Mba summer 2017 issue

VOL. 44 #4 Summer 2017

BOWHUNTER

OF THE YEAR JAKE RENNER

PAUL SCHAFER AWARD WINNER ZAC RENNER

MBA Member Spotlight! – PAGE 11 Making of a Bowhunter! – PAGE 12 2017 MBA Convention HIghlights – PAGE 14 Carp Safari 2017 – PAGE 22

Return service requested Montana Bowhunters Association PO Box 23611 Billings, MT 59104

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 120 Bozeman, MT 59718

MBA

Regional Representatives Al Kelly

Mike Shephard 351 7th Ave East N., Columbia Falls, MT 59912 ................ 406-250-9806

PO Box 219, Libby, MT 59923 ............................................ 406-293-2900 alman@frontiernet.net

michaelshepard7@gmail.com

Region 2

Neil Maier

Don Helmbrecht 511 Hudson Lane Victor, MT 59875 ................................... 406-381-6661

16200 Roman Creek Rd Frenchtown, MT 59834 ............... 406-546-6013 nam56@yahoo.com

donhelmbrecht@yahoo.com

Brian Koelzer

Barrett Haugan 560 Clovehitch Road Belgrade, MT 59714 ......................... 406-539-0602

80 Jansma Lane Manhattan, MT 59741.............................. 406-570-7997 rocknrollbowhunter3@yahoo.com btreasurestate@aol.com

Region 4

Stephen LePage 2574 Divide Rd. Lewistown, MT ....................................... 406-535-5636

Roger Licht

mbaregion4@yahoo.com PO Box 189 Stanford MT 59479.... 406-566-2693 — Cell 406-366-1580 Licht@Roger@yahoo.com

John Grimstad

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

2031 Poly Drive Billings, MT 59102 .................................. 406-252-3620

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

Beckie Doyle P.O. Box 136 • Conner, Mt 59827 mybluewalker@yahoo.com • 406-531-4060

twingrim@bresnan.net

Region 6 David Moon

Region 8

Marlon Clapham

Mark Schwomeyer

Region 3

Region 7

MBA officers PRESIDENT

Region 1

Region 5

www.mtba.org

PAST PRESIDENT

97 Aberdeen, Glasgow, MT 59230...................................... 406-942-0659 djmoon9876@gmail.com

Bob Morgan

6963 York Road • Helena, MT 59602 jselkmt@gmail.com • 406-422-6798

P.O. Box 1995 Colstrip, MT 59323...................................... 406-749-0706 robertredface@gmail.com

Jerry Davis

Joelle Selk

725 Middlemas Road, Helena, MT 59602........................... 406-475-2226

MAGAZINE CO-EDITORS

Teri and Al Kelly PO Box 219 • Libby, MT 59923 teray1979@yahoo.com

pipelinejerry@gmail.com

AT LARGE DIRECTORS EVEN YEARS

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 Tim Roberts 2410 Chouteau St, Fort Benton, MT 59442 – timr59442@gmail.com..................................406-220-2051 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 Kent Brown PO Box 160803 Big Sky MT 59716 - kdbrown7@msn.com...................................... 406-321-1059

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

Lyle Hebel www.pixelelk.com

Liberty Brown Branding Iron Marketing MAGAZINE DESIGN

ODD YEARS

EDITORIAL COMMENTS

WEB DESIGNER

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.

K Design Marketing, Inc. 1613 South Ave. W. • Missoula, MT 59801 kim@kdesignmarketing.com 406-273-6193

For all those who purchase the plate, the MBEF would like to invite you to send us a photo of your plate on your vehicle.

Be creative, include yourself, pets, family, trophies of all sorts, etc.

Photos will be posted on the website. www.mtbowhuntermuseum.org

Summer 2017

1

EDITOR’S NOTE

Teri & Al Kelly

A

s usual a great time was had by all at the convention! Of course what makes it successful is the incredible work that everyone puts into planning, organizing, set-up, tear down, etc., etc. Thanks to all the members who contributed their time and efforts before, during and after to make the weekend a great success.

And a HUGE thanks to all the vendors, businesses and individuals that donated for the prizes, drawings and auctions! Please show your support to these businesses and vendors, check out their websites and frequent their locations. Supporting them enables them to support the MBA. Involvement from the archery community is important in not just making the convention a success but in upholding the mission of the MBA, “To unite the state’s bowhunting sportsmen to work towards a common goal of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana”.

If you want to be a part of future events we’d love your help or if you have questions, concerns or information about what’s happening in your region or in the state, please contact the rep or DAL in your region. You can find contact information for these folks in each issue of the MBA magazine and online at mtba.org and you can find the MBA on Facebook.

If you haven’t checked out the new MBA webpage be sure to do so, it looks great. As an organization we are working hard to keep our members updated and informed and social media is a growing platform to do that. It also provides a great way to educate the public and reach out to potential members. Be sure to send in your photos, article and harvest stories so we can use them in both the magazine and online.

June is coming up so get ready to get your Carp on at the Carp Safari!

Teri Kelly

2

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

www.pronghornbows.com 307-234-1824 evenings 2491 West 42nd Street Casper, WY 82604

TABLE OF CONTENTS VOL. 44 #4 Summer 2017

39

th ANNUAL

14 PAGE

C ON V EN T ION HIGHLIGHTS

12 PAGE

13

PAGE

On the Cover

2

EDITOR’S NOTE

Teri Kelly

4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Marlon Clahman

5

BOWHUNTER OF THE YEAR - JAKE RENNER PAUL SCHAFER AWARD WINNER ZAC RENNER

1ST VICE RESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SteveSchindler

TREASURER’S MESSAGE

THE WARRIORS GIFT

Jenn Schneider SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

Becky Doyle

6 REGIONAL REPORTS

11 MBA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 12 MAKING OF A BOWHUNTER

WHERE CAN ARCHERY TAKE YOU?

by Marlon Clapham

13 THANKS TO AMERICAN LEGION

BLAST FROM THE PAST

14 2017 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS 21 1ST ANNUAL YOUTH SHOOTING

SPORTS EXPO IN MISSOULA

2017 YOUTH CONSERVATION &

EDUCATION EXPO

22 CARP SAFARI ENTRY FORM 23 BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS

FWP COMMISSIONER CONTACTS

24 MBA MEMBERSHIP FORM 25 MEMBER GALLERY

Summer 2017

3

OFFICER’S REPORTS PRESIDENT - MIKE CLAPHAM 1ST VICE PRESIDENT - STEVE SCHINDLER 2ND VICE PRESIDENT - MARK SCHWOMEYER (NO REPORT) TREASURER - JENN SCHNEIDER SECRETARY - BECKY DOYLE

A

Message

The FWP will be hoisting an Instructors Work Shop June 23-25. I would like to see all the MBA Instructors there. We started this program in 1978 and the FWP took it over in 1987 and this is their thirty year anniversary. There will recognition of the original instructors who were certified by Bill Wadsworth, some still instructing across the state. That’s 38 years making Ethical Responsible Bowhunters for our great state. Thank You The Original Dozen.

Permits will be out soon and this is going to be MY year if I can remember to get my appellations in on time. I forgot once and have not heard the last of that yet. Merri has too good of a memory.

Hope to see everyone at the Carp Shoot.

Marlon Clapham

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Jerry Davis, Chair Steve Schindler Marlon Clapham • Ray Gross

Ray Gross, Chair Paul Martin • Mark Schwomeyer Steve Schindler • Marlon Clapham

nother Convention has come and gone. My first year as your president was a learning experience. I still have a lot to learn but we have a good Board of Directors that I can lean on and as a group, we are moving forward. We are picking up more new members all the time. The MBA is trying to get out into the public eye with more involvement at different events across the state. We will soon be updating our Marlon Claphman website and Facebook page. If anyone has an idea to put up let your area rep. know so they can move it forward and get it on the site. We need more updated information to keep folks logging into our site. There seems to be a need to reach out to the youth of our ranks through iPhones and other electronic devices, so we are looking at options for expanding on our social media.

