MBA Regional Representatives
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Al Kelly PO Box 219, Libby, MT 59923 .........................................406-293-2900 alman@frontiernet.net
Neil Maier 16200 Roman Creek Rd Frenchtown, MT 59834 ...........406-546-6013 nam56@yahoo.com
Brian Koelzer 80 Jansma Lane Manhattan, MT 59741 ..........................406-570-7997 rocknrollbowhunter3@yahoo.com
Barrett Haugan 560 Clovehitch Road Belgrade, MT 59714 .....................406-539-0602 btreasurestate@aol.com
Region 4 Vacant
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Region 8
EVEN YEARS
John Grimstad 2031 Poly Drive Billings, MT 59102 ..............................406-252-3620 twingrim@bresnan.net
David Moon 97 Aberdeen, Glasgow, MT 59230 ..................................406-942-0659 djmoon9876@gmail.com
Bob Morgan P.O. Box 1995 Colstrip, MT 59323 ..................................406-749-0706 robertredface@gmail.com
Jerry Davis 725 Middlemas Road, Helena, MT 59602.......................406-475-2226 pipelinejerry@gmail.com
AT LARGE DIRECTORS
Roger Peffer 2517 9th Ave So., Great Falls, MT 59405 – regorp77@msn.com .........................................406-452-0911
Seth Rogers 1425 Prickley Pear, Billings, MT 59105 – srogers@lamar.com ............................................406-670-5435
Clifford Goudelock PO Box 355, Reed Point, MT 59069 – cgoudelock@hotmail.com .............................406-326-2374
Michael Shepard 351 7th Ave East N., Columbia Falls, MT 59912 – michaelshepard7@gmail.com ............406-250-9806
ODD YEARS
Paul Martin 110 Sage Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901 - paulhmartin99@gmail.com ..........................406-261-4456
Ray Gross 355 Antelope Drive Dillon, MT 59725 – raygross0144@gmail.com ........................406-660-1019
Dan Moore 75 Haywire Trail, Kalispell Mt 59901 - bigdanmt@yahoo.com ..................................406-756-7395
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 Al or Teri Kelly at PO Box 23611, Billings, MT 59104
or email teray1979@yahoo.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All photos will be placed in the MBA Photo Ablum and can be viewed at the annual conventions. Any questions as to policies of MBA please write the President.
MEMBERSHIP INQURIES
Please send new memberships or renewal memberships to MBA Tresurer, PO Box 23611, Billings, MT 59104 or call 406-697-7668, register online at www.mtba.org or ask a member.
MBA officers
PRESIDENT
Marlon Clapham 4455 Hoover Lane • Stevensville, MT 59870 mbaregion2@gmail.com • 406-777-2408
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Steve Schindler 134 Sawney Drive • Glasgow, MT 59203 sas@nemont.net • 406-228-9024
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Mark Schwomeyer 60 Hruska Ln • Lewistown, MT 59457 markschwo@gmail.com • 406-350-0173
TREASURER
Jenn Schneider PO Box 23611 • Billings, MT 59104 mtba@mtba.org • 406-697-7668
SECRETARY Vacant
PAST PRESIDENT
Joelle Selk 3470 Kase Road • Helena, MT 59602 jselkmt@3riversdbs.net • 406-422-6798
MAGAZINE CO-EDITORS
Teri and Al Kelly PO Box 219 • Libby, MT 59923 teray1979@yahoo.com
WEB DESIGNER
Lyle Hebel www.pixelelk.com Liberty Brown Branding Iron Marketing
MAGAZINE DESIGN
K Design Marketing, Inc. 1613 South Ave. W. • Missoula, MT 59801 kim@kdesignmarketing.com 406-273-6193
Iwas driving to work this week, a short 90 mile jaunt because I had work to do in the main office and I was thinking about various things, hunting, the magazine, the recent convention etc. and I contemplated what I would write about for this issue. As I was driving I remembered some recent photos I posted with of some of our grandchildren and Papa helping them shoot bows for the first time when they were in town visiting a few weeks ago. I smiled as I thought about the joy they had when they hit the target the first time. It was phenomenal. This led me to think about our recent Bow Hunter of the Year and Schafer Award winners, who are both under 18, who both come from hunting/outdoor/active families. Both of these young people are motivated, dedicated and ethical hunters. As I was driving the route between Libby and Kalispell I thought, how lucky are we to live in such a great place where we can give our kids and grandkids the experience of living and playing in the great outdoors. Thinking back to the things I grew up doing, hunting, camping, fishing, it made me consider what will we leave the next generations, will they still have the opportunities in ten, twenty or forty years from now that we have now in Montana? I certainly hope so.
Sometimes we assume it’s always going to be this way, but in reality there are a lot of people in this big world who never get these kinds of opportunities. We were in Georgia for a family wedding in March. While there, we visited Stone Mountain, which was a really big, really cool mountain that has some generals carved in the side of it. Built around it is a theme type of park with water features, climbing walls, etc., all basically built around this mountain and these carvings. After riding the tram up to the top, we opted to walk down the mountain rather than ride the tram back down because some of us prefer not to be in really high, slightly swinging cars up in the air. On the way down we met a family with a young man of about 11 who was actively complaining about all the video time he was missing by being outside hiking around on this gorgeous March day. The sun was shining, a breeze was blowing and it was about 70 degrees. I responded to him with, Really! Why would you want to be cooped up when you can be out in this? We chatted as we walked and shared where we were from. He was fascinated by the fact that we were from Montana and wanted to know what kind of things we did there.
I told him all the things we do, bowhunting, hiking, camping, fishing, etc., and he was enthralled. He had never had the opportunity to even shoot a bow other than the NERF plastic stick to the wall type or on a video game. Imagine if the only hunting experience you ever had in your lifetime was on a video game. He thought it was amazing that we could do all those things and if I’d had a bow there, at that time, he’d have been all over it. I was a little sad for this kid, he sounded like he had all sorts of “things” to entertain him, but he had no real love of the outdoors, no experience seeing real animals in the woods. He was hopeful that as he got older he might get to shoot a bow at school if they had it in gym class…..sad.
Teri Kelly
We forget how lucky we are sometimes. We tend to feel that we are “entitled” to our hunting seasons and opportunities, but we need to remember, it’s a privilege, not a right and no one else sees the value of these seasons and opportunities like we, the bowhunters of Montana do. But of course, like anything else it has to be maintained and protected, something the MBA diligently works towards. We get caught up sometimes on issues within bowhunting; what kind of bow we shoot, using electronics or not using electronics, etc., but we should always remember the big picture, what the MBA is all about, what is was formed back in 1973 to do
To unite the state’s bowhunting sportsmen to work towards a common goal of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana.
I want bowhunting in Montana to be around for many, many more years. I’ll volunteer my time to edit the magazine, I’ll talk to others about why the MBA is important and why their voice as an individual is important, I’ll make something to donate again next year for the convention, I’ll use the things I’m good at to protect our legacy.
I’ll do my part, will you do yours?
Teri Kelly
President’s Message
First off I would like to thank the members of region 2 for the support over the last four years while I served as the rep for that area. This will be my last reg 2 news update and combination first president report as I will be moving to the president’s position over the next few weeks. Neil Maier from Frenchtown will be taking over area rep duties for region 2. I have known Neil for over twenty years and he is going to be an asset to the board. I am looking forward to working with Neil being on the board.
Back to reg 2 news. As you know we will be participating in the Youth Expo May 14 at the Teller Wildlife Refuge. The MBA stepped up and donated $750.00 to help send the youth to conservation camps. The Traditional Bowhunters of Montana also stepped up with a $750.00 donation. The Montana Bowhunter Education Foundation has also stepped up and made another donation. So every major Bowhunting organization in MT. stepped up for the youth of Montana›s young bowhunters. I for one am very proud to be part of these groups, and I thank you very much. Merri and I will be setting up the shooting booth again Saturday morning around 8:30am. If you would like to give us a hand we will need it. As last year we had well over 350 shooters who don›t seem to get enough shooting the bows. Give me a call or just show up we can use all the help we can get.
The organizers of the expo will be putting on our own camp this summer deep in the West Fork of the Bitterroot. So it will be interesting to see how it turns out. It will save us a pile of money to go to more youths. Every camp we send these youth to has an archery program during the week. The Jack Creek Camp certifies their youth to be able to hunt.
