Hunting & Fishing News - June 2013 Issue

HUNTING & FFISHING NewsJune 2013June 2013

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How to be a 10 Percenter: Parts I & II By: Trevor Stoltzfus

Reprinted with permission from Bowhunting.netFor more please go to: www.bowhunting.net

Part I

Is it just that these successful archery hunters are blessed with an inordinate amount of luck, or is there something more? As I continue to grow as an archer and a bowhunter, I have been fortunate to meet many great bowhunters who I look up to and try to emulate. In these mentors I have consistently seen common threads that appear in what they do and how they think which helps to give these “killers” that edge. Identifying and adopting these traits has helped me to be much more successful in the fi eld.

VISUALIZATION:For years athletes have been practicing visualization as a way to prepare for competition and Dave Beronio, a good friend and hardcore bowhunter from Nevada, states it this way, “Growing up ski racing, I was fortunate to make it to an elite level. I was a physically fi t and talented athlete, and the mental aspect was something I always enjoyed working on. I would take a seat quietly at the top of the start area and prep for my run. Multiple times I would visualize myself in the start gate looking down the course, and with movement of my body and eyes closed, I would start the course in my head. Because I knew the course setting and terrain, I could see myself making every turn and feel every movement of my body. I would visualize the fastest line I needed to take to win. By visualizing this over and over before my run, I could get on the course and then during my run it would feel like muscle memory would take over. The course would take on a “second nature effect”. Even though it would be my fi rst run physically on the course, it would feel as though I’d been down it a dozen times already.”

Dave Beronio uses ‘visualization’ to rehearse every possible circumstance so he’s prepared to make his best shot.

For Dave bowhunting is no different. He goes on to explain, “Visualization is something I often do while sitting on the couch with my eyes closed, or before I fall asleep at night. In my head I play the scene over and over through to the fi nal seconds of a hunt. In my mind, I see the animal standing there in front of me. I visualize the fl ight of my arrow, picturing a clean shot and follow through. I can still picture my pin on the animal even after the arrow hits its mark.”

By visualizing these exciting moments, where most bowhunters allow their nerves to get the best of them, a successful bowhunter can react calmly as if he has already been there, if only in his mind.I have found that visualization can play an important role in keeping me sharp while in the fi eld. If I am in a treestand or a ground blind I visualize a good buck walking into my ambush within easy bow range. In this exercise I expect to see that trophy, and work smoothly through the steps it will take to harvest that animal.

My every motion is already thought out and planned in my mind; from grabbing my bow and attaching my release to the string all the way through settling the pin on the vitals and releasing a perfect arrow. Be forewarned that there is a fi ne line between solid visualization practices and hypnotic daydreaming. The former keeps you sharp and alert the latter just makes you sleepy and inattentive.

With these simple visualization tips you too can make aggressive steps toward becoming a 10 percenter! (continued)

MMost successful bowhunters would agree that bowhunting is hard. The fact that an archer has to be skillful enough to trick the eyes, ears, and nose of any game animal just to get within a bows limited kill zone is diffi cult by itself, but even more diffi cult is the execution of a lethal shot under that immense adrenaline and excitement.

I am sure you know someone who, every year, seems to connect on a trophy animal, while others eat a lot of “tag soup.”

It has been said that 10% of bowhunters kill 90% of the game, and I call these guys and gals the ten percenters.

4

5June 2013

Part IIPREPAREDNESS:A common trait that elite archery hunters share is preparedness. Preparedness screams success in bowhunting. But being prepared starts way before opening day. While visualization can be an importantpart of preparedness, there is so much more to this characteristic found in all of the “10 percenters” I interviewed.

Ray Howell, one of the most accomplished bowhunters I have ever met, explains his philosophy, “My passion for hunting and being in God’s creation has driven me to be a perfectionist in accuracy and knowing that each piece of my equipment won’t fail in order for me to make a humane harvest. I have three anchor points to make sure of my accuracy. I practice using the equipment I hunt with. I never change the poundage of my bow for different animals or league shooting. I use paper tuning to tune my arrows to the bow and use visual tuning with bright fl etching to set up my broad heads. I practice long distance shots out to 100 yards, which makes me a good short-range shooter.My confi dent hunting shots are normally 40 yards or less which becomes a “chip shot” after practicing long distances. ”

Kicking Bear’s Founder Ray Howell prepares well and is rewarded.

Mark Kayser, accomplished outdoor writer and Television host, poses his theory on being prepared in this way, “Bowhunting isn’t an exact science and that’s mostly due to the variety of personalities that bowhunters bring to the fi eld. Aggressive, passive and off-the-wall hunting styles all combine to bring diversity to the hunt. Although I miss shots, fl ub stalks and move in the treestand spooking mature whitetails, I still fi nd consistent success. While I do practice nonstop, particularly in the months leading up to bow season, I follow a rule I learned from professional archer and successful bowhunter Randy Ulmer. It goes something like this, ‘Practice is great, but not if you’re polishing your accuracy. Instead of trying to shoot as many arrows as possible, shoot each arrow as if it is the only arrow you get to shoot.’ It makes sense. You generally only get one shot during an encounter so you have to make it your best shot. I practice in all different shooting positions, angles and ranges, but I don’t shoot hundreds of arrows. This routine prepares me to use my muscle memory when things are happening fast and over the years I’ve discovered my best shots have been when I have the least time to think about what’s happening.” (continued on page 42)

Writer/web host

Bill Winke knows how vital it is to

be prepared for every

hunt.


ADVERTISING RICK HAGGERTY (406) 370-1368Publisher - Amy Haggerty - Helena, MT. [email protected] www.huntingfishingnews.netThe entire contents is © 2013, all rights reserved. May not be reproduced without prior consent. The material and information printed is from various sources from which there can be no warrantyor responsibility by Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. Nor does the printed material necessarily express the views of Big Sky Outdoor News & Adventure, Inc. All photo & editorial submissions become the property of big sky outdoor News & adventure, Inc. to use or not use at their discretion. VOLUME 10 Issue 4. Cover photo: ©Tom Reichner|shutterstock

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Top Water Fishing Lureswww.nodakoutdoors.com/topwater-bass-fi shing.phpBy Nick Simonson, Nodak Outdoors

I still remember the fi rst time I watched a surface lure get inhaled and taken into the depths by a largemouth bass. It was a calm, sunny Saturday morning in late May and my buddy fl ung his Zara Spook about twenty yards off shore over a shallow fl at. The bait hit the surface with a resounding smack. Upon the bait’s impact, a wake formed about fi fteen yards away and quickly closed in. Before my buddy could snap the rod three times, the lure was engulfed in a frothy swirl. After that, I was hooked on topwater fi shing for bass.SPOOKTACULAR The Zara Spook and its kin, like the Rapala X-walk, are best fi shed with a baitcasting rod, but it isn’t absolutely necessary. The bait gets its action from the repeated downward snap of the rod tip, while the angler steadily reels in the line, and a baitcaster provides the best means of retrieval. Once the bait has been cast out, it should be left stationary for a few seconds after impact, allowing the splashdown rings to dissipate. This lets fi sh in the immediate area get a chance to reset and locate the bait before it starts moving.To start the retrieve, reel in any slack and point the rod tip at about four-o’clock, then snap the tip down to the fi ve o’clock position. The lure should zip off to one side. Raise the rod tip back to four o’clock and snap it down again, while reeling most of the slack out of the line. With each snap of the rod tip, the front end of the bait moves from side to side, making a wide ‘V’ in the water. This tactic, called “walking the dog” can be sped up, slowed down or worked with pauses in the middle of the retrieve to trigger trailing fi sh. While this method might take a few tries to get down, the real challenge comes in learning how to set the hook when fi shing topwater lures.When a fi sh explodes on a surface bait, the hit is an instant adrenaline rush which sets off the natural hook-setting instinct in most people. However, fi shing these lures requires anglers to temper their reaction to the strike with a sliver of patience. Let the fi sh take the bait after the hit, feel for it on the other end of the line, then set the hook. It’s tough to overcome the urge to haul back immediately on the hit, but if you can give the fi sh a “one-one-thousand” count, you will increase the number of positive hook sets you get on a topwater bait. (continued on page 13)

7June 2013

A U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. granted the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s request to intervenein a lawsuit by animal rights groups seeking to return federal protection to Wyoming’s wolf population. That means the judge will consider RMEF’s arguments in the case. RMEF also fi led to intervene in a similar lawsuit regarding Wyoming wolves based in a Cheyenne, Wyo., U.S District Court.“This matter is no different than the current case in the Great Lakes or past legal cases in the northern Rocky Mountains,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Individual states need to be given the opportunity to manage the wildlife species within their borders. These Wyoming lawsuits seek to frustrate the science-based management plan already laid out and approved by the federal government.”...A subsequent hunting season led to the harvesting of 42 wolves in the trophy-hunting zone borderingYellowstone with 26 taken as unprotected predators elsewhere in the state. Wyoming Game and Fish since proposed reducing wolf hunt quotas by half for the 2013 fall season. Wildlife managers must maintain at least 100 wolves, including 10 breeding pair, outside of the Wind River Reservation and Yellowstone.Addressing the situation, a spokesman for Wyoming GovernorMatt Mead, Renny MacKay, stated, “Wolves in Wyoming are clearly recovered. Our management plan is based on the best available science, committing to the sustainability of the wolf population and genetic connectivity in the Northern Rockies.”...RMEF has a rich heritage of 26 years of work in Wyoming that includes 514 projects that enhanced or protected more than one million acres...RMEF joins a combination of government and sportsmen organizations including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Wyoming, Safari Club International and the National Rifl e Association as defendants. RMEF recently received intervenor status in the Great Lakes region wolf lawsuit.

RMEF Receives Intervenor Status in Wyoming Wolf Lawsuit, Seeks Same in Another Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation


Historic Whitetail is Fifth to Score Over 300

Indiana hunter Timothy Beck last autumn tagged a buck that scores an incredible 305-7/8. The buck was accepted for the Boone and Crockett records book earlier this year. One of only fi ve bucks ever recorded that scores 300 or better, it’s also the fourth largest non-typical whitetail in history, the second largest ever taken by a hunter, a state record for Indiana, and the largest recorded anywhere in North America in nearly a decade.Read the original news release at the URL below:http://www.boone-crockett.org/news/featured_story.asp?area=news&ID=166

“This is one of those deer that come along so rarely, it makes you pause and marvel at the wonders of nature and modern conservation,” said Richard Hale, chairman of the Boone and Crockett Club’s records committee.Trophy specimens are a sign of quality habitat and healthy, balanced populations. Boone and Crockett originally began keeping trophy records as a way of detailing species once headed for extinction. Hunters led restoration efforts then--and continue to lead and fund conservation programs today. Biologists now compare trophy records and contrast trends to help improve local management strategies as well as state and federal wildlife polices...

These non-typical trophies include:1. Score: 333-7/8. Picked up (not hunter-taken) in St. Louis Co., Mo., 1981 2. Score: 328-2/8. Picked up (not hunter-taken) in Portage Co., Ohio, 1940 3. Score: 307-5/8. Taken by Tony W. Lovstuen in Monroe Co., Iowa, 20034. Score: 305-7/8. Taken by Timothy J. Beck in Huntington Co., Ind., 20125. Score: 304-3/8. Taken by Jerry D. Bryant in Fulton Co., Ill., 2001

Boone and Crockett Club

Most elk hunters are happy if their bull scores 300 or better. Most deer hunters can’t even picture a whitetail of 300-class proportions.No wonder.Since 1830, it’s only happened fi ve times.Of the 13,000-plus whitetails currently honored in Boone and Crockett records, only fi ve--a scant .03 percent--tape 300 inches or more. Remember, 300 inches equals 25 linear feet of antler points, beams, circumferences and spread. Odds of encountering such a colossal trophy in the wild, and taking it in fair chase, are infi nitesimally low.That’s why a recent non-typical whitetail entry in B&C records is so special.

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I do believe the reason my dad and I became so passionate about the north end is that it’s so dang tough. We like to think of ourselves as the “North End Bad Boys.” You can catch fi sh all day long on the south end, which in turn draws the highest concentration of angling pressure. I think the hardest thing for folks is mentally overcoming the fact they won’t be in fi sh all day long, but the quality is north. Nothing gets my heart pumping like a giant 30” rising up in the crystal clear water on the north end. I can still remember the giant that pushed us into fi rst place in the Canyon Ferry Walleye festival coming to the boat. The fi rst thing I saw was the refl ective fl ash of the Yellow Perch Glass Minnow, taking a deep breath, BAM, there it was...that magical white tail fl ash about 30” behind my jig. OH BABY, that memory never gets old!! One of the most important things about fi shing the north end is to keep patient and positive and HAVE FUN. A couple years back I was pre-fi shing with my new pro-staff and a gigantic carp jumped right by the boat. The sun was directly in my eyes, but I was sure it was a huge brown trout that had jumped. No longer had I said it, and the carp emerged again romancingus with his giant set of lips. Let’s just say I still haven’t heard the end of this one. Luckily for me, I pulled out of my embarrassment about fi fteen casts later with a 32.5” 14 pound north end behemoth.The thing about this fi sh, and so many others I have caught...THEY HAVE COME OUT OF LESS THAN THREE FEET OF WATER. I literally pitch my jig right up to shore and most all my big fi sh are on the fi rst or second “pop” of the jig. In fact, I only fi sh my jig to about six feet of water and then reel in and cast again. It is a very diffi cult concept to grasp, because the water is so clear you would think you could see the fi sh. Trust me, go shallow pilgrams!!I always seem to catch my fair share of fl ak for distributing our success on the water, but dad and I want others to have as much fun fi shing as we do. If we can help, you can bet your last Glass Minnow we will do our best to give you an advantage. We have been blessed with a lot of big fi sh and the champion plaque from the CFWF (Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival) last June. If we can help you catch a big fi sh or have a shot at the CFWF win we are doing our job right!!

Cheers to “Jiggin’ the Dream” in 2013, baby!!

