Montana Woods N Water, February 2015, Volume 2, Issue 4

February 2015

Volume 2, Issue 4

Publishers Notes

By Raf Viniard As of this writing, only 62 days until bear season and 58 days until turkey season opens, not that I am counting. I sure hope you guys have locked down that perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

That’s right, Valentines Day is this weekend, you have been warned!

You are going to want to go hunting and fishing this year...just sayin!

I don’t know about you folks but I am ready for spring. I keep trying to break away from the office to do some last minute wolf and bunny hunting and to fill my lungs with that fresh Montana mountain air. Not to mention looking for some nice sheds while I am at play in the thousands of acres of my Montana backyard. However, I keep getting tied up doing chores around the homestead or going to meetings. By the time the weekend gets here I am bushed. Headed over to the Cabinet Ridge Riders Poker Run this weekend. See the ad on page 3.

As spring approaches I look forward to wetting a hook, chasing a big old jet black, tan nosed hungry bear or calling in a ground dragging long bearded full throttle gobbling turkey.

Don’t forget...Montana Woods N Water, Big Bull Sports and the Sanders County Search and Rescue will be holding its 1st Annual Camo Sweetheart Ball, 28 February. Tickets are on sale now. You can read more about this event by going to our website: www.montanawoodsnwater.com and hit the “SAR” tab for more information. We also have a large ad in this issue on page 7. Somebody is going to win a really nice gun and other door prizes that will be awarded. There will also be a silent auction. This is going to be a fun event. Tickets are limited, so get yours early.

Keep sending us your pictures and stories. We thank you for your continued support.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY – GUYS DON’T FORGET!

Contact Us Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Plains, Montana 59859 406-08-0576 www.montanawoodsnwater.com Email: raf@montanawoodsnwater.com

Publisher & Editor: Raf Viniard 406-407-0612 Field Editor: Mitzi Stonehocker 406-544-1868 Sales & Marketing Director: Kori Erickson 406-293-1478 Flathead Valley Sales Rep: Misty Loveless 406-250-4191 Missoula Sales Rep: Vacant Pro Staff Writers & Photographers: Angela Gerych Pastor Jim Sinclair Dan Helterline Zach Butcher Paul Fielder Montana Mitzi Toby Bridges Sam Martin Toby Walrath Jason Badger Tony Rebo Editorial Policy: Montana Woods N Water (MWW) reserves the right to refuse to publish in any form of content that does not include the author’s name, complete mailing address, and/or valid phone number or e-mail address.

Anonymous submissions will not be addressed or published. MWW reserves the right not to publish anything we feel is not in good taste or appropriate.

Front Cover Photo Provided By: Dan Helterline’s Sidekicks Vesper & Murdock—Pudlepointers “Things are looking up!

MONTANA DAN

Montana Dan had another great year of trapping cats, coyotes, foxes and wolves.

Dan Helterline truly lives, “The Montana Dream!�

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MONTANA DAN

THE UNSUNG HEROS OF HUNTING

By Dan Helterline wouldn't say that in the absence of dogs, lion hunting is a foolish endeavor... wait a minute, yes I would. I have heard of hearty souls attempting to bag a big cat without dogs, but I do not personally know anyone that has been successful. I have several decades of nothing but awesome memories from following my hounds over many a snowy "hill and dale" in pursuit of lions and bobcats in several western states, and I still get a thrill from hearing a pack of hounds treeing in the distance, high up on a mountain ridge. There are many breeds of hounds that have been developed for tracking and bringing various types of game to bay. Hounds up north are known to be "cold nosed" and able to follow a track that can sometimes be several days old in comparison to their southern counterparts. Miles of huntable country in the West is more conducive to having a dog that can track down his quarry in such an expansive landscape.

Of all the hunting that I've dabbled in over the years, my favorite memories are those pursuits that involved dogs.

Dogs have been mans trusted hunting companion since the beginning of time, domesticated from ancestors of our beloved present day wolf, we have developed breeds of dogs to meet our every hunting want and desire. Most of today's hunting dogs have European roots, derived from selective breeding over many generations, dogs have been molded into our perfect hunting partners. Can you imagine hunting wily ring necks without the help of a steady pointer or a reliable flusher? Pointing dogs were in fact developed by enhancing a natural trait that every canine possess. "The pause before the pounce" was strengthened through selective breeding, and has been developed into today's pointing breeds. Have you ever watched a coyote moussing, they pause before they pounce on their prey, natural born pointers!

Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.

