Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure - January 2010

BIG SKY

OUTDOOR NEWS Gear Up For W inter Ice Fi s hi n g Success CATS Hunting Montana’s Connecting You To The Outdoors

& ADVENTURE JANUARY 2010

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Mountain Lions

The Right Set For Coyotes

2 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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JANUARY 2010

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PREDATOR HUNTERS, WE HEARD YOUR CALL. LOUD & CLEAR AVAILABLE AT: BOB WARD & SONS -Bozeman -Butte -Hamilton -Helena -Missoula CAPITAL SPORTS -Helena

And we answered with our new Coyote Special riflescope to give you exactly what youʼve been asking for.

Engineered through real-world experience with an all-new BDC Predator Hunting reticle that will radically cut target acquisition time as well as allow for easy tracking on moving coyotes.

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Montana’s Greatest Yellowstone National Park 5 DOUBLE CHAIR LIFTS FAMILY PRICING

Snow Place!

BY BILL BREWSTER

A

Lost Trail

Powder Mountain •FAMILY SKI AREA •FAMILY FRIENDLY PRICES

Snow Phone 821-3211 www.losttrail.com

CALL FOR LODGING SULA COUNTRY STORE CABINS (406) 821-3364 Hours: Thurs - Sun & Holidays

Top of Lost Trail Pass - Montana/Idaho Border

Lost Trail Powder Mountain L

ost Trail Powder Mountain sits atop the Continental Divide on Highway 93 where Montana and Idaho meet. With over 300 inches of snowfall every year, these still undiscovered slopes await your visit. Open Thursday thru Sunday, with extended hours during holiday periods, this family ownedand-operated jewel offers a ski and snowboard experience from yesteryear.

When you visit Lost Trail Powder Mountain you will enjoy the beauty and uncrowded slopes of the Rocky Mountain’s hidden jewel. Experience affordable family skiing from the top of the Continental Divide.

Lost Trial Powder Mountain has been helping folks enjoy themselves for over 60 years.

LOST TRAIL TERRAIN PARKS Lost Trail continues its progressive park efforts this season by once again offering some of the most diverse terrain in the region.

Whether it’s kickers, rails, tables and wallrides that interest you or natural, powder pillow and cliff lines, Lost Trail has what you’re looking for.

Lost Trail even has a dedicated “Park Crew” dedicated to keeping park features in tip-top shape.

Test your courage in LT’s new and improved premier Frontcountry park.

The pretty face of Lost Trail’s park system, Frontcountry is the first thing you see once you arrive. Situated on South Face, in direct view of the lodge, this park is a proving ground.

Big air, big features and big egos collide... all conveniently serviced by Chair One. Or, if powder and layed-back jib lines are more your style, take a run through LT’s brand new Powder Park. An LT original, Powder Park is where it all started. Natural bumps and jumps have long made this run a beginner jibbers dream . Boxes, tables and more all at the foot of Powder Bowl and Rendek Ridge.

SKI & SNOWBOARD RENTALS Lost Trail now offers Rossignol Snowboards for your rental needs.

Are you a skier or snowboarder who has their own equipment but looking to try something just a little different? Try their Skiers Rental Shop, where they have added some equipment and all of their staff is trained and ready to serve you. Needing a wax or tuning? LT is all set up to take care of that for you too. (continued on page 5)

mid-December snowfall across Yellowstone National Park made it possible for officials to open the gates to oversnow motorized vehicles for the winter season after unusually dry conditions in the late fall.

With the park open, guided snowmobile and snowcoach trips from Mammoth Hot Springs, West Yellowstone and Old Faithful started along with other recreational activities from Gardiner, Cook City and South Entrance.

Xanterra Parks and Resorts provides winter lodging at Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful with a total of 227 rooms and cabins, two full-service restaurants and one quick-service restaurant, lounges, ski and gift shops and ice skating rinks. The lodges also feature wide-ranging services and recreational offerings including massage therapy at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge; ski instruction and guided trips; ski and snowshoe rentals; daily guided tours by van, snowcoach and snowmobile; and hot tub rentals at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

With more than 24 winter tours, Xanterra’s fleet of snowcoaches and vans and its staff of trained interpretive drivers/guides are kept busy throughout the season. Xanterra offers express runs between Old Faithful Snow Lodge and West Yellowstone, Mont., a gateway community to the west of the park. Express shuttles go directly to each destination without stopping at viewpoints or for wildlife sightings.

Interpretive tours are offered to and from the lodges, West Yellowstone and Flagg Ranch at the southern entrance to the park. In addition to the obvious transportation, drivers provide interpretive information about the park and stop at designated viewpoints and for wildlife sightings. Xanterra also offers thematic snowcoach tours such as the all-day Canyon Day Tour, which departs five days per week from the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and three days per week from the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and travels to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with stops at other viewpoints along the way. Two van tours travel to Lamar Valley from Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel on the only park road that is open to four-wheel vehicles. Xanterra also offers a variety of custom guided tours for groups up to 36 people, ski shuttles to trailheads and Ski-Daddles, with ski instructors/interpretive guides.

In addition, several lodges in West Yellowstone offer both snowmobile and snowcoach trips into the park to view and photograph wildlife and cross country Lone Mountain Ranch at Big Sky also offers guided ski trips into the park.

For cross country skiers, a number of trails within Yellowstone along Highway 191 are available for self-guided backcountry ski trips. Skiers should be prepared with adequate layered clothing and a day pack with emergency food, water and a small backpacking stove before leaving the trail head.

Limited, managed snowmobile and snowcoach travel over groomed, snow-packed park roads will be permitted this season under a new temporary plan, which allows up to 318 commercially guided, Best Available Technology (BAT) snowmobiles, and up to 78 commercially guided snowcoaches per day in Yellowstone, according the National Park Service. (continued on page 7)

JANUARY 2010

Contents 6. January Steelheading 8. Traveler’s Corner 9. Gear Review 10. Fishing With The Captain 12. Fly Tying Corner 14. Montana Fishing Report 16. Calendar Of Events 17. Mountain Lion Basics 18. January Means Smith River Permit Applications 20. Photo Contest Winners 21. Photo Page 22. Sagebrush News: Frigid Fowling 23. CRP Losses In Prairie Pothole Region Add Up 24. Hunting & Conservation News 26. Harvest Numbers From 2009 27. It’s Not Too Soon To Enter Super Hunt For Idaho 28. News From Rocky Mountain States 30. Gear Up For Ice Fishing Success 32. The Right Set For Coyotes 37. Mule Deer Capture And Radio Collaring 38. My 2009 Goat Hunt Please support the advertisers you see in this newspaper and let them know you saw their advertisement in Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure. Thank you!

ADVERTISING

RICK HAGGERTY (406)370-1368 AMY HAGGERTY PUBLISHER 8591 Capri Dr. Helena Mt. 59602 bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com

www.outdoorsmontana.com The entire contents is © 2010, all rights reserved. May not be reproduced without prior consent. The material and information printed is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure.

Nor does the printed material necessarily express the views of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure.

VOLUME 6 Issue 11

JANUARY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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How to Volunteer for a Conservation Organization ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION

W

hether they work individually or as part of a group, volunteers are essential to conservation today—even more so tomorrow.

That’s the consensus of conservation professionals who predict that fish, wildlife and habitat, as well as the future of America’s sporting traditions, will depend more and more on devoted souls whose only paycheck is the personal reward of preserving traditional values and passing on a cherished way of life.

Volunteerism spans from teaching a neighbor kid to cast at a nearby pond to serving on a board that directs policy for international wildlife habitat initiatives.

A conservation organization can be an effective channel for many volunteer passions.

HERE’S HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Consider why you’re interested in volunteering. Do you want to make a difference in the world, or in your own corner of the outdoors? Is it about building your own skills and social network? Or are you simply inspired to give something back to a special place, species or heritage? These questions can help you choose the right organization.

Select an outfit that represents

something special to you. If your pulse quickens at the thought of mallards over decoys, an elk bugling from a golden stand of aspens, a bass exploding on a topwater lure, there’s a group for you.

Ditto if you’re concerned about Second Amendment issues. Maybe you believe that youths in your community should know more about handling firearms safely, or how hunting and angling pay for conservation. Or perhaps you’re just worried about the kudzu infestation in the back pasture of your hunting club. Whatever your interest, there’s probably a good fit for you somewhere out there. If not, start something new.

Speak with staff or volunteers from the organization and ask what opportunities exist for newcomers as well as experienced volunteers. Attend a meeting to see how the group interacts. At its best, volunteering is a selfless act for a greater good, but everyone wants to feel appropriately appreciated—find out how the outfit says thank you.

Seek out volunteer tasks that suit you. Conservation always needs money but if soliciting donations isn’t your cup of tea, consider helping setup for a fundraising event or even a back-office gig stuffing envelopes. Maybe you’d rather install aquatic habitat or remove decrepit fencing from a big-game migration corridor. Of

course, it’s fun to learn new things and there’s real satisfaction in completing less pleasant tasks, but it pays to ensure your core duties will be compatible with your time and talent.

Start small. If you already have a busy schedule, commitments at home or unpredictable work hours, you can still get involved. In fact, most organizations want volunteers who are busy people because busy people know how to get things done.

See about working for only an hour or two per week or perhaps one day per month.

Later, if you find you enjoy the work and have more time to pursue it, gradually take on more.

Ask, don’t demand. People in charge of organizing volunteers are often volunteers themselves, but, invariably, they’re working to meet certain goals with a bigger mission in mind. Especially if you’re just starting out, the best bet is simply assimilating into their system.

Later on, if you see that it could work better, make suggestions on how to fix it.

Ask questions and do research, but until you get your feet wet, you won’t know if volunteering for a particular organization is really right for you.

Volunteering allows a person to make a lasting mark on conservation, leave America’s outdoors as—or better than—they found it, and hand down a

meaningful personal legacy to their children and grandchildren.

It matters not whether you get involved individually or as part of a group. The important thing is just getting started.

Sooner the better.

Lost Trail (continued from page 4) SKI & BOARD LESSONS Whether you’re a first-time beginner or a seasoned expert, Lost Trail Snowsports School has a program for you.

Private or Group Lessons with their PSIA & AASI certified instructors will help you improve your technique and teach you something new.

For more information call the Lost Trail Ski & Board School Office:406-821-0025 LOST TRAIL LODGE & KITCHEN Needing to warm up a bit? Lost Trail Kitchen Crew has hot coffee, or cold brews ready for you along with some great eats such as soups, chili, sandwiches, burgers, fries and much more. Sandwiches, salads and more are made up fresh daily. They’ve got some great desserts, and a lot of healthy snacks too such as fresh fruit, yogurt and more.

GETTING THERE Conveniently located just 1/8 of a mile off Hwy 93 and Hwy 43 at the Montana-Idaho Border, they are easy to get to from just about any location. Enjoy the pristine view of the Bitterroot Mountains on your 90 mile trip from Missoula or 100 miles from Butte.

6 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

Just $300 for 2 People Trips Make great Gifts!

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JANUARY 2010

FULLY GUIDED STEELHEAD TRIPS on the mighty Snake & Grande Ronde Rivers

#208-924-8685 •www.GuerillaGuideService.com Catch Rates Often In Double Digits, so BOOK NOW & get the best price & the best dates.

January Steelheading

BY TRAVIS DEBOER OF GUERILLA GUIDE SERVICE

J

anuary can be a tough month for fisherman in Montana. It is the time of year when we as outdoorsmen can be most vulnerable to the dreaded “cabin fever.”

There are simply not a lot of productive options for fisherman during this typically very cold time. There are only three that come to my mind. Steelheading, ice fishing or tackle craft and gear maintenance.

The choice is simple for me. I want to be outside and active as much as possible so for the purposes of this rant I will focus on the first option. Here are a few tips that hopefully will improve your confidence as well as success rates for this great excuse to get out and test your meddle.

Comfort: Do what you have to stay warm! Warm clothes, heaters, rain snow and wind protection. If you’re not comfortable you’re not focused and the day is done before it even starts. Seems simple I know but it is a step that we as outdoorsmen can’t hear enough. I myself am guilty of forgetting this one from time to time. The day before writing this piece I went down to harass steelhead for a few hours and failed to pack my usual assortment of extra gear within about 20 or so casts I decided to go for a brief and very chilly swim (This decision was made with the help of a slippery snow covered rock.) Though the comedic value of this mishap was priceless and enjoyed tremendously by my peers. I sadly had to retreat to the car to recoup just as the fish were getting grabby forcing me to put a skunk on the books just because I failed to remember the Boy Scout motto (bummer!)

Focus: Treat every little insignificant bump or tick like it is the world record.

The bite will typically be subtle this time of year no matter what you fish for (especially with bigger fish.) I tell my guys to set the hook even if they just get a funny feeling.

Slow and low: Except when you are fishing directly under a tail-water where the water is almost always warmer (not a bad idea by the way.) You need to fish the deepest and slowest of holes and near or on the bottom. Use the plumb bob method to find the bottom of these deep holes. To do this you take a standard slip float rig and attach a big enough cannon ball sinker to your jig or hook to sink the bobber then adjust your depth until the float is just under the surface. Then you remove the heavy weight and fish confidently knowing you are in the strike zone.

Trotting: The guys in BC Canada call it waking, guys in the great lakes call it trotting, I call it deadly! This is a method used to slow your presentation down and kick the presentation down steam of your float. Basically you’re doing everything they tell you not to do in Bobber school 101. Essentially you need to lengthen your total depth and slow your float down a bit so it throws a small wake. The key to fishing this rig effectively is to not wait unlit your float goes down (though often times it will) set the hook immediately when you feel a bite. This is a very fun way to hook steelhead and once you gain confidence in this method it will forever change the way you look at float fishing.

This method has been around for a long time but is not mentioned or heard of much in this part of the country. The few people who do practice it would rather you didn’t know how (if that tells you anything.)

Give it wiggle: Give your presentation the occasional wiggle to entice lethargic fish. (Simple) Temperature: If there is open water you can catch fish simple as that! Don’t worry about the book you read that put restrictions on fishing with regard to

temperature. I guarantee that the steelhead did not read that same book and not to sound cocky but we prove this fact on a more than regular basis in the Guerilla boat. Leave the thermometer in your vest it will only mess with your head, instead take a temp after you land a brute for a confidence boost.

Confidence: It may seem silly to say but you have to have it no matter what outdoor sport you set out to do.

If you don’t believe it can happen then it probably won’t. If you don’t have confidence your day is shot and it is time to go home and tie some flies for spring.

Because as most consistent fish stickers know confidence perpetuates good focus and fast deliberate action which are essential to hooking more steelhead than the average angler. The minute you start to hesitate and second guess things you are doomed to mediocrity as a steelheader.

EVERY ROCK IS A FISH!!!! This is another statement a fisherman can not hear enough including me.

Also a quick note for you guys who only want to fish for Clearwater killer B’s. Though it would appear for now that this awesome river is being left out of the record runs that are plaguing the Snake, Salmon, Little Salmon, and Grande Ronde rivers this season there are still very

catch-able numbers to be had, and the fact that it is a tail-water fishery makes it even more appealing as a winter opportunity. It is also worth noting that Camp Cabin and Home has opened a store in Orofino on highway 12. So if you forgot something or lose a lot of gear due to trying to master the art of trotting they have what you need, they actually fish and guide themselves, and they have not raised any of there prices simply because of the new on the water location (which as many of you know is unique for this area.)

