Hunting & Fishing News - January 2013

HUNTING & FISHING Montana

January 2013

News

ICE FISHING TIME! Steelhead Short Trips To Land BIG FISH

Crappies In The Crosshairs

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COOMBACK Bob Ward’s Price $649.99 Retail $810.00 COOMBACK The COOMBAck is the first in a series of skis celebrating a different era of Doug’s ski career. Coombs cut his teeth on the steep, narrow chutes of Bridger Bowl, before moving to Jackson Hole to hone his technique.

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What makes it fun: The 102mm waist and All-Terrain Rocker create a balance between float and agility reflective of Doug’s versatility, and make the COOMBAck equally adept making tram laps or climbing the Ford-Stettner route on the Grand Teton.

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The Last Details For

WATERFOWL

By Steve Hickoff Yamaha Outdoors

HUNTING

Iseasons t’s the last call for waterfowl. So-called “regular” for ducks and geese have closed or will soon around the country...

After months of chasing ducks and geese, here are some tips for finishing as strong as you started.

Back in September—as the early goose seasons and maybe those for teal where you live began—it was all systems go. Now your decoys are muddy and well-used.

Some might be missing heads. Your decoy cord and line might need replaced. Sure you want to wait until summer, but why not do that now?

It may be January but it’s time to get ready for September.

• Clean those decoys if mild weather and an outdoor garden hose provides. It’s a mild 40 Maine degrees as I write this ahead of deadline, so you could even do that here today. Dry your fakes off. Store them neatly, with decoy cords, lines and anchor weights.

• Replace those heads with an online order from several of the many good outfitters, or take a trip to your local sporting goods store—assuming they still have their waterfowling gear on the shelves. Spring turkey season is coming soon.

• Like you maybe, I’ve been rigging decoy lines as need be in the heat of the moment while hunting ducks. As “creative” as the rigs now appear (quick knots; some loose fits), I’ll restore them soon to how they functioned when I started this past season.

• Take a hard look at what worked and didn’t this fall and winter. Could you use better decoy bags? Maybe you’ve been winging it with hen mallard fakes while hunting tidal marsh blacks. Why not go the distance and carve some black duck decoys this winter?

• Wash all of your apparel and hang it where you can find clothes in late summer and early fall. The same goes for washing down waders (I did that today) and placing them neatly on boot racks to hang.

There’s a satisfaction to hunting hard and finishing right.

It’ll clear the deck for the next season to come.

4 - Hunting & Fishing News

Hottest Ice Fishing Gear 2013 Nick Simonson, Nodak Outdoors http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/hottest-ice-fishing-gear-2013.php

H

...

ottest Stuff on Ice for winter 2013.

TIP TOP New from Frabill this year is a high-tech tip-up that does everything except set the hook and fight the fish. The Calibrator model is a wide snowshoe-shaped tip-up with an electronic display that gives an angler all the information on what’s going on below and assists each time after the flag is tripped. The blue-lit display module keeps track of the depth at which a bait is set, but it’s after the flag is tripped where things get really high tech. Once a fish hits, the display module keeps track of when the bite occurred, how long has passed since that moment and how much line your quarry has taken off of the Ultra Glide spool.

Like standard tip-ups, the Calibrator has dual sensitivity settings – heavy for big fish or windy conditions, and light for subtle biters like walleye. At around $40, the Calibrator is a jump up in price for a unit with more bells and whistles than a one-man-band.

A TIGHT SPOT As ice anglers find new ways to finesse fickle panfish like bluegills, perch and crappies, niche fishing techniques find their way into the mainstream. That was the case with spring bobbers about ten years ago and so it is with the growing phenomenon of tight-lining that has bluegill spinning up to the surface in fear. Consequently, a number of companies are offering up tight-lining combos and reels as more and more anglers flock to this form of fishing, once a secret of a close-knit cadre of finesse fishermen.

Much like fly reels, tight-line reels help keep the kinks out of the line and maintain a tight and untwisted connection to a small, but heavy, jig usually made out of tungsten. The horizontal axis and larger circumference of the reel limit the lure from doing an unnatural pirouette under the ice and lets the angler watch the line above the hole which might hint at subtle panfish takes. From the Dave Genz Ice Spooler by Clam (www.clamcorp.com) to the Black Betty Ice Combo by newcomer 13 Fishing (www.13fishing.com), tight-line reels are becoming part and parcel to panfishing on hardwater.

ELECTRIC AVENUE Weighing a scant 21 pounds, and powered by a 36-volt battery, the Ion Electric Ice Auger (www.ioniceaugers.com) is touted as the world’s first high-performace electric auger. The unit has tested well and can cut up to forty holes through 24 inches of ice on just a single charge.

It’s a unit that brags of all the power of a gas auger without the fuel, fumes and fatigue that come with standard models. The initial offering is equipped with an auger head in the on-ice standard eight-inch diameter, and is great for those who don’t do a whole lot of hole-hopping or enjoy fishing out of a large permanent shelter without choking on exhaust for the next hour.

TUNG-IN-CHEEK Anglers looking to hook up with fish a little bit quicker will appreciate the expansion of tungsten technology. These compact jigs made from the heavier-than-lead material get small presentations in front of fish fast. As with most economies, as more companies enter the market, the price of the products drops with increased competition. On the ice, this theory holds true, as just a few years ago, only a few specialty tackle companies provided tungsten ice jigs. Now, many traditional lure companies like Northland Tackle (www.northlandtackle.com) and Custom Jigs and Spins (www.customjigsandspins.com) offer a number of tungsten jigs to help set the hook whether you’re using the tight-line technique or a sensitive spring bobber. Try Northland’s Tungsten Fireball Jig and C J&S’s Chekai and Majmun offerings new for this season.

A SPRING FOR EVERYTHING And speaking of spring bobbers, Frabill ups the ante in adjustable on-ice spring bobber options with its clip-on Titanium spring bobber. Consisting of a single titanium wire shaft for ultimate fish-catching sensitivity and no spring coil to get things wrapped up when the bite is on, the rubber clip lets anglers move it from rod to rod to find what works best for them without changing the rod action they’re used to. At around $12 each, the reasonably-priced option can help anglers find that extra feel on the ice.

These are just some of the great items that anglers will get a chance to experiment with on the ice this season...in our outdoors.

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REGION 1 Deer Harvest Slightly Higher Than Last Year In Northwest Montana As Season Comes To An End At the six northwest Montana check stations through the end of the season on Sunday, November 25, a total of 17,635 hunters checked 941 white-tailed deer (830 of these were bucks), 131 mule deer, and 78 elk for a 6.5 percent rate of hunters with game. This is slightly higher than the 6.1 percent of hunters with game last year.

Hunters checked 10 percent more whitetail bucks, 27 percent more mule deer, and 36 percent fewer elk as compared to last year. The number of hunters in northwest Montana was down 5 percent. The reduction in elk checked through the stations could be partly due to the lack of a youth antlerless opportunity this hunting season According to FWP Wildlife Manager Jim Williams, deer populations are still down overall, but there are signs that whitetail numbers are beginning to increase. Williams notes that a high number of yearling whitetail bucks were checked this season, which reflects good fawn survival last winter.

For example, 48 percent of the whitetail bucks checked at Olney and 35 percent checked at Highway 2 were yearlings. Trophy bucks (5 years and older) were also well represented, making up 12 percent of the bucks at Highway 2 and the Swan.

Williams adds that annual buck harvest is a reliable indicator of population trend. “Based on the total number of whitetail bucks at our check stations, deer populations are up slightly as compared to last year in northwest Montana,” says Williams. “The number of yearling whitetail bucks in the harvest is what we expected to see based on our spring fawn survival counts, and it’s good news for hunters in the coming years.”

The counts at the six northwest Montana check stations represent a sampling of the harvest and do not represent the complete number of animals taken. Details of total harvest for each hunting district will be known after telephone hunter surveys are completed this spring.

Wolf harvest: Through November 25, hunters in northwest Montana had taken 27 wolves. Statewide, 80 wolves had been taken. The wolf hunting season continues until February 28. Hunters can still purchase a wolf hunting license, but there is a 5-day waiting period before it is valid.

Wolf trapping began on December 15. Wolf trappers must purchase a furbearer trapping license to trap wolves.

REGION 2 West-Central Montana Deer and Elk Harvest Down this Season Deer and elk harvest was down this hunting season in west-central Montana, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says the numbers reflect conservative hunting regulations in many parts of the region, combined with the effect of relatively mild weather. (continued on page 12)

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January 2013

5

Dead on Bull

By Rob Efinger President Dead-on Range Finder

Reprinted with permission from Bowhunting.net. For more please go to: www.bowhunting.net.

This morning began exactly like the last half a dozen mornings – early wake-up, lots of coffee and a cool breeze blowing in my face as I leave the truck under the cover of darkness. I wonder “Is it possible to get tired of hunting?” The answer comes as the cold air fills my lungs and I eventually lose my breath...

“No way, I love this stuff.”

After a solid hour of hiking, I reach ‘the wallow’, which is really what keeps me coming back to this, (my favorite) spot. It seems to be more invaded with elk sign this year than normal, which tells me that they are here – it’s just a matter of finding the right bull on the right day.

Darkness still envelopes me as I press on to my first spot, a place where I like to sit, glass and listen (good bow hunters do a LOT of all three). Once at the spot, I have a little morning snack (jerky and Clif bar) give a few calls, and listen closely for any sounds of life. This morning seems so dead that I actually text my wife “Be home soon, nothing going on this morning... again.”

6 - Hunting & Fishing News

Just then I hear the snap of a twig followed by soft footsteps. After an hour of calling and waiting it seems my efforts were not in vain as I watch a nice 5×5 bull quietly sneaking in on me. He comes in so fast and straight that I barely have time to set up. Stopping at 5 – 7 yards, he looks right at me and knows something is wrong. Not liking the situation, he spins around and trots off before I can even think about drawing my bow. With a breeze in my face, I know he’s not spooked, and I think that I may see him again.

It looks like instead of heading for home, I’ll be spending the day in the woods. One thing unique about that bull – he had a slight twist to his left antler, and I was really hoping to have another chance at him.

My days in the elk woods are always made up of a series of ‘lessons’ – this lesson was to ALWAYS, ALWAYS be ready, and don’t ever let your mind think that there are no elk where you are; especially when you see lots of elk sign.

On opening day, I bumped into a young kid who had killed his first bull

ever, way up this drainage above the clear-cuts and that’s the direction ole ‘Twisty’ went.

Sure enough, when I got there a bull answered me right away with a shrill bugle. Working up through the dense thicket of Christmas trees, I finally see the tips of his antlers and hear him working over a poor little tree. Usually this is a recipe for a blood-covered arrow as I have been able to walk up on bulls and kill them while they were so intently focused on the tree. This bull however, would rake once or twice and then look around very alertly – never giving me a chance to move in. I wondered if the presence of wolves in this Western Montana area has put him on edge. Finally, he just got tired of the game and vanished into the black timber. I was able to get on 2 more bulls up in that ‘Honey hole’ – the kid was right, this is where the bulls had been hanging out during the day. Elk sign was everywhere

and it seemed like every other tree had a rub on it. After a dozen years of hunting this drainage there is always more to learn (even if it was from a young kid in his first year of hunting). Nap time for me, so I worked my way back to the spot where I had bumped

into ‘Twisty’ that morning and zonked out under the warmth of the September sun.

After a nice nap in the elk woods I still had a couple of hours of daylight left, so I start hunting my way out, cow calling and bugling as I went... nothing. As I worked my out I reached a point where I could either take the left or the right side of the drainage so I decided to go down the familiar left-hand side with the uphill thermals blowing in my face. Almost to the point where the hunting stops and the hiking starts, I get an answer from a bull on the other side of the drainage. Pulling my Brunton Epoch’s out, I glassed the hillside, and found several cows tended by a nice 5×5 bull.

Without spending much time to think about it, I took off down the steep ridge in a semi-controlled crash. I wanted to move quickly up the other side to slip in on the bull before it got too dark. Once in position and taking a few seconds to catch my breath, I let out a couple of soft cow calls.

Bang! He hits me right away with a bugle, and he’s close!

A couple more cow calls and there he was, 25 yards in really thick brush leaving me no clear shot. As I tried to come up with my next move he started raking a tree and I knew that was my chance to move in.

Good thought but he doesn’t let me.

Just like the bull earlier in the day, he rakes the tree a couple of times and then looks around alertly. He did this same routine over and over again. He wouldn’t come out of the thick stuff, and I couldn’t move in. I was getting more frustrated as the light of day slowly bled away, when he stepped out in hopes of finding another cow for his little herd.

This gave me the split second opportunity I needed to get a shot.

I brought my 70# PSE EVO to full draw and settled the pin.

Now, I’ve been archery hunting for nearly 30 years and I think I can judge distance pretty well. But, with low light and poor visibility your eyes can play tricks on you. I would have bet you anything that he was 40ish yards away.

To make sure, as I always do, I check my Dead-On Rangefinder conveniently mounted on my bow sight.

It’s a simple little device that allows you to range animals in the field (even while you are at full draw).

When I put the Dead-On over this bull, he is bigger than the 20 yard bracket, which tells me this bull is inside 20 yards

(not the 40 I had thought).

Once the Dead-On got me on track, I put my 20 yard pin on the kill zone and slam a Victory Armor Piercing arrow through both lungs.

Not knowing what just happened, the big bull walks only 20 yards and piles up. As I walked through the darkness to my trophy, I was thrilled to see that this one had a slight twist to his left antler and realized my day had ended just like it should have begun.

