Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure-December 2011

OUTDOOR NEWS

Big Sky

DECEMBER 2011

www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

Planning A December Hunt ICEFishing

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DECEMBER 2011

Bear Creek Ski Tom Miner Ski Trail visitmt.com Trail visitmt.com The Tom Miner Ski Trail follows a road Bear Creek Ski Trail is an easy climb plowed by the county. Please stay on the through timber along Bear Creek Road.

Climbs through timber along old logging road to a meadow on the ridge.

This trail is intermittently groomed.

Trails are groomed for skating.

road, and do not trespass on private land.

This trail is not groomed.

Length: 7 km of easiest and 7.5 km more difficult trail

Trail Begins: 26 miles west of Gardiner

Courtesy of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, NPS

Trail Ends: Tom Miner BasinArea S

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Yellowstone

and showshoeing. When skiing on unplowed roadways used by snowmobiles, keep to the right to avoid accidents.

Before you rent or borrow equipment,

A Backcountry Use Permit is required for all overnight ski trips. Contact a park ranger at a ranger station or visitor center before you begin a ski trip—whether for a few hours or several days. Some park areas could be open to skiing or snowshoeing on designated routes only during severe winter conditions to protect wildlife. Maps of these routes will be posted at trailheads, but check with a ranger before beginning your trip. Trip planning should include allowances for limited daylight, snow conditions, temperature extremes, and the number of people in the group, their experience and physical condition.

Trail Begins: Bear Creek Road Trail Ends: Jardine Area Activities offered: Cross-Country Skiing Hiking Nature Area Picnicking Wildlife Viewing Contact information: Mailing Address: Gallatin National Forest PO Box 5 Gardiner, MT 59030 Phone: 406-848-7375 Web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin/ Directions: Located out of Jardine, 5 miles above the town of Gardiner.

Length: 6.4 km of easiest trail

Activities offered: Cross-Country Skiing Hiking Nature Area Picnicking Wildlife Viewing Contact information Mailing Address: Gallatin National Forest PO Box 5 Gardiner, MT 59030 Phone: 406-848-7375 Web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin/ Directions: Located in Tom Miner Basin 26 miles west of Gardiner.

Old Faithful Area Ski Trails

check for fit and suitability for wilderness use. Choose skis and boots made for touring or mountaineering.

Narrow racing skis may not give you enough surface area to break trail and low shoes may not give you enough ankle support.

Even in severe winter temperatures, you can be comfortable and safe if you dress properly to prevent chilling and overheating.

Most of Yellowstone is backcountry and managed as wilderness; many miles of trails are available for skiing. Track is set only on a few trails. All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross country skiing

For winter reports beginning December 15 visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ winterreports.htm

DECEMBER 2011

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For Archery Success!!

IF YOU DIDN’T GET IT DONE DURING THE EARLY ARCHERY SEASON, YOU MAY STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO TAG A LATE SEASON BUCK OR BULL

BY NEA NEAL L M. COTE’

S econd chances in archery are rare, miss that buck or bull in September, and you probably won’t get another chance for the rest of the season.....and with the November close of most general hunting districts, you are out of luck.

Unless .....you spend some time studying the Montana Deer, Elk, and Antelope regulations. There are several late season wild cards you can still play to possibly arrow a late season trophy.

Here are some of the late season district options if you still have your general deer or elk licenses burning a hole in your pocket: 1) 212 Deer - January 1, 2012 Elk - January 1, 2012 2) 260 Deer - January 15, 2012 Elk - January 15, 2012 3) 290 Deer - December 15, 2011 Elk - January 1, 2012 4) 309 Deer - January 15, 2012 Elk - January 15, 2012 5) 630 (portion of area) Deer - January 1, 2012 Elk - None The above is a brief listing of areas that have late archery seasons, make 100 percent sure to read the regulations about the specifics of the area you choose to hunt.

Once you have chosen a destination, more preparation is going to be needed.

It is not going to be an easy hunt by any means, as December can be brutal for changing weather. From daytime highs in the teens to overnight lows well below zero, feet instead of inches of snow, and winds that can cut to the bone.

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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 9

Cover photo:Brett naillon with his elk.

Dress in multiple layers, with lightweight wicking polyester as a base, good medium weight wool or fleece in the next two layers and windproof/waterproof outer layer.

Cold will make every movement 10 times louder, so if you think that your clothing is noisy, choose different materials that are quieter than your first choice. If you have to cover a fair amount of distance to get to your stand or ground blind, dress as lightly as you can and carry additional layers to put on as you cool off. Heavy weight gloves with lighter liners, neck gaiters and facemasks are must have items as well.

Make sure to protect your finger and ear tips from frostbite! Pick pack boots instead of your normal hunting boots, they will keep your feet warmer for longer periods of time and have a little extra room for a chemical toe heater! Carry extra chemical hand warmers and use as many as you need to stay comfortable. Pick lighter camouflage patterns to blend in and always carry a winter white cover up that can fit over all your clothes if you have to hide out in the open.

Don’t forget to practice with all your gear on!!!! Nothing can mess a shot up faster than the string hitting your sleeve on a shot.

As for tactics, conditions will dictate what you need to do to close the distance. Fresh snow can show you where the animals have been moving and allow you to place treestands and ground blinds for good ambushes. It can also hide you almost completely with the right camouflage pattern, as well as muffle the sounds of your steps as you put a spot and stalk on them.

So, if you still have a tag, and want to fill it, you still have some options. Make the right choices, and these Second chances might just be your ticket to a last minute trophy!!! Be Careful, be safe and Good Luck!!!

Thank you for reading Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure.

Please support the advertisers you see in this publication and let them know you saw their advertisement in Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure.

Their support makes it possible for us to bring you this publication each month. Thank you.

DECEMBER 2011

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Taking Care Of Your Investment How to clean your firearm Jeff Davis, Editor Whitetails Unlimited Magazine

A single firearm costs hundreds of dollars, but can easily last a lifetime if properly cared for.

Protect your investment by properly cleaning your firearms.

Tip 1: Safety First - Always clear the chamber and insure the gun is unloaded before starting, and even if disassembled, treat every firearm, at all times, as if it is loaded.

Tip 2: Stay Organized - Work in a well-lighted, ventilated area. Assemble all needed materials in advance, and eliminate any distractions. Use a gun cleaning pad which is lint-free and prevents spills from soaking through onto the table underneath, and can be washed to remove oil and solvent.

Tip 3: Look For Problems - Disassemble the firearm as much as possible, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. No not disassemble beyond what is recommended. As you prepare the firearm for cleaning inspect thoroughly for cracked parts, rust, signs of excessive wear or other problems. Contact a trained gunsmith for any necessary repairs.

Tip 4: Follow the Guide - Clean the firearm from the breach end whenever possible, which can prevent solvents, oil or debris from getting into the action. If it is necessary to clean from the muzzle, use a muzzle guide to keep the cleaning rod from rubbing on the crown.

Tip 5: Size Matters - Use the proper size rod, brush and patches. Use a one-piece coated or composite rod to avoid metal-to-metal contact with the rifling.

Tip 6: One-Way Only - Saturate a patch with solvent and pass it through the bore in one direction only. Pulling a dirty patch (or brush) back through the barrel can redeposit material or put debris into the action. Repeat with solvent on a patch, and then wait a couple of minutes to let the solvent soak. Push a brush through the barrel (in one direction only) 3-6 times. Follow with patches (or a Bore Snake) wet with solvent until they come out clean. Then use dry patches until all the solvent is removed from the barrel and the patches are completely clean.

Tip 7: Scrub A Dub - Use a small nylon brush soaked in solvent to thoroughly clean all accessible areas in the action, and wipe with a clean cloth to remove any remaining solvent.

Be careful to keep solvent from seeping into enclosed areas of the action.

Tip 8: Lightly Lubricate - Use a clean patch with a small amount of oil on it to lightly coat the inside of the barrel, and then use a small amount of oil on a clean, lint-free cloth to lightly lubricate all moving parts and all surfaces that have been degreased by the solvent.

Tip 9: Together Again - As you reassemble the firearm, make sure you remove any fingerprints with an oiled cloth. Do not apply too much oil.

While all metal surfaces need a coating of oil to prevent rust, too much oil will attract dust, lint and debris, and can drain into the action and gum up moving parts. Store the firearm muzzle-down, so excess oil will not drain into the action.

Tip 10: Look at What You’re Missing - If you haven’t checked the cleaning supply rack in a sporting goods store in a while, stop and take a look. There are many new products that make this chore faster and more efficient. Bore Snakes can replace patches, oil bottles with long, needle-like dispensers will put a scant drop just where it is needed, cleaning pads also protect the kitchen table, and rods that can’t damage your firearm are just a few recent improvements.

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DECEMBER 2011

Wolf Hunting Season Status ‘Outdoor Life’ Shines A Light On RMEF

Status updated: NOVEMBER 20, 2011 - MFWP

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Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

”Outdoor Life” magazine has included the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation on a list of those making significant positive impacts on hunting and fishing.

The fifth annual “OL 25” list for 2011 includes RMEF President and CEO David Allen and RMEF past board member Dr. Valerius Geist. Profiles on both, as well as 23 others on the list, are in the magazine’s December/January edition. Profiles also can be viewed online at www.outdoorlife.com.

An introductory graph from “Outdoor Life” editors says, “While these 25 men and women have different backgrounds and accomplishments, they all have one thing in common: they’ve spent their life working to better hunting, fishing and conservation.”

RMEF in October recorded its 6 millionth acre of habitat conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife. This accomplishment, in addition to the “OL 25” list, is highlighted on the “Outdoor Life” website and latest electronic newsletter. Visit www.outdoorlife.com for a photo gallery of a few RMEF projects completed along the way to the 6 million-acre landmark.

Allen says credit for RMEF’s accomplishments belongs to the organization’s volunteers, members and staff.

“We have some of the greatest folks in wildlife conservation, and it’s a special moment for our team and our cumulative effort to be recognized by one of the oldest and most respected voices in the outdoors,” he said.

The “OL 25” list is composed of five sub-categories: Leaders, Conservationists, Unsung Heroes, Innovators and Helping Hands. Allen and Geist are both named in the “Leaders” category.

“Outdoor Life” Executive Editor Andrew McKean said, “David Allen has transformed RMEF into one of America’s most effective conservation organizations. His commitment to public hunting, landscape-scale habitat conservation and restoration of elk to their historic range benefits all hunters, no matter where they live and no matter what species they hunt.”

RMEF founders Charlie Decker and Bob Munson made the “OL 25” list in 2009, and others with RMEF ties have been named through the years.

DECEMBER 2011

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The Bear In The Trees Iof taking have only dreamt of the opportunity nothing less than a respectable black bear in age, size and color. I‘ve had my share of sightings, observations, and close encounters, but each possibility only revealed young, juvenile bears or a sow with cubs in tow. This season would change all that.

Like most archery hunters I know, I was focused on that larger, prized quarry, elk.

So far the hunting had been sporadic with a couple cow elk here, a small bull there and an occasional distant bugle of a larger bull asserting its dominance. I was hunting in an area I have grown to love over the years for its remote, ruggedness and high country beauty, and if one is fortunate enough to fill a tag, the memories made are more than rewarding from the steep hike into the area to the loaded pack frame pushing down on your back as you carefully pack your way out.

On September 24, 2010, while tracking a bull with a cow through a large stand of lodgepole trees and a carpet of bear grass, I was distracted by a large, black shape 100 yards down the steep slope I had been side-hilling. All I could see was a black “mound” that wasn’t moving, but I knew it wasn’t a burnt log or stump. Then it dawned on me...Sleeping black bear!

Guessing by the size of the

body, it had to be large. I made the decision to do what I considered the ultimate fair-chase hunt; taking a bear with a bow while on foot, one on one. And so, the painstaking 35 minute stalk ensued with the occasional snap of a buried bear grass stalk underfoot causing the bear to lift its head

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BY VINCE LINDGREN to look, revealing a large head, beady eyes and small ears. The word “old” popped into my mind. I was committed! With all my senses suddenly sharpened, I moved down through the timber and realized I may have to get closer than anticipated, due to the numerous trees and steepness

of the slope. I thought if I was to successfully harvest this magnificent animal, I had to make one shot count without question. Finally, splitting the distance, which seemed line an eternity, I became keenly aware of how well a bear can hear after a muffled “snap” of a twig under my boot caught its attention once again. I froze between two trees I could have easily touched with both hands at my sides. That is when I noticed how alive the forest was with squirrels chattering, and the sound of a tree here and there creaking as they swayed from an occasional stiff breeze.

