HUNTING & FISHING MONTANA
October 2017
Montana Big Game Outlook Bowhunting October Elk Antelope Hunting Basics
Top Pheasant Hunts Upland Bird Forecast
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5 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MULE DEER HUNT By Zach Lazzari
www.lazyjbaro.com
Our guides are experts at finding big mule deer bucks
and we love hunting them here in Montana. Here are a few of our guides’ tips to find more and bigger mule deer:
Slow Down
Slow down and glass. Then glass some more. Mule deer blend into the landscape and you must glass hard to find them. A buck laying in waist high sagebrush is difficult to spot. Find a good vantage point, look for travel paths and glass until your eyes hurt. Cover ground as necessary but really take your time when you have a good view. Study the brush, pick apart the tree-line and study rock outcroppings until you have the area thoroughly covered. Look for game trails and water sources as well to find travel routes.
Work with the Landscape
The landscape will play tricks on your mind and you can easily lose sight of deer. Once you spot a mule deer, observe landmarks in reference to the position. This becomes increasingly important during the stalk. You can use these landmarks as a guide during the stalk. Using a rangefinder to measure the distance between the animal and the landmarks increases the value of your reference points.
Know Their Senses
Mule deer rely heavily on their senses and you can blow a stalk when they see, hear or smell you. Prioritize the wind position above all else to prevent being winded. If you think a deer hears you, stop and do not move until the animal resumes normal behavior. Freezing on the spot will often save the stalk. Just flat out stay still and wait it out. Sight is the least worrisome sense. A deer may see you but it’s the smell and motion that send them running. If you are spotted, keep your eyes down and do not move. It’s a waiting game.
Put the Stop on Them
Every now and then you are going to blow a deer out. In some instances they will just start moving unprovoked and you won’t have a clean shot. Make a loud whistle or grunt and setup for the shot. The deer will often stop, turn broadside and look back. Taking advantage of a mule deer’s curiosity is your chance to take a clean shot.
Find Your Buck
There is nothing wrong with passing on any number of animals. Wait until you find a buck that gets you excited. Glassing, hiking and looking for a great buck is half the fun. Watch and study the ones you find and look in odd places for that monster. The biggest bucks tend to have slightly different habits and you will find them in some surprising places. For information on hunting with Lazy J Bar O Outfitters call 406-932-5687 or visit www.lazyjbaro.com.
Hunting & Fishing News | 5
2017 FALL MACK DAYS
LAKE TROUT FISHING EVENT on FLATHEAD LAKE
Sept. 22 nd
Nov. 12th Up to $150,000 to
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Fish The Entire Lake
Tuesday through Sunday: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are for the contests, bonus amounts, and tagged fish. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will be for bonus amounts and tagged fish only and New: Six $50 lottery drawings, and if you turn in live lake trout to the tagging boat you will receive tickets for a special lottery drawing for two $500 prizes (1)-$10,000 & (3) $5,000 & (5) $1000 + over 6,000 $100 to $500 tagged lake trout Top ten angler prizes - pick your best 15/24-days count on Friday through Sunday Captains $250-(4 prizes), Smallest lake trout $250-(2 prizes), Largest lake trout-$500 - see rules for entries Top lady anglers $300, $200, $100 - $100-totals used Youth anglers - (17-13) 1st-$200, 2nd-$150, 3rd-$75, 4-5th-$50 (12 & under) 1st-$100, 2nd-$75, 3rd-$50 will also be entered in the lottery drawing Weekend Prizes-$300 and $200 will be announced each week Golden Angler Award (70 & older) $200 & $100 Bucket Competition - (3 days-see rules for dates) - weigh in your 4 heaviest lake trout under 30” Yeti Cooler ticket: 1 for every 10 entries Tuesday through Sunday. Last Day: $300, $200, $100 PLUS heaviest lake trout under 30” - 1st $200, 2nd $100 BONUSES: Your total at the end of the 45 days determines bonus. See www.mackdays.com for complete rules All boats have to be inspected for AIS.
Fish Fry for participants & families November 12th at Blue Bay 3:00 Awards Ceremony at 4:00 Entry forms will not be mailed out.
Enter online at www.mackdays.com
or pick up entries at local sporting good stores or you can even enter when you check in your fish at the check in stations during Mack Days. It is easier if you enter before the event begins. We remind you to follow all fishing regulations. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have a special $13 fishing permit for the south half on Flathead Lake that is available wherever fishing permits are sold.
Sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Photo courtesy Brian McGeehan Montana Angler
FISHING YELLOWSTONE PARK IN OCTOBER By Brian McGeehan
Montana Angler call 406-522-9854 or www.montanaangler.com
October is when we really see the seasons shifting here
in Yellowstone Country. While we typically get at least some warm, Indian Summer days, chilly weather and sub freezing mornings become the norm. October is the definitive big fish time in Yellowstone National Park. Migratory fish are moving out of the lakes and large rivers and are more accessible to the angler. Outside of the Firehole River, nymphing becomes the most effective technique by far. For a certain breed of angler, the dark, snowy days of fall are something to look forward to all season. Let’s take a look at the best options to find a big October trout in the park.
Madison River
Fishing the fall run on the Madison River as large fish move out of Hebgen Lake is a yearly tradition for many. Both rainbows and browns that average 16-22” pour out of the lake and into Yellowstone Park during October. The two ways to target these fish are nymphing and swinging streamers. You will observe many folks swinging streamers at these fish in the same manner that one would target steelhead. This involves working a run from the top down, taking a step after each cast and slowly covering the entire run. When nymphing, I prefer to use a stonefly nymph trailing a small mayfly nymph. The most important thing, whether swinging or nymphing, is locating the fish. These trout are lake dwellers, so they prefer to hold in as deep and slow of water as they can find. Targeting
these migratory trout is not for everyone. This is a game of quality over quantity. You’ve got to go out
there and put in your time in search of the big boys. If you hit it right, the fishing can be spectacular. On the other hand, you have to be prepared to withstand bad weather and slow fishing for the chance to have one of those magical days.
Firehole River
Fish running out of Hebgen Lake have access to the lower mile or so of the Firehole River before they are blocked by waterfalls. Fish this water just as you would the Madison by deep nymphing or swinging streamers. Above Firehole Falls, the river offers October’s best dry fly fishing. Blue Winged Olives will be the main fare with hatches of White Miller Caddis on warm days. Come prepared with a few midge patterns as well. As always on the Firehole, swing soft hackles when you can’t find any fish rising. (continued on page 28)
Photo courtesy Ryan McSparran and SNS Outfitter & Guides
Mule Deer Hunting Basics: 3 Tips for a Successful Hunt By Ryan McSparran for SNS Outfitter & Guides www.huntwyo.com
There is something captivating about big mule deer;
whether standing in a sea of sage, sneaking through the aspens, or topping over a ridge against the setting sun, the image of a big mule deer buck is a unique picture of the American West. The popularity of mule deer hunting never seems to wane. In fact, there’s more demand each year for tags and mule deer hunts. And thanks to careful management and hunter-funded conservation efforts, states like Wyoming and Montana offer some outstanding mule deer hunting opportunities. It’s easy to see why mule deer hunting is so addicting. A mature buck can weigh close to 300 pounds. In many areas, they can reach antler measurements of over 200 inches. With relatively low barriers for entry, mule deer offer one of the most accessible high-adventure hunts in the west. Mule deer have adapted to life in a wide range of environments. They thrive from the farmlands and high plains east of the Rockies, to the tops of peaks above timberline. And you can find them from the deserts of the southwest to coastal forests along the Pacific. No matter where you pursue them, hunting a big mule deer buck requires patience and determination. We’ve asked some of our guides for their tips on hunting mule deer. Here are the common threads from those conversations.
1. Glass, Glass and Glass Some More
When speaking with mule deer hunting guides, there is one common theme you will always hear: glass, glass and keep glassing. One common strategy is to reach a high point early in the morning under the cover of darkness. There, it’s easy to set up behind a spotting scope and binoculars as daylight approaches.
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In many areas, mule deer like to feed and water throughout the night. The best time to spot them is at
first light, as they are traveling back toward bedding areas. Setting up on a good vantage point before daylight will allow you to spot deer while they are still up and moving. Once they lie down, mule deer are very difficult to spot. Even in sagebrush country that appears to be very “open”.
After mule deer take their beds for the day, your opportunities to spot them may be limited. For that reason, hunting in warm weather can be tough. Being able to spot them when they’re on the move provides a significant advantage.
GO WHERE YOU COULDN’T GO BEFORE.
Anytime you’re glassing from high points, just be sure not to skyline yourself. Set up below the ridgeline or with brush or trees as your backdrop. Otherwise, deer will have you immediately pegged.
2. Remain Patient
Mule deer often spend the middle of the day enjoying the shade. If the weather is warm during your hunt, you can expect them to spend even more time in bed. During the middle of the day, patience and a quality spotting scope are your best tools. When you feel that you’ve covered the same country dozens of times, buckle down and do it again. Picking apart the landscape with your optics can be painstaking work. But when hunting mule deer, it can really pay off. On a mule deer hunt, one of the greatest keys to success is being ready at all times. When the hunting is slow, it’s easy to let your guard down. But mule deer have an amazing ability to materialize out of nowhere. Keeping your senses on full alert is critical. A sudden opportunity might be your best opportunity.
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Each step of the way, take time to think about your shooting lanes, or how you’ll execute a successful stalk without getting pinned down. Act like every situation will be the one that counts. When you finally spot that shooter buck, remain patient. If the buck is not within shooting range, you will need to take your time and plan a stalk. If the deer is still moving toward his bedding area, you may be best served to wait and watch where he beds before making a move. Anytime you can see where a buck beds down, it gives you a higher chance of success in planning an effective stalk.
