Vol. 47 #4 Summer 2020

Montana Bowhunters Association PO Box 426 Helena MT 59624 Return service requested

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

PAGE 18

Buck Recovery with the Canoe

PAGE 16

2020 MBA Award Winners

MBA

Regional Representatives Region 1

Al Kelly

Mike Shephard

PO Box 219, Libby, MT 59923 ........................................... 406-293-2900 alman@frontiernet.net 351 7th Ave E N, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 ....................... 406-250-9806 michaelshepard7@gmail.com

Region 2

Marlon Clapham 4455 Hoover Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 ....................... 406-777-2408

Kevin Robinson 2110 Wylie Ave, Missoula MT 59802 ............................... 406-531-8243

mbaregion2@gmail.com

kevin.robinson@technometalpost.com

Region 3

Liberty Brown

Barrett Haugan 560 Clovehitch Rd., Belgrade, MT 59714 .......................... 406-539-0602

275 Vigilante Trl. Bozeman, MT 59718 ............................. 406-581-7216

Brandingironmarketingllc.com btreasurestate@aol.com

Region 4

Michael Prater 416 Entrance Ave., Lewistown MT 59457 ....................... 406-461-6949

Jess Wagner

Michael.prater@live.com 201 Big Sky Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 .......................... 406-939-3458 jess_wagner2@hotmail.com

Region 5

Jenn Schneider

Ken Schultz

jennk40@msn.com 302 Wyoming Ave., Billings, MT. 59101 ............................. 406-598-8550

Nick Siebrasse REP VACANCY. Rick Miller

Bob Morgan

officers PRESIDENT

Stephen LePage 2574 Divide Rd • Lewistown, MT 59457 mbaregion4@yahoo • 406-535-5636 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Brian Koelzer 80 Jansma Lane • Manhattan, MT 59741 rocknrollbowhunter3@yahoo.com • 406-570-7997 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

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

Claudia Davis PO Box 426 • Helena, MT. 59624 mtba@mtba.org • 406-404-6168 SECRETARY

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

4996 Bullhook Rd., 59501 Havre Montana ........................ 406-390-0402 bowdude@mtintouch.net

Region 7

MBA

5509 Sunny Cove Billings MT 59106 ................................ 406-697-7768

schultzy@iwks.net

Region 6

www.mtba.org

PO Box 2336 Colstrip MT 59323......................................... 406-749-0292

PAST PRESIDENT

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

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

EVEN YEARS

Cliff Garness Mandy Garness Rich Smith Stephanie Prater

AT LARGE DIRECTORS 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - obsession_archery@yahoo.com...............406-788-9009 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - camoquilter@gmail.com..........................406-750-9953 PO Box 51428 Billings, MT 59105-1361 - muleybum@gmail.com.................................406-281-8846 416 Entrance Ave., Lewistown MT 59457 - slfitte@yahoo.com.....................................406-461-6949

ODD YEARS

Paul Martin Ray Gross John Grimstad Richard Lewallen

110 Sage Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901 - paulhmartin99@gmail.com...................... 406-261-4456 355 Antelope Drive, Dillon, MT 59725 – raygross0144@gmail.com.................... 406-660-1019 2031 Poly Drive, Billings, MT 59102 – twingrim@bresnan.net............................ 406-252-3620 234 Audubon Way Drive Billings, MT 59106 – rpdlew@aol.com.......................... 406-690-0854

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 Al

or Teri Kelly at PO Box 426, Helena MT 59624 or email teray1979@yahoo.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.

MAGAZINE EDITOR

Teri Kelly PO Box 219 • Libby, MT 59923 teray1979@yahoo.com • 406-293-2900

WEB DESIGNER

Liberty Brown Branding Iron Marketing Brandingironmarketingllc.com 406-581-7216 MAGAZINE DESIGN

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

ARCHERY SEASON

is just around the corner...GET READY NOW!

For all those who purchase the plate, the MBEF would like to invite you to send us a photo of your plate on your vehicle.

Be creative, include yourself, pets, family, trophies of all sorts, etc.

Located in the historic Kessler Brewing building. Hwy 12 West end.

Helena 406-449-3111 buffalojumparchery.com

Photos will be posted on the website. www.mtbowhuntermuseum.org

Summer 2020

1

EDITOR’S NOTE

I

’m not going to lie to you this issue was a struggle to get out. Normally we’d have an overabundance of material after yet another fun weekend at the MBA Convention and my biggest task would be weeding it down to what I had room for. But as you all know, we had to cancel this year due to that nasty bug that’s taken control of our country, our daily lives and in some cases robbed our citizens of all common sense. Who would have thought toilet paper would become THE item that would cause actual fist fights in the store. Obviously, these people can’t be bowhunters because even in a pandemic we can find better things to do than throw down for TP. Enough of that let’s talk about bowhunting. It’s spring turkey and bear season so hopefully some of you have had some success and will send me some photos for the gallery.

As you can see from my photo I was able to harvest a decent tom out of my blind this season.

If you received an issue of this newsletter and you haven’t gotten one in awhile it may be that your membership is expired and this is your reminder and your opportunity to renew your membership. For the rest of you, please be sure to check your membership to ensure you continue to be a member. We have an option now for you to choose to auto-renew memberships which makes it pretty easy to stay current.

Our next big event is the Carp Shoot so hopefully we’ll be able to hold it and we’ll see a lot of folks there. As you know these events serve as our yearly fundraisers so we’re still running raffles and some Live Auctions. Check our website and Facebook page for more details and you’ll find raffle tickets in this issue. A huge thanks to our vendors who step up every year and donate for our convention, we can’t do it without you folks. Please frequent these supporters with your member dollars when you’re in their areas. We’ve tried to ensure we include logos and ads for the majority of the businesses and clubs that support the MBA but if I’m missing any, contact me and I’ll correct it. All business memberships include a free ad in each issue, so if you aren’t already a business member please consider it.

Teri Kelly

MBA Committees Legislative:

Jerry Davis, Chair Ray Gross • Marlon Clapham Richard Lewallen • Joelle Selk • Stephen LePage

Tentatives:

Ray Gross, Chair Paul Martin • Mark Schwomeyer Stephen La Page • Marlon Clapham

Financial:

Chair Claudia Davis • Jenn Schneider Ray Gross • Rich Lewallenier

Landowner/Sportsman: Mark Schwomeyer, Chair Bob Morgan • Barrett Haugan Jesse Wagner • Stephanie Prater

Nominations:

­Brian Koelzer, Chair Al Kelly • Paul Martin • Cliff Garness

Awards:

Brian Koelzer, Chair Al Kelly • Rich Lewallen • Marlon Clapham

Membership:

Marlon Clapham, Chair Jenn Schneider • Ray Gross Barrett Haugan • Ken Schultz Joelle Selk – Membership Assistant

Convention 2020-Region 5 Rich Lewallen, Ken Schultz, Jenn Schneider, Stephanie Prater To be determined Region 3- 2021 Fairmont Region 1- 2022 Fairmont

Magazine:

Al Kelly, Chair Teri Kelly, Editor Joelle Selk • Brian Koelzer • Jerry Davis

Website:

Liberty Brown • Jenn Schneider Beckie Doyle • Kevin Robinsone

Carp Shoot:

Joelle Selk, Chair Nick Siebrasse • Cliff Garness

Bow-Ed:

Al Kelly, Chair Brian Koelzer • Bob Morgan • Mark Schwomeyer Ray Gross • Marlon Clapham • Nick Siebrasse

Youth Membership and MBA Teen Bowhunter Camp

Marlon Clapham, Chair This committee will involve a combination of board members, MBA members and youth from each region.

All area reps. will try to recruit youth from their region to get involved with the MBA’s decision-making process and planning for youth events. This will mostly be done through e-mail contacts but MBA members and youth members will be welcome to attend the Board Meeting if they are able to do so. The goal of this committee is to increase involvement and awareness of youth bowhunters and encourage future participation in the MBA. Youth ages 16 to 19 are encouraged to participate as well as any active member over the age of 19.

Reg. 1 – Al Kelly (Region 1 rep) Reg. 2 – Jackie Doyle (MBA member) Jerry & Beckie Doyle (MBA members) Reg. 3 – Vacant Reg. 4 – Jess Wagner (Region 4 rep) Reg. 5 – Vacant Reg. 6 – Vacant Reg. 7 – Vacant Reg. 8 – Vacant In accordance with the By-Laws any member can be on a Committee without being on the Board of Directors. They just cannot stand as the Chairman.

2

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

TABLE OF CONTENTS VOL. 47 #4 Summer 2020

18

16

PAGE

PAGE

Buck Recovery with a Canoe PAGE 16 2020 MBA Aw ard Winners PAGE 18

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

42

Teri Kelly

4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Stephen LePage

1ST VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Brian Koelzer

5

2ND VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

TREASURER’S MESSAGE

6

SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

Jerry Davis

7

PAST PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Mark Schwomeyer Claudia Davis

Marlon Claphman

8 REGIONAL REPORTS 15 BLAST FROM THE PAST 16 2020 MBA AWARD WINNERS 18 BUCK RECOVERY WITH THE CANOE

Marlon Claphman

FWP COMMISSIONER CONTACTS

19 RAFFLE AND AUCTION INFORMATION 22 2020 CANYON FERRY CARP SAFARI 23 BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS 24 MBA MEMBERSHIP FORM 25 MEMBER GALLERY

Montana Bowhu nters Association PO Box 426 Helena MT 59624 Return servic e requested

MBA Bowhunter of the Year Stephanie Prater

EDITOR’S NOTE

On the Cover

2

nd

Summer 2020

3

OFFICER’S REPORTS

PRESIDENT - STEPHEN LEPAGE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT - BRIAN KOELZER 2ND VICE PRESIDENT - MARK SCHWOMEYER TREASURER - CLAUDIA DAVIS SECRETARY - JERRY DAVIS PAST PRESIDENT - MARLON CLAPHAM

President’s

Message

T

hese are strange times. Initially I thought that the Wuhan virus/Chinese virus/SARS Covid-2/Novel Coronavirus/Covid-19 (I think they should decide on one name and stick with it) was not going to affect us as naturally self-isolating bowhunters here in sparely populated Montana. How wrong I was.

1. We cancelled the banquet. A short period of time before our scheduled banquet, the MBA board of directors had a conversation regarding whether or not we should cancel. The majority of the board was optimistic and voted to persevere and proceed. With a close eye on breaking news and governmental mandates, our opinion quickly changed and over the next few days it was decided that we would cancel the banquet. My entire family (even my 17-year-old daughter) was disappointed. The highlight of this slow time of year is always our MBA banquet. I missed hearing all of the bowhunting stories and catching up with people I see too rarely.