Finally if you give these methods an honest try I know you will enjoy more winter hookups on steelhead. And remember Steelhead are difficult to catch so don’t let other anglers stories of woe get you down, a unsuccessful fisherman typically will want to blame everything under the sun for there misfortune a trait I regretfully have displayed myself in the past. The challenge of this great sport is what makes it appealing. Don’t worry about success of the guy next to you (unless of course he is slaying in which case I recommend bribing him for info.) Dare to strive to be above average in steelheading and everything else for that matter.

Happy fishing.

JANUARY 2010

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Yellowstone National Park (continued from page 4) The road from the South Entrance to West Thumb and on to Old Faithful opened to public travel by commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches on Dec. 15 and from the West Entrance to Madison and on to Old Faithful .

On Dec. 16, the road from West Thumb through Lake to Canyon and Norris; and from Mammoth Hot Springs through Norris on to Madison opened to the public for travel by commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches.

All commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches are allowed on all of these groomed park roads with the exception of the road from Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Junction, park officials said. Due to low snowpack, travel over this road was temporarily limited in December to only rubber-tracked snowcoaches.

The Fountain Freight Road remained closed to travel until it received sufficient snow, but most other side roads will open to commercially guided oversnow travel Wednesday.

Commercially guided snowmobile and snowcoach travel over the East Entrance road and Sylvan Pass was scheduled to begin on December 22.

The Old Faithful Visitor Center opened for the season on December 15. The Old Faithful Snow Lodge, dining room, fast food, and gift shop opened for the winter season on December 18. The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, dining room, and gift shop opened for the season on December 21. The Yellowstone General Store, clinic, campground, post office, 24 hour gasoline pumps, and the Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth Hot Springs are open all year.

The North Entrance and the road from Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs on to Cooke City, outside the park’s Northeast Entrance, is open to wheeled vehicle travel all year.

A wealth of information and assistance planning a visit to Yellowstone can be found on the park’s web site at http://www.nps.gov/yell

Photo Contest We would like to thank all of our readers that submitted photos in our 2009 Photo Contest. Congratulations to all of you on your successful hunts.

It was difficult to select final winners for the contest. All of the photos submitted were excellent. We know how much work goes into hunting and bagging an animal.

Everyone’s photo will be published on our Photo Page. We received many photos, and it will take us time to publish everyone’s photo. Just keep checking each month for your photo. It will be published.

To those of you that didn’t receive a prize this year, please try again next season.

You are all winners to us.

Rick Haggerty, Editor

THERESA MONDALE WITH MULE DEER BUCK TAKEN AT 6,500 FEET

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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8 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM

JANUARY 2010

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

BD

’s new Steering Box Stabilizer (SBS) eliminates steering wander and wobble caused by excessive shaft play in the steering box of late-model Dodge trucks. Designed for easy, bolt-in installation in about 10 minutes, the SBS virtually eliminates frame flex at the steering box mounting point, resulting in more positive steering feel.

The BD SBS is silver vein powder coated for corrosion resistance, and features a greasable, high-quality bearing for reliable operation. Made in Canada, the SBS comes complete with high-strength mounting hardware and instructions.

Priced at just $212.50

Improve Your Dodge Truck’s Steering Stability With The Adjustable Track Bar W

ith the OEM ball joint design, frequent maintenance is required to prevent side-to-side movement of the front axle which can cause wear, hammering, wandering and the dreaded “Death Wobble” BD’s Track Bar is the perfect solution for steering stability and is a great compliment to BD’s Steering Box Stabilizer. Plus, it is adjustable to accommodate up to 3”-4” lifts!

The Adjustable Track Bar is built from rigid 1 3/8” DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) seamless heavy wall 0.313” tubing with formed and precision welded collars that have durable, heavy duty Poly bushings.

BD’s Adjustable Track Bar Kit comes complete with zinc plated bar, powder coated anchor bracket (1994-2002 models), poly bushing kit and grease zerks.

THE ADJUSTABLE TRACK BAR KIT Priced at $425.00 Part #1032011 1994-2001 4wd 1500 Part #1032011 1994-2002 4 wd 2500/3500 Part #1032012 2003-2007 4wd 2500/3500 Available at Gomer’s-USDIESELPARTS 2400 Palmer Missoula, MT. 59808 (406) 728-7620 or 1-800-823-4444.

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JANUARY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Built In Montana - TR AI L ER S Best Built! #1 Seller In the Northwest! More than 13,988 trailers since 1989!

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gear review

Reviews provided by Montana Test.Com The Country’s Leading Outdoor Product Testing Site. Reviews are independent of advertisers and all products tested in real time hunting and fishing conditions. Montana Test .Com does not guarantee positive reviews to any manufacturer. www.mtBowHuntingreviews.com and www.bowhuntingreviews.net are part of Montana Test.com. Visit www.montanatest.com

Sorel Fairbanks™Shoes

Recommend...Yes

Brunton Eterna 11x45 Binoculars

Recommend...Yes

Ace Anchors

Recommend...Yes

Highlights: We tested and reviewed Sorel footwear a couple of seasons past, and we appreciated and praised their quality and styling.

We reconnected to find out what was new and exciting for fall. Sorel sent me a pair of Fairbanks™, a foot covering like none I have seen. I love my Duck hunting and these shoes are the warmest, most comfortable in five years of testing. I know I am gushing about a shoe, but they are great. This is a slip-on inspired by chukkas of the Alaskan Inuit. The Fairbanks™ is wool felt lined, waterproof leather upper and an outsole that mirrors a snowmobile track. I wear them everywhere, in all kinds of weather, snow, rain and around the house. Besides comfort, they may be the strangest looking shoe/slipper, whatever you want to tag them. Do not let looks deceive you. They may look like a box on your foot, but they make up for it with comfort and warmth.

Drawback...None Rating...8 Point...Great Tester: Pat Stinson Suggested Retail: $90.00 Highlights: I am impressed with the Brunton’s overall performance. It has a solid ergonomic design and it’s lightweight for an 11x45. Overall, it is a well-crafted piece of equipment. I received the Camo colored version with the matching neoprene Bino Glove.

The Glove is a stylish design that is tight fitting and very functional. It attaches in two separate ways. Slots that the neck strap slip through so they cannot be misplaced or lost. There are snaps on the end on the Bino Glove or the neck strap. It allows you to snap the covers out of the way so they are more confined, and not hanging on the neck strap. A nice feature. I am satisfied with the optics.

They are very comparable to some other high-end optics I‘ve used, especially in low light situations. While in the mountains, foothills or in and out of the rig, we had no problems with fogged lenses. As far as the weight, I also use a 10x42 binocular, and the Brunton 11 x 45 is a tad heavier, but not enough to scare anyone off from using. Drawback...None so far. Rating...6 Point...Great Tester: Joe Stein Suggested Retail: $553.50

Highlights: After 40 plus years of rigging decoys, we have learned a few tough lessons. First, if anchors do not stay on your decoys, your bag will be a wreck. You need weights that stay attached to your deeks in your bag until you are ready to set up. Ace Decoy Anchors are some of the best we have tested. They grab the keel of the decoy. The entire system works with a J shaped anchor in 4 and 8 ounces. Included are Greenhead Gear™ Quick-Fix rubber straps. The rubber tube stretches around the keel for a secure fit.

Each one comes with a small piece of tangle free cord, tied to the end of the anchor for simple removal or attachment. The field test is putting out and picking up in bitterly cold weather. As clumsy as Neoprene gloves are, I can grab the cord on the anchor and lock on to the keel. If affixed properly your blocks will come out of the bag without tangles and setting and picking up is a breeze.

Drawback...None Rating...8 Point...Great Tester: All Suggested Retail: 4 oz. $24.00 per dozen 8 oz. $32.00 per dozen

10 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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JANUARY 2010

Fishing With The Captain

New Year Sales Event On All New VW In Stock

HUGE SAVINGS ON 2009 & 2010 Models.

Mark Ward

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NEED SERVICE? We have a staff of qualified, VW & Subaru Certified Trained Technicians to work on your vehicle. Our prices are comparable or even less than some smaller shops. Give us a call or schedule an appointment on-line at www.4seasonsmotors.com.

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I

ce fishing is a great way to spend a day. A lot of anglers bring their kids along, catching fish on some of these trips is not the priority. There are really two kinds of methods of ice fishing and you really can separate the two methods by talking about most lakes west of the mountains and east of the mountains in Montana. Western Montana lake anglers are content to sit on a bucket or in a portable icehouse and jig. They for the most part are going after trout, perch, or salmon. Using glow hooks tipped with either maggots or corn seems to be the most popular choices. Bitterroot Lake, which is just west of Kalispell, has a reputation for producing 16-18 inch kokanees. Flathead lake ice fishing is best in the bays when there is ice. The east bay for perch ice fishing seems to be the best. Lake Mary Ronan is also a great lake to ice fish for perch and sometimes salmon. Crow Reservoir can also be good for perch, trout, and small mouth bass. For current fishing and ice conditions on these lakes call Dick Zimmer 406-675-0068.

Northern Pike anglers will head to Salmon Lake fishing tip-ups with smelt. Seeley Lake has produced pike but the larger ones have seemed to be taken by anglers in spear huts. Harpers Lake is one of the lakes that get some jumbo trout dumped in by the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks trout hatchery which is based out of Arlee.

Your best bet would be to use a needlefish or weighted spoon and if you can make it there when they dump them in the lake you will have a ball. It takes about 30 minutes for the trout to acclimated after they hit the water but after that time hold on because the bite will be on. I would recommend calling the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks office and get their schedule for planting trout. Browns Lake is good fishing for trout with first ice on.

Georgetown Lake is always a good bet for ice anglers. It ices up early and stays with good ice most of the winter. Anglers like to jig with glow hooks tipped with maggots. Small kokanees and pretty good size trout usually take advantage of their offerings through the ice.

East of the mountains if you want to jig ice fish then I would recommend heading over to Canyon Ferry Lake or the Causeway on Hauser Reservoir. Both lakes do a good job of producing perch for ice anglers. I would fish the south end by the Silos on Canyon Ferry Lake and I would fish anywhere up the Causeway on Hauser for perch. Walleye fishing is more of a challenge on Canyon Ferry Lake, but some local anglers have had success when they hit it just right. The regulated reservoir next to Hauser Lake has also produced some good bites through the winter for kokanee salmon. For up to date information on ice and fishing contact Bob Wards Sporting goods in Helena.

Tip-up anglers can have their choice of fishing Lake Francis by Valier, Tiber Dam north of Great Falls, Nelson Reservoir east of Malta and of course Fort Peck Reservoir. All these lakes offer good northern pike, walleye, and perch fishing. If you want to catch ling then Fort Peck Reservoir would be your best bet. In all the lakes with exception of Lake Francis you can use live minnows. Plus all the lakes allow you to fish with 6- unattended set lines per angler. A popular way to fish is to set up a mile or two long trap-line with the tip-ups. Anglers that ice fish this way put each line in a different depth of water at first then move most of their tip-ups to the depth that seems to be producing the best results.

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.

JANUARY 2010

•

ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM •

Catch The Best

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 11

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12 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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The Sofa Pillow: A Midwinter Fantasy Sofa Pillows for Salmon Flies BY JIM ABBS www.fedflyfishers.org

B

ecause we are in the dead of winter, much of our fly fishing must be imaginary. Not surprisingly, the most pleasant fly fishing I can imagine right now is being on a favorite Rocky Mountain river in early July ...just in time for the famous western salmon fly hatch.

The real insect behind this legend is the Pteronarcys californica, a stonefly which requires a big fly to imitate it, often using a size 4 or even a size 2 hook. These big critters spend 3 years maturing in the stream, principally as nymphs. Because of their size and abundance, many western fly patterns, like the Bitch Creek Nymph, Montana Nymph and The Brooks Stone are all aimed at imitating this stonefly nymph during that prolonged aquatic period. However near the end of their lives, when the water temperature and condition are right they crawl up on the stream banks and mate.

After mating the females take to the air and deposit their fertilized eggs back into the stream. It is during this last stage that fish are said to be particularly indiscreet.

For this wintry month, so far away from July, the fly of the month is that Sofa Pillow, both in its original form and its improved version.

MATERIALS: (materials for improved Sofa Pillow in parentheses) Hook: 3X long (Mustad 7980), sizes 4-10 Thread: Black monocord Tail: Dyed red duck quill (Medium or light elk hair fibers) Body: Laquered Red or orange floss (orange or red synthetic) Wing: Fox squirrel tail (medium or light elk hair fibers) Hackle: Four very good quality reddish brown saddle hackles Ribbing: (only found on the Improved Sofa Pillow): Brown saddle hackle tied palmer style.

TYING STEPS: 1. Tie on the red duck quill (or elk hair) for the tail at the bend of the hook with the curve of quill pointing up.

2. Tie in red or orange floss, wrap forward 2/3s of the hook shank forward from the bend and tie off.

3. ( Note: For the improved Sofa Pillow you would also tie in the brown saddle hackle for the palmered ribbing as well as the synthetic orange yarn instead of the red duck quill. The yarn would be wrapped forward and tied off and the saddle hackle ribbing wrapped forward on top of it ).

4. Tie in a small bunch (diameter of a wood pencil) of long red squirrel tail fibers with the tips not exceeding the end of the tail. Tie the squirrel tail down securely, trim the butts and secure with a little laquer.

5. Tie in the four reddish brown saddle hackles. Wrap your thread forward and laquer the thread covering the 1/3 of hook shank behind the hook eye.

6. Wrap two of the saddle hackles forward to just behind the eye (leaving room for a head) and tie off. Wrap the second set of two hackles, attempting to fill in open spots and create a uniform section of hackle over that 1/3 of the hook shank.

7. Tie up a bunch of these great old flies in several sizes and as you tie think about big rainbow trout, crystal clear cold water, bright high altitude sun, and majestic mountains.

JANUARY 2010

•

ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM •

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 13

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14 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Montana Fishing Report

JANUARY 2010

Sponsored By Boston Beer Co. And Summit Beverage

CHRIS MADSEN

Western Montana Fishing Report

RYAN ONGLEY

Southwest Montana Fishing Report

Brought To You By Missoula

Brought To You By Bozeman

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

BY RYAN ONGLEY (406) 586-0100

A nother year in review: I still haven’t caught a ten pound trout on a dry fly, or a twenty pound steelhead on the fly, and these annual goals have gone unfulfilled for so long now that my odds are now about the same as the Broncos winning the Super Bowl this year. On the other hand, I did extend my `Consecutive Seasons without a Broken Fly Rod’ streak to a record eleven straight years.

As usual, I found a few new spots that I’ll go back to again, and couple that I probably won’t. That is the beauty of the wild goose chase: Sometimes you catch lots of big fish, and sometimes you break another rod and get a flat tire on the way home. There were plenty of places that didn’t get crossed off the list again this year, some of which I’ll sadly never get around to visiting. Worse of all, I managed to neglect a few favorite haunts this year; this was the first season without a Yellowstone trip in five years.

Another year, for all it’s ups and downs, was another year spent fishing, and for that we can all be thankful.

