Mountain Hunter Magazine Spring 2018

WHEN

HARD WORK

PAYS OFF Also featuring...

ASHNOLA TRIPLE-HEADER 3rd Time’s a Charm & An Adventure

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AUGUST 31, 2018

Vol. 29 | Issue 2

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Safari Club International The L ead e r in Protec ting the Freed om to Hunt Join us today and discover your dreams www.SafariClub.org • 888 746 9724 Adventure • Advocacy • Travel • Hunting • Fishing • Wing Shooting • Lasting Friendships Photo © The Resort at Paws Up

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Inside

FEATURE STORY

Mountain Hunter is the official publication of the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC), Association of Mackenzie Mountains Outfitters, & Yukon Outfitters Association.

When Hard Work Pays Off

Articles, photos, editorial submissions, comments and letters to the editor should be sent to:

Brett Marcaisini

MOUNTAIN HUNTER: c/o GOABC, #103 – 19140 28th Avenue Surrey, British Columbia Canada V3Z 6M3

ON THE COVEr

Tel: (604) 541-6332 Fax: (604) 541-6339 E-mail: programs@goabc.org www.MountainHunterMagazine.com

18

@mountainhuntermagazine

MOUNTAIN HUNTER is published three times a year by the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia 2 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION

4 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION

Canada - $50 CDN USA - $50 USA International - $65 CDN

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All prices include tax.

Sean Olmstead MICHAEL SCHNEIDER FRASER MACDONALD DOUG MCMANN KEN ROBINS MATT LEUENBERGER Michael Young BRANDON PONATH

President Past-President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Director Director Director Director

LOCAL PRESIDENTS: STUART MAITLAND Ken Watson Quintin Thompson Sonny Perkinson KIFF COVERT Melvin Kilback RILEY LEUENBERGER DARREN DELUCA

Cariboo/Chilcotin North Central (Omineca) Northern (Peace) Northwest (Skeena) Thompson Okanagan Southern (Kootenay) Vancouver Island/South Coast

STAFF: SCOTT ELLIS JENNIFER JOHNSON BRENDA GIBSON Craig Sweetman BRENDA NELSON

Executive Director Executive Assistant & Member Services Communications & Special Projects Consumer Marketing Director Senior Editor & Content Quality Oversight

Feature Stories

www.facebook.com/mountainhuntermagazine @MtnHunterMag

President Past-President Secretary

3rd Time’s A CHarm & An Adventure

Christen Obresley & Erik Meis

Bob Spoerl

Departments 2

GOABC President’s Corner

36

Story Contest Winners

3

News & Views

50

Guides Gallery

6

Preferred Conservation Partners

55

Artist Feature

12

Conservation Matters

66

Camp Cook’s Corner

26

Convention 2018

68

A Different Perspective

35

Thank You to All Our Supporters

TM

ADVERTISERS A Bar Z Outfitters..................39

GOABC.........................49/IBC

Ambler’s Bighorn Country Guiding................................10

Grand Slam Club/Ovis...........9

Beaverfoot Outfitting...........24

Chris McKinnon Dean Sandulak Shawn Wasel

President Past-President Executive Director

Adobe Stock: mikecleggphoto, maestrovideo Depositphotos.com: stillfx, kharlamova_lv, Tinieder, MennoSchaefer iStockphoto: Natalia Pushchina All rights reserved. Articles and advertising in Mountain Hunter do not necessarily reflect the view or directions of GOABC. GOABC reserves to the right to refuse any advertisements.

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Gundahoo River Outfitters....5 Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation...........................17 Horst Mindermann (Remax)................................38

NWT Outfitters/ Nahanni Butte......................52 Okanagan Outfitters.............10 Packhorse Creek Outfitters...48 Pelly Lake Wilderness Outfitters..............................58 Raven’s Throat Outfitters....25

K9’s Cougar Canyon Outfitters Inc.........................53

Safari Club International...IFC Shadow Mountain Outfitters..53

Bugle Basin Outfitters..........49

Kettle River Guides & Outfitters...........................11

Cariboo Mountain Outfitters..17

Krieghoff...........................48

Silent Mountain Outfitters......58

Copper River Outfitters.......16

Leupold...............................52

Sitka Gear.................................15

Covert Outfitting...................10

Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters............................24

Sonny’s Guiding Service.........24

McCowans Sporting Properties............................66

Sports Afield.............................54

Besa River Outfitters............17 Bonnet Plume Outfitters......48 Boone & Crockett Club.........16

(867) 668-4118

60

Ashnola Triple-header

BC Trophy Mountain Outfitters.............................25 (403) 357-8414

Brett displaying his goat in the hills

40

Bar WK Ranch & Outfitters...11

HAROLD GRINDE KELLY HOUGEN WERNER ASCHBACHER

this issue

Dallas Safari Club.................67 Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters............................16 Eureka Peak Lodge & Outfitters.............................17

McGregor River Outfitters....39

Scoop Lake Outfitters...........58 Sikanni River Outfitters........25

South Nahanni Outfitters.........5 Tuchodi River Outfitters.........66

Mervyn’s Yukon Outfitting...52

Vancouver Island Guide Outfitters.........................OBC

Fehr Game Outfitters...........49

Nisga’a Guide Outfitting.......53

Wild Sheep Foundation..........59

Gana River Outfitters...........11

North Curl Outfitters............39

Yukon Big Game Outfitters.......5

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

1

GOABC

PRESIDENT’S CORNER The cool, crispness of a fall morning, the visible breath as you saddle and head out just before daylight. Frost under your feet. A bugle not far off in the distance. The last few steps as you peak over the edge of the mountain. Sunshine shining on your face. The adrenaline pumping as you close those last few yards of the stalk. The ride back to camp loaded down with the weight of success. Saying goodbye to a friend whom you’ve only known a few days, but the time spent together has made you life-long friends. These are the places we would all rather be!

Most of us did not become outfitters to spend time in Victoria or Vancouver explaining what seems to be a simple discussion that could have major implications on ecosystems that are vanishing. But vital decisions are being made in these cities on behalf of the rest of the province.

“Wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will.”

– Theodore Roosevelt In a province with the greatest biodiversity of any jurisdiction in North America you would not expect that we would have to fight to keep the balance. But we must and we will!

Government is making decisions based on the emotions of the misinformed public and polls that are not scientific. Most recently, the grizzly bear closure across BC. As newly elected president of GOABC, I and the board commit to fight tooth and nail to bring the bear hunt back. And most importantly, to bring the hunting community together and help get the message to the non-hunting public that we as hunters are the true conservationists and the ones who fight for wildlife!

Sean Olmstead, President, GOABC

Congratulations to our new board members and thank you to those who came before you. I look forward to serving GOABC and its membership for the next two years as your president and an ambassador for wildlife.

Wildlife First 2|

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

TM

NEWS & VIEWS

Scott Ellis, Executive Director, GOABC, with daughters Sydney and Samantha

As I write, we’re fresh off our high of convention week. After the grizzly bear closure. We appreciate their dedication to many months ramping up, it’s a pleasure to reflect back on creating improved stability for the guide outfitting industry an exciting and productive AGM in Kelowna. This year’s by proposing a new funding model for fish and wildlife, convention featured a record number of member outfitter developing new e-licensing options, and exploring mitigation families participating, partly because of a desire to be more and compensation options for those outfitters impacted by the closure of the grizzly hunt. united as we fight for our right to hunt.

Members and staff alike were pleased to be back in Kelowna The week culminated with our 24th annual live and silent at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Convention Centre, auction, made successful due to the generous donations of who rolled out a warm welcome. We especially appreciated our members and partners, and participation of supporters the hospitality of the Kelowna and District Fish and Game Club joining us in the room and on-line via Live Auction World. who helped facilitate our first annual sporting clay shoot and Funds raised during this event form an integral revenue Krieghoff rifle demonstration at their excellent range facility. stream for GOABC, strengthening our organization and enabling us to effectively represent British Columbia’s guide Another highlight of the week was making a large donation of outfitting industry as we advance our mission as passionate elk and cougar meat to the Kelowna Salvation Army’s advocates for wildlife.

Community Life Centre’s Supportive Food Bank. Lieutenant Darryl Burry and Community Ministries Coordinator Sonia We also wish to extend our appreciation to members Darwin Withers hosted, with MLAs Steve Thomson and Ben Stewart and Wendy Cary for hosting upwards of 80 people on Thursday joining the GOABC board for the official presentation. This was evening, for a feast of pulled goat and pork in their home, only the fifth year we were able to provide healthy, organic meat to serving to reinforce yet again the warm, family dynamic of help some of Kelowna’s residents. The facility’s well-appointed our industry. kitchen and talented volunteers welcomed the donation

Many other special individuals went out of their way to participate in various aspects of the week, from government soups, stews and other nutritious meals for people in transition. officials, industry partners, locals, and sponsors, to Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris. We are grateful to The annual general meeting included the election of our new our many friends and partners who continue to support the president, Sean Olmstead, as well as welcoming new faces to association. the board in various roles. We thank the outgoing directors for enthusiastically, eager to transform the wild game into tasty

their years of service – the new board faces a steep learning curve and large shoes to fill. We have several significant files on our docket and I look forward to working with the new team.

The many facets of the week came together seamlessly to create our 52nd annual convention where many special memories were made and celebrated.

Friday afternoon saw government on the hot seat and we With convention wrapped for another year, the association’s are grateful to the eleven representatives who willingly took attention now turns to renewed engagement with government impassioned questions from membership regarding wildfire on the many pressing issues facing our membership as we recovery, forest enhancement, wildlife management, and continue to put Wildlife FirstTM in British Columbia.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

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NEWS & VIEWS By the time you read this spring hunts will be well underway. We were saddened to hear of the closure of the grizzly bear hunt in BC for admittedly “purely political reasons.” It is a tragedy when wildlife management decisions are made with no basis in science or fact. I believe that as hunters it is time we put our differences aside and find a way to work together to mount a well-organized, well-funded, and well-thought-out strategy to counteract the campaign being waged against all hunting by animal-rights and anti-hunting organizations. Our freedom to carry on the traditions of hunting and outfitting that we hold so dearly is being eroded one Harold Grinde, President, Association little bit at time. Formation of new parks, park expansions, restricted access to public of Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters lands, season closures for political reasons—especially for large carnivores, social media smear campaigns against hunters, and a plethora of regulations that restrict our rights to hunt and fish are just some of the tactics that have been used successfully to subtly whittle away at our rights to hunt. It is high time our side started winning some of these battles. Yet, these battles will not be won if we fail to match the investment of time, thought, planning and money that is put into this war by the anti-hunting and animal rights activists. They have a well-funded and well-thought-out strategy—they are winning the war. The good news is that we are seeing hunters and conservation organizations focus on the battle ahead. We are beginning to invest the time, effort, and planning needed to mount a successful campaign against the animal rightists—a campaign that will win the desperately needed support of the 80% in the middle—those that really do not have a strong opinion about hunting—for or against. Each of us has something to contribute—each of us can help win this war. Will you do your part?

With spring’s arrival the busy season will soon be upon us again. Getting out to do some hunting for myself this past year was a fabulous reminder of the core of our business, hunting! The adventure was classic. I was hungry, body sore, sleep deprived, wind burnt, and feet blistered. I had been rained on, snowed on, and hiked back to camp in the dark every night…it was great! On the last hours of the last day, I was on the last-chance stalk. As it unfolded it looked like the deal was truly going to happen! The range was closing, 400 yards, my heart quickened. I could feel my pulse throbbing in my head…I was damn excited! I had to calm down, this was happening fast, and my quarry was headed straight towards me, 200 yards and closing fast. I had to have a little meeting with myself! Slow down…deep breath...

