Hunting & Fishing News - October 2012

HUNTING & FISHING Montana

October 2012

News

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Fall for a Pike

By Babe Winkelman

C

atch one big northern pike and you fall in love with these magnificent predators. Their willingness to chase and crush baits is amazing. The fight for which they’re capable is thrilling. It’s no wonder that in Europe where pike reach epic sizes, they’re commonly referred to as “water wolves.”

Babe Winkelman In addition to all the reasons northern pike are revered for their aggressiveness and tough attitude, they’re also wonderful table fare when they’re in that 3-6 pound class...

All summer long, northern pike are among the easiest fish to catch. This is due to their voracious appetite and the fact that pike are keen impulse strikers...

During the warm summer months in lakes that hold pike, you’ll find them predominantly hunting anywhere where there’s weed growth. But as summer surrenders to autumn and the water temperatures cool, things change...

When fishing in the fall, if you find weed growth that hasn’t laid down yet and it’s still green, then it will continue to hold fish.

Baitfish, panfish, bass, and you guessed it: pike. But as these last holdouts of vegetation finally wane, the pike will change their haunts.

This time of year happens to coincide with the fall turnover. This is the period when a lake’s thermocline disappears.

The warm upper water cools with air temperature and ultimately trades places with the once cooler water below the thermocline. Pre-turnover fishing is great. During the turnover, fish generally get negative. But after the turnover is complete and the lake stabilizes, pike fishing gets good again...search for cover in the form of rocky reefs, points, saddles and edges where flats fall away into deeper water.

4 - Hunting & Fishing News

A great way to locate fish in the fall is by trolling big crankbaits, swimbaits, spoons or inline spinners. If you pop a couple of fish trolling, pay attention to your sonar and lake map to get a reading of the depth and bottom constitution that’s holding fish. This will help you identify other spots on the lake that match those conditions.

Now trolling is great, but...I prefer catching pike on the cast...You’ll want to position your boat on structure that allows you to cast down the line on productive water, thereby keeping your bait in the strike zone for the longest possible time.

Remember that northern pike are notorious for chasing baits and have no problem smacking a lure right by the side of the boat. So on every cast, keep the retrieve going all the way back to the boat. If you see a pike following but not chomping, give the bait a slight pause or a sudden twitch. Sometimes that change in the action will flip the bite switch in a fish.

If a giant follows but doesn’t eat, you can try this trick too. Have a second rod set up with a quick-strike rig hooked to a big sucker minnow in your livewell or bait bucket. If a jumbo pike follows and gives up, you can be sure that he’s still very close to the boat. Set down your casting rod, pick up the quick-strike rig and pitch that minnow to the last place you saw the fish. Very often, the introduction of a live minnow will be just the thing that fish wants...

2012 ELK HUNTING OUTLOOK MFWP

There are elk in Montana’s hills

and if the big sky drops some snow hunters could be in for a banner season in many areas.

“Most hunters are going to find elk populations in good physical shape and will benefit from liberal hunting opportunities,” said Quentin Kujala, MFWPs’ wildlife sections coordinator in Helena. “If the weather cooperates, and if hunters do their homework and line up access early where it’s needed, we’d expect very good harvest numbers by season’s end in late November.”

Montana’s general, five-week long, elk hunting season opens Oct. 20.

Kujala noted that cold and snowy conditions should lead to elk hunting success, while mild weather usually spells lower elk harvests, despite additional elk-hunting permits and more liberal seasons. “We’re all hoping the weather tips to hunters’ favor this fall,” Kujala said.

Predation on elk by wolves has contributed to some depressed elk populations in parts of western and southwestern Montana. Also, Montana’s forest fires may have changed local elk distributions and

access opportunities...

Region 1—Northwestern Montana Not available at time of print.

Region 2—Western Montana Elk numbers are generally above the long-term average but the distribution and trend of elk populations raises concerns for the future. Calf production and survival is low in several districts along the border with Idaho and adjoining the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wilderness areas, where opportunities to hunt antlerless elk are sharply reduced. To allow bull numbers to rebound, a special permit is required to hunt bull elk in Hunting Districts 250 and 270 (Upper Bitterroot). Elk numbers generally remain high on private lands located east of Missoula, but calf survival was unusually low through last winter.

Region 3—Southwestern Montana Overall, the milder winter of 20112012 led to good calf recruitment, and depending on weather conditions, the harvest could certainly see a notable increase from last year.

A hunter’s best bet will be in the southwestern part of the region— and in the Helena area—where high numbers are being seen. The same

applies to the Shields Valley where hunters should find a healthy population of elk. The upper Gallatin and the Paradise Valley elk numbers are down, while the number of elk in the Gravelly Range remains about the same as last year. The Pioneers and the Elkhorns are at or above average. A word of warning for next year, however: persistent drought conditions could play a factor in both the 2012 harvest and next year’s calf production.

Region 4—Central Montana Elk populations are solid. The biggest challenge for hunters, whether along the Rocky Mountain Front, central Montana’s island mountain ranges or in the Missouri River Breaks, continues to be finding access.

Regions 5 — South Central Montana Elk populations are healthy and growing. The numbers, however, are not a harbinger of hunter success.

In areas where hunter access is good, elk numbers are low. In most areas where public hunter access is limited, elk numbers are well above FWP’s elk management objectives.

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Region 6—Northeastern Montana Biologists say elk numbers are at or above management objectives in most hunting districts. All elk hunting in the Bears Paw Mountains and the Missouri River Breaks is by special permit, which are awarded in the annual drawing. Elk in these areas are most often found in core-habitat areas a mile or more from active roads and other human activity. Hunters should note that elk densities are very low in the general-season hunting area north of U.S. Highway 2.

Region 7—Southeastern Montana While not typically a hot spot destination, outside of Missouri Breaks, elk here are primarily found on private land. While elk populations are above management objectives in all hunting districts, public hunting access is limited.

October 2012

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FIVE TIPS FOR LONG RANGE SHOOTING Photo and article by Bob Humphrey Yamaha Outdoors

I

t’s hard to believe but fall is just around the corner. If your fall hunting plans include any type of long range shooting... you’ll want to be prepared.

The following are a few tips to get you aimed in the right direction.

1) Choose a flat-shooting caliber Flatter shooting calibers reduce the need for proper range estimation and the margin of error associated with mis-judging distance. While the venerable 30-06 and 30-30 have probably accounted for the deaths of more deer than all other calibers combined, they’re not the best choice for longer shots. Better choices for larger game like bear and elk might be the .300 Win Mag or 7mm Remington Mag, or something with similar ballistics. For mid-sized game 6 - Hunting & Fishing News

like whitetails any of the short mags, .300, .270, would be a good option.

For smaller game like antelope or even southern thinner skinned you could even drop down to a .243.

Larger varmints and predators call for something akin to the 22-250 or the 220 Swift, while 17 rimfires are ideal for smaller varmints.

2) Zero at 200 - Without getting too technical, there are some distinct advantages to sighting in your rifle so it is dead-on at 200 yards, rather than the conventional 100 yards.

Inside 200, your point of impact will be a little high, but should still be less than two inches above your point of aim, which is barely noticeable in a hunting situation. The real payoff comes at the other end, where you may only be four to six inches low out to at least 300 yards, and in many cases a foot to 18 inches low all the way out to 400. Figures will vary with the particular calibers and loads you select.

3) Use good optics - This applies to both your target identification and target acquisition optics. You’ll need binoculars and/or a spotting scope to locate, identify and possibly field

judge your quarry. Never point your firearm at anything you cannot identify and do not intend to shoot at. Once you have properly identified your target, you can aim and fire.

The biggest difference between cheap optics and good ones is the quality of glass used. Under average conditions you may not notice the difference. However, under challenging conditions such as heat haze and low light you will really appreciate it, especially at longer distances.

4) Use a solid rest - Any type of movement will be exaggerated at longer ranges. A solid rest will provide you with a more steady aim, and more accurate shot. Options include shooting sticks, and mono-, bi- and tripods. Which you choose will depend on several variables, including hunting conditions and personal preference. A shorter, detachable bipod may be fine for something like antelope hunting on open plains. In areas with taller vegetation, you may want a taller shooting stick that will allow you to shoot from a standing position. Even in a shooting house you should use some type of padded rest to stabilize your gun.

5) Practice - This last tip should go without saying. Unfortunately, a lot of folks won’t take the time and effort for proper practice. They’ll pick the right caliber firearm, equip it with good optics and even zero it at 200 - usually by sighting it high at 100.

Then they’ll go to the range, or out in the back 40, and practice shooting at 100 yards. That’s only going to help you so much. If you’re going to

be taking shots at 300 or 400 yards, you should practice at those same distances. Granted, 300-yard shooting ranges are hard to find. However, if you ask around you may be able to gain access to a ranch, farm or other private land where you can practice. Load up your ATV or Side-by-Side vehicle with guns, ammo, targets, spotting scope and whatever else you might need and head for the wide open spaces.

When shooting, make sure you have a safe backdrop and always be aware of your target and what lies beyond. Last but not least, always wear proper eye and ear protection when target shooting.

2012 DEER HUNTING OUTLOOK

D eer hunters in Montana will find a mix of hunting opportunities

across the state when the general season opens Oct. 20.

“Conditions have been mixed the past several years and deer in many areas of the state are still rebounding from the tough winter of 2010,” said Quentin Kujala, MFWPs’ wildlife sections coordinator in Helena.

“The good news is that we’re seeing better fawn survival and good fawn production in many areas, but some are still struggling with low numbers and production.”

Overall, the better mule deer and white-tailed deer populations are currently in parts of Region 4 and some areas of Regions 2, 3 and 5. That’s due in part to central and western Montana dodging the recent winter losses experienced by deer in eastern Montana.

“Mule deer and white-tailed deer will be found in local concentrations based upon habitat,” Kujala said.

“One generalization is that white-tailed deer are most often associated with the forested habitats of northwestern Montana and in riparian areas,” Kujala said.

“In addition to scouting for good habitat and access to private lands, a spate of cold and snowy weather often leads to good hunting.”

Montana’s forest fires have plagued much of Montana this season.

Hunters need to understand that some landowners will be busy rebuilding fences and other structures lost to fire this fall. A call ahead of time, and especially an offer to help, would be long appreciated.

Here’s a regional rundown on what deer hunters can expect this season.

Region 1—Northwestern Montana Not available at time of print.

Region 2—Western Montana White-tailed and mule deer are common but numbers generally are below historic averages. FWP has restricted hunting opportunities for antlerless deer this year to limit any further declines and speed population increases. Hunting for whitetail bucks should be average overall. Hunting for mule deer bucks is by permit-only in several hunting districts.

Region 3—Southwestern Montana Mule deer are down in most places across the region except for a slight uptick in the southern hunting districts.

MFWP White-tailed deer populations–found mostly in river bottoms–are stable due to the mild winter. Fortunately, southwestern Montana didn’t see whitetail die-offs from Epizootic hemorrhagic disease as did other populations in central and eastern Montana.

Region 4—Central Montana The news for deer is mixed.

White-tailed deer populations are solid. That’s not the case for most mule deer populations. “With whitetail we have good numbers,” said Graham Taylor, FWP’s wildlife manager in Great Falls. “Mule deer numbers are mostly down.”

Regions 5 — South Central Montana Mule deer populations in the breaks and prairies north of the Yellowstone River are on the upswing, reversing a decade-long trend. Biologists noted good numbers of fawns this year, which they believe is an indicator of recovery in some of those populations. In the mountainous areas, particularly south of the Yellowstone River, a decline in mule deer numbers continues.

White-tailed deer living in the prairie environments north of U.S. Highway 12 have been in slow decline for a number of years because of hard

Duke, (age 12 at hunt) and his Dad Scott

Duke’s 1st buck taken in the Missouri River Breaks southeast of Big Sandy

hunting pressure, poor fawn winter survival and last year’s bout of EHDa fatal disease spread by biting midges. In the mountains south of the Yellowstone River, however, populations are near average and stable.

