Region 1 Al Kelly 163 Scenery Rd Libby MT 59923 406-293-2900 griffguyal@gmail.com
Region 2 Marlon Clapham 4455 Hoover Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 406-777-2408 mbaregion2@gmail.com
Kevin Robinson 2110 Wylie Ave, Missoula, MT 59802 406-531-8243 kevin.robinson@technometalpost.com
Region 3 Liberty Brown 275 Vigilante Trl. Bozeman, MT 59718 406-581-7216 mbareg3@gmail.com
Region 4 Justin Doll 1311 15th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405 406-939-0804 j.doll6190@gmail.com
Jess Wagner 201 Big Sky Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 406-939-3458 jess_wagner2@hotmail.com
Region 5 Ben Buller 4143 King Ave East, Billings, MT 59101 406-672-5616 buller_ben@yahoo.com
Region 6 Tristan Manuel 48538 Anderson Rd, Havre, MT 59501 406-399-5114 HiLineTraditional@gmail.com
Nick Siebrasse 4996 Bullhook Rd., Havre, MT 59501 406-390-0402 bowdude@mtintouch.net
Region 7 Rick Miller PO Box 2336 Colstrip, MT 59323 406-749-0292 grrizzz@q.com
Bob Morgan PO Box 1995, Colstrip, MT 59323 406-749-0706 robertredface@gmail.com
EVEN YEARS
Cliff Garness 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - obsession_archery@yahoo.com
Jake Garness 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - powderslayer22@gmail.com
Prater 416 Entrance Ave., Lewistown MT 59457 - mthuntress406@gmail.com
Alisha Zemlicka 283 Upper Violet Road, Bozeman, MT 59718 - massagebyalishia@hotmail.com
ODD YEARS
Jeremy Harwood 1047 Cheyenne Rd, Helena, MT 59602 - jeremyharwood86@gmail.com
Mike Shepard 251 7th Ave E N, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
www.mtba.org
MBA officers PRESIDENT
Ken Schultz 302 Wyoming Ave • Billings, MT 59101 schultzy@iwks.net • 406-598-8550
1ST VICE PRESIDENT Brian Koelzer 80 Jansma Lane • Manhattan, MT 59741 rocknrollbowhunter3@yahoo.com • 406-570-7997
2ND VICE PRESIDENT Stephen LePage 2574 Divide Rd • Lewistown, MT 59457 mbaregion4@yahoo • 406-535-5636
TREASURER
Mandy Garness 5901 Western Dr • Great Falls, MT 59404 camoquilter@gmail.com • 406-750-9953
SECRETARY
Jerry Davis 725 Middlemas Road • Helena, MT 59602 pipelinejerry@gmail.com • 406-475-2226
406-853-2579
406-579-0678
406-250-9806 michaelshepard7@gmail.com
The MBA Magazine is a quarterly publication of the MBA and is intended to inform, entertain and educate its members on happenings within the organization and to bowhunting in general.
PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES
FALL ISSUE, DEADLINE, July 15
WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, October 15
SPRING ISSUE, DEADLINE, January 15
SUMMER ISSUE, DEADLINE, April 15
Stories, photos, or cartoons should be sent to Julie Jensen at 5311 161 Ave SE, Kindred, ND 58051 or email jjensen44@mac.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All submitted or published photos may be used by the MBA in the newsletter, and MBA Photo Album and/or on Facebook. Any questions as to policies of MBA please contact the President.
MEMBERSHIP INQURIES
Please send new memberships or renewal memberships to MBA Tresurer, PO Box 426, Helena MT 59624 or call 406-404-6168, register online at www.mtba.org or ask a member.
PAST PRESIDENT Stephen LePage 2574 Divide Rd • Lewistown, MT 59457 mbaregion4@yahoo • 406-535-5636
MAGAZINE EDITOR Julie Jensen 5311 161 Ave SE • Kindred, ND 58051 jjensen44@mac.com • 701-361-9197
Legislative:
Chair: Jerry Davis
Jess Wagner • Steve LePage
Financial:
Chair: Mandy Garness
Al Kelly • Jeremy Harwood
Landowner/Sportsman:
Chair: Stephanie Prater
Tristan Manuel • Jess Wagner
Rick Miller
Nominations:
Chair: Steve LePage
Stephanie Prater
Awards:
Chair: Cliff Garness
Steve LePage
Membership:
Chair: Steve LePage
Mandy Garness • Nick Siebrasse
Convention 2023 (Region 2)
Chair: Kevin Robinson
Marlon Clapham • Mandy Garness
Magazine:
Chair: Jerry Davis
Cliff Garness • Stephanie Prater
Carp Shoot:
Chair: Kevin Robinson
Stephen LePages • Jerry Davis
Marlon Clapham • Claudia Davis
Bow-Ed:
Chair: Marlon Clapham
Nick Siebrasse • Tristan Manuel
Al Kelly
Youth Membership and MBA Teen Bowhunter Camp
Chair: Marlon Clapham
Kevin Robinson • The Doyles
Governance
Jerry Davis • Al Kelly
PTMAE
Chair: Marlon Clapham
Steve LePage
Tentatives
Chair: Rick Miller
Steve LePage • Jess Wagner
Greetings All,
Hoping this letter finds everyone in good spirits! As we go into the Legislative Season, there are a couple of bills that I would like to talk about. Obviously, the most important is the Crossbow Bill again! We are facing another introduction attacking our Archery Season and need to “Team up” and stand strong to protect the rights of bowhunters and our precious 6-week season. I have received a preliminary copy of the bill and it’s a lot of the same information. At the time I was writing this letter, there had not been a number assigned to it yet. “I commit that we will fight hard on this bill”. Watch for communications with updates and when to share your thoughts with the commission.
Another bill that we have taken a stand on and supported is HB-243 (Hunter Education re-introduced). Marilyn Marler (House District 90) was the leader who introduced this Bill. As many of you know, the Field Day and hands-on training have been eliminated from the program. Everything had gone online for convenience and due to Covid. As we try to build a relationship with landowners to have access to hunting, they’ve shared their concerns with hunter ethics and practices. Trust has to be built back up with them and one way to do so is Hunter Education. Our young hunters for the future need that training from experienced trainers who have put a tremendous amount of time into these programs. Let’s get behind it!
Recently, I had the privilege of being asked to represent the MBA on the Elk Management Citizens Advisory Group Panel. Stephanie Prater and Chuck Rein helped to facilitate the Panel. They did an A\awesome job! This panel consisted of leaders from several other groups such as Farm Bureau, Montana Stockgrowers, BHA, MWF, Montana Sportsman for Fish and Wildlife, MOGA and Property Environment research Center. The goal of all the groups and facilitators was to build up that relationship to help achieve one common goal. “Manage the Elk herds in Montana”. We discussed Shoulder hunts, Damage hunts, Stricter laws for Trespassing and other Bad Behaviors by Hunters and Landowners, Local Elk Working Groups established, and the subject of Expanded Hunter Education in Montana. I can say I learned a tremendous amount sitting and sharing around the table with a group of leaders. I believe it is a step in the right direction and hopefully we can keep the momentum going!
Let’s all do what we can to protect our rights as Hunters in Montana! We only have one shot at it sometimes, so we can’t let our guard down! I’ll leave you with that and remember “Shoot Straight and ALWAYS be a Straight Shooter!”
Ken Schultz
Greetings all,
2023 is upon us and a light snow is falling in the grey light of early morning as I write this. Wintertime in Montana is certainly beautiful but I must admit that I’m ready for it to be over. We were blessed with an extended fall this year which made for pleasant times in the woods but when winter decided to show up it did so swiftly and with a vengeance. Alternating warm and cold snaps over the last month have left an impenetrable layer of snow on the ground and I worry this is going to be tough on the critters. Be mindful of the wildlife when out adventuring this time of year. They have it hard enough without undue pressure from us bothering them in their wintering grounds.
I was able to spend a few weekends hunting whitetail in November and I feel the rut showed up a little late this year. It was not until the 19th that I had any significant action but action I did have! Less than an hour after getting in my stand I was able to rattle in not one buck but four. Three youngsters came running in to witness the fight and when the big fella saw them, he came in all stiff-legged looking to lay down the law. He passed my tree at a scant 4 yards and a perfect arrow made for a short recovery. The temp was -2 when the string slipped from my fingers and -12 by the time I had him loaded in my truck. A fine doe also fell a day later when my dad and a good friend did a gentle nudge to me through a narrow strip of bottom country. My freezers are full and it’s time to hunker down and wait out the cold with thoughts of bears and springtime to look forward to.
I hope you had an enjoyable fall and that many great memories were made!
Iam very proud to be a member of the Montana Bowhunters Association. In fact, the work this organization does is so important that this year I gave my 19-year-old bowhunting daughter a lifetime membership for Christmas. Sitting around the tree opening packages, I gave her my gift with a sort of sly grin. After all, how many college kids want to join a club that does not involve hazing freshmen or frat parties? She tore into the envelope with visions of sugar plums (Amazon gift cards) dancing in her head. Upon realizing what her gift was, she was initially taken aback, really shocked. Then it sank in.
I was very proud of my children during the last legislative session and series of Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings. They were deeply involved in the process and even testified, taking time off of school and preparing their own statements to deliver to politicians and commissioners. By the way, they were much more eloquent than I was.
