Publisher’s Notes By Raf Viniard July is the month we celebrate our Independence and Freedoms as Americans, so enjoy. It is NOT just about having time off and partying! As a retired military veteran and a Christian I am deeply concerned about the future of our Great Nation. Some would have us believe we are no longer one nation under God...I got news for those that oppose us and attempt to destroy our nation from within, we are one nation under God...wrath or blessings! Fellow patriots and veterans, stand tall and be heard we ARE the last line of defense from both domestic and foreign threats. These colors don’t run! I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN AND LIVING IN THE GREAT STATE OF MONTANA! MAY GOD BLESS US!
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What’s Inside Hunting Fishing Trapping Montana Dan Kountry Girl Sportsman’s Meditation Next Generation Local Celebrities Angela Montana Toby Walrath—Cat Trapping Guest Writer—Jess Shaw Events
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Staff Publisher/Editor/Layout: Raf Viniard VP of Sales & Marketing Pam - 406-540-3550 Sales & Marketing, Lincoln County Kori - 406-293-1478 Director of Social Media Misty - 406-250-4191 Pro Staff Writers & Photographers: Angela Gerych Pastor Jim Sinclair Dan Helterline Paul Fielder Mitzi Stonehocker Sam Martin Jason Badger Tony Rebo Toby Walrath
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HUNTING
What Is That Picture Worth? By Raf Viniard Today’s game cameras can tell you more about what is going on in the woods than you have time to figure out. These new little boxes of technology will help you better identify big game movement and their patterns. That picture can be worth thousands of words, hundreds of man hours, fuel, footsteps and glassing. My first game camera was made from an old military ammo can. The company that produced them had placed a 110 instamatic camera inside, that you loaded a roll of film into. It was powered by four D batteries to operate the low tech components such as the flash and advance the film. Today’s digital game cameras are sleek and very high tech compared to the first models that hooked hunters nationwide. With less than 70 days until opening day of archery season many hunters are putting out their game cameras. Rest assured your local guides are. There is an art to getting the most from your game camera from the moment you take it out of the packaging to picking it up at the end of the season. Here in Montana you cannot use a game camera during big game season…so make sure your cameras are out of the woods before the big game season opens. I know, this is a heated argument but for this article we want to focus on how to best utilize your camera before it is time to pull it…the days are counting down. Read the regulations or consult with your local game warden if you have any questions. Which one to buy? That is like asking ten people which truck is the best. I have owned very expensive cameras and Wal-Mart specials. Do your own research, but asking a local guide/outfitter will give you the ins and outs of certain models. I have had just as much luck with a game camera from Walmart as high end cameras. Game cameras are not cheap…invest wisely. How many do you need…that will depend on your budget and how many places you want to watch. I truly believe 10-12 is a good number and allows you the most flexibility…especially no longer than we get to use them here in Montana. Game cameras need to be left alone and moved very little to really get a feel for how the game is using the area you have targeted for observation. So, you have finally broke down and bought yourself a game camera or cameras. As soon as you take it out of the pack, be a real man and read the instructions. Next send off your warranty card or go online and register it…very important. I have had new cameras break or stop working within a week of purchase. Next, load it with brand new QUALITY batteries (not some from a junk draw or the truck glove box) and update your camera with the newest version of software. Continued page 3 2
HUNTING CONTINUED That camera you bought may have set in a warehouse for over a year and the camera company has since come out with an upgrade to fix any bugs, glitches, etc. Follow the instructions carefully…don’t be playing with the camera/ buttons while it is updating the software. If your camera did not come with a SD card make sure you get the right one. You do not need a high speed SD card… they are made for point and shoot cameras not your game camera. Again follow your directions that came with your camera. You can’t just grab the camera out the box and slap it on a tree! Play with the camera in your yard to make sure you fully understand its operation. Now that you got the boring stuff out of the way it is time to head to the woods and place that camera…but how and where? You just got an excuse to get back in the woods and do some scouting. Before heading out to the woods, have a game plan. Know what animals or area you are targeting…just like hunting. You will want to set the camera up in an area with game activity, focusing on travel routes, watering holes, bedding and feeding areas. Take your GPS and walk the area to identify possible camera locations before setting them out. Better to do it right the first time than constantly moving the camera guessing. Don’t forget to check out those secondary trails and creek crossings. Stay away from heavily traveled foot paths or trails…if you want to keep your camera. Practice good noise and scent control. Some hunters spray down their camera with scent killing spray and wear rubber gloves. If you do use spray do not get it on the lens. Okay, now you have found a spot you think is worthy of your new investment/toy. Don’t rush this next step…step away from the area about 10-20 feet and really take it in and study it. Which tree are you going to use, am I going to mount it low or high? Which direction is the game traveling? Which way is East and which way is West. A rule of thumb is try to mount your camera facing North to prevent glare on the lens or backlighting the animal and making it a dark silhouette in the photo. Hang your camera at a 45° angle to the trail. This increases the trigger time which gives you a better photo of the entire animal. If the camera is pointed across the trail or opening, the sensor may take a second or two to wake up giving you a photo of just the animals butt or worse – a nice picture of the empty woods. Hang the camera about 36 inches off the ground. Continued on page 4. 3
