Montana Bowhunting Fall 2009

inside this issue: ARE

YOU T.U.F ENOUGH? VOL. 36 #1 FALL 2009

www.mtba.org

A PUBLIC ATION OF THE MONTANA BOWHUNTERS ASSOCI ATION

also inside: Officer & Regional Reports Bowhunting South Africa 2009 Carp Safari Morgans Hunting Story Member Profile —

Fall 2009

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BOWHUNTEr —

www.mtba.org

MBA

MBA

Regional onal R Representatives epre p e s e ent t a tives Region 1 Al Kelly

Paul Martin PRESIDENT Jim Gappa 3006 Avenue F • Billings, MT 59102 jsgappa@msn.com • 406-655-8263 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Joelle Selk 6963 York Road • Helena, MT 59602 jselkmt@3riversdbs.net • 406-475-3023 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Jason Tounsley 8630 Longmeadow Dr. • Billings, MT 59106 jtounsley@msn.com • 406-656-2497 TREASURER Sue Miller PO Box 746 • Stevensville, MT 59870 mtba@mtba.org • 406-777-0214 PAST PRESIDENT Gary Carvajal 10800 Oral Zumwalt Way • Missoula, MT 59803 elkheartmt@bresnan.net • 406-493-6104 MBA PUBLIC RELATONS DIRECTOR Mark Seacat 34156 E. Frontage Rd. • Bozeman, MT 59715 markseacat@mysteryranch.com • 406-570-2190 NEWSLETTER EDITOR Steve Sukut 401 Skylark Road • Glasgow, MT 59230 sksukut@nemont.net • 406-367-9359

WEB DESIGNER Tracy Watt, Wordman, LLC tracy@mywordman.com • 406-721-0754 NEWSLETTER DESIGN K Design Marketing, Inc. Kimberly Kinsinger 15275 Thayer Rd. • Lolo, MT 59847 kim@kdesignmarketing.com • 406-273-6193

Region 2

Brent Hunsucker Paul Roush II

Region 3

Brendan Burns Jesse Nelson

Region 4

Rosey Roseland Don Davidson

Region 5

Ernie McKenzie Kris O’Bleness

Region 6

Don Stein Barry Boyce

Region 7

Jeff Noble Rex Rogers

Region 8

Marvin Drake Craig Marr

EVEN YEARS Steve Kamps Pete Iacavazzi Steve Schindler Billy Lewis Roger Peffer Steve Sukut ODD YEARS Steve Halama George Graham Steve Riveland Adam Barker Ray Gross Mark Seacat

PO Box 219, Libby, MT 59923 ............................................406-293-2900 alman@frontiernet.net 3160 Airport Road, Kalispel, MT 59901 ................................406-261-4456 paulhm@dishmail.net 5348 Florence Carlton Loop, Florence, MT 59833 ........................406-880-2901 forilla1@rkymtn.net 5106 Mainview Dr., Missoula, MT 59803..................................406-544-2169 montanaarchery@hotmail.com 2402 Draws #D, Bozeman, MT 59718 ................................406-223-3833 Region3mbarep@yahoo.com 407 N. Teton, Bozeman, MT 59718 ....................................406-580-1952 sharpstx@gmail.com PO Box 444, Lewistown, MT 59457 .................................... 406-535-2903 roseland@midrivers.com 813 6th St. S.W., Great Falls, MT 59404 ..............................406-453-3976 mtdonbow@gmail.com 2705 Sage Springs Ct., Billings, MT 59106 .......................... 406-656-2244 jandemckenzie@q.com 2908 Alaskan Ave., Billings, MT 59101 .............................. 406-252-5360 klimatekris@yahoo.com 1625 Northern Heights Drive, Havre, MT 59501 ....................406-265-8099 dr.camo@bresnan.net 1117 Penn.,Chinook MT 59523 ..........................................406-357-3592 bboyce23@hotmail.com PO Box 32, Broadus, MT 59317..........................................406-436-2365 prcoattorney@rangeweb.net Box 1022, Colstrip, MT 59323............................................406-748-2470 rr_tradbow@yahoo.com 3433 Pine Hills Dr., Helena, MT 59602 ................................406-748-3077 mdrake@health-e-web.net 7005 Viscaya Rd, Helena, MT 59602....................................406-475-9512 b4_lite@yahoo.com

AT LARGE DIRECTORS P.O. Box 192, Lincoln, MT 59639 – kamps@linctel.net ....................................................406-362-4907 America – pciacavazzi@hotmail.com ................................................................................406-599-5786 134 Sawney Drive,Glasgow, MT 59203 – schinto@nemont.net..........................................406-228-9024 730 N. Yellowstone, Livingston, MT 59407 – billylewis71@yahoo.com ..............................406-220-1837 2517 9th Ave So Great Falls, MT 59405 – regorp77@msn.com ........................................406-452-0911 401 Skylark Rd., Glasgow, MT 59230 – sksukut@nemont.net..........................................406-366-2247 550 Tabriz, Billings, MT 59105 – steveninmontana@hotmail.com ......................................406-367-9359 P3608 Kiowa Tr., Billings, MT 5910 – georgegraham@live.com..........................................406-861-9379 20 Yellowstone Bluffs Rd., Park City, MT 59063 – neverthirst@tctwest.net ..........................406-860-6543 1020 Valley View Dr., Great Falls, MT 59405 – adam.barker@ge.com ................................406-461-2792 355 Antelope Dr., Dillon, MT 59725 – ray gross@bresnan.net ..........................................406-683-2046 34156 E.Frontage Rd., Bozeman, MT 59715 –markseacat@mysteryranch.com ..................406-570-2190

EDITORIAL COMMENTS The MBA Newsletter is a quarterly publication of the MBA and is intended to inform, entertain and educate its members on happenings within the organization and to bowhunting in general.

PUBLICATIONS DATES AND DEADLINES WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, OCTOBER 15 SPRING ISSUE, DEADLINE, JANUARY 15 Stories, photos or cartoons should be sent to Steve Sukut, 401 Skylark Road, Glasgow, MT 59230. All materials are the opinion of the author unless

otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All photos will be placed in the MBA Photo Album and can be viewed at the annual conventions. Any questions as to policies of the MBA please write the President or Vice President.

MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES

Please send new memberships or renewal memberships to MBA Treasurer, PO Box 746 Stevensville, MT 59870 or call 406-777-0214 or ask any member.

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Fall 2009

from the EDIToR 3 4 5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE — Jim Gappa

1ST VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Joelle Selk

2ND VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Jason Tounsley TREASURER’S MESSAGE— Sue Miller

6 12 13 16 18 20 22 25 27

REGIONAL NEWS

AT LARGE DIRECTORS

BOWHUNTERS, AVOID BEING HUNTED

MBA MEMBER CODY SHAW— Joelle Selk

ARE YOU T.U.F. ENOUGH?— Cory C. Benge 2009 CARP SAFARI

THE APPEAL OF BOWHUNTING SOUTH AFRICA— Willem P Frost

ONE WITH THE WILDERNESS

29 32

Peter Iacavazzi MORGANS HUNTING STORY

Teri Alman MBA GALLERY

DEALER MEMBERS

About

Our archery seasons are upon us. We are about to reap the rewards for all our hard work. Get out there and get after that big old buck, bull, ram, or whatever turns your personal bowhunting crank.

It’s a good thing that time flies as fast as it does. I barely had time to miss bowhunting this year. It seems like yesterday I watched the sunset on the last day of hunting season, November of 2008, and now I’m busy working out the kinks in my bow and arrow shooting, getting ready for antelope opening day, a fall Manitoba bear hunt, then the elk rut, then some serious deer chasing.

We have it good in Montana, boys and girls. That’s a fact.

We have it good because we work our butts off trying to keep it good, hanging on to what we have with an iron grip. It’s a non-stop, twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week type job, with no vacation. But it is definitely a job with benefits. If we do our job well, (and so far, we’ve done pretty well) we’ll get to enjoy world-class bowhunting for multiple species of game for years to come.

We could use a little help, of course. In just about all areas of life, there are certain people who are ready to pitch in and get things done. Unfortunately, the percentage of these steadfast, trustworthy people is often less than 10% of the total. So does this mean that the other 90% are just along for the ride, and are letting others take responsibility for doing what needs to be done? Sometimes that is indeed true. I guess that what we have to decide is which group we want to be part of.

I’ve always been proud of the Montana Bowhunters Association. Just being a member means that you are part of the movers and shakers, the people who contribute to a better quality of outdoor life. And if you’re an active, involved member

ThE CoVER

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This beautiful photo is of Cory Benge of Bozeman with his Dall sheep.

Cory took him in Alaska, and you can read all about it in this issue.

BOWHUNTEr — 2 www.mtBa.org

continued on page 4

message

Hello to everyone. Hunting season is upon us and I am sure some of you have had the chance to get out and hunt some antelope. If you like hunting antelope in August . . . you can thank the MBA. Deer and Elk archery season is coming soon and I look forward to taking my two sons hunting opening weekend. My oldest son will be able to hunt next year and both he and I are already anxiously waiting when that time comes, but this year will be another good opportunity to take him and my younger son along. Our practice time up at the archery range is more frequent and we are having fun together. Introduce the sport of bowhunting and archery shooting to someone, whether they are young or old. It can be some good quality time spent with friends and family.

The Tentative process for the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department to determine rules and regulations affecting bowhunters will be this fall. If you feel strongly about something affecting you as a bowhunter, please contact your Regional Representative or any of the Board of Directors to express your thoughts, opinions, and possible solutions. Your MBA Tentative Committee members are working on proposals to approach the FWP Commission regarding bowhunting opportunity and “easing” the limited elk archery regulations that have affected those hunting districts outside of the Missouri River Breaks.

Those committee members are listed in this magazine.

Someone in FWP once told me, “You can either have something done for you or have something done to you”. There seems to be a lot of apathy out there in the bowhunting community. A lot of hunters sit idle and only become involved or voice their dissatisfaction after something has affected them in a negative capacity. The MBA continues to be proactive and not reactive.

Many issues affecting bowhunting are not “headline news”, but worthy of our attention. The Tentative and Legislative processes are the most influential processes affecting bowhunting and the MBA remains involved. If you would like to express your opinion and ideas, please contact any of the Board of Directors, all contact information is on the inside cover of this magazine, as well as on our website (www.mtba.org). Attend your regional meetings and express yourself.

The MBA Carp Safari was another fun and successful event, thanks to Joelle Selk and the individuals that volunteered to make it happen. This brings up a good point. All of the MBA Board of Directors, with the exception of Treasurer, are volunteers (and the Treasurer’s position does not pay that much).

