What’s Inside
Publisher’s Notes All I can say is thank you for making the May edition such a huge success! I love Montana! The support was just amazing from you the sportsmen, our writers and especially our advertisers. A special thanks to all our advertisers, Montana Woods N Water would not exist without your financial and encouraging support. As I traveled through Northwest Montana marketing the publication I got to meet a lot of business owners and sportsmen. I am just amazed at the kindness and friendship of those that helped us make this publication possible. Many new and great ideas to make this publication better have been suggested and you will see some of these changes integrated into this month’s publication. Other ideas we will implement over time as our resources and abilities grow. We have added some new Pro Staff Writers, Angela, Dan and Mitzi. Be sure and check out their pages. As we move out of bear and turkey season many are thinking about hitting their favorite fishing hole; however, we still want to see pictures of those bears and turkeys that you Montana sportsmen added to the dinner table or freezer. Congratulations to all those that harvested a bear or turkey.
Hunting - Page 2 Trapping - Page 3 Fishing - Page 4 Smoke Poles - Page 5 A Hunter’s Life - Page 6 Her Page - Page 7 Sportsman’s Meds - Page 8 From The Badges - Page 10 Local Celebrities - Page 14 The Next Generation - Page 16 Outdoor Vets - Page 19 Camp Fire Talk - Page 21 Archery Talk - Page 23 Montana Mitzi - Page 24 Montana Dan - Page 25 Shooting Sports - Page 27 Classifieds/Events - Page 28 Staff Publisher: Raf Viniard Editor: Raf Viniard Director of Sales and Marketing: Raf Viniard Thompson Falls: Mitzi McDowell Troy & Libby Areas: Vacant Missoula: Vacant Kalispell: Vacant
As you dust off those fishing poles and ready the boat remember to make sure you have read the fishing regulations, ensure your boat is working properly and all applicable safety equipment is onboard and don’t forget to check those trailer lights.
Pro Staff Writers/Photographers:
Archery hunters are counting down the days until the big opener...don’t wait until the last minute to get those bows checked out and start practicing now. Antelope hunters get those rifles tuned up it is not far off. As we count the days until the fall hunting season take some time to spend with your families and friends this summer...make some memories. Take those kids scouting, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding or on an ATV excursion. If you are a single Mom or Dad and don’t know much about the outdoors check with your local church or sportsman’s organization and there will be plenty of volunteers to assist you in getting you and your kids involved in the outdoors.
Angela Gerych - Her Page Dan Helterline - Montana Dan Paul Fielder -Trapping Toby Bridges - Smoke Poles Toby Walrath - A Hunter’s Life Pastor Jim Sinclair - Sportsman's Meditations Zach Butcher - Archery Talk Mitzi Caldwell - Montana Mitzi Contributing Photographers/Writers: Matt Cockrell Issac & Erica Karuzas Tyler Reed / B.A.S.S. Jim Foster The Hennings Tate Cavill Cathy Johnson John Davis George Nass Proof Readers: Dave, Paul, Jan & Andrena Harvey Cover Photos Provided By:
Again thank you for your support and let us know how we can do it better next month. Please be safe and enjoy...did I mention how much I love Montana? Raf Viniard, Publisher Tyler Reed/B.A.S.S. Juan Lulack & Dan Helterline Contact Us Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Plains, MT 59859 406-407-0612 www.montanawoodsnwater.com For Advertising Rates: advertising@montanawoodsnwater.com For a Subscription: subscribe@montanawoodsnwater.com
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Rock Face Bruin By Raf Viniard
Tate Cavill maybe a fire fighter with the forest service but his passion for hunting burns hotter than any forest fire. Tate’s obsession with hunting has been passed on from his grandfather Fred Cavill and his Dad Rick Cavill both of Sanders County. Tate has another side kick that shares in his hunting adventures ...Trevor Unsworth. They not only hunt together but work together in the Forest Service. As of this writing Tate was fighting fires up in Alaska. Tate grew up in Thompson Falls, MT and loves hunting that area even though he lives in Plains, MT. Tate had been very busy at work and it was cutting into his bear hunting time. Every opportunity he had he used it to glass an area where he knew bears like to hang out as they emerge from their long winter nap. Here is Tate’s story of how this bear hunt unfolded: This was the eleventh bear I had seen in the first week of bear season and I couldn't take it anymore. I was dying to use my new ALLBULL custom built long range rifle. I spotted this bear in some cliffs at nine o’clock in the morning a couple miles away. Trevor and I both Tate Cavill of Plains, MT. had the day off so I called him to see if he wanted to go. While waiting for Trevor to drive down to Thompson Falls I watched this bear bed down on a big mossy patch under a little juniper tree. I had decided the only way to kill this bear in the cliffs was to get directly across from him and shoot across the canyon. We then began our stalk and weaseled our way through the rocks across canyon from this boar until we had reached a good vantage point. We set up, located the juniper tree I watched him lay under, and began picking apart the hillside through the spotting scope. After some time we were able to see just the twitch of his ear or a paw fly in the air from under the tree where I had last seen him. From that point, we played the waiting game for the next hour. He finally stood up and walked out on some mossy rocks where he gave a perfect broadside shot, and the new seven mag made its first one shot kill at 350 yards. The bear took a tumble off a hundred foot cliff and landed at the base of this spring right where these photos were taken. Great day. Great hunt. Great memories. Tate shared that his real passion is deer and elk hunting and of course chasing cats in the winter. Tate said, “I love hunting more than anything in the world!” Tate is truly living the dream.
Page 2 ◊ Hunting
Steel Time Paul C Fielder
Summer is a busy time for vacations and other outdoor events but I often catch myself day dreaming about getting back out on the trap line and handling fur. Before we can set the first trap or snare we need to get things ready. Now is the time to be getting your trapping gear and areas ready for next fall so you’re not doing it during elk and deer season. Trapping Gear Prep - Sort your stuff out. Separate out and repair what needs to be fine tuned. Dye and wax, or speed dip, or spray paint your traps early so they can be hanging and getting scent neutral before they’re needed. Check trap chains and add swivels as needed. Make up drowning wires and extension cables if you need them. Cut your muskrat stakes early so they can harden off before winter (so the beaver don’t chew them up). Check your lures, scents, and attractants to see what you need to re-order or mix up yourself. Are your fur stretchers in good order and do you have enough? Repair your hip boots or get new ones before you need them. Will your pack baskets make it through another season? Scout your trapping areas and line up permission for trapping the private lands. Look through a trap supply catalog and see what else you need that you didn’t think of. I seem to spend more time preparing for trapping than I do trapping. But when I start, I’m pretty efficient. I prefer dying and waxing traps. New traps need the oils washed off them and it is good to have a bit of rust on the metal to get the dye to “take”. Lay new traps outside under a wet covering for a few days to get the rust started. I dye my traps with log wood crystals in boiling water. Then I dip them in boiling wax to protect them and make them faster. Hot wax is flammable, so don’t use an open fire and keep a lid handy to cover the wax container if needed to smother a wax fire. After waxing your traps, let them hang and cool and let the wax “set up”. Scrape the wax from the contact points of the pan notches and dogs. DO NOT ever wax body gripping (conibear) traps. Dying or spray painting body grippers is fine, but waxing them makes them snap too easily and you’ll pinch your fingers. These are just a few things to address before fall. Trap Dying & Waxing Tip - I add a penny-sized ball of pine pitch to the boiling water with my trap dye and also to the boiling trap wax. The pine pitch helps the traps absorb the dye and also keeps the wax from flaking off of the traps during their use. Some old tips I don’t question. I just do it because it works.
