Montana Woods N Water, March 2015 Volume 3 Issue 5

March 2015

Volume 3 Issue 5

Publishers Notes

By Raf Viniard

29 Days Until Bear Season & 25 Days until Turkey Season!

Have you got your hunting license, the rifle sighted in and a spot picked out to chase a bear or turkey yet? Me either, it is on my list of things to do next week. These last few rainy days have allowed me to get caught up on some office work and wrap up a few minor things around the homestead.

As I strolled out to check the chicken coop this morning for some fresh eggs for my breakfast I noticed my yard grass was getting green. The first thing that popped in my mind, I wonder if any bears were out moving around yet. I got an email from the local game warden and he had not seen any black bears yet but had reports the grizzlies were starting to move about based on the collared bears GPS tracking system.

The turkeys are starting to shows signs of getting ready. There has been some reports of some gobbling and strutting across the valley. Get those shotguns patterned and limit your practice calling. We don’t want the birds call shy. Listen for them early in the morning leaving the roost and late in the afternoon going back to roost. This will get you pretty close for opening morning. I practice calling going down the road, by myself of course.

Passengers just seem to think you have lost it after about 2 minutes of practicing.

I am hearing about a few elk sheds found, so time to get out there and get in shape for bear and turkey season. Lord knows I need to shed a few of those winter pounds. Get those fishing poles ready as well!

If you are celebrating St. Patrick’ s Day please do so responsibly!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Front Cover Photo Provided by: Robert Hosea www.thebobfactor.com Granite Lake Trail

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 Photographer, Print Manager Tina Scott 406-830-7500 Field Editor: Mitzi Stonehocker 406-544-1868 Sales & Marketing, Lincoln County Kori Erickson 406-293-1478 Director of Social Media Misty Loveless 406-250-4191 Flathead Valley Rep: Vacant 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 email 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.

SPORTSMAN’S MEDITATION

Camo Caskets

By Raf Viniard Pastor Jim is out of town this month so I will do my best to share the good word. I was recently talking to a customer service rep that had seen we sold camouflaged caskets on our website. They found the concept to be, shall we say uneasy? Our insurance company motto is, “It is not if…but when!” After all, each of us have a date with the big dirt nap whether you want to think about it or not. Grave yards are full of those that thought they had years to live.

We would display these camouflaged caskets at outdoor shows and to watch men, women and kids of all ages react to the sight of a casket was very entertaining. Most women stayed as far away as possible, most guys and kids thought they were neat. TV crews and other vendors just had to come check it out. Some wanted to lay in it and some wanted their picture taken with it. Vendors next to us got prime exposure. By day three of the show and time to call it quits we would roll it out the doors to be loaded back into the trailer for the next show or delivery. It was just seen as any other display. The newness and intrigue had worn off until the next show in a different town.

Having friends in the funeral industry and knowing and accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior I never really worried about or feared death, because I know my name is written in the Book of Life and that my Father in heaven owns my soul. I have done some pretty stupid things in my life and only by the Grace of God have I survived this long.

With age comes wisdom and I don’t do SOME of the stupid stuff I used to do, but that still doesn’t mean tomorrow is a guarantee. It just hurts a lot more now to do stupid things than it did a few years ago, whether it be spiritually, physically, emotionally or mentally. The discipline I receive from my heavenly Father, can we say…is an eye opener.

I have always been a little hard headed and I am sure there are days he just shakes his head.

I try to live this life to the best of my ability and yes I still make mistakes, I know I am not perfect and never will be while here on this earth, even if I went to church every day. I am human and I have a sinful nature. When the Great Day of Judgment comes and I have to kneel before my maker I got a lot of things to answer for, but I know the blood of Jesus Christ is going to cover ALL of my stupid decisions I made here on earth. Let’s just say my eternity life insurance premium is paid in full. Is yours?

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NASB) Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

John 3:15-16 (NASB) so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

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ATTENTION !!

This is quite possibly the most important ACTION ALERT we will send you this Legislative Session.

