HUNTING & FISHING MONTANA
APRIL 2017
PLAN BETTER HUNTS
DEVELOPING THE IDEAL PLAN FOR CONTACTING A BIOLOGIST
HUNTING THE HUNTER SPRING BLACK BEAR
TRICK THE SMARTEST GOBBLER 12 EXPERT TIPS
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ICE OFF!
By Trevor Johnson Kit’s Tackle and KT Sportfishing www.kitstackle.com ellow fishermen and fisherwomen…I think there is one thing that we can all agree on. As much as we need the snowpack to sustain a great and healthy 2017 angling season…THIS HAS BEEN ONE LONG COLD MISERABLE DRAWN OUT WINTER! I think we are all ready for some action packed sunny open water days this spring. In fact, I’m dreaming of them right now; and hopefully after a few more paragraphs you will be too. The ice off period is our favorite season to fish on an annual basis and there is more excitement to it than just having spring fever. I guess I should explain what I mean by the “Ice Off” period. Ice off is when the ice has left a lake or river and you can access it from shore or via boat. This period usually lasts a couple of months. For example, our local upper Holter Lake (Gates of the Mountains) will probably be ice free by early March this year. The ice off period, depending on water temp would then usually last until late April/early May. Not that the fishing won’t continue to be good after ice off, the fish will just be more spread out. The reason ice off is so AWESOME is that you are taking 90% of the fish in a body of water and placing them in 10% of the water column. This is not a scientific number, just a far-fetched Trevor example of what is going on in a system. The first water to warm in a river or lake is the shallows along the banks. This warmer water not only feels good to all our finned friends, it brings the food chain and after a tough winter fish are ravenous. And now, if you’re like me and love a tug from all fish species…ice off is the ULTIMATE MULTI-SPECIES BONANZA! At other times of the year you normally have to target different species by different depths and tactics. The ice off period provides action on all fish species in the same water column applying the same technique. I can assure you whether it’s bass, pike and walleye on Fort Peck’s Big Dry Arm or walleye, perch, ling, and big rainbow and brown trout on our local Helena reservoirs, you will see me on the water.
F
In fact, last April on upper Holter Lake (Gates of the Mountains) we had a very memorable multi-species day. We were fishing an area about five miles downriver from the Gates ramp. Throughout the day tossing marabou and glass minnows in SUB 10 FOW, we caught over 70 awesome rainbow trout and a couple brown trout mixed in. Along with this exciting bag, we also caught 3 huge ling, about a dozen monster perch (12-14”) and a couple eater sized walleye. Then to end the day I pitched up onto a shelf in about a foot or two of water and WHAM O! The fish hit so hard I thought it was a monster trout; as the fish tried to jump we all saw what was in fact a monster walleye. Talk about a week’s worth of fishing packed into one day, and that my friends is the power of the ice off period. To approach this method of fishing we create what we refer to as a buffer zone. Each angler will have to adapt and create their own personal buffer zone. Ours is about 20 yards or 60-70 feet between the boat and the shore (or underwater shelf, etc) that we are paralleling. The goal is that you want to be able to CONFIDENTLY AND ACCURATELY place your jig within a couple inches of the shore. You want to find the middle ground where you aren’t too close to shore to scare the fish, but close enough to comfortably cast to shore. You would be surprised how many big fish we catch just inches from shore on the first jig up during the ice off period. We attack this time with glass minnows, marabou, and live creation crayfish jigs. And as light as you can go since we will be fishing shallow; hang time (in the fish’s strike zone) is very important. We use almost exclusively 1/8 and 1/4 ounce jigs during the ice off time period.
A few extra hints and tips:
We catch a multitude of species whether specifically fishing for trout or walleye, etc. Specifically fishing for trout: we NEVER bait the jigs and we fish them with a faster action on the jig up. Trout can go from 0-23 mph in 4 seconds…they are ready strikers even in frigid water. Specifically fishing for walleye (or other warm water species): We always tip the jig with a gulp minnow, half a night crawler or our favorite, cutbait. Remember to slow your jig cadence down for the warm water species. Again, regardless of the method you are utilizing, you will inadvertently catch a mixed bag of species. So once that ramp opens up, get your butt out there and have some fun! Have a fish fry and let some big fish go after taking a lifelong lasting photo memory Cheers to “Jiggin’ the Dream” at ice off! Trevor is the co-founder of Kit’s Tackle “Jiggin’ the Dream” along with his father, Kit. He is a true made in Montana fishing guide, an insane outdoor enthusiast, a wild man in the woods and on the water and they even say he’s a quarter mountain goat. He’s a happy husband, a proud daddy to a beautiful little girl and boy, and two sweet dogs. When he’s not shoveling coal into the jig engine, you can find him on the water or leaving boot tracks in the wilds of Montana.
4 | Hunting & Fishing News
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MONTANA SPRING HUNTING By H&F News Pro Staff
Montana’s spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 8th and runs through May 21st this year. It’s not always an easy task to find opening week gobblers. Hunters who do their homework will find birds in very good supply in most areas of Montana.
Knocking on doors for last-minute access on prime lowland pasture land doesn’t usually get it done. Instead, do your homework with topo and onXmaps to find huntable land. Birds will be found at these lower elevations on the edge of fields and in open pine forests in the normal popular turkey hunting locations. While the state has a number of up and coming areas, and some outstanding permit spots - Canyon Ferry Lake, Lincoln County, and Jefferson River, (if you draw), there are equally good general tag options.
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You can try hunting the Bitterroot Valley south of Missoula or the Flathead Valley between Bigfork and Whitefish, both feature exceptional turkey populations, though access can be a challenge. The state’s core turkey country is in the southeast corner, on the Custer National Forest and associated private lands. This is where turkeys were first introduced into the state in the 1950’s. The forest has been a point of great gobbler hunting for residents and non-residents alike. Plan to hike well away from roads to find responsive gobblers. It’s perfect habitat for Merriam’s. Set-up, wait and begin calling for eager toms. Other good public land options include the hard-to-access Big Snowy and Judith Mountains around Lewistown, the Lolo National Forest, west of Missoula, scattered hunting sections near Big Timber or the Milk River area east of Havre.
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Thanks to active trap and transplant operations, usually conducted by state agencies and volunteers of the National Wild Turkey Federation, turkeys occupy more areas than ever before in the Rockies. Once you’ve tagged out on your Montana turkey, you still have hunting opportunities in neighboring states where you can hunt them into May. Think about the Clearwater National Forest near Orofino and Grangeville or the Southfork Salmon River near Ashton in Idaho. These areas can hold strong turkey populations. The Black Hills of Northeastern Wyoming units 1, 2 and 3 offer a good mix of public hunting. Turkeys have been established for decades in these areas, and the birds will be in consistent, huntable spots in April and May. Good hunting.
6 | Hunting & Fishing News
Photo courtesy Mike Hanback
My buddy Luke Strommen read that post and got to thinking: What if I fake a similar scenario and see what happens?
Whitetail Deer
How-To: Hunt a Buck Rub By Mike Hanback
www.bigdeerblog.com
ature bucks feeling the rut not only thrash trees with their antlers in November, they also see and veer over to smell, M lick and rack other rubs that rival males have made. In Iowa one November day, Brian LaRue looked up and saw a monster coming. Sixty yards out the 22-pointer stopped and mauled a sapling, then looked toward Brian’s tree and lugged on in. The hunter drilled the 222-inch non-typical with an arrow. “I’m convinced he saw the big rub on the other side of my stand and was making a straight line for it,” Brian says.
Luke went out and dug up an aromatic cedar post that literally hundreds of different bucks had rubbed for 60 years on his Montana ranch. He moved the post a mile to an alfalfa field by the Milk River, and sunk it in the ground near where two big trails snaked out of the brush. He then hung a tree stand 20 yards downwind of the manufactured rub. He would rest the spot awhile, then come back to hunt it around November 12, prime time for bucks to be on their feet, moving and rubbing. A week later, Luke sneaked along the river bank in the dark, and climbed up into the stand. When the sun came up, he would watch for a buck sneaking back to bed from a long night of feeding and checking does out in the nearby alfalfa. When the sun rose, look what he found. Sometime during the week that Luke had rested the stand, a buck(s) had come along and rubbed on the cedar post until it snapped in half! “When I got down and investigated, there were several sets of big tracks in the mud around the post, so different bucks had come to check it.” Deer hunting is all about being in the right place at the right time. Had Luke been in the stand, and had it been daylight, when a buck came in to smell, lick and rub the post, he would have gotten a bow shot. So you might want to hunt near a fresh rub, or make or move one and hunt it this November.
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HUNTING HUNTER
One of the most astonishing revelations is that many of the attacks were not due to surprise encounters like those that occur in grizzly country. In fact, many bear experts now believe black bears to be the more aggressive of the two species when it comes to hunting and they believe black bears are actually more inclined to hunt you than a grizzly.
THE
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pring black bear hunting offers a medley of reasons to participate. It provides you with a spring big game species S to hunt months before the opening of fall big game seasons. It provides a reason to be in the mountains enjoying the Photo Mark Kayser with bowkilled black bear ©Mark Kayser
By Mark Kayser
blossoming of spring. It also could end with a magnificent trophy destined for your décor.
