Vol. 49 #2 Winter 2021 Issue by Montana Bowhunter's Association

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

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

DIRECTORS AT LARGE REGIONAL REPS OFFICERS

Regional News!

I Love To Hunt!

MBA

Regional Representatives Region 1

Al Kelly

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

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

Paul Kemper

275 Vigilante Trl. Bozeman, MT 59718 .......................406-581-7216 mbareg3@gmail.com 303 S Yellowstone Ave., Bozeman, MT 59718...............814-490-3653 p.kemper.54@gmail.com

Region 4

Michael Prater

Jess Wagner

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

Region 5

Ben Buller

Ken Schultz

201 Big Sky Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 .....................406-939-3458

4143 King Ave East, Billings, MT 59101 ......................406-672-5616 302 Wyoming Ave., Billings, MT. 59101 ......................406-598-8550

Tristan Manuel

48538 Anderson Rd, Havre, MT 59501 ...................... 406-399-5114 4996 Bullhook Rd., Havre, MT 59501............................406-390-0402 bowdude@mtintouch.net

Region 7

Rick Miller

Bob Morgan

PO Box 2336 Colstrip, MT 59323...................................406-749-0292 P.O. Box 1995, Colstrip, MT 59323...............................406-749-0706

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 - mthuntress406@gmail.com............... 406-461-6949

ODD YEARS

355 Antelope Drive, Dillon, MT 59725 – raygross0144@gmail.com...........406-660-1019 351 7th Ave East N., Columbia Falls, MT 59912...........................................406-250-9806 – michaelshepard7@gmail.com

TJ Smith

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 PAST PRESIDENT

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

grrizzz@q.com robertredface@gmail.com

Ray Gross Mike Shepard

PRESIDENT

Stephen LePage

tristan.manuel@gmail.com

Nick Siebrasse

Cliff Garness Mandy Garness Rich Smith Stephanie Prater

officers

buller_ben@yahoo.com schultzy@iwks.net

EVEN YEARS

MBA

Michael.prater@live.com jess_wagner2@hotmail.com

Region 6

www.mtba.org

2238 Ridgeview Drive, Billings, MT 59101 - sarchery@bresnan.net.............406-690-5676

EDITORIAL COMMENTS The MBA Magazine is a quarterly publication of the MBA and is intended to inform, entertain and educate its members on happenings within the organization and to bowhunting in general.

PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES

FALL ISSUE, DEADLINE, July 15 WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, October 15 SPRING ISSUE, DEADLINE, January 15 SUMMER ISSUE, DEADLINE, April 15 Stories, photos, or cartoons should be sent to Julie Jensen at 5311 151 Ave SE, Kindred, ND 58051

or email jjensen44@mac.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All submitted or published photos may be used by the MBA in the newsletter, and MBA Photo Album and/or on Facebook. Any questions as to policies of MBA please contact the President. MEMBERSHIP INQURIES

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

MAGAZINE EDITOR

Julie Jensen 5311 151 Ave SE • Kindred, ND 58051 jjensen44@mac.com • 701-361-9197

WEB DESIGNER

Liberty Brown Branding Iron Marketing liberty@brandingironmarketingllc.com 406-581-7216 MAGAZINE DESIGN

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

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.

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

Winter 2021

MBA Committees Legislative: Jerry Davis, Chair Marlon Clapham • Liberty Brown TJ Smith • Richard Lewallen

Tentatives: Rick Miller, Chair Jess Wagner • Mark Schwomeyer Stephen LePage • Marlon Clapham

Financial: Claudia Davis, Chair Jenn Schneider • Rich Lewallenier

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

Nominations: rian Koelzer, Chair B Al Kelly • Paul Martin • Cliff Garness

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

Membership: Marlon Clapham, Chair Jenn Schneider • Ken Schultz Joelle Selk – Membership Assistant

Convention 2022-Region 5 Brian Koelzer, Chair Liberty Brown

Magazine: Al Kelly, Chair Julie Jensen, Editor Brian Koelzer • Jerry Davis

Website: Liberty Brown • Stephanie Prater Kevin Robinson

Carp Shoot: Kevin Robinson, Chair Nick Siebrasse • Cliff Garness

Bow-Ed: Al Kelly, Chair Brian Koelzer • Bob Morgan • Mark Schwomeyer Marlon Clapham • Nick Siebrasse

Youth Membership and MBA Teen Bowhunter Camp Marlon Clapham, Chair Al Kelly, Jackie Doyle (MBA member) Jerry & Beckie Doyle (MBA members) 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.

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

TABLE OF CONTENTS VOL. 49 #2 Winter 2021

Stephen LePage

5 7

SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

Jerry Davis REGIONAL REPORTS

On the Cover

I LOVE TO HUNT!

Michael Prater

Pete Siegel

1ST VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Brian Koelzer

BLAST FROM THE PAST

15 16 17

BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS FWP COMMISSIONER CONTACTS MBA MEMBERSHIP FORM MEMBER GALLERY

Regional News!

OFFICE RS REGION AL RE DIRECT PS ORS AT LARGE

Montana Bow hunters PO Box Associatio 426 n Helena MT 596 24 Return service requested

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Non-Profi t Org. U.S. PO STAGE PAID Permit # 120 Bozem an, MT 59718

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

Fall 2021

OFFICER’S REPORTS

PRESIDENT - STEPHEN LEPAGE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT - BRIAN KOELZER 2ND VICE PRESIDENT - MARK SCHWOMEYER - NO REPORT TREASURER - CLAUDIA DAVIS - NO REPORT SECRETARY - JERRY DAVIS

President’s

Message

Hello MBA Membership, This fall has been bittersweet for me:

either my son or I drew the 900-20 tag, so we were resigned to hunt only cows, which is still very fun and fills the freezer, but I had a near-mental breakdown, as I had to pass on a Pope and Young bull so that I could shoot one of his cows. On the sweet side, we had opportunities on more elk than we have had in many years. This was made apparent with my wife’s annual “girl’s week.” Several bulls were killed. Some were very large and some were the first elk for a few of the girls. Even my father-in-law, who hunts in a purple Pop-Tart T-shirt that he obtained by saving UPC symbols, shoots a 1980’s Darton compound bow that he bought used on Ebay for $80 and shoots barebow, was able to harvest a very nice seven-point bull. Although I have discontinued the annual “Fantastic Adventures of Mr. Wienie,” I feel the need to mention that she had a great year and recovered at least one animal that would have been lost without her efforts. Recently, Senator Molnar and three others sued Mt FWP and the Fish and Wildlife commission to try and use crossbows during the archery only season. Luckily, their efforts were thwarted and archery season will remain for archery equipment. With all the new changes to FWP and the commission, even down to the number of commissioners, there are certain to be changes to bowhunting here in Montana. I want to reassure you that the MBA has a very dedicated, hardworking board of directors that will monitor these upcoming changes and keep you well informed in order to keep up our mission of uniting Montana’s bowhunters to promote and preserve bowhunting. Sincerely,

Stephen LePage

First Vice

President’s

Hey everyone,

Report

hope this newsletter finds you all well and that archery season met or exceeded your hopes and expectations. Like usual I’ve seen some great critters on the ground and have heard plenty of stories about the ones that got away. My time was more limited than usual this fall due to work and family but I am currently writing this column from 30,000 feet as I make my way home from Kodiak Island. I was fortunate to spend 7 days hunting sitka blacktail with a good group of guys and even more fortunate to take a great buck while there. It was a more physically demanding hunt than I expected and those little deer are certainly no pushover. My advice to anyone thinking about doing a big hunt is to just do it. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one and the days and years seem to slip by quick. Strong legs favor a lot of what this country has to offer and to fully enjoy an experience one needs to be physically capable to do so. You got one ride on this planet so you might as well make it a good one. I’d also like to encourage everyone to keep a journal of your adventures so children and grandchildren can go back and read about the cool things you’ve done. The way of life we enjoy now may not exist in the future and putting pen to paper (or even poking notes into an “ithing”) is a great way to preserve your stories so they don’t drift away in the wind and are eventually forgotten. November is fast approaching and I assume most will be turning the focus towards rutting bucks. I’m definitely looking forward to some time in a tree. Good luck to you all and remember “aim small, miss small.”

