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Volume 29

Number 3

Fall 2014

Wildlife disease continues to grow and is an issue of not only regional consideration but of national concern. Wildlife disease is evolving into one of the more important issues of our time.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

From the Editor | In this Issue...................................................................................Mark B. Steffen

From the President | Animal Health ....................................................... William A. Demmer Deer and Elk - Wildlife or Livestock?................................................... Rebecca A. Humphries

Hemorrhagic Disease................................................................................................ John R. Fischer

10 Capitol Comments | Upset? Yeah You Might Say ........................................... Steven Williams P.14

P.18

14 FIELD ETHICS…OR HOW TO KILL WITH

A CLEAN CONSCIENCE

.........................................................................Wayne van Zwoll

18 UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL .........................................................................Chuck Adams 22 .243 WINCHESTER ........................................................................................Craig Boddington

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24 TRAILBLAZER SPOTLIGHT Buck Knives ............................................................ CJ Buck 28 FAMILY HISTORY Lost and Gained Through Death..................................... Scott Chessher

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30 TRINITY DREAM COME TRUE ................................................................ J. Peter Morish 38 MILESTONES IN CONSERVATION ......................................................... B&C Staff

P.28

42 WELCOME A NEW LEADER ........................................................ B&C Press Release 46 Knowledge Base | Big Game Glut in the National Parks .............................. Winifred B. Kessler

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48 B&C Professor’s Corner | Scientist to Scientist Conversation............................. William Porter P.38

50 The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch .................................................... Luke Coccoli 54 For Home, Cabin or in the Field ............................................................... Product Reviews

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56 Wild Gourmet | Venison Rib Roulettes ............................................................. Daniel Nelson 58 Trophy Talk | Potential World’s Record - Bighorn Update .................................... Jack Reneau

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60 Beyond The Score | Sponsored by onX maps .............................Justin E. Spring 64 Generation Next | 29th Awards Youth Trophy List

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66 Recently Accepted Trophies | 29th Awards Program Entries. 74 Trophy Photo Gallery.............................. Sponsored by Realtree Xtra Green

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P.60

the Last word

Be True To Your School ..................................................................... Daniel A. Pedrotti, Jr.

FROM THE EDITOR In this Issue I’ve never been one for heroes. My friends would say it’s because of my overinflated opinion of myself. But, nonetheless, since the Mark B. Steffen last issue of Fair Chase, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF the world has firmly Chairman B&C planted several heroes Publications Committee squarely in my mind. First up, a Mr. James Hetfield, lead singer and songwriter for the American heavy metal band, Metallica. James narrated the wonderful History Channel program The Hunt. This show chronicled the saga of multiple brown bear guides and hunters on Kodiak Island. They did the hunter-conservation community proud because they did it right. Mr. Hetfield was rewarded with countless social media death threats toward both himself and family. Over 15,000 “likes” were delivered to a web page calling for Metallica’s banishment from a Woodstock-like event in England. I reckon losing work beats death most days. Seemingly, just days later, the Texas Tech cheerleader, Kendall Jones was pounded viciously against the social media rocks for her Facebook page containing photos of her African hunting successes. More derision and death threats were the ploy of the social media keyboard cowards. My heroin, Kendall, didn’t even break a sweat as she launched her career in outdoor television with an emphasis on promoting hunting to young girls and women. A personal note to Kendall—you have an open invitation to come hunt deer

with me on my Kansas ranch. You name the date. A special thank you to Craig Boddington for his willingness to be interviewed by CNN, bringing much-needed clarification to Kendall’s story. You too are a hero. In our last issue, I hope you paid attention to the Club’s new position statement on long-range shooting. We wanted to share this with you first. As I write this, the Boone and Crockett Club fashioned a national press release announcing our stance—a brilliantly crafted statement defining a difficult to “get your head around” problem. Three more heroes were born as Wayne van Zwoll, Bill Demmer, and CJ Buck stepped up to provide much needed leadership where few are willing to tread. As there is solace in being correct, they will rest well. Here the Club is catching spears on Facebook for having the gall to step forward and say what many are thinking: if your intention is to see how far you can snipe a big game target, you are not hunting. A hearty thank you to Dr. Wini Kessler for serving so admirably these past 17 years as an assistant editor for Fair Chase. She has certainly earned a break from the action. Next man up is Dr. John Organ. A fine introduction and biography is contained within these pages. John was recently appointed director of the USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units. As such, Dr. Organ is the wildlife science guru in the United States of America. John is a dedicated hunter and enthusiastic B&C Professional Member. His passion for the hunter-conservation community will serve us very well through the coming years. n

FAIR CHASE PRODUCTION STAFF Editor-in-Chief & Publications Chairman Mark B. Steffen Managing Editor Karlie Slayer Conservation and History Editor Steven Williams Research and Education Editor Winifred B. Kessler Hunting and Ethics Editor Mark Streissguth Assistant Editors Keith Balfourd Jim Bequette CJ Buck Marc Mondavi Jack Reneau Tony A. Schoonen Julie L. Tripp Editorial Contributors Chuck Adams Craig Boddington CJ Buck Scott Chessher Luke Coccoli William A. Demmer Rebecca A. Humphries Winifred B. Kessler J. Peter Morish Daniel Nelson Daniel A. Pedrotti, Jr. William Porter Jack Reneau Justin E. Spring Steven Williams Wayne van Zwoll Photographic Contributors Denver Bryan Tony Bynum Nick Trehearne

Fair Chase is published quarterly by the Boone and Crockett Club and distributed to its Members and Associates. Material in this magazine may be freely quoted and/or reprinted in other publications and media, so long as proper credit is given to Fair Chase. The only exception applies to articles that are reprinted in Fair Chase from other magazines, in which case, the Club does not hold the reprint rights. The opinions expressed by the contributors of articles are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Boone and Crockett Club. Fair Chase (ISSN 1077-4627) is published for $35 per year by the Boone and Crockett Club, 250 Station Drive, Missoula, MT 59801. Periodical postage is paid in Missoula, Montana, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Fair Chase, Boone and Crockett Club, 250 Station Drive, Missoula, MT 59801 Phone: (406) 542-1888 Fax: (406) 542-0784

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4 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

B&C STAFF Chief of Staff – Tony A. Schoonen Director of Big Game Records – Jack Reneau Director of Publications – Julie L. Tripp Director of Marketing – Keith Balfourd Office Manager – Sandy Poston Controller – Jan Krueger TRM Ranch Manager – Mike Briggs Assistant Director of Big Game Records – Justin Spring Development Program Manager – Jodi Bishop Assistant Controller – Abra Loran Digital Strategy Manager – Mark Mesenko Creative Services Manager – Karlie Slayer Customer Service – Amy Hutchison Records Dept. Assistant – Wendy Nickelson Conservation Education Programs Manager – Luke Coccoli

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SLC 42

ONE FOR ALL

FROM THE PRESIDENT Animal Health I want to focus this column on wildlife health for this fall issue, but before I wade into that subject, I William A. Demmer want to describe five wonderful days spent PRESIDENT Boone and Crockett Club this past July in Missoula, Montana. My wife Linda, who is an effective huntress, and I attended the Boone and Crockett Club’s class that teaches and then certifies our Club’s Official Measurers. The class was led by the dean of Official Measurers, Jack Reneau, and his heir apparent, Justin Spring. Jack and Justin led the class with dedication and inspiration. The 17 attendees learned much more than how to qualify and rate trophy animals around the principals of mass and symmetry; they learned about the history of Boone and Crockett, and they learned about the men who changed the future for wildlife and its habitat. They learned about the role that the Boone and Crockett Club played in founding this social movement called conservation. To catch the enthusiasm generated by Jack and Justin, please visit the blog created by one of the passionate attendees at bear-hunting.com/2014/7/becominga-scorer-boone-and-crockett-club. Jack and Justin have just launched a new cohort of Boone and Crockett evangelists into the conservation world. Now to the subject of wildlife health. Wildlife disease continues to grow and is an issue of not only regional consideration but of national concern. Wildlife disease is evolving into one of the more important issues of our time. Diseases are now changing how the public views wildlife and the problems they cause, including economic. Dr. William Porter, Boone and Crockett chair at Michigan State University, states that “wildlife disease is a ‘frontier’ issue that calls for pioneering leadership.” The recent Farm Bill reauthorization included new research support for wildlife diseases, as these diseases are affecting domestic wildlife. Bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis are two common diseases that occur in wildlife, and the livestock industry works hard to eradicate those diseases in 6 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

domestic herds. We know from years of debate over bison and from practice in the Great Lakes states, that a common policy for controlling these diseases is slaughtering wildlife. We as conservationists must ensure that our goals and recommendations are strongly in play so that dramatic depopulations are not the method of choice by default. One key to preventing the spread of wildlife disease is the close monitoring of all captive wildlife. While there is a long history of close inspection and regulation of domestic livestock, captive wildlife generally falls outside of those regulations. The captive wildlife

We, the Boone and Crockett Club, have two critical leadership challenges. The first is taking a lead policy role in dealing with the changing dynamics of a future plagued by much greater occurrences of diseases among wildlife; and secondly, leading the conservation world in generating new ideas for wildlife disease funding. industry is a more recent development. Further, the captive wildlife industry has worked hard to avoid close inspection, which has been one major way that Chronic Wasting Disease has unknowingly spread among captive herds and then to wild herds with devastating effect. Better policy will require changes in legal definitions and jurisdictions concerning captive wildlife in order to get the right and honest answers on health inspections and control. These are fundamentals that we long ago worked out for other aspects of conservation, and the North American Model must now adapt to address these new developments of wildlife disease. Many wildlife diseases are referred to as zoonotic, those that can be transmitted to humans as well. Diseases such as Lyme disease, rabies and West Nile Virus are widely recognized by the public. There is mounting

concern that if humans begin to encounter the diseases such as these more frequently, the image of many wildlife species as charismatic and desirable may shift to being seen as unclean and unattractive. Consequently, zoonotic diseases could radically alter public support of wildlife conservation. The Boone and Crockett Club as a leader in conservation has an obligation to stay ahead of the curve on this issue. Wildlife disease is a relatively new challenge in the conservation portfolio and is not as fully defined and organized as it must be. Many states lack a wildlife veterinarian; few have the funds or staff personnel to monitor wildlife health, and what federal funds that have been available are diminishing. At the same time, diseases are spreading. White-nose syndrome, which kills very high percentages of bat populations, is moving to the western U.S., and rabies is expected to expand dramatically in the next few decades. Changes in climate mean the expansion of diseases such as Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (a disease that killed an estimated 70 percent of the deer herd in my Michigan hunting region two years ago) are expanding northward. When these diseases strike new populations, the mortality rates can surpass 90 percent. It is obvious that investing in the health of our wildlife populations is essential. We, the Boone and Crockett Club, have two critical leadership challenges. The first is taking a lead policy role in dealing with the changing dynamics of a future plagued by much greater occurrences of diseases among wildlife; and secondly, leading the conservation world in generating new ideas for wildlife disease funding. With additional funding and by expecting more from existing wildlife health programs, including more wildlife veterinarians, better monitoring programs and with stronger science, we have a chance to maintain and celebrate this glorious wildlife and habitat environment that we have worked so hard to create. The two professional members who have contributed articles this month are John Fischer and Rebecca Humphries. Both articles are terrific and talk to policy issues that are evolving around wildlife health. n

Deer and Elk - Wildlife or Livestock? Two iconic species of North American wildlife, deer and elk, have come under increasing debate in the policy arena. Wildlife in the United States fall under the public trust doctrine and are managed by state wildlife agencies, or in special cases, federal agencies (migratory birds and threatened/endangered species). Over time, individual animals have come into captivity through both legal and illegal means. The individuals who held the animals began breeding programs that have grown over time into captive herds for personal and commercial use. Over the last 25 years, a captive cervid industry has been organized and has sought to grow in the United States and Canada. This industry has marketed itself as livestock operations and efforts to be recognized as agriculture have been successful at the federal level. Privately owned cervids are now classified as livestock in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed testing standards for herd health, herd health accreditation programs, and recognizes movement of cervids under anti-trust regulations. As the industry has expanded, it has sought recognition and support as an agricultural operation at the state level. In many states, the captive cervid industry has sought political support to be moved out from under the authority of state wildlife agencies and moved under the authority of state agricultural agencies. The reason is simple; most state wildlife agencies see the commercial ownership of native wildlife species as inappropriate for a public resource and risky to native wildlife populations. The concern comes from risk of spread of disease, genetic crossbreeding of escaped animals, and animal identification for regulated hunting. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation has been built on the premise of wildlife as a public trust—belonging to the public at large, not to individuals. In addition, the taking of animals within enclosures flies in the face of fair chase hunting and, in fact, is not defined as hunting in some states, despite many captive facilities advertising themselves as hunting preserves. As the captive cervid industry has grown, so has the occurrence of disease. This is due to a number of factors including higher animal densities, increased movement of animals, and increased awareness and disease

surveillance efforts. Diseases that move between traditional livestock and wildlife, such as brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis, are difficult to manage; managing disease across a fence in the same species can be even more difficult. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been shown to have a close correlation between infected captive and wild herds. CWD is always fatal, is extremely persistent in the environment, and once introduced into a wild herd, is virtually impossible to eliminate. As a result, state wildlife agencies have taken strong steps to try to reduce the risk of disease to their wild herds by limiting importation of captive animals, increasing regulations on captive cervid operations, or banning them completely. The private cervid industry, in turn, has sought a political remedy and sought regulation by the state agricultural departments in many states. Michigan, for instance, moved authority to agriculture, only to move it back to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) by executive order. Today the industry is regulated by the MDNR for facility registration and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for disease testing. In 2013, the captive cervid industry lost its political battle in Florida to overturn a state rule prohibiting captive cervid movement into that state. Most recently, a bill failed in the West Virginia legislature that would have moved authority for the regulation of captive cervids to agriculture. Similarly, a bill was passed to move authority for captive cervids from the Missouri Department of Conservation to the Department of Agriculture. That bill has since been vetoed by the governor. North Carolina is also facing similar proposed authority challenges. Unfortunately, many of these battles over authority have become bitter with threats to public officials and conservation nonprofit organizations that support maintaining authority with the conservation agencies. Complicating this issue further is the recent relaxation of federal CWD herd accreditation regulations. The USDA has decided that CWD cannot be eliminated within the United States and thus has relaxed testing and movement standards for captive cervid facility owners seeking accreditation as “low risk for CWD.” n

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By Rebecca A. Humphries

BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOUNDED IN 1887 BY THEODORE ROOSEVELT

CLUB Club President William A. Demmer Secretary Tom L. Lewis Treasurer Marshall J. Collins, Jr. Executive Vice President – Administration Timothy C. Brady Executive Vice President – Conservation Morrison Stevens, Sr. Vice President of Administration James F. Arnold Vice President of Big Game Records Eldon L. “Buck” Buckner Vice President of Conservation Stephen P. Mealey Vice President of Communications Marc C. Mondavi Foundation President B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr. Class of 2014 James Cummins Class of 2015 CJ Buck Class of 2016 Ned S. Holmes FOUNDATION Foundation President B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr. Secretary Tom L. Lewis Treasurer C. Martin Wood III Vice President James J. Shinners Vice President John A. Tomke Class of 2014 Remo R. Pizzagalli Edward B. Rasmuson James J. Shinners John A. Tomke Leonard J. Vallender Class of 2015 Gary W. Dietrich B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr. Ned S. Holmes Tom L. Lewis Paul M. Zelisko Class of 2016 John P. Evans Steve J. Hageman R. Terrell McCombs Earl L. Sherron, Jr. C. Martin Wood III

Fair FairChase ChaseFall Fall2014 2014

Hemorrhagic Disease By John R. Fischer

In 2012, large numbers of whitetail deer across the country died during an outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD), the most significant viral disease of whitetail deer. The 2012 event appears to have been as severe as the last big HD outbreak in 2007, when more than 53,000 dead deer were reported in the eastern and midwestern United States, and it may turn out to be the largest outbreak ever recorded. Deer die-offs due to HD have been recognized at least since the late 1800s, but likely go back much earlier. When HD outbreaks during the 1950s threatened deer restoration, several southeastern states pooled their resources to establish the Southeastern Cooperative Deer Disease Study (now the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study [SCWDS]) at the University of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers with SCWDS and other organizations developed much of what we know about HD. In addition to conducting research, SCWDS has monitored annual HD occurrence on a national basis since 1980, through a questionnaire that goes out to the wildlife management agencies for all U.S. states. This long-term database provides opportunities to observe changes in the epidemiology of HD, and such changes have been occurring over the last several years. One of the big changes concerns the viruses that cause HD. Strains of two types of related viruses are involved: epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV). These viruses do not infect humans. Although EHDV primarily kills whitetail and mule deer, it may produce milder clinical disease in cattle; whereas BTV sometimes affects domestic sheep. HD has been observed in other wildlife species, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, elk, and bison, but significant mortality typically is not encountered. Clinical disease from BTV and EHDV infection appears identical and deer occasionally are infected with both viruses simultaneously. Prior to 2004, HD was caused by two strains of EHDV and five strains of BTV; however, several strains of EHDV and BTV not previously observed in the U.S. have been isolated from deer with HD since then, representing a new wrinkle in HD epidemiology. The EHD-6 virus was first detected by SCWDS in 2006 and was isolated from

8 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

just a handful of deer with HD in subsequent years. But things were different in 2012: over 50 EHD-6 viruses were isolated from deer in 12 states, accounting for more than 25 percent of all HD virus isolations at SCWDS. This strain predominated in Michigan and Wisconsin, and was detected from the upper Midwest to the Gulf Coast. The EHD-6 virus appears to be here to stay and now is associated with HD mortality among deer across a broad geographic range. How the emergence of this virus strain may impact whitetail populations is unknown. Another interesting change in HD epidemiology in recent years is the apparent northward expansion of the disease. The HD viruses are transmitted from deer to deer by biting midges of the genus Culicoides, and their role in HD epidemiology is readily apparent: outbreaks occur during late summer and early fall when midge activity peaks and subside with autumn frosts. In addition, the geographic range of HD in deer mirrors the distribution of the Culicoides midge, and warmer temperatures may be facilitating this range to the North. And the U.S. does not appear to be alone when it comes to changes in insect-borne disease ecology: In Europe, where BTV was regarded as an exotic virus prior to 1998, several years of warmer weather are believed to have facilitated expansion of Culicoides range and the dramatic spread of BTV-8 in domestic animals as far north as Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. Locally, warm weather and drought appear to facilitate the spread of HD and may be a factor in the apparently increasing severity of outbreaks. Receding shorelines result in more muddy areas that the midges favor for reproduction, and higher temperatures may enhance the replication and transmissibility of virus in the insects. Deer are drawn to the limited water resources where large numbers of midges are carrying HD viruses, and the combination of these factors and others could contribute to the more severe and widespread HD outbreaks of recent years. The detection of new virus strains and a broader geographic range are just two of the recent changes observed in HD epidemiology. There have been other more subtle changes, but the message is clear: The complex disease ecology of HD is changing and warrants continued attention in order to identify potential impacts on deer populations, as well as possible opportunities for management intervention. n

ACRONYMS SCWDS - Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study HD - Hemorrhagic Disease EHDV - Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus BTV - Bluetongue Virus

Prior to 2004, HD was caused by two strains of EHDV and five strains of BTV; however, several strains of EHDV and BTV not previously observed in the U.S. have been isolated from deer with HD since then, representing a new wrinkle in HD epidemiology.

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Fair Chase Fall 2014

CAPITOL COMMENTS Upset? Yeah You Might Say As I write this column, the bitter taste of partisan, election-year politics is still in my mouth. Prior to the Steven Williams, Ph.D. summer recess, the PROFESSIONAL MEMBER Senate rejected the Boone and Crockett Club Bipartisan Sportsmen’s PRESIDENT Act (Act) despite its 46 Wildlife Management bipartisan, co-sponsors. Institute The original Act had 14 provisions to enhance hunting and fishing across the nation. These provisions included: easing state fish and wildlife agencies’ ability to finance shooting ranges; improving opportunities for hunting and fishing on federal lands; exempting lead ammunition and fishing tackle from control under the Toxic Substances Control Act; providing a portion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund for increased access to landlocked public lands; creating an electronic Federal Duck Stamp; and reauthorizing both the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The House had previously passed a similar bill (the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act) that would have allowed the two houses to hold a conference to work out differences and then pass the bill to the president’s desk for signing. Not surprisingly, this potentially historic bill that would improve hunting and fishing opportunities and access, enjoyed strong support from dozens of national hunter-conservation organizations. The Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Safari Club International, and other organizations, over the course of years, spent countless hours in both House and Senate offices explaining the importance of the Act to members and their staff. Individual phone calls expressing support for the legislation poured into Washington. Co-sponsors from both political parties recognized the constituent support they might garner by sponsoring the legislature in a mid-term election year. I believe it was safe to say that many of us expected to celebrate a major political victory for sportsmen and sportswomen. Once and for all, we

would demonstrate the political influence and momentum of some 40 million hunters and anglers. Then, our hopes all dissolved on July 10 when the Senate failed to pass a cloture vote to end debate on the bill—the death knell for the bill. The lack of passage in the Senate would have been frustrating enough if there had been simple and honest disagreements on the 14 provisions by one party or another. However, there was bipartisan support for the original bill, and co-sponsors expressed strong optimism. In the end, according to the website congress.gov, there were 34 Senate actions on the bill and 97 proposed amend-

representatives actually say about hunting and fishing and how they actually vote on those issues. I respect the legitimacy to offer amendments to any bill providing those amendments are germane to the bill’s original purpose. Each provision deserves a fair and open debate. What is breathtakingly obvious was the fact that some senators used the amendment process to kill this bipartisansupported bill that would enhance our hunting and fishing opportunities and access. What could have become an historic legislative victory for hunters and anglers became an ideological vehicle for senators to improve their reelection opportunities and try to embarrass the other political party— all at the expense of the American hunter and angler. “Welcome to hardball Washington politics,” you might say. And you would be right. As a hunter and angler, I say that trading the enhanced hunting and fishing opportunities of 40 million Americans for the political opportunities of 100 senators is 100 percent pure, unadulterated bull manure. That would explain the taste in my mouth. We owe a debt of gratitude to the organizations and individuals that fought so diligently for the rights of sportsmen and sportswomen. They will continue their efforts to improve hunting, fishing, and conservation in spite of the kick in the teeth they received on July 10. We owe them our respect. Congress owes us an honest explanation for their blatant disregard of our values. n

What could have become an historic legislative victory for hunters and anglers became an ideological vehicle for senators to improve their reelection opportunities and try to embarrass the other political party— all at the expense of the American hunter and angler.

