Vol. 42 #3 Spring 2015 by Montana Bowhunter's Association

THE

VOL. 42 #3 Spring 2015

PAGE 32

Ancillary Opportunities – PAGE 14 2105 MBA Convention Preview – PAGE 18 The Release Aid Option – PAGE 34

ANNUAL

C ONVENTION

Return service requested Montana Bowhunters Association PO Box 23611 Billings, MT 59104

Non-Proﬁt Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 120 Bozeman, MT 59718

MBA

Regional Representatives Region 1

Al Kelly

PO Box 219, Libby, MT 59923 ............................ 406-293-2900 alman@frontiernet.net

Dan Moore

75 Haywire Trail, Kalispell MT 59901 ................. 406-756-7395 bigdanmt@yahoo.com

Region 2

Marlon Clapham

426 Lynx Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 ............. 406-381-9112 turkeyfootgirl@aol.com

Region 3

Brian Koelzer

MBA

ofﬁcers PRESIDENT

Joelle Selk

6963 York Road • Helena, MT 59602 jselkmt@3riversdbs.net • 406-422-6798

4455 Hoover Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870..........406-777-2408 mbaregion2@gmail.com…

Kim Blaskowski

www.mtba.org

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Paul Martin

110 Sage Lane • Kalispell, MT 59901 paulhmartin99@gmail.com •406-261-4456

80 Jansma Lane Manhattan, MT 59741 ............. 406-570-7997 rocknrollbowhunter3@yahoo.com

Region 4

David Stratton

2120 3rd St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405 .......... 406-452-3238 destratton@gmail.com

Mark Schwomeyer 60 Hruska Ln, Lewistown, MT 59457 ................. 406-350-0173 markschwo@gmail.com

Region 5 Region 6

2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Steve Schindler

134 Sawney Drive • Glasgow, MT 59203 sas@nemont.net • 406-228-9024

Vacant TREASURER

David Moon

97 Aberdeen, Glasgow, MT 59230...................... 406-942-0659 djmoon9876@gmail.com

Jenn Schneider

PO Box 23611 • Billings, MT 59104 mtba@mtba.org • 406-697-7668

Region 7 Region 8

Bob Morgan

P.O. Box 1995 Colstrip, MT 59323 ..................... 406-749-0706 robertredface@gmail.com

Jerry Davis

725 Middlemas Road, Helena, MT 59602 ...........406-475-2226 pipelinejerry@gmail.com

SECRETARY

Marian Stratton

2120 3rd St South, Great Falls, MT 59405 mnstratton1@gmail.com • 406-452-3238

AT LARGE DIRECTORS PAST PRESIDENT

EVEN YEARS

Jason Tounsley

Roger Peffer

2517 9th Ave So., Great Falls, MT 59405 – regorp77@msn.com .................. 406-452-0911

Seth Rogers

1425 Prickley Pear, Billings, MT 59105 – srogers@lamar.com ...................... 406-670-5435

8630 Longmeadow Dr. • Billings, MT 59106 MAGAZINE CO-EDITORS

ODD YEARS

Adam Barker 4871 Alpha Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718 – adam.barker@ge.com................. 406-461-2792

Teri and Al Kelly

PO Box 219 • Libby, MT 59923 teray1979@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL COMMENTS 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

Stories, photos, or cartoons should be sent to Al or Teri Kelly at PO Box 23611, Billings, MT 59104 or email teray1979@yahoo.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All photos will be placed in the MBA Photo Ablum and can be viewed at the annual conventions. Any questions as to policies of MBA please write the President.

WEB DESIGNER

Lyle Hebel

www.pixelelk.com MAGAZINE DESIGN K Design Marketing, Inc.

FALL ISSUE, DEADLINE, July 15 WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, October 15 SPRING ISSUE, DEADLINE, January 15 SUMMER ISSUE, DEADLINE, April 15

MEMBERSHIP INQURIES

Please send new memberships or renewal memberships to MBA Tresurer, PO Box 23611, Billings, MT 59104 or call 406-697-7668, register online at www.mtba.org or ask a member.

Kimberly Kinsinger

1613 South Ave. W. • Missoula, MT 59801 kim@kdesignmarketing.com 406-273-6193

Spring 2015

Teri Kelly

EDITOR’S NOTE

old on a sec while I step up on my really large soap box. Recently I had a few conversations with other bowhunters that were concerning as well as frustrating. Over the course of the years, like many of you I have heard and participated in many discussions and arguments about equipment, accessories, methods, seasons and lands all related to bowhunting. Some of those discussions didn’t end up the direction I wanted and some of them did. However, I firmly believe in the mission of the Montana Bowhunters Association and the work that’s been done over the years. Bowhunting is an opportunity, not a right and it’s one that this organization works very hard to preserve and protect. What concerns and frustrates me is hearing past, current and potential members profess that they have quit, may quit or will not join the MBA because the MBA won’t support equipment or accessories they prefer or the perception that the organization is lobbying a particular way because the members of the board shoot one kind of bow versus another. Now, let me get a little higher on this soap box. Do we all understand how this works? The members who work tirelessly on bowhunting opportunities represent the bowhunters in the state of Montana and in the region they live. I live in region 1, if I have issue with or an opinion on how I think the MBA should stand then I have two choices. I can get involved and be part of the very small group that works very hard to protect and preserve bowhunting in Montana, or at the very least I can JOIN the MBA and voice my opinion to the regional representative in my area. It isn’t rocket science, if you want to change something than take action. Hold on now, because I’m almost to the top of that soap box. What is archery? Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow. Does it matter if you shoot compound or traditional, with or without lighted nocks, carbon or wood arrows, with or without a release, etc.? Do we all use the same boots, binoculars or backpacks? Do we all drive the same vehicles or hunt with the same methods? Of course not, because we are all different people who enjoy our bowhunting experiences in different ways. There isn’t a right or wrong about it, it is simply a matter of your personal preference. The purpose of the MBA is to unite the state’s bowhunting sportsmen to work towards a common goal of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana. If you are unaware or unsure of what the MBA has done for you as a bowhunter I encourage you to access the website and educate yourself. http:// mtba.org/about/accomplishment If you continue to question whether to join or become involved in the MBA read the following statement taken from the Member Involvement section of About the MBA on mtba.org The MBA would not exist without individuals and families who feel just as passionate about bowhunting as our founders did in 1973. We face many challenges

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

and we need a strong membership to meet those challenges. Our decisions are assisted by member input and we welcome your involvement, whether that is during bowhunter education or during the legislature. We all play a role in the success of the MBA, and by extension, in the success of bowhunting in Montana. We appreciate your support and input and thank you for your membership. There are several openings on the MBA board; it’s time to step up your game folks. Now I’ll get off the soap box and say the convention is coming up in March and should be a great time and don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Carp Safari in Helena in June.

Teri Kelly

TABLE OF CONTENTS VOL. 42 #3 Spring 2015

PAGE

ANNUAL

C ONVENTION PREVIEW

PAGE

2 On the Cover

VOL. 42 #3

EDITOR’S NOTE

Teri Kelly PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Joelle Selk 1st VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

THE

Paul Martin

PAGE 32

th C OA N N U A L

N V E N T IO

?????

18 30 32

2015 CONVENTION PREVIEW CARP SAFARI ENTRY FORM Cover Story: THE LOCALS CALL HIM MAGNUM

Steve Schindler

Paul Martin

Marion Stratton

6 10 11 12

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BEAR HUNT

2nd VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

Ancillary 2105 MBA Co Opportunities – PAGE 14 nventio The Release n Preview – PAGE 18 Aid Option – PAGE 34

ANCILLARY OPPORTUNITIES:

Steve Sukut

Spring 2015

REGIONAL REPORTS LEGISLATIVE REPORT MBE UPDATE

38 35 46 37

THE RELEASE AID OPTION

Steve Sukut BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS MBA MEMBERSHIP FORM MEMBER GALLERY

MBA MEMBER SURVEY

Spring 2015

OFFICER’S REPORTS

President’s

First Vice

Message

t is truly an energizing time to be involved in the MBA. The convention is right around the corner in March and the Billings crew has the very best speakers and seminars in place to accompany the excitement of the raffles and auctions. The ride through the legislative session is an equal mix of apprehension, inspiration, and motivation. We face challenging bills, requiring careful consideration and strategy to ensure we protect our seasons and opportunity. We’ve just finished a member survey on the introduction of electronics to arrows and bows and are now at an important decision point as an organization. Both proponents and opponents have expressed that this is a crucial issue for them, and the counterpoint of the perspectives is interesting, to say the least. Proponents feel the introduction of lighted nocks and cameras are simply a useful tool which really won’t impact bowhunting much. They express that this is the very reason that more bowhunters do not join our ranks. Conversely, opponents feel the allowance of electronics will result in a cascade of other things which will significantly impact the essence of bowhunting. A number of current Joelle of Selk members have threatened to drop their membership wek decide to change our stance. These are strong sentiments indeed, and ones which we do not take lightly. As we guide the discussion and come to a decision, I encourage all bowhunters to measure us by the sum off our accomplishments rather than by single issues. We have amassed an amazing track record of accomplishments over our forty years of existence, and we will continue that heritage in the coming years. We have several openings to fill on the board this election cycle and I encourage interested members to step up and add your energy to the MBA. Yours in bowhunting,

Joelle Selk

President’s Report

t seems like during our lives that the timing of things is everything, and it seems like it’s time for me to step down from the board of the MBA. It’s not like I’m going anywhere, in fact staying connected will be very necessary. Rolling back several years, it was Larry Rattray that was responsible for my being on the board, while my now good friend, Gary Carvajal was president. That was the start for me and my secret weapon/ hunting partner, Diann, to take notes at all the meetings we attended throughout the state. To say the least, it was and is an enormous learning process at just how things have to work themselves out for the better. Through the years, we’ve seen a lot of different people from our state come and go on the board, some for many years and some for a few meetings, some coming back to serve on the board, and even a few who didn’t make it at all. In most Paul Martin cases, you were sorry someone had to leave, but maybe at least once, one you could hardly wait for them to go. Really, what I’m trying to say is that it’s been a privilege to serve on the board of the MBA. If you share my passion for the sport of archery and the heritage of bowhunting and truly think you can dedicate the time and energy to become a regional representative, director at large, or even an officer, please do so. Now back to the timing of things. With the acquired property of the Montana Bowhunter Education Foundation (MBEF ) things seem to be on schedule where there wasn’t a schedule, and in order to get things done in a timely fashion I’m going to have to focus all my energy on this enormous project. Reflecting back on this past season brought a few more concerns to light. It is my belief that the future of our FWP, at least the wildlife part, solely depends on better predator control. In Region 1 alone, annually we kill 200 lions, 500+ black bears, and 100 wolves. Think about that. We are killing over 800 predators in Region 1 alone and we are still not making a dent in them. If we were taking out about 300 wolves a year we might see an improvement in our elk harvest. This year’s game check station report of 150%, down from just 2010, paints a very disturbing picture. Yet another concern, in a hunting district recently opened to doe hunting, myself and Steve Kamps witnessed some unorthodox hunting practices, such as shooting from the road and even shooting from the back of the truck. The word “violator” comes to mind and these actions caused us to call in the warden. These people need to be confronted, educated, and even prosecuted if necessary. It›s a darn shame when we have to police after our own kind. Maybe we can blame the TV hunting channels for some of this, but I think this is what you get when you look only at today›s equipment hype and not realizing where we came from and how we got here, which needs to be reestablished every chance we get. Now it›s time to wrap this report up with some closing thoughts and statements. These statements are sorely my own and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts, opinions, or stance of the MBA. 1.

The true meaning of elk objective numbers is how to decimate an elk herd.

If you take the words, “weapons restriction area” and scramble them around a bit, you can get them to spell exploitation of game and how to destroy all quality and quantity of a hunting area.

Every time you see a warden from afar, you need to yell out, “Do You Need A License To Hunt In Montana?”

Remember, your wolf tags are non-refundable and non-transferable, so fill yours and help all your friends fill theirs.

Shoot straight, with or without a lighted nock.

If you haven’t yet, force yourself to attend a Traditional 3D shoot, you’ll be glad you did.

Invite someone to hunt in your favorite elk hunting spot. Don’t worry, they probably won’t accept, they’ll think you’re crazy. Or, if it’s in Region 1, there aren’t any elk left there anyway.

If by chance you’re caught trespassing, remember the first thing to tell the land owner is “Dan Moore told me this was a great place to hunt.”

Don’t forget to take time out once in a while to watch a Tom Hanks movie, like Forest Gump, or even Captain Phillips.

10. Last, but not least, for a happy and prosperous life, make sure your candida is in balance. Thank you and hope to see you at an Archery event or out hunting something.

