Montana Hunting & Fishing News - December 2016 by Western Hunting & Fishing News

HUNTING & FISHING Montana

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December 2016

DECEMBER HUNTING: Deer, Elk, Waterfowl

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Beaverhead River - Mallards The Beaverhead area, located south of Dillon, is one of those spots to take your shotgun on a sling and a good retriever. The river is lined in dense willows from Clark Canyon down to Poindexter Slough. The best approach here is to hike down the river jumping birds as you go, but you’ll need to be on the birds fast, as they ﬂush off the water the second they see you approach. Flathead River - Ducks The Flathead River’s sloughs offer more than pike ﬁshing. Duck hunting on Flathead River can be exceptional, but you gotta have a boat. Hunting the islands and sloughs below Kalispell can be great when these Northern birds arrive. Park at Sportsmans Bridge FAS, north of Bigfork, then motor upstream into Fennon, Rose Creek, and Church Sloughs for some outstanding waterfowl action. Nearby Smith Lake also offers some good decoy hunting. © Splendens | Dreamstime.com

Montana’s Top Late Hunts

Ducks - Geese - Pheasant - Sharptail Grouse By H&F News Pro Staff

T he Montana waterfowl hunting season should really pick up now as we head towards our winter season. Plenty of public land and National

Missouri River - Geese If you make it over to the Fort Peck area, you can hunt below the dam for hundreds of geese that loaf on the water and feed in nearby ﬁelds in the morning and night. You can launch your boat at School Trust FAS out of Nashua, and try decoying for geese on the tails of islands. All along the Missouri from Great Falls east, should have plenty of geese to ﬁll your bag this winter. Canyon Ferry WMA - Ducks, geese

Here are a few late-hunt areas that should produce plenty of action:

This big lake located between Helena and Townsend gets much pressure early on, but as the season progresses expect good waterfowling, as the lake attracts plenty of birds in December. The south end of Canyon Ferry WMA will provide you with the best shooting opportunities with its series of four ponds that allow ample spots for small and large decoy spreads. Redheads, canvasbacks, shovelers, and teal all work the decoys. In the quiet waters in the dikes area, you’ll find mallards, pintails, and wigeon. The open fields around also make for good goose decoy spreads for our low flying Canadian friends.

Nine Pipes WMA - Pheasants and ducks

Yellowstone River - Geese

This state-managed WMA located near Ronan receives plenty of hunting pressure for roosters, but if you hunt the morning after a winter storm, you’ll be amazed at all of the tracks in the snow and tight holding birds you can hunt. The waterfowl hunting can be epic, but you have to hit the window between cold weather that brings northern birds to the marsh and the real windless, cold that freezes over the shallow wetlands. When the shooting is at its best, Ninepipes is one of the best spots in Western Montana to bag pintails and mallards.

Over the next month from Glendive to Miles City, Canadian geese numbers should continue to build and offer good hunting. Don’t wait too long, as an abundance of snow could send these birds south in a hurry. Decent croplands that are set up in Block Management or landowners that will let you hunt along the river if you ask, are prime spots to set up your spreads.

Wildlife Refuges offer up great duck and goose hunting in December.

The late upland and pheasant hunting season also continues for the next few weeks, and with the big game season over, except for a few late shoulder elk and special deer unit hunts, it’s time to focus on getting some tasty birds to round out your freezer.

Freezeout Lake WMA - Sharptails This big wildlife management area located between Fairﬁeld and Choteau gets a lot of hype for its ducks and pheasants, but in December, sharptails can be a better option, and you can gather a few birds just after a big snowstorm. These storms help to break the birds up into smaller groups as they feed. A bonus rooster or two may also give you added action here.

Good hunting areas also includes the confluence of the Bighorn River near Custer all the way to the North Dakota border. But, it’s from Miles City downstream that the river is at it’s best. Good places to look here are wheat fields, cattle feed lots, and irrigated corn that dominates the valley from Terry downstream. Birds tend to come off the river late, but they typically don’t go far, and are more likely to commit to a field and your decoys. Check MFWP regulations before you head out for the hunt.

Sheridan County - Pheasants The entire Milk River Valley is worth a December visit for a great pheasant hunting road trip. Drive to Region 6 as there is a large amount of private land that is enrolled in the Block Management program. From Dodson through Nashua clear over to the Plentywood area will have plenty of options for you, as well as the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, located east of Malta along Highway 2. This area is a good location for both ducks and sharpies. Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is also a good location for hunting waterfowl and heavy-cover roosters.

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6 - Hunting & Fishing News

By Jim Cunningham

W aterfowl hunting continues to evolve as decoys become more realistic each season. While the waterfowl hunting experience of decoying birds

may be thousands of years old dating back to the beginnings of man, the escalation of movement, realism and concealment options continue to redefine decoy hunting for ducks and geese. While equipment can greatly enhance the odds, the gear doesn’t necessarily define the hunt. Most ardent waterfowl hunters will agree that the right equipment combined with the right knowledge and experience gained in the marsh or field is the ultimate formula for success. This month, we interview a handful of hunters who have spent a tremendous amount of time looking up at skies. We also take a look at some of the hottest new gear trends. Perhaps nothing has changed field duck hunting like spinning wing decoys over the last fifteen years. Spinning wing decoys like the Lucky Duck HD continue to become more durable with better recharging systems and remotes that allow hunters to synchronize several decoys on one remote system. No more D batteries or wings that won’t last an entire season. With that being said, in the eyes of ducks… all spinning wing decoys are equal if the wings are spinning fast enough to blur. In the eyes of duck hunters however, having a spinning wing decoy that is both functional and rugged tops the list of importance. Lucky Duck Decoy Co. continues to raise the bar with motion decoys for duck hunters and introduced the Lucky Duck HD last season. Hunters loved the simple remote system and rugged magnetic wings on the Lucky Duck HD. Every feature from the bungee system on the base to the wing magnets seemed to be thought out by avid duck hunters who had a wish list. Passion for the Hunt TV host Jason Mitchell spent many years as a waterfowl guide near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Mitchell adds a few more tricks for using spinning wing decoys when field hunting. “I like to keep the stakes short so that the spinners are low to the ground mixed in with the field decoys just so you still get the good visibility but also don’t let the ducks get as good of a look at the spinner. On cloudy days, stretch some women’s nylons over the wings to subdue the flash.” Spinning wing decoys can be critical for field hunting ducks at early light and are an important tool for so many duck hunters but… spinning wing decoys can also completely turn off conditioned or stale ducks. As a general rule of thumb, hunters have better success with spinning wing decoys across the top half of the flyways. More hunters across the bottom half of the flyway are starting to appreciate motion decoys however...

Motion over water is nothing new as hunters have used jerk cords to add some movement to decoy spreads for decades. There are some limitations however to jerk cords as you have to run a string from the blind to the decoy spread. According to Ricky Hart of Lucky Duck Decoy Company and a regular on the Grind Waterfowl TV, motion decoys that swim, add ripples and splash that not only enhances the realism of the entire spread but can also provide that flash of movement that catches the eyes of ducks, increasing the visibility of the spread. “On calm days especially, just adding a couple of the Lucky Duck quiver magnet XLs to a dozen decoys can add a lot of movement causing the decoys to move, adding a ripple on the water, “ explains Hart. The quiver magnet XL is a battery operated floating disk that vibrates adding motion on the water that moves floating decoys. Using the Lucky Duck HD Dabbler can create a more aggressive and visible movement. This motion decoy not only swims but also throws up spray like a feeding puddle duck. This motion decoy can be used with the remote switches and also features a water activation switch. Movement is one aspect of a decoy spread that creates the allure of realism. Decoy profiles and color schemes also improve each season. Flocked decoys first became popular with Canada goose hunters, notably the black on the Canada goose decoy added more realism to the decoy. Flocked duck decoys however are also gaining a big following, particularly flocking the heads of drake mallards to add extra realism. “Flocked duck decoys make a huge difference on gray sky days as it just looks so much more real. The contrast is so much better,” explains Bill Willroth of Dakota Decoy Company and the Grind Waterfowl TV. The head poses and keel designs of decoys today continue to improve. Dakota Decoy’s immensely popular Dakota Decoy X-Treme Mallard is a rugged and durable hunting decoy that also rides the edge of realism with several head poses that are unique to Dakota Decoy Company. Any wind or current also gives the X-Treme Mallard decoy a tremendous amount of swimming movement, which is created by the concave surface on the bottom of the decoy. Bill Willroth stresses the importance however of creating a salt and pepper look on the water with a decoy spread. Black and white are two of the most visible colors on water. “I love to purposefully add some pintails or even some drake divers mixed into the water spread just to add more white as the birds can really see that against the water especially early in the morning,” explains Willroth. Another trick Willroth likes to use is going heavy on Canada goose decoys to kill ducks. Mallards in particular love to sit with Canada geese and the goose blocks are much larger and more visible on the water. Hunting mallards over Canada goose decoys also translates to the field. “Besides the visibility and size of goose decoys, another advantage using goose decoys to hunt ducks is that the size and height of goose decoys makes hiding layout blinds in the field much easier because you can bunch the taller goose decoys around the blinds,” explains Jason Mitchell. Concealment and blinds also continue to improve each season. We are not going to bore you with camouflage patterns because lets face it, when you duck hunt… you are inside a blind or somehow hiding the camo. What can make a difference however for concealment are many of the synthetic options for grassing up blinds. Products like Fast Grass can be permanently zip tied to ground blinds and boat blinds offering a realistic color and profile that can duplicate wheat stubble or cattails. Many astute waterfowl hunters have also gotten in the habit of also incorporating a weed whacker or hedge trimmer into their list of waterfowl hunting equipment for quickly creating good hides and blinds that blend in perfectly with the environment. Speaking of blinds, as ducks and geese become more conditioned to ground blinds that sit up from the ground with a high box shaped profile that can be very obvious from a bird’s eye view, many hunters are starting to use a lower profile blind design that not only sits lower to the ground but eliminates any coffin or box type profile with a softer or flatter edge. Arctic Shield’s SpeedZ Ground Blind is getting rave reviews from waterfowl hunters because it is so easy to become invisible while field hunting. This comfortable ground blind also features Arctic Shield’s coveted heat retention technology. (continued on page 19)

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THE BEST WAY TO STORE WILD GAME MEAT By Trail Kreitzer

Originally published at

www.goHUNT.com All photo credits: goHUNT.com

am often asked why I hunt. Although putting it onto paper is a tall order, I’m going to make an attempt to answer here. I hunt because I crave the solitude, and I love how hunting provides me a way to disconnect from my day-to-day responsibilities. I love the way hunting challenges me and pushes my boundaries and comfort zones. I love the feel of fall and watching the environment around me transition throughout the season. I love the memories I’ve made and the pictures from past hunts that hang on my ofﬁce wall. I also hunt because I am fascinated with wildlife. I love watching and listening to them and being in their element. Most notably, I love the overwhelming sense of accomplishment of grinding out a hard hunt and being successful in harvesting an animal — and the protein-rich food it then provides for me and my family. There is a certain satisfaction that perhaps only hunters can appreciate in seeing the total process unfold: a true ﬁeld-to-table experience. Wild game meat can yield fantastic table fare, but preparation and storage is a critical component and it must be done properly in order to fully enjoy it. Here I will share the basics for getting the most out of your harvest.