10 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

ments. Amendments are a legitimate and routine legislative procedure, used since our founding fathers set up this republic. However, in this case, many of the amendments were obviously political schemes from both parties to force votes on issues thought to embarrass one another in an election year. Consider a sampling of the proposed amendments: to prevent EPA from finishing Clean Water Act guidance; to plan for motorized vehicles on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways; to address management of the Gulf of Mexico’s red snapper fishery; to further control gun ownership and use; to ensure gun access on Army Corps of Engineers’ lands; to delete the bill’s provisions on ammunition and fishing tackle… and so on. Finding the wording of all 97 amendments is next to impossible on government websites. Consequently, constituents would have a hard time finding out what their senator did or did not do to kill the bill. I am making the assumption that constituents had the time and desire to find out what their

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Fair Chase Fall 2014

Pioneers of Our Leg I looked downhill and then felt I needed to look back to that partial opening again. As I studied the area with my binoculars and as the light was getting better, I thought I saw what looked like a fork to a set of antlers. I just wasn’t sure because there was so much brush in the area, and things were not clear. As I was straining to see what was in the brush, I saw the entire top of the brush patch move slightly! I realized immediately that I had spotted a buck, and the brush that moved was the deer’s rack!

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12 nn Fair 12 FairChase ChaseFall Fall2014 2014

Conservation. gacy for Generations.

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Fair Chase Fall 2014

Field Ethics …

or how to kill with a clean conscience

By Wayne C. van Zwoll B&C Professional Member

Photos courtesy of Author

Wayne’s rifle rang melon-size gongs at 780 yards. But he bellied to within 125 yards of this buck.

14 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

Between a grasp of hunting’s role in conservation and the collapse of a well-shot animal looms a considerable gap. It reaches from muzzle to harvest—beyond science, philosophy, and that primal urge to hunt. It is where you find or dismiss ethics.

Ethical behavior isn’t just meaning well. It’s the exercise of restraint; denying yourself at times to ensure humane kills. With age, most hunters find restraint easier. Killing becomes less an imperative than a finish. Properly executed, it seals a memorable event. Clumsily shot, a dying animal disgraces you. In another life decades ago, I drove a log truck—a ’63 Peterbilt with 20 unsynchronized gears. It wore a loading boom and grapple, so I could attack remote decks by dawn, filling the bunks with 40 tons of Oregon lodgepole or p-pine before fallers and skidder crews arrived. One night in a narrow canyon, the headlamps picked movement from roadside. A mule deer doe struggled to rise. She couldn’t. I left the Cummins rattling at idle and walked to her. A hunter had shot off her jaw. I crushed her skull with a hammer. I had no deer license. But this was hardly sport. A charity killing. It seemed the right thing to do. Years later, on prairie under a dark ceiling, I spied a deer trudging through sugary snow. Though far off, it seemed odd in form. I sneaked closer. Its jaw was hanging. At 100 yards my softpoint punched its lungs. This was not the buck I wanted. Lest you think me an angel of mercy, I’ll concede, with shame, that I’ve crippled animals too. A few hunters I’ve met have insisted they’ve never lost game. Exceedingly skilled and careful marksmen? Lucky? The benefit of doubt permits both possibilities. Hunters who’ve bagged every beast they’ve fired upon have an enviable record. But failure to retrieve is hardly evidence of a miss. In fact, a marginal hit is more likely. To miss, your sight must drift far off the mark—outside the vitals, off the animal. Game that runs away is as likely to be injured as merely frightened. A sprint at the shot means the bullet did strike. “I aim for the head. So I kill quickly or miss.” Even before I found the bloody aftermath of such folly afield, I knew this claim was bogus. The brain of a deer, elk or bear is relatively small. A tennis ball-size; generously, a softball. Nose and jaw are several times as big. On only four occasions have I deliberately sent bullets to the brain. All were very close shots. Neck hits hold the same risk. Shatter the spine, and the game is yours. Miss it, and the trail can be long. With luck, your bullet will have nicked jugular or carotid. If not, you’ll find little blood. Your bullet will have lacerated muscle and esophagus. Infection is apt to finish what you started—days later. Humane shot placement is just part of acquitting yourself well as a hunter. But it’s increasingly a pivotal act, as riflemen and archers both attempt longer shots. Planting bullet or broadhead in vitals gets harder as range increases. Hitting the shoulder crease at distance can be more difficult than a brain shot or one to the upper spine at ordinary yardage. The Very Long Poke, a challenge for riflemen, has become anathema to hunters who

Risking failure with a closer approach than necessary tests your hunting skills, increases reward. Memories of any hunt begin well before the shot. Your behavior affects all aspects of the adventure.

think it an affront to the tradition of fair chase. But like nuclear power, long shooting has no capacity for evil. People can bend either to unethical purpose. Arguably, killing at distances so great the animal has no awareness of danger smacks of assassination, not sport. For some riflemen, that’s okay. They’ve chosen the challenge of the shot over that of the approach. Which is harder—sneaking close so pie-plate accuracy kills, or, from afar, keeping bullets within 2 minutes of angle? They’re different tasks. Long shooting can boost the odds of crippling. At distance, follow-up shots come harder. There’s delay in reaching the animal or its trail. A bullet’s arc gets steeper (and correct range read more critical) at distance. Wind has greater effect. But mostly, distance is a multiplier, less the cause of error than a factor increasing it. Over many yards, small flaws in marksmanship become more significant. Still, an accurate shot can be made at great distance. Each year, bad marksmanship delivers many crippling hits up close. I’m a get-close guy. While I delight in banging steel with bullets at half a mile, memorable hunts are those that show me

reflections in the animal’s eye. An elk I arrowed at 7 yards, a buck skewered at 12 both qualify. A big moose dropped to my rifle at 32 steps, my first elephant at 16. Of course, I’ve botched many finishes. An elk that almost stepped on me refused to stay for a broadhead. I managed to miss a fine buck at 14 feet—with a rifle! But such embarrassments age gently in memory, brightened by the intimacy denied hunters who let flat-flying missiles close the distance. An ethical shot is not necessarily sport. Sport can be unethical. In New Mexico I once took a very long poke at an animal that couldn’t know it was in peril. My hunt was almost over, and I’d had no other chance. Conditions were perfect, my rifle a proven champ at extreme range. I knew the bullet would kill. It did. But though the week had challenged me, there was no sport in that 600-yard finish. Many years earlier, bowhunting in steeps above the yawning Snake River in Idaho, I spied an elk and scrambled to within 55 yards. Alas, I’m a 30-yard archer. My arrow nipped the quartering elk wide of my mark. An irresponsible shot. But my blood was up,

Wayne’s last-day, free-range aoudad ended a challenging hunt. But ethics has little to do with sport.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

Milestones? Efforts to kill at distance date to the bowstring and atlatl. Centuries later, Holless Wilbur Allen’s compound bow (developed in 1966, patented three years later) alarmed traditionalists. While compounds now dominate sales, and bowmen loose mechanical broadheads at 300 fps, Pope and Young records show average kill distance has increased by only 1.5 yards in the last decade, to 23.8. The skirmish has shifted to crossbows. Fifteen years ago, three states permitted them in archery seasons. The tally is now 24. More kills with less effort? Meanwhile, the 300-yard rifle shot, made practical by belted magnums and mid-century progress in telescopic sights, has become a pointblank event. Hunters hurl bullets two, even three times as far. But a tiny percentage of kills happen past dead-on distance. Most game falls within 200 yards. Shot distance is a bit like automobile speed: numbers grow in conversation. Few motorists bury the speedometer needle or would gain advantage if they did. But equipping rifles to reach where hunters once had to walk remains a lucrative industry.

Short-range limits hike difficulty. The mandate of a humane shot applies whatever the level of sport.

16 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

A long poke stacks variables, risk. With good marksmanship, favorable conditions, it can be deadly.

and I loosed another shaft, which skewered the heart. The bull sprinted, then tumbled down a slide. Sport? Yes. But this kill was hardly certain, the shot hardly ethical. Another time I was less fortunate. Sneaking along a steep, timbered hill toward a bedded bull, I bellied to my last cover, a rock, 120 yards off. Patiently I waited for the elk to stand and turn. When it did, I sent a bullet to the crease. I saw and heard the hit. Spot on! The big six-point dashed downhill— a death-sprint, I was sure. But blood, pink and profuse at first, thinned on a track that led me into the night. Next morning, I lost the trail. My .30-30 bullet had likely struck the lungs high and done insufficient damage to anchor this tenacious beast. A local boy found the bull a mile away the following spring. With my saddle gun, I’d given the elk a sporting chance, and exercised restraint. But the kill was not humane. “You talk as if you can kill an animal ethically. What do you say to people who think killing itself is unethical?” Hunters might well back themselves into this corner, just to engage with the perspective. It is hardly far-fetched. We in the Brotherhood, steeped in wildlife management principles and loath to give the shadow of a sop to the dim rabble calling for our Winchesters, too readily assume humane kills made within the law qualify as ethical behavior. By our standards, they do. But we also defer to rules that block shooting at certain times, in certain places. We endorse full protection for some

species. To people who do not hunt, killing as management seems odd. That it actually benefits the hunted population is counter-intuitive. Education can turn receptive minds— or at least bring understanding. Programs I’ve conducted to introduce more women to hunting have flipped the switch for many. With the crosswire quivering on a rib, the murky concept of predation crystallizes. Explanation can wait. Those who rail against hunting may call fair chase a euphemism, as the hunter, in losing, is not asked to pay with his life. But forfeiting a shot because he (or she) insists on closing to spitwad range has merit. It shows a willingness to put time and effort on the line, and pit hunting skills against the animal’s superior senses. Tackling a grizzly with your bare hands or wrestling a leopard would add another level of sport. Neither trial would brand you as an ethical wonder. Hewing to game regulations and taking only shots that all but ensure quick kills, you put ethical behavior ahead of a trophy. It’s hard to argue that you must, further, close to some arbitrary distance or forego specific hardware. I enjoy hunting with recurve bows and iron-sighted lever guns. But scoped bolt rifles make most of the humane kills each season. Ethics is not what you carry. It is a choice of behavior. Neither shot distance nor equipment is responsible for deer that die of starvation at roadside. n

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

SCENT CON FOR By Chuck Adams

B&C Professional Member Photos courtesy of Author

Getting close to big game on foot requires careful wind management. Keep the breeze in your favor, or you will be out of luck!

18 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

NTROL HUNTERS “Maybe I should start an invisible cream company,” I chuckled to a friend of mine as we relaxed in whitetail camp. “I’ll bet I could sell a ton of the stuff!”

We were discussing several bowhunters who took big game scent control to an extreme. These guys laundered their clothes in scent-free soap each night, and sealed those duds in huge ziplock bags with pine and cedar boughs before they went to bed. After rising extra-early the next morning, they would shower in scent-free soap, slip on their pleasant-smelling garb, and sit all day in their tree stands. Funny thing about that. The half dozen archers who shot nice bucks that particular week did none of the extreme-scent stuff. They erected their stands downwind from high-use deer areas, wore all-rubber boots to and from their stands to prevent lingering human odor on the ground, and waited patiently for deer to mosey by. As one of the pine-bough crowd left this outfitted camp empty-handed, he snarled something about how some bowhunters have all the luck. I could have told him he never could have shot a buck from the stand he had placed dead upwind from a promising food plot, but I did not want a fight. The guy was clearly sleep-deprived and grumpy from all that useless showering, laundering, and clothes-bagging. I hope he was more cheerful after he went home and got eight or nine hours of Z’s. During the past few decades, I have marveled at the gullibility of some big game hunters. Many seem to want a shortcut to hunting success. People buy scent-eliminating products with the genuine belief that all this

Scent eliminating spray and all-rubber boots can let a hunter walk to and from a stand without leaving lingering odor behind.

stuff actually works. Baloney about scent control is rampant in advertising, and is piled even higher by some outdoor pundits. One guy recently conducted a seminar at a large sports show and suggested that bowhunters should soak their clothes in gasoline or diesel fuel if they planned to hunt near busy highways. After all, cars and trucks smell like fuel, right? Wearing foul, health-hazardous petrol would probably cause your wife to consider divorce the first time she tried to launder your clothes. Gasoline or diesel are almost as nasty as skunk scent, which you can actually buy in glass bottles from several hunting scent outlets. The handful of fellows I know who use skunk scent do not have any hunting friends, and they don’t shoot any more deer than anybody else, either. Thinking you can easily (or not so

easily) fool a buck or bull’s ultra-sensitive nose really makes no more sense than thinking you could slather on my new “invisible cream” and instantly disappear from sight. One prominent game biologist has estimated that a whitetail deer has a nose over 3,000 times more sensitive than yours or mine. I don’t have a clue how he calculated this, but I believe it. Based on many years of hunting experience, I am here to tell you that in most cases, you cannot fool big game when you end up on the upwind side. Deer, elk, bear, wild sheep, and other wild creatures occasionally doubt what they see or hear. They might linger, snorting or stamping a foot as they gawk toward a potentially dangerous sight or sound. But an animal never doubts its nose. Never. If it gets a whiff of human body odor, it will flee as if goosed by a cattle prod. The nose is every Fair Chase Fall 2014

ABOVE: Chuck shot this super-wide mule deer after hunting uphill with an early-morning thermal downdraft in his face. BELOW: A steady prevailing breeze allowed Chuck to sneak within 12 yards of this massive Alaska brown bear. One whiff of Chuck, and the 10-foot, 8-1/2inch monster would have been gone, or worse.

20 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

game animal’s primary survival sense. The nose knows. A serious hunter should never forget that. There are several types of commercial scent control products that hunters routinely buy. The least effective, in my experience, are odor-masking liquids or gels. The theory goes that if you smear enough red fox urine, apple scent, fresh earth liquid, cedar oil, or another equally pungent concoction on your body or foliage near your stand, a buck or bull will not smell you. I have never seen such potions actually work. I am sure that every downwind critter smells the combination of commercial product and human B.O., instantly identifies the danger and runs or sneaks away. More often than not, hunters are not even aware they have been busted, because animals routinely sniff danger from hundreds of yards downwind. I have seen elk, deer, and other species flee across giant canyons when they sniffed a hunter on the other side. Commercial scent-blocking liquids are meant to eliminate surface odor on clothes, boots, and equipment. These were first formulated to cancel cat urine and other pet odors that sometimes permeate carpet in homes. I do believe that similar products for hunters have limited, targeted value in big game hunting. When combined with all-rubber, calf-high or hiphigh boots, spraying a scent blocking agent on your lower body can prevent lingering human odor where you walk… especially when grass, leaves, and bushes are damp and prone to retain your scent. If a deer wanders by later, it is not likely to smell that you were there. Carbon scent suits and similar odor-absorbing garments are all the rage with hunters— especially bowhunters. But separating fact from fiction is difficult. Did the buck walk past you because you were scent-free, or did air currents simply not reach his nose? In my opinion, scentabsorbing suits are never foolproof. Sure, if you are hunting metropolitan whitetails that smell nearby people every

day, a 95-percent reduction in your own scent might fool a nearby deer long enough to give you a shot. But the jury is out on just how effective such garments really are. I have tried every scent garment on the market, and my experience tells me that nothing can fool a downwind animal every time. Wild noses are simply too keen to be duped, even if you reduce most of your body odor and sit quietly on stand without working up a stinky sweat. Most commercial scent-control items are sold with tree-stand or ground-blind hunters specifically in mind. If you plan to stalk or still-hunt, good hygiene and a boatload of scent-blocking products are worthless. Five minutes after you start hiking, your perspiration will overpower any scentfree soap, odor-eliminating spray, or scent-absorbing suit. You might as well smoke a cigar. One sort of scent product does work well when skillfully employed. Rutting deer lure—both doe-in-estrus urine and buck urine—can draw in bucks when the time and situation are right. A little—stress LITTLE—dabbed on foliage near a stand or in a nearby scrape can pull in a downwind buck during the rut. But only if you are off to one side so your own scent does not reach that animal. All in all, I believe that hunting is meant to be difficult—especially at close range. That is what makes it so special, and that is what makes taking a wary animal so thrilling. If hunters could eliminate their odor, magically become invisible, and never make a sound, they would not be hunters at all. They would be killers, because their prey would not have a chance. For this reason, the fact that commercial scent products have limited value does not bother me at all. A really good close-range hunter with gun or bow always plays the wind. He makes a point of knowing prevailing breeze directions in his area—morning, midday, and evening—and learns to always sit or move with the wind to the front or side of his face, never from behind. He knows to avoid areas with fickle wind, like under bluffs near ridge tops. He hunts uphill into cool thermal downdrafts near dawn and dusk in mountainous places. He knows that warming air rises between late morning and early afternoon, and hunts downhill instead of uphill at such times. And when an animal gets lucky and sniffs a contrary breeze, the serious hunter shrugs and probably laughs. He knows that a critter’s nose is its first line of defense. That’s hunting, and if you don’t learn to keep the wind in your favor and hope for the best, you are doomed to be disappointed! n

Fair Chase Fall 2014

B O D DI N G T O N’S CA R T R I D G E

REVIEW

.243

BY CRAIG BODDINGTON B&C Professional Member Photos courtesy of Author

WINCHESTER Through the first half of the 20th century

ABOVE: Donna Boddington with her first whitetail. The .243 Winchester is perfect for small-bodied deer like this Texas buck and adequate for any North American deer that walks, but it’s important to keep ranges reasonable.

.243 Winchester

22 nnFair 22 FairChase ChaseFall Fall2014 2014

.308 Winchester

BELOW: The .243 Winchester and 6mm Remington, shown with their parent cases. Technically the 6mm Remington is probably a better cartridge, but it lost the popularity race right out of the starting gate and could never recover. The .243 is the king of the 6mm cartridges.

6mm Remington

7x57 Mauser

the .243-inch bullet diameter was a rare bird in the United State. Until 1955 the only American cartridge in this bullet diameter was the 6mm Lee Navy, chambered in the Lee straight-pull bolt action. A few sporting rifles were so chambered and the cartridge lingered until 1935 but is pretty much long forgotten. The 6mm fared a bit better in the British gun trade. In the 1920s, Holland and Holland introduced both a belted and rimmed version of the .240 H&H Magnum, and about the same time the .242 Rimless Nitro Express and rimmed .246 Purdey made an appearance. All were virtually unknown in the United States. Likewise more than a half-dozen European 6mms were introduced between 1895 and the 1920s. Considering the poor track record of the caliber, it seems a bit odd that in 1955 both Winchester and Remington introduced 6mm cartridges: the .243 Winchester and .244 Remington. The Winchester cartridge was created by necking down the 3-year-old .308 Winchester case. Remington’s entry used the old (1892) 7x57 Mauser case (also the basis for the .257 Roberts) and is actually based on a wildcat developed by Fred Huntington. The obvious difference is that the .244 has a longer case, 2.233 inches compared to the short 2.045-inch case of the .243. This means that the .244 has somewhat greater case capacity, so it will always be capable of a bit more velocity than the .243 Winchester. The .243, on the other hand, will fit into short actions. Short bolt actions didn’t exist in 1955, but the .243 was introduced in the bolt-action Model 70 and lever-action Model 88 and quickly adapted to the Savage 99 lever action. The .244 couldn’t fit these then-popular lever guns, but Americans loved their velocity. On the surface, then, it seems the Remington cartridge should have been the winner. Maybe, except Remington made a fundamental mistake in visualizing the utility of their new cartridge. They saw it as a longrange varmint cartridge, offering 75 and 90-grain loads and barreling their rifles with a 1:12-inch twist, which was too slow to stabilize heavier bullets. Winchester viewed their .243 as a combination varmint and big game cartridge, offering 80- and 100-grain bullets and barreling their rifles with a faster 1:10-inch twist. Obviously Winchester won. The .243 was an instant and lasting success,

For two generations now the .243 has been the odds-on choice for beginning shooters. Light in recoil yet extremely effective, it’s a good choice. Today I lean toward mild 6.5s and 7mms for beginners, but daughter Caroline started with a .243 just like me.

while the .244 floundered. In 1963 Remington surrendered, renaming the cartridge the 6mm Remington, offering a 100-grain load, and changing the twist to 1:9 inches. If you want to split technical hairs, and if you don’t care about the ability to fit into a shorter action, then the 6mm Remington is probably a slightly better cartridge than the .243. But the damage was done nearly 60 years ago and can never be undone. The .243 Winchester is popular the world over, both for varmints and smaller big game. No other 6mm cartridge has ever come remotely close to its worldwide appeal. The .240 Weatherby Magnum is considerably faster, but has never expanded beyond the Weatherby line. The .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum, though a bit faster, died an incredibly early death. It was unable to make even the slightest inroad into the .243 Winchester’s popularity. Today the most common .243 loads remain an 80-grain bullet at 3,350 feet per second and a 100-grain bullet at 2,960. However, factory loads from certain companies are also available in 55, 58, 70, 75, 85, 87, 90, and 95 grains; component bullets fill in the gaps and run on up to 105 grains. Generally speaking, bullets from 90 grains and upwards are intended for big game, while bullets below 90 grains are designed for more rapid expansion on varmints. In both arenas the .243 Winchester is a true superstar. Accuracy is usually good and often great across the entire spectrum. Long-range varminters often use the .243 with bullets in the 80-grain range because they hold up in wind so much better than the .22 centerfires, but the incredibly fast and explosive bullets from 55 grains into the 70s are truly amazing. Winchester

This Ruger No. 1 wasn’t my first .243, but it was my favorite pronghorn/small deer/ varmint rifle for many years, truly a dual-purpose rifle. In 1978 I used it to take this excellent Wyoming pronghorn.