Trapping Reciprocity
I want to talk about something else that all trappers need to learn more about. A trapping reciprocity law would allow Montana trappers to trap furbearers in the adjoining states of Idaho, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota by also allowing trappers from those states to trap furbearers in Montana. Presently, Montanans cannot trap furbearers in those neighboring states because Montana does not let non-residents trap furbearers in Montana. Trappers would have to buy a non-resident trapping license (about $250) to trap in states other than their own. Opponents of the idea say that non-resident trappers would come here and trap our fur. But they did not consider the benefits of trapping reciprocity. Montana trappers could harvest furs in other states. I think that very few out of state trappers would pay $250 for a non-resident license to come to unfamiliar ground to trap bobcats during Region 1’s short (about 3 weeks) bobcat season. Region 2’s bobcat quota is usually reached soon after Region 1’s. But, Montana trappers would be able to buy a nonresident Idaho trapping license to trap Idaho’s longer, 60 day, bobcat season. There is also the benefit for Montana trappers to be able to head east to trap the muskrat-rich states of North Dakota and South Dakota or and many other critters in adjoining states. Another benefit of trapping reciprocity will be when we need help from trappers in neighboring states to help us fight off antitrapping ballot initiatives. There are two such ballots filed this year and another major effort promised in 2016. It is hard to ask for support from trappers and trapping associations in neighboring states when we don’t let them trap furbearers in Montana. Montana allows for the purchase of non-resident hunting and fishing licenses (at higher than resident prices), but does not allow for non-resident furbearer trapping. That restricts Montanans from being able to trap furbearers in adjacent states and weakens our fight against the anti-trapping groups. Bait preference tip – Beaver meat tends to keep smelling like beaver meat even at below freezing temperatures when the smell of other meat baits diminishes. Most predators often investigate beaver dams and lodges for a reason and these same predators find beaver meat baits tough to pass up.
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Page 3 ◊ Trapping
Johnston wins on a Noxon ‘magic tree’ By Tyler Reed - B.A.S.S. Official Press Release TROUT CREEK, Mont. — While everyone else was heading toward the popular flats of Noxon Reservoir at launch each day, Tim Johnston was going in the completely opposite direction upriver. It proved to be key to his win at the 2014 B.A.S.S. Nation Western Divisional. “No one was there,” said Johnston. “There was less pressure.” He was simply cranking a bank during his practice days, but he found something there that was special — the proverbial “magic tree.” “I caught 10 or 11 of my fish there during the tournament,” he said, “and I weighed in eight of those. The rest came from other trees just like it on other parts of the lake.” The main one was a fallen tree off a bank with current going by, and the current held the fish. When he would leave his Johnston's strategy - going the opposite direction main tree, he would work other trees for at least 20 minutes from everyone else proved to be key to his win at before deserting them. the 2014 B.A.S.S. Nation Western Divisional He also threw a ChatterBait into grassy areas that were spawning flats. That said, he probably fished less time than any other competitor. All his limits came in the first two hours of competition each day, and he would cull up later in the day if he felt like he was in a good spot. He flipped a Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog (green pumpkin) into the trees for his best bites. Johnston was using a Dobyns 795 flipping stick and Abu Garcia Revo Premier reel with 20-pound-test Berkley Trilene fluorocarbon line. Some of his other fish came on a 3/8-ounce white Z-Man ChatterBait with a 3-inch Keitech swimbait as a trailer. Johnston’s winning weight of 39 pounds qualified him for the 2014 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, Nov. 6-8, on Louisiana’s Ouachita River. He qualified last year, too, and went on to compete in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic. “Going to the championship or to the Classic doesn’t make you any better,” said Johnston, “but it does give you a confidence and a competitiveness that you didn’t have before. It’s helped me have some expectations and work a little harder.” Johnston gives a lot of credit to his boat partner for Day 3, Keegan Graves of Idaho. The pair both qualified for the championship last year and shared a cabin for the whole week they were there. Today, that friendship resulted in Graves encouraging Johnston to lead the way all day. “He just let me have the boat because he knew I had a chance to win,” said Johnston. “There’s no way I would have won today if that didn’t happen.” Johnston, who will represent Montana at the championship, will be joined by the following state winners: Steve Lund, Arizona; Ron Welch, California; Scott Sheldon, Colorado; Jason Hickey, Idaho; Kevin Wiggins, Nevada; Earl Conway, New Mexico; Cody King, Oregon; Mike Lavallee, Utah; Clint Johanson, Washington; and Bill Golightly, Wyoming. In the competition between the states, Idaho beat the host team, Montana. Idaho’s cumulative weight was 304 pounds, 2 ounces, and Montana’s was just a touch behind at 303 pounds, 3 ounces. Harrison Bertsch, Idaho’s team captain, said the competitiveness among the team members helped the team be successful. Continued on Page 9
Page 4 ◊ Fishing
Muzzleloading - Modern or Traditional? By Toby Bridges
When contemplating getting into muzzleloading, or muzzleloader hunting, too often an early decision that must be made is, whether to go the modern in-line ignition route or to follow the path of tradition, to hunt exactly as our forefathers hunted - with an old fashioned side-hammer percussion or flintlock muzzleloader. Then, there are a few frontloader shooters who just tend to do it all. Over the years, I have been drawn into this division of muzzleloading, and the bickering over what is right...what is not - and what should be allowed during the muzzleloader seasons, and what shouldn't far too many times. It has been this very rift which has prevented muzzleloader hunting from enjoying the same growth as bowhunting. Still, there are today around 3-million muzzleloading hunters in the U.S. - and, unfortunately, there is only one state which does not have a separate "Muzzleloader Only" season. That state is Montana. In some states, like Michigan, Ohio and Virginia, as many as 200,000 hunters participate during the muzzleloader seasons held there. Across the country, in the 49 states which do offer a recognized muzzleloader big game season, the average number of participants would very likely be between 30,000 and 40,000. Most require the purchase of a separate muzzleloader hunting license or permit, adding greatly to the operating funds for the wildlife agencies in those states. Today, the vast majority of muzzleloading hunters tend to favor the better performing modern in-line ignition rifles which currently account for right at 90-percent of all muzzleloaders manufactured and sold. Another fact is, most of the muzzleloader seasons now held were established after the popularity of those modern in-line rifles - due to their efficiency, accuracy and better range capability. That kind of performance lured more people into muzzleloading, just as the compound bow brought more hunters into bowhunting. Through the late 1980's and 1990's new muzzleloader hunting seasons popped up all over the country - with some states offering both an early and a late muzzleloader hunt. The "added range" of modern in-line rifles and loads has been one issue that has tended to irritate some extremely staunch traditional muzzleloader fanciers - who very often claim that old style muzzle-loaded rifles were not capable of delivering 200 yard accuracy and big game knockdown power at that range. The fact is, long range muzzleloading was developed right here in the U.S. during the 1840's, with the introduction of rifles featuring a fast twist rate of rifling, which could properly stabilize a long and heavy conical bullet - also an American invention. Many of those rifles tended to also feature one other shooting innovation, which was developed right here in this country - the telescopic rifle sight (a.k.a. riflescope). I could never fully choose between hunting exclusively with either a "modern" muzzleloader or a "traditional" muzzleloader. However, I've always hunted with a rifle, projectile and powder