Of course the real adventure comes from the adrenaline rush of being within spitting distance of a large predator able to eat you. This is particularly true if you tackle this mission with archery gear. My favorite black bear hunting memories include my Mathews bow and staring face to face with a spring bruin. As docile as black bears look you have to treat them with great respect and prepare for the worst. If you do any amount of research and read about past black bear attacks you might be surprised. Experts are beginning to shed some startling new findings on the behavior and character of this predator found coast to coast. One of the most astonishing revelations is that many of the attacks were not due to surprise encounters like those that occur in grizzly country. In fact, many bear experts now believe black bears to be the more aggressive of the two species when it comes to hunting and they believe black bears are actually more inclined to hunt you than a grizzly. Last fall Montana hunters and a few from the Cowboy State next door had some very newsworthy grizzly encounters. During the rush of September’s archery elk season bowhunters were bumping into bears and few were mistakenly calling other bears in to their setups. New attacks occurred weekly and several of the meetings ended in maulings. That’s noteworthy, but what researchers have been revealing is that black bears don’t necessarily mistake you for game. They target you as possible game. Much of this could be open to debate depending on encounter analyzation, but it should be enough to make you think about your time in bear country and the tactics you plan to deploy. First, outfit yourself with the right gear. Start with a proven bear repellent like Counter Assault that can be picked up at any Montana Bob Ward’s location. Your scariest bear encounter may happen with a young bear you don’t want to shoot. You can argue that a firearm is a better deterrent, but most experts agree repellent should be your first line of defense. I won’t question whether you back that up with a firearm, but follow the old adage and “bring enough gun.” Next, bring along a friend. A hunting partner comes in handy for spotting bears in big country. They can help you pack out a bear if you do find success, but most importantly, they got your six. If you decide to mix calling bears in with a spot stalk hunt a partner watching your backdoor is imperative. Small bears may tip the scales at 125 pounds or more, but mature boars can easily exceed 300 pounds and occasionally reach the magical 500 mark. These are big bears and they command the attention of all others in the woods. When they approach a call they do so with assertiveness, confidence and decisiveness. They might not be deterred by the scent of a human if they feel cocky enough. And if you do have a close encounter and you are bowhunting, you’ll only have one shot to get it right. A backup partner can cover you if a bear sneaks in behind you or even if it is wounded and charges. Other important items to bring along include a bright flashlight and spare batteries. If you’re in a bear-rich environment you don’t want a surprise meeting with a bear in the dark. More than once I’ve been slipping quietly into hunting areas under the cover of darkness only to have my flashlight reveal a bear standing on the trail ahead. All ran off, but I’d much rather know there was a bear ahead as to have one standing beside me in the dark. A final note of caution relates to tracking a wounded bear. This may be one of the scariest hunting experiences of your life. As in all game follow-up, wait long enough for the bear to expire. Here are some guidelines based on whitetail woundings. Bears are definitely tougher and you may not see as much blood as their thick hide sops up blood. Nonetheless, it gives you a starting point if you do wound a bear. Frothy blood equals a lung shot and a double lung shot means the bear is likely already history. Unfortunately, single-lung hits may display the same blood sign, yet not yield a dead bear without additional bleeding or breathing difficulties. Expect it to live for hours, possibly even a day with ample energy to escape. Bright red blood indicates an artery wound and a high probability of recovering if you sliced a major vessel. Wait an hour and then begin trailing. Dark red blood generally means a muscle hit with questionable success at best. Wait at least an hour, if not two before taking up the trail. Lastly, brown or green colored blood means gut. Death is almost certain, but it takes six to seven hours for nature to take its course. Spring bear hunting is definitely a sport every Montana hunter should experience. It also brings on additional responsibilities since you are hunting a hunter.
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12 EXPERT TIPS the TO Photo courtesy Jay Scott
TRICK
1
Better to be early than late
I always try to set my alarm 30 minutes earlier than my calculated time to get to the roost tree. This means that my alarm usually goes off around 3 a.m. during turkey season. I like to be sitting in the dark waiting for the grey in the eastern sky so I make sure to set up my position at least 30 minutes before the first call of the hens or the first gobble. It gives the woods some time to settle down after I’ve walked into the roosting area. It also gives time to go to plan B if something goes wrong prior to the setup. Another advantage to being early is that it puts me ahead of other hunters. Being early will never work against you.
2
Carry more calls than you need
It is good to have several diaphragms, slates, and box calls. Sometimes the birds will especially like one call over another. The worst feeling in the world is not having the right call. Don’t be afraid to take a gobble call either, but be very careful using the gobbler call on public land.
3
Locator calls don’t have to sound exactly like the natural sound to be effective in getting birds to gobble in the roost Quite the contrary, actually. I have found that my external reed coyote howler by Primos, which does not sound as natural or as authentic as my diaphragm coyote yelp, actually seems to get more of a response by roosted gobblers. Remember, you are looking for a shocking response so sometimes the worst shrieking noise you can make will be the best for getting a gobbler to answer.
4
Do not blow a coyote howler at roosted birds in the morning when you are close The roosted gobbler might answer, but they will be very leery to come into your hen yelps because they think a coyote is close and they don’t want to get eaten. An owl hooter is a much better choice when you are close to the roosted bird. Close means within 200 yards of a rooster gobbler.
5
SMARTEST GOBBLER
By Jay Scott
Originally published at
www.goHUNT.com
When roosting a gobbler in the evening, make sure that you try to pinpoint the exact tree that the gobbler is roosted in
8
1) easiest way into the setup since it will be pitch dark 2) exactly which tree you want to be leaning against and set up under 3) which way the bird will fly down 4) which way the bird will hopefully not go I like to mark the spot where I will setup on my GPS and allow the breadcrumb feature to bring me right into the setup spot the following morning. Be careful not to let the roosted gobbler see your light on the GPS.
In the evenings, be in the roost area and be patient I like to get into areas that I know birds like to roost. I sit and call about every 15 minutes. The last 30 minutes before fly up is primetime. Let’s say it is 30 minutes before fly up and you make a series of yelps and a gobbler answers off in the distance. I might hit him right back with a series of excited cutts followed by silence. More than likely, he will come to inspect. If he comes in, but not in shooting range, sit still and watch them fly up into their roost trees. Then you know where to go in the morning. One thing to keep in mind while hunting Merriam’s turkeys is that they typically like to roost on a ridgeline or at least where there is a contour break. The birds like to walk uphill from their roost tree and then coast horizontally into the branch. This tactic helps them conserve energy by less flying. Sometimes you can roost turkeys without hearing them gobble by just listening for the ruckus of their wings flapping when they fly up.
If you get a gobbler to respond, move as close to his position as you can without being detected
When the evening hunt does not produce a roosted gobbler for the next morning
Often times, I will get them to shock gobble and then I will sneak in as close as possible. Then, I plan my setup for the morning. There are several things to consider while pinpointing your exact tree:
6
This is a great morning or afternoon tactic. When the birds are already on the ground and you are prospecting for gobblers by walking ridges, if you get a gobbler to respond you need to cut the distance in half or more. Once close, (within 100 yards) set up and try to call again. This works much better than calling from the original position. Now, if you are moving toward him and he gobbles loudly and in your direction, setup immediately for your chance!
7
Play hard to get! Make the gobbler want to come to you If you get a bird gobbling sometimes shutting up is the most deadly tactic. I like to fire them up and then follow that by complete silence. I let them gobble twice before I call again. Usually, they will come hard if you use this tactic. You may risk a bird walking off because you shut up, but if they are even halfway interested they will be headed your way. This may be the single best bit of information I have learned over the years.
10 | Hunting & Fishing News
9
There are several options for the following morning hunt. Option one, go into an area where you have heard gobblers before and sit tight. Listen at prime time for gobblers in the area. If you can move while it is still dark, then pursue them. If not, wait until they hit the ground and sneak in close to them. The second option is to cover as much country as possible in hopes of hearing a roosted bird. This can be done either on foot or in a vehicle. Wake up extra early and drive to an area where you have seen or heard turkeys. Stop every half a mile and blow your peacock or coyote howler. Make sure you pull off the road before trying your locator call. I can’t tell you how many times I have stopped in the middle of the road in the dark and blown my howler and a gobbler answers close but now the truck has to be started and moved off of the road. It almost always ruins your chances on the bird. Instead, if you pull over first before calling, you can slip into the roost position without being detected.
10
Always try and get as close as possible to a gobbler before calling to him
11
The cadence of your calling is more important than the tone and sound of your call This is one opinion of mine that others may strongly debate, but I noticed a big difference in my success when a friend of mine showed me the correct cadence to my hen yelps. He told me I sounded decent but my rhythm was off. As soon as I changed my rhythm and cadence it was like a light switched on and the gobblers became way more consistently responsive to my calling. The key is to listen to the hens and focus on the cadence or timing/rhythm of their call.
12
Position your decoys at a 45 degree angle from the hunter on the opposite side of where the gobbler will come Decoys can be a huge asset if you use them correctly. Photo courtesy Jay Scott
www.
Photo courtesy Jay Scott
If you spot a gobbler with your binoculars, try and move in very close to him without being detected. I try to get within at least 100 yards or closer if the terrain and vegetation will allow it prior to making my first call. Your success goes up ten fold if you practice this method.
On the flip side, decoys can hurt you if they are positioned on the wrong side of where you want the birds to end up. An example of the correct way to set them up is the following: If the gobbler answers your calls to your left, then it would be best to set the decoys out to your right about 25 yards away. In this case, the bird will come to your call but when he gets close he will see the decoys and walk right by you on the way to the decoys to your right. Remember when the gobbler gets close to remain silent and very still because he will be really looking for the turkey he heard. He should then spot the decoys. You will then be able to have a clear shot as he focuses on the decoys. These tips have helped me harvest many turkeys for me and for clients in many different states. Turkey hunting can be extremely frustrating and challenging at times, but if you stay persistent and employ these tactics, you may have a more successful hunt. Check out my Gould’s turkey hunts website for more information at www.GouldsTurkeyHunt.com.
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YOU WANT TO THROW DOWN? BRING IT!
