HUNTING & FISHING MONTANA
December 2018
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MONTANA’S TOP LATE HUNTS Ducks-Geese-Pheasant-Sharptail Grouse-Huns By H&F News Pro Staff
aterfowl hunting will kick-up into high gear as most of W the big game hunting closes out here in December. It’s a great time to be outdoors as hordes of Northern birds
begin to descend into Montana. The late upland and pheasant hunting will also continue as we close out the year.
HERE ARE A FEW KEY AREAS TO FOCUS ON FOR GOOD RESULTS.
Bighorn River Area - Ducks, Geese, Northern Mallards, Pintails and Canada Geese These birds will start to stack up along the river edges southeast of Billings near Fort Smith and the Yellowtail Dam. The best hunting tactic for this area is to either float it or by spreading a few mallard decoys out in the many slack water sloughs of the river. You can put in at Afterbay FAS and take out at 13 Mile FAS or Two Legging FAS. Judith Basin - Pheasants, Sharptails, Huns You can hunt the expansive Judith Basin of Central Montana and have a good chance of returning home with birds. Not only do pheasants thrive in this upland valley hemmed in and surrounded by mountain ranges, but Hungarian Partridge and plenty of sharptail grouse should keep you active where you can find their winter habitat. These birds can be reluctant to run or flush in cold weather, which means you can get closer for more deadly shots. Plenty of BMAs support the hunt or knock on a few doors to see if you can gain access to prime country now that deer season has closed in most areas. Remember - water means more birds. 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.
4 | Hunting & Fishing News
Fort Peck Dam - Ducks, Geese The Fort Peck area should hold thousands of geese. This area is virtually unhunted. It’s remote location and lack of people in the winter make it a destination hunt during the winter. But, if you hit it just right on those calm and cool days big results are in store. A lot of birds will be ganged up in the Flat Lake, Bear Creek and Spillway Bay areas east of the dam. You can hunt from shore here by spreading out several dozen floating decoys. Set-up in mid-morning as the geese settle down after a morning feed in nearby wheat fields, or you can set-up along these wheat fields where it’s okay to hunt, and limit out. Canyon Ferry WMA - Ducks, Geese 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. Clark Fork River - Golden Eyes, Geese You can try knocking on doors to gain access to riverside wheat fields around Huson, Alberton and Superior for good waterfowl action this month or hunt on the Clark Fork River itself both around Superior and downstream near Paradise. If the Clark Fork Valley stays balmy and relatively snow-free, you can expect great hunting anywhere farmers grow wheat or barley close to the river. Bring a couple dozen decoys and expect your best shoots to be on stormy mornings as the geese settle to feed. Freezeout WMA - Pheasants, Upland Wing shooters can still find plenty of success at Freezeout, between Fairfield and Choteau. The targets of your December hunt include pheasants, sharptail grouse or Hungarian Partridge. Hunt the shelter belts on the northern side of the main unit as well as the northeastern edge of the Priest Lake Unit for good results. These birds will be tucked close in to cover after windblown snowstorms keep them predictable now. You can also call ahead to check the latest conditions by calling 406.467.2646.
Photo schlag|depositphotos.com
Sheridan County - Pheasants, Sharptails 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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Montana Late-Season Big Game Hunts By H&F News Pro Staff
Know the regulations before you hunt. Check MFWP hunting regulations for the area you plan to hunt and updates on shoulder elk seasons.
H unting for deer and some brow-tined bull or antlerless elk hunts still exist here in Montana for late season hunters. 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.
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HD Unit 212 - North Flint Range 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, 2019. 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 - mule deer and whitetail. Archery only. Elk: Brow-tined bull elk or antlerless elk, not valid on Lee Metcalf Refuge. Archery only. Open through January 15, 2019. 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, 2018. Elk: Brow-tined bull or antlerless elk. Archery only. Season ends January 1, 2019. 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 26, 2018 - January 15, 2019.
ADDITIONAL ANTLERLESS ELK HUNTS onxmaps.com/hunt
Montana’s elk shoulder hunts continue as well in many HD units in Regions 2, 3, 4 and 5. Check Montana’s Hunting Regulations for details on units you intend to hunt.
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huntingfishingnews@yahoo.com www.huntingfishingnews.net The entire contents is © 2018, all rights reserved. May not be reproduced without prior consent. The material and information printed is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. Nor does this material necessarily express the views of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. All photo & editorial submissions become the property of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. to use or not use at their discretion. Volume 15 Issue 6 Cover Photo: Peter Zayda | depositphotos.com
8 | Hunting & Fishing News
Photo Derek Plautz courtesy Mike Hanback www.bigdeerblog.com
DECEMBER DEER HUNTING TACTICS By Mike Hanback www.bigdeerblog.com
If you’ve still got a buck tag in your pocket, read on.
One recent winter in North Dakota was atypical, as it has been in many parts of the county these last few years. “We had almost no snow and record high temperatures,” said local bowhunter and BIG DEER blogger Derek Plautz. “Needless to say it made the hunting difficult.” Derek hunted hard, and the first week of December he started getting trail cam pictures of a shooter 10-point. “He only showed up on cam one time in shooting hours,” he said, “but at least we knew he was there. We hunted him for several weeks.” With only 2 nights left in the season, Derek decided to change it up. He moved to an entirely new location within the ghost buck’s core area, and set up in a hidden spot that nobody had hunted all season. He didn’t hang a tree stand, but rather fashioned a small ground blind behind a fallen tree. The first deer to step out that evening was the giant! He moved slowly toward Derek, bronze antlers glinting in the last light. On the ground Derek had to be especially stealthy, and he was. When the deer crossed at 30 yards, he pulled his Hoyt and let the arrow fly. The buck kicked and ran, but didn’t go far. “What a great way to end a weird weather season,” said Derek. “I can’t imagine anything better than to get to enjoy hunting all season, and then to get a buck like this at the very end!” I point out two major keys to Derek’s success, and I urge you to keep them in mind. One, if you use trail cameras, keep them running until the last day, you never know when and where a buck you have never seen before might show up, (check game regulations regarding trail cameras). Secondly, and this is huge, hunt the buck’s winter core area, but switch it up. Vary your normal approach into the woods each day…set up, either in a stand on the ground, in a funnel or near a cover edge…That buck is there because he is a master of moving around and avoiding hunters. Get that element of surprise and you might get him yet. Hunt the Food: Your late-season strategy has to center around the limited foods that remain for the deer. Both does and bucks are run down from the November rut, and they have to eat. The colder (and snowier) it is in December, the harder deer will move to and from the leftover feed, and the more visible they will be in daylight. (continued on page 31)
A semi-deep clean is probably the best way to describe this process and it is my preferred way to get a rifle shooting where it’s supposed to after all the target practice to dial in my loads and dope chart. The process below was done on a Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed rifle in .300 Win Mag.
Tools needed:
All photo credits: Brady Miller
HOW TO CLEAN THE BORE OF YOUR HUNTING RIFLE By Brady Miller Originally published at
www.goHUNT.com
a firm believer in cleaning your rifle throughout the Ia’mseason. Below are some steps that I’ve been using for long time that my father taught me along with some modifications that I’ve learned from others. I’ve said it before, but everything I’ve learned in long-range shooting has been from my dad. He’s a wealth of knowledge when it comes to rifles. Over the years, some of the cleaning solvents that I use have changed, but the general process is still the same for cleaning my hunting rifles. Now, before I get started, there are a plethora of ways to clean your hunting rifle barrel and lots of different brushes, mops, jags, etc that all work great. This is a method that has worked very well for me.
• Cleaning bench • Cleaning rod (carbon fiber or nylon) • I prefer one piece cleaning rods • Nylon brush (correct size) • Nylon isn’t as harsh as other materials • Jag (correct size) • I really like stainless steel so you don’t get a false copper reading. For the article, I couldn’t find my stainless jag in my cleaning kit for some reason, so I used a brass version. • Patches • Ensure they are the correct size for the rifle caliber. • Bore guide
Cleaning solvents needed:
• Carbon remover • Copper fouling remover • Gun oil Notes on cleaning solvents: There are plenty of different options out there. My family and I have used Hoppes, Gunslick, KG, Montana Extreme, Wipe Out, Shooter’s Choice, and Sweets throughout the years.
STEP 1 - BORE GUIDE
Place your gun in a cleaning bench or extend your bipod if you don’t have a bench tool. Note: Always clean your gun with a cover over your scope. You don’t want the solvents or brush to accidentally get on your lens. (continued on page 32)
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All photo credits courtesy Montana Angler
WINTER FISHING OPTIONS AROUND BOZEMAN
By Montana Angler For a guided fly fishing trip call 406-522-9854 or www.montanaangler.com ne of the factors that makes Bozeman, MT such a great trout town is that the surrounding waters offer great fishing 12 months out of the year. Mild winter days offer anglers some prime opportunities to catch trout with very predictable fishing and nonexistent crowds. Winter is the time to experience solitude on some of our world famous rivers that draw anglers from all over the world during the summer months. Fishing during the winter is a nice change of pace from skiing or snowboarding and a great way to soak up a little sun and beat back cabin fever.
O
10 | Hunting & Fishing News
Let’s take a look at some winter fishing tactics and locations around Bozeman for off-season angling opportunities. - Winter Fishing Overview and Tactics The actual fishing during winter is usually quite easy, so the hardest part is really going to be dealing with the elements. While we do get our fair share of really cold weather around here, there are fishable days in December and January while February and March typically offer some extended periods of nice weather. Even early April generally follows “winter” fishing patterns. What constitutes a “fishable” day is going to be different for everyone but I look for sunny days where the high temperature is at least 30 or more. The wind is the real wildcard, so pay close attention to that when checking the forecast. The best fishing will occur during the warmest part of the day, so plan on hitting the river just before lunch and fishing until the sun starts to lower and come off the water. Winter fishing can be very productive because fish tend to congregate in very specific water types. Additionally, there are very few hatches during winter, making fly selection easy. You want to target the slow, deep water when fishing during winter. The cold lowers the trout’s metabolism substantially, so they don’t have the energy to fight faster current. If you land a trout, make sure to work that area thoroughly, as there are almost certainly more fish hanging out. Nymphing is the bread and butter technique during winter, with the occasional midge hatch drawing trout to the surface. When nymphing, a typical rig would include a stonefly nymph or San Juan Worm as my lead fly, and a small mayfly or midge as the dropper. More important than fly selection is getting your fly right in front of the fish. The reduced metabolism dictates that the fish won’t move far to eat, so it is critically important that you experiment with weight and leader length to get your fly down to the fish.
