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Whitetail buck in the cottonwood bottoms of the Milk River area in north central Montana © Donald M. Jones

Volume 28

Number 3

Fall 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

From the Editor | In this Issue..................................................................................... Kyle C. Krause

From the President | National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress.........Ben B. Wallace

Top Trophies of

2011

HUNTING, ETHICS and RECORDS

P. 10

10 TOP TROPHIES OF 2011

16 the winchester .270...............................................................................Craig Boddington 18 the lever rifles of john mahlon marlin...................Wayne van Zwoll 28 beyond the score ..................................................................................... Justin E. Spring 32 Generation Next | Youth Essay, Trophy List, and Field Photos 40 Whitetail Deer | By the Numbers 44 The Ethics of Fair Chase| Now That’s Just Too Far ............................. Daniel A. Pedrotti, Jr. 46 Trophy Talk | B&C National Collection ................................................................ Jack Reneau 48 Recently Accepted Trophies | 28th Awards Program Entries. 56 Trophy Photo Gallery | Sponsored by Realtree AP

P. 16

P. 18

CONSERVATION & RESEARCH 62 Capitol Comments | Cloudy with a Chance of Clearing ............................... Steven Williams 64 Member Library | Arthur C. Popham—Attorney, Hunter, Conservationist .... Theodore J. Holsten 66 Knowledge Base | Celebrating Those Who Showed Up........................... Winifred B. Kessler 68 B&C Professors’ Corner | Return of American Bison..................................... Paul Krausman 70 AWCP Spotlight | Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation ................................................. Mark Holyoak 72 Dallas Safari Club Update | Conservation Forces’ Jacksons Honored................. Ben Carter 73 HOW ‘BOUT THEM APPLES | Reducing human-bear conflicts................ Jerod Merkle

P. 73

FROM THE EDITOR In this Issue We’re starting off this issue with our first annual Top Trophies feature. We mined our trophy database and pulled the list of all trophies taken during the 2011 season that have been entered in the Club’s Big Game Records Program. We identified eleven North American big game animals taken by fellow hunters that are ranked Kyle C. Krause in the top 20 for their respective categories. An impressive achievement for both hunters, as well as the wildlife biologists who Editor-in-Chief steadfastly manage big game in North America. Chairman B&C I want to draw your attention to Ted Holsten’s column, B&C Publications Committee Library (page 64), where he features long-time Club member Arthur C. Popham. Popham was responsible for fostering an early interest in the Boone and Crockett Club to a young Richard Hale (Club member and current co-chair of the Club’s North American Big Game Records Committee) and Craig Cook (Club member and veteran member of the Records Committee). He was B&C Releasing also an uncle to professional Club member Two New Books Craig Boddington and a great friend to many. I think you’ll enjoy reading Records more about Popham’s hunting and of North conservation experiences. American Daniel A. Pedrotti, Jr.’s Whitetail Deer This edition includes an much anticipated second installadditional 4,692 whitetail ment of his column, The Ethics of entries from the previous Fair Chase, makes its return this whitetail book. Photos of issue. We heard positive feedback state and provincial records, along with dozens of field from numerous readers after his photos of trophy whitetail first column appeared in the Spring deer, plus a bonus pull-out, issue. Pedrotti tackles the long poster-size color map of the U.S.—measuring 24 x range shooting issue this time 36 inches—with entries by around with thought-provoking Associates Price county. Suitable for framing. discussion on the topic. Only $27.95 We also have an interesting column from the Club’s B&C Professor of Wildlife COMING THIS Conservation at the University of Montana WINTER! about the return of the Great Rams III by Robert Anderson American bison. Can you Boone and Crockett envision in your lifetime Club has partnered with wild, free-ranging bison acclaimed wild sheep author back on the range? Turn Robert Anderson to produce the third installment of to page 68 for details. his Great Rams series of If you’re one of the books. This latest edition many readers who rewill include more field and sponded to our recent historic photographs than ever, along with new stories editorial survey and go about several legendary straight to the back of the sheep hunters, in depth magazine to look at trophy coverage of the golden era $125.00 of sheep hunting in Alberta, field photos and scan the list of recently plus the opening of Baja in Pre-order by accepted trophies, you’ll notice we’ve rearthe 1960s. December 20th ranged this issue. Our hunting and records and save $25.00 keeping section is now in the front and Check out the Club’s web site for details. followed by great articles from our conservawww.boone-crockett.org tion and research experts. I hope you enjoy our Fall issue of Fair Chase. n

4 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Fair Chase PRODUCTION STAFF Editor-in-Chief & Publications Chairman Kyle C. Krause Managing Editor/Design Julie L. Tripp Conservation and History Editor Steven Williams Research and Education Editor Winifred B. Kessler Hunting and Ethics Editor Mark Streissguth Assistant Editors Keith Balfourd Craig Boddington Jack Reneau Tony A. Schoonen Graphic Designer Karlie Slayer Editorial Contributors Craig Boddington Ben Carter Theodore J. Holsten Mark Holyoak Winifred B. Kessler Kyle C. Krause Paul R. Krausman Jerod Merkled Jack Reneau Justin E. Spring Wayne van Zwoll Ben B. Wallace Steven Williams Photographic Contributors John Eriksson Donald M. Jones 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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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 Assistant Graphic Designer – Karlie Slayer Customer Service – Amy Hutchison Records Dept. Assistant – Wendy Nickelson Luke Coccoli – RWCC Facilities Manager Publications Intern – Danny Johnston

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FROM THE PRESIDENT National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Canadian National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Congress Ben B. Wallace (NFWCC) held in Ottawa, Ontario, May PRESIDENT Boone and Crockett Club 27-31, 2012. The NFWCC was organized by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and spearheaded by Angelo Lombardo, executive director of OFAH, Greg Farrant, OFAH’s manager of governmental affairs & policy, who also served as NFWCC’s general manager, and our own Professional Member, Shane Mahoney, who served as the honorary chair of the congress. When Shane approached me at our 2010 annual meeting in Albuquerque about whether the Boone and Crockett Club would be interested in sponsoring and participating in this historic congress, I agreed wholeheartedly on the spot. After all, our founders did not charge the Club with conservation of wildlife and habitat just in the U.S.A., but in all of North America. Indeed, strategic goal No. 1 of the Conservation Policy Committee under our newly implemented strategic plan is “to improve the system of conservation throughout North America.” One of the performance measures of the goal is to “gain a full understanding of the issues, needs and opportunities in Canada and Mexico, and build alliances with the appropriate agencies and conservation organizations within those countries”. The congress itself was well-organized and went smoothly. The first three mornings were spent in plenary sessions that were focused on three topics: “Why Conservation Matters,” “Challenges for Conservation,” and “Opportunities.” The first two afternoons offered numerous presentations on specific issues. The third afternoon was spent on five workshops with each workshop culminating in recommendations on the five separate topics. The last day focused on reviewing these recommendations. For more detail on the NFWCC and the presentations and recommendations, go to its web site, nfwcc.com. The Boone and Crockett Club was well-represented by 14 Regular and Professional members: myself, Steve Williams, Wini Kessler, Jim Heffelfinger, Ron Regan, John Organ, Paul Krausman, Pal Vahldiek, Ben 6 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Carter, Evelyn Merrill, Gray Thornton, Jack Ward Thomas, Steve Mealey, and Shane Mahoney. Everyone gave excellent speeches and presentations and Shane, in his unique way, gave a passionate speech on “Why the Conservation of Fish and Wildlife should be a National Priority.” A nice article about the NFWCC, The Road Ahead by assistant editor Steve Galea, can be found in the August 2012 edition of Ontario Outdoors magazine, www.ontariooutdoors.com Now that the first NFWCC has closed, OFAH and others are busy analyzing and compiling the complex issues and recommendations that came out of the congress. To me, there were four issues that became apparent. The first is that Canada has no source of dedicated conservation funding like the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act or Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. Mark Duda, executive director of Responsive Management, indicated a recent poll of Canadians showed a majority were in favor of such legislation provided the tax was not onerous and the funds were dedicated to conservation and habitat acquisition. Another issue was the lack of cooperation between the provinces and between the provinces and the federal government. The third was a lack of coordinated efforts by conservation organizations such as with the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) in the U.S. The last was the lack of a direct line of communication between the conservation community and the federal government. This issue was dealt with when, during his keynote address at Wednesday night’s banquet, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the formation of a National Hunting and Angling Advisory Panel, similar to the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council in the U.S. The Boone and Crockett Club has the knowledge and experience to assist our Canadian brothers and sisters in these matters, as well as the other issues brought up at NFWCC, and I believe we should. It is what our Club was founded for and is an integral part or our strategic plan moving forward. My congratulations to Angelo, Greg, Shane, and OFAH for organizing and running a very successful NFWCC inaugural event. This was the first step in unifying the conservation organizations and politicians committed to wildlife conservation, and we in the U.S. who can be of assistance should do so.

I want to thank all of the Club members who participated, especially Steve Mealey, vice president of conservation and co-chair of the Conservation Policy Committee for his hard work on the steering committee for NFWCC and his thoughtful insight. I also want to thank our Board of Directors for agreeing to have the Club be a sponsor of NFWCC and for personally putting up the funds to do so. n Yours in Conservation,

BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB FOUNDED IN 1887 BY THEODORE ROOSEVELT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS club Club President Ben B. Wallace Secretary Robert H. Hanson Treasurer Timothy C. Brady Executive Vice President – Administration Morrison Stevens, Sr. Executive Vice President – Conservation William A. Demmer 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 2011 Manuel J. Chee Class of 2012 Howard P. Monsour, Jr. Class of 2013 James J. Shinners foundation Foundation President B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr. Secretary Robert H. Hanson Treasurer Timothy C. Brady Vice President Tom L. Lewis Vice President James J. Shinners Class of 2012 Gary W. Dietrich Robert H. Hanson B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr. Tom L. Lewis Morrison Stevens, Sr. Class of 2013 Timothy C. Brady John J. Gisi Jeffrey A. Gronauer Earl L. Sherron, Jr. C. Martin Wood III Class of 2014 Remo R. Pizzagalli Edward B. Rasmuson James J. Shinners John A. Tomke Leonard J. Vallender

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leven North American big game animals taken in 2011 by fellow hunters are ranked in the top 20 for their respective categories. An impressive achievement for both hunters, as well as the wildlife biologists who steadfastly manage big game in North America. Fair Chase is pleased to offer this first annual review of top trophies to our readers. In Boddington’s second cartridge review, he talks about the .270 Winchester and why it has remained so popular for so long. Van Zwoll continues his series on various rifles with an in depth look at Marlin’s lever action rifles. He states, “Marlin lever guns appeal to me more with each passing year. It’s not just nostalgia.” Read on for more details about this historic rifle that has stood the test of time and is making a revival. Our regular columns in the hunting section won’t disappoint with topics ranging from a thought-provoking article about long range shooting to classic hunting stories and details about the Club’s National Collection of Heads and Horns.

8 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 9

Top Troph Trop

leven North American big game trophies taken

by hunters in 2011 rank in the top 20 for their categories, including two new World’s Records. One is official... Troy M. Sheldon’s Rocky Mountain goat scoring 57-4/8 points. Sheldon’s goat was panel verified this summer and took over as the new World’s Record, topping two goats that held the number one spot—one that stood for over 60 years! The other top trophy is a pronghorn taken by Stan S. Jaksick in Nevada’s Washoe County. This buck is a potential new World’s Record and is awaiting panel verification before it can be officially recognized. The rest of the field of top trophies taken in 2011 is made up of another pronghorn, four elk, two sheep, plus a moose and a caribou.

Pronghorn

Rank: Potential World’s Record Score: 95-6/8 points HUNTER: Stan S. Jaksick DATE: August 2011

Jaksick (back row) harvested this potential new World’s Record pronghorn in Washoe County, Nevada, in August 2011. The buck’s score will need to be verified by a B&C Judges Panel before it can be officially declared a new World’s Record. Jaksick shot the buck with a 7mm Remington Mag. pushing a 140-grain Nosler Ballistic tip bullet at 150 yards. 10 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

hies of

11 Rocky Mountain Goat Rank: Official World’s Record Score: 57-4/8 points HUNTER: Troy M. Sheldon DATE: October 2011 Sheldon was hunting in the British Columbia’s Stikine River Drainage when he harvested this billy. He was shooting a Tikka T3. 270 WSM topped with a Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 scope. Sheldon’s long-time hunting partner, Carey Renner (right), was with him during the hunt. He was guided by Northwest Ranching and Outfitting’s veteran guide Heidi Gutfrucht.

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 11

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Roosevelt’s Elk

d Ran k : 2 n ints 97-3/8 po Score : 3 rpenter othy R . Ca im T : R E T HUN 11 tember 20 DATE : Sep nks currently ra sevelt ’s elk oo R s ld’s r’ or te W en w Carp ing ne C and is a pend & B He h it b. w lu nd C seco d Young the Pope an h ty, it n w u o d C or Rec umbold t e bull in H th w. bo ed lb st 70 ve har giance a Bowtech Alle h it w , ia rn Califo

American Elk – Non-typical Rank: 9th

Score: 442-6/8 points HUNTER: William G. Zee DATE: November 2011 Zee’s bull was announced as the new state record for Pennsylvania in the summer issue of Fair Chase. He was shooting a Remington .300 Ultra Mag with 180 grain bullets from 70 yards.

Tule Elk

Rank: 11th Score: 327-4/8 points HUNTER: William B. Thomas DATE: September 2011

Thomas harvested this tule elk on a self-guided hunt in Solano County, California. He took the shot from 150 yards. Solano County is the top-producing location for trophy tule elk with nearly twice as many entries as other counties in California. Rank: 12th Score: 327-1/8 points HUNTER: Thomas L. Mello DATE: July 2011 Mello was hunting with a .50 Cal. muzzleloader when he shot this trophy tule elk in Colusa County at 77 yards.

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 13

Bighorn Sheep Rank: 12th ts 2 -7/8 poin Scor e : 20 gan ro B . James L HUNTE R : 11 ober 20 DATE : Oct ram in this Montana Brogan shot al score of ty. With a fin Blaine Coun p is the ts, this shee 202-7/8 poin ontana in sheep from M sixth largest m. cords Progra the Club’s Re

Desert Sheep Rank: 15th Score: 188-4/8 points HUNTER: Michael J. Carpinito DATE: October 2011 Carpinito shot a .300 Weatherby Mag. at 400 yards to harvest this ram in Gila County, Arizona. It’s the second largest desert sheep taken in Arizona since 2000.

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Pronghorn Rank: 13th Score: 91-4/8 points HUNTER: Blake A. Luse DATE: October 2011 Luse harvested this extraordinary pronghorn in Washakie County, Wyoming, with a 6.5 x .284 pushing 140-grain Berger Bullets.

ose o M a d a n a C

: 18t h ts Ran k /8 poin : 2 2 2 -7 e on ls i Scor W . Ken O : R E T 1 HUN er 201 Octob DATE : loyd g ne ar F s huntin a w ot n h s o s Wil w he n he Ontario pe d p in to e k 6 a L his .25 -0 h it w ll p e. this bu 3-9x sco ushnell with a B

Mountain Caribou

Rank: 20th Score: 437 points HUNTER: Colin Urquhart DATE: August 2011

Urquhart was on a self-guided hunt near Mount Nansen in Yukon Territory when he harvested this mountain caribou. He was shooting a .30-06 with Hornady bullets.

