage Hiking Lewis And Clark Photography Picnicking RV Camping Tent Camping Mailing Address: MFWP 1400 South 19th Avenue Bozeman, MT 59718 Phone: 406-994-4042 Directions: From I-90, take the Three Forks exit 278, then travel 2 miles east on Secondary Road 205, then 2 miles north on Secondary Road 286.

APRIL 2011

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Traveler’s Corner:

BY NICK STEWART

A

s a native Montanan and lifetime fisherman, Nick Stewart from US Diesel Parts knows the answer all too well...

“Yup! Who’s rig are we taking?” If you’re like Nick, then you probably spend nearly as much time driving to and from your favorite fishing hole as you spend on the water. As a diesel truck owner and a longtime member of the US Diesel Parts team, here are a few common questions Nick gets from his buddies when the talk turns from the fishing to their rigs.

Q: I tow a trailer so I can stay out longer, but driving up and down some of the Northwest’s steep passes can be pretty stressful. Is there anything I can do to make towing more comfortable?

A: The most uncomfortable part of towing anything is white knuckling with your foot on the brake pedal waiting for the next slick spot or sharp corner. You can increase your driving confidence and towing safety with a BD Exhaust Brake. They are available for most diesel engines, and they work really well. BD’s turbo-mount design bolts in place of the factory elbow between the turbo and the exhaust system, providing peak retarding power throughout the engine’s rpm range.

Controlled by a lighted On/Off toggle switch for automatic transmissions, or stick-mounted rocker switch for manual transmissions, the BD Brake communicates with the engine’s electronic idle verification board for quick engagement. The durable air compressor included in later model kits can even be used for other applications - it’s that tough.

For those heavy loads, you can also help level your truck for a more comfortable ride using Firestone Ride-Rite™ air helper springs which mount between the frame and the suspension of light-trucks, vans, and motor homes. The heavy-duty convoluted air springs will handle up to 3,200-5,000 lbs per set. Ride-Rite helper springs level the vehicle front to rear and side to side, stabilize the vehicle while loaded and maximize the vehicles carrying capacity. BD Exhaust Brakes start at $900.00, and many Ride-Rite kits start at $329.00.

Q: What is the best protection for my diesel pickup against collisions with wildlife using the same roadways I travel to get to my fishing destination?

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A: Lets face it, nobody wants to hit a deer, but it happens… and it can be costly! A sturdy Grill Guard is your best bet to protect your favorite mode of transportation. There are many options to choose from including heavy duty bull bars, full wrap around styles to help protect your side panels and full blown custom bumpers which are only limited by your imagination.

Another valuable tool in the traveling sportsman’s belt is performance lighting. The better you see the road and beyond at night the more time you have to safely react. We offer a full line of lighting from performance halogen bulbs to Brite Box set ups that allow you to control any combo of lows, highs and fogs simultaneously for increased nighttime vision.

Q: After a long day on the water, I’m too tired for loading the boat and all the heavy lifting at camp. What can I do?

A: Imagine the possibilities when you have a CSI 1200lb winch! Load the biggest boats with ease. Add muscle at camp without telling your loose lipped buddies where your secret fishing hole is. Stuck in a ditch? No problem!

Speed, power and a compact design make the CSI Brute Series winches a must for all avid outdoors recreationists. The CSI 1200lb winch is only $748.75.

Q: I love being out in the field, but when its time to go home the field comes with me.

What is the best way to protect my vehicles flooring against the mud and muck?

A: Husky Liners Heavy Duty Floor Mats are not your usual flimsy, generic, off-theshelf floor mats. Husky Liners floor mats are tougher and thicker than other floor mats and are designed to precisely fit your vehicle. A raised perimeter around the floor mats help contain spills and debris while embossed ribbing keep your feet elevated and out of water, mud, and dirt. Our floor mats are made from a highly durable thermoplastic and are guaranteed not to crack or break even in the most extreme conditions. Front Floor Mats for a 2007 Dodge Ram are only $69.95, and are available for hundreds of applications.

Gomer’s US Diesel Parts is located in trout Mecca Missoula and offers full service Diesel and Gas repair. With a full service fuel injection shop on site and a well stocked show room, the friendly and professional staff at Gomer’s is ready to help you GET OUT THERE and do some hunting and fishing!

For more on these & other fine products phone the specialists at Gomer’s Diesel, (406) 728-7620 or (800) 823-4444 or stop in and see them at 2400 Palmer, or visit USDieselParts.com.

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APRIL 2011

Walleye Fishing From The Banks

BY RICH REIN

A

Help a Steelead-Catch a Bass (continued from page 12) right now for these baby Salmon in my experience is the hollow body Mr. Minnow the 4 inch in Blue smoke is in my opinion the closest match but there are many other trouty looking patterns that work amazingly as well. (Again going to “louder” stuff in off-color water.)

As the Salmon work their way further down the guantlet, that is these rivers, the Steelhead show up which are typically much bigger. Recognizing this I begin to throw the same baits in larger sizes like 4 inch grubs 6 inch minnows in rainbow trout patterns (a great pike bait for the bitterroot as well). A lot of folks say that your best chances at more trophy sized fish are during the earlier salmon smolt kick off, but I have found that if you bump up your bait size you may see even more and bigger fish in this later stage of the action. Another forage base for these fish is of course crawdads. Double tail grubs in basic browns blacks and of course, greens worked slow along the bottom will continue to produce all summer and fall when the Salmon and Steelhead, that are left, have moved on. Another option as summer warms the days and makes fish more sluggish is night fishing under black lights with glowing baits of the same type.

A practice that has been very popular and not to mention deadly effective in the

world record waters of Kentucky and Tennessee for years is no less as effective on our western Smallmouth. Perhaps more so because it is not yet used in these waters except by a few “in the know” anglers.

Spring is here and our beloved Salmon and Steelhead need your help. So if you fish for and enjoy Idaho and Washington’s Salmon and Steelhead, don’t you think you owe it to them to help out, even if it’s only a little? If so then you are invited to come over for some great springtime fishing and (hopefully) some great dining! I promise you will never have so much fun doing a good deed, and for those of you interested in fly fishing these hard fighting brutes, know that the possibilities are endless and probably unparalleled anywhere in the world. If any of this seems hard to swallow give either myself or any of my colleagues a call and we will be happy to prove it firsthand. I Hope to see you all on the river doing your part to help this worthy cause and try to excuse silly comments regarding catch and release practices with these fish and these waters. Anyone promoting this is ill informed, ignorant and should be respectfully and as politically correct as possible told to remove their head from you know where! It’s a stinky place to keep it anyway and this is not Bass Masters.

fter spending a month on dry land, since fishing on the last safe ice, then a week packing, unpacking, and repacking gear, I am finally ready to go. An annual Walleye Party, fishing a large water Storage Lake that has a humble look but is walleye strong and little known. This is what I look for in a walleye lake because walleye are smart and heavy pressure smartens them up quickly. I have never found that a walleye being dumb was detrimental to the flavor of the best warm water fish available to man. Besides I don’t eat the heads anyway.

The inactivity combined with a lack of sleep slowly takes its toll. One by one, my fishing companions stumble off to bed as an air mattress in the back of a pickup becomes very inviting. Each member promises to rise early and put in a full day on Saturday, but for me, there is no way I will lay down any time soon. I have been waiting too long trying to bridge the gap between solid ice and this opening day adventure.

I sit alone in the calm night air watching the bright red light of my bobber rise and fall on each small wave. There is a break in the snoring when someone gets up and heads to the campfire to add a few pieces of wood before returning to bed.

I am content to sit holding my rod and watch the small clouds lazily drift across the stars. My eyelids start to get heavy and I lean back a bit more in my camp chair to pull my stocking cap a little further down over my head. My left eye starts to drift off but I force myself to at least keep my right eye open, watching the bobbing red light.

Many pieces of fishing tackle are traditionally relegated to one fishing season or another. Some jigs are best used vertically suspended during the hard water portion of the year, while others do best jigged on open water.

Moon glow-style jigs are one of the many items in my fishing arsenal that

see double duty, and tonight is no exception. I am fishing with a #10 blue moon glow jig tipped with a jumbo leech hooked through the sucker end.

Approximately 12 inches above the hook, pinch on enough split shot to submerge about 3⁄4 of your bobber and hold your bait down in the target zone.

I am fishing in about five feet of water and I want to keep my bait 6-12 inches off the bottom. In order to accomplish this, I am utilizing a slip bobber rig. A 5” Thill Nite Brite™ lighted bobber is slid on the line just behind a thread-style bobber stop, which is available at your local bait shop or easy enough to tie yourself using readily available directions. This allows my bait to reach the correct depth while making it easy to cast as the bobber slides down to the split shot.

Back to the beach – What seemed to be a small wave covering the bobber never moved on. Shouldn’t I have seen the light pop back up? All thoughts of sleep disappear from my tired body. It doesn’t matter that it is 3:00AM. There is slack in my line that needs to be taken up before I can even think about setting the hook. When the slack is gone and a tentative raise of the rod tip confirms my bobber is not playing hide and seek, I make an exaggerated hook set, and the fight is on.

Fishing under the light of bobber seems to have paid off for me this time, but there are a few different subtleties to keep in mind. First of all, keeping your bait in the target zone is paramount. Miss the right depth, and it can be a long night for you as you watch your buddies have all of the fun.

I like to start a little too deep (your bobber will rest on its side if your sinker is resting on the bottom) and then make small adjustments until my bait is at just the right depth. (continued next page)

APRIL 2011

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Spring Fishing Is Here!

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• Great Fishing Gear • Night crawlers • Coldest Beer Around • Biggest Cigar Selection • Novelty Section • Stock up on snacks

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Walleye From The Banks (continued) Once you have found the ideal depth, maintaining it can be just as important. When fishing depths equal to or shorter than my fishing pole, I like to reel the bobber stop up to the first eyelet, and then take note of how far down the pole my hook hangs. Should my bobber stop slip, I now have a reference point to go back to so that I can quickly reset my depth without the guesswork used when I first set up. A similar method also works for depths between 1 and 2 rod lengths long (simply reel the bobber stop in until it reaches the edge of your reel, then take note of where your hook hangs). A quick glance before each cast can tell you if you are at about the right depth, and you are immediately ready to fish again.