Paul Martin 4

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

OFFICER’S REPORTS

MBA Committees Legislative:

Joelle Selk, Chair Jerry Davis • Adam Barker Steve Schindler Marlon Clapham • Dan Moore

Tentatives:

Steve Schindler

Second Vice President’s Report

Financial:

have just returned from a Bullwhacker-Durphee hills meeting in Havre. This meeting wasn’t put on by the BLM but was put on by local sportsmen and designed to let each side meet face- to-face and not have any Gov’t agency intervening. It was designed for all of us to hear each other’s concerns. One thing was very clear: everyone wants access into the Bullwhacker region. We want to hunt this area of the Missouri Breaks and it is abundantly clear that we do not want to give away the Durphee Hills. There is some access into the Durphee Hills now but it’s going to be shanks or horse - you can either lace up or saddle up. There is a lot of country, and it can be used, but as it now stands only the tough guys are going to get much use out of it. There are some thoughts about creating a new road into the Bullwhacker and bypassing the existing road that is now closed by the landowner. The new road has a strong following and is showing some promise, BUT, don’t hold your breath. It may take a year or two to complete and that’s if it is approved by the BLM office in Lewistown, the landowner is lobbying heavily against developing the road. As it is now, the ranch’s value is greatly enhanced because it holds all the access into the upper Missouri Breaks National Monument. If access is granted or a new bypass road is developed, the ranch value could decrease by as much as half and we’re talking millions here. So you see part of the problem. Along with developing better access into this big expanse we have to create an archery area in this area. As is, you can archery hunt elk in this area if you draw one of the most coveted archery elk tags in Montana, a 690 archery elk tag that is also valid in HD 680. There are currently only 30 archery tags available for this vast area. 680 alone has more than 238 contiguous sections of BLM lands that have a pretty fair elk population and there have been some elk damage hunts in the north end of this district that don’t have an elk season. Seems strange, doesn’t it? Some say 680 should have its own permits and be considered its own district with its own designated number of permits. It really doesn’t make any difference to me, but a good start would be to make the adjoining hunting districts also valid in HD 680. That would be HD 690, as it is now, with the additions of HD 620, 621 and 622 (620-21). Right now the really hard core advocates for access into the Bullwhacker are rifle mule deer hunters. Just think of the fire power we would have if we added the archery elk hunters into the mix! Now these guys can get things done, they are extremely passionate, and of course hard core. I wonder what the Joe Blow hunter would say 20 years from now, 1. I sure wish they wouldn’t have made HD 680 an archery elk district - there are just too many places to hunt now. 2.

Chair, vacant Adam Barker • Joelle Selk Paul Martin • Mark Schwomeyer Marlon Clapham Steve Schindler • Dan Moore

Chair, vacant Jenn Schneider • Jerry Davis Seth Rogers • Joelle Selk David Stratton

Landowner/Sportsman: Mark Schwomeyer, Chair Dan Moore Mark Schwomeyer • David Moon

Nominations:

Chair, vacant Adam Barker • Al Kelly Paul Martin • Steve Schindler

Awards:

Roger Peffer, Chair Al Kelly • Steve Schindler Marlon Clapham • Jenn Schneider

Membership:

Chair, vacant Jenn Schneider Joelle Selk • Seth Rogers Kim Blaskowski

Convention 2015:

Sean Dunn, Chair Jenn Schneider • Seth Rogers Joelle Selk • Adam Barker Roger Peffer

Magazine:

OR Man, I am glad we have more places to hunt.

I think I know what they will say.

Steve Schindler

Al & Teri Kelly, Co-Chairs Steve Schindler • Roger Peffer Joelle Selk • Kim Blaskowski

Website:

Webmaster, Lyle Hebel Joelle Selk • Jenn Schneider

Secretary’s Message

o, are we eating meat, or are we vegetarians this winter? Sure see lots of tracks in our yard but don’t see who is making them. There isn’t much music in falling snow, but I sure enjoy hearing the pheasant that lives in a brush pile at the corner of our lot, the chirping of the little birds as they perch on the sunflowers looking for overlooked seeds, and hearing the geese overhead as they fly the river looking for open water. Keep warm and see you in Kalispell.

Marion Stratton

Carp Shoot: Joelle Selk, Chair

Bow-Ed:

Al Kelly, Chair Marlon Clapham • Brian Koelzer Bob Morgan • Mark Schwomeyer David Moon

Spring 2015

REGIONAL REPORTS

REGION 2

REGION 1 REGION

REGION

REGION REGION

REGION

DAN MOORE AL KELLY

We’re going to have important issues in Helena in 2015. There is already a Crossbow bill they want to put crossbows in archery season. Don’t misunderstand - this isn’t to address handicap issues. We will need everyone’s help to stop it. Also, I’m not going to run for the region one director job. I’m choosing to run for an At Large Director instead. I spend 1/2 my year in Kalispell and the other 1/2 in Region 6. So I don’t see Region One members but six months of the year. At this time I ask for someone to step up and run for the Region One Director. If you care about bowhunting in Montana it’s the best way to help. If you would like to put in for the position let me know or call our second vice president Steve Schindler at 406-2289024. It’s rewarding! See you all at the Convention in Billings. And get your Elk applications in before March 15th!

Dan Moore

Al Kelly

Friends,

nother year has gone by. I hope everyone has enjoyed all the seasons and the opportunity we have available, I know I did. I spent most of my time bird hunting with my boys (two Wirehaired Pointing Griffons). Those two are always ready to go and so enthusiastic. They have the same kind of passion I had for bowhunting in my younger days. Don’t get me wrong I still love to bowhunt, I just have other pastimes I am equally as enthusiastic about. And it makes it easier to be less than enthusiastic with the game (read predator altered behaviors and numbers) situation what it is. There will be years ( I hope) that I will take more time to bow hunt. Hopefully before I am too old to, right? I do continue to love bowhunting and that is why I continue to participate in the Montana Bowhunters Association. We need to stand steadfast in our will to keep our sport the great sport it came to be. What that means to you and me may be somewhat different, just don’t let that keep you from participating? Change will come. Nothing stays the same forever. How things change is up to those who participate.

Enjoy your seasons,

Al Kelly

s we sit to write a few notes for the newsletter, I can’t believe the late archery season is almost over. My family had an outstanding hunting season, with several firsts. Both Merri and Cecelia harvested their first elk and Cecelia took her first buck. I got to witness all three hunts, watching their arrows fly true. All three critters fell within sight. Of course the tentatives are in full swing, and there is much work to be done. We here in region 2 face several important issues. The tentatives committee will have their report in this newsletter. Last year the MBA participated in the first Youth Conservation & Education Expo, we gave away a youth bow all set up with arrows. Charlie Johnson, Merri Clapham, Jerry Doyle and I set up an archery shooting range. We talked about the MBA and Bow Hunter Ed, gave out old magazines and information about the MBA. At the end of the day we gave a young fella the bow through a free drawing. Since he already owned a bow he gave it to his girlfriend, so I figure we made two youths very happy. This May 10th we are going to do it again, and it promises to be bigger and better than last year. We have over two dozen sponsors and matching funds for the Teddy Roosevelt Outdoor Adventure Camp, so we will be sending around twenty youths to this camp. The feedback we received from the kids who got to go last year gave us all good reports and plenty of pictures, loads of big smiles. So I’ll be there with our bows and arrows, bags of balloons. And hopefully we can find another youth bow to give away. This year my Region 2 Rep. Position is up and I’m going to run again. So I hope you all feel confident enough to vote for me again this year, I feel there is still much to be done and am looking for your support.

Marlon Clapham

Montana

BOWHUNTER

Marlon Clapham

Now it is convention season, I hope to see you there.

Dan Moore

REGION REGION

MARLON CLAPHAM KIM BLASKOWSKI

e held a meeting in December unfortunately, not many attended. Suggestions on subjects members would like to discuss at these meetings are appreciated. I had my first problem hunting Antelope out of a blind last fall. I set my blinds up a week before the season opened on two small ponds. I returned the day before the season opened to pull my trail cams. After all the rain, both blinds were in water. My number one blind was in about a foot of water. My second blind was in 3 feet of water, ducks resting on the roof. Next year I will set them up on higher ground.

REGION

WWW.MTBA.ORG

REGIONAL REPORTS

REGION 6 REGION

REGION

REGION REGION

DAVE MOON

Brian Koelzer REGION 3 REGION

REGION

REGION REGION

BRIAN KOELZER

ello everyone! By the time you all read this the frigid and icy clutches of winter should be slowly starting to lose its grip and spring will be right around the corner. (Positive thoughts as I look out the window at single digit temps and blowing snow) 2014 seemed to come and go in a blink, but on the bright side we are that much closer to September! In late December the lighted nock/video camera survey was sent out via email and enclosed in the newsletter for response via snail mail. If you didn’t receive the survey in your email it means that the MBA does not have it and you need to let your region rep know. Especially important is that each and every voice needs to be heard during a legislative year. Hopefully by the time you all read this there will be a dead crossbow bill face down in the swamp of B.S. from which it was born. On the brighter side I saw quite a few antelope in eastern MT on my Christmas time drive back to ND. Not sure if the only antelope back there were standing by Hwy 94 or maybe they are starting to make a slow comeback. Anyway, enough of my rambling thoughts, I hope you all get to find some shed horns over the next few months and before you know it we›ll be hunting springtime bruins!

ith the start of the New Year coming up it is time for new goals. One of the goals I thought of was to make every hunting season as successful as it was this year. I talked to local bowhunter Luke Strommen, who shot his buck at 23 yards and only had to trail it for 200 yards. I also talked to local bowhunter Alex Esteves, who shot his buck at 50 yards and watched it go down 75 yards behind his stand. He was able to walk right to it. I ended up shooting my buck at 15 yards and he went down 50 yards behind my stand within minutes of being shot. I have seen it many times where a well placed arrow has put down animals faster than a well placed bullet. This is the primary goal of bowhunters. But in the beginning years when I lacked experience that was not always the case. Sometimes due to many factors and mistakes, blood trails have been long and recoveries have been a lot of work or even worse, a disappointment. With all of the factors of what can go wrong on a bow shot in a hunting situation, I know of one factor that I have the most control over. That factor is the range at which I decide to shoot an animal at. No matter how skilled or how proficient your equipment is, the chart would still look like the above chart. It might come down a little faster or slower but it would still come down. The farther out the animal is from you when you shoot, the more your chance of being successful goes down. At best I will get real lucky and totally miss the animal, at worst I will wound it and not recover it. Now, meeting this goal would mean that I would have to put my personal restraint on the distance I shoot at an animal above my goal to take a good trophy. This might mean that I blow more stalks than I am successful at. It might mean that I have to take a smaller animal later in the season because I did not have a shot at the bigger one I wanted. It might mean that I end up eating a tag or two. I remember in hunting situations when animals did not come in close enough or did not

Dave Moon offer a good shot I would think later that I should have somehow made a shot out of what was offered. I would second guess my decision. Now I understand that sometimes it is not meant to be. It’s not like on the hunting shows on television and every time you go hunting you have to get your animal. One thing is for sure, having an animal walk away and being able to hunt it another day is better than taking a high risk shot and wounding an animal that you cannot recover. Now, to meet this goal I need a plan to focus my shooting skills, not as a target shooter but as a hunter. It is one thing to shoot a certain distance at the target range but another to shoot those distances in a field setting. Now each year I set a goal of increasing my lethal range and I again will want to do that. But I have to be realistic and do an honest evaluation of my shooting ability in a field setting and realize that increasing my range might come in feet instead of yards. The above chart is not based on gathered scientific data. There are so many factors that I do not even know if such data could accurately be collected. It is just a visual aid for me to realize that bowhunting is not intended to be a long range sport. It is to make sure I keep in perspective what is important to me in bowhunting. And that is recovering every animal I shoot. When Big game season over, it’s a good time to go after birds with your bow and arrow. If you can get them to hold (which in my case did not happen) it offers a lot of fun. The only downside is that my bird dog did not get as much practice at retrieving. I think he still had fun finding the birds. Spring bear and turkey season are right around the corner and another reason to get the bow and arrows out.

Dave Moon

Keep ‹em sharp and pick a spot,

Brian Koelzer

Dan Moore

Spring 2015

REGIONAL REPORTS

REGION 7 REGION

REGION

REGION REGION

BOB MORGAN

oad hunting….not me. My grandson and I were driving down the road looking for antelope. I didn›t see anything as we drove by some big round bales where the antelope have been hanging. My grandson kept looking and soon he said-“grandpa grandpa there›s one, there›s one nice buck”. So we drove down the road and turned around parking the truck in a low spot and snuck up on the hay bales with my Bow and managed to shoot the Buck Antelope

Another day a friend of mine and I were out hunting and had walked quite a while in the morning. As we were driving down the road to another spot I said wait a minute back up and as I looked about 500 yards away at a brown spot that turned out to be a cow elk. My friend drove up a little bit and I got out of the truck and snuck up the hill about 300 yards. I shot myself a cow elk and my-friend came up loaded her into the truck. We were pretty happy that hunt, thank you Lord Myself I like to get out and walk and see what›s over the next hill and the next two hills after that. I just enjoy hunting, getting off the road getting away from people and being able to shoot an animal back in a ways and backpack it out. That›s a part of hunting for me and I’d rather do it with the bow. I was hunting with a friend once and he said he›d like to shoot a big buck out the window of the truck, I told him no way. I don›t shoot them right off the road out the window of the truck on the side road ever, I want to get out there and hunt them. I’m not saying that in the past I haven’t made some mistakes and bad choices, but I’m older and wiser and I just don›t do that these days. I call that living and learning.