Big Winter Brown
- Winter Fishing Locations -
Gallatin River
Winter is a great time to be on the Gallatin River, which can be quite busy during the summer. The good fishing, easy access and spectacular scenery from A River Runs Through It fame make this a worthy destination. It’s close proximity to Big Sky Resort makes it a prime target on a day off from skiing. While the entire river can fish well, the area around Big Sky is the most popular. Here, many springs enter the river, raising the water temperature substantially. During extreme cold snaps,the river will freeze solid except for the thermally influenced areas. In times of warmer weather, the entire Gallatin Canyon can fish well. The water above Big Sky and down below the canyon in the valley is prone to significant ice jams, so it is best left alone unless you really know the area. Several years ago one of these ice jams above Big Sky abruptly broke, sending a tsunami of water downstream (search “Gallatin Tsunami” on YouTube). While this is certainly a freak occurrence, it is a good reminder to keep your eyes peeled while on the water.
Stonefly nymphs are my #1 pick for winter fishing, and I will sometimes fish two in different colors if they are working well. Other solid choices would be a small Copper John or Pheasant Tail. As a freestone stream, the Gallatin doesn’t have a huge variety of bug life, especially during winter. Basic stoneflys and small, attractor nymphs are all you really need. It is a good idea to carry a few midge dry fly patterns just in case, but the Gallatin will primarily be a nymphing game. There are some huge deep holes in the Gallatin Canyon but I like to focus on the tailouts and deep, choppy riffles. Much of the river is swift and bouldery, so the good winter holding water should be fairly obvious.
East Gallatin River
The East Gallatin River is a nice option close to town that usually offers open water all winter. This is a nice spot to sneak out for a few hours after lunch during the heat of the day. The Bozeman water treatment plant pumps some warm water into the river so the best fishing is usually downstream of Bozeman down towards Belgrade and Manhattan. Unlike the Gallatin, the East flows gently through the valley, providing ideal holding water for winter trout. The river meanders endlessly, and each bend provides some nice, deep holding water. Pay particular attention to the upper half of the pool where the water from the riffle starts to slow and drop off into deeper water. This transition zone allows trout to sit in a comfortable lie and ambush food as it tumbles downstream. Fly selection on the East is very simple. A San Juan Worm is my top choice for a lead fly, and I will typically choose a #18 or #20 Pheasant Tail as my dropper. I also carry various midge patterns and small Copper Johns. The East tends to see more dry fly action than the main Gallatin, so be prepared with some midge clusters like a Griffith’s Gnat and some small Parachute Adam’s as well.
Holiday Fishing on Depuy’s
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
The world famous spring creeks (Depuy’s, Armstrong’s, Nelson’s) located just south of Livingston, Montana rank among the best choices in the state for winter angling. These creeks are fed 100% by groundwater springs, which maintain a nearly constant temperature year-round. This leads to increased activity by both trout and insects over that of a freestone stream. The added bonus here is that winter rates on the creeks are the lowest of the year, $40 per day. It is also very easy to get a reservation at the last minute, while reservations for prime summer dates need to be made more than 6 months in advance. The spring creeks are your best bet for winter dry fly fishing, and midge hatches are a daily occurrence. You can expect to see rising fish each afternoon as long as the wind is not blowing the bugs off the water. The constant water temps also means that hatches start earlier and end later here, so be prepared to fish Blue Winged Olives in both early and late winter. Spring creek trout are known to be selective, so carry some BWO emergers that you can fish behind your dry. (continued on page 46)
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A Moose Named 4B Photo courtesy Tom Cooper
By Tom Cooper f you are looking for the traditional hunting story about “finally” drawing a coveted bull moose tag in Montana, this is not it. Oh, it’s about a bull moose, Montana, and a tag alright, I just didn’t wait 40 years to finally draw it. After applying for just a few years, I first drew a moose tag in 1997, and harvested a 3 or 4 year-old bull. I scouted portions of the hunting district pre-season, and was comfortable I knew there were a couple of young bulls around. However, I didn’t have time to scout more of the district or make multiple trips to the areas where I saw the bulls. When my moose hunt ended the second week of the season, I was satisfied with my limited scouting effort,
I
and the moose, in part because there was little possibility of another Montana moose hunt for me. Moving along, I waited the required seven years before applying for a second moose tag. For another seven years, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) annually posted my “unsuccessful” notices. I can’t say I felt horrible with receipt of each notice because I already had moose antlers on the wall. Of course, the moose steak was long gone. During the eighth year however, my 2012 notice was “successful”. I understood that rarely does anyone receive two moose tags in Montana, but my second tag was now in hand, and no longer a rare possibility. This time I was retired and could dedicate more time to moose scouting. Early on, I decided to scout most of the district and, if possible, to identify every moose: bulls, cows, and calves. My goal was to take photos of moose sightings as often as possible, and compare pictures to determine how many individual animals were in the area. Significantly, I spent nine days scouting in drainages where I had observed moose during previous elk hunting seasons, but my 2012 scouting did not reveal a single moose. I couldn’t account for the lack of moose in these wet and brushy areas, all surrounded by mountain terrain, mostly forested. Montana FWP staff provided limited information, indicating moose management was a low priority for most hunting districts and adjustments to tag numbers were frequently based on harvest data alone. However, one biologist discussed food sources, indicating moose in Montana prefer new growth willow leaves and limbs. Potentially, the loss of willows, which I noticed while scouting, was a significant factor. I eliminated these drainages from further scouting, and made them a second priority for later in the season. Also, I eliminated drainages from the scouting plan because recovery access was limited, both by lack of roads and private property boundaries. Elimination of these portions of the district left me with considerably less territory to consider. In the remainder of the district, a wounded animal might wander some distance before expiring, but I felt I was
prepared to deal with recovery should this occur. Since 1997, my hunting partners and I had learned to process animals using the “no-gut” approach. With the animal on the ground, first one side is skinned, then the shoulder, hind quarter (ham, separated at the hip joint), back strap, and tender loin are removed. The much lighter animal is rolled over and the routine is repeated. No-gut allows for recovery of the majority of usable meat (in packable-size pieces); on a moose you can add recoverable meat by trimming the neck, ribs, flanks, and brisket. In 2010 at age 62, using this approach I processed a 6-point bull elk without help, and believed at age 64, I could accomplish the same thing with a bull moose. Probably, I would require more time and more water for hydration, but I could do it. Of course, I also had volunteers willing to help as necessary. From mid-July to mid-September I scouted the remaining drainages 20 different days, frequently hiking beginning at daylight, covering as much ground as possible by noon. I rotated specific areas each trip to provide different observations at daylight versus later in the morning. I had decided early on not to hunt in the late afternoon or evening. Simply stated, I did not want to risk wounding a moose only to run out of daylight. As a result, I didn’t scout in the late afternoon or early evening. I also had a cow moose call and was determined to use it. Since my previous moose hunt, I had been entertained by “live” cow moose making their moaning calls while hiking in the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area. With practice, I expected to put that realism to good use. So, what bull was I looking for? Actually my scouting revealed six bulls, starting with what appeared to be a yearling I described as “hand size antlers; 2 sightings.” My description of bull number two included: “young bull with significant brown hair on neck, shoulders and back; right palm turned upward, left antler with 3 points; four sightings.” The description of bull number three read: “small body, brow tines, and palms; 3 sightings.” I described bull number 4 as “mature, 1-2 brow tines on each side, and 5-6 distinguishable points on each palm; 3 sightings.” I first observed the fifth bull just five days prior to the season opening. He was similar to number four, and twice was with bull number four. I labeled him as bull “4B, mature, single brow tines and less distinguishable points (4-5) on each palm; 3 sightings.” Both 4 and 4B were my choices for filling a tag. The sixth bull I identified as “bull #0,” was a transplanted moose, well known to the locals in the area. In previous years, I had seen him a couple of times, and he was several years old by the time of this 2012 hunt. In addition to his small body and antlers, the right rear knee was swollen to three times the normal size and he limped badly. I did not consider bull #0 to be a candidate for my tag. I also identified a total of seven cows and three calves. I had multiple other sightings that simply did not stick around for pictures, despite my best planning intentions. During the first two weeks of the season, I hunted seven days in my well-scouted areas, so I had high hopes of seeing my candidate bulls. But, as hunting luck would have it, I saw one lone cow. For the third week of the season, the first part of my Monday morning hunt included access through Block Management Program property at the lower end of a long drainage. Then starting at daylight, I slowly hiked upstream, watching and listening as I worked through the large patches of willow. By 8:15am, I covered the approximately ¾ mile of willow brush without finding any moose. I returned to my vehicle to continue with the second part of my morning plan which was to walk into a promising wet area in another large drainage. While driving to my next spot, imagine my surprise at seeing a mature bull in one of the willow patches I had hunted through an hour ago. (continued on page 30)
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LATE SEASON WAYS TO FOOL WATERFOWL
By Steve Hickoff Yamaha Outdoors Tips www.yamahamotorsports.com
T
hey’ve seen it all, especially the stale decoy spreads; heard every feeding and comeback call in the book. They can’t be fooled – or can they?
SCOUT THE AFTERNOON BEFORE
Drive roads and glass feeding zones. Sometimes ducks and geese in big afternoon numbers gather briefly to recharge and move off to roosting areas nearby. Study these locations. Talk to farmers. Get permission where maybe you haven’t hunted before – especially if you see fresh birds. Set up there the next morning: calls optional.
TALK TO DEER HUNTERS
Spread the word. Late-season opportunities for muzzle-loading deer often coincide with duck and goose hunts. If you’ve venison in the freezer – or don’t even deer hunt, but have seen some – swap information with guys hunting whitetails (or other big-game). You might be able to help each other out. Would you do this early in the season? Likely not, but now is different.
