1 • REAL ESTATE GUIDE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010
A complete guide to:
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STATEWIDE HUNTING DATES REGIONAL ELK NUMBERS
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Offers good on new and unregistered units purchased between 7/27/10 and 9/30/10. Offers only available at participating Polaris® dealers. *Rates as low as 3.99% for 36 months. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers are available. Applies to the purchase of all new ATV and RANGER ® models made on the Polaris Installment Program from 7/27/10 to 9/30/10. Fixed APR of 3.99%, 7.99%, or 10.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Examples of monthly payments over a 36 month term at 3.99% APR: $29.52 per $1,000 financed and at 10.99% APR: $32.73 per $1,000 financed. **Rebates apply to select models. See your dealer for details. Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Avoid operating Polaris ATVs or RANGERs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should always wear a helmet, eye protection, protective clothing, and a seat belt (on RANGER vehicles). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Polaris adult ATV models are for riders age 16 and older. Drivers of RANGER vehicles must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. All ATV riders should take a safety training course. For ATV safety and training information call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887, see your dealer, or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. ©2010 Polaris Industries Inc.
HUNTING GUIDE 2010
Table of contents Regional elk predictions . . . .4 New hunt format . . . . . . . . .12 Pheasant details . . . . . . . . .13 Upland game outlook . . . . .14 Bird habitat upgrade . . . . . .18 Bowhunters gear up . . . . . .22 Know your bulls . . . . . . . . . .24 Bow equipment regs . . . . . .26 Black bear reg changes . . .28
MONTANA STANDARD FILE PHOTO
’TIS THE SEASON, for bow, bird and big-game hunting. These bucks were caught resting in an irrigation field near Dillon.
Don’t be the hunted . . . . . . .30 Migratory bird seasons . . . .32 Antelope 900 season . . . . . .33
Plenty of game to be had Elk numbers look good in region
Landowners online . . . . . . .34 Complete season list . . . . . .35 ATV responsibility . . . . . . . .36 After the hunt . . . . . . . . . . . .37 About this guide: This publication could not have happened without the help of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. We thank them for their help. It is a copyrighted 2010 publication of Lee Enterprises and is dedicated to the memory of Mark Henckel, outdoors writer for The Billings Gazette who died this past year. He was a regular contributor to this publication and The Montana Standard Outside section as well.
he Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation based in Missoula has kindly decided to share its inside information with elk hunters this year. It’s a generous gesture with information that typically only goes to RMEF members. Each year, the RMEF prepares an elk hunting forecast with a rundown on populations, prospects for all the elk states. “It seems every year more states and provinces are adding elk hunts,” said PJ DelHomme of the foundation. “Last fall saw an unlikely new pair with Tennessee and the Yukon. And while wolves have hit elk populations hard in parts of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, many states such as Colorado and New Mexico have ample elk surplus tags. “In short, it’s still a
T
4 � THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE 2010
great time to be an elk hunter,” DelHomme said.
MONTANA Elk Population: 150,000 Bull/Cow Ratio: 5-25/100 Nonresidents: $593 Hunter Success: 22 percent There are plenty of elk in many pockets of Big Sky country. In fact, Montana continues to boast the second highest elk population of any state by a margin of 30,000 animals. But some populations have plummeted in the past five years. The northern Yellowstone herd is down to 6,000 animals from
19,000 in 1996. Areas north of Yellowstone National Park have seen permits cut and overthe-counter tags change to a draw. Populations in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River and the lower Clark Fork River are 60 percent below objective, with just 7 calves per 100 cows. All antlerless tags have been cut, and bulls will be hard to come by. Elk populations are well below objectives throughout much of Region 1 in the northwest. Hunters will find elk widely dispersed and wary throughout their traditional ranges in the western third of the state where wolves howl. But the farther one goes east of the Continental Divide, the more elk appear. Most of the eastern portion of See ELK, Page 7 WWW.MTSTANDARD.COM
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GUIDE
AUGUST 2010
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010
Come back to Montana for hunting new law encourages nonresidents who once lived in Montana to "come home to hunt" with parents, siblings and other close family members. Former Montanans who purchased a resident hunting license in the past, or who were awarded a Montana hunters education certificate before 2010, can now be "sponsored" by a family member to obtain a nonresident combination deer or elk license. The program aims to support Montana's family traditions by making it easier for sons and daughters to join family remaining in Montana for the hunting season. The adult family member sponsor must claim Montana as his or her legal residence and must have a valid Montana hunting license. For more on the nonresident come home to hunt combination license, contact the nearest Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office, or go to fwp.mt.gov and click "Come Home to Hunt".
A
MONTANA STANDARD FILE PHOTO
Elk herds are predicted to be plentiful this year.
Elk... Continued from Page 4 the state is 20 percent above population objectives. And the Elk Foundation is doing its part to ensure those herds continue to flourish. The RMEF helped fund prescribed burns in the rangeland and timbered coulees of the Musselshell Breaks in 2009 to improve forage on BLM land for elk and other wildlife. In ranges like the Tobacco Roots and Gravellys, elk populations are healthy. Hunters venturing into antelope country might do well to explore the Little Belt Mountains for elk. Also be on the lookout for new Elk B tags sold over the counter in some units with too many elk. The big bulls are most definitely out there. A mild winter and moist spring should make for optimum antler growth. But it’s doubtful they’re going to run in front of your truck. Lace up those boots, hump a few miles in, and you’ll encounter elk on their terms. Visit www.fwp.mt.gov.
