Mountain Hunter Magazine Spring 2017 by Guide Outfitters of BC

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Never Too Old For Your First Hunt A Great Goat

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

FEATURE STORY

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One for the Books

MOUNTAIN HUNTER:

Robin L Green

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.MountainHunter.com

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Michael Schneider Brian Glaicar Mark Werner Sean Olmstead Darwin Cary Colin Niemeyer Michael Young Doug McMann

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

LOCAL PRESIDENTS: AL MADLEY Ken Watson Quintin Thompson Sonny Perkinson Bruce Ambler Marc Hubbard Ken Robins Mike Lewis

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

Feature Stories

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this issue

John Keeney on his Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation (WWIAF) Hunt with Skinner Creek Hunts Photo Credit: Danny Kirsic

Never too old for your first hunt

A Great Goat!

Leon Houser

Bob Anderson

Departments 2

GOABC President’s Corner

Conservation MattersTM

News & Views

From a Legal Perspective

Preferred Conservation Partners

Guides Gallery

Convention 2017

Artist Feature

Thank You to All Our Supporters

Camp Cook’s Corner

Story Contest Winners

That Some May Follow

STAFF: SCOTT ELLIS JENNIFER JOHNSON Craig Sweetman BRENDA NELSON

Executive Director Executive Assistant and Member Services Consumer Marketing Director Senior Editor and Content Quality Oversight

ADVERTISERS A Bar Z Outfitters..................17

Grand Slam Club/Ovis.........45

Packhorse Creek Outfitters..17

Ambler’s Bighorn Country Guiding................................48

Gundahoo River Outfitters....37

Pelly Lake Wilderness Outfitters..............................17

Atna Outfiters........................66 Bar WK Ranch & Outfitters..48 (403) 357-8414 HAROLD GRINDE KELLY HOUGEN WERNER ASCHBACHER

President Past-President Secretary

BC Log Cabins Ltd................67 BC Trophy Mountain Outfitters.............................66 Beaverfoot Outfitting...........49 Besa River Outfitters.............52 Bonnet Plume Outfitters.......36

(867) 668-4118 Chris McKinnon Dean Sandulak Shawn Wasel

President Past-President Executive Director

Adobe Stock: mikecleggphoto, maestrovideo, donatas1205, lightpoet Depositphotos.com: Irochka, belchonock, Lara_Cold, igabriela, Apostrophe, destinacigdem, titoOnz iStockphoto: Natalia Pushchina All rights reserved. Articles and advertising in Mountain Hunter do not necessarily reflect the view or directions of the GOABC. The GOABC reserves to the right to refuse any advertisements. Designed in Canada by PG Web Designs Printed in the United States of America by Forum Communication Printing - Fargo, North Dakota

Boone & Crockett Club..........52 Bugle Basin Outfitters..........66 Cariboo Mountain Outfitters..49 Covert Outfitting..................36

Horst Mindermann (Remax)............................OBC K9’s Cougar Canyon Outfitters Inc........................30

Rocky Mountain High Outfitters.............................5 Safari Club International...IFC

Kettle River Guides & Outfitters............................16

Scoop Lake Outfitters............58

Larry Erickson’s Alpine Adventures.........................48

Sikanni River Outfitters.......49

Leupold & Stevens...............49 Little Dease Ventures............37 Love Bros. & Lee....................52 Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters............................16

Shadow Mountain Outfitters..30 Silent Mountain Outfitters.....31 Sitka Gear.................................10 Sonny’s Guiding Service.........17 South Nahanni Outfitters........58 Sports Afield.............................35

McCowans Sporting Properties.............................37

Thank You from GOABC..........9

Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters.............................31

McGregor River Outfitters....36

Tuchodi River Outfitters..........16

Eureka Peak Lodge & Outfitters.............................66

Mervyn’s Yukon Outfitting...5

Wholesale Sports...................IBC

Okanagan Outfitters...............5

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

Opatcho Lake Guide Outfitters..58

Yukon Big Game Outfitters...31

Dallas Safari Club.................53

Gana River Outfitters...........37

Tribute: Richard Foyston........30

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

GOABC PRESIDENT’S CORNER I am writing this while in beautiful Nelson, BC attending the BC Wildlife Federation AGM. We are also 4 days before the BC provincial election and are confident that the stakeholders’ common wildlife and habitat concerns have been heard by many of the candidates. What that will result in is left to be seen but the government’s commitment to the wildlife agency is exciting news if it remains focused on growing wildlife. In this issue of the Mountain Hunter you will see some great highlights from our GOABC 2017 AGM Convention held in Victoria. Members enjoyed the opportunities to connect with government staff from many different branches and ministries as well as the MLAs from the NDP and BC Liberal parties that participated at our events. Members’ messages were loud and clear and by the time you read this, the provincial election will be over and your GOABC representatives will follow up with government on the issues raised. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated to our auction, and supported the auction online, or volunteered their time to organize and help staff the event! The GOABC is working with the BC Wildlife Federation, Wild Sheep Society of BC, BC Trappers Association, the Wilderness Stewardship Council and the United Bowhunters of BC and other stakeholders to rebuild relationships for the benefit of wildlife in our province. We also reached out to another large stakeholder organization, the Council of Forest Industries (COFI), and presented our industry concerns. We are encouraged by the response and their desire to work together to address some of these issues.

Michael Schneider, President, GOABC

Wildlife Stewardship

is our Priority

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

In conservation, Michael TM

VIEWS

NEWS &

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

The GOABC acts as both the industry association and as an advocate for effective wildlife management. Wildlife management is getting more complex and much more political. In British Columbia, we are moving away from the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation where laws and science drive wildlife management decisions.

you hunt grizzly bears or not, we would like you to support local and international organizations that fight for the things you believe in – the GOABC is one such organization. To find out more about grizzly bears, please visit www.BearsinBC.com.

Another group that is getting traction on an international This is most evident in the grizzly bear hunt – often called stage is Crucial 2 Conservation (C2C). C2C is a broad a trophy hunt (by those who wish it to end). The fate of the coalition of stakeholders from around the world who share grizzly hunt hangs in the balance of the upcoming provincial a passion for supporting wildlife and habitat conservation election (May 9, 2017). by promoting management policies and best practices that help ensure a diverse ecosystem for generations to come. The grizzly bear hunt is one of the most tightly controlled They seek to develop, nurture, and sustain efforts to educate hunts on the planet. Outfitters are on a strict quota and and engage with the public about wildlife and wildlife resident hunters must win a lottery to obtain a tag (these habitat issues. Their efforts include promoting scientifically controls have been in place since 1976). If the hunter based wildlife management utilizing all the necessary tools, is successful, the bear must be Compulsory Inspected including legally managed hunting, for the benefit of a by government officials. The government policies and whole-ecosystem approach to wildlife conservation. procedures surrounding the hunt have held up to provincial, national and international scrutiny. Where there is a The mission of C2C is to promote broader public surplus of bears, a hunt is allowed. understanding and the critical importance of modern day wildlife conservation and habitat stewardship - Globally. One thing is clear - people are passionate about wildlife. Many urban people believe that grizzly bear populations I urge you all to get involved to support organizations that in British Columbia are declining and hunting is the main advocate for what we love…and “hug a hunter.” cause. This is just not the case. The GOABC continues to advocate for proper wildlife management based on the North American Model. Whether

Straight shooting and safe travels. Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

NEWS & VIEWS

Harold Grinde, President, Association of Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters

There will be some changes happening in the Mackenzie Mountains in 2017 with the sale of one of the outfitting areas and the pending sale of another. The seven community land corporations in the SAHTU settlement region have joined together to exercise their right of first refusal and purchase the former Ramshead Outfitters Ltd. The new outfit will be called Canol Outfitters, and their new manager is Glenda Groat. Glenda is no stranger to the outfitting industry—she worked for many years as a guide for Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters. Glenda’s grandfather, father and mother all spent many years working in the industry as well. We want to wish Canol Outfitters and Glenda all the best in the coming season. We would also like to wish former owners Stan and Deb Simpson and their girls all the best after their many years as outfitters in the region.

Greg (Griz) & Ginger Turner have entered into a purchase agreement to purchase Redstone Trophy Hunts. Griz & Ginger have lots of experience in our industry having been the long time operators of Lost Creek Outfitters in Wyoming. At the time of writing the sale is pending with a closing date scheduled for April 7, 2017. We want to wish Griz & Ginger all of the best with closing the agreement and with their future as outfitters in the Mackenzie Mountains. They will be operating the area as Raven’s Throat Outfitters once the deal has closed. We would also like to wish David & Dallas Dutchik all of the best after their many years of operating Redstone Trophy Hunts. For those of us who are blessed to outfit in the Mackenzie Mountains the 2017 season is fast approaching. I hope that all of you have your hunts booked for this season and I want to wish you all enjoyable and successful hunts wherever your hunting addiction happens to take you. Good Hunting! Harold Grinde - President, AMMO

Chris McKinnon, President, Yukon Outfitters Association

As outfitters, guides, and hunters, we have a common thread, someone that first introduced us all to wild places with gun in hand. For most it was an elder: a parent, an uncle, a grandparent that planted the seed. At some point a little switch turned on and left many of us wanting more; we became hunters. The wild places and the mental and physical lessons they taught (about hard work, working smarter, listening, and solving problems) continually left us wanting more. With each passing season, as hunters, we have acquired more stories of adventure and misadventure; often shared around a warm fire. A common backdrop for our stories was a wild place; a place that in the past perhaps existed in part by chance, a portion of the frontier yet undeveloped. For many of us, with each passing year, we have all individually seen the wild places we had our first adventures in become less wild at best, and become a subdivision at worst. The foundation of many of our greatest hunting adventures is wild places.

