Hunting and Fishing 2019
FWP reminds hunters: be good stewards of the land News from FWP
MONTANA – Although most hunters respect the land, property and wildlife they are hunting, some do not. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks would like to remind hunters and all outdoor enthusiasts to be good stewards of the land and respect both private and public property. The FWP Citizens Advisory Committee recognizes that this is an ongoing issue. Every hunting season, there are reports of vandalizing of Block Management Area boxes, hunters driving off road, illegal trespassing, hunters being shot over, littering, and livestock being shot. Below are just a few of the things that hunters and all outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of when enjoying our resources: Standing crop – avoid hunting, walking or driving in fields that have not been harvested yet. Littering – not only is littering careless and unsightly, it is against the law. This includes toilet paper and the proper management of human waste. Leave gates as you find them – if a gate is closed, close it behind you. If it is obviously open (pulled all the way back to the fence), leave it open. If you are unsure, contact the landowner or public land agency. Know your target and beyond – hunters must be sure of what they are shooting at (species, sex, etc.), and know what lies beyond their target (houses, outbuildings, livestock, vehicles, other hunters). Prevent fires – be aware of fire danger at all times and use precautions. Be weed free – check clothes, dogs, ATVs and vehicles for weeds and weed seeds to help prevent the spread to other private and public lands. Avoid driving on muddy roads – unless it is a well-graveled road, walk. Avoid ridge driving and driving to overlooks – not only is this a poor strategy while hunting, it is considered driving off road if it is not already an established trail. Do not park on roads – move well off of roads to avoid folks moving farm equipment. Find a designated parking area or an approach that is clearly not being used for equipment. Driving off road – while hunting on private property, a person may not drive off established roads or trails without landowner permission. Off-road travel on public land, including game retrieval, is prohibited unless designated as open. Consult appropriate land agency or land maps for specifics. Ask for permission to hunt – Montana law requires permission for all hunting on private land. Even if the land is not posted, hunters must have permission from the landowner, lessee or their agent before hunting on private property.
Bird hunters walk a Mission Valley field east of U.S. Highway 93 last fall.
Completely fill out BMA slips – if a hunter doesn’t correctly fill out a block management slip, they are hunting without permission. Know where you are located – whether you are hunting public land, private land or land enrolled in an access program such as block management, it is every hunter’s responsibility to know where they are to avoid trespassing. Maps are always available, as are GPS chips and cell phone apps to aid in orientation. Accessing public lands – access to public lands (on a private road) through private land requires permission of the private landowner, lessee or their agent. Camping – camping is allowed on most public lands (see agency regulations), but permission is needed to camp on private property and BMAs. Know the rules – consult BMA maps for specific rules on block management property, including driving on roads, parking areas, no shooting zones, walk-in only areas, camping, number of hunters allowed, game retrieval, etc. Rules for most land agencies can be found on maps and/or on brochures. Go to the appropriate agency website or local office for information. Report violations – report any hunting and fishing, trespassing, vandalism or other criminal activity
NICOLE TAVENNER / VALLEY JOURNAL
you see to 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). The 1-800-TIP-MONT program is a toll-free number where one can report violations of fish, wildlife or park regulations. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 for providing information that leads to a conviction. The fall is a very busy time for landowners. Along with late harvests, cattle and other livestock are being moved from their summer and/or fall pastures and are often brought near the home site for winter-feeding and care. Please use common sense and respect when around these activities. FWP also offers a free online program called The Montana Hunter-Landowner Stewardship Project. This project is an information program for anyone interested in promoting responsible hunter behavior and good hunter-landowner relations in Montana. The program is delivered through an interactive website utilizing questions, videos and feedback as well as opportunities for you to test your knowledge on a variety of practical topics related to hunter-landowner relations and responsible hunter behavior. Please go to http://fwp.mt.gov/education/ hunter/hunterLandowner/ to learn more and complete the program.