TIPS:1.) Glass Minnows : The realistic qualities of these jigs in clear shallow water is of paramount importance to catching big fi sh.2.) Light Jigs: Lighter jigs have a magnitude of qualities which include:-Better feel-Fish can suck it in easier-Slower sink time so you’re in the strike zone longer-Small splash when your jig hits in shallow water (you want to make them curious, not scare them with a big splash.)3.) Wind: Focus on windswept shorelines!! Wind pushes forage into a shoreline and creates a treasure chest waiting for you to open. 4.) Structure: Canyon Ferry is a structure fi sherman’s dream come true. My best advice is to mentally read a shoreline and picture where you’d be if you were a 30” walleye.5.) Cover Water: We all know the mature walleye population in Canyon Ferry is low so be ready to run and gun.

Ahhh...good ol’ Canyon Ferry!! I would need a boatload of hands to count my fi ngers on how many butt kickings I have taken on this body of water. In spite of this, I keep coming back for more. Sometimes, at least in my demented fi sh-head mind, the more humbling something becomes, the more obsessed my jiggin’ arm starts twitching at night. I have always been one to become bored with anything that comes easy...maybe this explains why dad and I created a custom tackle/rod building business and have such an insane passion for jig fi shing Canyon Ferry. With June upon us, NOW is the time to dust off the pitchin’ rods and hit Canyon Ferry for the post spawn jig-a-thon!! I have caught some very large fi sh pre-spawn in March and April, but am still being served an overly generous piece of humble pie pitchin’ north during May. I actually reiterated this to myself the other day putting in a ten hour shift to no avail. We all have our own beliefs, but for some reason (I personally think it takes the crayfi sh until June to climb the shoreline out of the deep) the toothy gold shows up north in the month of June every year.

Author, Trevor Johnson of Kit’s Tackle

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FISHING THE POST SPAWNBy Scott Suggs, berkley-fi shing.comPost-spawn fi shing for bass can encompass everything from hatched eggs to shady summer

haunts, but it pretty much begins as soon as the bass start leaving their spawning beds and runs throughout the summer. Though some anglers love this time of year and others hate it, once you get post-spawn bass pinpointed you could be in for some of the best fi shing of the year.

Just because the bass have quit spawning doesn’t mean they’ve quit being bass, so some of the tactics for spawning bass will still work. One of my favorite spawning baits is also very effective during post spawn. One of my favorites is a Berkley Power Lizard in green pumpkin, one of the most productive bass baits ever made. After the spawn, I’ll Carolina rig the Power Lizard and fi sh it for post-spawning bass in areas where I expect to fi nd the fi sh coming off their beds.

Even when I’m fi shing offshore areas, I’ll still fi sh the lizard -- either Texas or Carolina rigged -- to catch bass during the rest of the year. But if the post spawn coincides with the shad spawn, I’ll look for some shallow chunk rock or riprap that will hold spawning shad and target the predatory bass nearby.

Sometimes post-spawn bass will take to the shallows or other staging areas until they leave for their summer hangouts. When I go after post spawners in the shallows I prefer a Berkley Power Tube jig. I’ll rig the Power Tube with a lightweight slip sinker if I want a slow fall to let bass see the bait longer. If the bass aren’t feeding actively, and I want to trigger a reaction strike, I’ll use a heavier sinker like a 5/16- or a 3/8-ounce and fi sh it around any type of cover I can locate. I’m betting on getting a strike as soon as the bait hits the water and begins to fall. If the bass don’t take the bait on the fall, I’ll pop the lure up one or two times off the bottom. If I still don’t get a strike, I’ll reel the bait in and pitch to another piece of cover.

Remember, the post-spawn period is much longer than the pre-spawn and spawning periods, so learning how to fi sh this time of year will ensure you’re catching fi sh even up into the dog days of summer.

13June 2013

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Just as with the walk-the-dog style baits, it is important to let a popper-style bait sit after splashdown. Let the rings dissipate before popping the lure. Sometimes, that fi rst pop will set nearby fi sh off and they will strike violently. Other times a mixture of smaller pops and gurgles with an occasional big spray of water will be the ticket. Each lake and outing will dictate the pattern during a topwater bite. As stated before, allow the fi sh an extra second before setting the hook.SLITHER-IN Unlike noisy surface baits, topwater plastics rely on life-like action to induce a fi sh into striking. Classic slop baits like the Scum Frog or Texas-rigged plastics are great fun to work over the surface of bass waters – particularly in areas of heavy surface vegetation and weed mats that conceal fi sh lurking below. One of the best tactics for effectively working surface plastics is to cast them toward shore – even ON shore – and work them back out toward the boat, popping, plopping and slithering them through lily pads, reeds and weed mats. Because they are weedless, these baits won’t hang up on stalks and leafl ets, providing realistic behavior and a gentle glide through the gunk. With a little puppeteering, you can hop the bait from pad to pad or through the thick stuff, and then let it hang in an opening where the fi sh can see it. Be warned though, when a bass comes bursting through the green ceiling to inhale the bait, you will need a stout rod and some superline to get it out of the jungle. Set the hook hard and fast, as there is less need to wait as opposed to the topwaters mentioned previously. Once hooked, keep the fi sh up and away from the plant stems and crank it out toward open water.Some surface plastics, like the Zoom Horny Toad, combine the life-like qualities of a soft body with the added commotion made by the bait’s curly legs. When Texas-rigged on a 4/0 wide-gap hook, the lure is virtually weedless. Fling it out toward shore; work it through the weeds and into the little openings for fi sh relating to the vegetation. If the bait clears the weed bed with no luck, crank it back to the boat. The legs will churn up the water and draw the attention of bass holding just off the edge. It’s the best of both topwater worlds.Summer is a time of plenty and fi sh are hungry right now. This means they’ll attack anything that looks edible and surface baits are a fun way to exploit their urge to eat...in our outdoors.

POP CULTURE Like the snap-snap of a Spook across the tranquil waters of a bass lake in low light hours, another lure calls fi sh out from cover with a unique surface sound. Popper baits, like the Rebel Pop-R or the Rapala Skitter Pop are synonymous with topwater fi shing. With curved lips, these baits displace water with each twitch of the rod tip. A longer and more forceful rod snap will cause the lip to displace more water, calling more attention to the bait.

Rob MarshallRob Marshall

Top Water Fishing Lures (continued from page 6)


In this modern era of archery elk hunting more and more guys are starting to realize that getting away from hunting pressure is the number one obstacle standing between them and success. So you are seeing a new breed of hunter in the backcountry. It used to be that 15, 10, or even 5 miles back in, you would generally only see guys with big horses and big moustaches. Now more often than ever, you will see a new breed of hard-core elk hunter with everything they need to survive/hunt strapped right on their own back. We have been doing public land, backcountry, DIY bow hunts for elk off our backs for well over 20 years, but in the last fi ve to ten years it has become more common to see guys going in deep, and getting it done with nothing but boot leather and sweat. Here are some of the best gear tips I can give you from years of trials and tribulations in the backcountry. There are some items you really do not want to cut corners on. Keep in mind I am focusing solely on the specifi c pieces of gear I think are most important in a general backcountry D.I.Y. elk hunt. First and foremost would be a good solid European style hunting boot. If your feet go on you, your hunt will be over before it started. There is no such thing as a cheap way out in the boot category, but European boots are built tough as nails and will last. When thinking of this style/quality of boot several brands come to mind. The one most of you have probably heard of would be a great American boot company called Kenetrek. These are great boots. Although the company is based here in Montana their boots are actually made in Europe so they are a legitimate Euro boot option. Probably some of the best boots ever made for this style of hard core hunting are produced in Germany, and leading that pack is Meindl and/or Lowa. These boot makers have been doing it at the highest level for a very long time, and will deliver on the mountain. They probably offer some of the best value when it comes to the quality verses cost ratio. One my favorites they offer is their new Meindl Denali Fit IQ. It is a very well made boot with great structural integrity at a reasonable price.Second item on the list that I would rate of high importance is the clothing you choose. In a Backcountry setting your camoufl age clothing has a lot more to do for you than provide concealment, it could save your life. In today’s market you have a lot of options. With all the new technology, there are several quality brands to choose from in the fi eld of technical clothing. One item that has made huge strides forward in the hunting clothing world is Merino Wool. The days of washing your wool garment once and never having it fi t right again are a thing of the past, and no more ITCHY SCRATCHY. The new Merino is durable, easy to wash and care for, lasts for years, and best of all, provides natural, much needed scent management in the backcountry, not to mention it insulates when wet unlike cotton. With Merino wool’s natural bacteria/scent controlling attributes as a base layer, you can go longer between washings without as much scent build up, therefore you can carry less of it. For durability, comfort, and weather resistance you will want to then layer outward with synthetics, which also insulate when wet, and dry rapidly. Some of the best gear I have found in good hard-core hunting clothing is a company called Core4Element. They offer incredible quality and value in technical clothing for an amazing price. Their Merino wool is as good as it gets, and for half the cost of some of the other brands, and their synthetic outer wear is second to none. I like to start out with their Merino base layers, then I will put their Pivot shirt and Switchback pants over them, and depending on temperature/weather I will use either the Element Jacket or vest to top it off. With this set up I am pretty safe in most conditions. If I have space/weight available or if I feel it’s necessary, I will carry a set of their packable ultra light Torrent rain gear. (continued next page)

A New Breed In The Backcountry By Casey Ripple

15June 2013

One of the newest things hitting the market right now is a new age insulation called Down Tek. Down has always been a great insulator that is super light and packs really small, but it’s one weakness was its uselessness when wet. Down Tek is a new form of down insulation that is lighter, warmer, and nearly impervious to weather. They are now using this technology in everything from technical hunting clothing to waterproof sleeping systems, making it much easier to carry true warmth with you into the backcountry.

One other thing I will mention briefl y, are the advancements made in GPS technology. If you are going to do this style of hunting, you will frequently be going into country you have never seen, and sometimes you will be doing it in the dark. With the new touch screen GPS units from Garmin and the new map programs available, you can be sure as long as you have batteries, you will not be lost, and you will know who’s land you are on. Defi nitely a great investment when it comes to safety. Hunting GPS Maps located in Missoula, MT offers a full line of land ownership and topo maps for your Garmin GPS. Visit your local sporting goods store for more info on these maps.

There are many other factors involved in backcountry hunting, but I feel these are a few of the most important, and could have the most signifi cant impact on your next hard-core adventure. The one thing I will guarantee is this: If you put in the effort to go hard, you will see places and experience them in ways you never thought possible. It truly brings your connection to nature to a whole new level, and it is defi nitely worth the blood, sweat and tears. Remember if Elk hunting don’t hurt...You’re not doing it right!

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In addition to being a self-described elk nut, bowhunter, guide, naturalist and call maker, Joel Turner, 33, of Eatonville, Washington, is also reigning and two-time champion of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships. He’s equally as skilled at impressing the real judges, wild elk, and has spent the past several years developing an elk calling philosophy and huntingsystem that he’s distilled to fi ve important points. 1. Call to an Instinct, Not an Attitude “Most often, when challenged by rival, a bull’s fi rst instinct is to retreat. It’s OK to bugle to locate elk from a distance, but afterward, rely on calls that trigger their breeding, rather than their escape, instincts.”2. Mimic a Breeding Scene “All mammals are drawn to the sounds of breeding. To mimic breeding elk learn to make four specifi c calls: 1.) estrus cow call, a long, whining cow call, 2.) estrus cow scream, a loud mew made through sputtering lips, 3.) tending bull bugle, a soft moan made through a tube, and 4.) glunking, the sharp hiccupping sound of a bull.”3. Anticipate the Hang-up Spot “An approaching bull will nearly always stop as soon as it can see your calling location. Don’t call unless your setup, in relation to this hang-up spot, is correct” - within about 20 yards, and such that you can draw a bow unseen.4. Wait for the Parade “Eight out of 10 times, when a bull arrives at the hang-up spot, he’ll spend a few seconds looking for the cow. If he doesn’t see it, he’ll parade a few steps to one side and then the other. Still no cow, he’s outa here. This parading instinct is your chance to stop the bull when it presents a clear, broadside shot. Give a loud cow call to stop the bull—and be ready to release your arrow.”5. Measure Your Breathing “It’s important to keep your mind in logic mode. Control your pulse by controlling your breathing. Breathe in through your nose while counting to four (about 2.5 seconds), hold it for a four-count, then exhale through your mouth while counting to four. Repeat until you feel yourself calming down. Now you’re ready to make your next call.”Content provided courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

©Jeff Grabert|dreamstime.com

Be a Better Elk CallerBy Bob Humphrey, Yamaha Outdoors

17June 2013

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John Gregory and Chris Reiquam hoist a couple of green female walleyes from Ft. Peck. Photo: Montana Walleyes Unlimited

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WalleyeWalleyeDestinationsDestinationsBy Hunting & Fishing Pro Staff

Big walleye are the name of the game in June. Post-spawn fi sh will be ready to feed aggressively. Warm weather in May kicked off the bite,but expect this month to be excellent for a lot of walleye, catching both large and eater-sized fi sh. Listed below are a few spots that will fi shwell this summer.

FORT PECK: Probably Montana’s best walleye fi shery, it’s big withendless bays to fi sh. South of Rock Creek in the Big Dry Arm, Hell Creek,Duck Creek Bay, The Pines, Timber Creek and Bone Trail all are goodearly walleye inlets to try before the walleye head for the main lake. Fish shallow and slow for walleye now.

CANYON FERRY: If you’re after a mess of eater-sized walleye, fi sh thesouthern end dikes of Canyon Ferry now. Fish the north end for bigger fi sh and less pressure. Summer is walleye time on this lake.

HOLTER LAKE: Fish the “Gates” area up along shallow banks. As the water temperature rises, the walleye fi shing will pick up in June. Below the Dam will also hold walleye.

TIBER RESERVOIR: A self-sustaining reservoir that produces plenty ofwalleye in various sizes, and is still home to the state record walleye.