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B o d di n g t o n’s Ca r t r i d g e R e v i e w

r o n n o C ’ O r o s s e f o r P . . . t h g i r wa s The

.270 Winchester

By Craig Boddington B&C Professional Member Photos courtesy of Author

ad it y, lo op u l a r p s t i to th e T ha n ks u es for conti n t n e m na d y p r o d e v el a rl y Ho is a n e s i X h M T .270. ra i n G e 130-g c n a , m r 100 f ps Superfo over 3, y t i a c o el u p a nd loa d, v ht g ro g i t a w ith e d st a g s ho w n rom a r f d e r e r e c ov bu llet a rds. t 400 y ta k e n a

16 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

The .270 Winchester was introduced in 1925 in the

Winchester Model 54, a Mauser clone that preceded, and was very similar to, the long-beloved Model 70. Among the many things I wish I knew is exactly why the Winchester engineers chose the .277-inch bullet diameter. The .270 Winchester achieved rapid and lasting success, but the bullet diameter is oddball, and in the last 87 years only three other commercial cartridges have used it: .270 Weatherby Magnum (1944); .270 Winchester Short Magnum (2001); and 6.8mm SPC Remington (2002). Why oddball? Well, from the early 1890s the 6.5mm, caliber .264; and the 7mm, caliber .284, were well-established. The .277-inch bullet Winchester chose is just .013-inch larger than the 6.5mm and a miniscule .007-inch smaller than the 7mm. Charles Newton’s longforgotten .256 Newton, actually a 6.5mm, was similar. The 7x57 Mauser, though not as fast, was fairly popular in the U.S. The .270 Winchester was created by a simple necking down of the .30-06 case to take the .277-inch bullet, but obviously they could just as easily have created a 6.5-06 or a 7mm-06 and used existing bullets without reinventing the wheel. Also similar was the .276 Pedersen, a 1923 military development with a slightly shorter case that used a .284-inch bullet. Exactly why Winchester created a .277-inch bullet and cartridge seems lost in the sands of time, but they picked a winner! In 1925 the lever action was probably still the predominant action type among American hunters, but the bolt action was coming on strong, and the .30-06 was the gold standard cartridge. At that time .30-06 loadings were much milder than today. There was a bit of lingering confusion between the .30-06 and its predecessor, the .30-03, and it was known that there were a lot of Springfield actions out there with heat-treating issues. Designed for and introduced in a strong commercial action, the .270 Winchester was loaded to the gills right out of the starting gate, with a 130-grain bullet at over 3,100 feet per second (fps). Only a decade had passed since Charles Newton designed the .250-3000 for Arthur Savage, so this was still new and exciting velocity. The heavier 150-grain bullet didn’t exactly loaf along at 2,900 fps. Today’s 150-grain load in the .30-06 is actually faster (shorter bullet, less friction), but in 1925 the .270 Winchester’s 150-grain load was considerably faster than that bullet weight in the .30-06. So the new cartridge was fast, flat-shooting, and promised plenty of power for most North American big game. There might have been a bit of optimism in those original ballistics. For many years now the 130-grain bullet has been “standard” at about 3,060 fps; the 150-grain loads running about 2,830 fps. An older 100-grain varmint load has pretty much vanished, but today all the major manufacturers and bullet makers offer a “compromise” 140-grain load that runs about 2,950 fps. Because of the great popularity of the cartridge there is a rich array of factory loads in all three bullet weights. Handloaders have a much wider bullet selection, and there are

some “extra fast” factory loads like Hornady’s Superformance that increase velocity by nearly 150 fps. The .270 Winchester took off like a rocket and quickly became an American standard cartridge, never (to this day) quite as popular as the .30-06, but not far behind. A bespectacled English teacher and fledgling writer in Arizona is given much credit for the success of the .270. Jack O’Connor was an early convert to the .270 Winchester; he loved it, used it, and wrote about it for the next 50 years. Without question he did much to popularize the cartridge, and although he used and wrote about many other cartridges during his long career, it was unquestionably his favorite and his personal talisman. However, no disrespect intended, I think the .270 Winchester would have been successful even without his help! This is proven by the simple fact that O’Connor has been gone for nearly 35 years, and the .270’s popularity continues. And further proven: The 6.5-06, though a fairly common wildcat, has never made it into factory form. The 7mm-06 (aka .280 Remington and 7mm Express Remington) may actually be more versatile because of the heavier 7mm bullets available—but it has never touched the .270 Winchester’s popularity. The .270 Weatherby Magnum is probably the second-most popular of Roy Weatherby’s cartridges (after his signature .300 Weatherby Magnum). It is faster, flatter, and delivers more energy, but now in its 68th year it remains uncommon by comparison. The .270 WSM is also faster, flatter, and delivers more energy. It appears to be one of the few new “short” and “super-short” magnums that will survive—but its popularity doesn’t approach that of the .270 Winchester. Hey, I’m a gun writer. I use and write about a lot of cartridges. I like and have used both the .270 Weatherby and .270 WSM, and if this column runs long enough, it may feature either of them. I’ve used the .280 Remington quite a bit—what a great cartridge! I’ve also used and admire both the .264 Winchester Magnum and the 7mm Remington Magnum, also great cartridges. O’Connor damned them both with faint praise by acknowledging they would do just about everything—and not much more— than his .270 Winchester would do! The professor was probably right about this. There are many good cartridges that are so similar that no self-respecting deer, sheep, or even elk is likely to notice the difference. But, with so many other great cartridges out there—and so many newer cartridges with introductions accompanied by massive media hype—how has the .270 Winchester maintained its popularity?

In my humble opinion, because it’s really that good. I first used it back in the early 1970s. Of course it worked great, but Jack O’Connor was still alive and I was trying to write, so it would have been foolish to try to write about O’Connor’s cartridge. Although I used it a bit off and on, it wasn’t until the 90s that I returned to the .270. I’ve used it a lot in the last 20 years, and here is what I’ve learned: It shoots flat enough, and its .277-inch bullets carry in the wind well enough for almost all shooting any of us need to do. As O’Connor long espoused, in power and performance it’s a superb choice for wild sheep and goats. It is a deer cartridge without parallel, well-suited to all North American deer hunting. This I have learned from my wife, Donna, who has taken the majority of her game on all six continents with the .270: It is powerful, effective, and does its work with minimal recoil and muzzle blast. And while its .30-06-length case cannot be housed in a short-action, it performs very well in a 22-inch barrel, so it can be housed in a fairly compact rifle. We can all agree that the .270 is a poor choice for big bears, but the biggest controversy surrounds its suitability for elk. This was the major point of contention in the 50-year war of words between Elmer Keith and Jack O’Connor. O’Connor took most of his (many) elk with his pet .270s. Elmer hated “.270 Jack” and, in print, called the .270 a “damned adequate coyote rifle.” Elmer was pretty serious about his animosity, while letters I’ve seen suggest that O’Connor was primarily amused. It has long been accepted that controversy sells magazines, so the editors did nothing to quell the flames. However, in private they weren’t that far apart. In a letter (never in print to my knowledge) O’Connor admitted that the .30-06 was more versatile, especially for larger game. And Keith, also in a letter, conceded that, in careful hands, the .270 Winchester with a 150-grain Nosler Partition (the premium game bullet of his day) would be just fine for elk. But is it really? I’d be a pretty happy guy if, for just one story, I could write as well as O’Connor did during his entire career. But in rifles and cartridges I lean more toward the Keith school. So, for many years, I questioned the .270’s use on game larger than deer. I answered the question by using it myself, and I had been wrong. The .270 is not a big cartridge for elk, and it probably suggests more careful bullet selection than a .30-caliber or larger. But with responsible shooting and good shot

TOP: Nobody ever said the .270 was

ideal for big bears, but in a pinch it can do the job. Boddington’s Marine Corps buddy, Mike Satran (right) used his .270 to take this grizzly on the charge while on a Yukon sheep hunt. MIDDLE: Donna Boddington used her

MGA .270 to take her first mule deer in south-central Wyoming. The .270 is suitable for virtually all North American deer hunting, under all conditions. BOTTOM: The first animal Boddington

took with the .270 Winchester was also his first whitetail buck, taken in North Carolina in 1974.

placement, it’s plenty of gun. Especially with the much better hunting bullets we have available today. The longest shot I’ve ever made on an elk was with a .270 and a 150-grain Nosler Partition. He made two steps and fell over. Donna, unhindered by a lifetime of reading gun magazines, has used her .270 for elk and elk-sized game with no hesitation and no problems. Absent the big bears, the .270 Winchester is probably the lightest caliber that should be considered for all North American big game. As such, it is the lightest-recoiling and the easiest to shoot well. No wonder it has remained so popular for so long! n Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 17

The original Marlin 1894 (bottom) chambered shortaction WCF rounds, like the 1892 Winchester. Both rifles are shown here with tang sights, popular and useful on lever-action carbines 18 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

The Model 1891, Marlin’s first successful .22 lever rifle, owes some of its popularity to Annie Oakley, who used it in her shooting exhibitions.

ever L The

Rifles of John Mahlon Marlin

By Wayne van Zwoll B&C Professional Member

Photos courtesy of Author

He came of age as Henry rifles anchored a lever-action empire. But Marlin carbines outlived the Winchester 94 — and the Savage 99. Now they put .30-06 punch under the hammer!

A pair of 330-horse diesels bleached our wake. We’d motored out of Wrangell on sun-shot water, hitting light chop as we cleared Prince of Wales Island. A red dusk settled onto the Pacific, its reflected light a shimmering aisle to Japan. “Bear Necessity” muscled through the waves at seven knots.

Alaska’s 40,000 miles of shoreline exceeds that of the entire Lower 48. Circumnavigating Prince of Wales Island alone is a 400-mile trip. We’d need our 1,200-gallon diesel reserve, as even in quiet seas this 52-foot boat drank a gallon a mile.

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 19

Hunting by boat makes sense in southeast Alaska, where some areas get 18 feet of rain each year. Coastal mountains vault from barnacled beaches that hem dense forests with a shelf of jagged black rock. We could travel far in a boat, with clear views of tidal flats where foraging bears sought new grass. “I’ve never hosted a hunter with a .30-30,” admitted Mark Gala, thumb crooked easily over the wheel. “To tell you the truth, I’m not thrilled about it. These bears run big. The cover’s thick.” We anchored in a cove ringed by the dilapidated buildings of an abandoned fishing village. Next evening, when seas laid down for the skiff, Mark and I motored into the bay and up a small stream. We moored with a long line to a rock. Alaska’s seas can rise and fall 20 feet in six-hour tidal swings; careless mooring can leave your boat beached or adrift! Donning packs, we followed bear trails through wet tidal grass. Presently, Mark spied two bruins at timber’s edge, 150 yards distant. We waded a stream, careful not to splash. On hands and knees, I led, bulling through the dense growth, clutching the Marlin. Then the wind pivoted. “It’s over,” hissed Mark.

20 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Instantly, the sow melted into the trees. The boar paused. About 90 steps. Kneeling, I pegged his elbow and fired. The 170-grain flatnose struck audibly. The animal plunged into the conifers. We found no blood for 30 steps; then it painted a clear trail. We inched through dark-green rain-forest that soon closed in to hide everything more than an arm’s-length distant. When the bear moved, my carbine came to cheek instantly and seemed to fire itself. But the animal was heart-shot, breathing its last.

Unlikely Genesis

Born May 6, 1836, near Windsor Locks in Hartford County, Connecticut, John Mahlon Marlin became an apprentice machinist soon after turning 18. His contract with American Machine Works provided him with a job until he reached the “full and entire age of twenty-one years.” In return, Marlin agreed to work unpaid for six months, then join the payroll at $1.50 per week. After a year, he would get $2.50, then receive 50-cent increases for each sixmonth period—if not discharged, “without recourse or complaint, for any disobedience or insubordination.”

In 1863, the New Haven directory listed John M. Marlin’s home address as 130 James Street. He changed quarters at least six times during the next 10 years but was probably living in Hartford from 1867 to 1869. He may well have worked for Colt. His first gun patents—February 8 and April 5, 1870— show a Hartford address. By 1864 John Marlin was married to Martha Susan Moore, who bore him four children. Before he became a husband, John Mahlon Marlin was a gunmaker. But lever rifles, for which the name became famous, lay far in the future. The first Marlins were single-shot, derringer-style, rimfire pistols, “Never Miss” and “Victor.” Between 1863 and 1880, Marlin shipped 16,000. In 1870 he added single-action revolvers. The “OK” and “Little Joker” were solid-frame pocket models with spur triggers, initially in .22 Short. Heavier tip-up models in friskier chamberings followed. The mechanism most likely descended from a Rollin White design patented in 1855. In 1861 a near-copy of the White revolver, built by Smith & Wesson, was marketed by the Manhattan Firearms Company, then the American Standard Tool Wayne (left) killed this Alaska bruin with Mark Gala of Peak ‘n’ Seas Outfitters. He used a Marlin 336 in .30-30 with a Leupold 2-1/2x scope.

Company. In 1872 John Marlin evidently acquired rights to manufacture the Smith & Wesson pistol. White’s original patent had by that time expired. In 1887, Marlin introduced a doubleaction, tip-up revolver in .38 centerfire for $11. It remained in production only two years. By 1889, John Marlin had registered 10 handgun patents. Meanwhile, he’d begun building rifles, beginning in 1875 with Ballards. The 1861 single-shot by C.H. Ballard saw some action in the Civil War. Later it was manufactured by several firms before Marlin weighed in. Rejecting the Merwin-Bray improvement, Marlin employed his own reversible firing pin that allowed use of both centerfire and rimfire cartridges. Marlin listed 20 versions of the Ballard, .22 rimfire to .45100. Spartan hunting models cost about $22. Target rifles with Schuetzen stocks and spiritlevel sights went for $75 to $90. Marlin ceased Ballard production in 1890, after about 40,000 rifles. John Marlin’s first repeating rifle, with underhammer lever action and tubular magazine, didn’t sell. Marlin abandoned it for a new design, announced in 1882. Six years later it was named the Model 1881. Incorporating patents by Andrew Burgess, H.F. Wheller and E.A.F. Topperwein, this sideloading, top-ejecting repeater came in .45-70 and .40-60. Its 28-inch octagon barrel with 10-shot magazine was joined later by 24- and 30-inch barrels of various contours. Marlin trimmed the receiver in 1885. At 8½ pounds with carbine barrel, this version was 2 pounds lighter than the original. A small-frame follow-up, another pound lighter, appeared in .32-40 and .38-55. First priced at $32, the Model 1881 eventually came with options: a set trigger, checkering, engraving, case-hardening. When John Marlin submitted his 1881 for military trials, it started well, firing 10 shots in seven seconds. Then a cartridge exploded in the magazine. There were no injuries and no cause was given. But the Army dismissed the rifle. A nettling fault of Marlin’s 1881 was unreliable feeding from magazine to carrier. A split carrier with a wedge to expand it in operation resolved that issue. Offered in several forms, including one with a smooth bore, the gun was dropped in 1891 after some 20,000 copies. Its top ejection would be eliminated in subsequent Marlins, beginning with the Model 1889. In 1884, Marlin was issued patents for a top-ejecting lever-action .22 rifle. Although it was never produced, patents granted that year to Remington designer Lewis L. Hepburn gave Marlin a terrific boost.

Lever Action Revival!

