Publisher’s Notes Guys don’t forget the ladies on Valentine’s Day...You have been warned! That dog house can get pretty cold this time of year! Have we had a winter or what? As of this writing it is supposed to warm up and melt some of this white stuff. February is one of those months where cabin fever can set in if you let it. There is still plenty of ice fishing, wolf and cat hunting to be had. Not to mention you need to start planning for what areas you are going to put in for this year. Does the February issue look nice or what? I have been blessed by the arrival of Kristin Maxwell, our new editor and layout lady. I think she did a GREAT job for her first one. Go to page 15 to read more about Kristin. Shoot her an email welcoming her. Don’t forget to get those elk and deer applications in by 15 March. I love planning for this years hunts-gives me something to look forward to. Bear and turkey season are not far off and it won’t be long to wet those fishing lines again. I am not getting any younger and it is time I start taking some time off to do the things I love and soak up all Montana has to offer. Like most of you, I still have to work but I need to slow down a little this year. With Kristin coming on board, I think that just might be possible. Keep in mind without our advertisers we can not bring Montana Woods N Water to your town. So please support our advertisers and tell them "thanks" for supporting us. Be safe out there and keep “Living The Dream!” ~Raf Viniard ~ Publisher
Guest Writers This Month: Mike Maxwell, Thought for Food on page 20 and Senator Jennifer Fielder, Outdoor Politics on page 12. Cover Photo: Emery Weaver of Thompson Falls, MT snapped this photo while out cat hunting. Emery works at Grocery Surplus in Thompson Falls, MT. Stop in and tell him what a great photo! Thanks Emery for sharing!
To Contact Us: Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Plains, Montana 59859 406-407-0612 Email: raf@montanawoodsnwater.com www.montanawoodsnwater.com
What’s Inside Predator Hunting Montana Dan/Trapping Elk Tea Party Things I Remember Outdoor Politics Sportsman’s Meditation New Editor Tony Rebo Unleashed Recipe Local Celebs Game Care Mountain Memories Ice Fishing Food For Thought
2 4 7 9,10 11 12 13 15 17 18 19,24 20 22 25 27
Only seen on our blog: “What is Your House Filled With?” www.montanawoodsnwater.com/blog
Staff Publisher/Sales: Raf - 406-407-0612 Editor/Layout Kristin Maxwell - 406-540-3550 kristin@montanawoodsnwater.com Photographers Robin K Ha’o/Bob Hosea Cartoonist Jonny Hawkins Pro Staff Writers This Month: Jay Sheffield Dan Helterline Bruce Hunn Bob Pierson Jerry Berry Paul Fielder Pastor Jim Sinclair Tony Rebo Carol Cady Nathan Albertson
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.
PREDATOR HUNTING
Wolf Howling 101
By Jay Sheffield
If there is one sound in the wilderness that has haunted man throughout history, it would be the howl of a wolf. If heard from a distance, most people find it mesmerizing and count themselves as fortunate to have had the experience. If heard nearby while hiking in the dark, even seasoned hunters can suffer an anxiety that ranges from unease to panic! Wolves make a wide variety of sounds ranging from whines and barks to growls and howls. Just like your family dog, each of those vocalizations has a meaning and as with your dog, if you pay attention you can often figure out what it is that they are trying to say. Unlike their cousin the coyote who makes a variety of short high pitched yips, yelps and barks; the low frequency and long duration of an adult wolf’s howl can carry for miles. This allows it to be used for a variety of reasons ranging from reuniting the pack to warning other wolves to stay out of the territory.
6-year-old male, taken by the author who howled him in to about 100 yards and finally lured him into 40 yards by softly whining.
As I discussed last month, there are several situations where wolf vocalizations can be used to your advantage. The first being the howls you make with your voice, or an electronic caller as a way to initially locate wolves. E-callers are great and can get you into the game quickly, but in the time that it takes you to pull it out, turn it on, find the right sound on the remote control, set the volume and finally press play; I will have already put out enough howls to determine if there are any wolves nearby. Not to mention that your pack will be three pounds heavier and your wallet $300 lighter than mine! My personal belief is that if you are serious about wolf hunting, then you must learn how to voice howl. Watching YouTube videos of wolves and then practicing in the privacy of your own living room is not only great fun for you and your family; it’s also a great form of aerobic exercise. Once you start to develop some skills, move your practice sessions to the backyard just before bedtime and see if you can get enough volume to awaken the neighborhood. When distant farm dogs bark, or yodeling coyotes instantly become silent, you are ready to go wolf hunting! I learned long ago that wolf howls are like elk bugles. There are the perfectly cascading tones that you hear on hunting videos and then there are the REAL sounds actually made by wild animals of varied size, sex and age. On one occasion I sat for nearly 20 minutes listening to howls in response to mine that I knew, with absolute certainty, were being made by some teenage kid on the trail above me. That was until the whole hillside suddenly erupted in numerous howls as a pack moved up and away from me. My pride will not allow me to ever be called in by another hunter and that reluctance to move, cost me a shot at the largest pack of wolves I have ever heard, whoops! Look for places to howl where the sound will carry either through a large drainage or across a mountainside. If you are driving between calling spots I think it is very important to sit for at least a few minutes and let the woods get quiet before howling. Certainly most wolves have heard vehicles pass by but we sure don’t want them learning to associate vehicle noise, the careless slamming of doors or human scent with immediate howling. If you are walking or biking, listen carefully for any loud or unusual noise. I have heard distant wolves howl in response to a jet plane roaring overhead or a train horn blaring literally miles away (but never to a car or snowmobile driving by). There are three basic howls that you are most likely to hear in the woods. A CHORUS howl is the one that will really get your heart pumping! It usually starts with just one wolf, either on its own or responding to your howl; that is quickly joined by another. Within moments all members of the pack will start to vocalize. The sounds they make can best be described as frenzied; they not only howl but will also yip and bark. During a chorus howl the wolves become very excited. They will all be on their feet and start pressing in closer together. Some will nuzzle each other and most will have their tails wagging. Some dominant members with tails held high may even become a little aggressive with the others. Then, as quickly as it started, it is over. I have recorded several chorus howls (always in thick cover) and believe that this behavior usually occurs either when the pack has recently reunited or is on a kill site. I have not had much success trying to lure in a wolf after a chorus howl. I think the best option in that situation is to simply remain quiet and attempt to sneak in close enough to observe the area and hope for a shot opportunity. AGGRESSION howls and barks are another sound you are likely to hear. The dominant male will often be the first to approach or respond when there is prey or an intruder nearby. He is also the one doing all of the deep throated barking when your scent drifts to his nose on the light breeze you never even noticed. I have recorded a few contacts where the male stayed just out of sight and barked very aggressively for several minutes while the rest of his pack literally took off for safety. When the wind is in your favor and the alpha knows something is out there but has not yet identified you as human, I have found that “mirroring” will sometimes work. If he howls, I howl, if he barks, I bark, deep and loud as a Rottweiler. This technique will sometimes keep him engaged and has allowed me time to try and maneuver in for a shot. Certainly not optimal, but under these circumstances any chance is better than none. The LONESOME howl is the most common sound you will hear and the one most useful to a hunter. Wolves make and respond to this call every day which makes them vulnerable to our attempts in either locating or luring them in. Continued on page 3. 2
PREDATOR HUNTING CONTINUED It is long, low and soulful. Think of someone who is lost and plaintively calling out to their friends for help. I try to stretch my lonesome howls out for about 10-15 seconds with a varying 5-30 second break between howls. After a couple of howls I will then sit and listen for a few minutes before repeating the sequence. It is very important to change the pitch of your howls, so try one or two moderately low ones then a few higher ones. I have much more success with higher tones, and I think it may have to do with a very low voice sounding like a wandering dominant male that nobody really wants to come down and play with. If you are calling with a partner, start by standing about 30-40 yards apart. One of you starts and about halfway through the howl the other chimes in right over the top of the first. Do this several times. This overlapping of howls is extremely effective because two voices howling a distance apart gives even wary wolves a little bit of confidence they are hearing their pack mates. In my experience, if there has been no response within about 5 minutes, it is time to move on. Good Luck! JCS
If you cannot get enough volume by simply cupping your hands around your mouth when you howl, then a simple and inexpensive amp may be made by taking a 5-inch funnel and cutting off the mouthpiece area to about two inches wide. By drilling a hole in each end and adding a cord you can make a simple shoulder strap.