She understands what it takes to protect and promote our bowhunting heritage and how important that single Christmas gift is to the future of bowhunting in Montana.
I must confess that initially, I joined the Montana Bowhunters Association as a social outlet. I wanted to meet new like-minded friends and enjoy the convention and outstanding comradery-building events such as the Carp Safari. It was not until I started seeing the work from the dedicated individuals in this organization and the tough topics they take on, that I decided I wanted to get more involved and help, give back.
My kids were essentially raised in our bowhunting community. It began with the Carp Safari with its packs of feral, bloodied, filthy children running around with bows unsupervised to now being in post-secondary levels of education keeping a close eye on the legislative session to monitor bills that might threaten Montana’s bowhunting season. My daughter’s oldest friends are from the MBA and am pleased that she has now decided to run for a Director at Large position for the MBA.
I am writing this January 6th, which happens to be the morning that the draft of the 2023 crossbow bill appeared on the State’s legislative website. I am sure glad she liked her Christmas present.
XOXOXO, Stephen LePage
Well, here we are, winter 2022-23 with the 68th Legislature in Session. Last weekend MOGA sponsored an Elk Management Citizens Advisory Group panel discussion on the Future of Elk Management in Montana. I did not attend but a friend did. He said it was an informative panel.
The text for Senate draft bill LC0017 (Crossbows for those is Disabilities) has been made available but has not been introduced so it does not have a bill number. Additionally, we do not know in which committee it will be first heard, though the Senate Fish and Game Committee is the most likely place. I am guessing that by the time you read this, it will have been heard, debated, and voted on in the Legislature. We can only hope that it fails once more.
Another bill has been introduced by Representative Marilyn Marler that would reinstate the required field day for all hunter and bowhunter safety education courses. That is a good thing. Let’s hope it passes.
Below are a few of the challenges that I see in the future for bowhunting in Montana.
As you know Montana is getting large influxes of new residents. Many are seeking a simpler life and a place to be closer to their chosen outdoor activity. Though population growth brings some economic benefits it also brings a set of problems that many of us Montanans will have to cope with. Issues like overcrowding of our public lands.
Overcrowding means something different to everyone and for every activity. Bowhunters pursuing elk during archery season are probably one of the most adverse user groups to overcrowding. And that is for good reason. It is not because we are a bunch of hermits. It has to do with the nature of the sport. Bowhunters must get in close to the animals they pursue, and they must do so quietly.
How many of you have experienced a situation where after a long sneak you finally get close to your quarry only to have another hunter or hunters screw up the sneak and spook the animal(s), whether intentional or not. That is why we bowhunters have worked hard to have some of our preeminent elk archery hunting districts (HDs) limited to those that draw permits. Having too many hunters on the landscape during archery elk season leads to a degraded experience for everyone.
I know I do not want to inadvertently screw up someone else’s bowhunt and conversely, I do not want someone else busting the elk I am trying to sneak on. It only stands to reason that the more bowhunters one has in the landscape, the more occasions there are for negative encounters.
Limited permits are a means of solving that dilemma.
However, there are those that would like to see the limited draw permits for archery elk go away. If the limited draw permits go away there will be greater numbers of residents hunting those HDs that now only allow bowhunting by those with a limited elk archery permit. Additionally, there will be substantial increases in non-resident hunters as the 10% cap does not apply to HDs without a limited permit. To me, that means a degraded experience. I would rather not draw for a year or two to have a better-quality hunt when I do draw.
Then there is the issue with those that wish to allow advanced technology into our archery-only seasons. Many desire it for the simple reason they want to harvest a big bull and do not want to put in the time in to become effective with a bow. Some entities have been using individuals with disabilities as a way to bring crossbows into the archery season. Their argument is that a crossbow is a tool that will allow those with disabilities the opportunity to bowhunt. But a crossbow is not in itself a tool for those with significant disabilities unless it is modified. And Montana already allows those with disabilities to modify archery equipment to meet their needs so that they can bowhunt. Why allow crossbows when Montana already allows archery equipment to be modified to meet an individual’s disability?
Claudia Davis
Bowhunters must understand that we must work with our Fish and Wildlife Commissioners and Legislators to ensure they understand our concerns. Archery season was never meant to be a game management tool. It was meant to be an opportunity for hunters to try their skills and to occasionally harvest an animal. Because the season occurs during the rut when bull elk are at their most susceptible to bugling, only archery equipment is allowed. Allowing hunters to only use archery equipment levels the field somewhat thereby ensuring the resource is not exploited.
Then there is the issue of CWD. This disease may well be the demise of hunting as we know it. It is impossible to eradicate once it is in a population of ungulates. The prions that are shed from the diseased animal remain in the soil for years if not decades. Prions are nearly impossible to destroy with either heat or chemicals. CWD is always fatal so the prevalence rate directly correlates with the number of animals that will die from the disease in a given population. At some point, the infected population will cease to exist and as time goes on the number of animals will be at a level where hunting may have to be severely restricted or curtailed.
We as bowhunters need to fully support our state and federal legislators to fund the scientific study for ways to manage, curtail, and hopefully eliminate this disease from our ungulate populations.
So, I guess the gist of the above is that there are lots of problems we bowhunters will have to confront now and in the future in order to preserve our treasured sport of bowhunting. And the best way to help is to become informed, talk to legislators and FW Commissioners, and serve on Citizens Advisory Groups for agencies that regulate wildlife and manage our public lands.
Hopefully, we will see you at the Convention in Fairmont this year.
Remember, we are in this together.
Jerry DavisWe’ve done a membership drive recently, so if you’re new to us, WELCOME! I invite you to get to know our board and our members, first here in the newsletter and even better, at our banquet this spring. We’re working hard with the legislative session to protect archery season, be good stewards of the land we hunt, and be mindful conservationists of wildlife.
Since we’re between hunting seasons, I hope you’re all taking a rest, but also planning ahead to tag applications, and gear to be refreshed and maybe dreaming of a big hunt. We’ll have some opportunities at the banquet to put some adventure into your life!
Please reach out to us if you have a donation to include in our auctions, and make plans to join us at Fairmont!
For all those who purchase the plate, the MBEF would like to invite you to send us a photo of your plate on your vehicle. Be creative, include yourself, pets, family, trophies of all sorts, etc.
REGION 1
AL KELLY (NO REPORT)
REGION 2
MARLON CLAPHMAN
KEVIN ROBINSON
REGION 3
LIBERTY BROWN
REGION 4
JUSTIN DOLL
JESS WAGNER
REGION 5
BEN BULLER (NO REPORT)
REGION 6
TRISTAN MANUEL
NICK SIEBRASSE
REGION 7
RICK MILLER
BOB MORGAN
REGION
The Legislative Secession is well underway. Right off the Crossbow is back on the agenda, we have quite a bunch of fighters gathered up to fight this again. They have been working on how best to defeat this bill. The MBA has fought this going back to 1983, either in the legislation or in the tentative secession FWP Commission. It has been a long hard-fought battle.
The other issue has to do with the Bowhunter Education program. HB 243, reinstate the mandatory field day for both gun and bow classes. When I surveyed the MBA member instructors for their opinion about the state for Bow Education since the covid shutdown, this was what the instructors wanted most.
Convention time once again!! Region 2 has the lead and Kevin Robinson is the chair of the committee. Jackie Weidow took over the mammoth job of solicitating raffle, auction, and door prizes. We will have bows to raffle off, several hunts for black bear, a couple of weekends at special resorts for two, art work, custom knives just to name a
few. A rose raffle for the ladies, the hat raffle for gentlemen, and a youth raffle package, plus a whole lot more. Me, I worked on the poster and tried to keep up with getting the information out to the board members and on the website. There will be games during the happy hour to try your luck with. Region 2 will have the La-Port disk thrower and bows with flu flu arrows out in the back for aerial shooting. We will also set up the indoor shooting range to try vendor bows and the Genesis Shoot Off for prizes. This is the fund raiser for the Teen Camp. There will be a booth for the Teen Camp. Please come by and check it out. I’m sure the is more information in this newsletter about the 45th Convention so I’ll signoff. One more thing, register early to get the discount dinner price and your room as you have until March 1st to get the room block, use code #23724. Hope to see you all there, drive safe.
be a challenge; this November was no exception. I had a few opportunities on a great buck that slipped through my fingers and by late November I was burning out. So, hanging from my saddle in a tree with only one day left in the general season and a buck tag burning a hole in my pocket I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. After a few slow days of hunting, my plan for an all-day sit was about to be cut short by the lack of deer movement. I was getting ready to climb down and call it quits. Around 9 am I got a text message from my friend Martin with a photo of the nice public land buck he had just arrowed. I know how hard he’d hunted for that buck and his success hit me like a bolt of lightning! A few minutes later the sun shined bright through a hole in the clouds, deer started moving, and around 10 am I was lucky enough to put a great shot on my biggest buck to date, it was an incredible day.
On the legislative side of things, we have some bills proposed in Helena that we are keeping an eye on. One of which is the infamous “Crossbow Bill” which should be called the “Zombie Bill” because the damn thing dies and then crawls out of its grave over and over again. Senator Molnar is once again beating this dead horse back to life, in my opinion, for his own selfish reasons. He will once again try to mislead and misinform to convince the Senate Fish and Game committee that crossbows are necessary. The MBA board will keep all members updated on all of the shenanigans in Helena, but it’s important to let your local Representatives and Senators know how you feel—surprisingly, they do listen.