COLORADO Elk Population: 286,000 Bull/Cow Ratio: 30/100 Nonresidents: cow—$354/ any elk—$544 Hunter Success: 23 percent WWW.MTSTANDARD.COM
Let’s be honest, the land of the fourteeners is the land of plenty for elk and elk hunters, but it isn’t currently known for producing behemoth bulls. But that could be a different story this hunting season. The past two falls have been cursed with warm weather, leaving elk up high and the ground firecracker dry. In the northwest where many of the really big bulls roam, elk migration didn’t even begin until after regular rifle seasons were over. Couple that with abundant spring and summer moisture producing high-quality forage, and you have the perfect setup for high-quality bulls. Of course, you’re not going to be alone, as the state sees more than 200,000 hunters afield. Those more than happy simply to go elk hunting and take home a couple hundred pounds of the world’s finest meat will notice the $100 fee increase for cow tags. Why? Elk populations have been carefully trimmed to at or near objectives in many places in the state. Colorado DOW has also recommended cutting 1,500 cow/eithersex rifle tags across the state. Places where herds remain above objective, such as the Gunnison Basin, will see more rifle tags available. For archery hunters See ELK Page 8
THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010 � 7
Elk... Continued from Page 7 there, over-the-counter licenses for units 54, 55 and 551 have been nixed. It’s all limited-entry now, as masses of bowhunters were pushing the elk onto private ranches where they remained the rest of the season. In the west on the Uncomphagre Plateau, (GMU 61 to the west and 62 to the east) the best of both worlds awaits hunters. GMU 61 is a limited-draw area, while 62 sees quite a lot of hunters in this over-the-counter area. To help ensure the area stays full of elk and hunter opportunity, the Elk Foundation helped fund a habitat enhancement project, removing dense stands of pin~ons and junipers. The scrubby pines proliferate due to fire suppression and choke out native grasses. To get you started on the hunt or to jumpstart your to-do list for this season, check out DOW’s elk hunting videos on the web: http://wildife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/Videos.
IDAHO Elk Population: 101,000 Bull/Cow Ratio: 25/100 Nonresidents: license $155, tag $417 Hunter Success: 20 percent Since 2007, Idaho’s elk population has fallen by 24,000. And for the second year in a row, out-of-state tag revenues in the state have mirrored that trend. Hunters list wolves, the economy and nonresident tag prices as factors. This isn’t ideal for state wildlife coffers, but it could be ideal if you’re looking for elk hunting all to yourself. Wolves have hit elk populations in the classic elk country of the Lolo, Sawtooth and Selway areas hard, and the state has capped tags. Bull:cow and cow:calf ratios are in tough shape, and the statewide population could fall below 100,000 for the first time in decades. But the declines are by no means across the board. Elk populations are at or above objectives in 22 of 29 elk hunt zones. And a mild winter boosted cow and calf elk survival rates across most of the state. It’s no secret that wolves can hammer elk populations, but the most lasting damage is done by the jaws of subdivisions and mini-malls devouring habitat. When conservation-minded landowners want to see their land protected, the Elk Foundation is there to help. Donna Standley’s 350acre ranch in the northern panhandle provides year-round elk habitat and she wanted to see it stay that way forever.
8 � THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010
So in 2009, she placed her property in a conservation easement with the RMEF. Those elk populations around Donna’s ranch, and along the western and southern borders of the state, continue to be strong. The Beaverhead, Lemhi, Island Park, Teton, Snake River, Palisades and Tex Creek zones all have healthy herds and offer the kind of elk hunting Idaho is famous for. Visit fishandgame.idaho.gov.
NEVADA Elk Population: 12,300 Bull/Cow Ratio: 32/100 Nonresidents: $142 hunting license plus $1,200 tag Hunter Success: 44 percent This year’s “baby boomer” award goes to the land of craps tables and bordellos. In the past two years, the elk population there has grown nearly 30 percent. The opportunities for hunters to chase them have followed suit. A few hundred tags more than last year will be issued this season, for a total of 3,350. Ten percent of those tags go to nonresidents who are looking at pretty decent 1:44 odds to draw a bull tag. Elk herds here grow as sagebrush and bitterbrush succumb to drought and wildfire. Then grass takes their place. The mule deer aren’t happy about it, but the elk love it. The quality of bulls in the harvest remains high with more than 67 percent of bulls reported being six points or better. Landowners seem content as well. The state’s Elk Management on Private Lands Program See ELK, Page 9
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Elk... Continued from Page 8 distributed 66 tags to property owners to do with as they wish. Estimated revenue generated from those tags topped nearly $500,000 for the landowners. So if you don’t draw in the lottery, you can always track down a landowner—though they may not take plastic.
Visit www.ndow.org/hunt.
NORTH DAKOTA Elk Population: 2,000 Bull/Cow Ratio: Not available Nonresidents: One auction tag available Hunter Success: 42 percent Big news this year is the potential for culling elk inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park using park volunteers. With 950 elk, the park is looking to control elk populations, possibly killing 275 elk for the next five years to get populations between 100-400. For the rest of the state’s elk, things are pretty much status-quo. Managers issued 561 tags—with 245 any-sex and 315 antlerless tags, the same as last year. Almost all hunting is now in the western Badlands, but elk may be moving south from Canada into the Turtle Mountains in the state’s north-central portion. No hunting is currently permitted there, but in the future anything can happen with the right habitat. Visit www.gf.nd.gov/hunting.
FILE PHOTO
A pair of successful area resident hunters. hunters. Bowhunters can still hunt most of the east side with a general tag. Those eastern elk have some new neighbors, as a couple wolf packs have established themselves in See ELK Page 10
Hunters Welcome!
