inside this issue:
Officer & Regional Reports
2012 Canyon Ferry Carp Safari
Colter’s Carp Safari Adventure
Bitterroot Elk Survey
CMR NWR Hell Creek Accessible
Hunting/ Viewing Blind
• Professional Techs
• Bows for All Budgets
• Repair & Strings/All Brands
• Great Selection - Arrows & Acc.
• Lessons All Levels
• Indoor & Outdoor Range
PRESIDENT
Joelle Selk 6963 York Road • Helena, MT 59602 jselkmt@3riversdbs.net • 406-422-6798
1ST VICE PRESIDENT Vacant
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Steve Schindler
134 Sawney Drive • Glasgow, MT 59203 sas@nemont.net • 406-228-9024
TREASURER
Jenn Schneider PO Box 23611 • Billings, MT 59104 mtba@mtba.org • 406-697-7668
PAST PRESIDENT
Jason Tounsley 8630 Longmeadow Dr. • Billings, MT 59106
MAGAZINE CO-EDITORS
Teri and Al Kelly PO Box 219 • Libby, MT 59923 teray1979@yahoo.com
WEB DESIGNER Lyle Hebel www.pixelelk.com
MAGAZINE DESIGN
K Design Marketing, Inc.
Kimberly Kinsinger 15275 Thayer Rd. • Lolo, MT 59847 kim@kdesignmarketing.com • 406-273-6193
Region 1
2
Region 3
Al Kelly PO Box 219, Libby, MT 59923..............................................406-293-2900 alman@frontiernet.net
Paul Martin 3160 Airport Road, Kalispell, MT 59901................................406-261-4456 paulhm@dishmail.net
Marlon Clapham 4455 Hoover Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 ..........................406-777-2408 marmerclapham@gmail.com
Lucas Zemlicka 26 Sheridan Ave., Bozeman MT 59718 .................................406-580-9560 lucaszemlicka@hotmail.com
Lyle Hebel 44 Sundance Trail, Bozeman, MT 59781.................................406-539-3195 lyle@pixelelk.com
Region 4
Cliff Garness Great Falls, MT ....................................................................406-788-9009 obsession_archery@yahoo.com
Doug Krings 107 Duck Haven Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 ........................406-350-0451 region4mba@gmail.com
Region 5 Brad Zink 3536 Summerfield Circle, Billings, MT 59105.........................406-696-0126 region5mbarep@hotmail.com
Region 6 Nick Siebrasse 4996 Bullhook Road, Havre, MT 59501 bowdude@mtintouch.net
Mark Weber 2885 Old Highway Road,Chinook MT 59523...........................406-357-4119 mweber@itstriangle.com
Region 7 Rex Rogers Colstrip, MT ........................................................................406-740-3077 rr_tradbow@yahoo.com
Region 8
EVEN YEARS
Steve Kamps
Kelly Kimzey
AT LARGE DIRECTORS
P.O. Box 192, Lincoln, MT 59639 – kamps@linctel.net ...........................................406-362-4907
435 South Atlantic, Dillon, MT 59725 – k_kimzey@umwestern.edu..........................406-925-3485 2517 9th Ave So., Great Falls, MT 59405 – regorp77@msn.com..............................406-452-0911
Roger Peffer 1425 Prickley Pear, Billings, MT 59105 – srogers@lamar.com
Seth Rogers
ODD YEARS
Adam Barker
1020 Valley View Dr., Great Falls, MT 59405 – adam.barker@ge.com ......................406-461-2792
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.
PUBLICATIONS DATES AND DEADLINES
FALL ISSUE, D EADLINE, July 15
WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, October 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 Album and can be viewed at the annual conventions. Any questions as to policies of the MBA please write the President.
MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES
Please send new memberships or renewa l memberships to MBA Treasurer, PO Box 23611 Billings, MT 59104 or call 406-697-7668 or ask any member.
By the time you get this issue we’ll be in the last days of summer and getting ready for archery season. September happens to be one of my favorite months with the cool crisp nights and warm fall days, it’s a great time to be out enjoying a walk in the woods with a bow in your hand. One of the overall themes I see in our reports this month is the need to increase our membership. We all know that as our numbers increase so does the strength of our voice. If you like how a brand of broadheads performs, you tend to tell your friends, if you like a particular brand of bow you also tell your friends and we can use conversation to tell your friends and fellow hunters about the MBA.
Archery season is a great opportunity to talk to your fellow bow hunters about what the MBA has done, and will continue to do for bowhunting in the State of Montana. It’s surprising to me just how many archery hunters are not aware of the MBA, so take those moments when you’re chatting with another bowhunter about that great shot you made to also share information about the MBA and give them the opportunity to become a member. Your magazine also makes for a great tool to talk about the MBA so share it around.
Speaking of the magazine, we are in desperate need of member photos and stories. Our supply is sadly lacking and we’d really like to hear, and see how our members are faring out in the field so please send your pictures and tales to teray1979@yahoo.com . You don’t have to be a great writer; you just have to have a story to tell.
