OUTDOORS REPORT
Millions of acres enrolled in Montana’s popular Block Management hunter access program last year
Drake and hen, uh, redheads?
What duck is that? One of the toughest parts of duck hunting is figuring out what species you’re shooting at. Ducks fly fast and are often backlit by the sun, making identification difficult. But being able to discern species— and sex—of ducks on the wing is important. For instance, killing three hen mallards in one day is a federal game law offense. Making duck ID a lot easier is a free guide available at all FWP regional offices called Waterfowl Identification in the Central Flyway (it’s handy for the Pacific Flyway, too). The guide shows various species in flight and illustrates key features of duck wings—the best way to positively ID ducks in the hand.
A new ethics program urges hunters to do the right thing. ETHICS SURVEY FINDINGS
How to hunt (when no one’s watching) There’s a right way to hunt, like shooting at game only at a distance within your ability, not wounding animals whenever possible, and respecting private property. Then there’s the wrong way, like shooting at animals out of effective killing range, shooting into a herd or flock, and trespassing on private land. A new project called Hunt Right is helping hunters understand the difference between right and wrong hunting behavior. The effort is spearheaded by the FWP Region 3 (southwestern Montana) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). “This is about showing proper respect for our treasured wildlife and landowner
partners and helping hunters make the right choices when afield,” says CAC member Dennis Nelson. “The future of hunting depends on social acceptance, and we believe better ethical behavior will improve the public’s perception of and support for hunters and hunting.” The group aims to take its message statewide this fall and asks hunters and hunting groups to support the effort. “The success of Hunt Right depends on the entire Montana hunting community,” says Nelson. To donate to the ethics awareness program, visit huntrightmt.org or the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation website at mtoutdoorlegacy.org. n
HUNTING SURVEY FINDINGS
Drop 10 Pounds by the Deer/Elk Opener Jack Ballard, an outdoor writer and photographer in Red Lodge who has hunted for big game across North America, thinks most hunters carry far more weight than necessary. “I don’t mean the hunters themselves are overweight, though that’s true in some cases, but that they haul around too much gear and clothing that’s heavier than it needs to be,” he says. Over years of trial and error, Ballard has come up with tips to help hunters shed 10 pounds from loads they carry into the mountains or prairies. Boot the big boots: “You can save 2 or more pounds by wearing waterproof but uninsulated hiking boots rather than traditional all-leather mountain hunting boots. Add a pair of lightweight Gore-Tex gaiters for deeper snow. Because that weight loss is on your feet, which you pick up and set down thou-
8 SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2015 FWP.MT.GOV/MTOUTDOORS
sands of times each day of hunting, that’s the single most important improvement you can make to your hunting ensemble.” Don’t duplicate gear: “Field saws, GPS units, cell phones, rope, and insect repellent are among the items you can share among two or more hunters in a group.” Lighten up the shooting outfit: “You can drop 2 or more pounds by using a lighter scope, a nylon rather than leather sling, a lighter rifle, and carrying no more than ten cartridges.” Hunt scantily clad: “Much of what hunters wear might be fine for sitting in a tree stand but is much too heavy and bulky for the active hunting required in almost all of Montana. I suggest hunters walk themselves warm while carrying a lightweight down sweater or jacket in their backpack to put on when they stop and start to cool down.” n
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CARTOON ILLUSTRATION BY MIKE MORAN; DONALD M. JONES; MONTANA FWP; SHUTTERSTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK; USFWS; STEVE OEHLENSCHLAGER
7.4