OREGON Elk Population: 120,000 Bull/Cow Ratio: 15/100 Nonresidents: license $140, tag: $500 Hunter Success: 13 percent Due to budget constraints, biologists aren’t exactly sure how many elk they have as aerial surveys have been limited. But they think herd populations are stable. And this year, managers plan to issue nearly 1,000 more permits than last season. Rocky Mountain elk dominate the east side of the Cascades while Roosevelt’s reign to the west. Most hunting in the steep and dark west is open to all comers with overthe-counter tags, while eastern Oregon is draw-only for rifle
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THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010 Elk... Continued from Page 9 the northeast corner. Individual wolves are also dispersing into the state from Idaho.
UTAH Elk Population: 68,000 Bull/Cow Ratio: 15-80/100 Nonresidents: $65 hunting license, plus $388 general tag, $795 limited-entry tag, or $1,500 premium limitedentry tag Hunter Success: 17 percent Statewide, hunters kill bulls that average around 6½ years. At that age, you’re looking at a jaw-dropping wallhanger or a nice-sized bull; it all depends on what the elk have been eating. Luckily, Utah has seen good moisture this past winter and spring, keeping the hills green and lush. Translation: healthy brutes with big headgear. Before you start packing the truck, odds of drawing a limited-entry tag are going to be tough. Odds for residents to pull a limited-entry tag are 1:16. Nonresidents, 1:44. But as the state’s herd slowly grows, so grows tag availability. Consider that in 2003, there were around 60,000 elk and 86 nonresident, limited-entry tags. Now, with 68,000 elk there are three times as many tags available. It’s going to be a tough draw for the most popular units, such as San Juan and Fillmore Pahvant, but there are overthe-counter options out there, especially for archery hunters who are willing to hike into wilderness. With an any-bull tag in their pocket, hardcore backcountry archers just might find the big boys without the big crowds. Visit wildlife.utah.gov/hunting/biggame
course. Managers help control densities by making hunters choose either westside Roosevelt’s or eastside Rocky Mountain elk. Both hunters and elk are split about 50/50. Generally, herd numbers are stable this season, as they are coming off a very mild winter. Traditionally an elk stronghold, the Yakima herd has seen a drop in recruitment, thus special permits for both branchantlered bulls and cows have been cut 30-40 percent. Good news, though, for that herd and others in the area between Yakima and Wenatchee. Thanks in part to facilitation from the Elk Foundation, the state swapped 21,000 acres of checkboarded land for 82,000 acres of private timberland. Both properties were valued at $56.5 million. The final product: 61,000 acres open to all as a new state forest. While it may take some time for the Yakima herd to rebound, the state has plenty of other hot spots like the classic elk country of the Blue Mountains. This area in the southeast corner has seen an increase in bull permits the last few years. The southwest is another winner for OTC permits, especially on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest around Mt. St. Helens where managers are trying to knock down herd numbers. And finally, wolves have established at least twoconfirmed packs on the eastside. After three years of crafting, with much citizen input, the Division of Fish and Wildlife See Elk, Page 11
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WASHINGTON Elk Population: 55,000-60,000 Bull/Cow Ratio: 12 to 20/100 in most units Nonresidents: $432 Hunter Success: 8 percent With more hunters per elk than any other state, you’d think the state’s woods would be overrun. Well, if you’re hunting near a road, they probably are. Venture five miles behind a gate or into wilderness, and chances are you’ll have the place all to yourself—except for all the elk of
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010 Elk... Continued from Page 10 plans to submit a final wolf management plan to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission this fall. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/.
WYOMING Elk Population: 120,000 Bull/Cow Ratio: 23/100 Nonresidents: $577 for permit/$288 for cow-calf permit/$1,057 for special permit Hunter Success: 43 percent It’s true. Some places in Wyoming have seen significant impacts from wolves and other carnivores. The eastern half of the Cody herd next to Yellowstone has seen poor calf-recruitment, made worse by predation. Once a general hunting area, it is now a limited-entry draw. That area is home to the Shoshone National Forest where aspens are losing ground to encroaching conifers because of fire suppression. To give elk a boost, the RMEF helped pay for conifer removal across aspen stands in the greatest danger of disappearing. The landscape around Jackson Hole and the Gros Ventre and Teton Wilderness Areas will see tightened seasons and antler-point restrictions to try and boost bull-cow and cow-calf ratios. But outside the northwest corner, the state’s cup runneth over with elk, with the population up 15,000 from last year
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION
and many units far above their population objectives. The statewide objective is 80,000 elk. That’s 40,000 less than where the herd now stands. You’ll be hard pressed to find better odds of filling the freezer with a choice cow, and the state expects to have lots of leftover antlerless licenses. Aggressive seasons have been set in many places, including the Snowy Range, Laramie Peak and Sierra Madre. Last year, the state shifted to a first-come/firstserved online licensing system. Out-of-staters can now search for leftover licenses without having to wait in line for reduced and full-price tags. Visit gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/hunting.