The MBA will again support the Youth Expo at the Teller Wildlife Refuge and help with the Magruder Youth Camp. We had the best time with the campers last year and this year looks to be an even better experience for the youth. This camp worked out so well that the MBA Region 2 members set up a camp for our own youth members. Beckie Doyle has had this dream for several years and she has been putting the final touches on the camp. This will be a good thing for our MBA youth members to get them involved Joelle Selkfor the future. Look for more information on this MBA Teen Bowhunter Camp in this newsletter from Becky.

It also looks like we will have a new secretary. Beckie Doyle was a write in and has accepted the position.

We will also have new Directors At Large. There were several write-ins for the five positions. One of these is Kent Brown from Bozeman, the remaining names will be posted as those members accept the positions.

The Convention Awards that went to the brothers, Jake Renner for Bowhunter of the Year and Zac Renner for Paul Schafer Award was very cool. Their father Mark Renner’s reaction was priceless for me.

Experiencing your own kids growing up to be ethical and responsible Bowhunters, let alone their successes, are cherished life time memories. Watch out, the LePage’s have a young son Mitchel who is well on his way to becoming a top flight Bowhunter as well, looking forward to seeing more of this young Bowhunters exploits.

It looks like the early returns for the Convention indicate that we can stay in business for another year.

I feel we did quite well. It was the first time we spread out the responsibility all across the state and I feel Joelle held us all together for a very successful Convention.

As I work on this message we are winding down on the 2017 Legislative Secession. We as sportsman and women have seen some very disturbing issues come across the wire. So many issues that should be brought up with the FWP Commission and not through the Legislation. This is why we need to be careful on who we elect into the positions as representatives. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Jerry Davis as without Jerry and Joelle I would have been lost forever out in the tall grass. The entire Legislative Committee had to be on top of things 24-7. It was never ending at times. Thank You all for a job well done. It’s no wonder I’m so laid back on the couch with the dog. This legislative stuff is exhausting.

Well bear season is just around the corner and the Carp Shoot is right behind. I for one am really looking forward to something different to occupy my mind. It gives all of us members another chance to gather make new friends and BS with the old friends. Praying for calm and sunny days. (We had snow again yesterday. ) The grass is trying to green up so it won’t be long and the elk will have calves on the ground and the whitetail fawns soon to follow. I Love this time of year as it bring new to the world around us.

4

Legislative: Tentatives:

President’s

MBA Committees

Financial:

Jerry Davis, Chair Jenn Schneider • Seth Rogers Ray Gross • Neil Maier

Steve Schindler Landowner/Sportsman: Mark Schwomeyer, Chair David Moon Neil Maier • Bob Morgan

Nominations:

Steve Schindler, Chair Al Kelly • Paul Martin

Awards:

Roger Peffer, Chair Al Kelly • Steve Schindler Marlon Clapham

Membership:

Chair, vacant Joelle Selk, Membership assistant Jenn Schneider Seth Rogers • Ray Gross

Convention 2017:

Brian Koelzer, Chair Joelle Selk, Co-Chair Jenn Schneider Sean Dunn • Barrett Haugan

Magazine:

Al & Teri Kelly, Co-Chairs Steve Schindler Roger Peffer • Joelle Selk Brian Koelzer • Jerry Davis

Website:

Lyle Hebel, Webmaster Jenn Schneider • Liberty Brown

Carp Shoot: Joelle Selk, Chair

Bow-Ed:

Al Kelly, Chair Marlon Clapham • Brian Koelzer Bob Morgan • Mark Schwomeyer David Moon • Ray Gross

Steve Schindler

OFFICER REPORTS

Treasurer’s Message

T

First Vice President’s

Report

W

e’ve all heard the phrase, “it takes a village”, that same phrase holds true in the outdoor world and what it takes to keep our outdoor heritage alive and well. There are a few organizations in the state that really take on an important role when push comes to shove politically. As for Bowhunting, the MBA leads the way when it comes to protecting our bowhunting seasons and general way of life. BUT there are a few other organizations that partner with us and do an exceptional job helping hunters keep on hunting, keep our wildlife wild and our public lands public.

The Montana Wildlife Federation, The Montana Sportsmen’s Alliance and PLPW, Public lands Public Water, along with the Traditional Bowhunters of Montana all work together so we can enjoy the outdoors. Believe me when I say, there are well funded organizations who try every legislative session to stifle your opportunities and increase theirs. For some, they feel that if they can make money off our wildlife they ought to be able to do it regardless of what the outcome would be. It flat out amazes me every two years how the leadership teams of our protectors work their tails off, not for anything other than knowing, somebody is going to have fun experiencing the outdoors. Yes we are lucky to have these groups help us as much as they do.

There are a host of 3D shoots going on this summer and I whole heartedly recommend you take in as many as you can, first off your shooting will improve and 2ndly you will be surrounded with likeminded people and somebody may learn something, and in my mind that’s two good reasons to go to a 3 D shoot.

he beans have all been counted and let me tell you what...

WOW! I checked, I double checked, and I’m proud to say, this was our highest earning convention that I have seen and can track with our accounting software. We grossed over $48,000. As we discussed at the General Membership meeting, Fairmont is proving to be an excellent location for the convention and with numbers like this, we will be happy to go there again next year.

We had the highest number of banquet tickets ever sold and I had to turn some people away, as Fairmont only prepared for a certain percentage over what we guessed we would sell by pre-registration numbers. It was a record 216 banquet tickets and I’m sure we filled more seats than that with people joining us for the fun. Joelle’s excellent organization and our familiarity with the host made this one of the smoothest conventions I’ve participated in and I think we can build from that to accommodate the wishes we heard from you.

If you didn’t make it, please plan on it next year, and register early! I enjoyed seeing all those that came and wish you all a happy summer.

Jenn Schneider

Steve Schindler Becky Doyle

The Warrior’s Gift

by Carol Harter Oberth

Was it dropped by your son, or lost in a storm, did it fall from an arrow from sinews so worn.

Did you love the color as much as I, did it fly straight through and early sky.

And cause the arrow to fall from the bow.

Did the shining point fall on the ground, centuries later to be found.

Found and cherished that summer day, lying on the hard, red clay.

A gift that traveled through the years, traversing time and love and fears, He chipped the point with love and care, A thing of beauty, color rare, The warrior smiled from up above as I share his gift with those I love.

Secretary’s Message

I’d like to start by saying Thank You to all the members who made my family and I feel welcome to the MBA. Jerry and I have donated a lot of time to MBA youth events and are excited to become more engaged in other MBA activities. Speaking of youth events, I was very overwhelmed by the support for the proposed Teen Bowhunter Camp during the convention. Your support is truly extraordinary and I am so excited to do this camp. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for these teenagers and the MBA as well.

I’m looking forward to getting to know more of you at the Carp Shoot. I grew up shooting carp and bullfrogs and can’t wait to get my feet wet again! There are quite a few folks here in the Bitterroot that will be become active members of the MBA and hopefully we will drag a few with us for their first time fish hunting! These folks are also more than willing to help with youth events and with next year’s convention. I believe getting new member participation can help grow the MBA membership and some diversity is always good with growth.

Again, thank you for welcoming us and I look forward to making many memories with ya’ll.

Becky Doyle Summer 2017

5

REGIONAL REPORTS REGION 1 AL KELLY MIKE SHEPHARD

REGION 1 REGION

REGION

REGION 2 NEIL MAIER DON HELMBRECHT

1

4

REGION

2

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8

REGION

3

REGION 3 BRIAN KOELZER BARRETT HAUGEN (NO REPORT) REGION 4 STEPHEN LEPAGE ROGER LICHT

6

REGION

REGION

7

REGION

5

AL KELLY MIKE SHEPHARD

Al Kelly

REGION 5 JOHN GRIMSTAD REGION 6 DAVID MOON REGION 7 BOB MORGAN REGION 8 JERRY DAVIS

Friends, ere we are again at that time of year.

Another convention is in the history books. I sure had a great time, as did the rest of my family. The Hot springs is a great venue and there was a lot going on. There were a lot of families having a great time which I count as a big success. They are the hope for bowhunting’s future.

And with the convention out of the way so begins the year’s progression until we once again grab our bows and go afield to enjoy our time of year. Rich Hjort, Jay Moody, Jay Sheffield, Danny Place and I just finished up teaching a Bowhunter Education class. Next comes hours of practice, 3-D bow shoots, Carp Safari and all manner of preparations as we get ready for the season. What great opportunity we have here in Montana.