In the dark, a lighted bobber shines like a beacon letting your know where your bait is and when a fish has found it. When fishing with a few friends (or fishing a community spot at night), bobber battery color can be just as important. Luckily, Thill lighted bobbers come with three different color batteries (everybody seems to have red, so be sure to keep a couple of green and yellow batteries handy just in case) - so knowing which bobber is yours is easier than ever. Given that bobber batteries aren’t cheap, just don’t forget to turn them off when you are packing up!

I will spare you the painful details as I shook off the winter rust, getting used to using a full-sized rod and reel again, but ultimately victory was mine. The fishing season had finally begun for real when a 24” walleye lay flopping on the beach. Standing there alone I knew I had made the right decision by staying awake; I could always catch up on my sleep while waiting for the lakes to freeze next fall!

Walleye Tournaments WALLEYES UNLIMITED OF MONTANA

May 21-22 Fresno Challenge Dual Dandy Anglers - combined weight between Fresno and Tiber, $10.00 per angler, must sign up before Fresno rules meeting to be in the race.

June 11-12 Tiber Tournament June 25-26 Canyon Ferry Festival August 6-7 Fall Classic Fall Super Slam - combined weight between Fall Classic and Fall Finale, $10.00 per angler, must sign up before Fall Classic rules meeting to be in the race.

August 20-21 Fall Finale For applications to these tournaments or additional information visit the Walleyes Unlimited of Montana website at www.montanawalleyesunlimited.net/tournaments.htm or e-mail Dale Gilbert at dgilbert.montanawalleye@gmx.com

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Alex with 10 pounder. Photo Courtesy Montana Walleyes Unlimited

20 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

Join The Boone and Crockett Club Today! Just $35.00 Year.

You don’t have to have a trophy in the records book to join the Boone and Crockett Club, just a passion for big game and the desire to keep hunting them.

Join online at www.booneandcrockettclub.com or call 406.542.1888 HUNT FAIR CHASE

Kolby Leishman and his Dad Jason of Huson with Kolby’s Buck taken on the 7th of November 2010.

Kenny with his Lesser Sandhill Crane taken in the Ovando Unit.

Kevin Drouin with 5x6 Muley taken in Darby.

“Biggest Buck I ever harvested.”

Eric Wooding with his Antelope 15-7/8”.

Christopher from Big Timber, age 12 at time of photo, with his 2010 Mule Deer Buck taken up the West Boulder.

Keith Stockard with his Tundra Swan taken at Freezeout Lake.

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An American Elk Retrospective: Vintage Photos and Memorabilia from the Boone and Crockett Club Archives A fascinating, comprehensive look at the story of elk hunting in America from the nation’s premiere big game hunting historians. After nearly a century of Records Keeping, the Boone and Crockett Club has dug deep into its records archive and produced the ultimate history book for elk hunting enthusiasts. An American Elk Retrospective will take readers back through the evolution of elk hunting and big-game records keeping from the late 1880s up through the 1970s, and is packed with hundreds of amazing vintage photos, historic score charts, records-keeping correspondence, and portraits of award-winning elk. Revisit some of the most publicized and significant elk trophies ever recorded: The legendary Dark Canyon bull taken in 1899 by John Plute, which stood as the World’s Record for decades, Fred Mercer’s typical American elk harvested in Montana during the 1950s that resulted in a Sagamore Hill Award, William D. DeWeese’s non-typical giant that was taken over 120 years ago in Colorado, and many other truly outstanding but lesser-known trophies. An American Elk Retrospective is the essential book for every big-game hunter in North America.

* Hardcover with dust jacket * 8 x 10 inches * 272 pages * Over 250 B&W photographs Associate Member Price $27.95 Regular Price $34.95

Have A Hunting Photo You Would Like To Submit? e-mail: bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com

APRIL 2011

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It’s A Bear (continued from page 6) The bad weather didn’t keep us from hunting and Mark tried everything he could think of to spot a bear but no luck.

The weather finally broke on Thursday with a ray of refreshing sunshine at dawn but since there are no guarantees when hunting, even with good weather there were still no bears.

Mark wanted to check a place where the elk calve each year, feeling the bears would be out moving. On our way, we passed a large open area and I asked Mark, “ What is that black thing at the edge of the meadow?”

Mark looked over and replied, “ It’s a bear, and it’s a big one!”

Megan and I slid from the truck and made our way to a downed tree where I rested my rifle and slowly squeezed off a shot. The 168-grain Barnes bullet missed the shoulder but passed through both lungs and he instantly took off at a dead run across the meadow. I could hear Mark shouting, “ Shoot him again! Shoot him again!”

Megan was all excited about the shot but when I recovered from the recoil I was unable to see if the bear had been hit. I listened to Mark and shot again. I held a full bear’s length lead and fired as he was running toward the one single tree in the middle of the meadow. He reached the tree and started up through the branches and I was aiming for the shoulder but he lost his grip so my third

shot hit the bear in the neck as he was falling.

Wrestling 450-pounds of dead bear into the back of a Ford Explorer was no easy task; Mark wanted to take it back to camp whole, since we were able to drive to it. After a half hour of futile attempts Mark grabbed the bear around the chest in a bear hug and said, “ I’m going to try it one more time. Keep pushing, keep his feet going in, and pick up anything that drops.” Mark is a big guy and using all his strength we wrestled a 7x7 bear into a 4x4 compartment.

After the required 60-day drying period an official Boone & Crocket measurer scored the skull at 19 11/16.

It was big enough to make the Montana Record book but just 5/16 short for Boone and Crocket.

We saw one more bear across a gorge at about 500-yards but Megan decided to pass with the option she could hunt again next year for a color phase bear. Mark’s response was, “ I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ll keep the lights on for you. To come here and collect such a good bear while accompanied by a beautiful daughter is a dream many fathers wish for.”

Megan responded, “Beauty is in the eye of the bear-holder.”

I was reminded how precious making those memories could be.

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Elk Camp 2011 Generates $2.5 Million for Conservation RMEF The Rocky Mountain Elk •Sneak preview of the new television Foundation on Sunday wrapped up its series “RMEF Team Elk” to air on

largest annual conservation fundraiser with gross revenues topping $2.5 million.

Those dollars will help support many RMEF initiatives to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. RMEF is a major supporter of new elk restoration efforts in Missouri and Virginia. And, by the end of 2011, officials expect to top 6 million acres conserved or enhanced since the organization was founded in 1984.

RMEF’s 27th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo was held March 3-6 in Reno, Nev. Auctions, raffles, donations, exhibitors and attendees, new memberships and merchandise sales contributed to the total raised for conservation.

“Elk Camp always sets the tone for the coming year, and this year’s event had great energy and spirit. I believe we’re off and running toward a year of major milestones for our organization,” said RMEF President and CEO David Allen.

Other Elk Camp highlights included: •Staff Sgt. Patrick Zeigler honored during an emotional opening ceremony

Outdoor Channel •RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships •RMEF’s highest honor, the Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award, presented to Dr. Terry Sweet of Grand Junction, Colo.

•Numerous awards and recognitions for RMEF volunteers and supporters •Entertainment by Daryle Singletary, Easton Corbin, Bob Eubanks and Clay Walker Event sponsors included Midway USA, Browning, Budweiser, Cabela’s, Danner, Hunter’s Specialties, Gerber, Leupold, North American Hunter, Realtree, Roper, Aflac, and Bill Barrett Corp.

Allen said, “We can’t say thank you enough to our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees for their continuing support.

Together, we’re shaping the future of elk country.”

The 28th Annual RMEF Elk Camp and expo will be in Las Vegas, Feb. 2-4, 2012.

APRIL 2011

Fried Potato And Northern Pike Puffs Montana Pikemasters - Billings Chapter 2 lbs. deboned Northern Pike fillets, wash and set aside 1 cup skim milk or your favorite type of milk 4 tablespoons onions (chopped fine) 10 average size potatoes - cut into quarters 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon salt (or more to taste - we use more) 2 tablespoons black pepper (or more to taste) Your favorite deep fry cooking oil Place potatoes and Northern Pike fillets in cold water and cover. Bring to boil and cook until potatoes are done. Drain and set aside for at least 5 minutes for drainage. Mash potatoes and Pike fillets together thoroughly. Mix milk and eggs together, combine with potato and Pike fillets mixture. Mix thoroughly. Form into balls and deep fry.

Serve with french fries, coleslaw, sliced tomatoes and favorite drink.

APRIL 2011

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

• 23

Yamaha Outdoors: Hung Up? Shut Up Photos And Editorial By Steve Hickoff

A

sk any of my turkey buds, and they’ll say I call a lot. Aggressively even.

Other times a dose of silence is my best vocalization.

As with other forms of game calling, the right mix of yelping and staying quiet is the ticket for punching turkey tags. You might have some trouble convincing everyone that it works though.

“Why’d you stop calling?” my good buddy barked, his boot sole resting on a flopping longbeard’s head.

My response: “You killed that turkey because I shut up.” His glaring look at that comment was priceless.

“So you’re trying to tell me you called this gobbler in by not calling anymore!?” He grinned, full of post-kill bliss, but was also puzzled, and more than a little curious about this twist in his turkey-hunting education. New to our tradition, he’s a hardcore deer hunter, but learning the game we play with wild turkeys. Truth is, we all learn every time we hit the spring gobbler woods.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” I told him.

You see the hunt started with me raising the gobbler from the dirt trail by mouth calling. It hammered to my first few locator yelps. We advanced and set up. I clucked, yelped, cutting hard. The gobbler ripped back at every vocalization I made, but wouldn’t budge from thick cover. He was hot as a gun barrel at a skeet range but wouldn’t move into view.

This went on for a quarter of an hour.

So I shut up.

More minutes passed. The turkey gobbled and gobbled again. I could feel my buddy’s impatience. And then that big longbeard eased from edge cover into the open green grass, nervously pecked at the ground, and met a swarm of pellets.