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010
New format, opportunities abound ontana’s deer, elk and antelope regulations — the hunter’s bible — is newly formatted this year and includes some new hunting opportunities for deer, elk and antelope for the upcoming season. “We made the changes in response to requests for simpler, easier to read hunting regulations,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks spokesman Ron Aasheim. The opening pages of the 2010 big game regulations outline the hunter’s legal responsibilities afield, followed by hunting district maps, regulations and legal descriptions of each hunting district. The final pages of the regulations contain information on licenses and items of general interest to hunters. In addition, there are several new opportunities for hunters in 2010, including: Elk B Licenses— Elk B licenses (formerly called “A9” or “B12” licenses),
M
which allow taking a second elk, have replaced antlerless elk permits in several hunting districts. Some elk B licenses may be legal for archery hunting. Check the specific hunting district regulations for elk B license details. New Opening Day — Antelope, deer and elk seasons will open on a Saturday for the first time in recent memory. The general season for antelope will open Oct. 9. The general deer and elk season opener is set for Oct. 23. In past years, most general big game hunting seasons opened on a Sunday. Deer Youth Hunt at Fall Break— A youth hunt for deer limited to youngsters between the ages of 12-15 was approved for Oct. 21-22, the Thursday and Friday preceding the Saturday opener. These dates coincide with Montana’s annual two-day teachers’ convention, which are no-school days for most public school students.
New Youth Rule —Resident and nonresident youngsters 11 years of age who will reach 12 years of age by January 16, 2011, may after Aug. 15 hunt any game species with a valid license during an open season. They may also purchase a hunting license, except spring turkey and spring black bear, after showing at the time of the sale proof they have completed an approved hunter education course. Black Bear and Mountain Lion Archery — For the first time, Montana will offer black bear and lion archery-only seasons, which will open along with the general big game archery season on Sept. 4. To participate one must have a valid archery license. Montana’s annual big game hunting regulations and drawing applications are available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and from most FWP offices and license providers.
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Bird and pheasant details Upland bird seasons run Sept. 1- Jan.1, 2011—with the exception of sage grouse season, which closes Nov. 1, and mountain grouse season, which closes Dec. 15. Daily Bag Limits Two sage grouse, four sharp-tailed grouse, and three mountain grouse in aggregate and eight partridge in aggregate. Three cock pheasants daily. Possession Limits Two times the daily bag limit for sage grouse and four times the daily bag limit for sharp-tailed, moun-
2010 UPLAND GAME BIRD HUNTING SEASONS TO OPEN SEPT. 1 Opening day for most upland game bird hunting seasons occur on the same day every year—Sept. 1. The 2010 general pheasant season opens Oct. 9. Here are the statewide hunting season dates. Upland Game Birds Mountain Grouse
September 1
December 15
Partridge
September 1
January 1, 2011
Pheasant General
October 9
January 1, 2011
Pheasant Youth
Sept. 25-26
Sage Grouse
September 1
November 1
Sharp-tailed Grouse
September 1
January 1, 2011
September 1
January 1, 2011
Turkey - Fall
tain grouse and partridge. Three times the daily bag limit for pheasants. The annual bag limit for turkey is two wild turkeys, either sex. The total combined limit of the spring and fall seasons cannot exceed two turkeys per hunter. In the fall, two either-sex turkeys may be harvested,
but no more than one may be harvested in FWP Region 7 and no more than one may be harvested outside of FWP Region 7. Fall turkey hunting is open to all hunters with a valid fall turkey license in the general hunting areas described in the upland game bird regulations.
Special turkey hunting permits, with applications made in July, are valid only in areas specified in the regulations and must be used with a valid fall turkey license. For other details on upland bird hunting , see the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov.
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THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010
Upland game bird outlook ontana’s cool, wet weather in May and June didn’t put a damper on this fall’s upland game bird hunting. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say most upland game bird populations will be more than sufficient to maintain hunters’ interest. Most game bird hunting begins Sept. 1. Pheasant season opens Oct. 9. “There is no doubt that this spring’s cool, wet weather kept things interesting. Fortunately, in many parts of the state, the temperatures were not so severe as to wipe out this year’s production,” said Rick Northrup, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game bird coordinator. Northrup said the bad weather came primarily in late May and early to mid June, affecting grouse and pheasants in FWP Region 1 in northwest Montana, FWP Region 4 in northcentral Montana and the western portion of FWP Region 6. “In these areas, upland game bird hunters in general
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can expect to see game bird numbers similar to or lower than last year’s,” Northrup said. “Moisture and cool temperatures generally tended to be less of a concern in other portions of the state, although there are going to be local exceptions.” Another spring storm dumped deep snow during late April and early May in Judith Basin and Eastern Cascade counties, extending into Choteau and Fergus counties, which may have been particularly harsh on adult pheasants and gray partridge. Weather is critical to the abundance and survival of all game birds. In general, spring and summer moisture enhances game bird productivity unless it is accompanied with 52 F degree or colder temperatures during the spring hatch and early brood periods. The same moisture that may be harmful to some birds also provides the lush green cover and abundant insect populations that are important for chick survival.
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010 Western Montana: (FWP Region 1 and Region 2) In FWP Region 1, in northwestern Montana, peak hatch and early brooding periods were interrupted with cold, wet weather June 17-18 and 21-22, probably resulting in diminished game bird production, both in the mountains and for pheasants and gray partridge in the valleys. In FWP Region 2 in the west, the forecast is more encouraging with average dusky grouse numbers, and near or above average numbers of ruffed grouse. Spruce grouse numbers are expected to be average, and pheasant numbers are expected to be above average due to favorable spring weather for that species. Access to the limited pheasant habitats in the region, however, can be challenging due to land ownership patterns. MATT HENCKEL sports a wild turkey shot on the plains of Eastern Montana.