Feb.15th No Wake Rule Public Hearing for Madison Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a public hearing to consider restricting motorized boat use of the Madison River to a no wake speed from the North Ennis Lake Bridge to the Madison Dam. The public hearing is at FWP’s regional headquarters in Bozeman (1400 S.19th Ave.) beginning at 6 PM Feb. 15th. This action is in response to a petition brought to the Commission pointing out the popularity of this 1.3-mile section of the Madison, its narrowness, and the need to increase safety and prevent potential accidents. At its November meeting, the Commission agreed to begin the rulemaking process and propose the adoption of a new rule. With that, the next step is to ask the public for input on the proposal. The proposal notice can be found on the department’s website at fwp.mt.gov and a summary of the petition brought to the Commission can be found here: http://fwp.mt.gov/doingBusiness/insideFwp/commission/meetings/ agenda.html?coversheet&topicId=38711095 3
March 15th is the deadline for applying for bull, antlerless elk, and mule deer buck permits. The deer and elk permit application packet is available at FWP license providers and online at http:// fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/. The deer and elk permit application packet explains the rules for each hunting district and gives directions for applying. Hunters can apply online, or they may stop in to the FWP Office and apply in person. Prerequisites for applying for these permits include: a conservation license, base hunting license and elk and/or deer license. Also, applicants for Archery Season Only permits must purchase a bow and arrow license prior to submitting an application.
Boat Decals Expire Feb. 28th! Owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft need to get new, free 2017-2020 validation decals for their watercraft soon. The current blue decals expire Feb. 28. Boaters who have permanently registered their boats, sailboats or personal water craft (PWC) must still obtain two free boat validation decals every three years at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov; click Boat Validation Decals.
MONTANA DAN TRAPPING
Black Dog Down! By Dan Helterline If you read last month’s piece and this month’s title you probably will have no problem guessing what the contents of February's article is about. I would like to think the curse of the black wolf is finally over. Now I know they actually do exist, and persistence does pay off. Cody Kurpuis and I attempted to trap some wolves late last year in the St. Regis and Superior area. But due to our late start, we didn't have much success. We vowed at the end of last season, to get started earlier and ramp up our efforts this year. Cody grew up in Superior. Being an avid and very successful elk hunter, Cody has gained the knowledge of the resident wolf movements and offered to help me trap some in Mineral County. I gladly accepted Cody’s offer; myself having limited local knowledge of wolf packs in Mineral County. The trapping conditions this year have been the best I've seen. My Thompson River trapline had been producing nicely, so I was optimistic that it would be a matter of time that Cody and I would connect with some wolves in Mineral County. We had a few sets on some private property near Dry Cr. While doing some Dan Helterline shows that scouting, we came across a lone wolf track on the ridge above where our sets were located. When we came persistence proved black wolves back for our next trap check, Cody and I had planned on adding some sets up on the ridge near the location do exist! of the lone track. But the next time we returned, the lone wolf was waiting This she-wolf’s fancy coat could fool for us in one of our traps. It was black to boot! The curse was finally broken. I don’t know who was more you of her age; but not her teeth! excited, Cody or myself, but it didn’t matter, we had a black wolf! At first glance, I assumed it was a younger wolf. But immediately dispatching the wolf we examined its teeth, and they were very worn down; appearing to be a very old, but in good shape, lone female. The wolf weighed in at 75 pounds and had an exceptionally fine coat. After talking to the regional wolf biologist, we figured it was probably an older female that had been ejected from the pack. The black wolf was a good Mineral County ice breaker; we caught a nice gray male in an adjacent drainage on the very next check! It seemed we had finally started to figure some of the wolves’ patterns out in the Superior area. Now we just needed to maintain our successful momentum and catch a few more. I knew the local elk and deer hunters would be grateful, since wolf predation has been especially severe in Mineral County. With the snow being at record depths and the longest stretch of cold weather I’ve seen since I attended Plains High School; the game populations certainly could use all the help they could get. The cold and deep snow has been hard on my equipment. Driving has been a challenge this winter. If it wasn’t for Toyota power, I wouldn’t have been able to get very many places. I’ve been redlining it most of the places I’ve been driving and I was praying my clutch would last through the winter. I guess I didn’t pray hard enough. While checking a few sets up the Little Joe, I thought I could make it just a little further. If you’ve been out driving in the woods lately, you know you can go places that there is a track in the road. But if your tires fall out of that packed track, you are literally screwed. That was the predicament I soon found myself in. My truck had slid of the packed track and I was “screwed”-even Toyota power couldn’t get me unstuck. I tried using my winch, tire chains and then it happened; my clutch gave up on me. This is when I realized I was REALLY screwed! Luckily, I was at the outer limit of cell coverage, and could let a few people in on my current predicament. By then it was dark and I turned to my dog and said, “Get up Vesper. Looks like we're walking.” I had hiked about halfway out when I could see some headlights coming up the road in the darkness. I was hoping I was the only one foolish enough to try driving a truck up this far, but as the lights got closer I realized it was Densile Scribner in his tracked side by side, coming to my rescue. After he got turned around, I put Vesper in the dog box mounted on the back, while I climbed Cody Kurpuis of Superior, is doing his part to on top, and we headed for his house. We had just pulled in Densile’s driveway at the Little Joe keep elk safe from wolves in Mineral County. Ranch when a buddy from Superior showed up to give me a ride home to Plains. Thank goodness for cell phones. The couple of calls I had been able to make from my marooned truck had reached the right people and my chariot had arrived! On the way home, Craig and I talked about my options for retrieving my stranded truck. The only option we could come up with was to hire someone to plow the road up to my truck so it could be towed out to a shop to have the clutch replaced. Craig gave me a name of who he thought might be the right man for the job. When I got home, I made a few calls and had Kelly Johnson lined up to go plow me out the next day. I had a commitment in Trout Creek the next day, so Cody graciously volunteered to help Kelly. With the help of two more friends; they towed my truck to Cody’s dad’s shop and had the clutch replaced the very next day. Over the years, during my battles with Mother Nature, I have been severely stuck too many times to count. I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve had to hire a grader to get me unstuck! I am VERY fortunate to have some good friends who know good people that will drop whatever they are doing to come help you when you are in a bind. Thank you, Cody, Craig, Jason, Angela, Kelly and Densile. Thanks to them, my truck was up and running in two days-wolves beware! Continued on page 6. 4
5
MONTANA DAN TRAPPING CONTINUED
Billy Hill hosted the 3rd Annual Predator Hunt at his ranch in Trout Creek. As you can see, a great success! Stephanie Lee and son hunter draw prize winners with Adam King.