So with that out of the way, let’s take a look at the first month of the New Year.

January is the peak month of our ice fishing season, as by now all of our lakes will have a solid, safe layer of ice. The bite in most places will start to slow by the end of the month, so the beginning of the year is the best time to get out, if you haven’t been already.

Here is a rundown of local icefishing options.

GEORGETOWN LAKE: As usual, the early season bite at Georgetown has been excellent, with plenty of ice and excellent action for trout with the kokanee fishing a little slower. Early season at Georgetown usually finds fish located around the remaining weed beds, and

Ice Fishing 2010 traditionally good spots to try are Piney point, Rainbow Bay, Denton’s point or the Pump House area. There are lots of favorite lures at Georgetown, but Swedish Pimples, Rocker Jigs, Ratsos and Rat Finkees are good choices to try. Often, size and color will matter more than the specific jig, so carry some in pink, orange, black and white or glow, and tip them with maggots or mealworms for best success.

If you’re looking for the increasingly hard to find kokanee fishing the early morning hours seems to be the best.

CLEARWATER LAKES: The Clearwater lakes chain offers a little bit of everything. If trout are your quarry, Alva and Rainy are good choices for nice cutthroats. A small Swedish Pimple or rocker jig with a maggot should keep you in business. Harper’s Lake is also a popular trout hole, it is regularly stocked with 4-10lb brood stock, and these fish provide excellent sport through the ice. They may not be the prettiest trout you’ll ever see, but five pound trout will allow you to overlook some aesthetic deficiencies. If perch or pike are your quarry, try out Salmon or Seeley. Most anglers will set up a tip-up rigged with a smelt, and fish a second rod with jigging Rapala for pike, or a glo hook and maggot for perch. Both of these are good bets for spearing pike as well, if that is your game.

BROWNS LAKE: What on earth would make a normally sane person spend all their waking hours staring through a hole on what might very well be the coldest, windiest slab of ice on the face of the earth? How about a five fish limit heavy enough to win the Bass master Classic. These are trout we’re talking about, but you get the idea. Brown’s lake has more

than it’s fair share of enormous trout, but they can also be notoriously difficult to catch, and I was only barely kidding about the wind. Most successful anglers will concentrate their efforts around the weed beds and points by the boat launch. Successful baits include Powerbait, Swedish Pimples, jigging Rapalas, and rocker jigs. Fishing a partial or whole night crawler on a tip-up or dead-stick rig is sometimes very productive as well. Try different combinations until you get it right.

FLATHEAD LAKE: The arctic weather of late November and early December has given us some good ice to fish on the bays of Flathead Lake. The perch bite has been fair on small tear drop or rocker jigs tipped with maggots. Small Jigging Raps’ can work well for the perch when they are actively feeding.

Lake trout can be caught on bucktail jigs, tube jigs and jigging spoons. Putting some cut-bait on your hooks will increase the looks you get from hungry macs. Be careful on this lake as weather conditions can quickly change the quality of the ice from week to week.

For those out there who would prefer not to have to drill a hole to go fishing, never fear. Local rivers will still offer up some good fishing for trout and whitefish if conditions permit. Any time we see a few days of above-freezing temperatures, grab your favorite nymphing stick and your neoprene waders and head out to the Clark Fork, Bitterroot or Rock Creek.

Have a safe and happy New Year, and as always, resolve to spend more time fishing this year.

W

ith winter now settled in fully and one good arctic front behind us most of our area lakes in Southwestern Montana are now good and frozen or very close to it. And the ice anglers haven’t wasted anytime getting out there and having some fun.

Most of our area lakes and reservoirs have fishable ice from 8” thick up to 13” at the time I’m writing this report.

With cold nighttime temps these should consistently increase. And with our area tailwater fisheries we have plenty of open water on the rivers to keep the fly fisherman and traditional anglers busy as well. Although it’s amazing it’s January already and spring will be here again before we know it. Let’s have a look at some reports on our local options.

HEBGEN AND QUAKE LAKES: Are often overlooked for their ice fishing possibilities. For one a drive is required from the Bozeman area. And often they can be covered by quite a bit of snow. But if catching large trout through the ice gets your motor running then these bodies of water

JANUARY 2010

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can be a great sleeper bet as long as you don’t mind the extra work in getting out there and set up. Swedish Pimples and various tiny ice jigs tipped with maggots or a piece of nightcrawler are great rigs for these waters. And jigging traditional flies like Wooly Buggers, or some small mayfly nymphs work very well also.

HYALITE RESERVOIR: Once again this year the road up to Hyalite is being plowed. This body of water was frozen and fishable quickly this year. Reports have been very good.

Most anglers are having great success.

Swedish Pimples and various Jammin’ Jig patterns have kept the ice rods bent nicely. Maggots in either white or pink, pieces of nightcrawler, and mealworms have been the most consistant baits for tipping jigs.

DAILEY LAKE: Ice angling on daily has been good early this season. The usual baits are all in play.

Swedish Pimples, small ice jigs

ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM • Jigging Raps, have all been good bets.

As always the wind is the biggest issue here. Make sure you get your shelters anchored well.

UPPER MADISON RIVER: When weather permitting has been fishing very well between Hebgen and Quake Lakes as well as in the wade section from Slide Inn down to $3.00 Bridge.

The road at 3$ is now closed so a hike is required. Snow shoes or cross country skis are a great idea. It’s no fun post holing along the banks.

Midge hatches have been good to great on calmer warmer afternoons.

With plenty of trout eager to come to the surface. Long leaders, fine tippets, and tiny flies make for a very fun afternoon and a great cure for cabin fever. Nymphing has been very good once you find the fish in those slower deeper runs. They aren’t too finicky as long as you are on the bottom and get it in front of them. Quake to Lyon’s bridge will be open for fishing through the end of February.

half have been cruising the shallows not too far off the bank. Worms and maggots have been working equally as well. The perch and walleye populations have seemingly congregated in a little deeper water closer to the White Earth area.

JESSE FLYNN

North Central Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By Helena

BY JESSE FLYNN (406) 457-7200 e-mail: fishing167helena@yahoo.com CANYON FERRY: Well folks, it looks like the ice has formed a few weeks earlier than expected. Can’t beat that! Canyon Ferry is holding a good eight inches of ice on most of the southern half. Though, the north end of the lake will need a bit more time to form good, safe, fishable ice.

As we near the end of January I would suspect fishable ice on the northern half of the lake. The rainbows in the southern

HAUSER LAKE: Generally takes a little while longer to freeze over due to current.

But good news, the Causeway arm where current is not as swift, has safe fishable ice of approximately nine inches. Word has it, pink is the go to color the trout have been feeding on. You might try a nuclear ant, ratso, or shrimpo in pink tipped with a maggot or piece of crawler. Find the bottom and reel up until you find what depths they are cruising at. Usually one to two cranks off the bottom will put you in pretty good position to catch trout. Try it out and see what happens.

HOLTER LAKE: Well it was looking like Holter was freezing nicely with the cold spell that we had in December but then it warmed back up and what ice was forming became questionable. There were a few “crazies” fishing Holter when we had the cold spell in the middle of December, I think there was only about three inches, if that, at the time. Which is safe ice, just not safe for me.

REGULATING RESERVOIR: Has good ice and okay fishing. Kokanee are being caught through the ice but like last summer it has been slow going. Small ice jigs tipped with maggots and a flasher above seem to be doing best. Keep plugging away. The Ling fishing has been really good as of late; who would have thought? Use cut bait, worms, and glow rigs when fishing for ling. Locate a fairly deep hole and sit on the bottom.

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 15

16 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

ANACONDA LEGENDS OF THE WULF NORDIC SKI RACE: February 13

•

ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM

Calendar Of Events

BOZEMAN GREAT ROCKIES SPORTSHOW: January 29 - 31

Legends of the Wulf Nordic Ski Race, formerly Ben Held at the Gallatin Country Fairgrounds, 901 North Black Ali Haggin’s Mile High Nordic Ski Race, is a freestyle Phone: 406-580-3907 or visit http://greatrockiesshow.com Nordic ski race with distances of 1, 2, 5, 9, and 19 km.

E-mail: bill@greatrockiesshow.com The entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for juniors 17 and under, and ask for family rates. A meal and awards at end of race is included in entry fee. All juniors 17 and under DILLON receive a medal for participation. Medals awarded for STAN SHAFER MEMORIAL ICE 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each race distance. The 9 and FISHING DERBY: January 23 19km courses are hilly and technically challenging. The Fishing Derby is held every year at Clark Canyon Reservoir. course is at an elevation above 6,000 feet and provides Proceeds go to benefit the Beaverhead Search and Rescue. expansive views of Mount Haggin and the Pintler Range. This is an ice fishing derby with prizes for the biggest fish.

Held at Mount Haggin Nordic Ski Trails, 11 miles south Mobile concessions on ice. Two progressive tagged fish, of Anaconda on the road to Wisdom.

4-way split for largest trout and ling. Youth (12 years and Phone: 406-560-6060 or visit http://missoulanordic.org younger) two-way split for largest trout and ling.

E-mail: jgriffin@mt.gov Held at the Clark Canyon Reservoir. 20 miles south of Dillon, along Interstate 15 south. Phone: 406-683-4875 E-mail: hunterstaxidermy@hughes.net

BIG SKY SNO-BALL: January 16 - 23

Enjoy watching regional professionals carve their ice masterpieces, while kids can help form snow features.

Other activities include a bouncer room for children and ski and snowboard demos. When the sun goes down the event transforms into a party held in the sno-bar, which is designed with walls, a bar, tables, and benches all formed out of snow. Dance the night away until the fireworks show caps off this memorable evening!

Held in Big Sky’s Mountain Village, 8 miles west of Highway 191 on Highway 64.

Toll Free: 800-548-4486 or visit www.bigskyresort.com

BOZEMAN COMMUNITY RACE SERIES - ALPINE & TELEMARK: January 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 This race series is open to the general public of all ages.

Intermediate and advanced skiers welcome. There are several age divisions for men and women. Medals are awarded to placing finishers. Telemark events on Saturday, and Alpine GS races on Sundays. The entry fee is $10 per event. Everyone who enters is eligible to win great door prizes at the awards ceremony, but you must be present to win. The Race Series will take place at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, 16 miles northeast of Bozeman on Highway 86.

Phone: 406-586-1518 or visit www.bridgerbowl.com E-mail: skitrip@bridgerbowl.com

BOZEMAN MONTANA SENIOR OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES/NORDIC EVENT: January 23 The Montana Senior Olympic Winter Games/Nordic Event includes 5K and 10K classic and freestyle. Races are open to both men and women 45 years and older. All abilities welcome to participate. Medals (gold, silver and bronze) awarded in 5 year age brackets. Held at Bohart Cross Country Ski Center, 16621 Bridger Canyon Road, 15 miles out of Bozeman on Highway 86.

Phone: 406-586-5543 or visit http://montanaseniorolympics.org E-mail: kayjn@imt.net

JANUARY 2010

GREAT FALLS MONTANA PRCA PRO RODEO CIRCUIT FINALS: January 15 - 17

HELENA FOUL WEATHER ARCHERY SHOOT: February 21

The Montana PRCA Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals are held at the State Fairgrounds in Great Falls. Over 96 of Montana’s best PRCA pro rodeo contestants travel to Great Falls to pit their wit and ability against the skill and heart of Montana’s finest PRCA rodeo stock. Also included are the Miss Rodeo Montana Pageant, an auction and a dance.

Phone: 406-727-8900 or visit www.mtexpopark.com E-mail: info@goexpopark.com

30 – 40 3-D Rhinehart Targets.

Registration is from 8:00 am to 10:00 am Held at the Z Bar Z Shooting Clays on the corner of Lincoln Road & Birdseye Road.

Phone 439-5146 or visit www.lewisandclarkarchers.com

HAVRE ICE FISHING DERBY: January 30 - 31

NEIHART LEARN TO SKI FOR FREE: Showdown’s Learn to Ski for Free January 17, February 21, March 7

The Ice Fishing Derby is a two-day family event.

First Time skiers ages 7 and up are encouraged to learn The Havre Chamber Ag Committee fishing derby is to ski for free. This offer includes a mandatory two designed for participants to win cash, have fun, and hour group lesson, rental equipment, and a beginner protect the fishery and raise scholarship funds. A chairlift ticket. An affordable way to learn the great Montana fishing license is required. Under 13 years of sport of downhill skiing, participants must register age must be accompanied by an adult. Each hour there online at showdownmontana.com. Rentals available to are cash prizes for the longest fish, for northern pike, participants at 12:30 pm and lesson takes place at walleyes and trout categories and five tagged fish worth 1:30 pm. Lift tickets granted at the conclusion of the $5,000 if caught. At the end of the derby a final prize ESSEX lesson. Spaces are unlimited. Phone: 406-236-5522 paid in each category. Held on Beaver Creek Reservoir ANNUAL SKI FEST: January 16 - 17 or visit www.showdownmontana.com (Lower Lake) located in Beaver Creek Park, 15 miles The Annual Ski Fest is a worldwide celebration of south of Havre. Take 5th Avenue South - it turns into cross-country skiing. Featuring family activities, equipment SEELEY LAKE CHALLENGE Highway 234 which runs right to the park. demonstrations, free ski lessons, discounted ski rentals BIATHLON: January 23 Phone: 406-265-4383 or visit www.havremt.com and free ski trail passes. Special room rates are available.

Come out for this fun event! There’s something for E-mail: chamberdesk@havremt.net A great way to get acquainted with cross country skiing. everyone here! Saturday - 9-11am registration The weekend focus is on fun for families, seniors and a * 11am 1/2 hour mandatory safety class for all novices HELENA first timers to cross country skiing. Weekend activities * 11:30am 2/2 hour mandatory safety class RACE TO THE SKY SLED DOG commence at 11:00am, Saturday with free beginner lessons, * noon zero hour (sighting in) RACE: February 12 16 and free sleigh rides with Bob Ricketts of Three Dog Down. * 1pm biathlons start The Race to the Sky will have its official kick-off Free Lessons continue throughout the day. Sunday will Held at the junction of Morrell Creek Road and Morrell celebration on Friday, starting with a vet check at again repeat the free lessons, ending the activities at 3:00pm.

Falls Road. Phone: 406-677-2880 noon. That evening an auction for rides at the restart Izaak Walton Inn Employee Ice Sculpture Contest to be or visit www.seeleylakechamber.com in Lincoln will happen.

Don’t miss an opportunity to judged by participants - come and vote! A great day to play E-mail: slchamber@blackfoot.net bid on a sled ride with a Race to the Sky competitor and ski! Held at the Izaak Walton Inn, which is located just and feel the electricity of the race.

On Saturday, off Highway 2 halfway between East and West Glacier on onlookers will be able to witness the start of the race at the southern tip of Glacier National Park.

