Montana Woods N Water, June 2015 Volume 6 Issue 1 by Montana Woods N Water

June 2015

Volume 6, Issue 1

Publisher’s Notes By Raf Viniard As you flip through this digital issue you will see we changed up the format to bring you a special treat, especially for the little ones in our lives. Robert Hosea aka “TheBobFactor” shared a fish tale that I thought was cute. I know, I know...where is the usual stuff?

What’s Inside Hunting 1 Fishing (A BIG Tale) 4 - 17 To Be Continued Next Week!

I did throw in a hunting article for all us hunters that can’t wait to get back in the woods this fall. It has been so hot it is hard to think about hunting, but that never stopped me before. After the last two days I am thinking more about getting out of this office and wetting a fishing line and doing some camping.

From the local chatter, bear hunters wrapped up the season with several nice bears being taken the last two weeks. Many hunters and guides had frowns the first few weeks as the bears did not cooperate and were hard to find. I think most guides and hunters were expecting bears to be easier to find with a earlier green up than normal. We are already laying out the July print issue so I have saved some of the good stuff back for the print issue. It is hard to believe July 4th is right around the corner. Don’t forget Father’s Day coming up! Okay it is your turn...send us those photos of your turkey, bear, fish or something that truly represents Montana for publishing consideration. We are always looking for writers and pictures of Montanan’s at play! Don’t forget to support our advertisers. Without them Montana Woods n Water will not exist. We need their business for us to stay in business and keep you informed, entertained and educated. Enjoy your summer but remember to be safe out there! Publisher, Editor & Layout: Raf Viniard 406-407-0612 Raf@montanawoodsnwater.com

Front Cover Photo Provided By: Raf Viniard Calico Drain, Sanders County, MT To Contact Us: Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Plains, Montana 59859 406-08-0576 www.montanawoodsnwater.com Email: raf@montanawoodsnwater.com

Staff VP 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 Montana Mitzi Sam Martin Jason Badger Tony Rebo Toby Walrath

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

HUNTING

The Count Down Begins! By Raf Viniard As of this writing we are only ninety (90) days from stepping into the elk woods with our bows. It seems that this spring bear and turkey season just flew by. Some filled their tags and some didn’t but that doesn’t mean they have to wait long to take another stab at it. Oh sure a lot of us are breaking out the boats, fishing poles and getting serious about fishing and camping but rest assured fall hunting season plans are already being strategized by many. With the recent heat wave it is hard to think about hunting anything other than a cold beverage and a shade tree. However, as the fresh cool evening mountain air slips down into the valleys in the evenings, that little itch to get in the woods tickles your spirit of the wild. Ninety days is no time to wait when you live here in Montana...our summers are filled with so many fun things to do... family outings, concerts, ballgames and back yard barbeques just to name a few. Now is the time to spend with family and friends before that obsession takes over in about 90 days to chase the big bone.

Let’s look at some of the things you need to start thinking about… Get those game cameras out when and where legal. Let those little boxes of technology do the scouting for you while you are busy cooking that hamburger on the grill or taking that family vacation this summer. If you find a game camera in the woods please leave it alone...to take it is nothing but thievery and when you look in the mirror in the morning that is what you will see...a thief! Game cameras are not cheap and it might be the only game camera a fellow hunter can afford...leave it alone. Take your archery equipment to the bow shop now if it needs any work done such as replacing cables, rest, etc....don’t wait for the rush in August or you may not get it back in time for opening day. This also gives you time to get it back and work out any kinks before season. Most archers have not picked up their bow since last archery season. Try to practice every week, even if it is only 20-30 shots. If you buy new archery equipment this year take it for a walk in the woods and practice shooting at stumps with blunt tip arrows under possible real hunting conditions and positions. If you have time, attend some local 3-D shoots these are good practice at judging yardage and shooting under field conditions. Test your equipment and your shooting techniques over the next three months to make sure you and your equipment are ready for possibly that once in a lifetime shot. Need a new pair of boots...get them as soon as possible. Opening day is not the time to break in a new pair of boots. Start getting in shape and shed some of those winter pounds if you did not walk them off during spring bear season. Continued on page 2 1