2. 3-D shoots and indoor leagues have been cancelled. Here in Lewistown, we not only lost our banquet, but we had to cancel our Foul Weather 3-D shoot and the last few weeks of our indoor leagues were cancelled with the closing of our indoor range. I have heard similar stories from around the state. These are great means of practice and of generating a sense of unity among our bowhunting community.

3. Actual outdoor activities have been cancelled. When the state of Washington banned fishing and crabbing for two weeks, it took me by surprise. With international and even state to state travel restrictions in place, anyone planning a bowhunting trip is disappointed. I know Montana has cancelled all non-resident spring turkey and bear hunting. My family planned an Easter trip to Marlon do some saltwater/gator/iguana bowfishing in Florida, it Claphman dispirited me greatly to call the guide and cancel. In addition, my daughter and I are still planning a bowhunt in South Africa this July. Only time will tell if the South African government will be allowing Americans into their country by the time our scheduled hunting date arrives.

4. Even buying tags and applying for permits has been affected. Here in Lewistown, in an effort to encourage social distancing, our FWP office first implemented a rule that only one person could be in the office at a time. That evolved into completely closing our local office and a movement toward a statewide “online only” purchase, application and print yourself process. Problems with printing from the website then morphed the process into an online only purchase and apply, then FWP would mail your license to you. I purchased my bear and turkey licenses on March 20th. As I write this, both turkey and bear season are open and I have yet to see any tags in my mailbox. A call to MT FWP has assured me that “they are in the mail”, but I have been informed I cannot hunt until they arrive.

I thought this pandemic would result in having the kids home from school for a couple of weeks (a welcome treat for me) and then we would back to normal.

I did not anticipate it effecting our bowhunting, I was wrong.

On a positive note, I have been enjoying increased time with my family and my wife is happy as I have decreased the length of my substantial “Honey Do” list.

In other news, it turns out I am your new president. I am very excited to take on this new position at the MBA. Being elected the president of an organization with which I hold so many similar goals and values, with a longstanding history of protecting and promoting bowhunting in the great state of Montana is a true honor and I will do the very best I can. To that end, I want to be accessible. If you have any questions, concerns, or criticisms (both constructive or otherwise) feel free to get in contact with either your regional representative or me directly. I can be reached at mbaregion4@yahoo.com or by phone: 406-535-5636.

I hope to see all of you at the Carp Safari, so mark June 13th on your calendars.

Sincerely,

Stephen LePage

First Vice President’s

Report

F

irst of all, I hope this finds you all well and healthy in this rather unusual time we are living in. This corona bug is certainly messing up most everything here in 2020.

Secondly, I’d like to thank past president Marlon Clapham and the other outgoing board members for their work over the last few years and welcome incoming president Steve LePage and our new board members. I’m looking forward to working with you all in the future and thank you for your willingness to step up and be a part.

For everyone who had awesome hunting plans this spring that included crossing state or US borders it looks like we may be postponing, rescheduling, or just outta luck all together. My early May Saskatchewan bear hunt looks like it’s going to be changed to late June and I’m crossing my fingers that it will happen at all. At least fishing season will be open then but I’m not looking forward to the skeeters! Good thing we live in Montana and we have plenty of bears and turkeys to chase right here at home. Nothing like some social distancing in the mountains glassing for bruins.

I know I sound like a broken record each newsletter when I get on my soapbox about how good we have it here. Season length, variety of game, and boatloads of public access really make Montana an archer’s paradise. People are moving here from all over at a steady(alarming?) rate and many of them are coming here for our outdoor opportunities. Granted, many folks are skiers, hikers, and bird watchers but among them there are bowhunters as well. Many, if not most, have never heard of the MBA and have no idea that the reason we have what we have is because of this organizations’ fore fathers and their hard work.

4

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

OFFICER REPORTS

Even though archery stamp numbers continue to increase each year it’s still a small group of us that work for Montana’s bowhunters. The majority of archery stamp holders are multiple weapon hunters and quite a few folks only get out a time or two with a bow in a season. It’s tough to try and get those folks on board with a niche organization like the MBA when they don’t care if they kill something with a bow or just blow something up with a rifle in general season, but we still need to try. I keep extra newsletters in all my vehicles and whenever I meet someone and hunting creeps into the conversation like it usually seems too, I hand them a newsletter and spread the word. If anyone would like extra newsletters get a hold of any of us on the board and we can hook you up with some.

Best of luck to everyone in all your upcoming adventures. I’m already looking forward to the 2021 convention since we got robbed this year.

It’s the only time a lot of us get to see each other in person and missing a year is no fun at all!

Keep’em sharp!

Brian Koelzer

Second Vice President’s

Report

Mark and Archer Schwomeyer

I

f you are reading this you are probably a bowhunter. I know that’s very presumptuous of me to assume, but I’ve learned something lately.

We (the MBA family) are very fortunate to have the resources we have at our fingertips. Not everyone has that luxury. I’m referring to the aspiring bowhunter that doesn’t know where to start. I think there are more than we realize. The young lady that was never given the opportunity, the young guy that grew up in a non-hunting family, the kids with the single non hunting parent. I don’t know if there are more of one demographic than the other, but they are out there. With all the information available and everyone trying to push products over products, this podcast that podcast, these arrows, those fancy broadheads, a new bow every year, 100’s of different releases, sights, sights with magnifying capabilities, the list goes on and on. And the truth is it’s overwhelming! We all have enough knowledge to share something, even if it’s just giving a name. I challenge all of you to keep your ears open and be more encouraging to those future bowhunters. This is our heritage we owe it to ourselves to pass it on. Remember, there was a time when you were brand new to bowhunting, you had lots of questions and probably had a family member to point you in the right direction. For some of you that was a really long time ago!

Heck! Give them my email! We can point them in the right direction!

Now go look for a bear or a turkey!

Treasurer’s Message

Mark Schwomeyer

T

his has been a strange couple of months! I’m cooking more than usual. I really miss eating out, which we did 2 to 3 times a week. But we are saving money, which we have shared with the Food Bank as they really need to buy groceries for their increased clientele. Consider doing this in your community.

As you all know I am a contracted bookkeeper for MBA. One third of my contract is the MBA Annual Convention. With the cancellation, I thought that would mean a lot less work for me, but I was wrong. Banquet tickets had been purchased and had to be refunded, raffle ticket orders are coming in daily, and lots of membership renewals happen this time of year. Add to that ballot mailing and counting and I’ve been busier than ever. I don’t see any slow down coming since we will continue to sell raffle tickets until the Carp Safari in June. And an online auction may happen in the near future, so watch for information through emails, website and Facebook. (Download a raffle ticket order form on the MBA website under Convention/Auction and Raffle Items) Claudia Davis Speaking of membership, we do have a lot of memberships expiring. If you let your membership expire recently because you felt it wasn’t important, then please reconsider. This association is vital to promoting and preserving bowhunting in the state of Montana. We spend your money on introducing and teaching archery and bowhunting to children and youth all over the state. We spend your money on promoting bowhunting at events, camps, and shows. We spend your money to stay in front of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the state legislature to guarantee the best laws, rules and regulations exist for bowhunting. We spend your money on events and activities where we gather together to share stories, see old friends, and learn about equipment, methods, and laws for bowhunting. We spend your money on a fun and informative magazine/newsletter that keeps all up to date on bowhunting issues. We spend your money on social media that can reach farther than our membership to educate and inform the citizens of Montana on the importance of bowhunting.

So now you understand that your membership dollars are hard at work for you and all bowhunters. So renew your membership today if you have allowed it to expire, and invite a bowhunting buddy to join too!

Thank you for letting me join this wonderful world of the best sportsman and women in our state.

Claudia Davis

MBA Treasurer | 406-404-6168

Summer 2020

5

OFFICER’S REPORTS-CONTINUED

Sectretary’s Message

A

s I write this, we are in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully by the time you read this we will have suffered through the worst of this disease and we will be able to continue on with our lives be it somewhat changed socially.

This illness is no joke. A Couple who are daughter’s friends in Missoula have been hospitalized with Covid. They are both young and in good physical condition, both are avid hunters. Luckily they were not hospitalized at the same time so they have been able to care for their two young kids, but this just shows how nasty this disease is.

So now on to my topic for this issue,

One Montana Common Ground’s Montana Master Hunter program A little background first. I have been a MBA representative on One Montana’s Common Ground group since 2014. One Montana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the Common Ground group of that organization tackles issues that divide the rural and urban landscape and communities.

The initial members of this group included myself as the MBA representative as well as representatives from One Montana, individual landowners/ag producers, MT FWP, MT House of Representatives and Senate, Montana Wildlife Federation, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Farm Bureau, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Sportsmen’s Alliance, and Randy Newberg, Host of Fresh Tracks. As you can see there was, and still continues to be a meaningful cross section from both sporting and landowner communities.

The initial issue we decided to pursue was improving public hunter access to private lands through the Block Management program. Several landowner participants had complained that hunters often call or stop in to sign up for BMAs at the most inopportune times.

So we initially attempted to improve the block management program by developing an online reservation system but though FWP was mildly intrigued they opted not to use it because of the wide variability of BMAs. We then moved on to how to get private landowners not enrolled in Block Management to allow public hunter access.

As public hunters many of us have experienced the closing of private lands we once hunted.

One of the key issues that we all have heard is that some hunters do not respect the landowners’ rules or property rights, are unethical in their pursuits, and disrupt the day with no regard to the individual property owner’s time.

Therefore the landowner does not or will no longer allow public hunting on their property.

The Common Ground group decided in 2017 to take on this issue.

We asked those members of our group who were either landowners or representatives of landowner organizations, what are the limiting factors that prevent landowners from allowing public hunting on their properties.

Of course one of the issues was money because by leasing to outfitters or outfitting themselves they can make money. It was decided that there is not much we could do about those that wish to lease or outfit. But not all landowners want to lease or outfit.

Therefore there was, and is, buy in from the landowner community as well as the sporting community.

In 2018 the name of the program was changed to Montana Master Hunter Program with the first graduating class of about 30 that same year. We are now up to 90 students with 3 different classes, one in Missoula, one in Bozeman, and one in Helena.

The first three years of this program have been focused on hunting with a rifle. Topics covered over 4 weekend sessions in about 50 hours of instruction include (1) Conservation history and ethics, (2) Wildlife biology and habitat, (3) Farm and ranch management, (4) Landowner/sportsmen relations, (5) Hunting skills, (6) Shooting competencies, (7) Pre-hunt planning, and (8) After the kill.

Three of the weekends consist of classroom activities which include panel discussions with experts in the topic. The final weekend is at the Basecamp facility in the Paradise Valley south of Livingston.