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RICK HAGGERTY (406) 370-1368

Publisher - Amy Haggerty - Helena, MT. huntingfishingnews@yahoo.com www.bigskyoutdoornews.net The entire contents is © 2013, 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 the printed 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 9 issue 10.

Please support the advertisers you see in this publication and let them know you saw their advertisement in the Hunting & Fishing News.

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January 2013

7

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Steelhead - Short Trips To Land Big Fish

By Rick Haggerty & Jeff Jarrett

F ishing on the Clearwater River in Idaho will pick-up in January, after the Idaho river’s mediocre start this fall. Look for the catching to really take off on Big B-Run Steelies.

Guides and fishermen are reporting lots of fish in the system the last couple of weeks. This will continue all the way to the end of the spring season.

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Boat anglers are having good success back trolling dark plugs and side drifting eggs and sand shrimp anywhere in holes from as little as 4 feet in depths to 12 feet.

Bank anglers will consistently produce fish by drifting bait or with float and baited jigs. Orange and pink jigs or pink on pink jigs seem to be the colors of choice on winter steelhead. Steelies are aggressive now, so make quarter casts downstream, and let the current swing your bait to the banks edge. Most fish will be caught 2 to 10 feet from the bank, so be sure to let your bait get to the shore, then re-cast.

Fishing access can be easier along the lower stretches of the river between Lewiston and Orofino during the winter months, as the water rarely freezes here.

Nearly 20 boat launches dot the shore from the mouth of the Clearwater at Lewiston to Kooskia near its headwaters at the Lochsa and Selway rivers.

Idaho’s state record steelhead was caught on the Clearwater River in November 1973 by Keith Powell. The fish weighed 30 lbs. 2 oz. and was 44” in length.

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From Jeff Jarrett at Jarrett’s Guide Service Steelhead catching on the Clearwater River is finally coming on! With a warm fall and unsettled water conditions, catching this last fall has been a bit frustrating to say the least. Now that we are finally starting to see a normal weather pattern, consistent catching will be the norm for the remainder of this season. All the techniques will work. From bobber and jig to drifting bait for the bank fishermen and trolling and side drifting for the boat anglers, it’s all going to work. Earlier this fall we didn’t see a lot of keepers, but now that the river has cooled off and the fish are finally coming out of the Snake river, it’s game on! The best part is that the keepers are a bit larger than normal; sometimes as much as a couple of pounds. We have seen several fish close to 20 lbs! This past week we saw quite a few keepers. Just recently, the North Fork experienced a pretty good bunch show up. The hot spot will be from the North Fork down to Lewiston, until spring rains bring the river up.

ICE FISHING GUIDE TRIPS ICE FISH FOR PERCH~TROUT~WALLEYE~PIKE~LING Learn and use all the latest gear and technology.

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Ice Fishing Gear That Works!

By Rick Haggerty

M ontana’s lakes and reservoirs should be primed for fishing this month, after a pretty mild start to the winter. Expect solid conditions from now through March.

Ice fishing has become a pretty popular way to spend a winter day, and not only that, big fish can be pulled from underneath the ice this time of year.

Here are a few items for ice fishing to add to your tackle box that will work well on Montana area waters.

Just add a nightcrawler, maggot, or live minnow where applicable.

Frabill (frabill.com) Straight-Line combos A Super-secret Panfish Tactic...no More The method known as “tightlining” has for decades garnered a following, because it is radically effective, triggering and detecting bites from extraordinarily picky panfish brutes.

Working with panfish savant Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, Frabill has developed the Straight Line Ice Series - the first advanced tactic-specific rod and reel combo to grace the ice in some time. The pro-grade Straight Line reel resembles and functions like an elite-class fly reel, except it won’t wimp out when the thermometer cracks zero. It’s wide aluminum spool manages the lightest lines with precision, eliminating coils and twists for the ultimate control. A liquid-smooth drag protects wispy lines, while an over-sized reel handle yields positive control. An all aluminum reel body minimizes weight, perfectly pairing it to one of three technique-centered rods. Each solid graphite rod blank sports fine-tuned aluminum oxide guides and solid cork handle.

Glass Minnow Kit’s Tackle (kitstackle.com) “For anybody who hasn’t seen the Glass Minnows in action, they are an absolutely incredible mimicking bait. In fact, the most common phrase when someone sees the “Yellow Perch” Glass Minnow in action for the first time is, “that looks more realistic than an actual yellow perch.”

I myself have always been a big fish ambassador and I have built so much confidence in the Glass Minnow Series it would be a rare site to see anything else tied on the end of my line. They have a ridiculously awesome stop and go action with UV enhanced material. When in motion, the material stays tight to the jig; when the jig pauses, the material flares just like natural fin flare on frightened bait fish. The reflective properties of the jig also mimic the transparent qualities of most natural forage in their juvenile state.” (continued on page 23)

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If Bobcats Have 9 Lives Then Coyotes Have A Dozen

By S. L. Merriam

Why do coyotes have twelve lives versus the nine

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10 - Hunting & Fishing News

of a cat? After hunting them a while you’ll learn coyotes do not play by any rules and frequently make up new ones as they go along. This trait has allowed them to spread into new country at an alarming rate while their territorial expansion has been expedited by low fur prices.

Currently, their pelts are worth a little over $20 when a fur buyer will take them whole and frozen with the skin on or skinned a special way to stretch the hide. And yes, you are right, if you are using coyote hunting to pay off the mortgage, you are dreaming. However, if you are doing it to improve your hunting and shooting skills during the off-season then read on cowboy, this article is for you.

Trapping is usually the most efficient way to collect coyotes, but they soon learn your tricks and will co-exist with the traps in place. Since trapping isn’t for everyone, you can enjoy calling, hunting and shooting. Enjoying more hunting and shooting experiences will transfer to your big game hunting, and I have yet to meet a good predator hunter that is not a skilled deer, elk, and antelope hunter. Going predator hunting is like taking a class with extra credit; it might not be the same material but the relevance to the general subject provides a more rounded hunter and will improve your success.

Why hunt coyotes other than for the money? Predators - mostly coyotes - killed 1,800 calves and 500 head of cattle in Montana according to a survey conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, with the help of Animal Damage Control (ADC). Those animals had an estimated worth of $900,000. (According to Scott McMillon, of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.)

Which Weapon? What rifle works best to score on coyotes? Anything chambered in a high power .22 caliber: .222 Remington, .222 Magnum, .223 Remington, in addition to the .204 Ruger, .243 Winchester, .257 Roberts, and .257 Kimber. There are guys that hunt coyotes with AR-15 rifles and others who prefer single-shots, like the Ruger No. 1 or the H&R/NEF Handy rifle. Still others stick to bolt actions like the heavy barrel variations of the Remington 700, Winchester Model 70 or the Savage 110, or new Savage Model 14 American Classic with its Accu-Trigger.

A call to the Hunting Shack, in Stevensville, MT. brought to light Production Manager, Nick Schiele’s expertise in varmint hunting calibers and ammunition. Nick and owner, Travis Campbell are both experienced varmint hunters and know what works best on long-range coyotes. Since my concern was preserving the $20 pelt, without being extremely destructive to the coyote, Nick advised using the V-Max bullet loads for high-powered .22 calibers. These will enter the coyote and completely disintegrate inside the body without exit hole damage. There are also less ricochet problems than when using a hollow point since they are thin jacketed. Hollow points, which he also carries, were the standard for predator hunting in the past, but the V-Max has surpassed them with superior terminal action and much safer performance.

You want to use a bullet that weighs 100 grains or less in the .20 and .22-calibers, while anything in the 125 to 130 grain family works well for the .243, .257 and .30 calibers. You get higher velocity and flatter trajectory with these projectiles and the key here is bullet speed. The faster the bullet flight, the flatter the trajectory, which improves vertical accuracy at long ranges. A coyote doesn’t look like a small target until you remove the fluffy hair and find a body which is approximately 10” by 20,” and they seldom stand still very long. While horizontal accuracy is affected by wind drift, both horizontal and vertical impact are affected by the inherit accuracy of the rifle bullet combination, plus the accuracy of the shooter, which is usually where the most improvements can be made. If you handload, be sure to pick up this year’s edition of Hodgdon’s Annual Manual.

You will find data for any number of blistering coyote stoppers.

What about your deer rifle? If you can hit a coyote at 200 plus yards with your favorite buck-buster, you should certainly be able to notch a deer tag with that rifle come fall. Sight your rifle to shoot dead-on-at 250 yards. It will be a 1⁄2 -inch high at 175 to 200 yards, and only an inch or 2 low at 300, depending on cartridge and bullet weight.

You definitely want a good variable power scope, ranging up to 12X or even higher. Also, you’ll need good binoculars or a spotting scope, a range finder, very warm clothing, and a couple of good predator calls. Fly fisherman say, “Match the hatch,” while hunters say, “Camo up.” Always wear camouflage, and in snowy conditions, cover up with a white poncho or one of the snow patterns from outfits like Realtree or Advantage.

Finding a good place to hunt is easy. Locate a good food source and bedding area, and you will run smack dab into these predators. “Regions 4,5,6 and 7 have a higher coyote density, physical access and more habitat than Region 2 for example,” as FWP Wildlife Biologist, Jay Kolbe reminded us. While coyotes don’t migrate, they can follow a food source like antelope and the versatile coyote can even eat antelope dung and survive the winter when times are extremely difficult. For private ground hunting spots, food sources where ranching activity draws predators, are great places to start, and will have the highest coyote density. On public land, particularly in the West, you can usually spot coyotes loping across the landscape. When you find a fresh kill, even road kill, stake it out and you’ll be in business, but be aware, you will see and shoot 10 times as many coyotes on private land as public.

The most successful way to call is to use two shooters. Have a moving rabbit decoy in front and behind you, with one rifle hunter and a 00 Buck shotgun shooter sitting back to back.

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‘12 Deer & Elk Harvest Numbers By Region (continued from page 5) According to numbers collected at three west-central Montana hunter check stations, elk harvest was down 27% from last year and the five-year average. Most of the region’s elk harvest is accounted for at the check station near Darby where harvest was down 24% from last year and 40% below the five-year average. Most hunters needed a permit, obtained through special drawing, to hunt for elk in the southern Bitterroot districts this year, due to elk numbers that are below objective. “Unfortunately, a reduction in harvest like we saw this year in the Bitterroot is exactly what you hope to see with more restrictive hunting regulations,” says Mike Thompson, FWP Region 2 Wildlife Manager.

Elk hunters also faced more conservative regulations in districts west of Missoula and in the Blackfoot, but Thompson says that a cutback on hunter harvest is only part of the bigger picture for elk and deer management. Reduced hunter harvest, combined with an increase in harvest for large carnivores—including mountain lions, wolves and black bears—in many areas, and continued attention to habitat conservation, are part of a management strategy to build deer and elk numbers.

“We really appreciate the sacrifices that hunters are making and we want to see that pay off with some restored hunting opportunities in the future,” Thompson says.

Elk harvest in the Upper Clark Fork, near Deer Lodge and Anaconda, was down from 2011 due largely to a reduction in licenses for antlerless elk, but harvest is on par with the five-year average. Nearly 70% of the region’s antlerless elk harvest comes from these hunting districts where elk numbers are at or slightly above objective.

Elk hunters might have found more success region-wide if they had been given the advantage of snow to move elk down into more accessible areas, but a big batch of winter weather was not in the cards for hunters this season.

Snow might have also helped deer hunters with tracking, but hunters met few fresh snow days. For deer, check station data showed a mule deer harvest comparable to the 2011 season, but 45 percent below the five-year average, while white-tailed deer harvest was down 14 percent from last season and 27 percent below the five-year average.

Deer regulations, like elk, are tightened in many parts of the region due to deer declines in recent years, but emerging data is starting to look promising for a whitetail population growth trend.

“The white-tailed deer buck harvest is trending gradually upward, which is really good news,” says FWP biologist, Jay Kolbe “We have been seeing more young bucks, which tends to indicate population growth.”

Check station data also reflected approximately 1,500 fewer hunter trips this year compared to last, and hunter trips were down 30 percent from the five-year average.

Most of the decline was at the Darby hunter check station, where hunters faced the most changes in hunting regulations for elk.

“While there are a number of factors out there that probably influence a hunter’s decision on whether to head out, we are working on the variables that we can effect—like access and wildlife numbers—to get people out and enjoying the season,” Thompson says. “We want people to have a good opportunity to bring home a deer or elk if that’s what they are after, and that’s where we’ve set our sights in our wildlife management efforts.” (continued on page 14)

12 - Hunting & Fishing News

January 2013 13

‘12 Deer & Elk Harvest Numbers By Region (continued from page 12) Nearly eight percent of hunters that stopped at one of the region’s three hunter check stations during the five-week season harvested an animal.

Check stations tallied 14,189 hunter trips and a harvest of 397 elk, 164 mule deer, 536 white-tailed deer, five black bears, two moose, four bighorn sheep and five wolves.

Wolf rifle season continues through Feb. 28, and statewide wolf harvest totals sat at 81 on Monday morning, with 22 from west-central Montana.

The general deer and elk rifle season closed on Sunday, Nov. 25.

Crappies In The Crosshairs

By Jim Edlund

REGION 3 Final Weekend Of Hunting Season In Region 3 Sees Slight Harvest Increase Hunter harvest picked up the last two weekends of the general deer and elk season, but numbers were down a bit from the same weekend last year. Staff and volunteers checked 1294 hunters with 18 white-tailed deer, 48 mule deer, and 62 elk. The percentage of hunters with game jumped from just over 8% in the fifth weekend to nearly 10% in the sixth (and final) weekend.