CLEANING THE MEAT

The first steps are cleaning and controlling temperature. While in the field, keep the meat as free from dirt, hair, leaves and any other body fluids as possible. Doing so will make your job at home that much easier. Transport your meat as quickly as possible to an environment where the temperature can be held near 40 degrees. Once home, a whole skinned carcass can be hung preferably upside down for remaining blood to drain. You can also hang quarters. Store the boned out meat in a clean uncontaminated container and removed piece by piece, rinsed and returned to another clean container. Rinse meat with clean, potable water to remove any excess dirt, hair, and so on. You can then pat the cleaned meat dry using a clean cotton sheet. Drape an additional clean cotton sheet around the hanging carcass or quarters. Pat dry the boned out meat hang it in a clean cotton sack. The sheet and/or sack will keep the meat clean while allowing air to move across it and let heat escape. 8 - Hunting & Fishing News

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

PERFORMANCE PARTS & CUSTOM ACCESSORIES

Hanging meat should be stored between a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and freezing in a clean, dry, well ventilated area with no odors. During late season hunts, meat can likely be hung in a cool garage, patio, or north side of a structure. Warm, early-season hunts will require you to refrigerate meat. Aging meat for three to four days is recommended to tenderize wild game. If aging is not possible, you can cut the meat and process it immediately, as long as it is clean and dry — though, as indicated above, it may be tougher to eat.

BEST PRACTICES FOR CUTTING MEAT

Cutting varies greatly depending on individual preferences, portion sizes and meal planning. The important items to note are that all cutting should be done with clean knives, utensils and cutting boards. All cutting materials, surfaces, hands and arms should be thoroughly scrubbed and washed with soap and hot water. Bacteria is the enemy, so take proper precautions and you will get a superior and better tasting steak.

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For cutting, there are two schools of thought: one is to remove the silver skin/tendons from the meat before wrapping, the other is to keep it on and remove it once thawed and before cooking. Personally, I prefer removing it before wrapping. Cutting and trimming those pieces makes a better tasting meal later down the road, and it’s quicker to prepare.

AIR IS YOUR ENEMY

When it comes to freezing your game, whether it is steaks, roasts, or even burger, keeping air out will produce a fresher product that lasts longer. Vacuum-seal packaging is an outstanding way to remove the air and preserve your game meat. (continued on page 26)

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December 2016

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nnouncing a new element to the HUNT product lineup! onXmaps has provided hunters with the most in depth land data for the state of their choice for over five years. Until now, though, hunters who regularly chase game across state lines needed a Membership to multiple states to map their hunts across the country. onXmaps HUNT is proud to announce an end to that, by introducing the HUNT Elite Membership. With the HUNT Elite Membership, hunters get the best mapping data available for all 50 states on their HUNT product on mobile devices and on computers, along with all the features offered with all the HUNT Premium, single state, Memberships. Elite Membership is available for mobile devices for when you’re in the field, but also home computers when it’s time to scout that new mountain range on the other side of the country! You can purchase a yearlong HUNT Elite Membership for $99, or a month-to-month HUNT Elite Membership for only $14.99. “I’m excited to finally launch a nationwide membership to hunters who can’t get enough by just staying in their home state,” said CEO Eric Siegfried. “The team has prepared for two years to make this happen and we can’t wait for our customers to use these detailed maps.” WANT TO KNOW THE VARIATIONS BETWEEN THE HUNT MEMBERSHIP LINE-UP? CHECK OUT THIS HANDY COMPARISON TABLE: https://www.huntinggpsmaps. com/blog/elite-membership-ishere 10 - Hunting & Fishing News

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“Icin’ Slabs”

By Eddie White

or some of us, ice fishing is what we wait all year to do. When the ice starts to recede, anxiety sets in as one realizes it will be many months before the hard water is back. The wait can seem like forever! In the southeastern part of the state, we tend to luck out on early ice. Just after Thanksgiving, Tongue River Reservoir typically has enough ice on the south end that one can venture out and get into the early ice frenzy the crappie seem to go into. What an exciting time to be the first on the ice, ripping slab lips. SAFETY: This article by no means, condones jeopardizing safety. As tempting as early ice is, it is always important to put safety first. A few items that should be utilized when stepping on first ice, or any ice for that matter are as follows: A heavy spud bar (always have one and hit the ice prior to taking a step). Ice picks (the type that simply go around your neck, so you can grab on to them and safely get out of the water). A self inflating life jacket (once it hits the water it inflates, stopping the wearer from going too far under). Be aware of quickly changing ice conditions, and always let someone know when and where you are going. Having a partner is a good idea as well. BAIT: The first thing always brought along are minnows, generally in the 2 to 3 inch size. I have come to notice that during first ice, the larger minnows catch the bigger slabs. Popping heads is also a great way to tip a jig. Simply use your thumb and pop the head off a fresh minnow, hook it through the lips, and you are ready to go. Finally, maggots are always great to have on hand, just in case they are finicky and not looking for bigger baits. LURES: PK flutter fish are an absolute in my arsenal. I have caught more fish on a 1/8th ounce glow, then any other jig I have dropped down a hole. I will also bring a 1/8th aspirin head jig, made by Gates Custom Jigs, for live minnows or maggots. I will run the hook through the nose of the minnow to assure its liveliness. For maggots, I will use up to 5, depending on what the fish tell me they want. There are thousands of ice jigs out there, I tend to travel light, mainly using only those I am confident with, but always trying one or two new each time. ELECTRONICS: When I first started with electronics, I had an old Lowrance boat fish finder, that had the circle flasher on it. I used it for years and absolutely loved it. For many years prior, I fished with no electronics. In those days, I always dropped to the bottom, counting on the way down to have an idea of the depth I was in. I would begin by reeling just up off the bottom, counting how many times I jigged, how long I would stop. This gave me an idea of what type of presentation the fish wanted. I would continue with one reel crank, pause and jig. This would go on till I either had my bait all the way to the top of the hole, or when I would get a bite. I would then start over. Going to the bottom, if I caught a fish five cranks up, I would begin reeling 5 cranks, and so forth. TIME: Just before dawn we are typically set up and ready. For early ice, we are generally not fishing any deeper than 15 feet of water. At first light, the action seems to be fast and furious, and can last for a few minutes, or even a few hours. Likewise, at dusk, about 30 minutes before the sun hits the horizon, the bite will again be fast and furious. This frenzy is often a lot shorter then the morning bite. But stick around, anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour into dark, the slabs will once again feed for hours. Coming in waves, we will set up a couple lanterns, as they are attracted to light, and fish till they tell us they are done for the night. 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 December 2016 11

QUICK FIXES WHEN COYOTES WON’T COME TO THE CALLS

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12 - Hunting & Fishing News

STAY LONGER First, stay longer. Your coyote hunting friend who is a contest junkie may embrace the 15-minute rule, but in reality it takes pressured coyotes longer to commit today. This is particularly true if you howl. Some of you may expect a return howl immediately. Sometimes that occurs, but oftentimes a sly coyote simply responds by slinking into the area to investigate. Don’t leave early. Stay alert and scan the surrounding terrain for an incoming coyote. How long should you stay on stand? That depends on whether you need to make it to a Boy Scout meeting or attend church later, but 30 to 45 minutes per stand is a solid starting point. In addition to staying longer put your binocular to use. You don’t want to be flashing the glass like an Audubon member trying to locate the last dodo bird, but you do need to survey with slow movement. I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve spied coyotes peering over sagebrush with my Nikon Monarch 7s (www.nikonsportoptics.com). It’s increased my success by locating hidden coyotes and waiting for them to tiptoe in for a Hornady V-Max (www.hornady.com) ending. Last winter I was 40 minutes into a setup that centered on howling before a sly female walked over a ridgeline. I had to shift to line up my Bergara B-14 (www.bergarausa.com) for the shot, but she stayed focused on my decoy dog Sage long enough to make the 40 minutes of shivering worth it. BECOME THE INVISIBLE MAN It never ceases to amaze me when I’m hunting with friends on how much noise they make and how visible they are when approaching hunting country. Become the Invisible Man and do it from the very start of your hunt. I always try and veil my truck or ATV behind a hill, or a patch of timber. I never slam truck doors or talk loudly after leaving the truck. On cold winter mornings sound carries for long distances and can immediately put a wary coyote on full alert. I then choose a downwind approach to my stand and utilize ScoutLook Weather (www.scoutlookweather.com) to help me map a scent-free route with a camouflaged trail. Use gullies, hills, irrigation ditches or whatever is at hand to keep your form out of sight. Once you arrive at your location, likely a high spot, move swiftly to get into position and hunker down for the long haul. If you can do all that and call in a coyote you are literally the Invisible Man. MIX IT UP Maybe the coyotes in your zip code have heard it all when it comes to rabbit in distress sounds or even coyote vocalizations. It’s time to mix it up and the sounds you use don’t necessarily have to have a street address from your zip code. Feral hogs are several states away from homesteading near my Western address, yet I’ve called on them from time to time to dupe crafty coyotes. My Johnny Stewart electronic caller (www.hunterspec.com) has a library of strange sounds that even the National Archives would be proud to boast. Forget about matching the animals found in your region to the calls you use. Instead, focus on sounds that may spike interest and not alarm a pressured coyote. Kittens in distress, clucking chickens and even yelping turkeys could bring a coyote in to investigate a possible meal. Favorites of mine include the sounds of aerial scavengers such as crows, ravens, magpies and jays. I’ll incorporate subtle coyote vocalizations to create a scenario of coyotes on the prowl. After a few minutes I’ll light up the area with the squawkers of my choosing. It mimics the sounds of a coyote hunting and scavengers trying to get a morsel. Curiosity killed the cat and can do the same for a coyote. BACK TO THE FUTURE Finally, return to the scene of past crimes. Go back for future success. The reason is simple. Coyotes rarely leave a parcel of prime real estate uninhabited for long. If a coyote is shot from a territory it doesn’t take long for a wandering coyote to move in and claim the territory. They live in particular areas for specific reasons. The area has great hunting. It likely has even better refuge and if you add in a few other amenities you can see why coyote real estate rarely doesn’t have a renter. Even if you’ve shot a coyote in an area it doesn’t mean you can’t shoot another. Wait a few days, a week or longer, but return and hit the spot again. If it has all the needed elements to support a coyote family new residents will move in faster than a newly elected president claims the White House. Coyote hunting continues to be a great offseason pastime, but new interest in predator hunting puts additional pressure on Montana coyotes. Put a few of these quick fixes in to play for a great fur ending. More hunting strategies from Mark at www.markkayser.com

December 2016 13

Available space for storage and transportation are limiting factors for just about every goose hunter. Trailers are helpful, if not critical tools. Photo by author.