Southwestern and South Central Montana (FWP Region 3 and Region 5) Dusky grouse numbers in FWP Region 3 are expected to be better than last year. Ruffed, sharp-tailed and spruce grouse numbers should be similar to last year’s. Gray partridge production is up and sage-grouse numbers should be similar to those in recent years. Pheasant numbers will be about average. In FWP Region 5, while dusky grouse numbers are expected to be about average, local observers expect fewer sage grouse this year. Other upland game bird numbers, including pheasants, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and gray partridge, are expected to be average to better than average . Montana Hi-Line (FWP Region 4 north, Region 4 south, Region 6 west, Region 6 east) Dusky grouse numbers in FWP Region 4 north are on track for an average year, despite three cold, wet days
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THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010 � 15
HUNTING GUIDE 2010 Regions... Continued from Page 15 early in the hatching period. More favorable conditions followed, which would have benefited later broods. Ruffed grouse broods experienced two bouts of cold, wet weather, which likely reduced their productivity this year. The gray partridge population in FWP Region 4 is expected to be below average, but with some slight improvement over last year. Sharp-tailed grouse numbers should be average to below average. Pheasant numbers should show some improvement over last year, but will remain below average again due to cold, wet conditions at the peak of the hatch and early brood period. In the southern portion of FWP Region 4, a deep snow April 30-May 1 may have reduced adult pheasant and gray partridge numbers—especially in Judith Basin, eastern Cascade, and western Fergus counties. Dusky and ruffed grouse numbers are expected to
be somewhat improved while gray partridge and sharp-tailed grouse numbers are expected to be average or above. Sage grouse numbers are expected to be below average. Where pheasants weren’t caught in spring snows, expect to see near average numbers. In FWP Region 6 west, gray partridge numbers should be somewhat improved over last year, but young early-hatched chicks would have been impacted in mid-June by three or more inches of rain that fell over three days time. Despite the wet weather, sharp-tailed grouse numbers in the western portion of FWP Region 6 are expected to be better than last year and sage grouse numbers will be at or above average this fall. Pheasant numbers may also be above average, depending on how badly mid-June rains affected their broods. In FWP Region 6 east, hunters can expect near average numbers of gray partridge, and slightly improved numbers of sharp-tailed grouse, though that population will remain below
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average. With a somewhat milder winter compared to two years ago, the popular pheasant hunting in the state’s northeast corner is expected to be improved with a closer to average pheasant population. Southeastern Montana (FWP Region 7 north and Region 7 south) In FWP Region 7 north gray partridge numbers are forecast to be comparable or better than last year putting them near or above average. Sharp-tailed grouse numbers will be average or better, while sage grouse populations will remain below average. Pheasant numbers should be somewhat improved in this portion of Montana, but probably still below average. In FWP Region 7 south gray partridge, sharp-tailed grouse and pheasant numbers are expected to be better than average. Sage grouse numbers are expected to be somewhat improved from last year, but still below average. For detailed information, go to fpw.mt.gov
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THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE, AUGUST 2010 � 17
HUNTING GUIDE 2010
Bird enhancement program gets upgrade ontana’s Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program, a good tool for bird hunters in the state, has undergone some enhancements of its own, including the addition of three upland game bird biologists and a 12-member advisory council. “The program is thriving with 402 contracts for pheasant releases and habitat enhancement work. Landowners are making game bird-related improvements on about 260,000 acres of land and providing hunter access on about 830,000 acres,” said Debbie Hohler, FWP’s Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program biologist. Hohler said that the 2010
M
Decoys a sure-fire way of attracting wetland birds. hunter’s access guide to Upland Game Bird Program projects is available from FWP regional offices and the FWP headquarters in Helena. An electronic copy of the hunter’s guide is on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov. On the Habitat page, select Wildlife Habitat
and then Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program. “New local habitat projects coordinated by the upland game bird biologists are also underway to enhance bird habitat and increase bird numbers, including pheasant num-
bers, in the state,” Hohler said. FWP hired three upland game bird biologists this year, one each in FWP Regions 4, 6 and 7. The biologists work with landowners, federal and state agencies and organizations— including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Pheasants Forever and local groups to identify, design, monitor and evaluate habitat projects on private and public lands. FWP also appointed a 12-member advisory council to work with the department on a 10-year Upland Game Bird Enhancement strategic plan.
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010
Bowhunters gear up for season ontana’s archery-only hunting season for deer, elk, antelope and black bear begins Sept. 4. The bighorn sheep archery season begins Sept. 5. A bow and arrow license, plus the proper hunting license is required during the deer, elk, antelope, black bear and bighorn sheep archery only season or to hunt in areas limited to only archery equipment. Depending on the species and hunting district, some licenses were available only by special drawing. Some elk B licenses may be legal for archery hunting. Check the specific hunting district regulations for elk B license details.
M
For details on legal archery equipment and documentation needed to purchase a Montana bow and arrow license, check the 2010 big game hunting regulations available at FWP offices, license providers and on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov under Hunting.
JASON DAWES, 34, who works for Summit Beverage in wine sales, is also a successful bow hunter, taking this 6-point bull elk in the Highlands a few years back. He also rifle hunts, taking this mule deer buck, at right.
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010 Hunters: Know your bulls With elk archery season opening Sept. 4, and the backcountry general elk season set to open Sept. 15, elk hunters need to know their bull elk. Here is a quick cheat sheet. An antlered bull elk is any elk with an antler or antlers at least four inches in length measured from the top of the skull. A brow-tined bull is any elk with an antler or antlers with a visible point on the lower half of either main beam that is greater than or equal to four inches long. A spike bull is an elk with antlers that do not branch, or if branched, the branch is less than four inches long measured from the main antler. An antlerless elk is a female, or a juvenile male with antlers less than four inches in length measured from the top of the skull. MATT SLYDER of Roundup took this elk with a bow under a special permit tag in area 380.