Brian Koelzer

Stephen LePage

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

OFFICER REPORTS

Sectretary’s Message

his past week the MBA board voted on whether we should sign on to an Op Ed (MWF made the request) announcing that we along with other signing organizations would be forming a coalition to develop a citizens elk management proposal for presentation to FWP the summer of 2022. The vote from our board was 9 to 4 not to sign onto the Op Ed. That is not to say we will not be a part of such a coalition, we will determine that later. It is just to say several board members feel it important to remain silent on this issue currently. I voted to sign on to the Op Ed, but regardless I remain a loyal board member and a staunch advocate of the MBA mission and our volunteer lead fights to preserve bowhunting, conserve the resources we seek to harvest, and obtain or maintain the access to those resources. I am sure all if not most board members and MBA members desire the same. It is simply a matter of differing strategy opinions. I was hoping to compile the legislative voting record for the bills I listed in my last column. Sorry but that will not happen, it is a lot of data to present in a concise manner. But I will provide some data on what I think were critical bills this last session. As criteria I selected bills that either effected equipment, the resources (i.e., licensing and permits), or public access. I came up with what I think were the three critical bills this session, two of which passed and may have long term effects on Montana bowhunters.

Jerry Davis

SB 637 - At the end of the session, the Legislature passed a bill that had language inserted during a last-minute amendment. This bill basically guarantees hunting outfitters licenses. Remember that in 2010 Montana voters passed I-161 which ended the practice of outfitter sponsored licenses. There was no time for public input after this major amendment. They snuck it in, as I said, in the last minute. This bill was originally intended to be a FWP regulations cleanup bill which included an increase for Block Management participants (a good thing) but at the “11th hour of the Legislative session an amendment was added to the bill that creates nonresident outfitter sponsored licenses, a complete slap in the face to the Montana public that voted against such a thing. Other bills carrying similar language died in committee earlier in the session. The process apparently went to a Free Conference Committee where the resulting bill was passed. If you know any of the Senators or Representatives that voted for this bill as it was amended, please talk to them about their vote and please, everyone, remember who voted for this bad bill when election time comes around. Senators that voted for HB 637 are: Sen. Ankney, Duane (R-MT-020) Sen. Brown, Bob (R-MT-007) Sen. Esp, John (R-MT-030) Sen. Gauthier, Terry (R-MT-040) Sen. Hertz, Greg (R-MT-006) Sen. Howard, David (R-MT-029) Sen. Lang, Mike (R-MT-017) Sen. Osmundson, Ryan (R-MT-015) Sen. Smith, Cary (R-MT-027)

Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen.

Blasdel, Mark (R-MT-004) Cuffe, Mike (R-MT-001) Fitzpatrick, Steve (R-MT-010) Gillespie, Bruce (R-MT-009) Hinebauch, Steve (R-MT-018) Kary, Douglas (R-MT-022) Manzella, Theresa (R-MT-044) Regier, Keith (R-MT-003) Vance, Gordon (R-MT-034)

Representatives that voted for HB 637 in the House are: Rep. Anderson, Fred (R-MT-020) Rep. Bartel, Dan (R-MT-029) Rep. Berglee, Seth (R-MT-058) Rep. Bertoglio, Marta (R-MT-075) Rep. Brewster, Larry (R-MT-044) Rep. Buttrey, Edward (R-MT-021) Rep. Dooling, Julie (R-MT-070) Rep. Duram, Neil (R-MT-002) Rep. Fielder, Paul (R-MT-013) Rep. Fitzgerald, Ross (R-MT-017) Rep. Frazer, Gregory (R-MT-078) Rep. Fuller, John (R-MT-008) Rep. Galt, Wylie (R-MT-030) Rep. Garner, Frank (R-MT-007) Rep. Gist, Steve (R-MT-025) Rep. Greef, Sharon (R-MT-088) Rep. Hill, Ed (R-MT-028) Rep. Hinkle, Caleb (R-MT-068) Rep. Holmlund, Kenneth (R-MT-038) Rep. Kassmier, Joshua (R-MT-027) Rep. Knudsen, Casey (R-MT-033) Rep. Knudsen, Rhonda (R-MT-034) Rep. Ler, Brandon (R-MT-035) Rep. Loge, Denley (R-MT-014) Rep. Marshall, Ron (R-MT-087) Rep. McKamey, Wendy (R-MT-019) Rep. Mitchell, Braxton (R-MT-003) Rep. Moore, Terry (R-MT-054) Rep. Noland, Mark (R-MT-010) Rep. Phalen, Bob (R-MT-036) Rep. Read, Joe (R-MT-093) Rep. Regier, Amy (R-MT-006) Rep. Reksten, Linda (R-MT-012) Rep. Ricci, Vince (R-MT-055) Rep. Seekins-Crowe, Kerri (R-MT-043) Rep. Sheldon-Galloway, Lola (R-MT-022) Rep. Stromswold, Mallerie (R-MT-050) Rep. Trebas, Jeremy (R-MT-026) Rep. Usher, Barry (R-MT-040) Rep. Vinton, Sue (R-MT-056) Rep. Welch, Tom (R-MT-072) Rep. Zolnikov, Katie (R-MT-045)

Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen.

Bogner, Kenneth (R-MT-019) Ellsworth, Jason (R-MT-043) Friedel, Chris (R-MT-026) Glimm, Carl (R-MT-002) Hoven, Brian (R-MT-013) Keenan, Bob (R-MT-005) McGillvray, Tom (R-MT-023) Sales, Walt (R-MT-035) Welborn, Jeffrey (R-MT-036)

Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep.

