Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure - March 2009

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Update Your TURKEY CALLING STRATEGY

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INSIDE: BEST GOBBLER SPOTS • BEAR HUNTING • FISHING NEWS

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• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE •

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• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

CONTENTS & CONTACTS 6 7 8

Sagebrush News: Update Your Turkey Calling Strategy

BY CHUCK ROBBINS

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eturn with me now to the dark ages of gobbler chasing, way back when the only camo clothing and gear out there lay amongst the piled high shelves in the dusty recesses of the local army surplus store; when even boss gobblers still answered the loud slamming of a truck door or, say, the clanging of the breakfast frying pan; when the only turkey call to be found in the local hardware/ sporting goods store was the latest version Lynch’s World Champion Box Caller; and the only call you needed to master was the yelp of a lovesick hen—and make that soft now, not too loud and never ever, at peril to frightening Tom witless, call too often. The accepted modus operandi for collecting gobbler scalps was built around a three-note cadence: yelp...yelp...yelp, pause at least 10 minutes (15 if you can stand it) then repeat: yelp...yelp...yelp.

And another thing, once you plant your butt...do...not...move. If you have to sit there all day, so be it, just do...not...move.

OK, I know this is a hard pill to swallow but trust me that’s how it was and for a time it actually worked, at least every once in awhile.

But these days with far more turkeys and hunters out there times have changed. While I hesitate to give Tom, a big ugly puss with a pea-sized brain, credit for “smarter” today’s version certainly gets more opportunities to hone a wary-of-just-about-anything-moves persona to a razor-sharp edge. If by nothing more complex than osmosis, the modern day mature tom has, as they say, “heard and seen it all.” And odds are long those who might have misinterpreted or disregarded

same are long gone...literally. Bottom line, barring just plain lucky, to stay in the game we hunters need to get with the program...and one of the best and easiest ways is to upgrade your calling strategy.

Upgrade #1...Call aggressively.

When Tom gobbles hit him hard with cutts, cackles and excited yelps. Not necessarily louder just put as much excitement into it as you know how. Still one of the best calls out there for making excited yelps and cutts is the venerable hinged-lid box call...Lynch, Primos, you name it, they all work. A cutter-style diaphragm, the scratchier sounding the better, is another good choice.

Upgrade #2...Call often. Think of “three yelps and shut up” as old hat to be tossed in the bone pile. Once you’ve got Tom on the hook don’t let him off, not even for a second. Otherwise you can bet the farm a real hen or hens will chime in to steal him away. With turkey populations soaring Tom is way more likely to be “henned-up” than way back when. Master the diaphragm call and you can and should keep on cutting even with the gun up.

Upgrade #3...Don’t give up on “henned-up/hung-up Tom.” Instead move out, move in, move around, anything...

And most urgent keep on hammering...the more you talk the less apt Ol’ Tom might give in to that coy hen whispering sweet nothings in his other ear.

Chuck is a freelance writer, photographer and fly-fishing guide.

Author of four books, you can check out his latest Great Places Montana at chuckngalerobbins.com

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Letters To The Editor Mule Deer Foundation 2009 A Promising Year Comments Sought On Proposal To Eliminate Some Deer B Licenses In FWP Region 2 Hunting With My Dad 50 Years Of Predator Hunting Wisdom, Joe Esparza Fly Tying Corner, Russell Parks Montana PF Announces 2008 Habitat Accomplishments Statewide Fishing Report Fishing With The Captain, Mark Ward Gear Review, T. Patrick Stinson Economics Of Hunting, MFWP Photo Contest Entries From 2008 Bear Essentials, Brodie Swisher Hunting & Conservation News Best Gobbler Spots, Andrew McKean Rocky Mountain States News, News From Neighboring States Break Camp!, T. Patrick Stinson Spring Mack Days $45,000 In Cash & Prizes Available Calendar Of Events Deadline Set For Trail Program Grants The Hunt Of A Lifetime: Time For A New Gun?, Jack Ballard

COVER PHOTO: Courtesy Chuck Robbins Deer: Verlin Steppler

Montana’s Hunters and Anglers Have A Significant Impact On The Economy Spending $721 Million a Year Congressional Sportsmenʼs Foundation

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Outdoor News May not be reproduced without prior consent. The material and information printed is from various & Adventure. sources from which there can be no warranty or Thank responsibility by Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure.

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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE •

Hunter Education Courses Offered

Come Check Out Our Expanded Traditional Bow Section!

MFWP

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nyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, must complete a hunter education class before purchasing a Montana hunting license.

Hunter Education in Billings The class will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 16 through 20 at the Billings Rod and Gun Club west of the airport. A field day is set for March 21 at Lake Elmo State Park in Billings Heights.

The class is limited to the first 60 students who register and pick up class materials at the FWP office at 2300 Lake Elmo Dr. in Billings. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Students must turn at least 12 years old during 2009 to register for hunter education classes. There is no maximum age and adult hunters, including parents, are encouraged to take the class and earn hunter education certification.

The classes teach Montanans to be safe, responsible and ethical hunters.

All classes are taught by certified volunteer instructors and are free to participants.

Students must attend all sessions, pass the class and successfully complete the field day activities to be certified.

Hunter Education in Great Falls Registration will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., March 17; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 18-20, at the Region 4 Fish, Wildlife and Parks office, 4600 Giant Springs Road. A parent or guardian must accompany each student 17 or younger to co-sign the registration card and liability release.

Classes will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., March 23, 25, 26, 30, April 1, 2 and 6 at East Middle School, 4040 Central Ave. A field day test will take place April 4.

At registration, the parent or guardian will be asked to select a morning or afternoon time for the student on field day.

For more information on this or any other course in north central Montana contact the FWP office in Great Falls, 454-5840

Hunter Education Classes Scheduled For Northwest Montana Spring Hunter Education Classes have been scheduled for some communities in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike. (continued on page 32)

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• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

Montana’s Greatest LETTERS TO THE 5 DOUBLE CHAIR LIFTS FAMILY PRICING

Snow Place!

EDITOR

If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, please mail to Big Sky Outdoor News, 56256 Jeffery Lane, Lolo, MT. 59847 or e-mail bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com.

You must include a return contact so that we can verify submission.

Money the solution to wolf problem J

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Editor’s Note M

arch is the month of change here in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.

Winter slowly gives way to warmer and longer days. With that brings many opportunities for you to begin to recreate in and around our great state.

Although it can still be a bit chilly outdoors, it is a great time to break in the year with a well planned camping trip. This is the time of year to have an RV for overnight low temperatures.

Comfort goes a long way, especially if you are taking the family along. Tow trailers are actually pretty affordable and this month is a great month to buy as dealers are eager to get their product moving.

Expect some excellent opportunities to catch fish this month. From reports on the steelhead fishing, this year has been one of the best in recent years on the Clearwater River in Idaho. I would expect that to continue through March. Trout fishing here can start to be really good too, as the Skwala hatch will begin. The Skwala is an early season Stonefly insect

that trout adore. Fish the late afternoon when temps warm up. For more on spring fishing, be sure to read our statewide fishing report provided by the Sportsman’s Warehouse stores here in Montana. Don’t forget to purchase your new 2009 licence, as your 2008 is not valid as of March 1st.

If you are itching to get out and hunt this month, predator hunting can be rewarding, if you can put the time and effort it takes for results. With deer and elk numbers down in some areas here in Western Montana, relief from predators is what our deer and elk need.

If you want to learn more about this sport, Joe Esparza from Sportsmensaccess.com has written an article “50 Years of Predator Hunting Wisdom” which is featured in this issue with an experienced predator hunter, Walt Earl Sr. Seminars are held periodically at sporting goods stores, or go to their hunting department and ask someone who can help you get set-up, and possibly put you

ust read your editors note in Feb 09 issue. Could not agree more on wolf problem. The wolf issue is only about money and that is the only way it can be solved. I feel the only way to get politicians on our side would be to institute a voluntary boycott of hunting and fishing in 2009 or 2010. If enough people joined together in this it would deeply impact the FWP “company’s” bottom line and they would take action. I have e-mailed several pro wolf agencies as to why we need wolves in our forests.

I only ask the for three biological or ecological reasons and I have had ZERO responses. None of Montana/Idaho/Wyoming’s big game numbers are so out of balance that we would need to

introduce predation as a means to balance the populations.

Furthermore, our taxes are being used to support and regulate wolf populations. Somebody also needs to explain to me why Wyoming realized that wolves were a detriment to their elk/deer/moose populations years ago and Montana and Idaho cant see this. Special Interest groups are powerful organizations for one reason, they have a lot of money backing them up. If a couple hundred thousand hunters and fisherman agreed not to hunt or fish for one year I believe the right people would take notice and take action.

Just a thought Scott Hankel

SUBMIT YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR e-mail: bigskyoutdoornews@yahoo.com in the right areas. MFWP can also give you information about areas that are vital for predator hunting, because of predator overpopulation. Some landowners are also inviting hunters to hunt predators on their property. Who knows, maybe you will find a new big game hunting area for your fall hunt.

Spring turkey and early bear hunting will start up in April, so now is the time to sight in your rifle or tune in your bow. There should be plenty of black bear to hunt this spring. Talk about excitement, spotting a big black bear in the wild will get your blood going, that’s for sure!

Please remember to update or start your memberships to support hunting and fishing conservation minded groups.

Now, more than ever, this is the time to do what you can to help preserve and protect our hunting heritage. The NRA and SCI are first in line for protecting your right to hunt and carry a firearm. Please get involved. You can go online to join these

and other great organizations.

Take a kid on your next hunting, fishing, and camping trip and get them excited about what our great outdoors has to offer. If you are into archery, take them with you to an archery range to shoot a bow. That will get them excited to hunt with you when they are ready, and you will have a hunting partner and some great memories that will last your lifetime.

So get out and enjoy this time of the year in whatever your passion might be.

Thanks for supporting the businesses you see in this publication, as they too support our outdoor lifestyle and welcome your business.

Until next time, thanks for reading Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure.

Rick Haggerty Editor

MARCH 2009

Mule Deer Foundation 2009 A Promising Year

MILES MORETTI, CEO

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE •

Visit A Fishing Access Site MFWP

activities for our members, as well as an incredible group of exhibitors at the show.

Call MDF headquarters to register or go online here.

MDF continues to expand our credibility and reputation as the “go to” conservation group in getting on-the-ground projects accomplished.

We have partnered with several national and local groups to leverage our project dollars. One example is our partnership with the Green River Valley Land Trust in Wyoming. This alliance will help protect a critical migration corridor for mule deer, elk and pronghorn. We have also committed to partner with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Idaho Fish and Game and other groups to purchase the Wagon Hammer Grazing Allotment near Salmon, Idaho. This project will provide critical winter forage for mule deer, (continued on page 27)

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Montana has a favorite fishing access site. To help you find your next favorite FAS, you can e begin 2009 with high hopes and expectations for another record search for a site by name, nearest setting year in raising funds for mule deer city, regional area, closest water and black-tailed deer and their habitat. We body, activity or facility. have officially announced our change of With 320 fishing access plans for the 2010 Western Hunting and sites to choose from across the Conservation Expo. Originally we had planned to hold the 2010 WHCE in Reno, state, anglers enjoy good access to Nev., but decided to stay in Salt Lake City the state’s blue ribbon streams and for 2010 and 2011. Our partner in the rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Some WHCE, the Wild Sheep Foundation, has announced their plans to of Montana’s State Parks also go back to holding their own offer fishing and other convention and will no longer be part of the WHCE after 2009. We wish them well recreational activities. So be sure but together we plan to have a great 2009 to find your favorite fishing hole WHCE. All the partners are committed to at one of Montana’s State Parks or making it the biggest and best show yet.

As in previous years, you must be present Fishing Access Sites . to validate your application for one of the You may download the awesome 200 Utah Tags. But in addition, field guide to more than 300 fishing we have also sweetened your chances with over $20,000 in prizes to be given away to access sites located on Montana’s streams, rivers, and lakes. This those that apply for the 200 tags. We also have a special drawing for five popular program provides public once-in-a-lifetime hunts in Utah for access to high quality waters for non-residents only. Apply online at angling, boating, rafting, and other www.huntexpo.com.

MDF’s theme for this year’s recreation opportunities. Go convention is “Share the Tradition.” We to www.fwp.mt.gov, fishing news, encourage you to come and bring your and select fishing access sites field family. If you haven’t been to the Convention before, we have many great guide.

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• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

New World’s Record Elk “We Specialize In All Animal Encounters” Provides ‘Educational BIG OR SMALL Moment’ BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB

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The Boone and Crockett Club’s recent announcement of a new World’s

observers will enjoy a peek behind the scenes.”

Readers will discover, for Record elk has generated unprecedented example, that Buckner confirmed at least news coverage as well as public craving 55 other hunters were hunting the area for details about the giant bull. where the record bull was taken, that local Taken in 2008 by a hunter on law enforcement personnel investigated public land in Utah, it is the only elk on but found no evidence that the bull was record with a gross antler score pen-raised or escaped from a pen, nor any approaching the 500-inch mark, at evidence of illegal conduct, and that many 499-3/8. Official data dates back to 1830. hunter-based conservation groups “It’s been crazy. People across contributed to the quality of the area’s habitat. the country, including many non-hunters, Web site visitors can also explore are flooding the B&C headquarters with the many Club policies that govern official requests for more information about the records keeping, such as required new record elk, the habitat that produced fair-chase methods, antler drying periods it, the hunter’s role in conservation and and more. our system of records keeping. It’s an Boone and Crockett Club educational moment unlike anything records have long been used to measure we’ve seen in years,” said Tony the success of conservation and wildlife Schoonen, chief of staff for the Club. management programs in North America Much of the desired info, said that have been supported by fair chase Schoonen, was compiled during the sportsmen for more than a century.