FLUSH ‘EM
Sleep in and jump shoot loafing birds. River and pond ducks, weather providing, especially like resting between the hard feeding they do at daybreak and in the afternoon. With luck, you’ll find groups of birds settled in along the slow-moving edges of creeks, meandering waterways, unfrozen farm ponds and the like. Walk in with care, using terrain to hide, and flush them.
HUNT LOUSY WEATHER
Got hardcore apparel in your camo closet? Wear it on days others stay in. Ducks and geese are out in it, and you should be too. It’s one way to ensure you’ll likely see lower hunting pressure.
DON’T BURN OUT YOUR SPOT
Kill just a few? Leave. That’s right. You don’t have to shoot a day’s limit. Stop short of it. Save the spot for the next day by not adding too much pressure. Load the decoys back on your Yamaha ATV or SxS. Get yourself home to that duck or goose dinner you’ll make. And then return there tomorrow. Make it last...
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CRUNCH FACTOR-DEALING WITH CRUNCHY SNOW AND LEAVES By Zach Lazzari
Lazy J Bar O Outfitters
www.lazyjbaro.com
unting on crunchy snow and leaves is extremely frustrating. Every step alerts game to your presence and gives H the feeling that you may as well just be on a hike. In some cases you may simply be burned and forced into a new strategy or location. Other times a few adjustments in your approach will help dampen the sound and improve your odds.
FIND THE SOFT SPOTS
Find the softest spots if any are available. Trees dripping water will dampen dry leaves and the sun will soften snow throughout the day. Avoid deciduous stands with heavy leaf fall and focus your efforts after any fresh rain or snow hits the ground and helps soften things up.
SHOE OPTIONS
Wear soft soled shoes to minimize sound. I often wear basic sneakers, even with some snow on the ground. They might get your feet wet and end the hunt a bit early but they are low impact. Busting through the woods in heavy soled boots is much louder and more obvious. If I owned a pair of moccasins, they would see plenty of use during the crunchy seasons.
SHIFT TACTICS
Still hunting is the most effective way to minimize noise. Using a stand or blind is ideal, especially for whitetails. You can walk to the stand location early, then sit in silence. You can even rake a path to your stand right after the leaves fall and have a clear route for the remainder of the season. The option is not always possible for elk and mule deer. Walk short distances then pause to imitate a feeding animal. Throw out a grunt, cow or doe call or rattle during these pauses. Stand silent and listen for an animal making noise as you call it to your location.
SOCKS FOR STALKS
Stalking on crunchy ground requires incredible patience and slow movements. Abandon your shoes and wear a double pair of socks. Slide your feet slowly through crisp leaves rather than stepping directly on them and minimize the surface area of your feet hitting snow by rolling along the edge of your feet or staying on the balls of your feet.
SCOUT FOR LATER
The only nice thing about crunchy snow is the way it preserves tracks and tells a story of how animals are using the area. When the ground is simply too loud to hunt effectively, I’ll still hike and pay close attention to tracks and sign in the area. Take some notes and draw travel routes on maps to help future hunts in the area. To learn more about guided hunts in Montana with Lazy J Bar O Outfitters, please explore their website at www.lazyjbaro.com or call 406-932-5687.
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GRAVE YARD SHIFT WALLEYES By Jason Mitchell
Jason Mitchell Outdoors www.jasonmitchelloutdoors.com
o many fisheries come to mind where after dark S patterns offer some of the best opportunities for catching fish. After dark strategies and locations however can vary dramatically from where we might find fish during daylight or twilight hours.
What happens so often to us as anglers is that we simply figure out one window or movement of fish and when that window ends, we assume that the bite is over. Could be setting up on a classic point anticipating the sunset bite. A classic pattern might start in deeper water and as the day progresses to where the sun hits the horizon, we find an intense window of fish activity on top of the point that might last half an hour. What so often happens is that after this intense flurry, we quit marking fish and assume that the bite is over. The bite might indeed be over if we don’t make any adjustments but the reality is that we can prolong the bite and keep catching fish if we move with the fish. Of course there are also basin and transition bites as well like what we often see on Red Lake and Mille Lacs after dark. Perhaps the toughest aspect of catching walleye well after dark is forgetting some of the lessons we tend to learn during the day.
Walleye after dark play by a different set of rules. Make the right adjustments to capitalize on some of the most intense walleye bites. Photo courtesy Jason Mitchell.
So often, finding and catching walleyes is all about reading structure and focusing on edges. After dark however, you can throw that edge mentality out the window. We often find walleyes roaming away from structure well after dark. Large expansive flats in shallow water are a favorite location. That four to six foot sand flat that is several acres might be void of walleye activity during the day where even sunrise and sunset patterns seem to revolve around structure that breaks into deeper water. In the middle of the night however, walleyes will often push up and roam much shallower water than what some anglers would envision.
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On some fisheries, walleye will also be more apt to eat much higher in the water column well after dark. We have seen many scenarios where we caught more walleye after dark by fishing half way down in the water column, especially for big fish. This is particularly true for set rods and tip ups with big bait. Like any other time of year, full moon periods can make some after dark patterns better but there will often be feeding windows that happen in intense flurries through the night. Don’t expect activity all night long, wait out the windows because ninety percent of the activity will happen during ten percent of the time. My favorite after dark locations and patterns are not necessarily classic walleye structure or breaklines that are close to deeper water. Typically, large flats or even basins and large shelves shine after dark. I use the whitetail deer analogy a lot when describing walleye patterns and movements. During the day, deer might follow an edge but come middle of the night, they might be more apt to be standing out in the middle of a soybean field that is several hundred acres. Walleyes can also be just as random after dark. Because the exact location of fish can be so random on large flats and shelves, fishing these locations takes a certain kind of mentality. You can spread out tip ups to increase the chances of contacting these roaming fish or you can fish out of a shelter but in this situation, you have to realize that the fish are going to find you. This isn’t a situation where you can necessarily move around to find these random fish, set up so that at some point during the night… these fish find you. The beauty of fishing well after dark is that these fish will be looking for you. What makes after dark patterns for walleye so much fun is that these fish are typically much more aggressive and these fish are looking for a meal. The bites are often much more intense. These fish will peel off much more line off a tip up for example or hit a lure repeatedly. When fishing after dark, I am a big proponent of using glow finishes on lures. Not always necessary but I have seen so many situations where we almost immediately caught a fish after charging a lure. When using live bait on tip ups, don’t hesitate to use larger baits that are up to eight inches long. Clip the tails of rambunctious chubs and suckers so that they can’t trip flags or pull the roller around the spool. Strike indicators are nice to have on tip ups. Other nice tools for the grave yard shift include head lamps and LED lights for inside shelters. LED light sources have about replaced a lot of traditional propane lanterns. What can make the after dark period so fun is the intensity of the mayhem. You can have an hour or two of complete silence interrupted by the most intense feeding windows. The bite is often a full on blitz where it seems like every line has a fish. Where every tip up is out of the water and there are fish flopping all over the ice. Realistically, this after dark window is what can make spending the night in a fish house so appealing. Tangled rattle reels and chaos. On so many fisheries, the period between sunset and sunrise offers some of ice fishing’s most exciting walleye fishing.
Hunting & Fishing News | 19
© Mtsue | Dreamstime.com
There’s a dirt road just above the Dearborn River that curves to follow the water in this beautiful, peaceful spot in Montana.
Say Hello To Success: Where to Chase the Fish this Month Brought to you by
or anglers who have thick skin and patience, the looming F cold winter months offer less crowded rivers and lakes here in Montana. Early winter fishing trips can be a blast
if you are willing to get out in the elements to enjoy them. You just have to decide which method to use to catch fish now. With the upper elevated lakes starting to ice up here in the Rockies, and the lower streams still in prime condition, it’s an exceptional time to be outdoors fishing in December. Look for calm, cool days for the best catch rates as you plan your days out. Here are a few spots to consider for both early ice and open water action this winter. 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 • Hyalite Reservoir - Bozeman’s local alpine lake is a 200 acre beauty tucked away at 6,700 feet in the Gallatin Mountain Range. Ice up will begin soon and you can catch an array of mountain fish. Yellowstone cutthroat, rainbows and even arctic grayling (catch and release) cruise the shallows looking for food. Vertical jigging is a preferred method through the ice. You can use two rods through the ice. Fishing at dusk and into the early evening with the aid of a lantern light is a popular technique.
• 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. • Georgetown Lake - The first ice and often the best fishing in the area occurs on Georgetown Lake. Most anglers will fish small jigs tipped with maggots. For added flash, try removing the hook from a Swedish Pimple or Kastmaster and running your jig as a dropper about six inches below the spoon. The flashing spoon will entice the fish in close, where they usually won’t be able to resist the tasty morsel suspended below. Kokanee salmon and rainbow can be found around Piney Point, Rainbow Point, Denton’s Point or the Sunnyside area. Generally, the bite is best early in the morning. • Holter Reservoir - There are so many yellow perch in Holter Reservoir right now, and the exciting thing about this is that the walleye population in the lake should do nothing but improve, the down side is that it makes catching them a little more difficult, because they are so well fed. You can fish the open waters of the lake until the first real deep freeze occurs, usually sometime in December. Perch ice fishing on this north-central Montana lake during the winter can be outstanding. The perch swim in hordes and when one of those schools get near an ice fishing hole, the ensuing fishing will be memorable. Jigs tipped with crawlers works the best, but when the bite is on, so does about any kind of lure or bait dropped down through the ice. You can expect rainbow trout, brown trout and walleye to bite as well. • Browns Lake - Browns Lake is a prime location for early ice fishing action. Some really big trout swim these waters, especially right at first ice when big rainbows cruise the shallows. Try dropping small spoons or smaller jigs tipped with corn, crawlers or maggots for good success. Yellow perch will hit on these same combinations. It’s fantastic fishing here when you can hit it just right. Browns Lake is located just off of Hwy. 200 near Ovando. • 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 weed beds 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. • 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.