Up Your Goose Game Now T

By Jay Anglin

... he old adage necessity is the mother of invention is perhaps no truer than when discussing waterfowl hunting. I don’t recall him doing it on the show, but I’d bet Angus “Mac” MacGyver was a waterfowl hunter. Some of us did MacGyver-like things: like turn field shells into floaters with pipe insulation. Others cut the bottoms out of old floaters to make field shells. And there were even more desperate acts. During my college years, a friend and I made goose field decoys out of chicken wire, old bed sheets and a discarded sheet of plywood. They worked pretty well… unless it was raining… or windy… or the ground was frozen. A new era Most goose hunters are never truly satisfied with their decoy inventory. Thankfully, a new era of decoys is upon us. It’s never been easier to deploy astonishingly realistic decoys quicker, more affordably, and with less concern for major maintenance issues. Whether new to the game or simply upgrading, investing in some really good decoys is economically doable for just about any goose hunter. But there are several important things to take into account when building a goose spread. How much? Economics remain a primary concern for most hunters. How much are you willing to spend? Answer this question honestly, unless you’re prepared to call a divorce attorney the day your spouse looks over the joint bank statement. If you’re on the ramen noodle budget like so many young new hunters, consider teaming up with a hunting partner or two to lessen the burden on your wallet. But be forewarned: The more owners those decoys have, the more difficult it might become to actually get your hands on them. Plus, your partners will beat the crap out of them, cover them with mud and cow poop, and then drop them off at eleven o’clock on Friday night before the morning’s big hunt; so think things through. How many? While most us dream of a trailer full of the best decoys at our sole disposal, truth is, it isn’t usually necessary to have more than three or four dozen in a variety of poses. Most hunters who invest in a mountain of full-body goose decoys typically only use a portion of them. Local geese, in particular, regularly respond well to smaller spreads, so you probably don’t need as many as you think. If you have the financial means to punch your dream decoy ticket all at once, great. If not, think long term and purchase as many of the best decoys you can afford. Hunts can always be tailored to accommodate the size of your spread. Buy more when possible. Since you started out with the good stuff, you can rest assured that upgrading and significant maintenance won’t be immediate issues. Storage Until you’ve unloaded four-dozen bulky goose decoys out of a garage attic and shoved them into an SUV, it’s hard to truly appreciate the space full-bodies command. Pay attention to decoy dimensions, because bigger isn’t always better. What kind of bases do they have? 14 - Hunting & Fishing News

Decoys with attached or separate bases add to the headache. Retractable motion-bases like those used by Avian-X are the best option when it comes to maximizing space, storage and convenience when setting out and picking up the spread. If space is a concern, build the bulk of your spread with lesser full-bodies and stackable shells. Size While many hunters feel larger decoys are more visible at a distance, for the most part they’ll appear just as good as smaller-sized decoys. Geese have poor depth perception. For this reason – and for the space and storage considerations already discussed – many experienced goose hunters have made the switch to smaller, lesser Canada goose decoys, even in areas where small race geese are unusual. For most, using a spread comprised largely of amazingly lifelike Avian-X Lessers – which are actually 20% larger than real lessers and are nearly indistinguishable from the geese you see at the local park – is a no brainer. Of course, if you have a stable population of local, giant Canada geese in your area, consider having three or four dozen full-size honker decoys form the core of your spread, then build from there. If you’re looking for numbers or have limited storage, stick with lessers for the rest. If you only hunt big geese and storage isn’t a problem, buy the big ones. Transportation Many goose hunters store and transport their decoys in dedicated trailers. Trailers are a big investment but are the best – if not the only – practical option for hunters with numbers of full body decoys... Enclosed trailers provide both security and protection from the elements and are by far the best option, but any utility trailer can get the job done. If you have no choice but to transport your decoys in a vehicle, your capacity will be severely limited. A full-size pick-up or SUV can carry a surprising number of decoys, but other gear will quickly eat up a lot of space. In these cases, smaller full bodies and stackable decoys are the way to go. Material and finish Goose decoys come in a variety of materials and finishes that affect cost, realism and durability. Flocked full-bodies prevent glare and appear more realistic than painted models – especially in sunny conditions – but are more expensive and require greater care during storage and transportation. Snow also has a tendency to accumulate on and stick to flocked decoys, and is easier to knock off of painted models. Painted decoys are a more economical option, and many are still very realistic, but chipped paint is a real problem on the cheaper ones. The various plastic compounds decoys are molded from are important. Softer, rubberized molding compounds like those used by Avian-X are extremely durable and hold paint much better than most hard plastic decoys. Another consideration is whether the heads of full body decoys are permanently attached. Take a look at an old, battle-worn spread of full bodies featuring detachable heads and you’re sure to see some creative repair jobs holding those heads on. Permanently attached heads in various poses are far superior from durability and maintenance standpoints. Decoys with flocked heads permanently attached to super-realistic painted bodies such as the Avian-X AXP Honkers and Lessers offer the best of both worlds. Fully flocked heads are permanently attached to ultra-realistic bodies with infallible paint jobs. Many savvy hunters like to dazzle finishing birds with two or three-dozen fully flocked decoys placed around the kill holes and fill out the rest of the spread with painted decoys. Goose shells have made a tremendous comeback in recent years. Geese love to plop down on their bellies, especially when loafing in the middle of the day or in snowy fields. Goose shells mimic this behavior and are the best way to provide numbers of decoys while maintaining a manageable storage footprint. Several dozen stackable shells take up the same space as one or two full-bodies. Back in the day, shells were borderline silly looking and wore out in no time. Thankfully, Avian-X has answered the need for the perfect goose shell. Available in painted and fully flocked models, these next generation shells are molded from flexible and durable compounds, painted to perfection, and come with a variety of fully positionable head styles. Agricultural practices and remarkable adaptation have driven goose populations higher than ever before. You don’t have to be ill equipped. Up your goose game. Decoy realism, reliability and economic feasibility is better than ever, making now the perfect time to start building a new spread or solidify an existing one.

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By Joe Balog

Make a plan and invest in a few affordable storage products for more efﬁcient waterfowling

uck hunters are obsessed with their gear. It’s no surprise. Few other forms of hunting include so many integral parts. Decoys, blinds, spare clothes and motion-makers must all be accounted for. There’s gear for the dog, safety equipment for the boat, multiple guns and tons of ammo, plus personal gear bags stuffed to the max. With so many things to keep track of, staying organized in the field is paramount to waterfowling success. Duck hunting is all about working through the lulls and taking advantage of periods when birds are active. Hunters must work quickly and efficiently. Organization that starts in the shop must carry over into the field. It makes no sense to spend an entire off-season getting organized at home, only to break one’s discipline in the boat. Inevitably, such lapses cost birds. As an admitted neat freak who’s been known to pursue ducks for sixty days straight, I can lay claim to a few tricks that will help you stay organized and effective during the...duck season.

Safety ﬁrst

Joe Balog’s appreciation for organization has been garnered from thousands of trips on the water as a hunting and ﬁshing guide and touring FLW pro. Photo by author.

Regardless of the size, type or style of watercraft used for hunting, responsible operational practices and proper loading are the primary keys to safety. I’ve seen duck boats capsize in icy waters on more than one occasion. Why? Each was loaded well beyond its capacity. Find the U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities plate or sticker on your boat and live by it. Know how much your gear, dogs and hunting buddies weigh, then make sure your total weight doesn’t exceed the maximum capacity of your rig.

Stern-to-bow efﬁciency

Heavy items should be placed near the stern of the boat, as should more delicate items. The bow may pound while running in rough seas, and also takes the most spray. Areas near the stern enjoy a more stable ride. For this reason, my cohorts and I always place our unloaded guns, held comfortably in Plano ﬂoating shotgun cases, in the rear of my 14-foot aluminum boat. (continued page 31) December 2016 17

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December Flies By H&F News Pro Staff

F ishing during the cold months is deﬁnitely more difﬁcult and cumbersome than in warm weather months. It requires more clothing, more patience,

and far more attention to safety along icy waterways. But, for some of you that are willing to brave the winter elements in December, the bother is worthwhile. The crowds are gone, and you’re outside in a river with a ﬂy rod in hand.

[Warmer the better] Unfortunately, winter is not the best time to attract trout to a ﬂy. Trout move less now, and aren’t as hungry. Still, they can be caught.

The key is knowing where to go.

• Fish during sunny winter days, afternoons when temperatures can reach the upper 30’s or higher. Warmer air and water mean more active aquatic insect activity, which will persuade trout to feed, plus you can stay outdoors and fish longer in more comfortable conditions. To squeeze the most warmth out of your fishing day, fish rivers running north or south that have more sunshine on the water during daytime than do rivers flowing east or west. Good examples of this are the Madison River and the Bitterroot River, which flow northward with virtually no topography to block the sun.

[Tailwater trout] In December and through the winter, another way to ﬁnd warmer water is to target tailwater ﬁsheries, which are like gigantic spring creeks. The upstream reservoir provides the water source, which remains constant through the year.

