Montana Woods N Water February 2016 Print Edition

Publisher’s Notes What a month so far! We have been cussed at, threatened and you name it, over us posting legal wolf and cat kills on OUR Facebook page.

From some of the language, blasphemy and bullying I witnessed, America is in deep trouble.

Some of those people need their mouth washed out with soap. It is going to take a lot praying to address that anger and hatred.

Enough about that...life goes on. Locals are taking some big wolves and cats and it is much needed to help our deer and elk herds as the snow keeps falling. Ice fishing has been touchy in some areas as the ice is too thin to get on.

Those that have managed to find a thick solid block are pulling in some nice yellow perch and pike. There has been some nice trout taken up near the Libby Dam. This issue is full as always and I ran out of room before I could get everything in so if we missed anybody we will get you in the March issue. I have been having a lot of requests for us to bring back a subscription service. You will still be able to get it free at any one of our distribution points if we decide to bring back subscriptions. With a subscription you are just paying for postage and handling. Our advertisers pay for the publication and for that we thank them. I am very concerned about our economy so that is why I am dragging my feet on this issue. I think we are in for a crazy year with the elections and a dragging economy.

Guys, Valentines Day is this month so make sure you get your sweetie something special and show her how much she means to you. Thank everyone for their support and kind words about Montana Woods N Water...we truly appreciate you! Raf Viniard, Publisher

What’s Inside Hunting 2 Northwest Montana 4 Patriots 6 The Root Cellar 7 Predator Hunting 9 Montana Dan 11 Sportsman’s Meditation 13 Local Celebrities 14, 20, 21 & 26 Next Generation 15 & 28 Snowmobiling 16 Tony Rebo Unleashed 17 Sportsman’s Meditation Too 23 Kimo & Diego 24 Mountain Memories 27

Staff Publisher/Editor/Layout/Sales: Raf - 406-407-0612 Director of Social Media Misty - 406-250-4191 Pro Staff Writers This Month: Pastor Jim Sinclair Dan Helterline

Got something you would like for us to add or bring back to the publication drop me an email. See email address below.

Tony Rebo Daniel Brown Pastor Cam Foote Carol Cady Bruce Hunn

Guest Writers This Month: Stacy Philbrick, page 9 & Alan Clarke, page 16

Front Cover Photo Provided By: Robin Ha’o of Plains, Montana That is actually her and her finance Terry Mauth in the photo.

You can check out her photography work on her Facebook page or go to her website at http://robinkhao.smugmug.com Robin K Ha’o Photography has taken some awesome photographs depicting our local area.

Cover design was created by Heath at Griffin Publishing, Spokane, Washington

To Contact Us: Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Plains, Montana 59859 406-407-0612 Email: raf@montanawoodsnwater.com www.montanawoodsnwater.com

Editorial Policy: Montana Woods N Water (MWW) reserves the right to refuse to publish any form of content that does not include the author’s name, complete mailing address, and/or valid phone number or e-mail address. Anonymous submissions will not be addressed or published. MWW reserves the right not to publish anything we feel is not in good taste or appropriate. All content, material and graphics designed by Montana Woods N Water are copyrighted.

HUNTING

Bunny Bumping

By Raf Viniard Being from the south, as soon as deer season closed it was time to waterfowl hunt, set traps, kill some squirrels, chase some coons and best of all break out the beagles and chase some rabbits.

We did not have snowshoe hares down south but we had plenty of cottontails and what we called “Swampers”. Swamper’s were nothing more than bigger cousins of the smaller cottontail. Swamper’s were often found around wetter more swampy areas. These big rabbits not only were fine eating but often challenged the smartest of rabbit dogs. The chase was usually longer and those Swamper’s always seemed to have a few tricks up their paws to try and throw the dogs off track.

When I moved to Montana I never heard anyone talk about rabbit hunting. On my trips from the woods I would see a cottontail here and there but almost always would see a snowshoe hare. I was thinking to myself, “Right after big game season I need to find me a few rabbit hunters and get in on some of this snowshoe action.”

To my dismay I could not find any rabbit hunters. Cat hunters was plentiful and a few coon hunters sprinkled here and there but rabbit hunters…nodda.

My first thought was to revert back to my days as a kid kicking brush and busting bunnies as they ran out. However, it just isn’t the same as watching and listening to a pack of beagles work a thicket.

Unlike cat hunting you don’t get to ride around in a warm truck waiting for the dogs to strike. You simply find an area with some rabbit sign, poop, bark chewing, tracks, etc. But the best part is that you can sleep in and let the dogs out after you have had your breakfast. After seeing all the rabbit tracks on the mountain roads, riding around might be a tactic that I never thought about. Rabbits feed late in the afternoon and at night so they are usually holding up in or near cover by daybreak. I would be very careful about hunting where wolf sign is present. The dogs barking and baying may attract more than you are ready to deal with. Luckily most well trained rabbit dogs hunt very close to the hunting party.

Finding a cat hound puppy from a hunting parent was pretty easy but finding beagles that come from a good hunting line has been a real challenge. Luckily beagles are not hard to train…it is just their instinct to chase a rabbit. Like any other hound they will chase things you don’t want them to chase so it takes time and training like any other hound hunting.

Beagles are cute within themselves and even without a line of pedigree papers they are highly sought after pets. Their personality varies from dog to dog but they just seem to be like the little Johnny jokes. They are so funny and just make you laugh. They are some of the best escape artists you will ever own. Some beagles are one person dogs and will not Did you know that the Clark Fork Chapter donated $600.00 to come to anyone else which can be good to prevent theft of local 4-H Shooting last year and a $100 scholarship last year? your hunting dog. Continued on page 3.

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HUNTING CONTINUED Putting this article together reminded me of my first three pups that were given to me by an old seasoned rabbit hunter. I had been cutting hay all day and was hot, tired, sweaty and dusty. I ran home to take a shower about three in afternoon and to grab a bite to eat before heading back out to service the tractor and equipment for the next day’s cutting. The pups were barking out in their pen when I drove up so I decided to bring them in and spend some time with them while eating my lunch.

They were busy as little beavers checking out the house and into everything. After a few minutes they curled up on my deer skin rug and was fast asleep. I had laid down on the couch just resting and apparently fell asleep.

I was awaken by pups growling, barking and whimpering.

When I first opened my eyes I thought they were just jumping around and playing. As my eyes focused the living room floor was covered in deer hair, grey fox hair and snipe feathers.

White puffs of stuffing was all over the floor and looked like it had snowed. When I sat up on the couch they stopped in their tracks all lined up shoulder to shoulder each cocking there head and looking so innocent. I don’t know how long they had been at it but my deer skin rug looked like you had shot it with shotgun slugs, my mounted grey fox with a snipe in its mouth resembled nothing I remembered. The tail of the fox had been stripped of every inch of tail fur…nothing left but a bare wire.

I scooped them up and they acted as if they had done me a favor and was very proud of themselves and their work. How can you get mad at these little fellows and that puppy breathe.