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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 weed beds around the lake throwing smaller lures. OPEN WATER ACTION Area rivers will continue to fish very well at times throughout the month. Ideally, pick a day when air temperatures are above freezing and then fish the warmest part of the day. Concentrate your efforts on holding water that is slower than you would fish in the summer. Oftentimes, a number of drifts through the same spots are necessary to coax a fish to bite. Expect most of the action to be subsurface, but you can do well nymphing San Juan Worms, Glo Bugs, small bead head nymphs, midges and egg patterns. Target areas for some good early water action will be the Bitterroot River, Rock Creek near Missoula, the Gallatin, Madison and Spring Creeks near Livingston. I would also recommend fishing some tailwaters like the Bighorn and the Missouri below Holter around Wolf Creek and Craig.
• Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Nelson Reservoir, Fresno Reservoir, Tiber, Lake Frances As the water cools towards freezing through December, you can expect a mix of conditions on Canyon Ferry Lake located near Helena. Early on you can troll copper and red spoons or silver countdown Rapalas in 10 or 15 feet of water for hefty rainbow trout that are gorging on just about whatever they can find before the lake ices over. Shore anglers can head to Duck Creek or Confederate on the east side of the lake and at the Silos on the west side for good trout action. The yellow perch fishing will also be exceptional through the winter months on this lake, with a few smaller walleye in the mix as well. Jig-up with a worm attached for good action on the perch now. 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. (continued on page 46)
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Hunting & Fishing News | 21
Ice Team Pro Bernie Keefe with a Colorado lake trout. Lake trout are an apex predator that offer an incredibly exciting ice fishing experience. Photo courtesy Jason Mitchell.
Lake Trout I nsights By Jason Mitchell Jason Mitchell Outdoors www.jasonmitchelloutdoors.com
M
idwinter means Lake Trout for many ice anglers across North America. From upstate New York to the Rocky Mountains, lake trout are an apex predator on many lakes and reservoirs. These top of the line predators are fast and powerful. A fish that can actually become more active under the ice. We picked the brains of ice anglers who obsess over these fish to offer interesting insights. 1) A room with a view. How Colorado Ice Team Pro Bernie Keefe describes the best locations for finding lake trout. Find ledges, points, reefs and shelves that drop off into deep water. The type of location that would provide an incredible view if the location was not on the bottom of the lake. No matter where lake trout swim, primary structure coming out of deep water seems to attract trout.
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2) Don’t be afraid to use finesse. While these powerful predators are notorious for slamming seven inch tube baits that are getting reeled up as fast as you can reel, don’t be afraid to down size to smaller flutter spoons and fluke tails when the bite is off. Some bodies of water also seem more conductive to requiring finesse which often seems dictated by the forage. 3) Watch your angle. Lake trout are often found on big bodies of water. Whether you are targeting fish on the Great Lakes, big Reservoirs or large natural lakes, there is often a pulsing current that moves through these deep water abysses. Trout often turn on as the current starts or stops and this current can often be seen on your fishing line. On some bodies of water, the current can become so strong that finding the lure can be difficult on your electronics where a second hole is needed to get the transducer over the jig or spoon. When the current stops, the jig or lure will settle right below the hole but good fishing often coincides with a swing in current. Watch the angle of your line to anticipate these feeding windows. 4) More lake trout have been caught with a classic white tube jig than any other presentation across North America, particularly in the Canadian Shield but don’t over look other soft plastic baits and colors. Dark colors like purple, motor oil and pumpkinseed can be very productive. Remember as well that classic lake trout forage like kokanee, ciscoes, lake herring and whitefish are common but lake trout are a versatile predator that will also target yellow perch, burbot, rainbow trout, suckers or even invertebrates. 5) The right hook set with the right line can mean more lake trout. Across many fisheries, braided line has dominated winter lake trout fishing because of the depth. Setting the hook on a fish that is fifty feet below is much more efficient and effective with a no stretch line. If you haven’t switched over to braid yet, try it. When setting the hook, back away from the hole as you set the hook. Depending on the depth of water, take two to four steps backward as you set and this will allow you to catch up to the fish and get the hook set when fishing over deep water. Baitcasting rod and reels are often preferred by lake trout anglers who have to fish deeper than fifty feet while spinning rod and reels can work extremely well on inland water where fish can often be found.
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Photo courtesy
he Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation acquired 1,120 acres T of prime elk habitat in western Montana that are now both permanently protected and open to public access.
The parcels, previously private inholdings, were conveyed to and now managed by the Lolo National Forest (LNF). “We are grateful that Stimson Lumber Company recognized the wildlife values of this land and reached out to us to help conserve it,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “ Located about 15 miles west of Missoula, the property lies within the Ninemile Ranger District on the LNF. It is just a few miles from previous RMEF projects that conserved more than 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat. “This new Edith Peak project is especially important because the surrounding land is part of a wildlife movement corridor connecting the Ninemile Divide with the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem to the north and the Fish Creek area and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness to the south,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. The surrounding area features spring, summer and fall range and supports more than 500 elk. It also includes key habitat for deer, moose, bear and other bird and animal life, plus it includes springs that provide important riparian habitat. ”The addition of these two inholdings through the Land and Water Conservation Fund will allow the Forest to seamlessly manage the National Forest in this area to improve the condition of the forest while also enhancing recreation opportunities,” noted Joe Alexander, Lolo National Forest acting forest supervisor. Alexander also mentioned his sincere appreciation to the RMEF for its contributions and support to the Forest Service in securing these lands. Additionally, the project permanently secures public access to the U.S. Forest Service Edith Peak trail that will be uninterrupted as it traverses across the property.
26 | Hunting & Fishing News
“We are highly disappointed with this decision,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “Once again we see that extreme environmental groups continue to clog up the delisting process at a time when we should be celebrating the recovery of grizzlies in the region. Scientists gathered data and population numbers that show grizzlies in the region surpassed all recovery criteria and are recovered. This ruling bolsters the case for Congress to update the Endangered Species Act.” This follows a 2007 decision by the Department of Interior (DOI) to delist Yellowstone grizzlies, a decision that was also litigated by environmental groups and overturned by the federal courts. “Despite this ruling, the basic facts remain the same: grizzly bears in the Yellowstone area have recovered, and no longer meet the definition of threatened or endangered under the ESA and should be rightfully returned to state management,” said Evan Heusinkveld, Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation president and CEO. “This ruling is just another example of why we need comprehensive reforms to the way we manage ESA-listed species in this country. We are evaluating all of our legal options to appeal this ruling.” The DOI announced the removal of Yellowstone area grizzlies, numbering more than 700, from the endangered species list in 2017 based on sound science and millions of hunter dollars spent on researching and studying the bears. Idaho and Wyoming later announced intentions to hold conservative management hunts in the fall of 2018. Those hunts will not take place. Environmental groups claimed the grizzly population in the Yellowstone region would be decimated if delisted and placed under state management. They made the same claims for the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population which is 200 to 400 percent above minimum recovery goals, depending on the state. “State-based management of wildlife is a key facet of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model. That is why the most healthy and robust wildlife populations in the world are found in North America. Grizzlies, like elk, wolves, deer and all other wildlife, should be managed by the states for their overall betterment. This ruling thoroughly frustrates that process,” added Weaver.
Tips And Tactics For Ruffed Grouse Hunting In The Snow By Matthew Breuer
Project Upland www.projectupland.com
s I gaze out the window on a cold December day, A watching large snow flakes fall and blanket the ground, I can’t help but think of the ruffed grouse. Several thoughts
as much as you can, because it’s probably the only treat grouse will get until spring.
come to mind. The fluffier the powder the better, as grouse often roost inside the snow itself. I think about how peculiar the feet are on a grouse, too. Their comb-like pectinations allow them to walk across very deep snow with ease, like snowshoes. I also think about snowshoes and how I should be wearing them to walk in transition areas of the forest or swamp edges, looking for grouse tracks.