HUNTING CONTINUED You can also mount the camera in a tree pointed down at the target area…thieves are less likely to see it up high. This requires more work and possibly a ladder. Don’t set the camera too far back from where the game is moving through. Again read your instructions that came with the camera. Every model can be a little different. As you get more experience with your equipment you will learn its limitations. Carry a pair of pruning snips and get eye level with the camera and snip away any limbs, weeds or objects blocking the cameras view. I highly recommend you carry a GPS with you and mark the location where you hang it. After about the fifth camera you may start to question yourself about its exact location. Secure the camera to a tree or object, now back off and leave it alone. I know it is hard not to want to go back in there and check it every couple of days…just don’t do it. Give things time to settle down and your scent to leave the area. Leave the camera alone for 10-12 days or longer…if you can stand it. Can someone steal your camera…you bet ya! Don’t use game cameras if you are not up to that risk or financial loss…period. 99.9% of hunters will not bother it, but that .01% are just common thieves and will take your camera if they have to cut the tree or cable to get it. Some of the new cameras have a security code and renders the camera useless unless you have the code. Write or etch your name on the camera in case it pops up down the road by a law enforcement officer. What about camera damage…bears have been known to chew them into little pieces. They do make bear cages but they are not bear or thief proof. Don’t place brush around your cameras to keep the thieves from seeing them unless you are trying to catch the thief or trespasser. Brushing may block your perfectly clear view of the trail/ opening. Also, the LED illumination will light up the brush in front of the camera which can give you a bad picture. It is finally time to go check your camera…again use good noise and scent control. Nothing worse than dragging the entire family into the camera area and then finding out a huge buck or elk is frequenting the area or bedding nearby. I carry a small laptop with me and download the images onto the laptop, erase the card and put the same card back in. Erase only the pictures not the operating files on the SD card or your camera will not work and the card will have to be reformatted in the camera. You can review the pictures on the spot with a laptop and share them with others once you are out of the woods. There are devices on the market you can carry to download your pictures onto…do some research and see what will work best for you. Some use a small pocket camera to download and review the pictures. Game cameras are just another tool in the hunter’s bag of tricks. They may help confirm whether that old buck or big elk made it through the last season. During the antler development stage it is nice to watch the antlers mature over a period of a few days. Big bucks or elk you never knew existed may tease you with his best side from time to time. They may also reveal that other hunters are scouting the area as well, which will allow you to adjust your hunting tactics. Game cameras will not guarantee you that next trophy bull or buck but it will add additional information to your hunting strategy. Just like using a fish finder on your boat…it will show you the fish but it doesn’t mean they will be put in the boat! So, what is that picture of that next world class elk or buck worth to you? 4
FISHING
He said… She said… By Tony Rebo This past spring my wife got her prize brook trout back from the taxidermy. The brook trout is proudly displayed on the wall at home. This trout has been the topic of many conversations. Each and every time that we have company someone has to bring up the fish. It is a very nice fish and one of the largest brook trout I have seen caught in Montana. However, with each story my wife tells to the latest inquirer of the fish, I have noticed this trend of how she goes into detail on her expertise of catching the said trout. So this article is to clear the record once and for all on the catching of the famous brook trout, which is known throughout Libby, MT. I am going to share my version of the story – the “He said”. I am also going to include my wife’s version of the story – the “She said”. In all fairness to her, I will write my version first, then allow her to have her day in court – so to speak. Of course, I am sure most readers will agree that my version is by far the more accurate account of the fishing trip, but you as the reader can decide. “He Said” Hunting season had just ended and I was anxious to get out and ice fish. I am a fanatic when it comes to ice fishing, I could literately go every day. I asked my wife if she would like to come along. My plan was to go to a lake that I know freezes over very early in the winter. Her response was the normal response that I always get, “Are you kidding me? The ice isn’t thick enough to go fishing, you Idiot! Oh, by-the-way, you did pay your life insurance, right?” Saturday morning I was up at 5:00 AM and headed out to the lake. I had a great day of fishing and was home by noon with a limit of brook trout. My fish were all good size and were on the average of 14 to 16 inches in length. My wife was excited about the success I had and suddenly became interested. When my wife becomes interested in something she begins to ask questions. For the next two hours I answered 100 meaningless questions. I only remember two questions: 1) How thick was the ice? and 2) What did you catch them on? My response is always the same when asked how thick was the ice, “Good ice. I wouldn’t be afraid to fish on it.” The next morning we made a plan to go back up to the lake and fish. At 5:00 AM my alarm goes off and I spring from the bed, ready to go. I always prepare the night before so all I have to do in the morning is get dressed and head to the pickup after I have filled my thermos with coffee. My wife rolls over at the sound of the alarm and declares, “Turn that darn thing off, and why is it going off so early?!” Wanting to start the day off on a positive note I share with her that we have to get an early start, and we are burning daylight. One hour later, after applying the daily ritual of makeup and smelly sprays, my wife tells me she is ready to go. We only drive two blocks when my wife then declares that she needs her morning coffee, which comes in these fancy little cups at a drive-through window. Continued on page 6 5