Reports from the check stations indicate that many of those who enjoyed a successful hunt found their animals up high. Region 3 Wildlife Manager Howard Burt said “Given our relatively mild start to the winter, we had a slow, but moderate harvest. That recent bit of snow certainly helped our last minute hunters.”

Here’s a look at the final weekend data: 2012 R3 Check Station Summary - Weekend 6, Nov. 24 & 25 Check Station Gallatin Cameron Divide Mill Creek Silver City Totals

Hunters 132 326 231 122 483 1,294

White-tailed Deer M F Juv Tot. 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 6 2 3 0 5 0 1 0 1 4 1 1 6 9 6 3 18

Mule Deer M F Juv Tot 3 0 0 3 8 0 0 8 16 2 0 18 3 0 0 3 11 5 0 16 41 7 0 48

Elk M F Juv 3 5 0 17 1 5 6 4 1 0 3 0 5 9 3 31 26 5

Tot 8 23 11 3 17 62

REGION 4 White-tailed Deer, Elk Harvest Up On Rocky Mountain Front Hunters on the Rocky Mountain Front took home more elk and white-tailed deer than average, but fewer mule deer during the general big game season, which ended Nov. 25.

The numbers were collected at Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ check station in Augusta, says Brent Lonner, FWP wildlife biologist.

“The elk harvest was very good,” Lonner says. “In fact, it was probably the best in at least the last 15 years.”

While the numbers at the Augusta check station – FWP Region 4’s sole biological check station – apply only to a handful of hunting districts on the Rocky Mountain Front, they often mirror conditions elsewhere in north central Montana.

Elk hunters brought in 463 animals (122 bulls, 286 cows and 55 calves) compared to the 10-year average of 281 elk.

With whitetails, this year’s count in Augusta was 315 (183 bucks, 101 does and 31 fawns), while the 10-year average is 291.

Mule deer numbered 279 at the check station (252 bucks, 25 does and two fawns). The 10-year average is 377 animals.

In total, hunters brought in 1,086 animals, including deer, elk, mountain goats, black bears and two wolves, to the Augusta check station.

Hunter numbers were up at 4,186, which is up about 20 percent above the 10-year average. (continued on page 17) 14 - Hunting & Fishing News

Aaron Wiebe has gained respect throughout the Ice Belt for his innovative techniques and unique perspectives on fishing, like thinking about crappies being a certain distance below the surface versus above the bottom.

Photo courtesy of MarCum Technologies

A aron Wiebe, 25-year-old host of the social media sensation, Uncut Angling, is a big crappie glutton who’s developed a system for putting the

crush on crappies anywhere throughout the Ice Belt.

“First thing, you’ve gotta put big crappies—not button bucks—in the crosshairs,” says Wiebe.

For Wiebe, that means pouring over maps to find less-pressured bodies of water. “Spend an extra hour driving to get on a new lake...fishing off-the-radar spots pays off,” says Wiebe.

Wiebe glasses potential waters for two key things: large, deep basins and the most predominant shallower water close to these basins. “Let’s say there’s a lot of 14 feet water surrounding a 30-foot basin. That’s a tip-off to look for crappie schools 14 feet down over main basin depths.”

“I never think of fish being X feet off the bottom. For me it’s X feet down.”

Based on this homework, Wiebe typically doesn’t need to wonder where the wild things are. Then he and a partner drill holes in expansive grids with a StrikeMaster® Honda™ 4-stroke. “The auger’s so light it feels like an extension of my arm. I should have it surgically implanted,” Wiebe quips.

Once holes are drilled, Wiebe or a partner will drop the Marcum LX-5 or LX-7 transducer, filtering through holes until marks appear on the screen, tightening up the drilling grid when he gets a taste of black (or white) gold.

Then, the linchpin is getting baits to the fish as fast as possible—while causing an underwater ruckus to get the attention of the biggest crappies in the school, both visually and via their pressure-sensitive lateral line.

“This isn’t dry fly fishing. I use my bait like a megaphone to yell at the big guys in the crowd until they come out swinging. You just can’t do that with 1/64-ounce nanobaits,” says Wiebe. “That’s why I love bigger Jigging Raps for giant crappies...not only are they beefy to bully the little fish in the school and taunt the bigger ones, but the larger and heavier presence has way more attitude than a similar-sized plastic offering, which translates to bigger crappies committing to a kill.”

To get big crappies to commit, Wiebe’s go-to system is 4-pound Sufix® 832® ICE connected to a short leader of 8-pound Sufix Ice Magic sinking mono with a walleye-sized 2- to 3 1/2-inch Rapala® Jigging Rap® on the business end. “Visibility is key—Glow Red Tiger and Glow Blue Tiger are hard to beat,” says Wiebe.

Below the rap is a 6- to 8-inch dropper of 8-pound Sufix Ice Magic terminated to a size 6 VMC octopus hook threaded with waxies or a minnow head.

“More often than not, the big guys will attack the rap, but the dropper is also there to take advantage of less aggressive suction feeding,” says Wiebe. (continued on page 18)

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GET READY FOR Ic e Fi s h in g

N

What To Do If You ICE FISHING Do Go Through WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN The Ice MFWP You must move quickly because

your body temperature will drop immediately. Grab for surface ice in the direction from where you came. If need be, use a knife or any sharp object you have to dig into the ice and pull yourself out of the water. Kicking your feet in a swimming motion may help propel you onto the ice. Roll or crawl away from the hole (do not stand up) and move across the ice in the same direction you came from, where the ice presumably is safer.

Once you reach a safe area, you can roll in the snow to blot some of the water off your body. You must be treated for hypothermia as soon as possible. Get into dry clothes immediately. Take shelter if available and stay out of the wind. If you need to and can do it, start a fire to get warm. Drinking warm, non-alcoholic beverages is good, but do not drink alcoholit will further increase heat loss.

Seek professional medical care as soon as possible for follow-up treatment.

16 - Hunting & Fishing News

ON FEB 8-10 MFWP

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is sponsoring an ice fishing workshop on February 8-10 at Peterson Lake near Bigfork, MT. With modern gear, ice fishing is fun, safe and comfortable. This class is for beginning or intermediate anglers who want to learn the basics or improve their fishing skills. The workshop setting is a modern camp located on the shore of Peterson Lake. The $100 fee includes all fishing equipment, meals and two nights lodging. Scholarships are available.

For more information and to register contact BOW coordinator Liz Lodman at 406-444-9940; or email: llodman@mt.gov.

Registration forms are available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov under http://fwp.mt.gov/education/bow/ workshops.html Beyond BOW.

By Nick Simonson, Nodak Outdoors

http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/get-ready-for-ice-fishing.php

othing signals the fact that hunting season is over like a blizzard that drops 10 inches of snow and follows it up with 45 mph winds, which together turn the beige and brown countryside into a whitened winter wonderland.

Thankfully, before the storm set in, my buddies and I were able to bag what will most likely be our last birds of the year to keep us stocked with a few meals and a bunch of feathers for fly tying into the coming year.

With time on my side on Sunday, I set to work with the help of a friend on my new portable ice shack and followed that up with a complete overhaul of my ice reels, spooling off last year’s old monofilament before going through my tackle and shoring up some weak spots with a few new jigs and spoons. If you’re like me, you’re antsy for hardwater, here are some preparations that will help you ease into ice fishing and have you fighting fish and not the elements.

TOE THE LINE As mentioned, perhaps the most tedious tradition before hitting the hardwater is the replacement of last season’s fishing line, but it might be the most important. New lines will have less memory and less coiling, making your presentation much more natural. Furthermore, the new line will be free from wear and tear from being brought up over the edge of the ice hole and will generally be stronger and in better shape for that first fish. And with first ice known for producing lunkers, it’s nice to know your connection to the underwater world is a strong one.

START THE CHARGE With technology becoming so much a part of what we do in the outdoors, unless you’re roughing it, odds are you’ve got something electric or electronic with you on the ice. Sonars and GPS units are obvious items with batteries to charge or replace before hitting the ice, but even augers run on battery power these days. From AAs to 12 volts, the power packs that propel your on-ice adventures need attention prior to punching your first hole. Don’t forget to change out the small batteries and check to see that your bigger ones hold a charge. If not, it might be time to invest in a new power source.

KEEP THE EDGE There’s nothing more disappointing than getting to your favorite spot for first ice fish and struggling to punch a hole. Whether you’re silently sneaking in with a hand auger or using the mechanical advantage of a power unit, the ice-to-metal connection is of the utmost importance. Before heading out, make sure your blades are sharp and firmly attached to the auger shaft. If they need some fine-tuning, take them to an expert blade sharpener, or get a new set. After a few holes, your shoulders and arms will thank you, and you’ll be on fish that much faster. While you’re at it, fire your auger up before heading out to make sure it runs and is ready for the season.

SEE THE LIGHT If pre-dawn or evening fishing for crappies or walleyes is your favorite on-ice pursuit, check over your lighting of choice. LED light bars and headlamps can get dusty in storage and might need a change of batteries. You might need to replace the globe on your old Coleman lantern and stock up on one-pound propane canisters for lantern and heater fuel. Confirm you have hangers for elevating your light sources, or double check the status of Velcro used to secure them to your ice house.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If...you just find yourself with a free hour to review your gear, you’ll be better off going onto the ice prepared knowing that everything’s in working order and that luck seems to follow the prepared angler...in our outdoors.

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‘12 Deer & Elk Harvest Numbers By Region (continued from page 14) REGION 5 Hunter, Harvest Numbers Down In South Central Montana...

At the Columbus check station, the number of hunters and harvested mule deer were down from last year and from the long-term average, both for the closing weekend and the entire season. FWP wildlife biologist Shawn Stewart reported, however, that the white-tailed deer and elk harvest tallied at Columbus were among the best on record.

For the closing weekend, 208 hunters stopped at Columbus. Half had harvested animals. Last year 280 hunters stopped during the same weekend, but only 45 percent had killed game.

For the season, Stewart checked 1,103 hunters, 40 percent of whom had harvested big game. That number of hunters is 11 percent below the 2011 and historic average of 1,237 people.

Stewart checked 62 white-tailed deer over the weekend, one animal more than last year. Many of the white-tailed deer checked were bucks – 82 percent of which were two years old or older. For the year, hunters who stopped at Columbus checked 232 white-tailed deer – just four short of the record year in 2010 and well ahead of the long-term average of 182 animals.

For the season, hunters brought 34 elk through the Columbus check station, double the long-term average of 17 animals.

The mule deer harvest reported at Columbus was at a record low, however, down substantially from last year and only 48.4 percent of the long-term average.

Stewart checked 168 mule deer for the season, down from 238 last year and an average of 347. At the Lavina check station, FWP wildlife biologist Ashley Beyer reported a record low number of hunters for the season. The number of mule deer checked in 2012 at Lavina also is at a historic low.

For the closing weekend of the 2012 season, 447 hunters stopped at the Lavina check station, down 20 percent from 559 last year. However, 32 percent of hunters had harvested game, up from 29 percent in 2011. For the entire general season, 1,681 hunters stopped at Lavina – the fewest recorded and well below the long-term average of 2,351. The white-tailed deer harvest reported at Lavina was 52.4 percent of average while the mule deer harvest was 45.7 percent of average.

The 2012 elk harvest, which started strong early in the season, ended up at 84 percent of average. Beyer checked 33 elk over the final weekend, bringing the total for the year to 89 at Lavina.

At the Laurel check station, hunter numbers were up from 2011, both for the closing weekend and the entire season. The white-tailed deer harvest has improved steadily over the past three years, but remains below the long-term average. FWP wildlife research specialist Jay Watson reported that 232 hunters stopped at Laurel over the weekend, up five from 2011. Hunter success was at 36 percent compared to 41 percent on the same weekend a year ago. More white-tailed deer and fewer mule deer were checked over the weekend than during the same time in 2011. For the year, Watson checked 749 hunters during four weekends that the Laurel station was open. That is 87.3 percent of the long-term average. This year 29 percent of hunters had game when they stopped at Laurel compared to a long-term average of 37.6 percent.

The Big Timber check station ended the season with more hunters than average, But FWP wildlife biologist Justin Paugh reported that harvest of all big game species was below average for the year. For the closing weekend, 240 hunters stopped at Big Timber compared to 198 last year. While 51.3 percent of those who stopped over the weekend had harvested animals, last year’s tally during the same weekend was 65.2 percent.

For the year, Paugh checked 976 hunters – slightly more than the long-term average of 971.5. Overall, 43.6 percent of hunters who stopped at Big Timber had harvested animals compared to a long-term average of 48.9 percent. The white-tailed deer and elk harvests were 94 percent of average while 83 percent as many mule deer as usual were brought to the check station... (continued on page 18) January 2013 17

‘12 Deer & Elk Harvest Numbers By Region (continued from page 17)

Region 6 Final Figures Compiled From The MFWP Region 6 Hunter

Crappies In The Crosshairs (continued from page 14) Photo by Bill Lindner

Wiebe dances the tip of a longer, heavier ice stick with aggressive vertical strokes as he searches out marks on the flasher, fishing down to the marks on the Marcum, not up from the bottom like most anglers.

It’s not a delicate approach, made even more bombastic when fishing with a partner. “We’re constantly tag-teaming holes where we see marks on the LX-7,” says Wiebe.

One opportunity he sees ice anglers miss out on is cranking numerous big fish out of the same hole in rapid, machine gun-like succession.

“By the time you get one slab up and off the hook it’s usually over,” says Wiebe. “But the extra weight of a big Jigging Rap is key to getting me back into the school ASAP for another hook-up!”

