Publisher’s Notes
What’s Inside
Patriots Corner Meanderings Trapping Archery Talk Play Time The Root Cellar Shooting Sports Fishing Bear season goes out for most of Region 1, 31 May and Turkey goes out May 15 so you still got time to fill those tags, if not there is always the fall. There are a few HDs for bear hunting Montana Dan that stays open until 15 June so check your regulations to see which ones may still be open. Sportsman’s Meditation Watch for those sows with cubs and Grizzlies where applicable. I passed on a bear a few days Local Celebrities ago because my hunting buddy and I were not sure. Next Generation Tony Rebo Fishing season opens 21 May so get that equipment ready, it is time to wet a fly or hit your favorite stretch of river or lake. In Region 1 there is not much snow left but always be careful Fly Fishing when wading or fishing fast moving waters and streams. Holes in the river or creek bed may Tea Party have changed since last year. No fish is worth your life. Mountain Memories It is hard to believe it is May already. This month’s issue is packed again. Hopefully everyone got their Moose, Sheep and Goat applications in before the 2 May deadline. Next month the Antelope, Deer and Elk B tag applications are due by 1 June, so don’t wait until the last minute like I usually do. Check your regulations and application closely for any changes for 2016/2017 hunting/fishing seasons.
This month brings us Mother’s Day, Flag Day and Memorial Day. Celebrate responsibly, legally and safely. BBQ time is here so be safe when using propane or lighting camp fires. Look for our local roads to have more traffic as tourist start to return to our beautiful state. I have already seen several campers from out of state on the highways and byways. Don’t forget about our Photo Contest, see page 36 or our website for rules and details. Somebody is going to win that Kahr 45 ACP and other prizes. Until next month keep “Living The Dream” and thank you for your continued support. A special thanks goes out to our advertisers that make this publication possible. Raf Viniard Publisher
Guest Writers This Month:
Alan Clarke—Spring Has Sprung, Page 6 Jen Mikkelson—Lilacs and Wild Asparagus, Page 7 Charlie & Judy Woolley—Where Has My Rights Gone?, Page 22 Front Cover Photo Provided By: All Systems Go Computer Repair, Troy, MT—Owners Greg & Lori Goodman Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s out there! To Contact Us: Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Plains, Montana 59859 406-407-0612 Email: raf@montanawoodsnwater.com www.montanawoodsnwater.com
2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 13 14 15 18 20 22 27
Seen On Blog Only www.montanawoodsnwater.com/Blog Jen Mikelson Lilacs and Wild Asparagus Nathan Albertson Passion For The Outdoors
Staff
Publisher/Editor/Layout/Sales: Raf - 406-407-0612 Director of Social Media Misty - 406-250-4191 Field Pro Staff Lincoln County Jessica Parker - 406-334-3778 Photographer Robin Hao Pro Staff Writers This Month: Paul Fielder Chuck Stranahan Pastor Jim Sinclair Dan Helterline Tony Rebo Carol Cady
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PATRIOTS CORNER
Patriot vs. Patriotic By Raf Viniard With Memorial Day at the end of this month, the Bundy Ranch and Oregon standoff situations being old news this is a month to reflect on whether you are patriotic, a patriot or both. Some will say they are the same but let’s look a little deeper into this belief. Some of you may be following the Jake Ryan’s situation, the shooting of LaVoy Finnicum or the imprisonment of the Cliven Bundy. Jake Ryan a young man of Plains, MT is known in these parts as a hard working, fun loving, outdoorsman and valued community member. He never had nothing more than a single speeding ticket. He was recently picked up on a federal warrant for his participation in the Oregon stand off and has been labeled a threat to his community. The Ryan’s are my next door neighbors and you can rest assured Jake is no threat to his community. To learn more about these issues you can Google Jake Ryan’s name, Lavoy Finnicum or the Oregon standoff to learn more, but for this article we are going to look at Patriot vs. Patriotic. Whether you agree, disagree or have no opinion in this matter, the America you grew up in is changing and it is changing fast, your kids and grandkids have a future far different than yours. When I joined the military I took a oath to defend this country against all enemies foreign or domestic . All Federal, state, and local officials take the same oath in one variation or another but the bottom line is we agree to uphold the Constitution. Some believe hanging the America flag, sing the National Anthem and participating in a parade may be “Patriotic” enough. The definition of Patriotic is having or expressing devotion to and vigorous support of one’s country. A Patriot is a person actively opposing enemy forces occupying his or her country; a member of a resistance movement or freedom fighter. It was originally used to describe those who opposed and fought the British in American War of Independence against Britain. I believe being a “Patriot” is a feeling deep inside of those willing to make a stand regardless of the outcome or consequences . Right now we have cemeteries not only here in the US but countries abroad full of both Patriots and Patriotic citizens that have fought to defend our freedom and the Untied States. They all gave the full measure. When someone joins the military they may not fully understand at the time they raise their right hand, that they may be called upon to give the full measure. When I joined the service it didn’t really sink in until about halfway through basic training when my drill instructor, SSgt White halted us in the middle of drill practice. We just couldn’t seem to march in sink with that distinctive heel beat and precision. He instructed us to Parade Rest as six low-flying F-15 Screamin Eagles jet fighters passed over the Parade Field. After the noise abated he then made this statement, “Gentlemen that is the sound of freedom, never forget why you are here, it is not about a college education or the benefits your recruiter promised you. We are a fighting force to defend our country and with great precision and lethal force we project that power worldwide, day or night, 24-7, 365 days a year and 366 on Leap Year. At some point you may be asked to give the full measure to carry out that mission. Now get your S@%t together and act like airmen.” Our Squadron motto was “Lead, Follow or Get Out of The Way”, and a motto I hold onto and truly believe in today. Being in the military is one thing, being a Patriot citizen is another, some may have military background while others don’t, but there are community members that would lay their life on the line to defend you, your home, your land, your community, your state or our nation. In the Declaration of Independence...All men are created equal. They are endowed not by government but by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Continued on page 17. 2
MEANDERINGS
So much to do, so little time By Raf Viniard Not that I don’t have enough things to distract me from running this publication but now fishing season is about to open. Time to wet a line and fire up the cast iron skillet. I have gone out a few times trying to find that BIG bruin but have not closed the deal yet. I have passed on a couple of smaller bears...I hope not to regret. The bears are really stirring and spring is way early this year so there is plenty for them to eat. My turkey hunting got pushed to the rear once bear season opened and for shed hunting I try to do that while I am bear hunting. Chris Borntreger sent me this picture of Mannie Troyer’s gobbler that he took with seven beards. Amazing! As for Morels I have picked a couple handfuls in my hunting areas...you know just enough to say I found some. I got friends that are willing to show me where to go to find that Mother Lode but time is not on my side. Caleb Wengerd sent me a picture of his bucket full of Morels shown left. This year is just flying by. Once bear season goes out we get to put out our game cameras. Then we have trails to cut, mountains and drains to scout. Throw in a few summer family camping and fishing trips and it will be archery season before we know it. Oh and not to forget the kids sports activities, gardening and lawn upkeep that will keep us all busy. I don’t take vacations anymore since I am living in the best place in the world and feel like I am in paradise everyday. Think of all the folks that spend a lot money to vacation here and we get to wake up to that Montana mountain air every morning. Oh and we must not forget about getting the boat and other fishing gear ready to hit the water. With the days getting longer I find myself getting home later and later every night. I love the fall but spring is my second favorite. I finally got more daylight to enjoy each day to the fullest. My problem is my body can’t handle what my brain and heart wants to do. My batteries are drained by the