Because many of the participants have asked that a similar program be set up for bowhunting, we are now developing a curriculum for advanced bowhunting certification. This program will be offered as an addition (module) to the basic Montana Master Hunter course. There has been a lot of discussion as to what such a program should include. Unlike rifle hunting in Montana, bowhunters must take and pass a bowhunter education class regardless of age. So they come to an advanced bowhunter program with a lot of knowledge already. The advanced bowhunter certification would not take the place but would supplement the bowhunter education that all bowhunters have already obtained.

Since March there has been a lot of discussion about what should be in this curriculum.

Some of the critical issues that many of us feel should be included are (1) advanced blood trailing, (2) better understanding of when and when not to shoot, (3) understanding the limitations of your bow, whether traditional or compound, (4) understanding and seeing the results of taking long shots regardless or your archery prowess (ie 101 Physics), (5) next day recovery, is it ethical, (6) tree stand safety, and (7) handling the meat in warmer seasons.

This program however is not funded by the State of Montana or FWP. It is strictly a philanthropic endeavor. There are paid administrative staff who manage the logistics of this program. There is one lead instructor who develops curriculum and organizes and schedules all the sessions. There are costs to renting facilities and for various supplies. Students are asked to pay $345 each to pick up some of those costs but there are scholarships available to those that cannot afford it.

This program has been funded through the generous donations of sponsors like 2% For Conservation, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Boone & Crockett Club, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Montana Rail Link, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Mule Deer Foundation, Mystery Ranch, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ruby Habitat Foundation, Schnee’s Inc., SITKA Gear, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Weyerhaeuser, Wild Sheep Foundation. Also the Montana Master Hunter Program is endorsed by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks It is of course volunteers that make this program effective, volunteers who instruct and who sit on discussion panels.

For those landowners who do not lease or outfit but yet still do not allow pubic hunting we asked what could be done to convince them to allow at least some public hunting.

I am hoping that when the advanced bowhunting module is developed and planned that some from MBA will volunteer to help instruct. We have an incredible resource that can provide to the program.

From that question we determined that limiting factors that prevent a landowner from allowing public hunting are hunter competency, ethics, and respect. Additionally we found that several landowners would like to have access to hunters with these qualities to hunt on their properties to help manage wildlife.

I am also hoping that MBA will provide a donation to the program as it advances our Mission, “To unite the state’s bowhunting sportsmen to work towards a common goal of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana.”

From those factors a pilot Advance Hunter Education program was developed. This program was developed to provide valuable information and skills to experienced hunters who have been screened to ensure not only their hunting ability but also their good hunting ethics, good attitude, and interest in learning and improving.

As an incentive to the participants who pass the program and become certified they would be allowed to access participating properties.

6

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Thanks for listening, or should I say reading, and above all stay safe.

Jerry Davis

OFFICER REPORTS

Past President’s

Report

W

ell this will be my last president’s message. After two terms it was time for some younger blood to take on the presidency. Before I step down there are some folks, I would like to thank for all the help, direction and personal advice they gave me whenever I called upon them.

This position was never taken lightly on my part. I am very proud to have had the honor to serve the Montana Bowhunters Association as your President.

Merri my wife and hunting partner for 41 years has stood beside me, keeping me grounded. Always has had good advice and as of late drove me to many meetings across the state.

When I first became President, Joelle Selk, was there helping to get me started as to the duties of the president. Teaching me the ways of the Commission and Legislator process. How and when to talk to lawmakers and commissioners.

Jerry Davis is one that without him, I would have been lost during the Legislation process. Jerry is great asset to the MBA, well spoken and knows who is who up on the hill.

Teri Kelly the keeper of the Newsletter. Thank You so much for all the hard work and dedication you put into the newsletter each quarter. You have done a great job for the MBA. Roger Peffer for helping me write letters to Legislators and Commissioners when we needed a professional touch.

Steve Schindler who always had good sound advice. Brian Koelzer for advising me when I let meetings get off topic and when to use the gavel to keep on track, taking charge. Jerry and Beckie Doyle for all their support, and driving when I couldn’t. Neil Maier was there for me to call on to discuss any issue where I needed to have the extra help.

The entire Board of Directors who served during my presidency working together, working out issues from across the state. It takes a dedicated board to run any association, and the MBA has the best.

Now for the business at hand. What a winter and time of change. The Corvid 19 really threw a monkey wrench in to the works of our daily lives let alone what going on across the country. We had to cancel our 2020 Convention, days before it was to take place. The Convention committee had to do an about face and reorganize as what to do with the auction items and raffle items. They set to work selling the tickets for the raffles to try to raise a few funds to help operate the MBA for the next year.

The Board of Directors will be having our meetings over the computer until this virus pandemic settles down and we can get back to the new normal.

Hopefully we will get to have the Carp Safari in June but right now not to sure.

We are looking into whether we will get to have the MBA Teen Bowhunter Camp or have to postpone that until this clears.

Last winter before Corvid 19 showed up the MBA was attending the FWP Season setting process. There were changes made across the state. One of the big issues is the new system for purchasing permits, tags using the online system. Print your own at home, I already know of several folks who hit the print key and had all their tags print out double, two of everything. Who knows who will take advantage of that mistake? Sure hope the FWP gets that bug worked out soon.

The Breaks permits, 900-20 bundle permits were looked at during the secession. The Commission made a change to the number of 900-20 permits from 3700 to 4000. It seamed to be the right increase for now. We may get a push for the rest of the Breaks permits to increase during the Legislation Secession this next winter. Most all the residents of that area think it should be left alone. The numbers are holding down some of the overcrowding, and more permits would defiantly change that problem.

The Shoulder seasons are still on the books. There have been some changes with the dates, shorting up the seasons in some HDs back to January 15th. Other HDs went to fewer B tags. Again, overcrowding was becoming a problem.

Some landowners didn’t get the harvest they needed so alternative methods are being looked at. We did get several Shoulder hunts moved out of the Archery season, so that is a step forward. I would still like to see it out of August all together, but the landowners think it is necessary to keep the elk out of the fields prior to harvesting their fall crops. Don’t blame them for that.

Even with no Convention the MBA still has to conduct the daily business.

Everyone was sent an election ballot to vote for the new officers and Board members and Directors at large. The outgoing officers are Sec. Beckie Doyle, reps. reg. 2 Neil Maier, reg. 4 Roger Licht, reg. 6 Nathan Veit. Directors at large Drew Steinberger, Seth Rogers. I would like to thank you for your time on the board. The new officers, President, Stephen LePage, reg. 2 rep. Marlon Clapham, reg. 4 reps Michael Prater and Jess Wagner, reg. 6 rep Nick Siebrasse, reg.7 rep Rick Miller and Director at Large Stephanie Prater. I would like to take this time to welcome you to the board. Stephen will be a good leader; we need to support him and the MBA through this set back until we can get back to normal.

Let us all welcome Stephen LePage to the Office of President. I have the greatest confidence that Stephen will be able to handle our Bowhunting issues in a professional manner. Thank You for stepping up to this challenge.

Stepping down from the Presidency to reg.2 area rep. THANK YOU ALL Keep-Em Sharp, Shoot-Em Straight.

Marlon Clapham

Summer 2020

7

REGIONAL REPORTS

REGION 1 AL KELLY MIKE SHEPARD REGION 2 MARLON CLAPHMAN KEVIN ROBINSON REGION 3 LIBERTY BROWN BARRETT HAUGEN (NO REPORT) REGION 4 MICHAEL PRATER JESS WAGNER REGION 5 JENN SCHNEIDER (NO REPORT) KEN SCHULTZ REGION 6 NICK SIEBRASSE REGION 7 RICK MILLER BOB MORGAN

Mike Shepard

N

ot much to report from Columbia Falls.

I’ve been out shed hunting but have found none but winter killed deer. Looks like the wolves were active for part of the winter, but I did

1

6

REGION

2

8

REGION

REGION

3

AL KELLY MIKE SHEPARD

Al Kelly Fellow bowhunters, am here to tell you that I sure missed not starting the year off with the Montana Bowhunters Association convention. We Kelly’s have had a tradition for many years beginning our shift into spring and summer with the gathering of likeminded individuals from across our great state with the convention. Our spring shoots here in Libby have been canceled, as have all of the other events we had planned to attend. Good thing hunting is a socially distanced activity. Teri has already got out in her blind after the turkeys and I have been practicing and getting ready for spring bear. That and getting the dogs out for hikes and some shed hunting has kept us from going stir crazy.

With all the stress from these times and CWD now in our area it is a challenge to keep the spirits up. I have been trying to reach out and touch base with friends I haven’t talked with for a while. That has probably been one of the more positive things to come out of these crappy times. I’ve also spent more time working my gear and get some honey-do’s done, so I guess all is not lost.

I hope everyone has time to look through the magazine to see what kind of convention stuff is still underway. Check our site on Facebook for more stuff.

Hope we can get together soon.

I

8

Montana

BOWHUNTER

Al Kelly

WWW.MTBA.ORG

I

1

4

2

REGION REGION

7

5

hope everyone is healthy and staying sane through these strange times. There are many negative things happening in our world right now but I believe the future is bright, except for the gobblers I’m currently chasing around the woods. I was hoping to have a grip and grin of a big bearded Tom to show off, sorry to disappoint.

With the cancellation of many MBA events, everyone needs to rally to purchase raffle tickets to raise money and spread the word to all, members or not. If all goes well the Carp Safari will happen and we can enjoy a weirder version of the convention and find out the raffle results.

Remember this human health crisis we are experiencing does not affect the wildlife we love, the mountains we hike or the rivers we float. Stay healthy and safe, get outside, shoot your bow, the future is bright!

I hope to see you at the Carp Safari!

Kevin M Robinson

Techno Metal Post of Western Montana 406-531-8243

Kevin Robinson

REGION

8

REGION

3

NEIL MAIER KEVIN ROBINSON

G

6

REGION

REGION

8

3

5

REGION

REGION

REGION

REGION

7

REGION

Mike Shepard

4

2

REGION

6

REGION

REGION

4

REGION

Shep

REGION 3

REGION

REGION REGION

1

Every one, use your head and stay safe

REGION 2

REGION 1 REGION

see 38 deer over two days. All look very healthy for the winter we had. Trapping must be working, as no fresh kills have been found by me. The only thing of interest from me is the disaster of a new licensing system! I realize things change, but you all better remember to print your tags, cut them apart, put them into several sandwich bags and use those bags with black tape for your dead animal. I even use good paper to print, so be aware. When this is over, I believe it will go done in history as the first political pandemic, and I say so for this reason.

Since January, 263,000 people in the world have committed suicide… now to me that is a problem.

REGION REGION

7

5

LIBERTY BROWN BARRETT HAUGAN

reetings fellow bowhunters! Hopefully everyone is doing well and staying safe. I think it’s safe to say that it’s been a crazy last couple of months. Spring turkey and bear was canceled by FWP for non-resident hunters but as of the 24th of April, it’s back open but out-of-state travelers are still being required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Bummer deal if you had someone coming out to join you on a hunt but I’m hoping that most of you have had the opportunity to get out with your bows to chase some birds or boars.

