Mba summer 2013 rev

VOL. 40 #4

Summer 2013

inside this issue: Officer & Regional Reports, 2013 Award Winners, “The Birth of Bowhunting Bison” Carp Safari

www.mtba.org

Montana

BOWHUNTER — 2 WWW.MTBA.ORG

MBA

www.mtba.org

ional

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

e entat

Al Kelly

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

Dan Moore

1775 Haywire Gulch, Kalispell Mt 59901................................406-756-7395 bigdan@centurytel.net

Marlon Clapham 4455 Hoover Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 ..........................406-777-2408 mbaregion2@gmail.com Kim Blaskowski 426 Lynx Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 .................................406-381-9112 turkeyfootgirl@aol.com

1ST VICE PRESIDENT Paul Martin 110 Sage Lane • Kalispell, MT 59901 paulhmartin99@gmail.com • 406-261-4456

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Steve Schindler 134 Sawney Drive • Glasgow, MT 59203 sas@nemont.net • 406-228-9024

Lyle Hebel

44 Sundance Trail, Bozeman, MT 59781.................................406-539-3195 lyle@pixelelk.com

Brian Koelzer

709 Mantle Drive Unit C, Belgrade, MT 59714.........................406-570-7997 rocknrollbowhunter@yahoo.com

Cliff Garness

Great Falls, MT ....................................................................406-788-9009 obsession_archery@yahoo.com

Brad Zink

3536 Summerfield Circle, Billings, MT 59105......................... 406-696-0126 region5mbarep@hotmail.com

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

VACANT Bob Morgan

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

PAST PRESIDENT Jason Tounsley 8630 Longmeadow Dr. • Billings, MT 59106

Jerry Davis

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

MAGAZINE CO-EDITORS Teri and Al Kelly PO Box 219 • Libby, MT 59923 teray1979@yahoo.com

AT LARGE DIRECTORS EVEN YEARS Steve Kamps

P.O. Box 192, Lincoln, MT 59639 – 12kamps@gmail.com ......................................406-362-4907

Roger Peffer

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

Seth Rogers

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

ODD YEARS Adam Barker

1020 Valley View Dr., Great Falls, MT 59405 – adam.barker@ge.com ......................406-461-2792

EDITORIAL COMMENTS WEB DESIGNER Lyle Hebel www.pixelelk.com

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.

PUBLICATIONS DATES AND DEADLINES

MAGAZINE DESIGN K Design Marketing, Inc. Kimberly Kinsinger 3501 W. Broadway • Missoula, MT 59808 kim@kdesignmarketing.com • 406-273-6193

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 23611, Billings, MT 59104 or

email teray1979@yahoo.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All photos will be laced in the MBA Photo Album and can be viewed at the annual conventions. Any questions as to policies of the MBA please write the President.

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

Summer 2013

3—

the from EDITOR 3 4

Another convention has come and gone and as we do every year my MBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

family and I had a great time. Next up is the Carp Shoot and we’re

FROM THE EDITOR

looking forward to that as well, it’s generally a good time and we have the opportunity to spend some time with old and new friends. In the

Teri Kelly

5 6

course of preparing for each issue of the magazine I have the opportunity

CANYON FERRY CARP SAFARI PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

the work they still have to do. For instance, according to the track record,

1st VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

the MBA has been fighting to prevent the use of crossbows from being

Paul Martin

used for hunting during archery only seasons for almost 30 years. The

2nd VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Steve Schindler

8 12 14

issue hasn’t been defeated just once, not twice, but has been defeated five different times…..five times.

What does this tell us? It tells us how vitally important the MBA is

SECRETARY/TREASURER’S MESSAGE

to the sport of bowhunting and how vitally important it is to get that

Jenn Schneider

message out to all Montana bowhunters. What else do we know? We know that we have over 30,000 bowhunters in the state of Montana and

REGIONAL NEWS

we know that we have less than 1,000 of those bowhunters as members

2013 CONVENTION WINNERS “BIRTH OF BOWHUNTING BISON”

Jesse Nelson

17 22 23

over the MBA Track Record and Accomplishments I thought about the history of the MBA, what they’ve accomplished over the last 40 years and

Joelle Selk

7

to review each article and report before it goes into the issue. As I read

of the MBA. Out of the less than 1,000 members we have, there is a small group that works very hard to represent the majority and the best interest of bowhunters in our state and they are good at what they do.

I’m thankful that those hard working people are good at what they do

“Once In A Lifetime”— Aaron Barsamian BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS MEMBER GALLERY

because that would not be my forte and I’m glad someone else is able to do it. However, I do feel we can all have a hand in supporting the MBA even if we aren’t the person in the trenches. I do my part by volunteering my time to edit and help with the magazine. As members, we obviously provide support in the way of our membership dues and attending the convention and Carp shoot which are both fund raisers, but we can do more and it’s so easy to do.

Talk about the MBA! Talk about what is does. Talk about why it’s important. Talk to your friends, family and fellow bow hunters and tell them why they should be members. If you need a place to start, use the MBA Track Record and Accomplishments; talk about the enhanced seasons, the tentative accomplishments, the legislative accomplishments and the member benefits. We all talk about bowhunting; we share our successes, our near misses, our close encounters and why we love the

About

THE COVER

Aaron Barsamian takes “once in a lifetime” bison.

sport, so add the MBA to those conversations and do your part to help grow our organization. Do it because the efforts to enhance and protect the hunting opportunities that we have will never cease, and a stronger membership means a stronger voice. Thank you for your support of the MBA and I hope to see many or all of you at the Carp Shoot.

Teri Kelly Montana

BOWHUNTER — 4 WWW.MTBA.ORG

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Summer 2013

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PRESIDENT’S

message

I

t is with great pleasure that I announce the official opening of carp season.

Oh, alright, turkey and bear season also happen to be in full swing, but I wanted to keep you all on your toes.

Plus, with the legislative session over, I couldn’t be more excited to finally start enjoying hunting of any kind again.

Much of this issue is dedicated to honoring the people who provide major funding to our organization – the convention donors.

We had another successful event this year, thanks to the hard work of the convention crew and generosity of all those who gave of their time and money. Thanks to Gary Carvajal, Dick and Nancy Solum, Charles Culver, Chris and Kim Blaskowski, Charlie Johnson, Bob Rector, George Withey, Jason Widamon, Jeff Hill, John Locke, Don Leatham, Marlon and Marry Clapham, Steve Kamps, Jennifer Schneider, and anyone else who they recruited to help run the show. Your work was invaluable, and a great time was had by all!

We’re all set for another Canyon Ferry Carp Safari on June 8th. Same place, same carp channel! This is a great family-oriented event, and a great way to introduce the young ‘ins to their first bowhunting experience. All you need is a fishing license and some simple modifications to a bow to partake in this event.

I’ve included a registration form and helpful information within this issue to assist in your preparations.