Camp Rimini. Camp Rimini was a former World War Phone: 406-888-5700 or visit www.izaakwaltoninn.com Dog Training and Reception Center near Helena that E-mail: stay@izaakwaltoninn.com was used to train dogs for military operations during World War II. Watch them finish Saturday in Deer Lodge after running 45 miles. Events in Deer Lodge during the afternoon and evening. On Sunday, the race GLASGOW restarts its continuous portion of Race to the Sky at ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT: Hi-Country Snack Foods in Lincoln at noon. Successful February 20 bidders at Friday night’s auction will be boarding their Competition ice fishing in the Marina Bay at Fort Peck musher’s sleds for a first-hand view of the Race to the Lake. Top prize is $2,000, with other cash prizes and Sky excitement. Watch the teams start their day and 2/04/09 merchandise prizes. Any fish caught could be the winner night journey through the mountains of Montana. The Helena Chapter Banquet from perch to northern pike; walleyes are accepted too. finish is at Hi-Country Snack Foods near Lincoln and Contact: Carrie Scoles (406) 443-1552 or Bring the whole family, dress warmly and expect to have is predicted sometime Tuesday with finishes crossing (406) 431-1525 a lot of fun. The holes are pre-drilled, so just bring a scoop, the finish arch until Wednesday afternoon. The awards a bucket, your fishing equipment and whatever you need ceremony is Wednesday night in Lincoln. The public to spend three hours on the ice. No tents or sleeping bags. is welcome and encouraged to attend all the events.

There is a limit of 200 fishermen. The event starts at noon Race to the Sky is one of the qualifying races prior to 01/23/10 and is over at 3:00pm. Prizes will be awarded right after the Alaskan Iditarod. In years past, anywhere from 22 Polson the final. The Fort Peck Marina is just off Highway 24, to 35 teams have begun this 350-mile race through the Mission Valley Big Game Banquet eighteen miles from Glasgow. Follow the signs.

Montana backcountry.

Contact: Kelly Kost (406) 644-3495 Phone: 406-228-2222 or visit www.glasgowmt.net Phone: 406-881-3647 or visit www.racetothesky.org E-mail: chamber@glasgowmt.net E-mail: info@racetothesky.org 02/06/10

EVENTS TO SUPPORT WILDLIFE

PHEASANTS FOREVER RMEF EVENTS

Billings Beartooth Big Game Banquet Contact: Mike Baugh (406) 855-0324

JANUARY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 17

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RANDY ROSE OF STEVENSVILLE SCORES ON A BIG MONTANA TOM

Mountain Lion Basics

BY BRODIE SWISHER

A

long with the invitation I received for my first mountain lion hunt, came the encouraging words from my friend, “You better be prepared, lion hunting can be tough.” I assumed these words of caution were a result of the harsh terrain and weather conditions that are often a part of cat country. Nonetheless, I began to research lion hunting tactics, articles, and information. The first bit of wisdom I received came from a “How to Kill a Mountain Lion” guide I found on the internet. It went something like…Step 1) Search for mountain lion tracks in remote areas with large deer populations.

This usually involves extensive searching and long rides on a truck, ATV or snowmobile. Step 2) Release the trained hunting dogs. If your dogs are not trained to hunt mountain lions, a hired guide can provide them. Follow the dogs as they follow the trail. Step 3) Arrive at the treed mountain lion. You will have to move quickly. The cat may decide to make a break for it after regaining strength. Step 4) Take aim and fire. Enjoy your trophy…

“Wow…that sounds easy enough,” I thought…

What I discovered on that first lion hunt proved that the pursuit of the “big cat” can provide hunters with the most challenging, exhilarating, and

humbling experience of any critter in the woods. As my friend suggested…You better be prepared!

KING OF CATS The mountain lion is called by more names than most any other mammal – cougar, puma, panther, catamount or just plain lion. Regardless of the name, they are known as one of nature’s most incredible beasts. Adult lions can be more than six feet long. Features include a long, 32+” tail, weights of 140 pounds or more, and colors ranging from grey to reddish-brown.

Lions are most active from dusk to dawn, although they will travel and hunt in daylight. Lions prefer to eat deer; however, they also kill elk, small mammals, livestock, and a variety of domestic animals such as pets. It’s been said that an adult lion will eat a single deer in two nights. Mountain lions prefer to kill their own prey. Like most cats, they take their prey by ambush rather than a long pursuit. Since hunting with hounds tends to be the most efficient way to find success on cats, locating a feeding sight can be the jackpot on a starting point to turn out the dogs when in pursuit of tough toms.

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The mountain lion is known to have one of the largest geographic ranges of any American native mammal. It’s been said that a mature cat can cover 20 miles in a 24 hour period. With such an extensive range of travel and the remoteness of the land they call home, a lion hunt will no doubt test a hunter’s legs and endurance level. Lions live in some of the harshest terrain imaginable. Cat country can often consist of deep, steep canyon country. Thick, rugged terrain with near-vertical inclines are often the norm, making for the ultimate proving grounds for one’s resolve to encounter a cat in the tree.

Good friend, and avid houndsman, Dave Oligee, knows a thing or two about the use of dogs to put game up a tree. Dave owns and operates Simmons Sharks Broadheads (simmonssharks.com), but admits his true passion is to chase hounds around the country in an effort to put a cat…or coon…up a tree. I recently asked Dave about the current trend in lion hunting, particularly with the use of hounds. Dave was quick to admit that, like other aspects of hunting, the increasing wolf population has had an effect on mountain lion hunting as well. “The days of starting old tracks and letting the dogs run them up new, are over with,” says Oligee. “The population growth of wolves has hindered our ability to effectively free-cast the hounds like we used to. Nowadays, you need to stay close to the hounds for obvious reasons.

The wolves can – and will - run the dogs

down and kill them.”

Oligee says the ideal scenario is to hit the woods within 12 hours of a fresh snow. Hunting new snow allows the hunter to ensure they are on fresh tracks, says Oligee. “I also like to see a complete covering of snow on the ground as the dogs will often lose a track going across dry ground.”

MALE/FEMALE LION IDENTIFICATION Oligee also points out that aside from simply looking much larger, an adult male will often tree lower on the lower branches. They also tend to appear more at ease in the tree, with somewhat of a fearless attitude when approached. An adult male lion will have a much larger and rounder head than that of the female.

According to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s Mountain Lion Identification Manual, the male adult and sub-adult lions have a conspicuous black spot of hair, behind the hind legs and about four-to-five inches below the anus.

Female adult and sub-adult lions have a black vulva spot about 1” below the anus. Because the anus and vulva are up under the base of the tail, the vulva spot may not be evident, especially from a distance. *Always be sure to check local game laws for regulations on the killing of male and female lions.

(continued on page 18)

18 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Mountain Lion Basics (continued from page 17) GEAR FOR CAT HUNTING SnowShoes – When the snow begins to pile up, snowshoes become a must to get into – and out of – cat country. The MSR Denali Ascent (cascadedesigns.com) snowshoes are hard to beat. Durable enough to tackle demanding winter ascents, these lightweight, technical snowshoes offer superior traction on ice and snowcovered landscapes. Based on MSR’s revolutionary Denali snowshoes, they feature the same modular tail system that allows you to adapt to variable loads and snow conditions.

Light-Weight Backpack – You’ll need a pack to carry food, water, survival gear, snowshoes when not in use, and other possible items.

One of my favorites is the Badlands Diablo (badlandspacks.com). Its super light…in fact, it’s lighter than many packs that feature only half of the Diablo’s carrying capacity. By incorporating the newest, lightest, and strongest materials available the Diablo hit a ratio of 15x, meaning

it weighs less than three pounds, yet is capable of sustaining loads of 45 pounds plus.

GPS – A reliable GPS unit can be a lifesaver when you’re in the backcountry and you’ve chased the dogs far past your comfort zone.

Other must-have gear items include: Energy bars, survival equipment, headlamp, quality boots, gaiters, and a layered system of clothing.

Don’t be fooled into thinking hunting season is over! The cold and snowy days of winter offer some of the best hunting opportunities of the year. And when it’s the Rocky Mountain’s king of cats that you’re after, the action can get hot in a hurry.

Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, and seminar speaker. Check out his website at www.BroOutdoors.com

JANUARY 2010

January Means Smith River Permit Applications MFWP W

hen the new year arrives, it will be time to start thinking about summer floating trips on the Smith River.

Applications will be available Jan. 4 at all Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices or on the FWP website: www.fwp.mt.gov. Applications must be postmarked or submitted no later than Tuesday, Feb. 16.

FWP’s online licensing system might be just the ticket for anyone who wants to apply at home, but an ALS number is required.

For those folks who previously bought a hunting or fishing license, the ALS number is printed on the license top. For those without an ALS number, the online system will assign one.

To apply online, starting January 4 go to the department’s web site. Then under the state parks logo click on Smith River permit.

Applications are also available at any FWP regional office.

Starting in 2010 a new Smith River management plan will take affect. The plan includes two changes next year: A first come, first served policy at the river’s Camp Baker launch site and a pet prohibition for floaters.

The Camp Baker policy states that official registration and campsite selection for floaters will begin 7:30 a.m. the day before a scheduled launch.

The no pet policy prohibits dogs and other pets on all Smith River floats.

The management plan is also online under state parks at the FWP web site.

Typically, several thousand floaters annually apply, with about 800 getting the permit they seek.

The peak float season runs from early May to early July. For more information contact the FWP Region 4 office at (406) 454-5840.

JANUARY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 19

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20 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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JANUARY 2010

Winners Of 2009 Photo Contest THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS and to all who Submitted Photos

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RX-IV Range Finder Boone And Crockett Edition MSRP $564.99

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE 8591 Capri Drive, Helena, MT. 59602

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 21

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22 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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JANUARY 2010

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Baked Beef French Loaf Recipe From “Cooking Backyard To Backcountry”BY JOHN RITTEL AND LORI RITTEL, M.S., R.D. 4-6 Servings

Y

ou can be creative with this fun recipe. Add mushrooms, diced vegetables such as zucchini or carrots, and whatever ingredients you like.

1 large loaf of French Bread 1 lb. ground beef, extra lean 1 egg, beaten 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup sliced stuffed green olives (optional) 1 cup tomato sauce 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper

1. Cut a slice across the top of the French bread, lengthwise, about 1/2 inch wide.

2. Scoop bread out of crust, leaving a shell. Reserve 1 cup of breadcrumbs.

3. In a bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs with the remaining ingredients.

4. Mix thoroughly and place mixture into bread crust shell.

5. Wrap and seal in large, lightly oiled square of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place package on medium hot coals for about 90 minutes.

This recipe can be prepared on a home grill, on a grill over a fire, or \submerged in hot coals in a campfire.

PHOTO COURTESY CHUCK ROBBINS

Sagebrush News: Frigid Fowling

BY CHUCK ROBBINS

T

he fouler Old Man Winter’s mood the better savvy waterfowl hunters like it—the key word here is of course savvy; in other words success in the late season hinges on hunting smart.

It all starts with understanding what makes late season geese and ducks tick. Like armies, waterfowl perform best on full stomachs. The colder it gets the more calories required to keep engines firing. And since food sources tend to dry up during times of cold and snow scouting, always a key ingredient to successful waterfowl hunting now becomes all important. Unmolested, waterfowl will return time and again to the same fields but as we all know all too well harried fowl are wary fowl.

As winter tightens its grip open water becomes increasingly scarce also. So effective scouting involves not only staying abreast of the active feeding areas but also the open water areas. The best winter hunting is in areas of extensive grain fields with numerous spring fed creeks and ponds, river sections seldom, if ever, freeze. Unmolested, just as with grain fields, waterfowl will return again and again. Ramp up the hunting pressure and you can bet the farm this morning’s productive pond won’t be tomorrow morning.

But doing your homework is only the beginning. To fool wary, late season waterfowl consistently usually comes down to making sure every last detail is in order—wind direction, decoy layout, hunters, dogs, blinds, game plan—all of it. Often all it

takes is just the slightest hint something ain’t quite right, the flock flares, the deal goes bust. My ill-timed attempt to grab an action shot on film once ruined a perfect setup; and guess what I haven’t been asked back since.

Fidgeting dogs, anxious, look-up and/ or trigger-happy guns, beat-up, dull, dirty, paint-chipped decoys, glinting gun barrels and sloppy set-ups are just a few of the many little things can and often do go wrong. Got the rest of it right and still no dice? Try down-sizing your decoy spread, a simple task and often all it takes.

Hunting smart also entails being properly attired not only to blend in but for January’s often brutal weather. For me that means neoprene over wool and lots of both. Personally, having long since shed any semblance of tough and macho, the first to go are feet and hands. As such I’ve become somewhat fanatic about the idea of cold weather foot- and hand-wear. The translated version of that is don’t send me no boots sporting less than 1000 grams insulation and if you know of fingered gloves out there works much below freezing that you can actually pull the trigger I’m all ears...

Fooling late season waterfowl usually involves a lot of time and effort so when the chance comes the last thing you want is to miss.

Scattergun mastery comes with practice and, in my experience, there really is no such thing as too much.

Chuck is a freelance writer/ photographer and fly-fishing guide. To check out his articles, books, blogs, photos and more go to www.chuckngalerobbins.com.

JANUARY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 23

CRP Losses In Prairie Pothole Region Add Up DUCKS UNLIMITED

D

ucks Unlimited cautions that the Duck Factory is on the verge of losing even more of its capacity. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Conservation Reserve Program contracts on more than 500,000 acres expired and were not renewed in the Prairie Pothole Region states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana in 2009. That means another one-half million acres of grass that will be turned back into cropland and no longer available as nesting habitat for ducks. It also means one-half million acres of grass that are no longer available as an occasional forage source for ranchers.

The cumulative impacts of grassland loss in the Prairie Pothole Region, both CRP and native prairie, at this magnitude, will eventually have significant impacts on waterfowl populations and the number of ducks that hunters see in their decoy spreads,” said Scott McLeod, DU government affairs representative.

This fall’s losses of CRP grassland are in addition to the more than 960,000 acres lost in the Dakotas and Montana in 2007 and 335,000 acres lost in

2008. Nearly 70 percent of the acres that have expired in the Dakotas and Montana since 2007 have been in the Prairie Pothole Region, and during the next three years, another 3.4 million acres will expire in the Dakotas and Montana.

South Dakota has slipped from 1.8 million acres of CRP down to 1.07 million acres since 2007. McLeod says the acreage total will fall to the 600,000 to 650,000 range by 2012. Likewise, North Dakota has slipped from 3.4 million acres in 2007 to 2.7 million acres and will drop to 1.2 million acres by 2012.

“In 2012 alone, North Dakota will lose more than 846,000 acres of CRP,” said McLeod.

Nationwide, some 2.7 million acres of CRP, freed from contracts, are already being converted into farmland.

Enough acres exited the program this year to fall below the nationwide enrollment cap, which was reduced from 39.2 million acres to 32 million acres in the 2008 farm bill.

To get below 32 million acres by October 1, 2010, as mandated in the 2008 Farm Bill, USDA offered three or five year contract extensions and 70 percent

of the producers accepted. “However, the result was still a significant loss of CRP nationwide and in the Dakotas and Montana,” said McLeod.

USDA is currently in the process of conducting a CRP Supplemental

Environmental Impact Statement, which is expected to be completed sometime during the fall of 2010. A general CRP sign-up cannot be held until the impact statement is completed.

24 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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JANUARY 2010

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Montana’s 2010-2011 Poaching Cases Result In Hunting Regulation Convictions MFWP Proposals Available Two youths from Saco and The Glasgow boy was ordered to For Review MFWP another youth from Glasgow have pleaded complete 10 hours of community service Montanans will have an

extensive opportunity to review and comment on 2010-2011 hunting regulations proposals by going on online now or by attending one of 46 public meetings beginning in January. The MFWPs Commission accepted the proposals on December 10.