Supreme’s 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip load is rated at 3,910 fps, but in a 26-inch-barrel varminter, I get chronograph readings well over 4,000 fps. Although the .243 is a popular varmint cartridge, it’s probably more popular among big game hunters. Accurate, light in recoil, and easy to shoot, since inception it has been a standard “first big game cartridge” for millions of youngsters. It was, in fact, the cartridge I used to take my own first big game animal, a pronghorn, back in 1965. It is a sound choice for beginners, but I am no longer certain it’s the best option. A beginner’s cartridge must have minimal recoil, but today I lean more toward cartridges with a bit more bullet weight and frontal area: .260 Remington, 6.5mm Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Remington. That said, the .243 certainly isn’t a bad choice for beginners. It’s also a pretty good choice for seasoned veterans because it is so accurate and easy to shoot well. The misunderstood thing about it is that it is not a long-range cartridge. Depending on the load and bullet design, energy drops below 1,000 foot-pounds somewhere short of or just at the 400-yard line. On deer-sized game this is asking a lot of a 6mm bullet, but if ranges are kept maybe a hundred yards shorter, the .243 Winchester is incredibly effective on pronghorns and small- to medium-sized deer. Without question it is fully adequate for any North American deer, especially within 250 yards, and thus equally adequate for our sheep and goats. Clearly there are limits. The .243 accounts for a lot of elk every season, and I’ve seen it used effectively for black bear. Especially with the great modern bullets we have today, it will get the job done—provided

steady hands, good presentation, and ideal shot placement. No matter what I say, some hunters will use the .243 for elk and other large North American game, and if they’re careful it will come out okay. However, the .243 is not an elk rifle, is not a moose rifle, nor a bear rifle. It is, as Winchester intended it in 1955, a wonderful combination varmint/big game round. But it’s important to read “big game” as meaning “deer-sized big game.” That’s perfectly okay, because deer-sized big game covers perhaps 90 percent of North American hunting. On deer-sized big game, it shoots flat enough and hits hard enough to cover at least 90 percent of North American hunting conditions. It’s a cartridge chambered by every rifle manufacturer and loaded by every ammunition manufacturer with a rich supply of component bullets from every maker—and now, a 60-year legacy of great reloading recipes. While the cartridge is dual-purpose for varmints and big game, not all .243s are. Some are heavy-barreled monsters, designed for maximum stability but not so easy to carry around. These fall to the varmint side of the equation. Others are pencil-barreled, extremely light, and wonderful to carry, but even in .243 produce too much recoil (and heat up too fast) for sustained use in a prairie dog town. Most .243s, however, genuinely are dual purpose. In the winter you can use them to cull bobcats and coyotes. In the spring and summer you can hone your skills sniping prairie dogs and ‘chucks, and when fall comes around, you can use them to tag your pronghorn, mulie, or whitetail. But please, don’t take your .243 to the moose meadows or into the high alpine for elk! n Fair FairChase ChaseFall Fall2014 2014

TrailblAzer CONSERVATION

PARTNER

Trailblazer Spotlight

TrailblAzer

Trailblazers in Conservation represents a level of commitment from industry partners and others that supports the mutual interests of science-supported wildlife management and conservation, and hunter ethics and advocacy.

BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB

CONSERVATION

PARTNER

By CJ Buck B&C Regular Member Buck Knives President and CEO

In the little town of Leavenworth,

Kansas, at the turn of the 20th century, (outside the prison, as my father is prone to add), a young apprentice blacksmith named Hoyt Buck, my great-grandfather, began making knives in his spare time. He was 12 years old, and blacksmithing helped support his mother and sister with additional family income. His passion was the heat treatment and forming of metal. Knives gave him a way to pursue that passion in profitable little pieces.

In review, I believe Hoytâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real satisfaction was providing people with dependable products that enabled them to handle their lives better. The knives he designed were honestly simple and functional. The lines were clean and his integrity infused each knife in ways that really became obvious when they delivered under extreme circumstances. Hoyt designed his heat treat and tempering process through trial and error that was driven by that same integrity previously mentioned. It is a legacy that goes beyond just knives, and it still drives all aspects of our company today. A high performing knife blade is achieved through the optimized balance of three different and competing performance attributes. It needs to be tough enough to withstand an impact without breaking or shattering, hard enough to hold an edge

TOP TO BOTTOM: Hoyt Buck in the 1940s. Al Buck is finishing a knife blade on his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grinder. Al Buck (left) with Chuck (center) and Don Ham, discussing plans for their new plant on Federal Boulevard.

24 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

The original Buck Knives logo.

and all the while be resistant to corrosion. If you start with good steel and follow your heat treat process with fanatical precision, you will consistently draw the best of all three attributes from the steel. If you don’t, you won’t. Just after the end of World War II, Hoyt was the pastor of a small church in Mountain Home, Idaho. His wife Daisy had been plagued by breathing difficulties and illness that was exacerbated by the cold winters. I can imagine the discussions that must have taken place while winter lingered. In the summer of 1945 they relocated to a small Navy town in Southern California. Their oldest son, Alfred “Al”, had settled in San Diego after a stint in the Navy more than a decade earlier and was busy driving a bus and raising his four kids with his wife, Ida. Hoyt and Daisy would take residence in a plumbingfree “cabin” in Al’s backyard. Hoyt and Al constructed a lean-to against the side of Al’s garage and Hoyt taught his son how to make knives before passing away in 1949. They named their business H.H. Buck and Son, Lifetime Knives. Father and son stood behind each knife they made, and if a customer was not happy, they made it right. We still have copies of ads that ran in the mid-‘40s in Field and Stream and Popular Mechanics magazines. All through the ‘50s Al shepherded the legacy from his father, the custom knife mail-order business becoming famous for quality and customer service, while working with his two sons, Chuck and Frank, and his brother-in-law. San Diego was a hub for defense contracts, so local companies drew the best and brightest from around the country. Al took some advice from his

ABOVE: Ida and Al Buck’s family portrait. The back row is Frank, Ruth, and Chuck and the front row is Ida, Janice, and Al. RIGHT: Ads such as this one were printed in the 1940s in publications such as Field and Stream and Popular Mechanics.

In 2005, after 60 years in San Diego, our company relocated to Post Falls, Idaho. We decided that the legacy of this company was to continue to manufacture. Our careful craftsmanship, together with the best materials we can find, create ideal products for situations that demand dependability and circumstances where the cost of failure is too great.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

TOP AND ABOVE: The ErgoHunter blade and handle provide various grip possibilities. The Marksman straplock provides amazing strength to a folding knife. BELOW: The Paklite Kit’s skeletal knives are light and easy to clean.

pastor and some founding board members drawn from his church choir, and he incorporated the small business on April 7, 1961. Buck Knives, Inc., was formed with 12 employees and manufactured about 120-150 knives per day. In 1964 we introduced the Buck No. 110 Folding Hunter—that knife, which has likely skinned out more animals than any other blade in history, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The family had a decision to make in contemplation of our 100th anniversary in 2002. Costs continued to skyrocket in California, and we toyed with different business structures. Should we become a product design and marketing company that imported its products and remain in California or should we relocate to a more cost-effective location to manufacture? In 2005, after 60 years in San Diego, our company relocated to Post Falls, Idaho. As evidenced by our new location, we decided that the legacy of this company was to continue to manufacture. Our careful craftsmanship, together with the best materials we can find, create ideal products for situations that demand dependability and circumstances where the cost of failure is too great. Hunting has always been central to our brand because of the potential for hunters, intentionally or otherwise, to find themselves in awkward or even dangerous situations. Whether in the field prep of 26 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

animals or just general outdoor survival, hunters need simple, elegant, and highly functional equipment without gimmicks. Buck continues to innovate with new blade steels and handle materials, new locking mechanisms and better ergonomics in blade and handle shapes so we can deliver real improvements in value and function for our customers. Our ever expanding pro-staff, combined with our own common sense and intrinsic interest in the outdoors, provide us with the real life experience to filter gimmick from innovation. Since so much of our success has revolved around hunting, we felt it was important to give something back. We had been aware of the Boone and Crockett Club mainly because of the records book. Hearing folks speak of a non-typical 150-class whitetail or a typical 300-class elk, conjured instant visualizations of the animals described. When we were approached by the Club to do a licensing arrangement on knives, the records book was all we knew. As we got more involved, we were drawn into supporting one of the Triennial Awards events. Seeing the marvelous collection of heads and horns clarified for us that the records book was not about kudos or recognition, it was about the collection of scientific data on the health of North America’s ecosystems that spanned a century. As we probed further, we discovered that the Club had been instrumental in the

Al Buck incorporated the small business on April 7, 1961. Buck Knives, Inc., was formed with 12 employees and manufactured about 120-150 knives per day.

introduction of almost all of the wildlife management agencies and a policy that has provided the amazing turnarounds in the populations of elk, whitetails, and turkeys, as well as the creation of national parks. Our involvement with the Boone and Crockett Club began as a licensing agreement but has become a true conservation partnership. We have become increasingly concerned watching wildlife management evolve from a scientific process with a strong track record of results, to being politicized and emotionally driven. The Boone and Crockett Club sits in a very unique position to reach across partisan divides and between hunters and non-hunters to educate people in realizing that hunters and hunting have been the most effective and controllable wildlife management tool we have. It is our great pride to stand alongside the Boone and Crockett Club in support of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, the guardianship of the real legacy of hunting, the promotion of fair chase and the protection of wild spaces and magical moments. n See a complete listing and find out more about Boone and Crockett Club’s Trailblazers in Conservation online at www.Boone-Crockett.org

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Family History

Lost and Gained Through Death By Scott Chessher Cedar Park, TX

B&C Associate and Trophy Owner

Stop and take time to learn more about your family history. At 34 years old, I’m kicking myself for not paying more attention to what my dad, Don L. Chessher, was saying when he would ramble on about past relatives. He was born in 1950 and raised in Nixon, Texas. Out of high school he could not wait to get to college and make a name for himself in the business world—and he did.

He was blessed to be able to retire at a young age and had the means to be able to relocate anywhere in the world he wanted. Of all the places he could have chosen, he chose to settle down in his hometown. With a great sense of pride, my dad was able to buy back all of the original family land that past relatives had farmed and ranched. Across the highway from the old family ranch lies the moderately sized cemetery. The land for the cemetery was donated by my great-great grandfather, J.M. Mangum. This land was like a magnet for my dad. Almost every time we would drive by, we would pay our respects with a slow drive up and down the rows while he proudly reminisced over the many names on the tombstones and how we are related to many of them. This land is now the final resting place for my father; we lost him in November 2013. How I wish I could go back in time and listen with a much more attentive ear to all the things he would say about our family history. My stepmother was kind enough to carve up many of my dad’s prized possessions to me and my siblings. I received a massive whitetail deer head mount that had hung in my dad’s house forever. All I knew about it was that my great-great grandfather, Charles E. Sikes, shot it in 1913 in Center Point, 28 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

Texas. Seeing this deer in our home my whole life numbed me to the reality of how special this deer actually is. One year for my dad’s birthday, my stepmom surprised him with a matted and framed letter she found about this huge whitetail. This keepsake is in response to a letter Charles E. Sikes sent in about the deer he shot in 1913. The letterhead reads: The American Museum of Natural History New York, NY, Dated June 1, 1945, from Harold E. Anthony who served on the Committee of Records of North American Big Game, Boone and Crockett Club. In the letter, Anthony thanked my great-great grandfather for his submission and stated: “Your head stands very high up on the list of whitetail deer from all over the United States, and it is the largest record that I have seen from Texas.” With this being all of the knowledge I had of this mount, I did a quick Google search and was blessed to get in touch with Jim Arnold from Austin, Texas. Jim serves on the Board of Directors for the Boone and Crockett Club. When I told him what I had, he was eager to help me research this deer. I am a novice hunter who has only shot a few spikes and small basket 4-pointer. Imagine my amazement as I walked into his office and saw that it resembled a smaller version of Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops’ trophy collection. His office is adorned with many beautiful specimens taken across many years and many places, and here we were in this room together. I was drooling over his mounts as much as he was drooling over my 100-year-old whitetail! Jim was able to determine this head had never been officially scored and proceeded to lay a tape to it. The rack scores a total

of 182-3/8 with a final score of 173-4/8. We were also able to determine this head was a state record back in 1913. My sense of pride soared, but oddly enough, not because of the score. Rather, I take much more pride in tying together a piece of family history. I own a small piece of state history, and it is in my family, taken by my relative! History does repeat itself. Years from now, if my 10-month-old son wonders about the deer head on the wall, at least he will be able to pull up the Boone and Crockett records and see a small piece of family history. n Seeing this deer my whole life in our home numbed me to the reality of how special this deer actually is.

My sense of pride soared, but oddly enough, not because of the score. Rather, I take much more pride in tying together a piece of family history. I own a small piece of state history, and it is in my family, taken by my relative! History does repeat itself. Years from now, if my 10-month-old son wonders about the deer head on the wall, at least he will be able to pull up the Boone and Crockett records and see a small piece of family history.

BELOW: This is the letter sent to Charles regarding his trophy, but until now, there is no record of it in Boone and Crockett Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s records books. BOTTOM RIGHT: The back of the mount is all the detail needed for this trophy.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

Trinity Dream Come True 30 nn Fair 30 FairChase ChaseFall Fall2014 2014

By J. Peter Morish Columbia Blacktail Current Rank: No. 7 An excerpt from Boone and C rock et t Club’s n e west b o o k — B i g Tr o p h i e s, E p i c H u n t s: Tr u e Ta l e s o f S e l f G uided Adventure — d u e out in S epte mber.

LOCATION: Trinity C o., C alifornia DATE: S eptember 2005 SCORE: 185-1/8 B&C P oints This buck received a F irst P lace Award at B&C’s 26 th B ig Game Awards P rogr a m .

TOP COUNTIES SINCE 2004

Typical and non-typical Columbia blacktail entries combined. LOCATION

TROPHIES

1. Trinity Co., CA

2. Mendocino Co., CA

3. Humboldt Co., CA

4. Clackamas Co., OR

5. Jackson Co., OR

6. Tehama Co., CA

7. Glenn Co., CA

8. Linn Co., OR

8. Shasta Co., CA

10. Pierce Co., WA

he views are breathtaking, the air is clean, and the

hunting is exceptional. For 27 hunting seasons, I have experienced all that the Trinity Alps had to offer. For anyone who desires to hunt public land and wants a memorable hunting experience, the Trinity Alps may be their dream area; it has been for me.

I have taken many deer in the Trinity Alps, both small and big. As the years passed, I became more specific on what size of deer I wanted to harvest. I found that passing up a legal buck was just as rewarding as taking a deer. When I got to the point of passing up a decent four-point buck to try for a larger one, then I knew that my perspeccirca tive on hunting had changed. Most hunters in the United States don’t associate good hunting with California, especially trophy deer hunting. 2005 However, I do. The name Alps speaks for itself. Though the height of the Trinity Alps does not come near to the elevations found elsewhere, the steepness and ruggedness of the backcountry rivals the most well-known of tough hunting areas. Add to this the thick underbrush and you have a challenge for even the most seasoned hunter. The Columbia blacktail is certainly not as well known, or even hunted as much as the mule deer or the whitetail deer. However, it is every bit as much of a challenge and worthy adversary as any other species of deer. For many, the blacktail is one of the most difficult deer to hunt. To find a nice buck is a difficult and oftentimes daunting and consuming task. A trophy buck can require a lifetime of hunting. If you are able to hunt hard and choose to do so, then a trophy can be found in the coastal mountains of northern California. As I have done for 26 prior seasons, I headed for my favorite hunting grounds in mid-September of the 2005 season. I often choose to not hunt the opening weekend because of the increased hunting pressure. After the opening weekend, the number of hunters in the backcountry drops significantly. Usually, the only hunters you see, if any, are those like yourself who have also hunted the area for years. On this particular weekend, I planned on going with a hunting buddy but, at the last moment, he canceled. Hunting in the wilderness is certainly not something I would recommend someone doing on his or her own. However, I had been planning this hunt since the end of the prior season, so I decided to go anyway. The first leg of my hunting trip was to drive to the trailhead. I arrived early on a Friday morning. It was mid-September, which is often just an extension of summer. This day was clear, with temperatures in the low 90s. Though this area is known for hunters who horse pack into the wilderness area of the Trinity Alps, I had chosen to backpack. I did this because I have been able to do so physically and because I just didn’t want those who would pack me in to know just how well I did hunting. It takes about seven hours of hard hiking to reach my camp. It is only about four or five miles, but the terrain is either up or down. By the time I got to camp, I was extremely tired and sore. I was reminded of earlier hunts when it was difficult but not so consuming, and I wondered how much longer I would be able to do this kind of hunting. But, I was here now and tomorrow would begin another hunting season. First, I needed to set up camp. When backpacking, you learn to pack in only the essentials. If you do get a deer, then you will be packing out both the deer and all your gear. This can be a very heavy pack if you do not wisely choose what you bring. If I did get a deer, I would bone out the deer, cut the antlers off the head, and take the cape if the deer is a trophy animal. One of the positives of hunting blacktail deer when backpacking is its size. It is smaller than mule deer or whitetail, so packing out the meat isn’t too bad. My camp was relatively simple. Over the years, I had cut out a level pad in a timber stand on the side of a mountain. This time of year the weather is often very nice, so a tent is not needed. I lie out under the trees and peer through the tops to watch the stars. This is when I think about what tomorrow may hold and where I would hunt. The air was still and the skies were clear. Not the best conditions for hunting, but I was in the backcountry of the Trinity Alps and anything was possible. Fair Chase Fall 2014

The hunting area is so steep, rugged, and dense with brush that you just don’t do any walking or stalking for deer. The area I wanted to hunt overlooks two ravines and a sidehill. It usually takes me about 30 minutes in the dark to find the rock outcropping where I would sit for the next three or so hours. From this place I would setup and spot for any deer that might be around. I awoke well before dawn. I took my pack, which has an external frame. It comes in handy should I need to pack out a buck. I left for one of my favorite hunting sites. I hiked out of the timber from camp and into a manzanita patch on the south side of the mountain. I snaked my way through brush and finally came to my rock. It was still dark and I had made little noise. I had made this trek from camp many times and I can do it in the dark with the help of a small flashlight, which I keep pointed on the path in front of me and toward the ground. I didn’t want to alert the deer or other hunters that may be across the canyon. As I quietly set up on the rock, I began to see the faint light of the sunrise to the east. I could see the outline of part of the Alps. It was very quiet and still. I use a lightweight eight power pair of binoculars and find that binoculars are the most important item in harvesting the deer other than my firearm. I began this morning by slowly working my binoculars

across the hillside just adjacent and below me. With the binoculars, I continued to follow two ravines below the rock I was sitting on. I began to glass a second time, starting with an area directly across from me. I looked intently into an opening in the brush patch. The rays of sun were beginning to show over the mountains, but it was still relatively dark in the lower parts of the canyon. I saw something across from me that looked out of place, but I couldn’t see if it was a deer or just a shadow. I looked away and began to look lower on the hillside. It was still quiet and I hadn’t heard or seen anything. I looked back at that spot adjacent to me and felt that something just wasn’t right. I again looked intently, but I wasn’t convinced that there was anything there. It was less than 100 yards away and I figured that I should be able to see a deer if it was there. I looked downhill and then felt I needed to look back to that partial opening again. As I studied the area with my binoculars and as the light was getting better, I thought I saw what looked like a fork to a set of antlers. I just wasn’t sure because there was so much brush in the area and things were not clear. As I was straining to see what was in the brush, I saw the entire top of the brush patch move slightly! I realized immediately that I had spotted a buck and the brush that moved was the deer’s rack! I couldn’t tell how

So m e tim es, th e big o n es do n’ t g e t away. North America’s most hard-core hunters recount the tales of how they harvested legendary trophy animals. Learn what it takes to make your own mark in the record book.

Big Trophies, Epic Hunts

True Tales of Self-Guided Hunting Adventure Hardcover edition available in a limited print run for B&C Customers Only! Order your copy directly from Boone and Crockett Club by calling 888/840-4868, or order online at www.boone-crockett.org.

32 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

many points it had but, as it moved, the rack looked to be the extensions of the brush patch that it was standing in front of. I had seen and shot many big blacktails, but rarely had my heart begun to race at the sight of a deer. This was certainly the exception and my heart was pumping fast. It was now getting light enough that I could make out the outline of the deer’s body. The deer was facing uphill and the front half of the body was behind a brush patch. Only his antlers from the middle of the ears up were visible above the brush. In the opening of the brush I could see from the middle of the deer’s body to its back end. I immediately thought that all the buck had to do was take one step forward and he would be safe. From where he was standing, there was a steady and thick patch of brush running up the mountainside. If I was to get this deer, I was going to need some luck. My gun was already positioned on the top of my pack on the rock. I quietly slid down onto my stomach and positioned the gun toward the deer. I located the deer in my scope, which I later determined to be 65 yards away, and to my surprise it was still standing in the same position. I could see him from midway back and felt this was going to be my only chance. Because of the size and number of points to the antlers, I was going to have to give it a try. I decided I had a pretty good chance of getting this buck if he would just stay still for another few seconds. If I could get a spine shot midway on the deer, it would be fatal. Being that the deer was as close as he was, I decided to take the shot. I lined up on the deer, held steady, and fired! Through the scope, I saw the buck flinch and take a step backward. As I pulled away from the scope, I looked up to see the buck take another backward step and fall to the ground. He fell partially in the open in the brush, but only enough to see part of the body. He was down on his side and wasn’t getting up. It took a couple of minutes to compose myself and realize what had just happened. I knew I had just harvested a deer and he was huge, possibly the largest deer I had yet taken. It was still very early, so I decided to sit on the rock outcropping and relish the moment. I sat on that rock for an hour watching the sunrise and taking in the beauty that was revealed before me. The morning colors seemed brighter and the view even more majestic. I thought then that I probably had taken the deer of a lifetime. It had taken 27 years for my dream of a trophy to come true, but it happened and it occurred in the most beautiful area I have been fortunate enough to hunt — the Trinity Alps. n

2015

PA C K y O u r

TRUNKS.

