Hunting Guide 2010

Page 1

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY

HUNTING Southern Exposure Units 66 and 67 offer big-time big game potential

Eye on the Prize Optics: An ever-important tool for your hunt

Meat in the Middle Ranchers, sportsmen team up for game meat donations

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Editorial Index

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY

HUNTING

Optics - more than meets the eye .............................................................. page 9

Southern Exposure

Youngsters take to the field .............................................................page 13

Units 66 and 67 offer big-time big game potential

Eye on the Prize Optics: An ever-important tool for your hunt

Meat in the Middle Ranchers, sportsmen team up for game meat donations

About the cover Young Payson Whinnery downed this nice bull (scored about 320) last November. His dad, Steve, owns Whinnery Ranch Outfitters near Powderhorn.

Gunnison County

se Montrose

Crested Butte

Southern comfort — Units 66, 67 offer some fabulous opportunities ...........................................................page 23

Gunnison

50 Cimarron rron

67 66

Photo by Gunnison Country Guide Service.

COLORADO

.

GCP Gunnison Country Publications, LLC

Publisher Managing Editor Editorial Contributors Advertising Production Online

Stephen J. Pierotti Chris Dickey Will Shoemaker Matt Smith Chris Rourke, Mac McGraw, Drew Nelson Leia Morrison Jennie Wren www.gunnisontimes.com

For more information regarding this publication or other special publications of Gunnison Country Publications, call 970.641.1414, or write ads@gunnisontimes.com Copyright© 2010 No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Copyright© 2010. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without permission of the publisher. Any work (written, photographic or graphic) which the publishers “hired-out” becomes the property of the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials lost, damaged or otherwise.

4

Take precautions against altitude sickness .............................................................page 17

Tips from an ‘old-timer’ ...........................................................page 30 *MRH MX JEWX

Advertisers Index

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2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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2010 Elk & Deer Season Information License Fees*

Deer Buck/Doe

Resident Adult

$31

Resident Youth

$10.75

Non-Resident Adult

$326

Non-Resident Youth

$100.75

License Fees*

Elk Bull/ Either-sex

Resident Adult

$46

Resident Youth

$10.75

Non-Resident Adult

$546

Non-Resident Youth

$100.75

License Fees*

Elk Cow

Resident Adult

$46

Resident Youth

$10.75

Non-Resident Adult

$251

Non-Resident Youth

$100.75

Season Dates

Deer/Elk

Archery

Aug. 28 - Sept. 26

Muzzle

Sept. 11 - 19

1st Rifle

Oct. 16 - 20**

2nd Rifle

Oct. 23 - 31

3rd Rifle

Nov. 6 - 14

4th Rifle

Nov. 17 - 21

*Over the counter prices. Does not include $3 appllication fee or $5 habitat stamp if applicable. **1st rifle season is Elk only. For more information, visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife at http://wildlife. state.co.us

6

Big Game Population Estimates Post-hunt 2008 Game Management Unit(s)

Deer Pop.

Deer Male/ Female ratio

Elk Pop.

Elk Male/ Female ratio

54

4,200

27/100

6,500

22/100

55, 551

4,800

25/100

5,800

23/100

66, 67

4,400

28/100

4,500-5,000

22/100

Post-hunt 2009 Game Management Unit(s)

Deer Pop.

Deer Male/ Female ratio

Elk Pop.

Elk Male/ Female ratio

54

4,000

34/100

7,200

23/100

55, 551

4,000

32/100

5,000

26/100

66, 67

4,500

30/100

4,200

25/100

Above are the Colorado Division of Wildife’s post-hunt population and sex ratio estimates following the past two hunting seasons for the Gunnison Basins’ game management units.