NELSON RESERVOIR: The sunken humps along the northern shorelinehold big fi sh. Look for northern pike to be biting too on this body of water.

FRESNO RESERVOIR: The impoundment of the Milk River, west of Havre, can produce some large walleye. Launch at the Dam, and workrocky points up Kremlin Bay with a worm tipped Crawler Harness.

LAKE FRANCES: This irrigation reservoir west of Valier can be tricky.Boaters who cover a lot of water before the weeds get thick, will takesome good sized fi sh off the western dike. Good sized perch can alsobe found in this lake.

BIGHORN LAKE: Located on the Montana-Wyoming state line, this is an excellent walleye and sauger fi shery. Use jigs near sheer banks or trytrolling crankbaits for suspended walleye.

TONGUE RIVER RESERVOIR: Located in Big Horn County, thiswater is better known for its crappie and smallmouth bass, but producesmany eater-sized walleye.

COLUMBIA RIVER: A lot of serious Montana walleye anglers head to the Columbia River for world-class walleye fi shing. You’ll have a chance to catch a 10 pound-plus trophy, and maybe even the next world recordwalleye, which is expected to come from the Columbia River System.Try below Bonneville, John Day, and McNary Dams in Oregon.


The 25 Best Bird Hunting Towns in America Lewistown, MT. #2 Miles City, MT. #21Anthony’s Antics Afi eld is written by Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever’s Online Editor. Email Anthony at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @AnthonyHauckPF www.pheasantsforever.org

Last year’s list of the 25 Best Pheasant Hunting Towns in America selected locales predominately based in the Midwest where the ringneck is king. Because Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever members hail from all reaches of the United States, from Alabama to Alaska, we’ve assembled this year’s list to include pheasants as well as multiple quail species, prairie grouse and even forest birds. The main criterion was to emphasize areas capable of providing multiple species, along with destinations most-welcoming to bird hunters. In other words, there were bonus points awarded for “mixed bag” opportunities and neon signs “welcoming bird hunters” in this year’s analysis. We also avoided re-listing last year’s 25 towns, so what you now have is a good bucket list of 50 destinations for the traveling wingshooter!What towns did we miss? Let us know...1. Pierre, South Dakota. This Missouri River town puts you in the heart of pheasant country, but the upland fun doesn’t stop there. In 2011 (the last year numbers were available) approximately 30 roosters per square mile were harvested in Hughes County. Cross the river and head south of Pierre and you’re into the Fort Pierre National Grassland, where sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens become the main quarry. In fact, the U.S. Forest Service manages the Fort Pierre National Grassland specifi cally for these native birds. Just North of Pierre also boasts some of the state’s best gray (Hungarian) partridge numbers as well.While you’re there: Myril Arch’s Cattleman’s Club Steakhouse goes through an average of 60,000 pounds of aged, choice beef a year, so they must know what they’re doing.2. Lewistown, Montana. Located in the geographic center of the state, Lewistown is the perfect city to home base a public land upland bird hunt. Fergus County has ring-necked pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, gray (Hungarian) partridge, as well as sage grouse. You’ll chase these upland birds with stunning buttes and mountain ranges as almost surreal backdrops, and fi nd no shortage of publicly accessible land, whether state or federally owned. Two keystone Pheasants Forever wildlife habitat projects are 45 minutes from Lewistown. Located six miles north of Denton, Montana, the 800-acre Coffee Creek BLOCK Management Area is located between a 320-acre parcel and an 880-acre parcel of land – all three areas are open to public hunting. Pheasants Forever also acquired a 1,000 acre parcel known as the Wolf Creek Property, a project which created 14,000 contiguous acres open to public walk-in hunting. While you’re there: Once the birds have been cleaned and the dog has been fed, head over to the 87 Bar & Grill in Stanford for their house specialty smoked ribs and steaks.

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19June 2013

3. Hettinger, North Dakota. Disregard state lines and you can’t tell the difference between southwest North Dakota and the best locales in South Dakota. Hettinger gets the nod in this region because of a few more Private Land Open to Sportsmen (P.L.O.T.S.) areas.While you’re there: A visit north to the Pheasant Café in Mott seems like a must.4. Huron, South Dakota. Home to the “World’s Largest Pheasant,” Huron is also home to some darn good pheasant hunting. From state Game Production Areas to federal Waterfowl Production Areas to a mix of walk-in lands, there’s enough public land in the region to never hunt the same area twice on a 5 or 10-day trip, unless of course you fi nd a honey hole. While you’re there: The Hwy. 14 Roadhouse in nearby Cavour has the type of good, greasy food that goes down guilt free after a long day of pheasant hunting.5. Valentine, Nebraska. One of the most unique areas in the United States, the nearly 20,000 square mile Nebraska Sandhills region is an outdoor paradise, and Valentine, which rests at the northern edge of the Sandhills, was named one of the best ten wilderness towns and cities by National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2007. Because the Sandhills are 95 percent grassland, it remains one of the most vital areas for greater prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse in the country. Grouse can be found on the 19,000-acre Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and the 115,000-acre Samuel McKelvie National Forest, and grouse and pheasants may be encountered on the 73,000-acre Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. While you’re there: Head over to the Peppermill & E. K. Valentine Lounge and devour the Joseph Angus Burger, a fi nalist in the Nebraska Beef Council’s Best Burger Contest.6. White Bird, Idaho. Hells Canyon is 8,000 feet of elevation, and at various levels includes pheasants, quail, gray partridge and forest grouse. Show up in shape and plan the right route up and down, and you may encounter many of these species in one day. It’s considered by many wingshooting enthusiasts to be a “hunt of a lifetime.” Nearly 40 percent of Idaho’s Hells Canyon is publicly accessible, either through state-owned lands, U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands or U.S. Forest Service lands.While you’re there: Floats and rafting adventures are popular on the Salmon River, in case your bird hunt also needs to double as a family vacation.7. Heppner, Oregon. Nestled in the Columbia Basin, within a half-hour drive hunters have the opportunity to harvest pheasants, California quail, Huns, chukar, and in the nearby Blue Mountains, Dusky grouse, ruffed grouse and at least the chance of running into mountain quail. With the exception of the Umatilla National Forest for grouse, the hunting opportunity is mostly on private land in the area, but the state has a number of agreements in the area for private land access through its Open Fields, Upland Cooperative Access Program and Regulated Hunt Areas.While you’re there: As you scout, make sure to drive from Highway 74, also called the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, winding south from Interstate 84 through Ione, Lexington and Heppner.

8. Winnemucca, Nevada. Winnemucca claims legendary status as the “Chukar Capital of the Country.” Long seasons (fi rst Saturday in October through January 31), liberal bag limits (daily limit of six; possession limit of 18) and the fact that these birds are found almost exclusively on public landmake chukar Nevada’s most popular game bird. The covey birds do well here in the steep, rugged canyons that mirror the original chukar habitat of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the birds’ native countries. Just know the fi rst time you hunt chukar is for fun, the rest of your life is for revenge...9. Albany, Georgia. Buoyed by tradition and cemented with a local culture built upon the local quail plantation economy, Albany has a reputation as the “quail hunting capital of the world” and a citizenry that embraces “Gentleman Bob.”While you’re there: save an hour for the 60 mile trip South to Thomasville, Georgia where you can visit Kevin’s, a landmark sporting goods retailer devoted to the bird hunter.10. Milaca, Minnesota. There are places in Minnesota where pheasants can be found in greater abundance, ditto for ruffed grouse. But there are few places where a hunter may encounter both in such close proximity. While pheasants are found primarily on private land here, state Wildlife Management Areas in the region offer a chance at a rare pheasant/grouse double, including the 40,000-acre Mille Laces WMA. The nearby Rum River State Forest provides 40,000 acres to search for forest birds... 11. Sonoita, Arizona. Central in Arizona’s quail triangle – the Patagonia/Sonoita/Elgin tri-city area – the crossroads of U.S. Highways 82 and 83 puts you in the epicenter of Mearns’ quail country, and 90 percent of the world’s Mearns’ hunting takes place in Arizona. Surrounded by scenic mountain ranges, the pups will fi nd the hotels dog friendly, and moderate winter temps extend through the quail hunting season. Sonoita is also close to desert grasslands (scaled quail) and desert scrub (Gambel’s quail). After your Mearns’ hunt in the oak-lined canyons, you can work toward the Triple Crown. 12. Abilene, Kansas. A gateway to the Flint Hills to the north and central Kansas to the west, the two areas in recent years that have produced the best quail hunting in the Sunfl ower State. (continued on page 30)

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Lakes and reservoirs in Montana will be primed for excellent fi shing in the month of June. Lakes that hold walleye will be targeted by many anglers after their spawningperiod. Hungry fi sh will be aggressive now with the watertemperatures rising. Some of the larger rivers may be blown out in early June with run-off, but it shouldn’t take long for these spots to be primed to fi sh. Trout, bass,walleye and northern pike will all fi sh great this month. Here are a few spots you may want to target.

HOLTER LAKE

Let’s start with one of the biggest waters in Montana, Fort Peck. The months of June and July provide some of the best fi shing days of the year, as long as the weatherpermits. High winds can mess up fi shing time on the water on this bigEastern Montana reservoir. That being said, when it is calm with a little chop, there is no better place to be fi shing. The walleye will be migrating slowly back into the main lake from their spawning grounds and they will mainly feed on bait fi sh. Cisco is at the top of the list for walleye now. Casting jigs toshorelines and working it back

slowly to the boat will pick up thesehungry fi sh. Live minnows, orBerkley Gulp minnows that mimicbait fi sh is the way to go, or you canthrow your favorite spinners andcrank baits in shallow waters from2 to 12 feet of water this time of the year. The Glass Minnow Jig fromKit’s Tackle is also productive for reeling in walleye in June. Expectnorthern pike and smallmouth bassto be aggressive, especially when we get into late June. The Rapala Husky Jerk, 12 or 14 in silver worksgreat to mimic the cisco in Fort Peck. Trolling and casting along gravel humps around Rock Creek in the Big Dry Arm is the place to be for super-sized walleye and northern pike. Bass will strike on spoons, spinnerbaits, and spinners (orangeand silver), in around 15 feet of water. Hit Timber Creek, Snow Creek and Bone Trail if you are targeting walleye. Hit Sutherlin Bayfor pike right now, jigging with orange or chartreuse and a leech in 6 to 10 feet of water. The huge laketrout will pick up as the summer rolls on. Fish in deeper waters near the Dam. If you have not yet fi shed Fort Peck waters, I would recommendusing a guide for your fi rst time out.Give the Rock Creek Marina a call(406-485-2560) or Hell Creek Marina (406-557-2345) for top guides here.

You will fi nd top notch fi shing on Holter for trout and walleye now.Vertical jigging through the “Gates” will be productive. Tip a jig with a worm, Gulp minnow or a leech for hungry walleye. Many eater-sized fi sh will be striking right now, so you can fi ll up your holding tanks fast. Walleye make for an excellent shore lunch as they are delicious to deep fry. Use Marabou colors for June orcrawfi sh and perch. Big brown trout are cruising, so expect a big fi ght if you can hook into a browny. Trollingfl oating Rapalas or similar type lures will pick up plenty of trout. You can fi sh American Bar or the CottonwoodCreek area for walleye and trout now as the fi sh will be hanging around these creek inlets. There is no shortage of hot spots here, and the natural beauty of this area will take your breath away. Fish early on nice days as the recreational boaters will be out in full-swing, and fi sh right before dusk for some of the most activity.

NOXON RESERVOIRPlenty of top notch fi shing can be expected this month on Noxon. Largemouth bass, smallmouth, big northerns, trout and walleye will all keep you busy here. Fish shorelineswhere the bass and pike hold up. Weeded bays will produce plenty of fi sh near the Marten Creek Bay area. You can troll the waters edges or toss spinnerbaits, a jig and worm, or cut bait. Bouncing near the bottomwill catch active fi sh. Perch colors are the ticket here.

CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR

Generous stockings of rainbowtrout have made this a stellar

destination to land some of the prettiest rainbows in the state on this 5,000 acre lake near Dillon, MT.Due to the warm water and fertility of the reservoir, these trout becomelarge and feed aggressively. Trollers can catch plenty of nice-sized trout.Brown trout colors work well here. Spin-fi shers will fi nd jigging successful until the weeds get too thick. For fl y fi shing, a size 10chironomid pattern under a strikeindicator will land you some fi sh. Green, olive or black/maroon Wooly Buggers and leech patterns will also work.

ANACONDA SETTLING PONDS

The Anaconda Settling Ponds on the Warm Springs Wildlife ManagementArea offers excellent fi shing throughout the summer months. Located just 15 miles west of Butte, MT., some of the ponds hold huge trout. The “Hog Hole”, and the “Wildlife Ponds” in particular, are known for big rainbows. All of the ponds have strict regulations with catch and release with artifi cial lures only. No motorized boats are allowed. Infl atables work extremely well on Pond 3. Trout here average 2 to 3 pounds and frequently exceed 10 pounds. This as an excellent place to take the kids fi shing with a “kids only” pond, and kids can keep 2 trout daily, and bait may be used. 14 years and younger.

MARIAS RIVERJune will be an exceptional time to fi sh these waters located near Loma, MT. You can fi sh for a variety of species here that include trout, walleye, bass, catfi sh, northern pike, and whitefi sh. The best trout fi shing should be below Tiber Dam.

Brian Burns of Lolowith Brown Trout

21June 2013

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Not a lot of fi shing pressure makes this area a pleasure to enjoy. Standard dry fl y imitations work well, and there are large brown trout in deep pools along the river.Nightcrawlers with enough weight to stick on the bottom will pick upa variety of fi sh as well. As the water below Tiber warms and slows, expect shovel nose sturgeon,smallmouth bass, walleye and pike to hit. Bounce a crayfi sh pattern and a jig along the bottom to pick up these eager fi sh. This is also prime hopper country as the summer rolls on.