Looking forward, conservation of wild places clearly must be planned: conservation by design. As individuals who have had the privilege to experience these wild places we must assume some of the responsibility for passing on the future opportunity once we are gone. Hunting organizations globally hold habitat conservation high on their strategic initiatives. However, in the face of “progress” such as roads and mining, we in the hunting fraternity are few. How will conservation of wild places be realized going forward? Are there strategic partnerships to be realized to help ensure the protection of wild places in the future? On behalf of the members of the Yukon Outfitter Association we look forward to hosting you; hopefully in a wild place, with a warm fire, and a cold refreshment in hand. Chris McKinnon - President, YOA

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

BIGHORN SHEEP ELK GOAT GRIZZLY BLACK BEAR MULE DEER WHITETAIL DEER SHIRAS MOOSE COUGAR TURKEY WOLF LYNX BOBCAT

Marty and Carrie Lightburn PO Box 69, Jaffray, British Columbia, Canada V0B 1T0 Cel: 250.489.9058 | www.rmho.ca | info@rmho.ca

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

Safari Club INTERNATIONAL This election facing British Columbia is perhaps the most important election for hunters, outfitters and guides in recent history. The Liberal Party is being challenged by BC’s New Democratic Party. While many important issues are at stake, perhaps the key question for hunters, particularly outfitted nonresident hunters, is whether or not well managed grizzly bear hunting will be allowed to continue. Although government population figures indicate a healthy and sustainable bear population, the NDP has taken a position that, if elected, hunting these great bears will be severely curtailed, if not eliminated entirely. That position has caught the attention of hunters across Canada and in the United States. At the recent Safari Club International convention, GOABC Executive Director Scott Ellis met with key SCI members, including Government Affairs Committee Chair Eddie Grasser and SCI-Canada Operations Manager, Jason St. Michael and outlined the situation, issues and needs necessary to preserve BC’s grizzly bear hunting. And SCI stepped up to the plate. Chapters in the United States pledged $27,000 to assist GOABC; but our

Canadian Chapters pledged even more. Mr. St. Michael said at the beginning of March, “Recent contributions should increase the Canadian chapters’ overall contribution to at least $45,000 to $50,000.” All in all, SCI has pledged nearly $77,000 to support GOABC in this election. At this time of writing, the election is only a few weeks away and there is never any guarantee how the vote will end up. But one thing is certain, in a time of need, SCI has stepped up to the plate to assist GOABC. It never hurts to get a little help from your friends! - John Boretsky, SCI Dallas Safari Club

“Cabela’s gracious donation will expand efforts to document an elusive species to help further its conservation,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “In our community, we raise funds and approve grants for conservation in a big way. But sometimes, it’s just a matter of picking up the phone and making a direct connection with the source. That’s what makes this community stronger.” “DSC is glad to help put those actively working to conserve wildlife in touch with our industry partners who share the same goals and values,” said DSC President Craig Nyhus. “We would like to thank Cabela’s for their generosity and commitment to joining our mission of securing a future for wildlife.”

The 25 donated trail cameras will be distributed amongst 12 different hunting operators in Tanzania and Zambia to DSC is shipping 25 trail cameras donated ensure maximum data collection during by Cabela’s to Zambia Lion Project’s pilot the upcoming hunting season. program to conduct leopard surveys in Zambia and Tanzania. DSC and the DSC The newly developed program aims to Foundation support the Zambia Lion gather documentation of numbers and Project through their grant program distribution of leopards across multiple aimed at conserving wildlife and hunting blocks comprised of various habitat. DSC Executive Director Ben habitat types. The results will be used to Carter was instrumental in facilitating generate scientifically-based population estimates that support sustainable the donation. DSC Ships Trail Cameras to African Leopard Research Project

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

utilization of leopard hunting in Africa. This data will be useful in the effort to combat sentimental arguments put forth by anti-hunting groups seeking to sway decision makers with emotional rhetoric. - Ben Carter, Executive Director Wild Sheep Foundation Wild Sheep Foundation Conducts Successful Thinhorn Sheep Summit II

for enhancing management of Dall’s and Stone’s sheep in Alaska, northern British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon Territory. “With 30 generous business, organizational, and individual sponsors, the Wild Sheep Foundation was able to provide an excellent forum to discuss and prioritize management challenges faced by thinhorn sheep in these four northern jurisdictions,” said Kevin Hurley, WSF Senior Conservation Director and Thinhorn Sheep Program Lead. “Dall’s sheep and Stone’s sheep face a changing North,” added Hurley, “where human footprint, changing climates, and potential pathogen transmission from domestic sheep and goats require conservationists to step up, raise funds, take action, and work to ensure a bright future for thinhorn sheep.”

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), the international leader in the conservation and restoration of wild sheep, held a successful Thinhorn Sheep Summit II in Anchorage, Alaska last week, bringing together more than 110 Dall’s sheep and Stone’s sheep wildlife managers and veterinarians, First Nations representatives, federal land and resource management experts, geneticists, resident hunters, guide/ A synthesis of discussion and action outfitter representatives, interested items will be prepared over the next sportsmen and women, and other month, to be shared with summit stakeholders. attendees, wild sheep management Building upon the first-ever Thinhorn agencies, and WSF Chapters and Sheep Summit I held three years ago in Affiliates around North America; this Richmond, British Columbia, this second summary/synthesis will also be posted gathering spent two days focused on to WSF’s website, for public access and evaluating challenges and opportunities download.

“We brought the right mix of experts together to fully explain thinhorn sheep issues, identify needed resources, and prioritize next steps to be taken, to benefit Dall’s sheep and Stone’s sheep in the North,” added Gray N. Thornton, WSF President and CEO. “WSF and our dedicated members and partners will fully engage in the crucial work to maintain and enhance thinhorn sheep populations and their habitats,” stated Thornton. - Gray Thornton, President and CEO GRAND SLAM CLUB/OVIS OPTIMISTIC We are just coming off convention season, and from all indications, the conventions hosted by conservation organizations were all good. I of course can speak directly only for GSCO, but we had our best convention ever. You will notice that I titled my column this time “Optimistic.” I want to relate that title first to our convention. From day one, with exhibitor move-in and our welcome party that evening, it was apparent that everyone had an optimistic attitude.

Continued ON page 8

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

PREFERRED CONSERVATION PARTNERS

Continued From page 7 That literally extended to every single event we had. Our banquets and auctions seemed to benefit directly from this extreme optimism. Our auctions hit some pretty special peaks, but the most important part was that our bottom line of funds raised for conservation was the highest ever. The next point I want to attribute to my title of “Optimistic” is that this is a new day in the USA. Because of the close relationship of the USA and Canada, it seems that this optimistic view of the future is translating north of our border. Frankly, even though there might be some negative talk concerning our southern border neighbor of Mexico, I still find optimism there. Even our European friends in the hunting and

people reading this column will realize conservation and hunting should benefit greatly from these appointments. Only time will tell, of course … but did I mention I am optimistic? - Dennis Campbell, Executive Director Boone & Crockett All Hunters Are Brothers There is no question that as a small segment of society, hunters should stick together. There is enough outside pressure and criticism that has been put on hunting for hunters to be divided into different camps. We have a long history of sticking together, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for differences within our camp or, for that matter, that bad behavior should get a free pass.

one of the things that has made hunting a special, time-honored tradition is hunters policing themselves. How we conduct ourselves individually reflects either positively or negatively on all hunters as a group, and hunting in general. People make mistakes, which is why our society is forgiving and keen on second chances. This is as long as the leadership, governing bodies, and their participants are seen proactively trying to correct mistakes.

It may not be written anywhere on your hunting license, but if you hunt you have a responsibility to ensure hunting is both safe and done in a respectful and ethical manner. Sometimes this means calling out those things you believe to be either unsafe or not acting with conservation arena are optimistic the spirit of the hunt. Claiming that concerning changes in the U.S. Traditions and customs in hunting anything goes as long as it is legal is not I try to stay away from mixing politics are important. This includes local always the right call. and conservation. However, at this traditions and how people choose to Yes, hunters should all be in the same time in history it is impossible to hunt, be it gun or bow; rifle or shotgun, boat and stick together, but if someone ignore the relationship. For example, recurve or compound; ground blind is shooting holes in that boat, sooner or President Trump’s appointments for or treestand; still-hunting or calling, later we’re all going to get wet. the Department of Energy, Department and even with dogs or over bait where - Keith Balfourd, Director of Marketing of Agriculture, and most specifically legal. In most instances, the majority of hunters understand, and accept these the Department of Interior and Environmental Protection Agency, ALL differences. The real rub with sticking will affect, directly or indirectly, hunting together comes in with poor choices and conservation. I do not want to get and bad behavior. No one likes to be the out into the weeds on this, but most cop policing the behavior of others, but

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

Thank You Thank You to the Dallas Safari Club and Safari Club International (and its contributing chapters) for their financial support to help the GOABC protect the right for non-residents to hunt in B.C.