Club’s research into the authenticity of the On Jan. 5, a special judges panel new record. This additional background confirmed the “spider bull,” as it has been information has been posted to Boone labeled by observers for its unique antler and Crockett’s Web site: configuration, as a new World’s Record www.booneandcrockettclub.com. for non-typical American elk. Its final We’ve never released this kind of score was 478-5/8 B&C points, more than internal document before but I think 13 inches larger than the previous record.

Comments Sought On Proposal To Eliminate Some Deer B Licenses In FWP Region 2 MFWP

Comments Accepted through March 9

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ontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is requesting public comment on a proposed elimination of Single-Region Antlerless White-tailed Deer B Licenses for FWP Region 2.

The Deer B license proposed for elimination has been available for purchase over-the-counter at any license agent, and allows hunters to harvest a doe or fawn white-tailed deer in almost any hunting district in west-central Montana (FWP Region 2).

The license was expanded to allow rifle hunting in 2006, following several years of opportunity for archers, and accounted for 38 percent of the antlerless harvest region-wide in 2007, according to FWP. “This license was prescribed when white-tailed deer numbers were high and increasing,” said Mike Thompson, FWP Regional Wildlife Manager. “Now that we know how much harvest we can expect with these extra licenses, we can see that local deer populations will not be able to sustain the pressure on public lands with good road access,” Thompson said.

FWP also notes that hunter harvest of white-tailed deer through the Bonner Check Station was below average in 2008, which called deer numbers into question. Populations of mountain lion, coyote, and wolf appear strong and also affect deer numbers.

Winter conditions were severe from late December through much of January, with crusted snow remaining on many deer ranges.

“Predation, weather, and other factors in addition to hunting all affect deer numbers,” said Vivaca Crowser, FWP Regional Information & Education Manager. “While we can’t know exactly how many deer we have, we do know that deer living in areas such as Mineral County and the Blackfoot Valley may have difficulty bouncing back from any overharvest in the face of local predation pressures and winter weather,” she added.

This proposal only affects FWP Region 2.

Single-Region Antlerless White-tailed Deer B Licenses will remain available for purchase over-the-counter for most HDs in FWP Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7.

Additionally, Crowser reminds hunters that Deer B Licenses will remain available for some HDs in Region 2 through a special drawing. Hunters interested in one of these special licenses must apply by June 1.

This proposal was adopted as tentative at the February 12 FWP Commission meeting, and public comment will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2009. The Commission will make a final decision on the proposal at their March 12 meeting in Helena.

Comments can be sent to: FWP Wildlife Division, Attn: Public Comment, POB 200701, Helena MT 59620-0701. To submit comments electronically, visit the FWP Web Site fwp.mt.gov and follow links to “Hunting” and “Opportunity for Public Comment.”

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 9

Hunting With My Shooting Range Dad BY KASSANDRA L.S., age 13 Development Grant Deadline This was my first year Coming Soon MFWP hunting. I have gone with my dad before, but I couldn’t hunt yet. It was fun hunting for the first time, especially with my dad.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & We went with some friends. My Parks officials said proposals for dad was very patient. He never once said, “Hurry up” or “Shoot him.” He just stood there and waited.

Before I shot, I turned to my dad and said, “My stomach hurts.” He said, “Forget the stomach ache, and get your eye back in that scope.”

The first shot I missed. You could see the dust fly. My dad was on the ball. He had another shell ready. He handed it to me, and said, “Quick, load it again.”

The buck was still standing there.

I shot at him again. This time, I hit him in the shoulder. He dropped in his tracks.

I turned to my dad, and he said, “You just shot your first buck.” My stomach ache got worse.

My dad was so much fun to hunt with. He said it was a great first buck.

I hope to hunt with my dad again next year.

KASSANDRA, AGE 13 FROM BOULDER WITH HER 1ST DEER (MULE DEER) 154 YARD SHOT, H & R RIFLE YOUTH MODEL, TAKEN NEAR ROUNDUP, MT.

shooting range development grants must be postmarked no later than May 1.

Montana’s Shooting Range Grant Program, administered by FWP, provides funding to private shooting clubs, organizations, local governments and school districts to build and improve shooting ranges throughout the state.

To learn more about the Shooting Range Grant Program, and for a grant application, go to the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov , click on the Recreation page and look under Grants. Or, call FWP at: 406-4441267; or e-mail: kcunningham@mt.gov .

Shooting Grant applications may be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Kassandra, we bet your dad is looking forward to hunting with you again PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. too! Way to go.

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• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

50 Years of Predator Hunting Wisdom

BY JOE ESPARZA

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hat do you ask a guy that has been predator hunting longer than you have been alive?

I had to ask myself this when I decided to write about Walt Earl Sr. Walt has been actively working in predator control for over 50 years and at 70 years old Walt is still going strong.

Walt started his career at 19 years old as a government trapper. He held that position for 22 years. Then in 1980 because of some changes in government rules he decided to leave the federal workforce and turned his career turned to predator control for the private sector. That was 29 years ago. Today he conducts seminars across the country and Montana. He also conducts a hands on predator control school where he teaches his methods to students. Visit www.olcoyote.com for more information on the school and the product and calls he uses.

Some people might say why hunt coyotes? Over 10,200 sheep and lambs were killed in Montana by coyotes in 2008.

On sheep alone, coyotes accounted for 67% of the predator caused losses or $700,000 according to the USDA News Release this month. This is more than all other predators combined!

The day I met him we drove to a local ranch that was losing calves to coyotes. As we pulled up to the ranch I looked it over and thinking where I would set up to call. Walt pointed out where he had patterned the coyotes that were living on the ranch. “The coyotes here are living in very close territories. The proximity of the territories is determined by the amount of food and cover available in the area.

Obviously here there is a lot of both”.

He pointed out the different places each breeding pair was and where they hunted.

Walt’s tactics are typically different than an average predator hunter.

This is the way Walt makes a living and is paid to reduce the predators on a ranch.

“Some fur hunters may not like that I hunt coyotes all year around” Walt shared with me. “I think if they were in my shoes having to make a living doing this they would probably do the same thing.” In my opinion I agree with Walt, I would do the same things he is doing if I were in his shoes.

I was here on Walt’s invitation which I sincerely thank him for. I wanted to glean some of the wisdom and knowledge that he has from the 50 years of chasing predators, so time to learn.

We checked some snares that he had set up and saw one female coyote sitting out above a fence where Walt had caught the “Dog” or male coyote. “She’s hanging out where I caught him a few days ago. “ Walt shared. As we neared the location we saw eagles circling and some magpies fly off. All of this told us something was in the snare. As we approached we could see that it was a snowshoe rabbit. Now we know an

additional reason the female coyote was hanging out there. Between the coyote, eagles and magpies that were all eager for a meal there wasn’t much left. I asked Walt if we would call to the female. He told me, “90% of the time if a coyote sees you it won’t respond to the call”.

We went checking snares and set up for a calling session where the ever changing wind was making our choice of calling location tough. First the wind was blowing from the south, then switched to the north and then back again. Nevertheless we found a place where the wind was consistent and we set up for a calling set.

The first thing I noticed as Walt started his barks and howls on his diaphragm call was how loud my calling was compared to his. I asked him about this. He let me know, “most people call way to loud”, “I think you want to challenge a coyote but you also want to invite him to some see what you are, not scare him off”. He went on to say, “if you get an answer back, call a little softer, maybe not so course or tough. It’s like telling the coyote that maybe I’m not as mean and tough as I thought I was before he answered.” Earlier I had let Walt know that I archery hunted and he brought up this question, “What happens if you bugle and bull answers you, then you let out a big, mean, deep bugle, like you’re the baddest bull in the woods?” I replied, “Usually the bull will gather up his cows and head off in the other direction.” Walt let me know that it was the same thing with coyotes.

During the day we saw three coyotes and called in one location. “No sense in educating the coyotes and making it tougher for me tomorrow.” Walt shared.

With the shifting wind and tough open approaches the coyotes definitely had the advantage this day.

Here are Walt’s top Common Mistakes hunters make when calling and tips on choosing a calling location.

Walt’s Top Five Mistakes 1. Most people call too loud. (Guilty as charged) Remember a coyote can hear a mouse in the grass so he can hear you calling.

2. Don’t expose yourself to the calling area.

Keep hidden using the terrain to shield yourself from being seen to the area you’ll be calling 3. Don’t park too close to the calling area.

Park at least one mile away.

4. Always be aware of the wind.

Don’t set up and call if the wind isn’t in your favor. All you do is educate the coyote.

5. Watch your own scent.

Don’t wear cologne, deodorant and clothes with heavy detergent odors.

“We here to kill the coyote not ask it out” Walt let me know. (continued on page 32)

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 11

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12

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

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BRAD CANADY (LEFT) AND MATT MADSON. BRAD IS FROM GEORGIA AND THIS IS HIS FIRST MONTANA FISH. MACK AT FLATHEAD. PHOTO COURTESY COLLIN GRIFFITHS

Fly Tying Corner:

PK Bullethead Skwala Brought To You By The Missoulian Angler Fly Shop

BY RUSSELL PARKS

T

he days are getting longer as spring approaches and we’re all itching to get out and fish. It won’t be long before the bugs hatch on the local rivers, be sure to get your last minute tying in! If you haven’t tied up those big green stoneflies yet, here is our preferred pattern to fish. Paul Koller, the founder of our shop, put a lot of time and energy into perfecting this pattern and it is a durable, fishy son of a gun. Check out our fishing report at: www.missoulianangler.com for local information as the season approaches. Tie up some of these, don’t forget your new fishing license, and go fish!

PK BULLETHEAD SKWALA Hook: Daiichi 1100 size 8 Tail: Skwala Olive Z-lon Rib: Krystal Flash, and Gold Wire Body: Skwala Olive Dubbing Wing: Dyed Dun Calf Tail Head: Elk Hair Legs: Brown Rubber Legs, Medium Indicator: Chartreuse Egg Yarn Step 1 – Tie in tail and trim to about a third of the length of the hook shank Step 2 – Tie in both the ribbing wire and krystal flash Step 3 – Dub body forward, stopping about one third hook shank back from eye Step 4 – Counter wind ribbing and flash forward toward eye Step 5 – Tie in wing, apply zap-a-gap to secure calf tail Step 6 – Clean and stack a nice patch of hair for the head; tie in by the butt ends just behind eye of the hook, spin the hair with tips out in front of the eye Step 7 – Dub backwards over the butt ends, ending with your thread where you tied in wing Step 8 – Form bullet head by folding hair back over the wing Step 9 – Tie in both sets of rubber legs, pulling one set on each side of the fly Step 10 – Tie in strike indicator (yarn, foam, etc.)

Step 11 – Whip finish Step 12 – Trim strike indicator, legs (to preference), and elk hair on the underside of the fly.

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 13

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Montana Pheasants Forever Announces 2008 Habitat Accomplishments

PHEASANTS FOREVER

O

ver 2,300 acres of wildlife habitat benefits from Montana PF chapters in 2008 Montana’s 18 Pheasants Forever (PF) chapters and 2,000 PF members spent over $300,000 in 2008, which translated into 65 wildlife habitat projects benefitting 2,353 acres for pheasants and other wildlife across the state.

In 2008, Montana PF chapters spent $303,878 which in turn helped complete: One land acquisition totaling 1,000 acres; 245 acres of wildlife food plots; two nesting cover projects totaling 30 acres; two wetland restorations totaling 14 acres; and 3,000 tree and shrub plantings for wildlife winter cover.

Since the first Montana chapter of PF formed in 1987, the state’s 18 chapters and 2,000 members have raised and spent over $2.3 million to complete 952 habitat projects, conserving, restoring and enhancing 32,524 Montana acres for pheasants

and other wildlife.

“For more than two decades, Pheasants Forever has been working to improve wildlife habitat and educate the public about the importance of conservation in Montana,” explains Dan Hare, Regional Wildlife Biologist for PF in Montana, “It’s safe to say this organization’s grassroots approach will continue to successfully put more habitat on the ground and birds in the sky.”

To start a chapter, join an existing chapter or for more information about PF in Montana, contact Dan Hare at (406)465-8126 or via e-mail at DHare@pheasantsforever.org. You can also find information at www.

MontanaPF.org.

At the heart of PF is the unique grassroots system of fundraising and project development that allows members to see the direct

result of their contributions. PF empowers chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100% of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent - the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 130,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

14

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

Mo nta n a Fis h i n g Rep o rt died off and the fish have moved a little farther out searching for food. Favorite spots like Denton’s Point and Rainbow Bay are good places to start, and early morning is usually the best time of day.

As a side note I would like to remind everyone that keeping brook trout is not allowed. FWP does hand out fines if they find you with any, as a friend of mine can attest.

CHRIS MADSEN

Western Montana Fishing Report Brought To You

By The Missoula Sportsman’s Warehouse

BY CHRIS MADSEN, (406) 532-9000 e-mail: madwolf2@netzero.net

M

arch is definitely a month for madness. Winter and spring are still locked in mortal combat, and on any given day, it can be hard to tell who is winning.

Sunny, short sleeve weather and wet, clinging snowstorms can both be expected sometime during the month, probably on the same day. Nevertheless, March marks the beginning of another long Western Montana fishing season, and most of us are eager to get things started. Most of our favorite ice-fishing hotspots will become unsafe sometime during the month of March, so it’s probably not a great time to drive the Buick right out to your honey hole, but most lakes will have a short window of excellent fishing for a couple of weeks before becoming unstable. As water temperatures begin to warm up a little, the fish seem to wake up out of the coma they are usually in during the dead of winter. Also remember that the higher elevation lakes will hold their ice longer, so these are generally your best targets for ice fishing as the month progresses. Expect some excellent opportunities to catch fish through the ice, or in our rivers and streams, but don’t wait on the weather, because you might never get out the door.