MISSOURI RIVERKnown worldwide for outstandingdry fl y fi shing near the town of Craig, many fi shermen fl ock to thisarea during the summer months, and for good reason - Big BrownTrout! and rainbow too! If you’re willing to fi sh the stretch between Hauser Dam and Holter Lake, you’ll fi nd exceptional trout fi shing now. Break out the dry fl ies and streamers for good top water action. Try fi shing at dawn and dusk for the best trout bite. Spinning gear, jigs tipped with worms or Gulp will pick up walleye here as well.

CANYON FERRYRESERVOIRFishing Canyon Ferry Reservoir is a must in June. The walleye fi shing will defi nitely pick up as post-spawn fi sh will be very active. Big rainbow trout are plenty in this big body ofwater near Townsend. The southern end of the lake along gravel shorelines is where you’ll fi nd the most activity. Methodically work these areas back and forth in the shallows to collect walleye atCemetery Island, Magpie Bay andalong the eastern shoreline fromConfederate to Goose Bay. Again,tossing a jig tipped with a crawlerwill do the trick. Colorado Blades,

trolling harness rigs tipped with crawlers or leeches can be good here. These methods will also land big rainbows or you can head to deeper water and fi sh larger spoons. Wide running crankbaits and small spinnerbaits work too. If you needa fi shing guide for Canyon Ferry orHolter Lake give Forrest Fawthrop“AKA the Walleye Hunter” a call at406-459-5352.

HOLLAND LAKELying on the western edge of theBob Marshall Wilderness area, this majestic lake offers exceptionallake fi shing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and whitefi sh. Kokanee salmon and an occasional bull trout all inhabit this body ofwater. Troll along the shoreline early or late for best results here. A large campground area is available, but fi lls up fast during the summer months. This lake is located near the town of Condon, 20 miles northof Seeley Lake.

FLATHEAD VALLEYLAKES

In the Flathead Valley, bass anglers are eager to get out now. They know that trout aren’t the only game in town in Northwest Montana. Fine bass fi shing exists at Echo Lake near Big Fork, Lake Mary Ronan, or Blanchard Lake near Whitefi sh. All hold big largemouth bass. The next state record largemouth could come out of one of these lakes this season, as regulations allow fi sh to grow in numbers and size here. Spinnerbaits and jigs tipped with worms around dock areas and shorelines should attract these feisty bass now.Fish in the 6 to 8 pound category may be hauled in. If you’re into bass fi shing, make the loop and spend some quality time fi shing these lakes.

(continued on page 33)


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Part 2

By Jen Bickel

Reprinted with permission from Bowhunting.netFor more please go to: www.bowhunting.net

When I fi rst started really getting serious into hunting, I was always hunting with other people. Therefore, I had that mindset that I didn’t need to carry much with me because I had that safe and secure feeling hunting with a bunch of big guys. I fi gured whatever came along or went wrong, they would somehow be able to take care of it and me. I usually just packed my daypack full of chocolate and drinks. It was no wonder I hiked and hiked and hiked and never seemed to lose much weight.

Then there was the day that changed my life and my thought process forever. While elk hunting, my then boyfriend and I got lost without coats or packs for 15 hours. It was the worst experience of my life and it changed how I went about preparing myself for hunts. Not only did it change my way of thinking, I think my Dad just about had a heart attack over it and I am now not allowed to go anywhere without taking a minimum of 2 GPS.

The whole experience really kicked my butt into gear to fi nd out what sort of things I should really be packing with me. For me, it has been a learning experience to fi gure it all out and I’m sure there are things out there that I don’t even know about that would be great for me to add to my pack list for being more prepared. Especially now that I do most of my hunts alone.

Of course one of the main things you want is a GPS. Make sure you get one that you understand how to use. I had grown up with the old school regular compass so never really used a technical GPS. The fi rst time I went to buy one, I probably couldn’t have found my way out of the store. I guarantee

the employees had a good laugh after I left and may still check to see if I am on any of the episodes of, ‘I shouldn’t be alive’.

Having a GPS is one of the most valuable things you could have in your pack. Most units now have so many features they can help you in other aspects in the fi eld rather than just being a help in fi nding your way back to your starting point.

Another thing I use along with my GPS is a SPOT. It is a little device that you can send text messages from when you have no cell service. It also allows you to call 911 from wherever you may be and will dispatch help to your exact location. This gives me a very big sense of security, especially when I am alone. Mainly because I am a very clumsy person and if there is even a slight chance of something happening, it will happen to me.

There are a couple different SPOT devices that you can choose from. Mine goes directly off my phone and allows people to see where I am as I am walking. Now with having all of these electronic devices, I was packing my weight in batteries until I found out about portable solar panels. Now I can have my little lightweight solar panel attached to the outside of my pack and can charge extra batteries and my phone at the same time.Next, is defi nitely food and drink. I used to carry a whole bunch of just chocolate basically. I won’t say that you shouldn’t carry chocolate because it can come in handy for a little sugar and mood boosts but there are defi nitely other things that are more important. I say mood boosts because chocolate makes me happy and when you are out hunting and you are not fi nding what you are looking for, sometimes you need a little mood booster.I have found that protein bars and foods with lots of protein really help when I’m out walking and hunting all day. They also help curb your appetite so you can actually benefi t some from all the working out you are doing. One super weird sounding snack that I have started to always pack with me is a peanut butter, bacon and honey sandwich. Don’t knock it until you try it. It’s actually incredibly delicious but then, I will take any excuse I can to eat bacon.Also, pack your share of water or Gatorade but I also pack a small water purifi er. They have made some great advances in water purifi ers, a lot of them are very lightweight and easy to use and it’s much easier to suck water from a stream than it is to carry around 5 gallons. If you get yourself into an emergency situation, one of the top things you are going to need is water. You can live without food for a long time but you can’t live without water very long.Any person will tell you that a fi rst aid kit is extremely necessary to throw in your pack and there is really no reason not to. They make such small compact ones now that you won’t be able to tell it’s even there. It can save your life in several situations so it’s basically a no brainer! Get one!

23June 2013

Then there are other items that are always good to throw in your pack. If you’re like me, you don’t want to have a super heavy pack to walk around with all day. That’s why most of the things I put in my pack are extremely compact and lightweight. Waterproof matches are a must and weigh basically nothing. I also like to make sure I always have a couple of knives, which I generally always have at least one. Another thing I like to pack is duct tape and super glue. I use duct tape if I happen to get a blister and super glue for some of my littler cuts I get from branches or falling.

Now, if you have a bone sticking out, I would resort back to your fi rst aid kit and SPOT. Small cuts and scrapes I can handle but if a bone is broken, it’s time to call in the pros.My forte is defi nitely bowhunting and for me to get started in the solo part of it that is such a big part of my life now, I had to fi nd a way to make myself feel more comfortable being alone. The animals in the forest aren’t always as nice as they make them out to be in Disney movies so I always take along a can of Bear Spray. I like having a little extra power to back me up in case something happens with my spray so I also carry my .41 mag handgun with me. My handgun gives me the confi dence that if need be, I know that it will defend me against just about anything I come across here where I hunt.Typically a can of bear spray lasts 4 to 9 seconds. I fi rst learned this when I was a kid and thought the can of bear spray was air freshener in my house. My parents were not nearly as amused as I was. 4 to 9 seconds doesn’t seem like much to me, especially if you happen to accidentally waste it on a fake charge from a bear. That is why I always made sure I had my gun securely attached to either my pack in reach or on my waist.Another thing I would suggest doing is making sure your gun is as easily accessible as you are thinking it will be. Pretend like you are in an emergency situation and you need to grab it and FAST! I did this once and realized my arms were too short to actually reach my gun real fast if I needed to. Now I keep it securely within easy reach and pray that I don’t accidentally shoot myself in the foot.Another thing you should always think about and prepare for is spending the night in the woods. You may go out thinking you will be back in just a few hours but due to weather or some sort of unforeseen circumstance, you should always be prepared just in case you do have to spend the night. One thing I highly recommend you have with you is a space blanket. A space blanket is compact, lightweight and can be a life saver if stranded overnight or in colder conditions. A space blanket is also good to rig up as a tent like shelter and another time that a knife comes in handy if you need to make yourself a make shift shelter out of branches or if things really turn dire you can carve your fi nal Will and Testament into a tree.Next up is clothing. When I started hunting, I will be honest, I wanted only the cutest hunting clothes with all the same matching camo and I wanted it to be tight fi tting just in case I ran across a good looking mountain man while I was elk hunting, I would look good. Now, I go out and generally look like a huge camoufl age marshmallow with the occasional blaze orange topping. One of my fi rst mistakes was a lot of my clothes were made of cotton and when I got lost and the weather turned and started raining, my cotton clothes decided to hold onto that water for dear life.Now I usually look for fabrics that are made out of fl eece, 3M Thinsulate, Gore-Tex and wool. (continued on page 42)

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HUNTING & CONSHunting & Conservation NewsHunting & Conservation News Proudly Sponsored ByProudly Sponsored By

Republic Services of MontanaRepublic Services of Montana RMEF Waives All Revenue from National Convention Tags; Again Calls for Transparency from All Wildlife Groups Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

In a continuing effort to ensure the future of wildlife resources and huntingopportunities, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation announced it will return 100 percent of the revenue it generates from the auction of state special big game permits through its national events and programs to the individual states. “RMEF will not accept big game auction tags from any state for fundraising purposes unless all of the revenue derived from it benefi ts wildlife,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “This is a much needed investment in our wildlife resource and its management, habitat enhancement, and our hunting heritage. It also assists state agencies dealing with budgetary challenges. These tags were intended to benefi t wildlife conservation and hunting access, not the organizations selling them.” By way of example, RMEF recently auctioned off a special Arizona elk permit for $385,000 at its national convention. RMEF has historically sold the Arizona special elk permit with a 100 percent return to Arizona Game and Fish. “This is a tremendous investment in Arizona’s wildlife. What everyone needs to understand is every single penny of that $385,000 goes to Arizona Game and Fish for projects to benefi t the habitat for elk, mule deer and other wildlife. We want to expand this model to all the states we work with relative to their special tags sold at our national convention,” said Allen. “The RMEF convention historically generates $700,000 to $1 million each year in the auction sale of special tags/permits from state game and fi sh agencies.” The special elk tag that RMEF auctioned off is one of three that the ArizonaGame and Fish Department (AZGFD) provide to non-profi t wildlife conservation organizations as a fundraising mechanism. While the funds raised from those special tags go directly back on the ground, the agency provides the remainder of its tags through a draw system and some limited over-the-counter opportunities for management of populations in specifi c units, thus giving the average hunter the opportunity to harvest an elk. “We routinely receive about 80 applications each year for on-the-ground conservation projects that are funded from these proceeds,” said John W. Harris, chairman of the AZGFD Habitat Partnership Committee. “Funding decisions are determined through collaboration with the wildlife conservation organizations that raised the money and Arizona Game and Fish Departmentbiologists. Those relationships extend to the project proponents that include land management agencies, livestock producers, county governments, and private landowners. The projects we fund are routinely cost-shared at least 2 to 1, and our ability to positively infl uence conservationand relationships among our conservation partners is expanded with every dollar raised. As is so often the case, hunter dollars benefi t wildlife resources that all Americans can enjoy. This is yet another example of how Hunting is Conservation.” “It’s of paramount importance to RMEF to not only be responsible for the money raised for wildlife, but to follow those funds from start to fi nish to make sure those who use them do so for their intended purpose,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Sportsmen and women need to demand transparency and hold RMEF and all wildlife agencies and conservation organizations accountable, especially for the money and its use. These tags are a matter of public trust and we are proud to be part of that effort.” Allen went to reissue a call to all other wildlife conservation groups to allow full and complete transparency of all their fi nancial information including the publishing of their audited fi nancials from each fi scal year. “We voluntarily submit to independent audits of our annual fi nances. Why should we not make this information available to our members and the public at-large? If we were a publicly traded business we would have to do this on a regular basis. Let’s do it as a matter of respect for, and accountability to, our members and the public.”...

Youth Entries in B&C Records Up 126 PercentBoone and Crockett Club

Young hunters age 16 and under have taken 152 Boone and Crockettqualifying trophies over the past three years.That total represents a 126 percent increase over the previous three-year period.Each trophy will be listed in the Boone and Crockett Club 28th Big Game Awards book due out later this year, andeach young hunter has been invited to display their trophy at one of North America’s longest-running celebrations of big-game conservation and management—the 28th Big Game Awards event, July 17-20 in Reno, Nev.The triennial event at the Silver Legacy Hotel in Reno features a public exhibition of new World’s Records, Top 5 trophies and records-book specimens taken by youths.Go to www.biggameawards.com for more info about the event.“Congratulations to the growing number of young hunters whose name now appears in Boone and Crockett records next to a world-class big-game trophy taken in fair chase,” said Richard Hale, chairman of the Club’s Records Committee. “From deer to bear to sheep, entries by youths appear to be more and more common in the B&C records book.”Hale attributed the growth in entries to more youths afi eld, more youths hunting selectively, and big-game herds that are increasingly abundant, healthy and well managed in many areas of North America.Between 2007-2009, young hunters claimed 67 of the total 4,907 entries in Boone and Crockett records, which equaled 1.3 percent.In the 2010-2012 period, youths claimed 152 of the total 4,825 entries, or 3.2 percent.Boone and Crockett Club began keeping trophy records in 1906 as a way of detailing species once headed for extinction. Today, trophy data refl ect population balance and habitat quality. Biologists compare and contrast records to improve local management strategies as well as state and federal wildlife polices.

“Our club began hosting public exhibitions of big-game trophies in 1947,” added Hale, “so that people can see the trophies we honor as symbols of successful conservation. America’s conservation system is led and funded primarily by hunters, but it benefi ts all wildlife as well as all citizens who appreciate wildlife and wild places.”For the upcoming exhibition in Reno, Boone and Crockett invited 191 hunters with top entries between 2010-2012, plus the 152 youths, for a total of 343—a new record...