FWP expects the meetings will be well attended. The meeting schedule is available as a PDF file on the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov . Click “2010-11 Hunting Season Comments.”

“Hunters, landowners, outfitters and others are more involved than ever,” said FWP Director Joe Maurier. “We received a lot of participation and interest this summer when we invited the public to propose ideas for the upcoming seasons.”

Last summer, FWP held seven meetings across the state and received more than 370 comments that led to several hunting season proposals. In years past, FWP would propose “tentative” seasons and season structures, from general regulations to types of special permits offered in specific areas, and then ask for comment on the proposals without a formal scoping session.

Details on the proposed hunting regulations are available on FWP’s Web site at fwp.mt.gov.

Comments, due 5 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2010, may be submitted at the local area meetings, or electronically on the FWP Web page at fwp.mt.gov; click “2010-11 Hunting Season Comments.”

Comments may be sent to: FWP—Wildlife Bureau, Attn: Public Comment, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701 or call: 406-444-2612.

guilty to a total of 20 misdemeanor criminal charges tied to the recent poaching of two mule deer bucks, two white-tailed deer bucks, and two pronghorn antelope bucks in northern Phillips and Valley counties.

According to Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Warden Dirk Paulsen of Malta, the two Saco boys, ages 16 and 17, each were charged with seven state wildlife violations. The third boy, age 17 and from Glasgow, was charged with six violations.

The charges included illegal possession of a game animal, killing more than one buck deer without authorization, failure to tag a game animal, wanton waste of a game animal, and hunting without a valid license or permit.

Paulsen said 17 of the 20 citations issued in the case were for poaching that took place in Phillips County. Three more citations were issued for illegal hunting activities that took place in Valley County.

Phillips County Justice of the Peace Gayle Stahl sentenced the Saco boys to $2,410 in fines, with the fines suspended as long as they complete 60 hours of community service work. Stahl also suspended each of their hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years.

work for the Phillips County infractions and was assessed $255 in fines and court surcharges, ordered to perform 10 hours of community service work, and had his hunting, fishing and trapping privileges suspended for three years for the Valley County infractions. Valley County Justice of the Peace Linda Hartsock ruled that one year of the suspension would be reconsidered if the boy completes a remedial hunter education course.

Details about the boys’ illegal activities were revealed to state officials following publicity in early November about a mule deer buck found shot and abandoned near Hewitt Lake northwest of Saco.

Paulsen said several of the animals shot and killed by the boys were left where they fell. Others had their heads or antlers cut off. Three of the antlered heads were recovered and held as evidence as part of the investigation, which was triggered through FWP’s Turn In Poachers-Montana (TIP-MONT) program.

Anyone with information about violations of fish, wildlife or other natural resource laws can contact the program toll-free, 24-hours a day, at 1-800-847-6668. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Turn In Poachers Tip-Montana 1-800-847-6668

Missoula Bowhunter Education Classes Set To Begin In January MFWP T

he 2010 Missoula bowhunter education class schedule has been set, and registration for January and February classes opens Monday, January 4.

Students can elect to take a class on one of three Saturdays: Jan. 23, Feb. 13 or Feb. 27 from 8:30-5:30 p.m. at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office, 3201 Spurgin Road.

Students that take any of these classes must also complete a half-day field course on Saturday, March 13.

To register, stop by the Missoula FWP office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8a.m.-5p.m., beginning Jan. 4. Classes are limited to 35 students, and registration is open until the class fills. A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to register, and classes are free of charge.

Additional bowhunter education classes will be offered in Missoula and other west-central Montana communities from March through May. Montana also offers online bowhunter education classes for anyone 18 years and older. Although a lot of the coursework is completed online, students must take a field day to receive their certification card. Missoula field days for online students are scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 12:30-4 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, May 22, 8:30-12pm and Thursday, June 17, 6-9 p.m. Students can find out more information about the online class and register for a field day at nbef.org . There is a $20 fee for the online course.

JANUARY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 25

Hunting And Conservation News We Buy Trade and Sell New & Used Firea Firearms rms

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Wolf Litigation Continues; Elk Foundation Files New Brief Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Responding to the latest legal

said complaints alleging the U.S. Fish wrangling by environmental groups, the and Wildlife Service improperly delisted Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation again wolves in Idaho and Montana, but not has entered into federal court an amicus Wyoming, could have legal merit. curiae brief supporting wolf population Plaintiffs trumpeted the legal opening management via state-regulated hunting and filed a motion for summary judgment in Idaho and Montana. based on this argument.

The move means U.S. District “Their attack on hunting proved Judge Donald Molloy will consider RMEF unpersuasive so now they’re backing up positions against the environmental groups’ and citing a procedural issue related to request for summary judgment in a the Endangered Species Act. This legal lawsuit seeking to stop the hunts and wrangling has drug on well past the point return gray wolves to the endangered of ridiculousness. This is what happens species list. when you’ve got well-funded plaintiffs A summary judgment is a who can’t be bothered by on-the-ground determination made by a court without a facts, logic or common sense. That’s not full trial. how conservation works,” said David Molloy is expected to rule early Allen, RMEF president and CEO. in 2010.

RMEF entered its new amicus In September, Molloy denied curiae brief by last week’s deadline. the environmental groups’ request for an The 37-page document reinforces emergency injunction. Following a four main themes: hearing in Missoula, Mont., Molloy ruled -Historic success of modern, hunter-based that plaintiffs had failed to demonstrate conservation in North America. how hunting would cause irreparable -Viewpoints of hunters who continue to harm to wolf populations. RMEF pay for the big-game resources that made documents, filed shortly before the wolf recovery possible. hearing, were considered in that decision. -RMEF-funded research, along with other The ruling allowed wolf scientific and anecdotal evidence, showing hunting to proceed in Idaho and Montana. that wolf populations are fully recovered By early Decemand that, where ber, hunters had wolves are taken present with approximately 184 elk, wolves are wolves out of an having detriestimated 1,500mental plus total populaimpacts on elk. tion in the northern -State wildlife Rockies—a harvest agencies are well below the best suited to combined quota. manage wolves However, alongside other in the September species. ruling, Molloy also

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Hunting Seasons Still Open open through January 31.

Many big game hunting partridgeAsremain for rabbits, the season on seasons have ended, but there’s still plenty IDAHO FISH & GAME

of hunting open through the winter.

Seasons are open for most geese, ducks, coots and common snipe through January 15 in the northern and eastern parts of the state and through January 22 in the southwest.

In addition, a two-part season for snow and Ross’ geese runs from October 23 through January 15 and February 20 through March 10 in the Southeast Region and a portion of the Magic Valley Region; from October 30 through January 22 and from February 20 through March 10, 2010, in the Southwest and the majority of the Magic Valley regions.

The season re-opened for canvasbacks in 2009 with a one-bird limit.

In the uplands, the seasons remain open on forest grouse and on pheasants in the northern and western part of the state through December 31. The pheasant and quail seasons are closed in the eastern part of the state.

Bobwhite and California quail season remains open through January 31 in the western and northern parts of the state. The seasons on chukar and gray

cottontails is open through February 28 and on snowshoe hares through March 31.

Jackrabbits are considered predators under Idaho law and hunting is unregulated, but hunters still must have a valid hunting license and follow general rules for hunting and the use of firearms.

Falconry is open from the close of firearm seasons through March 15 for upland game birds species and January 31 for crows. The falconry season on migratory game birds is the same as the federal seasons.

Mountain lion seasons are open through the winter in much of the state.

Mountain lion seasons are open through March 31 in all but units 1 - 9. In units 20A, 26, 27, the take season stays open through April 30, and units 41 and 42 stay open through June 30, 2010.

A valid 2010 hunting license will be required on January 1. Licenses are available at vendors. Check Fish and Game rules for exact seasons in your favorite hunting unit. Rules, seasons and limits also are available on the agency’s Web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.

26 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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JANUARY 2010

Elk And Deer Harvest Steady Although Below Five-year Average For Final Weekend In Southwest Montana MFWP Harvest of elk and deer harvest was slightly lower. Hunter was steady, but below the five-year average during the final weekend of the 2009 general big game season in southwest Montana.

Overall 9.4 percent of hunters checked game through the six check stations with 75 elk, 67 mule deer, and 28 white-tailed deer. About 1,815 hunters stopped at a southwest Montana check station.

Elk and white-tailed deer harvest in the final weekend was higher than in 2008 and mule deer

numbers were about the same and the percent of hunters with game was a percentage point higher than 2008.

2009 final weekend hunter numbers and harvest of elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer were down from the five-year average of 2,431 hunters, 35 white-tailed deer, 99 mule deer and 145 elk.

The percentage of hunters with game was the same as the five-year average of 9.5.

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Deer And Elk Harvest Down For West-central Montana MFWP

B

ig game rifle season ended with below average harvest totals for deer and elk in west-central Montana.

At the region’s three check stations for the season, 20,395 hunters checked 586 elk, 254 mule deer, 496 white-tailed deer, seven black bears, three moose, 22 bighorn sheep, four mountain goats and sixteen wolves for 6.8 percent of hunters with game. This is lower than the 8 percent of hunters with game last year.

Elk harvest finished just five percent below last year but nearly 45 percent behind the five-year average. Elk harvest was the lowest since 2002 when 445 elk were tallied at the Region 2 check stations.

The Anaconda station, which monitors hunter harvest in the Upper Clark Fork portion of the region, saw an above-average elk harvest this season, but both the Darby and Bonner stations were slower than in the past five years.

Region-wide, white-tailed deer harvest reported at the check stations ended the season approximately 50 percent behind the five-year average.

Mule deer harvest totals are nearly 45 percent below.

“Harvest of both deer and elk remained relatively light at the Bonner check station through the end of the season, and white-tail numbers were noticeably down,” says Jay Kolbe, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) wildlife biologist responsible for the Bonner station. “Hunters worked harder to find fewer white-tail and mule deer bucks than they have during any of the last 12 seasons.”

“We really want to thank hunters for their patience and cooperation at our check stations each year,” Kolbe says.

“The data we collect is critical to helping us manage western Montana game populations.

Biologists will be considering this year’s check station data along with the information collected in mid-winter detailed phone surveys with randomly selected hunters and spring aerial surveys of mule deer and elk as they make recommendations for the upcoming hunting seasons.

T

he number of hunters who stopped at south central Montana check stations during the final weekend of the general season – and the number of animals checked – were well above last year. But, for the season, the number of hunters who checked game was the lowest in at least seven years.

Mild weather and a slow harvest earlier in the year drove hunters into the field for the long Thanksgiving weekend.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks check stations at Lavina, Columbus and Laurel all reported significantly more hunters compared to the same weekend in 2008.

Only the Big Timber check station saw fewer hunters than last year.

The Big Timber hunters were the most successful in the region, however, with 60.4 percent harvesting an elk or deer. FWP wildlife biologist Justin Paugh said the number of mule deer was significantly lower than last year (53 compared to 71), but the elk harvest was up slightly. The 60.4 percent of successful hunters was below last year’s 67.2 percent, but near the long-term average.

For the 2009 season, Paugh said, hunter numbers were 10 percent below average, mule deer harvest was 24 percent below average, elk harvest was 33 percent above average and white-tailed deer harvest was near average.

At the Laurel check station, FWP wildlife research specialist Jay Watson said 35 percent more hunters stopped over the weekend than stopped in 2008. The success rate was slightly below last year, however. Hunters reported that the mule deer rut was mostly over while

white-tailed deer still showed signs of rutting activity. Of the buck deer checked, 74 percent were 2.5 years old or older, Watson said. Antlerless animals made up 48 percent of mule deer and 54 percent of white-tailed deer.

At Columbus, FWP wildlife biologist Shawn Stewart said more hunters stopped at the check station than any other weekend this year. White-tailed deer and mule deer numbers also were the best so far in 2009. For the entire year, the number of hunters who stopped at the Columbus check station was near the long-term average. The white-tailed deer harvest was 30 percent above average and nearly matched the check station record while the mule deer harvest was slightly below normal.

At the Lavina check station, FWP wildlife biologist Jay Newell reported that the number of hunters during the final weekend of the season was 19.6 percent higher than 2008. But the numbers of mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk brought through the check station all were significantly lower than last year.

For the entire year, hunter numbers at Lavina were 10.2 percent below the long-term average. The number of hunters with game was the lowest on record at 26.2 percent. The long-term average is 34.4 percent. The mule deer harvest was off 36.1 percent while the white-tailed deer harvest was down 18.3 percent from the long-term average.

JANUARY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 27

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It’s Not Too Soon To Enter Super Hunt For Idaho IDAHO FISH & GAME

Idaho Fish and Game has

changed the way it conducts the Super Hunt - starting with the first drawing next year, it will all be done electronically.

The Super Hunt is a fund-raising drawing for 40 big game tags. The tags are handed out to winners in two drawings.

Entries are drawn for elk, deer, pronghorn and moose tags. Winners can participate in any open hunt in the state for deer, elk, pronghorn or moose. That includes general hunts and controlled hunts.

Last year, the IF&G Commission changed the price of Super Hunt and Super Hunt Combo entries in an effort to simplify sales for the fundraising drawings.

The change has allowed electronic entries and instant processing.

Entries are no longer sold in packages.

The simplified pricing allows the purchase of any number and combination of Super Hunt and Super Hunt Combo entries.

The first Super Hunt entry will cost $6. Each additional entry purchased at the same time will cost $4. The first Super Hunt ticket costs $20, and each additional entry purchased at the same time will cost $16.

The first drawing is in June when entries are drawn for eight elk, eight deer and eight pronghorn hunts as well as one moose hunt. One Super Hunt Combo entry also will be drawn that will entitle the winner to hunt for one each elk, deer, pronghorn and moose. The second drawing is in August with two winners for elk, two for deer, two for pronghorn and one for a moose along with another Super Hunt Combo winner.

Winners can participate in any open hunt in the state for deer, elk, pronghorn or moose, including general and controlled hunts.

Entries can be bought online at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/superhunt/ or phone at 800-554-8685.

Mule Deer Foundation Puts $1.5 Million On The Ground For Mule Deer In ‘09 MULE DEER FOUNDATION

Mule Deer Foundation President

and CEO Miles Moretti announced today that MDF has once again put over $1.5 million dollars on the ground in 2009 to enhance and conserve mule deer and black-tailed deer habitat throughout the western United States. The money was raised through the sale of state wildlife auction and raffle tags, local fundraising banquets, along with corporate and private donations. Despite the economic downturn, MDF has been able to exceed project funding goals for 2009.

Projects funded vary from water developments and habitat improvement projects to the purchase of land to be conserved for mule deer and other wildlife.

Moretti said, “The number one goal I had for MDF when I took over the reins in 2006 was to increase MDF’s presence in funding habitat projects for mule deer. We have worked with State and Federal agencies, other conservation groups and private landowners to make that happen.”

In 2009, several projects highlight the organization’s commitment to funding projects that make a difference.