Bedey, David (R-MT-086) Binkley, Michele (R-MT-085) Carlson, Jennifer (R-MT-069) Fern, Dave (D-MT-005) Fleming, Frank (R-MT-051) Galloway, Steven (R-MT-024) Gillette, Jane (R-MT-064) Gunderson, Steve (R-MT-001) Hinkle, Jedediah (R-MT-067) Kerns, Scot (R-MT-023) Lenz, Dennis (R-MT-053) Malone, Marty (R-MT-059) Mercer, Bill (R-MT-046) Nave, Fiona (R-MT-057) Putnam, Brian (R-MT-009) Regier, Matt (R-MT-004) Schillinger, Jerry (R-MT-037) Skees, Derek (R-MT-011) Tschida, Brad (R-MT-097) Walsh, Kenneth (R-MT-071)

SB 115 – This bill overturns a previous judgment of the Montana Supreme Court that said the State Land Board was not required to approve a FWP Conservation Easements that are purchased with hunter generated dollars (not with general fund moneys) because that requirement was not in the law. So the Legislature passed a law and though this bill was amended from requiring all FWP conservation easements be approved to only requiring those of $1 million or more to be approved, it still requires State Land Board approval for most FWP conservation easements. Though $1 million sounds like a lot this amount will not cover many larger conservation easements that provide Montana sportsmen access to good private land habitat. The State Land Board’s responsibility is to ensure School Trust Lands generate maximum revenue with still protecting the resources. Their duties should not be dictating how FWP hunter generated Public Access funds are being spent, particularly when the FW Commission and the Montana Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) already require substantial due diligence before FWP enters into agreements for Conservation Easements. Again, If you know any of the Senators or Representatives that voted for this bill, please talk to them about their vote and please, everyone, remember who voted for this bad bill when election time comes around. continued on page 6

Winter 2021

OFFICER’S REPORT

Sectretary’s Message continued from page 5 Senators that voted for this bill are: Sen. Ankney, Duane (R-MT-020) Sen. Brown, Bob (R-MT-007) Sen. Esp, John (R-MT-030) Sen. Gauthier, Terry (R-MT-040) Sen. Hertz, Greg (R-MT-006) Sen. Howard, David (R-MT-029) Sen. Lang, Mike (R-MT-017) Sen. Molnar, Bradley (R-MT-028) Sen. Salomon, Daniel (R-MT-047) Sen. Tempel, Russel (R-MT-014)

Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen.

Representatives that voted for this bill are: Rep. Anderson, Fred (R-MT-020) Rep. Rep. Bedey, David (R-MT-086) Rep. Rep. Binkley, Michele (R-MT-085) Rep. Rep. Carlson, Jennifer (R-MT-069) Rep. Rep. Fielder, Paul (R-MT-013) Rep. Rep. Fuller, John (R-MT-008) Rep. Rep. Garner, Frank (R-MT-007) Rep. Rep. Greef, Sharon (R-MT-088) Rep. Rep. Hinkle, Caleb (R-MT-068) Rep. Rep. Hopkins, Mike (R-MT-092) Rep. Rep. Kerns, Scot (R-MT-023) Rep. Rep. Lenz, Dennis (R-MT-053) Rep. Rep. Malone, Marty (R-MT-059) Rep. Rep. Mercer, Bill (R-MT-046) Rep. Rep. Nave, Fiona (R-MT-057) Rep. Rep. Phalen, Bob (R-MT-036) Rep. Rep. Regier, Matt (R-MT-004) Rep. Rep. Schillinger, Jerry (R-MT-037) Rep. Rep. Skees, Derek (R-MT-011) Rep. Rep. Tschida, Brad (R-MT-097) Rep. Rep. Walsh, Kenneth (R-MT-071) Rep. Rep. Zolnikov, Katie (R-MT-045)

Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen.

Bartel, Dan (R-MT-029) Berglee, Seth (R-MT-058) Brewster, Larry (R-MT-044) Dooling, Julie (R-MT-070) Fitzgerald, Ross (R-MT-017) Galloway, Steven (R-MT-024) Gillette, Jane (R-MT-064) Gunderson, Steve (R-MT-001) Hinkle, Jedediah (R-MT-067) Jones, Llewelyn (R-MT-018) Knudsen, Casey (R-MT-033) Ler, Brandon (R-MT-035) Marshall, Ron (R-MT-087) Mitchell, Braxton (R-MT-003) Noland, Mark (R-MT-010) Read, Joe (R-MT-093) Reksten, Linda (R-MT-012) Seekins-Crowe, Kerri (R-MT-043) Stromswold, Mallerie (R-MT-050) Usher, Barry (R-MT-040) Welch, Tom (R-MT-072)

Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep. Rep.

Beard, Becky (R-MT-080) Bertoglio, Marta (R-MT-075) Buttrey, Edward (R-MT-021) Duram, Neil (R-MT-002) Frazer, Gregory (R-MT-078) Galt, Wylie (R-MT-030) Gist, Steve (R-MT-025) Hill, Ed (R-MT-028) Holmlund, Kenneth (R-MT-038) Kassmier, Joshua (R-MT-027) Knudsen, Rhonda (R-MT-034) Loge, Denley (R-MT-014) McKamey, Wendy (R-MT-019) Moore, Terry (R-MT-054) Patelis, James (R-MT-052) Regier, Amy (R-MT-006) Ricci, Vince (R-MT-055) Sheldon-Galloway, Lola (R-MT-022) Trebas, Jeremy (R-MT-026) Vinton, Sue (R-MT-056) Whitman, Kathy (R-MT-096)

SB 111 – As we all know this was a bill to allow crossbow use by those with a “disability” during the archery only season. Luckily this bill failed to garner enough votes to be blasted to the House Floor so it failed, but these fights will continue. The Senators and Representatives that voted for SB 111 bill are listed below. Please remember them when elections come around. Sen. Ankney, Duane (R-MT-020) Sen. Cuffe, Mike (R-MT-001) Sen. Friedel, Chris (R-MT-026) Sen. Glimm, Carl (R-MT-002) Sen. Hinebauch, Steve (R-MT-018) Sen. Kary, Douglas (R-MT-022) Sen. Lynch, Ryan (D-MT-037) Sen. Molnar, Bradley (R-MT-028) Sen. Salomon, Daniel (R-MT-047) Sen. Smith, Cary (R-MT-027) Rep. Berglee, Seth (R-MT-058) Rep. Buttrey, Edward (R-MT-021) Rep. Fern, Dave (D-MT-005) Rep. Fuller, John (R-MT-008) Rep. Garner, Frank (R-MT-007) Rep. Gunderson, Steve (R-MT-001) Rep. Hopkins, Mike (R-MT-092) Rep. Keane, Jim (D-MT-073) Rep. Knudsen, Rhonda (R-MT-034) Rep. Loge, Denley (R-MT-014) Rep. McKamey, Wendy (R-MT-019) Rep. Moore, Terry (R-MT-054) Rep. Patelis, James (R-MT-052) Rep. Regier, Amy (R-MT-006) Rep. Ricci, Vince (R-MT-055) Rep. Sheldon-Galloway, Lola (R-MT-022) Rep. Trebas, Jeremy (R-MT-026) Rep. Vinton, Sue (R-MT-056)

Sen. Blasdel, Mark (R-MT-004) Sen. Ellsworth, Jason (R-MT-043) Sen. Gauthier, Terry (R-MT-040) Sen. Gross, Jen (D-MT-025) Sen. Hoven, Brian (R-MT-013) Sen. Keenan, Bob (R-MT-005) Sen. Manzella, Theresa (R-MT-044) Sen. Osmundson, Ryan (R-MT-015) Sen. Sands, Diane (D-MT-049) Sen. Vance, Gordon (R-MT-034) Rep. Binkley, Michele (R-MT-085) Rep. Caferro, Mary (D-MT-081) Rep. Fleming, Frank (R-MT-051) Rep. Galloway, Steven (R-MT-024) Rep. Gillette, Jane (R-MT-064) Rep. Hinkle, Caleb (R-MT-068) Rep. Jones, Llewelyn (R-MT-018) Rep. Kerns, Scot (R-MT-023) Rep. Lenz, Dennis (R-MT-053) Rep. Malone, Marty (R-MT-059) Rep. Mercer, Bill (R-MT-046) Rep. Nave, Fiona (R-MT-057) Rep. Phalen, Bob (R-MT-036) Rep. Regier, Matt (R-MT-004) Rep. Schillinger, Jerry (R-MT-037) Rep. Skees, Derek (R-MT-011) Rep. Tschida, Brad (R-MT-097) Rep. Windy Boy, Jonathan (D-MT-032)