And, when needed, Wiebe’s not shy about calling in the reinforcements.

“I’ll yell to one of my guys to get his bait down my hole and on top of the active fish ASAP! Then I’ll drop my Jigging Rap on top of his bait. From there, it’s the delicate play of double-icing fish without tangles...definitely part of the fun!”

TIP: When hole-hopping, swirling the transducer of a Marcum LX-5, LX-7 or LX-9 in a circle temporarily creates a wider ‘ducer cone for big crappie recon, allowing you to key in on fish you normally wouldn’t see.

It’s a smart way to pick up the faintest of flickers, which often represent high-suspended fish sitting off to the sides of your hole just waiting to pounce on a Rapala® Jigging Rap® and dropper!

TIP: Don’t worry about sizing up in line test weights for crappie dropper rigs. The “starchiness” of heavier line like 8-pound Sufix Ice Magic sinking mono prevents tangling with the main lure, break-offs and reduces toothy critter fouls.

18 - Hunting & Fishing News

Game Check Station Outside Havre Show A Higher Number Of White-tailed Deer & Mule Deer Were Checked In Compared To Last Year.

“Overall harvest, hunter numbers, and success seen at the Havre check station during the eight weekends of the 2012 hunting season all were slightly improved from last year, but still down from the long-term average,” said FWP wildlife biologist Scott Hemmer. “Hunter numbers for the year were up 6 percent from last year, but were 29 percent below those recorded in 2010.”

In all, a total of 763 parties with 1,580 hunters stopped at the check station this year. Pronghorn antelope licenses and antlerless “B” licenses for white-tailed deer and mule deer were all significantly reduced in 2011, because of high mortality in several previous winters and an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease.

“The decrease in available B licenses and the less-abundant numbers for most big game species appeared to be major factors contributing to lower hunter participation this year,” Hemmer said.

Antelope harvest was down the most of all big game species, with a 19 percent decrease noted as compared to last year. This year’s figures were 81 percent below the long-term average. “Hunters generally reported seeing fewer antelope, and many antelope were in smaller herds,” Hemmer said.

According to the regional check station results, the mule deer harvest was better than last year. While the harvest was up 14 percent this year, it was still 29 percent below the long-term average.

Hemmer said hunters generally reported seeing fewer mule deer in the Missouri River Breaks and in some of the northern hunting districts that were hit hardest by the winter weather two years ago. However, hunters reported average to above-average mule deer numbers in several other Region 6 hunting districts.

White-tailed deer numbers at the check station were up 34 percent from last year, but were still 46 percent below the long-term average. Hunters reported still seeing far fewer white-tailed deer than average.

“White-tailed deer populations are still recovering from the EHD outbreaks the past two years along the Milk River,” Hemmer said.

Check station results indicate the elk harvest was also down 47 percent this year when compared to last year and 44 percent down from the long-term average. Most hunters reported observing elk, but for a variety of reasons had difficulties harvesting them in substantial numbers.

Hemmer said the upland bird harvest was generally improved this year.

Pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian (gray) partridge harvest were all up from last year, but were still below the long-term average.

Pheasant numbers appeared most improved, with harvest up 54 percent from the previous year. Sharp-tailed grouse harvest was up 15 percent, and Hungarian partridge harvest was up 12 percent from last year.

Hunters said sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge numbers were highly variable in the field. However, it appeared that upland birds in most areas fared well in spite of the wetter weather in late May and the hot, dry summer weather, Hemmer said.

“The drier conditions this summer resulted in less wetland habitat available throughout much of Region 6,” he explained. “But waterfowl harvest was still up at the check station, with the number of ducks checked in up 28 percent from last year.”

A main factor contributing to hunter success is the presence of private landowners willing to open their gates to public hunting.

“We are fortunate in Region 6 to work with some outstanding landowners who believe in Montana’s strong public hunting heritage,” said Michael “Mikey” Nye, FWP’s Region 6 hunting access coordinator.

“Whether those landowners participate in a FWP access program or allow public hunting without being enrolled formally, their actions will ensure future generations will have opportunities for public access and hunting across the state. We extend our sincere thanks to all of them.” ...

Region 7 numbers not available at time of print.

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

15 inches are a pretty common catch on Nelson. The lake has not received much pressure in the last month or so, and the fishing should be exceptional here in January.

Nelson Reservoir is located about 10 miles east of Malta on Hwy. 2.

Debbie Dana - 1st Rainbow Hebgen Lake

TONGUERIVERRESERVOIR

Hard water conditions in January

should be the norm. It’s mid-winter, and time to catch hungry fish over ice. There’s not a lot going on this time of the year, and the days are short for light. Take advantage of some incredible fishing and head out to one of these fine lakes during the winter. It can be a ton of fun, and a gratifying way to spend a day outdoors. Here’s a look at a few fishing spots around the state of Montana.

SEELEY LAKE

Seeley Lake continues to provide good sport fishing for pike, trout, kokanee, salmon, largemouth bass, perch, and mountain whitefish. Most of the winter fishing will be for northerns and perch, and a few kokanee here and there. For northerns fish around the Big Larch Campground using tip-ups with either smelt, sucker minnows, or pike minnows. Pay attention to where all of the shacks have been set-up, and fish 14 to 20 feet in depth for a big, bad northern cruising the weed lines of the lake. Perch will be caught in 8 to 9 feet over the weed beds. Try a Glo-Hook or crappie jig with maggots or perch eyes. Kokanee are normally a little tougher to find, but once you’ve hit

a school, it’s like striking gold.

These fish are delicious in the pan.

Fish in depths of around 40 feet.

Drop a Swedish Pimple with a Glo-Hook rig down. Once you’ve hit one, there should be more in the area.

BROWNS LAKE

Not much further up Hwy. 200 from the Seeley Lake cut-off is Browns Lake. This lake holds some truly huge trout. Focus around the weed beds and the points near the boat launch for good success. Try using Powerbait, Swedish Pimples, Jigging Rapalas, and Rocker jigs.

A nightcrawler, maggot and even corn on a tip-up will catch the feisty trout here.

NELSON RESERVOIR

Reports are that there is safe ice on Nelson Reservoir. You can target northern pike, walleye and perch using tip-ups and sucker minnows.

If you’re looking for consistent numbers of perch, fishing with maggots on a jig, or a live minnow in 12 to 20 feet of water will work well here. It’s sucker minnows for big notherns normally in 8 to 10 feet of water. You can also spearfish for pike here. Walleye that average

This reservoir is known for producing lots of crappie this time of the year.

Try a Swedish Pimple along with a Wax Worm or an Ice Fly. Chartreuse is the go to color to start with. The crappie will move around a lot, so don’t stay in one spot too long if the fishing is slow. Target depths for crappie will be around 10 feet.

Some folks use minnows for catching a mass of 1 pounders here.

Z-Rays and Swedish Pimples with a Glo-Hook tipped with maggots are the bait to use right now. Sound familiar? Kokanee love this combo.

You can find schools of kokanee suspended from 20 to 30 feet of water on most lakes. The perch will hit on the Swedish Pimples or Jigging Rapalas. You can also fish Crystal Lake and the Upper Thompson or the southern end of Little Bitteroot Lake right now.

FLATHEAD LAKE

The east bay of Flathead Lake will be loaded with feisty perch this time of the year. You can try quarter-ounce All-Glow Trilobite baited with fish eyes. For whitefish, it’s a jig and maggot combo that works best.

There should be good ice on all inlets and bays around the lake.

Some monster macks will be hanging Tiber will be hot this month on the around Elmo Bay and will hit on ice. Fish around the Willow Creek Leadhead jigs with strips of northern Arm. Try to mimic the cisco (lake herring), that are in the system. The pike minnows, sucker meat or northern pike have benefited greatly squawfish. There is no shortage of icy water in this country! since the cisco were introduced in the early 1990’s. Try jigging or dropping down a large minnow hooked through the back or tail.

You’ll know when a northern hits!

There are lots of small to mid-sized The early winter season bite at fish in the system, but occasionally Georgetown will be excellent for a giant will be pulled out of the chilly good sized trout and kokanee. Try ice water. Jigging a silver spoon locating remaining weed beds, and such as a Kastmaster will work. you’ll find some fish. Traditional Tiber has no shortage of drop-offs good points are Rainbow Bay, Piney and points to fish from. Perch and walleye will also be caught over the Point, and Denton’s Point, or the ice. Your go to bait will be minnows, Pump House area. Try Rocker Jigs, Hali Jigs, Swedish Pimples, and Rat unless you are fishing for perch, Finkies in colors that include pink, then use worms. As most people black, orange and white, and tip them know, the state record walleye was with (you guessed it!), maggots! caught here in 2007.

Early mornings on the lake are your best bet for success with the kokanee. Georgetown Lake offers some of the best winter fishing Hit Lake Mary Ronan for some amazing perch and kokanee fishing. action around.

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HEBGEN LAKE Located on Hwy. 287, around the West Yellowstone area. Big rainbow and brown trout will be hanging near the bottom of the lake now. Jigging Rat Finkies, Swedish Pimples, and Wooly Buggers with a maggot or nightcrawler in front of these big rainbows will do the trick now. The abundance of these active, deep running trout will keep an angler busy on cool winter days.

FT. PECK RESERVOIR

Shallow bays and inlets around big Ft. Peck will start to ice over now. Reports of increased walleye action are starting to come in. The thickening ice is drawing more anglers to the Rock Creek area of the Dry Arm, Duck Creek, Bear Creek Bay and the Pines area. Jigs and minnows have been the standard here. Big northerns are cruising these inlets looking for an easy meal now. Good perch numbers are being iced in depths of around 25 feet.

This is tip-up country. Using live shiner minnows or frozen smelt will work best if you are targeting northern pike. Look for good lake trout action around Rock Creek Bay, Haxby Point and Bear Creek. Other fish you may encounter may include smallmouth bass, crappie, sauger, perch, burbot, and of course, big walleye. For good updates on the lake, give Bill Hinrich a call at the Rock Creek Marina on Fort Peck at 406-485-2560. Bill lives on the lake and can point you in the right direction.

CANYON FERRY RESERVOIR

Canyon Ferry ice fishing will be awesome this winter! Rainbow trout that average around 2 pounds are normal here. Fish from 6 to 8 feet below the surface with jigs tipped with a nightcrawler or maggots. The Silos area is a good place to fish in January.

If you are after perch and walleye, expect to go deeper to locate good numbers. You may have to move around the lake to find success. The walleye fishing can be very hot at times, and cool other times. Try deeper water at around 30 to 40 feet, if no bites, and try different depths until you start hitting the bite. Again, using Jigging Raps, Swedish Pimples, and jigs in pink, green and chartreuse colors tipped with a nightcrawler, maggots or perch eyes will do the deed on Canyon Ferry. If you have not fished on Canyon Ferry, consider a guided trip.

Fishing guide, Forrest Fawthrop knows the tactics to catch fish here on Canyon Ferry.

He’s got the gear, and the knowledge to make your day on the water comfortable and fun. You can reach Forrest at 406-459-5352.

January 2013 21

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Heaven on Earth

By Johnny Costello Reprinted with permission from Bowhunting.net. For more please go to: www.bowhunting.net

T

22 - Hunting & Fishing News

bulls with their deep dewclaws. Searching high and low for rub and scrape these are what decorate the vast landscape.

As I skirt the hillside on a well-used trail, I jump a covey of conversing quail. The trail is riddled with monster Across the canyon I hear racks rattle, tracks, will the big boys let me see their my adrenaline pumps as two bucks racks? Heh, according to my fantasy battle. This is music to my ears when watch, it’s about time I get a glimpse I’m in the hunt, those sounds of them of Sasquatch! My eyes are wide open clashing as they dig and grunt. The as I keep on tryin’ for even a peek of critters are singing is what I hear, the the elusive lion. As I skirt a hidden chuckle of a bull or the bleat of a deer. lake, with the sounds of ducks, music To my left the song of a nesting hen’s so much sweeter than cars and trucks. cluck, to my right the beat of a Through the windfalls and tall grasses vanishing buck. Now I’ll head o’er I wade, while keeping myself in the yonder to my trusty blind, that I brushed darkness of shade. I now see the crest, in last week and left behind. I’ll check with each step I gain, slowly but surely, what surprises my trail-cam may hold, while feeling no pain. Now we stand on these captures to me are like finding the glowing ridge top, I’ve finally found gold. the perfect stop.

∆

always welcoming me to my favorite stand. I just follow the guidance of the “reflector tack”, as I duck many limbs to clear my tall pack. Into the bold mountains we go, leaving behind all the troubles below.

Moving briskly to beat the rising sun As I pray that I’m the only one. While dreaming of what I might be seeing, Hoping it won’t be another human being. These are the thoughts that give me the will to keep trudging further up the hill.

It never matters how rugged or steep, like a tractor I can slowly creep. No o my antlered foes, you need to concern for whether the trek gets longer, take warning. We just jumped out of bed at 2:00 in the morning. So what if my legs just keep on getting stronger. the grounds frozen, or that it might be I think I’ll just climb into my favorite tree, to see what may lurk right under raining, You won’t hear this boy me. complaining. My gear is all packed As my perch sways in the morning and we head up the road, finding our way to my favorite abode. Now we’re breeze, I’ve settled in above the mosquitoes and bees. Let the strong hiking our way into my “wildlife afternoon winds blow, rocking my park”, tip-toeing softly in the pitch treestand to and fro. No matter the dark. The exhilarating march of that elements I have the will, for many hours walk in is the perfect way for my day to begin. The thought of inching closer to wait so still. Maybe later I’ll just climb to the ground, to go and see what to my “honey-hole”, is lifting my spirit and soothing my soul. My door’s else can be found. To look in the mud for imprints of paws, or the tracks of always open into God’s land,

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Goby Jigger While far away yonder busy people below, I like where I am, at the base of the snow. What’s only above us are hawks and sparrows, them and us and our bows and arrows. As I look above a red-tail soars, in the meadow below a royal bull roars. I glass his majesty while his harem is grazing, our Mother Nature is so truly amazing. Like the relentless drive of a buck in rut, or the incredible beauty of a tom’s full strut.