As I type this it is the last day of my archery season here in region 2. I typically have had a tradition of hunting on the very last day, January 15th, every year but this year was a shed hunt instead. It seems the whitetail bucks started dropping their antlers a bit earlier than usual in these parts this year, from my experience. I had a heck of a season with great elk hunts in September and a whole bunch of sits in tree stands for whitetails both here in Montana and in Illinois.
November whitetail hunting is my favorite part of the season. Trying to juggle time in the woods, time with my family, and that whole work thing can
Region 2 is hosting the annual convention this spring at Fairmont Hot Springs. Marlon, Jackie, and I have been hustling hard to get all those convention tasks completed. It’s turning out to be a great lineup for the convention with all the great donations, live auction hunts, and guest speakers. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again at the convention and hopefully, I’ll have a brandspanking new shoulder mount of a big whitetail buck to share! See you then!
Hello, Region 3 Bowhunters,
We are in the middle of another legislative session, and it appears that ONCE AGAIN we will be fighting a crossbow bill that Senator Molnar is trying to get introduced. You can currently find a copy of his bill titled, Revise laws related to hunting by disabled persons, through a search on the Montana Legislative website.
Word on the street is that he is still trying to whip up support for the bill amongst his colleagues, but if introduced, it will probably pass the Senate. You can bet that the board and I will be very active in fighting this proposed legislation should it be introduced.
It is important for the time being that we contact our legislators and ask them not to support this bill. You can find and email your district representatives by visiting our “Take Action” page on the MBA website, https:// mtba.org/take-action/#/legislators. On the same page, you can also find other bills that the MBA is currently tracking by opening the “Bills” tab.
I encourage every bowhunter to get involved, and let your elected officials know where you stand when it comes to crossbows, elk management, or any other issue that affects us as bowhunters.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming convention. Thanks for your support!
Greetings-
Hope everyone’s New Year is off to a good start! For many, the new year is a time to look ahead, set goals, and get to work. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? I’ve been taking time to get my bow set up earlier than in previous years. With the recent mild winter weather, I’ve taken advantage and gotten outside to shoot. Decisions and plans are being formed with the application season underway. I’m sure we’re all going to keep our fingers crossed for successful draws.
Hope to see you all at the convention!
The winter has let up in Central Montana and conditions have improved for the animals. We had a cold snap in December with temperatures well below zero, and I heard reports from FWP of antelope dying. Some areas in Eastern Montana have more snow than they have seen in a couple of decades. Hopefully, the rest of the winter isn’t too hard on the critters.
As you remember, a year ago, FWP was offering unlimited permits in many of the special permit elk areas. This proposal drew strong opposition from hunters. Thankfully, one of the commission members made an amendment to keep the limited permits in place. Unfortunately, he recommended the quotas with the amendment rather than leaving that up to FWP to decide. He also didn’t provide quota ranges as there normally would be. With the
new “1st choice only”, some of the permit quotas weren’t filled by first-choice applicants. Some of the districts had 400-1000 surplus permits that hunters were able to pick up over the counter. As a result, these districts had twice the amount of hunting pressure that they would have had if the permits had not gone to a surplus sale. Hunter crowding was noticeable in the other districts as well due to the high quotas set by the commission. Biologists don’t have the ability to recommend lower permit numbers for 2023 because there was no quota range implemented. MBA has recommended to FWP to put quota ranges back in place for the affected districts and to not allow undersubscribed permits to be sold as surplus.
The convention is right around the corner, and I look forward to seeing everyone in Fairmont!
Brothers and sisters of the bow,
Ihope you had a wonderful holiday season, with the new year bringing new challenges and opportunities. As winter treks on, I can’t help but think about the upcoming spring season and 3D shoots throughout the state. While that is all well and good, one also needs to keep an eye on the new legislation in the works for the 2023 legislative session. Be sure to know who represents you, and who casts the vote that impacts our sport and lifestyle. A phone call or a cup of coffee can go a long way toward building a relationship with your local and state representatives.
continued on page 8
Region 6 continued from page 7
Not much is going on up here, waiting to chase some turkeys around the Bear Paws.
I was thinking as we get ready to fight Molnar’s self-serving, misguided attempt to hunt rutting bulls with a crossgun AGAIN! He tries to convince legislators that he is handicapped. Most of you by now have seen his campaign pamphlets where he is “athletically” chopping wood, yet he can’t seem to hunt with a real bow. You also know that we of the MBA support the use of PTME (permit to modify archery equipment) which makes it possible for nearly anyone with physical limitations to use a draw lock on their bow. (Thanks in a large part to our own Marlon Clapham). We are now living in a society where people want instant success without putting in any work or dedication to their pursuits. This got me thinking that I need some help with a couple of my bucket list goals.
Number one, I would love to participate in the PBR bull riding finals in Vegas next year. I am 63 years old and packing about 40 extra pounds; seems to me that these young fellas at the top of their prime that risk their necks riding these doublerank, fire breathing, big horned, man-killing bulls have a distinct advantage over me. I propose that the stock contractors haul some milk cow calves to the events for me to draw and ride so I have a chance to participate with less chance of being killed or maimed. I might even get one rode (probably not, but I could hang with the boys)!
Another thing I would like to do if they would accommodate my age and lack of physical ability is to climb Mount Everest. I think if they installed a heated gondola to the summit, I could say I scaled one of the world’s highest peaks!
If they changed the rules in the NFL so old fat guys could compete, I think it would take away from the game and wouldn’t be very fair to the studs that put in the work and are blessed with the ability to play a game that not everyone can compete in.
I am for helping out people with physical disabilities. I think reasonable accommodations should be made, if possible. We do that for archery hunting season through the PTME program. I don’t however, believe we should forever change the game by allowing crossbows. It would surely shorten our archery season. Crossguns with accuracy out to a hundred yards would drastically change the harvest rates. Folks, there are a lot of lazy halfhearted people out there that will jump at the chance to climb on the handicap train to use a weapon that should only be used during rifle season or during the Zombie Apocalypse.
• Said moving the rifle season out of the rut doesn’t result in the mature buck-saving changes that are desired. Had data to prove it.
• Said antler restrictions usually have the exact opposite result of intention
• Reactive deer management is not as effective as proactive–data to prove
Fellow Bowhunters,
Iattended the Region 7 mule deer meeting in Miles City on December 13th. The meeting was the result of a number of social media comments about the diminishing mule deer herds in eastern Montana (primarily Region 7). FWP director Worsech was made aware of the perception and how it differed from the responsible department biologist position. Director Worsech apparently decided the best way to address the concern was to have the biologist involved hold a meeting to defend his position.
The first hour of the meeting was a series of data slides that enforced the biologist’s management strategies. Attendees were asked to not comment or ask questions until he was through. After the first 15 minutes, I got the distinct feeling that he was not happy about having to explain. He droned on and on about why all the concerned sportsmen and private landowners were wrong through carefully selected data clips. For sure, it made you wonder if you should be trusting your lying eyes?
These are a few of the points biologist Brett Dorak made during his presentation (see if you agree):
• Region 7 landscape is 75% to 80% private
• Hunter numbers in the region do not appear to be growing at a concerning rate
• Recognized that western Montana hunters are now moving east
• Seeing an increase in nonresident hunters in the region and how long those hunters are staying
o Mentioned that Region 7 attracts the most nonresidents
• Data shows mule deer survival rates at 85% for adults and 50% for fawns
• Buck to Doe ratio is around 37 per 100 and are improving
• Harvested bucks average age 3.5 years. Noted that his data shows that at 3.5, the bucks are nearing full antler potential
• 1/3 of the bucks harvested and recorded at the check stations are mature
• Reduced the number of antlerless licenses from 5500 to 3000 in 2022.
• Saw no concern about individuals holding up to 7 antlerless licenses that they could use on public lands. Said it’s not a common occurrence.
• Said that the presence of chronic wasting disease was not a factor in his management strategies.
• Noted that more hunters mean less CWD (per the data)
• Harvest numbers have not changed much through the region
• -Hunter surveys are showing folks prefer opportunity over quality
It became obvious that biologist Dorak is a bigtime data guy. Even though the room was full of people (sportsmen and landowners) who saw the existing mule deer situation much differently (and voiced as much) it seemed those views were taken as vented frustration, not legitimate concern. Lots of questions were asked and lots of valid points were made, but I doubt any of them will factor into the mule deer management strategy moving forward.
I had a bunch of questions and input, with my concerns being a more detailed approach to data collection on the public side of the fence. The data being used is flawed by 80% of the region being private land, with 80% of the hunters being restricted to the remaining 20%. Blending the data between the two is not giving a true representation of the overlying concern.
What was not discussed is what is causing the mule deer hunter shift from western and central Montana to Region 7. Even the nonresident interest is increasing. I think it’s safe to assume that mule deer numbers are not doing well in other HDs as mismanagement becomes more the rule than the exception. Unfortunately, unless those negatively impacting strategies are changed statewide, more Region 7 restrictions will be needed where there is public access. Hopefully there is enough sportsmen concern to drive new restoration efforts before widespread limited permits are the only mitigating option. Get involved – push hard! It is certainly worth your time!
