MBA Regional Representatives
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Al Kelly PO Box 219, Libby, MT 59923 406-293-2900 alman@frontiernet.net
Marlon Clapham 4455 Hoover Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 406-777-2408 mbaregion2@gmail.com
Kevin Robinson 2110 Wylie Ave, Missoula, MT 59802 406-531-8243 kevin.robinson@technometalpost.com
Liberty Brown 275 Vigilante Trl. Bozeman, MT 59718 406-581-7216 mbareg3@gmail.com
Paul Kemper 303 S Yellowstone Ave., Bozeman, MT 59718 814-490-3653 p.kemper.54@gmail.com
Michael Prater 416 Entrance Ave., Lewistown, MT 59457 406-461-6949 Michael.prater@live.com
Jess Wagner 201 Big Sky Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 406-939-3458 jess_wagner2@hotmail.com
Ben Buller 4143 King Ave East, Billings, MT 59101 406-672-5616 buller_ben@yahoo.com
Ken Schultz 302 Wyoming Ave., Billings, MT. 59101 406-598-8550 schultzy@iwks.net
Tristan Manuel 48538 Anderson Rd, Havre, MT 59501 406-399-5114 tristan.manuel@gmail.com
Nick Siebrasse 4996 Bullhook Rd., Havre, MT 59501 406-390-0402 bowdude@mtintouch.net
Rick Miller PO Box 2336 Colstrip, MT 59323
406-749-0292 grrizzz@q.com
Bob Morgan P.O. Box 1995, Colstrip, MT 59323 406-749-0706 robertredface@gmail.com
AT LARGE DIRECTORS
EVEN YEARS
Cliff Garness 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - obsession_archery@yahoo.com 406-788-9009
Mandy Garness 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - camoquilter@gmail.com 406-750-9953
Rich Smith PO Box 51428 Billings, MT 59105-1361 - muleybum@gmail.com 406-281-8846
Stephanie Prater 416 Entrance Ave., Lewistown MT 59457 - mthuntress406@gmail.com 406-461-6949
ODD YEARS
Mike Shepard 351 7th Ave East N., Columbia Falls, MT 59912
406-250-9806 – michaelshepard7@gmail.com
TJ Smith 2238 Ridgeview Drive, Billings, MT 59101 - sarchery@bresnan.net
EDITORIAL COMMENTS
The MBA Magazine is a quarterly publication of the MBA and is intended to inform, entertain and educate its members on happenings within the organization and to bowhunting in general.
PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES
FALL ISSUE, DEADLINE, July 15
WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, October 15
SPRING ISSUE, DEADLINE, January 15
SUMMER ISSUE, DEADLINE, April 15
Stories, photos, or cartoons should be sent to Julie Jensen at 5311 161 Ave SE, Kindred, ND 58051
406-690-5676
or email jjensen44@mac.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All submitted or published photos may be used by the MBA in the newsletter, and MBA Photo Album and/or on Facebook. Any questions as to policies of MBA please contact the President.
MEMBERSHIP INQURIES
Please send new memberships or renewal memberships to MBA Tresurer, PO Box 426, Helena MT 59624 or call 406-404-6168, register online at www.mtba.org or ask a member.
www.mtba.org
MBA officers
PRESIDENT
Stephen LePage 2574 Divide Rd • Lewistown, MT 59457 mbaregion4@yahoo • 406-535-5636
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Brian Koelzer
80 Jansma Lane • Manhattan, MT 59741 rocknrollbowhunter3@yahoo.com • 406-570-7997
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Mark Schwomeyer 60 Hruska Ln • Lewistown, MT 59457 markschwo@gmail.com • 406-350-0173
TREASURER
Claudia Davis PO Box 426 • Helena, MT. 59624 mtba@mtba.org • 406-404-6168
SECRETARY
Jerry Davis 25 Middlemas Road • Helena, MT 59602 pipelinejerry@gmail.com • 406-475-2226
PAST PRESIDENT
Marlon Clapham 4455 Hoover Lane • Stevensville, MT 59870 mbaregion2@gmail.com • 406-777-2408
MAGAZINE EDITOR
Julie Jensen 5311 161 Ave SE • Kindred, ND 58051 jjensen44@mac.com • 701-361-9197
Greetings from your editor. 2021 was quite the year. I am anxiously awaiting the MBA Convention! It’s time to get together again, and I am looking forward to meeting a lot of fine folks.
MBA Committees
Legislative:
Jess Wagner • TJ Smith
Kevin Robinson • Jerry Davis
Tentatives:
Jess Wagner • TJ Smith
Rick Miller
Financial:
Claudia Davis • Stephen LePage
Cliff Garness
Landowner/Sportsman:
Tristan Manuel • Jess Wagner
Rick Miller • Stephanie Prater
Nominations:
Nick Siebrassel • Stephen LePage
Awards:
Marlon Clapham • Brian Koelzer
Cliff Garness
Membership:
Nick Siebrasse • TJ Smith
Claudia Davis
Convention 2022
Brian Koelzer • Stephanie Prater
Magazine:
Julie Jensen • Brian Koelzer
Jerry Davis
Carp Shoot:
Kevin Robinson • Marlon Clapham
Jerry Davis • Cliff Garness
Bow-Ed:
Tristan Manuel • Brian Koelzer
Youth Membership and MBA Teen Bowhunter Camp
Kevin Robinson • Marlon Clapham
Governance
TJ Smith • Jerry Davis
Julie Jensen
PRESIDENT - STEPHEN LEPAGE
1ST VICE PRESIDENT - BRIAN KOELZER
2ND VICE PRESIDENT - MARK SCHWOMEYER - NO REPORT
SECRETARY - JERRY DAVIS
TREASURER - CLAUDIA DAVIS
President’s Message
Sheep supplemental catch
The Montana Bowhunters Association donated money and manpower to transplant bighorn sheep from the Missouri River Breaks to the Little Belt Mountains in 2020. In an effort to keep you updated, over the winter a lion got very good at killing these sheep. Luckily that lion was killed. This spring had very good lambing. MT FWP biologists decided to enhance this new herd with another capture and release in 2021. The MBA was again invited to assist with this supplemental capture. In addition to a large group of FWP personnel and volunteers, our 2nd VP, Mark Schwomeyer, and I were in attendance and we captured several ewes and a few rams. We are fortunate to have the lead biologist on this project giving a presentation at our banquet this year. Be sure to attend to see exactly how the MBA is helping to establish a new sheep herd here in Montana.