GREATEST HUNTERS CONVENTION ON THE PLANET™ IS COMING SOON! JANUARY 15 -18, 2015 DALLAS CONVENTION CENTER

Visit our upland bird section and the Custom Gun Makers Guild. For more information, visit our website www.biggame.org ©Dallas Safari Club 2014

Fair Chase Fall 2014

BEST OF

2014

SPONSORED BY

The Boone and Crockett Club has a tradition of honoring trophies and the fair chase hunts that produce them, including photographs from the field.

For the sixth year, our editors will be sifting through hundreds of field photos looking for exemplary trophy field photography.

In keeping with this tradition, the Club, and Leupold and Stevens want to celebrate some of the best examples of field photography, and share them with you in each issue of Fair Chase.

The most outstanding examples will be featured in the Spring 2015 issue with the top three being awarded prizes provided by Leupold, the official optics of the Boone and Crockett Club.

DOUG M. > ROTH Stone’s Sheep 165 Atlin Lake, British Columbia August 2013

< LEO J. MIL AS Alaska Brown Bear

26-6 /16

TERRY L. RAYMOND

Canada Moose 189 Blanchard River, British Columbia

Ugashik River, Alaska

NOTE: All field photos from accepted trophies entered in 2014 are eligible.

October 2013

WINNERS RECEIVE FIRST PRIZE GR 12-40X60MM HD KIT 34 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

SECOND PRIZE BX-3 MOJAVE 10X50MM ROOF

THIRD PRIZE

RX-800i TBR with DNA Digital Laser Rangefinder

Fair Chase Fall 2014

LEADERSHIP

S T E WA R D S H I P

E D U C AT I O N

SEE CEN T E T HE OF T H R SP R E A D I MOR E S ISSU E FOR I N FOR M A ND A P P L I C AT I O N AT I O N .

We hope you have enjoyed your association with Boone and Crockett Club and have been able to see what B&C is doing to protect hunting, promote wildlife conservation, and educate the public. Anyone who is interested in providing greater support to B&C’s endowment and helping to further the work of our mission-based programs—like hunter ethics, conservation education, big game records keeping—should considering signing up. The cost is a one-time fee of $1,500. The additional $500 will be going directly into the Club’s endowment.* Please take this opportunity to join our group of dedicated, ethical hunters whose common interest and participation in their sport demands the respect of everyone who takes to the field. LIFETIME ASSOCIATE BENEFITS n

Subscription to Fair Chase

Lifetime shirt with B&C logo

Leather hat with B&C logo

Lifetime Associate plaque

20% discount on select B&C books

Significant tax deduction

Invitations to special events

NEW! Scoped Rifle Case n NEW! Access to Trophy Database Search n

The Boone and Crockett Club would like to thank our Lifetime Associates for their loyalty and support of the Club’s commitment to sciencebased wildlife management and the user-pay North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

Call 406/542-1888 to speak with a Lifetime Associates Program specialist. *Monthly or quarterly payment options also available. New price effective September 1, 2014. For more information regarding the Boone and Crockett Club’s endowment please call the office at 406/542-1888 or visit www.Boone-Crockett.org.

36 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

B&C Lifetime Associate # 923 Michael F. Zundel

B&C Lifetime Associate #762 William M. Krall

If you are 65 and over you can now support the Boone and Crockett Club at the discounted rate of $1250 to be a Lifetime Associate.

The Wilderness Warrior Society is the Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier major gifts society. It was launched in 2011 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Boone and Crockett Club. With your gift of $125,000 or more, you will be honored by being named a founding member of the Wilderness Warrior Society. You will be presented with your own numbered limited edition bronze of Theodore Roosevelt on horseback, a custom Hickey Freeman Blazer, as well as other custom gifts to recognize and honor you for your contribution. Funds raised from Wilderness Warrior contributions are placed in the Boone and Crockett Club Foundation endowment where the principal remains intact, and the annual interest income generated provides permanent funding for vital conservation programs. With the addition of our newest member, Mary Webster, we now have twenty-one members of the Society, which at $125,000 each translates to more than $2.5 million for the endowment. It has been a huge success by any measure but we will continue to grow the Society with a goal of 25 members or more. Please join us in this grand effort on such a significant occasion. Contact the Boone and Crockett Club today to find out how you can become a founding member of the Wilderness Warrior Society. Or better yet, look any of us up at the 2014 Annual Meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida. We would love to talk to you about the Warriors.

MEMBERS OF THE WILDERNESS WARRIOR SOCIETY Trevor L. Ahlberg James F. Arnold Rene R. Barrientos Marshall J. Collins Jr. William A. Demmer Gary W. Dietrich John P. Evans Steve J. Hageman B.B. Hollingsworth Jr. Ned S. Holmes Tom L. Lewis R. Terrell McCombs Jack S. Parker* Remo R. Pizzagalli Thomas D. Price Edward B. Rasmuson Morrison Stevens Sr. Ben B. Wallace Mary L. Webster C. Martin Wood III Paul M. Zelisko * Deceased

Contact Ben Hollingsworth at 713/840-1508 for more details. Boone and Crockett Club | www.boone-crockett.org

250 Station Drive, Missoula, MT 59801 | 406/542-1888

Fair Chase Fall 2014

Milestones in Conservation Boone and Crockett Club 2014

The history of the Boone and Crockett Club is a tale of over 127 years of measured and thoughtful commitment to conservation. It is a commitment that balances human needs with wildlife needs. We will be celebrating the anniversaries of the passage of laws, the establishment of institutions, and the designation of wildlands, which exist today in large part because of the extensive efforts of the Club and its dedicated membership.

120th Anniversary of New York Zoological Society In 1895, the Boone and Crockett Club helped establish the New York Zoological Society with a mandate to advance wildlife conservation, as well as to promote the study of zoology and to create a first-class zoo. At that time, some species of wildlife were believed headed for extinction. Club members Theodore Roosevelt, Madison Grant, C. Grant La Farge, and zoo director William T. Hornaday believed zoos might be the last hope for some species. Zoos would in fact play a role in wildlife restoration. For example, in 1907, the Bronx Zoo shipped 15 bison by railcar to seed a new herd in Oklahomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wichita Mountains. The New York Zoological Society would prosper as well. In 1993, its name was changed to the Wildlife Conservation Society, which now works to conserve wild places around the world. It also manages four New York City wildlife parks in addition to the Bronx Zoo: Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo. Together, these parks receive 4.5 million visitors per year.

110th Anniversary of the Forest Transfer Act The national forests that citizens enjoy today were once part of ocean-like expanses of standing timber at the time of European settlement. Keeping some those forestlands protected from complete annihilation took vision and effort. The Boone and Crockett Club began a crusade to save national forests by providing political support needed to pass the Timberland Reserves Bill in 1891. The measure allowed 13 million acres of American forests to be set aside from development, including the Yellowstone reserve that would later become Yellowstone National Park. With those reserves secured, Club members Gifford Pinchot, C. Hart Merriam, T.S. Palmer, and Congressman John F. Lacey pushed forward a bill that would transfer forest management authority from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Agriculture. A new Forestry Division, with professional foresters, would now manage these resources. In 1905, Congress passed the pivotal Forest Transfer Act. This bill paved the way for the birth of the U.S. Forest Service, which has managed Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forests for sustainable harvest, recreation, and fire suppression ever since.

1850

38 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

1875

1895

1900

1905

1925

1934

Club Commemorates Wilderness Act’s 50th Anniversary

Club member and Chief of the Biological Survey, Dr. Ira N. Gabrielson releasing a duck into a wildlife sanctuary near Washington DC along the Potomac river on March 8, 1940 as part of a migration survey.

80 Years of Reinforcing Science in Wildlife Management Early wildlife restoration efforts were conducted mostly by trial and error, or worse, political whim. But in the 1920s and ‘30s, the profession of wildlife management was established as a science-based discipline. Boone and Crockett Club members Aldo Leopold and Herbert Stoddard argued that scientific disciplines should drive conservation, and Leopold’s 1933 book “Game Management” was a milestone. In 1934, Club members Jay N. “Ding” Darling, F.A. Silcox, and Ira N. Gabrielson organized the first North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, where wildlife managers could share scientific research and results with peers from around the country. This annual event remains vital today. The 80th iteration is slated March 9-15, 2015, in Omaha, Neb. The conference is organized by the Wildlife Management Institute, which is a professional organization created by Boone and Crockett Club members in 1911 as the American Game Protection and Propagation Association. Its president, Steve Williams, is a professional member and regular contributor to Fair Chase magazine.

1950

1964

The Boone and Crockett Club is joining outdoor enthusiasts across the country in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of a true milestone in conservation and one of America’s best ideas—the Wilderness Act. On September 3, 1964, with several Boone and Crockett Club leaders in attendance, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the legislation protecting millions of acres and establishing legal definitions of wilderness for future designations. (During the same ceremony, Johnson also signed legislation creating the Land and Water Conservation Fund.) Behind the signing, however, were eight years of hard work, over 60 drafts of the bill and strong support from politically active hunters including many Club members. The crusade for wilderness actually began much earlier. In 1935, renowned Boone and Crockett member Aldo Leopold, along with activist Bob Marshall and others, founded the Wilderness Society to protect unspoiled lands and foster an American land ethic. Today, more than 109 million acres—five percent of the land in the U.S.—are officially designated as wilderness. “The sanctity and preservation of wilderness defines our national character,” said Lowell Baier, president emeritus of the Boone and Crockett Club. “Every wilderness area today exists because of individuals who had personal connections to the place, were moved by its natural beauty and wild spirit, who understood what it meant for wildlife

and outdoor lifestyles, and who were committed to fighting to keep it intact.” He added, “The Wilderness Act represents a level of grassroots conservation accomplishment that is really quite rare. Even more rare are conservation topics that unite hunters, non-hunters, and even antihunters—but celebrating the historic success of the Wilderness Act is one of those,” he said. Every year from 1964 to 2010, Congress added lands to America’s wilderness system. However, since 2010, no new wilderness areas have been designated, and Congress has failed to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Baier worries these failures are another clear signal that America’s long connections to wildlife and wild places are eroding. It took nearly 350 years from the time of Columbus’ landing for pioneers to reach and settle California. Driven by the quest to tame the wilderness, we altered the landscapes in our path and fueled our conquest with the era’s abundant wildlife. The Wilderness Act guaranteed a different future for select remnants of what was once all wild country. It represented Americans’ ultimate desire to leave natural treasures to inspire future generations. It provided our country with landscape-scale monuments to the land ethic for which so many conservationists dedicated their lives. “Its successes are worth not only celebrating, but growing,” said Baier.

Club member and Director of the N. Y. Zoological Park, William T. Hornaday overseeing transport of bison to be shipped to Oklahoma in 1907 to establish a new herd in the Wichita Mountains National Game Refuge, which was designated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 1975

2000

2014

2025

Fair Chase Fall 2014

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The Boone and Crockett Club commissioned Deadeye Outfitters and wildlife artist and Official Measurer, Chris Lacey to create unique designs that reflect the commitments of the hunterconservationist toward the great big game species we hunt, and the traditions of fair chase hunting. Over 60 custom designs of mens and women’s apparel and headwear have been created. The line was initially launched July 2013 at the Boone and Crockett Club’s 28th Big Game Awards Banquet. See full line Available only at deadeyeoutfitters.com

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There’s only one downside to buying the newest book from the Boone and Crockett Club ...

Contributing author Ken Hayworth and a few whitetails he’s harvested over the years.

YOU’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER WALL! Order your copy of Boone and Crockett Club’s Complete Guide to Hunting Whitetails, and learn the secrets to bag more and bigger bucks. In this handsomely illustrated, 272-page, full-color volume you’ll find exclusive B&C data to pinpoint the ideal places, dates, and times to find trophy whitetails—and then identify a record-book buck before pulling the trigger. And you’ll find the latest tactics from Craig Boddington, Gordon Whittington, Larry Weishuhn, Bill Winke, and other real-world experts who have multiple B&C trophies. Order directly from B&C and help support our conservation, records keeping and ethics programs.

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WELCOMING A NEW LEADER IN FISHERIES, WILDLIFE RESEARCH PRESS RELEASE: Missoula, Mont. (July 14, 2014) Boone and Crockett Club professional member John Organ has been appointed to lead a key science engine behind the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Research Units provide most of the applied wildlife and fisheries management research funded through the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts.

Conservation luminary and Boone and Crockett member Ding Darling established the program in 1935. Currently there are 40 units at universities in 38 states, together staffed by some 120 scientists with graduate faculty appointments. A committee of cooperators from state fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USGS, and Wildlife Management Institute coordinates each unit.

The mission is three-fold: (1) Researching problems affecting wildlife and fisheries; (2) Training the next generation of wildlife and fisheries biologists; and (3) Training and technical assistance to cooperators. Headquarters are located in Reston, Va., where Organ will serve as director beginning Aug. 25. “Few people, including sportsmen, are fully unaware of the remarkable system that provides scientific oversight for sustainableuse conservation in our country,” said Bill Demmer, president of Boone and Crockett Club. “Congratulations to our professional colleague John Organ on this important and well-deserved appointment. This is a position on the leading edge of conservation, and we’re pleased to see continued guidance well synchronized with leadership from the sporting community.” Organ served with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region for 35 years, starting in Ecological Services and Refuges and working his way up to chief of the Region 5 Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program in 2005. During his career, Organ facilitated research to help guide management of black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, river otter, and other species. He led development of national policies on wildlife damage management. He serves on numerous scientific and advisory committees at international, national, state and, university levels. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is the world’s most successful system for fisheries and wildlife management. It acknowledges that wildlife belongs to all citizens, and it is implemented in the United States with money from hunters and anglers who pay for conservation programs. Science ensures that resources are harvested sustainably. Long before there was an Endangered Species Act, sportsmen used this model to restore threatened species such as whitetail deer, wild turkey, elk, Canada geese, and many others. Today this model provides habitat, research, management, and law enforcement to benefit both hunted and non-hunted species. n MEDIA NOTE: For more info, contact Steve Wagner, Blue Heron Communications, 800‑654‑3766 or steve@blueheroncomm.com.

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Do What You Can “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing ... Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” —Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States of America and founder of the Boone and Crockett Club. You can do the right thing by making a year-end charitable gift to the Boone and Crockett Club Foundation. Your generous gift of cash, appreciated securities, mutual funds, real estate, a unitrust or a gift annuity will help insure the vitality of important programs for years to come. Plus, your gift will bypass the increased income tax rates and avoid an unintended “gift” to the government.

For more information, please contact: Winton C. Smith, J.D. 1-800-727-1040 wsmith@wintonsmith.com (560.51 1902-110) AND “THEODORE ROOSEVELT COLLECTION, HOUGHTON LIBRARY, HARVARD UNIVERSITY.”

Fair Chase Fall 2014

Where Hunti Conservation Happens.

©NICK TREHEARNE

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44 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

ing Happens, We left camp on horseback and took them to tree line around 8,500 feet. From there we sidehilled up another 300 feet over about a three-quarter-mile-wide scree slope, crested the ridge and climbed another near thousand vertical feet to the peak of Mt. Chief Joseph. The view in all directions was breathtaking. PG 60. BEYOND THE SCORE by Justin E. Spring

Fair Chase Fall 2014

KNOWLEDGE BASE Big Game Glut in the National Parks Controversy about hunting in national parks is not unique to North America—an observation I made Winifred B. Kessler during a recent web search in preparation PROFESSIONAL MEMBER for a hunt in Australia. Boone and Crockett Club Up popped several articles about a kerfuffle in New South Wales (NSW) over a government plan to augment management of feral and over-abundant mammals through public hunting in national parks. A huge outcry ensued, with impacts ranging from the disbanding of the NSW Game Council, to stricter controls on the use of huntervolunteers in national park management. The same tensions exist here in North America, reflecting a long tradition of no hunting in the national parks, even those with an over-abundance of ungulates (a diverse grouping of large mammals that includes elk, moose, deer, and bison). The bans make sense from a historical perspective. The earliest national parks, such as Yellowstone in the U.S. and Wood Buffalo in Canada, were established as a last refuge for iconic ungulates, such as bison and elk, which were sliding toward extinction. Hunting bans were seen as essential for the survival of imperiled species. The bans were predicated on the notion that within the national parks, especially the large ones, ungulate populations can best be managed by just letting nature take its course. While appealing from a philosophical standpoint, the concept isn’t feasible in most cases because the national parks are not the ecologically complete, balanced, and self-sustaining systems that are assumed in the handsoff approach. Many factors affecting ungulate populations may necessitate management intervention in the national parks. Examples include the absence of apex (top of the food chain) predators; the introduction and spread of diseases; changes in wildfire regimes and associated habitat effects; and regrettable management decisions, such as the introduction of mountain goats into Olympic National Park. What does the science tell us about ungulate management in the

46 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

national parks? The Wildlife Society assembled a team of experts to review the available research on this topic. Their report “Ungulate Management in the National Parks of the U.S. and Canada” (Technical Review 12-05 issued December 2012), included these biological findings: n

Natural regulation within most national parks will not prevent ungulates from reaching and sustaining densities that are incompatible with preservation or restoration of native flora and fauna, natural processes, or historical landscapes. Herbivory significantly influences park vegetation as ungulate density approaches biological carrying capacity. Flexible and adaptive ungulate management in the short and long term will be needed to account for imprecise population estimates and the dynamics of ungulate populations, park environments, and stakeholder interests. Animal movement across park boundaries impacts both internal and external agency efforts to manage ungulate overpopulation.

Technical Review 12-05 considers various options for controlling ungulate abundance in national parks, including the biological, policy, management, and social considerations of hunting. Visit wildlife.org to download a copy for personal use or to

purchase multiple printed copies for sharing. Hunting is such an important management tool for ungulates elsewhere; might it also find a place in our national parks? This is beyond the idea stage for Gros Marne National Park in Newfoundland, Canada, where serious declines in vegetation and songbird communities were attributed to an over-abundance of moose. Three years ago, 20 percent of the park was opened to moose hunting. This was expanded to 40 percent and nearly 90 percent in subsequent years along with increases in hunting licenses issued. What about the U.S. National Park System (NPS)? It may surprise some readers that hunting is widespread on many NPS lands. A briefing paper distributed during the June 17-18, 2014, public meeting of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council in Cody, Wyoming, provides a very helpful overview. Of 401 units in the NPS, hunting is a mandated recreational activity in 59 of them—meaning that the National Park Service may not close them to hunting. Additionally there are five NPS units where Congress has authorized agency discretion to allow hunting; of these, three are presently open to hunting. In all, roughly 24 million acres of the 84 million acres of NPS lands are open to hunting, with the majority in Alaska. The NPS lands that typically allow hunting include the national recreation areas, national seashores and lakeshores, national scenic rivers, and national preserves. In contrast, recreational hunting is not allowed in the national parks. However, the pressing need to manage ungulate populations is stimulating new thinking. Recently an approach using skilled volunteers was implemented in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota) and Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) to assist in reducing elk populations, and additional units are being considered. A good signal of changing winds would be the willingness of NPS scientists and managers to more widely discuss this matter of hunting in the parks. Have I piqued your interest? Then for sure you will want to read the B&C Professor’s Corner essay by Bill Porter in this issue of Fair Chase. Stay tuned! n

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B&C PROFESSORS’ CORNER Scientist-To-Scientist Conversation It’s often said that the secret to effective leadership is being in position to influence the change when the stars align. The Boone William Porter and Crockett Club is PROFESSIONAL MEMBER among the most Boone and Crockett Club successful leaders in Professor conservation because it Michigan State recognizes this University principle. A remarkable change may be about to occur on an issue deeply important to the Club and because of the leadership positioning we have done with our university programs, we may have significant influence. At the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources meeting this past March, I shared lunch with a high-level scientist from the National Park Service. He commented that the park service was re-examining its policy regarding big game management, and he would have input to those decisions. He spent his career working with elk and bison issues, and I’ve spent mine studying whitetail deer. He was interested in sharing lunch because he wanted to talk, scientist to scientist, about the challenges the park service was facing with deer in the East. From what he understood, the park service had become highly successful with its deer management programs, but those programs were expensive, so he wanted some perspective. The causes for the problems posed by whitetail deer are similar to elk and bison in many ways. Just as western parks are not large enough to contain the seasonal migrations of elk and bison, eastern parks are small relative to the seasonal movements of many deer. Elk and bison find an enriched habitat outside of parks because of the investment ranchers make to improve the nutritional quality of their range. In the East, the landscape surrounding national parks is a mixture of forest and farmland that provides habitat of exceptional quality for deer, or, the surrounding land is a suburban environment where highly fertilized lawns, ornamental shrubs, and artificial feeding by residents provide attractive habitats. Just as bison are learning to take advantage of the larger landscape in Paradise Valley north of Yellowstone National Park, deer at Valley Forge National Historical 48 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

Park have learned to use the habitat of the surrounding farms and communities. The deer problems began to get the attention of the National Park Service in the 1980s. Deer populations were growing across much of the East in the 1950s, but there were very few deer, so populations grew slowly. By the late 1970s, deer were much more abundant. Research has shown that such growth begins to slow at higher abundance levels because survival and reproduction are constrained by nutritional limitations. However, the improving nutritional quality of agricultural crops and mixed suburban environments

While there were political and legal challenges, the park service sustained its management programs because of the strong scientific foundation it had established and because it had built an extensive set of monitoring programs to measure changes in deer and vegetation. fostered still further growth in deer populations. Fawns were surviving at higher rates and maturing early. To a wildlife biologist, the combination of high abundance, high survival of fawns and early maturation is an ideal prescription for a population eruption. By the late 1980s and ‘90s, that eruption was occurring throughout the East, including the national parks. These eruptions meant profound impacts on the vegetation in the parks. Many of the national parks in the eastern U.S. were established to commemorate important historical events: Saratoga National Historical Park memorializes the pivotal battle of the American Revolution; Gettysburg National Military Park records the turning point of the Civil War. Congress established these parks, directing the park service to portray the scene at the time of the battle with as much realism as possible. To do that meant

re-establishing the vegetation that played an important role in the event. Deer populations in the parks were simply overwhelming the vegetation, precluding the development of the interpretive scenes. The park service responded with a series of landmark scientific studies that set the stage for active management of deer populations. Through interagency coordination, state agencies increased harvest of deer on the public and private lands surrounding the park, and the park service instituted sharpshooter culling programs within the parks. These programs proved exceptionally effective in reducing deer numbers. While there were political and legal challenges, the park service sustained its management programs because of the strong scientific foundation it had established and because it had built an extensive set of monitoring programs to measure changes in deer and vegetation. As I sat with the park service scientist, I wondered if the moment was arising for a new policy approach to big game management in national parks. Was there now broad agreement within the park service that active management of wildlife was necessary in parks? If so, then did that shift in thinking, coupled with financial burden of culling and monitoring, mean that the stars were aligning for a fundamental change in policy? Was there a way hunting could be included within park service policy? I wondered if that scientist-to-scientist conversation might prove to be a significant return on investment for the Boone and Crockett Club’s efforts in developing leadership through its professor’s program. n

As Boone and Crockett Professors, we teach courses about wildlife policy and leadership. We show students that policy issues are complicated because of the need to consider not just the biology, but also the economics and politics. We help them recognize that establishing new policy is often a long process, but that the stars can align quickly. These lessons dovetail with leadership classes, where teach students about the importance of positioning an organization to be prepared to seize that moment.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

THE THEODORE ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL RANCH What is it? Where is it?