Let’s all support the team and keep it that way.

H

Al Kelly

A

fter getting an invite to attend the meeting on Saturday, 18 March at Snappy’s Sport Center, I decided I would go just to see what was up. Sen. Fielder’s husband Paul, and his friends from Utah, Big Game Forever came to present two things. First why I should support SB236, which is yet another attempt to modify our State’s 1972 Constitution, and this Utah’s group asking for me to basically allow them to take over my duties, on a national basis, and do my wildlife work for me. To begin with, I am smart enough to get after my elected people locally, state-wide, and nationally about anything that I so desire, especially wildlife issues. We do not need outside of the state interlopers interfering with what is our responsibility to do. Yeah sometimes the money may dictate, but it still boils down to us doing our job.

6

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Locally, we have reps from numerous STATE hunting groups and wildlife oriented hunting members who do this. Plus, add how active our Citizens Advisory Council has been in Region 1, and you see, it is our job to keep after all the above mentioned people who make decisions to do their job on hunting/fishing problems. Many local hunters do not realize it was Region 1’s CAC that got the black bear season in its current form. Unless it gets changed, wording in SB236 may open up what has occurred in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico etc., called Ranching for Wildlife. If game animals are thus on my property, under that concept, my new fencing goes up restricting it from leaving, and thus I get to do my own management. Montana’s 1972 Constitution mandates all state residents own its wildlife, even non-hunters, and should protect us from this concept, which by the way, privatization has been pushed by Big Game Forever. Hunting for the rich or at least, those who can pay for it, a very dangerous path to be on. Add to that the Fielder’s push to take over Federal Lands, and I am not sure just where they really want any of this to go. They talk a good game, but my alert hackles are on full alert after this meeting involving Big Game Forever.

They present a four minute video about how moose are almost extinct in Jackson Hole....then my Interlake arrives on Monday March 20, and on page 2, Wyoming Fish and Wildlife just completed their winter survey on moose at Jackson Hole and show there are currently 346 there now, versus 231 last winter...obviously not extinct.

Wyoming screwed the whole wolf management up, Montana had a wolf management locked up through Sen. Tester’s Bill, but BGF got involved and stopped that from going through, as they want to be in control, and held up us being able to hunt them. Be very cautious of all these potential unintended consequences, as they may mean we lose our ability to hunt as we know it. Bad enough too many locals abuse Plumcreek, now Weyerhauser lands, which is a privilege to hunt on, let alone elected people trying to end around said privilege.

Be very careful with some of these people in power.

250-9806

Michael Shepard

REGIONAL REPORTS REGION 2 REGION

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REGION REGION

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NEIL MAIER DON HELMBRECHT

Don Helmbrecht

physical stand but the immediate area around it. We’ve all heard that success is achieved when preparation meets opportunity. Practice, prepare and don’t wait until the season is upon us. Those of you that spot and stalk, my hats off to you, you’re in a league all your own.

Do the things necessary to make your bow hunting adventures enjoyable no matter how you measure success. A great sunrise with crisp cool temperatures, the sights sounds and smells of a great day in the outdoors and the sun setting behind the mountains are all measureable successes. Some of my favorite hunts didn’t end with a filled tag. If you notch that tag it’s icing on the cake and our readers would gladly like to hear your story.

Happy trails, enjoy the summer, good luck this fall and shoot ‘em straight.

Don Helmbrecht

T

his year’s convention is now behind us and I’ll defer to others to fill you in on all the details. I had a great time, albeit a busy time, and met and visited with other members and came away empty handed on raffle items. That was a first for me. Al Kelly needed a wheelbarrow along with bidder #215, or at least those at that table. Good for them and all those who bought tickets, bid on the live auction items and made this a very successful weekend. A lot of hard work paid big dividends.

Legislative items and the carp safari will be covered in detail by those who know all the details.

The Legislative session was very busy to say the least. Jerry Davis is a machine on that front and we all need to be thankful for his efforts in looking out for our interests on the floor of the state capital and keeping us appraised on the issues we needed to voice our opinions on and which legislators we needed to contact and when.

As we head into summer we all have our projects around the home, vacations, children, grandchildren and on and on. September will be here before we know it, especially when preoccupied with summer activities. Between now and the time we all look forward to, it’s prime time for preparation in anticipation of the fall hunting season. Shooting our chosen bows throughout the year is something most of us do and those that have had a long layoff should get busy and reacquaint oneself with it.

Physical conditioning cannot be overlooked whether you hunt the high country or the river bottoms. Make it a habit to get out and walk, hike and better yet do both while scouting new territory or refreshing yourself with area’s that you’ve historically hunted. It’s an ever changing environment and none of us want for instance that our favorite tree stand tree is now on the ground, possibly with the stand attached. If you do hunt from a tree stand things change; branches grow, limbs fall shooting lanes need attention. I like to have alternate stand locations and spend hours throughout the summer looking for just that perfect spot that fits my needs. Mock scrapes are also a favorite tactic so finding a suitable over hanging branch or bush nearby will determine if it suits my eye and that of my game.

Dan Moore Tree stand maintenance not only means the

M

an does time fly when you’re having fun.

The MBA convention has just gotten over and believe it or not the planning has already started for next year. The attendance was more this year than last year. We even added 2 more tables. And that is all we could add because the food preparations were maxed out for this banquet. At the general membership meeting the body made a motion to have it at Fairmont Hot Springs in 2018 and it passed. We are planning on more for attendance next year.

I want to thank all the donors for their contributions from the state and the Missoula area.

Cabela’s, Bob Wards, Murdoch’s, Home Depot, Sportsman’s Warehouse from the Missoula area, Thank you very much.

The Legislature has been very active again this year. You have been getting notifications on many different issues. Your phone calls have made a difference on many bills. Keep calling and keep informed.

The MBA’s web site is being redesigned and should be up and running before very long. It will be more interactive with far more capabilities.

Turkey and bear seasons are starting in Montana and Idaho and should be a good year form the outlook reports.

The Carp shoot is just around the corner June 10th at Canyon Ferry. Get your camp reservation turned in and be ready for some fun. I did my first one last year and it was a lot of fun. I am allocating another day this year to be able to shoot more.

The 3-D shoots are already in progress from around the state. Get the bows out and knock off the dust and go shooting.

Many youth camps are also starting to get off the ground with planning and looking for volunteers to help with preparations and leaders needed. Talk to your local representative about the ones in your area.

Have a fun safe summer of shooting.

REGION 3 REGION

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BRIAN KOELZER BARRETT HAUGAN

W

ell another fun filled and successful convention is behind us and I’d like to start by thanking Joelle for putting the party together! Thanks to all the board members and others who graciously helped set up and tear down the panels for our trophy display. Big thanks to all our donors as well!!! Attendance was up again this year and we actually ran out of dinner tickets!

(216 people) We’re already looking forward to next year’s convention which again will be held at Fairmont. It was great looking out over the crowd and seeing all the kids in attendance and I believe having the convention at a family friendly facility contributes to their participation greatly.

As I write this I’m enjoying a cup of coffee and looking out the window at 3” of fresh snow and clear skies. Great for cat hunting but it closed yesterday and now it’s bear season. My broadheads are sharpened and the truck is packed but man is it gonna be slimy out there when the day warms up. No big hurry today. Maybe another cup of coffee and one more log on the fire....

I’d like to give another high five to Liberty Brown for the awesome new website and all his other hard work. Check it out if you haven’t already.

Springtime is here and with it comes the chance to hunt both large and small game as well as hunt mushrooms and asparagus! If you haven’t made plans to attend this summer’s carp safari at Canyon Ferry now is the time to do so. Always a good time and great prizes to boot!

I’m going to leave you with a quote from Fred Bear: “Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the wildlife you hunt, and for the forest and fields in which you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person.”

Brian Koelzer

Neil Maier

Brian Koelzer

Summer 2017

7

REGIONAL REPORTS

REGION 4

REGION 5

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elcome to Spring! The turkeys have started to gobble and it is time to put out your game cameras.

I had a terrific time at the banquet. It was nice to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. It was very encouraging to see our Bowhunters of the Year. I very much enjoy seeing the young ones have such success. It is encouraging to see so many youths involved in our club and gives me optimism for the future.