Area hunting, fishing licensing locations Hot Springs - Cornerstone Convenience Store Lakeside - Sliter’s Ace Hardware Pablo - Zimmer Tackle
2 - September 25, 2019
Plains - Plains Service Center Polson - CSKT, DFWRC, 406 Sixth Avenue East - Wal-Mart Ronan - Westland Seed
St. Ignatius - Mountain View Cenex Woods Bay - Papa’s Woods Bay Market Most of Montana’s major hunting and fishing licenses, including resident conservation licenses, are also available online
Hunting & Fishing
at FWP’s Online Licensing Service: http:// app.mt.gov/Als/Index If an application for a particular species is not listed, it’s because either that particular license/permit is not available through mail-in application or the deadline to apply has passed.
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Hunters’ education class announced News from CSKT
MAP COURTESY OF MONTANA FISH WILDLIFE & PARKS
Chronic Wasting Disease threatens deer populations Once a deer population is infected with the disease, it’s impossible to fully eradicate it, according to the Montana FWP. Anderson said eventually the disease will likely be in Lake LAKE COUNTY – In northwest Montana, a scrawny deer County. Wildlife managers have shifted their goal from full preisn’t just a sign of a rough winter. It could indicate that the anivention to keeping the number of infected animals to less than mal is infected with a deadly neurological disease. five percent of the deer population. Chronic Wasting Disease has not been detected in Lake “We won’t ever be able to eliminate the disease, so it’s about County, but the first infected deer west of the continental divide management,” Anderson said. was found in June 2019 near Libby; as of Sept. 11, nine infected Rather than being caused by a bacterium or a virus, CWD is deer have been identified in the area Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Program Manager caused by abnormally shaped proteins called prions. The proteins Neil Anderson advises hunters across the state to keep an eye out gather in an infected animal’s brain and spinal cord, damaging the neurological system. The animals become very thin and evenfor deer that look very sick. If residents see thin, sickly-looking tually die. deer they should immediately report them to the Confederated The first case of CWD was identified in Colorado in 1967. Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program. Scientists still aren’t sure where “If we do find it, we sure do the disease came from. The diswant to find it early,” Anderson ease spread to Wyoming, the said. Dakotas and Canada, but wasn’t Chronic Wasting Disease afidentified in Montana until more fects the brains of deer, elk and than forty years later in 2011. moose, causing them to become Scientific findings to date show emaciated and disoriented. The - Neil Anderson, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks wildlife program manager that the disease cannot be spread disease kills deer soon after they to livestock, pets or humans; begin to exhibit symptoms. It is however, studies have indicated enough risk that the Centers for highly contagious and can spread through populations quickly. Disease Control advise people not to consume infected meat. CWD is primarily transmitted through the bodily fluids of Live animals cannot be tested for the disease, so wildlife maninfected animals. Anderson said hunters can prevent the spread agers have been testing deer killed by hunters and vehicles. FWP of the disease by disposing of deer remains in landfills. Many is monitoring areas of concern near known outbreaks. Hunters hunters bury the inedible parts of deer they’ve harvested in the anywhere in the state can have the deer they harvest tested for ground. This practice could spread the disease to new regions. CWD for free. Hunters should send samples from the animals The disease can contaminate soil and be taken up by plants and they harvest to the wildlife health lab in Bozeman by mail. Rethen spread to healthy animals. sults will be posted online so hunters can identify whether their While this spring’s outbreak in Libby is the first time CWD animals were infected. Instructions on sending in samples can be has been identified in Northwestern Montana, Anderson isn’t found on the FWP website. surprised. “It was always something that was kind of knocking According to Anderson, CWD is a serious problem. The dison our door,” he said. The disease was introduced to Montana in ease threatens the existence of an ecosystem populated by deer 2011 and has been detected along Montana’s northern border and elk. “It’s something that we’re going to manage far into the and in the southwest area of the state near Billings. future,” Anderson said. “We have to do this now so our children While it’s clear that the infected animals at the northern borand grandchildren can enjoy the same landscape we do.” der and in the southwest border were infected by animals from (Editor’s note: FWP issued notice of an additional white-tailed other states, wildlife managers aren’t sure how deer in Libby deer suspected for positive CWD in the Libby area on Sept. 23. The came to be infected. Anderson guesses it could have been from new result would mark the 10th CWD detection out of 144 samples the movement of an infected deer or when a hunter brought the tested from the Libby area this year.) remains of an infected deer to Libby from another area. By Mary Auld for the Valley Journal
“It was always something that was kind of knocking on our door.”