HB212 has passed through the Legislative process and is now headed to Governor Bullock for him to sign into law OR veto! MT-SFW has been working hard in support of this bill and NOW we really need your support.

We are advising every Montana hunter, trapper, angler, rancher and property owner to individually contact Gov. Bullock and encourage him to sign HB 212 to ensure these Montana traditions will be solidified.

Here is how to contact Governor Bullock: Call toll free - 1-855-318-1330 or Email- governor@mt.gov PLEASE forward this to all your contacts who hunt, trap, fish, farm, ranch and live a rural lifestyle.

HB 212 provides concise amendments to clarify "harvest" in parts of Title 87 of our Montana Constitution as it relates to fish and wildlife. To read the bill in its entirety click this link - http://leg.mt.gov/bills/2015/billpdf/HB0212.pdf Thank you for your participation!

Yours in Conservation, Keith Kubista

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Boat Validation Decals Still Available Owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft who still need to get their free 2014-2017 validation decals for their watercraft, you can get them online from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Boaters who have permanently registered their boats, sailboats, or PWC must obtain two free boat validation decals every three years at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov; click Boat Validation Decals.

Owners who order validation decals on the FWP website will receive the decals in the mail. A current boat registration receipt issued by the county treasurer is needed to obtain the decals in person or on FWP's website.

For new boat or PWC owners, the county treasurer's office will provide the first set of validation decals when the watercraft is registered. Boat owners will obtain subsequent sets of validation decals at an FWP regional or area office, or online.

For more information, visit FWP's webpage or call FWP at 406-444-2535

Take Care As Bears Begin To Stir Some of Montana's hibernating black bears and grizzly bears are beginning to stir.

Adult males usually emerge first from winter dens in mid-March. When bears emerge from their dens they are physically depleted and food is a priority.

Bears are often tempted to go where raccoons and domestic dogs are getting into garbage. If these animals are already causing problems nearby, consider it an early warning that food attractants are available and need to be removed.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' bear experts stress that conflict prevention steps can greatly reduce the chances of attracting black and grizzly bears.

FWP recommends bear resistant bins in communities and on ranches; electric fence systems to protect bee yards and sheep bedding grounds; random redistribution of livestock carcasses each spring; and educational programs in schools and communities.

FWP's Be Bear Aware website at fwp.mt.gov is an easy way for homeowners and landowners to assess what they need to do know to prevent bear conflicts. Go there for tips and tools on obtaining and using bear spray, safe camping and hiking, access to bear resistant products and a guide to other items that attract bears to a property.

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MONTANA MITZI

Montana Bear Roping

By Mitzi Montana March has arrived, the trees are waking up, birds are returning to Montana, spring bear hunters are gearing up, Tom turkey has love on his mind and this girl finally made it back home from Arizona.

I am going bear hunting this year. Born and raised in Montana I have not hunted for bear, ever! I do have a story and it is a true story about a bear that my Dad “Mac” roped! Yup, dad roped a bear and brought it home and placed it in the root cellar.

Dad loved to hunt and he was always thinking about the next adventure. Dad and his good buddy Chet had Spring fever and it was too early to hunt but a great day for a ride in the mountains. Dad saddled up a couple of horses and the men headed out to check for sheds and possible early bear sign. The day was warm, the mountain meadows in full bloom. Several miles from home the men spotted a young bear digging in the dirt. The bear was ignorant to the riders presence, he was busy trying to dig up a snack. Dad and Chet looked at each other, loosened their lariats from their saddles and with a loud yippee took off at a dead run toward the unsuspecting bear. As the men on horseback approached the young black bear I am sure the ground shaking thunder under his feet warned the bear of danger. The startled bear raised his head, stood up on his hind legs and the chase was on!