Marlin enthusiasts were blessed in 2005 by Hornady’s introduction Leverevolution ammunition. Designed expressly for tube-fed lever rifles, it features pointed bullets safe for use when rounds are held bullet tip-to-primer under spring pressure. During recoil, a hard, sharp tip could act like a firing pin to set off the cartridge in front. For years the only option was a flat- or round-nose bullet: a ballistic loser. Then Hornady’s Dave Emary came up with a resilient polymer tip that deforms when pressed against a primer, but instantly regains its form when the pressure is removed. The sleek form of what are now called FTX or FlexTip bullets in flight ensure flatter arcs, higher retained energy. Frisky charges of new powders in Leverevolution yield higher starting speeds as well. The idea was applied not only to traditional whitetail rounds, but newer options like the potent .450 Marlin. A 160-grain .30-30 bullet from the Leverevolution load leaves a 20-inch barrel at 2,300 fps and at 250 yards hits half again as hard as standard softpoints. The September following my Alaskan bear hunt, I hiked into Utah’s mountains with that Marlin carbine—but with Hornady’s new loads. Just after sunrise one day I heard elk sifting through the aspens. Playing the wind, I eased into the herd. Suddenly a bull sounded off, so close his bellow seemed to shake the trees! Only a small tangle separated us. I found a shot alley and fired just as the animal saw me. At 19 yards he wilted to the blast of my Marlin. Some say the .30-30 isn’t adequate for elk. But a 1939 survey of 2,200 elk hunters in my state of Washington put it and the .30 Remington (a rimless .30-30) atop the popularity chart. Hunters who fire at game 400 yards off with a .30-06 can hardly dismiss the .30-30’s greater punch at 50! That Marlin finished the season with a mule deer and a pronghorn, at 155 and 160 yards. The next year I picked up another Marlin, a stainless 336 in .308 Marlin Express, a new Hornady cartridge. Its 160-grain bullet at 2,660 fps almost matches Winchester’s .308. Zeroed at 250 yards, the .308 Marlin Express lands 3 inches high at 100 and 1.7 high at 200. At 300, it strikes 6.7 inches low. There it’s still moving at over 2,000 fps, towing 1,450 foot-pounds of energy. Pressure: under 47,000 psi. I managed to kill a New Mexico elk with that iron-sighted rifle, still-hunting in close cover. Dave Emary wasn’t done. In the next months he fashioned an even more potent cartridge for the Marlin 1895. Based loosely on the .376 Steyr, the .338 Marlin Express starts a 200-grain bullet at 2,565 fps, scribing arc like that of a 180-grain .30-06 bullet to 300 yards. Energy at 400 is nearly identical. Marlin lever rifles in .308 ME and .338 ME have disproved the notion that only bolt guns deliver long-range precision. Scoping my Marlin in .338 ME with a GreyBull-modified Leupold 2.5-8x36, I once The resilient polymer tip of fired prone at a gong target the size of deer Leverevolution bullets gives them vitals, one shot each at 100, 200, 300, 400, sleek form for flat flight and 500 and 600 yards. All stayed well within long-range punch—without the disk. Few bolt-action sporters would have compromising safety in done better! the magazine.

The Hepburn Connection

Prone, Wayne fired one shot each at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 yards into this gong with a Marlin 1895 in .338 ME and a GreyBull/Leupold scope. No sighting shots. Fine Accuracy!

One of the first animals taken with LEVERevolution ammo, this pronghorn fell to Wayne’s .30-30 Marlin at 160 yards. The grip repair? His partner ran over the rifle with a truck the day before. 22 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Born in 1832, Lewis Hepburn built muzzleloading rifles in his own shop from 1855 until 1871, when he joined Remington. A fine shot as well as a prolific designer, Lewis fired with the Creedmoor team to beat the defending Irish sharpshooters in 1874. He also developed the Remington-Hepburn No. 3 single-shot breech-loading rifle. Remington’s financial crisis in 1886 sent Lewis to Marlin, where he used his considerable talent in the design and manufacture of the lever-action Models 1888, 1889, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895 and 1897. In January 1910, Hepburn slipped on ice and broke his hip. It refused to heal. Bedridden, he lingered four years, dying in August 1914. A growing demand for lightweight rifles blessed the Hepburn-designed Model 1888. Chambered in .32-20, .38-40 and .4440, with barrels of 16 to 44 inches, it was available in many configurations. The 24inch model held 16 rounds, weighed 6½ pounds, cost $18. Fewer than 5,000 were made before Marlin dropped the 1888 in 1892. Its successor, Marlin’s side-ejecting Model 1889, was chambered for the same Winchester (WCF) cartridges. The most popular version was a .44-40 (.44 WCF) with 24-inch octagon barrel. But one customer ordered a 54-inch barrel, and Marlin built many 1889s with short magazines and pistol grips. Take-downs too. A saddle-ring carbine sported a 15- or 20-inch barrel. This great rifle faded away in 1895; eight years later, the last of its production run of 55,119 left the plant. Lewis L. Hepburn had another hit with the Model 1891, Marlin’s first successful .22 rimfire lever rifle. Side ejection, easy access to the action, and exhibition shooting by Annie Oakley sold this $18 rifle to the walls. A .32 rimfire version appeared in 1892, with the same interchangeability of Long and Short ammunition as offered in the .22. And .32 centerfire rounds could be used by changing the firing pin! In 1896, after a production run of 18,000, the Model 1891 gave way to the 1892. The new rifle looked much like its predecessor but had a better trigger and a firing pin block to prevent accidental discharge. Marlin produced more than 40,000 Model 1892s, all in .22 and .32 rimfire. The rifle was dropped in 1915. Marlin Models 1893, 1894 and 1895 differed little in design from the 1892, but

they had bigger actions. The 1893 ($13.35 to start) handled the .32-40-165 and .38-55-255 cartridges. Its stronger lock-up and two-piece firing pin distinguished it from the Model 1889. The standard version had a 26-inch round barrel marked for smokeless loads. In 1905 the “Grade B” in .32-40 and .38-55 appeared. Stamped “For Black Powder,” it was not made of the “Special Smokeless Steel” advertised by Marlin for its other rifles then. The Model 1893 remained in production until 1917, when war changed company priorities. It came back in 1922, when the .30-30 and .32 Special joined the list of chamberings. The rifle remained alive but not always well until 1936, reappearing only briefly between 1929 and 1933. The Model 1893’s short-action counterpart, the 1894, came in .25-20, .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40. At $18, it featured a 24inch round barrel and case-colored fittings. The lightweight carbine version, with halfmagazine and 20-inch barrel in .44-40, scaled just 5½ pounds. Market pressures undercut the price; in 1901 you could buy a standard model for $10.40! Marlin’s Model 1895 was a beefed-up 1893, designed for fatter cases. Initially bored to .38-56, .40-65, .45-70 and .45-90, it added the .40-70 and .33 WCF in 1897 and 1912.

The take-down variation cost $3.50 more, bringing base price to $22. Full-length magazines were standard. Barrel lengths: 20 to 32 inches in 2-inch increments, with a surcharge of $1 per inch beyond 32. Carbines wore 15- and 22-inch barrels. A lightweight 1895, in .33 WCF, appeared in 1912, matching the Carbine’s weight at 7½ pounds despite its 24-inch barrel. The success of Marlin’s take-down rifles prompted the introduction of a .22 takedown in 1897. It featured a thumb-screw on the receiver that exposed the action and unlocked the barrel. A bicycle version with 16-inch barrel came with a leather-andcanvas case you could strap to a bicycle’s frame. The Model 1897 had a case-hardened receiver, hammer, lever and magazine cap. A half-magazine appeared in 1899; so too a magazine cutoff to improve feeding of mixedlength cartridges. The Model 1897 expired in 1916.

War, Swebilius and the 39

John Mahlon Marlin died in 1901, leaving sons Mahlon and John Howard in charge of the firm. On May 16, 1910, Marlin acquired Ideal Manufacturing, a New Haven toolmaker whose products served handloaders. Marlin stamped Ideal tools with

its name and added it to the popular Ideal Handbook. Later Marlin sold the brand to Phineas Talcott. Ideal was bought by the Lyman Gun Sight Company in 1925. Marlin prospered in the years leading to WWI. In 1914 Carl Gustaf Swebilius began designing guns for the company. Born in Sweden, Swebilius came to America in 1896 at age 17. He drilled barrels for Marlin, then worked as toolmaker. Later as chief engineer, Swebilius heavily influenced the design of Marlin sporting arms. He worked for Winchester too. In 1926 he formed the High Standard Manufacturing Company to make deep-hole drills, then five years later bought the defunct Hartford Arms Company to build High Standard pistols. He died late in 1948. After the Versailles Treaty, the Marlin-Rockwell Corporation (formed in 1916 to manufacture Browning Automatic Rifles and machine guns for the war effort) began to divest itself of holdings. July 23, 1921, the Marlin Firearms Corporation was formed in Delaware, supplanting Marlin-Rockwell. The firm of Hopkins & Allen, recently acquired by Marlin-Rockwell, was tapped to build Marlin guns on H&A designs, from revolvers to hinged-breech shotguns. The Marlin Firearms Corporation issued its first catalog in 1922, when it

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Hornady’s Dave Emary cycles a Marlin in .308 Marlin Express. He developed that potent round and the subsequent .338 ME for Marlin’s 24-inch-barreled 336 and 1895 rifles.

The 1895 was Marlin’s first rifle to chamber long, big-bore cartridges like the .45-70.

introduced the Model 39, a lever-action .22 based on the 1892 and 1897 rifles. With 24inch octagon barrel and a distinctive curve at the bottom of its pistol grip, the Model 39 sold for $26.50. It also featured quick takedown and would feed mixed different-length cartridges interchangeably. In 1932 Marlin eliminated a cut aft of the locking lug. An “HS” on subsequent bolts meant they were considered safe for high-speed ammo. The 39A came in 1939, with a coil mainspring, round barrel, beefier forend. After WWII, case coloring on the 39 receiver was replaced by blued finish. This fine .22 is now the oldest U.S. rifle still in production! Alas, neither the engineering genius of Gus Swebilius nor John Moran’s marketing skills could keep the Marlin Firearms Corporation from foreclosure as a heavy mortgage, back taxes, and steep re-organization costs overran tepid post-war demand. February 4, 1924, a foreclosure judgment went to Charles and Lillian Haskell, owed $200,000 on Marlin 24 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

property. On May 10, the Haskells sold land and buildings to Frank Kenna for $1. Kenna conveyed all (including tax and mortgage obligations) to a newly organized Marlin Firearms Company for the same price. Born in New Haven June 22, 1874, Frank Kenna, Sr., graduated from Yale’s School of Law and established a practice, which he continued until 1939. He started his own advertising agency, dealt in real estate, helped organize the American Bank and Trust Company and served in the state legislature. January 15, 1926, Kenna incorporated the Marlin Firearms Company in Connecticut. During the Depression he didn’t ask stockholders for a bailout. “Each preferred stockholder who purchased four shares of stock paid $100. He received a $52 shotgun and $14 in dividends. His net investment on each $100 was $34….” In March 1929, frustrated rifle designer Charles Newton suggested to Kenna that Marlin build his new Leverbolt Rifle. He offered to split the profits. Kenna was a shrewd bargainer and agreed to test the market, accepting deposits for Leverbolt Rifles. In 1932, Newton’s Leverbolt Company solicited hunters. But in the depths of the Depression, the advertising failed to generate the 500 orders Frank Kenna needed. In 1937 the 11 percent PittmanRobertson firearms tax bludgeoned gun-makers already struggling with weak demand. Kenna leased Marlin’s idle plant space, filling 39 buildings with 110 small industries, some paying as little as $15 monthly rent. In 15 years, Kenna lost just $1,759 in uncollected funds, while rent receipts totaled nearly $2.5 million!

The Great 336

Marlin improved its Model 1893 in 1936,

with a fuller forend, fluted comb and new sights. Rifle, Carbine and Sporting Carbine versions of the Model 1936 sold in 1937 for $32 each. Later that year, the designation was shortened to Model 36. Although steel buttplates were listed, apparently only hard rubber was provided, completing a change that began with “shotgun” rubber buttplates as options on 1889 rifles. Business surged during WWII. Marlin would manufacture 50,000 M1 Garand and 314,000 M1 carbine barrels. Carl Swebilius fashioned a submachine gun: the UDM ’42. While prototypes were built by High Standard, Marlin produced more than 15,000 in 9mm Parabellum. War in Korea drew contracts for rifle barrels and components for 20mm wing-mounted Orlikon guns. Kenna fought the post-war slump by expanding Marlin’s product line. Razor blades got plenty of promotion. But the company also sold cartridge belts, clay target throwers and Red Head gun cases—plus shaving cream, watch fobs, bicycles, whistles and handcuffs. In December, 1947, Frank Kenna died, leaving the company to sons Roger and Frank, Jr. Roger assumed the presidency first. He’d apprenticed beginning in 1945 when Marlin bought the Hunter Arms Company. He’d tried to save L.C. Smith, keeping the shotgun on line until January 16, 1949, when flood damage collapsed the Fulton NY factory’s first floor, spilling 14 milling machines into a raceway below. With damage estimates exceeding $75,000, the Fulton plant closed. Like his father, Roger was a stellar businessman. In 1952 he moved Marlin’s office to 715 Fifth Avenue in New York, then grew the Sears, Roebuck account by 50 percent. Roger died in March 1959, at just 49. Frank, Jr., youngest of the five Kenna

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 25

.22, both on the 81C action, circa 1939. The economical Auto-Safe failed to match the appeal of Marlin’s Tom Mix Special, hawked to youngsters for $5.95 in 1937 and 1938. Marlin declared this “a sensational value” at “10 cents a day.” But the Model 60 autoloader (1960) proved a hot seller. It remains wildly popular.

Too many levers?

Wayne killed this Wyoming bull with a 50-year-old, iron-sighted Marlin 336 in .32 Special. One Hornady bullet through the lungs at 130 yards was enough.

children, took over. A Marine in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, he returned to study mechanical engineering. His apprenticeship came in Marlin’s tool room. In 1948, when Marlin’s Model 36 sold for $61.45, it spawned the Model 336. This quintessential deer rifle has become the firm’s flagship. In 1953 Marlin introduced “Microgroove” rifling to replace Ballard-cut rifling. The many narrow, shallow grooves, quickly ironed in with a tungsten carbide button, delivered fine accuracy. First priced at $74, the 336 sold briskly in .30 WCF (.30-30). It thrived for a long time in .32 Special and .35 Remington too, but struggled in .219 Zipper. Only 3,230 Zippers were made before the cartridge left the 336 posting in 1959. Weak demand for this hot .22 confirmed that woodchuck hunters favored bolt guns. Marlin had one of those too, introduced in 1954, on a Sako action. The Model 322 in .222 Remington came with Sako’s receiver sight. A switch to slimmer, stainless barrels prompted another label: the 422 Varmint King. Both rifles were gone by 1958. A bigbore bolt gun on FN Mauser metal appeared in 1955 under Marlin’s banner. Stocked by Bishop, the Model 455 debuted in .30-06. The .308 and .270 were listed later, but only 59 .308s came off the line, and no .270s. The 455 died in 1959. During the 1950s Marlin trotted out hammerless Models 56 and 57 lever-action .22 rifles. The 62, a variation of the 56/57, arrived later in .256 Winchester and .30 Carbine. It was designed also for the .22 Jet, but no rifles were so chambered. The 1960s brought a spate of affordable rimfire rifles, including the bolt-action Model 980 in .22 WMR, and a single-shot Model 122 Auto-Safe 26 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Marlin’s Glenfield line, introduced in 1964 to provide chain stores “plain vanilla” versions of the popular 336 lever rifle, survived until 1983. In 1963, Marlin began chambering the 336 in .44 Magnum. After it came the .444 Marlin, .375 Winchester, .45-70 and .356 Winchester. The .356, a rimmed version of the .358, was developed for Winchester’s 94 Angle-Eject rifle, introduced by U.S. Repeating Arms. A companion round, the .307 Winchester, was slated for the 336. But only a handful of prototype rifles were finished. Incidentally, Angle-Eject Winchesters came nearly a century after John Mahlon Marlin did away with top ejection in his 1889 rifle. Scopes didn’t figure into his decision; keeping empties from the line of sight and dirt out of the action probably did. The closed-top receiver also provided greater strength. Myriad versions of the Marlin 336 include carbines with full-length magazines and straight grips, plus rifles with pistol grips and half-magazines under barrels as long as 24 inches. The Cowboy in .30-30 and .38-55 featured an octagon barrel and Ballard rifling. The Marauder, built only in 1963 and ’64, had a 16¼-inch barrel. The Texan (1954–83) came in at least three variations, with and without saddle ring. One of my favorites, the 336A rifle, with 2/3-length magazine and 24-inch barrel, was manufactured from 1948 to 1962. I bought a .32 Special second-hand and found it one of the smoothest lever guns I’ve ever used. Equipped with a receiver sight, it helped me drop a fine Wyoming elk with one bullet at 130 yards. In the mid-60s, Marlin announced the .444 Marlin cartridge and a rifle to fire it. The Model 444 (1965–71) had a straight grip, a 2/3 magazine, a 24-inch barrel in .444 Marlin. Initially loaded with a 240-grain .44 Magnum bullet at 2,400 fps, the .444 later featured 265-grain bullets of greater sectional density. Sporting (22-inch barrel), Outfitter (18½-inch) and XLR (24-inch) rifles came in 1984, 1999, and 2006.