Chris McKinnon, President, secure a dead rest, breathe…safety off, breathe…squeeze! As the sound of the Yukon Outfitters Association shot rolled out of the canyon, the experience of the hunt – the ten days in their entirety – etched into my hard drive. Such is the inexplicable experience of the hunt, something as hunters that we have a mutual understanding of. However, we are a minority in this changing world of cities. As hunters, our challenge is to respectfully share the hunting experience with those that have no opinion of hunting or those that have not had an opportunity to experience it. Talking about the experience of hunting can perhaps instill some appreciation for what hunting is; a very respectful immersion in wild places with wild things – and sometimes, with skill and luck, a fabulous BBQ!

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

Gundahoo River Outfitters

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www.huntnahanni.com NORTHWEST TERRITORIES – CANADA Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

5

of margins, has decided, against all scientific evidence and practice, that SCIF Support GOABC In Grizzly hunting grizzly bears will no longer be Bear Situation allowed. This action has been taken with Safari Club International and Safari the government’s full acknowledgement Club International Foundation will that the population of the species in the continue to work alongside GOABC and province is in no way threatened and other like-minded associations to bring the annual harvest is sustainable. back “intelligent game preservation, As a result, government, playing on the carried out in good faith” to the hunting misguided compassion of a largely urban of North America’s largest carnivore, population, who add little if anything the grizzly bear. to conservation, has done away with a “Intelligent game preservation, carried very real rural economic resource. out in good faith, and in a spirit of Guide outfitters, who make their living common-sense as far removed from off the land, who bring in new dollars to mushy sentimentality as from brutality, the provincial economy, and who strive results in adding one more to…natural to practice good wildlife stewardship resources of value…” wrote Theodore have been abandoned for temporary Roosevelt in 1910, adding, “…to protest political gain. against all hunting of game is a sign of It will not only be the men and women of softness of head, not soundness of heart.” the guiding industry who suffer loss. The When government abandons common- small town businesses, restaurants and sense, science-based game management motels, gas stations and grocery stores for the ethereal value of an emotionally whose customers include hunters also based ballot box issue, it is a sign of are at risk. Ultimately, with a mindset “mushy sentimentality.” The province and predisposition to disregard sound truly loses a natural resource of value. scientific wildlife management, it will be all wildlife, not just grizzly bears, that will Unfortunately, that is what is happening lose the most. “Softness of head,” indeed. in British Columbia today. A minority Safari Club International

government, elected by the thinnest

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for sound scientific research and professional wildlife management.

- John Boretsky, SCI Dallas Safari Club DSC Chapters Attract New Generation Doctor: I’m sorry to have to tell you that you may have rabies, and it could prove fatal.

Patient: Well, doctor, may I have a pencil and paper?

Doctor: To make your will?

Patient: No, to make a list of the people I want to bite!

Given the environment we hunters have to deal with, at times, wouldn’t it be nice to just bite someone?

Rather than putting the naysayers out of business by biting them, DSC has decided to take their show on the road. After more than 40 years as an independent organization operating solely out of Dallas, Texas, we have decided to greatly expand our footprint throughout North America by partnering with dedicated and passionate groups to form DSC Chapters. While it may not offer the instant gratification of a bite, it does offer

Ballot box biology is not a substitute a long term relationship with chapters

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

from around North America that will information - kim@biggame.org. support and promote the mission of DSC - Kim Rappleye, DSC Chapter Services on a local and regional basis.

Just two years ago, we began this effort, and we now have nine solid chapters (and growing). DSC offers those who affiliate with us a very unique opportunity. Our chapters actually direct 95 percent of the money raised toward projects of their choosing, which is totally unheard of in this industry! We believe our chapters can promote DSC in their own back yard by supporting worthy projects that fulfill the mission of DSC. By doing this around North America, the vision and mission of DSC will grow from the grass roots upward and outward.

We look for groups who are already organized that want to affiliate with us, or we form groups from scratch − either way works if hearts are in the right place; and of course we offer them tremendous support from DSC HQ. Our chapters are already making a huge impact on their local communities, plus they bring a real sense of family to DSC. We couldn’t be more proud of them!

Anyone interested in forming a DSC chapter can contact me for further

of the mountain hunting community.

WSF’s Sheep Show now occupies all four halls of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. New to 2018 was the expansion Wild Sheep Foundation into Halls 3 and 4. Hall 3 hosted the 2018 Sheep Show Knocks the Cover WSF Membership Area, WSF Store, off the Conservation Ball!

Silent Auction (with new smart phone The 2018 WSF convention not only set bidding), a Chadwick Ram Society a new conservation funding record, Area, a wild Ride for the Brand Tattoo it knocked the cover off the prior Parlor & the <1 CLUB’s Reception. Hall conservation record “ball”!

4 hosted an expanded Youth Wildlife Some highlights over our prior 2017 Conservation Experience and plans for 2019 include a regional 3-D Archery record event: Shoot and Competition.

• $1 Million revenue increase – up Once again WSF set the standard for 63% over 2017 industry show fun including a Backpack • 37% increase in banquet attendance (~1,900 Saturday night) Trail Race, Sporting Clays shoot, the Wild Sheep Calling World Championships, • 18% increase in Life Member Horse Packing competition, the Outer Breakfast attendance (862) Circle Club, our ever growing <1 Club • 15.4% increase in funds raised for Reception, Indoor Backpack Races, state/provincial/tribal agencies Sheep Camp Hospitality Room and…

• Seven (7) new permit proceeds Ride for The Brand Tattoos. 85 WSF records established • 11% increase in overall attendance members now “branded” forever with their wild sheep and WSF passion. Make But more than just “numbers” the plans to attend the 2019 Sheep Show set Sheep Show is a celebration by a very for February 7-9, 2019! special family…the WSF family and the sheep conservation community which - Kyle Stelter, WSF continues to grow without losing the Continued ON page 8 culture, the specialness and the essence Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

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PREFERRED CONSERVATION PARTNERS

Continued From page 7 Grand Slam Club/OVIS As many of you may already know, longtime GSCO Executive Director, Dennis Campbell, passed away on Feb. 3, 2018 following a four-year battle with melanoma. Dennis was well known throughout the hunting community and his countless contributions to conservation are beyond compare. He devoted his life to preserving the world’s wildlife and their habitats.

Dennis’ deteriorating health, the Board implemented the tenets of its succession. I have been appointed GSCO Executive Director and longtime GSCO staff member, Chris Naylor, has been appointed assistant executive director.

The GSCO Board will remain steadfast in its drive to ensure the continued success of this great organization. GSCO belongs to its members and we will go forward with integrity, transparency and accountability and a deep respect When he became executive director of for all GSCO members. the Grand Slam Club in 1990, there were approximately 400 “Slammers”. Today, - Mark Hampton, GSCO Executive Director under his leadership and vision, there are more than 2,000 hunters who have Boone & Crockett achieved the “Grand Slam”! GSCO now Calm Data recognizes the world’s sheep and goats with the Ovis World Slam and Capra The Boone and Crockett Club and World Slam, as well as the Super Ten of many sportsmen, especially mountain North American big game and the North sheep hunters, just celebrated another American Super Slam of all 29 species of milestone – a pending new World’s Record Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. big game found in North America.

If you’re one who is knowledgeable Dennis hunted every huntable continent about the unprecedented journey to and in his more than 50-year hunting recovery many of our big game species career, took some 500 different trophy went though and subscribe to the adage animals. He had more than 400 trophies that records are meant to be broken, this entered in the Safari Club International record ram will be of that much more record book (a few of which were entered significance. Big game records are not like as world records) and had earned all of records in sports. There is no assurance SCI’s top awards, including the World or likelihood that records will fall in time.

Conservation and Hunting Award.

If a new largest of its kind in recorded He will be deeply missed by all those who history does emerge a whole lot of things knew him and our heartfelt condolences have to line up perfectly and then some. go out to his wife, Nancy, his children While many eyebrows raised over a 216-3/8 and his entire family. bighorn ram, potentially surpassing the Several years ago, the GSCO Board current record by nearly an astounding developed a succession plan in eight-inches, other eyebrows frowned anticipation of Dennis’ eventual because the animal was not taken by a retirement.

Upon learning of hunter, but found dead of natural causes

8 | Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

and as such is listed in the record book as a pick-up. The frown is because some view that big game records exist to recognize the hunter. The fact that this ram lived on a state park in Montana where no hunting is allowed stuck this thorn in a little deeper. On the other side of the coin there are those who do not believe in big game record books because they are all about egos and glorifying the hunter.

Social media today being what it is you can imagine the back and forth lather over what should be good news to all concerned. Maybe a little calm is in order.

There is nothing wrong with recognizing a hunter who did it right, whose intentions and actions were honest, where effort and skill were expended, laws were followed, and maybe there was some luck thrown in for good measure. There is also nothing wrong with recognizing the animal, what it took for him to live where and how he lived, and more importantly what it will take to replace him. Both are important to the Boone and Crockett Club.

The primary purpose the Boone and Crockett Club has maintained big game records data for over the past 100 years is to focus on wildlife trends as an indicator of game and habitat management successes

and

failures.

The

Club

recognizes fair chase hunters and others who own qualifying animals in our books because of their participation in providing this data and their contributions to these conservation efforts.

Game animals on the landscape are all a product of wildlife conservation whether they can be hunted or not.

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CONSERVATION MATTERS

TM

with Shane Mahoney

Wild Harvest Is it possible for humans to feed themselves without damaging the environment? Of course â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called hunting.

Thank you to Sports Afield for permission to reprint this article.

Shane Ma honey is co nsidered to of the lead be one ing intern a tional auth on wildlife o rities conservati on. A rare combinati on of histo rian, scien and philoso tist, pher, he br ings a uniq perspective ue to wildlife issues tha motivated t has and inspir ed audience around th s e world. N amed one the 10 Mo of st Influenti al Canadia Conservati n onists by O utdoor Ca Magazine nada and nomin ated for P of the Year er son

by Outdoo r Life Maga he has rece zine, ived numer ous award including s the Public Service Aw of Excellen a rd ce from th e governm of Newfou ent ndland an d Labrador and Intern ational Co nservation of the Year ist from Safa ri Club Internatio nal. Born and raised Newfound in land, he br ings to his writings a nd lecture s a profou commitmen nd t to rural so cieties and the su stainable u se of natural re sources, in cl uding fish and wildli fe.

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The consumption of wild meat has long been central to the human story, helping to drive not only our physical development but our intellectual capabilities as well. As our earliest ancestors became more proficient at the capture and killing of wild creatures, not only did our bodies and brains increase in size, but our creative talents also expanded, ushering in a great tide of technological invention that was to break ecological barriers and transport our species around the globe.

Few who have studied the human story can doubt that it was our capacities as hunters that elevated us from the status of puny ape to a dominant competitor throughout the global landscape. Powered by the extravagant nutrition and abundance of wild meat, a new human ecology was founded, one that would see us walk around the world and successfully adapt to almost every environment and landscape.

Today, the harvest of wild protein remains critical to human nutrition and livelihoods. World fisheries in particular are essential to human food security, as well as to the economic well-being of hundreds of millions of human beings worldwide. While domesticated fisheries, what we term aquaculture, are growing in importance, they are a long way from replacing the huge biomass of wild fish harvested from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oceans. It remains for the great industrialized fleets of ocean-going vessels, combined with more localized commercial fisheries to provide the vast majority of fish protein required by modern society.

Regardless, both aquaculture and commercial marine fisheries bring with them a host of significant problems. The domesticated fisheries often lead to escapes of genetically modified and/or exotic species, as well as the diseases they carry.