Getting to the Spots
Seeing a snowmobile running through the forest is common, but seeing a rider in blaze orange with a gun on their lap is rare. Not a lot of hunters remain once the snow falls. If you can get to the areas that hold birds, you’re probably going to have great success. A snow machine aids in getting to these areas. Snow shoes are imperative when the snow gets deep. Early in the winter, when snow is fresh and there’s less than twenty inches, a good pair of walking boots will work. But when the snow gets deep, you’re going to want a good pair of snowshoes to get you through the day. While it’s possible to trudge through the snow with boots, you’re going to spend a lot of energy with each step. Snowshoes eliminate that problem. They also force the hunter to move slowly, as steps need to be semi-methodical while yielding snowshoes. You will avoid the rut most people fall into when moving too quickly through covers. (continued on page 36)
Know Your Quarry
In the winter, ruffed grouse change their routine drastically from those glorious late-October days. That is when you and your dog both know exactly what types of cover a grouse should be hanging out in. In the winter, a spot that looks “grousey” probably won’t hold birds. At least, not in the same way you’d think. Once the snow falls, all of the greenery and most of the fruits disappear. Birds that used to group up around old two-tracks loaded with clover are now in isolated areas that hold food throughout the winter. They won’t stray far from these areas until the spring thaw. Catkins or buds become their primary forage. Look for alder, hazel, and dogwood. Thickets containing large amounts of big buds are best, especially hazel thickets. Check out old clearings or openings and fresh forest regrowth. Don’t overlook birch either, as it becomes the primary forage late in the winter. Lastly, every good grouse hunter knows about at least one high-bush cranberry tree that holds berries late into the winter. Visit that tree and the surrounding area
Photo schlag|depositphotos.com
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A Moose Named 4B (continued from page 13)
I recalled spending a few minutes “practicing” my cow call at this location. Almost at first glance, I knew the moose was “4B” and definitely on my list. The thought that went through my mind was I could not simply get out of the vehicle, lean on a tree, and essentially shoot from a road. Knowing there was a wide parking spot about 150 yards behind me, I proceeded to back up, leaving 4B, and park off the road. It might have been a small distinction, but for me was a matter of personal hunting ethics. As I put on my hunting pack and reloaded my Husqvarna light-weight 30.06 rifle, I began to second guess my decision. Never-the-less, I worked slowly through the timber until I could see into the creek bed, including the willowy area where 4B had just been. Seeing nothing, I decided to cross the creek and work upstream into the pine timber. I suspected 4B would move out of the willows and into the timber, or maybe already had. Before I could cross the creek however, there was 4B walking through the willow thicket, heading toward the timber. This time, I quickly found a tree to steady my rifle. As I did, 4B abruptly reversed course and moved back into thicker willows. Unbelievably, I lost sight of 4B again. Now, I was second-guessing whether I had had enough time for a shot before he disappeared. Forget that! There he was walking back toward the timber again. I held on an opening 90-100 yards away. When 4B walked through, I touched off a shot. With the impact of the 180 grain bullet, I saw him hunch up, then turn to his right staying in the willows and moving upstream. 4B was out of sight, once more. I decided to move slowly to the edge of the timber because I could see into the willows better. When I found a good observation spot, I selected another tree for a rifle rest. I don’t really know how long I waited and watched, possibly as little as 5 minutes. Then, 4B walked partially out of the willows allowing a second shot. This time he stumbled, but still walked away headed upstream towards a large open meadow above the willows. He disappeared and I wasn’t sure whether he continued to walk away, or dropped. Slowly, I moved 15-20 yards until I could see he was down at the edge of the meadow. His head was on the ground; the hunt was over. Now, 4B was really my second Montana moose. After tagging him and taking a couple photographs, I returned to the vehicle and drove to a ridge where I could use a cell phone to contact my volunteers. First, I called my primary hunting partner and brother, Bill, in Missoula. He said he could head my way in an hour or so, and to expect him around noon. Next, I called an archery hunting partner, Jeff, who was on his way to work, but said he would turn around, stop at home to change clothes,
30 | Hunting & Fishing News
and should join me in about an hour. Jeff also said he had to return to his office for a scheduled appointment after lunch. Satisfied my volunteers were on the way, I returned to 4B and went to work. For recovery, my gear included over 300 feet of cable and strong rope I could use to move 4B closer to the road. My recovery gear also included a “come along” for shorter moves if necessary. Since 4B was almost perpendicular to the road, I attached the cable to the moose, then, added various lengths of rope, finally tying to my trailer hitch. I had 8-10 feet of rope to spare and used a large diameter pine tree along the road as a fulcrum point. I drove along the road in starts and stops to disconnect sections of ropes and cable as I moved 4B closer. Finally, 4B was alongside the road in the shade of the same large pine. As I disconnected the last section of cable, Jeff arrived. After a couple of group photographs of Jeff, 4B and me, we went to work. Using the no-gut approach, we processed 4B’s left side just as described previously. An appropriate number of water breaks allowed me to provide Jeff plenty of detail about the hunt. As always, Jeff listened patiently to my description of events. We finished the left side in a little over an hour, and it was approaching noon. We returned to the upper ridgeline just in time to meet Bill. We greeted him as a key member of the second shift and said thank you and good afternoon to Jeff. After we returned to 4B, and a few group photos of Bill, 4B, and me, we went back to work. Again water breaks allowed me to practice what was becoming a pretty good hunting story, which Bill also listened to with great patience. We completed the right side in about an hour, and had 2 shoulders, 2 hams, 2 back straps, 2 tenderloins, brisket, and limited neck meat, in clean cloth bags in just over three hours of work. My two “volunteers”, Jeff and Bill, deserve a great deal of credit for our accomplishment. One of our long-time hunting traditions is to name harvested big game animals prior to leaving the hunting area. My first Montana moose was named Spruce Hills Harry. As I thought about a name for my latest moose, it occurred to me I had called him 4B for almost a month. So, on the spur of the moment, I decided on “Apartment 4B, Quartz Creek, Montana.” I know it is kind of long and may not be a typical name for a big game animal. But to those who participated, both 4B and the location of his harvest will be long remembered. My only message for future moose hunters is: scout early and often. Hunters should not wait until they draw a tag to scout; things change. Scout portions of your intended district at least once every year until you draw. During the rut, bull moose tend to cover a lot of ground; sometimes several miles from one day to the next. Naturally, they are looking for cows. So, keep track of cows spotted while scouting. Cows tend to stay in one place longer. Observing bulls and cows while scouting, will be a rewarding and memorable part of your hunt. Of course, filling your second Montana moose tag is really frosting on the cake.
Photo courtesy Tom Cooper
DECEMBER DEER HUNTING TACTICS (continued from page 8) Some tips for 3 common feeding habitats:
–Crops: You’ll see the most animals if you have access to corn or soybeans, by far the two best winter food sources. A patch of standing corn is especially good, as it provides both eats and cover for skittish deer. In a harvested bean field, scout edges and corners where a few strips of beans were missed and still stand. Those will be a magnet for deer. The less gun pressure in and around a field so far, the more bucks you will see in daylight. Pray for snow and temps from the teens to 30. A hungry buck might pop out into the crops morning, noon or night then. Bundle up and be out there till the end. –Ridge: I love to hunt a hardwood ridge within a mile of a crop field anytime of season, but not any old ridge will do in December. Ideally, look for a hogback that was thinned a few years ago and that now offers brushy ground cover. A lot of does and bucks will travel through the second-growth saplings and thickets en route to and from the fields, and they’ll stage and browse in the greenery. Tip: Sneak in somewhere through mature, open woods and set a stand or blind on the first downwind edge of where the thinned second-growth begins. You shouldn’t jump a single deer. –Greenery: If you hunt public or private woods miles from the nearest corn or beans you won’t see nearly as many deer—none some days. To have a prayer of punching that last tag you must find and watch what little food/cover mix is left for a buck—edge of a clear-cut or power line, oak flat near a cedar swamp (maybe a few nuts), grape or honeysuckle thicket…you get the picture. Set a stand on the fringe of a pine, cedar or honeysuckle thicket. Bucks love to run any green edge left in the woods.
Factor In Pressure: Virtually every farm or woods has had some hunting pressure, moderate to heavy, come December. Don’t fret about that pressure, but rather factor it into your strategy and use it to your advantage. Numerous studies have shown that almost all people hunt within a mile of a field, logging road or similar easy-access area. In late season, the answer is neither to keep hunting these same spots, nor or is it to necessarily go deeper into the woods away from roads. Studies also show that most whitetails do not flee pressure by leaving their core areas and heading miles farther into cover. Rather, most bucks continue to live around the same fields and ridges, they just seek out hidden, thick spots where most people never hunt. And they move at night. That is why switching it up where you hunt is so important in winter. Think “out of the way.” A beaver swamp beside a gravel road, a 6-acre thicket behind a neighbor’s house, an overgrown hog lot back of a barn… a thick spot like that is where an old 8- or 10-pointer will hide in hopes of riding out the season. Find such a spot, set a stand (ground or tree perch), hunt it hard and score at the bitter end. What About Second Rut?: Across the country, some mature bucks continue to rut into early December, and a second rut happens at some point. But this rutting is so spotty and unpredictable that I do not recommend hunting the second rut per se. That said, you ought to: –Lay a doe-in-heat trail into your stand most days. Far fewer does mist the woods with estrus scent now; a buck might cut your trail and follow it in, hoping to hook up with a last hottie. –Carry your grunter and continue to call. If you see a flurry of rutting activity in early December, you might try rattling to mimic two bucks fighting over a last hot doe. But if and when the deer you see appear secretive and skittish, indicating the rut is done, back off because bucks will shy from the horns rather than come to the racket.
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Hunting & Fishing News | 31
HOW TO CLEAN THE BORE OF YOUR HUNTING RIFLE (continued from page 9)
Remove the bolt and place the bore guide into the rifle. I like to use bore guides that have an O-ring to prevent the cleaning material from entering back into the action.
STEP 2 - REMOVING SOME CARBON Take a cleaning rod and attach the jag. I prefer J Dewey nylon-coated and/or Tipton carbon fiber one piece cleaning rods.
STEP 3 - REMOVING COPPER This step is where you’ll work on the carbon fouling. Attach the nylon brush to the rod and run it through the rifle bore (but don’t pull it back through).
Next, take a cleaning patch, attach it to the jag and place a few drops of carbon remover on the patch.
SNOWY MTN RIFLES
Run the cleaning rod with the patch through the bore, discard the patch and repeat the process a few times until clean. This process also shows some of the carbon fouling. This process is great for removing a large amount of gunk from the barrel. You’ll instantly notice that the first few patches are pretty dirty. Note: When running the cleaning rod or brush down the bore, just let the tip poke out from the end of the muzzle. This is just an extra precaution to protect the crown of the barrel (still important if you have a muzzle brake removed).
Once through the bore, you will apply some drops of copper remover solvent to the brush. You could add the drops of solvent in the hole in your bore guide if you prefer. (continued on page 34)
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TAKING CARE OF YOUR
HUNTING GEAR After The Season Is Over
A
By Ryan McSparran Kawdy Outfitters www.kawdyoutfitters.com
... s you wrap up your hunting adventures for the year, it’s important to take good care of the quality hunting gear that you’ve invested in. If your hunting gear is going to continue to perform the way you expect it to, it’s going to require some attention at the end of a hunting season. If you had fun on your hunt, you can expect your gear to be dirty, muddy and showing the signs of being out in the field.
Here are a few tips on post-season care for hunting gear.
The most obvious first step is washing your hunting clothes. But before you throw them in the washing machine, take the time to read the care labels and use the right detergents. Use a mild detergent that is specifically designed to use on technical clothing. We recommend products from Nikwax as they are specifically made for outdoor gear. Any of your water resistant or waterproof gear should be washed in a detergent that’s made for those types of fabrics. This includes your rain gear, softshells, or anything with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. Nikwax makes a detergent called Tech Wash that’s perfect for these items. Next, wash the rest of your gear according to the gear labels. If you have down or merino wool items, Nikwax also makes detergents designed specifically for those materials. When it’s clean, we always recommend hanging your hunting gear to dry rather than using a dryer. This will extend the life and performance of your clothing. After cleaning, it’s time to treat your waterproof and water-resistant items. The DWR on your rain gear and soft shells wears off after a lot of use. We think it’s a good idea to re-treat them at the end of each season. Some re-treatment products allow you to treat your items in the washing machine with a wash-in treatment. Spray-on treatments are also available. Whatever you choose, these solutions will renew the DWR finish on your outerwear which helps water to bead and roll off. Once your clothes have been washed and waterproofed as necessary, place them in an airtight container and store them in a location that’s dry and out of direct sunlight. Moisture and exposure to sun or direct heat will cause fabrics to break down prematurely. Additionally, an airtight container will prevent your clothes from absorbing other smells from around your home throughout the year. Moving on from your clothes, it’s time to take care of your boots. These are critical pieces of equipment for any hunter and they also need some care. After the season, clean all the mud, dirt and debris from your boots. Then, depending on your boot material, find appropriate footwear cleaner and wash your boots. Cleaning solutions can be found at most sporting goods stores for leather and other common boot materials.