Finally, we’ve included a special “bison bowhunting” feature to highlight our accomplishments in adding bison to the species which can be taken with bow and arrow. This opportunity gained momentum through the dedication of a few individuals three years ago, and subsequently cleared the legislature, was approved by the Commission, and became reality. Jesse Nelson recounts his role in this effort and has gathered stories from the first bowhunters who have filled their Montana bison tags using archery equipment.

I want to thank you all for your ongoing support of the MBA and wish you the best of luck in your upcoming seasons.

Best,

Joelle Selk Montana

BOWHUNTER — 6 WWW.MTBA.ORG

First Vice PRESIDENT’S message

Another good convention on the books, thanks to Gary Carvahall, Charles Culver, and crew; now looking forward to 3D shoots. Turkey and spring bear are well under way. Another busy and complicated legislative season, it seems that during the legislative season we should be calling each other every morning to recite the Miranda rights just to remind ourselves that anything and everything you say, can and will be used against you. Thanks to all who contacted their respective representatives, and an extra special thanks for those who drove there through snow, sleet and hail, to testify on our behalf. It is an honor to serve on the MBA board and I will strive to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of my new position.

This will probably be my last tour of duty on the board, as my long term plan is not retirement but being extremely involved in the establishment of the Bowhunter museum. I plan on continuing my support of and participation in the MBA and its events and functions. Each morning when you get out of bed ask yourself ‘What am I doing for the betterment of bowhunting in the state of Montana?’ We have learned that Education is one of our best assets for the future.

Paul Martin

F

irst off I thought the annual banquet was great, the meeting not so much; not that it was poorly run but rather poorly attended. I did see lots of MBA members walking around the area but not so many in the meeting room. Guys this is where the rubber meets the road. The MBA is a member driven organization that needs membership input. So get on board!

There has been a lot of talk the past year on reasons of the great elk crash in Montana, first off the crash doesn’t appear, to me anyway, to be all that wide spread.

There are causes that we need to know so we can fix them, it’s not all wolf related.

The Bitterroot elk study has revealed some interesting info, it’s not completed yet but initial studies show that Mountain Lions and Black Bears have more to do with the crash than the wolf. The good news is the FWP has been expanding these seasons and

liberalizing harvest for a few years and we are now at record harvest on both species, including the wolf. The other major player in this equation is the 2 legged predator, that’s right us. In case you don’t know, Montana has an Elk Management plan and each elk hunting district in the state has an objective elk population, meaning we have an elk population number that has nothing to do with carrying capacity, which can inhabit public land. To top this off, back around 2004 the state legislature passed a bill that required the FWP to manage those elk herds to that number, which was for the most part, determined by the private land owners in the respective districts.

Sportsmen had very little input into these discussions.

Then came the elk B licenses, you could apply for a coveted bull tag in some LED and still apply for a cow tag first choice.

The FWP was under the gun, state law required them to reduce our elk herds to someone else’s preferred level. Thousands of antlerless elk have been taken over the past decade and our predator population skyrocketed. In a lot of the mountain lion districts we had permits instead of quota’s

SECRETARY/ TREASURERS’ Phew!

message

Convention has come and gone and I owe a big shout out to the gals who helped me survive. THANK YOU to Nancy Solum, Pat Culver, and Kim Blaskowski for your hard work at the registration desk and to all the Missoula crew for a great time.

I’ve had several questions on membership numbers and thought I’d better clear it up. The new member numbers are not a punishment for forgetting to renew, and they are not intended to offend anyone.

When we upgraded our membership management to an online software,

the conversion automatically generated longer, unique numbers for individuals. I understand the sentimental value of having that old number, especially, the ones below 1000, and would like to assure you that those records are still with us and will be forever. Our software has already proven its value in retaining members, and helping us get those legislative alerts out ASAP.

and a lot of the black bear hunting districts the seasons were closing just as the bears were emerging from the dens, and to top it off the gray wolf was reintroduced and added more to the problem than the elk could handle. We had a perfect storm brewing. Some things have been improving over the past 3 or 4 years, we are taking record numbers of Mountain lions and record numbers of Black bears and our wolf seasons are being improved on each year.

There is one more thing that needs to be done , we have to do a new elk management plan and re-look at our objective numbers for elk, We do not have any other option we have to redo the plan. So when you get a chance to voice your opinion at a public meeting or on a soap box on a street corner let everyone know we need a new elk management plan…

P.S. for all of you who have been receiving my updates via e mail or want to, please send me an e mail, I have had some computer problems and have lost most of my contacts,

Steve Schindler Please forgive us for not continuing to use those old numbers, but please trust that these changes are for the advancement of our organization and we have your best interest at heart. That being said, if you aren’t getting emails from us, you should!

Either log into the website and use the “forgot password” link to reset your info or contact myself or your rep to have us update your email address on file so we can communicate most effectively and get you surveys on important issues. We have also added a “spouse email” for family memberships so that both can have a vote and get the communications if you don’t share an email address. I’ll be missing the carp shoot this year to welcome another little man into our family, but wish you all a fantastic summer!

Jenn Schneider Summer 2013

7—

MBA

regional NEWS

Region 1 PAUL MARTIN

F

riends, the turkeys are gobbling and the bears are a stirring. Oh, it is great to live in Montana. Spring is a great awakening of all the reasons we live in this land. All

Region 2 MARLON CLAPHAM KIM BLASKOWSKI

the opportunities that most bowhunters take for granted to roam about the state in pursuit of game are under siege by those who would sell our way of life for the almighty dollar. Be aware, the legislative works long hours and puts great effort into keeping the rest of us informed and testifying before the legislature to try and keep the bad ideas from becoming law. Also be aware that all of you who read the alerts and communicate with your representatives make a huge difference. I personally want to thank everyone who participates.

Al Kelly We have an opportunity to bring the MBA to the attention of the Bitterroot Valley youth. We are participating along with 24 other outdoor groups at the Youth Conservation & Education Expo. The MBA will donate a PSE youth bow to be given to a Youth Member who signs up at the event, by drawing their name out of a hat. Along with the bow will be some other MBA paraphernalia that will be given away as door prizes for anyone at the Expo.

We are putting up an archery range so the kids can shoot bows at different targets and balloons. Should be a great time.

Our next event will be the carp shoot, so maybe Merri and I will get a chance to try that, we hope so.

Marlon Clapham W

ell everyone should have an idea what we here in region 2 have been up to. The 2013 MBA Convention came and went. The Crew worked their hinnies off and pulled off another great time. Thanks for a job well done.

I would like to welcome Kim Blaskowski to the ranks of the board. She is a dedicated bow hunter who is willing to give up some of her time to help keep the MBA the strong organization that we are.

