Vol. 49 #4 Summer 2022 Issue

MBA Regional Representatives

Region 1

Region 2

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

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

Kevin Robinson 2110 Wylie Ave, Missoula, MT 59802 406-531-8243 kevin.robinson@technometalpost.com

Region 3

Region 4

Liberty Brown 275 Vigilante Trl. Bozeman, MT 59718 406-581-7216 mbareg3@gmail.com

Justin Doll 1311 15th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405 406-939-0804 j.doll6190@gmail.com

Jess Wagner 201 Big Sky Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 406-939-3458 jess_wagner2@hotmail.com

Region 5

Region 6

Ben Buller 4143 King Ave East, Billings, MT 59101 406-672-5616 buller_ben@yahoo.com

Tristan Manuel 48538 Anderson Rd, Havre, MT 59501 406-399-5114 HiLineTraditional@gmail.com

Nick Siebrasse 4996 Bullhook Rd., Havre, MT 59501 406-390-0402 bowdude@mtintouch.net

Region 7

EVEN YEARS

Rick Miller PO Box 2336 Colstrip, MT 59323 406-749-0292 grrizzz@q.com

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

AT LARGE DIRECTORS

Cliff Garness 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - obsession_archery@yahoo.com 406-788-9009

Jake Garness 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - powderslayer22@gmail.com

Stephanie Prater 416 Entrance Ave., Lewistown MT 59457 - mthuntress406@gmail.com 406-461-6949

Alisha Zemlicka 283 Upper Violet Road, Bozeman, MT 59718 - massagebyalishia@hotmail.com 406-853-2579

ODD YEARS

Jeremy Harwood 1047 Cheyenne Rd, Helena, MT 59602 - jeremyharwood86@gmail.com 406-579-0678

Mike Shepard 251 7th Ave E N, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 406-250-9806 – michaelshepard7@gmail.com

TJ Smith 2238 Ridgeview Drive, Billings, MT 59105 - sarchery@bresnan.net 406-690-7847

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

FALL ISSUE, DEADLINE, July 15

WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, October 15

SPRING ISSUE, DEADLINE, January 15

SUMMER ISSUE, DEADLINE, April 15

Stories, photos, or cartoons should be sent to Julie Jensen at 5311 161 Ave SE, Kindred, ND 58051 or email jjensen44@mac.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All submitted or published photos may be used by the MBA in the newsletter, and MBA Photo Album and/or on Facebook. Any questions as to policies of MBA please contact the President.

MEMBERSHIP INQURIES

Please send new memberships or renewal memberships to MBA Tresurer, PO Box 426, Helena MT 59624 or call 406-404-6168, register online at www.mtba.org or ask a member.

www.mtba.org

MBA officers

PRESIDENT Ken Schultz

302 Wyoming Ave • Billings, MT 59101 schultzy@iwks.net • 406-598-8550

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

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

2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Stephen LePage 2574 Divide Rd • Lewistown, MT 59457 mbaregion4@yahoo • 406-535-5636

TREASURER

Mandy Garness 5901 Western Dr • Great Falls, MT 59404 camoquilter@gmail.com • 406-750-9953

SECRETARY

Jerry Davis 25 Middlemas Road • Helena, MT 59602 pipelinejerry@gmail.com • 406-475-2226

PAST PRESIDENT

Stephen LePage 2574 Divide Rd • Lewistown, MT 59457 mbaregion4@yahoo • 406-535-5636

MAGAZINE EDITOR

Julie Jensen 5311 161 Ave SE • Kindred, ND 58051 jjensen44@mac.com • 701-361-9197

FROM

MBA Committees

Legislative: Chair: Jerry Davis Jess Wagner • TJ Smith Steve LePage

Financial: Chair: Mandy Garness T.J. Smith • Al Kelly

Landowner/Sportsman: Chair: Stephanie Prater Tristan Manuel • Jess Wagner Rick Miller

W

e got our first spring visitors in our yard today. They were enjoying the green grass as much as we are. A big Tom Turkey waltzed in too, but he wouldn’t even let me take a picture through the dining room window. Yesterday it was 70 degrees and we had a terrible thunderstorm pass through. Today it is snowing again. We are definitely getting our share of moisture. I hope all Montana is as fortunate. This is a great issue. I can honestly say I laughed out loud one moment and teared up theNominations: Chair: Steve LePage Stephanie Prater

Awards: Chair: Cliff Garness Steve LePage

Membership: Chair: Steve LePage Mandy Garness • Nick Siebrasse T.J. Smith

Convention 2023 Chair: Kevin Robinson Marlon Clapham • Mandy Garness

Magazine: Chair: Jerry Davis Cliff Garness • Stephanie Prater

Carp Shoot: Chair: Kevin Robinson Stephen LePages • Jerry Davis Marlon Clapham

Bow-Ed: Chair: Marlon Clapham Nick Siebrasse • Tristan Manuel

Youth Membership and MBA Teen Bowhunter Camp Chair: Marlon Clapham Kevin Robinson • The Doyles

PRESIDENT - KEN SCHULTZ

1ST VICE PRESIDENT - BRIAN KOELZER

2ND VICE PRESIDENT - STEPHEN LEPAGE

SECRETARY - JERRY DAVIS

TREASURER - MANDY GARNESS

First Vice President’sReport

President’s Message

Greetings All,

Early tag drawings came out today for the 2022 season. I hope everyone received the tags that they were shooting for! This is always an interesting and nervous time of year waiting to see where you’ll be hiking with your trusty bow in hand. I know everyone is a little concerned about how things are going to go with all the new regulations. I do know that bow hunters are warriors and have always adjusted and made the best of what we have. As leadership, we will always be out there fighting for the Montana Bowhunters. I hope everything works out so you can still have a fun and fulfilling hunt in 2022.

We attended the 2022 MBA Convention in Fairmont Hot Springs. What a great time!! Brian Koelzer, Liberty Brown and their Team did an amazing job leading the way. We had a sold-out arena and dinner with amazing prizes and auction items. Fairmont is a tremendous host and I want to personally thank everyone for doing such an Awesome job! “Great Food, Great Times, Great Friends, Great Memories”!! It’s what we live for in Montana.

As we roll into spring, the Monster is already beginning to raise its head. We received word that the “Crossbow Bill” is being discussed again! As you all know, we battled with the powers to be to keep this change out of archery season. Crossbows can be used during rifle season and do not need to be in early archery season. We will be attending the April 19th commission meeting to see their approach and begin to prepare for another WAR. Please do your part and contact your Regional Commissioners and let them know your concerns. There was a member alert sent out on April 13th with a list of names from each region and their contact information. Let’s keep fighting to keep our archery season safe. “United We Stand”!