FISHING CONTINUED They call these cups of joy, Lattes. Lattes – just let that word roll off your tongue. Good God, really!? So, we sat in line with 20 other morons who can’t brew a cup of Joe. Maybe there should be a class at college that teaches that. When we finally leave town with our breakfast burrito with special beans and cheese, and of course, the latte, it is now 9:07 AM. We arrive at the lake at 10:37 AM. I unload the truck with our gear and get ready to head out on the lake. To no surprise, my wife chooses to head on the lake empty handed. Heaven forbid she would spill the $12.00 latte. We arrive at the edge of the ice and my wife stops on the shore line. I may have said something like, “Now what?” “I thought you said the ice was 11 inches thick. It doesn’t look it to me,” she says. It will be fine, I think. I fished all day yesterday and didn’t fall through. Besides we were only fishing 15 feet from the shore. If you did fall through, just walk on the bottom to the shore. It is not that far. I headed out onto the ice and started to drill my wife a hole from which she could fish. It was about 6 feet from my hole, which happened to be the same hole I used the day before. After I cleared the ice from the holes we were ready to start fishing. After baiting her hook, getting her chair and making sure everything was just right, we were ready to start fishing. I caught the first three fish and was well on my way to having my limit by 11:30 AM. We could be back to the truck and on our way home by 12:00 PM sharp. Well, if it wasn’t for that one thing, which just happened to be on the end of the other pole 6 feet away. With three fish on the ice, I started to hear the moaning and complaining of a jealous fisherman. After 10 minutes of non-stop complaints I agreed to let my wife fish in my hole while I drilled her one next to mine, within three feet. I was drilling the new hole when I noticed that she brought a fish up through the ice. It was a nice fish, about the same size as the ones I had caught. My wife quickly had me re-bait her hook and down the hole it went. I went back to drilling the hole when I glanced over at my wife. Continued on page 7
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FISHING CONTINUED
The pole she was holding was bent in a “U “shape. Good gravy, now she is hung up. I turned off the auger and went to help, which by the way is how I spend most of the day. I asked her with my “nice voice” if she was hung up on the bottom, which she declared was not possible. As with so many times before I have come to realize that my wife is the master at getting hooked up on the bottom. My wife insisted that she had a fish on the line, but could not reel it up because it was so big. I laughed at the idea and told her to just back up as we were only fishing in about 8 feet of water. As my wife worked her way from the hole, I then realized that she truly may have a fish on. Oops, and there it is! The fish magically appeared in the hole and splashed about. The size of the fish was not possible, it was unbelievable. As quickly as it appeared it was gone, when it reached the top of the ice the line broke and back into the hole it went, gone forever! That is until the dumb thing splashed back out on the ice. Oh my word, a second chance. I wasted no time in kicking the fish to the bank and securing it to the shore line. What a monster - a fish of a lifetime. The biggest brook trout I have ever seen. My wife didn’t even act happy. She even asked me, “What’s the big deal? We have caught plenty of fish bigger than that.” Maybe so, but not a brook trout, baby. I quickly told her the value of what we had, and that we would need to pack up and head to the taxidermy right now. On the way home we shared the adventure and how if it weren’t for me allowing her to fish in my hole she would never have caught that fish. I was the guide of guides and that she should appreciate me taking the time to take her fishing. I, of course, would want credit in all the magazines when the news of this great fish came to light. I quickly made her promise never to tell anyone where we were fishing, and so the story goes………. There was no skill involved in my wife catching this monster fish, she was in my hole and got lucky. In the end, I risked my life skidding across the ice securing the fish on the bank so it didn’t get away. Now to her side of the story. Continued on page 8
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FISHING CONTINUED
“She said” Oh my word, really…. REALLY?! Where do I even start? Well, first off this is total nonsense. I will tell you the real story. Yes, it is true that Tony went fishing on Saturday, and did catch some nice fish. I didn’t go, as I represented our family at his nephew’s birthday party. When I told Tony about the party, he just gave me that look like I was totally ruining his life. He told me to wish him well and that he would catch a fish in his honor. I was prepared to go on Sunday; however, I see no reason to leave the house in the dark in the dead of winter. We have never caught a fish early in the morning, and in fact this story is the perfect example of not having to be on the ice at 0-dark-thirty. I also want to point out that I take a shower everyday and like to maintain a high-level of personal hygiene. Unlike my spouse, who has some dumb-witted idea that during hunting season he is forbidden to take a shower. Why he continues that into the ice fishing season is beyond me. Fish can’t smell, right? He then tells me that I just wouldn’t understand. Whatever stinky, just go take a bath! I know how to brew coffee, but I enjoy a latte now and then. Comparing it to the road tar that Tony makes, I will take a latte any day. I watched him once out in the shop, pouring coffee into a battery. I asked him what he was doing and he said that while charging the boat battery he noticed it was low on acid. He was adding coffee to the battery. So let’s see, if he pours this sludge into a battery in place of acid would I want to drink a cup of his coffee? Just based off of this part of the story I know the readers will take my side. Oh, and did I mention he needs to take a bath? We did arrive at the lake and he did unload all the gear. A bunch of stuff that is worth thousands of dollars and some of the equipment he has even named. There is Big Bob the electric ice auger, which he keeps in the house. He also has two fish finders, one that is infra red and the other 3D. Just in case you want to look at the same fish differently. He has an underwater camera, and then all of the poles and tackle. So, if we use a plain hook and worms, why do we need all the extra gear? When we reached the edge of the ice I could tell that Tony had a different idea of what 11 inches was. Goodness, I could see through the ice and it cracked at every step. We only fished 15 feet off the shore only because there was open water after that. Tony mentions that I am always hooked up or that I am tangling up my line. Let me tell you why. As I had mentioned, he has the best of gear, but what I get to use is far from quality stuff. Cont. on page 9