SCI Drayton Valley

SCI Northwest Chapter

SCI Red Deer and District

Southern New Mexico Chapter

SCI Calgary

SCI Alaska Chapter

Saskatchewan Rivers Chapter

SCI Detroit Chapter

SCI Manitoba

SCI Wisconsin Chapter

SCI Southwestern Ontario

Bowhunters Fund of SCIF

SCI Algonquin

National Capital Chapter SCI

SCI Outaouais

SCI Michigan Chapter

SCI Montreal

Louisiana Chapter

SCI Ontario

SCI Minnesota Chapter

Texas Brush Country Chapter

SCI Seattle Puget Sound Chapter West Texas Chapter SCI Pittsburg Lehigh Valley SCI

NEVER

Too Old

FOR YOUR

First Hunt by Leon Houser

“Oh no. It’s not coming down,” said Ronald, who happened to be on his first big game hunt at age 79! His dream bear had locked on to a branch 90 feet up a fir tree with no way of retrieving his trophy. This had now become his worst nightmare.

he idea for this hunt started in of killing a bear. Little did we know that January 2015 when Ronald’s son Steve would fall ill with a brain tumour Steve, was hunting geese on our and pass away before this hunt could property. I stopped by for a visit. Both take place. Steve and his dad, Ronald, hunted but With Steve passing on, I wished to see neither had ever been on a big game Ronald fulfill his dream and take a bear. hunting trip. Steve had asked me to find Knowing my younger brother Glenn, a place where he could go with his dad who was a young 71, also wanted to for mule deer or elk for the upcoming kill a bear I started looking for a hunt season. I explained to Steve that the elk that would work for us all. That same and deer seasons would interfere with week Mountain Hunter Magazine his work and possibly a spring bear hunt showed up at the door and in it was a would work out better and give Ronald great article about Skinner Creek Hunts a chance at completing a life long dream and the great trip they had hosted for

Wounded Warriors In Action, for a black bear hunt using dogs. Growing up in Pennsylvania, we hunted with beagles and really enjoyed it. Ronald had continued hunting with beagles into his seventies and had given it up as his ability to walk diminished. I called Doug McMann from Skinner Creek Hunts and talked to him about his operation and whether he felt he could get both Ronald and Glenn a bear, or at least get them out to hear the hounds and experience Continued ON page 12

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

Continued From page 11 their first big game hunt. I planned on coming along for the family event, but not killing a bear myself as I had killed several in the past. I was only coming to take pictures and watch my brothers go on their first hunt. With the three of us in our seventies, 71, 77 and 78 and me with a balance problem I knew this hunt would be a challenge for both hunters and guides. Doug said â&#x20AC;&#x153;No problem, I will get the boys their bears, it may just take a little extra work.â&#x20AC;? Once the hunt was booked I called my brothers to tell them the plan. The hunt was now booked for May 2016. Time flew by and the last minute preparations were going well as the hunt came closer. The day finally arrived with a lot of excitement, 4:00 AM to the airport to check in for a 6:20 AM flight. It was there at the airport I found this more than experienced traveller had brought his old passport!!! This of course set us back a day of travel but after talking to Doug he was still confident we could end the hunt on a good note. I did find out the down side of hunting with your brothers, they never let you forget about the day of hunting they lost. We arrived in camp late afternoon and got settled into our modern log cabin and met Julie, Dougâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, daughter Courtney and assistant guide Eric, who turned out to be a great asset to the hunt. Ronald and Glenn left for an evening hunt with Doug and Eric to see if they could get the dogs on a bear before dinner. The dogs struck hard a few times but it was too late to turn them out to trail a bear track. (A strike is when the dogs bark once they smell a bear track.) The official first day started with a big breakfast at 7:30 AM and then hitting the road with two trucks full of seasoned bear dogs. There are a lot of bears in the

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

Chilcotin and the dogs showed us more than a few. When the dogs would strike Doug or Eric would let down some dogs to search for a runnable track. In a matter of minutes the dogs would decide if the track was fresh enough. If not, the hounds would run back to the truck and load up on their own. This was amazing to watch! No wasting time, no chasing dogs, these dogs were well trained and knew their job. The first morning proved to be exciting with two bears treed, both we let go as Doug promised us we could find bigger bears. Listening to the hounds, bringing back fond memories of hunting our own hounds and we couldn’t have been more excited to be there. About 3:00 PM the dogs struck hard at the corner of a logging road. Doug said, “This is a good spot, bears cross here all the………” He never got to finish his sentence because Ronald yelled “There he goes and he is a big one!” Sure enough a big boar was running down the road 300 yards away. The race was on!! Now if you haven’t heard a pack of dogs at full cry before it’s something you need to experience. It sounds like a train coming off the tracks

at 60 miles per hour; it sure gets your heart pumping! It took about an hour and the dogs finally had the bear treed. Now Doug carefully looked all three of us over and said, “The bear is near a mile from here, but the ground is pretty flat and I think if we take our time we can make it to the tree……all of us.” Well I wasn’t expecting to get to the tree because of my balance issue but with Doug and Eric so confident I could do it, off we went. The walk was fairly flat but the dead blown down trees took their toll and made the walk in seem a little longer. We approached the large Douglas Fir tree with Ronald’s dream bear standing as high up the tree as he could go. Doug and Eric tied up the dogs and discussed just exactly where Ronald should shoot the bear. After the shot, the bear didn’t move. Doug said “Hit him again!” Still the bear didn’t move. It was right about then we heard Doug exclaim, “It’s not coming down!!!” There was Ronald’s dream bear stuck 90 feet up a tree with no way of getting it down. This situation was now Ronald’s worst nightmare; you could tell just by looking at his face. We sat for a while and talked about options. Continued ON page 14

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

Continued From page 13 Doug decided the best option was to shoot down the branch that the bear was draped over. Ronald had the only scoped gun and a handful of shells in his pocket so Doug took careful aim trying not to waste any shots. On the fourth shot the branch the bear was biting gave way but the bear stayed hung up on a bigger branch. With three shells left, the shot placement had to be just right or someone was making a long walk back to the truck for more ammunition. The shots rang out one at a time, each time Eric reassured Doug that his aim was true. After the third shot the bear was still in the same spot. The look on Dougâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face said it all. Right about then Ronald found one more bullet in his pocket, and this turned out to be the lucky one as the beautiful bear hit the ground with the final shot. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know who was happier Ronald or Doug. That night around the table the story was told over and over again much to the amusement of us all.

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

There was Ronald’s dream bear stuck 90 feet up a tree with no way of getting it down.

Day two started with more of the same, this time Glenn was the shooter and it didn’t take long for the dogs to strike. The good news was it was a large boar with a perfect coat, bad news was it treed within the no rifle shooting zone. After discussing the situation Glenn decided against using a shotgun with buckshot hoping we could find a similar bear for him in the next few days which he could use his favorite rifle on. Later that day Eric went back to the same tree and trailed that bear with his dogs into an ugly canyon. When this happened the dogs were called back as Doug felt it would be unsafe for us to walk into.

taking the low road. It didn’t take long and both trucks had dogs out trailing bears. Doug’s dogs were showing on his tracker that they had treed so with the worry of wolves in the area Doug hurried in to the tree to keep the dogs safe and assess the bear. Glenn and Eric arrived at the tree and radioed back telling Ronald and I to stay put. We didn’t hear the shot but about two hours later the boys showed up at the truck with the meat and hide inside two heavy backpacks.

Spirits were high at the table that night with stories and friendly banter. Although there were smiles on our faces Day three started off quick with a young boar treed not too far there was sadness in our hearts, remembering Steve, Ronald’s from the lodge. Although it was a six footer Doug decided we son who could not be with us. I hoped he was looking down should pass on it and continue hunting. smiling, happy his Dad had fulfilled a life long dream. We then headed south towards Tatlayoko Lake. We had not I myself took pictures of the hunt, but hunting with my been down there long when we bumped a bear. We drove the brothers was more special than we could have imagined. truck to a corner on the road where Doug thought the bear Doug, Julie, Courtney and Eric made us feel like part of their may cross. It was a good thing we did as the second dog that family and it was an excellent experience. Doug’s dogs were ran by us had been tagged by the bear and was bleeding. the best and I would recommend everyone give this hunt a try. It was amazing how the wounded dog kept on chasing the bear not realizing the danger he was in. Doug and I quickly worked first aid on the dog and stopped the bleeding. The hunt was abandoned so we could go home and sew up Jack. With Jack safe at home, we went to hunt the eastern part of Skinner Creek’s concession. On the way there, the trucks split up; Eric and Glenn taking the high road, Doug, Ronald and myself

Editor’s Note: You can reach Skinner Creek Hunts at 250-476-1288 or www.skinnercreekhunts.com Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

Hunts Black bear Colour-phase bear Rocky Mountain elk Mule deer Whitetail deer Shiras moose Cougar Lynx Bobcat Wolf Turkey

full facility lodge with all amenities Tel 250.498.4176 â&#x20AC;˘ Cell 250.498.9013 info@KettleRiverGuides.com KettleRiverGuides.com

Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters Stan Stevens Recent Trophies

o proceed with printing

ndicated

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

mail approval or any changes to : johnson@goabc.org or Sherri riking.com

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

FORMERLY RED APPLE CREATIVE

Hunt for:

MOOSE • BLACK BEAR • GRIZZLY • WOLF

k e e r C e s r o Packh

OUTFITTERS

The Flathead River is home to elk, mule deer, black bear, Shiras moose, grizzly bear, mountain goats, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, wolves, cougar and lynx. Packhorse Creek Outfitters offers both single special and combination hunts for all indicated species.

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

Tel/Fax 250.425.0711 5779 Lower Elk Valley Road, Sparwood, British Columbia Canada V0B 2G3 packhorsecrk@elkvalley.net • www.packhorsecreek.com

www.moosehunting.bc.ca

WILDERNESS OUTFITTERS LTD.

A/Z Outfitters STONE SHEEP MT. CARIBOU • MT. GOAT MOOSE • ELK • GRIZZLY BLACK BEAR

Elk • Mountain Goat Moose • Black Bear Grizzly Bear Mule Deer Guide Outfitter Brent Dubois 250 342 1340 | brent@abarzoutfitters.com PO Box 300, Canal Flats, BC V0B 1B0

abarzoutfitters.com Hunt British Columbia Canada 800-554-7244 or 406-468-2642 pellylk@aol.com • www.comehunt.com

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

uction A D

Auction Team - Scott Ellis, Stu Maitland, Auctioneer Keith Dinwoodie, Al Madley, Brian Glaicar, and Doug McMann

Thank you to all of our amazing hunt and trip donors, many of which are pictured here

Mike Young and Stu Maitland checking out the silent auction tables

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safe winner, Russel MacLennan (right) with buddy, Freddy Dodge

A hand carved skull by Julie McMann, Skinner Creek Hunts

Bidding is underway

Bruce Ambler sizing up the shooting bench

G Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

nnual A

General Meeting

Board of Directors being sworn in after the AGM

John Jackson, Conservation Force

Our 3 outstanding youth volunteers - Courtney McMann, Madison Olsen, and Alexander Johnson

Chad Lenz, Alberta Professional Outfitters Society

Jason St. Michael, SCI Canada

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

Member Life Breakfast E.