Fish and Wildlife Commission and the season setting process
I am writing this before the MT FWP Commission will have voted on and set the rules for the next two years. This will be published after they have made their decisions. I want to assure you that we took the information you provided through the survey and developed a comprehensive set of recommendations for the Commission to review. We can only hope that they took these recommendations into consideration when making their decisions. Thank you again for your efforts in contacting the Commission and FWP.
Convention
I am very excited that we are finally having a convention. It has been two years since we have been able to hold our biggest fundraiser and we have accumulated lots of great prizes. Although the MBA is still financially sound, our coffers have gotten low, so I expect each and every one of you to bring your checkbooks and spend way too much money while enjoying a good time with fellow bowhunters.
Ruining my wife’s vacation
This may be news to some of you, but my wife is a big fan of sitting on a beach and doing nothing. To me, this is a form of torture. I do not enjoy getting sunburnt, large crowds of people, and sand getting everywhere, including my butt crack. So, when my wife proudly announced she was taking my family, including my in-laws, and the Zink family (long-time MBA members) on a relaxing beach vacation, I started plotting against her. Both the Zink family and my “no good for nuthin” father-in-law are really into bowfishing, so I found a gentleman in Miami that runs a business called “Arrow Assault” and he specializes in iguana and stingray bowfishing (separate trips.)
I threw the idea out for a vote to the large group of travelers and everyone was on board, literally. One call to Captain Donavan and I booked it.
The Zinks decided that since we were going bowfishing, we might as well go after some gators. My son, Mitchel, seemed very excited at this opportunity and the next thing you know that was booked for them. Yet again, the Zinks came to my rescue with the idea of frog gigging. Well, that trip was also booked.
If you have lost track: my wife’s five-day, relaxing, sunbathing, fruity drinking, do-nothing, beach vacation now had four hunting trips planned. I pride myself on being a very thoughtful and considerate husband, so I decided that was enough.
First was the bowfishing for stingrays: We decided to go early and eat at a restaurant located at the marina where we were going to meet Captain Donavan of Arrow Assault. We enjoyed a nice meal on the water where we were able to see some manatees, which If you did not know, you should NOT lay down on the dock and pet, as it is frowned upon by Floridians, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Poseidon, in general. After a beautiful sunset and a short boat ride, we were throwing arrows with reckless abandon. The
target species was stingray, but we were also allowed to shoot at barracuda and ballyhoo. We were not allowed to shoot at sea turtles or sharks, both of which we did see.
The following morning, we met at a different landing for our iguana hunt. The main technique was the blowgun, although I requested to use archery equipment. Frankly, using the blowgun was as or more enjoyable than using the bow, I know this concept is hard to understand. Upon pushing off from shore, we noticed an iguana perched on a partially submerged jet ski. Luckily Brenda Zink was ready to try and with the blowgun, shot low and buried her dart into the fiberglass cowling of the abandoned jet ski. When she pulled on the line to retrieve the dart, it returned and buried right into her left forearm. The first blood on this hunt, not a small amount, was not that of an iguana, it was Brenda’s. Things improved dramatically after that initial setback. We were constantly throwing arrows and darts. It took a while for us to get used to using a blowgun, but the learning curve was quickly overcome and we were soon hauling in iguanas.
The following day we drove several hours to a gator hunting operation. Several alligators were killed over two days of hunting by several different means. Only one was killed with archery equipment, so I will focus on that as this is the MBA newsletter. We would drive around looking for gators on the bank and when they slid into the water, we would cast large weighted treble hooks. Eventually, we hooked into one and my son, Mitchel, played the gator on rod and reel for 20 min. At one point, the hook dislodged from the gator and we were crestfallen, but after a few more casts we had him back on the line and Mitchel had brought it to shore. If you have never killed an alligator or any reptile for that matter, they do not die easily. Your goal is to sever the spine at the base of the impenetrable skull, after that you will shoot a gun into the brain stem to ultimately kill it. With only three arrows and a large skeptical crowd of observers, Mitchel made a perfect shot and the well-placed arrow collapsed the alligator.
Moral of the story: if there is a will, there is a way to find an outlandish bowhunting adventure to supplement your family vacation. Get out there and enjoy!
Correction/Retraction:
In my previous President’s Message, I falsely stated that my Father-inlaw, Edwin Evans, paid $80 to purchase his used Darton bow on eBay. In an effort to maintain journalistic integrity, I have to apologize to Mr. Evans and inform the MBA membership that he paid Ebay $70, including shipping and handling. I sincerely regret not fact-checking my sources and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused either the MBA or Mr. Evans himself. I hope I am not sued for libel.
Sincerely,
Stephen LePage
First Vice President’sReport
Hey everyone I hope this finds you all well and that your 2021 season was a great one. 2022 is rolling in like a freight train and January is slipping away fast! As you are all aware there is plenty going on outdoor wise in our great state right now. Some good things, some not so good things, and a whole lot of question marks...
On the bright side we are ramping up for a great convention the weekend of April 1 over at Fairmont Hot Springs and after two years of not being able to have one, I am super excited to see everyone! We’ve got a ton of great raffle items, live and silent auction items, and some incredible seminars. Top it off with a prime rib dinner and a soak in the pools and I’m not sure how you could spend a better weekend unless you were hunting! Get your tickets and reserve your rooms early so you don’t miss out. Whitetails are dropping and some cat quotas are still open so I’ll be sneaking around the woods as much as possible but I am looking forward to some warmer weather and spring bear hunting.
Hope to see as many of you as possible at Convention!
Sectretary’sMessage
As I write this FWP is taking comments on their latest season setting proposals. Proposals that in my estimation will go towards gutting the season structure that has evolved to responsibly manage elk in Montana for the last several decades.
The current FWP Director is advocating these regulation changes in the name of “simplification”. My question to the Director, why cannot FWP wait until the New Elk Management Plan has been released before making such wide scale changes. Who is to say some or many of these changes will not serve the new Elk Management Plan and will have to be changed back? How much elk research data will be lost for future analysis because of all these HD changes?