MHF2017
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Photo courtesy Ryan McSparran and SNS Outfitter & Guides
3. Prepare For a Physical Hunt
Hunting mule deer can challenge your physical abilities and that’s a great part of the adventure. Locating the buck may only be half the battle. Getting into position for a shot can be a daunting task. Mule deer hunters should be ready to cover several miles a day through rugged country. Like many types of western hunting, being in the best possible shape will help open the door to more opportunities in the field. At SNS Outfitter and Guides, they offer mule deer hunts in Wyoming and Montana. From open country to high alpine adventures, they have a range of mule deer hunting opportunities to suit hunters with different goals or abilities. You can explore the Mule Deer Hunts on their website at www.huntwyo.com. For details call 307-266-4229.
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The entire contents is © 2017, all rights reserved. May not be reproduced without prior consent. The material and information printed is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. Nor does the printed material necessarily express the views of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. All photo & editorial submissions become the property of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. to use or not use at their discretion. Volume 14 Issue 5 Cover Photo: Tom Reichner|shutterstock Proudly printed at Allegra - Helena, Montana 406.449.2847 www.allegrahelena.com
Hunting & Fishing News | 9
2017 BIG GAME
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yourself scrolling through the Cabela’s website after dinner instead of paying bills. Pretty soon you’re thinking about hunting most of the day. Mentally going over maps instead of work-related powerpoints, pushing yourself out of bed for an early workout, not because it’s good for you, but because you need to get into hunting shape. A key part of your hunting season preparation should be researching animal population trends and data from the past year. That’s where we step in to help. The following big game forecast will give you some very valuable information for planning your hunt. But it’s only a small piece of what Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offers Montana hunters. On our website you can find information about hunting access, including our very popular Block Management Program, where we coordinate with landowners to provide hunting access to more than 7 million acres of private land. Online we have our interactive Hunt Planner map that allows users to look at information for various species, including hunting districts and regulations. The hunt planner interactive map also is a great way to access our block management information, so if you’re planning a hunt in a certain area, you can see if there are Block Management Areas available to expand your opportunity. And, as always, you can contact our helpful staff at any of our regional offices around the state. They’re happy to help and can often get you pointed in the right direction with just a few simple tips. Montana is really an amazing state in which to hunt. We have some of the longest hunting seasons in the West, healthy herds of game and access to millions of acres of public land. However, hunters must be mindful of drought and fire danger. With the severe to exceptional drought extending across much of the state, hunters should be mindful of private landowners who are facing grass shortages, poor crop production and fatigue from monitoring for fire. Hunter harvest is helpful during a drought to reduce wildlife densities on a stressed landscape, and perhaps to help lessen winter depredation on hay stacks or winter range. A few things hunters can do to show respect for private landowners during the drought include: avoid vehicle use in areas with dry grass in the median, use caution when parking in areas with dry vegetation, report smoke or any signs of fire to local officials, and carry a fire extinguisher or water to quickly snuff any potential fires.
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any number of parcels of state and Federal lands. First-rate pheasant habitat checkerboards this country and if you can put in a bit of effort, limits of birds await.
•Fort Benton - Loma
You can make the drive up Highway 87 and find plenty of Block Management areas that will allow a hiking pheasant hunter all the acreage it takes to fill a game bag. CRP lands can also hold some of the best upland bird hunting in the region. BLM lands near Loma along the Teton River should offer up some good bird hunting this fall.
•Montana’s Hi-Line - Havre, Chinook, Malta © Steven Oehlenschlager | Dreamstime
Montana Top Pheasant Hunts Find water, find roosters
By H&F News Pro Staff
There are plenty of bird hunting options for area sportsmen and women as the general pheasant season opens October 7 here in Montana. With pheasant populations ranging from stable to thriving in parts of central and eastern Montana, here are some of the state’s best-kept pheasant hunting stomping grounds.
•Fergus County - Lewistown
Look for any land that contains water, whether a pond or slough with cattails and heavy cover, and is adjacent to grain fields. It’s bound to hold plenty of pheasants. Around the Lewistown area, McDonald Creek, Big Spring Creek or any other dozens of smaller streams that run through the area should be good. You can hunt northwest of Lewistown and find some good hunting around Denton and Coffee Creek with Block Management areas as well as
You’ll find strong populations of ringnecks as well as sharp-tailed grouse throughout this region. In the western portion of Region 6, ample cover helps to protect the population of sharptails, Huns, and pheasants that hang along waterways and ag fields. The central portion of this area above Highway 2 between Chinook and Saco is typically very good upland bird hunting with scattered BLM, state and Block Management hunting available. Walk brushy draws adjacent to wheat fields and you will find plenty of action, with or without a dog.
•Northeast Montana - Plentywood, Scobey, Medicine Lake
This bird-rich corner of the state features true upland habitat. Unlike many other areas of Montana, where pheasant populations are limited to the riparian habitat of larger rivers and creeks, the northeastern cover is part of the Prairie Pothole terrain. There is also a good deal of CRP acreage in the area. For the best success in this area, hunt places that have the most water. They include Big Muddy Creek and Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge sloughs. You can also find Block Management areas east of Medicine Lake to hunt. These upland birds will likely be using moist habitat due to the hot and dry summer, and these areas will hold more succulent forage and more insects that the birds can feed on.
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Since the hatch, rainfall in Montana has been virtually non-existent, while temperatures have soared. The dry conditions, though not ideal may have benefited birds in some areas of the state - especially pheasants and hungarian partridge, but it has definitely concentrated flocks around available water. Generally speaking, the most expansive and generous upland bird habitat will be around the Missouri, Milk and Yellowstone Rivers and their tributaries. Focus on these wetland and ag areas and you will have plenty of opportunities and great hunting days this fall.
GPS - onXmaps If you are looking for more land and better opportunities to hunt this fall, whether it be ducks,
bucks, birds or bulls, I would encourage you to invest in a GPS and onXmaps (www.onxmaps.com) for hunting. It’s a total game changer, especially if you are hunting in central and eastern Montana. It will open up lands you never knew were open to hunt. Also, it will ensure you that you are not trespassing on private property.
5 TIPS FOR MORE PHEASANTS Missing sucks! There is no way to sugar-coat it. But, we all do. Here are a few shooting tips to help you put more birds in the cooler this fall.
USE HEAVY LOADS: Shots tend to be higher and longer as the hunting season rolls along. ① and go with 1-1/2 or 1-3/8 ounce loads. The added knock-down power is key for longer shots.
Use a No. 4 shot,
②TIGHTEN UP: A tight pattern can mean the difference between birds on the ground and roosters sailing into the next county.
③BE A LEADER: Too many hunters focus on the pheasants tail, they pull the trigger then they swing past it, which puts the shot either behind the bird or in the tail feathers. Focus on the ring around the bird’s neck. Find it and fire as you pull past it, always keeping your gun moving.
④AIM HIGH: Pheasants often fly straight over, offering a high overhead shot many hunters hate. However, you can
learn to love it by blocking the head of the bird with the barrel, and fire as you swing past him. He will fly right into your pellets.
⑤BE READY: Sauntering through cover with your gun over your shoulder is a sure way to blow shot opportunities.
Better to be ready at all times while walking with your shotgun at port arms position to take advantage of every opportunity. In isolated patches of thick cover, a lone gunner can also inch forward in a contact ready stance.
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Hunting & Fishing News | 13
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Fall Weed Tactics By Jason Mitchell
www.jasonmitchelloutdoors.com
W eeds hold walleyes all summer long but aquatic vegetation can become even more appealing in the fall when water temperatures drop. While many productive patterns can emerge, what can be so appealing about weed fish come fall is that there is often a level of stability.
Fall can be a whirlwind of change and when deep fish become nomadic, weed fish just kind of hang around. This consistency is something that can benefit an angler when deep classic structure turns on and turns off.
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As a guide, I can’t tell you how many times I limped into a shallow weed line break in the afternoon and salvaged the day. During my career filming television shows, we have relied on fall weed bed patterns several times…from the Canadian Shield to large natural lakes like Mille Lacs, Leech Lake and Devils Lake.
Typically, in the fall, weeds begin to break down. Green weeds will be random strands and clumps mixed in with dying weeds. From my experiences, if there is good water circulation and a little bit of green left, walleyes will remain in the breaking down weeds and as these weeds break down, they sure become easier to fish. Some anglers believe that weeds will hold heat as water temperatures cool. Maybe what does happen is that weeds absorb heat from the sun in the fall and this extra warmth holds fish. What I do know is throughout the year, weeds offer a level of consistency as weed walleyes just don’t move nearly as much as fish on other patterns. On so many fisheries, a percentage of fish live in the weeds for a large part of the year and while these fish obviously have windows where they aren’t active, these fish just don’t go anywhere. What is also interesting is just how many times these fall bites become an afternoon bite much like the spring. Mornings can be slow and as the sun warms the water up, the fish become more active. With that being said, weed fish sometimes have to be approached methodically where you must grind out a location and wait for the windows where these fish open up.
How to fish these weed walleyes in the fall can vary dramatically. In the past, we have found walleyes using milfoil, cabbage, dollar weed, pencil reeds, cattails and grass. Each lake will have its own personality in how deep and dense weeds will grow. For big fish, one of my confidence lures is casting a big swim bait and slowly reeling over the tops of weeds or along the break. A 3.8 inch Kalin’s Sizmic Shad rigged onto a Kalin’s Spot Stalker Jig has accounted for many big walleyes for me over the past couple of years. The spot stalker has a thin wire weed guard that I am surprised more walleye anglers don’t use because this jig can crawl through vegetation but the weed guard is thin enough where it isn’t “walleye proof.” If there is one mistake or limiting mindset that keeps anglers from catching more walleyes with swimbaits in weeds, I would argue that too many anglers are hung up on the notion of keeping the boat out deeper off the break, insisting on casting up into shallower water. This deep to shallow angle can be very productive but this is just one angle to try.
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We find so often that we catch so many more walleyes by nosing the bow of the boat up further into the weed line where we can cast along the break or parallel to the flat or contour.