end of the day. For archery hunters the bows are coming back out and arrows are hitting the backyard targets and 3D shoots. Archery season opens in less than 120 days by the time you read this. Fall hunting trips are being planned and expectations are high going into a new season. There are gophers that need thinning and providing us with an opportunity to sharpen of our shooting skills and get the kids involved in the outdoors. Grouse season opens in less than 120 days as well. I am seeing a lot of grouse this year so we should have a good fall season. Rifles need to be sighted in and optics and bullets fine tuned before it gets too hot. More and more folks are getting in on the long range shooting. I have already heard of a couple of bears that has been taken over distances of 800 yards plus. I just picked up a few more traps that are going to need some work and hopefully get to do some trapping this year. Anyone that says they are bored is not “Living The Dream”. Even if you are not into hunting or fishing there are so many things to see and do here in NW MT. All these pictures that come in gives me the drive to keep pushing on so that maybe someday I can retire and make myself sick hunting, fishing and trapping and probably going broke from running up and down the mountain roads. Until then fire up the grill, lay the phone down and get out there and live every day as if it was your last. 3
TRAPPING
Trappers Meeting Summary – by Paul C Fielder Interested trappers in Region 1 met with Montana FW&P Biologists April 16th in Kalispell to talk about the past season and upcoming year. About 22 people attended, plus MFW&P biologists Tim Thier and Neil Anderson. We reviewed, cussed and discussed harvest data and quota closing dates for bobcat, otter, fisher, marten, and wolves. MFW&P shared some good information in table & graph format. The majority voted to concur with MFW&P to keep the bobcat quota at 275 bobcats, even though Region 1 reaches its quota within the first 25-27 days of the 2 ½ month season.. The attendees disagreed with MFW&P about reducing the fisher quota from 2 to zero, and instead they recommended to keep that quota at 2 fishers for Region 1. The attendees discussed the abundance of otters in Region 1 and agreed with MFW&P’s recommendation an increase in the otter quota in region 1 from 23 to 28 otters. The wolf harvest from Region 1 was equally split with 35 wolves taken by hunting and 35 taken by trapping. Region 1 accounted for a third of the 210 wolves harvested in the state this past season and almost half of the 73 wolves trapped in Montana. We discussed a need for a legislative change regarding a rule that requires notification of all residences within 1,000 feet of set traps. The suggestion was that private property be exempted from that notification requirement and that it should only apply to traps set on public land. Paul Fielder, as MTA District 1 Director, officially notified MFW&P that new legislation similar to SB334 would probably be brought again in the next legislative session. The notification asked the MFW&P Region 1 office to notify the Helena office of the coming legislation so they can’t say it surprised them and asked for identification of the “unknown and unintended consequences” which the MFW&P attorney said that legislation might cause. SB334 would have defined GAME ANIMALS as including big game animals, upland game birds, migratory game birds, and furbearers. We want to protect our harvest heritage. VP-West, Jason Maxwell, discussed the upcoming NTA Regional meeting that the MTA is hosting at the Missoula Fairgrounds May 20 & 21. Paul discussed the upcoming election season and the value of being knowledgeable about candidates and their positions on issues relating to trappers. Paul offered a “voter’s cheat sheet” that listed candidates in Region 1 which supported and opposed trapping bills HB212 and SB334 during the past legislative session and who trappers can count on again. Dan Helterline, of Plains Montana, was nominated for the exalted position of Montana Trappers Association District 1 Director and was unanimously elected. Paul Fielder and Dave Wallace will stay involved as sub-directors. MTA should maintain a strong presence for trappers in Region 1. Dan Helterline aka “Montana Dan” sporting his new wolf coat is your new MTA District 1 Director. 4
ARCHERY TALK
31st Annual Lone Pine 3D Shoot by Raf Viniard My Saturdays and Sundays have been filled running from one event to another. I used to shoot 3D years ago and it kept me in practice during the off season of hunting. When I heard about this shoot I had to go and investigate. The day had a threat of rain so getting out and bear hunting was not looking good plus I had plenty of time in the afternoon if the weather cleared up. I grabbed my better half, Pam and off we went. Of course I did throw in my bear hunting stuff in the Jeep, you know just in case the weather broke in the evening. The event was held at the Lone Pine State Park up in Kalispell, MT. A sprinkle here and there on the windshield on the way reminded me I might need my rain gear that I left in my truck back in Plains. As soon as we drove into the park, cars were parked everywhere. The Flathead Valley Archer’s had it well organized so parking was a breeze. There were folks there of all ages, male and female. With bows slung over shoulders they were headed up the mountain to meet the shooting challenges that faced them. Our primary contact for the event was Sarah Yerkes the President of the Flathead Valley Archers but she was out on the course helping participants. So we chatted with Nicole Salois who was signing in participants . The smell of burgers cooking on the grill was hard to break away from but there was only one thing left to do and that was to head out up the mountain and do some interviews. Our first 3D target we visited was a wolf. There we found Sterling Boone of Kalispell with his Dad Wes. When interviewing participants and especially kids you just never know what will come out of their mouths. This boy was fired up...you would have thought he had been doing interviews for years. Sterling quickly told me, “I am six years old and have been doing this for a year.” He pulled that bow back and let it fly and on his first shot nailed the wolf in the lungs. Dad had his hands full that day. Jesse Vanderzwaag (pictured right) of Kalispell, MT watched and patiently listened as Sterling went into great detail about his days adventures. Sterling was a tough act to follow but Jesse settled the pin and released with a solid heart hit. On up the trail we headed where we ran into Shelly May (pictured left) of Kila, MT getting ready to try her luck on a pink lion. She anchored off and made it look easy as the arrow sailed towards the pink lion with a solid thud. Continued on page 12.
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PLAY TIME
Spring Has Sprung by Alan Clarke It’s baaaaack! Wait, what’s back? Longer, warmer days? Freshly worked fields, and weeds? Nah! When I think of spring, I think of starting new: New wild flowers, fresh cleansing rain, and baby critters running around in the forest. But beyond all of those things what do I mean when I say “It’s back”? STARTING A NEW FISHING SEASON!!! Fishing is an important family function for us. So important to some of us as a matter of fact that a few weeks back I had my oldest daughter (18) at work with me before she went to work, and I left the poor baby alone…in my office. When I got back to my desk, I had sticky notes on my computer screen saying: “Take Brenna Fishing! #1 priority. Or she’ll die and nobody wants
that. Cuz I’ll haunt you!” Nothing says c’mon Dad than a note like that. We did go fishing that weekend, but it was a little too cold. We didn’t get a single nibble. All my kid’s said was, “The elusive Monster Bass evaded us again!”