In 1969 Marlin operations moved to a plant in North Haven, and within three years a new Model 1895 debuted, patterned after the original. It came with cut rifling— suitable for cast bullets—and straight-grip stock. Subsequent changes included a pistolgrip stock, Microgroove rifling. A cross-bolt hammer-block safety appeared on Marlin’s other centerfire lever rifles as well. Cut checkering became standard in 1994. The 1895G Guide Gun, with 18½-inch ported barrel and cut rifling, arrived in 1998. The porting was later dropped. An identically configured 1895M in .450 Marlin followed in 2000. The 1895 Cowboy in .45-70 joined the series a year later, with a 26-inch octagon barrel and nine-shot magazine. Meanwhile, Marlin had trotted out a modern short-action Model 1894, beginning in 1969 with a straight-grip .44 Magnum (20-inch barrel). Other chamberings came later, from .357 and .41 Magnums to the .32-20 in a traditional Carbine (2005). Marlin began offering stainless versions of the 1894, 1895 and 336 between 2000 and 2002. Over the last 40 years, the company’s lever-action line has welcomed many new entries—and lost many others. CNC (computer, numerically controlled) machining has made minor changes economical, so Marlin and other gun makers can feed the insatiable demand for new product. For an overview of recent Marlins, look to the Blue Book of Gun Values. The 33rd edition has 2,432 pages! In 2000, Marlin bought H&R 1871, the world’s largest maker of single-shot rifles and shotguns. The acquisition would later bring hinged-breech Pardner shotguns and HandiRifles to Marlin’s stable. Marlin has since undergone big structural change. Long a familyheld company, and shepherded by Frank Kenna III from 1999 to 2007, it was bought by Remington Arms in December 2007, after Remington sold to The Freedom Group, an investment consortium. By April, 2008, Remington had announced closure of H&R’s Gardner, Massachusetts plant. Two years later Marlin’s North Haven factory was slated for shut-down. Production moved to the Remington facility at Ilion, New York. The Freedom Group has brought BFI, DPMS, Marlin and H&R under the Remington umbrella—though their product lines remain distinct. Marlin lever guns appeal to me more with each passing year. It’s not just nostalgia. Their quick pointing and easy cycling, their power and accuracy—these assets are truly practical. Still, if the lean carnivorous lines of a traditional lever-action don’t jack your pulse, if you can dismiss its taut, solid waist in your hand, that eager, predatory spring to your cheek—well, you’d best check your pulse again! n

Best of 2012

Sponsored by

165 5/8 177 2/8 Taylor Co., IA Chad M. Mummert 2011 J. Creamer William G. Hamm 2011 J. Lacefield 165 4/8 183 4/8 Greenup Co., KY 165 4/8 173 7/8 Louisa Co., VA Clyde E. Eppard, Jr. 2011 B. Trumbo Aaron Thomas 2011 K. Ison 165 1/8 171 7/8 Ohio Co., KY 165 168 Casey Co., KY Chatty C. Lee 2011 D. Weddle David H. Boland 2011 C. Pierce 164 7/8 168 5/8 Fillmore Co., MN Bryan M. Wilson 2011 D. Skinner 164 7/8 181 2/8 Ohio Co., KY 2011 W. Voogd 164 3/8 177 7/8 Red Deer River, AB Bernard C. Vincent 164 1/8 167 Carlisle Co., KY Marshall W. Davis 2011 C. Wilkins 164 1/8 170 2/8 Christian Co., KY Donnie W. Oliver 2011 W. Cooper 164 1/8 176 5/8 Franklin Co., OH Stephen E. Esker 2011 R. Deis 163 7/8 166 4/8 Breathitt Co., KY Lee Daniel Campbell 2011 J. Lacefield 163 7/8 168 5/8 Worth Co., GA William H. Davis 2011 W. Cooper 163 5/8 167 6/8 Carter Co., KY Jimmy Davis 2011 W. Cooper 163 4/8 169 Franklin Co., OH Daniel W. Lytle, Jr. 2011 R. Deis 163 3/8 168 2/8 Clinton Co., KY Randell A. Shelton 2011 D. Weddle 163 3/8 176 6/8 Morgan Co., CO Christopher G. Porter 2011 R. Rockwell 163 1/8 168 6/8 Hillsborough Co., NH Stephen J. Wowianko 2011 R. Blaisdell 163 178 2/8 Columbia Co., AR Edwin Franks 1962 D. Boland 162 7/8 174 5/8 White Co., IL Joseph C. June, Jr. 2011 K. Eifes 162 7/8 172 4/8 White Co., IN Kelly Clark 2011 K. Zimmerman 162 6/8 171 2/8 Kenosha Co., WI Randal J. Dieter 2010 S. Zirbel 162 5/8 185 3/8 Brooks Co., GA Jason R. Cloninger 2011 W. Cooper 162 4/8 168 4/8 Medicine Lake, AB Therese M. Labelle 2011 D. Powell 162 4/8 170 6/8 Shelby Co., OH Charles W. Jarrett 2011 M. Wendel 162 174 6/8 Athabasca, AB Aldo B. Zanon 2011 W. Paplawski Brian D. Crown 2011 T. Rogers 161 6/8 186 5/8 Fillmore Co., MN Dayna L. Harrison 2010 A. England 161 6/8 166 6/8 Barbara Lake, AB Marty C. Loring 2011 R. Berreth 161 5/8 176 4/8 Camrose, AB 2011 L. Redel 161 3/8 181 4/8 Livingston Co., MO Ellen R. Robson D. Blane Beck 2011 S. Smith 161 3/8 181 3/8 Ripley Co., IN Randall Purtee 2010 M. Wendel 161 2/8 168 6/8 Logan Co., OH Adam R. Foutz 2011 R. Stutheit 161 1/8 170 7/8 Gage Co., NE 2011 L. Loranzan 161 1/8 165 6/8 Hamilton Co., OH Robert P. Wood Joseph D. Uses-Knife 2011 L. Jass 161 1/8 170 3/8 Ziebach Co., SD 172 5/8 Bracken Co., KY Brian K. Green 2011 J. Phillips 161 181 2/8 Jewell Co., KS William P. Gerke 2014 H. Gore 161 169 3/8 Warren Co., NY Adam S. Hayes 2011 R. Johndrow 161 Charles J. Patrick 2010 R. Teal 160 7/8 164 1/8 Tweed, ON Meigs Co., OH John D. Riebel, Jr. 2011 J. Satterfield 160 6/8 172 Roy C. Russell, Jr. 1978 G. Wilson 160 3/8 164 7/8 Copiah Co., MS Russell J. Allen 2011 J. Lacefield 160 3/8 162 Owen Co., KY Bradley R. Underhill 2011 B. Hagy 160 2/8 166 5/8 Cass Co., IL Jimmy B. Thompson 2011 R. Morton 160 2/8 168 2/8 Daviess Co., KY 2011 J. Detjen 160 2/8 171 3/8 Randolph Co., MO Adam L. Tidwell Rick Williams 2011 D. Weddle 160 1/8 165 1/8 Casey Co., KY 169 2/8 Delaware Co., OH Matthew A. Trucco 2011 R. Deis 160 166 Taylor Co., WI Pam Stangret 2010 J. Hjort 160

non-typical whitetail deer 247 2/8 241 3/8 223 4/8 219 2/8 217 1/8

261 2/8 250 6/8 231 1/8 225 6/8 220 7/8

Williamson Co., IL Rawlins Co., KS Menard Co., IL Sangamon Co., IL Vermilion River, AB

Travis J. Cockburn Scott W. Carlson Alfred F. Nation IV Rick L. Richno Vernon W. Lowrie

2011 2011 2011 2011 2011

T. Walmsley M. Bain T. Walmsley T. Walmsley A. England

Field Photography

Tip No. 11 Take a Stand

For big critters like elk and moose, spool a few shots standing with your trophy. Our natural reaction is to get down on the ground with them for all the photos, but with big head gear species you might be surprised how well the photos will come out with you standing. This was very much an old school approach to field photography when cameras first arrived on the scene – now seeing a revival of sorts. Michael P. Campos is pictured standing with his typical American elk scoring 371-2/8 points. He harvested this bull in Nye County, Nevada, in 2011.

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 51

non-typical whitetail deer Continued 214 2/8 225 7/8 Highland Co., OH Joel R. Buddelmeyer 2011 T. Schlater 213 4/8 223 7/8 Nemaha Co., KS Roger Schmelzle 2011 R. Bergloff 213 4/8 217 1/8 Vilna, AB Robert G. Senecal 2011 B. Daudelin 212 6/8 218 7/8 La Porte Co., IN Timothy L. 2011 J. Bogucki Schweizer, Jr. 212 3/8 222 6/8 Schuyler Co., IL Richard A. Lomelino 2011 T. Walmsley 212 2/8 221 4/8 Jo Daviess Co., IL Michael J. Bunning 2011 T. Rogers 210 3/8 217 5/8 Zavala Co., TX Alberto Bailleres 2011 J. Stein 208 7/8 219 6/8 Anne Arundel R. Dale Gertz 2011 R. Newton Co., MD 208 4/8 213 7/8 St. Joseph Co., IN Donald G. Barbour 2011 J. Bogucki 208 2/8 213 3/8 Reno Co., KS Bobby G. Vanley 2011 R. Smith 207 7/8 213 7/8 Clearwater River, AB Travis K. Hubl 2011 B. Daudelin 207 3/8 210 6/8 Jefferson Co., IA Brian K. Larson 2011 C. Pierce 207 2/8 221 De Kalb Co., IN Tim L. Culbertson 2011 S. Werstler 206 1/8 225 Riley Co., KS Scot C. Keck 2007 T. Bowman 205 6/8 211 4/8 Decatur Co., IA Marty S. Cummings 2010 J. Ream 205 5/8 216 6/8 Witchekan Lake, SK Dean Olson 2011 B. Seidle 205 4/8 215 5/8 De Kalb Co., IN Perry J. Young 2011 W. Novy 205 1/8 208 2/8 Jefferson Co., IA Jesse D. Jans 2011 L. Briney 205 1/8 209 6/8 Newton Co., IN Russell G. Rendant 2011 J. Bogucki 204 3/8 212 1/8 Sedgwick Co., KS Michael P. McGinn 2010 D. Rogers 203 3/8 210 2/8 Stark Co., OH Daniel H. Limbach 2011 R. Pepper 203 3/8 210 2/8 Warren Co., MO Todd F. Arnold 2011 J. Detjen 201 5/8 207 1/8 Jackson Co., WI Isaac B. Olson 2011 S. Godfrey 201 5/8 207 1/8 Sandusky Co., OH Matthew C. 2011 D. Urban Kingsborough 201 4/8 210 6/8 Ontario Co., NY Michael P. Canale 2011 W. Tyler 200 1/8 210 1/8 Coffey Co., KS Donald F. Erbert 2011 D. Rogers 199 5/8 205 Buffalo Co., WI William R. Hedl 2011 J. Brown 199 3/8 202 7/8 St. Martin, MB Edward R. Gorr 2011 B. Risley 199 2/8 208 1/8 Ottawa Co., KS Phillip J. Ryan 2011 M. Steffen 198 5/8 206 5/8 Sullivan Co., IN Steven S. Talpas 2011 R. White 198 4/8 207 Sumter Co., GA Harold W. Gunn 2011 K. Kammermeyer 198 3/8 202 1/8 Warren Co., OH Eric M. Williams 2011 G. Trent 197 6/8 204 Pierce Co., WI Benjamin L. Hines 2011 S. Fish

52 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

197 4/8 206 2/8 Adams Co., IN Scott A. Hodle 2011 J. Bronnenberg 197 2/8 203 Franklin Co., OH James Matthew 2011 R. Deis Sheterom 197 201 4/8 Hancock Co., IL Kyle W. Kirby 2011 T. Walmsley 196 5/8 203 Jo Daviess Co., IL Alexander K. Phillips 2012 T. Micetich 196 5/8 205 7/8 Whitley Co., KY Chris L. Broughton 2011 D. Weddle 196 4/8 205 1/8 Macon Co., IL Lenny D. Thoele 2010 M. Kistler 196 2/8 207 1/8 Koochiching Co., MN Jerome R. Kamrowski 1958 S. Ashley 196 1/8 202 7/8 Morris, MB Picked Up 2010 J. Hayduk 195 6/8 204 7/8 Barber Co., KS Mark J. Dugan 2011 R. Smith 195 3/8 200 4/8 Coshocton Co., OH Alexander Croston 2011 E. Robinson 193 6/8 208 1/8 Vernon Co., WI Mark P. Jacobson 2010 R. Case 193 5/8 199 1/8 Laurel Co., KY Johnny L. Cornett, Jr. 2011 D. Weddle 192 7/8 197 2/8 Coles Co., IL Keith Schedlbauer 2011 M. Kistler 192 7/8 198 5/8 Perry Co., OH Jeffrey V. Burkhart 2010 J. Jordan 192 5/8 200 Nodaway Co., MO Timothy P. Lurk 2011 R. Gadberry 191 7/8 198 5/8 High Level, AB Steven R. Metzger 2011 C. Dillabough 191 5/8 196 3/8 Nicholas Co., KY Tyler Parks 2011 W. Cooper 191 5/8 197 5/8 Polk Co., MN Timothy T. Kujawa 2011 R. Dufault 191 4/8 199 4/8 Pottawatomie Daniel J. Ebert 2011 D. Co., KS Hollingsworth 191 3/8 202 6/8 Newton Co., IN Jeffrey K. Denton 2011 J. Bogucki 190 5/8 195 1/8 Green Co., WI Duane G. Wendt 2011 A. Crum 190 1/8 193 1/8 Vernon Co., WI Shelby A. Sarauer 2011 M. Miller 189 7/8 206 5/8 Jefferson Co., NE Mark H. Niederklein 2011 R. Stutheit 189 4/8 198 6/8 Outagamie Co., WI Gerald J. Boylan 2011 S. Zirbel 189 1/8 195 7/8 Pike Co., IL Kevin M. Davis 2011 J. Mraz 189 198 6/8 St. Joseph Co., MI Robert L. Evenhouse 2011 J. Bogucki 188 7/8 193 1/8 Greenwood Co., KS M. Dean Burgess 2011 W. Knox 188 6/8 197 3/8 Tuscarawas Co., OH Joseph G. Fischer 2011 R. Pepper 188 4/8 198 1/8 Warren Co., IA Emma M. Foreman 2011 L. Briney 188 2/8 191 7/8 Jackson Co., AL Jody M. Yancey 2012 F. Allen 188 1/8 195 Parke Co., IN Gene R. Ewing 2011 R. White 187 4/8 193 3/8 Brooks Co., GA Donald G. Vinson 2010 W. Cooper 187 4/8 199 1/8 Elliott Co., KY David E. Ison 2011 W. Cooper 187 3/8 194 2/8 Logan Co., IL Kraig E. Sullivan, Jr. 2011 R. Willmore 187 3/8 189 2/8 McClain Co., OK Jim W. Booker 2011 S. Cox

recently accepted trophies non-typical whitetail deer Continued 187 2/8 190 7/8 La Porte Co., IN Robert P. Fortner 2011 J. Bogucki 186 7/8 195 7/8 Clinton Co., OH Gregory P. Ross 2011 T. Schlater 186 6/8 190 2/8 Franklin Co., MO Jennifer M. Elbert 2011 L. Redel 186 6/8 189 4/8 Montgomery Samuel D. Shocklee 2011 J. Detjen Co., MO 186 4/8 195 4/8 Grant Co., WI Ashley J. Lawrence 2011 P. Farni 186 2/8 194 4/8 Fayette Co., IN Joel T. Lapham 2011 K. Bumbalough 186 198 5/8 Fayette Co., OH Michael E. Smith 2011 T. Schlater 186 190 5/8 Plymouth Co., IA Travis T. Lang 2011 G. Hempey 185 3/8 191 Polk Co., WI Vincent A. Kobernick 2011 K. Zimmerman

typical Coues’ whitetail 113 111 5/8 110 1/8 110 107 2/8 103 2/8 102 3/8 102 100 6/8