Gun range open for ‘Sight-in Days’ The Gunnison Sportsmen’s Association provides hunters with the opportunity to sightin their rifles before they head to the hills. Sight-in days at the GSA’s range just west of town are the following: 1st season — Oct. 13, 14, 15 2nd season — Oct. 20, 21, 22 3rd season — Nov. 3, 4, 5 The gun range is located two miles west of Gunnison on

County Road 18. Targets, ear protection and spotting scopes are provided; hunters need only bring their guns and ammunition. The cost to sight-in is $5 per gun – except on the Wednesdays of each sight-in season (Oct. 13, 20 and Nov. 3), when it’s free. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Steve Bathje at 641.1851 for more information, or visit www.gunnisonsportsmens.com. ■

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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Seeing is believing Optics a pivotal part of successful hunting in the West by Will Shoemaker

Ever caught a glimpse of what appeared to be an animal, far enough away that you couldn’t quite decipher what it was — not to mention its sex or size? Instinct may have kicked in and set you off in hot pursuit, but spooked animals can end a hunt in a hurry. And unnecessary miles can leave hunters too tuckered-out to carry on. That’s where good optics can make a world of difference. Put simply, they’re time savers. A few pieces of optics are too necessary to explain in detail here. For a rifle hunter (open-sight traditionalists aside), that means a good rifle scope. It’s been suggested that for every dollar spent on a rifle, the same should go into your scope. For a bow hunter, range finders can make or break a shot and are considered the top optic priority by many archers. But what about binoculars and spotting scopes? Just more fancy gadgets to spend your hard-earned money on, right? Not necessarily. Both of these pieces of equipment can save miles under your boots if used effectively. Face it: The Rockies are rugged, and a mile at altitude can feel like 10 at sea level. That means hunting smarter — as opposed to harder — can greatly amplify enjoyment, and success. Both binoculars and spotting scopes are available in differing power and field-of-view variations; for example, 10x42 is a popular configuration for

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

Binoculars are the first piece of optics that serious hunters should consider. Photo by Will Shoemaker

a set of binoculars. The first number represents the magnification, or how many times closer an object will appear. The second number represents the diameter of the objective (or light gathering) lens, measured in millimeters. Basically, the greater the second number, the larger — and often brighter — the field of view. Binos Binoculars are the first piece of

optics that serious hunters should consider. “The best thing you can use them for is if you think you see an elk, you can use your binos to confirm that,” says Andy Cochran, manager of Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods in Gunnison, as opposed to traipsing across open country to get a better look, and potentially being seen. Ranging in price from $120 to $2,500, most good hunting binos today

9

Spotting scopes and binoculars can help you hunt smarter, as opposed to harder.

utilize a “roof” prism system, allowing them to be more compact. The lenses on less expensive binos will be made of Chinese glass; midgrade will use Japanese glass; and higher-end binos are typically made of American or European glass. And the more optical coatings — magnesiumflouride is common — the glass gets, the clearer the picture and lower the strain on your eyes. High-end binos can be used for hours on end without causing eye fatigue. Spotting scopes Spotting scopes serve a slightly different purpose than binos, and are used for glassing animals from further distances. A big buck or bull’s behavior can be monitored without detection behind a spotting scope long before it’s ever pursued. “Most guys use their spotting scopes during the scouting season,” says Cochran. “You can glass miles away.” Spotting scopes range in price from about $150 to $2,500, and camera fittings are available for most for long-range photography. Like binos, as spotting scopes increase in price,

10

Photos by Will shoemaker

so too does the quality of materials they’re made of. That means lighter metal bodies for the higher-end scopes and higher quality glass with more optical coatings. Some of the newest models of highend binos and spotting scopes are now available in “HD” versions. Like high definition television, they provide an extremely clear image and brighter colors.

