Mba summer 2014

VOL. 41 #4 Summer 2014

.

COVER STORY

Tin Can

Clan

Photos by Denver Bryan / Images on the Wildside

Reeling The Carp in for Family Fun

INSIDE

36th ANNUAL CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

MBA

www.mtba.org

Regional Representatives Region 1 Al Kelly

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

Dan Moore

1775 Haywire Gulch, Kalispell Mt 59901..................... 406-756-7395 bigdanmt@yahoo.com

Region 2 Marlon Clapham

4455 Hoover Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870................. 406-777-2408 mbaregion2@gmail.com…

Kim Blaskowski

Region 3 Brian Koelzer Region 4 David Stratton

426 Lynx Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870....................... 406-381-9112 turkeyfootgirl@aol.com 709 Mantle Drive Unit C, Belgrade, MT 59714............. 406-570-7997 rocknrollbowhunter@yahoo.com

2120 3rd St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405.................. 406-452-3238 destratton@inbox.com

Mark Schwomeyer 60 Hruska Ln, Lewistown, MT 59457........................... 406-350-0173 markschwo@gmail.com

Region 5 Michael Ros

1619 Hawthorne Lane, Billings MT 59105................... 406-320-1007 cerberus110369@yahoo.com

MBA

officers PRESIDENT

Joelle Selk 6963 York Road • Helena, MT 59602 jselkmt@3riversdbs.net • 406-422-6798 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Paul Martin 110 Sage Lane • Kalispell, MT 59901 paulhmartin99@gmail.com •406-261-4456

2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Steve Schindler 134 Sawney Drive • Glasgow, MT 59203 sas@nemont.net • 406-228-9024 TREASURER

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

Jenn Schneider PO Box 23611 • Billings, MT 59104 mtba@mtba.org • 406-697-7668

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

SECRETARY

Region 6 David Moon Region 7 Bob Morgan Region 8 Jerry Davis

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

Marian Stratton 2120 3rd St South, Great Falls, MT 59405 marianstratton@yahoo.com • 406-452-3238 PAST PRESIDENT

Jason Tounsley 8630 Longmeadow Dr. • Billings, MT 59106 MAGAZINE CO-EDITORS

ODD YEARS

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

Adam Barker 1020 Valley View Dr., Great Falls, MT 59404 – adam.barker@ge.com.............. 406-461-2792

editorial comments The MBA Magazine is a quarterly publication of the MBA and is intended to inform, entertain and educate its members on happenings within the organization and to bowhunting in general.

PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES

FALL ISSUE, DEADLINE, July 15 WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, October 15 SPRING ISSUE, DEADLINE, January 15 SUMMER ISSUE, DEADLINE, April 15 Stories, photos, or cartoons should be sent to Al

or Teri Kelly at PO Box 23611, Billings, MT 59104 or email teray1979@yahoo.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All photos will beplaced 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.

WEB DESIGNER

Lyle Hebel www.pixelelk.com MAGAZINE DESIGN K Design Marketing, Inc.

Kimberly Kinsinger 1613 South Ave. W. • Missoula, MT 59801 kim@kdesignmarketing.com 406-273-6193

2014 ARCHERY SHOOT LOCATIONS AND DATES May 18 — Lolo Hot Springs May 18 — Judith Basin Archery Club, Stanford, MT

June 21-22 — 16th Annual Barber Ranch 2-day Archery Shoot Bear Paw Bowmen, Havre, MT

May 31- June 1— Electric City Archers, Great Falls MT

June 21-22 — Shaunovan 4-H Club Shoot, Shaunovan, SK Canada

June 7 — Canyon Ferry Carp Safari

July 19-20 — Great Falls Archery Club, Great Falls, MT

June 7-8 — Fisher River Shootout – Libby Archery Club, Libby, MT June 7-8 — Marias Valley Archers, Shelby, MT June 14-15 — Bear Shoot Clearwater Junction

3

August 3 — Lewis and Clark Archers, Helena, MT August 9-10 — Lewistown Bowhunters Association, Lewistown, MT

I t h

table of contents

VOL. 41 #4 Summer 2014

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01 4456

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On the Cover

VOL. 41 #3

Spring 2014

COVER STO RY

Raffle Hunt Winners Finding succes s in Bear and Mo ose adventures

3 4

5

ANN

UAL C ON V E N T

ION

INSID

Successful raffle winner hunts grace our 36th Annual MBA Convention issue.

BOW WINNERS/ THANK YOUS

17 Schafer Award Winner: BRIDGER KAMPS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Teri Kelly TREASURER’S MESSAGE

Jenn Schneider PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Joelle Selk

6 1st VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

36 th

PREV IEW

8 REGIONAL REPORTS 17 TENTATIVES REPORT

2014 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

E

Paul Martin

MESSAGE 2nd VICE PRESIDENT’S

19 CARP SAFARI FORM 20 Cover Story:

THE TIN CAN CLAN 22 MBA MEMBERSHIP FORM 23 MEMBER GALLERY 24 BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS

Steve Schindler

9106

801

Donated by Christie’s Adventures and Box M Hunts

Retail Value $5,000 3 Day, 2 Night Hunt for 2 Hunters\Professional Guide and Trophy Fees Included.

Your Choice of Two of the following animals per hunter;

Duiker• Steenbock • Spingbock • Red Hartebeest • Warthog

Includes Transportation to and from the Airport — Additionl Days and Animals can be added to your Hunt at additional cost. Included is a night Jackal Hunt If only one hunter goes on the hunt, that hunter cannot claim the other hunters days and animals.

Purchaser must Contact Dave Mumby within 5 buisness days at boxmranch@gmail.com or call 406-890-5729 Available dates are Feb., March, April or Sept., Oct., Nov., of 2014 or 2015. This offer does not include Airfare, Preparation of Trophies, or Shipping

Call for References: Jim Noffsinger 406-862-4306, Clint McCulloch 406-697-2375, Trol Johanson 435-881-6492, Darcy Barrett 403-652-7968, Monte McCulloch 435-792-3150

Summer 2014

1

MBA AWARDS

2014 Award Winners Bowhunter of the Year

Chris Blakowski

Special Achievement Award

Teri & Al Kelly

Literary Award

Jesse Nelson

Paul Schafer Award

Bridger Kamps

B W

www.pronghornbows.com 307-234-1824 evenings

2491 West 42nd Street • Casper, WY 82604 2

Montana

BOWHUNTER

www.mtBa.org

04

36th Annual convention highlights

A huge

“thank You” to all our donors and supporters!

Net Convention Income

$22,320

Bow Winners

Diamond Core bow winner Mitchell LePage

Bob Morgan winner of a Proghorn Bow

Joelle Selk winner of Self bow by Bob Morgan

2J’s Fresh Market 3 - D Archery Suppy After Image Metal Art All About Fishin Charters Allen Jimmerson Art Alpine Aarchery Alpine Woodworks Alps Outdoorz American Welding & Gas Anaconda Hills Golf Course Archers Choice Media ASAT Outdoors, LLC Auto Trim Design Bear’s Paw Bows Best Western Heritage Inn Big Bear Sports Center Big R Bis Sky Beetle Works Big Sky Fire Equipment Bighorn Outdoor Specialists Bitterroot Blades Bob Morgan Breath of Heaven Art Brian Rayner Buck Knives Buffalo Jump Archery Cabelas Cedar Mountain Corrals Christie’s Adventures and Box M Hunts Cleanwaste Darex, LLC Davidson, Teri and Bruce Dead Oak Custom Products Denver Bryan- Images on the Wild Side Don’s Sporting Goods Dr. Camo Eagle Beverage Eagle Falls Golf Club Eastmans Edge Construction Supply Eklund’s Elk Hunter Magazine Ethched Glass By Dar Family of Bill Davis Garness, Colleen & Steve General Distributing Gerber Great Falls Archery Club Greg Scheibel Headwaters Seat Covers Hi-Country Hofer, Jim House of Meats Hunter Safety System Huntin Fool Jack Creek Preserve Joe’s Studio Johnson Madison Lumber Judith River Taxidermy Kelly, Al & Teri Kenetrek Boots Kinsey’s Archery Kutawagan Outfitters Lepage, Amy & Stephen Lewiston Honda Lewiston Taxidermy Lumenok-Burt Coyote Company