And why does the Club own a ranch?

By Luke Coccoli B&C Conservation Program Manager

I could begin this essay out by telling you that the

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch (TRMR) is a 6,060-acre working cattle ranch located in Montana on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains just south of Glacier National Park. But it is more than that. So much more, in fact, that the Club bought this parcel of land in a very unique place for a very unique reason.

The TRMR is truly a small gem nestled in the brim of the Crown of the Continent, an area that contains 18 million acres of intact ecosystem spanning Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana in which all species of flora and fauna identified by Lewis and Clark still exist, including Canada lynx, grizzly bears, gray wolves, and other wildlife species listed as threatened elsewhere. In 1987 the Club purchased “The Ranch” as part of its centennial celebration. It was named in honor of the founding father of the Club and for his vision and work to establish North American conservation. The Ranch is situated on a transitional zone often referred to as “where the horizontal grasslands and the vertical limestone cliffs collide” assumed the name it carries today. The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch sign soon met visitors at the entrance of the property, replacing the old “Triple Divide Ranch” sign that once hung under the ranch archway. The Ranch did not get its name due to TR spending weeks on it riding for the brand or hunting its various big game species, which include elk, moose, whitetail and mule deer, cougar, black bear and grizzlies, and occasionally bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and pronghorn. The Ranch is also not a playground or vacation destination for its members, actually quite the contrary. Regular and professional member are not permitted to hunt the ranch. TRMR is a place where winds that blow out of the adjacent Bob Marshall Wilderness frequently gust to reach over 100 mph in the fall and winter months. It’s a place where –40°F wind chills can make vehicles and heavy equipment congeal in a matter of moments. It’s a place where over 2,000 migratory mule deer call home for their winter ground. It has and always will be a place where the grizzly bears roam free. And yet it is more. The TRMR also embodies the Club’s Elmer E. Rasmuson Wildlife Conservation Center (RWCC), a 5,000 square foot place-based conservation education facility

50 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

Stay up to date with what is going on at TRMR. Follow Luke on Facebook and Instagram @Outdooradventurecamps.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

constructed in 2001. On average, the RWCC welcomes about 2,000 visitors each year during peak season—April through September. Visitors range from students and teachers participating in the K-12 conservation education program, to scouts and leaders participating in the nationally accredited Boy Scouts of America Montana High Adventure Base (MOHAB) camp, to 6-18 year-olds attending multiple residential summertime Outdoor Adventure Camps (OAC) or ladies that come to attend the annual women’s hunter education program each August. Others welcome include local and state agencies, NGOs and private entities that wish to retreat to the TRMR and RWCC for solitude and focus while working on teambuilding, strategic planning or just for a chance to get away from it all and experience the natural processes that surround them. If you ask Ranch Manager Mike Briggs about the TRMR, he will tell you, “The prettier a ranch is, the more difficult it will be to manage.” And he is right. Cell phone service is spotty, fiber-optic internet cables are just now finding their way to our modems, and it’s a 75-mile roundtrip in order to obtain groceries and access most other modern amenities, including the hospital. And we haven’t even begun talking about work yet.

Mike manages the 220 cow-calf (and growing) herd plus keeps an eye on the 8-10 bulls and handful of horses on the ranch, with his wife and four children by his side to lend a helping hand. We cut our own hay, chop our own firewood and plow ourselves out whenever a February blizzard strikes and inhibits the school bus from making the hour-long commute to and from town. TRMR is open to public hunting under the state’s Block Management Program and Mike is up long before daylight checking in hunters throughout the fall and can be found in the hayfields working long after sunset during the spring and summer. And if you asked either of us why we love our job, we probably wouldn’t have to say a word. From the reflection in our eyes, you would see we have no cubicle. An average day is not typical. We have been charged with the mission of the Boone and Crockett Club. Through conservation research, demonstration and education, we plan to show the public that conservation works, The Elmer E. Rasmuson Conservation wildlife and livestock do co-exist, Education Center. and more. So much more. n

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Fair Chase Fall 2014

FOR HOME, CABIN OR 1. LEUPOLD – CDS Dial

Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) precisely matches the adjustments of Leupold optics to the specific ballistics of the cartridges being used. Once installed, making the shot is as simple as dialing to the correct range and centering the reticle. Users provide their ballistic data to Leupold, where custom dials are calibrated, then laser cut to that load. A simple swap of the dials gives custom adjustments at ranges out to 600 yards. Changing dials is a quick process, so the shooter can have several dials calibrated to a variety of loads. Each CDS system is matched to the unique characteristics of the shooter’s rifle, ammunition and atmospheric averages. Why settle for a ballpark ballistics tale when a precise shot is as simple as a turn of the dial? When paired with an RX-series laser rangefinder, the CDS becomes part of an overall accuracy system. Simply range the target, dial to the correct distance, and make a good trigger press. For non-calibrated ammunition, all CDS-equipped riflescopes come with a ¼-MOA elevation dial. The CDS is available in a wide variety of Leupold riflescopes.

www.leupold.com

2. iON REALTREE CAMOCAM CAMERA

iON America, the global consumer electronics company, introduced the iON CamoCAM™, designed specifically for fishing and hunting enthusiasts, where camouflage gear is critical to success. CamoCAM is skinned with official Realtree™ XTRA-designed camouflage and includes a Realtree XTRA camouflage mount at no extra cost. The mount’s easy lock technology makes it perfect to affix to the barrel of a firearm, fishing net and the stabilizer bar on a compound bow. In addition, the CamoCAM pairs perfectly with all of iON’s existing mounts including suction cups, helmet mounts and more, making the CamoCAM an essential part of all year-round activities and any hunting or fishing trip. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can now shoot and share high quality video images, while benefitting from the compact size, light weight, fully-waterproof design (with no unsightly, expensive added case needed as with competitor products), Wi-Fi connectivity and ease-of-use benefits that have made iON Cameras so popular. The CamoCAM boasts a 14-megapixel sensor delivering superior image quality while capturing up to 60 frames per second HD video. Additionally, the CamoCAM’s unique one-touch-recording feature allows silent activation of the camera with the flip of a switch. Unlike other POV cameras, there are no loud beeps to alert game and scare off that trophy buck. A 180-degree lens provides the widest field of view, allowing users to capture more of the scene, and long-life battery provides up to 2.5 hours recording time, ensuring the camera remains fully functional to capture any and every moment. CamoCAM retails for $299.99 USD and is debuting in Walmart stores and Walmart.com this fall. Complete details on the CamoCAM and iON’s full line of cameras, mounting kits and accessories can be found online.

www.usa.ioncamera.com/camo-cam

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R IN THE FIELD... 3. 3. Weatherby

Weatherby® adds “Range Certified” accuracy assurance to its Mark V® rifle line with the new Ultra Lightweight RC, which comes with a SUB-MOA guarantee as well as a factory-shot target signed by company President Ed Weatherby. Range Certified rifles are tested at Weatherby’s modern indoor range. Range technicians mount premium optics, boresight and test fire each rifle to determine the most accurate load using the Oehler Research 83 Ballistic Imaging System. After testing, the rifle is cleaned and packed (minus optics). Each rifle sports a special RC engraved floorplate. “Our Range Certified program now includes two of our most popular Mark V rifles—Accumark and Ultra Lightweight—for hunters and shooters,” said Mike Schwiebert, director of marketing for Weatherby, Inc. “The Mark V Ultra Lightweight RC not only makes it easier to hit the target, but is easier to carry over those long treks afield.” All RC rifles are guaranteed to shoot SUB-MOA (a three-shot group of .99-inch or less) with specified Weatherby factory or premium ammunition. The Mark V Ultra Lightweight RC weighs only 5.75 pounds or 6.75 pounds, depending on caliber. The Mark V Ultra Lightweight RC is available in .240 Wby. Mag., .270 Win., .308 Win., .30-06 Springfield, .257 Wby. Mag., .270 Wby. Mag., 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm Wby. Mag., .300 Win. Mag. and .300 Wby. Mag. Rifles chambered in .300 Wby. Mag. come standard with an Accubrake™ installed to significantly reduce felt recoil. Production rifles are right hand only, although left-hand rifles can be ordered through the Weatherby Custom Shop. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $2,400-$2,600. For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600.

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4. DNZ Scope Mounts

DNZ scope mounts feature a one-piece design for the best possible shooting accuracy. The rings are precision manufactured of Billet aluminum, which weighs only a third as much as steel. There are no moving parts between the rifle and scope and no special tools are needed to mount the rings, eliminating the need for windage screws while providing perfect alignment. DNZ scope mounts feature a full one-half inch of threading and Grade 8 hardened steel screws. They can accommodate most scope models in both 1 inch and 30mm tubes.

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5. Hornady Custom Lite

Reduced recoil always makes training more pleasant and usually more effective. Hornady makes it easier with its new Custom Lite ammunition in eight of the country’s most-popular big-game calibers from 243 Win. through 300 Win. Mag. Lighter bullets per caliber and reduced powder loads result in recoil reductions from 25- to 40 percent. The 120-grain, 270 Win. load, for instance, steps out at 2,675 fps compared to the full-house 130-grain load at 3,060 fps and the SuperFormance load at 3,200 fps. Such reduced power in no way makes these rounds ineffective on game. They just reduce effective range slightly.

www.hornady.com Fair Chase Fall 2014

56 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

Naturally Healthy Game, Fish, and Fowl Recipes for Everyday Chefs

Venison Rib Roulettes

Wild Gourmet has over 60 recipes for all types of wild game, fish, and fowl. Also Included is a pull-out poster detailing meat cuts, butchering information, and cooking techniques.

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12 Venison intra-rib meat strips

Venison rib meat, despite being the most flavorful cut of venison, is often

12 Thick-cut smoked bacon strips

underutilized; most toss it into the grinding pile for burger and sausage. Rib meat of

2 Large yellow onions, julienne

all types has a unique and palatable combination of fat and sinew, that when roasted

2 Tablespoons fresh garlic, chopped

1 Tablespoon yellow mustard seed

properly, yields a sweet and earthy meal. I often find that bone in venison ribs are

1 Teaspoon celery seed

3 Tablespoons tomato paste

1 Cup apple juice

1 Cup venison stock

½ Cup apple cider vinegar

Kosher Salt & Blended Pepper 4-inch wood picks

SERVES

too cumbersome for the amount of meat available and have the tendency to dry out quickly. This recipe uses the intra-rib strip of meat cut free from the bones during processing. These roulettes make a phenomenal appetizer or meal. I use slightly larger bamboo sticks when skewering the meat and then cut in half when serving as appetizers. To truly appreciate the great flavor of venison rib meat, serve with the BBQ sauce and fries on the side. Cook Time: 25 minutes

1. Lay venison rib strips flat on cutting board, sprinkle with salt & blended pepper, and top each with 1 slice of bacon.

2. Pinwheel roll each rib strip and bacon. Skewer twice or more to ensure the roulette does not unroll.

3. Warm a heavy braising dish over medium-high heat. Sear rib roulettes for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside roulettes.

4. In the same dish, over medium-high heat, sautee the julienne onions for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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5. Mix tomato paste, venison stock, apple cider vinegar and seasonings in the braising pan with the onions.

6. Cover the braising dish and cook at 250 degrees for 2 – 3 hours until very tender. Serve hot with your favorite BBQ sauce & fresh fries.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

TROPHY TALK Potential World’s Record - Bighorn Update In the summer issue of Fair Chase, we announced a potential new World’s Record bighorn sheep had been picked up on April 10, Jack Reneau 2014, near the Gregg DIRECTOR River in Alberta on a Big Game Records reclaimed mining site. It was green-scored at 209-1/8 points six days later by three B&C Official Measurers working together as an unofficial panel. At this score, it exceeded the current World’s Record, which scores 208-3/8 points, by 6/8ths of an inch. This may not sound like much, but when you’re talking about a World’s Record, it is significant. The remains of the ram were encapsulated in snow when the horns were found. Even though it was obvious from the condition of the carcass that the ram had been dead many months, it had to dry at ambient room temperature for 60 days before it could be officially scored for the records book. The same three scorers convened and officially scored the ram at the game and fish office in Edmonton, Alberta, on June 10, 2014. When the panel finished its work, everyone was truly shocked—including me. The ram’s final entry score is 205-7/8 points. Instead of being a new World’s Record, it ranks 5th in B&Cs records books. It had shrunk a mind boggling 3-2/8 inches in 60 days, underscoring the importance of applying a 60-day drying period to picked-up trophies. While we have to admit that we expected some shrinkage, 3-2/8 inches was much more than anyone expected. Nearly every single measurement was less, which means the horns had obviously absorbed a considerable amount of moisture during the winter months under the snow. The measurers also reported that the horns had visible cracks when they officially measured them on June 10th. They said the cracks were not present when they green-scored it. Needless to say, a Special Judges Panel will not be convened in the future to rescore this trophy. Official Measurers: Out-of-Date Score Chart Usage a Serious Problem

While processing trophy entries recently, I realized that a good number of trophies are being submitted on outdated and invalid scoring forms. One entry was received on 58 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

a P&Y score chart and a non-typical whitetail deer was entered on a typical whitetail form. Both are invalid. I noted that other entries are being submitted on score charts that have been out-of-date since as far back as the 1980s, which means they have one of B&C’s old Virginia return addresses on them. While score charts may look alike, they are not. My guess is that the use of old scoring forms is one of the reasons trophy entries sometimes get lost in the mail; trophy owners send them to old B&C address where they are being sent to a circular file. More importantly, all older score charts have out-of-date Entry Affidavits on the back that are not acceptable. This means that trophy owners are inconvenienced, and lots of time, postage, and money are wasted because owners need to once again complete a current and acceptable Entry Affidavit. This can be costly if they have to go to a Notary Public or a Commissioner of Oaths (Canada) who charge for their services. Another problem with older score charts is that they do not have a line for the trophy owner’s email address, for which we added a line to the information box on the front of the score chart a number of years ago. Email addresses may seem unnecessary, but we must have them to communicate with trophy owners. More importantly, we will need email addresses for all trophy owners when our system is updated early next year as we plan to eliminate the “material needs” letters that are mailed to trophy owners and replace them with email requests. The only score charts acceptable for trophy entry are those with a 2012 copyright date on the front. So, please destroy all your old scoring forms immediately, and order a supply of current score charts. The easiest way for Official Measurers to obtain a supply of score charts is to go to B&C’s website boone-crockett.org and print out the score charts they need. To download the score charts, click on the Big Game Records banner at the top of the home page, then drop down to Scoring Your Trophy and click on Score Chart PDFs where you can select the score charts you need. The primary stipulation for using the score chart PDFs is that you must print the front and back of each score chart on one sheet of paper. Measurers can also call (406) 542-1888 or send an email (bcclub@boone-crockett. org) to place an order. Finally, you can mail your requests to Boone and Crockett Club,

250 Station Dr., Missoula, MT 59801. There is no acceptable reason to continue to use out-of-date forms. While you’re at it, please also destroy all old Hunter, Guide, and Hunt Information forms, except for those with 2012 print dates. These are the only versions of this form that ask if the trophy was taken on private or public land, and additional data, such as age and gender of the trophy owner that are not on any older forms. New Official Measurers Appointed

The records office would like to congratulate and welcome 61 new scorers who successfully completed one of three workshops we conducted this year. Two workshops were held in Missoula, Montana, and one, coordinated by Alan Cain of Texas Parks and Wildlife, was held at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area in Hunt, Texas. Nineteen states and three Canadian provinces were represented by the attendees. We welcome these men and women and look forward to working with them in the decades to come. We’re confident that they’ll do a great job representing B&C into the future. The Club conducts an average of two workshops each year, though we don’t conduct workshops during most years when we have an Awards Program banquet. The current standardized workshops were designed and begun by former B&C Executive Director William H. (Harold) Nesbitt in 1976. Since then we have conducted nearly 60 workshops and trained some 1,300 Official Measurers. All have been taught uniformly. In order to be considered for a B&C Official Measurer appointment, candidates need to successfully complete a 3-1/2 day, hands-on scoring workshop that covers all aspects of Boone and Crockett Club’s Records Program. Anyone interested in becoming a B&C scorer needs to submit a workshop application that can be obtained from B&C’s website boone-crockett.org or by calling the Club’s headquarters at (406) 542-1888. All applicants will be considered, but application does not guarantee an invitation because there are far more applicants than openings. Preference is given to enthusiastic applicants from areas where our needs are the greatest. n

A SHEEP HUNTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DIARY

THIRTY YEARS OF MOUNTAIN HUNTING FOR IBEX AND SHEEP ONLY

New Official Measurers Craig Bowen Rene Barrientos Casey Bishop Tommy Baine Roy Banaszak Scott Bestul Richard Bush Ruben Cantu Chad Coburn Michael Conci Justin aDreibelbis Stephanie Damron Linda Demmer Bill Demmer Mark Erspamer Devin Erxleben Joel Edwards Clinton Faas Carl Frey Curtis Gray Donne Griffiths Tim Gillespie Ray Henicke Jeff Hanselka Larry Holland Kelton Hatch Daniel Kunz Don Kahl Tom Kalsbeck Stacee Kleinsmith Mark Lange John Legnard D. Heath McBride Dan McBride Denny McLanahan Todd Montandon Corey Mason John McEachern Dean Marquardt Chris Mitchell Gary Mefford Brent Milliron Mike Moline James Newport Clay Newcomb Jeff Olson Raymond Osgood Micah Poteet Larson Panzy Rick Pflanz Brent Ryll Ron Ratz Annaliese Scoggin Wade Spence Robin Spring-Wheeler Kyle Tator Brandy Vance David Vinson Daniel Walker Mark Walter Alan Wood

Bertram, TX San Antonio, TX Littleton,CO Tunica, MS Bay City, MI Lewiston, MN Arlington, TX San Angelo, TX Victor, IA Trail, BC Austin, TX Brenham, TX E. Lansing, MI E. Lansing, MI Charlotte, TX Brownwood, TX Lordsburg, NM El Campo, TX Blackfoot, ID Little Rock, AR Meridian, TX Missoula, MT Abilene, TX La Vernia, TX Garland, TX Kimberly, ID Alice, TX Ralls, TX Miltona, MN Anchorage, AK Columbus, TX Conifer, CO Brady, TX Burnet, TX Canadian, TX Canyon, TX Tyler, TX San Angelo, TX Granbury, TX San Antonio, TX Sheridan, WY Laurel, MT Brighton, CO Pearsall, TX West Fork, AR Willernie, MN Escondido, CA Lufkin, TX Dulce, NM Huntingburg, IN Naramata, BC Whitehorse, YT Midland, TX Imboden, AR Schaghticoke, NY Dulce, NM Meridian, TX Clayton, GA Cotulla, TX Kenedy, TX Oak City, UT

by Dr. Ronald S. Gabriel

3995

on Gabriel is one of only a few dozen people who has taken a Super Slam of sheep. While doing so, this very selective hunter has shot some fantastic heads. These include such trophies as the No. 2 blue sheep, a 60-inch Altai argali, a 60-inch Marco Polo, a 180-pointplus desert sheep, and a No. 2 West Caucasian tur. This man is no amateur hunter! You will find very little in the form of measurements and boasting in this book, but rather you will discover a wonderful, dense narrative of interesting events that will take you from the top of the Himalayas to the bottom of a Baja California canyon (almost at sea level). His adventures are juxtaposed against those of earlier explorers such a Demidoff, Dunmore, Cobbold, Cumberland, and Sheldon. Gabriel does an admirable job of describing how these famous hunters fared in their own hunting over a century ago on the same grounds. Use coupon code ABC141 to receive 15% discount. Offer ends 31 Dec. 2014. Shipping extra.