Once in the natural environment these organisms, and their pathogens, can cause serious problems for wild fish populations and the ecosystems on which they depend. Perhaps most worrisome is that we really have little idea of what the longterm implications of such mixing of wild and domesticated species may be.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

In the case of wild commercial fisheries, we have a much Such issues are common topics of discussion and regularly longer experience and know full well the major changes appear in the news. We are all aware of them, and most of the in natural diversity and abundance these mechanized public shakes its head and just wishes it wasn’t so. Surely, they enterprises can cause. Throughout the world, major depletions think, the harvest of human food does not have to lead, inevitably, of once-abundant species have been reported, often leading to depletions of biodiversity, environmental contamination, to significant ecosystem changes and the loss of livelihoods the loss of human livelihoods, or the diminishment of cultural for millions of people. Every scientific review of the world diversity. Yet so often the response they are given is that such fisheries reinforces our concerns for the state of the world’s losses, though regrettable, are inevitable; a cost of “doing business” that, while we may work to reduce it, will always be there. It is just not possible in a modern world, industrial food the very limits of their resilience. proponents say, to provide high quality human food without But, of course, it is not only individual fish species or human incurring some degree of environmental contamination or livelihoods that are affected by the excesses of industrialized sacrificing some loss of nature. exploitation. We have now entered a depletion domain where entire oceans and unique human cultures are being effectively Obviously, such messengers have never heard of recreational threatened, positioning us for losses in diversity that will be hunting and angling! For well over a century and throughout a hurricane of social and economic change, as well as an enormous permanent and irreversible. population increase, individual citizens of Canada and the We may observe many of the same issues and concerns playing U.S. have been harvesting wild protein. They have been doing out in the domestic livestock and industrial agriculture circles, so on a colossal scale without any threat to the environment and some new ones, as well. In the case of these industries, or to human livelihoods or cultural traditions. Indeed, it has the use of antibiotics, fertilizers, hormones, insecticide, and been just the opposite. They have vastly increased support herbicides are all of concern to the consuming public, as are for and assisted directly in the preservation of wild natural the loss of wild land and natural diversity, and further, in the environments and of wild species and natural diversity overall. case of domestic animals, their quality of life and treatment.

Their efforts have, further, contributed enormously to human The complex interrelationships between such industries are economies and livelihoods and helped preserve the historic also a concern as we take more and more land to grow food traditions and values of their countries. These individuals have crops, not for human consumption directly, but for domestic been willing, all along, to pay a disproportionate share of the animal feed. When you really think about it, it seems that conservation costs of their societies. as long as we desire any food harvest, protein or otherwise, oceans and indicates that we are pushing these ecosystems to

animals and natural environments seem to suffer.

Continued ON page 14

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

13

Continued From page 13 Their efforts have helped build one of the great conservation success stories of the world, the rescue, recovery, and sustainable management of wildlife species once threatened with extinction and now roaming in extraordinary abundance across this vast continent. Known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, it is the only near continental framework of shared institutions, funding mechanisms, policies, and legislation to have literally increased wildlife diversity, maintained great predators at viable population levels, and enabled democratic access to a common natural food resource – all without privatizing or otherwise industrializing its production or access to it.

the marine environments of both countries. This renewable harvest provides hundreds of millions of pounds of highly nutritious food to these individuals, their families and friends, reaching an incredible number of people and thus connecting a significant percentage of our populations with this wild, natural food. Like the traditions of hunting and angling, this immense harvest is no sideshow, but a real societal benefit provided freely by healthy wild lands and waters to the citizens of our countries.

Every year, more than 15 million people engage directly in the harvesting of wild, organically produced, hormone-free animal protein from the landscapes of Canada and the USA and more than 35 million engage directly in the harvest of wild fish from both the inland lakes and waterways, as well as

Food quality and security matter to us all. So should our hunting and angling traditions. Let’s begin to show they do

Most importantly, these are benefits open to all citizens. All that is required is that a person learns how to hunt or fish, or befriends someone who does. Hunters and anglers take Furthermore, these citizens have provided countless great pride in sharing their harvest and are always willing volunteer hours to help assist, restore, and provide habitat to do so. So, instead of taking this harvest for granted, we for wild creatures; and have founded and provided financial need to promote it and explain how hunting and angling not support to an extraordinary range of conservation-focused only benefit us personally, but also benefit the natural world organizations that have undertaken wildlife conservation and all other citizens. If we are interested in engaging more challenges of enormous complexity and realized successes people in these activities and in conservation generally, then that have benefited not only all natural environments, but I propose we start explaining the many and enduring benefits all citizens as well. of the hunter’s harvest.

by reaching all citizens with the one thing they can not refuse or disagree about – highly nutritious, organically grown, wild food.

The Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC) wishes to create a fundamental shift among hunters from caring about hunting to caring about all wildlife. Ranchers care about cattle and anglers care about fish, but hunters are concerned for all animals and their well-being. Hunters must be committed to the responsible use of wildlife resources and passionate about preserving a diversity of wildlife species. GOABC is a strong supporter of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model, which stipulates that law and science should manage wildlife. This model is the result of hunters and anglers who were dedicated to conservation. As anti-hunting pressure becomes louder, it becomes increasingly important to continue and enhance the legacy of the hunter-conservationist.

14 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

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16 |

Online at www.boone-crockett.org Or call toll-free 888-840-4868

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

Eureka Peak Lodge & Outfitters Hunts for Mule Deer, Black Bear, Mt. Goat, Moose, Cougar, Lynx and Wolf in Beautiful British Columbia Canada

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

17

Some of the most beautiful things on this planet are craggy peaks, rock slides, dense forests, high alpine meadows, and pristine lakes, all scenery that British Columbia has no shortage of.

W

hen you first arrive in this type of environment, there is a wide range of emotions you experience. From the sheer beauty of what your eyes are registering for the first time, to the terror and excitement that in a few hours you are going to be climbing into it for ten days. Country like this makes a man feel extremely small and no training in the gym can completely prepare you for what you are about to endure. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m at an old enough age now where not much surprises me in this life but hunting mountain goats and caribou in British Columbia truly left me blown away.

I booked my hunt with Fraser MacDonald of Circle M Outfitters who guides in a large area in the province west of Williston Lake. From our first conversation to the day we broke camp I have had nothing but trust and praise for the way Fraser handles his business. Whether it is his straight-shooting honesty or the hard work and precision that his outfit handles itself with, any hunter will be in great hands at Circle M. For me personally, this journey began two years ago while hunting elk and deer outside of Cranbrook. After laboring through that country, and the fact that I wanted to hunt mountain goats before my hair goes completely grey, I decided to re-dedicate my life to physical fitness.

I found a CrossFit gym and started a workout regimen that had me running and lifting an average of five days per week. I even went through surgery to

fix a lingering hernia in late 2016 all in the name of this hunt. At 37 years old, I entered this hunt in the best shape of my life and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been more excited.

I knew going into this hunt that I had four elements to being successful: physical fitness, shooting ability, animal behavior, and weather. Unfortunately, I could only control two of these and I worked harder than I ever have to make sure those two were covered.

After a 1,300-mile drive up from California, I arrived in Prince George and the next morning we set off on another five-hour plus drive to get into the guiding territory northwest of Mackenzie. We arrived in camp late that afternoon, a beautiful setting on a beautiful lake.

After a delicious home cooked meal, we met with the guides and our teams were assembled for the next ten days. To my surprise, each hunter had two guides going with him which was something I was excited about. The guides I was setup with were Landon and Matt and I would enjoy and learn so much from being in the company of these two guys.

When talking with Fraser on the drive up to camp he had let me know where I would be hunting and that it was your classic craggy goat country where I would have a great shot at getting my goat and then packing up to move over to his best caribou camp. The only downside was there was no fishing in either camp. I quickly decided that I was here for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt and I could make that sacrifice despite being an avid trout fisherman.

Continued ON page 20

18 | Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

WHEN

HARD WORK

f f O s y a P

by Brett Marcaisini

...hunting mountain goats and caribou in British Columbia truly left me blown away.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 | 19

Continued From page 18 On September 1st, we rode into a basin that engulfed a chain of lakes. It was a short ride into our cabin and an even shorter ride into our first hunting grounds. This was where I immediately was knocked upside the head about what I had signed up for. Landon had an area that he dubbed “The Nest” that we would climb up to. This spot would give us a 360-degree vantage point, the only problem was that it was straight up and one heck of a climb! After climbing about 100-yards up, Landon caught a large goat in his binoculars way across the valley. So, we quickly resumed our ascent to gain a better view. Some parts were nearly vertical, some you were cursing the

shin tangle and others you were thankful it was there as you used it to pull yourself up the hill. After finally gaining the summit it was easy flat walking along the high ridge and the views were out of this world. Unfortunately, the goat had disappeared, not to be seen again that day, and we descended as it got dark.

bad as my body was better acclimated to

The second day we rode into a different basin and made yet another (not as) steep climb up to our glassing ridge. We perched up there the entire day looking over amazing goat country but never spotting any. The only wildlife we laid eyes on was a black bear that was trying to be a goat as he climbed up the steep rocky mountains and disappeared over the other side.

Landon blurted out, “Goat!” He quickly

the area and I worked at a slower pace.

The extra-warm day dragged on without seeing any action. About mid-day I was starting to think to myself that I couldn’t keep climbing this mountain every day; it was only day three and I was already feeling the burn. Then, it just happened. found it in the spotting scope and identified it as a shooter-sized billy which was about four miles away and heading towards us. It was go time!!

We dumped all unnecessary gear and Landon and Matt formulated a super quick and efficient game plan. With Landon staying back on watch, Matt

Day three it was back to the nest. I’ll admit, and I started our stalk. We had I was not excited at all to make that climb a long way to cover and most again! But we climbed up and it wasn’t as of it was going to

20 | Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

be on the steep mountain sides of loose scree and large boulders. Early in the stalk we were descending the mountain and suddenly, a helicopter buzzed into our basin flying at about eye level to us! We were as shocked as we were mad as this couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happening at a more inopportune time. Surely the goat would spook. After making some slightly unfriendly gestures towards the pilot we got on the radio with Landon and he let us know that goat only moved a bit but did not blow out of the basin. It took us over an hour to cover 2.5 miles and make it into position. During this time, the billy bedded for a bit and then kept moving slowly towards where we were heading. We set up on a knob waiting for the billy to rise over the ridge on the other side of a small ravine.

Looking back, I could probably hunt goats 100 times in my life and not have an easier set up. With the wind perfectly in our favor, I dropped into the prone position, set up my bipod, and just waited. We sat there for about 15 minutes before the goat stepped over the ridge top across from us. Matt ranged him at 230 yards and after about two more minutes gave me the perfect broadside opportunity. With one squeeze of the trigger I accomplished what I had worked so hard for. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I have ever felt so much relief and excitement.

I was overwhelmed with jubilation. I had cashed in 100s of hours, 1,000s of reps and countless days where I was laying on my back in a pool of sweat on

...I could probably hunt goats 100 times in my life and not have an easier set up.

the gym floor. After taking pictures and cutting out the tenderloins for dinner, we descended into the treeline where the guys built an awesome shelter to overnight in so we could go back to pack the billy out the next morning.

Continued ON page 22

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 | 21

Continued From page 21 With the goat portion of the hunt in the books we packed up camp and headed back to base camp where we would overnight before heading into caribou camp. I was just as excited about this portion of the hunt. I had never been in a place where caribou existed, so the first one I saw would be my first ever. Our camp consisted of a wall tent at the edge of a large meadow.

On the first day, Landon and I fought off some warm weather and made a 2700-foot climb to the summit of the peak across from camp. This

afforded us unbelievable views across the guiding territory. Nearly 20 miles away we could see the spot I had taken my goat three days prior. We spent the entire day on this peak and I had two firsts. I saw my first two caribou (two small bulls) and, even more exciting, spotted my first ever grizzly.