Ihad quite the experience this year bowhunting elk. I was out on some state land and walked in there quite a way, kind of down a draw. Got up on top a little, and decided to call. I did a small cow call. A bull answered me, up on the hill. All right I said, so then I started walking back down towards the draw behind where he bugled from. I got set up down kind of on the left side of a little draw. I didn’t like the spot so I moved over behind a big tree. I stood up there with an arrow on my string. I couldn’t swing back and forth with the arrow on the strings. So, I backed up a little, and also cleared the leaves and stuff under my feet. looked up and here comes the bull down the hill right to me. Well, he’s either going to go low or going to go high. Here it comes right at me and I think to myself he’s going to go high because they always like to go up high where they can see. So here he comes, right straight at me, not down low, not up high, his horns are coming up over the hill swinging back-and-forth, back-and-forth. He’s 14 yards, and he comes up and stands broadside to me. He’s looking around. I’m standing behind that tree with my bow up with the arrow on the string, and he sees me, but I’m not moving, but man he locks on me. I see his eyebrows and him licking his lips. My heartbeat starts going, higher, higher, higher, higher. I’m not moving. He’s looking over at me and then he looks away, takes a couple of steps up and his head is almost behind a tree. I’m not falling for that buddy, so pretty soon he steps up with his eye behind that tree. I grab my string, and I cannot get my bow back. I cannot get my bowstring back. I cannot get my bow back. What! All the adrenaline I guess so then I looked over there and went AAAHH!! I pulled it back and took a shot and it went about a foot over him. I go “Man, pick a spot, dummy”. As usual, it was a little late to think of that. So, I walked up there and was looking for my arrow. He’s standing to my left about 30 yards and then he runs off. I’m just shaking my head. I’m getting old, I guess.
Another year is upon us and I hope everyone had a great holiday season and new year. This also means that another banquet season is upon us as well as another legislative session. As has been in the past few sessions, Montana FWP is under attack and there are many bills that affect the hunting heritage and the animals that are home to Montana. Our committee is great at notifying us of upcoming hearings and bills, so please pay close attention to your emails in the coming months. I can’t wait to see everyone again in Fairmont the first weekend in April for the banquet. Good luck in your upcoming season draws and hope to see everyone soon!
Cliff Garness Region 4 DALAnew career has taken me to new horizons, literally. I recently got to step foot on the east coast and, for the first time, see the sunrise over the Atlantic. Speaking of firsts, this will be my first year representing the MBA during the legislative session. I’ve personally participated in the past and am expectant to continue engaging in this session. Topics that I’m personally interested in are (bow)hunter’s safety education, landowner-sportsmen issues, predator management, and maintaining integrity in our archery seasons.
I ask you to do similar by contacting representatives and senators, local or committee members, that are drafting or hearing bills that affect our way of life. Please reach out to me to discuss any bills or to simply introduce yourself and “learn” me something. I’m in Helena and will advocate for our mission.
Thanks for taking interest in promoting Bowhunting in Montana, Jeremy
Harwood
022 hunting season has come and gone. My husband and I are blessed to have full freezers and some great memories from this past season. As we roll into 2023, we hit the reset button, and thoughts of the upcoming drawings and countdown to fall begin. It also means the legislative season has begun. So far, some wonderful bills have come forward, including banning drone use for same-day hunting, increasing the payment to landowners for Montana’s signature Block Management program to stay competitive, and bringing back the field days for hunters’ education after being diluted to online only after covid. Of course, we all expect some ugly bills to rear their head, including Molnar’s “I want to shoot a crossbow” bill. We’ve had a chance to view the language of the bill draft and it’s full of holes and misinformation and makes it far too easy to qualify for a crossbow. After bringing a crossbow bill forward ten times for over 20 years, you would think the message was clear. Montanan’s do not want crossbows during their archery-only season. We strongly encourage our members to get involved¬—testify, call, and email your representatives—let your voice be heard on any bill you agree or disagree on!
I was recently honored to help facilitate and moderate “A Conversation on Elk Management.” It was one of the recommendations the Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group chose to move forward. It was a great listening session with diverse user groups to discuss their thoughts and feelings on certain aspects of elk management. This included shoulder seasons, hunters’ education, damage hunts, trespassing, other hunter and landowner behaviors, and localizing elk management. One “idea” to address overcrowding and increase hunter success in killing elk during the regular season was shortening archery, or allowing other weapons such as muzzleloaders, to have part of the season. Simply put, MONTANA IS NOT COLORADO and we do not want to chop up the best archery season in the west. The MBA is prepared to fight to protect our archery season from all threats, including crossbows or other weapons.
I hope to see you all at the MBA banquet in Fairmont again this year, it is shaping up to be another great event! Good luck in the draws and on your spring hunts >>------------------> Stephanie
2PraterSeems I cannot get away from the TV hunters and arrests, I got an update the other day. More major stuff involving a major poaching ring, and it turns out the largest one Nebraska has ever seen and even involved the Lacey Act.
Josh and Sarah Bowmar of Bowmar Outfitting LLC, Ankeny, Iowa were convicted. They pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor conspiracy charge. In exchange, four more serious charges were dropped, including illegal baited hunting sites. They only got three years of probation, 40 hours of community service, $75,000 fines, $44,000 fine in lieu of property forfeiture, and $13,000 restitution and were banned from Nebraska hunting during probation...????
Between September 2015 and November 2017, they conducted five hunts per year at Hidden Hills Outfitters, a commercial biggame guiding and outfitting business near Broken Bow, Nebraska. They transported parts of big game animals from Nebraska to Ohio—a direct violation of the Lacey Act. Thirty-nine people were convicted, and thirteen people resolved their cases through administrative abandonment of various trophies from the outfitter. The violations were related to 97 illegally taken deer and turkeys, deer taken over bait, deer, pronghorn, and turkeys taken with weapons or firearms prohibited during their respective seasons. Additional violations were deer taken during closed seasons from the road, or without a permit, and mule deer taken in a closed Deer Conservation area. Various agencies investigated.
So, I ask… WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE MODERN TV HUNTING GROUP? Methinks too much trophy mentality is at work, and ease of modern equipment, at distances shots are taken... just my age involved. I’ve been doing this since 1961, so I have my opinions. Stay safe, be ethical and responsible.
Ye Olde Bowhunter Mike Shepard
021 archery elk in the breaks weren’t producing much so my husband and I decided to take a road trip to Zortman and scout for antelope.
On our way back to camp I saw an antelope buck with a doe about 90 yards off the road on BLM ground. We stopped to watch them and the buck would not let the doe leave. My photographer husband took a bunch of pictures and videos of the two.
My brain had already come up with a plan to hunt them. I told him we would park about half a mile down the road, creep up to the small rise just east of the antelope, hold up the decoy, he would run to us, and I would shoot him.
My husband said OK so we drove down the road. The buck would not let the doe leave so I felt pretty confident we would catch his attention with the decoy.
We crept back towards the antelope and then I saw his horns. I told my husband to hold the decoy up. He lay prone and held the decoy with both hands because it was really windy. I sat behind the decoy and watched the buck.
He saw us and postured. Then he started running straight towards us. The buck angled to get downwind which gave me a chance to draw. He stopped broadside at about 20 yards and I let an arrow fly. Because of the wind, I hit him further back than I wanted.
The buck ran towards us. I thought he was going to run us over but he turned and I could see bright red blood pouring out both sides of his body. He made another circle and then bolted towards the road in the direction of my pickup. The buck disappeared over a small hill and I didn’t see him cross the road.
I turned to my husband in disbelief because my plan worked exactly as I described it. We sat and waited for ten or so minutes and then slowly crept forward to see over the hill and we could see the buck laying in the ditch.
We watched him in the ditch for about 10 minutes and never saw any movement.
It had been a while since I blood trailed an animal so we found where I had shot him and followed the trail to where he fell.
The next day we headed home and ran across the Game Warden. I stopped to talk to him because I was super excited to tell him about my antelope hunt. I’m probably the only person who gets excited to get checked when hunting.
This was my first antelope with a bow, and I loved sharing this amazing experience with my husband.
This issue, Blast from The Past, comes from the year 1988. Buddy Lundstrom was our president. Our membership was up to around 1600 members. 1988, Was a year to remember. As you may recall it was a drought year, one of the worst on record. It seemed half of the state was on fire, the Bob Marshal and Yellowstone Park where we had to stand back and watch them burn. Governor Schwinden closed the Archery Season until we got some rain, and as I remember, it was the third week in September when it started to snow and dumped a pile of it across western Montana and it rained east of the divide. The ban was lifted shortly after.
It was a Tentative year, with the 800-archery antelope on the agenda to be expanded into the rifle season. Region 1 there was a group of individuals pushing to get the late archery for deer shut down. The recommendation was founded on the impact the bowhunters had on the deer, but was being pushed by a few individuals who were opposed to the late archery season.
The MBA was working closely with a group of sportsmen called Montana Wildlands Coalition, who worked for Wilderness access and keeping public lands open to the public. The MBA decided to join the Public Lands Access Association as an institutional member.