Safaripress.com Missoula, MT May 2 - 6, 2014

Hunt, TX March 31 - April 4, 2014

Missoula, MT June 27 - July 1, 2014

Fair Chase Fall 2014

JUSTIN E. SPRING | ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BIG GAME RECORDS

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUTHOR

On September 25, 2008, shots rang out near the peak of Mt. Joseph in Wallowa County, Oregon. This was the culmination of an amazing hunt prior to moving to Missoula, Montana, to work for the Boone and Crockett Club that same year. I had drawn the one available goat tag for the Hurricane Divide. When applying in Oregon there are no points for sheep or goat, the odds are a random toss at the dart board for which unit to apply. I had chosen Hurricane for two main reasons: First, it was the original release location of mountain goats in Oregon, and secondly, it was right behind a good friend’s house that had moved to Enterprise after college to take an engineering job. Enterprise is approximately 12 hours from where I had grown up in Oregon, and where I was residing at the time. Ironically I was sitting in the Stubborn Mule bar in Enterprise when my phone rang; the call from my dad informed me I had drawn a goat tag. I called my buddy Karl and told him I had drawn his backyard. He laughed and asked, “What did you put in for there?” When I replied, “Goat,” the phone went silent. I left the Mule and drove up to the Wallowa pack station where I met Matt. His family had run the pack station for years and he did all the guiding on their hunts. I explained that I was looking for someone to take me in and had little experience in judging goats. I didn’t mind hunting hard but needed to know when we found a good one. We worked out a price for me, my dad, and Rebecca, whom I later married, to get packed in and the excitement began to build. In the spring of 1806, Lewis and Clark made their way down the Columbia

River and recorded the first definitive reference of mountain goats in Oregon. Early explorers mentioned what may have been goats or possibly sheep earlier than Lewis and Clark’s expedition, but Lewis and Clark’s sighting was the first definitive account. Lewis and Clark were in an area of the Cascades that put them in contact with tribes on the Oregon side of the Columbia River and apparently reported ample numbers of these “white sheep” in the steep, rocky crags. The diagrams Lewis and Clark returned with leave no doubt the hides they wore were those of Oreamnos Americanus, the mountain goat. As with most species currently managed—which are all big game species in the Lower 48—they are directed by the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. The bar by which we tend to gauge the strength and health of a certain species, as well as its appropriateness for a given habitat, is the accepted occupied areas prior to European settlement. It’s hypothesized mountain goats were extirpated from Oregon around the time of European settlement, scientists have now mostly concluded their historic presence in two regions of Oregon. Historic presence is what dictates whether or not money should be expended by current management agencies to reintroduce and expand goat populations. The original transplant into this region was a collaboration between Washington and Oregon in 1950. While my research found this was a long talked-about endeavor, one can debate whether the reintroduction was an effort to restore biodiversity or rather an effort to increase opportunity for the hunters of the state. Either could be the case, but at that time, the latter seems more likely. The first goats were released at the base of Mt. Joseph in 1950 after being wrangled from north Washington near the Canadian border. They were transported

and successfully released, though were only occasionally seen. They thrived in the area of the Hurwal and Hurricane divides above Wallowa Lake. The goats lived a fairly solid existence and did well in their newly occupied habitat. The first goat season took place 15 years later in 1965. At the time, wildlife managers didn’t understand the biology of the mountain goat, and harvest levels were unsustainable. Hunts were discontinued from 1968 until 1997. Since that inaugural modern season in 1997, different management has resulted in one of the strongest-producing goat herds in the Lower 48. It continues to produce goats of the highest caliber. They are doing so well in fact, 2014 was the first year the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife made a non-resident tag available. When I drew my tag in 2008, the state required all hunters to attend a mandatory orientation. It was at this meeting where I met Buck Buckner, the Vice President of Big Game Records, and soon after interviewed for my current position with the Boone and Crockett Club. The connection to the Club and my goat hunt is far stronger than a chance meeting, though. In 1905, Club Member Madison Grant, head of the New York Zoological Society, published a book on mountain goats which holds the first reference (that I can find) in scientific literature of goats being native to northeast Oregon and the Cascades. This presence was a solid source for the appropriateness of mountain goat reintroduction and management to this day. Additional evidence has surfaced of remnants being recovered on both sides of Hells Canyon, and today it is generally accepted that goats historically inhabited these mountains as well which are mostly managed today as wilderness. My hunt started at a trailhead located in the Wallowa-Whitman National

In the spring of 1806, Lewis and Clark made their way down the Columbia River and recorded the first definitive reference of mountain goats in Oregon. Lewis and Clark were in an area of the Cascades that put them in contact with tribes on the Oregon side of the Columbia and apparently reported ample numbers of these white sheep in the steep, rocky crags.

60 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

POWERED BY This column is dedicated to the system that supports the public hunting of public wildlife for all fair chase sportsmen, and the stories and trophies that are the result. Theodore Roosevelt strongly believed that self-reliance and pursuing the strenuous activities of hunting and wilderness exploration was the best way to keep man connected to nature. We score trophies, but every hunt is to some extent a way of measuring ourselves.

Forest—land that was actually set aside by Theodore Roosevelt himself in 1905. At the time it was the Wallowa Reserve and was included when Roosevelt embarked on his quest to set aside our nation’s timber reserves. The Hurricane unit, which I drew, is nearly all managed as wilderness within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. My trip was the first I had made on horseback into a wilderness camp. Accompanying me on the trip were my dad and Rebecca. We rode high into an alpine basin on the first night and were rewarded with the sight of a band of nannies and kids feeding in the scree field above camp. We hunted hard for three days, climbing the surrounding peaks from the Thorp Creek Basin in which we were camped. We saw goats every day and attempted stalks as the week went on but never quite closed the distance or were able to negotiate the terrain to get in position for a shot. After the first day, Matt told me he wasn’t sure what was up as generally the goats were down far lower than the tops of the peaks where we were finding them. On day three, the question was answered as I glassed for goats and caught movement lower on the hill. I found the spot in my glass; a mountain lion had moved into the basin and pushed the goats out of their normal pattern. We saw him one other time that week but never could get a long-enough glimpse to get a tag on him. At one point, we were in pursuit of a billy that could have bested the state-record

goat at the time. We paralleled the old goat from the scree below the craggy peaks he was negotiating for a few miles. We cut the distance to 700 yards, though even when he paused below the horizon I wasn’t comfortable at that range. While the conditions were unusually calm for the alpine habitat in which we were hunting. The shot was not certain, and I never broke the trigger even though the guide told me this was going to be our only chance. Dejectedly hiking back to camp he paused for a moment, looked at me, and said, “That is the first time I have ever called for a shot by a client and had him refuse.” He smiled, patted my 25-year-old shoulder, and gave me a grin that was more a compliment than reflection of his emotion. We continued on, climbing peaks and venturing further and further from camp until the fifth day when we made the longest trek of the hunt. We left camp on horseback and took them to tree line around 8,500 feet. From there we sidehilled up another 300 feet over about a three-quarter-mile-wide scree slope, crested the ridge and climbed nearly another thousand vertical feet to the peak of Mt. Chief Joseph. The view in all directions was breathtaking, though I had little breath left to take! A severe flu had hit me, and my lungs were inflamed, pushed to the extreme at this altitude. The rumbling from my chest resulted in a slightly pink

tint to what I coughed up, but this was a once in a lifetime tag. We rested near the summit of Joseph and took in the view of the glistening Wallowa Lake far below with national forests and wilderness expanses in all directions from the valley floor. I was in the most pain I have ever felt. I was fatigued, I was cold, my body ached all over; but while I hurt, I loved every second of it. I was part of nature. I was engulfed in the pursuit of a species brought back to this area by my forefathers of conservation. I was here in this place and time on a draw tag—my name drawn from 1,317 applicants—and awarded the opportunity to experience this. We soon rose to our feet and began working further out on the ridge. We hadn’t gone far when a single billy came into view. A small patch of round boulders surrounded us, so I dropped to a prone position and found the goat’s chest in the crosshairs at 150 yards. His horns appeared very thick and no white was visible between them. The sound of the shot and recoil was even more muffled than usual as my hearing was also impaired from the sickness, though a solid thump confirmed a hit. The billy appeared unscathed though and turned and began walking toward a cliff.

Justin’s first horseback hunt started at a trailhead located in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest—land that was actually set aside by Theodore Roosevelt in 1905.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

Justin and his dad take a moment to reflect on this successful hunt. His goat scores 48-2/8 points.

After a step his vitals were hidden from my prone position, so I rose and followed up with a second off-hand shot. The guide Matt yelled I had missed, though the thump was again audible and my confidence solid on a hit. He kept insisting I find a rest, though I knew I could not see the billy from the ground. So I chambered a third round and broke the trigger just as the goat was nearing the cliff, yet still a few feet shy to ensure a solid backdrop if I missed. We hurriedly covered the distance with few words spoken, though I could tell Matt’s confidence in the shot was very thin. I felt certain at least two of the three would have done the job, and as soon as we stood where the billy was last seen, we confirmed the third found its mark as well. The billy lay not 15 yards from where we had last seen him. We paused momentarily for some photos and began the task of

skinning the goat, boning all the meat and putting it into our packs. Honestly, in the moment I didn’t pause as long as one should to reflect on the events that had just unfolded. This was a major turning point in my life and career. I had delayed my start date with the Boone and Crockett Club one month to complete this hunt—and fortunately Buck was quite understanding of the request. I didn’t realize the connections I had just made, nor did I reflect on the efforts of those before me that ensured my ability to be there in that moment. I often think of the pen stroke of Roosevelt as he put this land into the trust of the federal government over a hundred years prior. I reflect on the early efforts of those of the conservation movement whose actions facilitated the goats’ existence. The work of the Oregon Game Commission and later Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

I was in the most pain I have ever felt. I was fatigued, I was cold, my body ached all over; but while I hurt, I loved every second of it. I was part of nature. I was engulfed in the pursuit of a species brought back to this area by my forefathers of conservation. I was here in this place and time on a draw tag—my name drawn from 1,317 applicants—and awarded the opportunity to experience this.

62 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

and the countless hours of volunteer work put forth by the Oregon Foundation for North American Wild Sheep. The pack back to the horses was the hardest pack out I have ever experienced. Usually the adrenaline rush of success will motivate your legs and back into carrying hundred-plus-pound loads, but I had nothing left. Rebecca had stayed in camp that day as she had contracted the same funk I was suffering. A look through her glasses confirmed a white hump riding on one of the backs of the horses, and she knew I had found success. She excitedly greeted us as we retuned, and it was all I could do to muster a slight smile for her. That night I sat by the fire, staring at the goat for hours, so enthralled by this white mountain dweller. No tape was put to horn until the following morning. It was a time to enjoy the experience the best I could. The experience was far beyond a score. The goat turned out to be a top-10 billy for Oregon at the time but has long since dropped from that ranking. While it was kind of cool to have that distinction, I am far happier to see the goats doing so well. Now that a nonresident tag is available to draw, I hope that perhaps one day I can return to these mountains with my wife, and she can experience this same hunt with a rifle in her hands, to have the opportunity to take a goat of the highest quality, even if she again bests me in yet another category of big game. n

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JACK STEELE PARKER

GENERATION NE The Boone and Crockett Club would like to celebrate young hunters who have embraced the outdoor way of life and embody the spirit of fair chase hunting. The following is a

younger). All of the field photos in this section are from entries that are listed in this issue and are shown in bold orange text.

list of the most recent big game trophies accepted into the Boone and Crockett Club’s 29th Big Game Awards Program, 2013-2015, that have been taken by a youth hunter (16 years or

This listing represents only those trophies accepted since the Summer 2014 issue of Fair Chase was published.

FINAL GROSS SCORE SCORE LOCATION

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

FINAL GROSS SCORE SCORE

LOCATION

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

BLACK BEAR

NON-TYPICAL WHITETAIL DEER

21 11/16 21 9/16 20 6/16 20 5/16 20 2/16 20

199 3/8 206 6/8 Ross Co., OH Lincoln P. Bossert 187 1/8 194 4/8 Cuyahoga Co., OH Michael S. Flanigan

Bayfield Co., WI St. Croix Co., WI Washington Co., ID Page Co., VA Ashland Co., WI Wexford Co., MI

Carson J. Kurtz Charles L’Allier Tyler J. Rasmussen Dalton K. Griffith Garrett L. Loesel Kayli A. Peak

2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2012

L. Zimmerman S. Ashley R. Addison B. Trumbo B. Ihlenfeldt R. Novosad

379 2/8 Meagher Co., MT

MOUNTAIN CARIBOU

391 1/8 405 2/8 Long Lake, YT

Adam J. Henderson 2013 T. Grabowski

PRONGHORN

TYPICAL AMERICAN ELK 375

2013 D. Haynes 2013 D. Haynes

Michael J. Parsons

2013 R. Spring

TYPICAL MULE DEER

192 5/8 213 7/8 Archuleta Co., CO 183 5/8 202 4/8 La Plata Co., CO

Nicholas E. Cronon, Jr. 2013 T. Watts Quincy J. Witt 2013 T. Watts

82 4/8

84 6/8

Sublette Co., WY

Hunter A. French

2013 R. Stayner

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT 50 2/8 50 2/8 50 50

Revillagigedo Island, AK Dease Lake, BC

Natasha A. Bolshakoff James F. DeBlasio

2013 J. Baichtal 2013 R. Berreth

TYPICAL COLUMBIA BLACKTAIL

DESERT SHEEP

137 4/8 145 1/8 Humboldt Co., CA

182 4/8 185

Ridge H. Peterson

2013 G. Hooper

Pinal Co., AZ

Carl A. Luedeman

TYPICAL WHITETAIL DEER 175 2/8 170 7/8 170 163 3/8 160 1/8

202 3/8 177 3/8 174 1/8 183 6/8 182 5/8

Randolph Co., MO Jackson Co., MO Fulton Co., IL Greenup Co., KY Grant Co., WI

Charles L’Allier

64 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

Dillon M. Schumann David C. Everett Dylan J. Phelps Johnathon E. Cox Mikalah A. Enright

2013 2013 2012 2013 2012

J. Sumners J. Shadwick T. Walmsley G. Surber E. Randall

Mikalah A. Enright

2013 C. Goldman

EXT

Quincy J. Witt

Hunter A. French

Carson J. Kurtz

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Fair Chase Fall 2014

The following pages list the most recent big game trophies accepted into the Boone and Crockett Club’s 29th Big Game Awards Program, 2013-2015, which includes entries received between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015. All of the field photos in this section are from entries that are listed in this issue and are shown in bold green text.

This listing represents only those trophies accepted since the Summer 2014 issue of Fair Chase was published.

ABOVE Grant W. Soerens took this black bear, scoring 20-4/16 points, near Thompson, Manitoba, in 2013. He was shooting his .300 Winchester Mag. BELOW Gilbert T. Adams III harvested this non-typical mule deer in Mohave County, Arizona, in 2013. The buck scores 254-2/8 points.

BEAR & COUGAR FINAL SCORE

LOCATION

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

BLACK BEAR - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 23-10/16 22 9/16 22 4/16 22 21 15/16 21 14/16 21 13/16 21 13/16 21 13/16 21 12/16 21 11/16 21 11/16 21 10/16 21 9/16 21 8/16 21 7/16 21 7/16 21 7/16 21 6/16 21 6/16 21 4/16 21 2/16 21 2/16 21 21 20 14/16 20 14/16 20 13/16 20 11/16 20 10/16 20 10/16 20 10/16 20 10/16 20 10/16 20 9/16 20 8/16 20 6/16 20 5/16 20 5/16 20 5/16 20 5/16 20 5/16 20 5/16 20 5/16 20 4/16 20 3/16 20 3/16 20 2/16 20 1/16 20 1/16 20 20 20 20

Taylor Co., WI Stephanie J. Kotecki 2013 Pepin Co., WI Eric E. Hayden 2013 Gunnison Co., CO Greg L. Safewright 2013 Chippewa Co., WI Stephen H. Gilbertson 2013 Ashland Co., WI Ronald F. Goebel 2013 Jackson Co., OR Mark A. Stephens 2013 Onslow Co., NC James W. Thomas 2013 Assiniboine Robert J. Yuker 2013 River, SK Hyde Co., NC Heather J. Shepherd 2011 Bayfield Co., WI Carson J. Kurtz 2013 Lake of the Marla M. Geres 2013 Prairies, MB Sussex Co., NJ Harold A. Moffett 2013 St. Croix Co., WI Charles L’Allier 2013 Tioga Co., PA Wayne A. Gehers 2013 Beaufort Co., NC Vilena Hunt 2011 Fergus Co., MT Thomas R. McKinnis 2013 Sawyer Co., WI Michael A. Borchardt 2013 Navajo Co., AZ Ray M. Garcia 2013 Whitesand River, SK Trevor S. Walchuk 2013 Craven Co., NC Tony J. Creech 2012 Burnett Co., WI Brent D. Pardun 2013 Glaslyn, SK Durwood F. White 2013 Navajo Co., AZ James E. Pomfret 2013 Tyrrell Co., NC Michael D. Gillette 2013 Clearfield Co., PA Derek A. Long 2013 Montmorency Nicholas R. Osmulski 2013 Co., MI Dunn Co., WI Gerald R. Raether 2013 Luzerne Co., PA Randy L. Klem, Jr. 2013 Chippewa Co., WI Scott B. Heath 2012 Monroe Co., PA Timothy J. Moffett 2012 Windy Lake, SK Zachariah J. Waitman 2013 Pike Co., PA John B. Parker 2013 Tyrrell Co., NC James L. Whitley III 2011 Red Mountain, BC Sepp A. Aschwanden 2013 Trocadero Bay, AK Brad Meinhold 1986 Washington Co., ID Tyler J. Rasmussen 2013 Chippewa Co., WI Tylor R. Seidlitz 2013 Crawford Co., PA Michael A. Messina 2013 Lackawanna Co., PA William A. Slacktish 2012 Lincoln Co., WI Shannon S. Bootz 2012 N. Saskatchewan Daniel A. Roy 2013 River, AB Page Co., VA Dalton K. Griffith 2013 Rusk Co., WI Thomas I. Hindahl 2013 Thompson, MB Grant W. Soerens 2013 Sheffield Lake, NL Larry Kuhns 2011 Ventura Co., CA Jamie C. Duenas 2013 Ashland Co., WI Garrett L. Loesel 2013 Itasca Co., MN Daniel L. Kolb 2013 Rio Blanco Co., CO Brian R. Scott 2012 Bayfield Co., WI Ann M. Nowak 2013 Pepin Co., WI Kirk G. Peterson 2013 Taylor Co., WI Oscar O. Perez 2013 Wexford Co., MI Kayli A. Peak 2012

T. Heil B. Ihlenfeldt B. Long K. Zimmerman M. Miller K. Evanow R. Norville H. Dreger H. Atkinson L. Zimmerman H. Dreger L. Fulmer S. Ashley J. Mock M. Caudell J. Kendall S. Zirbel R. Stayner H. Dreger R. Norville K. Zimmerman R. Smith R. Stayner R. Bell J. Mock J. Ohmer L. Zimmerman D. Lynch L. Zimmerman L. Fulmer H. Dreger P. Sussenbach J. Turner M. Monita J. Spring R. Addison J. Hjort D. Bastow P. Sussenbach P. Gauthier D. Powell B. Trumbo L. Zimmerman M. Miller T. Ross E. Fanchin B. Ihlenfeldt R. Dehart R. Black S. Zirbel B. Ihlenfeldt L. Zimmerman R. Novosad

GRIZZLY BEAR - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 27-13/16

Share your field photos with us! Follow: @BooneandCrockettClub Tag: #booneandcrockettclub 66 nn Fair FairChase ChaseFall Fall2014 2014

25 4/16 24 14/16 24 10/16 23 12/16

Ketchumstock Creek, AK Nome, AK Wood River, AK Lapan Lake, BC

Jeffrey A. Hebert

2013 A. Jubenville

Nathan D. Sheets Paul J. Vomela Reno F. Carifa

2002 R. Deis 2013 C. Brent 2013 R. Berreth

ALASKA BROWN BEAR - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 30 12/16

NON-TYPICAL MULE DEER CONTINUED

28 12/16 28 11/16 28 9/16 26 5/16

225 7/8 236 1/8 El Paso Co., CO 221 1/8 225 2/8 Mesa Co., CO

Iliamna Lake, AK Unimak Island, AK Kodiak Island, AK Cold Bay, AK

Clifford H. Collen Bill Burwell Brian C. Shaub Frank S. Noska IV

1998 2013 2013 2013

M. Pennell J. Pallister R. Lowe C. Brent

2013 T. Brickel 1971 S. Wilkins

TYPICAL COLUMBIA BLACKTAIL - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 182-2/8

146 3/8 154 1/8 145 7/8 160 6/8 137 4/8 145 1/8 27 10/16 Beaufort Sea, YT Bill Hogg 1991 R. Gander 136 7/8 154 2/8 135 1/8 138 4/8 COUGAR - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 16-4/16 130 5/8 142 1/8 15 1/16 Grand Co., CO Chad E. Allen 2014 K. Witt 129 132 15 1/16 Lusk Creek, AB Brian A. Fyke 2013 W. Paplawski 126 6/8 132 6/8 15 Las Animas Co., CO James R. McDermott 2014 M. Trujillo 15 Missoula Co., MT Colin J. Fortney 2014 J. Spring NON-TYPICAL 14 12/16 Kittitas Co., WA Colby D. Wright 2013 M. Opitz 163 6/8 171 4/8 14 10/16 Rio Blanco Co., CO Thomas D. Hackler 1994 P. Carlson

POLAR BEAR - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE

Keith L. Butala Arthur W. Grieb

29 15/16

Humboldt Co., CA Clark Co., WA Humboldt Co., CA Glenn Co., CA Glenn Co., CA Mendocino Co., CA Mendocino Co., CA Mendocino Co., CA