The bear only looked up when it heard ME! After an intense stalk, I found myself within 15 yards. So far, everything was falling into place, with the wind still in my favor, a couple 12 inch lodgepoles to stand behind, and the bear lying down, I knocked an arrow.

Now the waiting began. How long before the bear stands? Will I get the opportunity to draw without being seen? And many more questions filled my head. It is amazing how one’s senses become so heightened in such a moment. No sooner had those thoughts filled my mind, and the bear began stirring. At this time, my focus went into overdrive. All the thoughts disappeared and I slipped into “zone,” completely focused on my quarry, tuning out all other sounds and distractions. (continued on page 26)

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It’s A Lion - I’m Not Lying!

H unting mountain lions is a season unto itself. A lion is a great game animal and a great predator that competes with humans for deer and elk. Hunting lions during the winter means you need to locate where the deer yard up and the big bucks remain above the does and fawns. The lions will hunt higher up where fewer animals mean fewer eyes on alert and the rougher country allows for an attack from above.

Lions are also capable of taking a healthy bull elk and will do so when an opportunity presents itself.

The male cat is a tom but there is no formal name for the female mountain lion.

Many call it a she-cat for lack of a better name and rarely take one when treed. A big tom can kill a deer every three days, eat part of it, and bury the rest in forest litter then return later for the next meal.

A fresh kill is an excellent place to find tracks and release the hounds. Adult toms have a territory of roughly 50-square miles and he will locate as many as five different females residing in his territory, each staking out their own 10-square mile territory. Mountain lions may breed throughout the year but mating is most common from December to March. The young are generally born between April and September after a gestation of 82 to 96 days. During mating time a tom checks the females on a regular basis to see how receptive they are which keeps him on the move. During this time a fresh kill or actual sighting is something you want to act on as soon as possible.

On a quiet night the greatest sound in the mountains is the scream of a big tom.

Mountain lions are very vocal during mating and the caterwaul common in domestic cats seems to be even louder in mating lions. Nothing will make the hair on your neck stand straight up like hearing a cat scream in the middle of the night on the ridge above your tent.

In speaking with a local lion outfitter I asked what makes a difference between a

lion hunter and a dog chaser, aka unsuccessful lion hunter.

The lion hunting guide and dog handler scratched his graying beard and looked back on 30 years of experience and replied, “There are four main items imperative to getting a tom up a tree.

Number one is snow.” Cats cover a lot of ground so you must first find what you

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By Brian Dam a fresh tom track and release just the strike dog to work the track and he will confirm the track is fresh by starting the baying chase. When he is convinced it’s hot, release the others. If he finds the track is not fresh he will return to the truck and we will continue to look.

Item three is good habitat and lion density.

You can’t hunt lions if they are not there.

To have high lion density you must have

That’s the major advantage of hunting with hounds – you can be selective.

The fourth item is the hunter. A typical lion hunt means following the dogs across canyons and that can be easy or vigorous depending on snow depth and terrain. A hunter that can keep up with the dogs then shoot well even when the shot is almost straight up is as valuable an asset as the strike dog. This is a team effort and if one link in the chain fails, they all fail and the cat goes free.

A cat will tree then usually jump out.

After a shorter run it will tree again, often a number of times in front of just the dogs but when a person arrives they will stay in the tree. I have had hunters take three hours to reach the cat.

The shot now becomes important. Miss the shot and the cat will run and tree again but a wounded cat is hell on the dogs. He will stand and fight instead of running and you know the dogs are going to get torn up.

The safest way to protect the dogs is to tie off one or two dogs and leave Sargent and Bleu loose to keep the cat treed. If the cat does jump, Sargent will be on him and I will release the other to follow. If the hunter gets there then shoots and wounds the cat, I only have Sargent and Bleu to control.

want your strike dog to smell. If you spot a fresh cat track you can judge if it is a tom or female and tell how much of a head start he has. His four legs versus your two equates to you traveling at half the speed of a lion on your best day. Since most lion travel is at night, finding a track at dawn is best. It gives you time to catch up with the cat.

The second item is a good strike dog, which is like the quarterback of a football team. He is 70% of the game, but he needs the rest of the team to back him up. Find

food such as wintering deer and elk, good cover, canyons, rocks and thick cover.

Thick means you wouldn’t normally walk through there without financial incentive.

Good cover provides a place for kittens to be born safely and avoid contact with man. Good dens provide cats with productive places to hunt so if you find one note it on your map. Since a tom can show up there at any time of year it is a good place to check. Females can be harvested in Montana but are smaller than males and usually are left in the tree.

In closing I fully support Do It Yourself hunts on public ground but when hunting lions DIY is extremely difficult because of the equipment required. Without good hounds lion hunting is near impossible.

Cats prefer to travel at night meaning you’re way behind them at daylight. Dogs chase lions till they will tree. A person chasing them on foot will run a marathon that will question ones sanity at the other end of the mountain.

Montana has a complex lion season so be sure to read and understand the regulations to understand all the legalities of the season structure.

DECEMBER 2011

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Ice Fishing Primer

By Dave Hagengruber, MFWP

Cooney State Park Open All Year For Camping & Winter Recreation MFWP

To those who have never tried it, ice fishing

is sometimes looked upon as an oddity. So too are the practitioners of this sport. Seen from a distance, the forlorn-looking souls huddled over the ice often evoke feelings mixed with both pity as well as a strange sense of wonder: why would anyone subject themselves to this treatment? Once you’ve spent a little time on the ice however, you’ll soon see a different picture. Ice fishing is more than just a way to fill the days between the closing of one open water fishing season and the opening of the next. It is a chance to breathe the cold, clean winter air; to spend quiet time outdoors with family and friends, and to relax and collect one’s thoughts away from the blare of the television and radio.

Just walking on the ice can be a surreal experience, especially when no snow obscures the view of the water below. To be suspended over the depths on a clear pane is an experience to be remembered.

However, as in any outdoor activity, safety is a primary concern. A good rule to follow is never to fish alone, and try not to be the first person out on the ice. How much ice is needed to safely support a person?

Although variable due to weather and water conditions, about four to six inches is a good rule of thumb. (continued pg. 26)

Open: Jan 1 - Dec 31 Size: 309 acres Elevation: 4252 ft Nearest Town: Joliet

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H ead to this reservoir 40 minutes south of Billings, located on Cooney Reservoir. The most popular recreation area serving south central Montana, the park features good walleye and rainbow trout fishing, boating opportunities, and five campgrounds around the lake.

The park is open year-round for recreational opportunities.

During the winter months, Cooney State Park is a great place to ice fish and cross country ski. A management plan, for Cooney State Park is being developed to address the future of this popular recreation area.

Activities: Boating Fishing Camping Picnicking Bicycling Group Use Hiking Wildlife Viewing Nordic Skiing Hunting Boating - non-motorized Photography Archery Boat Services: Dock Hookup Ramp (Concrete)

MFWP MAP

Contact information: Phone: 406-445-2326 .

Directions: 22 miles southwest of Laurel on U.S. 212, then 8 miles west of Boyd on county road. Or, south of Columbus 4 miles to Shane Creek Road, 14 miles east.

12 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Outdoor Recreation Federal Grants Available - Apply by March 2012 MFWP M

ontana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that Land & Water Conservation Fund Program federal grants are available to local, public and outdoor recreation projects in Montana.

Applications are due by March 16, 2012.

“It’s exciting to have this federal funding to help strengthen outdoor recreation projects in our state,” said Tom Reilly, Assistant Administrator for Montana State Parks.

Cities, counties, school districts, conservation districts, Indian tribes, and others are eligible to apply. Typical facilities funded in the past include ball fields, campgrounds, golf courses, ice-skating ponds, picnic facilities, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools, and playground equipment.

For more information visit: http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/grants/ The federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF), established in 1965, encourages a partnership between national, state and local governments in planning and funding outdoor recreation.

The maximum federal grant per project is $75,000 and the grant may provide up to 50 percent of a local project’s total costs.

There is a total of $200,000 federal funding available to be awarded.

Requirements of the LWCF Program: • Project sponsors must be a city, county, school district or similar official state entity or sovereign Indian Nation within Montana.

• The sponsor must own the project site, or have control of the property under a longterm lease from the federal government.

• The sponsor must have adequate resources to operate and maintain the area after the project is complete. The LWCF program provides no funds for routine operation and maintenance.

• The area within the project boundary must be maintained for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.

• Applicants must include the results of a recent outdoor recreation survey that demonstrates support from local citizens.

Contact: Walt Timmerman, Recreation Bureau Chief for Montana State Parks: 406-444-3753 or wtimmerman@mt.gov

By Jim Abbs, fedflyfishers.org

particularly intriguing aspect of fly fishing is the history behind each of the 10,000 fly patterns and the people who used and popularized them. Even more captivating is why a fly has a particular name. On the American side of the Atlantic, perhaps no fly has a more interesting history than the Mickey Finn.

Classically, a “Mickey Finn” was a knock-out or doped drink given to an unknowing person. For trout, bass and panfish, the Mickey Finn fly was considered as deadly as that super-strong drink. But the story of this fly name is even more interesting.

Originally the Mickey Finn was a streamer fly called the “Red and Yellow Bucktail”. It apparently was sold by a company called William Mills and Son in the early part of the last (20th) century.

Mr. John Alden Knight, an author and famous angler in the 1920s and 1930s (developer of sun and moon tables predicting fishing success) was its early promoter. On one fishing trip he introduced the fly to war correspondent and columnist for the Toronto Star, Mr. Gregory Clark. Mr. Clark found the fly to be particularly deadly and first named it the Assassin. But several days later, he heard a claim that famous singer and movie star Rudolph Valentino was killed (in 1926) by New York waiters who gave him a Mickey Finn. Clark renamed the fly and subsequently wrote a story about it in the Hunting and Fishing Magazine.

According to Clark, when that magazine hit the newsstands in fall of 1937, it was during the New York Sportsman’s Show and as a result over 300,000 Mickey Finns were tied and sold during the show alone. In the first 2-3 months of 1938 so great was the demand that the Weber Fly Company of Steven’s Point Wisconsin claimed to have sold over 1 million Mickey Finns.

What made this fly so popular? One suggestion is that it is simply a very pretty fly, with its bright red, yellow and silver colors. But apparently for trout, especially brook trout, largemouth bass and bluegill, it is still very effective. Certainly, given its wonderful history and everyday familiarity, it belongs among the classic flies of America.

The technique for fishing this fly is fairly simple, according to its originator, John Knight.

In moving water, cast the streamer quartering upstream, let it sink 2-3 feet and then retrieve it with short, well-spaced jerks.

MATERIALS: Hook: Sizes 2-10, 4X long (Mustad 9575, TMC 300) THREAD: Black RIB: Oval silver tinsel Body: Flat silver tinsel Wing: Yellow over red over yellow bucktail (or calf tail) TYING STEPS: 1. Start the thread at the bend of the hook and tie in a length of oval silver tinsel.

2. Wrap the thread forward to a point about 1/8 inch behind the hook eye and tie in a length of flat silver tinsel. Wrap the silver tinsel down the hook shank to the bend of the hook and back to the tie in point.

3. Wind the silver oval rib tinsel forward to just behind the eye of the hook and tie off and trim excess.

4. Select a bunch of yellow bucktail and tie in over the body.

5. Select a bunch of red bucktail of the same size and tie in over the yellow bucktail.

6. Select a second bunch of yellow bucktail (about equal in size to the combined red and yellow bucktail already tied in) and tie it on top of the second red bunch.

7. Trim butt ends of the bucktail so as to create a taper toward the head. Whip finish the head, apply head cement and go fishing!

DECEMBER 2011

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

Fishing With The Captain Mark Ward are biting. Lake Francis by Valier is also a popular ice fishing lake up in the central Montana area. The One Stop Conoco in Valier 406-279-3600 normally has ice and fishing conditions for the lake.

D

ecember is here and there is still quite a bit of hunting to be done. Wolf season is still going on and upland bird and waterfowl season still won’t close for a few weeks. However, it is December and that means cold temperatures.

Temperatures cold enough to make ice! Ice on Montana lakes means it is time for ice fisherman to start getting their ice fishing gear in order.

They are going through their ice rods including their tip-ups changing line and restocking tackles boxes with the appropriate hooks, lures and weights. Ice auger motors and blades also need maintenance with a change in spark plugs and sharpening recommended. Early ice conditions on lakes can be hazardous so make sure you know the conditions before heading out.

Many of the ice anglers look for the week between Christmas and New Years to hit the frozen lakes, by that time the ice conditions are better and the fishing also is normally better. Anglers that fish with tip-ups head to Tiber Reservoir during the holidays. I have heard of some nice size walleyes being caught when ice fishing Tiber. Especially right after the ice comes on the lake.