Region 6—Northeastern Montana Effects on mule deer from the winter of 2010-11 are still being seen with regional numbers 30 percent below average. Buck ratios are similarly below average with fewer older-ageclass bucks due to a high winter mortality in 2010-11. There has been little recruitment the past two years, but strong fawn production was expected this year. Doe licenses in most areas have again been significantly reduced.(cont’d page 10) October 2012

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Perfect Whitetail Rifle When I was

first introduced to hunting at the age of around 12 by my best friend’s grandfather, Al Rowe, AKA “Big Al” BY RICK HAGGERTY the rifle caliber of choice by all of the hunters in camp was a .270 Win. They insisted to me that this was the best gun to take a deer or elk.

Now, they were very successful elk hunters who hunted in the hills of Washington’s coastal range.

But when it was time for me to purchase my very own first rifle, I chose to buy a Remington .30-06. Why? Mainly, because I thought it would be a better all-around gun for a bigger bodied elk, or if I happened to see a black bear, my thoughts were that it would help me to drop that animal right in it’s tracks.

Today, I still hunt regularly with a .30-06 for big game, but I have also added a flat shooting Winchester .243, for some of my whitetail only hunts.

The main reason I pack a .243 on some of my hunts for deer is that this gun packs nicely, because of it’s weight. This works well for me if I know I will be hiking up and down hills or rugged terrain. Plus, this rifle just shoots great, and I am confident that I will hit the target when I shoot it.

Most of our deer hunting in Montana will be in either thick brush, prairie lands or cultivated fields, and most shots will be around the 150 yard range up to 300 yards on average.

Some may argue that the lighter calibers are poorly suited for a bigger bodied whitetail or mule deer, but I have found that proper shot placement at shots within the 300 yard mark will do the job. Now, I know what you are thinking. A .243 does not work in every deer hunting condition, and I agree. That is why I always carry two rifles in my vehicle when I go for an extended deer hunting trip. One will be a rifle for more open country conditions. For this I will pack my longer shooting, harder hitting .30-06, and use the smaller caliber, lighter gun for more up close and personal encounters.

So what is the perfect deer rifle? It’s all personal preference, as with anything. I would start with a .25 caliber and work up to a .270 Win., .280 Remington or a .30-06. All are powerful and efficient cartridges that will drop a deer up close but also are versatile enough to handle any long shot most of us have any business taking.

Other calibers of choice will be a 7mm-08 Rem., 308 Winchester or a .300 Win. Magnum.

So what else should we demand in our rifle of choice?

1. It must be light enough to carry comfortably all day, yet have enough weight to manage recoil.

2. The best scope your money can buy i.e., Nikon, Vortex, Leupold, or Redfield for the best buys.

3. It should have a proper recoil pad limbsaver.

4. A Harris bi-pod system for long shots in the field.

5. A high quality, adjustable nylon sling from Butler Creek.

6. A good hard case or a nice padded soft case to protect your rifle.

Success in the field is the true measure of what you prefer. I’ve shot a newly purchased rifle for one season and decided that I did not like hunting with it, and went back to my old stand-by Remington .30-06.

The most important factor is that you can hit what you are shooting at accurately. All of these components together in good working order will make for “Your perfect deer rifle.”

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Deer Outlook (continued) White-tailed deer numbers in the Milk River Valley east of Malta to Nashua and in the Missouri River bottomlands below Fort Peck Dam were heavily impacted; both by the harsh winter of 2010-11 and an EHD outbreak in 2011. In those areas, numbers remain well below the longterm average. In the Malta to Havre area, numbers are slightly below average this year. A small EHD outbreak, however, was confirmed this summer in the Chinook area. In the northeastern corner, numbers are slightly below average in prairie habitats and down 50 percent in the Missouri River bottoms. Whitetail doe licenses were also significantly reduced this year. Hunters should also be prepared to see increased mineral development activity.

Region 7—Southeastern Montana Mule deer numbers are still more than 40 percent below the long term average due to the severe winter of 2010-11 that resulted in significant winter-kill of both adults and fawns. Overwinter survival last year was high, and fawn recruitment this spring—up to 47 fawns per 100 adults—increased relative to the previous year. That good news, however, was dampened by reduced fawning rates due to nutritional stress in does after the extreme winter of 2010-11. Drought conditions this summer are impacting deer nutrition as well, but lowerthan-average mule deer numbers means that prime habitat is available for a greater portion of the population.

Data gathered last hunting season at hunter check stations indicates that the mule deer population is comprised primarily of young, fit individuals with high reproductive potential. Thus, even though mule deer numbers are down this year, if Mother Nature cooperates, the population should soon begin a rapid recovery.

A widespread EHD outbreak in the fall of 2011 reduced populations of white-tailed deer, but populations remain high in localized areas where disease did not occur. White-tailed deer can recover relatively rapidly from declines, and this process has already begun, as fawn recruitment rates this spring doubled over last year. The reduction in white-tailed deer numbers is not all bad. Wildlife biologists note that whitetail numbers prior to the EHD outbreak were too high and fewer deer on the landscape will allow habitat to recover along with deer numbers. Hunters who do their homework by scouting and visiting with private landowners should have success locating good areas to hunt whitetails.

10 - Hunting & Fishing News

Where To Find Elk

FOR THE HUNTER IN YOU...

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T here are two kinds of elk hunts: easy and tortuous. The only easy elk hunts are at the very beginning and the very end of the season.

The reason is that elk are so sensitive to hunting pressure that after the first public-land volleys early in the rifle season, they tend to shy away from those areas frequented by hunters. Only harsh weather toward the end of November kegs them up in accessible areas.

That’s why most of us plan on tortuous elk hunts, then happily accept the easier alternative when it’s available. So how do you turn an armed hike into tenderloins and elk steaks? Here are some ways to tip the odds in your favor: HUNT THE EDGES: It’s an old rule in hunting that wildlife love edges, but elk personify the adage. You’ll find herds on the margins of dark timber, where they can disappear when they spot danger. You’ll find them on the noses of steep ridges, where one jump puts them out of sight from a hunter. Learn these places: borders of mid-elevation parks, edges of steep Forest Service roads, fencelines separating private agricultural ground from public forest.

LEARN ESCAPE ROUTES: One way to turn the tendency of elk to flee pressure into your advantage is to learn the routes that they take. You can anticipate many of the pinch points where they will encounter hunters: near trailheads and backcountry roads. Scout a couple of days prior to the season for these corridors—steep draws and the shady side of secondary canyons and drainages, dense timber, even dry streambeds— and be ready to intercept elk that spook at all the orange vests on the opener, which this year is Saturday, Oct. 20.

HUNT DOWNHILL: You can minimize the torture factor if you start your hunt high and use gravity to your advantage. Plan to camp high in the mountains the night before your hunt, then work slowly down ridges and slopes, expecting to intercept low-country elk that are spooked uphill by opening-morning hunting pressure.

GO LIGHT AND DEEP: Sometimes pressure pushes elk even farther back than you can drive or comfortably hike in a day. In areas with vast, elk-rich habitats, you can tag early-season elk by going to them, making the task easier by anticipating the work. Pack lightweight gear and enough meat-freighting material that you can make short work of a successful hunt. This ethos follows Eberle Pack’s motto of “going in light, coming out heavy.” Just don’t go too far in.

DON’T OBSESS WITH ANTLERS: Any public-land elk is a good one, even if it’s a cow or a calf. Be sure of harvest regulations in your hunting district, but I have turned down plenty of opening-day cows that I would have given anything to shoot the final week of the season. A freezer full of wapiti is one of the great benchmarks of success for a Montana hunter.

Befriend a Rancher: After that opening-week barrage, elk tend to gravitate to private land where they won’t be harassed. Block Management has been good for making these private-land animals accessible, but for the best success spend some time finding landowners who have little tolerance for elk, but less tolerance for other hunters, except for you. These places exist, but you may have to offer to help with fencing, or with feeding cows or some ranch task to prove that you’re not interested only in free access.

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.. opular hunting magazines often display colorful photographs of huge bull elk standing in open meadows presenting easy targets. The reality in the mountains of Colorado, however, is far different.

Stalking these animals is challenging and most hunters won’t get easy shots. You’re more likely to find elk on a steep hillside, in a dark ravine, or in thick timber than standing out in the open.

The hunter success rate for all manners of take in Colorado was 21 percent in 2011, and a total of 43.480 were harvested. A total of 211,392 hunters stalked elk last season. It’s estimated that there are about 280,000 elk in Colorado, the most of any state.

If weather is warm, elk stay spread out over vast areas at high elevations at and above timberline. In those conditions hunters need to work extra hard. When snow falls, elk will usually start to move, bunch up, and look for food sources at lower elevations or on slopes where vegetation is exposed. However, the snow fall must be significant; usually

more than a foot of snow must be on the ground to get elk moving.

Hunters must get off their ATVs and hunt slowly and quietly far from any road. Elk are very smart, move quickly at any hint of danger and hide in rugged terrain. Compounding the challenge for hunters is the fact that elk typically gather in groups of 10 or more. If one is spooked they all move and they can run easily for a mile or more.

Elk are most active during the night and are likely to be grazing in

transition areas--meadows next to heavy timber, where different types of vegetation meet and just above or below ridgelines. Hunters should watch these areas at first light and at dusk.

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move as quietly as possible for short distances and then scan the woods for 10 minutes or more before moving again. Even in dense forest it’s a good idea to use binoculars so you can discern subtle movement or unusual colors in the trees.

If you find the areas where animals graze at night it’s likely that you’ll find them in adjacent areas during the day.

When hunting in areas with roads, move far above or far below the roads to find elk. In areas where two roads are in close proximity, locate the most difficult terrain in between.

Line up your shot carefully because elk are difficult to knock down. The best shots are delivered in the critical area of the lungs and heart just behind and below the front quarters. Never try for a head shot, as this can result in only wounding the animal...

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Waterfowl Hunting Tips

By Mike Miller, Mossy Oak ProStaff

Q

What is a good call for beginners?

Q

What is your favorite way to hunt ducks?

I love to hunt ducks on river bottoms either A out A short reed polycarbonate goose call will of a boat on or near a sand bar. Also love work for a beginner. That’s what you can use to hunt ducks in corn fields. to practice how to hold a call and deliver the proper do you do if ducks or geese are air pressure into the call and make a sound. Many Q What “short stopping” your decoy spread? different call makers such as Buck Gardner calls (Honker Hammer), Zink calls (power clucker pc-1) A The first thing I would look at is the wind make polycarbonate calls making it inexpensive for - did it change direction? I would make the beginner. For duck calls I would do the same, adjustments by moving the blinds and or decoy starting off by finding an inexpensive call to the spread. After that I would start looking at the hide/ callers liking and practice, practice, practice. blinds - are ducks or geese seeing me? Is someone Q How can I learn how and when to call? not getting down in their blinds or moving too much? Is the dog jumping? Then I would look at You can learn to call by attending waterfowl decoy placement once again - am I closing off the A events put on by stores such as Cabela’s, hole where I want them to finish?

Bass Pro, Sportsman’s Warehouse, etc. Find out is the best call to use for pressured Q What when there are seminars, and if there are any call or “call shy” ducks? makers or company representatives. Ask questions later on in the season this happens. and listen. There are also many different calling A Usually I simply cut back on calling or sometimes CDs by either call makers and past champion callers for both duck and goose calling. You can don’t call at all. Make a read on what ducks are doing when you call to them. If they like what they usually buy a duck or goose call combo with hear, most likely they will make a turn and give you instructional CDs at stores. a look. Call shy ducks can also mean pressure. If is the best way to set up if I only you are on a public hunting spot, look what hunters Q What have a limited number of decoys? around you are doing. Are they using motion in their spread, how many decoys are they using, Scouting getting to know the area and A where and how many ducks or geese are decoy are they killing ducks? Remember to scout. Especially hitting a certain hole/field. You don’t need a ton of later in the season, their patterns will change when decoys if you are in the right spot. Try to keep the pressured or during full moon phases and tend to feed at night. sun at your back.

A

Photo Mossy Oak

October 2012 13

14 - Hunting & Fishing News

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Innovative Leadcore Improves Catch

By Mitch Eagan Fall is the perfect time to break out the leadcore line. With this one crucial piece of gear, lures of any stripe can be fished down to whatever depth is necessary. It’s a great tool for trolling clear or stained waters, whether windy or calm...