As I took them back to their nice clean pen unlike my living room, I picked the stuffing from their teeth. It took me an hour to clean up the mess before Momma got home!

I can’t think of a better way to get older folks and kids outdoors during the winter months. Older hunters that can’t run after cat or coon hounds up and down these mountains can now step out of the truck and be in the hunt. The dogs do all the work and just like any other hound hunting the barking, baying and chopping as the beagles close in on the bunny is very exciting.

You don’t usually have to walk very far as the rabbit usually makes a huge circle and eventually ends up right back where it was jumped. Using safe firearms handling practices, i.e. fields of fire, etc. just line up and wait for the bunny to return. Most of the time the bunny will be ahead of the dogs by several yards. A good shotgun of any gauge with a light load is plenty and if you are good enough with a 22 rifle/pistol it will work just as well. I usually use 7 1/2 shot to close the deal. The furry buggers are quick, can change direction in a second and can jump a log and be gone before you know it. Just quietly stand still and watch for movement, the rabbit will usually be slipping through the brush or darting across and opening. If you miss, just stay still and listen to the dogs, they should bring it back around again…hopefully. New rabbit hunters tend to make the mistake of following the dogs…don’t do it.

The rabbit will always be several steps ahead of you and the dogs.

Sometimes the bunny finds a hole in the ground and the chase is over but usually where there is one bunny there are more. Some years are better than others for rabbits. The amount of rabbits is usually in direct correlation to the amount of predators. Fox, coyotes, owls, hawks, eagles and wolves all love rabbit for dinner.

Continued on page 18.

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NORTHWEST MONTANA

A Piece of Paradise

By Raf Viniard About five years ago we made a fact finding trip from Georgia to Libby/Lincoln County, MT. It was one of the locations we were looking to move our businesses and start thinking about future retirement opportunities. The allure of the area’s 2nd Amendment and conservative stance, hunting, fishing, trapping and outdoor recreation opportunities is what attracted us. Plus it was very business friendly with very little local, county or state government involvement.

Before leaving Georgia, we had done our research and there was a ton of information about the asbestos situation in Libby and still is today…just Google it. However, that did not deter us from checking out a sportsman’s paradise with some of the most scenic views in the world. If you look deep enough every town in America have some type of issues such as old fuel tanks left in the ground, fracking, heavy metals, drought, earthquakes, tornadoes, flooding, coal mining, lead/sulfur in the water, smog, small town politics and the list goes on and on. You will never find the “Perfect” town just like you will not find the “perfect” mate even though I have come dang close.

After a solid week of hitting every town in Lincoln County and 2500 miles of travel, it was decided Libby and Troy had everything a new business would need without the bigger city feel. Any asbestos issues were moot…it was water under the bridge. We drank the water, breathed the air, ate the local food, choked on mountain road dust, dodged critters crossing the road and loved every minute of it.

Many movies have been made in NW Montana such as the “The River Wild”, “Always” and most recently “Revenant”. We even have a local celebrity Tom Oar that appears on the on the History Channel “Mountain Man” series which is filmed in the Yaak. Do you really think Hollywood would want to make movies out here if there was a health hazard?

From my perspective as an outsider looking in…the asbestos issue was old news and over the course of my life I had been exposed to a lot worse. As a farm boy I was exposed to herbicides, pesticides, chemicals, fuels, oils, wood preservatives (Creosote), grain dust, smoked filled tobacco barns, animal feces/diseases and other farming related health hazards. Couple that with my experience as a contractor in and around Atlanta, Georgia and I can tell you I have been in homes that should have been condemned and had a bio-hazard placard on the door, most of it was from lack of cleanliness, drug use or deceased bodies. As a contractor we removed asbestos shingles, siding, insulation and flooring that we never knew had asbestos in it at the time. The lead paint issue is a whole other story. I served over 20 years in the military and was exposed to things that I know had to be bad for my health. Breathing jet fumes, tear gas, smoke grenades and burnt gunpowder and that’s not even including the physical hazards. So far, I have been blessed with 54 years of great health and have made it over halfway of the average human life span all thanks to the man upstairs. Asbestos is the least of my worries.

Before writing this article I spoke with several locals and county employees to see why Libby still had the “Asbestos Stigma”. To truly understand how this all started lets step back in time when no one had a clue that this rock that provided good paying jobs and a valuable natural resource was dangerous.

I can envision a gruffly heavy equipment operator wearing bib overalls straddling a big bull dozer or loader with a cigarette dangling from his lips pushing/loading rock just like any other rock quarry operation. At the time the cigarette in his mouth and the machinery he was operating were considered more dangerous to his health than the rock he was mining. The spoils from this mining operation was gladly received to use on local roads, playgrounds, gardens and other uses. It was a great insulation for homes. No one thought a thing about it.

Just like other mining operations across America it was a way to make a good living and support a family. Many got rich off these mines… businesses boomed and no one knew or complained…life was good.

Let’s look at what some of the experts and locals had to say about the issue: Continued on page 5.

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NORTHWEST MONTANA CONTINUED Nick Raines, Asbestos Resource Program Manager of the Lincoln County Environmental Health states, “EPA has been in the Libby area investigating and cleaning up asbestos contamination since late 1999. The general outdoor air (ambient air) conditions in Libby are comparable to other Montana towns and towns across the country. I personally feel Libby is as safe a place to live, work, and play as any other rural town across the northwest.”

Tracy McNew, LPN, MPA, Clinical Care and Research Manager Center for Asbestos Related Disease also stated, “From about 1919 to 1990 a vermiculite mine operated 6 miles east of Libby, MT. EPA has been cleaning up contaminated properties in the area since 2000 and is nearly finished. CARD began in response to this discovery of lung disease from environmental exposure.

For outreach and educational events we have a CARD Rally annually in the fall. This is an event targeted at children to teach them about the dangers of asbestos, our research, and other topics about respiratory health. This event offers free food, games, prizes and activities for families to enjoy so that learning is fun and interactive. We work with our foundation (CARD’s fundraising arm) to host the Big Sky Bash, a large concert event every year as well. This year’s event will be on July 9th and features John Michael Montgomery.

Per Dr. Brad Black, our CEO and Medical Director, “Today, enjoying the great outdoors in and around Libby is very safe. The ambient air here has been safe since the EPA began testing in 2000 and since then EPA has also cleaned up the soils in all public areas of concern disturbing fibers in the soil is not a concern anymore either. As long as caution is used to avoid the areas near the old vermiculite mine, I have no concerns about health risks for those enjoying hunting, fishing and other activities around Libby.”

I also spoke with Mark Peck, District 1 County Commissioner and he gave us this comment, “I was born and raised here and there was a lot of it here. I am very confident of the cleanup. It is a very safe place to live or I wouldn’t have raised my kids here. There are 2.2 million acres of Kootenai National Forest and I am not afraid to take my kids hunting or fishing anywhere, except for the mine area.