Remember the state record walleye came from this lake even though it was caught when Tiber had open water. There are big fish in the lake and ice fishing with your family and friends can be a lot of fun. Minnows are popular bait with tip-ups and you can usually get minnows at a couple of locations in the area. Roberts Bait and Tackle in Great Falls 406-454-1877 and the Hi-Line Cleaners in Chester 406-759-5265 not only have live minnows but they also will pass on some helpful information like how the ice conditions are and if the fish

Another lake that offers some great ice fishing is Nelson Reservoir 20 miles east of Malta. Last year, because of the heavy snow that northeastern Montana received it was hard to access the lake. In normal years however it usually gets good ice early and the fishing for northern pike and walleyes is good.

Once again tip-ups are popular but also jigging some popular ice fishing lures can be an effective way to catch fish. Westside Sports in Malta 406-654-1611 is an excellent contact for live minnows as well as current ice and fishing conditions.

While you are in the area ice fishing Nelson if you have some extra time on your hands you might enjoy trying your ice fishing luck on Fort Peck Reservoir. If you do decide to fish Fourchette Bay on the northwest end of the lake or Crooked Creek on the southwest end make sure you come prepared. The roads can become impassable in and out of both areas if they receive the combination of snow and wind that can close the roads. There are cabins for rent on Crooked Creek.

For live minnows, current ice and fishing conditions contact Bob at the Bait Shop in Winnett. 406-429-2086.

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.

•

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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14 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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DECEMBER 2011

Say Hello To Success: Where to chase the Fish this Month Brought to you by

Tom Steinbrenner of Missoula Fall Steelhead - Clearwater River

BROWNS LAKE

While not quite known for it’s winter fishing, Browns lake can produce big trout through the ice. Locals guard the secrets well here and with good reason. Not much fishing pressure means bigger fish. Try fishing small spoons, again Swedish Pimples and Buckshots or jigging Raps for the best success. Maggots or a bit of nightcrawler bait work well on trout.

Lots of colors, and combinations until you hit on the right one. Set up a tip-up as well. Big trout linger in these waters.

A

s the big game season winds down here in December, it’s time to organize your fishing gear. Toss out the old and rusty, pick-up the new and latest, and head out to open water for some great fishing this month. This will be transition month in the west as the water cools towards freezing and many lakes and streams begin to ice over.

Still, there are many options available for opportunities to catch a monster fish in December. By Christmas most of our waters will be iced over and the shacks and augers will be out. If ice fishing is not your thing, there will still be plenty of good opportunities for open water fishing. Let’s start with some early season ice fishing options.

GEORGETOWN LAKE

Some of the best fishing can occur once ice builds up on Georgetown Lake. Ice has already formed a thin layer on the shoreline here and by mid to the last 2 weeks in December, if cold weather sets in, the ice should be safe to fish on. Most anglers will fish small jigs and Rat Finkees, Nuclear Ants and Rocker Jigs tipped with maggots. Try removing the hook from a Swedish Pimple, Kastmaster or Hawger Spoon, and running your jig as a dropper about six inches below the spoon. The flashing spoon will entice the fish in close, and as a result, a big strike from a hungry fish. Try early mornings here

at Piney Point, Rainbow Point, Denton’s Point and the Sunnyside area. Big fish reside in this lake and the mountain scenery is second to none.

CLEARWATER

LAKES

The Clearwater Lake chains will start to fish well mid to the last of December.

The higher lake areas like Rainy and Alva lakes will ice over first followed by Salmon, Seeley and Harper’s lakes.

For trout, try Rainy, Placid, Harper’s or Alva. Jigging Swedish Pimples, Buckshots, or small jigs tipped with maggots work well here. A plain jig head with a chunk of nightcrawler will do the trick too. Placid Lake will produce good numbers of Kokanee which readily take a Glow Hook or a small Swedish Pimple tipped with a maggot or corn. These fish are scrappy and will fish hard on light tackle. If it’s big toothy pike you are after, then head down to Salmon and Seeley lakes. The last few years have been producing big Northerns through the ice here. This year will be no exception. Try using dead smelt or herring on a tip-up or jigging Airplane jigs or jigging Raps. If you hook into a ten pound Northern through the ice get ready for a huge fight. When it comes to winter fishing in Montana, this will be as exciting as it gets.

Take a two or three day trip and fish all of these waters. What a great way to spend a few days in December.

FLATHEAD LAKE

The Flathead rarely freezes in December and the fishing can still be tremendous here this month. Lake trout will still be cruising the shorelines and can be caught from shore by anglers. Cast heavy spoons like Country Miles, Bomber Slabs and Kastmasters covering as much water along shorelines and drop-offs for big fish. The fish will be hanging around any structures in the water so focus around them. Whitefish will prepare to head downriver or up the Flathead river this time of the year.

Try fishing on the Polson bridge as this occurs. By boat, jig spoons, grubs and whitefish flies tipped with a maggot, and you should be able to fill your smoker.

CANYON FERRY

Launch a boat at the Silos on the southern end of Canyon Ferry and troll copper and red spoons or silver Countdown Rapalas for heavy rainbow trout. The trout will be heading to the southern end of the lake now where they will remain until mid-to late January when the lake freezes over. As the water cools here in December, the best

tactic for catching trout will be by covering as much water by boat, trolling high visibility hardware. Good areas normally will be around White Earth and Hole in the Wall, trolling silver colored cranks. Shore anglers can catch fish at Confederate and Duck Creek on the east side of the lake and at the Silos on the west. Call the Silos at 406-266-3100 for the latest ice conditions. Typically, ice will start building in late December and be ready for ice fishing in early January.

HAUSER LAKE

Lake conditions will be similar to Canyon Ferry. Ice fishing will first start around the Causeway in shallower waters. Once the ice has had time to build up for safe fishing, try using jigs tipped with maggots, Swedish Pimples or Jammin jigs for trout. Fishing should be solid this month as ice builds and temps drop, expect the bigger fish to be biting.

HOLTER LAKE

Bait fishermen shouldn’t have too much trouble finding hungry fish here this month. Try using nighcrawlers, spinners, and crankbaits for trout. If you’re fly fishing, try San Juan worms and scuds. Also, try using streamers for a big winter trout below Hauser Dam.

REGULATING RESERVOIR

Expect better fishing than we have seen here recently. Ice conditions will be similar to the Causeway area and will harden up fasther than the bigger area lakes. Kokanee and perch can be caught here using the same techniques. Although not known for lots of fish, it’s big enough to produce descent numbers of good fish. For the latest conditions around the Helena area, contact Bob Ward’s Fishing Dept. at 406.443.2138.

SW Montana

Most of the area waters in the southwest part of the state will fish very similar this time of the year (continued pg. 16)

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DECEMBER 2011

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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16 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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are caught in December and January in the Gibbs Eddy area. Fishing anywhere from the Upper Hog Island launch just east of Lewiston to the Dworshak Reservoir, where the water runs deeper are good areas to catch a big steely laying low in these waters.

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SW MONTANA with midges becoming the main food source. Other than midges, the bug hatches are done until spring time.

These area streams and still waters give the angler plenty of good fishing opportunities all winter long. Nymphing with size #18 to #22 midge pupac patterns trailed behind a larger Stonefly nymph can be a rewarding set-up this time of the year. San Juan worms, egg patterns and drifting a sculpin imitation or bugger are also good choices. Key on softer currents with good depth areas and you should be in the fish. The trout will be expending less energy, so you will have to display food by drifting it in front of them.

UPPER MADISON RIVER Strong midge activity will continue around Reynold’s down to Lyon’s Bridge most of the winter. Afternoons should get the fish more active as the temperatures warm during the day.

Fly fish size #20 - #22 in grey, black, tan and olive. For surface activity, try the Zelon midge or a tiny Parachute Adams, Sub-surface Crystal Serendipities, 3 Dollar Dips, Zebra midges, WD-40’s and Rainbow Warriors. These are all good producers in these waters.

GALLATIN RIVER

There are great pools above and below Axtell Bridge as well as a lot of side channels to explore. Cross country skis, (if the snow is deep), will get you to some areas that won’t see a human all winter. If you would like some solitude and good fishing, the Gallatin river is a fantastic winter fishery. Use the above mentioned gear here as well, and you should catch fish. Midges are king now. Trail one behind a stone or worm pattern for good success.

HYALITE RESERVOIR Always a good bet after the ice freezes over. The fish tend to be hungry and aggressive early in the ice season. As soon as the water is safe, I would recommend fishing up here, as it gets fished hard through the winter and the fish get tougher to catch as the winter rolls on.

Clearwater River, ID

Winter weather is expected to make way for tight lines on the Clearwater and Snake Rivers in Northern Idaho.

Rising water levels and cooler temps will prove beneficial for anglers in December. Fish near the Gibb’s Eddy or Cherry Lane boat launches.

Typically, some of the biggest fish

SNAKE RIVER The Snake’s sweet spot begins at the rapids 3 miles upriver and continues to Hells Canyon Dam. Back trolling and drifting eggs or bait has been one of the most productive ways to catch steelhead on both the Snake and Clearwater rivers.

FORT PECK Opportunities for cast and blast outings are getting more remote as Montana’s smaller lakes freeze over, but the mass of Fort Peck wll not cap until mid-to-late January, if all goes as normal. December makes a perfect time to head to Fort Peck and fish Fort Peck Dam for oversized walleye, lake trout, and smallmouth bass, then set-up floating Canada goose decoys for honkers as they return to the lake after their morning feed.

Fort Peck should hold thousands of geese that are virtually unhunted on these waters: Flat Lake, Bear Creek, and Spillway Bay east of the Dam. You can hunt these areas from shore, but the most effective way is by floating several decoys by the shoreline, setting them up mid-morning in time for the geese that return to loaf on the lake after their morning feed in nearby wheat fields. You can also decoy in ducks, as they provide a good diversion while you’re waiting for the geese to show up. After you’ve bagged your limit of birds, it’s time to get on to the fishing for a mix of species.

Lake trout will spawn in less than 20’ of water this time of year. Big walleye, chinook salmon and smallmouth bass will also spawn in this area. Try trolling crankbaits of many varieties. Silver is a good color, as most of the fish will be feeding on 6 inch and larger cisco.

Make sure your hardware resembles these small fish. Rapalas work well for this area too. If you’re willing, the adventure is out there, especially in the Fort Peck area. A bit of pre-planning and a good buddy to share it with can be a lot of fun in December.

Ice Fishing Locations & Species To Target Trout - Browns Lake, Canyon Ferry, Clark Canyon, Georgetown, Hauser Lake, Holter Lake Kokanee - Ashley, Georgetown, Helena Regulating Reservoir, Lake Mary Ronan Pike - Dog Lake, Flathead River Sloughs, Fort Peck, Noxon, Pine Lake, Seeley Lake Perch - Canyon Ferry, Crow, Fresno Reservoirs, Hauser Lake, Holter Lake, Lake Mary Ronan, Nelson, Nine Pipes, Tiber Reservoir Walleye - Canyon Ferry, Fort Peck, Fresno Reservoir, Hauser Lake, Holter Lake, Nelson Reservoir, Tiber Reservoir

DECEMBER 2011

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

• 17

Ice Fishing For Montana Perch

By Jason Houser raise the rod or reel in a small amount of line. You want the fish to follow the bait.

A chasing fish will eventually strike if you can get them to follow. © Dave Willman | Dreamstime.com

S

top waiting for spring to go fishing.

The same fish that were in Montana’s waters last summer are still there.

Especially the tasty perch.

When the bite is hot, schooling perch can deliver days of non-stop action. However, nothing is guaranteed when looking for perch, and their roaming ways can make it hard for even the most experienced angler.

In mid-winter smaller fish will hold in the shallows, but expect jumbos to be in deeper water. As ice season winds down you will find perch migrating to the shallows.

To find roaming perch I use spoons as a searching lure. They offer a lot of flash and vibration. Some of my favorites are Blue Fox’s Rattle Flash Jig’n Spoon, Northwood’s Buckshot Spoon, and Maynard Tackle’s Swisher Leech and Jigging Minnow.

I start fishing the spoons about half way down, aggressively jigging. If this does not entice a bite I will lower the spoon to the bottom, intentionally hitting the bottom a few times to kick up a cloud of silt. This will look like perch feeding, and is likely to bring other perch in for a close look. After bouncing the lure off the bottom a few times, then raise it above the cloud and continue to jig. If this does not produce a strike after a few minutes I will move to a new hole and start the process over again. This might mean that you will have to drill several holes and move to many spots before finding fish, but when you do watch out.