We sit smiling, on top, just having a riot, Me and my soul mate, perched perfectly quiet. We rest for a bit, as I chew on some deer jerky, the feeding elk now joined by the great wild turkey.

Gusts fill the air with leaves as pine needles are falling, We are reaching to the heavens, now this is my calling. To the meadow we’re now destined, we are making our way, We’ve timed it just right, we’ll arrive late in the day. Like cats we continue to make our sneak, down to calm grasses from that high windy peak.

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As we pass by thrown mud of a freshly used wallow, I can smell the musk of a king and of what may soon follow. To the horizon, the sun is rapidly falling, now its prime time, the time to start calling.

The only sounds are the squirrels busy working, tricking me into thinking the herd is still lurking. As the young conifers spice the mountain air, I take a moment to share berries with the local black bear.There isn’t a need to give more reason, for this is truly our time of the season. Nor do you need to ask me twice, what I consider to be paradise. So save yourself, don’t ask me why, when that day comes for me to die, when it’s time to go, to say good-bye, I’ll expect to find this same place in the sky. To finally make my point, for what it’s worth, this is what I call our “Heaven on Earth.”

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Lowrance Pro Staff Dale Gilbert will offer Seminars on HDS Units and Networking (time to be determined) Bring in your HDS Unit and Dale will upgrade it to the most recent software Dale will offer tech support at a Lowrance and Montana Walleye Circuit booth.

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Bad Things Arrive In Small Packages BLUE TONGUE BEING THE WORST!

By Brian Dam

F

∆

or deer hunters, good things often come in small packages, but this year a whole truckload of bad arrived in a very small package.

That package was the midge, or specifically Ceratopogonidae of the genus Culicoides. Simply: sand gnats, sand flies, no-see-ums, or punkies. They are pesky little buggers at best and dealers in death at their worst.

The small bug’s problem isn’t limited to making a picnic unbearable for people – these little guys carry a disease called Blue Tongue that can decimate a deer herd and make your fall hunting season a disaster. Scientifically, the disease is caused by related orbiviruses (Reoviridae), and appears as an epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) or as the blue tongue (BT) virus serogroup.

Why is it called Blue Tongue? The infection causes blood vessel structure to change and the resulting blood flow through swelled vessels is visible in a swelled tongue that has turned blue and is no longer the normal pink color.

It is amazing how many local descriptive variations there are of the disease as you travel around the country even being referred to just as ‘midge’ in parts of the mid-west. Whatever it is called locally, it can result in death to over 50% of a whitetail deer herd in any one area. A determining factor is the source of drinking water available for both deer and livestock. In areas with flowing water, during a drought, there is less chance of a large midge hatch, but in areas with standing water the corresponding drop in water levels, coupled with warm temperatures will trigger an explosive hatch of bugs that will overwhelm the area’s deer. This is primarily a disease of sheep, but other species such as goats, cattle, buffalo, antelope and whitetail deer can be infected - but don’t worry - a human is immune.

Blue Tongue has been around for a long time. The first die off was identified back in the late 1800’s and it was reported again in 1955 and 1966. Since the 1950’s, whitetails have expanded their range further and further west travelling along major drainage systems into new territory. As they move from the wetter eastern regions into habitat that experiences a wider range of moisture availability they are subject to more severe outbreaks when drought conditions persist. As water levels drop and the midge begin to hatch, deer will begin to show signs of the disease usually starting in August and the infections will last into October when there is not an early frost to stop the hatch and kill the disease carriers. The one good fact with this disease is the virus typically dies 24-hours after the animal dies. Therefore, the animal does not serve as a long-term source to pass on the disease.

In affected areas dead deer will begin to show up along watercourses and ponds as their fever develops and they become overheated. The Bluetongue virus does not survive outside the insect carriers and susceptible hosts so your deer carcasses and by-products, such as meat and hide, are not a method of transmission. Survival of the virus in any location is dependent on whether the vector (midges) can over-winter in that area.

Hunters and landowners will observe the initial symptoms when afield that may include depression and fever. I don’t know how a depressed deer behaves, but I would suspect such depression shows up when the animal becomes lethargic. The readily observable signs you will notice are a swollen head, neck, tongue, and eyelids and the deer may have difficulty breathing as the tongue swells. An infected deer may die within one to three days of contacting BT but more commonly, can survive longer while becoming lame, losing their appetite, and reducing activity. A smaller percentage will remain lame and emaciated for a longer period of time before dying.

In areas where midges are abundant, a buck’s velvet antlers become prime spots for bites and multiple sources of infection. The blood-rich velvet, protected by a thin covering, provides an easy meal for the midge and the large blood flow will quickly carry the disease throughout the rest of the body. Fawns have thin skin and are subject to higher losses while adult does with thicker skin, and no antler development, are somewhat less prone to infection.

24 - Hunting & Fishing News

Within the wild deer population there is not much that can be done to prevent an outbreak other than pray for abundant rain. With domestic animals, a combination of quarantine and movement controls will prevent spread and reduce transmission and protect susceptible animals, and with just about every disease, fewer animals will become infected during periods of lower population densities.

A lot of deer were lost this summer in a number of states. Checking the news sources of numerous states reveals articles related to the losses, but remember, a farm with 150 acres will have more foot traffic than a ranch with 1000’s of acres and the discovery of dead and dying deer will be reflected in that coverage.

The outbreak in Montana looked like it was worse in the Musselshell River drainage, especially from Roundup to Melstone according to one biologist. However, reports of dead deer and antelope have come in from a wide area. According to a biologist quoted in the news, “In 2001, we had our last big outbreak of EHD on the Musselshell,” he said. “We figure we lost about 46 percent of the whitetails on the Musselshell to the disease that year. My guess is that it’s going to be that or a little bit higher.”

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Nebraska’s losses were the highest ever reported, partially because the whitetail herd has been at record high levels the past three years. They had more than 6000 reports of dead whitetails believed to have died from Blue Tongue, but lack means to extrapolate that number to the actual number of dead deer, clearly though it would be in the tens of thousands.

South Dakota provided a refund policy for license buyers after their losses, a classy thing to do! Missouri losses were spotty with certain areas getting hammered while others, with flowing water, made out much better. Kansas fared well along their waterways, but the KDWPT received reports of sick or dead deer from 12 counties in the eastern part of the state. I hunted both Missouri and Kansas and took nice bucks after multiple opportunities.

The western reaches of the whitetail range, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado, all experienced the drought, but again, specific areas with flowing water can save the day by reducing the huge midge hatches that affect deer when temps rise and then exposed mud warms to accelerate the hatch.

There are reports ranging from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, as well as Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, and range in amount from several deer lost to a few hundred.

While southern states experience some level of HD outbreak almost annually, there is evidence the disease is spreading. Last fall, outbreaks occurred in eastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and southeastern New York. HD/BT also hit deer hard in portions of Wyoming. The disease hit North Dakota whitetail herds so hard that license sales were suspended in three deer management units.

Ohio wildlife officials won’t estimate just how many deer have been killed by the first major outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) since 2007, but say reports of dead deer have been pouring in. Dr. Jeff Hayes at the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Reynoldsburg said Northeast Ohio deer farms have been especially hard hit, but noted a vaccine can prevent the disease in domestic herds.

Hopefully the rainfall in 2013 will be sufficient to halt the outbreaks allowing the herds to recover in hard hit areas.

The good thing about whitetail deer is they are prolific breeders and it will not take long to rebound from such losses.

© Loosecanonphoto | Dreamstime.com

January 2013 25

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Champion of Champions to Highlight 2013 World Elk Calling Championships RMEF

The World Elk Calling Championships will reach its most elite level ever

when the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the event at Elk Camp 2013 in Las Vegas. The Champion of Champions competition will bring the top elk callers in the world together on the same stage to determine which contestant is the master at mimicking the wildest sounds in America’s backcountry.

“This promises to be among the most exciting events at Elk Camp,” said Steve Decker, RMEF vice president of marketing. “After we crown the 2013 champion, that participant will immediately join previous years’ winners from the professional division and we’ll see and hear who really is the Champion of Champions.”...

“It’s going to be good to have all those folks who have won before compete head to head. It’ll be good fun.” said Turner. “I didn’t compete in 2007 because of the birth of my son, but I’ve been in the top three since 2006 so that’s a pretty good accomplishment. I’m proud of that.”

Sponsored by Leupold, Champion of Champions contestants will compete for a premier archery elk hunt to be filmed for RMEF’s Outdoor Channel television show Team Elk, along with a host of other valuable prizes. They will be judged according to the quality of their cow/calf and bull sounds.

“You don’t know what the judges know or what they think the elk sounds like so when you get in the top three or top five, it’s up for grabs,” added Turner...

In addition to Champion of Champions, RMEF’s World Elk Calling Championships will feature competitors in six different divisions: professional, men’s, women’s, voice, youth (11-17 years), and pee wee (10 years and under). Winners receive prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500.

The preliminary rounds of the 2013 World Elk Calling Championships take place on Friday, March 1 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The finals are scheduled for Saturday, March 2, followed by the Champion of Champions.

The event is part of RMEF’s annual convention and expo which runs February 28-March 3 at the Mirage and Las Vegas Convention Center. It helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and the conservation initiatives of RMEF. 26 - Hunting & Fishing News

WOLF TRAPPING SEASON...

MFWP

Montana’s first wolf trapping season opened Saturday, December 15 and

runs through February 28, 2013.

Prospective trappers must have attended a wolf trapping certification class offered statewide earlier this year and have a 2012 Montana trapping license.

About 2,400 people are currently certified to trap wolves in Montana.

Certified wolf trappers also need a Montana trapping license, currently on sale for $20 for residents and $250 for nonresidents.

Wolf trappers must check traps every 48 hours and immediately report any unintended captures, including domestic animals. To avoid unintended captures, wolf traps must be set back 1,000 feet from trailheads and 150 feet from roads, where as Montana’s furbearer regulations generally require 300-foot set backs from trailheads and 50-foot set backs on roads.

Snaring wolves is prohibited. Trappers, who also have a wolf hunting license, can take a combination of up to one wolf via hunting and two wolves via trapping—or three wolves via trapping. The wolf hunting season, which began in September, also ends Feb. 28.

So far, 92 wolves have been taken by hunters. All wolf harvests via hunting or trapping must be reported to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks within 24 hours by calling 1-877-397-9453.

To further address concerns about the unintentional capture of lynx, a “threatened” species under the federal Endangered Species Act, a minimum trap pan tension trigger release of eight-pounds is required in two portions of western Montana trapping districts.

Additionally, after considering public concern over the harvest of collared wolves that leave Yellowstone National Park, the FWP Commission recently closed the wolf hunting and trapping seasons in two portions of Wolf Management Unit 390 that border YNP. The closures include the southwestern and southeastern portions of Montana’s deer and elk hunting district 313 near Gardiner.

The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies remains one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, 66 wolves were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho.

The minimum Montana wolf population estimates at the end of 2011 include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs. The minimum wolf count is the number of wolves actually counted by FWP wolf specialists, and likely is 10 to 30 percent fewer than the actual wolf population.

FWP has led wolf management under the federal guidelines since 2004.

The delisting of wolves in May 2011 allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, which is guided by state management plans, administrative rules, and laws.

To learn more about Montana’s wolf population, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click Montana Wolf Hunt.

HUNTING & CONSERVATION NEWS

Temporary Restraining Order Delays Wolverine Trapping Season MFWP 11/30/12

A district court judge in Helena today granted a temporary restraining

order against the state’s wildlife agency that blocks the opening of Montana’s wolverine trapping season until at least early next year. The season was set to open Saturday.

The restraining order was sought by a coalition of groups trying to halt wolverine trapping in Montana. Helena District Judge Jeffery Sherlock granted the order. A follow up hearing is set for Jan. 10, 2013.

The eight-group coalition, led by the Western Environmental Law Center, wants to ban wolverine trapping until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determines if the wolverine will be placed on the federal list of threatened and endangered species.

Ken McDonald, wildlife bureau chief for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena, said Montana’s quota of five wolverines is based on sound wildlife management science that doesn’t put the state’s wolverine population at risk. “Our management is conservative, sustainable and reasonable,” McDonald said.

In 2010, USFWS determined that threats to the wolverine included climate change, but declined to list it as an endangered or threatened species due to higher priorities. At the time, USFWS suggested that the wolverine population is stable or expanding and that between 250-300 wolverines inhabit the northern Rocky Mountains.

McDonald said FWP will immediately begin to examine the restraining order and consider legal options, but for now trappers are prohibited from pursuing wolverines in Montana.

Glendive Deer Management Hunt Extended MFWP

An archery-only management season hunt has been extended for the area in and

adjacent to the town of Glendive, Montana. The City of Glendive has requested and has been given approval to extend the hunt to February 15, 2013 in an effort to reduce the number of mule deer in and immediately adjacent to town.

For this management season hunt, archery hunting is the only means of take due to safety concerns imposed by the proximity to residential areas and businesses.