Leadcore is what its name dictates: a strand of the soft metal with threads of fabric Photo by Bill Lindner Photography woven around it for strength. It’s been around for decades, actually... ertainly, the best way to To tell you the truth, what got decode what fish are keen on me thinking about expanding is covering as much water as my horizons with this tried and possible with a multitude of true method is a new version of baits. Unfortunately, though, the old standby. Just this year, it’s tedious and time consuming Sufix introduced a new leadcore – virtually unrealistic. line—832 Advanced Lead Core, Meanwhile, back on earth, to be exact. Its lead has been trolling, by far, is the best way wrapped with different material to find fish while eliminating than conventional leadcore. unproductive water. But by And it’s making fishing with pulling lures with a conventional weighted line more versatile rod, reel and line combo, it’s than ever. physically impossible to sample The engineers at Sufix traded the entire water column. And out the polyester fibers of this time of year, fish of all standard ‘core with the species can be anywhere sophisticated ones used in – high, low, or somewhere smash-hit 832 Advance in-between.

C

Superline. This novel idea simultaneously increased the line’s sink rate and improved overall strength. Best of all, you can use lighter pound test while not losing a single foot of depth, and control. The amount of lead per foot is the same as the past, but the bulky diameter has been compressed. Subsequently, you can spool Sufix 832 Lead Core onto smaller reels and use lighter action rods. Plus, you can get smaller lures deeper with less line out.

“The Dyneema and Gore fibers don’t stretch like the old polyester ones do, which makes 832 Advanced Lead Core much more sensitive,” says Minnesota guide and Rapala pro angler, Tom Neustrom. I now have my clients hang onto the rod rather than set it in a holder. They can feel every wiggle of the lure, and know if it’s been fouled with weeds. And if something smacks the bait, we know it right away...” ...The new line is perfect for driving lures down to panfish, which often hug the bottom in

autumn...because it can be used with lighter gear, reeling in a perch will actually be entertaining.

Rapala’s new Ultra Light Minnow and Shad have a look and action panfish can’t resist. When pulling them with leadcore, I tether them to a 6-foot section 6- to 8-pound-test Suffix 100% Fluorocarbon Leader Line; the slightly heavier pound test to thwart line breakage when a toothed predator fish eats these tiny baits. And believe me, they will.

Another thing I’m fond of about the sophisticated new leadcore is that it can be knotted...

Rods with a sensitive tip, like St. Croix’s 7-foot Eyecon Bounce-N-Troll or their new 5- or 7-foot Eyecon trolling rods, coupled with a Daiwa 17LC Accudepth Plus Line Counter reel are light enough to feel a fighting panfish, yet versatile enough to reel in larger walleyes, bass and pike.

Trolling with leadcore line is nothing new. But getting a lure deeper with less line out, and while using lighter tackle is...

October 2012 15

Say Hello To Success: Where to chase the Fish this Month Brought to you by wadable level and the river is in very good fishing condition now.

BIGHORN RIVER

Staiger with his trout on the Beaverhead River

Good fishing can be had on most

of Montana’s streams, lakes and reservoirs right now as we slide further into fall. Montana boasts some of the best trout fishing waters around and now is the time to enjoy some of the finest fishing of the year, before Mother Nature turns her cold grip on the mountains of Big Sky Country. Here are a few trout destinations you might consider.

MUSSELSHELL RIVER Central Montana and the Musselshell River is home to some trophy browns.

These large trout can be taken from the river in it’s upper stretches between it’s origin near Martinsdale, downstream to the Highway 191 Bridge at Harlowtown. Hit the water early in the morning and later in the evening, as water temperatures are cooler. These fish will become very active right at dusk. Try using streamers and nymphs along undercut banks, downed trees and deeper water pools. Black or olive streamers will get big browns in the 18 inch category, and up to rise. Shiny lures right at dusk, and into darkness will also work here. Access points to try include Selkirk access site, Two Dot Road access, or the Highway 191 Bridge access.

MISSOURI RIVER It’s hardly any big news this that the “Mo” will be fishing excellent in October, but if you have not made the trip to fish this prestigious area of Montana, now is the time. The river has cooled off now and big rainbows and browns will be aggressive. Try fishing up towards the Dam for good results and less fishing pressure. One of the best sections to fish is from the Dam down to Craig, MT. Nymphing has been working well as have streamers. Again, if you’re fishing with light tackle, fish right at dark using reflective metals such as Mepps, Panther Martin, or your favorite go to lure. There is a lot less boat pressure this time of the year on the river, making for a fun day in this scenic part of Montana.

BOULDER RIVER The big push of browns will start to head up from the Yellowstone into the Boulder. Same idea here; nymphing has been very good.

Start throwing terrestrials here as well. Fish the pockets and deeper runs and slots for increased success on the Boulder. Flows are at a very

This will be a great October destination as well. The big brown trout will be chasing streamers aggressively as they start to get closer to the spawn.

Throw large streamers. Zonkers, Buggers and Double Bunnies will work here. You can take both rainbows and brown trout on a variety of nymphs including Copper Johns, Hare’s Ear and Scud imitations. The big spawn will normally occur in later November on the Bighorn, but pre-spawn fishing will produce 18 to 23 inch trout here.

FLATHEAD RIVER MIDDLE FORK

On the other side of the state, this large river that feeds Flathead Lake is a good destination for anglers looking for big trout, as well as Lake Superior whitefish, which crowd the river this time of the year. For flies, try emerging blue-winged olives, hoppers, PMD’s and October caddis, or you can anchor above a good hole and jig your way through.

Expect to catch some fish. The 35 mile stretch that follows Highway 2 from Bear Creek down to West Glacier is a good, productive run.

out early and fish late for the emergences of fall beetles and drakes.

BLACKFOOT RIVER The autumn scenery will be unmatched, and the distant bugling of a big bull elk will only emphasize to you that you made a wise decision to head out to the river for a fantastic day. The Blackfoot River is often overlooked most of the year. This river’s population of brown trout get territorial and aggressive. Along with browns, the chances of catching a trophy sized rainbow are high here.

Try BWD’s, Mahoganies, and October caddis. The fish will be fat from gorging all summer, and should give you a good fight!

BEAVERHEAD RIVER A trip to Dillon will do the body and mind good. Large quantities of big fish call the Beaverhead home and the Clark Canyon Reservoir has had a descent year, and water flows are good. Try fishing big yellow streamers for the browns. Pheasant Tails, Lightening Bugs and San Juan worms will pick-up the fish all day long. The Big Hole River is not far away, and the fall hatches on both of these rivers will keep bugs in the air and the fish rising.

YELLOWSTONE RIVER CANYON FERRY

Between Gardiner and Livingston along Highway 89 is about a 50 mile stretch of the river that is very productive. Put in at McConnell Landing or Corwin Springs near Gardiner and fish down river for good sized rainbows, browns and cutts. Grasshoppers, beetles and other terrestrials work well. The Lamar, Soda Butte and Slough Creek areas will be hot for big browns. Get

RESERVOIR

The trout and walleye will be active this month, and the weather should be perfect for excellent fishing here.

Troll deep diving Rapala cranks for big fish. Also, try dead drifting a worm attached to a Slow Death hook. The trout and walleye love the extreme helicopter motion this presents. Drop a jig with a worm attached. For walleye near the

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(406)459-5352 or (406)580-2426 bottom. This will be productive. It just takes a little patience and persistence, and a big walleye may hit on the other end. Fish the bays and drop-offs from 10 to 15 ft. of water for good activity, and watch for those big carp.

HOLTER LAKE The rainbow trout will pick-up once again on Holter in October. Good walleye fishing around Cottonwood Creek, Split Rock and any shallow inlets you can find. Chartreuse jigs or bottom bouncers in the 15 ft. water mark is a good start. Walleye are unpredictable as to when the bite will occur; normally between 8am - 10am and the evenings just before dark. Try drop shotting and fishing with minnow patterns.

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FORT PECK RESERVOIR Now is the time to go to Fort Peck.

The weather is perfect, and the water is typically much calmer than in the spring and early summer. Big water creates big fish here. Expect walleye, lake trout, northern pike, perch and very aggressive smallmouth bass.

The fall bite doesn’t get as much fishing pressure as fishing in June or July, and the fishing can be fabulous.

Target lake trout near Fort Peck Dam down the lake to Haxby Point, or around Hell Creek Bay. Bone Trail and the Pines area have both been good for walleye. These areas will always hold quality pike and bass near weeded edges in pretty much every inlet you choose to enter. For current conditions call Deb at Hell Creek Marina at 406-557-2345 or Rock Creek Marina at 406-485-2560.

The boat activity will be minimal now at Seeley Lake, making for some quiet, calm mornings on the lake.

Expect the northern pike bite to be strong, as they will start feeding aggressively as winter nears. Throw a Rapala Husky Jerk or a spinnerbait in chartreuse colors near weeded edges for these big toothy fish.

The steelhead fishing will pick-up a Troll the shorelines to pick-up big lot on the river as the “B” run of fish rainbows too. move into the Clearwater. Warm water temps in September have delayed the return, but as the water temps drop the fish move up. Expect excellent October and Noxon, what an fishing from October clear into the awesome place to be. Tall, rugged New Year. “The Fall season has mountains surround this big body of started out very strong,” says Joe water. This is western Montana at Dupont, Idaho Region Fisheries it’s finest! Fishing will be good this Manager for Fish and Game at fall for bass and big northerns.

Lewistown. “Most people have foPick-up these fish along shorelines cused primarily on steelhead, but you and rocky ledges. Perch colors will may want to hit the area and target serve you best now. Spinnerbaits in salmon as well in October.” For current green, white, chartreuse and even conditions, give Jeff at Jarrett’s Guide red. Hold on tight when these fish Service a call at 208-476-3791.

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Montana Upland Bird Forecast Tips From A Meat Processor - How to Keep Your Meat Fresh By Janet Fadness, Tizer Meats REGION 1 FORECAST Dusky Grouse: Last year’s harvest was average. Substantial rains MFWP

during late nesting, early hatch period. Anticipate below average.

Ruffed Grouse: Expect fewer than last year, well below average.

Spruce Grouse: Down from last year closer to average.

Pheasant: Down from last year, well below average.

REGION 2 FORECAST Dusky Grouse: Harvest was average. Early hatch affected by cool, wet weather. Expect near average, similar to last year.

Ruffed Grouse: Down from last year, below average.

Spruce Grouse: Near average, comparable to last year.

Pheasant: Cold wet end of May and first half of June. Expect continued below average.

REGION 3 FORECAST Dusky Grouse: Harvest was 71% of average. The early hatch possibly affected by cold and moisture, with otherwise favorable spring conditions.

Improvement toward average.

Ruffed Grouse: Cold wet in early June, late May potentially affected hatch, with otherwise favorable spring conditions. Slight improvement to near average.

Spruce Grouse: Continued average.

Gray Partridge: Improvement to average.

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Continued below average, may be down from last year.

Sage-grouse: Cold and wet end of May and into early June. Harvest was average. Lek data suggest no change. Comparable to last year.

Pheasant: Cold and wet end of May and into early June, with otherwise favorable spring conditions.

Improvement over last year to average numbers.

REGION 4 N FORECAST Dusky Grouse: Harvest was well above average last year. Expect continued above average.

Ruffed Grouse: Comparable to last year, near average.

Gray Partridge: Improved from last year, may be average or slightly above average.

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Lek counts above average. Cold, wet events in late May likely had little effect. Expect average numbers with some improvement from last year.

Pheasant: Cool, wet late May may have affected early hatch, however survey data suggest good numbers.

Improvement over last year to average or above average abundance.

REGION 4 S FORECAST Dusky Grouse: Harvest was 88% of average, good hatch conditions, expect some improvement, closer to average.

Ruffed Grouse: Comparable to last year, above average.

Gray Partridge: Improvement over last year to near average or above average.

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Early hatch may have been affected by cold wet late May, otherwise good conditions. Expect above average, comparable to last year.

Sage-grouse: Harvest was 109% of average, cool wet May likely affected chick survival in some areas. Expect similar to last year, near average.

CONTINUED PAGE 34

18 - Hunting & Fishing News

Cool your animal as fast as you can. Animals can start to bone

sour within hours of being shot.

Remove the windpipe completely.

