HUNTING & FISHING MONTANA
February 2018
2018 Western Hunting Dates & Deadlines Coyote Hunting: Best Calls, Guns, Tips Building A Reloading Workbench
The Key To Successful Shooting... HSM Ammunition Made in Stevensville MT. Available at your local retailer.
CELEBRATING 101 YEARS OF SERVING MONTANA!
A MONTANA TRADITION OF ADVENTURE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
MISSOULA
3015 Paxson St.
728-3220
BOZEMAN
3011 Max Ave.
586-4381
HELENA
3323 Dredge Dr.
443-2138
BUTTE
1925 Dewey Blvd.
494-4452
Shop online 24/7 at www.bobwards.com
HAMILTON
1120 N. 1st. St.
363-6204
MISSOULA
3015 Paxson St. 728-3220
BOZEMAN
3011 Max Ave. 586-4381
HELENA
BUTTE
3323 Dredge Dr. 1925 Dewey Blvd. 443-2138 494-4452 www.bobwards.com
HAMILTON
1120 N. 1st. St. 363-6204
Hard Water Bows M By Trevor Johnson, Kit’s Tackle www.kitstackle.com
y very first fish caught through the ice was a rainbow trout. Although I can remember the experience, I’m sure some of the memory stems from the relic of the photograph and the stories told. I was three years old and on the south end of Canyon Ferry Lake. The same techniques we used 33 years ago to land big bows is the very same to this day. This is a universal tactic and works from Hebgen Lake to the small mountain lakes in Western Montana. Rainbow trout are very active in the cold water months and bring a huge amount of excitement to anglers of any level. And the neatest part of taking on the hard water is it gives all anglers the same advantage getting to spots on a body of water. I usually spend a fair amount of time on the importance of ice safety, but February is usually a solid month for ice. Especially after the couple weeks of below zero we had around Christmas and New Year’s. Always keep in mind that ice conditions will be different in all places due to weather, currents and springs amongst a multitude of other factors. It is always a good idea to check on current conditions and act as if it was first or last ice. No fishing, no matter how good the bite is, is worth risking your life!
The cool thing about rainbow trout is that they usually feed in the upper part of the water column in the winter months. Any guesses why?? FLEAS!! That’s right, WATER FLEAS!! Zooplankton is a tiny animal found near the surface in aquatic environments. In most of our Montana waters it is a form of zooplankton called Daphnia. Daphnia is a small aquatic water crustacean commonly called “water fleas” due to their swimming style that resembles the movements of fleas. They congregate in the upper part of the water column because it gathers the most light. Daphnia feed off of phytoplankton (plant life) which is near the surface to gather light. So, what does this all mean to YOU the angler?? The trout forage heavily on zooplankton (Daphnia) which is the small gobs of tiny crustaceans you see in the back of their throats. Now we have to figure out how to match a tiny little aquatic water insect right?! WRONG! Just because it is their main stay forage base, doesn’t mean they won’t take an exotic meal! For example, picture an elk feeding on grasses all year in a meadow. All of a sudden an airplane flies over and the pilot throws a half ate apple out the window. The apple lands by the elk, it gets a whiff and DELICIOUS!! Fish are no different; they are simple creatures and learn by trial and error. Anything that moves or looks alive in the water is a forage opportunity to a fish. Another view of thought here is how would your tiny little Daphnia imitating midge stand out from the billions that reside in the lake? We typically use two different set ups for icing big bows. The first is the marabou or glass minnow jig. Our all-time favorite is the solid black or any darker color in marabou and all colors of the glass minnows. Although forage like leeches are not out in the winter months, trout have repetitive memories and can’t resist. The key with the marabou and glass jigs is NO BAIT! THAT’S RIGHT, NO BAIT! It is important to tie direct to the jig with either mono or a fluorocarbon leader if you are using a braided line. And now for the most important part, the depth! Whether the lake you are fishing in is 15 or 100 feet of water we set our baits at the same depth. The magic depth we have found is 6-10 feet below the ice. And the fish that might be found deeper will come up to pursue the bait. Don’t forget, fish only see up and to the sides! And when that marabou jig is getting ripped through the clouds of Daphnia, the big bows will come cruising in! And this is where it gets fun; a rainbow trout can go from zero to twenty mph in seconds equating to ferocious arm shattering bites! -The key here is to keep the jig moving. The marabou is so subtle that it flows in the water making it effective as a dead rod, but nothing compared to the jigging motion. -The jigging motion is a fast 15’’ or so lift and then throw your rod tip back down towards the water letting the jig fall on a slack line. The trout will always hit when the jig is sinking. As the jig sinks to the end of the slack and you rip back up it will feel like you hooked a beaver under the ice. And then hang on that drag is going to be smokin’ PICTURED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
SPORTFISHING
MULTI-SPECIES - CANYON FERRY - HAUSER - HOLTER
Brown Trout • Rainbow Trout • Walleye • Yellow Perch FORT PECK TRIPS
On the Water
Walleye • Northern Pike • Smallmouth Bass Clinics! FLY FISHING - JET BOAT AND LAKE BOAT TRIPS Contact us today at Kit’s Tackle Sportfishing to learn more about a fishing adventure with Kit’s Tackle.
406.459.2841 • 406.459.5206 • www.kitstackle.com CAPTAIN TREVOR JOHNSON US COAST GUARD License #3589830 CAPTAIN KIT JOHNSON US COAST GUARD License #3582779
4 | Hunting & Fishing News
Steinmetz Outfitters #9388 Josh Steinmetz Phone #406.439.4366
The Ice Fly w/maggots, the Black Marabou Jig and lastly, the Walleye Fry Glass Minnow. The second method, usually used on our dead sticks (meaning rods we are not holding in our hands) is the small ice fly. With this rig, WE DO USE BAIT. MAGGOTS!! We always keep the maggot containers in our pockets to keep the little fellers warm and squiggly! (continued on page 19)
35th ANNUAL
HELENA BOAT SHOW On-Site Financing! Big Rebates! Factory Reps! New and Used Boats! Something for everyone! 406.443.7373
FEBRUARY 16, 17, 18 Fairgrounds In Helena
Free Admission - Free Parking www.onewaymarine.com
A GREAT BOAT DESERVES A GREAT ENGINE Portable Engine Series
BF20, BF15, BF9.9, BF8, BF6, BF5, BF4, BF2.3 Quiet, reliable, fuel efficient and loaded with features. Plenty of power for all your electronics, even when trolling. Easy starting and quick warm-up. Smooth rides, less operator fatigue and truly peaceful moments in the great outdoors. Everything you want in a portable outboard: easy starting, lightweight, fuel efficient, quiet, low vibration, and high performance. The ideal combination of power and portability. Purchase yours today. Where You, Quality & Service Come First
3186 Hwy. 12 East, Helena 406-443-7373 www.onewaymarine.com
Full Parts & Service Departments © 2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.
Photo courtesy Lazy J Bar O
Lodge Like Atmosphere With Resort Amenities •Spacious & Comfortable Rooms • Free Hot Breakfast •Large Indoor Pools & Jacuzzis - All Hotels • Business Meeting Facilities •High Speed Internet Access • Exercise & Game Rooms •iPod Docking Stations In All Rooms •Refrigerators, Microwaves, Coffee Makers In Every Room • 42” or 50” Flat Screen TV In Every Room
BILLINGS - 800-655-1170 BOZEMAN - 866-782-2717 MISSOULA - 888-989-5569 www.cmoninn.com
Lost Trail Powder Mountain
SEASON PASS SALE GO FOR THE SNOW
STARTING MARCH 1ST BUY A SEASON PASS AND USE IT THE REST OF THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR TOO. VISIT LOSTTRAIL.COM 6 | Hunting & Fishing News
First Time On A Horse Or Mule Driven Hunt? Here’s What To Expect And How To Prepare. By Zach Lazzari www.lazyjbaro.com
H
orses and mules bring some major advantages and conveniences in the backcountry. You can hire outfitters to drop you at a spike camp or fully outfit and guide your trip. Preparing for a horse driven trip requires some advanced knowledge to customize your gear and properly utilize livestock. Outfitters typically use experienced and mature horses and mules to transport you and your equipment safely. Livestock will help you access remote areas without expending energy on the trail. You can also pack out your kill without having to hoist it on your back. Weighing and Packing - Packing is somewhat tricky and requires advance communication with your outfitter. The outfitter must pack saddle bags evenly and plan weight distribution. Talk to the packer about maximum bag size and the maximum weight for each saddle bag. If they are supplying the camp gear, all the better. They will have everything dialed and you can simply focus on your own equipment. If you are supplying everything, ensuring each bag is at or slightly under size and weight is important. You don’t have to skimp on the luxuries as the horses/mules can handle the load, distribution is the key here. Pack and weigh everything, then report the total to your outfitter so they can plan for the trip. Choose Your Footwear Wisely - Most hunting boots will work for riding. Fitting in the stirrup is the most important aspect of footwear choice. Oversized winter boots may not fit the stirrup. Ultralight hiking shoes will work but the lack of a heel makes it difficult to put pressure on the stirrup. Wear a comfortable hiking or hunting boot with a little heel for riding and carry any additional footwear in the saddle bags. Prepare Your Muscles - While the livestock does the heavy lifting, your leg muscles will get a slight workout on the trail. Ideally, you will ride a few times before the trip to prepare. If advanced riding is not an option, focus on building your core. Also do some light lifting with your lower body. Squats and lunges help prepare for horseback. Stretching will also make a huge difference. Stay limber to recover quickly from the ride. On the Trail - The trailhead is a pretty involved process. The outfitter will prep packs and saddle bags, then setup on the livestock. If camp is already setup, it will go quickly. If they are packing a large set of gear, it may take some time. When the pack string and riding animals are ready, you will mount and adjust stirrups until you are comfortable. Grab the reigns and you are off and running. Call 406-932-5687 to book with Lazy J Bar O Outfitters.
Trijicon
RMR®
Drought Harms More Than Just The Landscape MFWP Drought impacts wildlife, too.
A
s we enter the season of complaining about the snow and cold, reminders of this summer’s drought remain in the form of haystacks, cows and pocketbooks that are all far too thin. The same is true for deer and other wildlife species. Some impacts of the drought were immediate, like low chick survival for pheasants and sharptails. Lack of moisture meant low numbers of beetles and other bugs that provide protein critical for chicks to grow during the first couple weeks of life. Poor chick production equates to disappointed hunters, since young-of-the-year birds typically comprise over 75% of the harvest. Other impacts will take longer to notice. For deer, every winter is a test of endurance. They rely on stored fat reserves to make up the difference between their daily energy expenditures and what few calories they can consume. Most of their winter diet consists of woody browse. This year’s drought has left many deer in poorer-than-average condition. Fawns are noticeably smaller than normal. Even slight deficits in stored fat reserves can have big impacts. “Almost” doesn’t count if you’re a deer desperately trying to make it to spring green-up. Of course, a lot will depend on what winter brings. Mild so far, but deep snows or bitterly cold temperatures cause deer to use up precious energy at a faster rate. Even in the absence of hunting, normal overwinter mortality is around 25% for deer (and we expect that figure may be higher this year)—that’s why we say hunting mortality is “compensatory”—it doesn’t impact population levels. In fact, heavier harvest during times like this is a good thing. You reduce the number of mouths on the landscape. You split those critical and limited winter resources between fewer deer. The result is higher overwinter survival. Fewer fetal resorptions and abortions (starvation is the #1 cause of both), and more fawns hit the ground in the spring. Does in good body condition produce more and better-quality milk, and stronger fawns more capable of surviving the following winter. It’s somewhat counterintuitive, but by harvesting heavier in the fall, you can actually end up with more deer on the landscape the following year. It’s similar to a rancher cutting numbers. If you have 150 cows but only hay enough for 100, it makes sense to sell off 50 rather than risk your whole herd starving or not producing healthy calves in the spring. Vegetation is not only important for nutrition, but also for cover. In years like this when vegetation production is low, utilization is high. We saw emergency haying and grazing of CRP, folks cutting anything and everything possible for hay - all necessary things to help ranchers stay alive in this tough year, but all things that reduce cover for wildlife. We all know that cover is critical for upland game birds through all walks of life. Game birds and eggs are tasty, but without adequate cover they are vulnerable to both ground-based and aerial predators. Newborn deer, elk and antelope fawns in the ‘hider’ stage rely on holding still in heavy cover to avoid predation. Cover also has thermal benefits, protecting wildlife from wind and blowing snow. This year’s drought will no doubt benefit coyotes, as it will be easier to find a meal this winter and coming spring, but the negative impacts to game species will continue. With any luck, next year will be a wet one—with lots of complaints about rain and mud.
Rugged Miniature Reflex Sight In a recent Norwich University study* of traditional pistol iron sights versus a pistol mounted Trijicon RMR red dot sight,
the RMR showed a 26% user improvement. The Most Rugged Miniature Red Dot Sight Available
★UNIQUE PATENTED HOUSING SHAPE Forged 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum-alloy housing shape diverts the force of an impact away from the lens. ★TRUE-COLOR MULTI-COATED LENS Creates a wide-band light transmission for minimal change in target area color. ★ADJUSTABLE WINDAGE / ELEVATION Easily adjustable without special tools. 1 MOA per click. ★DUAL-ILLUMINATED RMR® Tritium-phosphor lamp illuminates reticle in low-light conditions and fiber optics automatically adjust the brightness level and contrast to available light conditions. ★LED RMR® Automatically adjusts illuminated reticle to available light conditions. CR2032 battery lasts 2 years of typical use. ★VERSATILE SIGHT Multiple primary applications including rifle, pistol, shotgun and carbine, or use as a secondary sight with a magnified optic. Available in LED, Adjustable LED, or Dual Illuminated versions, and with dot sizes ranging from 1.0 MOA to 13 MOA
RM01 3.25 MOA Red Dot
RM08 12.9 MOA Green Triangle
RM05 9 MOA Amber Dot
Purchase yours at
*Results based on 2011 study conducted by the Department of Justice Studies and Sociology Norwich University, Northfield, VT.
DON’T CROWD THE PLOW!! Tips for Sharing the Road with Snowplows • Slow Down - drive for conditions • Stay Back - at least 5 car lengths • Watch for Whiteouts - use caution with reduced visibility • Stay Alert • Be Patient - plows are clearing roads to ensure your safety
For condition info and more:
Visit www.mdt511.com Download “MDT Travel Info” app Dial 511 (in state) or 800-226-7623
Like us on
https://www.facebook.com/HuntingFishingNews Contests, photos, hunting and fishing news recipes and more
MONTANA HUNTING & FISHING NEWS Have it delivered FREE monthly to your inbox.