There are also times where we find fish stacked up on the inside edge of the weed line and long casts along the edge just keep the swim bait in front of fish so much longer. If you are just picking off a few fish, note exactly where the strikes came and experiment with your angle so you can keep the lure in front of fish longer. As water temps drop in the fall, there will be days where fish will follow a touch longer before striking so experimenting and understanding different casting angles can be extremely important. Besides swim baits, shallow running crankbaits can also work well over the tops of weeds and rattle baits are often overlooked. On fisheries like Devils Lake where there is typically some algae stain in the water, a bottom bouncer and spinner run along the edges of the weeds can be productive. On clear lakes like Winnibigosh and Leech Lake, we often do better running spinners behind split shot or bullet weights. If the contour is long enough and straight enough, trolling crankbaits can be deadly. The reality come fall is that there will be several options to at least try when it comes to finding walleye. Deep structure, channels, sharp breaks, boulder rock piles and current are all options but when you hit that wall where fish seem to be here today and gone tomorrow, explore the shallow weed options because while you might be dealing with a smaller percent of the overall walleye population in that fishery, these patterns are often some of the most consistent. When other patterns get tough, some consistency is good.
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2017 BIG GAME HUNTING FORECAST (continued from page 10)
Though in general hunter success last year was about average, it wasn’t helped by mild weather. Typically, elk hunter success during the general season improves dramatically with snow, which gets elk moving and makes them easier to track. South of Butte - from Mount Haggin to the Big Hole Valley elk numbers are robust and consistent with last year’s numbers, said FWP Region 3 wildlife biologist Vanna Boccadori. South of Bozeman, elk numbers are also in good shape, with hunters seeing both good success in many hunting districts along with an abundance of access due to large amounts of public land. In several areas, like the Madison Valley, elk numbers remain above population objectives. South of Helena elk numbers are also strong.
In the area around Townsend, hunters have run into access issues as elk have tended to congregate on private land in recent years, said FWP biologist Adam Grove. He suggests that hunters work on securing access to private lands early. Overall, elk numbers in the area are well over objective.
Around Helena, elk hunting is largely weather dependent, said FWP biologist Jenny Sika. If we get snow during hunting season, elk hunter success increases. If not, hunters have to work harder and success drops. But in general elk numbers are good throughout the area. Several hunting districts in southwest Montana have elk shoulder seasons. These antlerless seasons are focused on private land and are typically outside of the general big game season. Hunters interested in shoulder seasons should make sure they read and understand the regulations. Each hunting district is different. And, as always, hunters must get permission to hunt private land.
In general, mule deer numbers are steady across southwest Montana. In some areas, like around Townsend, mule deer numbers are still on the rebound from recent lows. But in general numbers are stable or on the upswing.
White-tailed deer numbers continue to look solid across the region. However, much of the best white-tailed deer habitat is on private land – river bottoms or irrigated crop land. For antelope in southwest Montana, the story is similar to deer. Numbers are stable or on the upswing. Antelope hunters this year can expect similar numbers to what they’ve seen the last couple of years.
Destination: NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA
When it comes to deer, elk and antelope, the outlook for north central Montana is good for the fall 2017 hunting season. Milder winters the last couple of years and, depending on the species, fewer B licenses (those are licenses for either antlerless animals or doe/fawns) have allowed several species to increase their numbers and come close to management objectives. “The last few years with milder winters we’ve had better fawn production and recruitment,” said Cory Loecker, FWP wildlife biologist in Great Falls. “And we’ve restricted our B licenses.” Recruitment refers to when a young animal survives its first year and is added to the population.
Mule deer from the Rocky Mountain Front to east and south of Great Falls are at management objective or even above in a few spots. “We’re better than we were 20 years ago,” said Brent Lonner, FWP wildlife biologist in Fairfield. “But that doesn’t mean we are at the high population levels we saw in the 1970s and 1980s. I don’t know if we’ll ever get back there.” Lonner said those mule deer numbers from a generation ago were probably artificially high and unsustainable in the long run. The current lone exception to the mule deer upswing is around Lewistown, where numbers lag by about a year. For white-tailed deer, there are good numbers most everywhere in the north central part of the state. However, prairie whitetails are closely associated with lands enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program, or CRP, which pays landowners to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. As lands are removed from CRP that can hurt whitetails and other wildlife species.
Meanwhile, antelope are staging a comeback in the region.
Prairie pronghorn (antelope) numbers had declined for a couple of years, but population levels have returned to average with above average fawn production this year. That bodes well for the future. Again, the exception is the eastern part of the region, where antelope numbers are below objective. But the good news is better fawn production.
As for elk, the news is good, better, best. Throughout the north central Montana, elk numbers are at or above objective. “There is no lack of elk,” Lonner said. “The challenge is in the fall when hunters can’t find them.” The problem then is often a lack of access, he said. All this good news doesn’t guarantee meat in the freezer for hunters this fall, but the ingredients to success are present. (continued on page 21)
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LEAVE THE TREESTAND AT HOME: 4 SCENARIOS TO HUNT FROM THE GROUND
ALL YOU NEED
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By Adam Parr www.whitetaildna.com
Finding whitetails in open country is much like searching for a needle in a haystack. Photo courtesy www.whitetaildna.com
Growing up hunting the highly pressured state of Michigan, I pounded into my head that in order to kill big deer, I had to hunt from a tree. Not only that, it had to be the right tree in the perfect location and hung at least 20-25 feet off the surface of the Earth, or why even bother? As the years go by and as I progress as a whitetail hunter, I’ve found that leaving the stand at home and hunting from the ground can be quite effective, given the right circumstances. I’ve also found it to be more enjoyable from the standpoint of hauling less gear into the woods, which saves time, energy, and likely, sanity. I cut my teeth in areas of high hunting pressure with small tracts of land and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought hunting from the ground would prove effective. Boy was I wrong. Once I was able to overcome “the treestand is the only way” mentality, it opened up a whole new world of deer hunting altogether. Here are four scenarios to consider leaving the treestand at home and hunting from afoot.
UNKNOWN PROPERTY OR PUBLIC LAND
Diving into an unknown area with a stand on your back can be both intimidating and frustrating at the same time, and this especially holds true for a morning hunt when entering in the dark. How many times have you walked into a spot you picked out on a map, only to be left with zero trees suitable for a stand? Unfortunately, I’m guilty of this more than I’d like to admit. I can’t tell you how many times I was certain I would be able to find a tree, and the next thing you know 30 minutes has passed and I’m soaked in sweat as the sun peeks over the horizon. All of this chaos can be easily eliminated when you simply leave the tree stand at home. In addition to having a more enjoyable first hunt, hunting from the ground allows you to be more flexible in adjusting to real-time deer activity. Tip: When hunting new property for the first time, treat it as a scouting mission, but with a bow in your hand and a tag in your pocket. This will help you cover more ground in a quicker manner and will keep you from getting hung up on potentially old sign. (continued on page 30)
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2017 BIG GAME HUNTING FORECAST (continued from page 16) Destination: SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA Mule deer numbers are stronger in the prairies and foothills of
south central Montana and stronger than in the mountains. Overall numbers are nearly the same or slightly better than last year. Along the face of the Beartooth Mountains and the western slopes of the Pryors, mule deer numbers remain quite low except for northwest of Red Lodge, where numbers are approaching the long-term average. Mule deer northwest of Billings are at record numbers while, north of the Musselshell River to the Snowy Mountain foothills, they are similar to last year and increasing slowly. Northeast of Harlowton biologists counted fewer mule deer this past spring. Northwest of Harlowton last year’s mule deer buck harvest was the highest in five years. In the Boulder River drainage and in hunting districts north of Big Timber, mule deer numbers are mostly the same as last year and slightly above the long-term average. The number of bucks and the antlered-deer harvest in those districts remains low, however. North and east of Billings, mule deer numbers and last years’ harvest were slightly above average and similar to last year. The number of fawns is slightly below the long-term average. White-tailed deer numbers appear to continue their rebound from the 2011 disease outbreak that drastically thinned the herds. In the Boulder River drainage and hunting districts north of Big Timber, white-tailed deer hunters should expect an experience similar to last year as numbers are stable to slightly better than in 2016. In the Stillwater, Red Lodge Creek and East Rosebud areas, white-tailed deer numbers have recovered nicely with relatively high numbers of bucks. Along the Musselshell River downstream from Shawmut and along Flatwillow Creek, white-tailed deer numbers have rebounded to levels seen before the 2011 outbreak. North and east of Billings, white-tailed deer numbers continue to increase from the most recent disease outbreak with estimated populations the second largest in 35 years. Elk numbers throughout south central Montana remain at record highs. Access to private land where many of the elk spend the hunting season is difficult. The number of elk are below objectives only in the upper Boulder River drainage, where much of the land is accessible. Antelope densities south of the Yellowstone River southwest of Billings are below average. But, between the Yellowstone and Musselshell rivers, numbers are close to all-time highs... North of the Musselshell River, antelope numbers have increased slightly from last year and are approaching the long-term average. Northwest of Roundup, antelope numbers increase some the further north one hunts. East of Billings, antelope numbers are looking better north of the Yellowstone River while herds south of the Yellowstone continue to struggle. South of the river, buck/doe rations are lower than average and hunter success has been below average for the past two years. North of the river, antelope numbers – and fawns in particular – are the highest since 1989 and they continued to increase this summer. (continued on page 32)
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HOW TO OVERCOME
MID-SEASON HUNTING STRUGGLES By Dave Barnett Originally published at
www.goHUNT.com The animals began to figure something wasn’t right and became fidgety. Suddenly, a bull appeared within range and clear for a shot. I came to full draw, settled my pin, and watched in disbelief as all hell broke loose just before I punched the trigger.
Switching to whitetail hunting mid-season was a great way to stay strong through the long season. Dave Barnett with his Montana archery buck. Photo courtesy Dave Barnett and goHUNT.com
I couldn’t believe it, how did this happen again?
My hunting partner and I had worked into a deep basin hidden away far from roads in search of late season elk. It had been a while since we’d experienced any good vocal activity, the end of season was drawing near and an empty freezer drawing even nearer. We had found some fresh elk sign and decided to stop for a quick snack.
Just when we were about to resume our trek I noticed something off colored…an elk butt! We had somehow wandered into a small herd of four to five animals with a smaller raghorn at the helm.