Dan, Alexis Helterline, and Adam King display some former elk eating wolf hides in their new more likeable forms. Adam King brought in the two coyotes (see bottom center of picture) to round out this song dog choir. Way to go Alexis on getting two of those wolves yourself. A big thank you to all those who participated. Congrats to Team Helterline and Adam!
6
ELK
Elk Management Meeting Review By Raf Viniard
Mini Stump Grill Contest Winner to be announced in March’s issue!
I was able to attend the Elk Management Meeting last month, held by the MT Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) in Libby, MT. I wasn’t sure how it would go; however, I now understand the Derek will pick the winner from the ice fishing photos in the January and process as to how our season setting process works. I was glad to February publications. If you can’t wait that long, visit his website to buy see the 20+ sportsmen that showed up. A lot of sportsmen your mini stump grill for you and your ice fishing buddy! complain but never get involved. Without the involvement and feedback from sportsmen, the FWP will obviously make decisions based on the data and input they have on hand at that time. The meeting was designed primarily to discuss elk management issues in Region1 around the Libby, MT area. Wildlife biologist Tonya Chilton, and Neil Anderson went over data that had been compiled over several years. The core of the meeting was how seasons are set and the process used in determining permits and harvest quotas. It was a very informal meeting designed to listen to local sportsmen. As expected; all attendees were concerned about the bear, cat and wolf predation issues affecting our elk/ deer herds in NW Montana. Meetings were also held in Kalispell, Eureka and Trout Creek. The bottom line is that sportsmen must get more involved, as the old saying goes, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.” And it is so true on these matters. Keep in mind your ideas may not line up with other sportsmen. One group may want more cow harvest opportunities where another group may want less cows taken each year. One group may want more cats harvested where the hound’s men may not. One group may want a two-bear limit (one spring and one fall) where others may not. Of course, the scientific data must be weighed against the public’s and sportsmen’s desire, versus what is best for the wildlife, and the habitat they occupy. There is a lot that goes into the season setting process. Even if you don’t want any changes, you need to let the FWP know how you feel or share any ideas you have. If you are seeing a wolf problem or other predation issues in your hunting area, let your local biologist or game warden know. They like to investigate kill sites within the first 24 hours if possible. Reminder: Get those Elk, Deer and Deer Special Applications in by 15 March. All elk B licenses in Region 1 are now “antlerless elk permits.” Don’t forget to get your conservation licenses, base hunting license and elk and/or deer licenses before applying. If you are an archery hunter, get your archery license before applying. Hunters who receive an elk permit must use it with a current general elk license. An elk permit does not allow a hunter to harvest a second elk in the same HD. For more information call, FWP Region 1 at 406-752-5501. Get involved! 7
Please support our advertisers so they can continue to support us!
8
TEA PARTY
Reflections on the Elections By Bruce Hunn I can’t deny it. On January 20th, I was a very happy camper; but not for the reason that would be obvious to someone who knows my political views. OK, the party I often vote for won overall. Thanks, done deal, live with it. However, for a guy who thinks Alexander Hamilton was a Liberal, it was a shallow victory. I am rejoicing that for the first time in my voting life, a non-lawyer, non-career politician, President has been elected. I am rejoicing that this guy does not seem to back down, either verbally, or we hope, in deeds from a Constitutionally based and hopefully Conservative philosophy. I am grateful that his opponent who represented a career politician of the old school, outspent my guy by hundreds of millions and still lost; and something far darker was defeated. I am happy that perhaps millions of phony votes by non-existent or illegal voters did not imbalance the scale of American Voting Justice. BUT, America is far from “we are out of the woods in triumph” and victory. Please consider the main reason that “my party” won, was a dissatisfaction with how things were, and those things; as of today, are still needing a fix. We did not get in the mess we are in with one, or two, or three Presidents. We got there because in many ways all “those Presidents” were about the same. We got there because no one actively fought the path they led us down. I think that the dissatisfaction many people feel, on both sides of the aisle as they say in DC, stems from no-one in DC understanding two important things: 1). THEY work for US. 2). We don’t work for them! While this is an entertaining thought, consider when the “new President” says let’s reduce government by 20%. What he means is that 20% of the people who work in a Government office might be removed by attrition. But we are ignoring the fact that WE are ALL Government employees, who give, involuntarily, a differing percentage of ALL our money to “the” Government. While this statement causes many of my closer friends to roll on the floor screaming obscenities about the Gov’ment; it is unfortunately true. What “conservatives” miss, is that the founders of the Constitution, designed it to essentially BE an Anti-Government document. It was a limit, not a blank check, to allow us to live our lives without being a Government employee for life. That principle has been lost for over a hundred years; along with many other founding principles, that I believe to be the cause of our discontent. Our problem has been compounding from one simple fact. Our taxes, unlike our home budgets, are not controlled by us. If they were, we would not be in the mess we are in today. Do you want a revolution, and change? Let Americans decide directly how their tax dollars are spent!
In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress. -- John Adams
Photo by Dan Helterline. 9
TEA PARTY CONTINUED
The Elections are over!