Sometimes perch are finicky and a little finesse is needed. Downsizing and using subtle jigging moves is often the secret to catching fish. In this situation I like to use ice jigs tipped with maggots.

To use ice jigs, slowly lower the bait towards the bottom. Be sure to work the bait down the hole using small hops and pauses to make it give the impression of being an easy meal. Continue to hop and pause the jig until you find an interested fish. While you are doing this slowly

Medium-light powered ice fishing rods 24- and 28- inches long work well for perch. Use rods that have ultra-fast and fast actions. With their sensitive tips it is easy to tell when you have a bite, but they are still strong enough to set the hook on a jumbo perch.

When choosing a line I use a three- to four-pound test. I prefer to use fluorocarbon ice lines, however, there are many on the market to choose from. Fluorocarbon lines are sensitive and less likely to want to stay coiled like monofilament lines do.

The only requirement to ice fish in Montana is a legal fishing license and the ability to follow the regulations set forth by the state.

When fishing on lakes, ponds or reservoirs in the Western and Central Districts of the state the maximum amount of rods and/or lines is set at two. The number of rods/ lines for the Eastern District is raised to six.

There are also regulations concerning the size of a hole that can be fished. The maximum size is 144 square inches.

Shelters are defined as any hut or shelter constructed of any material except ice or snow. Bearpaw Lake, Beaver Creek Reservoir Brown’s Lake, Deadmans Basin Reservoir, Echo Lake, Georgetown Lake, Hauser Lake, Helena Valley Reservoir, Lake Francis, Lake Helena all has regulations concerning shelters. They are outlined below.

Each shelter must be marked with the owner’s name, address, and/or phone number permanently affixed to the shelter in legible letters no smaller than two inches tall, have a contrasting color to the background, a plainly visible from 100 feet.

Any shelter of closed type construction must have the door opened from the outside for inspection by an officer when the shelter is occupied. The door may not be locked from the inside.

Also, the shelter must be removed daily from the following waters: Brown’s Lake, Echo Lake, Georgetown Lake, Fitzpatrick Lake, Deadmans Basin and Helena Valley Reservoir.

Once the season is over it is the responsibility of the shelter’s owner to remove the shelter before it becomes irretrievable.

There are many good lakes in Montana for ice fisherman, but some have produced better for me than others.

The largest natural freshwater lake in the Western United States is Flathead Lake.

Because of its size it does not usually completely freeze, but the bays freeze solid enough for some great perch fishing.

Smith Lake near Kila is also a good choice.

With 250,000 acres and a depth as deep as 220 feet, Fort Peck Lake in Northeast Montana has many opportunities for the ice fisherman.

areas of the lake, reservoir or pond, it might not be.

Ice fishing accidents can quickly become deadly. Do not ice fish alone. Always have someone with you and let people back at the house know where you will be and when you expect to return. That way, if you do not return on time, they know exactly where to go and look for you.

Also frostbite and hypothermia are concerns that ice fisherman must be aware of.

You must be alert as to the amount of time you are on the ice and also the weather conditions while you are fishing. Do not get overwhelmed with all the excitement and stay out too long. Below is five more ice fishing safety recommendations.

Whichever bodies of water you choose to fish the same principles you used during the summer are the same for ice fishing.

The best time for ice fishing is still going to be when the sun is low in the sky or at night. The fish will still seek out the protection of cover and remain hidden in the shadows. And, they are still spooked by the same things, like the noise of you moving on the ice or the shadows of your movements.

Wear a warm hat that covers your ears. In cold weather, 75 to 80 percent of heat loss from the body occurs from an uncovered head.

Safety should be first and foremost with fisherman. Do not venture onto the ice unless it is at least 4 to 6 inches thick.

This is the minimum thickness that will safely support a person and their equipment. Keep in mind that snow weakens the stability of the ice. Do not test just one area of the ice and assume that it will be the same depth at all

Test the ice ahead of you with an ice spud bar or an auger.

Go with a partner and stay separated when going to and from fishing spots in case one of you falls through the ice.

Carry a rope to throw to someone who falls through the ice, go out to that person only as a last resort.

Do not leave children unsupervised.

Have fun on the ice and obey the laws.

Check the regulations to make sure there are no laws governing the particular water (ice) you are fishing. Above all else, be safe and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.

18 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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DECEMBER 2011

Locals And Migrants Come Together To Celebrate Open Water

BY ASA MERRIAM

T he late waterfowl seasons provide new duck species you never see during the early season, plus the geese are looking for open water to keep their feet warm.

The late season is a time for Canadian migrants to be moving down from the frozen north while looking to see how far south they must travel to avoid freezing temperatures.

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This time of the year the tributaries of both the Yellowstone and the Missouri rivers are open as well as the main rivers.

There will be a few lakes across the state that remain open later into early winter plus warm water springs and tail waters that send up a cloud of steam to reveal their hidden locations when experienced water fowlers are scouting. This is a banner year for waterfowl in Montana and as the water freezes ducks and geese are forced into a smaller number of waters providing local concentrations. Take advantage of this on a cold morning and you will have steel shot filling the air, duck feathers floating down, and a retriever jumping in icy water showing you how much he loves his job. This is what late season water fowling is famous for: a shotgun, cold stiff fingers, ducks turning to a call, then landing in the open water, all making you forget the chills.

A conversation with Ron Ausheim, chief of communications for Montana’s Fish Wildlife and Parks, gave us insight on this year’s successful waterfowl hatch and migration through Montana.

Grain fields provide winter feed for migrating mallards and geese while other species are inclined to eat the tiny vertebrates and vegetation found in open water. The open shallow water allows puddle ducks to feed and will hold them in the area but a freeze will quickly send them south. The geese and mallards are able to enjoy an outside food source and they need less open water but still need to drink and use the open water for safety and rest.

Depending on the species, ducks will only go as far south as necessary to have access

to open water and feed, both natural and grain. Geese can feed on golf course grass in the summer and be content but in the winter months they need high protein from grains like corn (7% protein) to keep their bodies warm and provide energy to fly as the temperatures dip below zero. They also need the warmth of open water since it stays above 32 degrees. When the weather delivers sub-zero temperatures, 32 degrees is considered warm. During cold weather waterfowl work to conserve energy, enjoying radiant sun on clear days and staying out of the wind as much as possible.

Ducks are even more sensitive to the temperature because their smaller mass doesn’t insulate well during cold temperatures. You will find as the temperatures lower the smaller ducks head south for warmer climates.

So where do I go to find ducks and geese?

Look for open water of any kind. Geese prefer the larger water bodies but will use some amazingly small places close to a local food supply. When the weather gets bad enough they will fly just far enough south to find tolerable conditions. Ducks will stay on smaller bodies of water as long as they stay open but once it freezes they will be gone the next morning.

Honey holes full of late season ducks are the warm water sloughs and springs, but whisper that information softly. You don’t want someone else to find your open water. On a cold morning these places will provide jump shooting second to none.

When the warm water slough is lower than ground level and you are hunting with a dog, hunt downwind of the slough.

Watch your dog as you keep him at heel.

He will smell the ducks without seeing them as the wind brings the sweet smell of waterfowl to his awaiting nose. When he turns 90 degrees toward the slough, take

DECEMBER 2011

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2012 Pheasants Forever

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www.montanapf.org Locals Continued the safety off and be ready for some of the best jump shooting ever.

Two hunters without a dog can hunt a slough by placing one on each side and peeking over the edge. There is one rule you must follow: Never, ever expose yourself unless the water you can see is within range of one hunter or the other. Ducks on a slough are spooky and when they see you peek over 60-yards away they will fly out in the other direction and you won’t get a shot.

One last note; safety around cold water and hunting boats can’t be stressed enough.

With water temperatures nearing the freezing mark always use extra caution while hunting! Each year, someone suffers problems in a boating accident, despite the fact that most accidents are preventable. Make sure everyone on your boat wears a personal flotation device, no matter the temperature or inconvenience.

If you capsize, your life expectancy in cold water is short when movement and breathing quickly becomes impossible.

Hypothermia takes only minutes to put you in shock.

Before going onto the water make sure you are carrying basic safety gear.

The bottom-line; enjoy Montana’s natural resources but do it safely. Mother nature can be beautiful as well as harsh and unforgiving to those who don’t exercise caution.

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Intensive Management May Be Required Down The Road DELTA WATERFOWL

BISMARCK, N.D.—Dr. Frank Rohwer has a warning for duck hunters: The conditions that produced the remarkable fall flights of recent years won’t last forever, and that means fewer ducks down the road.

“Duck production is the furthest thing from hunters’ minds right now,” admits Rohwer, a professor at Louisiana State University’s School of Renewable Natural Resources.

“Duck populations are high and hunters are laughing. But if we lose the Conservation Reserve Program’s nesting cover and the prairie breeding grounds go dry, duck numbers will plunge, and hunter and managers alike will be asking what we can do for ducks.”

“Hunters must press Congress to maintain a viable program.

It is simply critical to waterfowl, pheasants, and lots of other wildlife.”

Fortunately Rohwer, who doubles as director of Delta Waterfowl’s scientific research program, believes he has the answer: intensive management techniques like predator management, artificial nesting structures and conservation programs that protect small wetlands.

In recent years, waterfowl scientists have been forced to acknowledge a dramatic

shift in duck distribution from the Canadian prairies to the U.S. side of the breeding grounds, a trend that continued the last two breeding seasons.

The shift occurred because CRP provided 5 million acres of lush nesting cover and productive wetlands in North and South Dakota, while in Canada wetland losses are ongoing, and large, undisturbed blocks of grass nesting cover are scarce.

Delta research has found hatch rates in prairie Canada commonly below five percent. Key production areas such as Minnedosa, Manitoba are consistently less than three percent, well below the necessary 15 percent needed to maintain populations.

As a result, the U.S. has been attracting mallards, pintails, blue-winged teal, gadwalls and shovelers at a rate far above historical levels, while prairie Canada has struggled to keep pace with its long-term average for most of the upland-nesting species.

Rohwer, himself an avid waterfowl hunter, doesn’t hide his concern about what’s coming as CRP acres are put into agricultural production. At the current rate of CRP loss, North and South Dakota will slip to around 1.5 million acres by 2013.

We can’t give up on CRP,” he says.

“Hunters must press Congress to maintain a viable program. It is simply critical to waterfowl, pheasants, and lots of other wildlife. But looking into my crystal ball, with commodity prices as high as they are and the current debates over federal spending, I don’t know if CRP will continue to have the impact it has had over the last two decades.”

Lacking large blocks of undisturbed CRP cover, intensive management, like predator control, might be the most important tool in the waterfowl manager’s kit. Delta began managing predators in the 1994 breeding season, and it quickly proved to be an effective technique for boosting sagging nest success. But as the duck population expanded, thanks to CRP and unusually wet conditions, subsequent studies showed that ducks didn’t need any help in those areas. That is why Delta switched its predator management research to areas of low grass.

“Ducks have done so well in areas with CRP that nesting hens simply don’t need a helping hand,” says Rohwer, “but ducks are struggling in many areas and in a couple years, we may not have any choice--low grass sites will be all that’s left.”

For more information, visit Delta Waterfowl at deltawaterfowl.org.

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New Report Shows US Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program Helps Support 68,000 Jobs in U.S. Economy USFWS The fisheries program of the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, in association with state agencies and other conservation organizations, contributes $3.6 billion to the nation’s economy and supports 68,000 jobs across the country, according to a new report issued by the agency.

“The report confirms once again that fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreational activities are an economic engine for our country,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “When we invest in restoring fish and wildlife habitat and creating opportunities for people to enjoy outdoor recreation, we are investing in economic growth and jobs for the American people.”

Overall, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation contribute an estimated $730 billion to the U.S. economy each year, Salazar noted. One in twenty U.S. jobs are in the recreation economy – more than there are doctors, lawyers, or teachers.

The report, Conserving America’s Fisheries, An Assessment of Economic Contributions from Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Conservation, shows that each dollar invested in the Service’s Fisheries Program, combined with its partners, generates about $28 in economic contributions and value.

The economic contributions generated are evidenced at sporting goods stores, marinas, guides and outfitter services, boat dealerships, bait shops, gas stations, cafes, hotels, and many other enterprises.

“Since 1871, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program has been a leader in managing species, conserving habitat and sustaining the biological health of America’s aquatic resources,” said

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “These resources are inextricably tied to the health and wealth of our nation.

These benefits are ecological, scientific, aesthetic, recreational, commercial, subsistence, social, cultural – and economic in nature.”

The report – the first time that Service economists have analyzed the economic contributions of the nation’s fisheries programs – finds that a total of 68,000 American jobs are associated, directly or indirectly, with the fisheries conservation programs and projects. The report also shows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery System alone generates $900 million in industrial output and $550 million in retail sales. National Fish Hatchery programs generate 8,000 jobs and $256 million in salaries and wages.