This was the fourth bull I had come to full draw on this season. We had worked our butts off and had some incredibly close calls, but it was wearing on me. This was a major low point for me for a few reasons. Obviously, the desire and need to fill the freezer was screaming at me, but, here I was, sitting in some epic elk country and pouting like a toddler. While these experiences and times only add to the excitement when a tag is finally punched they can be difficult to work through and simply keeping your head in the game, while important, can be the one thing that will be your biggest test. While I didn’t hang a tag off a bull that season I learned a lot about the animals I hunt as well as myself. Below are some of the best tactics I’ve found that help keep me alert and hunting as hard as I do on opening day throughout the entirety of the season.
TAKE A BREAK
This one is always a tough pill for anyone to swallow. Here in Montana, our main archery season is six weeks long and, locally, I can hunt September through January with my bow. While a long season like this is certainly a blessing it can also be a curse. After several weeks of pounding out the miles and missed encounters, it can be incredibly difficult to continue getting out of bed every morning when the alarm goes off. Eventually, it can lead to your season turning into something more like work. At this point, you can become increasingly frustrated with the whole experience and end up putting far too much stress on yourself as well as your family. While nobody wants to give up a day of hunting, it can be one of the best decisions of your season. Take a break, go fishing or out to dinner with the family—whatever makes you happy. When we start to lose sight of the main purpose of being in the woods we start to overlook simple details and, in general, enjoy the experience less and less. Sometimes a recharge is exactly what we need to come back with our head in the game and be ready to go.
BREAK THE CYCLE
Like all things in life, if something is repeated enough it will eventually become a habitual force of action. Imagine walking into the same area day after day. You never see elk in the first mile though you do see some tracks. Naturally, you’re just going to motor into your normal hunting grounds before you begin really looking for elk, right? What about that one time you happen to stumble into a herd with your hands in your pockets? Point being, getting comfortable with an area can sometimes be a curse in disguise. This familiarity is transformed into an issue even more as the season wears on and you become more and more frustrated with each passing day. By searching out new areas to hunt, you will not only find new potential hot spots but you will also force yourself to stay on your toes and, consequently, reduce the amount of messed up encounters that could have been prevented. (continued on page 44)
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Outfitting Montana Anglers for 100 Years
Say Hello to Success: Where to Catch the Fish this Month
Photo Matt Train | Shutterstock
Fishing Yellowstone
MONTANA’S TOP FALL OPTIONS OFFER MANY DIFFERENT SPECIES.
While many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the perks of living in
Montana and chasing birds and bucks, a select few anglers are enjoying the best weeks of the year, catching big fish around the state, and lots of them! Here are a few top spots for October. Bighorn River - Brown Trout There is nothing secret about this blue-ribbon trout stream located south of Billings. What makes it a remarkable October destination is it’s brown trout, which are chasing big streamers aggressively now. Pre-spawn fishing can be intense for numbers of brown trout that range in the 18 to 23 inch class. The big crowds are gone now so there’s room to throw big patterns. You can also take both rainbows and browns on a variety of nymphs - Copper Johns, Hare’s Ears and a selection of scud imitations. Spinning gear works well in the slower, deeper holes along the river’s edges. Flathead River - Whitefish This large river that feeds Flathead Lake is the destination for anglers looking to fill a bucket full of Lake Superior whitefish. The best public access fishing is Teakettle, Sportsman’s Bridge and Old Steel Bridge. They are also
good spots to shore fish. You can bounce lime-green and dark green jigs along the gravelly bottoms of the river to pick up these scrappy whitefish, some up to 4 pounds. Good fishing will continue through November for these tasty fish. Yellowstone River - Smallmouth Bass A surprisingly good fishery for smallmouth bass is on the Yellowstone between Hysham and Forsyth, within sight of Interstate 94. Smallies in this rocky stretch of the river grow to around 4 pounds, though solid 2 pounders are more common. You’ll need to bounce 4-inch curl-tail grubs on jig heads along the rocky shorelines or finesse a worm among the cracks and ledges of the rocks. They will be in “attack” mode once they see your bait floating. Fishing blades will also pull bass from their hiding spots, so don’t hesitate to try a spinnerbait - white, black and chartreuse are usually pretty effective in the fall. Holter Lake - Yellow Perch Cooling waters will perk up the fish bite in and around scenic Holter Lake near Helena. Schools of big yellow perch hug the bottom in open water, usually between 10 and 25 feet deep. Use your electronics to locate gradually sloping bottoms and mid-lake reefs with scattered submerged weeds. Make repeated drifts, slowly dragging a jig/worm combo along the bottom. Target areas include the Oxbow and Split Rock. These tasty morsels are abundant and can be fun to catch here. Added bonus - browns, rainbows and walleye. Fort Peck Lake - Lake Trout Anglers will start to target the plentiful lake trout that are stacked up near the face of Fort Peck Dam in preparation for their late-October and November spawn. It’s one of the rare times of the year you can catch them from the shore. Fish from 5 to 15 pounds and sometimes larger hold 10 to 30 feet down on spots like York Island, Haxby Point and the face of the dam, starting in mid-October. You can toss large spoons or boat fishers can troll wobbling spoons or squids off flashers for good results this fall. The eastern end of the dam tends to produce the best fishing. Practice catch and release on the big female spawners, because large lakers are rare here. Added bonus - northern pike, walleye, perch and chinook salmon. Seeley and Salmon Lakes - Northern Pike Northern pike will start to feed aggressively now as we head into the colder months, especially in these smaller mountain lakes. This is a great time to take a trophy caliber fish. They will engulf lures and flies with heart-stopping strikes. Try casting Rapala Husky Jerks, spoons, or white, black and chartreuse colored spinnerbaits. These predator fish will be feeding on the kokanee salmon that start to school up now and spawn. Anything that mimics a 6-8” koke - silver/black is a good choice. Lake Koocanusa - Rainbow Trout Primetime fishing can be had now in Lake Koocanusa, a huge (90 miles long) and remote reservoir located in the northwestern corner of Montana. It’s one of the few places in Montana where rainbow trout over 10 pounds can be caught. Fall is the best time to catch big trout as they feed
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wildly near the surface to feed on schools of kokanee. Anglers can troll large bucktail and bear hair streamers that imitate wounded or juvenile salmon, crankbaits trolled behind planer boards will work well too. Campgrounds are scattered up and down the reservoir if you’re looking to set-up camp. Canyon Ferry Reservoir - Walleye The bigger walleye that are in this lake located east of Helena will start to head for the shallows now as cooler water temperatures set in. Good fishing should be around the Hole in the Wall and other bay inlets on the south side of the reservoir. Worms on the Lindy Rig with bottom bouncers will pick up walleye in a variety of sizes, and by mid to late October will be at their heaviest size of the year. These walleye should follow the same general pattern until the first ice of the season, which is usually not until late December. Noxon Reservoir - Largemouth Bass Noxon Rapids Reservoir is a collection of such contrastsmountainous beauty beyond compare combined with some of the best bass fishing in the state, and these warmer waters have proven to be a haven for largemouth bass. Suckers, yellow perch and lake whitefish forage helps to grow these fish to pretty hefty sizes - normally 2 - 3 pounds and some up to around 6 pounds. To find largemouths, target any sunken logs and stumps that will draw these fish in for cover. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits or twitching jerk baits in green, white and chartreuse colors will work well. Plastic worms or nightcrawlers can be effective as well. With nearly 8,000 surface acres and a super forage base, the bass fishing is world class. Cooney Reservoir - Walleye, Rainbow Trout Located in Carbon County between Laurel and Red Lodge sits this popular recreational spot and fishery. Fall fishing on Cooney will be productive for plenty of walleye that
average 13 inches. A good area to troll for trout and walleye is west of the North Shore boat launch and where the two creeks enter the reservoir. A rainbow trout pattern Rapala will pick up both species now. A recent strong pattern of yellow perch has boosted the forage base for walleye in the lake.
IDAHO - Fishing News
By Roger Phillips, Public Information Specialist IF&G
An extremely small number of steelhead returning to Idaho
so far has prompted Fish and Game to reduce the bag limit on adipose-clipped hatchery steelhead to zero – closing all rivers to harvest for the fall steelhead season. Through Aug. 14, about 400 steelhead have crossed Lower Granite Dam about 30 miles downstream from Lewiston. The 10-year average for that date is about 6,000 steelhead. Regardless of the size of the hatchery return, anglers have been required to release any wild fish caught since 1987. Catch and release of wild fish is an important conservation tool to protect them, and it continues this year. Closing harvest of hatchery steelhead while leaving it open for catch-and-release fishing will also help ensure enough broodstock return to steelhead hatcheries to produce the next generation of fish. Although only a fraction of the steelhead run has crossed Lower Granite Dam, fisheries managers are tracking the run as it moves upstream... While closing the harvest for adipose-clipped steelhead could put a damper on fall fisheries, an abundant run of fall chinook returning to Idaho will provide some good fishing opportunity. The forecast is for 27,000 chinook, and those fish are now arriving.
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The Gibbon is a small river so swinging streamers can be tough but nymphing is very productive if you can find the runs where the big, migratory fish hang out. The resident fish count in this stretch of river is not especially high so if you are seeking dry fly fishing or big numbers of fish, head to the Firehole instead.
• Gardner River
The Gardner is a good October option because it has an excellent population of resident trout with a few larger, migratory fish mixed in. These migratory fish are moving up out of the Yellowstone River, so they are neither as large nor numerous as the fish moving out of Hebgen Lake into the Madison Drainage. However, they are present in the fall and provide a nice surprise. Nymphing with stoneflies and attractors is your best bet most days, especially if you want a chance at one of the bigger fish. Good hatches of Blue Winged Olives are common, especially below the Boiling River. This stretch can rival the Firehole at
times for the sheer number of fish feeding on the surface. The Boiling River warms the water substantially, so staying below its influence is a good bet on cold days.
• Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River in the Grand and Black Canyons can be a good option to beat the crowds of the Madison Drainage. While there are no big migratory fish to chase, the Cutthroats here are abundant. A big cold snap will shut fishing down, but the river will fish well during warmer periods. Terrestrial and attractor fishing is over, so you will be stripping streamers and watching for the Blue Winged Olive hatch. Cutthroat Trout tend to short strike streamers often, so avoid something with a long tail. Streamers with more than one hook are not allowed in the park, so a “swinger style” streamer with a single hook is my choice.