Without these individuals volunteering their time and efforts to this organization, this organization would remain stagnant. I personally would like to thank these individuals for their time and energy they give to making this organization run effectively.

I know in many instances, it is time dedicated away from their families. Let us not forget the past Board members and what they contributed to making this organization great.

With today’s economic concerns, hunting is likely to look different this year and the next. The recent mentality of “if you don’t have the latest and greatest”, you won’t be able to “keep up with the Jones” is going to take a back seat to watching one’s

budget. I think you will see individuals learning to enjoy the cheaper and simpler ways of hunting and losing that feeling of “got to have the best no matter the expense”, because they are not paying for all those “extras”.

Hunters may actually enjoy hunting more now, because they will actually appreciate what their time and money has afforded them. To some degree, technology has taken away the need and desire for skill, hard work, and perseverance once necessary for hunting. The satisfaction that follows from completing a difficult task is gone. Technology is eliminating the challenge, so that the only challenge left is a higher score. This has caused an increased emphasis on taking trophy animals. The programs that are shown on TV and on DVDs are showing “hunters” passing on good mature animals for that trophy of a lifetime. Kids watch this and you have to wonder what are we teaching them? Not the hunt, but the score.

The commercialization of our wildlife is coming through the TV as the companies produce these shows and market their products.

They try to make you have that warm fuzzy feeling “their product alone” will allow you to take that trophy of a lifetime. Funny thing is; these TV and DVD shows and the products appeal more to hunters than to the animals they pursue. So, they did their job . . . they got someone to buy their product . . . whether it works or not. I am curious to see how these companies will fair with the current economic state and as hunters reduce their spending.

Let’s not lose sight of what we have available to us and give thanks and work on preserving what we have. Too often we are so busy promoting that we forget to protect what we have and take it for granted.

I wish you the best in this upcoming season. We would love for you to share your stories of the hunt, successful or not. Our magazine editor is always asking for stories to publish in this magazine, so please submit your article.

Jim M. Gappa

Photo by Billy Lewis

PREsIDENT’s

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Fall 2009

First Vice PREsIDENT’s message

I hope you’re all enjoying a summer full of bowhunting preparations. Our board activities haven’t skipped a beat, as we’ve switched gears from legislative concerns to Tentatives planning. In case you are unfamiliar with the Tentatives Process, it involves the activities of the FWP Commission regarding setting season structures and dates, license and permit availability (quotas), special weapons areas, state park issues, land acquisitions and conservation easements, and special hunting regulations which pertain to disabled individuals or youth.

The Tentatives cycle occurs in between legislative years, so we are approaching a new cycle this fall. Sportsmen’s groups and regional FWP staff prepare their proposals in late fall and submit them for commission review at their December meeting. Throughout the winter months, the commission holds regional meetings and takes public comment on specific season recommendations. By mid-winter (February), they vote to adopt the season proposals, and then proceed to review of proposals for quotas on each species. Throughout the spring and summer, the commission finalizes quotas for all species. All proposals adopted will take effect the following hunting season.

Districts” committee will very likely give detailed reports as to our Tentatives activities so I’ll keep my discussion more broad.

One of the liveliest discussions we’ve had lately is “how much is too much to ask.” We have a long-standing saying within the board that we don’t want to be “the fat kid reaching for another cookie.” On the other hand, there’s the pithy saying, “If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind.” Such is the delicate balance we seek in our interactions with the legislators and the commissioners.

Among our most recent discussions is whether we should push for the ability to hunt bison with archery equipment. Some board members feel we should tread carefully so as not to sabotage the bison hunt successes thus far. Others feel we should advocate for the opportunity since it’s been proven for centuries that bison can be felled with arrows. I read an interesting bison hunt story

by Tom Brokaw in Montana Magazine’s July/August 2007 issue, “We started with 30 head and we’ve recently been running 100 to 150 head….We’ve been working with an outfitter from Wyoming who would bring rifle hunters in. Now, we’ve got a lot of bowhunters coming in. My ranch manager is a national-class traditional bowhunter. They drop the bulls with one arrow.”

Tom Brokaw knows bison can be killed with one arrow – how amazing is that? That’s the kind of testimony we need when we approach the commission with a proposal to allow archery equipment for bison hunts.

Here’s where member input comes in. We need to know where you all stand on things such as archery bison hunts, the 23 limited entry districts, proposed archery season dates for mountain lion, bear and wolf. We need to know how hard to fight for specific issues and in which direction. Without your input, the board may as well “sit ‘n spin” during our meetings because we have no idea what the majority of the membership thinks. We’re crafting a survey to get your input which will be posted on the website. Folks, we typically get a paltry 5% return on these surveys, so please step up this time. Register on the website (www.mtba.org), read the member forum to inform yourself of the issues, and VOTE, for Pete’s sake!

Joelle Selk

Steve Kamps, our Tentatives Committee chair, and Jason Tounsley, chair of our “23 Outside the Breaks Limited Entry

EDITOR’S REPORT

continued from page 3

then you’re really in a select group. Think of it this way… right now in Montana, the MBA membership, which numbers a bit more than a thousand, is calling the shots for the rest of the bowhunters in Montana, which number over forty grand.

That’s a ton of responsibility we are carrying, and it shouldn’t be that way. But that’s human nature. There will always be people who only worry about themselves, just don’t care, or are involved for all the wrong reasons. For example, those who volunteer but don’t follow through on their promises, or

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BOWHUNTEr — 4 www.mtBa.org

those who are shameless self-promoters. The world is full of those kinds of people, but thankfully, the small percentage of people who are willing to shoulder the load and do a little work are enough to get the job done. I’m happy to say that I know a bunch of those wonderful people. May God bless each and every one of them.

Good luck this fall. Be careful, be courteous, be a good citizen.

Don’t be afraid to bend over and pick up a pop can or other trash you find. Don’t take anything less than a perfect shot; and make sure your broadheads are spooky sharp. Take a kid hunting. And don’t ever, ever take our archery seasons for granted.

Steve Sukut

Second Vice PREsIDENT’s message

My time sitting on the Board of directors has been a series of learning experiences. My first lesson was the rule of unintended consequences. During both the legislative session and the tentative regulation process the MBA is asked by the Legislators, FWP, other sportsman groups and our membership to weigh in on all types of topics concerning not only bow hunting, but hunting in general, ATV’s, Land use issues, etc. Some of these issues we decide are outside the scope of our mission statement and we don’t pursue them any further, the rest we prioritize and act on them accordingly.

The first step in this process is discussion. This usually happens through email among the board. We will discuss pros and cons, take into account the direction we have been given by the membership, brainstorm solutions, and talk with FWP employees, legislators, commissioners.... We also, and I think this is the most important part, discuss possible consequences to any changes that may eventually get made.

there are some very serious and real consequences to making these changes. There are also things that come up occasionally that at first look seem like they would increase hunting opportunities or enhance the quality of an opportunity we already enjoy but once you dig a little deeper you find the consequences of making that change may offset the benefit.

The solution to both of these problems lies in better communication between the board and our membership and a better understanding of the issues by everyone.

Inevitably it seems, no matter how long we discuss this, in the end once any change is made to the rules that govern hunting there are unintended consequences, things we didn’t see coming. Case in point, in the last tentative session the MBA worked together with the FWP to build the frame work for what eventually became the permit system for the “Breaks” areas.

Well, the FWP thought it was such a good idea and so well thought out they decided to apply this same permit system to 23 other districts in regions 4,5, and 6. This was an unintended consequence.

So with that in mind I would ask all of our membership to take a few minutes every week to check out the MBA website at mtba.org and join in the discussions on the member forum.

This is a great format for the BOD to get direction from our membership and for our membership to get better informed in the topics we are currently dealing with. It also helps us cut down on those unintended consequences by opening the discussion to a wider base with more diverse experiences. We are also currently working on a new member survey that you will be able to fill out on the website.

Another lesson, in the last couple years I have been serving on the Board it seems there are a couple of ideas that keep being brought up. Things like getting rid of the outfitter sponsored license, making it legal to use archery equipment for buffalo hunting, and so on. While these Ideas may have some benefits

Remember, the world is run by those who show up. The website makes it easier than ever to show up.

Jason Tounsley

TREAsURER’s

message

WOW! I can’t believe how fast summer is flying by…that means fall and archery season are right around the corner. Best of luck to you all!!

The State Bowhunter Championship in June brought in 44 new members. Let’s continue to reach out to all the bowhunters in Montana and get them involved in the MBA. If you are a current member and know of friends or business colleagues who bowhunts, encourage them to join!

Leah and I have finally finished our training sessions, and I am off and running with this new position. I know I will call on her a lot with all her expertise with the MBA. I am hoping she doesn’t change her phone number any time soon!! Again, I look forward to a rewarding experience with this organization and getting to know you all. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions you might have.

Photo by Steve Sukut

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Fall 2009

Region 1

Region 2

AL KELLY PAUL MARTIN Al Kelly

Look out! Summer is flying by so fast it doesn’t seem like there will be time to prepare for bowhunting season. So much to do and so little time to fling thousands of practice arrows; sharpen broadheads; restock packs; break in a new pair of boots; make sure all the camo is ready and even try to get a few honey-do’s done before time runs out. You get the idea… bowhunters are busy this time of year and soon it will be our time to get away from it all and immerse ourselves in the best pastime of all-BOWHUNTING!!

When you’re out there soaking up all this wonderful land has to offer, don’t forget to think about those people who work hard to preserve our sport. Maybe we can all give a little thought as to how each of us can “step it up a notch” in our participation, and remember that we might not enjoy the sport of bowhunting today if not for those people who worked so hard before us. Ask yourself; what will you leave to the hunters of the future?

Our children deserve their turn; we could all put forth more effort to ensure that they will get their days in the field.

Al Kelly ontana

BOWHUNTEr —

Paul Martin

I’ll start with spring bear & turkey season. The black bear harvest was down a bit because of the on-going winter we had, so let’s just look for them this fall. As for the turkeys, it seems like the numbers are also down due to the winter weather.

Also down in region 1 is the fawn & calf numbers but I believe our herds peaked out in 07. Now for some good news; there is an archery only season planned for black bear in the fall of next year and the wolf hunt for fall of 2009 seems to be moving forward. I hope by the time this issue of the newsletter comes out the debate of the wolf tag has been settled and some of you have already purchased your over the counter $19.00 resident tag or $350.00 non-resident tag. Amen to that.

Another topic of interest is the bison hunt. Only one bison was harvested last year in the hunt, but FWP plans to harvest 140 animals this year. I think it’s time for bowhunters to become part of this and get the OK from FWP to participate as an archery sport. I think that some day to have a herd open for hunting in region 6 or 7 would be a great hunting opportunity.