Melissa Noel - typical whitetail deer; Pike County; Ohio; 2010; youth; shotgun; female; 168-2/8

25June 2013

SERVATION NEWS

Photo: Chris JenningsDucks Unlimited

USFWS to Disburse Record $882 Million to States NRA HuntersRights.org

The previous high was $472.7 million in 2010. These funds are made available to all 50 states for a wide range of qualifying projects, includingwildlife population surveys, species research, hunter education, acquisition of wildlife habitat, and the development of shooting ranges, among others.“The sporting community has provided the fi nancial and spiritual foundation for wildlife conservation in America for more than 75 years,” said USFWS Director Dan Ashe. “Through these programs, hunters, anglers, recreational boaters and target shooters continue to fund vital fi sh and wildlife management and conservation, recreational boating access, and hunter and aquatic education programs.”The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration apportionment for 2013 totals $359.9 million, an increase of more than $10 million from the $349.7 million apportioned in 2012. States use the funds to pay for stocking fi sh, acquiring and improving sport fi sh habitat, providing aquatic resource education opportunities, conducting fi sheries research, maintaining public access, and the construction at boat ramps, fi shing piers, and other facilities for recreational boating access. “The fi nancial support from America’s hunting, shooting sports, fi shingand boating community through their purchases of excise taxable equipment and hunting and fi shing licenses is the lifeblood for funding fi sh and wildlife conservation; supporting public safety education; and opening access for outdoor recreation that benefi ts everyone,” said Jeff Vonk, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. “Fish and wildlife can be conserved, protected and restored through science-based management and it is critical that all these taxes collected be apportioned to advance conservation efforts in the fi eld.”This year’s record apportionment may end up being even higher, as the federally-mandated sequester reduced funding by 5.1 percent, or approximately $39.2 million. Additional Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration grant funding to the states has also been reduced, for a total sequestration-related reduction of approximately $44 million. This money, having already been collected, will be released to the states if and when sequestration ends. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs have generated a total of more than $15.3 billion since their inception—in 1937 in the case of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program and 1950 for the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program—to conserve fi sh and wildlife resources. The recipient fi sh and wildlife agencies have matched these program funds with more than $5.1 billion, for a grand total of more than $20 billion in dedicated funding for wildlife and fi sheries management...

A record $882.4 million will be disbursed to state wildlife agencies this year through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration programs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced last week.Revenues for both programs are comprised of excise taxes generated from the sale of sporting fi rearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fi shing equipment and tackle, electric outboard motors, and fuel taxes attributable to motorboats and small engines.Due in large part to increased fi rearm and ammunition sales, this year’s Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration apportionment totals a record $522.5 million, up from $371.2 in 2012.


REGIONAL NEWSEight Men From Colorado, Michigan And Indiana Sentenced For Wildlife Violations

A joint investigation by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has concluded with the convictions and sentencing of eight men for their roles in illegal hunts that took place in the King Mountain area of southern Routt County in Colorado.Ole Thorson, 35, of Prescott Mich., entered his guilty plea on March 28, bringing the two-and-a-half year joint investigation and prosecution to an end. His brother, Travis Thorson, 40, and their father, 64-year-old Jerome Thorson, all from Prescott, had previously pleaded guilty.Wildlife offi cials say the multi-state investigation began when a concerned hunter called to report the three men...were believed to be hunting in Colorado without licenses...Several other individuals also pleaded guilty for their roles in the case. Tim Oestmann, 49 and Andrew Oestmann, 24 of Bailey, Colo. pleaded guilty to the illegal transfer of a hunting license. Jeffrey Kuhn, 63, of Prescott, Mich. pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a bull elk as did Todd Osier, 42, of Sterling, Mich. Troy Allen, 41 of Jamestown, Indiana also pleaded guilty to transfer of a license.Wildlife investigators from Colorado and Michigan worked undercover for over a year, making numerous contacts with the Thorsons in both states. The investigation revealed several violations in Colorado that spanned a 4-year period, including the illegal take of at least three bull elk, one black bear and a bobcat. Search warrants were served in three locations in Prescott and in the hunting camp belonging to the men, located south of Yampa, Colo. in Sept. 2011.“Each of these crimes represents a lost opportunity for responsible hunters and a theft from all who enjoy Colorado’s wildlife,” said Bob Thompson, Lead Wildlife Investigator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “We appreciate all of the hard work that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has put into assisting Colorado in investigating this case as well as the commitment of the offi ce of the district attorney in Routt County in ensuring that the men were all held accountable for their actions.”Ole Thorson faced numerous charges, including felony willful destruction, tampering with a witness and forgery, four counts of hunting without a license and four counts of illegal possession of wildlife resulting from the illegal take of three elk and one bear. The three elk qualifi ed for “trophy” surcharges - an additional fi ne for the illegal take of trophy-quality big gameHe eventually pleaded guilty to unlawful transfer of a hunting license, illegal possession of a 6-point bull elk and misdemeanor theft. As a part of his plea, he agreed to pay $11,200 in fi nes and contribute $2,500 to Operation Game Thief - a tips hotline for wildlife violations. In addition, he received a one-year jail sentence with all but 30 days suspended pending the successful completion of fi ve years probation. Additionally, he is prohibited from entering into the state of Colorado during the fi ve years that he is on probationJerome Thorson pleaded guilty to hunting without a valid license and three counts of illegal possession of elk and was sentenced to serve two-years probation. Travis Thorson pleaded guilty to hunting without a valid license and the illegal possession of a 6-point bull elk. In addition, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor and felony counts of menacing, stemming from an altercation with undercover wildlife offi cers during the investigation. According to the affi davit, Travis threatened undercover offi cers with a knife and an air rifl e. Travis will serve two-years probation and..pay over $14,000 in fi nes and costs.In addition to the convictions, all three of the men will likely face lengthy suspensions of their hunting and fi shing privileges in Colorado, their home state of Michigan as well as 36 other states who are members of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.The defendants also faced separate charges in Michigan...

Big TroutStocked in Six Lakes

North Dakota Game and Fish Department fi sheries personnel recently stocked six lakes with 2-to-5 pound trout from Wyoming.

Jerry Weigel, fi sheries production and development section leader, said each year Wyoming Game and Fish provides trout as part of a trade for walleye fi ngerlings. This year, Wyoming provided surplus brood stock.

A total of 800 rainbows with a combined weight of 2,100 pounds were stocked in Camels Hump Lake (Golden Valley County), Dickinson Dike (Stark County), North Woodhaven Pond (Cass County) and Mooreton Pond (Richland County).

In addition, nearly 400 cutthroats weighing 750 pounds were split between Northgate Dam (Burke County) and Kettle Lake (Williams County).

The normal rainbow trout stockings from Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery have been delayed due to the late spring. However, with the ice now coming off most lakes, nearly 50,000 10-inch rainbow trout will be stocked into 50 waters statewide by May 23.

Anglers should refer to the fi shing tab at the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, for a complete stocking report.

27June 2013

REGIONAL NEWSLucky Oregon Angler Could Hook A Million Dollar Fish

ODFW fi sh biologist Ben Walczak with one of the rainbow tagged with entries in Cabela’s “Fish for Millions” contest. Anglers who catch one of these fi sh can redeem the tags at Cabela’s for prizes up to $2 million. The contest runs from May 4-July 7.

There are now a million more good reasons to go fi shing in Oregon this summer. That’s because two popular Oregon lakes could have a fi sh that’s worth a couple million bucks to the lucky angler who lands it. South Twin Lake in Deschutes County and Hagg Lake in Washington County have been selected as Oregon’s representatives in “Fish for Millions” contest sponsored by Cabela’s and wildlife agencies from approximately 21 states.The contest starts May 4 and continues through July 7. Participants must register on-line at www.cabelas.com/fi shformillions to be eligible for prizes.Rainbow trout were put into Hagg Lake and South Twin Lake, all tagged with a small “spaghetti” tag. The lucky anglers who catch these fi sh can claim their prizes by entering the tag number and other information on the Cabela’s website.This is the third year Oregon has participated in the Fish for Millions contest. Last year, tagged fi sh were placed in Crane Prairie and Blue Rivers reservoirs, and more than 7,000 Oregon anglers participated in the contest. Seventeen anglers caught a tagged fi sh.For ODFW, the contest is one more way to encourage families to get outside and go fi shing, said Mike Gauvin, ODFW recreational fi sheries program manager.This year, prizes include Ranger boats, a Chevy truck, Cabela’s shopping sprees and fi shing gear, Costa sunglasses, Cabela’s gift cards and, of course, up to $2 million in cash for one very lucky angler.In addition to the chance to win prizes, anglers also have a chance to score a great day of fi shing.According to Brett Hodgson, ODFW fi sh biologist in Bend, fi shing on South Twin Lake was excellent on the opening weekend of trout season, and he expects fi shing to continue to be good.“Since the removal of bullhead catfi sh from the lake, the trout fi shing has really improved,” he said. “I think it would be great if one of the big winners came from South Twin Lake.”South Twin Lake is a 99-acre natural lake located within the Deschutes National Forest about 38 miles south of Bend. It has approximately one and half miles of shoreline and a trail that encircles the lake and offers many opportunities for bank fi shing. Non-motorized boats are also allowed on this lake.Hagg Lake, is a 1,110-acre reservoir located about 25 miles southwest of Portland. It is open to both motorized and non-motorized boats and features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, and observation decks for wildlife and bird watching. It was one of the original “Fish for Millions” venues when the contest fi rst came to Oregon three years ago.“Hagg Lake is one of Oregon’s premiere fi sheries,” said Tom Murtagh, ODFW fi sh biologist in Clackamas. “We’re excited that it has again been selected for Cabela’s fi shing contest.”

Both lakes are regularly stocked by ODFW and should provide great fi shing well into the summer.

Trophy Bull Elk Killed with a Rifle During Archery Season Near Buffalo

An anonymous report Sept. 14, 2012 led to a recent conviction of a Buffalo man for shooting a trophy bull elk with a rifl e during the 2012 archery-only season and without the proper license. The investigation also discovered additional violations of a game animal being used for black bear bait and an accessory to elk being shot with a rifl e during archery season.On April 19, 2013, Kelly L. Camino, 37, was fi ned $17,080 and had his hunting privileges suspended for fi ve years for taking an antlered animal without the proper license and taking a big game animal with a rifl e during the archery only season. He was sentenced by Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Shelly Cundiff in Buffalo, who also ordered the forfeiture of Camino’s new Ruger 7 mm magnum bolt action rifl e...Late evening Sept. 14, 2013, Seeman received a telephone call from an anonymous hunter who had been hunting in a hunt area adjacent to area 49. The hunter reported a shot around sunset from the area known as Sawmill Creek. The next morning Seeman visited a hunting camp in the Sawmill drainage and asked if anyone had any luck. He was told Camino harvested a large bull elk the day before, but had already returned to Buffalo.After four unsuccessful attempts to contact Camino at his residence Sept. 15, Seeman found him at home the next morning. Camino said he killed a bull elk with archery equipment the evening of Sept. 14 in the adjoining hunt area 34. He refused to show the game warden the carcass... Camino did offer to take Seeman to the kill site and show him the gut pile...Four hours of searching failed to produce a gut pile...On the drive back to Buffalo, Camino admitted to shooting the elk in the wrong area and with a rifl e.The 6-by-6 elk antlers, which scored 352-6/8 points on the Boone and Crockett scale, were ordered by the court to be forfeited to the Game and Fish and will be used for educational purposes.


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The Drop Camp - A Do It Yourself Option ForThe Backcountry Hunter By Alan Hannasch, Colorado Parks & Wildlife

With a drop camp you will have camp set and you will be situated in elk country. You will save money by cooking your own meals, and discovering your area hunting at your own pace, I’ll expand on this a little later. Hopefully this article will help you prepare for your drop-camp hunt.Late May is the perfect time to interview outfi tters who provide drop camp service for the area or areas that you submitted for in the draw in April. According to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs, there are some 830 active outfi tters in Colorado, though not all are hunting-related. Your job is to whittle down the list to the one that’s right for you.DO YOUR HOMEWORK Even if friends and family provide you with a referral, it’s still a good idea to sit down and outline your goals and expectations for your hunt. The fi rst step is to locate outfi tters that work in the units you have applied for or know where you will be hunting. A great place to start is the Colorado Outfi tters Association. Before you call or send a message to CPW or COA, it might be helpful to refer to the valuable information on Plan Your Hunt (http://wildlife.state.co.us/HUNTING/PLANYOURHUNT/Pages/PlanYourHunt.aspx) and note some of your expectations. For example, you may want to get back fi ve miles off the road into a high alpine basin with streams and pocket meadows while toting no more than 50 pounds in your pack.Once your homework is done, check your expectations against reality. If you sit at an offi ce all day, are you going to be able to ride on horseback for any length of time? If the terrain is higher than you’re conditioned for, can you make the climbs, walk the ridges and pack out your animal after the harvest. Your hunt may turn out a bit more strenuous than you wanted and your dream hunt may turn into a nightmare.

TALK TO THE OUTFITTER Prepare a list of questions for your target outfi tters and check their license status. How long have they been guiding in the area? Find out a little about their hunting experience. Calling references is a must. Try to get contact information both successful and unsuccessful clients. Remember, even the most experienced guide and all the planning in the world won’t guarantee a successful hunt. Many guides will share stories with you about the person that missed the perfect 10-yard broadside shot, or the archer that didn’t consider wind as they approached an elk. Unless you’re hunting behind a fence, a guaranteed harvest should be a big caution sign for you.Check the fi ne print. It’s important to review the contract and cancellation policy carefully, along with Deposit requirements and fi nal payment due dates. Find out how often the guide will be checking on you in camp, whether you can expect fresh provisions and whether there will be cell phones or two-way radios so you can call for pick-up. (continued page 34)

Think of your drop camp as a Do-It-Yourself hunt, with all your hard gear (tent, cooking utensils, pots, and pans, fi rewood) already up on the mountain. With a fully guided hunt you have someone to prepare meals and work with you to fi nd your elk. I’d like to compare cost as fl ying fi rst class (Fully guided hunt) vs. Business class (drop camp), never mind economy class (self guided with your own equipment).