4 - September 25, 2019
Hunting & Fishing
POLSON – A Hunter Education course will start Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Polson Middle School. All classes will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Interested students are required to register online now at fwp.mt.gov. A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to sign in. Please bring signed forms from online registration. Individuals 10 years of age or older at the start of the class may be certified upon successfully completing the course. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, must complete a hunter education course before buying a hunting license in Montana. The course is free of charge. Volunteer instructors will teach the course. Classes go until Thursday, Oct. 10. A mandatory field course is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The mandatory written test will be on Monday, Oct. 14 from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Participants must attend all classes and the field day and be on time to be certified. All hunter education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike. Some students take the courses for firearm safety and outdoor survival information, even if they don’t plan to hunt. Adults, please feel free to attend as many classes as you can with the students. You are encouraged to take the test and take part in the field day with your student. We provide all firearms and ammunition and you are not allowed to bring either to the classes or the field day. Charlo volunteers are also planning a class at the same time, check online for more information. For all registration and updates, check the online class schedule at http://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/ hunterEd.html. For more information on the Polson, Ronan, Pablo education course call lead instructor Tom Fieber at 406-250-3386 or Stephanie Gillin at 406-883-5523966.
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Be responsible with warming fires Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
MONTANA – As days become shorter and temperatures drop, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and Bureau of Land Management encourage hunters and campers to be cautious with their warming or campfires. Despite the changing weather conditions, vegetation will dry back out this fall and a spark from a warming or campfire could ignite a destructive wildfire. “Over the years on walks through the forest, I have come across more than a few abandoned warming fires,” said DNRC Director John Tubbs. “At the time those fires were lit, conditions were wet and cool. But if those coals persist and conditions change, those warming fires have all the fuel they need to become wildfires.” Before leaving home, check to see if there are fire restrictions for your destination. Be informed about local weather conditions and avoid building a fire during periods of high winds. When building a warming or campfire, clear away all leaves and other combustible material. Do not build a fire under overhanging branches, against a tree stump or directly on vegetation. Remember to store your firewood a safe distance upwind of the fire and always keep a bucket of water, dirt and shovel nearby. Most importantly, never leave a fire unattended. As you prepare to leave your campsite, make sure your fire is out and cold to the touch. Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals or sticks are wet. Stir the remains with a shovel. Add more water and dirt and then
Fires should be out and cold to the touch before leaving a campsite.
stir again. Be sure all burned material is extinguished and cooled. Place the back of your hand near the fire to feel for any heat. If it is still warm, continue adding water and dirt and stir again until everything is cool. In 2019, six out of ten wildfires in Montana have been
NICOLE TAVENNER / VALLEY JOURNAL
caused by humans. By being prepared and responsible while enjoying the outdoors this fall, we can all make a difference in reducing human-caused fires. Montana firefighters encourage you to remember, one less spark means one less wildfire.