Wide-eyed I am sure, the bear with men in hot pursuit raced across the meadow, ropes swinging, men yelling, time slowed as ropes were extended and the bear was caught around the neck and front shoulder by dad and the hind leg was caught by Chet. Lots of yelling to keep the ropes tight, “Don't let him come up the rope.” Roping the bear was one thing, but the trip back to the homestead was an adventure of itself. The ropers had their hands full, but I am sure both the horses were thinking this bear is not what we signed up for. Hearing this story told many times kept me as wild-eyed as that bear being dragged back to the homestead.

As the men approached the ranch, Dad said to put the bear in the root cellar, now I do not know how they accomplished it, but the bear was put in the root cellar. An unsolved mystery to this day, but I have the note Dad wrote to my Mom and tacked it on the door of the cellar, it read, “Do not open the door, there is a live bear inside.” It was signed Mac. Dad and Chet headed to the barn to calm down the horses and hash over the adventure they had just experienced. Mom, needing some potatoes for dinner did approach the cellar and the racket was intense. Continued on page 8.

Pictured Left: Cellar was below this rock barn.

M2Bar Ranch was located outside of Missoula and owned by Mac & Meta McDowell. Picture was taken 8-28-1947 6

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MONTANA MITZI CONTINUED She read the note and headed for the barn, dad was grinning from ear to ear but mom was as mad as the captured bear! Mom asked Dad, Do you not know the mess the bear was creating, oh the mess and destruction!� Dad gave in, he agreed to let the bear out, so all three approached the cellar and dad opened the door from the top of the cellar, a very mad bear came out and headed across the yard looking over his shoulder, I am sure thinking, "The family will never believe me when I tell them this story"!

This is a true story, and yes, my Dad had a very big job of cleaning up the mess the bear had made! Mom took a picture of the cellar (pictured on previous page) and she kept the note (pictured above), both family treasures. I always think of this story as spring rolls around in Montana and hunters prepare for the spring bear hunt.

Today is St Patrick's Day and I am cooking the traditional corn beef because I love it and I am not even Irish! I will share a little tidbit, add 1/2 cup beer for flavor and tenderness. My recipe today is for a wonderful dessert that the name may give you a hint about how good it is, give it a try, and enjoy what Montana has to offer.

Sex in a Pan First layer: 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup flour 1/2 cup melted butter Blend and press into a 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degree for 25 minutes, cool Second layer: 8 ounce cream cheese 1 cup powder sugar 1 cup cool whip Mix together beating slightly, spread over the cooled first layer Third layer: 1 small instant box chocolate pudding 1 small instant box vanilla pudding 3 cups milk Place in a large bowl and whip together, pour over the second layer.

Fourth layer: 1 cup cool whip Spread over the third layer and top with a few chopped pecans. Freeze, remove from freezer 10 minutes before cutting into servings.

Remember to hug your spouse, call the kids, (do not text, a personal call means so much more), sit and enjoy the life living in Montana allows you to live. We may not be rich in many things, but the beauty that surrounds us is worth more than silver or gold, hugs from Montana Mitzi who is very happy to be home!

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Redneck Ball, 28 March 2015, 5:00PM Lakeside Motel & Resort, Trout Creek, MT Live Auction - Kevin Hill Auctioneer, 7:00PM Music by Dave & Deb Oliver This is a one of a kind show will not be seen anywhere else!

Get your tickets early at one of the following locations: D & D Liquor, Thompson Falls, MT Lakeside Motel & Resort—Trout Creek, MT Trout Creek Community Improvement Association This is expected to be a sell out event! Proceeds benefit:

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OUTDOOR POLITICS

Politics

By Angela Montana

Who loves politics? Maybe some politicians. Maybe most politicians…maybe all politicians. Maybe the majority of the general public. I have only met one or two politicians in person, so I guess I don’t really know how many love it… and I surely don’t know the majority of the general public, so I REALLY don’t know the answer to that, either. But, I can tell you that I never thought of myself as a fan of politics…meaning that I had no problem leaving the government to deal with all the "political" stuff. I don’t enjoy debating or hearing back and forth “stuff”...especially when it seems to go nowhere…although, I have opinions on that “stuff” that is going on and I have a lot to say about it. The end result of what happens AFTER politicians do their back and forth “stuff” is a big deal to me, though. But, little did I realize, until just a few years ago (sadly it took that long), that MY voice is just as important as every single one of those politician’s voices!