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FISHING CONTINUED
Tony will buy every piece of junk fishing gear at a rummage sale, and hand it to me. I have had on occasion a complete reel fall apart in my hands moments after he hands it off to me. He does give me the look like it is my fault, but what am I to do with something that resembles a reel, but was built in 1963? The only reason I moved from my hole to his was because of the water I was standing in. You see he wants to be off the ice before the sun is too high in the sky and melts it away from under us. I moved in because I was tired of watching fish swim past my boots. I did catch the big fish in the hole he abandoned, but he was over with Big Bob the auger drilling a new hole. What I know is this: I am the real hero in this story. I can catch a fish with nothing more than a stick with line tied on it using a plain hook and worms. I don’t have to get up early, consume mud from a cup and pack around a bunch of electronics. I also shower regularly. So, if you want to know how to catch them, you just ask this girl and I will help you out.
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TRAPPING
Sagebrush Muskrat By Dave Wallace, Kila, MT A few years ago my good friend, Bob Gilman, invited me over to the high desert of eastern Oregon to do some trapping. Since then I've returned to enjoy trapping muskrats in open water in the high desert marshes while the lakes ,streams and ponds back in Montana are still iced over. This past season Bob was undergoing chemo therapy as a follow up to pancreatic cancer surgery. He actually gave me half of his trapping area in the marsh to trap! The ponds and marshes never froze this past season as such but I did have two mornings where I had to break ice with the canoe to check traps but this was a true obstacle in rotating or setting more traps for that short period of time. All in all this past season was great! The weather cooperated and I don't know if I'll ever see conditions this good in another life time. My trips to the high desert marshes have been rewarding in more ways than one allowing me to trap in new territory and spend time with a good friend!
Muskrat Trapping Tip When beginning, muskrat trappers find numerous feed beds and toilets in a small area; don't waste your traps by setting all of them. Choose two or maybe three to set and then use a good reputable lure. The use of a good lure won't allow you to catch more, but you will catch the animals that are there faster so that you can move on. As with many people that spend time out in the natural world we are influenced and inspired by what we see and experience.
Silent Sentry By Dave Wallace Silent sentry perched on a pole Watching the fields for a mouse, shrew or vole He strikes with a blinding merciless flash No chance had its victim for a last final dash Ones' life lost is another's gain The hawk is master of this domain Be always on guard you mouse shrew or vole For there sits the sentry perched on a pole 10
MONTANA DAN
Fishing for the Weekend By Dan Helterline aka “Montana Dan” June was a good month for fishing, I made it out to some body of water almost every weekend. Lake Mary Ronan was good for salmon, jigging in thirty feet of water using a Swedish Pimple and a glow hook was productive, and limits were caught on several trips. The bite was best early morning, with evenings being good also, and midday could be spent filling up with a good mess of perch from the shallows. We caught several hog perch while jigging for salmon that were a whopping twelve inches, pretty big for perch! The last trip the salmon started dispersing and were easier caught trolling cow bells trailed by a wedding ring tipped with a piece of night crawler and corn. I also made it up to Middle Thompson Lake and trolled for Kokanee with a buddy from Libby, the salmon were bigger than Lake Mary’s running around a pound each, I have smoked a lot of different fish and I have yet to find any that smoke up better than a batch of Kokanee’s! There was a good Chinook run over the hill in Idaho this spring also, rumors of limits of these feisty salmon was eventually more than I could stand and I finally headed to Riggins to fish the Little Salmon River for a couple of days. Once the word gets out, this short tributary of the main Salmon gets packed with bank fisherman but the fishing can be excellent at the peak of the run. This year was no different, lots of fish and fisherman, I was able to catch several Chinooks that were in the 12-14 pound range. The Little Salmon River isn't very big but what it lacks in size it makes up for in swiftness, landing these hard fighting salmon in the fast water tests your gear and skill. Hopefully Idaho’s strong spring salmon run is a sign of things to come this fall, I am eagerly waiting to head to the Columbia this September. Continued on page 12
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MONTANA DAN CONTINUED I have hit the big pond a few times also but not with much luck, I have heard from several that I am not alone in my poor success on Flathead and it has generally been slow this spring. The last trip we picked up one Laker trolling between Wildhorse and Cromwell Islands, pretty slow, but on a positive note Zimmer’s Tackle thought the Lake Whitefish bite might be good this summer, typically starting mid July. I will have to take a bit of a break from fishing in Montana because as I scramble to finish this piece I just learned that I am heading to Alaska for a fire assignment. Stay tuned, hopefully I will have a fish tale or two to share when I return from the “Land of the Midnight Sun”!