I feel blessed to live in such a great state with ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. The virus numbers in Montana are decreasing and people looking to get outside and enjoy spring will continue to have ample opportunities with the Governor’s phased approach to re-opening the state.

Currently, FWP has the following updates posted on their website: • Overnight camping opportunities will resume at most FWP fishing access sites and state parks on May 1.

• Campers between May 1 and May 15 may encounter reduced amenities or limited services that are typical for the opening of early-season recreational sites. Please check the FWP website for specific site restrictions or closures.

• Group sites, including fishing piers, will open May 1.

• At all sites, as in other aspects of life, social distancing guidelines must be strictly followed.

• Visitor centers, park offices and FWP lobbies are still closed to the public at this time.

• Bannack State Park will remain closed until further notice.

• Float recreation on the Smith River will resume May 5. Between now and then,

REGIONAL REPORTS

REGION 4 REGION

REGION

1

4

2

REGION

8

REGION

3

Liberty Brown FWP staff will continue to work with local and federal partners on ways to safely allow recreation in this popular state park and river corridor once recreation activities resume.

• Out-of-state travelers are still required to follow the governor’s 14-day quarantine directive when they come to Montana, as they carry the risk of spreading COVID-19 to • Montana residents. Guidance for those directives can be found at fwp.mt.gov/ covid19. The directives include the requirements that those in quarantine cannot leave for groceries, recreation, work or any other activity.

• Paddlefish season (yellow tag) closures on the Yellowstone and Lower Missouri rivers are still in effect.

• Paddlefish season (white tag) on the Upper Missouri River will run as usual from May 1 through June 15. However, this year there will be no snag-and-release opportunity.

Visit fwp.mt.gov for information about other paddlefishing opportunities later in the year.

• Most wildlife management areas will remain under their normal seasonal closures until the standard May 15 date.

• The suspension of nonresident spring hunting for turkey and black bear will expire April 24. As in other circumstances, out-ofstate travelers must follow the governor’s 14-day quarantine directive.

• Hunter education class closures will extendthrough at least May 7. FWP is working to develop other class opportunities to meet the needs of students, and still align with social distancing guidelines and restrictions on the size of gatherings.

As those logistics are finalized, more information will be available.

I’m sure there will be updates by the time this is published so make sure you are checking the FWP’s website and their response to COVID-19, at fwp.mt.gov/covid19, before you make plans to go out.

Hopefully I see you all again at the Carp Safari in June. Make sure you’re checking the MBA website and Facebook page for updates regarding club events.

Montana Bowhunters… the original social distancers.

6

REGION

REGION

2

Michael Prater

REGION REGION

7

5

MICHAEL PRATER JESS WAGNER 020: In with a Lion… Out with Social Distancing? Let’s hope not.

Stephanie started off her year with a mountain lion taken with her bow. After a few times out not cutting a track, Mr. LePage and his fabulous hound dyad cut loose on a fresh track, one of the coolest experiences, to watch the dogs work. It’s always been incredible to watch dogs instinctively know what to do, having two labs ourselves that are glorified couch potatoes and garbage disposals in our home, but in the field somehow come alive with drive. Those hounds were no different, I was so impressed with Anne & Jack (a brand-new blue tick pup!) as they worked the tracks and treed the cat. One nerve-racking arrow later and it was truly a memory that will last forever.

COVID-19 has changed our late-winter/early spring time rituals in a way that has caused some disappointment, one of the biggest was the lack of “banquet season.” We love banquet season, not only supporting our fellow hunters and like-minded organizations but the comradery during those long winter months without a season is something we really look forward to. The hope of winning a new bow, or some great hunting gear has turned into the hope that a vaccine or treatment is developed and we can all get back to ‘normal.’ We have a bowhunting safari in Africa planned for later in the summer, so we anxiously await to hear if we get to go, as it’s been something we’ve been looking forward to since September last year.

We’ve heard the virus doesn’t like sunshine and fresh air so we get out as often as we can, shed hunting & hiking with the dogs, soon turkey and bear season, followed closely by fishing and bow fishing…and even some of those banquets that are rescheduled. “Social distancing” is something we’ve always enjoyed, but now we are realizing we miss sharing stories with good friends over a beer (sometimes even a Corona) after those adventures.

2020 has only begun, and we’re still hopeful of the good things to come- soon we all get to log into FWP and see what hunting season has to bring us all this fall. I guess 2020 is like calling in that big bull and missing, but knowing there is tomorrow and it might just give you the shot you’re looking for. Stay positive, but not COVID-19 positive.

Hey everyone,

I

am excited to be representing Region 4 and writing my first report for the magazine. I was looking forward to meeting many of you at the state banquet, but that will have to wait due to COVID-19. I’m sure the pandemic has altered the plans of most of you in some way. Several states have shut down spring hunting seasons, and others have even closed public lands to non-residents. I am still applying for out-of-state tags and hoping for the best. Hopefully everything will be somewhat back to normal by the time fall hunting seasons roll around. A lot of people that were planning on coming out west to hunt and recreate this year will be forced to change their plans. We are fortunate to live in a state where we have ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially during this time.

Social distancing is just another reason to get out and enjoy the outdoors!

I hope you all stay healthy, and I look forward to meeting you when the time comes. Good luck to everyone in the draws.

Jess Wagner

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

Jess Wagner

Michael Prater

Liberty Brown Summer 2020

9

REGIONAL REPORTS

REGION 5 REGION

REGION

1

6

REGION

1

REGION

8

2

REGION

3

REGION

REGION

4

REGION

REGION 7

REGION 6

2

7

REGION

5

Bob Morgan

Greetings All,

7

REGION

5

W

The initial drawing for tags has happened and I hope that everyone received what they were applying for. As we all know, there are only so many tags to go around and this was my year of not getting drawn. I have been very fortunate over the years to draw my 410 archery tag, but this year was a no go. This means that some “Mountain Hunting” is in the plans. I’m looking forward to exploring some new areas and expanding my hunting in this wonderful state we live in. There are a lot of states where that isn’t the situation due to lack of public ground. Thanks to so many great organizations like MBA, RMEF, etc. in Montana, that we have that privilege!

NICK SIEBRASSE

Montana

BOWHUNTER

RICK MILLER BOB MORGAN

I am excited to work with this fine crew of dedicated officers and board members to preserve and promote our important way of life, Bow Hunting!

Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns.

Your Brother of the Bow

Nick Siebrasse Havre Montana 406-390-0402 bowdude@mtintouch.net

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Rick Miller

C

ertainly, nice to be back on the MBA board after a lengthy hiatus. As many of you likely know, after being actively involved in an organization for a long period of time you can start to lose perspective and begin taking issues personally.

I had certainly fallen into that stage during my last run as a board member and now think I’ve cleared my mind enough to be more of a positive influence.

Please hold me to that commitment.

In my recent “Election Bios”, I mentioned some of the major concerns we have here in Region 7. I would list them in this priority: #1) Chronic Wasting Disease, #2) Herrera vs Wyoming – Crow tribe Supreme Court Ruling, #3) 2020 FWP elk & deer management strategies. All three have the potential of being major game changers for the public land hunter (be it bow or rifle).

Nick Siebrasse

Mailing Labels Show Your Membership Renewal Date

10

7

5

I

REMINDER:

Ken Schultz

REGION REGION

will be your representative for all things bow hunting in north central Montana. I am writing this one day before the Turkey opener which I am excited for and will be out there in the blizzard that is forecasted.

Good Luck to everyone on the next couple of rounds of tag drawings. May the tag drawing gods be with you!

Ken Schultz

8

3

I want to take a minute to thank our past President “Marlon Chapman” for an outstanding job over the past several years. He has put in a lot of time and effort into the MBA and deserves a great big Thank You! Our new President “Stephen LaPage” will do an outstanding job and I am looking forward to working with him this next year.

Can’t wait to see what he has instore!!!

Like always, “Shoot Straight and ALWAYS be a Straight Shooter”!

REGION

REGION

Hello from region 6,

hat a crazy year so far! Everyone is dealing with COVID-19 issues and the new tag process with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. I’ve spoken to employees of the MFW and they have shared to all to be patient. They are working through some kinks and are dealing with all kinds of headaches. They are working very hard to get tags out to everyone in a timely manner. I did ask Ken if we Schultz could laminate the tags once we receive them in the mail and they said absolutely! As a matter of fact, they recommend it to protect them.

4

2

REGION

6

REGION

REGION

8

3

JENN SCHNEIDER KEN SCHULTZ

1

REGION

REGION

REGION

REGION

4

REGION

REGION

6

REGION

A large portion of Region 7’s most “public” accessible ground is in the Ashland District Custer National Forest. HD 704 is a major portion of that area and has now been labelled as a “hot” CWD management zone. With that designation comes special requirement, including: cannot remove - a whole carcass, whole head, brain or spinal column from any deer or elk harvested. A successful hunter in this area can only remove: cut and wrapped meat that has been separated from the bone, quarters with no spine or head attached, hides with no head attached, skull plates that have no flesh or tissue (basically boiled clean). How is that for a 180-degree shift on being successful?

As if the harvest restrictions aren’t enough to discourage a hunter, add in a game management strategy that purposely reduces herd numbers to minimal levels and specifically targets older class bucks and bulls. Basically, a classic case of the treatment being as bad as the disease? Hard to believe, but all studies show that keeping populations low and removing those older more prolific males will help reduce the spread? Seems like a no-win either way, so why pursue a direction that results in the same outcome? Makes my head hurt thinking about it.

Once again, the public side of the fence will be feeling most of the impacts of this extreme management strategy. Private lands, in most

REGIONAL REPORTS

Mule deer rack I found years ago - Bob Morgan

cases, are the game concentration points that can be epicenters for the disease. Irrigated or pivot fed fields are magnets for deer and elk during early fall, with CWD exposure being prime during that time.

Unfortunately, most of the deer and elk licenses and permits in HD 704 will be used where there is access, and that puts nearly all the harvest on the Forest, State, or BLM lands. The public land overharvest in 2019 was so blatant that it even drew sincere criticism from the local foresters. When it is a big deal to those guys, we need to be paying attention.

Town deer just hangin’ around - Bob Morgan

N

ot a lot going on in my neck of the woods I found one an antler from a big buck that hangs around town but I’m still looking for the other. I’ve been doing a little wandering in the woods and found an old cabin that was interesting.

I’ve walked a lot down in Custer National Forest looking for elk sheds and haven’t seen one deer. Seems like lots of deer around on the ranches of course and they’re bunched up in early April. My friend Ryan Miller and I have been getting out and enjoying some early fishing around our area.