…in their best Bear Grills accent of course. Crazy kids. This also means it is time for dusting off the ATV’s and our camping gear because let’s face it nothing goes better with family and fishing than camping and riding. This year we are going to use the Polaris ACE to get to our favorite spots for all of these activities. With the ACE’s roll cage and seat belt, I don’t have to worry as much about it rolling over on me if I get into a tricky situation. The ACE also comes with Polaris AWD, and comes standard with a 1.25” receiver and has towing capabilities of 1500lb. This means I can use the bed to haul gear and put a trailer behind to hold the tents, food, and luggage. There is the option of a 32HP economy model, 45HP all around machine, or a 60HP beast. A common misconception when you see the ACE is that it must be a dune machine, or that it is a sport model like a RZR. I assure you; even the 900cc/60HP model is a 4-wheel ATV, just like your Sportsman. The difference is that it has a roll cage, high back bucket seat, seat belt, steering wheel, available doors, and can be completely enclosed. You can even put a winch and plow on the front of it. The ACE is an ATV that you sit in… NOT on. ACE is especially nice if you have back, or hip problems, as you no longer have to straddle a seat. Also, if you have shoulder issues or arthritis in your hands, you get to use a steering wheel…and even available electronic power steering for more ease. The Polaris ACE is one of the best ATV’s to hit the ground. As you are preparing to head out, make sure you check all of your gear. Last years’ battery might be a weak. Last years’ worms definitely won’t work! You should check your oil and the last time your machine was serviced. How’s the air pressure and condition of your tires? Did you refill the first aid kit from when you hooked yourself in the rear last fall? Make sure you have fresh, premium, non-Ethanol gas in your machine. Better yet, you may need to change the line on your reel, or talk the wife into you getting a whole new rod and reel…and if you’re lucky a new ATV too. Other Reminders... In any event, you should be prepared for anything Montana can throw at you. Spring has probably the most volatile of weather conditions. We have beautiful sunny days sometimes into the 70’s and 80’s, but it is still frigid at night. Last Friday we even had a great thunder storm that rolled through. It is common to be in snow in the higher elevations, and you can get snow off and on in the valleys too. Heck, the other day we got 4 inches on the valley floor before 9am. They closed Hwy 93 in sections and cars were all over and off the road. However, on my way home at 6pm it was all gone. Continued on page 16. 6
THE ROOT CELLAR
Lilacs and Wild Asparagus By Jen Mikkelson For some, the consolations for the snow melting are few and far between. Admittedly, I am one of those people, but after the end of ski season festivities, the lilacs bloom. This is my consolation. When I was a kid we had an enormous lilac shrub at the end of our street and I would bring home a child-size handful every day, until my Mom had to explain to me that no more would grow if I stripped the shrub clean. Given my lilacs nostalgia I was pleasantly surprised to find my first spring here that lilacs grow in Montana. In fact, several decades ago a scientist planted the many lilac shrubs around Bozeman as a tool to track climate change, thus the increasingly early blossoms. As unfortunate as this is, lilacs blooms also mean that wild asparagus is ripe for the picking! Wild asparagus is exactly the same as the asparagus that you buy in the grocery. In addition, most wild asparagus was introduced, making harvesting it an act of environmental stewardship. Asparagus is a perennial, meaning the growth above ground dies every year. As a plant, asparagus is tall, up to 6 feet tall, and ferny, like fennel or dill. So although they are difficult to find at first, once you do you can return to the same spot every year! There are male and female plants, and the female plants will eventually sport pretty red berries all over. The berries are toxic, so DO NOT eat them. The spears look exactly like what you buy in the grocery store, and it is best to use a knife or scissors to harvest, as pulling them out of the ground could result in an inability to grow the next year, and of course, always leave a few plants. Asparagus typically grows near marsh like and wet areas, such as near slow moving creeks, but not in them. The asparagus needs moisture, but not be submerged. They thrive in full sun, and near small trees and briar patches. You will not find them in a forest or even an open woods because of their need for sun and high moisture. The edge of current or former farm land is a good bet, as the clearance of foliage and the wear and tear caused by animals makes for an ideal environment. Ditches are also a good bet environmentally, but I am reluctant to recommend harvesting from the roadside because of vehicles and chemicals. This can be true for farmland as well, depending on whether the farm is organic or not. Because of the environment they prefer they are often found in areas where poison oak and ivy grow, so those who are sensitive to these plants, watch out, and consider leaving your furry friends at home. As for recipes, your favorite asparagus recipe will serve you well, as I stated earlier, the “wild” version is no different from what you buy in the store! Enjoy the spring weather, your harvest, and happy foraging! Publisher’s Note: Growing up as kid we referred to wild asparagus as “Ditch Bank Asparagus”. In the winter the birds would eat the little red asparagus berries (seeds) from our garden asparagus patch and then go sit on the power lines along the road and poop out the seeds. Each year new shoots of asparagus would appear along the road ditch banks next to the March Flowers (Daffodils) and Dew Berries (Wild Blackberries). A wild asparagus patch was a closely guarded secret as ones Huckleberry, Morel Mushroom patch or elk honey hole. Go to our Blog on our website www.montanawoodsnwater.com/ blog/ to read Jen’s full article where she discusses other uses for Lilacs other than sitting on your Mom’s dinner table. I had never heard of Lilac Syrup, Jelly and Wine. Good job Jen! 7
Business Card Directrory
8
SHOOTING SPORTS
Thompson Falls Trap Club Spring Turkey Shoot by Raf Viniard As I stepped from the car the cool crisp morning mountain air was filled with the smell of burnt gun powder. One shotgun rapport after another echoed off the mountain. The Thompson Falls Trap Club Spring Turkey shoot was in full swing. The sun was shinning and it was a beautiful day to burn some powder and try your luck at winning some meat or money or both. Competition was stiff but friendly banter filled the conversations. Trey Fisher and Ryan Battles (Pictured Right) both of Thompson Falls was the youngest attendees but their aim was true. Trey had been shooting trap about a year with his Browning pump and Ryan had been shooting about a year and half using Beretta over/under. Helen Durgin (Pictured Left) takes a swing on a clay bird and turns it to little broken pieces. Everyone had a great day of fun, burning powder and throwing lead. Digger Powell wanted to thank every for coming. Here are the list of winners: High Score 50 bird—Larry Wakefield Thompson Falls High Score Junior shooter—Tray Fisher Thompson Falls Houseman Eagle award—Bill Johnson Jr. Spokane Washington Houseman Eagle award—Tray Fisher Thompson Falls Super Annie Digger—Powell Heron Montana Bill Johnson Jr. Spokane WA Yardage Event—Bill Johnson Jr. & Larry Wakefield 25 Strait—Bill Johnson Jr.
Pictured above: Judy Taylor of Noxon, MT concentrates on the task at hand.
If you would like to see all the pictures I took during the shoot events go to www.montanawoodsnwater.com/events/ Shooting Sports Continued on Page 23 9
FISHING
You’re Never To Old To Party...Right Ed? By Raf Viniard Ed Von Heeder of Plains, MT never saw it coming. His son Derek Von Heeder also of Plains did a little horse swapping so his Dad and him could fish the famous Columbia River for Sturgeon with Captain Jeremy Wisdom of Wisdom Guide Service out of Othello, WA. With Father’s Day being next month this is a hint for all you sons or daughters. Most Dads love to fish...just saying! Ed turned 74 last month and his son took him on a fishing trip he will never forget. Ed stated to Derek, “I am 74 years old and have never had a fishing trip like this. I had a tremendous day. That was the best “Birthday Party” I have had in my life.”
Right to Left: Ed Von Heeder and his son Derek with a couple of keepers.
Derek said, “We started fishing at 6:30 AM and had caught nine sturgeon by 10:30 AM. Of the nine we were allowed to legally keep two of the nine. They had to be between 4354 inches to keep. Dad caught a 48 1/4” sturgeon beating my 47 incher.”
Talking with Derek he sounded like he was still on a Birthday Party high as the excitement in his voice continued to grow as he told the story about the big ones they landed. They caught a total of 11 sturgeon. Usually the story goes on about how the big one got away...not this story, it has a great ending. Derek fought a 9 foot long sturgeon for two hours and 18 minutes and 3.3 miles down the river before picture time. Derek went on to say, “My arms were like “killing me!”. We had to take him out to deeper water to tire him out before we could get him close enough to shore to take a picture. You can’t take them out of the water if they have to be released. He jumped out of the water fighting me five times. I had a wonderful day with Dad fishing.” Derek didn’t get to have all the fun as Dad had his own fight. Dad finally landed his 6 footer as well.
Left to Right: Derek, Capt. Jeremy and Dad standing on bow of boat with a thumbs up!
Captain Jeremy had a chart that they used to determine age and weight after the initial measurements. Derek’s sturgeon was estimated to be 66 years old and weighing in a 366 pounds. The four hour drive and mule trading of some Stump Grillers was a win-win for all involved. Dereks’ final statement was, “It was unreal!!! If you ever get a chance to do it!!! Just Do It! Montana Woods N Water sends a belated Happy Birthday out to Mr. Ed Von Heeder! 10
Jumper!