“The money spent on optics is directly related to their value,” Cochran explains. “If you’re going to buy something, spend as much money as you reasonably can, because you’re going to be happier with it.” Gene Taylor’s, at 201 W. Tomichi Ave. in Gunnison, carries a full line of rifle scopes, range finders, binoculars and spotting scopes. They can be reached at 970.641.1845. ■

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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Youngsters learning the ropes at a Division of Wildlife Youth Hunter Safety Program. Photo by Chris Rourke

Youngsters afield For kids, hunting is tons of fun; for their parents, it’s also about life lessons by Chris Rourke

Wiley Bodine is excited about this summer’s end. That’s because this fall he’ll get to put his bright new orange hunter safety card to good use. Wiley is one of more than 40 young people who completed the Division of Wildlife’s Youth Hunter Safety Program in Gunnison this past spring. Although it won’t be his first time out hunting, it will be the first time he aims to bring home his own game. He loves being outdoors with his dad and he doesn’t mind getting up at 4 a.m. to do it. “I like to watch the wildlife,” says the 8-year-old Gunnison resident.

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

Wiley has been out with his dad many times, but now he’s the one on the hunt. And he’s not the only one with great anticipation. “I’m definitely more excited about watching him do it than doing it myself for sure,” says his father, Ken. For Ken, hunting is a great way to spend time with Wiley, while enjoying the great outdoors. But it’s also a way Wiley can learn practical life lessons. “I think he learns a lot of things. One of them is definitely patience. I mean there’s a lot of value in that,” says Ken. “Ethics (is another) — doing the right thing, making the right choices, whether it’s the easier choice, the harder choice. Because a

lot of times you’re offered opportunities out there that might not be the right thing to do. ...” Wiley will be looking around the Gunnison Valley and the Lake City area for rabbits and water fowl, but he will also be heading to his greatgrandma’s ranch in New Mexico, where he hopes to bag a turkey with his brand new bow. That’s a take even Wiley’s mom, Rain Bodine, looks forward to. “Great-grandma says she wants Wiley to get the turkey,” says Rain, “and they’ll get it ready for Thanksgiving.” At the ripe old age of almost 11, Jake Parmeter is on his way to becom-

13

Jake Parmeter, almost 11, likes to hunt with a bow because he believes in ‘the spirit of fair chase.’

ing a seasoned hunter. He has already bagged two rams in Texas, a pheasant closer to home in Delta and even a squirrel. This year he’ll be looking for a marmot. Jake has an advantage over many young hunters his age; his father, Chris Parmeter, is a Colorado Division of Wildlife officer. For Jake, firearm safety and an appreciation for hunting began at a young age. Like Wiley, Jake has a love for the outdoors and for wildlife. He also takes pride in the idea that he’s helping to provide for the family. And he already knows what he does and doesn’t like about certain aspects of hunting. He believes firmly in the “spirit of fair chase.” Instead of using a more modern rifle that can hit targets 400 yards away, Jake prefers his bow, to get closer to the animal before harvesting it. “Sure, getting an animal is great,” explains Jake. “I mean, I like that too. But I don’t consider it as much of a success as I would if I was able to stalk it up to 10 yards or so. Then you are giving the animal a chance to see you instead of sitting 400 yards away and shooting him from there.” But beyond the thrill of the hunt and time spent together, Chris Parmeter wants Jake, and all young hunters,

14

Wiley Bodine, 8, loves to go hunting with his dad — even if it means getting up at 4 a.m. Courtesy photos

to take away from the hunting experience something very basic. “I think one of the most important things about hunting for kids is that it helps them understand where food comes from,” says Chris, who is not only an avid hunter but helps each year with the Youth Hunter Safety course field day. “A lot of kids don’t even know where meat comes from.

We’re procuring our meat rather than having somebody else do it for us. I think it’s important for kids to understand how food gets to our tables.” Whether it’s the first time out in the field or the fifth, the fields and forests of the Gunnison Basin hold lots of lessons and a lifetime of memories for both young hunters and their parents alike. ■

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

Hunting high in the Rocky Mountains can be stressful on your system — especially if you are from much lower elevations. Precautions against altitude sickness are advised. Photo by Will Shoemaker

Hunting at elevation Reduce you risk of altitude sickness by Dr. Roanne Rouse Houck