Idaho Big Game Outlook: Similar Numbers Of Elk And Whitetails, Fewer Mule Deer By Roger Phillips, Public Information Specialist, Idaho Department of Fish and Game The 2017 tags are selling faster, and at current pace, Fish and Game could sell all the nonresident deer and nonresident elk tags by the end of October to nonresidents, or to residents and nonresidents as second tags. So what does all that mean for big game hunters taking to the field this fall? They will see similar numbers of elk and white-tailed deer, but fewer mule deer. Last winter took its toll on mule deer, particularly young bucks, because most of the fawns born last year died during winter, and they would have been two-points this fall.
Photor courtesy Roger Phillips, Idaho Fish and Game
2017 should be another productive hunting season despite harsh winter
Idaho big game hunters have been on a roll in recent
Most of southern and central Idaho had record, or above-average snowfall, coupled with prolonged winter weather. Deer and elk weathered repeated snowstorms and snow depths not normally found on their traditional winter range coupled with Arctic temperatures. That prompted Fish and Game officials to launch a massive feeding effort that included up to 13,000 deer and 12,000 elk.
years with a top-10, all-time deer harvest in 2016, an all-time record whitetail harvest in 2015, and a top-five, all-time elk harvest in 2015.
Despite that, statewide average survival for mule deer fawns was 30 percent, which was the second-lowest since winter fawn monitoring started 19 years ago.
Overall hunting success rates over the last five years have averaged 40 percent for deer and 23 percent for elk. Word has gotten out that big game hunting in Idaho has improved because the nonresident deer tags sold out last year for the first time since 2008, and only 300 nonresident elk tags (out of 10,415 available) remained unsold.
The big question in many hunters’ minds is how much that will affect their fall deer hunts. Deer hunters killed 66,925 deer in 2016 (mule deer and whitetails), down slightly from the previous year, but still a respectable 36 percent success rate statewide, including 34 percent in general hunts... (continued on page 35)
HUNT ON PUBLIC LANDS
IN MONTANA?
P O I
S
Photo by: Terry Reed
Certified forage is required! Find certified forage products at AGR.MT.GOV
LEAVE THE TREESTAND AT HOME: 4 SCENARIOS TO HUNT FROM THE GROUND (continued from page 19)
TIME CONSTRAINTS
Often our time spent afield is limited, so it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity, even if it’s just for an hour in the woods. Too many times we are forced to stay on the couch when wind conditions are not ideal for a stand, while options are endless with a ground approach. With only an hour or two to hunt, setting up a “run and gun” treestand can waste precious time that you already don’t have. Tip: If you’re hunting during the rut, get aggressive and move closer to doe bedding areas to catch a buck on his feet in search of a hot doe.
OPEN COUNTRY
When I first stepped foot onto Kansas dirt in pursuit of whitetails a few years ago, I was floored by the amount of trees (or lack there of) in the surrounding areas. Where could the deer possibly be in this barren landscape? I quickly realized that whitetails utilize every square inch of terrain, from open grass fields to wooded river bottoms with little predictability in their patterns. With this in mind, hunting from a stationary stand location can often leave you out of range and out of the game. Western states consist of open habitat, which means deer movement can be all over the board, so hunting from the ground gives you the ability to close the distance for a shot opportunity at a moment’s notice. Tip: Don’t overlook small patches of brush or weeds, even if it is surrounded by open terrain. Whitetails can pretty much hide anywhere, and they don’t require much for cover, so be sure to glass small pockets from a distance to uncover an overlooked big buck hideout.
THE RUT
As much as we love the high intensity action of the rut, it’s guaranteed to be filled with sporadic and unpredictable deer behavior. By this time of year, the patterns of early season are long gone and love is the only thing on a buck’s mind. Hunting at eye level on the ground allows you to quickly adjust to a buck chasing a doe, or to make a move when the cards are in your favor. Tip: Mix things up with a decoy and/or calling sequence during this time period. Move slowly but don’t be afraid to get aggressive when the conditions are right. TAKE RISKS AND HAVE FUN Hunting from the ground is not an end-all-be-all to your hunting strategy, but it should be part of it, especially when the scenarios above present themselves. Just because you have always hunted from a tree doesn’t mean that you have to be confined to a 2x3-foot platform for the entire season. If anything at all, hunting from the ground is pure freedom from all of the baggage that treestand hunting requires, such as extra gear, noise, effort, and time. I encourage you to mix things up and get creative with your approach. Hunting from the ground may prove to be an effective tactic on a mature buck later this fall. -Adam Parr is an outdoor writer/blogger who enjoys and supports all aspects of ethical hunting and conservation. To find more of Adam’s articles and content related to whitetails and western big game hunting, visit www.TransitionWild.com.
30 | Hunting & Fishing News
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Not all dealers carry all products. Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in a closed or partly enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. * Builder Magazine’s Readex Research Brand Preference Study for 12 consecutive years. © 2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. www.powerequipment.honda.com
2017 BIG GAME HUNTING FORECAST (continued from page 21)
Destination: NORTHWEST MONTANA In the northwest corner of Montana, the story for 2017’s hunting
season was really started last winter with deep snowfall across much of the region. The snowpack, in some areas, was exceptional making for low survival rates in some areas for elk calves and deer fawns. For elk, calf recruitment was lower than in previous years and as such the number of antlerless licenses was reduced for the 2017 season. However, the impact of the hard winter didn’t seem to be as dramatic as initially thought. Bull and cow ratios across the region remain stable. Northwest Montana is unique white-tailed deer country. While most of the state is dominated by mule deer, that’s not the case up here. White-tailed deer can be found from river bottoms and agriculture land to evergreen forests and high country. However, fawn recruitment was impacted by the winter. That’s the bad news. The good news is adult survival was good and if we see a normal winter this year, hunters won’t notice a dip in deer numbers. White-tailed deer numbers were most impacted in the north fork of the Flathead River. Mule deer counts in the region remain at about their long-term average. Destination: WESTERN MONTANA Elk numbers in western Montana are robust. FWP wildlife biologists counted 26,226 elk this spring, the second-highest total in 53 years of annual aerial surveys. Numbers of bull elk in the surveys were notably strong, probably reflecting the light harvest last fall. Elk survey results, past and present, for every hunting district in FWP Region 2 are available online at http://fwp.mt.gov/regions/r2/wildlifeQuarterly.html (Region Two Wildlife Quarterly, Issue #8) and at Region 2 headquarters in Missoula. Dry weather and fires in the region will contribute to more elk in irrigated crops on private land. Hunters hoping to participate in shoulder seasons this fall or winter should secure permission on private land now, and purchase an elk B-license now for private lands where B-licenses are valid. Hunting regulations are the same as last year; please read the regulations for your area carefully. White-tailed deer numbers appear to be on an upward trend, owing to the past couple years of excellent fawn production and average-or-better winter survival. It seems that most does had twins, this year and last. Biologists noticed more good bucks in the velvet over the summer. Dry weather and fires in the region will tend to concentrate deer, like elk, in irrigated crops on private land even more than usual. Fresh burns could be good places to hunt if fall rains come and if a fall green-up occurs. Opportunities to hunt mule deer are somewhat limited in western Montana. Many districts require the hunter to have obtained a permit or B-license through the statewide application process. Hunters with buck permits or hunters hunting in districts where a special permit is not required for a buck should plan to go high in the mountains to match their stamina with the biggest bucks. An emerging opportunity for hunters in Region 2 is to hunt mule deer on private lands, where numbers generally are growing. Again, pay close attention to the regulations to make sure you are properly licensed to hunt mule deer... (continued on page 36)
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Idaho Big Game Outlook: Similar Numbers Of Elk And Whitetails, Fewer Mule Deer (continued from page 29)
Elk
Hunters shouldn’t see a big change in elk populations this year. Elk are hardier than deer and able to withstand the rigors of hard winters, and elk herds have increased in recent years and produced some outstanding hunting seasons. Hunters killed 22,557 elk in 2016, which was down 1,670 animals from 2015, but still the second highest in 20 years. (For more perspective, 2015 was the fourth-highest, all-time harvest dating back to 1935.) Elk hunters in 2016 had 21 percent success statewide, including 39 percent for controlled hunts and 17 percent for general hunts, but general hunts accounted for 62 percent of the harvest. “This is the good-old days of elk hunting,” said Craig White, F&G’s Magic Valley regional supervisor. “There was only one period when Idaho hunters were harvesting as many elk as they are now.” However, elk herds didn’t survive winter completely unscathed. There was higher calf mortality due to the harsh winter, which means some zones will have a “blip in the recruitment of young bulls,” White said, adding that it will likely be short-term. Adult winter survival, particularly breeding-age cows, was “bulletproof,” he said, so any decline in herds will likely be replaced next year, barring another extreme winter. While Idaho is reliving some of its glory years for elk hunting, the location of the animals has changed. During record harvests in the 1990s, Central Idaho’s backcountry and wilderness areas were major contributors. They are less so these days, but other areas have picked up the slack. “We grow more elk in what I like to call the front country,” White said.
Harvest results support this. The Panhandle is currently the top elk zone in the state, and the top 10 zones include the Weiser River, McCall, Tex Creek, Palouse, Boise River and Pioneer, all of which have major highways running through them...
Elk herds are doing so well in some zones, such as the Weiser and Pioneer zones, those herds are over objectives and Fish and Game has increased cow hunting opportunities to thin the herds. For new elk hunters, or experienced hunters looking for a new place to hunt, White recommends taking a longer view than this season. Elk populations are likely to remain healthy in the foreseeable future, so now’s a good time to learn a zone where there are abundant herds. “Be patient,” White advises. “Make it a multi-year commitment, and get to know the area.” Idaho offers a variety of over-the-counter tags for elk hunters. Out of 28 elk hunting zones, only two are limited to only controlled hunts... Read the complete report at https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/big-game-outlook-similar-numbers-elk-and-whitetails-fewer-mule-deer.