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Do’s•LOOK FOR NEW HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES I’m always looking for that next best spot, whether it be for deer, elk, upland birds, or turkey. Areas change from year-to-year. You must adapt, and have a plan in place. There is nothing worse than going to your favorite spot, only to fi nd that 10 new people have also found a “great new spot.”

•SHOOTING YOUR RIFLE OR BOW Shoot your rifl e a minimum of 50 rounds before big game season starts. Practice from one hillside to another.Try to mimic a real live hunting situation. This will help you to become a very skilled marksman, and you’ll feel more comfortable taking that shot at a live target. Practice, practice, practice!

•PRAIRIE DOG SHOOTING This will help you range your target and shoot from different positions, (uphill, downhill, cross-wind, long distance). It’s a great way to keep sharp.

•SCOUT You probably haven’t been to where you hunted last year. Right? Sometimes your area is close, sometimes it’s a long drive away. You’ll want to take the time this summer to check things out. You can make this a fun adventure by loading up your camping gear and fi shing poles. Make it a weekend where you can scout your area. Look for old rubs, sheds, sign and any new big bucks that mightbe roaming in your area. Every time you go into an area, you learn more about it.

•CONDITIONING I know you’ve heard it all before, but it’s true! Depending on how you hunt, try to get yourself in the best shape that you can - more exercise and better nutrition. I know it’s tough, but you can do it. You’ll feel much better this fall when you can track an animal far enough to make a good shot. Remember, no pain, no gain!

•CONTACTS/PLANS Make your contacts and plans now. Don’t wait until 2 weeks before opening day and expect some kind of miracle sweet spot to land in front of you. Have a back-up plan or two down as well, just in case your main plan changes. You won’t be disappointed.

•MENTAL TOUGHNESS Take a hike into one of your spots with all of your hunting gear and backpack on. This will create real life situations that may occur come opening day. Hike and glass until you are physically exhausted. (Keep yourself hydrated.) Keep that killer attitude and mentality until you get back to the rig. This is a rewarding way to spend an afternoon, and will make you a better hunter.•BUY YOUR EQUIPMENT NOW! What is it that you were missing while you were hunting last season? Good binoculars, GPS, gloves, backpack, boots? Don’t wait. If you can, buy it now. Practice and break it in before the season begins. •CHECK ALL OF YOUR GEAR! Be organized. Have you ever hunted with someone that is not ready? This can really be the back breaker. Take the time to go through all of your gear. Make sure it works. If not, buy new items, batteries, etc. Put all of your gear in one area so that you can fi nd it, and you’ll be ready if someone calls you to go the next day. This is probably the quickest way to lose a hunting buddy if you’re always having to borrow something, or worse, didn’t take the time to pack a lunch, water, etc. Be prepared and bring a good attitude with you!You may have to mentally pick your buddy up when things get slow and you don’t “bag it” and head for home. This works both ways when you are hunting. Having a good hunting buddy is priceless.Have fun this summer and get ready!

Wade Rummel’s Big Muley

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Chances are you last hunted this past winter, fall or spring. In summer, it’s time to look ahead all over again. Plan for fall hunts now — June, July and August will pass faster and you’ll be back in the woods before you know it.JUNE If you haven’t hunted deer since last fall, waterfowl since the winter months, or turkeys since spring, chances are you’re out of shape. Walk. Run road races. Join a softball team or hoops league. Hunting out west or mountainous cover back east later this year? Walk or run with a backpack. Ride that Yamaha ATV or Side-by-Side to work those four-wheeling muscles too.Tip 1: Start slowly and build yourself into shape. The worse thing is to get a nagging injury to set you back.Tip 2: If you hunt with dogs, take care to bring them along slowly. My bird dogs that see time afi eld in fall and winter are full of energy right after spring turkey season ends since they’ve been left at home. It’s important to bring them back with light to moderate exercise. Walks, short runs, retrieving sessions, even time at local preserves with planted upland birds, can satisfy both of you.JULY Contact landowners and renew friendships with them. Will they let you put up some trail cameras to scout for whitetails? Are they planting crops now that once cut might draw migrating waterfowl later?...Tip 1: Don’t just take, give back — offer to help with the chores around the landowner’s place. Mend fences. Insist on helping them out. Most of my rural landowner contacts are older men and women. Go beyond just using their land. Build a positive relationship. Offer some assistance.Tip 2: Aim to talk to several new landowners a week on the chances of opening up new land for hunting this fall and beyond. It’s often easier to approach them in summer, rather than when the season is bearing down. If the answer to your request for hunting access is a fl at “no,” thank them politely for their consideration. Ask that they contact you if their mind changes. It sometimes does.AUGUST Conduct a gear inventory — apparel, loads, shotguns, rifl es, etc. Do you need a new deer hunting jacket or a case of waterfowl loads? Clean your fi rearms and make sure all are in working order at the local range. Prepare now to hunt later. Once the season starts, you’re often too busy to catch up.Tip 1: If you’re like me, shotgun shells can be found in original cases and boxes, but others are scattered in fi eld vests, jackets and plastic bags. Take a fi ne-point black permanent marker and label slightly worn-off information on shotgun hulls, especially shot sizes.Tip 2: Check hunting regulations for the states you’ll spend time in, especially those you drive to on road trips. Print out hard copies to carry along in your truck for quick reference, including checking station lists, phone-in game registration numbers, etc. Sure, you can access this with your smart phone, but a quick hard copy reference is also handy.September is almost here. Make it come faster by staying busy until then.

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13. Eureka, South Dakota. Legend has it the town’s name stems from the fi rst settler’s reaction to all the pheasants observed in the area – “Eureka!”14. Wing, North Dakota. Located just northeast of Bismarck, this town’s name is a clear indication of its premiere attraction. While primarily a waterfowler’s paradise, bird hunters looking to keep their boots dry can fi nd pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse and Huns on ample public ground. 15. Redfi eld, South Dakota. By law, there can only be one offi cially trademarked “Pheasant Capital of the World” and Redfi eld is the owner of that distinction . . . and for good reason!16. Tallahassee, Florida. Home to Tall Timbers, a partner non-profi t focused on quail research, this north Florida town is steeped in the quail plantation culture and quail hunting tradition.17. Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. This fi sherman’s paradise also makes for an excellent October launching off point for the bird hunter. Head south toward Fergus Falls to bag your limit of roosters, then jog northeast to fi nd ruffed grouse and timberdoodles amongst thousands of acres of public forest lands. Point straight west and you’ll fi nd prairie chickens in nearby Clay County if you’re lucky enough to pull a Minnesota prairie chicken permit.18. Park Falls, Wisconsin. For more than 25 years, Park Falls has staked its claim as the “Ruffed Grouse Capital of the World.” It’s more than just proclamation – more than 5,000 acres in the area are intensively managed as ruffed grouse and woodcock habitat.19. Iron River, Michigan. Four-season recreation is Iron County’s claim to fame, and with the nearby Ottawa National Forest, it’s no coincidence the county bills itself as the woodcock capital of the world. 20. Lander, Wyoming. Wyoming is home to about 54 percent of the greater sage-grouse in the United States, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Wyoming manages millions of publically-accessible acres. 21. Miles City, Montana. Sharp-tailed grouse are well dispersed throughout southeast Montana, and the state boasts the highest daily bag limit – four birds – in the country. Thicker cover along riparian areas also provides chances at ringnecks. Did we mention there are roughly 2.5 million acres of publicly-accessible land in this region?22. Spirit Lake, Iowa. The many Waterfowl Production Areas and their cattails make northwest Iowa a great late-season pheasant hunting option.23. Holyoke, Colorado. Lots of Pheasants Forever and state programs - including walk-in areas - are at work in Phillips County which has made the rural, northeast Colorado town of Holyoke the state’s shining upland star.24. Barstow, California. San Bernardino County is a top quail producer in the state, and the vast Mojave National Preserve is the most popular destination for hunters from throughout southern California, where wingshooters can also fi nd chukar in addition to quail.25. Anchorage, Alaska. From the regional hub of Anchorage, bird hunters can drive or fl y to excellent hunting areas in all directions, which include ptarmigan, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse. To maximize your chances and stay safe here, consider hiring a guide.

The 25 Best Bird Hunting Towns...(continued from page 19)

31June 2013

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Little Tips For BIGGER FISHBy Babe Winkelman

GET THERE YESTERDAY How many times have you heard your buddy or the guy at the bait shop say “oh you should have been here yesterday!”? Seems like it never fails. But there’s a good way to avoid this, and that’s by keeping your fi nger on the pulse of what’s happening in the lakes and rivers around your area.

Pay attention to local chatter. Ask questions among your fi shing friends and at the bait shop. Believe me, the local tackle store WANTS to keep you informed because if a bite is on, that means they’ll sell more bait!

Also, stay tuned to the fi shing forums online to get the area reports for different lakes and species. Even secretive fi shermen can fi nd it hard to keep their mouths shut about a hot day/lake/bait that they’ve experienced.When you hear about fi sh that have gone active, be prepared to get up and go. I know this can be more easily said than done – since people have schedules to keep and obligations to meet. But if you can remain fairly fl exible about the exact day that you’re going to hook up the boat and go, then you can improve your odds of being the guy who says “you should have been there yesterday.”THINK CLEAN THOUGHTS Never underestimate a fi sh’s ability to smell or taste. They do both quite well. Their sense of smell operates through two small holes that may look like nostrils but are called “nares.” The nares open up into a chamber lined with sensory pads. Fish rely upon their sense of smell for two reasons: to detect food and danger. So, if an underwater smell is completely unnatural, they can and will stay clear of that area or go into a negative, cautious mood.Fish detect tastes with receptors inside their mouths and on the outside of their skin. Their “taste buds” are very sensitive and can distinguish the difference between sweet, sour, salty and bitter fl avors.With these two facts in mind, it’s critical for a successful angler to keep their hands clean when handling lures, line and bait. The good news is that there’s fi nally a cleaner called Reel Clean that completely eradicates any odors on your hands, including the foulest smelling fuels, lower-unit lube or any odor mankind can encounter. It even takes out skunk! Keep your hands scent-free with Reel Clean when you go fi shing and I promise you will catch more fi sh.HOLD THE LINE When it comes to equipment, the thing I stress most to anglers is the importance of having fresh line (and the right line) on your rod/reel. Old, brittle, coiled monofi lament will cost you a lot of fi sh in terms of break-offs and bites (since baits on coiled line don’t swim as naturally).So re-spool every year. And even though it costs more up front, try spoolingup with a high-quality braided line. The strength-to-diameter ratio is dynamite; today’s braids are very supple and easy to handle; plus it won’t go bad like mono and you can use it season after season.VISUALIZE MORE BITES Having proper focus is important in any sport, from baseball to bass fi shing. Great athletes visualize the action before it happens, and successful fi shermen do the same thing. Here’s an example of what I mean:Let’s say you’re fi shing for bass on a weed line with a rubber worm. You’re hopping it along the bottom in and around cover. Keep your eyes fi xed on your rod tip and the line coming off of it. This focus will visually alert you if you get a strike (a rod twitch on a hard bite; or a line twitch on a soft bite).

As you work the bait, imagine what your bait must look like down at the bottom. Visualize the action in your mind as you hop it, swim it, and drag it. Also visualize a giant bass right behind it – following every movement you impart to the worm. By visualizing it, you heighten your senses for “feel.” Dedicating yourself to visualization will keep you more alert and improve your refl exes – so when the imaginary bass actually becomes a real bass biting your lure, you’ll react quickly and improve your chances for a solid hook-set.

Think about fi shing trips that could have been great, but certain little things happened to prevent you from fi lling the limit or getting that giant trophy to bite.

To make the most out of your time spent on the water, it’s important to pay attention to the details. Even the tiniest details. So here are some tips that will help you enjoy more success this season...

33June 2013

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Fishing Report (continued from page 21)

DWORSHAK RESERVOIR IDAHOThis 53 mile long lake in northern Idaho has been a kokanee hot spotfor years, but most recently big smallmouth bass are quite frequenthere. Anglers are using the usualarsenal - crankbaits, jigs, curly-tailedgrubs and spinnerbaits in dark colors off of any rocky point or shoreline structure. Dworshak offers plentyof boat launch areas to fi sh out of.The bass are spread out throughout the lake, so if it’s your fi rst timeto the lake, just look for these points and start fi shing. Dan Steiger caught the state record smallmouth in late October 2006. The fi sh weighed in at 9.72 pounds. What a monster! You can also fi sh for rainbows, crappie,perch, catfi sh and kokanee. If you need a guide to start, you can contactJarrett’s Guide Service out of Orofi no at 208-476-3791.

WINCHESTER LAKERainbow trout, largemouth bass,crappie, perch, tiger muskie all in abeautiful lake in the trees. Located near the town of Winchester off US Hwy. 95.

Dan Steiger with his Idaho State RecordSmallmouth. Photo: Jarrettʼs Guide Service

FERNAN LAKEA scenic fi shing spot located 10minutes from Coeur d’Alene off ofInterstate 90. Trout, largemouthbass, smallmouth bass, perch, pike,bluegill and crappie offer plenty ofoptions here.