Cheers,
Brian Brian Koelzer
If you have spent any time in going through these proposed changes you may have concluded, as I have, that this is not simplification, it is simply change for change’s sake. Yes, no doubt some of these changes are needed from a wildlife and hunter management standpoint. But as a Region 3 CAC member I listened to FWP biologists and managers give the reasoning for the proposed hunting regulation changes during a recent Region 3 Zoom meeting. What I came away from that meeting with is that, in large part, many of these tenative changes to season structure and HD boundaries have no real biological or hunter management justifications. It really makes little sense to me.
One of my concerns is the unbundling of the 900-20 limited archery only permits back into 22 separate HDs and making those HDs either general archeryonly season or unlimited archery-only permits. Since these HDs were combined into the 900-20 HDs, we have seen a significant increase in bowhunter interest throughout the nation. Now with unlimited or general season archery there will no longer be a limit on the number of nonresident bowhunters that can hunt in a specific HD. Add to that the harvest of a world record elk in Southeast Montana and you have a recipe for a lot of bowhunting pressure in these newly unbundled HDs. Increases in bowhunting pressure will quite likely lead to the degradation in the bowhunting experience for the Montana hunter.
The Director has stated that some of these changes will help FWP wildlife managers reach elk objective numbers. It seems to me that some of the most contentious regulation changes will do little to mitigate the actual problem, that of elk concentrations on private lands caused by “Harboring” and limited private land access by public hunters.
In the new HD 535, limited permits will be discontinued on private land and a general season will be applied to private lands only. On public lands limited permits will continue with a 50% decrease in those permits.
Now at first blush this may sound like a solution. Put more pressure on private land elk to move them to public lands and at the same time limit pressure on public land to motivate those elk to leave private land.
That could be the case if there were guarantees that this new season structure would mean more public hunters on private land instead of it leading to more commercialization of our resource. NOTE: In the Montana Constitution elk and all wildlife are to be held in Trust for the citizens of Montana.
The problem is that hunting on these private lands are reserved for the wealthy landowners who want to Harbor elk, leased to deep pocket nonresident hunting groups, or leased to private land outfitters. By removing the limited permit structure there will be no controls on the number of nonresident hunters that can purchase a license. This will equate to increased clientele for private land outfitters, more opportunities for nonresidents, and less private land accessible to Montana hunters. Quite likely this type of structure will lead to more private land being leased. The proposed concept is just a bad idea.
In a legislative hearing I heard Senator Galt describe how he manipulates elk on his land during the shoulder season to make sure they stay on his property so he can maximize outfitter revenues. Be assured that private land outfitters and others who lease private land for hunting will work to keep elk on private land for the same reasons that Senator Galt does.
This structure will not work towards lessening concentrations of elk on private lands. It will most likely lead to higher concentrations of elk on private lands.
The FWP has stated that the new elk management program is due to be released sometime in 2023. The elk plan will look at the issues we currently have with elk distribution and population and consider both biological and sociological methods that should be used to lessen the problems of elk concentrations on private lands. Why can’t, or should I say by the time you read this, couldn’t the FWP Director wait for the release of that elk plan? I will let you decide that, but I have my suspicions.
Jerry Davis
Jerry Davis
Claudia Davis
Treasurer’sMessage
Ijust wanted to talk about what is happening with my position in MBA. The board agrees with me that my position as paid Administrative Services should not be the Treasurer on the Board of Directors. The Governance committee is working to change the by-laws, so they reflect this change. The position of Treasurer will be filled with a willing member of MBA. Don’t worry, this new treasurer won’t have to pay bills and process memberships. That will still be my job as a paid contractor. The Treasurer will be the chair of the Finance committee and be my contact on the board. This person will make sure our funds are being used to the best benefit of the organization. If you think you could fill this position, please contact Brian Koelzer, 1 and let him know you are interested. Or if you want to serve on the Finance Committee let Brian know.
This is a great organization who cares about preserving Montana’s history of bowhunting and archery seasons. Join the leadership team and be a part of leading this wonderful, diverse group of bowhunters.
This will be my last article for this magazine as you will be hearing from the new Treasurer in the next issue.
REGION 1
AL KELLY
REGION 2
MARLON CLAPHMAN
KEVIN ROBINSON
REGION 3
LIBERTY BROWN
PAUL KEMPER
REGION 4
MICHAEL PRATER (NO REPORT)
JESS WAGNER
REGION 5
BEN BULLER (NO REPORT)
KEN SCHULTZ
REGION 6
TRISTAN MANUEL (NO REPORT)
NICK SIEBRASSE (NO REPORT)
REGION 7
RICK MILLER
BOB MORGAN (NO REPORT)
My fellow benders of the bow,
Ihope the New Year finds everyone well, with visions of bowhunts and time afield dancing in your heads. I am excited to get out and do some elk hunting this year as is my Beautiful bride. My problem is getting to be that I only have so much vacation available and so many trips I want to make. Throw in some kids scattered across the western United States and you are probably right in assuming that there are just not enough vacation days to get to everything I would like to. Keeps a guy busy which I guess is a good thing. Hope everyone took the time to send comments to our game commissioners during the tentative session. The times, they are a-changing, and if we don’t stay diligent, it may not be going the way we would like to see it. Pay attention as there is some strong action from those who would like to see ranching for wildlife as the new deal. (Read that to say the Kings game.) I am partial to our present big game model in which the wildlife belongs to everyone. Think about this trend and watch out, they are coming after us.
Convention is coming up and I hope to see a lot of you there. One of my favorite events of the year. Keep’m sharp.
Ihave been a little out of touch with some medical issues with my back and hips so I haven’t been able to attend all the meetings I used to attend. Thanks to Kevin for stepping up and filling in for me. So at least I have a little to report. We are in the middle of another Tentative session. Time sure gets away from me this time of year with the Holidays and the end of hunting season. We had to jump right into the FWP planning meetings and with the new FWP Director and his directives put us into overdrive right off the bat. There seams to be a push from the Governor for major changes in policy and Commissioner personnel. Thanks to fast acting bulletins and information, we got a jump on a very bad proposal from the FWP Director. With the MBAs and other groups responding to his proposal sent to the Commission and the Director, he backed off and tried to come up with a better plan. So, the last few weeks and the regional meetings working with all sportsman and sportswomen’s groups the commission is looking at a lot of information before the final proposals are put out to the public for final comment. It has been a long-drawn-out process and hopefully there will be something coming out that we can try to live with. As we are a little ahead of the final outcome, we have to wait.