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Jake Promotional Shoot On 30 May at the Plains Trap Club the next generation of sportsmen lined up to participate in the promotional shoot learning and practicing their archery, small bore and trap shooting skills. According to Mike Blake, much interest was shown for the event and each of the participants were signed up for a free Jake Membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation by the Chapter President, Tony Colombo. Instructor Chris McGuigan oversaw the archery instruction. Wayne Crismore, Keely Benson & Gerald Powell taught firearm safety at the small bore range and 4-H Trapping Shooting Instructors Rosey Sweet, Haley Sweet, Matt Cockrel and Mike Blake gave instruction on trap shooting etiquette while Harry Green (range Master) ran the trap house. Go to page 16 to see more pictures of the Next Generation, Living The Dream!
Treydon & Tyson Brouillette of Plains, MT lets it fly! Cody Hansen and Cade Stinnett of Plains, MT gets a feel for the bow with instructor Chris McGuigan looking on! 13
Marsada Sweet of Plains, MT anchors and readies to release!
KOUNTRY GIRL
Sunday Funday By Kori Erikson aka “Kountry Girl” When boredom and creativity combine, it’s incredible what a few rambunctious friends can find to occupy their time. This is how the Sunday Funday Crew in Lincoln County came to be. Started about seven years ago, with a handful of friends, it has grown and its events are much anticipated by hundreds of followers. If you’ve seen Jacka** or Nitro Circus on MTV, you get an idea of what these folks partake in. Just a more Montana’d version. Events ranging from outrageous scavenger hunts to homemade raft races are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. They’ve also been known to race jet skis…. down a snow covered hill in January, created a game called Snowmobile Soccer, build a three story visqueen water slide, down the bank, into the river, aptly named The Plastic Mountain of Doom, host homemade sledding races, and so, so much more.
On June 7th, the homemade raft race was enjoyed by probably close to 50 people, participants and onlookers. The rules were your raft/boat could not consist of anything that was a boat to begin with, no motors of any kind, and lifejackets were mandatory. Two jet skis accompanied the rafters to assure safety. Rafts consisted of
a dugout canoe, a barge like raft, complete with picnic table, BBQ, and even decoy ducks, one raft of five-gallon buckets, meticulously taped together, and several others. The float was from Roosevelt Park in Troy to Kootenai Vista, just west of Troy and was completed in less than an hour. Early enough that most the floaters rallied and floated again. Sunday Funday Crew mainly keeps its fans up to date through its Facebook page. Feel free to follow along for the fun. Even if you can’t participate, it’s always fun to watch. (Warning: adult content) https://facebook.com/ groups/153679644620/ 14
SPORTSMAN’S MEDITATION
A Peaceful Antidote By Pastor Jim Sinclair Bicycle after bicycle after bicycle ripped around the camp, it was a beautiful June weekend. Our families from the church had gathered in our usual place to enjoy a few days of camping and fellowship. Kids come out of nowhere for this event, they wake early and play late, they bounce around in Go Karts, make and shoot bow and arrows. Next they are off to practice and hone their shooting skills with there 22’s. As the dark settles and the camp fires are lit you will find them eating Smores by the dozens. By the end of the day I have seen many kids that a washrag wouldn’t touch after a day of camping and playing. But It’s the evening that is coveted, The camp fire is an incredible place of peace, laughter and friendship. Until “they” show-up and they come with a vengeance, they interrupted us every night. You know those little winged creatures that want your blood. We are so thankful and happy that someone came up with an antidote for this problem...it’s that special little spray can that repels them. Squirt here, squirt there and peace is back at the fireside.
I couldn’t help but reflect on another pest. This heavenly pest at one time had wings too. His problem came when he decided to “Become like the Most High God”. Because of his actions, he no longer resides in Heaven and according to John 10:10 he now comes to kill steal and destroy. He is known by many names such as the devil, “The Great Deceiver”, Lucifer, etc. but Jesus comes to give us Abundant life. Even though he comes with a vengeance, we have an antidote, He (Jesus) is our savior. When we accept him as Lord, we can have peace from the wicked one. Peace that passes all understanding. Keep “Livin The Good Life” A camping trip would not be complete without watermelon. Brenden, grandson of Chris and Shannon Allen buries his head into a slab of ice cold watermelon. Only thing left was the white rind when he got done.
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NEXT GENERATION
Marley Erickson of Troy, MT with this beautiful Trout...way to go Marley!
Piper Bergstrom grinning from ear to ear with her fish. Good job Piper!
Libby kindergartners, Hunter Rooney (left) and Dakota Allen made the most of their class field trip to the Troy fish pond. Hunter’s balances a lunker 27� rainbow. Look out Bill Dance these kids are gonna be tough to beat!
William Jones, Age 6 of Trout Creek, Montana is getting ready...are you?
Adrian Nass of Plains, MT does the old lip lift on this nice bass...his first fish he reeled in by himself. Nice job Adrian!
Take a kid fishing!