GEORGETOWN LAKE: Our favorite mountain reservoir has been a little tough for the kokanee during February, but it has given up some good catches of trout. As we move through March, and we get closer to ice out, the fishing should improve for both species. The usual fare of Swedish Pimples, Ratsos and Buckshot Spoons tipped with maggots should produce just fine. The dense weeds have

FLATHEAD LAKE: March marks the beginning of Spring Mac Days on Flathead Lake. Anglers from western Montana and some from farther away make the exodus to the Flathead lured by cash prizes and some truly large “lakers”.

The most popular technique employed by anglers is jigging large lead spoons tipped with cut bait. Heavy jigs like Lead a Gators, Rattl D’zastors, Buzz Bombs and Trilobites will the attention of the large schools of fish that show up on your sonar. Braided line is also a must when jigging in deep waters. It’s low stretch will allow you to feel the hits and get a more solid hook set. If you’re trolling Flatfish and trolling spoons are the lures of choice although there are many crankbaits that can be trolled with success.

AREA RIVERS: For the avid fly angler, who by this time is just about to climb out on the ledge, March usually feels a little like getting a presidential pardon from the death sentence of winter. Trout fishing can be excellent throughout the state, and your favorite spots will likely see a lot less pressure than during the summer months as well. But perhaps the best action takes place in western Montana during the annual Skwala hatch. If you haven’t spent a lot of time fishing around the area, you may be wondering what exactly a Skwala is. The bug in question is an early season stonefly, usually in a size #8 or #10, with a dark olive body. The Skwala is actually a fairly widespread insect throughout the Pacific Northwest, but usually not in numbers large enough to constitute much of a hatch. The major exception seems to be the Clark Fork drainage, encompassing the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Rock Creek, and a few other streams in the area. While most Montana anglers are still chucking lead and strike indicators, Missoula area anglers are enjoying some of the finest dry-fly fishing of the year. This unique bug has also spawned numerous creative fly patterns by local tiers, most resembling Frankenstein’s monster in some meaningful way. If you are coming from out of the area, most stonefly patterns can be adapted to fill the bill, just tie them in olive, on #8 or #10 long-shanked hooks.

Lots of rubber legs seem to help. On the water, don’t expect to see very many bugs.

They don’t fly around a lot like other stoneflies that hatch during the warmer months. Most of the Skwalas wind up in the river by falling off of the bank side vegetation, so concentrate your efforts in these areas. Best fishing is usually in the afternoon when the water warms up a bit.

Blue Winged Olives are also prevalent on local rivers when the conditions are right.

If you’re out on a day that is overcast and there is a slight drizzle coming down make sure you have some emergers, adults and cripples in your box.

IDAHO STEELHEAD: Last but certainly not least, the steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River was pretty good through most of February, and should improve through March as the water temperatures warm up, flows increase and the fish move more actively. The Salmon still has quite a bit of ice one the upper reaches but that should clear up quickly with the warmer weather of March. Most successful bank anglers are drifting roe, or fishing jigs under bobbers. Water temps are a little too cold for throwing KO Wobblers or Steelies but back trolling plugs or sand shrimp behind a Spin and Glow from a boat has been bringing a lot of fish to the net. Fly fishers have been having luck on the South Fork drifting the usual egg patterns under an indicator. Don’t be afraid to try a smaller egg pattern. By now, most steelhead have seen just about everything, so don’t be afraid to fish lighter lines with smaller, more subtle offerings. Try to match your presentations to the clarity of the water: bigger and brighter in dirty water, smaller and duller in clear water. There are often quite a few anglers vying for choice runs this time of year, so do everyone a favor and be as courteous and respectful to them as you would want them to be to you.

I’ll see you out there.

Ryan Ongley

Southwest Montana Fishing Report Brought To You

By The Bozeman Sportsman’s Warehouse BY RYAN ONGLEY Countdown to spring!

With the arrival of March in Big Sky Country the thoughts of fisherman quickly turn to counting down the last cold days of winter with hopes of open water in the not to distant future. The ice

fishing season begins to wind down on most of our area lakes and ponds. But there is still plenty of good action to be had through the ice as long as our evening temperatures remain cold. Our rivers and lakes begin to warm with longer and warmer days, which will bring trout of their winter slumbers with hunger in their bellies. Remember to get your new fishing license for 2009 as of March 1st.

And fill the tackle boxes and fly boxes with the lures and patterns needed for the new season. Let’s get to the report and find out what and where might be good bets.

HYALITE RESERVOIR: Is a great option for the Ice Angler. The action has slowed during daylight hours recently.

And the hot times have definitely been after dark. Jigging with Swedish Pimples, Kastmasters, and small ice jigs tipped with maggots or a night crawler has been the most effective method of bringing up some nice Cutthroats and Rainbow trout.

UPPER MADISON RIVER: Remember that the Upper Madison River from Quake Lake outlet to McAtee Bridge is closed from March 1st – 3rd Saturday in May. As is the section of river from Ennis Bridge downstream to Ennis Lake. The Rainbow trout will be moving into pre spawn and spawning activities soon and it’s important this important resource is left alone at this time. Between Hebgen and Quake Lakes and McAtee to Ennis Bridge remain open all season. Excellent early season fishing can be had here with the river to yourself most days. As air and water temps increase look for the trout to slowly become more active. Very good midge activity on the surface and beneath will increase. Streamer and Stonefly nymph patterns will also be good bets.

San Juan Worms, egg patterns, and small baetis nymphs are also must have patterns here in the early season. Throw two fly rigs concentrating on deeper slower runs, pools, and behind rock gardens. The fish will continue to pod up as they gain their strength before seeking out summer holds later. And of course be sure to avoid stepping on the spawning redds this time of year.

GALLATIN RIVER: Again two fly rigs down deep are the ticket. Baetis nymphs, midge pupae, stonefly nymphs, San Juans, egg patterns, and streamers will get the fish going. Action will probably be best in the Valley where daytime sun can get the water temps up higher.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER: If daytime temps cooperate more fishable open water may open up. I would concentrate near the mouths of the spring creeks and fish this again with two fly rigs sub surface. With a good selection of midges in case a calm day arrives and the fish are looking up.

Have fun out there!

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 15

Mo nta n a Fis h i n g Rep o rt North Central Montana Fishing Report Brought To You

By The Helena Sportsman’s Warehouse

BY JESSE FLYNN CANYON FERRY: We still have a good 16+ inches of ice. As the perch fishing has seemingly slowed and the rainbow fishing has drastically bettered. It always seems that nearing March, one can almost guarantee quality and aggressive rainbows being picked up all the way through the thaw. Stay relatively shallow (@10 feet) and try tying on darker wooly booger patterns or even a stone fly imitation. Yet, don’t forget about smaller jigs such as rat finkees tipped with maggots. Remember the north end on the lake does not get as good of ice so be cautious.

HAUSER: The Causeway has a bit of open water as some bank fisherman are beginning pound the open water in hopes for some good rainbows and those Oh-so finicky walleye. Other than this small section of open water locals are still hunkering down in comforts of there ice shelters. Ling fishing has proven to be the most consistent fishing and I assume this will be the case going into the month of March. Though walleye fishing has been wishy-washy this winter…one might tie on a Lindy Flyer spoon or a Northland Buck Shot jig tipped with a piece of smelt of a few maggots or grubs. Get on the bottom stay there and be patient.

HOLTER: A few fellas have already dewinterized there jet boats and are fishing in the open water near the dam. Yet most of the lake is still froze over so don’t be expecting to cover a lot of water. Anglers are still finding some perch and smaller walleye in that 20+ water depth. Try drilling your holes around Log Gulch or Departure Point and like Hauser one might tie on a Flier Spoon or a Buckshot Jig if you want to target walleye. These jigs are also proven to catch perch as well.

The only difference is that I would tie a small dropper jig or hook tipped with a maggot.

REGULATING RESERVOIR: How can I phrase this reservoir in so many word…NOT THAT GREAT! All winter long this reservoir has not been producing salmon like we had all been hoping for; last summer it was not uncommon to have several 15+ fish days. We will keep trying though because who knows March could be the month they come out of hibernation and start smacking our rigs again.

Missouri from dam to dam: Below Canyon Ferry rainbows are consistently being caught on spawn sacks, egg patterns, worms, and jigs. Vary your depths by using a slip float to target suspending fish. If you can’t find them suspended them maybe it is time to tie on a ¼ to ½ oz jig tipped with a grub or minnow imitation to get you down a little deeper. Each dam has been generating a good bit of psi (current) which fish love.

This creates higher oxygen levels and more food for the fish. Current is harder to fish, though, it can prove to hold trophy fish an angler is on the hunt for. Current involves more weight in order to get your bait down before you are out of the fishing zone. Bring an extra supply of jigs because you are bound to loose a few on snags, but if you are consistent March and the months to come are some of the bests fishing months of the year.

Eastern Montana Fishing Report Brought To You

By The Billings Sportsman’s Warehouse

With temperatures well above the freezing mark surface action can be awesome. Good dry flies are mating midge, Griffiths Gnat, CDC adult midge trailed by a trailing shuck midge. All in sizes 16-24 fished on long light leaders. Whether nymph fishing or dry fly run tandem combinations like a sow bug trailed by a black Zebra midge or a Griffith’s gnat followed by a CDC midge pupa 16-18 inches behind.

For those Anglers who prefer throwing hardware with spin casters a #5 or # 7 Rapala in trout colors are a sure bet for hooking into some lunker trout. Anglers bouncing 1/8 to 1/4 ounce marabou jigs thru deeper runs are also getting in on the action picking up those bottom hugging bad boys. Effective color combinations are black/copper/white/pink and tan/gold Whatever your fishing pleasure maybe drilling holes or wading knee deep in trout water get out and fish. Take the family and friends for a great day of fishing have fun and be safe. FISH ON!!!!!

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Boat Show All Day

3/14 - 3/15

Join Sportsman’s Warehouse and Stephens Marine of Bozeman as we present Wooldridge Boats here at the store. These custom welded aluminum jet boats are the most versatile boat for hunting or fishing Montana’s lakes and rivers.

Several models will be on display.

FOR MORE SEMINARS IN BOZEMAN PHONE: 586-0100

HELENA

GPS Seminar 1:00PM - Finished

3/15

Spring Bear Tactics 2:00PM - Finished

3/21

This seminar will be packed with information on what to look for when purchasing a GPS unit.

F

ishing The Big Horn with its spring creek like qualities is a real treat at this time of year. Angling pressure is light with plenty of the river to cast a line. With broad shoulders Browns and Rainbows eager to take well presented offerings subsurface and on top Big trout actively feeding on the surface. In the winter this can be a fly fisher’s cure for cabin fever, with good presentation and proper fly selection. Here are some fly’s that are time proven and will be in my box.

For nymphing, sow bug patterns like Ray Charles or soft hackle sows, size 14-18 in gray, pink or tan are a must have for the Big Horn. Scuds are also a favorite food staple in sizes 14-18 in orange, pink, and olive. San Juan worms in red, orange and flesh are also a good choice.

To cover the micro size of my box midge patterns like Zebras, Disco’s, Serendipity, UFO, all colors red, black, olive, and tan sizes 18-24

Spring bear tactics and gear.

FOR MORE SEMINARS IN HELENA PHONE: 457-7200

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Intro To Reloading 2:00PM - 3:30PM

3/14

Turkey Calling 2:00PM - 3:30PM

3/28

Intro to the basics of hand loading rifle and handgun ammunition.

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16

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

Fishing With The Captain

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During the month of April

Walleyes Unlimited Of Montana

Walleye Tournaments For The 2009 Season WALLEYES UNLIMITED

You must be a member of Walleyes Unlimited to enter these tournaments. To join visit Walleyes Unlimited of Montana at www.montanawalleyesunlimited.net.

Fresno Walleye Challenge Fresno Reservoir May 16-17, 2009 Entry Fee - $200 Per Team (includes $10 Conservation Team Fee) Maximum 100 2-Person Teams Payable to: Fresno Challenge Attn: Tournament Mgr. PO Box 490 Big Sandy, MT 59520 For more information call Jim Rettig @ 378-2176 or Doug Grubb @ 378-2163 Rock Creek Walleye Tournament June 6-7, 2009 Entry Fee - $200 Per Team (includes $10 Conservation Team Fee) Maximum 100 2-Person Teams Payable to: Rock Creek Tournament Attn: Tournament Mgr. Kris Keller, Steve Harada, Bill Dasinger 116 Indian Street Wolf Point, MT 59201 Kris @ 653-3320, Steve @ 653-1463 or Bill @ 653-1952 Tiber Walleye Challenge Lake Elwell June 13-14, 2009 Entry Fee - $200 Per Team (includes $10 Conservation Team Fee) Maximum 125 2-Person Teams Payable to: Tiber Tournament 1024 35th ave. N.E. Great Falls, MT 59404 For more information Call Doug Rohlf 452-8003 or cell 799-4210

Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival Canyon Ferry Reservoir June 27-28 2009 Entry Fee - $250 Per Team - 6am Start (includes $10 Conservation Team Fee) Maximum 150 2-Person Teams Payable to: Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival Attn: Doug Breker or Dennis Hovden Tournament Managers PO Box 513, Townsend, MT 59644 For more information call: Work 266-5279 or Home 266-3102 Montana Governor’s Cup Fort Peck Reservoir July 9-11, 2009 Entry Fee - $400 Per Team (includes $10 Conservation Team Fee) Maximum 200 2-Person Teams Payable to: Montana Governor’s Cup Attn: Tournament Mgr. PO Box 832,Glasgow, MT 59230 For more information Call 405-288-2222 or visit www.mtgovcup.com Hell Creek Tournament July 25-26 2009 Entry Fee - $200 Per Team (includes $10 Conservation Team Fee) Maximum 120 2-Person Teams Payable to: Hell Creek Tournament Attn: Tournament Mgr. Calvin Thomas PO Box 22, Sand Springs, MT 59077 For more information call: 557-2311 Fall Classic Fort Peck Reservoir August 8-9 2009 Entry Fee - $250 Per Team (includes $10 Conservation Team Fee) Maximum 100 2-Person Teams Payable to: Fall Classic Attn: Tournament Mgr. Craig Larson 116 Indian Street, Wolf Point, MT 59201 Fall Finale Yellowtail Reservoir August 28-29 2009 For information call: Rod Putnam 591-1141

M

arch is here and with this month comes new fishing opportunities along with some old necessities.