The next two days we made climbs in different directions from camp, both times unearthing beautiful high-country basins and meadows. This really was a premier hunting camp. By now my legs were really starting to feel the strain as I was averaging about ten miles per day of hiking. The amount of game we saw was unbelievable. Over the last two days in this camp we saw six more caribou, six black bears, and a second grizzly. All this despite high temperatures and big bright full moons each night.

The last day in this camp may have been the best. When we woke up before sunrise the northern lights were dancing across the sky. This really made the trip for me. It had been a dream of mine to see these in person and I had really hoped that this would happen despite it not really being the best time of the year to experience them. Seeing the lights really rejuvenated my spirits that

day as I started to feel that it was a sign we would connect on a good caribou.

Not long into the morning Landon came over the radio and said that he spotted a solid caribou bull and had a perfect setup to get him. Matt and I raced off the ridge we were perched on and hiked a couple of miles before making another steep climb, where we could get close enough to count his points. Despite him being a very mature bull with nice tall beams, he only had four points on the top and the place his other two should have been were broomed off. The three of us all took turns staring at him through our spotting scope and there clearly was not a fifth point. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to lie, this was a huge let down. However, as the day wore on and this caribou kept stepping out into the meadow below us, I found myself enjoying watching him through the glasses as he raked his antlers against small pine trees and just went about his day-to-day routine. For me, that was a memory that will be just as rewarding as seeing him up on my wall.

By day nine my legs were just about done. I had logged over 26 miles between day seven and eight and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like I could hunt that part of the territory as effectively as I needed to do to ensure success. We packed up camp that morning and came out to base camp to look for either a black bear or moose.

I gave it 100%, left it all on the mountain and endured many successes and failures.

22 | Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

After some weather and nightfall led to a failed stalk on a nice black bear on the evening of day nine, I was successful the following morning on a beautiful black bear. We had a perfect setup again with a bear grazing low on the mountain side.

One shot from 270 yards out sealed the deal and capped off an amazing hunt.

It was sad to see this hunt end after having it on the calendar for so long, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and for someone who only took up big game hunting five years ago, a coming-of-age moment in my hunting career. There were no regrets. I gave it 100 percent, left it all on the mountain and endured many successes and failures. I hiked 97 miles over ten days and climbed (and descended) over 10,000 vertical feet. Very little of the terrain was flat and most of it was done with a pack on my back. As hard as it was physically, spending fourteen days away from my wife and kids made it just as tough emotionally. My body was covered in bruises, scratches, sun burns and bug bites, each one of them telling a story of my triumph. I put my body through a blender and came out stronger. I saw the northern lights, drank the greatest water straight from creeks, saw two grizzlies, slept under a homemade shelter, ate fantastic food, and had great company in Matt and Landon to share it all with. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

Matt and Landon are two of the hardest working guys I have ever been around and fantastic guides. They walk around the country like they are part mountain goat themselves and have a vast knowledge of the game and terrain in the area. Landon could probably spot a quarter shining 300 yards away with his binoculars, he’s that good with the glass. Matt is built like a tank and no amount of weight in his pack seemed to slow him down. I would go out into the woods with those guys any day! While I didn’t get to hunt with Fraser’s other guides, the other hunters in camp had nothing but rave reviews as well. Hard work is in the culture of this outfit and it starts at the top.

If you are looking for adventure, Circle M Outfitters is a first-class operation.

Fraser, his wife Krista, and their staff work extremely hard to make your experience one of a lifetime. From a clean, comfortable base camp to nice back country accommodations and excellent food at every stop in between, you will not go wrong with Circle M. I only hope that I can get back out to hunt with them again someday soon; they certainly made my dreams come true.

Editor’s Note: You can reach Circle M Outfitters at 250-962-5336, or visit their website at www.circlemoutfitters.ca

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

23

Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters Stan Stevens Recent Trophies

Phone # 250-719-8340 www.mmo-stanstevens.com mmostanstevens@gmail.com Facebook Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters

Hunt for:

MOOSE • BLACK BEAR • LYNX • WOLF

Tel: (250) 845-3156 Cell: (250) 845-8810 Email: sonny@moosehunting.bc.ca Box 1483, Houston, BC Canada V0J 1Z0

www.moosehunting.bc.ca 24 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

Family run For over 40 years near Golden, BC We have been on many great trips since 1973. However our trip to Beaverfoot Outfitting may have topped them all!”

From beginning to end everything was fantastic. What an incredible trip and adventure.

What an amazing place this is!”

- JK, Texas

- NZ, Wisconsin

www.beaverfootoutfitting.com 888.830.6060

Ph: 250-412-5209 SSIKANNI IKANNI Outfitters R RIVER IVER

BC Trophy Mountain Outfitters

facebook.com/sikanni

Spring Black Bear Special

MIKE & DIXIE HAMMETT P.O. Box 11, Pink Mountain, BC Canada V0C 2B0 Email: sro@sikanniriver.com www.sikanniriver.com

Stone’s Sheep Elk • Bison Goat • Moose Kevan Bracewell, Outfitter T. 1-800-215-0913 F. 250-984-7538 PO Box 1419, Lillooet BC V0K 1V0 Canada info@bctrophymountainoutfitters.com www.bctrophymountainoutfitters.com Mountain Goat • Bighorn Sheep • Mule Deer • Black Bear • Cougar • Lynx • Bobcat • Canadian Moose Coyote • Timber Wolf • Upland Birds • Waterfowl • Freshwater Fishing

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FISHING TRIPS

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IntroducIng nWt, canada’s PremIer outfItter With over

30 years experience (each!) in the industry, grIz & gInger turner are excited to offer exceptional service, with personal, high quality hunts on over 6,000 sq. mi. of

pristine, backcountry Wilderness.

Hunts offered river raft and heli-assisted back pack hunts for:

alaska/Yukon moose, dall sheep, mountain caribou,

Wolf, Wolverine

oWners & oPerators

greg ‘grIz’ & gInger turner

www.ravensthroat.com

po box 58, Whitehorse, yt y1a 5X9 | 867-332-raVn(7286) | hunts@ravensthroat.com Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

25

Convention photos by Emilie from https://wildhead.ca, hello@wildhead.ca Meat Donation, AGM, and Krieghoff Shoot photos

by Brenda Gibson, bgirly@shaw.ca

Fair Chase Food

Meat Donation Program

Convention week kicked off with the GOABC board making a large donation of elk and cougar meat to the Kelowna Salvation Army’s Community Life Centre’s Supportive Food Bank. Lieutenant Darryl Burry and Community Ministries Coordinator Sonia Withers hosted, with MLAs Steve Thomson and Ben Stewart joining in for the official presentation. This was the fifth year we were able to provide healthy, organic meat to help some of Kelowna’s residents. The facility’s well-appointed kitchen and talented volunteers will transform the wild game into many nutritious meals for people in transition.

A

B

C

26 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

A.

Board members Ken Robins, Michael Schneider, Marc Hubbard and Sean Olmstead haul in the frozen packages.

B.

Scott Ellis accepts a grateful hug from Sonia Withers of the Food Bank.

C.

Lieutenant Darryl Burry shows Scott Ellis the mobile kitchen rig.

Annual General

g n i t e e M

A record number of members attended this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AGM, eager to engage on key association decisions, elect new board members, and speak with government on issues impacting the stability of our industry.

A.

A

Tom Opre, International Conservation Coalition.

Fraser MacDonald of Circle M Outfitters speaks passionately about issues impacting the outfitting industry.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

27

AWARDS

Gala

A

C

B

A.

Sponsor Geoff Straight of Lifestyle Financial with Outfitter of the Year Award winner Bruce Ambler with 2017 winner Al Madley.

B.

2018 Fair Chase Award recipient Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops and creator of the Wonders of Wildlife Museum in Springfield, MO.

C.

Scott Ellis with joint Frank Stewart Award winners Ken Watson and Sonny Perkinson presented by 2017 winner Darren Deluca.

New GOABC President Sean Olmstead with Liberal Party Leader Andrew Wilkinson and GOABC Executive Director Scott Ellis.

28 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

E (below) MLA Donna Barnette and Al Madley enjoying the Friday awards dinner.

D D.

Scott Ellis with Guide of the Year Finalists Brade Baldwin, Garth Olafson and Monty Warren and sponsor Garrett Long of Sitka Gear and Sean Olmstead.

E.

Michael and Rene Schneider accepting the 2018 Lady of the Year Award on behalf of Ela Schneider, presented by Sean Olmstead.

F.

Outgoing President Michael Schneider presenting the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award to Mark Werner with Scott Ellis.

G.

2018 Legacy Award winners Ray Collingwood, Stewart Fraser, Helen Scwartz, Mike Danielson, Jim Peterson, Troy Wolfenden, Paul Trepus, Jack Hooper, Jordie McAuley and Greg Williams.

F

G Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

29

A.

Scott Ellis, Miguela Minto, Michael Schneider, Max Scherrle, and John Meilleur.

B.

Max Scherrle of Krieghoff enjoying his dream job.

C.

Gray Thornton of The Wild Sheep Foundation awaits his turn to bust some clays.

A

Krieghoff

Shooting Event B

We appreciated the hospitality of the Kelowna and District Fish and Game Club who helped facilitate our first annual sporting clay shoot and Krieghoff rifle demonstration at their excellent range facility.

C

30 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

D.

Range officer and Miwa Hiroe await their turn.

E.

John Boretsky of Safari Club International tries out the new Krieghoff Semprio rifle under Max Scherrleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watchful eye.

F.

The littlest Olmstead takes a crack at the Krieghoff rifle under the watchful eye of Max Scherrle and Daddy Sean.

G.

Eric Moland of HUB International Insurance and Max Scherrle of Krieghoff peruse the armory.

D H.

John Meilleur of Calgary Shooting Centre was onhand to demo the Krieghoff weaponry.

I.

Friendly competition at the trap range.

F

G

E

Marguerite Church demonstrates excellent form while shooting the Krieghoff rifle.

H

A huge thank you to Garrett Long of SITKA Gear for outfitting all participants with Jetstream vests.

I Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

31

AUCTION & NIGHT

n u F A

B A.

The 2018 Auction is underway with many supporters joining us in the room and online.

C.

Aaron Fredlund, Fredlund Guide Service, winner of the 2018 Outfitter Saddle Draw.

B.

Meanwhile, hundreds of silent auction items await bids.

D.

Teams lined up for “Caterpillar” during the games portion of the evening.

E.

Charter donors of our new “7 Pillars of Conservation” funding initiative.

Stu Maitland, Ray Jackson, Eric Moland, Darwin Cary, Mike Lewis, Sean Olmstead, Ross Peck, Leif Olsen, Gray Thorton, Brenda Nelson, Scott Ellis, Marc Hubbard, Stewart Fraser, Brad Bowden and Bruce Ambler.

C

D

32 |

E Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

F.

G.

Scott Ellis presenting Rena Ponath with the Ladies Draw prize, Tree of Life pendant.

G

Logan Reed winner of the 2018 Youth Life Membership draw.

Life Membership donated by Champion Automation.

F

Doug McMann, Skinner Creek Hunts and Scott Ellis. Doug is the 2018 Hunt Donor Trip Draw winner.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

33

B

A

A.

Aaron Fredlund weighing his bidding options at a table packed with silent auction items.

B.

Jack Niemeyer and Brandon Ponath flex their muscles in preparation for game-night competition.

C.

Life Member Conrad Nunweiler admiring the variety of items on this year’s silent auction.

D.

Brad Bowden and Fraser MacDonald play “Chubby Bunny.”

D

34 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

C (below) Garrett Long with Madison Olsen, one of the three Youth Scholarship winners, and Sean Olmstead. Thank you to the scholarship contributors: She Hunts, Full Curl Podcast, Sikta, Yeti, Leupold and GOABC.