Split the hide behind the neck along the spine. Peal open the hide to help cool the front shoulders.

When you pack an animals chest cavity with ice, and you leave the hide on it, all you are doing is trapping the heat. Hide and ice are both insulators.

Don’t take huge chunks of warm meat and put it straight in the freezer. It can take up to a week for your freezer to draw all that heat out and meanwhile, the meat in the middle can start to sour.

Air flow is great for cooling out an animal! Get the hide off of it.

Get driving to your processor!

Don’t drive around showing off your trophy bull or buck when it’s hot out! While your showing it off, the meat under that hide will start to sour.

Use a clean tarp under your skinned animal to keep as many contaminants as you can off of it. Processors don’t like when you roll the carcass in pine needles, dirt, grass, etc. You lose more meat because all of that contaminated meat will be trimmed off and thrown out so you don’t get sick!

Don’t use perfumed garbage bags to store your meat in. You can get food grade bags from your processor.

When you save meat in your freezer to bring to your processor, try to keep as much air as possible out of the bag. Air causes freezer burn.

When bringing in bulk meat to just have it ground, bring in cleaned, trimmed meat. Get all the hair, dirt, fat, and sinew cleaned off of it.

Processors will clean it, but it will cost you more money.

Keep in mind when you use a commercial processor (not just some guy that cuts up game for a hobby) they are trained to keep you safe. “When in doubt, throw it out”. Nothing will be put back into your meat that we at Tizer Meats wouldn’t be willing to eat ourselves.

If you shoot the animal in any muscle, any meat with blood shot in it will be thrown out.

Keep in mind that you may not be the 1st person that has shot that animal. We see animals with wounds that are from year previous, that healed over and you couldn’t see them until you cut into it and find old bullets, arrowheads, etc. We see animals that have weeks or days old wounds that are infected and no one notices until the hide is peeled off. Anything that comes into contact with any infected part will be thrown away.

Your processor is there to keep you safe, and put the best quality meat back into your freezer! Think QUALITY before quantity!

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Hunter Numbers Up 9% Between 2006 and 2011 National Shooting Sports Foundation

The number of hunters age 16 and older in the United States increased 9 percent between 2006 and 2011, reversing a previous downward trend, a preliminary report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Department of the Interior shows.

Preliminary figures show an increase from 12.5 million hunters in 2006 to 13.7 million in 2011. Final data will be included in the upcoming USFWS 2011 National Survey Report. USFWS has conducted a national survey every five years since 1955, with the last being the 2006 National Survey, released in 2007.

“This increase in hunters mirrors what our members are telling us -- strong sales to an expanding consumer base,” said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry. “There is increased

interest in firearm ownership -- from customers new to the market to existing customers looking for the newest products. Purchases are being made for the enjoyment of recreational target shooting sports -- such as sporting clays, IDPA and 3-gun competitions -- as well as for personal protection, and, as these figures show us, for hunting.”

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The preliminary report also shows that hunters spent an average of 21 days pursuing wild game in 2011.

Additionally, the report shows that hunters spent $34 billion on trips, firearms and equipment, licenses and other items to support their hunting activities in 2011.

The national survey is paid for by sportsmen through the use of Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid dollars. This year is significant as it is the 75th anniversary of the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act.

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The AccuPoint is the right scope choice for all light conditions and even the harshest environments.

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THE SKINNY ON SCOPES A good

scope can cost more than the rifle it sits on, but if it doesn’t fit your hunting conditions an expensive scope will be more problem than asset.

TIP 1: THIS OR THAT There is no ideal-for-every-condition rifle scope, so choose the scope that best fits your needs. There will be a constant set of trade-offs between price and features, and you need to take into account variables in brightness, resolution, magnification, field of view, weight, durability, eye relief, reticle type and finish.

TIP 2: WHAT THOSE NUMBERS MEAN Scopes are described in numbers, such as 4 X 32, or 4-12 X 50. The first number is the magnification power: 4 times enlargement, or a variable of 4 to 12 times enlargement. The second number is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. A larger objective will let in more light, and will be more effective in low-light situations.

20 - Hunting & Fishing News

TIP 3: EXIT PUPIL IS NOT SOMEONE LEAVING SCHOOL The exit pupil is the size of the beam of light that leaves the back of the scope, and can be calculated by dividing the objective diameter by the power. For instance, a 4-10 X 50 scope would have an exit pupil of 12.5mm at 4 X and 5mm at 10 X. On a bright day this will not matter, but in low light the pupil of your eye can be from 5-9mm in diameter, and the larger the exit pupil the more light gets inside your eye. If you shoot only during the brightest part of the day, you do not need a large (and more expensive) objective.

TIP 4: WHAT YOU PAY FOR IS WHAT YOU GET Special glass can let more light through, and better scopes have lens elements that are all multi-coated, which transmits even more light. A better scope should also be more robust, have precision, durable reticle and adjustments and be sealed with inert gas inside.

By Jeff Davis, Editor, Whitetails Unlimited

scope gets larger. When hunting on open plains a small FOV is great, but if you hunt at short ranges in dense cover a wide FOV would be more useful.

TIP 6: UP AND DOWN The knobs at the middle of the scope adjust the aim point side-to-side (Windage) and up-and-down (Elevation).

Covers should seal against weather, but allow easy access.

TIP 7: A MINUTE IS MORE THAN TIME Minute of Angle, or MOA, is one inch at 100 yards. If the elevation and windage adjustments on the scope are listed as 1/4” MOA, that means that for every click of the adjustment knob the aim point will move 1/4-inch at 100 yards.

TIP 8: IS BIGGER BETTER? Scopes are commonly one-inch in diameter, but some are also available in 30mm. You must

purchase the correct size rings to mount the scope to your rifle. The 30mm scopes

will not necessarily let more light TIP 5: PLAYING THE FIELD through (depending on the design), Field of View, or FOV, is the area (usually in feet) you can see through but can be stronger and more rigid, and allow for a wider range of the scope at 100 yards. The FOV adjustment. They will also be heavier. will get smaller as the power of the

TIP 9: ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL If you always hunt in the same place at the same time, one scope might be fine for you. If your

hunting is varied, having several scopes to match to different conditions is the way to go.

ADVERTISING

RICK HAGGERTY (406) 370-1368 Publisher - Amy Haggerty - Helena, MT.

huntingfishingnews@yahoo.com www.huntingfishingnews.net www.bigskyoutdoornews.net The entire contents is © 2012, 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.

The Hunting & Fishing News is a product of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. VOLUME 9 issue 7.

cover photo: ©scott tomer

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

Thank you for reading the Hunting & Fishing News.

October 2012 21

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Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters

MFWP

Commonly referred to as “Open Fields” - represents the first time federal

Farm Bill funding has been offered to assist states in implementing private land hunting, fishing, and access programs. Recently, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks was awarded a VPA-HIP grant to fund expansion of the Block Management Program in new directions, one of which is the Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters, a new program that will be delivered through the FWP Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program.

Although Montana’s Block Management Program is extremely popular, bird hunters often agree that finding quality places to hunt birds gets trickier each year. An 80-acre CRP tract can have a lot of appeal for bird hunters, yet this small acreage often doesn’t qualify for enrollment in Block Management when competing with larger parcels of property that offer multiple types of hunting opportunities.

Likewise, finding permission to hunt on private land can be daunting. Open Fields can change that by providing landowner incentives to enroll these smaller tracts of land suitable for fall season game bird hunting. Tracts enrolled in Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters are clearly marked by signs to help improve hunter access and management.

For 2012, game bird hunters will have walk-in access with no further permission required on 55 enrolled lands totaling 17,000 acres of CRP and other quality habitats.

During the fall season, hunters may walk in to hunt upland game birds and waterfowl without further permission.

All lands enrolled in Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters will have boundaries signed.

Hunters, go to the Hunt Planner to view Open Fields for Game Bird Hunter project locations. You may zoom in close to projects, create GPS waypoints, and even print individual maps for each project area Be aware that some parcels of land enrolled in the Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters may be newly-seeded stands of CRP, may have recently undergone USDA-required maintenance provisions that include haying or grazing activities, or may have been hayed or grazed under the 2012 USDA-sanctioned drought & wildlife fire emergency provisions just prior to enrollment in the Open Fields program. Subsequently, for this first year of enrollment, the habitat on some parcels may not meet hunter expectations.

Please keep in mind that these lands are enrolled in long-term contracts for up to 10 years, so subsequent years can be expected to yield improved habitat on affected parcels.

Need more information? Call Debbie Hohler, Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program Biologist, at (406) 444-5674.

22 - Hunting & Fishing News

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Upland Bird Hunting Havre, Chinook, Big Sandy for Pheasants, Sharptail Grouse, & Huns By Rick Haggerty

Big Sky Alternative Heat 406-202-0581 Helena, MT

T his bird rich area of the state features true upland habitats; small grain agriculture, abundant grass, river bottoms, sloughs, and ponds. There is also a good deal of CRP acreage in this area making for good bird habitat. After a truly dry summer and drought conditions throughout the area, look for good hunting in green areas, and pastures that have some type of moisture, until rain and snow show later in the season.

Sharptail hunting: Sharptails usually hang in small groups anywhere from 3 to a dozen.

Birds can flush from tall grass, or field edges where you typically find them. Sharpies feed on forbes, grasses and insects and in rolling fields close to a water source. Expect good hunting areas around the Fort Benton area, Denton, Geraldine, and Chinook.

Hungarian Partridge hunting: Early in the fall these birds will move to corn and grain fields feeding on insects, and as they age will go more to small grains. For this reason, you will find them on the edges of harvested fields and taller grass. Huns thrive on this kind of habitat. Huns are notorious for flushing early and flying far, so you will have to cover some ground to get them. Good areas to hunt for huns include fields around Conrad and along the Teton River, west of Geraldine along the Missouri lowlands, and northwest of Big Sandy along Highway 87.

Pheasant hunting: Find water and you should find roosters along the Hi-Line area.

Block management properties are a good place to start with if you are new to hunting this area. Rainfall has been virtually non-existent across the state since early July, but once the cool temps hit, and a bit of snow, these birds will be easier to locate. Look for good pheasants around Choteau, and Fairfield east, down to the Marias and Teton Rivers and then across to the Judith Basin towards Lewistown. Once the snow hits the ground, look to hunt the shelterbelts and Russian Olives, as pheasants will hold up there for cover during cool, windy weather.

Map produced using National Geographic TOPO. www.rockymtnmaps.com

October 2012 23

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HUNTING DISTRICT 702 MULE DEER

GENERAL DEER LICENSE • Sep 01 - Oct 14 Either-sex Mule Deer. Archery Only Season.

Either-sex White-tailed Deer. Archery Only Season.

• Oct 20 - Nov 25 Either-sex Mule Deer.

Either-sex White-tailed Deer.

HUNT STATISTICS MFWP License Year

Residency

Species

Bucks

Does

2011 2011

Resident Non-Resident

Whitetail/Mule deer Whitetail/Mule deer

565 505

447 85

Harvest Statistics are gathered from the Annual Harvest Survey, which does not include late season hunts beginning with the 2006 license year.

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H unting District 702 between Forsyth and Colstrip is known for some pretty big deer and lots of them. MFWP records show that the biggest non-typical mule deer from this area scored 251-2/8 Boone and Crockett and was taken by John Garner in 1978 in Rosebud County. There are numerous bucks that have been taken in this area that have made the Boone and Crockett list.

Hunting District 702 is located in portions of Treasure, Big Horn, Rosebud and Custer Counties lying within the following-described boundary: Beginning at the Bighorn River Bridge on Interstate 90 near Hardin, then northwest along said interstate to State Route 47, then north along said route to its intersection with Interstate 94, then northeast along said interstate to its intersection with State Route 59 near Miles City, then south along said route to Route 332, then south along said route to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation boundary, then west along said boundary to the Crow Reservation boundary, then north and west along said boundary to the Bighorn River, then south down said river to its intersection with Interstate 90, the point of beginning.

24 - Hunting & Fishing News

Total Harvest Percentage for Hunting District 702 24% of the deer harvested were White-tailed deer.

76% of the deer harvested were Mule deer.