charge that insured the accuracy and game taking energy needed to insure a clean harvest of the game - within the effective range of the rifle being used for the hunt. My annual deer hunt takes me East, to the Musselshell River, along the south side of the Missouri Breaks. In 2012, I hunted with a modern copy of a late 1840's .50 caliber percussion bullet rifle, which had been topped with a modern copy of a period correct riflescope. Shooting a big 350-grain bore-sized bullet, and a modern black powder substitute, I managed to drop a nice 5x5 whitetail buck at just over 170 yards. The deer went down on the spot. During the 2013 season, hunting the same river-bottom hayfield, on the fifth day of the hunt, another good 5x5 whitetail buck offered a perfectly broadside shot at 140 yards. The rifle hunted with was a modern break-open No. 209 primer ignition in-line, loaded with the latest in high performance muzzleloading propellants and a modern saboted 300-grain spire-point bullet. The instant the crosshairs of the modern 3-9x40mm scope settled just behind the front shoulder, the trigger eased back and the rifle barked. That buck went just 20 yards. Traditional or Modern...that choice is yours to make. For me, and a growing number of others, the enjoyment and satisfaction of hunting with either is the same. Anyone with a muzzleloader related question can e-mail Toby at namlhunt@gmail.com
Page 5 â—Š Smoke Poles
Old Wisdom
By: Toby Walrath When I was a teenager I frequented the home of an old man named Cliff. He chewed “spruce gum”, wore heavy red and black wool coats and always seemed to have a big buck hanging from a tree until just before ice fishing season. When spring rolled around it was time to get busy with traps for muskrat, beaver, otter and mink. The spring trap lines would roll out and encompass entire days checking and resetting traps only to come home and “put the fur up” late into the night. Just as the spring trapping season wound down old Cliff would get ready for turkey season. I loved listening to his stories and even at my young age I appreciated all the wisdom I received. Now years later, I have acquired knowledge from my own experiences and often think about the old timers like Cliff who influenced my hunting, trapping and fishing success in no small way. But times have changed like all things do and the days of plaid shirts, wool pants, red and white spoons, and even the age old trapping techniques are slowly slipping from the great American outdoor life style. As much as I enjoy camouflaged clothing, Thinsulate® boots, GPS’and all sorts of other fancy hunting gadgets, I sure miss the simple old way of doing things. As I reminisce about all the old wisdom that’s slowly dissipating from our hunting heritage I can’t help but realize how much we have retained – that is- how much still holds true today. There is so much to gain by looking at the past. This month’s column of a Hunters Life is dedicated to every old timer who ever influenced a youngster, I’ll bet you can think of at least one. Take What You Need - “You can take it off if you’re too hot but you can’t put it on if you don’t have it with you”. These words have saved my butt from freezing more times than I can count. For several years I thought that meant getting the biggest pack I could find and stuffing it with clothes. I’ve slowly refined my interpretation of this axiom and bring an extra pair of wool socks, long johns and a hat. I leave enough room in my pack to put my coat when I get too warm and carry a whistle and compass just like my grandpa did. By making sure I have everything I need, I don’t need to worry when the weather starts changing. I’ve added a few things to grandpa’s list like a GPS, map, small first aid kit, water filter, bottle, lighter, headlamp and some granola bars though I still prefer homemade doughnuts along with summer sausage and cheddar cheese. Bottom line, make sure you have what you need out there. Pay attention to the wind - Even with all the quality scent elimination products on the market these days including sprays, shampoos, deodorants, foot powder, laundry detergent, carbon suits and all sorts of cover scents you should still be mindful of the wind. Stalking any big game animal successfully requires the wind to be in your face. Old timers didn’t have scent free anything - yet they still harvested some impressive game animals. Keep Quiet - I remember my father walking me back home on a shortened hunting adventure when I was around nine years old. I was being too loud and he was frustrated. As I sat on the couch and watched him walk out the front door with shotgun in hand, I was heartbroken. But I got the message loud and clear. As I’ve hunted my way through life, experience has taught me that staying quiet is more than just not making noise but quiet clothing is essential. I am so surprised at all the so called hi-tech clothing on the market that’s just plain loud. “It’s getting day light in the swamp!” Words my father would say to get me up early. These words influenced everything in my life, so much so I had them written on my bow as a reminder to get out there and pursue my goals and give it all I’ve got. These words were usually accompanied by; “You can’t get your buck by sleeping all day.” (Just for a little reinforcement). The take home wisdom here is the more time you spend hunting the better your odds become for tagging whatever you’re after. Continued on page 9
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406-826-3111 Page 6 ◊ A Hunter’s Life
I Got My Man! By Angela Gerych
There he was…a nice 4×4 muley buck cruising along the base of the mountain looming in front of us. My awesome hunting buddies, Aarron Watrous and Matt Watrous, were ready to watch me shoot my first mule deer. Aarron had actually helped me find my whitetail last year, so he knew how insanely excited I get, and I am pretty sure he was already laughing to himself before I even saw the buck through my scope. But, there he was. I had been obsessed with mule deer for so long, for so many reasons, and here he was...probably no more than 250 yards in front of me. My dilemma from earlier had been being unsure of which rifle I was going to use, and I am glad I decided on my .280, as that was the very first caliber I used while rifle hunting for the very first time several years prior…so, I was determined to make this happen. “He’s right there…do you see him?” is what I heard over and over for about the first 5 minutes I was scouring the mountain side through my scope. I couldn’t find him. “Do you see him? He’s rubbing his antlers behind that tree,” said Aarron. I had NO clue where he was! I just outright could not see him since the buck moved up the mountain a bit. “He’s broadside–you have your shot,” said Matt. Slightly embarrassed that I couldn’t see this buck that was apparently in plain sight, all I could say is “where on earth are you guys looking?”. A few more minutes of that, and I caught movement through my scope. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” is all I could whisper. That’s when the shaking began. I get so excited, that I shake uncontrollably…apparently, it doesn’t happen for everybody, but it is a rush like no other, and it’s kind of annoying when I’m trying to steady my scope. I literally have no control over the movement I’m making. But, I watched him for another good five minutes (which seemed like an hour to Aarron and Matt) while he wandered behind trees with his nose down, following does along the steep terrain. Finally, he stopped broadside, and I managed to steady my rifle enough to aim and take a shot. I was shaking so badly, but I hit him. Unfortunately, it was a low shot and got him just below his shoulder. I had to take another shot. At this point, he was approximately 300 yards away or so, but as he stood up, again, I took that second shot, steadied myself and dropped him. I wasn’t too thrilled at the fact that it took two shots for me to get him, either. But, I was uncontrollably pinging and was borderline freaking out (in a good way) from the adrenaline rush, but I got him. My first muley. Just to be sure he was done, we snuck half way up the mountain, and, sure enough, there he was. Dinner on the table and a beautiful head and rack to honor the life he gave. I was pretty sure my heart was beating so hard that it was about to pump out of my chest and that my face would fall off from smiling so big. Then, I de-virginized an awesome buck knife that was a gift I got for my birthday the previous year, and I gutted my first mule deer with it. Aarron was an awesome guide, and it made me laugh at how funny I must have looked to both Matt and Aarron with the knife in my hand, still shaking, and blood up to my elbow and blood soaked pants–still smiling.