Thank You

To All Our Supporters

72 Hours

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Cariboo Mountain Outfitters

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YETI

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

35

STORY CONTEST WINNERS Sometimes it Only Takes 9 - Colin Sands, featuring Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters

It was my first day of hunting on this trip, a trip that technically had begun more than two years ago. A friend mentioned he was heading north on a hunt that I should be on. By lunch I had spoken with Stan Stevens of Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters, by the next morning I was booked. By the fourth of July, I was already working on gear list, logistics, and creating a checklist of dates and goals for the trip that was 24 months away. August 2016 could not come fast enough, but eventually it did, and with it the nerves as well...Read more in our Fall 2017 Issue

a Great Goat! - Bob Anderson, featuring Mountain Spirit Outfitters Inc.

I met Chris Franke of Mountain Spirit Outfitters Inc. at the annual SCI Lake Superior Chapter meeting held in Hinckley, MN April 2013. Again that year Chris had donated a goat hunt for the Saturday night banquet and after spending time with her I decided to bid on her hunt. I was excited to buy the hunt which was for September of 2014 giving me a year and a half to prepare.

September 1, 2014 finally arrived and Chris picked me up in Williams Lake and we drove to her camp, Cameron Ridge, arriving well before dark. This allowed me time to unpack and sight in my rifle once more. The next few days brought low hanging clouds and fog. We hunted from Cameron Ridge until the weather improved in order for us to get to our hunting location. On the third day the hunting gods were on our side as the clouds finally lifted and Chris spotted two billies lying on a steep grassy slope. One was a whopper...Read more in our Spring 2017 Issue

Never Too Old For Your First Hunt - Leon Houser, featuring Skinner Creek Hunts

The idea for this hunt started in January 2015 when Ronaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son Steve, was hunting geese on our property. I stopped by for a visit. Both Steve and his dad, Ronald, hunted but neither had ever been on a big game hunting trip. Steve had asked me to find a place where he could go with his dad for mule deer or elk for the upcoming season.

I explained to Steve that the elk and deer seasons would interfere with his work and possibly a spring bear hunt would work out better and give Ronald a chance at completing a life long dream of killing a bear...Read more in our Spring 2017 Issue

Read these stories and more at www.mountainhuntermagazine.com 36 | Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

STORY CONTEST Have you been on an

unforgettable

guided hunting adventure and would like to win some

extra cash?

The Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC) is accepting stories of memorable hunting experiences with GOABC members. At the end of the year, all stories submitted will be reviewed and the top three stories will receive a cash prize (CAD).

SUBMIT TO: www.mountainhuntermagazine.com/share-your-story Tips on How to Write your Hunting Story

1

Recognize your guide, hunting destination and sought species in the first few paragraphs of your story.

2

A great hunting story not only describes the animals and itinerary, but expresses the significance of the hunt to you. How long had you been dreaming of this hunt? How did you first connect with your outfitter? What was the scenery like? What challenges did you encounter? These details will add to the richness and familiarity of your story for your readers.

3

Proofread your story for clarity, but do not worry too much about the proper grammar or sentence structureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we will take care of that for you.

4

Try to keep the story in past tense and title it creatively. Titles and photos provide the first impression for your readers, and you want to draw them in immediately. Be sure to include several high-quality photos (1 MB or larger at 300dpi) with your submission.

5

Stories should be 2500-3000 words in length and written in Microsoft Word. We prefer to receive them by email (www.mountainhuntermagazine. com/share-your-story), but they can also be sent hard-copy or on CD.

DEADLINE: December 31, 2018 Prizes are as follows:

1

st

1st place

$750

2nd

2nd Place - $500

3rd

3rd Place - $250

Each outfitter featured in the winning stories will also receive a one issue free ad displayed in the magazine.

The size of the ad will depend on the placing of the story.

Good luck to all entrants!

1.877.818.2688 www.mountainhuntermagazine.com

Three Guiding Territories in

noRtheRn bRitish columbiA

1

2

3,100 km2 territory + 320 acre Ranch & Lodge

PRice: $5,400,000 (CAD) This very reputable outfitting business is located northwest of Fort St. John and southwest of Fort Nelson in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. The ranch and lodge on 320 acres of deeded land form the centre of this thriving guiding outfit. 3,100 km2 of guiding territory with 6 fully developed perfectly maintained fly-in camps with cabins.

Game Species: Mountain goat, moose, elk, caribou, deer, wolf are on a general open season with no limitations. On Quota: Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheep, 4 annually, bison, 23 annually. The outfit and ranch comes with all equipment and horses to operate the business, including 1 airplane, 1 grader, 1 dozer, 1 backhoe, 1 farm tractor. The lodge and the camps are in very good condition with many new cabins added in recent years. The Ranch and Lodge is accessible via gated road from the Alaska Highway. The owners have operated this outfit for over 20 years and want to retire.

3

1,800 km2 territory PRice: $625,000 (CAD)

Approximately 1,800 km2 guiding business and territory located west of Fort St. John in the Northern Rockies region.

Game species: Moose, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, black bear, cougar, lynx and wolf. These game species are on a general open season. There is also a grazing lease on the whole territory. The territory supports a long spring season, a very long fall season and also a winter season for predator hunts. The current outfitter has been running the territory for over 25 years and has earned a large number of awards for outstanding quality of animals taken. The current outfitter will help a new owner to get established.

Also available: 312 acre ranch with the headquarter buildings for this outfitting operation for $1,075,000.

On the 312 acres of private land is the main lodge house, a modular home used as bunk house and a shop.

1,580 km2 guiding territory PRice: $720,000 (CAD) 1,580 km2 guiding territory and big game guiding business located in the Williston Lake area of the Northern Rockies. Game species: Moose, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, black bear, cougar, lynx and wolf on a general open season with no limitations. Quota of 4 Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheep, and one mountain goat in a 5 year period. The area supports a long spring season, a long fall season as well as a very well established winter season for predators. There are three tenured spike camps. The current outfitter will help a new owner to get established.

PleAse cAll the listing ReAltoR oR visit bAckcountRyPRoPeRties.cA foR moRe infoRmAtion And foR A showing of these teRRitoRies.

A guiding territory can be owned by one or more individuals or a B.c. corporation.

Territory #2 and #3 (listed above) have a common boundary and could be operated as a combined business. A large lodge on Williston Lake is also listed for sale. it could be used as a luxurious headquarters for one, or both, of two areas.

mindeRmAnn Phone: 250-467-3019

dcr.horst@gmail.com

10224-10th street dawson creek, bc v1g 3t4

Horst is licensed in British Columbia and Alberta. He has also outfitted in Northeast B.C. for 20 seasons and is a proud Life Member of GOABC, SCI and Dallas Safari Club.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

39

Ashnola TRIPLE-HEADER

by Christen Obresley & Erik Meis

A

t the 2013 SCI Convention in Reno, Nevada, my partner, Erik, and I had the good fortune to meet Darrell Schneider and his father at the Ashnola Guide Outfittersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; booth. We had an interesting and fun discussion about bear hunting, especially the thrill of hunting with dogs. We booked a five-day, two-bear hunt as a high school graduation present for Spencer, my son. Little did we know it would turn into a triple-header.

HUNT 1: SPENCERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HUNT - MAY 2014 We drove from our home in Havre, Montana to Princeton, British Columbia for the spring bear hunt of a lifetime. We arrived at Ashnola in the afternoon and we were greeted with a friendly welcome. As we got settled in the cabin, I was so impressed with the beauty of the area.

As we rounded a corner, there was a cinnamon bear 90 yards ahead of us...

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

t ncer’s Hun pe S al n Erik’s jour

June 1, 2014

t dogs to hun out with six x, We headed the dog bo de on top of bear. Lilly ro e the logging r as we drov sniffing the ai dog was to job as strike er H s. ad ro ossed the bears that cr of t en sc e th catch wind bears e could even road. Her nos above us. s from ridges al m er th om ff fr t a good whi 0 am she go t le Around 10:3 en th ose, turned her lo g, and Darrell ere bawlin out. They w the others of us were so e was on! All and the chas unds. Darrell ing to the ho excited listen and we on the dogs rs lla co PS G had reen where on the GPS sc could watch leading and e at, who was er w gs do e th bear had tracked. The de si t go e who ad; when w g up the ro f been walkin of d it baile d the corner n ou ar e m e ca tracks wer e scent and the road. Th f the track, gs dropped of hot. Three do n and loaded d them dow ke ac tr e w so ree dogs that ded for the th k them up. Hea left the truc g treed, we were bawlin th wards e the timber to to in ed ov m and rs of a mile. t three-quarte hounds abou , there was a t to the them go e w n he W est tree ar up the larg be e at ol oc ch large the dogs and arrell tied up in the area. D ot. The bear a ten-yard sh d ha r ce en Sp 4” boar. was a good 6’ late in the hit pay dirt e W . ar be . nd a good seco s ahead of us find Spencer bear 90 yard to on g am in n ok n e ci lo th t a ou e was We were still r and his body corner, ther in the chambe e rounded a e w on s d too t A ke ge . n oo to oo sp aftern ar was not shells, trying s be hi e th ith d w re g d rel figu fumblin Darrel climbe bled off. Dar Spencer was Spencer and d the bear am d an an e ow dg sl ri o e to nd th turn. door. He was e parked arou bear would re were fired. W pes that the s ho ot h sh it o w n ea as ing ar badly, ove the feed 200 yards ab ON page 42 to a lookout Continued

June 4, 2014

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

41

Continued From page 41 Spencer had watched the landing for 20 minutes when the bear and it worked. That boar, cinnamon in color, was six-foot long, showed up. As Spencer lined up to take a shot, we were counting excellent hide with no rubs. We took group photos with a in our heads. When we got to 25, “BOOM!” - one shot was fired beaming proud mom, happy hunter, plus guide and Erik. and then a quick second shot, then several seconds later a third

Spencer took those two bears using his grandfather’s Remington 700 - 300 Winchester magnum rifle. This family was walking off the ridge. Erik spotted the bear in the fallen logs. heirloom was purchased for Spencer’s grandfather as a “The bear was broadside feeding and I was shooting from a Christmas gift from his wife. She bought the gun at a drug rest. The first shot hit the shoulder and was too far back. The store for $125. It has been an unbelievably accurate rifle that fast follow-up shot spun him and the third shot was a dead has served three generations well. This was such a wonderful trip, a great graduation present and fine sendoff to Spencer’s tree!” Spencer was so excited, he kept shaking and retelling the next adventure in life, US Navy boot camp. story. We were all excited to listen no matter how many times shot. The bear was down. We arrived in the truck as Spencer

he told us. His training days had paid off on the fast follow-

All in all, we saw twenty-three bears, mostly color phase. We up shot. He had practiced working the bolt from his shoulder booked a hunt for next year before leaving camp.

UP NEXT HUNT 2: ERIK’S HUNT - MAY 2015

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

Erik’s Journal

- ERIK’S HUNT

May 18, 2015

We loaded the dogs and headed out. Li lly rode on top of turned her loose at the dog box and we 9:00 am. The othe rs were let out too. a cold track, and af This seemed to be ter two hours of m eandering dogs we went home for a na go t them back and p. Later we headed for another area an a small cinnamon d right away saw bear. We moved to higher elevation, we saw bear sign. no t m uch grass, but Glassing from the road into the landi scat. We parked an ng s, Darrell saw bear d went down a tra il to overlook a lan grass. Suddenly, th di ng with clover and ere was a bear be low us – jet black! a bit far and was An d bi g. I felt it was reluctant to try a 242-yard shot. I sa to a rock wall and t down with my ba watched with my ck Leupold 1.5-5 scop a small target fro e. It sure seemed lik m that distance. At e first, I only had a then the bear quar “Texas Heart Shot tered away—head ” on black line and Bear’s reaction wa away the bullet we s to bite at his shou nt. lder and take off. #@$&.” All my be I was thinking “O ars before had dr h opped at that shot 375 with 285 Gran . I was shooting a d Slam bullets. We Sako talked about the sh a good hit; we just ot and thought it wa had a bear in thick s brush to contend footprints and peer with. We found th ed into the solid br e ush wall. I stayed went in. Slowly he behind while Darre was swallowed up ll by th e br us h. His plan was to yards and if no be ar, get the dogs an go 30 d follow. No need 25 yards into the br for that as the bear ush. That black be was ar had the shinies Christen came down t coat I had ever se for pictures and th en. en Darrell and I ha uled it to the road.