HUNT EFFORT MFWP License Year

Residency

Species

Total Hunters

Days

2011 Resident Deer 1,636 8,066 2011 Non-Resident Deer 780 3,587 Harvest Statistics are gathered from the Annual Harvest Survey, which does not include late season hunts beginning with the 2006 license year. (continued next page)

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“Mule deer number look to be about 15 to 20% down from long term averages, but numbers look to be up from the last two years overall,” according to Wildlife Biologist Scott Denson.

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“With the mild winter of 2011, and dry spring overall deer numbers look to have made it made it through the winter realitively well. Although it is very dry, with really no precipitation in the last 4 months, and fire danger is high.”

Denson says, “It is the driest I’ve ever seen it over here, and deer are showing up wherever it is green for food and there is water close by.” He also adds,

“I have seen some very nice bucks in the area.”

Denson warns, “With high fire danger, landowners are very cautious about letting folks on their land right now.”

“Let’s hope we get some rain soon,” Denson exclaims, as he signs off.

To reach the MFWP office in Region 7 phone: 406-234-0900 or email: fwprg72@mt.gov MFWP Map

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October 2012 25

Correct Your Sighting Errors With The Instructor Shotgun Sight T his fiber optic shotgun sight addresses the most common

problems a shooter encounters, especially cross eye dominance and raising their head off the stock.

40 percent of people are left eye dominant while only 11% are left handed . This shotgun sight can train most people to use the correct eye through the principles of binocular rivalry. When shooting with the correct eye a clear green fiber optic dot is seen but if the shooter attempts to use the cross dominant eye a bright red dot warns him/her they are aiming with the wrong eye.

Dictate eye dominance rather than sacrifice your natural coordination by trying to shoot on your opposite side.

Practice with the Instructor Sight can train a shooter to shoot with the correct eye. Repeatedly mounting the shotgun allows the shooter to exert a strong degree of voluntary control over which eye is used when using the Instructor Sight.

Raising the head off the stock may be the most common mistake that shooters make. The result of raising the head off the head of the stock is over shooting the target. Two distinctly different images provide the shooter with an excellent sight picture with a single green dot or a clear warning with two bright red dots if they are about to shoot improperly. (continued on page 45) 26 - Hunting & Fishing News

Monarch Binoculars

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Every year the optics market changes. New companies emerge, existing companies improve their offering and advancements are made in optical clarity, ergonomics and features. Everyone knows that Nikon has been one of the leaders in cameras and in sporting optics for many years.

After looking at every brand at the national trade shows and looking through dozens of binoculars, I still believe that the Monarch is one of the “best bang for your buck” choices you can make.

In 2012 Nikon improved the Monarch offering and brought out three models to select from. The Monarch 3, Monarch 5 and Monarch 7. So now you can chose from three price ranges and three optical qualities.

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HUNTING & CONSERVATION NEWS Hunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored By

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Hunters! Are you tired of seeing signs like this when you know the road is a public road and the country on the other side is public property?

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to be Delisted in Wyoming RMEF Tops $400,000 in Grants to Wolves Wyoming Game & Fish Advance Wolf Science Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has topped $400,000 in grants and pledges to advance the science of wolves, wolf interactions with elk and other wildlife, and wolf management overall.

The total includes more than $200,000 in science grants in just the past five years, more than any other five-year period in RMEF history.

Nearly all of these contributions have funded independent research by universities, state and federal wildlife conservation agencies and Native Americans.

RMEF partners have included Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton national parks, Jasper National Park of Canada, University of Idaho, Idaho State University, University of Montana, Montana State University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, University of Wyoming, Nez Perce Tribe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Elk Refuge, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and others.

“RMEF has contributed to a tremendous body of scientific work with wolves,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Today’s leading wolf experts, including those directly involved with wolf reintroductions since 1995, continue to say that restored wolf populations can and should be managed like other wildlife—and that’s the policy that RMEF strongly supports.”

To see RMEF’s wolf position and supporting comments from biologists, visit http://www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/Wolves/WolfPosition.htm Since launching in 1984, RMEF has contributed more than $7.8 million to various research and management studies. Evaluating elk habitat, using radio telemetry to measure herd movements and habitat preferences, developing computer models to assist with elk management, and measuring the effects of chronic wasting disease, habitat loss, weather and predators are among the many scientific areas advanced by RMEF funding.

Allen said he’s increasingly frustrated by environmental, animal rights and anti-hunting groups who tout science but contribute nothing, and often work to defy science by using emotional pleas and lawsuits to confuse wolf issues, mislead the public and make money.

“I’m proud that RMEF and its core membership of hunters stand on a solid record of supporting today’s most credible science on wolves, while helping to conserve more than 6.1 million acres of habitat along the way,” said Allen.

RMEF funding for wolf-related research: Total contribution: $407,295. Grant totals awarded by period: 2008-2012—$200,748, 2003-2007—$117,336, 1998-2002—$63,932, 1993-1997—$10,864, 1992 and earlier—$14,415.

28 - Hunting & Fishing News

T

... he US Fish and Wildlife Service announced its intention to publish a final rule removing gray wolves from the federal list of threatened and endangered species in Wyoming. Wolves will be officially delisted and placed under state management in Wyoming on October 1, 2012. The earliest date wolves could be taken by hunters in Wyoming in the Wolf Trophy Game Management Area (WTGMA) is October 1.

Wolves may be taken where designated as Predatory Animals on October 1, the date on which delisting becomes effective. Hunters should check the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website (wgfd.wyo.gov) or contact their local WGFD office for the latest information regarding wolf delisting and hunting seasons.

“Due to the fact gray wolf management status is at the cusp of significant change in Wyoming, we are encouraging hunters and others who are interested to keep a close eye on the WGFD website to keep informed of the latest wolf information,” said WGFD Wildlife Chief Brian Nesvik.

The delisting action is the result of an agreement reached between Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. Following that agreement, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission made changes to its wolf management plan, and the 2012 Wyoming Legislature made changes to state statutes to allow delisting to move forward. The delisting process included thorough review by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and was peer reviewed on two separate occasions by independent wolf scientists.

In 1995 and 1996, the US Fish and Wildlife Service released gray wolves from Canada into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. Wolf populations in the Northern Rocky Mountains increased rapidly and dispersed well beyond the original recovery area. Wolf numbers in this region met federal delisting criteria in 2002, but legal challenges have delayed delisting until now.

At the end of December 2011, there were an estimated 328 wolves in Wyoming, including 48 packs and 27 breeding pairs. This included 224 wolves, 36 packs, and 19 breeding pairs outside Yellowstone National Park.

Under state management, wolves in Wyoming are managed under a dual classification system. Wolves in northwest Wyoming are designated and managed as Trophy Game Animals. Wolves in the rest of Wyoming are designated as Predatory Animals...

Wyoming’s wolf management plan also includes a “flex area” defined as the Seasonal Wolf Trophy Game Management Area (SWTGMA), where wolves are classified as Trophy Game Animals from October 15 to the last day in February of the subsequent year, and as Predatory Animals for the remainder of the year. This provision was included to help ensure genetic interchange with other wolf populations in the Northern Rocky Mountains.

“Wyoming’s wolf management plan is constructed to ensure the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has flexibility to adaptively manage wolves as conditions change,” Nesvik said.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has established wolf hunting seasons in 12 separate hunt areas in the WTGMA and SWTGMA. (next page)

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CALL 406-567-2626 Hunting seasons in each hunt area will begin October 1 and end December 31 (except Area 12, the SWTGMA, which opens October 15 and closes December 31). Wolves in these areas will be managed under a mortality quota system. The hunting season in each specific wolf area will remain open until the quota for the area is reached, or until December 31, whichever occurs first.

All hunters must call the wolf hotline daily (800-264-1280) to ensure the quota for wolves in each specific area has not been reached. Wolf hunting is prohibited in Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge.

“We are taking a conservative approach to wolf hunting seasons during this time of transition from federal to state management,” Nesvik said. “We need time to assume the important responsibilities of wolf population monitoring, sport harvest management, and meeting Wyoming’s commitments to wolf conservation in our state.”

Wolf licenses cost $18 for Wyoming residents and $180 for nonresidents.

Wolf licenses will go on sale beginning September 14 at all WGFD offices and automated license agent locations in Wyoming.

Hunters who take a wolf in the WTGMA (or in the SWTGMA between October 15 and the end of February) are required to have a wolf hunting license and may only hunt during an open season. (From March 1 through October 14, wolves in the SWTGMA are classified as Predatory Animals and may be taken at any time and without a license.) Hunters harvesting wolves in areas where wolves are classified as Trophy Game Animals are required to report the kill within 24 hours by calling 800-264-1280. Within five days, they are required to present the skull and pelt to a game warden, biologist, or other personnel at a WGFD regional office for registration...For information... visit the WGFD website at wgfd.wyo.gov.

Big Game Hunters And The Public Land/Water Access Association PLWA FELLOW HUNTERS – particularly elk and public land deer hunters – please consider joining with us in protecting our access to public land and the vast public land game populations.

(80% of elk and most trophy mule deer live all or part of the year on public land.)

Access to these lands and game is increasingly threatened by private parties trying to “privatize” and commercialize the game. This usually comes in the form of ILLEGALLY LOCKED GATES or OUTRIGHT ROAD CLOSURES leading to the public land. PLWA is the only Montana organization directly challenging those road closures.

Sometimes opening a road is just a matter of a phone call or letter to local authorities. Letting them know someone is watching can be enough to get action. (Someone with a track record of following thru like PLWA). Of course, not every road is a public road, but many closures involve public roads where local authorities are reluctant to act for financial or political reasons. One thing PLWA does that others seldom do, is take closures to court if the road is obviously public and local officials are unresponsive. We can take effective action that is difficult for a single hunter or a small group to accomplish. We know road law and we know how to research road history. Join at www.plwa.org

of Extremes

Ducks Unlimited - DU Chief Scientist sheds light on habitat, hunting

A bout the time the waterfowl season closes, I begin thinking about the next one. Beginning in February, I pay attention to snowfall on the prairies, followed over the next 8 months by migration back north, reports of breeding populations, summer habitat conditions, regulations announcements, late summer and fall rains, weather fronts, and timing of freeze-up. In each instance, my expectations for the next season are either heightened or reeled in to a degree.

As a waterfowl hunter, I admit to being optimistic no matter what. As a waterfowl biologist, I am realistic about uncertain weather, water, and waterfowl migrations. Let’s review this year so far and look ahead.

Very limited snow cover, mild winter weather, and early spring migrations to drying potholes were not the best ways to start 2012. As anticipated, however, the nearly unprecedented 2011 breeding habitat conditions and duck production carried over into spring 2012. As a result, a record breeding duck population, with most species at or above long-term averages was surveyed. And, despite a very dry start to the breeding season, most areas did not get any worse, and some regions actually improved with summer rains. Field reports also reflected good production in a number of areas.

Hunting opportunity, at least to the degree affected by liberal season length and bag limit – 17 consecutive years – will not be a reason for a poor 2012 season. A number of other factors, however, will certainly have an impact.

Foremost among the uncertainties going into the fall are water and food conditions. An extended and worsening drought in 2012 is reminiscent of the late 1980s, and many traditional migration and wintering areas could be affected. By late summer “exceptional drought” through much of the Mid-South, and portions of Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, as well as “extreme drought” in other areas from the Atlantic to the Pacific Flyway

©Schlag|dreamstime

will impact food conditions for migrating birds. This is especially the case for areas that rely on corn as a primary duck and goose food.

Mast crops (acorns and such) have not fared well at all, and ducks will not find this traditional food source in many areas. Natural foods, such as millet and smartweed, will still provide duck groceries in many areas even if affected by drought.

The issue here, however, is that this food source needs to be flooded to be available. This will be the case both for making duck food accessible and for making hunting locations available. Areas with water management capacity, assuming that water sources have not dried up, will provide prime local spots for waterfowl and waterfowl hunters.

The concern at regional scales, however, is that resources may not be sufficient to sustain birds and hunters for long. This could mean compressed seasons, greater short-term harvest, ducks and geese in different locations (e.g., reservoirs and rivers), etc.