Many Montanans moved here for peace and quiet. They moved here to just disappear and to just mind their own business hunting, trapping and fishing. They have opinions on how things should be, but they don't speak up, because they like their solitude and life away from everything. They just don't realize that by not speaking up, they are allowing very important decisions that could impact their lives are being made, and they have no part in it.

As you may (and should) know, HB 212 has passed through the 3rd Reading in the Senate recently, leaving Montana Governor Steve Bullock to make the ultimate decision if HB 212 passes or not. Some are concerned the Governor may use his power to veto the bill, as he is a Democrat, but others are aware he is also a human being. I, personally, would like to think that, aside from being a Democrat or Republican, the Governor of Montana can comprehend just how important and beneficial it would be for Montana sportsmen and sportswomen, along with our ranching and agriculture communities, should this bill pass. If you are not familiar with what HB 212 states, which would be unfortunate, as this will affect every single Montanan in some form, the short title states that it would “reaffirm that trapping is a form of hunting protected under the Montana Constitution”. You can click the following link for the actual text: http://leg.mt.gov/bills/2015/billhtml/HB0212.htm.

Continued on page 12 10

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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OUTDOOR POLITICS CONTINUED

Back to where I was going in the first place with this…politics are not something that everybody knows a lot about or that everybody is or wants to be involved with…but there are many (thank goodness for them) who are passionate about politics and passionate about keeping a balance between our freedoms and restrictions not only as US residents, but as Montana residents, too. The thing we, the general public, might not realize is just how important it is for our voices to be heard--which IS being involved in politics whether we like it or not. Each and every one of us. Whether we agree or disagree on an issue….we need to be heard--we live in a place that allows us to be heard. There is a chance that one email or one phone call can open the eyes of somebody else to something they may not have considered. Sometimes, it just takes that one person to change everything, too. Your perspective and your words CAN and DO make a difference.

This is something to keep in mind for those of you who claim to have no interest in politics, but you have strong opinions of how things should be—yet you don’t even take the time to vote. As sportsmen and sportswomen…as Montana residents….as American citizens, it is our responsibility to speak up and be heard. And vote! PLEASE know what is going on around you. It can be as simple as liking Facebook pages so you get the latest updates…knowledge really is power, and YOU have the opportunity and privilege as a citizen of the United States of America to voice your opinion—so please do it. Please, don’t let other people make decisions for you.

Here are some good Facebook pages to follow for good information and for the latest updates of what is going on that can impact us as Montana sportsmen and sportswomen: Montana Woods N Water Montana Trappers Association Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife Senator Jennifer Fielder The Montana Outdoor Radio Show Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Montana Stock Growers Association Montana Wool Growers Association Just to name a few...

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It’s Not If...

But When!

When it’s time to go...go in style!

www.camocaskets.com

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Camo Sweetheart Ball Sponsors

Please thank these sponsors by shopping with them for making the Camo Sweetheart Ball such a success! Thank you!

Big Bull Sports

Nailed It

Bob Hosea—The Bob Factor

Natural Edge Rustic Furnishings

Bruce Hunn

Paradise Mountain Crafts

Cabela's (Missoula)

Plains Garden, Gift & Floral

Dale Fricke Holsters

Plains Trap Club

Desta's Nails

Peregrine Embroidery

D&D Liquor

Robert Viergutz

Ed’s Outdoors

RTK Photography

Gambles

Sanders County Search & Rescue Members

Harvest Foods

Scuz Busters & Diversified Services Judy Woolley

Healthy Massage—Daphine Boles

Shear Attitude

Lakeside Resort & Motel

Sportsman's Warehouse

Levi Thrift Store

The Printery

Mangy Moose

Tires Plus

Minnie's

Tom & Shelly Rummel

Montana Mitzi

Trout Creek Community Improvement Association

Montana Outdoor Radio Show Montana Trapping Association

Whistle Creek Pottery Ellen Childress

Montana Woods N Water

Thank You! 15

CAMP FIRE TALK

Tips for picking an outfitter…

By George Nass, NW Montana Outfitter & Guide I have been a guide longer than I have been an outfitter and I have had the pleasure to watch hunters smile from ear to ear as they finally closed the deal on the hunt of their lifetime. Here are some tips to better prepare you when looking for a outfitter and guide to get the most from your hunt out west.

In today's "market" of outfitters, I would highly suggest doing your homework before spending the first dollar.

Thousands of dollars are at stake in planning a fully guided hunt. Take your time in selecting the outfitter that best suits your style of hunting, the trophy potential of the game you are pursuing and one that lives in the area you are planning to hunt. Clearly explain to your outfitter what type of “Trophy” you are looking for, not everyone’s idea of a trophy is the same. Be very honest with your outfitter as to your physical capabilities and the style of hunting you like the best, whether is be glassing and hiking all day or sitting in a blind/tree stand. The more the information the outfitter has, the better they can determine if they can meet your needs or tailor the hunt to your style and desires.

They want you to be successful.

Ask the outfitter for references and be sure and call those references. Use the Internet to learn more about an outfitter and the area you are planning on hunting. Weather and mother nature can change things from one season to the next, like forest fires, predation, etc.. Keep in mind one bad comment from a former client does not mean a bad outfitter. No matter how hard an outfitter tries, someone will eventually not be happy at the end of the hunt.

As a guide, I always liked to talk to the clients before they ever left home to come out for their hunt. So, ask the outfitter if you could talk to the guide you will be assigned to. Of course, sometimes this isn't possible, as they may not know ahead of time who will be guiding you. Always ask the outfitter what their success rate is on the animals you plan on hunting for. You can ask the past clients the same question also.

Most outfitters will have a "what to bring list" on their website, most experienced guides will have everything that is needed, but don't be afraid to ask questions. I would rather be asked a "dumb" question than no questions at all.

Always make sure of what the outfitter's price package includes. For example, meals, transportation, lodging, etc.

The taxidermy and meat processing is usually a separate cost. Most outfitters will pickup and drop off clients to and from the nearest airports if your flying in.

Always ask about your shooting equipment, especially about archery. For example, here in Montana we can't use lighted nocks during archery only seasons. Little things like that can save a lot of time and money down the road.

As for gun calibers, that depends on what type of game you plan to hunt, if you are very comfortable with a gun you already have, I suggest you use that one. Personally, I have always used and liked a bigger caliber rifle for big game hunting. It's not for everyone, I know, but as a guide I will always recommend a 300 win.

Never buy your hunting boots on the way to your hunt, get them broken in months before your hunt. Try to get into better shape also, if you’re coming out west for your hunt, the altitude and steep terrain is going to get to you. If you don't have any hills to climb, go to the gym and get on an incline treadmill. I know most people hate working out, but it will make your hunt much more enjoyable and give you a better chance at a successful hunt.

Please, don't show up, having just watched a shelf full of hunting videos and have the same expectations. Your guide just might take you on a death march trying to meet those expectations! Those little half hour shows can have weeks of footage in them all wrapped in a 18 minute show after taking out the advertising and replays. They're a lot like reading a romance novel...exciting but often unrealistic...this is the real deal and you are the star of the show.

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Baldy Mountain Outfitters Outfitter License # 23173 Phone: 406-291-7656

Deer ● Elk ● Bear ● Mountain Lion Welcome to Baldy Mountain Outfitter Located in Plains, Montana We offer high quality hunts that fit the clients ability and needs.

Our guides give 100% to make sure that the clients have the best possible hunt.

We are out in the hunting areas before daylight and stay till the last shooting light to get the best chance of finding the big one.

We have access to large areas of public and private land to hunt.

WWW.BALDYMTNOUTFITTER.COM 17