By now everyone knows that the Convention was at Fair Mont Hot Springs. We had a ball. There were more reg2 members in attendance than there has been for a while and a lot of you looked me up to wish me luck and congratulated me on the President’s position. The members showed me a lot of support. I have to admit that I›m a bit nervous going in, but we have a good bunch on the board and they will keep us on track. I want to Thank Brian Koelzer for all the work he put in to the chairing of this Convention. And a huge Thank You to the crew he put together. A job well Done. We even made some money.
As you are reading this newsletter you will notice that our youth stepped it up again last hunting season, and were recognized by their peers. Jacob Price in his last year as a youth member was awarded the Paul Schafer award. Then along came a young lady the age of twelve running away with the Bowhunter of the year award. And when she came to the podium all she could say was AWESOME!!!! June La Page is no stranger to our ranks. She has been the Carp Safari Queen and raising havoc with small game for years. And know that she in old enough to hunt big game she proved she was ready, well-practiced and made good this past Bowhunting season. Thanks to her dad Steve June will be a fine hunter taking care of the future bowhunters. But for now just enjoy your youth and hunt till you drop. AWESOME!!!!!
Joelle will be stepping down soon and I can›t express enough appreciation for how much work she has put in the last thirteen or fourteen years on the board and as our president. I know there is much to finish in the up coming months as you turn things over to the new board. But we will make you proud. Thank You Joelle.
Next up is the Carp Safari June 11th I hope to see a good many of you there. If you haven›t done this event yet, What›s the matter with you? Shooting Carp is an absolute GAS.
Any way, Keep-Em Sharp and Shoot-Em Straight
Marlon Clapham
Treasurer’sMessage
Winter is quickly melting away and the stress and busy-ness of the convention prep and wrap up are sliding away with it. This year has a cheery outlook as I’m happy to report we’ve cleared $22,000 for a profit from this convention. That’s the highest profit we’ve seen since 2009 and hopefully a trend. Brian, Barrett, (their wives), and the rest of the Region 3 people who busted their behinds to make this a good one certainly prevailed. Thank you to them for all their hard work and such a fun convention! We had some amazing donations and everyone really stepped up to make it a great outcome financially. Looking forward to the summer and lots of camping and fishing with my boys, thanks to everyone who came to the convention, it was so great to see you!
Jenn Schneider
MBACommittees
Legislative:
Jerry Davis, Chair
Steve Schindler • Ray Gross
Marlon Clapham • Dan Moore
Tentatives:
Ray Gross, Chair
Paul Martin • Mark Schwomeyer
Marlon Clapham
Steve Schindler • Dan Moore
Steve Schindler
Financial:
Jerry Davis, Chair
Jenn Schneider • Seth Rogers
Ray Gross • Neil Maier
Landowner/Sportsman:
Mark Schwomeyer, Chair
Dan Moore • David Moon
Neil Maier • Bob Morgan
Nominations:
Steve Schindler, Chair
Al Kelly • Paul Martin
Awards:
Roger Peffer, Chair
Al Kelly • Steve Schindler
Marlon Clapham
Jenn Schneider
Membership: Chair, vacant
Jenn Schneider
Seth Rogers • Ray Gross
Joelle Selk, Membership assistant
Convention 2016/2017:
Brian Koelzer, Chair
Jenn Schneider • Sean Dunn
Joelle Selk • Barrett Haugan
Magazine:
Al & Teri Kelly, Co-Chairs
Steve Schindler
Roger Peffer • Joelle Selk
Brian Koelzer • Jerry Davis
Website:
Webmasters
Lyle Hebel • Liberty Brown
Joelle Selk • Jenn Schneider
Carp Shoot:
Joelle Selk, Chair
Bow-Ed:
Al Kelly, Chair
Marlon Clapham • Brian Koelzer
Bob Morgan • Mark Schwomeyer
David Moon • Ray Gross
Marlon Claphman
Schindler
First Vice President’sReport
The 2016 Banquet and meeting is in the books and we all owe a big Thanks to the convention crew, region 3 did more than a great job, good job Brian. Fairmont was a good place to hold our convention.
We have a new President and I am happy that Marlon has stepped up to fi ll that position. He will do a great job, I also want to thank Joelle for the great job she has done as President of the MBA. The MBA has benefited greatly from leadership over the years.
By now most of you have seen the dash cam video of the Game Warden/Hostage situation that was released by the Billings Gazette and as shocking as that was there is something that needs to be done. To
prevent any further incidences we need the States Attorney General to step in and uphold the law. We need to know what the law is in this circumstance. There is a lot of mis-information rolling around and it is only fair to both sides of this issue that we all know what is and what isn’t.
Just a little report from eastern Montana, our winter was as predicted and was warmer than normal and less precipitation than normal. The good part of an open winter is the wildlife appreciated it and came out very good. Sad to say there is a bad side of an open winter and mostly it has to do with less precipitation which leads to very dry conditions, and that leads to a bigger fire season. Wildlife likes green grass rather than the burnt up brown stuff. Things could change very quickly and often do, so it’s not in the books yet. Keep your fi ngers crossed and hopefully we will get close to normal.
The MBA has moved into the 21st century and is using social media (Facebook) more and more to keep in touch with our members. So far it seems to be working; I hope the members interact with us on Facebook as it’s a great tool to keep members in the loop.
As I’m writing this Turkey season is a week away and I am excited to get going. The hair on the back of your neck certainly stands on end when you have a big gobbler in close and he lets out a bugle err I mean a gobble….
So all in all the MBA is in good shape and one thing that would help all sportsmen is to elect people who are sportsmen friendly, remember the guys who tried to remove our stream access laws and the same guys who wanted to get rid of the Block Management Program. We really don’t need these guys representing us in Helena.
Do some thinking before you vote.
Steve Schindler
Steve
Hey Everybody,
Another convention is in the history books. And what a great time it was. Thanks Brian and crew for a great convention. The location was a real family friendly place and a lot of fun for the kids and adults. The weather also cooperated and it was an all-around great weekend.
We recently had an MBA membership shoot/drive in at the shooting complex in Libby. Although we didn’t have a very big turnout everyone who made it seemed to have fun shooting 3-d targets on a nice sunny day. We signed up some new members and got a few renewals. Our event was a small and easy to set up shoot but it gave renewing and new members the chance to get signed up and have some fun.
We need to work together on growing our membership. MBA works hard to maintain our great seasons and when we go before the commission and the legislators it does not look good that our membership numbers are down. If anybody has any good ideas on how to grow our numbers please give me a call so we can share those ideas with other regions.
Don’t forget it is practice season, maybe I’ll see you at a 3D shoot!
Al Kelly
Neil Maier
Thank you all for your support of the MBA and a special thanks to all those who made it to the statewide banquet in Fairmont. I really appreciate the attendance, good times, and great stories. I wish all of you the best of luck with spring bear and turkey, summer scouting, and fall festivities of the elk and deer rut. Please continue to educate hunters and non-hunters on the efforts of the MBA; it is imperative that we engage the younger generation of outdoor enthusiasts in helping to keep the great Montana archery season at its best.
Barrett Haugan
Hello Region 2 MBA members. I am one of the new Region 2 Board members elected to represent you. My Name is Neil Maier and I would like to hear from you on any thoughts, concerns or issues that are facing Archery hunting in Montana or specifically region 2. My E-mail is nam56@yahoo.com and my phone number is 406-546-6013. I would also like to know your preference for being contacted, by phone or e-mail.
The convention at Fairmont Hot Springs was great. There was good attendance and fantastic raffle items up for everyone. I want thank all of the businesses that donated raffle items. Their generosity is great. The live auction was a good success and very lively.
The political season is in full swing and know is the time to be asking the candidates on their stand on the issues. The last few legislative sessions the FWP Commission has taken a lot of hit from the legislature. It is very obvious that the legislature wants to take control of the FWP and the commission. A good example of this is the shoulder seasons that we now have. We almost lost all block management because of the legislature. Several bills were vetoed by Governor Bullock that would have been detrimental to the FWP and archery seasons. Talk to the candidates in your area and find out where they stand because after the election the legislative session starts on January 2017.