A total of 200 special antlerless mule deer licenses were made available, firstcome first-served, limited to five (5) per person starting at the beginning of the general archery season. Remaining Glendive management season licenses can be purchased from any FWP license agent, $10 for residents and $75 for nonresidents.

Only Glendive management season licenses will be valid during the season extension (December 7, 2012 through February 15, 2013). Resident and nonresident general deer “A” and Region 7 antlerless mule deer “B” licenses were valid during the regular season, but will not be valid during the season extension.

The Glendive management season licenses are valid on property administered by the City of Glendive, Montana, Makoshika State Park and approved private property owners in an area that extends 1 to 3 miles surrounding Glendive.

The hunt area is legally defined as T15N R55E Sections 2, 3, 10, 11; T15N R56E Section 1, T16N R55E Sections 23-26, 35, 36; T16N R56E Sections 19 and 30.

Hunters must obtain permission for City of Glendive property and approved private property from Glendive City Hall (406-377-3318); hunters need to sign in at Glendive City Hall Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Permission to hunt Makoshika State Park needs to be obtained from Makoshika State Park at the main office (406-377-6256). Permission for individual private property must be obtained from the landowner.

Should you have any questions please call the Miles City FWP Office at (406) 234-0900.

January 2013 27

REGIONAL NEWS Wildlife Officials Seek Info In Deaths Of Three Moose

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person or persons responsible for killing a cow moose and her two calves in an empty lot within Mountain Shadows Estates, a subdivision located on County Road 6421 between Granby and Grand Lake.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., a witness hunting near the subdivision reported to wildlife officials that he heard several shots fired in rapid succession. Upon investigating, the witness says he found the cow and a calf dead, the other calf dying, and that no one immediately approached the carcasses to claim responsibility.

“This is an outrageous incident,” said Northwest Regional Manager Ron Velarde.

“My officers are preparing an all-out effort to find the person or persons responsible and bring them to justice.” Anyone with information can call Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Hot Sulphur Springs at 970-725-6200, or Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648 if they wish to remain anonymous. OGT is offering a $2500 reward for information that leads to the suspect. Officials from the Colorado Chapter of Safari Club International have offered to match this amount, bringing the current reward to $5000.

Wildlife officials remind the public that even a seemingly insignificant detail may be the missing piece in a larger puzzle and urge anyone with information to provide it as soon as possible.

“So far, we have a description of a suspicious vehicle, and our investigation turned up important evidence at the scene,” said Area Wildlife Manager Lyle Sidener.

“With the public’s continued help, we are confident that we can find who did this.”

In recent years, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has conducted extensive public outreach to ensure that hunters properly indentify moose while hunting elk.

However, wildlife officials do not believe this incident was a misidentification of an animal by a legitimate hunter. “At this point, we have no reason to believe this was an accident,” continued Velarde. “The case is being investigated as a malicious, poaching incident.”

Mule Deer Production Remains Low Aerial observations during the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s fall

mule deer survey indicated production in 2012 was about the same as last year’s record low. Biologists who accompanied pilots in fixed-wing planes counted 1,224 (1,055 in 2011) mule deer in the October survey. The buck-to-doe ratio of 0.37 (0.47 in 2010) was similar to the long-term average of 0.43 bucks per doe, and the fawn-to-doe ratio of 0.59 equaled the lowest fawn-to-doe ratio since the demographic survey began in 1954. The long-term average is 0.92 fawns per doe.

Bruce Stillings, big game supervisor in Dickinson, said mule deer densities in the badlands haven’t been this low since 1996. “The three consecutive severe winters from 2008-11 were devastating to our mule deer and pronghorn populations,” Stillings said. “These winters not only greatly reduced overall mule deer abundance due to winter-related mortality, but led to poor fawn production. Three years of few young animals entering the population has resulted in an aged population with few prime-aged breeding females.”

Winter 2011-12 was one of the mildest on record, but Stillings said it is likely the reproductive condition of the surviving females was still poor after being stressed for as many as three years. “This summer was extremely dry, leading to reduced vegetative growth needed for fawn concealment and health of the doe,” Stillings added. “An aging population and poor fawning habitat conditions resulted in another year of poor fawn production.”

According to Stillings, no doe harvest is the first step needed to encourage population growth, and another mild winter is needed to help this year’s fawns survive until adulthood. “A spring and summer with normal precipitation in 2013 would go a long way to promote habitat conditions more favorable for fawn survival leading to population growth,” he added.

The fall aerial survey, conducted specifically to study demographics, covers 23 study areas and 293 square miles in western North Dakota. Biologists survey the same study areas in the spring of each year to determine a population index.

REGIONAL NEWS

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DWR Launches Massive Patrol Effort If you’re a poacher,

you should think twice before killing a mule deer in Utah this winter.

The second winter of Utah’s winter range patrol effort is underway.

Conservation officers with the Division of Wildlife Resources and members of sportsman’s groups are combing winter ranges in Utah, looking for those who are trying to take deer illegally.

“Deer poaching isn’t tolerated in Utah,” says Mike Fowlks, chief of the DWR’s Law Enforcement Section.

“We’re pulling out all the stops and using all the means we have to protect Utah’s deer herds.”

The following are among the things the DWR is doing: -Patrolling winter ranges at night. The DWR is conducting these patrols on land and from the air.

-Conducting saturation patrols that put several DWR officers on the same piece of winter range at the same time.

-Encouraging volunteers from sportsman groups to report suspicious activity to DWR officers.

-Winter range patrols are underway across Utah. The patrols will continue until the deer shed their antlers later this spring.

Fowlks says most of the patrolling is

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Much of the deer poaching that happens in Utah happens in the winter. And for good reason — winter is the time of year when mule deer are concentrated on their lower elevation winter ranges.

The bucks are also less wary in the winter because the breeding season is either underway, or it just finished.

Fowlks says poachers usually target the biggest bucks they can find. In addition to stealing these big bucks from legal hunters, taking bucks in January or February can also result in too many deer hunting permits being issued for hunts that fall. “In December, the deer are bunched together on lower elevation areas where it’s easier to get an accurate count,” he says. “But if poachers kill bucks after the biologists have counted them, the data that’s used to set permit numbers for hunts the next fall won’t be correct.”

Cody Man Receives Heavy Fine, Loss of Hunting Privileges in Deer Poaching Incident

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In Park County Circuit Court on November 16, Wayne Lee Marshall of Cody

pleaded guilty to taking a buck mule deer out of season. Marshall was ordered to pay $5,000 in fines and restitution and will lose his hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for three years.

Marshall admitted to shooting the buck deer, knowing the buck season was closed, and that he did not have the proper license. Marshall also said he knew he might be caught.

Cody Region Game Warden Travis Crane said an anonymous Stop Poaching report alerted the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to Marshall’s illegal activity. When Crane responded to the report, he found Marshall in possession of a large buck mule deer that he admitted to shooting with two firearms north of Cody.

“It is unfortunate this large buck deer was poached before the season opened, depriving legal hunters the opportunity to harvest this trophy class animal,” Crane said. “Hunters go out every year in search of a trophy deer, and it is not fair to the legal hunter to have a deer stolen from them like this.”

“Judge Bruce Waters and County Attorney Bryan Skoric are to be commended for their work on this case and their commitment to wildlife in Wyoming,” Crane said. “The anonymous Stop Poaching tip from the public and the successful prosecution of this case by the county attorney’s office sends a clear message that wildlife violations are not to be taken lightly in Park County.”...

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Winter Tips Tips For Your Vehicle From Gomer’s/US Diesel Parts W ith winter in full swing, we would like to take a moment to share some products we believe will enhance your vehicle’s performance, reduce fuel costs, and maintain it’s interior.

Stanadyne Diesel Fuel Additives Based on their extensive research, testing and experience in manufacturing diesel fuel injection systems, Stanadyne found that variations in diesel fuel quality around the world can adversely affect today’s precision fuel injection systems. Poor quality diesel fuel can cause performance issues, premature wear, gumming of components, and plugged filters. To resolve these issues and to provide protection of the fuel injection system, Stanadyne developed its own line of diesel fuel additives.

Stanadyne diesel fuel additives are the only ones in the world that are: -Made by a fuel injection systems manufacturer -Tested and approved by major diesel engine and vehicle manufacturers -Stanadyne diesel fuel additives protect and improve the performance of all diesel fuel injection systems including: high pressure common rail, unit injectors, rotary distribution pumps, and in-line pumps

Stanadyne’s Winter 1000 Economic cold weather protection -Fuel Gelling Protection - pour point reduced by as much as 40°F (22°C), depending on base fuel -Reduces ice formation of water in fuel

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Protect Your Vehicle Interior With WeatherTech Floor Mats Winter can be wet and dirty. Protect your vehicle’s

interior with WeatherTech floor mats. They are made out of an odorless compound that have deeply sculpted channels designed to trap water, road salt, mud and sand. WeatherTech’s proprietary engineered resin also ensures that these mats will not curl, crack or harden in sub-zero weather.

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Vehicle Repair and Installation Appointments We are always taking appointments for all performance upgrade installations and basic vehicle maintenance and repairs. Just give us a call at (800) 823-4444 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed and experienced technicians.

CALL US FOR OTHER PERFORMANCE ENHANCING, FUEL-REDUCING PRODUCTS! 30 - Hunting & Fishing News

Bob Ward & Sons New Gear Review

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Korkers Winter Boots OmniTrax Interchangeable Sole System

The Korkers brand was born over 50 years

ago on the rugged and treacherous riverbanks of the Rogue River near Grants Pass, OR. Over the years Korkers hasn’t abandoned its independent thinking. The Company continues to be bold and innovative, having the courage to take risks in order to meet the needs of those who identify with the intensity SnowJack Shown of mountain adventure where extreme conditions can be challenging and unforgiving. Their gear must perform double duty as conditions change rapidly and performance optimization puts every piece of gear to the test. Their legendary OmniTrax Interchangeable Sole System provides the versatility to do more (adventure) with less (gear). Interchangeable carbide studded outsoles for traction on snow and ice, interchangeable felts for fly fishing, and an interchangeable trail sole add up to some of the most versatile and efficient all-terrain, all-season footwear available. For those that crave outdoor adventure, Korkers winter boots expand your boundaries. Available in 3 styles to meet your winter adventure needs.

Dalbello’s Intution I.D. Custom Ski Boot Liners Lightweight - Warm - Exceptional Fit. Up to 1 lb. per pair lighter and 10 degrees warmer than traditional liners.

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“WRAP” innerboots completely surround and envelope the foot for uniform foot hold with unmatched sensitivity and control. Thermo Custom “CLASSIC” innerboots feature a traditional collar and tongue design pattern to optimize boot closure, ankle and lower leg support, and shell-fit precision. The I.D. Thermo Custom “TOUR” features a unique design with a lace-up tongue and a flexible, elastic cuff for improved walking function on long backcountry tours and treks.

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A superlative factory-produced rifle, the Varmint Series features button-rifled, free-floating barrels and a variety of stock configurations. Select different rates of twist to help stabilize heavier bullets during long range shooting — a Savage exclusive. Available in 17 Hornet or 223 REM. Get yours today.

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VENISON & GRAVY By Kris Winkelman Venison and gravy served over a helping of garlic-mashed potatoes is about as good as it gets, and it’s pretty easy to make.

Start by cutting some venison steaks or a roast into half-inch strips and let them sit until they reach room temperature. Season liberally with salt and fresh-ground black pepper and roll in flour. Next, brown the meat in a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet in a olive oil.. When the strips are seared, remove them to a small oven roaster and add to the skillet: A small onion, chopped. Soften the onion, then add it to the roaster. Pour about a cup of homemade venison stock (or low-sodium beef broth) into the roaster. Add two bay leaves. You want enough stock to cover about half an inch deep in the roaster.

On the stovetop, bring the stock or broth to a boil uncovered, then cover and place in a 250-degree oven for two or three hours.

While the venison is braising, combine in a small skillet: 1 stick of butter 8 tablespoons of flour Over very low heat, stir the flour-butter until it turns a deep shade of brown. This is a dark roux and we’ll use it to thicken the gravy later. Once the roux is done, place it in a plastic Ziploc container and refrigerate.

To make the garlic mashed potatoes, start by placing one clove of garlic (unpeeled) per potato in a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle a little olive oil over the top, add salt and pepper and seal the foil thoroughly. Place the foil packet in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until you can smell the garlic. Remove and reserve the meat of the garlic. When it’s time to make the potatoes, mash until smooth with the garlic, heavy cream, butter and salt and white pepper.

To make the gravy, heat the skillet used to brown the meat and add half a cup of brandy, stirring up all the caramelized bits off the bottom of the skillet. When the brandy has all but evaporated, add the braising liquid from the roaster (removing the bay leaves) and bring to a boil. Stir small amounts of the brown roux into the boiling gravy until it’s thickened, then season to taste with salt and pepper.

Reduce the heat to low and add the meat and onions to the gravy. Pour over potatoes.

January 2013 31

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Honda’s HP2S system makes power management automatic. The transfer switch can automatically adjust your power needs so you never have to worry about overloading the generator. In fact, the HP2S system increases your generator’s efficiency by 20 to 50% - just from effective use of power management. Ask one of the Honda Generator Dealers listed below about a HP2S system today.

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www.honda.com Read the owner’s manual before operating Honda Power Equipment. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. Not all dealers carry all products.

Consult your local Yellow Pages. © 2013 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 32 - Hunting & Fishing News

Missoula

TRIPLE W EQUIPMENT

The Spin On Rifles

Tips From Whitetails Unlimited

The rifle is a device that has had a transformative influence on human society. For big-game hunters, the rifle is the primary tool in taking our

quarry, but for an object that is so important, its origin, operation, and nomenclature hold many mysteries for the casual user.