As I was driving home one night after work I saw brake lights up ahead and glass in the road with a car pulled over and another road-kill. I called the game warden again and got a nice three point buck. More meat for sausage. The buck had a really neat threepoint on one side and the other side was broken off. I went back later after the snow melted and found the other horn that turned out to be a little small two-point horn. We just got done with our winter summer sausage project and had lots of fun making it. And it was good too, thank you Lord. I like the idea that we can use the meat from road-kill these days. Let›s keep shooting our bows and hunting and having fun. Looking forward to meeting more of the bowhunters from Montana

Bob Morgan Bob Morgan

FWP Website More Mobile Friendly To meet the needs and expectations of website visitors who now use smartphones and tablets Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has launched its new responsive website to fit the screens of today’s mobile and stationary devices. At FWP’s website—fwp.mt.gov—mobile use has surpassed 45 percent and continues to climb about 10 percent annually. The website attracts more than 4 million visits each year. To offer the most useful website possible for desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone users, last year FWP sought public feedback via an online questionnaire to help develop a mobilefriendly design. “FWP website visitors asked for the change and helped us in the redesign,” said Cheryl Aldrich, the website’s content manager. Responsive design means that FWP content will reflow to fit one’s device—no matter if it’s an iPhone, a tablet, a desktop or smart TV. “The content will flow and be arranged clearly so you can see and use it without having to scroll from side-to-side,” Aldrich said. “It’s a considerable improvement, but like all things new, it might take a little time for users to settle into the new design.” The FWP website was down Dec. 18 to launch the new design which was unveiled Dec. 19, Aldrich said.

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

REGION 8

I guess it was about the second day of rifle season I had been out hunting all day and coming back down the road I noticed a dead deer laying in the road that I had come up earlier. After calling the game warden and getting the permits I picked up the young fawn which looked to be in good shape. I dressed it out and it ended up being really good eating

REGION

REGION REGION

JERRY DAVIS

hope many of you have been watching the MBA Facebook (FB) page. This is one venue we have been using to inform our membership of L Legislation and Tentatives that have impacts to our ssport. After the session I will do my best to keep eeveryone apprised of other MBA activities on this p page. T The 64th Legislature has been in session for about a week w at this writing, I find myself a little overwhelmed. I hope we were successful as most of the fireworks will be b over by the time you read this. There are a couple of bowhunting issues that came c up early this session, one is HB 176. HB 176, if passed, p allows crossbows to be used during ArcheryOnly O season. The MBA Legislative Committee worked w hard on testimony and lobbying. By the time you y read this the outcome will probably have been determined. d I hope that our efforts were successful and a that we killed HB 176. I know that comments m made on MBA’s FB page indicated a majority who did d not favor the use of crossbows during ArcheryOnly O season. Your active support of MBA legislative e efforts are what really allow MBA to win as many battles b as we do. But the larger issue is who should be setting the e equipment standards for Montana’s Archery-Only season. s I hope most is not all of you agree that this is a matter that should be heard in front of the t F FWP Commission and not our Legislature. If the Legislature now starts setting equipment standards L f archery hunting what will be next, the Legislature for s setting seasons? Section 87-1-301 of the MCA defines Powers of commission. Under subsection (2) of that section it c s states “The commission may adopt rules regarding the use and type of archery equipment that may t be b employed for hunting and fishing purposes, t taking into account applicable standards as technical innovations in archery equipment change. Under i this t section the commission has also been given other v various authorities by use of the language “may”. In the t case of archery equipment the commission has u used that authority to set equipment standards for a archery equipment used during archery only season. Let’s not short circuit the commission’s efforts by L making fishing and hunting regulations a Legislative m p process. As I told the sponsor of HB 176, the crossbow bill, this t is an argument that should be heard in front of the c commission and not be decided within the political e environment of the Legislature. The Legislature delegated that authority to the commission and the d commission has seen fit to use that authority. c “Lighted nocks” is another issue. In the last year Pope and Young (P&Y) has changed their bylaws P to t allow the use of lighted nocks and bow mounted c cameras in the taking of a trophy animal. In response to t the P&Y bylaw changes MBA released a survey in December 2014 asking its members if they thought D l lighted nocks and bow mounted cameras should be used u during Archery-Only season. Of the 56% of

REGIONAL REPORTS

called for the transfer of Federal Lands to the State of Montana. The justification of such bills has often been stated as a response to the inability of the Federal Government to address local impacts associated with Federal Lands. The legality of such legislation is questionable at best, but if the Federal Government did choose to transfer Montana’s Federal public lands to the state of Montana the consequences for all public land hunters will be dire.

Jerry Davis MBA members that responded to the survey over 61% thought the use of lighted nocks should be allowed and over 56% thought the use of a bow mounted camera should be allowed. Now MBA must work to insure that this equipment issue is heard in front of the commission and not used a political pawn during a legislative session. Hopefully we have been successful. Instead I believe we will be providing the survey results to the FWP commission for their consideration as to whether or not there should be changes made to Archery-Only season equipment standards. My guess is that the commission will take action and allow the use of both lighted nocks and bow mounted cameras for use during Archery-Only season. Putting the bowhunting equipment issues aside, there was other draft legislation that if passed will have an even greater impact on our sport. These bills

I often agree that that the Federal Government does not consider local impacts adequately when making land management decisions. But some agencies have been making efforts to be more responsive to local concerns. BLM has organized local advisory groups to assist them in local land management decisions. I don’t believe the Forrest Service has developed such groups. It would behoove them to do so. But regardless of the use of local advisory groups there are Federal Laws to which these land management agencies must comply. Most of these laws will apply to State land management agencies as well. No doubt the State of Montana manages State public lands effectively. In many cases probably better than the Federal Government, but effective land management comes with a price tag. If the Fed were to transfer all Federal lands within Montana to the State of Montana, our State would undoubtedly have to make some tough decisions. One scenario most likely to occur would be the sale of some of the highest value lands to the private sector in order to obtain funds to manage the balance of Montana public lands.

Even at that, all it would take is one bad fire year and the State would most likely be bankrupt. No longer would there Federal money to help mitigate firefighting costs. Most likely firefighting expenses would result in the sale of even more of Montana’s public lands. Of course for hunters like me the loss of public land would radically affect our hunting activities. Right now I am lucky enough to hunt some of the most beautiful and habitat rich country in the US. Much of that land would be the first on the sale block because of its intrinsic value. Given the above scenarios more and more public land hunters would be forced to hunt on fewer and fewer acres, causing unacceptable concentrations of hunters. Not what I want I assure you. Federal land belongs to all American citizens not just Montanans. People from all over the US come to Montana to enjoy those Federal lands. The management of these Federal Land’s is funded through Federal tax dollars. These Federal lands are responsible for contributing millions each year to Montana’s economy though tourist and sporting dollars. If those Federal Lands are lost to the private sector it is obvious there will be impacts to Montana’s economy. Food for thought. Wishing you all the Best and Hope to see you at this year’s convention in Billings.

Jerry Davis

DirectorsAt Large

s I write this I am sitting in my recliner watching the snow fall, enjoying a hot mocha and reflecting on this last year’s hunting season. I was not able to connect during the bow season but sure had many bulls responding to my calls. They would just never let me get close enough to connect. I was really happy to see considerably more Mule deer in the areas that I hunt in region 4 and I managed to get a nice buck in the rifle season. If the winter is mild all those does I saw should drop a lot of healthy fawns in the spring. Whitetail populations were extremely low and in areas where I hunt I saw 6 whitetail does in four days of hunting whereas in years prior to the EHD outbreak I would see 50-60 whitetail in that same time frame… It will take quite a few years for their numbers to recover. The reduction in doe tags in region 4 reduced our overall deer harvest but this should help speed the recovery of deer numbers. Antelope numbers seem to be slowly on the rise as well from my personal observations. As the legislative session begins be ready for a likely pile of bat crap crazy bills that will impact hunting and fishing in Montana. MBA will attempt to keep you apprised of these bills and which ones we support or reject. When you see these bills come up thru MBA e-mail notices please contact your elected officials thru e-mail and phone messages. You have the ability to impact the future of hunting in Montana.

At the end of March is our annual Convention in Billings. Please attend this event and show your support for MBA. Bring your friends. Bring your family. There will be seminars, raffles, auctions, and manufacturer’s row. Donations for this event are always welcome and they do not have to be hunting related. We can always use donations for the ladies and for kids! Hope to see you all there! As many of you know I experienced a full shoulder replacement surgery the beginning of December. I am presently one month out and amazed at how rapidly I am recovering. I went into this surgery with great trepidation. Being a bowhunter, skier, kayaker, etc., I depend upon full use of my shoulders. The first week after the surgery was to put it mildly - HELL. But now I am on the mend and hope to be shooting a bow at spring shoots (maybe I’m overly optimistic). I was fortunate in that I have very good rotator cuffs but I had advanced arthritis (bone on bone). My shoulder now has a titanium head on my humerus (upper arm bone) and a plastic cup where that head contacts my scapula (shoulder blade). Many bowhunter’s are experiencing similar shoulder problems as we become more life experienced (i.e.- older) and if I can offer advice based upon my experiences please feel free to contact me.

Roger Peffer

Spring 2015

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Legislative

Report

Legislative years are the ultimate measure of our effectiveness in protecting and promoting bowhunting opportunities. By this point in the legislative session, we are thick in watchlists, developing testimony, and hearings. Member input is crucial to our impact, so if you are not receiving our weekly updates, please forward your current email address to a board member. Along with our updates, members can follow bills by two other electronic methods: the Montana LAWS site (Legislative Automated Workflow System) at http://leg.mt.gov contains legislator rosters and contact info, committees, bill drafts, status of bill progress, and links for audio and video coverage of hearings and floor sessions. For mobile users, there’s an app for that! The Legislative Guide app is available on the Google PlayStore and in the Apple App store. Just search for Montana Legislature and install it on your smart phone or tablet. Members often express surprise at the breadth of the bills in which we are involved. They sometimes say, “MBA needs to just stick to bowhunting-specific bills.” In fact, it is very complicated to wade through the hundreds of bills to select ones which might threaten bowhunting seasons, access, or simply the animals we hunt. Fortunately, due to our founders’ vision, we can refer directly to our bylaws for guidance in our engagement.

MBA’s Track Record of Accomplishments Enhanced Archery Seasons Ø

Archery-only wolf season (2012 Tentatives)

Archery equipment allowed for hunting bison (2011 Legislative)

Archery-only mountain lion season (2010 Tentatives)

Archery-only fall bear season (2010 Tentatives)

Archery-only bighorn sheep season (2008 Tentatives)

Archery-only antelope season August 15 opener (2004 Tentatives)

Archery-only antelope season (1984)

Expansion of archery season from two weeks in 1967 to current six weeks

Tentatives Accomplishments Ø

Removal of HDs 420 and 455 from limited elk archery bundle (2012)

Removal of HD 441 from 23 Outside the Breaks limited districts (2010)

Supported limited elk archery permits in the Breaks districts (2007)

A. To unite Montana’s bowhunting sportsmen and sportswomen to work toward the common goals of encouraging the use of the bow and arrow in the hunting of all legal game in a sportsman-like manner and of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana.

Adoption of Permit To Modify Archery Equipment (PTMAE), providing

B. To develop, assist and support programs dedicated to the conservation and preservation of wild game and its natural habitat and to cooperate with federal and state agencies, sportsmen, landowners and conservation organizations who are also dedicated to this purpose.

Supported trophy restitution proposals

Opposed efforts to introduce an early rifle bugle season (1984)

C. To create and conduct programs that will give recognition to bowhunters for proficiency with the bow and arrow and all bowhunting accomplishments.

Here’s how the bylaws outline our purposes:

D. To issue regular newsletters, at scheduled dates to be decided by the Board of directors, in order to inform each member: of major issues affecting the sport of bowhunting and of the actions proposed or taken in order that the members may make their will known to the Board. Time permitting; issues of major importance as determined by the Board shall be distributed to the general membership through the newsletter in the form of a public opinion poll. The results of these polls shall provide guidance for the Board’s final decisions and actions on these major issues. E. To foster, expand, promote and perpetuate the practice of bowhunting in the State of Montana. F. To conduct a continuous educational program regarding the use of the bow and arrow in the hunting of game animals. Through these guiding principles, we foster ethical bowhunting, ensure that our six-week season is preserved, prevent the encroachment of other weapons into archery-only seasons, and promote responsible management of our game populations. Wherever possible, we partner with the FWP and collaborate with other sportsmen’s groups to make our collective voice more effective. We’re all in this together for the benefit of bowhunting and Montana’s wildlife. If you know of a member who has lapsed or is “on the fence” about joining, inform them of all the things we do to benefit their bowhunting opportunity and get them to join! People have dozens of excuses why they won’t join because they disagree with this or that specific issue. None of those excuses hold up in comparison to the sum of all the MBA’s accomplishments over the past four decades. I’ve attached our list of accomplishments so you can share those with potential members. There’s no better time than now to get all of Montana’s bowhunters into the MBA so we can make bowhunting even better!

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

accommodation for persons with disabilities to modify archery equipment (2002)

Legislative Accomplishments Spearheaded bill adding bison to the list of species which can be hunted with bow and arrow and confirmed the Commission’s ability to set rules governing archery bison hunts (2011) Ø

Supported bills urging the delisting of wolves from the Endangered Species Act

Passage of bill allowing for archery-only lion, black bear, and wolf seasons (2009)

Supported ongoing funding for the Habitat Montana program (2005)

Supported ongoing funding of Block Management Program (2005)

Defeated bills allowing crossbows during archery seasons (1985, 1995, 2003, 2009, 2013)

Defeated bills allowing black powder rifles during archery season (1985, 2003)

Supported legislation granting Commission authority to regulate archery equipment (1991)

Sponsored legislation initiating bowhunter education for youth (1987) and adults (1991)

Encourage bills increasing land access for hunting every session

Lobbied for Commission authority to set moose, goat, and sheep archery seasons (1979)

Helped spearhead the bonus point system for moose, sheep, and goat (1977)

Supported trophy restitution laws (Federal and State legislative actions)

Defeated game farms

Joelle Selk

MBE UPDATE

â&#x20AC;&#x153; The history of the bow and arrow is the history of mankindâ&#x20AC;?

Quote by Fred Bear

MBEF property trees

Photos by Spencer Noble

MBEF prospective building site.

MBE Update

he Montana Bowhunter Education Foundation (MBEF) is proud to announce the future location of the MBEF facility. This facility will house an archery and bowhunting museum that encompasses the evolution of archery and bowhunting in the state of Montana, including past and present bowyers, archery clubs, shoots, and archery shops. Along with this museum there will be space for Bow Ed classes, archery club meetings, archery & bowhunting seminars, etc. The 45 acres are conveniently located just outside Kalispell at 137 Amdahl lane. Flathead Valley Archers (a local club) are already planning on utilizing this property for a 3D Archery

shoot in the spring. Here are a few photos of the property; the first is of the officers of the MBEF, Paul Martin, Diann Baier, and Jeff Noble. The second photo shows more of the wooded area of the property. The third photo shows the approximate location of the building site in the northwest corner of the property. We are very excited with the progress of the organization and would like to thank everyone for their support. Just a reminder, you can get a permanent Bowhunter license plate for your vehicle if it qualifies, and you can also get a Bowhunter plate on your travel trailer.

www.pronghornbows.com 307-234-1824 evenings 2491 West 42nd Street Casper, WY 82604

Spring 2015

MBA MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS

MBA Member Survey Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve finalized our survey results regarding lighted nocks and cameras. We had 312 respondents, comprising 56% of our adult membership. At present, we have 793 members, including 127 youth which we added this year. Survey results are below, including comments.

Question 5: What electronic equipment mounted to your bow do you use? Answered: 149 Skipped: 158

! "

Respondent # and Comment

# $ %! $

(In the interest of space, members who answered simply â&#x20AC;&#x153;noneâ&#x20AC;? were not printed below). #12

None in honor of MBHA recommendations. 12/24/2014 1:08 AM

#14

I would use a Go Pro mount if it was legalized. 12/23/2014 8:08 AM

#20

Lighted nocks, camera.

#22

None. This is illegal under MT regulations. If I was to use this equipment it could lead to confiscation of the equipment and any trophies I might take with this illegal equipment.

#24

Really? NONE hello it's illegal! 12/21/2014 7:24 PM

#27

None, otherwise it would be just the same as a crossbow 12/21/2014 1:24 PM

#33

Experimented with go-pro-didn't work-head mount was far better 12/21/2014 10:03 AM

#38

Lighted pins for indoor shoots only 12/21/2014 8:29 AM

#40

I have the ability to illuminate my pins but not currently using that ability due to current rules 12/21/2014 7:36 AM

#42

None. I didn't want to switch to something mid-season that I had not used in archery season. 12/18/2014 6:35 AM

#87

If sight lights were legal I would use one in a blind...but they are not so I do not use one. 12/7/2014 5:08 PM

#95

Lighted pin 12/6/2014 9:29 PM

#98

go pro 12/6/2014 1:51 PM

#103

Lighted sight pins 12/6/2014 9:40 AM

#108

None at the moment... but I might use both lighted nocks and a video camera 12/6/2014 2:05 AM

#136

sight light for indoor leagues 12/5/2014 3:52 PM

#141

Camera 12/5/2014 3:33 PM

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Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

MBA MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS

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Spring 2015

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BEAR HUNT

Ancillary Opportunities: A Different Kind of Bear Hunt By Steve Sukut

t seems that many Canadian black bear hunts have become somewhat predictable. You drive north, meet the wonderfully friendly and accommodating hosts, and settle in to a nice lodge. Many of these wilderness lodges give new meaning to the phrase, “sitting in the lap of luxury”, and coming away with a new spare tire under your belt isn’t uncommon after a week of over-eating. During the day, you can usually help the outfitter check and replenish bait sites. Sometimes these baits sites are within 100 yards of a major highway, but the bear’s don’t seem to mind… once they get used to the idea of free grub, they’ll generally visit the baits at least once in a while. Typically, the bowhunter will slip into the stands late in the afternoon, and hunt until dark. Somewhat predictable or not, I’ve spent over 50 evenings in tree stands hunting bears in Canada, and I love it. The warming weather and spring greenup of growing grasses and forbs, miles away from the busy, time-eating lifestyle of the early 21st century, is very enjoyable. A bear hunt is a wonderful gift that you can give to yourself, especially after a long, cold winter. Being there with a bow in hand only makes it better. All in all, bear hunting over bait is a great way to relax in the splendid Canadian north woods, and when a bear does come to a bait site, the adrenalin rush is there, and many bowhunters have all but melted down at the sight of one of North America’s most awesome big game animals. By no means is a hunt over bait a guaranteed dead bear, however. During all the times I’ve hunted black bears in Canada, I’ve only managed tag one, which speaks of the difficulties that are present in all hunting, and the importance of finding pleasure in the total outdoor experience.

I was hunting whitetails with Monty McKenzie of McKenzie Outfitters in Manitoba when he mentioned his bear hunts to me, and I was immediately all ears. “What I offer for black bears is a little different,” Monty said. “I do my hunts on pristine lakes accessible only by float plane, so virtually all competition from other hunters is eliminated. We stay in wall tents with wooden floors, and when we’re not bear hunting, we fish during the day, so we usually enjoy a few shore lunches. Oh, and by the way, did you know that with a hunting license in Manitoba, you can take a wolf?” No kidding?! I can take a wolf if one comes by while I’m sitting in my tree stand hunting bears? That really got my attention. A timber wolf is one of North America’s rarest bowhunting trophies, and a chance at one would be worth the trip all by itself. Of course, who doesn’t like the idea of fishing for walleyes and northern pike? To top it off, we get to fly in to the hunting area. It sounded good to me. I contacted my friend Rocky Torgerson, who made a few calls, and before I knew it, we had a full camp of six bowhunters. We had opted for a fall bear hunt, and it was helpful that bear season opened in Manitoba a week before archery season opened in Montana… bowhunters enjoy opening weekend in Montana, and it might have been a hard sell if we had to sacrifice more than the first two days! A full day’s drive took us to Winnipeg, where we met up with the sixth member of our group, Rock’s brother Tom. There we also bought some last minute supplies and fishing licenses. Our next leg of the journey was a three hour drive north to Bissett, where we would board the float plane for our flight to Giraffe Lake, home of one of McKenzie Outfitters’ bear camps. When one compares Manitoba’s bear population with that of other Canadian Provinces, it becomes unclear why Manitoba isn’t more of a bear hunting Mecca than it is. The estimated population of 30,000 bears competes favorably with Alberta’s estimated population of 36,000, for instance. Manitoba’s southern region is mostly wide open, flat farm country. They grow some mighty big whitetails bucks, but the southern part isn’t known for lots of bears. One doesn’t have to travel too far north before Manitoba’s tundra and taiga region begins. That’s a great place to hunt caribou, and it does hold bears, but by far most of the bears live in the wooded areas between the southern and northern regions. The country surrounding Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba is excellent bear habitat, and this comparatively small area is where most of the bears live out their lives. Non-resident hunter success typically runs close to 75%.

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A DIFFERENT KIND OF BEAR HUNT With these thoughts in mind, we were fired up as we boarded the single-engine turbo-propped Otter that would ferry us to Giraffe Lake. The forty minute flight gave us ample opportunity to see the lay of the land. It looked like bear heaven, and if there were walleyes in each of the dozens of lakes we flew over, then it was a fisherman’s paradise as well. The hunt didn’t actually start until the next day, so while Monty, Tom, Rock, and Kenny Satra checked stands and baits on the east end of Giraffe Lake, Kevin “Moon” Mayers, John Poole and I hopped in another boat and opted to fish. It wasn’t long before we found a hungry school of walleyes in 15 feet of water, and we had a great time bouncing 3/8 ounce jigs tipped with salted minnows in their faces. We caught our share, too! The other boys soon joined us, told us of a couple of hit bait sites, and began catching fish of their own, including a huge walleye of Rocky’s that weighed over ten pounds easily. Ken hooked one at the same time that was close to eight. Both fish were released to fight again someday, and many libations and toasts ensued that night, as we enjoyed the first of what was to be a marathon of shore lunches of fresh walleye and northern pike. For the most part, our first night on stand the next day was uneventful. The weather was warm, and the berries were ripe, so we knew that our bait sites were in competition with natural food sources. But while there were no bear sightings, Tom had a crack at a wolf. “There were two stands over looking the bait,” Tom told us later. “The strapon treestand was only 10 yards from the bait, which I felt was too close. But the ladder stand was about 20 yards out, and I’m very comfortable at that range with my longbow. But I was caught sitting down when the wolf came by… if I had been standing, or if I had sat in the strap-on stand, I would have been able to shift around enough to make the shot. As it was, I just got a good point blank look at him. He was huge, and absolutely gorgeous!” While several Canadian provinces offer wolf licenses, Manitoba is the only one that allows hunting of wolves with the procession of a current, unused hunting license. As long as a hunter hasn’t taken a game animal, it is legal to take a wolf on that license, and the hunter is still allowed to use that license to take his bear, deer, or whatever. This amounts to a free wolf tag; a wonderful opportunity, and Manitoba is to be commended on its forward-thinking in regards to wolf management. It was the next evening that we had our first bear encounter. Kenny was in his tree, patiently waiting to hear the boat arrive, when a he noticed movement right below his tree stand. A bear was carefully stalking the bait site. There was 5 minutes left in legal shooting time, but Ken knew right away that it was too late to ethically shoot this bear. Ken is one of those individuals who will not loose an arrow unless all the pieces are in place… he does not trust luck, and will not take chances. As a result, Kenny Satra has a very low percentage of anything but clean kills. He stayed in the stand until Mont came in to get him, thus ensuring that the bear wouldn’t know how close a hunter had been to him. That would pay big dividends. That same night, it was Rock’s turn to have a chance at a wolf. He had a jetblack, mature wolf visit his bait site on and off for the last hour of the day. The wolf would slip in, lick bacon grease for a second or two, and then scamper off, always just before Rocky could release the string. Rock was at full draw more than once, but again, like Kenny, he won’t take anything but a perfect shot. When Rock told the story over the libations and fish fillets that night, I think Mont was more disappointed than Rocky…. He told me that wolf sightings at his bait sites happen all the time, but so far very few wolves have been taken. “For some reason,” Mont said, “the wolves seem to come most often into the stands that have bowhunters on them. Do you suppose that those things are that smart?” No, Monty, I think that bowhunters, with their “closer is better, take no shot that shouldn’t be taken” philosophy, are just plain better hunters, because they have to be! Okay, so I didn’t say that. I confess to thinking it, though! The rest of the week started going by like a shot. We’d get up, run out on Giraffe Lake to fish, come in for breakfast, then return to the lake and fish until it was time to go bear hunting. The bears continued to be shy, and to be content with all the bounty that nature offered. It seemed that they just didn’t need to eat bait barrel food… the berries, or mushrooms that were everywhere did the job. We did several honey burns, and once I did a honey-pancake syrup-bacon grease burn, but there was no enticing the reticent bruins. The bears visiting Kenny’s stand, though, had different ideas. It seemed that every time the bait was checked, the barrel had recently been knocked over. There were several bears coming in; at least three, according to the tracks. One of the pads measured six inches across, indicating a large, mature bear indeed. Kenny stepped up his efforts, and asked to be brought in to the stand earlier, going in at one p.m. several times. “This is beginning to get personal,” he quipped once, after yet another eight hour sit without a bear sighting.

Canada Bear hunt Rock and Kenny

ravens, and camp robbers, or Canadian Jays. But time spent in a treestand is not time wasted, and we would come in from a quiet evening feeling not disappointed, but relaxed, happy, restored somehow. Between the fishing and the time we spent in camp, we were having a great time. Most days we’d shoot our bows for a couple of hours, sharing bows with each other. I shot longbows made by Tom Martini of Yarak longbows, recurves made by Dick Robertson, and let anybody who wanted to shoot Sweetie, my little 56” Bears Paw recurve. John Poole, the lone compound shooter in camp, spent quite a bit of time with Rock’s back-up bow. It was a cleverly designed Yarak longbow with a shelf on each side of the riser, named, aptly enough, “Lefty-Righty”. John, an athletic man who used to throw javelin for Texas Tech, used his natural gift of hand-eye coordination to get proficient with the longbow in short order. Of course, he had to give Lefty-Righty back to Rock after the hunt, but it appeared that a seed was planted. Sleeping in a wall tent with five other guys didn’t prove to be much of a problem. The 14 x 20 foot tent was more than enough for six comfy cots and all our equipment. All the men in camp were considerate and polite, and showed great tolerance in certain areas. One morning Rocky asked me, with some concern, if my throat hurt. When I answered “No, why?” he replied, “Because the way you snore at night, you either have scar tissue in your throat, calluses, or it’s bleeding right now and you don’t realize it!” Ear plugs were available for those who needed them. It was Friday when it finally all came together for Kenny. He was quietly sitting, pondering his misspent youth, when movement caught his eye. A large black head was easing out of the thick bush, followed by a bulky black body. A mature bear, for sure. True to form, Kenny waited for the exact right time to shoot. “I had to,” he told me later. “As soon as I saw the bear, my brain started doing one of these.” He grinned, and started waving his hands all over and around his head. “Fortunately, I was able to calm myself down and focus so I was ready when it turned broadside.” The Journeyman-tipped cedar arrow flew true out of the Robertson recurve, and Ken had his bear. The fall coat was lush, and unlike spring bears, the hair was almost exactly the same length all over. A beautiful bear in every way, Ken was ecstatic, we were all happy for him, and our outfitter Monty was relieved, at least a little. He was feeling pretty badly about the scarcity of bears, and felt a little better that at least one of us had scored. Taking home meat or a trophy is the goal of all hunts; otherwise, why would we buy the licenses? The older we get, though, the easier it gets to prioritize the experience, and to happily make lemonade out of lemons. As Moon said as he set the hook on another fat walleye, “So our bear hunting trip has turned into a fishing trip. Are we having any less fun?” Hunting is not shopping, and we all realized that. Even with an average success rate on bears of 75% for non-residents in Manitoba, variables like warm weather, ripe berries, and an amazing array of other natural foods can spell defeat for a fall bear hunt. But this was no defeat. Between the wolf opportunities, the awesome fishing, Ken getting his bear, and the wonderful, relaxing time we spent in the Canadian woods, this was a successful and very enjoyable trip. It was definitely a “different kind of bear hunt”, where the ancillary opportunities of wolves and walleyes became the primary goal, the final score was bears 5, bowhunters 1, and the bowhunters were still happy, had fun, and were talking about going back. We made lemonade, and enjoyed every drop.

The rest of us hadn’t seen a bear yet, but just about all the barrels had been knocked over at one time or another during the week, so we kept after it, though at times it was hard to leave the fishing boats for a quiet night of watching squirrels,

Spring 2015

Montana

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Spring 2015

MBA CONVENTION

ANNUAL

C ONVENTION March 27-29, 2015

The 2015 MBA Convention will be held in Billings at the Northern Hotel. Book your room, today! Northern Hotel 19th North Broadway Billings, Montana, 59101 Phone: 406/867-6767 The base rate is $129 + tax www.northernhotel.com

Montana

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EVENT INFORMATION

37TH ANNUAL

MONTANA BOWHUNTERS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION PRE REGISTER (Before March 15th) Get registered before March 15th 2015 & save a bunch of cash on a Great Banquet & Dinner! $40/ person $75/couple

Banquet Menu

$25/Child

Turkey w/dressing and giblet gravy Beef with Brown sauce Herb baked baby red potatoes SW Chicken Salad Sunflower/Raisin/Broccoli Salad Garden Vegetables Dinner Rolls w/Butter

GENERAL REGISTRATION (After March 15th) $50/person $85/couple

Travel Info Northern Hotel 19th North Broadway

$35/Child

Send check or Money order to: PO Box 23611 Billings MT. 59104.

Billings, Montana, 59101 Phone: 406/867-6767 The base rate is $129 + tax www.northernhotel.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY 9AM – 4PM Noon – 8:30PM 9AM – Noon Noon – 8:30PM 4PM – 8:15PM 7PM – 8PM 8PM

MBA Board Meeting Registration open Manufacturer’s Row Setup Manufacturer’s Row Open Silent Auction SEMINAR Wilderness First Aid – Amy LePage Social hour begins

SATURDAY 8AM-10AM 9AM – 5PM 9AM – 4PM 10:30AM – 11:30AM

General Membership Meeting Manufacturers Row Silent Auction SEMINAR Michael Francis on “Wildlife Photography” 11:45AM – 12:45PM Kids Shoot 1PM – 2 PM S E M I N A R — Mike Barrett on “Silent Stalking Techniques” 2:30PM – 3:30PM S E M I N A R — Dr. Kelly Proffit on “Bitterroot Elk & Lion Study Results” 3:30PM - 5:30PM Pre-Banquet Social 5:30 PM Banquet Begins 6:30PM Dinner Served followed by Guest Speaker Roy Roth 9PM-10PM Checkout Any ladies interested in a shopping excursion downtown on Saturday afternoon, contact Jenn at 4060-697-7668 or mtba@mtba.org SUNDAY 8AM – 9:30AM 9AM – Noon Noon

Bowhunter Education Meeting / Breakfast Manufacturer’s Row open Convention Wrap

HOTEL INFORMATION The Billings Crew is excited to have the Northern Hotel hosting our 2015 Convention. Not only is this the most beautiful convention space in Billings, they have made quite the effort to make sure it is profitable for our organization. Situated in the heart of downtown Billings, convention goers will find the hotel’s standard amenities to be luxurious and the service will match. Coming in at less than half their normal room rate, MBA guests will stay for $129 at this 4 Star establishment. The included amenities are free Wi-Fi, free parking in the attached parking garage, complimentary fitness center, flat panel televisions with expanded channel selection, and much more. There are two on site restaurants; Bernie’s the diner for breakfast and lunch, and TEN, an upscale steakhouse and bar for a more formal dinner experience. Because of the location, there are many more food and bar options to choose from within walking distance, should you decide to venture out. Anyone attending the convention can park in the City of Billings parking garage south of the Northern Hotel and the hotel will validate the parking tickets for our convention guests, whether they stay at the hotel or not.

Spring 2015

MBA CONVENTION

BOWHUNTER OF THE YEAR

The MBA standardized the process for nominating candidates for the Bowhunter of the Year, Richard Conklin, and Special Achievement Awards. Below you will find the form we will use. Please use this form by cutting it out of the newsletter. You may also attach a separate sheet; just be sure to include all the items that are asked for on the form. The nominations are due to Roger Peffer, regorp77@ msn.com or call 406-452-0911 by March 15, 2013 with all the information. The deadline is important because the nominations will be sent to the members of the awards committee so that they have time before the convention to cast their votes. We then need to get names on the awards. The awards are important to the people receiving them. This form will ensure that the integrity of the award is upheld for future recipients. I am sure many of you know members who are worthy of one or more of the four prestigious awards. However, these people will never receive the awards unless someone makes the effort to nominate them..

This award is given annually at the MBA banquet. It is confined to members who have been in good standing with the MBA during the 12 month period prior to the issuance of the award. The Bowhunter of the Year Award is basically an award recognizing “success” and may, but does not have to be, in the form of a kill. This “success” may be the taking of one outstanding animal, or the aggregate of various species taken, or “success” in the form of a particularly difficult achievement relating to the bowhunting experience. When an individual is to be considered as a candidate for the Bowhunter of the Year Award, all aspects of this success should be considered. Fair chase must play a large part in considering this “success”. The totality of the circumstances should also be considered, meaning the individual’s experience, handicaps, advantages, the difficulty of the hunt and the overall attitude of the candidate. Any member of the MBA may nominate someone else or himself/ herself as a candidate, though the respective reps are encouraged to locate candidates within their area. The nomination should be submitted on the form (found below) or on a reasonable facsimile. The form should include a detailed account of why this individual is deserving of this award, and any verification of the success that is available. The “success” need not have occurred during the past 12 month period. It could have occurred at any time in the candidate’s bowhunting career. The candidate may be nominated year after year for the same success, though actual issuance of the Bowhunter of the Year Award can only be given once for any one success. All nominations will be brought before the Awards Committee. The secret vote will be taken within this body. The majority of the committee determines the Award.

RICHARD CONKLIN AWARD This award was established as a “service” award. This award, which is not necessarily an annual award, is given only when an MBA member is due the recognition for outstanding work or accomplishment in the field of service to the MBA and the sport of bowhunting. The procedure for giving this award is

the same as the Bowhunter of the Year Award, with the exception that the vote will not be taken. The awards committee, along with the First Vice President, will through mutual agreement, by the majority of this body in attendance, decide if a candidate is to be the recipient of the award. Nominations should be submitted on the form belo

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Over the years it has become apparent that various individuals have been due recognition that does not necessarily fall within the realm of the two prior awards. This award or commendation is dictated depending on the circumstances and though, more often than not, does not have to be given to an MBA member. When an individual is due such recognition, his or her name and action should be forwarded to the award committee chairman in the same manner as the Bowhunter of the Year Award and the Conklin Award nominations. The committee will discuss these nominations at the same time as the other awards. This issuance of this award is on the approval of the majority of the awards committee.

PAUL SCHAFER AWARD This award is similar to the Bowhunter of the Year Award, but is only awarded to persons seventeen years old and younger. Ethics will play a large role in this award, as this is how Paul Schafer would have wanted it. So if you know of a young person deserving of this award, please send the information in.

MBA LITERATURE AWARD This award goes to the MBA member whose story in the Montana Bowhunter Magazine is chosen as the best of the year. The MBA magazine committee, in conjunction with the Awards committee, will choose the winner, but will consider all input and nominations from all MBA members. This is an annual award.

NOMINATIONS FOR BOWHUNTER OF THE YEAR AWARD RICHARD CONKLIN AWARD SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PAUL SCHAFER AWARD & MBA LITERATURE AWARD Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________________ State of Candidate:___________Zip: ____________________________ Award:

Bowhunter of the Year Award Richard Conklin Award Special Achievement Paul Schafer Award

Specifics: (Please describe in as great a detail as possible, on a separate sheet of paper, the reason this candidate should receive the above checked award. Please type or print legibly.) Name of Nominator: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address of Nominator: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ regorp77@msn.com

Montana

BOWHUNTER

406-452-0911

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Forms must be received no later than March 15, 2014

MBA CONVENTION

Spring 2015

GUEST SPEAKERS

WILDERNESS FIRST AID

Dr. Amy LePage SEMINAR FRIDAY 7PM – 8PM

Dr. Amy LePage is an Emergency Medicine physician. She graduated from medical school at the University of Washington and then completed her specialty training in Emergency Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She is an avid bowhunter who lives in Lewistown, Montana with her husband and their two children. This seminar will provide you with the answers to emergency medical questions that can arise while you are in bowhunting camp. Whether your partner ran a broadhead through their leg while climbing out of a treestand in the Belts or you develop crushing chest pain while scouting in the breaks, Dr. LePage will give you the quick and dirty solutions to “Emergency Medicine in the Wilderness.”

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Francis SEMINAR SATURDAY 10:30AM - 11:30AM

Michael H. Francis is a fulltime internationally published wildlife and scenic photographer whose 500,000 plus images express his admiration for all of nature. Mike will be speaking on big game and the similar techniques used for both bowhunting and photography for wildlife approach.

Sports Afield, Audubon, Field and Stream, Outdoor Life, Ranger Rick, Natural History, Outdoor Photographer, and National Geographic Books. His images are also published in hundreds of calendars, post cards, greeting cards, mugs and even on the sides of Frontier Airline planes.

Mike brings his background as a biologist and entomologist to his photos which show extraordinary mammal, bird, reptile and insect behavior as well as striking and beautiful images. Mike is a member and former president of the North American Nature Photography Association and a member of The Outdoor Writers Association of America. He has been published in over 35 single photographer books including Elk Country, Mule Deer Country, Yellowstone Bears in the Wild, Into the Wind … Wild Horses of North America, Bison for Kids, Yellowstone Memories, and many more. Mike’s credits also include thousands of images published in a broad variety of magazines and books including

In addition to taking photos throughout the world Mike leads photo tours to Alaska, Africa, Yellowstone, Texas, North and South Dakota and other locations. He enjoys sharing his love of wildlife with experienced and beginner wildlife photographers of any age. His insights into animal behavior and broad experience make for a rich photography tour experience. Mike began his love of photography in Yellowstone National Park where he worked for fifteen seasons managing hotels and lodges for the concessionaire. He actively hiked and climbed mountains throughout Yellowstone and in doing so began his career in taking photos over 30 years ago. In addition to taking photos of the wildlife and

scenery Mike has an extensive Yellowstone ephemera collection and with two other Yellowstone enthusiasts he has published the Yellowstone Postcard Checklist a must for Yellowstone postcard collectors. Mike is a strong supporter of new photographers entering the field. He has sponsored both high school and college students in the North American Nature Photography Association Scholarship programs. He regularly gives speeches and slide shows for photography clubs and schools. Mike is happy to share his experience with those who love wildlife and cameras. Mike lives in Billings, Montana, with his wife Tori and daughters Elizabeth and Emily. He shares his backyard with a variety of birds and his 25 turtles and tortoises.

BITTERROOT ELK & LION STUDY RESULTS

Kelly Proffitt SEMINAR SATURDAY 2:30PM-3:30PM

Kelly Proffitt is a wildlife research biologist at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Kelly, along with other at FWP and University of Montana, initiated the Bitterroot Elk Project in winter 2010-2011. Kelly completed a PhD in Wildlife Biology at Montana State University in 2008 and began working at FWP in 2009.

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

GUEST SPEAKERS

SILENT STALKING TECHNIQUE

SEMINAR SATURDAY 2:30PM-3:30PM

Mike Barrett Mike Barrett harvested his first mule deer with a recurve in 1967 and has used recurves ever since. Spot and stalk muleys are what gets Mike going. According to Mike, “Having a big mule deer at 15 or 20 yards and taking his picture then leaving without him knowing I was there makes my day.” Mike just harvested his 19th bull elk with a bow this year. This bull was the first ever that Mike has called in and shot. Although Mike has tried other methods such as hunting from a treestand, his success comes from many years of spot and stalk hunting which Mike will be sharing during his seminar. Mike has pursued mule deer in 9 states and provinces, but as Mike says, “this only proves experience but not necessarily success in all of them.” Mike lives in Dayton, WY, only eight miles from Montana and southeast of Billings. Mike takes advantage of his proximity to Montana to hunt there whenever possible.

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS The MBA is looking for photos and video submissions that we plan to combine into a presentation that will be shown throughout the convention weekend. Please send your hunting and outdoor fun photos and videos to Teri Kelly at teray1979@yahoo.com

Contact Roger Peffer at 406-452-0911 for more information. GUEST SPEAKER SATURDAY BANQUET

Roy Roth

Roy Roth has been a DIY backcountry bowhunter for the last 25 years. He, his wife, and three kids live in Wasilla, AK, where Roy is a successful big game guide. After moving to Alaska twenty-one years ago, Roy discovered a bowhunter’s paradise. Being able to hunt trophies like Dall sheep, mountain goat, and brown bear every year was like a dream come true. Roy has successfully harvested multiple trophies with both compound and traditional archery equipment

Spring 2015

AUCTIONS AND RAFFLES

AUCTION AND RAFFLE ITEMS LIVE AUCTION HUNTS Matlabas Game Hunters – Africa

– One blue wildebeest or zebra Plus one warthog or steenbok or impala or bush duiker Plus daily rates for the first four days, for each of two hunters during a minimum ten day safari for plains game in the malaria-free Matlabas Bushveldt, Limpopo province, South Africa – day of arrival and departure included. Additional hunters and nonhunters are welcome to join the safari in which event standard rates will apply to them. Full hunt details on the website at mtba.org

HUNT Africa Beautiful Namibia donated by Christie’s Adventures and Box M Hunts – Africa -3 day 2 Night hunt for 2 hunters. Full hunt details on the website at mtba.org Zulu Nyala – 2 people; 6 day and 6 night lodging, 3 full meals daily and 2 guided game viewing activities daily with an experienced guide on the Zulu Nyala Game reserve. There is no reserve or minimum bid. Profits from the live auction as a 50/50. **Photo safari and there is two identical packages. $5,590 value for each.

LIVE AUCTION Antelope head study bronze Value $800. Sean Dunn and the Davis Family began donating this art to he MBA four years ago in honor of, Bill Davis (the artist) who passed away unexpectedly. Bill, Sean’s father in law, was a driving force behind Sean and his family starting in traditional archery, which Sean now works to pass on to many others via social and youth programs. It’s a nice way to remember Bill to promote the sport he loved and passed on to his family.

Skyblade Knives - Todd Orr 50/50 donation. Model: Madison 4 - Redwood Burl handle - 4” blade - CPM S35VN Stainless steel blade and a custom sheath by Madison Saddlery. Comes with a Lifetime Warranty value at $330.

HUNT RAFFLES

MOOSE HUNT RAFFLE Ticket Prices –$20 each or 6 for $100 Two-man, 6-day archery moose hunt valued at $4,500 www.silverfoxoutfitters.com

Montana

BOWHUNTER

2015 DONATION HUNT: MONTANA BOWHUNTERS Ten days plains game hunt for two hunters in the malaria-free Matlabas Bushveldt, Limpopo Province, South Africa (day of arrival and departure included). This hunt is available in 2015 on a mutually agreed date between 1 April and 30 October. This is a minimum ten day hunt of which the daily rates for the first five days are included in the donation. In addition, the following animals are included: one Blue Wildebeest or Zebra, plus one Warthog or Impala for each of the hunters. The hunt includes accommodation, meals, laundry service, the services of a professional hunter and trackers and skinners, field preparation of trophies and delivery to a taxidermist or ‘shipper & dipper’ in Limpopo. Transport from and to Johannesburg International Airport is excluded – cost $250 per hunter each way. All Value Added Taxes are included in the rates, except Value Added Tax (14%) to be charged on wounded animals that are not recovered and thus not exported. This is a compound or traditional bow hunt and may be upgraded or extended (for extra days or additional hunters or non-hunters) as per the current price list. Accompanying non-hunters are welcome. Members who have previously been on this hunt include Jeff Nicholls, dr. Amy & Stephen LePage, and Roger & Pat Allick. Additional species that may be hunted include Limpopo bushbuck, bush duiker, Cape eland, gemsbok, kudu, nyala, red hartebeest, steenbok, waterbuck, giraffe, caracal, black-backed jackal, vervet monkey and chacma baboon. The conservation authorities in South Africa allow the export of only one monkey and one baboon per hunter as a hunting trophy. The hunters on this hunt may however shoot unlimited monkeys and baboons, for free, provided not more than one of each are to be exported. Sable, tsessebe, roan and buffalo may also be available on other concessions. Prices are listed on the website www.matlabas.co.za/ hunting. This is a ‘bow hunting only’ concession, although rifles are occasionally allowed as an exception. There are no licenses or permits required for plains game, but permits for small cats, monkeys and baboons need to be obtained prior to the hunt. A Conservation Levy of US $ 10 per animal taken will be charged and will go to the Conservation Fund of the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa. Accommodation is provided at Matlabas Game Lodge. The scrumptious meals are mostly traditional South African Bushveldt cuisine and venison is regularly served. The lodge consists of 4 thatched rooms and 2 en suite Meru type safari tents. The lodge has 220 Volt electricity, and other features include a lounge with satellite TV, a wildlife and natural history video library, a swimming pool, a ‘lapa’ where there will be a camp fire every evening, and a curio shop. A daily cleaning service is included in the hunt. Basic toiletries and towels are provided. Excursions and other activities for non-hunters as well as tours and/or photographic safaris at the end of the hunting safari are also available (a safari to the Kruger National Park is very popular with visitors from abroad and can be recommended). Fishing, scuba diving and/or wing shooting is also available prior to or after the hunting safari. Details will be provided on request. This is one of South Africa’s prime bow hunting destinations, but this hunt cannot be exchanged for other goods or services or alternative hunts. Nor can the free animals be exchanged for other species. This hunt is ideal for two hunting friends, or a hunting couple, who would like to experience African bowhunting. Should only one hunter be able to make the trip, the donation value for the second hunter will be forfeited. This is a 100% donation to Montana Bowhunters. Donation Value: US $5370 (per 2014 price list) Outfitter contact details: Willem or Flippie Frost E-mail: info@matlabas.co.za Web: www.matlabas.co.za/hunting Telephone: (27) 147790969 or (27) 147790602

WWW.MTBA.ORG

AUCTIONS & RAFFLES

TENT RAFFLE

BOW RAFFLE

$5ea / 6 for $25

$5 ea / 6 for $20 (each item won separately) Schafer Silvertip Recurve, Dave Windauer $1000 toward a custom bow Trails End Recurve, Dale Dye $500 Toward a custom bow Yellowstone Custom Bows, Rich Wormington $400 toward a custom bow

Sheridan Tent & Awning Wall Tent & Little Amigo Stove 10x12x4 12oz. canvas tent with frame, stovepipe ring with flap, window in back, sod cloth Shipment to locations outside of Montana will be the responsibility of the winner

DEFENSE RAFFLE $2 ea / 6 for $10 (each item won separately – 4 winners) Knife Set donated by Huntin’ Fool Cabelas 3-D Coyote Target

Pronghorn Custom Bows, Herb Meland 3-piece R/D takedown longbow 62”-RH-mid 50s. Impregnated curly maple riser, curly maple veneers $1200 value Toelke Custom Bows – Dan and Jared Toelke – Whip longbow $800 value

LADIES RAFFLE $2 each / 6 for $10 (each item won separately) Salon Products and Services – donated by Montana Styling Company Stained Glass Window Piece – donated by Bobbi Boege Two Tempur-pedic Pillows – donated by Mattress King $100 Wine Basket – donated by The Wine Market and Deli

Neotech Bow Carrier donated by Cabelas Denver Bryan Print mounted on canvas

YOUTH RAFFLE

CONSERVATION RAFFLE

$2 each / 6 for $10 (each item won separately)

$5ea / 6 for $25 (1 winner – package deal)

Hoyt Ruckus Jr Bow 9-30lbs – donated by Scheels

8X42 Diamondback Binoculars donated by Vortex Optics

Dozen Gold Tip Youth Arrows – donated by Scheels

Bino harness donated by Vortex Optics

Rinehart 9in Field Target Ball – donated by Scheels

Bridger Ridge hiking boots donated by Kenetrek Cabelas Deluxe game cart donated by Cabelas Denver Bryan Print mounted on canvas Buck Knife Folding Hunter

Youth Block Target – donated by Scheels

HAT RAFFLE Ticket Information at Convention Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener – donated by Darex Bushnell 8MP Game Cam – donated by Cabelas

LEGISLATIVE RAFFLE

Cabelas Game Taker Block – donated by Cabelas

$5ea / 6 for $25 (1 winner – package deal)

Denver Bryan print mounted on canvas Buck Knife Paklite Master Field Kit

Sitka 90% Jacket – donated by Sitka Sitka 90% Pants – donated by Sitka

YOUTH RAFFLE

Sitka Core Zip Tee – donated by Scheels

$2 each / 6 for $10 (each item won separately)

Sitka Jetstream Hat – donated by Scheels Sitka Traverse Glove-donated by Scheels

Hoyt Ruckus Jr Bow 9-30lbs – donated by Scheels Youth Block Target – donated by Scheels Dozen Gold Tip Youth Arrows – donated by Scheels Rinehart 9in Field Target Ball – donated by Scheels

Print donated by Denver Bryan

NEW MEMBER RAFFLE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS Information available at the convention.

Spring 2015

BOARD NOMINEE BIOS

Region 1 - Al Kelly

I love to bowhunt and I’ve been doing it for 35 years. I also try to give back to the sport because I love it. I started teaching bowhunter education in North Idaho when the program was first introduced in Idaho back in the 80’s. I moved to Montana in 1996 and after a few years off while raising kids as a single parent I got back to teaching in Montana. Elk is my first love, but I have also hunted and harvested whitetail, mule deer, turkeys (and a few thousand ugly carp). I also like to get out and fish, but the past couple of years I have been focusing a lot of time and effort into training and hunting my two Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. The boys (aka Moose and Bolt) are my second chance at roaming the woods and field with the exuberance of youth as my human children are all grown up and gone.

OFFICIAL BALLOT 2015 ELECTIONS THIS BALLOT IS UNIQUE TO:

{INPUT MEMBER NAME} Member ID: {Input ID Number} Membership Status: {Input Status Info} Note if your membership status is indicated as “lapsed” la lapsed y can rrenew your membership you m form with your payment. at www.MTBA.org or by submitting a paper membership me ership status is updated. memb Lapsed members votes will not be tallied until membership If you have any questions please call: 406-697-7668 7-7668 7-7668

Candidates Seeking Election cti 1 st Vice Presi dent Write In______________________ __ _____

Region 1 Representative Region 1 members only - Vote for 2)

Al Kelly

Region 3 Representative

(Region 3 members only - Vote for 2

Brian Koelzer Barrett Haugan Region 5 Representative (Region 5 members only - Vote for 2) ___ Write In____________________

Al Kelly

Region 2 - Marlon Clapham

I feel that I’ve been truly blessed with bowhunting and I feel that being part of the MBA board is a bit of a way to payback to Montana Bowhunting and the friendships I’ve made along the way. I know I have a lot to learn about the process but I have an open mind and am willing to listen to others opinions. So I am once again running for area Representative in Region 2.

Write In ____________________________ ____ __

Region 7 Representative (Region 7 members only – Vote for 2)

bership ment.

Write In______________________________

Write In______________________________ __________ ________ ____ ____

Write In_______________________________ __________

Write In _______________________________ __________

I operated an archery pro shop in Kalispell for 30 years, retiring in 2007. I’ve been involved in archery most of my life beginning around 10 years old, practicing on cottontails. As I got older I started hunting bigger game - wild hogs, sheep and goats on the islands off the California coast and mule deer in the Sierras. I moved to Butte Montana in 1972, working in the mines. In 1973, I helped start the Silverbow Archers in Butte. In my first Montana bow season I killed my first elk opening day, and repeated this the next 4 years. As time went on, I was more selective but I did kill an elk during archery season for the next 31 years. Some years saw me hunting out of state, taking elk in Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Alberta Canada. I took my first P&Y animal, a Montana whitetail in 74. I have had the chance to harvest every animal legally bowhunted in Montana except Bison. I have taken 13 different species of North American big game with my bow along with 5 species in Africa. I have 55 big game animals in the P&Y Record book. My other accomplishments include: * Pope & Young Club member for 27 years. * Montana Archery Association member for approximately 20 years. * The Montana NFAA representative for two years. * I was the first Bowhunter Education instructor in Montana, giving classes all over Montana until this program was taken over by MT Fish Wildlife and Parks. * I keep up with any legislation that could affect bowhunting in MT. I sent letters to the editors, e-mails to MT congress and other hunters as well as testifying during hearings when needed. Bowhunting is my whole life - I have never wanted to do anything else. I hope with the years I have left I will not have to slow down. I married my wife Melanie that I met here in Kalispell in 1977. We have two kids Cody and April, and 3 grandkids Brooklyn, Maddox, And Payton. I spend part of each year in Kalispell and the rest in Landusky in the Missouri Breaks, always planning my next hunt. Dan Moore

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Write In ______________________________ __________ _____ ___ __

Plea Mon P.O. You conv

(All members - Vote for seven directors)

Write In_______________________________ _________

My name is Dan Moore and I think I can help the MBA as a Director at Large. I know how to contribute to meetings and promote bowhunting in Montana.

37th h

At-Large Directors Dan Moore

Director at Large - Dan Moore

BOWHUNTER

Montana

Marlon Clapham

Bob Morgan Write In____________________ ___ __

Hope to have your vote.

Write In______________________ _____

Your vote is private and unique to your membership ID number

I am also blessed to be married to a good woman who shares my passion for bowhunting. Together we edit the magazine, however I believe it’s no secret that she is the driving force behind that part of the job. If you wish to vote for me I would gladly continue to serve on the MBA board. There continues to be work to do to preserve and protect bowhunting and I will do what I can.

Born and raised here in western Montana, 1955, I started bowhunting in 1968, but never knew you had to have an Archery Stamp until 1970, so that’s when I became a true Bowhunter. It took me three years to harvest my first Whitetail doe, and I’ve never looked back. My entire family enjoys the sport. I’ve been teaching Bow-Ed for 21 years and teaching the youth at school programs, church groups and to anyone who wants to shoot, at any age for the last thirty years. I was at the first MBA meeting in Missoula, but couldn’t afford the ten bucks to join. So it took until 1987 before I was one of you. In 1989 we here in Missoula hosted the Convention and I was wrangled into being the first Missoula chairperson. Merri and I got married in 1979, we have one daughter, Cecelia, and we are all members of the MBA. Some of my most memorable hunts have been with these two ladies. They both share my passion. I’ve hunted across MT. and have been to Alaska twice hunting moose and caribou, hunted mule deer and antelope in Wyoming, black bears in Idaho.

SAMPLE PL BALLOT

Here we are again. My time is up for serving as your region one representative on the Montana Bowhunters Association Board. But of course I would be happy to serve another term if you choose to vote for me once again. For those who don’t know me here is the scoop.

Return Ballot Please To: Bowhunters Association Montana P.O. Box 23611 Billings, MT 59104 also turn in your ballot at the You may convention in Billings

2015 CONVENTION ORDER FORM

37th ANNUAL MBA CONVENTION MARCH 27-29

ORDER FORM

Please complete the order form below to

Price

FOR THOSE ATTENDING

Banquet tickets can be purchased here or online at www.shop.mtba.org (12 & Under hild

Please Return Order Form To: Montana Bowhunters Association P.O. Box 23611 Billings, MT 59104

Quantity Total

PRE REGISTRATION

$40/ person

Before March 15th

$75/couple $25/child (12 & under)

**All other convention activities are free and open to the public**

GENERAL REGISTRATION $50/person TENT RAFFLE $5 ea. or 6 for $25 Sheridan Tent & Awning Wall Tent & Little Amigo Stove (additional info at mtba.org)

$35/child (12 & under) Use Payment Box Below

FOR THOSE NOT ATTENDING

DEFENSE RAFFLE placed. Indicate total quantity on right.

Quantity

Total

If you are NOT able to attend the event but would still like to participate in the

$5 ea. 6 for $25

$2 ea. 6 for $10

Huntin' Fool Knife set Cabelas 3D coyote target Neotech Bow Carrier Denver Bryan print HSS Harness

Can’t Attend

CONSERVATION RAFFLE 8X42 Diamondback Binoculars Vortex Optics bino harness Bridger Ridge hiking boots Cabelas Deluxe game cart Denver Bryan print Buck Knife Folding Hunter

NOTE: All orders must be received by March 20th to be eligible to win.

$5 ea. 6 for $25

LEGISLATIVE RAFFLE

LEGISLATIVE RAFFLE $5 ea. or 6 for $25 (1 winner – package deal) • Sitka 90% Jacket – donated by Sitka • Sitka 90% Pants – donated by Sitka • Sitka Core Zip Tee – donated by Scheels • Sitka Jetstream Hat – donated by Scheels • Sitka Traverse Glove-donated by Scheels

$5 ea.

Sitka 90% Jacket Sitka 90% Pants Sitka Core Zip Tee Sitka Jetstream Hat Sitka Traverse Glove

6 for $25

BOW RAFFLE $5 ea.

placed. Indicate total quantity on right.

If you have any questions please contact: Jenn Schneider - 406-697-7668 email: mtba@mtba.org

LADIES RAFFLE $2 ea. or 6 for $10 (each item won separately – 4 winners) • Stained Glass Window Piece – donated by Bobbi Boege • Two Tempur-pedic Pillows – donated by Mattress King • $100 Wine Basket – donated by The Wine Market and Deli • Denver Bryan print mounted on canvas

Price

TENT RAFFLE Sheridan Tent & Awning Wall Tent & Little Amigo Stove

CONSERVATION RAFFLE $5 ea. or 6 for $25 (1 winner – package deal) • 8X42 Diamondback Binoculars donated by Vortex Optics • Bino harness donated by Vortex Optics • Bridger Ridge hiking boots donated by Kenetrek • Cabelas Deluxe game cart donated by Cabelas • Denver Bryan Print mounted on canvas • Buck Knife Folding Hunter

BOW RAFFLE $5 ea. or 6 for $25 • Schafer Silvertip Recurve, Dave Windauer - $1000 toward a custom bow • Trails End Recurve, Dale Dye - $500 toward a custom bow • Yellowstone Custom Bows, Rich Wormington - $400 Toward a custom bow • Pronghorn Custom Bows, Herb Meland - 3-piece R/D takedown longbow 62"-RH-mid 50s. Impregnated curly maple riser, curly maple veneers - $1200 value • Toelke Custom Bows – Dan and Jared Toelke – Whip longbow $800 value

GRAND TOTAL

purchased at the event door.

DEFENSE RAFFLE $2 ea. or 6 for $10 (each item won separately – 4 winners) • Knife Set donated by Huntin’ Fool • Cabelas 3-D Coyote Target • Neotech Bow Carrier donated by Cabelas • Denver Bryan Print mounted on canvas • Hunter Safety System Harness

MOOSE HUNT RAFFLE $20 ea. or 6 for $100 (additional info at mtba.org) Alberta Archery Moose Hunt SILVER FOX OUTFITTERS 6 Days, 2-person hunt

$85/couple

After March 15th or at Door

6 for $25

$1000 Certificate - Schafer Toelke Traditional Bow $500 Certificate - Trails End $400 Certificate - Yellowstone Pronghorn 3-piece TD

MOOSE HUNT RAFFLE $20 ea. 6 for $100

LADIES RAFFLE placed. Indicate total quantity on right. Denver Bryan print

$2 ea. 6 for $10

Stained Glass Window Piece Two Tempur-pedic Pillows

YOUTH RAFFLE $2 ea. or 6 for $10 (each item won separately – 5 winners) • Hoyt Ruckus Jr Bow 9-30lbs – donated by Scheels • Youth Block Target – donated by Scheels • Dozen Gold Tip Youth Arrows – donated by Scheels • Rinehart 9in Field Target Ball – donated by Scheels

$100 Wine Basket – donated by The Wine Market and Deli

YOUTH RAFFLE placed. Indicate total quantity on right. Hoyt Ruckus Jr Bow 9-30lbs

HAT RAFFLE (hats sold at the convention) • Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener – donated by Darex • Bushnell 8MP Game Cam – donated by Cabelas • Cabelas Game Taker Block – donated by Cabelas • Denver Bryan print mounted on canvas • Buck Knife Paklite Master Field Kit • Hunter Safety System Harness

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Spring 2015

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Spring 2015

CANYON FERRY CARP SAFARI

Montana Bowhunters Association presents:

Have You Been “Carpified ?” C A N YO N F E R RY C A R P S A F A R I JUNE 13, 2015 C A N YO N F E R RY L A K E , H E L E N A M T x

Bowhunting only - everyone welcome!!

Help Carp Management in Canyon Ferry Lake

Never been Carpified? -Help available from semi-professional Carp Ninjas

Good Things to Know : - All sh oo ter s n e ed a vali d fi shi ng l i cens e - Boa ts m us t b e re gis ter e d wi th corr e ct numb er of li f eja ck e ts - Boa ts m us t b e cl ean up on arri val and cl ean e d pr io r to e n ter ing an o th er b o d y of wa ter - Bo whun ting on l y. Brin g l o ts o f arr ows - Carp Safa ri will run Sa tur da y f rom sun ris e un ti l 5 p .m.

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Camping available at our private camping area—details and map posted at http://mtba.org

price (don’t worry, it’s not carp) How to g e t pr er eg is ter ed: x

3D Targets available for those of us who can’t even hit thousands of spawning carp

x Mail att ach ed form b y J u n e 6 , 2 0 1 5 x Mail p ayme nt t o: J o e l l e S e l k 6963 York Road Helena, MT 59602 (Make checks out to MBA) x Ne e d mor e f or ms o r i n f o?

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Spring 2015

THE

COVER STORY

By Paull H Martin

It all started with a call from Region One biologist Jim Williams to let me know that after 37 years I had finally drawn a Bighorn Sheep tag. I could hardly believe my ears; I was finally going to get a chance to hunt these magnificent animals in my home state of Montana. The previous year, my good friend Bob Windauer drew this very tag and he started me off with good information and the remembrances of a particular ram the locals call Magnum. That’s all it took to set my mind on this particular ram. From that point on I seemed to be on a

BY JAY SHEFFIELD

predestined path. I ran into my friend Dale Reynolds, who was very familiar with HD 124 and advised me as to where I needed to hunt. Opening day, Sept 5th 2013, I was able to hunt for the first ten days as Archery only, thanks to the efforts of the Montana Bowhunters Assoc. I spent the first couple of days meeting and getting hunting permission from land owners. I became acquainted with one of the most gracious business and land owners I’ve ever met. I also met up with one of the locals who had a 2”by 2”photo of Magnum on his cell phone which I got to study for about 30 seconds to ingrain that imagine in my memory for recognition later on. One of the first things to learn about these animals is their unorthodox tolerance of human activity. If you want to get real close to them, wear your blue jeans, white shirt and the biggest camera you can find, and they will almost pose for you. Back in the wild with your camos on, packing a bow it’s a little different story. I found approaching nonchalant in plain view at their level or below, I could get within 50yds, in most situations. Something my hunting buddy Neil Jacobson taught me was to sit down and simulate chewing your cud and it will relax them. In fact one time I did just that and the big ram in the group lay down and took a nap, while the others went back to feed or play, as I had my lunch 55 yds away. One thing the land owner told me that really hit home was that the bigger rams don’t show up until the rut is in progress. Six weeks into the season, my hunting experience had been locating and getting close to, bachelor groups in the rugged rocky country. I wanted to learn their habits, observe them, judge horns, age, body color and characteristics. I wanted to be able to ID every ram I saw. It was now noon of Halloween 2013, the sheep were near the little town of Paradise. I was somewhat in the public eye, so to be discreet I had to crawl about 150 yds to a spot I could check out the sheep 80yds away undetected. Most of the ‘Good ole Boys’ were huddled up here and there like the home town football team. A head butt now and then with a knee kick to the next guy’s scrotum sack was all part of the ritual of who’s who, and not really aggressive, but more like just being one of the guys. Always good for a laugh was watching a young ram running on his hind legs attempting to breed a fleeing ewe. I was able to recognize all of the full curl rams. There was Chip, a dark chocolate body with a big chunk out of his left horn, the Tag Team Brothers, who were always together, with not ten cents worth of difference between them, right down to their banged up Roman noses, then there was the one I was most considering. This ram probably had the widest horns but with a grayish body. Any one of these 15 or 16 rams would be a magnificent trophy to take home. Even though this was probably going to be my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, something kept telling me there was still time and to be patient. Still enjoying the

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antics of these animals, I noticed the sheep in front of me turning their attention across the field. A single ram was trotting directly towards the herd, in what seemed to be slow motion, the sun shining on his stout headgear and a hulk of a body second to none. This ram had the most contrasts in color that a ram could possess. I watch him reunite with the herd as though he was the star player of his team and his appearance gave the final signal to “Let the games begin”. It had happened just as Bridger Bishoff had told me it would. I had witnessed the return of the ram known by the locals as Magnum. The challenge was to fulfill my dream of taking Magnum home on my terms; hunter and hunted in a private location ending with a one shot humane kill, which for me was the only way to take this beautiful animal. The next morning’s plan was to ambush the herd from a vantage point on the rock shelves. Unfortunately I was busted by a bachelor group of young rams that came out behind me. When I tried to make myself disappear they ran down to tell all the other sheep to watch out for that bowhunter up there. With the 70 plus herd back down in the meadow, this location wasn’t going to be very productive. Towards last light I decided to sneak in close behind them and give them a reason to head back up into the basin. Sure enough, when one of the ewes saw me lurking in the brush, she gathered up the herd in short order, heading in the direction I had hoped. First light on November 2nd I could see sheep still high up on some of the cliffs. I carefully worked my way in to an advantage point to glass. The activity of the sheep had changed again, they were now broken up into smaller groups of ewes and rams and scattered for about half a mile. I was now in still hunting mode, hoping to spot Magnum. Off in the distance I could hear that familiar “clunk”sound of some of the best head bangers of Sanders County going at it. As I was trying to close in on them, I kept encountering other sheep along the way, which slowed me down. Before I could get there all became quiet. Spotting a couple of rams up on the cliffs with several ewes I grabbed my binocs for a good look just as they went out of sight. I was pretty sure one of them was Magnum. When the sheep were out of sight I moved to the North East side of the rock face to find a way up by climbing the cavities in the rock. Catching sight of movement further off and up the rock face gave me the enticement to try the climb to get the shot. Threatening weather kept me sane. When dry the rocky cliffs and slides are some of the best exercise you’ll ever get, but as soon as the lichens get wet, I can’t think of a better way to break your neck. As I finished that sentence in my head it started to rain. I stayed put for a while thinking the sheep might come down. Now in the solitude of the rain I heard what sounded like a rifle shot coming from the basin I had hunted

COVER STORY

through this morning. A few minutes passed and then another shot, it sounded like someone sighting in their rifle. I decided to head back to find out what the heck was going on. In order to make good time I decided to take the old quarry road. Halfway back I spotted sheep about 250 yds to the right, feeding on the hillside. Realizing that the sheep wouldn’t still be there with someone shooting a rifle, the reality started to sink in. The “shots” I heard were actually two rams running towards each other to clash horns. I didn’t get to see this exhibition and was wondering which rams were participating. There wasn’t time to think as rams were starting to show up on the hillside, 6, 8, 9, maybe 12, glassing quickly, recognizing them, but seeing no sign of Magnum. I had to keep moving and at this distance I could get away with it. Just then, even thru the drizzling rain, I could see one ram with brilliant color and big horns that stood out. As soon as I got my glasses on him my adrenaline surged, and I began wondering if it was Magnum and his opponent making all that noise. The best part was that once I was out of sight, I knew how to get in on their location using the very trail I had taken this morning. All along the way I kept telling myself to be careful. With the wind barely in my favor, I made my way up onto a mossy shelf, first my bow then my body. Peering from behind the cover of limbs from a pine tree, I could see through the brush that most of the sheep bedded facing away at just over 30 yds. This close and I can’t tell which one is Magnum. My mind was racing… What to do next... How long would my position hold out... Should I try to move? Once again the situation was about to change. The sheep started to get up and feed towards me. There were at least a dozen rams and a handful of ewes coming my way. Slowly readying my bow, they were getting closer by the second and still no confirmation of Magnum. If there ever was a time of mind over matter it was now, I was screaming in my head “Turn to the left, turn to the left”! To my amazement, most of the rams and all the ewes started feeding off to their left. Still not sure what to do, I felt pinned down. There were three big rams in front of me, one in front of the other. All three heads were down in the brush and slowly getting closer. I hoped they wouldn’t hear my heart pounding, let alone see or smell me. The ram to my right lifted his head, he was the wide one. The other two were moving around behind the brush when one of them put his head up. He was a great ram but needed to live another year. I wanted to see that white muzzle and those Magnum bases, and a clear hole to shoot through. The third rams head rose almost facing me and yes unmistakably it was him. With his body almost broadside, his head went back down’ keeping an eye on the other two I came to full draw. The same time his head went down his body turned almost straight frontal. There was no shot! His head rose, exposing his vitals. Being a veteran of this shot, I could hear my inner voice say, “After 37 years of waiting and 23 days of hunting, here’s your shot, go ahead and take it!” I sent the arrow deep into his chest. He whirled to his right and ran back towards the hillside. About 35 yds out the ram fell down onto his chest and flopped over on his right side. He was down and out in a matter of 6 seconds. Now, it was my turn to fall down on my back, with the most uncontrollable shakes I’ve ever experienced. I began yelling out “I killed Magnum and I get to take him home!!”. Collecting myself with joy and relief, there was no way I could wait the 30 minutes to approach him. The best I could do was wait the few minutes it took for the other sheep to leave the area.

“After 37 years of waiting and 23 days of hunting, here’s your shot, go ahead and take it!”

I had realized my dream of taking this animal on my terms. When you walk up to this animal and if you have a God, he will be there with you, as the over powering force will bring you to your knees. There is no stopping the flow of tears; tears at first for taking this animals life, but soon replaced with tears of joy and accomplishment. It took a while before I was composed enough to make the promised calls to family and friends. Authors notes: For this monumental hunt I used my 4yr old Elite GT500 @ 70lbs, arrows are Maxima Hunter 250, with my favorite 100 gr. Thunderheads. My Vortex Talon 10x42 was a great asset on this hunt. I was able to get an accurate gross weight on Magnum of 290 lbs. He was entered into the Pope & Young Club, with an official gross score of 188 & 2/8 and a net score of 187 & 5/8. We do this to exalt the animal so that they become part of recorded history. I will life size mount Magnum so that I can donate him to the Museum of the Montana Bowhunter Education Foundation Ltd www.mtbowhuntermuseum.org.

Winter 2014

THE RELEASE AID OPTION

The By Steve B Ste e Sukut S k t

he sun had finally gone behind a hill, giving me some relief. I had slipped into a deep wooded cut on the northern plains of Eastern Montana and had set my treestand downwind of a water hole, about 12 feet up in an ash tree. Unfortunately this position made me face the setting sun, and it did a great job of shining directly in my eyes for two straight hours. That was the only downside, though. I had watched close to 30 whitetail does, fawns and young bucks wander by that afternoon. I had shared my tree with a climbing porcupine, and had passed inspection by a rooster pheasant that picked me out, but decided that I was no threat. Not a single deer had spooked, and I figured that with the calm and relaxed attitude of the deer that were still hanging around, the larger, more mature whitetail bucks would show up just after sunset. With twenty minutes of legal shooting time left, a Pope and Young class buck sauntered from the water hole, heading out to feed. He was just 20 yards away when I first noticed him, and then he turned and walked straight at me, closing the distance and stopping broadside about three yards from the base of the tree I was in. I locked my eyes in on his shoulder, and began easing my 67# Plainsman Recurve back. That’s where things went wrong. I was already very excited, but as I started to pull the bowstring back to my anchor, my muscles tightened up and a big cold spot developed in my chest. I’ve had target panic for years, long enough to know what was happening, but as I fought to bring my bowstring back, the fingers in my right hand, as if with a mind of their own, let go after I’d reached about 15 inches of draw. The arrow floated across the narrow space between me and the buck, moving as if in slow motion. I had kept my eyes locked on his shoulder throughout the ordeal, though, and that’s where my heavy Wolverine-tipped ash arrow hit, with just enough speed and momentum to get 6 inches of penetration. Heart shot, the buck went down only 40 yards away. I had gotten lucky, but that old saying about how “I’d rather be lucky than good” didn’t apply. When it came to hunting with a bow and arrow, I didn’t want to trust luck, and this shot, although successful, bothered me badly. A year or so later, I was helping set up a 3-D shoot, hammering in re-bar stakes for the targets, when I sliced open the index finger of my drawing hand, requiring stitches. In order to shoot the course the next day, I borrowed a release aid from a friend. I was immediately impressed with how much more relaxed I was at full draw. When I felt target panic, I would simply keep my finger away from the

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trigger. I bought one and began experimenting with it. My control and accuracy improved dramatically. Of course, some of my more purist traditionalist friends thought I was stepping outside the boundaries of traditional archery. But after putting up with short draws, panicky releases and more than one wounded animal, I was willing to sacrifice a small amount of tradition. I had fought target panic with every thing I had and with every method I had heard of for over 15 years, and now I was finally hitting my anchor point and releasing the bowstring when the time was right. I soon found that there were other benefits. For instance, cold weather bowhunting can be tough on tab and glove shooters, because the gloves used to keep your fingers warm often don’t accommodate tabs or shooters’ gloves. A good warm glove or even a mitten will go under many release aids. Also, many of the nations’ bowhunters are getting a little long in the tooth, and for many of us arthritis is a fact of life. I used to have searing pains that started at the finger tips of my right hand and continued all the way to my elbow. The release I now use has a leather cuff which wraps around my whole hand, so the weight of the bow is transferred to my wrist and forearm rather than my fingers. The inflammation and pain from the arthritis is less aggravated, and I feel that I’ll be able to shoot my bows for years to come because of it. Shorter modern compound bows, with high let-off percentages, seem to almost require a release aid. I’ve been told that this is because human fingers just aren’t crisp enough when they release the bowstring on such equipment. Generations of archers shooting longbows and recurves have proven that such a problem doesn’t exist with traditional archery, however; the fingers are more than able to give a smooth enough release to ensure good accuracy and arrow flight. But when it comes to the archers’ paradox, where an arrow bends around the riser of the bow upon release, the release aid eliminates the bowstring from rolling off the fingers, and this has produced a straighter flying arrow that recovers quicker for me. It doesn’t matter if I shoot wood, aluminum, or carbon arrows; I have good arrow flight, which produces a better flying broadhead, better accuracy, and better penetration. Release aids have their place in history, too. Turkish archers, who often shot heavy recurve bows, sometimes made use of a thumb ring, which would have not only kept their fingers from accumulated trauma, but also would produce cleaner arrow flight and enhanced accuracy. Maybe it lessened the effect of target panic for them as it has for me. In one of my first exposures to bowhunting, I came upon a pair of bowhunters while hunting for my very first deer, some 37 years ago.

THE RELEASE AID OPTION

One of the recurve- toting bowhunters had a home made, wooden device that looked like a set of brass knuckles with a hook on one end. He would pull the bowstring back with the hook and release by twisting his hand a certain way. He claimed that his arrows shot straighter and his fingers hurt less. Learning how to shoot arrows and bowhunt with a release aid is a process, like anything else. When you’re used to letting go of the string whenever it gets close to your cheek, keeping your finger off the trigger mechanism can produce some violent flinches until you get used it. I’ve got a hole in my pickup camper in which a 2216 arrow shaft fits perfectly… the flinch that produced that shot wasn’t a pretty sight. I soon got the hang of it, though. At first I just clipped the release directly to my bowstring when I was ready to shoot. However, that would tear up my serving, and I also discovered that I was twisting my wrist at full draw, putting torque on the bowstring. A string loop solved both problems, and is now standard on my bowstrings. With the type of release that has an exposed hook for the bowstring, it only takes a few seconds to put another arrow on the string and shoot. I’m not as fast reloading as I was when I was using fingers with a tab, but maybe that’s a good thing. I’m trying to learn to make the first shot count. When I first started using a release, I was embarrassed by it; I hated it. It was really convenient because it was right in the palm of my hand, and it was always in the way for the very same reason. I felt as though it was a crutch, and symbolized my failure at beating the target panic beast I had fought with so long. But I’m now more philosophical about the whole thing. I’ve come to consider it a necessary tool, not unlike an armguard or a finger tab. I’m still the only one in my circle of traditional friends who uses a release, so obviously they are not for everyone, and believe me; I’m not trying to talk anybody into getting one. But we’re all given certain gifts in life…one of mine simply doesn’t include being able to shoot with fingers. Sometimes we have to make the best of the tools that God gives us, and just be thankful that different options exist.

yards away, but as she approached, a passing car on a nearby road made her veer off. She was still going to pass less than 25 yards away, though, and I continued to stare on the spot on her shoulder. When her head passed behind a tree, I drew my recurve back to my anchor and waited for her shoulder to clear. As it did, I grunted to stop her, and then touched the trigger on my release aid. The nock of the arrow was all I could see as it zipped to the exact spot I was staring at, but a small unseen branch deflected the arrow, and it slipped into the snow 10 feet beyond the doe, not even spooking her. Without conscious thought another arrow was on the string, and my next arrow was through both lungs. I watched the doe sprint 60 yards and fold. I took a moment to savor the successful hunt, the clean kill, and to give thanks. The November weather was getting colder, and the wind was blowing harder. Although my gloves were doing a great job of keeping my fingers warm, the wind chill was affecting me, making my hands and fingers somewhat stiff. Before I started down the tree I removed my release aid. It had enabled my ethical and effective bowhunt, but was a hazard when it came to climbing out of a treestand; it was actually dangerous to wear in that situation. Like anything else, man or machine, releases have their limitations. By no means is this tool for everyone, but release aids are a necessary part of my bowhunting, and I’m grateful that the option to use one exists.

I had taken a buck the week previously, so I had set my tree stand to intercept antlerless whitetails as they walked from their bedding area to feed. The November weather was cold, and a 15 mph wind made my eyes water and my nose run. Fortunately, no more than an hour had passed before I spotted the first deer. The tracks on the snow had made my choice of stand placement pretty easy, and the doe was going to pass by me less than 15 yards away. I had an arrow nocked and the spot on her shoulder picked out when she was still 50

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Do you enjoy bowhunting and our bowhunting seasons in Montana? Join the MBA to preserve, promote and protect bowhunting! What the MBA offers you: Expanded hunting opportunities through working with FWP and commissioners to preserve and expand bowhunting seasons 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 Fellowship with others who are interested in shaping the future of bowhunting Quarterly magazine keeping you informed on local, state, and national bowhunting issues, bowhunter education, events, and great hunting stories

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LUCAS ZIMLECKA 2013 South Dakota

ERIN HOUTCHENS First year bowhunter. First time in a treestand. Late sixtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, never to late to start Bowhunting

BARRET HAUGEN Bull 2014

NEIL JACOBSON

MARK AND HUNTER ORCHID

KARA JENSEN September 19 big 5pt whitetail 20 yard double lung

CASEY RIPPLE Got to 38 yards and let the Hoyt do the rest

NEIL JACOBSON Another river bottom trash buck 2014

JASON MATZINGER Antelope 2014

Despite a heavy west wind, BRIDGER KAMPS stuck it out in his treestand and took this nice 4 point buck with a well placed 7 yard shot.

LUCAS ZEMLIKA 2014

Winter 2014

WHY EVERY MONTANA BOWHUNTER SHOULD CONSIDER JOINING THE MONTANA BOWHUNTERS ASSOCIATION • 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? •

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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.

What can you do for bowhunting in Montana? Join the MBA at www.mtba.org to preserve, promote and protect bowhunting.

Photos by Denver Bryan / Images on the Wildside

What the MBA has done for you?