Next year 2017 a new rule goes into effect on archery special permit applications. You must buy an archery stamp before you can apply for any special archery permits on March 15. Tell your friends and any other person who wants to apply for special archery permits that now is the time to take the Bow Hunter Education course. The courses are offered between January 1st and July 31st of each year. Go to the FWP web site and the courses are listed under the Education tab. Again let your friends know that this change is coming. There are several 3D shoots all over the state so you can get into shape and increase your skills. The Carp Safari Shoot is set for June 11th at Canyon Ferry Lake. Come join us for some exciting fun and help remove some carp.
Neil Maier
Another fantastic MBA convention has come and gone! Thank you to all who attended and donated to the preservation and promotion of bowhunting in Montana!!! Now it’s time to sharpen some arrows and start thinking about birds and bears. I’d like to thank all the folks who graciously donated their time and talent into making this convention a memorable one. Jeff and Elisha Kennedy, Barrett and Kristen Haugen, Nate Peckinpaugh Lucas Zemlika, Alishia Miller, Liberty Brown, Tom Morton, Jim Morton, Jason Hegg, Jason Matzinger, and Kara Koelzer you are all rock stars and i can’t thank you enough for being a great convention committee!
Springtime is fascinating to me because I love to watch the awakening of nature. Trees budding out and grass turning green gets me almost as excited as bowhunting! Every year during convention I get the same feeling watching all the kids running around starting to catch the archery/ bowhunting fever. Children are naturally drawn to archery and if the seed can be planted and nurtured at a young age they are more likely to stick with it. My godson and his family attended their first convention this year and I have a feeling I’m gonna have a new sidekick in the seasons to come!
I hope you all have a great summer and don’t forget the carp safari is right around the corner.
Keep’em sharp,
Brian Koelzer
Al Kelly
Brian Koelzer
Iam a 3rd generation Montanan. Since I was little I have always loved the outdoors. Started bow hunting big game when I was 16. I am married and have 2 kids (graduating from college this year), who both love the outdoors. When I am not hunting I am fishing for walleye and occasionally fly fi shing. I have both a long bow and compound and love them both, but shoot one better than the other. I have served on the board years ago for 2 terms, then life got busy and I had to step down. I was helping with the Billings convention when I noticed there wasn’t a region 5 representative, so I figured I would volunteer again. I think region 5 needs to get more members and be a little more active in the MBA, especially with some of the breaks issues and the shoulder seasons. I would like to ask all region 5 members to get involved and feel free to contact me.
John W. Grimstad
IDAVE MOON
had two nephews come to visit around Easter, so I took some kids bows with us to see if they would like to learn how to shoot. They picked it up fast and enjoyed hitting the target with just their own hand and eye coordination. It was fun for me to watch as they were able to shoot all by themselves and hit the target every time. My sister-in-law ended up buying the older boy a bow and I gave one of my kids bow to the youngest as he was not big enough to pull back the new bow. I hope they keep it up and will shoot with them again when we go and see them. The best thing about shooting bows with kids is they do not want to quit so you get to shoot a lot.
Spring turkey season opened the other day but I have not made it out yet. The weather was not very good for turkey hunting as very windy these first few days. And it was a cold wind. I am going to make it out the first day I have off. It is hard to dress for the spring turkey hunts. It seems like you always freeze in the morning anyway. And usually get wet crossing a creek. Maybe if it is cold the ticks will not be out. I remember one year where between work and having to recover the wife’s car that was disabled by a deer I had gotten very little sleep. The next day was the last day of season so I was not going to sleep in. I was so tired I lay down in the woods in what must have been a tick bed. I was covered in them. Good thing they usually do not stick to me.
With the lack of snow I wonder if the spring bears will be out early this year. I always seem to go after them too early but might be right on time this year. Maybe the roads will not be as bad as they are in the spring. It is usually a good excise in vehicle recovery on the snowy wet spring roads. And also a time for cold wet tent camping. My wife will still not let me forget the time our son and I moved in the night and the river that we had dammed up went into her sleeping bag. She went to the truck to sleep and we never even woke up when she left. We did get our bear that trip though.
David Moon
Dan Moore
Dave Moon
John W. Grimstad
MBOB MORGAN
y dad’s birthday was yesterday he would’ve been 94
He took me fishing and hunting when he could I was 18 and I knew everything as I went out the door
Remembering now, listening to him I should, it would have done me good
A hard and late worker he was
To take care of the six children of whom five were red Dark hair my brother had just because All others used to have dark, dark red, upon their head
I started bow hunting in 72
Shooting with a 45 pound recurve wing
As my daughter and sons grew
Arrows and more arrows did we fling
Joined the Montana bow hunters in 98
Also learned how to flintknapp around the same time
When it was time to go hunting or shooting it was hard to wait
I went so much it seemed like a crime
Now I teach others how do chip and shoot Look at the smile on those faces
And the wear and dirt on my boot
And them worn and broken laces
On the other side of the other hill over there
Is where I start looking for the Easter horn
So I can bring them home to share
For the miles I go I think I was born
It sure was a great time at the convention this year
Bidding and laughing and games everywhere
Donors and supporters provided lots of gear For sure we had lots of stories to share
I hear the turkeys calling
And I know lots of you had heard them to
Even though there’s no leaves falling
I’m sure some of you have harvested a few
This is Bob Morgan alias Robertredface
Recalling a few memories in a short poem
So let’s spread the word and pick up the pace And get out there and enjoy the chase
Bob Morgan
WJerry Davis
ell I have to say that was one fun convention. I personally liked the venue, Fairmont Hot Springs. Though I could not find the time to partake in the hot springs both my daughter and granddaughter enjoyed it immensely. I also think it was a financial success for MBA. Though there were a few glitches with rooms many people were still able to attend. I want to extend my THANKS to Region 3 for host a great Convention and Banquet. Let your MBA rep know if you think this was or was not a good venue. We might consider doing it there again next year but we want to hear from the Membership.
Now on to more serious things.
I think we all realize that as time goes on demands on FWP budgets are only going to increase. Endangered species studies, requests from educators for school wildlife programs, increasing demand for public access, fair pay for wardens and biologists, are just some items that are unable to be funded through hunting and fishing license revenues.
And if FWP is to take advantage of Federal funds that would help pay for these programs FWP have matching funds.
Because of these demands FWP’s budget future looks grim. True enough there was an increase in hunting and fishing license fees starting this year but these funds cannot be used for any of the above demands. And as time goes on and costs for managing game and fish including hunting increases the revenue generated through the increase in hunting and fishing licenses will only sustain the programs that can use those funds for the next 4 or 5 years.
FWP receives none of its funding from the State’s General fund instead it funds all of its programs through either hunting or fishing licenses or from legislative ear marked funds that can only be used for their designated purpose. In an attempt to develop strategies to overcome funding obstacles FWP convened a group titled Finding Common Ground.
This diverse group was made up of a number of people who were vocal proponents and opponents of the proposed wolf stamp that was ultimately unsuccessful. The group was comprised of a diverse group of representatives from MBA, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, the outdoor recreation industry specifically Capital Sports and Western Wear, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Russell Country Sportsmen’s Association, Montana Wildlife Federation, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Wolves of the Rockies, , Defenders of Wildlife, Montana Audubon, Prickly Pear Sportsmen’s Association Bear Creek Council, Natural Resources Defense Council as well as FWP.
MBA was asked to sit on this committee because our history of active participation and objective evaluations of wildlife issues.
The draft FINDING COMMON GROUND TO SUSTAIN FISH AND WILDLIFE report best states the purpose of this group in its introduction;
“Montana is known for the quality and abundance of its fi sh and wildlife, as well as the habitat that supports them. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is responsible for managing the fish and wildlife resources. It’s an expensive endeavor that has for decades been almost exclusively funded by hunters and anglers. Broader support is likely needed to help sustain fish and wildlife and their habitat into the future. There are efforts underway at the national level to secure additional federal funding, e.g. the work of the Blue Ribbon Panel. FWP anticipates that any solutions at the national level will require matching state dollars, which illustrates the importance of broadening support here in Montana. Towards this goal, FWP convened a group of citizens to develop recommendations on what wildlife enthusiasts have in common, and how this “common ground” can lead to broadened support for fish and wildlife. The effort was referred to as Finding Common Ground. “
The objective of this group was to develop recommendations for broadening funding sources for all FWP fish and wildlife programs. We had our first meeting in the spring of 2015 and we met 4 times, with our last meeting this past February.
This group began by developing a list of 9 FWP actions that would see benefits from additional future funding sources. I will briefly list those.