I expect the impacts to be more local than regional. Experience with overall levels of duck harvest over the decades, has shown much less variation at state and flyway levels than what we see locally over our decoys. As a result, I would not make broad generalizations about this year’s trends in hunting opportunity and harvest. Speculation that hunting will be great because ducks have few habitat alternatives could easily backfire. Or, a prediction that hunting will be great further south because ducks will migrate early from drought-stricken areas could turn around with a major rain event or with mild winter weather.

My advice is to pay close attention to the weather events this fall. You probably won’t want to miss a flight day. If you manage a wetland area, key an eye on the patterns of bird use and hunting success; manage water and hunting disturbance accordingly. If you are flexible in your hunting styles, consider scouting different areas than you might usually hunt; ducks may opt for different spots than usual. As for me, I can’t wait for the season to open!

October 2012 29

Bob Ward & Sons New Gear Review Tenzing Hunting Packs Named “Best of the Best 2012”

by Field & Stream Jay Roberts is the inspiration behind the Tenzing brand. His years of hunting the backcountry (he has fulfilled all of Idaho’s lifetime hunting tags in 10 years), combined with his 20 years in the outdoor business have given him insight to help produce some of the best hunting packs on the market today. Tenzing gear is engineered to push limits and help hunters go further, hunt bigger and return heavier.

These packs are manufactured with comfort, style and practicality in mind.

Tenzing offers a wide range of packs to meet your specific needs. From the TZ 6000 for long-range hunting to the TZ 720, one of the most versatile fanny packs on the market, Tenzing offers a pack for you.

Weatherby Vanguard® Series 2 Rifles Shown in Synthetic Stainless

The next generation of Weatherby® rifles featuring a match quality two-stage trigger, new stock design and guaranteed SUB-MOA accuracy. New look.

New feel. A new level of performance. Feature for feature, dollar for dollar, the Vanguard® Series 2 action proves itself as one of the best rifle values on the market today.

30 - Hunting & Fishing News

3 New Items For Your Fall Hunt

Vortex Viper HS Rifle Scope Want to extend your effective shooting range at distances

where bullet drop and wind drift become critical?

Take a look at the Viper HS LR riflescope. The Shown: LR stands for long range — and we mean it.

LR 4-16x44 This riflescope features an exposed target-style elevation turret built for dialing elevation at extended ranges. The capped windage turret maintains the scope’s sleek lines and prevents it from hanging up on clothing, rifle cases or pack scabbards.

Viper HS LR riflescopes feature an advanced optical system highlighted with a 4x zoom range for magnification versatility. A forgiving eye box with increased eye relief gets shooters on target quickly and easily. Built on an ultra-strong 30mm one-piece machined aluminum tube for increased windage and elevation travel and optimal adjustment. Manufactured with the exclusive Vortex proprietary XR fully multi-coated lens coatings increase light transmission for maximum brightness. These just plain hunt.

Features: -Weatherby® Vanguard® Series 2 rifles are guaranteed to shoot a 3-shot group of .99” or less at 100 yards (SUB-MOA) when used with specified Weatherby® factory or premium ammunition.

-400 Series stainless steel, bead blasted matte finish -Match quality, two-stage trigger is “creep free” (adjustable down to 2.5 lbs.)

-Lightweight, composite Monte Carlo Griptonite™ stock features pistol grip and forend inserts, and right side palm swell (aids shooter comfort and control) -24” cold hammer forged barrel -Fully enclosed bolt sleeve -3-position safety Available in .223 Rem., .243 Win., .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-06 Sprg., .257 Wby. Mag., 7mm Rem. Mag., .300 Win. Mag., .300 Wby. Mag.

See these and other fine products at a Bob Ward & Sons near you or shop 24/7 at www.bobwards.com

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Interview With Michele Eichler Of Muzzy Products

By Frank Addington, Jr.

Michele Eichler with Whitetail Buck

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

FA: Michele, first question, where were you born and raised?

I was born in New York City and raised in Florida and New York. We always spent the winter/spring in Florida and the summer/fall in NY (through hunting season of course) FA: Describe a bit about your life growing up.

I had a wonderful childhood. I was a tomboy so I would spend a lot of time outside. In NY we had chickens, horses and other farm animals for fun. My brother and I rode our horses or worked around the other animals. We would also shoot our recurves and practice whenever dad would be shooting his bow.

Sometimes Dad would take us out into the woods and sit with us so we could see deer as they would come out to feed. We would also go along when he would cut wood or build permanent stands. In Florida, we lived right on the water and spent days waterskiing, fishing and snorkeling in our back yard.

FA: How old were you when you first had a bow in your hand and who put it there?

Of course my dad put it there and we have footage of my brother and I shooting when I was around 7 and he was 5.

Basically for as long as I can remember.

FA: I understand you were very competitive in the horse world. Tell us about this.

All through high school and college I rode hunters and jumpers and competed on a national level for over 10 years, until I quit in 1984 to start working at Muzzy when dad first started it. I graduated from Stetson University in 1982 with a finance degree and rode full time after that until 1984, at which time I worked at Muzzy full-time. We had 3 employees when we started.

Father and daughter FA: Do you still ride?

My wedding present from my husband Fred was an appaloosa mare. We have pleasure horses and ride “western” only for fun now.

FA: When did you get bitten by the archery bug?

I don’t know. The mark was on me for as long as I can remember. I hunted as a teenager, then worked at Muzzy, started a family and in the mid 90’s finally had the time and opportunities to do a lot more hunting than ever before.

FA: Everyone who has been involved in archery for very long is familiar with your father, John Mussachia. What a tremendous story there. The Pope & Young story, the restaurateur story and of course the Muzzy story. Can you tell us a little on each?...

My dad became a senior member of P & Y in the late 1960’s. He was a consummate outdoorsman. I am proud to say he was the real deal. A hard hunter, who respected the animals he hunted and would pitch in and help with whatever the situation required. I went to this years John “Muzzy” the early days Pope and Young meeting and had not been to one since the early 80’s. Interestingly, the changes they are proposing now and finally getting done are the same changes my dad proposed in speeches to the regular and senior membership over 20 years ago. (continued next page)

32 - Hunting & Fishing News

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at 200 S. Montana Off Highway 12 East - East Helena 406.227.6519 My dad was a very successful entrepreneur. He owned several restaurants in New York in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Serving as many as 6000 people a day when he retired in the mid 70’s. He then set about trying to make a better broadhead after he had some failure in Africa with a “state of the art” at the time head he used on cape buffalo. Muzzy is the result of that effort...

FA: What was the origin and reason for your “Bad to the Bone” slogan?

Actually that was from our customers. Letters we received from them said your broadhead is “bad to the bone” and they would send pictures of the animals they had shot. We urged dad to let us start using the slogan. At first Dad being old school thought “bad” would not be a good thing to use for our slogan, until he saw a little kid at a bowhunting show wearing a shirt that said bad to the bone.

He said “I get it now, ok we can use it” and the rest is history FA: What was the original Muzzy broadhead? Was it accepted by the market?

The original Muzzy was essentially the same design only in heavier weights.

The product has been refined and new technology has brought new and better materials and mfg processes. But essentially it is the same design. Accepted, slowly at first and then it exploded after about 5 years. The large ‘trocar’ tip was the biggest hurdle, but when people realized why it was there and how well it worked, word of mouth was like a freight train. So much so that now most companies have a similar ‘trocar’ tip on many of their heads. They say it’s the best form of flattery.

FA: Muzzy Products began as a family business. Are your mother and brother still active in the company? What’s your role today?

Today I am the CEO and have two wonderful team leaders, our COO Fred Settles and CFO Karen Patton that work with me almost daily, through phone and e-mails. The rest of our team is awesome and Muzzy has continued to grow each year for the past 23 years. We had our biggest month in our history this year and are on track for another record breaking year. My mother and brother are on the board of directors, but are not involved in the daily operations of the company.

FA: You lost your father a few years ago. I know it was a tremendous loss for your entire family as well as the industry.

What do you consider his most precious gift to you?

Wow, so much. Probably, the way he treated people, his ethics and the love of the outdoors. Even if you didn’t agree with John Musacchia, you respected him. He was true to his word. His integrity was second to none.

FA: What one product really put Muzzy on the map?

The Muzzy 3 blade 125 when we introduced it in 1992 Today Muzzy is one of the leaders in broadhead design and sales...

FA: Do you have a favorite game animal to hunt and why?

Like my husband, whatever I am hunting at the time is my favorite.

FA: You are proof that you don’t need heavy tackle to bowhunt. Can you tell our readers what you use to take big game such as elk and kudu?

Sure, I hope I help other hunters who are small like me know that they can do what I do. I recently shot a moose in the Yukon. All with the same set up.

I usually shoot between 45 and 48 lbs. I use Axis arrows and Muzzy 75 grain...

FA: Any last words of wisdom Michele?

We are all bowhunters and outdoorsmen. We need to respect each other and the animals we hunt. Set a good example to those just starting in our sport, whether they be old or young. Go to sleep at night knowing you are doing something for the sport and pass it on!

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UPLAND BIRD FORECAST

continued from page 18

Pheasant: Expect good over winter survival, early hatch may have been affected by cool/wet May. Field observations are favorable. Expect improvement over last year to average numbers.

REGION 5 FORECAST Dusky Grouse: 81% of average harvest, anticipate some improvement from last year, closer to average.

Ruffed Grouse: Slight improvement from last year but remaining below average.

Gray Partridge: Continued below average, comparable to last year.

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Comparable to last year, with slight improvement but remains below long term average. No specific sharp tailed grouse lek surveys are completed in Region 5.

Sage-grouse: Sage grouse numbers appear to be better than last year, with the majority of observed hens accompanied by broods. Harvest was 58% of average. Expect numbers to continue to be below the long term average.

Pheasant: Expect some improvement from last year, with overall numbers remaining below the long term average.

REGION 6 W FORECAST Gray Partridge: Expect some improvement over last year, closer to average.

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Early hatch may have been affected by cool wet period. Good nesting cover, mild winter, and spring surveys indicated numbers near the long-term average. Expect improvement over last year, to near average.

Sage-grouse: Brief cold wet in late May, harvest was 85% of average.

Expect some improvement over last year.

Pheasant: Short period of cold wet end of May. Mild winter conditions and good residual cover. Continued below average, with improvement over last year.

REGION 6 E FORECAST Gray Partridge: Mild winter conditions along with good nesting and brood rearing cover. Anticipate improvement over last year to average numbers.

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Early hatch may have been affected by cool wet period. Good nesting cover and mild winter conditions. Spring surveys indicated numbers above long-term average. Expect improvement over last year, to above average.

Pheasant: Early hatch may have been affected somewhat by wet weather.

Good nesting/brood rearing cover and mild winter conditions. Surveys indicate spring populations above long-term average. Expect improvement over last year, with above average numbers.

REGION 7 N FORECAST Gray Partridge: Expect some improvement over last year, to average numbers.

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Brief late May cold wet. Expect continued near average abundance.

Sage-grouse: Brief late May cold wet. Harvest was 108% of average.

Expect average or better.

Pheasant: Early hatch may have been affected by late May cold/wet period. Expect some improvement over last year, to average numbers.

REGION 7 S FORECAST Gray Partridge: May be somewhat improved from last year, to average numbers.

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Comparable to last year, slightly above average.

Sage-grouse: Expect some improvement over last year to average numbers.

Pheasant: Good spring except for brief cold wet at end of May. Open winter. Expect continued above average.

34 - Hunting & Fishing News

GHOSTS OF THE PRAIRIE

By Dennis Longknife

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O n August 25, 2012, I finally got to wipe off the dust from my rifle, and go hunting on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation for antelope during rifle season.

It sure didn’t take long. I wanted to go so bad I did not even check to see if it was still sighted in, but evidently it was still hitting top dead center. My hunting partner Ron Speakthunder and I went hunting in an area where we had seen booners in the past and a special place where trophy sized antelope bucks were harvested in years past. We arrived and sat on the highest hill we could find and started glassing. At first we didn’t see anything, then after a few minutes, they started appearing like “Ghosts of the Prairie”. Every swale and low lying draw in the prairie started revealing some nice speed goats. Then Ron spotted a nice antelope buck off in the distance, but the heat waves were distorting our view of the antelopes. This particular one was with a group of four other bucks. Then more and more antelope were coming into view as the heat waves would come and go. We knew that stalking this particular herd was not going to be easy, since there were others nearby that might spook them when we started closing in on them.

