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archery hunter, you can stay safe during this year’s archery hunts by following a few, simple rules. “Every year, we receive reports of archery hunters injuring themselves,” says Gary Cook, hunter education coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. Two practices lead to most of the accidents: not being safe in tree stands or having arrows out of your quiver when you shouldn’t. Cook provides the following advice to help you avoid these accidents: Tree stands - before you climb a tree, make sure it’s large enough to hold your weight. To lessen the chance that you’ll fall while climbing the tree, leave your bow, arrows and other equipment on the ground, and attach a hauling line to them. After you’ve climbed into your tree stand, attach your safety harness. Then use your hauling line to lift your gear to you. Cook also recommends using a portable tree stand, rather than building a “permanent” one. “Permanent tree stands can deteriorate and become unsafe,” he says. “Also, they don’t look good. And you can damage the tree by hammering nails into it.” “Until you’re ready to shoot, keep your arrows in a quiver that has a hood on it that covers the broadheads,” Cook says. “One of the most common accidents we see is archers jabbing themselves or other hunters while carrying arrows in their hand that should be in their quiver.” MORE TIPS: In addition to the safety tips, Cook provides tips on getting prepared for the season, safety items to remember while you’re in the field and tips on tracking animals and preserving their meat. PREPARATION Equipment Checks - make sure the laminations on your bow are not flaking or separating and that the strings on your bow are not fraying. And if you have a compound bow, make sure the pulleys and cables are in good shape. Also, make sure your arrow’s spline (the stiffness of the arrow’s shaft) matches your bow’s draw weight. If your bow’s draw weight produces more force than your arrow can handle, your arrow will probably fly off target when you shoot. Broadhead Sharpening — when you sharpen your broadheads, be careful and take your time. Your broadheads should be razor sharp, but make sure you don’t cut
yourself while sharpening them. practice shooting as much as possible. Obtain Written Permission From Private Landowners before hunting on their property or using their property to access public land. Know The Boundaries of limited entry units and other restricted areas in the area you’ll be hunting. Never take a shot at a deer or an elk that is beyond the maximum, effective range you’re comfortable shooting at. Also, before releasing your arrow, make sure of your target and what’s beyond it. AFTER THE SHOT Watch The Animal And Determine The Direction It Took. Then go to the spot where you last saw the animal and find your arrow. If there’s blood on it, and if you have a compass, take a reading of the direction the animal went. Then wait 30 minutes before tracking it. If you track the animal too soon, you can spook it into running. If you wait 30 minutes before tracking it, you’ll find most of the deer and elk you shoot dead within a reasonable distance of your starting point. when you track an animal, look for blood not only on the ground but on the brush too. If you begin to lose the animal’s trail, tie a piece of biodegradable paper near the last blood spot. Then search for the animal’s trail by walking a circular pattern out from the paper. The paper will serve as a marker that will let you know where you started. Also, tying paper at the locations of the last three or four spots you see, and then standing away from the paper and looking at the paper trail, can help you visualize the direction the animal took. Once You’ve Found The Animal, Check To See If Its Eyes Are Open. If they’re not, the animal probably isn’t dead. If its eyes are open, touch one of the eyes with a long stick. That will keep you out of harm’s way if the animal is still alive. Once the animal is dead, field dress and cool its meat immediately. It’s usually warm during the archery hunt. The warm temperatures can cause the meat to spoil quickly. Tips for reducing conflicts with homeowners and those who don’t hunt: -If access requires crossing private land, you must obtain written permission from the landowner. -Make sure you’re well beyond the minimum distances you must maintain from roads and dwellings.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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Contents
6. Elk Forecasts 8. Hunter Access, Joe Esparza 9. FWP Seeks Comment On Bighorn Sheep Strategy 10. Fly Tying Corner, Russell Parks 11. Bitterroot Pike Fishing, Travis De Boer 12. Sagebrush News: Early Birds, Chuck Robbins 13. Southeastern Montana Fall Hunting Outlook, MFWP 14. Montana Fishing Report 17. Blind Luck For Whitetails With A Bow, Brodie Swisher 19. Hot Spot, Hell Creek State Park, MFWP 20. 2009 Fall Mack Days 21. Fishing With The Captain, Mark Ward 22. Traveler’s Corner, Brite Box 23. Mule Deer Forecast, Region 4 24. Hunting & Conservation News 26. Photo Page 27. Successful Duck Hunting, Neal Cote 28. News From Rocky Mountain States 30. Five Trails To A Better Hunt, Jack Ballard 32. Calendar Of Events 33. A Closer Look At The Hunting Shack, Brodie Swisher 34. Roam Missouri River Breaks For Prairie Grouse, Andrew McKean 35. Basic Bird Hunting & Shotgun Skills Workshops Set 37. Gear Review, Patrick T. Stinson 38. Scouting Key To Hunting Success, NDOW
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The entire contents is © 2009, all rights reserved. May not be reproduced without prior consent. The material and information printed is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure. Nor does the printed material necessarily express the views of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure. VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7
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lk and elk hunting opportunities are plentiful across the U.S. and Canada, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has just released its annual roundup of hunt forecasts for 27 states and provinces, newly posted at www.rmef.org. “Elk herds are in great shape across most of the West, thanks to a mild winter and normal moisture. And, of course, the ongoing habitat stewardship projects supported by our members and volunteers have helped, too,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation. This summer, RMEF passed the 5.6 million acre mark for elk habitat conserved or enhanced. Here’s a condensed look at forecasts from top states and provinces for total elk populations. To see all the reports in their entirety, including contact information for respective conservation agencies, visit www.rmef.org. Montana Elk Population: 150,000 Bull/Cow Ratios: 5 to 25/100 Elk populations in Montana remain at or above management objectives in most areas, but many hunters will have to work harder to find elk this fall. Quentin Kujala of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says tough wintering conditions in portions of western Montana decreased the number of yearling animals. Some areas will no longer offer over the counter, either-sex tags. Wolf impacts near Yellowstone National Park appear to be stressing elk
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Elk Hunt Forecast For 2009 populations. Anecdotal evidence from popular hunting grounds in the Snowcrest, Ruby, Centennial and Gravelly ranges suggest that wolves are dispersing elk in ways that make for tougher hunting. Finding a mature bull will remain tough in the region between Butte and Boulder, where extensive road access keeps bull/cow ratios extremely low. All in all, though, Treasure State hunters can expect a fine season. Idaho Elk Population: 107,000 Bull/Cow Ratios: 10 to 50/100 Have wolves eaten all the elk in Idaho? Not even close, says Brad Compton of Idaho Fish and Game. “We still have some good elk hunting. Wolves have had an impact on our herds in some parts of the state, but they’ve not been decimated like it’s been publicized.” Elk populations are fairly stable statewide with areas of western Idaho trending upward, while wolves have had the biggest impact on the Lolo and Sawtooth zones on the Idaho/Montana border. For 2009, caps will occur on tags offered in the Sawtooth and Diamond Creek elk zones. Idaho elk hunters enjoy around a 20 percent success rate on average. In an area such as the Lolo zone, elk are holing up more often in security cover. Compton suggests hunters who enjoy hunting whitetails in cover should try the same tactics for elk.
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ildlife biologists with Fish, Wildlife and Parks all agree that elk numbers range from steady to increasing. But getting to those animals will be the key to a successful fall hunt. “Elk herds in the Little Belts are mostly above objective,” says Adam Grove, FWP wildlife biologist in White Sulphur Springs. “But access is the key.” For example in hunting district 448 most of the elk are on public land, but in HD 446, in the Big Belts, most of the elk are on private land. Other hunting districts in the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls with a mix of public and private land and lots of elk are 416, 432, 452 and 449. Typically, those animals will be at higher elevations on public land when fall starts, but may be driven down to private land with limited access by weather and hunting pressure. It’s the same story near Lewistown, where elk hunting is by permit only.
MFWP
“We are way above objective in the Little Snowies, which are the eastern half of the Snowies Range,” says Tom Stivers, FWP wildlife biologist in Lewistown. “And real close to objective in the western half, known as the Big Snowies.” Likewise in the Missouri Breaks. “We are at objective in HD 410,” Stivers says. “And above in HD 417. In fact we’ve kept the A9-B12 tag in the southern portion of HD 417 to help landowners.” An A9 elk license allows a resident hunter to take an antlerless elk. A B12 tag is for nonresidents. It’s essentially a second elk license and designed to control elk numbers mainly on private land. Over on the Rocky Mountain Front, FWP wildlife biologist Gary Olson simply says: “We’ve got lots of elk.” In fact, Olson says, “We’ve got lots of everything.”
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Editor’s Note W
ell, it’s time to get all of your chores done around the house. Hunting season is here! Your options are open this time of the year, depending on what your passions are. Upland bird, deer, antelope and elk archery, and the fall black bear hunt all start up during the month of September. If you are not a bowhunter, then now is the time to gear up and start to scout the area you plan to hunt in October and November. Deer and elk patterns will start to change as the weather begins to cool. Early morning and late afternoon trips will help you start to figure out game movements as fall approaches. The backcountry hunt for deer and elk will also be in mid-September in certain units. Be sure you know your boundaries. If you are one that loves to go fishing over the hunt, then there is no better time than the fall in Montana. Nice weather and ideal scenic country make a day on the water a great day! Take a child hunting or fishing this month, so they can start to experience what they great outdoors has to offer. The memories will last a lifetime. Get them involved in an outdoor sport they like and join a hunting or conservation group as well. There’s nothing like sitting around a fall campfire and enjoying the outdoors. Spend some time outdoors with family and friends this fall. Thank you for reading Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure. Please support the advertisers you see in this publication when you can, and let them know you saw their advertisement in Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, as they make it possible for us to bring you this publication each month. Be sure to read the October issue for details on our 2009 Photo Contest. Enjoy the days of September!
Rick Haggerty Editor
BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Hunter Access I
t’s that time of year again when hunting is just around the corner and archery season heats up that we start to think about where we’re going to hunt this year. For some who’ve scouted and done there homework there job is already done. However most hunters wait to find access for hunting in the fall, for them I’ve got some advice to open a few more doors this fall. It’s not a mystery that today it’s harder to gain access for hunting in Montana. Some of the contributing factors are; out of state land owners who’ve purchased large ranches and shut down access, and private landowners who have grown tired of having fences left open, signs shot up, roads torn up and their rules for hunting on their property ignored. In my line of work I’ve talked with many sportsmen about this issue and to landowners. This may be one of the single biggest factors as we look at hunting in our state in the next 10 years. In talking with a local Ranch Broker in Southwest Montana, he said, “We’re going through an unprecedented time in ranch ownership changes in the west. Never before have so many ranches change hands in Montana as we have in the last 10 years.” I feel like there are two kinds of hunters. One that works hard to gain access knocks on doors, makes phone calls,
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SEPTEMBER 2009
BY JOE ESPARZA OWNER, SPORTSMENSACCESS.COM
studies maps and even get’s out to build fence, help with calving or put a new roof on a building. Then there is another kind of hunter, one that feels like he is owed access. This type of hunter feels like the animals are public property. If the animal they are pursuing lives on private property they still feel like they have the right to trespass to take an animal. If you are that type of hunter you may as well just quit reading this article now because what I have to say you may not like much. Being able to access someone’s property is like entering their home. At least that’s the way I think of it. How would I want someone to treat me if I asked them into my home? I think it’s about trust and respect. Let’s discuss trust first. When you ask someone to hunt during the season they have to make a snap judgment if they can trust you. They have to evaluate you and think, is this hunter sincere? Is the hunter competent? Can they hit what they are aiming at? Will the hunter do what he says he will do consistently? Will they shut a gate and not take short cuts? I think it’s tough for a landowner to make this judgment when you’re standing on their front porch. The landowner has nothing to make their decision on expect for past experience of other sportsmen. I think that’s why I think
we here no sometimes. It’s easier to say no that to take a risk. As I’ve heard from landowners, “It’s just not worth it”. A tip for this is to build a relationship with the landowner before the season starts. There’s still time! With the economy hitting just about everyone in Montana, folks could use a helping hand. Could you fix some fence, repair a vehicle, change the oil or transmission fluid, build a shelter for horses, or help with harvest, the list is endless. When you take the time for someone to get to know you they get to evaluate how you show up. They will make the three assessments about you: 1. Are you sincere? 2. Are you competent? 3. Are you reliable and consistent? Why not tilt the odds in your favor and build a relationship where you can show people the kind of person you are? I know in just about every case where I’ve done this I had great success. The second thing is about respect. Can I respect the man or woman who asks me not shoot near the barn, drive down the road when it’s wet or leave litter strewn across the property? Here is a list of the top 12 landowner concerns and how hunters
could address those concerns developed by The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council, a group of 15 citizens including hunters, landowners, outfitters, legislators, and an FWP Commissioner appointed by Governor Schweitzer to make recommendations regarding hunting and fishing access issues. 1) Bad timing for permission requests Most landowners prefer to be contacted by phone or in person between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. If possible, hunters should establish the preferred time with the prospective landowner prior to season. 2) Litter Simply following the rule “if you brought it in, make certain you bring it out” will take care of this concern. 3) Alcohol There is a time and place for everything. Drinking while in the field is not one of them. Good decisions are made by clear minds. 4) Driving on soft wet roads Keep in mind that the ruts created by hunters during wet periods remain long after the hunter is gone. Most landowners will not hesitate to give you permission for a later date in return for you being
SEPTEMBER 2009
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conscientious about not wanting to damage a road. Remember, a rutted ranch road is a constant “negative” reminder to all who travel it after the hunting season. 5) Driving off designated roads Be clear about landowner expectations. This is especially true for off-road vehicles. Do not travel off designated roads unless permission has been granted to do so. 6) Random shooting If plinking and plunking are in your plans for the day, make sure you discuss those intentions with the landowner and secure the necessary permission. 7) Game handling Most landowners understand the proper field care of harvested animals. Make sure your methods are effective and respectful. Leaving the hide on an animal in 80-degree weather, or field dressing an animal at an access gate, leaves a lasting poor impression. 8) Not respecting the permission agreement Discuss any requested changes prior to implementing them. One example would be getting permission for two hunters, but showing up with four. Another would be agreeing to hunt only a specific species or sex and then harvesting something outside of that agreement.
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9) Hunting outside of designated area Clearly understand the boundaries of your area. A negative confrontation with the landowner is almost guaranteed if you are found outside of those boundaries. 10) Game retrieval Talk with the landowner about this issue. Be clear about what is acceptable and what is not. Refrain from asking the landowner to help. Keep in mind this is your hunt, not the landowner’s. The intent is to impact the landowner’s daily routines as little as possible. 11) Livestock Shooting near livestock is a risk that landowners cannot afford. Give livestock a wide berth and always make sure of the target and beyond. Be sure there is minimal interaction between hunting dogs and livestock. Hunting dogs pursuing or otherwise bothering livestock will most certainly result in the landowner asking you to leave (and probably not come back). 12) Gates Unless specifically instructed otherwise, leave gates as they are found. A gate found open is probably in that position for a reason. If unsure, mention it to the landowner.
BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
So remember to gain the trust and respect of the landowner and see if it makes a difference for you this hunting season and don’t forget to make sure you have addressed the top 12 landowners concerns. Shoot straight,
Joe Esparza 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.
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FWP Seeks Comment On Bighorn Sheep Strategy MFWP MFWPs is seeking comment on the state’s first-ever Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep conservation strategy, which will guide management of the prized big game species for the next 10 years. Montana has never produced a comprehensive plan for bighorn sheep management even though Montana has successfully reestablished bighorn populations across the state. The strategy establishes eight statewide objectives and offers key narrative histories of all existing herds, including past and current management and the opportunities and challenges facing each population. There are now 45 populations of bighorns across Montana with 36 sustaining limited hunting. The comment deadline is Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. To comment, visit FWP’s Web site at fwp.mt.gov. Click “ Bighorn Sheep Plan .” Send written comments to: Bighorn Sheep Strategy, Montana FWP, P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701.
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Fly Tying Corner:
Black Tail Bead Head Brought To You By The Missoulian Angler Fly Shop By Bob Bates, FFF
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ometimes fairly simple fly patterns catch lots of fish. Joel Popham from Spokane Valley, Washington has been exercising northern Idaho fish for years with this pattern. He showed us how to tie it at the Western Rocky Mountain Council (FFF) Fly Fishing Exposition in West Yellowstone, Montana, June 30, 2007. In streams or lakes I use floating, sink tip or full sinking lines depending on water depth and probable location of fish. Lakes are usually best fished from some sort of floating device. That includes everything from a real boat to a float tube with all kinds of pontoon boats in between. Once you have the floating device then you need to think about the presentation. Many times it is a matter of casting as far as you can, letting the fly sink and bringing it back to you. The retrieve can be a slow hand twist, a strip-pause, a short strip or a long strip like you were trying to pull the fly away from the fish. If you don’t want to work that hard you can resort to “bobber” fishing by using a strike indicator. Measure the water depth by clamping forceps onto the fly, lowering them to the bottom or top of weeds and set the strike indicator where it will hold the fly at the proper depth. Oh yes, take the forceps off the fly before you start fishing. Now all you have to do is wait for the “bobber” to go down so you can strike. Frequently the “bobber” will sink when you are watching a bird, talking to a friend or pouring a cup of coffee. Small streams in north Idaho are usually waded. It is a matter of casting so the fly will sink a little, and following the drift near a rock through a seam or other place where a fish might be waiting for a meal to move by.
Materials & Equipment: Hook: Gamakatsu P10-2LLH 12-16 Thread: Gray, 6/0 Beads: Blue or pink glass Tail: Marabou, black Highlight: Krystal flash, usually a lighter color. Body: First layer, peacock, Ice Dub. Make the second layer a lighter color. (Color of dubbing optional) Hackle: Any soft feather; partridge, juvenile hen etc. dun or brown Step 1: Put bead on hook and place hook in vise. Start thread at bend of hook, spiral to the bead and spiral back to the bend. Step 2: Tie on a shank length black marabou tail, trim excess and leave thread at bend. Step 3: Tie in a few pieces (2 or 3) of Krystal flash on each side of tail just to give it a little bit of color. Near side first then far side. Make the Krystal flash the same length as tail. Usually the flash is a light color. Step 4: Bring the thread to the bend and put a small amount of peacock color Ice Dub on the thread. Wrap the first layer forward. Step 5: Spiral thread to bend and then put sparse UV pearl or golden yellow Ice Dub on thread. Wrap the thread and dubbing forward. The over-dubbing should be sparse enough to let the first dubbing layer to show through. Joel uses different layers depending on what he wants. Sometimes he puts the lighter layer on first and the darker layer second. Step 6: Tie in hackle by the butt, make two turns and secure. Clip off excess feather. Clean it up a bit, and whip finish between hackle and bead.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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I
t was a beautiful late summer evening. Bow season was just starting but good hunting was still a few weeks away. My wife (Julie) and I had decided to go down to the Bitterroot River for the last hour or so of light and do some nymphing for trout near Florence. As usual the trout where very cooperative and a lovely evening of trout harassment was well underway. After about a dozen hookups on respectable sized trout, Julie set the hook on yet another nice trout and shouted “Fish on!” Little did we know something sinister was lurking nearby with designs of its own on that distressed and struggling trout. Julie fought the fat little trout for a while and was just getting it near enough to land and release when it started going absolutely nuts! The fish seemed to find a second wind. It began making runs straight for shore, even trying to jump out of the river itself and on to the bank! Watching all this unfold, a little puzzled, I made a smart Alec remark questioning this particular trout’s sobriety and suggesting that it think strongly about getting itself into a twelve step program. Just then a pike roughly the size of my leg became visible and all the insanity instantly made sense! The toothy monster easily engulfed what had to be a fifteen inch cutthroat as if it where a guppy, cutting the line with ease and then, at its leisure, sluggishly retreated back to a deep seam from which it had apparently come. “Did that just happen!?” Julie asked. “That just happened!” I replied in amazement. The monster in question was the Great Northern Pike known to
some as the Water Wolf, and nowhere else is this name more fitting for this introduced creature than in Montana. Pike are both loved and hated by the outdoorsman of the bitterroot valley much like their mammalian namesake. Perhaps the one difference between the two controversial critters is that a common bond can be found among those who hate and those who love pike. That should be the desire to target them. If you hate them you should target them. If you love them, well, you probably do target them. I had known long before that violent late summer evening that pike were around, but like many people I did not fully realize how big the numbers, size, and range of this fish were in the Bitterroot Valley. I had even tried to fish them with little success in previous years, but watching the events of that fateful day unfold changed both my approach and success rates for pike on the Bitterroot River. Pike feed very aggressively in the late summer and fall in preparation for a long Montana winter during which they may only feed a couple of times a month. So this is the time for the novice pike angler to get out and take advantage of aggressive and caution free behavior. I have found that in the fall violent and erratic retrieves are deadly. I don’t mean a little erratic, I mean ridiculously erratic! I try to mimic almost exactly what I saw that poor doomed trout doing at the end of Julie’s line. For this presentation my go-to lure is a Cyclops spoon on a medium sized black wire leader (though countless other slash baits, swim baits, and spoons will work as well). This spoon is perfect for erratic retrieves and I will even hop it out of the water slightly to cause even
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more of a commotion which tends to drive pike nuts. The only problem is that some pike seem to have terrible depth perception and will miss over and over, making you wonder how they can even survive let alone be the scourge that they are often made out to be. Often I will use this retrieve to locate actively hunting pike and get the thought of feeding firmly engrained in his tiny brain. Then before that thought slips away, I make a much more reasonable and easy to aim at retrieve through the same water. If you can see the pike following however this is unnecessary, simply slow down just long enough for Old Short Bus to zero in and he generally will be able to connect and should you miss him or get spotted and he clams up refusing to bite, just come back tomorrow. Odds are that he, or one just like him, will be stationed in the same exact eddy, seam, or slough you found him in the previous day and with a little stealth, he will be yours. So get out there and Ninja kick a pike in the mouth! And remember to bonk a few. Not only do they make excellent eating once you learn to deal with the Y bones, but a trout or two will thank you and population control is perhaps the only reasonable conservation tool we have for this particular interloper.
TRAVIS DE BOER WITH BITTERROOT PIKE. THIS 8 POUNDER HAD A15” BROWN IN ITS GUT
12 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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SEPTEMBER 2009
BIG SKY KAWASAKI
2315 SOUTH AVE., WEST - MISSOULA, MT. 59801 (406) 728-5341 www.bigskymotorsports.com ©2009 Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA Kawasaki ATVs with engines over 90cc are recommended for use only by persons 16 years of age or older. Kawasaki also recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For more information, see your dealer, or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never carry a passenger. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving. Be extra careful on difficult terrain. Warn Winch offer valid through 12/31/09 on all new, not previously registered, Kawasaki 4x4 ATVs. For winch purchases, the customer receives the winch and winch mount for $69.00. For plow purchases, customer receives plow blade and plow mount for $69.00. Contact your Accessories Sales Rep (ASR) for additional information regarding the plow lift mechanism. The customer purchase price does NOT include dealer charges for installation. Valid only at participating dealers. Availability and actual price may vary--See dealer.
Upland Game Bird Hunting Outlook MFWP
U
pland game bird hunting in Montana is expected to be variable across the state. Most game bird hunting begins Sept. 1. Pheasant season opens Oct. 10. “This fall’s upland game bird hunters will see variations in bird populations that correspond to the variations in weather experienced in Montana this spring,” said Rick Northrup, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game bird coordinator. Weather is critical to the abundance and survival of all game birds. In general, spring and summer moisture enhances game bird productivity unless it is accompanied with 52 F degree or colder temperatures during the spring hatch and early brood periods. WESTERN MONTANA Northrup said western Montana had an average amount of moisture in June and no significant weather events to impact grouse chicks. The ruffed and dusky or blue grouse harvests were about average in 2008. There should be similar or slightly better hunting opportunities for dusky grouse this fall. Spruce grouse, which inhabit western Montana primarily, hatch in late June and early July, giving them a weather advantage. Northrup said average to above average spruce grouse numbers are likely.
Sagebrush News: Early Birds BY CHUCK ROBBINS
SOUTHWESTERN AND SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA In southwestern and south central Montana, mountain grouse experienced cold, wet periods in early and mid-June that may have affected the hatch and young broods. Ruffed grouse begin to hatch in early June, followed in a week or two by dusky grouse. “Last year’s harvest of ruffed and dusky grouse was about average in these areas, and it appears we’ll see average or below average numbers this year,” Northrup said. NORTHEASTERN MONTANA Northrup said a severe, prolonged winter in northeastern Montana may have suppressed prairie game bird numbers. Although native species like sharp-tailed grouse are adapted to Montana’s winter conditions, severe winters will affect survival. Sharp-tailed grouse dancing ground counts were down this year in the area. “Hunters may see fewer upland game birds in Daniels, Sheridan, and Roosevelt counties than they might expect,” Northrup said. “This is unfortunate given the average or above average numbers of sharp-tailed grouse and gray partridge enjoyed in these counties in recent years.
W
ith mountain, sage and sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian (gray) partridge as well as chukar partridge, mourning dove and common snipe seasons now open (September 1) the dilemma is always one of what to hunt first? Considering the boom and bust cycles upland birds naturally undergo, and that local disaster (untimely wet and cold, drought, etc.) does occur, a bit of research is a high priority. Knowing the difference, say, between the preferred habitat of sage and sharp-tailed grouse can save miles of wasted leg work. Ditto realizing that in September all three species of mountain grouse sometimes occupy the same or similar habitats—foothill cricks, the insect laden edges where sagebrush and grass meets dark timber and so forth. And while sharp-tailed grouse are certainly fond of brushy draws amid rolling grasslands, especially those filled with wild plum, hawthorn and other grouse goodies, in the early days of September we often do better in CRP and other grasslands, even wheat stubble. And speaking of wheat, the old adage: Huns are where you find ‘em, certainly applies anytime but in September you can hardly go wrong hunting the edges of big grain operations. Many enrolled in the Block Management Program even list upland game bird species available—how good is that? Like most geezers over the years we’ve accumulated a whole host of favorites for all the above. So when it comes to choosing, say, where to hunt opening day—we more or less wing it (no pun intended). More
often than not we start the season chasing blue (and sometimes Franklin’s) grouse in the nearby Beaverhead NF . But two years ago we opted for sharptails and Huns east of Great Falls . Another time we enjoyed a fine opening week gunning ruffed grouse in the Yaak River country. And of course living in Dillon sage hens are always an option. Regardless where or what September afternoons tend to be on the warm side of hot, often too hot for the dogs’ safety. So our strategy is to get out early, take lots of water breaks and quit at the first sign of heat stress—birds or no is not an issue. Which brings us to a most important early bird consideration—proper care of said bird(s) to insure the eating is as good (hopefully better than) as the hunt itself. -Draw the bird immediately. -Place in an ice-filled cooler ASAP. The surest way I know to kill a delicious upland bird feast is to tote dead, un-drawn carcasses around in the blazing sun for several hours. -Upon returning home (or camp trailer) place on bottom shelf of refrigerator (feathers on) and age for at least 5 days. -And last but far from least, any game bird cooked beyond medium-rare...well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Chuck is a freelance writer/photographer and fly-fishing guide. To check out his articles, books, blogs, photos and more go to www.chuckngalerobbins.com.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 13
Southeastern Montana Fall Hunting Outlook T
he fall hunting season has begun for Antelope archery hunters. Upland game bird begins September first. Overall the outlook for the 2009 fall hunting season looks good for southeastern Montana. 2009 PHEASANT SEASON OUTLOOK FWP Region 7—Southeastern Montana Pheasant populations have moved into marginal habitat suggesting above average populations in several locations. Dense spring vegetative growth has made it difficult to see spring broods of pheasant. The wet and cool spring may have impacted nesting and brood rearing success in some locations but biologists have yet to confirm this. 2009 ELK HUNTING OUTLOOK Region 7—Southeastern Montana Elk populations are building in the Missouri Breaks and the southern portions of FWP Region 7. Winter conditions were difficult for some species but elk seemed to have experienced good winter survival. Winter post season surveys in 2008 for the Missouri Breaks found 36 bulls for every 100 cows. Of the bulls, 42 percent were yearling and 58 percent of the remaining bulls
were six point or better. No survey flights are scheduled for spring of 2009. A February/March elk survey in the Custer National Forest (Ashland Ranger District) found 325 elk with 30 bulls to 100 cows and 36 calves to 100 cows. Access to private land should be arranged well in advance of the hunt and permission may be difficult to obtain. 2009 DEER HUNTING OUTLOOK Region 7—Southeastern Montana In Miles City and the surrounding area, both species of deer wintered well and benefitted from abundant spring forage. White-tail deer populations along the Yellowstone River, between Glendive and Sidney, are 70 - 75 percent above the long-term average. The ratio of white-tailed deer bucks to does is 30 - 40 bucks per 100 does. Biologist’s believe that if EHD were to surface in the white-tail populations along the Yellowstone the subsequent die off may be large. Mule deer populations are about 18 percent above the long-term average, with a good percentage of mature adults. A post season mule deer survey found 30 bucks to 100 does and 70 fawns to 100 does. Hunters should find ample opportunity to harvest mule deer.
MFWP
2009 ANTELOPE SEASON UPDATE Region 7—Southeastern Montana near Glendive and Miles City In FWP Region 7, the southeastern part of the region experienced some yearling and fawn mortality over the winter. Overall the antelope population is about 7 percent below the long-term average due to a winter with sustained snow cover. The yearling crop was reduced due to severe winter conditions. Surveys indicate 58 bucks for every 100 does. Hunters should find antelope scattered across the region.
