Montana Woods N Water October 2016 Print Edition

Publisher’s Notes

What’s Inside

Rifles should be sighted in, spot or spots picked for opening day, tags purchased, not to forget cat and Hunting 2 wolf tags. Don’t forget to check out your hunting Fishing 4 rig to make sure it is ready.

Trapping 5 Contest 7 If you are taking first time hunters out make sure Patriot 10 you are patient and supportive. They have a lot to Montana Dan 11 learn and they are looking to you for coaching and Next Gen/Local Celebs 12, 19, 33-35 encouragement. Stay legal, use good ethics and respect private property, your kids Sportsman’s Meditation 13 will emulate you and your actions in the future.

Outdoor News 14 Outdoor Politics 15 Wives and significant others are getting ready to be hunting widows. Word to the Heads Up 16 wise boys...you might want to take them shopping or out for a pre-season banquet Tony Rebo Unleashed 17 and flowers, it never hurts!

Outdoor Tech 24 Shooting Sports 25 Halloween is this month so be mindful of kids trick or treating. School is back in Mountain Memories 26 session so please watch for the kiddos and school buses.

Food For Thought 29 Congratulations to all those that have already harvested game, and caught some whoopers, we need those pictures...go ahead brag on yourself, we love to hear about your success in the field or on the water.

Election time is around the corner so get ready to vote against the trapping ban ballot initiative. If we lose this one...the predators will greatly affect our future hunting. Read all about it on page 5 and 15. Not to mention you just handed the anti’s a win and they will come after hunting next.

I want to wish the hunters and fisherman the best of luck this fall. Please be safe out there, have some fun, make some memories and share those pictures. ~Raf Viniard ~ Publisher

Thank You Advertisers!

Guest Writers This Month:

Tom Fieber , Page 5— Trapping Cover Photo By:

Note: Chuck Stranahan (Fly Fishing) will be with us next month.

Seen On Blog Only “Burned Out” www.montanawoodsnwater.com/Blog

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 of Libby, MT will be joining our Pro Staff Writing Team next month.

Editorial Policy:

Raf Viniard, Thompson River Drainage. The beauty of the fall is amazing...soak it up! Can you Montana Woods N Water (MWW) reserves the right to refuse to publish any form of see the elk in the picture? content that does not include the author’s Hint: Me neither but it sure was a pretty view while looking for one! name, complete mailing address, and/or valid phone number or e-mail address.

Anonymous submissions will not be To Contact Us: addressed or published. MWW reserves the Montana Woods N Water right not to publish anything we feel is not 171 Clark Creek Loop in good taste or appropriate. All content, Plains, Montana 59859 material and graphics designed by Montana 406-407-0612 Woods N Water are Email: raf@montanawoodsnwater.com

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HUNTING

Once was lost but now he’s found… By Raf Viniard Chris Borntreger of Plains, MT has had a great archery season. On 24 Sep he took his first elk with a bow and any bow hunter knows the challenges in making that happen, especially an elk.

After putting the stalk on his first elk and letting the arrow fly he knew he had hit the bull elk but was not sure of how lethal of a hit it was.

Chris felt the shoot may have been a little far back. He followed up his shot and started tracking the bull and sure enough the elk jumped up and took off. Chris backed off for a few hours to give the animal time to lay down and expire.

He waited on someone to help him find it later that day.

As they were scouting they found a pile of elk entrails next to a road and the assumption was that someone had found it before him. He was devastated to say the least. He called the local game warden to see if anyone reported it.

The word soon spread of his loss and hopes that someone would know something about it. Sure enough some “Good Samaritans” aka Dan and Roxanne Ryan were out riding horses and came upon a killed bull elk with the arrow still in him. Hearing of Chris’s loss the Ryan’s contacted Chris and they arranged a meeting to go and checkout this bull. Chris wanted to compare the arrow against his. Sure enough over a mile and half away from where Chris shot the bull.

Chris said, “I was shocked, sadden and excited at the same time.” I was shocked that the gut pile I found earlier wasn’t mine, Sadden that the meat went to waste and excited I was able to tag my first bull.” Continued on page 6.

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FISHING

Salmon Eve By Raf Viniard As I departed the Venture Inn at about 11:15PM on 14 September 2016 my destination was Troy, MT to see if this rumor I heard about fishermen lining up at 12:01 to drop a weighted treble hook into the water to catch the spawning Kokanee salmon that filled the rivers and it tributaries in Lincoln County, MT. Libby traffic lights flashed yellow as far as the eye could see. It was a perfect setting to a small town USA portrait. I saw one car from Libby to Troy; was my information wrong? Not even a deer stirred along the highway.

As I approached the parking area and a small one at that, cars were parked under the full moon lit night. I stepped out of the Jeep and the cool September night air reminded me to grab a jacket. I gathered my camera, note book, backpack and off I went down the gravel road. I could see flashlights whipping back and forth through the darkness. The closer I got to the coveted fishing hole I could hear the water rushing down the creek.

As I approached I could see there was some apprehension as I was the only one NOT carrying a fishing pole. It would be my turn in the morning but for this night I was on a mission to meet and interview some of these hard core salmon snaggers. When I first walked up it was pretty quiet and I was getting the eye. Who was this guy dressed in camo with only a notebook. No one said it but I could tell they thought I was “The Man”...you know Mr. Game Warden. It was 11:55 and not a hook was in the water. The poles, lights and buckets were setting ready.

After an introduction to some of the fisherman and ladies the mood lightened...for they just found out they were about to be celebrities.

The conversation went from who all was packing heat to watching their phones click over to 12:00:01. Someone shouted “Get ‘em in the water” and hooks away was the theme.

The red colored salmon were plenty and the water was rushing by. One after another each angler tried their hand eye coordination to snag the red fish just trying to get up stream to spawn. The occasional cuss word would fly when they missed or got snagged on a rock that lay patiently waiting to devoured hundreds of dollars of weighted hooks presented by the anglers above.

So where did this rumor originate...well earlier in the evening I dropped by both Troy and the Kootenai Falls to see if the fish were stacked up and ready for the taking.

My first stop was Troy where I met Brandon, Jennifer and Rick Evans of Troy, MT trying their luck with the time proven fishing worm and a hook method before the snagging season started. They were having a jolly old time and landing some nice salmon. Brandon accidentally snagged one but released it since it was illegal to snag a salmon at that time. Next I was off to the falls...continued on pg. __

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TRAPPING

What is right about I-177

By Tom Fieber

I’ve been an avid outdoorsman for more than 40 years; a hunter, fisherman, trapper and conservationist. I am proud of the work that likeminded folks have accomplished for wildlife and wildlife habitat. But I am saddened too that today I see so many of those accomplishments beginning to crumble; to be weakened and pulled apart by a small, misguided and misinformed sector of our society.