1. Fish and wildlife public education
2. Contingency (surplus) account (minimum of $2.5 million) to address unforeseen expenses, e.g., if Chronic Wasting Disease was discovered in Montana
3. Implement carnivore program to increase social tolerances for all carnivores (wolfs).
4. Expand FWP’s collaboration with private and federal parties on fish and wildlife research projects
5. Institute programs supporting the wildlife interests of wildlife watchers and citizen scientists
6. Increase outreach and education efforts in the schools and in communities
7. Study and take actions to prevent wildlife species from becoming endangered
8. Support FWP law enforcement
9. Develop a more realistic working relationship with sportsmen, the “nonconsumptive” users of wildlife, state legislators, landowners, farmers, ranchers etc.
This list is the result of a highly diverse group representing a common ideal, the conservation and enjoyment of fish and wildlife, all fish and wildlife.
We the evaluated several funding mechanisms using a set of 11 criteria;
1. Does it have state-wide support?
2. Does it attract a broad range of interests?
3. Would it have organized opposition?
4. Are the administrative costs burdensome?
5. Does it supply a consistent revenue stream?
6. Do the individuals who benefit contribute?
7. Is it marketable?
8. Does it provide funding for broad or targeted benefits for Montana wildlife?
9. Is it feasible to enact the mechanism?
10. Is it sustainable long-term?
11. Does it provide additional funding over the current funding?
DirectorsAt Large
MBA has been an aggressive advocate for Montana bow hunters. MBA board members and members actively participate in the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biannual tentative regulation setting process and the Montana Legislature. MBA has influenced regulations and season setting by opposing proposed regulations or seasons that would have been detrimental to bow hunters and has proposed and supported regulations and seasons that greatly benefited bow hunters. Some of MBA’s accomplishments are:
Archery-only wolf season (2012 Tentative)
Archery equipment allowed for hunting bison (2011 Legislative)
Archery-only mountain lion season (2010 Tentative)
Archery-only fall bear season (2010 Tentative)
Archery-only bighorn sheep season (2008 Tentative)
Archery-only antelope season August 15 opener (2004 Tentative)
Archery-only antelope season (1984)
Expansion of archery season from two weeks in 1967 to six weeks
MBA continues to battle in the tentative season setting process and at the Montana legislature, opposing privatization and commercialization of wildlife, ranching for wildlife, cross bow and muzzle loader seasons and promoting the North American Model of Wildlife Management. Without the constant, diligent efforts of MBA, Montana bow hunters risk losing a lot.
Ray Gross
The group recommended the following funding recommendation:
• Establish a natural resource trust fund.
• Establish a state tax on resource extraction and/or energy production.
• Establish a boat launch / FAS user fee.
• Expand use of the existing conservation license.
• Establish a recreation license.
Personally I think one of the most important results of these meetings was the development of trust between some pretty diverse groups, such as Wolves of the Rockies, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, etc.
I am not sure when the Department will release the FINDING COMMON GROUND TO SUSTAIN FISH AND WILDLIFE report but I thought it good to give you all a little info before it is comes out. A little something to chew on.
Jerry Davis
Growing up about twenty miles from the Mississippi River in Northwest Mississippi gave me the opportunity to shoot my first whitetail, a 4X5 at age 9, and one every year for a decade after that. Calling up big turkey gobblers and stalking and shooting wild boars was also a favorite pastime. In my 42 years in Montana, I have harvested 14 bears, and many whitetail and mule deer bucks. The mountain lion I shot with my bow was definitely a hunt of a lifetime, as was the bear I stalked and shot with my bow. I enjoy trout fishing on the Yellowstone and Boulder Rivers as often as possible.
I began my career teaching Math in Reed Point in 1973 and taught at Rocky Mountain College and MSU-Billings for a total of 8 years. I was the Academic Dean at Little Big Horn College. In the early 80’s I was a Flight Controller for NASA for 3 years at the University of Colorado in Boulder, at the Mission Control Center there. I finished my career working for the Stillwater Mining Company at Nye and Columbus, Montana. Living in Reed Point allows me to hunt or fish most any day now that I am retired – and I do.
Bowhunting is still my favorite sport and I look forward to working with the Montana Bowhunters Association to help preserve the sport of bowhunting for now and for hunters in the future.
Cliff Goudelock
Ray Gross
Cliff Goudelock
DirectorsAt Large
My short repor and story of Bullasaurus 2004
At our regional biennial FWP meetings during public comment I always request to our commissioners to create more Bull management areas like the 380 HD. Just last year 10,857 hunters applied for these tags, with a 1.11 success, not very good odds to say the least. The way I see it is that there is a tremendous amount of interest in a quality public ground hunt.
OK onto my story, we have to go back to 2004 when I drew the coveted Elkhorns big bull tag, not only was the hunting great but so were all the people involved. They were extremely helpful like the biologist who told me where I should be during the rut, the other bowhunters we met and some of the local residents giving me information about the area and the elk. It was a great combined effort.
It was the 14th of Sept. when Diann and I were going to be hunting in the Tizer lakes area; accessible by a 4 x 4 road which was one of the unique aspects of this hunt. Having a good ATV or Jeep type vehicle was almost necessary, so I borrowed my son-in-law’s 650 Kawasaki in order to get the job done. With all our gear and Diann hanging onto me we headed up the roadtrail late morning in order to have good light in while we negotiated what was a 5 mile obstacle course. This first day was to learn the area and to check out some of the recommended spots. It was almost 10:00 am when we decided to take a break from our ATV ride and enjoy some quiet time in the beautiful country. In a true bull management area if you don’t have a big bull tag you can still hunt cows or a legal spike bull during archery, so my hunting partner Diann was up for that. Right then the silence was broken by a distant but distinctive bugle, one that would crack or break up a bit. ”Hmmm, sounds like an old bull” I said to Diann, it would be interesting to see what he looked like. Grabbing our bows we headed up the hillside and in no time found ourselves in the biggest blowdown mess of trees, abandoning the attempt we headed back to the ATV to continue our recon.
For the next couple of days hunting we had a few encounters with bulls and cows and some good bugling but no real shot situations for either one of us. Leaving camp in the dark to negotiate the 5 miles of hell to get to the top of Mt Bullock before the bulls headed back to their hiding spots was becoming our daily accomplishment. We parked the ATV and started working our way up the hillside, finding nice park like areas with maybe a spring or a little pond it was some amazing hunting country. About a half mile up we heard a bugle, it was the same bugle we heard the first day and I just had to get a look at this guy. Diann stayed put so I could sneak up and possibly get a peak, inching my way up scanning carefully with my binos to see him; first looking to the right, looking to the left and bingo, there he is, I immediately fell to my knees thinking “HOLY S**T! those tines must be two feet long, Oh my God what a bull!” I needed a few minutes to compose myself and to go tell Diann what he looks like before I try to go after him. And figure out the best approach. He was bedded in a depression in a clearing, bugling every so often; my guess was there must be some cows nearby, but he was the only one I could see.