Montana

BOWHUNTER â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 8 WWW.MTBA.ORG

PS. Dick Solum took this photo of the Kamp family shooting with the kids during the convention. Grandpa George, Dad Steve, Sage and Bridger, three generations. Pretty cool

I

t is an honor for me to be elected as a Region 2 representative. Thank you to all who voted. I can say I jumped in with both feet and brought my husband Chris and son Mark along with me as we all worked the convention committee this year. I never stopped to realize everything that goes into putting on a convention of this size. Every year we just show up, enjoy

Al Kelly

the raffles, speakers, auctions, meet up with friends and trade hunting stories. Then we go home, never giving a thought to all who made it all possible and the hard work they put into it. Gary Carvajal and the Missoula crew did an excellent job this year!

The hunting year started for us with turkey season.

We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had any luck...........yet. I am looking forward to representing the MBA and working with Marlon at the upcoming Youth Conservation & Education Expo on May 4 at the Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis.

What an amazing opportunity to work with the youth, our future MBA members.

Feel free to call/contact me with any questions or concerns and I will forward them on to Marlon...just kidding.

God bless & shoot straight

Kim Blaskowski

Region 3 LYLE HEBEL BRIAN KOELZER

I

would like to start by welcoming Brian Koelzer onto the board as a new Region 3 Representative. Brian is an outstanding bow hunter and will bring some fresh perspective to the board. I look forward to working with Brian over the next couple of years.

As many of you know it’s been a pretty busy legislative year for the State of Montana. Legislative issues always draw a lot of attention, as they should. I would encourage everyone to keep up with the alerts the Legislative Committee sends and try to read the entire bill when possible.

The MBA has made leaps and bounds in the past two years in providing better communication tools to our members, but

Region 4 CLIFF GARNESS

Well about the time that we feel spring

is here, Mother Nature shows us she is still the boss. It is still snowing in mid-April and everyone should have the snowmobiles, skis and snow shoes put away for the season, but it appears there still may be time for that one last ride or trip.

I have heard a lot of good things that the Missoula crew implemented at the banquet to help things run smoothly and hopefully we can utilize those ideas at the Banquet in Great Falls next year. When you talk with our donors, please make sure to thank them for their continued support of the MBA. THANK YOU for another great

please contact your Region Representatives and voice you opinions. Your Region Reps are in place to be your voice and I encourage you to use them. Your voice does matter and being engaged can make a difference.

Lastly, I would encourage anyone that is interested in becoming a board member to contact the MBA. There are numerous positions open and plenty of opportunities to help shape the sport of bow hunting in Montana. If you are truly passionate about bow hunting or want to see a shift in the MBA you need to get involved.

Lyle Hebel Hey

everyone, my name is Brian Koelzer and I’m your new region 3 rep.

Currently I’m 34 years old and have been hunting exclusively with a bow and arrow since the age of 13. A stone mason by trade, I’m fortunate that my work has afforded me the opportunity to hunt a variety of game all over North America. Having just returned from the Pope and Young convention in Dallas, TX and getting to chat with all my friends and acquaintances from all over the U.S. and Canada I can’t

convention Missoula Crew.

It has been another crazy year in Helena and Joelle, Jerry, Adam and others deserve a big thank you too, for visiting Helena regularly to fight for the rest of us bowhunters and the generations to come.

I am anticipating the Big Game Application Pain ($$$) as my youngest will finally get to hunt this year, so I get to pay for more permits and licenses and gear. I wouldn’t want it any other way though, and it is money well spent. He is currently in bowhunter education and cannot wait to join the ranks and get to hunt. He was telling me the other day that it has been fun being “camera guy” for the last 5 years or so, but this year is going to be different as he gets to hunt and dad gets to be “camera guy”.

Good Luck to all of you in your draws and I hope to see you all at an archery shoot somewhere.

Brian Koelzer

tell you how lucky we are to have the bowhunting opportunities we do here in MT. I’m looking forward to working with, and getting to know the bowhunters of this great state that we call home.

Good luck chasing the gobblers and bears this spring!

Brian Koelzer

Region 5 BRAD ZINK

Hello All,

I would like to invite everyone to the Canyon Ferry Carp Shoot. It is a GREAT time had by all.

My family is still talking about it. I would like to tell everyone how fun the carp shoot is Everyone should try shooting a carp. It is fun for all ages.

There is literally tens of thousands of carp in Canyon Ferry. It is great off season practice.

Thanks,

Cliff Garness

Brad Zink 696-0126

Summer 2013

9—

Region 7

Legislative

: Joelle Selk, Chair Jerry Davis • Adam Barker • Steve Schindler Cliff Garness • Marlon Clapham Bob Morgan

BOB MORGAN Genesis 27:3 My version “Take thy bow and go get ‘em.”

Hi, I’m Bob Morgan from Colstrip, Montana. I’ve been going after ‘um since I was six years old on the ranch in South Dakota. My dad would give me one bullet and let me go rabbit hunting down below the house. One day my dad brought home a hickory bow. Us kids made our own arrows out of willows.

and teach others how to make selfbows and flintknap. I just love to be outdoors with others; especially shed hunters.

I’m your new Region 7 Representative.

Looking forward to meeting new faces and working together. I’ve never met a stranger.

Lets go get ‘em.

God bless you.

But I really started bow hunting in 1998. It’s hunting, not killing. I make

Region 8 JERRY DAVIS First off I have to thank everyone who was responsible for awarding me a Special Achievement Award. I found the experience quite humbling as I feel I was only a member of the choir. Much of the success we have had in the legislature this year is because MBA members have expressed their concerns to their legislators.

Without our membership’s active responses to Legislative Alerts I would have been but a single voice in a windstorm.

All of us in the sporting community have been playing a defensive game this session.

I am proud to say that we, the membership of MBA, have been in the fray along with the Montana Wildlife Federation, the Montana Sportsman’s Alliance, and several sportsman and sportswoman clubs throughout the state. I am not just talking about the lobbyists here, I am talking about all of these group’s general membership.

Montana

Bob Morgan Each organization has alerted members about bad bills and how to communicate their wishes with legislators. Often at hearings sporting groups were the majority testifying. Through this combined effort many bills that would have had negative effects on Montana hunters, including bowhunters, have been defeated. There have also been a couple of positive bills passed because of the efforts from the sporting community.

During the latter part of this session I had a FWP employee express his amazement of how the sporting community has dominated the halls of the capital. I think it has become apparent to legislators that sporting community is a force to be reckoned with.

I also want to give kudos to Joelle. MBA is lucky to have such a competent leader.

She has kept all of us apprised of legislative issues with her well written Alert Notices.

Thanks Joelle.

And to all of you out there that have written to legislators in response to Joelle’s Legislative Alerts I also want to say thanks.

We didn’t win every fight but I think we did good.

BOWHUNTER — 10 WWW.MTBA.ORG

Happy Trails and keep you tinder dry.