Just go to www.huntingfishingnews.net
HOW TO CONTACT US: email: huntingfishingnews@yahoo.com or phone
Rick Haggerty (406) 370-1368 for ADVERTISING
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 14 Issue 8 Cover Photo: ©Mikael Males | Dreamstime.com
8 | Hunting & Fishing News
Photo courtesy Preston Bankson and www.ammoland.com
Building a Reloading Workbench – Do’s & Don’ts By Preston Bankson www.ammoland.com
A
fter a few years of reloading on modified garage shelving, I decided it was time to build a legit reloading workbench. Upfront disclaimer: My bench resides in a spare bedroom. This means my bench features two particular features that I would change were it in a garage: 1. I would bolt the bench to the wall. 2. My wife asked that I make a sincere effort to make the bench “as attractive as possible,” which I accomplished with precise measurements and wood stain.
Bench Do’s Blueprint the bench – MUST DO My wife comes from an architecture background and is a real whiz in software programs like AutoCAD, Google SketchUp, etc. In a few hours over drinks she modeled out my bench, and we figured out that some of the structural elements that I was planning wouldn’t work. This saved me time and money by eliminating build errors up front. If you don’t have access to someone who can model on a computer (or you can’t spare $10 to bribe them with beer) Google SketchUp has a free version, and you can find tutorial videos on the Internet. You could also draw a plan by hand and, if you go this route, I encourage you to draw it to scale. Remember the adage, “measure twice, cut once.” Go big or go home My bench top measures 5’ x 3’, and I have yet to need more space than this. My top is as sturdy as can be and cheap too! I used two 8’ x 4’ sheets of ¾ inch plywood and cut them down to 5’ x 3’ and then glued and screwed them together. Seal, if using wood Most benches will be made from wood. Adding even one coat of polyurethane, like Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane, to the entire surface of the bench will smooth out the wood, seal it from moisture, and improve the look. For the bench top, I would recommend a few coats of sealant to prolong the life of this wood through years of exposure to solvents, gun oil, etc.
Put on weight – MUST DO A key finding in my upfront research on bench building was that adding weight from the stuff you decide to store on or in your bench is critical to stability, especially if not bolting to a cinderblock wall or wood studs. In other words, design in places for your heavy gear and supplies. Think through your press mount No matter how you are making your bench top and attaching it to your frame, make sure to consider your reloading press mounting. The long story short is that I did not think these measurements through and instead of using three bolts and nuts to attach my single stage press, I had to use two lag screws and only one bolt. I ran a key piece of frame right under where my back two bolts would have gone, so I had to buy long lag screws to firmly secure the press to the bench. Pro tip: Use liquid nails when mounting your press. This helped attach my lag screws to the wood. Utilize built-in shelving – MUST DO Adding shelving below and/or above the bench top is obviously good for storage and convenience. What I did not appreciate fully before researching my build was the large benefit of additional weight. The items I am storing on my bench weigh more than the bench itself. This additional weight adds rigidity to the frame and prevents flex when using your press. Take time to consider what you will store on the bench and where you want it to be located. It was well worth ten minutes spent measuring bullet boxes, primer boxes, die boxes, etc. and building shelving to best fit my needs. You can see in the picture shown that the die boxes and primer boxes slide in perfectly. Mount to the wall, if possible This is a simple and cheap way to add rigidity and strength to your workbench. Also, when pulling press handles, the bench won’t tend to pull towards you. Customize This is probably the only reloading bench that you build for decades. Take plenty of time up front to think about features that YOU want. I added these features to suit my needs: • Multi-Level Lip – Allows me to clamp accessories that would not fit on the full 1.5” lip of my bench top • Stain • Custom work height – Grab a friend and a tape measure. Stand up, grab your phone, and start typing a text –now pause and have your friend measure from the ground to the lower side of your wrists. This will be roughly the same height measurement as from the ground to your elbow. Whatever height you measure, subtract 3-5 inches and build your bench to that height. I am 6’2”, and I am incapable of expressing how much better it is for me to work on a 42” tall work surface than the 36” height which I had been working on. My young back is already singing praises. •Recessed lower shelving – This enables me to use a stool and have my knees sit comfortably under the bench top. While the bench is 36” deep, the lower shelving starts at the back and only comes 24” toward the front, leaving a nice 12” open area for my legs. Again, my back is rejoicing.
Bench Don’ts
Over-complicate the structure...I utilized a strong, unique frame setup. While this was cool and improved the strength of my bench, it was a headache, required extra tools, creativity, and wood glue when pieces snapped… Building this again, I would have gone with a more simple attachment system between the legs and the upper frame. Your uses, budget, patience, tools, and skill will determine how crazy your structure will be. I have become more of an advocate for the K.I.S.S. model – Keep it Simple... Stain While the stain adds personality to my bench, this step added time and effort that could have been spent reloading or, preferably, unloading! If this were not going into the house, I would not have bothered to stain many or any surfaces; however, I would still seal the wood, for the reasons mentioned earlier. Forget to update your model If you decide mid-build that a certain change is a good idea, do it! But you MUST go back to your reloading bench plan and ensure that your epiphany will work (have a second party check your math/logic). If it DOES work, then you MUST update your model and delete the old one so that you aren’t referencing old data when you check the model. See the ALL CAPS above? I may have made this mistake….. twice…. I was not a happy camper either time. Forget to check your model often Similar to what I just mentioned, I recommend having a physical copy of your bench plans with you while building. If you cannot or choose not to do this, at minimum check the plans regularly during the build to ensure you are on track and know your next measurements. There you have it, the Dos and Don’ts of building a reloading workbench. Take your time and enjoy! Most reloaders are tinkerers by nature. Consider this a fun project for the next few months and get into it. As with most things in life, you get out of it what you put into it.
Dallas Land COMPANY
112 Willow • Helena, MT. 59602
443-5110
37 years helping buyers and sellers. Let us help you today.
www.dallas-land.com
Shores of Upper Holter Lake 4 Bedroom, 1 acre, private dock, fully furnished. $300,000 MLS# 298807
Scenic 10 Acre Home Site
Off Hwy 12. Power to building site. Seasonal creek. Borders BLM. Close to Canyon Ferry Lake and Elkhorns. $100,000 MLS# 298500
Heart of some great hunting and fishing areas
23+ Acres - Great Recreation Area
HOA dock on Hauser Lake, private sapphire digging area, deep high producing well, and power is to the lot. $85,900 MLS# 298578
Empire Creek
20 acres bordering BLM. Year round creek, power, and spring. Close to Marysville. Excellent hunting. No restrictions. $60,000 MLS# 299934
A sportsman’s dream
Borders BLM/State Lands Affordable 3.54 acres overlooking the Missouri River near Townsend and Canyon Ferry Lake. $43,000 MLS# 299979
Call to list your property today! Don Dallas Curt Dallas Larry Johns Dan Felska
410-0406 410-0769 461-7214 450-0184
Hunting & Fishing News | 9
WE HAVE MOST ANYTHING YOU NEED FOR COLD WEATHER FISHING Night Crawlers $2.75/dz. Maggots $2.75 Fishing Gear & Bait Biggest Cigar Selection-Coldest Beer Around Novelty Section-Snacks 2 LOCATIONS
615 Helena Ave. corner Last Chance Gulch & Helena Ave. 406.443.8084
OR ON YOUR WAY TO THE LAKE
at 200 S. Montana Off Highway 12 East - East Helena 406.227.6519
Photo courtesy Montana Angler
Book Your Stay In HOLTER LAKE HOUSE
OR RV Hookup Now
VRBO 1060127
Holter Lake House Wolf Creek, Mt.
https://www.vrbo.com/1060127
Call 235.0176
> Private lake property > 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms > A boat ramp for your own boat and fishing from the dock Rent by week or month only
With hours seven days a week, we are right where you need us.
OPEN
SAT & SUN WEEKEND LOBBY
OPEN SAT AND SUN 10:00 - 2:00 PM WESTSIDE (inside Van’s Thriftway) 306 Euclid Avenue (406) 495-2480
WWW.VALLEYBANKHELENA.COM
WEEKEND DRIVE-UP OPEN SAT 10:00 - 2:00 PM
NORTH MONTANA 3030 North Montana Avenue (406) 495-2400 EASTSIDE 1900 9th Avenue (406) 495-2500 EAST HELENA 101 Lane Avenue (406) 495-2570
MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
10 | Hunting & Fishing News
THE GEOMETRY OF WADE FISHING IN MONTANA By Brian McGeehan Montana Angler Call 406-522-9854 or www.montanaangler.com
Iwen have a land where float fishing reigns supreme, great success on both our guided trips and our own personal fishing when wading. Float fishing obviously has some tremendous advantages such as covering vast amounts of water and accessing stretches of river that would be tough to get to by wading. Wade fishing, however, also brings a distinct set of advantages. Some of the best Montana fly fishing rivers or streams are too small to float fish. Even large rivers like the Madison and Yellowstone have sections of the river that you can’t reach from a boat such as side channels. While float fishing is
great for covering lots of water, wade fishing allows you to spend more time in highly productive locations like trout rich seams and riffle corners.
Many of our guides absolutely love to get out of a boat (or leave it behind) and hike or walk into very productive fisheries that are off of the radar of the numerous guides that prefer fishing from boats. I have found that most anglers that we guide can greatly improve their wade fishing productivity by simply focusing on where to position their body when fishing. The vast majority of folks that I fish with will walk into a run and pick out some good holding water in a location such as a seam or riffle drop. They then proceed to progressively fan out casts to hit each of these good looking spots without actually moving their bodies. By far the most important
technique that I have learned guiding wade fishing trips is that you have to constantly move your body when wade fishing.
There is usually a specific casting geometry that allows you to get the perfect presentation in a certain situation. Just because your flies have landed in a sexy patch of water doesn’t mean that they look right to the fish.
There are a myriad of different casting techniques, rod positions and drift angles that can be effective on different types of water. The key is to target what casting geometry has been productive and then position your body so that you can make the perfect presentation to the section of water that looks the most promising.
A typical example If you want to increase of this principle your hookup rates would be fishing hard seams when you are wading... or rocks. start paying attention These types to where your body of locations in a stream is positioned in the river or river produce and be willing drastic differences in currents. to move your feet! Trying to make long casts in pocket water with numerous lanes of currents is a fruitless endeavor because too much fly line ends up on the water resulting in almost instant drag on your flies. In this type of water condition “high sticking” is very productive. It requires making short casts followed by elevating the rod high in the air to keep most of the line off of the water. Usually the best location of the drift is directly across from the angler. There is usually a magical distance (not too close and not too far) where you get the best drift. It is important when fishing pocket water
that you constantly move your body to position it at this magic distance from the productive seams that occur just below rocks.
Another prime example of body position is when fishing to rising trout on spring creeks or technical water. Although one can write a book on casting techniques used on spring creeks (and many have), my favorite position on a spring creek when a trout is rising in a glassy slick is to have the trout directly across from me with just a little bit of a downstream angle. This position allows the flies to arrive at the trouts location before the tippet (if a reach or curve cast is used), but still affords a lot of control for casting and mending. Just as in fishing pocket water there is usually a magic distance as well which is a bit longer than in pocket water. If you are too close to the trout they will spook, but if you are too far the many lanes of current interfere with the drift and produce drag that is often only noticed by the trout and not the angler. When fishing in these situations I often spend several minutes planning my approach and determining where the best location will be from which to make my cast. I then spend several more minutes slowly creeping into position to avoid spooking the trout or pod of trout. Finally I make my first cast which will now hopefully be the perfect presentation.
2018 SPRING MACK DAYS
LAKE TROUT FISHING EVENT on FLATHEAD LAKE
Fish The Entire Lake
March 16 th to
May 13th
Up to
$225,000
CASH & PRIZES Tuesday through Sunday: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are for the contests, bonus amounts, and tagged fish. Tuesday - Thursday bonuses, tagged fish, Yeti tickets and 6 ($50) drawings. All it takes is one ticket to win in the lottery drawing (Fridays through Sundays only) (1)-$10,000 & (3) $5,000 & (5) $1000 + over 6,000 $100 to $500 tagged lake trout Top ten angler prizes - $800 to $300 pick your best 18/26-days count on Friday through Sunday (except last day) Captains $250-(4 prizes), Smallest lake trout $250-(2 prizes), Largest lake trout-$500 - (Friday - Sunday) Top lady anglers $300, $200, $100 - $100-totals used (Fri.-Sun.) Youth anglers - (17-13) 1st-$200, 2nd-$150, 3rd-$75, 4-5th-$50 (Fri.-Sun.) (12 & under) 1st-$100, 2nd-$75, 3rd-$50 (Fri.-Sun.) Weekend Prizes-$100x5 (Fri.-Sun.) drawn and announced weekly Golden Angler Award (70 & older) $200 & $100 by total fish Bucket Competition - 3 days of single/team heaviest 4 fish 3/30 Friday, 4/21 Saturday, 5/6 Sunday Yeti Cooler ticket: 1 for every 10 entries Tuesday through Sunday Last Day: $300, $200, $100 PLUS Heaviest Mack under 30” BONUSES: ALL ANGLERS WHO ENTER 11 or more LAKE TROUT WIN Every day counts: Tues. - Sun. (51 total days) See www.mackdays.com for complete rules We ask that all boats from out of the Flathead area be inspected for AIS.
Fish Fry for participants & families May 13th at Blue Bay 3:00 Awards Ceremony at 4:00 Entry forms will not be mailed out.
Enter online at www.mackdays.com
or pick up entries at local sporting good stores or you can even enter when you check in your fish at the check in stations during Mack Days. We remind you to follow all fishing regulations. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have a special $13 fishing permit for the south half on Flathead Lake that is available wherever fishing permits are sold.
Sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
2018 WESTERN HUNTING APPLICATION DEADLINES By Brady Miller
Originally published at
www.goHUNT.com State Species Utah All Species Nevada
Mule Deer Guided Draw Montana Deer, Elk
Strategy State article application released deadlines Deer-Feb 2 Elk & AntelopeFeb 5 Sheep, Moose, Goat- March 1 Feb 6 January 10 February 15
March 9 March 15
Seth Webb with his 2017 Colorado mule deer. Photo credit: Brady Miller
Application season is right around the corner.
...