Ever changing winter weather fronts here don’t alter a trout’s daily routine downstream from dams nearly as much as on rivers without tailwater fisheries. Montana’s top tailwaters are the Missouri River below Holter Dam and the Bighorn below Yellowtail Dam. Another great tailwater is the Madison River from Hebgen Dam downstream to Quake Lake. It’s just a two mile long stretch that doesn’t hold a huge amount of fishable water, but because it’s so far from anywhere, you’ll likely have the river to yourself, and the fishing can be extraordinary when you hit it just right.

[Top winter flies] Winter trout seek spots where natural springs or adjacent sloughs send in water warmer than the icy river. This warmer water seeping into the system during the cold months is where fish gravitate to. Target these undercut banks, beneath logjams or any long, profound gravelly trench with slow flows. After finding these likely holding waters where giant trout reside, you’ll need to get your presentation to the fish. Two-fly nymph rigs are ideal now. Examples would be a Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph, and a buggy-looking Pat’s Rubber Legs tied on 12 inches down. Both will tempt trout. Two fly rigs also allow you to cover different water levels. Strike indicators are essential when fishing. They let you know that your fly is bouncing along the streambed bottom, where trout spend most of their time. The most likely flying or floating insects you’ll see now are small stoneflies or mosquito-sized midges along with blue-winged olives. On warmer, overcast winter days, midge fishing is usually best for rising trout.

Here is a list of our top winter flies: • Woolly Bugger Streamer • Griffith’s Gnat Midge Imitating Dry • Glo Bug Egg Pattern • Beadhead Prince Nymph • Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph • Woolly Bugger • San Juan Worm • Copper John Trout harvested from winter’s cold water tastes great, so make some time this winter and get out and fish. Before setting out, check Montana’s fishing regulations. While most major rivers are open to fishing year-round, many tributary streams are closed December 1 until the third Saturday in May.

Waterfowl Decoying Tips (continued from page 7)

Mitchell stresses the importance of concealment, “hiding hunters is usually more important than how you set the decoys. Spend the time getting covered up.” Not all fields or locations however present a great situation for blending in so Mitchell offers these additional tips. Use the sun to help hide your presence by setting up blinds so that the birds are looking directly into the sun when they look towards the blind if possible even if you have to side wind the decoys. Use spinning wing decoys, motion decoys and flappers to pull the attention and focus of the birds away from your blind location. Ricky Hart offers some additional advice on picking the best locations for decoying ducks and geese. “Often, the hide or lack-of-hide dictates if or how we hunt a spot. We can use pits and permanent blinds to run traffic when new birds show up but when birds get a little stale and have seen some pressure, you have to be versatile and hunt where the birds want to be.” This flexibility is the result of scouting. The best decoys in the world won’t pull ducks or geese where they don’t want to be. When you scout, put in the time where you have an idea of where the birds are flying and what locations are being used. If you are set up in the same field or marsh that the ducks were planning on using whether you get up in the morning or not… you are on the right track. December 2016 19

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

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Looking for a reason to ﬁsh in

December is not a problem for most serious anglers, but even the heartiest of us sees the foolishness of standing in freezing water when the prospects are dismal. However, early winter fishing trips can be a blast and very productive on cool, calm days, when we get them. The open water action on most Western and Southwest Montana rivers will continue through the winter allowing for some exceptional winter trout fishing. Open water fishing opportunities on some lakes and reservoirs will start to freeze-up in the northern Rockies as winter takes hold. The upper elevation mountain lakes will begin to form solid ice around their edges, and by Christmas most will be totally frozen over. It’s time to break out the ice-fishing gear on these areas and load up on panfish or great northern pike swimming under the ice. You’ll want to check the Montana State Fishing Regulations for any river closures that will take effect on some area waters in December. Make the most of these short winter days and take a friend, or gather up the family for a fantastic day of winter fishing. Many options await. Here are a few you might consider. EARLY ICE LAKES - MONTANA Fish still have to eat in December before the heavy ice, snow, wind and cold start slowing everything down for the winter. As many ice anglers know, the first ice-up of winter on lakes and reservoirs can be one of the best times to fish, for two reasons: one, the ice is generally clear and void of air pockets or eroded areas and two, the fish are biting!

TOP EARLY ICE LAKES • Hebgen Lake - Load up your sled, it’s time to hit the hard stuff in southwest Montana. Normally, this area is one of the coolest in the state, and the ice starts to form quick here. An abundance of feisty deep-running rainbow trout that are heavy can be encountered on this lake, with big brown trout hanging near the bottom. Tipping your jig with a worm or maggot while using constant jigging action with your ice rods should pull up some hefty rainbows, and dropping a nightcrawler to the bottom will find those bigger browns. Here, you will find easy parking and walking to one of the best ice fishing waters the West has to offer. • Seeley/Salmon Lakes - Hit these lakes in the winter for big northern pike and yellow perch, as truly big fish come through the ice here. The bigger fish are in the deep water now, but most anglers have the best luck fishing weedbeds in 4 to 14 foot depths. The ever effective whole smelt or herring just under the ice will work on pike. For jigging do something colorful with a twister tail. If open water still exists, go with lures or big, fluttering spoons. When spearing, most go 3 to 4 feet using a decoy.

For yellow perch, go to a jig/maggot combo, again using a bright colored jig. • Browns Lake - Browns Lake is located just off of Hwy. 200 near Ovando, and should be one of the first of the year to get ice formed. It produces big brown trout and rainbows. Try dropping small spoons, Swedish Pimples or smaller jigs tipped with a worm, corn or maggots for good success. It’s great fishing here when you can hit it just right. • Smith Lake - In the Northwest part of the state, you’ll find dozens of smaller venues that will start to ice-up now, and Smith Lake, located just west of Kalispell gives folks lots of room to spread out. It’s not very deep, but most anglers have good success fishing above the weeds. Lots of yummy yellow perch are available here, and you can catch a bunch by dropping down what they love maggots. The northern pike will be smacking your offerings as well. Smelt will attract these bait stealers consistently now, as they scower the banks looking for an easy meal. Other area lakes that you should explore in the area will be the Lower Stillwater Lake, which

has perch all over in it. Start on the west side first for good action. Little McGregor Lake has trout fishermen scoring on rainbows and perch. Another good early producer is Spoon Lake, located north of Columbia Falls, where you can hook into brook trout, perch and smallmouth bass, although normal freeze-up here will be closer to January. Open water will produce when you target weedbeds around the lake throwing smaller lures. HI-LINE FISHING • Nelson Reservoir, Fresno Reservoir, Tiber, Lake Frances On the Montana Hi-line, you’ll be able to fish on early ice here at Nelson Reservoir, located just east of Malta. Perch, walleye and pike will dominate the early ice. Spearing, fishing tip-up and fishing with minnows should be a major producing fish attack. You should be able to find an ice cap along the south shore. Also along Hwy. 2 you can fish Lake Frances, located west of Valier, which produces pike and perch. Tiber Reservoir, located southwest of Chester is a sleeper spot for magnum northern pike. Live minnows are a top catching bait here. You can also fish Fresno Reservoir, where things are looking up thanks to a boosted perch population which has fattened up the walleye and northern pike here. A shack and a spear may produce good early action for northerns, while the perch and walleye will take a dropped jig/worm-maggot combo or live minnows. Remember, Montana winter weather can change rapidly. Be prepared.

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Ice Fishing Dream Trips By Jason Mitchell, www.jasonmitchelloutdoors.com

Lake Winnipeg guide Jason Hamilton with a green back walleye that choked on a Salmo Zipper.

ce fishing adventures abound across both the United States and Canada. Some of these destinations are exotic and remote while other hot spots are on a high cycle. Some locations are right down the road for some anglers while other fisheries require a road trip. For many reasons, ice anglers are beginning to travel further away from home. More anglers are traveling to destination fisheries each winter. Ice anglers have so much more Intel today with social media and web forums. The equipment just keeps getting better and more reliable. Factor in more dependable snowmobiles, GPS and more rugged and durable equipment and there is no surprise that many ice anglers today are much more venturous than even a decade ago. The world is indeed smaller with today’s technology and equipment. This ice fishing season, make a point to explore some of these destinations. We have traveled across the Northern Tier extensively chasing some of these hot bites and here are some of our favorite adventures from the past few years.

Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba

This massive body of water produces some massive walleye. In fact, I dare say that in a week of fishing, you will probably hold more ten pound plus fish in your hands than what you would from ice fishing over a decade on any other inland body of water. Lake Winnipeg is not for the feint of heart. You will need either tracks or a snowmobile but you will see a few crazy Canucks bouncing around in pickup trucks. The expanses of hard packed snow can be hard on equipment. The conditions can be brutal. If you can break something, you will break it on “the Big Windy.” This ice fishing hot spot is ground zero for the rattle bait craze but over the last few winters, big flutter spoons have become the hot presentation. Once you get a taste of the big “green back walleyes” this water is famous for, you will want to do this for the rest of your life. Guide Jason Hamilton, www.jasonhamiltonoutdoors.com Travel Manitoba, www.travelmanitoba.com

Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana

This rugged reservoir on the Missouri River in eastern Montana is remote and I have often joked that I felt like I was fishing in Jurassic Park because so many of the fish are just so big and old. Massive northern pike, walleye and lake trout create the ice angler’s predator trifecta. Because of the amount of rock along the shorelines, you will need an ATV but snowmobiles suffice some winters when there is more snow. Fort Peck requires diligence with ice conditions as the water can fluctuate and there is moving water along with methane gas pockets that can create unsafe ice. We often targeted primary points and reefs in the Dry Arm out of Rock Creek and found good fishing while hardly seeing any other ice anglers for days at a time. For the less adventurous, the Duck Creek Area is less remote but can produce. Montana’s Missouri River Country, www.missouririver.visitmt.com

Lake of the Woods, Ontario

Lake of the Woods is a special place and always a fun adventure. Of course there is great fishing State Side and there is plenty of great water to explore out of Baudette and Warroad, I love the diversity further up north and the scenery is striking. Within fifty miles of Nester Falls is some of the best easy to drive to lake trout water available in my opinion with fish over twenty pounds a real possibility. Ice anglers can also find untouched schools of crappie along with hoards of walleye. If you love to snowmobile and love to fish, this destination is tough to beat. Vic and Dots Camp, www.vicanddotscamp.com

Glacial Lakes, South Dakota

If you were to look at a map of northeastern South Dakota and draw a line from Brookings to Aberdeen, you are looking at the heart of the Glacial Lakes Country where there are literally hundreds of lakes. Small town Americana at its best, there are numerous little towns with really friendly people. Several hotels and lodges are scattered throughout the area and there are so many lakes to fish. The jumbo perch put this region on the radar for ice anglers and no doubt that the perch fishing is as good as you will see anywhere with fish over two pounds possible from places like Bitter Lake and Swan Lake but don’t overlook the multi-species opportunities for walleye, bluegill and crappie. I have spent a lot of time in this area and still don’t feel like I have scratched the surface. This is an unbelievable area for ice fishing. South Dakota Glacial Lakes Tourism Assoc., www.sdglaciallakes.com (continued on page 23) December 2016 21

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Ice Fishing Dream Trips (continued from page 21)

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at 200 S. Montana Off Highway 12 East - East Helena 406.227.6519

With competitive rates and personal service, it’s no wonder more drivers trust State Farm. For big steelhead and brown trout, the harbors and tributaries along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan are beginning to turn heads in the ice angling community.