I’ll get off my band wagon for now and move to another subject. I was able to get out with a buddy for some elk shed hunting this year. It’s great exercise and if you’re in the right place, you can get lucky and find some sheds. Shed hunting is sort of like treasure hunting. There is something special about touching those antlers for the first time, whether it’s attached to an animal or not. I could go on for hours about this but I better start to wrap it up. Good luck to the people that drew the special permits and tags.

Please don’t forget to fill out that MBA survey on the website as we need your input. Hunt hard, and shoot straight!

Paul Martin

Paul Roush II BRENT HUNSUCKER I hope you have been enjoying your summer thus far. The summer has been pretty busy in Region 2. The summer kicked off with the MBA/Five Valley’s Archery Club annual MT State Bowhunters Championship and Bear Shoot. This two day shoot set a new record with 475 shooters and about 900 total people attending. Out of that total we had 102 shooters in the State Championship portion of the shoot. For those that don’t know about this shoot I started this shoot two years ago to do two things. One was to raise awareness of the MBA to the state bowhunter and second was to drive membership. Over the last two years the shoot has produced 80 new members for the MBA. In 2008, we gained 36 new members and this year we gained 44. We have people travel from as far as South Dakota to attend this shoot, as well as Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Oregon. Some of these shooters are National and World Champions as well as unbelievable bowhunters in their own right. We had a banquet dinner on the Friday before the shoot that had about 90 meals sold and Glen Berry gave a great Elk Calling Seminar on Saturday night that got everyone’s heart pumping for elk.

Brent and I have also been working on new members and old members (Delinquent) to get them involved in the MBA again. We feel very strongly that the MBA needs to be representing as many of bowhunters in the state as possible.

It is hard to be the State Bowhunters Organization that does not represent the vast majority of the bowhunters. The state of Montana has some 40K bowhunters and we only have a total membership of 900 to 1000. That is a very small percentage.

Brent and my goal would be to have at least 10% of the total bowhunters be members of the MBA, so they too would have a voice in what happens to bowhunting in this state. The only time

The 2nd Annual State Bowhunters Championship was held June 20- 21.

Total shooters fort he two days was over 425.

Total number of MBA member shooters was 99, with 44 brand new members to the MBA!

you ever hear from the nonmembers is when something they don’t agree with happens. Then it’s everyone else’s fault.

Well, if you don’t get involved then you have no right to complain about what happens around you.

If you know someone that is not an MBA member, ask them why and what you can do to make them a member. If they have questions that you may not be able to answer have them call an area Representative. Have them call me direct at 406-544-2169; I will be more than happy to answer any question they may have. In the years to come we will need all the members we can get. As all of you can see from the hunting regulations, the hunting areas and quotas are changing very rapidly. Every year the FWP is taking some type of bowhunting opportunity away from us. Without the member numbers it will become harder and harder to go to the FWP commission and say we speak for the bowhunters of the state when we have only 900 members and the total number of bowhunters is over 40K. All I want you to do after reading this is ask yourself. “Am I doing everything I can to help bowhunting in Montana survive?”

If you are not sure of the answer then you are probably not. If you are a member of the MBA and you hear someone complain about what is happening to bowhunting in the state then it is your job to inform that person that there is an organization that has their best interest in mind.

That organization is us, the Montana Bowhunters Association.

Paul Roush II

Region 3 BRENDAN BURNS JESSE NELSON I am writing this on the 4TH of July as I sit in my hotel room at the Sunrise Ski Resort in AZ at one of the largest 3D shoots in the west. It hosts 1,680 shooters and is an unbelievable event that is in some of the most pristine elk country around, and home to some of the largest bulls in the world. A trophy bull hunt on the White Mountain Apache Reservation is around $16K and has a waiting list. At this shoot the reservation donates one trophy hunt and multiple other hunts to any registered shooter as raffle prizes.

I have spent the last 3 days talking to bow hunter after bow hunter about the upcoming hunting seasons, there are very few smiles on the faces of the bow hunters in NM, AZ, & UT. The draw was very hard on them and left the majority of them asking who drew? By the time you read this our Elk, Deer and Antelope permits will have been drawn in MT and it will hopefully reveal more of the damage that the Commissioners 08 decision did regarding turning the 23OD units into a permit. At this point, it is a decision we are stuck with, and the hunters of Montana should be asking ourselves, are we OK with elk hunting once every 10

yrs.? The plan that has been forced on us by the commissioner is something that I hope the bow hunters of this state will take a closer look at and use the other western states as examples of the road we’re traveling down.

Even though the intent of these permits is not to limit the resident hunters, I still have that lingering thought of not being able to hunt eastern Montana for elk this year and I wonder what my next plan would be. Hopefully that won’t be something any of us needs to worry about and we’ll all be successful in drawing permits in the upcoming hunting season.

On a lighter note, our last region 3 meeting was one of the most successful we’ve had with close to 30 in attendance, and our new recruitment seems to grow every day. I’d like to thank Brendan Burns and Mark Seacat for putting the meeting together, Mystery Ranch Back Packs for donating a pack, and providing us with a place to hold our meeting. Also thanks to Paul Roush and Joelle Selk for stepping up to the plate and putting together two fantastic shoots, The Bear Shoot & the Carp Shoot.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON

Jesse Nelson Jesse Nelson

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Fall 2009

Region 4 DON DAVIDSON ROSEY ROSELAND Greetings from my part of Region 4. Around here it is business as usual. The guys that are usually successful are very busy; scouting, gaining permission, setting up stands or blinds, shooting their bows and tuning their equipment. Most guys around here are waiting to see what this season will bring. By this, I mean the loss of opportunity and the overcrowding caused by the new regulations imposed on them last year. I think that the MBA should sue the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for loss of opportunity because of their 2008 changes in elk regulations. In my opinion, we carry about zero clout with FWP unless we support something that benefits them. If we filed a lawsuit we would gain some clout back. The animal rights people do it all the time, and it seems to work for them. Examples are;

the wolf season, Grizzly Bear hunting and Canadian Lynx trapping. Those are just a few. If you noticed all these animals are predators.

That is one of the worst things to come out of the 1960’s - the Anti Hunting Movement. The anti’s quickly realized that it would be a losing battle to target the animals that hunters use for food, i.e. deer, elk, game birds. So, they went after the predators. It worked. The Marine Mammals Act (all predators), the ban on shooting hawks and owls and so on...... This protect the predator mentality is taking over the country!

My hat is off to the American and Montana Stock Growers Associations. These organizations still demand a very aggressive predator control program. If you only knew how many coyotes and other predators the Animal Damage Control people kill in this state every year you would absolutely crap! A small part of your license fees actually help pay for this. This information is all public knowledge if you know where to dig. By now you are asking what does this have to do with news from Region 4....everything!! Anywhere the Animal Damage Control (ADC) people have aggressively hunted coyotes you have a huge increase in fawn survival. Ever notice areas that have a few sheep ranches also have a huge number of deer, go figure. But, the wolf changes the equation. The ADC people

Region 5 ERNIE MCKENZIE KRIS O’BLENESS

Kris O’Bleness

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BOWHUNTEr — 8 www.mtBa.org

Well, it’s hard to believe, but it is already half way through July. I’m sure everyone’s summer has been as busy as mine. I hope you are all taking time to play instead of just working. Before we know it we will be out chasing antelope.

As Ernie mentioned in the last newsletter we are going to try to get some membership drives going here in Region 5. We have an unbelievable number of bow hunters in our area that still don’t know

Rosey Roseland

kill every coyote they can, but this is not so with wolves. They cannot kill a wolf unless it is a “Bad” wolf - a stock killer. Well, when a “Good” wolf kills a deer or elk, it is killing “OUR” livestock. As hunters and residents of this state, the deer and elk are suppose to belong to us. When the wolves get to this part of Montana the FWP won’t have to worry about meeting their elk objectives and numbers. The wolves will do it for them. Wolves also cannot read No Trespassing signs. It makes you wonder if this isn’t the FWP Master Plan.

Remember this, in the anti-hunters’ utopia; there will be enough predators of all types to take care of all the prey animals. So, there will be no need for us, the hunter, to be in the equation.

Rosey Roseland we exist. If anyone has any ideas, or know of any events that we can set up at, please call Ernie or myself. Also at our region meetings please do your best to attend, and bring a new member. At our next meeting we are going to have drawings for door prizes. So if you’re not there you’ll miss out on some good stuff.

As you probably are aware Billings is going to host the 2010 Convention this year. This is our biggest fund raiser of the year, and it is going to take a lot of volunteers to make it a success. We have been busy getting things in order. We are having monthly meetings so if anyone would like to help please give Ernie, Steve Halama, or I a call and we can let you know when the next meeting is. Even if you can only help at the convention any help we can get will be greatly appreciated.

Well it’s time for me to get back to work.. Good luck to everyone this fall, and I hope to see you at the next meeting!

Kris O’Bleness

Region 6

Region 7

DON STEIN BARRY BOYCE Don Stein

The Barber Ranch 2-Day Shoot was a big success again, with great weather and lots of shooters. Not much luck signing up any new members, though.

Ben Parsons from Chinook won the arrow case.

Antelope season is coming soon and it looks good. Some of us will not have to look very hard or travel far to find them in these parts. After last winter, many antelope that moved into the Milk River valley never left. I might even be lucky enough to be able to hunt them on my own property. Local landowners may allow you to hunt if you ask.

I hope all of you are successful in the permit drawings. It’s time for me to go fling some arrows. I can never shoot enough to make me happy.

Don Stein

JEFF NOBLE REX ROGERS Hello to all. Summer is slipping by with lots of carp slain and archery shoots to hone shooting skills. There was a two-day shoot over Colstrip Days drawing in a fine group of archers. I noticed new families of shooters with bows constructed in some of Bob Morgan’s self-bow classes, people having fun with the sport. Dana Miller was on hand helping run the shoot.

Eight members and several guests attended the Reg 7 MBA meeting at Colstrip in early June. Lots of fine discussion with opinions on both sides, we are monitoring the 23 OD issue and seeking input. The meeting lasted 3 hours and we all left with a strong campfire smell.

Change. I would say a bowhunters ability to adapt to change is as important to his success as his shooting ability. Each year we face changes in new places to hunt, maybe a special tag that changes our hunting routine or a new group of hunters camped in our favorite hunting area. It is our ability to recognize these changes and adapt to them in a positive way that allows for continued enjoyable and successful seasons. The changes are going to be out there again this season. Recognize them, adapt to them and find a way to enjoy them, (Wolf Rug). Oh, and don’t forget shooting ability…

Rex Rogers Rex Rogers

Region 8 MARVIN DRAKE CRAIG MARR Thanks to those of you who made the Carp Shoot, the weather was good and there were quite a few more carp killed than last year. Fall is coming and soon chores will take a back seat to hunting season, I can’t wait. I was fortunate enough to draw a goat tag this year, my first “big 3” tag in 32 years of trying.