The first necessity is to buy your 2009 Montana conservation and fishing license. Your old one expired on Feb. 28.

When you purchase your new fishing license at Bob Wards, be sure to take the opportunity pick up the current fishing regulations and check out the new tackle that grace the store’s shelves.

While there is still a lot of ice fishing left at least for the first half of the month, anglers are already beginning to focus on open water fishing. Rivers across Montana will start to produce some great opportunities for dry fly and nymph fishing.

River anglers know that March and April are great months to enjoy fishing on the rivers before the mountain runoff starts later in the spring.

Boat anglers might want to start going through their tackle boxes and sorting out what items they need to restock.

This is also a great month to start looking ahead and planning some fishing trips to take this summer.

If you love to fish for northern pike, walleyes, lake trout and bass, then you should really discover or rediscover Fort Peck Reservoir. Last year, this 134 mile reservoir located in the northeast part of the state produced some great fishing days.

After a decade of drought, the water level on this big lake actually increased 10 feet last summer and has held its own throughout the winter.

The more water, the better it is for fish – and fishing.

Vegetation on the shore has been flooded creating good spawning

habitat, good fish rearing habitat and more bountiful baitfish for the predators to eat. Biologists are looking for a big perch and northern pike spawn this spring that could set up a decade of good fishing on the lake.

The walleye fishing should be very good this year and hopefully that gas prices will remain below or around $2 a gallon which will make it more affordable getting to and from your destinations.

Hell Creek Marina continues to be a popular spot for a lot of anglers. They have a marina with gas, bait and a motel. They are also located next to the Hell Creek State Park, which offers electrical hookups and shower facilities.

On the east end of the lake, you have the option of going to the Dam where there are federal campgrounds for your overnight stay.

The Lakeridge Motel and Tackle Shop also has bait, tackle, fishing advice to help with your fishing.

On the Big Dry Arm, you also have Rock Creek Marina with bait, gas and camping facilities.

If you are interested in using a guide, you have choices depending on where you plan to fish.

The Hell Creek area features Kibler Outfitters (557-2503), guide Bernie Hildebrand (234-6342), Outfitter Marvin and Connie Loomis (557-2787) who run their summer operation out of a houseboat on the lake and guide John Maetzold (557-6261). In the Fort Peck Dam area, you can call Outfitter Scott Sundheim (798-3474) or Outfitter Doug Komrosky (262-2195).

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.

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 17

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gear review

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Scientific Anglers New Sharkskin™ Fly Line

Recommend Yes...Buy Highlights: Scientific Anglers new Sharkskin™ fly line for 2008 and into 2009 may be the most visionary that SA has developed for the fly angler. Before we tested, we read all that we could on the new line and this is what we found. Sharkskin™ claims to float higher in the water because of a micro repeating geometric pattern of the line; trapping air in the valley of the line texture, casts further, and picks up easier with no line flash. Sounds simple enough, but does it live up to all the hype. Chris Stinson (Full time fishing guide), and I rolled on WF-5 floating in Chartreuse and WF-6 floating in Gray Blue and hit the Big Horn River on a couple of fishing outings. We fished nymphs, not dries, with two flies and one or two split shot depending on depth. So far, we can tell you a few attributes we have found from our testing. It does cast farther, much further than any line we have tested; floats will not tip, causing sinking that can develop with some floating line. It makes a clicking sound as the textured pattern slides from your reel over your guides, but not too loud. We are both enthusiastic about the Sharkskin™ and impressed with the line speed and responsiveness. We tested all season and we love it.

Drawbacks: None Rating: Good Water...Great Tester: All Suggested Retail: $99.95

The Split Shot Companion™

Recommend Yes...Buy Highlights: The Split Shot Companion™ is a unique tool used for adding and removing split shot from your fishing line. The Companion is slightly over 3-1⁄2 inches and can be attached to your lanyard. One end is used to attach split shot and the other end is used to remove it. Each Split Shot Companion™ comes with a one-page instruction sheet complete with pictures. Steve Meiseles the owner and inventor gave me a great piece of advice, “Follow the instructions, and use the Companion™ as the instruction sheet indicates.” We have tested the Split Shot Companion™ and followed the instructions. This is not a difficult little tool to use and it does work as advertised. The Companion™ saves you from cutting line or leader during your fishing, or when you are finished for the day. I used it to add and remove split shot during a fishing outing on the Stillwater River. The Split Shot Companion™ eliminates the time-honored tradition of using your teeth to add and remove split shot.

Drawbacks: None Rating: Good Water...Great Tester: All Suggested Retail: $12.95

Cloudveil’s New Run Don’t Walk 1/2 Zip

Recommend Yes...Buy Highlights: Cloudveil’s new Run Don’t Walk 1⁄2 Zip arrived just before Christmas. The Holidays are a slower than normal time for us testing and reviewing, so we were curious about a Polartec® Power Stretch® piece of fleece that was not camo. We tested it on the Big Horn fishing and have used it as a layer Goose hunting. This is a skintight product designed for layering. We can attest to its tight fit and four-way stretch. Claims of wicking moisture are consistently overstated, but in this case, the claim is true. I dumped a glass of water on the inside of the pullover and water immediately wicked to the exterior while the inside was dry. I was amazed at the half zips wicking ability and immediately tried it again to make sure I was not witnessing an aberration. The outside fabric was wet to the touch but the inside, dry. Cloudveil continues as a name and product many have never heard of especially, the bullet crowd, but Fly Fisherman are more than familiar with many of their products. We have tested Cloudveil for a few years and know quality when it shows up. The 1⁄2 zip is good stuff.

Drawbacks: None Rating: Good Water...Great Tester: Pat and Chris Stinson Suggested Retail: 125.00

18

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

Economics Of Hunting

E

conomic opportunities come to communities in different ways and during different times of the year. All are important to the health and well being of our economic development.

In Miles City, the Beef Breeders Bull Show in February, Bucking Horse Sale in May, the Eastern Montana Fair in August and hunting season in the fall are income-generating activities that occur every year.

Many small businesses across eastern Montana understand the

importance of the hunter’s dollar each fall and most who hunt, fish, boat, camp, watch wildlife, hike and generally enjoy spending time outdoors, realize that the costs are accompanied by a long list of benefits, including the continued vitality of local economies.

With the $267 million dollars spent annually in Montana, the recreationists’ dollar is an especially important source of annual income to Montana communities.

According to Rob Brooks, coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Responsive Management Unit in Helena, hunters alone spend millions of dollars each year in support of their outdoor passions. FWP computes the average amount of money per day that residents and non-residents spend hunting in Montana. FWP Research and Technical Services Bureau produces a harvest survey that shows the hunter days that residents and nonresidents devote to hunting different species in each of the seven FWP regions.

Data generated for southeastern Montana from the 2007 hunting season for upland game bird, antelope, deer, elk and the Block Management Program indicate that hunters spent over $ 22 million dollars to hunt. That’s a lot of money in a short period of time.

In southeastern Montana, deer hunters expended the largest amount at $10.7 million. Next came antelope hunters at $4.6 million. Upland game bird hunters spent $4.2 million and

MFWP

elk hunters $2.4 million. The costs for licenses are not included in these expenditures.

The Block Management Program provided more than a $1 million directly to landowners enrolled in the program for the 2007 hunting season including $52,467 in direct payments for weed control.

Payments to cooperators are aimed at offsetting hunter impacts and offering some financial assistance for operational expenses on the farm or ranch.

Hunters, meanwhile, clocked more than 92,000 “hunter days” of public access to private lands through the popular program.

The dollars hunters spend in local communities are an important source of income for many businesses across southeastern Montana. Hunters arrive in the fall, after the summer tourist season is winding down. Many different businesses receive the benefits of the dollars hunters spend. The expenditure hunter’s make are important for the local economy and provide a steady and consistent income source each fall.

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 19

Study Finds Mixed Wolf Impacts On Elk Populations MFWP

Not all elk populations respond in the same manner when faced with sharing the landscape with wolves, a new report by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks suggests.

Researchers who spent the past seven years measuring the populations and behavior of elk in Montana found that elk numbers in some areas of southwestern Montana have dropped rapidly due mostly to the loss of elk calves targeted by wolves and grizzly bears that inhabit the same area.

The same study, led by FWP and Montana State University, also suggests that in some areas of western Montana elk numbers have increased while hunter-harvests of elk have decreased, with little apparent influence by local wolf packs on elk numbers.

“One-size-fits-all explanations of wolf-elk interactions across large landscapes do not seem to exist,” said Justin Gude, FWP’s chief of wildlife research in Helena.

The 95-page report contains two sections. The first section summarizes research efforts in the Greater Yellowstone Area and southwestern Montana, with a primary focus on wolf-elk interactions. The second section summarizes FWP data collection and monitoring efforts from the entire range of wolves in Montana.

In their study of elk and wolves southwestern Montana and within the Greater Yellowstone Area, researchers found that elk are the primary prey species for wolves, especially during the cold-weather months that stretch from November through April.

“Our research shows that wolves outside of Yellowstone National Park tend to prey on elk calves more than on adult female elk, but they will also target adult male elk that inhabit a wolf pack’s territory,” Gude said.

Gude said the wolves’ wintertime predation on elk varies widely across southwestern Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Area, from about seven to 23 elk killed per wolf at any time between the months of November and April.

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“In summer, data are more limited,” Gude said, “but it appears that wolves kill fewer elk during summer than during winter.”

Listed below are some other findings from the study.

In the Northern Yellowstone elk herd, a continued decline in elk numbers is likely unless total predator to elk ratios decline, even if hunting pressure remains low.

In most areas with low total predator to elk ratios, elk numbers have remained stable or have increased since wolf restoration began.

Wolves influence elk distribution, movements, group sizes, and habitat selection to varying degrees in different areas, but hunting activity and hunter access have a greater impact on elk distribution, movements, group sizes, and habitat selection than

and habitat selection than do wolves.

Elk and moose populations in northwestern Montana appear to be stable or increasing in the few areas that have sufficient data to examine long-term trends.

In most of northwestern Montana, it’s probable that white-tailed deer are the major prey of wolves, yet the recent decline in deer numbers there is most likely due to poor fawn survival and recruitment during the recent spate of severe winters—in combination with high antlerless harvests by hunters and wolf-predation rates.

Some areas in Montana are unsuitable to wolves because livestock depredations continually lead to wolf removals, preventing wolf numbers from increasing at rates similar to protected areas. In these areas, wolves are less likely to limit deer and elk populations.

The final report is available online at fwp.mt.gov. Click “Elk-Wolf Interactions.”

For more information call Justin Gude, 406-444-3767.

20

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH

2008 PHOTO

Mike Horswill “Elk taken in Southwest Montana, 2008.

6 Point Bull.”

Justin Sampson of Missoula “Took this nice Bull.”

Dad, Joe and Daughter Holly “Two Nice Bulls.”

Jeff of Missoula “1st Antelope.”

Mike Schallock “Nice Bull Elk.”

Ken Lengyel “Prize Ram taken from the East Fork of the Bitterroot, November 1, 2008.”

Vic Crace of Libby with sons Zach & Cody “6x6 Bull.”

Mike Schallock “With this Montana Turkey.”

Rod Blank “Big Bull taken up Lolo Creek.”

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22

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

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Bear Essentials S

pring is on the way and with it comes a host of hunting opportunities for hunters in the Big Sky country. Turkeys will be gobbling, gophers will be whistlin’, and the elusive black bear will cause hunters across the state to sit for hours on end with binoculars to their face, scouring green hillsides for a glimpse of opportunity. Unlike other states where bears can be lured to a pile of jelly doughnuts, Montana bear hunters must resort to spot and stalk methods to get the job done. While this method can prove tough at times, a few essential steps can help put you in the hot seat for some exciting bear hunting action. \ I recently had the opportunity to talk with a couple guys that know how to get things done when it comes to consistently harvesting spring black bears. Jason Matzinger of Bozeman, MT is the founder of Zing Outdoors, a video production outfit responsible for creating the DVD series, Zing 1 & Zing 2, as well as a new TV show on the Sportsman’s Channel (zingoutdoors.com). The Zing Outdoors videos feature hunts filmed in Montana, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Their most recent release, Zing 2, features some incredible footage with 16 hunts for turkey, antelope, whitetail, moose, mountain lion, caribou, elk, and of course, black bear. I realized early on that Jason has a

BY BRODIE SWISHER

knack for finding spring black bears, so I asked him to share a few words of wisdom on the basics of his success for bears.

Locating Spring Bears When asked when and where he focuses his efforts on locating bears, Jason admits that he’s had better luck a little later into the season when chasing big black bears. “I usually hit the turkeys hard during the middle of April and then shift my focus to bears toward the end of April and the first part of May,” says Matzinger. “Primetime for me is when the snow is halfway to ¾ of the way up the mountain. West and South facing slopes tend to clear off first and offer the green grasses that bears are after when they come out of hibernation. I spend a lot of time behind my glasses down low, glassing hillsides. I look for hillsides with a mixture heavy timber and open pockets for bears to feed in. The open pockets or big chutes along heavy timber are ideal places for bears to slip out into and feed as the green grasses of spring begin to pop up.”