By Bob Pierson
It has been what seems like a long haul concerning this election cycle. But now it is over, except for the fear! I feel that it is important to remember that ½ of the people are very afraid concerning our new President-elect. The other half are divided in fear, also. They are worried about the newly elected President, and what he is going to do. Because he was only a 'least-worst candidate' in their opinion, and unsure about the future of our great nation. It is important to recognize that the people who voted against the President-elect are fearful of having their rights taken away, just the same as we were when the present administration was elected in 2008. A great number of republicans felt that the United States would not survive the present leader. Isn't it interesting that we HAVE survived, even though our Constitution has taken a number of heavy blows. We will survive this President, also. One of the things that I find most intriguing is the change that Progressives want, apparently just for the sake of change. One of the statements that is going around amongst those on the left is that the Constitution and all the founding documents are just old timey stuff. We need to move on to something more modern, something that is better suited to the present-day situation. I am going to ask you to consider those founding documents and what they provide for each and EVERY citizen. Things that we all want, regardless of ideology. Things like the ability to speak your mind, and write about it (freedom of expression and the press). The freedom to attend, or not, the church of your choice, and not have the government control your choice of churches, or force you to attend a church of their design (Freedom of religion). Freedom to protect yourself and your family (Second Amendment). The right to privacy, so the government cannot just walk into your house and look for things that they might find to use against you (Fourth Amendment). These are some of the rights delineated in the Bill of Rights. All three of these have been violated by past and present Administrations. So, there are a couple of points here! We don't want ANYONE'S rights taken away. If they try, most of us will stand together to resist any form of tyranny! To quote the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men.” The Constitution is the framework to hold a government in control, so we can enjoy those rights. There are a lot of young college age folks that believe that socialism is the answer. That a good strong leader will fix everything and make it right. Well, it is possible to find a GOOD, strong leader. However, history would indicate that it is unlikely, and the person who comes behind that GOOD one, may not be so good. The same thing is true in our present situation. Many people have said, 'we just need (fill in the name) to use his/ her executive authority, and everything will be solved. Here is the problem. Power given to accomplish what you want, may be used against you under the next leader! That is why our Constitution was designed the way it was. It didn't give the government any more power than necessary to secure our rights, NO MORE! It is good for EVERYBODY, right or left. Then we can ALL 'live the dream', whatever that may be.
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -- Thomas Jefferson
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! -- Pericles (430 B.C.) 10
THINGS I REMEMBER
Grizzly Bear Travels 15 Miles With A Trap
By Jerry Berry
It is often said and written that bears, especially grizzly bears, stir our imagination and arouse our curiosity more than any other big-game animal. Over the centuries, numerous stories have been written about famous grizzly bears throughout the central and western United States. One of the best stories comes from Montana, just east of Kalispell. This is the story of a famous bear who came to be known as "Mr. Terror of the Hills". This Grizzly first appeared in the Libby News (now the Western News) on July 5, 1900. This was also about the time the western region of Flathead County became Lincoln County. The article in it’s original describes a 1500 pound grizzly caught in a 45-pound trap, which it dragged for nearly 15 miles over rugged terrain before the trappers found it. Jake Teeter and Chas Drew have returned from a three months' trip into the mountains east of Kalispell about 60 miles. They have been trapping bear and brought back with them nine fine pelts and a good bear story. They are probably two of the finest trappers in the hills and it is said of them that they can get bear where there are none. But of course this is coming it strong, as Bret Hart says about the 24 packs of cards in the celebrated poker game with the festive celestial. However, the story is a good one. It seems that they had about fifty miles of bear traps and it kept them pretty busy going from one end of the line to the other and they were unable to visit each trap every day. In one trap, which weighed 45 pounds, they succeeded in trapping a bear one day and when they got around to that place in the line the trap was gone. In addition to weighing 45 pounds it had been anchored to a pole about nine feet long and this pole was about nine inches through at the big end. They at once started to trace the animal and it took them three d ays before they could locate him. In that time he had probably gone about 15 miles, through windfalls, over mountains and rocks, all the time carrying the trap and the pole with him. At places he would get caught on trees and snags and at these places he would either chew them off or break them down, until he arrived at the top of a ridge of rocks way up high on the mountains and on the north side of the mo untain these rocks shot down in an almost perpendicular jump for about 3,000 yards, and this distance was covered with deep snow which was soft from the warm sun. The bear apparently never hesitated, for his track could be plainly seen as far as the eye could trace it down this toboggan slide, the trap and the pole plowing up a furrow several feet wide and as many deep. Teeter went one way to get around the bottom of this slide and Drew went the other. Near the bottom they found the bear. He had got tangled up with a green sapling and was busy chewing it off when he was shot by Teeter. He was a large grizzly. Mr.Teeter considers this one of the most remarkable cases of the vitality of a bear in his wide range of experience and it is certainly a remarkable performance.. In addition to this they have one other grizzly, the rest being black and brown bear. (Libby News Newspaper, July 5, 1900. Article transcribed by Jerry Berry)
Busy boys! Thanks for all the photos John Roark. Pictured left to right, Michael Jackson and Thomas Roark with their sidekick Buck. 11
OUTDOOR POLITICS
Senator Fielder Introduces Landmark Right to Hunt, Fish, and Trap bill! By Senator Jennifer Fielder and Paul Fielder If you want to preserve your right to hunt, fish, trap and harvest fish and wildlife by all existing legal means you need to contact all Montana legislators and ask them to support the ‘Right to Hunt’ constitutional amendment. Use link http://leg.mt.gov/css/About-the-Legislature/ Lawmaking-Process/contact-legislators.asp to contact legislators; or phone 406 444-4800 and leave a message for up to 5 legislators or one committee per phone call. Suggest one call for Senate Fish & Game Committee and then a 2nd call for House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee. Ask for the legislatures to support the Right To Hunt bill by Senator Fielder and also ask them to co-sponsor the bill. Fielder has been working with numerous sportsmen groups and citizens throughout the state to craft the bill. She plans to introduce it in early February and carry it through hearings and floor debates at the State Capitol. Because it is a proposed Constitutional Amendment, it must receive support from 2/3 of the legislators. If successful it will then advance to the voters of Montana who will decide its ultimate fate during the 2018 general election. Senator Fielder states, “This bill will protect our incredible hunting, fishing and trapping heritage while allowing for scientific wildlife management and conservation. It will also preserve private property rights, and protect citizens and private property from harm caused by wildlife. It provides a real nice balance for outdoorsmen, landowners, citizens, and wildlife conservationists.” Organizations that would like to endorse the measure are encouraged to contact Fielder directly by email at Sen.Jennifer.Fielder@mt.gov -- PROPOSED BILL DRAFT LC2314— MONTANA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT A Bill for an Act entitled: "An Act submitting to the qualified electors of Montana an amendment to Article IX, Section 7, of the Montana Constitution recognizing hunting, fishing, and trapping as pertinent to life's basic necessities; establishing that public hunting, fishing, and trapping are the preferred means of controlling and harvesting fish and wildlife; and allowing statutes that seek scientific wildlife management and conservation, safeguard current lawful means and methods of hunting, fishing, and trapping, and protect citizens and private property from harm caused by fish or wildlife; and providing an effective date." Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Montana: Section 1. Article IX, section 7, of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended to read: "Section 7. Preservation of harvest heritage. (NOTE: Underscored text is proposed new text, stricken text is proposed deleted text, plain text is unaffected existing language.) (1)The right of Montana citizens to hunt, fish, and trap for the purpose of harvesting fish and wildlife is a right essential to pursuing life's basic necessities. (2)The opportunity to harvest wild fish and wild game animals fish and wildlife is a heritage that shall forever be preserved to the individual citizens of the state and does not create a right to trespass on private property or diminution of other private rights. (3)Fish and wildlife management and conservation shall be subject only to statutes that seek to: (a) scientifically manage fish and wildlife populations; (b) provide that public hunting, fishing, and trapping, including current lawful means and methods that exist on [the effective date of this act] are the preferred means and methods of controlling and harvesting fish and wildlife; and (c) protect Montana citizens and private property from threats or harm caused by fish or wildlife.