Today, the very folks whose efforts – time, sweat and money -- have protected and improved wildlife and habitat for decades – are being cast by this minority as the problem. It needs to stop. Good people who care about the future of wildlife in our state and country – who have taken a proud role protecting wildlife – deserve better.

The North American Model for Wildlife Conservation is widely known to be the most successful program of its kind in the world. The model has two basic principles – that our fish and wildlife belong to all Americans, and that they need to be managed in a way that their populations will be sustained forever. These principles along with the proper application of the Endangered Species Act has provided habitat improvements that have benefited many other species as well while ensuring that the land could be managed effectively for multiple uses. The science behind these successes was due to extensive studies by many biologists and wildlife officials.

This effort was brought forward and funded by sportsmen and sportswomen, not by extreme animal protection groups. In the mid 1800s, it was sportsmen, hunters, trappers and fishermen who recognized the declining populations of wildlife and fish. They stepped up, formed conservation groups, recruited political support, raised funds and passed legislation. To this day the vast majority of the money raised in support of wildlife and habitat is by the sportsmen who hunt, fish and trap.

Unfortunately, instead of being a tool to effectively manage our resources for future generations, wildlife conservation has been hijacked by special interest groups with no interest in science or biology. They believe, wrongly, that we ought to manage wildlife based on public opinion, not on sound science. Now there is an effort by a small sector to ban certain wildlife management tools, such as trapping. They believe, wrongly again, that nature will just balance itself. They attempt to paint those who hunt and trap as irresponsible and callous. They have gotten on the ballot to restrict or ban legal activities that they simply don’t like. And they consistently and constantly attempt to mislead the public.

Trapping is recognized not just by wildlife agencies but by leading wildlife organizations as valued and necessary tool. The Wildlife Society, North America’s leading association of wildlife scientists, calls regulated trapping a “safe, efficient and practical means of capturing individual animals without impairing the survival of furbearer populations or damaging the environment.”

Continued on page 9.

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HUNTING CONTINUED Chris hated that the story he had told about someone finding his elk was not true. He apologizes for assuming someone took his elk and wants to thank everyone for caring. But he thanks God for the memories and honest people in our wonderful community.

So as hunters what lessons can we take away from Chris’s adventure? There will be many opinions but every situation is different. Judge not, least ye be judged. If you find an animal that appears to have been lost by another hunter that YOU did not kill there are some things you need to do.

If the animal is freshly killed holler out to see if anyone is around looking for it and let them know where it is laying.

Call your local game warden and alert them as to its location and ask for further guidance before moving the animal.

If the weather is where the meat could spoil skin it out being careful to preserve the cape and antlers if applicable. It may be a kids first animal. As for the meat, a family may depend on it for food this winter. Get it to a freezer, refrigerator or cooled down as quickly as possible. Spread the word in your community via local hangouts, Facebook, etc. as to your find. If no one claims it again talk to your game warden about the next course of action. If you are caught with this animal and it does not have a tag on it, you are placing the Gamewarden in a position to ticket you and investigate you and the incident. Just make the call first before doing anything to cover yourself.

If you hunt long enough you will lose a game animal. It just happens. Just like if you drive long enough you will have an accident.

If someone finds your animal and has gone to the trouble of getting it out and spreading the word, offer to share some meat or a payment for their troubles. Divided we fall, united we stand. Outdoorsmen are a brother and sister hood...watch out for each other and help each other. Chris wanted me to pass on to all you hunters, “Have fun getting yours and he hopes it isn’t the roller coaster he had. Good luck this hunting season!”

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CONTEST

Bed Contest Winner Bruce Paulsen, Plains, MT

His Winning Entry: Having spent the past thirty years in Alaska enjoying the great outdoors while hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, boating and hiking, I am enjoying these same pursuits in western Montana as a recent transplant to the community of Plains. I love to read Montana Woods 'N Water for a number of reasons that are important in my personal life.

Montana Woods N Water focuses on down-to-earth rural people living and enjoying the rural lifestyle. Not only does the magazine promote western Montana and provide informative and entertaining articles concerning all the outdoor activities and opportunities the region has to offer, but the writing styles have a common, strong undercurrent of the values of the people who call this area home. Love for God, love for our great country, strong family values, mentoring our children, community spirit, belief in our Second Amendment rights, being politically informed and involved, fighting for the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy, and a willingness to help both our neighbors and strangers alike are some of these values that come to mind.

Montana Woods N Water embodies all of the good life that can be experienced in the Treasure State.

Montana Woods N Water wants to thank George Nass of Baldy Mountain Log Furniture and Mike & Kristin Maxwell of New Life Carving for their support and donation of time and materials in making this contest possible.

Congratulations Bruce on your win! We also want to thank all those that entered the contest.

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Missoula, MT / March 10-12 (Reserve Booth Space Now) 8

TRAPPING CONTINUED The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies states that “contrary to public perception, trapping is good for conservation and sustaining wildlife health and diversity. Regulated trapping is an important way for biologists to collect data about wildlife including information about wildlife diseases like rabies that can also affect people.”

Attempting to ban trapping on public lands under the notion that a ban is “good” for wildlife is simply wrong and goes against all the science available. Montana is lucky in that we have a strong wildlife agency that regulates and manages trapping activities, and we have trappers here who honor and respect the animals and their habitat, and are active in ensuring their long-term sustainability. Trappers work with the wildlife agencies to monitor animal populations and to police the industry.

I know there are those who despise the idea of taking an animal for any purpose. It is, however, unrealistic. Those who spend time outdoors learn that the circle of life is real, present and not always pretty. But it is always necessary. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are part of our Montana conservation heritage and hunters, fisherman and trappers are at the forefront of efforts to ensure we have sustainable wildlife populations. More than anything else, sportsmen care about conservation and ensuring our precious wildlife resources will be as healthy and vibrant as we found it. I hope that understanding what the history of conservation has accomplished and how it has failed will give us common sense over emotions to shape our future. *Tom Fieber lives in Polson, MT and is a lifelong hunter, trapper and fisherman. He is a member of The Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Montana Trappers Association, Mission Valley Archers, Mission Valley Shooting Club, and a Hunter Education Instructor for Lake County.

Ricky A Brossman Jr with some “Rug Steak” as he puts it.

Beautiful bear Ricky...love the white patch!

Congrats Ricky!