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010 FWP clarifies bow hunting equipment regulation A change in Montana’s 2010 big game hunting regulations has caught the eye of some bow hunters and confused others. In the 2010 regulations, under “Archery & Crossbow Equipment,” the 28-inch bow length regulation includes the phrase, “axle to axle.” To clarify, for FWP enforcement purposes, a bow is considered legal if it is at least 28 inches in total length. Bows shorter than 28 inches are prohibited for use in Montana. To review the online 2010 big game regulations, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and click on the Hunting page and then Regulations.
WITH DEDUCTIONS, this mule deer buck scores less than the new Montana state record. It was shot in Area 270, in the East Fork of Bitterroot area.
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010 Changes in black bear season licenses online Hunters may purchase a license at all FWP offices, FWP license providers, or online at fwp.mt.gov , under Online Services until Aug. 31. After that date there is a five-day wait on the use of bear hunting licenses and may only be purchased at an FWP office or online. Black bear hunters must have successfully completed the Black Bear Identification Test and must present a certificate of completion when purchasing a black bear license. The training and test are available on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov under Online Services. A paper version of the test may be obtained at FWP offices or license providers. 2010 Black Bear hunting regulations are available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov , from FWP license providers and at FWP offices.
JASON DAWES with a 6 1/2-foot, 350-pound black bear killed in the upper Big Hole Valley.
Black bear hunters must keep the meat The general fall black bear hunting season opens Sept. 15 in most areas of Montana. Hunters should check the regulations for exceptions. Under Montana law, bear meat, or the meat from any other big game ani-
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HUNTING GUIDE 2010
Don’t become one of the hunted With Montana’s upland game bird season opening Sept. 1 and bow hunting season underway Sept. 4, hunters will soon be sharing the landscape with the state’s bears. Grizzly bears are found throughout western Montana, not just the Rocky Mountain Front, Bob Marshall Wilderness complex and the Yellowstone ecosystem, and black bears range widely across the state. Upland game bird hunters and archers hunting in bear country should: � Carry bear spray and know how to use it, � Hunt with a partner, or let someone know your plans, and periodically check in, � Get harvested game out of the woods quickly, � Carry a lightweight tarp or space blanket to put the entrails on and pull them well away from the carcass and then cover the carcass with the tarp to reduce the scent, if the carcass is left unattended, � When returning to a site where harvested game is left unattended, study the site at a distance for any movement or changes and signal your approach by making noise.
� Do not attempt to frighten or haze a bear from a carcass. If a bear finds a carcass left unattended and is eating it or has covered it with debris and it is not salvageable, contact FWP. For more on black bears, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov on the Wild Things page and click on Living With Wildlife. Bear resistant products are described on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee’s website at www.igbconline.org , or click IGBC . A “How To Hunt Safely in Grizzly Country” brochure is available at FWP regional offices.
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30 � THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING
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AUGUST 2010
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THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010 � 31
HUNTING GUIDE 2010 Early migratory bird seasons The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission has adopted 2010 hunting regulations and season dates for “webless” migratory game birds. The hunting-season framework for Montana’s webless migratory game birds— mourning doves, common snipe and sandhill cranes—will follow federal recommendations and remain similar to last year except for these season date changes. � Hunting season dates for the Rocky Mountain population of sandhill cranes with permits obtained in a special drawing are Sept. 11-Sept 26. � Season dates for mid-continent sandhill cranes are: Sept. 25-Nov. 21. � Other 2010 early season migratory bird season regulations remain unchanged except for the annual progression of calendar dates. The later opening for the Rocky Mountain population of sandhill cranes is to accommodate more cranes arriving later on traditional staging areas where most hunting occurs. Each permitted hunter would have a twocrane bag limit. For details, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov on the Hunting page.
32 � THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010
Late season bird hunting dates The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on the tentative late season migratory bird hunting regulations for ducks, geese, swans, and coots. Survey results show that habitat conditions and population numbers are generally good for migratory birds—duck numbers are 21 percent above the long-term average, mallard numbers are 12 percent above the long-term average, and pintail numbers are up nine percent from last year. Other than minor date changes, the only proposed regulation change from last year is an increase in the Central See BIRDS, Page 33 STEVE BIERE of Butte displays a quintet of cranes taken during the bird season.