D eer and turkey hunting tactics have expanded and evolved to new levels in recent years, largely due to calls,
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decoys, and concealment options that are better than ever. Ameristep has been leading the way in ground blind form and function for nearly 20 years now. Lightweight and easily deployed, these blinds cater to the demands of the modern hunter by offering more combinations of cutting-edge performance features than the competition. Available in a variety of configurations and sizes, these amazing hunting tools are engineered and built for success with the finest materials. While hub-style blinds are a great option for hunters that demand full concealment, there are times when full-sized traditional hubs simply aren’t practical. Ask any run and gun turkey hunter how often he or she deploys a full-size blind when chasing a stud gobbler through the hills and hollers, and the likely answer is just about never. The simple truth is this: Hunters who are constantly on the move need to travel light. They’ll trim back the load they carry, go with a single decoy, and leave a lot of stuff back at the truck – including their ground blind. But that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t appreciate some additional concealment. If only there was a compact, lightweight blind that sets up fast and folds up to fit into a turkey vest. Now there is. New for 2017, the Ameristep Throwdown Blind is the ideal solution to the vexing problem of quickly hiding one or two hunters when available cover is limited or non-existent. This guide-inspired, ultra-compact blind features three panels of die-cut 3D leafy camo fabric supported by an integrated stake system and Ameristep’s patented hub design. Best of all, this fast-action beauty weighs under two pounds and folds up to just 21” long. Available in venerable Mossy Oak Obsession or versatile Realtree Xtra camo patterns, the sturdy new Throwdown Blind has no loose parts and set-up takes seconds rather than minutes. Ameristep Throwdown Blind... Ultra-compact, 21” stowed length easily fits in turkey vest Three die-cut 3D leafy panels will conceal two hunters... Weight 1.8 pounds MSRP: $39.99 Go ahead and bring it, and be ready to throw down... fast! Mobile hunters who have longed for a well-built, sturdy, lightweight blind that sets up in mere seconds and folds up to fit in any vest or pack can call off the search. Ameristep designed and built the new Throwdown Blind just for you. And with an MSRP under $40, you won’t be throwing down a lot of cash to get one.
12 | Hunting & Fishing News
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RONAN 63360 U.S. Hwy. 93 406-676-7800
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DILLON 1035 Selway Drive 406-683-8884 MISSOULA 2800 W. Broadway St. 406-721-1770 WHITEFISH 6355 U.S. Hwy. 93 S. 406-862-4523
2017 SPRING MACK DAYS on FLATHEAD
Photo: Roger Phillips
LAKE TROUT FISHING EVENT LAKE
March 17 th May 14th Up to $225,000 -
in
Fish The Entire Lake
CASH & PRIZES
Tuesday through Sunday: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are for the contests, bonus amounts, and tagged fish. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be for bonus amounts and tagged fish only. (1)-$10,000 & (3) $5,000 & (5) $1000 + over 6,000 $100 to $500 tagged lake trout Lottery Prizes-35 prizes will be awarded Top ten angler prizes $800-$300-best 18/26-days count last day is separate Captains $250-(4 prizes), Smallest lake trout $250-(2 prizes), Largest lake trout-$500 - see rules for entries Top lady anglers $300, $200, $100 - $100-totals used Youth anglers - (17-13) 1st-$200, 2nd-$150, 3rd-$75, 4-5th-$50 (12 & under) 1st-$100, 2nd-$75, 3rd-$50 will also be entered in the lottery drawing Weekend Prizes-$300 and $200 will be announced each week Golden Angler Award (70 & older) $200 & $100 Bucket Competition - (3/31, 4/22 & 5/7) - weigh in your 4 heaviest lake trout under 30” Last Day: $300, $200, $100 PLUS heaviest lake trout under 30” - 1st $200, 2nd $100 BONUSES: Your total at the end of the 51 days determines bonus. YETI Cooler - 1 ticket for every 10 lake trout entries. (Fri.-Sun.) See www.mackdays.com for complete rules
Fish Fry for participants & families May 14th at Blue Bay 3:00 Awards Ceremony at 4:00 Entry forms will not be mailed out.
Enter online at www.mackdays.com
or pick up entries at local sporting good stores or you can even enter when you check in your fish at the check in stations during Mack Days. It is easier if you enter before the event begins. We remind you to follow all fishing regulations. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have a special $13 fishing permit for the south half on Flathead Lake that is available wherever fishing permits are sold.
Sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Spring Steelhead Season Is An
EARLY OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH BIG FISH By Roger Phillips, Public Information Specialist, IF&G
Big fish, lots of bank access, beautiful weather. Well, two
of three ain’t bad, and you might get all three during spring steelhead season. Steelhead make their final push to the headwaters of Idaho’s famous steelhead streams during spring, which concentrates them in the upper tributaries of the Clearwater and Salmon rivers. Anglers key in on these areas for the opportunity to catch these large, ocean-going fish that are traveling upwards of 900 miles to hatcheries or spawning grounds. Those looking to cure cabin fever can get an early start on their fishing season, as well as a chance to catch big fish. Now about that weather. As most folks know, spring in Idaho is unpredictable, which can apply to other seasons as well. But spring is unique, especially this year, because we’re looking at a large snowpack in much of Idaho’s mountains. Warm, sunny weather, or rainy weather, can turn rivers into muddy torrents and make steelhead fishing difficult, so watching river flows is critical to the success of spring steelhead fishing. Anglers can see a gauge of river flows thanks to the U.S. Geological Survey, which has gauging stations throughout Idaho. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/id/nwis/current/?type=flow ... Steelhead typically like “Goldilocks” conditions, not too high and not too low and with a little color in the water (think emerald green), but not muddy. Warming water (even just a few degrees) often offers better fishing, and when a river recedes after a big pulse of run off also tends to fish better... Unlike salmon fishing where fishing is often curtailed to ensure enough fish reach hatcheries, steelhead fishing is typically wide open. Idaho easily refills its hatcheries with enough adult steelhead to replenish the egg supply needed to produce the next generation of fish. That means anglers have a long steelhead fishing season and generous bag limits. To see rules for each river system, go here. https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/rules/steelhead.pdf With fish congregated in smaller areas, anglers are too, which means there can be crowding. In some cases, that gives steelhead fishing a social atmosphere, but there can also be intense competition for prime fishing spots. See the video below to learn about etiquette for fishing in tight spacing. https://youtu.be/wFeDeT8iiCg?list=PL0905548862E6607A But don’t feel like you have to fish shoulder to shoulder with others. The upper Salmon River between Salmon and Stanley, for example, has more than a hundred miles of mostly road-accessible river where you can find places to get away from the crowds...
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occur each year on river systems like the Wolf River, Missouri River, Mississippi River and Rainy River to name a few. While each system can have specific nuances that make that system somewhat unique, river walleyes also follow some of the same general rules regardless of where they swim. How fish relate to current and set up on current seams seems universal. This month, we offer some insights and guidelines for narrowing down the hunt for river walleyes this season. •The Trump Card. Look for the right color water. Incoming tributaries and culverts are prime locations for finding spring walleyes on river systems. This incoming current is often warmer and there are often washout holes, channels and current seams where fish can rest. Water color however is the trump card. High water can cause turbidity in the water and can also contain a lot of debris. Some incoming tributaries have more turbidity than others after a rapid snow melt or rain. In some cases, you might have to move upstream from the incoming tributary because the water is too dirty. Use your prop to gauge water clarity. If you can see your prop, the fish won’t have any problem finding your presentation. If you can only see a few inches into the water, spend a good part of your day looking for cleaner water. Pockets of cleaner water will produce better fishing when rivers get muddy. •Fake It Till You Make It. Soft Plastics and hair usually out fish bait. Not to deny the effectiveness of a jig and minnow. We all know a jig and minnow catches a lot of spring walleyes but we dare argue that soft plastics and hair can catch even more fish. Here’s why… as your jig sweeps by fish in the current, these fish don’t have as much time to react to or scrutinize your presentation. The added durability is part of what makes both classic bucktail hair jigs and soft plastics so effective. When you miss a fish with a jig and minnow and the fish steals the minnow, you’re done. You must rehook the bait and there is dead time where you are not effectively presenting your presentation. Soft plastics and bucktail hair jigs or marabou jigs keep you in the water longer. For moderate current,
16 | Hunting & Fishing News
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www.shocoranch.com Kalin’s Sizmic Grubs work well while a slimmer and more streamlined profile like the Kalin’s Jerk Minnow JR work better in stronger current. •The Bait Debate. There are situations however where you better have water in the baitwell. There are times when minnows are needed and it typically coincides with slower current, tougher bite conditions. I would dare say that much of the time, we find most fish close to the current seam where the aggressive fish are in the faster water and the rest of the fish are close to the seam. There are times however where fish will move away from the current entirely and set up in backwater areas during high water or warmer dead water pockets behind sandbars and other current obstructions. This is a situation where we often see a classic jig and minnow shine. No current on a tough bite can sometimes be a minnow bite. •Angle of the Dangle. When slipping the current, the old rule of thumb was to keep the boat the same speed as the jig getting swept down river. You wanted to keep your line vertical. This is one vital page from the playbook and we have seen where you wouldn’t get bit if the line wasn’t vertical to the jig. There are however other plays to have in your bag of tricks because it can be downright amazing how river fish can respond to different presentations. Dragging jigs upstream or downstream can be downright deadly and what is amazing is that dragging can often put a lot of fish in the boat when traditional slipping presentations that keep the jig right below the boat don’t work. These dragging tactics shine in less than ten feet of water where there is moderate to slow current which is where you can find a lot of walleyes each spring. For dragging downstream, lighten up the jig and give your jig a good cast upstream. Let the current carry you downstream with the jig dragging upstream behind the boat. If you can’t keep the jig upstream, you don’t have enough weight. The other method is slowly dragging the jig upstream. Again, simply cast behind the boat and use your trolling motor to crawl upstream. You typically want the jig to tick bottom occasionally. These horizontal jig presentations can shine on river systems. •Cast More this Season. We all know how good river holes and deep channels can be. Here is the reality however with river walleyes. These deep holes are often where fish winter. As the water warms up raising the metabolism of fish so they start swimming against current and moving through the system, these fish will often use much shallower current seams and breaks. Some of the biggest fish each spring are routinely caught out of shallow water along rip rap, clam beds and sand bars where there is less than ten feet of water. In fact we catch many big walleyes on rivers each spring in less than three feet of water. You will not only catch these shallow fish by pitching or casting jigs, you will also just fish through so much more water with each cast.