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PATRIOT

The roll of churches in the freedom of our country…

By Robert Pierson The freedom movement that ended up creating our country, The United States of America, began when the first Bible, printed in English, appeared back in the 1384. Until that time the Bible was only written in languages that were unreadable by anyone not of the clergy. As a few illegal, hand written, translations of the Bible were distributed, the common folk began to see what the Bible truly said. These were banned by the Monarchs, and the penalty of distributing them was death. Dissidents continued to publish them underground, however, and it eventually led to the Pilgrims leaving Europe, and sailing to the New World, where there was no government close at hand to try to control them. The first known English translation of the Bible came with the Pilgrims and Capt. John Smith. It was a copy of the Geneva Bible, first printed in Geneva, Switzerland. The Geneva Bible was a translation done by reformers John Knox and John Calvin. The complete Geneva Bible was first printed, (by this time they had printing presses) in 1560, by underground printers who were taking their lives in hand. It contained marginal commentaries on the scriptures from many well known reformers. It was popular amongst people who objected to corruption in both church and state, and is still in print today. The Bible was the source for most of the laws making up our Constitution.

So where does the church fit into this today? What role did the church play in the founding and what about this 'separation of church and state'?

Let's start with the 'separation of church and state', a phrase that does not exist in the U.S. Constitution. It is an idea first voiced by reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin and expressed by Thomas Jefferson in a response to the Danbury Baptist Association on January 1, 1802, in support of the First Amendment. The First Amendment prevents the government from starting and /or controlling any religion, amongst other things, such as freedom of exercising your religion, freedom of speech, of the press, the freedom to assemble and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. It has nothing to do with preventing public expressions of religion or keeping prayers out of public meetings or schools.

What roll did the Church play in the founding of our great Nation? In reality it played a vital role in the years leading up to the revolution.

The Church spoke powerfully about liberty, freedom, the role of government, personal responsibility and morals, all based on Biblical principles. This conversation is not heard often from the pulpit in today's world, unfortunately. Many pastors have now taken a non-Biblical stance mistakenly supporting Socialism as a Biblical form of government, when a Republican form is clearly outlined in Ex 18:21 and Deut 1:15-16. The pulpit can provide clarity of purpose for our country if a few pastors would step outside the box of soft soap sermons, and preach morality, Biblical government, family, personal responsibility and the Ten Commandments. In the beginning, they might lose a few parishioners, but I believe in a short time, people who hunger for spiritual leadership would start showing up to hear what needs to be said.

Kelly Crabb aka “Momma” gets her buck, with a bow. Looks like a family tradition from what I am seeing! Congrats Kelly...keep filling the freezer!

Kevin Friedman coowner of Spirit Quest Archery, Kalispell, MT with a dandy antelope.

Alright Kim it is your turn to be a celebrity!

Congrats Kevin!

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MONTANA DAN

Playing hooky for some Chinooky by Dan Helterline

Ryan Spiekermeier enjoying the sunrise over the “Punch Bowl”

Fall is finally here and with it the plethora of outdoor pursuits that we are blessed to have at our rod tips and here in the great Northwest. Fall is when one of the many salmon runs make their migration up the Columbia river to spawn. The last several September's I have been making the trip to the Priest Rapids and Hanford Reach sections on the Columbia to pursue some of the Chinook salmon that spawn in this free flowing portion of the river. There is getting to be a good sized group of Sanders County regulars that rendezvous at the end of September near the small central Washington town of Desert Aire.

My daughter is now eleven and she informed me that sixth grade is substantially harder than fifth grade and she couldn't afford to miss more than one or two days to accompany me on our annual salmon trip. With that in mind I loaded the truck, hooked up the boat and headed

west to our favorite Salomon spot on the mighty Columbia.

I was hearing predictions that this year's run was going to be less epic than the past several seasons so I was mentally prepared for some tougher fishing. I managed to save a good mess of Albacore bellies from my tuna trip to Westport in July and Ryan Spiekermeier helped me trim and get them marinating in a secret sauce before we vacuum sealed and froze the bags in anticipation of our annual salmon expedition. When trimming up the tuna bellies I was amazed at the oil content that they had, they were easily the greasiest fish I had ever dealt with. We were both confident this new bait was going to give us the competitive edge needed to land our lion's share of Chinooks.

One of my smokejumper buddies from Grangeville was going to meet me in Desert Aire with his daughter to fish with us for several days, Alexis was glad to hear Molly was coming with her Dad, she would have someone other than a couple of crusty old smokejumpers to entertain her while we fished.

The nice thing about fishing near Desert Aire is the weather is usually very pleasant, with the exception of sometimes being windy it is typically Indian Summer conditions, nice warm days and cool nights. On the first morning we launched above the Vernita bridge on Highway 240 and headed down river. The sun was just coming up over the white chalk cliffs above the “punch bowl” when we pulled in to my favorite stretch of river and excitingly started to deploy our salmon trolling gear.

The first day was slow for our boat and we failed to land any salmon and like I tell everyone the fishing was great but the catching was a little slow. Ryan and Jay did pretty well on the other hand and were able to land three.

The next day was more of the same, a lot of trolling but not a lot of catching, Mike did have a nice fish on in the evening but it came unbuttoned midway through the battle. That is always heartbreaking when the fishing is slow, finally hooking one only to have it get away near the boat!

On the third night we finally caught a break and Alexis was able to fight and land our first salmon of the trip. Not exactly the fast paced action we had experienced the previous two falls but I guess that's why they call it fishing and not catching, right? It was finally time to head home and get Alexis back to school but I left my boat with Ryan and as soon as I can finish this article I'm loading up and heading back for one last attempt at catching some mighty Columbia River Chinooks.

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LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION Pictured Right: Mike Gergen with his first bull at 32 yards. Way to go Mike!

Elk steak this winter! Good job and congratulations!

Pictured Below Center: Jerry Berry of Libby, MT out with his grandson Blake bear hunting. Grandpa is teaching him early about making that sandwich taste special! Thanks Jerry for passing it on!

Pictured Left: Isaiah Joner decided since the elk weren’t bugling he might as well bag a couple of turkeys. Thanksgiving is going to be good around your house this November. Good job Isaiah.

More pics on page 19.

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SPORTSMAN’S MEDITATION

Glass Heart

By Pastor Jim Sinclair The other day, during the late afternoon, I came home sat down, turned on the T.V. to catch up on some of the recent news only to find both presidential candidates going at it. Well that’s enough of that, I told my lovely wife, let’s go for a drive, let’s go look for some game.

Pastor Jim Sinclair

We jumped in the truck swung by and picked up my grandson Bud and headed out. What an evening we had, we scanned twelve bucks, fifty deer total, two cow elk and had a wonderful time. We did discover that it can be difficult to get three pair of binoculars out the same window, but we managed.

One of the things that stood out to me on our adventure was the ORDINARY ten year old saddled up next to us. He was loving the moment, the only thing on his mind was seeing another buck, what we’re having for dinner and was it going to be Pizza, oh and, “Can I stay up an extra half hour before I have to go to bed.”

I love the simple heart of childhood, when we think of our adult world ORDINARY can be good, I like to be ORDINARY, and simple, I will never fly around on jets and manage millions, (or mismanage). It’s the attitude of the heart that matters. It reminds me of a story in scripture, that’s found in, 1st Samuel 16:5-13 5 "Yes," Samuel replied. "I have come to sacrifice to the L ord. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too.