Find out what kind of camp kit will be provided: Will you have a wall tent? Will fi rewood be provided? What kind of cook stove? Fuel? Matches? Cups, spoons and bowls? A cot? Sleeping bag? Toilet paper? (No detail is too small). Be sure to ask how the guide wants you to leave camp. Breaking down camp, be sure to arrange how the guide wants you to leave the camp in your absence, the best rule of thumb is if you pack it in, pack it out. Be prepared to bring a pack with some emergency medical supplies and survival items. Most hunters do this anyway but do not just assume the drop camp will have such supplies.GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS When an outfi tter sets up a drop camp, you should expect that he has learned through experience to put you in an area that holds elk. Even if you don’t have time to scout, prior to your departure you should try to become as familiar as possible about where you will be hunting. Get maps, look at satellite photos, talk to the outfi tter after you have looked at the maps to be able to discuss specifi c points on the map. The CPW Hunting Atlas offers new interactive maps with good information for the backcountry hunter. It allows users to view big game concentrations and game management units on top of USGS topographic maps or high resolution color aerial photography. A good outfi tter will show you locations where you have the best chance to see and hear elk, but it’s called “hunting” for a reason. Be sure you have at least one good map and a GPS unit. To help increase your odds, take plenty of notes. The guide has no control over what might show up in the area you are hunting, including other hunters, but he may lay out some choices for you in case you get company.On one hunt we were camped in a wilderness area and woke up to the sweet sound of cows mewing and bulls bugling. We followed the herd into a gigantic basin just in time to watch a pair of hunters drop in and blow every elk out of the valley. The elk ran past us, but we were unable to take a clean shot and never saw the herd again.Another thing to settle ahead of time is what you’ll need to do if you get an elk down. Will your guide expect you to quarter or bone your elk and bring the meat to camp? Or will your guide head out and pick up your animal where it lays? What gear or supplies will the guide have at camp? Ropes and pulleys? Tarps, saws and game bags? Be sure to know what you will need to carry in case you do harvest. (For a primer on fi eld-dressing your animal, check out the DVD “From the Field to Table”. If you’re hunting with a group, make sure you know before the hunt what the plan is after the fi rst elk is down. Cold storage for the elk while you’re still out helping others should be pre arranged.Finally, before you make a single payment do some fi nal checks on the outfi tter to assure the set up is legal. Go to the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) site’s Offi ce of Outfi tters Registration and do a name search and see if the guiding license is active. Also while at the Dora site check out their newsletter where you will fi nd outfi tters that have encountered some Disciplinary Actions, and complaints. The fi nal measure should come from your communications with the guide and feedback from the referrals. Sometimes personalities don’t match and if you have a hard time communicating with the potential guide, look somewhere else.

If you have paid attention to details and everything checks out well, you will know the drop camp guide you hired is the right choice for you.

Good luck, and have a safe hunt.

The Drop Camp (continued from page 28)

35June 2013

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Read the owner’s manual before operating Honda Power Equipment. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualifi ed electrician. Not all dealers carry all products.Consult your local Yellow Pages. © 2013 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

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*Financing Details *The Honda Power Equipment Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. Regular minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional (special terms) period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the APR for Purchases if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotionalperiod. For newly opened accounts, the APR for Purchases is 27.99%. This APR may vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 12/01/2012. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.00% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. Offer expires 6/30/2013 Financing provided by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Financial.* Wells Fargo Financial is an affi liate of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.**

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UTILITY ATVs ARE RECOMMENDED FOR RIDERS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. ALL ATV RIDERS SHOULD TAKE A TRAINING COURSE AND READ THEIR OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. MULTI-PURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. PIONEER IS ONLY FOR DRIVERS 16 YEARS AND OLDER. DRIVER AND PASSENGER MUST BE TALL ENOUGH FOR SEAT BELT TO FIT PROPERLY AND TO BRACE THEMSELVES WITH BOTH FEET FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR. PASSENGER MUST BE ABLE TO GRASP THE HANDHOLD. NEVER DRIVE WITH MORE THAN ONE PASSENGER. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT, AND KEEP THE SIDE NETS AND DOORS CLOSED. ALL MUV USERS SHOULD WATCH THE SAFETY VIDEO “MULTIPURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES: A GUIDE TO SAFE OPERATION” AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. FOR BOTH TYPES OF VEHICLES, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING. AVOID EXCESSIVE SPEEDS, AND BE CAREFUL ON DIFFICULT TERRAIN. FOR YOUR SAFETY BE RESPONSIBLE. NEVER DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, OR ON PUBLIC ROADS. RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN DRIVING. PIONEER® AND FOURTRAX FOREMAN RUBICON GPScape® are registered trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (06/13)

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Ghost in the Grove By Nick Simonson, Nodak Outdoors http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/ghost-in-the-grove.php

As sundown approached one evening, I heard a loud series of crashes in the ten acres of old elms behind me. The repeated footsteps thrashing the leaves and twigs were far more aggressive than those of the doe and fawn that had crept out of the trees a half hour earlier to the east of my ladder stand. I knew without a doubt that the two animals charging and grunting in the woods behind me were bucks, and they were starting to get in the spirit of the season.After listening to the back-and-forth for a while, the stereo sound of aggression was replaced by just the heavy breathing and stamping of one buck. His opponent had apparently run off, tired of the game. With time growing short in the evening, I pulled out my grunt call and fi gured I had nothing to lose by trying it out on an actual buck for the fi rst time. Still a neophyte when it came to deer hunting, I didn’t know exactly what to do, so I inhaled and released a gentle “errrp, errrp” on the call, expecting the deer to run off in the other direction.But instead, the woods behind me sounded with approaching footsteps and crackling leaves as the remaining animal made its way in my direction. After a few moments of silence, I blew into the wood receiver of the call again, this time releasing a trio of grunts, angled back into the trees over my shoulder, “errrp, errrp, errrp.”The leaf litter crackled and the deer moved closer, this time the footsteps were purposeful, aggressive and quick, followed by a “WHUMP!” of the deer’s hoof stomping the earth about 40 yards behind me. The still and humid air transmitted the heavy breathing of the creature through the barrier of brush and fallen trees, and a shiver went up my spine. The deer’s inhale and exhale matched the cadence of my breathing, and with a rapidly accelerating pulse, I pondered my next move hoping all the while that the thumping of my heart wouldn’t give my position away. After a couple of minutes of listening to the buck, I raised the call to my lips again and decided to up the ante.“URRP!! URRP!!” I blew out on the tube with greater force and passion, as if to throw down the gauntlet, letting him know that while he may have run off the other buck in the grove, he had yet to muster the courage to face me, his unseen challenger.His response was a wild rush through the trees, just to the edge of the densest cover on the border of the clearing, leaving him still invisible in the late season foliage behind my stand. His breathing was heavy, his hoof slammed the ground repeatedly and then the evening was still. There was no follow-up foot stomp or crackle of leaf litter, even the breathing of the buck which had been so audible just moments before, had faded into silence.It reminded me of those horror fl icks, right at the beginning where the director does his best to set the stage for the terror to come in the rest of the fi lm. The camera slowly creeps down the darkened hallway toward the unsuspecting person, giving the viewer the feeling that something is stalking up to its prey in the shadows. But as the camera rushes in over the last several feet and the would-be victim turns around and you’re certain there’s some horrible black monster ready to pounce – there’s nothing! There were no footsteps leading away from brush on the edge of the clearing, no grunts of disapproval, no snorts of alarm, just complete and utter silence. All audible evidence, along with what by that point was certainly a suspicious buck, vanished into the slight fog rising up from the nearby lake, leaving no listening trail to follow as he disappeared into the coming night. I strained my ears for a long time, trying to make out any noise that might signal where the deer had gone, but from the time of my aggressive grunt to the time I crept down from the stand in the dark, there was nothing, save for a crow cawing in the distance. As I made my way back toward the truck, I envisioned what the ghost in the grove looked like; the uncountable number of points on his gnarled main beams which curled just above his eyes, shining brightly with the wisdom gained by once again winning the game that he had played with a number of hunters that came before me. I hoped that he would be there the next time I took the stand and challenged him once again to the continuing contest...in our outdoors.


The Aff ordable Shooter

Model 783™ RemingtonUsing the expertise that’s dominated bolt-action technology for more than 50 years, the engineering team started from scratch and combined their most advanced, accuracy-enhancing features to create an all-new platform. This sleek, hardworking tack-driver is even built differently.Crafted in Remington’s newest manufacturing facility using proprietary methods that create the tightest tolerances from rifl e to rifl e, by the most effi cient means possible. Perhaps the fi rst thing you’ll notice are the striking lines of the new stock design. Inside, it’s a true performance-enhancer, with a dual-pillar bedding platform that free-fl oats the barrel for the ultimate in shot-to-shot consistency. The black synthetic stock contains a high nylon fi ber content which gives the stock superior strength and rigidity. Also helping deliver those inherently tight groups is a precision button-rifl ed barrel. For shot control, it’s equipped with the crisp new CrossFire™ trigger system that’s user adjustable to suit your preferences. The 783 features a steel detachable magazine with a steel latch. Standard calibers have a four round capacity and magnum calibers hold three rounds. Like with all Remington bolt actions, expect a lifetime of rock-solid reliability. MSRP $451.00

Lever Action .22 Youth - Henry Repeating ArmsThe Henry Lever Action Youth Model .22 rifl e is a lightweight and compact version of the Henry Lever Action rifl e. It’s ideal for young shooters, or for adults who desire a compact rifl e in the fi eld. Overall length is 33” and length of pull is 13”. It weighs only 4-1/2 pounds. It features Henry’s genuine American walnut stock, famous smooth action, and a grooved receiver for scope mounting.MSRP $340.00

Venture - Thompson CenterThere are many options on the market today for a low priced bolt-action rifl e. But the true test of what an inexpensive rifl e should be is not just the price. It should be the cost vs. quality and features, this is where the T/C Venture delivers. With its 5R rifl ed precision barrel, adjustable trigger,Hogue traction panels, Melanite Coated Bolt and Guaranteed MOA Accuracy. The T/C Venture is also USA Made and backs the famous T/C Lifetime Warranty and with 16 available calibers there is no problem fi nding the gun you are looking for.270, 30-06, 300 win-mag.MSRP $499

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Bob Ward and sons

How it All BeganBob Ward & Sons, Montana’s oldest and largest sporting goods retailer, is celebrating its 96th anniversary in 2013. With deep roots in Montana, the Ward family continues to own and operate the now 5-store chain and is proud of its heritage and the tale of its founder, Robert “Bob” C. Ward. Bob Ward was born in Minnesota in 1885. In March 1900, at the age of 15, Bob set out on a journey to the Klondike in search of gold. Two states later, in Missoula, Montana, he ran out of money. Eager to continue his journey, Bob looked up an old family friend, John Roland, who owned a Missoula jewelry store. Roland offered Bob a job that the young man was sure would pay the rest of his way to the Klondike.

Still in Missoula sixteen years later, Bob was married and on the verge of opening a watch-repair shop. His shop opened in 1917. Over the next decade, he and his wife became the parents of eight children, six of whom were boys. And those six boys followed in Bob’s footsteps, creating a Montana business tradition known today as Bob Ward & Sons.Rich Outdoor TraditionsBob Ward’s love of hunting and fi shing led him to become a well-known gunsmith in addition to being a skilled jeweler. Bob was also the fi rst person in the country to import wire-haired griffons from Germany. These highly trained hunting dogs earned Bob a national reputation for breeding and training. As he aged, Bob Ward’s enthusiasm for outdoor activities did not diminish. At 66, he won a national rifl e marksmanship competition. When Bob was in his 70’s, “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” featured an article on him after he’d successfully hunted a black bear with a bow and arrow. Eventually, the Bob Ward & Sons business grew to include custom gun-making and fi shing-tackle manufacturing (part of the fi shing line was the locally famous “Ward Wobbler”). Robert C. Ward passed away in 1985 at the age of 100, leaving his dedicated sons and grandson to keep the business thriving.GenerationsAfter returning from World War II, Bob’s oldest son, Irvine, expanded the business into retail sporting goods, which is its primary business today. The company grew to become the largest sporting goods company in Montana. Under the guidance of Irvine’s son, Keith Ward, the company has further expanded its reach to include stores in four other markets in Montana: Butte (1973), Bozeman (1978), Hamilton (1980) and Helena (1984). The company joined the ranks of online

retailers in 1999 with the launch of bobwards.com. Bob Ward & Sons has become one of the largest privately held sporting goods companies in the Northwest.Keith’s son, Chad Ward, joined the company full time in 1997 after graduating from Wake Forest University and now is president of the company.TraditionsIt all began, simply, because Robert C. Ward, at the age of fi fteen, ran out of money in Missoula, Montana, while on his way to fi nd a fortune. What he found instead was a long, prosperous life in the heart of Big Sky Country; what he left is a proud legacy of service to Montanans and others that the family carries on today.

Chad Ward and his sons

Bob Ward and Sons Sporting Goods Celebrates 96th Anniversary in 2013


3242 Centennial St. Helena (406) 457-0700www.autoconceptshelena.com

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FISH LIKE A PRO FISH LIKE A PRO Quick Tips from BerkleyQuick Tips from BerkleyFishing Docks for Largemouth BassIn-Fisherman

Docks and boat houses are important cover for bass, particularly when shoreline development has depleted natural cover. High-percentage spots depend on water depth and cover options. To tempt bites, fl ip or pitch jigs or softbaits like tubes, soft stickbaits, worms, or craws by pilings and into boat stalls. Rig with a pegged sinker to achieve a low trajectory under the structures. When bass hold far underneath docks and platforms, often the case on bright sunny days, skipping baits underneath with sidearm casts is most effective.

Summer Trolling for TroutIn-FishermanTrout move deeper in the water column to seek out cool water as summer sets in and surface waters warm. Trout often inhabit depths around the thermocline, the transition between the warm, oxygenated surface layer and the cool, low-oxygen lower layer. Use leadcore line to present baitfi sh-imitating crankbaits and spoons in the depth zone trout are inhabiting. As a general rule, each color on the leadcore line (about 30 feet) adds 5 feet of depth to the presentation. Tie on a 6- to 10-foot leader and attach the lure with a cross-lock snap. Troll at 2 to 4 mph over deep structure and along steep breaklines.

Catching Tail Race TroutIn-FishermanTailraces below reservoirs can provide some of the best fi shing for lots of big trout. Big browns migrate upstream and concentrate below dams during their annual spawning run. Big tailrace brown trout are hungry in fall and can be caught on minnowbaits, spinners, and softbaits like curlytail grubs, or by drifting smaller baits like worms, nymphs, eggs, and doughbaits in micro sizes. Focus on current edges, deep runs, and areas with refuges from fl ow like instream boulders and eddies that form behind instream objects. Be careful, as water conditions on reservoir tailraces can change quickly.