May 19, 2015

We headed out in the morning with dogs. Lilly, the str box shortly after ike dog, bailed off arriving in the ar the ea .

Se ve n m or e dogs joined her lined out. The GPS and beeshowed dogs bunc hed up heading do bear traveled one wn the canyon. Th and a half miles an e d dogs were barkin they put the bear up g treed. What luck right next to the ro , ad, forty-five yard tree right next to th s away in a big ceda e road. Not a huge r bear, kind of averag I’d be done for the e. If I shot that bear trip. I didn’t want to quit on day two He said, “No problem an d told Darrell no. .” That evening we went scouting for the next day. Workin an area to run dogs g the logging landi ngs, we spied a hu brush 65 yards aw ge black bear in th ay. I pondered for e several minutes as It was too long. Th I wa nt a colored bear. e bear ran off up the road and then in a dip in the road a big cinnamon be hauled ass for the ar bush. Jumping ou decided, no, I want t I wa s on hi m but to get mine with do gs. Darrell stopped call. It was temptin it with the varmin g but I passed; I wa t s still thinking of do gs.

Continued ON

page 44

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

43

Continued From

page 43

May 20, 2015

bailed landing and Lilly ay. We hit the first rd ste ye as ea ay. It ar aw e to the sam ed out right 7:00 am. We went gs out and they lin do six er oth e th t en he heard the sition. Darrell go d had moved off wh from her strike po an ng di lan e th on them e bear was feeding then we could see was a hot trail. Th to the canyon and in wn do ed ad be he g treed right low got his scent, . Maggie was bayin pickup. The dogs ar be e th w sa r ve of the bear. site ridge. We ne obably within sight pr d an coming up the oppo er th ge to ay, all ad were 500 yards aw d a new logging ro us. The other dogs them and we foun e ov ab t ge to up pp with the pick dogs were sto ed GPS showed that We headed around e Th r. be tim th ow limb of toward the old-gr e bear on the first that was heading when I spotted th ay aw s I rd ya 0 gs 20 tied the do and . We were and baying treed n muzzle. Darrell ow br a th wi ar in be g that the po t was a big black and Slams, knowin Gr a pine tree. This ain gr 5 28 to ds e tree. ells from handloa tumbled out of th switched out my sh â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too worried. He sn wa I se clo g in er ange but be f, but I cent ed on of impact would ch ground. It took of e th t hi ar be e th rry over the right away and e dogs loose to wo th ed I jacked a shell in rn tu e W . ot ine sh d the led up with the sp a road. We walke the back and he pi g him up close to yin ba d an g the tin oo up pulled me I got lucky sh ckily, my two dogs bear as a reward.

Lu . es tre nd ou ar xt year. es that got twisted and me hunting ne dogs back on leash ng about Christen lki ta d rte sta we and again hill. A great hunt

We were 200 yards away when I spotted the bear...

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

HUNT 3: CHRISTEN’S HUNT - MAY 2016 On our third trip to Ashnola Outfitters, I decided to shoot a bear. I was interested in a black bear to have made into a vest.

Having been an observer for two hunts with Darrell and a backpack hunt with Erik, I had bear fever. I had been practicing for this hunt by shooting targets, hunting gophers and stalking milk jugs filled with water. I am an accurate shot and am confident with the gun. My previous hunting experience had been antelope, deer, and birds. The kill zone on a bear had been a concern of mine so Erik purchased special targets that were replicas of bears on one side and the internal organs on the other. The day he placed the targets for me to shoot was to be the last day of my practice. I shouldered the rifle, looked down the scope and got very nervous! I missed the dang paper bear! I was horrified; later we learned it was a loose scope.

saw a bear heading towards us. I fumbled with my shells as Darrell got the shooting sticks set up. Too late, the bear made us before I could shoulder the gun. That bear wasn’t feeding, just traveling. Our two-day jinx was broken! Darrell stated that he was relieved that we had hunted with him before and knew the area as he might have had a tough time convincing new clients that there were bears around!

May 27th. In the afternoon we went to the Honey Hole. We stopped to glass; from three-quarters of a mile away Darrell spotted a big black bear feeding on a side road. We continued and stopped at the bottom of a hill. Darrell told me that we were going to walk up the hill. As we headed out I was thinking that I had to walk fast enough to keep up with Darrell, yet slow enough to be able to have enough breath to shoot the gun We arrived at the lodge on May 24, 2016. There had been some when I get to the top of the hill. Darrell was in sheep shape; I changes since the last time we were there. Taylor, Darrell’s had a desk job! We got to the top and crept up to within 191 daughter, was now an assistant guide, and she was with us for yards of the bear, and Darrell asked me if I could make the the hunt. She was a bright, personable young lady, tough as shot. I felt comfortable out to 250 yards, so I said yes. The bear nails with a good eye. I couldn’t wait to get in the truck for a stopped to graze, Darrell blew the fawn bleat and the bear morning bear chase. The first chase was on a weak scent. Lilly turned. I had one shot; I fired and hit the bear. I fired a second took a while to open up. We drove the roads, using GPS to keep shot and the bear was down. The bear was a huge 6’10” glossy track of her. We finally got within 150 yards of Lilly to turn the black bear, exactly what I had hoped for! pack loose on the bear, but it was rough country that was steep May 28th was the day that Erik would shoot a bear, I could with lots of boulder fields. We took to the side-by-side quad we feel it in my bones. We headed out for the afternoon hunt named the “Batmobile” to keep up with and retrieve dogs. The and drove parallel to a logging road which was across a deep dogs split up and the bear back-tracked. That chase then became ravine. Erik spotted a black bear walking up the logging a dog recovery effort. As we were bombing down the logging road. Darrell grabbed the sticks and asked Erik, “prone or road to intercept the dogs, the bear was headed at us full throttle. standing?” Erik jacked a shell in and replied, “I will stand.”

When the bear saw us, he put on the four-paw brakes, leaving Continued ON skid marks before bailing off the road. Bears 1, hunters 0. page 46 May 25th, we were up at 4:30 am. We loaded nine dogs and four humans on the batmobile; I imagined that we looked like the Clampetts of Beverly Hillbillies fame. Four hours of riding trails with Lilly the strike dog on the front deck and we never got a sniff or bawl. It was a dead morning, but we travelled through beautiful country, so it wasn’t a complete loss. Back to the lodge for naps and lunch. The evening hunt was a bust too. That was the first time that we had gone all day without seeing a bear.

May 26th. We started out at 6:00 am with dogs and humans on the quad. We drove 40 miles seeing lots of bear sign. We were thinking that at any time Lilly would open-up from the front deck of the quad. Finally, at 2:30 pm we headed back and dropped off the dogs. We ate an early dinner as the Almanac stated the minor feed was at 4:00 pm. Almost two days without a bear sighting. Darrell said that in 30 years, he had never gone two days in a row without seeing a bear. That evening we drove the roads reminiscing about previous hunts. We finally Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 | 45

From Continued

page 45

nal - CH Erik’s jour

nt risten’s Hu

It looked like site shoulder. po op e th r fo ing ain ered away aim m with a 200 gr late - as I hit hi him as he corn o on To t !” do e un ad th “R , t he s id I pu ised hi nses sa d at the shot, ra of us and his se pe gh op ou dr en ar en be e se nd. This &H. Th he had ull, no exit wou y Cooper 300 H m sk e om th fr to nd up bo ed d. it angl Nossler Accu s face looked ol t in the spine, wn. He was hi n down and hi or do w it e id er la w en h et th te and years old; his to be over ten bear appeared

May 28, 2016

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

May 29, 2016

We were out at 6:00 am travelin g in the Batmob yards up the hills ile and checking ide was a chocol out landings. M ate bear. Lilly sa oving 300 dogs loose. Ther w the bear and e were ten dogs w en t nu ts .

W e on turned the his tail, no way in my head, wha was he getting aw t kind of a mou ay. I was projec nt th is ting w ould be… Standi log? The chase ng in the corner started at 8:30 am ?

La te yi ar ng ing up and dow on a GPS range and lis n the logging ro tening for dogs. ads trying to stay At 11:40 am Chris in catch at 3:30 pm ten announced so she left the ch that she had a pl as e.

At an e to 12:30 pm the do had no idea wha gs had given up t had happened on the chase. W . e

May 30, 2016

The last day of my hunt. We de parted at 6:00 am Lilly down to ch and were on a eck it out, then bear by 7:00 am le t the others out. . We let and headed up After 15 minutes higher to cruise , we corralled th th e tr ai e dogs ls.

Th e boars were go logging roads lo ing into rut and oking for sows.

At tr av 8: el 40 in am the dogs open g the the strike dog. Th ed up from thei e chase was five r boxes along w minutes old and ith to the dogs go cr I was sitting in th azy below us an e side-by-side lis d m ov te in ni g ng up hill towards the the road 30 yard road. The bear ca s away, and I w as m e ju ou st t onto sitting in the AT case! What a ro V. My gun was okie mistake. Th not even out of e bear was blon the it. I couldn’t belie de and 5’5” and ve what just happ the dogs were rig ht en be ed hi .

Da nd rrell was ok with and tree the be it as the dogs ne ar for experienc eded to chase e for the younge fast that we spen r dogs. The dogs t almost two ho got out of GPS ra urs checking va nge so end of a skid ro nt age points trying ad we parked an to get a signal. At d pi ck ed the up a GPS signal. bad news was th All the dogs wer at they were 1.6 e together; the miles away dow dogs were comin n in a steep ravi g out was by us ne. The only way going to get them that the hear the dogs at .

That was going all, but we could to be brutal. We se e co th uldn’t e GPS signal from tracking collar on the tracking colla my pack - he ha rs. Darrell put a dn’t been paid ye I could hear dogs t, so I wasn’t ex . Darrell handed pendable! At 14 me a gun and sa 0 yards “let the air out of id that if the bear him.” I asked if st ar te d do w I n sh th ould wait for th e tree, “No, don’t let th e dogs to be tied e bear get away up, but Darrell .”

I re ac he said, d a tr From thirty feet ee about 50 yard up in a big pine s away totally ou th t of e be br ar ea was eyeing me. th. its chest. It starte I shot through th d to move around e branches into in the tree and of blonde hide.

I shot again at an The dead bear fe indeterminable ll from the tree piece dogs got to wor br ea king branches on ry the bear. They the way. Finally got right at it gr , the abbing hair, grow ling and mouth ing it.

Then the hike out! Erik’s journal used expletives that were not suitable for publication. Let’s just say he was grateful to have a dog to help pull him out. We saw 18 bears on this trip.

We headed back in May of 2017 for another bear hunt with this excellent outfitter and couldn’t wait to make it a quadruple header!

Editor’s Note: You can reach Ashnola Guide Outfitters at 250-292-8779, or visit their website at www.ashnolaguideoutfitter.com

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

47

Lott_Canada_GOABC_1707.indd 2

13.07.17 12:09

YUKON HUNTS DALL SHEEP MOOSE CARIBOU GRIZZLY

Contact: CHRIS & SHARRON McKINNON

k e e r C e s r o Packh

OUTFITTERS

The Flathead River is home to elk, mule deer, black bear, Shiras moose, mountain goats, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, wolves, cougar and lynx.