Order your flowers early, and pick-up a bottle of her favorite wine from our huge selection.
Plains Liquor Store Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Please Drink Responsibly!
Stay tuned in March for upcoming legislation news on: Hunter Pink considered as additional option with Blaze Orange.
118 East Railroad ● Plains, Montana
Located inside Garden, Gift & Floral! 12
SPORTSMAN’S MEDITATION
The Montana Three-Kick Rule By Pastor Jim Sinclair A
man from North Dakota decided to travel to Montana to go duck hunting. He shot and dropped a bird, but it fell into a farmer’s field on the other side of the fence. As the flatlander climbed over the fence, a farmer drove up on his tractor and asked what was going on. The hunter said, “I shot a duck and I’m retrieving it.” The old farmer replied, “This is my property and you’re not coming over here!” Well, this made the hunter mad so he said, “If you don’t let me come over the fence I’ll call my lawyer and I’ll sue you.” The farmer smiled and said, “Apparently, you don’t know how we do things over here. We settle disagreements with the Montana three-kick rule. I’ll kick you three times, and then you kick me three times, and so on, back and forth, until someone gives up.”
Pastor Jim Sinclair
The hunter liked this challenge because he thought he could easily take the old farmer. The Farmer climbed down from the tractor and planted the steel toe of his heavy work boot into the man’s shin. The man fell to his knees. His second kick went directly to his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. The farmer then landed his third kick to the side of the hunter’s head. The disoriented man slowly got up and said, “Okay, you old codger, now it’s my turn!” To which the farmer responded, “Nah, I give up. You can have the duck.” Many of us battle over things, with much more value than a duck. Sometimes we fight because of a lack of information and other times we kick people simply because we want to. Let me share some information if you are battling for your duck (whatever your battle may be) found in 2 kings 6:9-17. Elisha (the Prophet) was telling all the schemes of the king of Aram to his King the king of Israel. 9But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, "Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” 10So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there. 11 The king of Aram became very upset over this. He called his officers together and demanded, "Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?" 12 "It's not us, my lord the king," one of the officers replied. "Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!" 13 "Go and find out where he is," the king commanded, "so I can send troops to seize him." And the report came back; Elisha is at Dothan."14So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.15When the servant of the man of God (Gehazi) got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. "Oh, sir, what will we do now?" the young man cried to Elisha. 16 "Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" 17Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" The Lord opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (NLTse) Wow! At a glance; looks to me like two good guys up against troops, horses, and chariots. Elisha reminds his servant those who are with us, are more in verse 16. The servant must have thought he was crazy. The enemy is all around them getting ready to “kick them” and that’s when Elisha Prays (vs 17) Open his eyes and let him see! He prays God will show him what is already in Place. Bam! He looked up and saw that the hillside around them was filled with horses and chariots of Fire. They are not alone, they never were, and never would be. By the way, you’re not alone. Never were, and never will be. The Enemy (Farmer) that opposes you could rightly be called Greater. But never forget this information, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” (1st John 4:4) Just words of wisdom when you get into a kicking contest. Kick First! Keep livin’ the life. Pastor Jim 13
14
NEW EDITOR
Kristin Maxwell Editor and Layout for Montana Woods N Water (MWnW) Hello readers! I am excited to get to be a part of MWnW! My job will be to edit articles, ad design assistance, layout of the magazine, help with getting all the celebrity photos in the publication each month, and whatever else I am called to do. This is a great opportunity to learn something new, and to get to know my community at the same time. I’ll tell you a little about me; full disclosure- I am from Washington State. If it makes you cringe-oh well. I got to see Mt. Rainier every day on my work commute and paid the tax dollars to show for it! So how did I end up in Montana? My husband, Mike bought property in Plains, MT in 2007-before the crash. Moving over here, we wanted a fresh start and to be open to opportunity. Both Mike and I left our careers behind. I was a dental hygienist in Washington. I have my Montana Dental Hygiene license as well-in case I want to throw that into the mix. We started a new business called New Life Carving- a Kristin with one of her custom art carving business. You may have seen our ads in this publication. I am checkering gunstocks, and training my dogs to sniff out antler sheds. When an opportunity presented itself to take a stab at being an editor; I figured, I might as well give it a dogs, Brinley. shot. And what an awesome publication to be editor of. The topic of hunting, fishing, trapping, or anything outdoors for that matter never gets old! A goal every year for Mike and I, is to fit more hunting than work in October thru November. So far, we If there is have made that happen and hopefully will continue to. We try to hunt an additional state as well for fun. We have done two something you Wyoming tours to date.
want to write about, make MWnW aware of, or just talk about dogs! Email me:
I didn’t grow up in a hunting family-or around guns for that matter. Once I met my husband, who is an avid outdoorsman, I fell in love with learning how to spot, hunt, shoot, and harvest the best free-range food you could ever get. I must confess; I only went hunting with him that first time ten years ago, only because I really liked him. My first hunting year, I ate tag soup. But Mike got a nice Mule Deer. Because that was my first time seeing how you field dress a deer, and I happened to be in Anatomy & Physiology; I persuaded him to get to the lungs and heart so I could check them out. And he did, proving he was a keeper. Mike has been my hunting partner ever since. Every hunting season it seems I fall in love with hunting even more. And that is kristin@montanawoodsn good, as I’m pretty sure that was one of Mike’s requirements of his dream wife! water.com Mike loves to tell people that he converted me from a vegetarian with the sampling of one overcooked deer steak. It isn’t true! I tried to be a vegetarian once; but that lasted only three hours. As a person who is passionate about fitness, I know the importance of good quality protein. Mike did however play a big part in helping me get right with God, and finding salvation in the Lord. I am happy that I get to live in Montana. As I help with this publication, I am looking forward to hearing from you!