It is also time for Even Regions to vote for your Area Reps. I’ll be going ahead and put my name on the ballot for another term. Kevin Robinson is our other area rep. for region 2 and does a great job. I look forward to working with him again.
We here in Reg. 2 will be hosting the 2023 Convention up at Fairmont Hot Springs, so we will need to keep that up-coming event on our agendas.
The MBA will be putting on the Teen Bowhunters Camp this June. Libby members will be hosting to help Jerry and Becky Doyle put it all together. They have a lot of items gathered up and most of the funds raised so they are in fairly good shape there.
The Convention for this April 1st – 2nd will be at Fairmont as long as Covid slows down. So, if we all stay safe and healthy, I hope everyone can make it.
The Carp Safari will be June 11th at Canyon Ferry. Put that on your agenda as it is a great time to shoot a few carp and shoot the bull around the campfires.
Stay in touch it’s always good to hear from you.
Keep-Em Sharp and Shoot-Em Straight
Marlon Clapham Reg. 2 Area Rep.
continued on page 8
Al Kelly
Marlon Clapham
Region 2 continued from page 7
Happy new year! I hope everyone had a great 2021 bow season and got out as much as possible. As I write this it is the last day of the bow season for me here in Missoula. I was able to get out and poke around the woods today for my annual “last day of the season hunt”, but my freezer is full so I left my bow at home. Fortunately, we as bowhunters in Region 2 have great opportunities to hunt HD260 and surrounding districts for whitetails until January 15th. As you all know, there have been many proposed changes by FWP to modify hunting district boundaries, regulations, and quotas. One proposal was to “simplify” the regulations by removing the opportunity to draw an extra buck tag for HD260 (Bitterroot and Missoula River bottoms) and HD290 (Ovando-Helmville archery zone). From what I have gathered from the recent FWP Region 2 meetings, those opportunities
Hello Region 3 Bowhunters,
This winter there has been a lot of discussion regarding the newly proposed FWP Elk Management Policy. Hopefully everyone that wanted, had an opportunity to comment.
will still be available! A huge win for bowhunters! All of the comments and discussions by those opposing those changes really made a difference.
Our 2022 MBA Convention is a go! This will be my second convention as a regional representative and I’m excited about that event. The Carp Safari is also scheduled for June 11th this year so get your campsites reserved early at Hellgate Campground on Canyon Ferry. Again this year’s Carp Safari will have solid gold trophies for all of the category winners that are pound for pound worth more than any cryptocurrency out there. Stay warm this winter and see you at Fairmont Hot Springs!
FWP recently conducted flight counts in HD’s 301, 309 & 311. Below are the results and comments from those flights. If you have any comments or concerns, please reach out to our Region Commissioner, Pat Byorth, CommissionerRegion3@mtfwp.org (406) 548-4830.
ELK FLIGHT REPORT
HUNTING DISTRICT: 301 and 309
COUNTS: We observed 714 elk in HD 301 and 309. This places the elk herd over objective (Objective = 500 elk, objective range = 400-600). Ground-based classifications indicated 42 calves per 100 cows, a high calf ratio, but one likely to decline somewhat during the winter due to natural mortality and a hoof infection present in some calves.
MANAGEMENT: There have been increasing annual game damage complaints from landowners on this winter range. As subdivision has increased, elk are wintering on smaller remnants of agricultural open space with a shift from Bear Canyon toward Little Bear, and elk numbers appear to be increasing. Thus far, MFWP has tried to handle complaints through expanding the antlerless hunting season in HD 309, issuing B licenses in HD 301, and through individual game damage program responses.
During this year’s hunting season regulations adjustment, there were several public comments related to HD 309 and HD 301. HD 301 is 87% public land and is very accessible to hunters with networks of roads and trails throughout. It is managed conservatively to balance hunter opportunity with
elk presence on public lands, but its private lands can experience rampant game damage. HD 309 is the weapons-restricted hunting district drawn around the greater Bozeman area. It is 95% private land, and it was created in 2005 with two objectives: 1) to encourage liberal harvests of elk and deer to prevent urban wildlife concerns and 2) to do so safely. As a weapons-restricted area, achieving harvest can be challenging. Some landowners in HD 309 wanted to have exclusion areas, or to get out of HD 309 entirely, to allow them to shoot rifles. Some smaller property owners are concerned with safety and being near rifles.
The variety of public responses indicate management action is needed in HD 301 and HD 309, but that different publics may desire different actions for different reasons. Given the need for more conversations and outreach throughout the Bozeman community, to include discussions of HD 309 boundary changes to the north and west sides, no proposal will be floated to change HD309 or HD 301 this year. However, at the next opportunity, there are changes which could be discussed. One possible proposal which has met approval of some is to expand the boundaries of HD 309 to include more private lands in HD 301, and to keep it as a Weapons-Restricted Area except for properties of 160 acres or greater which could be allowed to use rifles for deer and elk hunting. Although the exact property size of a cut-off could be subject for debate, the ideal landing place to changes in HD 309/301 will continue to balance safety with the need for liberal wildlife management in this developing environment.
ELK FLIGHT REPORT
HUNTING DISTRICT (HD) 311
COUNTS: Together, we counted 2,719 elk. This flight places HD 311 within numerical objective. The objective for the north end of the Spanish Peaks is 2,500 elk, with an objective range of 2,000-3,000. However, note there are two separate herds, one of which was not described in the 2005 Elk Plan. The N. Spanish Peaks herd was described in the 2005 Elk Plan. It generally resides east of the Madison River and south of Highway 84 but will move north of Highway 84 where they can contribute to crop damage and brucellosis risk to cattle. The Red Mountain herd was not described in the 2005 Elk Plan. It generally resides within HD 311 on the private land west of the Madison River and is non-migratory. Data from GPS-collared cows suggested some overlap between these herds.
MANAGEMENT HISTORY: The N. Spanish Peaks herd began exploratory movements north of Highway 84 in winter 2009. By 2015-2016, more than 1,000 elk ventured north of Highway 84, increasing game damage and brucellosis risk across dozens of small properties and agricultural lands. For two years, there were >30 eligible game damage complaints and hunts. With relatively small parcels involved, few elk were harvested, leaving landowners and hunters frustrated.