My attempt on his life failed; when he must have caught some movement at the same time I got a glimpse of him leaving through the woods with several tan bodies joined him. I opted not to go after him but to retry in the morning for one more day of hunting before we had to go back home for 4 days of promised work. Mother Nature reminded us that weather can come into the mix by giving us about 5 inches of snow that night. Eager to head up the Hell Trail but having to wait till about 9:00 for things to start thawing out was a smart decision. Once back on top and within a few hundred yards of yesterday’s encounter, with the sky breaking up with sunlight, it was no time at all that we heard that familiar bugle. Diann and I carefully snuck up to the edge of this timbered shelf when I started picking out elk shapes among the trees and some antlers. He was bedded, giving his girls a bugle every once in a while and he was only 35 yards away. I was going to have to get clear of a few small trees in order to get the shot. Almost into position a calf turned around and spotted me, it was like she went over and whispered in his ear, he was up in an instant, with only a few mews of his voice he had his small harem moving out and disappearing into the forest like ghosts. There was something different and amazing about how this bull moved. It seemed like he glided over the ground like a fifth level dressage horse in an extended trot, that’s when I realized that I should close my mouth and start breathing again. Whether I liked it or not we had to head back home. Finally with my work obligations taken care of we arrived back at campsite with enough time
to do an afternoon evening hunt. The plan was to check out a couple of other spots before hiking up into the old broken bugle bulls territory during the last hour in order to have the thermals in our favor. Diann and I were working our way up near to where the first two encounters occurred. So far there was no bugling going on; things seemed to be quiet as it was starting to lose light. I decided it was time for me to bugle, but with no response we headed back to the ATV. With maybe 20 minutes left of legal shooting time I gave a bugle and at some distance there was a response. “Sounded like a nice little bull hun, maybe a legal spike”, we moved towards the call about fifty yards and gave him another call; he came back with a nice bugle and was much close. He was coming pretty fast, so we got ready just in case. Almost here he bugled, both of us with arrows nocked and just enough time for me to give him one more call and that’s when we got the surprise of our lives, when that big long tined rack appeared over a small rise my bow came to full draw, there was no time to think about the shot; no second guess. He came to a stop in a clear shooting lane, making the mistake of his life. I heard the crack of my arrow breaking ribs as he bolted off to escape. It was only a few seconds when we heard a crash that sounded like someone tipped over their backhoe in a lumber yard. I just couldn’t contain myself, we ran down right to where I shot the bull and could see him fifty five yards away as he gave one last kick and remained motionless. We walked up to this graceful veteran of the woods, realizing a dream come true and vowed that his life would never be forgotten, admiring his antlers to his somewhat ganted body, knowing he’d earned his place amongst the others, he could bugle however he wanted. This was more than just an experience. We rushed to get as many photos as possible as dark set in before dressing him out to cool down through the night and leaving some clothing nearby to ward off predators. The next morning’s game plan was to bring everything down in one trip. In twelve hours we had all the meat, cape, gear, Diann and I and oh yeah that big elk rack on the 4 wheeler, well over eight hundred pounds and one of the best balancing acts I’ve ever done while hitting bottom on a few boulders here and there, but back at camp right at dark.
It was about ten days later when I got the call from Lower Valley processing that the elk meat was ready. I hurried right down and as we were loading my truck, Jeremy Plumer informed me that the bull’s left scapula was deformed and had bullet fragments in it from probably about two years ago making his left leg a little shorter than his right, the very reason why he appeared to move so gracefully in the woods.
Paul Martin
Paul Martin
The grass in greening up early this year. Bears are showing up and I have had several Bowhunters take Turkeys on my place in the last two weeks. I hope most of you got your permits in on time. I also welcome our new President a very busy man, I don’t know how with all the youth archery stuff he does he has any time left to be our leader. Marlon has given so much back to the Bowhunters in Montana I look for him to be one of the best leaders of the MBA that we have ever had. We need the MBA to grow when we have over 40,000 Bowhunters in Montana and only 500 members something needs to change.
Dan Moore
Danny Moore
Wow… so much has happened since the last Montana Bowhunter magazine came out. Here is a synopsis…
In February, North 40 Outfitters in Great Falls sponsored a hunting film festival that was touring the west. They invited MBA to have a table there to promote membership. About 300 people showed up for the films and I had a table to discuss what MBA was all about and sign up new members. The films were great and they had many door prizes. “Thank You” North 40 Outfitters for inviting MBA to be at this event! I look forward to seeing this event grow in popularity and having an MBA presence at future Hunting Film festivals. In March, Big Bear Sports Center had their Sportsman’s Awareness Day. At this event sportsman’s groups are invited to set up a table to promote memberships. Big Bear pays $10 toward any new membership which means at that event MBA memberships were only $15. MBA had a table to promote the organization and get out the word about what we do. Thanks to Big Bear for your support of conservation groups in Montana! Big Bear also donated to MBA for the Region 4 Game at our recent Convention. Next time you are in Big Bear- tell them “Thank You!” for supporting MBA.
The MBA banquet at Fairmont was a great event and thanks to all the hard work of everyone that helped put it together. There were some fabulous donations and the auctioneer was definitely entertaining. As always- thanks so much to all the people that donated to this event. The vendors that were there were fun informative and of course had some wonderful products.
I am attempting to send out semi-regular updates to Region 4 members about local/regional events and concerns. If your club has a shoot coming up send me an e-mail and I will send it out to members. MBA appreciates the clubs that support the MBA and our efforts in support of bowhunting. If you have an event coming up contact us and we can try and get some magazines for distribution at your shoot. There are over 40,000 archery tags sold in MT last year. If you are a bowhunter in MT you are benefiting from the efforts of MBA. Your membership helps us to protect and promote the future of bowhunting in MT.
This year’s elections had tremendous participation. Thanks to all those that voted… With a bit of sadness I bid adieu to Joelle Selk who is leaving the MBA board after her tenure as President. She has done a wonderful job in that role and I thank her for her service to our organization. But - I am delighted to have Marlon Clapham step up to the plate and serve as our new incoming President. Marlon has been a tremendous advocate for bowhunter education and the promotion of bowhunting in Montana. I am looking forward to working with him.
Abig thanks to the convention crew! Fairmont was a great, and wow, can’t say enough about the auctioneer. He did an amazing job, keeping it fun, and getting people to open their wallets. As I write this I’m about to head out the door to chase turkey’s for the weekend, so good luck to everyone, and enjoy our spring seasons!
My name is Michael Shephard and I’ll be a Director at Large. Let me tell you a bit about myself. Age 67 as of 5 August 2016, 6’2” tall,175 pounds, married to Delores since 1974, one son, Dr, Eric Shepard MSU Researcher
Education....BS Degree Education, concentrations in History and Geography. Master’s Equivalent in History and English. Taught 9th Grade American History, and a full-time substitute teacher for 3 years.
Military..2nd Lieutenant, served with the 82nd and 173 Airborne.33 jumps to my credit, assisted in the pull out of the 173rd from Vietnam in 1971... awarded the US Army Commendation Medal plus others. Past Commander of Whitefish Post 108, and currently Commander of Columbia Falls Post 72 for the 4th year. National legislative liaison member of the American Legion assigned to state and national work, member of the National American Legion Veterans’ Committee to Sens. Tester, Daines and Con. Zinke. Just returned from a week”s junket to Washington, DC working on state and national veterans’ concerns.
Bowhunting since 1957, legally since 1961. Currently own a bunch of custom recurves and longbows, and hunt with a longbow most of the time. Worked as a volunteer Bow-Ed instructor for 5 years in my home state of Pennsylvania, and taught Bow-Education in Montana from 1982 to 1999. Was Volunteer State Chairman of Bow-Education from 1985 to 1999. Was responsible along with my late friend Richard Parker in bringing the State up to a performance standard on Bow-Ed instructors all over the state, and thus working on the legislative solution which resulted in Mandatory Bowhunter Education, stressing ethics and hunter responsibilities. Life Member of the MBA, Life Member of the Traditional Bowhunters of Montana, and a Regular Member of the Professional Bowhunters Society since 1983, sponsored by Barry Wenzel. Currently an alum of the Citizens Advisory Council of FWP, Region 1 where I still serve. Member of various other outdoor groups...and cautious of many more.
Am in my 20th year of being an elected City Councilman, City of Columbia Falls, and have been active in numerous things that the job offers to do, if you are willing, including wastewater, 9-1-1, sewage treatment, subdivisions, police, city maintenance..etc etc..it never ends.
I am an avid motorcyclist, including dirt-bikes and Harleys,. Plus just finished a 23 year project restoring a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS big block to factory fresh.
Build and shoot my own cedar, Sitka spruce and larch arrows. Have harvested numerous animals and birds with the arrow, and hate ATV’s. Have seen 4 different incidents involving ATVs, and have been able to see 2 thru to convictions. Amazing what happens you are the charged and the judge is your buddy. Avid camper, fly fisherman, and star-gazer.
Not sure why someone nominated me for Director at Large, but I’ve been asked, soI will serve. Even as an old fart, I have a lot of gas left in the tank. I am very concerned at the future of FWP, and how Bow Ed is being managed even now. Thanks for your time.
Yours truly,
Michael F. Shepard
On a final note… Region 4 needs another Director. If this is something that might interest you give me a call or e-mail me and I can talk about what we need in Region 4 and the commitments for this position. Thanks so much for considering volunteering to support bowhunting and the MBA.
Roger Piefer
Legislative Report
In the midst of the presidential campaign, it is easy to lose focus on various other legislative issues and our upcoming state and local primaries. Fortunately, the MBA board has a great deal of depth and experience in this arena, allowing us to maintain focus despite the chaos. We are preparing for next year’s legislative session and part and parcel of that is selecting legislators who have sportsmen’s interests at heart. One of the tools we have to guide that vetting process is our scorecard from the previous session. Attached is the list of our priority bills from last session, showing the voting record for the legislators. Along with the vote tally, we calculated the percentage for which each Senator or Representative voted concurrent with our position. These legislator voting records aid us in making better informed decisions about which candidates might benefit our efforts during the session.