Donna Boddington presenting Courtney McMann with a youth life membership sponsored by George Saloom

New Life Member and Breakfast speaker Donna Boddington with Scott Ellis

Life Member Hunt Draw Winner Sonny Perkinson with Donna Boddington and Scott Ellis G

Donna Boddington presenting Madison Olsen with a youth life membership sponsored by Horst Mindermann

H Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

s d r a w AGala C

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

2017 Legacy Award recipients

Newly elected GOABC Vice President Sean Olmstead and his wife Brandie

F B.

Daniel Norton and Ashley Chuipka Robson Valley Outfitters

Karl and Rebecca Evans from Dallas Safari Club

Life Members Jim and Kathy Kirkpatrick and Lory and Harve Dethlefs from Oregon

Conga line to get the party started

Al Madley (centre) winner of the Outfitter of the Year Award with Mark Werner (left) and Michael Schneider (right)

Crowd Scavenger hunt to get the fun started

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

Shane Mahoney (centre) winner of the Fair Chase Award with Mark Werner (left and Michael Schneider (right)

Marc Hubbard presenting Kelli Thorton and Lori Warren (absent) with Lady of the Year Award

Richard Foyston winner of the Guide of the Year Award

Darren Deluca and Leif Olsen winners of the Frank Stewart Award with Mark Werner(middle)

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Ben Carter winner of the Presidents Award with Dixie Hammett (right) and Michael Schneider (left)

Kasey, Krista and Cassidy Foyston, children of Richard Foyston 2017 Guide of the Year

Mark Werner presenting Alli Armstrong with Record Book Award Buckle

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

adies L

Luncheon

Sponsor Kelli Thornton, Sikta

Two of our many door prize winners Courtney McMann and Brenda Nelson

H H.

Panel Speakers Alli Armstrong, Kelli Thornton and Chrissie Jackson, not in photo Shannon Lansdowne

Ladies Luncheon sponsor Riza Lesser, Leupold and Stevens

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

FNight un

Outfitter Saddle Draw winner Kevin Newberry with Scott Ellis

Old Stu and Ken back for another story or two

Sponsor Wild Sheep Foundation represented by Becky Layne

Comedian Herb Dixon entertaining our guests this year

Old Stu and Ken had the audience in tears and fits of giggles

Musician Brandon Pasion singing a tune or two for our guests this year

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

Thank You

To All Our Supporters

A and C Sports

CRKT

Kettle River Outfitters

Sierra Dawn Products

Adega on 45th Estate Winery

Dallas Safari Club

King's Camo

Sikanni River Outfitters

Advanced Outfitters

Dan Simmons

KUIU

Silent Predator

Adventure Medical Kits

Dan's Painting and Decorating

Leatherman Tool Group Inc.

Silver Sage Winery

Alberta Professional Outfitters

Dave Campbell

Lehman Creek Outfitters

Simply The Best

Amblers Bighorn Country Guiding

David Denies

Leica

Sitka

American Tanning and Leather

Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand

Leupold & Stevens

Siwash Sports

Society

Okanagan Resort Babine Guides & Outfitters

Deluxe Wall Tents

Love Bros & Lee Ltd.

Skinner Creek Hunts

Back Country Photography by

Diamond H Tack

Lower Dean River Lodge

Sledge Hammer Outfitters

Barney's Sports Chalet LLC

Dr. Hermann Nell Inc.

Marmot

Sports Afield Magazine

Bass Pro Shops

Driftwood Valley Outfitters &

Matthew Greeff Safaris

Stabil/ 32 North Corporation

Kayla

Omineca Taxidermy BC Interior Sportsman Show

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Nootka Wilderness Lodge

Stampede Tack and Western Wear

BC Trapper Association

Du-Ha

North Curl Outfitters

Steveston Marine & Hardware

BC Trophy Mountain Outfitters

Ergodyne

North River Outfitting

Stone Mountain Safaris

Bear Vault

Estwing

North River Trapping Supplies

Stuffers Supply Company

Besa River Outfitters

Eureka Peak Lodge and Outfitters

O'Loughlin Trade Shows

Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Center

Blue Mountain Gunsmithing

Firearm Training Center

and Sales

Ontario Federation of Hunters

Superfeet

and Anglers

BMG Industries

Freddy Dodge

Packhorse Creek Outfitters

Swarovski Optik North American

Bolen Lewis Guiding

FurCanada

Paparazzi Furs

Taiga Coolers

Boone and Crockett Club

GA Checkpoint Yamaha

Petzl

Thai Gems Inc

Bowtech

Gentec International

PrairieCoast Equipment

The Fairmont Empress

Bradley Group of Companies

Gheringer Brothers Winery

Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge

The Hayfield Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Bullhead Mountain Outfitting

Gowlings

Primos Hunting

Trophy Tools

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery

Gowlings WLG Canada LLP

Proforce

Truck Claws

Cabela's

Grand Slam Club / OVIS

Quail's Gate Winery

Tsuniah Lake Lodge

Canadian Tire

Hard Core Archery

Ramshot

Tzazati Mountain Outfitters

Cariboo Mountain Outfitters

Hester Creek

Rhineland Cutlery

Vortex Canada

Chateau Victoria Hotel

Hornady

Road 13 Winery

Warne Scope Mounts

Chilanko Forks Outfitters

Icebreaker, Merino Clothing Inc.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

WC Russell Moccasin Co.

Coast Products

Italian Sporting Goods

Safari Club International

Wholesale Sports

Coghlan's

Johnson Outdoors

Schnees

Wicked River Outfitters

Columbia River Knife and Tool

Joyce Helweg

Scoop Lake Outfitters

Wild Sheep Foundation

Cookware Canada

K9's Cougar Canyon Outfitters

Seattle Sports Co.

Williamson-Dickie Canada Co.

Corlane Sporting Goods

Keith Meise

Segue Knives

World Famous Sales of Canada Inc

Covert Outfitting

Kenetrek

Sherri King Communications

WSI Sports

CPHP Communications

Kent Outdoors

ShockStrap

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

STORY CONTEST WINNERS

Are you going to shoot it, or what?

THe Mystical King of British Columbia

The Hunt with the HorseShoe

Richard T. Adams,

Tim Westbrooks,

William Young,

featuring Eureka Peak Lodge & Outfitters.

featuring Opatcho Lake Guide Outfitters

featuring Sikanni River Outfitters

I hunted with Stuart Maitland from Eureka Peak Lodge and Outfitters around ten years ago. It was a trapline adventure and the trip had been a resounding success, with daily snow machine rides, and many critters trapped. I heard that Stu’s area had been producing some excellent interior grizzlies, so I stopped by his booth at the 2016 Safari Club International convention, to discuss his grizzly hunts. During our discussion, Stu mentioned that he had donated a grizzly hunt to the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia’s annual auction and fundraiser. So, I ended up bidding online and won the hunt!

There is no bond as strong as that between a father and son. Though I have fulfilled only one of these two roles, after twenty-two years of life, I firmly believe this cliché to be true. I look up to my dad as a mentor, a role model, and simply a friend, and our relationship would not be what it is today if it weren’t for the experiences we’ve shared in the great outdoors. Dad discovered a love for hunting at a young age, and he passed this love, with equal intensity, down to me. I can still remember bitter cold mornings at five years old, going out and sitting in the woods with him. This was a brutal way to learn about white-tailed deer, but in the end, my dad succeeded in teaching me to love the sport.

After two years of researching an outfitter for Stone sheep, I was able to decide on a hunt with Mike and Dixie Hammett of Sikanni River Outfitting. The hunt took place in August, so I had time to wonder and dream about the great mountains of British Columbia. After continued discussion, I chose to add a mountain goat to the hunt.

Traveling to the town of Horsefly was, thankfully, uneventful with Canadian customs being straightforward and easy to deal with....Read more in our Winter 2017 Issue

Though we primarily hunt deer in the mountains of east Tennessee, my dad has always had an interest in North American cats....Read more in our Fall 2016 Issue

On August 14th, I arrived in Fort St. John, British Columbia. I was met by Mike, as well as Ed, a hunter from Washington. The three of us then made a three hour drive to the lodge outside Pink Mountain, British Columbia. Dixie, Mike’s wife, had prepared a great meal for us along with the children and grandchildren who had come to visit. We enjoyed a memorable night telling stories and looking at photos. Mike and I discussed how the weather had been scorching and dry late into the year. ...Read more in our Fall 2015 Issue

Read these stories and more at www.mountainhuntermagazine.com 28 |

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

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).

DEADLINE: December 31,2017 | SUBMIT TO: info@goabc.org Tips on How to Write your Hunting Story

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prizes are as follows:

1.877.818.2688 | info@goabc.org www.goabc.org

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!

A TRIBUTE TO

Richard Foyston

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Foyston, GOABC’s Guide of the Year, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

(1952-2017)

Mr. Foyston was a leap year baby, born Februrary 29th, 1952, at Cranbrook General Hospital. Forever the adventurer, he started guiding with his father at 15 years old, and he continued guiding for the rest of his life. Mr. Foyston had an exciting and colourful past - from riding bareback in rodeos across Canada, to catching “gold fever” and rushing off to dredge mine in California. In fact, in his downtime, he would often run off to pan for gold and had planned to continue that again this year. In his professional life, Mr. Foyston was a quiet, contemplative man, who never gave anything less than 110%. He was a good with clients, and amazing with horses and dogs as he always put the needs of others first. Richard, you will be missed.

Tim & Astrid Faiers SOUTHEASTERN BC TEL/FAX

250.225.3551 1712 Eastman Avenue Riondel BC V0B 2B0

shadowmtguides@bluebell.ca

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

•

shadowmountainoutfitters.ca

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

CONSERVATION MATTERS

with Shane Mahoney

A Leap of Faith for Hunting: Public Discourse or Public Death - Part one 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 ard 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.