In August 2017, MFWP proposed, and the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted, a shoulder season regulation which allowed antlerless elk harvest in the north half of HD 311 (north of Highway 84) on private and public lands until February 15th. The objective of the shoulder season was not necessarily to achieve a numerical reduction, but to assist in the elk distribution challenges when elk moved to the north side of Highway 84. Preliminary data indicate elk distribution has indeed changed, with more elk south of Highway 84, the objective and desired outcome of the shoulder season strategy. This change may be in part due to elk moving away from hunter pressure but could also be due to lighter winters these recent years. This year, on the day of the Flying D count (1/19/22), there were 1,135 elk north of Highway 84. By the time of the MFWP flight (1/23/22) there were just 298 left. The open hunting season likely provided pressure to redistribute these elk to the south.
BROWN PAUL KEMPER
Kevin M Robinson
Techno Metal Post of Western Montana
Kevin Robinson
Liberty Brown
For the 2020 hunting season, the shoulder season regulation in HD 311 was adjusted to include HD 311 in the unlimited 397-00 elk B license package with neighboring districts HD 312 and HD 309. It also allowed the 397-00 elk B license to be valid for early season hunting August 15 until the start of archery season on private lands only north of Highway 84. This proposal was supported by local landowners, especially those concerned with management of the Red Mountain herd.
In this area, shoulder season hunting shows more harvest opportunity than game damage hunts only. The population remains within objective, and the current management strategy for HD 311 appears to be working.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS: In 2021, MFWP launched a statewide effort to simplify hunting regulations. One of the expectations of this effort was to remove portions from hunting regulations. HD 311 has long been managed with a portion (HD 311 was split along Highway 84) for mule deer and for elk management. To remove this portion, a preliminary proposal was vetted to allow the north half of HD 311 to become its own unique district and the south half of HD 311 to merge with nearby HD 301 due to regulations similarity. However, HD 301 represented a different elk herd with management issues of its own, and upon further vetting through the public process, concern arose about future management need in HD 301 and that that hunting opportunity would become limited if the south half of HD 311 were to be combined with HD 301.
Responding to public comment, the new proposal going before the F&W Commission this February will be: 1) the north half of HD 311 could become a stand-alone district with all the current regulations (including shoulder seasons, 397-00 elk B license, and mule deer B licenses) and 2) the south half of HD 311 could become new HD 304. New HD 304 could have standard mule deer (eithersex mule deer during archery season, antlered buck thereafter, no B licenses), white-tailed deer (eithersex white-tailed deer on general license, antlerless white-tail on Region 3 B license), and elk regulations (brow-tined bull or antlerless season-long, either-sex elk for youth/PTHFV, no shoulder season, no B licenses).
Other adjustments to HD 311 and HD 304 were proposed based on elk movements. One change is to incorporate a part of old HD 333 into HD 311 in the Sappington Bridge area. Elk in this area, north of State Route 359, move back and forth across Highway 287 generating game damage and brucellosis concerns. If this change passes, then future adjustments to the flight report in this area will include greater detail about elk use in this area. Another change is proposed in the Big Sky area to a) create a simpler boundary between districts and b) “draw in” the range of a wintering herd of about 200 elk into the Spanish Peaks. These elk winter in the Big Sky and Dudley Creek area and could be placed in the same hunting district for future management. The change amounts to about 20 square miles removed from HD 360 and placed into new HD 304.
Liberty Brown
406-570-4280
mbareg3@gmail.com
Hello from Region 3!
Ihope everyone had a great hunting season and has been able to get their lives back as things settle down. This year was Jordanne’s first with an elk tag in her pocket, and we busted our butts trying to fill it–having arguably our best season to date. So many close calls, so many great memories, and so many lessons learned. We didn’t kill an elk, but I asked Jordanne to be my wife and gained a hunting partner for life.
After a tough 2021 legislative session, I think I can speak for everyone that we were ready for a break. After FWP released the most recent proposals, we realized there’s no rest for the weary. Now more than ever, we need to be vigilant and engaged at all levels to protect our bowhunting heritage.
FWP is proposing big changes to archery elk hunting in our state. These changes include breaking up the 900 bundle, increasing rifle permits by 50%, and issuing unlimited permits in the former 900 districts. Most hunters can get behind breaking up the 900 bundle. Otherwise, the only proposal that seems to be mostly supported by hunters is the proposal that would force a permit holder to hunt only the unit that their permit is valid for. These changes will have big implications for future elk hunting if they are passed. Some of the best trophy elk units in the state will have the upper-age class bulls removed within a couple of years. The 10% NR cap won’t apply in these units anymore, so they will likely see a lot more pressure from NR hunters. These units were already getting increasingly crowded every year, and that trend is likely to continue at a much faster rate. Removing the limited permits will likely result in more private lands leased to outfitters and hunt clubs. Hunters who have been waiting for years to draw a coveted rifle permit are likely to see their draw odds get much worse because many hunters will start to apply for rifle permits on their first choice since they will be guaranteed an unlimited archery permit on their second choice. It seems the best option to me would be to wait until the new elk management plans are released in 2023 before making such drastic changes to elk management. The MBA will continue to fight to keep the limited permits in place.
I have been spending a lot more time sending comments to FWP commission members and CAC members than I would care to. It is the part of hunting that isn’t any fun, but I think it is very important if we want to ensure quality hunting experiences for us and future generations. Keep sending in those comments! On the bright side, we finally get to have a state MBA convention again. I look forward to seeing you there.
JessnWagner
Jess Wagner
Paul Kemper
Paul Kemper
Greetings All,
HBob Morgan
BULLER KEN SCHULTZ
ope everyone had a fun and rewarding hunting season this past year with Family and Friends! 2021 is finally behind us and we can move on into 2022. Even though deer season has ended and we are in the final weeks of the late season shoulder elk hunts, there are still hunting seasons going on. Many of you are still out hunting and trapping for Mountain Lions, Coyotes and many other fur bearing animals. Goose season is a real favorite with several of you. Whatever you may be hunting, be very careful!
Ken Schultz
We are faced with some critical upcoming hunting regulation changes that are really going to challenge how we’ve hunted in Montana over the past several years. It’s going to be critical that all of you do your part to reach out to your local
Legislator and FWP reps to share your concerns with them. They are asking for feedback, so let’s give it to them. The MBA has been in communications with our members asking for feedback so we can share our concerns as well. if we stand by and allow these changes without a challenge, it could mean the end of “Public Land Hunting” as we’ve known it. I’ve always said, the one greatest thing about Montana is the ability to be able to hunt public lands without being overpopulated with other hunters. This will change if these proposals pass. It is also not the way to lower the elk herd populations. So, if any of you have ideas, please either share with your local Legislator or myself to pass on! Let’s not go down without a Fight! “Protect Montana’s Hunting Rights”!