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BIRDS... Continued from page 32 Flyway daily bag limit from one to two pintail ducks. Here are the proposed season details for late season migratory birds: Central Flyway � Youth Waterfowl Season: Sept. 25-26 � Duck, Coot and Tundra Swan (500 permits only) Season: Oct. 2–Jan. 6 � Ducks: Daily bag limit of six ducks or mergansers, possession limit twice the daily limit. Daily bag limited to no more than five mallards, no more than two of which may be hens; two redheads, two scaup, two hooded mergansers, three wood ducks, two pintails, and one canvasback. � Coots: 15 daily, the proposed possession limit is twice the daily limit. � Goose Season: Oct. 2 – Jan. 14 � Dark Geese: Daily limit of four daily, possession limit twice the daily limit. � White Geese: Daily limit of six daily, possession limit twice the daily limit. � Swan (500 permits only) season: Oct. 2 – Jan. 6 � Falconry dates: Ducks and coots: Sept. 22 – Jan. 6; Geese: Oct. 2 – Jan. 14 Pacific Flyway � Youth Waterfowl Season: Sept. 25-26 � General Waterfowl Season: Oct. 2–Jan. 14 � Scaup Season: Youth weekend and Oct. 2-Dec. 26 � Ducks: Daily bag limit of seven ducks or mergansers, possession limit twice daily limit. Daily bag limited to no more than two hen mallards, two pintails, two redheads, one canvasback, and three scaup. � Coots: The proposed limit is 25 daily and in possession � Goose Season: Oct. 2-Jan 14
MARK HENCKEL, the late outdoors editor for The Billings Gazette and an annual contributor to this publication, shows off a bevy of sage grouse he shot. � Dark Geese: Daily limit of four, the proposed limit twice the daily limit. � White Geese: Daily limit of six, possession limit twice the daily limit. � Swan (500 permits only) Season: Oct. 9–Dec. 1 � Falconry dates: Ducks, coots, and geese: Oct. 2 – Jan. 14 Comments must be sent by Aug. 30. T o e-mail from the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov . Click “For Hunters, Opportunity for Public Comment.” Or mail to: FWP – Wildlife Bureau, Attn: Public Comment, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. For more information, call: 406-444-2612.
Antelope 900 archery season underway
YOU MUST STOP AT GAME CHECK STATIONS. State law requires hunters to stop at all game checking stations while traveling to and from hunting areas. Failure to stop at a checking station when personnel are on duty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine. Biological and law enforcement game check stations may be set up together in the same place or in separate locations. This fall, thousands of hunters will provide useful information during the annual game checks, helping FWP manage game animal populations and future hunting opportunities. WWW.MTSTANDARD.COM
Many archery antelope hunters are already afield with a 900 series license to archery hunt antelope of either sex in any hunting district starting with a 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Hunting in the 900 series archery hunt is restricted to archery equipment only and runs Aug. 15 to Nov. 14. Applications for the 900 series archery hunt for antelope were due June 1. The drawing for these licenses is set for early August, immediately following the state’s antelope summer population surveys. Sept. 4 to Oct. 8 is the general archery antelope season. The general rifle season for antelope is Oct. 9—Nov. 14. Most antelope hunting licenses, including those for the general rifle season, are available only through special drawings with a June 1 application deadline. THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010 � 33
HUNTING GUIDE 2010
Landowners, sportsmen work together online any hunters who would like good relationships with Montana landowners just aren’t sure how to get started. On the other hand, some landowners wonder whether it is a good idea to encourage hunting on their lands these days. Though folks on both sides of the fence might see this as an area of potential conflict, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks saw it as an educational opportunity. “We wanted to develop a means for hunters and landowners to explore each other’s experiences and better connect with each other,” said Thomas Baumeister, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks education program
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manager. To do so, FWP, worked with a group of hunters and landowners to develop The Hunter Landowner Stewardship Project, an interactive, self-paced, online course that touches on topics landowners and hunters said they wanted to
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explore—such as asking for permission to hunt, fair chase hunting, livestock, farm and ranch activities, and game retrieval. “To help make this voluntary learning experience even more accessible we designed it so the user can leave off and come back
later to continue without losing his or her place,” Baumeister said. “The Internet course can take about three hours to complete and there is a certificate of completion that can be printed out.” Baumeister said that the program looks at 14 major topics and engages the viewer by presenting questions, background, video clips and other relevant information. To learn more, or to participate in the program, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and click The Hunter Landowner Stewardship Project.
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Big Game Seasons Species
Start Date
End Date
900 series
August 15
November 14
Archery
September 4
October 8
General
October 9
November 14
Archery
September 5
September 14
General
September 15
November 28
Bison
November 15
February 15, 2011
Archery
September 4
September 14
Fall
September 15
November 28
Archery
September 4
October 17
Youth (Deer Only)
October 21
October 22
General
October 23
November 28
September 4
September 14
September 15
November 28
Moose
September 15
November 28
Mountain Goat
September 15
November 28
Archery
September 4
October 17
Fall
October 23
November 28
Winter
December 1
April 14, 2011
Antelope
Bighorn Sheep
Bison
Black bear
Deer & Elk
Archery Backcountry (HD's 150, 151, 280, 316)General Backcountry (HD's 150, 151, 280, 316) Moose
Mountain Goat
Mountain Lion
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THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010 ďż˝ 35
HUNTING GUIDE 2010
Hunting with OHVs: Responsibility or regulation? n the past decade, off- highway vehicle numbers have increased three-fold in Montana. While more OHV use has made access to hunting areas and big game retrieval easier for some hunters, the increased use can cause problems that negatively affect the sport. Vehicle noise can create conflicts between traditional walk-in hunters and hunters using four-wheelers and other motorized vehicles. Off-trail use can damage foraging grounds due to the spread of noxious weeds. In addition, operation of OHVs in riparian areas can cause unsightly damage to those sites. “There are an estimated 60,000 registered OHVs in the state of Montana and probably half of them are used during the hunting season,” said Jason White, Motorized Trails Grant Coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. “To reduce impacts of OHVs during hunting season, it’s important that motorized users are aware of use regulations for the area in which they are hunting.” Hunters can only use designated routes and should only retrieve harvested big game from the nearest designated road or trail, avoid wet areas, and call 1-800-TIP-MONT when a violation has occurred. “Through peer pressure, we will be able to educate and inform users of the consequences associated with illegal OHV riding,” White said. FWP has partnered with the Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association, U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to step up education on the ethical, legal, and safe use of OHVs, including the most popular form –all terrain vehicles. For details about these topics, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov under Recreation, click on Activities, then Off-Highway Vehicles. Anyone who observes hunting violations involving OHVs are encouraged to report them to 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800847-6668); gather license and registration numbers, and photos of the vehicle with visible license plate, along with tracks and other evidence of damage when it is safe to do so. Callers may remain anonymous and could receive an reward for information that leads to a conviction.