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24 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

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NSSF Reports Big Jump in Hunting License Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Sales - 3.6 Percent Increase Largest Since ‘74 Commission To Meet April 14 In

Helena MFWP Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet April 14 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 East 6th Ave. beginning at 8 a.m.

T

he National Shooting Sports Found. trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, calls the 3.6 percent rise in paid hunting license holders for 2009 one of the most encouraging signs for hunting in recent years.

“This is great news for our industry and everyone associated with hunting,” said Steve Sanetti, president and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

“Many efforts are at work to build hunting participation, and they are paying off.

More people are enjoying the outdoors and sharing the tradition of hunting with family and friends. Also, more hunting license sales translate into more funds for wildlife conservation.”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reported a total of 14,974,534 paid license holders for 2009, the largest figure since 2002 and an increase of 526,494 over 2008. The 3.6 percent rise in paid license holders represents the largest year-overyear increase since 1974. (A “paid license holder” is one individual regardless of the number of licenses purchased.)

NSSF cites several reasons for the increase, ranging from programs launched by many state wildlife agencies over the last decade to increase hunting participation to a difficult economy that motivated hunters to fill their freezers with game rather than store-bought meat. Also, hunters who were among the unemployed or had their work hours reduced used some of their free time to go hunting.

Another positive sign for hunting is that contrary to claims of a wholesale decline in hunting participation, paid license holders have increased in 24 states in the five-year period from 2005 to 2009.

The FWP Commission will make final decisions on:

“Due to continued urbanization and changes in our culture, hunting will face significant challenges for the foreseeable future, but at the same time hunting remains an extremely important activity in the lives of millions of Americans, as the latest hunting licenses sales figures confirm,” said Sanetti.

NSSF points out that the actual number of hunters who go afield in any given year is greater than the total of paid hunting license holders in that year. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service figures do not account for certain state exemptions for purchasing a hunting license.

According to an NSSF-funded study carried out by Southwick Associates, the pool of hunters in America is much larger than previously thought. The study, released last fall, estimated that 21.8 million people purchased a hunting license at least once in the last five years.

Hunters are the backbone of conservation funding in America, contributing more than $1 billion each year through the purchase of licenses, tags, permits and stamps and through excise taxes paid on firearms and ammunition. For example, proceeds from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps, a required purchase for migratory waterfowl hunting, have purchased more than 5 million acres of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

-an amendment to the administrative rule on Hauser Reservoir near Helena, -repealing the administrative rule on the old Milltown Dam near Missoula, -Future Fisheries Improvement Program grants, -the Glendive Paddlefish Roe Committee membership, -commercial fishing regulations on Canyon Ferry Lake and Lake Helena near Helena, -modification to regulations in weapons restriction areas, -the rules on marking hazards to navigation on waterways, -an amendment to the administrative rule on Tongue River Reservoir, -an administrative rule on the Flathead River, -administrative rules on Alvord Lake, Kilbrennan Lake, and Brush Lake, -2011 peregrine falcon take, -standard wildlife management area opening times, -the Glendive urban deer plan, and -the 2011 grazing and sharecrop leases on WMAs. The commission will also consider a number of proposed actions, including: -an agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation for a small piece of land at the Augusta Check Station to accommodate a road project, -a petition for a rule on Church and Fennan slews in FWP Region 1, -waiver of possession limits on Cherry and Granite Lakes, -2011 moose, sheep, goat quotas outside the biennial quota ranges, -2012 moose, sheep goat, deer and elk license auction rules, and -the 2011 lion hunting quotas.

Information will be presented on the 2012 fishing regulation setting process and the FWP Commission will consider endorsing the potential transplant of sheep and mountain goats within Montana and the strategic plan for the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with a disability.

Individuals with special needs may request arrangements by contacting FWP at: 406-444-3186.

The full agenda and additional information on the scheduled topics may be found on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov by clicking on the FWP Commission icon.

APRIL 2011

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Hunting And Conservation News Learn How To Hunt Spring Turkey At Montana Wild In Helena MFWP

G

et ready for the upcoming spring turkey hunting season by attending Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park’s free “Montana Turkey Hunting 101” seminar set for April 5 in Helena.

FWP’s Tom Dickson, Steve Gilbert and Thomas Baumeister will discuss everything one needs to know to have a great time turkey hunting this spring. The event is set for 6-8 p.m. at the FWP Montana Wild center, 2668 Broadwater Ave. Seminar topics include hunting strategies, calling, gear, and hunting

destinations.

The seminar offers a good opportunity for experienced hunters to refresh their skills, but is especially designed for those who have yet to experience a turkey hunt.

Montana’s spring turkey hunting season opens April 9.

The seminar is free and open to the public. Montana Wild is located off Highway 12 West, across from Kessler School on the west side of Spring Meadow Lake State Park. For information call 406-444-9948.

Fifth Annual Western Hunting & Conservation Expo Raises Millions for Hunting and Conservation MDF A

t the recently held Western Hunting & Conservation Exposition (WHCE), an estimated $5 million was raised to help protect and promote hunting and conservation. Organized by the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife (SFW), and sponsored this year by Midway USA, the Expo took place Feb. 3-6, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

For the past five years, the event has featured auctions, celebrities, exhibits, music and more. Each year it continues to grow in both numbers and renown.

Three nights of keynote addresses featured Sgt. First Class Greg Stube of the U.S. Army Special Forces; award-winning outdoor writer, wildlife photographer, wilderness guide and outfitter Jim Shockey; and outspoken hunter, musician and best-selling author Ted Nugent. There were also a few surprise appearances by former American Idol contestant, passionate hunter, and “Goin’ Country” television host Kristy Lee Cook.

During Friday night’s Conservation Banquet, MDF President and CEO Miles Moretti presented the President’s Award to the Northern Badlands Chapter out of Bismark, N.D. Moretti said he chose this team of MDF volunteers because of the Chapter’s efforts with the M.U.L.E.Y. Youth Program and the habitat-based access initiative P.L.O.T.S. Program. The award was accepted by Chapter Chair Ryan Krapp.

On Saturday night, Larry Potterfield removed his signature gold NRA jacket and was presented with a new navy blue blazer sporting the Mule Deer Foundation logo. Moretti, along with MDF Chief Operating Officer Eric Tycksen, presented the jacket to Potterfield as a “Silver Benefactor” Award in recognition

of the single largest ever donation to the Mule Deer Foundation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield’s MidwayUSA Foundation.

During the four-day Expo, the sale of almost 100 big-game tags raised millions of dollars for conservation.

The 2011 Nevada Heritage Statewide Mule Deer tag sold for a record-breaking $80,000. The 2011 Arizona Special Mule Deer tag sold for $200,000, which was $23,000 more than it sold for last year.

There were two first-time ever tags sold for hunts on Salt Lake’s Antelope Island. The Deer tag brought an amazing $265,000, and the Sheep tag sold for $50,000. Ninety percent of the proceeds from these two tags will go directly back to improve habitat on the Island.

By the time doors closed on Superbowl Sunday, some 30,000 people had passed through the halls of the Salt Palace for the fifth annual WHCE. Many came to apply for one or more of the 200 Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Premiere Big Game tags. Others came for the evening banquets and auctions.

Still others came to enjoy the hundreds of exhibits and acres of taxidermy. All came to support wildlife and conservation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of next year’s event scheduled for Feb. 9-12, 2012.

Spring Turkey Spring Black Hunting Season Bear Hunting Opens Soon MFWP Season MFWP M Montana’s spring turkey gobbler season opens April 9 and ends May 15.

Licenses are available from all Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices, on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and from FWP license providers across the state.

The 2011 Spring Turkey regulations, with details on turkey hunting in the general area, are available online at fwp.mt.gov, at most FWP offices and FWP license providers. The application deadline for western Montana’s spring gobbler season permits has passed.

Hunters should remember when transporting a spring turkey within the state of Montana, one leg and foot must be left naturally attached for evidence of sex.

Montana law requires permission for all hunting on private land.

ontana’s spring black bear hunting season opens April 15. Spring black bear hunters must purchase their licenses on or before April 14. Licenses purchased after April 14 may not be used for five days and are only available at FWP offices and online.

All black bear hunters are reminded that they must successfully complete MFWP’s bear identification test before purchasing a black bear license. Hunters who have already passed the bear identification test do not need to retake it. To take the bear identification test, go to fwp.mt.gov and click on Bear Identification Test under Online Services. Complete the training and test, and then present the printed on-line certificate to purchase a license. The training and test is also available on paper, with a mail-in answer card, at FWP regional offices. The 2011 black bear regulations are available online on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and at most FWP offices.

26 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

Hunting Turkeys on Public Land

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unting Montana’s public land often receives a bad rap; there is too little area, too many people, and too much pressure! These comments are sometimes true, but not always; the key is to learn an area well and know where to find birds with the least amount of pressure.

To start, obtain Forest Service maps and study them thoroughly. Look for places with high ridges where you can hike well off the main roads to listen for birds.

Distancing yourself from a main road is a must! You’ll need to hike further than other hunters to enjoy a successful hunt. Getting far into the woods makes your hunt more successful, more enjoyable, and allows for a peaceful day. When you make a call, a real bird answers, not another hunter. You may also have opportunities for a second and third attempt if you bump birds without getting one.

The second key to success is to learn where turkeys use a prominent roost tree. Birds will usually return to a specific tree or adopt a prominent ridgeline as a roost area where they feel safe at night.

Once a hunter locates such an area it will become your “ace in the hole” for years to come. Learning these spots takes time and may require a few years but learning the bird’s habits in the area you hunt is key to continued success.

To speed the process you can torment gobblers into revealing their location by making them ‘shock gobble’ evenings and early in the morning. Use a crow call, a silent whistle, a woodpecker call, or even a coyote howl to elicit the shock gobble. When hunting all day, stay out until dark so you can roost the birds and know exactly where to set up the following morning. Pay special attention to approaching birds and note the direction used to approach the roost then set up on that route the next day to intercept them

Where there are tracks there is turkey! Even with their flying ability they may spend all day on the ground walking on these big feet looking for fresh green sprouts and forbes, seeds, bugs and anything else eatable. Find the tracks and there is a good chance in snow or dirt if they are fresh there will be a turkey standing in the last track.

when they fly down to feed.