My goat experience consists of passing glances at those magnificent critters high up in the rocks, now I’ll have to figure out how to get within bow range of one so will need to do some homework. It’ll be fun to hunt something new. I’d better fill that tag since the math doesn’t look too good for another shot while I’m still young enough to hike in goat terrain!

Harboring, controlled access, limited access – all words we are hearing more often these days to characterize the problem of plenty of big game animals (often too many) and the inability to effectively manage them and/or provide public hunting opportunity to a public resource. As the face of private landownership continues to change in Montana, and the pressure increases on public land, this is certain to be a topic that won’t go away soon. The closing seminar at the MBA convention this year was a presentation by Quentin Kujala on elk in and around Northern Yellowstone.

I think a lot of folks missed it because the weather turned sour and people hit the road early to beat the storm, but I understood the presentation would be made available on CD soon. If you missed the presentation you need to see it. It was solid scientific proof on the effects of limited hunting access to private land. It showed that not only does limited access impact our hunting opportunities on private land, but on the adjacent public land as well. I think most of us knew this,

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Fall 2009

REGION 8

continued from page 9

but it was nice to see proof. Finding solutions to this problem is the difficult part, and is something the MBA board is talking about. If you have ideas, let your region rep know, we’d be glad to hear them.

Speaking of harboring and some of the change it can bring, FWP opened up rifle hunting for cow elk in parts of HD290 last year which had previously been archery only. During the season, there were at least a few bull elk taken illegally with guns, and instances of rifle hunters hunting parts of 290 that were still archery only. To try and help out with this problem, Paul Martin, Craig Marr, and myself are working to get a project going with the Region 2 FWP folks to better mark the HD290 archery only area and associated regulations. FWP has agreed to furnish the signs if we will put them up. We expect to get it done sometime in August, so by the time you read this I hope it’s done.

Good luck this fall!

Marvin Drake Region 8 has been fairly quiet lately. I’ve heard of a couple people who drew permits for sheep and goats, but once again I struck out. There seems to be lots of critters around and they look pretty healthy, so it should be another great year. Region 8 folks, please send in stories and photos and get hold of one of us if you have issues or concerns. Good luck to everyone this fall, get up a little earlier, hike a little farther, and stay a little later!

Craig Marr

At Large

DIRECToRs

Adam Barker Summer is here and things are really starting to heat up. I’m sure the weatherman will repeat the usual forecast of “hot, real hot, sizzling, and smoky”. The 4th was great, and I’m hoping you found some time to relax with the family. We should all be grateful that we live in the greatest state in the greatest country on the planet.

Just when I think I can’t take another day of the blistering heat, I can see the relief of fall is just around the corner. Only a few more weeks before we can start adding some stress to the lives of the antelope bucks that have been hanging around. The herds I’ve been seeing in central Montana are looking good, and there seems to be good numbers no matter which way you travel from Great Falls.

My family made it over to the Bear shoot and had a blast.

There seemed to be a good turnout, even with the stormy weekend forecast. The rain held off for the most part, and the 5 Valley Club did another outstanding job. I hope Paul has all the specifics on the results somewhere in this issue so the folks that weren’t able to make it can see who took home the hardware.

Nobody in my house pulled any big permits, but there’s still a chance that an Elk or Deer permit might come home with me, which turns us to the topic of those limited Elk permits again.

This is a recurring theme and the discussions haven’t slowed much from last year. I’m really hoping that the blanket permit areas are overhauled this tentative session. My take is only 1 area in the 23OD should be tinkered with, and the rest should go back to the way they were before this mess. I know that some disagree, but that’s what I’m personally working towards.

I appreciate all the calls and emails as usual, and encourage you to keep them coming so I can represent the member consensus when the BOD is discussing various topics. Remember that all the contact info you need is in the front of the magazine.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and make sure to get the final adjustments worked out before the archery seasons roll around.

Adam Barker

continued on page 12 Adam Barker

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BOWHUNTEr —

Legislative:

Joelle Selk, Chair Steve Kamps • Marvin Drake Mark Seacat • Jeff Noble • Jason Tounsley Jesse Nelson • Billy Lewis • Ray Gross George Graham • Steve Schindler

Tentative:

Steve Kamps, Chair Steve Sukut • Steve Schindler Mark Seacat • Don Stein • Joelle Selk Marvin Drake • Billy Lewis • Paul Martin Ray Gross • Jason Tounsley Jesse Nelson • Brendan Burns Adam Barker • George Graham

Financial:

BOWHUNTERS, AVOID BECOMING THE HUNTED With Montana’s upland game bird and bow hunting seasons underway beginning Sept. 6, it is a good time to review the basics of hunting safely in bear country. Bow hunters need to be aware that the act of hunting increases the risk of encountering grizzly bears. Hunters who are carefully and quietly walking through brush and willows, trying elk bugling or use game calls, and covering themselves with “natural” and “no-scent” products may attract bears, or startle them.

Paul Roush II, Chair Sue Miller • Jim Gappa

Landowner/Sportsman: Craig Marr • Rex Rogers Lucas Zemlicka • Don Stein

Nominations:

Ernie McKenzie, Chair Jason Tounsley • Jim Gappa

Awards:

Consider a bowhunter wearing “no-scent” and walking stealthily through the forest camouflaged to look like a bush. While that’s what it takes to get close enough for a good shot with a bow, that hunter is making it hard for a bear to notice him or her.

Rosey Roseland, Chair Roger Peffer • Steve Sukut Ernie McKenzie • Brent Hunsucker Brendan Burns • Billy Lewis

Grizzly bears are found throughout western Montana, not just the Rocky Mountain Front, Bob Marshall Wilderness complex and the Yellowstone ecosystem, and black bears range widely across the state.

Membership:

Here are some guidelines for bird and bow hunters hunting in bear country.

• Be prepared to see a bear. Mentally rehearse handling different scenarios with bears so you are better prepared.

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

• Hunt with a partner. If you hunt alone, let someone know your detailed plans and have a way to periodically check in.

Al Kelly, Chair Ernie McKenzie • Paul Roush II Brent Hunsucker • Adam Barker Steve Schindler • Jeff Noble

Convention-Billings 2010:

Ernie McKenzie, Chair Levi Johnson • Steve Sukut • Jim Gappa George Graham • Jason Tounsley

Newsletter/Website:

• Carcasses left in the woods require special precautions. Carry a colored, lightweight tarp or space blanket. Put the entrails on the tarp and drag them as far away from the carcass as possible. Then use the tarp to cover the carcass. This will reduce the scent trail.

Steve Sukut, Chair Tracy Watt • Marvin Drake • Rex Rogers Paul Roush II • MarkSeacat Adam Barker • Ernie McKenzie Billy Lewis • Al Kelly

• When you return, study the site from a safe distance for any movement or changes. When you finally approach, yell and make noises.

Carp Shoot:

• Bow hunters who harvest a deer or elk need to plan to quickly get the carcass out of the woods.

• Do not attempt to frighten or haze a bear away from a carcass.

If, in spite of these precautions, a bear is found at the site eating the carcass, or a bear has covered the carcass with debris and it is not salvageable, hunters should immediately report the incident to FWP. For more on hunting safely in bear country, visit FWP’s at fwp.mt.gov. Click Wild Thing then under Hot Topic, Click “Be Bear Aware.” Hunters can also pick up a copy of “How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Country” brochure at any FWP office.

Joelle Selk, Chair Craig Marr • Marvin Drake

Bow-Ed:

Steve Halama, Chair Don Stein • Al Kelly • Jeff Noble

NABC Director:

(North American Bowhunting Coalition) Billy Lewis, Chair —Steve Halama Alternates: Peter Iacavazzi,

Fall 2009

At Large

continued from page 10

A T-Rex is eating Steve Kamp’s kids!!!

Even after two double lungers!

DIRECToRs

Steve Kamps Hunting season is here guys, get out there and enjoy the best bowhunting seasons anywhere. While you’re out there, if you get to talking to other bowhunters that have a passion for the sport and seem to be enjoying bowhunting in Montana and aren’t members of the MBA, educate them on who they have to thank for it and get them to join.

I know that some of you attended the 2nd Annual Montana State Bowhunters Championship held at Clearwater Junction this year that was held in conjunction with the Bear Shoot.

Everybody I talked to had a great time. It’s really a great shoot.

Make a mental note to come next year. It’s always on Father’s Day weekend, and it’s a good time to get the family out for a camping trip and shoot some arrows. A big thank you to Paul Roush and all the guys at Five Valleys Archery Club for putting this shoot on and for supporting the MBA by having the State Championship Shoot. They signed up a bunch of new MBA members and put in a lot of time and effort to make it all happen.

Tentatives Season is right around the corner. The MBA will be watching what materializes this year that might affect our archery seasons. From an MBA perspective, there are two seasons the MBA is likely to be proposing changes to.

With the passing of House Bill 74 that allows archery-only seasons to be created for black bears, mountain lions, and wolves, the MBA will likely be looking to increase opportunity for bowhunters by pursuing an earlier opening of the black bear season for archery. With bear numbers in most of the state being in good shape and with overall bowhunter success rates being relatively low, we are hoping the Commissioners will support the MBA’s proposal and choose to create more opportunity for sportsmen.

As always, we’re looking for input from the membership, so be in touch.

The first is the limited archery elk permits in the 23 Districts in the eastern half of the state. We are looking for ways to improve the situation and improve bowhunter flexibility and opportunity there. We will be working 2008 Total Number Of Elk Archery Applicants By District And Choice with FWP and the Commissioners both inside and outside of the Tentatives process. Once

Res. Res. Res. Res. Res. NR NR NR NR NR TOTAL the numbers of 2009 applicants for these

OTC 1st 2nd 3rd Total OTC 1st 2nd 3rd Total districts are tallied some time in August, we 401-15 17 21 162 113 313 12 7 14 3 36 349 will be able to have more detailed discussions 411-15 107 92 376 236 811 39 79 80 40 238 1049 on possible improvements to the situation and/or whether these limited permits are 420-15 56 61 390 242 749 9 21 43 24 97 846 even necessary. In 2008 these districts had 500-15 25 20 62 44 151 14 9 0 2 25 176 unlimited archery elk permits available by 502-15 10 18 77 45 150 0 1 0 3 4 154 drawing or over the counter (OTC), so 2009 is the first year that permits were actually 580-15 15 7 52 26 100 1 4 6 2 13 113 limited to a specific number. This will likely 590-15 42 45 191 81 359 38 64 42 0 144 503 have forced bowhunters to have applied a bit differently for these districts than in 2008 799-15 49 56 379 185 669 41 38 65 41 185 854 and will be more telling of what is truly 410-15 1138 345 133 1616 469 157 80 706 2322 happening with bowhunter numbers. Here is a table that shows the number of applicants 410-16 0 435 0 435 0 105 0 105 540 in these districts as well as in the Breaks in 620-15 987 255 96 1338 559 159 52 770 2108 2008. As you can see, there aren’t near the number of bowhunters in these 23 districts 620-16 0 413 0 413 0 154 0 154 567 as the Breaks. I’ll try to include a table in 798-15 232 320 155 707 145 123 76 344 1051 my next article that shows the 2009 798-16 0 61 0 61 0 13 0 13 74 numbers.