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2019 Fall Mack Days on Flathead Lake
Restoring the Balance
by reducing non-native lake trout
Lake Trout Fishing Event/Contest on Flathead Lake
Now through September 20th to November 10th Lake
trou t tha ICE YO UR ta not j re donat FISH! Laye ust w e r the ater d must b of ic ice a i e nal e, th nd t ive w kept on ell. ice, shou ere need he fish. If y ld be s disp to be se ou use f v erse r We h d thr eral bot ozen bo tles, t ough We w ave ic and tles o e ut th ill no they t acc availab e c o l ept f oler. ish t e at Blu hat h e ave n Bay if need ot be en k ept o ed. n ice
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September 25, 2019 - 7
Montana’s 2019 big game hunting forecast News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana is defined by high-mountain rugged country and an abundance of public land. Big game thrives here, particularly elk. Hunter success this fall will largely depend on when the snow arrives. If there’s early snow, higher harvest numbers can be expected. If dry conditions continue through the fall, hunters can expect average to below-average harvest rates. Elk numbers are healthy around Helena. Fawn recruitment for mule deer is still below desired thresholds, and doe licenses have been reduced in several districts in this area. Adult mule deer numbers are still good compared to prior years. Deer and elk populations experienced moderate winter mortality in the Bull, Pintler, Highland and north Beaverhead mountain ranges. Pronghorn populations experienced similar trends, but their numbers are stable overall. The Tendoy Elk Management Unit and the Pioneer Mountains saw a spectrum of ungulate survival. Extreme weather from January through March reduced fawn survival. Elk hunter harvest over the past three hunting seasons has been moderate, mostly due to late elk migrations. Winter survival trends for ungulates in the Bridger, Gallatin and Madison ranges varied by species. Pronghorn suffered the most mortality but their numbers are still within the long-term average. Mule deer counts are also within the long-term average. And elk counts are robust in most districts. The east Gallatin, Crazy, Bangtail and north Bridger ranges tell a similar story. Elk mortality was worst in southern Park County. Populations in the northern part of the Paradise Valley remain at or above objective in most areas. Elk numbers are still above objective on the Bangtail Mountains, but access is a challenge for most hunters. Deer numbers have been increasing in this area over the past few years. Following the 2018 hunting season, elk populations in the Tobacco Root and Gravelly Elk Management units remain above management objective. Elk harvest in this part of the state is influenced by snow accumulation and subsequent elk migrations. Noticeable white-tailed deer mortality occurred in March and April in the Ruby, Beaverhead and Jefferson valleys. Whitetailed deer are found primarily on private land in these areas, so landowner permission will be required. White-tailed deer hunting throughout public lands and tributaries will be opportunistic and subject to weather. Mule deer production and survival varied through Madison and Beaverhead counties last winter. Biologists observed a seven percent reduction in mule deer in this area relative although the overall mule deer population remains 24 percent higher than three years ago. 8 - September 25, 2019
COURTESY PHOTO
Jacques Rutten of Lewistown poses for a photo with the white-tailed buck he harvested last hunting season in central Montana.
Pronghorn experienced a 44 percent reduction compared to 2018 on the west side of the Tobacco Root Mountains due to winter mortality. Pronghorn hunting licenses there have been reduced in response to the change. Biologists expect this population to recover relatively quickly if favorable conditions return. Pronghorn around Lima Reservoir are in good condition, and hunters can expect a productive hunting season there. Hunters who plan to hunt in the Gravelly, Centennial, Greenhorn, south Tobacco Root or Madison ranges should be exceptionally cautious of grizzly bear activity. The south Gravelly Mountains have had an especially dense concentration of grizzlies this year. For information on hunting safely in grizzly country, please visit: igbconline.org/hunters. Deer and elk numbers overall are good in north central Montana, though still recovering from the 2017-18 winter. In the Little Belt and Castle Mountains, elk numbers are at or above average, but mule deer are low compared to the long-term average. Elk production the last two years have come through at average or slightly above average.