Problem: you hear birds on your left and your right as you call. You need to hone your sense of hearing to listen carefully to pick out the birds that are not with hens. Adult toms follow hens and hens are only worried about finding food before heading to their nest. Listen and pick out gobblers to hunt that are alone. When there are no hen clucks, or purrs as toms gobble, hustle into position, and set up in their path so you will become the hen they are looking for.

Calling position is important.

Adult birds will not come to a call when they can see there is no hen. Open country or long downhill vistas are responsible for birds that hang up. They need to see a decoy to seal the deal or be called up hill where they cannot see. Hunting without a decoy? The best scenario is to have the gobbler step over the crest of a knob and into range at the same time. By the time he figures out there is no hen - he’s dead!

Calling skills, in pressured areas where turkeys become attuned to the (continued on page 33)

APRIL 2011

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• 27

The Future Of Montana’s Big Game Animals is in Your Hands!

There’s never been a more important time for you to FIGHT for your hunting and fishing rights. Complete this application today and Join Montana Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife!

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And to ensure our American heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping through hands-on conservation efforts and RESPONSIBLE PREDATOR MANAGEMENT by Montana sportsmen.

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Montana Sportsmen For Fish And Wildlife News T

he sun teases us for just a few days and then we wake up with snow. The good news is that the rivers and streams will bold well all year by most accounts.

This is good for us fishermen and the pot holes will stay wet longer for the game herds as well. We’ll be plenty busy casting lures and fly’s leading up to the next general season.

Spring is indeed a busy time in Big Sky Country as there are plenty of Sportsman banquets and youth events to attend. It gets us excited again to visit the outdoors that have endured the snow and ice for the past 6 months or so.

MT SFW is working feverishly to put the finishing touches on the 2nd Annual SFW BBQ and Live Auction fundraising event. This years event will by held at the Western Montana Fair Grounds in Missoula, MT. The gate will open at 4 p.m. for cocktails and the silent auction. Dinner and a live auction will follow. The evening will be rounded out by Mr. Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground, one of the finest local country artists and groups in the last decade. We expect attendance to nearly double this year! Make your plans now.

Additional information can be found at the MT SFW website, under the fundraiser tab.

Last year was a major success as we served roasted Pig to over 350 people and auctioned off some great hunts and

prizes. All the money went to working on legislative efforts in Helena and Washington D.C. for most notably, the de-listing of the Gray Wolf. And as a side note, not one penny went to compensation for any member or office of Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife. All members and Officers work on a strictly volunteer basis and hold day jobs (of which I’m neglecting to write this column)!

But we tackled some bigger issues facing sportsmen, outfitters, land owners and public land users as well.

We won a few and lost a few. Access, resource management, and a few other issues seemingly will always loom in the forefront for those of us who call Montana home. We have a few serious issues that we are now just beginning to address.

Unfortunately a lot of sportsmen groups have been in “re-active mode” versus “pro-active” mode. For whatever SFW is to the folks of this state, we are anything but idle. I like to call it the bloody nose club. We’ve taken a beating on some chat boards and blogs and few fairly liberal newspapers. But no one can say we are not in the fight doing what we think is right and listening to the members who’ve chosen SFW as their vehicle to getting results.

We have taken a side and will keep working with all the groups to help make a difference. It’s common sense at this point.

Either you have it or you don’t.

But a coalition of sportsmen, agriculture, and ranching groups are now banding together in a last ditch effort to address these issues. It’s not been easy and sometimes the “Big Boys” at the national levels of these groups sometimes squabble over who gets the credit for what and who supports what agenda. Recently we’ve seen a rift between green groups over the wolf issue and like wise there’s been a rift amongst leading sportsmen organizations over which piece of Federal legislation is best suited and has the best chance of passing in Congress. We’ve seen this before and it’s the same old tactic of “divide and conqueror” by the Enviro groups. I can assure you the folks at the top of these organizations are smart enough to realize this tactic and will soon be at the table talking again on the best way to move forward.

I am in regular contact with David Allen at RMEF, Marshall Johnson at Mule Deer Foundation and Jon Wemple of SCI and I consider all of these men good friends who get the big picture of what needs to happen in Montana and the Rocky Mountain West.

It’s the old adage of “anything worth having is worth working hard for”.

That’s what SFW and many of the other afore mentioned groups will continue to do.

To our members in Montana, we sincerely thank you for a great year of progress on the wolf front and many other pressing issues. But we are far from done and have a lot of work to do yet. We look to see you at the fundraiser in May for a good time so we can truly thank you with a fun evening! We also ask that you continue to support SFW and other organizations of your choice in the coming year as its money well spent. I just renewed all my memberships and an am ready to continue working to conserver our habitat, game herds and western heritage. Some of you that have been with us since the beginning will soon see a renewal application in your mailbox for another year of hard work. I hope you’ll join thousands of SFW members across the nation again.

We are indeed making a big difference.

SFW is committed to sovereign state rights to hunt, fish and trap on our public lands in Montana a well as protect our sheep, cattle and domestic pets from predation. I encourage you to become a member of Montana SFW through the above membership card or our website at www.mt-sfw.org.

By Bill Merrill - State President Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife

28 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

Rocky Mountain States Historic First-ever State Record Gila Trout Caught

T

he historic first-ever Gila trout record in Arizona was caught on Feb. 28 from Frye Mesa Reservoir following the stocking of these colorful native salmonids into the reservoir near Safford on Feb. 27.

Robert Woods of Flagstaff caught a 19-1⁄4-inch, 3.35-pound Gila trout at Frye Mesa Reservoir on Feb. 28 and brought it into the department’s Flagstaff regional office for verification.

It’s not only the standing state record right now, it is also the first-ever record for this native fish.

“Angling history is seemingly being made each time we turn around.

These are exciting times for anglers in Arizona,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

Here’s what’s been happening.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission on Feb. 4 created the first-ever season on native Gila trout at Frye Mesa Reservoir on the Pinaleño Mountains in southern Arizona. It’s a 1-fish limit though for these trout – catch more and you can be cited (some already have been).

“Arizona has never had an open season on Gila trout. They were thought to have been extirpated from the state before we had regulated fishing seasons,” explained Young.

This has all been possible because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mora National Fish Hatchery in New Mexico had larger surplus Gila trout available that were not conducive for stocking in small recovery streams. Those larger Gila trout were stocked into Frye Mesa Reservoir last week on Feb. 27.

That’s not the only unique angling aspect to the proposal.

Mt. Graham is now the only mountain on the planet where you can fish for native Gila trout, native Apache trout, plus rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout.

Dow And Parks To Combine July 1

T

he Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks would merge into a new agency under one board and one administration on July 1 under legislation that will soon be submitted to the General Assembly, Gov. John Hickenlooper told a joint meeting of the Colorado Wildlife Commission and the State Parks Board today.

Addressing the joint meeting in the Hunter Education building on the Division of Wildlife campus, the Governor said the merger is part of his overall effort to make state government more effective and efficient. He recalled that in the 1960s and early 1970s, Colorado’s state parks and wildlife programs were once managed by a single agency.

“This will be a challenge for all of us,” Hickenlooper told the Commission and Board. “What will make this successful is peoples’ willingness to work together as we strive for effectiveness and ways to be more efficient. We will need to find common paths, to bring questions and concerns to surface and to deal with them ways that provide assurances to employees while helping us avoid making cuts that would be very painful.”

The Governor said he envisions a single agency that would support the gamut of wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities while also managing a suite of properties that offer everything from active recreation near population centers to hunting and fishing in less-developed areas. (continued on page 34)

Earlier in the meeting, DOW Director Tom Remington briefed the Wildlife Commissioners on the 2010 harvest statistics.

Hunters harvested a total of 48,018 elk, up slightly from 2009. Last year, cow elk represented 54 percent of the harvest. About half of the bulls harvested were taken by hunters who bought over-the-counter licenses, rather than applying through the limited license draw.

“We continue to harvest more elk in Colorado every year than most other states have,” Remington said.

Forecast Looks Good For Chinook Salmon Season T

his year is not expected to be as good as last year, but the 2011 Chinook salmon return is on track to be the sixth best year since 1980. The fish are still out in the Pacific Ocean, but the forecast for numbers of returning fish are similar to 2008 and 2009.

Northwest fish managers estimate that about 198,000 Chinook bound for waters upstream of Bonneville Dam will enter the Columbia River this year - last year the number was 315,300.

Of those, 66,400 hatchery fish and 24,700 wild fish are predicted to head up the Snake River. Last year’s actual return was 134,200 hatchery fish and 35,600 wild fish.

Based on those preseason forecasts, Idaho fish managers expect 37,840 hatchery fish and 19,760 wild fish to cross Lower Granite Dam. They estimate that about 20,500 fish will return to Idaho hatcheries in the

Clearwater, lower Salmon and lower Snake drainages.

As fish pass federal dams on their way up the Columbia and Snake rivers, information from PIT tags passive integrated transponder allows fish managers to adjust preseason estimates.

Fish managers estimate that about 7,300 would return to hatcheries in the Clearwater drainage; 11,200 to hatcheries in the lower Salmon and Little Salmon rivers; and 2,000 to hatcheries in the Snake River below Hells Canyon dams.

That means an estimated 2,000 Chinook would be available for nontribal recreational anglers in the Clearwater; 4,200 in the lower Salmon and Little Salmon; and about 800 in the Snake River below the Hells Canyon dams.

In years past, Chinook seasons have opened in late April.

F&G Lifts Kokanee Limits Below Dworshak Reservoir W

ith many dead and dying Kokanee that have been flushed through Dworshak Dam, the bag and possession limits will be removed for kokanee in the North Fork Clearwater River and Clearwater River downstream of the North Fork in Clearwater County, effective through May 15.