Photo courtesy Ryan McSparran
After cleaning your boots, you’ll want to apply a solution for re-waterproofing. Again, use one that is made specifically for your boot’s material. This is particularly important if you own full-grain leather boots. Applying a conditioning treatment to the leather before you store them for the winter can make a big difference. This will prevent the leather from cracking and keep it in top condition. Finally, be sure and carefully clean any other gear including backpacks, sleeping pads or other equipment that may be dirty. Waiting until next year to clean out your equipment can cause unnecessary corrosion. Don’t forget the small stuff, like wiping dirt from your tent stakes. Even little things like this will make your equipment last longer and your investment in good equipment go further. If nothing else, working on your gear will give you something to do as you dream of the next hunting season! For information on a guided hunt with Kawdy Outfitters visit www.kawdyoutfitters.com or call 1-250-306-8624 (Oct. 15-July 1) or 1-604-629-9582 (July 1-Oct 15).
Hunting & Fishing News | 33
HOW TO CLEAN THE BORE OF YOUR HUNTING RIFLE (continued from page 32)
I definitely do it both ways depending on the conditions. Sometimes applying it to the bore end prevents the solvent from leaking onto your rifle stock and possibly discoloring it or impacting the laminate. Now is when you will brush the bore like you’re giving your teeth a hard brushing. So, roughly you’ll want to run the brush through the bore 25 to 50 plus times. Next, attach your jag and run a dry patch through the bore several times and check the end of the barrel to see if you’ve removed all of the copper fouling. For demonstration purposes, I pushed the cleaning rod a little further through the barrel past the crown than I normally would. If you still see copper fouling, then repeat the above steps a few times until it’s all removed. Normally the copper streaks will look like brownish tinted streaks.
STEP 4 - REMOVING CARBON
This process is very similar to the previous step except, this time, you’re going to be removing carbon in the barrel. Take the nylon brush and push it through the bore. Once the brush is exposed, apply a few drops of your carbon remover solvent of choice. Then it’s time to brush your teeth (rifle bore) another 25 to 50 plus times. After that, again, run a few dry patches through the barrel and check the barrel for a clean look. If you don’t have a clean finish, repeat the process a few more times.
STEP 5 - GUN OIL Take your cleaning rod and attach the jag and then place a patch on it. Next, apply a few drops of gun oil and run it back and forth through the bore a few times. After this, take a dry patch and run it through the bore to remove any excess gun oil. STEP 6 - FOUL SHOT IN THE FIELD
I’ve had a few different rifles that seemed to respond differently after a cleaned barrel. Some rifles shoot great from a super cleaned bore, but others may not—all rifles are different. To be safe, I take a freshly cleaned gun back out in the field and take a foul shot to “settle a barrel down” so to speak. There’s definitely a lot of reading that can be done on foul shots and bore mapping.
IN CONCLUSION
After you’ve completed all of these steps, your rifle is now ready for your next hunt! Ending thought: Keep in mind to always properly store your rifle cleaning solvents...
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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
Gage hunted hard for a great Montana bull. “One of the proudest dad moments of my life! Being with Gage as he shot this amazing bull at 80 yards on public land.” Forrest Fawthrop
Sheila Larsson from Skinner Sights was right on target for a nice pronghorn. Ruger FTW Hunter in 6.5 Creedmoor Barnes 127gr LRX
Opening day Montana bull 5x5. HSM Ammo, Vortex Optics, Siberian Coolers. Rick Haggerty
ShiJia from Helena opened the General Deer Season right. “ShiJia bagged her buck. 250 yards and one shot. Nice 3x4. So proud!” Sheri Sullivan
Nels Flanagan was able to bring down this nice Montana mule deer.
Tips And Tactics For Ruffed Grouse Hunting In The Snow
(continued from page 27)
Weapons of Choice
Sweating is your enemy in the cold, so packing light is essential. I personally carry a Stevens 555E in 20 gauge, since it’s the lightest grouse gun in my safe. It also has no trouble putting down a grouse in any cover. There’s no foliage left in the winter and the only obstructions are branches. Or boughs, if you track a bird into the conifers. A modified choke with #6-7.5 shot will suffice. Long shots are possible, so I’m usually running #6 shot with modified chokes in both barrels. This keeps my pattern tight, and allows me to be lethal at longer distances. After all, a grouse isn’t likely to hold tight while you’re breaking through crusty snow with clunky gear on.
To Dog or Not to Dog
As much as I love walking behind my wirehaired pointing griffon, the one time he’d stay home would probably be on remote winter grouse hunts. I love to run the snow machine quickly, covering a lot of ground in search of tracks. Once I find tracks, that’s when I’ll put on my snowshoes and move slowly in order to thoroughly cover the area. A dog just isn’t ideal for this hunting scenario. On the flip-side, I will tote the dog and let him work if I am going to an area that is accessible without a sled and has tracks, or I’ve had success in before. Winter grouse rarely hold for my pointer. I’ll often find him on point with a snow angel pattern in front of him and a bird in the tree thirty yards away. But it’s still dog-work and I still enjoy it more than putting a bird in the bag.
36 | Hunting & Fishing News
I’ve had better success sans dog in the winter, but it comes down to personal choice. I am torn on every trip, but I’m happy either way. A bird in the bag or a happy dog; each outcome is a win.
The Hunt
Once you have located likely grouse covers and you’ve got all of the right gear for a cold day afield, you’re going to want to watch the ground and sky.
“The Sky?”
Yes, the sky. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled up to a cover to find all of the birds in the area loafing about in trees, eating buds, and taking in the sun. Some are puffed up like little butterballs, others have outstretched necks. Most are pecking away quickly, trying to fill their bellies. Flushing birds from a tree isn’t always easy, nor is hitting them as they drift at a downward angle. The ground is more important, because there are several things to keep an eye on. Three major things to look for are scat, roost or resting impressions, and tracks. Scat, even with the lack of tracks, shows you that grouse have been in the trees above. Roosting holes are neat and aren’t always empty. A grouse will plunge into the deep snow for the night. Snow is a great insulator and will keep the grouse warm on a cold winter night. Since many grouse forego breakfast in the winter and don’t leave roost until the sun begins to warm the world, it’s not uncommon to find grouse still occupying these holes. It’s not boring to search them, either. There’s nothing like a grouse exploding from the snow. Tracks are the most important thing. I have driven around and walked for hours and come home without even loading the gun on winter hunts before. The reason? I won’t even try an area unless I see tracks most of the time. If I do find tracks, I know that I’m in the right area and will always
follow a track to the bitter end. I don’t care if it leads me half a mile through thick cover—I want to either find that bird, or get an idea of it’s behavior. Even if the tracks end and I’m bird-less, I’ll have a sense of what the rest of the birds in the area are doing. Never think that a single track equates to a single grouse in an area. Wintering areas are typically small and hold several birds. Thoroughly work over an area that has signs. Beat the Winter Blues While grouse hunting in the winter can be extremely challenging, it can also be very rewarding. Success on a winter grouse hunt can be measured in knowledge over points had or shots fired. If I can get on one track that eats up two hours of my day, I’m a happy uplander. If I’m lucky enough to bring home a bird or two, I’m on cloud nine. Go with someone you love, get your dog out of the house, and use it as an excuse to help work off some of that extra holiday weight we’re all carrying around. Being outside is not only good for the soul, it’s good for the body. And on these short winter days, taking in as much fresh air as possible is important. Life is too short to let a little snow get in the way of a day in the grouse woods.
Coconut Pheasant Soup Recipe By Lindsey Bartosh a 12 Gauge Girl www.huntingandcooking.com
Ingredients: 1 pound pheasant breasts (or about four breasts chopped into bite size pieces) 1 tablespoon cooking oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste 4 inch piece ginger root, grated 1 tablespoon red curry paste 4 cups pheasant stock (use chicken or vegetable if you don’t have pheasant) 3 tablespoons fish sauce 1 tablespoon honey (or sweetener of choice: brown sugar, white sugar, etc.) 3 cans coconut milk (13.5 ounces each) 1/2 pound white mushrooms, sliced Juice of one lime 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice 1 bundle fresh Thai basil, torn into bite size pieces Instructions: In a large stock pot, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger root, and lemongrass paste to the pot. Cook over medium heat for two to three minutes. Add the tablespoon of red curry paste to the pot and stir. Allow to cook for one minute. To the pot, pour in one cup of the stock, stirring to dissolve any remaining chunks of curry paste and to break up anything on the bottom of the pot. Add the rest of the stock, the fish sauce, and a tablespoon of sweetener, such as honey. Stir and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the soup base to reduce for twenty minutes. Add the three cans of coconut milk and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add the bite size pieces of pheasant meat and cook for five minutes. Add mushrooms and cook an additional five minutes, until mushrooms are soft. Turn off the heat and stir in the juice of one lime, orange juice, and torn basil leaves. Enjoy!
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Hunting & Fishing News | 37
November deer season during the rut can be one of the most exciting times to hunt. So, with my good friend and hunting partner Gary, we planned a hunt in an area I have grown to love. I have seen and taken some fine respectable bucks there and I wanted to give him a crack at ‘em too. Throughout the planning, his 17 year old son Jordan, voiced his interest in joining us and I thought to myself, “Even better, because maybe we could fill his tag too and it would be his first buck!” Jordan referred to this area as “Mr. Lindgren’s secret hunting spot.” To get there, it takes a bit of fortitude and stamina as you face a daunting 2-1/2 mile trek with a 3000 foot elevation change and it’s all uphill! Factor in 3-12” of snow relentlessly giving way under every other step and you have a recipe for 2 hours of non-stop physical exertion and all before first light! Jordan with his first buck. Photo courtesy Vince Lindgren
Time For A First Buck By Vince Lindgren
S
ometimes, our best made plans never quite work out and it’s usually due to the fact that the quarry we’re pursuing doesn’t necessarily operate on the same time table as we humans. Most of us have been there. However, there comes a time when everything seems to fall into place.