15
16
Ice Fishing at its Best By Tony Rebo
TONY REBO UNLEASHED
January was an unbelievable month for ice fishing. The cold weather provided some of the best ice on the lakes in years, and the fishing has been hot. I have been on several lakes thus far and have caught some big brook trout, dozens of pike, lake trout, and most recently several perch that were well over a pound. I have been out each weekend in January and have fished in two derbies. The Bull Lake derby on January 21st and 22nd were well attended and had over 90 fishermen on the ice trying to beat the record pike of 13lbs and 5 ounces. Some of the best fishing on Bull Lake thus far happened during the derby and the record was shattered by Mark McCully with a pike over 19 lbs. There was also an 18 pounder and another just under 17 lbs. Several other big pike were caught as well and I would guess that at least 12-18 pike over 10 pounds were caught. It was a great time by all, and the Halfway house did a great job running the derby. Because of the big fish caught I am sure that next year’s derby will draw in the fishermen. Oh, and did I mention that the 19 lbs. pike was worth $900! Not too bad for a day on the ice. This past weekend the Kickin Horse saloon held the annual Chain of Lakes Derby. Close to 400 fishermen spread out on the ice trying to place in the top three in each category which included pike, salmon, perch, and rainbow trout. Fishing was tough, but the pros got it done, and some nice fish were caught. A near 2-pound salmon was caught by George Mercer. Jeff Wood had the big pike weighing in around 9 pounds. Several nice perch over a pound were caught and recorded. All in all, these derbies were a lot of fun and it is great to share stories and fun out on the ice with friends. However, I can’t help but be a little discouraged as I didn’t place in either derby. I helped Daryl Judkins land his 16 lb. 12 oz. pike on Bull Lake, and during the chain of lakes derby I caught a bucket full of perch with several over a pound, but just out of placing. In two weeks, the McGregor Lake derby will take place. This is my favorite derby, and this year I have a plan. I made arrangements this year to have a backup plan in the event I am not catching fish. I haven’t worked it all out yet but it will go something like this: Saturday morning I fished for lake trout in my favorite spot and caught a few, but nothing too big. I am sure that none of my fish will place in the derby and so I have to find out soon how and what everyone else is using to catch the big ones. I call on my friend, local game warden Tami to assist me with the task. Yes, Tami is a female warden, but don’t let that fool you. She may have the appearance of a beauty queen, but behind that badge is someone who can knock down a charging grizzly with a single blow. I have heard that Tami carries a can of bear spray, not to warn off bears, but for flavor on her tacos. Now my plan was to join Tami and check on the other fishermen. Tami would ask for their license and make sure they were legal, and I would interrogate the fishermen for the more important information. The first group of fishermen we came up on were all too happy to see us. Tami asked to see their license and I asked to see their fish. I also asked to see what they were using to catch the fish. Upon reviewing what they were using and also noticing that their fish were not too big, I didn’t feel compelled to confiscate any of their belongings. This went on from group to group, Tami would ask for their license and I would check out their gear and take notes. Occasionally I would have to confiscate a lure that didn’t look right, but might work in my tackle box. Now most of the folks didn’t say too much or complain about my role, but I could tell they were maybe on the verge of not buying my authority. Then we came upon the group from Libby, a rough looking bunch of guys I had heard stories about. This group were lake trout slayers. I knew this was going to be tough right from the start because as we approached the group they were all laughing and cheering thinking I had been arrested and that the warden was escorting me to jail. Once the group stopping laughing I stepped right up and demanded to see everyone’s license and registration. Tami whispered to me that just a license would be fine. “Yeah.” I declared. “What she said and make it snappy”. Now I could see this mob of fisherman who once were friends, and who would not share the secrets that they each had on catching lake trout start to question this interaction with the long arm of the law. They each started to question Tami as to my role in this now investigation. Before Tami could answer I felt I needed to put these boys in their place, and I spurted out that I didn’t want to hear anymore from them and that I needed to see what they were using to catch all these big fish laying on the ice. I wanted them to reel in their lines and to reveal to me what the secret lure was. A couple of them laughed and a couple others got angry. Some very intense words were spoken and if I hadn’t been hiding behind Tami I might have lost my temper, but instead I encouraged my friend Tami to shoot one of them. Continued on page 18.
17
TONY REBO UNLEASHED CONTINUED/RECIPES Now the group went silent, only because they couldn’t believe what I had said. So, I said it even louder, Tami shoot one of them, in fact, shoot the fat one because he won’t feel it as much as the others. Just shoot him in the leg to show the others we mean business and we demand to see what they are using on the ends of their lines. The group spread out like smallpox on a blanket. Tami actually placed her hand on the grip of her hand gun, because the group looked as if they were going to attack just to protect their secret. Finally, one of them even declared to just go ahead and shoot as he would rather die than reveal to me what he was using. Tami finally had enough of this tense situation and pulled her gun only to point it at me. “Down on the ice.” She demanded. As she led me away from the group handcuffed, I knew I was not going to place in this derby either. I can still hear the group from Libby laughing as she took me away. Tami was nice and led me back to my ice house, she un-cuffed me and told me to stay put. You know, somehow this story didn’t go the way I had hoped. Oh well, even in my dreams I can’t get a break. The McGregor derby is February 11th and 12th -see you out on the ice! fork. Let cool, and scrape away squash from skin, puree until smooth. 2. Blend cream cheese and squash. Add parmesan, egg, salt and pepper When you have winter squash coming out of your ears, and are tired of plain (SnP), till smooth. Whisk in ½ cup APF till mixed in. Add other ½ cup APF pureed squash; use this recipe. Any winter variety like acorn, butternut, or till mixed well. This can be stored in the fridge till you are ready to delicata will work well. I have even used a squash hybrid that was a cross make. Add a TBS of milk to moisten the batter-only if it seems dry. between a pumpkin and butternut that grew in our compost pile. Spaghetti Some squash will be moist enough to not need the milk. squash is not recommended. I haven’t tried with acorn squash yet. But I 3. Prepare skillet with melted butter on medium heat. Use a teaspoon to think it would taste good. scoop mixture, and another spoon to scrape it off into skillet. Ingredients: 4. With skillet on med-high heat, cook squash pancakes to a golden brown 4 cups cooked, pureed winter squash of your choice from your garden with butter, cayenne pepper, and SnP. Cook about 2-3 minutes each 1-8oz. block of cream cheese side. They will kind of look like a hash brown. Remove to a plate, drizzle ½ cup or more of grated parmesan or Gouda cheese with brown butter and top with gouda or parmesan cheese. 1 Lg. farm fresh egg Serve with elk steak and a green steamed vegetable of your choice for a 1 ½ tsp of salt, ½ tsp black pepper healthy breakfast. Enjoy! Cayenne pepper to your liking 1 cup All Purpose Flour (APF) or gluten free flour; divided 1 TBS of milk (use only if batter seems dry-see step 2) ½ cup unsalted butter Finishing garnishes: salt n’ pepper (SnP) to taste, parmesan or gouda cheese Steps: 1. Cook your squash halved, seeds removed, face down in 1 inch of water in oven @ 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until flesh can be pierced with a
Savory Winter Squash Pancakes By Kristin Maxwell
18
LOCAL CELEBRITIES Nick Graham, a UPS driver for the Plains area; filled a couple of his tags year before last. A lot of folks don't realize that your box truck driver (UPS/FedEx and USPS) that brings you all those wonderful packages, just might be an avid sportsman. These drivers can be a wealth of knowledge. They log thousands of miles a year on our state and county roads. Get to know your delivery guy or gal they just might share a wildlife crossing you are interested in . Nice job Nick!
Jeremy Smook got an awesome 21.11 lb. 40� pike. Looks like the ice fishing on Bull Lake is still producing some big pike. Way to go Jeremy! Enjoy your pike supper.