Jason says a lot of guys are surprised that bears are often found at a lot higher elevations than where you would expect to find them. “Rather than spending a lot of time in the lowlands, I continue to concentrate my search around

the snowline,” says Matzinger. “It’s been my experience that bears tend to follow the snowline eating on the freshest of green grasses. When the temperatures warm up, bears will often lay up in the snow to cool off, then slip back down to feed just below snowline on the freshest green sprouts. I’ve been told by biologists that a bear’s stomach is somewhat weak when they come out of hibernation, so they focus on softer foods – green grasses – as they begin their feeding patterns in the early months of spring.

The most productive time of day for me as far as spotting bears goes, is in the last hour of the day. It’s not uncommon for me to spend all afternoon glassing hillsides and right before dark, as the light is fading fast, I’ll spot a bear.

Unfortunately, in such cases there is rarely enough time to hoof it up the mountain quickly enough to get within range for a shot. A lot of times we’ll get halfway up the mountain, only to realize that we’ll never make it to within effective shooting range before darkness falls.

Gear for Bear Jason says his bear hunting gear always includes a quality pair of optics, both binoculars and a quality spotting scope for locating bears from a distance. “As I said, I spend a lot of time glassing, so quality optics are a must,” says Matzinger. Jason’s weapons choice includes a .270 Winchester, shooting Federal’s 140-grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw. When in pursuit of bears with a bow, Jason prefers an expandable cutting head from Rocket. Jason also says, “I’m a big believer in layering your clothing when hiking in and out of bear country.

It’s really easy to go from sitting, to a strenuous hike up the mountain, and then another long sit from a mountain-top glassing location. You have got to be able to peel the clothes off, or add to as needed along the way. Along with countless others, Jason is a big fan of the layering system from Sitka Gear (sitkagear.com).

The addition of Sitka’s new packable

Kelvin insulation series jacket, vest, and pant makes staying warm on a cold spring morning or evening a cinch. When the spring rains begin to pound down, or any time you’re experiencing nature’s worst, Sitka’s Stormfront and Stormfront Lite jacket and pant will keep you in the game long after everyone else has headed for the truck. The Stormfront Lite series offers packable storm protection, garments that offer piece of mind when tucked in your pack miles and miles into the backcountry.

When you find success in bear country, there’s no better way to pack out your bruin with ease than with Neet Kart. The Neet Kart is your answer for getting your gear and game in and out of the backcountry. In states like Idaho where baiting for bear is allowed, the Neet Kart is a no-brainer for easily getting hundreds of pounds of tasty bear treats to your bait site. No more back-breaking runs up the mountain with an overstuffed backpack…the Neet Kart allows you in one trip to push a load to your hunting location that would require 3-5 times as many trips if you were packing it on your back. This unique 2-wheel in-line concept is a people-powered ATV. The Neet Kart allows you the ability to maneuver your game or gear through the backcountry and to go over obstacles without missing a step. Whether on a trail, or blazing a new trail, this cart is absolutely the easiest way to pack your bear and hunting equipment into and out of the rough country. Its storage/carry size is 6 ½” x 26 ½” x 40” and weigh just 40 1bs. (Neetkart.com) Baiting for Bears Take a short roadtrip and you can be into the rugged, bear-rich environment that the state of Idaho provides. Baiting for bears continues to be a hot topic amongst bear hunters. Love it or hate, baiting for bears is a legal, and very efficient way to get results when bear hunting in Idaho. Matt Alwine of Spokane, WA. is a 3-D archery champion that is obsessed with getting within bow range of the big (continued on page 26)

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 23

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24

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

Hunting And Conservation News Hunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored By

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Montana’s Spring Turkey Pronghorn Study Expanding MFWP Hunting Season State, federal and provincial computer, and build a map that shows the researchers are expanding an international movements of each animal. Johnson said of pronghorn antelope migration Is Coming Soon study all of the 22 collars that were attached to and habitat needs by placing radio collars MFWP

M

Time For Nonresidents To Apply For Big Game Licenses MFWP Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds hunters that the Nonresident General Big Game Combination Licenses and Landowner Sponsored Licenses are sold through a drawing process through the FWP State Headquarters office in Helena.

Applications must be postmarked on or before March 16 and addressed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: Nonresident Big Game Drawing, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 8012 Helena, MT 59604-8012.

For information, contact FWP at 406-444-2950.

ontana’s spring turkey gobbler season begins April 11.

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

Hunters who wish to hunt in a special spring turkey permit area have until March 12 to apply on line at fwp.mt.gov . Click on ‘Apply for a License or Buy a Permit’ at Online Services. Or, download an application form from the Hunting page.

The 2009 Spring Turkey Hunting regulations, with details on turkey hunting in the general and special permit hunting areas, are available online at fwp.mt.gov, and in print mid -March at FWP regional offices and FWP license providers.

on up to 50 additional animals.

The animals are being captured with the help of a contracted helicopter net crew. Biologists then attach sleek, yet-high-tech collars on the animals. The collars include (GPS) devices that receive signals every two hours, so researchers can keep track of targeted herds over time, said FWP Wildlife Biologist Kelvin Johnson of Glasgow.

This is the second year of the study, which is being run through a research advisory board at the University of Calgary, Alberta. Among other entities, major players in the project include the MFWPs and the U.S. BLM, the agencies’ provincial counterparts in Alberta and Saskatchewan, World Wildlife Fund, University of Montana, Alberta Conservation Association, and several Canadian energy companies.

In early 2008, 22 pronghorn antelope does were captured northeast of Malta, and each received one of the specialized radio collars before being released. Now, 20 more animals are being captured, collared and released in the same winter range in northern Phillips County, and another 20 animals are being targeted in wintering herds near Glasgow and Nashua in northern Valley County. An additional seven to 10 animals are soon expected to receive radio collars in southern Saskatchewan.

The project is designed to remotely track pronghorn antelope across parts of northern Montana and southern Canada and monitor where they spend their time. The collars store GPS coordinates and are programmed to fall off after a year. Biologists then collect the collars, download the coordinates into a

animals last year have been recovered.

“The project is intended to assess how antelope populations utilize this transboundary landscape, and the role that native rangelands play in keeping these populations healthy and connected,” explained Jeff Herbert, assistant administrator of FWP’s Wildlife Division. “GPS satellite collars are used to document important habitats and seasonal movement patterns, as well as how antelope may react to various human development and natural features across this region. This information is intended to help resource managers work more effectively in their conservation efforts and in partnership with private landowners.”

The Phillips County study area includes part of the Bowdoin gas field, just one area where development has the potential to fragment wildlife habitat and disrupt historical migration and fawn-rearing patterns.

Expanding the study area and adding more animals will help researchers better understand how herds and habitat merge, as well as how the animals react to disturbances. Among the other attributes, Johnson said having such information should help wildlife managers on both sides of the U.S. and Canadian borders decide their antelope seasons and quotas.

“We want to take a proactive approach to defining what critical habitat is, as well as pronghorn movement corridors across these prairie landscapes,” Jakes explained. The study is expected to run a total of four years.

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 25

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Big Game License Auctions A Success MFWP M

ontana’s 2009 big game auction licenses drew a total of $263,500 from three auctions held last week at the 32nd Annual Wild Sheep Foundation Convention and the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo held in Salt Lake City.

The Wild Sheep Foundation auctioned the 2009 bighorn sheep auction license for $245,000, surpassing the 2008 auction by $50,000. The 2009 mountain goat license went for $10,000.

The Mule Deer Foundation auctioned the 2009 mule deer license at the same event for $8,500.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, at its 25th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo set for March 5-8 in Fort Worth, Texas, will auction the 2009 Montana elk license and moose licenses.

At least 90 percent of all auction proceeds go to state management of the species, and the remainder go to the auctioning organization

March 6th 12 - 9pm March 7th 9 - 5:30pm March 8th 9 - 2:30pm

HILTON GARDEN INN RESERVE ST., MISSOULA

Admission: $3.00

For More Information CALL DALE MANNING (406) 543-5501 or visit www.montanataxidermists.com

Looking For Volunteers MFWP Volunteers are the

backbone of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, especially in north central Montana, and now is the time to sign up as a volunteer for 2009.

“We need new volunteers because of the events this spring and summer,” says Carla Corbally, FWP’s volunteer coordinator in Great Falls.

FWP’s volunteers lead tours of Giant Springs State Park, the regional visitor’s center and fish hatchery, answer questions.

“The greatest need is for tour guides in Great Falls,” Corbally says. “We have many school groups in the spring and summer. We even train people who haven’t done tours before.

The students are pre-school to high school.”

Volunteer training will begin 10 a.m., April 15, at FWP Region 4, 4600 Giant Springs Road.

To sign up as a volunteer or for more information call Carla Corbally, 454-5844, or stop by during regular business hours.

Public Hours:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ License Year To Change All over-the-counter licenses—including conservation Meetings to Discuss Mountain Lion Management MFWP

M

ontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will hold three meetings in March to discuss mountain lion management in west-central Montana.

The public is invited to attend a meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the following locations: •March 2: Lincoln, Lambkins Café, 460 Main Street •March 3: Superior, US Forest Service Office, 209 West Riverside •March 5: Hamilton, City Hall, 223 South Second Street FWP will use public input from these meetings to develop tentative lion hunting regulations for the 2009 season, set to go before the FWP Commission in April.

“We want to hear what people feel about lion numbers and how they think this does or does not need to be adjusted,” said Mike Thompson, FWP Wildlife Manager for west-central Montana.

FWP will use the information gathered to adjust lion harvest levels to help achieve desired population objectives. (continued)

licenses, spring black bear and turkey, fishing, deer and elk hunting licenses—are available at all FWP Regional offices and license providers.

March 1 begins the new 2009 license year for Montana hunters and anglers. After this date all 2008 licenses are invalid.

The new license year is especially important for anglers who may be out ice fishing this time of year.

Most 2009 licenses are available on the FWP Web page at fwp.mt.gov , click Online Services.

For additional information you may phone MFWP at (406) 444-2535.

Mountain Lion Continued “In some parts of the region we hope to lighten predation pressure on some local deer and elk populations until those populations rebound, and we will use results from a recent lion study to guide us in recommending the proper lion harvests to do that,” Thompson said.

For more information on the upcoming public meetings, contact the Missoula FWP office at (406) 542-5500.

26

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

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Bear Essentials

(continued from page 22) critters that live in the northwestern states. Matt killed his first bear with his bow when he was 15 and he’s been hooked on hunting black bear ever since. Matt is quick to point out that a bear’s stomach is its weakness. “It’s not rocket science,” says Alwine. “If you can key in on a bear’s particular food source at any given time and go undetected as you approach your setup, you’re going to kill that bear sooner or later. Of course if you can create that food source by baiting, the process is simplified greatly. Bears are fairly predictable when coming to a bait site. You can often make their feeding patterns happen on your terms. I like to run my baits up on a finger ridge above a creek drainage or in a saddle between two creek bottoms. These will be natural travel paths for bears and will also help the scent of your bait to carry. I like to try and use as much sweets and fats as I can get my hands on. I also try to spread used cooking oil and grease all around the bait so that the first bears I have hit the site will track the scent around and attract more bears. I complete my bait site by building a funnel of sorts with logs and sticks in order to make sure the bear is going to be at the proper shot angle

when he is at the bait site. You may only get one chance at the one you’re after and you don’t want him to be facing the wrong way.”

Whether your method for hunting black bears involves a spot-and-stalk approach, or patiently waiting in a groundblind or treestand at a bait site, the pursuit of the bear is no easy task. Essential elements such as location, proper gear, and being in the right place at the right time are everything. Neglecting such aspects of the hunt can often mean the difference in success and another bear-less day in God’s country. *Be sure to check out the Zing Outdoors video series and info about their new TV show at www. zingoutdoors.com.

Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, and seminar speaker.

Check out his web site at www.BroOutdoors.com.

• Custer National Forest – By far the largest, most accessible and turkey-rich piece of public ground in Montana is the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer National Forest east of Ashland. The Tongue River forms the western border, and the Powder River shades the east side.

You’ll see a lot of other hunters here, including nonresidents focused on bagging their first Merriam’s gobbler, but if you hike away from roads and trailheads you should encounter birds.

• Bitterroot Valley – This isn’t your classic turkey hunt, but the valley south of Missoula has a good combination of birds and access, especially later in the season when gobblers leave the valley floor. Purists may criticize the strain of birds here – a combination of wild turkeys and domestic poultry. If you have access to private land in the valley, this can be a slam-dunk hunt.

• Flathead Valley – Same mix of wild and habituated birds from Woods Bay north to Whitefish, with the best populations around Bigfork, the Flathead’s biggest issue is access.

• Judith Mountains – This island range in central Montana is one of the original homes of turkeys in the state, and populations remain strong.

Early in the season, gobblers will be in lower elevations, often within sight of farmsteads. But later in April and into May hunt the Forest Service timber for actively gobbling toms.

• Lower Yellowstone River – Find accessible state and BLM sections off the Yellowstone and its larger tributaries

BY ANDREW MCKEAN

for good wild turkey populations.

Some hunters even float the ‘Stone and hunt its larger islands, especially those downstream of Glendive.

• Upper Yellowstone River – The ‘Stone upstream of Columbus, all the way to Big Timber can have great turkey populations. Access is the trump card here, but if you can get on a riverside ranch you should find great gobbler hunting.

GEAR UP Your turkey hunt will be much more enjoyable with the right gear. Here are the four pieces every turkey hunter must have: Turkey Vest – You need a camouflage vest to hold your calls, plus maybe a decoy, with a large game pouch in the back to tote out your gobbler. Make sure it has a flip-down padded seat, because you’ll spend a lot of time on your bum.

Full Camo – Including a face mask, gloves and head-to-toe coverage. Turkeys have the best eyesight in the animal world, and will bust you if you’re wearing bright or shiny cloths.

Box Call – You can spend lots of time and money picking the best turkey call, but all beginners really need is a simple box call to make clucks, yelps and purrs to entice a gobbler into shotgun range.