Be extremely careful this spring as Turkey and Bear season rolls. We are blessed to have the opportunity to hunt in Montana, so enjoy every moment of that with Family and Friends. I’ll leave you with that and remember “Shoot Straight and Always be a Straight Shooter”!

Ken Schultz

Hey everyone, I can’t tell you in words how good it was to have our 44th Annual Convention and be able to see everybody in person after a two-year hiatus!! For all of you that missed it, dang you missed a good one, and for all of you that attended thank you and I hope you had a great time! Thank you, Mike and Susan Barrett, Art Hayes, Kevin Robinson, and Jay Kolbe for the fantastic seminars. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback for each of your talks. Thank you to the vendors and donors that gave generously to our group and helped keep this ship sailing with flags flying high. Thank you Jason Matzinger for presenting your film “Project Land Locked” during supper and giving us all something to think about each time we all set foot on public land. Thank you to ever yone who showed up Thursday night or early Friday morning and gave freely of their time to help set up. Putting a convention on is a lot of work and stress but every year it amazes me how it comes together so well in the end. Special thanks to Claudia Davis and Liberty Brown for all your hard work organizing, promoting, and keeping things in line months in advance and through the days after.

The MBA is not a large organization compared to other outdoor sporting groups out there but I can’t find a better example of the cream rising to the top. Our membership is the epitome of the ethics and standards that have given Montana some of the finest, if not the finest, bowhunting opportunities in North America. Every bowhunting opportunity that we have in this state is because of the MBA, period.

I recently attended the Professional Bowhunters Society biannual gathering in Reno and had a great time catching up with old friends from all around the country as well as meeting many new and interesting people. Three days went by in the blink of an eye, but I was amazed at the number of people i talked to who knew about the MBA for a multitude of reasons. Our unwavering fight to keep crossbows out of archery season, the ever-evolving elk hunting regulations, and liberal season/species opportunity were some of the things discussed. The MBA got a lot of “atta boys” from around the country and I also heard plenty of lamenting that others wished they had a state organization like ours!

We didn›t get what we have now without a hell of a fight from the guys who started this back in the day. It’s great to see that fire still burning in the ladies and gentlemen at the helm now. Their passion for bowhunting, respect and regard for wildlife, and desire to “promote and preserve” opportunity has never been stronger. I want to congratulate Ken Schultz on his recent election to President and also thank Steve Lepage for his excellent job as our leader for the last two years. I’m looking forward to working with you both in the future.

With the greening of the grass and budding of the trees my thoughts are starting to wander to bruins and some warm evenings peeking through a spotting scope. My three-year-old son, Bo, told me he wants to go bear hunting with me but big bears are “scawry” and he only wants to find a “wittle one”....I hope you all have a great spring and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Carp Safari!

Keep em sharp and pick a spot, Brian >>>------------->

Ken Schultz

Second Vice President’sReport

Icertainly enjoyed the banquet. It was very pleasant to see everyone and hear some great bowhunting stories.

I have been informed that I am now the Second VP on the MBA board of directors. Although I did not anticipate assuming that position, I am happy to take on the role. Not knowing what that position entailed, I asked our outgoing 2 nd VP, Mark Schwomeyer, what the duties were. He simply stated that the main duty is to give the President a hard time. Turns out, I am exceptionally qualified for this task.

I am looking forward to providing that service to our new President, Ken Schultz, over the next two years. I hope I can live up to Mark’s expectations as he was very, very good at his job. They are big shoes to fill, but I will try my best. Honestly, I am proud to continue to be involved with the MBA to fight for bowhunting in Montana.

I hope everyone takes some time to get out spring bear or turkey hunting.

See you at the Carp Safari.

Secretary’sMessage

Shout Outs

First off I want to thank everyone that voted in our annual MBA elections this year. Being engaged is an important part of being a member of MBA. The results of that election have been posted in this edition.

Also I express my appreciation for everyone that attended this year’s annual convention at Fairmont Hot Springs. It was a good time and it appears that it may have been financially advantageous for our organization.

Also, I want to thank Mandy Garness for her stepping in to take the Treasurer’s position. Claudia will still be providing the same great administrative and bookkeeping services that she provided in the past but now we have a Treasurer who can take on the role along with our finance committee in leading financial decisions.

As most of you probably know, Director At Large Stephanie Prater was selected to sit on the FW Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group. I listened in on their 2nd meeting and I am hopeful. In listening to the meeting, it is apparent that Stephanie will have to commit a lot of her time to this endeavor, but I am sure she will be an staunch advocate for bowhunting within this advisory group.

Elk Hunting Problems

Right now, FWP appears to be in a state of flux. Director Worsech wants to change a lot about how FWP conducts its business. We as hunters and foremost bowhunters owe it to ourselves and future bowhunters to keep a close eye on these changes. We must make our voices heard by the Commission as well as by the Director. We should praise when its deserved. If these changes could have a negative effect on bowhunting, Montana residents foremost, we must not hesitate to inform the Commission and the Director.

Montana has changed a lot since I grew up in Fort Peck. For one there were a lot more elk in most of the state, and those areas that had high elk numbers when I was an adolescent now have substantially reduced numbers.

That has resulted in a reverse from my childhood when elk hunters from eastern Montana traveled to hunt elk in northwestern Montana. Now elk hunters from northwestern Montana are traveling to other hunting districts to hunt elk and at times it causes conflicts.

Another change is the number of properties that are now owned by nonresidents. Many of these nonresidents either prefer to not allow hunting, not allow hunting by the public, or lease their properties to outfitters. Many of these nonresident landowners are not Ag based. I have observed through the years a significant decrease in the number of privately owned acres that are available to the public.

At the same time Montana appears to be trending opposite of many states in that we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals who are hunting.

The bottom line is that we have a decrease in the land base available to the public hunter and an increase in hunters. The modern John and Jane Doe hunter is experiencing a lot more hunting pressure on those lands available to the public hunter.

My guess is if the experience continues to degrade, it will lead to a decrease in hunter numbers and recruitment and subsequently a decrease in hunting license sales. This is particularly true for bowhunting. Many chose this sport because it is more difficult and subsequently results in fewer individuals putting hunting pressure on elk and deer. But as more areas become more densely hunted by bowhunters, many will decide that the experience has degraded enough that they will no longer bowhunt or possibly no longer hunt in general.

Then there is the disease problem. Brucellosis continues to be a concern for Montana livestock producers. Through the years I have heard of many cattle herds having to be destroyed because they had been infected. Also, CWD is a concern. CWD could be the ultimate lead to the demise of our elk, deer, and moose populations.

Dense concentrations of elk on private property only exacerbate the problem. These high concentrations occur because they seek refuge from hunters on many private properties not available to the public hunter. On these properties they are either not hunted or experience limited hunting pressure. High elk concentrations allow both of these diseases to spread unrestrained.