Robin K. Ha'O our Pro Staff Photographer, came across a half eaten elk from a mountain lion kill while in Perma. The cat had covered the remains to save for a later meal; which means it probably wasn’t far away when this kill was discovered.
19
GAME CARE
Thought For Food
A nice clean carcass makes nice clean steaks.
By Mike Maxwell Over the years, I've gotten to know several butchers. This past fall I had the chance to talk with several butcher shops around Montana and Wyoming. With the warm weather hanging on well into November, meat processing coolers were full longer than usual with wild game. The most common complaint I've heard year after year is how dirty some game is brought in. I've seen some that look like they were skinned and then rolled down the mountain. Is that any way to treat a blessing from God that will wind up in your mouth? You wouldn't want your next beef steak to come to the shop like that, would you? Not to mention, dollars per pound, wild game is WAY more expensive than beef unless you shoot it in the backyard. Myself, I bring my meat to the butcher as dirty as I am willing to eat it! In my opinion, I think everyone should do their very best to do the same. We all know circumstances are sometimes less than ideal. On arrival at the butcher, at least ask if they will let you use the hose to wash it off before hanging it in the cooler. The price given for processing wild game is "cut and wrapped" not "cleaned, cut and wrapped.� Cleaning YOUR game is not THEIR job. Will they do it for a fee? Usually. Is it right to expect them to do it for free? Would you do it for free? Think about your game hanging in the cooler next to a carcass covered in who knows what. I don't want that and neither does the butcher. They have cleanliness standards and inspections to meet. If the meat shop does accept your dirty carcass, they'll probably just cut all the junk off and then start cutting and wrapping. That's a lot of wasted meat! If they take the time to hose it off, then pick the hair and gravel off for you, they'll probably charge a cleaning fee, and rightly so! A couple ideas I have found useful for keeping game clean is keeping a small tarp in my pack. If I'm alone and an animal needs to be quartered or de-boned before packing out, this makes a clean work area. It also serves as a tent if it's raining or I get stuck in the woods overnight. I also carry plastic trash bags. I put the meat in a cotton game bag and then in the trash bag just long enough to pack it out and keep the meat and my pack clean. Don't leave hot meat in a plastic bag though. It doesn't cool off as fast. Another way I have started immediately cooling meat in warm weather is ice. Duh right? Well what I have started doing is bringing a small chest freezer, generator and some coolers along. I start by filling the freezer with bag ice. When an animal is harvested, it is put in coolers with ice until it is good and cold. After it is cold, it can be cleaned, cut, and wrapped right there. If I want to keep hunting, I put the quarters in another clean trash bag and put them in the freezer so I can cut them up when I get home. It's no fun splitting up camp or leaving early because someone has meat to take care of. This is more of a long-term camp situation but it works. My wife and I often stay out as long as two weeks. When we leave or move camp, it's usually because we're out of tags or the freezer and coolers are full of meat. Next fall when everyone heads out into the far reaches of Montana, give some thought for your food. The better it is treated between the field and freezer, the better it will taste when you finally partake of it.
A small tarp in the field creates a clean space for your harvest.
Only nine or less weeks away from Spring Turkey Season!
Tony and Harley 20
21
MOUNTAIN MEMORIES
Ice Fishing, Love or Hate? By Carol Cady For someone who loves the heat and sunshine as much as I do, it never fails to amaze me the attraction to ice fishing. That threeletter word I-C-E, equated with many adjectives such as: chilly, cold, shivering; causes me to ask myself every year what the attraction is to ice fishing. It takes a dedicated fisherman or woman, to head out on a sheet of ice to partake in this great winter sport they call ice fishing. Year after year, I find myself doing that very thing. Remembering one time, at one of the little lakes towards Kalispell. I had sIaved away cutting my hole in the ice and finally dropped in my line, and suddenly, got a hit! It was a really nice one! I dropped my line back in and again-a nice one! I couldn’t stop catching the fish, especially the big ones. Yep, that day I had the “special hole.” My Johnny Baenen, Amy Baenen, and Carol Cady, in 1975 on McGregor Lake. family was frantically cutting holes in the ice all around me, but I got to be “the one” that day that was successful! That doesn’t always might that school of fish be running, do you have the right bait, and happen. But I know this is one reason that gets me out on the lake will you skillfully bring the fish through the hole without knocking it during winter. That’s fishing for you! off your line. Nothing in the world beats the feeling when you see There is something satisfying about carrying 100 pounds of gear out the BIG one swoop up and take your bait! The ice fishing experience onto the lake, chopping a hole through the ice with sheer strength, just isn’t complete without a big roaring bonfire, juicy hotdogs, hot or the aid of an auger. By the way, making a hole in ice isn’t easy chocolate, strong coffee, and a special camaraderie with whomever even if you do have an auger. While creating that hole, you devise a you came with. Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall, fishing is plan unique to ice fishing that includes considerations like: how far fishing in Montana. If you haven’t tried ice fishing; you’d better give from the shore, how deep is the water, and just when and where it a try as it’s well worth it! Guys, come see me and I will help you with a Valentine's gift for your honey!
22
OUTDOOR TECH
23
LOCAL CELEBRITIES
Jay VonHeeder enjoying catching pike in his Ice House! And having a hot dog cook to perfection on the Little Hiker Grill!
Shawn Michalkiewicz of Libby, brought in this beautiful 34 inch, 13 lb. pike from ice fishing Lower Thompson Lake. Congratulations Shawn!
Click Here For Virtual Tour
24
Dan Helterline, and Cody Kurpluis with their black wolf, staged beneath our great flag!
ICE FISHING Marc McCully Hooked first place!
Marc McCully Lands the Big Bucks! By Raf Viniard The 2nd Annual Bull Lake Ice Fishing Derby, hosted by The Halfway House Bar and Grill, on Bull Lake kicked off Saturday, 21 January. Marc McCully took the lead Saturday with his 19lb 4oz pike. He set the bar high but Matt McLain was on his heels with his 18lb 11oz pike. Daryl Judkins’s 3rd place 16lb 3oz pike was the first big fish in on Saturday and many thought that he would take the tournament. Just goes to show persistence pays.
Sunday 22 January, was the last day of the tournament. Pam and I set out to go see who was going to win the big money, and the Cricket rifle that Montana Woods N Water and Big Bull Sports were giving away for the biggest fish. As we approached the south end of the lake we spotted some ice fishermen. I swung the Jeep over on the side of the road and darted out across the ice. As I approached the three ice fishermen (pictured right) I could tell they weren’t sure if I was the game warden or a nosey individual with a bunch of stupid questions. As soon as the introductions were over, the fish tales started. Dustin Irwin, Travis Pennoch and Nate McDonald all of Troy were pulling Kokanee Salmon through the ice. They were hoping to pull a 19lb 5oz+ pike through the ice to nock Marc out of the lead. However, as the day ended, they were content on the 25 perfect eating size salmon that I am sure were destined for the smoker. Upon our arrival at the Halfway House, right outside the front door, laid some fish that had been entered into the contest. When we stepped into the bar it was already getting full of visitors, ice fishermen and other locals. Finger food was available and plenty of libations for everyone. Pizzas and burgers were flying out of the kitchen as anglers came off the ice famished and thirsty. On the big screen TV, the Packers and Falcons vied for a Super Bowl position. However, it was sorta quiet as things were not going so well for the Packers. A friendly game of darts was going on in the back corner and country music gently bounced off the ear drum. Continued on page 26.