Packhorse Creek Outfitters offers both single species and combination hunts for all indicated species.

Tel/Fax 250.425.0711 5779 Lower Elk Valley Road, Sparwood, British Columbia Canada V0B 2G3 packhorsecrk@elkvalley.net â&#x20AC;¢ www.packhorsecreek.com

48 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

PO BOX 89 Calling Lake, AB T0G 0K0 (P) 780-331-2440 www.huntbpo.com chris@huntbpo.com

ALBERTA HUNTS BLACK BEAR WHITETAIL DEER TRAPLINE TOURS

Contact: CHRIS & SHARRON McKINNON PO BOX 89 Calling Lake, AB T0G 0K0 (P) 780-331-2440 www.huntmco.com chris@huntmco.com

Let your adventure begin!

BIGHORN SHEEP • MOUNTAIN GOAT • ELK • SHIRAS MOOSE MULE DEER • WHITETAIL DEER • BLACK BEAR COUGAR • BOBCAT • LYNX • WOLF ALEX AND LORI SMUTNY 250.426.8099 1960 Wilson Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7H4 CANADA www.buglebasin.ca • Email: info@buglebasin.ca

Harvesting

Wild Game

in BC?

Consider donating 10% of your Harvested meat for tHe fair CHase food Program.

Since this program began in 1993, we have delivered more than 436,000 pounds of wild game meat, donated by generous BC hunters, to families in need and local charities.

There are many families in need within all British Columbia communities; you can help support them by providing a portion of your meat to the Fair Chase Food Program.

604-541-6332 info@goabc.org

goabc.org Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

49

Guides Want to see yourself in The Guides Gallery?

Submit your photos to info@goabc.org with the outfitterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, species, and harvested date of your animal.

gallery

Mike Waller of California took this caribou under the escort of Pelly Lake Wilderness Outfitters Ltd.

Layden Force from Bow Hunter TV bagged this black bear with the guidance of Ken Watson of Opatcho Lake Outfitters.

Mike Wittet of South Africa brought down a late season mule deer with crossbow and Skinner Creek Hunts.

Bonnet Plume Outfitters helped Dave Richards from Utah harvest this Dall sheep.

Bill Walker of Washington harvested his elk with Bugle Basin Outfitters.

50 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

Alan Sackman of New York had a successful hunt with Vancouver Island Guide Outfitters harvesting this coastal black bear.

Rusty Brines of California bursting with pride over his 58” heavy bull from his late September horseback hunt with Little Dease Ventures and guide Jason Trudel.

Kyle Kesserling and son James at right delight in a successful stalk with Nahanni Butte Oufitters’ guides Dillan Mawson and Josh Lancaster.

Paul Williams, TX took his moose with Love Bros & Lee Ltd.

Lyle Woods celebrating his accomplishment of a mountain caribou with guides Brady Lough, Ryan Renaud, and Ryan Harder of NWT Outfitters.

Paul Zeulke, OR and guide Dustyn Fehr of Fehr Game Outfitters with Paul’s mountain goat.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

51

GET INCREDIBLE ACCURACY WITH THE RX®-1200i FEATURING TRUE BALLISTIC RANGE®.

- 6X magnification - Ranging to 1,200 yards - Scan Mode - OLED display

See how accurate the RX-1200i is at LEUPOLD.COM

Helicopter and riverboat backpack hunts in the

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Dall Sheep | Alaska Yukon Moose | Mtn. Caribou | Mtn. Goat

w w w. l a n c a s t e r f a m i l y h u n t i n g . c o m

52 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

Jim (250) 846-5309 Clay (250) 263-7778

jladventures@xplornet.com

CAT TRICK OPPORTUNITY

ular Adventures Spectac in British Columbia!

Call Denver Today!

COUGAR • LYNX • BOBCAT • MULE DEER • WHITETAIL DEER SHIRAS MOOSE • ELK • BLACK BEAR • WOLF

DENVER KITZAN • USA: 701-590-0013 • Canada: 250-462-7406 • www.k9scougarcanyon.com

Tim & Astrid Faiers SOUTHEASTERN BC TEL/FAX

250.225.3551 1712 Eastman Avenue Riondel BC V0B 2B0

shadowmtguides@bluebell.ca

•

shadowmountainoutfitters.ca Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 |

53

R

udi Kohl, born 1964 in Trier, Germany, is a self-taught artist. Starting in his youth, he endeavored to incorporate his love for nature and wildlife into his art. He works mainly in oil on canvas or wood, but also in watercolor and pencil. He regards his work on driftwood to be the best idea of his artistic career so far. On this medium it is his wish to give the dead piece of wood new life – and perhaps even a soul. Whether or not he succeeds at this, he admits, is in the eye of the beholder.

What Rudi wants to expose to the viewers of his work is the splendor of nature.

“It may sound cheesy,” he almost apologizes, “but nature is simply unbelievably beautiful to me. When I see how each little thing is thought through - that’s so fascinating! That’s why I’m concerned when people do not recognize this marvel and endanger it.”

Continued ON page 56

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 | 55

Continued From page 55 For Rudi, “perfectly thought through” is not just the reality of nature. He seeks the same in his artistic expression. He pays particular attention to the eyes of the animal when painting – to him, the most important thing. This is where he begins every painting.

His works are realistic, even perfectionistic. With a passion for drawing attention to the smallest detail, while in nature he strives to absorb every small detail with alert eyes. He then paints animals and landscapes in their natural beauty, endeavoring to capture and reproduce even the smallest nuance in his works. He is particularly fascinated by the autumn and winter landscapes, painting the dampness of fall in all its variety of enthusiastic colors and grasses that have been bitten by the frost. Viewers of his work will find animals in their true habitat, and often, not the animal but nature is in the foreground.

“My next picture will be the best I have ever painted.” This intention may sound exaggerated but is one that Rudi carries within him whenever occupied by a new work.

He admits that it often weighs heavy. “But this burden is beautiful too,” he says. He feels deep

satisfaction when, after many hours of artistic toil, he can finally step back and look at his canvas without his inner critic whispering, „Junge, das ist noch nicht das Gelbe vom Ei!“ which literally translates to “Boy, that’s not the yellow of the egg yet!” Or, as we would say in English, “that’s not exactly brilliant yet!”

Rudi’s struggle for the most realistic portrayal does not go so far as to make the viewer look upon his paintings and say, “that looks like a photograph.” In fact, Rudi sees such a response as “a real problem.” From a good painting he expects “more life and more depth than a photograph.” And in a compliment, he has come to hope for much more as well. He recalls an experience with a painting of an elephant that hung on his living room wall. “I had never invested so much effort with a picture as with this one.” One day a friend came to visit, along with her dog. While the friend sat down in a chair, her companion lay down on the carpet and steadily fixed upon the elephant on the wall.

The dog began to growl and did not stop. Rudi recalls with joyful enthusiasm, “it was a beautiful compliment! No more beautiful a compliment could have been given to me by a human than was made to me by this crossbreed dog!” Since that event it has become his goal to “at some point become so good that all dogs growl.”

The artist lives and works in Westphalia, Germany.

To learn more about Rudi, visit his website:

www.wildlife-art-rudi-kohl.de 56 |

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 | 57

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by Bob Spo

60 | Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

On the last full day of our twelve-day hunt, my son, Mitch, had taken his first moose, a beautiful big bull with one clean shot. What an unbelievable hunt. Then the work began. First removal of the cape. Then the quarters. I was skinning the head for a European mount while Richard, our guide with Tuchodi River Outfitters, was finishing up with the loins. Mitch was on the lookout for “company”. We were nearly finished with the moose: backstraps and quarters cooling on buckbrush and the head nearly caped out when Mitch suddenly said in a loud voice “We have company and they’re coming in fast!” Richard told Mitch to put a couple of shots over the two yearling grizzlies to turn them. Mitch did but it didn’t work.

From initially 300 yards, they were now 200 yards and closing. “Shoot again...”

W

hile this incident was truly exhilarating, it was one of just many that took place during our hunt in the fall of 2016 with Tuchodi River Outfitters. But, before I detail the rest, the real story starts several years earlier.

In 2013 while hunting whitetail in Alberta, I described to the outfitter the challenges I had experienced on an earlier moose hunt in British Columbia.

He told me that he guided for Tuchodi River Outfitters and said it was a class A outfit that would

do everything they could to make your hunt a memorable one. Upon returning from Alberta, I went on-line and did some research on Tuchodi and after trading some emails with owner, Larry Warren, I booked a hunt for 2014.

It was a long year, but the fall of 2014 was finally there. After several air connections, I arrived in Fort Nelson ready and anxious to start my second moose hunt. After a brief flight in a Piper Cub, I was dropped in a spike camp along a mountain stream. I was quick to grab my bow and take another stab at the BC moose but after ten days of hard hunting in the most beautiful area that I have ever been to, along with one of the best guides (Lawson) I had in my life, I came home empty handed once again. While I blew the chance with an elk that was literally five yards away, my chance at getting a moose was fleeting.

The outfitter knew of my bad experience on my previous moose hunt, so he put me with one of his top guides in some of the best spots that he had.

Everyone held up their part of the bargain except the moose - they were nowhere to be found. Oh,

we did see moose but nothing that was legal, that is with three points on a brow tine. It was as if they all migrated out of the area. Valley after valley, range after range with countless saddle sores, we couldn’t locate a legal moose. Finally, on the last full day before we had to pack out and head for base camp, we found a tripalm bull. After trying several times at calling and raking spruce, we couldn’t get him into bow range. While my first choice was to take a moose with a bow I also wanted to go home with some moose meat, so when Lawson offered his rifle, I took him up on it. Just as I was getting ready to shoot it started snowing-heavily!

There he was, standing broadside at 100 yards, and in less time than it takes to tell this, he disappeared in a sheet of snow. We mounted our horses and tried to track him to no avail; he had slipped into a white oblivion, along with my last chance to take a moose.

It was a long 12 hour ride out of that gorgeous wilderness full of thoughts of “what could have been” but my second moose hunt was over, and I never thought that I would be back to this country. Yes, I was disappointed on not getting my moose, but I had given it my all and I was comforted by the friends I had made and the experiences that had come along with it.

While debriefing with outfitter, Larry Warren, he could clearly see that I was disappointed, as was he, as he put me with a great guide in an area that was “loaded with moose last year.” It didn’t Continued ON page 62

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61

Little did I know what lay ahead at this point and that seeing grizzlies was going to be much more than an occasional sighting.

Continued From page 61 help that I was the only one in camp After a relaxing evening and good that didn’t have a shot at a moose. “How night’s sleep, Mitch and I headed to the about this?” Larry said that if I wanted, airport to await our morning pickup for he would offer me a father and son hunt. a thirty-minute flight to base camp. On My cost would be similar, but it would be our flight, I was filled with memories of a substantially reduced amount to bring the last two hunts. “This has got to be the my son, making it a great opportunity time,” I said to myself. Even if I couldn’t to share this experience. When I told get one, I was hoping at least my son, Larry that my son was not a “youth” but Mitch, would score. a recent college grad, he still graciously accommodated me. I booked the hunt and we were all set for a fall 2016 hunt.

Before we knew it, fall was there. Since I was now semi-retired, and Mitch just fresh out of college, we decided to drive from Wisconsin to Fort Nelson - a 2200mile one-way trip, but hey, with two hunters one of us should get an elk or moose and hopefully, maybe even two moose. With two freezers and our gear loaded in the pickup truck we headed out on our journey. After three days of traveling across the northern US and crossing into the Prairie provinces, we arrived in Fort Nelson the day before our departure date.