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17-HFN-oct-10grizzlyPac.pdf
1
3/10/17
11:30 AM
2017 BIG GAME
HUNTING FORECAST (continued from page 32)
Destination: SOUTHEAST MONTANA
T E L t ’ N O D ATURE
MOTHOEWRYONU DOWN SL
C
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Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
© KENETREK, LLC 2017
KENETREK GRIZZLY
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36 | Hunting & Fishing News
The badlands, farmland and rolling prairie of southeast Montana is home to a vast number of animals, including rapidly rebounding populations of mule deer, near-average antelope numbers and a growing number of elk. Mule deer in the region continue to be on a strong upward trajectory from their low point in 2012. Following back-to-back severe winters in 2009-10 and 2010-11, mule deer numbers bottomed out at 61 percent of long-term average. Spring 2017 surveys indicate populations are 45 percent above long-term average. “In just five years, we’ve gone from extremely low to extremely high deer numbers,” said FWP biologist Melissa Foster. “The age structure of the population continues to improve. Early in that recovery, the population was heavily skewed toward younger age classes; we had lots of yearlings, lots of 2-year-olds, but fewer mature deer. That’s perfectly natural. It’s a result of the boom in production following the population decline.” “With fewer mouths on the landscape, almost everyone enters winter in good body condition,” Foster explained. “They’re able to find winter browse and thermal cover, resources are essentially unlimited and fawn production and survival rates are extremely high.” Going into the 2017 hunting season, biologists expect that there still won’t be many old deer on the landscape. Deer in the 6 to 8-year-old range would have survived as fawns or been born following the severe winters when fawn production and survival rates were low. Five-year-olds this year would have been born in 2012, a year with good fawn production but low numbers of deer. Numbers of 3 and 4-year-olds will be better, and there will once again be high numbers of yearlings and 2-year-olds. “We have probably hit a high point for deer numbers,” Foster said. “At 45 percent above the long-term average, habitat degradation is already beginning to occur. The drought this year means that deer will enter winter with fewer fat reserves than prior years... Habitat is important and high numbers of deer can have an effect. “Deer can and do have the ability to eat themselves out of house and home,” said John Ensign, FWP Region 7 wildlife manager. “When deer numbers are high like they are right now, they impact winter browse. As that browse component declines, so does the number of deer that the landscape can support.” “It’s counterintuitive,” said Foster. “But the best thing that we can do oftentimes to improve deer numbers is to harvest more deer.” Good harvests can mean better deer health through the winter and into spring because the habitat can better handle the pressure. “The antlerless mule deer quota this year was increased to 11,000, which means there’s plenty of opportunity for hunters to fill their freezers while helping to maintain herd health,” Ensign said. Whitetail numbers have held steady in southeast Montana... (continued on page 50)
GEAR REVIEW EBERLESTOCK HUNTING PACKS WITH DOPPELGANGER CAMO PATTERN Performance should be expected of your outdoor gear
Eberlestock has created a new camo pattern, Doppelganger and is offering it on many of their hunting packs, including the Team Elk pack,
one of the best all-around hunting packs ever created. With a unique set of best-in-class features, including fold-away rifle scabbard, built-in bow carrier, Intex tubular aluminum frame, dual full-depth spotting scope and hydration pockets, grapple-compression straps, and more! And for the first time, they’ve added zip-and-flip covers to the scabbard and bow carrier, so that when not carrying a gun or bow, they serve as additional pockets. At 3100 cubic inches (51 liters), the Team Elk pack hits the sweet spot in hunting pack size. It serves well as a day pack but is also great for shorter multi-day trips, and is a great game hauler. It has both front-loading and top-loading access, and is designed to appeal to all hunters with a significant part of the profits from this pack donated to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE® PREDATOR
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Make the perfect shot
MODEL NUMBER: 16953 CALIBER: 6.5 CREEDMOOR •Ruger Marksman Adjustable™ trigger offers a crisp release with a pull weight that is user adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds. •Ergonomic, lightweight synthetic stock designed for quick, easy handling. •Soft rubber buttpad is crafted for maximum recoil reduction. •Patent-pending Power Bedding®, integral bedding block system positively locates the receiver and free-floats the barrel for outstanding accuracy. •Offers minute-of-angle accuracy that can make every hunt a success. •Heavier tapered, threaded barrel (5/8”-24 thread pattern) is cold hammer-forged, resulting in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning. •Equipped with a factory-installed Vortex® Crossfire II® 4-12x44 riflescope with the Dead-Hold BDC reticle.
Team Elk pack shown
OBSIDIAN MERINO PANTS
For both spot and stalk and stationary hunting.
Silent, odor resistant, and comfortable from 100 degrees into the late season. The Obsidian’s ergonomic design and proprietary, stretch merino/nylon fabric work in conjunction to move and flex with the body and provide maximum durability all while preserving the qualities you love about Merino. Reinforced with rip-stop nylon, this woven merino pant has no UV signature or shine and fends off odor-causing bacteria better than any synthetic. Stretch nylon panels also enhance range of motion and provide durability and support in high stress areas. The Obsidian pant is equipped with detachable suspenders for a superior fit with pack or harness and can be used with other First Lite pants. This piece is machine washable and will dry quickly over a branch or on a line. Available in camo patterns Fusion, Cipher and ASAT, as well as Dry Earth Brown. First Lite Fusion shown Available in S, M, L, XL, XXL, MT, LT, XT See these and other fine products at Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors stores or online at www.bobwards.com. Firearms not sold online.
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Itotally f you’re new to hunting antelope, you’ll find some challenges unique to this species. In fact taxonomically, they are not related to anything else in the world. Not a true antelope and not related to other deer species like elk or moose, the American pronghorn is one of a kind. Antelope are perhaps best known for their excellent vision. They live in wide-open country, where they rely on their vision and speed for safety. Approaching them in areas with very little cover creates a serious challenge for hunters We’ve asked our guides for their best antelope hunting tips and they offered some great advice. If you’re planning to hunt antelope with...SNS Outfitter and Guides, or if you’re new to antelope hunting in general, here are a few tips and what you can expect.
1. Antelope Rely on their Vision
The greatest challenge to getting within shooting range of an antelope is staying out of sight.
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Photo courtesy Ryan McSparran and SNS Outfitter & Guides
An antelope’s best defenses are not the same as other western big game animals. An antelope has eyesight and speed. Those are the defenses they rely on. Hearing and smell are often secondary when it comes to antelope hunting. You can often stalk antelope with the wind at your back and still be successful. And you can make noise unlike you could with an elk or a deer. But if they catch you moving, even at long distances, you’re likely to get busted.
2. Take the Time to Plan Your Approach One of the most important factors in antelope hunting is staying out of their line of sight. It is important to carefully plan your approach, and make a stalk that will put you within shooting range. At first glance, the terrain may look featureless.
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Photo courtesy Ryan McSparran and SNS Outfitter & Guides
But even shallow ravines and low rolling draws can provide enough cover. Use anything you can to get within range. Sometimes, you may have to crawl on your hands and knees to close the distance.
3. Practice With Your Rifle
Getting close to antelope can be difficult. It’s not uncommon to have to make shots between 200 and 300 yards. Photo courtesy Ryan McSparran And remember that an antelope and SNS Outfitter & Guides doesn’t present a very large target. Before your antelope hunt, spend plenty of time practicing with your rifle in realistic hunting positions, not from a bench. Don’t wait until the week before your hunt. Begin practicing with your rifle now and be extremely comfortable with its performance out to 300 yards. You want to feel confident and prepared when you finally get that opportunity at a great trophy. Photo courtesy Ryan McSparran and SNS Outfitter & Guides
4. Don’t Lose Hope When You Blow a Stalk
If you hunt antelope long enough, you’ll certainly experience a blown stalk. When it happens, don’t give up on the buck. Your chance may not be over. Antelope can run more than 55 miles per hour and they cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. But chances are, when he goes over the next hill, you can hit the reset button. For an antelope, out of sight is out of mind. After a long, hard stalk gets blown, it’s easy to feel a big letdown. It was a lot of work and it can be hard to stay motivated. But stay focused and determined. Persistence definitely pays off when in pursuit of a mature antelope buck. For more call SNS Outfitter & Guides 307-266-4229.
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Another strong fall flight is ready to wing south.
The 2017 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey
puts the spring duck population at 47.3 million birds, the fifth-highest tally ever, and just the 16th time the estimate has exceeded 40 million. The annual survey, which has been conducted jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service since 1955, indicates a minimal decrease from last year’s population of 48.4 million, but the estimate remains 34 percent above the long-term average. “The duck numbers remain really strong,” said Dr. Frank Rohwer, president and chief scientist of Delta Waterfowl. “Most duck populations remain near or above long-term averages.” Overall, four of the 10 key index species increased, and all but pintails and bluebills are above long-term averages. The 2017 survey marks the highest estimate ever recorded for gadwalls, which climbed 13 percent to 4.18 million birds, putting them 111 percent above the long-term average. “That’s great news for hunters, especially in the southern United States where the gadwall has become an increasingly important species,” said Rohwer. Waterfowlers should also be encouraged that pintails increased 10 percent to 2.89 million. While they remain 27 percent below the long-term average, the estimate snaps five straight years of declines. “Isn’t it great to finally have some good news to report about pintails?” Rohwer said. “I expect the estimate is high enough that hunters will be blessed with a two-pintail daily limit for the 2018-19 season. The birds increased due to the way water was distributed across the prairie this year. The pintails’ preferred breeding range — southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan — provided ample shallow wetlands. I also anticipate pintail production to be substantially improved over last year, when they overflew the dry prairie and went to the arctic, where production is always low.” The 2017 survey further indicates that the blue-winged teal population grew by 18 percent to 7.89 million — the species’ fifth highest estimate in history — 57 percent above the long-term average. Additionally, northern shovelers climbed 10 percent to 4.35 million, 69 percent above the long-term average.