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Hunting & Fishing News | 17
States Set Initial Fishing Season For Columbia River Spring Chinook Washington Department Of Fish And Wildlife
Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon...approved
an initial sport fishery for spring chinook salmon on the lower Columbia River that reflects a lower projection of returning fish but a larger share of the catch than in previous years. Initial catch guidelines set by the two states will allow anglers fishing below Bonneville Dam to catch up to 6,905 upriver spring chinook through April 6, before the early season closes until mid-May for a run assessment. Under the preseason forecast, approximately 160,400 upriver spring chinook are expected to return to the waters above Bonneville Dam this year, which represent about 80 percent of the 10-year average. Spring chinook returns to the Willamette River and other tributaries are also expected to be lower than in recent years. On the other hand, 80 percent of the allowable catch of upriver spring chinook will be allocated to the sport fishery – up from 70 percent in previous years – based on policies recently adopted by the Washington and Oregon fish and wildlife commissions... As in previous years, both states will manage the recreational fishery with a 30 percent buffer on the upriver chinook forecast until the results of the in-season run update are known, Roler said. “We’ll continue to take a conservative approach in managing the fishery,” he said. “If the fish return at or above expectations, we will look toward providing additional days of fishing on the river later in the spring.” The following fishing regulations will be in effect below Bonneville Dam from March 1 through April 6: Fishing area: The fishery is currently open downstream from the Interstate 5 Bridge, but will expand upstream starting March 1 under the new rules. Fishing will then be open to boat and bank anglers daily from the mouth of the Columbia to Beacon Rock. Bank anglers can also fish upriver to Bonneville Dam. Daily limit: Anglers are allowed one marked, hatchery-reared adult chinook salmon as part of their daily limit of two salmon, two steelhead, or one of each. Any chinook or steelhead without a clipped adipose fin and a healed scar must be released unharmed. Lewis River area closure: An area of the Columbia River will be closed to all fishing near the mouth of the Lewis River, as defined by the fishing rule posted on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/attach/feb2317a.pdf. Anglers must also release any spring chinook in the Lewis River itself downstream from Merwin Dam. The two states also approved a sport fishery between Bonneville Dam and the Washington-Oregon border, east of Umatilla, to open March 16 and run through May 5. The early season allocation for that area is 921 spring chinook. Roler said river conditions could pose a challenge to anglers this season, noting that the Columbia River is currently running high and off-color with a substantial snowpack remaining in the Cascade Range. “We ask anglers to keep watch for changing fishing rules, but it’s also important to keep a close eye on the river conditions,” he said...
18 | Hunting & Fishing News
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met the owner of Lake Ridge Marina, Eddie Mindt up at his store, at the dam of Fort Peck. We had made a plan to go chase some lake trout, and now it was that time. Never having fished for them, I was as absorbent as a dry sponge. And what a day we had. There are few days on Fort Peck that are as smooth as glass. This was a day that would almost spook someone that has spent any time there. There was not a stitch of wind, and that is how it stayed. Rod and Reel: I prefer my medium-heavy Warrior Cat Rod. Although they are intended for catfish, they really are a universal stick. With stainless steel line guides, an aluminum reel seat, and cork handle, it is by far a great multi-species rig. Paired with a Daiwa line counter reel, this combo will not disappoint. Line counter reels are essential for trolling, as they can help you key in on what depth the fish are most active.
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Line: Braided line has less resistance when trolling at high speeds. Which in turn, means it can go down faster with less line out. Mono, is a bit more forgiving with a hard strike and hook set, yet has more drag, which results in having to let out more line. So, let’s make these two work together. On the main spool add a mono backing, so the braided line doesn’t slip. Then, add your braided line, for this application 30lb is good. Time for a swivel and a mono leader. The mono leader will have forgiveness on the hookset and act as a shock absorber. Lures: A deep diving Salmo crank bait, was what the lakers were interested in that day. They can dive up to 30 feet, and this time of the year you can find the targeted fish in 20 to 50 feet of water. Which for a laker, is considered shallow. We ran 4 different colors but, fire tiger was what worked best. Speed: Speed can be a big factor in trolling any species. I have come to find, that once you find the speed they are looking for, stay in that range, until you are no longer having luck. When the bite slows, try a bit faster, or slower, until you find that sweet spot again. 2 mph is a good starting point, adjusting as necessary. Eddie White owns and operates The Minnow Bucket in Huntley Montana, also a writer, seminar speaker and tournament angler. Contact Eddie at: montanaminnowbucket@yahoo.com on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheMinnowBucket or by phone at 406-696-1281
20 | Hunting & Fishing News
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Hunting & Fishing News | 21
Outfitting Montana Anglers for 100 Years
Photo courtesy Walleye Hunter Outfitters
www.walleyehunteroutfitters.com
he West is littered with quality trout fisheries. There are Tdozens of fabulous reservoirs, lakes and rivers to target in
every western state. Montana is well known for it’s abundant and diverse fishing and big game. Trophy rainbows, high-flying brown trout and the always tasty cutthroats can be found now migrating to feeding areas as their appetites increase. As bug life also awakens, midge and blue-wing olive hatches often create a frenzy as nasty spring days turn into calm and sunny conditions, all in the same day. Pre-spawn rainbows will be quick to devour anything that resembles an egg pattern. The mix of numerous spring hatches, pre-spawn fish and ice-off open water conditions make it a treat to be on the water in April. Fishing gets no better now that spring has arrived. Here are a few spots that are high on any angler’s list in the early spring. BIG SPRING CREEK (LEWISTOWN): Big Spring Creek arises near Lewistown and is a prime early-season destination for large rainbow and brown trout. It flows some 30 miles with plenty of access and drag-free drifts. This is one of the bigger spring creeks at some 30 to 40 feet wide in places and fish that average 14 to 16”. Streamers are always a good option as early bugs can hatch in profusion now. By mid-April, scuds and caddis patterns should also be successful. Small spinners, Mepp’s in brown trout patterns or Panther Martins will also be good choices, but keep your distance from the edge of the creek, as to avoid spooking these clear-water trout. A hook-up with a high jumping double-digit weight rainbow will likely make you forget about the windy chill of early season fishing. KALISPELL AREA: The bass fishing will be picking up in the Upper Lakes in northwest Montana now. Echo Lake (near Bigfork) will be primed for good fishing as water temperatures slowly creep up. Use plastic baits - worms, spinnerbaits and cranks to pull in hefty bass now on these smaller inland lakes.
Say Hello to Success: Where to Catch the Fish this Month The Thompson Chain of Lakes fishing will also be kicking in. Fishing for hard-hitting northern pike in the Flathead River Sloughs will be exceptional in the spring. The tasty and plentiful yellow perch will be starting up now on the east shore of Flathead lake, as well as the mackinaw (lake trout). You can catch plenty of kokanee and bass on Bitterroot Lake. For kokes, jigging in 40 to 60 feet of water is key. Smallies and pike are starting up on Noxon Reservoir, and you should find kamloops rainbows, lake trout, and plenty of kokanee on Lake Kookanusa. SWAN LAKE: The entire southern half of this big lake located just off Hwy. 83 southeast of Bigfork, is northern pike water. The best action is when the weeds start to grow off the bottom. Target sunken timber and any bay that gets afternoon sun. Cast a splashy spinnerbait to emerging weed lines for great pike action in the spring. Trolling diving crankbaits along steeper shorelines will also pick-up fish. Northerns are scavenging on winter-weakened minnows or spawning on new vegetation. No matter the reason, they are in the shallows and they are available to shore-casters and anglers who work the banks from a boat. These smaller northern lakes are some of the best places in Big Sky Country to catch a career northern pike. BIGHORN RIVER (BELOW YELLOWTAIL DAM): Another great spring trout fishing destination, the Bighorn just below the dam has a dense trout population. The river is aquatic insect rich and fishes well throughout the entire year. Brown trout dominate and rainbows are abundant as well. Blue-winged olive hatches will create plenty of action throughout the early season, followed by pale morning duns that show up sometime in June. Stripping streamers in the spring will produce large trout. A San Juan worm and olive wooly buggers are also a favorite for top-water action trout here.
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DEADMAN’S RESERVOIR: You can cast big baits into the shallows of Montana’s Deadman’s Reservoir for the biggest tiger muskies in the state. This is a good month to tangle with these big, aggressive predators. Head to the warmest, weediest water to find minnow-binge eating muskies. Just about any pocket along the perimeter of the lake can hold good sized muskies. The face of the dam on the eastern side of the lake can also be good. The most reliable method is to fish large swimbaits, spinnerbaits and shallow-running crankbaits. Top-water baits can also be great, though the prime time to engage in this surface combat is in June, when the warming water makes these fish more active. Rainbow trout, white and silver Rapalas are good choices, but many anglers take larger fish on yellow, white, blue and rainbow pattern spinnerbaits. TONGUE RIVER RESERVOIR: The south end of the Tongue River Reservoir will start to produce now as the water warms up. Some very nice northern pike will begin to head to the shallows as they come up to sun themselves during the day. Running smelt 3 or 4 feet under a bobber on a steel leader or casting large black baitfish - imitating flies can catch the attention of the northerns here. Spoons, spinnerbaits and cranks will be ever so effective as the weather warms. Crappie fishing will also be excellent here, a simple jig tipped with a mealworm or a tiny piece of minnow is all you need. Chartreuse, orange and white are the preferred jig colors. PISHKUN RESERVOIR: Another smaller big-fish destination is this windblown irrigation reservoir located west of Augusta and Choteau. It is fully capable of producing a state-record northern. The forage for these magnum pike is very good, and you can hook into them by casting big spoons. Trolling rainbow trout imitating crankbaits along the shoreline can be a good tactic for a big fish, and you can cover plenty of water doing this. Kokanee salmon fishing can also be good at Pishkun. CANYON FERRY RESERVOIR: Magnum rainbow trout can be hauled in now as the spawning season for rainbow trout is upon us. Mid-to-late April and into May is the season for big trout on Canyon Ferry. Jigging is most effective as these rainbow trout are protecting their spawning beds from other egg-robbing trout. Local tackle maker, Kit’s Tackle’s egg sucking leech marabou is a perfect option, as well as the Fire Tiger glass minnow. 1/16, 1/8 or 1/4 oz jigs are proven fish catchers on Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Small walleye will also start feeding heavily on the southern end of the big lake. A smaller jig set with a piece of nightcrawler along the edges will pick-up these sweet tasting walleye here in the springtime. BIG GAME FISH ARE TOO VALUABLE TO BE CAUGHT ONCE. Please practice catch and release on big spawning female fish.