I walked into Mike Cirian’s office, who is the EPA’s Onsite Remedial Project Manager looking for an interview. Hunting pictures hung on the wall and the interview quickly turned into a conversation about the shooting sports, hunting and fishing. Here is how he surmised the issue, “Anybody that likes hunting, fishing and the outdoors…Libby is a wonderful place for it. It has some of the best outdoor opportunities and blue ribbon trout streams in America. I brought my family out here and I am very confident about raising my kids here. My daughter graduated from high school here and we played golf, softball, hiked and fished.”

I stayed at the Venture Inn located in Libby and the place was packed with skiers. I had a chance to meet with the owner Paul Bunn. As we discussed the issues facing Libby I think he described the feelings of local businesses best. “We have gone through the hardships, healing of the land and the people but it is now time to start healing our economy. It is such a beautiful place, clean air, beautiful mountains and we want to share it with the public again without anyone having any reservations about their safety.”

Want to read some more information... here is a great link that wraps all this up in a nice little package: http://www.asbestos.com/news/2015/03/11/libby-montanaasbestos-cleanup/ Continued on page 6.

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NORTHWEST MONTANA CONTINUED If things were as bad as some would make you believe why would folks from the city come out here and buy land that most locals can never afford. They build a “little” log cabin (2000-3000 square feet) and drag their kids, dogs and friends out here to spend the summer. Rich folks are not going to risk their health living or playing in an area that might harm them or their families…they have enough money to move wherever they want. Maybe someone is trying to keep this awesome place a secret?

Of the thousands of acres and properties that was once contaminated most have been cleaned up and EPA is wrapping up its cleanup operations. I spoke with Lynn Ward a local realtor for Northwest Montana Real Estate. She stated, “If anyone has a concern about a property they are thinking about buying all they have to do is ask the seller to provide a “Letter of Comfort” that is provided by the EPA . This letter shows the property has been inspected and either cleared and/or cleaned of any contaminates. Today a person moving here has a better chance of getting an asbestos related disease somewhere else. We have cleaned, cleaned and cleaned to death. My grandchildren and great grandchildren live with me out here so I have a vested interest in their safety.” Lynn and her husband moved to the Libby/Troy area in 1999.

Lynn went on to say, “For those few property owners that refuse to let the EPA on their land or into their premises to inspect, they may find themselves in a dilemma when they or their heirs try to sell the property. Once the EPA moves out of the area the cost of cleaning up any contaminates may fall on the sellers’ shoulders. Some mortgage companies may not approve the sale without the letter from the EPA.” Remediation can be very expensive. This standoff approach is a big gamble with possibly your life’s investment. What would be worse is the property were to be condemned in the future if contamination is found.

Where does the fear mongering, over precaution and political correctness stop? It stops with the individual, the community and the local government. Libby has done just that…they are over it and ready to move on. The mine has been closed, the area is in the final stages of clean up by the EPA. Libby has got to be one of the cleanest cities in the WORLD. Millions of dollars and man hours has been pumped into this area to clean up something that at one time was just everyday life. This cleanup created a lot of good paying jobs and local businesses benefited and still do to this day. As technology grows we find out more and more things that are supposedly bad for our health. They can talk about bacon and sweet tea all they want, but I am not giving up my bacon or sweet tea…period. Ten years from now it may be determined that the Internet, cellphones and computers caused brain damage. Looking at Washington D.C. and how it operates and one might assume that is a fact. They were using computers and cell phones before most of the country knew what a cell phone or computer was.

For the last two years I have been working in and out of Libby/Lincoln County and you will not find a nicer bunch of folks. It is truly a great place to live, work and play. There are not many places that have the scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities as NW Montana.

If you are a business owner it is time for you to checkout moving your operations and get your family away from those busy cities. Think about this…when you get off work you can grab your fishing pole or gun and hit the local lakes, rivers or mountains in just a few minutes.

Coming out here to retire? You just think you are retired…there is so much to do you will have to go back to work just to rest.

Now that you have been enlightened it is time to bring out the family and experience the “Last Best Place on Earth” and start “Living the Dream!” There is one caveat, living in NW Montana is a way of life. We like it just the way it is. Yes, we might live and do things different than where you left, but no place is perfect. We think this place is pretty special and we are very proud to raise our families here. For a deeper understanding about living in rural Montana read my article next month titled “You’re Walking on the Fighting Side of Me…”.

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THE ROOT CELLAR

Sanders County Preparedness Day

By Bruce Hunn Excitement is growing for the Sanders County Preparedness Day which will be on Saturday, February 20th. This all day event will be conducted at the VFW, on West Lynch in Plains, and doors will open at 8:00am. A nominal fee of $10.00, per person, for preregistration will be accepted up until February 11th; registration at the door is $20.00. As lunch is included in the cost we encourage you to register early to facilitate food planning. Everyone will receive a preparedness survey Saturday morning (previously reported one would be forthcoming upon pre-registration). Send your check to Clark Fork Valley Tea Party, c/o PO Box 325, Plains, 59859.

Have you given some thought to your level of preparedness should something go wrong? Or even, what can go wrong? Situations could range from annoying to catastrophic; it could mean having to do without your flashlight until you shop for batteries; or doing without running water for a few days or a few weeks. Think you'll get thirsty in that time? It could mean a loss of communications beyond your neighbors or community. Won't you wonder what's going on in the world?

The agenda for the day will include a run-down on possible emergencies to consider; this will be covered by Bill Naegeli from the Sanders County Office of Emergency Management and Tom Rummel, SC Sheriff. Safe gatherings will be covered by Senator Jennifer Fielder and Sheriff Rummel. Self-defense and firearms safety will be discussed by yours truly and Bruce Hunn, a certified range master will give a brief intro to reloading. Money, Papers and Barter Items are next up on the agenda and will be discussed

by Charles Woolley, Chair of the SCP Committee.

A number of vendors will be on hand and two scheduled breaks of 15 minutes, along with a 45 minute lunch, will allow time to investigate their wares and ask questions of their expertise.

I'll discuss food storage methods, along with some tips and encouragement on gardening in our area. Bob Pierson, Chair of the Clark Fork Valley Tea Party, and Charles will provide information on water purification, water storage and how to safely utilize various sources of water. Remember, you will get thirsty! Paul Fielder, Preparedness Coordinator for the Thompson Falls LDS Church and Charles will next give a demonstration on portable preparedness and show their Go Bags. Bob Pierson will discuss Shelter options.

Mike Bedick, of Rocky Mountain Response, will have an informative presentation on Wilderness First Aid; something we hope never to need but will supplement our outdoor skills. Charles will discuss emergency communications focusing on options in equipment, range of use and protocols.

The final item of the day will be a Resource Round Table (what is your area of expertise?) with discussion time for all attendees, speakers and vendors; this will wrap up at 4:30pm.

I hope this has piqued your interest and prompted you to register.