Located In Plains Drug 9-5:30 M-F 9-2 Sat
Page 7 ◊ Her Page
Meditation - by Pastor Jim Sinclair
Recently I got a call from the U.S. Forest Service to help remove some trees from the Savenac nursery over near Haugen. Our community is always needing firewood so I quickly accepted. The morning we drove to Savenac it was beautiful and sunny out. We were to meet our contact at the local restaurant parking lot. My partners and I drove into the parking lot made a big loop and positioned our vehicle where we could see the incoming U.S. Forest Service vehicle. I just happened to look out my driver’s side window and unbelievably there were close to 20 Gophers sunning themselves. On the way home I got the itch to shoot some Gophers, the hunt was on. On a side note, it was my 40th wedding anniversary, I had bought my wife a swivel sweeper, and put it in my closet, and somehow, a metamorphosis took place, that swivel sweeper turned into a “Ruger 10/22 it is amazing how that happens. Well I had procured the weapon, and now for some ammo. I promptly drove to the Mangy Moose for some rim fire ammo. How was I to know there was a shortage, the lady at the counter almost laughed at me. She asked if I would like to Pastor Jim and his wife Renee put my name in the book. I said, sure how long is the list, to which she replied, “You’re at the bottom of page 2.” My heart sank and I’m still waiting. I began to think and I’m happy to say that we can all put our names in another book, it’s called the lamb’s book of life, (Rev 20:15) it’s as simple as believing in the one who makes the gophers and the ammo, He is the life giver. When we accept His work on the cross an amazing metamorphosis takes place, we turn into new creatures and behold all things become new. (2 nd Corinthians 5:17) The best part, there is no waiting list...ask today and you will receive. Keep living the life. Pastor Jim
Medicine - Accidents Happen By Raf Viniard
It is spring and we are working with all kinds of yard, garden, farm and home repair tools. Firewood cutters are slicing, dicing, dragging, cabling and pulling. Not to forget the “Honey Do” lists...house needs painting, trees trimmed and all sorts of fall hazards that await us. Then there is the fun stuff, boating, ATV riding, cycling and throwing a saddle on our trusty steed. Most of us never think about the hazards we face everyday because we just need to “Get R Done” or go have some fun. However, your life or those around you can change in an instant. We get in a hurry or our mind wonders from the task at hand and before you know it, a beautiful day in the yard, in the woods or on the water turns to an “Oh Crap” moment or even a life threatening situation. Alcohol increases your chances of an accident...drink responsibly if for no other reason than for your friends and family. Think it can’t happen to you , your family or your friends...visit any Emergency Room/Funeral Home and they will tell you different. If an accident happens here are some basic steps to ensure you and those around you are familiar with. 1. Stay Calm and assess your situation and surroundings to ensure your safety and others around you. 2. Call 911 immediately if situation warrants. Stay calm and calmly describe the situation so that the first responders will know what they are going to encounter upon their arrival. 3. If away from cell phone coverage have a plan B to seek emergency help. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. 4. Always have a first aid kit handy and make sure you and those around you know how to use the items in it. 5. Take a First Responders/First Aid class.
Page 8 ◊ Sportsman’s Meds
“Magic Tree” continued from page 4... “Our guys work hard and put in the time,” said Bertsch. “That’s how we eked out a win.” On the high school side, though, it was the home team that brought home the trophy. Tyler Evans and Dylan Josey of Montana brought in a two-day weight of 16-14. The teammates were coached by Montana B.A.S.S. Nation member Shane Baertsch. “They were both really great,” said Baertsch, “and a joy to spend the time on the water with.” Dejon Lewis of California won the Carhartt Big Bass of the tournament for his 5-8 largemouth he caught on Day 2. Johnston, in addition to taking home the overall divisional trophy, won the Livingston Lures Leader Award for leading on the second day. The next divisional in which anglers will earn berths into the championship is the B.A.S.S. Nation Central Divisional, June 4-6, on Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula. Stay tuned to Bassmaster.com for updates. Photo courtesy of Tyler Reed/ B.A.S.S.