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Hunting & Fishing News | 23
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24 | Hunting & Fishing News
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Hunting & Fishing News | 25
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Y ou’ve been coaxing him in now with the squalls of a dying rabbit. Sitting patiently and waiting, watching as
that crafty coyote carefully works his way in. Cautiously he continues towards you until…he presents that perfect 100 yard broadside shot. He stands still for only a moment. You know the shot must come quickly, and cleanly for an ethical kill. But where do you hold for that to happen on a coyote? Most coyote hunters in the world grew up with some sort of big game hunting in their lives. As little children we watched and waited for our turn. We learned a lot as we watched Dads and relatives with their big game success, dreaming of our chance to prove ourselves. We all couldn’t wait for the seasons to start. Through all of this, we largely received our knowledge of hunting from parents and good friends. How to move on a stalk, how to pick our spot, the weapon we choose, clothing, boots, bows, and ammo. One of the big items we learn about is the “Ethical Kill Shot.” All responsible sportsmen strive for the quick, clean, ethical kill shot. Some of us play scenarios in our minds to practice the when and where of shot placement. Most likely, we all have a memory or two of the first time our Dad, or maybe a Hunter’s Safety instructor, showed us a picture of a big game animal and said… “Okay, now where do you shoot this animal for an ethical shot?” Most of us grew up being taught that the “Sweet Spot” was right behind that front shoulder. Or, as my Dad always said, “Right in the boiler factory.” This holds true for most any big game animal. But, does it hold true when you’re after a coyote? Placing a shot behind the shoulder on a coyote will result in a kill shot. However, because of the anatomy of a coyote, it will most likely produce a liver shot. This is an effective kill shot, but it can take the animal a little while to expire. Coyotes differ a little from some big game animals in how they are built. The heart sits further forward in the chest cavity in a coyote than it does in most big game animals. As a result, the best place for a clean kill shot on a coyote is right through the front shoulder.
26 | Hunting & Fishing News
The heart and lungs are tucked in right behind the shoulder joint on a coyote. Placing the shot through the shoulder joint provides a quick clean kill. If you’re not sure, follow the front leg up to center mass on the coyote. This will put you on target. This shot also provides a fur friendly situation. I prefer a hollow point or polymer tip bullet when hunting predators. This shoulder shot typically results in a small entry hole with no exit. The bullet penetrating the shoulder bones expands rapidly and most often destroys the heart and lungs resulting in a quick death. Certainly this depends on the rifle and round you are shooting.
Common calibers for coyotes such as .204, .223, .22-250 and .243 with lighter bullets ranging from 30 grains to 60 grains should suffice. Nothing is ever perfect, and exits can still produce large holes in hides when they occur. But when a good clean kill is what you’re after with an ethical shot on a coyote, consider the shoulder the next time you have one in your sights broadside.
BY PASSION FOR THE HUNT
A rctic Shield Pro Staff Hunter Art Helin has hunted turkeys all over North America and has guided turkey hunters for over thirty years. With so many turkey hunts that blur together over the years and across such diverse areas throughout the Country, Helin is quick to point out so many regional nuances.
“We have seen where osceola turkeys pitch right into the open field at day break because of the amount of predators and that created challenging hunting conditions. Merriams on the other hand required different adjustments because you have to often call so much louder. Even eastern birds can act differently from one county to the other depending on terrain, predators, population densities and hunting pressure,” explains Helin. Particularly for eastern birds in his home state of Wisconsin, Helin stresses the importance of breaking down the spring turkey season into three distinct seasons... Early, Mid and Late. How you call, your overall strategy and how you use decoys has to line up with the breeding cycle of turkeys much like hunting whitetails during the rut. Think pre breeding, breeding and post breeding for breaking down each turkey season. The pre breeding period is all about establishing dominance. Not only will gobblers establish dominance but hens will also establish a pecking order. During this pre breeding period which typically lines up with the early part of most turkey seasons, Helin recommends a couple of relaxed hen decoys. “Back in the day, many of the hen decoy poses were very upright and alert and that was all we had but as turkeys have become more educated, I have switched to using more relaxed and feeding poses,” explains Helin. Helin is also a fan of mixing in a semi-strut jake decoy in with the hen decoys. “I am not as much of a fan of full strut tom decoys early in the season,” stresses Helin. Keep calling soft and sweet, use a lot of purrs and clucks. As the spring moves into the heart of the breeding season, hunters need to play the jealousy factor. A tried and true decoy arrangement is a half strut jake decoy on top of a breeding hen decoy. Full strut tom decoys also begin to trigger aggressive responses from other toms. Helin believes that this window of time allows hunters to kill some of the oldest birds. As hens begin to disappear and nest, this opportunity builds and than falls off. Calling can be much more aggressive but don’t overcall when birds are committed. Helin stresses that aggressive calling might trigger a reaction out of both hens and gobblers but if you stay aggressive, birds often hang up. “If you don’t back off, the bird you are calling to will expect you to come to him so be patient and soft after birds commit.” The post breeding period is the tail end of most spring turkey hunting seasons. By now, birds are tired of fighting and have often been hunted. Late in the season, toms and hens will often roost close together and can be tough to get between right away in the morning so hunters might have to be much more patient to kill midday or afternoon birds. Helin recommends just using hen decoys during this time. Get rid of the jakes and hens and just use breeding hen or feeder hen decoys. Calling has to revert back to soft and sweet. Soft clucks and purrs but remember that toms can get real quiet during this time. “You have to remember that these birds have all been fighting all spring and they often just get tired of confrontations by this time,” explains Helin. So often birds will come in silently without gobbling. If they see another tom decoy, they just turn around and slide away. These birds will really sneak in. Break down your turkey hunting strategy into three distinct seasons this spring for more turkey hunting success. Passion for the Hunt begins airing in July of 2017 on Fox Sports North.
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O ne of the best ways to increase your hunting opportunity is to hunt in different states and different seasons. This can be an intimidating task for many people, but nobody knows the type of hunt that you would be comfortable
with better than yourself. After you have used Filtering 2.0 (from INSIDER) to narrow down a new hunt in a new area and, possibly, in a new state, there are a couple of things that can help you obtain even more information without driving across a state and putting boots on the ground.
DEVELOPING THE IDEAL PLAN FOR CONTACTING A BIOLOGIST By Brandon Evans
Originally published at
THE POWER OF BIOLOGISTS
One of the best ways to gain more intel about your hunting area is through a phone call with a local game biologist. Keep in mind that sometimes they can be hard to track down. I have found it’s fairly easy to get their number or email address by calling the state fish and game agency. A call to a biologist can be a very valuable resource either before you apply for a tag or after you’ve drawn one. With draw results released in the majority of states, now is the best time to give a biologist a call to further research your hunting area or to figure out an over-the-counter (OTC) unit you had in mind after using Filtering 2.0 and researching the Unit Profiles. Keep in mind that wildlife biologists are often overworked and underpaid and their time is extremely precious to them. There are a few things that you can do beforehand to help prepare and maximize what you get out of a phone call to a biologist. This is particularly important so that the biologist doesn’t feel like you are wasting his or her time.
www.goHUNT.com
NOTES
Based upon the maps, you can then make assumptions on where you think good areas are located. Jot these areas down. Usually, I wait to make notes on my map until after I have verified my questions with a biologist. This way, I don’t clutter it up with unnecessary writing. I prefer to use a journal instead of a notepad because the pages are less likely to rip out and get lost. I like to be able to compare my notes from different areas. It’s interesting to see how much you can learn about a species from area to area.
Photo Brandon Evans
MAPS, PAPER AND DIGITAL
In order to gain some familiarity with a new area, find a good set of maps for the area that you are researching. I prefer to have a set of paper maps that I can write on and make notes of different areas. Another key tool that I have up while looking at the paper maps is another digital map of the area like the ones that are found in each Unit Profile with the unit boundaries labeled or Google Earth. My ideal setup is a large desk while running two computer monitors. This allows me to have a Unit Profile pulled up, or multiple units if you’re considering a larger area, plus Google Earth. This allows you to look at the terrain from different angles and find and mark waypoints that you and the biologist might suspect to hold animals.
PREPARING YOUR QUESTIONS
After completing your initial research, you’ll likely have some questions you won’t be able to find answers to anywhere. These are the questions to ask the biologist. Along with the unanswered questions, the biologist will also be able to give you the most up-to-date information available about that unit, too. Make sure that your questions are structured in a way that initiates a discussion and gets the biologist talking; you don’t want to ask questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Have adequate room to write down the responses. I prefer to put these questions in the same journal that my own notes and ideas for the area are in as it makes it easy to compare later on.
Sample questions that I typically ask
First question should always be if they have time to talk? — You don’t want him to rush through your answers. 1. What elevations are the animals typically at during the hunt? 2. What are the primary food sources for the animals? Does that change with different weather and temperatures? 3. Is water limiting? 4. Are there any burns in the area the past five years? 5. Do animals migrate through the unit or are there resident animals? 6. Are there any particular areas that have higher concentrations of animals? And why do you think that is? 7. How is the population doing in the unit? 8. Is there any recent winterkill or disease? 9. Do any outfitters operate in the area? 10. How is the hunting pressure? 11. Where is the most hunting pressure located? 12. How are the road conditions (during your season)? 13. Where would you hunt? (This is assuming that the biologist doesn’t hunt the unit.) 14. Or is this particular spot an area you would hunt? 15. What areas would you avoid? 16. Is there anyone else you would recommend I talk to that knows the area?