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38 | Hunting & Fishing News
After reaching our destination, we immediately began to see deer activity and a couple of times. I found my heart racing with anticipation of spotting what may be a buck slipping through the timber above us. This is an area where you always need to be on your guard because up here, anything can happen at a moments notice. Between sightings, one can find that 1-2 hours has slipped by without a single deer then suddenly, you find yourself clamoring for your rifle as a nice buck comes cruising along looking for a receptive doe. That’s pretty-much what happened. Things tapered off by late morning and I was becoming frustrated at the lack of deer movement. I really wanted Gary’s son to get a chance at a decent buck. The time was nearing one o’clock, which is a great time to catch a buck with only one thing on its mind. I decided to leave the two of them on the ridge saddle and make my way further up a few hundred yards while they built a fire to warm up. I had only been away for 20 minutes when I decided to return, only to witness father and son sitting at the fire, then slowly standing to their feet and next, Jordan raising his rifle, took aim and fired! At the sound of the report, I watched as a nice 150 class buck collapsed a mere 80 yards down the saddle! What an amazing moment to have witnessed what just transpired. From my perspective, it was like sitting in a stadium watching everything unfold before you. It was a unique experience to say the least. Looking at the time, it was 1:15 when the bucks are usually up and going, which is exactly what happened. It was a successful hunt for each of us. Jordan could hardly contain his excitement, Gary was beaming with pride, and I? Well, I got to experience the joy of watching a father and son fulfill a dream together. Seems as though our best made plans really did pay off and it doesn’t get any better than that! Well done on a nice buck Jordan. You will remember this day for the rest of your life!
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HOW TO HUNT COYOTES WITH A DECOY By CJ Davis Montana Decoy www.montanadecoy.com oyotes are sly and sneaky from birth, making them tough creatures to hunt. A hunter’s success hinges on an eternal awareness of the wind direction, attention to camo pattern in relation to the landscape, and the tools employed. Of course, patience helps too. Then, when all of those things fall into place, and a coyote closes the distance on your hunting decoy, the anticipation of a clear shot is a feeling unlike any other. Do it yourself coyote hunts can be challenging yet rewarding when your efforts pay off. Sure, there are guided hunts that might run $150 to $500 a day, but with the use of decoys and modern calls, anyone can find an excuse to head afield with hopes of adding skins to the barn wall or a piece of clothing to your closet. No matter your tactics, it’s important to remember that the keys to killing more coyotes are mimicking the calls of injured prey and a good set of decoys. ©twildlife|depositphotos.com
C
How to Find Coyotes Coyotes inhabit a variety of landscapes, including suburban areas, and of course, the expansive woods, but there has been a noticeable population increase in agricultural areas. First things first, take some time to scout for coyote sign on your property. Start by searching for scat and tracks. You may even find the remains of a recent kill. Look to large fields and river bottoms, especially areas where rodents, a coyote’s main food source, are abundant. Coyotes like to communicate with one another, so keep a howler call on you at all times just to see if one answers. And if you’re going to carry a call, might as well have a rifle on your shoulder and decoy in your pocket. Check out this sample of a coyote howl https://www.montanadecoy.com/uploads/general/yell-YELLCoyotes20160505SM31.mp3 Embrace the challenge.“Coyote hunting presents a different kind of challenge and is completely different from other hunts,” said Dusty Chrisman, an avid coyote hunter. “It’s also a great way to stay outdoors when other seasons have died down.” Anyone that consistently hunts predators has experienced stubborn coyotes. Just as a deer or turkey hunter doesn’t score on every outing, you can expect it to be much the same with coyotes. “Often times, coyotes just won’t come in,” Chrisman said. “They’ll just sit there, out of range and bark like a stubborn puppy. Although this can be frustrating, I think it’s fun to try and figure out what they’re thinking. That’s when decoys really become helpful to bring them in range.” Choosing the Right Firearm This is really dependent on what’s in your gun safe. Because hunting coyote means trekking through sprawling landscapes, that means you’re going to shoot at long distances. Choose a rifle with a 50-200-yard range for this kind of predator. There are some hunters who would prefer to use a shorter range like a shotgun, handgun or bow, but realistically, the evasive coyote requires a firearm that can reach from long distances. Set Up Your Decoy Coyotes have likely heard many distress calls. But even if the dog is leery, it will still be likely to investigate. Call for 10-20 minutes, then pause. Pressured coyotes will find a vantage point and remain hidden while they search for what’s making the sound, which is where using a coyote hunting decoy comes in handy. The best predator decoys pair well with calling to grab their attention and hold it while you setup for a shot. If you’re using electronic calls, set up your decoy next to your call and conceal yourself 50 to 75 yards away in order to reduce the likelihood of being spotted. Use a rabbit-in-distress call with Miss Hoptober, a seven-ounce rabbit decoy. This is one of the most popular coyote hunting tactics, as rabbits make up a large part of their diet. Later in the spring when does are beginning to give birth, pair a fawn-in-distress call with Fanwzy or use the Kojo coyote decoy. Add in some yips and howling to give coyotes within earshot the impression that others are inspecting your spread. During the spring, male coyotes pair up with a female for breeding purposes. Breeding has more than likely taken place, and momma needs to eat, so locate and set up in these denning areas. Don’t be surprised when two dogs come running to your calls - the female will often lag behind the male. Also important to remember is that most whitetails give birth to fawns late April into May. The coyote’s diets are said to switch to a predominantly fawn diet during this time. We recommend Fawnzy as your decoy of choice to fool prowling predators in the spring. The decoys provide the assurance that what they hear is real. As with most situations, two are better than one. There is a better chance of the coyote spotting at least one of the decoys and it draws their attention as they work their way in. Work With the Wind and Habitat As we mentioned earlier, coyote habitats vary. So no matter what terrain you end up in - rolling dairy hills, grasslands, or wooded river beds - always remember to set up across fields or open areas to give yourself the best view possible. Call into thickets, ditches, or other areas where coyotes may be prowling for their next meal. Be stealthy, silent and stay low when approaching a good spot to set up, because coyotes have a keen eye. Pay attention to the direction of the wind. It should always be in your face. A challenge of hunting coyotes is wind, especially in the west where it’s likely to blow for days on end. Swirling winds that carry human scent all across the prairies will only make the dogs more cautious and unresponsive. Don’t give up on days like this, though. You never know when a coyote will present itself. Just be ready to make quick, long-range shots...
40 | Hunting & Fishing News
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Let’s face it wild turkeys — like ducks and geese — are social birds. Despite what you may have heard, fall hens and gobblers do call a lot at times. There are also more wild turkeys in the fall woods than at any point during the year as well, as predators and weather factors will cull some this winter. Here’s a tactic that puts these facts to good use. Duck hunters in flooded timber and goose callers in cut cornfields do it all the time. They call. A lot. Fall turkey hunters should too in certain situations. If a turkey season is still open where you live — many are outside of the northeast: some through December; some into January and February as well down south — you, and another buddy or two (or five!), can set up on a ridge or behind cover not far from a roost, spread out, noting where each guy is sitting.
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42 | Hunting & Fishing News
Better yet, once those turkeys wing to the ground, it’s now time to turn on the calling. Kee-kees, kee-keeruns, gobbler and hen yelps, clucks, purrs and even gobbles work to interest flocks. Use those calls. Most manufactured models offer at least basic instructions for making each vocalization. Most mornings there’s a window of opportunity as the flock gathers together before moving off. Set up close enough to the roost in a travel zone, call frequently to seem like many birds, and one of you may have a turkey close enough for a shot. You can also call together during the day to possibly make contact with fall turkeys in your hunting area. Spring gobbler season is months away. Why not give turkeys a try now? You or your buddies may be driving a Yamaha ATV or Side-by-Side out of there with a December holiday turkey in the back.
JUMP SHOOTING: A LOW-COST GATEWAY Dallas Land COMPANY TO
WATERFOWL HUNTING
By Ian Malepeai IF&G
ump shooting ducks is an exciting way for anyone to hunt ducks and geese. Jwake It does not require expensive equipment, a dog (although handy), or having to up early in the morning. All you need is: Shotgun ...hunting license Migratory bird (HIP) permit Nontoxic shotgun shell (steel shot) Federal migratory bird stamp (all hunters 16 or older) Here are some helpful steps that will help you be successful. Do some scouting Small creeks, ponds, river bottoms, or other bodies of water is where you will want to focus. Look for areas where ducks can be out of the water’s current, out of the wind, and next to banks near cover. Since we are focusing on jump shooting without a dog, you will want to look for water that you can easily navigate around to retrieve downed birds, or spots that allow for shots over dry land. Talking to friends and people at the local sporting goods store will give you a good start, but don’t feel like you need a “spot” to start with. Getting in the field and problem solving a plan is one of the most rewarding parts of hunting. Hunt mid-day In the morning and evening the ducks are usually on the move flying to and from feeding areas. During the day, they will tend to loaf around on the water. On stormy and windy days, waterfowl will move to sheltered coves, river bends, and breaks. Jump shooting is usually best in the late morning and afternoon, while during the mornings and evenings the hunting is typically better with decoys. Hunting mid-day will also mean you’re less likely to disturb people hunting over decoys, or worse, sneaking up on their decoys (it happens). Get close Now that you’ve spotted birds you want to jump shoot, it’s time to plan your approach. Before moving in, look for terrain, brush or trees that can conceal your approach. Keeping focused on the objective, make sure you stay aware of where you will be going. As you get close - get low and go slow. You may need to crawl to get into position. Don’t rush, this is all about getting into position. Knowing the birds will immediately fly away, you want to get within 20 yards of them, and closer is better. Keep your gun pointed in a safe direction, and be careful not to get any mud or debris in the barrel. The flush Once you are in shooting distance, it’s time to plan your flush. It is best to stand up, or pick a short approach path. Once you are ready, quickly move to your spot, set your feet, and show yourself to the ducks. If you are in position and they still have not seen you, a quick yell will flush them. The shot The anticipation of the stalk will be exciting, but try to remain calm. When the birds flush, choose a single bird and do not “flock shoot” in the area of a group of ducks. This will usually result in wounded birds, or missing all of them. Shooting at the body is usually best, but aiming for the head or neck area is even better so you don’t shoot behind or beneath them. Flushing birds fly deceptively fast. When choosing a duck, your first shot may want to be at a duck on the outside of the flock. This gives your shot a wider pattern and allows you to shoot a second, closer bird with your next shot. If a bird is wounded on the water, it is best to shoot it again rather than at another bird to prevent the potential of losing the wounded bird. After your initial shots, you should mark where your downed birds are and reload. Your shot may also flush other ducks nearby, and you might get passing shots if they fly within range. Some helpful (but not necessary) equipment: Camouflage clothing can help conceal your approach and limit the risk of the ducks seeing you before you can flush them. Waterproof waders can help in both the approach to the ducks that may be in wet areas, and assist in retrieving downed ducks in water. Binoculars can help you find ducks that may be too far to see with the naked eye. It can also help you identify species of ducks or geese that may be in the group, and assist in how you will plan your sneak approach. It will also help avoid the potentially awkward situation of “jump shooting” another hunter’s decoys. A dog. As long as it doesn’t disrupt your stalk, almost any dog can help you locate downed birds because they all have powerful noses.