While anglers can take home as many Kokanee as they can carry, the fish may only be taken by rod and reel, dip net or by hand. A valid Idaho fishing license is required. It is Fish and Game’s intent to allow the public to harvest these fish using techniques that will not affect ongoing fisheries.

Kokanee, which are a popular target of anglers fishing at Dworshak Reservoir, tend to congregate near the dam during winter months. When mountain snowpacks are abundant and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dumps water to make room for spring runoff, the fish are susceptible to being washed downstream. At this point, the number of Kokanee being flushed is not expected to have a large influence on next year’s fishery.

For more information regarding the lifting of the Kokanee bag and possession limits, contact Fish and Game’s Lewiston office 208-799-5010.

APRIL 2011

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Desert Sheep From Mexico Arrive At Red Rock Wildlife Area D esert bighorn sheep destined for a captive breeding program at the Red Rock Wildlife Area arrived Saturday, Feb. 26, after more than two months of quarantine in Mexico. The 10 young rams will provide new genes to a herd that was started at Red Rock in the 1970s.

The rams were provided to the state of New Mexico in exchange for pronghorn antelope that were moved to three wildlife management areas in Mexico during the last two winters.

The state of New Mexico started cooperative wildlife management programs with Mexican wildlife authorities in the 1970s. In 1972, desert bighorn sheep propagation at Red Rock began with five ewes from Mexico, and one ram from the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge on White Sands Missile Range.

Offspring from the Red Rock herd have helped rebuild desert bighorn across New Mexico’s desert mountain ranges. The species once was considered endangered in the state, but after decades of releases, selective predator control, and the support of numerous wildlife conservation groups the animals are candidates for delisting under the Wildlife Conservation Act. “These rams from Mexico are 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 years old,” said Darrel Weybright, big-game project leader for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “The idea is that once these rams get a little older, we can take out all the existing Red Rock rams and allow the Mexican rams to do the breeding.”

More Cougars Will Be Taken In Six Areas eer and bighorn sheep D in six areas in Utah will soon receive some added protection from cougars.

Mule deer and bighorn sheep will receive some extra protection in six areas in Utah. The DWR has approved a slight increase in the number of cougars hunters can take on harvest objective units in the areas.

Under authority granted in Utah Code 23-14-8, Division of Wildlife Resources Director Jim Karpowitz on March 3, 2011 signed an emergency change to Utah’s 2010–2011 Utah Cougar Guidebook. The change extends the hunting seasons and increases the number of cougars that hunters can take on six hunting areas in Utah.

Three of the areas are in southern Utah. The number of deer that died in these areas during the winter of 2009–2010 was higher than expected. And the number of fawns compared to the number of does in the three areas has been low for the past three years.

The remaining three areas are in central and southeastern Utah. Each area

Photo Ron Stewart has a bighorn sheep population that’s either declining in number or is stable in number but is still heavily preyed on by cougars.

If you’re among those who have a cougar harvest objective hunting permit for this season, or you’re thinking about getting one, you’ll want to pay close attention to the changes—some cougar hunting areas that closed earlier this season will reopen to hunting.

A complete list of the areas in question, and how many additional cougars can be taken, is available at go.usa. gov/4CI. After clicking on the link, scroll down to the “Changes to the guidebook” heading to find the changes.

• 29

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Hoback Moose Research Initiated Photos Mark Gocke Wyoming Game and Fish in the western part of the he Wyoming Game and Fish state. The Department and the University of project was Wyoming’s Cooperative Fish and chosen by the Wildlife Research Unit are initiating a Game and moose research project in an area that has been proposed for natural gas development Fish’s internal moose working group and is one of several south of Jackson. Researchers captured moose projects currently being conducted and fit 30 adult moose with GPS (Global in collaboration with the UW’s research.

Positioning System) radio collars to learn “Even if the gas field were not more about their developed, getting this kind of detailed habitat selection information on this moose herd would be and migration quite valuable given the challenges many patterns. The of our moose herds are facing today,” said study is Fralick. designed to gain Researchers are also collecting detailed baseline tissue samples from each animal captured information to test for the presence of Eleophora, or about moose habitat use, migration and carotid artery worm. Those results will be survival, particularly in the Noble Basin added to a larger database of similar area of the upper Hoback River basin, information the Game and Fish has been prior to development of a proposed natural gathering on all moose mortalities in the gas field. “To date, we haven’t had a lot area over the past several years. of energy development overlapping with Many stakeholders came moose habitat in Wyoming, so we felt it was important to get some animals marked together to make this project possible. Local landowner cooperation was outstanding. in order to learn how they might respond to such a development,” said Gary “Special recognition is reserved for Judy Fralick, the Game and Fish’s South Jackson Boeckmann at the Dead Shot Ranch in the upper Hoback and Doug and Lynda Vickery Wildlife Biologist. along the Green River for allowing us the The study is designed to have use of their ranches as helicopter staging animals marked both in the area areas. Judy Boeckmann’s generosity and proposed for development as well as hospitality was magnificent,” said Fralick. animals adjacent to the Noble Basin area In addition, the Wyoming for comparison, where there will not be any development. Eleven moose were captured Outfitters and Guides Association was heavily involved in early efforts because and radio-collared near the proposed gas they view the study area as having excepfield project area, and the remaining 19 in tional value for wildlife and Wyoming’s the Beaver Creek and Green River south hunting heritage, he added. of the Hoback Rim, west of U.S. Highway The group promoted the need for 189/191. baseline research on moose in the study Many of Wyoming’s moose area and worked closely with the energy populations have suffered marked declines company, (continued on page 33) over the past several decades, particularly

T

30 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

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• 31

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Montana/Molloy Wolf Settlement Announcement. What Does It Mean? (continued from page 4) There are efforts to use our urgency to get wolves delisted to pass some bills that will be bad for the future of hunting. We explain simple tests to understand the difference between a short-term promise and a long-term solution. We also explain how business as usual will not fix the wolf problem. Finally, the article talks about the type of effort required to overcome years of ambivalence about the future of wolves and wildlife in America.

Why did we go to Congress?

I believe all sportsmen support the notion of having a wolf hunt to potentially allow for recovery of some elk, moose and deer herds. However, a wolf hunt isn’t enough to provide meaningful recovery of wildlife herds. Nor can the root failures of the wolf experiment be fixed simply by a wolf hunt. To begin restoring balance of wildlife populations in the West and Upper Midwest, state wildlife managers need to be able to do their job. How does that happen?

Short Term Promises vs. Long Term Solutions Over the last several months, we have seen multiple bills, settlement proposals etc. that have been heralded as “wolf-delisting.”

If you see a promise of wolf delisting, be warned. A lot of these promises are what Representative Cynthia Lummis (R), Wyoming has described as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Some, if not most of these bills, fall short of providing the long-term solutions needed to fix this mess.

Here is a test to determine whether the proposed “wolf delisting” is a short-term promise or a long term solution: Does the provision (a) return primacy of state wildlife decision making authority; or does it (b) leave wolf management subject to federal statute and ongoing federal oversight?

If wolves remain subject to federal statute, all of the same structural flaws that have led to years of frustration and delays remain firmly in place. This means the government is saying once again, to rely on trust instead of legal protections for the future of proper wolf management. This model has not worked for 20 years. It will not work now.

Short Term Promises vs. Long Term Solutions Over the last several months, we have seen multiple bills, settlement proposals etc. that have been heralded as “wolf-delisting.” If you see a promise of wolf delisting, be warned. A lot of these promises are what Representative Cynthia Lummis (R), Wyoming has described as a “wolf in sheepʼs clothing.”

Here is why State Management vs Federal Control is so Important State Wildlife Management States are the only political unit with full jurisdiction to manage ALL wildlife. This applies to game as well as hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of non-game species.

The Federal Government doesn’t really manage wildlife on its own, but is rather is given limited authority over distinct wildlife issues such as endangered species and migratory waterfowl. State wildlife management provides protection for wildlife while also providing important management flexibility. This flexibility allows states to adjust appropriately to changing circumstances to ensure the health of big game and non-game species.

Federal Control Federal wildlife statutes by contrast are directed to a limited range of wildlife issues.

Most “federal management activities” are typically fulfilled by state wildlife managers as the “designated agent.” In most circumstances, when wildlife issues are under federal protections such as the Endangered Species Act, needed flexibility is replaced with restrictions. More importantly, federal statutes provide a powerful tool chest of one-sided litigation provisions for private plaintiffs. Most of these provisions remove flexibility in management decisions by states or the federal government. These restriction and litigation provisions were originally developed for unsuccessful species that do not compete well in their natural environment and tend to have little direct impact on other wildlife populations. More importantly, it was assumed that such provisions would be utilized by private plaintiffs with common sense. This clearly has not been the case with wolves and wolf litigation.

Wolf Hunt vs Restoring Balance For months we have been talking about Congressional action to “delist wolves from the Endangered Species act.” What we are really talking about is returning flexibility in management decisions to state wildlife managers. Many feel a federally supervised wolf hunt is a step in the right direction. But much more important than just a wolf hunt is the importance of removing wolves from the difficult and one-sided litigation provisions of federal statute that have led to an endless cycle of litigation. This litigation will continue to prevent state wildlife managers from doing their job. In other words, if we hope to restore balance to game herds, primacy of state wildlife decision-making must also be restored when it comes to wolves. From a practical standpoint, this will not happen as long as: (a) the federal government remains in an oversight role; and (b) the one-sided litigation provisions can be abused by environmental and animal rights litigants. Removing these litigation provisions is a simple as removing wolves from the federal statutes. All state wildlife protections will remain in place for wolves under this scenario.

Understanding the Tester/Baucus/Simpson Bills and Molloy Settlement Here is a quick application of the litmus test to the “other” bills. There are three other “bills” which are often discussed:

(1) the Tester/Baucus bill; (2) the Simpson language in the Continuing Resolution (much the same as the Tester/Baucus bill); (3) the Molloy settlement provisions. These bills and almost every other wolf bill we have seen fail to pass the test. In other words, under all of these provisions, wolves remain subject to federal oversight; federal statutes and related litigation provisions. As a result, these bills fail to remove the litany of impediments which have: (1) prevented effective wolf management; and (2) prevented recovery of elk, moose and deer herds. It is important that we do not fall for these promises as “wolf delisting.” Most of these bills simply mean the state will be managing according to federal approved guidelines.