On a fun note! The MBA will be having our MBA Convention coming up on the weekend of April 1st through the 3rd in Fairmont Hot Springs. We have not been able to have the convention for the past 2 years due to the COVID epidemic. It is a great time for bowhunters and hunters alike to get together and have a lot of fun. We have auctions, awesome speakers, seminars and booths from several vendors. Please come and join us for a great weekend and a nice getaway. I bet every one of you could use a getaway!
RICK MILLER BOB MORGAN
Fellow Bowhunters
Hope this finds you healthy and enjoying the winter season. This is the perfect time to begin planning for that dream bowhunt you’ve been kicking around in your head. The planning process remains in the idea stage until a tangible commitment of some kind is made. For me, the lifelong dream of hunting Dall Sheep started to become a reality when my two sons said it was time to make it happen. I had just retired and was in good enough shape to enjoy the sheep challenge, so I agreed. The time was right – game on!
From that point, all aspects of the trip started to take shape. Through absolute blind luck, we crossed paths with a biologist who gave us key information on reputable flying services. From that info, we booked with a seasoned pilot who was a perfect fit for the trip we envisioned. He was even my age and gave me some old guy advice about pre-hunt training and what to expect physically. From there licenses and airline tickets were purchased. With monetary commitments now in play, the dream hunt was going to happen. I couldn’t help smiling every time I thought about it.
The willingness to take that first step from concept (in your head) to reality (money invested) is what is needed to kick-start the dream adventure. My advice is not to wait too long as life waits for no one.
Regarding what has been happening in region 7, I would say that the new “Elk Management Proposal”
is what has gained most Montana elk hunters attention. The newly appointed FWP Director (Hank Worsech) has taken a very radical position in his recommendation to the newly appointed FWP Commissioners. I know most of you are aware, so I won’t going into a long explanation. I think the interview that Director Worsech did with Montana newspaper columnist Tom Kuglin (Helena) said it all. Director Worsech told Tom that he felt that elk management in Montana had favored the public trust doctrine for too long and that it was time for private landowners and the outfitter industry to be able to capitalize on over objective elk populations. He mentioned the problem was caused by too many Democrat governors and their FWP appointees. Yep – to me that pretty much tells the story. His management proposal is solely political not science based in any aspect. I hope you all took the time to write opposing comments to the commissioners and the FWP wildlife department (they are keeping tally of the responses).
In my opinion, hunting districts 704 and 705 would be the most impacted by the new proposal. As written, the elk archery permits on the Ashland District - Custer National Forest would be unlimited and would add a bunch of new rifle permits and licenses that would also be valid (with archery equipment) during the archery season.
Proposed Permits and Licenses that would be valid during archery season on the Custer:
• General Elk License – unlimited for spikes and antlerless elk
• 799-20 – 340 (up 115) rifle permits
• 799-21 – Unlimited archery permits
• 799-00 – 600 antlerless licenses
• 007-00 – 800 antlerless licenses
Last but not least, it’s getting to be that time of year for you to be thinking about putting in for tags in state and if you are planning an out of state hunt. Know your deadlines, because the good lord knows it seems to change on a regular basis.
Like I always say, “Shoot Straight and ALWAYS be a Straight Shooter”!
If you bowhunt either of these two public accessible HDs and those numbers do not raise your blood pressure, you might want to see a doctor?
Hopefully enough opposing public comment will stop this craziness from becoming a reality.
The MBA has been actively involved in trying to keep our elk management based on the public trust doctrine. If we lose the fight and the FWP folks give up their ability to manage private land elk (unlimited either sex licenses) we will be officially starting down the privatizing road that too many other states before gone down before us. For the sake of our kids and grandkids, I sure hope not. Hope to see you all at the convention in Fairmont Hot Springs on April Fool’s Day (hope that’s not a bad omen?).
Rick Miller
Region 7 Rep - Colstrip
Ken Schultz
Region 5 rep
Ken Schultz
Rick Miller
CLIFF GARNESS
MANDY GARNESS
STEPHANIE PRATER (NO REPORT)
MIKE SHEPARD
RICH SMITH (NO REPORT)
TJ SMITH
DirectorsAt Large
We needed each other even more this year, after the stresses of lives that I hope everyone sent in comments for the various FWP proposals that were out there. In the coming weeks, we will be at the mercy of the FWP and the commission to shape what our hunting seasons may look like not only next year, but for future seasons as well. Even though COVID is still around and affecting us all in different ways, we will be having the MBA Banquet this year at Fairmont Hot Springs. I am excited to be back to somewhat normalcy and to see you all again soon. I expect to hear some of the hunting stories that have been accumulating over the last couple of seasons, along with some smiles and laughs. Please make sure to get your write ups in for various awards. We are always looking for more folks that share the passion of bowhunting, for Directors-at-large, Regional reps as well as officers. If you have an interest, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us about what that commitment may be. Look forward to seeing everyone, Happy 2022 and we will see everyone in Fairmont in April!
Howdy! If you like snow, come to the north Flathead Valley. We are in the depth of winter. Have had several responses to my last article on the lack of ethics of our TV hero hunters. Many of them define the word I have used for 50 years–SLOBS. If I had my way, the majority would be banned from hunting anywhere in the world. But we all know how the judicial system works...as the animals I hunt are invaluable to me, even at soon to be 73, but sometimes the law is ignored.
As with you all, I am extremely concerned about the current FWP head and his philosophy, not to mention the FWP Commishs. Many years ago, on Swan Mt., I had a threatening note left on my truck. WHY? Simple, I was hunting spring bear behind a gated, kelly-humped road that was being used by the Swan Mt. Outfitters, current owner of which is now a FWP Commissioner and did I stop hunting there–hell no! Lands were USFS, and my buddy, now deceased and I hunted it, parked right beside the MOGA rig. They never messed with me again. A story about this at a later date. Since then, I have had little regard for those prostitutes who hunt using a MOGA with big money. As you see, they are politically trying to force us little people out of the picture. After all, who do you want to make decisions on hunting, some elected idiot who walks the party line, or a TRAINED wildlife manager. Simple choice to me. WE MUST STAY ENGAGED TO ENSURE OUR HUNTING PRIVILEDGES. Please do so. Happy Winter
Shep–Ye OLDE Bowhunter.... Mike Shepard
Cliff and Mandy Garness
Region 4 DAL
Mike Shepard
Mandy Garness
Cliff Garness
Years ago my son and I walked into one of my favorite fishing holes from days long past. We found that erosion over the many years had moved the stream bed and the sweet spot no longer existed. As I thought about stream erosion, an inch or two a year and some years maybe several feet, the result was predictable.