6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Surely this is the Lord's anointed!"

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

8 Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "This is not the one the Lord has chosen." 9 Next Jesse summoned Shimea, but Samuel said, "Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen." 10 In the same way all seven of Jesse's sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." 11 Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats." "Send for him at once," Samuel said. "We will not sit down to eat until he arrives."

12 So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, "This is the one; anoint him."

13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. (NLTse) The prophet Samuel was instructed to choose the next king of Israel. He was to choose one of Jesse’s son’s. After all seven of his sons passed before him, God rejected them all. That’s when he called the ORDINARY, the youngest son, the shepherd boy named David. We must remember it’s not always the oldest or the strongest, or the one with the status, wealth or riches.

People judge by outward appearance but God looks at the heart. When others see a shepherd boy God may see a King. And that day David was anointed a King.

We must always remember it is what’s in our heart that matters. God looks into our heart like us looking through a good set binoculars, the better the glass the clearer the image on both ends. Nothing is hidden from his view.

By the way, the pizza was great and so was the extra time with my grandson Bud and my lovely wife. Keep livin the life. Pastor Jim

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OUTDOOR NEWS

Bass Pro Acquires Cabela’s in 5.5 Billion Dollar Deal

By Raf Viniard Being from the south, Bass Pro was our Cabela’s when it came to hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. Cabela’s has been in business since 1961...for me personally a good year, so that means Cabela’s has been serving outdoorsmen around the world for 55 years. The rumor mill had it that Bass Pro was looking into buying out Cabela's. Well it looks like that is no longer a rumor according to Fox Business News. Bass Pro has been in business since 1971 and is no stranger to serving the outdoor enthusiast.

Cabela’s has agreed to be bought out by Bass Pro Shops. Bass Pro is based out of Springfield, MO. This deal will double Bass Pro’s store count across North America. This buy out will allow Bass Pro to own 184 stores across the U.S. and Canada.

Cabela’s credit card business ‘World’s Foremost Bank” is to be sold to Capital One Financial Corp.. Capital One will have a 10 year partnership with Bass Pro to issue credit cards to Cabela’s customers. Bass Pro will remain a private company and CEO Johnny Morris will continue as the CEO. As a consumer of outdoor products and gear I love Bass Pro’s six month pay for those big ticket items such as scopes, electronics, such as tracking collars, etc. In store pickup was not available in Montana. However it looks like that is about to change. If we hear any more on this story we will report it in upcoming issues or Facebook.

Thanks Cabela's for all the support and donations you have shown sportsmen organizations, veterans and local charitable events over the years. Bass Pro has some big shoes to fill and I am sure they will more than step up to the challenge as they have in the past. Bass Pro also contributes largely to sportsmen’s groups , charities, and is a viable partner in any community they serve. Welcome to Montana Bass Pro!

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OUTDOOR POLITICS

Election 2016

By Raf Viniard Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent or whatever flavor you align yourself with, America is at a crossroads with this election. We are over 20 Trillion in debt, our military has been gutted, the Constitution has been trampled and stomped on. Wars and rumors of war are no main stream media chatter. The values and traditions of our founding fathers is fading and fading fast. The freedoms you once enjoyed is slipping away everyday thanks to some career self serving politicians, greedy corporations and the list goes on.

There are some folks out there that don’t even have enough respect to stand, place their hand over their heart during the playing of the National Anthem anymore. If you are going to get on your knee or sit on your butt (physical disabilities excluded) during the National Anthem it better be to pray for this country and your kids future, not in protest to those values and beliefs in which America was founded. Especially if this country has afforded you the opportunity to make millions of dollars moving a pigskin up and down the pasture (football).

It breaks my heart to see this country divided and torn apart. The Rule of Law and Christianity is at its all time low in America. When your elected officials are above the law and have contempt for those that put them in public office it isn’t long until society breaks down as we are witnessing everyday on the news and in our communities.

Our cell phones, TVs and other distractors has allowed us to sleepwalk through the changes that have occurred over the years across America. God has been kicked out of all levels of government, our schools, local events, etc. and even our churches are under attack or under the control of the government today. Our currency isn’t worth the paper it is written on but we still have in “In God We Trust” on it.

Do we really trust in God as a nation anymore? Obviously not...he is not allowed in our Government. Lady Liberty is leaning way to far to the left for this old country boy. Every great nation in history has fallen, some have recovered and some did not. What is America’s future?

We the people and only God’s grace will determine America’s future.

It seems there is this attitude among many Americans and illegal immigrants that “I am going to get my share of the government pie while I can and why not...everyone else is doing it!” Well folks this pie is filled with rotten apples. The more you lean on the government and eat from the government trough the more they can take away and control your life. If you eat rotten apples you are going to get a bellyache no matter how pretty that pie looks on the outside. Working class people are getting tired of working and working and never getting ahead while others play all day and live a life of leisure. As our population ages and the baby boomers retire there are going to be less paying into the system and that will lead to problems within itself.

I was raised that hard work , respect, honesty and love of God, family and country would send you into your “Golden Years” proud and life accomplished. Is that American dream gone? Has laziness and apathy swept our country? When we make a mistake or fall we admit it, pick our selves up, dust off the past and go at it again...you should never give up.

I have heard many say it doesn’t matter if I vote or not it is already decided or it is rigged...maybe you are right, but stand up for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A many patriots have given their life so you have the right to vote. At least vote to honor those that laid down their life for your way of life and our kids future. If your vote doesn’t work and right this country, then a day of reckoning will come for those that have destroyed this country...but you did your part as a God fearing citizen/patriot. This land is our land and the Constitutions is our foundation.

“If you don’t vote then don’t whine about how bad things are going...you were/are part of the problem not part of the solution.”

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HEADS UP

Firearms Loss

By Raf Viniard

For a total loss such as a fire you may have enough coverage (renters/homeowners) to cover any destroyed firearms because of the amount of coverage you may have on your home and its contents. However, if your firearms are stolen, water damaged, smoke damaged, etc. your coverage may not be sufficient to cover their loss.

I stopped in and talked with Tiffani Weatherly at Farmers Insurance in Plains, MT about this issue. Most policies regardless of carrier may only insure up to $1000 to $2500 for firearms, jewelry, furs, etc. from loss. With the price of firearms nowadays and especially a custom firearm you may not have sufficient coverage for your firearm or firearms.

Don’t forget your deductible also kicks in for a claim. Say you have a $1000.00 deductible and your firearm cost $900.00 your deductible will kick in and you will be out the entire $900.00 to replace it. Lets take this down to a small value such as a pistol valued at $300.00 and you have a $500.00 deductible. Same still applies your deductible is greater than your loss. Now, let’s say you have $5000.00 worth of firearms and they are stolen. You have a $1000.00 deductible. After your deductible your insurance may only pay you up to your cap of $1000 $2500. In this case you could be out several thousand dollars to replace them. Some firearms are heirlooms and have sentimental value and can never be replaced if lost or stolen.

