2023 – 45TH CONVENTION AGENDA

1st Vice President:

° Stephanie Prater

°

Secretary

° Jerry Davis

° Write-in__________________________

Area Reps:

Region 1

° Al Kelly

Region 3

° Liberty Brown

° Robin Mestdagh

Region 5

° Chris Gasner

Region 7

° Rick Miller

Odd Year Director At Large: (limit 4)

° June LePage

° Brian Koelzer

° Mike Shepard

° Jackie Weidow

Greetings Team MBA,

My name is Stephanie Prater, I am a 4th generation Montana sportsman. I currently live in Lewistown with my husband Michael and our two Labradors, Missouri & Dove. I grew up hiking in the woods around Helena with my family looking for sheds and mushrooms each spring and tagging along on hunts in the fall to fill our freezers until I was old enough to take hunters education. Since then, I hunt every chance I can and am blessed to find lots of success in the field as well as memories. I’ve been archery hunting for over 10 years and rarely pick up a rifle anymore. While I love to hunt gobbling toms, rutting deer, cupped up ducks or flushing pheasants, my true passion is chasing bugling elk through the mountains with my bow. I’ve been serving on the Montana Bowhunters board for 4 years and have also volunteered for many other sporting groups and our local archery club. I most recently served on the FWP Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group.

Hello. My name is Jerry Davis. I have been a board member of MBA since 2012 with a large part of my commitment to acting as a citizen lobbyist for MBA. I have testified and lobbied Montana State Senators and Representatives on various issues and bills including:

• Preventing crossbows in our Archery Only Season,

• Protecting the breaks archery permits,

• Preventing the season setting process from being legislated instead of using the existing tentative process employed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission which allows for public comment,

• Etc.

I have been acting secretary since early 2020 and I have decided that is were I can be of greatest value to MBA.

I ran a rather lengthy bio prior to past elections for a DAL position. If you want to know more about me, you can go to our 1st quarter newsletter for 2020.

Thanks, Jerry Davis

Here we are again. And now my time is up for serving as your region one representative on the Montana Bowhunters Association. Of course, I would serve another term if you choose to vote for me once again. So, for those who don’t know me here is the scoop.

I love to bowhunt. I have been doing it for 45 years. I also try to give back to the sport. I started teaching bowhunter education in North Idaho when the program was introduced in Idaho. I moved to Montana in 1996 and after taking a few years off, being a single parent, I got back to teaching in Montana. Elk is my first love, but I also have hunted and harvested whitetail, mule deer, and turkeys. I also like to go out and fish. These days you are just as likely to find me bird hunting with my two Griff’s, Bolt and Tate. They are great hunting partners and are always ready for adventure.

I am also blessed to be mar ried to a great woman who shares my passion for bowhunting. So if you wish, I would gladly continue to serve. There is lots of work to do and I will do what I can. It is a privilege to work with the friends I have on the Montana Bowhunters Association Board.

Al Kelly

My name is Liberty Brown and I’m seeking re-election as a region 3 representative.

I moved to Bozeman, MT during the summer of 1998, after spending 6 years as a submariner in the United States Navy. In 2003, I graduated from Montana State with a B.S. in Business Marketing, and I now run my own digital marketing business.

My wife Andi and I have 3 children and we are proud to be raising them in Montana. We’ve been family members of the MBA for eight years and I’ve been serving as an MBA region 3 representative for the last four. I’m also responsible for maintaining the MBA website and helping with the social media marketing.

Since my involvement with the MBA, my passion for bow hunting has continued to grow. As a Region 3 representative, I hope to continue as an advocate for the MBA by striving to live by the mission statement of the MBA and to be a voice for other bowhunters in region 3 and the state of Montana.

My name is Robin Mestdagh. I am a 3rd generation Montanan. I was raised in Roundup, MT, and moved to Billings, MT finishing high school there. I left after graduation and was in the Air Force active duty for 4 years. I spent a couple years after my enlistment Cowboying and then returned to Billings. I have been married for 30 years and have 4 children and 1 granddaughter. I was a Flooring and Tile Contractor for 23 years in Billings and 8 years ago, we moved to Helena, Mt where I am a Territory Manager for a company called Schluter Systems which supports the tile industry. I am responsible for Montana, Idaho, Eastern Washington and Northern Wyoming, which results in a great deal of travel but has allowed me to get off my hands and knees thankfully.