115 6/8 115 6/8 112 5/8 111 7/8 110 6/8 105 5/8 107 2/8 112 5/8 104 1/8

Gila Co., AZ Pima Co., AZ Pinal Co., AZ Grant Co., NM Pima Co., AZ Sonora, MX Yavapai Co., AZ Sonora, MX Sonora, MX

Mark A. Kessler Rico M. Acevedo James L. Boyd Andrew T. DeMent Martin J. Guerena Richard M. Bresson Brandt M. Lewis W. Allyn Ladd James L. Boyd

2011 2011 2011 2010 2005 2011 2010 2009 2008

R. Stonoff P. Dalrymple R. Stayner D. Boland E. Buckner D. Merritt S. Troutman D. Boland R. Stayner

non-typical Coues’ whitetail 123 7/8 128 5/8 Sonora, MX 120 1/8 122 4/8 Sonora, MX 106 7/8 113 3/8 Gila Co., AZ

Brian N. Wilmer Mark D. Butler Martin J. Guerena

2000 J. Gates 2011 R. Hall 2001 E. Buckner

MOOSE & CARIBOU FINAL GROSS SCORE SCORE LOCATION

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

ABOVE While hunting in Larimer County, Colorado, during the 2011 season, Brian C. Burrill harvested this Shiras’ moose scoring 144-2/8 points.

Canada moose 215 7/8 221 2/8 Talbot Creek, BC Ken Weber 2011 213 2/8 218 2/8 Kennicott Lake, BC Robin G. Hawkins 2011 212 3/8 220 2/8 Upsalquitch Daniel Levesque 2007 River, NB 211 2/8 219 5/8 Coos Co., NH R.G. Baker & D. Ferry 2011 206 2/8 208 5/8 Disella Lake, BC Kyle Ekker 2011 199 2/8 201 Dease Lake, BC Michael E. Farrally 2011 197 4/8 203 7/8 Scoop Lake, BC Jesse Russell 2008 (Rusty) Flowers, Jr. 196 1/8 199 3/8 Dease Lake, BC Tom J. VanderPlaat 2011 195 1/8 196 5/8 Anguille Mts., NL Ryan J. Donaldson 2011 195 1/8 198 3/8 Dease Lake, BC Troy T. Hall 2011 192 7/8 199 Aroostook Co., ME Amanda K. Easler 2011 192 199 3/8 Ram Lake, BC Ashley J. Sorenson 2011 190 5/8 198 7/8 Manitou Lake, SK Terry D. Heise 2011 190 1/8 198 4/8 Tatshenshini Terry L. Raymond 2011 River, BC 188 2/8 190 5/8 Tucho Lake, BC Brian D. Tallerico 2010 187 4/8 188 6/8 Greenbush River, SK Glen Dreger 1978 186 3/8 190 6/8 Dease Lake, BC Merle E. Shuyler 2011

B. Seidle W. Ogden W. Hanson C. Smiley D. Jones B. Mason D. Eider T. Rozewski C. Banfield T. Stanosheck A. Wentworth M. Opitz J. Lorenz W. Paplawski E. Boley B. Mitchell S. Wilkins

Alaska-Yukon moose 231 3/8 226 5/8 224 4/8 220 2/8 217 3/8 216 3/8 211 7/8

238 2/8 231 7/8 232 6/8 227 226 2/8 221 1/8 218 6/8

McGrath, AK Rogue River, YT Shaktoolik River, AK Misty Lake, YT Mountain River, NT Earn Lake, YT Earn Lake, YT

Mark J. Dugan Douglas C. Murray Jason E. Lutter V. Ronald Marburger John M. Lee Real Langlois Real Langlois

2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2007 2002

D. Rogers W. Paplawski R. Karczewski S. Buchanan D. Razza A. Beaudry A. Beaudry

2010 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011

R. Rockwell J. Mankin R. Rockwell L. Finney L. Carey K. Balfourd W. Hepworth

Shiras’ moose 181 177 1/8 174 6/8 168 5/8 163 6/8 163 3/8 160 1/8

190 7/8 184 181 6/8 176 167 1/8 170 162 6/8

Lincoln Co., MT Mitchel C. Arnold Teton Co., WY Terry J. Southworth Larimer Co., CO Mitchel C. Arnold Kootenai Co., ID Claude A. Frost Stevens Co., WA Brandon T. Ward Beaverhead Co., MT Jason A. Kowalski Albany Co., WY Joseph G. Gillespie

159 2/8 157 3/8 156 1/8 155 155 154 3/8 151 3/8 151 150 7/8 146 6/8 145 7/8 144 4/8 144 2/8 143 141 6/8 141 3/8

163 159 7/8 161 3/8 161 157 3/8 155 1/8 155 151 3/8 156 6/8 155 7/8 150 7/8 146 3/8 147 7/8 147 1/8 151 6/8 146 7/8

Fremont Co., ID Frank E. Simmons 2010 Pend Oreille Co., WA Darren L. Buchanan 2011 Teton Co., WY Sy L. Gilliland 2001 Carbon Co., WY Ralph A. Tarango 2011 Clearwater Co., ID Jereme M. Jones 2010 Grand Co., CO Jason N. Roe 2011 Ferry Co., WA Larry A. Gitch 2011 Lincoln Co., WY Paul R. Marvel 2010 Jefferson Co., MT Ryan A. Antonovich 2011 Shoshone Co., ID Stacey W. Hunt 2011 Lincoln Co., MT Kurt T. Fredenberg 2011 Morgan Co., UT Thomas M. La Victoire 2011 Larimer Co., CO Brian C. Burrill 2011 Johnson Co., WY Pax Harness 2011 Stevens Co., WA Judy L. Mally-Burkhart 2011 Jackson Co., CO Wesley J. Whitecotton 2011

R. Atwood J. Wiggs W. Hepworth B. Wilkes L. Eidnes S. Grebe T. Rozewski R. Bonander F. King L. Carey J. Williams R. Boucher P. Allen J. Morey K. Vaughn R. Boyd

mountain caribou 394 2/8 399 Hook Lake, NT Ken B. Werling 383 1/8 390 2/8 Kawdy Plateau, BC Michael C. Cupell 371 4/8 385 6/8 Cassiar Dist., BC Peter J. Kleywegt

2011 S. Swihart 2011 R. Stayner 2011 F. Pringle

woodland caribou 323 3/8 331 1/8 320 1/8 330 301 7/8 315 2/8 296 1/8 317 6/8 293 1/8 301 7/8 266 4/8 273 5/8

Big Blue Hill Pond, NL James R. Storey

2011 A. Neilson

Daniel’s Harbour, NL Mark J. Dittberner 2010 Adies Pond, NL Lorne R. Bishop 2011 Gaff Topsail, NL Mark E. Beaudin 2011 Hampden, NL Thomas M. La Victoire 2011 Baie Verte Pen., NL Thomas J. Edgington 2011

R. Estes C. Banfield P. Barwick R. Boucher C. Rehor

barren ground caribou 387 6/8 401 7/8 Ogilvie Mts., YT

Jason D. Garrett

2004 B. Daudelin

Central Canada barren ground caribou 371 2/8 382 5/8 Commonwealth Lake, MB

Jared D. Olson

2011 D. Eider

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 53

bison Continued 118 6/8 118 2/8 115 4/8 115

120 3/8 118 4/8 116 115 3/8

Gallatin Co., MT Halfway River, BC Fort Greely, AK Custer Co., SD

Francis C. Cahoon Mario A. Rocca J. Reed Greenwood Kenneth E. Buch

2011 2011 2011 2011

D. Shoemaker G. Markoski R. Deis J. Creamer

Rocky Mountain goat 52 52 3/8 Skeena Mts., BC 51 2/8 51 5/8 Kootenay Lake, BC 51 51 4/8 Tucho Lake, BC 51 51 3/8 Tucho Lake, BC 50 4/8 50 6/8 Clear Creek Co., CO 50 4/8 50 6/8 Wallowa Co., OR 49 2/8 50 3/8 Box Elder Co., UT 49 2/8 50 Kitchener Lake, BC 49 2/8 49 4/8 Weber Co., UT 48 4/8 48 6/8 Dixon Glacier, AK 48 4/8 48 5/8 Terrace, BC 47 6/8 48 1/8 Kodiak Island, AK 47 4/8 48 Horn Cliffs, AK 47 47 1/8 Tuchodi River, BC

ABOVE This pronghorn, scoring 82 points, was taken by Roger D. Luehrs with his .30-06 Springfield. He was hunting in Morrill County, Nebraska, during the 2011 season with his son Nathan R. Luehrs.

HORNED GAME

FINAL GROSS SCORE SCORE LOCATION

HUNTER

DATE MEASURER

pronghorn 90 87 6/8 87 2/8 87 86 86 85 4/8 85 2/8 84 2/8 84 84 83 6/8 83 4/8 83 4/8 83 2/8 83 2/8 83 82 4/8 82 4/8 82 4/8 82 2/8 82 2/8 82 2/8 82 2/8 82 82 81 4/8 81 81 81 80 6/8 80 2/8 80 2/8

90 2/8 88 4/8 87 6/8 88 2/8 86 7/8 86 6/8 86 6/8 85 6/8 85 2/8 84 5/8 84 3/8 84 5/8 84 84 3/8 83 4/8 84 1/8 83 4/8 83 2/8 83 2/8 83 82 4/8 83 2/8 82 4/8 83 83 82 6/8 82 2/8 82 5/8 81 6/8 82 3/8 81 6/8 82 2/8 80 7/8

Catron Co., NM John K. Koster Mora Co., NM Grant A. Medlin Mora Co., NM Steve M. Scott Fremont Co., WY Robert C. Carlson, Jr. Natrona Co., WY Randy L. Elliott Washoe Co., NV David R. Solari Carbon Co., WY Mackenzie B. Hall Catron Co., NM Stacey Perrien Cimarron Co., OK Steven J. Bacon Natrona Co., WY Steven L. Malson Saguache Co., CO George A. Goehl Harney Co., OR Edith Vierck Hudspeth Co., TX William G. Kyle Mora Co., NM Ross A. Medlin Catron Co., NM William R. Owens Socorro Co., NM David L. Ristau Uinta Co., WY Blake R. Nichols Lincoln Co., CO Matthew W. Reiss Natrona Co., WY Cory L. Wolff Quay Co., NM Steve J. Bemke Fremont Co., WY Catherine E. Keene Fremont Co., WY Lyle D. Fruchey Natrona Co., WY Kathy K. Kurtz Washoe Co., NV Bob Wells Lea Co., NM Arthur L. Gillis Morrill Co., NE Roger D. Luehrs Park Co., CO Thomas J. Slavik Fremont Co., WY Jennifer D. Jenkins Fremont Co., WY Lawrence L. Allen Sweetwater Co., WY Scott D. Whitaker Butte Co., ID Robert A. Baker Carbon Co., WY Timothy D. Barkman Humboldt Co., NV Harold L. Gilliam

2011 R. Stayner 2011 R. Stayner 1983 C. Hood 2011 B. Wilkes 2011 T. Atkinson 2011 T. Humes 2011 T. Stanosheck 2011 D. Perrien 2011 J. Dougherty 2011 B. Wilkes 2011 R. Black 2011 D. Heffner 2011 O. Carpenter 2011 R. Stayner 2011 V. Howard 2010 R. Stayner 2011 J. Rensel 2010 R. Newman 2011 T. Atkinson 2011 J. Mraz 2010 B. Wilkes 2011 B. Wilkes 2011 M. Haun 2011 T. Humes 2011 M. Pennell 2011 D. Pawlicki 2011 S. Grebe 2010 C. Brown 2011 B. Wilkes 2011 W. Phifer 2011 D. Sanford 2011 R. Bonander 2011 J. Capurro

bison 129 2/8 130 6/8 126 4/8 128 3/8 123 2/8 123 5/8 122 122 1/8 119 2/8 121 1/8

Custer Co., SD Teton Co., WY Teton Co., WY Mendenhall River, YT Teton Co., WY

54 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Picked Up Tim S. Pollard Richard L. Schneider Iain Seal

2011 2011 2011 2011

L. Jass E. Boley T. Stanosheck T. Grabowski

Dale B. Jones

2010 W. Hepworth

Ken Weber 2008 Cyndi L. Johnston 2011 Brian D. Tallerico 2010 Jesse Russell 2010 (Rusty) Flowers, Jr. Kenneth I. Rushing 2011 Vince K. Halsey 2011 Steve J. Ulm 2011 Joseph T. Mangold 2011 Picked Up 2011 John P. Hohl 2011 Brian A. Hauck 2011 Gerald M. Purcell 2010 Matt J. Nilsen 1997 Richard M. Kolesar 2011

B. Seidle B. Churchill E. Boley S. Priest L. Gatlin D. Davis R. Hall M. Demick J. Wall T. Spraker D. Skinner J. McJannet J. Cook G. Block

musk ox 105

111 3/8 Bathurst Inlet, NU

Unknown

1989 F. Pringle

bighorn sheep 202 7/8 203 5/8 Blaine Co., MT James L. Brogan 2011 197 1/8 197 5/8 Fergus Co., MT Glenn A. Martin, Jr. 2011 196 5/8 197 5/8 Chouteau Co., MT James E. Rokosch 2011 191 5/8 192 7/8 Cadomin, AB Garth K. Carter 2008 190 2/8 190 7/8 Blaine Co., MT James F. Brown 2011 190 2/8 190 3/8 Taos Co., NM James Kirby Edens 2011 189 4/8 190 4/8 Fergus Co., MT David L. Fretz 2011 189 189 Blaine Co., MT Trey A. Robillard 2010 187 187 2/8 Line Creek, BC Thomas R. Martini 2011 184 3/8 185 3/8 Sanders Co., MT Lisa M. Rakich 2011 184 184 2/8 Mary Ann Creek, BC Matthew J. Jurad 2011 182 6/8 183 Blaine Co., MT Rob E. Goodman, Jr. 2011 182 6/8 183 4/8 Fergus Co., MT Wyatt F. Gremaux 2011 182 182 5/8 Lost Mt., BC Robert B. Topping 2011 181 6/8 182 3/8 Sanders Co., MT Stephen E. Turner 2011 181 4/8 181 6/8 Emery Co., UT Kurt D. McFarlane 2011 180 4/8 180 6/8 Dawes Co., NE Tyson P. Ritz 2011 180 4/8 180 5/8 Luscar Mt., AB Bradley & 2011 Randy Rieland 180 181 3/8 Emery Co., UT Wayne L. Shelton 2011 180 180 5/8 Ribbon Creek, AB Savanna H. Koebisch 2011 175 1/8 175 4/8 Fergus Co., MT Stan L. Buchholz 2010