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“Like pintails, bluewings and shovelers really responded to all of that water in southern Canada,” Rohwer said. Among the survey’s less encouraging results, mallards declined 11 percent from last year’s record high to 10.49 million, but remain 34 percent above the long-term average. The largest percent decreases were observed among wigeon and green-winged teal, which fell 19 and 16 percent, respectively. Still, wigeon remain 6 percent above the long-term average, while greenwings are still in great shape at 70 percent above the long-term average. Attention diver hunters: Redheads and canvasbacks remain well above long-term averages, despite a 13 percent decline among redheads and a minimal decrease in cans. The news is less promising for scaup, which fell 12 percent to 4.37 million, 13 percent below the long-term average. The May pond count registered 6.01 million — 22 percent higher than last year and 17 percent above the long-term average. Pond counts in prairie and parkland Canada, which covers Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, increased 24 percent, 23 percent above the long-term average. Pond counts in the North-Central United States, which covers Montana and the Dakotas, are up 22 percent, 17 percent above the long-term average.
However, nesting conditions in the U.S. prairie were significantly better in May as the surveys were conducted, before drought impacted a vast number of wetlands. “I think the pond count is a little misleading, because wetlands in the Dakotas and parts of the southern Canadian prairies dried out quickly and dramatically following the surveys,” Rohwer said. “Renesting and brood survival are going to be far lower this year. I don’t expect the production we’ve seen in recent years.” That’s important for hunters, who shoot the fall flight, not the breeding population. “We will see a lot of birds flying south, but it’ll be more challenging for hunters because the flight will have a higher percentage of adult ducks,” Rohwer said. “Juvenile birds are much easier to decoy.”
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Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): Rules for Transporting Deer Across State Lines By Mike Hanback www.bigdeerblog.com I recently attended the National Deer Summit and was
struck by the dire reports of CWD that came from the country’s top deer scientists. To a man and woman, all the experts agreed that CWD is the most serious threat to our deer herds and hunting that we’ve faced in decades, and possibly ever. To a person they said the thing we must do to stop the spread of CWD is to immediately monitor and restrict the movement of deer and deer parts across state lines. First is to immediately stop the interstate transport of live deer to penned facilities, something that does not affect the 99.9% of us that hunt wild deer. Second is to monitor and restrict the interstate transport of deer shot and killed by hunters, something that will directly affect millions of us who hunt deer in different states this fall. This 2017 information on CWD Carcass Import Restrictions from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is timely. While it pertains to Tennessee, the import restrictions are virtually the same for every state in the nation. If you harvest a deer, elk or moose from a CWD positive area...it must be properly processed before bringing it back into Tennessee. This rule is in effect to protect the state from the unintentional introduction of Chronic Wasting Disease. How do you properly process a deer (or elk) that you shoot in, say, Wyoming or Saskatchewan for legal transport back to Tennessee, New York, Georgia or (insert your state here)?
Two big things to remember: You cannot throw a whole field-dressed deer into your truck and drive home across state lines like you did in the old days. Nor can you cut off a buck’s head with antlers attached and take it home. You must: Skin the animal and bone out the meat. Quartering a deer is not good enough. All bones should be removed. Pack the deboned meat in coolers. As for antlers, if you saw them off an animal you plan to mount with the cape, you must thoroughly clean all meat and tissue from the skull cap. If you want a European mount, that’s trickier. You must thoroughly clean off and clean out the entire skull so that no meat or tissues are attached to it. The Tennessee WRA also tells you to clean the teeth, something I never knew.
While state laws on this issue are similar, there are variations, so check your CWD transport regulations carefully.
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What is CWD?Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease of deer and elk, including white-tailed deer, moose, mule deer, and Rocky Mountain elk. The disease causes degeneration of the brain and eventual death. In the early stages of the disease, an infected animal may not show any signs that it is sick. As the disease progresses, animals will show signs of weight loss, generally accompanied by behavioral changes. In later stages, affected animals may show emaciation, excessive drooling, increased drinking and urination, listlessness, stumbling, trembling, loss of fear of humans and nervousness. CWD is not caused by a bacteria or virus. It is classified as a prion disease. For more, read here http://dnr.maryland. gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/CWD_in_Maryland.aspx
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How To Overcome Mid-Season Hunting Struggles
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Often, I find myself simply getting bored with my surroundings and in desperate need of change. A change in locations can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including your mental well being. It may also help you realize that the deer or elk you’ve been chasing for weeks now may have left the area or gone nocturnal. The change of areas doesn’t need to be drastic; it can even be in the same drainage. Yet, changing your surroundings can usually change your outlook in a big way. Hunting the unfamiliar terrain will also take your mind off the task at hand and allow you to enjoy the hunt that much more. I’ve also noticed in myself that when hunting new areas I feel more vulnerable and, thus, much more attentive to detail. This results in actually beginning to hunt much more efficiently.
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD
Along with changing your normal routine of activities, sitting down and getting technical about your hunting can really make a difference, too. To expound on this, is it possible that the animals you were once seeing in masses have simply moved off in favor of more desirable landscape features? Once the weather starts to turn colder and the leaves begin to fall many of the available food sources will change on a nutritional level, too. Elk and deer will now need to begin dropping elevation to stay ahead of this feed change much like a bear will follow green-up as it increases in elevation with the spring sun. Sometimes sitting down and really evaluating the game you are pursuing can put everything into perspective and make garnering a new plan of attack much easier. Now is the time to break out your maps and begin to really pick apart your area. Look for natural funnels that will allow the animals to transition into lower areas easily and focus your efforts on these. Generally, I like to start high and work my way into the lower elevations until I begin to find an increase in sign.
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While I’m not here to preach to anyone about the outcome they should expect to see when the sun sets on the last day of the season I think we can all agree that simply carrying a bow around the woods during the season is something to be happy about. After a long and trying season, it’s very easy to get caught up in the need to fill a tag, especially when you log onto your favorite social media site and are constantly bombarded by everybody’s bulls and bucks and how “this has been the best season of their life.” However, the simple fact of the matter is that it can literally take 30 seconds for your entire season to take a left turn and become your best one. It’s an easy enough concept to grasp but it is also very tough to convince yourself to keep that mentality and keep pushing everyday, but it really is that simple. The biggest reality check for me every fall is the fact that I can basically step out of my back door and hunt deer, elk, bear, lion and wolf on a yearly basis. Beyond that, if I’m lucky enough, I can also chase moose, sheep, and mountain goat. We are truly blessed to live in the west and it’s something that I feel gets taken for granted far too often. Remember why you are out there in the first place. While this answer will obviously vary from hunter to hunter, keying in on these important factors can help keep things light and in perspective. Hunt hard every day, enjoy the little things and remember to enjoy the time you have because it’s a long wait for next season.
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Stalking Technology By Tayler Michels, Passion for the Hunt Television
Tools and technology have completely changed spot and stalk hunting.
Better optics enable hunters to find the desired animal. Rangefinders eliminate any guess work. Advancements in optics, weapons, clothing... Hunters today use specialized pieces of equipment that increases the odds for a successful stalk. GPS technology is another tool that is extremely valuable for spot and stalk western big game hunting.
Perhaps the most common function for using GPS concerns access. Hard to imagine a hunter intentionally trespassing on private land, for most hunters being in the wrong place is not something to do intentionally. Some regions have a confusing patchwork of private and public land with no noticeable marker or boundary. Public land tracks are easy to find and with some programs or apps ..., the hunter can also see who owns private land. Besides remaining law abiding, GPS can also serve as a valuable tool for planning stalks particularly by using the contour lines available on GPS. With GPS, the hunter can judge distances and plan stalks by using the terrain features, a very valuable tool. Which do you prefer? As a big game hunting guide in eastern Montana, I use my GPS every day. I can’t afford to be wrong when defining property lines or planning a lengthy stalk. Features I like in a GPS include a large touch screen, excellent mapping display and two-way radio capabilities as well as weather alerts. Not all GPS units are the same. It’s important to assess the features of each unit and pick something that fits what you plan to use it for.
Handheld GPS loaded with the right software can maximize your efficiency when planning a successful stalk. Photo courtesy Tayler Michels.
A few features to consider when choosing the right GPS include reception. Accuracy of your position is dependent on how many satellites your GPS can pick up. A bigger, stronger antenna will give you better reception. If you are hunting out west in the mountains covered up in timber, you will want something with elite reception. If you spend most your time in open farm country most any GPS will have no trouble picking up strong signal. Not all GPS units have the same display. Definition and readability are key. In a stressful hunting situation, there’s no time for second guessing what your GPS is showing you.
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As time goes on you will become a more efficient hunter, knowing which types of topography to focus on and what contours the animals like to spend their time. Essentially you can eliminate dead space where most likely the animals WON’T be and accurately identify specific types of areas where you’ve experienced encounters before. Hunt planning is a huge part of each fall, putting together all the details of a hunting trip is a pivotal part of the process. Reverting to the maps and compiling your waypoints will show you not only where to start but what to look for in terms of topography and habitat.
In a spot and stalk situation a GPS can make all the difference. Spotting a bedded animal at a distance and planning a stalk using information provided by your GPS is incredibly effective. Your GPS will identify topography that Scott Winkles from SCHEELS with a great Montana mule deer. Pictured with Scott is Jason Mitchell and Tayler Michels from Passion for the Hunt TV. The right equipment can determine success or failure when hunting western big game. Photo courtesy Tayler Michels.
Better units will have adjustable backlighting for the screen display making it easy to see and define during any lighting situation including direct sunlight. All units will look reasonably good or great in a store with soft light. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the settings and how to adjust for better viewing. This goes along with usability as well. Many GPS units come with some general mapping software already in them. You will need to download or buy additional maps to show topography and property lines. Make sure the GPS you pick can run whatever mapping system you plan to install. Handheld units can range from $40 up to $1,000 or more depending on the unit and capabilities. Don’t feel pressure to buy the most expensive GPS. You might be paying for features you’ll never use. Read reviews other hunters have on a particular GPS. For most hunting situations, $150-$300 will get you into a variety of quality handhelds that will last a long time.