In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors in many ways. Riding horseback, hunting, and fishing have always been a huge part of my life. I have been shooting a bow as long as I can remember and Archery is my main choice for hunting. If you ask me if I have been a successful hunter, I would have to break it down like this. If I measured it on how many animals I have taken with a bow, I would say I have had minimal success. If you measured it by what I have been able to experience, learning from countless mistakes, and still making mistakes, but most of all the amazing adventures and encounters that I have been able to enjoy while pursuing animals with a bow and arrow, I am extremely successful and would not change any of it.

In closing, I feel I am very blessed to have been brought up and live in Montana. Being able to pursue our hunting lifestyle with family and friends is a great privilege that I would like to pass on to our younger generations to come.

Thank you.

I moved to Montana in the early 2000’s, and since then I’ve gotten married and had 2 boys. I started bow hunting when I was 13. I was lucky enough to get a bull that first year. Since then, it’s consumed my life. I spend a big part of each year planning hunts for the fall and waiting for the tags to draw. I never know for sure which state I’ll be hunting in on any given year, but I know we will be having an adventure and seeing something brand new.

My involvement in the MBA the past two years has been interesting and enjoyable with increased respect for a very committed board of directors. These folks not only talk the talk, but they make it happen wherever the organization’s presence is needed. Inspiring would be a good word to describe the current atmosphere.

For those that do not know me:

- Montana r esident for 65 years

- Montana bowhunter since age 14 (or was it 12?)

- Colstrip Spor tsmen Club board member for over 20 years

- Two-term appointee to the Private Lands Public Wildlife Council

- Member of the Easter n Montana Elk Archery Committee

Positions:

• Crow Tribe: Ruling (Herrera vs Wyoming) gives them unrestricted hunting access to areas that include the Ashland District Custer National Forest. This one should be a huge concern to Montana’s bowhunters as it allows a specific culture of people unrestricted hunting access to our Federally owned lands. Wyoming is challenging the ruling and is not changing anything until there is a final decision. Montana is not. I believe a statewide sportsmen alliance could help change Montana’s position to mirror what the primary defendant (Wyoming) has taken. The MBA needs to be a leading presence in that movement.

• Elk management: Restoring statewide (publicly accessible) population balances should be the main goal of our legislators and FWP. Overharvest and displacement have the public side of the fence completely out of balance in elk distribution.

• Mule deer: See my Region 7 article in this newsletter. For sure, very concerning

• Bow fishing: Would like to see northern pike added to the list of fish we can shoot

• Electronics during the archery season. With the explosion of trail camera use during the season, I have a concern about how they are negatively changing the experience. Do we really need to be electronically monitoring every aspect of our chosen quarry? Are we intentionally now claiming specific areas (waterholes, etc.) with these devices? Many of us are now starting to feel that way. Add the latest networking advances into the discussion and the situation gets even more concerning??

• Drones: Can’t believe we are even discussing if they should be legal during any hunting season. HELL NO!

• Crossbows. Couldn’t be more against cross-guns in our archery season. Again – HELL NO!

I sure would appreciate your vote to allow me to continue an active role on the MBA board for the next two years.

Thank you for keeping the Montana bowhunting tradition alive and the challenge inspiring!

Rick Miller – Colstrip (406) 749-0292 continued on page 20

Hello ever yone, my name is Brian Koelzer and for the past 13 years I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the MBA board in several positions. The rigors of work, raising two young boys, and trying to find a few free minutes to go hunting has led me to decide to not seek reelection as 1st Vice President but run for a DAL position instead.

Im 44 years old and r eside outside of Manhattan with my wife Kara and two boys Bowen and Schafer. I work as a stone mason and musician to support my bowhunting passion(addiction..?). I’ve had a stickbow in my hand since the age of 5 and have been pursuing big game exclusively with traditional archery tackle for the last 30 years. My adventures have taken me to Alaska, several Canadian provinces, and multiple states in the lower 48. I’m currently a member of Pope and Young(Regular), PBS(Qualified Regular), Compton Traditional Bowhunters, Montana Bowhunters Association, Traditional Bowhunters of Montana, Bowhunters of Wyoming, and NRA. It would be an honor to continue serving on this board.