We all look forward to presenting this material and seeing you at the VFW on 20 February.

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Business Card Directrory

E-mail: peregrineemb@plainsmt.net

8

PREDATOR HUNTING

MT-SFW Sponsors 2nd Annual Northwest MT Predator Hunt

By Stacy Philbrick, MT-SFW Secretary The snow conditions were great for the second annual predator hunt in northwest Montana! (Last year, not so much.) As some of you may know, MT-SFW sponsored the 1st annual predator hunt too – which caused quite a firestorm within the animal rights groups. This year’s event ran much smoother and quieter in that sense. Again we had a great show of support by the local communities of Trout Creek, Thompson Falls, Plains, Heron, Noxon and so on. We had folks traveling from the Kalispell area, Sandpoint Idaho, the Bitterroot, Missoula, Butte and more to participate and/or support the event. This year the entire northwest region of Montana was included in the event, and any legally harvested predator could be counted. One hundred seventeen participants signed up and showed their support!

This year’s event ran for two weeks rather than just one weekend like last years. It was a success, as we did have a wolf checked in. However, if we had ran the hunt for a longer duration we could have included many more wolves taken throughout the region. MT-SFW member Dan Helterline has trapped four wolves, so far, this season along with several coyotes. Dan also checked in a wolf last year. This year he didn’t check a dead wolf in but he did bless us with the awesome beauty of his wolf hide coat that he wore to the finale. Pictured right is MT-SFW member Rena Wetherelt basking in the glory of this splendid coat. (It took four wolf hides!)

The highlight this year was a nice wolf trapped by Marion rancher, Adam King (pictured Left)! He was also the lucky winner of a Traditions .50 caliber VORTEK muzzleloader donated by Traditions Performance Firearms, North American Muzzleloader Hunting Web Magazine and Lobo Watch. This is not Adam’s first wolf though….it’s his fifth this season! Adam has helped save many livestock and big game through his trapping efforts and we salute him! He’s also one of our newest MT-SFW members - Welcome Adam!

Mr. King wasn’t the only winner though. There were twenty-five random cash prizes ranging from the top cash prize of two hundred dollars all the way down to twenty dollars, along with numerous other items such as hats, knives, a predator call, coffee mugs and more. A good portion of the participants all left with a little something for their efforts. John & Julie from Lakeside Resort in Trout Creek donated hot dogs and MTSFW provided chili and all the fixins’ for some warm-you-up chili dogs at the finale.

Not only did we get a wolf on the ground (which in itself is a success) we got to meet some new faces this year. Justin Webb and wife Naomi traveled from Sandpoint to show their support. Justin heads the non-profit group Foundation 4 Wildlife Management (F4WM), which reimburses Idaho hunters and trappers for their costs in harvesting wolves, as an incentive to get more folks involved or to help successful folks keep going. They are a great group with an honorable mission. If you’d like to learn more go to their website http:// www.foundationforwildlifemanagement.org/default.html MT-SFW is yet again happy with the results from the 2nd Annual Predator Hunt and even more pleased with the enormous volume of support the event gained. The more hunters and trappers stand up against the animal rights extremists and their attacks on our rights to hunt and trap in Montana, the more support we gain. And now is a time like no other that we need to band together and fight for our hunting and trapping rights and heritages.

On that note, the gears are already turning for next year’s event – so guys and gals start planning on it! It’s been decided to run the hunt longer and expand to all of western Montana and to include our neighbors in the panhandle of Idaho as well. There will be an online registration to make it easier for folks who are farther out to sign up. We’ll have numerous check-in locations and lots more prizes. A planning meeting for the next event will be held in Trout Creek on March 27 th, 2016. If you’d like more information or would like to get involved or even donate to the event, contact me via email at stacyphilbrick@gmail.com Continued on page 10.

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PREDATOR HUNTING CONTINUED

Predator Hunt Continued MT-SFW would like to thank all participants for their efforts. A Special Thanks goes out to Montana Trappers Association, Northwest Wildlife Association (NWA), Foundation 4 Wildlife Management (F4WM), Toby Bridges/Lobo Watch, Mr. Billy Hill, The Lakeside Motel and Resort, Montana Woods N Water (Raf Viniard) and the local communities in northwest MT for their support.

We’re looking forward to next year’s predator hunt already!

Montana Woods N Water would also like to thank all those that participated. It will be bigger and better next year. A huge thank you goes out to Billy Hill the owner of the ranch that hosted the event. Thanks Billy!

Join Montana Sportsmen For Fish and Wildlife today and help us fight the subject matter that is important to you as a outdoor

man or woman.

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MONTANA DAN

By Dan Helterline With only one month left in wolf trapping season I am as close as I've ever been to filling my wolf limit. The trapping conditions in December were very cooperative and I was able to get three wolves in traps. The temperature remained consistent and we were getting fresh snow regularly. I've learned that one of the hardest obstacles to overcome when trapping wolves in Montana is the weather and trapping conditions. The constant freeze and thaw cycles that dominate our winters in Northwest Montana make it extremely challenging to keep traps working. Finding set locations that are naturally weather resistant are key, if you can find these spots that intersect wolf sign your on the right track.

There are also several ways to make your sets, that will help keep them functioning in poor weather. Waxed dirt made up in the summer months and stored in metal garbage cans is a big help. This is made by taking bone dry sifted dirt, spreading it out on a clean surface in full sunlight and mixing in the proper amount of flake wax. Flake wax can be purchased at any of the larger trapping supply stores and is manufactured just for making waxed dirt. As the sun heats and melts the wax, you turn the dirt, until eventually all the dirt is coated with wax. When the dirt has a dark almost wet look and is no longer dusty, it is ready, on days that the temperature is in the nineties this process can go pretty quickly. Waxed dirt is fairly weather resistant and can really help keep sets working in wet weather.

Another material that is helpful in keeping your sets working in foul weather is coal shale. Coal shale can be found in exposed seams in Eastern Montana and is basically low grade weathered coal that has been eroded to the consistency of dirt. By nature this material is freeze resistant and works good for bedding traps in, it is black in color, so natural material must be blended over the top, so it doesn't appear foreign. Being black it will also warm through solar radiation and cause snow to melt off you set and look unnatural, so it's important to blend a thin layer of something over the top of it. I will usually cover it with a layer of waxed dirt then blend a thin layer of natural material to complete the set. Continued on page 12.

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MONTANA DAN CONTINUED On two occasions now, I've had wolves work sets that my trap was froze down, dig the bait out of the hole and roll on it, like dirty dogs love to do. Don't despair if this happens, on both occasions I remade the set with dry material, rebaited it and eventually collected a wolf. My last wolf was caught after visiting the set a second time, making wolf number four for the season.

As I do my scouting in late fall and early winter, I find that certain locations are used by wolves every year. Super good locations, are one of the keys to success in wolf trapping, wolves are creatures of habit and will use the same crossings and travel ways year after year. As these locations are pinned down you can start with sets at these spots at the start of the season then expand your trap line as you discover additional sign. It is paramount to have your sets were wolves will easily find them in their travels.