MDF partnered with Pheasants Forever to purchase 1,000 acres adjacent to the Beckman WMA in Central Montana. This piece of property is a key component that connects land owned by Montana FWP, Block Management land and Department of Natural Resources and Conservation land. Together, these properties total over 15,000 contiguous acres of incredible wildlife habitat, and they also provide ample opportunity for outdoor recreation and hunting.

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Encountering Mountain Lions MFWP Mountain lions are found ·your Appear larger —raise your arms. Open across much of Montana and the western jacket if you are wearing one. Throw United States. Lion populations have been increasing since the mid-1960s and at the same time so have human populations.

Montana’s human population growth has led to more urban developments in previously undeveloped areas, including new subdivisions in mountain foothills and canyons.

Despite this, actual conflicts with lions remain rare and seldom lead to serious injury or death. In more than 100 years there have been fewer than 12 recorded human fatalities due to lion attacks in the United States.

FOLLOWING ARE SOME TIPS FOR WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A LION: · Do not approach a lion —most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation.

Give them a way to escape. · Do not run from a lion —running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal.

Do not turn your back. Make eye contact.

If there are small children nearby, pick them up if possible so they don’t panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the lion. · Do not crouch down or bend over —a person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal.

stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it. · Be vocal —talk calmly and regularly.

IF A LION ATTACKS: - If you are unarmed, you can use bear pepper spray to deter the lion. Many potential victims have also fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands.

Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

- If you have a firearm, and know how to use it safely and effectively, Montana law allows you to kill a mountain lion to defend yourself, another person, or a domestic dog. If you do kill a lion in self defense you must report it to FWP within 72 hours. · Defend other people —if you need to defend others, be aggressive.

Seeing a mountain lion in the outdoors is not an emergency or even necessarily a threat. Most people never see a lion. Nonetheless, it is important to be prepared. An aggressive lion is unusual and should be reported to the nearest MFWP office immediately.

28 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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JANUARY 2010

Rocky Mountain States State Record Striper Caught During Major Storm

While most people were

huddled indoors out of the torrential rain on Dec. 7 when a major winter storm pummeled the state, John Davis was enjoying a fishing bonanza at Lake Pleasant, including landing a new inland state record striped bass.

“I’ve never experienced anything quite like it, they were hitting topwater all day long in the rain. It was really something,” Davis said.

Arizona Game and Fish Department officials say John’s monster striper weighed in at 28.58 pounds and measured 45.7 inches long. He caught the behemoth on a Zara Super Spook, which is a topwater lure.

John said the behemoth striper actually hit the lure twice without being hooked, but came back a third time. John was amazed he could even land the fish – it ran like a runaway freight train, tearing off line and it took him some time to subdue the giant.

Davis, a Phoenix resident, routinely fishes Lake Pleasant, but said he has never seen such phenomenal topwater action before. “The stripers were in a feeding frenzy in Humbug Cove. I was getting multiple hits on my topwater lures, all day long. It was amazing.”

It’s always nice when you hit the jackpot. John caught and mostly released around 50 stripers during his rain-soaked, day-long fishing bonanza.

Game and Fish biologists said research studies at Lake Pleasant have shown that the majority of striped bass congregate in the northern coves during winter, especially over submerged creek and river channels.

“The striper fishing at Lake Pleasant has really taken off the past several years. In fact, the striper bite last winter was pretty remarkable – anglers were routinely catching dozens of fish. It looks like we are off to a good start again this winter,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

Woman Gored By Deer Spring Steelhead Season To Start Soon A

63-year-old woman was gored by a buck mule deer near Florissant.

Joan Nutt was at the home of her sister around 5 p.m. when the attack occurred.

Nutt’s sister’s family was familiar with the deer and said it was a frequent visitor to their property. Nutt apparently called the deer, in an attempt to pet it.

The deer got close, lowered its head, and charged the woman.

A motorist on CR 31 spotted the deer stomping her and stopped to assist.

The passerby was able to scare the deer off and contact the Teller County Sheriff’s Office.

When medical services arrived, they reported the buck continued to come back to the area while they were tending to the woman. “We had to constantly harass it away from us,” one of them said.

Nutt was transported to the Pikes Peak Regional Medical Center in Woodland Park where she was treated for lacerations caused by the deer’s antlers and hooves. Most injuries were to her elbow and lower arm, but she also had cuts and bruises on her hands, upper leg, stomach, and hip.

Nutt said she had gone out in the yard to call the deer so she could pet it when it “started to come on her.” She grabbed hold of an antler to try to fend it off, but it knocked her down before she could get away.

A Teller County Sheriff’s Deputy reported the buck remained on scene while Colorado Division of Wildlife Officers were on route.

When wildlife officer Aaron Flohrs from Colorado Springs arrived, he said the deer walked right up to him within a few feet. Given what the buck had done to the woman, Flohrs prepared to defend himself and the buck backed away. “There was no direct evidence Nutt was feeding the animal, but this deer’s behavior was a clear indication that someone in the area had tried to domesticate a wild deer and treat it as a pet,” said Flohrs.

“No matter how many times authorities warn people about the dangers of feeding wildlife, some well intentioned people do it, and end up getting injured when the animal turns on them,” said Shaun Deeney of the DOW. “In this case, Mrs. Nutt was very fortunate a Good Samaritan stopped by to help her. A large buck deer can severely injure, or even worse, kill a person in a few seconds.”

A

nglers who want to go steelhead fishing on New Year’s Day will need a new 2010 fishing license and steelhead permit.

The spring steelhead season starts January 1 and runs through April 30, with three exceptions.

On the Little Salmon River the season runs through May 15; on the Salmon River from Lake Creek Bridge to Long Tom Creek, about a quarter mile upstream of the Middle Fork, the season ends March 31; and on the Snake River from Hells Canyon Dam upstream to Oxbow Dam, and on the Boise River upstream to Barber Dam, the season ends May 31.

Steelhead are in the Boise River only when stocked by Idaho Fish and Game. This year about 1,500 steelhead were stocked in the river.

Barbless hooks are not required in the Boise River, but anglers must have a steelhead permit to fish for and keep steelhead, which are rainbow trout longer than 20 inches with a clipped adipose fin.

On the Boise and the Clearwater rivers and on the Snake River between Hell Canyon and Oxbow dams the steelhead limit is three per day and nine in possession.

Elsewhere, the daily limit is five steelhead; no more than three may be 32 or more inches in total length. The possession limit is 15, no more than nine may be 32 or more inches long.

The statewide limits in the fall and spring seasons are 40 steelhead in each, but no more than 20 of those may be caught in the Clearwater River drainage in each season.

Once limits are reached, the angler must stop fishing, even catch and release.

Steelhead anglers must have a valid Idaho fishing license and steelhead permit. Steelhead anglers may use only barbless hooks, and may keep only hatchery steelhead marked with a clipped adipose fin.

All other steelhead must be released unharmed.

OPEN WATERS FOR STEELHEAD ARE: -Salmon River from its mouth to the posted boundary 100 yards downstream of the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery weir, near the town of Stanley.

-Little Salmon River from its mouth to the U.S. Highway 95 bridge near Smokey Boulder Road.

-Snake River from the Washington state line at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers upstream to Hells Canyon Dam. -Clearwater River mainstem and Middle Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to Clear Creek.

-North Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to Dworshak Dam. -South Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to the confluence of American and Red Rivers.

-Boise River from its mouth to the Barber Dam. In the boundary waters on the Snake River between Idaho and Oregon or Washington, an angler with a valid 2010 Idaho fishing license and steelhead permit may fish where the river forms the boundary between Idaho and Oregon or Washington, but may not fish from the shoreline, including wading, and may not fish in sloughs or tributaries on the Oregon or Washington side. An angler may have only the limit allowed by one license regardless of the number of licenses the angler holds.

Consult 2008-2009 fishing rules brochure, which is also good for 2010, for exceptions and special restrictions.

For more information on steelhead fishing in Idaho, check the Fish and Game Website http://fishandgame.idaho. gov.

Don’t forget to buy a 2010 fishing license and steelhead permit before heading out on New Year’s Day. And remember to hang onto the current fishing regulations. The 2008-2009 fishing rules brochure has been extended through 2010.

JANUARY 2010

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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 29

Rocky Mountain States

DWR OFFICERS BRANDON BARON, CASEY MICKELSEN AND BEN RILEY (LEFT TO RIGHT) SHOW ANTLERS FROM THREE BULL ELK POACHING CASES THAT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED. THEY NEED YOUR HELP TO SOLVE THE REMAINING SEVEN. PHOTO BY BRENT STETTLER

Wildlife Officers Have Solved Three Bull Elk Poaching Cases Now they need your help to solve seven more.

T

“ he seven bulls were taken on the Central Mountains-Manti and the Wasatch Mountains bull elk hunting units in east-central Utah,” says Casey Mickelsen, a sergeant with the Division of Wildlife Resources.

“Each of the bulls was killed illegally and then left to rot,” says Ben Riley, another DWR officer who is investigating the shootings.

“Each one that was lost means fewer hunting opportunities for hunters and fewer chances to see these bulls while camping and hiking.”

“We need the public’s help to catch the people who killed these animals,” Mickelsen says. If you have information, please call Mickelsen at (435) 820-6010. You do not have to give him your name.

Because most of the bulls that were killed are considered trophy animals under Utah state law, you might be eligible for a limited-entry elk bull permit for the 2010 season or a cash award if you have information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Twenty Bighorn Sheep From Nevada Have A 2010 Nonresident Application New Home In Booklets Now Available Utah In early November, biologists

with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) released 20 desert bighorn sheep into the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah.

The sheep were captured by Nevada Department of Wildlife biologists near Lake Mead in southern Nevada.

“We released a total of 19 ewes and one young ram into the desert near Croton and Little Valley on the Kaparowitz sheep unit,” says Teresa Bonzo, regional wildlife manager for the DWR. “Several of the ewes are pregnant.

Releasing these sheep will really bolster the population in this area over the next few years.”

Bonzo says the Kaparowitz bighorn sheep herd is doing well. The sheep that were added to the herd will help it do even better. “This transplant will ensure genetic stability in the herd,” she says. “And we’ve also brought more sheep into an area that can handle more animals.”

The sheep were captured in Nevada using nets fired from a helicopter.

After the sheep became entangled in the nets, wildlife capture specialists placed the animals in slings and then transported them by helicopter to a staging area.

After being gently lowered to the ground, biologists quickly checked the sheep for injuries and disease. Then the animals were loaded into horse trailers for their trip to Utah.

Once they arrived at the release site, DWR biologists opened the doors to the trailer. The sheep leaped from the trailer and ran into the hills.

Bonzo says all of the sheep made the trip without injury, and they’re doing well in their new home.

Nevada and Utah have a long history of cooperating on various wildlife projects. Last year, several pronghorn were captured in Utah and sent to Nevada.

The BLM, the U.S. Forest Service, the NDWR, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep and the DWR worked together to make the recent Utah sheep transplant happen.

M

ore than 22,500 nonresident big game application booklets for the 2010 hunting seasons have been mailed out to hunters who applied through the mail for the 2009 hunting seasons. An additional 64,000 postcards have already been sent to nonresidents who applied online.

The postcards are a reminder of the online application process. Big game application information is now on the Game and Fish Web site http://gf.state. wy.us. Hunters who want a printed application booklet can contact the Game and Fish at (307) 777-4600 or request an application from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 5400 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82006.

A number of application periods begin on January 1. The nonresident application period for elk is the month of January, and January 1-March 15 is when

nonresidents must apply for deer and antelope. Applications for the drawings for both resident and nonresident moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat licenses are accepted during the months of January and February.

License draw manager Aaron Pelto said online applications have been steadily increasing. “Hunters are applying online because they find it a more convenient way to apply and applying online helps ensure accuracy of the application,” Pelto said. “From the Game and Fish Department standpoint it is the most efficient and cost effective way for us to process applications. It also speeds up the drawings since more of the applications are processed online.”

Hunters with questions on hunting in Wyoming or the application process can contact the Game and Fish at (307) 777-4600.

Despite Relisting Decision, Yellowstone Grizzly Bears Are Doing Well D

espite a recent court decision that put the Yellowstone region’s grizzly bears back on the Endangered Species List, the bears are “doing well and have a bright future,” according to Steve Schmidt, Chair of the interagency Yellowstone Grizzly Coordinating Committee.

“A team of highly qualified and committed professionals have worked tirelessly since 1983 to increase grizzly bear numbers from roughly 200 in 1983 to 600 today,” said Schmidt.

Recently, the interagency team of federal, state, tribal and local officials who serve on the Yellowstone Grizzly Coordinating Committee met in Jackson to continue their charge of implementing the Yellowstone grizzly bear conservation strategy. In a presentation before the 22-member committee, Dr. Chuck Schwartz, team leader of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, stated the

population of grizzlies is currently estimated at almost 600 bears.

This is a very conservative estimate and we feel the population continues to grow by at least 2%,” Schwartz said. “Of the females observed, 19 were accompanied by twins, 11 by triplets and there were 2 females with quadruplets.” Multiple offspring is generally a sign of a healthy and vibrant population.

The Yellowstone grizzly population had been removed from the federal Endangered Species List and managed by the states since April of 2007.

The decision to delist the bears was opposed and litigated by a coalition of environmental groups. Last summer, a federal district court overturned the delisting and put grizzlies back on the list.

That decision put Yellowstone grizzlies back under federal authority.

30 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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Gear Up For Ice Fishing Success

BY NEAL M. COTE BiteMeFlies

More than any other type of fishing, preparation and organization are essential to ice fishing success. Unlike the summer season when you can race back to the dock or pull into a marina to get something you’ve forgotten or fix something that is broken, that often is not an option when you are set up warm and cozy, about to hit the awesome kokanee bite. For most of us, opportunities to get out on the ice are limited. Wasting them is like drawing a bead on a 150 ish buck without a round in the chamber. As far as I’m concerned, an ounce of preperation is worth pounds of fish and fun.

Preparation begins in the basement or garage with an inventory and inspection of equipment. Rather than relying on a mental checklist, one way to get organized is to visualize the outing before the fact, make a checklist and take yourself through it step by step.

SHOP EARLY Remember those Red Rocker Jigs and that certain Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon that you couldn’t find a month into the season last year? Now’s the time to go through your tackle box, make a list of what you need, and stock up. Replace those rusty jigs or hooks, and make sure those camera flashes and Glo Buster Bluelights you use to charge up those glow lures are still working. Make sure your rods and reels are good to go.

That means using Q-tips and inspecting the guides of your ice rods for nicks, cleaning up and lubing reels with nonfreezing oil. This year, re-spool with fresh line designed for ice fishing like Berkley Trilene Micro Ice. Bait like maggots and grubs can be increasingly hard to find as the season progresses. Buy early and keep your fridge stocked up so you won’t have to hit the ice without the live bait. Berkley Power baits can be a good bet as well, but they sell out fast so get them quick.

Auger blades can disappear in a flash as soon as ice forms, get at least one back up set so you can change them out on the fly. Pound cans of Propane, hand and toe warmers, the list goes on and on. Make a list and get what you need now!!!

CHECK YOUR GEAR Portable ice houses typically don’t require much maintenance, but it’s still a good idea to set up those Frabil, Fish Traps, and Quick Strikes on dry land, and clean them out. It’s a good idea to wipe down the aluminum poles, and apply a light coat of lubricant at the junctions.