25
ICE FISHING CONTINUED Couple all this with the almost unnoticeable smell of the wood from the old wood stove; the atmosphere and tone were set for just good old Montana country folks getting together to have a good time. As soon as the game was over it was time to give out door prizes, pay out the money pots, and give away a Cricket Rifle from Big Bull Sports and Montana Woods N Water. Everything from chairs, gloves, hats, a snowboard, shirts, and even a Bull Lake vacation rental were given out as door prizes Annette McLain of Libby, won the Bull thanks to donations from local and Lake Vacation rental. corporate businesses. For all of those that feel ice fishing is just crazy; over $1,670 were won by crazy anglers that just love to stand on a large ice cube and dangle their bait through a little hole in the ice. Now that is how you can win cold hard cash!
Thanks to all the participants of the 2nd Annual Bull Lake Ice Fishing Derby. The owners of the Halfway House Bar & Grill send out a special thanks to all the sponsors. See you next year!
Co-Owner in the Halfway House Bar & Grill, Jason Williams pictured with winners of Kokanee and Miscellaneous prizes.
Kadyn Williams won $100 for a 1 lb. 4 oz. Long Nose/Large Scale Sucker fish. It could be a new state record depending on the species. Awesome!
26
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Obsession vs. Passion
Obsession will have you winging sticks off your By Nathan Albertson string at a variety of objects (even painted One of the most oft repeated phrases of my “Uncle” Bill is, “There is a fine tennis balls) many times a day before the line between dedication and stupidity.” It is often directed at the poor archery opener in September. soul who has tipped the balance beam of life. I was reminded of this recently in a conversation I had with someone. “So, what got you into archery hunting?” asked a well-meaning individual. I responded with, “I wanted to have more opportunities to hunt elk and I wanted to hunt elk in the rut when the odds are better for killing a bull. So, I bought a compound bow, sight, rest, quiver, arrows, and release. I then decided I wanted to put together my own arrows. I buy carbon arrow shafts cut to length and assemble the arrow I wish to shoot. It is a lot of fun and it extends my hunting season by six weeks, not to mention I think it has helped me become a better rifle hunter.” “Wow! So, was it expensive?” “Yeah.” Says I, no longer wishing to discuss archery elk hunting! I suppose this could be a litmus test for the whole obsession versus passion debate. Perhaps it is wading out into a farm pond as a college kid to retrieve the bass lure my little brother caught on cattails, because I could not afford to buy another at Walmart. All the while dressed in nothing but a pair of boxer shorts as the renter of Grandpa’s pasture drove by to figure out what was going on. And let us not even discuss the craziness that can be fly fishing or bird hunting. When I bought my bird dog, there were some amazed I would buy and train a bird dog to hunt grouse. A few seemed almost surprised to hear grouse can actually fly! Then again, looking back, another obsession versus passion conversation could discuss crossing a creek the last week of rifle season in November. With my pants and long johns hiked up over my knees, carrying my socks and boots, I waded through the creek and ankle deep snow, breaking shelf ice to do so, just to get to the elk up the hill. There are others who might question going out to coyote hunt in late winter, in below zero temperatures, and having your mustache freeze to the plastic stock of your rifle just from looking through the scope tracking a coyote and breathing hard. (Here’s a little tip for you, when that happens, don’t get disgusted when the coyote takes off running and yank the rifle down in disgust. OUCH!) Then there was the time I waded across a thigh-deep creek to retrieve the nice buck I had shot that made it a little farther than planned. Only way to do that and keep your clothes dry is to leave ‘em on your side of the bank! There are some who might say one is obsessed to sit all day from dark to dark on a fine spring day, waiting on the big ol’ black bear you’d scared off the week before, all the while picking ticks off at a wholesale rate. I started losing count at 50 of those blood sucking rascals about 10:00 AM. I am certain there are those among the readership shaking their heads saying, “That’s nuts!” While still others are reading this and grinning ear to ear, ‘cause they can top it! When it comes to the outdoor blood sports, it seems there are three categories: the weekend warriors, the passionate, and the obsessed. Now the weekend warrior will invest some time and some money in the sport and as time permits, occasionally, venture forth to participate in their chosen activity. The passionate invests even more, and plans the next outing, searches and scours for the best information, and really tries to hit the balance of everyday life and whatever the outdoor recreation pursuit they choose. They get plenty of time outdoors and it really dominates a large portion of their life, but it does not own them in any way. The obsessed though, well, they are a breed all their own. You do not have to be crazy to be obsessed, but it certainly helps. Continued on page 28. 27
FOOD FOR THOUGHT CONTINUED Most every waking, breathing moment is concentrated on their outdoor life; vacation time from work is planned around that activity. They typically dig every last morsel out of an outdoor pursuit, savoring it like a fine wine, relishing in the experience and then jonesing like an addict for the next experience. This is where I hear my “Uncle” Bill’s sage words of wisdom, “There is a fine line between dedication and stupidity.” I struggle to move from the obsessed to passionate column. Oh sure, I start to make that move along about March or April, but by the time the second week of September rolls around, I am usually full blown obsessed once again. I often find myself having to remember the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:12, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” Just because I can, does not mean I should. Just because I am permitted, I must be careful not to let that thing be my master. It is a tough thing though, is it not? We so enjoy God’s wonderful creation and we want to learn every nuance of everything in it. I want to know why the elk are on this ridge but not on that one. I want to know why the coyote goes under that fence September through November, but come December and January you cannot coax him to do it. I want to know what the hen turkey is thinking when she starts bickering with another hen. I would dearly love to understand just what it is about a licking branch that a buck deer cannot resist, or why blue grouse and ruffed grouse behave so differently, or why your best fishing lure only works so often but not always! But I must remember not to let the creation overshadow the Creator and His purpose for me in this world. I cannot forget to provide for my children, make sure Mother has enough wood in the house to keep her and the kiddos warm, make sure the driveway is cleared after a snow, or the front yard irrigated so the kids do not have to walk barefoot on dead, dry grass. I must remember that the only master of my life is not a person, place, or thing provided in this creation. Rather my Master is my Creator and I am here to accomplish His work for the glory of His kingdom, not my own glory. I am working on it. Some days it goes better than others. But, every day I am thankful for a God who forgives my failings and permits me to start anew, once again, as I renew my passion for the Lord.
Obsession can sometimes have catastrophic results on equipment.
28
29