30 | Hunting & Fishing News
Photo Brandon Evans
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USING A RECORDER
One thing that I learned in college is when someone is passionate about a topic they can give you a lot of information in a short amount of time. A recorder makes it easy for you to let the person talk and not have to interrupt them with “What was that?” It is important to ask for permission before you record the conversation. Some biologists don’t like to be recorded and they have a right not to. Mention that you are recording the conversation so you don’t have to worry about missing anything important. Once the call is over, listen to the recording and write down anything that you might have missed.
IN CONCLUSION
While nothing beats boots on the ground experience, sometimes that is a lot easier said than done. Few people know a unit and its animals better than the biologists in charge of that unit. Normally herd counts are conducted during the winter before the application period, so biologists are a wealth of knowledge for up-to-date information. But they can also be helpful in the summer months when they are actively in the field working on other projects. You never know, you might call a biologist who just spotted a bachelor group of bucks in the area you were thinking about hunting.
Biologists spend countless hours trying to better the herds that they manage and are typically very busy people. Doing a little homework of your own along with figuring out the right questions to ask will make calling your wildlife biologist an easy task. Remember, they can be a great resource for any hunter searching for a new area to hunt. Just remember when you reach out to a biologist that he or she may have already spoken with 20 people before you and might have given out the same information to those 20 people. Be polite and friendly and, above all, understanding if they seem impatient at times. Photo Brandon Evans
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Answer: 30-06 Springfield, If You Could Only Own One Rifle Cartridge? By Doug Gilmer www.ammoland.com
The 30-06 is the most popular big game cartridge in Alaska and is used for everything from deer to brown bear hunting. Shot placement and bullet selection are more important than paper ballistics. Many Alaskan residents and even more hunters down here in the lower 48 can attest to this.
30-06 Springfield photo AmmoLand
...what if you could only own one hunting rifle? What Cartridge would it be in? My answer 30-06 Springfield. Personally, I’ve always loved the 280 and 243 Cartridge. I also have fun with and appreciate the utility and compact size of lever action carbines. Still, if I could only own one centerfire rifle to handle all my needs I’d probably choose the time tested, bestselling and utterly boring 30-06. The 30-06 is dull by today’s standards but there is no job it can’t handle. Ammo is readily available whether at a big box sporting goods store or the local IGA in Maine. With lightweight bullets it’s a varmint, predator or a light recoiling deer rifle. Bullets up to 220 grains are commercially available and often stocked on store shelves in areas where big game like moose and big bears roam. The 30-06 recoil is tolerable for most and it’s a standard length cartridge. You don’t need a 26” barrel to make it work; a more compact 22” barrel will do just fine. There’s no shortage of good 30-06 ammunition and there’s no shortage of 30-06 rifles. The 30-06 is chambered in rifles by all major manufacturers. Single-shot, bolt action, lever action, pump and semi-auto actions are available and fit nearly any budget. For me, I’d want a repeater and would opt for the bolt action on account of its strength, reliability, and accuracy. The 308 WIN offers a slightly more compact shooting platform and is the 30-06’s near ballistic twin. There is little difference between the 30 ought 6 & 308 in velocity and down range energy. The 308 is pretty much limited to a maximum bullet weight of 180 grains however. Still, put a well-constructed 180 grain 30 caliber bullet where it needs to go and nothing in North America is going to be able to tell the difference. The 308 is also widely available, either cartridge is relatively inexpensive. Unless you are buying premium ammo, a box of 20 cartridges can be bought for about $20. Cartridges such as the 280 and 270 are in the same class as the 30-06. They are highly capable and I’ve seen moose and bear killed with each. The 280 isn’t as readily available and each is limited to 175 and 150 grain max bullet weight respectively. While I love the 280 and the 270 has incredible popularity, my choice is still the 30-06. If I can only have one centerfire rifle I want the greatest versatility I can get. One of my favorite loads for the 30-06 is Hornady’s 165 gr SST Superformance load. This supercharged load combined with bullet featuring a .248 sectional density and a ballistic coefficient of .447 is a long range performer.
This...hunter’s successful Moose kill was with the reliable 30-06 Springfield ammo Cartridge. Photo courtesy AmmoLand
It carries over a ton of energy at 300 yards and at this distance drops less than seven inches when sighted in dead on at 200 yards. Your intended use and environment would play a role in your decision if you could only have one hunting rifle. Practically speaking, most hunters in the U.S., ... could do just fine with nothing more than a 30-30. Hunting anything larger than deer or black bear is rare for most hunters and normally shots are well under 100 yards. This is 30-30 territory. The utilitarian might decide he wants his rifle and handgun to share ammunition as they did back in the late 1800’s. In this case, a lever or bolt action 357 or 44 Magnum may be all they need. Again, considering the game we normally hunt and the ranges we shoot, both of these would work just fine while eliminating the need to stock another type of ammo. I could get by, I think with a pistol caliber carbine or a 30-06 Springfield if I needed to. However, if my plans included a western big game hunt or a trip to Alaska or the Yukon for truly big game, I’d want a rifle in my inventory I knew could bring the power and margin to be successful as long as I did my part.
No the .30-06 Springfield isn’t as modern as the 30 Nosler or as big and fast as the 300 RUM. Nor is the old 06 as cool as today’s popular 6.5’s. It’s not a magnum, but who cares? As long as the shooter does his or her part, ethically and within the limits of their and the gun’s ability what does it matter? A magnum won’t kill an elk anymore dead and the 06 will do it with less recoil, less noise, and cheaper. It defended our nation, toppled evil regimes and is still in use as a military cartridge today internationally. It is a cartridge sportsmen can rely on whether hunting deer over a North Carolina peanut field, elk in the Colorado timber, or moose in the Yukon. Thank goodness we don’t need to choose just one rifle and one caliber, however if one is all we could own, the 30-06 Springfield would be a hard one to beat.
32 | Hunting & Fishing News
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How to Prepare for a Spring Bear Hunt
Ryan McSparran for in Wyoming By SNS Outfitter & Guides
www.huntwyo.com
At the start of a new year, the first thing on the agenda for many hunters is a spring bear hunt. Here at SNS Outfitter and Guides, it’s something we look forward to every year. As a side note, we actually have a few spots open for spring black bear hunts in Wyoming this May! For details call us at 307-266-4229 or see our Black Bear Hunt Page for details. http://www.huntwyo.com/our-hunts/hunt-9
A spring black bear hunt in Wyoming means being ready for any kind of weather or conditions. It can be difficult knowing how to prepare...
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SPRING BEAR HUNT IN WYOMING
Rain Gear It’s May in the high country. Here in Wyoming, we hunt the beautiful Greys River Valley from our comfortable Box Y Lodge. While the lodge is cozy, sometimes the weather is not. Rain is certainly a possibility throughout the month of May so quality rain gear should be a top priority. In many years, there’s still plenty of snow on the ground. So even if the skies are clear, rain gear will help keep you dry in those slushy spring conditions. Good rain gear also serves to block cold spring winds. Packable Insulation In addition to quality rain gear, we recommend having good, packable insulation. Packable is important because the weather can be highly variable in the spring. You may be wearing your warm layer one moment and needing to pack it away the next. We recommend a lightweight pullover or jacket. The most compressible material for its warmth and weight is high quality down. But many manufacturers now make good synthetic options too. If looking at down jackets, make sure it’s 600-fill down or higher. Higher quality down requires fewer feathers to achieve the same loft and warmth – meaning it packs smaller and is lighter. Warm Boots When you’re waiting on potentially snowy ground for a mature bear to appear, having warm boots will help keep you focused on the hunt and not on your toes. Our spring bear hunts in Wyoming at the Box Y Lodge usually require a short walk to the bait locations. With that in mind, you won’t need a hiking boot for miles of hunting. Instead, focus on comfort and warmth. Pac boots, Muck boots and similar styles work well. However, we also recommend packing a lighter, less-insulated option for those days when the weather turns warm. If you have any questions about preparing for your hunt, or if you’d like information on our spring bear hunt opportunities, please call us at 307-266-4229. You can also check out our Spring Bear Hunt Page or request a brochure.
34 | Hunting & Fishing News
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REGIONAL NEWS Study Of Wolves’ Effects On Other Wildlife Gets Underway In Eastern Washington www.ammoland.com
Some wolves are already radio-collared in those areas, but researchers want to maintain collars on at least two wolves in each pack within the study areas, Pierce said. Pierce asks that hunters who take a collared deer or elk contact the department, so researchers can recover the collar. UW students will join WDFW research scientists and field biologists to monitor radio-collared animals and track their movements, distribution, habitat use, diet, productivity and survival. Cougars will be monitored to learn about changes in social behavior, prey selection and predation rates in areas where wolves also occur.
“This study concentrates on multiple-use lands used by people for activities such as logging, livestock ranching and hunting,” Pierce said. “In that way it differs from most other studies on the impact of wolves, which tend to be conducted in national parks and other protected areas.”
T he Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the University of Washington (UW) have
launched a collaborative study to determine how eight years of growth in the state’s wolf population is affecting other wildlife species. The study, scheduled to last at least five years, will assess the health of deer and elk herds in northeast Washington, where they support hunting and other recreational opportunities while providing prey for wolves and other predators. “The experience in other western states shows that wolves and other predators may affect the size and behavior of deer and elk herds,” said Eric Gardner, head of the WDFW Wildlife Program. “We want to take a closer look at the situation here in Washington state as our own wolf population continues to grow.” Researchers will also examine the response to wolves by other predators, especially cougars, said Gardner, noting that the study will dovetail with an ongoing research project on moose in northeast Washington.
Pierce said the principal investigators from WDFW and UW will periodically develop and publicly share progress reports about the study over the next five years. Funding for the five-year study includes $400,000 from a 2015 state legislative appropriation, $450,000 in federal Pittman-Robertson funds and $150,000 of WDFW funds. The UW also secured nearly $900,000 in National Science Foundation grant funds for the project.