If you have traveled to the Gunnison Basin — with a base starting at more than 7,500 feet above sea level — from much lower elevations, you should be aware of the effects of altitude on the body. Hiking, sleeping and “living” at elevation, particularly high elevation, is stressful on your system. The air is dry and thin, the sun is very intense and your level of physical exertion is increased. These factors contribute to dehydration and other physiologic responses that may result in altitude sickness. Altitude sickness amongst mountain visitors is all too common. Symptoms may be mild, such as a light headache or mild nausea. Or they may be quite severe, warranting emergency transport and medical attention. The best way to reduce your risk of altitude sickness is

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

through prevention. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, hypertension, weakness, confusion and dizziness. Often people mistake the signs of altitude sickness with getting a cold, being run down or jet lag. It is important that mountain visitors consider that they may have the early signs of altitude sickness because it can worsen rapidly. Altitude sickness may be reduced, prevented or eliminated by taking a few proactive steps. One way is to get into the habit of hydrating throughout the day. Acli-Mate is an all natural mountain sport drink (founded right here in Gunnison) designed specifically to aid in the prevention and reduction of altitude sickness. Started ahead of time, Acli-Mate promotes hydration, adrenal fitness and energy production.

Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, both of which are diuretics and contribute to dehydration. Spend a night at moderate elevation before going to higher elevation in order to give your body a little extra time to adapt. Do your best to get seven-to-nine hours of sleep a night ... and stay hydrated. Try using Acli-Mate at three servings daily, taken in the morning, noon and afternoon. It can be prepared either hot or cold. Though it is optimal to start AcliMate three days prior to your mountain travels, it may be started upon arrival at elevation or at the first sign of altitude sickness. Acli-Mate is available at nearly all outdoor and health food stores in Gunnison and Crested Butte, and around Colorado. It can also be found online at www.aclimate.com, or by calling 1.866.641.5361. ■

17

Scenes from the field

Photo by Dave Hoskins

Photo by Dave Hoskins

Photo by Dave Hoskins

18

Photo by Prois Hunting

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

Photo by Cody Dyce

Photo by Dave Hoskins

Photo by Dan Cress

Photo by Prois Hunting

Photo by Dave Hoskins

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

19

Meat(ing) in the middle Non-profit formed to solve two problems with one shot by Will Shoemaker

The convergence of two problems in the Gunnison Valley has become the breeding ground for a new nonprofit organization. Ranchers and Sportsmen Together for the Hungry (RSTH), the brainchild of local sportsman Allen Moores, is aimed at facilitating the donation of local game meat, namely elk, to help feed hungry families. Last year, attention was drawn to what many consider an over-abundance of elk locally. Population estimates were high above objective. As a result, a licensing system was adopted locally for this year’s hunting seasons that aims to have more cow elk harvested — including the opportunity for some hunters to purchase multiple tags. At the same time, Moores recognized a spike in the number of families seeking assistance in acquiring food. RSTH’s board of directors is comprised of county staff, ranchers and sportsmen. Jerry Burgess, chairman of the organization, says the program will also be used by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) to minimize the waste of game meat confiscated through illegal take, for example. But the primary intent is for hunters who kill more animals than they can use to legally donate their meat. This is how the program should work: If a hunter is interested in donating an animal, a RSTH volunteer will inspect the animal and, if warranted, issue a donation certificate. The hunter, or even someone with-

20

Allen Moores, left, and Jerry Burgess are members of the board of directors of RSTH. Photo by Will Shoemaker

out a tag, could then legally take the certificate and animal to a processor. “We’re not going to issue more certificates than we have funding to cover,” says Moores. In order to keep the program from becoming simply a means for trophy hunters to dump unwanted meat, the group has formulated rules for donation: •List A tag, male of the species: RSTH will cover 50 percent of the cost of processing, hunter covers the remaining 50 percent •List A, female of the species: RSTH will cover 75 percent, hunter covers the remaining 25 percent •List B or C tag: RSTH will cover 100 percent of processing fees. The program is seeking monetary donations to help processing. To be accepted into the program, harvested animals are required to be reasonably clean, unfrozen, and harvested within three days prior to inspection. Local processing plants reserve the right to deny accepting any animals.