I am retired and in my September years of life. I hobble around like the old goat that I am. My days of “spot and stalk” for big game ungulates have come and gone. I’ve got many wonderful hunting memories and could just fade into the landscape like my old fishing hole and be content. But I can’t do that.
It is those hunting memories that push me. It is hunters new to the sport, wide eyed and excited to the core of their being, that push me. I remember those days. I know that I am not alone in this. We want to share this feeling, this humbling conclusion to the hunt. Our children, our grandchildren, our grandchildren’s grandchildren, and the young hunter down the street, must have the same opportunities we had…to experience the excitement, the fulfillment, the joy.
Erosion happens slowly over time, going unnoticed right before our very eyes. Erosion of our bowhunting heritage isn’t as noticeable as stream erosion, but it is every bit as final. The MBA is responsible for the bowhunting seasons we have in Montana. The MBA also shoulders the responsibility to shore up the banks to end erosion before it happens.
This is a direct quote from our website, “The MBA would not exist without individuals and families who feel just as passionate about bowhunting as our founders did in 1973. We face many challenges and we need a strong membership to meet those challenges…We all play a role in the success of the MBA… in the success of bowhunting in Montana.”
Membership has many different meanings and all are needed and necessary. Yes, we need volunteers for the Board of Directors and various other things, but we also need members just to help play the numbers game that must be played. The Board of Directors can work as hard as possible and erosion will still happen. It takes the help of a strong membership to stop the erosion. When talking to fellow bowhunters ask them to join the organization that is responsible for the Montana bowhunting seasons. Ask them to spread the word by asking all their bowhunting friends to join the MBA. Help support our financial strength by making a trip to the annual MBA banquet this year. If there is a conflict in your schedule donate the cost of the tank of gas you would have used to attend. And, as important as everything, take the time to vote on all the MBA ballots sent to you. Your vote gives needed direction. Your grandchildren and my grandchildren appreciate your support, your input. Thank you for being a MBA member.
TJ Smith
Tentative MBA Teen Bowhunting Camp Schedule
Tues/Wed: Adult set-up/ Kitchen set-up/ 3 D course setup including tree stands and ground blinds/ practice range setup/firewood if applicable/ fire containment set-ups/ showering facility/ any outside vendors meet (toilets/supplies/targets/donations, etc.) the campers may come early if needed for volunteering or scheduling/traveling conflicts.
Wednesday evening at 8pm is Adult group meeting. This is where we double check everything and make sure we are set to receive campers Thursday morning, last moments for sanity (just kidding!) NO alcohol, tobacco, marijuana etc. the kitchen will be set-up providing meals for volunteers.
Thursday Morning 8 am: Receive campers from parents at pre-determined meeting point; ideally 1 mile or so, on entrance to camp location. Group meeting with campers/parents/all camp volunteers. double check any last-minute paperwork etc.
Welcome, general discussion of safety, camp in general, etc.: break into teams, all gear except bows and packs loaded into camp vehicles for transport back to camp, parents are free to go to the camp and then leave unless previously arranged for volunteering or camping close by, the attendees and their pre-assigned teams and Team Leader (adult volunteer for camp duration) will hike to camp and will start getting to know one another on this trek. Upon arrival at camp, each team will set-up their wall tents, may pick where they would like to set-up within confines of pre-determined camping area, set up their personal belongings, assist other teams in need.
10:00 am -12:00 pm: Eequipment check and practice field time. A licensed and insured bow tech will go over each individual’s archery equipment to ensure participant safety and may make changes on an individual basis if parental approval was given.
A pre-signed release by parent is requested but not required.
IF NOT AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY EQUIPMENT CHANGES FOR SAFETY REASONS, THE ATTENDEE WILL BE ISSUED AN MBA GENESIS BOW AND ARROWS FOR USE DURING CAMP. Teens will use practice field so volunteers and Leaders will be able to assess and assist as needed. Field Range Etiquette will be in place.
12:15-1:00: Lunch (see team assignment sheet posted at kitchen for team duties)
1:15-3:15: INSTRUCTION PERIOD: this time slot may be a group activity or individual team activity, please see attached list of instruction ideas that have been employed previously or new ideas.
3:30-5:30: 3-D Range, practice field, The Team on Dinner duty will go out first followed by the other Teams. This is a fun time that should also include instruction on safety, tree stand safety and harness use by each Team leader.
(Two targets are set-up at tree stand, blind has one target,) target angles, shot placement, yardages, etc. binos and range finders may be used if brought. Scores kept and posted on Kitchen board (this always leads to good rivalries between Teens and Adults.
6:00-7:00: Dinner - prepared and served by Team on Duty, other teams will do clean-up duty/ garbage duty/ etc. as listed
7:15-8:15: Blood trailing practice. two to three blood trails will have been setup during dinner. Teams will learn blood trailing techniques and work together to recover animals (antlers or hides) usually three trails on the 3-d course, one from tree stand, one from ground blind, one from standing position
8:30-9:45: campfire/hunting stories (showers)
10:00 pm: TENT TIME
Friday 8am-8:30: Quick breakfast (breakfast team to kitchen at 7:30)
8:30-9:00: T eams will pack their own individual lunches for the day and prepare for in the field training.
9:00-12:00: Team Leaders will take teams on a hike and use this time to teach GPS/Mapping skills, animal identification and tracking/habitat, wind and terrain usage for hunting prowess, etc. each team Leader will pack a cell phone for pictures, (a handheld radio for emergency communication/sat phone/ spot whichever) bear spray, etc.
A GPS co-ordinate will be provided for the lunch meet-up spot where Jerry meets the teams to go over hunting calls, etc. during lunch break. Each team will need to record three GPS locations on the way to the assigned location and make notes of observations at that spot and take pictures. These observations/lessons will be shared in the group meeting later at camp.