If the mice have made a winter nest of your house, contact the manufacturer for a repair kit. Drain any old fuel from your power auger and replace it with fresh gasoline and the new StrikeMaster smokeless oil. Start it up, and make sure it’s running well and has plenty of power.

If not, get it in for adjustments. Depending on how much use your auger gets, it may be time to replace the spark plug. Its probably time to replace the blades, and you can always get the old set sharpened and keep as a back up.

Light sources are next, especially if I expect to be out before dawn or after dark. I prefer propane lanterns to battery operated options because of their reliability. Cold weather and batteries just don’t mix. The lantern gets a fresh set of mantles, and I won’t burn the mantles until I’m out on the lake so that they’re in tact when I need them. One of those long length barbecue lighters can be really handy for getting your lantern and heater going as well.

Naturally you should choose clothing that provides protection from low air temperatures, wind, and precipitation while at the same time allowing you mobility. But in addition, when you select clothing, keep in mind the possibility of falling through the ice. Clothing that would severely restrict your ability to swim or to stay afloat is not a good

choice. Hip boots or waders should never be worn, as they can fill with water and restrict movement while adding weight.

Also pack a bag for the truck with at least one of every piece of clothing that you are going to be wearing when you head out on the ice, including a towel. If you fall through and soak all of your gear, you can change out and be right back at it in minutes. Note to self, if you fall through a second time.....go home it just isn’t your day and no fish is worth your life.

Include items for testing and measuring the ice thickness, as well as items for rescue or self-rescue. In the first category are a heavy ice chisel or spud bar, a measuring tape or stick that can be hooked under the bottom edge of the ice in an auger hole, and a perforated ladle for cleaning ice out of the auger holes. Bring a rope or rescue throw bag containing a rope that floats. Ice rescue picks are an excellent idea. They thread through your jacket sleeves like children’s mittens and are immediately available in an emergency for pulling yourself out of the water onto the ice.

Throughout the preparation process, I’ve been setting aside extra items that might be needed quickly. In a small bag, I store extra lantern mantles, auger blades, fishing line, batteries, hand warmers and Strikemaster Get-A-Grip Xtremes, which are slip-over boot covers that provide traction when there’s no snow cover on the ice.

OTHER GEAR TO CONSIDER AND HAVE AT YOUR FINGER TIPS: * Attach a long cord to your sled. Not only does this make the sled easier to pull but should someone fall through the ice you can push the sled to them holding onto the line. * Carry ice picks to help pull your way out if you should fall in. If you should fall through the ice, once you spike your way out or are pulled out, don’t stand - roll across the ice in the direction you came. * Carry a throwable seat cushion. It’ll add to your seating comfort and give you something throw to someone who has fallen through. * Keep your auger blades covered. The blades are sharp, and can easily cut you, your dog or anything that comes in contact with it. * Spray vegetable oil on your auger.

Snow won’t stick and you won’t cut yourself cleaning off the show. * Wear creepers. Slip on spiked outsoles will keep you from slipping and falling on the ice when there is no snow.

PREP YOUR HOLES FIRST BEFORE YOU FISH One of the most neglected areas of preparation is around the hole itself.

Most fish that are lost, including those that you remember forever, escape back down the hole due to a lack of preparation. Most fish that are caught come on your first drop or the initial offering in a fresh hole, long before most anglers are truly set up.

We all get excited and want to drop a line and then fix it later. Is there lots of loose gear on the ice like tackle

JANUARY 2010

boxes, rod holders and fishfinder right in your way? Where is your Coleman lantern? Is your heat source too close? Could either the lantern or the heater damage the fishing line? Is your skimmer close by to assist you with landing the smaller fish? Is the gaff buried underneath your gear in the bottom of the sled, or is it near your free hand, ready to assist.

JUDGING THE ICE Small ponds and protected lakes generally provide the safest conditions during the early ice fishing season because they freeze more quickly than larger bodies of water. Similarly, bays and shallow portions of larger lakes protected from winds freeze first and can provide fishing opportunities before the remainder of the lake is frozen. It takes steady, cold temperatures to form safe ice. Once the lake is frozen to a minimum thickness of three to four inches, it should be safe for travel by foot. When walking on three inch ice, your fishing partners should spread out.

New ice is fairly tough and elastic. Even if it cracks in all directions, it can support an average-sized person. Contrary to what you would expect, a rapid, large air temperature drop makes an ice sheet brittle, and the ice may not be safe to use for 24 hours or more. Always let someone know of your plans and when you will return.

Take precautions even when you think the ice is thick enough to support you. Many factors above and below the ice can affect its strength and thickness.

Avoid river bends and underwater stream currents that flow in and out of lakes, thinning the ice. Points, channels, underwater humps, and any narrow constriction within the lake can cause underwater currents that decrease ice thickness and strength.

Ice forms later and in a thinner layer over springs bubbling into shallow water; such springs are extremely dangerous because they are not easily noticed. This is especially true of Geogetown Lake!!!

Docks, piers, and patches of emergent vegetation, like bulrushes and cattails, can also lessen ice thickness and strength. These dark surfaces absorb heat and transmit it into the ice. This is a more common problem during the spring when the sun is higher and days are longer.

Snow cover acts as an insulator and slows down ice formation. Be cautious when ice is covered with snow early in the season and be suspicious of scattered snow patches on presumably safe ice. Any recent large snowstorm creates a new load on the ice. If the new snow is heavy enough, the ice sheet will sag and its top surface will be submerged below the water level. Then water will flood the top of the ice sheet through cracks, saturating the lower layers of the snow.

Larger lakes tend to freeze in a progressive manner from the edges towards the center. When venturing out on the larger bodies of water, watch for small ridges that may indicate new ice formation. Ice between the shore to the ridge may be safe, but from the ridge to the center the ice may have just formed the night before, and this makes it very (continued on page 36)

JANUARY 2010

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The Right Set For Coyotes

BY NEAL M COTE BiteMeFlies

I

can never understand that the same hunters that handle their deer hunting or waterfowl hunting to the extreme, controlling their scent and hiding their blinds expertly, will expect to just stop on a road, throw on a little camo, grab an electronic caller and call in predators. Here are a few tips and tactics to make your next predator hunt a success and not a waste of time.

COYOTE HABITS AND BEHAVIORS Coyotes tend to feed under the cover of low light. In fact, studies show that most predators move most between the hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. When possible, they will feed at night as this is when their prey species are often on the move. Hunters will see coyotes during early morning and pre-dawn hours, hence it is these times that will generate the most success while calling. In winter months, or after a storm, they will be more willing to move about during the day.

One of the most adaptable animals in the world, the Coyote can change its breeding habits, diet and social dynamics to survive in a wide variety of habitats. Alone, in pairs or in packs, Coyotes maintain their territories by marking them with urine. They also use calls to defend this territory, as well as for strengthening social bonds and general

communication. Although the Coyote usually digs its own den, it will sometimes enlarge an old badger hole or perhaps fix up a natural hole in a rocky ledge to suit its own needs. Dens are usually hidden from view, but they are fairly easy to locate because of the trails that lead away from the den. The Coyote uses the den to birth its young and to sleep.

Coyotes have a good sense of smell, vision and hearing which, coupled with evasiveness, enables them to survive both in the wild and occasionally in the suburban areas of large cities. They are common in most rural areas, but because of their secretive nature, few are seen.

Efforts to control or exterminate the Coyote have produced an animal that is extremely alert and wary and well able to maintain itself.

Weight: 15-45 lbs.

Length with tail: 40-60” Shoulder Height: 15-20” Sexual Maturity: 1-2 years Mating Season: Jan-March Gestation Period: 58-65 days No. of Young: 2-12, 6 avg.

Birth Interval: 1 year Lifespan: 15 years in the wild Typical diet: Small mammals, insects, deer, fruit & carrion

A coyote’s mind is usually not too far from food. Keep this in mind when you are looking for them. Coyotes want to know what is going on with their food source 24/7. They do this with their eyes, ears and nose. You will tend to find coyotes down wind of the herd, be it cows, sheep, or deer. When I am out looking for coyotes on a less than perfect day, I first find the food. Large areas of grassland will hold field mice and voles that are a daily staple of most coyotes diets. Talk to the ranchers in the area you are hunting and find out where they have been seeing coyotes and ask if they can show you the area around feed lots or their calving barn. Look down wind of this food sources for likely set up sites.

SCOUTING Scouting is no less important for predator hunting then it is for any other game you pursue. I like to spend the hour before daylight and last the hour of daylight driving in the most likely locations and seeing if I can get the coyotes to let out a howl or two and let me know they are in the area. Your favorite howler and a good knowledge of the basic howls is all you need to accomplish this. I recommend wearing camo for this step when you are out howling and walking around in an area you have never been before. The last thing you want to do is give your location away and make the connection of a howl with a human being. It is a real benefit if you know where the coyotes have denned.

That location is somewhere they feel very safe and sheltered with a good food source and water supply. Although, they won’t be using the actual den in the winter, they will tend to hang out in that area during the daylight hours. If you can get a reasonable location on the den, you need to start scouting the terrain, now you can slip into the area unseen and set up at a location that gives you the advantage. This will give you the advantage of the sun at your back whenever possible.

Start marking some structure that looks promising and decide what would be the best set-up for each spot. The wind will dictate how close you will need to be at each stand.

Realize that if you are going to call coyotes you better plan on lacing up

your boots doing some walking.

Nothing will ruin a plan faster than having a coyote spot your vehicle. Start down wind and move towards your first calling spot. I like to glass the area I am going to call before moving into it. You should always expect to see coyotes, after all, that’s why you picked this spot to begin with, right? Remember to hunt into each stand because you never know what is around the next corner. Stay low and keep your head up, always watching for movement.

Use your binoculars to scan every inch of terrain in hopes of catching a coyote on the move, or, better yet, find one bedded down. When you try spotting coyotes, just remember to look for things that look out of place. One way to do this is with a good pair of optics. Inexpensive, good optics do not exist. At a distance, coyotes don’t always look like coyotes.

If you can find six locations like this, you will have plenty of coyotes to go after on any given day. That will keep the average hunter plenty busy if you do things right.

However, don’t set your goal at harvesting all the coyotes you’ve located.

You can consider yourself very successful if you can harvest half of the coyotes out of a pack that you located with the proper amount of time to hunt that area.

MAKING THE SET UP I try to set up where I can see the critters coming in from as far as possible.

This will allow me to make any necessary adjustments with my weapon and calls. I also like to set up high in the terrain without setting up right on top.

This gives me a good vantage point to seal the deal. Look for the spots that will put the advantage of ambush on your side of the hunt, not the coyotes. Because he does survive by usually putting these factors to his advantage.

Most times, coyotes will attempt to circle around the sound source in an effort of smelling the dying critter. Be sure to prepare your set up with this in mind. Setting up in a cross-wind situation is probably best. Overlooking a large field that is backed up by a marsh, river or woods is often ideal. You should always call into the wind. Cover scent doesn’t work every (continued on page 34)

JANUARY 2010

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The Right Set For Coyotes (continued from page 32) time, and if they get down wind they are going to smell you. Wind is critical and must always be paid attention to.

Pressured coyotes will almost always circle around to identify the source of the easy meal that your calling imitates.

Position yourself so you can take a downwind shot. This is imperative! Set up so downwind doesn’t have any heavy cover. If the coyote wants to get downwind, this will force him into the open.

They don’t like that and many times will quarter with the wind right to you. If you have a partner with you, sit looking in opposite directions. The key here is to sit close enough so that you can communicate with each other without alerting an approaching coyote.

Match your camo to the surroundings, and bring several types to match all of the spots you have picked up in your scouting.

A set of light pattern for out in the open sagebrush, a darker pattern for the riverbottoms and if there is snow, winter whites can make you vanish into thin air.

Be aware of hidden approaches to your calling location. The last thing you want to have happen is to call in a coyote, only to loose sight of him as he approaches. This usually happens when you set up in new areas and do not realize that the terrain has dips or rises in it that will hinder your line of sight at just the wrong moment. Watching an approaching coyote can tell the hunter a lot about the mood of the coyote. If he is coming in at a dead run, all is good. If he is looking over his shoulder, he is probably coming in with others. If he stops, you can often get him in the rest of the way with a well timed call. If the coyote sits and holds up, or worse, barks, he knows something is wrong and you don’t have any more time, get on him and shoot!

Be careful when crossing fences! Remember the wire will carry the noise much further than you think when it squeaks, and when you step it to the ground to get thru it. Also remember a coyote’s instinct is to go to the highest point in the area it is hunting to look around, watch the hilltops and stay off them CALLS THAT WORK Coyote hunters typically use two main types of calls; locators and attractors. A wide variety of calls are available to today’s predator hunter.

Mouth blown rabbit distress calls have probably accounted for more dead coyotes than all other calls. Hunters must take extra precaution when selecting and using mouth calls. Closed reed calls tend to freeze in very cold temperatures. After a few minutes of use, they lose their sound and are a pain to use. One way to prevent this is to store your calls inside of your clothing. It is probably a better choice to purchase and get familiar with an open reed style call as well. These calls will not freeze as easily as the closed reed models.

No matter which type of call you use, it is always a good idea to secure them on a lanyard. Lanyards will keep your calls secure and organized. The last thing you want to do is fumble around searching for

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your call when a coyote is near.

If possible, carry both so you can be prepared for any eventuality. Howlers are great for locating or pinpointing the whereabouts of wild dogs. By yipping and yelping, then following up with a long drawn out howl, it’s usually easy to prompt nearby coyotes to respond in unison. With practice, hunters learn to recognize and mimic territorial calls, breeding calls, and locator calls. Each has its application and can be used to entice coyotes in for a closer look. When and where each is most effective can be influenced by the phase of their annual breeding cycle. The important thing to remember is that coyotes are not only opportunistic, but they are also social critters. As such they are often enticed by the prospect of an easy meal as well as the potential for company or a breeding partner.

There are lots of electronic calls are on the market as well. These are nice in that they produce accurate sounds with zero movement which may assist first time hunters. Which brand and model you choose is a matter of personal choice.

Let me say that I prefer a digital call with no moving parts that are going to cause problems.

Also, try using a crow call every 15 minutes or so. It is normal for crows to follow coyotes and vise a versa, which will put a wary dog at ease. There are other birds, magpies, that are masters at finding the dead and dying that will attract the attention of coyotes for miles around.

It can help coax the call shy dogs in to you in areas where they are hunted hard. If you call in a hawk, try mimicking a crow fighting with the hawk. I probably call in about 20 percent more coyotes now that I added the crow call to my arsenal. Also if you see crows coming your way, get ready. They’re usually following or leading the coyotes. Just make sure you don’t spook the crows or magpies. They are the extra eyes for the coyotes, and can blow your set.

MAKING THE SHOT Anticipate the shot, if you can.

Have your gun pointed in the right direction when a coyote appears, and you (continued on page 36)

JANUARY 2010

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Gear Up For Ice Fishing Success (continued from page 30) dangerous. Always stand nearer to shore and check the ice on the other side of a ridge with your spud bar before continuing towards the center. Later in the season, ice adjoining the shore may become unsafe first because land warms it and waves constantly break and reform lakeshore ice. River ice conditions are often dangerous. Moving water makes ice thickness extremely variable and can scour good ice into open water overnight.