So, as you can see, and as you probably already know, elk management is a complex and difficult task. Stephanie will have her hands full but I am confident that she is up to the task.

Here’s to hoping you all drew your permits and hoping to see you at this Year’s Carp Safari on June 11th at Hellgate Campground at Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

Jerry Davis

Stephen LePage

Stephen LePage

Jerry Davis

Treasurer’sMessage

Well, I didn’t actively pursue the office of treasurer, but I’m optimistic about taking on this new task. Claudia has done a fantastic job managing our funds. Having served on the board for the last few years, I truly appreciate the work that goes into keeping track of our finances.

I’ll do my best to head up the finance committee and I welcome members to participate in the committee and give input. I’m no investment banker, but recently retired from payroll for an over the road trucking company, and have done alright over the years keeping the lights on at home and maintaining a hunting and a quilting fund! I’m also the secretary of the Great Falls Chapter of Safari Club International. I look forward to working with both groups to share information and conservation opportunities as so many of our goals are the same. Please reach out if you have questions or an interest in participating in either group’s projects.

I was honored to be recognized as the Bowhunter of the Year at the convention. It means so much to be a part of this group of sportsmen and women; supporting each other and working to maintain our opportunities here in Montana. We need to remain diligent in fighting crossbows and building relationships with landowners for access and wildlife conservation. Thank you to all of you who have served as inspiration and mentors and good luck to you in the field.

Mandy Garness

Mandy Garness

Ah!! Spring Time in The Rockies. Recordsetting high temperatures in the 70s and a day later record lows in the teens with high winds and three inches of snow the day before Easter.

The 44 th Convention finally came, and we got to meet at Fairmont for a couple of days. Brian and Liberty headed up a fine crew to set up everything. If only the weather would have cooperated for the outside activities. Kevin and I brought over a disk thrower to have some fun with the Flu Flus shooting aerials in the park. Ah but the wind and snow had a different idea; blew us right out of the park. Thanks to the Teller Wildlife Refuge for letting us bring the La-Port disk machine.

Merri and I got to share a table for the dinner with Gene Wensel and others. We shared stories and laughs the whole evening. It was the highlight of my weekend for sure.

We set up the shooting net in the foyer so the kids and folks wanting to shoot venders’ bows had a place to do so. With that, I want to thank Jerry and Beckie Doyle, Justin and Jacklin Weidow, and Wyatt and Sam for running the booth the entire Saturday. As we here in Reg. 2 will be losing Jerry and Beckie to Reg 1, they will be moving to Noxon to set up housekeeping there. I for one will miss all the help they have given me over the past decade. Thank You, Jerry and Beckie.

Friends,

Another outstanding MBA convention is in the books. A lot of smiles and a lot of good times spent with friends. On top of the usual awesome bunch of stuff to bid on at both the silent auction and the live auction were great raffle prizes. However, my favorite thing this year was the seminars. If you ever get a chance to take a seminar by Mike Barrett or Art Hayes, do not pass up the opportunity. Mike is one of those guys who gets out and enjoys what the outdoors is all about. He is always finding treasures and has harvested some awesome trophies as well, not to mention he is a great storyteller. Art brought us an awesome collection of sheds and passed on some great tactics for shed hunting that I will be putting to use. He is another outdoorsman who can weave some great tales into his seminar–he held his audience captivated. Thanks to all who made Saturday’s seminars both enjoyable and memorable.

Spring is in the air. It is that time of year when all things bowhunting gets renewed. Practice at the target butts, stump shooting, and three-D archery shoots to hone ones shooting skill. Permits applied for and the anticipation of the luck you may have with the draw. Camping with friends, fishing and hiking, we are indeed lucky to live in the last best place. Support the MBA any way you can and we will work to keep it that way.

Al Kelly

Now for some upcoming events here in Reg 2. We have two events coming up in May. The Youth Expo will take place May 7 th at Teller Wildlife Refuge. The Youth Shooting Sports is on May 22, put on by the Western Montana Fish & Game Association. We, the MBA, will have our Archery shooting booth set up for all the youth to take part in.

Then next on the agenda will be the Carp Safari at Canyon Ferry Lake, Hellgate Camp Ground, on June 11 th. Kevin Robinson has everything coming together for this event. Kevin got the large Pavilion again, and the camping areas go quickly, so get registered early. Kevin needs to know who will be showing up so we can plan the dinner for everyone. I hope to see many of you there. The evening campfires are a big part of the Carp Shoot, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

There have been a lot of changes in the Hunting Regulations as you know by now. I hope you all have an understanding of the elk permit drawings. There will be a learning curve for sure. Turkeys and Black Bears are next on the agenda. The gophers are showing up in the snowbanks, so we have lots of opportunities for some springtime shooting.

Now that the Covid pandemic is somewhat waning we will once again start having Area meetings. Haven’t got anything set up yet but we want to have a meeting before June 8 th. We will send out a notice in advance. Stay Safe. Till Later.

Well Keep-Em Sharp and Shoot-Em Straight.

Marlon Clapham

Well, the 2022 Convention is a wrap! Thanks to all who came and to Brian and Liberty for putting it together. I also want to thank Claudia Davis for all the work she does at the Convention and the work she does behind the scenes. The Doyle family helped out big time with the Region 2 games and kids shoots too. I met a ton of great folks and had an awesome time. Perhaps one day I’ll be able to outbid everyone for those auction hunts and buy rounds of drinks for the entire bar like that Cookie feller! God bless him.

On a serious note, the crossbow issue is always creeping around. Most likely there will be another bill introduced in Helena during the next legislative session to legalize crossbows during archery season. Please keep pestering your region’s commissioner and let them know your thoughts. This also goes for

all other hunting and wildlife issues; they do listen to us.

The draw results are out for elk and deer permits, spring turkey and bear seasons are open, and the Carp Safari is coming up before you know it. If I’m lucky and I play my cards right I just might kill a spring gobbler or bear with my brand spanking new Toelke Whip that I won at the convention! Better lucky than good.

Finally, I hope to see a record turnout for the annual Carp Safari June 11th at Canyon Ferry! Shoot straight people, shoot straight.

M Robinson

It was good to see everyone at the state convention. This was my first state convention, and I am already looking forward to next year. The deer and elk draw results just came out; hopefully you found yourself with a permit. Some of us will have more hunters in our units than we had planned. Due to an issue with a new regulation, some people’s applications were voided if they applied in districts that were “first choice only”. The director decided to increase permit numbers by another 10% to give the affected applicants another chance to draw. I drew my permit in the initial drawing, but I would have gladly put my name back in the hat for a redraw for everyone rather than having an over-allocation of permits in districts that had high quotas, to begin with.