Corey Ford

Do you know anybody that has tried to hunt down a mountain lion without the help of a good hound or two, I

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MONTANA DAN CONTINUED

In the South a hotter nosed dog is desired to catch up to game faster, with hunting done mostly on private land down south, it is not productive to have a dog that will stay on a colder track and end up on the neighbors place where him and the hunter might not be welcome. Southern boys also have what they call "catch dogs" to compliment their hound pack when hunting hogs. Hounds or curs are used to strike and start the race on a hog track, then when the hounds catch up to and bay the hog or hogs, the catch dog is released. Usually some type of pit bull, this dogs sole purpose is to latch onto the hogs nose or ear and not let go! In fact a catch dogs bite is so secure that the hunters have to carry what they call a " break stick" which is inserted into the side of the dogs mouth and twisted sideways, making him relinquish his grip once the hog is killed. A good catch dog is fearless no matter how big the hog is and if he makes good catch, it usually takes the fight out of the hog and the hunter can then use his weapon of choice for the kill or capture. While working in the South I have been lucky enough to be invited on a couple of hog hunts, one in East Texas and one in Southern Mississippi, both hunts from the back of a mule. I used to think cat hunting was fast paced and exciting until I experienced hog hunting, I soon came to the conclusion that cat hunting, mild by comparison.

While on the topic of southern pursuits there isn't much in the South that they don't hunt with dogs. Coons, pigs, squirrels, rabbits, and even deer are hunted with the aid of pursuit dogs, while waterfowl, quail, woodcock and grouse are all hunted in the traditional manner with pointers and retrievers.

As one slowly tires of the rigors of mountain hunting, bird hunting can often be a rewarding transition to take up in order to stay outside and be active, but if you are not yet tired of climbing up and down steep mountains, try chukar hunting.

Chukars are native of Afghanistan and live in some of the Wests most rugged country. On a chukar hunting trip in Idaho's Hells Canyon, I soon realized that it's called Hells Canyon for a reason and not because it's flat! These devilish members of the partridge family live in some of the Wests most rugged and scenic landscapes, places like Hells Canyons, the Salmon

River of No Return, and the Owahee Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking, when you actually get time to catch your breath. I had someone tell me that you shoot your first chukar for fun then the rest are for revenge, and I now believe truer words have never been spoken!

Continued on page 10

The Sweet Sound of Hounds Treed!

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CAMP FIRE TALK

MOUNTAIN LION, WOLF & SOME TRAPPING Some Late Season Endings Need 2014 Hunting and Trapping Licenses

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds wolf and mountain lion hunters, and some trappers, who still plan to head afield that they need a 2014 hunting or trapping license to close out the seasons that are now in progress.

The 2014-15 wolf hunting season closes March 15 and the mountain lion season ends April. 14. Hunters needing a hunting license for wolf or mountain lion for the 2014-15 season must purchase it by Feb. 28.

Montana trappers who still want to trap most furbearing animals for the remainder of the 2014-15 trapping season also must purchase a 2014 license by Feb. 28.

The 2014 wolf, mountain lion and furbearing regulations are available online on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and from most FWP offices and license providers.

Montana's hunting and fishing license year generally runs from March 1 to the end of February each year.

Only the mountain lion and wolf hunting season and some trapping seasons extend beyond February.

Hunter Education Classes Scheduled for Northwest Montana Communities Hunter Education Classes have been scheduled for a number of communities in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge. By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana. To attend class and become certified, students must be at least 11 years old.

All students must register online. When registering, students will note specific information and guidelines for the course included in the online posting.

Courses are scheduled in Kalispell, Whitefish, Ronan/Pablo, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Olney, Eureka, Plains, Troy and Somers.

Click here to see full lists of courses

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CAMPFIRE TALK

Wild Coyote Saloon

Bar Restaurant Casino Good Montana Folks, Food & Fun

713 Prospect Creek Road Thompson Falls, MT 406-827-7867 9

MONTANA DAN CONTINUED

If you want to pursue something on flatter "terra firma�, "Rover" a special treat tonight and recognize him or her hunting wily ring necks over a steady pointing dog is hard for the hero that they really are. to beat. I still get nervous when I slowly approach one of my Pudelpointers that is locked up on a pheasant holding tight in the cover just in front of them, knowing Of all the things I miss from veterinary that at any second a loud cackling rooster might explode practice, puppy breath is one of the most into the air. Often rattled by this noisy sudden explosion fond memories! - Dr. Tom Cat of a rooster taking flight, I miss my first shot, but the second usually falls true. Watching a dog get "birdie", Every puppy should have a boy. then track and pin down an elusive rooster with a Erma Bombeck staunch point is nothing short of magic. My dogs have also recovered wounded birds that I had given up for lost, this feat alone makes them a very worthy hunting partner.