The Lewistown Bowhunters Association just completed our annual youth picnic and 3-D shoot.

It was a huge success with a great turnout and we were thankful to have very nice weather. During this picnic, we give a deserving youth a new bow package. Seeing that young man’s face light up when his name was called was absolutely amazing.

Remember that the Carp Safari is right around the corner. I have found it is a perfect time to introduce youth or non-hunters to bowhunting, so invite your friends.

Sincerely,

Stephen LePage

I

s it just me or was it a long and cold winter, however, I did get a little more ice fishing in though. Hope everybody got their permits in and you’re dreaming of hunts this year. The 2017 MBA banquet was a great time lots of people, old friends and new friends. Hats off to Joelle and her crew, first time for me helping out and there is a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes that you never knew anything about. Thanks to all the businesses and individuals for their donations and to Fairmount Hot Springs. Spring turkey and bear hunting are here, hope you get out and enjoy spring time in MT, hope to see you at the carp shoot.

Roger Licht

WWW.MTBA.ORG

7

REGION

5

3

Stephen LePage

BOWHUNTER

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STEPHEN LEPAGE ROGER LICHT

Montana

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John W. Grimstad

JOHN GRIMSTAD

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ow that the banquet is over and the legislative session is winding down we can start looking forward to hunting. Turkey and spring bear is a great start and by now you should have put in for your fall tags and/or received notice if you drew one.

This is the second year in a row I have not drawn a 410 tag, which is ticking me off. I think we need to address this issue, especially for us eastern Montana hunters. One idea is to break the season into 2 separate seasons. This would mean if you want to hunt the breaks you would have to either put in for the first 3 weeks or the last 3 weeks and couldn’t hunt the whole season. It would still limit numbers but allow almost everyone who wanted to hunt the breaks a chance. We all know that the limit on bow hunters isn’t biological, because they have issued 150 either sex rifle tags for the past 2 years when normally it is only 55 tags. Another idea is making a breaks tag the only place you can bow hunt if you draw the tag. I have hunted the area since the early 80’s and don’t want to go years when I can’t hunt it. Since the Montana Bow Hunters motto is to preserve and promote bow hunting I

think we need to discuss this issue and see if there is a better solution.

Another topic that has been brought up in the past is making the banquet a place where we can shoot our bows and not just a banquet. One thing we all have in common is we love to shoot our bow and why are we not doing this at our annual banquet?

The vendors could show case their product and let you try it out or show you in real life, instead of just telling you about it. I think this would bring in more people and also the younger generations.

Speaking of shooting our bows, I am trying to organize a bow shoot in Billings to get fellow bowhunters together and try and get more members signed up. If you are interested in helping out please contact me.

John Grimstad

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DAVE MOON

urkey season is here and it looks like lots of people are out in the spring weather. It has been pretty windy making calling hard.

With the milder winter hopefully the turkeys are abundant. I do know the ticks are abundant already.

Bear season now open but not sure how much snow has melted off the mountains. That is always a good time to be in the mountains. Get a spring bear while he is eating some good food.

Looks like some areas are starting up some 3D shoots. Some of those make for the best practice for hunting. I had a relative ask about going bowhunting this year so that is a good way to start the year. I will have to get some arrows with broadheads ready for her bow.

David Moon

Dave Moon

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ife happens. A few days ago one of my best friends, also our pastor, up and had a heart attack. He seemed to be healthy, but getting older much like myself and others. They put in three shunts but he did not have to have surgery. Thanks to prayer, I believe.

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JERRY DAVIS

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s of the date I write, the 65th Legislature Sine Die is about 1 week away thankfully.

I do not think I could take more than the 90 days the Legislature is in session. Being involved from time to time during various Bills certainly gives me appreciation for the work and negotiations our legislators endure to govern our State. I thank them, though I may not always agree with them.

NOTE: Definition of sine die: reference to business or proceedings that have been adjourned with no appointed date for resumption.

I want to thank all of you that read our Alerts and responded by either calling or emailing legislators. Your efforts have paid off.

I did have one very disturbing conversation during this session with a sporting group who was instrumental in the “Right to Hunt, Fish, and Trap referendum. I bluntly asked why we were not asked to sit at the table when this legislation was being developed, as we had donated to the fight against

The nurse said Rod had a strong heart. His wife Sherry, told the nurse that Rod was a hunter and had packed out his share of meat lots of times from the mountains. The nurse said that his strong heart is why he was able to endure what he had just gone through. Life happens. So let’s all get out and enjoy his creation through exercise.

It is turkey season and we have some snow in eastern Montana. Seems like we get a spring snow quite a bit, so may be able to track turkeys, but it makes it harder to see the elk sheds. To my surprise, I saw 14 bull elk on April 3, and 12 had antlers yet.

I went back later and found some sheds. It just feels good to get out in the fresh air, and see the green grass, the first wildflowers, and all the animals. I should have had a youngster with me that day.

A week later my grandkids and I took a hike.

We went up a really steep trail. On the way up my grandson spotted some dear sign, but we were really on the lookout for elk sheds. My granddaughter led the way; it was still wet and really slippery. We saw three mule deer and on the way down grandpa couldn’t resist instigating rolling a few rocks, it was really, really steep. The kids are still laughing , “my version of rock ‘n’ roll”.

As we were driving back home my grandson spotted around 300 head of elk. They were on private land quite a ways off so we looked through the Binos and spotted some elk with headgear. It was a really special day with my wife and the grandkids out in creation.

I-177. He simply told me we did not have enough skin in the game to be considered. I contend that had we and other groups been involved this bill it would have been written to better address the issue.

I have other opinions but I will not put those in writing. Simply put I found the comment about not having enough skin in the game a very offensive remark, we all have skin in the game, our hunting heritage.

As I write this Pittman Robertson (P-R) funding is being jeopardized again through an amendment to a bill originally intended to manage noxious weeds on WMAs and similar state lands. It was a bill that enjoyed wide support from sporting groups. As I write this the bill has been amended to use P-R funds to pay for a positon that will be under the direct supervision of the State Land Board, a direct violation of the requirements of the P-R Law. Bottom line is that it gets really frustrating to continue to have to fight powerful State Legislators who seem to have a vendetta against the Montana public land sportsperson.

We need to make sure that those we vote into office whether Democrat or Republican have our interests in mind.

Needless to say you can see I am still consumed by the Legislature, cannot wait for the end of next week to come. It will be long past by the time you read this.

The 2017 Convention from all appearances was a success. We want to thank all that helped to make

Region seven is looking for a youth to attend the youth Bowhunters Camp, August 10-13, 2017. He or she must be between 14-16 years of age, must have Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education and bring their own archery gear.

Each team will go through a simulated hunt for one of Montana’s wild game animals and retrieve the harvest back to camp. This is a physical active camp and attendees and their guides will be in the woods. They will be expected to do chores, they will be out in the elements, scouting, learning calling techniques, basic first aid, fire building, practicing shot placement, hiking and much more. All youth are accountable to all the adults connected with this camp, and must follow all rules. If interested please call at the number below.

Call 406-777-2408 for registration Deadline: July 15, 2017 Cost: $175 Or call Bob Morgan @ (406)-749-0706

Bob Morgan

Jerry Davis

it so. I also want to thank Capital Sports, Montana Outdoor Sports, and Bob Wards of Helena for their donations.

Thanks to all of you for being an MBA Member. We need you to continue to advocate for bowhunting and hunting in general.

Jerry Davis

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Roger Peffer

AT LARGE DIRECTOR’S REPORTS ROGER PEFFER SETH ROGERS (NO REPORT) TIM ROBERTS PAUL MARTIN RAY GROSS (NO REPORT) KENT BROWN

DirectorsAt Large

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Paul Martin

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pdate for the MBEF property. The MBEF is proud to announce the completion of the pavilion/barn, with much thanks to the volunteer help. There have been a number of volunteers but I would like to especially thank Bob Howard and Larry Rattray for their continued dependable availability.