The FWP put forth the first Bowhunter survey sent out to Bowhunters who purchased an archery stamp. The MBA sat on the panel to review the survey in advance. There were 16,000 surveys mailed out, 8,569 (54%) were returned to the department for analysis. However, since the non-residents were not included and some residents did not get on our computer file the number of represents 39% of the 21,900 archery license holders during the 1987 license year. The type of equipment used: 86% used the compound bow, 1% used the Longbow and 10% used the recurve bow. 92% of the bowhunters also used the rifle during the general season. When asked if the crossbow should be legalized during the archery season, 86% replied NO!!! The question that bothered me most about the results of the survey was, estimated number of elk and harvested by archers during the 1987 archery season in Montana. # of elk hit by 1 or more arrows, 2,370. # Of elk hit and retrieved 1,169 (49%). # Of elk hit and not retrieved 1,201 (51%). When asked what the percentage of elk die from their wounds, the FWP representative stated that they would estimate one third of those hit and not retrieved died. Based on those numbers, of 100 elk hit by archers in 1987, 49 were retrieved, 17 were fatally wounded and lost and 34 were wounded, but survived. We do not consider a 17% fatal wounding loss acceptable. We must improve on this number and the MBA dedicates itself to that goal. There were 10 other tables with the results but it would take several pages to recap.
Another headline was, Attention All Bowhunter Education Instructors. After March 1st 1988, on this date will be Mandatory Bowhunter Education for all 12- to 18-year-old. The push for instructors was put in place, many MBA members stepped up and the percentage of instructors were MBA members.
I guess that’s all I got for the 1988 old days. If there is a date you would like me to research for another issue let me know, I’ll search through the material I have to find it. So until next issue.
Here is my story, of my Birthday Buck!
This year I wanted to harvest a buck with my bow. Normally, I am not an antler hunter. But this year I wanted to harvest a nice buck.
This year while hunting with my husband Justin, I was able to harvest the biggest buck I have ever taken. A thirty-yard shot, quartering away uphill. Although I placed the shot a little too far back, it came out right behind the opposite front shoulder. I was so excited! After I shot and he took off, I knew he was headed for a Montana dirt nap.
After giving ourselves plenty of time and calming down we began the blood trail. Justin found my arrow that passed through the buck. We found a good amount of blood to start the blood trailing but shortly after blood was very hard to find. We began following turned-up dirt, broken sagebrush, and broken sticks. It took a little time but my Jason spotted the buck at the bottom of a Christmas tree. I was so excited I almost cried. This was it, the biggest buck I have ever harvested and I did it with my bow. It is my birthday, buck!
I will never forget this hunt! My husband helped me get it field dressed and back to the pick-up. I am so blessed to have harvested this buck with my husband. Amazing memories in the field!
Happy Hunting, Jackie WeidowAfew years back I was forced by the MBA board (I meant chosen) to take over the annual Carp Safari on Canyon Ferry. It’s really been a great experience, and over the past few events I’ve been able to meet a bunch of great folks. The 2022 event was no different and I was able to rub elbows with Greg Munther who has been a long-time MBA member. Greg and I chatted about his latest adventures with his stickbow, fly rod and bird dog. He really gets after it in the woods and on the water and I thought it would be great to get some more details from Greg and share them with you. I hope you enjoy this brief interview and few of his photos!
You are well known in the Montana bowhunting community having been one of the OGs of the MBA. Just in case you weren’t aware the abbreviation, OG used to mean Original Gangster used in street gang culture, it has since been used to describe someone as the “original” or “old school” and someone that is highly respected. I’m pretty sure you are from the “old school” and you definitely have “mad” respect from our gang!
Definitely old school and proud of it. Old guys with old gear doing it the hard way. Bowhunting for me will always be about the Process…not the product. About 30 years ago I ceased to enter anything in Pope and Young because I believe that record books with the emphasis on “trophies and me” leads to many of the problems we have in bowhunting, and all big game hunting. I still value a clean kill at the close range over antlers. Limiting my gear increases the challenge of getting within the animal’s natural defense circle.
A long-time bow hunting quest completed in recent years was making my own osage longbow with the advice of like selfbow friends. This included making arrows out of dogwood shoots, fletching with wild turkey feathers and sinew I collected, tipping with a bone broadhead, and taking a small whitetail buck.
My gear is so old I could leave it out and no one would want to steal it. Now my only need is to make sure I have a few bowstrings and a few broadheads. I recycle my gear¬—I am here in AZ hunting deer with the same arrow and broadhead I used on three previous whitetails. Archery gear companies wouldn’t like my hunting lifestyle.
When was your first involvement with the MBA?
MBA was ongoing in 1976 when I moved from Idaho, so it had to be shortly thereafter. It was a great time for bowhunting and for the MBA. With relatively few of us and solid leadership, bowhunters were not viewed as a threat. Because of that, we were able to make a lot of positive gains with season structures and opportunities. MBA led a lot of positive efforts. On behalf of MBA, fellow board member Stan Rauch and I led the effort to get substantially greater penalties for trophy poaching. And it was also rewarding to conduct statewide workshops and media events to highlight the Permit to Modify Archery Equipment after MBA was able to get that implemented.
We first spoke at the Carp Safari back in June. You mentioned your recent flyfishing exploits in Africa which sounded pretty epic. Can you share a little bit about that trip and how you discovered the area you fished?
Saltwater flats flyfishing is much like spot and stalk bowhunting. I cherish fly-fishing saltwater flats, especially when early spring in Montana is still melting. A saltwater buddy and I were headed again to Christmas Island for 3 weeks of DIY but Covid shut down the country. So desperate to get out we discovered a small Italian-owned fishing operation on Sudan’s coast of the Red Sea, so off
we went. We lived aboard a 75-foot sailboat with two Norwegians and a UK guy. Took skiffs ashore to fish flats that had never seen a fly-fisherman as we progressed north toward Egypt each day. The Sudanese crew was great and it is the only time I have had camels watch me fly-fish. The coral reef is still intact and sea turtles abounded with me being able to stalk and touch them with my flyrod. The area we explored was far different than the parts of the war-torn region you often read about.
Let’s talk Coues deer! As I type this in late December in Montana, you are currently in Arizona hunting Coues deer. Do you even have a chance in hell with that stickbow? I’ve heard no one has ever killed a Coues deer with a bow, is that true? What’s your technique and strategy?
Having had opportunities to chase critters around many parts of our planet, I rank Coues deer hunting with traditional archery equipment as tough as it gets. For the past 23 winters, I combine quail and Coues deer hunting for 2.5 months. I attribute my occasional successes as pure perseverance and a lot of luck. Thirty to forty days of effort for perhaps one shot. Coues don’t pattern their movements and any so-called trails, if you can find one, are lightly used. Their density is quite low with perhaps one buck (does are not legal) per square mile. The right water sources can offer opportunity, but aren’t easy. Coues are extremely wary coming to water, and normally circle to only come to water with the wind in their favor. They stand for several minutes watching and waiting for the wind to swirl. At 20 yards and unaware they can really jump the string— with my longbow that equates to just a fifth of a second to detect and react. It’s raining today which likely keeps deer from normal water sources for two weeks or so, plus it is greening up. I have had a couple of successes sitting on scrape lines but a lot of days just sitting without a single deer of any sort. Any Coues with traditional equipment is a huge accomplishment.
You’ve obviously been flinging arrows at critters for quite a while, what did your introduction to archery look like?
It began with my Dad bringing home a simple lemonwood longbow at about 8 years old. My first kill was a yellow warbler out of a tree—wished I could hit something that small now. Without any guidance, it was purely trial and error, with the emphasis on error. Our southern Idaho had a lot of huge mule deer and we would often return to camp without any remaining arrows. I obtained the first ever archery–only mountain goat tag in the early 1960s and got a goat. But seeing no one, I later learned I was the only applicant for the 10 tags available. Later Idaho had over-the-counter goat tags in a couple of units and I harvested one then as well. And I got to bow hunt bighorns with an overthe-counter tag in the Bighorn Crags of Idaho.
As you know Montana bowhunters have it pretty good with our long seasons and many species to hunt. The MBA, along with a few other organizations are constantly battling bad bills introduced in Helena that would degrade the bowhunting experience. In your opinion, what is the biggest threat or threats to bowhunting in Montana ?
Having testified many times in the Legislature, my experience has reinforced that Voting Matters. As fellow outdoorsman and former Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Moody (deceased from Lewistown) often remarked: “95% of wildlife and sportsmen decisions are made on Election Day”. Fellow bowhunters cannot expect good outcomes with the wrong Legislators. One of the largest landowners in the State has given maximum contributions to each legislator of one party, and of course, they expect something from their “gifts”. Outfitters, UPOM, and large agriculture will be prominent in the Legislature. As long as hunting voters continue to be swayed by anti-gun and other rhetoric, we all will lose. This year’s one-party-dominated Legislative session will be a bloodbath for ordinary resident sportsmen, and even the Constitution may be changed.
You are well traveled and seem to have had awesome adventures around the world. If you had a single use time machine and could be transported back in time to bowhunt, where would that be and what animal would you chase?
Wow, that question brings up some awesome memories. Russia brown bears with Dick Robertson and Doug Borland. Alaska moose, black bear, sitka deer, caribou with several Montana friends. New Zealand, Zimbabwe, and Namibia and Northwest Territories Dall’s sheep. My bow and flyrod have been the catalysts to take me to some wonderful spots that I would otherwise never have traveled.