Jake Promotional Shoot CONTINUED
Shooters Left to Right: Aaron Collins, Tressa Lyscio, Cade Stinnett & Sadie Sweet.
Matt instructs Esvin on his shooting technique. 16
Matt closely inspects Tyson stance and grip before the shot!
LOCAL CELEBRITIES George Nass of Plains, Montana with a nice bass. George did you pick some of those flowers for your wife for letting you go fishing?
Isiah Joner with a “Hoss” of a black bear. Congrats Isiah!
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ANGELA MONTANA
Leash Up! By Angela Montana Magnum is a 170-pound, three year-old Irish Wolfhound. Magnum is a gentle giant who wouldn't hurt a fly...but, other people don't know that...other dogs don't know that...area wildlife doesn't know that, either. There are also predators in Montana that enjoy killing dogs, so, for Magnum's protection, he is on a leash while we are on public areas. PLEASE make sure you have control of your dog, too, while you're in public areas. Do it out of respect for others using the areas, do it for the safety of your pet, do it for the safety of the wildlife and do it because you are a responsible pet owner. Gunner is a 70-pound Pitbull/Boxer mix. He L-O-V-E-S people. If he sees a kid walk by? He will get so excited and want to play with them so badly. He is a great dog…with the exception of other dogs. We got him a few years ago, as a five year-old, and he was raised to fight. He lived in an area with a lot of other dogs and he would regularly escape the flimsy fence that never really did keep him contained in the yard. “He never lost a fight” is what we were told. It is unfortunate this smart, handsome and gentle soul turns into a completely different dog when other dogs are around. But, so be it. I love him will make it work with both of our dogs. With that being said, I wouldn’t take Gunner to a dog park. That just isn’t fair to him or any of the other dogs, as we know he is dog-aggressive. However, when we take him out in the mountains or on a public trail, you better believe we use a leash. He is happiest when he’s on a walk exploring. So, what do you think happens when Joe Shmoe walks by us with his dog that is not on a leash, even though it is well behaved? Well, the dog first of all notices the snarl that starts forming on Gunner when he stops in his tracks and tightens up his body. If that dog approaches Gunner after his owner calls for the dog to come back…it won’t be pretty, and that is with Gunner on a leash. People tend to assume that because they have dogs that have no issues with other dogs, every other dog out there will react the same way as their dog. That is not the case. Gunner is fine as long as he is on a leash. Dogs are like people in the sense that they react differently to different actions. A happy-golucky dog might drop down ready to play, and Gunner may read that as a challenge. Continued on page 19 18
ANGELA MONTANA CONTINUED SO….knowing the laws of the areas you and your dog are in is a step in the right direction…even more, respect others in the areas you’re in and be prepared for all situations. If you know your dog is dog-aggressive, it might be a good idea to keep the dog out of high dog-traffic areas. If your dog is obedience-trained and you feel as if nobody else would be around where you are in the mountains, keep a leash ready, just in case, and make sure you put an orange vest or something that stands out on your dog! This is wolf country. Show your dog you care! Thank you to those of you who respect our public land and treat it as if others were using it—because others actually are, including wildlife! Show your dog how much you love them and show others respect on public land by keeping pets out of unnecessary situations. PLUS, by being a responsible dog owner, you are protecting the wildlife that we all fight so hard to protect by not allowing your pets to chase animals and you will your pets safe from predators while they are under your control.
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TOBY WALRATH - CAT TRAPPING REGULATION UPDATE
Bobcat Trapping Regulations Likely To Change Throughout Lynx Protection Zones By Toby Walrath Fur Trappers targeting bobcat in Montana’s trapping districts 1 and 2 and portions of 3, 4 and 5 will likely be required to modify their trapping practices during the 2015-2016 furbearer season contingent upon FWP Commission approval in July. Litigation filed by a coalition calling themselves “Friends of the Wild Swan” against Dan Vermillion in his official capacity as Chairman of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission resulted in a settlement agreement which imposes further trapping restrictions. The Montana Trappers Association (MTA) entered into the case as Defendant-Intervenors with support from the National Trappers Association (NTA) as organizations affected by the outcome of the case. In February 2015 the MTA and NTA were in the Federal Court House in Missoula, Montana for a settlement hearing mediated by Federal Magistrate Judge Lynch. The MTA and NTA representatives were sequestered into a separate room and not allowed to meet the plaintiffs or Montana FWP legal team for the discussion at the request of the mediator. During this settlement hearing an agreement was made between the FWP and the Plaintiffs in the case which was presented at the FWP commissioners meeting on May 14, 2015. The tentative proposal was opened for public comment until June 29, 2015. At the June 11, commissioners meeting the MTA proposed an alternative proposal and formally submitted that proposal on June 22, 2015. Continued on page 21 20
CAT TRAPPING CONTINUED The FWP legal team now has the opportunity to review the alternate proposal and present it to the plaintiffs to determine if the settlement agreement is favorable. If the FWP Commissioners choose to do so they may accept the alternate proposal, modify it or ignore it. Canada Lynx occupy portions of Montana and those areas area referred to as “Lynx Protection Zones” or LPZ’s. In 1999 the Montana FWP commission closed the lynx hunting and trapping season and imposed a requirement that any incidentally captured lynx that could not be released uninjured must be reported. That requirement was since expanded and now all incidentally trapped lynx must be reported within five days. Additional regulations were imposed since that time including limiting the size of leaning poles to 4 inches or less, requirements to use relaxing snares at bobcat sets and limiting the use of body gripping traps larger than 5 inches to containment inside a box recessed 7 inches and with an opening no greater than 52 square inches.