In the background of the photo of the building you can see the new Flathead Valley Archers trailer. The club is doing well due to the continued success of their management and the 3D shoots, some of which are held on the MBEF property. The use of this property has already expanded to include a wedding and a local sportsman group’s barbeques. During the convention Jeff Noble (Vice-President of the MBEF) and his son Kris did a great job of representing the MBEF. Jeff said what a fun time they had at the 2017 Convention. We would like to thank Al and Teri Kelly for transporting donations and MBEF materials to and from the convention. Hope you had time to get out and hunt turkeys and of course one of my favorites, spring bears.

Maybe we’ll see you at one of the 3D shoots or out in the woods. >>>>---------->

Paul Martin

Paul Martin, Larry and Bob at MBEF Pavillion

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ello from Region 4... Wow! The banquet was great and people had a terrific time. Great speakers, great games, fun friends, and camaraderie. Thanks so much to everyone that worked so hard to make it successful. Thanks to all the businesses that donated to the event. Next time you are out and about, make sure you thank our donors.

Without them our banquet would not be successful and it is not too early to start working on donations/donors for next year! Our plan is to have it at Fairmont Hotsprings again next year, SO... if you missed it this year plan on coming next year! It was great to see so many families at the event.

Spring is here and the bears are out of their dens so I am heading out to try and call in a bruin in the early season. Maybe get out and try and find a gobbler. A trip down the Smith River in May will be a blast. The archery clubs are starting to schedule shoots so get out and fling some arrows and while you’re at it please talk up MBA and encourage others to join. The Carp Safari is coming up in June so make sure you have enough fish arrows handy to bring to that event. It is always so much fun.

Be sure to get your bows all set up and practice so you don’t get any “snap backs”!

At the MBA general membership meeting Ron Aasheim- Administrator, Communication and Education Division shared some interesting facts about from FWP. Archery hunters contribute Million$ into the MT economy and we put a lot of time in the field to harvest game.

ARCHERY… Archers spent $77,000,000 in Montana in 2014 on food transportation, lodging and equipment… and that does not include license sales.

There were 48,000 archery licenses sold in 2015. 27,800 archery elk hunters spent 326,926 days afield and harvested 3230 elk. Residents harvested 2300 and nonresidents 930 elk. Archers spent an average of 100 days/elk harvested.

23,000 deer archers spent 161,563 days and harvested 3896 deer, 3200 taken by residents and 656 by nonresidents…964 mule deer and 2932 white-tailed. 42% of the elk 60 and 67% of the mule and whitetailed deer and 78% of the antelope occur on pvt land in Montana.

Approximately 500 archery education instructors taught approx.

3,000 students in 2016. 27% of students are now female, up 11.5% since 2007. (Great work to all the Bowhunter Ed instructors!)

WOLVES… 2016…246 taken, 134 by hunters and 83 by trappers. 18,500 licenses sold…16,577 resident, 2,048 nonresident. There were 64 livestock depredations in 2015… 41 cattle, 21 sheep, 2 horses.

Popuation estimates: 536 wolves confirmed in 2015, assume approximately 30% more actually out there. No archery kills in 2015…7 archery kills in 2014.

Avg. wt. of males, 92#. Largest weighed 120#. Avg wt. of females @ 70#.

Color phases: 75% grey, 25% black, a few white.

ROAD KILL/SALVAGE PERMITS SINCE 11/01/2013…

Antelope…39, Elk…721, Moose…119, Mule Deer…743, White-tailed Deer 2313.

BISON… 1200 taken in 2015-16 season. 440 by hunters, 65 were public hunters the rest tribal. Remainder to slaughter.

APPRENTICE HUNTERS… 3700 participants in 2015, 4,500 in 2016. Thanks Ron for sharing this information. Knowledge is power.

Roger Peffer WWW.MTBA.ORG

REGIONAL REPORTS

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i – my name is Kent Brown. Someone thought it would be funny to place my name in the election as a write-in candidate for a Director at Large position. Unfortunately for them, I accepted.

In way of introduction, I lived and worked as an optometrist for 35 years in Columbus and Big Timber. I retired in 2015 and my wife, Deb, and I moved to Big Sky. I’ve been a member of the MBA since mid-1990’s and was fortunate to have actually served previously on the Board. I’ve also, on occasion, actually killed animals in archery season. Imagine that.

Having lived in those towns for so long, I got to know a great many people and was graciously granted permission to hunt on numerous ranches.

Then I moved to Gallatin County. That was a shock. The elk hunting is great, of course, but finding a place to hunt whitetails has been a daunting proposition as most whitetails are on private land. I’ve ended up hunting on the only land available to most of us – public land, this time in the form of fishing access sites. It’s a different experience sitting in a FAS and having fishermen and people walking their dogs come by. They’re alarmed and I’m depressed. I’ve come to realize, however, that I’m lucky to have this option.

We are just finishing an extremely ugly legislative session. It can’t get over too soon. Those of us on the email list have been receiving regular updates oan important bills and hopefully, most of us have responded with messages to our legislators. The immense volume of ugly, anti-

FWP, anti-public land, anti-conservation and anti-sportsman bills has been overwhelming. I don’t know how in the world these representatives continue to be elected in a state where people live to hunt, fish, hike and ski.

My only conclusion is that people continue to mindlessly vote straight party-line without consideration of how those choices will directly affect the activities that they love.

My thanks and admiration to all those in the MBA legislative committee who spent countless hours organizing the opposition to all these bad bills and to those members who cared enough to respond.

Kent Brown

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ot a lot going on in my neck of the woods, except I’m glad winter is over and I’m waiting for the carp to show themselves.

Tim Roberts

Why do you support the MBA? For the work it does for bowhunting and the programs it supports

How many bows do you own? One What one piece of advice would you like to pass onto a new bowhunter? Enjoy the process and just being outdoors Who is your bowhunting mentor or idol? My Husband (Micheal Kelly)

Tell me about your favorite bowhunting memory? Sitting in the Little Belts at one of our favorite bowhunting locations.

It started pouring rain so my husband decided to come sit with me. We thought for sure we were hearing an elk come through the timber. The anticipation and excitement was all consuming.

All of a sudden it became visible and it was a beef cow. Fun all the same.

Who are your favorite bowhunting partners? My husband and my daughters

MBA Member Spotlight Erika Kelly Where do you live? Glendive MT What do you do for a living? Preschool teacher/owner When did you start bowhunting? 2002, in my early 20’s Tell me about your first bowkill? It was a mule deer on my property that I shot

Do you have an funny or exciting story to share? I do a lot of whitetail doe hunting and there has been a few crazy missed shots, one in particular I thought I had the perfect shot but I caught the barbed wire which sent my arrow sideways and broke it in half. I only found half my arrow.

Do you have any secret bowhunting tricks to share? I was fearful to sit by myself for the first few years of hunting so my husband bought me bear spray. It has made all the difference in my ability to be more independent.

If you have a member you would like to be featured in “Member Spotlight”, please contact Steve LePage at mbaregion4@yahoo. com.

with my bow but because we live close to town, I was afraid it would head into town and die there so my husband had to find it and finish it.

Describe your dream hunt? Moose in Canada

Summer 2017

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MAKING BOWHUNTING ACCESSIBLE

Making of a

Bowhunter

Marlon Clapham, MBA President was first contacted by a Game warden from Conrad, Mike Krings in late August to see what the MBA could possibly do for his friend Nathan Pruttis who has been confined to a wheel chair. Nathan loves to hunt and wanted to get into Bowhunting. Some of his friends went together and got him a cross-bow with the thought that he could shoot that.

Nathan had his chair set up for shooting a rifle or the cross-bow, but by October the weather is already getting to cold for him. His friends had heard about the MBA setting up a bow for physically challenged hunters and decided to make contact.

When they called Marlon everything had to be set up from long distance.

The MBA provided the Draw-loc, Marlon supplied and made a left hand bow with the pistol front trigger so that was no real problem. But we had to come up with some way for him to stabilize and aim the bow himself. Not only is Nathan

confined to the wheel chair but he only has the use of one arm and only slight head and neck movement. We put a cup between his feet on the foot pads and a single spring loaded telescoping rod to hold the bow up. So Nathan could grab the bow with his right hand and pull it into position to aim and shoot the arrow.

Everything was finished and ready to go and fit the works to his chair before October but with all the bad weather, subsequent road conditions prevented us from getting together until early March. Mike brought Nathan to Helena and we met up at the Capital Sports Archery Shop. Capital had a gun smith shop and the owner had their machinist do the fine tuning for us to make the final adjustments.