I find that as stuff thaws out it will eventually freeze and make your sets nonfunctional. There is nothing else to do but monitor the weather and if you suspect things might have froze down, check your sets and remake as necessary. It's a lot of work but it's only way to be successful. If I'm confident my sets are working I will check them from a distance, often times with binoculars so as not to disturb the area around the set, but if I suspect the weather might have hampered my set, I will walk into it and make sure that it is working. This can make for a lot of set remakes and a good supply of waxed dirt and or coal shale are crucial.

With one month left in wolf trapping season hopefully the weather will cooperate and allow me to collect my fifth wolf and be limited out for the season. February is when wolves start to breed so all of your patterning efforts can be tossed out the window, when and where they will show up is anyone's guess. When breeding their movements become harder to predict. I have yet to find a greater challenge than trapping wolves. Wolf trapping takes a lot of time, dedication, and hard work, which is probably why I enjoy it so much and the taste of success is so sweet!

Montana Hunting License Montana hunting license went on sale 1 February 2016. Start thinking about what and where you are going to put in for tags this year.

This picture taken by Ed Moreth.

The turkey actually chased away the fawn.

However, once Momma found out it was the turkeys on the run. Guess we know what the pecking order is in this field!

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SPORTSMAN’S MEDITATION

Chippie

By Pastor Jim Sinclair It was just one of those days, we’ve all had them I’m sure. Things start off okay and just seem to go south from there the rest of the day. I recently had one of those days. My wife and I were headed to town to get her hot tub repaired. I had it on a trailer behind our Chevy truck. Long story short we collided with another truck in an intersection and totaled our truck. My wife ended up in an ambulance and was transported to the local hospital. Yes, it was an accident but I like life to go smooth every day. I don’t like interruptions like this. It’s like the old rancher said, “Life is hard, then you die.” I want life good all the time.

I ran into this story, I think we all feel this way at one time or another, Chippie the parakeet never saw it coming. One second he was peacefully perched in his cage. The next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over.

The problems began when Chippie’s owner decided to clean Chippie’s cage with a vacuum cleaner. She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage. The phone rang, and she turned to pick it up. She’d barely said "Hello" when "ssssopp!" Chippie got sucked in. The bird owner gasped, put down the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag. There was Chippie -- still alive, but stunned.

Since the bird was covered with dust and soot, she grabbed him and raced to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and held Chippie under the running water. Then, realizing that Chippie was soaked and shivering, she did what any compassionate bird owner would do . . . she reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air.

Poor Chippie never knew what hit him. A few days after the trauma, the reporter who’d initially written about the event contacted Chippie’s owner to see how the bird was recovering. "Well," she replied, "Chippie doesn’t sing much anymore -- he just sits and stares."

It’s not hard to see why. Sucked in, washed up, and blown over . . . That’s enough to steal the joy from the strongest heart.

As I was thinking about my response to this trial in my life. I once again reflected on what God says, in James 1:2 says “Count it joy when you face your trials.”

1st Peter 4:12 says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through as if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad (rejoice) because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.”

If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the physical and the material more than the spiritual, we will not be able to count it all joy. If we live for the present and not the future, then trials will make us bitter, not better. So, I elect to choose the high road and let it build my character……. And now I have a new truck…… keep livin the life Pastor Jim. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:25-26 (NIV) 13

LOCAL CELEBRITIES

Top Left: Stan Fisher and JD Woods shows off a black beauty that they recently trapped. These guys trap with Andy Pershan another long line trapper. Way to go guys!

Top Right: Allye Anderson of Libby, MT with her awesome Montana cat. Congratulations Allye on your tom...great picture. The ladies and kids are scoring some big cats this year!

Pictured Above: George Nass of Baldy Mountain Outfitter was cat hunting when at least five wolves came in to attack the hounds.

One didn’t leave.

Hounds are all okay!

Pictured Left: Big Montana Dan comes in there with a perch for supper. Checkout that wolf fur coat !

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NEXT GENERATION Pictured left is A.J. Jermyn. He is 13 years old and is an avid hunter and Trap Shooter. This year, he shot his first mountain lion. They were up Cedar Creek, over by Superior. George Lyons and sons, ran their dogs for the hunt. George is out of Thompson Falls.

I don't know who was more excited, AJ, or his Dad, James Jermyn. When those two got home, here in Plains, James went everywhere, showing off his boy's cat. They were both pretty proud. Photo and content submitted by Julie Tompkins. Thanks for sharing Julie and A.J. By the way congratulations on your first cat. Dad I bet Ajax and a steel brush could not have washed that smile off your face huh?

Making memories and Living The Dream!

Alexis Helterline having to catch her own supper. I see Dan did not fess up with his wolf coat to help keep you warm.

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SNOWMOBILING

Snow Clubs-giving back for the love of the sport!

By Alan Clarke For most of us at Montana Power Products, snowmobiling is a tradition, a past time, or maybe a rite of passage, but definitely a passion. Nothing infuriates us more than to get to our favorite spot and not be able to ride. It seems the use of our public lands keeps diminishing year after year. In the summer you come upon another locked gate, or road that has been blocked by rocky berms and trees downed on purpose to keep you from entering an area. Maybe it’s just a sign saying “no motorized vehicles beyond this point”. In the winter you get signage in a variety of fashions saying things such as “private trail”, “no trespassing”, “no snowmobiles, ATV’s or dirt bikes”, or a simple “NO snowmobiling”. Some of these are meant to keep you out of danger, some are to keep you off of private property, and some are just plainly limiting your rights to use your land.

What is the best thing you can do to battle this type of situation? Join together with like-minded people. People with the same interests and people who give back to make the sport safer, cleaner, more fun, and give you a voice.

If you go to www.m-s-a.org, you will be on the Montana Snowmobile Association website. From there, click on clubs: you will find a list of 30 plus snowmobile clubs. One of the clubs should be close to you, or close enough for you to reach out, and help preserve what you love. Below I will outline a few of the clubs we work with, what we do together, what each club’s goals are, and what the some upcoming events.

The Ten Lakes Snow Club hails from Eureka and says: “Snowmobiling is More Than a Sport, it’s a Way of Life”. The Ten Lakes Snowmobile Club (TLSC) is a Montana non-profit organization. We are a volunteer and membership driven organization committed to protecting and advancing the general welfare and safety of the sport of recreational snowmobiling and other winter activities.

Including: trail grooming, preservation of forest access, sponsored events, safety forums and training, and general outdoor recreation.

Montana Power Products will be assisting for the second year with TLSC’s fun run on February 5th & 6th, where a 2016 Polaris PRO RMK-Axys will be auctioned off. TLSC has worked closely with MPP to get a great sled for the auction and labor is donated by MPP to raise money for the club. There will also be $2,500 in prizes to be raffled, and $1,000 fun run at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds (must participate in the fun run to win). It all starts with a bonfire and pre-registration at Trappers Saloon in Eureka on February 5th at 6pm. Please make sure to read all of the details on their website… tenlakessnowmobileclub.com.