Moving water under the ice can quickly claim victims as the strong currents hinder your ability to get back onto the ice. Stick with traditional ice fishing spots that people have fished for years. These areas have a history of forming good ice.

HAVE A PLAN AND STICK TO THE PLAN We have all experienced at least some degree of failure. Especially when it comes to that hot bite that your fishing budy just told you about. You know the one where they were biting like crazy this morning and when you get on that lake two days later your same friend looks at you and says: “You should have been here yesterday”. This is where having a plan can save the day. Have more than one spot on the lake you are fishing in mind.

If your first set of holes yields zero bites, move to the second spot.

These situations leave most anglers in two positions, the first is dejected, and they will usually stick it out or wonder around punching a few holes until they get discouraged enough to go home. Position two is scrambling around last minute trying to call everyone they know to salvage the last two or three hours of the day. Most of the time all that you end up with is a mediocre bite at best and a few used up favors from your contacts.

When looking for a good spot to start drilling holes use a bathometric map and plan out a starting position. Look for humps, reefs, main lake points, steep drop offs, and long flats that eventually drop off. When you start drilling holes remember one thing; no depth is too shallow, and no depth is too deep. For example, if you are on a 12’ hump that drops into 30’ of water, put your first hole on the highest point of the hump and gradually drill them out deeper. Every day is different, you never know if the fish will be sticking to the bottom in 30’ of water, or if they are flying high in 15’ of water or less. Depending on what you are after, from Northerns, to perch, to trout and kokanee salmon, I like to start at the deepest hole and gradually cover the entire water column.

Move shallower if there are no results. Some species often suspend so you never know where they are going to be. I always drop the lure to the bottom, jig for a minute or two and then reel up about 5’ and repeat this step until there is no more line out. Flashers and fish finders help a lot in seeing where the fish are in the water column, but if nothing shows upon the flasher right off the bat, do not eliminate this hole. Use the same previously mentioned technique. A lot of times the fish will be beneath your feet but still out of the range of your gear and when they see your lure in the distance they will often rush from underneath it and appear on the screen.

After the initial holes have been fished and covered thoroughly with no hits or fish, move on. Now when I say move on I don’t mean pack up the sleds and move half way across the lake. Keep around the structure you have chosen because if chosen properly it still has potential for fish and you could just be a little bit off. Once the area has been thoroughly covered with no results, then pack up the sleds, take a look at the map, and choose another area.

Keep moving throughout the day until you hit a fish. When you get your first fish take note of everything. Depth of the water, time of day, where the fish was in the water column, what it hit on, how it hit, and finally watch the fish and see if it spits anything up as you bring the fish to the hole. The best tip you can get is what the fish spits up. This will give you a clear picture of what the fish is feeding on. If it spits up a minnow then use a spoon or tube that matches the size and color of the minnow. In some cases they will even spit out scuds of freshwater shrimp, when this happens rig up a match to what the fish are eating and results will follow.

There is a third position to be in: Prepared. It’s an interesting concept but not as difficult as it sounds. With a little advanced planning and scouting the astute angler with at least one if not two plans and the right gear for the job will come out the winner. Hopefully, when I hit the ice I have everything I will need, and I’m ready to fish. And while some of those other anglers near me are rushing around trying to get set up, moaning about a dead sonar battery, digging through a rag tag bunch of equipment looking for a particular lure, or lamenting the fact that their bait is all frozen, I’m easing another fish out of the hole while anticipating the next five I’m going to catch.

JANUARY 2010

The Right Set For Coyotes (continued from page 34) will have a major advantage. If the predator howls or barks in the distance, you can anticipate his approach better as well. By having your weapon ready, you can concentrate on the shot and not on getting into position without being detected.

Watch the backside: It is believed that for every 1 predator spotted by hunters, 5 more respond without being seen.

After the shot, the work is not complete after the trigger has been pulled.

Hopefully, you will hear the telltale “whack” of a hit. Even so, keep calling and scanning the area for other predators as it is not uncommon to have them come in as pairs. Make a mental note of where you shot, so that you will have an easier time of finding the downed critter. Coyotes respond differently as they come to the call.

Sometimes, they run in, while other times, they will nearly crawl to the call. One thing remains the same, it is really hard to hit a moving coyote! In a perfect world, the coyote should be standing still for a good shot opportunity. The good news is that the hunter can have a say in the matter.

Barking with your mouth will stop the coyote in his tracks. The bark should be loud and can even work on coyotes that have been shot at and missed with the first shot. Many hunters are not comfortable using that bark for fear of giving away his position, but in many situations, barking can get you one more shot.

SAVE YOUR SPOTS Hunters who save a hunting location or two for those days when you really want to kill a predator almost always score on coyotes. Overcalling a hunting spot is the quickest way to burn it out. Even then, use only one type of call and one type of sound, not giving away all of your tricks on your first trip to the location. If you’re going to create coyote vocalizations, then stick to a howler call. Don’t get impatient and switch. If they don’t respond to your howls and barks, back out of there and go elsewhere. Come back several days later and try a rabbit-in-distress call.

Give each of your hunting locations a break, just as you would for deer hunting. Pay attention to wind directions and choose locations that are favorable for the weather conditions. Don’t overcall a spot just because you have had success there. High winds can pretty much rule out calling, but there are other ways to get a wiley coyote. Spotting and stalking can be effective on days like this. I have found that if you start thinking about what a coyote would be doing on a completely miserable day like this, it would make sense that if they had the choice, any sane animal or man would be home in bed. A sleeping coyote is a dead coyote if you see him before he sees you. I have found coyotes sound asleep in the middle of fields, but when it starts to howl, no pun intended, I try to look for wooded draws and edges that would offer some protection from the wind.

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Mule Deer Pneumonia Capture And Causes Bighorn Radio-Collaring Sheep Die-Off

BY JIM LUKENS, IDAHO FISH AND GAME Near Darby MFWP Across the state, biologists will State wildlife officials be capturing and collaring mule deer from confirmed in late November, that a the beginning of December through mid-January.

This year the goal is to collar 66 does and 330 fawns statewide. In the Salmon Region, our goal is 11 does and 62 fawns. With a total of almost 1,000 active radio collars on mule deer in Idaho, we can determine survival rates, habitat use and migration patterns. Mule deer populations fluctuate primarily because of variability in fawn survival, which depends on body condition going into winter and winter weather. Doe survival rates are also important to track how populations are changing.

Mule deer are captured using clover traps and drive nets. Clover traps are netted box traps baited with hay. Deer walk to the back of the trap to eat the hay and trip the door to slide shut. Drive nets are set up at the bottom of draws or in tall vegetation. A helicopter is used to herd the deer into the 6-foot-high nets where they are entangled.

Helicopter drive netting is the safest way to capture deer even though it can occasionally be hard on the capture staff. Mortality of deer captured in drive nets is the lowest of any other capture method used for mammals, including box traps, leg hold traps, net-guns and drugging. The deer may be stressed for a short time, but this does not cause negative long-lasting effects. It is considerably quicker, though more expensive, to use helicopters to capture deer. When we capture deer, we weigh the trade-off between possibly harming an occasional deer with collecting reliable and sufficient data to manage populations.

Once the deer are collared, we can locate them using a receiver and antenna.

Each collar emits beeps on a specific frequency. During winter when deer move down to lower elevation winter range, the collars can be monitored from a vehicle traveling most roads. When deer return to the high country during late spring and summer, fixed wing aircraft are used to locate many of the animals.

All collars have a mortality signal so that when an animal has died or stopped moving for four hours, the collar emits a beep rate at twice the speed of the “live” signal. Biologists can then access the carcass, retrieve the collar and usually make a determination of how the animal died.

So, if you happen to see our helicopter herding deer on nearby hillsides, keep in mind that this is an efficient and essential tool for the management of our herds.

significant bighorn sheep die-off was underway in the East Fork Bitterroot herd south of Darby, where pneumonia was first detected in two bighorn sheep on November 22nd .

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) biologists had collected and delivered the carcasses of nineteen sheep to FWP’s wildlife lab in Bozeman for testing, with another eight expected to arrive. The sheep examined included ten males and seven females, and ranged in age from lambs to a seven-year-old.

“All nineteen sheep from the East Fork showed evidence of pneumonia,” said Jennifer Ramsey, FWP wildlife veterinarian. “All but three had severe pneumonia with extensive production of fibrin within the chest cavity. The three animals with less severe disease had very congested lungs. Most likely, these three animals were in an earlier stage of disease than the more severe cases.”

Samples of lung tissue and other biological samples will be sent to a laboratory for culture to try to determine what pathogens are involved in the pneumonia, Ramsey said.

Mortalities documented to date amount to upwards of ten percent of the East Fork herd, and FWP expects more sheep to die in the coming days and weeks before the disease runs its course.

“Many of the sheep we’re finding now are extremely lethargic,” said Craig Jourdonnais, FWP biologist in Hamilton, who leads the monitoring and collection efforts. “They move a short distance and then bed down right away. I suspect we’ll find advanced cases of pneumonia in these sheep within a very few days.”

The nearly always-fatal respiratory disease was first suspected when hunters at the Darby Check Station reported seeing coughing bighorn sheep near the East Fork on Sunday, Nov. 22.

Once bighorns contract pneumonia, however, they die within a few days. There are no known vaccines to prevent pneumonia in wild sheep.

FWP officials declined to predict the eventual extent of the die-off, but cautioned that 50-70 percent of a bighorn herd may be lost in extreme cases, and lamb survival may be suppressed for an extended period of years afterward.

“We really appreciate the reports of hunters who helped us detect this outbreak,” Jourdonnais said. “If early detection and rapid removal of diseased carcasses from the field have helped contain this outbreak in any way, our public deserves a lot of the credit.”

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 37

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My 2009 Goat Hunt

BY MIKE HOGAN

M

y 2009 goat hunt started on a workday when I received a call from my son telling me how lucky I was because I had at long last drawn a goat tag. This news was somewhat bittersweet as I was nearing 63 years old. I began to question my sanity for even applying. I had been on goat hunts in the past with friends and knew that it was a sport for young, strong legs.

I’ve drawn two moose permits, a sheep permit, and finally, after applying for a goat permit since 1971, the time had finally come.

Plans for the hunt started by calling two good friends who had encouraged me to apply in a different area, an area they had both drawn permits in previously, and

were successful in their hunts. Tom Blazina and his family own a cabin in the Red Lodge area and they were so nice to offer it up as a base camp. Chris Sanford offered his young legs and eyes to accompany me on my adventure.

I immediately stepped up the process of physical conditioning, which had been sorely ignored for quite some time. Of course, this later proved to be too little, too late. I made one scouting/fishing trip into the area with Tom to familiarize myself with the country.

Then it was time to sit back and wait for the season to open. As it neared and my excitement grew, both Chris and Tom advised me not to even think about hunting until late in the season when the goats would have their winter fur. I occupied my time with archery season and bird hunting. Finally in late October, I heard that the Red Lodge area had received a substantial snowfall. We all agreed it might be prudent to start the hunt before there was no access to the area. Finally, the trip was underway. Chris and I started our hunt, after a cozy night at Tom’s cabin, by driving up to an access point to do some glassing. We hadn’t even reached our destination when we spotted a group of four or five nannies and kids just slightly above the road. We searched the surrounding area for a billy, but there were none to be found. I was actually relieved, as this would be too quick and too easy after all the years of anticipation.

We watched as the goats disappeared. We then proceeded to our destination. After some glassing, we spotted a couple more nannies with kids from the access point, and, although it was late afternoon, we decided to make a trek up the mountain to look for a billy. With not a lot of daylight hours left, we took off at a fast pace. It wasn’t long before we encountered snow well above our knees and suddenly the realization hit me (through my legs) that my age and conditioning were really not conducive to goat hunting. As my legs tired, we realized we wouldn’t make the top in daylight. We decided to descend and try again the following morning. With rested legs, we started out in the morning on our quest for our billy. The morning was cold, but clear, and again we were able to spot nannies and kids. We started our ascent and about halfway up, we were met with a blizzard accompanied by wind gusts that would actually propel our bodies forward before we could plant our feet. We made it to the top where we could access the rocky areas that goats inhabit, but could not find anything but nannies and kids.

Something had to have participated in making all those kids, but we couldn’t find him.

After hunting this area with deep snow and frighteningly strong winds, we decided to follow a tip by an outfitter, and try a new area where they had spotted goats. A new day, a new area, with new hopes...then my truck broke down. With nothing but frustration, we spent most of the day in town trying to get the truck repaired. We were then ready to hit the trail, but due to the truck situation, we were challenged for daylight hours. The weather was cool with intermittent snow squalls, but the area was

JANUARY 2010

much nicer than the spot of the previous day, with far less snow. Again, we were racing up the trail trying to take advantage of the remaining daylight. After about 1⁄2 mile, I realized I was overdressed. As much as I didn’t want to delay the hunt or waste our precious daylight, I would have to shed a layer of clothing. While I was pulling off my pack, then my clothes, Chris said there was a goat on the mountain right above us.

Pulling out the spotting scope, we counted three goats...and no kids! We had finally found our bachelor herd of billies.

We evaluated the terrain to see how we could climb to within rifle range without detection. We had one ridgeline that partially hid us, but we had to retrace our steps almost back to the pickup to get behind it. We started our ascent again, and even with the adrenalin flowing, I was searching for any available oxygen I could find. Chris, younger and more physically fit, kept me going at a pretty good pace. A quick peek about halfway up showed the goats were up and moving so we continued to climb as fast my tired legs would allow.

As we were nearing a point we thought would be close, Chris noticed a goat above us quickly moving through some dead trees. After a quick evaluation, we decided it looked decent. Not knowing if the other two were already gone, I decided to try a shot. Due to the steep terrain, it was difficult to get a good shot. I tried to rest my rifle on a large boulder, but when I took the safety off, my feet began to slide out from under me. Chris said, “you need to hurry or the goat will be gone.” I questioned him as to the size of the goat because he was in and out of my range of vision as I tried to steady my rifle. He said it looked descent.

Suddenly it was out in the open standing on a rock outcropping, looking straight at me. I had a chance to look at the horns and make a quick decision. I fired and the goat disappeared. Chris thought it had been hit.

The range finder indicated it was only two hundred yards away, but due to the steep terrain, it was a lengthy climb to the point where the goat disappeared. We had to backtrack several times and try different routes through the rocks. I finally came across the goat lying below the rock it had been standing on. I was looking at it from above and could only see the tips of the horns. I panicked, thinking I had shot an immature goat. When I reached it, I realized that it was not the billy I sought, but a dry nanny with 10” horns.

The Fish & Game aged her at 10 1⁄2 years by counting the annual rings, but said she could be older, as she had no teeth left. Her hide was in beautiful condition and she didn’t break any horns on her fall.

I was so pleased with her, and forever thankful to my great friends for all their help.

For anyone acquiring a goat permit, my best advice is to work hard to be in the best physical condition of your lifetime, and hope like crazy that you’re younger than 63 years old!

When my required 7-year waiting period has lapsed, I will be right at 70 years old. This will be my last goat hunt, but there are no words that can properly describe what a truly amazing experience it was.

40 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

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