2015 Legislative Session MBA Priority Bill List
HB 176
HB 269
HB 268
Forrest Mandeville (R) HD 57 (H) Tabled by 18-1 vote - Fish Wildlife & Parks; (H) Missed Deadline for General Bill Transmittal
Tom Jacobson (D) HD 21 (S) Died in Committee - Fish & Game
Kelly Flynn (R) HD 70 (H) Tabled - Fish Wildlife & Parks
1/20/2015Allow cross-bows to be used for hunting during archery season.
4/28/2015Revise hunting access enhancement program laws and provide funding.
3/15/2015Create a block management stamp program
Oppose
SB 309
Jedediah Hinkle (R) SD 32
Jeffrey W Welborn (R) HD 72
HB 140
Kelly Flynn (R) HD 70
HB 150
Signed into Law5/4/2015 Revise laws to incentivize access to isolated state and federal lands
Signed into Law5/4/2015Revise laws related to hunting and fishing licenses - by request of Environmental Quality Council.
Signed into Law5/4/2015Generally revise fish, wildlife, and parks, laws related to penalties.
Support
Support. Bill creates a $25 stamp which would be required to access block management areas. Eliminates $2 hunting access enhancement fee.
Support.
Support. Increasing license fees per the EQC’s recommendations benefits multiple programs.
Support. Increases penalties for game harassment, violations while hunting from a vehicle.
SB 245
Douglas (Doug) Kary (R) SD 22 (S) Vetoed by Governor
5/5/2015Revise laws related to late season cow elk hunts Oppose. Amended to include another report to EQC
SB 395
Mark Blasdel (R) SD 4 (H) 2nd Reading Not Concurred; bill was attached to another bill which was signed into law
Ed Lieser (D) HD 5 (H) Missed Deadline for General Bill Transmittal
HJ 19
Mitch Tropila (D) HD 26 (H) Tabled in Transportation committee
HB 304
Tom Jacobson (D) HD 21 (H) Tabled in Transportation committee
HB 286
4/16/2015Revise laws related to youth hunting Oppose. Hunter education should not be waived.
2/27/2015 Resolution against efforts to claim, take over, litigate, or sell federal lands Support
2/13/2015Increase penalty for blocking a public road Support. Increases penalty to $500 for obstructing access to county road.
2/13/2015Require roads to remain open during a dispute over legal access Support
DistrictHouse Representative
Revise laws to incentivize access to isolated state and federal lands. (MBA supported) Revise laws related to hunting and fishing licensesIncreasing license fees benefits multiple programs. (MBA supported)
CANYON FERRY CARP SAFARI
Good Things to Know :
-All shooters need a valid fishing license
-Boats must be registered with correct number of lifejackets -Boats must be clean upon arrival and cleaned prior to entering another body of water
-Bowhunting only. Bring lots of arrows
-Carp Safari will run Saturday from sunrise until 5 p.m.
Evening meal included in pre-registration price (don’t worry, it’s not carp)
3D Targets available for those of us who can’t even hit thousands of spawning carp
Individual shooter - preregistered $20.00, meal included Individual shooter - day of shoot $20.00, meal not included 2-person team - preregistered $40.00, meal included 2-person team –day of shoot $40.00, meal not included Shooter - under 15 - preregistered $ 10.00, meal included Non - shooter meal ticket - prereg. $ 6.00, fee for meal Camping available at our private camping area—details and map posted at http://mtba.org
to get preregistered: Mail attached form by June 6, 2016 Mail payment to: Joelle Selk 3470 Kase Road Helena, MT 59602 (Make checks out to MBA) Need more forms or info? jselkmt@gmail.com Phone#: 406-422-6798
Make checks
Bowhunter of the Year
June LePage My First Season
If you were to ask all of the kids in my class what they did on the weekends you would get a lot of answers. Many woulad say playing video games, or hanging with friends, maybe even a basketball tournament. You would receive a little chuckle from me and the response of “filling my tags with Excalibur.” The questioning over-theglasses look that you would give me next would be accepted as you asked “What is this….Excalibur?” With a sly smile I would reply “It’s the name of my bow.”
I love bowhunting with a passion. 2015 was my first year of being eligible to bowhunt. I have, however, been going to hunting camp and the blind since I was three. One of my earliest (and successful) hunts was when my dad shot an antelope at my grandpa’s ranch. During a scorching hot day my video player ran out of battery and I was told that I needed to be quiet because daddy was “feeling the animals” today. Math must not have been his strong point because heat + no entertainment x scolding ÷ no animals + four year old girl = sinister tantrum. Despite my ummm... less than cooperative attitude, he was successful. That was the first time that I really started to appreciate what my family does.
Fast forward to Girl’s Weekend (we kick the boys out of hunting camp), 1800 hours, South West bench, a huge whitetail doe had crossed my path. Only thirty feet away and I harvested my first big game Montana animal. People in South Dakota could see my smile. I don’t even know how I did that. Later in my season I harvested a 3x4 whitetail buck. I learned that it is way easier to track blood in snow; I liked it. Earlier in January of 2015 I went to Texas with my father and shot two javelina (collared peccary) and a half dozen cottontail.
Javelina are very ugly, are mean enough to charge you (I know from experience), and smell like the south end of a north facing skunk, but are more fun than a barrel of monkeys to hunt. I also bowfished throughout the year harvesting grass carp, assisted on a paddle fish, and buffalo carp. In addition, with my majestic blue tick hounds leading the way, I killed a Pope and Young mountain lion in December.
These achievements helped me win Youth Bowhunter of the Year in Lewistown and the MBA Bowhunter of the Year. I am so thankful to have a supportive family, club, and friends. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without them all.
Paul Schafer Award Winner
“Receiving the Paul Schafer award was the biggest and most fulfi lling award I have won in my life so far. It means the world to me to be presented with this award and I will never take bowhunting or just the nature of hunting for granted. Thank you to all of the Montana Bowhunters Association and to all of my family; Dennis Price and Jim Clapham, my two grandfathers, and to my Dad, Todd Price for teaching me how to shoot my fi rst arrows and for teaching me how to hunt the correct way.”
Jacob Price
The Paul Schaffer Award is for hunters seventeen years old and younger and is an award recognizing “success” and ethics. Jacob Price is an excellent example of an outstanding young man who works hard to achieve his goals. Jacob has exhibited success in all aspects of his life including bowhunting. Jacob is an exemplar student, athlete and hunter. Jacob Price has been shooting a bow for as long as anyone who knows him can remember. Both his grandpa’s Dennis and Jim, and his dad Todd, have been bowhunters for many years and all have had a hand at passing on the love of hunting to Jacob. Jacob shoots all summer when he can, but he is a very talented athlete participating in several sports, as well as a stellar student pulling a 4 point grade average all through high school so his time can be limited. He also attends sports camps throughout the summer improving his athletic skills. As a junior in high school, Jacob is a three year letterman who is well on his way to gaining both athletic and academic scholarships to attend college.
Jacob understands the importance and the meaning of sportsmanship in both his athletic and hunting life. Fair Chase, game laws, management, sportsmanship and ethics are all things Jacob values. Completing both Hunter and Bow-Ed Jacob found some time to hunt despite his busy sport and academic schedule. Then just this season as busy as Jacob found himself, he took a fine black bear with his bow as well as a nice elk.
A big THANK YOU goes out to all the people who donated their time, talents, products and prizes to support the Montana Bow Hunters annual fund raising convention. We couldn’t do it without our generous volunteers, members, vendors and partners.