Meanwhile, the National Fish Passage Program works with partners to reopen an average of 890 miles of river habitat annually, which has a economic value of $483 million and supports 11,000 jobs.

That is more than $542,000 in economic benefit per stream mile restored.

The Service’s Fisheries Program plays a vital role in conserving America’s fisheries, along with key partners from states, tribes, federal agencies, other Service programs, and private interests.

The fisheries program consists of almost 800 employees nationwide, located in 65 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices, 70 National Fish Hatcheries, 9 Fish Health Centers, 7 Fish Technology Centers and a Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives. The program supports the only federal fish hatchery system, with extensive experience culturing more than 100 different aquatic species.

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Hunters Donate Upland Game 11 Million Bird Hunting Venison Meals Schedule MFWP

By Bill Brassard, NSSF A new study commissioned by the

Mountain Grouse: Closes Dec. 15 Sharp-tailed Grouse: Closes Jan. 1 Partridge: Closes Jan. 1 Pheasant: Closes Jan. 1 Turkey: Closes Jan. 1

Donations were largest in the Midwest and the South. The Midwest provided 1.3 million pounds of game meat, amounting to 46.1 percent of total donations, with the South close behind at 1.25 million pounds and 45.7 percent. The Northeast contributed 7.2 percent of total donations and the West 1 percent. Though lower than other regions, the West’s contribution still accounted for 108,520 meals.

Waterfowl Hunting Schedule MFWP

National Shooting Sports Foundation reveals that last year 11 million meals were provided to the less fortunate through donations of venison by hunters. Nearly 2.8 million pounds of game meat made its way to shelters, food banks and church kitchens and onto the plates of those in need.

“Certainly the Midwest, South and Northeast benefit from having large populations of white-tailed deer,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF’s director of statistics and research. “These figures are from confirmed sources, but annual donations could easily be double this amount if ‘direct’ donations from hunters to friends and family are included.”

Curcuruto added that NSSF commissioned the study to better understand the size and scope of these venison donations.

Individual hunters donate game meat and even pay for processing, though many hunters choose to work with organizations dedicated to the cause of helping the hungry. Many of these groups were sources for the NSSF study and include Hunters for the Hungry, Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Hunt to Feed and Buckmasters, among others.

Duck & Coot in the Central Flyway: Closes Jan. 5 Duck & Coot in the Pacific Flyway: Closes Jan. 13 Goose in the Central Flyway: Closes Jan. 13 Goose in the Pacific Flyway: Closes Jan. 13 Swan in the Central Flyway: Closes Jan. 5 Swan in the Pacific Flyway: Closes Dec. 1

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FWP Seeks Comment On Bighorn Sheep Transplant Environmental Assessment MFWP The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Commission is seeking comment on a draft environmental assessment of a proposal to transplant bighorn sheep into three areas in southwestern Montana.

The areas assessed include the Bull Mountains north of Whitehall, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park near Three Forks, and Doherty Mountain, just north of Lewis and Clark Caverns. The areas were selected, in part, because there would likely be interchange of bighorns among the three locations if sheep were to inhabit the area. Additionally, the areas were occupied by bighorns historically and the available habitat could support 200-300 sheep.

One of the statewide objectives in FWP’s recently completed “Bighorn Sheep Conservation Strategy” is to establish five new populations over the course of the next 10 years. This proposal would help meet that objective and also help Montana’s struggling bighorn sheep population.

Final approval of the EA would be taken up by the FWP Commission in January.

If approved, bighorns would be captured from existing Montana populations and moved to release sites as early as this winter. To adequately stock all three areas may take several years and would depend on availability of surplus sheep.

FWP will take public comment on the draft EA through 5 p.m., Dec. 16.

Comments can be submitted in writing to Montana FWP, P.O. Box 998 Townsend, MT 59644; or by email to Tom Carlsen at tcarlsen@mt.net.

mtstihl@bresnan.net

Number Of Hunters, Big-game Success Improves MFWP

“It seems as though we are not seeing many yearling deer in the harvest,” Paugh said.

Only 4 percent of the mule deer checked at Big Timber were yearlings while 24 percent of white-tailed deer were a year old.

See related article page 29

With winter setting in on the Beartooth Face, FWP wildlife biologist Shawn Stewart said the number of hunters who stopped at Columbus was substantially smaller than last week, but still ahead of the same weekend in 2010.

The number of hunters who stopped at

south central Montana check stations over the weekend and the number of harvested animals picked up substantially from earlier dates.

Clear, cold, windless weather with snow on the ground in all corners of the region brought hunters to the field.

After last weekend’s historic lows at the three Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 5 check stations, the number of hunters and game checked Nov. 19 and 21 was welcomed by biologists.

At Lavina, more than twice as many hunters stopped as during the same weekend last year. The mule deer harvest was double last year and the white-tailed deer count was well ahead of the same weekend last year.

FWP wildlife biologist Ashley Beyer said she checked 260 hunters on Saturday and Sunday compared to 125 during the same weekend in 2010. Because of the slow start, the number of hunter who have stopped at Lavina this season remains 12 percent below the long-term average. The success rate improved substantially over the weekend, to 29 percent, from the overall 22 percent so far this season.

For the first five weekends of the season, the mule deer harvest reported at Lavina is less than half of normal and the white-tailed deer harvest is 45 percent of the long-term average, Beyer said. The elk harvest, however is up 73 percent from historical averages.

At Big Timber, FWP wildlife biologist Justin Paugh said the number of hunters checked over the weekend was nearly the same as in 2010. But harvested deer and elk numbers were ahead of last year. Some 63 percent of hunters who stopped at Big Timber over the weekend had animals. With the deer rut in full swing, Paugh said, 73 percent of mule deer bucks and 87 percent of white-tailed deer bucks were more than 2.5 years old.

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Weekend traffic at the Columbus check station

was 40 percent below the long-term average and the mule deer harvest was about half of normal, Stewart said. White-tailed deer harvest was about average for the fifth weekend of the year. Most of the deer checked over the weekend were mature bucks.

For the 2011 season so far, Stewart said, the number of hunters is down 14 percent from historic averages while white-tailed deer harvest is 30 percent higher than average and mule deer harvest is 40 percent below normal.

Here are some statistics from the three south central Montana check stations: Region 5 Check Station Summary - Nov. 19-20, 2011 Station Hunters W/T deer Mule deer Elk % Success Columbus.. (120) 128......... (37) 36......... (21) 39.......... (6) 4........... (53.3%) 61.7% Big Timber (103) 108......... (29) 32......... (21) 30.......... (5) 6........... (53.4%) 63.0% Lavina........ (125) 260......... (15) 25......... (16) 32...... (12) 17........... (34.4%) 28.5% TOTALS... (348) 496......... (81) 93....... (58) 101...... (23) 27........... (46.6%) 44.6% (figures in parentheses are previous year’s data)

Trends in Region 5 through the fifth weekend of the general season

Year Hunters W/T deer Mule deer Elk % Success 2011*................ 3,545........... 367................. 701........... 166................ 34.8% 2010*................ 3,781........... 420................. 626........... 122................ 30.9% 2009.................. 3,805........... 484................. 698........... 102................ 33.7% 2008.................. 3,982........... 528................. 893............. 95................ 38.1% 2007.................. 3,611........... 456................. 860............. 79................ 38.6% 2006.................. 3,434........... 451................. 800........... 109................ 39.6% 2005.................. 3,716........... 398................. 782........... 109................ 31.9% 2004.................. 4,160........... 497................. 806............. 96................ 33.6% 2003.................. 4,379........... 586.............. 1,045........... 115................ 39.8% * 2010 and 2011 general seasons had one more day on opening weekend than in previous years

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Bear Paw Foothills & Surrounding Areas Thick With Coyotes

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OUR CUSTOMERS SAY IT ALL! I have used ‘Neet-Kart’ during the past three Montana hunting seasons.

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Ideert’s time to replace your centerfire rifle with a flat shooting varmint piece, put on the snow camo, and try your luck at all the coyotes roaming around looking for a meal.

to bring them in for a shot. You can hunt more strategically by calling, setting up in the broken-up country and blowing a rabbit or fawn distress call.

In north central Montana hunt the same areas you hunt for deer and you’ll find a coyote or two near deer herds. Those spots that are normally good deer populations include BLM land in the Missouri Breaks, accessible state land along the southern end of the Bear Paw mountains, and the timbered breaks of Bullwhacker and Cow Creeks in southern Hill and Phillips counties, as well as drainages south of the Breaks along the Judith River area around Denton.

Coyote numbers are high everywhere and they are eager to feed on our deer populations that are down in most areas this year. Hunters have reported seeing numerous coyotes in all of these areas in October and November.

On a recent deer hunt in early November along the Judith river we saw five coyotes in two days in about a 2 mile radius in an area that we hunt for deer.

Fur isn’t going to make anyone rich this year, but it will help keep some of the pressure off suffering deer herds this winter.

Most coyote hunters are opportunists, shooting dogs when they spot them from rural roads. You can become a good coyote hunter with proper gear

It’s a great tactic in the foothills and CRP fields where coyotes like to hang, terrain where deer are headed to winter range, and where ranchers tend to winter their cattle. These areas are frequented by coyotes throughout the winter. While most block management ends in December, hunters are encouraged to contact landowners enrolled in the program and hunt coyotes this time of year, especially where ranchers will calve their cattle in the upcoming months.

These are all good areas to kill coyotes. Don’t settle for giving into mother nature this winter. Get out and hunt some coyotes!

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Continental Divide Leadville Snowmobile Trail visitmt.com

Crane/Yew Snowmobile Trail visitmt.com

T he Continental Divide/Leadville T he Crane Mountain Snowmobile Trail Snowmobile Trail actually consists of 7 is a cooperative operation with the snowmobile routes, which vary in difficulty from good family routes to more difficult routes recommended for the experienced riders. There are 88 miles of marked routes and 58 miles are groomed when funding is available. Trails lead to Champion Pass, the Continental Divide, Leadville, White House Campground and other points of interest. There are also numerous unmarked trails and play areas within the snowmobile routes.

Cooperative operation with Deer Lodge Snowmobile Club and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Contact information: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest 88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858 Phone: 406-859-3211 Web: http://fs.usda.gov/bdnf Directions: This area may be accessed from I-90.

Travel east on Milwaukee Avenue to Boulder River Road 82. Take Boulder River Road to Peterson Creek parking area. Approximately 6 miles southeast from Deer Lodge.

Forest Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Flathead Snowmobile Club. This trail is 45 miles long and is intermittently groomed throughout the winter. Please be aware that dog sledding tours also use this trail.

Season: 12/15 - 4/1 Contact information: Flathead National Forest 200 Ranger Station Road Bigfork, MT 59911 Phone: 406-837-7500 Web: http://www.fs.fed.us/flathead Directions: Located just south of Ferndale. To access the trail from the north, head to Ferndale on Highway 209 and turn south onto Crane Mountain Rd at the blinking light, continue down this road for about 2 miles to the start of Forest Road #498 (Crane Mountain Road). To access the trail from the south, turn West on Porcupine Creek Rd #10229 which is two miles south of the town of Swan Lake, continue to the intersection with Yew Creek Rd (Forest Road #9714) for the start of the trail.

Nonresident Tag Sales Start December 1 In Idaho Idaho Fish And Game T he 2012 licenses, tags and Nonresidents can buy licenses and permits go on sale at 12:01 a.m. MST, Thursday, December 1, except for the nonresident Selway B elk tags which go on sale at 10 a.m. MST. The sale of the popular Selway B tags is being delayed because many license vendors and Idaho Department of Fish and Game offices will not be open at midnight. By delaying the sale timing, hunters will have an equal opportunity to buy the tags.

deer and elk tags beginning Thursday, December 1.

Resident hunters also can buy 2012 hunting licenses starting December 1, and they can buy a receipt for deer and elk tags, which don’t go on sale until after deer, elk and pronghorn controlled hunt drawings.

Hunters can redeem the receipt for a deer or elk tag after the controlled hunt drawings in July so those whose Nonresident hunters can buy their names were drawn don’t have to licenses and tags at Fish and Game exchange their general season tags for offices, any license vendor, or by controlled hunt tags at a credit card by calling 1-800-554-8685. Fish and Game office.

They can also buy them online at the Fish and Game Website at Instead the controlled winners are http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. simply issued a controlled hunt tag at any license vendor. The rest are Big game hunters can find more issued general season tags. information on the sale and purchase of tags for residents and nonresidents For more information visit on pages 92-96 of the Idaho http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.

