REGIONAL REPORTS-CONTINUED
DirectorsAt Large
continued from page 9
A
t the start of September, I couldn’t help but feel remorse for my decision to roll the dice. This year has been so full of pressure and stress, I really wanted to be the hunter, I wanted to notch those tags. I was resentful and even a little bitter that my season was reduced to hiking in and out, more or less an observer. As each day in the field passed, something within me happened, and slowly started changing like the leaves on the aspen trees as each passing day gets shorter. I noticed the grass moving in the wind, and the movement of the antelope herds as they trotted past. The stars, moon, clouds and endless sky and the silhouettes of the trees framing it. The sounds- birds, bugles, even the silence. The smell of sage and juniper, the marshlands and pine sap, and of course elk. Without the weight of those tags in my pocket, I reconnected better than ever with the reasons why we hunt, especially bow hunt. It isn’t about the kill, it’s the experiences afield. I’ve had more close encounters with wildlife this season - not trying. On one of the last days of September, I laid down in the tall grass on a hillside, watching my husband stalk a bedded bull in the willows below through my binoculars. The full moon hung softly in the dusty blue and pink sky in the west and the golden sunlight had just begun to pour out over the land in the east. I could see another bull walking my way and feeding up the draw I was laying in. As he got closer, I could hear his breath, calm and steady, the grass being pulled from the ground, his teeth grinding as he chewed, the rocks and dirt slipping beneath his hooves. I could smell him, that familiar musky odor. I watched his dark chocolate antlers crest the hill only 5 yards from me. His heavy antlers were broken on one side, a beautiful 5 point on the other. He moved slowly past me undisturbed, never knowing I was there, and at about 15 yards, stopped broadside, slightly quartering away, opening up that perfect shot placement we all wish for. He looked over the valley away from me, this is when I would pick up my bow, the perfect time to draw… and then he looked slowly my way, then forward. He then walked slowly across the open yellow prairie grass, and faded into the distance, like the magic month of September transitions into October. It was one of the most peaceful experiences I had ever had as a hunter. For in that moment, I was thankful my bow was in the truck, and I was Tagless in September.
Stephanie Prater
I
think we would all agree that this has been a year like none that we have ever experienced in our lifetimes. The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in one way or another, including MBA starting with the cancellation of our annual spring convention. Even so, since the onset of the pandemic the board has endeavored to continue addressing issues of concern to Montana bowhunters. As I’m certain you’ll read elsewhere in this issue, Region 5 board member Ken Schultz stepped up to the plate and decided to try organizing a summer archery shoot in the Billings area. This shoot was a success despite being put together on relatively short notice. Not only was MBA able to get some much-needed publicity here in Billings, but we were able to recruit a few new members as well. Ken deserves, and earned, a big tip of the hat for all his hard work in organizing this event. Special thanks are also due to Blue Creek Shooting Range, which hosted the event, and to Cabela’s which donated prizes. Given all the upheaval that 2020 has wrought, I am certain that every one of you were eagerly looking forward to the fall archery season even more so than in years past. I know was...right up until I decided to do something stupid which resulted in a shoulder injury that prevents me from shooting my bow for a while. But I’m already looking forward to next year. I hope each of you had success in your fall hunts and found some respite from some of devastation we have have witnessed in recent months. A new year is coming. Let’s hope for the best.
Rich Smith 10
Montana
BOWHUNTER
WWW.MTBA.ORG
Blast from
the Past
For this lookback were going to 1980. Lee Poole was our President. The MBA was in the process of making some major changes in our structure. There was a need to get more area reps on the ground. So, co-reps were added to help gather information and help with the area meetings to take information to the Board. This way more input was gathered from across the state for each area’s need or concerns. On the tentative front there was a big push for the early rifle bugle season for bulls during Archery season. Three of the five commissioners were on board with the proposal. There also was a proposal for an either-or season. Choose your weapon gun or bow. So, we had our work cut out come tentative session. At the April General Membership meeting it was proposed to raise the general membership fees from $5.00 to $10.00 and a family membership was going to $13.00. This passed 128 to 37. The price for the Banquet ticket at the next convention will be $13.00. For the banquet there was going to be a Big Game Awards, a trophy competition. It was going to be a way to get more heads for display at the convention. Checking into the by-laws of the MBA one of main points in them was that the MBA would not sponsor any kind of competition, so the idea was scraped. It’s the middle of hunting season as I draft this, so I’m keeping it short. Hope you enjoyed this from the past.
Marlon Clapham