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36 � THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE AUGUST 2010
FWP regional contacts Hunters interested in obtaining access to more than nine million acres of private lands enrolled in FWP’s Block Management Program may contact the regional FWP office in the area where they plan to hunt, or check the “Hunting” pages on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov . To contact FWP regional offices for more information on regional hunting opportunities on BMAs call: � Northwest— FWP Region 1 in Kalispell: 406-752-5501 � West-central—FWP Region 2 in Missoula: 406-5425530 � South-central—FWP Region 3 in Bozeman: 406-9943288 � Central—FWP Region 4 in Great Falls: 406-454-5862 � East-central—FWP Region 5 in Billings: 406-247-2974 � Northeast—FWP Region 6 in Glasgow: 406-228-3700 � Southeast—FWP Region 7 in Miles City: 406-234-0930
New Web Site launched for hunting news A new, improved web page for Montana’s 2010 hunting news was launched Aug. 17 by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The new page offers easy access to season outlooks, tips and new opportunities for the upcoming season. “It’s a whole new look and design for FWP news and one we intend to expand in the future,” said FWP spokesman Ron Aasheim. “We hope this information and new format helps hunters find and use the information they need for a successful hunting season.” Aasheim said several hunting-related videos will be available on the site beginning Aug. 20. To explore Montana’s 2010 hunting information online, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click “2010 Hunting News.” The “Hunting Companion” can be found at http://msl.mt.gov/hunting. The website was developed in part to assist Montana’s librarians as they field requests from hunters in libraries across the state. The “Hunting Companion” is a streamlined access point for the basic information every hunter needs for a successful hunt. WWW.MTSTANDARD.COM
HUNTING GUIDE 2010
After the hunt
Use common sense in handling game ontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds hunters that simple, common sense precautions will help to ensure that their game is properly, and safely, field-dressed and butchered this season. Most upland game bird seasons open Sept.1 and soon to follow are archery seasons for antelope, elk and deer on Sept. 4. “While the chance of contracting a disease from wild game is remote, it just makes good sense to take simple precautions,” said Ron Aasheim, chief of FWP’s Communications and Education Division in Helena Here are some examples of simple precautions that hunters of any game animal, including waterfowl, game birds, deer and elk should take. Do not shoot, handle or consume any animal that is acting abnormally or that appears sick. Contact FWP if you see an animal that appears sick. Wear rubber gloves when field
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dressing any game animal. Bone out the meat from your deer or elk. Don’t saw through bone, and avoid cutting through the brain or spinal cord (backbone). Minimize contact with animal hair, brain, intestines, fluids, spinal tissue and feces. Be mindful of humans and domestic dogs touching or coming in contact with animal hair or feces as it can be
contaminated and transmit parasites without the presence of visible feces. Prevent dogs from eating the internal organs of game animals. Avoid consuming brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes of deer or elk. (Normal field dressing coupled with boning-out a carcass will remove most, if not all, of these body parts. Cutting away all fatty tissue will remove remaining lymph nodes.) If you have your wild meat commercially processed, request that your animal is handled individually, without meat from other animals being added to meat from your animal. Wash hands and forearms after field dressing game animals. Soak any utensils used to field dress game animals in a solution of one part household bleach and 10 parts water for 20 minutes. Cook all game meat until well done.
The last step in the hunt: Carcass disposal ow to best dispose of a big game carcass after the meat is in the freezer is a question all hunters face. The answer is simple enough but the regulations and reasons behind it are not understood by many hunters and that leads to violations, say some Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks enforcement officials. “All carcass parts remaining after processing a game animal should be double bagged and disposed of in a regulated landfill or at a transfer station,” said Tim Feldner, of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ enforcement bureau. In many communities fur buyers and hide tanners will purchase deer and elk hides. Here is just one real-life
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Adam Karlin with a big bull elk example of why hunters must know how to properly dispose of big game carcasses after the meat is processed. A family with children camped in early spring this year near Monture Creek on
Highway 200. As they settled in, they discovered elk and deer parts from harvested animals tossed in a number of nearby locations. The meat on the bones had not fully decomposed. That put this family of campers in grizzly country at risk from multiple grizzly bear attractants with no easy means of ridding the area of this danger. Montana State Law, applicable on all stateowned and managed sites, prohibits leaving dead animals or refuse on public
property, including all stateowned and managed lands which would include FWP managed fishing access sites and wildlife management areas. These laws may surprise some hunters, especially some old timers, for whom dumping big game carcasses in the woods was standard practice. “It is not only illegal to dump big game carcasses, it is a bad idea,” said Feldner. “Even on private land there are restrictions that apply on the handling of animal carcasses.” For example, human health-related state laws prohibit the placing of animal carcasses in any Montana lake, river, creek, pond or reservoir.
THE MONTANA STANDARD HUNTING GUIDE, AUGUST 2010 � 37
HUNTING GUIDE 2010
BLAST FROM THE PAST HUNTING BONANZA: These three Butte hunters featured in this circa 1915 photograph got three does or bucks apiece during one hunting expedition. The meat would keep their families fed through the winter. MONTANA STANDARD FILE PHOTO
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