The legislature established a cap of 17,000 nonresident big game combo licenses in 1975. Since then, we have added the Come Home to Hunt program (quota- 500 deer and 500 elk), landowner sponsored deer (quota- 2000), nonresident native (no quota), nonresident youth (no quota), and nonresident college student (no quota). I recently read an article saying that 59,395 deer & elk licenses were issued in 2021. This also figured in B licenses. The point is that NR licenses aren’t truly capped, and they have been increasing over time. Demand for tags by residents has also increased. Last year saw a record number of applicants, and a 12% increase in resident applicants from the previous year. It seems like it is well past time to start thinking about the resource, and things will have to change if we want to see quality hunting in the future. We will have to wait and see if the new regulations have any positive effects on hunter crowding this fall.

Good luck to those of you who are headed out turkey and bear hunting!

Greetings Region 3 Bowhunters!

Deer and elk draw results came out last week and I’ll be once again , hoping for next year. There are still Moose, Sheep & Goat results yet to come out so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully, you had good luck with the draw and you’re getting ready for an awesome hunt this fall.

FWP recently released elk flight survey results for numbers and distribution of wintering elk in the Madison Valley, hunting district (HD) 360.

A few things of note…

The total count was 6,207 elk, the highest count on record for this herd. There were 1,323 elk in HD 360N, 778 elk in HD 360S, and 4,106 elk in HD 362.

A statewide hunting season regulation simplification effort resulted in some changes in HD 360 and HD 362. HD 360 and HD 362 were combined into HD 360; HD 362 was dissolved. As a part of the boundary change, a part of HD 360 was removed and placed into HD 310.

A within-quota range adjustment was proposed for the 360-00 Elk B licenses to move from 500 B licenses to 1,000 B licenses. Hunters

should note that the old 398-00 B license was the administrative number given to the B license valid in HD 360 or HD 362. Now that HD 360 and HD 362 have been combined, the administrative number of the east-side Madison Valley Elk B license is 360-00.

Please feel free to reach out to me (mbareg3@ gmail.com) if you have any questions or concerns about things going on in our region or statewide issues that you’d like me to bring to the MBA board.

Enjoy the summer… fall is almost here!

Sincerely, Liberty Brown

LIBERTY BROWN PAUL KEMPER

JUSTIN DOLL JESS WAGNER

Kevin

Kevin Robinson

Liberty Brown

Jesse Wagner

Greetings everyone!

Iwould like to start off by saying thank you for electing me to this position. I am looking forward to representing Region 4. It was great getting to meet many of you during the convention just a few short weeks ago. Although this was my first convention, I will be put it on the calendar for years to come. I look forward to working with you in the future.

As we all await the draw results, I wish everyone the best of luck in the draws they have entered. It will be interesting to see how all the recent changes that have taken place settle out this fall. I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy the spring seasons as they open and start putting the pieces together for the fall season.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Thank you, Justin Doll

Had a great time at Fairmont! Was great to get together with brothers and sisters of the Bow! I even got lucky and won the Schafer Silvertip bow! Thanks, Windauer’s and all our fine sponsors; you folks are the reason we have such great banquets!

RICK MILLER BOB MORGAN

Hi from Colstrip

Coincidently, as I sat down to write this article and was pondering what might be of interest, a random TV ad popped up that gave me a bit of inspiration. The ad concluded with an adage that is worth repeating. It said, “The experiences we never forget, come from the choices we make.” It doesn’t take much reflection to recognize the truth in that statement.

TRISTAN MANUEL NICK SIEBRASSE

Hello, fellow bowhunters,

Ihope the year finds you well. As the months start to warm up, I am very much looking forward to seeing many of you at various bow shoots across the state. With the warm weather and ice fishing done for the season, I find myself spending some much-needed time practicing and preparing for the upcoming seasons. It was wonderful to catch up with old and new friends alike at this year’s convention in Fairmont. I would like to leave you with the words of Fred Bear.

“If asked to sketch a picture of the typical archer I would be hard put. They seem to come in all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds. Inwardly they seem to have in common a love for the outdoors, a reverence for wildlife, and a close tie with history. There is nothing they seem to enjoy more than telling tall tales around a campfire or talking about archery to others. It would be difficult to find a more interesting group of people.”

Tristan Manuel

I’m afraid we are not done with the crossbow fight, but we are in it to win it! I got out and scared some turkeys. I had a son-in-aw and daughter-inlaw put some meat in the freezer at least. Hope you all get out and at least take your bows for a walk.

Nick Siebrasse

The recent MBA convention in Fairmont was easily one of the best I’ve experienced. It was wellattended (sold-out banquet), very informational (great seminars), well organized (Brian & Liberty), and just fun with widespread bowhunter diversity. From rookies to many foundational members (Gene Wensel, Scott Koelzer, Don Davidson, and John Berger, to name a few) the gathering had it all. I can only hope that the enthusiasm of the less experienced was inspiring to the old veterans and the wisdom of the accomplished was noted by those less so. Lots of choices are being made at functions like these, with the resulting experience being what one makes it. I know I came away being reinspired by talking with Don Davidson and his wife about bighorn sheep hunting. Those two can tell a story. And Mike Barret’s seminar on treasures and artifacts was entertaining as hell. I’m pretty sure everyone who listened to Mike will be looking at this summer’s outings from a whole new perspective. There are lots of amazing things to find while in the field if you just know a bit about the subtleties of the hidden. Were any of these, “experiences we never forget?” Could be, depending on how one applies the knowledge gained.

Elk management has been the main topic of conversation since the beginning of the tentative process last year. Even with the new regulations now being a done deal, the controversial buzz is still out there. I guess if all the stakeholders are equally disgruntled, the resulting FWP Commission compromise was about right. One positive aspect that resulted from this challenging process is the formation of the new elk management advisory group. Record numbers applied for a seat, with only twelve making the cut. One of our members noted that the public sportsmen were not adequately represented in numbers in this group. Perhaps that is so, but I’d like to believe that the FWP director made the selections based on what each could contribute to help design a world-class elk management plan. It’s a given that the director knows that anything less will create another public firestorm response, and that can’t be in his best interest. Because we (public sportsmen) don’t have leveraging numbers, it is recommended that we look to the group representative closest to our local HDs for providing input (your good ideas) and getting updates. Establishing that positive relationship early in the process could really be beneficial to the success of the group. It’s safe to say that making a

Nick Siebrasse

Justin Doll

Region 7 continued from page 9

supportive choice in the construction of the new elk plan could easily result in, “experiences we never forget.”