On the Rocky Mountain Front, mule deer numbers are slightly better and elk are mostly average to below average. The Sun River elk herd calf recruitment has been slightly lower in recent years due to weather, predation and harvest by hunters. Last winter about 2,100 animals were observed within the Sun River elk herd, which is about five percent below the long-term average. Mule deer numbers all along the Front appear to be average or even slightly above average. And of course, white-tailed deer numbers are high. Near Great Falls, the Highwood Mountains should have good numbers of mule deer and elk are everywhere. The same holds true for Lewistown, as mule deer numbers are increasing from the winter of 2017-18, while elk are numerous for those hunters who can gain access. South central Montana is coming off of two consecutive severe winters and wet, late springs. These have been tough on mule deer throughout the region. Harvest might be a bit lower than last year. Elk numbers remain
Hunting & Fishing
high in all areas of south central Montana, except east of Billings where numbers are near objectives and the upper main Boulder River, where numbers are slightly below objective but stable. Along the north side of the Beartooth Mountains, elk numbers remain high. Due to abundant precipitation this spring and early summer, the elk remain widely scattered and forage is abundant. Access is the limiting factor for elk hunters in all areas of south central Montana. Mule deer buck harvest continues to run well below average in the southwest part of the region, even though overall populations are only slightly below long-term average. The area south of the Musselshell River and northwest of Billings is an exception, with mule deer numbers remaining above the longterm average. Despite lower fawn recruitment following the past two springs, white-tailed deer numbers remain above long-term average in most areas. Harvest should be very similar to last year with the highest populations along the major river corridors such as the Musselshell and Yellowstone Rivers and their tributaries. Antelope numbers are improving in the central and eastern portions of the region from the past few years. Numbers in the south and west parts of the region saw declines for the second year in a row. Hunters may notice fewer antelope in these areas and have to work harder to fill their tags. The northwest corner of Montana features an expansive landscape that provides exceptional habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including white-tailed and mule deer, elk, black and grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, turkeys and furbearers providing approximately 40 percent of the black bear, mountain lion and wolf harvests in the state each year. White-tailed deer are the most plentiful big game species in this area and approximately 20 percent of the state’s annual harvest occurs here. While the overall number of deer and elk remain stable across the region, hunters could experience lower harvest numbers compared to previous years due to three straight harsh, snowy winters. However, this spring’s wet, cool conditions created significant forage throughout the summer, conditions that lead to excellent antler growth in bucks and bulls and foster higher fawn and calf survival. Mule deer numbers in the Lower Clark Fork remain low but appear to be stable. Good mule deer habitat is limited in this region, and hunters wishing to pursue “mulies” should hunt the high country in the Cabinet Mountains for the best results. In the Whitefish Range and North Fork, elk numbers appear low but stable relative to the past 10 years. Hunters can expect similar numbers of mule deer relative to the past 10 years. see Hunting & Fishing page 14
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Hunting & Fishing
Indentifying traits
bull trout JOSEPH TOMELLERI GRAPHIC
The bull trout has no black on its dorsal fin. “No black, put it back.” Also notice the white-edged fins on this mature adult. You should also look for a slightly forked tail fin and a drab or olive coloration. Body is silvery to light olive with yellow, orange, or pink spots; darker olive-colored on back with yellow or cream-colored spots; adults (usually over 14 inches) may have bright orange colors on belly and flanks, black on head, and white-edged fins during fall.
lake trout
JOSEPH TOMELLERI GRAPHIC
COURTESY PHOTO
An angler displays a large lake trout he caught during a previous Mack Days event.
The lake trout has a deeply forked tail (center rays less than half length of longest rays). Their dorsal fin may have white spots and their body sports white spots. Dorsal fin is without spots or sometimes with light-colored oval markings; Body is with white or cream-colored spots (never pink or red) on darker background; Appearance - overall gray or nearly black/ white coloration, sometimes with yellow tinge on fins.
Mack Days tournaments manage lake trout population, reward anglers By Mary Auld for the Valley Journal