Publisher’s Follow-up Comments
The final day of the tournament was Friday before the Memorial Day weekend and anglers could not have asked for a prettier day to wrap up a tournament. The final weigh in was held on the beautiful grounds of the Lakeside Motel and Resort located in Trout Creek, MT. Owner John Harris stated, “ Everything went great, we had beautiful weather and the residents and businesses of Sanders County welcomed the fishermen.” John went on to say, “Without the support of our sponsors and our county we could not have pulled it off.” I just want to thank Trout Creek Community Improvement Association, Thompson Falls Chamber, Sanders County Community Improvement Association, Tour 200, Haas Electric, BLACKFOOT Telephone Cooperative Inc., Whitefish Credit Union, First Security Bank, Century Gaming and the staff of Lakeside Motel and Resort.” To watch these professional anglers tote bag of fish after bag of fish to be weighed in is one thing, but to see high school kids get right in there and show they are the next generation of Pro Fishermen was a thrill. These young men are just as serious about their fishing as any man or woman on the tournament circuit. Corvallis High School Blue Devils took the win during the tournament. They will now move onto the National Championship which will be held at Kentucky Lake located in Western Kentucky. Coach Shane Baertsch of Lolo, MT drove the boat but was very limited as to how much coaching he could actually do. The boys make the final decision as to where and how they would fish the tournament. Dylan Josey of Victor, MT and Tyler Evans of Corvallis, MT were the high school tournament champs. Both boys give this advice to anyone wanting to get involved in these tournaments, “Fish hard, Left to Right: Dylan Josey, Coach Shane practice flipping and know your equipment. Fish the wood and Baertsch and Tyler Evans. trees...not in the trees. Anyone can fish, it just takes practice.” Juart Excavation will sponsor the Montana's High School's team going to the BASS Masters Nationals. Go to http:// How many fish hooks can you find hidden www.bassmaster.com/high-school-registration to learn more about in this publication? Search each advertiser the B.A.S.S. high school program. to see how sharp your eyes are. You can If you would like to know how the fishing and hunting is going find their locations by going to our web around the Trout Creek, MT area you can listen to John the owner page and hitting the “Hooked On Montana” of Lakeside Motel & Resort, Saturday mornings on the link. Good luck fishing today. MontanaOutdoor.com talk radio show from approximately 6:30 to 8:00 AM for the latest tactics in fishing and hunting. Here is what you are looking for:
Hooked on Montana
Old Wisdom continued from page 6. Putting it All Together - I am certain that if old timers would have had the same products available to them that we have now, they would’ve bought the best boots, bows, scopes, and clothing just like most of us do today. Every time I crawl into my down sleeping bag that weighs in at just 1 pound or raise my 10X binoculars I appreciate technology. We are fortunate to have so many high quality products available at affordable prices. Old woodsmen were forced to wear what they had, like it or lump it.
Page 9 ◊ Continued
From The Badges By Raf Viniard
As I am out and about talking to sportsmen, many topics come up that just require a conversation with the local wardens or rangers. My first call was to Jon Obst, FWP Region 1 Game Warden. Here are a few of the topics we discussed: Boating Under The Influence - Anything over .08 can get costly not only in fines, suspended or revoked license but may result in yours or someone else’s serious injury or loss of life...don’t do it. Drones - You cannot hunt with drones to spot or hunt game animals. To even use a drone over federal land maybe a federal crime...consult the US Forest Service for additional guidance. Radios - You can’t use radios to relay the location or movement of game animals to a hunting party or person. Game Cameras - You can place game cameras out along trails, watering holes etc. as long as no big game season is in effect...roughly June through August. Check the regulations to be sure. Gates - If a gate is open that is supposed to be closed will you get in trouble for going through it? It all depends if it was already open and providing you are not the one who opened it, removed the locking mechanism or damaged it. It you are caught behind a closed gate...well it is what it is. The officer will investigate to determine the validity of your story. If you are not sure check the signage or consult a US Forest Service map. Please do not enter any area with an active forest harvest operations for your own safety. The old adage, “If you find it open leave it open...if you find it closed...close it back”. If you are not sure call your local warden or Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer. Accidentally Shooting A Sow With Cubs - Lucy you got some explaining to do. If it was an honest mistake do not remove the bear if cubs are in the immediate area. Immediately report the situation to your local warden so the cubs can be rescued and taken care of. Rest assured there will be a thorough investigation into the incident. Will you get to keep the bear or be fined? That will be up to the warden. Upcoming Hunter Education Classes - Go to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks web site to see when and where classes are being held. Don’t wait until hunting season to get this done...plan ahead. My next stop took me to the US Forest Office in Plains, MT. There I spoke with Randy Hojem, the District Ranger and Amy Schrenk, Office Automation Clerk. And here are some the topics we discussed: Personal Use Firewood Permits - The minimum permit is for four cords up to a maximum of 12 cords. Don’t get caught cutting in the forest without a permit and your log must be up-to-date. Wood must be in six foot sections or less unless you are cutting fence post but that requires a different permit. You can have up to 100 feet of cable and they reminded everyone to stay on the roads. You cannot cut timber within 150 feet of a creek. Do not cut the cedar or Pacific Yew. If cutting Larch make sure it is dead...they drop their needles every fall and may just appear dead. No cutting is allowed in an active forest sale area. Permits expire every year on 31 Mar and can be renewed 1 April each year. One more word of caution...watch for logging trucks as logging operations are back in swing. You might want to roll those windows up if you meet one of the road...the dust can be a little gritty to the taste. Note: You can now obtain Firewood Permits at the Hot Springs Irrigation & Equipment Sales located at 2534 Montana Hwy 28. Soft Roadway Shoulders - Many of the shoulders at the higher elevations are still soft from the thawing of the snow pack. Before you ease over to the edge you may want to re-evaluate that decision. Log truck or other vehicle coming...think before pulling over. Butt Flippers - Before flipping that cigarette butt out the window think about it. We don’t need fire fighters injured and thousands of acres destroyed because of accidental forest fire. Map Sales - Need a map for the area Stop by and see your local Ranger Office to see what is available. You can always go onto the US Forest Service web site and order maps as needed. My last call was to National Forest Law Enforcement Officer Nathan Sneed stationed out of Trout Creek. He reminds everyone to be Bear Aware. If camping, make sure you store your food in a bear approved container. Officer Sneed stated, “Do not leave food unattended or feed the animals...this is a people and animal safety issue.” Use fire safety rings and cooking pits where provided and closely monitor the fire hazard conditions that are posted throughout NW Montana.
Remember...pack it in...pack it out!
Page 10 ◊ From The Badges
Left to Right: Trevor Unsworth and Tate Cavill of Plains, MT. See page 2 for the rest of the story.
Deputy John Davis of the Lincoln County Sheriff Dept. gets his man!
Issac and Erica Karuzas of Frenchtown, MT both harvest a pair of gobblers. Okay, we need to know whose was bigger? Do you know the difference between these two birds...look close?
Page 14 â—Š Local Celebrities
Brothers Bring Home The Bruins - Sanders County, MT Left: Bryce Henning of Plains, MT with a nice 5 foot bear Right: Dusten Henning also of Plains with a 6 foot bear I am sure we will be seeing more pictures of these young men. Job well done! Samantha Johnson of Thompson Falls, MT shows off this heavy beam 4 X 4 she harvested last fall. Guys, maybe we need to take some lessons from this young lady. Congratulations Samantha! I hear you worked very hard for him.
Michael Johnson of Thompson Falls, MT is well on his way as an accomplished outdoorsman. Pictured above is his first buck and a pose with a nice fish that would make Bill Dance proud. Way to go Michael!
Eleven year old Jarrett Evans of Kalispell, MT with his Dad at the Kalispell MFWP Office trying to get his first hunting license. When asked what was the most important thing he learned in his Hunter Safety Course he said, “Respecting other people’s property.” Reminder...don’t forget to take a new sportsmen’s Social Security card with you.
16 Year old Marissa Nass of Plains, MT nailed this 6 foot chocolate bear from 466 yards with a 300 Win Mag. Boys all I can say I would treat this lady with a lot of respect...after all she did learn her shooting skills from her Daddy!