Once again, this does not provide the flexibility state’s need to do their job.

Well intentioned or not, we are once again being asked to ignore the failures of federal statutes. We know federal statutes do not work when it comes to dealing with a capable, resilient and often destructive predator like the wolf. More significantly, many of these bills have underlying “poison pill” provisions that really are the equivalent of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” For example, the Tester/Baucus/Simpson provisions create the potential for an indefinite wolf listing and remove key safeguards that allow states to challenge such provisions. Additionally, the provision would have the effect of reversing Judge Johnson’s ruling in favor of: (a) state wildlife management supremacy over federal micromanagement; and (b) Wyoming’s wolf management plan. As another example, the Molloy settlement would allow the federal government to undo long standing agreements related to wolf minimum numbers and also includes other “poison pills.” All of these provisions ignore the need for Midwestern delisting and protecting other states from a future of wolf problems.

Hatch/Rehberg Bills S. 249 and H.R. 509 The American Big Game and Livestock Protection Act is the only bill, settlement, or compromise that actually passes the test.

Under its provisions wolf populations are removed from federal statutes and returned to state wildlife protections. H.R. 509 and S. 249 will allow states to manage wolf populations along with other wildlife in balance and with much needed flexibility.

Wolf populations are highly resilient and will do fine under state wildlife management. If numbers fall too low, (continued on page 32)

32 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

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Montana/Molloy Wolf Settlement Announcement (continued from page 31) Congress can once again relist the species.

States and Sportsmen will not let that happen. No one wants to go through this mess again.

Allowing Congress to implement a one-time emergency provision for wolves is good public policy. Most experts agree that the wolf is one “endangered species” that does not fit the policy rationales underlying the Endangered Species Act. Some in Congress are using the rhetoric that “we are trying to gut the ESA.” The purpose of the ESA is to recover endangered species. While wolves have never been globally endangered, even local recovery goals were accomplished years and years ago.

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Congressional wolf delisting in fact protects the ESA. First, it protects the ESA by fulfilling the promises that delisting will follow recovery. Second, congressional delisting protects the ESA from abuses of the environmental groups. These groups are now using the ESA for personal gain rather than for its intended purposes. The resultant delays in delisting are actually harming wildlife. Talk about turning things upside down. These abuses are the real challenge to credibility of the Endangered Species Act in the eyes of the public and elected officials.

Business as usual The leaders of Big Game Forever have been through many political battles that others have said could not be won. We know that business as usual will not work when it

comes to wolves. The anti-hunting groups and some key officials in the Obama administration do not want decision making and flexibility over wolf management returned to the states. They do not want us to work together. They know that if we do work together we are difficult, if not impossible, to beat. Business as usual is how we have gotten into the mess in the first place. We cannot and we do not intend to win this important political battle on our own. Nor can we afford divisiveness or poor legislative strategy by groups within our own industry. Working together as a nation of United Sportsmen we can provide the necessary support in Congress to get this done.

Sportsmen, conservation groups and shooting non-profit organizations raise tens of millions of dollars annually to protect the future of shooting and hunting in this country. It is time for the leaders in wildlife to “put their money where their mouth is.” There are also tens of millions of dedicated sportsmen in America. If we work together, we have the resources to get wolf delisting done right.

This is a fight for fundamental freedoms. We call on all shooting, livestock and hunting non-profit organizations to stick together and finish the job we started. United we stand.

Divided we fall. We call on every sportsmen and every American to get in the fight to protect our hunting heritage and America’s Wildlife. We are much more powerful that many recognize. It is time to flex our collective muscles to protect America’s Big Game and Wildlife Resources.

APRIL 2011

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

Spring Mack Days L

ake trout angler Gregory Vogel of Columbia Falls went fishing for dinner Friday on Flathead Lake after just entering online in the Mack Days Fishing Event. He caught a nice lake trout and knew immediately it could be one of the tagged fish in the 2011 Spring Fishing Event because of the missing adipose fin.

When he finished fishing he brought it in to Blue Bay where it was scanned with the tag number matching up with a $1,000 tag number. Congratulations to Greg. It just goes to show that sometimes all it does take is one fish to win. Up to $150,000 is sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in the 2011 Spring Mack Days. Mack Days are used to slowly reduce numbers of non native lake trout in Flathead Lake and to increase the numbers of native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout which are a part of our natural history and cultural heritage. It is important to continue to try to protect one of the last strongholds-the Flathead Lake system-for these native fish.

Tagged fish are one way to win during the event. There is one $10,000three $5,000-and nine more $1,000-plus over 2500 with values from $100-$500.

Each fish is an entry for anglers and that entry goes into the lottery drawing at the end of the event. The drawing starts at $1,000 and goes down to $100. Smallest fish, largest fish, most fish-they all win.

The most lake trout caught in one day was turned in on Friday. Steve Biere of Butte turned in 95 lake trout. Tangled line right at the end of the day just may have kept him from having a limit of 100 for the day. His partner and leader in the event Chuck Forgey of Arlee had 84 entries for a total of 179 on the boat. Chuck leads the event with 349 total lake trout over the

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Cynthia Bras-Benson

the six days, Michael Benson-Lonepine-2nd 226 entries, Scott Bombard-Missoula-190, Wes Shockley-Plains-187, Steve BiereButte-177, Jerry Benson-Plains-174, Bret Thompson-Charlo-158, Craig MorigeauPolson-145, Steven Benson-Columbia Falls-140, and Roger Smart-Ronan-125 in tenth place. Total fish entered after six days is 5,171. Nicole Peters-Missoula leads the ladies with 42, Terry Biere-Butte-37, Deana Knipe-Polson-26, Debra PikeKalispell-23, Debbie O’Hara-St. Ignatius-12, and Chelsea Harlan-Huson-11. Connor Kowalski youth angler from Florence is ahead in the 13-17 age group with 77, Brady Weible-St. Ignatius-50, Garrett Vaughan-40, Terry Biere-Butte-37, Cade Thompson-Charlo-25, Kobe Cox-Charlo-10.

Stetson Stipe-Charlo is leading in the 12 & under with 31, Benton Adams-7-Ravalli, Ethan Haflinger-4-Moiese, Kaitlyn Cox-2, Kassidy Cox-2-Charlo.

Smallest fish is still held by Eric Sams-Polson- 198mm and Dean VaughanCharlo-223mm. Largest lake trout entered so far is Jim Bilodeau-Kalispell 25.7 lbs.

1005 mm.

Other tagged fish turned in were Mark Lang-Kalispell, Justin Buchmiller, Scott Bombard-Missoula, Larry KarperFlorence, Brady Weible-Charlo, Jason Kowalski-Florence, Dave ChichesterKalispell, Roger Smart-Ronan, Steve Benson-Columbia Falls, Dan SmithColumbia Falls-$100 each. Aaron Rasmussen-Kalispell, Tyson AtkinsonCharlo, and Jason Kowalski-Florenceturned in lake trout with tags worth $200 each.

Entries are taken to the last day of the event. Go to www.mackdays.com for information or telephone 883-2888.

Editor’s note: Stats as of 3/21/11

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Hunting Turkeys On Public Land (continued from page 26)

sounds of calls, will make the difference between hearing birds and tagging them.

Birds pushed by a hunters shy away from specific calls when that call is heard a second time. Carry box calls, slates, and diaphragm calls that you are confident in using.

When you have not been successful by late afternoon, head back to where the gobblers came off the roost at dawn and cut them off as they make their way back to roost. Earlier in the afternoon check places where you heard hens earlier in the day. Set up a decoy and begin calling. When the hens have gone to nest, the toms will return to that spot looking for stragglers.

A major obstacle to successful turkey hunting is bad weather. Even when hunting premiere country, low pressure and rain will shut down gobbling and mating.

Before packing up for a weekend hunt and driving a long distance, check the weather forecast and Doppler radar maps for the area. There is no sense spending time and money during bad weather unless you enjoy sleeping in the camper or cabin during a pouring rain.

Owning your own acreage and having plenty of time is tough to beat, but most hunters lack those assets. Follow simple hunting tactics on public land and you’ll find birds in areas with no pressure!

Hoback Moose Research (continued from page 29) Photo Mark Gocke

Plains Exploration and Production (PXP), to match financial commitments made by the Wyoming Governor’s Office.

Scott Winters, vice president of Corporate Communications for PXP, said, “PXP is pleased to have joined the state of Wyoming in providing the funding necessary to conduct this important baseline study of the Sublette moose herd. PXP’s participation in this project is consistent with its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and participating in funding habitat and wildlife studies in other parts of the country. We look forward to working with the state of Wyoming on this important project.”

Additional funding partners include the U.S. Forest Service and Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition.

34 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

APRIL 2011

Don’t Miss The

Five Valleys Chapter’s 26th Annual

Banquet And Fundraiser Saturday, May 7th, 2011

Hilton Garden Inn 3720 North Reserve St. Missoula Doors open at 5:30pm During the “social hour” you’ll enjoy drawings, raffles, games, drinks, and the silent auction. Dinner and live auction will follow.

Purchase your tickets by April 15th to be entered in the Early Bird Drawing The live auction will feature a two person, 8-9 day wilderness hunt with Mills Wilderness Adventures, either as an early rifle hunt in the Bob Marshall or general rifle hunt in the Scapegoat.

Winning bidder will make the choice.

FREE with your new or renewed membership when you attend the event!

For Tickets Call Stacey Nelson at 406-493-1262 or email stacey2070@gmail.com “This ad is sponsored by Clearwater Montana Properties in participation with Cabela’s Trophy Properties, to further the mission of RMEF. See www.cmpmontana.com for your real estate needs.”

CO. DOW And Parks To Combine July 1 (continued from page 28)

“Our parks system provides an entry-level opportunity for our citizens to experience the outdoors,” Hickenlooper said. “If we don’t have that, we’re putting long-term support for wildlife at risk.”

Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Mike King said the bill the administration will soon introduce would combine the Wildlife Commission and Parks Board and create the new agency

by July 1.

Several other Western states operate combined parks and wildlife agencies, including Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Texas.

Washington and Oregon are also currently in the process of combining their wildlife and parks programs. King said that 39 state parks offer fishing while 32 offer hunting opportunities and that wildlife revenues can be directed to parks for expenditures that primarily benefit wildlife habitat, wildlife viewing or other wildlife-related pursuits.

Both the Wildlife Commission and the Parks Board said they applauded the Governor’s decision to address the situation facing State Parks and pledged to work to build the new agency.

“During the recovery of economy nationwide, no issue is more challenging than the problems facing state local government,” said Parks Board member Bill Kane. “We stand ready and willing to do

what can to make a successful endeavor.”

Earlier in the meeting, Division of Wildlife Director Tom Remington briefed the Wildlife Commissioners on the 2010 harvest statistics. Hunters harvested a total of 48,018 elk, up slightly from 2009. Last year, cow elk represented 54 percent of the harvest. About half of the bulls harvested were taken by hunters who bought over-the-counter licenses, rather than applying through the limited license draw.

“We continue to harvest more elk in Colorado every year than most other states have,” Remington said. In 2010, hunters harvested 12,301 pronghorn, topping the 12,000 mark for the first time.

Remington said the harvest showed the Division’s efforts to work with private landowners to increase hunting opportunity is paying off.

Deer harvest in 2010 was also up slightly. Hunters took a total of 34,768 deer in 2010. About half of the hunters during rifle seasons filled their tag, showing that Colorado continues to offer a tremendous opportunity for hunting quality mule deer, Remington said. He added that the deer population appears to be rebounding well from the harsh winter of 2007 and 2008.

The Wildlife Commission meets monthly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation in its processes.

The Perfect Rifle For A Lady

By S. L. Merriam

T

o shoot a deer rifle accurately it needs to fit like a pair of custom tailored pants. Since you will own the rifle longer than pants, proper fit is even more important. After speaking with numerous women about their likes and dislikes I proceeded to create the perfect deer rifle that would fit my average-sized frame. Weighing 140 and standing 5 feet 9 inches, with average strength, I wanted the final product to be light enough to carry easily and still shoot accurately. This means the rifle must fit me. It couldn’t be an off-the-shelf version designed to fit everybody.

Ladies, we were stuck with men’s hunting clothes but now have our own. We have used their rifles but we still don’t have a women’s version unless we buy some hot pink thing, probably designed by a man. I didn’t want hot pink or to be limited to using what a man’s manufacturer thinks I should use. To date I have shot five elk, thirty antelope and that many deer. Did I do them all with one gun? No. I have learned a lot during the time it took to harvest those animals and I’ll share it with you.

I would like my rifle to provide the following: Perfect scope picture: When I bring the rifle to my shoulder I want the scope picture to be a completely round circle.

When a rifle does not fit, the image in the scope will be half-black or worse. A full scope picture is determined by eye relief, which is defined as the distance from your eyeball to the eyepiece. A rule of thumb requires about two-inches of relief in the standing position.

High-power scopes have a shorter eye relief, which can deliver a nasty cut over the eye from the backward force of the recoil. I recommend adjustable 3 - 9 x 40 scopes, hunting with it set at 3-power.

Hunting with it set on low power allows you to locate game quickly; low power provides a wide field of view. For longer shots you can turn the scope to 9-power to see distant game better. Scope brand and model dictate price and good used scopes sell cheaper than new. Once off the showroom floor scopes depreciate as much as 50% and a used scope is a good deal if you check the warranty. Most top quality scopes carry a lifetime warranty regardless of owner changes.

A stock that fits: I don’t have long arms like a man - if I did my knuckles would drag. I need the stock short enough so I do not have to fully extend my arm when in the shooting position.

The distance between the trigger and the rifle butt is called “Length of pull.” A woman’s arms average two inches shorter than a man so when using a rifle with the length of pull designed for a man, the rifle will feel front heavy and be difficult to hold level. For a proper fit your best bet is a “Youth” model. Stevens, Savage, Ruger, Marlin, Mossberg, Remington, Howa, and Weatherby offer youth sizes in different calibers. Even if the stock feels a bit short you can easily add a thicker recoil pad to improve the fit and reduce recoil. These models are also lighter but remember, the lighter the rifle the more you will feel the recoil. You can have a gunsmith shorten the stock of a regular model but the barrel will be longer unless you have that cut down also. (continued next page)

APRIL 2011

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Good balance: When you pick up a poorly balanced gun you will feel awkward. Stock length, barrel length and barrel diameter all contribute to balance. If one does not feel right when you pick it up, do not buy it!

Military bullets are for target shooting and illegal to use on game animals so keep them separate from your hunting loads. If you have the option take the .308 because the action is shorter, making the total rifle length shorter.

Stopping power: I want a caliber that is adequate to stop a whitetail and possibly an elk without beating me up with recoil.

A .243 is an excellent choice for deer but a tad light for elk. Move up to a .25-06 or .270 and you’ll have a bit more recoil but be ready for elk. Men often think a bigger gun will make up for a poor hit and carry calibers that make them flinch.

All hunters are better off delivering a well-placed shot from a smaller caliber than making a poor hit with a cannon.

Accuracy: I don’t want to pay a gunsmith to rebuild an inaccurate rifle. I would like to put five shots in a two inch circle at 100-yards from a bench rest while taking my time shooting. If having problems with accuracy, have a friend shoot the rifle to determine if the problem is you or the rifle. When both people shoot the gun well - it is a keeper. If buying a used rifle be sure to get a 30-day return policy. If it doesn’t shoot well or fit correctly you can return it and start over.

Flexibility: It would be nice to use the same rifle for deer, coyotes, bears, and wood chucks. The .30 calibers can do this.

Both the .30-06 and .308 offer factory loads ranging from 110-grains to 220-grains that cover everything from varmints to moose. The .308 has a 110-grain for varmints and a 180-grain load suitable for elk. Both calibers recoil about the same when using the same bullet even though the .30-06 case is a half-inch longer than the .308. For deer I use a 150-grain bullet in both calibers rather fight the recoil of a 180-grain load, which is usually designed as an elk load.

Muzzle break: To reduce recoil you can have a muzzle break added to the barrel.

A muzzle break provides an outlet for the gasses to escape at the end of the barrel to reduce recoil. Basic physics states for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Burn gunpowder and recoil is the reaction. Slots cut in the barrel allow high-pressure gasses to bleed off to the side, which reduces recoil by almost half.

The down side is the noise; it is no longer directed away from the shooter or bystanders. You will need quality earmuffs to tolerate practice shooting and when you do not use them a flinch will develop from the blast. For petite ladies lacking sufficient body mass to absorb recoil, a brake can be a worthwhile investment.

Ammunition: The cheaper it is to shoot the more you will practice and the better you will become. You don’t need a caliber that costs $2.00 every time you pull the trigger. Spending forty dollars a box for shells will not allow sufficient practice to become a deadly shot and you won’t enjoy practice when your family has to skip a week’s worth of meat and survive on Mac and cheese just so you can shoot.

As a rule the more powerful a cartridge the more it will cost. If you choose the .30-06, or the shorter action .308, hunting rounds usually cost less than a dollar a shot. Military surplus ammo can be found for under $ .50 per shot, which provides low cost practice.

Carry easily: I want a light rifle so it carries well it in the woods especially walking uphill or down. Walking is best done using a modern, rubberized sling.

The shoulder section has a rubberized gripping surface that helps hold the rifle from sliding off your shoulder.

Steady hold: I won’t take any shot from an off-hand standing position unless it is 50-yards or less. To keep the rifle steady for shots over 50-yards, a 16” Harris bipod is mounted on the front of the rifle.

I lay down to shoot and flip out the two legs to remain steady for a 250-yard

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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shot. A bi-pod is the next best thing to a bench rest. Harris designed the legs so they slide out to allow shooting from a sitting or kneeling position but the most stable shot is lying down. Practice with and without the bi-pod and you will soon see why it has made me successful taking deer, elk and antelope out to 250-yards, which is a long way.

The budget: Do I get a new or used rifle? I can quote what new guns, new scopes, and factory ammunition sell for.

What I can’t tell you is what kind of used rifle deal you might run into.

Prices are different in different areas of the country because of demand and the economy. A new youth model rifle in .308 or .30-06 will retail up to $700 or more but you can find a good used one for half that amount when you are patient.

I have listed the things I would like on my ultimate hunting rifle.

Depending on where and what you hunt, adapt to different conditions and make any changes, like removing the bi-pod if there are no long distance shots. The secret is to shop around.

Buying the perfect rifle, just for you, is a learning process and you want to be happy with what you carry afield.

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36 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Montana Whitetail Deer Skull Along Shields River Photograph of Cattail swamp in Montana with Absaroka-Beartooth Mountain Range in the background.

ntler hunting, more commonly known as shed hunting, is a favorite pastime for those of us suffering from cabin fever.

As the winter months pass and spring looms upon us, many people head for the hills in search of the antlers deer and elk have dropped in preparation for growing new ones.

Antler hunting is a fun activity and can be done year round by any person, and you don’t need any permits to do it. All a person needs is a desire to hike the hills and slopes where antlers can be found and a willingness to endure the ever-changing weather.

Antlers from deer and elk are commonly found in areas where they spend the winter months. Typically, mule deer shed in late December through March, and elk shed from mid-March through April. These “shed” antlers can typically be found anywhere on the winter range - but bedding areas, trails, brushy areas and migration corridors are hotspots that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Wintering wildlife, mule deer in particular, are very susceptible to any kind of disturbance whether it is from passing cars, domestic dogs or innocent shed hunters in late winter and early spring. At this time of year deer are relying solely on their body reserves and what little they can get from surrounding vegetation; they are patiently waiting for spring temperatures and green-up. Any extra movement a deer makes costs energy, and that depletes the little energy they have at this time of year. Energy depletion leads to sickness and oftentimes death for fawns and adult deer at this critical time of year.