So how do you make sure your firearms are insured for enough to replace them. Contact your insurance carrier or Tiffani if you have any questions. In most cases you can get a special rider (Personal Article Flider) to cover all your firearms, paintings and expensive jewelry.

Obviously your rates will increase with the new expanded coverage but can you afford not to?

Now what about ammunition or reloading supplies? Neither is cheap to replace up to your limits. They will be covered up to your cap minus any deductibles.

Attention Hunters/RV Owners: Get those ATV’s, Quads and RVs insured from loss, theft or damage.

At a minimum make sure you have all your serial numbers written down in a safe place so if they are stolen...they might pop up.

Other Insurance Considerations ◊ Insure those children while they are young. It is very cheap and they can carry it with them for the rest of their life. ◊ Make sure any items you have in a storage unit are adequately insured. ◊ Do a fall check of your home to make sure it is ready for winter, snow, ice, wind, cold weather, gutters, etc. to prevent future claims. ◊ Make sure you have sufficient coverage for the contents in your home and to replace it. ◊ Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving conditions and adequate coverage is in place for animal collisions. ◊ Spouses make sure you have adequate life/accident coverage on each other in the event of a death. Especially if only one person is the sole bread winner. This can be difficult if either of you have pre-existing conditions, so check with your local agent to learn more. ◊ If you have renters make sure you have insurance specifically to cover your loss of property, especially if you have a woods stove.

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TONY REBO UNLEASHED

A tribute to a one of a kind….by Tony Rebo Each spring/early summer my father-in-law would have his Aunt Betty and Uncle Dick visit from the west coast. The two of them loved Montana and even though they were in their late 70’s they enjoyed to get out and live the dream. An annual fishing trip between my father-in-law Bruce, and Dick was always in their plans while they visited. Bruce and Dick would drag out the 14 foot aluminum boat with a 5hp Honda motor and head to the reservoir for a day of catching salmon. At this point in Bruce’s life about the only time he went fishing was when his uncle came to visit, so it was always an exciting time.

Pre 911 fishermen were permitted to fish directly behind the dam and some of the best salmon could be caught just feet from the giant concrete structure. In the center of the reservoir was a giant floating steel ball that was anchored by three giant cables, two were secured to the dam and the third to the bottom of the reservoir which is over 300 feet deep. This giant steel ball was positioned directly behind the turbines so that boats could not enter the area where water was being drawn from that feeds the majestic Kootenai River.

Dick and Betty had arrived in Libby just like every year and of course a planned fishing trip was a top priority. This year since the two old timers were getting up in age their wives thought it would be a good idea if I joined the pair and made sure nothing happened to them.

Have you ever heard the comment about the blind leading the blind? How could I keep two grown men in their golden years out of trouble?

I thought I was there to help guide them in catching fish, I thought my expertise was needed so that when they returned home they would provide supper. I must have been delusional.

I soon found my spot amongst these two men. I was Gilligan on a sinking vessel. I was also the pack mule, the water boy, the guy that fetches the pickup and the fish cleaner all rolled up into one. Once the boat was launched I was positioned between the two in the boat.

Dick was in the front and Bruce in the back running the little Honda motor. I started to explain to my two clients what they should use to catch salmon in which both of them totally ignored me. My role was to sit in the middle stay quiet and only speak when spoken to. Wow I didn’t really expect this to be that difficult. Bruce had his course all planned out and he headed right to the back of the dam where he planned to troll as close as he could to the very large concrete object. The two of them were using some crazy lure that Dick had brought from the coast which he claimed to catch ocean salmon on. Each lure was baited with maggots which I placed on the hooks. I soon found out that sitting in the middle had a purpose. Our first pass was very uneventful and produced no bites or fish. I suggested that they try my gear to which Dick replied “Did you say something”? “Pour me some more coffee”.

Not only was the blind leading the blind but neither of these two old coots could hear as well, and I soon found myself having to pass on their conversation to one another. Bruce would make a comment, to which Dick would reply “What did he say?”, only to have myself repeat it to Dick. This went on for the next pass behind the dam. On our third pass and me having to pass on each word to the other I was soon tired of this arrangement and thought I might have some fun. Bruce steered the boat just a little too close to the big steel ball and his lure got caught on the cable. First Bruce yelled fish on and somehow managed to real the ball in for a few feet only to have his line go tight and lie still. Dick yelled out “Bruce you’re caught on the cable”. Bruce asked me “What did he say”. I replied “Dick said your un-stable”. Now this seemed funny at the time as I was sick of being the translator and thought I should make the best of this.

Bruce had a puzzled look on his face and was silent for a moment and then responded “I might be unstable, but I could still throw you from the boat”. Dick asked, “What did he say? I responded with “Bruce said shut up you old goat”. Dick responded with “What has gotten into him”? Which I translated into “Bruce, Dick said you haven’t got it in you and you need to go to the gym”. Which Bruce responded “What has gotten into him”? Which I translated into “Dick, Bruce said he can’t believe that his Aunt married you”. Finally golden silence…..

Continued on page 28.

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Dan

Sam

Andy

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LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION CONTINUED Pictured Left: Jay Von Heeder of Plains, MT has that bow and string thing figured out. Way to go Jay a bear and a buck all before rifle season.

Congrats Jay!

Pictured Above Right: Ryan Spiekermeier and Jerry Benson with a 9 foot sturgeon caught in the punch bowl on salmon gear and 18 lb test line. Three of them ( Charlotte Benson taking pics) took turns fighting it for four hours before landing it for photos. That's what I call Cowboyn Up! Picture and caption provided by Dan Helterline

Dan Helterline of Plains, MT. Dan I would throw them little things back and let him grow. Congrats Dan...looks like that retirement thing is working out pretty good for ya...huh?

Baby Jaxen Ames, grandson of Brenda & Tony Rebo with his copy of Montana Woods N Water. Jaxen we want to hear the stories about the silly stuff Grandpa Rebo does when you get older! Photo by Ashley Shaw

Go to page 33 to see more pics!

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FISHING CONTINUED I was losing daylight fast so it was a quick hike down the hill and as I scanned one hole after another it was full of red fish (Salmon). I glanced down the river and saw a gentlemen and his two kids fishing. Up the rocks and back down I went. There I found the Gonzales family of Libby, MT and Gizmo the family dog trying their luck at catching some supper. Keira pictured left had already caught her supper. After a brief conversation with Dustin (Dad) and him sharing with me his favorite fly that he personally ties, it was picture time. Hunter (with green backpack) tried to keep Gizmo under control while we took a family picture and then they were off and headed home. Funny thing as I approached Dustin he asked me was I the Gamewarden...do I have that look or what?