2011 Big Game Seasons rules booklet.

DECEMBER 2011

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AVALANCHE AWARENESS MFWP

Photo Chachas.Dreamstime.com

Be cautious of avalanche dangers throughout mountain country.

The site also provides information about avalanche awareness skills, such as: Mountain recreators should carry avalanche beacons, shovels, and probe how to identify red flags, poles for locating people buried under how to analyze snow stability, the snow (and know how to use them) recommended tools, and a portable radio to summon help. avalanche rescue, surviving the night, and SAFETY TIPS FOR RECREATING conducting a search.

IN AVALANCHE COUNTRY: www.mtavalanche.com Only one snowmobile rider should be Gallatin National Forest Avalanche on the slope at a time.

Center (GNFAC) The GNFAC covers a large area Learn to recognize and understand including the Bridger, Gallatin, avalanche-prone terrain. Suspect any Madison, and Washburn Ranges, the slope that is steeper than 30 degrees.

Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, and the mountains around Cooke City.

Observe the slope orientation with This site provides: respect to the sun and the wind. current avalanche advisories, weather conditions, Be cautious of cornices. avalanche classes, report snow observations, Think about the consequences of an accident reports, avalanche. Will you be carried over a photos from the field, and cliff, pushed into a tree or buried deep video clips. in a gully? www.glacieravalanche.org Travel with a partner and carry the Glacier Country Avalanche Center appropriate rescue gear.

(GCAC) The GCAC region is approximately Practice using an avalanche beacon.

10,000 square miles in Northwest Montana. Their Web site provides: WEB AVALANCHE RESOURCES: current avalanche advisories, The following resources are provided weather links, calendar of events and education, to help you learn more about avalanche safety and to check current regional incidents, regional observations, and conditions: area maps. avalanche.org www.missoulaavalanche.org This site provides links to avalanche centers across the US, as well as other Missoula Regional Avalanche Advisory valuable avalanche information: Sponsored by the West Central avalanche education, and Montana Avalanche Foundation accident reports.

(WCMAF), this Web site provides avalanche information about West www.fsavalanche.com Central Montana. Check for: Forest Service National Avalanche current avalanche advisories, Center education & events, This information is divided into two categories: Motorized (snowmobiling) beacon training, submit an observation, and and Nonmotorized (snowboarders, skiing, and snowshoeing). It provides Missoula avalanche advisory area map. detailed information about avalanche basics such as: utahavalanchecenter.org terrain, Utah Avalanche Center snowpack, Although this Web site is about Utah, weather, it contains a useful avalanche FAQ risk, and a glossary/encyclopedia of avalanche and “Know Before You Go” online course and video. terms.

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26 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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DECEMBER 2011

Bob Ward & Sons NEW GEAR REVIEW

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GoPro’s HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition Wearable and Gear Mountable HD Video and Still Photo Camera GoPro cameras are used by more professional

Bear

(continued from page 9) It’s just me and the bear. “Make this count,” I told myself. Just then, it stood up. Instinctively, I drew, but it stepped forward blocking its vitals with a large lodgepole.

Ice Fishing (continued from pg. 11)

Once you’ve found a suitable amount of ice covering your favorite lake or pond, the rest is surprisingly simple. Use an ice auger to cut a circular hole in the ice, a scoop will clear the hole of floating ice chips, and a I waited as it stood there surveying its surroundings with me at full draw. Dilemma: simple rod, lure and bait is all you need to Do I let off or hold? How long before the bear entice the fish. Most any Montana sporting goods store will have a good selection of steps forward? I let off the draw, fortunately, equipment for a low initial investment. without being heard or spotted. Just then, the bear turned in its tracks and in singular motion No fancy electronic gear, boats, or elaborate equipment is needed. Dress in I drew once again and became so focused your warmest winter clothing, fill a thermos with my eyes lining up my 20 yard pin right with hot coffee, chocolate or tea, and bring behind the shoulder. All I remember in the an empty bucket or old lawn chair to sit on. next few moments was seeing black hair and the 3” spot I sighted on, seeing my arrow and fletching disappear through that point of focus, the bear bit at the sting of the broadhead then turned to run downhill and yet collapse under 20 yards.

I stood in stunned amazement at what just unfolded. Then, the sound I have heard only a few describe...the “death growl.” For anyone hearing it for the first time, it’s an eerie sound.

I snapped out of it, knocked another arrow (just in case), and asked myself, “Did all this just happen?” I slowly walked downhill giving thanks to the Lord for His protection, provision, and a clean, swift harvest.

Once back home, I took the bear to the FWP Headquarters, where she was inspected and aged up to 15 years, judging by the numerous worn-down if not barely visible or missing teeth. This truly is a great animal making this become a most poignant moment that will forever be captured in my memory.

Ice anglers are usually a friendly crowd, and the best way for a novice to learn the sport is to respectfully approach other anglers fishing nearby. A few minutes of friendly conversation and observation can often be enough to get you started off in the right direction.

Once you’ve experienced your first taste of success, you may want to experience your first taste of fish caught through the ice.

Fortunately, the flavor of fish caught from the cold winter waters is often it’s finest.

Keep just enough for a meal soon after you get home, and extend your pleasure from the ice into the kitchen.

You may be surprised. The next time you see some heavily dressed forms out fishing on a lake, it won’t be pity you feel, but envy.

athletes, sports filmmakers and core enthusiasts than any other camera in the world. The HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition is the most advanced GoPro camera yet. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197 feet (60m), capable of capturing professional full 170o wide angle 1080p video and 11 megapixel photos at a rate of 10 photos per second, the HD HERO2 is the world’s most versatile camera. Whether your goal is to capture a great day out with friends or you’re gunning for the cover of a magazine, the HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition can help you nail it and look like a HERO. Included are mounting accessories you’re most likely to use during outdoor sports like biking, skiing, skating, kayaking and so on.

Elan Amphibio WaveFlex 82 XTi Fusion Skis The Right Technology Is Left And Right For those wishing to travel across the mountain seamlessly, look no further than Elan`s Amphibio Waveflex 82. Built for all conditions, expert skiers will love transitioning from rolling groomer to deep and steep without an once of extra effort.

Amphibio technology is a unique and revolutionary way of combining rocker and camber profiles. The secret is in each left and right ski, where the inside edge has camber, assuring edge grip and stability, and the outside edge has a rocker for easier turning.

WaveFlex is characterized by a waved profile which provides smooth longitudinal flex for easy turning and torsional stability for edge grip at the same time. Never before has a ski design allowed combination of both characteristics together in one ski.

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Amphibio technology is the future of easy, yet precise skiing and it is more versatile than rocker alone. Other Amphibio models are available for men and women, exclusively from Elan.

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DECEMBER 2011

Decoying Waterfowl Story and photo by Steve Hickoff Yamaha Outdoors

O

kay, the camp coffee and doughnut sugar buzz has finally kicked in, and your brand-new, mud-splattered Grizzly 700 FI Ducks Unlimited Edition ATV has put you at your pre-dawn blind with plenty of time for a quick review of some decoying options for the morning. Here are eight super spreads and setup tips to consider: 1) Calm morning? Loosen the decoy spread up. On windless days, waterfowl aren’t limited to one approach, so birds might come from any direction. This goes for field geese and marsh ducks.

2) Mixed bag? If you’re hunting an area that has both honkers and quackers and there’s some wind, set up with the breeze quartering over either shoulder. Put the duck dekes on the water or in the field moving out from the blind. Stake goose fakes parallel to your position (or vice-versa).

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3) Need help? If you’re using a mixed spread, plunk a spinning-wing decoy in the mix where legal.

4) Fill it up? If you’re hunting a small pothole, try filling it with decoys for a change. Load it, and don’t leave an open spot. Why? Some waterfowlers often don’t fill potholes to open up room for landers. Still, if you fill that spot with dekes, ducks will first commit, and try to land, but will then have to spread out a little to look for open spots. That’s when you take ‘em.

5) Swimmer sets work. If you’re in flooded timber, put some dekes to one end of the hole and facing away to simulate ducks that have landed and are swimming off.

6) Don’t fidget, dude. Sit tight until you’re ready to shoot. Unnecessary movement away from the dekes can tip ducks off.

7) Hide yourself. If you’re in flooded timber on a bright bluebird day, definitely use the shady side of a tree to hide your outline. Cloudy days are often best.

8) Lighten up. If you’ve scouted seriously, and know where waterfowl are feeding, you can go out with a small spread, say a dozen decoys, and put together a sweet little hunt. This strategy sometimes works if you don’t have much time in the morning. Load that gear in the back of your DU Edition Yamaha—not as much as you might pile in usually, but cut down a bit—and have at it.

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Weather A Factor In Hunter Harvest Numbers Weather extremes played a role in

limiting the number of hunters and the number of deer and elk harvested in south central Montana during the third weekend of the 2011 general hunting season.

Heavy snow, wind and single-digit cold kept many hunter home and animals tucked into cover. As a result, traffic was slow at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks check stations. And while the numbers of harvested animals were higher than last year, in many instances they remained lower than long-term averages.

“It seems like all those hunters who were complaining about the weather being too warm for hunting during the past two weekends decided to stay home when conditions burned more seasonable,” FWP wildlife biologist Shawn Stewart said.

Overall, hunter success reported at the Columbus check station was 36 percent, compared to 49 percent last weekend, Stewart said. The number of mule deer was a third larger than last year, but the white-tailed deer harvest was down by a third. Of the mule deer checked, 79 percent were bucks, Stewart said. Bucks made up only 14 percent of the whitetailed deer harvest as hunters continued to fill their “B” tags.

For the first three weekends, white-tailed deer numbers checked at Columbus are 35 percent ahead of the long-term average while mule deer numbers are down 39 percent, Stewart said.

MFWP

The bright spot, Paugh said, was hunters reporting signs that the annual rut is starting. As evidence, 82 percent of mule deer and 44 percent of white-tailed deer harvested were mature bucks.

Region 5 Check Station Summary Nov. 5-6, 2011

At Laurel, FWP wildlife research specialist Jay Watson said that hunter success was about the same as last year, but harvest rates for both deer species remain below the long-term average.

Station

About a third of the checked deer showed sign of rut activity, so the annual rite should be well underway by next weekend, Watson said. Some hunters believe bucks get less cautious as they pursue does during the rut.

Bucks – 90 percent of them older than two years – comprised 69 percent of the mule deer checked, Watson said, while 55 percent of the white-tailed deer harvested had antlers.

At the Lavina check station, FWP wildlife biologist Ashley Beyer said the number of hunters was 28 percent below the long-term average for the first three weekends of the season. The numbers are about equal to the past five years, however.

The mule deer and white-tailed deer harvest reported at Lavina was less than half of average while the number of antelope checked so far this year is down 72 percent, Beyer said.

At Big Timber, FWP wildlife biologist Justin Paugh reported just 99 hunters on Sunday, the fewest ever recorded on that day. The mule deer harvest also was the lowest on record with just 17 harvested animals coming checked over the weekend.

Since 1993, Beyer said, the Lavina check station has averaged 300 checked animals for the first three weekends of the season.

Despite one extra day (the season opened on a Saturday instead of a Sunday in 2010 and 2011) only 181 harvested animals have been checked this year.

Overall hunter success was 48.5 percent at Big Timber, compared to just 36 percent last year, Paugh said. The long-term average is 57 percent.

Elk harvest has been the bright spot at the Lavina check station with the number of checked animals up 109 percent from the long-term average.

Hunters W/T deer Mule deer Antelope

Elk

% success

Laurel......... (157) 147...... (14) 12......... (28) 29.......... (0) 0....... (1) 1........ (27.4%) 28.6% Columbus... (144) 154...... (31) 21......... (19) 29.......... (2) 0....... (1) 2........ (36.8%) 33.8% Big Timber.... (114) 99........ (6) 16......... (24) 17........ (8) 10....... (3) 5..... (36.0%) 48.5.0% Lavina......... (223) 209...... (16) 16......... (21) 20.......... (8) 4..... (8) 13........ (23.8%) 25.4% TOTALS.... (638) 609...... (67) 65......... (92) 77...... (18) 14... (13) 21........ (35.2%) 29.8% (figures in parentheses are previous year’s data)

Trends in Region 5 through the third weekend Year Hunters W/T deer Mule deer Antelope Elk % success 2011*................ 2,411........... 208.............. 514............. 61........ 115...................... 37.2% 2010*................ 2,655........... 229.............. 399............. 93.......... 66...................... 29.6% 2009.................. 2,531........... 280.............. 447............. 92.......... 54...................... 34.5% 2008.................. 2,609........... 307.............. 571........... 113.......... 61...................... 40.3% 2007.................. 2,339........... 269.............. 495........... 132.......... 44...................... 40.2% 2006.................. 2,243........... 270.............. 447........... 154.......... 61...................... 41.5% 2005.................. 2,410........... 238.............. 414........... 137.......... 74...................... 35.8% 2004.................. 2,764........... 292.............. 437........... 241.......... 59...................... 39.2% 2003.................. 3,039........... 379.............. 692........... 228.......... 78...................... 45.3%

*(The first weekend of the 2010 and 2011 general seasons were one day longer than in previous years)

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Pursuing The Big Bad Wolf In Montana Using a snow camouflage pattern for locations where snow or snowy conditions occur can produce great flexibility when hunting wolves.