Is the area closed to motorized travel?

Some areas of public land are closed to the use of motorized vehicles but not closed to human entry.

Here are some points to consider before going out shed hunting:

Keeping these points in mind when shed hunting will ensure that undue stresses on animals will be avoided or minimized. Some thought and consideration ahead of time can greatly minimize your impact on local wintering wildlife herds and increase your enjoyment in the field.

Is the area closed to human activity and presence? Some areas of public land are closed during the winter time to protect wintering herds of wildlife and provide security areas free of disturbance.

Will my presence in an area cause a significant disturbance to wintering wildlife? Human presence alone is enough to cause animals to move and act differently than they would have without that disturbance. One instance of human disturbance alone may not be that disruptive, but consider several days of human activity and disturbance. The energy used by animals reacting to repeated disturbances becomes significant.

What effect will my dog have on wintering deer herds? Though your dog may not chase deer, its presence alone may be enough to cause animals to expend unnecessary energy they would not have otherwise used. Remember, it is illegal to allow dogs to chase deer.

Will my lawful motorized activity have an adverse affect on wintering wildlife herds?

Snowmobile use is an effective way to get into areas where sheds may be found, but may disturb wildlife. First, consult the land managers travel map to determine if travel is legal in the area you wish to go to. Second, consider the effect your travel may have on wintering wildlife and if it will cause unnecessary stress. Remember, it is illegal to chase or harass wildlife with motorized vehicles.

Is my planned shed hunting area on public or private land? Ownership of land and private property laws still pertain to shed hunting activities at all times of the year.

APRIL 2011

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2011 ATA Show (continued from page 5) continues to bring life-saving gear for bowhunters in 2011. The new Ultra-Lite X-treme harness offers the ultimate in lightweight comfort and security. Whether you’re wanting a harness light enough for early season hunting, or a non-binding option when you’re bulked up through the winter months, the Ultra-Lite X-treme will keep you safely in the stand. HSS has also brought a very cute new addition for the ladies with their Lady Pro series of vests.

(HunterSafetySystem.com) CLOTHING The crew at Badlands branches out from their quality line of backpacks for the bowhunter and is offering a new line of clothing for serious hunters in 2011. The Badlands Bio-Thermic System features a performance clothing line that actually works with the body’s own ability to generate heat.

Base layers, insulation layers, and outer garments all designed to keep you dry and warm will no doubt add to your success this season. (Badlandspacks.com) I also found a new, and very impressive, camo pattern featured in the Magnus Broadheads booth at this year’s show. The camo is Ground Swat Tactical and the large format, non-situational pattern was developed by Pattern Masters using a “disruptive” pattern which combines contrasting patterns of basic shapes and colors that break up the human form at any distance. (magnusbroadheads.com) GREAT GEAR Trophy Taker has long been known as a leader in the world of quality arrow rests for both tournament and hunting archers. In recent years they’ve added the super-deadly T-Lock broadheads to their product line, and they now expand their product line even further with the addition of their HeartBreaker bow sight. The HeartBreaker brings target archery precision to hunting camp! The HeartBreaker features micro-drive vertical rail adjustments allowing shooters to maximize range adjustments, micro –adjustable windage, simple 2nd & 3rd axis adjustments, and multiple pin configurations. Trophy Taker has also unleashed their new Tight Point Field Tips for 2011. The tips utilize an O-Ring design that creates a snug fit inside the insert. A precise fit helps put an end to loose, loud, and lost tips once and for all. (TrophyTaker.com) Videoing your own hunt has become the rage in recent years and Rhino Outdoors makes the task as easy as anyone with their new LID-CAM. The LID-CAM mounts under the bill of your hat…so what you see is what you capture on camera.

Unlike other camera devices, the LID-CAM features a lens with the ability to rotate left or right to get that down-the-arrow camera angle you’re looking for. The LID-CAM features HighDefinition 720P Video, 8x digital zoom with 3 presets, USB port for video file transfer, and the ability to record high quality sound, with noise reduction. (RhinoOutdoors.com) For hunters wanting to dive into the sport of filming their own hunts, the Adventure Series tree arm from The 3rd Arm is hard to beat when it comes to a rock-solid camera support at a price you can afford.

The Adventure series is constructed of air craft grade aluminum and built to the

same specifications as the companies Pro series model. The Adventure Series unit was designed to be more compact in size, perfect for self-videoing or videoing from a standing position. The Adventure comes standard with a professional grade tree base, 1” ratchet strap, curved swing arm, and is also equipped with a custom built tension plate, for a non-slip connection with the camera head.

The Adventure Series weighs in at just 4.8 pounds, with a maximum camera weight of 7 pounds. (The3rdArm.com) Adequate treestand preparation and placement can mean the difference in success and going home empty handed when hunting whitetail deer. The folks at Hooyman offer the first truly compact extendible folding saw, making your job of preparing those stand sites much easier. The 5’ and now 10’ models are designed to go wherever you go and are built to last. Features of the Hooyman saws include: positive locking extension system, premium high carbon steel MegaBite blade, Lock back blade, and I-beam aluminum construction. (HooymanSaws.com) I loved the concept behind the EZ Press bow press design the moment I saw it several years ago. At this year’s show, the crew at Last Chance Archery introduced their new EZ Green bow press, a press enabling every archery home the opportunity to have their own bow press. You’ll find the same great quality and design built in to this press, yet without some of the bells and whistles, making it affordable enough to put one in your garage or workshop. (LastChanceArchery.com) I’m always on the prowl for gear that is functional, yet lightweight, for my backcountry hunting adventures. I’m a big fan of simple. Simple is good. So I was easily impressed when I came across a new little product called NeverWithout.

This license holder/Knife/LED light unit is simple, affordable, and will no doubt help you shed some weight with larger knives and flashlights. And the whole package is slimmer and lighter than the wallet in your back pocket. The light boasts 24 hours of continuous use and five days of safety strobe. The super slim, dual-blade knife features a straight blade and a gut hook.

(NeverWithout1.com) There was an ample supply of high-tech scouting gear featured at this year’s show as well. Trail cameras and computer-based monitoring systems are the rage for keeping an eye on your deer herd.

When I stopped by the Primos booth, I found that their ever-growing line of products now features a very slick, palm-sized trail camera they call the Super Model. Despite its super-small size, this camera boasts huge features. ‘Best in Class’ image quality, easily converts to a handheld photo viewer in the field, year-long battery life, photo and video capture, super-fast 0.3 trigger speed, and 7.0 megapixel images, are just a few of the highlights found in the perfectly packable unit. (Primos.com) As always, the previously mentioned items are just a few of the tools that will go beyond simply collecting dust in your closet. They are the tools that will help you hunt smarter, safer, stronger, and more efficiently when the 2011 hunting season rolls around again. Shoot straight…God Bless!

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38 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

APRIL 2011

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

Bob Ward & Sons New Gear Review

Each month we select several products that are brand new to the market and may appeal to our Montana readers and customers.

The All New Bank Robber™ Fly Rods From St. Croix

Designed by Montanan, Kelly Galloup, owner of the Slide Inn Fly Shop & Lodge in Cameron.

L

ike an ancient energy source, anglers are drawn to Montana’s Madison River to feel the magic, soak in the camaraderie and learn the ways of the masters. Kelly Galloup would be high on the list of masters, especially when it comes to chucking honking meaty streamers at big fish. St. Croix’s new Bank Robber™ fly rods are designed by Kelly and embody exactly what he’s looking for when it comes to pounding the bank. Available in 6 or 7 weight, these high-modulus/ high-strain SCV graphite blanks reinforced with super high modulus SCV1 graphite in lower sections for added power are also two of the first St. Croix rods to feature NSi (Nano Silica), providing added power with reduced weight. The new innovative 3M™ Matrix Resin™gives them unparalleled strength and durability. Combined with St. Croix proprietary ART™ and IPC® technology, the new Bank Robbers are two of the most advanced fly rods to be introduced in many years. Handcrafted in the U.S.A. All Bank Robber™ Fly Rods Come With A 1000 Denier Nylon-Covered Rod Case With A Divided Polypropolyne Liner.

The Marlin® XT Series The Newest Family Of Rimfire Rifles MODEL XT-22RO

1. New ergonomic stock - this new ergonomic stock is designed for easy handling & improved fit and feel. You will find this stock shoulders quickly and comfortably, helping to create textbook form round after round.

2. XT Pistol Grip - this new pistol grip features a slight palm swell for a rich feel and solid grip. By improving the shooter’s overall grip on the rifle, we are able to improve handling, shouldering, shooting form and accuracy.

3. XT Pro-Fire Adjustable Trigger - Marlin’s new user-adjustable trigger system allows the shooter to customize the trigger pull weight between 3 and 6 lbs., while providing the ultimate crispness and virtually zero creep. Everyone’s finger works a little differently, and the Pro-Fire Adjustable Trigger accommodates those differences to ensure a crisp, smooth pull every time for better accuracy.

4. Thumb & Trigger Safety - In addition to the standard thumb safety the XT series of bolt-action rifles features a trigger safety incorporated into the Pro-Fire Adjustable Trigger, which prevents the trigger from being pulled until the trigger safety is fully depressed for an added level of safety & confidence.

5. Reduced Bolt Force - through improved trigger technology, we are able to reduce the overall bolt release force, making it easier to chamber the next round and help prevent jams.

Visit a Bob Ward & Sons store to purchase firearms.

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Sporting Goods Montana Style Gear Up For Spring with: -Athletic Footwear -Active Wear & Outdoor Apparel -Camping & Backpacking Gear -Tennis & Golf Equipment Best Selection of Fishing Gear: -Fly Rods & Reels -Spinning/Casting Rods & Reels -Spinning/Casting -Waders & Wading shoes -Fly Tying Equipment -Expanded Selection of Basic & Premium flies -Lures & Baits -Inflatables from Odyssey, Rocky Mtn. Rafts, Creek Co. & Classic Acc.

Montana’s Largest Selection of Optics For Your Outdoor Adventures

40 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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APRIL 2011

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