Fishing Girls - Seeley and Maizey McDonald of Polson, MT put a death grip on supper...these girls can already catch supper...WOW!
Page 16 ◊ The Next Generation
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Bransen with his Dad after his return from Iraq
Brandon Holzer, SSgt, USA/USAR
11B Infantry Total Tours– 5 (Iraq - 3, Kosovo - 1, Southern U.S. Border - 1) Units Served In: 101st Airborne, Fort Campbell, KY (502nd Infantry Division) & 163rd Infantry Battalion
Total Years Served - 14
Community Contributions: Up to $4,000.00 in local college scholarships Various Sports Clubs Memberships $40.00 a Year—Bring your DD Form 214 Quartermaster: Joe Eisenbrandt Bar Manager/Banquet Hall Rental contact Jackie Cooney
Married w/2 children
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Lincoln County Sheriff Department Rank/Position: Sgt./Patrolman Sgt. Holzer was born and raised in Libby, MT. At the young age of 18 he joined the US Army to serve his country. Sgt Holzer still serves today...the people of Lincoln County. When he was not serving his country he was chasing his first love, Montana Mulies. Sgt. Holzer still loves to elk hunt but a cow is just fine with him. Holzer stated, “I elk hunt but it is to put meat in the freezer but my first love is chasing mule deer and trapping wolves.” When he was asked why he preferred mule deer hunting over elk he went on to say, “I think it is something about hunting the high country...the solitude and the wildlife I see like goats, elk and of course mule deer...its just so relaxing. I just get to get away from everything and truly enjoy the hunt.” His favorite rifle is a 308 and he bow hunts with a recurve. Sgt. Holzer is also an avid wolf trapper and when asked what is the key to trapping wolves consistently he replied, “You have to know other animal patterns such as where the elk and deer herds are. Find the herds and that is where you will find the wolves. Wolves constantly migrate in a circle. You not only have to know game movements but how they use the terrain.” Montana Woods N Water and the people of Montana salute you Sgt. Holzer for your service to your country, state and county. Thank you Mrs. Holzer for supporting your husband as he serves.
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Page 19 ◊ Outdoor Vets
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Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Logo Established in 1942
Old Cabin Wrecker By Mitzi McDowell
August 31, 1915 my dad Lloyd Emerson McDowell was born to Pennsylvania parents Clarence and Orpha McDowell. The youngest of three children, dad was farmed raised and was taught at a young age about hunting squirrels and small animals. Dad wanted more and had a dream, to come west to Montana and experience the Rocky Mountains and life Photo of Original Sketch as a biologist. His dream came true as he was able to come to Montana on a track scholarship to attend the University of Today’s MFWP logo Montana in Missoula. Dad had a cousin; Vivian, who was dating a young man, Marshall Moy, dad and Marshall became friends which lasted the life time. Both men went to work for the Fish and Game as biologists; they were working on a moose study in the Absorkee wilderness area living the dream young men of the west usually only dreamt about. Ambitious and yearning for adventure working for the Fish and Game was perfect for the life they sought. I am the daughter of Lloyd McDowell, nicknamed “Mac”. My dad taught me at a very early age about hunting and fishing and about the Montana Mountains which I enjoy to the fullest. The story you are about to read was written by dad in the final year of his life. I have the bear rug, it hung on the wall in every house I have lived in and today is in storage viewed only when I bring it out to share with others who love Montana. I grew up with the story and I remain the last of the family who knows the real story behind the bear that has been the Fish and Game logo since 1945. Montana Woods n Water will be featuring the amazing story starting with this issue and next month telling “the rest of the story”, based on facts and photo’s collected by myself, Marilyn Mitzi McDowell Stonehocker, Thompson Falls resident. The below story has been transcribed from his original writings. Enjoy. Marshall Moy and Lloyd E. McDowell, Biologists, hired by the Montana Fish & Game Dept. were headed back to the headquarters cabin on Eagle Creek near Gardner Montana when this story took place. Traveling by horseback on a trail leaving the Slough Creek drainage and heading west this area known as the Absorkee Wilderness. Several cabins in this area had been broken in by a large bear and many supplies, windows flooring etc. had been destroyed. To give you an idea of the cunningness and strength of the bear doing the destruction I’ll relate a couple stories. One cabin known as the Hellroaring cabin had a root cellar under the kitchen floor with a trap door. Somehow the bear had gotten down through the trap door, but when he decided to leave he just pushed the whole floor up and made a new exit! Somehow he carried a lot of canned food and a sack of flour out of the cellar and up a draw about a 100 yards behind the cabin and buried them. Leaking flour left a good trail to follow. Many of the canned goods had teeth marks and puncture holes in them; we don’t know how he managed to carry the sack of flour without destroying it. Smart bear. In another case the bear didn’t get through the door due to the old cross cut saws we nailed to protect the door from entry. So this time he climbed on the roof and tore a hole in large enough for him to make his entry. To exit he pushed a window out from the inside. He sure knew how to enter and exit a cabin door and apparently ripped a claw out in the process. There was blood all around. At the time we talked how we would sure like to find this bear, hunting season was open on grizzlies and from all the damage he was creating we thought we’d like to get a shot at him. Anyway the bears luck ran out…to be continued next month.