By S. L. Merriam

I

f you enjoy hunting coyotes then it’s time to take on the challenge of hunting wolves. Wolves are pack hunters and they are one of the most capable predators on earth. We have no control over what or where they hunt. Wolves are pack animals staking out territories for hunting, and other rival packs usually avoid another pack’s hunting area.

In the Rocky Mountain west, elk and deer are the primary big game prey for wolves. There are two types of deer and elk herds wolves have to contend with – local animals that live in an area year round and migrants which transit an area searching for food and shelter. Wolves find the local animals easier to hunt because they have a general idea where they live and forage for food. Wolves do the bulk of their hunting and moving at night, but if an opportunity presents itself to hunt during the day time most wolf packs will take advantage of it. Most wolves kill as much to eat as they do for the thrill of the chase so it doesn’t seem to matter whether they’re hungry or have a full stomach – they’ll take advantage of an opportunity to score a meal at any time of the day or night.

© Dave Parker | Dreamstime.com

LOCATING: The MFWP on their web page has general areas where each pack roams. http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/planahunt/ huntingGuides/wolf/ From the main page go to the wolf hunting page and you’ll see the pack areas and general locations.

Go to the location below to see the web page that has the wolf statics. http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/planahunt/ huntingGuides/wolf/ Wolf hunting is much like mountain lion hunting where hunters need to cross a track to get a more specific idea about where wolves are at a given time. Winter snow helps hunters spot wolf tracks.

Begin by checking for tracks in different drainages at first light and last light, and use a “howler” call when wolves are most active. Don’t be concerned if the call sounds like a coyote – coyotes are prey for wolves so the “howler” works like a predator call. Another good call to use is a fawn distress call. Hunting hours are similar to those for big game seasons, but you can howl to attract wolves. Howling outside of hunting hours could put a wolf pack in your lap when you can’t shoot them. (continued)

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The Future Of Montana’s

Big Game Animals Is InYour 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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They haven’t been called much so if you find them and they hear your call the odds are in your favor.

Make full use of camouflage that matches the local surroundings. When snow is on the ground use a white coverall suit and I recommend using white camouflage tape to cover up shiny metal parts on your gun and other equipment. I recommend the McNett Camo Form Protective Camouflage Wrap in the Color “Snow” which sticks to itself, and doesn’t leave any residue on your rifle. Another item to consider is snow camouflage netting that obscures your outline.

Wolves have keen eye sight and they focus on movement quickly – I recommend using a white towel or some other visible object to get their attention when they respond to the call. Position the towel above your “hide” and make it visible to the wolves. Another trick is to keep the towel in a plastic bag before deploying it. It would be illegal to take a cloth from a dog house and use it because you are using scent which is illegal for wolves.

The .243 Winchester should be your minimum caliber for hunting wolves

although there is no legal limitation.

Suitable cartridges range all the way up to big magnum calibers. A wolf is tough and can be dangerous if wounded so use enough bullet to get the job done.

On many occasions shots at wolves aren’t easy - you may have to take a shot at a moving target. Your first shot will usually be your last one and certainly may be the best opportunity to kill a wolf. Calling requires a hunter to sit down and set up for a quick shot. I recommend using a Harris bipod or shooting sticks to make that first shot as accurate as possible.

Just as big game hunting in general blaze orange is required.

For some access to different calls I suggest contacting “All Predator Calls”, 888-826-9683 or online at http://www.allpredatorcalls.com/ In speaking with Adam, the store manager he advised he was getting at least 2 calls per day on wolf calling.

With electronic calls being illegal for wolf a mouth call is the only option.

Adam recommends from the feedback he has received that cow call-calf distress combinations call as being a

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MONTANA SPORTSMEN FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE Join online at www.mt-sfw.org good option, along with the jack rabbit call that is the same as a snowshoe hare. Also the deer fawn call is popular also. As a rule where your wolf population is high the coyote population is low because wolfs kill coyotes on sight, it is a competing canine.

Wolves usually arrive in hunting formation - spread out and not in their escape formation where they bunch up and run away. When you see a wolf coming it usually isn’t alone so be alert for your best shot.

note - a wolf license isn’t valid until five days after purchase so buy it early.

When you’re hunting wolves the best locating tool is the wolf howler call - the resident wolf pack believes another pack has entered their territory and will come to investigate.

If you can hang a light weight cloth 10 feet off the ground where the wind can move it you’ll see them center their attention on the towel and not your position. Like elk, deer and coyote hunting, scent control is a factor to keep in mind. As a rule they are opportunistic predators and brazen about their approach. They seldom approach from downwind. Be certain that you are down wind, not upwind, of your towel decoy.

Currently baiting or hunting at night is not legal for hunting wolfs. Night is considered the same as for big game 1⁄2 hour before sunrise until 1⁄2 hour after sundown. I highly recommend that you get a copy of the Montana wolf regulations and read them before setting out after the Big Bad Wolf.

See the complete list of legal details in the wolf hunting regulations.

Non-Residents will require a CITES permit to take a harvested wolf hide out of the state. After you kill a wolf you have 12 hours to report it to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (406) 444-2612. Currently, approximately 40 wolves have been killed this year and the total quota is 220 by December 31, 2011.

“Opportunity” hunting is a technique for deer and elk hunters and not hunters looking for a wolf. I recommend keeping a resident or non-resident wolf license in your pocket when deer and elk hunting since you may get an opportunity to shoot a wolf. One special

Little Red Riding Hood had never met a wolf like we have in as a super predator in Montana today. Then again the wolves in Montana have never a hunter with technology available like we have in our hands today! Get one today, if not for yourself get one for Little Red Riding Hood.

32 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Parts - Service - Sales 406-443-4631 • www.helenacycle.com KAWASAKI CARES: Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never carry a passenger. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving. Be extra careful on difficult terrain. Kawasaki ATVs with engines over 90cc are recommended for use only by persons 16 years of age or older. Kawasaki also recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For more information, see your dealer, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-877-2887 or go to www.atvsafety.org. ©2011 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. BFEPS6X7C

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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 The heart of hunting, fishing & snowmobiling

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Outdoor Calendar Sponsored By C’Mon Inn Bozeman & Missoula Lodge Like Atmosphere With Resort Amenities BOZEMAN GUN & HUNTING TROPHY SHOW: December 9 - 11

The Gun and Hunting Trophy Show offers hunting firearms, western collectibles, antiques, and western and wildlife art for sale or trade. Big game trophy displays and Boone and Crocket scoring by Fish, Wildlife and Parks are part of the show, which features 300 booths with collectors from across the U.S. Held at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

Phone: 406-580-5458

DILLON ICE SKATING AT BANNACK STATE PARK: December 26 - March

Dress warmly and skate on the frozen dredge pond in a rare ghost town. Warming house hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm on weekends. Skates are available to use or you may bring your own. Hot drinks, videos, and gifts are offered in the warming house. Phone: 406-834-3413

ESSEX KICK-OUT-THE-KINKS BENEFIT SKI RACE: December 18

Compete in a 5K or 10K ski race benefit.

Registration is from 10:30am to 12:00pm. Race starts at 1:00pm. Special room rates are available at the Izaak Walton Inn. Phone: 406-888-5700

LEWISTOWN CHARLIE RUSSELL CHEW-CHOO: RIDE WITH SANTA December 3, 10, 16 and 17

The Charlie Russell Chew Choo is a narrated train ride.

Enjoy central Montana’s wide open spaces and vibrant colors. Wildlife is abundant and close at hand.

Phone: 406-535-5436

LINCOLN NEW YEAR’S EVE SNOWMOBILE FUN RUN: December 31 Sign up at the Ponderosa Snow Warriors Clubhouse to ride a variety of Lincoln’s well groomed trails. Cash prizes are awarded for high, 2nd and low fun hand and many door prizes are available as well. Free coffee, cocoa and cookies.

With 250 miles of groomed trails and lots of play areas, Lincoln is a great place to ride.

Phone: 406-362-3334

NEIHART SKI & PHOTOS WITH SANTA: December 17

Santa will be making an early Christmas appearance at Showdown this year to make some turns on Montana’s finest all natural snow. He wants everyone to come ski with him, get your photos with him, and put in any late Christmas wishes.

Santa will be around the lodge and on the hill between 11:00am - 2:00pm. Phone: 406-236-5522

PHILIPSBURG YULE NIGHT ON BROADWAY: December 9

Philipsburg Yule Night on Broadway is an evening of holiday spirit, food, music, tree lighting, Santa, arts, crafts and lighted parade. Enjoy small town festive atmosphere among bright decorations and good cheer. Phone: 406-859-4444

WEST YELLOWSTONE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT: December 18

Annual West Yellowstone Christmas Bird Count in conjunction with the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and the Sacajawea Audubon Society. Enjoy a day of birding in the West Yellowstone/Hebgen Lake area. Phone: 406-646-7001

Events To Support WILDLIFE

Dalton Pass Road McCabe - Northfork Snowmobile Trail Blackfoot visitmt.com Snowmobile Trail

T he Dalton Pass Snowmobile Trail is a moderately steep trail through timber.

Other routes are available off this trail.

Cooperative operation with Ponderosa Snow Warriors Snowmobile Club.

Roadside parking.

Length: 10 miles of marked and groomed trails.

Trail Begins: Dalton Pass Road Trail

visitmt.com

T he McCabe - Northfork Blackfoot Snowmobile Trail is a scenic trail that begins near Ovando. Seeley Lake to the North Fork of the Blackfoot River is 38 miles. It is another 27 miles to Lincoln Trail Begins: Monture Road 89, 5 miles north of Ovando

Ends: 4 miles west from Lincoln Area

Trail Ends: North Fork Blackfoot River Area

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION January 28, 2012 Mission Valley Big Game Banquet - Polson Kelly Kost 406-240-1325

Contact information: Helena National Forest 1569 US Highway 200 Lincoln, MT 59639

Contact information: Lolo National Forest 3583 Highway 83 Seeley Lake, MT 59868

February 2-4, 2012 28th Annual Elk Camp Las Vegas, NV Join 20,000 other conservation-minded hunters in celebrating elk country with three days of action-packed excitement!

Phone: 406-362-7000

Phone: 406-677-2233

Web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/

Web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/lolo/

Directions: Travel east of Lincoln on State Highway 200 approximately 3.5 miles to Forest Road 392 (Dalton Mountain Road).

Parking is just south on Dalton Mountain Road.

Directions: McCabe - Northfork Blackfoot Snowmobile Trail is located 5 miles north of Ovando.

February 11, 2012 Beartooth Big Game Banquet - Billings Gayle M. Sitter 406-208-4156

34 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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DECEMBER 2011

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visit us on the web at www.mountainstatescollisionrepair.com

Keeping Cozy Ioutdoors f you are warm and dry you can stay forever. Cold and wet? Even

if you’re having your best day hunting ever, you will still be miserable. Here are some tips to keep you cozy in the great outdoors.

Tip 1: Be Pessimistic.

Pay attention to the weather report, and don’t hope for the best—prepare for the worst! If the forecast is for drizzle, dress for downpour. If they say it will be a high of 40 and a low of 20 degrees, plan for it to hit zero (you can always take clothes off). Get a NOAA weather radio for immediate warnings.

Bushnell makes a set of Weather Forecast Stations called WeatherFX that display a 3-, 5-, or 7-day forecast.

Tip 2: Be Informed.

I always have a Kestrel hand-held weather meter in my daypack when I’m outside, so I can tell the temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure, humidity, and even altitude.

While this nifty device may not help before I go outside, it can help confirm how miserable I am if I fail to properly prepare.

By Jeff Davis, Editor - Whitetails Unlimited Magazine

Tip 3: Take it With You. Your daypack may take many different forms, depending on conditions. I have a series of bags and packs of various sizes, and I fill them with gear, clothes, food, and first aid gear depending on how long I plan to be out, and I always have rain gear. Blackhawk! has a great selection. I pack for at least twice as long as I think I’ll be out, which means if I’m going to be out all day I have what I need to keep me alive if I get stuck overnight. That means a SPACE blanket, some food, a bottle of water, flashlight, whistle, extra clothes, hat and gloves, and other gear.