38th ANNUAL MBA CONVENTION AUCTION AND RAFFLE WINNERS
Auction ItemWinner
Matlabas South African huntMichelle Slyder
Northern Edge Outfitting Alberta Black Bear HuntElisha Stoddard & Jeff Kennedy
Deer head study bronze, Sean DunnJeff Koelzer
MBA engraved knife - Skyblade Knives, Todd OrrScott Koelzer
Custom barnwood coffee table, Jeff and Elisha KennedyJulie Morton
Greg Scheibel custom oil painting, Scheibel Fine ArtCookie Koch
Round of golf for four and a one-night stay at
Moonlight Basin – Big Sky Resort
Scott Koelzer
John Demott giclee bison painting “Fury on the Plains”Brian Koelzer
MBA quilt, Terri KellyAmyLePage
Alan Jimmerson Glacier Park bear printCorey Crawford
Metal art piece, Bridger SteelBen Haugan
MBA Longcurve Bow AuctionLarry Bloxsom
Barnwood tableMark Renner
MOOSE HUNT RAFFLE
Silver Fox Outfitters two-man, 6-day archery hunt near Edson, Alberta, Sept. 17-22, 2016
BEAR HUNT RAFFLE
Kutawagon Outfitters - Saskatchewan
TENT RAFFLE
Montana Canvas Relite Spike III tent and a Riley Stoves Little Amigo stove
LEGISLATIVE RAFFLE
§ Siberian cooler
§ Sitka Gear set: coat, pants, and shirt
§ 1-day snowmobile rental + trailer – Big Boy Toys
§ Bison skull – Jeff and Elisha Kennedy
§ Wood wine rack – Rory’s Rustic Furniture
CONSERVATION RAFFLE
§ 10x42 Vortex Razorback binos - Shedhorn Sports
§ $175 gift certificate - Berger Taxidermy
§ Rooster Pheasant Wire Art - Brian Mackie Antler Creek Designs
§ Mystery Ranch pack
LADIES RAFFLE
§ 45# Prime Bow w/sights and quiver
§ UnderArmour camo set - pants, long-sleeved ¼ zip shirt, ColdGear ¼ zip shirt, polar fleece lined top, and a shortbrimmed hat – Billings Scheels
§ Two 90-minute hot stone massages - Alisha Miller - 406 Massage
§ Beaded necklace and matching bracelet
§ MT Silversmiths earrings, necklace - Kristy Titus
Mark Schwomeyer
Jeff Koelzer
Kiley Johns
Lucas Zemlicka
Cliff Garness
Bob Morgan
Barrett Haugan
Steve Kamps
Steve Schindler
Jerry McPherson
Jim Morton
Barrett Haugan
Bob Windauer
Barrett Haugan
Dick and Nancy Solum
Jenn Schneider
DEFENSE RAFFLE
§ M.R. James and T.J. Conrads signed books
§ 2 free oil changes at SpeedyLube – Bozeman
§ YCBHA Hooded Sweatshirt
§ YCBHA WSI T-Shirt
§ 1 Year Membership to YCBHA
YOUTH RAFFLE
§ Hoyt “Ruckus” bow, peep sight, nock loop, release, Easton ACC Pro hunter arrows and McKenzie TuffBlock target - Billings Scheels
§ PSE Miniburner with accessories – Judy Adams, Buffalo Jump Archery
§ YCBHA WSI T-Shirt
§ 1 Year Membership to YCBHA
BOW RAFFLE
Schafer Silvertip Recurve – Dave Windauer
$1000 towards a custom bow
Trails End Recurve – Dale Dye
$300 towards a custom bow
Yellowstone Custom Bows – Rich Wormington $400 towards a custom bow
Bears Paw Custom Bows – Neil Jacobson
$500 towards a custom bow
Toelke Custom Bows – Dan and Jared Toelke
58” Chinook recurve 51# @ 28” classic myrtle riser and bamboo limbs
RER Custom bow – Chester & Ike Floyd
Custom bow valued at $750
Pronghorn Custom Bows – Herb Meland
3-piece takedown longbow - $750 value
Bowtech Prodigy compound bow – Yellowstone Country Bear Hunters Association
HAT RAFFLE
SIG Sauer 223 caliber rifle – Talus Architects
Ben Knipe
Chester Floyd
Amy Danielson
BOW WINNERS
Amy Danielson
Justin McCracken
David Slack
Al & Teri Kelly
Amy Danielson
Kent Brown
Rich Spaid
Gary Bryson
Barrett Haugen
Pete Youngbauer
Kim Blaskowski
Jake Fuchs
Mark Renner
John Berger
A LOOK AT THE 2016 MBA CONVENTION
As a hunter I am thoroughly amazed at how simple circumstances can play a role in our success and failure. Hard work and effort can improve our odds for success but sometimes its luck and even bad luck to boot that fi lls our tag.
Elk hunting during the rut is one of my passions. I try to work out and run regularly during the off season and then push for a strong finish right before the archery season arrives in September. The mountains in northwest Montana are steep and intimidating but I have learned that by working hard, I can be successful. I am primarily a meat hunter but as all elk hunters do, I have always wondered if I would be blessed with that bull of a lifetime.
2015 started off like other years, between work and family I was trying to stay in shape and keep up on house chores. We had a very mild winter and little rain going into summer. Northwest Montana was experiencing a record drought. By the middle of summer the back country was a tinder box waiting for a spark that came in the form of lightning.
My increased work load, related to the fire season, put a damper on my workouts and running, and nearly all of my favorite spots were closed due to forest fires. What is normally an exciting time of year for me was turning into a mental battle. I had a couple backup spots but that was it. I planned to hit each one of them and to try a new place in the first 3 days if nothing panned out. My wife Shala of 26 years told me “relax, go hunting and have fun,” so I tried my best to keep those words in mind.
Day one for me was September 10th, 5 days after the opener. I hit one of my backup spots and found some sign, no bugles and no elk spotted. Day 2 was a new spot with a couple bugles but still did not see or get close to a bull. Day 3 found me leaving the truck at 5am in the morning with my friend and hunting partner Nate Scofield. We were going to a place I hunted before and nearly 18 years ago to the day I had missed the only truly big bull I have been fortunate enough to get a shot at. I over shot him and watched my dream sail down the mountain over his back.
An hour into the hike we jumped a small bull illuminated by the beam of our head lamps and moonlight. Finally, I saw an elk, things were looking up. 8 hours later, several miles and only one bugle, I was not so sure this was my year. I told Nate, “I know they are here, somedays you just have to step on them before they will respond.” As we made our way back toward the truck at about 2:30 in the afternoon, I heard what sounded like an elk spook
Circumstances!
by Boyd White
to my left in some thick timber. A couple of cow calls and it sounded like the animal stopped, then a short response bugle confirmed my suspicion. I moved ahead and Nate began a calling sequence of cow calls with bugles and breaking limbs.
I could hear the bull rubbing his antlers, so I threw in one soft cow call and he fired off a more aggressive bugle. One more cow call from me and I could hear his footsteps approaching. When I first saw the bull I knew if I could kill him he would be my best. I was honestly just happy to see a bull. As the bull continued to work my direction, I planned my shooting lanes and checked the wind. I had ranged all of my preferred shooting lanes at 30 yards or less. Suddenly, as they will do, the bull took a hard left and stopped broadside. My heart sank he was now headed downwind and I was certain he was going to bust me.
The bull had his head behind a large fir tree but I could see his entire body. I realized I had a great shooting lane just a few feet to my right. I took a couple steps to my right and estimated him at 45 yards. I practice at 60 yards all the time but had never shot at an animal this far. I drew my bow, bracketed his vitals with the 40 and 50 yard pins and released. I did not see the path of the arrow but I heard a loud crack followed by a thump. The bull ran 15 yards back to where he just came from and stopped. Nate was still calling and I was unsure of my shot. The bull stopped and was looking around like, “What just happened,” then he bugled, turned and came back toward
me. I was thinking I must have missed; I better make this next shot count. At 30 yards the bull stopped and lay down in front of me in a place that gave me no shot. Had I hit him or was he just bored with us?
After a few minutes of watching the bull lay there and being pinned down behind a small dead tree, the bull coughed, raising my hopes he was fatally hit. A second cough produced a sucking and gurgling sound. My excitement began to grow, all I needed to do was be patient. By now I had a good look at the bull and realized he was bigger than I thought, I estimated in the 350” class, by far my best. Then the bull stood up, my adrenaline skyrocketed as he turned and I saw the blood flowing from what appeared to be a perfect double-lung shot. The bull staggered and fell over, then got back up. He repeated this 3 times before collapsing and dying right in front of me.
“Elk hunting during the rut is one of my passions.”
I gave Nate the “come forward” sign by cow calling 3 times. I met him part way, he said, “Did you get to see him?” I was able to point to the bull through the timber. I told him, “He is huge a 350 bull.” When we got to the bull he looked at me and said “He is bigger than you think, an easy 360.” Most of the pictures we took that day show me in a state of shock. My dream of the past 34 years had come true. A friend of mine scored the bull the next morning at 372 gross, all because of circumstances and bad luck.