41June 2013

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Once June comes on the radar following spring turkey seasons and early fi shing, a waterfowler’s thoughts turn toward early fall. Since much of what we do is planning fueled by anticipation, here are some options to keep your head in the game before duck and goose seasons arrive:

Work It OutCondition your dog. You’ve likely been a little obsessed with gobblers and biting bass of late, sitting for the fi rst quarry, and standing for the other. While you’ve had your fun, chances are that retriever has waited patiently at home, growing larger rather than leaner. That might make two of you. With only summer between you and fall hunts, it’s time to get both of you in shape. Run together on a regular basis, harness and lead doing their job. Throw that bumper for your canine hunting buddy. Get that team mindset now. Clean It UpLast waterfowling season probably came in a hurry. It left you happily exhausted, with game in the freezer, and memories to carry you through winter and spring. Now is the time to return to your mud-splattered gear. Are those decoys in need of a paint touch-up? Do it. Maybe you want to buy a new call or two just to keep you busy during rush-hour traffi c? It’s time to contact landowners who give you permission to hunt their properties. Renew that friendship. Lock down access now in the off-season.

Float that MarshGot skiff? By defi nition a skiff is a small, fl at-bottomed open boat. While many of you go duck and goose hunting with bigger watercraft, small hunting skiffs offer much in the way of backwater access. They’re fun to use, and you can stash them in tight places too. Consider the range of options out there. These lightweight boats can also be used when fi shing this summer as you get accustomed to maneuvering one before the early waterfowling arrives come September. Ride to the HatchRight now as you read this, duck and goose broods are hatching around the country. A ride to specifi c nesting locations—with binoculars in hand to keep your distance—might just be the antidote for the summertime blues. Hop on your Yamaha ATV, and check out such spots on your four wheels. It’ll do your heart good to see those ducklings and goslings in the off-season. The enjoyment had while riding is a bonus.

Photo: Steve Hickoff

The Off-Season Waterfowler By Steve Hickoff, Yamaha Outdoors

© Steven Oehlenschlager | Dreamstime.com

FWP Looking For Information On Antelope Slaughter MFWP

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens are looking for information about an incident about a month ago when as many as 30 antelope were killed illegally southeast of Billings. The state’s TIP-MONT program is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction in the case.Game warden Nick Taylor said FWP received information that two males trespassed on private land west of Montana Highway 418 and south of Blue Creek. The two killed as many as 30 antelope in one fi eld, then left them to waste. At least one perpetrator later drove into the fi eld and removed some of the carcasses. Game wardens have retrieved several of the antelope carcasses.Montana law makes it illegal to kill antelope without a license or out of season. It also is illegal to leave game animals to waste.Taylor asked that anyone with information about the incident call him at 406-247-2976 or 406-697-3443. People also may call FWP’s 24-hour wildlife tip line at 1-800-TIP-MONT (800-847-6668). The TIP-MONT program is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction in the case.The 1-800-TIP-MONT program is a toll-free number where people can report violations of fi sh, wildlife or park regulations. Callers may remain anonymous...

Free Fishing For All On Father’s Day Weekend - June 15-16 MFWP

Here’s the perfect gift for Dad and Grandpa: free fi shing for all over Father’s Day weekend, June 15-16.“It’s a great way to get outdoors with friends and family and it provides everyone in Montana with the opportunity to get hooked on fi shing,” said Jeff Hagener, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena. “You can fi sh without a license on June 15 and June 16, but you must follow all of Montana’s other fi shing regulations.”In total, each year more than 230,000 residents and 160,000 nonresidents purchase a Montana fi shing license. Anglers spend about $240 million annually in Montana for things like transportation, food and guide fees. For every dollar spent by FWP’s fi sheries program, anglers spend an additional $11 benefi ting local communities and the state’s economy...Those wishing to take advantage of this opportunity need to be aware that fi shing for bull trout requires a catch card and fi shing for paddlefi sh requires a paddlefi sh tag.The free fi shing promotion is set for Father’s Day weekend, June 15-16.


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How to be a 10 Percenter: Parts I & II (continued from page 5)

Bill Winke, a popular outdoor writer and host of Midwest Whitetails (www.midwestwhitetails.com) sums it up with, “The best hunters are very thorough. They eliminate all the variables. Randy Ulmer comes to mind immediately as a bowhunter who is very thorough in his preparation both mentally and physically. If there is an aspect of the hunt he can control, no matter how seemingly minor, then he controls it and masters it.”

With as many mentions about legendary western bowhunter Randy Ulmer, this section wouldn’t be complete without getting some words of wisdom from the master himself, and what he shared was somewhat surprising. Randy Ulmer admits that he in fact “gets nervous” when it comes down to crunch time. He also had an interesting take on the theory of a bowhunter going into autopilot mode at the time of the shot and said this, “In my mind I don’t want to go on autopilot when making the shot. To use that metaphor of fl ying, the lethal shot on a game animal is like the landing of an airplane, and if you are on autopilot you will crash. In my opinion you have to be aware of everything and still make the shot. It is okay to be scared and nervous and it is what you do at that point with that is what I call ‘Courage under fi re.’ One thing that helps me is I admit that I am scared and yet do the best that I can, and just understanding that fact really helps to calm me down.” Randy continues to explain, “For me being prepared comes from the mistakes I have made in the past and learning from them. I try and leave no stone unturned especially my equipment.”

As we were wrapping up our conversation, Randy paused and said, “I feel like I need to share one more thing.” Randy had my full attention as I leaned in as if I was about to receive the Holy Grail of archery. He continued, “When it comes to being prepared, one of the most important things in consistently harvesting animals is accuracy. A lot of bowhunters take it for granted, but it is in my mind one of the most important things.”

Driving home the point, Randy cleared his throat and went on to emphasize, “There are a lot better hunters and archers out there than me, but the difference is at 40 yards I hit what I shoot at!” He went on to clarify, “I am not trying to be a braggart or egocentric but the importance of a lethal shot over missing or wounding an animal is huge. You have to be able to shoot accurately to consistently kill trophy animals.”

These incredible insights by some “GIANTS” in the sport of bowhunting, if taken to heart and adapted to your arsenal can help you too become a 10 percenter!

Randy Ulmer knows accuracy, like preparedness is of the utmost importance. On a huge animal like brown bear pin point accuracy means defi ning the kill zone andhitting where you aim.

Moisture wicking fabrics are the best, they take that moisture off of your body and bring it to the outside of your clothes so that it can evaporate quickly. Getting all of that excess moisture away from your body can help prevent hypothermia when the temperatures start to drop.

The fi nal item I feel important is a good back pack. A good pack that is well designed, has the features needed to store, protect and securely carry your items comfortably and is quality made of the best materials, is really important.

I think that about sums up the majority of the stuff that you should always try to carry with you. I know it sounds like a lot to pack around but believe me, if you are lost 5 or 10 miles in the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on your back, you will think back to this article and realize that I made some good points. Now a days manufactures are fi nding more ways to make everything as small and lightweight as possible so that you can pack and carry everything you might need, regardless of the situation and conditions, conveniently and comfortably.

When you go to pick out your gear, shop around. Find what is comfortable to you and what will benefi t you more. When it comes to real life situations you want to make sure you have the best equipment, not the least expensive, to get you through. Most of all, play it safe!...

Also, make sure you check out hisnhersoutdoors.com where you can see some of the gear that we use and get a better idea as to why we love it so much.

Hunting Solo (continued from page 23)

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Map produced using National Geographic TOPO. www.rockymtnmaps.com

Photo: www.bigskyfi shing.com

This is a peaceful small reservoir, about 1,000 acres when full. The reservoir is planted with rainbow trout each year, and the fi shing has gotten steadily better each year since the reservoir was completely drained in 1994. There are some large brown trout that cycle throughthe Ruby River system, and can be found mainly around the inlet. June is one of the best months to fi sh the reservoir as the reservoiris drawn down throughout the summer for irrigation demands.

A small canoe, pontoon or fl oat tube will work to fi sh the reservoir.Primitive camping areas are available around the area with a pavedroad following the eastern bank of the reservoir.

There are many rivers and lakes to visit in southwest Montana,a “Fly fi sherman’s paradise” as it is called by some. Use of some ofthese rivers can be quite high at times, so if you’re looking for a little peace, this may be the water to explore.

MFWP

Fishing Fishing

The The

Ruby Ruby

Reservoir

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45June 2013

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In stock:Montana hunter Josh Fields has a habit of carrying a collection of Montana Decoys in his pack when hunting in September. Last week, this habit paid off for him in historic measures after he harvested the fi rst wolf in Montana this season. Even more impressive, it was only the third wolf ever taken with a bow in the state’s history. Even though he was pursuing elk on this particular trip, he was glad to have a Montana Decoy “Kojo” coyote ready to set up.“I always carry a variety of decoys with me,” said Fields. “If nothing is happening with the elk by noon, I try to get a predator. The decoys are compact, light and easy to carry.”The wolf hunt unfolded at an adrenaline spiking rate. After some call cowing, Fields set up the coyote decoy and started yipping.“I knew there were wolves in the area, but just seeing one can be hard,” said Fields. “They are smart animals, but they are also territorial and hate coyotes. He was coming in to hunt and eat and must have been hungry to come charging in like he did. I wasn’t expecting it, but I am glad he did!”The visual of a coyote in addition to Fields’ calling lured the wolf to 15 yards in front of his bow. The rest is history.“Wolves do not tolerate the presence of coyotes,” said Fields. “In fact, if you see or hear coyotes in the area, you can be pretty sure there are no wolves around because if there were they would have run the coyotes out or hunted them down.“After I shot this wolf, I looked up and spotted another one headed towards the decoy, but we locked eyes and he backed off.”The fact that Fields saw not one, but two wolves proves the hatred wolves have towards coyotes. But they are also reducing the elk, deer and livestock herds in the state.“I do not know of anybody that does not have motivation to hunt wolves,” said Fields. “Here in Montana, our elk numbers are down due to the wolves eating elk.

A Historic Wolf Hunt with a Decoy Montana Decoy from September 2012

Josh Fields with his 2012 Archery Wolfwww.montanadecoy.com


*The engine horsepower and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s website for additional information. **Hour limitations apply and vary by model. See the LIMITED WARRANTY FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF & UTILITY EQUIPMENT at dealer for details. Attachments and implements sold separately. Shown with the optional equipment not included in the price. Prices and models may vary by dealer. Before operating or riding, always refer to the safety and operating information on the vehicle and in the operator’s manual. Actual vehicle top speed may vary based on belt wear, tire selection, vehicle weight, fuel condition, terrain and other environmental factors. FOX® is a trademark of FOX 2.0 Performance Series Shocks. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company. A0D03KKCU1A54749-00000000

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The Power Trio: Binoculars, Rangefi nder, and Spotting ScopeBy Jeff Davis, Editor Whitetails Unlimited - visit www.whitetailsunlimited.com

Why should you buy and use binoculars, a rangefi nder, and a spotting scope when you’ve already got a scope on top of your rifl e? The short answer is they do different things, and do them better than your rifl e scope.

TIP 1: SAFETY FIRST & SAFETY SECOND.There are several reasons why you should not use your rifl e scope to scan the countryside. The fi rst is safety—don’t point your fi rearm at anything unless you intend to shoot it. The second is safety—see previous. The third is that it is not very comfortable to look through a scope for very long, and the fourth is that binoculars and spotting scopes have specifi c advantages that make them better for different jobs.TIP 2: THE ONE THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU.Binoculars come in a dizzying array of sizes, powers, fi elds of view, and other options. I hunt in dense cover with hills close in the background, and use lower-power Alpen binoculars with a wide fi eld of view. A friend hunts in the mountains of the west, and uses higher-power Leupold binos with a narrow fi eld of view. Another friend uses Bushnell binos that are designed to be outstanding in low light, because he loves to hunt as early as he can. We all use rifl e scopes that are 3-9 X 40 mm. Tailor your binoculars to your budget and how and where you hunt.TIP 3: HOW FAR IS THAT?Get your paws on a laser rangefi nder and play the ‘how far is that’ game. Go to your typical hunting terrain and estimate ranges to various objects, and then fi nd out exactly how far they are. When I did it I was shocked, and humbled. I was off on almost everything. If you have a Mil-dot reticle in your rifl e scope you can range pretty well to objects of a known size, but it’s useless for a rock, a stump, or a branch. And forget it if you’re bowhunting where accurate range is really critical. If you hunt from a tree stand or on hilly terrain, the new Bushnell ARC series will even tell you the angle of rise or drop, and calculate your bullet drop.TIP 4: THERE’S THE SPOT.Spotting scopes are normally more powerful than binoculars, and are usually used with a tripod or other secure mount. I use mine at the range so I don’t have to stop shooting to check groups. With Birchwood Casey Shoot•N•C targets I can see where even .22-caliber bullets hit at 100 yards. My friend out west uses his to fi nd game on the side of distant mountains, and then starts to stalk. Like binoculars, spotting scopes are available at a variety of powers and prices, so borrow your friend’s to fi gure out what features are important for you.TIP 5: TAILOR-MADE.You can spend a lot of money on optics, so look before you leap. Do your research, talk to friends, and try to determine why you missed that shot last year. Never miss a shot? Perhaps you don’t need any help. For the rest of us, particularly as our eyes get older, adding quality optics to your day pack can be the down payment for success.TIP 6: A HEAVY LOAD.Toting all this gear in the fi eld can be a chore, so think about what you will need on your hunt. Suspenders-style bino straps take the weight off your neck, and a retractable tether will keep your rangefi nder secure. Blackhawk! and Nikon have developed a great optics pack for fi eld use.TIP 7: ONE FINAL WORD.It’s just not safe, or comfortable, to use a scope on a fi rearm to scan the countryside. Don’t point your rifl e at anything until you are ready to shoot. Invest in some help for those tired eyes.

Photo: Whitetails Unlimited

47June 2013

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Hunting & Fishing News - June 2013 Issue