As of June 2016, WDFW had confirmed the presence of 19 wolf packs and at least 90 wolves in Washington state – up from a single pack with five wolves in 2008. Most of the growth in the state’s wolf population has occurred in northeastern Washington, where the new study is now underway. In January, WDFW research scientists and field biologists began capturing deer, elk, and cougars and fitting them with radio-collars to monitor their movements. Capture techniques include trapping animals using bait, steering them into nets, and darting them from helicopters with immobilization drugs. The goal is to keep 65 white-tailed deer, 50 elk, and 10 cougars collared in one study area that includes areas of Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties, said John Pierce, chief scientist for the WDFW Wildlife Program. In addition, researchers plan to collar 100 mule deer and 10 cougars in a second area in Okanogan County.
36 | Hunting & Fishing News
Moose Population Remains Low, Survey Suggests 6-Year Population Stability Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
M innesota’s moose population shows signs of stability when comparing this year’s population estimate of 3,710 northeastern Minnesota moose with estimates since 2012, according to the Department of Natural Resources. “At this point, results do not indicate that moose are recovering in northeastern Minnesota,” said Glenn DelGiudice, DNR moose project leader. “While it is encouraging to see that the decline in the population since 2012 has not been as steep, the apparent stability does not allow us to forecast the direction of the population’s trajectory into the future.” The 2017 aerial moose survey estimate of 3,710 moose in the northeastern part of the state is statistically unchanged from last year’s estimate of 4,020. There is inherent uncertainty associated with survey estimates, because researchers will never see and count all of the animals being surveyed across the vast landscape. Statistically, the DNR is 90 percent certain that the population estimate is between 3,010 and 4,710 moose. Research by the DNR continues to examine the complex potential causes of a moose population decline that started about a decade ago. The research also suggests the recent signs of stability could have resulted from higher calf survival. Much remains unknown. What is known: Factors including infections, parasites and other health issues are killing moose and predisposing them to being preyed on by wolves... Each year the population estimate is compared to 2006, because the state’s highest moose population estimate of 8,840 occurred that year. Currently, northeastern Minnesota’s moose population is estimated to be 58 percent lower than in 2006. Studies have shown that adult moose survival has the greatest long-term impact on changes in the size of moose populations. The DNR’s moose mortality research project shows that survival of adult moose has remained between 85 and 88 percent from 2014 to 2016, a bit higher than the average of 81 percent during 2002 to 2008, and 81 percent in 2013. Wolves do prey on healthy adult moose and calves, although research data have indicated modestly higher calf survival in the past couple of years compared to 2013, which may be contributing to the population’s recent apparent stability. Annual aerial moose surveys have been conducted each year since 1960 in the northeast. Adjustments were made in 2005 to make the survey more accurate and annual results more comparable. This year’s survey involved flying 52 survey plots (13 square miles each) distributed across northeastern Minnesota from Jan. 5 to Jan. 14. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and 1854 Treaty Authority contributed funding and provided personnel for the annual moose survey...
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By Matt Siegfried, Pheasants Forever marketing intern www.pheasantsforever.org look at some of the new shotguns, apparel and gear A that debuted at SHOT Show 2017. Coming out in June of 2017, SportDOG® is releasing the new TEK 1.5 GPS Tracking + E-Collar System. The TEK 1.5 combines the best of both worlds between the TEK 1.0 and the TEK 2.0, pairing the TEK 1.5 handheld with the TEK 2.0 collar. It will have all the current functionalities and features of the TEK 1.0, but will also have the HopTek™ Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology of the TEK 2.0. HopTek provides immunity to signal interference and allows for higher transmitter output power, resulting in superior range performance. Other features include: Up to 7-mile range, 99 continuous, momentary, and rising static stimulation levels, plus the option to train with vibration or tone, and tracking for up to 12 dogs.
If you are looking for a boot that offers all-day comfort for hunting or hiking, the Ravine boot should rise to the top of your list. This boot is built lightweight with a EnerG technology underfoot that will help with comfort and sustained support. It also offers an Anti-Torsion Chassis that will provide extra underfoot support for uneven ground. The Ravine boot has excellent traction, quick dry lining, waterproofing, and other comfort technologies built into the boot. Depending on style and size, it retails between $179.99 and $209.99.
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The one gun that won’t let you down, no matter what it’s calling is. The Cynergy CX 12 gauge over/under shotgun is designed for trap/sporting clays and hunting, built to be an all-around gun. The gun approximately weighs 7.14 pounds with a low-profile silver nitride finish, Mono-Lock Hinge, 60/40 point of impact, reverse striker ignition system, impact ejectors, and Toptang barrel selector. It comes in a walnut wood with a satin varnish finish and features three extended Midas grade Invector-Plus choke tubes. This o/u has a suggested price of $1,739.99.
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Benelli has carefully considered insights from their pro-staff and veteran hunters to redesign the Super Black Eagle semi-auto platform. Sure to be a favorite among waterfowlers and uplanders alike, the new Super Black Eagle 3 inertia-driven shotgun boasts an enhanced the breech-closing system to eliminate shooter-induced stoppage. Benelli also oversized the bolt handle, bolt release, the safety and redesigned magazine cap, and enlarged the load port for easy operation in cold temperatures with gloves on – which should come in handy for the diehard, late season pheasant hunter. The shotgun has an Easy Fitting System that allows for eight different cast and drop configurations. It also comes with the third generation ComforTech and Combtech cheek pad to help reduce the felt recoil. The SBE3 debuts with an MSRP of $1899.00 to $1,999.00, depending on specs.
38 | Hunting & Fishing News
Gunner Kennels has partnered with Mossy Oak to release the new MOSSY OAK® GAMEKEEPERS™ Edition, a kennel decorated in Mossy Oak’s Original Bottomland® pattern. Celebrating Mossy Oak’s 30 years in the industry and Gamekeepers’ 10th anniversary, the kennel is engineered with the same high-quality materials as the G1™ series with a 5-star crash test rating. This heavy-duty kennel retails at $599.99 (intermediate) and in the larger size at $699.99. With an expected release of June 2017, the First Lite Springer Vest and Shale Hybrid Glove will be offered in hunter orange. The Springer Vest is designed to add warmth to your core in fluctuating temperatures, while still providing freedom of movement. The Shale Hybrid Glove is a mid-weight glove designed for early- to mid-season hunting that contains merino wool for comfort and the flexibility and durability of goatskin to make a multipurpose hunting glove. The standout glove feature is First Lite’s Fit to Hunt custom design. The Fit to Hunt articulated construction means these gloves were specifically designed for your hands to be in a slightly cupped position such as when you’re toting a shotgun. The Springer vest will MSRP at $130.00 and the Shale Hybrid Glove will MSRP at $70. To keep your pup’s feet protected from snow and ice, Duluth Pack designed a dog boot to keep your dog’s feet warm throughout the winter season. These boots will help your dog hunt all day in late season conditions and prevent the dreaded ice build-up in the paws. Made in America, the Duluth Pack Dog Boots come in seven available sizes and retail at $30.
Released this past fall, the Carhartt Upland Field Shirt has been produced to make wingshooting a whole lot easier. This bird hunting shirt was designed for comfort, while still flexing the ability to stretch. The shirt is made with cotton spandex stretch Quick Duck canvas that can repel water. It contains double-front shoulder pads to help with recoil from the gun. The shirt also includes a mesh-vented back for ventilation and the sleeves contain two-button adjustable cuffs. The shirt is sold at $69.99.
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Fish & Wildlife Commission Approves Lighted Nocks For Archery-Only Season MFWP
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Montana archery hunters will be allowed to utilize another
piece of equipment this fall in their pursuit of game. During its Feb. 10 meeting, the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission approved the use of lighted nocks on arrows during the 2017 archery-only season and in archery equipment-only areas or hunting districts. A nock is a metal or plastic piece at the rear end of an arrow that has a notch into which the bowstring fits. Lighted nocks, powered by tiny LED batteries, help an archer to see where his or her arrow strikes and make the arrow easier to retrieve. Last fall the Montana Bowhunters Association asked the commission to set a public comment period for an archery equipment evaluation matrix that the group drafted. The matrix was intended as a guide for future deliberations as the demand grows for electronic devices and other advancements in archery. The matrix was adopted, and it was later used to evaluate an MBA proposal to allow the use of lighted nocks. Following a public comment period, the commission ruled in favor of lighted nocks last week.
Future Fisheries Project Approved MFWP
More than $236,000 in funding was approved recently by the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission for 15 projects to improve Montana fisheries... The fisheries improvements will help bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, black crappie, brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. Work includes stream channel restoration, riparian fencing, off-stream water development, planting vegetation to stabilize stream banks, construction of a barrier to protect cutthroat trout, replacing undersized culverts to allow for fish movement, increasing flow to streams, adding fish habitat to a reservoir, and more. This year’s funding was matched by more than $828,000 from outside sources. Watershed groups, governmental agencies, landowners, and others submitted a total of 19 proposed projects.
40 | Hunting & Fishing News
One Of Idaho’s Most Impressive Mule Deer From 2015 Poached
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Photo credit: Garrett Nix’s Instagram page
Ididn’t t was crash and burn from the beginning, though Gary Nix know it. The mule deer he was after was getting
away and it was the last day of a late controlled deer hunt, he knew it was a big one. His son, Garrett, helped him kill the deer by shooting the trophy worthy mule deer buck that eventually, after multiple shots, died. The problem? Gary had a valid tag and permit; Garrett did not. Reports from some people with inside information said Gary kept missing the deer and his son then shot it.
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Ignoring that tiny detail, the men celebrated and the story soon swept the social media circuit where the monster buck took center stage. Gary claimed the credit for the kill, boasting that the buck measured in at 242 4/8”. It was even featured on the cover of Muley Crazy, gaining fame and momentum. Behind the scenes, however, Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) officers began investigating the mule deer harvest after receiving a tip that the buck, which was harvested in Bonneville County, Idaho, may actually have been illegal. As IDFG officers continued to piece together evidence, the mule deer buck – and Gary Nix – continued down the “hunting fame” path. His hunt story was aired on a local hunting show and both Gary and Garrett traveled to the Western Hunting Expo in 2016 with their prize, basking in their ill-gained stardom. They even won a “Most Impressive Big Buck Contest.” While it took IDFG officers several months to complete their investigation of the incident, in April 2016, IDFG officers served Gary and Garrett Nix with a search warrant and charged them with the crime, according to the IDFG website. Both pleaded guilty on Nov. 21. Gary was sentenced to $190 in fines and restitution as well as a one year hunting license suspension; he was ordered to forfeit the mule deer buck. Garrett was sentenced to $2,202 in fines and restitution along with a three year hunting licenses suspension and 100 hours of community service. Hopefully a lesson was learned here. In the end, both Gary and Garrett gained a different sort of “hunter fame” – the one that leaves a bad taste behind.