FLATHEAD LAKE — Though summer’s warm temperatures are behind us, Flathead Lake continues to be dotted with boats as anglers seek to win big in this fall’s Mack Days event. Mack Days is a bi-annual tradition established by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to restore the balance of native trout in the lake. The event gives area anglers the chance to win big prize money as they enter their lake trout catch in various categories. Flathead Lake is full of fish — but not all of them belong there. Humans introduced lake trout to the lake, and they are thriving. But their prosperity harms native bull trout and westslope cutthroat, who are crowded out by the huge numbers of lake trout. “It is important to the tribes to preserve the history of native trout,” said Cindy Bras-Benson, CEO of Native Fish Keepers, the organization that facilitates the event. “They were the dominant fish and they were the fish that sustained people for years.” Mack Days is part of the plan to reduce the number of lake trout, and improve conditions for native trout. Recreational fishing isn’t the only way to remove lake trout – CSKT biologists also use nets to catch non-native trout. Those who participate can win prizes for catching fish tagged with specific values. Anglers earn one ticket for each trout they catch, and the tickets are entered into drawings for cash prizes. There are also contests in vari-
“Once they’re (native trout) gone, they’re gone... That’s why it’s important to keep on trying to make this happen.” - Cindy Bras-Benson, CEO of Native Fish Keepers ous categories that can earn anglers cash prizes — up to $150,000. These funds come from fish habitat mitigation funds awarded by CSKT. CSKT fisheries biologist Barry Hanson said the plan for managing lake trout calls for the harvest of 143,000 lake trout each year. That number must be removed from the lake annually in order for the goal of a 75 percent reduction in the number of lake trout to be realized. Before the beginning of this fall’s event 115,000 lake trout have been harvested this year. Hanson expects Mack Days will push the number of lake trout removed from the lake to meet the annual goal. This spring anglers caught 40,357 lake trout during Mack Days. That number is a record for a single event. Over the history of the event participants have caught a total of 575,911 lake trout. Hanson said that while lake trout populations likely won’t be reduced to ideal levels for up to 10 years, the project has been successful so far. The lake’s ecology has been improving slowly and steadily thanks to the efforts Hunting & Fishing
of fisheries managers and anglers. If anglers don’t want to take their fish home, they can donate them to the tribe. The tribe has hired eight people to process the fish. After being prepared, the fish are delivered to local food pantries. Some are sold in stores in Whitefish. Proceeds from the sale go back to support the fish management program. All those who bring boats to the event must have their boats inspected for aquatic invasive species. Boats can carry small organisms that could infect the lake and disrupt its ecology. Everyone traveling from outside the Flathead Basin with a boat must have their boat inspected. Those travelling from outside the region can have their boat inspected by Fish Wildlife and Parks or CSKT. There are mandatory inspection stations for all boats passing through the area in Ravalli and Elmo. This fall’s Mack Days event started Sep. 20 and continues through Nov. 10. Sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the event wraps up on Nov. 10 with a fish fry at Blue Bay at 3 p.m. While getting out on the lake to catch fish is fun, it’s also an effort to keep the ecology of the lake healthy. Without human help, native trout might disappear. Bras-Benson said now is the critical time to take action to help the fish. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” Bras-Benson said. “Future generations are going to say, ‘why didn’t you do anything — why are these fish gone?’ That’s why it’s important to keep on trying to make this happen.” September 25, 2019 - 11
12 - September 25, 2019
Hunting & Fishing
Flathead Lake boaters: always be ready for an unexpected storm By Rob Zolman / Valley Journal
Boating is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts, including fishermen, but getting caught off guard in an unexpected storm can drastically change a fun day on the water into a scary and dangerous situation – particularly on the Flathead Lake. “The weather on the lake can change quickly within a very short period of time,” said Tom Bansak, research scientist at Yellow Bay’s Flathead Lake Biological Station. “Because of its size, the weather often acts more like that of an ocean than a lake.” From rapidly changing winds and increasing waves to severe thunderstorms and thick fog, there are more than enough unpredictable weather threats to wreak havoc on a mariner’s day on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard offers a few tips to help boaters who find themselves in rough water and weather, including certain things you should consider before pushing away from the dock. First, always check the weather. According to the Coast Guard, all recreational boaters should look up the forecast before getting on the water, and if inclement weather is expected, the trip should be postponed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a reliable source for offshore weather updates; however, for current real-time Flathead Lake meteorological conditions, visit the Flathead Lake Biological Station webpage at https://flbs.umt.edu/apps/weather/ and follow the prompts. If the weather forecast looks good and you decide to take your boat out, staying cognizant of the weather and using ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL mobile devices and weather radios is a key component of In addition to immediately donning a life jacket, the United States Coast Guard recommends steering into waves at a 45 degree angle and slowing