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.300 Mag. The three of us shared a tent the next several days while sharing our hunting adventures at day’s end. After a short flight, the plane banked along a river basin and landed on a makeshift landing strip. After unloading our gear, we helped load the gear of the successful hunters heading back to basecamp. We met our guides: Richard would guide Mitch and me, and Jessie would guide The turboprop touched down on Bill. Also in camp helping out was our the grassy runway, lined with hills wrangler, Morgan, and our camp cook, covered with shimmering golden Kerstine. aspen set against a deep blue sky. Base camp reminded me of a dude ranch No need to unpack too much the first in Montana: split rail fencing, corrals evening as we were going to pack up the filled with horses and multiple rustic horses and ride on over the mountain log cabins scattered beneath a grove of pass first thing in the morning heading aspen trees, set along the Tuchodi River, to a new spike camp. hence the name of the outfit.

Weather was perfect for a day’s ride with After a quick lunch and taking care of little incident and as we rode down into license details, it was time to jump back the valley where we were going to set in the plane and head off to a spike camp up camp, game teemed. We saw moose, while the weather was still cooperating. elk and of course grizzly bears. Little We were joined by one more hunter, did I know what lay ahead at this point Bill, from Ohio. Bill and I were after our and that seeing grizzlies was going to be moose and elk with a bow, Mitch with a much more than an occasional sighting.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018

We rode into camp around 5:30 pm and once we finished unpacking the horses, almost on cue, the skies opened up and poured rain for the next hour. Later that evening we were joined by one more guide, Chris, and a wrangler, Sam. After a great moose chili and biscuits, we all headed for bed with high hopes for our first day of hunting.

Having over seven cows and calves keeping him company meant having lots of eyes to help keep watch. As we were riding towards the bull, Richard, our guide, remembered that he left his paddle back at camp so to keep an eye out for a shoulder blade. “Yeah, right, I’m sure there’ll be one just around the river bend.” As our luck would have it, Richard spotted a bleached blade lying on the After a hearty breakfast from Kerstine, ground. That was a good omen! It was Mitch and I mounted up and headed out the only shoulder blade we saw all week. along with guides Richard and Chris, with temps in the 30s and snow flurries floating After some sweet cow calling and raking down. It didn’t take long before we started the shoulder blade on the brush, the bull seeing moose and elk a few miles from came within range for a shot. Navigating camp along the river bottomland. Not some tall buck brush, I took aim and knowing how long the moose rut was fired. With the tall brush, it forced a going on, it was decided that since I was higher shot than I wanted to take but the using a bow, that I would get first dibs arrow found its mark, albeit a bit high. on stalking the first acceptable moose we came across. After seeing several throughout the day, we finally found one that was in the 50” class and that had three brow tines, making it legal game.

The moose was across the valley, so it would take a long ride and then stalk, and it wouldn’t be easy as this bull had a huge harem.

The moose lurched forward and trotted back in the brush. Approaching the spot where we last saw the bull, I was happy to see that he was still in the area but miserable to see that he was still alive.

While he was severely wounded, I didn’t want to take a chance that he would head for the thick willows, so I made the

decision to finish the kill using Mitch’s rifle. One shot and the bull was mine. In a normal situation, when a bull is killed the cows scatter for safer ground. As I was going to find out, this trip was anything but ‘normal’. Not only did the cows not scatter, it looked like they wanted to take us on. With ears pinned back on two mature cows, we literally stood on guard with the rifle ready, half expecting a charge. The entire harem stayed within 50 yards, all staring at us, as we quartered and packed their leader. Richard had said he had never seen such a standoff.

It was very unnerving, so much so that I almost forgot how excited I should feel after finally scoring on a nearly 55” bull moose that took three trips to BC to get.

There were still the high fives and back slaps but we all had one eye on those cows while we were celebrating. The only casualty that day was Chris losing his cell phone somewhere during the long ride. “Good luck finding that!” we all said.

Continued ON page 64

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 | 63

of my son, Mitch. We all whirled at Chris’s sighting. It seemed that the bear was as shocked as we were and, in a flash, spun around and headed downhill

towards

the

river valley. The only person that had a gun at that moment was Mitch.

It was lying alongside him, which would have made it nearly impossible for him to react in time to use it. What could have been a life and death situation turned into a cautious comic relief. With the guides’ guns still in their scabbards a couple of hundred yards down the mountain along with my bow, we had made a mistake in Continued From page 63 With my bull in camp it was time to work close as we could without spooking them on Mitch’s game opportunity. It didn’t and hope they would drift over the ridge matter whether it was a moose or an where we could resume our stalk, so elk; he had shot neither, so just having it was a waiting game. While waiting, the opportunity to bag either one was a we soaked in the spectacular scenery around us with the mountains reaching huge thrill. into the sky and a broad valley with a The new day broke with heavy clouds thread of a river below us. Then, while filled with rain and rain it did. Although trying to entice the herd bull to bring his we rode out of camp somewhat dry, we harem down to us, we noticed a golden rode back in wet and cold. While we eagle soaring above the herd. Mitch had did see several elk, nothing was legal, never seen a golden eagle, so this was a meaning it had to have at least six points treat to observe. As we watched, the eagle on one side. The creeks we crossed in the flew lower and lower and then suddenly morning were full-fledged rivers flowing took off after a cow, forcing the elk to run with haste by mid-afternoon. Nothing down the mountain side at full speed. worthwhile was going to happen that With the eagle in hot pursuit, the elk lost day so it was back to camp to dry out. her footing and tripped and flipped three The next morning was cooler with snow times down the hill! Head over heels, the flurries in the air, a better alternative to cow went right before our eyes, before the steady rain that occurred the prior finally getting her footing and running day. Soon into the ride up the river on down the hill as the eagle gave up the valley the skies started to loosen up chase. “WOW!” remarked Richard; it was with patches of blue sky offering up a a first for all of us to experience. day of promise. After a two hour ride we We had just settled down from nature’s spotted a herd of elk up a hillside with a theatrics when Chris screamed out loud few nice bulls in the group but with little “GRIZZLY!” A grizzly, hearing our cow more than buckbrush between us and calling, had come stalking us expecting them, it was going to be a tough stalk. to find elk instead of hunters. The grizzly, Our only bet at that time was to get as when first spotted, was within a few feet

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leaving our protection behind. The bull elk, seeing all the commotion, gathered his herd and walked over the ridge, just what we needed to pursue him. Thirty minutes later we did an end-run on the herd resulting in Mitch placing a perfect shot in the bull’s boiler room with his .300 mag at only fifty yards. We quartered the bull, loaded up the packs and headed back to camp. “What a day!” remarked Richard, more firsts for this guide.

After another day of searching the valley for Mitch’s bull moose, all we saw were some cow moose and a few elk sightings.

With only one day left, the pressure was on. Our last day started out with promise as the valley had received a fresh blanket of snow overnight and dawn broke clear and cold. We rode up the valley to the pass and then started to work our way back, looking in every draw that could hide a moose.

While eating lunch along the river bottom we spotted a gorgeous elk, at least a 7x7. Not having punched my tag, it was very tempting.

But I knew that if we went after that elk, Mitch’s chance of getting a moose would evaporate. We moved on down the river continuing our search

hoping to find a good bull. Seemingly out of nowhere, a bull moose appeared.

Our guide Richard said it wasn’t there a minute prior. He signaled to Mitch that it was a legal bull and to dismount and get positioned for the shot. Mitch was able to make the shot. Five minutes later we were staring over Mitch’s first moose, a nice 50” BC beauty. After plenty of pictures, the real work of skinning and quartering the moose began in earnest as the late afternoon was upon us.

Fifty yards and they both stood up to get had never been chased off a kill before. a bearing on their dinner. Both Richard “You guys need to head back to Wisconsin and Mitch shot over their heads that time before you get me killed!” exclaimed and that caused them to scatter. With no Richard. I replied, “Well, with our moose time to waste, we grabbed the horses, I tags filled, we can go back now.” We all grabbed the rack and we got the hell out smiled and rode back to camp with lots of of there. We nearly ran down the hillside memories, our behinds intact, and some holding on to the reins - and dear life - to great friendships formed. stay ahead of the spooked horses. After

Just how bizarre was this trip? placing a considerable distance between Remember that cell phone that Chris the carcass and us, we slowed and turned lost somewhere in thirty square miles around to see where the bears were. They of uncut wilderness? It so happened Just as we were finishing up, Mitch were already feasting on the fresh loins that while I was riding back to camp, I happened to look down the valley and hanging on the buck brush. We got the glanced down in the buckbrush and saw noticed movement coming towards rack, the bears got the meat, not a great something glittering in the sun. I couldn’t us. “It looks like we have company trade but considering our lives were also believe my eyes when I dismounted and coming in hot!” Mitch exclaimed. Two up for barter, we came out ok. “That was saw that it was Chris’ phone, miles from yearling grizzlies were on their way another first,” said Richard. He had lost camp in an absolute tangle of brush, still after catching scent of the fresh moose. meat left overnight before to grizzlies but in working order. That was a first for me!

Richard instructed Mitch to shoot over their heads to scare them. One shot had no reaction, and they were still coming.

Two hundred yards and they were still closing in. Richard hollered to shoot again and instructed me to start packing gear.

Hundred yards and still coming.

Editor’s Note: You can reach Tuchodi River Outfitters Ltd. at 250-263-5537, or visit their website at www.tuchodiriveroutfitters.com

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2018 | 65

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“So, you’re saying!” - Don’t Let Others Misrepresent Your Words!

“So, you’re saying killing animals is good!”

Imagine you, a hunter, are having a conversation with a non-hunter about the benefits of legal regulated hunting.

Presumably, you want to have a respectful fact-based exchange of ideas. You inform them that legal hunting accomplishes virtuous goals such as improving the health of animal herds, reducing animal starvation, reducing human fatalities with some species and providing livelihoods and tourism dollars. You talk about scientific game management and land carrying capacity. If the non-hunter makes a good point, you acknowledge it and, if justified, amend your arguments. You hope to persuade the non-hunter that, in the totality of all the circumstances, hunting, whether in general or regarding a specific species—a grizzly bear or a black rhinoceros, for example—is beneficial.

not say. Testing the limits of your grace, you reply, “What does killing more of them mean? You use a phrase that has no meaning! More than what number?” You restate that animals die for the reasons you explained before.

Lessons can be learned from these two examples, which are not

hypothetical. I have had these discussions. In the first example, please note that the non-hunter is illogically and probably intentionally misrepresenting your statement, asserting that you said all killing was good. This misrepresentation is morally obscene. Then the non-hunter treats you like an ideological enemy and disrespectfully dismisses your points by saying ‘let’s move on.’ In the second example, the non-hunter rejects all logic and judgment by using the meaningless phrase Your non-hunter conversationalist then looks at you with a “saving animals by killing more animals.” More ‘gotcha’ sneer and retorts: “So, you’re saying killing animals than simplistic and false, the charge is good!” is ethically reprehensible. The exchange treats the hunter A shock runs down your spine. Your body stiffens. You as a mindless killer challenge yourself to reply respectfully. “I’m not saying that while ignoring the at all,” you exclaim. You repeat that hunting involves a limited points you made. number of animals based on scientific game management and ethics. You talk about animals lost to disease, poaching, My point: we predation, starvation and injuries. The non-hunter responds hunters must dismissively without addressing any of your points. “Okay, be aware of the let’s move on.” structure of the The conversation continues until the non-hunter interjects: “Okay, what I hear you saying is that hunters save animals by killing more of them! That strikes me as absurd!”

The nature of the challenge has just ramped up. You silently ponder how a person can ‘hear’ you say something you did

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