32 |

The island of Newfoundland stands resolutely separate from the North American continent, an ice sculptured marvel of erratic coastline, formidable granite escarpments, and stone beaches worn smooth and recalcitrant by a relentless sea. Inland, breathtaking barren land expanses and a frenzied pattern of braided streams, frigid fjord lakes and innumerable shallow ponds, gullies, and crystal clear rivers divert the eye constantly, each point of the compass delivering new vistas of shimmering blues and a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of seasonal colors set aflame in nearly constant breezes. Wildlife abounds on these landscapes, a bizarre list of arctic relics like rock ptarmigan and arctic hare and the more temperate such as black bear, moose, lynx, river otter, and red fox. The great bodied and heavy beamed woodland caribou roams the entire island, leaving the signs of his passing along forest trail, coastal headlands and all points in between. In short, the island sparkles with life, an environment still largely pure and unsullied. Yet, this fullness is but a whisper compared with the writhing abundance of the offshore islands that millions of nesting seabirds call home. These small and numerous citadels lie like spawn around the coastline, ripe to bursting with the eggs, chicks, and adults that cram every inch of sod, rock and crevice from May through September. If one wishes to experience nature in all its gasping, wondrous, enthralling intensity, indeed in all its creative force and ferocious hardship and within the infinity of gentle birth and callous death, then these small cathedrals are where you should worship. For these places, as wild and wind torn as they are, provide an intensity of natural experience almost unsurpassable. Such experiences, duly witnessed and reflected upon can lead us to insights regarding our role in the universe and how we can best achieve the perpetuation of those wild others we rightfully honour and cherish.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

Common Murres, known to Newfoundlanders as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Turrs,â&#x20AC;? are duck-sized black and white seabirds which nest in huge and dense colonies on many of these offshore islands. Long a source of meat for coastal residents, these birds have been hunted for centuries and still abound within spitting distances of many of our communities, a testimony to the sustainable use approach to wildlife conservation that has so effectively secured the future for most species hunted under regulatory and science-based programs. Turrs have several peculiar habits, among which is laying their single and fantastically coloured eggs on bare rock. They have completely forsaken all nest building. This achievement is even more remarkable given that they occupy tiny ledges of rock, often no more than six or eight inches wide and often hundreds or even thousands of feet above the water, and are packed onto this like a throng of tuxedo suited small men, growling, defecating, and jabbing with abandon. The noise and confusion on these ledges is almost unbelievable, as is the survival of the eggs which are incubated alternately by the male and female which are identical both in physical appearance and brooding inclination.

have evolved a very sharply pointed egg which tends to spin rather than roll when dislodged. Only this prevents a complete loss of eggs over the abyss and into the sea â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this and the assiduous care of the adult birds. For the three to four weeks of egg-laying and incubation these ledges are alive with tens or even hundreds of thousands of turrs crammed together in relentless proximity to one another, shoulders touching and single eggs held closely to their warm bellies. Night and day, through driving rain or snow and in warm sunshine and wild winds these birds jealously protect the one chance they have at reproduction. Below them, often far below them, the ocean dances to the surge of wind and tide, turning from crashing angry greys to the soft sparkling blues that mark the far ends of its endless pursuit of mood and appearance.

After about three weeks of care, the Turr eggs hatch. The small black and white chicks which emerge have spiking down feathers which give them the appearance of being shellshocked. The big footed youngsters represent a new challenge for the parent birds. These mobile bundles of energy live in constant peril of falling from the ledges, being crushed by the throngs of adult birds, drowning in fetid pools of water and guano, or being killed by marauding gulls, ravens, or hawks. Furthermore, unlike many other seabird chicks which do nicely on regurgitated food, Turr youngsters like their fish fresh, requiring the parents to forage at sea and often at long distances from the nesting islands. In relay fashion one parent seeks dinner while the other protects and preens the growing youngster. Miraculously finding the specific and unmarked location on the ledge, the returning parent holds a single fish Part of this remarkable head-first down its throat with only the tail emerging from survival is explained by its bill. It will hold the fish there until the cartilaginous head the fact that Turrs Continued ON page 34 Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

Continued From page 33 has been digested and then will present it to the chick. The fish will then be swallowed whole and the chick will rest until awakened by insatiable hunger once more. This seems a delightful existence, but it is predicated on a predictable environment, one where bait fishes are abundant close enough to the islands for the parents to retrieve and transport. As the bait fishes move off and the environment changes, new strategies are required.

and aggression and a cacophony of sound will accompany the miraculous vaulting of these small land lubbers, about to become seafarers not in some slow apprenticeship but all at once, from off the rock and into the turbulent air. They will extend their large feet like parachutes and beat their tiny wings like mad, breaking their fall to the great ocean below. Many will die, of course, beaten senseless on the rocks, crushed by their first ocean surge or eaten by predatory gulls and others. But most will survive, bobbing to the surface and swimming outward into the gathering darkness, to a new existence, accompanied by one parent and the certainty that inevitable change has occurred. Creatures which had only known land will not touch it again for at least four years. But when they do return, they will be part of yet another transition, taking their places as egg layers and providers so that Turrs may always gather along the coasts of Newfoundland and find their way to our islands, making all of our lives so much richer in turn. For this to occur, one great leap of faith will remain forever the essential odyssey, the great unapproachable conquered and put behind. No matter how long the chicks might persist in the comfort of their ledge existence, there is indeed no future unless they leave it behind.

For about another four weeks or so this pattern will continue, night and day, until the remarkable sea-going of the chicks takes place. In this species, the wings are used very effectively for swimming to considerable ocean depths in search of small fish and thus their length and shape have been quite modified, along these lines but not as far as in penguins. The small Turrs that have now reached four weeks of age are a fantastic combination of body parts that reflect both their immediate survival needs on the ledge and those that will suddenly emerge once they have left its relative safety and ventured upon the open sea. Their great feet provide stability on the ledge and will help paddle and steer the chick in the water, while their short stubby wings will be fine for swimming and pursuing fish. However, and this is surely the most incredible part of their young lives, they have not yet attained the power Hunting is one of the few great departures from an otherwise of flight when the time comes to leave the small ledge where predictable and suffocating world. Incredibly, it is in the up until now their entire lives have been spent. possibility of the animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death that we come to treasure the It will be late evening when they decide to depart. Maybe a absolute necessity of their future lives. This complexity will thousand feet below them, ocean surges will be crashing the forever ensure that opposition to hunting will always be with fragmented rock skirts of their island and gulls will be soaring, us. We know we are in decline and we know that we must do raucously calling and waiting for things to turn in their something more than we are to keep this incredible reality, favour. In the fading light of day, often in fog or heavy drizzle, known as hunting, alive. All else is lies and self-deception. Our the chicks, which until this time have hugged their rock face safe ledges from which we look down on the uncertainty of with such determination, will suddenly move and calling and public discourse, can keep us for only a little longer. Social, bowing incessantly, approach its edge. They will hear their economic and ecological realties leave us absolutely no choice. parents calling, swimming back and forth in the grey and white We either convince our fellow citizens of huntingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern surges below, throwing their heads back over their shoulders relevance and value, or we will perish in our high cathedrals, and exposing their yellow-orange palettes, neon flashes to left to die in a changing environment that could be conquered guide the chick onward. The ledges will come alive with noise only by confidence in ourselves and a great leap of faith.

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. The 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.

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

Coastal Black Bear Special

4900!

“Kiff and I have been successful every year together since 2008 and we will be again in 2015!!” - Jim Burnworth/ Western Extreme

“I took two species in my North American 29 quest with Kiff last year and we are going for more!! Thanks Kiff !”

- Steve Torrence / Torrence Racing

2nd bear available! Canadian Moose ● Shiras Moose ● Mule Deer ● Mountain Grizzly ● Coastal Black Bear ● Interior Black Bear ● Cougar ● Wolf ● Mountain Goat COVERTOUTFIT TI NG. COM

K I F F COV E R T

Licensed / Insured Guide Outfitter

250 469 3648 Email: info@covertoutfitting.com YUKON HUNTS DALL SHEEP MOOSE CARIBOU GRIZZLY

Contact: CHRIS & SHARRON McKINNON 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

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

Gundahoo River Outfitters

GUIDED HUNTING IN NORTHERN BC FOR: Stone Sheep Mountain Caribou Mountain Goat Grizzly Bear Canada Moose Wolf Lynx Wolverine

MUNCHO LAKE, BC

QUINTIN THOMPSON

Box 2941 Rocky Mountain House, AB Canada T4T 1P2 Phone 403-391-7879 Toll Free 1-866-GRO-HUNT Email info@gundahoo.com www.gundahoo.com

www.littledeaseventures.com

Specializing in STONE SHEEP, MOOSE & CARIBOU, MOUNTAIN GOAT, GRIZZLY & BLACK BEAR

mandc@littledeaseventures.com | 250-771-3819 Mike & Carol Danielson | PO Box 66 Dease Lake BC V0C 1L0

GANA RIVER OUTFITTERS LTD. HORSE OR BACKPACK HUNTS RIFLE OR BOW IN CANADA’S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Hunt the Beautiful Mackenzie Mountains

• HUNTING TERRITORIES

proceed with printing

• FISHING LODGES • TRAPLINES

dicated

• RECREATIONAL PROPERTY

ail approval or any changes to ohnson@goabc.org or Sherri king.com

Trophy Dall Sheep Mountain Caribou

FORMERLY RED APPLE CREATIVE

Moose Wolves Wolverine For A First Class…Fair Chase Hunt… contact:

HAROLD GRINDE • Box 528, Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

(403) 357-8414 email: ganariver@pentnet.net web: www.ganariver.com ph:

www.mccowans.com HARRY 250-717-1100 LYNZY 250-870-3021 Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

One

Books

FOR THE

by Robin L Green Photos Courtesy of Ken Tincher Photography Robin L Green

Two longtime friends and hunting partners bring home more than game.