Finally I said, “Well let’s just try and see how it goes.” From our vantage point, Ron decided that we should come around the back side of them by going back around and coming in from behind them to keep the creek at our backsides, so that these antelope would not try to run from us by using the creek to get away.

From the distance we were at, the antelope buck looked to be a real trophy; a 17 incher that any hunter would love to get his hands on. There was no one else hunting there, but me and that antelope buck. Ron acted as my guide since he did not have an antelope tag yet. After listening to his advice, we got in position to get off a real nice shot. The closer we got, more antelope were coming out of the woodwork from every depression that was rising off the short grass prairie.

It was evident that we were not going to get a shot any closer than 200 yards, and as we got closer, we were spotted by that other smaller group of bucks that we glassed earlier. When we saw the small group of bucks, we knew we were right on top of the other group of BIGGER bucks. We used the contours of the prairie, and hoped that these bucks would not take the Booner away with them. The small group of bucks became nervous and took off running right towards the ones we were after.

I took off across the prairie to cut off the distance that I was going to have to shoot from. But as I came up over the last hill, only the bigger group was there, and were alerted to our presence, but by now it was too late for them.

Just as I came slowly over the hill, the big antelope buck I was after... was finally in front of me at 300 yards! Then they took off running across the swale and up onto the other side of the hill. I guess I let them run about another 100 yards, then I squeezed off a round just as they were cresting the hill. At over 400 yards, the Big Buck swung his head back to the side when the first shot went off. I just missed him! That big one stayed with the rest of his herd and went up and over the hill, so I continued in that direction and came up on them again. I thought they would not be there, and would just keep running like they usually do, but this time they just stopped to see if I would come after them or just give up. They thought wrong, as I don’t give up that easily. That proved to be their final mistake.

At well over 400 yards, I put in another round in my 300 win mag, and squeezed off again and thought I saw some hairs coming off of the big bucks back. I immediately threw in another round and squeezed off again and BAM! I hit him! I watched him for about 20 minutes as he was hit badly, but was not down. Finally, after waiting, he went down. It surely was a nice sized buck that measured 15-1/2 inches. It also had another set of small spikes that were growing out from behind the first set of horns. What a hunt!

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REGIONAL NEWS WDFW Seeks To Share

Minnesota’s Pheasant Index Information On Elk Up 68 Percent From 2011 Hoof Disease T

BIGHORN SHEEP NUMBERS INCREASE While many of the state’s western big game populations remain at low population levels, bighorn sheep numbers are strong, according to Brett Wiedmann, big game biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Dickinson.

A July-August survey in western North Dakota showed a minimum 299 bighorn sheep, a slight increase from last year and just 17 below 2008’s record summer survey. “Our bighorn sheep population remained stable following three epic winters, so we’re pleased to see an increase subsequent to last winter’s mild conditions,” Wiedmann said.

The current population includes a good number of young rams, Wiedmann added, which should lead to increased hunting opportunity in future years as these animals start reaching maturity. In 2012, Game and Fish reduced the number of sheep licenses from six to four, due to a declining number of mature rams.

Survey results revealed 89 rams, 155 ewes and 55 lambs – a record 251 in the northern badlands (an increase of 18 from last year) and 48 in the southern badlands (down nine). “Bighorn sheep are doing very well in the northern badlands but continue to struggle south of the Interstate,” Wiedmann said, while noting that a record 51 lambs were observed in the north, but only four in the south. “Despite poor lamb numbers in the southern badlands, 36 - Hunting & Fishing News

©Twildlife|Dreamstime.com

the total number of lambs observed this summer was just shy of the record count in 2008,” Wiedmann said. Biologists suspect that chronically low lamb survival and declining numbers throughout the southern herds persists due to pathogens introduced from domestic goats in the late 1990s that resulted in an extensive die-off of bighorn sheep.

The department’s survey does not include approximately 30 bighorn sheep that inhabit the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Annual bighorn sheep survey statistics are not recorded using a calendar year, but instead are done over a 12-month period beginning each April and ending the following March. Each summer, Game and Fish Department biologists count and classify all bighorn sheep, a process that takes nearly six weeks to complete as biologists locate each bighorn herd in the badlands by tracking radio-marked animals from an airplane, and then hike into each band in order to record composition data using a spotting scope and binoculars. Biologists then complete the annual survey by recounting lambs in March to determine lamb recruitment.

North Dakota’s bighorn sheep hunting season opens Oct. 26 and continues through Nov. 8.

he Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)...has launched a website to share information about reports of hoof disease among southwest Washington elk.

Lame elk or elk with overgrown or missing hooves in southwest Washington have been observed with increasing frequency in the region. At times, multiple animals in a group have been reported limping and showing signs of hoof disease, such as deformed hooves or club hooves. The condition has been observed in both male and female elk of various ages...

WDFW is...providing an online reporting tool for citizens to report affected animals (http://wdfw.wa.gov/ conservation/health/hoof_rot/). The site offers information on the disease, as well as the reporting tool for those who observe elk with signs of hoof disease.

“The condition we are seeing in elk doesn’t appear to be an exact match with any of the known hoof diseases in domestic or wild animals, but it shares similarities with several diseases known in wildlife or livestock,” said Sandra Jonker, WDFW’s wildlife manager for the region. However, according to local veterinarians, the condition does not seem to be affecting domestic livestock in the area, she said.

WDFW is working with specialists in other natural-resource agencies and universities to gain a better understanding of what is causing the hoof disease.

Understanding the cause of elk hoof disease in southwestern Washington is an important step in understanding and managing its impacts, and citizen reports of elk with hoof disease will assist wildlife biologists in estimating the frequency and range of the condition, Jonker said.

“In recent years, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and landowners who shared reports of hair loss in western Washington Columbian black-tailed deer, helped wildlife biologists track the range and scope of that condition,” said Jonker. “We’re hoping that citizen observations can further our understanding of this disease as well.”

A mild winter followed by a warm

spring contributed to a significant increase in Minnesota’s pheasant count, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The pheasant population index increased 68 percent from 2011. Pheasant hunters are expected to harvest about 290,000 roosters this fall. That’s up from last year’s estimated harvest of 204,000 but roughly half the number taken during the 2005-2008 seasons when hunting was exceptionally good.

“While the 2012 increase reflects movement in a positive direction, the counts still remain 51 percent below the 10-year average,” said Kurt Haroldson, the DNR biologist who compiled the survey.

While favorable weather worked in the birds’ favor this year, their long-term success is more closely linked to habitat than annual variations in snowfall, rainfall and temperature. “The state’s pheasant population is linked more closely to quantity and quality of habitat than annual differences in weather,” Haroldson said.

The pheasant population estimate is part of the DNR’s annual roadside wildlife survey. The survey summarizes roadside counts of pheasants, gray (Hungarian) partridge, cottontail rabbits, white-tailed jackrabbits and other wildlife observed in the early morning hours during the first half of August throughout the farmland region of Minnesota.

The highest pheasant counts were in the west central region, where observers reported 58 birds per 100 miles of survey driven. Hunters will find good harvest opportunities in portions of west central, east central and southwest Minnesota.

The most important habitat for pheasants is grassland that remains undisturbed during the nesting season.

Protected grasslands account for about 6 percent of the state’s pheasant range.

Farmland retirement programs such as Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CRP), Reinvest in Minnesota and Wetlands Reserve Program make up the largest portion of protected grasslands in the state.

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Drought Conditions Affecting Pronghorn D ue to the severe drought conditions, wildlife managers with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department are warning people that there will be losses to wildlife even with a somewhat mild winter.

“We are seeing very poor habitat conditions and very low numbers of pronghorn antelope during our initial classifications and observations,” said Lander Region Wildlife Supervisor Jason Hunter. “In some areas, the fawns we are seeing seem very small for this time of year and some adults appear to be in poor condition as well. As for the habitat, we are seeing some sagebrush plants losing their leaves. The plants are not dead, but they are in poor condition due to lack of water.”

Even species associated with mountainous terrain, such as elk and deer, have modified behavior and distribution due to dry conditions in the high country.

“We are concerned with the low fawn productivity, but are more worried about the poor condition of the habitat, lack of forage, and what could happen this winter,” Hunter said. “We have the responsibility to manage these pronghorn. We are confident that the number of doe/fawn antelope licenses issued is appropriate and it will be important to reduce the population before heading into the winter. At this point we may see losses to wildlife even with a somewhat mild winter.”

Losses in the population could be more pronounced without adequate doe/fawn harvest and there will likely be reduced antelope numbers in future years if the drought continues. Severe dry conditions are also going to impact the way archers hunt for pronghorn, and wildlife officials want hunters to practice fair chase.

“I know the majority of archers hunting antelope will hunt on water holes and commonly use blinds,” said Riverton Game Warden Brad Gibb. “This is a very effective technique.”

However, hunters may want to consider other techniques during this record-setting, dry, hot year. These animals have very few choices for water and a lot of activity around a water hole may keep other wildlife away for quite some time.

“It is more difficult and very challenging to spot a pronghorn, survey the terrain, and pull a sneak on it. To me, this would be a great challenge for hunters,” said Gibb.

If these dry conditions persist, water sources (springs, guzzlers, small streams, and stock ponds) will become fewer and farther between. Adults and newly born young will have to travel farther for water and compete with other wildlife and livestock for waterholes. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can show additional compassion this season by not camping near waterholes. This simple act can reduce the stress on wildlife and give them a better chance of surviving this drought period...

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Yamaha Outdoors Tip - Four Wheels, Fall Turkeys

By Steve Hickoff for Yamaha Outdoors

Jami Sindelar with her fall turkey

Y our Yamaha wheels will get you there. As strategies for getting deep into GREAT FALLS

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Get Yours Today At One Of These Fine Dealers! *Finance offer subject to credit approval, applies to purchases of new Yamaha Motorcycles, ATVs, S&Ss & Scooters made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account from 10/1/12 - 12/26/12. Min. contract length 24 mos. max. 36 mos. Min. amount financed $5,000. Fixed APR of 3.99% or up to 12.99% assigned based on credit approval criteria. Monthly payments per $1,000 financed based on 36-mo. term are $29.52 at 3.99% and $33.69 at 12.99%. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment.

For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ATV models shown are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. Raptor 700R recommended for experienced riders only. 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 you safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing: never carry passengers: never in stunt riding: riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix: avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Professional riders depicted on closed courses. ©2012 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • yamaha-motor.com 10/12 38 - Hunting & Fishing News

back country and the big woods go, doing it on an ATV or Side-by-Side is one of the best. Your goal: To tag a fall turkey for the Thanksgiving table.

Check your available seasons right now...

After prospecting...to locate birds, let’s take a look at what you need to do once that’s been accomplished. Do you have hunter access to the location? Good.

Now find where those turkeys roost.

EARLY ON: Arrive early, an hour before dawn, wheeling to your listening spot in the dark. Cut the engine. Chances are the birds aren’t that far from preferred feeding zones. They might pitch down and move to chow on field insects early in the season—even as first frosts chill those protein-rich bugs.

Later, they might hit hard mast such as acorns in the woods. If they’re nearby, within at least a quarter mile, you should be able to hear turkeys calling on the roost (at least on calm daybreaks without wind). Move toward that birdy racket. Slip in. If you’re not just scouting but actually hunting, you have a couple options.

OPTION 1—You can slip in and flush turkeys off the roost, hoping they fly in all directions. Say what? You heard right. These gregarious birds wanted to be together. You’ve changed that.

They’ll want to regroup. Be there when they do, walking toward you on the ground, right at the flush site.