12:15-2:00: Hike back to camp and rest/free time (usually have game warden appear here)
2:00-4:00: INSTRUCTION PERIOD: this time slot may be a group activity or individual team activity, please see attached list of instruction ideas that have been employed previously or new ideas.
4:10-5:45: 3-D Range, practice field, The Team on Dinner duty will go out first followed by the other Teams. This is a fun time that should also include instruction on safety, tree stand safety and harness use by each Team leader. (Two targets are set-up at tree stand, blind has one target,) target angles, shot placement, yardages, etc. Binos and range finders may be used if brought. Scores kept and posted on Kitchen board (this always leads to good rivalries between Teens and Adults). Targets will have been moved.
6:00-7:00: Dinner - prepared and served by Team on Duty, other teams will do clean-up duty/ garbage duty/etc. as listed.
7:00-7:30: Flint and Steel competition- Fire starting (teams needed to collect fire building material while out on morning Hike)
7:30-9:00: Group Campfire and Special Guest Presentation- ideally we have a Guest Speaker who teaches the Teens something hands on like calling/bow making/ string making/etc. we ask the guest speaker to bring supplies for each Teen-Hands on (nothing like 20 Teens trying to blow on mouth reeds at the same time! lol)
10:00 pm: Tent Time
Saturday 8am: Teams are on their own for breakfast, may take sack breakfast or DIY at camp.
First two teams out for mock hunt, remaining. Two teams in camp for Treestand Safety Demo and practice. Switch out as Hunt Teams come in.
Lunch will be after final teams are in from Lunch
12:00-1:00 Lunch and Hunt discussion/photos/videos/etc.
1:15-3:00: INSTRUCTION PERIOD: this time slot may be a group activity or individual team activity, please see attached list of instruction ideas that have been employed previously or new ideas.
3:00-4:00: TEAM CHALLANGE- Shelter Building, each Team will work together to build a natural Shelter. There will be prizes awarded after Judging by Leader/Volunteer Staff according to a set of pre-determined guidelines.
4:10-5:45: 3-D Range, practice field, The Team on Dinner duty will go out first followed by the other Teams. This is a fun time that should also include instruction on safety, tree stand safety and harness use by each Team leader.
(Two targets are set-up at tree stand, blind has one target,) target angles, shot placement, yardages, etc. Binos and range finders may be used if brought. Scores kept and posted on Kitchen board (this always leads to good rivalries between Teens and Adults). Scores for the Week will be tallied and Awards issued at WildGame Banquet
6:00-8:00: WildGame Banquet and Awards Ceremony/Special Guests (Wild game donated by individuals, we previously have had elk/deer/lion/bison/fish/moose).
8:00-9:30: Campfire/ Hunting stories
10:00 pm: TENT TIME
Sunday 8 am-8:45: Breakfast, assigned teams etc.
9:00-12:00: GROUP WORKDAY: Landowner relations and work as arranged by Landowner
12:00-1:00: Group Lunch
1:00-4:00: Complete Camp Breakdown pack-up by Everyone
4:00-5:00: Parent Pickup, some will need to leave earlier for travel reasons
GENERAL CAMP DISCUSSION:
These times are very lenient but allow for some structure and seem to fit the overall plan well. Giving the TEENS Ownership in the camp and how a camp should be kept in Bear country, how to organize and setup camp etc., and in
General with Leave no Trace ethics is practiced throughout the camp and Leaders/Volunteers have the responsibility to teach these things.
We will need a licensed medical person in attendance, who will keep the Teens and Adults medical information on hand and secure at all times, along with a medical emergency plan for the Stimson Property.
We have previously divided the TEENS into 4 groups of 5, each with a leader or make corrections, usually depends on number of girls attending. That also means we have TWO women volunteer for the Girls’ Team and One man for each of the boys. (If we have to setup individual tents due to covid regulations, we will separate the girls from boys on opposite sides of camp.)
The Leaders live, eat, breathe with their respective teams. This has shown to be a very positive thing creating unity, respect, and a team comradery that has shown to provide long lasting mentorship/friendships.
Other Volunteer Staff fulfill emotional needs/requirements/ bonds as needed
We have done activities such as hide cleaning and stretching, flint knapping and Atlatyl, emergency med in the field on the way back to camp on Friday, simulated bear attacks, mapping and GPS with the forest service, sign posting for Block Management on private/public hunting areas, issued tags to the kids at the Thursday morning meet and greet, then followed up by Game Warden appearance to check tags during mock elk hunt, and Q&A with local warden, fishing Camp makes sure we get group license from FWP), creek swimming, Flu Flu shooting, cast iron cooking, etc.
Jerry will be one of our Mock Elk Callers, we will need one more (can show up just for the weekend) the Teams will utilize all of their learned skills to call and spot and stalk a Bull Elk Target, each TEEN gets one shot, then the Hidden(safely) Elk, will come to the group and discuss their shot placement and do a blood trail to recover the animal, Second team to each Elk will pack out the target.
Generally, the Med person assists Beckie with kitchen and Camp MC duties.
We have a trailer that we setup for the kitchen with outside tent/awning and stoves, water, wash station etc. inside we bring a chest freezer/generator/ice chests/ shelving/ table etc. snacks and beverages are Always available to the entire camp at will, locked up during the night with garbage.
We prepare easy foods for large groups from scratch, the Teens really love creating meals their peers devour.
We expect our volunteer leaders to come prepared to share their knowledge and we do not have a written up, exact doctrine to follow, rather an idea list of things to cover, a guideline for everyone. each excursion is designed to teach, and share time gets the info passed around rather well. Roger Licht would be an amazing tree stand safety instructor as Marlon and Mary won’t be able to travel. Jackie will volunteer as one of the Girl Teen Leaders, so we need one more. The medic could also fill this role as well. We have funds to pay a medical person, just need to find someone. I can answer any other questions and have some volunteers coming from the Bitterroot to assist. Jerry is unable to be a group leader with his med issues, however he’s invaluable in set-up, archery equipment and shooting, Friday lunch discussion, blood trailing, and Mock Hunt. We have some returning Teens who will be able to be mentors, possibly Leaders, age depending. I look forward to the camp as do many Teens who have been waiting!
Thanks, Beckie Doyle, 406-531-4060, suladoyle@live.com