Sen. Brown, Bob (R-MT-007) Sen. Esp, John (R-MT-030) Sen. Gillespie, Bruce (R-MT-009) Sen. Hertz, Greg (R-MT-006) Sen. Howard, David (R-MT-029) Sen. Lang, Mike (R-MT-017) Sen. McGillvray, Tom (R-MT-023) Sen. Regier, Keith (R-MT-003) Sen. Small, Jason (R-MT-021) Sen. Welborn, Jeffrey (R-MT-036) Rep. Brewster, Larry (R-MT-044) Rep. Duram, Neil (R-MT-002) Rep. Frazer, Gregory (R-MT-078) Rep. Galt, Wylie (R-MT-030) Rep. Gist, Steve (R-MT-025) Rep. Hinkle, Jedediah (R-MT-067) Rep. Kassmier, Joshua (R-MT-027) Rep. Knudsen, Casey (R-MT-033) Rep. Ler, Brandon (R-MT-035) Rep. Marshall, Ron (R-MT-087) Rep. Mitchell, Braxton (R-MT-003) Rep. Noland, Mark (R-MT-010) Rep. Read, Joe (R-MT-093) Rep. Reksten, Linda (R-MT-012) Rep. Seekins-Crowe, Kerri (R-MT-043) Rep. Smith, Frank (D-MT-031) Rep. Usher, Barry (R-MT-040) Rep. Zolnikov, Katie (R-MT-045)

I also want to give a big THANK YOU out to Marlon Clapham and Ken Schultz for all the work they did to set up Pete Seigel with a successful bowhunt experience using the PTMAE.

Jerry Davis

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

REGIONAL REP0RTS

Marlon Clapham

REGION 1 AL KELLY REGION 2 MARLON CLAPHMAN KEVIN ROBINSON REGION 3 LIBERTY BROWN PAUL KEMPER (NO REPORT) REGION 4 MICHAEL PRATER (NO REPORT) JESS WAGNER REGION 5 BEN BULLER (NO REPORT) KEN SCHULTZ

REGION 2

REGION 6 TRISTAN MANUEL (NO REPORT) NICK SIEBRASSE

REGION

REGION REGION

REGION

REGION REGION

MARLON CLAPHAM KEVIN ROBINSON

REGION

his dead line for the Newsletter has really snuck up on me. The Season setting process is in full swing. The local FWP Region offices are scrambling to get their proposals in by the deadline. Under the new FWP Director, they are trying to simplify the Regs. and combine HDs to make them bigger. Here in Region 2, it has proved to be a difficult task at best. And the Bitterroot HDs seam to be the most challenging. We have met with the FWP in Zoom open house meeting and CAC meetings via Zoom. Lots of different folks attended these meetings and loads of ideas were tossed around and discussed. We have found some common ground for most all the changes. For me personally it seems that the HD 260 Archery only around Missoula always is under attack, and it was no different this time. It was in the proposal to do away with 260 and combine it with 262 and let big game rifles to hunt elk on private lands during the general seasons and shoulder hunts in the river bottom. After much discussion and some backing from the Mule Deer Foundation members,

REGION

REGION 7 RICK MILLER BOB MORGAN (NO REPORT)

REGION 1

REGION

AL KELLY

it was felt that the safety in the river bottom was still a very big concern. As of our last discussion most of the proposal was thrown out and keeping the HDs as they are. There will be some changes in 260 west of Missoula and south to the County Line. It will be split at the County Line and Restrictive Weapons will be added to the private lands too for B tag for cow elk, and some B tags for WT Does. All the either sex B tags will be alimented across the state, so no more second buck opportunity anywhere. This comes from the FWP Director directly. The rest of 260 south of the county line will remain the same as it is now, archery only and with the opportunity to use a B tag for a cow elk on private lands. A tag either sex anywhere. The HD 270 East Fork of the Bitterroot where we had to draw a bull elk permit will be dropped and things go back to the general license, B tags for cow elk on private lands. The Blackfoot Areas will undergo many changes with HD boundaries. The 284 HD around Lincoln is still beginning worked out. It also might be under Restrictive Weapons regs. as it is a safety issue there. We will, however, still have to put up with the WT doe tags in HD 290 with rifles. Otherwise, it seems to be quiet there. The upper Clark Fork will have HDs combined to make the Regs. cover more area. But here again there is still much work to be done. I know that with COVID, it is very hard to gather and share information but a lot of this came over the two weeks prior to me writing this. I apologize for my lack of sharing to the entire Reg. 2 members. Thank you for those of you that have called about your concerns in your areas. We still have much work to be done and none of these proposals are set in stone. We still have the Scoping process to complete, then it goes to the FWP Director, then reviewed by the Commissioners, then revised before it is up for public review, then finalized for the Commission to vote on. Hope everyone got to do some Bowhunting and enjoyed themselves. Merri and I are still working on setting up the WT hunting treestands in the river bottom. Stay Safe Keep-Em Sharp and Shoot-Em Straight.

Marlon Clapham

Al Kelly Friends,

s another bow season draws to a close I hope everyone enjoyed their time afield; hope we can keep all of the fine opportunities available for our children and theirs. There is a movement afoot to change our wildlife and hunting into a sport for the king and his men. Those of us mere mortals who toil to make a living and enjoy our hard earned time off are going to have to band together if we have any hope of keeping our state the premier place for all to enjoy, not just the rich. The time is now. Make your voice heard. Or we will one day look back upon what we once had and wish we had worked harder to keep it.

Al Kelly Winter 2021

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Region 2 continued from page 7

REGION 4

The squeaky wheel gets the grease and the silent hub gets overlooked.

REGION

’ll get right to it, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks biologists have been held hostage and forced to “simplify” our hunting district’s rules, regulations and boundaries. Simplify for who? Montana hunters? What does this simplification mean for hunters looking for archery opportunities here in Montana? Loss of bow hunting opportunities for one. Here in Region 2, we have enjoyed long seasons in our beloved archery only hunting districts 260, 290 and 284. These long-standing traditions are on the chopping block to “grease the squeaky wheels” of the landowners wanting to use firearms to manage “problem” elk. Bonus “B” buck tags have been available for many years in districts 290 and 260, this is apparently confusing and too complicated for some in the positions above the biologists. Those opportunities are to be done away with. In HD290 in the big Blackfoot valley two, count them, TWO landowners have had their squeaky wheels greased so whitetail could be taken with rifles in an effort to reduce whitetail deer numbers and mitigate the damage of crops. Really? Coincidentally the current FWP biologist that studies 290 and recommends quotas for the district has permission to hunt on at least one of these said ranches–sounds unethical and dishonest. So why take those handful of extra buck tags away from archery hunters if those overpopulated savage whitetails keep gobbling up all that hay? I thought we wanted less whitetails? Are these management