Lake Gogebic, Michigan

This sliver of a lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an adventure. With average snowfalls each winter that measure over the top of your head, people sometimes use snowmobiles to get to work. This fishery is one of North America’s top bodies of water for consistently kicking out perch over the magical two-pound mark. You will probably catch more perch in the Dakotas but there is perhaps no better place to specifically target that caliber of fish. Expect to encounter a finesse bite that requires a methodical grinding approach where anglers often score the biggest fish by dead sticking with mayfly wigglers. Guide Jon Sibley, www.fishwithguy.com

Devils Lake, North Dakota

A longtime popular ice fishing destination, this massive natural lake in North-Eastern North Dakota can be simply incredible. The good days are as good as it gets with trophy class perch, pike and walleye all a possibility. For perch over two pounds, I am partial to Lake Irvine and Lake Alice, which is connected to Devils Lake through the Mauvais Coulee. Good fishing can be found throughout the entire system however and with a walleye season that doesn’t close, late ice can be prime time. All the fish seem to share that incredible girth and the walleye numbers in particular are off the charts. Devils Lake Tourism, www.devilslakend.com

Lake Michigan Harbors, Wisconsin

While the Milwaukee Harbor remains open through the winter and provides incredible fishing for kings, browns and steelhead, there are some really cool ice fishing opportunities on some of the smaller harbors and tributaries for both brown trout and steelhead. We have filmed a few times on the Sheboygen River for steelhead and these small streams and harbors have become a true destination for ice anglers across the Midwest. Perhaps the best brown trout fishery on ice for fish that can exceed twenty pounds. Also one of the best bets for icing big steelhead you are going to find. Guide Eric Haataja, www.wibigfish.com

Lake Oahe, North Dakota

This Missouri River Reservoir starts south of Bismarck, North Dakota and winds all the way to Pierre, South Dakota. The upper end of Oahe in recent years has seen an incredible explosion of crappie and these fish often surpass fourteen inches. This fishery is riding on an incredible year class of fish that will die of old age in a year or two but for right now, this fishery reminds me of the Red Lake glory years. Focus on creek channels that have submerged brush in any of the larger bays like Beaver Bay, Four Mile Bay and Porcupine Bay. Walleyes can also be reckless as well and there is a really good chance of tangling with pike that can surpass forty inches. North Dakota Tourism, www.travelnd.com

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7. Jim F. Donaldson LUTCF, Agent 1225 Birch, Helena, MT. 59601 Bus. 406-442-4788 jim.donaldson.b7i6@statefarm.com

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*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. **Special Holiday Discount good Nov. 1 through Dec. 11, 2016. No rain checks. At participating dealers only. Not all dealers carry all products. Special Holiday Discount terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in an enclosed or partially enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. © 2016 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. www.powerequipment.honda.com 24 - Hunting & Fishing News

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Visit one of these Honda dealers today for your Honda product. BOZEMAN HELENA MISSOULA Sportsman’s Warehouse 2214 Tschache (406) 586-0100 sportsmanswarehouse.com

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HELENA

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Very Smart. December 2016 25

THE BEST WAY TO STORE WILD GAME MEAT (continued from page 9)

There are several quality products out there that can be purchased at many of our local sporting and hunting supply stores. This option is more expensive to purchase and process but does produce a fresh steak that will last likely twice as long.

WRAPPING IT RIGHT

Wrapping is another cost-effective option for storing and freezing game meat. Cut meat or burger can be wrapped ďŹ rst in clear plastic wrap and then wrapped again in freezer paper (shiny side in to hold in any moisture, and dull side out for easy writing) and taped shut with freezer wrap tape.

Double wrapping will keep the cold air in your freezer from directly contacting the meat which would cause freezer burn.

STORAGE TIME

Once again, it is critical to push out as much air as possible. After the package is sealed, make sure to write the cut, species and date on the outside of the package. Wrapped meat should be put into the freezer as quickly as possible. Packages should be initially stored in a single layer to promote rapid freezing throughout. Stacked packages may insulate the center pieces which may not properly freeze. Store your meat at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Game meat that is properly wrapped should be used within one year, but vacuum-sealed meat may keep for up to two years.

26 - Hunting & Fishing News

MAKING JERKY: SMOKING AND DEHYDRATING Jerky is a great option for preparing and keeping meat that is quick and available to eat anytime and anywhere.

Everyone seems to have their preferred way of preparing it; mine is to cut partially thawed meat into thin slices, marinate it overnight and then put it in a dehydrator for 5-6 hours. I have included my favorite recipe for marinade below.

JERKY MARINADE RECIPE

2/3 cup Soy Sauce 2/3 cup Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 cup Brown Sugar 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon Cholula hot sauce (more can be added for extra kick) 2 lbs thin sliced venison Marinade overnight ~ 10 +hrs You can also use ground meat and a seasoning cure mix to make jerky...Jerky can be smoked or prepared in a dehydrator, as can various sausages.

MEAT IN A BOTTLE

Bottling is another option that I was recently turned on to by a coworker who prepares nearly all his wild game meat with this method. To bottle meat, you use a pressure canner. A pint bottle will hold 1 pound of meat, a quart will hold 2 pounds, and the meat does not need to be cooked before you bottle it.

Bottling will likely require an investment up front for the bottles and pressure canner, but with a three year shelf life, bottling is an awesome option for preserving meat. Bottled meat is excellent in stews and sandwiches. You can read more about bottled meat here: http://www.gohunt.com/read/diy-meat-care-bottled-venison December 2016 27

Region 5 All Region 5 (except HD 500, 511 and 530) B license by drawing only and general elk license (November 28, 2016 - January 1, 2017) HD511 and 530 - B license only and general elk license (November 28, 2016 - January 15, 2017)

Know the regulations before you hunt. Check MFWP hunting regulations for the area you plan to hunt and updates on shoulder elk seasons.

Montana’s Late Season Hunts H unting for deer and some brow-tined bull or antlerless elk hunts still exist here in Montana for late season hunters.

©Twildlife|dreamstime.com

DECEMBER HUNTS

Montana’s Elk Shoulder Season Continues By H&F News Pro Staff

T here are still opportunities to fill a general elk license in Montana this winter, as elk shoulder seasons continue in some hunting districts around the state. A shoulder season is a firearm season that occurs outside the 5-week general firearms season. These hunts focus on antlerless elk harvest on private land and are not intended to replace or reduce harvest during the existing general archery and 5 week general rifle season. Hunters can use their general elk license or elk B license obtained through a limited drawing or (OTC), depending on the hunting district.

[Key points for hunters to remember]

• Season timing and lengths will be tailored to each hunting district, so know your regulations. • Shoulder seasons will be focused on antlerless elk found primarily on private land. • Hunters can typically use their general license, antlerless elk permit or an elk B license, depending on the hunting district. Hunters need to check the regulations for each district. • Hunters should start early and build contacts and relationships with landowners who may offer access for shoulder season hunts. • Know the landowner’s boundaries, use a GPS and onXmaps to be sure of where you are hunting. After a few serious snowfalls, elk begin to concentrate into winter pasture areas, mainly on private grounds. This is where a shoulder season hunt will beneﬁt you, if you are willing to put in some time and effort.

Valid Hunting Districts: Region 2

HD 210, 212, 213 - B license drawing only HD 217 - General license (ends February 15, 2017) HD 291, 292 - B license drawing only

Region 3

HD 390, 393 - General elk license (November 28, 2016 - January 1, 2017)

Region 4

HD 411, 412 - B license by drawing only and general elk license (November 28, 2016 - January 15, 2017)

HD 421 - B license only (January 1, 2017 - February 15, 2017) HD 422, 423 - B license only (January 1, 2017 - February 15, 2017) HD 445, 445, 449, 451 and 452 - B license by drawing only and general elk license (November 28, 2016 - February 15, 2017) 28 - Hunting & Fishing News

Did you get out and hunt enough? If not, and you’re willing to tough out the harsh elements and maybe do a little traveling, you can put some steaks in the freezer this month, though limited. Check with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for any late news to come out in December. Make sure you read the Montana Hunting Regulations for opportunities that may exist for you. Here are some we have found. HD Unit 212 - North Flint Ridge There is a large amount of good country to hunt in this district, and it is one of the best options to fill a late-season tag. Deer: Either sex whitetail deer. Archery only. Prison Ranch only area. Elk: Brow-tined bull or antlerless elk. Archery only. Prison Ranch archery only. Open through January 1, 2017. HD Unit 260 - Bitterroot - Clark Fork Archery District Mostly private land. The access is difficult. You may have to knock on a few doors, but there are plenty of deer to hunt in these river bottom areas. Deer: Either sex - whitetail. Archery only. Elk: Brow-tined bull elk or antlerless elk, not valid on Lee Metcalf Refuge. Archery only. Open through January 15, 2017. HD Unit 290 - Helmville - Ovando Archery District This area offers another good opportunity to fill a tag, with plenty of quality deer and elk hunting available. Deer: Antlered buck mule deer. Archery only. Either sex whitetail deer. Archery only. Season ends December 15, 2016. Elk: Brow-tined bull or antlerless elk. Archery only. Season ends January 1, 2017. HD Unit 309 - Gallatin Valley - WRA Deer and elk hunting is restricted to archery equipment, shotgun, traditional handgun, muzzleloader or crossbow only, except on private lands,which are excluded from the weapons restriction. Map area available at FWP Region 3 in Bozeman or call 406-994-4042. Deer: Antlerless whitetail deer only. Elk: Antlerless elk only. November 28, 2016 - January 15, 2017.