On my two hunting trips to the Dark Continent, all the PH's ran with some sort of small terrier to help them track wounded game, it seemed there was nothing that these little dogs weren’t afraid of, and they were a joy to be around. The types of dogs used for hunting is endless and the list is as old as man himself.

Dogs always give you everything that they physically got and ask for very little in return, just knowing that they are making you happy is enough for them. When not hunting, dogs make irreplaceable companions and I think life would be very dull and hollow without them. So give 10

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SPORTSMAN’S MEDICINE

Look One More Time!

By Raf Viniard Whether we are hunters or shooters we need to be conscious of possible barrel obstructions. During hunter education classes or by our mentors we have been instructed and trained to always check the chamber and barrel before engaging in any shooting activity. However, sometimes our years of experience causes us to forget the simple safety messages which are sometimes the most important and simplest.

A barrel obstruction can result from a bulged or ringed barrel, to a catastrophic failure. While this is potentially one of the most dangerous or lethal situations, it is also one of the easiest to avoid.

Check that barrel to make sure it is clean and empty before loading it. If you have been out in the woods chasing critters check that barrel every so often to make sure you have not accidentally gouged it into the ground or snow. I have a muzzle break on my rifle and have found twigs lodged in the end of the barrel from fighting my way through thick brush.

The weather is starting to warm up and the trap club members are heating up their barrels. Parents and their children are getting out and enjoying the warmer days by firing off a few rounds. Bear and turkey hunters are getting the itch and sighting in their firearms as well.

Hand loaders are trying out those new loads they made up this winter. Was the cleaning patch left in the barrel after hunting season? Do you have the right cartridges/load for the gun you are shooting?

Check that chamber and barrel and check it again before sending a round down range. In the last issue Pastor Jim talked about accuracy.

You can be the best shot and own the most accurate rifle but don’t let it be your last shot because you missed the very first step...SAFETY. Take time to inspect your firearm before shooting it.

Hand loaders refer to your reloading manuals and make sure you are within the parameters for your caliber and the load you are working up. Double check that powder charge to make sure it is dispensing correctly. Whether it is mechanical or electronic scales, it is subject to failure...just like your gun.

Keep in mind if you are hunting or on the range with a friend or family member their safety is important as well. I never thought much about setting up my spotting scope next to another shooter until one of my friends semiautomatic rifle misfired. Reflecting back , if the chamber had exploded it could have seriously injured me or worse killed me. Setup the spotting scope on another bench for a little added safety. While hunting, stay back behind the shooter whether spotting, glassing or just tagging along.

The 12 Golden rules for Safe Gun Handling

1. Always treat the gun as loaded.

2. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

3. Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

4. Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.

5. Never point the gun at anything you don't intend to destroy.

6. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

7. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the gun you are using.

8. Always use proper ammunition.

9. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.

10. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several seconds; then with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, carefully unload the gun.

11. Don't rely on the gun's safety to keep it from firing.

12. Be aware of your surroundings when handling guns so you don't trip or lose your balance and accidentally point and/or fire the gun at anyone or anything 12

Join Montana Sportsmen For Fish and Wildlife!

Per Capita, Montanans Are Some of the Most Outdoor Oriented People in the World! Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife is Being Organized to Insure That Outdoors Continue to Remain Great.

Go to mt-sfw.org to Join Today!

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MONTANA MITZI—MEMAW’S KITCHEN

Grandma Koch’s Red Velvet Cake Recipe

By Mitzi Stonehocker My grandmother Koch loved to bake and she was an excellent cook! She lived in Lewiston, Montana and would travel several times a year by bus to visit our home in Missoula, Montana. I love red velvet cake and she always made one and carried it on her lap on the bus so I could have my favorite cake as soon as she arrived! I have her old torn recipe complete with cake splatter and torn corners from wear and still use it to this day. Valentine ‘s day is coming up this weekend and I wanted to share this recipe with my readers. The cake may be similar to other recipes but the frosting is NOT cream cheese as commonly used, so try this and enjoy the lusciousness!

1/2 cup butter 1 1/2 cup sugar 2 large eggs 2 one ounce bottles red food coloring 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon white vinegar 2 teaspoon cocoa 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cup cake flour 1 cup buttermilk Cream butter and sugar several minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. In a separate dish combine red food color, vinegar, cocoa and baking soda and mix with a spoon. Add to the batter and mix on slow, then add the flour 1/2 cup at a time mixing well after each addition. Add salt. Mixture will be thick, now add the buttermilk slowly and mix well. Preheat oven to 350 degree and grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.

Divide batter and bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes and turn onto a rack. I like to place the cooled layers in the freezer to freeze, it is easier to frost. Frost with the following frosting for a wonderful treat.

Happy Valentines Day!