REGION 3

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MICHAEL PRATER JESS WAGNER

H Kevin Robinson goals for simplification? We as Bowhunters all need to be the squeaky wheels. Know that the MBA board and region reps are keeping tabs on all things related to these issues but we need all our members to get involved and not be the silent hub

Kevin M Robinson

Liberty Brown

ello from Region 4; I hope your season is going well. I decided to try elk hunting out of a tree stand this year, and my first evening in the stand I passed on a bear and had a nice bull at 13 yards that I managed to screw up on. I had big plans to spend a lot of days in the elk woods, but an opportunity presented itself on my third day out that was too tempting to pass up. The excitement of the moment quickly went away as I realized my elk season was over. Even though my season was short, it was filled with cool encounters with animals. I have been taking advantage of the extra time by spending time bird hunting with my dog. FWP is making sweeping changes across the state in an attempt to “simplify regulations.” Hopefully, you have been able to participate in some of FWP’s season setting meetings. I have liked the new online format as it doesn’t allow members of the public to interrupt the meeting and prevent everyone’s questions from being answered. I think some changes will be good, others not so good. Unfortunately, some of the only good special permit areas for mule deer will become general just to make regulations simpler. Change isn’t always a bad thing, so I am trying to be optimistic. It will definitely be interesting to see how the changes redistribute hunting pressure and change draw odds next year. Good luck the rest of the season!

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Jess Wagner

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LIBERTY BROWN PAUL KEMPER

ello Region 3 Bowhunters! Hopefully as you read this you are sitting back enjoying a beverage of choice with a freezer full of meat. As for me, my freezer is still empty but I haven’t given up hope yet this year. Yesterday, a handful of MBA members and I visited the State Capitol to testify in front of the FWP regarding a request by 4 individuals to obtain crossbow permits for the archery only season. There were many on both sides of the issue who showed up to testify. You can view the entire meeting online by visiting https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jbNTjYERP9A. The Commission unanimously voted to deny the individuals request but Region 1 Commissioner Pat Tabor hinted that this fight may not be over, stating, “For my part, I would be much more comfortable looking at this holistically, asking the department to go back, perhaps creating a working committee . . . that takes everybody into account. It’s important to stay informed regarding this issue if it’s something you believe in. Please reach out to the commission and let them know how you

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feel. Also, please attend your regional meetings and let your voice be heard as well. This issue is not going away and if we want to preserve Montana’s archery only season, we’re going to have to fight even harder than before. Also, I wanted to give a public thank you to Rep. Jennifer Carlson (R) - HD69 out of Manhattan. Setting politics aside, Representative Carlson showed up to yesterday’s meeting and testified on behalf of her constituents, against the allowance of crossbows. She has and continues to have a very public voice in this fight and it’s nice to have her on our side. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or email me. Thank you!

Liberty Brown 406-570-4280 mbareg3@gmail.com

Jess Wagner

REGIONAL REPORTS

REGION 6

REGION 5 REGION

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Bob Morgan

BEN BULLER KEN SCHULTZ

Greetings All, hope this article finds everyone in good health and good spirits after having a successful bow season. Even though some folks did not harvest and animal, I still hope you had a great time hanging out with Family and Friends. Success comes in different ways for us all! I’ve seen several pics of nice animals harvested throughout the state. Congrats to all that were able to seal the deal!! I wasKen luckySchultz enough to be able to finish the Antelope season with a nice buck. As we roll into the rifle season, please be very careful. There are some avid Bowhunters still out there trying to fill tags. Hopefully everyone will be wearing their orange! I want to take this time to thank everyone who helped with the “Big Sky Youth Event” at Blue Creek Shooting Complex in Billings. We had 75 kids show up for the event this year. The kids had a great time and it was great to see everyone be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors. They were able to participate in Archery, Shotgun and small caliber Rifle shooting. This is an event that is free to the kids and is sponsored by all of the hunting and shooting organizations in the Billings area. Bev and her crew did an awesome job putting this event on. Thank you to Mike Bergman and the team at Blue Creek for allowing us to use their facility. Many of the kids were able to take prizes home after a hearty lunch and prize drawings. I have included a couple of pics from the MBA prize winner. Many of you are receiving information from the MBA on upcoming proposed changes through Politicians or through the FWP. If we ask for your feedback on surveys, please respond and help us out so we know what direction you would like us to go. We are also always looking to recruit new members to help us with new thoughts and approaches to many of these proposed changes. Any of you who still have not renewed your memberships for the new season, please do. We need you!!!!I will leave you with that and remember “Shoot Straight and “ALWAYS” be a Straight Shooter”!!

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TRISTAN MANUEL NICK SIEBRASSE

t the time of this writing, archery elk season just got over. I spent many great days in the field with my son, my sons-in-law and friends. I am reminded once again why I am so lucky to live in Montana and to be a Montana Bowhunter. It was a hot, dry summer, but this fall was beautiful and the cool mornings were much appreciated. Once again, our lawmakers are feeling they know more about our fish and game than the biological experts. Our regulations and seasons will see a dramatic change, in my opinion, for the worse if we are not vigilant and do what we can to stave off this onslaught of bad policies. Please stay informed with the upcoming changes and contact your legislators and tell them that Montana’s wildlife resources aren’t only for the rich and famous, and crossbows belong in the movies and for fighting in the zombie apocalypse, not in our archery only season.

Nick Siebrasse

Ken Schultz Photos on the right from the “Big Sky Youth Event” at Blue Creek Shooting Complex in Billings

REMINDER: Mailing Labels Show Your Membership Renewal Date

continued on page 10

Winter 2021

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REGION 7 REGION

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RICK MILLER BOB MORGAN Hi from Colstrip ope your 2021 bowhunting season has been a memorable one. I did make it out elk hunting numerous times, but saw few animals and heard (bugling) even fewer? Not sure what caused the population shift in the Ashland District Forest, as areas that traditional held elk did not? Did have a classic end to the season as my son and I were returning to the truck. With the wind on

our backs (no choice) we conversed while walking back, having seen zippo that morning. I was in the lead and suddenly noticed a very large bull standing 80 yards broadside in front of me. The bull was an absolute monster. He stayed just long enough for us to both gasp at the sight and then threw his head back and walked into the dark timber. Not sure if elk can smile or not, but I think this one was trying. What a way to sign off the season – very frustrating, but also very cool! The 2022 season setting process is already underway as I write this message. Major changes are being introduced, with lots of concern about a privatizing trend in many. As elk management is turned over to private landowners (general license - no permit requirement) Montana begins down the privatizing trail that so many states have gone down before us. Maybe the path is inevitable or maybe the public sportsmen in those other states just gave up? Keeping wildlife in the public trust

ARCHERY SEASON

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

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

Helena 406-449-3111 buffalojumparchery.com

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is absolutely necessary if there is any hope of continuing our amazing Montana hunting culture. Make no mistake, the fight is worth fighting. Be actively involved in defending the “North American Model of Wildlife Conservation” in Montana. These are some of the tentative proposals that are of concern. - Elk (remove the 900-20 permit) • HD 701 – move from permit to general license • 702, 704, 705 – combine to 799-21. FWP to set quotas I’ve drafted and sent in the following mule deer recommendation for Region 7. Take a read and then let me know what you think? We will need your support on the proposal if it makes it through the FWP vetting process. Keep’n the faith!