A new CWD cringe point that seems to be gaining some traction is expanding the wolf populations to theoretically aide in removing diseased animals.

We all know that wolves only prey on the old and weak, and that their presence helps restore natures intended balance – right?

I’d like to thank and welcome the new representatives to the MBA board.

Rich Lewallen did a nice job in the previous newsletter explaining CWD specifics. I am not sure if the MBA has a representative on the FWP CWD Citizen Advisory Panel, but if not, we need to get someone involved.

King James version 2nd Timothy 1:7 says: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” My wife’s favorite verse.

I will cover some of my thoughts on the Herrera ruling in the next newsletter. Hopefully, the board can discuss some of that concern at the next meeting.

For me, a Dall sheep hunt in August has me feeling like a kid waiting for Christmas. Hopefully, you have something special inspiring you as well!

Thank you, Lord, for the great outdoors you’ve given us and Lord keep us safe and watch over us in these times.

Let’s all get outside and enjoy the outdoors with our family and friends.

I’d love to talk to any of you 406-749-0706.

Bob Morgan

Bob Morgan

Rick Miller

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

Summer 2020

11

REGIONAL REPORTS

CLIFF GARNESS (NO REPORT) MANDY GARNESS (NO REPORT) JOHN GRIMSTAD RAY GROSS RICHARD LEWALLEN PAUL MARTIN STEPHANIE PRATER RICH SMITH (NO REPORT)

DirectorsAt Large

Public Lands

A

s I am lying here trying to recover from another back injury, I have been doing some reading on the history of our public land and how it got started and how it has continued throughout the years.

Everyone knows how Teddy Roosevelt was recognized as one of the founders of our public lands. But he is only one of many who fought hard to get our public lands and waters and also protect it. Most people think that Yellowstone National Park was the first public land, and it was the first National Park, but the Redwoods in California had a small section set aside for protection prior to Yellowstone Park. So, protecting land for future generations had started.

In 1871, funded primarily by the Northern Pacific Railway, an expedition led by geologist Hayden embarked on an exploration of the Yellowstone region collecting invaluable data about this special area. Upon his return and his 500-page report he called on the government to declare the region a public park. On March 1, 1872 President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park into existence. As Theodore Roosevelt explored the west, he was making a name for himself as a outdoorsman and wrote many books on his hunting and exploration trips to the west. Roosevelt didn’t feel conflicted as both a hunter and conservationist. He believed that all hunters should be advocates for animals and wild places. Roosevelt came to develop a deep reverence for the creatures, and a staunch belief that they were worthy of conservation. He wanted a different future for his decedents he stated “It is to be hoped that the days of mere wasteful, boastful slaughter are past, and that, from now on the hunter will stand foremost in working for the preservation and perpetuation of the wild life, whether big or little.” Roosevelt and George Grinnell founded the Boone and Crockett club. They built up the club’s membership with the most influential scientists, businessmen and leaders in the nation. It became one of the first and most effective conservation organization in the country.

The club was instrumental in getting the government to pass the forest reserve act of 1891, which is one of most important pieces of legislation in the history of our public lands. The creation of the first forest reserves led to substantial blowback from the extractive industries. Before these lands were put under protection, they had been either open for unregulated use, cheaply sold, or outrightly given to the industry interests. The timber industry was especially concerned with these reserves and accused president Cleveland of being a “traitor, fink, thimblerigger, Judas, blackleg, bamboozler, mountebank, stool pigeon and patsy”. This protected land was suspended until congressional hearings could be held. But despite western senators crying foul and extractive industry businessmen calling for Cleveland’s head.

Cleveland’s successor McKinley made the reserves official in 1898. During this time Roosevelt was making a name for himself as a conservationist and had become interested in politics. In 1898 Roosevelt became the governor of New York. As governor, he continued his conservation mission, and unnerved industry insiders. His political career took him to become the vice president under President McKinley.

The industry leaders thought this position would be menial and limit Roosevelt’s conservation agenda. However, with in a year President McKinley died and in 1901 Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th president.

In Roosevelts first year, thirteen new forests reserves were created across the America west, protecting more than fourteen million acres in perpetuity.

By the end of his first year the number of new national forests increased to twenty-nine. Roosevelt also began a wildlife crusade. He heard about the Florida’s pelican plight, so he created the very first federal bird reservation.

In subsequent years he continued to extend those protections to other areas and wildlife species, which is part of our National Wildlife Refuge system we know today. In 1905, during his annual address to Congress, Roosevelt laid out his plans to preserve even more land. He stated, “We owe it to the future generations to keep alive the noble and beautiful creature which by their presence add such distinctive character to the American Wilderness”.

12

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

John Grimstad In 1908, for the first time ever, federal dollars were used to procure land specifically for wildlife preservation. And the National Bison Range in Montana was created. Meanwhile, the president’s list of adversaries began to swell. The sweeping power of the Forest Reserve Act, which had given the president power to set aside public land in 1891, was despised by the timber and extractive industries. The business industry had almost reached an intolerable level for these protections of forest reserves. Pinchot, one of Roosevelts top advisers said “We had the power, as we had the duty, to protect the reserves and the use of the people, and that meant stepping on toes of the biggest interests in the west. From that time on, it was fight, fight, fight.” This is a fight that continues today, over 100 years later. Roosevelt was conscious of the debate around the public-land management, but he remained steadfast. “Of course, it cannot give any set of men exactly what they would choose. Undoubtedly the irrigator would often like to have less stock on his watersheds, while the stockman wants more. The lumberman would like to cut more timber, the settler and miner would often like him to cut less. The county authorities want to see more money coming in for schools and roads, while the lumberman and stockman object to the rise in the value of the timber and grass. But the interests of the people as a whole are, I repeat, safe in the hands of the Forest Service.

By keeping the public forests in public hands our forest policy substitutes the good of the whole people for the profits of the privileged few. With that result none will quarrel except the men who are losing the chance to personal profit at the public expense.” Eventually, opposition to the president turned to action and in 1907 Senator Fulton from Oregon slipped an amendment into a must-pass spending bill that aimed to halt the creation of the new forest reserves by executive proclamation in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Wyoming and gave that power to congress. In the week before losing their power, Roosevelt’s team declared sixteen million acres’ worth of new national forests, thirty-two new forests total. Roosevelts opposition went into a cataclysmic fit, inspiring more accusations of federal overreach and tyranny, and eventually led to a suit against the executive branch. This only fired up Roosevelt and he dug his heals in for a fight. Roosevelt may have lost his executive power to declare national forests, but he still had the Antiquities Act. So on January 11, 1908 he made a bold move declaring eight hundred thousand acres of northern Arizona protected as part of the Grand Canyon National Monument. This coming on the heels of a massive fight with congress, and amid a lawsuit against the executive branch. It outraged his usual opponents, but Roosevelt stood firm.

The lawsuit against the executive branch was decided in Roosevelt’s favor, a huge win but not the end of the war. His opponents were outraged and Henry Flagler, railroad magnate, said: “I have no command of the English language that enables me to express my feelings regarding Mr. Roosevelt. He is shit.” The push against Roosevelt and the smear campaign to try and ruin his political career failed on every count. Over Roosevelts final years in office, he continued to push for more public land. “The object is not to preserve the forests because they are beautiful, though that is good in itself, nor because they are refuges for the wild creatures of the wilderness, through that, too, is good in itself,” said Roosevelt. “But the primary object of our forest policy, as of the land policy if the United States, is the making of a prosperous home.”

He believed if wild places were left to industry it would strip America of its natural resources, and leave it a shell of a country, no longer self-sufficient and prosperous. Pinchot said, “The earth, I repeat, belongs of right to all its people and not to a minority, insignificant in numbers but tremendous in wealth and power.” Pinchot also thought that conservation should be defined

REGIONAL REPORTS

by managing natural resources to “provide the greatest good for the greatest number in the long run.” Roosevelt’s administration had created 5 national parks, 150 national forests, more than 50 wildlife refuges, and 18 national monuments-in total more than 230 million acres of newly protected lands.

All the while the anti-public-land forces tried to stop him.

Another President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) is another pro public land advocate. In a speech while touring Montana in 1934 he stated; “There is nothing so American as our national parks. The scenery and the wildlife are native. The fundamental idea behind the parks is native. It is, in brief, that the country belongs to the people, that it is in the process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us. The parks stand as the outward symbol of this great human principal.” He also stated the importance of protecting them. “We should remember that the development of our national park system over a period of many years has not been simple bed of roses,” he said. “As is the case of the long fight for the preservation of our national forests and waterpower and mineral deposits and other national possessions, it has been a long and fierce fight against many private interests which were intrenched in political and economic power. So, too, it has been a constant struggle to continue to protect the public interest, once it was saved from private exploitation at the hands of the selfish few.” FDR also supported the federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, more commonly

Ray Gross

known as the Pittman-Robertson Act. This act applied an excise tax on guns and ammunition (and eventually bows, arrows and more) used for hunting, and appropriated those funds to state wildlife agencies to aid, acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat, research into wildlife problems, as of 2017, $11 billion has been generated by this program. The most impactful conservation program ever initiated in the country.

There are many, and I mean many others who have fought the hard fight to procure and protect public land. Like; Bob Marshall, who died in his 30’s but was instrumental in getting some public land labeled as wilderness. And also, Aldo Leopold, who cofounded the Wilderness Society with Marshall.

Leopold had more influence in his writings than he probably did in person.

It amazes me reading through this information how some things have never changed. We are still fighting to keep public lands in the public hands from the self-serving individuals who want to profit from these lands. It has also evolved from the public land to the public animals on the land. If it weren’t for men in the past who were willing to fight for what was right for the many against the profit of the few, we wouldn’t be the great country we are today. And I for one am thankful for them and for the ones who have taken up the cause and are still fighting the good fight.

John Grimstad

T

he time to apply for elk and deer permits is closed and now the application period for antelope, moose, goat and sheep is open. Don’t forget to put in. Even after 57 seasons I still get excited. Living in Montana couldn’t get better for a bowhunter. There is the excitement about drawing an archery elk, or antelope permit or a moose, sheep or goat tag. And thanks to MBA for the archery only antelope hunt and the first week of big horn sheep archery only hunt. That’s why every Montana Bow Hunter should join MBA. I’m looking forward to fishing the Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers and hiking to mountain lakes soon.

I hope all of you and yours are safe in these scary times of the coronavirus.

Ray Gross

Mother Nature

C

oronavirus, a part of our natural world, has altered our lives because we have no natural immunity to it and no vaccinations to protect us against it. Slowing the spread of this virus by social distancing has altered our economy and way of life. We become aware that we are all penciled in on the schedule and that in spite of modern hospitals and equipment that can alter the course of this illness there is no guarantee of a cure or successful outcome. We are left with the same tools that were used in the Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918, social isolation and hand washing.