Jerry Davis

Tentatives:

Steve Kamps, Chair Adam Barker • Joelle Selk • Paul Martin Marlon Clapham • Steve Schindler

Financial:

Brad Zink, Chair Jenn Schneider • Jerry Davis • Seth Rogers Landowner/Sportsman: Al Kelly, Chair Cliff Garness

Nominations:

Steve Schindler, Chair Adam Barker • Steve Kamps • Lyle Hebel Al Kelly • Paul Martin

Awards

: Roger Peffer, Chair Al Kelly • Steve Schindler Cliff Garness • Jenn Schneider

Membership:

Lyle Hebel, Chair Kim Blaskowski • Jenn Schneider • Joelle Selk • Seth Rogers

Convention 2014:

Chair - TBD Jenn Schneider • Joelle Selk • Steve Kamps • Adam Barker Lyle Hebel • Marlon Clapham • Cliff Garness • Roger Peffer

Magazine:

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

Website:

Lyle Hebel, Chair Joelle Selk • Jenn Schneider

Carp Shoot:

Joelle Selk, Chair

Bow-Ed:

Al Kelly, Chair Marlon Clapham • Brian Koelzer • Bob Morgan

At Large SETH ROGERS

I

hope everyone wintered well, and had a great time at the convention. I couldn’t make it this year, but look forward to a more active 2014. Now it’s time to get after the turkeys and bears again, so good luck to all!

Seth Rogers ADAM BARKER

T

ime to start getting everything calibrated for the season; bow, arrows, boots, truck, gear and most importantly, you. The season will be here soon – as we all know how the months churn by with the business of the summer months. On top of that, remember that the March, 2014 convention will be in Great Falls. That planning has already begun, but there is always plenty more work than there are volunteers. If you can help out in any way – please get ahold of any rep, it will be much appreciated. If you’re not sure how to help, there are many ways; Planning – have some good tips, advice on how to make the weekend better – we’d love to hear it. Banquet game ideas, raffles, registration, displays, speaker / seminars, etc.

Working – if you know you’re going to attend, and want to go the extra mile we can always use help carrying in displays, moving tables and chairs – the more hands, the more “fun” Bring some mounts – the more the better Donations – work with the convention crew to solicit donations from vendors and businesses. This is the most critical part and deserves extra mention. The money made at the convention pays for all operations for the entire year – which is quite expensive.

Adam Barker Everything helps, no matter how small. Cash donations are great, and merchandise really helps make the event since everyone would love to leave the weekend with something. Things that are handmade are very profitable – everything from woodworking, jewelry, metal works, art, to even desserts and wines. Keep in mind when working with business owners, donations cannot directly be counted as a charitable giving tax deduction like with a church or other 501 c 3 organizations. However, since we advertise the business in print and electronically – they can certainly make the case for a tax deduction for advertising.

DIRECTORS

Advertising – spread the word through your contacts; friends, work, email – we can even provide paper flyers for you to post in your local area Vendors – if you know of a business that may want to setup a booth, we can pass along all the details to make that happen Thank You – Please be certain to thank the convention crew, and especially all the donors. Their giving keeps the MBA in the black and our opportunities strong for the next generation I hope that short list gives you a glimpse of some ways you can actively give back to the organization, if you choose to do so. Please continue to support the MBA, and provide feedback whenever possible to keep the organization headed in the right direction.

Adam Barker ROGER PEFFER

W

ell the recent winter elk surveys are in and elk in region 4 are looking pretty good. The winter was mild and we had a good carry over. Spring seems to be arriving soon and I am eager to get out and start doing some bear hunting. The snow is melting and grasses starting to green up. The bears will be out of the dens soon (if not already). I’ll be walking the drainages and doing some calling to see if I can’t bring in a bruin. Maybe I’ll get lucky? I’m crossing my fingers for my elk tag. If not, I always have a “back-up plan”. I will be out scouting throughout the summer… shooting the bow (despite my shoulder arthritis- It sucks getting old!) and hiking the hills.

The Convention was a great event. Thanks to everyone that helped out, donated and attended. MBA really appreciates your support. It is always fun to attend the seminars, meet old friends and make some new ones. Next year it will be in Great Falls and we are already planning what we know will be a great event.

On another note: Sportsmen and women in MT need to pay a little closer attention to what has been going on in the MT legislature over the last several years. There have been numerous bills against sportsman’s rights: Bills to rescind stream access laws, votes against crossing at corner posts from public land to public land, efforts to hinder reintroduction of wildlife into traditional home ranges, bills to increase tags for non-residents and circumvent the 10% restrictions, bills to pay deer/elk damage fees from hunter license fees and many others that could have a direct impact on hunting opportunity, access to public lands, wildlife management and FWP funding. HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION???

If not, you should be… The elected officials pushing these bills are showing themselves to NOT be friends of the sportsman or the hunting community. So- Why do they keep getting elected? These officials need to be held accountable and voted out of office. Many

continued on page 13

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3 5 th Annual Convention HIGHLIGHTS

A HUGE

2013 AWARD WINNERS

Bowhunter of the Year

Steve Kamps

Special Achievement Award

Jesse Nelson

Special Achievement Award

Ron Aasheim

Special Achievement Award

Jerry Davis

Paul Schafer Award

Jim Morton

Montana

BOWHUNTER — 12 WWW.MTBA.ORG

“THANK YOU” TO ALL OUR DONORS AND SUPPORTERS!

Axman Propane 3D Hunting Supply Fireside Pizza Buffalo Wild Wings H+H Meats Tru Green Old Post Pub Trader Brothers BoarMasters OneStringer Into High Country High Country Snack Foods Universal Athletics Yellowstone Country Bear Hunters Assoc Spirit Quest Archery ABCD Flathead Brewery Etched Glass by Dar MR. T’s Mercantile Howard Hill Archery Hunting Shack--Steve Gingras Hamilton Packing Dukes Accessories Dave Clarke Insurance Extreme Elk Magazine Custom Bird Works Rocky Mountain Athlete Dale and Nicole Pearson Rich and Brook Coles Rockin CK Woodworking Be The Decoy Longbow for Life Montana Picks Montana Black Gold Images On The Wildside UDAP--Mark Matheny ASAT Camo Sitka Gear Trophy Taker Mystery Ranch Packs Sula Country Store & Resort Antler Creek Wildlife Creations Rocky Mountain Archery Roger Peffer Gary and Leo’s IGA Grocery Archery Center of Montana Paul Martin--MBEF Mike Vinion Al & Teri Kelly Jesse Nelson Jack Creek Preserve Ron Aasheim--Montana FWP The Family of William M. Davis