“

The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” — Jack London

he rugged Canadian wilderness of British Columbia, the Chilcotin area, has intrigued me for years. I read Grass Beyond the Mountains so long ago, and have read it again and again since then. I have pictured a place that is hauntingly beautiful and lonesome and meant for only handfuls of humans willing to accept it as it is. I can hear wolves pierce the silence of night and I can smell the jackpine and swamps. I can see the meadows that stretch out like heavenly carpets. More than likely, I will never experience this place in person, but when Gary McClure of Nespelem, Washington and Ken Tincher of Wenatchee Washington, asked me to write a story, interpreting their hunt last fall in that country, I was happy to do it. It was, for these two, not just a hunt, but an experience that tightened a forty-year friendship, and made a memory that will be re-lived and re-told till the years fade like the pale light of a winter afternoon. Continued ON page 41

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

At 66 years of age, Tincher decided it was a now or never kind of deal

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

Continued From page 38 The ten day hunt would result in Ken Tincher bringing down a moose that would score 191. 6/8 in the books. A moose with 16 scorable points on each side. A massive old timer that would bond their many years of hunting together into Tincher’s soft spoken words: “the greatest experience of my life”. Kevin Newberry, Ranch Manager and Guide Outfitter at Chezacut Ranch in Alexis Creek, BC offers the type of hunt that has the flavor of old-time frontiersman woven into the fabric of a modern day guided hunt. A bold and colorful character, he offers an entire package of entertainment, and hardcore wilderness hunts. At 66 years of age, Tincher decided it was a now or never kind of deal; his wife Terri encouraged him to go, because as most wives will agree...if it is in their blood to do it, by all means, they better do it. McClure obtained a caribou tag as well as wolf. All Ken Tincher wanted was a moose. It was a life-long dream to go on a moose hunt. He had no way of knowing at this later stage of life, with his best friend beside him, he would bring home a moose to be remembered, and a hunt never to be forgotten. Gary McClure met Newberry when his friend of many years, Trevor Thibeault, talked him into a hunt a few years ago. Thibeault, Newberry’s brother in law, guides for the ranch’s outfitting business. He knew McClure well enough to know the hunting would fit his Northern tastes for horse-back adventure and wild country. He came home with a moose that first year, but not the caribou he was hoping for. Last fall, in addition to Ken Tincher’s moose, Gary McClure was able to get his caribou. Both Tincher and McClure agree that Kevin Newberry and his relatives go above and beyond to make you feel like family while you are at their ranch. The first night was spent at the ranch. The next morning three trailers with two teams of horses, the saddles and gear, along with provisions were driven to the trailhead where there were two wagons waiting to be hitched up. Excitement and enthusiasm was bottled up inside both Tincher and McClure. On their way to the trailhead, they saw three wolves that would prove to not be the last wolves seen on their hunt. Trailhead to camp was to be traveled in the daylight hours for a total distance of 39 km. Pack horses and extra saddle horses were not led, but actually turned loose and driven. Fellow hunter, Gordy Deppman rode in the wagon while McClure took the reins of one team, and Benny, another guide, rode with Newberry and the other team. As the horses were turned loose and Thibeault and Ken Tincher finished saddling their horses, Trevor Thibeault told him: “No matter what, we need to stay in the lead of the Continued ON page 42 Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

Continued From page 41 teams.” It had been a long time since Gary McClure had driven a team, but it didn’t take too long to figure out that the team knew where they were headed, and head out they did...at a pace that Tincher found challenging to stay ahead of. It all added up to “a lot of excitement in the air” as Tincher put it. What other way would there be to start a Canadian moose, caribou and wolf hunt other than excited?

Nine miles into the ride and the day, they spotted 100 head of caribou with fifteen bulls, one of them being a bull that McClure wanted. He dropped him. They prepared the carcass to leave over-night and ride back for it the next day. They had seen plenty of wolf and grizzly tracks all day, so when they packed it out the following day they used plenty of caution in approaching the caribou. Tincher stood watch with his rifle while the others readied it to pack out. Luckily, there was no With thirty minutes of daylight left, everyone unsaddled, competition for the carcass. removed tack and harness, brushed and grained the horses and turned them in to a big corral for the night. Supper was The third day they saw more caribou, but no moose. Getting made, plans for the following days hunt were discussed, and into a routine on the fourth day and after 4.5 miles of riding then a good night’s sleep in a cabin that was nicer than what in through dense fog, they had stopped to make a plan when Tincher had envisioned. Three cabins made up camp: the the horses lifted their heads and stiffened to listen upriver. guides quarters, the hunters cabin, and a cook house, all clean Something was happening. Ken Tincher stared hard into and comfortable. “Always top-notch suppers, then a few lies the fog trying to make out what he was seeing 200 yards told, a little whiskey and then lights out.” away. White spots. About that time Trevor Thibeault, with a command in his voice said, “Wolves! Shoot!”. They jumped And so then it was, the morning of the hunt. The first day of from their horses grabbing rifles. Nine blood thirsty wolves the hunt they had been waiting for, for a long time. Time to had a cow moose on the run, biting and slashing at her 100 saddle up and eat a good breakfast that Thibeault had made. yards off across the river. It was hard to shoot in that frenzy He told them: “Lunch is on the table, take all you can and when the wolves had clustered in their numbers around the need. Supper is not till an hour after I get back into camp.” cow. Tincher was unable to pull his rifle from the scabbard And who really knew what might happen in a day’s time in successfully and his horse bolted, taking his rifle with him. In wilderness such as that.

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a matter of seconds Benny and McClure had shot, three horses had run off, the wolves had run off and the cow moose found her way into the river, a pool of safety for the time being. Ken Tincher vividly remembered how the cow turned in the direction of the pack that had done their best to wear her down and devour her; she then looked back at the hunters, facing them as if she were thanking them. She caught her breath and after twenty minutes made her way back into both a harsh, and beautiful wilderness world. The guides were not happy that not a single wolf had been shot, but they had a good laugh about horses that had scattered, and the hunters that were now afoot. On the 5th day, Gary, Ken and Kevin rode together. Newberry wanted Ken Tincher to see the view from atop the Itcha Mountains. It was 1pm when they started off, the wind blowing about 20 mph. They rode to Newberry’s spike camp to have lunch. They had seen a lot of moose tracks in the area. They hiked around a couple of different meadows. McClure had done some calling. Kevin decided it was time to head back the 9.5 miles to camp before dark. As they approached the horses McClure began to signal with his arms to come to him. He said to Tincher: “I see the biggest damn moose I have ever seen.” They were at 400 yards and they wanted closer. They got to 200 yards. McClure was coming undone with excitement for his friend. He was about to see what he would wish for himself, but it was even better because it was for a true friend. There, on the edge of the timberline was an animal that was a true representative of the Canadian Wilderness. Antlers rocking gently somewhat from side to side, there he was. Did he have any way of knowing that the bonds of friendship lay 200 yards off, and he would soon be gone from this place, but live forever in the hearts and memory of two men back in Washington State? “Can you shoot him from here, Kenny?” McClure questioned. Tincher chuckled. The true magnitude of what he had in front of him had not sunk in yet, but McClure had enough enthusiasm for both of them. “Oh yeah, I can shoot from here, “ he said. Tincher had a custom made 300 Winchester Magnum that he had been shooting comfortably at 500 yards. The rifle held great sentiment. The moment was one to remember as it held what this trip was for, and what it came down to. He steadied himself

“Can you shoot him from here, Kenny?” Mc Clure questions. Tincher Chuckled... ”Oh yeah, I can shoot from here”

Continued ON page 44 Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

Continued From page 43 and squeezed the trigger. “I shot twice - he dropped.” Kevin Newberry and Gary McClure’s excitement just could not be contained. They were ecstatic upon reaching the bull moose. He was beautiful--he was big--he was what they had come to Canada for. Tincher felt good, but the depth of excitement and realization of what he had done would not sink in till well after his hunting trip. It came when he got home, and was able to process it. He stood guard with his rifle as Newberry and McClure field dressed the moose and covered it with fir branches to keep the birds off of it. It was now late and almost 10 miles back to camp. They hit a good fast trot to cover the miles and arrived an hour after dark. There was celebration and reliving the day.

from a horse was plenty in and of itself. They continued to hunt a couple more days and Gordy was able to shoot himself a big wolf. Canadian Thanksgiving was on the last day of the hunt and so the hunters made a unanimous decision to come out a day ahead of schedule. They broke camp and traveled the 39K back to the ranch to enjoy the meal. Ken Tincher now had a moose hunt and a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner under his belt and off of his bucket list. The camaraderie amongst his circle of new friends and presence of his longtime friend, Gary McClure, are the kind of moments he lives for. He will not kill another moose again. He had decided it was time in his life to do something he had always wanted to do, and now it was done. It was not going to get any better than that. But as far as hunting The next day they approached the kill with the usual caution trips, of course there will be more. needed. The moose was untouched. They loaded him and packed him out, putting in another long day of work that is the best kind. Tincher said if you like to be on horseback, and be in Editor’s Note: beautiful country, this was the hunt to take. Of course getting You can reach Chezacut Ranch at 250-469-9440 his moose was good, but the experience of seeing this country

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from a legal Michael Sabbeth is the author of The Good, The Bad & The Difference: How to Talk with Children About Values. See Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/c5flmmu. He is currently writing the book Proud to Hunt: Tips for Being an Effective Instructor and Student. Visit his website www.thehonorablehunter.com and his Facebook page www.facebook/thehonorablehunter.

Six Strategies to Effectively Handle the Next Cecil Walter Palmer killed a lion bestowed with a name—Cecil. For a while, much of the hunting world, particularly hunting iconic African big game, imploded as if into a death star. For months people uninformed about lion hunting, who never heard of the Hwange Game Park and who couldn’t find Zimbabwe on a map if their fat-free soy lattes depended on it, issued death threats on social media, threatened the person and business of the hunter, condemned much of hunting with broadbrush swipes and raised fortunes for predatory opportunistic animal activist groups.

perspective

Another Cecil-esque event will occur again, either by the act of a hunter or by an event orchestrated by an anti-hunter in a propaganda hit. We must be prepared to mobilize factual and rhetorical defenses for that next event. I offer six strategies for crafting our defenses.