These regulations have greatly reduced incidental capture of lynx in fact, since the inception of relaxing snare locks and regulations for using body gripping traps no lynx have been captured in those types of sets. Additionally, less than one lynx per year have been incidentally trapped since 1999. Research conducted between 1998 and 2002 showed zero mortality over time for lynx captured and released by trappers. New Regulations Proposed by the FWP Legal Team In addition to existing restrictions for trappers targeting bobcats within LPZ’s the following regulations have been proposed: Rabbit or hare parts, whether for flagging purposes or for bait, may not be used within 30 feet of a set trap. The use of natural flagging such as bird wings, feathers, or pieces of fur may not be used within 30 feet of a set trap. The use of fresh meat baits is not allowed (only tainted bait allowed) The use of snares are not allowed unless they; Have a cable diameter greater than or equal to 5/64 inches Have loops that are larger than 8 inches measured from side to side; and for trappers targeting bobcat, the use of foothold or leghold traps are not allowed unless they: Have an inside jaw spread of less than or equal to 5 3/8 inches. Are placed in a leaning pole set with a diameter of no larger than 4 inches and with trap and bait set at least 48 inches above the ground; or are equipped and set with a minimum 10 pound pan tension device . Any incidentally caught lynx that is uninjured must be immediately released, if possible. Any trapper who accidentally takes a lynx is required to notify their local conservation officer as soon as possible or within 24 hours. Persons who know about the take of a lynx shall report it. Trappers targeting bobcat are required to visually check their traps at least once every 48 hours. Continued on page 22
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CAT TRAPPING CONTINUED
The Proposal by the Montana Trappers Association recommends that traps meeting Best Management Practices standards (BMPS) be utilized including the use of larger traps because simply stating that a smaller trap is better than a larger trap disqualifies many traps offering advanced technology such as laminated jaws, center swiveling and offset jaws. The BMPs are carefully researched recommendations designed to address animal welfare and increase trappers’ efficiency and selectivity. The MTA also opposes the 48 hour trap check requirement and offered instead that a regulation of once in two calendar days be implemented to allow for trappers to check traps every other day, as agreed in the Stipulated Settlement, but would allow for flexibility for trappers to not visually check the trap at exactly the same time every day the trap is checked. The MTA is willing to accept some restrictions until such time as the State of Montana receives an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) which is expected to be approved within the next two years but will not accept regulations that are poorly agreed upon. This is the fourth nearly identical lawsuit to be filed regarding lynx by litigious groups. The states of Maine and Minnesota have each been sued with different outcomes while the Idaho and Montana litigation continues. These regulations would apply only to traps set for bobcat within the LPZ’s. The regulations that will be implemented for the 2015/2016 will be determined before the trapping season begins but have not yet been determined.
(406) 529-5492
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A TRIBUTE TO DAD
Jess Shaw won our Father’s Day Essay contest and now sports a pink camo Montana Woods N Water hat! Thanks for sharing Jess!
Dad By Jess Shaw There's not a single adventure, activity, or memory of the outdoors that i could share with you that wouldn't involve three meaningful words. These words entail a special fondness, a sense of pride, the words; "With My Dad". That being said, I could out talk the chattiest of Cathys, and defend beyond measure why my dad is without a doubt, “The Greatest.”. The person that I am today is the cause of many things, but a great deal of well deserved credit goes to my father, Tony Rebo, he didn't just teach me valuable life lessons or general how-tos, but his particular type personality is something I've discovered and have inherited, resulting in always trying my best, paying attention to detail, picking up any slack, among several other necessary life characteristics. It is known among Montanans, and I've actually been told by a surprising amount of out-of-staters that we learn certain things a little earlier in life than most, perhaps due to a type of eagerness, a curious sense of adventure passed down through generations. (I claim it to be the result of living under our big sky, and the breathtaking beauty across our vast state.) I was 4, maybe 5 years old, and I remember mom carrying me upstairs after my baby sis was fast asleep. She placed me on the kitchen floor next to dad, and putting on my very first pair of tiny hiking boots, decorated with "Esmeralda" from the Disney movie "Hunchback of Notre Dame"…this is where I learned to tie my shoes. In the oncoming years, dad taught me not to point my Donald Duck fishing pole tip in the creek, cause that's how it gets dropped and dad would have had to chase it down stream. He taught me how to bait my own hooks with a worm in a 'J' shape so the fish won't see the hook. He taught me how to gut and clean a fish. In addition he taught me the importance of an organized tackle box, that which I spent years perfecting. When it came to hunting season, we begin with the ever important A.I.S. Rule. Ass In Seat at the crack of dawn. As I'd walk my sleepy self out the door to the truck, my Dad always had my gloves warming on the dashboard heater, and if I was lucky, my very own thermos filled not with coffee, but dads specialty watered down hot cocoa. On our journey dad explained that a butter and cheese sandwich prevents soggy bread, and a side of Vienna sausage were all the nutrition you needed to be a great hunter. I was shown the special spot where our hunting CD was played and learned the words to all dads favorite Johnny Cash songs. Now before I was of age to hunt it was my responsibility to spot the animals, which throughout my younger years I developed the notion that I was "the best spotter ever". Dad was always bragging and telling others how I was his lucky charm. I remember first understanding the death of animals, and that hunting your own food, and self-sufficiency were important qualities. He let me find out for myself by poking the stomach portion of a fresh gut pile will make your eyes water and your stomach turn. I recall asking countless amount of questions regarding where the different parts of the animals were, why the heart was still warm or why organs looked the way they did, Dad never failed to have a perfect answer. As I got older I was explained the rules of absolutely no giveaways while hunting: such as make up, perfume, or even deodorant. I was also shown the specific hunting clothes and gear tote equipped with no-scent laundering detergent and of course his favorite, urine spray. I accepted all rituals excluding the pee spray, leaving dad to believe that it would be "okay" to secretly walk behind me on trails and spray the back of me with said spray. Continued on page 25.