The Cabinet Ridge Riders, come out of Trout Creek and have the following aspirations: The Cabinet Ridge Riders are a diverse group of motorized and non-motorized outdoor users: snowmobilers, 4-wheelers, motorcyclists, and horseback riders in and around Sanders County Montana. It is a charitable, non-profit, organization giving to many local charities and youth organizations as well as four high school scholarships each year.

Continued on page 19.

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TONY REBO UNLEASHED

Thank God for Grandpa

By Tony Rebo This past week has been such a blur; I am not sure where to begin. My son had a near death experience when he fell through the ice at Bull Lake. Thankfully he was able to keep his head and is home safe and sound. The close call has made the local rumor mill, and many a person has stopped and asked for details. All the attention on the accident got my wife questioning whether or not that I should be out on the ice fishing. I spent several days convincing my wife that it was just a bad day and I would be extra careful. The chain of lakes derby was coming up, and after several promises I was allowed to go. My truck was loaded with fishing gear and I was prepared for a weekend with the guys; fishing, poker, and swapping lies. Just as I was leaving town, I received the call. Dad you are going to be a grandpa, today!

I happened to mention to my daughter that the fishing derby was starting in just a few hours and was kind of hoping that maybe she could hold off until Monday. I mean really; this was the year I was going to win first place in each category. My daughter didn’t find the humor in my pleading and I was forced to unload my truck.

During our pre-delivery plan my job was to relay information to friends and relatives in the waiting room. I would also be expected to run errands and so on. My daughter was induced at 5:00 PM on Thursday night. After several hours of labor my role changed and I was now commanded to be in the room. As everyone napped, I was there to keep my daughter company and hold her hand. I soon became part of the coaching team and was now not allowed to leave the room. This all along was my plan, because if anyone could get that baby out in time so I could still make the derby it was me. I ,at one point suggested the use of a come along and chain. I thought it was funny, but apparently the other members of the team (which were all women) did not.

A healthy baby boy was born at 8:46 Friday morning. Jaxen would be his name, and I swear I can’t remember a more special moment.

Oh my gosh, I was a grandpa! We spent all day Friday watching over this little miracle. After being up for over 36 hours I was on cloud nine and couldn’t sleep. When my wife and I returned home, she rewarded me for the great job I did during the delivery and said “you should go to the derby and have fun”.

Oh my word, with all the things that were going on, I had forgot about the derby. Ten minutes later my truck was loaded and I was on the road heading for the ice. I arrived at the lake at 4:00 AM and began a weekend of fishing. I had a great time with all the guys and fishing was good, but I just couldn’t get the thought of being a grandpa out of my head. I had so many plans for young Jaxen, I wondered if my daughter would ever have any time with him.

I reminisced about my own Grandpa, and about the good old days when we hung out. I remember the old guy who taught me so many things about the outdoors. I remember the summer fishing trips to our favorite stream, opening day of grouse season, and the big game season in the fall. My grandpa taught me to fish and hunt. I learned to gut a fish by the time I was six and could be left over night in the woods by the time I was twelve. My Grandpa was a true outdoorsman, and he left a lifetime impression on me.

I remember once when we were out hunting together, we had split up for a hunt and planned to meet back up by noon. As I reached our meeting spot I spied a large buck feeding in a nearby opening. In my haste I spooked the buck and he ran off and I never got a shot.

I noticed my grandpa propped up against a big tree, sleeping so soundly that he didn’t notice my arrival. I promptly woke his sorry old hide and gave him an earful of my disappointment. He sat and listened without interrupting and then asked me to sit down. We sat for a moment in silence and then he softly said “what are you doing tomorrow”?

Well it would be Sunday, and so probably nothing. He looked up at me and said “well there you have it. Had I shot that buck, we wouldn’t be going out tomorrow looking for him now would we”? Continued on page 18.

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TONY REBO UNLEASHED CONTINUED My Grandpa was in his late 70’s that year and he would be out hunting much more after that trip. It never was about killing the buck; it was about being a Grandpa for as long as he could. I remember the first year that we didn’t hunt together. I killed a nice buck, but it was more about the hunt and not the adventure.

Bunny Bumping continued from page 3.

You can actually hunt rabbits year round in Montana but for eating purposes I will only eat them after the first freeze and during the first four cold months of the year. Rabbits can have wolf worms which is a parasite that looks like a huge grub that can be felt or seen between the skin and the meat. Cats have I miss those days, and would do anything to have one more day propped up against that tree. Life comes in full circle and now I have even been known to have these worms. Another thing to be on the watch out for is rabbit fever which is the same as my chance to pass on to my grandson all the things I was taught. It tularemia. This is very common in the warm months with was the first time in my life that I couldn’t wait to get off the ice and many animals. If you are concerned use latex gloves when return home. I arrived back in town an hour later and stopped by to skinning any animal. If you gut a rabbit and see white spots on see the little guy. its liver I would discard it as with any other animal that does My daughter met me at the door and handed me the little fella. We not appear healthy. sat and she caught me up on everything that had taken place in the past 48 hours. I laughed as she was now talking like a mom, and giving me all the lay down on what her son would be allowed to do. I just laughed as she said I always thought you and mom were mean by not allowing us to do things, and now I know it was because you loved us and just wanted to protect us. Yep, she was now a mom. I told my daughter that I needed to get home and clean up, as I smelled like fish. I apologized as I probably got the smell on Jaxen.

My daughter told me not to worry as he probably couldn’t smell that good and wouldn’t recognize the smell of fish. I smiled at her and whispered to Jaxen “Maybe not, but you will”.

Just last week I finally found a gentleman that breeds beagles and I got a chance to stop by and check out his recent litter of pups. Wow they were cute and full of mischief. A lot of folks like beagles for pets but I prefer mine to hunt and help pay for their food bill.

With any hound it will only be as good of a hunter as the time you spend bonding and training it to do what and how you want to hunt.

If you have an interest in rabbit hunting or rabbit hunt yourself we would love to hear from you. Email me at Raf@montanawoodsnwater.com and let’s talk.

Awe...puppy breathe! This litter of pups are about ready to find a new home and hopefully to some kids that wants to spend time with them in the woods bumping bunnies!

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SNOWMOBILING CONTINUED We belong to the Blue Ribbon Coalition, Treasure State Alliance, Montana Snowmobile Association, and the Snowmobile Alliance of Western States. It is our belief that if we do not work together, the environmentalists will control our public lands. Our members are hunters, fishermen, and general outdoor users who take care of our forests and want to protect our use.

Together we can succeed; individually we will fail.

This will also be the second year for MPP to participate in the Cabinet Ridge Riders and Lakeside Motel & Resort Fun Run, Auction & Raffle.