DATES AND DEADLINES
Below is the tentative 2018 state application deadlines, application strategy article release dates and tentative draw result dates. These dates will be modified as each state releases more information. As of right now, they are based on previous years’ deadlines by looking at what day of the week they are typically released or the exact calendar date they tend to follow. See goHUNT’s INSIDER Application Strategy articles, which are released four weeks before the state deadlines. This gives you plenty of time to check out the new regulations, unit boundary changes, herd die-off information and tag allocation changes before you try to draw your dream tag. The 2018 Draw Odds update were made available the first part of January 2018. Another benefit to goHUNT’s online presence is that you have access to the latest and best information possible to help you prepare for hunts... Also, once an application strategy article is released, INSIDERs will be able to click on the date of release in our online tables to view the entire application strategy. In the meantime, you can always access Filtering 2.0 and Draw Odds to start your research ahead of when goHUNT publishes each state’s application strategy article.
2018 Application Strategy article publish date, state application deadlines and draw results State Species
Strategy State article application released deadlines
Deer &
See below Idaho Elk OTC* N/A table Alaska All Species N/A December 15 S. Dakota Deer Pref. N/A December 15 Points Wyoming Nonesident January 1 January 31 Elk Arizona Elk, Antelope January 15 February 13 Wyoming Moose, Sheep, February 1 February 28 Goat, Bison
12 | Hunting & Fishing News
Tentative state draw results N/A February 17 N/A February 28 March 23-CCs March 27-Portal Account May 10
Utah
Bonus Point
New Mexico
All Species
North Dakota
Bighorn Sheep, Elk Moose
Colorado All Species
South Dakota
Special Buck
Nevada All species Nevada Kansas Idaho
Bonus Point
N/A
N/A Deer, Elk, AntelopeMarch 15 Sheep, GoatMarch 19 N/A
All Species
April 2 Deer, ElkApril 16 Sheep, Mtn. Goat, Antelope, April 18
May 19-CCs May 23-emails and results posted March 25 April 18 (nonresident general) April 20 (Elk & Deer permits) N/A April 12
March 22
Deer-March 1 Sheep, Moose Goat-March 2 April 3 Elk, Antelope March 5
Nonresident Deer N/A Moose, Sheep, March 30 Goat
Moose, Montana Sheep, Goat, Bison
Oregon
N/A March 15 Elk, Deer, AntelopeFebruary 21 March 21 Sheep & ExocticsFebruary 22
Tentative state draw results
** Sheep & Goat-May 3 Deer, Elk Moose, Antelope: June 1 May 16-Backdoor Deer results Backdoor Elk results
April 14
**
April 16
May 26
April 23
N/A
April 27
June 1
April 30
May 17
May 1
June 12
May 15
June 15
Strategy State article application released deadlines
Tentative state draw results
South Elk, Sheep Dakota Goat
N/A
May 19
Washington All Species
N/A
May 23
May 31 June 15-Moose, Sheep, Goat
Wyoming Resident Elk
January 1
May 31
June 2
Deer, Wyoming Antelope
Deer, Antelope May 31 - April 30
Montana Antelope
AntelopeMay 1
California All Species Iowa Whitetail Deer, Elk, Idaho Antelope
State Species North Dakota Antelope South Dakota Antelope
June 22
Idaho
June 1
August 1
South Dakota
N/A
June 2
June 12
N/A Deer, Elk Antelope May 3
June 3
June 24
June 5
June 27
Deer
N/A
June 7
Deer, Sheep, Bison
Deer, Sheep, June 12 Bison-May 10
July 7-CCs July 17 (Portal Account)
Nevada
Deer 2nd Draw
N/A
June 25
July 14
Nevada
All Species Bonus Point
N/A
July 2
N/A
South Dakota
Deer
N/A
July 14
July 26
Spring Bison & Javelina
South Dakota
Deer (East River Nonresident)
August 2
**
N/A
August 11
August 15
August 15
August 23
September 1
September 14
N/A
October 10
November 21
N/A
October 13
**
**
*December 1, 2017 was the first-day nonresidents could start to purchase deer and elk tags (except Sawtooth elk tags). **North and South Dakota are states we wanted to add to this list.. We are working to get these tentative draw result dates.
(continued on page 16)
Support Western MT SCI
ing c a . br Em future IONS T AUC our IVE L &
Consider sponsoring or donating an auction item
NE R
N ON N MMO
C HC A PH TA E RP TT AANNA A T
ER
WE ES RT
ON
S TER HUN FOR T S FIR A
TI
Arizona
Arizona
Tentative state draw results
N/A
2nd Controlled N/A Draw Deer (East River N/A Resident), Muzzleloader
WE S T
North Dakota
Strategy State article application released deadlines
AL
State Species
S
A
FA
RI CLUB IN
NKS
DRI
R TE
N
ER INN
sD
April 7, 2018 HILTON Garden Inn (Missoula)
S FLE
F
s RA
T
LEN
s SI
19th Annual Western Montana
SCI Fundraising Thanks to our Banquet Show Sponsors
LEARN MORE:
www.westernmtSCI.ORG
Hunting & Fishing News | 13
The Quest for the Perfect Truck Gun Package Under $1200 By Patrick Roberts www.ammoland.com
T
Photo courtesy Patrick Roberts and www.ammoland.com
he decision is in on the perfect truck gun, including optics, magazines, and accessories for under $1200. If you are thinking this is another AR-15, guess again. Full disclosure, the quest for the perfect truck gun package under $1200 is over!...While my perfect truck gun might not align with your views on the subject, I am pretty positive that I selected the best possible option on the market priced at less than $1200 for the total package to fit my needs. What is a Truck Gun? I guess the first question that we need to answer is what a truck gun means to me. It wasn’t until a long conversation where Steve Fisher of Sentinel Concepts led me to an “ah-ha!” moment of the highest order...You might think I am crazy, but the reality of the situation is if you need a gun while in the car you are likely going to go for...whatever you have stashed in the center console. For most of us that means what you have tucked in the trunk or behind your truck seat is going to probably be flat out of reach when you need it most.
So what does that mean for the truck/trunk gun concept? It totally changed the roles that my truck gun would be tasked to fill... Selecting a Truck Gun With this new understanding of what a truck gun is to me, I was forced to come up with some very specific requirements for selecting a truck gun. The list that I came up with made the search seem much more like a government procurement than a random gun nerd searching for the best rifle for my needs. Approaching the subject with the most pragmaticism possible meant that I had to consider what uses I had for the rifle. Would it be used for personal protection or would it be more likely to be used to take game? Does a less common caliber like 6.5 Creedmoor offer enough of a benefit to offset limited ammo availability? Once I worked through all the details, I came up with a rough list of requirements that limited my rifle choices dramatically. Each requirement on the list below has a very specific purpose for being on the list and whatever rifle I chose had to fit all of them in order to be universally useful for me. Criteria for the perfect truck gun: -Effective out to ranges beyond 450 yards on...a typical whitetail deer from a supported position. -Effective to at least 100 yards from a standing position on a typical whitetail deer with only a sling for support. -Traditional hunting style stock. -Must be 5.56 AR mag, .308 PMAG, or AICS mag fed with at least 10 round magazines. -The barrel must be no longer than 18″ if a bolt action and no longer than 16″ if a semi-auto due to action length. -The rifle, loaded magazine, sling, and optic must weigh in at no more than 10 pounds total. (continued on page 17)
THE ALL NEW 2018 FORD F-150 Buckle Up. Extreme Off-Roading Ahead.
BROADWATER FORD
2018 Motor Trend Truck of the Year® 2018 Kelley Blue Book KBB.com Best Buy Award Winner*
406.266.5207 or 800.336.2263 Ask for Chad, Mike or Steve 7675 U.S.Hwy. 287, Townsend www.broadwaterford.net
Come see our HUGE SELECTION of Fords You Make The Drive - We Make The Difference *For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.
MONTANA’S RECREATIONAL SUPERCENTER! TOYHAULERS!
WE HAVE A FULL LINE OF HISUN ATVS & UTVS
LARGE SELECTION OF PRE-OWNED FORDS
SERVING ALL OF WESTERN MONTANA FOR ALUMACRAFT BOATS.
COME OUT AND SEE OUR SELECTION OF NEW AND PRE-OWNED ATVS, SIDE-X-SIDES, CAMPERS, TRAILERS, BOATS, CARS, TRUCKS AND SUVS. QUALITY PRODUCTS, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND TREMENDOUS VALUES.
BROADWATER RECREATION Ask for Mike 406.266.5697 • 800.336.2263 7675 Hwy. 287 N., Townsend www.BroadwaterPreowned.com • www.BroadwaterFord.net
WE DELIVER!
HOURS: Monday - Friday 8am-6pm • Saturday 9am-4pm • Sunday by Appointment
Hunting & Fishing News | 15
2018 WESTERN HUNTING APPLICATION DEADLINES (continued from page 13)
Bonus/preference point only deadlines State
South Dakota Utah Kansas Iowa Montana Oregon Wyoming
Species
State deadline
Deer All Species Whitetail Whitetail All Species All Species Antelope, Deer, Elk, Rocky Bighorn, Moose
December 15 March 15 April 27 June 3 July 1 to Sept. 30 July 1 to Nov. 30 October 31
You can also see all of the important western hunting deadlines on the INSIDER Basecamp page. That is sort of like your INSIDER “homepage.” ...goHUNT keeps that page updated with all the latest dates and deadlines.
REVIEWING goHUNT’s OLD 2017 APPLICATION STRATEGY ARTICLES
The best way to gain an understanding of how a state’s draw system works is to pay close attention to goHUNT’s Application Strategy Articles that are available from January through May. These articles are strategically released to coincide with upcoming hunt application deadlines across the states that they cover. ...These application strategy articles are focused on how you can gain an edge on trophy units as well as over-the-counter units and they provide important tables, charts, and graphics to help you understand key information. Another great tactic this time of year is to review goHUNT’s old Application Strategy articles. This can be especially useful if you’re thinking about applying in a new state...
Application season can be very overwhelming and goHUNT tries to keep it simple with an easy to follow schedule of article release dates. Some of the Application Strategy articles are released within a small window, but that is done to ensure goHUNT is providing the best possible information to their users. Different states release their regulations and herd information at tight windows to the application deadline. goHUNT strives to release these articles with all the information possible. One of the best supplements to their Application Strategy articles is Filtering 2.0 and Draw Odds. Both are always available for you to start your 2018 research. goHUNT now covers nine western states on INSIDER (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming). The Filtering 2.0 tool is an industry first that provides you with the ability to search for hunt choices that meet your criteria. You can filter by state, species, season, weapon type, trophy potential, draw odds, dates of availability, harvest success and male:female ratios. In addition, you can search for over-the-counter only options if desired. This is revolutionary in helping you to take literally thousands of unit choices and quickly narrow it down to only a few. Think of the time and money this potentially saves you each year! The 2018 Draw Odds went live in January. goHUNT will not only have updated odds available, but you’ll also be able to see year-over-year draw odd trends. Best of luck in the 2018 draws. Feel free to reach out to the staff at goHUNT at any time if you have questions.
LOCKED & LOADED The Maverick TRAIL
Choose from BRP-designed and engineered, gear bags, gear mounts, gun racks—more than 100 in all. Ready when you are. See us today for yours.
3186 Hwy. 12 East, Helena
406-443-7373
|
www.onewaymarine.com
Full Parts & Service Departments
Where You, Quality & Service Come First
©2018 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. TM, ® and the BRP logo are registered trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Read the side-by-side vehicle (SSV) Operator’s Guide and watch the Safety DVD before driving. For your safety: wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective gear. Fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. SSV is for off-road use only. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Operator must be at least 16 years old. Passenger must be at least 12 years old and able to hold handgrips and plant feet while seated against the backrest. Make sure that all laws and regulations, are respected. Ride responsibly.
The Quest for the Perfect Truck Gun Package Under $1200
Performance Parts & Custom Accessories
(continued from page 14)
-Capable of accepting a suppressor and a QD muzzle device. -Accuracy must be at least 2 MOA with factory hunting ammunition and at least 1.3 MOA with readily available match ammunition. -Bolt actions must have a 3 position safety from the factory or an aftermarket option available. -Less than $1200 spent on the rifle, optic, rings, magazines, and sling. -Chambered in a common caliber found at most big box stores (.308, 7.62×39, .223, 5.56×45)
CHALLENGES WHEN SELECTING A RIFLE Some of the toughest hurdles when selecting the winning rifle were size, the 450 yards effective range, and the 10-pound weight limit on the complete rifle package. You might think that the size requirement is a bit on the crazy side but once you take into account that I needed a rifle to fit a compartment under the rear seat of my 4 door Tacoma that only allows a bolt action hunting style rifle, a shotgun, or an Ares SCR it starts to make a ton more sense. The 450-yard effective range, when supported, has a lot to do with the amount of time that I spend passing through the various plain regions of the US in my truck. Realistically though most shots with this rifle would be under 100-yards and taken from the standing position seeing as I spend the bulk of my time in a reasonably suburban area of Texas and a very rural area of Arkansas where the furthest range I could possibly take game is no further than 200 yards. The range requirement removed any possibility of a shotgun or most lever action rifles. The other requirement that killed off a ton of potential options was the weight of the rifle once you consider that we have 2.75 to 3 pounds of optics, sling, ammo, and magazine to contend with given the probability that the rifle is going to be a .308. That magical 10-pound total weight limit for a rifle that fit my requirements meant that I needed to find something that weighed in at less than 7.2 pounds while staying under the price limit of about $800 to $850. Eliminating Choices While I would have LOVED to have been able to just buy an AR based rifle that I was familiar with the criteria demanded that I get rather creative with my options. I looked hard at the Ares SCR but passed on it since I would have been on the very top edge of the budget before even getting to optics, optic rings or mount, sling, and mags. The fact that it was an AR based rifle that I couldn’t readily replace parts on and, as far as I was aware, didn’t have a long-standing reliability record didn’t help it either. The next rifles on my consideration list were the Savage Model 11 Scout that was quickly eliminated due to weight, the Styer Scout was eliminated just as quickly due to rifle cost, Ruger’s American Compact and Mini-30 were kicked out for the proprietary magazines that either limited capacity below the 10 round mark, were expensive, or were hard to source, and the Mossberg MVP Scout was kicked due to reports of weak extractors and accuracy issues. (continued on page 40)
gear f or on road or off HD BUMPERS
Add horsepower, torque & acceleration
PAINT PROTECTION
UP YOUR POWER-UP YOUR GAME
TRUXEDO TONNEAUS MAY IMPROVE GAS MILEAGE UP TO 10%
REMOTE STARTERS
P ROTECT
Lockable storage
TRUXEDO TONNEAU with TONNEAUMATE STORAGE BOX Elevated mounting allows for use of the entire truck bed floor
YOU R G EA
Learn more here http://www.leer.com/video#
R
LEER LOCKER
A Smart Addition To A Truck Cap A ceiling-mounted storage system that makes the most of the space you rarely use.