After the family left I just stood there and took in the beauty of the river and the mountains. The sound of the falls and its beauty was just mesmerizing. I was truly “Living The Dream”. I thanked God for the beauty my eyes beheld and it was time to head home. As I headed out I met this gentleman taking pictures of the falls. I thought my southern accent was out of place here in Montana but this guys was from across the pond and I mean the big pond. I took his phone and snapped some pictures of him with the falls in the background and we were both off to our vehicles.

So in short between the Evans and Gonzales family I was warned it would get crazy at 12:01 midnight with anglers. So that is how I learned of the fishing frenzy that was to take place a few hours later. Now back to more salmon fishing celebrity action…

I was watching the snagging action when I heard this squeal of excitement. Mitch Walters and Dewi Liau of Troy, MT was landing the first snagged fish of the night. If more folks got excited about catching a fish as Dewi did the whole world would be smiling. She was having a blast. She made everyone feel young again with her excitement. That smile on Mitch’s face tells how much fun he was having.

Calvin and Dale Williams of Plains, MT was ready for a cold Montana night...I looked down and they had a little wagon with a heater in it. I think they had planned on spending a few hours there. Poor Dale...he seem to be hung up about every 3 minutes but he stayed with it.

He refused to give up. Continued on page 21.

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FISHING CONTINUED Steve Shuey of Libby was a little busy dealing with a snag up when I took this picture. Some of you may remember Paul Welcome (pictured below) of Troy was in last years Salmon article. He was at it again this year.

As much as I wanted to see the outcome...it was already almost 1:00AM and I had a vision of my own for early morning snagging. Back to the Libby Venture Inn I headed for a few winks of sleep. I threw down a Twinkie and bottle of milk and hit the bed.

The alarm went off at 4:30 and I dragged my sleepy butt into the fresh cool mountain air and headed to the falls the next morning.

Luckily there was only a few guys there so I nestled into a spot and waited for daylight. I snagged a few before daylight with just my headlamp. I was doing a lot better than last year...the bucket was starting to fill. I kept losing count and would have to dump them out and recount every so often. I had my buddy George, his daughter Marissa, his son Brandt and a buddy of his (Bill Hunter) from Pennsylvania coming up to join me. By 8:00AM I was within two of my limit of 20. Life was good. I watched the gravel bar fill up with anglers.

Everyone’s technique was a little different. Flagging tape was tied to some treble hooks and others had brightly colored yarn and some just used the naked hook and slung it out there and prayed., as “Wolf” of Troy put it “I call it a Hail Mary cast.” Continued on page 22

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FISHING CONTINUED After I got George and his crew settled in, it wasn’t long until they went to work on their limits. Other anglers buckets were filling fast and some were running out of hooks and sending their wives back to the Libby Sports Center for more. Everyone was having fun but I needed to hit the road. Below fishing photos taken by George Nass.

I still had to go to the Libby Range and get my rifle sighted in for opening day of Bear season which was also the opening day of snagging season...decisions, decisions, decisions. There I ran into Rick Deshazer of Libby, Josh Baltz, Mike Bentley and Bob Cyr of Libby all doing a little shooting. The conversations were most enjoyable...nothing like the smell of burnt gun powder early in the morning and chewing the fat with the locals. I want to thank all the folks I met at both the local fishing holes and the range...they were so giving

of their time and I truly enjoyed their sharing of stories and adventures...and no I am not the local Gamewarden.

From there I was off to work to finish delivering the September issue. I love my job...I get to mix a little play in with work and meet some of the best people in the world. I love Montana!

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Note: If you don’t want to cut your publication up you can take MWNW with you to the voting booth as a reference.

Darby’s fish!

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OUTDOOR TECH

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SHOOTING SPORTS

Thompson Falls Trap Club Junior Trap Shooters Program Fundraiser Tickets were sold to raise money for the Junior Trap Shooter Program.

Don Cole of Fresno, CA won a Mossberg 270 rifle with scope. Pictured left is Digger Powell presenting Ed Noll of Thompson Falls who is Don’s Brother-In-Law. Now Ed, make sure that rifle gets to Don! Second place winner received $100.00 which went to Steve Ingersoll of Lake Tahoe, CA, a visiting firefighter during our local fire last month.

Don Lake of Thompson Falls, MT won the third place prize of $50.00.

Congrats to all winners.

This fundraiser is to help raise funds for the Junior Trap Shooters Program. The money helps subsidize shooting, ammo and targets for 11-18 year olds. The program allows the next generation to learn things like, Firearms Safety, Fundamentals of Shooting, Sportsmanship, Teamwork and Responsibility just to name a few.

Digger stated, “For the third year in a row I have been honored to present the winning prize for the Thompson Falls Trap Club’s Junior Trapshooting Rifle Raffle. The above mentioned winners I congratulate and thank them for their participation. I would also like to thank all our members who worked hard to sell all the tickets. The drawing was set to be in November but we sold all the tickets by Labor Day so we drew early.

A very special Thank You goes out to all the people of Sanders county, Stillwater County, the visitors of the Huckleberry Festival and all the others who purchased tickets in support of our junior shooting program. Without you we would not be able to make this happen.”

Whitefish Credit Union, First Security, Hamlet 69 Inc. and Thompson Falls Trap Club are all sponsors of club and this fundraising event. If you would like to talk to Digger about your young man or lady joining the team call Digger at 406-847-0080 Cliff Farrier 406-827-9889.

Click Here For Virtual Tour

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MOUNTAIN MEMORIES

Be Still & Listen

by Carol Cady

Well, its that time of year again. Hunting season and with it brings mystic anticipation.

As a young girl I always felt it was similar to Christmas because of the anticipation. It brings to mind an excursion in the woods with my Dad. We had gone up on Horse Mountain to hunt deer. We had seen some Whitetails and some Muleys and he explained the difference between the two of them. I was about 12 years old at the time and was always asking questions. We were hiking through the woods and saw a deer which he immediately said we weren’t going to shoot as he wanted to show me something. So, we proceeded up the mountain. Finally, I asked Dad “Where are we going? He answered, “Just be patient and keep hiking”. So, as I scrambled up the mountain behind my Dad, you can only imagine what I was thinking…”what is he going to show me in the woods that warranted this much secrecy!” But, being the dutiful daughter that I was, I tried not to ask anymore questions.

As we reached the top of the ridge Dad started down the other side. Well, I may have been young, but I had done enough hiking to know that generally speaking if you go over and down a ridge...you will have to come back up, when all of a sudden he sat down on a log.