MONTANA DAN
Young Guns By Dan Helterline Have you ever had a hunt so easy you just knew you were going to pay dearly later? Last year when my daughter accompanied me on her first turkey pursuit, she wasn’t old enough to hunt yet, so she just tagged along for moral support. We had a gobbler answer shortly after we left the truck, so we made a quick approach, got set up and the gobbler came in on a string. I made an easy shot and we were back to the truck within the hour. Turkey hunting is easy, right? Well let me tell you about our trials and tribulations in the turkey woods this year! I was very excited when Alexis passed Hunters Safety this spring and she would be able to go hunting this year on her own, with turkey season right around the corner, Alexis could now put her new 20 gauge to the test. And what better way to start a young hunter out by taking them out turkey hunting, and after all turkey hunting is easy, right? After last years easy success I was confident Alexis would make short work of a spring gobbler and be tagged out in no time, boy was I mistaken! I had forgotten what is was like my first few seasons hunting and the obstacles that had to be overcome to evolve into a successful hunter. I will have to admit, taking your eleven year old daughter to ask permission to hunt on private land is a sure recipe for success, all of the land owners we asked were more than happy to let a first time, eleven year old hunter on their property to attempt to harvest a turkey. We soon had more than enough spots to keep us busy trying to call in a spring gobbler. In addition we are currently reaping the benefits of last spring's record hatch of ground nesting gamebirds, with turkey numbers being exceptional. They are doing so well in fact, the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is currently allowing the harvest of two spring gobblers in Region One. It wasn't that long ago that I remember having to put in and draw for a turkey permit and you considered yourself lucky if you drew one of the 25 permits issued! Opening morning found us at a friends property listening to several gobblers in the predawn chill, gobbling away, preparing to fly down from the roost. The sound of turkeys gobbling as they slowing make their way towards you has to be exciting to a young hunter, I know it gets me excited. This was going to be too easy, I kept thinking every time the tom answered my hen calls. Finally several hens and a tom appeared on the far side of the opening and slowly worked their way towards us. The tom strutted and gobbled his head off just out of shotgun range on the far side of the hens for what seemed like eternity. One of the hens finally spied us and lead the rest of the flock quickly down the hill, so much for our easy opening morning gobbler. I told Alexis on the way back to the truck that we needed to get a decoy, that would definitely better our odds. Lucky for us, turkey decoys were on sale at Sportsman's Warehouse and my next trip to the “Big City” I picked up a pair, our next trip to the turkey woods was sure to be a success armed with two new Primos Turkey Decoys! The next weekend found us on Jim Shallenberger's Ranch on Buffalo Bill Cr, if there ever was a turkey hunters paradise, this would have to be close to it, and Jim was very gracious to allow Alexis and I to take a crack at one of the many gobblers that reside on his ranch. Continued on page 12. 11
MONTANA DAN CONTINUED Once again we found ourselves hiding in the predawn chill listening to several gobblers as the readied themselves to fly down from their roost once daylight arrived. With our decoys placed strategically in front of us, Alexis's turkey tag was as good as punched. Soon it was daylight and I started in with some seductive sounding hen clucks on my box call. It didn't take long to get a response either, we could hear a gobbler answering from behind us. Every time I stroked my box call he fired off an immediate response and each time he was getting closer, in no time he was blasting out gobbles right behind us, I whispered to Alexis to slowly raise her gun and get ready, shortly before the gobbler came into sight at ten yards making a beeline for the decoys. What I neglected to tell Alexis is wait until he stops to strut at the decoys before shooting. When the gun fired and the load of five shot went whizzing by his head, that gobbler didn’t waste any time putting a large amount of real estate between him and whatever just made that god awful sound from that brush pile! Later that morning, while Alexis was warming up in the truck, I spied a pair of Jakes in the creek bottom and was able to sneak and cluck my way into shotgun range and fill one of my turkey tags, I have no doubt that Alexis was disappointed at her missed shot and not bagging the first turkey of the season. It's hard to try to explain to an eleven year old that hunting takes practice and time to develop the skill set necessary to be successful and one doesn't become a good hunter overnight. We have been hunting every weekend and some weeknights, and we've had many more close calls and missed opportunities, but have yet to connect with a bird for Alexis. On multiple occasions,, toms tending hens would answer us but were unwilling to leave their ladies to come check us out, we have had several gobblers come in from behind us and give us the slip before we could get a shot. One morning while a friend was calling for us we thought we had a single gobbler approaching until, not one, but six Jakes emerged into the clearing, all gobbling in unison sounding like one bird! They worked their way directly at us, then turned just out of 20 gauge range and filed past us! Alexis had her gun up and the safety off but she made the right call and said they weren't close enough. Now if that doesn't leave a lasting impression on a young hunter I don’t know what will. We still have two weeks left in the season and the hens are starting to nest so the gobblers are more receptive to approaching a call, with each encounter we are both learning new turkey hunting tricks and it's just a matter of time before Alexis connects. I never would have guessed turkey hunting could be this hard, I guess I’m paying for last years easy hunt! We are making plans for next weekend and the proverbial “fat lady” hasn't warmed up her vocal cords quite yet! To be continued…
3D SHOOT CONTINUED from page 5 Next up was 13 year old Marina Cesarone of Kalispell and then following her was 10 year old Carissa Cesarone. Finally Dad (Jack Cesarone) got his chance. That poor pink lion didn’t know what hit him. Three gentlemen watched patiently as we completed the interview and at first they were a little camera shy. Jerry Siemens, Gary Grober and Jerry Manske all of Trego, MT (pictured below) with a combined experience bow hunting of over...well just say they have seen many seasons come and go. All in there 70s and still hanging out and having fun as life should be lived. As we wrapped up a few interviews and photo ops we headed back down the mountain to find Sarah She was busy directing traffic to make sure everyone was safe in their arrival and departure. Sarah stated, “We had a great day at Lone Pine and were very pleased with our turnout of 125 shooters. I would like to thank all of them for supporting our club. I want to extend our appreciation to our sponsors as well, Cabela’s, Spirit Quest Archery, Flaming Arrow Archery, McDonalds, Peak communications, Valley Bank, and Lower Valley Processing. We are now preparing for our next shoot July 23rd and 24th at the MBEF property. We got some exciting news that Rocky Jacobsen will be hosting his elk bugling seminar at our shoot Saturday evening. There will be games for all and camping available. You can visit us on Facebook at Flathead Valley Archers. I hope to see a lot of folks in July.” Continued on page 30. 12
SPORTSMAN’S MEDITATION
Hardships Build Character by Pastor Jim Sinclair Nobody wants to struggle, Nobody wants any hardships, I get it, but life is full of them, struggling is not fun. We must remember that hardship is the crucible of “Character”, without hardship our character is never honed. I recently watched an incredible woman stand by her husband for months as he was passing. Hundreds of trips up and down stairs for months, constant responsibility of administering medications, everyday a struggle and hardship, sleepless nights, stressful days, 61 years of a companionship will drive that kind of love and dedication. I was amazed at the relentless pursuit of caring. In today’s world many out there want a free lunch, no struggles no hardships...just EASY living. We want to love as long as we don’t have to work at it which reminds me of this story. A young man’s fiancé had broken off their engagement. But a couple of months passed, and she wrote. Dearest Johnny, No words could ever express the great unhappiness I’ve felt since breaking our engagement. Please say you will take me back. No one could ever take your place in my heart, so please forgive me. I love you, I love you, I love you! Yours forever, Marie. P.S.: And congratulations on winning the state lottery. I have a hard time believing that her words of love ring true. She SAID she loved him. She SAID she wanted him back but it was fairly obvious it wasn’t him she really wanted. She was willing to love him because he had lots of money. But once the money was gone – so would she. For her – to live was the lottery. For her – to live was the value of his wealth and the freedom that would bring to her. But she didn’t really love and she didn’t really want to live for him. Her love was a “fair-weather” love...no struggles, no hardships. In other words, as long as the weather was fair and pleasant, she’d be faithful. All too often, Believers can respond to God in the same way. As long as God does what we ask…as long as He answers our prayers the way we want them answered and as long as life goes exactly the way we believe it ought to, then we’ll live for Him, but if not… I’m gone. God’s crucible is one of character building, God understands the “virtue is in the struggle and hardship of life.” That’s’ where we learn to depend on him and trust him. This wife of 61 years has poured into me for the last two years the meaning of hardship and struggle, her commitment to honor relationship has proven one thing to me, “This was not a Lottery Love”. So here is our challenge, How will we process the hardships and struggles in our world? Solomon said it this way in, Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 13 Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked? 14 Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when HARD TIMES strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life. (NLTse) Keep livin the life Pastor Jim. A tribute to Sister Doris Reich. 13
LOCAL CELEBRITIES
Pictured Left: Tara Browning and her husband Doug closed the deal on this wary Tom. Congrats Tara! Pictured Right: Two days, two birds downed by Jonas Steward & Skyler McKinzie. Now that’s team work. Good job guys!