My wife recently talked to one of her friends who has a daughter in an internal medicine training program in New York City. There are fifteen resident Doctors in her training group and two of them have already passed away from Coronavirus.

In my lifespan, poliomyelitis was rampant in the early 1950’s to be essentially wiped off the face of the earth with a successful vaccine rolled out in the mid 1950’s. Antibiotics have been successful in eliminating many bacterial diseases such as Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and soft tissue infections.

However, the bacteria through genetic changes can become resistant. An example of this is Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Viral illness’s such as influenzas and Coronavirus require the development of vaccines to combat them effectively which requires time. Even then the virus is constantly changing which requires changing of the vaccine. It is further complicated by human’s choice of whether to get vaccinated or not.

In the late seventies in my senior year in medical school, I had the opportunity to spend three months in western Nepal at the most isolated mission

hospital in the world.

To get there required a four-day trip by train, bus, truck, and a forty-mile trek at the end. The experience was like traveling back in time 2,000 years.

The major diseases were tuberculosis and leprosy.

Childhood diarrhea and obstetrical complications were Richard Lewallen major killers of children and women. We had no electricity and no vaccines but were able to treat tuberculosis and leprosy with antibiotics. Appendicitis could be a death sentence with limited surgical resources. Returning to the United States and walking into one of our grocery stores was a culture shock.

Coronavirus is a reminder to all of us that we live in a natural world and we are penciled in on the schedule. Hopefully we will return to a time when our biggest problem will be whether or not we draw a Missouri Breaks elk tag.

Stay safe, wash your hands and see you on the other side of the pandemic.

Richard Lewallen Summer 2020

13

HEADER REPORTS REGIONAL

DirectorsAt Large

continued from page 13

T

he Montana Bowhunter Education Foundation Ltd. (MBEF) was created as a Montana non-profit 501 C3 corporation in 2011 by Montana bowhunters Paul Martin/President, Jeff Noble/VicePresident, and Diann Baier/Secretary/Treasurer. The MBEF was organized for the purpose of researching and preserving the history of bow hunting and archery in Montana. The invention and evolution of the bow and arrow is an intricate and important aspect of human history. It rivals the discovery of fire or the invention of the wheel in terms of human evolution and advancement of civilization. The equipment and its use was so important for human survival and military success that, for example, in 1457 King James II of Scotland outlawed the game of golf, stating that it took too much time away from practicing archery.

Montana has a rich history in the use and development of archery equipment, from the Paleoindians, (the ancient tribes that first inhabited the area with primitive weapons), to the modern stick, long, recurve, compound, and Olympic style bows.

The goal of the MBEF is to develop a museum and education center approx. 7,000 square feet, which would be a stronghold for the preservation and recognition of all past and present archery and bowhunting in Montana, to include all bowyers, archery shops, clubs, organizations, manufacturers, 3D shoots, and events. The organization is working to create a full facility property (now over 53 acres) in the Flathead Valley , which would not only be a museum, but which will accommodate; Bow Ed classes, a meeting place for archery and bowhunting organizations, banquets, conventions, rendezvous, seminars such as flint knapping, caping, game care, elk calling to predator calling and various youth organizations such as 4H, Boy Scouts, etc.. The full facility property allows for Bow Ed classes to include blood trailing, tree stand safety, ethical hunting practices such as arrow placement.

A 1,400 square foot pavilion which has already been utilized for club meetings, BBQ’s, birthday party, high school graduation and even a wedding.

The MBEF has field trips scheduled for this summer from Big Creek Youth Camp and surrounding schools, which is an Introduction to Archery. This program puts a bow in the hands of kids who may never have been exposed to archery. We think that this program will help initiate an interest in archery and convince more of our youth to attend the Bow Ed classes. We are hopeful that the current Covid-19 situation will have been resolved enough to allow for this program.

The board members of the MBEF are totally volunteer, every dollar we receive goes towards our goals of building the afore mentioned facility and supporting the continued interest and involvement in archery and bowhunting. We would like to remind people that are going to purchase the Montana Bowhunter license plate, that you get the old format (which is brighter) for a short time the DOJ produced a faded out version, if you have one of those plates you can request that they replace it with the original format. The plates are also available for your RV’s and also in permanent forms. The directors of the MBEF would like to thank all the supporters and volunteers who have helped and continue to support the organizations goal of creating this state facility.

Paul Martin

>>>>------------>

The MBEF property is designated archery only by its board of directors.

Some of our accomplishments include sponsoring the Montana Bowhunter license plate, (pictured at top of page), purchasing over 53 acres for the facility which to this date is more than half payed for, with the possible expansion of the property, (as a long term goal) which would increase youth hunt opportunity along with all other archery events, building and erecting two elevated blinds which are not only utilized for 3D shoots but also for the two youth hunts (one boy, one girl), that the MBEF provides each year.

MBEF Property Arrow Entry Way

Elevated blind at the MBEF Property

MBEF Pavilion

MBEF Plate

14

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

BLAST FROM THE PAST

A COVID Christmas Morning

W

ell, April usually isn’t the month people “dub” as Christmas, or even really a time of joy... though turkey & bear opens up, its often still a bit gloomy with snow still falling, maybe some rain and overcast days and of course TAXES. We Montanan’s really start looking forward to a little nicer weather, some sunshine, maybe a rod or a bow in hand... breathing the fresh April air with a sense of renewal. But Mother Nature had a different idea this past month- to completely change life as we know it, and so began the “CWD of Humans”... COVID-19.

I work at a hospital so by April 14th, we were already face first into preparing for positive cases in our county. Then there was the stay-at-home order, (which luckily allowed for outdoors recreation), and social distancing - both of which my husband and I pride ourselves on already being Champions of the sort. I was already experiencing a Corona hangover, though, and sadly not from indulging in too much chips, salsa and beer. So that morning, searching for a distraction from the pandemic, I decided to check MYFWP and look over the tags I applied for with the hope of child on Christmas morning... and to my surprise, it said “Drawing is in Process.” Now this can’t be.... FWP said the week of April 22?

I could feel the excitement stew inside of me, as suddenly, visions of bugling bulls and big wide muleys began dancing in my head. I checked back all afternoon. It’s like the beautifully wrapped present from Santa under your tree, that you shake 6 times...feeling lucky that ALL THOSE POINTS finally got me the chance to hunt a lifetime tag.

And finally, the moment came and I got to “unwrap” that shiny present, with the huge bow... To: Stephanie - With Love: Montana FWP. I logged in and staring me straight in the face was general tags. UNSUCCESSFUL. Like Ralphie unboxing the pink bunny suit, or getting tube socks from your grandma. Ho. Ho. Ho. Apparently, I was on the naughty list.

There’s always the big 3 (fingers crossed) ...and of course next year. Happy Hunting to all and to all a Good Night!

Stephanie Prater

Blast from the Past Summer of 1973 The other day I got a call from a member Bob McKay, that joined in 1973. While cleaning out some shelves Bob came across the fist Newsletters, he received from the MBA. He asked if I might be interested in them and of course I was and made arrangements to pick them up.

Bob Savage from Bozeman was the first President and Gene Wensel was the Sec-Treas. and wrote the newsletters. As we all know the MBA was started to promote Bowhunting in Montana, and secure seasons and HDs to hunt on. In these early news letters with few members across the state, it was their focus to grow the membership. After all bowhunting was a growing activity with nearly 6000 bow stamps sold in 1972. It was encouraged for each member to invite their bowhunting friends to join the ranks of the MBA. (sound familiar) The cost of a membership was $5.00, and $8.00 for the family.

With the organization being young and new, a lot of the conversation was on big game harvested among the members. There was a lot written on some of the quality of the critters that our members had registered in the P&Y record books, even several world records. Pat Wolf (Melvin K. Wolf) from Kalispell who held the current world record for Mountain Caribou, harvested in 1970 with a score of 390 1/8 and Ray Alt from Harden held the world record for Bighorn Sheep harvested in Montana in 1968 with a score of 176 3/8. It was the only Bighorn Sheep ever entered in the record book taken in Montana.

(I bring these two hunts up because we just had another past MBA member Rosy Roseland who recently harvested a new world record Mountain Goat from Alaska where he now resides.)

The MBA presented Governor Tom Judge with a custom-made personalized Wing Thunderbird recurve bow.

Here’s a name from the past that might be of interest, Richard J. Conklin. He was the attorney that represented the MBA in drawing up the articles of incorporation.

January 1974 Montana sold 9300 bowhunting stamps in 1973. The MBA was trying to get a broadhead law passed to keep only razor sharp broadheads.

This proposal didn’t have much support and there was also a push for a draw weight law, which also didn’t get very far because of women and children.

One of the big issues for the bowhunters was the wearing of fluorescent orange during Archery season. The MBA was able to help change that to allow bowhunters to be exempt during the archery only season and secured archery only HDs. Another issue on the table was the arrow tipped Pod. The MBA pushed very hard in keeping the Pod out of Bowhunting seasons here in Montana. It was our first mass mailing to the Commission against the Pod. We were all encouraged to write hard copy letters to the FWP. (actually, wrote on paper and sent them in the mail) The results from the first survey were published and here are some the interesting facts.

• The average age of MT. Bowhunters was 34.

• The average bow weight was 56lbs.

• The harvest average was 9 ½ kills with 16 days afield with their bows.

• The most popular broadhead was the Bear Razor head and second was the Zwicky Black Diamond.

Summer 2020

15

2020 MBA AWARDS

Awards

Stephanie Prater 2020

BOWHUNTER OF THE YEAR AWARD In Recognition of Outstanding Hunting Success

Stephanie personifies a true bowhunter. Her dedication to preseason scouting and practice is to be commended and the fact that she continues to pursue game with archery equipment even during the rifle season shows a love of bowhunting. In addition to this, I feel as if I should be nominating Stephanie for a service award, as she on the boards for multiple outdoor and archery related clubs. I have even noticed that she has run and been voted in for a board position here at the MBA. This bowhunter has all the right stuff: the majority of her hunts are public land; do-it-yourself hunts and she does not know the meaning of the word quit. I have been fortunate enough to spend some time bowhunting with Stephanie and I can personally tell you that she is a pleasure to be around and I can confidently state that I would share a campfire with her anytime.

16

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Stephanie had a terrific bowhunting season: 1. Small game and carp.

2. A spot and stalk, Pope and Young, pronghorn.

3. A spot and stalk mule deer.

4. And a mountain lion.

We are pleased to award Stephanie Prater for the MBA Bowhunter of the Year.

2020 MBA AWARDS

Teri Kelly 2020

RICHARD CONKLIN AWARD In Recognition for outstanding work or accomplishment in the field of service to the Montana Bowhunters Association and the sport of bowhunting.