HUNTING CONTINUED Spend some time glassing...your old haunts and make sure they have not cut the timber, cut in new roads, put in or taken out gates. Fire season is not here yet so check on your area off and on to make sure it doesn’t look like a volcanic landscape opening morning. If hunting private property, renew those permissions and help the landowner out this summer with some chores...they will be very appreciative. If you are a stand hunter...inspect those stands before putting them back up. Check and re-check your safety belt to make sure it is not torn or worn and become unsafe. Your life just might depend on it. Cut and mark trails where legal. If using a chainsaw or axe, keep safety in mind at all times. Cutting a leg open now could mean bad news this fall. By clearing trails now it will allow you to slip in quietly this fall and possibly prevent you from tripping over logs and other brush. These foot grabbers can not only be dangerous but very noisy. Locate at least one or two new spots in case your primary honey holes have become compromised, dormant or changed due to fire, timbering operations, predation, etc. you have another spot to hunt this fall. If you tag early, a family member or friend might need a spot as well. If you have not had a physical in several years setup an appointment with your doctor this summer to have a routine checkup to make sure you are as ready as you think you are. Walking up and down these mountains can be tough. Mountain hunting can also be very rough on your hunting rig. Your shocks, struts and tires probably took a beating over the last few months. Make sure the four wheel drive works and everything is in working order. Vehicle repairs are expensive, so spread out your cost throughout the summer so as to reduce your upfront cost. Don’t forget to check your battery and all fluid levels to make sure your rig is ready for your fall hunting adventures. If you do get a chance to go scouting be sure and take plenty of water and not become dehydrated. Don’t forget to pack the rod and reel...you might just get distracted on the way. Montana is blessed with miles and miles of pristine waters. Through a cheap plastic bag in your pocket you still might just find some delicious morel mushrooms to go on that grilled steak this summer. Introduce a friend, family member or your neighbor to our sport and Montana’s great outdoors. Get those kids and the ladies involved early. If you or your child needs a Hunter Safety course...start planning now. Keep in mind they may not be in shape or have the drive or ambition you do at first...give them time to catch the fever and then feed it. Most importantly take time this summer to spend with your family, friends and loved ones. Life is short and they are more important than any elk, deer or bear. Not last but least...send me your photos of last year...it is what keeps all of us hunters stoked as we move through the summer months. We love game camera photos and fishing pictures as well. One more thing...get those license/tags if you have not already done so. By the time most of you have read this we are one day closer to pulling back that string! I am counting the days down, are you? Have a safe and fun filled summer! 2

A FISHING TALE

Bob Hosea â&#x20AC;&#x153;The BobFactorâ&#x20AC;? often contributes some amazing and professional photographs to this publication and our Facebook page. Bob is a man of many talents and has done something that is just amazing. Pull the kids up and tell them you are about to read them a story. Bob put together this book and I feel it needs to be shared. He also has a audio version that can be heard at the following link: https://youtu.be/XCZTI1ymPkM Montana Woods n Water is in the process of compiling his book in a online version separate from the publication. Keep following us on Facebook and we will announce its release in the very near future. We want to thank Bob for sharing this amazing story and graphics that he put many hours into to share with us and you our readers. Please share this publication with friends and relatives so others may enjoy it as we have. Thanks again Bob...we appreciate you!

A FISHING TALE

It’s Not If... But When! When it’s time to go...go in style! www.camocaskets.com 406-407-0612 5

A FISHING TALE

peregrineemb@plainsmt.net 6

A FISHING TALE

(406) 529-5492

A FISHING TALE

To Be Continued Next Week! Admit it you are “hooked “and can’t wait until next week! 17