TIP 1 MY RIFLE; MY GUN. A gun is a mechanical device that shoots a projectile at high velocity. A rifle is a device with a stock and a barrel with spiral grooves cut inside, which is fired from the shoulder. All rifles are guns, but only a subset of guns are rifles.

TIP 2 A SIX POUND RIFLE? The word ‘rifle’ refers to the grooves cut into the barrel, which stabilize the bullet and allow accurate, long distance shots. The French word ‘rifler’ means ‘scratch,’ referring to those grooves. The earliest English use of the word was a patent application in 1635. George Washington’s diary on March 5, 1770, noted that he purchased a rifle for £6.10.

This is the earliest reference to a long gun being called a rifle.

TIP 3 KEEP THE NAMES STRAIGHT. Yes, muzzleloaders have a stock and a rifled barrel, and were the original ‘rifle.’ However, as breech loading rifle designs came into use, muzzleloaders all but disappeared for a while, and the word ‘rifle’ is now commonly applied only to breech loaders. There has been a modern resurgence in the use of muzzleloaders for hunting, but in today’s usage they are now usually referred to as ‘muzzleloaders.’ Shotguns with rifled barrels are also not called rifles.

TIP 4 CUT, BUTTON, OR HAMMER. To make a rifle barrel, steel stock is drilled and then the rifling grooves are cut inside the barrel. Cut rifling was invented in Germany in 1492, and was the industrial standard until production demands during WWII required new technology. Button rifling was utilized in the U.S., while the Germans developed hammer forging in 1939. In any case, it is amazing to comprehend the skill and power it takes to drill and machine very hard steel within incredibly small tolerances, over and over, at a comparatively small price.

TIP 5 PARTS IS PARTS. The name of the second primary component of a rifle, the stock, is derived from the German word ‘stoc,’ which means tree trunk. A description of a stock can include the length of pull, drop at the heel, drop at the comb, cast off, cast on, pitch, grip, checkering, and forend. Many modern stocks are made of synthetic materials. No one seems to care what word the Germans have for ‘synthetic.’

TIP 6 THE WINNING TOOL. The M-1 Garand was the first effective semiautomatic rifle, and was the standard service rifle until the mid-1960s. General George Patton said that the M-1 was the single most important piece of equipment that allowed the Allies to win World War II. TIP 7 DO THE TWIST. Rifling is a spiral inside the barrel, and this is called the twist. It is expressed as a ratio, like ‘1:8.’ It means that in the barrel the bullet will make one complete revolution in eight inches. Different twist rates are required by different bullet designs and requirements. Your standard rifle, purchased off the rack, will have a rifling twist that will meet the needs of the average shooter in average use.

TIP 8 LOAD, FIRE, REPEAT. Modern rifles are able to safely contain an explosion that produces tens of thousands of pounds of pressure, just inches from your face, thousands of times in a row, without ever hurting the user. Maximum chamber pressure for a .22 long rifle can exceed 20,000 psi; some rifles can exceed 85,000 psi. They are amazing machines.

January 2013 33

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SCOUTING THE 2013 SEASON

BY RICK HAGGERTY

Now is the time to start making plans for the 2013 big game hunting

season. If you’re like me, then you’re always looking to improve the quality of your hunt. Now you may have a “go to” area that produces each and every year, but for most of the folks that I talk to, this just isn’t the case. Many factors play into each hunting season. Big game numbers, hunter pressure, landowner changes, land access, all factor into the quality of hunting you will experience each and every year.

For me, the hunting season goes by way too fast. Before I know it, it’s Thanksgiving and I’m hunting deer or elk for the last time of the year.

So, how do I improve the quality of my hunting season, with the time I have, going into 2013? One way is to draw an out-of-state tag. This way, I can hunt for either an elk, deer or antelope, have a fantastic time doing it, and still have my Montana tags in my pocket. Now, it’s just a matter of choosing the state that I want to hunt.

I can put in for a lottery draw state and wait to see what comes in the mail, or hunt in a state that has unlimited non-resident tags, or apply for a state that has first come, first served tags available.

Here are the states that I am considering for 2013: IDAHO (fishandgame.idaho.gov) Idaho’s general big game tags are issued on a first come, first served basis, which started on December 1, 2012.

Non-Resident Deer tag: $301.75 Elk tag: $416.75 License: $155 to purchase tags Notes: The great thing about hunting Idaho is that it is close, tags are available, and in 2012 non-residents could also buy a second deer tag (in select units), allowing a hunter to harvest two bucks.

Idaho will normally have leftover tags for controlled hunts for deer and elk (limited entry) available. Plus, Idaho still had many leftover tags for non-residents in the weeks before the general big game season started in 2012.

WYOMING (gf.state.wy.us) Non-Resident Antelope tag: $286.00 Youth Antelope tag: $124.00 General Deer tag: $326.00 Youth Deer tag: $124.00 General Elk tag: $591.00 Youth Elk tag: $289.00 Elk application deadline: January 31, 2013 Deer application deadline: March 15, 2013 Antelope application deadline: March 15, 2013 Note: Hunting for antelope and deer can be a super combo hunt that is not that expensive compared to fees from other states (right now anyway). It’s close to Montana, and animal numbers are generally pretty stable. There are also leftover tags that you can buy for antlerless elk, deer and doe antelope, normally available at reduced prices for the meat hunter.

34 - Hunting & Fishing News

©Sonya Lunsford|dreamstime.com

COLORADO (wildlife.state.co.us) Non-Resident Elk tag: $579.00 Deer tag: $349.00 Antelope tag: $349.00 (draw only) (All licenses for separate and 4th season by draw only) Note: Unlimited non-resident tags are available for bull elk in many units in Colorado, making this a sure hunt for elk. Combine that with the fact that Colorado holds more elk than any other state makes it an attractive out-of-state hunt destination.

Each and every state differs on its game laws. If you plan to put in for tags in several different states, plan on spending money up front with your applications. You may have to call some states for updated information on the 2013 seasons, as some states do not have current information available on their websites.

As with any hunt mentioned, make sure you check the dates and information for any changes that may have occurred.

Now all I have to do is select a state, find an area in the state that looks appealing, make some phone calls, and start my pre-planning for the upcoming season. That’s exciting to me!

TIME AT now!

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L ost Trail continues its progressive park efforts this season by once again offering some of the most diverse terrain in the

region. Whether it’s kickers, rails, tables and wallrides that interest you or natural, powder pillow and cliff lines, Lost Trail has what you’re looking for. Lost Trail even has a dedicated “Park Crew” dedicated to keeping park features in tip-top shape.

Visit the LTPARK.COM website dedicated to these parks, the riders, and the scene surrounding them.

Test your courage in LT’s new and improved premier Frontcountry park. The pretty face of Lost Trail’s park system, Frontcountry is the first thing you see once you arrive. Situated on South Face, in direct view of the lodge, this park is a proving ground. Big air, big features and big egos collide... all conveniently serviced by Chair One.

Or, if powder and layed-back jib lines are more your style, take a run through LT’s brand new Powder Park. An LT original, Powder Park is where it all started. Natural bumps and jumps have long made this run a beginner jibbers dream ... Now, we’re making it legit. Boxes, tables and more all at the foot of Powder Bowl and Rendek Ridge. Powder, then Park...Get it?

BOB WARD’S and Discovery Ski Area announce “An Afternoon With Glen Plake and Elan Skis” T

his January 14th promises to be a day like no other on the slopes of Discovery Ski Area. Along with Bob Ward and Sons Sporting Goods and Elan Skis, Discovery Ski Area is hosting an afternoon of skiing with renowned pro skier Glen Plake.

Known throughout the globe as the “original” freeskier, with his “trademark” Mohawk and his infectious free spirit nature, Glen has made a tremendous impact on the sport. Glen joined Elan’s elite TEAM GREEN which serves to spread the Elan awareness while making the rest of us green with envy at their on-hill abilities.

While hanging with Glen would be a great day by itself, patrons will also have the opportunity to try out Elan skis for free, courtesy of Bob Ward’s and Elan Skis.

Bob Ward’s, Discovery Ski Area, and Elan Skis invite EVERYONE to join us for an amazing afternoon at Discovery Ski Area January 14th, 2013.

For more information, contact Ryan Corwin, Bob Ward & Sons Advertising and Marketing Manager at 406.728.3220 or rcorwin@bobwards.com January 2013 35

2012 Hunting Photo Contest Winners Aaron Daniel Mountain Goat Crazy Mountains Ken B Mule Dean Round eer -up Ar ea

y ullane -7/8�

M r e l 1 y T 35 - Gross blic Land k l E l l u Bu na P Monta

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

We would like to thank all who sent in photos. We know each and every hunt has a story and photos are often hard-earned.

All are winners in our eyes - The Hunting & Fishing News.

Prizes similar to shown.

36 - Hunting & Fishing News

Top 125 Trophy Counties Boone and Crockett Club

Robert B. Wwartz - Bighorn Sheep 176-6/8 Teton County, MT. 2008 Boone and Crockett Club Photo

In commemoration of its 125th

anniversary, Boone and Crockett Club has released an historic list of the Top 125 trophy counties across the U.S. 1. Wyoming, Carbon County—282 pronghorn in B&C records 2. California, Mendocino County—190 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 3. California, Trinity County—185 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 4. Wyoming, Sweetwater County—183 pronghorn in B&C records 5. Wyoming, Fremont County—153 pronghorn in B&C records 6. Nevada, Clark County—142 desert sheep in B&C records 7. Wyoming, Natrona County—142 pronghorn in B&C records 8. Montana, Granite County—134 bighorn sheep in B&C records 9. South Dakota, Custer County—134 bison in B&C records 10. Montana, Sanders County—132 bighorn sheep in B&C records 11. Arizona, Coconino County—128 pronghorn in B&C records 12. New Mexico, Socorro County—117 pronghorn in B&C records 13. Nevada, Washoe County—114 pronghorn in B&C records 14. New Mexico, Rio Arriba County— 113 typical mule deer in B&C records 15. Wyoming, Teton County—108 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 16. Texas, Hudspeth County—106 pronghorn in B&C records 17. California, Humboldt County—100 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 18. New Mexico, Mora County—99 pronghorn in B&C records 19. Oregon, Jackson County—93 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 20. Arizona, Pima County—92 typical Coues’ whitetail deer in B&C records (continued page 40) January 2013 37

Mike Checkett of Ducks Unlimited adds movement to his snow goose spread with flapping wing decoys wheeled in with a Yamaha ATV. Steve Hickoff photo

Add MOTION ToYour SNOW

GOOSE SPREAD S

By Steve Hickoff

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Shown with optional accessories. ATV model shown is recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces.

Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing: never carry passengers: never engage in stunt riding: riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix: avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difficult terrain.

Specifications subject to change without notice. *Based on ADP competitive comparison study of CVT belt components reported in warranty and non-warranty repair order records for 2007 - 2010 model year CVT belt-driven 4x4 ATVs 400cc and above. ©2012 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • yamaha-motor.com 1/13 38 - Hunting & Fishing News

now geese wing around in the sky with hundreds if not thousands of real birds.

They’ve seen it all, from inexpensive shell decoys that only seem half-right to full-bodied options that offer plenty of realism on the ground. Still it might not be enough to pull these wary birds in for a look.

As the New Year turns, we waterfowl hunters have several options to look forward to: late-season hunts for snows where seasons remain open and spring “conservation order” snow goose opportunities aimed at managing these big bird populations (where applicable).

Adding movement to your snow goose spreads can help clinch the deal.

Some tactics include: FLAGS: Arm-operated snow goose flags add muscle-memory movement from your layout blind.

MOTION STAKES: This essential decoy movement gear item provides action for your full-body decoys.

They’ll wiggle with just a little breeze as a result.

FLAPPING WINGS: Set flapping wing decoys where you want snow geese to funnel in for a look. This fakery trick will often draw the most action. It’s important to face your layout blinds in this direction.

WIND SOCKS: Consider full-body wind socks as well. They’re fairly inexpensive, highly portable and add just that little extra movement you might need to pull wary snows from the winter (and spring) sky.

ROTARY DECOYS: No wind? A rotary machine offers remote control and the ability to fly snow goose decoys at different heights. You can imitate the “tornado effect” of snow geese decoying in.

Consider adding movement to your snow goose spread. The final essential to all this effort includes hauling your gear to and from the location you’re hunting. For this, there’s nothing better than loading it all on the back of your Yamaha ATV or Side-by-Side.

Fishing On The Missouri MFWP

Craig Fishing Access Site

A merica’s longest river gets it’s start in Montana near the town of Three Forks. Right from the start the Missouri is running big and wide on it’s long journey across North America to join the MFWP Photo Mississippi over 2300 miles away...

The land the Missouri slides by has substantially the same appearance as when it was explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition over two centuries ago.

The Craig Fishing Access site is open year round for access to the Missouri River. Located east of Craig, take Exit 234 off of I-15.

Open: January 1—December 31 Size: 3 acres Elevation: 3451 ft Activities: Boating, Fishing, Camping Boat Services: Ramp (Concrete) Fees: FAS Camping $12.00 w/o fishing license and $7.00 w/fishing license GAME FISH OPPORTUNITIES: Black Crappie, Brown Trout, Burbot, Channel Catfish, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, Paddlefish, Rainbow Trout, Sauger, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch For information on current conditions phone Headhunters on the Missouri River in Craig at 406-235-3447. They are open 7 days a week, 7:30am to 7:00pm. You can also phone Cross Currents located in Craig at the Missouri River Store - 406-235-3433.