Tip 4: Pack Heat.

Those nifty hand warmers from Heatmax can really make a difference.

They are cheap, available everywhere, come in a come in a variety of sizes (including little ones to warm your toes), and some last as long as 18 hours. Every fall I put a bag of them in my car, and it does not have to be January before I use them.

Tip 5: Underwear and Outerwear.

Everyone knows that you should dress in layers, but I’ve discovered that when I have quality underwear and outerwear, I can save a lot of money on the clothes I put in between. The Under Amour-type garments that wick moisture away are worth the price.

I’ve got old, ugly shirts and pants in cotton, flannel, and wool over the quality underwear, and then I’ve got it topped off with good outerwear.

I used to replace cheap rain gear every year, because it leaked, ripped, and made me sweat like crazy—until I wised up and bought a set of quality rain gear 15 years ago that I still use.

Tip 6: That Bone-Chilling Cold.

When it’s cold enough to freeze your eyelashes together, you need to be prepared. I grew up in Minnesota, and below zero and windy never kept us indoors, but a whole series of new products make me weep for the times we snuck blankets out of the house and wrapped ourselves like cocoons in our blinds. Heater Body Suit will keep you warm on the stand in any temperature. I’ve used a

ThermoLogic coat and gloves with batteries and a heating coil to keep you warm for up to four hours, and they really worked.

Tip 7: Start Every Day Dry. When you get in after a cold, wet day in the field take care of your gear so you are ready to go the next day.

Trying to wiggle your toes or fingers into already wet boots or gloves ensures a miserable day in the field.

I’ve seen homemade boot dryers, drying racks, and a variety of drying techniques that have various degrees of success. The PEET dryer is a nifty device that takes care of safely drying boots and gloves, and lets me go to sleep knowing that I’ll start the day with happy feet and dry fingers.

DECEMBER 2011

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ON-LINE AT www.bigskyoutdoornews.net

TRAVELER’S CORNER: Products For Winter Driving Warm up this fall with a FIA Winter Front Starting at Just $63.26

The Winter Front promotes

better fuel economy, faster engine warm-up and interior heat. It keeps diesel engines at optimum operating temperatures.

The Fia Winter Front & Bug Screen grille combo is custom fit for most pickups, SUV’s, minivans and vans.

(Universal applications available too). It easily interchanges between the Heavy Duty Quilted Winter Front for cold temperatures to the Heavy Mesh Bug Screen for bug and debris protection in the summer. Easy to install with no special tools or drilling using Fia’s special “Stick A Stud” fasteners to allow removal or installation in seconds.

Stick a Stud fasteners can also be removed without damage to the vehicle.

Made of all weather heavy-duty quilted vinyl, and adjustable air flow doors. Available only in black.

The Brite Box Maximizes Headlight Performance For Safer Night Driving Starting at Just $70.38

The Brite Box™ is a self-contained device that greatly contributes to driving safety on dark roads by improving both the output and coverage of standard vehicle headlights by illuminating the low beams (and fog lights with Fog Light Control models) when the high beams are activated, which allows 100% of the lighting potential of the vehicle to be utilized. Safety and comfort are improved, because the driver can now see a larger portion of the road. Brite Box features easy plug in installation, (in most vehicles), and can usually be installed in 30 minutes or less. There are Brite Box models available to fit most domestic cars, light trucks, and SUV’s manufactured from 1976 up.

Available at Gomer’s-USDIESELPARTS 2400 Palmer Missoula, MT. 59808 (406) 728-7620 or 1-800-823-4444.

CALL US

FOR OTHER PERFORMANCE ENHANCING, FUEL-REDUCING PRODUCTS!

Vehicle Repair and Installation Appointments We are always taking appointments for all performance upgrade installations and basic vehicle maintenance and repairs. Just give us a call at (800) 823-4444 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed and experienced technicians.

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36 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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JOIN THE BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB AND RECEIVE A FREE BUCK KNIFE

With a One-Year $35.00 Associate Membership 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.

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DECEMBER 2011

Be sure to mention this ad and receive your free Buck knife.

While supplies last.

HUNT FAIR CHASE

Join online at www.booneandcrockettclub.com or call 406.542.1888 Tom Wandrych 24 lb. Tom

Lee Goodman 7x8 Muley

Shelly Kleen Antelope

Jason Herndon 1800# Buffalo

Matt Parliament Bull Elk

Jake Foote Mule Deer Buck

ENTER YOUR HUNTING PHOTO IN THE GEAR GIVE-AWAY! e-mail your photos to bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com

The sixth season of the Club’s television series is now showing on the Outdoor Channel.

New episodes will be on display airing three times a week through the end of December.

The anchor airtime will again be Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. with two other weekly airings on Friday at 12 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. All times are Eastern.

If you have been a fan of the first five seasons, you won’t be disappointed as the Boone and Crockett Club continues to deliver award winning topics and episodes.

In 2010 the series won Best Conservation Series from the Outdoor Channel and a bronze Telly Award for programing excellence.

DECEMBER 2011

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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PREMIERE WILD GAME PROCESSING For Over 32 Years

Wild Game Processing and Sausage Kitchen Open Mon. - Sat. 9am - 6pm

•Completely cleaned before processing.

•Cut and wrapped to YOUR specifications.

•Your meat kept separate.

•Prices based on hanging weight.

•See our website for current pricing.

WESTERN MEAT & SAUSAGE BLOCK Phone (406) 494-4319 800 Dewey Boulevard - Butte, MT 59701 visit www.westernmeatblock.com

Celebrate Your Harvest During The Stuffed Mushroom Caps Makes 12 8 ounces ground turkey breast sausage meat (cooked without casing) Holidays By Diane Tipton, MFWP’s Statewide Information Officer 4 ounces ground side pork sausage meat (cooked without casing) 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper Ibenwondering the next few weeks some hunters will breasts, for instance. That might be a nice 1 teaspoon salt touch at the holidays when cooking for whether to share their 1 teaspoon dried leaf basil harvest at a holiday party this season.

For many it is a big step from serving wild game at the family dinner table to presenting it at a holiday party. That is when it is time to turn to folks like Eileen Clarke of Townsend.

hunters and nonhunters alike.

“Last Christmas we did a four course Spanish meal with wild boar,” Clarke said. “It involved a lot of lemons, paprika, butter and garlic.”

This holiday season she and her husband plan to barbeque a Canada goose.

New Year’s Day’s menu will include “Hoppin’ John” made with their homemade game sausage. Hoppin’ John, for those who haven’t heard of it, is a Southerners’ version of a traditional rice “If my mom cooked at home she made everything from scratch. I was exposed to all and bean dish of West Africa. It consists kinds of dishes, cooking techniques, flavors of black-eyed peas and rice, with chopped onion and sliced bacon, seasoned with a and seasonings as a child,” Clarke said. bit of salt. Clarke substitutes wild game sausage for the bacon. In the coastal She put her culinary skills to work when South, eating Hoppin’ John on New Year’s she married a fellow hunter. Now, 30 Day is a tradition to guarantee a years later, all that experience is condensed into five cookbooks, with more prosperous year of good luck. on the way.

But when it comes to handling and Like anyone, Clarke gets nervous cooking preparing wild game, luck shouldn’t play a part. for friends. Her suggestion is to always test a new dish with close friends or “A lot of things can go wrong—or family first to work out the kinks. right—before wild game ends up in the freezer,” Clarke said.”As hunters, we all One holiday recipe she has had success benefit if game is quickly and carefully with is Cheesy Waterfowl Dip. Brown a pound of ground goose meat or substitute handled from the field to the freezer. That is the timeframe that most often makes or venison. Put the meat into a crock-pot breaks the flavor.” with eight ounces of grated pepper jack cheese, one quarter cup whipping cream, Here are some of Clarke’s suggestions for two tablespoons beef bouillon granules, holiday dishes. and one-half teaspoon of Tabasco sauce.

Stir until blended.

Clarke’s parents were born and raised in New York City. When the family went for Chinese food it was to Chinatown, when out for German food they went to Yorktown, for Italian they went to Little Italy.

“This dip is great on crackers and really warms you up,” Clarke said.

Another simple tip she shares is to saute lean wild meat in a high quality beef fat you’ve saved for that purpose. The fat adds a sweet layer of flavor to dove

For more big game recipes and information on the handling and preparation of wild game meat, go to http://www.riflesandrecipes.com/.

1 teaspoon whole fennel, cracked 1⁄4 cup cold water Parmesan cheese 12 whole mushrooms, stems remove Preheat the oven to 375 F. Combine all the ingredients except mushrooms and parmesan cheese, and set aside.

Prepare the mushroom caps, by rinsing and gently drying them, and setting them ‘bowl’ up on a lightly greased baking dish. Divide the precooked sausage mix into the 12 mushroom caps (about one tablespoon each) then top with a dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Bake 15 minutes until the caps are lightly browned and tender and cheese has melted.

Serve hot.

Duck Rangoon Won Tons Makes 4 dozen 8 ounces diced duck or goose breast meat 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon prepared creamy horseradish 2 green onions 1 pound package won ton wrappers Oil for frying In a food processor, combine the duck meat, cream cheese, and horseradish. Process until the mixture is just chopped, pulsing off and on one to two seconds at a time, four to five times. When done, stir in the chopped green onions by hand.

Place the won ton wrappers on a cutting board, a few at a time. Place one teaspoon of filing in the center of each. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrappers, and fold in half, corner to corner, so you have a triangle. Fold the long ends together, moisten the corners and press to seal. Repeat with the others.

Preheat the oil in the fryer to about 375 F. Use something equivalent to a Fry Daddy, for best results. Cook the won ton in batches, without crowding, until crisp and golden brown, about two minutes, turning once to brown evenly.

Drain on paper towels as you proceed to the next batch.

Serve hot, with sweet and sour sauce, bottled or homemade as below.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

6 tablespoons pineapple juice 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (a soybean-based sauce with garlic and vinegar) 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 2 teaspoons cornstarch Combine all ingredients, mixing until the corn starch is dissolved completely.

Microwave on high about one minute or until the sauce starts to boil and thicken a bit.

Let cool to room temperature before dipping.

38 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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© Bikenbark | Dreamstime.com

Choosing the Right Shotgun For Spring Turkey Season National Wild Turkey Federation

T he level of sophistication in firearms available to the turkey hunter has followed the same path as turkey calls. As more hunters have joined the sport, manufacturers have responded to their needs by making shotguns with features ideally matched to the turkey woods.

different loads, shot sizes and even choke constrictions when possible. Most shotguns come with several choke options and the aftermarket chokes have shown great success in increasing pattern performance down range.

To camo or not to camo? Camouflage is another consideration in choosing a firearm this spring. We all know that Here are a few tips for making sure you turkeys have keen eyesight and getting have the right gun for the job this spring. a shotgun with functional camouflage Make sure the shotgun fits you. There could give you that added advantage. is no sure way to determine gun fit Saving the best for last. The best advice other than seeing a firearms expert. for making sure that you have the best To ensure that your gun fits, pull the shotgun this season is to know the gun to your shoulder (with the muzzle limitations of your firearm. Patterning, pointed in a safe direction, of course). experimenting with different loads Ask yourself the following questions. and chokes and practicing real hunting Does it swing into place without extra situations on the range will help you movement or effort? Does the weight learn when to shoot and when the shot feel comfortable? Try adjusting the may be risky. If using a 20 gauge, you placement of your forward hand. Can may need to be within 25 yards of your you hold the shotgun steady for a target for your shot. The same distance given amount of time? Can you could be used as a rule of thumb for comfortably carry the shotgun for very young hunters. Making sure you long distances? You should be able to are aware of the capabilities of the answer “yes” to all of these questions. hunter, as well as the firearm, can be All these variables play a role in the difference between success and determining gun fit for turkey hunting. disappointment.

Bigger isn’t always better. With the The trick is, you probably have the right new, high-powered turkey loads and shotgun for harvesting that trophy chokes available, 20-gauge shotguns gobbler this spring. It may just require have become very popular for use in some experimentation and practice to the spring turkey woods. Better advice determine the optimal choke constriction, than simply purchasing the largest load, shot size and distance. If you are in gauge or load size would be to ensure the market for something new, just about appropriate length, weight and recoil every manufacturer is now producing for the person doing the shooting. shotguns made specifically for turkey hunters. They all perform well, however, Pattern, pattern and then pattern again. the same considerations must be Take the time to shoot the shotgun with considered before carrying one on a hunt.

DECEMBER 2011

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