After his first few shots, Nathan was hooked! With the addition of sight and peep, Nathan was well on his way to becoming a Bowhunter.

Where can archery take you?

by Marlon Clapham

The MBA is a bowhunting organization and we talk quite a bit

about the benefits of bowhunting and what we all enjoy about the sport, getting out in the woods, spending time with family and friends and enjoying the fruits of our labor in a tasty venison steak or game bird, spending time with others in the archery community at 3D shoots, conventions, etc. Archery can be a lifelong sport enjoyed well into our golden years. We don’t often talk about the competitive aspect of archery and where shooting archery can take you. Following is a great example of a young person who is taking the sport of archery beyond a walk in the woods.

Callie Stevens is a youth member from Region 2 in the Bitterroot Valley.

She is the daughter of Dave and Tracylee Stevens. Dave introduced all three of their daughters Callie, her twin sister Davy Jane and younger sister Hattie to shooting bows at a very young age. All three of the young women excelled in the 4H program in the valley. At age 12 they were competing all across the state. At age 17, Callie became a certified 4H coach and for her senior project she organized a 3D shoot for the Heart 5 Archery 4H group with all the proceeds going to the Bitterroot 4H Archers. The shoot has quickly become one of the favorite shoots for the amateur and professional 3D tournament archers.

In August 2016 Callie was awarded scholarships from Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota in academics, track (pole vault) and archery.

Callie is the only college varsity archer for Mount Marty College and the first collegiate varsity archer in the state of South Dakota. She trains at the world’s largest archery center located in Yankton.

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Left: Callie Stevens, Top Right: Callie Stevens – Vegas, Bottom Right: Marlon Claphman and Callie Stevens Callie shoots Olympic Recurves and is competing for the next Olympics for the USA Team.

Mount Marty College has sent her to The Vegas Shoot last February which is the world’s largest indoor archery competition. Callie placed well in the overall standings.

Vegas Collegiate Finals- 7th Vegas Shoot Flights - 12th Indoor NFAA Sectionals - 2nd Iowa State Deer Classic - 11th The NFAA South Dakota State Indoor Tournament - 2nd

THANKS AMERICAN LEGION

Many thanks to American Legion Post 21 of Anaconda Mike Blume, US Army VN Jack Slatten, US Army VN retired Pat Tracy, US Army VN Ralph Villa, US Air Force VN retired John Pellegrine, US Army WWII

We honor, and greatly thank these men and the many men and women of our great country who have bravely and selflessly sacrificed family, happiness and life for the pursuit of liberty and freedom.

American Legion Post 21 P.O. Box 1118 Anaconda, MT 59711

John Pelegrine, US Army WWII

Blast from the Past This issue of Blast From The Past comes from the 1990 July and November issues, Jerry Taylor was just elected as the president. The main topics of interest were, hang on…Bowhunters and Wilderness and Playing Politics with Montana’s Land. Sound familiar. In 1983 the MBA joined with 35 other Montana conservation and sportsmen and women groups to form the Montana Wildlands Coalition. The organization

worked exclusively on wilderness issues. After years of research, meetings and negotiations, the Coalition arrived at the Conservation Proposal, a compromise position which advocates the protection of 2.9 million acers of Montana’s finest backcountry as wilderness.

Another point of interest to me was in the photo gallery.

George Kamps was shown with an antelope along with his two sons Steve and Craig, teenagers, pictured with their antelope, black bear, whitetail deer, mule deer and elk. All in one season. Not much has changed there.

Marlon

Summer 2017

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AWARD WINNERS

BOWHUNTER

OF THE YEAR - JAKE RENNER

A Friendship Forged in Steel Lives on to Inspire New Generations of Bowhunters

PAUL SCHAFER AWARD - ZAC RENNER

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Bernard Widhalm has been active in the Montana Bowhunters Association (MBA) since its start in the late 1970s. The conventions were a way to meet and forge friendships with other hunters across the state, one of whom was legendary bowmaker Paul Schafer.

Bernard shared, “I met Paul in the early 1980s at the MBA convention. I never had the opportunity to join him in hunting camp, but ran into him in our elk hunting area on several occasions. I enjoyed visiting with Paul and sharing hunting stories at the conventions and at his home. He had many interesting stories to share!” He continued, “in 1986, Paul built one of his Silvertip bows for me. I love it and shoot it still.”

“Not long after Paul died, I felt I wanted to honor his memory in some way. Being a knife maker, I decided to make a hunting knife each year and present it to the Schafer award winner. The reason I present a handmade knife to the MBA Schafer winner all began because of my friendship and admiration of Paul.”

The Paul Schafer Award goes to a youth (12-17 years old) who is chosen to exemplify Paul’s principles. Many young hunters have been honored with this award as well as the remembrance of Paul with one of Bernard’s Tuff Creek knives.

Bernard’s love of bowhunting and good friendships is matched by his dedication to educate and mentor future generations of bowhunters. He has led hunter’s education classes for 29 years teaching dozens of young people in the Pondera county area to appreciate and respect the sport.

As his daughter, and early archery enthusiast, I had the pleasure to attend the 2017 convention at Fairmont Hot Springs where I met many of the friends he has made over the years. When the 2016 Schafer award winner was named, my dad quietly went to the young man’s table and presented his knife. It was an incredible moment to watch the presentation of the knife by a veteran hunter to a new generation. I imagine if Paul were there, and maybe he was, he would have been smiling as the tradition of bowhunting was living on in his honor and name.

Bernard summed up the moment reflectively, “I am honored to be able to do this on a continuing basis in Paul’s memory. The look of appreciation on a kids face when I give them the knife is priceless!”

PHOTO: 2016 Paul Schafer award winner, Zach Renner, and Bernard Widhalm.

2017 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

BOW WINNERS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2017 CONVENTION

Jeff and Kris Noble

Dick and Nancy Solum

Jerry Karsky

Fellowship - Scott Koelzer & Liberty Brown

Jenn and Chris Schneider

Brian Koelzer & friends with some convention entertainment

Amy LePage, Joelle Selk & Brittney Brothers Recruiting and Mentoring Women Into Hunting Seminar

Summer 2017

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2017 CONVENTION WRAP UP

39TH ANNUAL CONVENTION REPORT Fairmont was a blast again this year, with great seminars, a full vendor room, and 216 banquet participants. Everyone had a great time lounging and playing in the pool, as well as catching up with friends. We saw lots of long-time members as well as our new ones, and we all enjoyed watching the bidding enthusiasm led by Auctioneer Zane during the banquet festivities.

We wish to thank all of the donors from across the state as well as board members who helped run this massive endeavor. Due to the positive feedback we’ve received, we’ll be returning to Fairmont again next year for more fun and fellowship.

AUCTION AND RAFFLE WINNERS AND PROCEEDS Donor 2018 Convention Head Sponsor Table Northern Edge Outfitting Hunt Kutawagon Outfitters Florida Bowfishing Charters Gator Glades Alligator Hunt

Donations 8 dinner tickets, 4 memberships, Vortex optics package, Dan Violett metal artwork, whiskey and wine basket Canadian whitetail hunt - Colin Paly; 50/50 donation Spring bear hunt 2017 Saskatchewan; 50/50 donation Bowfishing/shark fishing combo hunt Alligator hunt

Region 4 Steven LePage and Mark Lion hunt Schwomeyer Jeff & Elisha Kennedy Handmade barnwood table West Weathered

MBA metal art

John Demott

“High Country Monarch” 16”x20” embellished limited edition; 50/50 donation Scheibel Fine Art Custom Painting “Browsing” Bighorn sheep 20”-24”, Original oil painting; 50/50 donation Geoffrey Harding/Helmbrecht “Sachem” signed, ltd. edition Family framed print Teri Kelly MBA king size quilt Skyblade Knives Jim Clapham - Mountain Copper Smith Creations Jim Bradford

Antler lamp “Churchill Bend” Larry Zabel signed giclee

FWP Longcurve bow Allen Jimmerson

Proceeds $1,100.00

Bob Morgan $2,900 Steve Garness $1,750

Live Auction

$1,450.00

Live Auction

$875.00

Barrett Haugan $550 Amy Danielson $575 Wesley Nipper $1,100 Bob Morton $1,000 Mark Renner $550 Brian Koelzer $1,650