Turkey Choke – Your standard upland shotgun will work fine for turkeys, but you need a full, extrafull or turkey choke to constrict your pattern. In order to shoot gobblers effectively in the head, you need a super-rich pattern of size 5 or 6 shot.

MARCH 2009

Mule Deer Foundation 2009 A Promising Year (continued from page 7) elk and bighorn sheep.

In December, we completed a conservation easement with Eric Shields of New York on his property near Miles City, Mont. These 1,200 acres will be protected in perpetuity from development. Eric and his wife, Patty, donated the conservation easement to MDF. What an incredible legacy the Shields are leaving to mule deer!

Over the last couple of years, I am frequently asked why MDF doesn’t have more youth programs. We did not want to create a new program but decided to partner with other established youth programs from across the country. In December, we announced our partnership with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

Supported by the Archery Industry and other conservation groups, the NASP program is now in over 45 states and countries and in 4,700 schools. MDF local chapters will have the opportunity to help fund a NASP in their local schools, and we will continue to look for opportunities to expand and partner with other youth programs.

The economy still remains a concern for all and especially non-profit conservation organizations like MDF which depend on fundraising events for funding mission accomplishment. We encourage you to attend a local event and volunteer to help. Let us never forget that mule deer and black-tailed deer need our help! In 2008, we put over $1,000,000 on the ground in projects which benefit deer, and we depend on you to help us continue this great work!

I hope to see you at the National Convention in February or at a local fund raising banquet in 2009. I look forward to visiting with our passionate members and volunteers. I truly hope you were able to make memories with families and friends that will last a lifetime during 2008, and I wish nothing but the best for 2009!

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 27

28

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

Rocky Mountain States Bighorn Sheep Make Return in Gore Canyon Good Outlook For A Spring Chinook Fishing Season S

PHOTO RICHARD SEELEY

T

hanks to the support of Colorado sportsmen, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep have made a comeback in Gore Canyon, west of Kremmling. In mid-January wildlife managers with the Colorado Division of Wildlife released 14 bighorns into the rugged canyon country that overlooks the headwaters of the Colorado River.

Bighorn sheep were seen in Gore Canyon as early as 1839 and were prominent through the early 1900s.

Wildlife managers believe that several factors, including market hunting and disease, likely played a role in the final decline of bighorn sheep from Gore Canyon. Longtime local residents recall seeing bighorn sheep on the steep canyon walls in the distant past.

“This is a project that a lot of people have been working on for almost 15 years,” said Mike Crosby, District Wildlife Manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. “It’s exciting that we finally have sheep on the ground and we hope to have a population in this area for many years to come.”

Wildlife managers have equipped the sheep with radio tracking devices and will monitor the herd’s movement and health over the next few years. Additional transplants will likely be used to supplement the Gore Canyon bighorn population in the future.

The bighorn sheep released in

Canyon were trapped on the Basalt State Wildlife Area and transported to the release site in livestock trailers. Two males (rams), one lamb and one adult, were transported in the group as female sheep (ewes) are key to more readily establishing the herd. It is unknown how many of the female sheep might be pregnant but transplanting sheep after the late fall breeding season increases the possibility of moving pregnant sheep.

Bighorn sheep lambs are typically born in May and June.

The Division of Wildlife is finalizing a statewide bighorn sheep management plan. The document compiles historical and biological information about bighorn sheep in the state and guides management of the species through 2019. The statewide plan should be available later this month on the Division of Wildlife web site.

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the official state animal and appear on the seal of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

The Division of Wildlife’s bighorn sheep projects in Colorado are supported by sportsmen’s dollars through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.

Additional funding for projects comes from the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society through that organization’s annual auction and raffle of bighorn sheep licenses.

o far four Chinook salmon have been counted at the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, but all were headed downstream.

Still, the early forecast is a for a good Chinook fishing season in Idaho this year.

“We’re confident that enough Chinook will return to Idaho this spring for a mid-to-late April season opening,” fish manager Pete Hassemer told the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.

Predictions based in part on the number of jacks returning last year, suggest more than 105,000 hatchery Chinook and more than 22,000 wild Chinook may cross Lower Granite Dam this year. Most of those fish are destined for the Salmon and Clearwater river basins in Idaho.

The number of returning wild fish is the fourth largest since 1979.

The predicted return of hatchery fish means Idaho recreational anglers’ share could be more than 9,000 fish on the Clearwater River, more than 9,000 on the lower Salmon and Little Salmon rivers, and almost 1,400 on the Snake River.

Idaho Fish and Game fish managers expect to propose fishing seasons on the Clearwater, Salmon, Little Salmon and Snake rivers in March, Hassemer said. And in May, they expect to propose summer seasons on the upper Salmon River and South Fork Salmon River.

Chinook salmon fishing seasons can be set only by the commissioners.

Clarification: Idaho Elk Numbers A

recent Associated Press news story recently included misleading information about the effects of wolf predation on elk numbers in Idaho.

Elk are managed in 29 zones.

In most of those zones, elk numbers are within management objectives. In a few, the numbers are above objectives, and in three zones, numbers are below the objectives.

The numbers in the AP story should have referred only to elk in one zone, the Lolo zone in the upper Clearwater drainage. Here elk survival rates have declined, and herd numbers are going down about 13 percent per year.

See Fish and Game’s Web site for detailed information on elk numbers: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/manage_issues/ung/.

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 29

Rocky Mountain States Sportsmen Dig Cougar Country — Ten Deep To Help Wildlife Tips To Stay Safe T

hanks in large part to the generosity of local sportsmen’s groups the Nevada Department of Wildlife recently acquired a badly needed piece of equipment, a new four-wheel drive backhoe and trailer for its Southern Region Habitat Division. This backhoe will make it more cost efficient for NDOW personnel to build new small-volume water developments for upland game and other wildlife.

Three local organizations, the Fraternity of the Desert/ Bighorn, Wildlife and Habitat Improvement of Nevada (WHIN), and the local chapter of Safari Club International contributed a total of $10,000 toward the purchase of the new John Deere. “We needed something that could be towed with a pickup truck so we could access remote project sites,” said Roddy Shepard, project coordinator for NDOW’s water development crew. “That is how we get projects done in Nevada, by working directly with sportsmen. Their

continuous support is essential to our program.”

The Clark County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife matched the sportsmen’s donations, bringing the contribution total to $20,000, or just about one third of the $61,000 cost of the backhoe and trailer. The remaining $41,000 came from funds generated through the sale of upland game bird stamps.

“This project should serve as a model for cooperation between state and local government and private citizens,” said Shepard.

In addition to building new projects, the water development crew repairs and replaces existing water developments.

These developments, also known as guzzlers, are designed to trap rainwater on a large metal apron and store it in an underground tank. Quail and other wildlife can access the water by walking down a ramp to the water’s edge.

D

ave Swenson has patrolled Utah’s backcountry for almost 30 years.

During that time, the veteran wildlife officer has seen a cougar only five times.

And each time, the cougar was running away from him.

“It’s very, very rare to see or come in contact with a cougar,” the Division of Wildlife Resources officer says. “Cougars usually go out of their way to avoid people.”

Swenson says cougars are also secretive animals. And they usually come out only at night.

While it’s very rare to see a cougar, if you do see one, it will probably be in the winter.

“Deer are the main animal that cougars prey on this time of the year,” Swenson says. “In the winter, the snow covers the vegetation in the higher country. That forces the deer to travel to lower elevations to find food. And the cougars come right down with them.”

Tips

Tip Leads To Convictions In Elk Poaching A

Stop Poaching tip led to the arrest and conviction of a Casper man for taking elk during a closed season in an area chronically plagued by poaching.

According to a tip received by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, an individual was seen loading a large bull elk into the back of a pickup truck in elk hunt area 113 on the Thunder Basin National Grassland on Nov. 30, 2008. There was no bull elk season open in area 113 at the time of the incident. However, elk season was open in area 129 several miles to the east.

The informant provided a license plate number from the pickup

truck and this led game wardens to Adam Hausman, 34, of Casper. Upon questioning, Hausman stated that he had a general elk license for area 129 and had gone hunting there on Nov. 30. He claimed to have killed a bull elk early that morning in area 129.

Wardens later discovered that Hausman was in possession of two large bull elk. He said his friend, Richard Chappell, 38, of Casper, killed the second elk.

Game Wardens Aaron Kerr and John Lund asked Hausman to point to the location on a map where he killed his elk. When he had difficulty doing so, the wardens requested (continued on page 36)

If you live in cougar country, Swenson provides the following tips to lessen the chance that you come in contact with a cougar: •Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife attracts deer and other animals to your yard that cougars prey on.

•Do not feed pets outside. The food could attract cougars to your yard. And keep your pets indoors at night. Pets are easy prey for cougars.

•Outdoor lighting and motion-sensitive lighting are a deterrent for the secretive cougar. Lights also make cougars that are approaching your home visible.

•Keep a close eye on your children when they’re playing outside. And bring them in before dusk. That’s when cougars begin to hunt.

•Make your yard deer-proof. If your landscaping is attractive to deer, cougars will follow the deer and stay close to your property.

PHOTO BY LYNN CHAMBERLAIN Here are three things you can do if you encounter a cougar: •Do not run from a cougar. Running can provoke a prey response in the cougar, and the cougar may pursue you.

•Make yourself look intimidating. Make yourself look big by opening your jacket, and raising your arms and waving them.

Speak loudly and firmly.

•If you have children, pick them up. Try to pick children up before the children panic and run. When you’re picking your children up, keep an eye on the cougar but avoid making direct eye contact with the animal. Try not to bend over too far or turn your back to the cougar.

Here are two things you can do to avoid encountering a cougar in the first place: •Hike with other people and make noise.

Cougars will not usually bother groups of people.

•If you’re hiking with pets, keep them on a leash and close to your group. Roaming pets are open to cougar attacks, or they could irritate a cougar that’s trying to avoid your group. A dog on a leash is also a good warning system that will let you know if a cougar is nearby.

Free brochure: More tips about how to stay safe in cougar country are available in the DWR’s Living in Cougar Country brochure. The free brochure is available at wildlife.utah. gov/cougar/pdf/cougar_brochure.pdf.

30

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009

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MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 31

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Break Camp!

M

y father was a hunter, not an angler, and not a camper. Too many nights in Bastongne during the war sleeping on hard ground in freezing temperatures to consider camping fun and never fishing, it involved too much equipment and, fish.

He faithfully handed over the camping education to the Boy Scouts. He knew that was the place for us to learn camping essentials. My father hunted, and when we attained enough maturity, he worked hard at teaching the fundamentals and hunting was a subject he knew something about.

My Dad loved to hunt for a simple fact; it did not involve camping or fish.

Occasionally we could talk him into a weekend of camping and fishing; we were too young to head out on our own and needed a chaperon.

My Dad did not take us often.

Weekends in the retail business were busy, and he disliked being away from the store but this was a promise made weeks before, and we were going to make him keep it. I packed the gear as my brother John used his fourteen months in age difference to hammer me on the finer points of tent folding and rolling a sleeping bag. John was older, but I was bigger and he knew when to back off.

“I was just trying to show you the right way.” “Do it yourself if you don’t like the way I do it”. John would not have any of that; he was allergic to physical labor.

John had convinced himself that he was above such mundane tasks.

He was an autodidact angler too and needed to come up with new approaches, which never worked. John had an uncontrollable impulse; he could not throw anything back. If you have never seen a stringer of guppies, you have not missed a thing. This weekend I was not going to let him keep anything under 12 inches, and if he tried I was going to make him sleep in the same tent with my Dad. This was a promise, not a threat, and if it came to blows, well, I win.

My Dad showed up about three o’clock, and with a quick change of clothes, we were on our way. Our destination was Johnson Lake, just fifteen

BY T. PATRICK STINSON

miles from the house. This was a semi-private spot and entry required a key.

You would receive one only after you paid a fifty-dollar annual fee. We felt privileged not everyone could gain entry, and we considered it our own private resort.

We headed down to our camping spot. The lake was absent of anglers and campers, we could bivouac where we wanted. This was a perfect spot, a six-acre lake sitting in a bowl with cliffs on two sides, with large oak trees in clusters surrounding the lake. We unloaded everything in a hurry and set up two tents, both made of heavy canvas. One was a pup tent for John and the other a large, heavy wall tent that slept a small army. This was my home, along with my Dad for at least the next 24 hours.

My work was far from complete.

I dug a fire pit, gathered firewood, and finished unloading the car, all the time glancing over at my brother John gearing up. “Hey, how about helping me out here!” he knew I meant it, “Let Dad finish. Lets go fishing.” That is all I needed to hear. I had done enough, and my Dad was not about to fish.

The fishing was slow for the first five minutes, and then it got hot. We were catching fish every cast, and we had never experienced anything like this. Crappies, Blue Gill, all keepers. We started throwing back everything under twelve inches. This went on for hours, and it was getting late. We headed back with a stringer of fish and my Dad was impressed, “Good God did you catch all those?” Absolutely we told him. He made us take them back to the lake; keep them on the stringer, but in the water.

We were having hot dogs and beans for dinner, not fish. We all sat around the fire, eating hotdogs, Oreo cookies, drinking pop, laughing, and reliving every fish we caught. Everything was perfect and in its proper place.

Just as the conversation slowed down, clouds started to roll in from the North and the wind ever so slightly blew a cool breeze in our faces. “Did you boys hear the forecast for tonight?” “No” we answered at the same time. “It will blow

over; we better clean up and get ready to hit the sack,” he said. As we readied the campsite for a nights sleep, the wind got stronger and raindrops hammered the roof of our tents. It was time to seek shelter.