I went over and sat down beside him. And then I started to pepper him with questions again. He replied, “Be still and listen.”. So, that is what I did. It seemed like an eternity to me, but in reality, it was only a few minutes when an Elk bulged. Then another, and another and another! It echoed up and down the valley. It was so loud that it gave you “goose-bumps”. What a beautiful sound!! We were not bugling, so thinking back, my Dad must have just known where to go from previous trips. I have heard Elk bugle many times since, but that was my first and I will never forget it.

After sitting there quietly for some time we started back down the mountain when I spotted a couple of Blue Grouse. Dad let me shoot them...and here is where I brag, I shot both birds with head shots with my 30.06. Yep, its hunting season again and about the only thing that has changed is my age and that alone tells the story!

Ledger Fortner does it again!

Ledger with his first Chinnok Salmon. I bet that got heavy Ledger holding that big thing up! Congratulations Ledger!!!!!!!!!

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TONY REBO UNLEASHED CONTINUED We cut Bruce’s line free from the cable and we started to make another pass behind the dam. My two companions were now sitting in silence, angry at the other over the mean things that they thought that they had said. The bad thing about getting up in age is that your bladder seams to shrink, and after drinking coffee all morning Dick was needing to unload some of that coffee. Dick stood in the front of the boat positioning himself so that he would not sprinkle on himself or anyone else. Bruce was busy letting out line so he wasn’t paying much attention to Dick or where he was going. Dick didn’t say it very loud, but I swear I heard him say “Bruce you’re going to run into the dam”.

Now I was trying to be witty and translate something funny back to Bruce when I realized that indeed we were awfully close to the dam and heading right at it in a hurry. So I thought on this one occasion that I might not change the message. I concurred with Dick that we were going to ram the dam. I spoke up “Bruce, Dick said we are going to hit the dam”.

Bruce replied “I know I am a good man”.

To which I replied “No you’re not a good man, well yes you are a good man, but we are going to hit the dam”.

Bruce replied “Who the hell is Sam”?

NO BRUCE YOU ARE GOING TO HIT THE DAM!!!!

WAM, we hit the dam, Dick lost his balance and began to spray excess coffee onto my shoulder, which I know by the way had cream and two lumps of sugar mixed in. Oh my, I quickly tried to re-direct Dick into another direction and keep him from falling overboard. Dick on the other hand was in a panic and just wanted to sit down. The echo from the boat hitting the dam sounded like a cannon being fired off. Soon the water calmed and we all just sat there looking at each other trying figure out what just happened. Dick spoke first “Who the hell is Sam”?

To which Bruce replied “I know who is Sam”?

To which I replied “Take me to shore”!!!!!

There is nothing better than spending the day out fishing, other than being able to relive the story later in life. That event was over 15 years ago. My father-in-law is now in his 80’s. He doesn’t get to fish anymore. He has been diagnosed with stage 5 bone cancer. He rests at home with the help from his wife and hospice care. He enjoys reading the Woods and Water magazine and so I wanted to dedicate this story to him. After serving our country in the Korean War and spending decades working for the railroad and providing for his family Bruce is home and can only read about adventures. Bruce is the most stand up man I have ever met. His word is one that could always be counted on.

His dedication to his family is one that will always be envied. Bruce I hope you enjoy this past memory, it always makes me smile and it is one that I will always hold close to my heart. I still have that coffee stained shirt….

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Compass

By Nathan Albertson

October is here! If ever there was a month for sportsmen in Montana, it is now! Archery big game season will be winding down and the firearms portion will be amping up. Anglers will soon be looking forward to fishing the big lakes as the water cools, coyote trappers will be seeing some fur starting to prime up, and many of the furbearer seasons will open on November 1.

Upland game hunters have been enjoying the mountain grouse season and I am sure there will be a handful of hunters chasing pheasants and Hungarian partridge too. My hound hunting friends will have to wait until December 1, but many of them, like the rest of us, partake in some of the other outdoor disciplines our wonderful state offers. I would imagine October provides more opportunities for sportsmen to gather around a campfire in the evening than any other.

When I think of October, I always remember my grandfather commenting that no other month produces a full moon as silver, big, and pretty as October. I would have to agree. I was thinking of this on a recent camping trip with the family. The youngest had gone to bed early (she was finally old enough to sleep in the upper berth, a place formerly reserved for her older sister) and I was sitting with the eldest at the campfire. The full August moon was rising and the big dipper was shining brightly. I pointed out the Big Dipper and showed her how to find Polaris, the North Star. I then explained that outdoorsmen and explorers of days gone by, had used the sun and stars to navigate by and one could still do so today if they forgot their compass at home.

She was thoroughly impressed by that small teaching moment in the outdoors (and I look forward to those), but I think she was more impressed that God had made the stars in the form of a big ol’ ladle!

It is a rare occasion I do not carry a compass in my pocket when I recreate outdoors. I frequently use a small compact model in my pocket and reserve a better orienteering compass for my pack, along with a map. Nowadays, I use my “smarty” phone for my GPS needs. I trust it much more than I used to, but there is still a need for the old-fashioned compass, in my opinion. Three times now I have relied on a compass and map when I thought the GPS was wrong. Twice I confirmed the GPS’s reading (the other time, when the GPS hit a signal again it corrected the navigation issue I was having), but I always enjoy having a backup. Batteries can run down, satellites may not be accessible due to clouds, tree canopy, or sky visibility due to rocks or a canyon, but many times I can trust my simple little compass.

Often, before leaving the truck, I have a “bail out direction.” This is a direction that “if all else fails,” will get me to help somehow. If I know a road or other similar feature lies in a certain direction (say to the West), then West becomes my fail-safe direction to travel if things go bad. Fortunately, things have not fallen apart that bad, yet, but I like having a plan. Often I will locate water holes or possible wallows, mark the heading from a terrain feature (a certain hilltop, Forest Service Gate, trailhead, or trail intersection), and use my compass to keep a heading up and down a hill and through thick timber. For the distances I travel, I do not need to be exact, but it keeps me from wandering around too much. A compass is just a handy thing to keep in your pocket. It is a wonderful but dying art, learning to use a compass, to teach children.

I have had numerous conversations in the last six months about another kind of compass, the moral compass of our society. You see, a compass is a tool to guide you when you cannot be sure of your direction any other way, and it helps you to self-rescue when you become lost if used properly. However, if someone just picks a direction without making sure they know how to use a compass or where it is truly pointing, things can go downhill in a hurry. There are many in our neck of the woods that have that fear with society today.

Either we as a society have failed to remember how to use our moral compass or it is broken.

This should not be too much of a surprise to us. Our post-modern society has chosen to accept subjective individual truths over the objective universal truths that exist. One does not have to look very hard to find multiple nations in history that have failed because of this concept. I was thinking of this very concept the other day when I came across the words of a prophet from, approximately, the 7th century BC named Micah, “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” One privilege we may be thankful for as United States Citizens is one very few other nations in history have had, an opportunity to have a voice in how our nation moves forward into 2017 and beyond.