14 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM
SEPTEMBER 2009
Mo nta n a Fis h i n g Rep o rt
CHRIS MADSEN
Western Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By The Missoula UFA Wholesale Sports BY CHRIS MADSEN, (406) 523-9000 e-mail: fishing-115@live.com
I
t looks like fall is just around the corner. The cools nights are back, and if the rain and cool weather we had in August are any indication, summer is loosening its grip on western Montana. For most Montana sportsmen and women, this is the most perplexing time of year. Fall is undoubtedly the best fishing of the season, but there are a lot of things to do, and not enough days to get them all done. As most of you probably do, I find myself trying to squeeze as many days out of September as possible; between archery season, upland bird season and football season it is pretty easy to miss out on some fine fishing opportunities. So in the interest of competitive balance, try and schedule in a few days between hunting trips and football games to sample some fine Western Montana fall fishing. Here are a few highlights to look forward to this month: FLATHEAD LAKE While we had another slow whitefish bite on the lake again this year,
it will still persist through September, mostly on the North end of the lake as they get ready to move into the river to spawn. Polson Bay is also an excellent location for fall whitefishing. The Mac bite should continue to be good as we work our way into fall. Fish tend to school up a bit this time of year, and as it gets colder, more and more of them will move into shallower water as well. Schooling fish are usually susceptible to vertical jig fishing; try a Leadagator or Rattle D’Zaster spoon tipped with cut bait. As usual, trolling Flatfish, Kwik-Fish or Hoochies behind a dodger will produce good catches of bigger fish. As it gets later in the month, casting heavy spoons like Country Miles, Bomber Spoons and larger Forage Minnow Spoons from a boat towards steep banks will produce some fine action for shallow water Macs. ROCK CREEK Like all the rivers in Western Montana, Rock Creek has definitely benefited from the shot of cool weather during the first part of August. The fish are in good shape and have been willing to cooperate with those wetting a line on this beautiful little river. September brings cooler weather, more consistent hatches and smaller crowds. Blue Winged Olives, Mahoganies and Hecubas are the big mayfly hatches you might come across. If you get into a dense enough hatch you may find pods of fish up and eating instead of the random rise that you’ll usually see. The October caddis will make its appearance towards the end of the month. This large burnt orange bodied caddis offers trout a high calorie meal and is readily eaten when available. Adults October caddis aren’t seen in great numbers as they are nocturnal, but the pupa is common and nymphing with a pupa pattern is very effective. SEELY AND SALMON LAKES After lying on the bottom of the lake likes rocks most of the summer, pike will start to feed aggressively again as winter approaches. This is a great time of year to take a trophy fish, and fish will engulf lures and flies with hearty-stopping strikes. Try casting Husky Jerks, spoons or spinner baits, especially in Firetiger or silver/black color combinations. Fish will key in on Kokanee salmon that start to school up in preparation to spawn, so any thing that mimics a 6-8” Koke is a good choice.
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BITTERROOT RIVER Along with the March Skwala season, September is probably the other best month of the year on the ‘Root. There are two large mayflies that hatch in impressive numbers most days in September: the Mahogany dun and the Slate-winged drake, or “Hecuba”. The Mahogany is a reddish brown mayfly in size #12-#14, and is effectively matched by a Mahogany Thorax Dun or Purple Haze, a pattern that is notoriously effective on the Bitterroot. The “Hecuba” is a member of the Green Drake family, and is mimicked well by a #10 or #12 extended-body drake pattern. This combination of big mayflies will often have the largest trout on the river feeding with abandon, although in low fall flows they will often be somewhat spooky and leader-shy. Blue Winged Olives also make appear for their second act of the season, with the fall variety averaging a little larger in size than their spring time cousins. These hatches are often significantly better on rainy, overcast days. So instead of sitting inside and watching football on a soggy September weekend, grab your fly rod and raingear, and get down to the river. BLACKFOOT RIVER While not exactly an unknown destination, the Blackfoot is in the middle of hunting country, and is often not very crowded in September. Fortunately for you, the fishing, scenery, and all of that hokey-but-true Montana Big Sky Country stuff is never more in evidence than on the Blackfoot River in the fall. Hoppers fish well until the first hard frosts of the year, and the blue-winged olives will hatch reliably through October. And just like Rock Creek the October caddis is prevalent and can get the fishes attention. For my money, streamer fishing is tough to beat, as brown trout become more and more aggressive as they approach their fall spawn. Pick out your favorite rabbit strip, marabou, rubber legged and cone-headed concoction and hang on tight. Takes can be vicious and this style of fishing is not for the feint of heart. There are more great places to fish this time of year than I could possibly hope to mention, so try to squeeze in a day or two on your favorite lake or river this month. See you out there!
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RYAN ONGLEY
Southwest Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By The Bozeman UFA Wholesale Sports BY RYAN ONGLEY (406) 586-0100 e-mail: fishing_144@yahoo.com
W
here did summer go? It’s amazing to think its September already and the cold and snow will be here before we know it. The long winter and spring kept most hatches coming on later than normal and a few periods of inconsistency, but all in all it’s been a great year. Hoppers have been a bit hit and miss on most of our rivers through August other than on the Yellowstone. So hopefully if the weather cooperates September will offer some great dry fly action with Hoppers and other terrestrials. Mid to late in the month we should also begin to see the fall baetis begin. And as we get closer to October the Browns will begin staging for their spawning runs. And don’t be surprised to stumble onto a few early spawners as well. Let’s take a look at some of our area rivers and what to expect. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK: The park generally offers some excellent late season action. As water temps cool the Madison and Firehole Rivers will
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once again be very viable options. Good hatches of Baetis mayflies, Hoppers, and Terrestrials will keep the dry fly anglers happy. Also swinging soft hackles in these spring creek type waters is always exciting. A good selection of streamers should be on hand as well. In the northeast corner, the Lamar, Soda Butte, and Slough Creek will all be fishing with some late Drakes, Baetis, and Terrestrials. Most of the crowds in the Park will be gone and it’s Prime Time in the Park. Especially if you can sneak out on a week day. Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers: These two fine fisheries have been on fire almost all year, with lots of large fish and great hatches. Look for Terrestrials to continue through most of the month as well as the beginning of Baetis activity. Streamers are a must as always on the Big Hole. No other river in the world was made for Streamers like the Big Hole. On the Beav you’ll have the same as well as good Cranefly activity. These can be like Trout candy for the big browns so be sure to have some in the box in case you hit it right. YELLOWSTONE RIVER: Terrestrial action should stay steady on the Stone. With Baetis activity adding to the mix mid to later in the month. Streamers are always viable on this water and definitely more so as we approach October. UPPER AND LOWER MADISON RIVERS: Again Terrestrials and Baetis will be the mainstay surface activity here. Craneflies are a good option for the Wade Section around Reynolds and Three Dollar Bridge as well. Midges will also begin to be more of an important factor throughout the month. Streamers have fished well all season on both the Upper and Lower and it should only build on that throughout September. Enjoy September action in Southwest Montana. It’s time to break out the Switch Rods and big streamers soon. BIG BROWN TROUT TIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
JESSE FLYNN
North Central Montana Fishing Report Brought To You By The Helena UFA Wholesale Sports BY JESSE FLYNN (406) 457-7200 e-mail: fishing167helena@yahoo.com CANYON FERRY: If alls you do is fish September is the month to get away from angler traffic on the water. Many
ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM • guys hang up their fishing rods in place of the old bow and arrow. And this is one of the best times to be on the water because as winter nears walleye, perch, and trout will begin their annual feeding frenzies in order to fatten up before snow fall. Trolling any type of flasher rig whether it is cowbells or an actual flasher in 20-30 feet will produce good numbers of trout. Walleye fisherman should concentrate their efforts in shallower bays tossing jigs, cranks, and the very effective swim baits. A drop-shot rig with a 3 – 4 inch minnow pattern will also produce walleye. Dragging a drop-shot rig rather than jigging it will make a more natural presentation ultimately producing more hook ups. HAUSER LAKE: Algae is beginning to thicken heavily in the causeway arm which can make it difficult to fish but not impossible. Use weed less jigs for this occasion and go a bit heavier than normal in order to punch through the algae. Fish actually love this type of cover; it gives them excellent cover along with an abundant food source such as insects and minnows. If the algae becomes too much for you anglers, head north toward Hauser Dam or York Bridge. There you will find deeper water where the algae will begin to disperse. HOLTER LAKE: Cottonwood Creek and Split Rock will more than likely be walleye fisherman’s main focus in September. Concentrate your efforts in these shallower bays and shallow points that dredge off into deeper water. Jigs were the ticket in August and I assume will be the case for September. And I have to go back to the drop-shot rig one more time because I believe drop-shotting is one of the most effective rigs any angler can use no matter what species one is after. Rainbow fishing is good while trolling cowbells tipped with a crawler around Split Rock and just above the dam. The rainbows are being caught in the early morning in 25 to 30 feet of water. Starting at the Gates and going on up to the dam will be heavily weeded so go back to the weed less rigs and don’t forget to go heavier on the weight. REGULATING RESERVOIR: I hate to tell ya’ll this again, but the Kokanee fishing has not gotten any better. I do talk to a local that has been having a few 4-5 fish days but that is all I can muster out of him. I am assuming he is using flashers with wedding rings and he has pin pointed the color. There are many debates on why the Kokanee fishing has been so horrible this year: one is the last couple ice fishing seasons has produced large numbers of 3 and 4 year old fish lowering the number, two the bigger fish are killing large numbers of smaller fish due to their aggressive behaviors not allowing those first year fish to grow. Whatever the case may be I’ll keep you posted if the fishing gets any better or in this case any worse.
BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 15
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16 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Blind Luck For Whitetails With A Bow
BY BRODIE SWISHER Brodie Swisher is a world
champion game caller, outdoor
writer, and seminar speaker. Check out his website at www.BroOutdoors.com
SEPTEMBER 2009
Rocky Mountain Trophy Big Game Records BOONE and CROCKETT CLU LUB B
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couldn’t help but smile when I heard the deer coming. Their mud-sloppin’ footsteps confirmed they were on a muddy trail that would lead them right past my ground blind. It was doe-day, a time to fill the freezer and after letting a young buck walked past the blind just 10 yards away, a doe made her approach. My blind was setup on a trail leading from a riverbottom into an agriculture field. It was a perfect funnel and made for the ultimate ambush. The set resulted in two does added to the freezer that evening, proving that a ground blind in the right spot can be a super deadly way to take more deer with your bow.
The Ground Blind Advantage My love for ground blinds began when I discovered their effectiveness for allowing me to go undetected when coming to fall draw on wary game at very close range. I try to video all my hunts and the ground blind revolutionized my efforts to do so, particularly when attempting to play cameraman and shooter all by myself. The blind will comfortably conceal several big hunters, or 3 or 4 smaller tag-alongs. Last year I took my young son and daughter with me for an afternoon hunt. Along with the three of us, we had three chairs, a camera and tripod, laptop computer to play videos for the kids when things got slow, coloring books, food, candy (necessities), and we still had a little room to spare. The ground blind sets up 100 times faster than a typical treestand. In fact, once you become familiar with it, you can generally set it up in under 10 seconds. And when it comes to safety, nothing comes close to the safety advantage provided with the ground blind. There is no risk of plummeting to the ground from an elevated platform when hunting from the blind, so it eliminates the need for safety restraints, climbing aids, and other safety devices. I’ve found that
the blind not only allows me to hunt safer, but also allows me to hunt longer and more comfortably. When the time is right and the action is hot, I like to spend every hour possible in pursuit of game. When hiding in the blind I can comfortably sit all day, rain or shine, eat lunch, snooze, read a book, or other tasks without ever spooking approaching deer.
DAVID W. HOBACK 15-2/16 B&C Missoula, MT. 2005
The Difference in Deer & Turkey multiple people to sit comfortably. The
Ground blinds have widely been used among turkey hunters attempting to bag their bird with a bow. The ability to go undetected as you draw your bow on a turkey at close range is a testimony to a ground blind’s effectiveness. The same is true for drawing on close-range whitetails. However, the difference in ground blind hunting for deer and turkey is the way in which you set up the blind. Turkeys are suckers for the blind and you can literally set the blind up anywhere, including the wide open, and the birds will never give the set a second look. It is not necessary to brush the blind in when hunting turkeys. Just pop it up, and hunt. Deer however are a different beast. They know when their terrain has changed. Blind placement and preparation is of the utmost importance when it comes to hunting deer. The boxlike structure of a ground blind tends to quickly catch the eye of approaching deer. For this reason, brushing a blind n to match the surrounding landscape is a must. Make every effort to break up roof and corner outlines of the blind with limbs, foliage, or other vegetation. Unlike turkeys, deer often seem to be alarmed by the black-hole effect created by the windows of the blind. Better blinds feature shoot-through mesh windows eliminating the black hole. Most fixed blades, and even a few mechanical broadheads, fly flawlessly through these mesh windows. After hunting from ground blinds for years, I’ve come to know the Primos Double Bull Dark Horse as the Cadillac of ground blinds. It has plenty of room for
Dark Horse weighs less than 20 lbs, which makes transportation to and from the field easy. The silent slide window adjustment system and the shoot through netting make this a great blind for the bow or gun hunter. The Dark Horse comes available in Ground Swat Camo. The Dark Horse has a black interior to eliminate “profiling” and maximize concealment. The Dark Horse features Primos Double Bull’s Silent Slide window system which spans a full 180° across the front of the blind and adjusts from 1” to 20” vertically. You can “open” the window or cover it with shoot-through netting. The blind features an adjustable framework and incorporates a rotating/ locking hub in the blind frame. If the fabric seems loose, simply rotate the hub which lengthens the strut and tightens the fabric, eliminating wind flap.