We readied ourselves and crawled into our bags. In a split second, the light rain turned into a gully washer, winds hollowing, tents absorbing rain like a sponge tripling their weight. My Dad looked at me and speaking as loud as he could over the wind and rain said, “Go out and dig a trench around the tent to keep the water from flooding the floor.” As any good son would do, that is exactly what I did, standing in a downpour in my underwear and t-shirt attempting to dig a hole. I looked over at John’s tent and noticed a pair of lips protruding from a small opening in the tent flap. “When you finish with yours, dig one around my mine.” This was pointless. I matured very quickly the next five seconds standing in the rain and wind. I could feel myself grow. I walked slowly and deliberately back into the tent, and before my father heard me swear for the first time, the tent collapsed around us. We both crawled out on our hands and knees as we stood up rescuing ourselves from a canvas drowning.

My brother John was already standing next to his horizontal pup tent.

In a split second, my Dad headed toward the car; opened the front door, turned around, and at the top of his lungs screamed “Break Camp, Break Camp,” and then slid into the front seat. I had no idea my brother John knew that many curse words.

We grabbed as much as we could carry throwing all of it in the back seat, back and forth in a blinding rainstorm occasionally hearing the familiar Break Camp from the front seat. On one of numerous trips to and from, John asked my Dad to open the truck canopy. The back seat was full. My Dad, staying true to form, just handed the keys to John. We were thinking the same thing, but never said a word. As we finished and barely got the truck closed, we jumped in the front seat with my Dad. As we attempted to leave, the tires spun, My Dad had parked in a small bowl, and the rain made it very slick. John looked over at me and just above a whisper said, “If he asks us to get out and push I am not going to.” Before he could finish the car began to move and off we went.

We pulled into the driveway just at sundown with clear skies, not a cloud anywhere. My Mom was standing on the front porch. “Did you get caught in the Tornado?” We spent the next ten minutes listening to my Mom give us the weather report. We had been camping right on the edge of a fast moving storm with Tornado warnings. My Mom was glad we were home and safe. “Unload the car boys, I need to take a quick shower and clean up.” said my Dad. How perfect this was, not breaking with tradition for any reason.

John and I would be the good sons, and do what our father asked. We started to laugh, not just a chuckle but an uncontrollable roar. It all came out., The anger, frustration; our frayed nerves had to find a release and that did it. Unable to speak, we laughed uncontrollably. We have not stopped laughing. We tell the story many times to one another and to anyone that will listen. As far as we know, the stringer of fish is still on the banks of Lake Disaster.

32

• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE LUNAFEST a festival of films made by, for and about women.

To benefit the GUTS! girls leadership program of the YWCA Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $5 students/$10 general Call 543-6691

Hunter Education Courses Offered (continued from page 5) Classes are scheduled at the Columbia Falls High School from 7-9 p.m. on March 12, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, and 30; field course is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. Contact: Wade Fish or Penny Fish at 862-6359.

Whitefish: Registration is Tuesday, March 3, 5-8 p.m., and all at the Whitefish City Library. Classes are scheduled for 7-9 p.m. at the Whitefish Central School on March 9, 10,12,16,17, 19, and 23; the field course is scheduled for Saturday, March 21. Lead Instructor is Leonard Howke, 862-4091.

Kalispell: Registration is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at FWP Headquarters on North Meridian Road in Kalispell. Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. at Flathead High School on April 20, 21, 22, 23, and 27; the field course is scheduled for Saturday, April 25. A special adult course will be held on the same schedule. Call FWP at 752-5501 for more information. Lead Instructor: Andy Breland, 212-1183.

Marion: Registration is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 7 p.m. sharp, at the Marion Fire Hall. The course runs from 6-9 p.m. at the Marion Fire Hall on May 11, 12, 13, 14; the field course and test is Saturday, May 16. Contact: Gerry Hurst, 854-9399.

Plains: Registration and first night of class is Monday, March 23, 6-9 p.m. at Plains High School. Classes continue from 6-9 p.m. on March 24, 25, 26, 27; the field course is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. Contact: Wayne Crismore, 826-5139.

Thompson Falls: Register by calling Jerry Shively at 827-3666. Classes are scheduled at the Thompson Falls Community Center, 6-9 p.m., on March 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27; Field Course is scheduled for Saturday, March 28.

50 Years Of Predator Hunting Wisdom (continued from page 10) Walt’s Tips on Choosing a Call Location 1. Call any place Sincerely these coyotes are smart and they can be anywhere 2. Locate coyotes Hunt coyotes like you would if you were turkey hunting then call to them.

Know where they hang out and where they live 3. Plan your route calling route When you approach give care not to be seen as you enter the area and look at the wind as before you make your way into their territory. If it’s not right don’t do go into their territory and educate them.

4. Select the right call for the right time of year. For example; December through March I use a bark and howl June through August use the kiyi (but locate the den first) September through November use the fawn in distress and fawn in distress with coyote giving chase 5. Shoot straight and don’t miss Cause we all miss at some point.

As a predator hunter myself I had a couple of questions I had wanted to know the answer to…Here are my questions with Walt’s answers: Q: If you get a howl or bark back what should you do?

A: “Don’t be the aggressor. Howl shorter or bark and yip softer. Don’t be the biggest and baddest.

Q: Is it possible to get mange from coyotes?

A: No mange is only species specific coyotes to coyotes, wolves to wolves etc.

Q: Should you cover your face when calling?

A: I don’t, and none of the noted callers in the country like Randy Anderson, Les Johnson, or Wiley Carol did. But I do cover my hands. Cause your hands are moving all the time and the white on the back of your hands flashes from the movement.

MARCH 2009 2009 Spring

Mack Days

Q: After you shoot a coyote should you let it lay while all the fleas and ticks come off of it?

A: I put them in a black plastic bag and spay in this stuff called Ortho Home Defense, it kills whatever comes off them.

$45,000 In Cash & Prizes Available

Q: Do coyotes use the same den each year?

A: No then use a new den each year.

DALTON M. OF KALISPELL WITH A NICE LAKE TROUT HE CAUGHT DURING 2008 FALL MACK DAYS

When I asked Walt about calling he told me to remember that all coyotes sound different and there is no such thing as a perfect howl. So go out there and try.

See what happens and learn from it. He told me that in 1976 he and the rest of the government trappers were sent a free Crit’r Call from Major Boddicker and he’s been using one every since. Walt produces some diaphragm calls he uses for barks, howls, and kiyi’s. They are very effective.

After spending a day with Walt I felt like I was the one who really benefited from taking the day to spend with him. It was a great day! Check out his website and think about attending one of his predator schools. I know I’m trying to see how I can fit it in my schedule.

If you’ve have any questions for Walt visit his website at olcoyote.com where you’ll find a place to send him an email.

Good luck and Shoot Straight!

Joe Esparza Joe is the owner of SportsmensAccess.com, a membership website that provides members with the most comprehensive database and mapping service in the state of Montana for hunting and fishing on public and private land. He can be reached at joe@sportsmensaccess.com

CYNTHIA BRAS-BENSON

Lake Trout AnglersIt is time to begin thinking about your Spring Mack Days fishing strategies.

Spring Mack Days will begin March 13th and end April 26th. The 2009 Spring Event will again be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Mack Days Events are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and is sanctioned by Montana FW&Parks. The fishing events are designed by fisheries managers to be used as a tool to gradually decrease the non-native lake trout population and restore the balance in the fishery of Flathead Lake by increasing the native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout numbers.

One fish is all it takes to win one of the cash lottery prizes. The lottery drawing will feature 25 cash awards from $1,000-$200. Total cash awards given in all the different categories will be over $20,000.

April 26th will be the last day of the event. All lake trout caught on Sunday April 26th are to be turned in at Salish Point in Polson-behind the Kwataqnuk Resort- between 9:00 and 4:00. Pick up times on all other event days are Blue Bay-all day, Somers-7:00 p.m. only, Polson (Salish Pt.)-7:00 p.m. only. The largest lake trout category ends on Saturday April 25th. The last day will be a totally separate day for the drawing but will count for top angler, bonuses, and tagged fish. You will qualify for four prizes of $300, $200, $50, & $50 plus the heaviest fish under 30” wins $200 and second will be for $100. The lake-side fish fry will be held at Salish Point in Polson and begin at 4:00 and awards will start at 5:00. No entries will be taken after 4:00.

For more information or to be placed on our mailing list you can reach us at 883-2888-Cindy Bras-Benson ex.

7294 or Barry Hansen ex. 7282-or visit our website at www.mackdays.com for rules, fishing tips, boat safety, etc.

During the event our telephone # at Blue Bay is 406-982-3142 or cell #406-270-3386.

MARCH 2009

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• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

CYCLING YELLOWSTONE-JIM PEACO

BIG SKY Winterfest: March 8

Calendar Of Events ENNIS Ennis Lions Easter Egg Hunt: April 11

Activities include both children’s activities and races, 5 The Ennis Lions Club sponsors an annual Easter Egg different cross country ski events which are guaranteed Hunt for kids ages up to 12 years on the Saturday to be hilarious, and even a race for your dog. Throughout morning before Easter at the Ennis Lions Park. the afternoon there will be a DJ and food vendors selling Phone: 406-682-7023 or items to satisfy your hunger. Complimentary E-mail: glennis@3rivers.net cross-country ski rentals will be available at the event courtesy of Lone Mountain Ranch. Held at Big Sky ESSEX Community Park on Little Coyote Road. From I-90 take Annual Snow Rodeo: March 21 - 22 Highway 64 into Big Sky. Little Coyote Road is about These are basic rodeo events but the contestants are on 1-2 miles down on your right side. Phone: 406-995-3000 skis! Spectators and contestants welcome. Held at the ski or toll free: 800-943-4111. area at the Izaak Walton Inn. Phone: 406-888-5700 Visit www.bigskychamber.com or or visit www.izaakwaltoninn.com. e-mail: info@bigskychamber.com E-mail: stay@izaakwaltoninn.com

BILLINGS: Spring Scramble Race: April 26

MARCH 2009

GREAT FALLS C.M. Russell Auction & Exhibitors Show: March 18 - 22

LAKE MARY RONAN Ice Fishing Tournament: March 7

The Perch Assault is back! Presented by the Flathead Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited.

Phone: 406-249-0556 or visit www.Perchassault.com

KALISPELL Northwest Montana Arms Collectors Spring Gun Show: March 27 - 29

WEST YELLOWSTONE Rendezvous Cross-Country Ski Race: March 7

The Rendezvous Cross-Country Ski Race is the region’s premier cross-country ski event. More than 600 skiers of both classic and skate technique compete in courses ranging from 5 to 50k. Phone: 406-640-0465 or visit www.rendezvousrace.com.

Large display of guns, antique, and modern and accessories for sale. Custom western jewelry, knives, and art. Held at the Flathead County Fairgrounds located on Highway 2 West and Meridian Road, in the Expo building. Phone: 406-755-3980 E-mail: pswillis@centurytel.net

World Snowmobile Expo: March 12 - 15

MISSOULA Snowboard Jam: March 7 - 8

Cycle Only Days: April 1 - 16

West Yellowstone’s World Snowmobile EXPO combines great snowmobile racing with a ‘First Look’ at the upcoming season’s new snowmobiles and products. Held at the Old Airport west of West Yellowstone. Phone: 406-646-7701

Ride in Yellowstone for free and before the park opens The Spring Scramble at the Billings Motorcycle Club is a to public automobiles or buses. Animals are abundant Snowboard Jam consists of two days of events for great start to a challenging race season. The event features The 41st Annual C.M. Russell Auction, named after the snowboarders, including Giant Slalom, Slope Style Jam and days are invigorating. Phone: 406-646-7701 racing on a great mile of twists and turns with no jumps. It is famous cowboy artist, benefits the local C.M. Russell or visit www.cycleyellowstone.com and the Monster Air contest. Cash purse and prizes. the perfect way to get back into the seat after a long winter.

E-mail: info@cycleyellowstone.com USSA-sanctioned. Held at Snowbowl.

Museum. The event includes two major auctions, Spectators are welcome and ample parking allows them Phone: 406-549-9777 Chuckwagon Brunch, three receptions and two quick to watch from a variety of vantage points. Concessions are www.montanasnowbowl.com draws. Free admittance to 100-plus artist exhibitor available. Remember to bring your lawn chairs because rooms and seminars. All artist exhibitor rooms have seating is very limited. Come out and see what motorcycle original art for sale. Held at the Best Western Heritage North Dakota Downhill: March 22 racing is all about - friends and family riding under the big Inn, 1700 Fox Farm Road. Phone: 406-761-6453 The North Dakota Downhill is a speed and glide contest Montana sky. From I-90, take Exit 447 and go south on or visit www.cmrauction.com. on the North Dakota Downhill trail. It is a fun S Billings Blvd over the Yellowstone River, turn left at Blue E-mail: gfaf@gfaf.com laid-back event where wax choice can make the Basket (approx. 2 miles from Interstate). Go 1.5 miles to difference. Held at Snowbowl. club grounds. Phone: 406-656-9960 2009 Museum Sunday Sampler: April 5 or visit www.billingsmotorcycleclub.us.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center presents Run for the Trees: April 4 E-mail: ridethebigsky@yahoo.com special programming as part of the annual Museums Celebrate Arbor Day at the annual Run for the Trees Sunday Sampler program with other members of the featuring a 5K fun run and 5K walk for all ages.

BOZEMAN Great Falls Museums Consortium from Noon - 5pm.

Participants receive a long-sleeved t-shirt and a free Pinhead Classic: March 7 03/14/09 Other venues participating include Children’s Museum seedling to plant. Gift certificates, door prizes and The Pinhead Classic is an annual competition for Glasgow of Montana, C.M. Russell Museum, Galerie Trinitas, more! The course highlights the Ron MacDonald telemark racing. Everyone must have telemark gear and High Plains Heritage Center, Malmstrom Air Force Riverfront Trail System. Held at McCormick Park, Dinner Event a good costume. Prizes for everything except the fastest Base Museum, Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, 600 Cregg Lane. Phone: 406-721-7275 Contact: Ken Jansa (406) 228-2031 time! Held at Bridger Bowl.