D. Morris F. King J. Reneau K. Leo J. Williams C. Chastain D. Conrad B. Zundel R. Berreth F. King L. Clark J. Williams H. Yeager D. Patterson L. Lack K. Leo R. Krueger A. England D. Shirley D. Skinner B. Zundel

desert sheep 188 4/8 182 4/8 178 7/8 177 7/8 175 5/8 175 4/8 174 6/8 174 4/8 174 4/8 172 7/8 171 170 7/8 170 2/8 169 3/8 166 5/8

188 7/8 183 4/8 179 7/8 178 5/8 176 3/8 176 5/8 175 4/8 175 7/8 175 6/8 173 1/8 171 4/8 171 6/8 170 5/8 169 3/8 167 2/8

Gila Co., AZ Sonora, MX Nye Co., NV La Paz Co., AZ Clark Co., NV Riverside Co., CA Pima Co., AZ Clark Co., NV Clark Co., NV Clark Co., NV Nye Co., NV Hidalgo Co., NM Pima Co., AZ Nye Co., NV Lincoln Co., NV

Michael J. Carpinito 2011 Steven S. Bruggeman 2010 Michael R. Schaffner 2011 Charles N. Brown 2011 Kelly M. Pace-Dalen 2011 Michael T. Silliman 2011 Dan Hibberd 2011 Kevin D. Sease 2011 Ralph L. Leighton 2011 Ralph R. Houk 2011 Kevin G. Peterson 2011 Jerry A. Hendricks 2011 Stuart H. Hancock 2011 John T. Caviglia 2011 Juan I. Torrealday 2011

J. Cook S. Ashley B. Hodge C. Goldman L. Clark P. Cooley E. Buckner A. Tiberti L. Clark L. Clark L. Clark R. Newman P. Dufek C. Lacey G. Hernandez

Dall’s sheep 164 4/8 162 5/8 162 2/8 161 5/8

164 4/8 162 7/8 162 4/8 162 4/8

Grayling Lake, AK Canning River, AK Keele River, NT Tazlina Lake, AK

Lowell F. Fair 2011 Dominique E. Watts 2011 Mike A. Carpinito 2011 Stanley J. Schmidt 2010

C. Brent F. Noska K. Vaughn L. Clark

Stone’s sheep 170 4/8 170 7/8 Prophet River, BC 163 1/8 164 Yash Creek, BC 161 1/8 161 5/8 Ogilvie Mts., YT

Mary L. Faehmel 2011 D. Turchanski Hamish B. McDonald 2011 D. Patterson Ralph Fleegle 1997 W. Jones

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 55

The trophies in the field photos on the following pages have all been accepted in Boone and Crockett Club’s 28th Big Game Awards Program.

Check out the Boone and Crockett Club’s official web site at:

www.booneandcrockettclub.com

56 n Fair Chase Fall 2012 2011

Top row

In the fall of 2011 Mary L. Faehmel was hunting near Prophet River, British Columbia, when she took this Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheep, scoring 170-4/8 points. Ralph L. Leighton was on his 2011 hunt in Clark County, Nevada, when he harvested this desert sheep, scoring 174-4/8. This Canada moose, scoring 190-1/8 points, was taken near the Tatshenshini River in British Columbia during the 2011 season by Terry L. Raymond.

MIDDLE row

W. Richard Ellison was hunting in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, in 2011 when he harvested this typical mule deer. This buck scores 195 points. This non-typical Couesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; whitetail deer was harvested by Brian N. Wilmer, while hunting with his .257 Weatherby in Sonora, Mexico, during the 2000 season. The buck scores 123-7/8 points. James M. Harber was shooting a 7mm Remington Mag. when he harvested this typical American elk. The bull, with a final score of 394-3/8 points, was taken in Yavapai County, Arizona, in 2008.

BOTTOM ROW

FEATURE PHOTO

Thomas J. DeWitt harvested this Alaska brown bear, scoring 28-2/16 points, in 2010 while hunting near Glacier Creek on the Alaska Peninsula.

While on a 2011 hunt in Teton County, Wyoming, Tim S. Pollard shot this 126-4/8 point bison. The bull fell to a 7mm Remington Mag.

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 57

FEATURE PHOTO

Timothy P. Lurk was bow hunting in Nodaway County, Missouri, in 2011 when he took this non-typical whitetail deer, scoring 192-5/8 points.

58 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Top ROW

Daniel I. Plamondon (left) was hunting with his guide Ron Walsh in 2011, near Vancouver Island, British Columbia, when he harvested this Roosevelt’s elk, scoring 315-1/8 points. He was shooting his .270 Winchester Short Mag. Jesse Russell Flowers took this Alaska brown bear, scoring 28-8/16 points, in 2010 while hunting near Herendeen Bay, Alaska. Cindy G. Kinniburgh was hunting near the S. Saskatchewan River, in Alberta when she harvested this typical mule deer. The buck, scoring 180-2/8 points, was taken in 2011. Stanley J. Schmidt used his .280 Remington to harvest this Dall’s sheep, scoring 161-5/8 points. Schmidt was hunting near Tazlina Lake, Alaska, during the 2010 season.

middle ROW

In the early fall of 2010, Brian D. Tallerico harvested this 51-point Rocky Mountain goat while hunting near Tucho Lake, British Columbia. James L. Brogan took this bighorn sheep, scoring 202-7/8 points while on a 2011 hunt in Blaine County, Montana. Brogan’s ram is featured as one of the top trophies taken during in 2011. Roy H. Guidry, Jr., harvested this black bear, scoring 208/16 points while hunting in Aroostook County, Maine, during the 2011 season. Robert A. Timmons was on an archery hunt in Pike County, Illinois, in 2011, that resulted in this typical whitetail deer, scoring 170-1/8 points.

BOTTOM ROW

B&C Official Measurer Michael C. Cupell was hunting on the Kawdy Plateau in British Columbia during the 2011 season when he shot this mountain caribou scoring 383-1/8 points. William G. Kyle shot his .300 Weatherby to harvest this pronghorn scoring 834/8. The buck was taken in Hudspeth County, Texas, in 2011.

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 59

CONSERVATION AND Research

60 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

n this issue Wini Kessler acknowledges two important anniversaries—B&C Club’s 125th and The Wildlife Society’s 75th—and shared histories that bind the two. Paul Krausman ponders what it would really mean to restore the iconic herds of bison in North America and asks the question, why not try? Jerod Merkle’s study of one community’s “bear problem” yielded a surprising result and practical insights for homeowners and wildlife managers alike. In the Member Library, Ted Holsten profiles the adventurous and accomplished life of Arthur C. Popham—attorney, hunter, and conservationist—including his close personal association with Jack O’Connor. Steve Williams returned from the twelfth gathering of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners with two stark observations about the state of conservation in this country: whereas neither political party or presidential candidate seems to have anything intelligible to say about wildlife conservation, the clear vision and dedicated work of the AWCP and other organizations may offer the best hope for conservation in the years ahead.

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 61

CAPITOL COMMENTS

Cloudy with a Chance of Clearing This was the 12th year that organizations affiliated with the Steven Williams, Ph.D. American Wildlife Conservation Partners Professional member Boone and Crockett Club (AWCP) gathered together to discuss the President conservation issues Wildlife Management confronting our nation. Institute Many of us left the sweltering banks of the Potomac River to collect near the cool banks of the Clark Fork River in Missoula, Montana, just as the founders of AWCP did 12 years ago. As then, the Boone and Crockett Club was well represented during the meeting. Prior to attending the AWCP meeting, I spent a few days in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, participating in the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Board of Directors meeting where we, in part, discussed Washington political issues. While there, the smoke from Idaho wildfires obscured the grandeur of the Grand Teton, 13,770 feet of sheer rock, rendering it all but invisible from a distance of four miles or so. First-time visitors to the Jackson Hole valley must have wondered what all the fuss over the beauty of the Teton Range was about. On a positive note, I suspect postcard sales skyrocketed! Thankfully, while in Missoula, skies were sunny and crystal clear. The air quality and visibility of both locales serve as appropriate metaphors for conservation discussions in this nation. The atmosphere in Washington is now clouded by politics, elections, and ideology. The candidates of both political parties have sent their respective smoke signals to their political bases. On many issues including conservation, it is difficult to see for what or where the candidates stand. The intentional or unintentional smokescreens of “facts” presented by the candidates for public offices render understanding as unattainable. It is as though the back doors of smoke-filled rooms have been opened, and their contents have been released. I have to scratch my head as to why we, as American citizens and taxpayers, don’t demand clarity of thought, speech, and purpose from all our political candidates for whom we have hired or intend to hire to do our nation’s business.

62 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

As I headed north out of Jackson to Missoula, the skies and my vision became clearer, both literally and figuratively. The organizations that comprise the AWCP try to avoid the muddying associated with Washington politics. After all, many of these organizations have members and boards of directors that require transparency, accountability, and performance on a quarterly and annual basis. Each organization has developed clear positions on conservation issues that reflect their memberships’ interests. All work tirelessly at national, regional, and

Our powerful voices must be the clarion that dissipates the smokescreens and misperceptions that currently cloud conservation issues in our nation’s capitol. local levels to deliver distinctive and recognizable conservation projects on the ground. Legions of volunteers from all walks of life assist in these projects. If any of these organizations operated in the opaque manner of Washington politics, I doubt they would survive very long. It struck me that the work of organizations like NFWF and AWCP might be the best, current hope for conservation in this country. With federal and state agency budgets strained or broken, private financial contributions and private conservation efforts have accomplished tremendous conservation successes. Last year NFWF leveraged $46 million of federal funds to achieve a $130 million financial impact for conservation projects. This almost 1-to-3 return ratio included innovative and effective approaches that serve as public-private partnership models for federal and state conservation agencies. The conservation investments and rates of return achieved by NFWF are similar to many of the organizations affiliated with AWCP. Although AWCP does not provide direct financial contributions to conservation, the collective voice of AWCP organizations provide strong policy direction and advocacy

for wildlife conservation, particularly to the administration and Congress. This year’s AWCP agenda items provided an inventory of the most significant conservation issues and challenges facing the nation. We spent considerable time and effort deciding on the eight or so conservation priorities to be included in Wildlife for the 21st Century, Volume 4, a veritable policy road map for upcoming administration officials, members of Congress, and their staffs. The priorities will be honed over the next few months and will define the collective input of organizations that represent the interests of more than 20 million Americans and their families. These priorities provide a vision for enhanced conservation. This vision of private citizens and organizations interested in wildlife conservation could not be clearer. The nine percent increase in hunters during the last five years, as reported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, demonstrates a growing personal and financial commitment to conservation. Our powerful voices must be the clarion that dissipates the smokescreens and misperceptions that currently cloud conservation issues in our nation’s capitol. Without this clarity of vision for conservation and concomitant investment in conservation, our future is hazy; with it, we will be able to chart a course to the mountains’ summits. n

MEMBER LIBRARY ARTHUR C. POPHAM – Attorney, Hunter, Conservationist “I saw a line of six rams moving to our right along the opposite canyon wall. They were heading for Theodore J. Holsten a notch in the rim close ahead of them. emeritus member Boone and Crockett Club Quickly, I slipped my arm through the gun sling and dropped prone. …The sheep took alarm. They started running, raced through the cleft and disappeared. Just as I started to my feet in chagrin, a magnificent ram, evidently the leader, ran up onto a skyline crag across the canyon. There on that rocky turret he poised, quartering toward us, curling horns lifted high, as he searched for the danger. . . . Automatically, then, the crosshairs settled on the top of his shoulder, the finger squeezed. At the rifle’s crash, the ram collapsed and pitched off the cliff dead, struck down by a one-hundredfifty-grain thunderbolt.” This excerpt was taken from Art Popham’s story of his first sheep hunt in August 1935. He titled it “A Ram from Inferno.” It was a hunting trip made with his friend, Jack O’Connor, who was also his professor at the University of Arizona. The

hunt took place in the blazing Mexican heat because both of them had to return to school for the fall semester. Art Popham’s association with Jack O’Connor was more than coincidental. After his freshman year at the New Mexico Military Institute, he transferred to the University of Arizona, mainly because he wanted to study journalism under an English professor named Jack O’Connor! Jack soon had cause to be proud of his student, when Art had an article published in Field and Stream. Sharing their mutual interest in guns and hunting, Popham and O’Connor made many hunting trips together in Arizona and Mexico where they hunted Coues’ deer, elk, and other big game. Jack’s wife Eleanor frequently accompanied them, and Art enjoyed a lifelong friendship with the O’Connors. A successful Kansas City attorney, Art Popham hunted worldwide during his long lifetime. He was especially proud of his grand slam of mountain sheep. He was a major benefactor of the Kansas City Museum of History and Science where the natural history wing was named after him. He provided animals for dioramas at the museum that included groups of sheep, bison, Alaska brown bears, and one featuring a rare Kermode bear, a pure white subspecies

ABOVE : Group of sheep at the Kansas City Museum. RIGHT: Art Popham’s son, then 7, in

Daniel Boone garb, looks at his dad’s re-creation of “The Three Bears” in 1957, in this Kansas City Museum diorama. FAR RIGHT TOP: Cape Buffalo. MIDDLE: First lion, found to have been killed instantly, was so perfectly camouflaged that it took 45 minutes of tense searching in only knee-high grass to find dead. BOTTOM : Sable, Tanzania, 1957.