Harvested animals will be turned strictly into ground meat. Deer and elk from the area will be accepted into the program, but not antelope, bear, mountain lion or any other big game species. “Talking around, there are a lot of people in this valley that could use the meat,” Moores says. Estimating participation in the program is a difficult target to hit, especially considering that elk harvest is tied closely to weather. However, DOW Gunnison Area Wildlife Manager J Wenum indicates that RSTH’s program could be a good way of distributing excess meat. “An average family can probably use one elk to get them through the year,” he adds. “If you have two or three members of the family who are successful, what are you going to do with the extra elk you kill?” To learn more about the program, seek a donation certificate for a harvested animal or to donate time or money, contact Moores at 970.209.8826 or Burgess at 970.275.9381. ■

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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A hot race in the Third

Republican hopefuls in final stretch prior to primary Will Shoemaker Times Staff Writer

six What may have appeared in race months ago to be a quiet the Republican P a r t y ’s p u rsuit of findfor the ensuing Hells Angels, earlier this week to prepare run some ing a worthy state landed in Gunnison County Sheriff’s Department agents from across the members of the Mesa College challenger to More than 150 law enforcement this weekend. Seen here, lot of the Western State a stop in town through afternoon in the parking Democratic “USA Run,” which is making Rescue Vehicle on Wednesday their Grand Valley Tactical Congressman Photo by Matt Smith last minute checks on staying. the visiting officers are John Salazar is campus, where most of proving to be a close contest. McConnell l a c i t i l Po newcomer Bob McConnell and Scott Tipton, the current state representative in House District 58, are vying in the Aug. 10 Tipton Republican an end in just 10 primary for the samples has come to the U.S. chance to face Salazar in Will Shoemaker days. s Third a verdict last House of Representative A six-person jury returned of deliberaTimes Staff Writer race this Congressional District after a day and a half owned mining outfit Thursday November. A small, Western Slope finding in favor of Au Mining, previare who international gold tions, The candidates themselves accused of swindling an Lance Barker and Ken Orvis, millions of dollars by Wonder mine cases of clear contrast. company out of tens of ously operated the Golden The underdog candidate its loot. keep to gets t a o in Lawsuit on page A10 amb jury trial McConnell, of Ste An expected five-week the “salting” of gold Springs, has been calledmiliGunnison over alleged his for “Cowboy Colonel” tary background and willingness Chris Dickey to “run in Wranglers.” forTimes Editor The “recovering” attorney, EMT magnet is mer rancher, ski patroller, A North Fork Valley miningranch near mountain and former owner of a trying to expand his private acquiring 1,846 guiding service who’s summitted Paonia Reservoir by a willlands via a land Mt. Everest, has voiced lines acres of adjacent public nearby Curecanti ingness to break from party swap. In exchange, the “career would gain 911 and buck the trend of National Recreation Area have characterpoliticians.” acres that its managers habitat and a to lean He, admittedly, tends wildlife important as ized Bl e d h lib tarian wing

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2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

The view toward the Continental Divide at the southern end of unit 66. Photo by Will Shoemaker

Southern attractions

Units 66, 67, on the southern end of the Gunnison Basin, offer fewer hunters, bigger bulls and other draws by Will Shoemaker

Over the last few years, the northern game management units (54, 55 and 551) in the Gunnison Basin have received the lion’s share of attention for their hunting opportunities, with reason. An over-objective elk population — in unit 54 mainly — was cause for a controversial proposal to limit the number of elk hunters there. Over-thecounter elk tags are still available in the northern units during some seasons, which is an attraction for many hunters hoping to by pass planning their excur-