Rick Miller

REGIONAL REPORTS

CLIFF GARNESS (NO REPORT) MANDY GARNESS RAY GROSS STEPHANIE PRATER MIKE SHEPARD RICH SMITH (NO REPORT) TJ SMITH

DirectorsAt Large

ince our mess with the politicos and then the second mess aka Molnar and his attorneys, I decided to do a lookup on TV hunters and ethics. Here is my initial list:

1. Hunting the Sticks. Ricky Mills/Jimmy Duncan, Wyoming; Bull elk poached, wasted meat, attempt to kill 3rd elk; $13700.00 and $17740.00, and 15-yr hunting ban 2. Theresa Vail, Alaska; illegal griz kill, shot 1, saw one stand, shot it too; attempt to cover up kill number 2 3. Trophy State of Miind, Matt Alwine; 2010 to 2015, poached deer and elk, $12000.00 fine; banned in 44 states, illegal license bought in MT; $1030.00 4. Spook Span, illegal hunting, did it a second time, caught; World Ban for 1 year 5. Ted Nugent, 2010 poached deer in CA, illegal, $1750.00 fine; 2009 illegal bear Alaska, wounded one, used same tag to kill one; $10,000.00 fine 6. Syndicate, Clark Dixon; illegal kills all over Alaska–bears, moose, rams, caribou; $65000.00 fines plus $19500.00 restitution

Brenda Zink, Amy LePage, Felecia Briggs, Jamie Sura, Stephanie Prater across the back, and me.

7. Fear no Evil, Chris Brackett; illegal Indiana hunt, killed one buck, bigger one came along, killed it too

ou may recall some past editorials and rebuttals between Mr. LePage and I regarding Girl Weekend. He’s complained about being kicked out, abused and neglected. I’ve spoken of bonding, learning and decompressing from the real-world problems the ladies struggle through. We’ve had years of bountiful harvest (dear, turkey, bear, & elk) and years with nothing to pack home but empty liquor bottles and lighter hearts after some much needed girl talk. We needed each other even more this year, after the stresses of lives that have not yet returned to “normal” and packed our gear with high hopes. I came in riding a wave of successful harvests in Hawaii and South Africa, with hopes of an elk, deer, bear or turkey, feeling like this weekend would be icing on the cake of a year that I’ll remember forever. Amy was able to get out a couple of days as the season opened, but promised to leave a couple animals for us to shoot at. She harvested a fantastic elk and whitetail buck before we arrived. Stephanie connected with her first elk with a bow and Jamie was in the adjacent blind to watch the show. Felicia harvested a whitetail doe and had her ready to load up at dark, having tracked and field dressed her on her own. We had relatively quiet evenings in the stands, but worked on our calling and stalking skills in the mornings, adjusting for wind and trying to close the distance on bugling elk. On Sunday morning, we crept into position between several screaming bulls and let them do the talking. We gave the illusion of an entire herd of cows waiting in a meadow and soon spotted tines coming through the timber. I shot and he took a few more steps, so I shot again and he crashed through the trees. The ladies keep calling, I tried to calm my nerves, and a couple more bulls came to check us out. We called in reinforcements and the six of us ladies and Mr. Weenie were following the trail. Let me tell you, it’s easy to find a couple of girlfriends to go shopping, or head out for dinner and drinks, but I hit the Friendship Lottery when I found these ladies! We tracked him down, quartered, caped and loaded him up without a man for miles. There was no hesitation, no turned up nose at the blood, just support and excitement at OUR accomplishment. Jamie also harvested a super heavy bull a couple mornings later. I’m anxiously waiting to hear the full story, but so proud of her perseverance, and what looked to be a perfect shot. We’ll always love to hunt…with our spouses, with our children, with each other and sometimes alone. There’s a sense of confidence and satisfaction in making the decisions about which ridge to try, when to call, whether or not to take the shot and what to do afterwards. Some of the best decisions though are which taxidermy form!

8. Rod Owen, Drury Outdoors; huge poaching case Nebraska; $50,000.00 fines

9. Pigman; turkey violation in Nebraska; $972.00 fines 10. Lee Lakosky, The Crush; Iowa, wrong tag used on deer; $100.00 fine 11. Jason David, also known as Chris David, Wild TV; Killed deer wrong zone in Sask, no license, Lacey act, lying, $560.00 fine, ban 1 year 12. Bill Busbice, Wild Game Nation; Wyoming, killed calf elk, after missing bull; $23,000.00 fine, 2 year ban 13. Bob Beck, Extreme Outer Limits; Idaho, shot 2 deer, only had 1 tag; $2000.00 fine,1 year ban 14. Greg Ritz, Hunt Masters; Missouri, killed big buck over bait, (illegal), waste meat, left complete animal in field including head, lied about it to wardens, animal found intact, lied said coyotes ate it, charges pending SO, ETHICS ON TV?????????????????????? Ms. Waller has been appointed to FWP Commission, no vetting–remember, a big advocate of Hunt Nation, a pay to play group just like Big Game Forever and Mike Shepard SFFW, Utah based groups bound to ruin the North American Wildlife Model for profit. BTW, Ms. Waller’s mate is aligned with Don Peay, and her significant other works for SFFW..VERY DANGEROUS TO US NORMAL MT HUNTERS. as he sells tags to the highest bidders. Zinke appointed Don Peay to Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, this is corrupt at all levels. Stand by fellow MBAers. Gonna be a ruff ride.

Mike Shepard

Cliff & Mandy Garmess Winter 2021

DIRECTORS AT LARGE-CONTINUED

021 has been as tough year. The rivers in southwest Montana dried up, brown trout populations crashed, and forest fires that started in July are still burning. Walking in the early mornings hunting elk I saw the glow of fire on the distant ridges crowning; smoke filled the air; and the vegetation was crispy dry. In spite of all this I had a good archery season. I hunted antelope at least 10 days spending over 60 hours in a blind. I really enjoyed watching many antelope up close. As with my luck I had two blinds. A son of a friend of mine, who shot a nice 14-inch buck out of one of my blinds last year, shot the biggest buck I have ever seen on this ranch the second day of the season, at one of my blinds. I did get a 13 inch buck the day before I was leaving to go elk hunting. I helped two good friends set up blinds for antelope and they both shot good bucks. This is the second year I have not drawn a limited archery elk tag and that’s OK. I hunted around home and had a great hunt. I called in three different bulls. One bull was in the 300 class, but I didn’t have a good shot. I got into a group of elk early one morning and shot a 5-point bull. Now I am having fun with the dogs hunting the uplands for birds. I hope everyone had a good archery season. Thanks to MBA we have many and long archery seasons here in Montana. And the MBA is in the trenches fighting to keep cross bows out of archery only seasons and getting us additional archery only big game opportunities.