Summer is absolutely flying by and I’m getting state-wide reports that we bowhunters are enjoying it to the fullest. We had great participation at the State & Bear Shoots and Carp Safari, and I’m sure everyone’s excited for the antelope opener. Unfortunately, we haven’t received many reports or pictures from members detailing the spring hunts. We really need stories and pictures of your hunts, no matter if it’s a “trophy gopher” or “lifetime dream hunt.” Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with carp photos for the rest of the year, and we know that’ll get old!
Our board has been very busy getting new members acquainted with our various projects and preparations for the legislative session. One legislative project we’re participating in is the Candidate’s Forum in Billings on August 15th. The forum is an opportunity for voters to ask candidates their perspective on issues concerning public lands access, wildlife management, and habitat conservation. The Forum will include candidates who are running for the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and Montana Governor’s race.
We’re also in the process of reviewing our by-laws and policies and directives. We don’t anticipate any big changes; our aim is simply to ensure that our guiding principles reflect our mission. As always, we’ll gather the input of our membership to continue moving us in the direction which preserves and protects our opportunities for future generations.
As always, I want to thank you all for your continued support of our organization. Enjoy the upcoming big game seasons and don’t hesitate to call me with questions or concerns.
Joelle Selk
AsI write this the summer fires are still burning hot and dry, the Ash Creek fire is over 300K acres and the Taylor Creek fire is near 70K acres. I used to hunt both these areas and it is hard for me to believe that it is mostly gone and will not recover in my life time. It is hard to say how this is going to impact some of our archery elk hunting, but suffice it to say, it will.
Lots of things are keeping us on our toes this year, the Fort Belknap water rights bill, the election, and getting a new survey out to our membership.
To keep it brief, The Fort Belknap water rights issue has many here in Eastern Mt. up in arms because the bill gives away nearly 28 thousand acres of BLM lands to the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and just a bit over 27 thousand acres of state land. This is in a settlement with the Tribe over water rights. There isn’t any argument that the tribe is due the water rights, and along with the water rights, cash settlement. Some years ago President George Bush made a decision on the water accords decisions happening all across the US that when cash was part of the settlement the US would deal in BLM lands instead. This is really becoming a pain in our rear. Hunters are losing lands every day… week…year. We do not, and cannot afford to give away public hunting lands that all of us get to use. This Bill S3209 has a long way to go and hopefully it gives water rights to those that are due and protects our public lands.
Hopefully our survey is a done deal by the time this is being read. Nothing is going to be left for interpretation; we want straight answers and guidelines from our membership that leaves us with no doubt as to our position. We all have to keep in mind that when we fill out these surveys that we are laying stones that bowhunters not yet born are going to benefit from. Our founding fathers had this in mind from the start and it’s up to us to keep those fires burning.
Tallies are in from both summer events and it’s nice to see everyone who came out and supported the Carp Safari and the BEAR Shoot.
A big thanks to our volunteers as well, these events would never happen without your hard work.
It’s still blistering hot, and I am looking forward to the cool fall mornings around the corner and all that it entails. Can’t wait to see all your pictures of success. Jenn Schneider
ThePublic Land Water and Access Association, Montana Bowhunters Association, and Outdoor Life cordially invite you to participate in a Sportsmen’s Candidate Forum on Wednesday, August 15th, at Petra Hall, MSU-Billings at 5:30 pm. The purpose of this forum is to give candidates an opportunity to address a wide range of issues which affect Montana’s sportsmen community.
The forum will give candidates who are running for the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives and Montana Governor an opportunity to discuss a multitude of issues important to voters concerning Montana’s outdoor heritage. In particular, the candidate forum will focus on wildlife management and habitat conservation. To give the respective races the full opportunity to address voters, the forum will be divided into three sections. Each set of candidates will have 45 minutes to answer questions from our panel as well as a few questions from the public.
The MBA is honored to represent its membership by participating on the panel. Other panel members include the PLWA, Andrew McKean of Outdoor Life, and Randy Newberg of On Your Own Adventures. Questions have been solicited from our members representing our concerns about statewide sportsmen’s issues as well as those relating directly to bowhunting. Important components of preserving our bowhunting opportunities include safeguarding habitat, promoting wildlife management in the public trust, and protecting public land access. In the wise words of Teddy Roosevelt:
“The wildlife of today is not ours to do with as we please.
The original stock was given to us in trust for the benefit both of the present and the future. We must render an accounting of this trust to those who come after us.”
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 1900
Reminding our present-day legislators of this responsibility is the best tribute we can pay to those who have come before us and those who follow us.
Withhunting season just around the corner, FWP Tentatives are wrapping up. The lion and wolf season proposals I updated you on in my last article have been decided. The FWP Commissioners have chosen to increase the lion quotas in Region 1 by 20% across the region and have also adopted the proposed changes to the lion quotas and female subquotas in Region 2 as well. The MBA supported both of these proposals. I think most people are hopeful these will help bring a balance back to some of our predator/prey populations in the west.