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$379,000

Fall Shoot Results On 18 September the Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club held its Fall Shoot. Breakfast and lunch was served and several rounds of Bingo was called. Door Prizes were a Ruger 17, $50.00 cash prize and a $25.00 cash prize.

Winners were:

Rifle - Gustin of Troy, MT $50.00 Cash - Montana Woods N Water (Donated Back To Club) $25.00 Cash - Tate Huntburger

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT CONTINUED Tuesday, November 8, 2016, we as citizens have an opportunity to have our voice heard. In fact, I believe we have a duty of stewardship and a role of civil responsibility within our government, which we are obligated to perform in remembrance of the many men and women who died to preserve that responsibility. WE MUST VOTE! While I regularly vote, I have often been remiss in regularly contacting my governmental representatives, at all levels of government, and making my voice heard and my desires as a member of the represented and electorate known. I suspect I am not alone. For far too long, I feel, we have many within our nation who have become the “silent majority” who do not like the direction our country is moving, but who have done little to stop it. We must all take some personal responsibility and commit ourselves to voting, contacting our representatives, educating ourselves on the issues, and holding pertinent conversations with those within our sphere of influence, to move our nation forward in a direction that will result in prosperity and blessings.

We as the electorate have a choice to make this year. Never before have I, or many others, seen a political season such as we have had. While the choices at hand may not be palatable for some, I would ask you to give some serious thought to the platforms rather than the candidates. The national platforms for the parties involved in our political system are supposed to guide the candidates of those parties for the next four years. Many times, elected representatives vote in agreeance with those party platforms. I respectfully ask you to consider the party platforms involved in this election and then ask yourself one question, “Which political ideology do I want to see carried forward through 2021 that will guide the future of me, my children, and my grandchildren?” I have yet to see a candidate or political ideology that matched my own 100%, but a comparison between the platforms of the political parties within this year’s election cycle and what they plan to champion over the next four years has made my voting decision much easier.

Speaking of voting, there is a ballot initiative this year here in Montana, which requires the attention and vote of every sportsman in our state. Ballot initiative I-177 would establish misdemeanor criminal punishments on licensed Montana trappers who trap on public lands. Essentially, it would ban all trapping on public lands by Montana trappers! There is a multitude of reasons why we as sportsmen need to vote NO on I-177. Trapping by regulated and licensed trappers has been historically proven a valuable asset to the biological programs and goals of state-funded agencies such as Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). Trappers contribute to the financial coffers of the state by purchasing licenses, as well as paying for supplemental expenses such as fuel and supplies at local businesses. If I-177 were to pass, it would also require an increased financial burden to Montana FWP, as they would then have to assign assets and finances to control predator populations once controlled by licensed and regulated trappers. Of course, such increases to the Montana FWP responsibilities would, undoubtedly, lead to increases in taxpayer liability, which will be funded from the pockets of you and me.

7th Anniversary - October 16 Come Checkout Our Specials

There is one aspect of I-177, which I have not yet seen discussed. On March 24, 2015, Montana House Bill 212 became law, which amended Title 87-2101 and 87-6-01, of the Montana Code Annotated. This bill essentially revised the definitions of harvesting for hunting, fishing, and trapping. The purpose of doing so was to clarify Article IX, Section 7 of the Montana Constitution to protect, “. . . the opportunity for a person to harvest wild fish and wild game animals while not diminishing other private rights, . . . pertaining to the lawful means of hunting, fishing, and trapping, as defined in 87-2-101 and 87-6-101, as adequate remedies for the preservation of the harvest heritage of the individual citizens of this state.” In short, hunting, fishing, and trapping are the constitutional rights of every citizen of Montana.

Do we as Montana sportsmen wish to voluntarily give up our constitutional rights on the public lands our taxes pay for? Even if you are not a trapper, consider this, if we voluntarily vote away the constitutional right of fellow sportsmen, will our sporting discipline (i.e., hunting or fishing) be targeted next? Most of us would agree, I believe, that once a right has been voted, taken, given, or fettered away, it is extremely difficult to restore.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you well in whatever sporting discipline you choose to exercise this month. I would also encourage each and every one of you to prayerfully consider the choices you have and vote accordingly in the November elections. While it is difficult to restore a broken compass, I sincerely believe through a vote of the formerly “silent majority” of this country, repentance, and prayer we can restore the moral compass of our country. In doing so, we may once again be the light of the world, that city set on a hill, which cannot be hidden, and that through the good works of our nation, God may be glorified.

What direction does your compass tell you to go?

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LOCAL CELEBRITIES/NEXT GENERATION Mike Maxwell of Plains, MT and co-owner of New Life Carving with a nice black bruin. Mike has been driving all over Sanders County looking for a bear and he had one on the back of his property the whole time.

I know your wife Kristin is looking forward to a nice rug….congrats Mike. Hey what’s that fuzz around your chin?

Damon Crabb had one heck of week hunting. You go Damon...fill that freezer! Congrats young man on a job well done! I hear that is your first turkey and your first harvest with a bow. I sure wish I could have seen a picture of that grouse…...

David Patterson, age 14 with his first elk with a bow. David my man you look the part and proof is on the ground you know how to get it done.

Great shot!...congrats David on a job well done.

Pictured Left: Alexis Helterline with her trophy Grouse. Alexis you actually got Dan off the water long enough to take you Grouse hunting!

Congrats Alexis!

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BLOG

A look at the Calico drain after the fire.

Slip over to my blog at www.montanawoodsnwater.com/ Blog

The blog article is titled‌

George Nass with a beauty of a Salmon he snagged on the Kootenai River opening Day. Put it in my bucket George!

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FLY FISHING CONTINUED

Pictured Top Left: The crew, Marissa Nass, Marty Dupertuis, Chad Villegas, Raf Viniard and George Nass. Bill Hunter of PA in the back.

My buddy Marty came up from Wyoming to get a bear. He couldn’t have shot it on flat ground ...it took the crew to get this bear out of a deep canyon. But we had fun doing it! Pictured Top Right: Marissa Nass with her first bull and she got it at 22 yards. Her Dad George called it in. Now that is a Father – Daughter moment to be remembered. I seem to be doing a lot of packing lately, but I love it!

Pictured Left: Adam King with his first bear with a bow. Good shooting Adam. We are awaiting for that first wolf picture as well. Congrats Adam!

Pictured Bottom Left: Jon Borntreger put a smack down on this 4X4 at 60 yards. Now that is some good shooting Jon! Congratulations

Pictured Bottom Right: Lisa Jenson of Missoula with her first bear. Gorgeous bear Lisa! That good looking young man next to Lisa is her son Jesse. Looks like Mom is passing on a family tradition. Way to go Mom!

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