Steve Kamps

Total

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BOWHUNTEr — 12 www.mtBa.org

321 2677 3518 1356

7872

154 1396

961

323 2834 10706

*This is a count of the interest in these archery only areas. It includes permits issued over the counter and all choices even if the hunter was successful in a different district.

Peter Iacavazzi Well, it’s July 9th and I’m actually sitting on a plane heading to Las Vegas to compete in a grappling tournament. Good news is I have an extra $150 bucks in my pocket thanks to the great state of Montana and my Sheep/moose refund check. I figure a few hours at the black jack tables and I’ll be a wealthy man…at least that’s the plan. But, than again drawing my sheep tag was also the plan! Yup, since 1985 I’ve yet to draw my sheep tag! But, next year will be my year…again, that’s the plan.

Pete Iacavazzi

Funny thing about plans…they don’t always follow the script. I do have an elk/ deer/antelope/bear tag though…so maybe some of my plans will actually “pan” out. I’m planning on buying some doe tags for Eastern MT and several late season tags for the January season up with ol’ Sukut!

Truth be known, I’m not all that interested in shooting a bunch of “Milk River” baldies in January. But, that ain’t really my plan. See, my real plan is to simply hang out with my good friend Steve Sukut and enjoy his always great company. Not to mention his wife’s excellent cooking and Steve’s endless supply of cold beers and amusing stories. Yup…now that’s a plan!

But, that’s a big reason why I love to hunt in Montana. Lengthy seasons, multiple tags, and lots of good friends to share the adventure with. God, I love this state!

My busy fall work schedule will certainly cut down on my hunting time. Seems that keeping every woman in the world safe has really become a full-time undertaking for me. But, again, that’s my plan. I figure if I can save a few, I’ve done my job and lived a life worth living! In the end, isn’t that what matters most? To live a life worth living!

So, I’ll keep saving the world…one female at a time. But, I still plan on filling my elk/deer/antelope/and bear tag this fall…Again, that’s my plan!

Whatever your plans are this fall. I hope they’re good ones. I hope you all fill those tags and your freezers…but if not…hey don’t sweat it, they’re only plans after all. Enjoy your fall. Have fun, smile, be safe and above all…Live a life worth living!

God Speed,

Peter Iacavazzi

continued on page 15

—

Fall 2009

Member Profile Cody Shaw is a native Montanan with a singular mission – to recruit one more person to hunting each year. He does this with an irrepressible love of the outdoors and open-mindedness towards others’ individual views of hunting – positive or not. I first met Cody in a Sociology class at UMHelena, when he introduced himself as a bowhunter. I came to enjoy Cody’s directness during that semester and I always seek him out when I need a fresh perspective on bowhunting issues.

Cody was introduced to hunting by his cousin Rich Henningsen, who took him rifle hunting when he was 12.

Cody lists his other idols as Fred Bear (“the guy who started it all”) and Gordon Hicks, “who taught me it’s all about the experience.” By the time he was 15, Cody loved being afield so much, he was searching for ways to extend the season. He and three other buddies thought bowhunting would be cool, so they purchased bows and began learning by trial and error. Eventually, they became adept at calling elk and each of them has found success in recent years.

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BOWHUNTEr — 14 www.mtBa.org

Cody’s first elk was taken on the same morning he’d missed a shot at a 160-class mulie buck. He was pretty bummed and decided he was done for the day and would just call for his buddies. On the way down a slope, he tripped and twisted his knee, adding injury to insult. At this point, he’d thoroughly witten off the day. Lagging behind his buddies, he neared the logging road they were standing on. As he looked down the road, he could see a bull approaching from 150 yards away. He alerted the other guys, but they were already too late to ease into position and were forced to remain motionless. Since Cody had been behind, he was in a bend in the road so was able to sneak across the road and get behind some trees. The bull was on an indirect path, feeding as he came within

By Joelle Selk 80 yards. As the bull’s head went behind a tree, Cody drew and waited.

The bull turned and closed the distance to 50 yards, then 40, 30, 20, and swung uphill towards Cody at eight yards! Realizing he had no option but to remain drawn and ready, Cody waited.

Moments later, the bull turned broadside, offering a perfect shot.

Cody sunk his arrow into the bull’s side and watched as it ran a mere 30 yards and piled up right in the middle of the logging road! In retrospect, Cody feels that it just seemed that nothing was going to go wrong and that bull was meant to be his first elk.

Cody extends his passion for hunting freely to others. He loves taking newcomers out, some of whom disagree with hunting, so he can give them a taste of the experiences he enjoys.

While he doesn’t always produce converts to the sport, his companions often express a new perspective of hunting and feel less disapproving of it. He’s gotten his nephews started hunting and has introduced his “hockey brother” to archery. Cody labels himself a trophy hunter – he simply loves to hunt big animals, and feels that’s just another way of saying he’s being the best hunter he can be.

Cody loves the certainty of new memories every time he goes out, and feels the experience itself is the most important aspect of hunting. His favorite times are when he’s up on the mountain seeing a sunrise or sunset that no one else is seeing in quite the same way. He loves to hear the mountains come alive after the silence of the dawn. Elk are without question his favorite animal to pursue, and Cody loves the challenge of calling and hearing their answer. He is fascinated by the archer’s ability to bring down a 1000 lb. animal with a stick and string, and relishes the “up close and personal” encounters he has. He believes one of life’s most awesome feelings is to realize and do what you love, and that’s what elk hunting offers him. He feels fortunate to share the fellowship of other bowhunters and hopes he can recruit more in the coming years.

At Large

DIRECToRs

continued from page 13

Steve Schindler

Steve Schindler Fall is on the way, and along with it come issues that need input from the members of the MBA. Archery elk permits in 23 hunting districts in eastern MT, and one possible addition in western MT need your attention.

The Breaks are not included in any further discussions as far as the limited districts are concerned.

I believe we have areas that need archery elk permits (The Breaks), areas that don’t, and areas that are still up in the air. Trouble is, we have to address these issues now. When we were dealing with the Breaks dilemma, we had 20 + years of data to use to help decide the course of action. With these 23 other districts, we have near zero data to help us come up with a plan.

We need to hear from the members. In each of the MBA magazines, all the email addresses are listed for each area rep, and the directors-at-large across the state. E-mail these guys and let them know what you think about these issues. The FWP is moving forward with these proposals with or without us.

We would like to be included in the process, and just maybe we can steer some of the proposals to a more compatible outcome for our members.

Actually, the 23 districts in eastern MT have been under a permit process for the past 2 years. The first year it was in an unlimited status, and now it’s “limited”. The reasons the FWP are giving for the new permit process is overcrowding in some areas, and the possible overcrowding in other areas.

Also is a quest to diminish the land leasing and locking out of bowhunters by outfitters operating in these areas. When we go into a permit process, we of course limit the non-resident archery elk hunter to no more than 10 percent of the number of permits. This dries up the outfitters’ pool of clients. Parts of this proposal sound very good, and as usual, parts do not sound as good.

It appears that the days of running hither and yon chasing reports of a trophy bulls are a thing of the past. Good or bad, I am not one to say. I just want our members to have a voice in this process.

Steve Schindler Lucas Zemlicka Once again Joelle and the gang put together another great carp shoot at Canyon Ferry. For those of you that didn’t make it this year you really missed out. The weather was spectacular and the carp were plentiful. If you never had the chance to attend this shoot I would highly recommend it. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the water, chat with bowhunters from around the state, and hone your shooting skills.

The hot topic in Region 3 right now seems to be district 321. I know there are a lot of bowhunters who have questions and concerns about this district, so don’t hesitate to contact me or any other MBA board members and tell us what you think. Member’s opinions are what shapes the path the MBA chooses to follow on issues such as this. Speak up and let us know what you think.

Lastly make it a point to sign up a new member or two.

The MBA is the strongest voice for Montana bowhunters.

Because of the MBA Montana archery seasons are the envy of every state in the west. If you truly care about bowhunting in Montana take it upon yourself to sign up a couple new members. There are a couple big battles coming down the pipe that are going to severely impact bowhunting in Montana and with out numbers we don’t have a chance. Do your part and sign up a couple new members.

Lucas Zemlicka

As always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Good luck this fall.

Lucas Zemlicka —

Fall 2009

By Cory C. Benge

As with many hunting stories, this one started with a call from a stranger who is now my friend. It was early evening in spring of 2008 and I was sitting at my desk focusing on my small construction business, taking care of my son Cashton AND preparing for the darkest days of my life….divorce. I was overwhelmed, depressed and scared of what our future held. As I pondered why and how this happened to me, I received a call from Lance Kronberger of Freelance Outdoor Adventures, asking me if I was aware that I had drawn the 14c tag for Dall Sheep. My response was a solid….”Huh?!” I was shocked. I’d no hopes of drawing this highly coveted tag, but like the rest of the dreamers I applied anyway. I immediately called Garth at the Huntin’ Fool and then called Lance back and said “I will be seeing you in October.” Now it was time to turn up the dial on my workout meter!! Four months later, I felt that both my body and MIND were ready for the challenge. After struggling with the thought of leaving my little boy, Cashton, for two weeks I set my sights on this hunt of a lifetime and focused on the plan and the positive visions of the upcoming hunt. Soon it was September and after picking up my mother and stepfather at the airport, I was packing while Cashton played with Grandma. I thought back to how quickly the days had flown by, knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be on my way in search

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of what I consider to be one of the most desirable big game animals in the world.

BOWHUNTEr — 16 www.mtBa.org

I arrived in Anchorage and made my way to the hotel, wondering if I was ready for this. Had I trained enough…would my business be okay and most importantly was my son okay? I had to make an effort to not allow my mind to run away with the “what ifs” and “maybes” that were tormenting me. The practice of positive visualization came into effect, and worked. (Well, it worked in conjunction with the telephone conversations I had with Grandma and Cashton).