GIFT CERTIFICATES MAKE THE PERFECT GIFT. Leer Truck Caps-Tonneaus • Scorpion Spray On Bedliners 3M Window Tint & Clear Hood Protection (Helena’s Only 3M Dealer) Crystal Fusion (Glass Protection) • Paint Chip Repair Car Stereo/Electronic Department • Truck and Car Accessories Lift Kits • Leveling Kits Full Service Detail Shop • Custom Graphics • Full Service Sign Shop
We specialize in custom illustrated, one-of-a-kind graphics.
Stop in to our showroom and see our
HUGE SELECTION
of accessories for your car, truck or SUV.
3242 Centennial St. Helena (406) 457-0700
www.autoconceptshelena.com
Upper Missouri River ©Gerald Voss | Dreamstime.com
Say Hello To Success: Where to Chase the Fish This Month Brought to you by
T
he start of February means that spring is nearing here in the Northern Rockies and the worst of winter is over, save for the occasional late-season blast that drives even the most hardcore fishermen indoors. February also means it’s time to go fishing. The trout are beginning to stir, and unlike the days of summer where fishing pressure is high, you may have the waters all to yourself. Here are just a few spots to consider to close out the winter fishing season. ICE LINES - WESTERN MONTANA GEORGETOWN LAKE: Your odds of landing a big fish through the ice increase dramatically with experience and proper preparation, and choosing the right areas to target big fish. GEORGETOWN LAKE continues to be one of the most productive area lakes when fishing over ice. Plenty of nice trout and kokanee salmon continue to be taken on the standard ice gear, like Swedish Pimples, Glo Hooks and small spinners tipped with corn, maggots or nightcrawlers. Although GEORGETOWN is not known for “monster” sized fish, it will produce many in good size and lots to take home for the freezer. CLEARWATER DRAINAGE LAKES: SALMON, SEELEY, AND PLACID LAKES are just a few of the smaller lakes in western Montana that produce big fish. Northern pike are the primary target through the ice, and as we get closer to ice-off these big predators will be hovering ever closer to the shorelines. Tip-ups using herring or smelt will catch pike here. Yellow perch and kokanee can also be a nice reward in these smaller lakes. Nearby HARPER’S LAKE, RAINY, and ALVA are a few more higher ice lakes that will offer up some of the best winter fishing you will find.
WESTERN RIVERS - OPEN WATER February usually provides open water fishermen some really good days, especially as we get later in the month. You can target the BITTEROOT, CLARK FORK, BLACKFOOT and ROCK CREEK for some good fly rod action using stonefly nymphs and midge patterns to drift over these picky risers. ICE LINES - SOUTHWEST MONTANA HYALITE RESERVOIR: Ice fishing has been very consistent here since the ice first formed. Anglers have had excellent success jigging with Swedish Pimples, Kastmasters, and other flash lures. Maggots have been the most popular bait to tip the lures. You can also try a nightcrawler or a piece of fish meat. Access to the lake is excellent, as the roads in the area are plowed on a regular basis. ENNIS LAKE: The angling here has been mainly good this winter. Find the fish and you’ll have plenty of action using general jigging tactics along with a tip-up for the heavy trout that inhabit the lake. The fishing pressure here in the winter is generally very low, and many times, you’ll have a large portion of the lake to yourself. HEBGEN AND QUAKE LAKES: You can get creative on these bodies of water, located just south of the Bozeman area. Strategic use of an ATV or snowmobile can get you into prime hunting grounds for the big trout that inhabit them. The fishing has been quite good here recently. Anglers have success using Swedish Pimples, Kastmasters, Jigging Rapalas or dropping down a Jig/Worm combo or tipped maggots for fast action. SOUTHWEST RIVERS - OPEN WATER Head south for some excellent fishing here this month. Rivers like the BEAVERHEAD, GALLATIN, MADISON and the BIG HOLE can really produce exceptional fishing days, and if you catch the weather on calm, cool days it can be downright amazing! For winter fly anglers, dry fly fishing can nearly always catch fish on these early-season rivers before the spring hatches occur. Nymphing the deep runs and pools in these river stretches will bring plenty of big rainbows and browns to the net! ICE LINES - CENTRAL MONTANA CANYON FERRY: The perch fishing on CANYON FERRY LAKE will continue to be good as we close out winter. Jigging spoons seems to be productive this season as does dropping a small flasher tipped with maggots or a nightcrawler for big rainbow trout. The north end of the lake should be best now if you are targeting walleye. HOLTER LAKE, as well as HAUSER and the REGULATING RESERVOIR are all key ice fishing lakes that are nicely tucked together making for a great weekend of fishing. MISSOURI FROM DAM TO DAM - OPEN WATER The MISSOURI RIVER of course! For those of you that aren’t into the ice, but still have a hankering for some quality rainbows, try slinging a fly or spinning rod in the open waters of the Missouri. For fly anglers - nymphs or scuds or dead-drifting the occasional San Juan worm can, at times, be effective. Spinning tackle might consist of the good ol’ fashion sinker and worm, powerbait or a trusy Rapala.
(continued on page 20)
THE BEST FISHING BRANDS!
Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Butte and Hamilton, or 24/7 at www.bobwards.com
18 | Hunting & Fishing News
Hard Water Bows (continued from page 4)
©Christopher Horton | Dreamstime.com
Salmon River Spring Steelhead
Steelhead Anglers Reminded Of Reduced Steelhead Limits For 2018 Spring Season By Mike Demick, Conservation Information Supervisor Idaho Department of Fish and Game
S teelhead anglers are reminded that Fish and Game commissioners extended the reduced bag and possession
limits for the 2018 spring steelhead season, which started January 1. Daily steelhead bag limits are two daily and six in possession statewide. Only adipose fin-clipped steelhead may be harvested. Steelhead longer than 28 inches in total length cannot be harvested in the Clearwater River Basin or on the Snake River from the confluence (Lewiston) upstream to Couse Creek Boat Ramp. All other 2018 steelhead rules apply, including season harvest limits, opening and closing dates. An updated brochure is available on the Steelhead Fishing Rules page at https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead/rules. The number of hatchery steelhead returning to Idaho is sufficient to provide a harvest fishery for adipose fin-clipped, hatchery-origin steelhead under reduced harvest limits through the spring season. The size restriction on the lower Snake and Clearwater rivers protects the larger “B-run” steelhead from overharvest and ensures enough will return to replenish hatcheries. Limits for the 2018 spring season include: Clearwater River Basin which includes the Mainstem Clearwater, North Fork Clearwater, Middle Fork Clearwater and South Fork Clearwater •Daily limit is two (2) adipose fin-clipped steelhead, none over 28 inches in total length; •Possession limit is six (6) adipose fin-clipped steelhead, none over 28 inches in total length Salmon River •Daily limit is two (2) adipose fin-clipped steelhead •Possession limit is six (6) adipose fin-clipped steelhead Snake River from the Washington/Idaho State line upstream to Couse Creek Boat Ramp (approximately 17 miles upstream of the Idaho-Washington border). •Daily limit is two (2) adipose fin-clipped steelhead, none over 28 inches in total length •Possession limit is six (6) adipose fin-clipped steelhead, none over 28 inches in total length Snake River upstream from Couse Creek Boat Ramp, Snake River from Hells Canyon to Oxbow Dam and the Boise River •Daily limit is two (2) adipose fin-clipped steelhead •Possession limit is six (6) adipose fin-clipped steelhead
When we place the maggots on the hook it is important to hook them through the NON head end. The maggots head has a narrower tip with a small black dot. You want to carefully hook them through the other end so they will stay alive under the ice and wiggle around longer. We like to put four or five maggots on each hook. We also like to rebait every hour or so to keep it fresh! We fish this presentation in the exact same depth of 6-12 feet. We like to drill holes in a straight line and affix the rods about every ten feet so we intercept any trout cruising by. Make sure you use rod savers on your rods; otherwise they will get deep sixed down the hole with a big 4lb rainbow dragging it around the lake! This is a super fun and easy way to catch big awesome fish. Like I said, whether you are an ice pro, or a first time ice angler, it is “Jiggin’ the Dream” at its finest! And if you want to take it a notch further and get electronics, it is fun to see a trout come through at seven feet and reel your jig up give it a twitch and POW! So grab a kid, some snacks, use extreme safety and go have a slimy blast! And don’t forget to practice selective harvest; but cold water rainbows are might tasty! Trevor is the co-founder of Kit’s Tackle “Jiggin’ the Dream” along with his father, Kit. He is a true made in Montana fishing guide, an insane outdoor enthusiast, a wild man in the woods and on the water and they even say he’s a quarter mountain goat. He’s a happy husband, a proud daddy to a beautiful little girl and boy, and two sweet dogs. When he’s not shoveling coal into the jig engine, you can find him on the water or leaving boot tracks in the wilds of Montana.
WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO STEELHEAD FISHING? Idaho Dept. Fish and Game
Answer: Because steelhead are in so many places in the state over such a long period of time, it’s hard to say there is a best time and place to go steelhead fishing. However, their upstream migration provides a general timeline for when they will likely arrive in different waters. July through September: As steelhead start arriving into Idaho they tend to move into the Clearwater River using it as a thermal refuge. These early arriving fish tend to remain in the Clearwater until the Snake River cools toward the end of September or beginning of October. October through December: October is an exciting time for steelhead anglers as two things tend to happen. Fish start spreading upstream into the Snake and Salmon rivers and by the time you reach November steelhead can be caught about everywhere. Another exciting thing that starts to happen in October is the larger B-run steelhead start entering the Clearwater River. January and February: January and February can be times to fish with a little more solitude on the Clearwater, Little Salmon and Salmon rivers. Cold water reduces fish activity and catch rates decline, but fishing can still be productive when conditions are good. March through May: The Salmon River upstream of Salmon, the Little Salmon River, the North Fork Clearwater and the South Fork Clearwater all provide the best fishing in the spring. Catch rates can be really good then as the fish are moving into the smaller rivers at the end of their migration. Each month of the year and each location provide a completely different experience – the long days of September on the lower Clearwater, a warm October day in the Salmon River canyon, a cold January day in a drift boat near Riggins or Orofino, or the spring thaw in the Stanley Basin in April. The best time to fish for steelhead is a personal choice.
Hunting & Fishing News | 19
Fishing Report (continued from page 18) ICE LINES - EASTERN MONTANA FORT PECK RESERVOIR: Target HELL CREEK or the ROCK CREEK area using tip-ups and minnows for record-sized yellow perch now. Lake trout, northern pike, and walleye can also be pulled up form the depths on this gigantic lake. You can cap off your fishing day with a nice shore lunch here, as there are plenty of places to make a winter camp if the weather is decent. STILLWATER, LOWER YELLOWSTONE - OPEN WATER STILLWATER RIVER anglers using beadhead nymphs will catch plenty of trout and whitefish. Target the whitefish around the Absarokee area. On the LOWER YELLOWSTONE RIVER, a mixed bag can be taken as trout, sauger, and smallmouth bass are prevelent. Try slow rolling jigs or crankbaits when conditions allow. ICE LINES - NORTHWEST MONTANA In northwest Montana, you can hook into a lot of fish on these smaller lakes that cover the landscape here. Smallmouth bass, whitefish, walleye, kokanee and yellow perch inhabit these waters. Target the weedbeds around these lakes in the winter for some phenomenal ice fishing now. Lakes like SPOON, ASHLEY, ECHO LAKE, LAKE MARY RONAN, and the THOMPSON LAKE CHAINS will all be producers in February. Glo Hooks and small minnow jigs tipped with garlic corn, Powerbait and perch eyes really work well in these upper lakes as the scent of these baits really contributes to success, as does moving around the ice to find the areas where these fish are hanging. BROWN’S LAKE: It stays cold around Ovando for most of the winter, and you can expect to find hard-water action on
this small lake that produces big brown and rainbow trout. Try dropping small spoons, Swedish Pimples or the jig/ nightcrawler - maggot/white corn combos, and you will pull up many good-sized fish. Shoot for a mid-morning bite, as the temperatures start to rise for good action here. There is not much fishing pressure here in the winter, which makes for some excellent fishing on the lake. EAST FORK RESERVOIR: This Lewistown area reservoir will be targeted by area ice fishing anglers that go after yellow perch by the bucket and the smaller walleye that inhabit the lake. A small, 1/16 ounce jig paired up with a piece of nightcrawler will likely land plenty of eager perch. Where there is one, you can count on plenty more to be biting, as these fish move in schools around the lake. Walleye will take the same bait, but are a little harder to catch in the winter. BIGHORN RIVER - OPEN WATER The BIGHORN fishes well all year and to say the weather can turn nasty during the winter is an understatement, but therein lies one of the BIG advantages of going after trophy brown and rainbow trout this time of the year on the Bighorn. There are fewer anglers and you are assured of open water on good stretches of the BIGHORN below Afterbay Dam. There are 20-inch plus browns and rainbows to be caught here. Most of the fishing is from a drift boat, but there is also plenty of great pull offs to fish from the shorelines. Scuds and sowbugs #14 in yellow and browns on the fly. Small spinners - Rapalas or Mepps will work in the same color patterns. Enjoy the last of what winter fishing in Montana has to offer.
REEL IN BIG SAVINGS With
LUND Fishing At It’s Finest
Add the dependable power of a Minn Kota® trolling motor to any Gator Tough™ jon for a quality fishing experience. Boat Length 17’2” Beam 83” Bottom Width 56” Transom Height 20” Side Depth 26” Hull Gauge .100 Max HP 75 Fuel Cap 19G Livewell Dim & Cap 11”x 21” 16G +10”x 29” 19G Color Brown, Mossy Oak Break-Up®, Shadow Grass® New for 2018, G3 offers optional Lowrance ® electronics on all Gator Tough boats.
Your Authorized G3 Dealer
7809 Hwy. 287 S., Townsend - 406-266-5700
www.townsendmarine.com
It’s worth a drive to Townsend. Three Forks exit at I-90 or from Helena Hwy. 287.
g3boats.com 901 COWAN DRIVE, LEBANON, MO. 65536
2025 IMPACT XS For serious anglers. Center rod locker, massive storage, large casting decks, loaded with features like rear jump seats and a ski pylon option. There’s even a top hider to keep the top out of the way and easily accessible for sunny or rainy days.
TOP 5 LUND DEALER IN THE WORLD!
7809 Hwy. 287 S., Townsend 406-266-5700
www.townsendmarine.com See us for our large selection of Boats, ATVs & Accessories.