Kutawagon Outfitters Steve Wilson---Quick Draw Artist Grizzly Hackle Cecelia Clapham Silver Fox Outfitters M&M Outfitters Bear Paw Archery Yellowstone Longbows Schafer Silvertip Bows Toelke Traditional Archery Pronghorn Bows Bob Wards Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Montana Canvas Riley Stove Hamstring Archery Montana Silversmiths Tire-Rama Paradise Falls Casino and Resturant Grassy MT Stained Glass Art Prios Hunting Apparel Liberty Electric Silpada Jewelry Alpine Artestry Bitterroot Valley Archery Knapp Sack Mark Baker Schnees Big Sky Beetle Works Bear Rug Service and Tax Blacksmith Brewing Company J&E Carpentry Dr. Camo Ted Susem HECS LLC Headwaters Seat Covers Buffalo Jump Archery Lost Trail Powder Mountain Game Trails Wildlife Studio Hunting GPS Maps Western Trailer Sales Wholesale Sports Iron Llama Manufacturing, Dave Mumby The Hunting Shack MBA Convention Committee Skull Bound Buffalo Lodge 3D Hunting Supply Russell Thornberry J. Doyle Knives Boar Masters John Locke

Bow Winners

of these individuals are endorsed by the gun lobby (despite the fact that their opponents also support gun rights… BTW- I do too!) But that does not make them a friend of hunters and fishermen. By electing these people, sportsmen are in effect shooting themselves in the foot. (You usually don’t hear about bowhunters shooting themselves in the foot- that is usually reserved for gun hunters- yes, joke intended) Be an informed voter and vote for legislators that support wildlife, hunting opportunity, FWP funding and hunting/fishing access to public lands.

Roger Peffer STEVE KAMPS

T

his Legislative Session has been a doozey to say the least, but I will have to say that most of the bad bills have been defeated and the good ones have been approved.

Thank you to everybody that has sent in your comments and made your voice be heard.

It really makes a huge difference.

On another note, I am constantly disappointed in these tough Legislative and Tentative Sessions when some MBA members get mad and say they are going to quit because the MBA and its membership did not feel the same way as they did on one or two issues. I’ve got to tell you, the MBA doesn’t always take stands the same way I feel either.

But you have to decide, what is more important to you, this one single issue or keeping the MBA strong with its membership numbers to protect our 6 week archery season and all the great opportunities we have. We can’t do it without membership numbers folks, so you really do have to decide if you want to maintain what we have, or throw it all away because you weren’t in the majority on one issue. You have to decide, is the glass 90% full or is it 10% empty? I think most of our members are the 90% full kind of folks, and the ones we lose are focusing on that one negative that puts their glass at 10% empty. Luckily the MBA is still a strong organization, and we will continue to be with the help of you, our members. Get the word out and sign up your bowhunting friends so we can continue to enjoy all that bowhunting in Montana has to offer.

FLOWED

This winter we will be heading in to the FWP season setting process again. Proposals and seasons are already being looked at. We will likely have 4 new FWP Commissioners this year which could bring a lot of change. As of this writing the Governor has chosen Matthew Tourtlotte of Billings, Lawrence Wetsit of Wolf Point, and Richard Stuker of Chinook. He had chosen to reaffirm Bob Ream for the northwest portion of the state, but Bob resigned and the position is yet to be filled. All of these appointments are yet to be approved by the Legislature.

This Tentative season the MBA will continue to press for more aggressive wolf measures. Also an idea that was discussed at the Convention was for more spring bear opportunity. And we’ll continue to monitor and be a part of discussions on the archery elk permits in the eastern part of the state. As always, we’ll keep watch and see what other proposals surface as they continue to develop and then come out in December for public comment. Please continue to let us know your thoughts and ideas on our hunting seasons by contacting any of your Board members.

Also, we all owe Gary Carvajal and the Missoula Convention Crew a huge thank you for sacrificing so much of their valuable personal time on behalf of the MBA to put on another great Convention! And a big thank you to all of our donors as well who help the MBA remain solvent year after year.

Steve Kamps

13—Summer 2013

COVER STORY

the Birth of

Bowhunting Montana’s Bison Bowhunting Opportunity During the 2011 Legislative session, after several years of promoting the opportunity to hunt bison with archery equipment, the MBA helped pass the bill which brought bison bowhunting to fruition. Many individuals assisted with this effort, but one individual in particular was instrumental in helping FWP develop the mandatory training required of successful applicants who wish to use archery equipment. In the past two seasons, Jesse Nelson has oriented 17 bowhunters prior to their bison hunts, educating them in shot placement, equipment selection and setup, and running through hunting scenarios which might occur and how to handle them. He travelled widely throughout the state to accommodate hunters prior to their hunt, and did so around his own busy schedule and on his own dime. Brian Koelzer also lent a hand in the educational effort.

These dedicated members paved the way for four bowhunters to harvest a bison this year. We owe a great debt to these individuals and in recognition of their efforts, we are running this special bison feature to celebrate our first successful bow bison harvests.

Take it away, Jesse!

Montana

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for

Bison

A small pack string wound its way thirty miles through the Beartooth Absaroka Wilderness. Among the hunters in the group, a young boy is poised and ready for the hunt. Bow in hand, he slides into position to make a shot, a shot which will make him the first modern bow hunter on record to harvest a bison with a bow in the state of Montana. That bull bison scored 122 2/8” Pope & Young points, a new world record, if Pope & Young would have recognized the Yellowstone herd.

The mount now hangs in a bank in Billings. The year was 1953 and the hunter was Bert Lillis, who left a legacy that has been lost to most Montana sportsmen. For a brief period spanning two years, Montana FWP issued three bison permits per year in the early fifties.

In the winter of 2010/2011, I became a successful applicant of a West Yellowstone either-sex bison permit. It was a unique and rare opportunity that carried some unusual weapon restrictions. My only allowed means of taking a bison at the time was a center-fire rifle using a 150-grain bullet or larger, making bison the only Montana big game species for which archery equipment was restricted. Out of six states and two Canadian provinces that offer fair-chase bison hunting opportunities, Montana was the only one that excluded the use of archery equipment. By my standards, this was something that upon holding a tag for the species appeared to be an unnecessary regulation. Having personally taken several bison myself while also being witness to

Jesse Nelson

many taken with archery equipment, I was well aware of the challenges this mammoth size animal presents an archer. I still believed archery equipment had a place in the existing Montana bison hunting opportunity. After some discussion with Jason Tounsley, who was at that time the President of the MBA and chief meat packer for my hunt, we realized that adding archery equipment to the “acceptable means” list was not necessarily the FWP Commission’s issue but instead a legislative one. Jason contacted Senator Kendall VanDyk, who was eager to step up to draft the bill and champion the MBA’s efforts. With the efforts of many, including several MBA members that drove to Helena on multiple occasions for meetings and to testify on behalf of VanDyk’s bill, it sailed through the legislature and was passed into law, giving the Commission the power to decide whether archery equipment could be acceptable equipment.

FWP Commission members added the use of archery equipment to the bison regulations in August of 2011.