Rosey Roseland 2020

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS AWARD In Recognition of your dedication and commitmentto the promotion of bowhunting in Montana

This year’s nomination and winner of the Conklin Award has donated an enormous amount of time and effort into the MBA for many years. The fine quarterly newsletter we all enjoy is the embodiment of her hard work. It’s not easy to collect, edit, and put together material from a bunch of volunteers every few months, and make it come out looking and sounding as well as she does.

On top of her newsletter work she also is our photographer at convention and carp safari as well as running her regional games.

For all the hats she wears Teri Kelly is this year’s Richard Conklin Award recipient.

For many years Rosey Roseland was a very active and memorable member of the MBA. Although no longer a resident of MT, Rosey left a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to meet him or hunt with him.

Ten years ago, he and his wife moved to Alaska where they could live out the remainder of their days on their own terms.

This past fall Rosey was lucky enough to draw a mountain goat tag near his home and managed to take a huge billy that The Pope and Young Club has verified will be crowned the new world record in Reno at the 2021 convention.

Kevin Robinson

“High Mountain Home” 2020 MBA LITERARY AWARD In Recognition of Literary Contribution to the Montana Bowhunters Association Magazine

This year’s winner of the MBA Literary Award goes to Kevin Robinson for his story “High Mountain Home” published in the MBA Fall 2019 issue. Thank you, Kevin, for a great story!

Summer 2020

17

MEMBER STORY

Buck Recovery with the Canoe

by Marlon Clapham

We hunt mostly public lands along the Bitterroot River.

I have spent 50 years hunting along this river and have only lost one deer to the river current washing it down stream. Every once in awhile a hunt takes place that has unexpected turn of events. This peculiar hunt we were on State Land by a fishing access. We have had very limited success there and a lot of folks walk their dogs and ride horses on the public trails through the area, sometimes right under our stands. The only time we hunt this spot is during the rut, as the bucks are just moving through the area on a north to south route, back and forth looking for does in surrounding areas. As our adventure started it had been raining for the last several days but was predicted to clear early that morning.

By 8:05am a nice buck had come out of the slough and gone by Merri.

She shot and thought she hit the buck low in the front shoulder. The arrow broke off flipping through the air on the first jump he made heading north.

Merri texted me that she had hit a deer after giving the deer a little time, we found the arrow quickly but the blood trail was sparse at best.

We waited an hour and then took up the trail. It was slow going at first with little sign, but then it crossed the hiking trail into the brush and the sign picked up with the buck zig zagging back and forth through the willow brush heading to the east. He then crossed the creek that was to deep for us to follow. We had to head home to get our waders so after another hour we got across the creek and after some intensive searching found the blood trail again. Following the trail, it appeared that the buck had made circles in the willows then lined out toward the river. We followed it through two more willow thickets and sand bars when the trail dried up. We were doing the grid thing back and forth when Merri kicked him out of his bed. He ran in front of me but I couldn’t get a shot as he was too far out. Merri came in behind me and we decided to dog him to get the blood flowing. It worked, as the blood trail was picking up.

Merri got into a position where she could get a second shot at the buck but as she was drawing her bow for a shot, the buck caught my movement and jumped from his bed and into the river. As he was swimming down and across the river, I had a close shot but was afraid he would be lost in the current and float down stream where we would lose him. Instead, I threw sticks at him so he would swim straight across the river. It worked and when he reached the other side, he struggled to keep his feet and fell back into the water. Every time he tried to get back to his feet, we could tell he was getting weaker.

We watched the buck for a few minutes and felt that he was going to stay there on the beach. We tried to call our friend Joe to see if he could come down with his drift boat to help recover the deer, but he was sick in bed and could not make the trip. So, I headed home to get our canoe to get across the river to retrieve the buck. Merri stayed with the deer to make sure if he got up, she could watch to see where he entered the trees along the far bank and make sure a floating fisherman didn’t pick it up and float away.

18

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Merri’s buck is a clean 5x5 around 125 P&Y points.

He had a very dark cape was one of the blackest whitetail capes the taxidermist or I had ever seen.

2020 MBA RAFFLE

While I was in route to pick up the canoe Merri sent me a text that the buck tried to swim back across the river but made only a short distance and turned back around and was still on the far side where he finally expired in the river behind a root ball in the water.

When I got back with the canoe I had to put in where the backwater cut across the fishing access and float to the first river channel where Merri was waiting for me. All I took with me was a rope and a knife and a waterproof flashlight. I headed for the buck and Merri stayed on the river bank. I had to cross three river channels behind the log jams. When I got across the third channel, I pulled the canoe out of the river and had to pull it across the island four hundred yards through ditches, over down trees and across gravel bars just to get to the fourth river channel. There I floated the main river to the eastside and up into a small backwater and hand lined the canoe up stream for several hundred yards to the root ball and the buck.

Once there I field dressed the deer and tried to load it in the boat. No easy task alone. I finally got the hindquarters in and then could maneuver the front half in and tied him in. Meanwhile Merri found a channel under a tree sweeper by the first channel where I could maneuver the canoe under the branches and cut a hard left in front of the log jam down this small channel. The current was really pulling me toward the log jam when I got a good paddle full and pulled the boat out of the current and into the little canal. There I had another log sweeper where I had to get out of the boat to go under it and around the end. Merri thought that she would cross the channel to help me get by the logs and as she got three quarters across, she slipped on the slick bottom and fell in on her hands and knees, bow and all. She got up with a squeal and promptly slipped again and down she went. Laughing, she finally gained her feet and got out of the water. I got the boat downstream to her and she pulled her waders off, full of water and loaded her in the boat on top of the deer. We then crossed the final channel and had to make another hard-left hand turn to cut up the backwater where I had come down earlier. Now all we had to do was paddle back up stream for a half mile to the boat launch to the pickup.

We finally got to the truck and it was 5:15pm with only a few minutes of light left. I had to get my camera out of my pack because Merri’s was in her wet coat with her phone and was soaking wet from the fall in the stream. By the time we got pictures it was full dark and we still had to load the boat and the deer. All the while it never really stopped raining.

Merri’s buck is a clean 5x5 around 125 P&Y points. He had a very dark cape was one of the blackest whitetail capes the taxidermist or I had ever seen.

When we got home, we hung the deer up to skin it and found the damage the broadhead did to the shoulder. If we would not have pushed this deer, I feel that it would have survived the wound.

The shot was low in front of the shoulder through the lower brisket and never touched the lungs.

The arrow lodged in the right shoulder front muscle and by pushing him it cut from the bottom to the top severing the entire mussel from the bone. She was shooting the 125 grain Muzzy 4 blade Stinger; it really did the job.

This story didn’t have much to do with the actual hunt, but the real adventure was all in the recovery. I have always wanted to hunt using our canoe, and now after forty years at least we got to recover a fine buck for Merri. She took pictures of the whole day while I was crossing the river where I was visible to her, and bringing the buck back across and down the channels. Fortunately, Merri was able to pull out the SD card and save all the pictures she took even after going in the drink with the camera and phone. After drying out them out, both of them booted up and worked just fine.

RAFFLE INFORMATION There are 8 separate general Raffles that folks may purchase chances for. You would have received an opportunity to purchase tickets with the mailing of Ballots for new Board Member elections prior to the scheduled convention. If you do not have access to those, the raffle selection can also be printed from the MBA website under https://mtba.org under Convention and then Raffle Items.

You may purchase either 1 ticket per raffle, or up to 6 tickets for a discounted price.

You may buy tickets for multiple raffles as well as many tickets as you would like on any individual raffle.

These are package raffles, not individual item raffles. If you win a particular raffle, you will receive everything listed in package.

There are 5 individual raffles for Bows.

You may purchase either 1 ticket per raffle, or up to 6 tickets for a discounted price.

Drawings for raffles will take place during the weekend of the Carp Safari on June 13th, 2020.

Raffle ticket order forms will be accepted up until June 6th, 2020 by mail Raffle tickets can be purchased at Carp Safari on June 13, 2020

u “Live Auction items” Find information and bid on these auctions online at https://mtba.org • Hand Hammered Copper Bowl – Mountain Copper Creations, Jim Clapham • Head Table Vortex Optic Package • SkyBlade Knife – Skyblade Knives • 6- Day Saskatchewan Bear Hunt – Kutawagan • Matalbas Hunt • 7 Day, 2 Person South African Safari – Numzaan Safaris • Allen Jimmerson Print “Crossing Big River”

Summer 2020

19

AUCTION AND RAFFLE ITEMS

Keep uptodate on AUCTION AND RAFFLE information at www.mtba.org

KUTAWAGAN OUTFITTERS CHOICELAND, SASKATCHEWAN WWW.KUTAWAGAN.COM Donation for the Following: - 6-day hunt (value of $3,000) for 2020 season, Successful kill fee of $600, not included in donation - Non-Hunters welcome for an additional $800 - Travel to/from Choiceland, Saskatchewan not included - Bear tag not included (approximately $315)

Hand Hammered Copper Bowl, Mountain Copper Smith Creations -Jim Clapham

Base Hunt/General Information: - Hunts start on Monday afternoon and end Saturday evening - Plan to arrive at Bearpaw Lodge by 2pm on Monday, so your prepared for the evening hunt - Spring Season runs from early May to mid-June - We supply comfortable accommodations, excellent meals, professional guiding which includes trophy and meat handling - We carefully prepare each hide for a safe trip home - Our hunting area is 192,0000 acres (300 square miles) of prime Saskatchewan forest habitat - Archery and rifle shooting ranges available at the lodge - The lodge is located 15 minutes from the nearest stand.

- If travelling with a firearm, be sure to download and complete a non-resident firearms declaration - If driving, it is advised that you also visit the US Customs to record your weapon before crossing into Canada - All Stands are monitored with Trail Cams.

- Excellent mix of color bears can be observed from Blond and Cinnamon to Red and Jet Black - Bear sighting on a normal evening is 2-3 bears a crazy evening may be 10-14 bears.

- Hunting is in ladder stands over carefully chosen bait locations - Tobin lake is 25 minutes away if you wish to go fishing on your own.

Elk Horn Table by Fantastic Funds in Hamilton

20

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Burris Signature HD 10Ă—42 Binoculars - Defense Raffle

SkyBlade Knife – Skyblade Knives

Rhinehart Woodland Buck Target - Youth Raffle

Doringveld Boerdery (Pty) Ltd t/a

Reg. no: 97/15336/07

Matlabas Game Hunters

Avondale 341LQ & Goedgedacht 343LQ District Lephalale PO Box 1559 Ellisras, 0555 South Africa

Phone: (014) 779-0969 Email: info@matlabas.co.za Web: www.matlabas.co.za

AUCTION AND RAFFLE ITEMS

2020 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 2020 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 for each of the hunters: one Blue Wildebeest plus one of the following: Warthog or Impala (per species). 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 person each way. All Value Added Taxes are included in the rates, except Value Added Tax (15%) 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 John Beyer, Jeff Nicholls, Dr. Amy & Stephen LePage, Roger & Pat Allick, Jason Catron, Steven Biere, Matt Slyder.