Left to Right: Our infamous writer Tony Rebo with his first Turkey. Rob Yoder was a little camera shy but he sent us a picture of his Tom ...nice pic Rob...thanks for sharing. Carly Pieper with a beautiful Tom...it was the first animal she has ever shot. Way to go Carly. Baylee Maggi of Troy, MT with an old Tom she bagged on her birthday, Baylee was so proud of the turkey she cut off her own head in the photo. She is now chasing her first bear. Bottom Left: A little business trip huh? Now that is a stringer of fish. Mike Maxwell, John and Chris Borntreger make it look easy. What time is the fish fry gentlemen? Bottom Right: KC Roper with his first bear, shot with his 340 Weatherby at 320 yds. The bear still had grass in its mouth.
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NEXT GENERATION
Pictured Top Left: Jagger Muniz of Libby, MT with his first turkey. Jagger is starting to be a regular here at Montana Woods N Water also. Somebody is getting pretty good at this hunting thing! Way to go Jagger.
Pictured Above: Jake Calloway puts the smack down on a nice Gobbler. You are the man Jake! Pictured Left: Grandpa Billy Hill with his granddaughter Acelyn Walker Hill with her first bird taken with Gramps old Remington 870 pump. Congrats Acelyn...you got a pretty special Grandpa.
Pictured Top Center: Jay Von Heeder of Plains with a nice stringer of bass. Jay caught five of the ten and it looks like a fish fry is coming up soon. He said they released twice this many for next years catch. Pictured Below: Thomas Roark of Troy, MT and his Dad, John had one heck of a morning. Looks like Thomas is a chip off the old block. Congratulations Thomas...something tells me I will be seeing more of you in Montana Woods N Water.
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Bottom Picture: Jake Calloway does it again. This young man loves to hunt and is a pretty good wrestler from what I hear. Looks like his Dad is going to have to expand that trophy room.
MONTANA PLAY TIME CONTINUED One hazard that comes with this is changes in river flows. If you are in a boat, flows can rise and currents change quickly. If you are standing on the bank of a creek or stream it can turn into a raging river before you know it. Make sure you are prepared for a quick evacuation and that your vehicle and at least some of your emergency items are above the high water mark. As always make sure you have layers of clothing, extra water and some sort of food with you. Don’t count on catching the “big one” as your food source. It is a good idea to have a way to build a fire and patch a tire, including an air pump. You should travel with a buddy if you can and if not make sure you tell someone where you are going; without giving away your secret hole and when you plan on returning. Take your cell phone with you as well as a GPS and a map. Both cell phones and GPS are able to get search and rescue personal an approximate “last known” location if you are lost. Make sure you have the current season regulations for the area you are planning on being in. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. It is always better to be prepared and not need it than to need it and not be prepared. Remember catching a fish isn’t always the only way to have fun. Don’t get me wrong actually catching something, anything, hits the spot. The other day one of the kids was asked what they liked fishing for and they said “Fish!” They don’t care if it is the Monster Bass, Pike, or a Sunfish. They just like being out in the woods and spending time with us. It really isn’t about catching the fish anyway. Let’s face it. It is an exercise in patients for us and should be an enjoyable learning experience for them. We all know the old English proverb: “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.” Enjoy making memories with friends and family. Teach valuable skills, and have fun. Tight lines! This article brought to you by Alan Clarke an employee of Ronan Power Products.
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PATRIOT CONTINUED Premier among those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Government must be limited to protecting the peace and preserving our liberties, and doing so through the consent of the governed. It’s the right of a free people to rid themselves of a government that becomes destructive of those ends, as our Founders did in a supreme act of courage and defiance more than two hundred years ago. It is how the greatest country in the world was founded. This brings us back to the Jake Ryan situation, you don’t have to be a military man or woman to understand the difference between being Patriotic vs. a Patriot. Jake was prepared to give the full measure to right what he felt was an injustice. Jake now sits in jail and has lost his precious freedoms standing up for what he believed in. LaVoy Finnicum gave the last full measure of devotion with his life. The Bundy’s also sit in jail for what they believ in. Do not kid yourself, making a stand may have a price whether it be your money, your time, your freedom, your family, your friends or the shed of blood...it just got real didn’t it? Are you a true red, white and blue, God fearing, Patriot like LaVoy, The Bundy’s or Jake and willing to go to jail, lose everything you have to stand up for others rights and liberties, this nation, the Constitution with possibly your life...or are you just a flag waving Memorial Day Patriotic supporter ready for the kick off of summer fun? If you join a movement be prepared for the consequences. Take time this Memorial Day and read and understand the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Our forefathers were Godly men and yes they had their faults as we all do but the foundation they laid for this country was solid. Remember our Veterans as you munch on that BBQ and throw back a cold beverage this Memorial Day...because of them you live in the greatest country on earth, let’s honor them this Memorial Day with a moment of silence. This is one veteran that will never forget . Pray for Jake and the Ryan family that God will use this situation to bring Glory to his kingdom. Liberty and justice for all and never forget Liberty comes with a price. Montana Woods N Water salutes our veterans, police officers and firefighters past and present. Words From Jake as he sits in a jail cell awaiting trail. These words provided by his mother Roxanne Ryan: "If you could let them know many thanks and tell them to keep waking up, searching truth and defend each other in living life and knowing each one of us are powerful loving beings of light. Tell them to know and research the real meaning of the Republic. I miss life in words that I can't explain. The feeling of control, power, and money being used as tools to control. I've felt that, it's a sickening feeling. Why would anybody want to control other people's lives? It's just hard talking about living life, I'm connected to it in a way that most people wouldn't understand. It breaks my heart to even think that I will be forced against my own will. I might miss those most precious moments and memories is sickening....each one of you live life to the fullest. Love each other. “ Jake Ryan To write a letter on behalf of Jake Ryan address it to the Honorable Judge Anna Brown and send it to his attorney Jessi Merrithew. His email is Jesse@lmhlegal.com or snail mail to the letter to 610 Alder Street, Suite 415, Portland, OR 97205. 17
TONY REBO
A Mother’s Day Tribute By Tony Rebo I always look forward to the month of May as it is the beginning of so many great things. The third Saturday of May is opening day of creek fishing. Turkey season is just getting over, and we are in full swing scouting grassy hillsides for spring bear. The deer and elk are abundant and are seen everywhere. Soon fawns and calves will begin to be born. They will join the small bears who have wondered out of a wintery sleep. The woods will be filled with new wildlife that has just been born into this world. This brings me to another event that occurs in May; a day that we celebrate Mothers. This special day should be celebrated by one and all. The old question of which came first, the chicken or the egg is simply answered with; a Mom is what started life. This past couple of months I have been blessed to watch two young ladies give birth to my precious grandsons. Watching these two kids grow into Moms has been so uplifting. They both have taken the bull by the horns so to speak, and run with it. They both simply amaze me. It has lead me to believe that there are some things a Mom just knows from instinct. With all of this deep thought I have been doing, I have been thinking about my own Mom and the woman she is. My Mom was the second oldest child of eight children. She grew up in the foothills of Black Duck Minnesota, where her father was a coal miner. The family moved to Montana soon after my Mom graduated from high school. Not very long after that my Mom would marry and have a son. He died of SIDS when he was only two months old. The doctors told my Mom to not wait and to have another child to help fill the void. A year later I was born. Growing up in a small town in western Montana was a gift from God. I was pretty sheltered from the world and only could relate to world issues from the news which I watched on the TV. My Mom was a stay at home Mom and spent her life serving her kids. There were six more kids who joined me in the family home. When I reached the age of sixteen my parents were divorced and my Mom continued to serve her seven children. She did odd jobs to make ends meet, and things were not always easy, but my Mom was always there. She sewed most of all our clothes from material and was a green thumb in the garden. My Mom knew the meaning of a dollar and made sure any money was well spent. She would be the first up and the last to go to bed. Her day would start with getting her kids ready for the day; feeding, clothing, bathing, teaching, and disciplining when necessary. I don’t remember my Mom having fancy clothes or for that matter anything that was special to her. Her life was devoted to raising her children. She taught each of us how to cook, sew, and be a responsible adult. My brothers and sisters were not always aware of the sacrifices that my Mom made, and quite honestly we took advantage of her situation. We were not always the best kids. We pushed her at times to the brink of failure. Each time though she would rise up, face the issue, and overcome the problem with authority. My Mom always loved us, no matter what we did or said. I am sure there were many a day any normal person would have given up, but not my Mom. Continued on page 19
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TONY REBO CONTINUED I glance into my Mom’s eyes today and I see a very tired older version of my super hero. She moves about with caution and is slow to speak. Her life has been devoted to her children, and now she is just watching from the sidelines. She has fought many a battle including the latest with cancer. Somehow this super woman continues to go on. She continues to battle her health to stay in this world to ensure her children are ok. I try to put into perspective the influence my Mom has had on me and I have come up with this; when I was a kid my Mom was our provider. Whatever we needed we got from her. As I grew into adulthood I still needed her advice as tough situations arose. Today, she struggles to let go and let us help her. A Mom was and always will be the back bone of everything that is right in the world. She is everything to me because without her I would be nowhere. On this special day please join me in celebrating the women in our lives. Remember those who have passed and reach out to those who are still here. Find a Mom who is alone on this day and let her know how much we appreciate her. Moms everywhere need a hug and a thank you. To my Mom, my wife, my daughter, and my daughter in law; I love you all and thank you for taking on the toughest job in the world. Be a Montana Woods N Water Sponsor for only $20.00 a month. 3-4 Lines that will fit into the block!