The winter of 2011/ 2012 presented the first opportunity for a bison

permit holder to fill his tag with archery equipment. Only one hunter took the certification class and held an either-sex bison tag along with four other hopeful cow hunters. With everything in place, the only item missing was the bison, since because of the mild winter they decided not to show up for the hunt. By the end of that season, twenty eight buffalo had been taken by state and treaty hunters with state hunters accounting for only three of those harvests.

With several tag holders who successfully completed the archery course, the 2012/2013 season was showing promise of being a different year by the numbers of bison that were already present outside the park. In early January, a winter storm moved through which proved to be the catalyst we needed, and for the first time in years FWP authorized the issue of some cow/calf licenses. Almost simultaneously, a call was being made to the fortunate nonresident either-sex tag holder, setting him in motion with the news that the migration was on. On January 8th at 5:14 p.m., I received the text, “BBD (big bull down :) with my bow 30 yards.” One day later, a second text delivered the same message. A day apart, two arrows had found their mark and the first two bison had been harvested using exclusively archery equipment. For the first time since 1953, bison were being taken with archery equipment in Montana.

By the end of the season, 246 bison hunters were successful, including 25 state hunters, 216 treaty hunters, and including four bison taken by hunters using exclusively archery equipment. This opportunity has a long way to go in being declared a success and the upcoming years will help us measure our accomplishment. I would like to thank all of those that participated this year for the respect they gave to the sport.

Your efforts have gone a long way to ensure this opportunity is here for years to come.

Jesse Nelson NOTE REGARDING THE 2013 HUNTERS: Aaron Barsamian and Ward Roberson killed their buffalo within a day of each other followed closely by Corey Wetzsteon and Kris Thorson. Following are their stories.

Ward Roberson

Ward Roberson

It was unexpected but exciting news to find out that I’d drawn the #2 spot on the cow/calf bison roster for the West Yellowstone unit. The second part of this

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equation became a waiting game with the weather and, most importantly, the bison migration.

The call came early in January during the second hunt FWP issued the first list of cow/calf applicants making a long-shot opportunity a reality. Reacting quickly, we began making plans to hunt the next day.

With the preparations made, my dad and I were on our way to hunt bison. Locating a herd at first light, I worked my way into a good location to shoot. I found myself in position to take a 25-yard shot at a bison.

My 55 lb. recurve made a perfect heart shot, sending the arrow in for a complete pass through.

Hunting bison was a great hunting experience that also allowed us to fill our freezer with some great-eating meat.

Thank you, MBA and all the people who got the archery season.

Cory Wetzsteon First and foremost, I would like to thank the Montana Bowhunters Association and Jesse Nelson for working hard with the state legislature to give us a true opportunity of a lifetime. This hunt was an amazing experience and one that I hope more people will be able to take part of in the future.

With the help of a fellow tag-holder, Randy Newberg, who harvested his bull on the first day of season, I located a herd of about 50 bison with five mature bulls on the bank of the Madison River. After an hour stalk, I was able to put an arrow through the boiler-room of a seven-year-old bull. Four hours later, my father Lonnie Wetzsteon, family friend Mike Meuchel, and I had the bull broken down and in the truck. Of the bucket list of hunts, this should be one of the top hunts for every bowhunter.

Having the chance to harvest one of these majestic animals was something that I did not take for granted. I will forever remember this hunt and the sheer awe I experienced having shot such an iconic animal with my bow.

Kris Thorson I was very fortunate to pull a 2013 bison permit for the last season in the West Yellowstone area. The opportunity to hunt bison on public land is just one of the many great benefits we enjoy in Montana. The Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Montana

Cory Wetzsteon

pressure. The cooperation through sharing information among hunters truly lends to the hunts success and added to the experience.

did a great job providing the information a hunter needs to be prepared for this type of hunt. Jesse Nelson was also a great resource for planning out the logistics of the hunt. What makes this hunt unique is in the amount of equipment and manpower needed to handle an animal of that magnitude. After recruiting enough muscle power, snowmobiles, sleds, knives, and all the necessary gear we then tried to time our trip with the hope of catching some bison migrating out of the park. When bison leave the park, a hunter needs to be on the scene quickly or the bison might get pushed back into the park by other hunting

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We were lucky enough to be on a ridge, looking down on a herd of bison, as the sun came up one February morning.

Within Kris Thorson 30 minutes, we had a clean shot and an arrow through a nice bull. The key to the success for our hunt was having 4 guys, 4 snowmobiles, 1 horse, 3 Otter sleds, numerous sharp knives, and a Sawz-all for cutting the ribs. Everything was set up perfectly to give me the opportunity to use my bow. I wouldn t have had a problem using a rifle but using my bow made the hunt that much more memorable.

It truly was a unique experience that I cannot really compare to our other hunting opportunities in Montana.

We had an absolutely great hunt and cannot wait to help whoever pulls the next tag.

Once In A Lifetime

Aaron Barsamian’s Shares from His Drawing to Harvest Experience.

This was my first year applying for bison in Montana and it says here: SUCCESSFUL. There must be something wrong, as my heart was beating and I was having hot flashes. This can’t be right, I thought. Of course, it was Friday evening after five p.m., so I couldn’t call, I couldn’t email anyone. All I could do was wait until Monday to call and make sure it was not a mistake.

After checking the Montana Fish and Game literally 5-10 times that weekend and every time it said the same thing - I must be dreaming!!! When Monday morning finally came I was on the phone at 8 a.m., calling to check the status. I about tipped over when the kind lady at the other end told me it was true. I was one of the very few nonresidents to receive a Montana either-sex bison tag for area 395-01, which was the West Yellowstone area for January 1st-22nd. “Now what?” I thought. I have never hunted buffalo; I know nothing about them or what to do.

shock wore off and tried to get as much information as I could. I was told that they would send out a DVD and information packet and to wait until I got that, read through it, and watch the DVD. If I had any more questions, I could call back and they would help me out. The lady said it might be a week or more before they get the packet out due to some revisions being made. So, now I’m feeling helpless due to the fact that my season is less than two months away and I am totally unprepared and the info packet is still a week or more out!!! I’m panicking!!

I called back the fish and game after the

Finally, the packet arrives in the mail

just over a week after I called. I instantly read the entire packet and watched the DVD twice!!! Now I’m more freaked out!!! It talks about dealing with media and /anti-hunters, removing game from the field, private lands; lands you can’t hunt, and worst of all, that the bison season is a center-fire rifle hunt only. My heart sank. I am an avid archery hunter and wanted to harvest probably my one and only bison with my bow and arrow!!

After thinking for a minute, I remember reading in the regulations that you could hunt with archery equipment but had to attend a bison archery course that had to be completed in person. Instantly, I got back on the phone with the fish and game and was referred to Sam Sheppard which was the Region 3 game warden (and a very helpful guy I might add). We talked for quite some time and he gave me a wealth of information including that the DVD that was sent out was old and needed to be updated, and that the media/anti-hunters are not a concern anymore. They have in the past few years respected the hunters and

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their rights to hunt, and although I might encounter them, there was a great chance that they would not cause any problems.