The Commission has also adopted some positive changes for this year’s wolf season the most notable of which are to increase the number of wolves hunters could take to three, should Legislation pass that will allow for it. We’d like to see the Legislature approve more than three wolves per hunter/trapper and allow for electronic calls. Trappers will be able to take up to three wolves (no snaring) when the trapping season opens December 15. The wolf season begins September 1 for archery season, September 15 for rifle in the backcountry, October 15 for general rifle season, and ends on February 28. There will be no quotas for wolves except in two wolf management units.
While the MBA is still pushing for more aggressive changes to the wolf season and will likely be working toward that end in the Legislature, this year’s season changes are another step in the right direction. If we can get the Legislation passed soon enough this winter, I for one will be out there doing my part to get my three (or more if allowed) wolves. Will you? Take it from me, even with a rifle, wolf hunting is a blast during a time of year when almost all other seasons are over, and we need to be out keeping those winter pounds off anyway.
Good luck, and good hunting for all species you choose to pursue this season.
Al Kelly
Fellow Bowhunters,
Wow! Summer is finally here and hunting season is fast approaching. We’ve had a cool wet spring and summer in region one and there are plenty of groceries out there to fuel some great headgear growth. Our game herds should have a great year if they can just stay out of the mouths of predators.
The Kelly’s had another great time at the carp shoot. Shot some fish and had a blast camping with a super bunch of friends. If you have not yet made this event you should give it a try. If anyone wants to come to a future Carp Safari but isn’t quite sure what’s going on or what to bring, feel free to give me a call. If you have a few minutes I will tell you all my wife’s favorite spots.
Next week is our final Bowhunter Education class in Libby. That is another chance to get together with friends and promote our great sport. It is a chance to light the spark of fair chase and sportsmanship in the next generation of Bowhunters. Sure, sometimes I get busy and really don’t feel like spending time doing something other than what I need to do for my own benefit, but once I meet the new students, work with our great crew and get in the grove, I always have a great time. At the end of the day it’s a worthy and satisfying use of one’s time.
Look over the new wolf regulations. I think you will like what you see. Let’s see if we can’t take Steve Kamps lead and arrow more wolves this season. Way to go Steve!
Well, as predicted, the spring black bear season was better than average for Region 1. With all the HDs open until the end of May, hunters had more opportunities to fill their tags. Well known bowyer Neil Jacobson and I paired up several times to try to kill the bear of our choice. , Neil wanted a big black one and I wanted a cinnamon or chocolate. Our hunts usually ended up in long hikes without seeing any bears when we were together, but seeing several when we were by ourselves, which we opted not to shoot. This was the first year Diann and I decided to take in the Carp Shoot. If you haven’t done this yet you need to give it a try, but be advised, you may become as addicted to this as Gary Carvajal, aka “Carp killer Garo”.
Oh here it comes again, not only an election year but another legislative season to deal with. Joelle will be bombarding us with all the incoming bills and whatnots to go over. That’s where you the members come in by responding to the issues in the newsletter, and online by responding to surveys and giving us your opinions and comments. Be advised of all the negative and misleading ads out there and the organizations behind them, you will be surprised to find out who they are. So please get all the facts before forming your own decision. Once again, the issues of lighted nocks, crossbows, and muzzle loaders may come up again, so let’s go there for awhile.
I’ll start with the muzzle loaders, back when Charlie Decker was trying to get ML season during the bow season the MBA, along with bowhunters in general, greatly opposed the idea at the FWP meetings. As it turned out, even the muzzle loader hunters were against the muzzle loader season, because they chose to hunt with muzzle loaders. The point being, an individual or even a group of hunters may not have the best interest for all. Let’s move on to the crossbows and the states that allow them during the archery only season.
For example last year Dan Moore was hunting for elk in Wyoming when one day some guy was driving by on his ATV with his cocked crossbow, Dan’s statement to me was “I never felt so violated while bowhunting”.
I also feel that the integrity of our bow season would be destroyed if this were to happen in Montana. Here is where I agree with the philosophy of the Pope & Young Club on their statement of “A seahorse is not a horse and a crossbow is not a bow.”
Have you seen the commercial where Matt Stutzman, a member of the 2012 Paralympic team headed for the London Olympics, shoots his Mathews compound bow by holding the string with his teeth and the bow with his foot? If you haven’t, I encourage you to Google him. Every time I see this commercial, I get a little bit choked up. Needless to say, I see no reason for crossbows or that kind of technology in our archery season.
This brings us to the lighted nocks issue, boy could we waste a bunch of time here! There are many pros and cons to lighted nocks, but I feel that it is in the best interest of our state to curb technology at this point. Also a point to consider is that P&Y does not allow lighted nocks in their official entries.
And lastly, instead of a dead animal photo here is a new member of our hunting family, not quite 4 pounds of raging hell, and if you don’t keep an eye on her she’ll be “gone in 60 seconds,” that’s why we named her Shelby. See you in the woods this fall.
Well, summer is in full swing around here, watching the whitetail does bring their fawns out to feed in the fresh cut alfalfa fields and seeing the mulie bucks growing bigger every day. Now the special permits have been drawn, and we wait for the deer, elk and antelope to follow.
We here in Region 2 have had no time to rest. The Convention Committee under the direction of Gary, are tying up all the loose ends. Everyone has their assignments and we are pursuing donations. The Bear Shoot had over 450 shooters, and we made most of them walk by the MBA booth so we had the opportunity to hit them up for membership to the MBA. Many thanks go out to the Five Valleys Archery Club for the tent and table. The State Shoot showed good participation. We picked up several dozen new members and even more renewed their memberships. Those of us that manned the booth did a good job of spreading the word of what the
As I sit here and write this column there are wild fires scattered throughout Montana. The shortage of snow last winter, the lack of rain and the extremely hot weather this summer has really taken its toll on our landscape. I’m crossing my fingers that none of our beloved hunting grounds are closed this fall and hunters aren’t responsible for any fire. I urge you
MBA does for the bowhunters of this state. The Five Valleys Archery Club has quite a few MBA members among their ranks so it’s good we can work together for a common cause.
From what I have heard the Carp Shoot was a blast this year. The fish were in the shallows, and most everybody took fish. One day I hope to get in on this fun. We are just finishing up with Bowhunter Education for the summer. The Bitterroot hosted six classes and Missoula had seven of their own. Again I’m so proud that most of the instructors belong to the MBA. We can all hold our heads up high. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!
I had the opportunity to help Brodie Swisher with his Montana Bowhunter Youth Camp. What a great success! My face hurt from smiling for five straight days. There were 32 campers ages 11 to 14, both girls and boys. Camp Utmost is a Great place to send our kids to learn about bowhunting, and the creator and how it’s all tied together. We spent time shooting bows, learning Bowhunter Ed, and had field day exercises every day. The campers got to shoot gophers and several made their very first harvest. Many pictures and congratulations went out to the lucky ones. It was fun to watch these kids grow in our sport. Several joined the MBA with a youth membership, so the future is on its way.
I know Steve Kamps has had his plate full with the wolf issues, and it looks like there
all to take extra caution in the woods this fall and do your part to protect our land.
First off I would like to congratulate Joelle yet another successful carp shoot. It’s been a couple years since the weather has been great for the shoot, but yet she still seems to pull in a lot of people. If you have never been to the MBA carp shoot I highly urge you to give it a try. Joelle put on a heck of a shoot.
I’m sure you have all heard about newly adopted wolf regulations for this fall, but if you haven’t it will be posted
will be more tags to be had along with some trapping. Steve’s updates I’m sure will follow soon.
Charlie Johnson got in on the tagging of calf elk in the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot to help with the study efforts. They very successfully tagged 80 calves in a very short time frame. The MBA has money invested in this study, so thank you, Charlie, for your extra help. We need some help reaching out to the members in the Anaconda and Deer Lodge areas; it’s just too far for me to travel for meetings at this time. If anyone is interested in becoming a rep in that area it would be much appreciated. Just let someone know. In the meantime, e-mail me your thoughts and concerns.
Thanks,
in this magazine. It’s good news for the Montana bowhunter in many ways so get out there and buy a few tags because you just never know. If you have any questions regarding the changes feel free to get a hold of Lyle, myself or Steve Kamps. Steve is our resident expert on the situation and if he doesn’t know the answer it’s quite likely nobody does.
Other than the changes to the wolf regulations it’s pretty quiet in region 3 right now. As always if you have any questions or concerns I’d love to hear about them. Feel free to shoot me an e-mail at lucaszemlicka@hotmail.com or give me a call at 406-580-9560. I’ll do my best to answer any questions and if I don’t know the answer I’ll try to find it for you. Good luck to you all this fall and remember to send us your photos. Kill photo or not we love to see them all!
Lucas Zemlicka
It has been relatively quite in Region 3 for the past few months with the exception of the wolf regulation updates. I would like to applaud Region 3 Member Jason Hegg on his outstanding performance at the 2012 MAAI MT State Championships. Jason has been an active Region 3 member and attends nearly every MBA event. Congratulations Jason on your success.
As some of you may know I am also the new chair of the Membership Committee and we have some great things in the works to drive MBA memberships to new levels. I would ask you to recruit any new members possible, as the MBA is only as strong as its membership. I urge you to be active in your region, let your voice be heard and hold your Region Representative accountable to ensure they doing the best job possible representing you.
Additionally, the MBA has implemented new Member Management Software which has/will make communicating with members much easier. If you have not logged into the system I suggest you do so. You can access the system through the MBA website by clicking on the “Member Login” button located on the right side of the page. If you have never logged in you will need to retrieve your password by using the “Forgot Password” link. If you are not sure what email address is on file is please email me at info@mtba.org and I will provide you with the correct information.
Lastly, it has been brought to my attention that the new Member Management System doesn’t take into account original MBA membership numbers. I have taken it upon myself to record those numbers and store them in the new system. I will do my best to ensure that your place in MBA history is recorded. As I don’t have documents dating back to the time when these numbers where generated I would ask that you contact me and provide your number if you desire to have it associated with your account. I believe the MBA has a great legacy and I want to ensure that these items are recorded.
Lyle Hebel
All,
By the time you read this we will be creating a new season of hunting memories! Good luck to everyone and remember to take pictures for the photo contest for next spring’s banquet.
Thanks to all the people that helped with the carp shoot. As always, the weekend was a fun time with friends gathering and carp falling! While Saturday and Sunday of the shoot was rainy and miserable, the weather Tuesday and Wednesday was summer again. The carp were back rolling in the shallows and my family really got to see what carp hunting is all about. Both my boys shot 30 carp apiece. My wife and I shot our fair share, too. We all had a lot of fun and can’t wait to go back next year!
Everyone needs to keep their eyes and ears open before, and during the upcoming legislative session. Some parties are going to be trying to close some areas and change the way we hunt. We need to learn about what exactly they have planned and then work together to keep archery hunting as we know it, alive and unmolested.
We currently have only one representative from region 5. I would like to have a partner; if anyone is interested let me know.
Thanks,
all,
Fires and tags. As most of you may already know a large portion of the Ashland Custer National forest burned in the Ash Creek fire in early July. I have not toured the area yet, but those planning on hunting this area will need to check into this situation, the fire map does not bode well.
Area ranchers were heavily impacted by fires and will need assistance getting generations of fences back in place. Before the fires are even out, actions are already underway to assist via FWP and hunters, as many of these ranches and ranchers are longtime friends to hunters.
Hope some were lucky in the drawings for tags. Time to get reacquainted with the treadmill.
Wishing all an enjoyable bow Season,
This year’s Carp Safari was an extraordinarily challenging opportunity for carp fishers to prove their mettle. The weather leading up to the event was less than ideal with cool, rainy days often the norm. Nonetheless, the carp were spawning, and bowfishers had only to locate their hidey-holes. On the “day of reckoning,” the competitors fought wind, showers, and choppy waves to capture their quarry. Despite the extra challenges, every archer grinned from ear-toear at reports of success, whether it was their own, a youth who made their first harvest, or the perennial favorites who once again beat the odds to win.
We crowned a new Carp Princess, as Morgan Williams handed off the “carparific” tiara and scepter to Kaitlin Barney, who was thrilled with the honor. She handed the awards to each of the winners throughout the awards ceremony, which will no doubt be one of the best memories of her life.
The Miller/Ostlie and Orem dynasties lived on for another year, but they will certainly be challenged by our youth in the coming years. As you might remember, June LePage is a past Carp Princess, who this year won the “youth small fish” award. There seems to be no limit to this young lady’s talent! Clay Ackerman was a first-year winner, who we hope will return in the coming years to challenge all comers!
The Safari would not be possible without the ongoing support of many MBA members and donors. We are forever indebted to the LePage family for their ongoing support in donating the annual Carp Safari t-shirts. They make up a unique design each year, and the t-shirts are great fun to offer during the awards ceremony. We also could not get by without the perennial support of the weigh-in and cooking crews, and whatever poor schmuck I recruit to be the master of ceremonies. So, here’s a hearty thanks to Brittani and Charlie Johnson, Al & Teri Kelly, Jeff Hill, Jerry Davis, Steve Schindler, Gail Delp, Randy Hill, Morgan Williams, June LePage, Craig Marr, and all of the other perennial die-hards who show up to have a great time and offer a helping hand. We also must thank City-County Sanitation for hauling away our carp (well, we do pay them, but still, it’s a big deal to haul away those stinky buggers). And, of course, thanks goes to AMS Bowfishing and Muzzy for their donations for our awards ceremony.
The winners were as follows:
Team Most Fish
Brady Miller and Tim Ostlie (312 fish)
Adult Most Fish
Beau Orem (16 fish)
Adult Big Fish
Beau Orem (15 lbs. 3 oz.)
Adult Small Fish
Brady Miller (2 lbs. 4 oz.)
Youth Big Fish
Clay Ackerman (6 lbs. 4 oz.)
Youth Small Fish
June LePage (4 lbs. 11 oz.)
Adult big and most fish
Thank you, one and all, and we’ll see you in 2013!
11—Fall 2012
Time to get serious on a number of fronts. It’s mid-July at this writing, and the action is about to get heavy. Permits and special tags are all out – good luck if you need it, and get in shape. The wolf dance is done, time to buy some traps and save some elk. If you live in a cave, the legislative season is about here as well. Before the political ads make you dropkick your TV out the window, please consider the following: Sportsmen issues will be front and center this year. We need to educate ourselves, and cast an informed vote on who is representing us in Helena. And that is just the first step.
The second is after the elections. We need to have a strong, direct relationship with our representatives and make sure we are keeping in contact with them as early in the process as possible. The bulk of legislation, good and bad, is most easily affected at the committee level – in the very beginning. Please keep watch over your inbox for our MBA legislative updates. These updates will have a lot of info, but will be summarized and prioritized as best as possible. The key is to get your input back to us as soon as you can, so we can take action in a timely fashion.
Things can move very quickly, and the faster we get responses from our members regarding our updates, the better direction and greater influence we can have. I’ll leave it there, as I’m sure most other reps will be singing a similar tune. If you’re not a big e-mailer – call any of us to voice your concerns.
Thanks again for being an active part in the MBA, as we won’t get to keep what we have without involvement from the membership.
Adam Barker
ROGER PEFFER
Summer is here and the heat has been pouring on... Please be careful with fire in your summer scouting jaunts. FWP has started to list fire restrictions in many areas. Check the FWP website for information on fire closures. If the season stays warm there could be fire restrictions in the early bow season.
I just got back from a hike into the Bob Marshall Wilderness to see the Chinese Wall. What a spectacular piece of backcountry. We saw many goats, elk and deer. For those of you that don’t think that elk bugle in the summer- we heard numerous bulls screaming in the morning the week after the 4th of July. I guess they were getting their pipes warmed up for the September rut. We also saw numerous sets of griz tracks! If you get a chance to get back there... do it!
My travels across Region 4 have yielded many sightings of deer and antelope fawns and the mild winter of 2012 has meant for a nice carry over from winter. Hopefully this will help with recovery from our brutal winter from 2011. I am still waiting to hear about my deer and antelope drawing status but should know within the next few days. I have a new bow I am anxious to try out this fall and have been shooting a lot to get my muscles ready for fall.
Wolf seasons are being liberalized. I want to encourage everyone to put a wolf tag in your pocket when you hunt this fall. Let’s try and curb the wolf populations down to more manageable numbers. Don’t forget your bear and cougar tags too! Recent research shows they have been also contributing to high elk calf mortality in some areas.
I also want to encourage all of you to pay close attention to HR1505 which would place control of public lands w/in 100 miles of the Canadian border into the hands of Homeland security. This could have devastating results on hunter access across a huge swath of Montana. There are many other bills floating about that will negatively impact hunting. During the last state legislative session many elected officials tried to take away our stream access law!
Be an educated, informed voter. Do not support candidates that will negatively impact your hunting and fishing rights and access the public lands. If you don’t vote- you are shooting yourself in the foot!
Get out there and do your pre-season scouting and try and attend a few 3-D shoots. Take a kid hunting and fishing. Be safe. Have fun. Good luck with your tag drawings. Shoot straight.
Roger Peffer
The carp were not cooperating so I donned my longbow and back quiver. The day before my brother, friends, and I spent many hours shooting at the gophers in the fi near where we were camping for the carp safari.
I shot many times; coming very close several times, but never right on the mark. This day we would try a new tactic, an elevated attack from the back of Dad’s truck. My brother, friends and I hopped in the back of the truck. It was a brilliant plan; the gophers would not realize they were in danger.
Minutes after Dad started driving, a gopher popped out of his hole. As planned, I aimed my longbow and shot. I hit the unsuspecting gopher perfectly broad side. It was my first bow kill!. BOY, was I excited! Dad said it was 17 paces away. Over the next couple days I shot several carp and had a blast. I will always remember the 2012 Carp Safari!
Well spring is behind us, and I hope everyone got a chance to chase the turkeys and bears around a little. The summers seem to go by too fast to get everything done, but I have managed to make time to float a few rivers.
Now it’s time to switch gears and start scouting for antelope. While we could use some moisture, it should make for some pretty productive waterhole sits.
Good luck to everyone this season! Seth Rogers
Legislative:
Joelle Selk, Chair
Adam Barker • Steve Schindler
Doug Krings • Marlon Clapham
Cliff Garness • Rex Rogers
Mark Weber • Nick Siebrasse
Tentative:
Steve Kamps, Chair
Adam Barker • Joelle Selk • Paul Martin
Nick Siebrasse • Steve Schindler
Rex Rogers • Doug Krings
Marlon Clapham • Kelly Kimzey
Financial:
Brad Zink, Chair
Mark Weber • Jenn Schneider
Landowner/Sportsman:
Al Kelly, Chair
Cliff Garness • Lucas Zemlicka
Nominations:
Steve Schindler, Chair
Adam Barker • Mark Weber • Doug Krings
Steve Kamps • Rex Rogers
Al Kelly • Paul Martin
Lucas Zemlicka • Lyle Hebel • Joelle Selk
Awards:
Roger Peffer, Chair
Al Kelly • Steve Schindler
Cliff Garness • Jenn Schneider
Membership:
Lyle Hebel, Chair
Rex Rogers • Doug Krings
Nick Siebrasse • Lucas Zemlicka
Jenn Schneider • Roger Peffer • Kelly Kimzey
Convention
2013:
Gary Carvajal, Chair
Jenn Schneider • Joelle Selk • Steve Kamps
Lyle Hebel • Lucas Zemlicka
Marlon Clapham
Magazine:
Al & Terri Kelly, Co-Chairs
Lyle Hebel • Steve Schindler
Rex Rogers • Joelle Sel
Website:
Lyle Hebel, Chair
Joelle Selk • Rex Rogers • Jenn Schneiderr
Carp Shoot:
Joelle Selk, Chair
Bow-Ed:
Al Kelly, Chair
Marlon Clapham • Nick Siebrasse
The Bitterroot Elk Study is just one example of how the board allocates MBA funds to good use. Local member Charlie Johnson has kept us apprised of survey results and cow-calf tagging efforts during the past few months. Craig Jourdonnais and Vanna Boccadori, Bitterroot area biologists, have completed aerial surveys in HDs 334, 270, and 250 and we’ve included their flight results below. Interestingly, lion depredation has been the single biggest factor in lagging calf recruitment, followed by predation by bears, and then wolves.
Survey conditions were fairly good. We observed 6238 elk this spring, 6% (367) fewer elk than in 2011 (6605). Survey conditions, mostly due to significant snowpack, were exceptional in 2011. We classified all but 9 elk during this survey, a tribute to the skills of pilot Trevor Troupe.
We were 100% for observing collared cows in HD 270, including one at the mouth of Kootenai Creek in HD 240 which may be an Idaho intruder. We observed 14 collared elk in HD 250. Calf recruitment trended up throughout most the valley except in HD 250, where we need it the most. We also observed 5 black bears in HD 250. The most we have observed, throughout the entire survey, since I’ve been in the Root.
FWP Bitterroot Area wildlife biologist
ELK FLIGHT REPORT
HUNTING DISTRICT 3341
1 JULY 2012
PILOT: Trever Throop
OBSERVER: Vanna Boccadori
AIRCRAFT: Supercub
OBJECTIVE: Establish total count, bull and production ratios.
CONDITIONS: I met the pilot at the Wisdom airstrip and began the survey at 7:45AM. We would have started at 6AM but strong local winds prevented the pilot from leaving Missoula until 6AM. In the Big Hole, wind was calm on the valley floor with a few bumps up the drainages. Sky was mostly clear, temperatures were in the high 50’s to start then warmed up to the 60’s. We returned to the Wisdom airstrip at 11AM. Survey conditions were very good; however, I wouldn’t fly this survey any earlier than this since there’s a good likelihood that not all cows have nurseried up yet.
COUNTS: We began the survey along the Upper North Fork of the Big Hole River, staying mostly along the timber going north to Pintler Creek, then following willow stringers and the main stem of the Big Hole on the way south (Figure 1). Elk were found mainly near willow, with a few found in sagebrush meadows. Most groups were located on private land. We were also attempting to locate instrumented cow and calf elk during this flight in cooperation with the Bitterroot elk study, with the main priority being my count and classifications first. Note that this year we flew this survey 2 weeks earlier than last year. Some cows and calves may still be separated from nursery groups, although it appeared that most were grouped up.
A total of 583 elk in 16 independent groups were counted during the flight. These were classified as 167 calves, 394 cows, and 22 bulls (Table 1). Bulls were further classified as 3 spikes and 19 branch-antlered bulls. All yearlings were classified as adults. These data indicate 42 calves per 100 cows and 6 bulls per 100 cows (Table 2). It is possible that smaller spikes in large groups of cows and calves were misclassified as adult cows and therefore are underrepresented in these data. Also, no bachelor herds were encountered. Therefore, the bull: cow ratio is likely biased low.
This is the third year that an extensive survey has been done in this area. Given the consistency in group locations over the past 3 years, these data represent valid population trend information but caution should be used in interpreting the bull trend.
1In 2010, Hunting District 321 was divided into two districts along Hwy 43 (Wisdom to Chief Joseph Pass) – HD 321 to the south and HD 334 north to Pintler Creek. This is the third year that an extensive survey to establish total population as well as calf- and bull ratios has been done in what was formerly the north half of HD 321 and now is a stand-alone district, HD 334. In past years, only production surveys have been conducted in this area, primarily by the Bitterroot biologist.
*Bedded in trees, not yet in nursery group.
Table 2: Summary of elk population parameters in HD 3341, 2002-2012. The objective of the 2002-2009 surveys was to establish production only. Therefore, total counts from these years are not the results of extensive coverage of the area and therefore under-represent the count for bulls and total population.
It was a privilege to spend three days with the elk capture team in early June. I did get in on a calf capture. This is exciting work and I wish time allowed for me to have spent more time in the field. FWP managed to tag 53 calves from the East Fork (HD 270) which included 10 from the Big Hole (HD 334), and 23 calves from the West Fork. Elk calves captured along the west side Hwy 93, although technically from HD 250, were grouped with those in HD 270 because they were captured within the East Fork drainage.
At last report 17 of the elk study calves have died. Black bear predation was up this year over last year and accounted for 4 mortalities. I saw 2 bears in three days. One bear was in the area of a lone cow elk and appeared to be searching for a calf. Another bear was found feeding on a calf that appeared to be about 3 days old and we speculated the bear had killed it. All and all, witnessing this event of nature was troubling but it was also fascinating.
Lions continue to be the leading cause of elk calf mortality with 5 kills recorded thus far.
Most folks assumed wolves would be the leading cause of calf mortality, but that hasn’t been the case. In fact, last winter when FWP expected wolf predation to increase, wolves killed only one tagged elk calf in the West Fork and zero in the East Fork.
Human related events resulted in the deaths of 2 elk calves.
The fate of 6 elk calves remains under investigation by researchers. In some cases only a few bits of hair and some bones were found.
FWP changed the design of the calf ear tag this year in hopes of reducing the number of tags falling off prematurely, which resulted in a set back to the study last year. Plus, this year only biologists were allowed to place the tags.
I’m proud of the MBA for their financial support of this important study. Thanks MBA.
Charlie Johnson
The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge would like to announce that the new Hell Creek Accessible Hunting and Wildlife Viewing Blind is now open and ready for use. The blind is located in the bottoms of Hell Creek, approximately twenty-five miles north of Jordan, MT, close to Hell Creek State Park.
The purpose of this accessible blind is to increase universally accessible hunting and viewing opportunities for all outdoor enthusiasts in the Missouri River Breaks. Hell Creek offers several different hunting opportunities for species such as mule deer, whitetail deer, and even an occasional elk along with a multitude of other wildlife for viewing. The blind was purposely placed in close proximity to two man-made osprey nesting platforms that are being used annually which provides for great photography potential as well.
The structure was built by Shadow Hunter Blinds and is a “Total View” 6’x6’ permanent aluminum insulated blind overlooking Hell Creek. The accessible hunting and wildlife viewing blind consists of 4 corner windows that can accommodate a bow and arrow as well as 4 side windows that can accommodate a rifle or crossbow. The blind is accessible by a hard packed gravel mixture accessible parking lot and 100 yard long trail.
This is a cooperative effort, thanks to the contributions of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; U.S. Army Corp of Engineers; Montana Game Wardens Association; and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Jordan Wildlife Station of the CMR would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in making this project come together. Questions can be directed to the Charles M. Russell N.W.R – Jordan Station at 1-406-557-6145.
July 21 and 22 — Kings Hill Shoot
Harley Park in Little Belt Mtns — GFAC
For more info all shoots are on our web site www.greatfallsarchery.com or you can emai questions to gfarchery@yahoo.com
July 28th and 29th — 3D
Makoshika State Park — Makoshika Bowmen of Glendive MT
Contact Jim Thompson for more info: 406-687-3412
August 4th —
2 person Best Arrow & Broadhead Shoot
Forsyth, MT 8 AM registration — Pronghorn Archery club of Forsyth, MT
Barb Purdon bpurdon@q.com
August 4th — Field Archery Sampler
Wadsworth Park — Electric city Archers
Dan Crawford 406-799-0953 Club or email: archeyelecty@aol.com
Expanded hunting opportunities through working with FWP and commissioners to preserve and expand bowhunting seasons
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MAKOSHIKA BOWMEN PO Box 781
MATABLAS GAME HUNTERS Willem Frost PO Box 1559 Lephalale, 0555 Africa South 27116794664 THE MEADOWLARK GALLERY Gary Temple 118 North 29th Street Billings MT 59101 406-294-8575
MONTANA HISTORICAL SOC LIBRARY PO Box 201201 Helena MT 59620
MOUNTAIN TOP TRADITIONAL Rod Kelley 1758 Three Mile Dr Kalispell MT 59901 406-756-5885 ARROWS
NORTHWEST CONVENTION George Johnson 525 2nd Ave East Kalispell MT 59901 406-261-1479 SERVICES
POLSON AMBULANCE, INC. Tim Brester, Eric Henslin PO Box 838 Polson MT 59860 406-883-5778
PRONGHORN CUSTOM BOWS Herb Meland 2491 W 42nd St Casper WY 82604 www.pronghornbows.com
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION David Allen 5705 Grant Creek Road Missoula MT 59808 406-523-4500
SIMMONS SHARKS Dave & Brandy Oligee 3312 Rome Lane Stevensville MT 59870 406-370-5311
SPIRIT QUEST ARCHERY Aaron Lasco 115 Rocky Cliff Rd Kalispell MT 59901 406-756-5455
TOELKE TRADITIONAL ARCHERY Dan Toelke 31345 Lost Creek Lane Ronan MT 59864 406-676-5150
TRAILS END CUSTOM RECURVE BOW Dale Dye 276 Grantsdale Rd Hamilton MT 59840 406-363-2983
WESTERN TRAILER & Clyde Thomas, Jr. 1865 Hwy 2 E Havre MT 59501 406-265-4572 MARINE SALES
YELLOWSTONE BOWS Rich Wormington 280 HWY 14A E Lovell WY 82431 307-548-6292
Howard Jaidinger HC 1, Box 1730 Glennallen AK 99588 907-522-3159
James Bennett 150 Painted Meadows Butte WY 59701 406-491-7473
James Brown PO Box 96 Richey WY 59259 406-773-5509
Following is an email from Charlie Johnson who speaks for many of us as he acknowledges and thanks Joelle for her dedication and hard work to put on such a fun filled event each year.
Joelle: I’ve neglected to thank you for the all the hard work you do so the rest of can enjoy ourselves at the carp shoot.
Brittani and I have attended each and every carp shoot and as a result we share a life time of memories this event has provided. Thank you for your commitment.
I’ve attached a couple of pictures just to prove blind squirrels do occasionally find a nut. Take care, Charlie
6x6
• 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.
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• 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.