OPTION 2—Not for you? If so, simply slip in tight, avoiding detection. Make vocalizations such as tree calling while the turkeys are roosted. Mimic birds on the ground after they fly down and attempt to call them in. If a young fall hen or jake “kee-kees”—a juvenile turkey’s call—imitate it. If a gobbler yelps, make the three-note coarse vocalization of an adult male bird (they’ll gobble in the fall too). continued page 45

October 2012 39

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www.montanamotorsportsandmarine.com Rancher® 4X4 ES with EPS honda.com UTILITY ATVs ARE RECOMMENDED ONLY FOR RIDERS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. ATVs CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. FOR YOUR SAFETY, BE RESPONSIBLE. READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. BE CAREFUL ON DIFFICULT TERRAIN. ALL ATV RIDERS SHOULD TAKE A TRAINING COURSE (FREE FOR NEW BUYERS. ASK YOUR DEALER OR CALL ASI AT 800-887-2887). NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, ON PAVED SURFACES, ON PUBLIC ROADS, WITH PASSENGERS, OR AT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS. NO STUNT RIDING. RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN RIDING. FourTrax® and Rancher® are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (10/12) 40 - Hunting & Fishing News

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Trophy Buck Nelson Buck

By Nick Simonson http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/trophy-buck.php

lives on south of Valley City; though the avid hunter had never seen him before, or at least with the headgear the buck sported this season. This This ND trophy buck grossed 199 5/8 and 173 7/8 net

The traffic has been steady

coming into Quality Alignment and Brake Center, but many visitors aren’t stopping in for tune ups.

Brian Nelson, part owner of the Valley City business is the main draw these days after taking what many are calling the largest buck shot in Barnes County in several decades.

“The first time I saw him was about 10 days before the rifle opener,”, the Valley City native said, speaking of his pre-season scouting, “I saw him three more times before opening day, chasing a doe around the farm,” he continued.

The trophy buck was a resident on and around the 40-acre farm Nelson

massive main frame five-by-five with a split G2 and a crown of thorny kickers dwarfed any other deer Nelson had observed this year and eclipsed the 130-class buck he had taken in 2005.

After searching for this monster on and around his farm on opening day and the following Saturday, Nelson lucked out. He saw the massive-racked buck chasing a doe the morning of the second day of the season. The pair entered a grove of trees near his farm and settled in.

Nelson knew his next moves would be important ones.

On Saturday afternoon, the hunt stopped. Nelson cautiously set up his deer blind on the path he figured the buck would follow out of the trees and near his barn. Then he waited for Sunday morning, hoping the buck would remain in the trees,

and then hopefully, take the path Nelson had guessed.

Sunday morning, just before daybreak, Nelson and his father, Dave, quietly loaded into the elder Nelson’s truck. Dave dropped Brian off and he set up in his blind, hoping to see the monster awake and on the move.

“Right at dawn, I saw a doe, and about fifteen minutes later a doe and two fawns grazed their way across the bean field,” Nelson said.

As dawn turned to day, Nelson began to think that the trophy buck was gone. In fact, he was about ready to give the spot up and select a new approach. “I thought to myself ‘20 minutes, or a half hour more, and I’ll move’” he recounted, growing more frustrated and anxious with each passing moment.

Shortly after that thought, he looked out and saw a buck – THE buck – step out of the trees ever so slightly.

“All I could see was the head and the neck at first,” he recalled. He pulled up his binoculars to confirm

what his eyes saw at a distance, at that moment, he realized that was his chance.

The deer provided Nelson with a clear shot and he raised his .30-378 Weatherby rifle. “I wasn’t holding it as steady as I would have liked to,” Nelson said with a smile and a laugh. He braced the rifle with a pair of steady sticks and fired off one round. The animal stopped in its tracks and fell to the ground.

“As I walked up to the animal, I was in awe,” he stated, “usually deer like that have ground-shrink, but this guy was just the opposite; that’ll never happen again in my life,” he continued...

An experienced hunter, Nelson has a new trophy buck for his collection which includes a Grizzly Bear and Caribou he shot while hunting with his brother in Alaska. Couple this monster buck with his 1996 North Dakota big horn sheep, and that’s two oncein-alifetime animals.

October 2012 41

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Keep Predators Away From Your Elk Carcass

Photo courtesy Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

B

lack bears, grizzlies, cougars, wolves, coyotes—just some of the potential looters you may find skulking around the scene of your next successful elk hunt. These tips from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will help keep meat stealers away from your elk carcass.

“Deterring predators ensures all that hard-won protein ends up in your freezer, but personal safety is a factor, too. If you hunt in grizzly country, for example, it’s worth minimizing the risk of surprising a bear that has claimed your kill,” said P.J. DelHomme, hunting editor of RMEF’s member magazine, Bugle.

Here are five tips for discouraging marauding carnivores: 1. Hang quarters at an unreachable height 100 yards or more from the entrails, etc. Parachute chord works well; it’s small, light, cheap and strong enough for the job. Bring way more than you think you need. Try to select a hanging tree in a relatively open area that can be glassed from at least 300 yards away. If no trees are available, you can hang quarters off a rimrock ledge, too. Prime cuts of meat should get the first trip out.

2. When safe and legal, build a fire next to the quarters. Burn damp, pitchy wood that produces a good plume of smoke. This detracts predators and helps you locate the site on your return trip. Remember to mark the site in your GPS and take compass bearings as a backup.

3. Leave an article of clothing with the quarters, preferably something that’s been close to your skin and absorbed your scent. A brightly colored item also helps you locate the site. Urinate nearby to further saturate the area with human smell.

4. Many hunters won’t carry their rifle or bow once their elk tag has been punched. However, when returning to a carcass, consider carrying a handgun or bear spray for personal protection in case you encounter a defiant critter. Be as noisy and obnoxious as possible as you approach the site. Clap your hands. Sing as loud as you can.

5. Be ready to back off. An elk carcass is never worth fighting over.

If a looter is adamant that it needs the meat more than you do, or has rendered your elk unsalvageable, check the state’s hunting regulations.

A game warden may issue you a new elk permit.

Additionally, if legal, consider adding the predator to your game bag.

Remember that predator populations need to be managed, same as elk.

RMEF has been especially vocal in supporting science-based, hunter-driven management of restored wolf populations in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Bugle magazine is a wealth of elk hunting and conservation information.

An annual subscription is included with a $35 membership to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. For details, visit www.rmef.org.

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44 - Hunting & Fishing News

Your A BOWHUNTER Correct Sighting Errors IN THE WHITEHOUSE

(continued from page 26)

By Dr. Dave Samuel

Sponsored by HECS STEALTHSCREEN & ATSKO

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

T he liberals and liberal press (especially the liberal press—

which is almost all of them) are loving the chance to hammer Paul Ryan because he is what he is. Father, husband, outdoorsman, hunter, bowhunter. They love to tell you that he is a lover of the Second Amendment, a good-ole dad who loves Jesus, and a hunter who rides roughshod over wildlife.

That just makes my skin crawl and I’m sure it does the same to you. Ryan came to Congress in 1999 and he was an instant friend of hunting. Most hunters know about the Pittman Robertson Act whereby we pay 11 percent excise tax on hunting equipment and that money goes to state wildlife agencies where it is combined with license money to basically run wildlife management in this country. Well, the arrow part of that tax was all screwed up. I won’t bore you with the details, but essentially that problem needed solved or all arrow manufacturing would all end up done in foreign countries.

I realize that some of that is still being done overseas but without a fix, it all would have gone there. Congressman Ryan led the legislative fight to change that so that American arrow manufacturers could play on a level field.

Hunters need to do something ...this November. They need to vote. And since the day of the election will find many bowhunters in the woods (it’s the rut) you need to vote in October. Go to your courthouse, or wherever you get absentee ballots where you live, and vote. Please take this election as a mandate to the future of our country. It is that serious.

Vote.

Hey, when did you last see someone in Washington running for political office (much less the White House) pose for pictures, in his office with a bow?

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Properly aligned-shoot!

continued from page 38

PLAN B: Did they give you the slip?

Glass them with binoculars, either hopping on your four Yamaha wheels to gain a position to look down on those feeding areas, or by using terrain to move in their direction by foot.

You can cover a lot of ground this way.

Since the effort is to put a fall turkey in your freezer for the holiday, you can either take a bird from a family flock (smaller, but sometimes easier—especially legal hens of the year in either-sex states), or you can hold out for an autumn longbeard.

You can pattern them. You can be where they want to be. You can call to them after fly-down or wait for them to return

Shooters with color blindness also benefit from this fiber optic shotgun sight, because the central green fiber optic appears brighter than the two red fiber optic tubes. Shotgun sights have never offered such an opportunity for the color blind.

For the beginner, these shotgun sights are tremendously helpful in developing the proper sight picture and inhibiting the development of bad habits.

For the experienced shooter it will inhibit even established bad habits and reinforce better shooting patterns.

Even the most experienced can be assured that these shotgun sights can provide rapid acquisition of the proper sight picture.

You can have your cake and eat it too. By training your eye dominance through the principles of binocular rivalry employed in this shotgun sight most people can train eye dominance and avoid the need to switch shooting sides. This should also translate to using the proper eye to shoot with a rifle. Repeatedly mounting the shotgun for acquiring the proper sight picture will reinforce proper shooting habits.

The Instructor Sight is very easy to install. Four powerful neodymium magnets allow the sight to be snapped onto the rib. If hunting in heavy brush strong double stick tape is included for additional strength.

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As the hunting day closes down, go to your ATV or Side-by-Side. Move to another listening spot and pinpoint turkeys for the next morning’s hunt.

Helmet on and lights leading the way, you can prepare your day’s hunt story for friends and family back home or in camp.

Your four Yamaha wheels will get you right back in the action the next day.

One seconds hesitation can put up to 25 yards between you and your target! The Instructor Sight will help teach you to shave down the time it takes to target and fire while increasing your accuracy, by providing a clear, bright signal indicating that your barrel is properly aligned.

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October 2012 45

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46 - Hunting & Fishing News

handful of does. They had carefully placed themselves in a safe position where they enjoyed a commanding view with a minimum of 200 yards in every direction. After two days of clouds and rain they had no reason to make their twice-daily trek to water where our now empty blind sits.

It was time to try a mid-day stalk. The only cover that would break up our outline was the fine “short grass” that seldom rises six inches above the ground but is an antelope’s main food source in uncultivated areas. The wind was blowing in their favor. It wasn’t the direction but the amount.

The 20 mph gusts killed any chance of making a long bow shot as the buck had achieved his protection goal by creating a wide safety zone.

We needed a Trojan Horse. It was thought the perimeter walls of the Greeks were perfect protection but the Trojan Horse concept made them vulnerable to a successful attack.

Standing there frustrated it hit me like a Rage broad head; hide in plain sight and let them see you! I had ordered something I thought was the closest thing to an antelope costume I have ever seen and with past archery experience this might be just the ticket to closing the distance on such pool table flat, long-range antelope situations. In the past I have crawled long distances on hands and knees hiding my pink face with the brim of a hat and the bow slung under my belly and done well on fairly long shots.

Let’s make one thing clear regarding a Be-the-Decoy strategy – it is for the archery seasons only. Dressing up like an antelope can be downright dangerous during a public land regular season hunt even though most states require blaze orange hats and vest to hunt legally.

The decoy suit is the cat’s meow for filling the gaps when bow hunting big bucks on the flat prairie. Antelope are sight creatures but they

can also smell you, so it is always a good idea to go in directly downwind when possible and taking a shot directly into the wind has minimal effect on arrow flight versus shooting in a crosswind.

An antelope’s eyes are still their number one protective sense so when possible keep the sun at your back to create a visual handicap. A low morning or evening sun will prevent them from watching you too closely because of the blinding effect as they look directly into the sun. Combine this with the antelope’s tendency to congregate come evening to bed together for safety makes this an extremely successful technique.

You must understand that an object standing vertical (on two legs in your case) means immediate danger to all hunted animals. The Be-the-Decoy provides a shirt so you can expose part of your body but be careful, as you get closer to limit visibility. Crawling makes you look more like an incoming antelope than a person. Also, rather than going straight in, an angled approach can be beneficial and you will find the antelope less nervous and the bucks may come out to greet you, saving some crawling, thank-you very much.

When you sling the bow under your belly you keep both hands free while crawling but remember you don’t want to do anything to allow the antelope to recognize you as man. When you are in a shooting location, roll on your side and slip your bow off to notch an arrow while not providing any more view to the antelope than what they would see while you’re crawling. A low profile is important; they will be looking at you but you don’t provide enough information to confirm you are man.

Antelope are a herd animal and are seldom alone. The antelope Be-the-Decoy works because you become the Trojan Horse, entering their safety perimeter as a non-threatening object.

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