He also said that while archery equipment is not the weapon of choice, it can be used after completing the course given by Jesse Nelson. He explained that there had been some bad experiences in the past with archery equipment and bison that’s why they required the course now. Although this was all very helpful information, I wondered how I was going to get this course completed in the short amount of time I had to do it before my season arrived.

All three of us where so excited! I had just harvested one of the biggest, most historical big game animals in North America, Terry had just guided his very first archery bison harvest ever after all these years of hunting, and my dad because it was another great successful hunt together.

I got on the phone with Jesse Nelson (once again a very helpful guy). After talking to him for quite some time, he calmed my nerves to the fact that it can be done. He had a very flexible schedule and would help me out anyway he could!! We went over all my equipment and what my plans where and he also emailed me the information packet so I could read it over and it would save some time when I arrived there to take the course.

In the course of the next month, I was on the phone, email, and internet talking to everyone I could to find out all the information I could about this hunt. But guess what…….there is NOT much info out there on this hunt or hunting wild bison, period. I did the best I could with what I had. First, I had planned to go out unguided on a DIY hunt - just me and my dad. Well, that came to an end once I really sat down and thought about it. I had never hunted bison before, they weigh 1500-2000+ pounds, I had no idea where to go, and I knew nothing about them…..I NEEDED HELP!!

I started calling outfitters. Although I felt they would probably be out of my budget, this was a once-in-a-lifetime hunt and I had to do something. So, I searched the web and found four outfitters that where in the area.

I called the fish and game and Forest Service and made sure they where legit. After calling them all, only two out of the four returned my call. “Pretty sad,” I thought. I finally decided on Terry Search of Yellowstone Mountain Guides. After countless e-mail and phone calls, I sealed the deal. Terry was going to charge me a daily rate which I could afford and I would be on call. He advised me that the more flexible I was the better chance I had to harvest a bison. I don’t think he was very keen on the fact that I was

Montana

going to use archery equipment, although he guides many archery elk hunting trips every year, but he was open to my request and said we could give it a try. He also told me the bison can be very tough to get close to, the migration depended very much on snowfall and cold weather, and we needed a lot of both to get the bison to migrate out of Yellowstone.

So now the waiting game began. Terry was going to check in with me throughout the month and give me an update on the migration and weather. Terry was a very helpful and encouraging guy and took a lot of stress off of me. Well, my season was getting closer and closer and I kept calling the bison hotline and getting negative

BOWHUNTER — 18 WWW.MTBA.ORG

reports from the field. On New Year’s Eve, I was frustrated that my season opened the next day I was still sitting in Wisconsin!!!

This was killing me, as I know for a fact that I was not going to harvest a bison sitting in my house in Wisconsin. Dad and I had everything packed and ready to go for the last week, just waiting for the call from Terry to head out. I was also in touch with Jesse Nelson to keep him informed of what was going on so we could make arrangements to take the bison archery class. Finally, it was 4:00 p.m., and I was walking into the Dollar Store when Terry called me and said he was looking at a herd of about 30 bison with four or five nice bulls in it. We talked it over and decided this may be our only chance.

Due to the mild weather they had been getting in West Yellowstone they could move back into the park at any time or hunting pressure could also move them back, so the quicker we got there, the better. I called Dad, and within two hours we were on the road headed to Montana. As soon as I was off the phone with Terry and on my way, I called Jesse Nelson and told him the situation and our plan. Jesse was out of town on some business and arranged the class with another instructor, Brian Koelzer.

I got in contact with him and made arrangements and after a long night of traveling we arrived in Bozeman, MT. We hooked up with Bryan and went through the entire Bison Archery Class, which was very helpful and well worth the time it took to take it.

Then it was off to the Montana fish and game to buy the entire necessary license.

The people at fish and game were very helpful in getting me what I needed and very encouraging about the bison hunt. We got back on the road again and headed to West Yellowstone, which was 90 miles through some of the most beautiful country there is. We saw several bighorn sheep along the way and ran into a heavy snow storm about halfway there, which turned our 90 mile drive into what seemed like 1000 miles. Once arriving in West Yellowstone, we checked into our hotel and I contacted Terry from Yellowstone Mountain Guides.

Our plan was to meet at the Holiday Inn at 7:00 a.m. the next morning where we could rent our snowmobile and get out hunting.

I was excited to say the least, although very tired from the long trip. I don’t think I slept a bit that night.

When morning arrived, we loaded up our gear and headed to our meeting spot.

Terry arrived and we went in the rental office to get the snowmobile squared away.

Once we received our sleds, we loaded up all our gear in Terry’s Otter Sled and we headed out after a short briefing of what the plan was and a double check of our gear. On the way, Terry mentioned harvesting the bison with a rifle, how close I needed to be and asked if I could shoot free-hand or sitting, etc. I kept reminding him I wanted to harvest it with my bow and arrow. He still seemed a little hesitant.

After traveling many miles looking over some great country, we found nothing. We kept moving from vantage point to vantage point, and in between stops we would study the land and look for tracks or any traces of fresh buffalo sign. NOTHING. We finally stopped for lunch on a very high point. It was windy and cold, but we could almost see the entire hunt area from where we were.

After lunch, we covered some different areas with no luck. With the short days this time of year, we were running out of time for today, so we started to make a plan for tomorrow. Terry, being the great guy he was, told me that if I wanted to come out on my own the following day so I didn’t have to pay his daily guide, that I could.

If I spotted a herd, found some fresh sign, or harvested an animal, then I could call him for help. Not many guides would do that for a hunter. Little did we know, that plan was not going to be necessary!!! We didn’t give up, and we were down to the last resort - one more trail that was headed back toward town. Terry figured there was no reason for them to be there, since it was a big burn that didn’t have much re-growth in it and there was no water and just simply no reason for them to be there. Well…….

I’m sure glad he was wrong!!! We traveled about a mile down this road when Terry stopped and pointed - there were fresh tracks crossing the trail. Problem was that we didn’t have much time - we had to hurry! We shed some clothes, grabbed our necessary gear, and the hunt was on. Our plan was to try and catch up with them and get a feel for what was there and if necessary come back in the morning to try and make the stalk. So, with Dad on camera, Terry in the lead, and me carrying my bow and rifle with me, we headed out.

Surprisingly, we only entered into the burn maybe 200 yards and Terry stopped and pointed. There they were - only a hundred yards and they where feeding

towards us. The wind was whipping straight across us and everything was perfect, so we decided we would get behind the little bit of cover we had and let them walk right into us. I was shaking already and they were still 100 yards out. After getting behind cover, Terry started examining the herd. There were 30 animals total in the herd and Terry said he could see at least four bulls, but one stuck out from the rest, so he pointed to the bull I needed to try and get. As luck would have it, he was in the middle of the herd, and as they slowly closed the distance, I was getting more and more excited.