Strategy 1: Understand the Moral and Intellectual Terrain We are in a defensive asymmetrical war against people and organizations that do not value reason, logic or consequences. Indeed, reason, logic and consequences are an anathema to anti-hunting people and organizations. Ignorance is a virtue for it facilitates self-righteousness. Hunters tend to see defending hunting and conservation as a high-minded chess game, winnable by reasoned strategy. Consequently, hunters over-value truth and facts. We tend to see the battle through a narrow lens. This small aperture stifles a comprehensive understanding of hunting’s opponents. We tend to ignore the complexity of human nature; its narcissism and need to feel morally superior, its cowardice, its lust for easy solutions, the avoidance of pain and the pervasiveness of predatory opportunistic greed.

Strategy 2: Use Social Media More Effectively We know a picture is worth a thousand words and that a lie travels around the world before the truth gets out of bed. Social media has exposed several undesirable qualities of the hunting community: its aloofness from reality, its complacency, its inability to present a unified front and, worse, its lack of confidence. We must be willing to fight fire with fire. We must show the vile wires, snares and traps poachers use and the resultant loathsome injuries they inflict on animals. We must highlight the consequences of children with unclean water and food deprivation. Show the decapitated rhinos with a subtitle screaming: “This is what hunting bans cause!” We must change the social media paradigm!

Strategy 3: Shed our Delusions I attended the annual meeting of African Professional Hunters Association at the 2017 SCI convention. Wonderful dedicated all! However, one statement troubled me. Citing Cecil, an attendee said that “the world will not tolerate unethical behavior.” I disagreed. There is no world in any unified sense,

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I said. Moreover, the world is incapable of distinguishing ethical from unethical behavior. Indeed, the Cecil event proved my point rather than the speaker’s. Additionally, this so-called world has no interest in ascertaining ethical behavior or supporting it. A hunting community, I argued, that seeks to appease ‘the world’ and which acts upon the belief that the world will embrace hunting if hunters are universally ethical is doomed to commit suicide. It is delusional to believe that the organized anti-hunting advocates—well-funded animal organizations and European and American NGOs—will come to accept elephant, rhino, leopard hunting and remove bans on trading ivory and rhino horn if only they knew the facts. They know what we know. Rather, they don’t care. They have different agendas; they submit to different ideologies, they make their money based on different arguments. We must understand that reality if we are to craft winning strategies and rhetoric.

must make. Mutilated animals inspire people to fight those that enable the mutilation.

Strategy 5: Focus on the Proper Audience Mark Duda of Resource Management estimates that as many as 60-80 percent of the population is non-committal regarding hunting in a general sense. My reading of Duda’s material leads to the favorable conclusion that most of these people can be reached by reason, ethical arguments, caring for native populations and passion. Thus, our strategy should be to forcefully refute the radical anti-hunters, not expecting to change their minds, but to persuade the large ‘middle’ of uncommitted people. This vast group will align with those that seem to have winning arguments.

Strategy 6: Don’t Avoid the Fight Strategy 4: Shift the Paradigm We should focus less on the virtues of hunting and focus more on the arrogant and deceitful character of those that oppose hunting. Extolling hunting’s conservation virtues is a necessary but insufficient process to persuade the vast middle ground. We know from studying the facts regarding Cecil the lion and the black rhino hunting auction orchestrated by the Dallas Safari Club that hunting saves animals and people. No rational decent human being can intellectually and morally refute these claims. Let us not flatter ourselves. We do not have an exclusive divine link to wisdom and knowledge. I accept that many anti-Cecil protesters are decent but uninformed yet that is only a small aspect of their personality structure. What kind of person rejects a rhino hunt knowing that many young rhinos would be saved? What kind of person demands a ban on rhino horn trade knowing that the result is more poaching, more rhino deaths and more hunger for the local populations? These are the messages hunters

I spoke with many people who advise hunters to maintain a low profile when confronted with a Cecil-like situation. “Let it blow over; don’t draw attention!” they say. This passive avoidance is self-destructive. Our strategy should be to make the anti-hunting attacker pay a price for its misinformation, greed, narcissism and the unethical consequences of its beliefs. Let us be guided by two of the most fundamental laws of human nature: avoidance is interpreted as weakness and weakness invites aggression.

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

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Guides Want to see yourself in The Guides Gallery?

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Submit your photos to info@goabc.org with the outfitter’s name, species, and harvested date of your animal.

Cordelia & Rudolf Kraeling, hunted with Kettle River Outfitters

Skinner Creek Hunts guided Matt Andrasko, PA to his black bear

Jerry Walberg, MD got his moose with Love Bros & Lee Ltd in October 2016

Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters. Ralph Adams

Fredlund Guide Service outfitted Jim Testin, for his 8’9” spring grizzly

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Richard Johnsen, ND got his ram with Bonnet Plume Outfitters

Bob & Bobby Naugle with droptine Yukon moose taken with Blackstone Outfitters

Silent Mountain Outfitters guided Mike Parker to his black bear

Pelly Lake Wilderness Outfitters Ltd. guided Ray Buchner for his moose

Jim E., CA got his grizzly with Wild Coast Outfitters

Moonlake Outfitters. Randy Hancock. Rocky Mountain House AB Moose

A Bar Z Outfitters. L.Kaitlin Hoefnagles, M. David Scaggs. R. Fred Canning Mountain Goat

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

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ustin Young is one of the world’s most recognized contemporary wildlife artists. Coming from a long line of professional artists, Justin began painting and sculpting at the age of four. Later, while earning a degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University, he juried into the art department and received formal training in the classical tradition of drawing, painting, and sculpting. Justin’s paintings and sculptures, known for their exceptional design and color qualities, project a keen understanding of the subject matter he portrays. When asked about his work, he replied: “I’m often asked, “What is Art?” My answer is simple. “It is the representation of the people, places, and things that touch the imagination of your life. It can be realistic or abstract-but we

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all have a God given emotional spirit. My purpose is to touch yours.”As projected, from ancient times, dating back to the first cave paintings found in Lascaux, France (15,000 B.C.), we humans as hunters have ingrained in us a strong spiritual connection to, and wonder of the animal life around us. To portray each animal subject’s special beauty and relationship to us, and the environment is the goal of this gifted artist. Justin’s association with GOABC began while Stone Sheep hunting with his good friends Leif and Kellie Olsen from Stone Mountain Safaris. The hunt was a great 2 week opportunity for observing moose, wolves, black bear, grizzly, and caribou in British Columbia’s vast wilderness.

Hunting was difficult, but on day 11 Justin connected on a beautiful Stone sheep ram. As was his routine of many years, he immediately took measurements, photos, and did drawings of the sheep on site. Small sculptural studies were also done for the sculpture “Stone Mountain Ram” and a one of a kind sculpture of the Chadwick Ram is now owned by Sean Olmstead of Prophet Muskwa. Since that hunt, he has become friends with many of the association members and is actively supporting their cause.

Justin’s works have been collected internationally by museums, corporations, and individuals for over four decades. Collections include Peter Coors (Adolph Coors Corp.), Mutual of Omaha, Ronald Roderick, Malcolm King, Chris Klineburger, and Bob & Cathy Duhadaway. He has received many awards including the Ducks Unlimited Palette and Chisel Award, The Quail Unlimited 10th Anniversary Bronze, and The Colorado Arts Council Bronze. He recently created The Ovis Award and The Mule Deer Foundation Endowment Sculpture. Continued ON page 56

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Continued From page 55 As an active philanthropist, Justin, through his art, has raised millions of dollars for numerous charities including Wounded Warriors, Safari Club, Dallas Safari Club, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, The Buffalo Bill Museum, Pheasants Forever, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, FNAWS, Ovis Grand Slam, The Weatherby Foundation, GOABC, Run for the Cure, Hospice, The Colorado Shelter For Abused Women, and many others. Although his early works revolved around North American big game and game birds, his later works have involved worldwide travel. After numerous trips to Africa, having collected a large number of indigenous species, including the Big Five, Justin’s adventures now involve rigorous travel, hunting, and observation of the world’s mountain species and indigenous cultures. Justin and his wife of 44 years, Linda, maintain his studios and gallery in his hometown of Lamar, Colorado located on the banks of the Arkansas River. His work can be viewed at JustinIYoung.com and he can be reached at jyoungfineart@hotmail.com.

To view more of Justin Young’s work visit:

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

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Goat

A Great

by Bob Anderson

Finding a better spot to drop off the ridge we began working our way slowly across to the next draw several hundred yards away. My heart rate quickly accelerated when we peeked over the rock bluff to see the two billie’s grazing, completely unaware of our presence. The wind was in our face and we were in no hurry. It wasn’t difficult to determine which one the whopper was so with pounding heart I placed my rifle across my pack on the rocky ridge which made an excellent rest....

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. The excitement on her face and in her voice was contagious and I eagerly took in my first view of a British Columbia mountain goat. With great enthusiasm we headed back to camp to prepare for the following day’s pursuit. The plan was simple. Drive the ATV to the end of the

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logging road, hike up the mountain, shoot Regardless of the pain and discomfort it the goat and return to the quad where was still much better than hiking that we would spend the night. Simple... same distance on foot. That night I dreamed of big goats and easy mountains to climb until daybreak arrived. After a hearty breakfast we loaded the gear in the trailer and headed out. Driving around the corner ten minutes from camp brought us face to face with a huge grizzly bear. He quickly darted off the road and disappeared into the undergrowth. Three miles further as we rounded another corner we saw a monster bull moose trotting down the road. Chris estimated him to be close to 5o”. We continued on our way and soon found ourselves bouncing along an old logging road. The farther we drove the worse the road became with the willows

The end of the road finally arrived and I was very happy to see the end of the willows. We grabbed our packs travelling as light as possible. Along the way we ate huckleberries, only stopping long enough to catch our breath and pick ourselves up out of the tangle foot. (Another horrible willow type shrub which entangles your feet causing many face plants and much cussing) Breaking out of tree line we stopped for a quick bite to eat and Chris pointed out our destination was just a couple of draws over. We continued our climb towards the ridgeline as we wanted to get above the goats. The ridgeline turned out to

almost entirely across the road. Time to change the mode of transportation so we unloaded the quad and packed up the trailer with our supplies. It appeared to me that the trail hadn’t been used for some time as it was completely overgrown with 8-10’ willows. Ducking, dodging, cussing and crying out in pain as willows lashed across my face was the norm during the ride up. Some sections were precarious and it was a bit hairy getting the quad and trailer up the trail.

be an expanse of about 4’ wide and Chris was almost crawling along. I was laughing as here’s my goat guide afraid of heights trying not to glance at the thousand foot drop, which fortunately was the opposite side of the goat. But instead she was concentrating and focusing on making it along the ridge. Unfortunately we had to turn back as we ran into a cliff which offered no way to continue. As we were looking for a safe spot to drop down we glassed across

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

the valley and spotted a couple of white specks which turned out to be a nanny and kid. I learned that glassing for goats requires patience and one could sit for hours until a goat decides to move. Finding a better spot to drop off the ridge we began working our way slowly across to the next draw several hundred yards away. My heart rate quickly accelerated when we peeked over the rock bluff to see the two billie’s grazing, completely unaware of our presence. The wind was in our face and we were in no hurry. It wasn’t difficult to determine which one the whopper was so with pounding heart I placed my rifle across my pack on the rocky ridge which made an excellent rest.