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December 2016 29

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

(continued from page 17)

The back of the boat also holds an oversized marine battery capable of cranking a big mud motor, as well as powering a Humminbird GPS, spotlight and chargers for cell phones. Moving forward, the entire ﬂoor area between the helm and passenger seats is reserved for decoys, where I routinely carry up to four dozen. I gave up on line winding long ago, and replaced all the lines and anchors on my Avian-X blocks with Rig ‘Em Right’s Texas-Rig anchor systems. This is an inherently neat system that minimizes tangles, while allowing decoys to be sorted in groups and attached to a carabiner clip for easy storage, deployment and retrieval. It’s also a very handy system when quick, short moves on foot are required. A Plano Sportsman’s Trunk sits perfectly in front of my boat’s forward bench seat, and is an integral part of my organization system. This cavernous plastic trunk features a reinforced lid – an often overlooked, but vital feature for duck hunters. These boxes can be stepped on without fear of breakage, and can also be used as auxiliary seating. I use them to house spinning wing decoys and their components, as well as dry clothes, spare gloves and extra ammunition inside Plano Shotshell boxes. Sportsman’s Trunks also feature an O-ring gasket to lock out the kinds of environmental challenges only waterfowl hunting can present. Photos by author

Texas rigging your decoys is one of the best things a duck hunter can do to minimize headaches in the ﬁeld. Photo www.rigemright.com

A Plano 1612 Field Box sits next to the Sportman’s Trunk near the bow, and holds tools, spare sparkplugs, choke tubes, a VHF radio, distress signals, first aid kit, flashlights and other essentials. The storage compartment in the lid is a great place to keep earplugs or backup hunting calls. While Plano categorizes this gasketed box as “water resistant”, my ﬁeld tests have yielded results far superior to this conservative claim. After storing this box outside, full-time, for ﬁve years, I’ve never seen a trace of water inside. (continued on page 32) December 2016 31

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The bow of my boat contains essential Photo www.planomolding.com items for the dog, including a Banded Slough Stand and small ground blind, as well as extra seats, self-designed “ﬂoating tables” and additional camo material to hide the boat.

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No discussion of organization within the realm of duck hunting is complete without due consideration to the personal field bag. Whether it’s the aforementioned Field Box or a soft-sided variety, every duck hunter needs one. While several small pockets in a bag may seem like a novel idea, the ability to store dozens of individual items in your blind bag is of little use if you can’t find them easily and quickly. My simple bag contains face-paint and earplugs in the outermost pockets for quick access. Spare gloves and hand-warmers are tucked away inside. I carry a set number of shotgun shells in my bag, so I always know how many I have. Other essential items include a knife, small shears for trimming brush around the blind, a spare call, food, water and a dog whistle. I also carry a small, collapsible jerk-string kit that can be made up on the fly to add motion to my spread on calm days. The important principle to remember is that overloading a bag with an abundance of gear does nothing to increase the number of ducks one kills. When it comes to an effective blind bag strategy, the key is carrying an organized group of staple items that can be relied upon when things get hectic.

The bottom line

Duck hunting is so intense it sometimes seems surreal. It’s Photo courtesy of www.avian-x.com important to remain organized in order to take advantage of the moments you’ve waited for all season. Think about how, when and where you use each item in your duck boat, then implement your own system to make sure those items are safe and at-the-ready when needed. Like most good things in life, duck boat organization takes discipline, but the rewards are well worth the investment. 32 - Hunting & Fishing News

December 2016 33

Hunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored By

Republic Services of Montana

HUNTING & CONSERVATION NEWS Washington Wolf Travels to Central Montana Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks A wolf shot in September while killing sheep near Judith

Gap in central Montana spent the previous three months traveling about 700 miles, starting in eastern Washington.

When federal Wildlife Services killed the 2-year-old male on Sept. 29, it was wearing a collar that had been placed on the animal in February by Washington Fish and Wildlife biologists north of Spokane. “Dispersal is a necessary and a very risky component of wolf population dynamics,” said Ty Smucker, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wolf specialist. This wolf left its pack in June, turning east into Idaho, then north in Canada. It re-entered the United States on July 4 near Eureka, Mont., heading southeast, Smucker said. “By late July it was on the Rocky Mountain Front and Washington Fish and Wildlife called to let me know,” Smucker said. Smucker was notiﬁed of the animal’s location about once a week. “The wolf came out on the Rocky Mountain Front just east of Bean Lake on July 22,” Smucker said. “Then it spent over a month and a half moving around the lower Dearborn River Country, before heading toward Square Butte west of Great Falls on Sept. 13.” From Square Butte, the wolf turned east, keeping to the north side of the Little Belt Mountains, emerging on the foothills of the Little Belts west of Judith Gap on Sept. 22, Smucker said. Responding to a report of a wolf killing sheep, federal Wildlife Services killed the collared wolf Sept. 29 as it was leaving a band of sheep that it had been chasing and feeding on. “It had to travel at least 700 miles total,” Smucker said. The young wolf was probably looking for a mate, Smucker said. “Wolf packs consist of breeding pairs that generally produce 4-6 pups each spring,” he said. “As young wolves mature they typically disperse from their natal pack in search of potential mates and vacant territories in which to start their own packs.” Sometimes that search can take the animal on a long journey. In 2015, a wolf left its pack’s territory west of Missoula and ended up 600 miles north in British Columbia. While FWP occasionally receives reports of wolves in the Little Belt Mountains of central Montana, there are currently no known packs of wolves maintaining territories or producing pups in the area, Smucker said. In addition, FWP does not capture and relocate problem wolves, he said. Montana’s wolf population has stabilized for the past eight years at a minimum of more than 500. “Public hunting and trapping of wolves helps manage wolf numbers in Montana,” Smucker said. “Overall, Montana’s wolf population appears to be doing quite well.” 34 - Hunting & Fishing News

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The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation awarded $461,660 in grant

funding to help carry out 37 habitat stewardship, research and hunting heritage projects across the state of Montana. The 2016 funding directly benefits 14,560 acres in Beaverhead, Carbon, Flathead, Gallatin, Garfield, Judith Basin, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Petroleum, Powder River, Powell, Ravalli, Rosebud, Sanders, Silver Bow and Wheatland Counties. There are also five statewide projects and another that benefits southwestern Montana. “Montana boasts some prime elk habitat but some areas are badly overgrown with vegetation that blocks the sun from reaching the forest floor thus limiting needed forage. Thinning, prescribed burning and aspen restoration projects will help reverse that,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “We also awarded funding for an ongoing, multi-year brucellosis study and predator management research.” RMEF volunteers in Montana raised the funds via banquets, membership drives and other events in order to place money back on their ground in their home state. Here is a sampling of the Montana projects, listed by county: Madison County—Improve the health and vigor of aspen stands by removing encroaching conifer through a prescribed burn on 31 acres and cutting conifers from 165 acres in the Southern Gravelly Mountains on the Beaverhead National Forest. Powder River County—Prescribed burn 1,908 acres of open ponderosa pine stands to improve forage for elk, deer, wild turkey and other wildlife on the Custer National Forest and private land (also benefits Rosebud County). Sanders County—Apply prescribed burning and noxious weed treatments across 2,500 acres of winter, summer and transitional range north of Thompson Falls in the Cherry and Dry Creek drainages on the Lolo National Forest. Statewide—Provide funding for a long-term brucellosis surveillance study designed to quantify any transmission risk between elk and livestock as well as determine the effectiveness of various management actions. Go here for a full project listing. http://rmefblog.blogspot.com/2016/10/ rmef-funding-bolsters-montana-wildlife.html Partners for the Montana projects include the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Bitterroot, Custer, Gallatin, Lewis and Clark, Lolo and Kootenai National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, private landowners, and various sportsmen, civic and other organizations. Since 1985, RMEF and its partners completed 915 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Montana with a combined value of more than $155.8 million. These projects protected or enhanced 801,882 acres of habitat and have opened or secured public access to 284,297 acres.

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Shoulder Season Update MFWP E

lk shoulder seasons in Montana have gotten off to a quiet but effective start. Wildlife managers in the regions with active shoulder seasons are seeing hunters taking a few elk and being effective at reducing late summer and early fall landowner conflict with the animals. “Landowners have seemed to be satisfied that early shoulder seasons provided them with a tool to get trusted hunters on their croplands with a minimum of hassle,” said Mike Thompson, wildlife manager for FWP region 2 in Missoula. “We’ve received reports from archers who felt that bowhunting on public lands improved as a result of the hunting pressure on adjacent private lands. Complaints of game damage by elk on private land have been much fewer this year than in recent years.” Approved by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission in October 2015, shoulder seasons are a new opportunity for hunters in hunting districts where elk populations are over objective. The commission approved shoulder seasons in 43 hunting districts, mostly in central and southwest Montana. A shoulder season is a firearms season that occurs outside the 5-week general firearms and archery seasons. While most shoulder seasons focus on antlerless elk harvest on private land and address problematic distribution of elk they are not intended to replace or reduce harvest during the existing archery or 5-week general firearms seasons. Shoulder seasons have specific objectives and as such, the commission and department will monitor the success of shoulder seasons in each hunting district to ensure they are meeting the fundamental objectives outlined in the plan... For more information on shoulder seasons, including an interactive map of hunting districts with shoulder seasons, look on the FWP website under Shoulder Seasons, a link to which is on the FWP homepage and the hunting home page. December 2016 35

REGIONAL NEWS COLD WATER DANGERS TO WATERFOWL HUNTERS, ANGLERS By Mike Demick, Conservation Information Supervisor Idaho Department of Fish and Game

ith the onset of autumn and resulting cold air and water temperatures, waterfowl hunters and anglers are urged to take precautions and wear life jackets while on the water this fall.