Monday - Saturday Noon until 9:00 P.M. ● Sunday 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Page 21 ◊ Campfire Talk
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Bows That Won’t Break The Bank
By Zach Butcher Well spring has sprung and I don’t know about you, but with the current temps it feels like summer to me. I personally like fall weather, cool crisp mornings and mild day temps, it just gets my blood flowing. Speaking of fall there are only 105 days until archery season or only 82 days if you plan on doing any antelope hunting with the bow. That means before we know it archery season will be here, will you be ready? Last month I covered some of the flagship bows that some of the major bow companies are offering. For those of you that want a new bow, but didn’t rush out and buy one due to the price tag, don’t worry there is still hope for you getting that new bow. Let’s talk about some of the bows that Mathews, Hoyt and BowTech offer that won’t break the bank and that may also gain the “Bankers approval”. Let’s start with Mission bows made by Mathews. Mission’s flagship bow this year is the Blaze, the Blaze has an Axle-to-Axle (ATA) length of 33” and a brace height of 6-1/8”. With a weight range of 50-70lbs and a draw length range of 26” to 30”, 80% let off and an IBO speed of 340. The Blaze is the brother to the Monster Chill R at half the price, $599.00. The Mission also offers a solo cam model called the Flare. With an ATA of 30-1/4” a brace height of 7-1/8”, draw length range of 24”-30” and draw weights ranging from 30 to 60lbs, this is a great bow for only $449.00. Mission offers several other bows as well and you can see them all at missionarchery.com. Hoyt offers the Charger, this bow has an ATA of 31” and a brace height of 6-3/4”. With a draw length range of 24” to 30” and draw weights from 30lbs to 70lbs, this bow will fit just about anyone. It’s no slow poke either, it spits out an arrow at 325fps and will only cost you $599.00. Now if the draw length on this bow isn’t quite long enough for you, you are in luck. Hoyt builds the Charger in a “Long Draw” version which will extend the draw length to 31”. Diamond is a sister company to BowTech and both companies offer great bows at a great price. The first bow from Diamond is the Carbon Cure, this bow has a carbon riser and weighs in at only 3.3lbs. A 32” ATA length and a 7” brace height make this a very forgiving bow. With a draw length range on the cam of 27” to 30.5” and draw weight ranges from 50lbs to 70lbs and an IBO of 325fps this solo cam bow is bound to be in the hands of many archers this fall. The Core is a milder version of the Carbon Cure, the Core has an aluminum riser and a wider draw length range of 25” to 30”. A little shorter ATA length coming in at 31” and a draw weight range of 40lbs-70lbs. The Core has a forgiving brace height of 7-1/4” and spits an arrow at 313fps. Both of these bows are a bargain with the Carbon Cure coming in at $599.00 and the Core at $499.00. BowTech has two bows that will blow your socks off with both bows having carbon risers and coming in at only $599.00. The Carbon Knight weighs in at 3.2lbs has a 31” ATA and a brace height of 7”, the draw length is adjustable on the cam starting at
26.5” to 30.5” and the bow is available in draw weights ranging from 50lbs70lbs. You will want a good target to shoot at since the Carbon Knight is throwing arrows out at 335fps. This next bow is the little sister to the Carbon Knight it’s called the Carbon Rose. This bow is for the ladies, with a brace height of 6-3/4” and an ATA of 30” this bow is both easy to shoot and maneuver in the woods or the stand. Again, the draw length is adjustable on the cam from 22.5”-27” and draw weights ranging from 40lbs to 60lbs. Guys your wife or daughter would love to be packing this bow around this fall. If you have any questions regarding any of these bows feel free to look them up on the web or contact your local dealer. Next Month: We will touch on some great bows for kids and first time hunters and shooters. WWW.GAMBLESSTORE.DOITBEST.COM
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110 East Railroad P.O. Box 577 Plains, MT 59859
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Page 23 ◊ Archery Talk
Happy Fathers Day! Daddy’s Vest
By Mitzi McDowell Old and wrinkled, soft and warm, daddy’s vest holds a wealth of memories in its seams. The buttons have been replaced, the button holes are now leather fasteners, the seams have been redone several times, the stains each represent a memory of days that daddy wore the vest. I can smell the smoke of a bonfire from camping trips long ago; I smell the blood in the stains from a hunting harvest. I can see daddy as he rode his favorite horse down an old, well traveled trail in the Montana woods. I can feel daddy’s arms around me as he hugs me for warmth or “just because”. The memories are embedded deep in my mind, as I reach the age of many memories, this is one memory that remains fresh in my mind. I was daddy’s girl. I was the shadow, under foot, in the way; always close by every day. Many pictures over the years show daddy always with his favorite vest on. It could be he wore it for warmth or from habit. If he was hunting it was for the hunter orange that was on one side. I do know he loved the warmth it gave and the security of having a vest he could depend on in many a situation. I have the vest and I wore it yesterday. Though it was way too big for me, a cold Montana day with wind and rain brought shivers to my soul, the warmth of daddy’s vest felt so good in the fading light of a day gone by. I came in and sipped a hot cup of coffee and let the memories of daddy and the old vest pass through my mind as the shadows of another day came to rest in the darkness of night.
Fishing Montana Past and Future By Mitzi McDowell
As a young girl, I fished the streams that flow the back country of Montana. Mother loved to fly fish; daddy used a hook and worm. I loved “hunting” for worms. Shovel in hand, an old soup can, the smell of soft black sod; the memories still linger in my older, wiser mind. Digging for worms was usually accomplished in short order as the old sod beds we dug in were full of fat well fed worms. The task completed, sandwiches packed, the day planned, off we went. Stumbling behind my parents as they used skill and patience, I spent more time Mitzi’s Grand Daughter Maizey Fishing getting untangled from the brush along the stream. Careful to keep hidden in the shadows as we fished, the sudden tugging on my line resulted in a short fish fight and a nice size brook trout for my creel. A big smile, another wiggling worm on my hook and the process was repeated until our limit was easily filled. Oh for the “good ole’ days”. Forty plus years later the desire remains the same, the process the same, the catch not so easy. I teach my granddaughters the age old art of “hunting” for worms. The squeals of delight, the big smiles as they find the squirming worms in the same sod beds I dug for worms in are precious memory’s they too are making for future years of fishing Montana. The same streams I fished, they fish. At the tender young age of 2 and 4, the little hands that reel in the trout after stumbling down the well worn trails and walking the slow moving stream are forever imbedded in my mind. Their mom, my daughter, shows the same patience I showed her, the same smile is on her face as she patiently helps her daughters fish. Four “girls” fishing and making memories every step of the way. The good ole’ days repeated and replaced with new memories and fresh fish to fry. Yes, fishing Montana remains a family tradition, one that cannot be replaced or forgotten. A New Year and fishing season has arrived fast. I have bought my license and I am planning in my mind fishing for fat trout. The Swan Valley will always remain a favorite. Several creeks have produced nice fishing in years past. Winter snow is starting to melt and while the rivers and streams will rise as spring runoff builds, as the days warm and the water subsides, fish will spawn; the lazy days of summer will again bring fishing into play. The girls have grown, and with new poles in hand, once again mom and daughters and Mema, (my granddaughters name for me) will slip, fall, laugh and attempt to catch the wonderful fish of the Swan Valley in Montana.