Gary D. Cyphers Jeffery D. Olson Ridge H. Peterson James W. Barbour Glenn L. Stanley Beau G. Brown Beau G. Brown Frank S. Noska IV

2013 2013 2013 2011 2006 2013 2013 2013

S. Boero G. Childers G. Hooper D. Biggs G. Hooper H. Wilson H. Wilson C. Brent

COLUMBIA BLACKTAIL - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 208 1/8 Shasta Co., CA

Riley G. Kelley

2013 S. Boero

TYPICAL SITKA BLACKTAIL DEER - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 134 118 121 3/8 Prince of Wales Brian M. Gierard Island, AK 106 1/8 110 Kosciusko Island, AK Eric N. Evens

2013 M. Nilsen 2013 M. Nilsen

ELK & MULE DEER

FINAL GROSS SCORE SCORE LOCATION

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

TYPICAL AMERICAN ELK - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 442-5/8 388 6/8 386 3/8 380 7/8 375 368 367 3/8 367 2/8 367 2/8 362 3/8

397 404 5/8 385 4/8 379 2/8 384 2/8 375 7/8 374 2/8 371 1/8 374 2/8

Apache Co., AZ Ashley L. Ryan Dawes Co., NE Thomas Lemmerholz Nye Co., NV Robert J. Garrison Meagher Co., MT Michael J. Parsons Park Co., WY David S. Haus White Pine Co., NV Matthew A. Rajala Jenner, AB Frank J. Gilham Teton Co., MT Steve R. Mellinger Hot Springs Co., WY Sam S. Stephens

2013 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2011 2013

M. Zieser B. Sterling C. Lacey R. Spring S. Grabow S. Sanborn W. Paplawski G. Taylor D. Hart

NON-TYPICAL AMERICAN ELK - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 478-5/8 385 4/8 390 4/8 Gila Co., AZ

Ignacio A. O’Higgins 2013 J. Stein

ROOSEVELT’S ELK - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 404-4/8 307 4/8 314 4/8 Lane Co., OR 305 2/8 312 1/8 Clallam Co., WA

Jason M. Warden 2012 C. Lynde Ronald P. Hjelmeseth 2013 D. Sanford

TULE ELK - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 379 331 3/8 338 5/8 San Luis Obispo Co., CA 314 1/8 325 6/8 Solano Co., CA

Earl J. Darway

2013 J. Bugni

Picked Up

1997 B. Abele

TYPICAL MULE DEER - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 226-4/8 201 7/8 195 3/8 194 6/8 193 2/8 193 2/8 192 5/8 192 4/8 189 4/8 186 6/8 185 6/8 185 5/8 185 3/8 183 5/8 180 6/8 180 1/8 180 1/8

217 1/8 208 6/8 199 2/8 197 200 213 7/8 226 3/8 198 3/8 196 2/8 193 3/8 198 2/8 188 7/8 202 4/8 199 6/8 182 7/8 189

Eagle Co., CO Provost, AB Boulder Co., CO Adams Co., ID Delta Co., CO Archuleta Co., CO Unknown Sonora, MX Sonora, MX Summit Co., UT Sonora, MX Rio Blanco Co., CO La Plata Co., CO Unknown Co., CO Kittitas Co., WA Lander Co., NV

Anthony J. Threinen 2013 Chase L. Heck 2012 Jamie J. Seyler 2013 Michael A. Kaup 2013 Keith K. Killen 1973 Nicholas E. Cronon, Jr. 2013 Unknown 2012 Manuel J. Chee 2008 Leo H. Goss 2014 Jesse N. Stout 2013 Carean Goss 2013 Zachariah J. Wood 2013 Quincy J. Witt 2013 Unknown 1970 Edward F. Seil 2013 Richard G. Easton 2013

D. Waechtler D. Powell R. Little E. Buckner B. Long T. Watts M. Heeg J. Reneau M. Barrett S. Frazier M. Barrett S. Grebe T. Watts C. Kelly D. Sanford L. Clark

NON-TYPICAL MULE DEER - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 355-2/8 254 2/8 264 6/8 Mohave Co., AZ 252 7/8 256 7/8 100 Mile House, BC 243 2/8 249 2/8 Montrose Co., CO 242 5/8 248 Uintah Co., UT 240 6/8 249 5/8 Diefenbaker Lake, SK 237 5/8 244 6/8 Ormiston, SK 230 239 4/8 Grant Co., WA

Gilbert T. Adams III Don Reynolds Keith K. Killen Miles M. Batty Russell W. Long

2013 1977 1974 1957 2012

W. Bowles R. Berreth B. Long R. Hall J. McJannet

Christopher Montgomery Thomas M. Frick

2011 C. Fink 2012 K. Vaughn

WHITETAIL DEER

FINAL GROSS SCORE SCORE LOCATION

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

TYPICAL WHITETAIL DEER - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 213-5/8 189 4/8 194 3/8 188 2/8 199 185 7/8 209 6/8 184 1/8 199 6/8 180 2/8 191 6/8 179 5/8 192 5/8 179 4/8 187 6/8 179 3/8 189 4/8 179 2/8 183 2/8 178 189 7/8 177 6/8 184 6/8 175 2/8 202 3/8 174 7/8 177 7/8 174 5/8 185 3/8 174 4/8 190 3/8 173 7/8 187 1/8 173 6/8 192 173 6/8 189 2/8 173 5/8 188 7/8 173 4/8 182 3/8 172 7/8 179 7/8 172 6/8 181 5/8 172 5/8 188 3/8 172 5/8 175 6/8 172 1/8 188 4/8 172 1/8 180 4/8 171 7/8 194 3/8 171 7/8 195 2/8 171 6/8 182 2/8 171 5/8 182 171 4/8 178 6/8 171 4/8 190 3/8 171 2/8 177 2/8 171 1/8 188 171 175 2/8 170 7/8 177 3/8 170 7/8 188 4/8 170 4/8 175 6/8 170 2/8 174 6/8 170 2/8 195 5/8 170 1/8 189 1/8 170 1/8 176 6/8 170 174 1/8 169 7/8 175 5/8 169 4/8 174 3/8 169 4/8 181 2/8

Tazewell Co., IL Poweshiek Co., IA Adams Co., OH Vernon Co., WI Logan Co., KS Miami Co., OH Waterborough, NB Oldham Co., KY La Salle Co., TX Highland Co., OH Mount Middleton, NB Randolph Co., MO Allamakee Co., IA Washtenaw Co., MI Kankakee Co., IL Crawford Co., KS Clark Co., MO Maverick Co., TX Jasper Co., IN Wilson Co., TX Jersey Co., IL Owen Co., KY Crittenden Co., KY Zavala Co., TX Jessamine Co., KY Logan Co., WV Colfax Co., NE Saline Co., KS Norman Co., MN Reno Co., KS Bureau Co., IL Ogle Co., IL Union Co., IN Benton Co., MN Kleberg Co., TX Jackson Co., MO Warren Co., OH Webb Co., TX Columbia Co., PA La Salle Co., TX Jennings Co., IN Upshur Co., WV Fulton Co., IL Perry Co., IN Clark Co., KY Wichita Co., KS

Rex O. McMorris III Jeff A. Dolash Gary C. Stevens Jared J. Thiede Mark W. Wade Stephen E. Hodge Ken H. McAllister Jean L. Marquis Rene R. Barrientos Coty H. O’Dell J. Adam Hornbrook

2013 2013 2014 2013 2013 2012 2004 2013 2012 2012 1999

T. Walmsley D. Pfeiffer M. Wendel S. Godfrey W. Hepworth M. Wendel W. Hanson W. Cooper E. Fuchs T. Schlater M. Bowling

Dillon M. Schumann Jeremiah J. Johnson Mark A. Scarberry Steven H. Engelking Ross G. Rittenoure Vickie L. Harness Justin N. Triesch Burnett M. Johnson C.E. Sikes Eric J. Gittinger Jeff A. Osborne Gabriel S. Jenkins Alberto Bailleres Jason Burkley Ethan D. McCallister Scott A. Cutler Tony R. Strickland Kevin L. Fossen David L. Yutzy P.J. Cobane Brady R. Scheffler Jason A. Buttery Eric L. Mead Allyn L. Archer David C. Everett Chad E. Priest Randy L. Callison David C. Hilliard Rene R. Barrientos Mike D. Garlitch Todd A. Yanofchick Dylan J. Phelps Michael E. Schwartz John D. Bollard Camron L. Patten

2013 2010 2013 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 1913 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2012 2012 2007 2012 2013 2013 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2012 2012 2007 2013

J. Sumners P. Farni J. Knevel T. Walmsley C. Muller D. Ream R. Zaiglin J. Bogucki J. Arnold S. Corley D. Weddle K. Brunjes J. Stein J. Lacefield G. Surber R. Pesek J. Roof K. Schaar R. Krueger T. Walmsley T. Beissel J. Hooten S. Grabow N. Ballard J. Shadwick G. Trent H. Saye D. Aumen E. Fuchs J. Hooten K. Griglak T. Walmsley J. Bogucki J. Lacefield L. Lueckenhoff

Fair Chase Fall 2014

RECENTLY ACCEPTED TROPHIES TYPICAL WHITETAIL DEER CONTINUED 161 6/8 165 3/8 Waushara Co., WI Colin D. Boeckers 2012 S. Zirbel 161 4/8 165 2/8 Fond du Lac Co., WI Joshua D. Boegel 2013 M. Miller 161 4/8 178 3/8 Ripley Co., IN Ben J. Baker 2013 M. Verble 161 1/8 188 4/8 Causapscal, QC Bernard Rioux 2012 L. Soucy 161 185 2/8 Chippewa Co., WI Dane T. Durch 2013 K. Zimmerman 161 172 3/8 Kandiyohi Co., MN Dustin R. Breitbach 2009 S. Grabow 160 5/8 164 3/8 Stettler, AB Brandon D. Ridley 2013 D. Powell 160 4/8 169 7/8 Madison Co., MS Ronald J. Garavelli 2013 M. Henke 160 3/8 175 4/8 Franklin Co., KY Rodney J. Young 2013 D. Weddle 160 3/8 170 3/8 Washington Co., ME Kevin D. Phelps 2013 A. Wentworth 160 1/8 165 2/8 Franklin Co., KS Douglas A. Klamm 2013 R. Hale 160 1/8 182 5/8 Grant Co., WI Mikalah A. Enright 2012 E. Randall 160 1/8 171 1/8 Lyon Co., KY Tyler Fulton 2013 W. Cooper 160 180 5/8 Door Co., WI Jason L. Daubner 2012 B. Ihlenfeldt 160 165 5/8 Fayette Co., TN Earl R. Bouldin, Jr. 2012 R. Garton 160 173 Franklin Co., ME Douglas C. Morton 2012 J. Arsenault 160 174 2/8 Itasca Co., MN Robert Wirtz 1976 J. Lunde

NON-TYPICAL WHITETAIL DEER - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 333-7/8

Brant Rooney was on a 2013 archery hunt in Washington County, Minnesota, when he took this non-typical whitetail deer. The buck scores 200-2/8 points. TYPICAL WHITETAIL DEER CONTINUED 169 3/8 175 1/8 Guernsey Co., OH Anthony W. Weaver 2014 M. Wendel 168 5/8 174 6/8 Warren Co., MO Jerry L. Rodriguez 2013 S. Corley 167 7/8 170 6/8 Adams Co., WI Mettja M. Roate 2013 J. Ramsey 167 5/8 172 4/8 Adams Co., OH Patricia A. Newman 2013 G. Trent 167 4/8 181 7/8 Rusk Co., WI Daniel L. Van Dyck 2012 B. Richards 167 2/8 170 2/8 Macoupin Co., IL Jay M. Ramseier 2012 T. Walmsley 167 179 2/8 La Salle Co., TX Rene R. Barrientos 2011 E. Fuchs 167 186 4/8 Morrison Co., MN Timothy J. Winkleman 2013 S. Grabow 166 4/8 189 2/8 Harrison Co., IN Alvin E. Walther 2012 D. Curts 166 3/8 179 4/8 Gibbons, AB Chad E. Fenske 2013 D. Butler 166 2/8 176 3/8 Richland Co., IL Michael R. Roper 2012 B. Sanford 166 1/8 172 2/8 Greene Co., VA Bobby G. Shifflett 2012 B. Trumbo 166 1/8 182 4/8 Kleberg Co., TX Neil F. Smith 2013 N. Ballard 165 7/8 184 1/8 Callaway Co., MO Jordan L. Mantle 2013 L. Lueckenhoff 165 7/8 169 2/8 St. Louis Co., MN Bruce E. Keller 2012 J. Lunde 165 7/8 170 2/8 Trigg Co., KY Terry Haney 2013 C. Wilkins 165 6/8 179 2/8 Jefferson Co., WI Lesley M. Strunk 2013 B. Tessmann 165 4/8 173 1/8 Culpeper Co., VA Picked Up 2010 B. Neitzel 165 4/8 167 3/8 Richland Co., WI Michael A. Verburgt 2011 M. Miller 165 1/8 192 1/8 Delaware Co., IN Scott K. Odom 2013 J. Bogucki 164 7/8 178 3/8 Cheyenne Co., KS Richard P. Nicolas 2013 S. Grebe 164 7/8 178 4/8 Richland Co., WI Steven R. Morrick 2011 S. Zirbel 164 5/8 171 1/8 Fayette Co., IA Megan M. Stammeyer 2012 L. Briney 164 4/8 175 6/8 Ashland Co., OH Mark S. Rader 2010 W. Ogden 164 4/8 172 7/8 Fayette Co., IA Kenneth D. Boeding 2012 J. Nordman 164 4/8 186 4/8 S. Saskatchewan Barry D. Miller 2013 J. Clary River, SK 164 173 1/8 Franklin Co., IN David N. Robbins 2013 K. Bumbalough 163 7/8 191 2/8 Perry Co., MO Justin J. Whipple 2013 S. Corley 163 6/8 175 6/8 Riley Co., KS Paul A. Eldridge 2013 S. Zirbel 163 4/8 176 7/8 Cross Co., AR Brian K. Taylor 2013 C. Latham 163 4/8 168 1/8 Washington Co., IA Kevin D. Miller 2013 J. Ream 163 3/8 183 6/8 Greenup Co., KY Johnathon E. Cox 2013 G. Surber 163 2/8 168 6/8 Hinds Co., MS Roy M. Goode 2014 R. Dillard 163 165 6/8 Metcalfe Co., KY Eric Atkins 2011 D. Weddle 163 170 5/8 Shackelford Co., TX Robert J. Wilhoit 2013 L. Holland 162 7/8 165 6/8 Beaver Co., OK Russ A. Rundle 2013 G. Moore 162 7/8 173 7/8 Hemphill Co., TX Gregory M. Winters 2014 T. Fricks 162 7/8 169 Lipscomb Co., TX Trent S. Fluitt 2013 O. Carpenter 162 7/8 165 6/8 Morris Co., KS Grant L. Hollis 2012 L. Barr 162 6/8 186 4/8 Wayne Co., OH Winston L.Wyckoff III 2013 G. Trent 162 4/8 173 Dubuque Co., IA Justin J. Steckel 2013 P. Farni 162 3/8 168 3/8 Henry Co., KY E. Keith Baker 2013 J. Bogucki 162 2/8 165 4/8 Saline Co., KS Robert M. Benjamin 2004 J. Lunde 162 1/8 165 1/8 Centre Co., PA J. Edward Bowers 2013 M. Blazosky 162 1/8 176 2/8 Kingman Co., KS Charles L. Palmer 2013 B. Emerson 161 6/8 164 5/8 Burke Co., GA Douglas A. Norton 2013 I. Parnell 161 6/8 165 4/8 Henry Co., IA Aaron L. Green 2014 P. Farni 161 6/8 166 Prince George’s Travis W. Fowble 2012 J. Creamer Co., MD

68 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

229 6/8 234 4/8 Guthrie Co., IA Jay A. Elliott 2012 D. Ream 228 5/8 236 4/8 Dubuque Co., IA Corey P. Klein 2013 J. Ream 223 3/8 236 2/8 Cecil Co., MD Jordan R. DuHamell 2013 R. Newton 220 1/8 224 N. Saskatchewan Darrell G. Strain 2012 D. Powell River, AB 217 1/8 226 Warren Co., KY Gerald D. Jenkins 2013 D. Weddle 213 7/8 221 6/8 Cherokee Co., IA Bryon P. Raper 2013 D. Ream 213 7/8 218 5/8 Dodge Co., WI Gregg P. Krause 2013 P. Barwick 212 3/8 217 7/8 Preble Co., OH Michael P. McCabe 2013 M. Wendel 211 7/8 219 7/8 Collin Co., TX Kenny R. Grant 2013 K. Witt 211 1/8 227 5/8 Ramsey Co., MN Picked Up 2013 S. Grabow 211 218 Murray Lake, SK Nickolas Krill 2013 B. Seidle 210 7/8 221 2/8 Lafayette Co., MO Robert H. Daugherty 2013 K. Zielke 210 3/8 227 2/8 Licking Co., OH Carl J. Effler 2013 M. Wendel 209 5/8 214 7/8 Anderson Co., KS Thomas M. Boyer 2013 R. Pepper 208 213 Pipestone Valley, SK Bing J. Bryant 2013 H. Dreger 208 215 4/8 Warren Co., IA Jason M. Burgin 2013 G. Salow 206 6/8 212 7/8 Henry Co., IA Seth A. Watson 2013 D. Pfeiffer 205 4/8 219 4/8 Hendricks Co., IN Joshua S. Stephenson 2013 P. Hawkins 205 215 1/8 Mercer Co., MO Dustin C. McCleary 2013 S. Jump 203 6/8 208 4/8 Sullivan Co., IN Carlos D. Watson 2013 J. Bogucki 203 1/8 209 6/8 Nemaha Co., KS Garrett R. Michael 2013 R. Hale 202 7/8 208 Monroe Co., OH Harry A. Boyd 2013 R. Pepper 202 2/8 210 6/8 Chariton Co., MO James E. Stewart 2013 J. Detjen 201 4/8 205 3/8 Nemaha Co., NE Picked Up 2012 C. Pierce 201 1/8 208 2/8 Grayson Co., TX Joseph M. Benson 2008 J. Stein 201 1/8 212 4/8 Marshall Co., MS Henry L. Davis 2013 C. Latham 200 6/8 209 6/8 Sauk Co., WI Picked Up 2011 P. Barwick 200 6/8 213 4/8 Wagoner Co., OK Jeffrey W. Thomas 2012 M. Richards 200 2/8 209 Washington Co., MN Brant Rooney 2013 D. Boland 199 3/8 204 1/8 Crawford Co., WI Jeffrey J. Westra 2013 A. Crum 199 3/8 206 6/8 Ross Co., OH Lincoln P. Bossert 2013 D. Haynes 198 6/8 203 7/8 Henderson Co., KY Albert L. King, Jr. 2013 W. Cooper 198 5/8 206 1/8 Fleming Co., KY Christopher Y. Graves 2013 K. Ison 198 3/8 203 1/8 Seminole Co., OK Preston J. Lynch 2013 G. Moore 198 203 4/8 Fallen Timber Clayton Backstrom 2012 D. Powell Creek, AB 197 1/8 201 7/8 Switzerland Co., IN Bernard J. Waters 1976 W. Ogden 197 200 2/8 Marion Co., OH Jeremy S. Curren 2013 W. Ogden 196 7/8 198 6/8 Beaverhill Lake, AB Dennis L. Kinasewich 2012 D. Bromberger 196 5/8 203 4/8 Harrison Co., IN Ronnie L. Fravel 2013 D. Curts 196 1/8 203 3/8 Floyd Co., IN Eric J. Sprigler 2012 D. Curts 196 202 7/8 Sandusky Co., OH Jon A. Collum 2013 W. Ogden 195 6/8 203 Fleming Co., KY Dennis M. Nickell 2013 D. Weddle 195 6/8 200 1/8 Franklin Co., IN Travis R. Ison 2012 J. Hooten 195 4/8 205 5/8 Jewell Co., KS Mark R. Kornely 2013 S. Zirbel 195 1/8 201 7/8 Jefferson Co., IN Tony Banks 2013 J. Hooten 195 197 2/8 Knox Co., OH James B. Williams 2012 G. Trent 193 6/8 202 5/8 Shawano Co., WI Matthew W. Serwa 2013 T. Heil 192 7/8 196 2/8 Adams Co., OH Lear C. McCoy 2013 R. Perrine 192 1/8 200 5/8 Hancock Co., IL Abraham I. Huls 2013 T. Walmsley 192 1/8 196 4/8 Pottawatomie Todd A. Bays 2013 J. Lunde Co., KS 192 1/8 203 7/8 Ray Co., MO Terry P. O’Bryan 2013 P. Lowry 191 7/8 202 4/8 Wayne Co., NY Thomas W. Baker 2013 W. Tyler 191 4/8 202 5/8 Elkhart Co., IN Darren J. Schrock 2013 J. Bogucki 191 3/8 204 6/8 Moniteau Co., MO Carlos G. Hoback 2013 L. Lueckenhoff

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RECENTLY ACCEPTED TROPHIES NON-TYPICAL WHITETAIL DEER CONTINUED 190 7/8 195 4/8 McHenry Co., IL Jacob K. Muench 2013 S. Godfrey 190 6/8 198 6/8 Summit Co., OH Michael W. Mallory 2013 M. Kaufmann 190 3/8 199 3/8 Sullivan Co., IN Tim L. Sherman 2013 J. Bogucki 189 2/8 196 4/8 Linn Co., MO Raymond J. Primmer 2013 K. Zielke 188 5/8 200 3/8 Robertson Co., KY Roger L. Poe, Jr. 2013 D. Weddle 188 3/8 193 7/8 Madison Co., MS Hunter R. Harrell 2014 R. Spencer 188 196 6/8 Carter Co., KY Dustin R. Shaffer 2013 J. Phillips 187 1/8 194 4/8 Cuyahoga Co., OH Michael S. Flanigan 2013 D. Haynes 187 190 6/8 Pottawatomie Kevin M. Shaub 2013 R. Lowe Co., KS 186 7/8 195 3/8 Buffalo Co., WI Daniel J. Bonesteel 2009 K. Zimmerman 186 7/8 190 Douglas Co., WI Adam V. Newton 2012 L. Zimmerman 186 5/8 191 1/8 Cass Co., MO Daniel K. 2013 L. Redel Schifferdecker 186 4/8 192 1/8 Harlan Co., NE Steve R. Swift 2012 R. Walters 186 1/8 191 6/8 Lewis Co., KY Chad A. Clark 2013 D. Weddle 186 1/8 191 1/8 Skimikin Lake, BC Ryan Kennedy 2013 D. Milton 185 7/8 193 4/8 McHenry Co., IL Jacob K. Muench 2011 S. Godfrey 185 3/8 193 7/8 Crittenden Co., AR Thomas K. Harris 2013 C. Latham

TYPICAL COUES’ WHITETAIL - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 144-1/8 117 1/8 111 3/8 110 2/8 110 1/8 106 1/8 101 5/8

125 4/8 114 115 2/8 114 2/8 115 4/8 107

Greenlee Co., AZ Sierra Co., NM Sonora, MX Sonora, MX Sonora, MX Cochise Co., AZ

Daniel Sanchez III Jayson L. Grover Ben J. Howard Timothy A. Maddock Richard J. Banko, Jr. William A. Keebler

2013 2013 2012 2014 2014 2013

R. Stayner L. Rominger D. Nielsen S. Stiver G. Hooper C. Goldman

NON-TYPICAL COUES’ WHITETAIL - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 196 2/8 127 5/8 129 7/8 Gila Co., AZ 115 6/8 117 3/8 Gila Co., AZ

Blake T. Bender Eric N. Gomez

2013 S. Hooper 2013 M. Zieser

Will R. Schott was on a 2011 hunt in Missoula County, Montana, when he harvested this Shiras’ moose scoring 160 points.