Ray Gross

Stehpanie Prater

s I write this, archery season is coming to a close. It finally feels like fall after weeks of unrelenting fires, drought and heat. It was hard to get motivated to get in the woods to chase anything but once I got out there the archery bug bit hard. I shot my first bull elk this year with a bow and it was one of the greatest memories I will ever have– a goal of mine for years. I was hunting with a group of my best gal pals, who shared in the excitement with me. That weekend I also got to see some of them harvest great animals…. One shot a whitetail doe and made arguably the best shot I have ever seen on any animal and another took a big 350+ bull that I helped call in. We shared laughs and stories, made jokes about our bugling skills… it was a perfect hunting camp. I also got to be with my husband when he took his nice bull this year, the herd walked right into us, you could hear the cows breathe and his bugles resonated against the cluster of trees we were in–we were surrounded. He made a great shot and the beautiful bull tipped over within eyesight. We chased antelope for the rest of the season and just had no luck getting them in ethical bow range. The snow is starting to fall and we hope to have some success chasing deer with archery tackle this year. Michael would like to get a mule deer buck with a bow and I’d like to get my first whitetail buck with bow. Whether or not these achievements come to fruition this year, we just enjoy getting out. We wish everyone success and memories made this season. Full freezers and full hearts,

Stephanie Prater

ave you ever started a project only to get redirected and thus forced to move on to another? It can be tricky staying focused and on task until completion. There will always be outside influences pushing and pulling a person in a multitude of directions. Our organization faces this same dilemma. The MBA founders had the foresight anticipating just such a dilemma so they made it policy that the MBA would focus on one thing only— perpetuating and protecting bowhunting and our bowhunting seasons. By making it a policy to be singularly focused we stay on task until project completion. This doesn’t mean the board never comes to a fork in the trail with compelling reasons to deviate from the chosen path. It happens all the time. Almost everything in the outdoor realm has a cause and effect on everything else. It is like taking a pebble and throwing it into a glassy still lake. Ripples are created thus causing a ripple effect on everything else. By our self-induced policy we are never to ride the ripples. The MBA focuses only on the cause. In this case it is the pebble. Is the pebble going to have an immediate and direct impact on bowhunting and or bowhunting seasons? If the answer is ‘yes’, then we engage. If the answer is ‘no’, we do not engage. It is as simple as that. This narrow focus is what has given Montana Bowhunters the opportunities they enjoy today.

TJ Smith 12

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SPECIAL ARTICLE

Blast from the Past

I love to hunt! by Pete Siegel

Blast From The Past | 1984 – 1985 This column takes us back to 1984 – 1985 With the information I have from 1984 is only one newsletter. G.L. “Buck” Damone was our President at the time. We were in the middle of the season setting process. It was almost like jumping into 2021. Same issues we are dealing with today. Outfitters asking for an additional 3000 to 10,000 out of state deer tags for HDs 500, 600, 700, in addition to the 17,000 nonresident combination licenses. It was brought up by the Outfitters and not the regions biologists to harvest deer in these numbers. It was to include either sex B tags in the HD 700s. The MBA and other Sportsman’s and women’s groups all were opposed to this, so it was up to us to get this bill defeated in the legislature. I found in the 1985 newsletters where the FWP changed up their proposal on the 5000 extra deer tags for nonresidents. It was found that there was to be an increase to the 17,000 combination elk licenses in conjunction with the 5000 deer tags. It was also proposed to cut one day off the general Archery Season to open the new deer season early. It was also proposed to allow Blackpowder rifles to be used during the special shotgun seasons (often these seasons are shared with the bowhunters). The second big item on the agenda was the inclusion of the crossbow in the general archery season. There was a great push against both these bills. With all the opposition that the bills were voted to not pass, and they were killed on the floor. Our membership reached 1200 for the first time. The Convention was held in Great Falls in 1985. The guest speakers were Maggie Magee, Jim Jarvis, Dick Idol, Vince Yannone and Jim Thorsen. Don Davidson was the Chairman and the host. This was the last of the old newsletters I received from long standing member Bob McKay. Thank you so much for getting these old newsletters to me. I still have several boxes sent to me from Sonny Templeton to rifle through. Hope you are enjoying the Blast From The Past.

Marlon Clapham

I love to hunt. I have a love for all styles and methods of hunting. I love it so much,

I want any opportunity that I can get just to be outside. I get excited about black bear, turkey, predators, antelope, deer, elk and birds (both upland and waterfowl). I would love to take a black bear and a bull elk sometime. I have a bucket list and these are the two feasible options that I have on it. Having a form of Muscular Dystrophy makes hunting extremely difficult these days. Unfortunately, it’s only getting more difficult. I loved archery hunting and I was able to hunt with a Browning Micro Midas compound bow for a few years. I even had limited success with it by taking a fork horn mule deer. Unfortunately, Muscular Dystrophy put an end to my archery hunting–or so I thought. I was unable to make my modifications work and I didn’t know who or where to turn to for help. So, being frustrated, angry and demoralized, I said the hell with it, sold my archery equipment and quit trying. About a decade later, I got involved with the Montana Bowhunters Association this past legislative session due to my advocating for allowing disabled hunters use of crossbows. After the first committee hearing, I was approached by Steve LePage and several other Montana Bowhunters Association members who were wanting to expand my hunting experiences. They wanted to get me bowhunting again. I was excited about this opportunity but, after discussing it with my wife, we decided that we just didn’t have the financial resources to buy me a bow. It was just going to have to wait. Imagine my surprise when I called Steve LePage to thank him for offering but that I couldn’t afford it at this time, to hear, “We already bought it and Marlon Clapham has it and is getting it built.” I was speechless. But I was still unsure how it would work since I have lost so much use of my arms. I was very excited when we got together at the Scheel’s here in Billings to finally try it a few months later. I was able to actually shoot it. It still needed some tweaks so Marlon left with it with the promise to get it to Ken Schultz soon. Ken called me a few weeks later and I met him at Scheel’s. With the help of the guys in the archery shop, I was able to get a ten-yard group. Ken was able to help get me sighted in out to 30 yards shooting from my trackchair and I am grateful to him for the shooting stick that helps me hold my bow. I remembered a disabled archery hunting trip that I took in 2004 in North Dakota called the Twist of Fate near Fargo. I contacted them in August to see if I could get some ideas and they asked me to come out for this year’s hunt. I couldn’t believe it. Flash forward to September. I have practiced with my bow and I can get a group at 40 yards. I have bought some arrows with lighted nocks, 100gr Magnus Stinger broadheads, a case and some other odds and ends for sharpening and so on. I was informed that I would need a North Dakota Disabled Hunters Crossbow permit to use my bow. Off to the doctor to get that done. continued on page 14