Page 24 ◊ Montana Mitzi
Hunting Africa On A Blue Collar Budget By Dan Helterline
Africa, "The Dark Continent" considered by many as the ultimate hunting destination, also considered too expensive and far off for the "Regular Joe" to ever experience. The second part of that statement is a myth, with some careful planning and diligent saving, hunting Africa may be closer than most people realize. I have lived in small town America, "aka" as Wild Horse Plains my entire life and have spent my entire working career working for the Forest Service. I have always considered myself a "Regular Joe" and I have managed to go hunting in Africa twice! I am confident if I can pull off a hunt in Africa so can you, here's how. Not every country and hunting location in Africa is the same, some countries and game species are very expensive to hunt, and some countries are unstable and somewhat dangerous to visit, but not most of them. The most affordable and the first hunt I went on was in the country of Namibia. I would call this hunt a "ranch hunt" rather that a safari. On this hunt my friends and I stayed in a bunkhouse on the ranch, ate meals with the family and hunted the ranch with the owner and some of the ranch workers acting as guides. This hunt would be comparable to paying to hunt a big ranch in Eastern Montana with the exception there would be eight to twelve different species available to hunt! The rancher in Namibia charged us a "daily fee" which covered our lodging, meals, guiding and trophy care. My friend and I split the daily fee of $180 a day, so it was basically a 2 on 1 hunt, this helped us save some money and it was fun hunting together. There was also a trophy fee charged for each animal harvested, you only paid for what you actually shot. Fees ranged from $350 to $800. I managed to harvest a Kudu, Gemsbok, Warthog, two Red Hartebeest, two Mountain Zebras, and two Springbok. The ranchers legally own the wild game that resides on their property and harvest it regularly. This provides food and some income for the ranch, what meat they don't need they sell. Airfare and getting the trophies home cost was a little less than ten grand, about what you would pay for a used truck. Hunting in Africa must be similar to doing meth, try it just once and you are hooked and you will do almost anything to get more! I have heard others say that after your first hunt in Africa you will spend your whole flight home trying to figure out how you can get back for another hunt. I would have to say truer words haven't been spoken, the whole flight home I thought about how I could get back. I had picked up a few hunting magazines in Namibia and on the flight back there was an ad in one that seared an image in my head. It was for John Sharp Safaris and it had a photo of this man that looked like a cross between Tarzan and Hulk Hogan. Him and his trackers were wading a river with John in the lead. He was holding his double rifle and hunting boots above his head and his trackers were following with some very large elephant tusks over their shoulders, what would it be like to hunt with this guy? Even long before my trip to Namibia I had always dreamed what it would be like to hunt cape buffalo. Every time I would see them on TV or in a magazine it would stir something in me. My hunt in Namibia made me realize that hunting the Dark Continent was not impossible or out of reach, it was at that time I decided to quite dreaming about buffalo hunting and make it a reality. Next month I will tell you how I finally made that happen and what my Zimbabwe hunt entailed...be safe and enjoy your summer.
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Page 25 â—Š Montana Dan
BUCK’S GROCERY Hot Springs, Montana The wigton Family has been Serving hot springs & Sanders County Since 1938
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Archery Deer & Elk Opens 6 September 2014
Plains, Montana Trap Club News By Jim Foster The Hack & Blast was held Saturday, May 17th with a full roster. Sixty shooters/golfers making up 15 teams. Two teams tied for first place. The winners being determined with a chip off shot. First Place/Top team -Talking Birds: Kirk Willhite, Dan Parks, Don Almquist, Dan Noonan. Second Place/Second team - Those Guys: Sean LaDeaur, Stan Stanhope, Rick Depoe, Reiley Winebrenner. Our first ATA registered shoot will be held June 21 & 22. It is the Tom Kunzer Memorial Shoot. Tom was the club president for many years and with others, a main contributor to what the club is today. So come out for a couple days of shooting fun & competition and let Tom know things are still going strong at the Plains Trap Club. In other news the Spring league is finishing up and throughout the summer we will have evening shooting. Come see us on Thursdays at 6:00 P.M. & Sunday at 2:00 P.M. Our second ATA shoot is scheduled for August 2nd & 3rd.
2014 South Side Sparks 4-H Trapshooting Team News By Matt Cockrell The Southside Sparks 4-H trapshooting program has had another great season! Each year the program starts with gun safety and progresses to point shooting with BB guns. Then on to the use of a shotgun, where the youths will shoot rounds of trap. Currently 15 young adults from ages 9 to 16 are participating. The program is taught by Mike Blake, with assistance from Matt Cockrell, Mahala Sweet, and Valaria Sweet, all of whom have attended a 4-H shooting sports certification class specific to shotgun sports. Gun safety is always a number one priority. Young adults are coached on safe gun handling skills and general firearm safety. Harry Green, the gun club’s range master also instructs them on gun maintenance. Participants are encouraged to bring Back Row Left to Right: Tar alee Ryan, Shayna Bur gess, Mar sada Sweet, J ubal Ryan, Kale Morefield, Mahala Sweet, Wyatt Sheehan Front Row Left to Right: Walker their own shotgun but if they do not have one, there are guns in the program Morefield, Ian Smith, Karen Lloyd, Wyatt Morefield, Lydia French - Not shown but also available for thier use. A 12 gauge is the participated are Aaron Collins, Teresa Lyscio most widely used, but some of the smaller youths use 20 gauges. No prior experience is necessary as we have had kids start who have never fired a shotgun, as well as kids who have shot trap before. Thanks to generous donations to the program, the cost per youth was down to three dollars per round of trap (25 shots). This covers shells and targets. The price next year may vary depending on finances and number of participants. We look forward to having another great class next year. If you're interested in signing your child up for the 2015 season, please contact either Mike Blake, at 406-826-6453 or Matt Cockrell at 406-396-2407.
Page 27 â—Š Shooting Sports
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Events/Happening
List your event or happening here for as low as $10.00
Libby Logger Days 26 - 29 June
TriState Veterans Standown – June 28th – Trout Creek Park – Contact Billy Hill 847-2407 Sanders County 4th of July Fireworks – July 4th, Fairgrounds Fireworks over the Lake – Lakeside Resort - July 4th – Contact John 406-827-4458 David Thompson Days – July 5th – @ PPL Power Park Thompson Falls Trout Creek Farmers Market – July 9th – 4-6 pm Every Wednesday through September 24 5th Annual Hot Springs Blues Festival – July 11 & 12, Symes Hotel, Cost $20, Contact 406-741-2361 50th Anniv. of the Wilderness Act – July 11-13, Bull Lake Rod & Gun Club – 1508 Kaniksu Ave. Libby 3rd Annual Big Sky Bash – July 13 – JNeils Pk Libby, Starts 6 pm, Tickets@www.donatecardfoundation.org Tri-State Bass Tournament - July 26-27 - Trout Creek/Noxon, MT Wild Coyote Days – July 25-27 – 713 Prospect Creek Rd. Thompson Falls. Contact Karen 406-827-7867 Riverfront Blues Festival – August 10-11 – Riverfront Park Libby. www.riverfrontbluesfestival.com
2014 Youth Conservation and Education Expo - By Angela Gerych The weather was chilly, and the rain was sporadic, but the crowd was enthusiastic at the 2014 Youth Conservation and Education Expo on May 10th at the Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis. Among the organizations that sponsored the event, and some had booths set up, were the Montana Trappers Association, Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife, Safari Club International, Quail Forever, Wild Sheep Foundation, Be Bear Aware, Pheasants Forever, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and even more. There was also a 25-foot climbing wall that kept the more daring youngsters entertained as they worked their way to the top, overlooking the event at the Red Slack Barn. The Montana Bowhunters Association had an archery range set up for youth interested in trying their hand in shooting a bow. The event was free for all to attend, and all in all, with over 30 local and national organizations involved, it was a complete success. Teller Wildlife Refuge is already preparing for the 2015 Youth Conservation and Education Expo and hopes to get even more organizations involved. For more information on the event, visit www.tellerwildlife.org and click the "Events" tab.
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