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FLY FISHING
High Water Trout By Chuck Stranahan The water on my home river, the Bitterroot in Western Montana, is rising. Given our heavy snowpack this year it will soon be at flood stage, then will settle rapidly into fishable shape again. I’ll probably be on it when others are still saying “Too high.” Anglers who know how generally do well during high water. And they usually have long stretches all to themselves. It happened again this year during the pre-runoff period. When the river got too high to float, when rafts were pushed downstream by a midcurrent flume and there was too little time to cast to the banks, the river was all but abandoned. “Blown out,” most of the local anglers said.
Sculpins wash loose and are easy prey for big fish during high water. Patterns such as this can score well.
Until it was blown out (according to them), they did well stripping buggers or drifting big heavy nymphs. When those methods quit producing, all but the diehards quit. A few of the diehards scored. Big-time. Up to a point, during high water, trout will hold deep in familiar runs. While they’re there, fishing big stuff across the bottom is productive. As the water rises, at a certain point, this method all-of-a-sudden fails. Things are still OK on one day, and on the next, after the water has come up a little more, nothing works. It seems that, all of a sudden, the fish moved out. That’s exactly what happened. High water pushed them out. And as water levels rise, temperatures drop. Trout are sensitive to that. When water is high and temps are marginal, the windows of opportunity are narrow. A window of opportunity may exist for only a couple of hours during the pleasant part of a day, on the heels of a storm, or during a light, warm rain. You have to be there when the time is right. Finding fish, and not spooking them, is equally critical. During fishable high water, be it pre-runoff or post-runoff or a midsummer gullywasher of a storm, trout move around. They won’t hang in a roaring torrent, one that was a quiet pocket a few days ago. They leave. They find new lies, temporarily, and while they’re in them, they’re skittish. Just because you find a trout in the same familiar lie several times during midsummer is no guarantee that he’ll be there when the water is high. The flow of current around him increases and carries its own brand of chill factor. He’ll move out for a while, and move back to his old lie when things are more comfortable there again. Trout move around more than we think they do. They will move from the depth of a far bank to the shallower inside, or from the middle of a riffle to its lower edges, as water levels increase. As temps drop, they’ll move away from swifter holding currents, where the water is moving at about three to four feet per second, into water moving barely a foot per second. This business of current speed is important, but overlooked by many anglers. It is critical. It is easy to measure. Put a cast on the water, point your rod tip at your fly, hold it stationary as the fly drifts, and begin counting: “One-thousand, two-thousand, three…” Guess at how far your fly has moved each second. I find that simply guessing involves its own brand of downstream vertigo, and what looks like three FPS current is often turns out to be more like six, if I check using the point-and-count method. Very often high water trout will cruise and hold in water barely deep enough to cover a dorsal fin. Continued on page 21.
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FLY FISHING CONTINUED When fresh snowmelt hits the river, you’ll find trout like that along a bank at the inside of a bend, in slow moving water. Sometimes they’ll be in side channels that Trout like this brown often cruise flooded are dry the rest gravel bars during high water. Approach of the year. That cautiously, and hang on… favorite run, one you’ve taken fish from all summer long in seasons past, becomes a swift, noisy sluice during high water. That big long gravel bar which borders the run may be under less than a foot of water. Until they get spooked, the trout from the run will move onto the gravel bar, where food is washing into them and where, at the same time, they sense that they are exposed. To approach them, you have to forget the roaring torrent beside you, and fish to them cautiously, as if they were in a mountain meadow stream. Stealth and caution are too easily abandoned to the din of swift current right beside you, but are absolutely essential. The fish in such lies are vulnerable, not settled into their new surroundings. They will hold or cruise in the shallows until spooked. They may not be available again until the following day, the window of opportunity slammed shut until conditions are right for them to be in position and feeding again. Don’t waste your opportunities. Wade or row cautiously. Cast carefully. This is not flood stage “Yee-haw!” slap-the-banks-with-Bitch Creeks fishing. That will come later. Bitch Creeks and other large nymphs will work, though, if swung into the quiet lies from the main currents. So will smaller nymphs, which I prefer, as they are easier to control during the drift than larger ones. Trout will position themselves where migrating (or helplessly washed away) nymphs will be brought to them by the natural flow of the current toward shore. Spend some time studying the river. Find such a place. Fish there. A favorite trick of mine is to use a small streamer, about size eight or ten, which looks like a baitfish. I clamp a piece of split shot a foot above it. I make a kind of casual flop of a cast into a roaring torrent, and let the small fly swing into a lie where I think there is a fish. Sometimes this might be right below a submerged willow. I get hung up a lot, and lose a lot of flies. Thank goodness small streamers are easy (and cheap) to tie. I’ll let the small fly sit and swim in the slow current for a few seconds, maybe half a minute if my nerves are up to it, adjusting the depth and position of the fly with my rod tip, raising and lowering the shot. After a while I’ll lower the rod tip and move the fly. Continued on page 28. 21
TEA PARTY
Where Did My Rights Go?