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

sions months in advance. The basin’s southern units of 66 and 67, however, are sometimes overlooked by hunters when it comes time to deciding on a suitable spot to hunt, due partly to the fact that elk tags in those units are limited through the state’s annual lottery. Yet, many hunters are attracted to the area precisely because of its limited licensing. Fewer hunters generally equates to higher success rates. Last year, unit 66 saw average elk hunter success of 32 percent. It was 34 percent in unit 67. The northern units pale in com-

parison. Unit 54 saw 13 percent success, and in units 55 and 551 it was 21 and 17 percent, respectively. For many in-state and out-of-state hunters, the southern units are gems — offering more than might be imagined upon first blush. Generally speaking, there are fewer large, private land inholdings down south that tend to harbor elk when hunting pressure turns on. Some hunters even believe the animals are bigger and more mature as a result of limited licensing, which took effect about 10 years ago for units 66 and 67.

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It might be easier to draw an elk tag down south than you’d think. Residents and nonresidents with no preference points drew bull tags for the second, third and fourth rifle seasons in both 66 and 67 this year.

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133

Gunnison County

285

Crested Butte

Delta

55

135

54

92

Montrose

50

Gunnison

50 Cimarron

551 285

550

67 66

COLORADO

' “I would say we’ve gone from where we would shoot a four-pointer to where we don’t shoot anything smaller than a five-by-five now,” says Paul Vickers, whose family owns the Vickers’ Ranch outside Lake City and guides in the area. “And they’re mature. We’re not talking about just raghorn five-pointers. We’re talking about mature bulls.” Brandon Diamond, terrestrial biologist with the Colorado Division of Wildlife in Gunnison, agrees. “There may be a few more three-plus year olds in the southern units because of fewer licenses,” he says. The West is increasingly becoming defined by hunting opportunity dependent upon a draw. Many believe that means if you’re looking for a high-quality hunt, you’ve got to play the preference point game. However, despite the perceptions of limited licensing, it might be easier to draw an elk tag down south than you’d think. Residents and non-residents with no

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preference points drew bull tags for the second, third and fourth rifle seasons in both 66 and 67 this year. Non-residents drew first-season bull tags in unit 66 with two preference points. Some nonresidents didn’t need any points to draw during first-season in 67. There’s a diversity of terrain in the southern units ranging from sage brush to alpine peaks and everything in between. As is the case up north, the southern units contain BLM, Forest Service land and designated wilderness areas. Located southwest of Gunnison, unit 66 contains the 61,000-acre Powderhorn Wilderness and parts of the Uncompahgre and La Garita wilderness areas. For that reason, it tends to be a little more rugged than its neighbor to the east. Unit 67, south of Gunnison, does include the La Garita Wilderness at its southern end. “It’s a little more difficult access to get in there but it’s beautiful country

and great hunting,” Navid Navidi, a Gunnison sportsman, says of the La Garitas. “That definitely could be in a hunter’s favor, if they put the work into getting in there.” Navidi, also a member of the local Habitat Partnership Program committee, has hunted bucks and bulls in both units 66 and 67. While Gunnison Basin deer hunting is still on virtual hiatus following a drastic die-off during the harsh winter of 2007-08, Navidi believes that bucks in 66 are recovering a little more quickly. “There was less loss in 66 as compared to the rest of the basin,” he adds. As for other big game opportunity in the southern units, there are bear, mountain lion and three huntable populations of bighorn sheep — compared to one between the three northern units. Additionally, one moose license is available annually in unit 66, while there are none in the northern units. ■

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

Chip Johnston, right, and his right-hand-man Nolan Payne aim for 'life-like and dynamic' taxidermy work. Photo by Matt Smith

Masterpiece mounts Local taxidermist has a worldwide reputation by Matt Smith

It takes a lot more work than many hunters realize to get a kill in from the field and to its new home on the living room wall. Just as much as the hunt is an art form, so too is making a mount that exudes the original character of an animal. Chip Johnston learned that lesson from an early age, kicking around in his father’s taxidermy shop. Now that he has a shop of his own, nothing less than the most realistic portrayals of wild game is acceptable. “When you get a final product that is life-like and dynamic, it can be really rewarding,” said Johnston, who is in his 10th year of business at the Genesis