Chris set up the video camera, hit record and signaled I could fire when I was ready. She had ranged it at 240 yards and my rifle was zeroed in at 200 yards with a 9” drop at 300 yards. Slowly releasing my breath I squeezed the trigger. Bang!!! The goat fell on the steep slope and began to roll downhill slowly gaining momentum. I was ecstatic and a little emotional as a long time goal had just been achieved. My enthusiasm waned a little and I voiced a few choice words as the goat continued

to roll and bounce down the mountain. He continued tumbling over boulders passing through juniper bushes and eventually disappeared from sight. While we watched the goat tumble down the mountain and disappear from sight, fear nearly overcame me as I figured we would have little hope of finding the goat let alone finding the horns intact. After quickly packing up we began slowly making our way down to the last spot we had seen him. After descending about 1000’ we began to question ourselves Continued ON page 62

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Continued From page 61 as to whether we may have walked past As time was of the essence we quickly took until suddenly we saw blood spatters pictures and began skinning. I stuffed the and white hair clinging to the rocks. goat hide, with head and feet intact, into my pack as I was determined to carry it Following the blood trail we dropped myself. I wasn’t sure whether my previous another 500’ and suddenly there he lay. training prepared me for going up a 65 Although he was beat up around the eyes degree mountain with a pack full of billy, I was especially happy to see both horns but I was prepared to give it my best shot. fully intact. I gazed at my goat with great Chris already had a route picked out for elation and gave Chris a hug for helping us as we needed to climb back up to the me fulfill a long time dream. As it was still quad. It wasn’t the same way back as steep we braced the goat with rocks so he there was little vegetation for handholds. wouldn’t roll down into the valley below. I had suggested dropping into the valley below but Chris referred it as ‘Hell Valley’ as it was covered with 30’ willows.

Off we went, me doing the crawling and clinging this time, not out of fear but of exhaustion and to keep from sliding back down and ending up the same way as the goat. It wasn’t much farther up when we exchanged our loads, with Chris taking the goat while I took some of her things. It felt like I was floating for my pack now was far lighter. We continued around the mountain as there was good vegetation for handholds. It was starting to get dusk and I suggested we find a place to spend the night, however Chris was determined to get off the mountain. We continued on with the terrain getting worse with each step. One spot we came to looked especially difficult to cross. Chris went first with her pack and slipped but managed to grab a rock outcropping

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

I gazed at my goat with great elation and gave Chris a hug for helping me fulfilL a long time dream...”

to prevent herself from falling farther. Because of her position she was unable to dig her rope out and all I had was a 50’ para cord. With my heart in my mouth I scrambled to get the rope out and tossed the end to her and digging my feet into the ground to hold her weight. She wrapped the rope around her wrist several times and was able to pull herself back to a spot with good footing. After we both took time to steady our pounding hearts it was mutually agreed we needed to find a suitable spot to spend the night on

the mountain. I had enough excitement in order to sleep. I commented that with for that day! one roll she would be a goner to which she just laughed. I decided to remain Finding a goat was far easier than in a seated position and Chris gave me finding a flat spot on the side of that ½ a foam pad to sit on. We also each mountain. We did manage to find a had an emergency sleeping bag. This ledge large enough for the two of us and combination kept us relatively warm our packs but it wasn’t flat. Changing throughout the night. into something dry was very important as our base layers were wet. It was a clear night with no wind and crisp air. The stars were shining and Chris managed to find a narrow spot and dug out a small depression Continued ON page 64

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Continued From page 63 twinkling like sparkling diamonds against the black sky. The moon was a bright sliver and I watched it slowly ascend high into the sky. Regardless of the cramps in my calves or the discomfort of a slow drip of water landing on my head all night I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this experience and adventure. Laying there with only my thoughts for company I looked back on the day and was filled with pleasure and a deep contentment. How many others could have accomplished what I had today? The wonders of the night sky, the images of the goat dropping on my first shot, the

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excitement and joy on Chris’s face upon finding the goat with the horns intact. It was all worth the exhaustion of the climb back up, the cramps and discomfort of sleeping on the side of the mountain. I fell asleep for a few hours with a smile on my face only to wake up shivering before sunrise. It was good to see the sky lighten in the east as this meant I would warm up and we would get off the mountain.

over the peaks I began to warm up and I gazed with uneasiness at the route down and across to the ridge where yesterday we had lunch. Was it only yesterday? I expressed my anxiety about free climbing, but Chris convinced me that we had the strength and ability to make it. Checking the distance with her range finder to yesterday’s lunch spot eased my worries as it was only 280 yards away as the crow flies. The only problem As the sky began to brighten we looked was we were not flying and the path to at each other in wonderment as to how our goal was filled with some very steep we had managed to climb up to the rough rocky ravines. ledge. When the first rays began to crest

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

It would be about 500 yards by the time we went up and down the draws. This flatlander from the prairie had never experienced hiking in this type of environment and all the training I did over the past 1 ½ years never compared to what we had travelled and what was still to follow. Chris pulled out her rope and taught me a few knots. It was slow going but each time I trekked the length of the rope it gave me a much more relaxed feeling. A few times she would point out the path we would be taking and most times I looked at her as if she were crazy. But it never was as bad as it looked once you began to work your way up or across. The strength of the low growing mountain laurel was astounding and really helped a great deal. Chris also had some screw in corks for our boots which helped us dig

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in better while side hilling. She also wore gloves with rubber pads which enabled her to grip everything much better. I would highly recommend them. 3 ½ hours later found us back on our previous days lunch spot, relieved and exhausted. The hard part was over and although we still had a 2 ½ hour hike through dead falls and tangle foot I was actually looking forward to it! On the way down we again switched packs and I only fell about 10 times. Soon the quad was in sight and I was so ready to dump the pack and ride for a while even though it meant face slapping willows.

Several hours later we reached camp and weighed our packs. Chris’s with the goat weighed 68lbs and my pack was 40lbs. My goat measured 9 3/4” with 6” bases. A fantastic goat! It’s a tough job Chris chose and it astonished me how deep she reached within to carry that pack, never losing her positivity and humor as well as getting me off the mountain. Helen Keller’s quote on the bottom of her emails “Life is a daring adventure…or nothing” says it all. Many thanks to Chris for her encouragement, strength and tenacity during the most exciting hunt of my life!

Editor’s Note: You can reach Mountain Spirit Outfitters Inc. at 780-817-4349 or www.mountainspiritoutfitters.com

we looked at each other in wonderment as to how we had managed to climb up to the ledge...”

Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

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www.bclogcabins.com Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017 |

The Old Way By Choice Chances are, if you are reading this issue, you’ve hunted in British Columbia with one of our fine members. You may have been lucky enough to have hunted several times, with many different outfitters, spent time in their areas, and seen a wide variety of operations. You’ve been to camps where cabins, corrals, and cookhouses are original to the land, built by the outfitters who came before us. The roof may have been fixed over time and new buildings may have been added, but those old bones are ever present because they were built to last. You’ve ridden horses along trails that were carved into the landscape and maintained over generations. The decision to maintain these camps, these trails, these guide areas, are all by choice.

are maintaining and understand that our responsibility is to lead where it goes from here. Larry Erickson is an admirable example of building and maintaining a legacy. He has cultivated his guiding area to sustain both wild game and the horses that he uses for his business. Larry and his wife, Ingrid, have lived for 50 years in their log cabin on his territory. They are living a simple, yet happy life, and leaving a minimal footprint on the landscape. The Erickson tradition is not just about the business, it’s also about the experience he provides to his guests, and keeping his territory in the pristine condition it had been in when he founded it.

Most industries strive to find efficiencies through cutting edge technology, to ferret out ways to cut costs and get more bang for their buck. The B.C. guide outfitting industry also embraces innovative ideas and new technologies. For example, you may This begs the question; what will hunting look like in another see many of us at shows using our smart phones. We aren’t 50 years? Will the anti-hunting movement have won? What averse to change, yet we purposely operate using the old ways losses will we be facing? Loss of species? Loss of habitat? Loss so that we don’t lose sight of our traditions. of our industry? I call on you to bring a young person on a Yes, as outfitters we could buy quads and other motorized guided hunt here in B.C. and show them how we do things the vehicles to replace our horses and save money, but what old way. We will lose these old ways if we don’t have clients would that accomplish? Some areas are inaccessible without who value the traditions the same way that we do. horses, and the vehicles would likely disrupt the guided These traditions honour those who cut the trail before us. hunting experience, not to mention the land. We work hard to preserve our province for our guests, families, for the If you have any historical stories you would like to share, animals, and to preserve the traditions of our forefathers. please email info@bcguideoutfitters.com As businessmen and women, we respect the legacy we

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Mountain Hunter Magazine - SPRING 2017

FOR THOSE WHO TRULY

ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD

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