Live Auction

$550.00

Live Auction

$575.00

Live Auction

$1,100.00

Live Auction

$1,000.00

Live Auction

$550.00

Live Auction

$825.00

Scott Koelzer $1,600

Live Auction

$800.00

Josh Reed $300 Alisha Kennedy $1,100 Jerry Davis $400 Cookie Koch $450 Barrett Haugan $250 Barrett Haugan $1,000 Mark Renner $550 Mike Shepard $325

Live Auction

$300.00

Live Auction

$1,100.00

Live Auction

$200.00

Live Auction

$450.00

Live Auction

$250.00

Live Auction

$1,000.00

Live Auction

$550.00

Live Auction

$175.00

Online Auction

$3,500.00 $16,350.00

Matlabas African Hunt

“Hidden Mountain Moose” giclee print; 50/50 donation South African 10-day hunt

Montana Canvas

Spike III tent & Riley Lil’ Amigo stove 50/50 donation

360-degree swivel chair Silent Adrenalin ground blind Winchester bar stool

Royce Taylor

NET AUCTION PROCEEDS

Al Kelly Zachary Ruble

TENT RAFFLE PROCEEDS Legislative Raffle Legislative Raffle Legislative Raffle

$930.00

Green River Skinner knife

Jake Renner

Legislative Raffle LEGISLATIVE RAFFLE PROCEEDS

$1,160.00

Don Helmbrecht Don Helmbrecht Red Rock Sporting Goods, Miles City Roger Peffer

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4” MBA engraved knife; 50/50 donation MBA-themed copper bowl

Winner/Bid Auction/Raffle/Contest Derek and Kelly Live Auction Ruff $1,100

Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Bill Randall $3,500

AUCTION & RAFFLE WINNERS

Bob Morgan

Berger Taxidermy Brian Mackie Antler Creek Designs Mystery Ranch TightSpot Big Bear Store - Great Falls

Rattlesnake and sinew-backed selfbow 45-50# with three stone-tipped arrowheads and a knife $200 gift certificate Great Blue Heron Wire Art

Greg Durward

Conservation Raffle

Conservation Raffle Conservation Raffle

Pack Tight Spot Quiver Easton Outdoors camo hunting pack

Francis Reishus

Conservation Raffle Conservation Raffle Conservation Raffle CONSERVATION RAFFLE PROCEEDS Ladies Raffle

$800.00

Ladies Raffle Ladies Raffle Ladies Raffle

Ladies Raffle

Ladies Raffle

$680.00

Sportsman’s Warehouse - Bozeman Stones of Old Montana Silversmiths Montana Silversmiths

10x42 Vortex binos

Teri Kelly

arrowhead and gem jewelry silver watch silver bracelet

Montana Silversmiths

silver bracelet

Montana Silversmiths

silver belt buckle

Amy Lindstrom Mandy Garness Rocky Torgerson Don and Kay Davidson Don and Kay Davidson

David Cronk

Defense Raffle

Defense Raffle Defense Raffle Defense Raffle

Alpha Series 65 quart Siberian cooler Wild Game Innovation game camera hooded sweatshirt WSI T-shirt “Back-of-the-Truck” Drop-In Bow Case

LADIES RAFFLE PROCEEDS Defense Raffle

$1,035.00

YCBHA

WSI T-shirt

MBEF Judy Adams - Buffalo Jump Archery RER Bows Chester and Ike Floyd YCBHA

Rinehart buck target PSE Miniburner with accessories

Youth Raffle Youth Raffle

Young Buck longbow

Morgan Williams Zac Renner Sophie Danielson Huck Lewis

DEFENSE RAFFLE PROCEEDS Youth Raffle

Youth Raffle

1 year membership

Huck Lewis

$490.00

Yellowstone Custom Bows Rich Wormington Schafer Silvertip Bows Dave and Beth Windauer RER Bows Chester and Ike Floyd Pronghorn Custom Bows Herb Meland MBEF Toelke Custom Bows Dan and Jared Toelke

Women’s or youth bow

Josh Reed

Youth Raffle YOUTH RAFFLE PROCEEDS Bow Raffle

Schafer Silvertip Bows $1000 towards a bow Vortex II longbow 45# @ 28”

Seth Rogers

Bow Raffle

Barret Haugen

Bow Raffle

Custom longbow

Neil Texter

Bow Raffle

“Cocobolo 3-D Killer” recurve bow Super D longbow 62” 49# @ 28”

Tim Reilly Bill McCormick

Bow Raffle Bow Raffle

BOW RAFFLE PROCEEDS $2,530.00

Big Bear Billings YCBHA YCBHA Lakewood Products

Summer 2017

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AUCTION & RAFFLE WINNERS CONTINUED

Schnee’s Boots OnXMaps package (HUNT Montana SD card, HUNT Elite membership, hat, Team HUNT water bottle), Vortex rangefinder Brian Koelzer

OnXMaps Beanie hats with MBA logo and number

Barrett Haugan

Prime G5 compound bow

Guess the Pack Weight Contest Deer poop count 50/50

Al Kelly

Yeti cooler

HAT RAFFLE PROCEEDS

Banquet Raffle Cookie Koch

Stone Glacier Pack and gravel: 43.43 Zac Renner pounds Winning entry: 43.75 pounds 769 pieces of deer scat Tom HelmWinning entry: 820 brecht

Antler ball - total inches

294 inches of antler Winning entry: 283 inches

Beckie and Jerry Doyle

Trophy scoring contest

P&Y combined score of elk, deer, Don Davidson and moose trophies: 652 3/8 inches Winning entry: 655 inches

Banquet Raffle BANQUET RAFFLE PROCEEDS Winner received the Stone Glacier pack and a Susan Barrett hat Winner received 50% of pot and Susan Barrett hat Winner received 50% of pot and Susan Barrett hat Winner received Sitka Gear and Susan Barrett hat

Photos Left to Right: Blue Heron Winner Contests Silent Auctions

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Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

$1,080.00

2017 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

MORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2017 CONVENTION

Banquet crowd

Auction crowd fun

Backpack Weight Guess

MBA Youth - our future

Keith Dvoroznak, Seth Rogers and their ladies

Jake Garness with an auction knife

Wade Cooperider and Ron Aasheim planning strategy

Kids Bowshoot

Summer 2017

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2017 CONVENTION DONORS

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.

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Montana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

YOUTH EVENTS

1ST ANNUAL YOUTH SHOOTING SPORTS EXPO IN MISSOULA On May 21 from 10:00am-2:00pm, the Western Montana Fish and Game Association will be hosting the 1st Annual Youth Shooting Sports Expo in Missoula at the Deer Creek Shooting Center.

Groups from around the area will be on hand to educate the public about youth shooting and hunting opportunities.

Kids age 10-18 will be able to learn about and participate in shooting activities. This is a live fire event, so eye and ear protection will be required. Manufacturer’s representatives will be available on site as well as food vendors. Please bring your family and encourage others to attend to help promote youth shooting sports. There is no cost to attend this event.

Any questions please email randy@wmfga.org. See www.wmfga.org for more info.

2017 Youth Conservation & Education EXPO Outdoor Activities for All Ages

• • • • • • • •

Win one of 100 free spots to outdoor summer camps locally and across the state for 6-17 year olds!

45 Participating Organizations with Additional Prizes including hunting and fishing trips Climbing Wall, BB Gun Shooting and Archery Ranges Major sports shooting event to follow in June FWP Poaching Trailer & FWP Laser Shooting Range Fly Casting & Fly Tying Clinics Duck, Goose, Turkey & Elk Calling Big Game Scoring, and MUCH MORE!

FREE ADMISSION & food available for purchase onsite!

Saturday, May 13, 2017 s 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Red Slack Barn, Teller Wildlife Refuge 1180 Chaffin Lane, Corvallis, MT Questions? Tom (406-531-4224) or Lauren (406-961-3507)

pe Trap rs Asso c na

ion iat

Mon ta

Sponsored in part by -

Missoula Area Ducks Unlimited Chapter

Additional Sponsors: Rapp Family Foundation, Earl Sherron Memorial Fund, and the Upper Missouri River Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited.

Learn more at www.tellerwildlife.org/youth-conservation-education-expo

Spring 2015

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CANYON FERRY CARP SAFARI

Montana Bowhunters Association presents:

Have You Been “Carpified ?”

C A N YO N F E R RY C A R P S A F A R I JUNE 10, 2017 C A N YO N F E R RY L A K E , H E L E N A M T 

Bowhunting only - everyone welcome!!



Help Carp Management in Canyon Ferry Lake



Never been Carpified? -Help available

Good Things to Know: - All sh oo ter s n e ed a vali d fi shi ng l i cens e - Boa ts m us t b e re gis ter e d wi th corr e ct numb er of li f eja ck e ts - Boa ts m us t b e cl ean up on arri val and cl ean e d pr io r to e n ter ing an o th er b o d y of wa ter - Bo whun ting on l y. Brin g l o ts o f arr ow s - Carp Safa ri w ill run Sa tur da y f rom sun ris e un ti l 5 p .m.

from semi-professional Carp Ninjas 

Send in Registration form by June 6



Evening meal included in registration fee

Individual shooter - preregistered Individual shooter - day of shoot 2-person team - preregistered 2-person team - day of shoot Shooter - under 15 Non - shooter meal ticket

$ 20.00 $ 25.00 $ 40.00 $ 50.00 $ 10.00 $ 6.00

Camping available at our private camping area—details and map posted at http://www.mtba.org

(don’t worry, it’s not carp) 

Contact Joelle Selk to reserve a campsite in the group use area or log on to www.recreation.gov to reserve in the other loops at Hellgate Campground

 

How to g e t pr er eg is ter ed:

Mail at t ach ed form b y J u n e 6 , 2 0 1 7 Mail p ayme nt to: J o e l l e S e l k

6963 York Road Helena, MT 59602 (Make checks out to MBA)  Need mor e f or ms o r info?

jselkm t@g ma il.c om Phone#: 406 - 422 -67 98

P R E R E G I S T R A T IO N FO RM C a n y o n Fe r r y C a r p S a f a r i J u n e 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 I n d i v i d u a l Sh o o t e r s $20.00 x ______ = Shooters under 15 $10.00 x ______ = Meal ticket -non-shooter $6.00 x _______ = 2-person team $40.00 x _______ = Total>> $_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Make checks out to MBA and mail to: Joelle Selk– MBA 6963 York Road Helena MT 59602

Canyon Ferry Lake, Helena $__________ $__________ $__________ $__________

List names of individuals, team members, phone #, and emails: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

Carp Safari - Hellgate Group Use Area and General Camping Info The MBA has Hellgate Group Use B reserved for the event from Thursday June 8th- Sunday June 11th at 11:00 am. There are 10 established campsites in Group Use B. The Bureau of Reclamation allows a tent to be associated with each of the established camper/ tent sites for “kid overflow.” Early attendees can set up camp in this area beginning Thursday at 12:00 pm.

Carp Safari organizer Joelle Selk is taking reservations for Group Use B campsites, In addition, we have reserved a few campsites in Loop A to make more camping available to carp safari participants.

To reserve a campsite, please email Joelle at jselkmt@gmail.com for details of sites available. Loop A campsites will be released to the general public the first week of June if not reserved in order to recoup those costs.

If you prefer to arrange your own camping reservations, you can reserve online at www.recreation.gov by searching for Hellgate Campground and Group Use Area or by clicking on this link:

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BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

http://www.recreation.gov/camping/hellgate-campgroundand-group-use-shelter-area/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=100027 Getting There: From Helena, MT: Head east along County Rd 430/Canyon Ferry Rd from Helena, MT, continue for 38 miles to the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sign and turn right. Continue straight until you reach the campground.

From Townsend, MT: Head north on Hwy 284 for 21 miles and turn left at the Hellgate Campground and Group Use Shelter Area sign.

Continue straight until you reach the campground.

For general campground inquiries, call the Canyon Ferry Bureau of Reclamation Office: (406) 475-3921

CONTACT NUMBERS

FWP Commissioner Contacts fwpwld@mt.gov

District 1 Vacant

District 2

Dan Vermillion, Chairman PO Box 668 Livingston, MT 59047 Phone: (406) 222-0624 Term: January 1, 2019

District 3

Richard Stuker, Vice-Chairman 1155 Boldt Road Chinook, MT 59523 Phone: (406) 357-3495 Term: January 1, 2017

District 4

Logan Brower, Commissioner P.O. Box 325 Scobey, MT 59263 Phone: (406) 230-2188 Term: January 1, 2019

District 5 Vacant

BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS

Active as of January 2017

Become a Business Member of the MBA and be listed on this page every issue! For membership visit www.mtba.org.

BUFFALO JUMP ARCHERY

Judy Adams

P.O. Box 5581

Helena

MT

59604

406-539-3936

CROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Mike & Lucinda Layne

PO Box 9936

Kalispell

MT

59904

406-752-6116

DR. CAMO

Don Stein

1625 Northern Heights Dr

Havre

MT

59501

406-265-8099

EAGLE RESTORATION

Michael Henry

5853 Queen Annes Lane

Florence

MT

59833

406-549-1221

ELK CREEK FAMILY OUTFITTERS

David Hein

1021 Toole Circle

Billings

MT

59105

406-670-4366

ELKRIDGE GOLDENS

LeeAnn Curtis

PO Box 273

Avon

MT

59713

406-475-4536

FIRST CLASS OUTDOORS, LLC

10 Grassy Flat Rd

Roundup

MT

59072

661-317-0001

LIBBY ARCHERY CLUB

PO Box 755

Libby

MT

59923

406-293-7174

MATABLAS GAME HUNTERS

Willem Frost

PO Box 1559, Lephalale, 0555, South Africa

MIKE PRESCOTT STATE FARM

Mike Prescott

1501 S. Russell St.

MIssoula

MT

59801

406-541-9800

PRONGHORN CUSTOM BOWS

Herb Meland

2491 W 42nd St

Casper

WY

82604

307-234-1824

5705 Grant Creek Road

Missoula

MT

59808

406-523-4500

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION

27116794664

SILVERTIP PLUMBING & HEATING

Scott Rice

PO Box 1103

Plains

MT

59859

406-370-4209

SPIRIT QUEST ARCHERY

Kevin & Kim Friedman

115 Rocky Cliff Rd

Kalispell

MT

59904

406-756-5455

TRAILS END CUSTOM RECURVE BOW

Dale Dye

276 Grantsdale Rd

Hamilton

MT

59840

406-363-2981

UDAP INDUSTRIES

Mark Matheny

1703 Waterline Rd

Butte

MT

59701

406-581-4856

WESTERN TRAILER & MARINE SALES

Clyde Thomas, Jr.

1865 Hwy 2 E.

Havre

MT

59501

406-265-4572

YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY BEAR

Joe Kondelis

4116 Temple Creek

Cody

WY

82414

307-899-0461

James Brown

PO Box 96

Richey

MT

59259

406-773-5509

HUNTERS ASSOCIATION

Summer 2017

23

HEADER

Do you enjoy bowhunting and our bowhunting seasons in Montana?

Join the MBA to preserve, promote and protect bowhunting!

What the MBA offers you: 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

Join Today!

Visit the MBA website at: www.mtba.org

24

M ontana

BOWHUNTER

WWW.MTBA.ORG

Memberships run January 1 to December 31 each year.

1

4

7

10

CHRIS BLASKOWKI

KARA KOELZER 2016.

20 yard shot out of a blind at a fence crossing.

Hoyt bow vpa broadhead.

STEVE SCHINDLER 2017 gobbler

MITCH LEPAGE javelina

2

5

8

11

AMY LEPAGE goat

3

BRANDEN VANDYKEN spot and stalk 2016

JUNE LEPAGE gator

6

SARAH YERKES whitetail spike

9

JEFF KENNEDY

PAUL MARTIN doe

MERRI CLAPHAM December

12

KIM BLASKOWKI 2016 antelope

Summer 2017

25

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

•

What can you do for bowhunting in Montana?

Join the MBA at www.mtba.org to preserve, promote and protect bowhunting.

Spring 2015

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