a boat’s speed to match that of the waves in the event of a sudden storm. having a safe, enjoyable time out on the water. Because weather can quickly and drastically change, the Coast Guard encourages boaters to always be ready for an phones can become unreliable. unexpected storm to blow in and to keep a close eye out The most crucial Coast Guard required safety measure for signs that may indicate a change in weather, including on board any vessel is the mandatory requirement that each a sudden drop in temperaperson on board, regardless ture, increasing winds or of the boat size, have access sudden change in wind to a Coast Guard-approved direction, flashes on the life jacket. In 2018, accordhorizon, flat clouds geting to a report by the U.S. ting thicker and lower and Coast Guard, there were heavy static on your AM 449 drowning deaths relatradio, which can be a sign ed to boating accident and of nearby thunderstorms. 84 percent were not wearThunderstorms are one ing a life jacket. of the more common danAs the storm approaches - Tom Bansack, Flathead Lake Biological Station research scientist gers to boaters because they and you find yourself uncan develop quickly. able to return to land, the To determine the disCoast Guard offers some tance of an approaching pointers to help you weaththunderstorm from you and your boat, after seeing a flash er the storm. Passengers should put on a USCG approved of lightning, count one-Mississippi, two-Mississippi, life jacket and stay inside the cabin, but if your boat doesn’t three-Mississippi, etc. until you hear the following clap of have a cabin, stay as low in the boat and close to the centerthunder. Divide the number of seconds you counted by five. line as possible to make the boat more stable. The result is roughly the distance in miles the storm is from The Coast Guard also suggest stowing any unnecessary your current location. gear, closing all hatches, windows and doors to reduce the While it’s important that boaters search for shelter or re- chance of swamping. Another valuable tip is to slow the turn to land as soon as possible during approaching storms, boat down, reduce the speed to that of the waves but keep the Coast Guard advocates that each boat out on the water enough power to maintain headway and steering. The should be properly prepared and stocked with the right pounding and strain on the hull and boat structure by the equipment to handle any adverse weather event, including waves can be minimized by steering into the waves at a 45 marine-style fire extinguishers, visual distress signals (flares) degree angle, doing so also increases vessel safety and keeps and radar and GPS devices to track your position and the propeller underwater. If necessary, turn on your boat’s avoid other boats if the storm has made it too dark to see navigation lights, anchor the boat and wait for the storm to them. Proper communication equipment is also important. pass. For more tips on boating safety, visit www.uscgboatSUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL A VH-FM radio is a key piece of equipment because cell ing.org.
“The weather on the lake can change quickly within a very short period of time. Because of its size, the weather often acts more like that of an ocean than a lake.”
Hunting & Fishing
September 25, 2019 - 13
Big game outlook from Hunting & Fishing page 8
In the Tobacco Valley and Stillwater drainages, overall resident elk numbers are down and mule deer numbers are in decline but hunters can expect to see a similar number of deer relative to the past five years. Whitetailed-deer numbers are stable. In the Libby area, spring deer surveys suggest that white-tailed deer numbers are on par with what they were in 2018. FWP personnel did observe some very large muley bucks above 6,200 feet during mountain goat survey flights in the Cabinet Mountains. Elk numbers around the Libby area appear fairly stable. The numbers of total elk harvested in this area has decreased slightly in the past five years but the proportion of harvested antlerless elk has nearly tripled. The moose harvest has dropped over the past six years, since FWP moved to bulls-only regulation in the region. FWP has detected chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer in the Libby area. All deer, elk and moose harvested within the Libby CWD Management Zone must be checked and sampled within three days of harvest. Animals can be checked at either the new Libby Special CWD Hunt Sampling Station, on US Hwy 2, mile marker 35, or the Canoe Gulch Check Station. Hunters who quarter or bone out their animal in the field must bring the head for sampling. Before Oct. 26, hunters who successfully harvest an animal are required to bring the head to the FWP Libby Office, 385 Fish Hatchery Rd. Animals will be tagged with a unique identification number and test results can be seen within three weeks at: fwp.mt.gov/CWD. Hunters who harvest an animal that tests positive for CWD may receive a replacement 2019 license. Elk counts in western Montana were good this spring, continuing a long, upward population trend in western Montana in most locations. Good summer moisture across the region should hold more elk in the mountains on public land this fall until snow pushes them down. White-tailed deer numbers have been on an upward trend in general, but several hard winters in a row have dampened fawn survival. So, the whitetail population is holding steady overall. Opportunities to hunt mule deer are somewhat limited in western Montana. Mule deer hunters should plan to go high in the mountains for the best opportunity at bigger bucks. An emerging opportunity for hunters in western Montana is to hunt mule deer on private lands, where numbers generally are growing. Pay close attention to the regulations. There are only a few antelope hunting opportunities in western Montana, where the population of antelope is around 400. Hunting is limited to a few hunters who received a license through a special drawing. For more information go to: fwp.mt.gov/regions/r2/ wildlifeQuarterly.html Southeast Montana experienced above-av14 - September 25, 2019