“To unite the state’s bowhunting sportsmen to work towards a common goal of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana” is our mission statement. All our MBA Regions could use a little energy boost in that regard. The current board is as active a bunch as I’ve ever been involved with. They are fighting the fight that is doing its best to keep things right. I encourage you to let them know how much that effort is appreciated. Politics (both sides) and social media driven public

emotion are challenging our bowhunting future in someway nearly every day. Having a group like the MBA actively involved in countering all the misinformation is critical to ensure there will be more, “experiences we never forget!” Apathy can be crippling. Make an honest effort this year to become more involved.

See you at the carp shoot!

Rick Miller

Hi, I’ve been missing in action for a little while. I didn’t even make it to the convention, but heard everything was great. I was out in the woods the other day between the snowstorms down here in Colstrip area looking for sheds. I needed to get back out in the country. The countryside is greening up with grass. I saw a small herd of elk, a lot of elk and deer tracks, but didn’t spot any deer.

There are quite a few turkeys around this area this year. Finally had another Self Bow-making class this year that went great. I saw a sign coming back from Table Rock Lake fishing this year that said: “Advocate The Good.” I’m going to work on that. Thanks, everybody, looking forward to some good times with each of you. May the Good Lord Bless you in all your ways.

Take a young one bow shooting!

Bob Morgan

Bob Morgan

CLIFF GARNESS JAKE GARNESS JEREMY HARWOOD STEPHANIE PRATER MIKE SHEPARD TJ SMITH ALICIA ZEMLICKA

DirectorsAt Large

It was great to be back at Fairmont, after too long of a Hiatus and to see everyone at our annual banquet fundraiser. I hope everyone had a great time and “donated”, no matter in which manner, to help the MBA and our goals. Congratulations to all the “winners” of awards, silent/live auction items, and regional game prizes. A big THANK YOU to all the donors and supporters, as the MBA could not do it without your help.

I appreciate the opportunity to continue to be on the board and to help fight for our archery seasons. I wish to welcome all the new board members or folks with new positions on the board.

Spring seasons are right around the corner, so good luck to everyone on the special permit drawings and shoot straight!

Garness Region 4

Hello everyone, my name is Jake Garness. I have lived in Great Falls my whole life. I hunt various parts of the state chasing deer, elk, antelope, turkey, bears, and waterfowl. I can honestly say that bowhunting is my favorite hobby. I spend three-fourths of the year living in the mountains on weekends and off time. My other hobbies are camping with family and friends, riding four-wheelers, and taking part in many different archery shoots around the state. As summertime rolls around, I am off putting miles on the truck and boots in the mountains scouting for the upcoming season and shed hunting. I am an avid snowmobiler spending my weekends in the backcountry in the wintertime.

I have been hunting with my dad since I was 3 years old and loved every minute of it, so when I got older, I was determined to take hunter safety and start my archery hunting career with my family. I am an avid bowhunter and love the people of the bowhunting community.

Hello MBA, I appreciate your confidence and trust in me to serve as a director at large. I look forward to collaborating with fellow members, committees, and the board to follow through with our mission of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana.

Thank you,

Cliff

Cliff Garness

Jeremy Harwood

Jake Garness Region 4

Jake Garness

We just wrapped up our MBA banquet and it was so great to finally get together and see everyone in person. The energy over the couple of days in Fairmont was intoxicating! Board members and MBA supporters all shared hunting stories, laughs, hugs, and handshakes all weekend long, a testament to how much our bowhunting community needs each other. The board meeting was productive and strategic, with new and old members looking to the future to continue MBA’s legacy to protect bowhunting in Montana. The seminars were fascinating and informative and of course, the icing on the cake, the banquet, was fun and exciting. Next year’s celebration is in Fairmont as well so mark your calendars accordingly; you won’t want to miss it.

As some may have heard, I was chosen, out of 243 applicants, to serve FWP’s Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group. I am very honored to be selected to work side by side with a committee of twelve diverse and qualified individuals to help tackle a difficult task that many are very passionate about. I look forward to the challenge and hope we can land on solutions that all stakeholder groups find equitable. If you have any questions or would like to talk about elk feel free to reach out to me, even if you aren’t region 4, I’d love to hear your concerns or ideas around elk management, as each region’s issues vary dramatically. Email me at mthuntress406@gmail.com

Stephanie Prater

As I rummage through numerous elk calls, I’m also wondering how many others are thinking about elk season and planning their fall hunt. Turning little hurdles during the daily routine into a reason for a scouting trip has become modus operandi. You won’t catch me in the archery shop come August. By that time, I have been ready for weeks. I have attended numerous 3D shoots honing skills. My broadheads fly straight and true. I am in ‘fat boy shape’ and ready. “The King’s deer” fear me.

Wait! What? “The King’s deer”? We left all that nonsense in the “old country”. The United States of America, specifically Montana, have no “King’s deer,” and we never will. Through conservation efforts, afforded by excise taxes, we sportsmen have had resounding success in managing wildlife. There are ungulates in every corner of the state today. With such abundance how could we lose them to the “King”?

The last legislative session and the past tentative process have undeniably answered that question. We must be even more focused on the hunting regulations than we are on scouting and hunt planning. The beauty is we belong to an organization that sports a lot of intelligence with many sets of eyes. Together, we must heed the wakeup call. There can be no hitting the snooze button. Our eyes must be wide open, like those of a wise barn owl, for the future of bowhunting and the future of young hunters yet to come.

The MBA board will be on point, but there is no accomplishing this as effectively and efficiently as the whole MBA membership working together in unison. Keep your eyes open and your ear to the ground. Should you hear or see anything make your regional rep aware as well as sending an email to the MBA board. For future generations we work together.

Alishia Zemlicka

Region 1...not much to report. We must be vigilant on Molnar and his ever ego wanting “crossguns”. I am working on finding a Sand Vet (as us old guys call them) who is in a wheelchair, and we can set up and train to bowhunt out of a tracked chair. A chair has been offered to us.

Recently I was informed I am too political to be associated with the MBA. Having been active in various roles for soon to be 43 years, I can say with aplomb, yes, I am. To top that off, I was reelected to my either 8th or 9th term as a City Councilman in Columbia Falls. Our fights 30 plus years ago to stop MOGA wanting rifle bugle season statewide in September was nothing but politics. With the current climate in Helena, obviously, things are very political in the wildlife arena. This makes us have to do so. Sorry if I offend any of you.

Applications are in for deer and antelope, and always coveting that moose license/permit...stay safe, hunt ethically...

Ye Olde Bowhunter

Mike Shepard

TJ Smith

Ijust want to thank you all for the opportunity to work with our Montanas’ Bowhunter Association and to be a part of this great organization. I’m excited to see what this year brings for Montana!

Blast from the Past

This issues Blast From The Past takes us back to 1985. G.L. Buck Damone was our President. Our membership was approaching 1200 members.