GPS technology gives hunters the ability to hunt safer. When darkness falls onto the landscape and you need to find your way back to the pickup or camp, it’s your GPS that will take you there. Some units can share information with each other. In areas without cell reception, some units can display locations of other units. If one hunter needs help, his partner can display his location and walk right to him. Hunters can also use GPS features to navigate faster and more efficiently through rough terrain than they could before. With GPS, a hunter doesn’t have to guess where he/she is or estimate how far they are from their destination. With advancements in GPS technology, hunting changes from a game of estimations and guessing to pure precision efficiency. How can GPS make you a better hunter? Here are some tips on using GPS features that will help make you a more successful hunter. Mark waypoints or points of interest when out in the field. Whether you’re out scouting or shed hunting in the spring and summer, especially during hunting season. Always have a GPS along and every time you observe sign of your quarry, map it. Over time waypoints will add up and you will be able to identify patterns based on a compilation of your individual encounters.
may not be visible from any given vantage point. What you see between you and a bedded buck isn’t always what you encounter during the stalk.
Things start to look different and it is easy to miss your mark particularly when you are crawling. Set a waypoint as close as you can to the location you want to sneak to. Plan a course of action based on the evident contours represented on your GPS map and you won’t get turned around. You can use your rangefinder for more accurate distance estimations as well. Couple that with the distance and topography on your GPS and your stalks will no longer be a guessing game full of mishaps and hard lessons learned. Hunting techniques and strategies are changing with the times. Hunters are evolving with every new piece of technology invented. Studying the nuances of handheld GPS units is proving to be a revolution in hunting across the board...
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Hunting & Fishing News | 47
Favorable Spring Weather Conditions (Generally) Lead To Good Upland Bird Numbers MFWP U
... pland season starts Sept. 1 with mountain, sage and sharptail grouse along with partridge. Pheasant hunting starts Oct. 7. All seasons end Jan. 1, except sage grouse, which ends Sept. 30... Gray (Hungarian) Partridge While no formal surveys are conducted for huns in Montana, weather and habitat conditions suggest huns across the state will range from slightly above to well below average this season, depending on the area of the state. Observations in Regions 4, in the middle of Montana suggest average numbers. In FWP Region 6, northeastern Montana, numerous pairs and broods were observed early on, but the effects of severe drought conditions this summer, which influences forb and insect production important to young birds, is as yet unknown. In south-central Montana, FWP Region 5, conditions were in flux and bird numbers in most of the region will be below average. A series of mild winters the past few years has generally allowed huns to increase in distribution and numbers throughout Region 7. Although Hungarian Partridge occur throughout the region, their distribution tends to be spotty. The most robust populations can be found where there is a good interspersion of grain, alfalfa and rolling grassy hills or grass ways. Hunters can expect numbers of Hungarian Partridge to range from poor to excellent, depending on localized weather and habitat conditions. Mountain Grouse Mountain grouse, a catch all term that includes ruffed, spruce, and dusky (or blue) grouse, are fun to hunt and good to eat. The last few years have been good for these birds in FWP Regions 1 (northwestern Montana), 2 (western Montana), 3 (southwestern Montana)
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and parts of 4. Preliminary information from Region 5 suggests that dusky grouse numbers are better than last year but still below average and ruffed grouse will be at or slightly above average. Success of broods can vary from year to year, particularly with spring weather. Biologists in northwest Montana have seen good numbers of birds and broods through the summer. However, in parts of southwest Montana the news hasn’t been as good. Broods have been scarce and biologists have seen mostly single birds. So, if you’re favorite spot had dry weather when grouse were hatching this year, you might see good numbers. If not, it could be a tough season. Pheasants Montana is experiencing a large decline in conservation reserve program acreage along the northern tier of the state, which may have an impact on hunting experiences in Regions 4 and 6. CRP is a program that pays landowners to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that improves environmental health and quality of bird habitat. Although conditions were good for nesting and hatching, the impacts of the ongoing severe drought on insects and forbs, important foods for young birds, is unknown at this time. In good pheasant habitats in central Montana—such as around Conrad and Lewistown—pheasants are “overall pretty good “ according to Region 4 Wildlife Manager Graham Taylor. Likewise, in Region 5 and 3 where the season should be about average. In Region 1, things appear about average on the Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area. Numbers in the Flathead Valley are holding steady. The number of pheasants surveyed this past spring in the Clarks Fork Valley in southcentral Montana was the highest in recent years. Elsewhere in Region 5, pheasant numbers appear to be similar to last year. In Region 6, numbers are down a bit around Malta, Glasgow and northeast Montana but still at or above the long-term average. Around Havre numbers are up a bit, but still below their long-term averages. In Region 7, mild winter conditions resulted in high over-winter survival. Sage-Grouse Sage grouse continue to do well in Montana going into summer, although the effects of drought remain to be seen. Also, large wildfires in sage grouse core habitat will affect bird distribution this year and in the future. After declining lek counts between 2008 and 2014 numbers picked up in 2016, which is consistent with normal population fluctuations and is a result of favorable weather conditions for hatching and brood rearing in 2014 through 2016. Sharp-tailed Grouse Like pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse in Region 6 have been affected by a reduction in CRP acreage and drought, meaning there will likely be fewer birds and hunters will need to be more mobile in some traditional areas. In the central part of the state in Region 4, things look about average. In Region 5, numbers are likely similar to last year. Again, warmer-than-average March temperatures kicked breeding off early in Region 7. Nesting conditions were favorable. In general, sharp-tailed grouse distribution is fairly even across the southeastern part of the state. Lek counts and other observations show average numbers; overall the sharp-tailed grouse population continues to be robust, providing good hunting opportunities this fall. Hunting should be good this fall, keeping in mind that severe weather events may have negatively impacted populations in localized areas.
2017 BIG GAME HUNTING FORECAST (continued from page 36)
“We are at a good place right now with whitetail numbers,” Ensign said. “As deer densities increase, the risk of major EHD outbreaks increases. The disease is transmitted by a biting midge. When you get deer in close proximity, it’s an ideal situation for disease transmission... Montana antelope populations are for the most part continuing to recover and grow from previous years’ winter kills and low fawn numbers in central and eastern Montana. Summer production surveys indicate that southeast Montana antelope numbers have increased 74 percent from the low in 2012, and are now hovering near the region-wide long-term average. The total count across the region is slightly below last year. Antelope numbers in the northeastern portion of the region are near long-term average. Populations north of Hysham and Forsyth are still somewhat depressed. Individuals who know that area and typically hunt it may still find success there, but groups looking to harvest does may do better to focus their efforts in the southeastern portion. In the western portion of the region, antelope numbers have improved since 2012 but remain well below historic averages. Antelope numbers are best in the southern portion of the region. This year, just like last, FWP is offering more licenses than in the previous few years, which reflects the improving population. These are good times for elk hunters, as Montana elk populations continue to be strong across most of the state. In many hunting districts, however, access to private lands can be difficult, which can affect hunting success given landownership patterns and distribution of elk. Even if you didn’t draw a special permit this year, remember that Montana offers numerous opportunities to hunt for elk with just a general hunting license. The most recent winter surveys indicated that elk in southeast Montana are continuing moderate growth and gradual expansion into unoccupied available habitat. FWP biologists observed strong calf recruitment (52 per 100 cows) and an excellent composition of bulls (40 per 100 cows). The Missouri Breaks (hunting district 700) and Custer Forest Elk Management Unit (HDs 702, 704, 705) remain the two “core” elk populations. Outside of these areas, elk numbers across the region are low, distribution is spotty and elk are primarily found on private land where public hunting access is limited. Bull hunting is by permit only in HDs 700, 702, 704, 705 and the far western portion of 701. In HD 703 and in the rest of 701, hunters can pursue either-sex elk with a general license. New starting in the 2016 hunting season is the 007-00 B license. This license is valid for antlerless elk throughout Region 7 except for the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and the Custer National Forest. An easy way for hunters to remember where they can use the 007-00 antlerless elk license is that it’s valid everywhere expect what is green on a Bureau of Land Management ownership map (green being national forest or federal wildlife refuge areas). It is important for hunters to note that there are no elk shoulder seasons in any of the hunting districts in Region 7. Additional antlerless opportunities exist in the region via a general and/or B-license, and hunters are encouraged to review the regulations for more details on those opportunities...
Destination: NORTHEAST MONTANA Mule deer populations are still on a steady increase across
the region but vary depending on the hunting district. Generally speaking, the mule deer are above long-term averages. Areas of note are north of Havre, where mule deer numbers are well above average and in the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge, north of the Missouri, where mule deer numbers are below average. White-tailed deer are on the increase across the region, but still just below average. Populations in the eastern part of the region in more of the prairie/cropland habitats are doing better than populations along the Milk and Missouri Rivers. Although whitetails are recovering in recent years, still expect lower deer numbers in areas along those rivers. In the northeast corner of the state, decline in CRP and habitat changes are moving deer around and may not be in traditional areas. Elk hunting opportunities in most areas in Region 6 are limited to licenses/permits awarded through special drawings. Those hunting districts where elk hunting is allowed on a general license are mostly areas with smaller elk populations and very limited elk hunting opportunity. Regionwide, the weather conditions the past several years have been favorable for elk with milder winters and good spring precipitation, although 2017 has been hotter and drier. Elk populations in the region continue to fair well and have been increasing. Elk numbers are above average across the region. Elk shoulder seasons will occur in northeast Montana from Dec. 15-31. Hunters interested in participating in this hunting season will have had to already drawn a shoulder season license (License 696-00 or 699-00) to hunt during this shoulder season. General season elk licenses are not valid during the elk shoulder season in FWP Region 6. The Missouri Breaks shoulder season license (699-00) is not valid on the CMR Refuge. Make sure you’re familiar with the regulations for the area you plan on hunting. In general, antelope populations are stable to increasing across the region, but in most cases still remain below long-term averages. Antelope licenses are distributed through the drawing system. Major reductions in licenses were seen following the winter of 2010-11, however some increase in licenses have been seen since that time. Those who have drawn licenses should have a very good opportunity to harvest an antelope... Please also check all local fire restrictions prior to hunting.
50 | Hunting & Fishing News
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