This year the festivities start on February 12th at 5pm with a bonfire, raffle, and prizes. Then on Saturday the 13th, pre-registration starts at 8:00am followed by the fun run from 9am-5pm. This one has a groomed trail, awesome ride, warming hut, and free food, and drinks provided along the way. This makes the second of the 3 clubs that is auctioning off a 2016 Polaris PRO RMK-Axys. Once again a club is committed to the betterment of the sport and works tirelessly with other organizations and companies such as MPP to be able to bring the best equipment and best people to the club…all to raise money for the cause. To get all of the details the web address is http://crr.m-sa.org.

Last but not least is the Lincoln County SnoKats from Libby. Their website gives the following information: Lincoln County SnoKat Club (LCSKC) is located in the beautiful northwest portion of the state of Montana and the last best place on earth! LCSKC was formed in the mid60s, our mission was, and still is, to develop and improve snowmobiling opportunities in the Lincoln County area. A major network of quality trails have been developed over time providing excellent snowmobiling, particular to the north and west of Libby, Montana. Lincoln County has more than 150-miles of snowmobile trails. Our gorgeous, scenic trails are Located in what we like to call the "Kootenai River Country."

Serviced by 17- Mile Road, just off Pipe Creek Road, a parking lot at the intersection is the starting point for the use of all 4-major snowmobile trails: Big Creek Baldy, East Fork Purcell, Purcell and Quartz Creek trails. Although separate from one another, 3-of-the-4 major trails loop together, allowing riders the opportunity to vary their routes while still bringing everyone back to a common starting point.

For the 3rd year in a row MPP will be working with LCSKC for their February fun run. It all kicks off on February 20th with registration starting at 9:00am with the run to follow. This makes the 3rd of 3 clubs that with the help of MPP are auctioning off a 2016 Polaris PRO RMK -Axys. They will also be raffling a Mossberg 300 Win Mag with a Vortex 3-9x40 Crossfire II scope. They tout their event as everyone welcome, including; family, friends, kids, motorcycles, ATV’s, and UTV’s with tracks. For more information check them out on Facebook, or their website lcsnowkatclub.com.

To find out how to get involved you can call Mike at Montana Power Products in Libby @ 406- 293-7500, or go to the clubs page on the Montana Snowmobile Association website and contact any of the clubs. The more you can get involved the better it will be and many hands make for easier work.

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LOCAL CELEBRITIES CONTINUED Pictured Right: Ginnie Loveall killed this beautiful Sanders County, MT buck this season.

She was with her Dad John Patterson at the time. They had not hunted together in about 13 years. What a great way to spend the day with your daughter. Ginnie did your feet ever dry out after wading across that river. I watched this lady jump in the river, wade across and get her deer. Congrats Ginnie on a beautiful Montana buck!

Love the mount!

Top Picture: Morgan Davis of Troy, Montana with a beauty. I hear you caught that on your first cast with a busted reel. Looks like you made it work...now that is how country girls do it! Congratulations!

Bottom Picture: Quincy Grepenhoff of Noxon, MT with his first elk. This elk was harvested on a late season tag in Sanders County. Feels good to get that first one under you belt huh?

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LOCAL CELEBRITIES CONTINUED

Darrick Judkins of Libby, MT with a 28lb northern pike and an 11lb walleye. Scored these beauties at the Fort Peck Reservoir.

Marissa Nass of Plains, MT with a nice pike. Marissa your Momma is going to shoot you for bringing that in the house! Congratulations!

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Darby’s fish!

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SPORTSMANS MEDITATION TOO

Our Word Is Our Bond

By Pastor Cam Foote As a boy growing up with the values of Western Montana I understood if a person said they would be there you could count on them. In fact if it came with a handshake that was better than any contract written on paper. So this story is very important to me because it speaks of this very important value that seems to be lacking these days in our society.

It was early November, my oldest son Chris and my father and myself were all down in Sanders county hunting our favorite elk hole. We all made our way up the trail each choosing a draw to hunt. I choose the first and Chris picked a spot on the other side of the mountain and Dad he headed up to a spot we named after my youngest son. It was a rainy day but the elk had itchy feet and it wasn’t long and I was viewing a small bull through my scope. Chris heard the shot so he started over the mountain and would finally connect up with me in the bottom to help pack out the bull. As we were loading our packs he said, “A bull is talking on the other side but I left it alone when I heard you shoot.” I told him we would come back the next day to see if it was still there. He said “Dad, I can’t. “ I said. “Why?” He quickly followed up with, “Because I promised a friend that I would go hunting with him.” I tried to talk him out of going but he said, “I gave my word that I would go.”

We got back to the truck and were talking about hunting the next day. Dad spoke up and said he would like to give it another try so I made plans to go with my father while Chris followed through with his commitment.

The next day was wonderful I was able to get the bull bugling and within a few minutes my Father was able to make a 300 yard shot on a four point bull. As we were field dressing the bull I said, “Chris is going to be upset.” Dad agreed but we were both proud of him following through with his commitment. That evening Chris stopped by after he had finished hunting with his buddy. He was covered from head to toe with blood. I asked him what happened and he said, “Just before dark we spotted a big bull and were able to stalk within shooting distance of the bull and I was able to kill it with one shot.” It was a very large five point bull and to this day it is the largest bull he has taken.

Isaiah 40:8 King James Bible The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

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KIMO & DIEGO

Introducing

The Adventures of Kimo & Diego The Big Black Wolf—The Finale By: The Starving Artist Daniel Brown Kimo knew that wolves were very territorial and will traverse their territory regularly to keep out other competing wolves and potential predators or canine’s such as Diego. Kimo and Diego realize, this was no ordinary alpha male wolf.

Into the cold, frosty forest Kimo and Diego invaded the darkness, tracking the pack all day. Snow was falling in large velvety flakes, it was the kind of snow that you would stick out your tongue and catch when you were a wee little brat. As the twilight indiscernibly cloaks them they gratefully take shelter in a stalwart crag, huddled together under a protective ledge to get some rest.

The Creator’s sun handsomely and surely ascended, the new day had begun, when the morning light had finally filtered through the fine firs and tall pines, washing away their saxes blue silhouettes, there lay about six inches of unusually deep snow blanketing Montana’s Cabinet Mountain wilderness.

What a breathtaking view from the rocky precipice, with naked Aspen and emerald green Douglas Fir, along the sides of an undersized gorge. Kimo pondered on what an incredible spot, overlooking a small open snow covered field in a trifle valley, best described as "Indescribable;” unmatched in grandeur, an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is merely a visitor.

In the snow bright dawn, Wolf tracks could be seen in the distance and there on the freshly fallen snow, surrounded by an enormous amount of crimson blood, were small bits of shredded sinew, frayed flesh and scattered bones. Indisputably, something had met its ultimate and apparently, very violent demise just recently. The grisly scene of sadistic blood-spatter and ghastly chaos could only mean..... "This Land is Ours!"