Additional species that may be hunted include Limpopo bushbuck, bush duiker, Cape eland, gemsbok, kudu, nyala, red hartebeest, plains zebra, 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 additional unlimited monkeys and baboons, for free, provided not more than one of each are to be exported. Sable, tsessebe, roan, common reedbuck and buffalo may also be available on other concessions.

Montana Canvas Spike Tent 12’x12’x4’ White Relite Tent Package

Montana Bowhunters 2020 12’x12’ Relite tent treated polyester Montana Canvas aluminum frame Front zippered screen door with storm flap

3 Zippered screened windows Rain fly Includes Rope, Rope tensioners, Stakes, Tent bag

MSRP $1599.99 Directors: W.P. Frost ; L.A. Frost ; P.A. Frost

h Africa

ckel.

RAFFLE ITEMS

Staff.

World taxidermy champion Jeff Lumsden of Still Life pleased to offer up to $500. in credit per hunter towards th mounts. LumsdenStudio@gmail.com 425-353-9884

me Species.

2020/2021 Numzaan Safari Hunt

This hunt is for Two Rifle/Muzzleloader/Bow hunters and will take place in South Africa in the Limpopo Province. The hunt can take place on available dates in 2019 or 2020. The concession is about three hours north of Johannesburg International Airport. This donation includes: (see below left).

Included Hunt Items:

• • • • • • • • •

This is Seven(7) hunting days for Two(2) Hunters in South Africa Hunt includes two(2) Impala and one(1) Black Backed Jackal.

One(1) Professional Hunter(PH), Hunt Vehicle, & Support Staff.

Upgrade Options: Additional Hunters, Days, Guides & Game Species.

Trophy prep-skinning and salting of capes and hides.

ALL food and beverages including wine.

Full accommodations with..

Real Beds, Hot Showers, Flush Toilets, Daily Laundry Service.

A Stop at the flea market on day of departure.

Items NOT included:

• • • • • •

Airfare To and From Africa The day fees for day of arrival and day of departure.

Shipping of trophies to the United States.

Dip and Pack and documentation of trophies.

Taxidermy fees of trophies.

A $1000 deposit to hold your selected dates. Deposit can be applied to additional animals or days or can be refunded at the conclusion of your safari.

Other activities can be added to your trip such as shopping, a trip to the National Park, a day at the bush spa, or perhaps a trip to Sun City resort. etc.

Monarch Taxidermy Inc.

Note: You may add on additional days or upgrade to one PH per hunter at your discretion. Additional hunter and observers are welcome at published rates. Other animals may be taken by adding on the appropriate hunting days and trophy fees.. The rate and trophy fees will coincide with the year the hunt takes place. This donation cannot be combined with any other safari donation. Terms and Conditions noted on the website... www.Numzaam.com

Donation# JLNZ/JC/01/19

Donation Value: $7244 for 7 Days, $9659.50 for 10 Days

LOOK

nt! is hu h t New

Monarch Taxidermy Inc.

Summer 2020

21

2020 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, 2020 C A N YO N F E R RY L A K E , H E L E N A M T 

Bowhunting only - everyone welcome!!



Help Carp Management in Canyon Ferry Lake



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



Send in Registration form by June 8



Evening meal included in registration fee

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 ow s - Carp Safa ri w ill run Sa tur da y f rom sun ris e un ti l 5 p .m.

Individual shooter - preregistered Individual shooter - day of shoot 2-person team - preregistered 2-person team - day of shoot Shooter - under 15 Non - shooter meal ticket

$ 20.00 $ 25.00 $ 40.00 $ 50.00 $ 10.00 $ 6.00

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

(don’t worry, it’s not carp) 

Contact Joelle Selk to reserve a campsite in the group use area or log on to www.recreation.gov to reserve in the other loops at Hellgate Campground

 

6963 York Road Helena, MT 59602 (Make checks out to MBA)  Need mor e f or ms o r info?

jselkm t@g ma il.c om Phone#: 406 - 4 2 2 -67 98

P R E R E G I S T R A T IO N FO RM C a n y o n Fe r r y C a r p S a fa r i J u n e 1 3 , 2 0 2 0 I n d i v i d u a l Sh o o t e r s $20.00 x ______ = Shooters under 15 $10.00 x ______ = M e a l t i c k e t -n o n - s h o o t e r $6.00 x _______ = 2-person team $40.00 x _______ = Total>> $_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Make checks out to MBA and mail to: Joelle Selk– MBA 6963 York Road Helena MT 59602

22

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

How to g e t pr e r eg is ter ed:

Mail at t ach ed form b y J u n e 8 , 2 0 2 0 Mail p ayme nt t o: J o e l l e S e l k

Canyon Ferry Lake, Helena $__________ $__________ $__________ $__________

List names of individuals, team members, phone #, and emails: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

CONTACT NUMBERS

Fish & Wildlife Commission Members

District 1

District 2

Tim Aldrich, Commissioner

District 3

Pat Byorth, Commissionerr

3340 Rodeo Road Missoula, MT 59803 Phone: (406) 241-7164 Term: January 1, 2021

fwpwld@mt.gov

Richard Stuker, Vice-Chairman 1155 Boldt Road Chinook, MT 59523 Phone: (406) 357-3495 Term: January 1, 2021

2360 Whitetail Road Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone: (406) 548-4830

District 4

District 5

Logan Brower, Commissioner

Shane Colton, Commissioner

P.O. Box 325 Scobey, MT 59263 Phone: (406) 230-2188 Term: January 1, 2019

335 Clark Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 259-9986 Term: January 1, 2021

BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS

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

Active as of April 2020 Buffalo Jump Archery

Judy Adams

P.O. Box 5581

Helena

MT

59604

406-539-3936

Crown Photography www.mtcrownphoto.com

Mike and Lucinda Layne

PO Box 9936

Kalispell

MT

59904

406-752-6116

Elk Creek Family Outfitters

David Hein

1021 Toole Circle

Billings

MT

59105

406-670-4366

Hammer-em Outfitting

P.O. Box 472

Stanford

MT

59479

406-366-5042

Hurst Bows

Coltin Hurst

3368 MT - 5 W

Plentywood

MT

59254

406-765-7580

Kutawagan Outfitters/ Bearpaw Lodge

Jeff and Annette Smith

Box 70

Choiceland

SK

S0J 0M0

306-428-2032

Libby Archery Club

P.O. Box 755

Libby

MT

59923

406-293-7174

Libby Sports Center

204 W 9th ST

Libby

MT

59923

406-293-4641

Matablas Game Hunters

Willem Frost

PO Box 1559

Lephalale

0555

27116794664

Moody’s Dirty Laundry

Jay Moody

221 W 9th St

Libby

MT

59923

406-291-1609

Mountain Copper Creations

Jim Clapham

4085 Old Marhsall Grade Rd

East Missoula

MT

59802

406-880-9411

Northwest Motorsports

Tom Gilmore

2318 Granite Creek Rd

Libby

MT

59923

406-293-3131

Pronghorn Custom Bows

Herb Meland

2491 W 42nd St

Casper

WY

82604

307-234-1824

Schafer Silvertip Recurve

Dave Windauer

357 Roberts Rd

Columbia Falls

MT

59912

406- 892-0580

Toelke Custom Bows

Dan & Jared Toelke

31345 Lost Creek Ln

Ronan

MT

59864

406-676-5150

UDAP Industries

Mark Matheny

1703 Waterline Rd

Butte

MT

59701

406-581-4856

Yellowstone Longbow

Rich Wormington

280 HWY 4A-E

Lovell

WY

82431

307-548-6292

Zinks Big Sky Archery Targets

Terry L & Dylan Zink

PO Box 1272

Marion

MT

59925

406-253-4670

James Brown

PO Box 96

Richey

MT

59259

406-773-5509

Limpopo

Summer 2020

23

HEADER

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

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP One Year $25.00 Three Years $67.00 Life $500.00

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP One Year $30.00 Three Years $85.00 Life $750.00

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (Under 18) One Year

Quarterly magazine keeping you informed on local, state, and national bowhunting issues, bowhunter education, events, and great hunting stories

$5.00

CLUB MEMBERSHIP One Year $45.00 Three Years $120.00

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP One Year $45.00 Three Years $120.00

OVERSEAS MEMBERSHIP

Add $10.00 a year to membership choice for added mailing costs

Join Today!

Memberships run January 1 to December 31 each year.

Visit the MBA website at: www.mtba.org

YES! I Wish to join the MBA. Enclosed is my check, money order or credit card for membership checked below!

SEND TO: MBA, PO BOX 426, HELENA MT 59624 • PH. # 406-404-6168

Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street: _________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: ________ Zip:___________ Email: ______________________________ Date: ____________________ Telephone: (_____) _________________________ INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP* o One Year $25.00 o Three Years $67.00 o Life $500.00

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP* o One Year $30.00 o Three Years $85.00 o Life $750.00

CLUB MEMBERSHIP* o One Year $45.00 o Three Years $120.00

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP* o One Year $45.00 o Three Years $120.00

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (Under18) o One Year $5.00

OVERSEAS MEMBERSHIP* Add $10.00 a year to membership for added mailing costs

MBA HATS o $15.00 each + $5.00 postage MBA Patches* o $2.50 each please send______patches DONATIONS o $_________________

PAYMENT TYPE o Check

o Money Order

o Credit Card - o VISA

o MASTERCARD

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ______________

Credit Card #______________________________ Exp. Date_________ Signature_______________________________________ This is a give membership from________________________________________________________________________________

24

M ontana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

1

ALISHA ZEMLIKA 2019 Bull

4

7

KARA KOELZER Hoyt Carbon Spyder VPA Broadhead

Oldie but goodie - lion that MARLON CLAPHAM and his hunting partner shot in September 1972, it was the first bow kill for both of them

10

LUCAS ZEMLICKA 2019 Antelope

2

5

8

11

BARRETT HAUGAN Bear

3

LUCAS ZEMLICKA 2019 Mule Deer

SHAWN, CALBRIA AND CADE BRIGGS with a nice Tom

6

ALISHA ZEMLIKA 2019 Mule Deer

MARLON CLAPHAM and a nice Pope and Young Bear from 2001

9

12

PAUL MARTIN 2019 Buck

MIKE SHEPARD

MARK SCHWOMEYER with a nice Tom

Summer 2020

25

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.

Photos by Denver Bryan / Images on the Wildside

•

What can you do for bowhunting in Montana?

Join the MBA at www.mtba.org to preserve, promote and protect bowhunting.

Spring 2015

26