As a Carroll College student working towards a bachelor’s degree in biology, I remain an avid bowhunter and active member of the MBA. I maintain a high GPA and robust extracurricular involvement while still making time to get into the field and hunt during my college breaks. I’ve been attending MBA banquets since I was a little girl, have provided testimony as a member of the bowhunting community, and want to be more involved in an organization that works to protect and promote the sport I so dearly love.

Thank you!

June

Howdy! Brian asked me to think about re-upping as a Director-at-Large. So, I guess I will. I have been bowhunting since 1961, as my dad had me Ben Pearson fiberglass bow shooting at age 7. I have taken so many animals, I have lost count with longbows, recurves and yes, even the dreaded compound. I only shot those new bows for 2 years, andbroke limbs twice. I met Paul Schafer and have only been trad since. He built me 2 beautiful bows and so has Dave. Been taking bears with my take-down longbow rather regularly in NW Montana. Two have approached 6 1/2 to almost 7 feet. Both missed P&Y by fractions of an inch. I love to call bears in.

I lost my wife of 45 years to cancer, and it turned my life upside down. Amazing how your life can change in an instant. I have been a life member of the MBA so long I cannot remember when…go back to the days even when the Wensels still lived in Montana.

I was Bow Ed Chairman for 19 years, and with all the trainings we did qualifying instructors, we got it mandatory in late 80›s. Current program is a dribble to what we did. So if you will have me again, I throw my hat into the ring.

Respectfully, Mike Shepard,,.Ye Olde Bowhunter

Hello,

My name is Jackie Weidow. I am an avid bowhunter. I started volunteering to become a Bowhunter Education Instructor in 2006, in 2011 I became a certified Bowhunter Education Instructor, and I have been teaching ever since. I volunteer for the MBA, and MT Fish Wildlife and Parks.

I am very passionate about the outdoors and bowhunting. I volunteer at the Youth Shooting Sports event that the MBA takes part in every year. I volunteer every year for the Teen Bowhunters Camp as a “Guide” for the girl’s group. I love getting the youth involved in the archery and bowhunting world. In September each year, my family and I take out first-time bowhunters. I love being able to teach the next generation about archery and bowhunting. I feel like I am a keeper of the flame. Being able to take the knowledge I have gained over the years and teach it to new archers and bowhunters is truly a passion of mine. Bowhunting is done in close quarters. I want to continue learning and teaching about a passion of mine. I want to share it with anyone and everyone. Keeping this tradition alive means so much to me. Bringing in the next generation to hold onto our sport is very important to me. Getting our youth involved is very important. I believe in standing up for our sport and tradition. I want to make a positive impact that reflects my passion for the sport and tradition I love.

I would love to be considered for the Bow-Ed and the Youth Membership/Teen Bowhunters Camp Committees as well as your next Director at Large. I live in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. I would love to be your next Director at Large for the Montana Bowhunters Association.

May your arrows always fly straight and true!

Jackie Weidow

Safari Hunt for 4 Hunters

Donated By

Numzaan Safaris

John Campbell (425) 870 5269 johnc @numzaan.com

This once in a lifetime opportunity is for 4 Muzzle Loader/Rifle/Bow Hunters and will take place in the picturesque Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Hunt can take Place on any available dates is 2023 /24 . The Hunting Concession is about 3 Hours North of Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. This Donation includes:

-5 Hunting Days

-4 Hunters (2x1 : 2 Hunters 1 Professional Hunter) This can be upgraded to a 1x1 hunt as per our Pricelist

-Full Accommodation

-ALL Food and Beveridge's including Wine

-$500 towards Trophy Fees per Hunter

-25% Discount on Daily Rates towards additional Hunting Days

the conclusion of your Hunt.

#JLNZ JC/03/23

Join us in a unique +ly +ishing experience in ARGENTINA at PARANÁ RIVER in Corrientes State.

DONATIONS PACKAGES DESCRIPTION: 2 ANGLERS +$1,000 credit per Angler (applies for the following packages)

1)2 Fishing days, 3 nights $3400 (market value)

2)3 Fishing days, 4 nights $4600 (market value)

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THE FISHING

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THE PROGRAM (3 nights + 2 full days of fishing)

Day 1

Transfer from Paraná airport to Nomads Lodge at the afternoon.