Ground Blind Gear A number of companies have answered the call of the growing ground blind market and now produce specific equipment for ground pounders. Several new backpacks designed specifically for hauling a blind have hit the market enabling hunters to get further off the path. Such packs include the Wild Thing Pack from Blacks Creek Guide Gear (blacks-creek.com), the RackPack from Magnus (magnusrackpack.com), and the Primos Ground Blind Bag (primos.com). Primos and Magnus are also making stools and chairs designed for the ground blind. Primos’ QS3 Magnum Chair is an oversized tri-stool that is roomy and comfy
COUGAR
enough for an all day sit. The Magnus RackPack combines a ground blind chair and frame-pack in one to cut down on the weight and allow you to go further and hunt longer. The Iron Talon Ground Blind Hanger (autumnquest.net) is the most portable and versatile bow and gear hangers on the market. Its compact design allows hunters to carry it in their pocket, unlike other larger, pointed bow holders. You can place the hanger anywhere on the blind’s supporting rods, loops or pockets in an out of the way position yet easily accessible. Montana riverbottoms, whitetail deer, and ground blinds were made for each other. The quantity of deer that routinely pour out of these riverbottoms is amazing. A well-placed blind along travel routes to and from preferred food sources makes for a slam dunk. Look for potential ambush sites near trails leading to and from the food source. With a hand saw or pruners you can quickly hide the blind among fencerows, cedars, scrub brush, or any other trees or brush that will allow you to adequately conceal your blind. With a ground blind, the options are limitless. Never again will you be bound to a particular tree or a specific wind direction. The ground blind allows you to hunt where and when you want to hunt regardless of weather or other impending conditions. The best part is, you’ll be able to hunt safer, longer, and have more fun than you can handle when you climb down from your treestand and try your luck at ground blind hunting for whitetail deer.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 17
BUTTE
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18 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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SEPTEMBER 2009
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www.honda.com For optimum performance and safety, we recommend you read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. Not all dealers carry all products. Consult your local Yellow Pages. © 2009 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM •
BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 19
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ou’ll reach this campground park, 25 miles north of Jordan, through the spectacular scenery of the Missouri Breaks landscape. On the Hell Creek Arm of Fort Peck Lake, this park provides facilities for most water sports as well as excellent walleye fishing. Hell Creek also serves as a launching point for boat camping in the wild and scenic Missouri Breaks. The campground has a camp host, fire rings/grills, picnic tables, and a playground. Facilities with running water -- a fish cleaning station, RV dump station, drinking water, showers, and flush toilets -- are open May 15 to October 15.
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Miscellaneous: Boat Trailer Parking Extra Vehicle Parking Firewood Fish Cleaning Station Food Concession Groceries Public Phone Fees: Day Use $5.00 Non-Resident, Vehicle Electricity $5.00 State Park Camping $15.00 May 1–Sep 30 State Park Camping $13.00 Off Season Oct 1–Apr 30 Directions: 25 miles north of Jordan county road 543 Contact information: call (406) 234-0900.
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20 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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DANNER & AUSTIN OF POLSON ENTER THEIR LAKE TROUT
2009 Fall Mack Days BY CYNTHIA BRAS-BENSON
2
009 Fall Mack Days will begin October 2nd and end November 15th. Over $47,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the event. The Fall Event will again be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Mack Days Fishing Events are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and are sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks and are a part of the Flathead Lake Co-Management Plan. The events are designed to be used as a management 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 in all of the different categories will be over $24,000. The top angler category will include awards for the top 10 anglers ($650-$200). The best 12 day totals of the 21 day event will determine the top anglers. We will have a “Ladies Only” category with prizes of $300-1st, $200 & $100-drawing. Ladies qualify by entering 20 or more lake trout. The largest live lake trout over 36” & 24#’s will win $500 and the popular smallest lake trout will have two $250 prizes. The four “Captains Prizes” will be $250 each. Coming back and being added to the Fall Event will be seven $200 weekend drawings to encourage those that cannot fish the entire event. The “Spirit of the Event” award of $200 will be given to an angler who exemplifies good sportsmanship, determination, enthusiasm for the event, and willingness to help educate other anglers about the event. Anglers will also win cash in the bonus and tagged fish categories. There are over 1000 lake trout with tags worth $100-$5,000. As you bring in your lake trout, they will be scanned for an internal tag. These tags are not visible; they are inserted into the muscle of the fish. The adipose fin on these fish has been clipped. If you catch a fish with a fin clip it will be helpful if you rubber band or use an electrical tie to mark it. Do not remove any tag before turning in a tagged fish. During the 2009 Spring Event 29 tagged lake trout were turned in with values from $500 to $100. Be aware that other anglers will sometimes mark fish by clipping a fin so not every marked fish has a tag. The event expects to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 in bonus payouts depending on the total harvest. Each angler entering 20 or more lake trout under 30” in the event wins bonus money (0-19 lake trout=$0, 20-30=$25, 31-60=$45, 61-100=$90, 101-150=$145, 151-200=$190, 201250=$245, 251-300=$300, 301-350=$350, 351-400=$410, 401-450=$460, 451500=$520, 501-550=$570 & on up)
All transactions tracked electronically.
November 15th will be the last day of the event. All lake trout caught on Sunday November 15th are to be turned in at Blue Bay between 9:00 and 4:00. Pick up times on all other event days are Blue Bay-all day, Somers-2-6 p.m. Polson (Salish Pt.)-5:30 p.m. only. The category for largest lake trout ends on Saturday November 14th. The last day of the event will be a stand-alone contest day with its own drawing, and for four prizes of $300, $200, $50, & $50 plus the heaviest fish under 30” wins $200 and second heaviest wins $100. Top-angler, bonuses and tagged fish still apply on the last day. The lake-side fish fry will be at Blue bay and begins at 4:00 and awards will start at 5:00. No fish will be accepted for entry after 4:00. Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to target or harvest bull trout or to harvest westslope cutthroat trout in Flathead Lake. Please be sure to know how to identify these fish. Contact us for information about identification and releasing of these fish. IF you are traveling from a different water body-we ask that you carefully inspect your boat for any aquatic hitch hikers-weeds, snails, clams, etc. PLEASE WASH YOUR BOAT BEFORE COMING TO THIS AREA AND WASH YOUR BOAT WHEN LEAVING THIS AREA. This will help suppress the spread of aquatic nuisance species to all areas. 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. We remind everyone to think safety first and to be aware of weather conditions at all times. During the event our telephone # at Blue Bay is 406-982-3142 or cell #406-270-3386.
All sales are reported to IRS on 1099B
MFWPs Seeks Comment On Tentative Fishing Regulation Changes For 2010 MFWP Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on tentative fishing regulation changes for 2010. The changes, are to go into effect March 1 of next year. Changes are in the Western and Central fishing districts include: WESTERN DISTRICT •In the Clark Fork River drainage on Fish Creek and its tributaries, only artificial lures would be allowed in order to protect bull trout. Currently, artificial lures are required only in the area around the mouth of Fish Creek. •On the Flathead River, maggots and scented artificial lures would not be allowed from the mouth of the Stillwater River downstream to Flathead Lake in order to protect bull trout. •Wounded Buck Bay on Hungry Horse Reservoir would reopen to bull trout fishing. Bull trout fishing on Hungry Horse Reservior in Wounded Buck Bay is currently closed to protect bull trout trying to enter Wounded Buck Creek to spawn. The closure is being lifted because bull trout numbers have improved. CENTRAL FISHING DISTRICT •Two reservoirs in the Tenmile Creek Drainage near Helena, Chessman Reservoir and Scott Reservoir, would be closed to fishing to comply with the source water protection plan for the City of Helena. •On Deep Creek, a tributary to the Missouri River near Townsend, the fishing season from the mouth of the river to the North Fork would be extended from Sept. 30 to Nov. 30. An early closure was in effect to protect an anticipated run of brown trout spawners that never developed. Comments must be received by September 13 and can be e-mailed to: fwpfsh@mt.gov.
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ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM •
Fishing With The Captain Mark Ward
S
eptember is here! For Montana sportsmen and women, this is a great month of activity. Bowhunters hit the woods and grouse hunters hit the mountains and plains. It won’t be long and Montana’s backcountry rifle elk and deer season will be open too! Anglers certainly don’t put down their rods and pack away all their fishing gear, just because hunting season is going on in Big Sky Country. September brings some of the best fishing to the state and the weather is, for the most part, ideal. Sunny, not too warm days and cool nights get the fish feeling like winter and colder weather are just around the corner. River fishing and lake fishing all across Montana should be excellent. The rivers will be winding down their late summer dry fly hatches and begin the fall hatches. Later this month, the leaves will start to turn so make sure you bring your camera to take a picture of the nice rainbow you just caught or of our beautiful falls colors. Lake anglers that fish for trout really like September because it seems the bigger trout come out their late summer dog days to feed aggressively. Reservoirs, like the ones located over by Helena, may produce limits of trout, plus in lakes like Canyon Ferry Reservoir it is not uncommon to catch some nice four or five pound fish. Most anglers are trolling a brown trout or rainbow trout imitation Rapala lure in the J-7 size either jointed or not. On bright sunny days I would suggest trolling three to four colors and on cloudy cooler days, the trout should be shallower so two colors might find them.
Clark Canyon, Georgetown Lake, and some of the smaller reservoirs would also be a good bet. Small mouth bass are another good choice and anglers can head to a number of different lakes and rivers like Noxon Reservoir and the Flathead River in Western Montana. A simple bell sinker and a leader with a hook tipped with a worm works well along with spinner baits. Lake trout fishing is excellent on Flathead Lake. The Fall Mack Days kicks off October 2nd and that means that you can actually make money fishing, and many anglers have done exactly that. The fall tournament has gained a lot of momentum over the last couple of years. Anglers competing in the 21-day derby, which runs consecutive weekends every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, have entered as many as 15,000 fish. A total of over $47,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. Don’t forget walleye fishing when you are fishing for trout in some of the lakes that have both fish. Throw in your walleye tackle and you might get lucky and catch a big walleye that weighs over 10 pounds. The lake whitefish bite that never materialized on Flathead Lake this summer should start to pick up in October as the whitefish show up on spawning shoals around the lake. No matter what your activity, hunting or fishing, September is an ideal time to be outdoors in Montana. Enjoy it!
Mark Ward is known as the Captain of the Montana Outdoor Radio Show heard statewide every Saturday from 6am - 8am. Log onto www.montanaoutdoor.com to find a radio station in your area. You can also read his weekly column in the Thursday Missoulian Outdoor section.
BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 21
22 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM
SEPTEMBER 2009
Traveler’s Corner: Brite Box Improves Output & Coverage Of Vehicle Headlights W
ith the days getting shorter and the nights longer and hunting season upon us, you want vehicle lighting you can depend on. The BRITE BOX™ is a self contained device that greatly contributes to driving safety on dark roads by improving both the output and coverage of standard vehicle headlights.
Enter the BRITE BOX™. Brite Box illuminates the low beams (and fog lights with Fog Light Control models) when the high beams are activated which allows 100% of the lighting potential of the vehicle to be utilized. Brite Box provides an even carpet of light that stretches from near to far. Safety and comfort are improved because the driver can now see a larger portion of the road. The safety Low beams / fog lights shut OFF benefits and circuitry of Brite Box when high beams are on. Note poor has been proven in millions of illumination directly in front of and miles of over the road testing, and to sides of vehicle. is used by law enforcement and transportation companies. Brite Box features easy plug in installation (in most All vehicle headlights vehicles) and can usually be have two distinct beam patterns: installed in 30 minutes or less. low beam for close range There are Brite Box models illumination, and high beam for available to fit most domestic cars, long range illumination. In most light trucks, and sport utility vehicles, when the high beams vehicles (SUV’s) manufactured are activated, the low beams shut from 1976 - 2008. off. The resulting choice of “near” vs. “far” illumination compromises safety and comfort because at a maximum, only 54% of the vehicle’s lighting potential is being used at any given time. Installing brighter headlight bulbs does little to help because the coverage of the AFTER BRITE BOX: Low beams / headlights is still compromised. fog lights stay ON when high beams Additionally, if your vehicle has are on. Note increase in both factory installed fog lights, they Available at Gomer’s-USDIESELPARTS too shut off when high beams are 2400 Palmer Missoula, MT. 59808 engaged. How does one solve this (406) 728-7620 or 1-800-823-4444. problem?
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 23
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Are Off-Highway Vehicles And Hunting Compatible? MFWP
M
ore hunters are using OHVs while hunting in Montana. “An estimated 30,000 hunters used OHVs during Montana’s 2008 hunting season,” said Walt Timmerman, Fish, Wildlife & Parks recreation bureau chief. In 2007 the Montana Wildlife Federation surveyed private landowners, and found that OHV use and abuse is among the top ten reasons a landowner denies public hunting access. “The MWF survey makes it clear OHV abuses hurt all hunters’ chances for hunting access to private lands. Sadly it is a small minority causing problems for all users,” Timmerman said. FWP has stepped up education on OHV use and partnered with the Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association, US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. For details on safe, ethical and legal OHV use go to the FWP web site at fwp. mt.gov under Recreation, click
on Activities and then on Off-Highway Vehicles. Here are some tips for hunters to help reduce the impact of OHVs during hunting season. -Know the vehicle use regulations for the area you are in. -Stay on designated public roads or trails. It is the law. -Access your hunting area before shooting hours and then hunt on foot. -Retrieve harvested big game from the nearest designated road or trail. -Respect other hunters and recreationists by slowing down or stopping as you approach them on the trail. -Avoid wet areas. -Reduce emissions and sound. -Pass in a safe and courteous manner when overtaking others. -Limit OHV use in and near campgrounds. Report violations to TIP-MONT at 1-800-847-6668.
Mule Deer Forecast - Region 4 MFWP M
ule deer numbers are down throughout much of north central Montana. That became apparent to hunters this August when surplus antlerless mule deer tags went on sale and sold out quickly because there were fewer offered than last year. “The last four or five years we had lots of deer and lots of permits,” says Cory Loecker, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist in Great Falls. “But then last winter was long and the last two springs had late snow and we lost lots of deer,” Loecker says. In two districts near Great Falls, Loecker counted 23 and 28 fawns per 100 does this spring. Those are fawns born last year that survived to this spring. The ratio is known as fawn recruitment: the young animals are recruited into the spring’s population. In 2005 and 2006 those districts were about double - in the high 40’s - the number of fawns per 100 does. “The combination of weather and liberal mule deer permits has brought deer numbers down closer to the long-term average,” Loecker says. “There are still pockets of mule
deer, Loecker says. “But overall mule deer numbers are down a little.” There’s similar news from the mountains south of Great Falls. “Mule deer are down in the Little Belts, Castles and the east side of the Big Belts,” says Adam Grove, FWP wildlife biologist in White Sulphur Springs. Grove says it’s a combination of weather and predation from mostly coyotes. “We’re seeing mortality in all age classes,” Grove says. In particular, weather the last couple of years has hit hard on young deer. This spring Grove counted some hunting districts with fawn recruitment as low as 21 fawns per 100 does “Thirty fawns is considered bare minimum,” he says. The story’s the same around Lewistown where mule deer numbers are “soft” and fawn recruitment poor. “Antelope and mule deer are much more sensitive to weather than white-tailed deer and elk,” says Tom Stivers, FWP Lewistown wildlife biologist. As a result, he adds, “We’ve gone conservative on antlerless B tags.”