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Darby’s fish!
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A TRIBUTE TO DAD CONTINUED When it came time for me to fire my first gun, I was filled with years of wonder having watched Dad teach my two older siblings the ropes, and could hardly contain my excitement. I remember never feeling nervous, having grown accustomed to the blast of numerous rifles and shotguns. My only fears I'll admit were failing to make my father proud, and not correctly showing my younger sister Ashley my own set of ropes. The day was late-spring and sunny. We had spent the morning fishing at a favorite spot, near Sylvan Lake. That day I remember finding a baby turtle shell, so new it was still soft. Even more memorable, witnessing the sight of my first newborn fawn. My sister Ash and I were swimming under and around a log that had fallen over the stream when dad announced it was time. After setting three empty "soda" cans upon a stump in a row, I stood where dad showed, and with pride backed up 8 or so steps. He handed me the beloved open sight 22. I calmly raised it remembering what I was told, aimed and fired. Cocked and fired again. It was a proud day for all as we stood gazing at the empty spot where the three cans once stood. I will never, ever, forget the admiring look on my Dad’s face, knowing that I was returning the same look. This experience taught me that putting what you know to be true to any test, often results in success.
In the following years I would learn the pain of missing a shot, the incredible feeling of harvesting an animal, the trophy antlers or hide, and the ability to provide meat for my family. During many of our hunting trips, and also hunting camps, I was allowed to test my skills behind the wheel of dads Chevy pickup. My exact age at the time may or may not refer to my previous statement of "Montanans learning things earlier in life;)". The thrill of being in control of such a large machine was unforgettable. Not to mention another example of making Dad proud. Ash my younger sister was now old enough to hunt and again the three of us went out on the prowl. During this trip we were road hunting high up a ridge, when all of a sudden (in Dad’s words) "Bambi's Dad" appeared majestically in front of us. The truck skidded to a stop and within seconds Dad was up the steep mountain side after the gigantic buck quicker than an Olympic runner, leaving Ash and I in his dust. We waited for him near the truck listening hard for his gun to fire, and after roughly thirty minutes he was making his way back down the hill. Immediately we could tell something was wrong. A color deeper than the orange on his vest flushed across his face and it was the first time I'd seen my Dad look as though he might pass out. Ash and I panicked realizing that this was finally the award winning buck that had taken our fathers breath away. We began to argue about which way we would drive to save Dad, and which one of us would drive, I being the oldest put my foot down, and just before "Plan To Save Dad" was initiated we heard him mutter through calming breaths, "Damn buck nearly killed me, and I didn't even get a shot!" This has become one of our greatest (not to mention most funny) memories of learning to drive that we enjoy telling to anyone who will listen. Continued on page 27 25
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A TRIBUTE TO DAD CONTINUED Over the many years Dad has taught each of us our own lessons and I proudly admit that I'm a part of one of the closest families around. In our six person family, we spend every moment awake, with each other. When we weren't participating in a sport, we were cheering the other family members on. We constantly traveled for the incredible amount of sports each of us participated in. We were even lucky enough to have the best coach for many of these sports activities, our Dad. We'd spend our winters ice fishing, and our favorite, skiing. Now I must mention, my first memory of ice fishing one of the few times Lake Koocanusa froze over. I was maybe four years old and I was wearing the most ridiculously flammable snow suit known to man. I was taking a break, warming my tiny hands by the propane heater. Dad warned me at least five times not to get to close‌to late, the sleeve of my coat caught fire and Dad rolled me around on the ice. Escaping the flames with nothing but a small burn on my middle finger, I learned that when Dad says "hot" stay the heck back. The incredible memories I have throughout the years, outdoors or not, has taught me the importance of family. The strength of our bond and our love. I am thankful to have the world’s greatest teacher, coach, sportsman, listener, secret keeper, advice giver...my Dad. But most incredibly, he is capable of his own, amazing, type of love that only the best Dad can give.
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SUMMER FUN
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