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
21 GALLON, 2.5 HP, 125 PSI VERTICAL OIL-LUBE Customer Rating AIR COMPRESSOR
.50 CAL METAL AMMO CAN
Customer Rating
NOW
NOW
99
$1 49
99
$12 $
COMPARE TO
BLACKHAWK
SAVE $ 35%
1999
MODEL: 970032
1599
SUPER COUPON
NOW
SAVE $69
$
5499
339
99
COMPARE TO
Customer Rating
ITEM 94555/62774 shown
$
• Magnetic Tips • Ergonomic Handles COMPARE TO $ 97
SUPER QUIET
1,999
SAVE
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
Customer Rating
13999 $
COMPARE TO
ARCAN
• Weighs 99 lbs.
99
$119
19999 MODEL: XL2T
4" x 36" BELT/ 6" DISC SANDER
$5 999
SAVE $80
COMPARE TO
99
ITEM 62502 97181 shown
WARN
$
TRIPLE BALL TRAILER HITCH Customer Rating
ITEM 64046/64045/63770 shown
$
COMPARE TO
REESE
4999
MODEL: 7068833
SAVE 60%
SUPER COUPON
1750 PSI ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER
$7999 COMPARE TO
BRIGGS & STRATTON
$
179
$
MODEL: 20600
SAVE $99
SAVE $169 $ COMPARE TO
$
$9
$
COMPARE TO
ITEM 63255/63254 shown
PERFORMAX
MODEL: 2411-1
SAVE 61%
COMPARE TO
SNAP-ON
$
SAVE $394
52495
MODEL: MG725
SAVE 83% $ COMPARE TO
Blade sold separately.
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
$999
$ 99
$
14
99
DEWALT MODEL: DW1369 ITEM 62281/61637 shown LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
ITEM 61765 46411 shown
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Model 2800
SUPER COUPON Customer Rating
MAGNESIUM ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF FIRE STARTER WEATHER-RESISTANT Customer Rating LOCKABLE CASE • 13-3/4" L NOW 11-1/2" W 99 NOW
$1 99
SAVE 79% COGHLAN'S
9
2
$ 99
$ 59
COMPARE TO
MODEL: 7870
ITEM 69457/63733/66560 shown
$22
5-7/8" H
SAVE $ 71% COMPARE TO
2999
PELICAN
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
$
8195
MODEL:1300
Case contents and locks not included.
ITEM 63926
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
29 PIECE TITANIUM 60" HARDWOOD WORKBENCH DRILL BIT SET WITH 4 DRAWERS NOW
60
SAVE 25%
ITEM 62891
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
ITEM 69645/60625 shown
1799 $
5
14999
SUPER COUPON
NOW
SUPER COUPON
$449
BOLT BREAKAWAY
$
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
Customer Rating
• Laser guide
KOBALT MODEL: SM3055LW ITEM 61969/61970/69684 shown
25
80
SUPER COUPON
19499
299
33
99
99
12" SLIDING COMPOUND DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW Customer Rating Cu NOW
$129
99
NOW
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
99
ITEM 61914
$
SAVE $1899 70% ITEM 63100
33
$ 59 OPTRONICS MODEL: TL21RK COMPARE TO
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
• Weighs 4.4 lbs.
Customer Rating
Customer Rating Cu
33
FT. LBS.
NOW
4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER
9999
2999
ITEM 62515/66911 shown
$999
1/2" COMPOSITE PRO EXTREME 7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" CAMOUFLAGE TORQUE AIR IMPACT WRENCH WEATHER RESISTANT TARP Customer Rating Customer Rating NOW 1190 TORQUE
SUPER COUPON
• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle
$
NOW
99
SUPER COUPON
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
SAVE 65%
5755
MODEL: H-21
$1 999 $129
99
MODEL: 56467
NOW
GPL
NOW
69999
Customer Rating
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
$299
COMPARE TO
$
COMPARE TO
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
• Weighs 86.4 lbs. • 21" L x 10-1/8" H
$1 9
• 350 lb. capacity
99
399
SUPER COUPON
12 VOLT MAGNETIC TOWING LIGHT KIT
NOW
SAVE $39
SUPER COUPON
LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/1/18.
SUPER COUPON
STEP STOOL/ WORKING PLATFORM
7999
12,000 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH REMOTE CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC BRAKE NOW SAVE $ $400
LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/1/18. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.
Customer Rating
MODEL: BD7004
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
Battle Tested
$ $
GENERAL INTERNATIONAL
ITEM 68050/62310/60678 shown
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Customer Rating Cu
NOW
OFF ANY SINGLE ITEM
MODEL: 20210003
ITEM 62728/62583 47770/62570 shown
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
RAPID PUMP® 2 TON LOW PROFILE LONG REACH HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK NOW
7
HUSKY
$1709 HONDA MODEL: EM4000SX Customer Rating ITEM 69676/69729/63080/63079 shown ITEM 69728/63090/63089, CALIFORNIA ONLY
SUPER COUPON
FREE 20% WITH ANY PURCHASE
Wheel kit sold separately.
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
$
ITEM 69091/61454 62803/63635 67847 shown
• GFCI outlets
9 $2899
NOW
SAVE 27%
219
MODEL: C201H
16999
SUPER COUPON
6 PIECE SUPER COUPON 4000 MAX. STARTING/3200 RUNNING WATTS SCREWDRIVER 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATOR SET
20-60 x 60mm SPOTTING SCOPE WITH TRIPOD
$
HUSKY
$
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
$3999
$
COMPARE TO
ITEM 63750 63181 shown
• Air delivery: 5.8 CFM @ 40 PSI, 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI
800+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com
Customer Rating
6 TON HEAVY DUTY STEEL JACK STANDS
$3499
$129
$
15999
COMPARE TO
GRIZZLY
$
415
MODEL: H7723
SAVE $285
Tools sold separately.
ITEM 93454/69054 63395/62603 shown
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 6/1/18.
NOW
Customer Rating
99
$ COMPARE TO
K TOOL
$
79
99
MODEL: KTI61205
SAVE 56%
4499
ITEM 62393/69596 38847/61197 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/1/18*
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
A natural partnership. The Mule Deer Foundation and your Inland Northwest Toyota Dealers are teaming up for the 2018 Great Rockies SportShows across Montana! Show attendees can roam the expansive Toyota display area where you can enter to win the Toyota Great Gear Giveaway, and drool over the customized MDF Tundra! Don’t miss the chance to get your kids signed up for the informative M.U.L.E.Y. program, and rub elbows with your local MDF chapter members who share your love for outdoor recreation. While you are at the show, consider joining your local chapter to help support Mule Deer Foundation’s conservation efforts throughout Montana.
TOYOTA KNOWS TRUCKS. After all, we’ve been building them for over 80 years. So you know when you buy a Tundra, it’s got the strength and dependability you expect. And we continually deliver on this promise of toughness.
Look for the MDF Tundra at an event near you!
We appreciate the contributions of our partner companies:
*Assembled in Texas with U.S.and globally sourced parts.
MULEDEER.ORG Please visit us on Facebook for more information about MDF projects, events, and supporting the cause. Facebook.com/mdfmontana
Foundation Chapters
Feb 3 Feb 14-18 Feb 17 Feb 23-25 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 16-18 Mar 17 Mar 24
MONTANA MDF UPCOMING EVENTS Big Sky Chapter Banquet Western Hunting & Conservation Expo Black Gold Chapter Banquet Great Rockies SPORTSHOW w/ TOYOTA Badland Bruisers Chapter Banquet Dark Horn Chapter Banquet Great Rockies SPORTSHOW w/ TOYOTA Sapphire Range Chapter Northern Rockies Chapter
Billings, MT Salt Lake, UT Baker, MT Bozeman, MT Glendive, MT Missoula, MT Missoula, MT Hamilton, MT Kalispell, MT
Badland Bruisers Beartooth Big Sky Black Gold Bridger Bucks Dark Horn Ghosts of the Madison High, Wide, & Heavy Lewis & Clark Northern Rockies Powder River Mulies Prairie Ghost Sapphire Range Treasure State
Location Glendive, MT Red Lodge, MT Billings, MT Baker City, MT Bozeman, MT Missoula, MT Ennis, MT Great Falls, MT Helena, MT Kalispell, MT Miles City, MT Sidney, MT Hamilton, MT Butte, MT
Coyote Hunting:Best Guns, Calls, Tips
N
By Mike Hanback www.mikehanback.com
www.bigdeerblog.com
ow is a great time to try and bust a few coyotes on your land before the fawns start dropping in spring. Here’s a quick primer:
Photo courtesy www.bigdeerblog.com
FIND A KILLER SETUP: Look for a ridge top or hillside that overlooks a field, clear-cut, river bottom or other semi-open area. Try to set up and call where you can see well below, out to 100 or 200 yards or more. The farther you can see a coyote coming in, the more time you have to get your rifle up and prepare for the shot.
COYOTE SIGN: Coyote tracks are 2 to 3 inches long, with 4 toes and round pads. An adult critter’s scat is 2 to 5 inches long, round and fat. In winter, the scat will likely have hair and bone fragments from small prey in it. If you find lots of fresh tracks and scat along a field edge or in an old roadbed, look for an elevated calling spot close by and give it a go. GET THE WIND RIGHT: Spray down with a scent-eliminator like you do when deer hunting. Walk and sneak into the wind to avoid contaminating an area with your scent before you make your first call. Try to take a straight-line route to your calling spot. Avoid wandering round and laying down scent in places where coyotes might approach your calls. A day with a little wind, say 5 to 12 mph, is great. Many coyotes will come in to your calls from downwind, so set up for that. Hunting with 2 guys is fun and effective. The shooter hides downwind from the caller, maybe 40 to 60 yards away depending on the setup. If a critter comes in downwind with his attention focused on the caller behind, the shooter picks him off. (continued on page 30)
NOW AVAILABLE
6.5 Creedmoor
MANUFACTURED IN STEVENSVILLE MT
THE HUNTING SHACK PURVEYORS OF THE FINEST AMMUNITION SINCE 1968.
WHATEVER YOUR SHOOTING NEEDS - WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
Bear Load • Dangerous Game • Rifle • Handgun • Firearms • Lead Free • Reduced Ricochet • Reloading Components Cowboy Action • Cleaning Supplies • Law Enforcement Ammunitions
www.thehuntingshack.com
Hunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored By
Republic Services of Montana
IT ’S TIME FOR HUNTERS TO STOP BASHING HUNTERS By Alex Comstock Founder of www.whitetaildna.com
L
ately, I’ve taken notice to something alarming within the deer hunting community. Every time I see it, I cringe, and it’s something I’ve wanted to write about for some time now, but I haven’t found the right words to phrase it. I’ve decided that it’s time to go for it, and shoot from the hip, but I’m going to attempt to explain it in the best way that I can.
Skinner Sights LLC ®
MACHINED FROM SOLID BARSTOCK STURDY SIGHTS Rifle cases & more for your rifles
PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
WWW.SKINNERSIGHTS.COM P.O. Box 1810, St. Ignatius, MT. 59865
Bull of the Month Archery Non-Typical POPE AND YOUNG Score: 394 1⁄8 Location: Montana Date: 2010 Hunter: Will Schott
The hunting community is tight knit, and small. Based on the percentage of Americans that deer hunt, there is a really small number of us. If I had to guess, there’s probably more anti-hunters in the world than there are deer hunters. Except right now, I don’t think anti-hunters are as much of a problem as what I’m going to try and get at. And that’s hunters that bash other hunters. It’s the guy/gal that sits at their computer, and attacks fellow hunters from behind a keyboard about how so and so shouldn’t have shot a small buck or complaining about how they’d be able to shoot a big buck too if they owned great property. It’s tiring to see all of the negativity online, and within social media. And quite honestly, it’s not needed. When I first started my website www.whitetaildna.com, I knew I wanted to write about things that I was knowledgeable about, and topics that were important to me. I don’t want this to turn into a rant, but with that said, I think there are things that need to be addressed that most people just don’t talk about enough.
Social Media: For the most part, I love social media. Social media allows me to promote my blog, it more or less is the reason I’m employed, and there are a lot of positives to it. But, it gives some people power that they don’t use in a positive way. Almost like cyber bullying, a person can sit back and comment on photos or start fights on Facebook or Instagram that are simply unnecessary. If you are a hunter, WHY on earth would you ever feel the need to comment on somebody’s picture of a buck they just harvested telling them that’s not good deer management if you think it’s too small. What really makes me mad is when people feel the need to project what they think is right on to everybody else. Everyone is entitled to shoot what they want, and that’s what makes hunting so great.
View 720-1017-004
this magnificent bull and more at the Elk Country Visitor Center.
Directions: Take I-90 to Exit 101 in Missoula. Drive 1/4 mile north to 5705 Grant Creek Road. accessible with RV parking. Open year round. For information, call (406) 523-4545 or 866-266-7750 or visit www.rmef.org.
26 | Hunting & Fishing News
Author Alex Comstock Founder www.whitetaildna.com
What else is remarkable to me is when somebody posts a simple question in a group, and it turns into a blood bath. For example, somebody might post a question about broadheads, asking what people like, and what they would recommend. That should elicit simple answers such as “I’ve been shooting Rage for years and love them” or “I’ve found my Muzzy’s have been dependable for as long as I’ve hunted.” But instead, one person will comment about how they like Rages, and the next will comment back talking about how Rage’s suck so much, and nobody should ever shoot them. And then a big argument ensues. Think about what the original person who started the thread is thinking. Not only does their question not get answered, but the stupid, senseless argument is just a big waste of time. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.
As hunters, we should all be supporting one another. When I see a trail camera or treestand on public land, I usually wave to the camera, and mark it as a spot to not hunt in the immediate future. When it comes to private land, there are times you may make an honest mistake, and cross a property boundary and end up on someone else’s property and you notice that a trail cam captures your photo. Don’t steal it! Either leave a note apologizing or figure out who the landowner is, and go talk to them and let them know what the deal was. We all make mistakes, but don’t turn a good honest mistake into stealing something, it’s just not right. There are enough anti-hunters out there stealing treestands and trail cameras, hunters should have other hunter’s backs, and not be adding to the problem.
“The High Fencer”: This is another one that really makes
Be positive on social media. If you disagree with somebody, don’t start an argument, but be willing to give your take on something, and listen to what others have to say. It’s not going to change overnight, but through being positive, and supporting other hunters, we can start to reduce the amount of bashing. It’s really a simple concept.
me shake my head. It usually goes something like this. A big wig hunter will post a picture of their giant buck, and instead of everybody giving them congratulations, I’ll scroll through comments and see “high fence”, “If I owned that property, I’d shoot big bucks too!”, “You’re not even a good hunter, you just have good land!” In most cases, I’d wish people would do their homework. Most of those hunters that own a lot of land, and can manage it how they want have worked their way to that point. They’ve put in their time over decades, and are now reaping the benefits of hard work. They weren’t just born in the middle of a giant farm filled with booners. At the core of this problem is jealousy. And that’s just my opinion. If you want to be shooting giant bucks, or own a lot of land, work hard. Work hard for a long time, and maybe one day you can reap the benefits as well.