By Charlie and Judy Woolley
OK, we know you’ve heard it all before. Get out and vote!! Going door to door in our campaigns we’ve also heard, “I don’t vote”, “I’m tired of politics”, “my vote doesn’t count anyhow”, “it doesn’t change anything”. We also see folks spending time sitting around with their friends complaining, talking about the loss of their rights, how politics stink, and cussing at the news reports on television and radio. Great, we agree! What does it accomplish, and again we agree, nothing. Why? Because it’s a closed system! Sure it feels good to blow off steam, but the net effect is zero when it is confined to the echo chamber of a group of close friends. They mostly agree with you anyhow. How you spend your time is up to you. That is what freedom is all about. Almost! Folks spend hours with their electronic devices texting their friends, playing games, having a beer and routing for their favorite teams. It is fun, it takes time, but it does nothing to make your vote count. With freedom comes responsibility. To maintain your freedom takes time and takes effort and getting outside your comfort zone. First, do you really know what rights are guaranteed by the US and MT Constitutions? Have you read them? You don’t really need to be a scholar to understand them. You don’t like the boring part about the branches of government, duties, etc., blah blah.. OK, flip to the first 10 original amendments of the US Constitution and in only 10 short paragraphs you will find out what God given rights you should have that have been gradually eroded over the last 200 plus years by unscrupulous politicians, lawyers and scholars. If you don’t have this information, you don’t know what has been lost or what people swear to uphold as a member of the armed forces, elected officers or legislators. It is your job to hold them to it. We will grant you that the current federal government overreach into our lives has reached a point where the people are no longer in control. In that case, we have to rely on the state to put up a firewall to protect the rights of the citizens of Montana. This can be done but it requires citizen involvement. Period. End of story. In Montana we are blessed with a very open and transparent political system by which people from all over a geographically vast state can be in constant contact with their legislators by phone, email, and conventional mail. All the votes taken, laws proposed, and citizens petitions are available to the public as well as information on how to access everything on-line with your smart phone or computer. We are sorry, but with all the available means of easy access, you have no excuse for not being involved. The reality is that when you send a good candidate to Helena, a representative has only 1 vote out of 100 and a senator 1 vote out of 50. It is up to you as a citizen to multiply the votes of your legislator. To do this, when the legislature is in session, you can access all the bills, the committees they will be heard in and when, on-line. Look for bill headings on issues that are of importance to you; gun rights, hunting, fishing, trapping, land access, natural resources, taxes, or regulations. Key up that bill, read it, see what it will cost taxpayers, and see who the winners and losers will be. Once you understand it, key the bar “contact a legislator”. You can then select a legislator or committee to contact with the number of the bill, request a yes or no vote, and tell them why. Give them a talking point that they may not be aware of that they can use in arguing for you in committee. We’ll give you a hint here. The best and most efficient time to pass or stop a bill is while it is in committee. Most bills passed by committee are usually passed later by a general vote on the floor. When in committee, a bill is considered by just the few legislators assigned to that committee with representation from both parties. Take the option to key on the committee. Yes, you will cover them all; those that are for and those against your values. The ones “for you” are not a problem, but they need to know that you, your family, your friends, organization and perhaps your community are behind them. In order to multiply the votes of your legislator, the key is to put all the correspondence possible on the desks of the opponents to swing maybe one or two votes to your side in a committee that may be evenly split. Be polite, thank them for their service regardless of their opinion, and give them your points of argument based on facts or your observations. That my friend is your responsibility! It is quick, it is easy in the age of computers. No computer? No excuse! There are toll free numbers to call. If you need to contact a legislator to support your issue and time is short, you can even have a page deliver your message directly to them when in meetings! Just do it! If you don’t and are content to sit passively by and cuss at the TV, don’t ask us where your rights went. You allowed them to be taken from you!
Your Vote Counts! 22
SHOOTING SPORTS CONTINUED From the Thompson Falls Spring Turkey Shoot, I was off to cover the Jakes Day event in Plains. Pictured left to right: Mahala Sweet, Tressa Lyscio and Marissa Sweet all of Plains busted some clay targets. Guys these ladies can handle a shotgun so tread lightly! Shooting Sports Continued on page 24.
Darby’s fish!
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SHOOTING SPORTS CONTINUED Libby Rod & Gun Club—Est. 1896 By Raf Viniard When I first started covering the Libby area I heard so many great things about this club’s operation and its facilities. Mr. Ackerman and I had spoke on the phone and it was on my hot lists. Being a one man show I could just never get the time to go over and check out their setup. I was covering the Thompson Falls Spring Shoot in which Mike Cirian was participating. He told me about a shoot they were having the following weekend, so the trip was set in stone. Mr. Ackerman met me upon my arrival and gave me a tour of the facilities and grounds and talked about their future expansion plans. They are looking to add another 4.91 acres which will allow another 100 yard rifle range and two more 50 yard pistol ranges. There are also future plans to add a 3D archery course. No money has been spent on the range for labor, the members, staff, local businesses and county and with some financial help from the Friends of The NRA have made these shooting facilities possible. Lincoln County and Libby highly support this endeavor to help draw visitors to augment the local economy. Libby Rod & Gun is located on 31 acres of US Forestry lands just east of town. They were issued a county use permit. The range is set in a beautiful Northwest Montana backdrop. Just across the road is the airport in which has a rich history within itself according to Mr. Ackerman. Not enough room here for that story but we will try to cover it at a later date. The Libby Rod & Gun club is 100% volunteer and the club members and staff manage and oversee the operation and maintenance of the facilities and grounds.
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Click Here For Virtual Tour
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MOUNTAIN MEMORIES
Mother-Daughter Time
By Carol Cady
Well...spring is here and summer is on its way and its “Fishing Time” in the Rockies!! I know…I know…you can fish pretty much year round here, but those warm, hot, lazy days of summer make summertime fishing to die for! With a cooler full of cold drinks, another cooler full of food for an army and a camera in hand…you head out for one of the many wonderful lakes we have here in Western Montana. Meeting my daughter Amy Lynn at McGregor Lake, she whips the boat around (with great skill I might add) and backs down to the waters edge and out into the lake. As I stand in knee deep water guiding the boat, she is saying “Mom….further out…further out”! I have to keep reminding her of the fact that she has only one mother…and I’m out as far as I’m going to go!!! We have launched and loaded the boat and are on our way! And I must admit, I’m always amazed at her skill at handling the boat and when fishing this particular lake. She says, ”We’ll go this direction….be about this far from shore and drop our line so deep!” Well, not to worry…wham the fish hits the bait and we are reeling in our first fish of the day, a really nice big Mac. You sure can’t beat that feeling of a fish pulling on your line. I do have to reveal here that she had a “GREAT” teacher, her grandfather who was more than skilled at fishing that lake. So, with the music turned up…(yes, we have great music in the boat) we spend the whole day and into the evening enjoying this Montana paradise. With Mother’s Day this month take time to get out and spend time with your kids and teach them about the outdoors. If you don’t know much about it pal up with other outdoor women and learn together. Make it a girls day out!
Happy Mother’s Day! 28
FLY FISHING CONTINUED As I do I try to put myself into the position of that imaginary baitfish, and think while I retrieve ”Ohh, goodness! I see a big trout! I think I’ll scram!” I move the fly, not quite far enough to avoid disaster, trying to inject that note of panic in my retrieve, and wait for the response. Sometimes I feel a solid chomp. Sometimes I snag a willow. Sometimes there is nothing. If I can, I drift the fly back into the lie and try again. I might repeat the cycle several times before I take the fly out of the water. Sometimes it takes a little agitation and persistence to get a high-water trout stirred up enough to strike.
High water, a stealthy approach, and a burly cutthroat headed for the net.
Streamers give me more options than nymphs for this kind of fishing. I can keep them moving, or let them hang still and swim in the current. I can try to trigger a strike response from a lethargic fish that wouldn’t bother with a naturally drifted nymph. I can cover a lot of water. But I always carry a batch of nymphs, dries, and emergers, and look for any opportunity to use them.
During pre-runoff and post-runoff high water here in the West it’s not uncommon to see localized hatches of several insects. There are gray drakes. There are March browns and smaller blue winged olives. And there are my personal favorites, caddisflies. The so-called Mother’s Day Caddis hatches were on the river in flurries, right at the appointed time this year. As caddisflies tend to hang around for a while after hatching and can appear on the water at random, they can be fished reasonably well just about anytime. And, they scoot along the water. Scooting a Caddis Variant over the lie of a trout holding in pre-runoff cold water is likely to wake him up and make him strike. When nothing is on the water, it is usually more effective than dead drifting a small mayfly imitation. The dry fly activity, if you hit it right, can be superb. When it isn’t, there are always small streamers. Armed with some unusual tactics and the willingness to explore a little, you can expect to do well during high water for as long as you can find water along the edges to fish.