64 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Book by Arthur C. Popham Stalking Big Game from Desert to Tundra (1985)

of the black bear. Art also collected specimens for the museum from Africa and Persia. A long-time member of the Boone and Crockett Club and many other conservation organizations, Art Popham frequently showed his motion pictures and slides in presentations and lectures on wildlife to numerous clubs, groups, and schools. He was especially proud that his dioramas at the museum were available to help young people appreciate our wildlife heritage. After a long illness, he passed away in September 2009 at the age of 94. n

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KNOWLEDGE BASE Celebrating Those Who Showed Up The popular saying “the world is run by those who show up” applies well to two conservation Winifred B. Kessler organizations celebrating milestone Professional member anniversaries in 2012. Boone and Crockett Club The Boone and Crockett Club, which turns 125 this year, began as “100 men of influence” and continues today as a select group of volunteers committed to wildlife conservation. The Wildlife Society, celebrating its 75th anniversary, consists of wildlife professionals dedicated to science-based management and the future of wildlife. Both had prominent roles in bringing wildlife populations from the brink to the abundance we enjoy today, and both continue as leaders in shaping North America’s conservation landscape. As most readers of Fair Chase will know, wildlife populations in the late 1800s were in deplorable condition resulting from unregulated market hunting and widespread habitat degradation. Sportsmen organized into such groups as the B&C Club, Camp Fire Club, and New York Sportsmen’s Club took the lead in turning things around. They urged state and provincial governments to regulate the harvest of game, advocated for habitat protection and the establishment of refuges, promoted the fair chase ethic, and essentially drove the great conservation movement of the early 1900s. Wildlife management during that time was largely limited to game breeding. By the 1930s, many conservationists recognized that further progress would require science-based management and trained practitioners. The first university program was established in 1933 with Aldo Leopold’s appointment as professor of Game Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Some in the new discipline saw a need for professional and ethical standards, as well as mechanisms for sharing and disseminating scientific results and practical information. Ted Frison, director of the Illinois Natural History Survey, initiated discussion among his Midwest colleagues and in December 1935, a meeting was held 66 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

in Urbana to discuss the formation of a professional society. Two months later the idea was aired at the first North American Wildlife Conference in Washington, D.C., and the Society of Wildlife Specialists was born with Ralph (Terry) King as the first president. The society met in 1937 at the second North American Wildlife Conference in St. Louis, and the name was changed to The Wildlife Society (TWS). The mission of TWS is “to enhance the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve biological diversity, sustain productivity, and ensure responsible use of wildlife resources for the benefit of society.” It does this in many ways, for example, by publishing high-quality research papers in The Journal of Wildlife Management (first published in 1937), Wildlife Monographs, and Wildlife Society Bulletin. It supports wildlife professionals and upholds the integrity of the discipline through professional and ethical standards, close involvement in university education, and certification of wildlife biologists. TWS holds an annual meeting where researchers, managers, educators, students, policy-makers, and others share information and discuss key issues affecting wildlife resources. TWS also has an active government affairs department that tracks important issues affecting wildlife and weighs in through expert testimony, technical reviews, position statements, and other means. In its 75th year, TWS faces a bright future with record

membership (nearly 11,000), strong partnerships, and new services aimed at giving students and young professionals a hand up in their chosen careers. My term as the 67th president of TWS will commence this October at the annual meeting in Portland, Oregon. Recently I reviewed the list of past presidents, wishing to better understand the history and legacy of those who went before. In addition to being humbled by the larger-than-life names on that list, I discovered that the entire history of TWS is intertwined with that of the Boone and Crockett Club. Starting with the “father of wildlife management,” Aldo Leopold, an impressive number of TWS presidents have also been members of the B&C Club. The following past presidents of TWS (terms shown in parentheses) served or continue to serve as B&C Professional Members: n Aldo Leopold (1939– 40) n Olaus J. Murie (1944–45) n Clarence Cottam (1949–50) n A. Starker Leopold (1957–58) n Wendell G. Swank (1962-64) n Jack H. Berryman (1964-65) n Jack Ward Thomas (1977-78) n Laurence R. Jahn (1979–80) n James G. Teer (1988–90) n W. Alan Wentz (1992–93) n Hal Salwasser (1993–94) n Rollin D. Sparrowe (1995–96) n Robert D. Brown (2005–06) n John F. Organ (2006–07) n Thomas M. Franklin (2008–09) n Bruce D. Leopold (2009–2010) n Thomas J. Ryder (2010–2011) The current President, Paul R. Krausman (2011–2012), is a Professional Member and B&C Professor. In addition, these TWS past presidents were Regular Members of B&C: n Victor H. Cahalane (1940–41) n Ian McTaggart Cowan (1950–51) n Joseph P. Linduska (1967–68) n Edward L. Kozicky (1969–70)

The history of wildlife conservation in North America is largely a story about committed individuals who seized multiple opportunities to advance the causes they cared deeply about. In short, it’s a history of those who showed up. n

Take the Long View When Theodore Roosevelt and a few like minded individuals established the Boone and Crockett Club, they took the long view. They were the visionaries, the leaders, the legacy builders. Their spirit, energy, and dedication created a great conservation organization at a crucial time in the development of our nation. Today, 125 years later, this organization thrives because successive generations of people like you have met the challenge to carry on a worthy tradition. Your leadership is needed today.

Take the long view. Join the Roughriders Society. Your bequest, gift annuity, unitrust, or charitable lead trust will help support the Boone and Crockett Club into the next generation. Thank you.

For more information, please contact: Winton C. Smith, J.D. 1-800-727-1040

B&C PROFESSORS’ CORNER Return of American Bison or Their Second Near-Extinction? Wildlife management is messy. How species are classified, who manages them, and the desires of the public are all Paul R. Krausman complicated issues that Professional member dictate what, how, where, and when Boone and Crockett Club species are managed. Professor of Wildlife Conservation And that list does not University of Montana even consider litigation that often terminates management based on science. Consider just a few animals. Mourning doves are considered songbirds in many Eastern states but are classified as game birds in the West. Mountain lions are endangered in Florida, thus protected; hunted in many Western states, but not in others. Wild horses and burros are not wild and are not managed as other wildlife, but are classified as wild by federal law, thus, given special consideration. The changing status of wolves in the U.S. is another example (due to litigation)—classified as abundant…then endangered…then as a game species…back to being endangered…then a game species… Then there is the American bison. Historically bison occupied more than 7 million square kilometers (about 1.7 billion acres), and existed in four Canadian provinces, 42 U.S. states and five Mexican states. Historic numbers are always difficult to estimate, but it is not unreasonable that there were around 30 million bison in North America prior to the unregulated and market hunting that nearly caused their extinction in the late 1800s. That story has been told many times, and that a group of dedicated hunter-conservationists, led by Theodore Roosevelt, rallied to their aid has been called a conservation success. But where are we today? Was it really a conservation success? There are currently approximately 500,000 bison in North America, compared to 100 million head of cattle. Of that 500,000 bison, most are in privately owned herds raised for meat production. Furthermore, there are only 60 or so conservation herds (i.e., not managed for meat production) numbering slightly over 20,000 animals. Most bison are in small enclosures compared to the vast areas they once ranged. Here is where it can get even more messy. In some states like Montana,

68 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

even the classification of bison is confusing. They are classified as both livestock and wildlife—an enigma for most wildlifers because we do not normally manage, nor do we have the authority to manage, livestock. The classification of bison as wildlife, however, can be corrected with legislation. Other problems exist for the bison— which are more serious than their classification—and need to be addressed. For years they have been domesticated, leading to founder effects, limited genetic diversity, deleterious genes, alterations in morphology, behavior, populations structure and natural selection. A host of other environmental issues has led to a loss of wildness, altered sex and age structure, and human beliefs that current bison populations are the real deal. In reality, only a handful of the bison populations are on ranges that exceed 494,000 square acres (2,000 square kilometers) and most of those are far from natural. Bison are on the red list in Mexico but are considered livestock when they range into New Mexico. In the rest of North America, they have been the focus of federal hybridization programs, are used for commercial production (beefalo), and very few are considered for translocations into their historic range. But how much range is necessary for a wild, free-ranging population of bison? We will never see the herds like we did in the past; the habitat is just not there, and there are too many humans. Some researchers report that at least 2,000 square kilometers of land is necessary to maintain a free-ranging population of bison; others say much more is needed (more than 13,000 square kilometers, or about 3.2 million acres). Recent research by Michael Kohl, a Boone and Crockett Fellow at the University of Montana, suggests that landscapes of these sizes would certainly be required. Other than the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, there are few herds that have potential to occupy such landscapes—especially when competing with the livestock industry. There is, however, hope that we can reestablish at least a semblance of wild bison populations. For example, Grasslands National Park, Canada, the Henry Mountains, Utah, and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding lands in Montana all have the potential to support large herds of bison. Currently less than 1 percent of the bison’s historical range is occupied and there

is no place where this icon of the West can express the full range of ecological and social values of the past. Some major leaders of bison recovery presented a restoration plan called the Vermejo Statement, which summarizes bison restoration as “…explicitly (1) large scale, (2) long term, (3) inclusive, (4) fulfilling of different values, and (5) ambitious.” The statement goes on to elucidate that “Over the next century, the ecological recovery of the North American bison will occur when multiple large herds move freely across extensive landscapes within all major habitats of their historic range, interacting in ecologically significant ways with the fullest possible set of other native species, and inspiring, sustaining and connecting human cultures” (Conservation Biology 22:252-266). Thus, it is ideal that the state of Montana is considering the restoration of free-ranging bison to the assemblage of wildlife in the state. That makes perfect sense. Restoring big game to their native habitat is one of the hallmarks of successful wildlife in North America and we certainly have the skills to restore bison. Restoration of wildlife to native habitats is more than just a conservation success story; it is a moral obligation society has to enhance biodiversity. We have the knowhow, the tools and techniques, and the genetically pure bison to translocate into portions of their former range. The expansive Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge and surrounding state and federal lands provides the ideal habitat. The area is already recognized as quality habitat for big game and other species. Restoration of a huntable population of bison would certainly enhance the area and benefit other species. Of course there will be social, political, and biological ramifications to deal with, including opposition from the livestock industry. This is nothing new. Wildlife biologists have had to, and continue to, address all of these issues for all other big game—why not for bison? Sure, it will be messy—but it will be worth it to have free-ranging American bison back on the range. That sure beats existing with small herds that are scattered about and hunkered down behind wire, treated as livestock. Society needs to move toward the restoration of bison, not toward their second extinction. n

BECOME A FOUNDING It has been nearly 125 years since Theodore Roosevelt formed a coalition of gentlemen hunters to establish the foundation for the world’s greatest conservation system. Knowing that he could not accomplish this daunting task alone, he invited men of science, business, industry, politics, and public service to join him in forming the Boone and Crockett Club.

MEMBER OF THE BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB WILDERNESS WARRIOR SOCIETY

We still cannot do it without you. We need your help. Please join us in celebrating this historic occasion – the 125th anniversary of the Boone and Crockett Club. As a part of this celebration we are kicking off a campaign to raise funds for the Boone and Crockett Club Foundation Endowment. 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 as well as other custom gifts to recognize and honor you for your contribution. You will also be toasted at a special dinner during the 2012 Annual Meeting in New York to salute you for your generosity to the Boone and Crockett Club Foundation. 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 be one of the first to become a founding member of the Wilderness Warrior Society. 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

The first members of the Wilderness Warrior Society were recognized at the Club’s 2011 Annual Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. From left: C. Martin Wood III, Ben B. Wallace, Morrison Stevens, Sr., Edward B. Rasmuson, Thomas D. Price, Remo R. Pizzagalli, Steve J. Hageman, John P. Evans, Gary W. Dietrich, William A. Demmer, Marshall J. Collins, Jr., James F. Arnold, and B.B. Hollingsworth, Jr. Not pictured: Trevor L. Ahlberg, Rene R. Barrientos, Ned S. Holmes, Tom L. Lewis, Jack S. Parker, and Paul M. Zelisko.

A merican Wildlife C onservation Partners – S potlight O rganization

Rocky Mountain ELK FOUNDATION Hunting is conservation! Those words ring as true today as they did 75 years ago when Congress passed the PittmanRobertson Act—a tax that hunters embraced to benefit a struggling wildlife population.

By Mark Holyoak

“Our country’s richness of habitat and species exist, not in spite of hunters, but because of hunters,”

70 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

The results of that action ring loud and clear from coast to coast. So far, that 11 percent tax on guns, ammunition, bows and arrows has generated more than $2 billion for conservation and helped restore elk, deer, ducks, turkeys, and other ailing wildlife populations, some teetering on the verge extinction. “Our country’s richness of habitat and species exist, not in spite of hunters, but because of hunters,” said Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) President and CEO David Allen. “Ironically, it is the efforts of the hunter mainly responsible for predator populations to be recovered as well. There would be very little prey base for predators if our ungulate populations had not been restored over the years,” Allen added. It doesn’t stop there. Through state licenses and fees, hunters pay $725 million each year for conservation programs. And through donations to groups like RMEF, hunters add $300 million a year for conservation. More than 95 percent of RMEF’s 184,000 members are passionate hunters who are the fuel behind an organization responsible for 6.1 millionplus acres of habitat conservation. But with the title of “hunter” comes great responsibility. While we honor our legacy, we must also stand up for who we are, what we believe, and build our future. RMEF remains instrumental in elk relocation projects by restoring herds in seven states and provinces and providing funds for research to benefit all wildlife. More importantly is passing on our connection to land and wildlife to the next generation. We need to take our children and grandchildren outdoors to enjoy nature. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching are just a few of many activities that will open eyes and develop personal ties to the lakes, streams, prairies and mountains around us. But we must do even more. Over the years, RMEF utilized its own state grant program, combined with national sponsorships and partnership dollars to the tune of more than $3.5 million to pay for 1,900 hunting heritage projects reaching youth and adults in 49 states. For example, a rifle team from a Virginia high school recently received a $10,000 endowment from RMEF and a fellow sponsor, Midway USA, for a shooting sports program. That endowment will generate about $500 per year in perpetuity. The teenagers were so excited that they held a ceremony to honor the occasion and cannot wait to take part in air rifle matches organized by the Potomac High School Rifle League. RMEF also teamed up with other partner organizations to provide grants to pay for a youth archery program in Pennsylvania. An 8-year-old female archer twice saw Brave, a Disney movie about a bow-toting heroine, and said it “made me want to learn how to shoot a bow.” A 10-year-old girl who recently saw The Hunger Games said that movie spurred her even more to take up archery. Now, they’ll both get their chance. “Conservation depends

“Conservation depends on strong participation in hunting and shooting sports, which together generate most of the revenue for wildlife habitat, management, law enforcement and research in America,” on strong participation in hunting and shooting sports, which together generate most of the revenue for wildlife habitat, management, law enforcement and research in America,” said Allen. “We’re proud to support this heritage through endowments and grants to encourage and support students with a budding interest in sporting lifestyles.” Hunters also must keep their crosshairs on the present. Despite millions of huntergenerated dollars, state wildlife agencies are financially treading water during these challenging economic times. They are tasked to do more with the same or shrinking amount of budgetary dollars. Just recently, Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Director Scott Talbot said, “We are at a crossroads in Wyoming. Our costs for managing Wyoming’s world-class wildlife resources continue to rise dramatically, while many of our traditional funding sources are in decline.” Talbot explained WGFD must raise an additional 8 to 10 million dollars annually to continue to provide current levels of services and programs. To deal with the shortfall, WGFD is seeking public opinion on five proposals to increase funding for wildlife management and conservation. Other state wildlife agencies face similar challenges. There is good news for hunters and conservation. A recent report by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) shows 13.7 million people, or 6 percent of the U.S. population age 16 and older, went hunting last year. That marks a 9 percent increase over 2006, reversing a previous downward trend. Hunting is conservation, because the more hunters who take pride in that fact and

pass it on to the next generation, the more wildlife and conservation benefit. Every dollar counts. And, just as important, every dollar must be accounted for. RMEF, already with its financial records available online, recently reiterated its longstanding policy of financial accountability by calling for transparency on state special big game permits. The goal is to make wildlife organizations accountable to the sportsmen and women whose funding they acquire and utilize. It is a matter of public trust. If we as hunters and hunter-based organizations are to thrive, we need to be accountable for what we say we will do and how we say we will do it. With that said, RMEF calls on all wildlife conservation and environmental organizations to follow suit. It is interesting to note that during a recent news conference announcing the federal government’s return of wolf management to the state of Wyoming that two animal rights organizations posted immediate “emergency pleas” for funding on their websites. Those groups, Defenders of Wildlife (DW) and the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), use wolves as a cash cow for their organizations. Days later, they joined the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Sierra Club (SC) and other environmental organizations to announce their intent to sue the federal government. Data obtained from the Department of Justice shows the federal government defended more than 570 Endangered Species Act-related lawsuits costing U.S. taxpayers more than $15 million in attorneys’ fees in the past four years alone. If you break down the legal activities from 2009 to 2012, CBD

has 117 active cases, SC has 30, DW has 29 and NRDC has 19. So, as Tom Cruise famously belted out in Jerry McGuire, “Show me the money!” For the sake of transparency and responsibility, open up your books! How much money do you (environmental and animals rights groups) really bring in? What do you do with it? How much of it goes on the ground to benefit land conservation? How much of it goes on the ground to benefit wildlife conservation? Since your actions cost American taxpayers millions of dollars every year, answer the questions and be accountable. These groups take this action in the name of the “best available science,” yet they produce scant little science themselves. All this comes even though wolf populations passed the originally agreed upon recovery threshold more than a decade ago. These groups did not cry foul when USFWS scientists and others laid out the science and parameters to reintroduce wolves as an experimental population. Now, they claim original minimum requirements of 45 or more breeding pairs and 450-plus wolves in the Northern Rockies are an “outdated and unscientific demographic recovery goal,” when there are a minimum of 1,774 wolves right now. That number does not take into account breeding this past spring which likely pushes that number well above 2,000. Those environmental groups, via their notice to sue, now demand that same region maintains a minimum population of 2,000 to 5,000. The moving of the goal line continues. Thankfully we have hunters who provide honest conservation. As we say at RMEF, hunting is conservation. n

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 71

DALLAS SAFARI CLUB UPDATE Conservation Force’s Jacksons to be Honored by DSC John and Chrissie Jackson of Conservation Force in Metairie, La., have been selected to receive the 2013 Peter Hathaway Capstick Hunting Heritage Award from Dallas Safari Club (DSC). The Jacksons will be honored at the DSC convention and sporting expo in Dallas, this coming January. DSC and the Dallas Ecological Foundation present the Capstick Award in recognition of exemplary leadership in conservation, education, hunting, humanitarian causes, research, permanent endowments, and charitable giving. Conservation Force is an international consortium of 150 sporting and conservation organizations. A non-profit charitable foundation, it focuses on enhancing wildlife, wild places, and the sporting way of life. Conservation Force holds ecologically important lands and conservation easements, funds vital research, and facilitates sustainable policies for wildlife, fisheries, hunting, and fishing around the globe. “John J. Jackson, III is the founder and president of Conservation Force, which is arguably the most influential (although possibly the least-known) organization working on behalf of hunters today,” wrote Diana Rupp, editor of Sports Afield.