Going back, my favorite bowhunting would be not any particular animal, but rather going back to lots of opportunities for quality hunts with a lot fewer bowhunters. For me, that’s hunting undisturbed wild critters alone far from others in their natural habitats. With great respect to each specie’s survival skills, I value most the accomplishment of penetrating their natural predator avoidance distance. Montana still offers some of that for the willing, but every new technology and every new access vehicle/route threatens that quality opportunity.
What bow setup did you use in your first bowhunting success? How about the bow used on your most recent success?
My first big game successes were with Root and Bear Kodiak Magnum recurves, and cedar shafts with Bear 2 blade broadheads. An elk bugle I whittled out of bamboo worked for my first big bull elk packed out for 3 days with a packboard I made from wooden sticks.
All I have are Montana bows…. those of Dick Robertson, Monte Morevac, Dwane Jessop, Dale Dye, and Dan and Jared Tolke. I am presently favoring Dan’s takedown whip reflex deflex in about 54# at my draw length. At nearly 80 years, I am favoring the lightest draw bow I have.
Paper maps or phone apps?
I have and use both but must admit I find onX pretty useful for bowhunting, bird-hunting, and even Alaska fishing. But the price is, of course, there are no more secret spots. If you live in New Jersey, you can e-scout any place in Montana.
Wool or new-fangled tech camo?
Being the quietest is my only criterion for selecting bowhunting camo. I use fleece a lot because it is quiet, and at 20 yards or less, it had better be quiet. Coues deer can hear fleece against fleece as you draw at under 20 yards. I am surprised (and don’t own any) expensive high-tech gear that is all too noisy. Wood or Aluminum or Carbon arrows?
I have primitive wood, commercial wood, and aluminum shafts. Feather fletched 2216 aluminum are my everyday arrows. I prefer bright fletching to be able to see the arrow after entering the animal to assess follow-up needs.
Single bevel or double?
Double bevel because just being sharp has worked for me. I choose two or three-blade broadhead based on the ability to get an exit hole. I use Three blade for deer and two for elk, moose, etc. Bowhunting would be better if most bowhunters spent more time with judos shooting pinecones, learning how to get closer, and holding out for sure kill shots.
I hope you have a safe and successful hunt in Arizona and I do hope to see you again at the Carp Safari this coming June. Although I’ve never hunted for Cous deer, it sounds to me like Cous deer hunting is great training for bowfishing carp. They have to be really close; you probably should aim low and you will most likely shoot over their
ROOMS ARE $149 PLUS FEES AND TAXES
We are excited to announce the weekend of March 31st, April 1st, and 2nd for the 45th Convention at the Fairmont Hotsprings located just outside Butte, America. We have a fun-filled weekend planned for everyone in the family. Live auction, silent auction, vendors, shooting, and a prime rib supper on Saturday are just a few of the things on the list of fun. We have a mountain of great prizes to win in the raffle drawings, games, and auction events that will be going on throughout Saturday.
There are hunts for Canada Black Bear, Idaho Black Bear, Florida Alligator, and African Plains game hunts. We also have a pile of bows we are going to raffle. There will be something in the silent auction for everyone.
Don’t miss your chance to swap stories with some of the best bowhunters from across the state. Gene and Barry Wensel will be the keynote dinner speakers. You will have a chance to see the World Record Yellowstone Bull Elk in person, harvested here in Montana by Steve Felix. Steve will tell the full story of the hunt over a cold “bottomless beer” during the social hour before the banquet. Test your skills at arial targets with flu flu arrows (furnished), outside during the day.
All monies raised will continue to go towards “Promoting and Preserving” Bowhunting in our great state. Without you, our great members, and donors, we would not have the opportunity to hunt big game 10 months a year with bow in hand.
Get your tickets and rooms booked early online or over the phone. Bring your swimsuits, trophies, and anything else you want to show off in the display area!
1st Vice President:
° Stephanie Prater
°
Secretary
° Jerry Davis
° Write-in__________________________
Area Reps:
Region 1
° Al Kelly
Region 3
° Liberty Brown
° Robin Mestdagh
Region 5
° Chris Gasner
Region 7
° Rick Miller
Odd Year Director At Large: (limit 4)
° June LePage
° Brian Koelzer
° Mike Shepard
° Jackie Weidow
Greetings Team MBA,
My name is Stephanie Prater, I am a 4th generation Montana sportsman. I currently live in Lewistown with my husband Michael and our two Labradors, Missouri & Dove. I grew up hiking in the woods around Helena with my family looking for sheds and mushrooms each spring and tagging along on hunts in the fall to fill our freezers until I was old enough to take hunters education. Since then, I hunt every chance I can and am blessed to find lots of success in the field as well as memories. I’ve been archery hunting for over 10 years and rarely pick up a rifle anymore. While I love to hunt gobbling toms, rutting deer, cupped up ducks or flushing pheasants, my true passion is chasing bugling elk through the mountains with my bow. I’ve been serving on the Montana Bowhunters board for 4 years and have also volunteered for many other sporting groups and our local archery club. I most recently served on the FWP Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group.
Hello. My name is Jerry Davis. I have been a board member of MBA since 2012 with a large part of my commitment to acting as a citizen lobbyist for MBA. I have testified and lobbied Montana State Senators and Representatives on various issues and bills including:
• Preventing crossbows in our Archery Only Season,
• Protecting the breaks archery permits,
• Preventing the season setting process from being legislated instead of using the existing tentative process employed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission which allows for public comment,
• Etc.
I have been acting secretary since early 2020 and I have decided that is were I can be of greatest value to MBA.
I ran a rather lengthy bio prior to past elections for a DAL position. If you want to know more about me, you can go to our 1st quarter newsletter for 2020.
Thanks, Jerry Davis
Here we are again. And now my time is up for serving as your region one representative on the Montana Bowhunters Association. Of course, I would serve another term if you choose to vote for me once again. So, for those who don’t know me here is the scoop.
I love to bowhunt. I have been doing it for 45 years. I also try to give back to the sport. I started teaching bowhunter education in North Idaho when the program was introduced in Idaho. I moved to Montana in 1996 and after taking a few years off, being a single parent, I got back to teaching in Montana. Elk is my first love, but I also have hunted and harvested whitetail, mule deer, and turkeys. I also like to go out and fish. These days you are just as likely to find me bird hunting with my two Griff’s, Bolt and Tate. They are great hunting partners and are always ready for adventure.
I am also blessed to be mar ried to a great woman who shares my passion for bowhunting. So if you wish, I would gladly continue to serve. There is lots of work to do and I will do what I can. It is a privilege to work with the friends I have on the Montana Bowhunters Association Board.
Al Kelly
My name is Liberty Brown and I’m seeking re-election as a region 3 representative.
I moved to Bozeman, MT during the summer of 1998, after spending 6 years as a submariner in the United States Navy. In 2003, I graduated from Montana State with a B.S. in Business Marketing, and I now run my own digital marketing business.
My wife Andi and I have 3 children and we are proud to be raising them in Montana. We’ve been family members of the MBA for eight years and I’ve been serving as an MBA region 3 representative for the last four. I’m also responsible for maintaining the MBA website and helping with the social media marketing.
Since my involvement with the MBA, my passion for bow hunting has continued to grow. As a Region 3 representative, I hope to continue as an advocate for the MBA by striving to live by the mission statement of the MBA and to be a voice for other bowhunters in region 3 and the state of Montana.
My name is Robin Mestdagh. I am a 3rd generation Montanan. I was raised in Roundup, MT, and moved to Billings, MT finishing high school there. I left after graduation and was in the Air Force active duty for 4 years. I spent a couple years after my enlistment Cowboying and then returned to Billings. I have been married for 30 years and have 4 children and 1 granddaughter. I was a Flooring and Tile Contractor for 23 years in Billings and 8 years ago, we moved to Helena, Mt where I am a Territory Manager for a company called Schluter Systems which supports the tile industry. I am responsible for Montana, Idaho, Eastern Washington and Northern Wyoming, which results in a great deal of travel but has allowed me to get off my hands and knees thankfully.
In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors in many ways. Riding horseback, hunting, and fishing have always been a huge part of my life. I have been shooting a bow as long as I can remember and Archery is my main choice for hunting. If you ask me if I have been a successful hunter, I would have to break it down like this. If I measured it on how many animals I have taken with a bow, I would say I have had minimal success. If you measured it by what I have been able to experience, learning from countless mistakes, and still making mistakes, but most of all the amazing adventures and encounters that I have been able to enjoy while pursuing animals with a bow and arrow, I am extremely successful and would not change any of it.
In closing, I feel I am very blessed to have been brought up and live in Montana. Being able to pursue our hunting lifestyle with family and friends is a great privilege that I would like to pass on to our younger generations to come.
Thank you.
I moved to Montana in the early 2000’s, and since then I’ve gotten married and had 2 boys. I started bow hunting when I was 13. I was lucky enough to get a bull that first year. Since then, it’s consumed my life. I spend a big part of each year planning hunts for the fall and waiting for the tags to draw. I never know for sure which state I’ll be hunting in on any given year, but I know we will be having an adventure and seeing something brand new.
My involvement in the MBA the past two years has been interesting and enjoyable with increased respect for a very committed board of directors. These folks not only talk the talk, but they make it happen wherever the organization’s presence is needed. Inspiring would be a good word to describe the current atmosphere.
For those that do not know me:
- Montana r esident for 65 years
- Montana bowhunter since age 14 (or was it 12?)