Eighty, sixty, forty… pretty soon we were surrounded by bison and the big bull was standing broadside at 40 yards with a cow to his right and a cow to his left. I only had about a foot gap to slide a arrow through.

I knew I could make the shot in a normal situation but with the cows standing so close and the wind blowing so hard, I told Terry the bull needed to come closer. Terry’s eyes got big due to the fact that we were literally surrounded by bison within twenty yards! Finally, the bull made his way to 28 yards, but was now facing me and getting closer. For whatever reason only known to God, he turned to make a perfect 28-yard, quartering away shot. I instantly drew and shot. I saw the arrow hit him perfect and bury up to the fletch! Problem now was all the bison started to get REALLY excited, snorting, blowing, running around, and we were right in the middle of it and still trying not to move but yet keep track of our bull.

We saw him walk maybe 10 steps stand there for maybe 5-10 seconds, and down he went, expired - a clean, quick harvest. As much as I wanted to do some high fives and hooting and hollering, we had to stand still and remain quiet until the bison moved off so there was not a chance of a charge. After what seemed like hours, the bison finally calmed and moved off and we could walk up and see this magnificent animal - a real trophy of history!!!

All three of us where so excited! I had just harvested one of the biggest, most historical big game animals in North America, Terry had just guided his very first archery bison harvest ever after all these years of hunting, and my dad because it was another great successful hunt together. After looking back on it, it was one of the most enjoyable hunts we had been on in our lives together and we have been on a lot!!! So, back to this beautiful creature. After a picture session which continued into the darkness, it was time for the hard part of all successful

trips - getting this beast out of the woods.

We decided we would skin it, dress it, cool it with snow and come back in the morning to get the meat out. We arrived back at the hotel wet, tired, and hungry around 10:30 p.m. Terry wanted meet again, same spot and time, the following morning. We wanted to get to the bison before daylight so the raven and eagles would not steal our meat. So, after grabbing a bit to eat Dad and I cashed in.

Morning came fast. Although very excited, I was not ready to go, but that is all part of the hunt, so I drug myself out of bed. Instead of renting another sled again today, we decided Dad and I would drive the truck out to where we would need to leave the main road. I would then hop on Terry’s sled with him and we would go pack the bison out on his Otter sled. After arriving at the harvest site, we found that luckily nothing had bothered the meat, and we went to work. It was not long and he had the bison cut in half and it took all we had to roll it into Terry’s sled. Needless to say, the whole way out the belt on the snowmobile was smoking, trying to carry Terry, me, and a 1700 pound bison trailing behind in the sled!!! Once back at the truck, we were unsure if we had room for this monster, but we managed to fit all our gear and the meat and cape in the back of the truck. We had about an hour long conversation with Terry to recap the great hunt, what a great service and experience he provided, and to thank him for all of that!! Once again, as me and my dad do many times every year, we were back on the road for a long trip home, only this time we are bringing with us a great piece of history.

In the near future, I would enjoy my trophy hanging on my wall (not to mention all that great tasting meat). It is going to take one hell of a hunt to top this one!!!!

I want to give a special thanks to Terry Search of Yellowstone Mountain Guides for the great trip he provided for me and my dad. Also to Jesse Nelson and Brian Koelzer for making it possible for me and future hunters to come to Montana and be able to harvest the North American Icon with archery equipment. Also, to the Montana Fish and Game for being so helpful in providing all the information for this hunt and most of all for drawing my name out of the hat for this Once in a Lifetime Bison Tag!

Summer 2013

19—

Do you enjoy bowhunting and our bowhunting seasons in Montana?

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59725 406-925-3485 59801 406-721-5537 59034 406-672-5945 59923 406-293-8738 59717 www.bethedeccoy.com 59103 www.bigskyarchery.com 59714 406-259-0006 59701 406-782-6124 59602 406-449-3111 59904 www.mtcrownphoto.com 59832 406-449-1517 59501 406-265-8099 59072 661-317-0001 59806 406-544-2169 59804 406-327-4800 59034 59901 406-333-6613 59808 406-599-1565 59847 www.kdesignmarketing.com 59330 406-939-0697 South 27116794664 59101 406-294-8575

MONTANA HISTORICAL SOC LIBRARY MOUNTAIN TOP TRADITIONAL Rod Kelley ARROWS NORTHWEST CONVENTION George Johnson SERVICES POLSON AMBULANCE, INC. Tim Brester, Eric Henslin PRONGHORN CUSTOM BOWS Herb Meland ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION David Allen SIMMONS SHARKS Dave & Brandy Oligee SPIRIT QUEST ARCHERY Aaron Lasco TOELKE TRADITIONAL ARCHERY Dan Toelke TRAILS END CUSTOM RECURVE BOW Dale Dye WESTERN TRAILER & Clyde Thomas, Jr. MARINE SALES

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District 2 Dan Vermillion, Chairman PO Box 668 Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 222-0624

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District 3 Richard Stuker, Commissioner 1155 Boldt Road Chinook, MT 59523 (406) 357-3495

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District 5 Matthew Tourtlotte, Commissioner 940 Blonco Circle Billings, MT 59105 (406) 698-9696

1

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KIM BLASKOWSKIwith two bucks

PATRICK BYRNEgreat bull elk

LUCAS ZEMLICKAgreat public land whitetail

2

STEVEN SALAZAR with his 2012 elk

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CLIFF GARNESS- Illinois Buck, 23-yard shot and 70-yard recovery

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JONATHAN CLARK— success with this big ole tom

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STEVE KAMPS2011 Mountain Lion

ASHLEY HARTSOOKA A T with a her public lands elk

PAUL MARTINwith his second Ovando buck

Summer Summer S ummer 2013 22013 013

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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

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Worked to get the first archery season started in Montana. Along the way, we’ve increased the seasons to what you enjoy today.

Worked to establish archery bear, lion and sheep seasons.

Worked to establish archery antelope 900 tag and August 15th opener.

Worked to establish archery only areas and hunting districts.

Proposed a special archery wolf season and endorsed the highest quota of wolf harvest possible.

Actively protects hunting & bowhunting seasons in the Legislature year after year.

Defended our archery seasons against the “Crossbows & Muzzleloaders” threats throughout the years.

Created the Modified Archer’s permit that now allows those with handicaps to use modified archery equipment to hunt; which kept any need for crossbows out of Montana and defended our archery seasons against other crossbow threats throughout the years.

Re-established the archery season after it was left off the regulations one year.

Actively works with FWP to protect archery seasons, our resources, and expand archery opportunity in Montana year after year.

What can you do for the bowhunting in Montana?

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

— 24 WWW.MTBA.ORG BOWHUNTERpromote

Photos by Denver Bryan / Images on the Wildside

What the MBA has done for you?