Day 2, 3,

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Day 4

Transfer to Airport at early morning.

Regular full fishing day: Going out from the lodge river or other river spot at early morning, coming back to have lunch and go back fishing again. Sometimes We do Argentina Asado at the islands to keep fishing non stop.

Included:

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Not Included:

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Matt Seibert, CLCS

Sales Executive, Commercial Lines 406-321-0700 matt.seibert@hubinternational.com

Let me preface this by saying by no means am I an expert on training a dog to find shed antlers. I have only trained two dogs to find sheds. I will say I do find more sheds now than I did before I was using a dog, so I’ve learned a thing or two that you might find useful.

The first dog I attempted to train was our family dog, a three-legged yellow Lab named Trapper. I was going to college in Butte at the time, so the time I was able to spend training him was pretty limited. I first began by teaching him the word “shed” and playing fetch with an antler. Once he got the hang of that, I would put Trapper in the garage so he couldn’t see me, and then I would hide a few antlers in the tree line in front of our house. I’d tell him to “fetch the shed”, and soon he was finding all the antlers in no time. I thought I had myself an expert and expected to find exponentially more sheds with Trapper than I did on my own. When we went out for the real thing, I found out that wasn’t the case. He seemed more interested in finding dead things to chew on and rolling in animal droppings. It was discouraging when I’d watch Trapper go right by a shed without even batting an eye at it. When I’d spot a shed, I’d tell him to “fetch the shed” until he would find it and bring it to me. Eventually, he got to where he was finding them on his own. I’d end up with a bonus antler that Trapper found most times we’d go shed hunting. He was a strange Lab in the fact that he didn’t have a strong desire to retrieve unless he was retrieving a bird. I’d have to keep a close eye on him because sometimes he would find a shed and then just stand over it and sniff it. I had one of my best days ever with Trapper when we found 33 antlers. He probably found about five of those. His contribution to the total was small in number, but two of his finds made up one of the best whitetail sets I have in my collection, a gnarly buck with matching split G2’s. Trapper never turned out to be the shed dog that I was hoping he would be, but he made a good hiking partner, and I still ended up with more antlers than I would have without him.

Two years ago, my wife and I decided to get a dog of our own. We ended up with a black Lab who we named Clark. I decided to take my lessons learned while training Trapper and make Clark into a better shed dog. We are lucky to have a few acres around our house with tall grass where I hide antlers for him. Since he was my own dog, I had a lot more time to work with him, and he seemed to pick things up while training around the house. Any time he noticed I was wearing leather gloves, a method to prevent getting human scent on the antlers, he knew there were antlers hidden for him. He would tear out of the kennel and have all the antlers picked up in several minutes. I was getting high hopes of him performing at the same level when we were looking for sheds. He turned a year old in the spring, and we went out on his first trial run. It became clear that he was easily distracted by other sights and smells, like Trapper had been. I managed to find some antlers and had Clark retrieve them for me, but he didn’t find any on his own. We went on several more shed-hunting trips that spring, and Clark ended up finding a few antlers. I would make sure to give him a lot of praise every time he retrieved an antler. I adjusted some of his training in the offseason, and it seemed to take him to another level. I started to hide fewer antlers, and sometimes I would hide antlers along the road in our neighborhood so he would come across them when we would go on walks. This past spring, he found quite a few more sheds on his own, and I think he will continue to get better each year.

1). Use a leather glove when training to prevent getting your scent on the antlers.

2). Don’t hide too many sheds when training. It is fun to see your dog find them, but when you put out too many, the dog expects to find sheds right away. Then when you take them shed-hunting and they don’t find antlers immediately, they lose interest. I would recommend only hiding one or two at a time.

3). If you own a bird dog, don’t be surprised if your dog doesn’t pick up as many sheds when there are pheasants or grouse around. A shed can’t compete with a live bird.

4). Dogs are more motivated to pick up sheds when they are not tired and panting. Try to keep your dog fresh by taking breaks.

5). The most important thing is to train your dog in unfamiliar places. It is easy to get in the habit of taking your dog to the most convenient place for training all the time. Taking your dog to different areas will most closely resemble actual shed hunting scenarios.