Steelhead Catch Picks Up By Mike Demick, Conservation Information Supervisor Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Overloaded boats and failure to wear life jackets are leading reasons Idaho typically loses a couple of hunters or anglers every year. In the past ten years nearly 67 percent of the fatal boating accidents in Idaho were the result of victims involuntarily entering the water from small boats. The average water temperature of Idaho’s water is 52 degrees, even during the summer. Wearing a life jacket can greatly increase your chance of surviving a cold water immersion situation. Idaho’s boating laws and simple safety guidelines include:

teelhead catch rates are picking up and there is plenty of exciting fishing left. Catch rates in mid-October were 11 hours per fish on the Snake below the Salmon River, 3 hours per fish on the Clearwater from the mouth upstream to the Orofino Bridge, 3 hours per fish on the North Fork Clearwater, and 20 hours per fish on the Salmon River from North Fork to the Lemhi River. Steelhead fishing is unique, considering it is very good anytime catch rates are lower than 10 hours per fish caught. The fall limits on the Snake, Salmon and Little Salmon is three per day and nine in possession. The fall limit on the Clearwater is two fish per day and six in possession. Anglers may keep 20 steelhead for the fall season which ends December 31. Anglers must have a valid Idaho fishing license and steelhead permit, and may keep only hatchery steelhead marked with a clipped adipose fin. All other steelhead must be released unharmed immediately. For more information on steelhead fishing including the latest catch rates, seasons and rules, dam counts, and useful instructional videos, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead 36 - Hunting & Fishing News

Wear life jackets while on the water, especially when in transit or when the weather turns bad. Small boats combined with limited visibility and high winds can be hazards to safe navigation. Remember: Idaho boating laws requires all vessels to have at least one properly sized life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets only work if they are worn. Be aware of the capacity of your boat and be careful not to overload vessels. Many waterfowl boats are small and they can easily be overloaded with hunters, dogs, and gear. Vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and in periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain. Be prepared for changes in the weather and dress accordingly. Leave the alcohol at home. Alcohol makes a person more susceptible to hypothermia, interferes with their ability to swim, and to make quick decisions in an accident. Do not be afraid to cancel the trip if the weather turns bad. Learn more about Idaho boating laws and safety guidelines by attending a free boating safety class...January 21 in Hayden. For details or to register, visit www.boatidaho.gov.

REGIONAL NEWS DWR RECOMMENDS NEW HUNTS Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

More mule deer might mean more opportunities for hunters in Utah next year. DWR biologists are recommending late-season limited-entry muzzleloader buck deer hunts happen on three new units in 2017. Photo by Jim Shuler

Utah’s big game animals are doing well As the number of big game animals in Utah increases, so do possibilities for sportsmen and sportswomen in the state. Biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources are recommending several new big game opportunities for 2017. They include additional management buck deer hunts on the famed Henry Mountains hunting unit in southeastern Utah, a ﬁrst-ever mountain goat hunt on Mount Dutton in south-central Utah and more chances to hunt deer with muzzleloaders after the general riﬂe hunt is over. Biologists will share their ideas at an upcoming series of public meetings...

New mountain goat hunt Biologists are also proposing a new mountain goat hunt. The hunt would happen on Mount Dutton in south-central Utah.

The following are among changes biologists are recommending:

Shannon says mountain goats traveled to Mount Dutton from the neighboring Tushar Mountains. DWR biologists have also transplanted mountain goats to Mount Dutton. Shannon says the mountain goat population on Mount Dutton is doing really well, and he’s comfortable allowing hunters to take a few animals.

Management buck deer hunt

More muzzleloader deer hunts

Some of the biggest mule deer in the country live on the Henry Mountains in southeastern Utah. And there are lots of them. So many, in fact, that biologists are concerned that the number of bucks might affect the long-term health of the herd.

If you enjoy hunting deer with a muzzleloader, you might have more chances in 2017. Biologists are recommending three additional late-season limited-entry buck deer hunts. The hunts would happen at the beginning of November. The late-season hunts would take place on three general season deer units: Ogden in northern Utah, Mount Dutton in south-central Utah and Plateau, Fishlake in southwestern Utah.

“Last year,” says DWR Big Game Coordinator Justin Shannon, “the buck-to-doe ratio on the unit was 65 bucks per 100 does. The number of bucks needs to be closer to 40 to 55 bucks per 100 does, which is the objective for the unit. If we don’t reduce the number of bucks, they’ll start competing with each other, and with the does, for food. Competition among deer can have negative effects on body condition, deer survival and antler growth.” To reduce the number of bucks — and still protect the largest bucks in the herd — biologists are recommending a management buck deer hunt. The hunt would be open only to archery and muzzleloader hunters. Riﬂe hunting would not be allowed. Only bucks with three or fewer antler points, on at least one of their antlers, could be taken. “Management hunts allow us to give more hunters a chance to hunt world-class units like the Henry’s while still protecting the largest bucks on the units,” Shannon says.

If late-season muzzleloader hunts were approved for the three units, Utah would have 14 general season deer hunting units on which late-season limited-entry muzzleloader deer hunts were offered. “The buck-to-doe ratio, on all three units, is exceeding 18 to 20 bucks per 100 does,” Shannon says. “We’re comfortable allowing some muzzleloader hunters to hunt these units once the general riﬂe hunt is over.” Because the number of bucks per 100 does has dropped a bit on the Plateau, Boulder/Kaiparowits unit, biologists are recommending discontinuing the late-season limited-entry muzzleloader deer hunt on that unit. December 2016 37

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TRICKING LATE SEASON ROOSTERS RIGHT INTO YOUR GAME VEST By Bob St. Pierre, Pheasants Forever

www.pheasantsforever.org

Pheasant hunters use words like “wily” and “educated” to characterize ring-necked pheasants this time of year.

Those are well-earned descriptors for roosters who have navigated fifty-some days of hunting pressure to survive in northern Pheasant Country states like Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Any longtails sticking out of your game vest as the calendar closes in on Christmas are testaments to your bird hunting moxie. Plain and simple, there are less birds alive than earlier in the season and the ones still roaming your favorite hunting grounds aren’t likely to offer up any layup shots. You’re going to get less shots, those shots are going to be at a greater distance, and there won’t be many second chance opportunities. Consequently, here are five suggestions to help even the odds. 1) Take a Snow Day. If you have any PTO remaining to convert before the calendar turns, be sure to submit your forms for days forecasted to receive a fresh morning snow flurry. There is no greater friend to the December pheasant hunter than two to four inches of fresh powder. Fresh snow automatically makes you a quieter hunter and provides fresh scenting conditions for your bird dog. Additionally, it’s been my experience that late season pheasants hold tighter the morning after a fresh snow. 2) Hit the Heavy Habitat. As the temperatures spiral downward, pheasants head to “thermal” cover. Cattail sloughs, shelterbelts, wood groves, and willow thickets all fit this definition. However keep in mind, busting cattail sloughs covered in snow is heart attack-inducing hard work suitable only for the physically fit pheasant hunter. 3) Islands. This is my favorite tip, but the hardest to go out and tackle on a whim. I hunt a lot of federal Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the pheasant season. As the name would indicate, these public land gems feature a lot of water in the form of wetlands, sloughs, streams, ditches, and the like. Many of these areas have islands of habitat not accessible during the early weeks of the pheasant season without a pair of hip waders. When I encounter these water barricades during the early days of the season, I make a mental note for a late season rendezvous. Generally speaking, these pheasant hunting El Dorados hold roosters that have escaped most of the harsh public lands pressure of other birds. In addition to your own boot leather scouting for these habitat islands, fire up Google’s satellite mapping tool on some WPAs to identify potential pheasant islands of your own. 4) Slow & Quiet. Pretty straightforward reminder to not yell at your bird dog, don’t slam your truck door, and walk slow through heavy cover. December roosters are alive today because they’ve learned to avoid dogs, avoid flushing in front of a shotgun, and have successfully avoided others who came before you. Slow down and shut up. Even the “smartest” rooster in the field will lose patience...eventually... Admittedly, I prefer October days of 40 degrees, autumn colors, and hard holding roosters over my German shorthairs. That said, there is dramatic beauty in holding a fully-plumed ringneck in all its colorful glory under a flurry of December snow. Without doubt, late season roosters are true trophies. Bob St.Pierre is Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s Vice President of Marketing. Follow Bob on Twitter @BobStPierre... 38 - Hunting & Fishing News

UNORTHODOX GOOSE HUNTING TIPS By Mike Sopuch - Branta Goose Hunting Products

s winter and the concentration of big Canada Geese that don’t plan on moving any further really starts to set in, there are a few things that we can all do to help ourselves have more success. We need to prevent these ever more educated geese from knowing us not just as danger but as Richard, that balding guy with 3 dozen decoys who drinks Yuban black in the blind and drives a 2013 2500 HD, parks behind the quonset hut to try to fool us every Wednesday and Saturday, and has a Chocolate Lab with a blue collar. Smart they may be, but we are smarter. Let’s use it. Black Nitrile Gloves. That’s right. Black rubber gloves will do three things for you. One: your hands will remain warmer because you create a vapor barrier between your hands and that windy, cold air. Just like the old trick of putting Wonder Bread bags on your feet before sliding them into your boots, do this with your gloves. Will your hands get a little damp? Well, yeah. But you won’t lose heat to the environment nearly as fast. Two: Your calling will not be muffled by an insulated glove. Keep your hands in whatever glove you like while waiting for birds but when the time comes, call with just the Nitrile glove on. The sound will be crisp and unadulterated, just like a bare hand. Three: Geese see black all the time. Now your hands are a matte black instead of the warning flare of human flesh as you move your hands around while calling. Confidence Decoys. Get your hands on a Blue Heron or a few crow decoys. Keep these decoys well away from your spread, but close enough that they would signal danger lurking in the field if they were live. In fact, a few crows where you want to prevent geese from landing too long in your field or working out of range is quite effective. Lots of people say “man we’re on the X, we don’t need any confidence decoys” but once you are in the habit of using them, you will realize they are worth the extra effort. Leave the roost alone. Unless you are certain that a piece of water is just a loafing area, the security of a night roost is best left secure. Sure you will probably blast them, but shooting the place where geese sleep at night can impact all of the fields that they might use during the day from that single roost. If your roost is not a place that would ordinarily be disturbed by hunters, let the geese keep using it and you will get good shooting in the various fields they access from that roost for days on end. Because if you shoot the roost, that is usually the day it ends. Wear a face mask. More than any other single warning sign, a moving face is what geese abandon your spread for. Anyone who has flown over a spread will tell you how unbelievably well they can pick out the hunters by their faces. Yet, hunters often neglect to do anything about it, defiantly assuming because they are in a layout blind, or even a pit, their face cannot be seen despite the fact that many layout blinds leave your face exposed. Flesh, again, is your worst enemy. Cover it up one way or another. Call to the gun. If you have a really good caller amongst your group, allow this person to call all the way until the geese are down. When you get dead quiet just as geese are in range, they get nervous. Geese expect to be threatened as they land and if you don’t, they might not give you all the close-range opportunity you could have had. Lightly (or aggressively depending on their response) growl and cluck at them until they put their feet down. Flag. Always flag geese when possible, and don’t be afraid to flag all the way to the gun if you are hidden amongst the decoys. As geese are close, bring the flag down over your face and gently pump it from its center so its wings flap while your friends finish them with their calling. Good luck and don’t forget to check the regs for season dates and details. Mike has been making goose calls for over 15 years in Montana and develops products exclusively for hunting Canada Geese. http://www.brantacalls.com

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Hoisin Glazed Pheasant with Vegetables Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Main Ingredients: Pheasant,snap peas,peppers 4 tsp vegetable oil 4 pheasant breasts sliced in to strips 2 Tbsp Hoisin Sauce 1 bunch bok choy cut in to 1 inch pieces 1/2 lb sugar snap peas 1 cup beef broth 2 Tbsp cornstarch 1 Tbsp light soy sauce 1/2 cup red bell pepper (diced) White rice cooked In wok add pheasant and stir fry until done. Remove to bowl and toss with Hoisin sauce. Add remaining oil and stir in bok choy, stir for 2 minutes. Add snap peas and red bell peppers, stir for 5 minutes, cook until tender. Combine broth, cornstarch and soy sauce. Add to wok until thickened and then add cooked pheasant. Serve over white rice.