erage rainfall this summer, which produced abundant forage and cover for wildlife but can make hunting more difficult. Critters remain spread out and difficult to find. Aerial surveys of deer populations in southeast Montana indicate that both mule deer and white-tailed deer remain above long-term average numbers. Whitetail populations aren’t quite as robust as mule deer, but numbers are still above average. Antelope populations are variable across southeastern Montana. Summer production surveys indicate that southeast Montana antelope numbers have more than doubled from the low in 2012. Those wishing to harvest an antelope in southeast Montana will have the greatest opportunity in the southern portion of the region. These are good times for elk hunters, as Montana elk populations continue to be strong across most of the state. Montana offers numerous opportunities to hunt for elk with just a general hunting license. The most recent winter surveys indicated that elk populations in southeast Montana are continuing moderate growth and gradual expansion into unoccupied available habitat. The Missouri Breaks and Custer Forest Elk Management Unit remain the two “core” elk populations. Outside of these areas, elk numbers across the region are low, distribution is spotty and elk are primarily found on private land where public hunting access is limited. See regulations to determine which lands the general elk license is valid for during the archery and general seasons. Mule deer populations are high across the northeast Montana region. Overall, surveys showed region-wide population at 56 percent above average. Due to increasing quota numbers, there may be surplus tags still available in some districts. White-tailed deer populations continue to remain stable. The 2019 year’s survey show whitetail deer density at an increase of 22 percent from the 2018 surveys. Elk hunting opportunities in most areas in northeast Montana are limited to licenses/ permits awarded through special drawings. Those hunting districts where elk hunting is allowed on a general license are mostly areas with small and scattered elk populations and very limited elk hunting opportunity. Overall, 2018 survey results found elk numbers in the Missouri River Breaks were down from the last survey, while elk numbers in the Bears Paw herd were up. Elk shoulder seasons will occur in northeast Montana from Dec. 15-Jan. 15. Make sure you’re familiar with the regulations for the area you plan on hunting. Antelope populations have been slowly increasing across the region, but in most cases populations remain below long-term averages, however, with major reductions in licenses following the winter of 2010-11, those who have drawn licenses should have a good opportunity to harvest an antelope.
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Three hunters survive grizzly attacks News from FWP
BOZEMAN – Three hunters were injured Monday, Sept. 16, in two separate grizzly bear attacks on the west side of the Gravelly Mountains. The three survivors received moderate to severe injuries. Both attacks involved a single bear, but it’s unclear whether the same bear was involved. Wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are asking hunters to leave this area while the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest closes Cottonwood Road. The first attack happened at about 7:30 a.m. on Monday. A bear charged two adult male hunters as they were heading south from Cottonwood Creek, west of Black Butte. Both hunters were injured but were able to drive the bear away and get medical treatment in Ennis. The second attack happened in the same general area at about 6:30 p.m. as two adult male hunters were heading north toward Cottonwood Creek. One of the hunters was injured before they drove the bear away. The injured hunter was initially treated in Sheridan and later in Butte. Details of these attacks are still unclear. Both incidents are still under investigation. More information will be provided as it
KAREN PETERSON / VALLEY JOURNAL
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks officials remind hunters, and all who recreate in bear country, to carry and know how to use bear spray.
becomes available. FWP reminds everyone to be cautious when in the field as bears are active during the spring, summer and fall months. Some recommended tips for avoiding negative encounters with bears include: be prepared and aware of your surroundings; carry and know how to use bear spray; travel in groups whenever possible; stay away from animal carcasses; and follow U.S. Forest Service food storage regulations. If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Back away slowly and leave the area. For more information on bear safety visit: http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/livingWithWildlife/beBearAware.
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Hunting & Fishing