Winter 2021

SPECIAL ARTICLE CONTINUED

With everything bought, organized and ready, my wife and I head out for North Dakota!! I met my guide, Chris, on Thursday morning and I instructed him on how to load, help me position and how to unload my bow. Then we had pictures and the welcome lunch. Hunters were each given some different but great items. I was given a hand-made quilt, a Carhart style jacket with the Twist of Fate logo and some Scent Killer spray. Then we loaded up and went out for our first evening hunt. We got to our farm and ready using a ground blind. Chris lifted the blind up and I backed the trackchair in. He loaded my bow and decided that my nock didn’t look right so Chris adjusted it. Then we settled in to wait. Pretty soon we saw a doe and fawn coming in to the bait pile. (I didn’t know, but using baits on private property is legal for deer hunting in North Dakota.) Chris got me ready lifting the bow when they were in front of the blind. (Mistake one) The doe gave me a perfect broadside target at 18 yards. I squeezed the trigger on my release with my left index finger and the string shot forward and I hear a loud TWANG and watch my arrow nose dive into the dirt under the doe and stick almost straight up. (Mistake two) The fawn doesn’t know what to think and sniffed at it and was curious about this magical light that just sprouted from his food. Chris was watching my doe and it ended up being a clean miss. All of a sudden, I realized that we had about ten deer looking at the blind. Chris asked for another arrow. I don’t move fast and I made noise getting the arrow out of the quiver. Chris made noise loading the bow again thanks to my metal knee brace. (Mistake three) The deer decided they would rather return at a later time and skedaddled for the trees. The next morning, we headed out early and got to the blind. This time I checked to make sure Chris didn’t make any changes to my arrows. He reassured me he learned a valuable lesson. He got my bow loaded and we sat down to wait. We were watching a field with a corn belt on our left and trees on the right with a road down the middle. There were three big round bales at about 300, 400 and 500 yards out. The corn was in the shape of an upsidedown L with a grassy area near us and the corn growing next to the road at the top away from us at the 300sh yards. I noticed some movement in the corn about three hundred yards out near the road. With the light just getting there, I waited to be sure. But I didn’t have to wait long until a doe popped out. I told Chris that I see a deer and he asked where. I said it was almost at the road. He said it was a long road. I told him just left of and at the round bale closest to us. I noticed another deer just to the right of the bale at that point. He couldn’t make them out until they were about two hundred yards out. We decided to get ready with them about a hundred yards away. Waiting while they were meandering at a leisurely pace was fun!! But, at the same time excruciatingly slow. Finally, the little one came straight in with the doe behind. That little guy stopped dead on my pin. But I am waiting for the momma!! I muttered under my breath for the little one to take a couple more steps so that big one can make a shot for me. It was almost like it heard me and took three steps. The big one took two. I had to angle slightly and squeezed the release. As I watched the arrow disappear and reappear behind her, she took off. We watched her run about forty yards and topple over. Chris and I just grinned. We watched with almost disbelief as she stood up. I thought, “OH NO!!!” without actually saying it. Then she fell over for keeps. I gave an audible sigh of relief!! I had done it!! I was the only hunter that I can recall who used a compound bow this year, even though North Dakota classified it as a vertical crossbow. I was the only one that saw my deer fall. I think everyone was able to take a deer too.

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WWW.MTBA.ORG

My lessons learned: DON’T mess with the nocks. Get ready earlier rather than later. Sharpening your broadheads is very important. Most important thing is to keep trying. I’m still going to advocate for disabled hunters. My granddaughter has been diagnosed with the Muscular Dystrophy that is genetic to our family. If I can make it easier for her and those who have suffered traumatic disabilities from accident or war or disease, to get resources and information, I have to try to improve the situation. I do have ideas for improvements in both educational areas and equipment areas. Most importantly, I want to thank everyone involved from the Montana Bowhunters Association who had a hand in helping get me back into archery hunting. I really appreciate your help!! I’m already looking forward to next season!!

Thanks for making this happen Montana Bowhunters Association, Stephen LePage, Marlon Clapham and Ken Schultz specifically!! This picture taken when Ken Schultz was helping me sight in recently at the Blue Creek range here in Billings. Have it dead on at 10, 20 and 30yds. Need to get 40 sighted in and some more practice!! If anyone is interested in helping me sight in the rest of the way, I am retired and can go up to the rod and gun club anytime mostly. I really do appreciate the help!! I even have a disabled hunting trip to North Dakota scheduled for September!! Thanks to all involved in making this possible from MBHA!!! I used the new bow to take the first deer in many years with a bow!!! Hopefully it’s the first of many hunting trips with it!!! No, I wasn’t happy at all!!! LOL

CONTACT NUMBERS

Region 1

Region 5

Pat Tabor

Brian Cebull

Vice Chair

CommissionerRegion5@mtfwp.org (406) 860-7416 Billings, Montana

CommissionerRegion2@mtfwp.org (406) 250-2899 Whitefish, Montana

Region 2

Region 6

Jana Waller

Lesley Robinson

Commissioner

Commission Chair

CommissionerRegion2@mtfwp.org (920) 222-1136 Lolo, Montana

CommissionerRegion6@mtfwp.org (406) 301-0787 Dodson, Montana

Region 3

Region 7

Pat Byorthn

William Lane

CommissionerRegion3@mtfwp.org (406) 548-4830 Bozeman, Montana

CommissionerRegion7@mtfwp.org (406) 778-2155 Ismay, Montana

Fish & Wildlife Commission Members

Region 4 KC Walsh CommissionerRegion4@mtfwp.org (406) 599-9556 Martinsdale, Montana

fwpwld@mt.gov

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 May 2021 Ace Home Center

Tom Gilmore

507 W 9th St

Libby

59923

406-293-3131

Buffalo Jump Archery

Judy Adams

P.O. Box 5581

Helena

59604

406-539-3936

Capital Sports

Ed Beall

1092 Helena Ave

Helena

59601

406-443-2978

Crown Photography www.mtcrownphoto.com

Mike and Lucinda Layne

PO Box 9936

Kalispell

59904

406-752-6116

Elk Creek Family Outfitters

David Hein

1021 Toole Circle

Billings

59105

406-670-4366

Flaming Arrow Archery

Nicole Tindale

1282 Hwy 2 East

Kalispell

59901

406-752-0702

Hurst Bows

Coltin Hurst

3368 MT Hwy 5 W

Plentywood

59254

406-765-7580

Kimzey Knifeworks

Dan Kimzey

134 Blue Heron Dr

Hamilton

59840

406-361-5863

Kutawagan Outfitters/ Bearpaw Lodge

Jeff and Annette Smith

Box 70

Choiceland

S0J 0M0

306-428-2032

Libby Sports Center

204 West 9th St

Libby

59923

406-293-4641

Matablas Game Hunters

Willem Frost

PO Box 1559

Lephalale

Limpopo

0555

27116794664

Mountain Copper Creations

Jim Clapham

PO Box 426

Milltown

59851-0426

406-880-9411

Pronghorn Custom Bows

Herb Meland

2491 W 42nd St

Casper

82604

307-234-1824

The Push Archery

Tim Nebel

70659 Murphy Road

Flushing

43977

Sage Game Calls

Cody Moulton

753 Bowman Road

Hamilton

59840

435-640-8041

Schafer Silvertip Custom Bows

Dave Windauer

357 Roberts Rd

Columbia Falls

59912

406-892-0580

The Stickbow Chronicles

Rob Patuto

821 West Shinglemill Rd

Sandpoint

83864

208-610-3795

Toelke Custom Bows

Dan & Jared Toelke

31345 Lost Creek Ln

Ronan

59864

406-253-4949

Twite Realty

Mark Twite

8015 Indreland Road

Missoula

59808

406-880-1956

Zinks Big Sky Archery Targets

Terry L & Dylan Zink

PO Box 1272

Marion

59925

406-253-4670

Winter 2021

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___________ CVV ____________ Signature________________________________________________________ This is a gift membership from________________________________________________________________________________ 16

M ontana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

AMY LEPAGE deer

JAMIE SURA first bow elk

MANDY GARNESS warthog

RON CORTESE Havre

JAKE GARNESS bull

AMY LEPAGE elk

KEN SCHULTZ

MICHAEL SURA first elk

RYAN FETHERSTONE Number 37, former Grizzly Star Football Player

KOELZER FAMILY hunting

NICK SIEBRASSE

STEVE SCHINDLER Glasgow

Winter 2021

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

Vol. 49 #2 Winter 2021 Issue

Articles inside

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SECRETARY’S MESSAGE