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Top 125 Trophy Counties (continued from page 37)

21. Arizona, Yavapai County—92 pronghorn in B&C records 22. Nevada, Humboldt County—89 pronghorn in B&C records 23. Wisconsin, Buffalo County—86 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 24. New Mexico, Catron County—79 pronghorn in B&C records 25. New Mexico, Colfax County—79 pronghorn in B&C records 26. Montana, Blaine County—73 bighorn sheep in B&C records 27. Montana, Teton County—70 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 28. Oregon, Clackamas County—70 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 29. Arizona, Yuma County—67 desert sheep in B&C records 30. Colorado, Eagle County—67 typical mule deer in B&C records 31. New Mexico, Lincoln County—67 pronghorn in B&C records 32. Wyoming, Teton County—67 bison in B&C records 33. California, Siskiyou County—66 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 34. Wyoming, Sublette County—61 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 35. Montana, Fergus County—54 bighorn sheep in B&C records 36. Idaho, Idaho County—53 cougar in B&C records 37. Minnesota, St. Louis County—53 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 38. Oregon, Harney County—51 pronghorn in B&C records 39. Arizona, Coconino County—50 typical American elk in B&C records 40. Arizona, Mohave County—50 desert sheep in B&C records 41. Texas, Webb County—49 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 42. Washington, Lewis County—48 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 43. Wyoming, Lincoln County—48 typical mule deer in B&C records 44. Arizona, Gila County—47 black bear in B&C records 45. California, Humboldt County—47 Roosevelt’s elk in B&C records 46. Colorado, Mesa County—47 typical mule deer in B&C records 47. Oregon, Lake County—47 pronghorn in B&C records 48. Texas, Dimmit County—47 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 49. California, Tehama County—46 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 50. Montana, Deer Lodge County—46 bighorn sheep in B&C records 51. Montana, Missoula County—46 bighorn sheep in B&C records 52. Nevada, Nye County—46 desert sheep in B&C records 53. Texas, Maverick County—46 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 54. Colorado, Moffat County—45 pronghorn in B&C records (continued page 42) 40 - Hunting & Fishing News

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2013 Mathews Creed | An Exclusive First Look

By Bowhunting.com’s Justin Zarr - Mathews, Inc.

IBowhunting.com, t’s Monday October 29th and I’m in the car with Todd Graf, President of and Brandyn Streeter, our expert cameraman/editor.

We’re driving North to Sparta, Wisconsin to get our first look at the brand new Mathews flagship bow for 2013. Most of our conversation revolves around bowhunting (the rut is right around the corner) and what we think can be done to improve upon last year’s wildly popular Helim. How can Mathews, arguably the best bow company in the world, make their bows any better than they already are? Ready or not, we were about to find out.

Upon arriving and getting our credentials verified we were led back into the Mathews Academy, the location they use to train retailers on everything from bow building to marketing techniques, where we are finally introduced to the 2013 Mathews Creed. My eyes are immediately drawn to the fact that, unlike every Mathews bow before it, the Creed features split limbs. Before I even picked it up, I already knew the Creed was vastly different than the bows which had come before it.

Through countless hours of design and engineering the new SimPlex cam offers one of the smoothest draw cycles of any solocam bow ever built.

In addition to the new split limb design I also noted the new design (and size) of both the cam and idler wheel. Gone was the signature Mathews Solocam with the “swirling” spokes, and it its place was a much larger idler with a honeycomb-like design. To accompany the larger idler wheel is the much larger Simplex cam, which is the engine that drives the new Creed.

Not long after arriving we meet with Matt McPherson, owner and CEO of Mathews, Inc., who gives us a little bit of insight into the “whys” of the new design. First, he points out that while designing a new bow he generally begins with the cam. The new SimPlex Cam design is what Matt likes to call “Advanced Simplicity”. This cam uses the finest aircraft grade aluminum in the world to make it both ultra-strong and ultra-light, while providing one of the smoothest draw cycles of any bow ever built.

From there, Matt likes to begin testing every possible combination of parts in order to find ones that work harmoniously together. From riser designs to limb types, roller guards and just about every other component they are mixed and matched in order to find the combination that works the best.

While designing the Simplex cam, which is Mathews’ smoothest drawing single cam ever, Matt found that the Creed simply performed better with split limbs rather than the solid limbs Mathews is accustomed to using. Not wanting to be tied to a particular technology or component which may limit

the bow’s

performance, Matt simply went with the flow and used this information to help him build the best bow possible.

In a few sentences Matt summed up, for me, what I think the Creed is all about.

Todd Graf of Bowhunting.com used his new Creed to harvest this tremendous 160 inch whitetail in Wisconsin on November 4th.

His goal wasn’t to make this bow the fastest, or the lightest, or to be the best in any individual category, but rather to be the best overall bow.

Period. After shooting a few dozen arrows through the Creed, I think he met that goal.

Replacing the iconic Mathews idler wheel is the new, larger, idler wheel found on the 2013 Creed.

When Mathews says this is their smoothest drawing bow ever, they aren’t lying. Like thousands of bowhunters, I fell in love with the smooth draw and rock solid back wall of the Helim last year. Through the increased size of the cam and idler wheel on the Creed, which reduces overall friction within the entire draw cycle, this new bow has an even smoother draw. I know for many people reading this that’s hard to believe, but trust me, it’s true. Having to draw my bow back several times this year in tight spaces with deer close to my stand, I can fully appreciate the fluid draw cycle and positive draw stop of the Creed.

The Creed also features an impressive looking GeoGrid riser similar to the Helim, which attributes to the incredibly light 3.85 pound weight rating.

Additionally, the Reverse Assist roller guard has been changed for this year to use a solid aluminum bracket rather than the carbon fiber rod found on the Helim. This new design helps contribute to the smooth draw while providing ample fletching clearance.

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HECS STEALTHSCREEN Clothing Now Exclusive in Mossy Oak Camo

The DeadEnd string stop has also been revised for 2013 as well. Instead of utilizing a small machined aluminum bracket attached to the bow, the carbon fiber rod mounts directly into the riser for increased strength while remaining extremely light weight.

Okay, so what about the stats that everyone always talks about? The Creed measures in at 30 inches axle to axle, which makes it short enough to be maneuverable, while the long riser and parallel limb design make it extremely stable even at longer shot distances.

With a brace height of 7 inches the Creed is both fast as well as forgiving.

Speaking of speed, it clocks in at an impressive 328 feet per second, which is more than fast enough for all of your bowhunting needs.

Like the Helim, the Creed comes standard with a gunstock quality walnut Slimfit grip, or can be customized with a Focus grip of your choice. Focus grips, along with a variety of other Creed accessories are available in 9 different color options so you can customize your bow to fit your style.

The Creed is available in Lost Camo, Black, or Tactical finishes or you can customize it by mixing and matching your riser and limb colors.

After spending a day with the Creed, I can unquestionably say that while I didn’t think it was possible to make a better bow than the Helim, Matt McPherson and Mathews have done it again with the new Creed. Every single component of this bow has been precisely engineered to create what could be one of the finest shooting compound bows of all time.

While many archers simply look at the stats printed on the tag and judge a bow by the numbers, the Creed transcends that way of thinking. This bow isn’t about impressing archers with numbers or figures, it’s built to impress you when you pick it up and shoot it. From the fit and finish to the smooth draw and silent shot the Creed impresses at every turn. Don’t believe me?

Visit your local Mathews retailer and find out for yourself.

The revolutionary HECS

STEALTHSCREEN line of high-tech clothing is now available in Mossy Oak Break Up Infinity camouflage pattern.

HECS President Mike Slinkard noted, “We are extremely pleased to be able to offer our exclusive line of clothing in Mossy Oak Break Up. It is one of the most preferred camouflage patterns available today and we know the combination of HECS STEALTHSCREEN technology and Mossy Oak’s innovative, concealment pattern will work even better to help hunters evade detection by the game they hunt.”

Slinkard continued, “HECS STEALTH

SCREEN has been thoroughly tested by qualified independent research groups as well as some of today’s most successful hunters. We have recorded astonishing interactions where HECS STEALTHSCREEN clothing has been proven effective in keeping animals calmer and more relaxed when in close proximity to humans.”

HECS STEALTHSCREEN is a patented hunting clothing technology that effectively reduces the human EM energy emissions that all living creatures give off, making the wearer significantly less detectable to animals. Wearing HECS STEALTHSCREEN allows hunters to get closer to more relaxed game than ever before. This unique fabric is designed with a special interlocking grid of extruded conductive carbon yarn that blocks the EM Field. This grid works much like the conductive door grid which protects the user from the kitchen microwave oven.

HECS represents one of the most significant technological advancements in the science of human concealment and truly represents the Evolution of Concealment.

January 2013 41

Have it all...

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TOP 125 TROPHY COUNTIES (continued from page 40) 55. Colorado, Garfield County—44 typical mule deer in B&C records 56. Oregon, Clatsop County—43 Roosevelt’s elk in B&C records 57. Arizona, Coconino County—41 typical mule deer in B&C records 58. Arizona, Pima County—41 desert sheep in B&C records 59. Oregon, Lane County—41 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 60. Oregon, Linn County—41 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 61. Montana, Ravalli County—41 bighorn sheep in B&C records 62. Montana, Lewis & Clark County—40 bighorn sheep in B&C records 63. Texas, La Salle County—40 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 64. Utah, Weber County—40 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 65. Wyoming, Lincoln County—40 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 66. Arizona, Apache County—39 typical American elk in B&C records 67. Montana, Lincoln County—39 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 68. Colorado, Gunnison County—38 typical mule deer in B&C records 69. Montana, Rosebud County—38 pronghorn in B&C records 70. Nevada, Elko County—38 Rocky Mountain goat in B&C records 71. Wisconsin, Price County—38 black bear in B&C records 72. Idaho, Bonneville County—37 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 73. Minnesota, St. Louis County—37 non-typical whitetail deer in B&C records 74. Utah, Garfield County—36 bison in B&C records 75. Wisconsin, Trempealeau County—36 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 76. Colorado, Montrose County—35 typical mule deer in B&C records 77. Arizona, Coconino County—34 non-typical mule deer in B&C records 78. Colorado, Delta County—34 typical mule deer in B&C records 79. Colorado, Jackson County—34 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 80. Iowa, Allamakee County—34 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 81. Washington, Pierce County—34 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 82. Wisconsin, Bayfield County—34 black bear in B&C records 83. Wisconsin, Sawyer County—34 black bear in B&C records 84. Wyoming, Campbell County—34 pronghorn in B&C records 85. Colorado, Montezuma County—33 typical mule deer in B&C records 86. Wisconsin, Buffalo County—33 non-typical whitetail deer in B&C records 87. Washington, Pend Oreille County—32 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 88. North Carolina, Hyde County—32 black bear in B&C records 89. Wyoming, Albany County—32 pronghorn in B&C records 90. Arizona, Gila County—31 typical Coues’ whitetail deer in B&C records 42 - Hunting & Fishing News

91. Illinois, Jo Daviess County—31 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 92. Montana, Beaverhead County—31 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 93. Montana, Flathead County—31 Shiras’ moose in B&C records 94. New Mexico, Rio Arriba County—31 non-typical mule deer in B&C records 95. Oregon, Columbia County—31 Roosevelt’s elk in B&C records 96. Oregon, Marion County—31 typical Columbia blacktail deer in B&C records 97. Wyoming, Park County—31 typical American elk in B&C records 98. Iowa, Clayton County—30 typical whitetail deer in B&C records 99. Oregon, Wallowa County—30 bighorn sheep in B&C records 100. Wisconsin, Baron County—30 black bear in B&C records 100. Wisconsin, Baron County—30 black bear in B&C records 101. Wyoming, Carbon County—30 typical mule deer in B&C records 102. Arizona, Maricopa County— 29 desert sheep in B&C records 103. Colorado, Rio Blanco County—29 cougar in B&C records 104. New Mexico, Rio Arriba County—29 cougar in B&C records 105. New Mexico, Taos County—29 bighorn sheep B&C records 106. Utah, Kane County—29 typical mule deer in B&C records 107. Washington, Clallam County—29 Roosevelt’s elk in B&C records 108. Illinois, Pike County—28 non-typical whitetail deer in B&C records 109. Nevada, White Pine County—28 typical American elk in B&C records 110. Illinois, Fulton County—26 non-typical whitetail deer in B&C records 111. New Mexico, Catron County—26 typical American elk in B&C records 112. Minnesota, Itasca County—25 non-typical whitetail deer in B&C records 113. Arizona, Apache County—24 non-typical American elk in B&C records 114. Arizona, Pima County—24 non-typical Coues’ whitetail deer in B&C records 115. Illinois, Adams County—24 non-typical whitetail deer in B&C records 116. New Mexico, San Juan County—24 typical American elk in B&C records 117. California, San Bernardino County—23 desert sheep in B&C records 118. California, Solano County—23 tule elk in B&C records 119. California, Trinity County—20 bighorn sheep in B&C records 120. Iowa, Van Buren County—19 non-typical whitetail deer in B&C records 121. Montana, Park County—17 bison in B&C records 122. Texas, Culberson County—16 desert sheep in B&C records 123. Washington, Chelan County—15 Rocky Mountain goat in B&C records 124. Washington, Okanogan County—15 Rocky Mountain goat in B&C records 125. Idaho, Caribou County—1 grizzly bear in B&C records (1900)

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44 - Hunting & Fishing News