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

Studio, located just east of Gunnison on Hwy. 50. “But there’s a huge amount off work that has to go into it to make it just right.” The other half of the Genesis operation consists of guiding wild game adventures across the globe, including trips in Africa, New Zealand and Argentina. Everything from booking the trip, helping hunters bag an animal and seeing that a trophy mount arrives at their door some months later is included in the package. According to Johnston, about 70 percent of his business comes from trophy hunters from outside of the Gunnison Valley. The other 30 percent consists of local jobs mounting elk, mule deer and mountain lions. Having such a wide variety of game at

his disposal allows for Johnston to specialize in mounting animals outside the normal realm of interest. Cape buffaloes, leopards, red stag and grizzlies are just a portion of the animals that have fell into Johnston’s hands. “Some of the exotics that we have mounted don’t even have forms for them available,” said Johnston, an exotic game hunter for more than 20 years. He credits his ability at making quality mounts to working with some of the best taxidermists in the country when he started out. Having a degree in fine arts from Adams State College in nearby Alamosa also plays a factor in the artistic integrity of each piece. “I find that applying the principles of general design really has a huge place in

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In addition to a staple of exotic animals, Genesis Studios mounts plenty of local big game. Photo by Matt Smith

taxidermy,” said Johnston. “Elements of composition, line, form and color balance all factored into my training.” Johnston added that even with the best taxidermists, a quality trophy can be ruined in the first few hours after the kill. Knowing the correct way of skinning and caping animals is essential in order to deliver a usable product to the taxidermist. He recommends locating the right taxidermist and contacting them before a hunt even takes place. Considering what type of mount is desired in the long run and what steps to take first are essential. “It’s really important to me to have guys come in before the season starts to find out how to skin animals properly for taxidermy purposes,” Johnston added. “Every year we have numerous guys who don’t properly care for the animal and then we can’t do the mount right.” Once the animal is skinned and caped properly, Genesis sends their hides to Michigan to be tanned. In the mean time, the polyurethane form that will eventually be decorated with the hide is

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'

I find that applying the principles of general design really has a huge place in taxidermy. Elements of composition, line, form and color balance all factored into my training.

'

Chip Johnston of Genesis Studio

ordered from North Carolina. Once everything is back in the Genesis Studio, the real artwork begins. Johnston does most of the work himself, but a skilled staff of part-time specialists and assistants provide help in the process. “Chip has a lot of natural ability to make these things come alive,” said Nolan Payne, who has worked almost full time at Genesis for the past three years. “A lot of hunters don’t realize the process from getting an animal out in the field to seeing it on their wall.” According to Johnston, that’s about a nine month process in total. In order to see that quality remains a constant, only a specific number of orders are accepted each year. “Our rule of thumb is, we don’t take in more work than we can complete for the client in a calendar year,” said Johnston. “A lot of taxidermists are backed up 18 months to two years and that’s just not acceptable.” For more information on the Genesis Studio, visit genesisunivesal.com or call 970.641.2157. ■

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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Early-day Gunnison hunters, circa 1929, just south of town in the Gold Basin area. Courtesy photos

Tips from an ‘old-timer’ by L.R. “Mac” McGraw

Many people have heard the old saying, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” That’s certainly true for hunting — and fishing for trout, as well. When hunting for elk, a single walking hunter can slip along through elk country and watch the open park areas and tree areas carefully, using binoculars whenever possible. This type of hunting works better in early morning than at any other time. A horse-mounted hunter can ride open areas and often do very well. He can cover more country on horseback than when on foot. Still, hunting on foot in timber patches can work well if a hunter will watch for elk hide color as he moves. The hunter should watch the ground for elk tracks or markings and notice whether the track markers follow a trail or mill around a food area. If the area is covered with snow,