The next morning I repacked my pack, (again), and made sure that my bow was ready. My guide, Shane, showed up at the hotel where I anxiously awaited and we left to meet Lance. A short time later, I watched Lance say good bye to his wife Nikki and his two kids. I thought of my son and how much I missed him. Someday I hoped to bring him to this wonderful land and experience a hunt with him. On the drive to the trailhead I listened as Lance and Shane discussed strategy for the hunt. Adrenaline was starting to build. We arrived at the trailhead and started our final preparations for the hike into the Alaskan wilderness. It was 10 a.m., and we hit the trail with our heavy packs. I realized that I, Cory C. Benge, was on an adventure that many will only dream about! I had a great outfitter and guide and a good feeling about this hunt.

As I hiked I could feel the heat of exertion and the pain of a 60 pound pack but the desire in my heart made it easy to ignore.

Two hours later we stopped for a lunch break. I asked Shane how much further it would be to our camp and he responded, “Oh, about 12 more miles should get us to the general area where we’ll start looking for sheep”. I thought he was pulling my leg…he wasn’t! Hours later, as dark set in, we set camp two miles short of our destination, ate a dehydrated meal that tasted wonderful, then crawled in my tiny one-man tent to sleep.

I awoke in the cold morning air. The MSR stove was hot and the coffee almost ready. The surrounding mountains were quiet, yet screamed with adventure. We broke camp and headed down the trail towards a peak that I later named Emotion Mountain.

My experienced and well seasoned guides pointed out a healthy grizzly on the mountain side. They kept throwing the T.U.F. word around (which is an inside joke known only to Freelance Guides and Clients), then would chuckle and smile. These two knew how to have a good time and make this hunt fun. Later that morning we emerged onto a wide river bend that would be our camp. The bank was littered with moose and bear tracks. It was exciting to see these tracks as we made our way deep in the Alaska bush. There were no backcountry landing strips and no ATV trails. Getting here took determination and a good pair of boots! We hurriedly set camp and set off to glass some sheep!

That afternoon, my guides, ol’ eagle eye one and eagle eye two, spotted a band of rams which had a pretty good ram in the group.

We looked him over, but the general consensus was that he was good, but that we should continue glassing. After climbing for 45 minutes up a small “hill”, we leveled out and slowly moved around the mountain where we glassed two very nice rams that we’d seen earlier. As I sat with the cold wind in my face I let my mind race off, wondering how my son was doing, but feeling confident that my little guy was safe with Grandma at home in Montana. I thought to myself that I’d better get focused and get T.U.F., because these two guides of mine weren’t here to babysit me. We were here to hunt, and hunt we did. That evening, we climbed high on the mountain and glassed for a few hours. As I listened to my guides, I was confident the rams were there but had gone higher up the mountain. We elected to back off and search for these rams from farther down the mountain, as going after them now would allow them to scent us and be gone. And when sheep are gone, they are just that- G-O-N-E! Soon after we descended we found the rams and watched them get out of their beds only to walk within 20 yards of the position we three had just been glassing from!! We watched them until they were out of sight and headed back to camp.

Morning three was yet another awesome day. It took thirty minutes before I could tie the laces of my frozen boots after I pried my feet into them. Even so, it was a beautiful morning. Soon the sun would be overhead, my feet would be warm and my belly would be filled with the breakfast bars we’d tossed in our packs.

We gulped hot chocolate and headed up the mountain after the two rams we’d seen the night before. Lance stayed on the valley floor as Shane pulled me up the mountain. It was tough, but I remained positive and reminded myself that I wasn’t a slouch in the mountains either. I focused… (Positive visualization going on here) I’d hunted deep into the Montana wilderness many times; I played rugby; I raced mountain bikes and was into running every once in a while…so I could keep up well enough….but don’t let me fool you. By the time we got to our first glassing position I was beading up like a fox in a forest fire and ol’ Shane was proving just how T.U.F. he actually was- he was hardly sweating!!!!

After Shane let me catch my breath, he peeked around and over the edge to see where the rams were. Soon, he returned and said, “LET’S GO!” Quickly, I put on my pack and followed him through some ‘not so friendly’ terrain. Shane was like a goat and I did my best to keep up. Lance signaled us from the valley floor as

continued on page 18

“I realized that I was on an adventure that many will only dream about!”

17 — Fall 2009

ARE YOU T.U.F ENOUGH? continued from page 17 to the approximate location of the rams. Soon, we were right on top of the two massive rams, and the wind was perfect. After about an hour the rams began to move uphill. Shane and I followed, climbing just a bit higher than the rams to prevent them from catching our wind. “182 yards” Shane whispered. The distance just right for a rifle, but way too far for my Bowtech General; way beyond my effective range. So we waited, and waited, and waited.

The rams moved up, so we climbed higher and higher and higher until finally we ran out of cover. At this point many hunters might have elected to pull out that backup rifle, but that was not an option I would choose. The rams grazed out of sight.

Later that day, we rendezvoused with Lance, ate lunch, and then glassed Emotion Peak and found our two rams from earlier that morning. They were now 2,000 feet higher than before, and I’m not sure that even the great mountaineer Alex Lowe could have climbed to where they decided to stop!! Next we spotted a group of 5 rams and watched them until they bedded them down for the afternoon. Just before dark, three rams came down the mountain to feed on some of the last remaining grasses. We decided to head to camp and ‘feed’ ourselves and get some rest while we talked about the day’s hunt.

The next morning, we headed back to our glassing location and I spotted two rams feeding, which earned me a “Good spot, Cory!” from Lance. After watching them for a while, Lance signaled that they were in a good position and we began our pursuit. Again, Lance and Shane are professional guides and sheep hunters extraordinaire… they are mentally tough and physically strong and most importantly they are DRIVEN to assist their hunters to succeed!! When they say “LET’S GO”, they mean it!! By the time I had shouldered my pack; I was 100 yards back and had to double time it to catch up. Twenty minutes later, we were directly across the river and about 1,500 feet below the two shooter rams. Shane stayed to direct as Lance led me up the mountain in the boots I still hadn’t tied yet this morning. But loose boots didn’t matter because we had a “Smoker Ram” to stalk! Twenty five minutes later we had reached the same elevation as the ram. Gulping breaths of air, Lance and I both labored to whisper our plan of attack. Shane signaled that the rams were 300 yards away; then he signaled 200 yards; we moved like two hungry coyotes as we stalked and then Shane signaled they were at 100 yards! Adrenaline took over; I wasn’t tired; I wasn’t cold; my feet didn’t hurt! I was focused. The wind was perfect as we moved forward to about 80 yards from the rams. We dropped our packs and morphed into extreme stealth mode. I never knew I could walk so close to the ground and my senses were at an extreme.

After moving about another 30 yards, Lance slowly peeked over the ridge line and indicated the rams were feeding directly below at 50 yards. I nocked my carbon arrow and visualized putting the G5 broadhead through the vitals of a “smoker ram”. Lance pointed to the sheep and nodded, giving me the signal, “Let’s Go!! It is now YOUR time, Cory!” I felt like I was about to kick the winning field goal as I slowly stepped towards the ridge and moved to the edge. WHITE!!! I could see the back of one of the rams and knew he was feeding towards me. I ranged him at 42 yards, drew my bow and slowly rose for the shot on this awesome ram. As I cleared the grass, I suddenly moved my eyes to the left and to my surprise there stood a ram at 20 yards!! It took about one second for me to realize that I had to shoot the closer ram, even though there were two blades of grass that I had to sneak my arrow by. The shot went off, and

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BOWHUNTEr — 18 www.mtBa.org

seemed to fly in slow motion as it struck the ram just behind the heart. The ram ran uphill towards me as I nocked another arrow, and then stopped to look back to where he had been hit. I let another arrow fly and watched as the brightly colored vanes disappeared into the vitals. After the second shot, both rams ran directly away from us. My ram was rapidly slowing and I could see the moist trail of crimson he was leaving. At about 50 yards the ram stopped and crashed on the side of Emotion Mountain. He rolled over and down the mountain a short distance and landed softly on a flat spot with a bush growing on it…the experience was now even more surreal. I raised my arms to the sky, followed by my eyes and lastly by my heart. I could feel the powers from above gracing me; touching me as I was experiencing emotions that I hadn’t felt before. The lump in my throat brought on salty tears that I just couldn’t fight back. I dropped to my knees and placed my hands over my face and cried. Soon Lance came to my side and slapped me on the shoulder. My son was my next thought and my first call from the mountain. Lance and Shane had guided me to a beautiful Dall ram, and I was now feeling T.U.F. enough to be a part of their team. (“We’ll see, thought Shane, we’ve only got a 22 mile hike back to the truck!”)

My most gracious thanks to Lance and Nikki Kronberger of Freelance Outdoors Adventures and guide Shane Reynolds. I’d like to thank G5 Outdoors, Bohning Archery, Mystery Ranch Backpacks, Pacific Outdoors, T.R.U. Ball, Rip Cord Arrow Rests, Sitka Mountain Gear, Carbon Xpress Arrows, Bowtech, Wilderness Athlete, Doinker, Mothwing Camo and Swarovski for supporting me with product sponsorships, discounts and for making awesome outdoor hunting gear. Lastly, I thank my parents for being supportive of me and my passion, bowhunting; especially my mother who made sure that my most important concern, Cashton, was safe and happy while Daddy was away fulfilling his dream. This hunt and story is dedicated to my strongest motivation, my son, Cashton.

—

Fall 2009

O

Our annual Canyon Ferry Carp Safari never fails to delight newcomers and challenge returning competitors. The weather was cool in the weeks prior to the shoot, which suppressed spawning activity. Reports of increased activity were promising on Friday, and shooters were primed for another primo competition.

Saturday dawned cool, with weather reports for the mid eighties and afternoon showers. Some shooters returned midday, reporting only moderate spawning activity and difficult shooting conditions. Still, we knew the perennial “carp ninjas” were at work somewhere, and we held out hope for a late day rebound.

Team McDaniel was the first to show promise, with its count of 169. Other contenders swatted at that figure, but couldn’t surpass it, until Curt Watson and Kirk Flynn threw 193 carp into the dumpster. The tension was high as other teams weighed in and counted. Finally, defending champion Cody Voermans and his new cohort, Bill Kinney, pulled their payload to the dumpster and proceeded to sling carp. They steadily emptied their truck bed, passing the 100 mark, then the 150 mark. The fish dwindled, but still they flung them into the dumpster. At final count, Team Voermans once again stood atop the carp pantheon with 196 fish.

The adult individual and youth competitions were equally exciting. Craig Blubaugh was the early leader with 50 carp. Sadly, he would be denied the coveted “mostest fishies” plaque, as Nino Berube captured the individual title with 58 fish. Bill Kinney, of Team Voermans attained a double as the biggest fish victor, with a respectable 14.9 lbs. Brady Miller and Chuck Krebs tied with their diminutive 2.0 lb. carp. Having never encountered this situation before, the carp judges decided we should “flip” for the winner. Brady Miller called “tails” to win the coin toss and the smallest fish plaque.