Trespassers/Thieves: I’m not sure if this category
is part of this whole topic, but I’m going to include it anyway. If you’re a hunter and are intentionally trespassing or stealing from another hunter, I’ve got one question What is wrong with you?
What We Can Do About It: Support other hunters.
Conclusion: At the end of the day, there are enough issues caused by non-hunters in the hunting realm. We’ve got bigger issues to be dealing with such as public lands transfers, people wanting to ban guns, and then there are other issues that need to be addressed such as CWD, EHD, and others. Deer hunting should always be something enjoyable, and everybody has their own goals with it. Lets support one another, and stop bashing others. With all of the other aforementioned issues, hunters bashing other hunters shouldn’t even have to be discussed. Whether you think about it or not, it can hurt people, and cause people to not want to hunt. That should never happen as we need as many hunters in the world as possible. One person at a time, we can start to change things.
Trophy Elk Display • Elk Country Wildlife Diorama • Wildlife Theater • Walking Trail
ELK COUNTRY
VISITOR CENTER Valid through February 28, 2018
$5 gift to you $5 off a single purchase of $10 or more at the Elk Country Visitor Center Gift Shop
720-1217-005
Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. One coupon per customer. Discount does not apply to memberships, gift cards, prior purchases, or in combination with any other discounts. No cash value. Reproductions not accepted. Certificate cannot be redeemed as cash or merchandise credit if merchandise is returned.
WWW.RMEF.ORG
Directions: Take I-90 to Exit 101 in Missoula. Drive 1⁄4 mile north to 5705 Grant Creek Road. accessible with RV parking. Open year round. For information, call 406-523-4545 or 866-266-7750 or visit www.rmef.org.
- NEW FOR 2018 -
WHEN IT COMES TO HIGH-END SPOTTERS WITHOUT A HIGH-END PRICE TAG, THERE’S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN. The new Viper HD spotting scope series stands poised to dominate as a best-in-class optic. The most notable change is the sleek helical-style focus that not only dials in your image for ultra-sharp viewing, it keeps the spotter’s profile trim for ultimate packability, and the large surface area of the helical focus is easy to find and operate - even when wearing gloves.
ONE KAIBAB TO RULE THEM ALL
It’s the best of the 15x56 and 20x56 Kaibab binoculars blended into one - the all-new, high-performing Kaibab HD 18x56. Bright, crisp and clear, featuring Vortex’s advanced HD Optical system.
RETICLE EYEPIECES FOR RAZOR HD 27-60X85 These handy, highly-functional eyepieces make range work, calling shots and spotter/shooter communication become seamless.
See these and other Vortex Optics at the 2018 Montana Vortex Dealer of the Year
Missoula . Bozeman . Helena . Butte . Hamilton www.bobwards.com
28 | Hunting & Fishing News
Author with hunting partner Chasan Surrett
The Blacktail Boys By Tanner Hanes The beginning of winter marks a great time of the year
for most people. Most Americans are preparing to cherish great conversation with family members over Thanksgiving dinner, formulate a bulletproof plan for Black Friday door busters, or untangling those always stubborn Christmas lights. For a lucky few, the shortening of days holds one certainty: with it comes the privilege of chasing the mystic creatures of the Pacific Rainforest. Late November is reserved for the pursuit of the Columbian Blacktail deer. Oregon holds many treasures within its vast country of big timber, immense mountain tops, and sweeping plains. From the majestic Roosevelt elk, open country pronghorn antelope, elusive Mule deer, to the cunning mountain lion, each holds a special place in every Oregon-grown hunter’s heart. For me and my longtime hunting partner, Chasan Surrett, one is placed on a pedestal above the rest. The Grey Ghost of the Forest; the blacktail deer. Every Western Oregon hunter has a story about the, “biggest blacktail they have ever seen” or “Sure, John harvested a beautiful Roosevelt bull, but did you see the blacktail Steve killed! Wow, was that a benchleg?” It’s this home-grown mentality that fueled our late season archery alliance. Late November in Western Oregon is cold, wet, and the timber always seems to be thicker than the year before making it difficult to pinpoint that story-worthy buck. This particular November had been warmer than the previous year. Deer movement seemed limited and Chasan and I were hunting day in and day out without seeing a deer. Miles on the feet, fueled by Nutter Butters and Poptarts, one might think our confidence dwindled as our small town fame, seemingly, was in jeopardy. “All it takes is one deer,” and “You can’t kill a buck sitting on the couch,” were a few proverbs my dad had told me that kept us making that drive to the woods as the season came within two weeks of closing. If you asked either of us, we were positive that dream buck would inevitably cross our path. Day after day of what seemed like glorified nature hikes brought us to the last Sunday of November. A classic early winter day in our home state of Oregon provided us a chilly morning with persistent showers, a day sure to make any bowhunter giddy. I had hunted solo that morning with little success, much like our first eight days of the season. Once I returned to cell service, I was greeted with a text from my best buddy, Chasan: “You hunting this afternoon?” “Of course”, I replied. “I can pick you up in 30 min”... “Hurry up. We’re wasting daylight”, Chasan promptly texted as the 30 minute mark approached. I arrived at Chasan’s house shortly thereafter, we loaded our gear and took the familiar drive to a blacktail hideaway that had shown promise but had yet to yield results. After an hour of winding back and forth, to and fro down those well-known Oregon logging roads, we arrived at the “spot.” Chasan’s watch read 1400 and we began our ritualistic gear check. Binos? Check. Release? Check. Rangefinder? Check. Etc., etc. The tools of the trade were reckoned for and we began our endeavor down an over-grown skid road.
The late November rain continued to knock on the bills of our hats like an early morning woodpecker would a Doug fir, making our footfalls virtually silent. The end of the road was in sight as it was capped by an arrangement of bushes. A small maple tree stood centered in the bushes, riddled with yellow leaves that had yet been taken victim to the Oregon winter. This rogue tree, from the 150 yard distance at which we stood, appeared to be shaking. Chasan wondered aloud, “Why is that tree shaking?” Could it be? A buck? A big buck? I raised my binos in an attempt to determine the culprit of this unsuspected disruption in nature. No dice. Probably just one of those Dachshund-sized gray squirrels that seem to make as much noise as a 6x6 bull elk. Regardless, better safe than sorry. Chasan nocked an arrow in hopes of it being one of those blacktails from the local urban legends we always heard about. As we closed in on our target, the rigorous shaking continued. Now no more than 5-yards from the bushes, still too thick to make out the perpetrator of the convulsing tree, Chasan leaned down to peer underneath the wall of shrubs. The look on my comrade’s face when he shot back up from the ground was that of one who might have unsuspectingly found a dead body in their kitchen pantry. “It’s a big buck!” Chasan hissed. Despite our proximity, we still had the upper hand. This rutted up behemoth was so involved in tearing up this defenseless tree, I don’t know if he could have heard a pickup truck drive by. Chasan, arrow nocked, circled the bushes as a tiger would before pouncing upon its unwitting prey. As I stared into this dark barrier surrounding what I hoped was the deer of a lifetime, I noticed Chasan come to full-draw. “Thwack!” Chasan sealed the beast’s fate with a smooth pull of the trigger and barreling out of its haven of brush, the deer finally revealed itself. Full-speed, in milliseconds, the buck shot out of the bushes like a missile. Tines lowered, this brute was running directly at an unsuspecting me. The mystical deer came within a foot of me and I, in that brief moment, thought that my demise was imminent. “Man stabbed to death by deer,” the headline would read. Bow in hand I dodge the buck like a seasoned matador avoiding a furious bull. The trophy deer sprinted by me and I noticed a spot of bubbling blood behind his shoulder as it disappeared into the dark timber. Speechless, I stood in place as Chasan trotted towards me. One hand rubbed his head in disbelief, the other clutched his bow, as he repeated, “I smoked him! I smoked him!” Once all the color found its way back into my face, we excitingly relived how close we got to this sure to be record-book buck. Chasan and I followed the deer’s path to the edge of the timber and before we even had a buck’s rack in hand, we start to hug. “We did it!” No more than 40 yards into the dark Oregon timber, I found Chasan’s massive 4x3 blacktail and just like that a memory that will last a lifetime was made. Incredible things happen in the woods every day, we’re just never out there to witness it for ourselves. Spend some time outside the confines of everyday life and you’re sure to make some stories of your own. Nine days after being a part of Chasan’s kill, an experience for which I will always be grateful, I arrowed a three-point blacktail any western Oregon archer would be pleased to tag. Due to our conflicting work schedules he wasn’t able to be there for mine, but he made sure to tell me to text him after my tag was filled. “I’ll be there to help, just let me know when you kill.” That confidence in each other is why we hunt together and I’m positive we will be making more hunting stories worthy of telling around the campfire in the future. About the Author: Tanner is a 24 year old Deputy Sheriff in his home state of Oregon. Tanner has been bowhunting for 9 years and loves chasing those big Oregon blacktails.
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
ANDREW MCLAIN OF HELENA WITH HIS NICE LATE-SEASON BUCK
COLTEN PEKOVITCH OF MALTA WITH HIS AWESOME MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS RAM
JONATHAN BALLARD OF HELENA SCORED BIG-TIME ON A TROPHY EASTERN MONTANA BUCK
Hunting & Fishing News | 29
Coyote Hunting: Best Guns, Calls, Tips
Be Invisible: Gary Roberson, a predator-hunting expert from Texas, agrees that while playing the wind is most important, staying invisible is a close second. “You’ll never call in a critter that sees you first,” he says. “Try to keep the sun at your back as you sneak into a calling spot. Use the backsides of hills, ditches, deep creek bottoms and other terrains to conceal your approach.” Wear complete woods or prairie camo, and snow camo when there’s lots of snow on the ground. And be quiet. Don’t slam truck doors near a calling spot. On the walk in, go slow and easy.
(continued from page 24)
Look around; move your head slowly so a coyote coming in fast and close won’t bust you. If you don’t see anything, call for another minute, stop and look. Wait 2 to 4 minutes and call again.” Hale blows 5 sequences for good measure before he moves to a new spot. But most of the time, if a coyote is going to show, it comes to the first or second set of calls.
Use Binoculars: Set up in a good spot, but before you start pounding on your calls, glass the countryside with 10X binos. Calling coyotes is no different than calling any game–it’s easier to lure a critter if you spot it first. Then you can call, watch the coyote and read its reaction. You’ll know whether to keep bawling to keep it moving—or to shut up and get your gun up because the predator is running in for a meal.
Coyote Guns: The old coyote standard—a scoped bolt-action rifle in .22-250 with a 55-grain bullet—is still the best. The next 2 most popular coyote cartridges are the .223 and .243. AR-platform rifles in .204 Ruger or .223 are hot these days. And don’t forget your deer rifle. Shooting a coyote or two with your whitetail rifle in .270, 7mm-08 or whatever is fun and great winter practice. Even your .30-06 is not too big! If you hunt woods or thick cover where a coyote might bust in close, think about carrying an open-sighted 12-gauge magnum with a heavy turkey or predator load along w/a rifle.
The Best Calls: Both electronic and mouth calls work, and there are lots of theories on using each. But the simplest and best advice I ever got was from David Hale, the game-calling legend from Kentucky. “Once you’re set up and ready, blow a rabbit-distress call for a minute or so,” he says. “Hit it good and loud.
Call, Shoot, Stay Ready: If you call in one coyote and shoot it, stay still and hidden, and keep calling. A lot of times coyotes travel in pairs. The second one won’t always spook from the shot, and you might be able to stop it. Try a couple of barks from a mouth call and try to pull off a double.
30 | Hunting & Fishing News
REDEFINE PRECISION WITH YOUR CUSTOM LONG RANGE SNOWY MOUNTAIN RIFLE FITTED WITH THE BEST IN OPTICS - VORTEX OPTICS.
Your Premium Vortex Optics dealer.
SNOWY MTN RIFLES
VISIT OUR SHOP
2935 Stockyard Road, Unit K2
Missoula, MT 59808
www.snowymtnrifles.com | info@snowymtnrifles.com | (406) 546-8732
The Big Bull By Matt Harrington he massive black antlers with silver tips emerged first, followed shortly by the powerful muddy body that carried them. He was only 45 yards away and he was going to pass right by me. My heart was beating so loud I was certain he could hear me. With the adrenaline, the memories of botched opportunities on other elk came flooding in. The sense of impending failure was almost palpable and my mind seemed to wander between that sense and those massive, swaying antlers coming toward me. I had to snap out of it soon or it would become another bad memory.
T
Like most archery elk hunters, I have many more “almosts” and “if onlys” than antlers on the wall and meat in the freezer. The stories of humorous and tragic failures are far more plentiful than the kinds of successful stories that are published in hunting magazines. Some are funnier than others. One time my muscles failed me when I tried to draw my bow on a rag horn that had rushed in to ten yards and was standing broadside. As I struggled to draw, my arrow clattered off the rest. My friend, next to me could not help laughing as the elk raced away….it was just one of those days.
Photo credit: Matt Harrington But some botched hunts are a little more depressing to think about. Since becoming an archery hunter I have experienced the heart break of losing two elk with arrows in them. The first was a five-by-five my first year bow hunting that I hit in the back-strap area. I was fifteen yards away and he was broadside, but it was a shot I should have never taken because my knees were literally knocking together due to nerves. After searching for him much of the next day, my buddy saw a bull that looked like him grazing with a herd of cows but it is hard to know for certain what happened to him. Then there was a main-frame seven-by-seven I arrowed. He bled profusely for over a mile and I looked for two days but I still never found him. Since then I have trained and tried to learn from both experiences so that it never happens again, but they are a part of the journey for me and many other bow hunters.
I had experienced some disappointments elk hunting with a rifle too, missing a couple bulls because of nerves and inaccurate yardage guesses. But the weekend after getting shut down by a girl my junior year of college, the curse seemed to break. Feeling dejected, I headed into the woods with a good friend. After over-sleeping our alarms by two hours, we still managed to bump a couple small bulls around 11AM. I missed a rushed shot and then we tracked them three miles toward the road before shooting both. In spite of the many things that went wrong that day, it was almost like God knew how bad I needed a win at that moment in my life and just gave it to me. All these memories accompanied me as the bull in front of me methodically trudged up the hill. But many things had changed since those memories occurred. I was set to get married in two weeks and my beautiful fiancé was crouched behind me watching the bull approach. Although she had shot several deer and antelope, this was her very first time elk hunting and the look on her face showed that she was ecstatic. I had also become a slightly better hunter in that time and was starting to put all the lessons I had learned from my failures and hunting partners into practice.