We were in the middle of a Legislative Session, where the FWP along with the Outfitters Association were looking to get the nonresident combination licenses increased above the 17,000, looking at 3000 to 10,000 more out-of-state licenses. In another piece of legislation, there was a bill to add 5000 General A deer tags on top of the 17,000 combination licenses for HDs in 500, 600, and 700 areas. There was also a bill to allow the FWP Commission to auction off a sheep license annually with the proceeds going toward a sheep habitat and transplanting projects. Buddy Lundstrom wrote a bill to address the problem of airplane’s used in spotting or harassing wildlife. Looking to get the 24-hour rest period after being airborne before one could hunt.

On February 14, 1985, House Bill 751, to allow the use of crossbows during the archery season, was heard before the House of Representatives Fish and Game Committee. With opposition from the MBA, a landowner from Glasgow, Elliot, and opposition from the FWP, the bill was killed on the floor 88 to 10 vote. The first of many votes to keep the crossbow out.

Another bill, Senate Bill 255, to allow Blackpowder Rifles to be used in the special shotgun/archery seasons passed the Senate and moved to the House to be heard in March.

House Bill 911, which was a new trespass law, was drawing a lot of attention in the Roundup area. This looked to be the birth of the 50 square inches of Fluorescent Orange paint on the fences. It was stressed that the hunters still needed to gain written permission to access private lands. Senate Bill 302 expands the previous law to prohibit the shooting across any federal, state, or county road right-of-way.

The Convention was held in Great Falls at the Heritage Inn and Don Davidson chaired the event. Jim Jarvis and Dick Idol were seminar speakers and John Maggie McGee was the guest speaker at the Banquet.

That was about all I came up with for 1985. I hope you all enjoy the Blast From The Past. it’s fun to go through old issues looking for some highlights to bring back some old memories.

Marlon Clapham

President – Ken Shultz, Billings

2nd Vice President – Stephen LePage, Lewistown

Treasurer – Mandy Garness, Great Falls

Area 2 Representative – Marlon Clapham, Stevensville

Area 2 Representative – Kevin Robinson, Missoula

Area 4 Representative – Jess Wagner, Lewistown

Area 4 Representative – Justin Doll, Great Falls

Area 6 Representative – Nick Siebrasse, Havre

Area 6 Representative – Tristan Manuel, Havre

Even Year Director At Large – Cliff Garness, Great Falls

Even Year Director At Large – Stephanie Prater, Lewistown

Even Year Director At Large – Alisha Zemlicka, Bozeman

Odd Year Director At Large – Jeremy Harwood, Helena

Next year we will be electing the 1st Vice President, Secretary, Area 1, 3, 5 and 7 Representatives, and Odd Year Directors at Large.

Thanks again for voting.

Your MBA Board.

The MBA Board thanks everyone who voted this year in our annual election. We appreciate your engagement. To that end the MBA Board would like to announce the results of the 2022 election.

Montana Bowhunters Association

Teen Bowhunter Camp June 23-26,2022

Fawn Creek Campground

Libby, Montana

Goals

1. Bowhunting is AWESOME!

2. Promote positive landowner/hunter relations, block management and private property laws, regulations, and ethics.

3. Ownership and responsibilities with your hunting camp– set up, take down, food prep, leave no trace, be bear aware.

4. Responsible bowhunting and bow safety– the importance of proper equipment and practice, practice, practice.

5. Know your prey– scouting, habitual use, and animal behavior.

6. Woodsmanship– survival, water safety, fire building, shelters, basic first aid, and maps.

7. Advanced treestand setup

8. Animal harvest and retrieval – blood trailing, field dressing, and proper care of meat.

Attendees

Teen Bowhunter Camp Vision

To provide an experiential adventure engaging Montana’s teens in the outdoors while sharing information and experiences to help them be great stewards for the sportsman’s community to be successful bowhunters

Camp Fee

$200.00 per attendee. Registration Deadline–June 1, 2022

Association

Mission Statement

Hunting Camp

Attendees must be age 14-17 at time of registration and have completed hunter-ed and bowhunter -ed. Attendees must have their own archery hunting equipment at camp.

Registration packets available by calling

Beckie Doyle: 406-531-4060 Jackie Weidow 406-274-3716 Marlin Clapham: 406-777-2408

Hunting camp has many varied traditions, expectations, and responsibilities. Our goal is to simulate the hunting camp experience from beginning to end. The attendees will be responsible to set up/take down their provided lodging, prepare their meals as teams and do needed cleanup and camp chores. They will get to scout for their intended quarry, practice shot placement, and learn calling techniques among other skills and lessons. Each team will go on a simulated elk hunt and retrieve the harvest back to camp. This is a physically active camp, and the attendees and their guides will be in the wild outdoors.

Montana Bowhunters

To unite the states bowhunting sportsmen and work towards the common goal of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana

BOWHUNTER OF THE YEAR

Mandy Garness is this year’s MBA Bowhunter of the year! I thought it would be cool to ask her a few questions about her bowhunting background and her thoughts on a few other topics. Enjoy!

Montana Bowhunters Association has done a great deal to help ensure opportunities for archery hunting including lengthy seasons, archery-only hunting districts, and education and promotion of archery to future generations. As you know from your involvement in MBA, Montana archery seasons are constantly challenged by bills introduced in Helena.

In your opinion, what is the biggest threat to Montana bow hunting as far as the introduction of new bills during Montana’s legislative sessions?

For years, the MBA has been instrumental in preserving and creating bowhunting opportunities.  We have to find a way to be progressive and cooperative, but it’s so much more difficult to reverse a decision than to prevent a problem.  Currently, our biggest threat is certainly crossbows.  It’s important to keep our archery season fair chase.  Even as MBA members, it seems most of us also rifle hunt and are open to other weapons, but there is a time and a place for each.  We need to keep supporting the use of PTMAE for disabled hunters and promote the use of the proper weapon in the appropriate season.

Referring to how folks are introduced to archery it seems like bowhunters fall into a few different categories. Often times a family member inspired them (sort of born into it) or they started on their own and sought out guidance and advice.

Who, what, how, and when was your initial interest and introduction to archery?

My dad was an archery hunter and still teaches Bowhunter Education here in Montana.  My parents were 4-H leaders in Cascade County and the 4-H program is where I began shooting.  Cliff and I grew up in Great Falls and so attended the Great Falls Archery Club 3D shoots.  Scrapbooks of our young family are filled with our kids and nieces and nephews flinging arrows at foam all over the state.

My first bow harvest was a black bear in Saskatchewan with Kutawagan Outfitters.  We’ve returned many times and I have no doubt I will go again.