- Colstrip Spor tsmen Club board member for over 20 years
- Two-term appointee to the Private Lands Public Wildlife Council
- Member of the Easter n Montana Elk Archery Committee
Positions:
• Crow Tribe: Ruling (Herrera vs Wyoming) gives them unrestricted hunting access to areas that include the Ashland District Custer National Forest. This one should be a huge concern to Montana’s bowhunters as it allows a specific culture of people unrestricted hunting access to our Federally owned lands. Wyoming is challenging the ruling and is not changing anything until there is a final decision. Montana is not. I believe a statewide sportsmen alliance could help change Montana’s position to mirror what the primary defendant (Wyoming) has taken. The MBA needs to be a leading presence in that movement.
• Elk management: Restoring statewide (publicly accessible) population balances should be the main goal of our legislators and FWP. Overharvest and displacement have the public side of the fence completely out of balance in elk distribution.
• Mule deer: See my Region 7 article in this newsletter. For sure, very concerning
• Bow fishing: Would like to see northern pike added to the list of fish we can shoot
• Electronics during the archery season. With the explosion of trail camera use during the season, I have a concern about how they are negatively changing the experience. Do we really need to be electronically monitoring every aspect of our chosen quarry? Are we intentionally now claiming specific areas (waterholes, etc.) with these devices? Many of us are now starting to feel that way. Add the latest networking advances into the discussion and the situation gets even more concerning??
• Drones: Can’t believe we are even discussing if they should be legal during any hunting season. HELL NO!
• Crossbows. Couldn’t be more against cross-guns in our archery season. Again – HELL NO!
I sure would appreciate your vote to allow me to continue an active role on the MBA board for the next two years.
Thank you for keeping the Montana bowhunting tradition alive and the challenge inspiring!
Rick Miller – Colstrip (406) 749-0292
continued on page 20
Hello ever yone, my name is Brian Koelzer and for the past 13 years I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the MBA board in several positions. The rigors of work, raising two young boys, and trying to find a few free minutes to go hunting has led me to decide to not seek reelection as 1st Vice President but run for a DAL position instead.
Im 44 years old and r eside outside of Manhattan with my wife Kara and two boys Bowen and Schafer. I work as a stone mason and musician to support my bowhunting passion(addiction..?). I’ve had a stickbow in my hand since the age of 5 and have been pursuing big game exclusively with traditional archery tackle for the last 30 years. My adventures have taken me to Alaska, several Canadian provinces, and multiple states in the lower 48. I’m currently a member of Pope and Young(Regular), PBS(Qualified Regular), Compton Traditional Bowhunters, Montana Bowhunters Association, Traditional Bowhunters of Montana, Bowhunters of Wyoming, and NRA. It would be an honor to continue serving on this board.
As a Carroll College student working towards a bachelor’s degree in biology, I remain an avid bowhunter and active member of the MBA. I maintain a high GPA and robust extracurricular involvement while still making time to get into the field and hunt during my college breaks. I’ve been attending MBA banquets since I was a little girl, have provided testimony as a member of the bowhunting community, and want to be more involved in an organization that works to protect and promote the sport I so dearly love.
Thank you!
June
Howdy! Brian asked me to think about re-upping as a Director-at-Large. So, I guess I will. I have been bowhunting since 1961, as my dad had me Ben Pearson fiberglass bow shooting at age 7. I have taken so many animals, I have lost count with longbows, recurves and yes, even the dreaded compound. I only shot those new bows for 2 years, andbroke limbs twice. I met Paul Schafer and have only been trad since. He built me 2 beautiful bows and so has Dave. Been taking bears with my take-down longbow rather regularly in NW Montana. Two have approached 6 1/2 to almost 7 feet. Both missed P&Y by fractions of an inch. I love to call bears in.
I lost my wife of 45 years to cancer, and it turned my life upside down. Amazing how your life can change in an instant. I have been a life member of the MBA so long I cannot remember when…go back to the days even when the Wensels still lived in Montana.
I was Bow Ed Chairman for 19 years, and with all the trainings we did qualifying instructors, we got it mandatory in late 80›s. Current program is a dribble to what we did. So if you will have me again, I throw my hat into the ring.
Respectfully, Mike Shepard,,.Ye Olde Bowhunter
Hello,
My name is Jackie Weidow. I am an avid bowhunter. I started volunteering to become a Bowhunter Education Instructor in 2006, in 2011 I became a certified Bowhunter Education Instructor, and I have been teaching ever since. I volunteer for the MBA, and MT Fish Wildlife and Parks.
I am very passionate about the outdoors and bowhunting. I volunteer at the Youth Shooting Sports event that the MBA takes part in every year. I volunteer every year for the Teen Bowhunters Camp as a “Guide” for the girl’s group. I love getting the youth involved in the archery and bowhunting world. In September each year, my family and I take out first-time bowhunters. I love being able to teach the next generation about archery and bowhunting. I feel like I am a keeper of the flame. Being able to take the knowledge I have gained over the years and teach it to new archers and bowhunters is truly a passion of mine. Bowhunting is done in close quarters. I want to continue learning and teaching about a passion of mine. I want to share it with anyone and everyone. Keeping this tradition alive means so much to me. Bringing in the next generation to hold onto our sport is very important to me. Getting our youth involved is very important. I believe in standing up for our sport and tradition. I want to make a positive impact that reflects my passion for the sport and tradition I love.
I would love to be considered for the Bow-Ed and the Youth Membership/Teen Bowhunters Camp Committees as well as your next Director at Large. I live in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. I would love to be your next Director at Large for the Montana Bowhunters Association.
May your arrows always fly straight and true!
Jackie WeidowSafari Hunt for 4 Hunters
Donated By
Numzaan Safaris
John Campbell (425) 870 5269
johnc @numzaan.com
This once in a lifetime opportunity is for 4 Muzzle Loader/Rifle/Bow Hunters and will take place in the picturesque Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Hunt can take Place on any available dates is 2023 /24 . The Hunting Concession is about 3 Hours North of Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. This Donation includes:
-5 Hunting Days
-4 Hunters (2x1 : 2 Hunters 1 Professional Hunter) This can be upgraded to a 1x1 hunt as per our Pricelist
-Full Accommodation
-ALL Food and Beveridge's including Wine
-$500 towards Trophy Fees per Hunter
-25% Discount on Daily Rates towards additional Hunting Days
the conclusion of your Hunt.
#JLNZ JC/03/23
Join us in a unique +ly +ishing experience in ARGENTINA at PARANÁ RIVER in Corrientes State.
DONATIONS PACKAGES DESCRIPTION: 2 ANGLERS +$1,000 credit per Angler (applies for the following packages)
1)2 Fishing days, 3 nights $3400 (market value)
2)3 Fishing days, 4 nights $4600 (market value)
3)4 Fishing Days, 5 nights $5800 (market value)
Tucked away on the banks of the middle Parana River in Corrientes state in Argentina this hidden gem offers prized fresh water Dorado fly fishing in a truly spectacular wetland wilderness. As our guests you will experience the thrill of sport fishing the famous golden dorado on pristine rivers, share delicious meals with friends and relax in our high ending lodge.
THE FISHING
Join us for the ultimate fresh water fly fishing of the golden dorado in the Corrientes and Parana Rivers of Argentina! Come face to face with the river tiger, surrounded by Golden waves as you set the hook, a Golden Dorado with a scowl on his face angry as hell, will suddenly jump three feet in the air showing his teeth before diving back into the river, busting your reel with his aggression.
Our lodge is the perfect combination of luxurious comfort and a relaxed atmosphere. The central hub of the lodge is the outdoor veranda and a large elegantly decorated dining and living room with leather sofas, antique and reclaimed furniture and chandeliers. With it’s panoramic views of the beautiful Corrientes river and large open spaces it is a great venue. Lodge capacity: 6 people (3 double based rooms)
THE PROGRAM (3 nights + 2 full days of fishing)
Day 1
Transfer from Paraná airport to Nomads Lodge at the afternoon.
Day 2, 3,
Full days of fishing
Day 4
Transfer to Airport at early morning.
Regular full fishing day: Going out from the lodge river or other river spot at early morning, coming back to have lunch and go back fishing again. Sometimes We do Argentina Asado at the islands to keep fishing non stop.
Included:
3Full fishing day with a professional guide for every 2 anglers per boat // High ending lodging beside the Corrientes River // Meals featuring regional specialties, such as our famed beef and traditional Asados (BBQs), delicious desserts // Fine Argentine wines from the renown Mendoza region.Beer is also provided. // Internet / Wi-Fi // Flat style boats with 4-stroke motors and Minn Kota. // Drinks and snacks on board. //English speaking host.
Not Included:
Fishing license $200 / / Loaner rod service $50 x day / / Dorado flies/ / Transfer from Parana Airport to Lodge USD 120/guest round trip // Tips.- $2,200/Angler (50% off)
(double based rates)
www.nomadsoutfitters.com
Matt Seibert, CLCS
Sales Executive, Commercial Lines 406-321-0700
matt.seibert@hubinternational.com
Let me preface this by saying by no means am I an expert on training a dog to find shed antlers. I have only trained two dogs to find sheds. I will say I do find more sheds now than I did before I was using a dog, so I’ve learned a thing or two that you might find useful.