Grandma Koch's Red Velvet Cake Frosting Combine 5 tablespoon flour with 1 cup milk in a small sauce pan and cook until thick.

Cool completely, this is very important! Cream well 1 cup butter, not margarine, until fluffy, add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add slowly 1 cup white sugar, blend together and add the cold thicken flour mixture and in grandma's words " beat like hell"! Spread over cold cake and enjoy the best cake and my favorite piece of Heaven on earth!

Grandpa Koch always let me have a second piece, any more than that and you could end up with a tummy ache! But even that is worth this wonderful cake.

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OUTDOOR POLITICS

HB 212 PITS SPORTSMEN & AGRICULTURE AGAINST ANIMAL RIGHTS GROUPS

By Paul C Fielder The drafters and sponsor of the Constitutional Initiative that became the Preservation and Harvest Heritage clause testified that their intent for that clause was that harvest included the angling, hunting and trapping of big game animals, upland game birds, migratory game birds and furbearers. The Preservation and Harvest Heritage clause was approved by more than 2/3 of the legislators and more than 80% of the state voters when it passed.

But opponents of HB 212 argue that trapping was not part of the intent of that clause, despite the testimony of the people that wrote it.

I would rather be home in Sanders County trapping or hunting predators instead of writing this article from Helena. But I and others are trying to influence the passage of a piece of legislation called House Bill (HB) 212. Why would I and dozens of trappers, outdoorsmen, ranchers, and farmers travel to Helena to support this piece of legislation? More importantly, why would dozens of Animal Rights Activists also travel to Helena to oppose this bill? That’s what should worry you. One side wants to protect our outdoor activities (like hunting and trapping) and the other side wants to take them away.

The Montana Constitution includes a Preservation and Harvest Heritage clause which states, “The opportunity to harvest wild fish and wild game animals is a heritage that shall forever be preserved to the individual citizens of the state… “. Shall forever be preserved are four powerful words. Shall does not mean may, possibly, or should. Forever is a long time. Preserved indicates something that is being kept safe and secure. But the word “harvest” is what HB 212 is all about. HB 212 will simply define the word “harvest” as a “take by means of angling, hunting, and trapping”. But, opponents of HB 212 argue that “harvest” does not mean trapping. The word “harvest” occurs 51 times in the Montana furbearer regulations, 26 times on just page 9 alone of the wolf regulations, 43 times in the fishing regulations, and 17 times in the deer, elk, and antelope regulations.

Opponents of HB 212 have attempted three anti-trapping ballot initiatives in Montana. All have failed to qualify for the ballot, thanks to lots of money and work from sportsmen, agriculture, and many land-based interests.

But the Animal Rights Groups are planning another antitrapping ballot initiative here in 2016. But it could never happen in Montana, right? Want to bet! The cities have a lot of votes concerning what we do out in the woods.

When HB 212 is passed, it will clearly protect our opportunity to use angling, hunting, and trapping as the means to harvest fish and game animals. It would also suck the wind out of the Animal Rights Group’s ability to bring forth more ballot initiatives to ban trapping. They are not arguing against fishing or hunting (yet). They are just against trapping (at the moment).

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? Contact Senators and politely ask them to support Montana’s sportsmen, ranchers, and farmers by voting YES on HB 212. You can bet that the Animal Rights Groups are contacting them also. When it passes the Senate it will go to the Governor for that ONE PERSON to either sign it or veto it. Contact the Governor and ask him to please sign HB 212. He can then decide if he wants to support Montana’s sportsmen, ranchers, and farmers or Animal Rights Groups.

“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, and then stand firm.” ~ Abraham Lincoln~

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· FEBRUARY 21st @ 0830 - Trappers Education Workshop - Missoula Region 2 FWP Office Spurgin Rd, Missoula, MT · FEBRUARY 27th - MARCH 1st - Helena Great Rockies Sports Show Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds, Helena, MT · MARCH 20th @ 1200 - Western States Fur Auction - Park County Fairgrounds, Livingston, MT · MARCH 21st - 23rd - Missoula Great Rockies Sport Show - Adams Center - U of M - Missoula, MT · MARCH 27th - 29th - Bozeman Great Rockies Sport Show Brick Breeden Fieldhouse - Bozeman, MT · MARCH 29th @ 1230 - District 6 Spring Membership Meeting - Havre, MT · APRIL 18th @ 0900 - District 2 Spring Membership Meeting - FWP, Spurgin Rd, Missoula, MT · APRIL 18th @ 1000 - District 2 Spring Membership Meeting - FWP, Kalispell, MT · MAY 3rd @ 0900 - MTA Board Meeting - Yogo Inn, Lewistown, MT See You There!

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