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the tracks can show where the elk are headed. Track sizes usually allow a person to know whether there are calf or yearling or adult animals. Extra large tracks may indicate that a bull is involved. Many people believe that elk cannot be driven in a hunt, but they can. Noise-making hunters or “drivers” can push elk out of a tree area to people who are stationed on a prospective travel route. When it involves deer hunting, many people simply road hunt from a vehicle as they drive on dirt side roads. That method can produce well enough. But walking or riding a horse in lightly hunted areas can produce game quite well. Just carry and use binoculars as much as possible. The most productive method for producing good kill results for deer is to use a small group of hunters who take turns posting on stands and driving deer through tree patches. One or two hunters quietly find a

hidden spot in order to watch while other hunters walk noisily through the same trees to scare the deer so that they will run toward the hunters on stands. Driving is the most effective way for a small group to get deer. Deer have a tendency to head slightly uphill as they run out. Some will straight over a hilltop when a driver disturbs them. Bucks are worse at that than are doe. If you get a deer or elk, you should clean its stomach and chest immediately. Cut the rectum from the anal tract and pull the anal gut out. Slit the groin and stomach hide clear to the rib cage. It is best if you cut the breast bones to the throat area and cut the throat hide and remove the throat items. Cut out the heart and lungs and liver. Turn the animal on its belly and drain blood from the cavity. Put something under the body so that air can reach the open body. It helps to cut the hide of an elk car-

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

McGraw, on left, has a longtime relationship with the Texas Moncrief family, who own a ranch west of Gunnison. He's taken Mike Moncrief, who is now the Mayor of Fort Worth, out hunting many times. Below, another satisfied McGraw hunting companion.

cass between the shoulder blades and remove the tendon which shows there. If you want to mount an animal head, skin the animal’s upper body from brisket to nose and even around the antlers. If you do that, you will need to cover the exposed part of the upper body. You can skin the whole body, cut off the lower part of the legs and use body sacks on the carcass. If the weather is warm, you should do that. We have found that soaking the heart and liver in cold salt water in a refrigerator for a few days will help the meat taste. Well, there are more ways than this to skin that cat, but we will stop at this now. ■(Mac McGraw has been hunting in the Gunnison Basin since he got his first license in 1948.)

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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Beautiful trout await in rivers, streams and lakes all throughout the Gunnison Basin. Photo by Matt Smith

Bag the big one Fall is a perfect time to catch a big fish So it’s a trophy you want? Well don’t forget, the fall season is a prime opportunity to bring in multiple species of the aquatic variety as well. Gunnison County currently owns the bragging rights to four Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) state fishing records, including the massive 50pound Lake Trout (Mackinaw) that Donald Walker heaved from the depths of Blue Mesa back in 2007. In fact, state records for both of the most well known species of trout (rainbow and brown) have come from the frigid waters of the Gunnison Country. Two major points of interest coincide with the beginning of hunting season: the Kokanee salmon run and the fall Caddis-fly hatch. Kokanee make their way from Blue

2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

Mesa Reservoir to the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, via the Gunnison and East rivers, throughout the month of October. And while taking the salmon from the water is strictly forbidden from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, swarms of big brown trout are known to trail the Kokanee and feed upon their eggs as they drop. In other words, sport fishing for Kokanee can be great — they’ll attack just about anything and deliver a fight that you won’t easily forget. But if you’re looking to fill up the creel for dinner tonight, drift an egg pattern or toss in some Powerbait pellets (just don’t brag about it). If floating dry flies is more of your thing, don’t fret. There’s more prime public river access in the Gunnison Valley than any one man or woman can

walk in a week and Caddis flies have been known to create clouds above the water and trout feeding frenzies on the surface. To avoid the crowds — which there are sure to be, especially on the Gunnison River above Blue Mesa — go in search for some of the top-notch high mountain streams and lakes that are scattered across the area in every direction. Who knows, you might even spot an elk or two. Before wetting a line of any type, it’s a good idea to check in with your local DOW office to confirm all state regulations for bag limits and seasonal changes. The Gunnison office can be contacted at 641.7060, or the DOW website is located at wildlife.state.co.us/ ■

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2010 GUIDE TO GUNNISON COUNTRY HUNTING

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