An attorney graduated from Loyola University in 1973, John is active in numerous legal and conservation associations. An avid volunteer, he is an officer, board member or life member of many wildlife and hunting organizations. John is a frequent and respected lecturer, writer, and advocate for the role of sportsmen in conserving wildlife, fish, and their habitats worldwide. Chrissie serves as secretary/treasurer for Conservation Force. She also heads the organization’s land trust division and administers its marine projects division. Chrissie is an active member of numerous conservation organizations with leadership experience on many committees and initiatives. Additionally, she fiscally co-manages an array of projects from the Robin Hurt Wildlife Foundation, which has constructed 58 schools and 12 medical dispensaries in Tanzania, to range country projects in Asia for ESA listed exotics permitted in Texas. Both Jacksons are avid hunters, anglers, adventurers, and conservationists who have received countless awards and accolades for their devoted volunteerism, as well as professionalism. “From fully funding crucial research on African lions, to participating in White House conferences and legislative caucuses,

to conserving wetlands in their home state of Louisiana, John and Chrissie give of themselves professionally through Conservation Force—and personally from their own time, talent, and wallet—at levels of service that very few people can match,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “Without a doubt, our way of life as sportsmen is better today because of these two individuals.” The Capstick Award is named for the well-known American author whose defense of hunting and conservation made him a household name. Previous recipients include Harry Tennison of Fort Worth, Baron Bertrand des Clers of France, President Theodore Roosevelt, Dr. Ian Player of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, the Boone and Crockett Club, Hubert Thummler of Mexico City, Dan Pedrotti of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Christiane Underberg of Rheinberg, Germany. The DSC convention and sporting expo features an expo hall, seminars, auctions, entertainment, and awards. It all serves as the primary fundraiser for the club’s mission to conserve wildlife and wilderness lands, educate youth and the general public, and promote and protect the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. n

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THE ADVENTURE. THE GUNS. THE PEOPLE. THE ART. THE HUNT. 72 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

How ‘Bout

Them Apples:

Insights on reducing human-bear conflicts

By Jerod A. Merkle with Paul R. Krausman and Bethann G. Merkle Photos by Jerod Merkle, Bethann Merkle and Rita Wolfe

Panoramic photo of downtown Missoula and the Rattlesnake, taken from Mt. Jumbo saddle.

A landowner told me the best way to know when apples are ripe is when you start seeing little presents under the trees. We stood staring

at a rather large black bear scat that had been deposited from high up in the tree above us. Wow, I thought to myself. This guy is not in the habit of checking how ripe his apples are getting in the fall. He just waits to see bear sign, and then tries to pick his apples before the bears eat them all. I pondered the scat a little longer, then asked him what happens after he picks the apples. “Do you see bears anymore?” He told me the bears just disappear after his harvest, and he rarely sees them again. As I normally did with landowners in my study area, I went on to ask about other things on his property that might attract bears. “Do you ever have problems with bears getting into your trash?” “Of course not!” he replied. “I keep my garbage in my garage until the morning of garbage day. I have never had a problem.” Little did I know at the time, but this conversation would be central to my master’s work on reducing human-bear conflicts within urban areas.

Above: A large male black bear spends the day in a large backyard tree, waiting for the cover of nightfall to slip out of the city limits.

The Trouble with Bears

Conflicts are a reality in most societies that co-exist with wildlife. In scientific terms, human-wildlife conflicts are interactions between humans and wildlife species that lead to a negative impact on either the animal or the human. Society spends billions of dollars per year trying to reduce human-wildlife conflicts such as crop losses to insects and vehicle collisions with wildlife. Human-bear issues result from the interactions between bear foraging behaviors and the habits of humans. Bears are omnivorous; they can eat everything that humans eat. They also rely heavily on memory and previous experience when searching for food and deciding where to go. Humans facilitate the interactions because they live, grow food, and recreate in bear habitat. The detrimental effects include damage to property and threats to human safety. Bears have few manners when trying to obtain food. They will claw open coolers in campsites, break windows in cars, tear open doors of houses, pull down walls, and even rip into refrigerators. Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 73

All of these incidents cost society money. For example, Yosemite National Park sometimes spends over a half million dollars per year dealing with damage caused by black bears. Moreover, bears do not always perceive humans as innocent spectators. In certain human-bear interactions, the bear may view a human as threatening, in the way, annoying, or in very rare cases as prey. The risk of serious injury and death is uneven between the two species. Since 1900, about 60 people in North America have been killed by black bears. Compare that to the hundreds of bears that lose their lives each year as a result of human-bear conflicts.

Above: A young black bear in a Missoula residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backyard considers climbing a ponderosa pine tree. Right: Typical culvert trap for capturing bears. far right: Jerod A. Merkle collaring a small female black bear.

74 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

Reducing these conflicts is a good idea for both humans and bears, but how do we do it and where do we start? In the past, wildlife management agencies relied on reactive management strategies such as trapping, relocation, hazing, and euthanasia. Aside from euthanasia, these methods may not have a lasting effect. The homing abilities of bears allow them to find their way back to their original home range, even after longdistance relocations. As a result, managers find themselves dealing with conflicts in the same areas time and time again. That is why many wildlife management agencies, conservation groups, and landowners are adopting more proactive strategies for minimizing human-bear conflicts. The focus shifts away from the individual bear, and instead concentrates on human behaviors and conditions in the landscapes where people live. Thus today, significant portions of human-wildlife conflict budgets are being invested in education efforts with the aim of informing the public how to live responsibly

with bears. Many wildlife managers are growing reluctant to trap a problem bear unless all bear attractants have been permanently cleaned up and the bear continues to exhibit habituated behavior. Missoula, a Magnet for Bears

The big question about the new strategies is, do they work? This question was of keen interest to the Rocky Mountain community of Missoula, Montana. This town of about 67,000 lies in a valley at the confluence of two renowned trout-fishing rivers, the Clark Fork and the Bitterroot. Six small valleys converge here, each dissected by mountain creeks and rich riparian vegetation. Aside from some adjacent grasslands, Missoula is completely surrounded by forest. All told, Missoula sits right in the middle of black bear habitat. Missoula has a long history of humanblack bear interactions, but conflicts have been rising for the last 40 years. This increase started in the 1970s as Missoula began its sprawl into formerly rural areas. This trend was exacerbated in the late 1990s by a couple of unusually dry summers that limited the growth of natural bear foods. One result was that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fielded over 275 human-black bear interactions per year within city limits. This was a significant

jump over the 15 interactions per year reported prior to the mid-1990s. Responding to calls and managing conflicts during these chaotic years put a strain on agency personnel. On the upside, in 2000 it sparked collaboration among Montana, Fish Wildlife & Parks, landowners, and Defenders of Wildlife. The outcome was a coalition called Missoula Bears, missoulabears.org, that has been very active in monitoring and working to reduce human-bear conflicts within Missoula. Its approach is to field sightings and conflict reports, provide information to the public and keep neighborhoods clean. Although the efforts seemed to work, biologists and

landowners did not see human-bear conflicts disappear. They wanted to know why. Thus began my Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study at the University of Montana, located in Missoula. The initial objective was to describe the movements and diet of black bears living in Missoula. I quickly figured out where bears were going (into town) and what they were eating (food sources provided by human residents). I had to think more deeply about how to develop a research project that could actually assess and inform proactive management strategies and reduce the probability of human-bear conflicts. The key to applied research is in asking the right questions. My key research question boiled down to this:

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 75

What is the most important human food source that changes bear behavior by drawing them out of the mountains and into the town of Missoula? Keeping Tabs on Town Bears

Studying the bears required the ability to keep track of them. I placed large culvert traps near Missoula houses and captured 16 bears. These animals were fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars, which communicate with satellites to record the locations of collared animals. Locations of each bear were reported every three hours and their daily movements were followed for over two years.

With the bears on the air, I set about determining what they eat while in the urban area. My days commenced with checking to see where the bears had been the night before. For locations on private property, I would visit with the landowner and identify what the bear was doing there. It was easy to assess what the bears were eating. For example if they were eating garbage, it would be strewn all over the yard or the street. If the food source was a fruit tree, I could document broken branches, claw marks from climbing, half eaten apples, and applesauce scat. I also determined the seasonal availability of natural and human foods of interest to bears. Within the urban area I monitored

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the periods of time when apples were ripe and the days of the week when garbage containers were set out for pick-up and presumably available to bears. In the wildlands outside of town, I monitored five berry-producing plant species to learn when berries were ripe and available to bears. Finally, I monitored when spring green-up occurred in both the urban and wildland areas using images obtained from NASA satellites. Then I worked on determining which foods were the strongest attractants. I began by analyzing all 14,000 individual GPS locations to identify which ones were near houses. This revealed that some bears had more than 60 percent of their GPS locations within 100 yards of a house, while other bears rarely came into town. The next step was to identify the date of each event when a bear walked near a house. The bears in this study generally left their dens between late March and late April, and were back in their dens between late November and late December. I observed almost no activity within the urban area during March and April, followed by a slight increase of time spent near houses in summer (May through July). Bear behavior changed drastically in August. Bears that normally spent their summers in wildlands switched to spending most of their time near houses during autumn. This type of behavior continued to increase in frequency until about mid-October and then slowly decreased as bears headed to their dens for the winter. The date of each location allowed comparison of what types of food were available when bears were foraging near houses versus when they were foraging in wildlands. The findings were fairly straightforward. Bear foraging near houses was highly correlated with the period of time when apples were available. No other food item came close to explaining this pattern. I did observe a relationship between time of urban green-up and the early summer period when bears came into town. No correlation was found between garbage availability and periods when bears were near houses. Similarly, I found no correlation between the availability of natural foods outside of the urban area and bear foraging within the urban area. These observations were supported by the dietary analysis, which revealed an urban diet consisting mostly of apples, supplemented marginally by garbage, bird seed, and native vegetation. These results indicate that bears near Missoula are busy “being wild” foraging on natural foods in the wildlands during the spring and summer months. But long before natural foods are depleted, bears are attracted

to the urban area for a specific reason. Apples. My data show that bears come to town to forage on apples even when wildland foods are still available. Furthermore, they do not seem drawn by garbage, although they do eat it when available. This is an interesting result because conventional wisdom says that bears are attracted to town primarily by garbage, and that this shift occurs when natural foods are scarce. Solutions for Missoula and Beyond

How ‘Bout

Them Apples:

How can Missoula best address its bear problem? The simple solution might be to ask all Missoula residents to cut down their apple Jerod Merkle is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biology trees. However, it’s more complex than that. Instantaneously re- Department at Laval University, Quebec, working on the moving all apple trees—and the food source they provide—could ecology and management of plains bison. Specifically, he cause more damage than good. A slower, phased removal is a better studies their movement and foraging behavior to better option as it would allow bears to adapt to a diminishing food source. understand and predict how many bison there will be, and Urban humans value apple trees as a food source and as ornamen- where they will be found in the future. tals for landscaping. And, there are other species to consider; urban yards provide food and habitat for many kinds of wildlife. The situation in Missoula is typical of many mountain towns in western North America. I suggest that the results of this study can be incorporated into proactive When your eyes need to management efforts in two ways. First, probe as sharp as your instincts. mote and fund fruit-gleaning projects such as the one facilitated by the Great Bear This is the moment we work for. Foundation, greatbear.org. Fruit gleaning removes significant amounts of available food in urban areas, thereby reducing the attraction for bears. In addition, this practice actively engages citizens in the solution, provides a food source some people can use, and removes unwanted apples for others. Second, work with land developers and realtors to promote bear-friendly landscaping. For example, discourage or in some cases outlaw the planting of new fruit trees within known bear conflict areas. Application of these results and suggestions can be considered for other areas where human-bear conflicts are prevalent. Bears come into town not only for garbage, but for other attractants that may not seem // CoNquest HD immediately obvious. For example, avocado Zeiss. iNNoVAtiVe siNCe 1846. trees can be a significant issue in California, and domesticated berry bushes are a key attractant in the eastern U.S. and Canada. The reality is that so-called secondary attractants (other than garbage) are very important, and in some cases they are the primary factor in human-bear conflicts. Do you live within a wildland-urban The new CONQUEST HD. interface? If so, take a look at your landscaping next time you walk outside. Think about the The new Carl Zeiss CONQUEST HD 8 x 42 and 10 x 42 binoculars are engineered with uncompromising German precision. Their advanced food that it produces for wildlife, and ask high- definition lens system delivers top performance with 90% light yourself a couple of key questions. Am I transmission, spectacular color fidelity and a wide field of view. In indirectly contributing to human-wildlife fact, the 10 x 42 offers the widest in its class. The CONQUEST HD conflicts? Is it possible that animals are is designed to be compact, lightweight and comfortable in the hands — and built to ensure a lifetime of satisfaction. So get ready finding food on my property and then moving to experience nature in a whole new dimension. on to other areas where conflicts may zeiss.com/sports develop? And of course if you own a fruit tree, watch your step when the apples are ripe. n

Fair Chase Fall 2012 n 77

A look back...

DA L L â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s Sheep

Bud Nelson traveled from Fairbanks, Alaska, to McCarthy, Alaska, in August, 1953 to take this trophy Dallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheep. With a score of 181-5/8 points it was awarded first place at the 1953 North American Big Game Competition at the American Museum of Natural History.

78 n Fair Chase Fall 2012

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