Our youth competition featured fresh faces this year. Austin Phillips sharpshot his way to the smallest fish award, with a 2.0 lb. fish. Ean Hull hauled in the largest fish, with his sizeable 8.8 lb. carp. These two will no doubt give the perennial favorites a run for their money in future Carp Safaris!

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BOWHUNTEr —

Each year we’re fortunate to gather more volunteers and contributors for the shoot, and many thanks goes out to the following individuals and groups: Marvin Drake for his MC’ing expertise and organizational skills, Gail Delp for help at the weigh-in, Mike with his crew of Michigan guys who helped at the weigh-in, Leah Kailey and Summer Gappa who helped sell raffle tickets, Brittany Johnson for crowning the new Carp Queen and assisting at the registration desk, Craig Marr for sign posting and use of the carp display rack, Scott Reed for lining up the plaques, Nancy Reed for her donation of the tiara and boa for the Carp Queen, City County Sanitation for hauling away our carp, O’Malley’s for the delicious spaghetti meal, and donations from American Archery, Sportsman’s Access, Muzzy, and AMS Bowfishing.

Brady Miller and Chuck Krebs tie small fish

Ean Hull youth big fish

Bill Kinney big fish

Austin Phillips youth small fish

Nino Berube most fish

Cody Voermans and Bill Kinney most fish team Hunter Gappa Retriver reel winner

Teri Kelly Crowning of the Carp Queen

Brad Miller and Tim Ostlie

Carp Queen Jordan Kailey 21 — —

Fall 2009

By Willem P Frost Matlabas Game Hunters www.matlabas.co.za/hunting

Hunting Africa is the dream of many an international sport hunter.

Most of those who have hunted on the Dark Continent keep coming back for more. South Africa, in particular, seems to be the most popular hunting destination. It is believed that more than 7000 international sport hunters visit the country annually .

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And there is good reason for this.

BOWHUNTEr —

The biodiversity in terms of habitat, and fauna and flora species, is simply incredible. The Bushveld of Limpopo province offers the widest variety of game species which includes the “big five” and great trophy animals such as sable, kudu, roan, waterbuck and tsessebe . The mountains of the Eastern Free State and the Eastern Cape are home to grey rhebok, mountain reedbuck, Cape mountain zebra, bontebok and Cape grysbok. The Kalahari Thirstland provides ideal habitat for gemsbok, eland, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest and Kalahari springbok. The Highveld of the central South African plateau is excellent for blesbok, black wildebeest and springbok. Zululand’s specialty is the nyala but most of the typical Bushveld species are also found here.

It is important that the hunter realizes that different species are found in different habitats, which may be many, many miles apart. Although some game ranchers have introduced species on their land that did not historically occur there naturally (such as red lechwe in the Free State or blesbok in the Bushveld), many regard authentic African hunting to be restricted to the hunting of a specie only in its natural, historical habitat . Hunting lechwe in the Free State or Lichtenstein’s hartebeest in the Eastern Cape would thus be frowned upon. Point is that prospective hunters should determine beforehand, with the help of the outfitter, which species are best hunted in which part of the country.

The Highveld of the central South African plateau is excellent for blesbok, black wildebeest and springbok

.

Game ranching has become a major industry in South Africa. The total privately owned land under game management is about three times that of the National Parks. Wildlife ranchers control about 21,1million hectares while the State controls just over 7million hectares. The approximately 9500 registered game ranches have about 3-4 times the headcount of game. The game ranching industry is represented by Wildlife Ranching South Africa, is well organized and runs smoothly. This means that game numbers of most species have increased significantly over recent decades and are currently at levels not seen in the last 100 or 150 years. Although some hunting takes place in some of the provincial reserves, no hunting is allowed in the National Parks, and most of the hunting, by far, is undertaken on private land.

continued on page 24

—

Fall 2009

... South Africa is most probably still the best destination —especially for the first timers to Africa.

The appeal of bowhunting south africa continued from page 23

This brings us to the issue of ‘high fences”. Whilst most North American hunters would find fences objectionable, it is simply reality in 21st century South Africa (and in Namibia and in parts of Botswana). Without fences the country would not have had the successful wildlife industry that it can currently boast about. It enables landowners to manage, protect and conserve the habitat and the free-roaming herds that occur on the property. One should also recognize that the game on these fenced-in properties are wild, free-roaming and self-sustaining.

Most visitors only see the fence when they drive onto the property; thereafter they usually do not see any fences as the properties are often quite large.

For the international sport hunter it is important to know that he can hunt free roaming, wild game species in the spirit of “fair chase” on a fenced-in property. Ethical bowhunting has primarily to do with (1) ensuring a quick, clean kill, and (2) hunting in the spirit of fair chase which means that the animal must have the inclination as well as the opportunity to get away.

One should however acknowledge that that it is no longer possible for the big herds to undertake the massive migrations in times of drought. It has thus become standard practice in the industry to provide supplemental feed in times of drought.

In the good old days (say up to the nineteenth century) herds of eland, springbok, zebra, etc. were able to migrate over vast distances in order to find grazing. Many, many animals died from starvation during these migrations, but many more survived.

Today the game animals have become a valuable commodity and landowners do not hesitate to provide supplemental feeds in times of severe drought in order to protect their assets.

Relatively few animals thus succumb these days to drought.

There are many countries in Africa where one can have an exceptional rifle hunting experience – especially for the Big Five.

BOWHUNTEr —

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Countries such as Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, etc. offer great opportunities to hunt buffalo, elephant and lion. But when it comes to bowhunting plains game, South Africa is most probably still the best destination – especially for first timers to Africa. The bowhunting skill and experience in South Africa is, generally speaking, just a notch above what is available elsewhere in Africa. South Africa boasts a few outfitters that specialize in bowhunting only. Finding Bowhunting only outfitters elsewhere in Africa is not so easy. But as of February 2008 it is no longer be possible to hunt large predators, rhino, crocodile or elephant with a bow in South Africa. Bowhunters wishing to hunt these animals will have to hunt elsewhere.

South Africa also offers a number endemic species not found elsewhere in the world, eg. Bontebok, Blesbok, Cape grysbok, Black wildebeest and Cape mountain zebra (although some of these species have been introduced to a few game ranches in Namibia). Not only is the South African hunting industry well organized and regulated, but the country is also relatively disease free compared to the rest of Africa (eg tsetse fly have been eradicated in South Africa and most of the country is malaria free). The infrastructure compares favorably with that of the first world, and transport, telecommunications and health care is quite good. South Africa is an excellent family destination and there is a lot to do and/or see before or after the hunting safari.

Accommodations at the typical South African hunting destination are usually excellent and may sometimes even be too luxurious for the average sport hunter.

International bowhunters will be well advised to first hunt their home territories to gain experience and then to explore South Africa. Once a good collection of South African trophies has been taken , and some experience have been gained in hunting on the Dark Continent , they can move on in search of species not typically found in South Africa such as puku, lechwe, dik-dik, kob, gazelles, sitatunga, the many species of forest duikers, etc. etc.

“

One With The

Wilderness”

This wonderful book

This wonderful book was written By Mike Mitten, and is a must read for every bowhunter who’s ever ventured into the great untamed wilderness of North America, or who’s ever dreamed of doing such. Mike Mitten has been venturing into the wilds of Alaska, Canada and the Rocky Mountain west for the past few decades. His hunts have been solo and do it yourself. The pages of this truly remarkable book contain hunts and adventures about moose, caribou, elk, bears and more. There is also a great deal written about perhaps Mike’s greatest passion...hunting big mid western whitetails.

The book is not a technical how-to manual. However, several chapters contain great information regarding gear and preparedness for any one attempting a true solo wilderness hunt. This book is culmination of one mans journeys into both the wilderness of the world and perhaps the true wilderness of our soul. Mike Mitten eloquently and honestly shares his passion for the hunt. His words and stories invite the reader to look deeper into the reasons, of why some men seek the solitude and adventure of the great wilderness. The book is filled with reflection, passion and a deep longing to be free.

The book is not about ego or even about the kill. No, it’s a quiet and soft reflection about the journey, about the true beauty and desire of one man to know the real essence of the hunt. I found this book to be a wonderful journey beyond the edge of civilization and deep into the soul of every hunter.

Mike has also included several chapters dedicated to some of the bowhunting world’s true heroes and legends. There is a chapter about the most famous twins to ever draw a bow...

Montana’s own Gene and Barry Wensel. There is a beautiful chapter written humbly and respectfully about another former Montanan, the late Bart Schleyer. Throughout, it is easy to see how much Mike respects and admires these true legends of the bowhunting fraternity.

I loved this book. In fact I’ve read it and re-read it several times in the weeks I’ve owned it. Unlike many “bowhunting” books that seem to focus on trophy size and kills, this book is a more intimate and personal journey into the heart of a man who holds the game and the world they inhabit with true reverence and adoration. It is obvious to the reader that Mike Mitten has come to embrace the wilderness as a living heaven on earth. This book is a journal of one mans love, passion and pursuit of not just the game but more importantly of the beauty and spirit found always along the trail.

A book review

by Peter Iacavazzi

I recommend this book to every man or woman who’s ever dared to wander not just into the wilderness but also into their own soul...

Peter Iacavazzi 25 —

Fall 2009

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BOWHUNTEr —

Morgan’s Hunting Story throughout the afternoon, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, but we weren’t having much luck with the squirrels. We spent some time target practicing and identifying different trees and late blooming flowers as we enjoyed our day together. Finally we turned back towards town. Morgan was disappointed because we hadn’t seen a squirrel that she could get a shot at and she was reluctant to give up her quest. So we stopped for one last “hunt” on a gated road on the way to town. I allowed Morgan to take the lead as we made our way down a path by the creek. Suddenly, we heard the chatter of a squirrel. Morgan quickly located the source of the chatter up in a nearby tree. “Grammie, can I get it?” she asked. I gave her the go ahead and to my amazed eyes, my little blonde cherub instantly morphed into hunter mode.

By Teri Alman

This is the story of Morgan.

Morgan began shooting her bow in earnest this year, attending 3D shoots with Grammie and Papa Kelly and shooting every chance she got. She had her own bow, brand new arrows and a new custom made quiver with her name on it. Soon the opening of archery season was upon us and for weeks prior to the big day, my granddaughter Morgan had been asking to go hunting. Being the indulgent grandmother that I am, I of course happily obliged her request.