However, as with most great hunts, luck played a huge role. We were hunting in a place I had never been to before and it was (and still is) better known for grizzlies than elk. Not only was I unfamiliar with the area, but I hadn’t brought a saw, sufficient pack or even a camera. We had hiked up to the top of a huge ridge and had a couple bulls bugle back and forth early in the morning but neither opportunity had panned out. We were preparing for a mid-day nap on top of the ridge, when I decided to bugle one more time, almost as an afterthought. I was answered almost immediately by what sounded like a large bull. I now have a better understanding of pre-rut dynamics and realize that he was probably pretty surprised to hear a “new” bull in the area and was coming to check out his future competition. At the time, I did not really know what was happening but I happened to make the right move. I bugled back over my shoulder in an effort to make him think I was just over the ridge behind us. Again, I was answered almost immediately but this time he was closer, probably 100 yards. I knelt near a tree that gave me cover with a couple shooting lanes.
He was not coming quietly and I heard him before I saw him at about 50 yards. My heart had been pounding before I saw him, but seeing those antlers took it to a whole new level. My mind was playing tricks on me and thoughts of this scenario ending up on the list of “almosts” kept creeping into my mind. Suddenly resolve formed in me. It did not matter how big he was. I had to ignore the antlers and focus on the shot. He could have been a spike for all I cared.
32 | Hunting & Fishing News
CHECK OUT OUR NEW INVENTORY!
WHOLESALE PRICING HUGE SELECTION OF NEW MODELS!!
W E S AV E YOU
2018 Nash 29S Bunks
$ 6 ,595
New Model!
List price: $37,485 OUR PRICE: $30,890
2018 Aspen Trail 2050QB Rear Dinette New Model!
Aerodynamic front design for better fuel economy and easier towing.
Photo credit: Matt Harrington
I was going to kill that elk if I had the shot. This brief internal pep-talk concluded when he was about 30 yards from me, but I still forgot to draw at my 25-yard shooting lane. Luckily, he kept walking and I was able to draw as he passed by a tree. My last shooting lane was at ten yards and he would have just kept walking if I had not made a mew to get him to stop. (I say “mew” and most people think cow elk mew, in reality though, it sounded more like a cat than an elk.) Despite the low-quality sound, it worked. He stopped for a split second and I buried my arrow behind his shoulder. It took a couple more hours and another arrow before he was down for the count, but the pure elation I experienced that day walking up to the bull is almost unsurpassed. To shoot a bull like that, as my first bull (with a bow) and to be able to share that experience with my wife is one of my most precious memories. All the past disappointments faded away and in that moment I was the luckiest guy in the world. We have been married over three years now and I have shot a couple decent six by six bulls with a rifle since then, so I guess you could say marriage has been good for my hunting success. However, I cannot imagine an elk hunt that will mean more than this one does. Matt Harrington lives in Browning, MT with his wonderful wife Allie, their precious daughter Jessie and their comical dog Hoover. They spend much of their free time hunting, fishing, hiking and packrafting in the beautiful landscape surrounding them.
Additional Savings on ALL New 2017 models in stock.
O N LY
$ 15 ,999
List price: $20,954 WE SAVE YOU $4,955
2018 Arctic Fox 29-5T Rear Living
List price: $74,230 Our Price: $58,886
W E S AV E YOU
$15 ,344
One of the top 50 RV dealers in the US and Canada and the only RV dealer in Montana to receive this award! RV Business magazine
Alpine, Arctic Fox, Aspen Trail, Avalanche, Carbon, Columbus, Cruiser RV, Fox Mountain, Laredo, Nash, Puma, Raptor, Sabre, Sunseeker, Wolf Creek
We have the NEW Rockwood Geo Pro’s made to tow with crossover and smaller SUVs!
406-442-8542 1-800-246-8542 HELENA, MT.
www.ddrvcenter.com
GEAR REVIEW
Cross-Train For Hunting & Fishing With These Favorite Seasonal Alternatives
T
Hoka Challenger ATR 4 Trail Runner
he Challenger ATR 4 is a fast and light trail runner offering a smooth, smooth ride with its multi-lugged outsole. Arranged closer together towards the heel for a smoother, more consistent ride, its lugs have a wider spread in the forefoot to help with grip on the trail and in wet conditions. Still as versatile and supportive no matter the running surface, Challenger ATR 4 has improved upper durability in the areas you need it (like the larger toe guard area). Let’s take it to the trails people! Available in #1018294 Blue/Legion Blue (shown) or #1018295 Black/Azalea
B
Line Sick Day 104 Skis - Freeskier Top Pick
uilding off of one of the more decorated shapes in skiing, the all-new LINE Sick Day 104 Skis provide the perfect footprint for all-mountain exploration. A lighter than air Aspenlite™ Core is reinforced by Magic Finger Filaments for a lightweight yet energized ride. With ample edge hold and the right blend of rocker and camber, the totally redesigned Sick Day 104 Skis are meant to bounce between the deep pow and blown out hardpack effortlessly.
T
Völkl Kendo & Kenja Skis On The Snow Editors Choice
Kendo
Kenja
he Völkl Kendo & Kenja Skis rip the groomed and crush the crud with the best of ‘em. Ideal as an all-mountain ripper or a frontside mountain ski, the Kendos’ Multi-Layer Wood Core and full Titanal laminate construction will provide you with a new-found level of confidence at speed. With the reliable Freeski Tip & Rail Rocker that makes the skis turn-friendly and allows for a stiffer flex setup. Only the shovel and tail zones bend upwards, with traditional cambering in the middle for pop. These skis are all-mountain powerhouses that deliver super precise edgehold and stability at speed. See these and other fine products at one of the 5 Montana Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors stores in Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Butte and Hamilton or shop 24/7 at www.bobwards.com.
3 Tips to Finding the Best Boots for Your Next Western Hunt SNS Outfitter & Guides
B
Photo courtesy SNS Outfitter & Guides
oots are one of the most important things that you’ll purchase for any western hunt. Unlike items that can be borrowed from your buddies like a jacket or optics, boots are a personalized item that’s going to fit everyone differently.
Here are 3 tips to finding the best boots for your next western hunt: 1. Find Boots that Fit You The very best brand of boots is the one that fits you best. A Kenetrek will fit your foot different than a Danner, and a Lowa won’t feel the same as a Zamberlan. There are a lot of great boots out there to fit many different shapes and sizes of feet. We recommend trying on a number of different brands of boots until you find one that fits your particular feet best.
34 | Hunting & Fishing News
http://www.huntwyo.com
2. Wear Your Boots Before the Hunt A quality pair of boots shouldn’t require any break-in period. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them before your hunt. Get into your boots and put some miles on them before your hunt to make sure there aren’t any issues. If there’s a problem with blisters or a bad fit, you don’t want to discover it when you’re on your hunt. 3. Don’t Forget Quality Socks The best boots in the world won’t perform properly if you’re wearing your old cotton gym socks. Give your boots a sock they deserve and buy a few pairs of high quality merino wool socks. A merino sock will help keep your feet in good condition on a western hunt. They move moisture away from your skin to help avoid blisters and they resist odors even after days of use. Before your next hunt, be sure to settle any boot questions well in advance. A bad issue with your feet is something that can ruin an otherwise memorable hunt. For information on hunts with SNS Outfitter and Guides, please visit their website at HuntWyo.com. You can also give them a call at 307-266-4229 or request a free brochure that includes details on Wyoming and Montana hunts.
True 3 seating offer class-leading comfort, convenience & smooth, quiet ride • Torquey 700-class liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine with strong low-end acceleration and pull through the rpm range • Ultramatic® transmission with dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive, reverse and all-wheel engine braking • Pushbutton 2WD/4WD with On-Command® • Comfortable cabin with handhold, padded head rests & 3-point seat belts for all • Steel rear cargo bed • Available in Realtree® Xtra® with suntop & aluminum wheels.
See the full line of YAMAHA SxS and ATVs at one of these Yamaha dealers. BOZEMAN BLITZ MOTORSPORTS 145 Rawhide Ridge Rd. 406-522-7533
BUTTE STAACK’S MOTORSPORTS 102 E. Galena St. 406-782-2623
GREAT FALLS STEVE’S SPORTS CENTER 4700 9th Ave. South 406-727-8607
HAMILTON AL’S CYCLE 619 Highway 93N. 406-363-3433
MISSOULA FIVE VALLEY YAMAHA 5900 Hwy. 93 S. 406-251-5900
TOWNSEND TOWNSEND MARINE 7809 Hwy. 287 So. 406-266-5700
Professional drivers on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2018 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com
Photo credit Project Upland
How to Clean a ShotgunPreserving Legacy By Fred Bohm Project Upland
www.projectupland.com
A
s basic as it it is, how to clean a shotgun is an important part of being an upland hunter. “They come out of the gun cabinet clean, and by golly they are going back in the same way.” Comes the recollection of my father’s warning about how to clean a shotgun. There was no mincing words with my father. He wasn’t asking, he was telling. But as with any good mentor it wasn’t his words that convinced me, it was his actions. I remember the look in his eyes when he broke apart the family shotgun and meticulously cleaned it in his machine shop. The way he paid attention to every angle, every surface as if he knew them personally. This wasn’t just a tool to him, this was a piece of the past previously taken care of by another steward, passed down to him to continue the tradition and would be in my hands years down the line when I understood the importance of the responsibility.
This wasn’t a weapon, this was a legacy. I learned at a young age how to break apart and how to clean a shotgun. More important than the how, I remember the why. Take care of a firearm and it will outlive you. Your memories will be attached to gun as your grandson pulls the trigger on his first grouse, watching the feathers fall as he connects with his past. Now there are two ways to clean a shotgun. The right way and the wrong way. This isn’t rocket science, I promise. The right way includes a breakdown that cleans, lubricates and protects your firearm to insure it functions properly in the future. The wrong way includes tossing it behind the seat of your pickup truck and promising “‘Ol Trusty” a bath someday.
Every shotgun breaks down differently. See your manufacturer’s recommendation on how to accomplish that. So what ends up sending our shotguns to an early grave? The number one killer is carbon. It’s a devilish fiend that excels in attacking over time. It builds upon itself and reveals its mischief at the most inopportune time. Need that follow up shot on that mallard whizzing by at breakneck speed? Well carbon says you ain’t getting it. (continued on page 42)
36 | Hunting & Fishing News
Honda Snow Blowers
Throw more snow faster and farther. These are just a few of the Honda products available. Visit
www.powerequipment.honda.com to see the full line-up of Honda Power Equipment and http://powerequipment.honda.com/brochures for product brochures
WINTER HAS MET IT’S MATCH Tackling tough conditions is no problem for
Honda. Power you can trust.
Visit one of these Honda dealers today for your Honda product. BOZEMAN
Owenhouse Ace Hardware 36 East Main St. (406) 587-5401 www.owenhouse.com
EU1000i
• 1000 watts • Less than 29 lbs. • Power for Fans, TV, Lights, Small Power Tools and Appliances
BOZEMAN
EU2000i
• 2000 watts • Less than 47 lbs. • Power for Microwave, Refrigerators, Hair Dryer and Small A/C units
EU2000i Companion • 2000 watts • Less than 47 lbs. • 30A Receptacle Allows Easy Hook-Up to RV with Optional Connector
Owenhouse Ace Hardware 8695 Huffine Lane (406) 582-7330 www.owenhouse.com
GREAT FALLS North 40 Outfitters 4400 10th Ave. South (406) 761-7441 www.north40.com
HAVRE
EU2000i Camo
• 2000 watts • Less than 47 lbs. • REALTREE® APG camo exterior
EG2800i
• 2800 watts • Easy Connection for Home Backup • Long run time - Up to 12.1 hours @ 1/4 load
EB2800i
• 2800 watts • OSHA and LA-ETL Compliant with 120V GFCI Duplex Receptacles • Only 67 lbs.
North 40 Outfitters 1753 US Hwy 2 NW (406) 265-9566 www.north40.com
HELENA
One Way Marine & Motor Sports, Inc. 3186 Hwy. 12 E. (406) 443-7373 www.onewaymarine.com
EU3000is
• 3000 watts • Convenient Electric Starting • Power for RVs including 13,500 BTU AC and Basic Home Backup Power
EU3000i Handi®
• 3000 watts • Swing-Up Handle • Perfect for RV Supplemental Power, Home Backup Use and Camping
EU7000is
• 7000 watts • Fuel-Injected Honda Commercial Grade Engine No Carburetor • Push Button Electric Starting
BOZEMAN
Sportsman’s Warehouse 2214 Tschache (406) 586-0100 www.sportsmanswarehouse.com
HELENA
HSS Series Snow Blowers
Sportsman’s Warehouse 2990 N. Sanders Street (406) 457-7200 www.sportsmanswarehouse.com
MISSOULA
Sportsman’s Warehouse 2323 North Reserve St. (406) 523-9000 www.sportsmanswarehouse.com Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in a closed or partly enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. © 2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
ARE YOU SOLO TOUGH? By Justin Klement
Originally published at www.goHUNT.com
Solo tough…I never used to be. For most, hunting season is a social event that happens each year—a way to fill My 2017 Nevada archery mule deer. Photo credit: Justin Klement
the freezer, but, in many cases, it’s also a chance to get away. For some, hunting season can be the time when your obsession finally turns into a reality. For people like me, we often prefer to go it alone. We realize the chances and success rates, which are utterly important, can increase dramatically when you are solo. But, there are also a lot of people who fall in between. The type of guy I’m talking about is on the verge of taking hunting to a new level. This means a certain aspect of seriousness; you aren’t just a weekend warrior, but, instead, you spend every waking minute thinking about the coming seasons and preparing for upcoming hunts. For this type of person, the idea of going solo on a hunting trip seems like a great idea; however, doing it is another thing. For some, it comes easy; for me, not so much, especially on a backpack hunt when I know I am miles from anyone or anything civilized. I find myself worrying about my safety more than I would on a normal basis, which, if you think about it in hindsight, is sort of crazy. When I have a hunting partner, I basically am using that person as a crutch in a
way—someone to alleviate my fears of being alone, being attacked by a bear or cougar, breaking my leg or arm, or anything that could possibly be devastating. Having someone else there mentally soothes me; somehow these things can’t happen because I have another person with me. I don’t know why this happens, why a switch flips on in my brain the second I know that either I’m on my way out to my truck or I know that someone is on their way in to meet me. It’s like people who are afraid of flying. When they have someone with reassuring them it will be OK, everything is fine. I guess it’s more of a distraction for your mind than anything. Whatever the case, it works and it works well. At least for me. It took me a long time to get used to going alone, especially the sleeping part. I could go out and hike all day long alone and be fine, but the second natural light starts to dim, then my mind brings out the tricks. Suddenly, I can’t hunt out to that far ridge line or basin for fear I’ll be hiking back in the dark alone. But for some reason with another person, it seems perfectly fine. Yet, as odd as it may seem, I’ve managed to trick myself recently into staying longer and going farther when I’m solo hunting, thus allowing me to hunt harder and more effectively. The first couple of times I went it was just for one night. I hiked in, stayed the night, hiked around the next day and then went home. Once I completed a couple of trips like that, multiple days didn’t seem as big a deal and, in short stints, they aren’t. But the first time you plan a four to five day hunt on your own, backpacking however many miles in, it can be. By the third day, unless you have had immediate success, you will find yourself questioning what it is you are doing. You’ll wonder about what happens if you get attacked by a bear in the night, what happens if you tumble and one of your arrows gores you so badly that you can’t make it out, what if you crush your arm and you have to “Aron Ralston” yourself out of there, plus more. Many things will run through your mind, making you seriously question whether or not you are cut out for hunting.