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Hunting & Fishing News | 41
APRIL AND MAY HATCHES ON THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER: SPRING FLY FISHING IN MONTANA AT ITS BEST
By Brian McGeehan Montana Angler call 406-522-9854 or www.montanaangler.com
S pring is unquestionably the most underrated time of year to fish the Yellowstone River. As water temperatures rise, the trouts’ metabolism begins to increase, putting them on the hunt for food. Fishing pressure is low during spring, and most
trout on the ‘Stone haven’t seen a fly in months. While nymph fishing is very productive in the early season, it comes as a surprise to many that spring is actually a great time to dry fly fish. The big stonefly hatches of early summer garner the most fame, but a strong argument could be made that the years best hatches go off in April and May. The bugs come every year and the fish will be hungry, so water clarity is the only variable. The Yellowstone will come in and out of fishable shape several times each spring, as warm weather begins to melt the low elevation snowpack and cool weather locks it back up. Fortunately, we are blessed with many other great fishing options in the spring as we wait for the ‘Stone to shape back up. Let’s take a look at the 3 major hatches that get the trout looking up each year. Blue Winged Olives The BWO’s, or Baetis, are the first major hatch of the year. These small, dark colored mayflies typically begin to emerge in earnest in late March or early April. The hatch will persist into early May, especially on cool, cloudy days. The hatch typically comes off around lunchtime and lasts through the warmest part of the day. Sunny days will see scattered rises throughout the river, but on cloudy days the river will come alive. At times you will see large pods of fish working along slower banks and eddies. The Rainbows and Whitefish tend to pod up during the hatch. Often you will go down a section of river with no activity only to round the next bend and see hundreds of fish rising. The Browns, especially the larger ones, tend to be loners, so pay extra attention to any solitary rises that you spot. While you want to carry some specific Baetis patterns, you can often get away with a mayfly attractor like a Parachute Adams or Purple Haze. The spring Baetis are usually a bit larger than those in the fall, so #16 and #18 flies are your choices. I like to fish 2 dries at once and will typically have a larger, easier to see pattern up front, trailed by a smaller, more natural pattern as the dropper. Another productive strategy is to fish a Baetis Emerger behind your dry fly. You can load up your emerger pattern with floatant and fish it on the surface like a dry, or allow it to sink a few inches under the water and have your dry act as a strike indicator. Sometimes fish will key in on a specific stage of the hatch, so you want to be prepared with everything from nymphs to duns. You will still be doing a good bit of nymph fishing on sunny days, but there will be rising fish each afternoon. Cloudy days should see a window of several hours with a consistent dry fly bite. March Browns The March Brown is the first “big” bug to hatch each season, as these mayflies typically come in around a #12. Despite the name, March Browns hatch on the Yellowstone during the 2nd half of April into May. The March Brown hatch is typically harder to predict than the Baetis or Caddis. You won’t often find a blanket hatch of the March Browns, but they will be plentiful in scattered pockets throughout the river. These mayflies overlap both the Baetis and Caddis hatches, and you will often see them hatching at the same time on any given day. The March Browns are particularly interesting because while they are often comparatively sparse in numbers, the fish will get keyed in on them, oftentimes to the exclusion of eating other bugs. I remember witnessing this phenomenon several years ago in May during the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch. We were floating below Carter’s Bridge, and had dropped anchor in a run along the bank with a small back eddy where we spotted several good sized trout feeding on the surface. The trout did not respond to our Caddis patterns, so we quit casting for a moment to observe. Despite the constant stream of caddis floating down the river, the fish were only eating the occasional March Brown dun that washed by. We did not witness a single dun go by without being gobbled up by a trout. Quickly changing flies, we were able to take several fish out of the hole before they wised up. Every now and again, on a dark, drizzly afternoon in late April or early May, you will witness a full scale explosion of the March Browns and it is quite a sight to behold. Fish often take these large mayflies with abandon, creating large splashes with each rise. To match this hatch, I prefer a specific imitation rather than a general attractor. While a Parachute Adams or the like will probably do in a pinch, I like to stock up on some March Brown patterns from the local fly shop each spring. It’s one of those hatches that you are only going to see for a short window each year, but it can be spectacular, so you want to have your flies dialed in. If there are March Browns on the water, I want one on the end of my line. Mother’s Day Caddis This is the main event, folks. The Mother’s Day Caddis is a legendary hatch, and one of my personal favorites of the entire year. There can be a literal blizzard of caddis in the air, appearing as huge oscillating waves over the water. The tough part is timing this hatch. The big blitz of bugs usually lasts for at least a week or so, but sometimes cold weather causes it to sputter or stop and start again. Water clarity is the real issue, as this hatch is jammed right up against the start of runoff. Some years everything works out perfectly, some years the entire thing gets washed away. The good news is that we can also chase this hatch on the Madison River, which remains clear due to the dams along its course. We have so much good fishing around the Bozeman area that we do not have to put all our eggs in one basket. Back to the Yellowstone, if you are planning a trip for the hatch, look to the first week of May as your pick, but spring weather is so unpredictable that the hatch can be earlier or later. In my experience, it seems that when the water temperatures start to creep above 50 degrees in the afternoon that signals that the hatch is eminent. When things really get cranking, you can have productive dry fly fishing all day long, although afternoons and evenings tend to be the most consistent times for fishing. The fish tend to be a bit less shy about feeding on the surface once the sun begins to get off the water. For flies, I like an olive or tan color in a #14. Sometimes I drop to a #16 if the water is exceptionally clear. A traditional Elk Hair Caddis or X-Caddis works fine, but I prefer some version of a Parachute Caddis. The colored post on the Parachute Caddis makes it a bit easier to see from the boat. The trout will often key in on emergers during the Caddis hatch, especially during bright, sunny parts of the day. I will drop a Caddis Emerger off the back of my dry, and it typically catches at least as many fish, if not more, than the dry. Patterns like a Z-Wing Emerger or CDC Emerger are top choices. This is one of those hatches that every serious fly angler should try and experience at some point in their fishing career. While it does breed its fair share of frustration at times, timing it right will produce enough fish stories to forget about all the rest.
42 | Hunting & Fishing News
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To Have And To Hold
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FButromthedetecting the bite to enjoying the fight, catching walleyes is a blast. fish handling part of the end game can get a little tricky when you have a wildly Photo: Lindy Fishing Tackle
thrashing ’eye on your hands.
The process of removing a walleye from its watery home or the confines of a landing net is especially important with fish you plan to release. Stomping, squeezing, mashing, mauling and gouging just won’t cut it. In a similar vein, you don’t want your fingers sliced to ribbons, either. Smart fish handling helps prevent injuries to all parties, which begs a quick review of a few time-tested walleye holds. When you reel in a feisty walleye you think will tip the scale beyond about 2½ to 3 pounds, the “gill lift” is a great way to hoist it. This is the hold you often see Lindy pros like Jon Thelen, Jeff Sundin and others using when posing for a quick photo with a big fish before sending their catch back into the drink. It’s easy to do. Carefully slide your index finger inside the gill plate and along the bony interior wall—taking care not to damage the gills in the process. When your finger reaches the top of the gill cover, you can lift the fish in vertically out of the water or the landing net. If the walleye being landed weighs less than about 2½ pounds, the “gill cover hold” is an acceptable maneuver. Whether you’re lifting the fish from the water or a net, simply place your index finger and thumb over the soft, fleshy cheeks just ahead of the sharp, bony plate on the walleye’s gill flaps. Apply firm pressure to immobilize the walleye for unhooking, but don’t squeeze the daylights out of the fish if you plan to release it. Other options include pressing down the dorsal fin (working from the front back) and simply grabbing the fish’s body. You can do this with fish up to about 5 pounds, but it’s best reserved for keepers since it’s easy to remove some of the fish’s protective slime in the process. While there are other means of getting a lively walleye under control, these methods should help you safely handle your next catch. Just remember, if you plan to let the fish go, get it back in the water as quickly as possible. - See more at: http://www.lindyfishingtackle.com/lindy-land/To-have-and-to-hold/#sthash.qybxV060.dpuf
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DC Court Rules in Favor of Wyoming Wolf Delisting Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
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The Washington DC Court of Appeals issued a ruling in favor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), State of Wyoming, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and others regarding the delisting of wolves from the Endangered Species List in Wyoming. This case, originally filed in November of 2012, involved a challenge to the FWS delisting of wolves in Wyoming. “It’s great news. It’s especially great news for the state of Wyoming,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “States should have the ability to manage all wildlife within their borders. This is a great day for the fundamental issue of state-based management of wildlife.” The plaintiffs challenged the FWS determination that wolves are no longer endangered in Wyoming based on three main arguments: insufficient genetic connectivity, wolves have not inhabited a significant portion of their former range, and Wyoming’s wolf management plan was not a sufficient “regulatory mechanism” to protect wolves. In District Court, the judge determined that there was sufficient genetic connectivity, that the FWS correctly interpreted “significant portion of range” but that Wyoming’s management plan was not a “regulatory mechanism” and so the rule was vacated, putting wolves back on the Endangered Species List. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals decision affirmed the District Court on the issues of genetic connectivity and range, and reversed the District Court on the issue of Wyoming’s management plan. The Appeals Court ruled the FWS reasonably determined that Wyoming’s management plan, in conjunction with statutes and regulations, is sufficient to maintain the minimum number of wolves within the state. This effectively means that the Circuit Court of Appeals found that the FWS determination was lawful, and Wyoming wolves should be delisted.
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