So on opening day Morgan and I prepared for our hunting expedition. We checked and loaded our equipment, decided on important items to take, such as snacks, and we were on our way. The day was warm and sunny and we were hopeful that our hunt would be successful. We stopped for gas and snacks on our way out of town where Morgan had an intense discussion with the sales clerk on the injustice of the age limit of hunting tags.

Morgan was seven, to purchase a deer tag you have to be twelve.

She didn’t see the point in why a person would have to be twelve and insisted that she could shoot a deer with her bow like her papa had. Reluctantly, with a toss of her blonde hair and her nose slightly out of joint, we exited the store with Morgan still mumbling about the injustice of it all.

The discussion on the drive to our hunting grounds centered on the game a seven year old was allowed to shoot, which were squirrels, (and periodically how twelve year olds are lucky because they get to shoot deer.) We turned our discussion to hunting squirrels. Morgan intensely listened as I explained where she should shoot her game for a clean kill shot. We tried various areas

I hung back and watched as Morgan crouched low and slowly crept closer to her tree where her quarry sat approximately fifteen feet off the ground. My heart fluttered as I watched my grandbaby expertly stalking her first game. As she drew to about four yards from the base of the tree, silently she nocked an arrow and drew back her bow. Watching, I sent a silent prayer that she would at least get close to the squirrel so she wouldn’t be disappointed.

At full draw, she let loose her first arrow, it flew fast and straight like a dart thru the air….and…she hit it! Holy Cow, she hit it! My jaw went slack as the arrow smacked the squirrel right in the chest. Shooting a fifteen pound bow with target arrows, there wasn’t enough power for the arrow to actually penetrate the chest, but she HIT IT! The indignant and confused squirrel scurried further up the tree. Without hesitation Morgan pulled another of her new pink arrows from her quiver and sent a second shot towards her quarry. Her second shot flew thru the air and missed by a fraction of an inch. At that point the squirrel felt the need to vacate the premises, choosing a much higher tree.

Morgan excitedly turned and said, “I hit him Grammie, I got him…did you see that…we better find my new arrows.” After returning my jaw to its natural alignment I congratulated her on her remarkable prowess. As we looked for the fallen arrows we discussed Morgan’s simple hunting strategy, “I snuck up on him and then just aimed right at him and shot my arrow”. If only it would work that well for me. Morgan was a little disappointed that her squirrel didn’t fall out of the tree because she really wanted to have her picture taken. She wants to be in the MBA magazine like Papa and the other people who got game with their bows. I praised her for her valiant efforts and we talked about what a fun day we had hunting together and the story we would have to tell papa and mom when we got home. The best part of the day is that we spent it together. We’ll always have the memory of the day when Morgan shot her first animal with her bow. I’ll always be grateful that I got to share it with her. My hope is that there will be more hunts in the future, and that as Morgan gets older she will always remember that first hunt and the joyous time we spent together on a beautiful autumn day.

27 —

Fall 2009

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SEND TO: MBA, PO BOX 746, STEVENSVILLE, MT 59870 • PH.# 406-777-0214 Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street: ____________________________________________ City: __________________________ State: ________ Zip: __________ Email: _________________________________ Date:______________________Telephone: (_____) ____________________________ INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP* One Year $25.00 Three Years $67.00 Life $500.00

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This is a gift membership from____________________________________________________________________________________ BOWHUNTEr —

Past MBA Region 6 rep Greg Durward, Havre, with a nice whitetail.

Good one, Greg!

Sixty-four year young Kim Reaney with his first archery elk!

Outstanding, Kim!

Kris Noble of Broadus with his first bow harvest, a nice fall turkey.

The first of many, Kris!

Denver Bryan, who knows a thing or two about photography, sent us this nice photo of his first bowkill in 20 years. Welcome back, Denver!

This is Joey Nelson of Bozeman with a nice 4 X 4 mulie buck.

Nice job, Joey!!.

Lee Murphree, who is very good at what he does, took this great looking pronghorn in 2008.

Ron Halvorson of Libby took this 6 x 6 with a five yard shot in September 2008. The packing out took two days, though!

Lisa Roseland with a Fergus County four point that is just a little bit bigger than Rosey’s buck.

As usual.

Meet Phil Tuccillo of Glendive.

Phil took this nice early season traditional whitetail in 2008.

29 —

Fall 2009

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BOWHUNTEr —

CONTACT INFORMATION REGIONAL SUPERVISORS OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS Region 1, Kalispell Jim Satterfield 406-752-5501 jsatterfield@mt.gov Region 2, Missoula Mack Long 406-542-5500 mlong@mt.gov Region 3, Bozeman Pat Flowers 406-994-4042 pflowers@mt.gov Region 4, Great Falls Gary Bertellotti 406-454-5840 gbertellotti@mt.gov Region 5, Billings Gerry Hammond 406-247-2940 ghammond@mt.gov Region 6, Glasgow Pat Gunderson 406-228-3700 pgunderson@mt.gov Region 7, Miles City Bryce Christensen 406-234-0900 bchristensen@mt.gov

CLUB AFFILIATIONS

WILDLIFE MANAGERS OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS Region 1, Kalispell Jim Williams 406-751-4585 jiwilliams@mt.gov Region 2, Missoula Mike Thompson 406-542-5516 mthompson@mt.gov Region 3, Bozeman Kurt Alt 406-994-4942 kalt@mt.gov Region 4, Great Falls Graham Taylor 406-454-5860 gtaylor@mt.gov Region 5, Billings Ray Mule’ 406-247-2960 rmule@mt.gov Region 6, Glasgow Harold Wentland 406-228-3710 hwentland@mt.gov Region 7, Miles City John Ensign 406-232-0921 jensign@mt.gov

BEAR PAW BOWMEN

DISTRICT 1 Bob Ream 521 Clark St. Helena, MT 59601 (406) 461- 3202

DISTRICT 4 Willie Doll PO Box 1142 Malta, MT59538 (406) 658-2120

DISTRICT 2 Dan Vermillion, 315 East Lewis Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 222-0624

DISTRICT 5 Shane Colton, Chair 304 Yellowstone Billings, MT 59101 (406) 259-9986

1030 14th Street W. • Havre, MT 59501 BILLINGS ROD & GUN CLUB PO Box 33 • Billings, MT 59103 FIVE VALLEYS ARCHERY CLUB

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MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 3 Ron Moody 109 Bach Lewistown, MT 59457 (406) 538-2698

PO Box 429 • Hardin, MT 59034

PO Box 5083 • Missoula, MT 59806

Senator Max Baucus Email: baucus@baucus.senate.gov Senator Jon Tester Email: http://tester.senate.gov/Contact/ Representative Denny Rehberg Email: denny.rehberg@mail.house.gov To view upcoming proposed legislation, go to the LAWS website at http://laws.leg.state.mt.us/pls/laws05/LAW0200W$.startup>

Joe Maurier, FWP Director PO Box 20071 Helena, MT 59620-0701 (406) 444-3186 jmaurier@mt.gov

ARCHER’S ROOST

LEWIS & CLARK ARCHERS PO Box 6271 • Helena, MT 59604 MAKOSHIKA BOWMEN PO Box 781 • Glendive, MT 59330 MONTANA ARCHERY ASSOCIATION 4205 Lewis Ave • Great Falls, MT 59405 SILVER BOW ARCHERS PO Box 3843 • Butte, MT 59701

Commissioner’s clearinghouse e-mail address: fwpcomm@mt.gov

MONTANA BOWHUNTER ADVERTISING RATES INSIDE NEWSLETTER Business Card Size $35.00 per issue CLASSIFIEDS $15.00 per issue

COLOR INTERIOR Full Page — $275.00 per issue 1/ Page — $140.00 per issue 2 1/ Page — $70.00 per issue 4

These are single issue prices.

You will receive a 20% discount if you commit to four issues.

Current membership is 1000 with 2500 copies published quarterly.

All ads should be camera ready.

Send all inquires to: Steve Sukut 401 Skylark Rd., Glasgow, MT 59230 406-367-9359 • sksukut@nemont.net 31 —

Fall 2009

DEALER MEMBERs

Active as of April 2009 24/7 MUSCLE & FITNES

Kelly Kimzey

435 South Atlantic

Dillon

MT

59725

406-925-3485

Dick Solum

1212 Longstaff

Missoula

MT

59801

406-721-5537

Bruce Metcalf

1111 E Front St

Butte

MT

59701

406-782-6124

3928 Wilkinson Ln

Great Falls

MT

59404

406-452-2245

5300 US Hwy 2 South

Libby

MT

59923

406-293-6712

1625 Northern Heights Dr Havre

MT

59501

406-265-8099

3001 West Broadway

Missoula

MT

59808

406-728-4842

15275 Thayer Rd.

Lolo

MT

59847

406-273-6193

5504 Old Hwy 93

Florence

MT

59833

406-273-4858

Box 70

Choiceland

SK

SOJ OMO 306-428-2032

LIBBY SPORTS CENTER

204 W 9th Street

Libby

MT

59923

406-293-4641

MATABLAS GAME HUNTERS

Willem Frost

PO Box 1559

Lephalale, 0555 South

Africa

27116794664

Anthony

PO Box 1687

Lolo

MT

59847

406-880-0888

PO Box 838

Polson

MT

59860

406-883-5778

357 Roberts Rd

Columbia Falls

MT

59912

406-892-0580

1299 Fort Ellis Road

Bozeman

MT

59715

406-924-4494

ARCHERY CENTER OF MONTANA BRUCE’S QUICKLUBE C & N ARCHERY

Craig Compher

CW ENGINEERED PRODUCTS

Chuck Woods

DR. CAMO

Don Stein

H & E EQUIPMENT K DESIGN MARKETING, INC.

Ross Cowan Sam & Kim Kinsinger

KERLEY’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURES KUTAWAGAN OUTFITTERS

MAZDOG OUTDOORS POLSON AMBULANCE, INC.

Robert Jeff Smith

Tim Brester, Eric Henslin

SCHAFER SILVERTIP BOWS

Dave Windauer

SPORTSMENSACCESS.COM

Joe Esparza

WESTERN TRAILER & MARINE SALES

Clyde Thomas, Jr.

1865 Hwy 2 E

Havre

MT

59501

406-265-4572

YELLOWSTONE BOWS

Rich Wormington

280 HWY 14A E

Lovell

WY

82431

307-548-6292

Become a Dealer Member of the Montana Bowhunters Association and be listed on thispage every issue!

For a membership application, see bottom of MBA merchandisepage or www.mtba.org.

ontana

BOWHUNTEr —

Photo by Don & Lori Thomas

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OUTDOOR 3D RANGE H 30 YARD LANES H LESSONS

Fall 2009

Montana Bowhunters Association PO Box 746 Stevensville, MT 59870

ontana

BOWHUNTEr —

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Great Falls, MT Permit No. 128