It is Coyote Season SNOWY MTN RIFLES Photo by: Steve McIntosh
ALL YOU NEED IS
A GOOD “CHALLENGE HOWL” AND SMR. REMEMBER every SMR purchase gives you a shot at our monthly giveaway, follow us FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM to see what this months giveaway is.
visit our shop. 2935 Stockyard Road, Unit K2 Missoula, MT 59808 www.snowymtnrifles.com | info@snowymtnrifles.com | (406) 546-8732
These are some of my own fears while solo hunting in the backcountry. I’ve been there, sleeping alone, eight or so miles in, wolves howling in the distance (even though it sounds like they can get to you in a couple seconds), wishing anyone was nearby in case of a dire need of help.
WAYS TO STAY FOCUSED
There are a couple of things that really keep me going in the backcountry when I am hunting alone. These things allow me to stay even when I don’t want to; things like the dreaded recipe of “tag soup” really push me to keep going. As much as I believe hunting is not always about the kill, I do not like eating tag soup, especially on an expensive nonresident priced tag. Another thing that keeps me out in the field is seeing my meat inventory in my freezers dip below levels that I’m uncomfortable with. I like to have enough meat in my freezers to last my wife and I all year long, eating as much wild game as possible. And, if I’m lucky enough to harvest again the following year, I can easily give away the meat I am unable to eat to friends and family who need it. I also have a fear of letting myself down. I believe every year I will have my opportunity and if I screw it up I have a very tough time living with myself for the winter months that follow. I work my tail off each year to do the research on my hunt area, on my gear and everything that involves the hunt in order to make sure I have the best chance possible of success. It’s not something I take lightly and the thought of failure is usually enough of a drive to push me out of my comfort zone.
Stihl waiting??? Get yours today. STIHL®
MS251 CHAINSAW
w/18” B&C
$329.95
We packed it with everything you need, even a lower price. All products backed by your full service dealer
442-1788 1650 ASPEN ST., HELENA mtnstihl@yahoo.com
Sales & Service
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Given all of the above information, self-motivation is not easy. Recently, I had the opportunity to have about an hour and a half conversation with a man I aspire to be. The twinkle in his eye gives an impression of a much younger, physically fit, and not yet white-haired Santa. The fact that we were able to spend an uninterrupted conversation about being alone in the backcountry, even though we had never met, says a lot about him. Ryan Lampers of Hunt Harvest Health has gained some notoriety lately for his steadfast hunting ethics and ability to push himself to his extreme limits. This is something I personally struggle with. I know I need to push myself out of my comfort zone and hearing some of his trials and tribulations firsthand throughout his long career helped to reassure that in my short six-year career of backpack-style hunting, I am indeed on the right track. Through the years I have found it difficult to connect with others who have the same mindset. goHUNT’s own Brady Miller is another prime example of a badass dude who has no problem going at it alone. Once you understand what is necessary for survival and effective for hunting in the backcountry, it becomes much easier. For me, it was the realization that I have about a hundred times higher chance of crashing my pickup on the way to hunting than I do being attacked by any type of wild animal in the woods. It’s much like the fear of flying people have, which is almost always unjustified. As long as I keep these things in perspective and keep my mind distracted from those stupid thoughts, I can do anything. Eventually, I want to be so comfortable in the backcountry that those thoughts never entered my mind in the first place. That’s where reaching out to others who have been there helps. The familiarity and common ground you can share with another reassures you that what you are feeling is normal. You can also check out another great article on this subject: “The Challenges Of Western Solo Hunting And How To Overcome Them” by Mark Livesay.
Pronghorn Wellington Recipe
a 12 Gauge Girl, Lindsey Bartosh www.huntingandcooking.com
Ingredients: 4 Pronghorn Steaks 1-1/2 to 2” thick, 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Sheet Frozen Puff Pastry, 1 Cup Arugula, 8 Ounces Gorgonzola Crumbles, Egg Wash Instructions: Allow pronghorn steaks to rest while the oven preheats to 425 and a large heavy bottomed skillet preheats on the stove top. Once the skillet is preheated, add the olive oil. Season the pronghorn steaks with salt and pepper then gently place in heated oil. Do not disturb the meat once settled, and cook for three minutes per side. Pull from the heat and allow to rest on a plate. Be sure to thaw the puff pastry dough before working with it. Sprinkle the pastry dough surface lightly with flour and roll the dough out enough to wrap around each steak. Cut into four equal squares. In the center of each square, place a pile of arugula and gorgonzola crumbles. Set the steak on top of the arugula nest and wrap the dough completely around the steak. Pinch at the seams. Brush the entire bundle with an egg wash. Place the bundles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cut a small vent on the top of each. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Enjoy!
Hunting & Fishing News | 39
The Quest for the Perfect Truck Gun Package Under $1200 (continued from page 17)
Photo courtesy Patrick Robers and www.ammoland.com
Success! That left me with only one good option, the Ruger Gunsite Scout. ...rest assured that the Gunsite Scout still needed to be modified to meet my requirements and needs. Glass bedding, a new muzzle brake, a quality variable 1 power scope, rings, a good quality sling, and a replacement bottom metal to replace the weak factory plastic unit are all on the list of completed mods with a replacement trigger from Timney Triggers on the to-do list. Outfitting The Perfect Truck Gun The last task I had was to outfit the Ruger Gunsite Scout with the accessories that it needed to fill the roles it had. If I am honest, this task was far easier than selecting the rifle choices and coming up with a list of requirements.
Scope – The only choice I could come up with that made me happy was the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6 scope. At about $329 or so at most online retailers, it not only kept cost where it needed to be but also kept the weight within my requirements also. Scope Rings – I ended up settling on a set of Leupold medium height rings that set me back about $65 shipped. They attach directly to the Ruger dovetails in the receiver and don’t need a scope base. Muzzle Brake – The only option I had was a Silencerco ASR brake (Normally $80 but I had one that came with my suppressor) that allowed me to use my Omega suppressor’s QD attachment. Rifle Sling – Andy’s Leather Slings Rhodesian Sling was another easy choice and only set me back $65 since I had some sling swivels on hand. Expect to see a full review of this stellar piece of kit soon. Magazine – Since the Gunsite Scout uses AICS pattern mags ($29 to $100 per mag depending on brand) I would be able to use AICS PMAGs or more conventional AICS mags that I happen to have a ton of. Ammunition – Given the reputation of the Hornady ELD-X for accuracy and reliably taking game it was another easy choice. When accuracy was needed I planned to rely on an open tip match load with a 168 grain bullet at minimum. I have to say, I learned far more about my perceived needs versus my real needs once I sat down, took the rose colored glasses off and thought about how I was most likely to employ the truck gun..
With competitive rates and personal service, it’s no wonder more drivers trust State Farm. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7. Jim F. Donaldson LUTCF, Agent 1225 Birch, Helena, MT. 59601 Bus. 406-442-4788 jim.donaldson.b7i6@statefarm.com
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company Bloomington, IL.
BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY
FOR MOUNTAIN FUN IN LINCOLN MONTANA
Make us your basecamp for hunting, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling
Nestled in the heart of some of Montana’s most pristine wilderness All rooms have cable TV, microwave, refrigerators, coffee pot • Kitchenettes • Laundry room • Sauna • Free WiFi
LEEPER’S PONDEROSA MOTEL
Reasonable rates
110 1st Ave., Lincoln, MT
(406) 362-4333 Pets welcome
Mountain States Collision Repair, Inc.
“Where Honesty & Quality Come Together”
Lifetime guarantee-Affordable prices All makes, models and toys including trailers, snowmobiles, boats, more
1944 Birch St., Missoula, MT | Call for a free estimate (406)721-0881
A Dream come true for the fly rodder and angler that thrives on small stream fishing.
Find great hunting and fishing along 1.5 miles of creek bottom on the Rocky Mountain Front.
LODGING
FISHING
www.mountainstatescollisionrepair.com
Lodge in Augusta Upland sleeps up to 10. bird hunting Great for meetings, September or stay in one of our through March 4 creekside cabins VRBO/865691 in Augusta, Mt. on the ranch.
HUNTING SHOCO RANCH
3506 Hwy 435 - Augusta, MT. 59410
406-562-3553
www.shocoranch.com
42 | Hunting & Fishing News
|
birds@shocoranch.com
How to Clean a ShotgunPreserving Legacy (continued from page 36)
The key is to remove all carbon from your firearm after every use, lubricate all moving parts and use a product that will create a buffer between your weapon and the carbon that would like to attach to it.
Here’s how to clean a shotgun: -Fully break down the shotgun on a mat, keeping all parts well organized. -Soak any little parts in a container with CLP (that’s Clean, Lube and Protect for those of us not in the know). -Give the bore a healthy couple of sprays of the CLP, tilt back and forth to assure that the CLP has made its way down the bore.
-Go watch the latest video from Project Upland as your CLP does its job. https://youtu.be/rEujYlaRDSM -You can’t watch videos all day slacker! Back to work, your gun needs you. -Wipe clean all the parts that you were soaking, use a nylon brush and Q-tips for hard to reach spots and pull a bore cleaning kit through the shotgun’s bore. Finally wipe down all surfaces. -Here comes the crucial part, give all parts a light mist of CLP before reassembling. Remember that Protect part we talked about earlier? This is what does the protecting. If you’re using a good CLP (and you should be) it will provide a lubricating layer to all moving parts as well as a buffer to prevent carbon from attaching to the firearm. -Fully reassemble your firearm and store in a dry and safe location. Painless right? Not only painless, but one of the most important things you can do for your gun to preserve its legacy. Take care of your firearms and the memories associated with them for the generations to come. While you’re at it, donate a couple of bucks to a great organization that will preserve the public land you hunt on. After all, what good are our finely maintained shotguns if we don’t have the land to use them on? See more at www.projectupland.com To read more about how to clean a shotgun and gun cleaning check out: Sage and Braker
www.tiresupplysc.com
COURSER AXT
Keep your car engine clean and running smoothly
- COUPON $5.00 OFF OIL CHANGE
A true all-terrain tire
COURSER MXT An extreme off-road mud terrain tire
Most cars and light trucks
INCLUDES: •Install New Oil Filter •Lube front end •Up to 5 qts. of •Top off fluids 10/w30 motor oil MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON TO GET THIS PRICE.
COURSER CXT
A premium light truck commercial traction tire
Expires 6/30/18. Cannot be used with other coupons. www.tiresupplysc.com
over 83% of vehicles on the road today
NEED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Protect your tires, improve vehicle handling, enhance fuel consumption
- COUPON $10.00 OFF ALIGNMENT
Most cars and light trucks
MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON TO GET THIS PRICE.
Expires 6/30/18. Cannot be used with other coupons. www.tiresupplysc.com
STOP IN FOR YOUR WINTER VEHICLE ESSENTIALS TIRES, BATTERIES, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, TIRE CHAINS & MORE Anaconda Billings Billings Bozeman Broadus Butte Butte Conrad Darby Ennis Gardiner Glendive Great Falls Helena Kalispell
SEE YOUR LOCAL DEALER
Lisac’s of Anaconda J&M Tire Lisac’s of Billings Eagle Tire Brake & Alignment Hi-Tech Auto Repair, Inc. Lisac’s Tire American Car Care Conrad Tire Automotive Solutions, Inc. D&D Auto Yellowstone Dino Lube Berg’s Tire Falls Tire Service Eagle Tire Brake & Alignment M&C Tire
406-563-6110 406-969-2075 406-656-7502 406-587-5414 406-436-2378 406-782-4294 406-494-4450 406-278-3422 406-821-3440 406-682-4234 406-848-9401 406-377-5286 406-453-1418 406-443-5910 406-752-9662
Missoula Ronan Shelby Stanford Victor W.Yellowstone Whitefish Whitehall Wolf Point Williston, ND Ashton, ID Rexburg, ID Rupert, ID Victor, ID
Big Sky Tire Arnie’s Gas & Tire Center Mark’s Tire & Alignment 4G’s Tire & Repair Grenfell Garage Jake’s Automotive & Tire Howie’s Tire & Alignment Full Circle Tire Pro Tire Distributors OK Tire Store Tri-State Tire Tri-State Tire Nick’s Quality Tire All American Tire & Brake
406-251-5988 406-676-0400 406-434-5118 406-566-2910 406-961-2424 406-646-9500 406-862-6666 406-287-5682 406-653-2400 701-774-0233 208-652-3344 208-356-9069 208-436-3900 208-787-8473
Break your cabin fever.
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek.®
When you own a Crosstrek, you always have the ability to drop everything and go. It’s a liberating type of confidence that comes with having the capability of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive + 33 mpg.1 With the confidence of being a 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.2 Winter fun starts now.
Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
PLACER MOTORS 406-442-2603 | 1-888-433-0119 See our full line of Subaru vehicles.
1515 EUCLID AVENUE, HELENA, MT. 59601 Subaru,Crosstrek, and EyeSight are registered trademarks. 1EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2017 Subaru Crosstrek CVT models. Actual mileage may vary. 2EyeSight® is a driver assist system which may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors such as vehicle maintenance, and weather and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. Please remember to turn off EyeSight when going through a car wash. 2018 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0I Limited shown with available accessories.