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9, No. 13,, Tuesday, January 7, 2014 Vol. Vol. 7, No. 2, Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Lamont horn scoring event brings back wonderful memories for local hunter Michelle Pinon Editor
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the captivating photograph of Craig Ward beside the bull elk he shot this past fall in the back country near Grande Prairie had a story to tell. Ward, a local hunter and farmer, was on hand during the Lamont Fish and Game Association’s annual horn scoring event Jan. 4, and was kind enough to share his story. “You have to go where no one else wants to go,” said Ward, who hunts with the same buddies year in and year out. They travel to the most isolated areas which can only be accessed on foot in order to find the elusive animals. “There are no trails, no roads. It’s solid forest.” While this could be too intimidating to for many hunters, Ward has more than 40 years hunting experience and relies on his knowledge, skills and instincts to track wildlife. “You have to know how they live; where they live.” Ward said they usually spend eight hours a day on foot during the hunt, and the best time to spot wildlife is early morning and last light. He admits they’ve had pretty good success in the locale, and is very selective about which animals he will shot. Ward said he will see hundred’s of animals, and won’t shoot females or young ones. “Their is nothing more majestic than a bull elk.”
Ward loves nature and wildlife, and spends well over 300 days a year hiking or snowshoeing in the bush. He loves birdwatching, and has a keen eye and appreciation for all types of wildlife. He also searches out antler sheds and capturing his precious memories on camera. The wild can be a harsh environment to survive, and he has deep admiration and respect for mother nature and her creatures. Hunting isn’t so much about collecting antlers or eating the meat; it’s more about the memories and time spent with the people he is closest to. “It’s a passion for sure. You get the bug in you and it never comes out of you.” Ward began hunting at 12 years of age with his father. “He is a good mentor.” At times, there have been three generations of Wards hunting and bonding together in the bush. He has about 50 antlers in his shed, and when he looks at them, he instantly remembers the story behind that particular hunt. Ward vividly recalls his close encounter with a grizzly bear. “I was within 15 yards of the grizzly bear.” While he never took his eyes off the bear, he backed away and gave the bear its space. “I backed off and gave him his space and took the long way home.” It’s apparent Ward is happiest in nature, and can’t wait to get out and explore all that it has to offer. Onto the next adventure...
MICHELLE PINON PHOTO
Lamont area hunter Craig Ward holds up a photograph of him and the bull elk he shot while hunting this past fall near Grande Prairie.
MICHELLE PINON PHOTO
Every inch counts, and this member of the fish and game association measures this set of horns with great care.
CRAIG WARD PHOTO
Harsh winter conditions are making it tough for mule deer to survive. Ward decided to put out a few hay bales recently to help this herd out.