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3D SHOOT CONTINUED
We felt a sprinkle and decided it was time to head back down to registration and see what was going on before heading out to try and get in a afternoon bear hunt. Nicole Salois (Top Left) was still there registering arriving participants. 13 year old Alyssa Cadwalader (Center) looks over a registration form. Jeff Hartley (Top Right) with his son Jayce preparing to eat a hot dog. Jeff was the cook and had the place smelling great. Clouds were beginning to break so Pam and I headed off towards the Thompson Lakes direction to do a little bear hunting while coming back over the mountain to Plains. Don’t forget the next shoot is July 23rd and 24th at the MBEF property and Rocky Jacobsen will be hosting his elk bugling seminar at our shoot Saturday evening.
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SHOOTING SPORTS CONTINUED Bill Eds is the on site caretaker. It is open to the public and the ranges can be used at no charge. The skeet field and two trap ranges are open Wednesday & Saturdays from 10 AM -2PM. The 500 yard rifle range and pistol range are open from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM seven days a week. The range was established in 1946 for use by the Montana National Guard. It was originally a 600 yard range. Initially the Scattergunners built and managed the range. Today they now have not only the Scattergunners Group but the Rifle Group, the Pistol Group and the Archery Group to facilitate better management of resources and objectives. As a former skeet shooter myself I can tell you this is a very classy and well organized skeet and trap club. They even have what is known as “Poorman’s Sporting Clay” area. For you bird and waterfowl hunters this will surely test your shooting skills with five different presentations and get you ready for opening day. State of the art throwing equipment is in each house. The club house which is named after Jim Williams who was a longtime Hunter Education Instructor. Mr. Williams was killed in a auto accident about six months before the building was erected. The facility is ~1430 square feet with plenty of room for meetings and socializing with big windows to watch the trap shooting action. All the mounts that adorn the walls were donated. The day I was there you could smell the food coming
from the kitchen as they were getting ready for lunch...wow did it smell good. As shooters moved around the club house socializing a friendly jab would fly about someone’s shooting. Visitors were stopping by to checkout the operation and socialize with the shoot participants.
That is hog wire/American wire twisted around the antlers. So what does it cost to become a member. First off, you don’t have to be a member to use the facilities within the hours posted. Just bring your own targets and clean up behind yourself. However, if you would like to support the club with a membership...continued on page 32 31
SHOOTING SPORTS CONTINUED As with any club, financial support is always needed and yours would be greatly appreciated. To join the club is $15.00 a year. To join the Scattergunners it is $20.00 a year. With a membership 24 clay targets will cost you $3.50 and for non-members 24 clay targets will cost you $5.00. The club enjoys building goodwill through their events. While I was there I heard some rifle shots coming from the rifle range. There I found Wade Lee of Libby, MT shooting his Remington 721, 30-06. A sight rarely seen...pardon the pun, he was shooting plain iron sights and making adjustments. On the opposite end of the covered shooting shed was Steve Pardini (pictured Right) of Libby, shooting his Mosin 7.62 X 54. He was also shooting iron sights. To his left was Andy Schlund also of Libby shooting his Rossi 17 HMR. Just as a side note the Libby Rod and Gun club does not mind you shooting 50 caliber rifles just don’t shoot their targets. Next, I was off to take a few pictures of the trap shooters busting clay targets. There I ran into a gentlemen with a side by side. As I watched him bust one clay bird after another I had to know more about this gun. Ken Mancuso of Libby, MT was trying out his recent purchase of a LC Smith Field Grade 12ga. side by side. One barrel was a full and the other an Improved Modified. He had tried for ten years to buy the gun off a friend and had finally wore him down and was able to purchase it. This was his first time shooting the gun and from the way he was busting those clays, I say it fits him perfectly. There is just something about a side by side, especially a L.C. Smith. Continued on page 33.
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SHOOTING SPORTS CONTINUED The Libby Rod & Gun will be having several events coming up in the near future and we will try to cover them, especially the youth events and the upcoming Safari Challenge Big Bore Shoot. Shooters fly in to participate in this event. With sponsors like Norma, Winchester, Hornady donating ammo, this is an event to witness. If you need additional information about the Libby Rod & Gun or any upcoming events contact Dan Ackerman @ 406-291-2100 or Mike Cirian who is the Events Coordinator and handles the youth programs @ 406-202-3791. Here are a few pictures I took while shooters were busy shooting trying to win some meat/money Do you know any of these folks? Overall winners list was not available at time of publishing. There are more pictures at www.montanwoodsnwater.com/events/.
A special thanks goes out to Mr. Dan Ackerman (Pictured Bottom Left) for his time and hospitality. As I was getting ready to leave they had him on the grill getting ready to serve a bunch of hungry shooters lunch. What a fun bunch of guys and gals to hang around with. 33
LOCAL CELEBRITIES CONTINUED Pictured Left: Mike Gergen with a huge Black Bear. Mike that is the way to start off the 2016 hunting season. Congrats and thank you for sharing. Is that bullet hole where I think it is...good shooting! Your Taxidermist is going to love you! Pictured Bottom Right: Caleb Wengerd of Noxon, MT with a beautiful black boar. Congrats Caleb and thanks for sharing. Caleb is a regular in this publication and his skills as a hunter is shown each season.
Pictured Left: Scoot over boys...Cade Stinnett of Plains, MT just dropped the hammer on a nice Jake in the final hours before I went to print! I ran out of room on the Next Generation page so you guys got to share the spot light with Cade. Mike and Caleb this young man is coming on strong...I think guiding is in his future! Way to go Cade!
Here’s a little secret...they got the best popcorn in town! Tell’em MWNW sent you for a free bag!
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Montana Woods N Water Photo Contest Beards & Bears Submit your 2016 Spring Tom Turkey or Spring Bear harvest pictures for a chance to win a CT45 Kahr. Any legal Montana resident hunter from Lincoln, Flathead, Lake, Sanders, Mineral, Missoula or Ravalli counties can enter to win. All pictures must be emailed to Raf@montanawoodsnwater.com. I need the original picture from your phone or camera (best) not one off Facebook… the higher the quality (resolution) the better to take the win. The individual or individuals that harvested the turkey or bear must be in the photo. Submit name(s) along with county the turkey/bear was taken. It is about the photo not the harvested animal itself. HERE IS HOW THE WINNERS WILL BE DETERMINED: Best background Cleanest picture (wipe the blood off as applicable) Pose Clarity Detail We will post all your pictures on our webpage and number them as they come in. We will have five professional photographers review the pictures and vote on which picture(s) are the best. Contest ends 27 May and the winner(s) will be announced 1 June in our June 2016 issue. To take possession of the (firearm) you must be able to pass a firearms background check and meet all state and federal requirements. Validated 2016 bear or turkey harvest tag must be shown at time of prize pickup. Anglers & Antlers Anglers submit your 2016 Fishing pictures for a chance to win a rod and spinning reel combo. Any legal Montana resident fisherman from Lincoln, Flathead, Lake, Sanders, Mineral, Missoula or Ravalli counties can enter to win. All pictures must be emailed to Raf@montanawoodsnwater.com. I need the original picture from your phone or camera (best) not one off Facebook…the higher the quality (resolution) the better to take the win. The individual or individuals that harvested the fish must be in the photo. Submit name(s) along with county they were taken. It is about the photo not the size or species of the legally harvested fish itself. Antler/shed hunters (to include canines) send us a picture of your best 2016 shed find, no cheating from past seasons. We will be awarding the top five winners an embroidered Montana Woods N Water hat. Contest ends 27 May and the winner(s) will be announced 1 June in our June 2016 issue
3rd Annual Northwest Predator Event “Do your Part...Help Save Our Big Game!” Just a reminder that we have the final planning meeting May 7th, 2016 @ 1 PM at the Lakeside Resort in Trout Creek, MT. Please join in and help us make this event the best one yet. http://www.mt-sfw.org/
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