After the 60 day drying period my bull officially scored 375 4/8 Pope and Young.
The Energy Policy Modernization Act
As you may or may not be aware of the U.S. Senate passed The Energy Policy Modernization Act on April 20th. This legislation includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF).
LCWF takes a portion of offshore oil and gas royalties to fund conservation projects. States must also contribute matching funds This has allowed Montana to purchase fishing access sites as well as larger land acquisitions to benefit land, wildlife and fish conservation and management.
Both Democratic Sen. Jon Tester and Republican Sen. Steve Daines pushed for passage of the bill, and particularly LWCF.
With the Senate’s passage the bill must now be reconciled in the House where U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke may find himself in the minority in supporting reauthorization of LCWF.
Please find the time let Rep. Zinke know you support him and his efforts to get LCWF reauthorized emailing him at https://zinke.house. gov/contact/email
Or contacting one of his offices at:
Washington DC
113 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3211
Fax: (202) 225-5687
Billings
222 North 32nd Street
Suite 900
Billings, MT 59101
Phone: 406- 969-1736
Fax: 406-702-1182
Great Falls 710 Central Ave
Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: 406-952-1210
Fax: 406-952-1211
Helena 910 N. Last Chance Gulch, Suite B Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-502-1435
Fax: 406-502-1436
Missoula
1008 South Avenue Suite 2
Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: (406) 540-4370
Fax: (406) 540-4371
FWP Commissioner Contacts
fwpwld@mt.gov
District 1
Gary Wolfe, Commissioner P.O. Box 7323
Missoula, MT 59807
Phone: (406) 240-7323 gwolfe207@bresnan.net
District 2
Dan Vermillion, Chairman PO Box 668 Livingston, MT 59047
Phone: (406) 222-0624 dan@sweetwatertravel.com
District 3
Richard Stuker, Vice-Chairman 1155 Boldt Road
Chinook, MT 59523
Phone: (406) 357-3495 rstuker@mtintouch.net
District 4
Richard Kerstein, Commissioner Box 685
Scobey, MT 59263
Phone: (406) 783-8564 fw4buttes@gmail.com
District 5
Matthew Tourtlotte, Commissioner 940 Blonco Circle
Billings, MT 59105
Phone: (406) 698-9696 mtourtlotte@gmail.com
BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS
BUFFALO JUMP ARCHERY
CROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
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EAGLE RESTORATION
ELK CREEK FAMILY OUTFITTERS
ELKRIDGE GOLDENS
a Business Member of the MBA and be listed on this page every issue! For membership visit www.mtba.org. Active as of April 2016
Judy AdamsP.O. Box 5581HelenaMT59604406-449-3111
Mike & Lucinda LaynePO Box 9936KalispellMT59904406-752-6116
Don Stein1625 Northern Heights DrHavreMT59501406-265-8099
Michael Henry15853 Queen Annes LaneFlorenceMT59833406-549-1221
David Hein1021 Toole CircleBillingsMT59105406-670-4366
LeeAnn CurtisPO Box 273AvonMT59713406-475-4536
FIRST CLASS OUTDOORS, LLC 10 Grassy Flat RdRoundupMT59072
GREAT FALLS ARCHERY CLUB
LIBBY ARCHERY CLUB
MATABLAS GAME HUNTERS
MIKE PRESCOTT STATE FARM
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION
S3 ARCHERY TECH
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TROY ARCHERY CLUB, INC.
UDAP INDUSTRIES
WESTERN TRAILER & MARINE SALES
YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY BEAR
HUNTERS ASSOCIATION
Rick MaynardPO Box 3653Great FallsMT59403406-453-1158
Wendy DrakePO Box 755LibbyMT59923406-291-4801
Willem FrostPO Box 1559, Lephalale, 0555, South Africa27116794664
Mike Prescott1501 S. Russell St.MIssoulaMT59801406-541-9800
Herb Meland2491 W 42nd StCasperWY82604307-234-1824
David Allen5705 Grant Creek RoadMissoulaMT59808406-523-4500
David Lofts6350 Delarka DrLoloMT406-239-3726
Scott RicePO Box 1103PlainsMT59859
Dale Dye276 Grantsdale RdHamiltonMT59840406-363-2983
Patrick Hanley185 Forest RdTroyMT59935406-295-9048
Mark Matheny1703 Waterline RdButteMT59701406-581-4856
Clyde Thomas, Jr.1865 Hwy 2 E.HavreMT59501406-265-4572
Joe Kondelis255 Upland CtCodyWY82414307-899-0461
James BrownPO Box 96RicheyMT59259406-773-5509
Expanded hunting opportunities through working with FWP and commissioners to preserve and expand bowhunting seasons
Unified voice during legislative sessions to protect seasons and access programs while opposing efforts which seek to limit the role of FWP in managing wildlife
Fellowship with others who are interested in shaping the future of bowhunting
Quarterly magazine keeping you informed on local, state, and national bowhunting issues, bowhunter education, events, and great hunting stories
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
One Year$25.00 Three Years$67.00 Life$500.00 FAMILY MEMBERSHIP One Year$30.00 Three Years$81.00 Life $750.00
JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (Under 18)
One Year$5.00
CLUB MEMBERSHIP
One Year$45.00
Three Years$120.00
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
One Year$45.00
Three Years$120.00
OVERSEAS MEMBERSHIP
Add $10.00 a year to membership choice for added mailing costs
Memberships run January 1 to December 31 each year.
MBA b HENDERSON 1 4 7 3 6 9 2 5 8
BRANDEN VANDYKEN MT goat, was the hunt of a life time, something my dad never got to do. Was one of the most rewarding and humbling hunts ever. One I will never forget
BRIDGER KAMPS proves again on this nice bull that effort and persistence can pay off big
BRIANKOELZER 1252016 10 12 11
TODD PRICE 2016 turkey
MIKE SHEPARD (2) and a bear
JEFF KENNEDY nice gobbler!
RICK TRAEGER with a nice Mule deer, taken in 2015
MBA member JOEL HENDERSON with his first bow harvest! A tasty ruffed grouse. Fall 2015
ELISHA STODDARD Spring turkey 2016
NICK SEABRASSE 2015 bull
MARK SCHWOMEYER 09 bear
BRIAN KOELZER 1-25-2016. 152# mountain lion. 65# Schafer silvertip. Finally got him in the 9th tree of the day!
BRIAN KOELZER first arrow first fish of 2016
WHY EVERY MONTANA BOWHUNTER SHOULD CONSIDER JOINING THE MONTANA BOWHUNTERS ASSOCIATION
• The MBA is the organization the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks consults on bowhunting issues that affect Montana bowhunters
• Montana has the best bowhunting seasons of any of the western states. We are continually working to keep these.
• The MBA is active in the Legislature to protect and fight for our hunting and bowhunting seasons and rights.
• The MBA produces a quarterly magazine informing you of local, state, and national bowhunting issues and events, and publishing great stories and pictures
• THE MBA NEEDS MEMBER NUMBERS AND YOUR YEARLY DUES TO CONTINUE TO PROTECT WHAT YOU ENJOY EVERY YEAR. ISN’T WHAT YOU ENJOY EVERY FALL WORTH $25 A YEAR TO PROTECT?
What
the MBA has done for you?
• Worked to get the first archery season started in Montana. Along the way, we’ve increased the seasons to what you enjoy today.
• Worked to establish archery bear, lion and sheep seasons.
• Worked to establish archery antelope 900 tag and August 15th opener.
• Worked to establish archery only areas and hunting districts.
• Proposed a special archery wolf season and endorsed the highest quota of wolf harvest possible.
• Actively protects hunting & bowhunting seasons in the Legislature year after year.
• Defended our archery seasons against the “Crossbows & Muzzleloaders” threats throughout the years.
• Created the Modified Archer’s permit that now allows those with handicaps to use modified archery equipment to hunt; which kept any need for crossbows out of Montana and defended our archery seasons against other crossbow threats throughout the years.
• Re-established the archery season after it was left off the regulations one year.
• Actively works with FWP to protect archery seasons, our resources, and expand archery opportunity in Montana year after year.
Photos by Denver Bryan / Images on the Wildside