Ulm Pishkun State Park, and the Ursuline Centre. Free. or visit www.missoulaparks.org Phone: 406-727-8733 or visit Cabin Fever Gun Show: March 13 - 15 www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic RED LODGE Cabin Fever Gun Show offers western collectibles, rifles, E-mail: mailroom_r1_lewis_and_clark@fs.fed.us National Finals Ski Joring Races: six shooters, wildlife and western art, antiques, and over 03/14/09 March 14 - 15 300 booths. All items for sale or trade. Collectors and 2009 Ice Breaker Road Race: April 26 Teams negotiate a 700+ foot course, the horse taking a Hamilton dealers are from all over the US. Take I-90 and exit The Ice Breaker Road Race is one of the premier track to the inside of the course while the skier in tow, Bitterroot Big Game Banquet at 7th Street. South on 7th to Tamarack Street. East on running events of the state. This is their 30th year. The negotiates the 20-some slalom gates and four jumps in Contact: John Ormiston (406) 363-5464 Tamarack Street. 5 blocks to Gallatin County Fairground. race has been named one of the top 100 road races in hopes of completing two fast, clean runs which isn’t Phone: 406-586-6179 the country by Runner’s World Magazine. easy at speeds sometimes topping 25 mph.

E-mail: BozemanGunShow@aol.com Geared toward both families as well as experienced Held at the Red Lodge Rodeo Grounds off Highway 78 and elite runners, it offers a 5 mile race, west of Red Lodge about 1/4 mile.

BUTTE 3 mile run and a 1 mile run/walk.

Phone: 406-446-3232 or visit www.redlodge.com/ski-joring Duggan Dolan Blarney Stone Fun Run: The Ice Breaker has attracted an average of over 4,000 participants each year March 15 THREE FORKS 03/14/09 and is not only a fitness, competitive event, This race begins and ends at Knights of Columbus Hall Montana Horses Annual Horse Roundup Bozeman but also a social event for the community. at 224 West Park Street. Races for kids, 5K for adults and and Drive: April 25 Gallatin/Madison Chapter Banquet All race participants are provided a shirt, awarded walkers race. Phone: 406-723-3239.

Each year, Montana Horses hosts a Spring Roundup MSU’s Strand Union Building a finisher medal and a free lunch after the event. that’s right out of the Old West, with a three-day horse A special ‘race the penguin’ (official Ice Breaker DEER LODGE drive from the hills around Willow Creek back to the mascot) is offered for the younger kids in the 04/04/09 Junior Ranger Day: April 25 home ranch on the Missouri River. Participants help 1 mile event. The Race begins at the Civic Center Glasgow The park is celebrating Junior Ranger Day. The park will roundup several hundred head of horses from their and finishes at Gibson Park in State Banquet have the Junior Rancher Booklet. There will be tours, winter range, then trail them thirty miles back to their downtown Great Falls.

Valley Event Center walks, kids activities, ranch programs and prizes. Held at summer home -- right through Three Forks.

Phone: 406-771-1265 the Grant-Kohrs Historic Ranch Phone: 406-285-3541 or visit www.icebreakergf.com Phone: 406-846-2070 ext 224 E-mail: info@montanahorses.com E-mail: prearden@greatfallsmt.net

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Yamaha Reaches $1 Million In Overall Contributions To Ducks Unlimited DUCKS UNLIMITED

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amaha recently reached the $1-million milestone in total contributions to Ducks Unlimited and was recognized at the 2009 Shooting, The corporate partnership has led to continued efforts in wetland and associated habitat conservation throughout the continent.

“Our partnership with Yamaha is truly a model program and one of the most integrated partnerships that DU has,” said Jim Alexander, DU director of licensing. “Yamaha’s support of DU stretches from local grassroots events to the retailing of DU Special Edition Grizzlies and Rhinos. We are proud to recognize Yamaha for reaching more than $1 million in contributions to DU’s ongoing conservation efforts across North America. Corporate support is vital to the success of our conservation mission, and Yamaha is leading the way.”

Since becoming an official licensee in 2004, Yamaha has supported DU on a number of levels including cash and product contributions.

Additionally, Yamaha offers special edition DU models which include the top-selling Grizzly 700 FI ATV and Rhino 700 FI SxS vehicle. For every DU-Edition Yamaha vehicle sold, a portion of the sale is contributed to DU for conservation efforts.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands – nature’s most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

MARCH 2009

Tip Leads To Convictions In Elk Poaching (continued from page 29)

he lead them to the kill site to show them the gut piles. On December 13, Hausman led wardens to locations in area 129, where he had moved the gut piles the week before to disguise the location of the kills. Unknown to Hausman, wardens had already investigated the location given by the informant in area 113 and discovered two gut piles.

They took DNA samples and sent them to the Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Laramie. The lab matched these samples to DNA samples taken from blood and elk hair in Hausman’s truck and the heads of the two bulls.

Hausman later confessed to killing both elk in area 113.

Hausman was charged with one count of taking an elk during a closed season; one count of taking an elk without a license; and interference with a peace officer. He was ordered to pay $2,440 in fines and $12,000 in restitution. He also lost his hunting privileges for six years and was given a 90-day suspended jail sentence with one year of unsupervised probation.

Chappell was charged with transfer of license, was fined $780 and lost his hunting privileges for two years.

“Elk area 113 is a highly-sought-after trophy bull elk area,” game warden Kerr said. “There are limited licenses for this area and it is not even open every year. This is just one of several cases in the past few years where people have killed elk in area 113 and claimed to have killed them in area 129. In this case, we were fortunate to have a witness call in with information critical to the investigation. Without it, this crime would have likely remained unsolved.”

Poachers killing a bull elk in a closed area could potentially be subjected to the trophy statute, which carries a minimum fine of $5,000 and mandatory 5 year suspension of their hunting privileges.

DEADLINES SET FOR TRAIL PROGRAM GRANTS MFWP

M

ontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials recently announced a new round of funding for two trails grant programs. The application deadline is July 1 for grants from both the Recreational Trails Program and the Off-Highway Vehicle program.

The federal trails grant program FWP administers with oversight by the Federal Highways Administration includes more than $1 million in grants for construction and maintenance of non-motorized trails in urban and rural settings and a variety of backcountry trail work.

The federal OHV grants FWP administers are used mainly for trail ranger programs, backcountry trail maintenance, trail-related safety and ethics education training. Eleven applicants received a total of $160,000 for project in the last round of grants. nformation on applying for recreational trails and OHV-related grants is available on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov on the Recreation page under Grants.

Applicants may also attend a grant writing training session at one of the following dates and locations.

Reservations are not necessary.

For further information, call: 406-444-7642 or e-mail: sgilbert@mt.gov .

March 18: 7-9 p.m. FWP Region 1 Headquarters, 490 North Meridian Rd., Kalispell March 18: 7-9 p.m. FWP Region 5 Headquarters, 2300 Lake Elmo Dr., Billings March 19: 7-9 p.m. FWP Region 4 Headquarters, 4600 Giant Springs Rd., Great Falls March 19: 7-9 p.m. FWP Region 3 Headquarters, 1400 South 19th Ave., Bozeman March 20: 7-9 p.m. Perkins Restaurant, 2900 Harrison Ave., Butte March 20: 7-9 p.m. FWP Region 2 Headquarters, 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula

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The Hunt Of A Lifetime: Time For A New Gun?

BY JACK BALLARD

Is a .25-06 sufficient for a trophy elk? If I book a trip to Africa to hunt wildebeest and kudu, should I upgrade my .308 to one of the .300 Magnums?

Every year, thousands of American hunters face just such questions. Book the hunt of a lifetime for an unfamiliar species in an unknown corner of the country or world, and it’s natural to question the sufficiency of your firearms for the task. Just last week, I bumped into an acquaintance who had recently plunked down his deposit for a hunt in South Africa.

Blue wildebeest and greater kudu were the largest species he had arranged to kill, similar in stature to the elk he routinely hunts in the Rockies. Nonetheless, wandering through an expansive sporting goods store with titillating visions of the vast African savannahs swirling through his head, he impulsively purchased a .300 Remington Ultra Magnum. Although he assumed he had made a sensible investment, faced with the same situation I would have saved the money for an extra species on the trip and used my standard elk rifle.

Nonetheless, there are times when it makes sense to purchase a new rifle before embarking on a once in a lifetime

hunt. If that decision looms in your future, here are some things to consider: 1. Does my rifle have enough energy for my quarry? When considering this question, carefully heed the advice of your outfitter and that of local sportsmen who are familiar with your intended quarry.

Prior to a trip to Africa in search of greater kudu, gemsbok, impala and warthog, a number of fellow writers and safari-goers advised me that a .30-06 was an absolute minimum caliber for the larger animals.

Neither the gemsbok nor the kudu were bigger than an elk, so I queried my advisors as to why something along the lines of a 7mm-08 was too small for the Namibian ungulates, but acceptable for elk.

These two animals of the far continent are tougher, they assured me, requiring a cartridge with more energy.

Heeding their council, I opted for a .338 Federal pushing 210 grain Nosler Partitions. This zippy, necked-up .308 proved extremely effective and was a pleasure to shoot, dispatching both kudu and gemsbok with a single slug.

While chatting with Francois, my Professional Hunter (PH), I brought up the subject of ideal cartridges for African game. Raised on a nearby cattle ranch, the

un-browned young man’s opinion differed markedly from my American advisors.

A .270 was fine for kudu, wildebeest or gemsbok, he assured me. He didn’t have a perspective regarding the vitality of African animals versus their North American counterparts, but he did have some firm beliefs about his hunters.

Most don’t shoot all that well, the Namibian PH explained, resulting in animals that aren’t killed on the spot. The answer to this problem then becomes a larger, more powerful cartridge. Put your shot where it counts, he explained, and you don’t need extra firepower. Firing 100 target rounds under conditions that replicate what you’ll encounter on that once in a lifetime hunt is likely a better investment than a new rifle. However, if your outfitter and other local sources recommend something with more “umph” than any rifle you currently own, it makes sense to upgrade.

2) At what range do you expect to shoot?

In some cases, traveling to an exotic location results in shooting at much closer range than the hunter is accustomed. My farthest shot in Namibia spanned just 150 yards for a sunset kudu, complete with a sturdy termite mound on which to rest my rifle. More likely, though, globe-trotting in search of unique quarry may stretch your normal shooting range.

Considering your rifle’s capabilities at long range is essential. From the standpoint of simply striking the vital area of an elk or one of the larger species of African game, making a shot at 300 yards isn’t terribly difficult for a competent shooter. However, merely hitting the animal isn’t enough. The bullet must also enter with enough energy to penetrate the vitals and do sufficient damage to put the animal down.

With this consideration in mind, a 7mm-08 is fine for elk out to a couple hundred yards. Stretch that distance to 300, however, and the situation changes. Wind resistance slows any bullet, robbing it of energy the farther it travels. To cleanly kill an animal at extended range, the shooter must start with a cartridge and bullet combination that carries sufficient energy to the target.

For deer-sized game, 1,000 footpounds of energy at the animal (not at the muzzle) is a useful rule of thumb for evaluating a cartridge’s effectiveness. For elk-sized animals, I’m more inclined to boost that energy figure to around 1,700 foot-pounds. Thus, while a 7mm-08 or .270 can easily handle elk at 200 yards, in situations where the hunter might be confronted with a shot that exceeds 300 yards, something along the lines of a .300 Winchester Magnum is certainly more suitable.

Of course, simply packing a high-energy elk-whacker isn’t the only consideration in long-range shooting. The hunter’s ability is also critical. If you can routinely pierce a pie-plate from a rest at 300 yards you’re ready to pull the trigger on an animal at that range while hunting.

If not, limit your range to distances you can handle and choose your firearm accordingly, as shot placement is ultimately more important than bullet weight, diameter or energy.

MARCH 2009 3. Do the conditions demand a specialty rifle? In some situations, embarking on a dream hunt means tackling a physical environment much different than the surroundings of a hunter’s home turf. Depending on the severity of the setting, opting for a new rifle might be a worthwhile investment.

Here in Montana, my day to day hunting consists of hiking in dry air, with an occasional rain squall or snow storm to keep things interesting. As long as I make a reasonable attempt to keep my rifles clean and dry, they’ll easily last two lifetimes or more. By contrast, iron implements subjected to the rigors of salt spray or extremely wet or humid conditions corrode in a hurry. In these places, rifles with more corrosion-resistant features are certainly worth the extra dollars on their price tag.

Additionally, some exotic hunts to places like Mongolia’s Gobi Desert or the American Southwest subject firearms to extreme amounts of abrasive sand and dust.

While a basic bolt-action isn’t likely to fail, some semi-automatics and lever-actions may suffer from the sand. Hunters aiming for such environments are well-advised to discuss firearm design with their outfitter.

For hunters headed to Alaska, Canada or anywhere in the Rockies, the conditions might not warrant the purchase of a different style of rifle, but they may justify the expense of a lighter one.

Perched in a treestand, the mass of an 8.5 pound rifle with a large, high-magnification scope isn’t a handicap, but an aid to good shooting. However, if you are laboring up a severely canted slope at 10,000 feet in search of trophy mule deer, such a firearm becomes a real impediment. Shaving three pounds from the burden makes an incredible difference when a rifle must be packed on one’s shoulders for mile after mile in physically demanding terrain.

Preparing for a once in a lifetime hunt is an experience as sweet in its anticipation as a school-boy trying to guess the contents of a long, thin rectangular box that dad recently stashed under the Christmas tree. Evaluating the suitability of your rifle is just one portion of the pleasure -- whether you buy a new one or not.

AUTHOR WITH GREATER KUDO, AFRICA

MARCH 2009

BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 39

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• BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE

MARCH 2009