We made lifelong friends there. Along with my husband and family, it’s their advice, encouragement, and support that emboldens me to continue hunting on the days when I mess up a stalk or don’t see a thing.  Never a bad day in the woods!

Ar t Hayes had an awesome seminar on his shed antler collection and shed hunting techniques at this year’s Convention. It’s always refreshing to me to know there’s someone else that has an over-the-top antler fetish. Much like Art Hayes, I have a few sheds from my teenage years that I still admire often.

Do you deliberately seek out deer and elk sheds in the springtime? If so, do you ever sleep next to your favorites on occasion?

I love this!  I can’t say I’ve slept with them, but my flower beds have more deadheads and sheds than blooms–when I can convince the black lab to leave them there!

Every bowhunter makes mistakes, no doubt. But if there was one arrow you released and could take back, which arrow would that be?

Before I hunted, I was subjected to HOURS of the hunting channels and videos  playing at home.  It seemed that no one ever missed or lost an animal.  I have a skilled and honest group of peers and mentors in my life.  They have always been open about mistakes happening and the ethical response.  We all come together to crawl through the woods following a drop of blood at a time when there’s a call for help.  We haven’t always been successful, but we’ve learned from each experience and have truly given all we could to recover an animal.  I have spent sleepless nights replaying a shot.  I have come to understand that you make the best choice you can, try not to rush a shot, and realize that once you release that arrow you can no longer control it and never the animal.  My best advice is to be patient, persistent, and stay positive.  Even after a missed or poor shot, learn from it and try again.

If you had one day of the year to hunt, one species to pursue, and one location to be, what and where would that be?

Only one?  Am I being punished??  I can’t stand sitting still waiting for fish to bite, and I don’t know why it feels different, but I can spend days on end in a tree stand for bears, deer or elk.  Given just one day though - I LOVE ELK!  It’s probably the bugle that gets my heart racing and my brain spinning trying to figure out a strategy to close the distance.

Success is defined differently from one hunter to the next but obviously you had an epic successful 2021 hunting season. Was 2021 your best or can you recall a better season?

This was it!  I’m not giving up hope for a repeat. In fact, the confidence boosts it’s given me has been a push to hone my skills further, but I know in my heart how fortunate I have been.  Due to Covid, we had to reschedule Africa and so traveling for two hunts in one year was not in our original plan, but after being locked down, we were not willing to give up either opportunity.  In June, we packed our bows and headed to Hawaii. I wrote about it in a prior newsletter, but long story short, I misjudged where an Axis buck would step out and missed clean.  A few hours later I was able to connect with a doe.  Africa a few months later was amazing!  We all had wish lists prepared ahead of time and I soon realized that my list was useless.  It was a little like heading to the grocery store hungry, without a list. –Ooh, that looks good, I’ll take two of those, and hey, it’s on sale!!  I passed a kudu on the first day, but on the second day he was not so lucky.  A sable was not on my list, but a beauty came in and who can pass up a sale on those?  I also had an opportunity at a duiker, a warthog, and an impala.  We did a little rifle hunting too, but I’d much rather watch an animal walk away after a close encounter with a bow than take a long shot with a rifle.

Montana Archery season rolled around and hunting with the Badass Babes.  We did a little bugling and played the wind to sneak between some screaming bulls.  We hadn’t laid eyes on anything yet but set up in a meadow and started cow calling.  It didn’t take long before my bull showed up.  After my shot but before we started looking, a couple more bulls came in to check out the commotion.  I’m not a trophy hunter but am extremely lucky – the only elk to walk within range that weekend was a 356” bull!  It’s easy to find a couple of friends to go shopping or grab dinner, but I’ve got a group of ladies that will cape and quarter a bull without calling the guys for assistance!

If you could be transported to another time, place, and in another bowhunter’s shoes for one day, what would that look like?

I’m always watching my GPS pretty carefully for land borders.  It would be nice to be hunting before there were fences to stop a stalk.

What was your first real bowhunt on your own?

Maybe not the first, but one of my favorite memories…I was sitting in an antelope blind with my youngest son.  A buck came in and he was no giant, but this was just about me and Kadin hanging out for the day and doing it on our own.  Kade had been a trooper, getting up early to go, napping and snacking for hours in a 90-degree blind most of the day.  Finally, the antelope headed our way to the water tank.  I tried with everything I had to draw and couldn’t budge the string.  We were looking to see if there was somehow a stick in my cam and finally realized adrenaline had been my kryptonite!  After the buck had walked away, I could draw no problem.  We had a good laugh and were a little calmer the next weekend to try again.  When my heart doesn’t race and my leg doesn’t shake as an animal comes in, I’ll know it’s time to hang up my bow.

We are truly blessed here in Montana as bowhunters. What is your Montana dream hunt?

I keep putting in for the Big Three.  Members of our family have drawn bighorn and goat tags.  Someday it’ll be my turn!

A while back the Hunger Games movies inspired many young women to pick up a bow. Any words of advice for the female Bowhunter?

I started bowhunting to spend time with my husband and sons.  If you can’t beat them, join them, right?  I was content for a long time to let Cliff decide how to play the wind, which ridge to hike and choose a setup. I was happy just to be spending time together.  Then came Amy LePage.  She suggested Girl Weekend.  We had a safe place to go, a pocket full of tags, help a phone call away but were on our own to make the decisions.  Steve and Cliff helped us pack up the truck and were still calling out advice as we pulled out of the driveway.  We did come home, but we’ve never looked back!  Girl Weekend has grown over the years, expanded by generations, and even took us to Florida for alligators with our bows.  We work hard and we’re strong; not body-builders, but smart and methodical.  You don’t have to be a professional caller.  You have to be positive and persistent.  Keep shooting!

Badass women like Mandy consistently prove that bowhunting success doesn’t require machismo, you don’t need a burly beard or an 80 lb. bow. Mandy is an inspiration not only for women and young girls but for all hunters. Her accomplishments as a bowhunter and the volunteer work with the MBA are something to be proud of.