Wild Turkey Buffalo Dip Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Main Ingredients: Pheasant,cream cheese,cheese 2 – 8oz cream cheese 1- 1-1/2 cups cooked and shredded turkey or pheasant 1 cup blue cheese dressing 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded 1/2 cup hot sauce Heat to melt cheese serve with tortilla chips. December 2016 39

POACH AND PAY: A LOOK AT HIGHER POACHING FINES

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taste in a legitimate hunter’s mouth, and the utterance of words too explicit for the ears of children. So when a 230 inch Wyoming mule deer was poached out of season in 2015, locals were naturally outraged.

After being on display at the Western Hunting Expo, pictures taken of the buck, after hunting season, along with DNA evidence helped confirm the buck was taken out of season and without the proper tag. The poacher, Nate Strong, has since pleaded guilty to poaching and has had his hunting and fishing privileges suspended for seven years, sentenced to jail time and over $9,000 in fines and restitution.

Poaching is a problem in every state and unfortunately for hunters, not every state drops the hammer, like Wyoming. To help curb poaching across the country the Boone and Crockett Club is looking to implement a system of fines based on the Boone and Crockett scoring method of trophy animals. The Club hopes the system will help curb poaching by setting higher fines, based on how animals score. To make sure this system will work, the club is part of a study being spearheaded by former Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Biologist Viki Edwards, looking at poaching rates across the country and comparing states that already use similar methods to states that give out a slap on the wrist to poachers. According to Keith Balfour, the Director of Marketing for the Boone and Crockett Club, some states don’t make much, if any, difference between poaching trophy class animals and a doe. Balfour also said the study taking place will help differentiate what type of poaching is taking place across the country. He said there is little known as to the scope or scale of poaching violations and the study taking place will help expose how many cases are honest mistakes, opportunistic, or the work of career poachers. He said the study should also help put a detrimental penalty on poaching, instead of fines being treated like speeding tickets.

A country-wide poll has already revealed that over 90 percent of sportsmen support higher fines for poaching and 88 percent support even higher fines specifically for trophy class animals. Balfour said the polls are important, because it is imperative that hunters distance themselves from poachers.

OUR NEXT PLATFORM.

Only 10 states use the system of Boone and Crockett scoring to establish restitution. Along with the research on poaching, the Boone and Crockett Club is also offering their expertise to each state to help establish the standards for trophy consideration for each species.

Montana has used the Boone and Crockett ruling for over 10 years and according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Investigator, Mike Fegley, the system works. Fegley said the system helps wardens establish black and white penalties in court. If an animal is measured to be trophy class, it helps define the severity of the charge and whether or not it should be considered a felony. The system also helps establish penalties for illegal taking of wild game. If an animal is considered a trophy, additional fines are then placed upon the base amount set for each species. For example, the penalty for taking any bighorn sheep is $30,000, but if an animal measures to be trophy class, additional fees will be added to the original sum. Base penalties for each big game species are also printed in the annual editions of Montana’s hunting regulations, so would-be poachers can think twice about the cost of their actions. The trophy status rulings also bolsters poaching cases by giving wardens an expert witness in court. Fegley said wardens will often call on Boone and Crockett experts to testify on the measurements of animals. Experts will also identify animals in pictures are the same involved in poaching cases. Fegley said a country wide adherence to the Boone and Crockett standard across the country has the potential to curb poaching rates, but it will still need ethical hunters for tips and information to protect hunting and conversation. “If you’re doing it the right way and you see someone flaunting at the rules, you’re going to want to see it addressed,” Fegley said. The study should be completed by next year, and will be available to wildlife management agencies across the country.

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The Working Hunter Journal The Five Stages Of A Deer Hunt and

Identifying the stages of each hunt and how to make the best of them in the woods. By Jason Reid, www.ammoland.com

T he planning for any weekend usually starts with looking at the extended forecast on Tuesday right after the morning meeting

and the third cup of coffee. Taking into consideration the dates on the calendar and the incoming weather system which would douse most of the region in rain and wind it was not hard to lay off being in a tree. These days are valuable to make adjustments to stands, cameras and to check on new areas to make the best of what time you do have in the woods. The heart of the cold front was to make its way through on Friday night through early Saturday morning, leaving the majority of the places I could hunt soaked and blustery.

42 - Hunting & Fishing News

Gambling, I talked a friend, Andrew, into driving to an area...where the weather was calling for three inches of snow. Fingers crossed the snow would fall in the higher elevations and the wind wouldn’t be a factor we made our way to the little hunting cabin late Friday. It was a gamble of time and resources and the mast crop of acorns and beechnuts were heavy for this piece of ground which only produces a mast crop every three to five years since the soil is depleted of nutrients and full of shale. Mountain bucks are tough animals to hunt and have not treated either me or Andrew well in the many years we have hunted together. Awaking to rain we opted to keep our gear dry and drink coffee until the weather broke. About two hours after daylight we were able to head to the stands in hopes of catching deer on their feet after a full 12 hours of precipitation. High blue skies followed the rainstorm and the barometric pressure began to rise. No sooner had we stepped off the porch of the cabin we ran into a small buck mingling through the densely populated grove of hemlocks. There was no chance to make a play on this little deer, but our spirits rose. Andrew is pursing a career in law enforcement and is moving South several states to find opportunity. We have known each other since first grade and this was to be our last weekend to hunt together in what could be many years. Bitter sweet to say the least. I didn’t show it, but the pressure I felt to get him in front of something on this weekend between bad weather and sparse deer movement was immense. Despite putting him on my best stands, no deer walked by in the weather one could probably fly a sail boat. (That evening I sat in the stand I had put him in for the morning and watched six deer. I almost felt guilty.) As we sat in the camp on Sunday morning eating breakfast and reflecting on the fun we have had together in the past 20 years of friendship, we laughed at our misfortune of hunting together and identified the five stages of a deer hunt and their silver lined humor. Expectation: Every time one walks to a stand there is fresh expectation which is hard to damper regardless of the conditions. If you are a technical deer hunting junkie, evidence from trail cameras can aid or hamper expectation. Regardless, first light of any new day brings fresh hope something will walk by the stand. Optimism: You’ve been on stand for over an hour and begin to feel good about the chances of seeing deer. It might be the heart of the hunt at this point optimism soars as you believe your deer is going to walk by. It might be the golden hour of the hunt and you are on high alert. Hallucination: This stage comes on after an hour or so on stand. Every hunter has experienced being fooled by squirrels by the way they scurry through the leaves or by oddly shaped sticks as your mind is willing the hunt to be successful. This stage can cause some anxiety and excitement for brief moments in time. Defeat/Success: Either your plan worked or it didn’t and this stage comes shortly after optimism. This is fairly cut and dry. Defeat means an easy walk back to camp and a warm meal. Success means you might have some extra work on your hands. Literally. Self Examination: Reflecting on the hunt and deciphering why it worked or didn’t is the self examination stage. Many times it becomes self loathing and you tell yourself you must just simply suck at hunting.

This is where you can become a better hunter or stay stagnate as a hunter.

Do you learn from each hunt or just chalk it up to being a terrible hunter? In many cases it could simply be the areas you are hunting. I know the areas I hunt are better for the Rut and late seasons as opposed to early in the fall. Hunting is hard and if you think about how large of a planet you must break down to just 30 yards, the chances are stacked against you. No sense in being mad. ...Dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of hunting, Pushing The Wild Limits creator, Jason Reid, balances a day job with his passions for bowhunting, capturing the stories and sharing information through writing and photography. Follow Pushing The Wild Limits on Facebook for unique outdoor content https://www.facebook.com/Pushing-the-Wild-Limits-357722754238522/

December 2016 43

BOARD

Troy Adams with his 2016 Montana antelope. Ryan Werner hunted hard for a nice mountain goat. Young duck hunter Justin of Helena and their trusty lab.

Montana youth hunter, with her first deer. Snowy Mountain Rifle 308 What a great whitetail buck for first year hunter Cole of Helena.

Happy first year deer hunter, Jaida with a nice buck.

Robby Humphries of Helena with a high and wide Montana antelope buck.

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December 2016 45

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Get up to $80 Back Mail-in Rebate : Via mail-in rebate when you purchase a set of four select Hankook Winter Tires. For complete offer details, visit www.hankooktire.com/us. © 2016 Hankook Tire America Corp. December 2016 47

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Get a great vehicle. Support a great cause. With every new Subaru purchased or leased, Subaru will donate $250 to a choice of charities that beneﬁt your local community.* November 17, 2016 through January 3, 2017. 2016 Charity Partners

The 2017 Subaru Outback.®

The capability of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive + 32mpg.1 And it’s a 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. It gives snow day an entirely new meaning. Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

PLACER MOTORS 406-442-2603 | 1-888-433-0119 See our full line of Subaru vehicles.

1515 EUCLID AVENUE, HELENA, MT. 59601

Subaru, Outback, and EyeSight are registered trademarks. 1EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i models. Actual mileage may vary. Vehicle shown with available accessories. *Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 17, 2016 through January 3, 2017, to four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Pre-approved Hometown Charities may be selected for donation depending on retailer participation. Certain participating retailers will make an additional donation to the Hometown Charities selected. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 31, 2017. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See your local Subaru retailer for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc.