Montana Woods N Water November 2016 Print Edition by Montana Woods N Water

Publisher’s Notes What’s I could not have squeezed another picture, article or advertisement in Hunting Outdoor Vets this issue. I still have several pictures that will have to go in the December issue and posted on Facebook. Speaking of which, the December issue...it will not be released until the 16th of December. Well the election is over, hunting season is in full swing, rut is happening and cat hunters are getting excited. Turkey day is right around the corner and Christmas is not far behind. We celebrate a very important day this month...Veterans Day. Remember our veterans this month...not just on the 11th. They are the reason we have the freedoms we do. Trapping is under way and local trappers are feeling much better now the trapping ban initiative challenge is over. Bobcat season open 1 Dec so trappers and hounds men will be after them hot and heavy. There is still plenty of time to fill any left over tags. The weather has been so mild bears and bear sign is still being seen. I am still getting reports of some elk bugling. Happy Thanksgiving! Don’t forget to thank our advertisers...without them there would be no Montana Woods N Water. ~Raf Viniard ~ Publisher

Guest Writers This Month: Mike Maxwell, page 2, Hunting Michael Cirian, page 10, Shooting Shelly Cordis, page 31, What Was That? Cover Photo By: Robin K Ha’O To Contact Us: Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Plains, Montana 59859 406-407-0612 Email: raf@montanawoodsnwater.com www.montanawoodsnwater.com

Inside

Contest Winner Cowboy Action Shooting Montana Dan/Trapping Next Gen/Local Celebs Sportsman’s Meditation Tony Rebo Unleashed Kootenai Country Outdoor Tech Mountain Memories Food For Thought What Was That Advertorial

2 4 7 9 11 (Many) 13 17 21 24 26 29 31 34

Staff Publisher/Editor/Layout/Sales: Raf - 406-407-0612 Photographers Robin K Ha’o/Bob Hosea Pro Staff Writers This Month: Pastor Jim Sinclair Dan Helterline Tony Rebo Carol Cady Nathan Albertson Lori Goodman Jerry Berry

Editorial Policy: Montana Woods N Water (MWW) reserves the right to refuse to publish 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. All content, material and graphics designed by Montana Woods N Water are copyrighted.

HUNTING

A Good Ole Day By Mike Maxwell Mannie Troyer of Plains Mt finally drew a coveted rifle/bull tag for the 700 unit. At age 63 he viewed this as probably a once in his lifetime hunt for a big bull elk. His goal was to shoot at least a 300 inch bull. Lord willing, much bigger than 300. Mannie asked me if I would accompany him on his hunt and I jumped at the opportunity. As it turned out, Caleb Wengerd had the week off and loves to hunt anything so he agreed to go along also. After two days of scouting and talking to people, we had our opening morning spot picked out. Man did we see elk on opening day! The elk were everywhere. No shooter bulls until just minutes before dark. About a mile and a half away, Mannie spotted two cows and a good bull. We only saw him long enough to see he was definitely worth a look the next day if we could find him. With the hunting pressure, we decided to start in the same spot the next morning hoping the bull would move our way. The next morning started with action as soon as we could see; elk chirping and bugling all around us. Mannie and Caleb went one way and I went the other. I peeked over the edge of the hill and to my surprise, there was the big bull! He was still about 900 yards away. I ran back to Mannie and Caleb and urgently waved them over telling them what was over the hill. We agreed on a plan and the stalk was on. When we reached the end of the ridge we wanted to shoot from, the elk had started moving across the valley. Cows and smaller bulls were filing across in front of us in the trees. We couldn't see or shoot until they came out at about 375 yards. We were frantically looking for the big bull before he got out of range. At last he came out in the rear. Mannie took one look at him and that was it, he had found his bull! Mannie connected with Mr. Bull twice as the herd filed out of range. Continued on page 5. 2

OUTDOOR VETS

Below The Libby Dam By Raf Viniard On 4 November four disabled veterans were given the opportunity to try a little fly fishing up next to the Libby Dam. Camp Patriot Executive Director, Micah Clark, Dave Blackburn of Dave Blackburn’s Kootenai Angler and Joshua Baltz, Natural Resource Manager for the Libby Dam Project joined forces in making it possible for disabled veterans to fly fish the coveted waters below the dam. All fish were catch and release. Joshua stated, “It was a great day for all involved. We (Army Corps of Engineers) are proud to honor these Veterans. As Photo By: Tyler Busby/A Dave Blackburn’s Kootenai Angler Guide you know, during this annual event, we provide access to Dave Blackburn helps Fred Timms (Vet– USAF) land a dandy! some of the best fishing waters in the state of Montana. It's a small thing with a big impact! Thanks to Dave Blackburn and Micah Clark (Camp Patriot) for coordinating this event. It was great to see these Veterans land some big fish and leave with big smiles.”

Happy Veterans Day Guys! Pictured left to right: Tyler (Guide), Josh Baltz (USACE & Vet-US Navy/USAF), Steve Rivera (Vet-US Navy), Micha Clark (Camp Patriot) , Joe Axtell (Vet-US Army), George Foster (Vet-USMC), Dave, Dave Blackburn (Kootenai Angler) and Jeff (Guide). Dave Blackburn Kootenai Angler supplied the boats, gear and guides. Micah Clark (Camp Patriot) supplied the veterans and Josh Baltz supplied the access. Before the boats launched from the gravel boat ramp below the dam, Josh gave a safety briefing and made sure every boat had a radio and establish an emergency procedures in case someone fell over. The day started over cast but within a couple of hours the sun pooped out and it was a beautiful day. Micah Clark said, "Camp Patriot exists to take United States disabled Veterans on outdoor adventures. It is great to have the Corp of engineers and private business owner Dave Blackburn of the Kootenai Angler help in accomplishing our mission to help disabled vets!" "It was a great day on the water! Beautiful weather, all the vets catching fish and great fellowship with the Dam management and Raf of Montana woods and water!"

Publisher’s Note: Montana Woods N Water will be working with Dave, Micah and Josh in the future to setup some physically disabled fishing trips for physically disabled Montana veterans. If you are interested contact myself at Raf@montanwoodsnwater.com/406-407-0612. To donate to Camp Patriot contact Micah at 406.293.4376 4

HUNTING CONTINUED Now this is where the hunt gets interesting... Neither of the shots were immediately lethal but he was hit. He separated from the herd and went down in a coulee about a mile from where we shot from. After giving him time to bed and die or stiffen up, we had a plan on how to approach him. I headed over to look for blood while they went back to retrieve the rest of our gear; then they would come over and we would go look for him together. Just as I crested a hill to start looking for blood, Mr. Bull came running around the opposite hill headed for North Dakota. Someone had spooked him. He ran another mile into some rough and timbered country, but from where Mannie and Caleb stood they could see him bed again!! The only problem was he had run onto or across private property. Luckily the adjacent property was BLM. After much glassing, ranging distance, and checking GPS's, we decided he was so close to the property line all we could do is go look. We marked a spot to start from on the GPS's and headed for camp. We had to hike 2 1/2 miles and drive all the way around a huge coulee and hopefully find him before dark. Arriving at our starting point, we again glassed and ranged our options, checked the wind and headed out in hopes he would be dead or at least so close to it he would be easy to sneak in on. As we got closer and closer to where he should be, we were running out of public land. At last I poked my head over a root ball and there he was; 75 yards, bedded but alive, and we were on BLM still! As Mannie got in position, Mr. Bull stood up. Mannie made three good shots to the boiler room; and he had his wall hanger! Mannie was so relieved and exhausted and grateful all at once, all he said for several minutes was, "Praise the Lord!" We even had enough daylight to get some good field pics. Mannie had his prayers answered on all counts. He wanted a bull over 300, some adventure and an all around good hunt. A quick field score looks like he will go 320 inches or so. Caleb and myself were fortunate to be part of an amazing hunt that we will all remember for years. As Americans we are very fortunate to be able to have this kind of opportunity and freedom. It's easy to take for granted God once blessed this country. We all need to do our part to keep this nation in his blessing and grace. Make the most of every moment out in the field, these ARE the good old days we'll tell our kids and grand kids about some day. Be safe, be ethical, be blessed. "And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, and on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs." Genesis 9:2-3 Left to Right: Mannie with Caleb Wengerd and Mannie with Mike Maxwell. Congrats Mannie!

1st Picture: Rob Yoder with a big Muley! Way to go Rob! 2nd Picture: Kelsey Martin of WA state with a Montana, thanks Kelsey for reducing the population by one more. Pictured Right: Jake Calloway filled his last tag...only thing left is cat season. You ready Jake? 5

LOCAL CELEBRITIES

Left Picture: B J Purdy of Libby, MT with his first Muley. Now that is the way to set the bar on your first muley. Beautiful buck, congratulations. Center Picture: Dolly Blata of Kalispell, MT with her first mule deer! Now that is the way to start your mule deer harvesting record. Awesome buck Dolly...congrats! Dolly is originally from Troy, MT. Right Picture: Richard we are VERY proud of Kyla...that is

one tough lady you have there! Kyla congratulations on the big buck and congratulations to both Richard and Kyla on the birth of their daughter...the next generation of huntresses. Guys...the excuses are over! Kyla made it happen 9 months pregnant one day and the next day laboring having a baby. I think our excuses are a little weak! That is just amazing Kyla!

CONTEST WINNER

Last Month’s Winner: Derek VonHeeder the owner and inventor of the Mini Stump Grill has selected Ledger Fortner of Libby, MT as the winner of last month’s picture entries. We are doing it again in November and December so get those pictures in to us for publishing. Derek said it was tough deciding a winner. Wait until he sees all the pictures submitted this month. Congrats Ledger...get a hold of Derek so he knows where to send you your Mini Grill. Hot Cocoa season is here! See Derek’s ad on page 36 for contact information.

Business Card Directrory Ad â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Only $50.00 a month!

COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING

By Raf Viniard I got an email from “Doc Tombstone” aka Dr. Roland Goertzen a local dentist in Thompson Falls, MT wondering if I would be intereste in covering the years last Cowboy Action Shooting event. I am never one to turn down anything involving cowboy hats, guns and good guys. I grabbed Pam as I knew she would want to see this rain or shine. It was rainy Saturday morning when we arrived in Big Whiskey Town, located behind the Noxon Rod and Gun Club, Noxon, MT We had no more than got parked and a cowboy with his side arms met us and escorted us into town. We felt safe with all the “good” cowboys there to protect us. The town is known to have some really bad characters from time to time that need a little culling. “Pataha” aka Don Manning from Trout Creek, MT lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and then a safety briefing. “Jake The Snake” aka Jim Jacobson of Thompson Falls, MT rattled off some cowboy poetry. About Sandy Bob. It was really good...how he remembered all those lines from memory I will never understand. Jake The Snake (badge number 44), which represented the caliber he shot when he started Cowboy Acton Shooting a few dusty towns ago watched his grandson “Poco” aka Trevor Harris, age 14 of Thompson Falls, MT step up to the first challenge. To show you the popularity of the sport Poco’s badge number is 93,926. Poco readied himself, filled the whiskey glass and splashed it in the bar keeps face with thee words, “This drinks on you!”, and the shooting action was on. It was over in a matter of seconds. Burnt gun powder and grey smoke filled the air and the distinctive plinks of a bullet hitting a steel target echoing was all that lingered. That young man made it look easy. Next up was the “Kootenai Kid” aka Lawrence Whyte of Yahk, BC. With pistols blazing another bad guys falls. Oh, so you think this is just a guys sport...hold your horses boys next up was “Fire Opal” aka Wendy DosSantos of Noxon, MT. Fire Opal split a bullet on the axe head and leveled that shotgun right on target. Continued on page 12.

SHOOTING

Libby Rock Crushers by Michael Cirian The Libby Rock Crushers, your local Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) team has had a very successful year. As part of the SCTP we provide student athletes, aged elementary through college with a supportive environment where shooting sports serve as catalysts for teaching life lessons and skills that emphasize positive character traits and citizenship values. Throughout all training, practice and competitions, we continue to instill in our participants a commitment to safe firearm handling, teamwork and leadership. These young men and women compete in different Clay target shooting events. These include Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays. They have represented Libby very well in the Regional and State shooting events.

As you can imagine it takes a lot of time, effort and money to get these athletes prepared for all of their events. We were very lucky this year as we received a NRA Foundation Grant.. The grant was in the form of shotgun shells. We received 130 cases of 12 and 20 gauge shells, which allows our shooters the opportunity to get in more practice without the burden of purchasing shells. Thanks to the NRA for helping us with the opportunity to provide our youth some of the things we need to enhance the growth and personal development of our student athletes. The team also sold raffle tickets for a New Lazy Boy Rocker Recliner, which was donated to use by Colton Moore’s Grandfather. By selling these tickets they raise money to help offset the cost of targets. The more work these kids put into this the more reasonable it becomes to participate.

When raffling off this chair we had a few individuals who purchased tickets but stated if they won they would like to donate the chair back to the kids. As a team we decided if one of individuals won we would donate the chair to a worthy cause. It’s the team’s way of giving back to the community that has been good to them. Lucky enough one of these folks did win and in the end the chair was donated to Achievements where it will go to one of the residents in need of a wonderful chair. Picture above, from right to left: Nate Pomeroy, Isaac O’Rourke, Austin Rasmussen, Dameon Kelch, and Colton Moore. Not shown are Cyrus, Sweedman, Roy Hyde, who just completed Basic Training for the National Guard, Josh McGough who graduated from High School this year and Anna Marie Kebschull one of our newest members and Coaches Bailey and Cirian.

Colton is one of our athletes who has been with use for quite some time and has graduated from High School and is headed to the Air Force in December. We would like to also thank Rosa Lee for being our honored guest to try out the chair.

MONTANA DAN/TRAPPING

Something to Howl About! By Dan Helterline

Fall has arrived in full force and I have heard rumors that it may be one of the wettest Octobers on record. The moisture is a welcome relief for the end of fire season and the local farmers and ranchers are loving it as well. As the day to start coyote trapping rapidly approached the rain seemed to be unrelenting, I was not eager to start coyote trapping in the mud. Somethings you just gotta â&#x20AC;&#x153;cowboy upâ&#x20AC;? and do, no matter what the conditions, and my annual coyote trap line is no exception. We were able to make it out during the youth deer hunt and Alexis bagged her first deer, so I would be able to go trapping full time with no distractions. Coyote trapping full time in the fall is a lot of hard, dirty work which starts in the spring with rehabbing and repairing gear from the previous season. I will start by going through and pressure washing all my traps and removing the rust and mud from being used last fall, I will them go through and inspect, adjust and make any repairs necessary. Once I deem everything in good working order I will dye and wax every trap that I will use in the upcoming season, then hang them up to air out for the summer. I will also go through and inventory all my traps, tools, bait and lure to determine what I will need to purchase or make before fall. As trapping season approaches I will make contact with the ranchers and landowners where I trap, securing my permissions for the year and get updates on predator populations and locations of activity. Talking to the ranchers this year most of them indicated a good population of coyotes , even on the ranches that I removed a large number from the previous season. I am convinced that the food base is what truly dictates animal populations, with the mouse and pocket gopher numbers high along with a good fruit crop along the creeks, there is ample food for coyotes to raise larger litters of pups. This is good for me but not so good for the ranchers, the more coyotes present the more likely the rancher will have predation problems when calving and lambing season rolls around. This is the main reason the ranchers are more than happy to let me on their place to remove some of the excess coyotes and I have had no problems securing more than enough ground to keep me busy all fall pursuing coyotes. About a week before Halloween is when the coyotes become prime in this area so I plan on starting trapping about October 23. The price on good prime heavy coyote pelts has remained up, and I have been averaging around seventy dollars per pelt, not enough to get rich, but enough to cover expenses and have a little left over at the end. I heard once if you want to become a millionaire trapping start out a trillionaire, this is very true, trapping is a lot of hard work and not a lot of pay. I guess what motivates me is the independence and love of the outdoors, being outside every day and my own boss makes all the hard work and long hours worth it. It was especially difficult to get revved up and get started this year with the never ending cycle of rain we were receiving, dry conditions are more favorable for coyote trapping and the wet ground would just mean more work and the chance of being froze out greater when freezing weather finally arrives. I decided to set fewer traps out in light of the less than favorable conditions and just concentrate on areas that were the most productive in the past. Trapping on the same ranches for consecutive seasons I have been able to locate set locations that are productive year after year. It usually takes several days to get my entire line set out, I set traps the entire first two days, then add sets as time allows, when I start checking. I was pleasantly surprised this year when I started checking sets, the ranchers were right, there was an abundance of coyotes, even in the areas where I had removed plenty last fall. Continued on page 15. 11

COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING CONTINUED

SPORTSMAN’S MEDITATION

Drink The Water By Pastor Jim Sinclair Do it again, ok, one more time, over and over we did it, we practiced getting out of the truck first, them grabbing our rifle and preparing for the shot when it came. My Grandkids Kaylah and Darren are ready to go on their first hunt ever. At least I thought we were! You can’t go hunting without a Lunch Papa, I heard a voice from the other side of the truck. So, cooler, check, chips, check, sandwiches, check, candy bars, check, pickles … check, cheese, check. Great, let’s go. So we are heading down the driveway already talking shot placement. Ok guys right behind the Pastor Jim Sinclair shoulder, hold steady and squeeze...that’s when Darren pipes up and says, Papa we don’t have anything to drink. I responded, “Oh Yeah, we will drop by the mini mart and get something.” I drag my hunting partners inside. All three of us are standing in front of “A Wall” of drinks 30 feet long. Have you ever stopped and really looked at what’s out there to drink. There is sports drinks with sugar, without sugar, all kinds of flavors, there is energy drinks loaded with caffeine, there are all kinds of tea’s with all kinds of flavorings. Then there is a whole line of Soda Pop, with countless variations and flavors...there is even a hunters sport drink. And not far away is a whole line of hot drinks, flavored coffee’s of all kinds…. Believe it or not you can even walk out with a milkshake! The point is “they” know we are thirsty and will buy what ever quenches our thirst. I couldn’t help but reflect on what the bible says in Matthew 5:6 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled! The Message Bible (MSG) bible says it this way…”You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink is the best meal you’ll ever eat.” We all hunger and thirst, most of us have no problem eating, but the thirsting part for most of us, could be better, because if you ask anyone how much water they drink, hardly anyone ever says the right amount, most of us don’t drink enough water. Something so important to our life, and we really don’t pay that much attention to it. Do you know the importance of water to your body? When our bodies fail to retain the right amount of water, dehydration sets in. Think about a couple of things associated with our body and water: The human body is ⅔ water. By the time you are 70-years-old, you will have required 1 million gallons of water. If you loose 2% of your body’s water supply, your energy will decrease by 20%. A 10% decrease in water, you will be unable to walk, and a 20% decrease – you’re dead. And what is true of the physical is also true of the spiritual. Because God has made you with a spirit, soul, and body that get thirsty, if you don’t satisfy that thirst, your spirit, soul, and body become dehydrated. So, here is the question? What is our thirst level, when it comes to the things of God? Remember what we just read, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” The degree of our desire, for righteousness dictates how much of God we have in our lives! It’s interesting that God left it up to us to decide, how much of him we could have in our lives, at any given time. The world knows we’re thirsty, we can drink anything we want, but on the far end of the line of drinks, is a section of Water...just Water. After minutes of scanning “The Wall”...we all walked out with water. Understanding that water is not the only drink, we still need it to survive. In a culture where we can consume, countless shows on T.V, the Internet, thousands of books but we still need the purest form of Water, “God’s Word”. That’s one way we hunger and thirst for righteousness,. Here’s a challenge, set your bible on top of your T.V. remote. By the way, lunch was GREAT! Keep Livin the Life. Pastor Jim.

MONTANA DAN/TRAPPING CONTINUED The wet weather wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dampening my success, I just had to get used to the extra work and all of my equipment being constantly coated in mud. When I got my line set out in full force I began catch five to six coyotes per day and had caught almost thirty my first week, not a bad pace, if I can keep it going. When things slow down I will have to pull my current line moving on to new properties, and looking at the weather forecast conditions might be improving, no rain and no freezing weather, definitely something to howl about!

Pictured Left: From Jonas Steward (Dad): My son Payton Steward took his first buck at the age of 10 yrs old. He shot this nice buck opening morning of the youth season, and packed it out 2 1/2 miles. As a father of Payton, I could not more proud of my son. Jonas, we are proud of him as well. Congratulations on a hard earned buck Payton...good job! Pictured Right: Helen Durgin of Plains, MT with a trophy antelope. When Helen isn't busting clay targets she is busy chasing critters. Gentlemen I believe she is just as good with that rifle as she is with that shotgun...Barry take note! Congrats Helen on a beautiful antelope and we hope you didn't bring any of that white stuff back to Plains!

LOCAL CELBRITIES CONTINUED From Donna Butler: Hello, I enjoy your magazine very much and always look forward to the newest edition. I was reading in the October 2016 issue that it says to "share your photos" and I wondered if I might e-mail a photo of myself with the mule deer buck I got last weekend. I have been hunting for 30 years - always hoping for a nice buck and it finally happened for me on Oct. 30, 2016. I am from Thompson Falls and I enjoy the outdoors (hunting, fishing & photography). I bagged my 5x7 mule deer buck in the Thompson River area and was told by the fish & game people that he was about 4 1/2 years old. I am over joyed and thankful to be so blessed. Donna I couldn't have wrote that by line any better. Congratulations young lady! That is really a pretty buck...love the kicker tine! Paul Fielder of Thompson Falls, MT with a truck load of rats (muskrats). Paul found time from his busy political season to trap some nuisance muskrats that was causing property damage. Folks this is why we must defeat any trapping ban on Montana public lands. Vote NO on I-177 tomorrow. If they win...bear and cat hunting are the next thing they will try to take away from us. Thanks Paul for sharing and I can't wait to fix me up a muskrat dinner with some sweet taters on the side! Pic Right: Tyler Bates with a huge bull. Tyler killed this bull in a heavily hunted area...so keep at it folks, they are out there. Tyler that is a bull of a life time...CONGRATULATIONS...don't haze your brother too much. Picture provide by Cheri Bates...thanks Mom for sharing!

LOCAL CELBRITIES AND NEXT GENERATION Pictured Left: KoKo Herreid of Plains, MT with a gambrel full of venison. KoKo had not been hunting in 30 years and with her first shot she laid the venison on the ground the first day of season. Looks like you still got it KoKo! Congrats on filling the freezer.

Pictured Above: 14 year old Ty Collier of Libby, MT with a awesome buck. Now that is the way to get it done Ty. Denise Meacham thank you for sharing...proud moment huh? Congrats Ty! Aubrey Little of Great Falls with a tall tine bruiser! Way to go Aubrey and congratulations. Great picture by the way and thanks for sharing! Pictured below: Izzy Crabb of Plains, MT with a beautiful first buck! Thanks to a hint from a friend, they were able to get right into them. Now dad gets to go get his!!! Great job Izzy and congratulations! The ladies are

putting the smack down on the critters this year and we love publishing every picture!!!!

TONY REBO UNLEASHED

By Tony Rebo As opening day of pheasant hunting approached my excitement could hardly be contained. I had been working with Harley; my 2 year old golden retriever almost every weekend since grouse season had opened. It was time to let Harley loose on some open fields to flush pheasants. It was exciting for me, but Harley was the one who could barely contain herself. Each time I grabbed a shotgun from the closet she would spin in circles and growl with excitement. After each trip out we would sit down in the man cave and share stories about the day with my wife. I swear Harley would join in the conversation with her low whimpers and growls. My wife would laugh and ask me “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could understand what Harley was saying?”. I told my wife that the story would be the same as mine on how I made that one great shot through the trees around the rock and hit the flying bird directly in the head wasting no meat. Her response was “Oh yeah, I am sure the stories would match, NOT!”. This particular conversation caused and argument that ended with my wife ordering a device that you strapped to your dog’s neck. The device’s purpose was to translate the growls and sounds a dog makes into common English. They say a golden retriever has a vocabulary of about 60 words. Well Harley must be a scholar because she was well beyond that. I found that the female canine can spend just as much time talking as the female human. This was not going to be good. Friday morning Harley and I were on our way to Fairfield to join the guys for our annual hunting trip. Harley is not treated like the typical dog, in fact some might say that she may be somewhat spoiled. I have a shirt that reads I love my dog and maybe like 3 people. Harley doesn’t have to ride in the back of the truck; she sits in the front seat next to me. People laugh all the time when they see my wife riding in the back seat; of course my wife just mutters “darn dog”. Well we are only two miles into our trip and Harley growls, and the growl is translated into “Are we there yet?”. At first this was funny, but after being asked the same question for the next 100 miles I could no longer find the humor in it. She also had to mention to me that I was driving too fast, that I was going too slowly, that we needed to stop so she could pee (6 times), that she was hungry and of course are we there yet? For a split moment I thought about placing her in the back of the truck, and then she must have read my mind and gave me the same look my wife gives and said “Don’t even think about it!”. It was the longest 5 hour drive that I have had in quite some time. When I arrived at the hotel I was greeted by all the guys and they were all astonished at this new device that Harley was wearing around her neck, and of course they all wanted to try it out. Now Harley has been around the guys her whole life and so she knows each of them and has heard many a conversation. First it was Mike who leaned in close to Harley like she was hard of hearing or something and asked “Hey Harley girl what do you know?”. Harley responded with “Well Mike you need to take a shower and stop cheating at cards.”. We all busted up laughing as Mike stood there stunned by Harley’s honesty. I do have to admit that Mike could use a shower and the cheating at cards was something we all suspected. Still laughing Kirby had the next question for Harley. He asked “Harley who is going win the Cat/Griz game?”. Continued on page 20. 17

Dan

Sam

Andy

LOCAL CELEBRITIES CONTINUED

Pictured Top Left: Brenda Rebo of Libby, MT showing Tony Rebo how to get the job done! Way to go Brenda...congratulations! Top Center Picture: Leslie Smith with this awesome 6 X 6 whitetail. This is also her first buck. Leslie set the bar high for next year for sure! Way to go Leslie that is a dandy buck...now that is one for the wall! Congratulations young lady! Pictured Top Right: Monica Allstead of Plains, MT put the smack down in this buck at 250 yards. I hear it was a perfect heart shot! Stop in the Sinclair gas station in Plains, MT and congratulate Monica. Monica congratulations ! Pictured Left: Chris Borntreger still filing that freezer. Thanksgiving dinner is going to have plenty of venison to go around. Looks like the wood shed is full also in preparation for winter. Congrats again Chris!

Pictured Bottom Left: Jerry Kind of Helena, MT was lucky enough to take this awesome bull on the second day of the general season. This is Jerry's biggest bull to date. Congrats Jerry and thanks for following us from Helena! That is one pretty bull and I had rather be lucky than good any day!

TONY REBO UNLEASHED CONTINUED Harley responded with, “Kirby you need to get a grip on reality, the cats don’t have a chance and it is time you face the fact on which is the better team.”. In less than five minutes Harley was banished to her kennel for the night. The guys and I sat around the table playing cards and talking about this new device that allowed a dog to talk. I am not sure that this was a good idea; it was just like when you’re trying to watch a TV show with your wife sitting next to you and she can’t tell the difference between the show and the commercial breaks. ( I am going to pay for that comment). The only good that came out of this device was the fact that we had confirmed that Mike was cheating at cards. The sun was starting to crest the grassy hills and our group was waiting for good shooting light. Just as soon as the light appeared we sent the dogs into the cattails to flush up the birds. It wasn’t long and roosters were coming out of the grass and flying high in the sky. I fired the shotgun at the first bird and nothing happened other than the bird flew away unharmed by the many BB’s I shot at it. Harley stood by my side looked up at me and said “Really, I bust my butt in there and you miss?”. This ended up being a tough morning for me as I missed the first six birds that I shot at. Each time Harley had a comment. “Have you ever thought about shooting with your eyes open?”. “Do you want to borrow my glasses?”. “Hey maybe I should just try catching them on the ground so we can get a bird.”. Yawn “Wow this is fun!”. “Can I be put up for adoption?”. “I can hear that bird laughing all the way across the field.”. It was after lunch before I hit a bird and Harley was so excited to finally retrieve a bird. She brought it back to me and gently laid it at my feet. She looked up at me and said “Even a blind squirrel can find an acorn once in awhile!”. Now that night the guys sat me down and said that they had to talk to me about something important. I was informed by the group that this was a guy only outing and that women were not allowed to come on this trip. Harley would have to go if I continued to allow her to talk. Apparently her insults had worn thin on my friends. They could no longer take this new device and demanded that I remove it. The next morning I approached Harley to remove the talking device as the guys all looked on. Of course Harley was weary to this plan and decided to give us one last final bit of advice. She yelled out to the guys “Oh sure blame the talking dog, it is not my fault that you guys can’t shoot.”. “You all suck, and promise I am going to tell the real story when I get home and Mike you still need to take a bath.”. The rest of the week went pretty well and we ended up with plenty of birds and we didn’t even seem to mind when Mike was cheating at cards. We all agreed that we would never speak of the event because hey what happens at hunting camp stays at hunting camp. When I arrived home I was greeted by my wife and she wanted to know how it went. I told her that the talking device didn’t work and so I just removed it and threw it away. She responded “Ooh that is too bad.”. My wife then asked “Uhmm could you please tell me why Harley has a muzzle on?”. Pictured Left: Justin Yoder also of St. Ignatius with his FIRST antelope! The Yoder boys are making it happen this antelope season! Congrats Justin on your first antelope. Thanks Chris for sharing...I think we are going to have to add Chris to our photo staff here at Montana Woods N Water! Thanks for all the pictures Chris . Pictured Right: Ryan Miller age 13 of Plains, MT with his FIRST antelope. I think the smile on Ryan's face tells that story! Way to go Ryan...antelope tenderloin for you and your family! Congrats and a job well done!! 20

Tony and Harley

KOOTENAI COUNTRY

Kootenai Country Magazine Paul Bunn, owner of Venture Inn and Ardell Fuller the owner of Libby Sports Center located in Libby, MT discusses the new Kootenai Country magazine that has just been released. This new publication is Paul’s vision and idea to promote tourism in Lincoln County . “Glacier Park Without he Crowds!”, as he says. When I asked Tara Drake the Marketing Manager for Venture Inn what the publication was for she said, “It is a travel guide to promote tourism in Lincoln County. A subject that I am very passionate about. We are on the way to moving Lincoln County forward. It’s a revolution building an economy.” Tara is not alone as many businesses see the value and the need to promote the beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities of Lincoln County. Business owners, advertisers, sponsors and supporters gathered Nov 4th at the Venture Inn with complimentary Hors d’oeuvres and drinks served to launch and explain the purpose of this publication. Troy Douthit, Assistant Marketing Manager for the Venture Inn gave a presentation explaining their mission, goals, objectives and future of Kootenai Country travel guide. Continued on page 25.

Troy & Sandra Douthit.

LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED Pictured Left: Ali Gift of Forsyth, MT with this trophy muley. Her and her husband Tracker Gift did a spot and stalk hunt in unit 7. Ali that is one pretty buck and a true trophy of a lifetime. Good job and congrats. Tracker thanks for sharing and following Montana Woods N Water from Forsyth, MT. Pictured Right: Shawn Wengerd (left) of Trout Creek/Noxon, MT and his brother-in-law Galen Good of Noxon, MT with a beautiful bull. Shawn shot the bull last week in Northern Idaho. Shawn is a guide for Northwest Montana Outfitters, Inc. Way to go Shawn and Galen! Thanks for sharing Caleb! Pictured Right: Bonnie Hutchens of Kaispell, MT with her first Mule Deer. Bonnie I hope you didn't have to drag that buck up from that drain behind you? Way to go Bonnie...congratulations! Pictured Left: Adrian Nass with a dandy. Nothing like a day out fishing with the kids...right George? Adrian I believe you found the secret lure! I also heard it was hotdogs over a fire for supper instead of fish? Congrats young man!

Pictured Above: Gentlemen...this is how it is done! Teresa Joner with one beautiful Muley. Notice that shot placement guys! CONGRATULATIONS Teresa! 22

Darbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fish!

OUTDOOR TECH

KOOTENAI COUNTRY CONTINUED Sandra Douthit of Redd Design built the web site, several ads for the Kootenai Country publication and she also planned the food for the evenings event. The shrimp was to die for and the bacon covered dates was a hit as well. Presley Backen (pictured right) served one tray of delicious food after another. Jeff Brooks (pictured left) the owner of Torgy’s Casino and Grill in Libby, MT a restaurant well know for its awesome food and drinks made sure the quest’s pallets never went dry. Bobbie Broder and Tara Craig (pictured lower left) keep the glasses cold, full and always service with a smile. A lot of thought and planning went into the launch of this expensive and time consuming endeavor. Paul, his staff and local business embraced the challenge. Here are the business that sponsored this endeavor. Halfway House, Cabinet Peak Family Medicine, Helen’s Jewlery, Timberline Auto, Northwest Motor Sports, Booze-n-Bait, Hecla Mining Company, Windows, Doors & More/Stratford Homes, CARD Clinic, Montana Wilderness Assoc., Friends of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, Environomics, Kootenai Angler, City of Libby, Kootenai Highland Gathering, Cabinet Mountain Brewery, Diane’s Diner, Glacier insurance, Libby Kwik Lube, Heritage Museum, Lincoln County Port Authority, Kootenai River Development Council, Shoes & Socks and Tungsten Holdings. They have even designed “Tim The Sasquatch” as a brand and in the near future you will be able geo cache his many locations. A store front with merchandise will be coming soon. Libby, Troy, Lincoln County and the local businesses are on a mission to change the image of an old vermiculite mining town to a tourist get a way destination. “Glacier Park Without the Crowds!” Not to forget they have some awesome hunting, fishing, hiking and snowmobiling opportunities.

Click Here For Virtual Tour

MOUNTAIN MEMORIES Richard Mountain early fall!

First Elk By Carol Cady

With heart pounding and trying hard to steady my gun, I was finally face to face with an Elk, hoping to not botch this chance to shoot my first. I pulled the trigger of my .06 carefully and down it went. Well, that is a feeling that is hard to describe! The word “Elation” might not cover it! It was a nice cow and the time was 11:00 a.m. This was a few miles back in, so the work was just beginning. It was a beautiful sunshiny day with frost crystals in the air and about 10 above. (For the picture-taking fool that I am….I only wish I had taken some pictures that day!) We decided to quarter it and pack it down to Cody Lakes, which I must say was a task in itself. We had climbed Richard Mountain that morning which in my memory was straight up, so we were “back in” a distance. As you grow older the “spirit is willing but the flesh is definitely weaker” but in your youth, you can do just about anything! Just the same, the trek out was daunting to say the least. By the time we hit the Fisher River Road, it was 9:30 p.m. A very long day of hiking, but what kept me going was the thought that I had just shot my first Elk!!! The next day, our Uncle Ben took his pack horses into Cody Lakes and we packed it out!! This was all before there were roads in the area. Many hunting tales have developed since then, but that is one that I will never forget!!

Pictured Above: Chris Borntreger of Plains, MT brings home the venison. Stop in at the Butcher's Nook in Plains, MT and congratulate Chris. Way to go Chris and congrats...you can put that in my freezer if you don't have any room...I will be by to pick it up this week. 26

LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED Pictured Left: Maurica Risteau with a six foot rug. This is Maurica first bear and better yet it was the first thing she shot with her new rifle. The bear weighed over 200 pounds. Maurica looks like you got a nice rug for the house! Congrats Maurica keep those pictures coming with more of your successes with that new rifle. Pictured Right: Gus Bosley writes, "I love your guys magazine keep up the good work" Gus caught these fish earlier this summer near Kicking Horse reservoir. Gus you don't like fishing do you? Them are some dandies...what your secret weapon? Congrats on filling the skillet. Slip over to our Facebook to see all the fish this guys catches! Posted 1 November. Pictured Left: Nevanna Pool was drawn for a 210 Montana bull moose tag. She is 26 years old and lives in Philipsburg, MT that loves to hunt. Nevanna states, "This was the best hunt I've ever experienced he is 39" wide! Just would like to share this amazing rare hunt!" Nevanna I do believe you got it done...congratulations. Montana Woods N Water is beginning to spread across the state...thanks for following us Nevanna! Pictured Below Bottom Left: 13 year old Jagger Muniz of Libby, MT has Spina Bifida & it doesn't slow him down. He successfully got this 4x5 at about 60 yards with a .243 on opening day of youth hunt. He was with his great grandfather Dick Nelson and Dad David Muniz when he bagged this beauty. So the next time you are whining about the weather, aches, pains or that long hike...if Jagger can do it so can you! Jagger is no stranger to Montana Woods N Water...he consistently gets it done. Way to go Jagger...keep up the positive attitude and congratulations on another tag filled. P.S. Thanks Brittani Makayla Barnes for submitting your son's photo...I am sure you are a very proud mother of a young man with a go getem attitude!

LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED Pictured Left: Jeremy Smook said his wife Tina Smook put the smack down on her very first deer and to top it off Jeremy shot him a nice little buck as well. A family that hunts together...fills the freezer. The Smook's are from Libby...thanks for sharing Jeremy and congrats to both of you. A special congrats goes Tina for taking her first buck...the ladies and kids are making it happen this year. Pictured Right: A young man that makes it look easy. 14 year old Ethen Krueger with his first bull. This Noxon 6 X 6 big boy was taken down with Ethen's .270. Ethen you are the man! Awesome bull...congratulations. Thanks McKenna Krueger for sharing...I do believe you are very proud of your little brother as we all are! Pictured Left: Kodie Casey of Big Timber, formally Trout Creek. Kodie did the Montana mentor program at the age 10. She shot her first whitetail spike on the kids opening day with one clean shot. Now that is the way to get it done Kodie...congratulations. Picture submitted by Ashleigh Singbeil. Thank you Ashleigh .

Pictured Above: Aidyn McKinsey with her first deer. Way to go Aiden! Who is that man there next to you...help me out? Digger was slacking on info on this one...get on him? Congrats Aidyn and let's see that next picture in the very near future!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A Letter of Thanksgiving By Nathan Albertson Dearest Lord, I give You thanks this day for the many provisions You have made in my life. You have given me the pleasure and responsibility of citizenship in the United States of America. I thank You so very much, for the Godly folks that have formed this country up through this very day. Through wisdom and providence, the system of governance of this republic was constructed on the precepts of Your Word and commandments. While it is systematically attacked on many fronts, two-hundred forty years later, it remains largely intact. I humbly ask for Your continued blessings upon this country and the citizens thereof, that we may continue to seek Your wisdom and righteous counsel under the blessings that You have afforded us thus far. And, Father, I desperately ask for Your grace and mercy to be upon us all. I thank You for the stack of dishes next to the sink, Lord, dirty from use. By Your providence, You have graced my family and I with plenty of food for our plates to fill our bellies and those dishes are proof of Your blessing. I thank You for the roof over our heads, though not perfect, it weathers every storm soundly, providing a warm shelter on those cold rainy evenings. We are especially thankful for the gift of our health, though Mother and I may have various aches and pains from our youthful foolishness. You provide our strength and wellbeing every day to accomplish the tasks You set before us. Speaking of Mother and me, we are especially thankful for the children, their health, their youthful vitality, and the innocent wonder with which they see Your creation. The gift of vigor that is visible in their eyes and the radiant warmth of their smile is the most precious of miraculous gifts to us. We know now and they will soon discover, such a gift is emblematic of Your love for us, which knows neither bounds nor limits. I mentioned creation and I want to thank You for that as well. Please do not think it escaped my attention. Why, Lord, I still marvel every evening, how it is You hung every single star in that sky, spread throughout the universe, simply as proof of Your glory. In addition, the finite way our planet was placed upon its axis to turn around the sun with such calculated precision is such proof of Your mighty hand, it is almost unbelievable. You who can calm the wind and the mighty seas, who designed the sun to rise and set and the moon to shine, also gave us a little place called Montana. Thank You Almighty God for that gift! The critters You placed here are such a joy to watch and behold with their seemingly strange ways, at times they are a mystery to behold. With craggy mountains and dense forest to the valley floors and the lakes, rivers, and streams, my kindred sportsman and I are ever so grateful for that provision Lord. Even as we head into the winter from autumn, with things dying and going dormant, shall it be Your will that the day itself may come, we know spring will be here with hope and promise anew. But then, you designed it like that, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t You Lord? To have us watch the seasons as they change, to understand there is nothing new under the sun, but that even in death and dying there is hope. Dearest Father, I reckon that brings me to the biggest thanks of all. I am so very thankful for the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. From even the beginning of time, when humans failed, You planned to send Your Son to save us. Throughout Your scriptures we can see that plan. You preserved His lineage from destruction and gave Your prophets Your words that they may tell of the coming of a Savior. Multiple times Your words, Lord, pointed the way to our salvation. 29

FOOD FOR THOUGHT And even to this day, You have not broken Your promises. To that end, when our actions provide the consequences by which we would eternally die, Your Spirit brings us to conviction and conversion that we may turn our heart to Your Son for life everlasting. Not only did You provide the sacrifice Father, just as You promised You would, You also rose Jesus up from the dead that death itself would be conquered. There again You provide the example, that even in death and dying there is hope. Lord, it is hard sometimes to count our blessings. Large or small, they are there for examination and testimony, if only our eyes would be open to see them. Too many times, in stubbornness we close our eyes to the miracles and good works You have performed in our lives and the lives of others. I pray You will help us to open our eyes a little wider, Jon Borntreger got his antelope tags filled. Jon were you Father, and permit us to listen a little closer for these blessings. When we hunting in a cotton field or did you get into a pillow realize them, may our hearts be filled with joy a little more full and may it fight...what is all that white stuff? Good job Jon...a little snow be that Your love and blessings would be manifest through us to speak of just makes the hunt more memorable right? Love the shirt! Your great glory. Thanks Chris for sharing! I rejoice in praise this month of Thanksgiving, for all the blessings and great works You have done, that You are doing, and all that I know You will do in the future, just as You have promised. Lord, please, forgive our nation and ourselves for our sins and please bestow Your continued blessings and protection upon this nation and her leaders, military, and emergency service personnel. Father, our country cannot continue, as we know her, without You and Your blessings. I pray all these things through the mighty power of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. With love and thanksgiving, Nathan Happy Thanksgiving Dear Readers, may you all be blessed to remember the bountiful blessings in your lives this month and every day to come thereafter.

WHAT WAS THAT?

A Spirited Hunt By Shelly Cordis It was ten o’clock as we rambled over a pasture road, talking about past hunts. Coming upon an old homestead near Spring Creek, we knew this was the right spot. Getting all our gear out of the rig as quietly as possible, I put on my utility vest. It was loaded down with all the necessities, because you don’t want to have to make a trip back when the action starts. Three women in the dark looking for signs, hearts racing, jumping at noises, but after forty minutes we were told to “Get out of here.” Even though we were not trespassing (this is my parent’s land), we packed up our gear and went to our next location. We didn’t hear the whisper to leave until the next day, on a tape recorder. You see what we were hunting that night were ghosts. Ok, before you call us crazy, just listen. We are a group of all sane women, all with jobs, families and all local Mission Valley residents. Some of us have families that have been here since the 1930’s. We started out as the gals that produced the very popular Haunted House in Ronan. A venture that sometimes took us a month and a half, every night after work and every weekend. A couple of moms that made their own props, gathered volunteers and donated one hundred percent of the proceeds to the local Boys & Girls Club. But after ten years, it just became too much. We then wondered what were we going to do to satisfy our love of Halloween, Fall and the paranormal. We participated in a night ghost hunt at the Old Montana Prison in Deer Lodge from 10pm -2am. Going into parts of the prison that were off limits during the day tour and be able to spend time on your own all in the dark looking for spirits was exactly what we were looking for! After being tapped on the shoulder, picking up voices on our recorders, capturing orbs on film and seeing scratches a girl got on her face from an unknown presence, we were hooked. After that we investigated museums, churches, homes, homesteads and last weekend we went to a spot many hunters know the Rocky Knob Lodge in Conner. Most people think of this place as a great place to stop for a cold one, eat the best prime rib or stay in one of the rooms perfect for traveling sportsmen. What many don’t know is this establishment besides its rocky history, is haunted. Built in 1945 as a brothel and restaurant by Jessie “Ptomaine Joe” White, it served the Bitterroot Valley men in more ways than one. Over the years staff have reported seeing apparitions, had knives fly off the rack in the kitchen as well as hear mysterious footsteps upstairs when alone in the building. The four of us had a delicious dinner near the old rock fireplace surrounded by animal mounts and underneath the catwalk where Joe’s women paraded themselves for the customers. During the meal wait and cook staff told us of the experiences they have had over the years. We were graciously allowed to set up our equipment for the duration of the night and conduct audio and video recordings, we stayed there until 3:30 in the morning. I myself had my jacket pulled on while we were recording. Others in the group heard whispers and filmed orbs in both the bar and the dining room. We have over 10 hours worth of footage yet to analyze. We then went north to Darby’s Dotson’s Saloon, another well known “haunt”. Built in 1915, it was later taken over by its namesake, Everett Dotson. Known to have slept in the low rafters of the cabin like bar, he loved his place. So much so, he’s still there. Although he died 41 years ago last week, his reflection has been seen by several of the bartenders as well as the patrons. 31

WHAT WAS THAT CONTINUED He has also broken a beer mug held by a woman that was sitting on “his stool” and knocked over several bottles behind a customer who was not supposed to be behind the bar. Asking yes or no questions, and using our EMF detector we found out that yes Mr. Dotson does not like women sitting on his stool only men. We also captured a shadow that moved near the rear door. Once again we have tons more evidence to comb through. Lastly we visited the Ravalli County Museum that was once home to the Hamilton courthouse, where prisoners awaited trial. Many spirits haunt this place, including a sheriff that was implicated in a murder, but let go. Also Walter, a child molester who was drug out of the basement where they were keeping him and hung in front of the building by vigilante justice townspeople. This tour is sponsored by the museum and is also during the night. There we heard a woman’s scream as well caught many orbs. Hopefully our video of Walter’s basement reveals him to us. A few tips if you’re at these locations. At the Rocky Knob Lodge, don’t bang on the table. Someone there doesn’t like it! Whoever is there likes hunters so you are welcome. At Dotson’s Saloon, say hello to Everett, and don’t sit on his stool at the end of the bar. We noticed the busier it gets there, the happier he is. So have fun! Don’t bring up Sheriff Jody’s name unless you want a chill to go down your spine at the Ravalli County Museum. All ghosts aside, every one of these places is owned by some awesome Montana people and will treat you right. We highly recommend them all. Many people aren’t comfortable talking about this, and that’s ok. Some just don’t believe, others are afraid and still more it’s something else. Remember these spirits were once people, relatives, friends, etc. Just like most, they were good in life and will be in the afterlife. Those that were not so nice, well they probably aren’t in the spirit world either. But all share something in common, the place they are attached too. It holds strong emotions to them. Most living people will never know a place is haunted. Some spirits just enjoy being there and being surrounded by others, it helps them feel like they are alive. Some don’t even know they have passed on. Some just want to be acknowledged, hence making themselves known and want help. Whichever the case, treat them with respect.

* Watch For Dinner Specials * Carol recently fell and injured her shoulder...stop in a wish her a speedy recovery. Hard to make biscuits with one hand but she is still making it happen!

So you see our hunting and yours aren’t all that different. We research a Montana location, many of which have been handed down by old timers and their tall tales. We have loads of equipment, some new and shiny, many tried and true old-school items. Sometimes you have to sit and be quiet for hours at a time, waiting for that elusive target to come in contact with. Sometimes you shoot the big one, other times nothing. But you never give up, because you love it. If you have a location you think is haunted and would like us to check it out visit our Facebook page Mission Valley Paranormal Society (MVPS) and drop us a line. Happy Hunting!

LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED Pictured Left: Kyle Wengerd with a nice looking rifle and speed goat (antelope). Kyle congratulations and thanks Caleb for sharing! Whoever was taking the pictures for Kyle and Mannie did a awesome job! Pictured Right: Gunner Swanson with his first buck. Looks like Gunner took a little break from winning trap shooting awards and went for the meat instead of the clay. Awesome job Gunner and congratulations. Thanks Digger Powell for sharing!

Pictured Left: Tim Patton grinning from ear to ear with this brute of a Sanders County muley! Congrats Tim...you know a good taxidermists to help you with that? Tim is the owner of T&K Taxidermy located in Plains, MT.

Center Picture: Trapping is good for ranching, good for kids (and young ladies...right Alexis Helterline?) and good for Montana. We dodged that bullet. I-177 was defeated during the election.

Two Pictures To The Left: Jake Calloway of Superior, MT fills them tags. Buck and Bull tags filled...what's next Jake? I bet you are looking forward to cat season? Congrats Jake the family freezer is now full! I think Mom and Dad a petty proud parents. I think this young man had rather hunt than eat!

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LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED Pictured Left: Toby Walrath with a beautiful bull! Many don't know it but Toby is proudly and professionally representing you the Montana sportsman. He is very active in monitoring legislation and helping to fight the anti-trapping ban on public lands. Toby is an avid outdoorsman. Toby...thanks for all you do behind the scenes and your tireless efforts. Toby is an accomplished outdoor writer and is a true Montana sportsman. Thanks again Toby for all you do and congratulations! Pictured Right: Move over Toby...Lily Stinnett takes this buck down with a perfect heart shot! Tate you got some competition in your house. Way to go Lily...show them boys how it's done! Congrats and good shooting! Thanks for sharing Amy . Pictured Left: Jerry Berry of Libby, MT with a beautiful trout he caught from one of the high elevation lakes in the upper Yaak this summer. Still getting it done huh Jerry? Can't wait to hear your next hunting/fishing adventure. Jerry Berry will be joining our Pro Staff writing team starting in December...no pressure Jerry! Thanks for sharing!

Pictured Left: Jaden James with his first buck! Jaden put the heat on this buck from 200 yards away. Good shooting and congratulations Jaden! Jayden is the son of Casey Weeks. Chip off the old block huh Casey?

LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED Pictured Left: Jason Miller at age 10 with his first buck. Jason tagged this big boy opening day of Youth season. Jason have you been able to wash that smile off yet? Totally awesome Jay...good job! What a beautiful buck for your first one. Thanks for sharing Chris! Pictured Right: Jay Riddel and Caden Williams standing over a pile of elk meat. You may remember Jay and his little brother Trent put the smack down on a "Big" bull last year. This is Jay's second bull elk by the age of 12...with a bow! His Dad (Ben Riddel) was calling and Jay closed the deal...again. Caden and Jay tracked him down by themselves. Jay can I borrow your lucky horseshoe, mine is flat empty of luck so far this year! Good job Jay and congratulations. Thanks for sharing Dad and we look forward to seeing pictures of Trent's adventures this year! Pictured Left: Caleb Eberly with a "hoss" of a Shiras Moose he got north of Plains, MT. Caleb congratulations...that is one big boy! Thanks for sharing Chris!

Pictured Right: Steven Yoder of St. Ignatius, MT with a dandy speed goat (antelope). That's a nice looking rifle and apparently you are pretty good with it. Congratulations Steven! Thanks Chris for sharing!

Pictured Right: Ansen Hinck, age 5 with his first meat for the family. Congrats Ansen...man that is one big rabbit! You must be a one heck of shot with that gun of yours. Thanks Troy for sharing and thanks for getting that boy involved in our hunting heritage. Anyone out there got any good rabbit recipes they would like to share?