VENDORS

Top

Top

Bottom

Bottom

Righ: Al Kelly and Bob Windauer Author of Silvertip

Left: Rich Smith

Left: Teri Kelly and Morgan Kelly

Right: Gene Wensel and Schafer Koelzer swapping hunting

BANQUET, ACTIVITIES & SPEAKERS

Top: Wyatt Doyle

Right: The Davis Tent set-up crew

Bottom: Outdoor Fun

Top: Art Hayes Hunting Seminar

Bottom: Jason Matzinger film project “Landlocked”

Top: Paul Kemper Ring toss

Bottom: Paul Kemper Manning Ring Toss

Top: Bowen Koelzer Target Practice

Bottom: Jerry Doyle Kids Shoot Area

Teen

Cooler

Schafer

Toelke

Pronghorn

Hurst

Fred

Yellowstone

Youth

Bear

Patriot

Beer

Hat

Live

Playing

Top:

Left:

Girl Youth Bow Package Raylen Philip

Business Donations

3 Rivers Archery

American Leathers

Antler Creek Designs

Big R - Billings, MT

Black Gold

Blue Creek Sport Shooting Complex & Preserve

Bob Wards

Bohning Bowhunters of Wyoming

Branding Iron Marketing

Buffalo Jump Archery Cabela’s Camofire Davis Tents Eastmans’

Feradyne Outdoors

Fish’s Antler Art The Footed Shaft

Gator Glades

Hunters Specialties Hurst Bows

J2 Taxidermy Jeff Brenner

Photography Kenyon Noble  KUIU

Kutuwagan Outfitters

Lewistown Bowhunters

Ace Hardware - Libby Lisac Tire Supply Matlabas

Meat Palace

Montana Bowhunter Education Foundation Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters

& Anglers

Montana Metal Art Montana Wildlife Federation Murdoch’s Numzaan Safari OnX Outcarts Paul Martin Prime Archery Primos

Pronghorn Bows

Ralph & Vicki’s Archer’s Choice Riley Stoves Rinehart

Ripcord Sage Game Calls Scentlock Schafer Silvertip Bows Scott Koelzer Masonry Skyblade Knives Stealth Cam Stone Glacier Tactacam Tightspot Toelke Bows Trophy Blend Scents UDAP

Vista Outdoor Vortex Western Bear Foundation Wildlife Research Center

Zink’s Big Sky Archery

Tom & Noelle

Region 1

Pat Tabor

Vice Chair

CommissionerRegion1@mtfwp.org (406) 250-2899

Whitefish, Montana

Region 2

Jana Waller

Commissioner

CommissionerRegion2@mtfwp.org (920) 222-1136

Lolo, Montana

Region 3

Pat Byorthn

CommissionerRegion3@mtfwp.org (406) 548-4830

Bozeman, Montana Region 4

KC Walsh

CommissionerRegion4@mtfwp.org (406) 599-9556

Martinsdale, Montana

Region 5

Brian Cebull

CommissionerRegion5@mtfwp.org (406) 860-7416

Billings, Montana

Region 6

Lesley Robinson

Commission Chair

CommissionerRegion6@mtfwp.org (406) 301-0787

Dodson, Montana

Region 7

William Lane

CommissionerRegion7@mtfwp.org (406) 778-2155

Ismay, Montana

Fish & Wildlife Commission Members

fwpwld@mt.gov

Become a Business Member of the MBA and be listed on this page every issue! For membership visit www.mtba.org. Active as of May 2022

BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS

James Brown PO Box 96t

Ace Home Center

Buffalo Jump Archery

Capital Sports

Elk Creek Family Outfitters

Flaming Arrow Archery

Hurst Bows

JB’S Les Schwab Tire

Kimzey Knifeworks

Kutawagan Outfitters/ Bearpaw Lodge

Richey MT 59259 406-773-5509

Reed Mandelko 200 Knowles St Missoula MT 59801 406-880-1489

Tom Gilmore 507 W 9th St Libby MT 59923 406-293-3131

Judy Adams P.O. Box 5581 Helena MT 59604 406-539-3936

Ed Beall 1092 Helena Ave Helena MT 59601 406-443-2978

David Hein 1021 Toole Circle Billings MT 59105 406-670-4366

Nicole Tindale 1282 Hwy 2 East Kalispell MT 59901 406-752-0702

Coltin Hurst 3368 MT Hwy 5 W Plentywood MT 59254 406-765-7580

Kellen MacDonald PO Box 744

Libby MT 59923 406-293-7797

Dan Kimzey 134 Blue Heron Dr Hamilton MT 59840 406-361-5863

Jeff and Annette Smith Box 70

Libby Archery Club PO Box 755

Libby Sports Center 204 West 9th St

Matablas Game Hunters

Montana Historical Society Research Center

Mountain Copper Creations

Pronghorn Custom Bows

Sage Game Calls

Schafer Silvertip Custom Bows

Willem Frost PO Box 1559

Choiceland SK S0J 0M0 306-428-2032

Libby MT 59923 406-293-7174

Libby MT 59923 406-293-4641

Lephalale Limpopo 0555 27116794664

Roberta Gebhardt 225 N Roberts Helena MT 59620 406-444-4702

Jim Clapham PO Box 426 Milltown MT 59851-0426 406-880-9411

Herb Meland 2491 W 42nd St Casper WY 82604 307-234-1824

Cody Moulton 753 Bowman Road

Dave Windauer 357 Roberts Rd

Hamilton MT 59840 435-640-8041

Columbia Falls MT 59912 406-892-0580

She Hunts Montana Megan Thrash 75 Three Corners Road S Trout Creek MT 59874 406-595-0092

The Footed Shaft

The Push Archery

The Stickbow Chronicles

Toelke Traditional Archery

Trophy Blends Scents

John Hanson 44 Shaffer Lane

Toston MT 59643 406-616-3200

Tim Nebel 70659 Murphy Road Flushing OH 43977

Rob Patuto 821 West Shinglemill Rd Sandpoint ID 83864 208-610-3795

Dan & Jared Toelke 31345 Lost Creek Ln Ronan MT 59864 406-253-4949

Bruce Hoyer PO Box 466

Belt MT 59412 406-403-2231

Twite Realty Mark Twite 8015 Indreland Road Missoula MT 59808 406-880-1956

Zinks Big Sky Archery Targets

Terry L & Dylan Zink PO Box 1272 Marion MT 59925 406-253-4670

What the MBA of fers 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

INDIVIDUALMEMBERSHIP

OneYear$25.00 ThreeYears$67.00 Life$500.00

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP

OneYear$30.00 ThreeYears$85.00 Life $750.00

JUNIORMEMBERSHIP (Under18) OneYear$5.00

CLUBMEMBERSHIP

OneYear$45.00 ThreeYears$120.00

BUSINESSMEMBERSHIP OneYear$45.00 ThreeYears$120.00

OVERSEASMEMBERSHIP Add $10.00 a year to membership choice for addedmailingcosts

Memberships run January 1 to December 31 each year.

BJORN OAKLAND with some brown gold

ROWAN BROWN sighting in her new bow

MICHAEL PRATER Axis Deer

BOB MORGAN doing his thing

RON CORTESEE, Havre

JEREMY & SARAH ALLEGRUCCI Florida hogs

JEREMY & SARAH ALLEGRUCCI Florida alligator

OVE ROBINSON with a big whitetail shed

JAKE GARNESS 2022 Turkey

TREY

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?

What the MBA has done for you?

• 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?

Photos by Denver Bryan / Images on the Wildside