The first dog I attempted to train was our family dog, a three-legged yellow Lab named Trapper. I was going to college in Butte at the time, so the time I was able to spend training him was pretty limited. I first began by teaching him the word “shed” and playing fetch with an antler. Once he got the hang of that, I would put Trapper in the garage so he couldn’t see me, and then I would hide a few antlers in the tree line in front of our house. I’d tell him to “fetch the shed”, and soon he was finding all the antlers in no time. I thought I had myself an expert and expected to find exponentially more sheds with Trapper than I did on my own. When we went out for the real thing, I found out that wasn’t the case. He seemed more interested in finding dead things to chew on and rolling in animal droppings. It was discouraging when I’d watch Trapper go right by a shed without even batting an eye at it. When I’d spot a shed, I’d tell him to “fetch the shed” until he would find it and bring it to me. Eventually, he got to where he was finding them on his own. I’d end up with a bonus antler that Trapper found most times we’d go shed hunting. He was a strange Lab in the fact that he didn’t have a strong desire to retrieve unless he was retrieving a bird. I’d have to keep a close eye on him because sometimes he would find a shed and then just stand over it and sniff it. I had one of my best days ever with Trapper when we found 33 antlers. He probably found about five of those. His contribution to the total was small in number, but two of his finds made up one of the best whitetail sets I have in my collection, a gnarly buck with matching split G2’s. Trapper never turned out to be the shed dog that I was hoping he would be, but he made a good hiking partner, and I still ended up with more antlers than I would have without him.
Two years ago, my wife and I decided to get a dog of our own. We ended up with a black Lab who we named Clark. I decided to take my lessons learned while training Trapper and make Clark into a better shed dog. We are lucky to have a few acres around our house with tall grass where I hide antlers for him. Since he was my own dog, I had a lot more time to work with him, and he seemed to pick things up while training around the house. Any time he noticed I was wearing leather gloves, a method to prevent getting human scent on the antlers, he knew there were antlers hidden for him. He would tear out of the kennel and have all the antlers picked up in several minutes. I was getting high hopes of him performing at the same level when we were looking for sheds. He turned a year old in the spring, and we went out on his first trial run. It became clear that he was easily distracted by other sights and smells, like Trapper had been. I managed to find some antlers and had Clark retrieve them for me, but he didn’t find any on his own. We went on several more shed-hunting trips that spring, and Clark ended up finding a few antlers. I would make sure to give him a lot of praise every time he retrieved an antler. I adjusted some of his training in the offseason, and it seemed to take him to another level. I started to hide fewer antlers, and sometimes I would hide antlers along the road in our neighborhood so he would come across them when we would go on walks. This past spring, he found quite a few more sheds on his own, and I think he will continue to get better each year.
1). Use a leather glove when training to prevent getting your scent on the antlers.
2). Don’t hide too many sheds when training. It is fun to see your dog find them, but when you put out too many, the dog expects to find sheds right away. Then when you take them shed-hunting and they don’t find antlers immediately, they lose interest. I would recommend only hiding one or two at a time.
3). If you own a bird dog, don’t be surprised if your dog doesn’t pick up as many sheds when there are pheasants or grouse around. A shed can’t compete with a live bird.
4). Dogs are more motivated to pick up sheds when they are not tired and panting. Try to keep your dog fresh by taking breaks.
5). The most important thing is to train your dog in unfamiliar places. It is easy to get in the habit of taking your dog to the most convenient place for training all the time. Taking your dog to different areas will most closely resemble actual shed hunting scenarios.
Many people think that they will find a lot more sheds with a trained shed dog. Even professional shed dog trainers will tell you that usually isn’t the case. The better your shed-hunting areas are, the more likely your dog is to become good at finding sheds. Dogs learn habits through repetition, so the more opportunities they have, the higher the likelihood of the light bulb turning on. In all reality, a trained shed dog will likely only help you find a few extra sheds a year. You will likely find more sheds because of the other benefits that a dog provides, making shed hunting more enjoyable, thus encouraging you to get out more and put in the extra mile. Good luck on your shed-hunting adventures this spring!
The day couldn’t have been more perfect for a Christmas tree hunt, and we were enjoying it fully. Having harvested our tree, we were drinking mugs of hot chocolate, eating Christmas cookies, and plotting where to try next. Good friends Garrick and Karlie were along with their two small boys. A flatbed truck approached, and I walked over to chat with the driver. I thought he was a local landowner (who I wanted to talk deer management with) but he turned out to be an off-duty Forest Service employee who was a great source of information. We talked deer for about 15 minutes, and he then continued down the road. We gathered up our stuff and headed in the same direction a few minutes behind Garrick.
We moseyed along enjoying the weather when around a corner we noticed Garrick stopped in the middle of the road with both doors open. I could see something going on to his left, downslope. The scene went from calm and relaxed to emotionally charged panic in seconds. I jumped out of the truck and headed toward Garrick. I could see at least three teens and someone laying on the ground. Garrick told me the dad had had a heart attack a short time before he arrived, and the oldest daughter and son were trying to give CPR. He was trying to find a breathing apparatus to give breaths as the son was doing so and needed some help. Being in the electrical field my whole career, I’d had lots of CPR training, but “Thank God” had never had to use it. Garrick was also trained and knowledgeable. Now was the time–could we effectively recall and apply?
Garrick did find a breathing isolator in his first aid kit, but it was a simple flat device with no real isolation. I had recently thrown mine away as it was just gathering dust in the truck console. The flatbed guy had left the scene to try to find cell service to call 911. My wife (Diane) took our truck and did the same.
I took over the compressions while Garrick readied for breaths. In a relaxed training environment, hitting the right compression cadence seems easy. Swap relaxed with high emotion and life-hinging responsibility and the procedure is not quite so intuitive. Not sure how you compress deeply enough to be effective and keep a seemingly very fast rhythm. I struggled in my mind that I wasn’t doing it fast enough–damn! Giving breaths was tough, to say the least. Without an isolation device, mouth-to-mouth gets very personal with stomach fluid exchanges being common. Despite that less-than-desirable effect Garrick and the man’s son didn’t hesitate. They both knew what was at stake and did what had to be done.
We did the best we could to monitor pulse and breathing but found that aspect challenging as well. Mix in the person who is doing the checks with a racing heart and stressed breathing, and subtle indicators are very hard to detect. We pressed on not knowing what else to do.
The flatbed guy came racing back, reporting he had made contact and help was on the way. We were about 20 minutes into the event when we decided to lift the man and place him on the truck bed where we could move toward the first responders. Panic was still the controlling factor and we probably rolled down the road a bit too fast for the three of us on the flatbed deck, still performing CPR. Luckily, none of us bounced out. We met two sheriff deputies about 10 minutes later.
The deputies had an AED which they attached immediately. I took the two semi-in-shock older teens with me away from the procedure. The scene was heartbreaking, and the teens were tough but a mess (you can imagine). The deputies decided to continue toward the ambulance, with Garrick still giving compressions.
We men the ambulance short time later, where they took over the emergency care. We were told the EMT’s called the resuscitation effort before reaching the hospital in Lame Deer. Our efforts had failed despite giving it our all.
The ill-fated dad was 44 and it was his daughter’s 14th birthday.
I tell this story to raise awareness about a threat that is around us all the time as bowhunters. Heart attacks can happen at any time and to anyone. Being prepared can make the difference between life and death.
The scene went from calm and relaxed to emotionally charged panic in seconds.
Ihad the best season I’ve ever had! I was able to get my very first elk (and it was 5*6 bull!), 2 tom turkeys, a whitetail doe and buck all with my bow. I also wanted to send the cow my husband got.
The elk and archery gods were smiling on us this year!
Sarah Yerkes
(920)
(406) 778-2155
Ismay, Montana
Unified voice during legislative sessions to protect seasons and access programs while opposing efforts which seek to limit the role of FWP in managing wildlife
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• The MBA is the organization the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks consults on bowhunting issues that affect Montana bowhunters.
• Montana has the best bowhunting seasons of any of the western states. We are continually working to keep these.
• The MBA is active in the Legislature to protect and fight for our hunting and bowhunting seasons and rights.
• The MBA produces a quarterly magazine informing you of local, state, and national bowhunting issues and events, and publishing great stories and pictures
• THE MBA NEEDS MEMBER NUMBERS AND YOUR YEARLY DUES TO CONTINUE TO PROTECT WHAT YOU ENJOY EVERY YEAR. ISN’T WHAT YOU ENJOY EVERY FALL WORTH $25 A YEAR TO PROTECT?
• Worked to get the first archery season started in Montana. Along the way, we’ve increased the seasons to what you enjoy today.
• Worked to establish archery bear, lion and sheep seasons.
• Worked to establish archery antelope 900 tag and August 15th opener.
• Worked to establish archery only areas and hunting districts.
• Proposed a special archery wolf season and endorsed the highest quota of wolf harvest possible.
• Actively protects hunting & bowhunting seasons in the Legislature year after year.
• Defended our archery seasons against the “Crossbows & Muzzleloaders” threats throughout the years.
• Created the Modified Archer’s permit that now allows those with handicaps to use modified archery equipment to hunt; which kept any need for crossbows out of Montana and defended our archery seasons against other crossbow threats throughout the years.
• Re-established the archery season after it was left off the regulations one year.
• Actively works with FWP to protect archery seasons, our resources, and expand archery opportunity in Montana year after year.