Macon Supply Madden Construction Supply Maris Ridge Ranch Hunting Preserve Mathews Matlabas Game Hunters Maynard, Judy MBEF McKnight Auctions Midway USA Minnesota Trapline Products Montana Black Gold Montana Canvas Company Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Montana Silversmiths Mosch Electric MT Trappers Association Oboz Onestringer ONX Maps Outdoor Research Peffer Roger Penthouse Salon Pierce Flooring Pronghorn Custom Bows Quality Tan Razz Matazz Salon Riley Stove Company Rinehart 3-D Targets Ripcord Arrow Rest Rogers Taxidermy Schafer Silvertip Bows Scheels All Sports Showndown Montana Side Track Lounge Silver Fox Outfitters Silverwood Theme Park Sitka Gear Skiers Edge Skyblade Knives Sletten Construction Spirit Quest Archery Stephens, Tony & Dorie Stone Glacier Superfeet TeshiaArt Tightspot Quiver Timberland Taxidermy Tire-Rama Toelke Traditioanl Archery Tony Bynum Trails End Custom Recurve Bows Trophy Taker UDAP Victory Archery Vortex Optics Wallace Marine Water Jet Extreme Technologies Waylon’s Wildlife Taxidermy Wells Fargo Western Trailer & Marine Sales Whalen Tire Wildlife Research Center Wildwood Manufacturing Windsor Plywood Yellowstone Country Bear Hunters Association Yellowstone Custom Bows Zulu Nyala

Summer 2014

3

editor’s NOTE

MBA Committees Legislative: Joelle Selk, Chair Jerry Davis • Adam Barker Steve Schindler • Cliff Garness Marlon Clapham • Dan Moore

Tentatives:

Time for a Carp Safari

I

t’s Carp Time! One of my all-time favorite events of the year and if you’ve not attended I highly recommend you give it a try. As you’re reading this issue you’ll note that we have adopted a new format. We’ve attempted to reduce the cost of the magazine but continue to keep quality content in order to keep our members both informed and entertained. Please give us your feedback on the new look. Speaking of content, I desperately need your stories and photos so we can continue to share the adventures and successes we have

as bowhunters with our readers. If you have a story to tell but aren’t fond of the writing portion of doing so, please feel free to contact me and I’m happy to put your story to pen and paper for you. Hope to see you at the Carp Shoot and remember we’ll be looking for a new Carp Princess if you have a young lady to nominate that will be attending. You can send nominations to the magazine email address or mail address.

Treasurer’s Message

logging in, if you have never logged in, use the “forgot password” link. If your e-mail is incorrect, e-mail me mtba@mtba.org to update it. Once logged in, you can update your own address, phone number and even e-mail preferences. We also send out a postcard for good measure. We want to make sure you are seeing and remembering to renew…but it still gets forgotten. I am currently researching a capability of our systems to set up recurring payment for membership. It’s completely safe, just as any recurring billing you use for your electric bill, cell phone bill, etc. We are protected by authorize.net and nobody actually sees your credit card number or holds it in a file. Just something we are tossing around as a board and may act on it this year, so if you have questions or concerns, please let us know. The convention numbers are looking great, we had a wonderful time in Great Falls and I always like to see the bank accounts reflect that! We are also proud of this new newsletter form, as it is saving a bunch of cash as well. Have a wonderful summer, enjoy the sun, get your bow out and participate in the Carp Shoot or a local 3D shoot, see you in the fall!

H

appy Summer! This mama is so ready for warm weather and outside play dates, even a minor sunburn. Here’s what I’ve been working on and need some input from you. Our membership levels are at alarmingly low levels, we have launched a new member drive with some fabulous prizes, but still want to ensure that our current members are getting every opportunity to renew their valuable memberships. Our membership software system is set up to send 5 e-mails when renewal time is approaching, due, and lapsed…somehow, it still happens. Do we have your current e-mail on file? Is it going to your junk mail? Please check by

Teri Kelly

4

Montana

BOWHUNTER

MBA Treasurer 406-697-7668

www.mtBa.org

Financial:

Chair, vacant Jenn Schneider • Jerry Davis Seth Rogers • Joelle Selk

Landowner/ Sportsman:

Al Kelly, Chair Cliff Garness • Dan Moore Mark Schwomeyer

Nominations:

Chair, vacant Adam Barker • Al Kelly Paul Martin • Steve Schindler

Awards:

Jenn Schneider Jenn Schneider

Chair, vacant Adam Barker • Joelle Selk Paul Martin • Mark Schwomeyer Marlon Clapham Steve Schindler • Dan Moore

Roger Peffer, Chair Al Kelly • Steve Schindler Marlon Clapham • Cliff Garness Jenn Schneider

Membership: Chair, vacant Jenn Schneider • Joelle Selk Seth Rogers • Kim Blaskowski Michael Ros

Convention 2015:

Jenn Schneider • Seth Rogers Joelle Selk • Adam Barker Roger Peffer

Magazine: Al & Teri Kelly, Co-Chairs Steve Schindler • Roger Peffer Joelle Selk • Kim Blaskowski

Website:

Webmaster, Lyle Hebel Joelle Selk • Jenn Schneider

Carp Shoot: Joelle Selk, Chair

Bow-Ed: Al Kelly, Chair Marlon Clapham • Brian Koelzer Bob Morgan • Mark Schwomeyer Michael Ros

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officer’s reports

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” — Ernest Hemingway

President’s

Message

W

henever I sit down to write an article, I find that these two quotes ring true. Creating a good story is never an easy task, but each of us does just that in order to make our newsletter informative and enjoyable for our members. It’s what makes our efforts tangible and valuable and worthy of membership fees.

I mention this because you have of course noticed our print medium has changed. Over the past few years, we have grappled with how to continue offering print media economically while keeping our distribution high. It turns out that this newspaper format was the best option to meet both those needs.

For about $8,000 annually, we can print double the copies and boost our statewide distribution. That’s about onehalf the cost of the previous magazine format with double the copies, resulting in significant financial and visibility gains for us. We hope that a full-color newspaper version with ongoing highquality content will continue to satisfy those who prefer receiving our quarterly updates in print.

Each year, this issue represents a transition of hunting opportunities as well as membership on the board. Our recent election garnered some additional board members, although it also meant we have to bid good-bye to a couple members as well. We welcome Mark Schwomeyer and David Stratton as Region 4 representatives. In this regard, we are doubly fortunate with renewed representation in the Lewistown area as well as the valuable historical perspective of a returning board member. We welcome Michael Ros as Region 5 Representative, again filling an important geographic area around Billings. In Region 6, we added David Moon, who will be of great assistance to Steve Schindler in representing members in the Glasgow area. Finally, Marian Stratton has again joined the board as our Secretary. I am particularly excited with Marian’s return, as she possesses flawless recordkeeping skills and a memory like a steel trap. With the couple of Marian and David, we benefit from the “institutional memory” which is very important in

Joelle Selk Joelle Selk

“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.”

— Jack Kerouac preserving our traditions while we grow as an organization.

Unfortunately, we are saying goodbye to Cliff Garness in Region 4 and Steve Kamps as a Director-At-Large. Each of them will continue to serve in the field, as is their nature, but they will be sorely missed, as they were each exceptional and seasoned board members. We wish them both good fortune in their personal pursuits.

I want to thank the convention crew, donors, and volunteers who helped make another successful convention. It ranked up there with some of the most fun ones I’ve attended, and I heard many others comment likewise. The regional games keep growing and generating more fun and income and we continue to improve on logistics which make things go smoothly and profitably.

We’ve wrapped up the Tentatives cycle and have again made many contributions to protecting or enhancing our seasons. Many bowhunters are not aware that the tentatives cycle essentially

runs year-round and we have to monitor it constantly to ensure our interests are protected. My thanks once again go to Steve Kamps, who has made a huge commitment to this process over many years and has helped build our solid reputation with the Department and the Commission.

Finally, we turn our sights to upcoming events. By the time you read this, we will have helped at the Montana Youth Conservation Expo on May 1st on the Teller Wildlife Refuge in the Bitterroot.

Local MBA members hosted a shooting booth and gave away a bow set up with arrows ready for a lucky youth, donated by the Montana Bowhunter Education Foundation (thank you, Paul Martin).

Typically, over 400 kids attend the event, so it’s a prime opportunity to get Montana’s youth excited about bowhunting. We have committed $500 to the purchase of youth camps this summer and camp scholarships were given out during this event. We’ll also be participating in the Jack Creek Preserve Youth Camp in July and August, which is one of the camps during the summer fostering hunting and woodsmanship skills.

On May 31st at the Missoula Fair Grounds, the Montana Trappers Association is putting on a fund raiser to stop the anti-trapping initiative. The MBA will have a booth with shooting for the kids again. We can use some help manning the booth to give out info about the MBA and helping the youngsters shoot bows. This should be a fun gathering for the day, with lots of folks from all over the area working toward a common goal.

The Canyon Ferry Carp Safari is June 7th this year. Our fun-filled family event is a great opportunity to introduce youth to bowhunting. Information is available online and by contacting me by phone (406) 422-6798 or email at jselkmt@ gmail.com. We hope you make it to help us cull carp from the lake and win great prizes!

With that, I thank all of you for your membership and contributions to keeping our bowhunting heritage strong.

Enjoy the season, and send us your bear, turkey, and carp photos!

Joelle Selk Summer 2014

5

officer’s reports

Predictions, and Convention or Jamboree

First Vice

President’s Report

W

e’re happy to be in spring bear season, a great reason to be out in the woods. With our over- average snowfall this year, it will be really challenging to get into the higher elevations. As we move into our next legislative season, the same old issues will be coming up again such as lighted nocks, crossbows, and game cameras. My prediction for the next go-round of the Pope & Young Club is that they will possibly allow them in their record books. I’m not sure this means anything

for us Montana bowhunters, but the MBA will have to weigh the pros and cons once again.

We made it through another late March convention. March has become so jam-packed with other events, maybe we should consider later in the year, like around the weekend after Easter. Maybe we could do more of a camping, shooting event, Jamboree… after all we are outdoor enthusiasts.

I’d be interested in hearing ideas?

Suggestions? Input? Please contact me or your area rep., or post it on the MBA website.

Get out there and bend your bows.

Paul Martin

p.s. Have you eaten any garlic lately?

Paul Martin

Second Vice President’s

Report

F

irst off, I’d like to say thank you to the Great Falls crew, they put on a great banquet and overall good time. I really enjoyed it. It’s good to see and talk to some of the guys I only get to see, at best, once a year. I’d also like to report I am keeping up the long lasting tradition of not winning a raffle prize. I rub Durward’s head and follow him around hoping some of his luck will rub off, but he is stingy and won’t share.

I am also happy that we are filling some of the blank area rep spots. I’d like to welcome Dave Moon from Glasgow as a new Region 6 rep. I know Dave a little bit and I know he has bowhunting in his blood and is committed to preserving our sport for future bowhunters. Also, I am really glad to see Marian Stratton as our secretary. Marian brings a lot of MBA experience with her, serving as our secretary for many years in the past. One other thing Marian brought with her is her husband Dave. Dave has stepped up and will be the new Region 4 area rep from Gt. Falls. Like Marian, Dave brings a lot of experience and has served as area rep in years past. Welcome aboard! Both are valuable assets to the MBA. Also from the Lewistown area Mark Schwomeyer, Mark is a longtime MBA member.

A couple of issues that have developed 6

Montana

BOWHUNTER

www.mtBa.org

Steve Schindler

over the past few months are a proposed land trade that will provide some access into the Bullwhacker region in HD 680.

The lands being considered for this trade are in Region 4, commonly referred to as the Durfee hills. As many of you know, getting an archery elk hunting district established in HD 680 is one of my main priorities, and access, or should I say the lack of it, is one of the negatives the FWP has focused on for not expanding elk hunting opportunities in Montana.

Trading public lands away is always going to be a bad idea, so as far as I’m concerned the trade is a no-go. However, the elk numbers are growing in leaps

and bounds in HD 680 and the BLM has promised us they will provide some access into this area. Keep in mind, too much access is a detriment to the area, so we have a fine line to walk. I hope everyone contacts Stan Benes gbenes@ blm.gov; at the Lewistown BLM office and let him know how you feel about this situation.

As I write this, I am preparing for the turkey opener coming up in a few days and I hope all goes well for all who are heading out. Numbers seem to be doing well.

Steve Schindler

BLM ome too area, hope nes@ office bout

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GPS SMART DEVICES COMPUTERS Determine public land type (including BLM, State, US Forest Service, State Wildlife Areas, Tribal Land, Walk in Access, CWMUs and more); find little-known seldom-hunted public land View PLAT data/private property boundaries; get landowner names so you can request access Identify big game unit boundaries, section lines/#s, roads & trails, lakes, rivers, streams, etc.

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H GPS turning clothing into gear.

1925 BROOKS ST. MISSOULA, MT 59801

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base | InsulatIon | sof t shell | hard shell | headwear | handwear | packs

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dler Summer 2014

7

Regional reports Region 1 REGION

REGION

1

6

REGION

4

REGION

2

REGION

8

REGION

REGION REGION

3

7

5

dan moore al kelly he snow is gone in my yard and the turkeys are strutting every morning around my place. The Toms look great now but in a few weeks they will look like they have been beaten with a club. Hope everyone has got the permits in for moose, sheep and goats the deadline is May 1. I was surprised when

T A

I did mine with the new changes. Not having to send in your money with your application was different and I had to call Helena to make sure I had done it right before I hit the send button. The $10 application fee for each of the big three was also different and you now you have to send in $2 for each animal you want to build bonus point for. With the new fees I think we’ll see a lot more kids and families in the draw. It was nice to see some of the old members in Great falls at the convention. There were a lot of new faces there too. It looks like the MBA has a bright future with all the new members.

nother convention is now on the books. I and my family had a great time and want to thank the Great Falls crew for all the hard work and preparation that went into the event. We were pleasantly surprised when Billy Lewis and his young son Huck (1 year of age) showed up and shared the banquet table with us. Huck has already been in on a couple of archery harvests and is well on his way to a life of bowhunting.

Makes me want to work a little harder to make sure he gets to enjoy all the same opportunities we have partaken of throughout the years. Thanks go out to Tony and Dori Stephens for making the trip down from Libby.

It’s a long haul Al Kelly from our homes but a trip worthy of the drive. Thanks also goes out to all those who donated time and prizes for the event, you make the organization successful.

With the convention successful and completed for the year, we need to focus on increasing our membership. Membership has ebbed and forced us to cut magazine expenses to save funding for our mission essential activities. The new format may not be quite as flashy but it will still convey the necessary information, and after all the purpose of it is to inform membership.

Back to membership numbers, I hope that you are all aware of the membership drive contest and the great prizes so generously donated. Look for details in magazine. Here in Libby we tried something new. Our local archery club is a long-standing member and great supporter of the MBA and came up with an idea to raise membership numbers. We put on the first annual Spring Fling archery shoot in conjunction with the Libby Archery Club. The shoot held at our local Shooting Complex was a 20 Target 3D shoot with BBQ lunch 8

Montana

BOWHUNTER

www.mtBa.org

Dan Moore

Dan Moore

included. MBA members were able to shoot and have lunch for free and we signed up new or renewing members on site so they were also able to participate. We signed up a total of 23 new members and had a dozen current members show up to enjoy the shooting practice. It was a great success and we plan to try and grow it next year. Thanks to all who showed up and made it happen; Rich Hjort, Tony Stephens, Mike Vinion, Jay Sheffield, Neil Textor, Teri Kelly, Eric Kapan, Jay and Chance Moody. Thank You!!!

Thanks to all who show up to stand up for bowhunting,

Al Kelly

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.

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

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

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REGIONAL REPORTS Region 2 REGION

REGION

1

6

REGION

4

REGION

2

REGION

8

REGION

3

REGION REGION

7

5

Marlon clapham kim blaskowski Spring is on the way. Now I wish it would just warm up a little. The convention has come and gone, and the Carp Safari is not too far off. We should be putting in for permits, and planning our next hunts.

At the last reg. meeting we discussed what went on with the tentatives and mostly the new HD 262, here in the Bitterroot Valley.

Charlie Johnson had a conversion with Mike Thompson, about this new area and the possibility of a shotgun, muzzle loader, hand gun, x-bow season through the archery season. Charlie informed Mike that any firearms in the archery season simply wouldn’t fly and there would be an uprising. He wasn’t far off. When Mike’s proposal reached the Commissioner’s they too informed Mike that firearms would not be acceptable during archery season and that he needed to work something out with the land owners who were asking for this special season. So when the region meetings came up and those land owners were asking for the elk and deer to be killed off their properties and out of their crops I got to have several conversations with these land owners one on one, about their wildlife problem and what their needs might be.

They wanted to rid their farms of all wildlife that eats grass. They are claiming thousands of dollars in losses each year. FWP was left holding the bag as what to try to do. So the new HD was created to put the hunting pressure on the properties that need the critters removed.

So there was a meeting planned with the land owners and the MBA, FWP and a Bitterroot sportsman group Ravalli County

Kim Blaskowski

A

nother convention is in the books. It was so great to see all the “once a year” friends, make new friends and trade hunting stories. I

Marlon Clapham

Fish Wildlife Association which Charlie and I attended. I gave a short talk about the MBA and importance of the archery season and keeping firearms out, especially crossbows and I shared how long the MBA gas worked to protect what we have fought so hard to maintain. Charlie gave his proposal for a season structure that might work. We went around the room and everybody got to voice their two cents worth. Then the FWP put the proposal up on the board and we worked out the dates and what and when the firearms would be the most effective for the landowners without any firearms during the archery season. We also discussed that this is a depredation hunt and therefore no open season for bull elk in this HD 262, after all, the properties are mostly wide open hay fields. The land owners agreed with us.

There will be a limited amount of whitetail buck hunting and some mule deer hunting on permits from 261. FWP also put a cap on the mule deer does so they won’t get slaughtered, all being in the open. We, as Bowhunters, will get to hunt all through the archery season with several whitetail doe tags and other opportunities. Bowhunters will get to hunt the early season August 15 through the late season January 1st.

Another bonus, the HD 260 is once again an archery only area. There has been a late season for the firearms for far too long.

This comes with the 262 HD getting some firearms early season and the late season. I

want to congratulate Bridger Kamps on his Schafer award, and also a big “I am so proud” congratulations to my husband, Chris Blaskowski on for receiving the bow hunter of the year award.

The convention crew did a great job and all the regions had excellent games.

I want to thank the donors who gave to our region 2 game: Tight Spot Quivers, The Hunting Shack, Etched Glass by Dar, Steve Gingras, H2O Productions, Bad Medicine Archery, HHA Sights, Hunters Nation and Rockin CK Pedestals & Woodworking.

feel this was a good trade off, getting the guns out of the river bottom. Now it is up to the landowners to let a few hunters on their properties to hunt and for the bowhunters to take advantage of some new places to harvest a few does, and possibly a cow elk. We were able to work with these landowners, opening up dialog and working out a solution for them to help remove a few animals out of their crops. I’m sure there will be questions as the season wears on, and things will have to be worked out.

Now on a different note. The Montana Youth Conservation Expo will be held May 1st on the Teller Wildlife Refuge. The MBA will be there with the shooting booth again, and we’ll be giving away another bow set-up with arrows ready for some lucky youth, donated by MBEF and Paul Martin. We are expecting over 400 kids at the event, so if you’re available and want to spend some time helping out with a bunch new bow shooters, feel free to come on down to the Teller and give us a hand.

Also, on May 31st at the Missoula Fair Grounds, MT Plus, sponsored by the MT. Trappers Association is putting on a fundraiser to stop the Anti-Trappers and support trapping on public lands. There will be a bunch of conservation groups all putting their support, behind the trappers and they asked if the MBA would be there.

The MBA will have a booth with the shooting for the kids again and I’ll need some help manning the front to give out info about the MBA and helping the youngsters shoot bows. This should be a fun gathering for the day, with lots of folks from all over the area working toward a common goal.

Well I think I’ve rambled on long enough. I hope to see a few of you at some of these functions. Summer is just around the corner.

Keep-em Sharp and Shoot-em Straight.

Till later

Marlon Clapham I am looking forward to the Youth Conservation Expo at Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis on May 10. If you’re in the area, stop by and see us. Cabelas is also opening in Missoula on June 12 so we will have another great outdoor store to shop at! The carp shoot will be the first weekend in June and is always lots of fun.

Wishing you all a great hunting season.

Keep Larry Fischer in your prayers.

God Bless, Shoot straight

Kim Blaskowski Summer 2014

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ello everyone, I’d like to start off by tipping my hat to the Great Falls crew for putting on a great convention this year! For all of you that attended, it was good to see you, and for all of you that didn’t, you missed out on a great time! Springtime is upon us and so is bear and turkey season. I am definitely excited to go out and look for some bruins. Spending a sunny and warm spring evening behind a spotting scope gives one plenty of time to reflect on past hunts and dream of the adventures yet to come. It’s also a great time to take the kids, wife, girlfriend or whoever into the woods for some quality

Brian Koelzer

outdoor time. Speaking of which, the MBA is looking to become more involved in the programs geared towards getting kids out in the woods and hunting. In

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irst of all, I would like to thank region 4 for allowing me the opportunity to represent them and voice their concerns and ideas.

Although the calendar is telling me its spring, the weather is hinting otherwise.

I guess it wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t get a couple inches of fresh powder on opening day of turkey season. As I am writing this we have a long weekend coming up and this time of year is always exciting for us. We have one last weekend to chase a mountain lion, our first chance to call in a turkey, or sneak up on a big ole bear, and maybe pick up a few shed antlers in the meantime all within 4 day bundle. It’s also that time of year to be thinking about moose, sheep, and goat and hopefully you’re a successful permit holder for elk.

If that’s not enough there are always letters to your legislators, and local department heads to inform them of your concerns or just to tell them they are doing a good job. There is a lot going on in our great state as I write this letter, for instance the elk issues in the 10

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paradise valley, the bison, gigantic land trades being pushed by billionaires and public access being restored into some areas like Bullwhacker. I know many of you are aware of the big land trade proposal between the BLM and a couple of Texas billionaires, and as much as I would like to go into detail I’m going to hold back. I can tell you that as of just a few days ago it was declined because of historical access to the Durfee Hills. I

today’s fast paced world it seems to be more and more difficult to find time to detach one’s self from work, I-things and everything else deemed “necessary” for existence. I know most of you reading this article can think back to when you were young and I would bet that some of your fondest memories are of time spent in the woods with your father or grandfather learning about nature. Kids today are not growing up with those kinds of memories and I believe our right to hunt in the future will be in jeopardy because of this fact. So as the days turn warm, take a kid or two out for some bear spotting, gopher plinking or just building a campfire by the river. Think about those great times from your own youth and take pride in knowing that you are building those same kinds of memories in a new generation.

Keep ‘em sharp,

Brian Koelzer would like to think the Central MT Hunters for Public Access and anyone who signed the petition had a part in that decision. We as sportsman need to keep each other informed and ensure our concerns are known.

If anyone is interested, I’d be glad to add them to an interested persons email list. It is our duty as sportsmen and sportswomen to provide the next generation the same opportunity we have had if not better.

There is a LOT of public land out there that is inaccessible for some reason or another, and with the deadly combination of private leases, growing hunter numbers, and out-ofstaters buying up hundreds of thousands of acres, the public land is getting a little crowded. So we either gain our access or start buying stock in bright orange paint and NO HUNTING signs.

Mark Schwomeyer

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regional reports Region 5 REGION

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Michael Ros

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y name is Michael Ros and I am your new Region 5 Representative. I bring with me a long history of working with state organizations for the promotion of bowhunting. I am a strong advocate for recruiting children into bowhunting and the outdoors, and also in supporting your local archery or sportsmen’s clubs in your specific area, and your state organizations.

If you are a sportsman, get your children involved. There is an old saying that goes “Take your kids hunting so you’re not hunting for your kids.” Many of you have probably heard this in the past and it is true. Show your kids or the neighbor’s kids the enjoyment of the great outdoors. We must recruit the younger generation so that our sport will continue to grow. Plus, it will bring families closer together and give them another aspect of life that does not involve a computer or a phone. The outdoors is a big place and just waiting to be explored.

Michael Ros

If you do not belong to a local sportsmen’s club I want to ask why not?

It’s a great way to support the sport and help bring more people into the great outdoors. Local clubs are great place for like-minded people to gather, shoot their bows, exchange stories and even get some help with a hunting or shooting issue. Get involved with your local clubs, volunteer for the board, become a bowhunter education or hunting education instructor, or just volunteer on the yearly clean-up days. We all want these clubs to succeed but they won’t unless people get involved and help out. A couple hours a month will not hurt anyone and the T.V will thank you for the rest of being off for a while. Remember, if we all think that someone else will do it; then nothing will get accomplished.

Become active and you’ll be happier for

it. Being active, recruiting more people into the club or state organization, helps strengthen the organization and the work that we are doing and lessens the work load because there will be more people to help out.

I want to thank the Great Falls area for putting on a great convention. It was a lot of fun talking with members about the experiences over the last years and the stories and experiences were plentiful.

Everyone had a great time and many friendships were started and renewed.

There are many activities that are going on in Area 5 right now. Billings Rod and Gun club is offering a couple of Bowhunter education classes and a summer archery league that kicked off on 7 April. It’s not too late to come out and have some fun.

Please feel free to contact me about any concerns, issues or activities that are out there and need promoting. I look forward to working and talking with everyone over the next year to make this organization strong and making bowhunting stronger in the state of Montana.

I can be reached at cerberus110369@ yahoo.com. Please do not hesitate to contact me about anything.

Michael Ros

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Dave Moon

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hanks to everyone for giving me the opportunity to represent Region 6. My family and I enjoyed attending the convention and meeting other bowhunters who are passionate about bowhunting. For Region 6 I would like to have local meeting in Glasgow the first Wednesday of the even months at 1900. I am still working on a location. The meeting would be to discuss upcoming issues regarding bowhunting in Montana.

Turkey season has started and again it feels like it is colder than in the fall in the mornings. I think that is because you don’t dress as warm because it is spring instead of fall. It’s a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors and it gets warmer as the day goes on.

Dave Moon

Spring bear comes in on the 15th of April feeding; I was glad to see they survived the but looking at the snow in the mountains winter. The elk still had their antlers on and still it might be hard to get up to them. As were not sticking around to be seen.

I drove through the mountains the other day I saw la lot of deer and a few elk out

Dave Moon

Summer 2014

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regional reports Region 7 REGION

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bob morgan

ad a great time at the convention again this year! If you didn’t make it there you missed out.

I enjoyed and learned from the seminars I attended, lots of beautiful pictures to choose from for the photo contest and lots of antlers to look at. Fun was had by all, bidding, winning, and playing different games.

Thanks to all the donors, thanks to the Great Falls crew for the great job and thanks to our president Joelle, the board members and area directors. The board adopted a colored news print format for our new newsletter, saving us half the dollars spent on the old, but nice magazine by making this change we can distribute more newsletters than before for half the cost.

The MBA is involved in reaching young, potential bow hunters through the Jack Creek Preserve and the Youth Conservation and Education Expo camps this summer.

OUR MISSION: TO UNITE THE STATE’S BOW HUNTING SPORTSMAN TO WORK TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL OF PRESERVING AND PROMOTING THE SPORT OF BOW HUNTING IN MONTANA - Lets all work at helping others to join the MBA. As I finish this article, it is the opening day of Spring Turkey Season. I went fishing instead of hunting; I caught a couple nice largemouth bass. It’s snowing out right now; the turkeys are down around the Custer National Forest, the elk numbers seem to be steady or even on the rise, but the mule deer are down from what they used to be.

It is important for us as bowhunters to consider why populations fluctuate and how we may be able to contribute to stability. We all need to keep up on what’s going on with the MT FWP, USFS and the BLM, with our united voice in caring for our bow hunting heritage, and the wildlife we enjoy on our public lands.

A long hard winter has finally subsided and the folks in Southeast Montana a I have been out enjoying our public lands. I found some nice mule deer sheds, saw some mule deer does and two spikes that still had their antlers. The sun was shining and it felt great to be shed hunting. “The grass 12

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Bob Morgan

sure looks greener today.” Some of those lands are still recovering from wildfires that rolled across the landscape two years ago.

The large block of Custer National Forest about 440,000 acres where many of us bow hunters spend our time, burned about 155,000 acres in 2012.

The wildfires definitely changed the landscape in Southeast Montana.

There may be more foliage for many species, but there also is a loss of hiding cover. Compounded with road systems for access and game retrieval, it is yet to be seen how this balances out to keep wildlife on our public lands for us to pursue.

While the elk herds increase in Southeast Montana so does opportunity for harvest as Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks increases quota on elk harvest. However, even in some of the limited back country, what the BLM calls wilderness study areas and the USFS calls hiking and riding areas, elk are being harvested and moved onto private lands. I think we all have seen this situation across the state as large ranches become harboring areas for elk herds. Unlike a mule deer, which have a tendency to escape and seek a small pocket of cover to hide,

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ell it is that time again. This issue will be our first edition using a newspaper format. Hope that all of you find it acceptable. It may not be as pretty as the magazine format but a newspaper format has substantial publishing cost savings. Those saved funds can now be used for other activities such as promotion of specialized equipment for handicapped archers, promoting bowhunting and

elk have a tremendous ability to travel and often will run for a few miles to escape.

For us bow hunters this means a loss of opportunity.

I personally witnessed a friend from Colstrip get a 340 class bull during rifle season in one of these areas. The bull and large herd were using an area of heavy pine and juniper, roughly a thousand acres in size, adjacent to a 60,000 acre burn from 2012. After shooting the bull the herd headed deeper into this small pocket timber, rather than the open burn area, and even worse, continued onto the private land as more hunters followed in pursuit.

Remember the state and federal agencies work for us, so they are willing to listen to us for ideas on how better to manage our opportunities, as well as the opportunity for wildlife conservation. Often we just are not vocal enough, so take some time to describe our desired bow hunting opportunities to these agencies. This may mean more or less access or retrieval roads, or if you are familiar with your personal landscape, this may mean an opportunity to notify your agencies of opportunities just to move roads out of critical habitat.

In Region 7, and for all of you who use Region 7, let’s pull our ideas together as an organized bow hunting group. With enough response from you the members, we can let these agencies know the direction we want to go. Contact me and let’s work on any ideas you may have. robertredface@gmail.com or 749-0706

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archery amongst various youth camps and activities, etc. Regardless of your opinion though, we would like to hear from all of you about the new format. Let us know if you like it or not.

A concern that was brought up during our board meeting at the Annual Convention this year was the perception that the MBA board has aligned itself with various sportsmen and women groups throughout the state of Montana. Well, I will be the first to admit that we wildlife and sportsmen and women organizations are talking during legislative and tentatives sessions.

Remember that these groups, including ourselves, have common values. Those values are in public access to wildlife,

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regional reports opportunities for all to partake in their particular sport, quality habitat for all wildlife, and scientific based management of our wildlife. We all have the common belief that the North American Model of wildlife management insures that the masses and not just the wealthy aristocracy of our nation have the same opportunities to pursue fish and wildlife.

This differs from the model that has been practiced in Europe for over a thousand years, where only the aristocracy has the opportunity to hunt and fish.

This is a battle that we all must fight if we are to continue our traditions. If we want to pass to our grandchildren, the experiences we had as kids. Experiences that will allow our grandchildren to feel the excitement of catching their first fish or harvesting their first critter, we must stand and fight those that wish to privatize our wildlife for their financial gains.

Don’t mistake my comments to be a slam to the outfitting and guiding industry.

Unlike those that wish to sell our wildlife to the highest bidder many outfitters provide a valuable service to many resident and nonresident sportspersons. They provide a means for individuals to pursue game in our back country. They provide a means for individuals to enjoy the great fishing we have around the state. They provide experienced guides to assist individuals in taking game and catching fish, as well

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as ensuring minimal waste of game and fish. These guides and outfitters provide a valuable economic engine to the state.

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There have been and will continue to be issues that all sportsmen and women and wildlife organizations do not agree with each other on. But when we can build coalitions we do so. Strength is indeed in numbers when testifying for or against a bill or regulation.

We on the board do our best to have a sense of what our membership wants prior to the legislative and tentatives sessions.

But often time is limited and to solicit opinions is impractical. We then as a board go back not just to the Mission Statement of MBA but also to the Goals of MBA. Those Goals are: Promoting ethical bowhunting through

Jerry Davis

DirectorsAt Large

’m going to keep this short, as I’m still winding down a bit from all the convention activities which just happened a few short weeks ago. I did want to say thank you to everyone that had a hand in putting it together, and also to all the donors that really keep the MBA a potent force.

Go out and enjoy this time of year – everyone should have a whole pocket full of tags and lots of adventures to plan for around this great state. On a side note, this will be the last report from R4 for me. My family is in the process of relocating to R3 and I hope to continue serving there as best as I’m able. It’s been great here and I’ll miss the great folks that have made my stint in this position a memorable one.

Jerry Davis

education Improving landowner - bowhunter relationships Providing a voice in management of Montana’s big game And an opportunity to assist in the preservation of wildlife habitat Alone MBA does not have the political clout, but when we sporting and wildlife groups create coalitions, we are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Politicians listen.

But don’t think that we all blindly follow the lead from any one group because we don’t. We have had times when some groups don’t support another group’s stance. That is fine. The bottom line is that we as sporting and wildlife groups we have a lot more in common than not.

I will finish my comments on this subject by simply saying if you have concerns with the Board I invite any of you to become a MBA representative. We need more representatives, and your help would be greatly appreciated.

As for the convention this year, I have to give Kudos to the Great Falls group.

Job well done, it was a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone that DONATED and thanks to everyone that came. Billings will have some big shoes to fill next year.

Happy Hunting and hope to see some of you at this year’s Carp Safari.

Adam Barker

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ow… a lot has happened since the last magazine. We have a brand new look for the magazine and this will save the organization a good amount of money annually. Convention was a great event and there are numerous thanks to go around… First of all, I want to thank all the vendors that donated to this important MBA event. Please stop by these businesses and thank them for their support of MBA and try and send some purchases their way if you can. I also want to thank all the people that helped run the event and all those in attendance.

We appreciate your attendance and your financial support of the organization.

I also want to thank Big Bear Sports in Great Falls and Billings for putting on their Sportsmen’s membership day the weekend before Convention. Big Bear paid $10 toward the membership fee of any new members that signed up at the

event. Ten new members signed up at the store in Great Falls and six at the store in Billings. I want to welcome all those new members and Thank you for your support of Bowhunting in Montana.

Coming up in June is the Carp Shoot! Get your arrows now and start practicing… This is a really fun event and I want to encourage everyone to try to attend.

Spring bear and turkey seasons will have started by the time your magazine gets out. Buy a tag and go for a walk in the woods. You can do some stumpshooting and maybe, just might get a nice rug out of the deal. My buddy and I plan on getting out and to do some calling.

Just be cautious if you are calling in Griz Country! Hopefully the weather will be cooperative. There is still a lot of snow in the mountains but as it melts the bears continued ON page 12

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Directors at large reports continued from page 12

will be pursuing grasses to fill their empty bellies. If hunting bear with a bow kinda freaks you out (I know many willing to admit this) consider taking out your bow to look for gophers. They are starting to run all over the place. Kids LOVE shooting gophers. Take a kid out a fling a few arrows. You’ll both have a blast.

As the weather warms don’t forget about all the 3D shoots around the state.

Check the MBA web page for updates about shooting events. I know there are quite a few around North Central Montana.

MBA is looking for articles for the magazine! All of us have a story to tell about some of our hunting adventures.

Take a few minutes to jot down your story and send it in for publication. Also- don’t forget to send in your hunting photos!

These are the sorts of things that help to make our magazine great.

Congratulations MBA Banquet Award

a 12 yrs. young man from Lincoln had a phenomenal first year of bowhunting harvesting antelope, elk, Mule deer and WT deer. Congratulations to this very humble young man. Many of us wish to we could have as successful of a season with a bow!

Bowhunter of the Year —We also had several nominees for BHOTYall very deserving. Chris Blaskowski took the award not only for an impressive set of trophies but also for his dedication to helping others hunt. He epitomizes all the characteristics we want to espouse through MBA.

Winners!

Special Achievement Award —Teri and Al Kelly were recognized for all their work as co-editors of the MBA magazine. The Awards committee wanted to thank them for all that they do for MBA. The magazine is such a critical part of getting the message of the organization out to the membership and Teri and AL have done a tremendous job.

Schafer Award winner —We had numerous very deserving nominees for the Schafer Award. Bridger Kamps-

Literary Award —Jesse Nelson was recognized for his article about Bow hunting for Bison in Montana. Jesse was

280 HWY 14A-E | Lovell, WY 82431 (307) 548-6292 | bowmaker@tctwest.net www.yellowstonebows.com 14

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instrumental in helping to get this incredible bowhunting opportunity. Thanks for your article and your dedication to MBA.

Two Arrows…

What does it cost to join MBA? Actually it’s much less than most people think. Two Arrows. Only $25 a year. That’s all. Let’s see… a carbon arrow and a broad head?

About $13 each. Heck, I easily break 1012 shafts a year stump shooting, shooting at grouse/gophers/rabbits, and shooting 3-D courses or even “Robin Hooding” an arrow periodically in my backyard. People will spend 100’s of dollars each year on arrows and broadheads… But they won’t spend the cost of 2 arrows to support the organization that lobbies for your bowhunting seasons? A pretty meager investment considering all the money you have invested in archery equipment. So get off you rear and send in your check- or go online to www.mtba.org and take care of it there.

The future of Bowhunting in Montana needs your support.

It’s only the cost of 2 arrows…

Roger Peffer

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fish, wildlife, & parks

Tentatives Report

This Tentatives cycle was a busy one for us and our comments positively impacted many decisions. Following is a summary of our input and outcomes.

New Hunting District 262 HD262: FWP’s objective in the Bitterroot is to respond to depredation issues by using a broad application of weapons throughout the hunting season.

A proposal for “primitive weapons” was discussed to include shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbows, traditional handguns, and bows to be allowed during the archery-only season as well as the general season and two other time periods (August 15-September 5 and December 1-January 15). Our highest priority is to protect archery-only seasons from encroachment by crossbows or other firearms. During meetings in the Bitterroot, we advocated strongly that crossbows, handguns, muzzleloaders, and shotguns be kept out of the archeryonly season. Following are the detailed points which came from the stakeholders

which will be proposed at the upcoming Commission meeting: Early season: 150 antlerless elk tags, 100 antlerless mule deer tags, and overthe- counter antlerless white-tailed deer tags for use during early season August 15 September 5 and December 1 - January 1.

This early season is a “primitive weapons” hunt inclusive of archery equipment.

Archery-only season: All of the above tags will still be good throughout archeryonly season plus general elk tags are good for antlerless elk and general deer tags are good for either-sex white-tailed deer.

Mule deer buck tags will be available by draw for use in both 261 and 262. All 260 antlerless white-tailed deer tags are good in 260, 261, 262, 204, 240, and 283. Bowhunters can also utilize these tags throughout the general season with the use of hunter orange.

We are advocating for HD 260 returning to an archery-only area.

Late damage hunts will be determined on a very limited case-by-case basis. It is hoped that these will not be necessary, given the very liberal nature of the early,

archery, and general seasons.

Outcome: New Hunting District 262 was created with August 15th – September 5th primitive weapons season, then Archery Only season, then rifle season, then December 1st – January 1st primitive weapons season. Tags available are: 3 over the counter antlerless whitetail tags good for archery only from Aug. 15 – January 1, 1 over the counter whitetail tag good for primitive weapons only in all but the archery only season, 100 B antlerless mule deer permits good during any of the seasons, 150 B elk licenses good during any of the seasons, mule deer buck tags will be available by draw for use in both 261 and 262 during archery and rifle season. The crossbow and other weapons were kept out of the Archery Only season.

Additionally, HD260 was returned to Archery Only status. HD260 tags are not valid in HD262.

Hunting District 260 HD260: We support the reinstitution of 260 as an archery-only district. The continuted on page 14

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Fish Wildlife & Parks each of December 15th.

Outcome: Above changes were made. general tag will be good for either-sex white-tailed deer from the beginning of Hunting District 388 archery season to January 15th.

HD 388: We advocated for keeping Outcome: HD260 was returned to Archery Only status for both elk and deer the August 15 early opening date and and over the counter antlerless B whitetail removing other “primitive” weapons from tags were reduced from 5 to 3. B tags can the weapons restriction area. This would not be used west of Highway 93 in Missoula keep the harvest low while preserving our archery opportunity.

County because of EHD concerns.

Outcome: Season now starts with the opening of regular archery season.

Hunting District Everything else remains the same.

206/260 split continuted from page 13

HD206/260 split: We did not support splitting this district to create a new and relatively small hunting district. It looks as though FWP may make the B tags only good in that portion of HD260 south of Missoula.

Outcome: HD260 was not split.

Statewide Mule Deer

Statewide Mule Deer: Supported the elimination of mule deer B tags and mule deer doe harvest from the A tag. With declining mule deer populations, this proposal seems warranted in most hunting districts across the state. Local variations may make sense and FWP also needs Hunting District 240/250/270 to manage predator populations more HD240/250/270: Supported changes aggressively. to the hunting district boundaries, as the Outcome: Most of doe mule deer boundary changes make sense from a opportunities were eliminated until biological and enforcement standpoint. populations rebound.

Outcome: Boundary changes were Other hunting news made.

HD620 Sheep Tag: Local MBA members Hunting District 290 worked with Region 6 biologists to justify HD290: Suggested changing FWP’s adding this tag. proposal from 3 over-the-counter whiteHybrid Lion Season in R2: We supported tailed doe tags to 2, as input from members maintaining a hybrid lion season. The was that 3 tags are too many. Also supported hybrid season is making a much-needed allowing for either-sex white-tailed deer difference in predator control. harvest on the A tag with a closure date on Outcome: Hybrid season remains same

except for a late breaking proposal to modify the season in the Bitterroot.

Lion Archery/Fall Quota Allocation: We supported rounding to the nearest lion, which is consistent with the other rounding FWP does.

Outcome: Adopted

Wolves Wolf harvest: A total of 230 were harvested, of which 144 were by hunters and 86 were by trappers. Of the 153 harvested, one individual took one wolf, 26 individuals took two wolves, five individuals took three wolves, and two individuals took four wolves. The high per-person harvesters were primarily trappers.....and nobody met the individual quota limit of 5 wolves.

Our membership continues to urge FWP to get more aggressive with wolf harvest and trapping.

Ungulates in many areas across the state continue their downward spiral, yet our wolf season has seen continued ineffectiveness at reducing wolf populations.

Outcome: These tentatives will be heard in April – June.

Drones Regulations were established preventing the use of drones for any hunting or scouting activities. These regulations were adopted in February by Commission action. Our thanks goes out to the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for their proactive efforts to stop this threat to fair chase hunting.

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MBA Award winner

Paul Schafer Award Winner

Bridger Kamps

I

n his first year of bowhunting Bridger Kamps was recognized for his accomplishments and the outstanding hunting season he had this past year by being nominated and chosen for the Paul Schafer Award.

The nomination letter read: I’d like to nominate a young man for the Paul Schafer Award who had an outstanding first season of bowhunting at the age of 12. This young man practiced all summer long with his new bow to get it up to poundage to where he could harvest an elk effectively and accurately. Antelope season found him in a blind where he harvested a great 71 inch antelope buck. It’s hard to top shooting a Pope and Young animal after the first few days of hunting in your first season ever.

But there was lots of archery season left and despite having football practice almost every night and games on weekends, he was determined to get an elk with his bow just like he sees his Dad do.

After multiple heart-breaking close calls that puts hair on the chest of young bowhunters, he put it all together and shot a great 5 point bull one rut-filled morning. With little time to trail the bull before he had to be to a football game his team was depending on him to be at, he hurried back for a grueling high paced game of 6 man-football in which he played the entire game on both offense and defense. They won that game too by the way. Then it was back to find his elk and backpack the meat out with his Dad through the night. Talk about an exhausted but very happy young man as he rolled up to the house at 2 a.m. in the morning.

With tags still in his pocket, he then focused on deer and was able to harvest a nice 4 point whitetail buck. And with rifle season started, he still had an archery buck tag to fill and why not when you’re full of unbridled optimism. A perfect heart shot later on a nice muley buck and his last deer tag was notched.

First antelope buck, first bull elk, first whitetail buck, first muley buck and all taken with his bow. And all in his very first year of hunting at the age of 12. I can tell you, after having been there at every one of these harvests as well as the shots he didn’t take because the shot just wasn’t right, this young man

is a very mature and ethical bowhunter for his age. He makes excellent decisions in the heat of the moment and is hooked on bowhunting for life. As his father, I couldn’t be more proud of my son and think Bridger Kamps is quite deserving of the Paul Schafer Award and everything it stands for.

ARCHERY SEASON

is just around the corner...GET READY NOW!

First antelope buck, first bull elk, first

whitetail buck, first muley buck and all

taken with his bow.

And all in his very

first year of hunting at the age of 12.

Located in the historic Kessler Brewing building. Hwy 12 West end.

Helena 406-449-3111 buffalojumparchery.com

Summer 2014

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Montana

BOWHUNTER

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Montana Bowhunt ers Association presents:

Have You Been “Carpified ?”

C ANYON FERRY C ARP SAFARI JUNE 7, 2014 HELLGATE C AMPGROUND C ANYON FERRY LAKE, HELEN A MT •

Bowhunting only - everyone welcome!!

•

Help Carp Management in Canyon Ferry Lake

•

Never been Carpified? - Help available fro m semi - p rofessio n al Carp Ninjas

•

Sen d in Reg istratio n fo rm b y May 31

•

Evening meal included in prepre-registration

Good Things to Know :

-All shooters need a valid fishing license -Boats must be registered with correct number of lifejackets -Boats must be clean upon arrival and cleaned prior to entering another body of water -Bowhunting only. Bring lots of arrows -Carp Safari will run Saturday from sunrise until 5 p.m.

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

Camping at Hellgate

$15.00, meal included $15.00, meal not included $30.00, meal included $30.00, meal not included $ 5.00, meal included $ 6.00, fee for meal $ 10.00/night paid on-site

Nice camping spots right on beautiful Canyon Ferry Lake

price (don’t worry, it’s not carp) •

3D Targets available for those of us who can’t even hit thousands of spawning carp

• •

How to get preregistered:

Mail attached form by May 31, 20 14 Mail payment to: Joelle Selk

6963 York Road Helena, MT 59602 (Make checks out to MBA) • Need more forms or info?

jselkmt@3riversdbs.net Phone#: 406-422-6798

PREREGISTRATION FO RM Canyon Ferry Ca rp Sa fa ri June 7, 2014 Ca nyon Ferry La ke, Hellga te Ca mpground, Helena Individual Shooters $15.00 x ______ = $_____ _____ Shooters under 15 $5.00 x ______ = $_____ _____ Meal tic ket -non-shooter $6.00 x __ _____ = $_____ _____ 2-person team $30.00 x _______ = $_____ _____ Tota l>> $____ ______

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

List names of shooters:__________________________________ ____________________________________________________

(Camping is $10.00/night pa id on s ite)_

Summer 2014

19

Cover story

The Tin Can Clan

By Robb Sager “Here’s your summer paycheck, hope you have a good break” I heard the principle tell me as I checked out for the summer. I took a quick peek at the check in my hand, selfishly hoping for a miraculous increase, but was sadly disappointed realizing I’d have to stick to my budget. We had a trip to the Montana Bowhunters Association’s annual Carp Safari planned and I wondered how I was going afford to equip my three young kids with the proper gear for carp shooting.

Fortunately, they all had bows and plenty of experience shooting them. Now they would need some sort of reel system to attach their arrow to so they could retrieve it after each shot. I looked around my shop trying to find an item that would work when I remembered I had made bow-fishing reels from cans when I was a youngster. Slipping into the house I began raiding cans out of the recycle bin and headed back to the shop to work making

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the cans into useable bow-fishing reels.

First, I cut up the side of the can, part way down in four places, leaving two strips, which would be used for attaching

the reel to the bow. Next, I double these strips over and apply tape to all the edges I had cut. The tape helps keep the sharp edges covered. Then I bend the strips

perpe This to att attach clip j clip w shots off w Final exper and f line b and f

all m Carp Carp to go thoug didn’ day. shore our below with camp due t been of ca water

these edges sharp strips

perpendicular to the main part of the can.

This gives the reel two connecting points to attach to the bow. The last step, before attaching line to the reel, is to tape a paper clip just over the bottom of the can. This clip will serve as a line holder between shots. Without the clip your line will fall off when the reel is held facing downward.

Finally, attach some bow fishing line. I experimented with several types of string and found I needed to buy bowfishing line because it was more durable and fed off of the reel the best.

With reels completed for all my kids, we headed to the Carp Safari. Arriving at the Carp Safari site we decided to go find some carp even though the actual event didn’t start until the next day. Walking along the shoreline we strained our eyes looking for carp below the surface. We’d visited with several other bowhunters back at camp who had predicted a tough hunt due to the unseasonably cold spring we’d been having. The lake surely had plenty of carp, but they would be out in deep water unreachable to the wading hunter.

Undeterred by this information, we cruised up the beach toward a promising looking cove.

In the shallow water of the cove, several carp were visible cruising back and forth. We spread out and began wading, hoping the carp would swim by within range so we could try out our new reels. Hunter was the first to take a shot but, not being used to shooting low due to the refraction effect the water has on the fish, his arrow went over the carp. As the afternoon wore on, we all had several shots.

We connected a couple of times and were excited for the actual competition the next day.

The kids were raring to go, and after a hastily prepared breakfast we headed back to the same area as the day before. The carp were once again on the edge of the shallow water and shots were into deeper water than we would have liked but before long we were able to pull several carp to the bank. We certainly were not going to win the prize of the most carp for the day, but watching my kids having

such a good time was well worth the effort involved in making this trip happen. I spent the afternoon taking pictures and watching as they took numerous shots with some success. Far too quickly, the check in time arrived and we headed back to camp to see how the rest of the carp hunters had faired. If you have never seen several thousand carp in a big dumpster you are missing out! As team after team unloaded the day’s haul, the dumpster was filled almost to the brim. There were several thousand less carp to compete with game fish in the lake.

The awards ceremony and dinner concluded the day and although we didn’t win any awards, my oldest daughter, Isabelle, was crowned the “Carp Princess.”

What an experience, all made possible by a little thriftiness and ingenuity. Hope you can join us at a carp shoot and if you don’t want to buy a reel, make one, and we will gladly accept you as a member of The Tin Can Clan.

Author Bio: Robb Sager is a third grade teacher from Red Lodge, Montana.

Other members of his Tin Can Clan include his wife Andrea, son Hunter, and three daughters Isabelle, Genevieve, and Eliza.

We manufacture the world’s best light-weight camp stoves which are flexible, compact, tough and sturdy.

Riley stoves have become standard equipment in the camping and outfitting industry and are the most sought after light-weight stoves. For the last 30 years Riley Stove Company has kept ahead of modern technology and has continued to improve their products and grow. There are now over 24,000 Riley stove owners who have stayed warm and cooked hearty meals in camps all around the world.

Summer 2014

21

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

Memberships run January 1 to December 31 each year.

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BOB Morton– 2012

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Jim Morton 2012 Past Schafer Award Winner

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kim BLASKOWSKI – 2013 doe

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CHRIS BLASKOWSKI – 2013 Whitetail

3

hunter sager – Carp Safari

Jim Morton 2012 Past Schafer Award Winner

6

Richard traeger – 2013 Antelope

9

Jim Morton 2012 Past Schafer Award Winner

sonny templeton – Nice Buck

Summer 2014

23

BUSINESS & CLUB MEMBERS Become a Business Member of the MBA and be listed on this page every issue!

For membership visit www.mtba.org.

Active as of February 2014 24/7 Muscle and Fitness

Kelly Kimzey

435 South Atlantic

Dillon

MT 59725 406-925-3485

Archer’s Roost

Steven Battaglia

PO Box 429

Hardin

MT 59034 406-672-5945

208 W Spruce St

Libby

MT 59923 406-293-8738

Backcountry Archery Proshop Be the Decoy, LLC

Mark Renner

PO Box 5151

Bozeman

MT 59717 406-579-1771

Big Sky Archery

William Farris

120 Pollywog Lane

Belgrade

MT 59714 406-388-0503

Billings Rod & Gun Club

William Bishop

P.O. Box 33

Billings

MT 59103 406-259-0006

Bruce’s Quick Lube

Bruce Metcalf

1111 East Front St

Butte

MT 59701 406-782-6124

Buffalo Jump Archery

Judy Adams

2710 Broadwater Ave

Helena

MT 59602 406-449-3111

Crown Photography

Mike & Lucinda Layne

PO Box 9936

Kalispell

MT 59904 406-752-6116

Dahl Wholesale

Chris Dahl

PO Box 384

Drummond MT 59832 406-449-1517

Dr. Camo

Don Stein

1625 Northern Heights Dr Havre

Eagle Restoration

Michael Henry

First Class Outdoors, LLC

221 Pine Ridge Rd

MT 59501 406-265-8099

Florence

MT 59833 406-549-1221

10 Grassy Flat Rd

Roundup

MT 59072 661-317-0001

Garramone Builders

Don Garramone

1105 Spurgin Ct

Missoula

MT 59804 406-327-4800

Great Falls Archery Club

Rick Maynard

PO Box 3653

Great Falls

MT 59403 406-453-1158

611 W 5th St

Hardin

MT 59034

Hardin Middle School K Design Marketing, Inc

Kimberly Kinsinger

1613 South Ave W.

Missoula

MT 59801 406-273-6193

Libby Archery Club

Wendy Drake

42 Skyline Rd

Libby

MT 59923 406-291-4801

Matablas Game Hunters

Willem Frost

PO Box 1559, Lephalale, 0555, South Africa

Montana Historical Soc Lib

27116794664

PO Box 201201

Helena

MT 59620

Pronghorn Custom Bows

Herb Meland

2491 W 42nd St

Casper

WY 82604 307-234-1824

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

David Allen

5705 Grant Creek Road

Missoula

MT 59808 406-523-4500

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Jared Wold

13054 Kimwood Dr.

Lolo

MT 59847 406-370-8352

RONAN POWER PRODUCTS

Shane Shima

35863 Round Butte Rd

Ronan

MT 59864 406-261-1459

Spirit Quest Archery

Aaron Lasco

115 Rocky Cliff Rd

Kalispell

MT 59901 406-756-5455

1680 Lockwood Rd

Billings

MT 59101 406-245-0087

Superior Archery The Lamb Group, LLC

Ben Lamb

1006 9th Ave

Helena

MT 59601 406-437-3558

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

troy archery club, inc.

Patrick Hanley

185 Forest Rd

Troy

MT 59935 406-295-9048

western trailer & Marine Sales

Clyde Thomas, Jr.

1865 Hwy 2 E.

Havre

MT 59501 406-265-4572

Yellowstone Country Bear

Joe Kondelis

255 Upland Ct

Cody

WY 82414 307-899-0461

Yellowstone Custom Bows

Rich Wormington

280 HWY 14A E

Lovell

WY 82431 307-548-6292

James Brown

PO Box 96

Richey

MT 59259 406-773-5509

Bruce Dunluck

1824 Riverwood Dr

Columbia Falls MT 59912 406-471-2375

Monte Herzog

186 Road 425

Ismay

MT 59336 406-772-5724

Howard Jaidinger

HC 1, Box 1730

Glennallen

AK

Scott and Zach Sanders 985 Stillwater Rd

Kalispell

MT 59901 406-253-0487

Eric Siegfried

2850 Loraine Ct

Missoula

MT 59803 406-599-1565

Glen Wyant

217 S Dixon

Anaconda

MT 59711 406-560-2193

Steve Kunnath

609 W Geyser

Livingston

MT 59047

Randy Moret

54 Charger Lane

Bozeman

MT 59718 406-570-6506

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99588 907-522-3159

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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? •

• • • •

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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.

What can you do for bowhunting in Montana?

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

Photos by Denver Bryan / Images on the Wildside

What the MBA has done for you?

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