For centuries Wolves were said to have the tormented souls of the damned trapped inside of them, and when a veraciously aggressive pack is on the hunt, calling and howling to one another, it certainly sounds like dissonant and inharmonious, cackling demons with bone crushing teeth. Kimo says they sport long, knife like, better-to-eat-youwith canines, but, deep in the back of their jaws, where they can exert the most leverage, are massive carnassials which pulverize the entire skeletons of prey as big as a Rocky Mountain or Roosevelt Elk. They are killing machines that slaughter with merciless, numb and reckless abandon.

First, offensively sensing him, out of the corner of his eye, down in the snowy meadow to his right, Diego caught movement.

Then he began gently nudging Kimo with his canine schnozzle as he softly snarled and quietly growled.

Kimo almost soundlessly says to Diego, “Hey ol boy, don't be afraid of your fears, they're not there to scare you, they're there to let you know that something is worth it.” Scared is what you're feeling, Brave is what you're doing.” Kimo apparently has a “fear of nothing phobia”. Continued on page 25.

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KIMO & DIEGO CONTINUED The inseparable pair have hunted these untamed mountains many times before but Kimo has never seen Diego experience fear like he did on this hunt. Diego thought of a gnashing pack of hungry, carnivorous wolves surrounding them, the blood-stained snow and scattered bits of flesh and bone, an alarming scene of an obvious rampant and violent death. There wasn’t even enough remains left over to tell what kind of bygone mammal the gruesome blood-soaked smithereens could have been.

Dominantly, markedly, the big black alpha wolf fearlessly stood, conspicuously remaining motionless in the thick underbrush on the edge of the woods, about 250 yards away. His raven black fur gleamed in the amber morning light while his chrome yellow eyes produced a chilling and forbidding light of their own.

Disturbingly, progressively, silent as fog, the big black Alpha Wolf began intently lurking towards them, not furtively either I might add. First one colossal paw, then another. The alpha males secreting saliva flowing thick over his wooly sable muzzle as he ominously begins to pursue his worm-blooded breakfast with a side-order of Diego. Kimo was passionately shaking and he wasn't even cold. Suddenly the big black wolf, frothy jaws agape, jowls a dripping, charged out of the woods at Kimo and Diego!

The big black alpha wolf, fast and furry-ous, nimble and quick, cursorily, passingly overshoots them, like a barbaric, medieval black knight menacingly concocting a forthcoming Joust. Kimo only caught a cursory glance of burnished ebony black fur blurring past him, akin to an Arabian Jihadist. Keen and eager eyed Diego instinctively gives a quick howl, intuitively calculating that the big black Wolf will stop and howl back. The enormous black shadowy Alpha figure surely slows and then menacingly sits in the obscurity of the brush by an old tree that has broken off and lay as a log, panting, drooling and then he startlingly responds with a bloodcurdling, low-pitched growl, voluble nipping teeth and then a ghoulishly, elongated, coarse howl.

The big black wolf impulsively steps out of the shadows and disconcertingly scurried to the top of the hill and let out a series of eerie and dreadful howls. Wild, angry, long, vulgar and vile howls. The ghostlike canine wails fleetingly carried down wind, and over miles of feral mountainous terrain alerting the peckish predatory pack that breakfast would soon be served.

Before the big black Wolf’s final outro song, Kimo the marksmen threw his Browning 330 win mag rifle up to his shoulder, his chin resting on the beautifully etched comb of the stock, while the Bushnell crosshairs settled of the black alphas shoulder, right at the joint of the blade and the leg. The big black wolf started to stir, Kimo whispered, “Don't try to run, you'll only die tired“!

Should I wait? He satirically and ironically asked Diego. The boisterous thunderclap and remorseless recoil of that almighty .300 against his shoulder along with the exultant and vociferous ringing in his ears answered that concluding question.

Deep in the obscurity of the Kootenai Forest, in the undisturbed and extraordinary Cabinet mountains of northwest Montana the Creators sun delightfully exclaims high-noon, the wintry woods are now peaceful and placid, the frosty air is calm, serene, and silent, no more dominant and vexatious big black wolf heatedly howling, murdering, mean and violent. When the alpha wolf’s closing song had ended and the rifles echo vanished, Kimo and Diego skillfully bagged the so-called legendary, rebellious and anarchic big black alpha wolf from the seedy shadow realm, his earthly alpha essence has been mortally banished.

Kimo and Diego coolly closed their eyes and fantasized about the countless adventures that lie ahead.

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LOCAL CELEBRITIES CONTINUED

First two pictures were taken by Juan Lulack of Plain, MT as he was headed into his rock quarry back in October. He found this bull elk tangled in some guide wires. The last picture is Chayton Lulack with a cow elk he got in Dillon. 150 yard shot thru the heart with a 270 short mag. Congrats Chayton, nice shot!

Top Left: Chris Relien aka “Wrong Way”. Top Right: Earl Messick aka “The Cable Guy.” Bottom Left: Terry Walen aka “Borris”. Bottom Right: Earl’s daughter Kelsey . Looks like you four know a few things about fishing the Libby rivers and lakes. Photos submitted by Earl himself. Earl says they do a lot of catch and release. Keep them pictures coming and how did Chris get the aka of “Wrong Way”? That should be an interesting story within itself!

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MOUNTAIN MEMORIES

Back From The Dead

By Carol Cady Thinking back on one’s trapping skills many moons ago, I couldn’t help but think or compare ones problem solving abilities from yesteryear to the present and have determined they were about the same. If you have a problem you solve it. Its called Punt, Pass or Kick. Pick one of them and follow through. We were up in the Yaak trapping martin and there happen to be a lot of snow that winter and on that particular day it was below zero. I had gone down a steep gully-like spot to check a trap. Sure enough there was one dead martin. So, I proceeded to remove said martin from the trap and then reset the trap accordingly. As I tried to crawl back up out of this hole I was in I couldn’t get my footings and my pack was up on the flat surface so I just stuck the martin in my jacket pocket....good idea right? Wrong!!!!!

After I got back out of the gully I felt the martin going berserk in my pocket! My body heat must have warmed him back up from the dead. Well, I can tell you that I wasn’t going to give him up! It’s a fact that they are mean little critters and you probably wouldn’t want to mess with one. I looked around for a large rock (which by the way...wasn’t any easy task...considering all the snow), took off my coat and used the rock to take care of business and the rest is history!

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NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED

Top Two Pictures: (196 yard shot) At 11 years old Caitlynn Fairbrother shot her 1st bull opening weekend with her mom, brother, and cousin, as her dad was working guiding other hunters. She packed it out with her own horse. Dad it looks to me they can handle it with out you.

Bottom Picture: 14 year old Wyatt Fairbrother shot this huge 7'1" black bear while hunting behind his home in Noxon, MT. Now this is a bear!

I see future outfitters! Thanks for sharing Dad (Ethan Fairbrother)! Congrats Caitlynn & Wyatt!

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