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Hunting & Fishing News | 43
Expectation: We’ll have a pleasant hike to our secluded spot on a public creek, leaving plenty of time to toast opening day with a fresh cup of coffee. Reality: My GPS malfunctioned and I found myself stumbling through a beaver swamp that wasn’t supposed to be there. A roosting grouse thundered from a branch approximately next to my ear and I shrieked like that goat on YouTube that sounds like Taylor Swift. Expectation: The decoy spread will be set with precision. Photo Courtesy Delta Waterfowl
The Expectations and Realities of Waterfowling By Kyle Wintersteen, Managing Editor Delta Waterfowl www.deltawaterfowl.org
I
t happens every year on the night before duck season: I lie awake in bed as if a kid on Christmas Eve pondering a BB-gun-shaped present under the tree. Restlessly twisting and turning like a flock of teal — and ultimately causing my wife to bounce one of her many pointless throw pillows off my forehead — I’m wide-eyed with visions of wood ducks and mallards dangling their feet over my decoys. My optimism on opening-day eve isn’t just high, it’s decidedly irrational. Sure, I’ve had some good openers, but most were simply OK and others were well … awful. Yet somehow as waterfowlers we’re able to block out the bad and remember only the good. Case in point: My expectations of what would occur versus the cruel realities of opening day 2014, a fantastically memorable affair for all the wrong reasons.
Reality: Two decoys were swept away before sunrise and never seen again. Expectation: The teal, wood ducks and mallards we scouted will not only return, they’ll bring the motherlode with them. Reality: By 10 a.m., every flight of crows made my stomach flip as my brain tried desperately to turn them into ducks. Expectation: My dog will sit mannerly on the bank, handle unflinchingly to each downed duck and retrieve gingerly to hand. My buddies will compliment me on his progress from last season. Reality: The only thing my dog retrieved was a sandwich from my buddy’s duffle, which he swallowed whole. He later broke on a passing heron and returned covered in burrs. Expectation: My calling will be masterful and lure limits of naïve early-season greenheads. My buddies will compliment me on my progress from last season. Reality: In my excitement, I called way too loudly and flared the first pair. My lanyard was placed on a one-hunt suspension. Expectation: We’ll likely see a game warden. It’ll go well.
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Reality: The first thing the warden said was, “Sounds like everybody is shooting except for you folks, heh-heh.” He checked a buddy’s license and asked to see how his new Benelli Vinci works. That’s when my pal demonstrated that the Vinci’s magazine spring not only removes easily for cleaning, it’s also possible to eject it shockingly far into a creek and lose it forever. The same buddy then gestured toward me and said, “Hey, that guy on the end is an outdoor writer.” During the extra-thorough check that ensued, a drake wood duck swung by and the warden paused so I could shoot. I missed three times. Expectation: After the action finally slows, we can walk the creek and jump-shoot our remaining ducks. Reality: Shortly into our first stalk, I discovered my waders were leaking. But one wet knee didn’t much matter when I slipped on a rock, faceplanted and created a portable neoprene jacuzzi.
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Expectation: The duck straps will weigh us down on the hike out, but our excitement as we recount the day’s events will carry us to the finish line.
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Reality: Little was audible aside from the “slosh-slosh-slosh” of my water-logged footsteps. At the truck, I was unable to dislodge my soggy feet from my waders, and so had to brace myself as a friend yanked on my boots — much to the delight of passing motorists.
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44 | Hunting & Fishing News
Expectation: I’ll be excited to hunt again tomorrow. Reality: I couldn’t wait to hunt again the next day. (We shot ducks, too.)
Where to Chase the Fish this Month WINTER FISHING
(continued from page 21)
Flathead Lake On the Flathead, find a spot on shore with large rocks, preferably on a point and you should be able to tangle with eater-sized lake trout. These lake trout will be keying in on gravel areas to spawn, from 20 to 80 feet. Using spoons, tube jigs or diving crankbaits, Kamloops, and Kastmasters can be effective. If you’re interested in a whitefish/laker combo, fish off the Polson Bridge in the evenings. The Flathead river will also produce good whitefish fishing. Find holes and deeper runs where the fish hold up just out of the heavy current, then bounce a dark green jig in front of the lie and you should get whitefish in the 3 to 5 pound range. The traditional holes at the Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access Site area and then upstream at Pressentine Bar and up to Columbia Falls always produce good fishing.
Idaho Steelhead Update From Fisheries Manager Joe Dupont IF&G
ith steelhead harvest season open Oct.15 on the W Clearwater River, anglers are reminded that Idaho Fish and Game is continuing the one-fish bag limit for hatchery
steelhead until Dec. 31 in order to continue reduced harvest on hatchery steelhead and protect wild steelhead. The lower bag limit applies in the mainstem Clearwater River, Middle Fork Clearwater River, North Fork of the Clearwater River, South Fork Clearwater River, Snake River, Salmon River and Little Salmon River. Steelhead returns continue to be below average, and Clearwater Region Fisheries Manager Joe DuPont provides an update on this year’s return. Salmon and Snake River Returns The story for the Idaho hatchery steelhead returns to the Salmon and Snake rivers is the same as I reported back in August. These returns are down and as low as we have seen since 1978... Although these returns are poor, enough steelhead are projected to make it back to our hatchery traps to allow some harvest opportunities. This is why the steelhead rules were changed to one fish a day on September 3. Clearwater River Steelhead Return The run of hatchery steelhead over Bonneville Dam that are bound for the Clearwater River is just about over...this year’s run is below the eight year average...,but it is better than what occurred last year and in 2013...What is very different about this year’s return when compared to last year is the majority (96%) of the return is represented by fish that spent two years in the ocean... This is good news and bad news. It’s good in that most of the steelhead you will be catching this year are the larger fish that draw so many people to this fishery. In fact, we are getting many reports from anglers that these fish are bigger than they have seen in past years with some fish in the 15-17 pound category being caught.... Steelhead Rules Starting October 15...daily limit of one (1) steelhead for the entire state (Clearwater, Salmon and Snake) for the rest of the year. For all these fisheries, there will be no size restriction meaning you can keep whatever size steelhead you catch. However, remember, once you harvest your one fish you must stop fishing for steelhead for the day. We will evaluate steelhead harvest and brood stock collection through the year and decide sometime around mid-December what the rules will be starting January 1...Good luck fishing.
46 | Hunting & Fishing News
OPTIONS AROUND BOZEMAN (continued from page 11)
Your nymph selection on the spring creeks is going to look different than on a freestone. San Juan Worms can still be effective, but you will want to downsize to some sort of micro worm or floss worm. My preferred lead nymph is some sort of Sowbug or Scud pattern. A Ray Charles is a great Sowbug imitation. My favorite colors for these types of patterns are tan, orange, and pink. For a dropper nymph, it is hard to beat a midge or Baetis pattern in #18- #22. Some top picks in my box are a Zebra Midge, non-beadhead Pheasant Tail, and thread midges in red or black. Reading the water on the spring creeks is different than on a freestone as well. Since the water is so much warmer on the creeks, the fish are not packed into a few deep holes. They will be found throughout the creeks, including fast water and riffles. My strategy is to choose what type of water to fish based on the technique that I am using. When nymphing, I look for broken riffles and deep holes and runs. When looking for risers and fishing dries, I look for gentle riffles, glides, and flats.
Madison River
Most winter fishing takes place on the “Lower” Madison, that being the section of the Madison River below Ennis Dam down to the headwaters of the Missouri River at Three Forks, MT. The most popular areas for winter fishing are in Beartrap Canyon and immediately below in the stretch between the Warm Spring’s and Black’s Ford Fishing Access Sites. The section from Warm Springs to Black’s Ford can be floated, but most anglers prefer to wade fish during winter. This way you can head back to your truck immediately if the weather turns nasty, instead of being committed to being on the water for a certain duration. Beartrap Canyon is a wilderness area that can be accessed from its upper end just below Ennis Dam or its lower end from a trailhead on the far side of the river from the Warm Spring’s Boat Ramp. Reading the water on the Lower Madison can be difficult to the uninitiated because it is a very broad, flat, uniform river. The river contains many weedbeds and sandbars, and you are looking for the “buckets” of slower, deeper water created in the river. There is also some more obvious structure in the form of large boulders and islands. This section of river can be a bit frustrating at first, but becomes pretty easy to read if you put in some time. The Lower contains an abundant population of crayfish, so a crayfish imitation makes a good lead fly. As usual, San Juan Worms produce well and are another good choice. For a dropper nymph, I like something with a little flash to it, so carry various small, flashy nymphs such as Lightning Bugs and Copper John’s in #16 and #18. The Lower can have good midge hatches during the winter, but the wind can often make it tough to fish dry flies. Look for rising fish in protected waters along the willows or in back eddies.
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