24 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM
SEPTEMBER 2009
Hunting And Conservation News Hunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored By
Allied Waste
FWP To Intervene More Antlerless In Federal Wolf Deer Licenses Delisting Lawsuit Available In MFWP Region 6 MFWP Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has intervened in a federal lawsuit aimed at turning back a recent decision to remove gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains from the federal list of endangered species. FWP will also oppose any preliminary injunction requests that seek to reinstate federal Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the northern Rockies. “Montana’s wolf population is growing and is well protected by Montana law and well-managed under the state’s federally approved wolf conservation and management plan,” said Joe Maurier, director FWP in Helena. “Montanans have worked hard for more than a decade to recover wolves and FWP will work equally hard to ensure that wolves in Montana are managed under a highly regarded and science-based state plan.” The case is before U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula. Under a similar lawsuit filed in 2008, Molloy reinstated federal protection for the wolf. The recovery goal for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs-successfully reproducing wolf packs-and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years. This goal was achieved in 2002, and the wolf population has increased every year since. Today, more than 1,600 wolves inhabit the Northern Rocky Mountain Recovery Area-which comprises Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, and parts of Oregon, Washington, and Utah. That growing population is connected to a continuous population to the north in Canada and Alaska. At least 500 wolves now inhabit Montana.
H
unters in FWP’s Region 6 will have additional opportunities to harvest antlerless mule deer and white-tailed deer during the general 2009 big game season. That’s because two special deer management seasons in a limited number of hunting districts will take place the same time as the general season, said FWP Region 6 Supervisor Pat Gunderson. Nonresidents participating in the hunts can purchase the licenses at reduced prices. In Hunting Districts 630, 640, 641, 650, 651 and 670, Gunderson said a total of 2,000 additional 699-01 “B” licenses for antlerless white-tailed deer will be authorized. Also in Hunting District 640, which encompasses the far northeastern corner of the state, a total of 200 additional 640-01 “B” licenses for antlerless mule deer will be authorized. Both of these license types will be available for sale online and at all license providers on a first-come, first-served basis. Only those hunters holding a 699-00 or a 640-00 prerequisite license will be eligible to participate in the management seasons. The management season licenses will cost $10 apiece for Montana residents. Nonresident hunters will need to buy a $75 prerequisite license to be eligible to purchase management season licenses for $20 each.
For the general 2009 big game season, each hunter may possess up to seven “Deer B” licenses in any combination via drawing, over-the-counter, or surplus purchase. Because the special management seasons are administratively separate from the general season, hunters may purchase up to four more of the 699-01 or 640-01 licenses -- or a combination of these two license types -- apiece. That means hunters who participate in the special management seasons in Region 6 are allowed to possess up to 11 “Deer B” tags. In past years deer management seasons -- used to control populations of big game animals that are over objectives -- typically took place after the general hunting season was over. But Gunderson said a continuing trend of high deer populations in these districts and a desire to get deer harvested during the general season to take advantage of existing hunters and lessen impacts on private landowners prompted the action earlier this year. In Hunting District 640, surveys show that mule deer numbers have increased steadily over the past five years. While biologists say mule deer numbers dropped about 39 percent during the severe winter of 2008-09, they are still above 10-year averages. There is very limited winter cover or forage in the district, and agricultural damage has been increasing. Regarding whitetails, Gunderson said deer numbers in Hunting Districts 630, 640, 641, 650, 651 and 670 have been above long-term averages since 2002. In Hunting Districts 630, 650 and 651, and 670 west of Highway 24, whitetail numbers have increased up to 54 % above long-term averages. Rapidly increasing whitetail numbers brought a corresponding increase in depredation on private land. Gunderson noted that numerous hunters and landowners have expressed concern to FWP regarding very high whitetail numbers and associated agricultural damages, especially along the Milk River corridor. He said damages to standing crops are already occurring in many areas, and damage to stored silage and hay is expected to take place again this winter. “These measures are one way we can help reduce that damage,” Gunderson said. For more information about the special deer management seasons, call (406) 228-3700.
Most Common Mistakes Made By Hunters MFWP M
ontana hunters have the opportunity to take part in some of the finest hunting opportunities found anywhere. But each fall, some individuals unwittingly or knowingly violate the state’s game laws. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials ask that hunters take the time to review Montana’s hunting rules and regulations to ensure they act within the law and are prepared to recognize when others violate the law. Any violation can be reported to TIP-MONT on 1-800-TIP-MONT, 1-800-847-6668. The most common game violations are: • Failure to properly validate a license/tag and securely fasten the tag in a visible manner to a game animal immediately after the kill and before it is moved or transported from the kill site. • Failure to obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property. • Using someone else’s tag on a game animal you killed or tagging a game animal that someone else killed. Party hunting is not allowed in Montana. • Shooting or attempting to shoot game animals or game birds from a vehicle. • Shooting game animals on or from any public highway or public right-of-way. • Using a vehicle (including all-terrain vehicles and aircraft) to concentrate, drive, rally, stir-up or harass game animals. • Failure to stop at a check station going to or from hunting or fishing areas, even if you have no game or fish. • Failure to leave evidence of the sex of a game animal attached. • Failure to wear at least 400 square inches of hunter (fluorescent) orange clothing above the waist at all times while hunting big game during firearm hunting seasons. • Wasting any part of a game animal suitable for food. FWP encourages hunters to protect the future of their sport by hunting responsibly and calling the toll-free 1-800-TIP-Mont (1-800-847-6668) number to report witnessed or suspected property vandalism, trespass or wildlife violations.
SEPTEMBER 2009
•
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 25
Hunting And Conservation News
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Call 207-7800 Located in Missoula
Montana Hunt-Season Comments Accepted Through September 4 MFWP Hunters, landowners, and
outfitters can get involved earlier than ever before to help set hunting seasons for the next two years. In years past, FWP would propose “tentative” seasons and season structures—from general regulations to types of special permits offered in specific areas—and then ask for comment on the proposals. This year, FWP has invited the public to list or suggest things to change or consider for any upcoming big game or upland game bird hunting season—before FWP develops tentative regulation proposals. The quickest and most convenient way to comment on any big game or upland game bird season is to visit FWP’s Web site at fwp.mt.gov—click “Season Setting Suggestions.” Final proposals for the 2010 and 2011 hunting seasons will be presented to the FWP Commission in December with additional public comments on the proposals set for January. Mail written comments to: Hunting Season Setting Suggestions; Montana FWP Wildlife Bureau; P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701. The comment deadline is 5 p.m., Sept. 4.
Youth Pheasant And Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities MFWP
M
ontana’s young hunters will have a special treat Sept. 26-27, the weekend of the youth waterfowl and pheasant special seasons. Legally licensed hunters age 12 through 15 will be able to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and ring-necked pheasants statewide on these two days. A nonhunting adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunters in the field during these special seasons. The bag limit, shooting hours, hunter safety requirements and all other regulations of the regular pheasant and waterfowl seasons apply. The Canyon Ferry WMA is an exception to the youth waterfowl season in that shooting hours will be one-half hour before sunrise to noon Sept. 27 and 28.
Bow Hunters Are Gearing Up MFWP Montana’s archery-only
hunting season for deer, elk and antelope begins Sept. 5. A bow and arrow license, plus the proper hunting license is required during the deer, elk, antelope and bighorn sheep archery only season or to hunt in areas limited to only archery equipment. For details check the 2009 big game hunting regulations available at FWP offices, license providers and on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov under Hunting.
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unters may purchase a license at all FWP offices, FWP license providers, or online at fwp.mt.gov , under Online Services. After Aug. 31 the licenses are only available at FWP offices and there is a five-day wait on the use of bear hunting licenses. Black bear hunters must have successfully completed the Black Bear Identification Test and must present a certificate of completion when purchasing a black bear license. The training and test are available on FWP’s website at fwp. mt.gov under Online Services. A paper version of the test may be obtained at FWP offices or license providers. 2009 Black Bear hunting regulations are available on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov , from FWP license providers and at FWP offices.
Rebuild
Good thru thru Nov. Nov. 30 with mention mention of this ad.
Migratory Bird Hunters Get Hip Again This Season MFWP E
veryone who hunts doves, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, snipe, or coots in Montana must be “HIP” certified for the upcoming hunting seasons. HIP stands for Harvest Information Program. To get HIP certified, Montana migratory bird hunters are simply asked, in general, how many ducks, geese, cranes, doves and coots or snipe they bagged last season. Broad ranges are given for each group of birds. The answers are entered into Montana’s new Automated Licensing System to help with the management of migratory birds.
26 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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SEPTEMBER 2009
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Read the October issue for Details on the 2009 Photo Contest
Travis Haxby “With His Big Bull Elk” Talor Toavs “Whitetail Buck”
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Successful Duck Hunting
BY NEAL COTE, BITEMEFLIES
Targeting ducks in “The Dirt” where they feed can pay big dividends
N
eed a change from your cold and miserable mornings setting out decoys in that muddy pond? Try hitting the fields for your ducks and geese. Manufacturers of hunting accessories are jumping on too. Several companies are now creating very lifelike field duck decoys and gear that makes hunting ducks in fields more practical and productive than ever. Fact is, you can shoot a limit of ducks these days and never get your feet wet! Remember, you’re looking for puddle ducks. Big rafts of divers might look inviting, but it’s the puddle ducks -like mallards, widgeons, pintails and wood ducks -- that are going to be visiting local fields. It was probably 20 years ago when I started hunting ducks in “the dirt”. We’d watch the birds leave the refuge and follow them up to 20 miles out into the surrounding corn and wheat fields. Back then we didn’t have GPS, lay-down blinds, spinning winged decoys and specialized field camouflage. Our success was limited, but when everything fell into place, it provided some great shooting for mallards and surprisingly many other species of ducks miles from water. Add a few bonus canadas and a pheasant or two and you were in heaven.
More than any type of water fowling, hunting ducks in fields requires scouting. If you’re not where the ducks want to be, you’re usually wasting your time. The only way to know where the ducks are is to follow them or find them. This requires an investment in time and energy, but you can be rewarded in spades. I remember waiting in the freezing cold for hours, with nothing to show for all the effort, getting frustrated and picking up to go get lunch. On the way back, getting schooled as I watched literally thousands of birds landing right where I had set up that morning. Ducks don’t spend all their time in the fields. They spend the majority of their time on the water. Finding concentrations of birds on the water is key for success. The birds might be using large natural lakes, marshes, reservoirs, rivers or streams. Certainly, ducks will be using the water throughout the season, but their numbers generally build as the season progresses. You need to scout regularly to monitor the birds around your area and the potential for field hunting success. Also do not expect to be able to shoot these water roosts! Shoot them once, and your birds will disappear. This is probably the biggest problem in Western Montana, jump shooters can ruin some of the best roosts in
in a hurry. Some of the best field-hunting for ducks typically occurs late in the season when migration numbers are peaking, water sources are at a premium, and grain is a necessity. However, that doesn’t mean fields can’t be productive right from the opening bell. My basic spread consists of one to two dozen full body mallard decoys, then I add in several sleeper and feeder decoys for realism. I also place five or ten full-body goose decoys which the birds can see from a lot further distances. Add in two spinner wing decoys, and you will have all the action you can handle. In the past, I used to believe in the “Black Hole” theory which is put as many decoys out as you can. If you subscribe to this idea, it can work very well, but at a cost, by loosing the ability to move if the birds change their roost. When field feeding, mallards and wigeon have a tendency to leep frog over each other out of greediness to get to the best food. Setting the two wing-spinner decoys, one just inside the outside edge, and one right in the middle of the spread relative to the rest of your decoys will mimic this leep frogging, and I think it looks realistic to incoming birds. It gets them excited about getting in there and getting some of that grain. I add more numbers as new birds
show up in late October and early November. By late December, I am back to the basic spread as most of those migrating birds are gone and I am now stuck with local birds that won’t fall for a large number of decoys thrown out in a field. Now to set my spread apart, I enhance my setup’s natural look with special decoys. What do you consider special? A deer decoy out on the edge of the field? Two swan decoys in the mix can prove to be dynamite up near Pablo and Ninepipes, silhouette cows for blinds and many other off the wall ideas can set those late season birds at ease. Now, on to calling which can put birds right in your face or scare the heck out of them! Timing is everything when calling ducks. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to call ducks “on the corners.” Picture in your mind an imaginary box surrounding the perimeter of your decoys and blind. When circling ducks reach the corners of this imaginary box, hit them with a comeback or greeting call. This helps keep the birds from drifting off or landing wide. As the season progresses, less is better. In areas with heavy hunting pressure, mallards hear a chorus of highball calls every time they pass near a decoy spread. When it is calm, and especially (continued on page 36)
28 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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SEPTEMBER 2009
Rocky Mountain States New State-Record Catfish Caught at Aurora Reservoir
Idaho Fish & Game Commission Sets Wolf Hunt Limits T
MIKE STONE WITH HIS RECORD BREAKING CATFISH PHOTO COURTESY CDW
W
hen it comes to angling, records are meant to be broken. No one appreciates this more than Aurora resident Mike Stone, who caught a 35-pound channel catfish while fishing at Aurora Reservoir on July 26, setting a new Colorado state record. Stone, who fishes Aurora Reservoir with unwavering devotion, said he never set out to break any records on what he thought was just another typical morning at his favorite fishing hole. “I’ve been coming out to Aurora Reservoir pretty much every weekend, rain or shine, since 2003,” said Stone. “That morning I planned on fishing for trout and walleye but never expected to catch a catfish, much less anything of that size.” At 6:30 a.m., Stone loaded up his fishing gear and departed to a familiar location near the dam. Equipped with a Shakespeare “Ugly Stick” rod and 6-pound test line, he used an unconventional presentation to attract the large fish. “I was using a sinker and a floating jig head tipped with a nightcrawler,” said Stone. “I tied the floating jig to a leader 6 feet below the sinker, which allows the bait to float just off the bottom of the lake.” The unorthodox combination proved irresistible, and the mammoth fish took the bait almost immediately. “I had just cast my line into the water and started to pour a cup of coffee when I saw the tip of my fishing rod move and jerk,” Stone said. He then grabbed his rod, set the
hook and carefully played and finessed the large fish to prevent breaking the lightweight, 6-pound line. Stone landed his prize catch after a 15-minute tussle. Park rangers and Division of Wildlife officers arrived later to take photos and to weigh the fish on a state-certified scale. Stone’s catfish measured 37-inches in length and weighed 35.22 pounds--nearly 2 pounds heavier than the previous record of 33-pounds, 8-ounces, caught in 1994 by John McKeever at Hertha Reservoir in Larimer County. Stone hopes to have his record fish mounted in the near future. “It looks like this fish and I are going to be joined at the hip, at least as long as the record holds,” he said. “I’ll be happy if my record lasts anywhere near as long as the previous one.” Stone credits his wife for providing added motivation in his early morning angling pursuits. “I really need to thank my wife Lisa for kicking my butt out of bed so early every weekend,” Stone said. “She sends me out fishing so she can sleep in.” The CDW life will add Stone’s catfish to the Colorado Fishing Records and update this entry on the DOW Web site in the upcoming weeks. “We want to congratulate Mike Stone for his exceptional fish,” said Greg Gerlich, DOW fisheries chief. “It’s always exciting when a record is broken and we get to enter a new name into the books.”
he Idaho Fish and Game Commission has set harvest limits for Idaho’s first public wolf hunting season this fall. Fish and Game models indicate Idaho now has at least 1,000 wolves. The population increases at a rate of about 20 percent a year, without hunting. The commissioners adopted a strategy that would help meet the state’s wolf population objective, as outlined in the 2008 Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan. Hunters will be allowed to take up to 220 wolves this fall and winter. Wolf tags went on sale at 10 a.m. August 24, at all license vendors. A resident tag costs $11.75, and a nonresident tag costs $186. One of the commission’s top considerations is retaining state management of Idaho’s growing wolf population. Idaho has an approved wolf management plan, developed with public involvement. The plan was approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and found acceptable by a federal judge. The commissioners’ decision is consistent with the population goals set out in the plan. In 1995 and 1996, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service introduced 35 wolves to central Idaho. Since then they have increased in numbers and expanded their distribution. Fish and Game has a responsibility to manage those wolves in balance with their prey and their habitat - just as the agency manages other fish and wildlife species. As with other species, hunting seasons on wolves would
be part of managing the population. A wolf hunting season gives Idaho Fish and Game an opportunity to learn how public hunting fits into managing wolves. As Fish and Game learns how effective regulated hunting is, seasons can be adjusted in areas where wolves are causing unacceptable problems for big game herds or domestic livestock. Wolf managers will use the harvest limits the same way already used effectively with other species that Fish and Game manages. When limits are reached, the season ends. The commissioners set harvest limits for each of the state’s 12 wolf management zones. When the limit is reached in a zone, the season would close in that zone. Commissioners want to manage the wolf population toward the 2005 level of 520 wolves through regulated hunting (five-times higher than the federal recovery goal). The 2005 wolf population figure was used as a target number because wolf conflicts both with wildlife and livestock increased significantly that year. Wolves in Idaho and Montana were removed from the endangered species list in May and have been managed under state law since then. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s rule delisting wolves, however, faces challenges in federal court. The outcome of those challenges could affect Idaho wolf hunting season. For 2009 wolf seasons and rules go to the Fish and Game Web site: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/ wolf/wolfrules.pdf. A printed brochure is available at license vendors.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 29
Rocky Mountain States
PHOTO COURTESY UDW
Ideal Weather Could Mean A Few More Deer The weather was nearly ideal for mule deer this past winter and spring. And that means archers heading afield for Utah’s general archery buck deer hunt could see more deer in many parts of the state. Hunters could see a few more deer when the state’s general archery buck deer hunt opens. The state’s general archery buck deer hunt began August 15. The archery deer hunt and the state’s general archery elk hunt are the first hunts in Utah this fall.
“These past eight months have been ideal for mule deer,” says Anis Aoude, big game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “Last winter was really mild—the snow stayed up high, and the valleys and the winter ranges were warm,” Aoude says. “Fewer deer probably died this past winter than would have died during a normal winter.” Aoude says the mild winter was followed by a long, wet spring. “The state received plenty of rain clear into June,” he says. “The rain provided a lot of good, nutritious vegetation for the does. And that helped the does provide plenty of milk for the fawns they gave birth to earlier this summer.” Aoude says the nutritious vegetation will also help bucks grow bigger antlers. “When deer have vegetation to eat like the vegetation they have now, even two- to three-year-old bucks can grow some nice antlers.” The Northern Region is the region where hunters could notice the biggest difference in the number of deer they see. A harsh winter in 2008 killed many of the fawns that were born in 2007. As a result, many hunters in the region noticed a big drop in the number of one-year-old bucks they saw last fall. “The herds in the Northern Region still have a long way to go, but thanks to the mild winter we had this year, hunters should see a few more deer this fall. And many of those deer will be yearling bucks,” Aoude says.
Cheyenne Field Archers And Bow Donate Again To Access Yes While hunting on a walk-in or this year. “The money donated truly proves hunter management area this fall, tip your hat to the Cheyenne Field Archers and Bowhunters of Wyoming. For the fourth consecutive year, the organizations made generous donations to the Access Yes program to fund hunting access. As they have since 2006, this year the field archers again sponsored a two-day competitive 3-D shoot with all proceeds benefiting the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s hunting access programs. This latest shoot raised $1,060, raising the four-year total to enroll walk-in and hunter management areas to $5,230. The Bowhunters of Wyoming donated an additional $2672 to the program
archers are trying to pull their share to provide more opportunity for sportsmen statewide,” said Neal Perkins, field archer’s member and southeast Wyoming representative to Bowhunters of Wyoming. Matt Buhler, the Game and Fish’s statewide access coordinator, commends both groups’ efforts. “The success of Wyoming’s access program is a joint effort between landowners, hunters, anglers and the Game and Fish,” he said. “The financial support of groups like the field archers and BOW is key to that, as are individuals contributing to the program when they apply for or buy hunting and fishing license.”
New Wildlife Laws Kicking Off This Summer EXEMPTION - Hunters and Several new laws regarding C-STAMP anglers who hold pioneer licenses have been Wyoming’s wildlife were passed by the 2009 Wyoming Legislature and went into effect this summer. Here’s a synopsis: Authority to regulate wildlife immuno-contraception - A new law gives the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission the authority to prohibit and regulate the administration of contraceptives to wildlife. Technically, House Bill 0004 says... any chemical or biological substance or physical procedure to wildlife... for the purpose of controlling fertility or reproduction.” Using contraceptives for deer control is being promoted in urban areas, mainly in eastern states, and the Bureau of Land Management has a sterilization program for feral horses they manage in Wyoming. Although there are no plans to use contraceptives for deer control in Wyoming at the present time, the commission now has clear authority to regulate how it would be used if proposed in the future. CHECK SNARES AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK - Prior to July 1 there was no requirement how often snares had to be checked. This law- HB0006- also gives the commission the authority to regulate the size of snares and their breakaway weights. A draft regulation to implement the once-a-week check period and establish snare size and breakaway weights was approved by the seven-member commission at its Aug. 5-6 meeting in Cody. A STOUTER PENALTY FOR PURCHASING LICENSES WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION - Anyone who has had his hunting or fishing license privileges suspended as a penalty for a wildlife violation now faces greater consequences if he ignores that part of his sentence and buys a forbidden license anyway. Prior to July 1, the maximum penalty was $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Now the violator could face a $10,000 fine and one year in jail.
exempt from conservation stamp requirements for some licenses in the past. New legislation will exempt pioneer license holders from the conservation stamp requirement for all licenses effective Jan. 1, 2010. Same goes for resident military personnel who hold free licenses because they are assigned to a combat zone. LICENSES FOR YOUNGSTERS WITH LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES - In past years the law said there could be no more than 10 antelope, deer and turkey, and five elk licenses set aside for hunters 18 or under with life-threatening diseases. The new law removes that cap, gives the commission the authority to determine the number of licenses to issue and ups the age to 20 and under to qualify. The licenses now will be issued directly to the young hunter and not an organization as was previously done. Fewer liability concerns for landowners providing recreational parking - This bill broadens provisions of the Recreation Safety Act protecting landowners who allow the use of private land for parking and access related to recreational activities from liability. “This law should encourage more landowners to consider providing access parking and access trails,” said John Emmerich, Game and Fish deputy director. INTERNET HUNTING BANNED - The 2009 legislature has made it illegal to shoot wildlife by remote control through the Internet. Anyone who violates this law could face up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. HUNT BIGHORN EWES AND LAMBS IN THE FUTURE? - That could be possible with the passage of HB0225. The bill allows the commission to issue ewe/lamb licenses to effectively manage bighorn sheep herds, if needed. Applicants would not lose their preference points for bighorn ram licenses if drawn for a ewe/ lamb license, nor would there be a fiveyear waiting period to apply for another ewe/lamb license. There were no ewe/lamb licenses issued for 2009. The commission has yet to set the price for the licenses. (contact: John Emmerich (307) 777-4600)
30 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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ON-LINE AT WWW.OUTDOORSMONTANA.COM
Five Trails To A Better Hunt BY JACK BALLARD
W
hether it’s pursuing a black-faced antelope buck across the flats, chasing an elusive mule deer buck in the foothills or stalking a long-tined bull in the evergreens near timberline, hunting big-game in Montana holds the promise of an unforgettable experience. No matter the outcome, properly prepared hunters with reasonable expectations can anticipate memories that prompt a satisfied smile decades after the hunt. However, folks that overlook necessary aspects of preparation or fail to engage their own efforts in the hunt sometimes return home with regrets. Want to know how a hunting guide would have you gear up for a hunt? Here are five essentials, gleaned from conversations with area outfitters, to ensure that your hunt is an unforgettably positive experience. 1. Get Fit - The most consistent complaint I hear from guides regarding the preparation of their hunters involves physical fitness. The altitude, terrain and vast scope of the Rocky Mountain landscape sometimes place extreme physical demands on hunters. Hot-footing it across the flatlands to intercept a
drifting herd of antelope trailed by a trophy buck may require moving at a jog, but most of the sweat expended on a hunt involves hiking. And the best preparation for hiking is walking. Emphasize walking and hiking as integral parts of your fitness routine for hunting. Ideally, your preparation should include more than tracking sidewalks or graded walking paths. Get out a couple times a week on a hiking trail that takes you up and down inclines and traverses uneven terrain. Wear a pack that weighs ten to fifteen pounds to accustom your shoulders and back to carrying the gear you’ll need on your hunt. To really hone your physical preparedness, estimate the mileage you might hike on a day’s hunt. Then try to double it on some of your workouts. Due to the increased demands placed on your body by altitude and terrain, three miles in the backcountry will feel like six miles (or more) in the suburbs. 2. Be a Spotter - On a memorable hunt in Namibia, I waited for the safari vehicle to pick us up after sneaking in to a waterhole on foot. Suspecting that
animals might still show up on the way to an evening drink, my eyes scanned the bush while Francois (my guide) described our position to the driver on a two-way radio. As he talked, I spied the dusty gray form of a warthog trotting from the brush. Nudging Francois, I pointed toward the hog. Immediately he curtailed his conversation with the driver. “Nice pig,” he hissed. “Shoot it.” I dropped the old boar with a single slug, garnering an excellent trophy. Of the four animals taken on the safari, I’m especially proud of the warthog because I spotted it myself. Even if you’re a novice, you can always help a more knowledgeable hunter as a spotter. Keep your eyes moving. Bring along quality optics and use them. Don’t depend on the eyes in someone else’s head. Have yours on the lookout. 3. Set Specific Standards - Knowing the type of animal you’re prepared to kill will help you make decisions in the field. Occasionally, an exceptional animal is spotted early in the hunt. “If it took just two hours to spot a buck of that size,” the hunter might surmise, “surely I’ll find a bigger one over the course of a week.” Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Choosing to pass on an early opportunity might result in downing a more mediocre specimen later on. Just last fall, I hunted with an outfitter for mule deer. On the first morning of the hunt my guide spotted a wide, slightly non-typical buck bedded at the head of a draw. We glassed the buck and its two antlered companions, then decided to move on. Several hours later, we circled back by the bedded bucks. They still lay there, the wide-racked old warrior placidly chewing his cud. This time I really looked over his antlers and concluded that the entire hunt might pass without finding a better animal. After I killed the deer, TJ, my guide, breathed a sigh of relief. “I was afraid you were going to let him go,” he said. One of the best ways to handle this aspect of the hunt is to adopt specific standards beforehand. Then stick with your decisions. 4. Shine Your Shooting - Many hunters take pride in the accuracy of their rifle. In reality, however, a rifle that consistently places three shots in a group measuring less than an inch at the 100 yard standard isn’t significantly better for hunting than one that plops them in a twoinch group. Missed shots on game animals from bighorn rams to mule deer bucks are most commonly a result of the shooter’s error, not the accuracy of the rifle. Although shooting from a bench tells you what your rifle
SEPTEMBER 2009
can do, it doesn’t say much about your ability in hunting situations. To prepare for your hunt, practice shooting from various positions at ranges that stretch your comfort zone. Use exactly the same equipment (cartridges, shooting sticks, rangefinder, etc.) that you’ll employ on the hunt. I particularly like firing at milk jugs filled with water, as any bullet that creates a momentary geyser upon striking the jug is well within the vital zone of an antelope or larger game. If you can consistently empty milk containers with big splash at 250 yards, you shouldn’t have a problem dropping a bull elk at 300, provided the bullet you’re firing carries sufficient weight and energy for the task. 5. It’s Not All About Killing - On several occasions, I’ve heard others remark that hunting is just another excuse to get outdoors. To which I reply, “nonsense.” If the goal was simply getting outside the suburbs, hiking would be a much cheaper alternative that doesn’t require a permit and isn’t restricted to a season. When I go hunting, my goal is to kill something, a desire sometimes motivated by meat for the freezer, at other times spurred by the challenge of downing a trophy for the wall. Nonetheless, some of my most memorable experiences have nothing to do with filling my tag. One snowy morning, I sat at the edge of a grove of quaking aspens, hoping to spy moving elk. Some forty yards down the slope, a tan figure caught my attention. Assuming it was a coyote, I raised my binoculars for a closer look. When I adjusted the lenses, the image of a large bobcat came into focus. Spotting the movement of my hands, the cat peered in my direction. Desiring a better look, the curious feline hopped onto a large, fallen aspen that angled from the earth. He crept up the trunk until the fuzzy pads of his feet were some four feet above the ground. Then he lay down, all the while intently studying the orange-clothed blob at the base of a tree above him. For many long moments I observed the magnificent tomcat, from his coal-tipped ears to the stump of his stubby tail. Finally, my aching backside forced me to shift my position. In the blink of an eye the cat hopped from his perch and vanished into a maze of ashen aspens. Time, pride and financial investment sometimes prompt a hunter to over-emphasize the taking of an animal. However, it’s better to view the hunt as a total experience, rather than simply a license to kill. With the right attitude and preparation, you’ll have an adventure worth remembering whether you fill your tag or not.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 31
MONTANA STYLE
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32 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
BILLINGS Nightmare Hill Climb: September 5
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Calendar Of Events
ENNIS Ennis on the Madison Fly Fishing Festival: September 4 - 6
HELENA NWTF Women in the Outdoors: September 12
Billings Motorcycle Club is known for promoting extreme, western-style hill climbing and now they have Celebrate fly fishing in Ennis. Activities and events include: The Annual National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) added a new dimension by running the big bikes under Fishing Competitions and Skill Development Seminars Women in the Outdoors Event will offer a variety of the lights. The temperatures are cooler but the bikes get Rods, Reels, Flies, and Equipment Displays , hands on workshops for women 14 and older. Some of hotter and faster. Over 200 rider entries will make this Conservation Group Booths, Book Signings and Literary the classes being offered are: Canoeing/Kayaking, Fly an awe inspiring event for fans. From I-90, take Exit 447 Events, Guest Speakers, Celebration of the Arts Fishing, Spin Fishing, Birding, Water Safety/1st Aide, and go south on South Billings Boulevard over the YelAntiques and Collectible Displays, Entertainment, Personal Safety/Self Defense, Outdoor Photography, lowstone River, turn left at Blue Basket (approximately 2 and Food. Phone: 406-682-3148 or visit and others. Through this event, women from all walks miles from Interstate). Go 1.5 miles to club grounds. http://madisonriverfoundation.org of life will be given the opportunity to experience the Phone: 406-656-9960 or E-mail: mrfinfo@3rivers.net thrill of outdoor activities, gain knowledge without the visit www.billingsmotorcycleclub.us fear of intimidation or expectations and have the ability to use materials/equipment necessary with the guidance ENNIS of expert volunteer instructors. The event will include BILLINGS Hunters Feed and Wild Game Cook-Off: a breakfast and lunch along with a silent auction, door Ales for Trails: September 25 October 23 prizes and raffles. For registration information call Sample over 40 different micro-brews at Ales for Trails. Hunters Feed and Wild Game Cook Off is a very popular Susan 439-3658 or Cheryl 458-5078 Your taste buds will go crazy with the selection of brews event for locals, neighbors and visiting hunters. Started as from across the region, great food, and local music. a way to clean out the freezer of last years game before KALISPELL Heritage Trail Systems are located throughout Billings. hunting season. Merchants on Main Street cook up exotic Enjoy up to 20 miles of pedestrian friendly trails. wild game dishes and serve their culinary delights in front Northwest Montana Arms Collectors Fall Phone: 406-247-8637 or visit http://bikenet.org Gun Show: September 11 - 13 of their shops. Dishes such as wild pheasant with dill E-mail: kjetprill@hotmail.com Large display of guns, antique, and modern and sauce, deer fudge, moose meatballs and elk chili delight diners. Visitors vote for the best dish and judges select other accessories for sale. Custom western jewelry, knives, BOZEMAN and art. Held at the Flathead County Fairgrounds category winners. A great kick-off to hunting season in the located on Highway 2 west and Meridian Road, in the Madison Valley. Phone: 406-682-4388 or visit Lewis and Clark Marathon: Expo building. Phone: 406-755-3980 www.ennischamber.com September 27 E-mail: pswillis@centurytel.net E-mail: info@ennischamber.com Lewis and Clark Marathon: 1/2-marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K run/walk and Kids’ Run commemorates the GREAT FALLS LEWISTOWN Bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery through the Gallatin Valley. Point to point race. Shuttle River’s Edge Trail - Blues & Brews: Lewistown Gun Show: October 16 - 18 buses are used to start point of races. Follow the Lewis Lewistown Gun Show is sponsored by Weapons September 11 & Clark Trail past their Kelley Canyon Campsite and Considered as Great Falls’ best party the 14th Annual Blues Collectors Society of Montana. Food concessions will Jackson Creek Pass. Finish at the MSU track. & Brews fund raiser for the River’s Edge Trail will feature be by the Snowy Mountain Muzzleloaders. Each paid Phone: 406-587-1135 or visit great food, a selection of micro brew and domestic beers admission entitles you to one chance on a new rifle. All www.lewisandclarkmarathon.com State and Federal laws will be observed. and regional and national blues artists. The event provides E-mail: staff@fleetfeetbozeman.com Admission price of $5 entitles you to all three days. match funds for state and federal trail grants and funds to Children under 12 free when accompanied by a extend, improve an maintain the 30 mile long River’s Edge guardian. Phone: 406-538-5394 DEER LODGE Trail. Phone: 406-788-3313 or visit www.thetrail.org E-mail: trailsrus21@bresnan.net Montana Academy of Living History:
September 15 - 18 The Montana Academy of Living History, presents outstanding workshops at the fabulous Old Prison Museums and Grant-Kohrs historic ranch. The Academy provides hands-on workshops on skills needed during the Draft Horse Era. Nationally recognized presenters will give workshops on driving draft horses, sewing historical garments, making cowboy quilts (sougans), Dutch oven cooking, setting wagon tires, and restoration of draft vehicles. For specifics on workshops, please visit website: www.pcmaf.org. Phone: 406-846-3111 E-mail: visitorservices@pcmaf.org
SEPTEMBER 2009
HAVRE Legends for Lights Pheasant Jamboree: October 8 - 11
Many different events are awaiting your arrival. A social welcoming you to Havre kicks off the Pheasant Jamboree on Thursday evening. Spend Friday trapshooting against professional sports legends. Then, on Saturday night, enjoy the Taste of Havre, where restaurants and service organizations compete against one another in culinary delights while gaining signatures of your favorite sports legends. Be a member of a sports legend’s team while hunting on some of Montana’s finest pheasant country DEER LODGE during a hosted open hunt and contest hunt. After three days of competitions attend the awards banquet and closing Pumpkin Sunday: October 18 This is an excellent afternoon family outing. There will ceremonies, with a final chance for pictures and to reminisce about the great new friendships and memories you’ve be children’s activities in the dairy barn and gained during the event. After all the fun and success of refreshments will be offered. There will be a children’s the past 6 years, it won’t take long to fill the 20 hunting carnival, warm up at the bonfire. The kids can come out and pick their own pumpkin and paint it and take it home team-slots. In order to reserve your spot or request more with them. Hay rides are available and a variety of crafts information contact Northern Lights Athletic Foundation. Phone: 406-945-2635 or visit for children. Admission is free year round. http://legendsforlights.com Phone: 406-846-2070 ext 224 E-mail: rt@onewest.net or visit www.nps.gov/grko E-mail: karen_shoemaker@nps.gov
SEELEY LAKE Tamarack Festival: October 3 - 4
Come to Seeley Lake for this spectacular two-day event to celebrate the arts and the alpine splendor of the turning tamaracks. The Western Larch trees, commonly known as Tamaracks, is the only species of coniferous trees that actually lose their needles annually to return in the spring. Enjoy an Arts and Crafts show, Tour of the Arts, historical society event and various other activities. Maps available to walk, hike, bike or drive to see the best trees. Phone: 406-677-2880 or visit www.seeleylakechamber.com E-mail: slchamber@blackfoot.net
TOWNSEND Townsend Fall Fest: October 3 - 4
There’s something for every taste, age, and interest with a Military Parade, 70 Craft Vendors, Numerous Food Vendors including Rotary’s Famous Brats & Beer, Music-Music-Music (German, Polka, Country Western & Old Time Fiddle) Kids Games, Variety Show, Military Displays & Beer Garden. Phone: 406-266-4101 or visit www.townsendvalley.com
EVENTS TO SUPPORT WILDLIFE DUCKS UNLIMITED
09/10/09 Gallatin-Madison Chapter Fall Banquet Montana State University SUB Contact: Dan Tracy (406)370-5446
09/19/09 MISSOULA Upper Missouri Chapter Annual Banquet Hellgate Gem Mineral and Fossil Show: Broadwater County Fairgrounds September 26 - 27 Contact: Jack Gillespie (406)266-3861 Annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show. All types
of gems and minerals; games for the children, demonstrations and silent auction. Something in every price range. Held at Ruby’s Reserve Street Inn and Convention Center at 4825 Reserve Street. Phone: 406-543-3667
PHILIPSBURG Miner’s Union Picnic and Mining Competition: September 12
It’s time for Philipsburg to once again celebrate Montana’s rich mining heritage with the Annual Miner’s Union Picnic and Mining Competition. A perfect day for the whole family, activities will include a mining competition which consists of single jackleg drilling, hand mucking, 12B machine mucking, spike driving and team jackleg drilling. The kids competition consists of hand mucking, spike driving and single drilling with a cordless drills and a potluck picnic. Located by taking Montana Highway 1 from I-90 near Anaconda or Drummond to the center of Philipsburg. Phone: 406-859-5125 E-mail: barney@blackfoot.net
RMEF EVENTS
09/26/09 Harlowtown Upper Musselshell Big Game Banquet Contact: Linda Moe (406) 473-2471 10/03/09 Helena Big Game Banquet Contact: Rick Donaldson (406) 439-4905 10/17/09 Dillon Beaverhead Big Game Banquet Contact: Lisa Rakich (406) 683-6283 10/17/09 Libby Lincoln County Big Game Banquet Contact: Toni Kinden (406) 334-0134
SEPTEMBER 2009
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Reloaders have long known about the hunting performance of Berger bullets and now, these superbly accurate and hard-hitting bullets are available in loaded premium ammunition. VLD bullets allow for higher velocities at longer ranges resulting in greater energy at the target, in this case, that trophy you’ve been stalking for days!
BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 33
Suitable for both classic and modern shotguns, (not Damascus or twist steel), Bismuth shotgun shells are the perfect alternative to lead shot. With greater density than steel and fuller patterns than tungsten, bismuth will ensure maximum energy on target for greater game recovery. The only real non-toxic choice for sub-gauge shotguns, Bismuth shotgun shells are available in .410, 28, 20, 16 and 12 gauge.
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A Closer Look At The Hunting Shack BY BRODIE SWISHER
T
he state of Montana is blessed to be home to many of the hunting and shooting sports industy’s heaviest hitters. One such leader in the shooting sports world is The Hunting Shack, Inc. tucked away in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley. While Stevensville, MT is classic Smalltown USA, it plays host to one of nation’s leading manufacturers of ammunition for law-enforcement, wholesale and retail ammunition sales, reloading equipment and components, and much more. The Hunting Shack began business in 1968, led by founder and president, Bill Campbell. The company moved to East Missoula in the late 70’s and conducted business there for nearly a decade before disaster struck the company. In 1986, a natural gas leak ignited a fire in the eastern Missoula-based Hunting Shack location and destroyed the business. Amazingly, there was no one hurt. The business however, would have to begin again from ground zero. Following the fire, Campbell began to rebuild his business from his home in Stevensville. Starting from scratch is never easy, but the business once again began to prosper. In 2000, the Hunting Shack moved to its current location at 4406 Rathbun Ln., Stevensville. In the beginning the Hunting
Shack’s business focused on custom loading. And while they still offer custom loading services, the company has grown incredibly and now offers many different services to shooters, reloaders, hunters, law enforcement, and military. In fact, The Hunting Shack provides quality ammunition and gun care accessories to law enforcement agencies and sport shooters throughout the United States, and around the world. With a staff of nearly 40 employees, the crew – and machines – at The Hunting Shack produce thousands upon thousands of rounds of ammunition everyday! It is quite an operation, to say the least. Besides producing their own HSM line of ammo, they have been the number one distributor in the nation of law enforcement ammunition for CCI/ Speer since 1994. They are also one of the top distributors of Winchester law enforcement ammunition, and for over 20 years they have been a full-line distributor for Hornady and Sierra products, and also handle PMC, Springfield Armory, Nosler, Barnes and other well-known products. The guys at The Hunting Shack are quick to say, “If it is ammo or firearms related, give us a call.” When you supply ammunition to law enforcement agencies, snipers, U.S.
government, foreign governments, hunters, and competitive shooters around the world, you know you’ve got a good product. The Hunting Shack ammunition is known around the globe for superior accuracy and great prices. More recently The Hunting Shack has moved into the retail market by supplying ammunition to Cabelas, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and UFA Wholesale Sports. And they also import ammunition to Canada. As for the locals, they too can buy their ammunition, and reloading components directly from the Stevensville-based business. Got guns? The Hunting Shack is the exclusive exporter of Cooper Firearms of Montana. They are also a distributor and dealer for Olympic Arms, distributor for Bismuth Shotshells, and exclusive manufacturer of Trophy Gold ammunition, as used by the long-range hunting show, “Best of the West” on the Outdoor Channel. Take a trip to The Hunting Shack and you too will see that it is your one-stop-shop for ammunition, guns, gear, and all the goods for reloading your own ammo. The Hunting Shack is no doubt PRODUCTION AT THE another one of Montana’s best kept secrets. HUNTING SHACK PHOTO Check them out at www.thehuntingshack.com COURTESY BRODIE SWISHER or call 406-777-2106.
34 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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SEPTEMBER 2009
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Antelope 900 series.............................. Aug. 15 - Nov. 8 Antelope archery.................................. Sept. 5 - Oct. 10 Antelope general.................................. Oct. 11 - Nov. 8 Bighorn Sheep archery........................ Sept. 5 - Sept. 14 Bighorn Sheep....................................... Sept. 15 - Nov. 29 Bison....................................................... Nov. 15 - Feb. 15, 2010 Black Bear - Spring.............................. Apr. 15 - May 31 Black Bear - Fall................................... Sept. 15 - Nov. 29 Deer & Elk archery............................... Sept. 5 - Oct. 18 Deer & Elk backcountry...................... Sept. 15 - Nov. 29 HD’s 150, 151, 280 & 316 Deer & Elk general............................... Oct. 25 - Nov. 29 Moose..................................................... Sept. 15 - Nov. 29 Mountain Goat...................................... Sept. 15 - Nov. 29 Mountain Lion - Fall............................ Oct. 25 - Nov. 29 Mountain Lion - Winter...................... Dec. 1 - Apr. 14, 2010
UPLAND GAME BIRDS
Sage Grouse........................................... Sept. 1 - Nov. 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse............................. Sept. 1 - Jan. 1, 2010 Mountain Grouse.................................. Sept. 1 - Dec. 15 Partridge................................................ Sept. 1 - Jan 1, 2010 Pheasant................................................ Oct. 10 - Jan. 1, 2010 Turkey - Spring..................................... Apr. 11 - May 17 Turkey - Fall.......................................... Sept. 1 - Jan. 1, 2010
Roam Missouri River Breaks For Prairie Grouse BY ANDREW MCKEAN
E
ven to a hunter accustomed to wide-open country, eastern Montana can be a little intimidating. There’s just so much land, much of it looks the same, and depending on where you hunt, little of it looks like it would hold a gopher, let alone a grouse or a pheasant. That perspective is fine for the region’s hard-core upland bird hunters, who know that even skinny cover can hold plenty of birds, as long as water and food is close by. But if you want to minimize prospecting for birds and maximize your time working a dog into likely holding cover, head to the periphery of the Missouri River Breaks, where you can have wonderful September days flushing up sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, doves while they last and even the occasional Hungarian partridge. If you find the right mix of cover and water, you might even find a few neglected rooster pheasants, which become huntable when the pheasant season opens Oct. 10. Seasons for prairie grouse and dove open Sept. 1. You must stop hunting sage grouse Nov. 1 but seasons for sharpies, Huns and roosters extend through Jan. 1. Compounding your bag limit makes sense in these days when hunters’ time is short and their gas bill is high, so finding these places where you can score a hat trick on a trio of species is worth the effort of looking. Here are a few places where you can spend some fruitful fall days learning new country and finding spots where prairie species flourish: · Southern Phillips County If you drive U.S. Highway 191 south of Malta, you’ll
eventually come to the intersection of State Route 66, which would take you northwest to Harlem. This is big sagebrush country, and you can find sage grouse without too much difficulty. But early in September, dove flock to these sun-drenched prairies and can be found around stock dams and pools of stagnant creek water. Sharptails are harder to find, but hunt the edges of wheat stubble, and you may also flush a covey of Huns. · Northern Hill County The vast wheat bench north of the Milk River features hundreds of thousands of acres of prime bird habitat and little, if any, hunting pressure. Some of this land is enrolled in FWP’s Block Management program, but more is huntable if you just knock on doors and ask around for landowners. This is one of the best spots in the state for Hungarian partridge, but you’ll also encounter sharp-tailed grouse in shelter belts and along streamside cover. · Sheridan County The extreme northeast corner of Montana is better known as a destination for pheasant hunters, but it holds plenty of Huns, sharpies and doves early in September. In fact, taking an early trip to Plentywood, Froid or Culbertson will give you plenty of spots to return once the rooster season opens and the wheat country gets overrun with pheasant hunters. Plus, this summer has seen an abundance of mourning dove across eastern Montana, and hunters who are on the ground early in September have a great chance to add a limit of tasty dove to their already heavy bird bag.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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he Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Becoming An Outdoors Woman program will sponsor workshops on basic bird hunting and shotgun skills in early September in Great Falls and Glasgow. BOW workshops teach women outdoor skills in an environment known for clear information, encouragement, hands-on instruction and camaraderie. Participants in a similar 2007 workshop say being with other women learning new skills and the patient BOW instructors made for a positive learning experience. “It gave me the confidence to go out and use the skills I learned,” said Roxanne Ochs of Great Falls. “To see different types of hunting dogs and what their specific roles are in the field helped me to decide what type of dog I wanted to hunt with. I have a dog I’d like to hunt with now and have been using whistle and hand signals in her training.” The two Beyond BOW Workshops scheduled this September, will teach participants how to shoot a shotgun, identify and hunt upland game birds and waterfowl and about hunting dogs and how to work with them. During the Great Falls workshop participants will shoot game birds and work with hunting dogs and their handlers. In Glasgow, the workshop will include a hunting dog demonstration and an opportunity to shoot clay targets. Gail Reiter of Vaughn also attended the 2007 BOW upland game bird hunting workshop. “We have four labs who love to hunt, and I thought it was time that I found out what the attraction was,” Reiter said. “I love the exercise, the quiet, the beauty and watching very talented dogs do what they are trained to do and what is in them inherently.” BOW workshops are designed so participants leave ready to go out and fish, shoot, canoe, cook outdoors and use a bow, map, and compass. The workshops are open to anyone 18 years of age or older. The workshop in Great Falls will be Sept. 11-12 at the Great Falls Trap Club beginning Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. and on Sept. 12 at 7:30 a.m. The $99 workshop fee includes lunch and simulated hunting experiences in the field. The workshop in Glasgow will be Sept. 12 at the Glasgow Trap Club from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. The $25 fee includes reference materials and lunch. To register or for more information, call Liz Lodman at 406-444-2615.
BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 35
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36 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Upland Game Bird Hunting Outlook (continued from page 12) grouse in some areas but there will be MONTANA HI-LINE good cover over most of the region Drought conditions have Grouse hunting may be better extended from the east front along the to the north and gray partridge populaHi-Line to North Dakota, particularly tions may also have rode out this frosty north of U.S. Highway 2. Drought weather, which occurred prior to hatch. usually results in poorer brood survival and lower fall abundance for sharp-tails SAGE GROUSE and gray partridge, Northrup said. Sage-grouse counts across “Here hunters can anticipate Montana this spring were improved from below average numbers of sharp-tailed recent years, but generally below grouse and gray partridge, but may find average. Cold wet conditions in early better hunting south of U.S. Highway 2 in areas that received more precipitation,” June in southern Montana likely impacted young broods. Northrup predicts below Northrup said. average abundance again this year in most Prairie game bird hunting opportunities will also be impacted by the sage-grouse range. conversion of CRP fields back into grain WILD TURKEY production. Wild turkeys have been “Effective blocks of CRP cover increasing or relatively stable over most still remain, particularly in the western of their range in Montana in recent years. and eastern portions of the Montana Over winter turkey survival was very Hi-Line,” Northrup said. good again this year and fall SOUTHEASTERN MONTANA populations are expected to be Sharp-tailed grouse dancing comparable to last year. The early June ground counts were similar or slightly weather likely also impacted turkey improved from last year in broods in southeast Montana. southeastern Montana. However, a band For detailed information to help of rainy weather, extending from Big plan a fall upland game bird hunt, see the Timber to Glendive and south to Hunt Planner on the FWP Web site at Wyoming, was accompanied with near-freezing temperatures for a few days fwp.mt.gov on the Hunting page. in early June. As a result, hunters are likely to see fewer young sharp-tailed
Duck Hunting (continued from page 27) when it is both overcast and calm, try setting yourself apart from your competition. When birds get within working range, have one caller blow lonesome hen calls repeatedly. Mix in a little feed chatter as the birds circle, but keep hitting them with rhythmic lonesome hen calls until they finish. If this fails, use your goose call and throw a few grunts and soft clucks. As a last resort, if you see birds cupped in up high, don’t call at all. If you did your homework scouting, you are going to be right where the ducks want, just let them do what they were going to do...land! Permanent blinds certainly are hard to beat for comfort and concealment. However, as hunting pressure has increased in many areas of the country, waterfowl are getting better at identifying blinds and avoiding them. Before building a large blind in a productive hunting area, check to see if there is enough natural vegetation to hide yourself and maybe a hunting partner or two. Hunkering in cattails or brush may not be as comfortable as hunting from a permanent blind with a floor and roof, but you may bag a lot more birds in return. Lay down blinds are now a standard piece for most hunters. They are great in some situations, but just like permanent blinds, the birds are getting more wary of them. Don’t forget you are hunting out in the open, and cover is hard to come by. You have to use anything and everything to get yourself hidden. Use the terrain, like high spots to place your decoys on and then setting up your blinds on the down hill side to eliminate your blind profiles. Shadows in the fence line or against a wheelline can hide you from those sharp eyes as well. Look for any strip of cover that you can utilize to hide you and the shadow of your blind. Make sure to use what is in the field
to brush up your hide, wheat stubble and corn stalks are hard to beat, but don’t over do it. Be still in the blind, Watching birds work is fun, but if you do, do so without becoming a bobblehead, and wear a camouflage head net. Ducks will spot movement before anything else.
Pick up your spent shotshells after every flock. Staying on top of this annoying task is especially important if you hunt from harvested fields or in any other open environment with little cover. Keep a trash bag in your blind or pit and pick up your hulls at the end of every hunt. Shining hulls can be seen from miles away and ruin your set up. Ducks and geese have become increasingly sensitive to hunting pressure in recent years due to a higher number of hunters in Montana, so waterfowlers should be careful not to overshoot local populations, especially during extended periods between cold fronts. By limiting your hunting time in a particular marsh or field to only two mornings a week and one afternoon, you will allow concentrations of birds to build between hunts, making your outings more productive and enjoyable. If you did your homework, you should have more than one field to hunt so spread out your impact on those birds. Competition can be fierce so make sure you treat other hunters as you would like to be treated. Don’t try and squeeze into a field that someone else is already set up on. And don’t short stop those birds! Nothing is more annoying that having other hunters purposely get between you and the birds and cut them off. So are you ready for a little roll in “the Dirt”? I will be ready to get after those big Green heads and you should too.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 37
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gear review
Reviews provided by Montana Test.Com The Country’s Leading Outdoor Product Testing Site. Reviews are independent of advertisers and all products tested in real time hunting and fishing conditions. Montana Test.Com does not guarantee positive reviews to any manufacturer. www.mtBowHuntingreviews.com and www.bowhuntingreviews.net are part of Montana Test.com. Visit www.montanatest.com
Rinehart’s 18-1 Target
Recommend...Yes Highlights: “Target, heal thyself,” that may sound a bit brave but that is precisely what Rinehart’s 18-1 target does. It’s self-healing foam will spin your head. The target has 18 target zones for field points, broadheads and after a few scarce minutes, the arrow holes heal themselves. This is by far an enjoyable feature of the 18-1 target, but it does not stop there. We shot both field points and broadheads into the target and penetration was among six to seven inches deep. Strenuous extraction of arrows is the biggest complaint we hear from shooters about targets. This is not a problem with the 18-1 target. All shooters were impressed at the ease of removal. Rinehart feels so confident about the 18-1 target they offer a one year guarantee. If you shoot out all sides within a full year they will replace the target with no questions asked. The target is small enough to haul around in your vehicle, and use at hunting camp to help keep your eyes and optics in shape. Drawback...None Rating...6 Point...Great Tester: All Suggested Retail: $99.00
Smidgen™ From Buck Knives
Recommend...Yes Highlights: The Smidgen™ from Buck Knives is a novel approach for a cutting instrument; we never have seen anything quite like it, wondering aloud if it could cut anything. It is a mere 1-7/8” inches long, holding the blade is an injection-molded sheath, which clips to your belt with a carabineer, or if preferred you can drop in your pocket. The carabineer is complete with an integrated bottle opener for your favorite beverage. The Smidgen™ is 420HC Stainless Steel. 420 is standard martensitic steel, the HC are initials for High Carbon, rust and stain resistant, and the favored metal for knives. The High Carbon allows the steel to sharpen and keep an edge better than just stainless steel. I have sharpened this knife with a wet stone and it keeps a good edge, well enough for what we use a knife of its size. I like the Smidgen™. It is off beat, exclusive, and dandy looking, and most importantly, it performs. Drawback...None Rating...6 Point...Great Tester: Pat Stinson Suggested Retail: $20.00
Lucido TX1 and Lucido TR1 Headlights From Mammut
Recommend...Yes Highlights: Mammut is a Swiss company that manufactures Mountaineering products. These good folks do not make products for the shotgun owner and line stripper. This did not stop us from receiving the Lucido TX1 and Lucido TR1 to test and review. The Lucido TX1 has both floodlight and spotlight patterns with 180 hours of battery life and reaches out to 304 feet with dual light angle from 45 to 9 degrees. The TR1 has floodlight pattern in high and low with 60 hours of battery life and reaches out 65 feet with 45-degree light angle. We have used these lights for camping, hunting, setting Decoys in pitch dark and around the house when directional light is required. Mammut may not be the first place you look or the name that comes to mind when you think headlights. If you made your reputation making Mountaineering products, it is a safe bet quality is priority. We have found both Headlights powerful, tough, and lightweight. Both hit the mark and would be perfect in Camouflage. Drawback...None Rating...6 Point...Great Tester: All Suggested Retail: Lucido TR1... $29.95 Lucido TX1...$79.95
38 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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Scouting Key To Hunting Success Antelope Forecast - Region 4
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D
uring the hot days of late summer it’s difficult for most hunters, excluding archers, to give much thought to hunting this fall. After all, most big game seasons don’t open for another month and there is plenty of time to get ready, right? Wrong. According to Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) game biologist Tony Wasley big game hunters who want to increase their chances of success should be preparing now for their upcoming hunts. Wasley, formerly the game biologist for the state’s largest deer herd, area 10, recently accepted the new mule deer staff specialist position with NDOW, and has some tips for hunters heading afield this fall. “One of the most important things you can do to increase your chance of success is to scout your hunting area before your hunt,” said Wasley. “It’s essential that you familiarize yourself with the unit boundaries, the access points, the vegetation, and the terrain you will be hunting.” Wasley believes that scouting trips prior to the hunt pays dividends in the long run. “Even if you hunted the same area before, things may have changed,” said Wasley. “Land use
designations may be different. Roads that were accessible may now be in poor condition, washed out or closed altogether. And with the large number of big wildfires we’ve experienced over the last ten years, it really makes sense to check for potential fire impacts to your hunting area.” Hunters should begin scouting their hunting area “virtually” online. “Hunters can save a lot of time and expense before their first trip by studying the resources that agencies and companies have online,” said Wasley. “By using Interactive Mapping Services hunters can view topographic maps, unit boundary maps, land status maps, wilderness area designations, and restricted vehicle use maps which all can help narrow their search for that perfect hunting spot. They can also find up-to-date fire information, Hunter Information sheets and hunt unit advisories that warn of road closures and difficult hunter access.” However, nothing can replace getting out there and physically scouting your hunt unit(s). Hunters need to know where public, private, and tribal lands exist and must get permission from the landowner to hunt on or cross private land. Ultimately, it’s important to get out there on the ground. No map shows you where the animals are feeding, bedding and watering and of course, their size and their density.” By getting out and hiking the hills while learning their area hunters are getting in shape for the coming hunt. “It may sound obvious, but it’s important to remember that hunting is a physical activity and that hunters want to be in shape when they head out into the field,” said John McKay, NDOW Outdoor Education Coordinator. “It’s important to have a regimented exercise routine so that you are prepared physically for the hunting season and capable of completing your hunt. Some hunt areas are very remote with challenging access which can make it extremely difficult not only to get to your hunting area, but also to get you and your animal out. It’s never too early to get in shape.”
Antelope hunters in north central Montana this fall generally will find fewer animals than in the last couple of years. With one large exception. North of Great Falls there are plenty of pronghorns, reports Gary Olson, wildlife biologist with Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “We know antelope are better than last year,” Olson says. “They are much improved over last year.” Olson’s territory runs from Great Falls north to the Canadian border and from the Rocky Mountain Front east to Fort Benton. Elsewhere in FWP’s Region 4, antelope numbers are down, though closer to long-term averages. That downward trend started last year when fewer fawns survived a cold, wet spring. That was followed by a long winter and, especially in the Lewistown area, another tough spring for fawns.
“Fawn production this year was not good in parts of Region 5 and antelope hunting districts 480 and 420,” says Tom Stivers, wildlife biologist in Lewistown. “In district 480 we had 44 fawns per 100 does,” Stivers says. “That’s the lowest since 1969.” Then again, until last year, Stivers had too many antelope. “Since the year 2000, we were way over our objective,” he says. “In fact, we were double our objective.” Stivers wants to emphasize that while pronghorn numbers are down near Lewistown, they are closer to where they should be: “This is the first time in the last five years we are near our population objective, right where we should be.” Around Great Falls and south of town, fawn production is better than last year, which was poor. “We think we have a steady, stable antelope population,” says Cory Loecker, FWP wildlife biologist in Great Falls
Transporting Upland Game Birds MFWP H
unters be aware—detailed regulations apply to transporting harvested birds. Hunters must leave one, fully-feathered wing naturally attached to any sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, mountain grouse or partridge transported from where it was taken to a permanent residence. In another example, pheasant hunters must leave a leg and foot naturally attached to any pheasant they transport within the state so the sex of the bird can be identified. A bird hunter who leaves game birds somewhere for a period of time, or who turns them over to someone else to
transport must tag the birds with the following information: hunter’s ALS number hunter’s signature hunter’s address total number of birds by species dates birds were killed For details, see the 2009 upland game bird regulations available at FWP offices and license providers, and on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE • 39
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40 • BIG SKY OUTDOOR NEWS & ADVENTURE
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