SHIRAS’ MOOSE CONTINUED 142 6/8 144 2/8 Sublette Co., WY 141 3/8 146 3/8 Johnson Co., WY

Danny R. Hart Travis J. Tavegie

2013 J. Morey 2013 D. Hart

MOUNTAIN CARIBOU - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 459 3/8 423 1/8 440 2/8 Ice Lakes, YT 391 4/8 402 Rogue River, YT 391 1/8 405 2/8 Long Lake, YT

Robert W. Duhadaway 2013 C. Pierce Eva L. Shockey 2013 F. Pringle Adam J. Henderson 2013 T. Grabowski

WOODLAND CARIBOU - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 419-5/8

MOOSE & CARIBOU FINAL GROSS SCORE SCORE LOCATION

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

CANADA MOOSE - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 242 208 4/8 211 4/8 Atlin, BC Richard P. Price 2013 R. Pawluski 202 1/8 208 2/8 Bear Lake, BC Leo Denis 1961 R. Berreth 200 7/8 204 6/8 Spatsizi Plateau, BC Todd R. Weigandt 2013 R. Berreth 198 2/8 202 6/8 Gauer Lake, MB Cory D. Grant 2013 E. Parker 197 6/8 202 4/8 Fort Nelson, BC Chris A. Pahnke 2012 A. Berreth 197 4/8 201 7/8 Aroostook Co., ME LeRoy E. Underhill 2013 A. Wentworth 196 208 4/8 Conne River, NL Ronald R. Dube 1962 G. Johnson 193 7/8 205 Aroostook Co., ME Donald M. Raymond 2012 W. Robertson 192 7/8 197 4/8 Aroostook Co., ME B.L. & S.M. Nadeau 2013 G. Humphrey 192 3/8 196 1/8 Hightower Creek, AB Robert W. Billington 2013 D. Bromberger 189 6/8 191 Bear Lake, BC Mathew R. Denis 2013 R. Berreth 189 194 1/8 Blanchard River, BC Terry L. Raymond 2013 W. Paplawski 188 6/8 195 2/8 Aroostook Co., ME Jackie E. Boyd 2012 A. Wentworth 188 2/8 191 6/8 Pierceland, SK Dustin K. Ross 2013 D. Harrison 185 4/8 187 7/8 Aroostook Co., ME T.J. Orfe & J. Brooks 2013 G. Humphrey 185 188 1/8 Aroostook Co., ME Steven P. Krause 2013 J. Hjort

ALASKA-YUKON MOOSE - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 263-5/8 233 5/8 241 3/8 Ross River, YT Charles C. Widrig 2013 C. Walker 221 2/8 227 Yukon River, YT Nicholas E. Thorp 2010 D. Bromberger

SHIRAS’ MOOSE - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 205-4/8 164 4/8 161 3/8 160 159 7/8 156 155 6/8 151 2/8 150 1/8 147

166 168 4/8 163 5/8 161 5/8 159 1/8 159 7/8 160 4/8 157 6/8 153 6/8

Morgan Co., UT Stevens Co., WA Missoula Co., MT Summit Co., UT Shoshone Co., ID Sheridan Co., WY Johnson Co., WY Flathead Co., MT Grand Co., CO

70 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

Rick Warren Terri S. Wood Will R. Schott Joseph Hill John R. Adams James P. Smith Paul A. Kozisek Jason M. Forthofer John E. Legnard

2013 2013 2011 2013 2013 2013 2013 2007 2013

J. Arnold D. Waldbillig G. Bettas C. Huff S. Wilkins J. Morey D. Hart J. Reneau M. Duplan

339 5/8 329 6/8 323 6/8 321 3/8 308 286 285 7/8

357 7/8 338 5/8 338 2/8 335 7/8 326 7/8 293 7/8 301 4/8

Sandy Lake, NL Carey A. Brinckman 2013 Middle Ridge, NL Michael G. Adams 2013 Deer Pond, NL Mark L. Pickering 2013 Clarenville, NL James J. Jenzano 2013 Daniel’s Harbour, NL Larry A. Bergman 2013 Connoire Bay, NL Jeffrey L. Rust 2013 Clarenville, NL William J. Bosserman 2013

D. Ehrig D. Moreland R. Madsen T. Smail P. Hawkins R. Metzger T. Smail

BARREN GROUND CARIBOU - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 477 379 6/8 390 6/8 Glacier View, AK

Rachel E. Sharp

2013 R. Deis

QUEBEC-LABRADOR CARIBOU - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 474 6/8 380 3/8 387 3/8 Kuujjuaq, QC 375 4/8 389 6/8 Kuujjuaq, QC

John O. Farmer IV Michael G. Adams

2013 A. Beaudry 2013 D. Moreland

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

HORNED GAME

FINAL GROSS SCORE SCORE LOCATION

PRONGHORN - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 95 88 6/8 88 2/8 87 6/8 86 6/8 86 86 85 4/8 84 6/8 84 6/8 84 4/8 84 84 84 83 6/8 83 4/8

89 6/8 89 4/8 88 2/8 87 1/8 87 6/8 86 7/8 86 3/8 85 3/8 85 2/8 85 4/8 84 5/8 84 3/8 84 5/8 84 6/8 84 7/8

Cibola Co., NM Jonathan L. Simmons 2013 Fremont Co., WY Len H. Guldman 2013 Colfax Co., NM Paul E. Wollenman 1989 Sweetwater Co., WY Darrell S. Slaton 2012 Coconino Co., AZ Timothy M. Gomez 2013 Fremont Co., WY Flinton B. Smith 2013 Power Co., ID Colby J. Funk 2013 Carbon Co., WY John C. Vanko 2013 Huerfano Co., CO Jeffrey T. Rossiter 2013 Quay Co., NM Scott D. Watkins 2013 Mora Co., NM Grant A. Medlin 2013 Park Co., CO Ridr Knowlton 2013 Socorro Co., NM Dallas F. Munroe 2013 Catron Co., NM Shaun J. Westergard 2013 Carbon Co., UT Arlo D. Rich 2013

R. Stayner R. Stayner J. Hutcheson R. Stayner R. Stayner B. Wilkes T. Peterson R. Stayner R. Stayner K. Witt H. Grounds G. Adkisson R. Stayner R. Hall D. Jones

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* Scope and Rings Sold Separately

Fair Chase Fall 2014

RECENTLY ACCEPTED TROPHIES PRONGHORN CONTINUED 83 2/8 85 2/8 83 83 5/8 83 83 3/8 82 6/8 83 82 4/8 84 6/8 82 2/8 83 6/8 82 82 5/8 81 6/8 83 2/8 81 81 1/8 80 2/8 81 80 2/8 80 6/8 80 2/8 81 80 2/8 80 5/8

Humboldt Co., NV Socorro Co., NM Twin Falls Co., ID Coconino Co., AZ Sublette Co., WY Lewis and Clark Co., MT Carbon Co., WY Carbon Co., WY Deschutes Co., OR Catron Co., NM Fremont Co., WY Power Co., ID Uinta Co., WY

David R. Harrow Len H. Guldman David R. Harrow John D. Clader Hunter A. French David R.Thunstrom

2007 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013

R. Hall R. Stayner R. Hall D. Brimager R. Stayner J. Reneau

Garland E. Sawyers Ronald R. Dube Kelly S. Hugulet Dale Hislop Peter E. Stelling Lee S. Cory Dustin K. Matthews

2011 2013 2013 2013 2012 2013 2013

R. Anderson R. Hanson C. Lynde V. Howard B. Wilkes T. Boudreau E. Boley

BISON - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 136-4/8 126 123 6/8 122 6/8 119 6/8 117 6/8 116 4/8

128 3/8 125 3/8 123 4/8 122 1/8 119 1/8 117 1/8

Gallatin Co., MT Chitina River, AK Custer Co., SD Custer Co., SD Custer Co., SD Garfield Co., UT

Sarah M. Pichler John R. Moran Donald Z. Detwiler Rocco Verelli Pamela S. Coburn Jordan M. Mills

2013 2013 2013 2008 2013 2012

M. Malone D. Larsen D. Lynch P. Morin T. Caruthers R. Hall

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 57-4/8

Luke T. Bentz was shooting his .300 Winchester Short Mag. when he took this bighorn sheep, scoring 191-6/8 points. He was hunting in Chouteau County, Montana, in 2013.

55 6/8 56 2/8 52 2/8 52 6/8 51 2/8 51 2/8 50 2/8 50 2/8 50 50 49 49 5/8 47 2/8 47 3/8

Keremeos, BC Alvin E. Adams 2013 Stikine River, AK Picked Up 1976 Summit Co., CO Clifford J. Pittington II 2013 Revillagigedo Natasha A. Bolshakoff 2013 Island, AK Dease Lake, BC James F. DeBlasio 2013 Robinson Creek, AK Karl W. Breland 2013 Park Co., WY Catherine T. Theule 2013

D. Milton F. King T. Stanosheck J. Baichtal R. Berreth J. Baichtal K. Dana

MUSK OX - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 129

FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

107 4/8 110

Seward Pen., AK

Frank S. Noska IV

2013 D. Widby

BIGHORN SHEEP - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 208-3/8 205 7/8 206 4/8 Gregg River, AB Picked Up 2014 D. Bromberger 203 203 6/8 Blaine Co., MT Nathan R. 2013 K. Wiebe Peckinpaugh 195 195 1/8 Chouteau Co., MT Levi A. Kolstad 2011 J. Pallister 192 4/8 192 7/8 New Mexico William H. Cook 1890 D. Boland 191 6/8 193 Chouteau Co., MT Luke T. Bentz 2013 F. King 189 7/8 190 Grand Co., UT Jason L. Anderson 2013 R. Hall 189 5/8 190 4/8 Fergus Co., MT Thomas B. Vacura 2012 J. Reneau 188 3/8 188 7/8 Baker Co., OR Kevin S. Small 2013 S. Wilkins 185 5/8 185 6/8 Missoula Co., MT Richard L. Goss 2013 V. Edwards 181 5/8 182 5/8 Blaine Co., MT Bruce W. Knutson 2013 L. Buhmann 181 4/8 181 7/8 Las Animas Co., CO Shawn L. Rowe 2013 G. Adkisson 179 4/8 179 7/8 Sanders Co., MT Douglas W. DeGroot 2013 J. Spring 176 6/8 177 7/8 Fallen Timber Clayton Backstrom 2013 D. Powell Creek, AB DESERT SHEEP - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 205-1/8

Adam J. Bouch took this typical whitetail deer, scoring 162-7/8 points, in 2007 while hunting in Mahoning County, Ohio. Facebuck With all the recent thrash over successful hunters posting photos on their Facebook pages, we thought we would share this one. We don’t see how this photo promotes the poaching of endangered species and a total disrespect for wildlife, or teen violence, moral corruption, bad grades, the plague, and the destruction of all life on Earth. Guess that’s why they say a picture is worth a thousand words. SPONSORED BY

72 nn Fair 72 FairChase ChaseFall Fall2014 2014

182 4/8 185 178 6/8 179 3/8 177 5/8 177 6/8 171 171 7/8 170 1/8 170 2/8 170 1/8 172 2/8 169 6/8 171 1/8 169 170 169 170 168 7/8 169 4/8 168 6/8 169 5/8

Pinal Co., AZ Pinal Co., AZ Nye Co., NV Mohave Co., AZ Clark Co., NV San Bernardino Co., CA Sonora, MX Clark Co., NV San Bernardino Co., CA Tiburon Island, MX Grant Co., NM

Carl A. Luedeman 2013 Duane J. Aubuchon 2013 Michael D. Trujillo 2013 Joseph F. Rada 2013 Bryan F. Schuster 2013 Robert N. Ybright, Sr. 2014 Glenn M. Smith Everett J. Cole John R. Sample

C. Goldman C. Goldman L. Clark K. Griglak L. Clark S. Boero

2013 R. Stephen 2013 L. Clark 2012 J. Fischer

Booner M. Beck 2013 T. Fricks Jeremy L. Hoagland 2013 F. Noska

DALL’S SHEEP- WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 189 6/8 169 1/8 170 4/8 Brooks Range, AK 162 3/8 163 3/8 Kusawa Lake, YT 160 4/8 160 7/8 Kusawa Lake, YT

Patrick L. Frable Andrew M. Craigen Andrew M. Craigen

2013 M. Opitz 2013 T. Grabowski 2010 T. Grabowski

STONE’S SHEEP - WORLD’S RECORD SCORE 196 6/8 173 173 2/8 Crehan Creek, BC Gustavo Arvelo 2013 L. Hill 165 165 5/8 Atlin Lake, BC Doug M. Roth 2013 D. Troy

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PMS Black 7 C C = 75 M = 68 Y = 67 K = 90

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PMS 4 C C = 50 M = 70 Y = 80 K = 97

2014 FINAL DESIGN 106

108

104

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The trophies in the field photos on the following pages have all been accepted in Boone and Crockett Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 29th Big Game Awards Program.

74 n Fair Chase Fall Fall 2014 2011 2014

TOP ROW

Donald Z. Detwiler was on a hunt in Custer County, South Dakota, during the 2013 season, when he harvested this bison scoring 122-6/8 points. In 2013 Dallas F. Munroe harvested this 84-point pronghorn while on a hunt in Socorro County, New Mexico. This non-typical whitetail deer, scoring 189-2/8 points, was taken by Raymond J. Primmer. He was hunting in Linn County, Missouri, during the 2013 season. He was shooting his .300 Winchester Short Mag.

MIDDLE ROW

Thomas M. Frick took this non-typical mule deer in 2012 while hunting in Grant County, Washington. This buck scores 230 points. This non-typical whitetail deer, scoring 186-7/8 points, was taken by Daniel J. Bonesteel while hunting in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, in 2009. Brian C. Shaub took this Alaska brown bear, scoring 28-9/16 points with his .338 Winchester Mag in 2013 while hunting on Kodiak Island, Alaska.

BOTTOM ROW

While on a 2013 hunt near, Rogue River, Yukon Territory, Eva L. Shockey took this 3914/8 point mountain caribou. Brian M. Gierard took this typical Sitka blacktail scoring 118 points while hunting on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, during the 2013 season. This bighorn sheep, scoring 203 points, was taken by Nathan R. Peckinpaugh. He was shooting his .300 Winchester Short Mag; while hunting in Blaine County, Montana, during the 2013 season.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

76 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

TOP ROW

Official Measurer, Len H. Guldman was hunting in Lincoln County, New Mexico, in 2014 when he took this typical American elk scoring 375-7/8 points. Patrick L. Frable was on a hunt near Brooks Range, Alaska in 2013, when he harvested this Dall’s sheep scoring 169-1/8 points. B&C Member, Rene R. Barrientos took this typical whitetail deer, scoring 170-2/8 points, in 2013 while hunting in La Salle County, Texas. This pronghorn, scoring 88-6/8 points, was taken by Jonathan L. Simmons. He was hunting in Cibola County, New Mexico, during the 2013 season. He was shooting his .257 Weatherby.

MIDDLE ROW

This Rocky Mountain goat, scoring 49-2/8 points, was taken by Dara Coates, while hunting in Chouteau County, Montana, during the 2012 season. In 2013, Blake T. Bender harvested this 127-5/8-point non-typical Coues’ whitetail with his 7mm Remington Mag. while hunting in Gila County, Arizona. James R. McDermott took this cougar, scoring 15 points, while on a 2014 hunt in Las Animas County, Colorado. Jamie J. Seyler was hunting in Boulder County, Colorado, in 2013 when he harvested this typical mule deer scoring 1946/8 points.

BOTTOM ROW

Todd R. Weigandt was hunting near British Columbia’s Spatsizi Plateau, in 2013 when he harvested this Canada moose scoring 200-7/8 points. While on a 2013 hunt near Sandy Lake, Newfoundland, Carey A. Brinckman took this 339-5/8-point woodland caribou. In 2013, Frank S. Noska IV, harvested this 107-4/8 point musk ox while bowhunting near Alaska’s Seward Peninsula. This desert sheep, scoring 176 points, was taken by Jeffrey M. Jones. He was hunting in Clark County, Nevada, during the 2013 season.

Fair Chase Fall 2014

CHAIR Hunter Ethics Sub-Committee

Be True to Your School I remember going on a road trip with my pals back in college for a bit of revelry in a rival school’s town. As for a plan, we were up for whatever came along. Somewhere during the night we ran across some other fellows from our school who we knew well enough to know we didn’t much care for them. In fact, on our campus, it was well known that there was bad blood between us. Anyway, we sort of acknowledged one another with a grimace and stayed on opposite sides of the bar so we could keep an eye on each other. After all, we were on a road trip, and all we wanted was to have some fun. Next thing you know, there’s some shouting going on and we see they are mixing it up with a group of guys from our rival school. Without even a thought, we joined our buddies and backed those SOBs right out of the bar just before all hell broke completely loose. After everybody calmed down a bit, we spent the rest of the evening with our buddies taking turns buying the next round as we laughed and carried on until the wee hours of the morning. I told this story to one of my boys a while back, and near the end of a much-longer version of the tale, he stopped me and asked, “Who are the SOBs and who are the buddies?” I said, “Son, you gotta pay better attention; the buddies may be our rivals back home, but the SOBs are our rivals everywhere else”. As hunters, we have our fair share of this going on all the time, but we can and must rise above our differences when we deal with those that would put an end to what we do. There is much, much more that we all agree upon than what we do not. The tricky part is discussing the things we disagree on without alienating different groups or elements of our culture. And, we need to do this continuously, not just when we are challenged. We need to create a central doctrine or agenda that includes all that we can agree upon and recognize this as our core belief structure and give voice to it for all to see, hunter and non-hunter alike. Then we can break down our differences as nuances derived from the core belief. As a starting point, let’s agree that we are all hunter-conservationists. We are not takers per se, as we contribute in whatever capacity we possess, to the viability and sustainability of the wild places and wild animals

There is much, Much more

That we all Than what agree upon we do not.

Last Word

B&C REGULAR MEMBER

78 n Fair Chase Fall 2014

that live there. We know our place as stewards in the great circle of life. We enjoy an intimate and complex relationship with our wards, and we benefit as much from them as they do from us. Second, we respect the animals we hunt and the places where they roam. This respect requires us to treat our prey with honor and dignity and compels us to leave the places where they live unspoiled by our visit. Third, we are hunters not collectors. While we may be opportunistic, we willingly accept and relish challenge and uncertainty. Hunting skills and preparation versus natural adaptation and instinct comprises a dynamic and exciting formula that defines the hunt equation in simple and elegant terms. It is from here that we begin to explain the compulsion that drives us. Fourth, we abide by the law of the land. While this changes from region to region and reflects the variability in cultural values, it defines, in legal terms, what is acceptable and what is not. The caveat here is that all that is legal is not necessarily right. Beyond strict adherence to the law, we have a responsibility to conduct ourselves as though our sons and daughters are watching, and we must not bring dishonor to our hunting community. Fifth, we need to be recruiters and role models. There is great opportunity to bring others into our community, and the beneficiary of success in this effort will be the wild animals and wild places. Women, children ,and locavores are all increasingly interested in joining us. They each represent new perspective and enthusiasm, and we should embrace and support them as they make their way afield. We have to do our part to maintain access to hunting opportunities in both legal and economic terms or we will dissuade participation and interest from those currently outside community. These ideas should be in our fight song and our battle cry of our beloved alma mater. We can agree to this point. Beyond these, we have to find a way to openly and honestly discuss our differences in techniques, approaches and ultimately values and ethics. Diversity, in and of itself, can be a tremendous strength once we recognize our commonality. I, for one, would prefer that you hunt than that you didn’t. We can talk about the details over a whiskey...I’m buying. n

©JOEL ISSACS

The

THE ETHICS By Daniel A. Pedrotti Jr. OF FAIR CHASE

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